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diff --git a/39741-8.txt b/39741-8.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..6484842 --- /dev/null +++ b/39741-8.txt @@ -0,0 +1,7193 @@ +The Project Gutenberg EBook of In My Nursery, by Laura E. Richards + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: In My Nursery + +Author: Laura E. Richards + +Release Date: May 20, 2012 [EBook #39741] + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1 + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK IN MY NURSERY *** + + + + +Produced by Katherine Ward, Matthew Wheaton and the Online +Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (This +file was produced from images generously made available +by The Internet Archive/American Libraries.) + + + + + + + + + + IN MY NURSERY. + + BY + LAURA E. RICHARDS, + + + AUTHOR OF + "THE JOYOUS STORY OF TOTO," "TOTO'S MERRY WINTER," ETC. + + BOSTON: + LITTLE, BROWN, AND COMPANY. + + + _Copyright, 1890,_ + BY ROBERTS BROTHERS + + _All rights reserved._ + + Printers + S. J. PARKHILL & CO., BOSTON, U.S.A. + + + To my Mother, + + JULIA WARD HOWE. + + _Sweet! when first my baby ear + Curled itself and learned to hear, + 'Twas your silver-singing voice + Made my baby heart rejoice._ + + _Hushed upon your tender breast, + Soft you sang me to my rest; + Waking, when I sought my play, + Still your singing led the way._ + + _Cradle songs, more soft and low + Than the bird croons on the bough; + Olden ballads, grave and gay, + Warrior's chant, and lover's lay._ + + _So my baby hours went + In a cadence of content, + To the music and the rhyme + Keeping tune and keeping time._ + + _So you taught me, too, ere long, + All our life should be a song,-- + Should a faltering prelude be + To the heavenly harmony;_ + + _And with gracious words and high, + Bade me look beyond the sky, + To the Glory throned above, + To th' eternal Light and Love._ + + _Many years have blossomed by: + Far and far from childhood I; + Yet its sunrays on me fall, + Here among my children all._ + + _So among my babes I go, + Singing high and singing low; + Striving for the silver tone + Which my memory holds alone._ + + _If I chant my little lays + Tunefully, be yours the praise; + If I fail, 'tis I must rue + Not t' have closelier followed you._ + + + + +CONTENTS. + + + Dedication + In my Nursery + The Baby's Future + Baby's Hand + The First Tooth + Johnny's By-low Song + Baby's Valentine + The Rain + The Ballad of the Fairy Spoon + Song of the Little Winds + Good-night Song + Another "Good-night" + "A Bee came tumbling" + Jingle + Little Old Baby + Baby's Journey + The Bumble-bee + The Owl and the Eel and the Warming-pan + Young (one)'s Night Thoughts + Little Sunbeam + Baby's Belongings + Infantry Tactics + Baby Bo + The Difference + Little John Bottlejohn + Jemima Brown + Alice's Supper + Toddlekins + Bobbily Boo and Wollypotump + Sleepyland + Little Brown Bobby + Phil's Secret + A Song for Hal + The Fairies + The Queen of the Orkney Islands + Baby's Ways + Pot and Kettle + Punkydoodle and Jollapin + Mrs. Snipkin and Mrs. Wobblechin + My Sunbeams + In the Closet + Bed-time + Bird-song + Geographi + Higgledy-piggledy + Belinda Blonde + Tommy's Dream; or, The Geography Demon + Polly's Year + What the Robins sing in the Morning + The Eve of the Glorious Fourth + The Dandy Cat + A Party + Jumbo Jee + An Indian Ballad + The Egg + Wouldn't + Will-o'-the-wisp + Nonsense Verses + An Old Rat's Tale + To the Little Girl who wriggles + The Forty little Ducklings + The Mouse + A Valentine + Jamie in the Garden + Somebody's Boy (not mine) + Bogy + The Mermaidens + The Phrisky Phrog + The Ambitious Chicken + The Boy and the Brook + The Shark + The Easter Hen + Pump and Planet + The Postman + Hopsy Upsy + Little Black Monkey + Jippy and Jimmy + Master Jack's Song + Mother Rosebush + The Five Little Princesses + The Hornet and the Bee + The Three Little Chickens who went out to Tea + A Legend of Lake Okeefinokee + Grandpapa's Valentine + Alibazan + The Three Fishers + Peepsy + May Song + Two Little Valentines + A Howl about an Owl + Our Celebration + The Song of the Corn-popper + What Bobby said + Master Jack's Views + Emily Jane + Song of the Mother whose Children are Fond of Drawing + The Seven Little Tigers and the Aged Cook + Agamemnon + The Wedding + Swing Song + The Little Cossack + What a Very Rude Little Bird said to Johnny this Morning + The Monkeys and the Crocodile + Painted Ladies + Some Fishy Nonsense + Lady's Slipper + A Little Song to sing to a Little Maid in a Swing + Betty in Blossom-time + Betty's Song + A Nonsense Tragedy + From New York to Boston + Sandy Godolphin + My Clock + My Uncle Jehoshaphat + Rosy Posy + Sick-room Fancies. + I. My Wall Paper + II. My Japanese Fan + Marjorie's Knitting + He and His Family + Easter-time + Easter + Jacky Frost + Subtraction + Grandfather Dear + Gathering Apples + The Ballad of the Beach + The Boots of a Household + The Palace + Bunker Hill Monument + May + Gregory Griggs + A Nursery Tragedy + The Umbrella Brigade + The Princess in Saturn and the Red Man in Mars + Wiggle and Waggle + Gret Gran'f'ther + Day Dreams + The Battle + The Strange Beast + A Garden Jingle + The Baby goes to Boston + The Flag in the Schoolroom + Johnny Jump-up + The Outlandishman + A Sleigh-ride + The Little Gnome + The Little Dutchess + + + + +IN MY NURSERY. + + + In my nursery as I sit, + To and fro the children flit: + Rosy Alice, eldest born, + Rosalind like summer morn, + Sturdy Hal, as brown as berry, + Little Julia, shy and merry, + John the King, who rules us all, + And the Baby sweet and small. + + Flitting, flitting to and fro, + Light they come and light they go: + And their presence fair and young + Still I weave into my song. + Here rings out their merry laughter, + Here their speech comes tripping after: + Here their pranks, their sportive ways, + Flash along the lyric maze, + Till I hardly know, in fine, + What is theirs and what is mine: + Can but say, through wind and weather, + They and I have wrought together. + + + + +THE BABY'S FUTURE. + + + What will the baby be, Mamma, + (With a kick and a crow, and a hushaby-low). + What will the baby be, Mamma, + When he grows up into a man? + Will he always kick, and always crow, + And flourish his arms and his legs about so, + And make up such horrible faces, you know, + As ugly as ever he can? + + The baby he may be a soldier, my dear, + With a fife and a drum, and a rum-tiddy-tum! + The baby he may be a soldier, my dear, + When he grows up into a man. + He will draw up his regiment all in a row, + And flourish his sword in the face of the foe, + Who will hie them away on a tremulous toe, + As quickly as ever they can. + + The baby he may be a sailor, my dear, + With a fore and an aft, and a tight little craft + The baby he may be a sailor, my dear, + When he grows up into a man. + He will hoist his sails with a "Yo! heave, ho!" + And take in his reefs when it comes on to blow, + And shiver his timbers and so forth, you know, + On a genuine nautical plan. + + The baby he may be a doctor, my dear, + With a powder and pill, and a nice little bill. + The baby he may be a doctor, my dear, + When he grows up into a man. + He will dose you with rhubarb, and calomel too, + With draughts that are black and with pills that are blue; + And the chances will be, when he's finished with you, + You'll be worse off than when he began. + + The baby he may be a lawyer, my dear, + With a bag and a fee, and a legal decree. + The baby he may be a lawyer, my dear, + When he grows up into a man. + But, oh! dear me, should I tell to you + The terrible things that a lawyer can do, + You would take to your heels when he came into view, + And run from Beersheba to Dan. + + + + +BABY'S HAND. + + + Like a little crumpled roseleaf + It lies on my bosom now, + Like a tiny sunset cloudlet, + Like a flake of rose-tinted snow; + And the pretty, helpless fingers + Are never a moment at rest, + But ever are moving and straying + About on the mother's breast: + Trying to grasp the sunbeam + That streams through the window high; + Trying to catch the white garments + Of the angels hovering by. + And as she pats and caresses + The dear little lovely hand, + The mother's thoughts go forward + Toward the future's shadowy land. + And ever her anxious vision + Strives to pierce each coming year, + With a mother's height of rapture, + With a mother's depth of fear, + As she thinks, "In the years that are coming, + Be they many or be they few, + What work is the good God sending + For this little hand to do? + Will it always be open in giving, + And always strong for the right? + Will it always be ready for labor, + Yet always gentle and light? + Will it wield the brush or the chisel + In the magical realms of Art? + Will it waken the loveliest music + To gladden the weary heart? + Will