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 THE LIBRARY 
 
 OF 
 
 THE UNIVERSITY 
 
 OF CALIFORNIA 
 
 LOS ANGELES 
 
 GIFT OB 
 
 William P. iVreden
 
 LITTLE-FOLK SONGS 
 
 BY 
 
 ALEXINA B. WHITE 
 
 
 NEW YORK 
 PUBLISHED BY HUKl) AND HOUGHTON
 
 TO R. M. W. AND S. W. 
 
 'W'ET golden, dear ones, rises each fair head 
 
 -*■ To manly stature in full height completed. 
 Blue eyes glance bright 'neath brows where candor seated 
 Holds fearless sway. With ever quickening tread, 
 The incessant years my little babes have led 
 Far from me, flinging childhood's toys and flowers 
 Away, while speeding with the absolute hours 
 To lift life's iron gage. Hope strives with dread 
 To see you stand forth men. Backward I turn 
 Adown the path home-bound, content to find 
 Your tiny foot-prints, tenderly to trace 
 Remembrances, — haply o'er which to yearn 
 In the still house, — wherewith these leaves are lined ; 
 Yours all the sweetness that may lend them grace. 
 New York, July i8, 1871. 
 
 .-r 
 
 3J137
 
 CONTENTS. 
 
 PAGE 
 
 Supper and Sleep i 
 
 Baby Fingers 3 
 
 Mistress Mouse S 
 
 The Bee's Honey 7 
 
 The Cat's Bath 9 
 
 Whisky Frisky ir 
 
 Chicken Chasing '3 
 
 The Greedy Robin '5 
 
 Tick, Tock i6 
 
 Money 17 
 
 Grizzly, Growley iS 
 
 Fruits in Season 19 
 
 Baby Pigs -o 
 
 Katy did -2. 
 
 The Wrens -24 
 
 The Little Moon -7 
 
 The Spider -9 
 
 Buttons }o 
 
 The Frog's Home ]i 
 
 Harum Scarum 53
 
 vi Contents. 
 
 PAGE 
 
 Birdie's Sugar 34 
 
 Stannie's Hiding 36 
 
 My Kitten 38 
 
 Dickon's Fishing 39 
 
 Helter-skelter 4° 
 
 The Terrible Drummer 42 
 
 The Top 44 
 
 Here is a Troll 46 
 
 The Cat and the Fly 48 
 
 Cherry Pie 51 
 
 Titmouse and Cuckoo . . . ' 52 
 
 The Toad in the Road 55 
 
 Rain, Rain 5^ 
 
 The Hen and the Doctors 60 
 
 Pop Corn 62 
 
 The Ant and the Grasshopper 64 
 
 Mamma's Ship 67 
 
 Dickon's Boat 71 
 
 Twit, Twit 7Z 
 
 The Winds 75 
 
 My Boy Stannie 77 
 
 Violets 79 
 
 Calling the Tides 81 
 
 Little Brown Birds 83 
 
 The Wave's Gift 85 
 
 Feeding the Cow ........ 86 
 
 Grandmamma's Birthday 88 
 
 Rumble Grumble . 89 
 
 Fairy Dell 93
 
 LITTLE FOLK SONGS. 
 
 ~^x^-^tjty<>~ 
 
 SUPPER AND SLEEP. 
 
 OIPPITY sup, sippity sup, 
 
 Bread and milk in a china cup, 
 Bread and milk from a silver sjjoon, 
 Made of a piece of the silver moon ! 
 Sipjjity suj), sippity suj). 
 
 Dij^jjity dash, dij)ijity dash, 
 Wash his face with a merry splash ! 
 Polish it well with a towel fine, — 
 O how his eyes and hi-^ cheeks will shine ! 
 Dippity dash, dii)pity dash.
 
 Supper cmd Sleep, 
 
 Rippity rip, rippity rip, 
 Untie his strings with a pull and a slip, 
 Down go his petticoats on the ground! 
 And away he dances 'round and 'round! 
 Rippity rip, rippity rip. 
 
 Trittery trot, trittery trot, 
 
 Off he goes to his pretty cot, 
 
 Where he falls asleep with a little song,— 
 
 Where the ano-els watch over him all night 
 
 long ! 
 
 Trittery trot, trittery trot.
 
 BABY FINGERS, 
 
 ^ I "EN fat little fingers, so taper and neat! 
 
 Ten fat little fingers, so rosy and sweet! 
 Eagerly reaching for all that comes near, 
 Now poking your eyes out, now pulling your 
 
 hair. 
 Smoothing and patting with velvet-like touch. 
 Then digging your cheeks with a mischievous 
 
 clutch ; 
 Gently waving good-by with infantine grace, 
 Then dragging your bonnet down over your 
 
 face. 
 Beating pat-a-cake, pat-a-cakc, slow and sedate. 
 Then tearing your book at a furious rate ; 
 Gravely holding them out, like a king, to be 
 
 kissed, 
 Then thumi)ing the window with tightly closed 
 
 fist; 
 Now lying asleep, all dim|)k'd and warm, • 
 On the white cradle pillow, secure from all harm.
 
 4 Baby Fingers. 
 
 O, dear baby hands ! how much love you infold 
 In the weak, careless clasp of those fingers' soft 
 
 hold! 
 Keep spotless, as now, through the world's evil 
 
 ways, 
 And bless with fond care our last weariful days.
 
 MISTRESS MOUSE. 
 
 M 
 
 ISTRESS Mouse 
 Built a house 
 111 niauinia's bust bonnet ; 
 All the cats 
 Were catching rats, 
 And didn't light u})on it.
 
 Mistress Mo^tse. 
 
 At last they found it, 
 
 And around it 
 Sat watching for the sinner; 
 
 When, strange to say, 
 
 She got away, 
 And so they lost their dinner.
 
 THE BEE'S HONEY. 
 
 B 
 
 EE, bee, 
 Come hither to me. 
 And show me your bag of honey; 
 Bee, bee, 
 
 Fly over the sea. 
 And sell it for golden money. 
 Fly out of the country 
 
 F"ar into the town, 
 And buy my new dolly 
 A fine silken gown, 
 And a hat and feathers so bonny. 
 
 Bee, bee, 
 
 Come hither to me. 
 And show me your bag of honey 
 
 Bee, bee, 
 
 Fly over the sea, 
 And sell it for golden money.
 
 8 The Bees Honey. 
 
 Fly over the steeple, 
 
 And into the street, 
 And buy some sugar-plums 
 
 Pretty and sweet, 
 And hie with them home to Johnny.
 
 THE CAT'S BATH. 
 
