Stories and Anecdotes - Favorite Hymns

Dentist’s Hymn                             Crown Him with Many Crowns

Weatherman’s Hymn                     There Shall be Showers of Blessing

Contractor’s Hymn                         The Church’s One Foundation

Tailor’s Hymn                                 Holy, Holy, Holy

Golfer’s Hymn                                There is a Green Hill Far Away

Politician’s Hymn                            Standing on the Promises

Optometrist’s Hymn                        Open My Eyes That I Might See

IRS Agent’s Hymn                           I Surrender All

Gossip’s Hymn                               Pass It On

Electrician’s Hymn                          Send the Light

Shopper’s Hymn                             Sweet By and By

And hymns for highway speeders

45 mph . . . . . . . . God Will Take Care of You

55 mph . . . . . . . . Guide Me, O Thou Great Jehovah       

65 mph . . . . . . . . Nearer My God to Thee

75 mph . . . . . . . . Nearer Still Nearer

85 mph . . . . . . . . This World is Not My Home

95 mph . . . . . . . . Lord, I’m Coming Home

And over 100. . . . Precious Memories

Poem by Grace E. Troy - What Does it Matter?

What does it matter –- unlearned tho I be

In earth’s knowledge that passeth away –-

Since I have the Wisdom that came from above

For which I had nothing to pay?

What does it matter –- unloved tho I be

By the world and its frivolous throng –

Since I have a Friend -– the Savior Divine

Whose love fills my heart with a song!

What does it matter –- unknown tho I be

In annals of mere mortal man -–

Since God is my Father and knew me by name

Before this creation began.

Tho poor, I am rich,  I’ve a mansion on high

Unknown -– yet well known I shall be,

Unloved –- yet so loved by the Savior Divine

He died to redeem even me.

Poem by J.G. Holland - God Give Us Men

God give us men.  The time demands

Strong minds, great hearts, true faith and willing hand;

Men whom the lust office does not kill;

Men whom the spoils of office cannot buy;

Men who possess opinions and a will;

Men who have honor; men who will not lie;

Men who can stand before a demagogue

Condemn his treacherous flatteries without winking;

In public duty and in private thinking!

For while the rabble with their thumb-worn creeds,

Their large professions and their little deeds

Mingle in selfish strife; lo! Freedom weeps!

Wrong rules the land, and waiting Justice sleeps!

Poem by Dinnie McDole Hayes - Father, Are You There?

A little child lay in the dark;

The room was strange, he saw nowhere,

He was afraid; but then he called,

“Father, are you there?”

He felt a hand, so strong and warm,

Close clasping his; the calm and clear

He heard his father’s tender voice,

“Yes, laddie, I am here.”

Like that small child, we sometimes feel

That we are in the dark of care;

In terror of some harm, we call,

“O Father, are You there?”

We reach our hand to Him, and find

A blessed answer to our fear;

His hand holds ours; we hear His voice,

“Fear not, for I am here.”

So though we tremble in the dark,

In need of strength and help and cheer,

We have a tender Father’s word,

“Fear not, for I am here.”

Poem by Edward H. Richards - The Wise Old Owl

A wise old owl sat on an oak,

The more he saw the less he spoke;

The less he spoke the more he heard;

Why aren’t we like that wise old bird?

Poem by Unknown - A Decrepit Old Gasman

A decrepit old gasman, named Peter

While hunting around his gas heater,

Touched a leak with his light;

He rose out of sight -----

And, as everyone knows anything about poetry can tell you, he also ruined the meter.

Poem by Anthony Euwer - My Face

As a beauty I’m not a great star,

There are others more handsome, by far,

But my face ---- O don’t mind it

For I am behind it,

It’s the people in front get the jar!

Poem by Unknown - Somebody

Somebody did a golden deed;

Somebody proved a friend in need;

Somebody sang a beautiful song;

Somebody smiled the whole day long;

Somebody thought “Tis sweet to live”;

Somebody said “I’m glad to give”

Somebody fought a valiant fight;

Somebody lived to shield the right;

Was that “somebody” you?

Poem by Unknown - Prayer Answered

I asked for strength that I might achieve;

He made me weak that I might obey.

I asked for health that I might do greater things;

I was given grace that I might do better things.

I asked for riches that I might be happy;

I was given poverty that I might be wise.

I asked for power that I might have the praise of men;

I was given weakness that I might feel the need of God.