it smooth the sufferer's pillow, + Bring rest to his aching head? + Will it proffer the cup of cold water? + By it shall the hungry be fed? + Oh! in the years that are coming, + Be they many or be they few, + What now is the good God sending + For this little hand to do?" + Thus the mother's anxious vision + Strives to pierce each coming year, + With a mother's height of rapture, + With a mother's depth of fear. + Ah! whatever may be its fortunes, + Whatever in life its part, + This little wee hand will never loose + Its hold on the mother's heart. + + + + +THE FIRST TOOTH. + + + My own little beautiful Baby, + You're weeping most bitterly, dear! + There'd soon be a lake, if we treasured + Each sweet little silvery tear. + + A lake? Nay! an ocean of sorrow + Would murmur and sigh at your feet, + And you would be drowned in your tear-drops, + My own little Baby sweet. + + But, darling, as in the wide ocean + The divers plunge boldly down, + And bring up the radiant pearl-drops + To set in some royal crown, + + E'en so from the sea of your sorrow, + This dolorous "fountain of youth," + Will come, ere a week be over, + A little wee pearly tooth. + + And then the tears will all vanish, + Dried up by the sunshine of smiles; + And we'll have back our own little Alice, + With her merriest frolics and wiles. + + And whenever you laugh, my Baby, + Through all your life's happy years, + You'll show us the radiant pearl-drop + That you brought from the ocean of tears. + + + + +JOHNNY'S BY-LOW SONG. + + + Here on our rock-away horse we go, + Johnny and I, to a land we know,-- + Far away in the sunset gold, + A lovelier land than can be told. + + _Chorus._ Where all the flowers go niddlety nod, + Nod, nod, niddlety nod! + Where all the flowers go niddlety nod, + And all the birds sing by-low! + Lullaby, lullaby, by-low. + + The gates are ivory set with pearls, + One for the boys, and one for the girls: + So shut your bonny two eyes of blue, + Or else they never will let you through. + + _Chorus._ Where all the flowers go niddlety nod, + Nod, nod, niddlety nod! + Where all the flowers go niddlety nod, + And all the birds sing by-low! + Lullaby, lullaby, by-low. + + But what are the children all about? + There's never a laugh and never a shout. + Why, they all fell asleep, dear, long ago; + For how could they keep awake, you know? + + _Chorus._ When all the flowers went niddlety nod, + Nod, nod, niddlety nod! + When all the flowers went niddlety nod, + And all the birds sang by-low! + Lullaby, lullaby, by-low. + + And each little brown or golden head + Is pillowed soft in a satin bed,-- + A satin bed with sheets of silk, + As soft as down and as white as milk. + + _Chorus_. And all the flowers go niddlety nod, + Nod, nod, niddlety nod! + And all the flowers go niddlety nod, + And all the birds sing by-low! + Lullaby, lullaby, by-low. + + The brook in its sleep goes babbling by, + And the fat little clouds are asleep in the sky; + And now little Johnny is sleeping too, + So open the gates and pass him through. + + _Chorus_. Where all the flowers go niddlety nod, + Nod, nod, niddlety nod! + Where all the flowers go niddlety nod, + And all the birds sing by-low! + Lullaby, lullaby, by-low. + + + + +BABY'S VALENTINE. + + + Valentine, O Valentine, + Pretty little Love of mine; + Little Love whose yellow hair + Makes the daffodils despair; + Little Love whose shining eyes + Fill the stars with sad surprise: + Hither turn your ten wee toes, + Each a tiny shut-up rose, + End most fitting and complete + For the rosy-pinky feet; + Toddle, toddle here to me, + For I'm waiting, do you see?-- + Waiting for to call you mine, + Valentine, O Valentine! + + Valentine, O Valentine, + I will dress you up so fine! + Here's a frock of tulip-leaves, + Trimmed with lace the spider weaves; + Here's a cap of larkspur blue, + Just precisely made for you; + Here's a mantle scarlet-dyed, + Once the tiger-lily's pride, + Spotted all with velvet black + Like the fire-beetle's back; + Lady-slippers on your feet, + Now behold you all complete! + Come and let me call you mine, + Valentine, O Valentine! + + Valentine, O Valentine, + Now a wreath for you I'll twine. + I will set you on a throne + Where the damask rose has blown, + Dropping all her velvet bloom, + Carpeting your leafy room: + Here while you shall sit in pride, + Butterflies all rainbow-pied, + Dandy beetles gold and green, + Creeping, flying, shall be seen, + Every bird that shakes his wings, + Every katydid that sings, + Wasp and bee with buzz and hum. + Hither, hither see them come, + Creeping all before your feet, + Rendering their homage meet. + But 'tis I that call you mine, + Valentine, O Valentine! + + + + +THE RAIN. + + + The rain came down from the sky, + And we asked it the reason why + It would ne'er stay away + On washing day, + To let our poor clothes get dry. + + The rain came down on the ground, + With a clattering, pelting sound, + "Indeed, if I stayed + Till you called me," it said, + "I should not come all the year round!" + + + +THE BALLAD OF THE FAIRY SPOON. + + + The little wee baby came tripping + All out of the fairy land, + With a nosegay of fairy flowers + Clasped close in each little wee hand; + + The flower of baby beauty, + The flower of baby health, + And all the blossomy sweetness + That makes up a baby's wealth. + + But still he kept sighing and sobbing, + Sighing and sobbing away, + Till I said, "Now what ails my Baby, + And why does he cry all day?" + + And he answered, "Oh! as I came tripping, + I spied a rose by the way: + And on it the loveliest dewdrop + I'd seen since I came away. + + "But as I was stooping to sip it, + A wind came up from the south; + And it blew my little wee spoonie + Away from my little wee mouth." + + "And what was your little wee spoonie? + And what does my Baby mean?" + "Oh! the little wee fairy spoonie + That was given me by the queen. + + "For whenever a baby leaves her, + The queen she grants him a boon,-- + She fills both his hands with flowers, + And puts in his mouth a spoon. + + "And some are made of the hazel, + And some are made of the horn; + And some are made of the silver white, + For the good-luck babes that are born." + + "But what are they for, my Baby?" + "Nay! that part I cannot tell! + But send for the fairy Spoonman, + For he knows it all right well. + + "Oh! the little old fairy Spoonman, + He lives in the white, white moon. + Send a whisper up by a moonbeam, + And he will be down here soon." + + Then I whispered along a moonbeam + That silvered the grass so clear, + "Oh! little old fairy Spoonman, + Come down and comfort my dear!" + + Then something came sliding, sliding + Down out of the white, white moon. + And something came gliding, gliding + Straight in at my window soon. + + And there stood a little old fairy, + All bent and withered and black, + With a leathern apron about him, + And a bundle of spoons at his back. + + And first he looked at my baby, + And then he looked at me; + And then he looked at his apron, + But never a word spake he. + + "Oh! Spoonman dear," said the baby, + "The wind blew my spoon away. + So now will you give me another, + You little black Spoonman, pray? + + "For I did not lose my spoonie, + Nor drop it carelessly; + But a wind came up to my poor little mouth, + And blew it away from me." + + "Now well for you," said the Spoonman, + "Little Baby, if this be so. + For if you had carelessly lost your spoon, + Without it through life you'd go. + + "And well for you, little Baby, + If you know your spoon again. + For but if you know the very same one, + Your asking will be in vain. + + "So say: was it made of the hazel, + Or was it made of the horn, + Or was it made of the silver white, + If a good-luck babe you were born?" + + "Oh! it was nor horn nor hazel, + But all of the silver bright; + For a good-luck babe I was born indeed, + To be my Mammy's delight." + + "Then take your spoon, little Baby, + With the fairies' blessing free, + For the south wind blew it around the world, + And blew it again to me." + + With that he gave to my baby + The tiniest silver spoon. + Then out he slipped in the moonlight, + And we lost him from sight right soon. + + Now some may think I am foolish, + And some may think I am mad; + But never once since that very night + Has my baby been cross or sad. + + And I counsel all anxious mothers + Whose babies are crying in pain, + To send for the fairy Spoonman, + And get them their spoons again. + + + + +SONG OF THE LITTLE WINDS. + + + The birdies may sleep, but the winds must wake + Early and late, for the birdies' sake. + Kissing them, fanning them, soft and sweet, + E'en till the dark and the dawning meet. + + The flowers may sleep, but the winds must wake + Early and late, for the flowers' sake. + Rocking the buds on the rose-mother's breast, + Swinging the hyacinth-bells to