 A S pussy sat washing her face by the gate, 
 '^^^ A nice httle dog came to have a good 
 
 chat, 
 And, after some talk about matters of state, 
 
 Said, with a low bow, " My dear Mrs. Cat, 
 I really do hope you'll not think I am rude ; 
 I am curious, I know, and that you may 
 say, — 
 Perhaps you'll be angry, — but no, you're too 
 good ; — 
 Pray why do you wash in that very odd 
 way ? 
 Now I, every day, rush away to the lake, 
 
 And in the clear water I dive and I swim ; 
 I dry my wet fur with a run and a shake. 
 
 And am fresh as a rose, and neat as a pin. 
 But you any day in the sun may be seen 
 Just rubbing yourself with your little red 
 tongue, —
 
 lo The Cat's Bath. 
 
 I admire the grace with which it is done, — 
 But really, now, are you sure you get your- 
 self clean ? " 
 The cat who sat swelling with rage and sur- 
 prise. 
 At this, could no longer her fury contain ; 
 For she had always supposed herself rather 
 precise, 
 And of her sleek neatness had been some- 
 what vain. 
 So she flew at poor doggie and boxed both 
 his ears, 
 Scratched his nose and his eyes, and spit 
 in his face. 
 And sent him off yelping: from which it ap- 
 pears 
 Those who ask prying questions may meet 
 with disgrace.
 
 WHISKY, FRISKY. 
 
 l^-^Z-HISKY, frisky, 
 ^ * Hippity hop ! 
 Up he goes 
 
 To the tree top! 
 Whirly, twirly, 
 
 Round and round, 
 Down he comes 
 
 To the ground. 
 Furly, curly. 
 
 What a tail! 
 Tall as a feather. 
 
 Broad as a sail ! 
 Where's his supper? 
 
 In the shell ;
 
 12 Whisky^ Frisky. 
 
 Snappy, cracky ! 
 
 Out it fell ! 
 Stir the fire, 
 
 Put on the pot, 
 Here 's his supper 
 
 Hissing hot!
 
 CHICKEN CHASING. 
 
 ' I ^HE old hen was clucking and scratching 
 
 -*- the ground, 
 
 While her downy young chickens ran chirping 
 
 around, 
 When she bristled and squawked with an angry 
 sound. 
 
 For she saw a boy coming that way, — 
 
 A very small boy in an apron white. 
 Running: after the chickens with all his mi<iht: 
 What hen could endure to see such a sight 
 And not have a word to say ? 
 
 Away went the chicks, and the young varlet 
 
 too, 
 And after them fast the frightened hen flew, 
 Pecking his fat legs all black and blue 
 
 With her sharp and angry beak.
 
 1 4 Chicken Chasing. 
 
 He stopped, for his heart began to swell, 
 And he trotted off to his nurse to tell, — 
 " TJie big- bird did peck me ! " he said, as well 
 As his sobs would let him speak. 
 
 " Poor boy ! " said his nurse. " But you must 
 
 not run 
 After the chicks, — they don't know it is fun ; 
 And the old hen thought you meant to take 
 
 one 
 
 Where she never would see it ao:ain." 
 
 The young mischief thought he never would 
 
 try 
 To catch little chicks when the old hen was by. 
 Then nurse dried his blue eyes and he tried 
 
 not to cry. 
 
 And soon forgot fright and pain.
 
 THE GREEDY ROBIN. 
 
 13 OBIN he, 
 -*-^ On a tree, 
 Saw ripe cherries — one, two, three. 
 
 " Tweet, tweet," said he, 
 " Those' for me. 
 Are just the very things, you see!" 
 
 Now he knew, 
 As he flew, 
 That his wife would Hke some too. 
 
 But, I've heard. 
 The greedy bird 
 Never said to her a word. 
 
 Devoured them quite. 
 Nor left a mite. 
 And went home very late at night!
 
 TICK, TOCK. 
 
 T^ICK, Tock! 
 
 What says the clock? 
 
 One, two, 
 There 's work to do. 
 
 Three, four, 
 Increase your store. 
 
 Five, six. 
 Play Time no tricks. 
 
 Seven, eight. 
 Nor want, nor wait. 
 
 Nine, ten, 
 For sinful men, 
 
 Eleven, twelve, 
 Must dior and delve.
 
 MONEY. 
 
 A/TOXEY is silver, money is gold, 
 
 ^^^ What shall I do when my money is told ? 
 
 Money is copper, money is tin, 
 
 Open my pocket and put it all in. 
 
 Money is paj^er, dirty and torn, 
 
 What shall I do when my money is gone? 
 
 How shall I eat, without any bread ? 
 
 How shall I sleep, without any bed ? 
 
 What shall I wear, without any clothes ? 
 
 Where find any shoes for my i)oor little toes? 
 
 If 1 had a penny, I know what I'd tlo, 
 
 I'd set up a shop and be rich as a Jew !
 
 GRIZZLY GROWLEY. 
 
 /'"^ RIZZLY Growley has come to the fair, 
 ^^ To show off his tricks, and make us all 
 
 stare. 
 He'll walk about at the end of his chain. 
 He'll shoulder a musket, and flourish a cane. 
 He will ride the monkeys around the ring, 
 Dance an Irish jig, and the Highland Fling. 
 He'll climb up a pole and grin at the folk, 
 And growl when the little boys give him a poke. 
 He'll turn over and over, and stand on his head. 
 And go begging for apples and gingerbread. 
 He looks good-natured and stupid enough, — 
 But he'd squeeze you as flat as a pinch of snuff. 
 So keep out of the way of his long sharp claws, 
 Or he'll catch you up in his strong broad paws ; 
 And give the poor clumsy old beast a penny 
 To buy him a cake, if the baker has any.
 
 FRUITS IN SEASON. 
 
 r^ OOSEBERRIES and strawberries 
 
 First are in season ; 
 ]\Iulberries and raspberries 
 
 Follow in reason. 
 Currants and cherries 
 
 Come next in place ; 
 Blueberries and blackberries 
 
 Keep up the race. 
 Peaches and plums 
 
 To these now succeed ; 
 Melons and pears, 
 
 Delicious indeed. 
 Grapes of all kinds, 
 
 In ripe clusters appear; 
 And apples and cranberries 
 
 Last the rest of the vear.
 
 BABY PIGS, 
 
 /'"^OME here, you grigs, 
 ^^ Here 's a show ! 
 Five baby pigs 
 
 All in a row! 
 They came last night, 
 Brown, pink, and white, 
 With tails curled tight, 
 And eyes so bright. 
 It is a treat 
 To see them eat, 
 And hear them squeak, 
 A-week ! A-week !
 
 Baby Pigs. 21 
 
 And O ! what fun 
 To see them run ! 
 And then stop short, 
 With grunt and snort, 
 Pokins: about 
 
 O 
 
 With curious snout. 
 No, Master Dick, 
 Put down that stick ! 
 You must not dig 
 A baby pig 
 Under the rib, 
 To make him squeal. 
 How would you feel 
 Should I do so 
 To you, you know } 
 You must be kind, 
 Or else you'll find 
 You won't come here 
 Again, my dear!
 
