THE BROKEN DOLL XV

 

An infant is a selfish sprite:

But what of that? the sweet delight

Which from participation¹ 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, craving², 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 mischief³ to discern.

56

Reproof⁴ 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 follow’d 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.

 

1 participation   

n.参与，参加，分享

参考例句：

• Some of the magic tricks called for audience participation.有些魔术要求有观众的参与。
• The scheme aims to encourage increased participation in sporting activities.这个方案旨在鼓励大众更多地参与体育活动。

2 craving   

n.渴望,热望

参考例句：

• a craving for chocolate 非常想吃巧克力
• She skipped normal meals to satisfy her craving for chocolate and crisps. 她不吃正餐，以便满足自己吃巧克力和炸薯片的渴望。

3 mischief   

n.损害，伤害，危害；恶作剧，捣蛋，胡闹

参考例句：

• Nobody took notice of the mischief of the matter. 没有人注意到这件事情所带来的危害。
• He seems to intend mischief.看来他想捣蛋。

4 reproof   

n.斥责，责备

参考例句：

• A smart reproof is better than smooth deceit.严厉的责难胜过温和的欺骗。
• He is impatient of reproof.他不能忍受指责。