rest. + + The children may sleep, but the winds must wake + Early and late, for the children's sake. + Singing so sweet in each little one's ear, + He thinks his mother's own song to hear. + + + + +GOOD-NIGHT SONG. + + + Good-night, Sun! go to bed! + Take your crown from your shining head. + Now put on your gray night-cap, + And shut your eyes for a good long nap. + + Good-night, Sky, bright and blue! + Not a wink of sleep for you. + You must watch us all the night, + With your twinkling eyes so bright. + + Good-night, flowers! now shut up + Every swinging bell and cup. + Take your sleeping-draught of dew: + Pleasant dreams to all of you! + + Good-night, birds, that sweetly sing! + Little head 'neath little wing! + Every leaf upon the tree + Soft shall sing your lullaby. + + Last to you, little child, + Sleep is coming soft and mild. + Now he shuts your blue eyes bright: + Little Baby dear, good-night! + + + + +ANOTHER "GOOD-NIGHT." + + + Birds, birds, in the linden-tree, + Low, low let your music be! + Bees, bees, in the garden bloom, + Hushed, hushed be your drowsy hum! + Wind, wind, through the lattice waft + Still, still, thy breathing soft! + Flowers, sweet be the breath you shed: + Two little children are going to bed. + + Eyes, eyes, 'neath your curtains white, + Veiled, veiled be the sunny light! + Lips, lips, like the roses red, + Soft, soft be your sweet prayers said! + Feet, feet, that have danced all day, + Now, now must your dancing stay. + Low, low lay each golden head! + Two little children are going to bed. + + + + +"A BEE CAME TUMBLING" + + + A bee came tumbling into my ear, + And what do you think he remarked, my dear? + He said that two tens make up a score, + And really and truly I knew that before. + + + + +JINGLE. + + + I jumped on the back of a dragon-fly, + And flew and flew till I reached the sky. + + I pulled down a cloud that was hiding the blue, + And all the wee stars came tumbling through. + + They tumbled down and they tumbled round, + And turned into flowers as they touched the ground. + + So come with me, little children, come, + And down in the meadow I'll pick you some. + + + + +LITTLE OLD BABY. + + + Little old baby, pretty old baby, + Screams and cries at his little old bath, + Pours on the head of his little old mother + All the full vials of baby wrath. + + Little old baby, pretty old baby, + If you could see just how queer you look,-- + Arms and legs in a knot together, + Face twisted up in a terrible crook,-- + + How you would straighten out every feature, + Masculine vanity all aflame! + Fie! what a noise from a little wee creature! + _Did_ they abuse him! and _was_ it a shame! + + Little old baby, pretty old baby, + Curls himself over and goes to sleep. + Ah! such is life, my little old baby, + Sleep and forget it, or wake and weep! + + + + +BABY'S JOURNEY. + + + Hoppety hoppety ho! + Where shall the baby go? + Over dale and down, + To Limerick town, + And there shall the baby go. + + Hoppety hoppety ho! + _How_ shall the baby go? + In a coach-and-seven, + With grooms eleven, + And so shall the baby go. + + Hoppety hoppety ho! + _When_ shall the baby go? + In the afternoon, + By the light of the moon, + And then shall the baby go. + + Hoppety hoppety ho! + _Why_ shall the baby go? + To dance a new jig, + And to buy a new wig, + And _that's_ why the baby shall go. + + + + +THE BUMBLEBEE. + + + The bumblebee, the bumblebee, + He flew to the top of the tulip-tree. + He flew to the top, but he could not stop, + For he had to get home to his early tea. + + The bumblebee, the bumblebee, + He flew away from the tulip-tree; + But he made a mistake, and flew into the lake, + And he never got home to his early tea. + + + + +THE OWL AND THE EEL AND THE WARMING-PAN. + + + The owl and the eel and the warming-pan, + They went to call on the soap-fat man. + The soap-fat man he was not within: + He'd gone for a ride on his rolling-pin. + So they all came back by the way of the town, + And turned the meeting-house upside down. + + + + +YOUNG (ONE)'S NIGHT THOUGHTS. + + + "Hi!" said the baby. + "Ho!" said the baby. + "Ha!" said the baby, + "I won't go to sleep! + Naughty old mother, + You make such a pother, + Just for to bother + You, awake I will keep. + + "Dance!" said the baby. + "Prance!" said the baby. + "Perchance," said the baby, + "You think I'm a goose. + Vainly you're dreaming + Of rest, and your scheming + To silence my screaming + Is all of no use. + + "Sing!" said the baby. + "Ring!" said the baby. + "Bring," said the baby, + "My rattles and toys. + Still I will weep, oh! + Awake I will keep, oh! + _Won't_ go to sleep, oh! + _Will_ make a noise! + + "Walk!" said the baby. + "Talk!" said the baby. + "I'll balk," said the baby, + "Your efforts, one and all. + + Still I'll be scorning, + When, towards the morning, + Without any warning + Asleep I will fall." + + + + +LITTLE SUNBEAM. + + + Little yellow Sunbeam, + Waking up one day, + Down into the garden + Took her shining way; + Merrily went dancing + Down the morning air, + Shaking out the sparkles + From her golden hair. + + Little yellow Sunbeam + Twinkled all about, + Down among the green leaves + Flitting in and out. + Waking up the daisies + From their morning doze, + Ringing up the lily-bells, + Knocking up the rose. + + Little yellow Sunbeam, + Climbing up the wall, + On the baby's window + Happened for to fall. + In the little chamber + As she took a peep, + There she saw the Lovely One + Lying fast asleep. + + Little yellow Sunbeam + Tripped into the room, + Sweeping out the darkness + With her golden broom. + All the little shadows, + Glimmering and gray, + Gathered up their dusky skirts, + Softly slid away. + + Little yellow Sunbeam, + Flitting to the bed, + Merrily went dancing + Round the baby's head. + Suddenly there flashed out, + To her great surprise, + Other little sunbeams + From the baby's eyes. + + Little yellow Sunbeam + Said, "How can this be? + Whence these little sparklers + So unlike to me? + Scarce I think they can be + Sunbeams real and true, + For we all are yellow; + These are lovely blue." + + Little yellow Sunbeam + Flew back to the sky. + Running to her father, + She began to cry: + "Father, you must vanish! + Run and hide your head! + There's a brighter sun than you + In the baby's bed." + + + + +BABY'S BELONGINGS. + + + Here are the baby's bonny blue eyes. + What shall we give her to see? + A calico doll and a parrotty poll, + As funny as funny can be. + + Here are the baby's little pink ears. + What shall we give her to hear? + A bell that will ring, and a bird that will sing, + And a brook that goes tinkling clear. + + Here is the baby's little wee nose. + What shall we give her to smell? + A hyacinth blue and a violet too, + And roses and lilies as well. + + Here is the baby's pretty red mouth. + What shall we give her to eat? + A sugary heart and a raspberry tart, + And everything else that is sweet. + + And here are the baby's little fat hands. + What shall we give her to hold? + A sunbeam? That's right! and a rainbow bright, + And plenty of silver and gold. + + + + +INFANTRY TACTICS. + + + _Present arms!_ There they are, + Both stretched out to me. + Strong and sturdy, smooth and white, + Fair as arms may be. + + _Ground arms!_ on the floor, + Picking up his toys: + Breaking all within his reach, + Busiest of boys. + + _Right wheel!_ off his cart, + Left wheel too is gone. + Horsey's head is broken off, + Horsey's tail is torn. + + _Quick step_, forward march! + Crying, too, he comes. + Had a battle with the cat. + "Scratched off bofe my fums!" + + _Shoulder arms!