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They have to work so hard
Their lessons to prepare,
While on their monthly card
High marks are very rare.

I cannot work this sum;
I will not bother, though
To-night the elves will come
And make it right, I know.
The words are hard to spell,
Grammar's so hard to learn.
Well, never mind, I'll tell
Fairies to take their turn.
  That's what the children say.

I wonder if they will
Be good and noble men?
And women who will fill
Their places well? Amen.
····
The time has passed long since
I wrote these little lines;
It makes me often wince
To see the age's signs.
My hair is thin and white,
I'm weak and bent with age;
I'm not a pretty sight,
Nor am I a great sage.

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