 KATY DID. 
 
 T^ATY did, Katy did! 
 
 -^ *^ Pray what did Katy do, 
 That all her sisters should cry out, 
 And scold and chatter it about? 
 
 Katy did what was forbid : 
 Katy did, Katy did. 
 
 Katy did, Katy did ! 
 Maybe you do it too ; 
 Ah ! then you'd take the other side, 
 And make excuse, or try to hide 
 That Katy did what was forbid : 
 Katy did, Katy did. 
 
 Katy did, Katy did ! 
 
 Do you really think it true? 
 And are you sure you are not glad ? 
 You do not seem so very sad 
 That Katy did what was forbid : 
 Katy did, Katy did.
 
 Katy did. 23 
 
 Katy did, Katy did ! 
 
 O, do say something new ! 
 If of your clamor we were rid, 
 We wouldn't care luhat Katy did ! 
 If she did what was forbid : 
 Katy did, Katy did.
 
 IV ^•:> 
 
 
 ,_f'±:J 'J>'^':)\/' 
 
 ^"^~^t$il 
 
 THE WRENS. 
 
 'T^WO little wrens have built their nest 
 
 ■^ In the old tree by the door, 
 And there they've hatched a thriving brood, 
 And on them set great store. 
 
 The noisy, busy, saucy things 
 Are scolding all the day.
 
 25 
 
 The Wrens. 
 
 And every one that passes by, 
 They try to drive away. 
 
 When the red-cheeked baker-boy comes in, 
 With his basket full of bread, 
 
 They rave as if they'd like to peck 
 The eyes out of his head. 
 
 Ah, here he comes, and they begin : 
 " Go 'way, you hateful boy ; 
 You know you've come to steal our nest; 
 Our children you'll destroy. 
 
 " We do not like your looks at all ; 
 Your face is much too fat ; 
 You've got a ragged jacket on, 
 And a dirty, torn old hat." 
 
 The baker-boy looks up and laughs, 
 For kind he is, and good : 
 " I would not hurt your nest," he says, 
 " Or any of your brood." 
 
 And whistling, off he goes. The wrens 
 Bluster with pride and glee ; 
 " Chip, chip," they chatter, *' we're the birds ; 
 He 's afraid of ns, you sec."
 
 26 The Wrejis. 
 
 Then round they whisk, and back again, 
 To feed their nesthngs small, 
 
 And teach them that of bravest birds 
 The wren exceeds them all.
 
 THE LITTLE MOON. 
 
 'T^HE little Moon 
 
 -*■ Came out too soon, 
 And in her fright 
 Looked thin and white. 
 
 
 :^jr. 
 
 <^-^r 
 
 "^^^ 
 
 The Stars then shone, 
 And every one
 
 28 
 
 The Little Moo?t. 
 
 Twinkled and winked, 
 And laughed and blinked. 
 
 The great Sim now rolled fordi in might 
 And drove them all quite out of sight.
 
 THE SPIDER. 
 
 OPIDER, O spider, pray why do you spin 
 *^ Your pretty white net so fine and so tliin ? 
 
 To catch fat flies, 
 
 And make into pies. 
 For they're much too silly to use their eyes. 
 
 But spider, O spider, pray do you not see 
 Here comes a big, buzzing, blundering bee ? 
 He'll spoil your fine net, 
 While you fume and you fret ; 
 But no mercy you grant, and no mercy you'll 
 get.
 
 BUTTONS. 
 
 T T ERE is a rogue, and his eyes are blue! 
 ■'■ -*■ He is tired of play, and has nothing to do. 
 Would he like some vagabond buttons to string ? 
 Ah, yes ! I see that 's the very thing. 
 I'll thread him a needle, 
 
 And make a big knot, 
 
 Because he is such a tiny tot. 
 
 One, two, three, four. 
 
 White and black, half a score ; 
 
 Some of pearl, some of bone. 
 
 Two are alike, and one alone. 
 
 Some of china, some of steel, 
 
 Down the thread they slip and reel ; 
 Some have eyes, and some have not, 
 But when they're all strung they'll be a great 
 lot.
 
 THE FROG'S HOME. 
 
 A /TAMMA, may we go to the pretty spring 
 
 Down under the willow-tree, 
 Where that dear little frog sits on the big stone? 
 I don't think he likes living there all alone, — 
 May I bring him home with mc ? " 
 
 " O yes, my darling, if froggie will come ; 
 You may tro ask him and see :
 
 32 The Frogs Home. 
 
 But he has a cool house beneath the old log, 
 And he sits on the stone and watches for prog, 
 And very contented is he." 
 
 Litde Dick trotted off with his nurse to the 
 spring : 
 " Hullo, Mister Frog," says he, 
 " My mamma, she said I might carry you 
 
 home ; 
 I'm a very good boy, and I 7naunt you to 
 come, — 
 To come home and live with me." 
 
 The frog was asleep on the soft damp moss, 
 
 Under the roots of the tree; 
 Little Dick stooped to get him, when up with 
 
 a jump. 
 And a yaup, in the midst of the spring he 
 went plump. 
 And that was the last of froggie!
 
 HARUM SCARUM. 
 
 IT ARUM Scarum, Winkum Warum, 
 
 A terrible fellow is Harum Scarum ! 
 Up the stairs and in at the door, 
 Scattering things all over the floor. 
 Through the window and out on the leads, 
 Shaking the house about our heads. 
 Down the chimney in clouds of smoke, 
 To put out the fire he thinks a fine joke. 
 While the house dame coughs, and chokes, 
 
 and scolds, 
 And sneezes her spectacles into the coals. 
 
 3
 
 BIRDIE'S SUGAR. 
 
 T^EAR me! I think it very queer 
 ^-''^ Where birdie's sugar goes. 
 Some naughty little mouse, I fear, 
 Climbs up and steals it in the night 
 From under birdie's nose. 
 
 Now if poor birdie could but speak 
 
 He'd tell us in a trice. 
 But he can only say peek, peek. 
 Finding all his sweet sugar gone 
 
 Because of thievish mice. 
 
 To give Miss Mouse a little bite 
 
 Birdie would not refuse ; 
 But surely it is not polite — 
 By nibbling the whole lump away — 
 His kindness to abuse. 
 
 I must send out and buy a trap 
 And catch the long-tailed elf;
 
 Birdies Sugar. 35 
 
 What 's this ? A head laid in my lap ? 
 And then a whisper soft and low, — 
 " I took it my own self." 
 
 Well, well, you won't do so again, 
 
 I'm glad my darling told. 
 Although it put you to some pain, 
 Whenever you have done amiss 
 
 To tell the truth be bold. 
 
