University of Virginia Library

MY SISTER MARY.

A Talk between an Uncle and his Niece.

UNCLE.
Louise, Mary must live with me,
And I'll give you, for company,
A pretty bird with glossy wings,
That hops about and sweetly sings.
Her garden filled with lovely flowers,
Shall have two honey-suckle bowers,
And golden fish, in sparkling water,
If she will come and be my daughter.

LOUISA.
But she's my sister, uncle Carey;
My own sweet loving sister Mary.
I cannot spare her for a day;
She helps me at my work and play.
How I should cry if she were gone!
I could not dress my doll alone.
Therefore, dear uncle, I do pray
You will not make her go away.
Good cousin Jane may live with you;
She has no little sister Loo.
You may give her the bright Canary,
And let me keep dear sister Mary.
I'm very sure she will not go
From little Loo who loves her so

UNCLE.
Now blessings on your gentle heart!
I should be loth to see ye part.
You need not cling to her in fear;
You shall not lose your playmate, dear.
My words were merely meant to prove
How dearly you your sister love.
I will give her the bright Canary,
And she shall be your sister Mary