I asked for all things that I might enjoy life;

I was given life that I might enjoy all things,

I received nothing that I asked for, all that I hoped for,

My prayer was answered.

Poem by John Greenleaf Whittier - Eternal Goodness

I know not what the future hath

Of marvel or surprise;

Assured alone that life and death

His mercy underlies.

And if my hear and flesh are weak

To bear an untried pain,

The bruised reed He will not break,

But strengthen and sustain

No offerings of my own I have,

No works my faith to prove;

I can but give the gifts He gave,

And plead His love for love.

And so, beside the silent sea,

I wait the muffled oar;

No harm from Him can come to me

On ocean or on shore.

I no not where His islands lift

Their fronded palms in air;

I only know I cannot drift

Beyond His love and care.

Stories and Anecdotes - Anyone Saved Lately?

            The little old lady viewing Westminster Abbey was an unusual tourist.  She looked like someone’s plain, lovable, unpretentious grandmother, in her shapeless hat and rumpled print dress.  She listened to the guide’s droning description, glanced with interest at every stone and inscription, but did not seem overawed.  Finally she stopped the guide, her gaze sweeping over the great Abbey, steeped in Christian tradition and greatness, and said, “Young man, stop your chatter and tell me, has anyone been saved here lately?”

            There has never been a time when there was more building of churches than there is today.  It is hard to find a church in hour area that is not engaged in a building program.  This is necessary because of the expanding population that is crowding many of our churches beyond their capacity.  But in the midst of our beautiful buildings, with their dedication to the worship of God, it would be wise to stop our busy efforts and to ask ourselves the questions, “Has anyone one saved here lately?”

Poem by James Whitcomb Riley - In a Friendly Sort O' Way

When a man ain’t got a cent, and he’s feeling kind o’ blue.

An’ the clouds hang dark an’ heavy, an’ won’t let the sunshine through,

It’s a great thing, O, my brethren, for a feller just to lay

His hand upon your shoulder in a friendly sort o’ way!

I makes a man feel curious, it makes the teardrops start,

An’ you sort o’ feel a flutter in the region of the heart;

You can look up and meet his eyes; you don’t know what to say

When his hand is on your shoulder in a friendly sort o’ way.

Oh, the world’s a curious compound, with it honey and its gall,

With its cares and bitter crosses, but a good world, after all.

An’ a good God must have made it---leastways, that is what I say,

When a hand is on my shoulder in a friendly sort of way

Poem by Ilah Jane Kilian - Winding Down the Corridor of Life

Sometimes the path winds straight and narrow,

Sometimes it bends and twists,

At times the thorns may prick us,

Our reaction may be to resist.

The Lord always has a reason,

His purpose is divine,

Whatever is the season,

It’s His will and not mine.

Our corners must be polished,

To let His love shine through.

Our attitudes and actions

Show just what we must do.

Life has been a blessing

My children a delight;

The Lord has blessed me greatly,

From early ‘morn ‘til night.

Life isn’t always easy,

The briars prick and hurt;

But Jesus goes before us

He is always on alert.

So as I journey onward

His purpose hid from view –

I’ll trust Him for the future,

I know His Word is true.

Poem by Grace E. Troy - Wait for Him

God’s delays are not denials

He has heard your prayers

He knows all about your trials;

Knows your every care,

God’s delays are not denials;

Help is on the way

He is watching o’er life’s dials,

Bringing forth the day

God’s delays are not denials;

You will find Him true

Working through the darkest trials

What is best for you.

Poem by Grace E. Troy - I Knoweth Not, But He Knows

I know not what the Home is like

Which He went to prepare

It is enough for me to know

My Saviour will be there

He’s promised that He’ll come for me;

His word He’’ll surely keep;

It may not now be very long

Till we together meet.

I know not what a day may bring

Into this world’s long night

I know the Judge of all the earth

Will only do what’s right.

Tho thru this life’s mysterious ways

The heart may often quail

My hope is anchored safe and sound

In Him who cannot fail.

And when He comes to bring me home

And whispers low to me

One look from Him will satisfy

Thru all eternity.

"But he knoweth the way that I take: when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold."

Job 23:10

Poem by Phoebe Cary - Nearer Home

One sweetly solemn thought

Comes to me o’er and o’er;

I an nearer home today

Than I ever have been before

Nearer my Father’s house,

Where the many mansions be;

Near the great white throne,

Nearer the crystal sea;

Nearer the bound of life,

Where we lay our burdens down;

Nearer leaving the cross,

Nearer gaining the crown!