 Now here 's a lump of sugar : do 
 You know where it belomis ? 
 In birdie's cage ? That 's right, and you 
 Shall put it in, he'll thank you with 
 One of his sweetest songs.
 
 STANNIE'S HIDING. 
 
 A1[7'HERE is Stannie, where can he be? 
 Where is he hiding away from me ? 
 I've looked in the closet, and out on the stair, 
 Under the table, behind the big chair, 
 Inside the big clock that stands in the hall, 
 In every corner where a midget could crawl. 
 In the mouse-trap, and through my work-box. 
 What can have become of the sly little fox.? 
 Where is that scallawag, where has he gone. 
 Leaving his poor mamma all forlorn ? 
 
 Where is Stannie, where can he be ? 
 Where is he hiding away from me ?
 
 Stannies Hiding. t^j 
 
 O, I know ! he is in the canary-bird's cage, 
 Or, if he "s not there, why then I'll engage 
 He 's crept up the chimney, and sits on the top, 
 Crowing and swelling like any game-cock. 
 Or slipped down to the kitchen, and bothered 
 
 the cook. 
 Till she 's hung him up out of the way on a 
 
 hook. 
 Where is that scallawag, where has he gone. 
 Leaving his poor mamma all forlorn } 
 
 Where is Stannic, where can he be ? 
 Where is he hiding away from me ^ 
 I must send out the crier all over the town. 
 O, here he is, tucked under grandmamma's gown ! 
 Now I've got him, tlic rogue, I must give him 
 
 a shake. 
 Twenty good kisses, and a piece of plum-cake. 
 I must find a strong cobweb, and set him therein. 
 He can coax the old sj^idcr to teach him to spin. 
 And there he shall stay till cock-crow in the 
 
 morn, 
 For leaving his poor mamma all forlorn.
 
 MY KITTEN. 
 
 1\ /r Y kitten is white, with a pretty pink nose, 
 ^^^ She sits by the fire, and counts her toes, — 
 Counts her toes, and her claws so fine ; 
 Puss, puss, here 's a mouse, with a long tail of 
 
 twine. 
 It is soft and gray, tied up very tight, — 
 You may tear it and bite it with all your might. 
 
 Hey, kitty ! ho, kitty ! come and play ! 
 
 And don't sit counting your toes all day.
 
 DICKON'S FISHING. 
 
 "FAICKON went to the brook, with a pin for 
 -*-^ a hook, 
 
 To catch a fried whale for his suppier ; 
 When some slippery eels, they tripped u]) his 
 heels, — 
 In he fell with great splashing and splutter. 
 
 The wheelbarrow ran with rattle and bang, 
 And the shovel and rake followed after; 
 
 An old fat frog living under a log, 
 Sat holding his sides with laughter. 
 
 A big black toad hopped into the road, 
 And bawled like a chimney-sweeper; 
 
 And the hen ran out, and around, and about, 
 Crying, " Eggs will be sold no cheaper!"
 
 HELTER-SKELTER. 
 
 TJELTER-SKELTER over the grass, 
 ^ ^ While the butter-cups bend to let them 
 
 pass, 
 The grasshoppers, all the livelong day, 
 At hide-and-go-seek, and leap-frog, play. 
 Up hops limber-legs after his brother, 
 Over the heads of one another 
 Away they spring, and each one goes 
 Skipping about on the tips of his toes. 
 Here with a jump, and there with a fling. 
 Keeping time to the song that the crickets 
 
 sing. 
 
 Creek, creek, creekity cree, 
 Helter-skelter, nimblety knee. 
 Our long-legged cousins 
 
 Leap so high. 
 They'll catch in the clouds 
 That go sailing by!
 
 Helter-skelter. 4 1 
 
 Helter-skelter, nimblety knee, 
 Creek, creek, creekity cree. 
 
 Creek, creek, creekity cree. 
 Helter-skelter, nimblety knee. 
 Here is the fiddler, 
 Where is his fee?. 
 Hunt in the clover. 
 
 And bring what you see. 
 Helter-skelter, nimblety knee. 
 Creek, creek, creekity cree. 
 
 Creek, creek, creekity cree, 
 Helter-skelter, nimblety knee. 
 Never give up the game. 
 
 It is such jolly fun 
 To go frisking about 
 
 In the heat of the sun ! 
 Helter-skelter, nimblety knee. 
 Creek, creek, creekity cree.
 
 THE TERRIBLE DRUMMER. 
 
 73 UB a dub dub! Rub a dub dub ! 
 
 To drum is my delight; 
 Rub a dub dub, Rub a dub dub. 
 
 I am at it from morning till night! 
 I drum on the windows, 
 
 I drum on the doors, 
 On the chairs and the tables. 
 
 The stairs and the floors. 
 With hair-combs and brushes, 
 
 Glove-stretchers and fans. 
 In the garret, on trunks, 
 
 In the kitchen on pans, 
 Till the folk stop their ears. 
 
 And growing quite wild. 
 Say with sniffing and sneers 
 
 I'm a terrible child ! 
 Wait till I'm a man. 
 
 And wear a tall hat !
 
 The Terrible Dricimner. 43 
 
 I'll buy a big drum 
 
 And thump upon that! 
 I'll build me a house, 
 
 Where I'll live at my ease, 
 And I'll drum in the parlor, 
 
 Or just where I please!
 
 THE TOP. 
 
 A S Dicks top was spinning 
 -^"^ Around on the floor, 
 It bounced over the table 
 And out at the door. 
 
 Danced out at the door, 
 
 And into the hall, 
 And made a great hole in 
 
 His 2:randmamma's wall. 
 
 Away then it dashed, 
 Jumped over the stairs. 
 
 And fell in a platter 
 Of apples and pears. 
 
 Where it lay very quiet 
 Till, rosy and fair, 
 
 Dickon, sat up to dessert 
 In his little high chair.
 
 Tlie Top. 45 
 
 When his grandmamma gave him, 
 
 With a very grave air, 
 His top from the fruit-dish 
 
 For an excellent pear. 
 
 But Dickon, the rogue, 
 
 Like a cunning young snipe, 
 
 Said, " I think, my dear grandma, 
 This pear is not wipe. 
 
 " Please give me another, 
 I'll put this away 
 Very safe in my pocset, 
 For some other day."
 
 HERE IS A TROLL. 
 
 T T ERE is a troll! here is a troll! 
 
 With blue eyes that twinkle and wink ; 
 He has pulled off his shoes, and in the wash-bowl 
 Is blowing them round, while they topple and roll, 
 And soon to the bottom will sink. 
 
 What shall be done with this rogue of a troll? 
 
 In mischief from morning till night, 
 Paddling in water like any tadpole. 
 Poking the fire, and playing with coal, 
 
 Till his apron and hands are a sight!
 
