Nanny's Lessons

Our Nanny was but four years old

When mother said, "My love,

Your needle learn with skill to use,

It will a blessing prove."



So Nanny learned to "overhand,"

And "hem" so fine and neat,

To "backstitch," "run," and many a join

That she could scarce repeat.







She learned to "catch-stitch" and to "cross,"

To "patch" and "darn," as well,

To "gather," "plait," "box-plait" and "side,"

To "feather-stitch" and "fell."



She sewed the buttons fast, and "worked

The buttonholes" so neat,

That many an eld accomplishes

With less success, the feat.



"Be sure your thread is smooth and strong,

A goodly knot or two,

A double stitch for first, and then

A fastening sure when through;



"And thus your seams will never rip,

Your sewing never wear,--

Like buttons loose and hooks awry,--

A slip-shod, shiftless air."



All this and more her mother taught,

And Nanny conned it o'er

Till she was versed in all the arts

That point the seamster's lore.















Her ninth birthday, and mother said

"You're old enough to care

For all your clothing now, my child,

Except the best you wear.



"And here, within this little chest,

And in this drawer wide,

You'll keep them ranged so neat and nice,

Whatever may betide.



"A place for this, a place for that,

Each garment grouped aright,

That you may lay your little hand

Upon it, day or night.



"No garment must be laid within,

Except it ready be,

To don and wear, for thus you spare

Us trouble, you and me."



And Nanny, pleased with mother's trust,

Accepted it with pride,

And, in her heart, the lessons learned

Forevermore abide.