_ Here at last, + Round my neck they close. + Poor little soldier boy + Off to quarters goes. + + + + +BABY BO. + + + Fly away, fly away, Birdie oh! + Bring something home to my Baby Bo! + Bring him a feather and bring him a song, + And sing to him sweetly all the day long. + + Hoppety, kickety, Grasshopper oh! + Bring something home to my Baby Bo! + Bring him a thistle and bring him a thorn, + Hop over his head and then be gone. + + Howlibus, gowlibus, Doggibus oh! + Bring something home to my Baby Bo! + Bring him a snarl and bring him a snap, + And bring him a posy to put in his cap. + + Twinkily, winkily, Firefly oh! + Bring something home to my Baby Bo! + Bring him a moonbeam and bring him a star, + Then twinkily, winkily, fly away far. + + + + +THE DIFFERENCE. + + + Eight fingers, + Ten toes, + Two eyes, + And one nose. + Baby said + When she smelt the rose, + "Oh! what a pity + I've only one nose!" + + Ten teeth + In even rows, + Three dimples, + And one nose. + Baby said + When she smelt the snuff, + "Deary me! + One nose is enough." + + + + +LITTLE JOHN BOTTLEJOHN. + + + Little John Bottlejohn lived on the hill, + And a blithe little man was he. + And he won the heart of a pretty mermaid + Who lived in the deep blue sea. + And every evening she used to sit + And sing on the rocks by the sea, + "Oh! little John Bottlejohn, pretty John Bottlejohn, + Won't you come out to me?" + + Little John Bottlejohn heard her song, + And he opened his little door. + And he hopped and he skipped, and he skipped and he hopped, + Until he came down to the shore. + And there on the rocks sat the little mermaid, + And still she was singing so free, + "Oh! little John Bottlejohn, pretty John Bottlejohn, + Won't you come out to me?" + + Little John Bottlejohn made a bow, + And the mermaid, she made one too, + And she said, "Oh! I never saw any one half + So perfectly sweet as you! + In my lovely home 'neath the ocean foam, + How happy we both might be! + Oh! little John Bottlejohn, pretty John Bottlejohn, + Won't you come down with me?" + + Little John Bottlejohn said, "Oh yes! + I'll willingly go with you. + And I never shall quail at the sight of your tail, + For perhaps I may grow one too." + So he took her hand, and he left the land, + And plunged in the foaming main. + And little John Bottlejohn, pretty John Bottlejohn, + Never was seen again. + + + + +JEMIMA BROWN. + + + I. + + Bring her here, my little Alice, + Poor Jemima Brown! + Make the little cradle ready! + Softly lay her down! + Once she lived in ease and comfort, + Slept on couch of down; + Now upon the floor she's lying, + Poor Jemima Brown! + + + II. + + Once she was a lovely dolly, + Rosy-cheeked and fair, + With her eyes of brightest azure + And her golden hair; + Now, alas! no hair's remaining + On her poor old crown; + And the crown itself is broken, + Poor Jemima Brown! + + + III. + + Once her legs were smooth and comely, + And her nose was straight; + And that arm, now hanging lonely, + Had, methinks, a mate. + And she was as finely dressed as + Any doll in town. + Now she's old, forlorn, and ragged, + Poor Jemima Brown! + + + IV. + + Yet be kind to her, my Alice; + 'Tis no fault of hers + If her wilful little mistress + Other dolls prefers. + Did _she_ pull her pretty hair out? + Did _she_ break her crown? + Did _she_ pull her arms and legs off, + Poor Jemima Brown? + + + V. + + Little hands that did the mischief, + You must do your best + Now to give the poor old dolly + Comfortable rest. + So we'll make the cradle ready, + And we'll lay her down; + And we'll ask Papa to mend her, + Poor Jemima Brown! + + + + +ALICE'S SUPPER. + + + Far down in the meadow the wheat grows green, + And the reapers are whetting their sickles so keen; + And this is the song that I hear them sing, + While cheery and loud their voices ring: + "'Tis the finest wheat that ever did grow! + And it is for Alice's supper, ho! ho!" + + Far down in the valley the old mill stands, + And the miller is rubbing his dusty white hands; + And these are the words of the miller's lay, + As he watches the millstones a-grinding away: + "'Tis the finest flour that money can buy, + And it is for Alice's supper, hi! hi!" + + Downstairs in the kitchen the fire doth glow, + And Maggie is kneading the soft white dough, + And this is the song that she's singing to-day, + While merry and busy she's working away: + "'Tis the finest dough, by near or by far, + And it is for Alice's supper, ha! ha!" + + And now to the nursery comes Nannie at last, + And what in her hand is she bringing so fast? + 'Tis a plate full of something all yellow and white, + And she sings as she comes with her smile so bright: + "'Tis the best bread-and-butter I ever did see! + And it is for Alice's supper, he! he!" + + + + +TODDLEKINS. + + + Butterfly, + Flutter by, + Through the summer air; + Roses bloom, + Sweet perfume + Shedding everywhere; + Robins sing, + Bluebells ring + Greeting to my dear, + When her sweet + Tiny feet + Bring her toddling here. + + Pitapat! + Little fat + Funny baby toes! + Do not stumble, + Or she'll tumble + On her baby nose. + Closer cling, + Little thing, + To your mother's side, + Baby mine, + Fair and fine, + Mother's joy and pride. + + + + +BOBBILY BOO AND WOLLYPOTUMP. + + + Bobbily Boo, the king so free, + He used to drink the Mango tea. + Mango tea and coffee, too, + He drank them both till his nose turned blue. + + Wollypotump, the queen so high, + She used to eat the Gumbo pie. + Gumbo pie and Gumbo cake, + She ate them both till her teeth did break. + + Bobbily Boo and Wollypotump, + Each called the other a greedy frump. + And when these terrible words were said, + They sat and cried till they both were dead. + + + + +SLEEPYLAND. + + + Baby's been in Sleepyland, + Over the hills, over the hills. + Baby's been in Sleepyland + All the rainy morning. + From the cradle where she lay, + Up she jumped and flew away, + For Sleepyland is bright and gay + Every rainy morning. + + What did you see in Sleepyland, + Baby littlest, Baby prettiest? + What did you see in Sleepyland, + All the rainy morning? + Saw the sun that shone so twinkily, + Saw the grass that waved so crinkily, + Saw the brook that flowed so tinkily, + All the lovely morning. + + What did you hear in Sleepyland, + Over the hills, over the hills? + What did you hear in Sleepyland, + All the rainy morning? + Heard the winds that wooed so wooingly, + Heard the doves that cooed so cooingly, + Heard the cows that mooed so mooingly, + All the lovely morning. + + What did you do in Sleepyland, + Baby littlest, Baby prettiest? + What did you do in Sleepyland, + All the rainy morning? + Sang a song with a blue canary, + Danced a dance with a golden fairy, + Rode about on a cinnamon beary, + All the lovely morning. + + Would I could go to Sleepyland, + Over the hills, over the hills; + Would I could go to Sleepyland, + Every rainy morning. + But to Sleepyland, as I have been told, + No one may go after three years old, + So poor old Mammy stays out in the cold, + Every rainy morning. + + + + +Little Brown Bobby. + + + Little Brown Bobby sat on the barn floor + Little Brown Bobby looked in at the door, + Little Brown Bobby said "Lackaday! + Who'll drive me this little brown bobby away?" + Little Brown Bobby said "Shoo! shoo! shoo!" + Little Brown Bobby said "Moo! moo! moo!" + This frightened them so that both of them cried, + And wished they were back at their Mammy's side! + + + + +PHIL'S SECRET. + + + I know a little girl, + But I won't tell who! + Her hair is of the gold, + And her eyes are of the blue. + Her smile is of the sweet, + And her heart is of the true. + Such a pretty little girl!-- + But I won't tell who. + + I see her every day, + But I won't tell where! + It may be in the lane, + By the thorn-tree there. + It may be in the garden, + By the rose-beds fair. + Such a pretty little girl!-- + But I won't tell where. + + I'll marry her some day, + But I won't tell when! + The very smallest boys + Make the very biggest men. + When I'm as tall as father, + You may ask about it then. + Such a pretty little girl!-- + But I won't tell when. + + + + +A SONG FOR HAL. + + + Once I saw a little boat, and a pretty, pretty boat, + When daybreak the hills was adorning, + And into it I jumped, and away I did float, + So very, very early in the morning. + + _Chorus._ And every little wave had its nightcap on, + Its nightcap, white cap, nightcap on. + And every little wave had its nightcap on, + So very, very early in the morning. + + All the fishes were asleep in their caves cool and deep, + When the ripple round my keel flashed a warning. + Said the minnow to the skate, "We must certainly be late, + Though I thought 'twas very early in the morning." + + _Chorus._ For every little wave has its nightcap on, + Its nightcap, white cap, nightcap on. + For every little wave has its nightcap on, + So very, very early in the morning. + + The lobster darkly green soon appeared upon the scene, + And pearly drops his claws were adorning. + Quoth he, "May I be boiled, if I'll have my slumber spoiled, + So very, very early in the morning!" + + _Chorus._ For every little wave has its nightcap on, + Its nightcap, white cap, nightcap on, + For every little wave has its nightcap on, + So very, very early in the morning. + + Said the sturgeon to the eel, "Just imagine how I feel, + Thus roused without a syllable of warning. + People ought to let us know when a-sailing they would go, + So very, very early in the morning." + + _Chorus._ When every little wave has its nightcap on, + Its nightcap, white cap, nightcap on. + When every little wave has its nightcap on, + So very, very early in the morning. + + Just then up jumped the sun, and the fishes every one + For their laziness at once fell a-mourning. + But I stayed to hear no more, for my boat had reached the shore, + So very, very early in the morning. + + _Chorus._ And every little wave took its nightcap off, + Its nightcap, white cap, nightcap off. + And every little wave took its nightcap off, + And courtesied to the sun in the morning. + + + + +THE FAIRIES. + + + Is it true, my