 Here is a Troll. 47 
 
 We must catch him and shake him, this tricksy 
 troll, 
 
 And send him off straight to the wood, 
 Where, under the hill, the trolls live in a hole. 
 Where he'll have to go digging about like a mole, 
 
 Unless he will try to be good. 
 
 But he laughs in my face, this scamp of a troll. 
 
 And thinks that will never be done ; 
 And I strongly suspect he is right on the whole, 
 That he 's really and truly a dear little soul, 
 Only too fond of mischief and fun.
 
 THE CAT AND THE FLY. 
 
 A LITTLE fly sat 
 
 On the edge of a cup 
 Of milk, the gray cat 
 Was about to drink up. 
 
 At the cat's great green eyes, 
 Fierce whiskers and ears, 
 
 The fly looked with surprise, 
 Though without any fears. 
 
 Said she, " Mrs. Puss, 
 
 Pray, why do you make 
 Such a very great fuss, 
 
 As your breakfast you take } " 
 
 For pussy's soft purr 
 To the fly, seemed a sound 
 
 As loud as the whirr 
 When the mill-wheel goes round.
 
 The Cat and the Fly, 49 
 
 Said the cat, " My friend Fly, 
 
 For one of your size 
 You make more noise than I, 
 
 And are not very wise. 
 
 " All the hot summer day, — 
 
 Because through you can't pass 
 You keep buzzing away 
 At the clear window glass. 
 
 "And if in a doze 
 
 My old master should fall. 
 You bizz buzz at his nose 
 Till he can't sleep at all. 
 
 ^^ My purring, you know. 
 Is a sign of delight, 
 While your buzzing 's a show 
 Of anger and spite." 
 
 " Dear me ! " said the Fly, 
 " Mrs. Puss, I think you 
 (I cannot tell why,) 
 
 Scarcely say what is true. 
 
 *• To Gfo buzzincr about 
 I'm sure is no sin, 
 4
 
 so The Cat and the Fly, 
 
 If 1 want to go out 
 
 And don't like to stay in ! 
 
 •' When to go out you wish, 
 You scratch at the doors, 
 And meaul after fish 
 
 Like an owl on all fours ! " 
 
 Mrs. Pussy jumped up, 
 At the fly made a stroke, 
 
 And knocked down the cup, — 
 All to pieces it broke ! 
 
 The fly, saved from her paws, 
 
 Said, " What mischief rage brings, 
 
 And though cats have sharp claws 
 You see flies have fleet wings ! " 
 
 Just then came the maid, — 
 
 Away the fly flew ; 
 Mrs. Puss was afraid, 
 
 And scampered off too!
 
 CHERRY PIE. 
 
 /^MERRIES are ripe! Cherries are ripe!" 
 
 I heard a little bird cry. 
 Cherries are ripe ! cherries are ripe ! 
 
 Now we can have cherry-pie ! 
 Flour and water, sweet butter and lard, 
 Mix in a paste, and roll it out hard. 
 Roll it out hard, and roll it out thin ; 
 Lay the red cherries and sugar within. 
 Open the oven, 
 
 Put it in cjuick ! 
 And when it is baked 
 
 Give a bic; piece to Dick, 
 Because he has been a i;or)d boy.
 
 TITMOUSE AND CUCKOO. 
 
 A GREAT Cuckoo 
 Saucily flew 
 Into the new 
 And beautiful house 
 Of a tiny Titmouse. 
 
 " O dear ! " said she, 
 " Do you not see 
 
 This house for three 
 
 Is much too small ? 
 
 And you're so tall ! " 
 
 " O, but for you 
 
 And me, 'twill do," 
 
 Said the Cuckoo. 
 " 'Tis far too nice 
 
 For mere Titmice." 
 
 Now Titmouse came, 
 As fierce as flame,
 
 Titmottse and Ctcckoo. 53 
 
 To help his dame. 
 Said he, " You lout, 
 You'd best clear out." 
 
 But the Cuckoo 
 Answered, "Pooh, pooh! 
 A fig for you ! 
 You talk too loud, — 
 You'll brins: a crowd. 
 
 " Your pretty dame 
 Will bear the blame. 
 I'll say I came 
 At her request 
 Into your nest. 
 
 " She sang so sweet, 
 She looked so neat, 
 She did entreat — 
 Then all will cry, 
 
 'O fie! O fie!'" 
 
 Dame Titmouse heard : 
 " O, wicked bird," 
 She cried, " your word 
 Meets no belief; 
 You are a thief! "
 
 54 Titmouse a7td Cuckoo* 
 
 But Mr. T. 
 
 Felt how 'twould be ; 
 
 Unwillingly 
 
 Said, " We had best 
 
 Give up the nest." 
 
 Away they flew, 
 While the Cuckoo 
 Cried, " Cuckoo, cuckoo ! " 
 The wood around 
 Rang with the sound. 
 
 But as he sat, 
 Jolly and fat, 
 A great Tom-cat 
 Him careless, saw, 
 And with swift paw 
 
 And crushing bite, 
 Destroyed him quite. 
 And serve him right ! 
 So poor Titmouse 
 Got back his house.
 
 THE TOAD IN THE ROAD. 
 
 A S Dickon ran out 
 ^^ Of the gate, with a shout, 
 He saw a poor toad 
 In the midst of the road ; 
 O!" cries Master Dick, 
 I'll get a big stick, 
 And kill you all dead 
 With a blow on the head ! " 
 Naughty boy!" said his nurse, 
 Why, what could be worse? 
 He is having some fun, 
 Sitting there, in the sun. 
 What harm can he do 
 T(j me, or to you ?
 
 56 The Toad in the Road. 
 
 And then, if you kill 
 Him, his brothers will fill 
 Your room in the night. 
 And you'll have a fine fright." 
 " Indeed, I don't care ! " 
 Said Dick, — " Yes, but hear, 
 Ere you can cry stop ! 
 On your bed they will hop. 
 And they'll sit there in rows; 
 Each, to wipe his poor nose, 
 Will carry a leaf 
 For a silk-handkerchief. 
 There, with many a groan. 
 They will weep and bemoan 
 
 Their poor brother, the toad, 
 You killed on the road ; 
 And there they will stay 
 Till the dawn of the day.
 
 The Toad m the Road. 57 
 
 And all night they will keep 
 You from having sweet sleep." 
 Dick's blue eyes flashed bright, 
 While he cried with delight, — 
 " I'd take my new gun, 
 And shoot every one ; 
 They'd very soon see 
 They couldn't scare me." 
 The toad, shocked this to hear, 
 Hopped off in great fear, 
 And told all his folk 
 That, without any joke, 
 A monster, called boy. 
 Meant all toads to destroy. 
 So, in grief and dismay, 
 That very same day 
 They moved over the hill. 
 And are living there still.
 
 
 i'lll:ii;'l;|i|H 
 
 RAIN, RAIN. 
 
