Harry can skip, or jump, or play,
Just at his own desire;
But once he was a careless boy,
And went too near the fire.
And had not nurse, with watchful eye,
Beheld, and quickly turn'd
His pinafore had caught the flame,
His hair had all been burn'd.
Papa had seen a guard so nice,
That fitted round a fire;
He order'd one for Harry's room,
With closely platted wire.
See now he plays with nimble step,
And fearless of all harm;
And yet he can, on Winter days,
His little fingers warm.
A lamp, two yards above the floor,
Is fasten'd to the wall;
For candles, on a table put,
Might quickly get a fall.
A basin and a jug, and soap,
With water from the well,
Plac'd on a little frame of wood,
Suit nurse and Harry well.
And nicely furnish'd is our room,
With things that will not spoil;
Mamma too kind and thoughtful is
To make much care or toil.
She likes her darling babes to play
At liberty and ease,
And still, in having useful things,
Takes care they do not tease.