“Letter to the Editor,” by M. C. Sawyer (from the Youth’s Companion, December 28, 1848; p. 140)
Bristol, N. H. Dec. 8, 1848.
FATHER.
Hard here, my children! stop your play!
And hear what “Father,” has to say!
The close of year is now in view;
The printer, well has earned his due!
“The Youth’s Companion” read to-day,
Must stop, unless you send the pay!
SON.
Stop my paper! I’ve no such fears!
I’ve read it half a dozen years!
What! stop our little paper now?
Ellen reads it well you know—
’Tis her companion, and mine too;
’Tis never stupid—always new!
DAUGHTER.
Father! must we pay the printer?
Now, because ’tis coming winter?
Does he want money? Is he poor?
My money, he can have, I’m sure;
If he will send the paper here,
With easy stories, short and queer!
Here is the argument, Friend Willis; and if my children never find any worse companions than the “Youth’s Companion,” I will “underwrite" them on the score of good behaviour. Send it another year.
Yours truly,
M. C. SAWYER