 R 
 
 A IN, rain, 
 Here again, 
 Rattling on the window-pane. 
 
 Please to stop ; 
 Every drop 
 Helps to make more mud and slop. 
 
 Here we stay 
 All the day 
 In the house, and try to play.
 
 Rain, Raiji, 59 
 
 When you're done, 
 We can run 
 Out of doors, and have some fun.
 
 THE HEN AND THE DOCTORS. 
 
 /^LUCK, cluck, cluck! 
 
 ^^ In my throat a worm has stuck. 
 
 Mrs. Speckle, my clear friend, 
 
 For a doctor you must send. 
 
 But don't send for Dr. Goose, 
 
 His wife has given me much abuse; 
 
 Nor yet for Dr. Drake, 
 
 His doses who can take ? 
 
 And as for Dr. Turkey, 
 
 He 's so noisy and so jerky, 
 
 He puts me in a flutter 
 
 With his boasting and his splutter. 
 
 Did you say have Dr. Dove ? 
 
 No, he s a fop, and talks of love ; 
 
 And I won't have Dr. Crane, 
 
 He has much more legs than brain ; 
 
 Nor that hooknosed Dr. Owl, 
 
 Who is blind as any mole ; 
 
 Nor solemn Dr. Raven, 
 
 Dressed in black, and so clean shaven ;
 
 The Hen and the Doctors. 6i 
 
 Nor that horrid Dr. Crow, 
 
 Quite a vagabond, you know! 
 
 They say he eats dead horse, 
 
 And he s so dirty and so coarse ! 
 
 I think that Dr. Swan 
 
 Will have to be the man, 
 
 He s so elegant and neat. 
 
 And orders lime and fine chopped meat ; 
 
 Then he always tells some news, 
 
 His patients to amuse ; 
 
 We shall hear the latest bit 
 
 About that young black Spanish chit, — 
 
 Who won't hatch the eggs she lays, 
 
 And has such flirting, heedless ways : 
 
 Dr. Swan shall be the one, — 
 
 And tell Red-top he must run. 
 
 I feel very ill, my dear, 
 
 And shall choke to death, I fear.
 
 POP CORN. 
 
 piP, pop, 
 
 Hip, hop, 
 Ti{), top, 
 Pop corn ! 
 
 Out of the pan, 
 
 Into the fire, 
 Bursting and bouncing 
 
 Higher and higher.
 
 Pop Corn. 6'^ 
 
 Out of the fire, 
 Over the hearth, 
 
 With burning of fingers, 
 Scramblina^ and mirth. 
 
 'JD 
 
 White as new snow, 
 
 Yellow as gold. 
 You'd better be patient 
 
 Till I am cold. 
 
 Sprinkle some sugar. 
 What jolly fun ! 
 
 My rhyme is ended. 
 And I am done. 
 
 J
 
 THE ANT AND THE GRASSHOPPER. 
 
 A TINY heap 
 
 Of corn, to keep 
 Herself from want, 
 A little ant, 
 With constant toil 
 And care and moil, 
 Had gathered for 
 Her winter store. 
 
 The winter came, 
 
 And to his shame, 
 
 A grasshopper 
 
 Who scarce could stir, 
 
 But crept, as if 
 
 His knees were stiff, — 
 
 In tone forlorn, 
 
 Asked her for corn.
 
 The Ant and the Grasshopper. 65 
 
 " Alas ! " cried she, 
 " And can this be ? 
 That with such leo;s 
 He comes and begs 
 Of one so small ? 
 O! idler tall, 
 Do you forget 
 How once we met 
 
 " One summer's day, 
 When you with gay 
 Companions jeered 
 As I appeared. 
 And mocked me for 
 The load I bore, — 
 Calling me drudge. 
 Bidding^ me trud2:c ? 
 
 " The days were lone, 
 And you were strong 
 You did not need 
 To do, indeed. 
 Such work as I, — 
 To soon lay by 
 Both corn and seed 
 On which to feed." 
 5
 
 66 The Ant and the Grasshopper 
 
 The grasshopper 
 Thus answered her: 
 " 'Tis very true, — 
 But cannot you 
 Now, that I 'm poor, 
 And at your door 
 Stand stiff and old 
 And starved and cold, 
 
 " Be kind and good, 
 
 And give me food?" 
 " Friend," said the ant, 
 " I will not taunt 
 
 Nor scorn you, though 
 
 You served me so. 
 
 Take, then, and eat, 
 
 For life is sweet."
 
 MAMMA'S SHIP. 
 
 A/TAMMA, I wish that I could have 
 
 A Httle pony, fleet and gay, 
 Like that that Uncle Robert gave 
 To Cousin John the other day. 
 
 " O, such a tail ! I 'm sure, mamma, 
 That you would be delighted too ; 
 I 'm sure you'd say you never saw 
 A pony prance as he can do. 
 
 "And I can ride him! yes I can! 
 
 I rode him up and down the lane; 
 And Uncle Robert said the man 
 
 Might let me mount him soon again! 
 
 " He cut some capers, but I sat 
 As fast as any monkey could ; 
 And then he stood, and let mc pat 
 His neck, and was so very good!
 
 68 Mammas Ship. 
 
 " All that was very nice, mamma, 
 But then, a pony of my own ! 
 Do you think, if I asked papa. 
 
 That he would bring me one from town ? " 
 
 " A pony costs too much, I fear. 
 
 For dear papa to bring you home ; 
 So you must be content, my djsar, 
 On two stout legs to go and come. 
 
 " Or wait until my ship from sea 
 
 Comes in with many a goodly thing; 
 Who knows but that for you and me, 
 A pony too, my ship may bring." 
 
 • • • • , • 
 
 On the gray shore a golden head 
 
 Watched, from the seaward distance clear, 
 
 The ships that through the bay up sped. 
 To reach the city lying near. 
 
 At last he sought his mother's knee, — 
 " Ah ! dear mamma, when will it come, 
 
 Your ship from lands beyond the sea, 
 You hope will bring my pony home } 
 
 " I 've watched and waited every day ; 
 So many ships went sailing past, —
 
 MajJimas Skip. 69 
 
 So many ships sailed up the bay, — 
 
 I thought that yours must come at last." 
 
 With tender love his mother bent, 
 The wistful, rosy face close drew, — 
 " My darling boy, I never meant 
 
 That you should think my jest was true ! 
 
 " My ship ? That means a fortune, dear, — 
 A fortune we may ne'er possess ; 
 But that need never cost a tear, — 
 Wealth cannot bring us happiness. 
 
 " The very butterfly that wings 
 
 From flower to flower the livelong day, — 
 The little bird that joyful sings, 
 
 Darting from swinging spray to spray, 
 
 " No happier days can know, dear child. 
 Than you within this pretty nest 
 Of home, where love and guidance mild 
 Surround your days, and guard your rest. 
 
