English Literature for Children
Henrietta Marshall
language
(Didactic Press, Sept. 30, 2013)
Long, long ago I said, "If ever I have two brass farthings to rub one against the other I know what I shall do—I shall write an English Literature for Boys and Girls."But the days and months and years went on, and I never saw even one brass farthing. I wonder if ever any one did. Did you?Still I kept the hope and kept the wish ready. And at last one day a Magician came. I can't stop to tell you what he was like, but he wasn't a bit like any Magician I ever read about.He put two golden pennies into my hand and said in a very solemn voice, "Rub them one against the other and the first wish you wish shall be granted to you. Be careful. Remember, only one wish. So choose with thought." Then he vanished. But of course I could not choose with thought, for the wish I had kept ready all the time just slipped off my tongue, and as I rubbed my golden pennies together I said quickly, "I wish to write an English Literature for Boys and Girls."So I had my wish and have done my part. It is for you to do the rest. You know in fairy tales when people get their wishes they often find that instead of being made happy they are made unhappy by the fulfillment. But if you like my book, then I can truly say that my wish has brought only happiness in its fulfillment. And if you like my book, which is now yours, and if you say so, and if your kind Fathers and Mothers and Uncles and Aunts buy it for you, who knows but one day the Magician will come again with two more golden pennies, and let me wish another wish. Then I shall wish to write the history of—the country you asked for. Meantime I am, as always, your slave and friend,H. E. MARSHALL