# Which Loved Best?

- Source: McGuffey's Third Reader (third-reader.gutenberg.org), Public domain, William Holmes McGuffey, 1879, via Project Gutenberg
- Reading level: Grades 3 and 4
- Subjects: Poems
- Topics: mother, love, said, little, best, loved
- Length: 156 words, about 1 min
- Original: <https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/14766>
- Page: <https://sprout.rootsofreason.org/r/mcguffey-third/third-57-which-loved-best>
- Open in Sprouts: <https://sprout.rootsofreason.org/?read=mcguffey-third/third-57-which-loved-best>

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"I love you, mother," said little John;  
Then, forgetting work, his cap went on,  
And he was off to the garden swing,  
Leaving his mother the wood to bring.

"I love you, mother," said rosy Nell; "I love you better than tongue can tell;"

Then she teased and pouted full half the day,  
Till her mother rejoiced when she went to play.

"I love you, mother," said little Fan;  
"To-day I'll help you all I can;  
How glad I am that school does n't keep!"  
So she rocked the baby till it fell asleep.

Then, stepping softly, she took the broom,  
And swept the floor, and dusted the room;  
Busy and happy all day was she,  
Helpful and cheerful as child could be.

"I love you, mother," again they said—  
Three little children going to bed;  
How do you think that mother guessed  
Which of them really loved her best?  
Joy Allison.

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