 " How many a homeless little one 
 
 Knows nothing of kind looks and words, 
 Nor ever plays beneath the sun, 
 
 'Mid trees and flowers and happy birds.
 
 70 Mammas Ship. 
 
 " Then let the ships sail past our shore ; 
 So rich are we in love and health 
 And comfort, we will ask no more : 
 Content is better far than wealth."
 
 D 
 
 DICKON'S BOAT. 
 
 ICKON has a boat 
 That will sail, that will sail; 
 Dickon has a boat, yo, ho ! 
 And lightly she will float 
 In the gale, in the gale, — 
 Lightly she will float, yo, ho ! 
 
 O, her sides they are made of the good pine 
 wood, 
 And her sail's of the white linen fine ; 
 She broadens at the beam as a good ship should, 
 And narrows at the prow to a line. 
 Away o'er the seas 
 We will glide, we will glide ; 
 Away o'er the seas, yo, ho! 
 
 Borne swiftly by the breeze 
 And the tide, and the tide, — 
 Borne swiftly by the breeze, yo, ho!
 
 72 Dickons Boat. 
 
 O, she courtesies and dips as she daintily skims 
 
 O'er the wave, like a girl at a ball. 
 She 's as full of caprices, and fancies, and whims, 
 As the sauciest flirt of them all. 
 Away o'er the seas 
 We will glide, we will glide; 
 Away o'er the seas, yo, ho ! 
 
 Borne swiftly by the breeze 
 And the tide, and the tide, — 
 Borne swiftly by the breeze, yo, ho ! 
 
 O, her helm it is true to the steersman's hand, 
 
 And the foam rises white in her track. 
 As she bounds to discover some golden land, 
 And bring all its bright treasures back. 
 Dickon has a boat 
 That will sail, that will sail ; 
 Dickon has a boat, yo, ho ! 
 And lightly she will float 
 In the gale, in the gale, — 
 Lightly she will float, yo, ho !
 
 TWIT, TWIT. 
 
 ^WIT, twit, 
 ■^ The bonny birds flit 
 Hither and yon ; 
 
 Twit, twit, 
 And soon will be gone 
 To sleep in the nest 
 That each loves best. 
 Twit, twit. 
 
 Twit, twit. 
 
 The bonny birds flit 
 Each to its home ; 
 Twit, twit,
 
 74 Twit, Twit 
 
 And my darling will come, 
 And on mother's breast 
 Sink sweetly to rest. 
 Twit, twit.
 
 THE WINDS. 
 
 ' I "HE wind blows high, 
 "^ The wind blows low, 
 Hither and thither. 
 
 To and fro. 
 My cradle low hanging 
 
 From the broad branching tree, 
 The wild winds rock softly 
 
 For baby and me. 
 
 The wind blows east, 
 
 The wind blows west, 
 Hither and thither, — 
 
 Knows no rest. 
 See the fishermen casting 
 
 Their nets in the sea; 
 They'll fill full of silver 
 
 For baby and me.
 
 "J 6 The Winds. 
 
 The wind blows south, 
 
 The wind blows north, 
 Hither and thither, 
 
 Back and forth. 
 O winds, send my fisherman 
 
 Safe from the sea! 
 Bring home my boy's father 
 
 To baby and me.
 
 MY BOY STANNIE. 
 
 f~\ HAVE ye seen my boy Stannie ? 
 ^-^' Wee toddlin' mannie ! 
 His ee sae blue, his cheek sae red, 
 An old straw hat abonn his head, 
 All torn and tattered ! 
 
 O, have ye seen my boy Stannie ? 
 
 Wee busy mannie ! 
 Aye trottin' roun' the garden lot,
 
 78 My Boy Stannie. 
 
 Wi' wheelbarrow, spade, and watering-pot, 
 All bent and battered ! 
 
 O, have ye seen my boy Stannie ? 
 
 Wee winsome mannie ! 
 Beneath the ruins of his hat, 
 His honest face sae dimplin' fat, 
 
 Aye laughs wi' pleasure ! 
 
 O, gin I find my boy Stannie, 
 
 Wee hungry mannie ! 
 1 11 gi' him bread and milk the best. 
 And sing him saftly to his rest, 
 
 My precious treasure ! 
 
 i- ■^s^jjii'^&h
 
 VIOLETS. 
 
 WIOLETS, violets, 
 
 * Open your leaves ; 
 The sparrows are chirping 
 
 Under the eaves. 
 The great sun shines warm, 
 
 The sky is all blue. 
 My sister and I 
 
 Are waiting for you, — 
 So, open your leaves like good flowers, do ! 
 
 Violets, violets, 
 
 Open your eyes, 
 Do you not hear 
 
 The bustle and noise
 
 8o Violets. 
 
 Of the little nest-builders 
 
 At work overhead ? 
 While the cuckoo is calling, — 
 
 Make me, too, a bed ! 
 Yet there you lie sleeping as if you were dead.
 
 CALLING THE TIDES, 
 
 E 
 
 I7VER so high, 
 
 Up in the sky, 
 Broad and bright, 
 Round and white, 
 The full moon rides. 
 
 O'er her car 
 
 Hangs many a star; 
 Cold and fair 
 Sits she there. 
 Calling the tides ! 
 
 From their sleep 
 The wee waves leap. 
 Rippling run — 
 By the winds spun, 
 Their foam caps wear. 
 
 6
 
 82 Calli7ig the Tides, 
 
 In a row 
 On they flow, 
 With laughter reach 
 The shining beach, 
 And toss them there! 
 
 I
 
 LITTLE BROWN BIRDS. 
 
 A LITTLIi brown bird sat on a high tree, 
 O, the wind blew softly out of the west ; 
 Her mate near by sang merrily, 
 
 Four speckled eggs were in her wee nest.
 
 84 Little Brown Birds, 
 
 So sweetly he sung, so shrilly and clear, 
 O, the wind blew softly out of the west; 
 
 His love sat thrilling with joy to hear, 
 
 While her eggs lay cradled beneath her breast. 
 
 The great sun went down behind the blue hill, 
 O, the wind blew coldly out of the north ; 
 
 The little birds song was hushed and still. 
 The bitter black frost came creeping forth. 
 
 Two birds lay dead in the chill, gray morn, 
 O, the wind blew coldly out of the north ; 
 
 The tiny nest hangs on the tree forlorn. 
 Four frozen eggs are its only worth.
 
 THE WAVE'S GIFT. 
 
 T^rAVE, pretty wave, 
 ^ * Come over the sea, 
 And bring a beautiful gift to me." 
 
 "O, is it a shell, ■. 
 Like a tiny pink bell. 
 Or a flower that grew in a mermaid's cell ? 
 