But lying darkly between,

Winding down through the night,

Os the silent unknown stream,

That leads at last to the light.

Closer and closer my steps

Come to the dread abysm;

Closer death to my lips

Presses the awful chasm

Oh, if my mortal feet

Have almost gained the brink;

If it be I am nearer home

Even today than I think;

Father, perfect my trust;

Let my spirit feel in death,

That her feet are firmly set

On the rock of a living faith!

Poem by Unknown - Just Be Content

Most every day a little boy

Comes driving past our house,

With the nicest little pony---

Just the color of a mouse—

And a groom rides close behind him

So he won’t get hurt, you see,

And I used to wish the pony

And the cart belonged to me.

I used to watch him from our porch,

And wish that I could own

His pony and his little cart,

And ride out all alone.

And once when I knelt down at night,

I prayed the Lord that He

Would fix it so the pony

And the cart belonged to me.

But yesterday I saw him

Where he lives, and now I know

Why he never goes out walkin’

‘Cause his legs are withered so!

And last night when I was kneelin’

With my head on mother’s knee,

I was glad he had the pony

And the cart, instead of me.

Poems by Grace E. Troy - Jehovah-Jireh

It is not left for me to plan

Just what my Lord will do

To bring His purposes to pass

And see His people through.

I do not need to tell Him how

To meet my daily need

His promises and faithfulness

Are all I have to plead.

He always knows what He will do

And only waits for me

To realize my helplessness

As to His arms I flee

I praise Him that He changes not

Believing --- I shall see

That what He was in days gone by

He will forever be.

Hebrews 13:8 

Grace E. Troy

Stories and Anecdotes - Lincoln and the Birds

     One of the most interesting and pathetic incidents of which I have ever read or heard is connected with memory of one of the greatest and noblest men of all times---Abraham Lincoln. In company with some other candidates who were out on a political campaign over a half century ago in the wild West, he saw, in the woods near the close of the day some baby birds that had been blown out of their nest. Asking to be allowed to get from the carriage, which passed on ahead, Mr. Lincoln picked up the tiny creatures and restored them to their little home. On reaching the inn, he was asked the cause of his delay, and astonished his hearers by telling them of his humane act, declaring that, had he not returned the birdies to their mother’s care, he could not sleep at night. What a tender, loving heart!

Poems by Unknown - On the Twenty Third Psalm

In “pastures green”? Not always, sometime He

Who knoweth best, in kindness leadeth me

In weary ways, where heavy shadows be.

And by “still waters”? No not always so;

Oft-times the heavy tempests round me blow,

And o’er my soul the waves and billows go.

But when the storms beat loudest, and I cry

Aloud for help, the Master standeth by,

And whispers to my soul, “Lo, it is I!”

So, where He leads me. I can safely go.

And in the blest hereafter I shall know,

Why, in His wisdom. He hath led me so

Quote - James Whitcomb Riley

It ain’t no use to grumble and complain,
                   It’s just as cheap and easy to rejoice,
When God sorts out the weather and sends rain,
                   Why, rain’s my choice.

Quote - Helen Keller

It is very interesting to watch a plant grow; it is like taking part in creation. When all outside is cold and white, when the little children of the woodland are gone to their nurseries in the warm earth and the empty nests on the bare trees filled with snow, my window-garden glows and smiles, making summer within while it is winter without. It is wonderful to see flowers bloom in the midst of a snow-storm! I have felt a bud”shyly doff her green hood and blossom with a silken burst of sound,” while the icy fingers of the snow beat against the window panes. What mysterious force guided the seedling from the dark earth up to the light, through leaf and stem and bud, to glorious fulfillment in the perfect flower? Who could have dreamed that such beauty lurked in the dark earth, was latent in the tiny seed we planted? Beautiful flower, you have taught me to see a little way into the hidden heart of things. Now I understand that the darkness everywhere my hold possibilities better than even my hopes.

Quote - Charles Hadden Spurgeon

If we would please God we must watch every stroke and touch upon the canvas of our lives; we may not think we can lay it on with a trowel and yet succeed. We ought to live as miniature painters’ work, for they watch every line and tint.