mother? + Can it really be, + That the little fairies + Every day you see? + Oh! the little fairies, + Wonderful and wise, + Have you really seen them + With your own two eyes? + + Tell me where their home is, + Dearest mother mine. + Is it in the garden + 'Neath the clustering vine? + Is it in the meadow, + 'Mid the grasses tall? + Is it by the brookside, + Sweetest place of all? + + Deep within the woodland, + Shall I find them then,-- + Pretty little maidens, + Pretty little men; + Curled among the roseleaves, + Stretched along the fern, + Where no wind can shake them, + And no sunbeams burn? + + Does the little queen live + In a great red rose, + Twenty elves to fan her + When to sleep she goes; + Coverlet of lilies + Sprinkled o'er with pearls, + Golden stars a-twinkling + In her golden curls? + + Do they paint the flowers? + Do they teach the birds + All their lovely music, + With its strange, sweet words? + Oh! but tell me, mother! + Is it really true? + And when next you seek them, + Will you take me too? + + True it is, my darling, + True as true can be, + That the little fairies + Every day I see, + Not within the meadow, + Not in woodland gloom, + But in brightest sunshine, + In this very room. + + Singing like the robin, + Chirping like the wren, + Pretty little maidens, + Pretty little men; + Leaning o'er my shoulder, + Swinging on my chair, + Oh! the little fairies, + I see them everywhere. + + Peeping at the window, + Peeping at the door, + If I bid them scamper, + Peeping all the more. + Little sweetest voices + Laughing merrily, + Oh! the little fairies, + They'll never let me be. + + Tugging at my apron, + Twitching at my gown, + Climbing up into my lap, + Rumble-tumbling down. + Naughty little blue eyes, + Full of impish glee, + Oh! the little fairies, + They'll never let me be! + + All are kings and queens, dear, + Every smallest one; + And on mother's knee here + Is their regal throne. + Look into the glass, dear! + One of them you'll see. + Oh! the little fairies, + God bless them all for me! + + + + +THE QUEEN OF THE ORKNEY ISLANDS. + + + Oh! the Queen of the Orkney Islands, + She's travelling over the sea: + She's bringing a beautiful cuttlefish, + To play with my baby and me. + + Oh! his head is three miles long, my dear, + His tail is three miles short. + And when he goes out he wriggles his snout, + In a way that no cuttlefish ought. + + Oh! the Queen of the Orkney Islands, + She rides on a sea-green whale. + He takes her a mile, with an elegant smile, + At every flip of his tail. + + He can snuffle and snore like a Highlandman, + And swear like a Portugee; + He can amble and prance like a peer of France, + And lie like a heathen Chinee. + + [Illustration: QUEEN OF THE ORKNEY ISLANDS.] + + Oh! the Queen of the Orkney Islands, + She dresses in wonderful taste. + The sea-serpent coils, all painted in oils, + Around her bee-yu-tiful waist. + + Oh! her gown is made of the green sea-kale; + And though she knows nothing of feet, + She can manage her train, with an air of disdain, + In a way that is perfectly sweet. + + Oh! the Queen of the Orkney Islands, + She's travelling over the main. + So we'll hire a hack, and we'll take her straight back + To her beautiful Islands again. + + + + +BABY'S WAYS. + + + Toddle, toddle, waddle, waddle, + On her little pinky toes. + Stumble, stumble, pitch and tumble, + That's the way the baby goes. + + Prattle, prattle, rattle, rattle, + Little shouts and little shrieks, + Tears, with laughter coming after, + That's the way the baby speaks. + + Playing, toying, still enjoying + Every sweet that Nature gives. + Smiling, weeping, waking, sleeping, + That's the way the baby lives. + + + + +POT AND KETTLE. + + [_To be read to little boys and girls who quarrel with each + other._] + + + "Oho! Oho!" said the pot to the kettle, + "You're dirty and ugly and black! + Sure no one would think you were made of metal, + Except when you're given a crack." + + "Not so! not so!" kettle said to the pot. + "'Tis your own dirty image you see. + For I am so clear, without blemish or blot, + That your blackness is mirrored in me." + + + + +PUNKYDOODLE AND JOLLAPIN. + + + Oh, Pillykin Willykin Winky Wee! + How does the Emperor take his tea? + He takes it with melons, he takes it with milk, + He takes it with syrup and sassafras silk. + He takes it without, he takes it within. + Oh, Punkydoodle and Jollapin! + + Oh, Pillykin Willykin Winky Wee! + How does the Cardinal take his tea? + He takes it in Latin, he takes it in Greek, + He takes it just seventy times in the week. + He takes it so strong that it makes him grin. + Oh, Punkydoodle and Jollapin! + + Oh, Pillykin Willykin Winky Wee! + How does the Admiral take his tea? + He takes it with splices, he takes it with spars, + He takes it with jokers and jolly jack tars. + And he stirs it round with a dolphin's fin. + Oh, Punkydoodle and Jollapin! + + Oh, Pillykin Willykin Winky Wee! + How does the President take his tea? + He takes it in bed, he takes it in school, + He takes it in Congress against the rule. + He takes it with brandy, and thinks it no sin. + Oh, Punkydoodle and Jollapin! + + + + +MRS. SNIPKIN AND MRS. WOBBLECHIN. + + + Skinny Mrs. Snipkin, + With her little pipkin, + Sat by the fireside a-warming of her toes. + Fat Mrs. Wobblechin, + With her little doublechin, + Sat by the window a-cooling of her nose. + + Says this one to that one, + "Oh! you silly fat one, + _Will_ you shut the window down? You're freezing me to death!" + Says that one to t'other one, + "Good gracious, how you bother one! + There isn't air enough for me to draw my precious breath!" + + Skinny Mrs. Snipkin, + Took her little pipkin, + Threw it straight across the room as hard as she could throw; + Hit Mrs. Wobblechin + On her little doublechin, + And out of the window a-tumble she did go. + + + + +MY SUNBEAMS. + + + Oh, what shall we do for the Lovely + This rainy, rainy day? + Oh! how shall we make the baby laugh, + When everything's dull and gray? + + The sun has gone on a picnic, + The moon has gone to bed, + The tiresome sky does nothing but cry, + As if its best friend were dead. + + Come hither, come hither, my Sunbeams! + Come one, and two, and three; + And now in a trice we'll have the room + As sunny as sunny can be. + + Come, dimpling, dimpling Dumpling, + Come, Rosy, Posy Rose, + Come, little boy Billy a-toddling round + On little fat tottering toes. + + Now twinkle, now twinkle, my Sunbeams! + Now twinkle and laugh and dance, + And brush me the gloom straight out of the room, + Nor leave it the ghost of a chance. + + Aha! see the Lovely smile now! + Aha! see her jump and crow! + As round and round, with laugh and dance, + My three merry Sunbeams go. + + And who cares now for the raindrops? + Who cares for the gloomy day, + When each little heart is doing its part + To make us all glad and gay? + + You moon, you may stay in bed now; + You sun, you may wander and roam; + And cry away, cry, you tiresome sky! + We've plenty of sunshine at home! + + + + +IN THE CLOSET. + + + They've took away the ball, + Oh dear! + And I'll never get it back, + I fear. + And now they've gone away, + And left me for to stay + All alone the livelong day, + In here. + + It was my ball, anyhow, + Not his: + For he never had a ball + Like this. + Such a coward you'll not see, + E'en if you should live to be + Old as Deuteronomy, + As he is. + + I'm sure I meant no harm, + None at all! + I just held out my hand + For the ball, + And--somehow--it hit his head. + Then his nose it went and bled, + And as if I 'd killed him dead + He did bawl. + + Mother said I was a naughty + Little wretch. + And Aunt Jane said the police + She would fetch. + And that nurse, who's always glad + Of a chance to make me mad, + Said, "indeed she never _had_ + Seen sech!" + + No! I never, never _will_ + Be good! + I'll go and be a babe + In the wood. + I'll run away to sea, + And a pirate I will be. + Then they'll never _dare_ call me + Rough and rude. + + How hungry I am getting! + Let me see! + I wonder what they're going to have + For tea. + Of course there will be jam + And--oh! that potted ham! + How unfortunate I am! + Dear me! + + Oh! it's growing very dark + In here. + And that shadow in the corner + Looks so queer! + Won't they bring me any light? + Must I stay in here all night? + I shall surely die of fright. + Oh dear! + + Mother, darling, will you _never_ + Come back? + _Oh! I'm sorry that I hit him + Such a crack!