MAY DAY;
OR,
ANECDOTES
OF
Miss LYDIA LIVELY.
MAY DAY;
OR,
ANECDOTES
OF
Miss LYDIA LIVELY.
INTENDED TO
IMPROVE and AMUSE
THE
RISING GENERATION.
London:
Printed and Sold by John Marshall, at No. 4, Aldermary
Church-Yard, in Bow-Lane; and No. 17, Queen-Street,
Cheapside.
1793.
Miss Lydia Lively was sitting one dayin the parlour, upon a little stool, readingthe History of Little Ann and Little James,when her Mamma, who had been outsome hours on a visit, came in. The littlegirl ran to her with great joy, and toldher, that her aunt had called, and hadgiven her the prettiest little book she everread.
Lydia.
It is about a little girl, Mamma, just myage; and it tells you every thing that shedid; and how well she behaved; and thereare some nice pictures in it—I wish I hada great many such little books.
Mamma.
Then you like to read stories aboutgood girls, do you, Lydia?
Lydia.
Yes, I do; do not you, Mamma?
Mamma.
Yes; and to see them too. I thinkthere is nothing so delightful as the companyof Children who are gentle and good-humoured;and who are cheerful and readyto oblige, without being troublesome ornoisy.
Lydia.
I wish I had some more stories aboutgood girls and boys.
Mamma.
Should you like to have a story writtenabout you, Lydia? Do you think it wouldbe a pretty one?
Lydia.
I am afraid I am not good enough,Mamma.
Mamma.
Indeed I doubt there would be some[7]things in the story not quite so pretty. Isuspect we should sometimes hear somethingabout whining for a cup of tea;asking ten times for the same thing; or,what is still worse, being cross and impatientwith poor little Edwin, if he meddlewith any of your things.
Lydia.
Oh! Mamma: but I am good sometimes;and I am sure I always wish to begood, and am uncomfortable whenever Iam not; but I do not know how it is,—Ithink I cannot help being naughty sometimes.
Mamma.
Pray do not fancy so my dear; you certainlymight help it; but I will tell youthe real case—you just follow your presentinclination; instead of resolving always todo what is right, you sit down, perhaps,with an inclination to be very good atyour lessons, and to read very well, andtranslate your French very well; as longas that inclination lasts you proceed with...