Quote - John Ruskin

There is no music in a rest, but there is the making of music in it. In our whole life melody, the music is broken off here and there by “rests,”

And we foolishly think we have come to the end of time. God sends a time of forced leisure --- sickness, disappointed plans, frustrated efforts --- and makes a sudden pause in the choral hymn of our lives, and we lament that our voices must be silent, and our part missing in the music which ever goes up to the ear of the Creator. How does the musician read the rest? See him beat time with unvarying count and catch up the next note true and steady, as if no breaking place had come in between. Not without design does God write the music of our lives. But be it ours to learn the time, and not be dismayed at the “rests.” They are not to be slurred over, nor to be omitted, nor to destroy the melody, nor to changeth key-note. If we look up, God Himself will beat the time for us. With the eye on Him we shall strike the next note full and clear.

Quote - Oliver Wendell Holmes

If your name is to love at all, it is so much more to have it live in people’s hearts than only in their brains?  I don’t know that one’s eyes fill with tears when he thinks of the famous inventor of logarithms, but a song of Burns or a hymn of Charles Wesley goes straight to your heart and you can’t help loving both of them, the sinner as well as the saint.

Quote - John Greenleaf Whittier

If there be some weaker one,

Give me strength to help him on;

If a blinder soul there be,

Let me guide him nearer Thee.

Make my mortal dreams come true

With the work I fain would do;

Clothe with life the weak intent,

Let me do the thing I meant;

Let me feel in thine employ

Peace that dearer is than joy!

Three Quotes

"I am not bound to win, but I am bound to be true; I am not bound to succeed, but I am bound to live up to what light I have."     ~ Abraham Lincoln

"Courage for the great sorrows of life, and patience for the small ones; and then when you have accomplished your daily task, go to sleep in peace.  God is awake."    ~ Victor Hugo 

 "In a sad hour I have seen, through the window, mounted on a rail back of my house, one of those curious-eyed little sparrows.  And he was a better preacher to me than I am to you.  It was winter, and there was not guaranteed to it one days’ food, nor any protection, from any source in their world.  It was wholly dependent upon its God.  And yet it sang --- sang for its own hearing, and sang for my rebuke, saying to me “Are ye not much more than I?  And God thinks of me, and takes care of me,” How much there is in the voice of nature if we only knew how to interpret it!"    ~ Henry Ward Beecher

Stories and Anecdotes - I Am As Happy As You Are

     Helen Keller, though born deaf, dumb and blind, has astonished the world by acquiring a complete education, despite her handicap.


     My story is now told, and I hope, kind reader, you are convinced how little able I was to write it. I live in my own way the life that you do, and I am as happy as you are. The outward circumstances of our lives are but the shell of things. My life is pervaded by love as a cloud by light. Deafness is a barrier against intrusion, and blindness makes us oblivious to much that is ugly and revolting in the world. In the midst of unpleasant things, I move as one who wears an invisible cap.


     Sometimes, it is true, a sense of isolation infolds me like a cold white mist as I sit alone and wait at Life’s shut gate. Beyond there is light and music and sweet companionship; but I may not enter. Fate, silent, pitiless, inexorable, bars the way. Fain would I question his imperious decree; for my heart is still undisciplined and passionate; but my tongue will not utter the bitter futile words that rise to my lips, and they fall back into my heart like unshed tears. Silence sits immense upon my soul, the come Hope with sweet, and smile and whispers, “There is joy in self-forgetfulness.” So I try to make the light in others’ eyes my sun, the music in others’ ears my symphony, the smile on others’ lips my happiness.

Poems by Sue - How So I Know?

How do I know that He is near?

When storms around me blow?

His loving arms enfold me as

In prayer to Him I go.

How do I know that He is near?

His face I cannot see;

Yet when my way is darkest

His face is clear to me.

“Fear not for I am with thee”

These words to me He has given

And though my footsteps falter,

His hand guides me to heaven.

Stories and Anecdotes - Honor is Better than Honors

     The moment was a tense one.  Rosalie Elliott had made it to the fourth round of a national spelling contest in Washington. The 11-year old from South Carolina had been asked to spell the word avowal.  In her soft southern accent she spelled the word, but the judges were not able to determine if she had used an a or an e as the next to the last letter. They debated among themselves for several minutes as they listened to tape recording playbacks.  The critical letter, however, was to accent-blurred to decipher.  Finally the chief judge put the question to the only person who knew the answer.