 " Or pebbles dyed, 
 And streaked and pied, 
 I'll fling at your feet in the coming tide.?" 
 
 " No, none of these. 
 But, if you will please, 
 A boat with white sails to catch the breeze. 
 
 " Round the world I'll go. 
 While you ebb and flow, 
 And come back before I'm found out, you 
 know."
 
 FEEDING THE COW. 
 
 Q LOWLY along the shaded lane, 
 
 Cropping the grass from side to side. 
 Here comes the pretty brindle cow 
 Home, in the even- tide. 
 
 She stops at the garden gate and calls, — 
 " O run, little boy, and bring to me 
 
 Some of those apples round and ripe 
 I see lying under the tree." 
 
 Little golden head his apron fills 
 
 With the ruddy apples juicy and sweet; 
 
 ^rindle loves to take with her Ions: rough 
 tongue 
 From his dimpled hand and eat. 
 
 Tiptoe he stands with eager face 
 Holding his bulging apron tight; 
 
 As she gently takes each apple he gives 
 He lauQ^hs with fresh delio-ht.
 
 Feeding the Cow, 87 
 
 And now she has eaten the very la§t, 
 
 And " Just one more " and " One little one 
 more ; " 
 
 Then he waits and watches her as she walks 
 Through the open barnyard door. 
 
 It was years ago — yet oft I see, 
 
 When the summer's day is nearly done, 
 
 My baby boy feeding the pretty cow 
 In the light of the setting sun.
 
 GRANDMAMMA'S BIRTHDAY. 
 
 "\"\ /"E must gather a bouquet 
 
 ^^ For dear Grandnia on her birthday: 
 First we'll cut some half-blown roses, 
 They're the grace of all sweet posies; 
 Some sprigs of purple heliotrope 
 Place next ; they mean, " I live in hope ; " 
 Then bring some woodbine, whose perfume 
 Will fill with fragrance all the room ; 
 Pluck me some pansies, touched with dew ; 
 They say, " I fondly think of you ; " 
 Some lady-slippers, pink and white. 
 Dropped from fairy feet last night; 
 Verbena must not be forgot. 
 And there 's some blue forget-me-not; 
 Geranium leaves to finish find, 
 And ribbon round the stems to wind : 
 We'll see what Grandmamma will say 
 To this bouquet for her birthday.
 
 RUMBLE GRUMBLE. 
 
 /^^ AFFER Rumble Grumble lived in a hill, 
 ^-^ A stout old troll was he ; 
 His temper was fierce, his voice was shrill ; 
 With scolding and fretting he never was still, 
 Nor with any one could agree. 
 
 He wore a red coat and a pointed hat, 
 
 A waistcoat of yellow sheen ; 
 His chin was long, and his nose was flat, 
 His beard was tangled and rough like a mat, 
 
 And his eyes were a delicate green. 
 
 A nephew he had, a naughty elf, 
 
 In mischief both night and day: 
 Cake and custard he stole from the pantry shelf, 
 He ran off with cheese and sold it for pelf, 
 
 And many a prank dirl play. 
 
 At last the old trf)ll went to the careen wood 
 And cut him a stout long stick,
 
 go Rumble Gru7nble, 
 
 And told the young scamp he really should 
 Give him a beating as sure as he stood, 
 If he caught him in one more trick. 
 
 Now Rumble Grumble was fond of snuff, 
 
 And he kept a gold box of rappee; 
 This wickedest imp put in pepper enough 
 To kill any one not quite so tough, 
 Then hid, the effect to see. 
 
 The old troll took a pinch and began to 
 sneeze, — 
 How he coughed and spluttered and cried ! 
 Then stamped and raved till he made the blood 
 
 freeze 
 Of the hill-folk, who into far corners did squeeze 
 Not knowing what might betide. 
 
 His nephew thought he had best depart, 
 
 For his time had surely come ; 
 From the hill- side door with a careless heart 
 In the shape of a cat he made his start 
 
 To seek for another home. 
 
 Away he went through wood and o'er moor, 
 
 Till he came to a farmer's bound. 
 When in he walked at the farm-house door.
 
 Rttinble Gfttmble. 91 
 
 Such a beautiful cat had never before 
 In that country side been found. 
 
 And there he lived for many a year, 
 
 In comfort and great content ; 
 On milk and porridge he made good cheer, 
 He slept on a cushion, and had no fear 
 
 Of any who came or went. 
 
 The good man, whose name was Plat, oft rode 
 
 Away to the country fair; 
 One day he came back, and quickly strode 
 Into the kitchen of his abode 
 
 Where the cat lay asleep on a chair. 
 
 The house dame quietly spinning sat; 
 
 " Hark ye, good wife," he said, 
 " I've just met a troll, who bawled, ' Friend Plat, 
 Go home in all haste and tell your cat 
 
 That Rumble Grumble is dead.' " 
 
 Down jumped the cat, and stood up straight 
 
 As any Christian man, — 
 " Rumble Grumble dead ? Tlien I can't wait. 
 But off to the hill-side, as sure as fate, 
 
 I shall go as fast as I can ! "
 
 92 Rumble Grumble. 
 
 Away he scampered across the floor, 
 
 While the farm-folk stared in amaze ; 
 Whisked like a flash through the open door, 
 And they saw their beautiful cat no more 
 From that time to the end of their days.
 
 FAIRY DELL. 
 
 T^OWN in the fairy dell 
 "^^^ The lily bells are ringing, 
 Around its mossy well 
 
 The little elves are singing. 
 
 Then breaking off in bands, 
 They trip a dainty measure, 
 
 Clapping their tiny hands, 
 Laughing for very pleasure. 
 
 Now playing hide-and-seek 
 Among the happy flowers. 
 
 Shaking the harebells meek 
 Till dew-droiDs fall in showers. 
 
 Then floating through the air, 
 A-down the moonbeams sliding, 
 
 To race they gayly dare, 
 
 Their comrades still a-hidinir.
 
 94 Fairy DcIL 
 
 With shrill and chirping cries 
 The stupid beetles bridle, 
 
 Or scold the fireflies 
 
 If they crotch them lying idle. 
 
 With saucy finger tip 
 
 The rose's heart discover, 
 
 Or fragrant honey sip 
 
 From cups of purple clover. 
 
 At last, the farmyard cock 
 
 Crows loud across the meadows; 
 
 Away they blithely flock 
 
 With the departing shadows. 
 
 Down in the fairy dell 
 The silent sun is lying; 
 
 Around its mossy well 
 
 The lonely flowers are sighing. 
 
 Never, ah, never more, 
 
 With pretty sports and laughter, 
 Come fairies as before. 
 
 Nor will they come hereafter.
 
 UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA LIBRARY 
 
 Los Angeles 
 
 This book is DUE on the last date stamped below. 
 
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 SEP 2 6 1963 
 
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