_ + Hark! yes, 'tis her voice I hear! + Now good-by to every fear! + For she's calling me her dear + Little Jack! + + + + +BED-TIME. + + + How many toes has the tootsey foot? + One, two, three, four, five. + Shut them all up in the little red sock, + Snugger than bees in a hive. + + How many fingers has little wee hand? + Four, and a little wee thumb. + Shut them up under the bedclothes tight, + For fear that Jack Frost should come. + + How many eyes has the Baby Bo? + Two, so shining and bright. + Shut them up under the little white lids. + And kiss them a loving good-night. + + + + +BIRD-SONG. + + + Sweet! sweet! sweet! sweet! + Sing we in the morning, + Sending up to heaven's blue our happy waking song; + Daily, gayly, our tiny home adorning, + Working all so merrily the whole day long. + + Sweet! sweet! sweet! sweet! + Sing we in the noontide; + Half the day is over now, half our work is done; + Neatly, featly, the moss and twigs are blended, + Feather, flower, leaf, and stems, all added one by one. + + Sweet! sweet! sweet! sweet! + Sing we in the evening; + Happy day is past, past, happy night begun; + Wooing, cooing, we nestle 'mid the branches, + Sinking down to rest with the sinking of the sun. + + Soft, soft, soft, soft, + Sleep we through the still night; + Tiny head 'neath tiny wing comfortably curled, + Singing, springing, with the breath of morning, + Waking up once more to all the wonder of the world. + + + + +GEOGRAPHI. + + [AIR: _There was a maid in my countree._] + + + There was a man in Manitobá, + The only man that ever was thar; + His name was Nicholas Jones McGee, + And he loved a maid in Mirimichi. + + _Chorus._ + + Sing ha! ha! ha! for Manitobá! + Sing he! he! he! for Mirimichi! + Sing hi! hi! hi! for Geographi! + And that's the lesson for you and me. + + There was a man in New Mexico, + He lost his grandmother out in the snow; + But his heart was light, and his ways were free, + So he bought him another in Santa Fé. + + _Chorus._ + + Sing ho! ho! ho! for New Mexico! + Sing he! he! he! for Santa Fé! + Sing hi! hi! hi! for Geographi! + And that's the lesson for you and me. + + There was a man in Austra-li-a, + He sat and wept on the new-mown hay; + He jumped on the tail of a kangaroo. + And rode till he came to Kalamazoo. + + _Chorus._ Sing hey! hey! hey! for Austra-li-a! + Sing hoo! hoo! hoo! for Kalamazoo! + Sing hi! hi! hi! for Geographi! + And that's the lesson for me and you. + + There was a man in Jiggerajum, + He went to sea in a kettle-drum; + He sailed away to the Salisbury Shore, + And I never set eyes on that man any more. + + _Chorus._ Sing hum! hum! hum! for Jiggerajum! + Sing haw! haw! haw! for the Salisbury Shore! + Sing hi! hi! hi! for Geographi! + And that's the lesson the whole world o'er. + + + + +HIGGLEDY-PIGGLEDY. + + + Higgledy-piggledy went to school, + Looking so nice and neat! + Clean little mittens on clean little hands, + Clean little shoes on his feet. + Jacket and trousers all nicely brushed, + Collar and cuffs like snow. + "See that you come home as neat to-night, + Higgledy-piggledy oh!" + + Higgledy-piggledy came from school, + In such a woful plight, + All the people he met on the road + Ran screaming away with fright. + One shoe gone for ever and aye, + T'other one stiff with mud, + Dirt-spattered jacket half torn from his back, + Mittens both lost in the wood. + + Higgledy-piggledy stayed in bed + All a long, pleasant day, + While his father fished for his other boot + In the roadside mud and clay. + All day long his mother must mend, + Wash and iron and sew, + Before she can make him fit to be seen, + Higgledy-piggledy oh! + + + + +BELINDA BLONDE. + + + Belinda Blonde was a beautiful doll, + With rosy-red cheeks and a flaxen poll. + Her lips were red, and her eyes were blue, + But to say she was happy would not be true; + For she pined for love of the great big Jack + Who lived in the Box so grim and black. + + She never had looked on the Jack his face; + But she fancied it shining with beauty and grace, + And all the day long she would murmur and pout, + Because Jack-in-the-box would never come out. + + "Oh, beautiful, beautiful Jack-in-the-box, + Undo your bolts and undo your locks! + The cupboard is shut, and there's no one about: + Oh! Jack-in-the-box, jump out! jump out!" + + But alas! alas! for Belinda Blonde, + And alas! alas! for her dreamings fond. + There soon was an end to all her doubt, + For Jack-in-the-box really _did_ jump out,-- + + Out with a crash and out with a spring, + Half black and half scarlet, a horrible thing. + Out with a yell and a shriek and a shout, + His great goggle-eyes glaring wildly about. + + "And what did Belinda do?" you say. + Alas! before she could get out of the way, + The monster struck her full on the head, + And with pain and with terror she fell down dead. + + +MORAL. + + Now all you dolls, both little and big, + With china crown and with curling wig, + Before you give way to affection fond, + Remember the fate of Belinda Blonde! + And unless you're fond of terrible knocks, + _Don't_ set your heart on a Jack-in-the-box! + + + + +TOMMY'S DREAM; OR, THE GEOGRAPHY DEMON. + + + I hate my geography lesson! + It's nothing but nonsense and names. + To bother me so every Thursday, + I think it's the greatest of shames. + The brooklets flow into the rivers, + The rivers flow into the sea; + For my part, I hope they enjoy it! + But what does it matter to me? + Of late even more I've disliked it, + More thoroughly odious it seems, + Ever since that sad night of last winter, + When I had that most frightful of dreams. + I'd studied two hours that evening, + On mountains and rivers and lakes; + + When I'd promised to go down to Grandpa's, + For one of Aunt Susan's plum-cakes. + She sent me one, though, and I ate it + On the stairs, before going to bed; + And those stupid old mountains and rivers + Were dancing all night through my head. + I dreamed that a horrible monster + Came suddenly into my room,-- + A frightful Geography Demon, + Enveloped in darkness and gloom. + His body and head like a mountain, + A volcano on top for hat; + His arms and his legs were like rivers, + With a brook round his neck for cravat. + He laid on my trembling shoulder + His fingers cold, clammy, and long; + And rolling his red eyes upon me, + He roared out this horrible song:-- + + "Come! come! rise and come + Away to the banks of the Muskingum! + It rolls o'er the plains of Timbuctoo, + With the Peak of Teneriffe just in view; + And the cataracts leap in the pale moonshine, + As they dance o'er the cliffs of Brandywine. + + "Flee! flee! rise and flee + Away to the banks of the Tombigbee! + We'll pass by Alaska's flowery strand, + Where the emerald towers of Pekin stand; + We'll pass it by, and we'll rest awhile + On Michillimackinack's tropic isle; + While the apes of Barbary frisk around, + And the parrots crow with a lovely sound. + + "Hie! hie! rise and hie + Away to the banks of the Yang-tse-kai! + There the giant mountains of Oshkosh stand, + And the icebergs gleam through the shifting sand; + While the elephant sits in the palm-tree high, + And the cannibal feasts upon bad-boy pie. + + "Go! go! rise and go + Away to the banks of the Hoang-ho! + There the Chickasaw sachem is making his tea, + And the kettle boils and waits for thee. + I'll smite thee, ho! and I'll lay thee low, + On the beautiful banks of the Hoang-ho!" + + These terrible words were still sounding + Like trumpets and drums through my head, + When the monster clutched tighter my shoulder, + And dragged me half out of the bed. + In terror I clung to the bedpost, + But the faithless bedpost broke; + I screamed out aloud in my anguish, + And suddenly--well--I awoke!!-- + No monster--no music--all silence, + Save mother's soft accents so mild: + "No, Father, you need not be anxious! + I know now what troubles the child. + I'll give him a little hot ginger + As soon as he's fairly awake; + His frightful Geography Demon + Is just his Aunt Susan's plum-cake!" + + + + +POLLY'S YEAR. + + + JANUARY 1. + + Come sit on my knee and tell me here, + Polly, my dear, Polly, my dear, + What do you mean to do this year? + + I mean to be good the whole year long, + And never do anything careless or wrong; + I mean to learn all my lessons right, + And do my sums, if I sit up all night. + I mean to keep all my frocks so clean, + Nurse never will say I'm "not fit to be seen." + I mean not to break even one of my toys, + And I never, oh! _never_ will make any noise. + In short, Uncle Ned, as you'll very soon see, + The best little girl in the world I shall be. + + +DECEMBER 31. + + Come sit on my knee and let me hear, + Polly, my dear, Polly, my dear, + What you have done in the course of the year. + + Oh dear! Uncle Ned, oh dear! and oh dear! + I'm afraid it has _not_ been a very good year. + For somehow my sums _would_ come out wrong, + And somehow my frocks wouldn't stay clean long. + And somehow I've often been dreadfully cross, + And somehow I broke my new rocking-horse. + And somehow Nurse says I have made such a noise, + I might just as well have been one of the boys. + In short, Uncle Ned, I very much fear + You must wait for my goodness another year. + + + + +WHAT THE ROBINS SING IN THE