     “Was the letter an a or was it an e?” he asked Rosalie.  By this time, being surrounded by whispering young speller, Rosalie knew the correct spelling of the word. Still, without hesitation, she replied that she had misspelled the word and she walked from the stage.

     The entire audience stood and applauded, including some fifty newspaper reporters.  The moment was a heartwarming and proud one for her parents.  Even in defeat, she was a victor.  Indeed, more has been written about Rosalie Elliott over the years than about the “unknown” winner of the event!

     Being a person of truth, even when it is against us, will bring great honor.

Poem by Elizabeth F. Guptill - His Offering

‘Twas a common congregation.

            Not many rich or poor,

And they settled back in the places

            When the sermon at length was o’er

‘Twas a missionary sermon,

            And the Pastor tried, indeed,

To touch the hearts of his people

            For India’s great need.

He asked for a large collection

            To send the precious Word,

And He raised the mute petition,’

            “Touch their pocketbook, O Lord”

But “T’was only a begging sermon

            One hears so many no!”

And a lack of saddened patience

            Stole o’er the preacher’s brow.

As they gave their dimes and nickels

            With a have-to-do-it air,

Instead of the look of helpful joy,

            God’s people out to wear.

‘Way down in front, on the free seat,

            Sat a shabby little boy,

No mother’s pet or plaything,

            No father’s pride and joy.

Poor child! He had no mother,

            And he was a drunkard’s son,

Known to the congregation

            As “Drunken Lady’s John.”

Of course, he had no offering,

            So the deacon passed him by,

“Let us ask a blessing on it,”

            Said the pastor with a sigh.

“Oh wait,” said the barefoot laddie,

            As he started to his feet,

“And ask one on my offering, too!

            The deacon passed my seat.”

So back went the good old deacon,

            And his face wore a friendly smile,

As he passed the box to the little lad,

            Who was standing all the while.

“I haven’t much to give,” he said,

            “But I’ll give Him all I can,

And I’ll go out to India

            And preach when I’m a man.

And from his ragged pocket

            He drew his treasured pence,

And carefully he counted them---

            Just twenty-seven cents!

“There, that is every bit I have!”

            Said the shabby little lad.

“But I know that God’ll bless it,

            ‘Cause I gave Him all I had!”

“Here, Deacon, pass that box again!”

            Called honest Farmer Dorr

“We haven’t done the best we could,

            We want to give some more!”

And so the contribution box

            Went round the church once more,

And dollars now went dropping in,

Where nickels dropped before.

Men all unused to giving,

            Gave now, and softly smiled,

For now they gave to Jesus,

            Led by a little child.

And the pastor asked a blessing

            On a sum that made him glad.

And because one little boy

            Gave Jesus all he had!

                        Elizabeth F. Guptill.

Story and Anecdotes - School Rules

Harvard Rules for Students 1643

     “Let every student be plainly instructed and earnestly pressed to consider well the main end of his life and studies is to know God and Jesus Christ which is eternal life (John 17:3).” (The purpose was to lead student to know God the Father and to know His son, Jesus Christ.)
     The rules go on to stipulate that students were required to read and study the Bible at least twice a day. They were to show the utmost respect to God’s ordinances, to memorize the Scriptures and be able to recite these publicly if called upon by their teachers. God’s Holy Name was to be used reverently. No profanity was allowed. Students were to attend their classes and chapel services “without any disturbance by word or gesture.” Furthermore, the rules continue: “None shall under any pretense whatsoever frequent the company and society of such men as lead and unfit and dissolute life.”
The students were expected to know Latin, the language of most theological writings at that time. They were also expected to know Hebrew and Greek in order to translate the Scriptures from their original languages.

Statutes of William and Mary 1727

     “There are three things which the Founders of this College proposed to themselves, to which all its Statutes should be directed.

1. The first is that the youth of Virginia should be well educated to learning and good morals.
2. The second is that the churches of America, especially Virginia, should be supplied with good ministers after the doctrine and government of the church of England, and that the college should be a constant seminary for this purpose.
3. The third is that the Indians of America should be instructed in the Christian religion, and that some of the Indian youth that are well behaved and well inclined, being first well prepared in the Divinity School, may be sent out to preach the gospel to their countrymen in their own tongue, after they have duly been put in orders of deacons and priests.”

