`` Well , my dear , I 'll tell you ; for I 've seen a deal of the world , and any one is welcome to my experience , '' replied Mrs. Wing , in an important manner ; for she was proud of her `` views , '' and very fond of talking . `` In my daily flights about the place , I see a great deal of poverty and trouble , and often wish I could lend a hand . Now , this man has plenty of money and time ; and he might do more good than I can tell , if he 'd only set about it . Because he is what they call a poet is no reason he should go moaning up and down , as if he had nothing to do but make songs . We sing , but we work also ; and are wise enough to see the necessity of both , thank goodness ! '' `` Yes , indeed , we do , '' cried all the birds in a chorus ; for several more had stopped to hear what was going on . `` Now , what I say is this , '' continued Mrs. Wing impressively . `` If I were that man , I 'd make myself useful at once . There is poor little Will getting more and more lame every day , because his mother ca n't send him where he can be cured . A trifle of that man 's money would do it , and he ought to give it . Old Father Winter is half starved , alone there in his miserable hovel ; and no one thinks of the good old man . Why do n't that lazy creature take him home , and care for him , the little while he has to live ? Pretty Nell is working day and night , to support her father , and is too proud to ask help , though her health and courage are going fast . The man might make hers the gayest heart alive , by a little help . There in a lonely garret lives a young man studying his life away , longing for books and a teacher . The man has a library full , and might keep the poor boy from despair by a little help and a friendly word . He mourns for his own lost baby : I advise him to adopt the orphan whom nobody will own , and who lies wailing all day untended on the poor-house floor . Yes : if he wants to forget sorrow and find peace , let him fill his empty heart and home with such as these , and life wo n't seem dark to him any more . '' `` Dear me ! how well you express yourself , Mrs. Wing ; it 's quite a pleasure to hear you ; and I heartily wish some persons could hear you , it would do 'em a deal of good , '' said Mrs. Skim ; while her husband gave an approving nod as he dived off the beam , and vanished through the open doors .
`` I know it would comfort that man to do these things ; for I have tried the same cure in my small way , and found great satisfaction in it , '' began little Madame Dart , in her soft voice ; but Mrs. Wing broke in , saying with a pious expression of countenance : `` I flew into church one XXXXX , and sat on the organ enjoying the music ; for every one was singing , and I joined in , though I did n't know the air .
Father Nell Pretty Skim daily day garret heart night poor-house