`` Pins , like people , shape their own lives , in a great measure , my dear , and go to their reward when they are used up . The good ones sink into the earth and turn to silver , to come forth again in a new and precious form . The bad ones crumble away to nothing in cracks and dust heaps , with no hope of salvation , unless some human hand lifts them up and gives them a chance to try again . Some are lazy , and slip out of sight to escape service , some are too sharp , and prick and scratch wherever they are . Others are poor , weak things , who bend up and lose their heads as soon as they are used . Some obtrude themselves on all occasions , and some are never to be found in times of need . All have the choice to wear out or to rust out . I chose the former , and have had a useful , happy life so far . I 'm not as straight as I once was , but I 'm bright still , my point is sharp , my head firm , and age has not weakened me much , I hope , but made me wiser , better , and more contented to do my duty wherever I am , than when I left my native paper long ago . '' Before Miss Ellen could express her respect for the worthy old pin , a dismal groan was heard from the blue cushion , and a small voice croaked aloud , -- `` Alas , alas , I chose to rust out , and here I am , a miserable , worthless thing , whom no one can use or care for . Lift the ruffle , and behold a sad contrast to the faithful , honest , happy Granny , who has told us such a varied tale . '' `` Bless me , what possesses everything to-day ! '' exclaimed Miss Ellen , looking under the frill of the old cushion to see who was speaking now . There to be sure she found a pin hidden away , and so rusty that she could hardly pull it out . But it came creaking forth at the third tug , and when it was set up beside Granny , she cried out in her cheery way , -- `` Try Dr. Emery , he can cure most cases of rust , and it is never too late to mend , neighbor . '' `` Too late for me ! '' sighed the new comer . `` The rust of idleness has eaten into my vitals while I lay in my silken bed , and my chance is gone forever . I was bright , and strong , and sharp once , but I feared work and worry , and I hid , growing duller , dimmer , and more useless every day . I am good for nothing , throw me away , and let the black pins mourn for a wasted life . ''
`` No , '' said Miss XXXXX , `` you are not useless , for you two shall sit together in my new cushion , a warning to me , as well as to the other pins , to choose the right way in time , and wear out with doing our duty , rather than rust out as so many do .
Ellen Emery day escape frill heads left pin ruffle third