Regulations at Yale 1745

     “All scholars shall live religious, godly, and blameless lives according to the rules of God’s Word, diligently reading the Holy Scriptures, the fountain of light and truth, and constantly attend upon all the duties of religion, both in public and secret.”
     Furthermore, there was a penalty imposed for denying the faith. “If any scholar shall deny the Holy Scriptures or any part of them to be the Word of God, or be guilty of heresy or any error directly tending to subvert the fundaments of Christianity, and continuing obstinate therein after the first and second admonition, he shall be expelled.”

Columbia 1754

     “The chief thing that is aimed at in this college is to teach and engage children to know God in Jesus Christ.”

Story and Anecdotes - Hancock the Patriot

     During the siege of Boston, General Washington consulted Congress upon the propriety of bombarding the town of Boston.  Mr. Hancock, a distinguished merchant, was the President of Congress. After General Washington’s letter was read, a solemn silence ensued. This was broken by a member making a motion that the House should resolve itself into a committee of the whole, in order that Mr. Hancock might give his opinion upon the important subject, as he was deeply interested, from having all his estate in Boston, which estate was very large and valuable.

     After Mr. Hancock had left the chair, he addressed the chairman of the committee of the whole in the following words: “It is true, sir; nearly all the property I have in the world is in houses and other real estate in the town of Boston; but if the expulsion of the British army from it, and the liberties of the country, require being burnt to ashes---issue the order for the purpose immediately.”

Story and Anecdotes - Washington's Prayer (Age 20)

            Almighty God, and most merciful father . . . . since thou art a God of pure eyes, and wilt be sanctified in all who draw near unto Thee, who dost not regard the sacrifice of fools, not hear sinners who tread in Thy courts pardon, I beseech Thee, my sins; remove them from Thy presence, as far as the east is from the west, and accept me for the merits of Thy Son, Jesus Christ; that when I come into Thy temple and compass Thine altar, my prayer may come before Thee as incense; and as Thou wouldst hear me calling upon Thee in my prayers and give reconciliation, and peace to the saving of my soul and the day of the Lord Jesus Christ.  Grant that I may hear it with reverence, receive it with meekness, mingle it with faith, and that it may accomplish in me, gracious God, the good work for which Thou hast sent it. Bless my family, kindred, friends, and country; be our God and Guide this day and forever, for His sake who lay down in the grace and rose again for us, Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

Stories and Anecdotes - Gentlemen

     George Washington and General Lafayette were walking together one morning when they were greeted by a slave.  The old man tipped his hat and said, “Good mo’nin, Gen’l Washington.”  Immediately George Washington removed his hat, bowed, and answered, “Good morning to you, and I hope you have a pleasant day.”  General Lafayette was shocked, but when he recovered his composure he exclaimed, “Why did you bow to a slave?”  Washington smiled and replied, “I would not allow him to be a better gentleman than I.”  In our day, we rarely refer to men as being gentle.  But gentleness is a character trait that results from the indwelling Spirit of God in our lives! Consider this approach in thinking of yourself as a gentleman.

G  ---- Gracious and good   
E  ----  Engaging, willing to listen
N  ----  Nice to others, regardless of who they are
T  ----  Taking the time to move at another’s pace
L  ----  Loving
E  ----  Endearing by acts of kindness and goodwill

Poems by Unknown - Family Financier

“They tell me you work for a dollar a day;

How is it you clothe your six boys on such pay?”

“I know you will think it conceited and queer,

But I do because I’m a good financier.

“There’s Pete, John, Jim and Joe and William and Ned,

Half-dozen boys to be clothed up and fed.

“And I buy for them all good plain victuals to eat,

And clothing --- I only buy clothing for Pete.

“When Pete’s clothes are too small for him to go on,

My wife makes ‘em over and gives them to John.

“When for John, who is ten, they have grown out of date,

She just makes ‘em over for Jim, who is eight.

“When for Jim they become too ragged to fix,

She makes ‘em over for Joe, who is six.

“And when little Joseph can’t wear them no more,

She just makes ‘em over for Bill, who is four.

“And when for young Bill they no longer will do,

She makes ‘em over for Ned, who is two.

“So you seem if I get enough clothing for Pete,

The family is furnished with clothing complete.”

“But when Ned get through with the clothing, and when

He has thrown it aside, what do you do with it then?”

“Why, once more we go around the circle complete,

And begin to use it for patches for Pete.”