E is lying on his pillows

All day, sweet Jamie Doon

His little back is crooked,

Yet he sings a merry tune.

For light of heart is Jamie,

Poor cripple though he be;

He is cheerful as the sunshine,

Or the birdies on the tree.

What makes you so contented,

My little Jamie boy?"

Asks a thoughtful lady, kindly,

When she carries him a toy.

I have so many blessings,"

Said gentle Jamie Doon,

I watch the flowers, and birdies

Oft sing for me a tune.

Then the children come to see me,

And every one is kind;

It might be worse you see, Miss,

If I were deaf and blind."

Ah, gentle little Jamie!

Count blessings day by day;

It might be worse, indeed, lad,

So smile and sing away.

Original

Jamie had once been a very active boy and a good scholar, but his back was injured by a blow given him by a thoughtless playmate, and ever since he has been a great sufferer. It is a dreadful thing to injure any one for life, and boys cannot be too careful when playing with each other. I am sorry to say that the little boy who hurt Jamie does not seem to care for the terrible ruin he has wrought; perhaps he has not been taught at home to think kindly and tenderly of others.