MORNING. + + + Wake! wake! children, wake! + Here we're singing for your sake, + Chirrup! chirrup! chirrup! chee! + Sweet a song as sweet can be. + + Rise! rise! children, rise! + Shake the poppies from your eyes. + Sweet! sweet! chirrup! tweet! + Morning blossoms at your feet. + + Song and sweetness, dawn and dew, + All are waiting now for you. + Wake! wake! children, wake! + Here we're singing for your sake. + + + + +THE EVE OF THE GLORIOUS FOURTH. + + + I. + + Robby and Bobby and Billy and Ned, + Philip and Peter and Guy, + They vowed, every one, they'd have glorious fun + On the glorious Fourth of July. + They spent all their money on trumpets and drums, + On fish-horns and pistols and guns, + On elephant crackers (which they pronounced "whackers"), + On toffee, torpedoes, and buns. + + + II. + + Robby and Bobby and Billy and Ned, + Philip and Peter and Guy, + They said with delight, "We will sit up all night, + To make ready for Fourth of July. + We will beat on our drums till the constable comes, + And then we will hasten away. + We will toot the gay horn till the coming of morn, + The morn of the glorious day." + + + III. + + Robby and Bobby and Billy and Ned, + Philip and Peter and Guy, + They made such a noise that the other small boys + With envy were ready to die. + They made such a din that the neighbors within + With fury were ready to choke, + With rage at the drumming and strumming and humming, + The pistols and powder and smoke. + + + IV. + + Robby and Bobby and Billy and Ned, + Philip and Peter and Guy, + They thought 'twould be best for a moment to rest, + And their toffee and buns for to try. + On the steps of a house they began to carouse, + And they shouted and shrieked in their glee, + As they fired their guns and devoured their buns + In a manner both frolic and free. + + + V. + + Robby and Bobby and Billy and Ned, + Philip and Peter and Guy, + Ah! nothing they saw of the opening door, + Nothing knew of the peril so nigh. + A horrid great man with a watering-can + Was standing behind them so still, + And suddenly down on each curly crown + Its contents he poured with a will. + + + VI. + + Robby and Bobby and Billy and Ned, + Philip and Peter and Guy, + With squeaks and with squeals did they take to their heels, + While their enemy after did fly. + And he beat them with sticks, and he kicked them with kicks, + And he thumped on their heads with the can, + And half-way up the street he pursued them so fleet, + Still thumping their heads as he ran. + + + VII. + + Robby and Bobby and Billy and Ned, + Philip and Peter and Guy, + They said, every one, that it wasn't much fun + Getting ready for Fourth of July. + They crept to their beds and they laid down their heads, + And they slept till the sun was on high, + And when they awaked, so sorely they ached, + That they just could do nothing but cry. + + + + +THE DANDY CAT. + + + To Sir Green-eyes Grimalkin de Tabby de Sly + His mistress remarked one day, + "I'm tormented, my cat, both by mouse and by rat: + Come rid me of them, I pray! + + "For though you're a cat of renowned descent, + And your kittenhood's long been gone, + Yet never a trace of the blood of your race + In battle or siege you've shown." + + Sir Green-eyes Grimalkin de Tabby de Sly + Arose from his downy bed. + He washed himself o'er, from his knightly paw + To the top of his knightly head. + + And he curled his whiskers, and combed his hair, + And put on his perfumed gloves; + And his sword he girt on, which had never been drawn + Save to dazzle the eyes of his loves. + + And when he had cast one admiring glance + On the looking-glass tall and fair, + To the pantry he passed; but he stood aghast, + For lo! the pantry was bare! + + The pickles, the cookies, the pies were gone! + And naught remained on the shelf + Save the bone of a ham, which lay cold and calm, + The ghost of its former self. + + Sir Green-eyes Grimalkin stood sore dismayed, + And he looked for the mice and rats. + But they, every one, had been long since gone + Far, far from the reach of cats. + + For while he was donning his satin pelisse, + And his ribbons and laces gay, + They had finished their feast, without hurry the least, + And had tranquilly trotted away. + + The mistress of Green-eyes Grimalkin de Sly, + A woman full stern was she. + She came to the door, and she rated him sore + When the state of the case she did see. + + She grasped him, spite of his knightly blood, + By the tip of his knightly tail; + His adornments she stripped, and his body she dipped + Three times in the water-pail. + + She plunged him thrice 'neath the icy flood, + Then turned him out-doors to dry; + And terror and cold on his feelings so told, + That he really was like to die. + + And now in this world 'twould be hard to find, + Although you looked low and high, + A cat who cares less for the beauties of dress + Than Sir Green-eyes Grimalkin de Sly. + + + + +A PARTY. + + + On Willy's birthday, as you see, + These little boys have come to tea. + But, oh! how very sad to tell! + They have not been behaving well. + For ere they took a single bite, + They all began to scold and fight. + + The little boy whose name was Ned, + He wanted jelly on his bread; + The little boy whose name was Sam, + He vowed he would have damson jam; + The little boy whose name was Phil + Said, "I'll have honey! _Yes_--I--WILL!!" + + BUT-- + + The little boy whose name was Paul, + While they were quarrelling, ate it all. + + + + +JUMBO JEE. + + + There were some kings, in number three, + Who built the tower of Jumbo Jee. + They built it up to a monstrous height, + At eleven o'clock on a Thursday night. + + They built it up for forty miles, + With mutual bows and pleasing smiles; + And then they sat on the edge to rest, + And partook of lunch with a cheerful zest. + + And first they ate of the porkly pie, + And wondered why they had built so high; + And next they drank of the ginger wine, + Which gave their noses a regal shine. + + They drank to the health of Jumbo Jee, + Until they could neither hear nor see. + They drank to the health of Jumbo Land, + Until they could neither walk nor stand. + + They drank to the health of Jumbo Tower + Until they really could drink no more; + And then they sank in a blissful swoon, + And flung their crowns at the rising moon. + + + + +AN INDIAN BALLAD. + + + Whopsy Whittlesey Whanko Whee, + Howly old, growly old Indian he, + Lived on the hills of the Mungo-Paws, + With all his pappooses and all his squaws. + There was Wah-wah-bocky, the Blue-nosed Goose, + And Ching-gach-gocky, the Capering Moose: + There was Pecksy Wiggin, and Squaw-pan too, + But the fairest of all was Michiky Moo. + Michiky Moo, the Savory Tart, + Pride of Whittlesey Whanko's heart; + Michiky Moo, the Cherokee Pie, + Apple of Whittlesey Whanko's eye. + Whittlesey Whanko loved her so + That the other squaws did with envy glow; + And each said to the other, "Now, what shall we do + To spoil the beauty of Michiky Moo?" + "We'll lure her away to the mountain top, + And there her head we will neatly chop." + "We'll wile her away to the forest's heart, + And shoot her down with a poisoned dart." + "We'll lead her away to the river-side, + And there she shall be the Manito's bride." + "Oh! one of these things we will surely do, + And we'll spoil the beauty of Michiky Moo." + "Michiky Moo, thou Cherokee Pie, + Away with me to the mountain high!" + "Nay, my sister, I will not roam. + I'm safer and happier here at home." + "Michiky Moo, thou Savory Tart, + Away with me to the forest's heart!" + "Nay! my sister, I will not go; + I fear the dart of some hidden foe." + "Michiky Moo, old Whittlesey's pride, + Away with me to the river-side!" + "Nay! my sister, for fear I fall! + And wouldst thou come if thou heardst me call?" + "Now choose thee, choose thee thy way of death! + For soon thou shalt draw thy latest breath! + We all have sworn that this day we'll see + The last, proud Michiky Moo, of thee!" + Whittlesey Whanko, hidden near, + Each and all of these words did hear. + He summoned his braves, all painted for war, + And gave them in charge each guilty squaw: + "Take Wah-wah-bocky, the Blue-nosed Goose; + Take Ching-gach-gocky, the Capering Moose; + Take Peeksy Wiggin, and Squaw-pan too, + And leave me alone with my Michiky Moo. + This one away to the mountain top, + And there her head ye shall neatly chop; + This one away to the forest's heart, + And shoot her down with a poisoned dart; + This one away to the river-side, + And there she shall be the Manito's bride; + Away with them all, the woodlands through! + For I'll have no squaw save Michiky Moo." + Away went the braves, without question or pause, + And they soon put an end to the guilty squaws. + They pleasantly smiled when the deed was done, + Saying, "Ping-ko-chanky! oh! isn't it fun!" + And then they all danced the Buffalo dance, + And