The Broken Doll

An infant is a selfish sprite; But what of that? the sweet delight Which from participation springs, Is quite unknown to these young things. We elder children then will smile At our dear little John awhile, And bear with him, until he see There is a sweet felicity In pleasing more than only one Dear little craving selfish John. He laughs, and thinks it a fine joke, That he our new wax doll has broke. Anger will never teach him better; We will the spirit and the letter Of courtesy to him display By taking in a friendly way These baby frolics; till he learn True sport from mischief to discern. Reproof a parent's province is: A sister's discipline is this; By studied kindness to effect A little brother's young respect. What is a doll? a fragile toy. What is its loss? if the dear boy, Who half perceives he's done amiss, Retain impression of the kiss That followed instant on his cheek; If the kind, loving words we speak Of 'Never mind it,' 'We forgive,'- If these in his short memory live Only, perchance, for half a day- Who minds a doll-if that should lay The first impression in his mind That sisters are to brothers kind? For thus the broken doll may prove Foundation to fraternal love.