Slovenly Betsy — 06 - The Story of Romping Polly

THE STORY OF ROMPING POLLY

"I pray you now, my little child," Thus once a kind old lady Spoke to her niece in accents mild, "Do try to be more steady.

I know that you will often see Rude boys push, drive, and hurry;

But little girls should never be All in a heat and flurry."

[Illustration] While thus the lady gave advice And lectured little Polly, To see her stand with downcast eyes, You'd think she'd owned her folly.

She did, and many a promise made;

But when her aunt departed, Forgetting all, the silly maid Off to the playground started.

[Illustration] Now see what frolic and what fun, The little folks are after;

Away they jump, away they run, With many a shout and laughter.

[Illustration] But fools who never will be taught, Except by some disaster, Soon find their knowledge dearly bought, And of a cruel master.

This little girl, who, spite of all Her good old aunt had spoken, Would romp about, had such a fall That her poor leg was broken.

[Illustration] In sore amaze, those standing by Then placed her on a barrow;

But oh!

to hear her scream and cry Their souls it sure did harrow.

[Illustration] See how her brother bursts in tears, When told the dreadful story;

And see how carefully he bears The limb all wet and gory.

[Illustration] Full many a week, screwed up in bed, She lingered sad and weary;

[Illustration] And went on crutches, it is said, Until she died so dreary.

[Illustration]