capered about with ambiguous prance, + While they drank to the health of the lovers so true, + Bold Whittlesey Whanko and Michiky Moo. + + + + +THE EGG. + + + Oh! how shall I get it, how shall I get it,-- + A nice little new-laid egg? + My grandmamma told me to run to the barn-yard, + And see if just one I could beg. + + "Moolly-cow, Moolly-cow, down in the meadow, + Have you any eggs, I pray?" + The Moolly-cow stares as if I were crazy, + And solemnly stalks away. + + "Oh! Doggie, Doggie, perhaps you may have it, + That nice little egg for me." + But Doggie just wags his tail and capers, + And never an egg has he. + + "Now, Dobbin, Dobbin, I'm sure you must have one, + Hid down in your manger there." + But Dobbin lays back his ears and whinnies, + With "Come and look, if you dare!" + + "Piggywig, Piggywig, grunting and squealing, + Are you crying 'Fresh eggs for sale'?" + No! Piggy, you're very cold and unfeeling, + With that impudent quirk in your tail. + + "You wise old Gobbler, you look so knowing, + I'm sure you can find me an egg. + You stupid old thing! just to say 'Gobble-gobble!' + And balance yourself on one leg." + + Oh! how shall I get it, how shall I get it,-- + That little white egg so small? + I've asked every animal here in the barn-yard, + And they won't give me any at all. + + But after I'd hunted until I was tired, + I found--not one egg, but ten! + And you _never_ could guess where they all were hidden,-- + Right under our old speckled hen! + + + + +WOULDN'T. + + + She _wouldn't_ have on her naughty bib! + She _wouldn't_ get into her naughty crib! + She _wouldn't_ do this, and she _wouldn't_ do that, + And she _would_ put her foot in her Sunday hat. + + She _wouldn't_ look over her picture-book! + She _wouldn't_ run out to help the cook! + She _wouldn't_ be petted or coaxed or teased, + And she _would_ do _exactly whatever_ she pleased. + + She _wouldn't_ have naughty rice to eat! + She _wouldn't_ be gentle and good and sweet! + She _wouldn't_ give me one single kiss, + And pray what could we do with a girl like this? + + We tickled her up, and we tickled her down, + From her toddling toes to her curling crown. + And we kissed her and tossed her, until she was fain + To promise she wouldn't say "wouldn't" again. + + + + +WILL-O'-THE-WISP. + + + "Will-o'-the-wisp! Will-o'-the-wisp! + Show me your lantern true! + Over the meadow and over the hill, + Gladly I'll follow you. + Never I'll murmur nor ask to rest, + And ever I'll be your friend, + If you'll only give me the pot of gold + That lies at your journey's end." + + Will-o'-the-wisp, Will-o'-the-wisp, + Lighted his lantern true; + Over the meadow and over the hill, + Away and away he flew. + And away and away went the poor little boy, + Trudging along so bold, + And thinking of naught but the journey's end, + And the wonderful pot of gold. + + Will-o'-the-wisp, Will-o'-the-wisp, + Flew down to a lonely swamp; + He put out his lantern and vanished away + In the evening chill and damp. + And the poor little boy went shivering home, + Wet and tired and cold; + He had come, alas! to his journey's end, + But where was the pot of gold? + + + + +NONSENSE VERSES. + + + I. + + Nicholas Ned, + He lost his head, + And put a turnip on instead; + But then, ah me! + He could not see, + So he thought it was night, and he went to bed. + + + II. + + Ponsonby Perks, + He fought with Turks, + Performing many wonderful works; + He killed over forty, + High-minded and haughty, + And cut off their heads with smiles and smirks. + + + III. + + Winifred White, + She married a fright, + She called him her darling, her duck, and delight; + The back of his head + Was so lovely, she said, + It dazzled her soul and enraptured her sight. + + + IV. + + Harriet Hutch, + Her conduct was such, + Her uncle remarked it would conquer the Dutch: + She boiled her new bonnet, + And breakfasted on it, + And rode to the moon on her grandmother's crutch. + + + + +AN OLD RAT'S TALE. + + + He was a rat, and she was a rat, + And down in one hole they did dwell. + And each was as black as your Sunday hat, + And they loved one another well. + + He had a tail, and she had a tail; + Both long and curling and fine. + And each said, "My love's is the finest tail + In the world, excepting mine!" + + He smelt the cheese, and she smelt the cheese, + And they both pronounced it good; + And both remarked it would greatly add + To the charms of their daily food. + + So he ventured out and she ventured out; + And I saw them go with pain. + But what them befell I never can tell, + For they never came back again. + + + + +TO THE LITTLE GIRL WHO WRIGGLES. + + + Don't wriggle about any more, my dear! + I'm sure all your joints must be sore, my dear! + It's wriggle and jiggle, it's twist and it's wiggle, + Like an eel on a shingly shore, my dear, + Like an eel on a shingly shore. + + Oh! how do you think you would feel, my dear, + If you should turn into an eel, my dear? + With never an arm to protect you from harm, + And no sign of a toe or a heel, my dear, + No sign of a toe or a heel? + + And what do you think you would do, my dear, + Far down in the water so blue, my dear, + Where the prawns and the shrimps, with their curls and their crimps, + Would turn up their noses at you, my dear, + Would turn up their noses at you? + + The crab he would give you a nip, my dear, + And the lobster would lend you a clip, my dear. + And perhaps if a shark should come by in the dark, + Down his throat you might happen to slip, my dear, + Down his throat you might happen to slip. + + Then try to sit still on your chair, my dear! + To your parents 'tis no more than fair, my dear. + For we really don't feel like inviting an eel + Our board and our lodging to share, my dear, + Our board and our lodging to share. + + + + +The Forty Little Ducklings. + + [_A story with a certain amount of truth in it._] + + + The forty little ducklings who lived up at the farm, + They said unto each other, "Oh! the day is very warm!" + They said unto each other, "Oh! the river's very cool! + The duck who did not seek it now would surely be a fool." + + The forty little ducklings, they started down the road; + And waddle, waddle, waddle, was the gait at which they goed. + The same it is not grammar,--you may change it if you choose,-- + But one cannot stop for trifles when inspired by the Muse. + + They waddled and they waddled and they waddled on and on. + Till one remarked, "Oh! deary me, where is the river gone? + We asked the Ancient Gander, and he said 'twas very near. + He must have been deceiving us, or else himself, I fear." + + They waddled and they waddled, till no further they could go: + Then down upon a mossy bank they sat them in a row. + They took their little handkerchiefs and wept a little weep, + And then they put away their heads, and then they went to sleep. + + There came along a farmer, with a basket on his arm, + And all those little duckylings he took back to the farm. + He put them in their little beds, and wished them sweet repose, + And fastened mustard plasters on their little webby toes. + + Next day these little ducklings, they were very very ill. + Their mother sent for Doctor Quack, who gave them each a pill; + But soon as they recovered, the first thing that they did, + Was to peck the Ancient Gander, till he ran away and hid. + + + + +THE MOUSE. + + + I'm only a poor little mouse, Ma'am. + I live in the wall of your house, Ma'am. + With a fragment of cheese, + And a _very few_ peas, + I was having a little carouse, Ma'am. + + No mischief at all I intend, Ma'am. + I hope you will act as my friend, Ma'am. + If my life you should take, + Many hearts it would break, + And the mischief would be without end, Ma'am. + + My wife lives in there, in the crack, Ma'am, + She's waiting for me to come back, Ma'am. + She hoped I might find + A bit of a rind, + For the children their dinner do lack, Ma'am. + + 'Tis hard living there in the wall, Ma'am, + For plaster and mortar _will_ pall, Ma'am, + On the minds of the young, + And when specially hung-- + Ry, upon their poor father they'll fall, Ma'am. + + I never was given to strife, Ma'am,-- + (Don't look at that terrible knife, Ma'am!) + The noise overhead + That disturbs you in bed, + 'Tis the rats, I will venture my life, Ma'am. + + In your eyes I see mercy, I'm sure, Ma'am. + Oh, there's no need to open the door, Ma'am. + I'll slip through the crack, + And I'll never come back, + Oh! I'll _never_ come back any more, Ma'am! + + + + +A VALENTINE. + + + Oh, little loveliest lady mine! + What shall I send for your valentine? + Summer and flowers are far away, + Gloomy old Winter is king to-day, + Buds will not blow, and sun will not shine; + What shall I do for a valentine? + + Prithee, Saint Valentine, tell me here, + Why do you come at this time o' year? + Plenty of days when lilies are white, + