The Spendthrift Doll

As I was coming down the street, I saw the saddest sight; Sitting before a candy-shop, A doll all dressed in white. A Paris hat was on her head, Her eyes were china blue, And, looking down below her gown, I saw her pink kid shoe. Her veil thrown back showed me that her Expression was refined; Her carriage-top was folded down, Her sash was tied behind. Beside her sat a shaggy dog, And, as I came too near, His growls, though not so very loud, Were terrible to hear. And out two children came; The last one several bundles bore, The first one just the same. And some they put behind the doll, And some before her lay; And taking now the horse's place They turned to go away. We, who are good, can't understand Such very wicked ways; There must have been at least a pound Of candy in the chaise! The money she so idly spends She might so wisely use— Buy some poor doll a Sunday hat, Or week-day pair of shoes; To outgrown and old-fashioned dolls She might be such a friend; To heathen dolls in savage lands Improving books might send. 'T is sad to think that one so small Can be so great in sin. I fear my tears will form a lake And I shall fall therein!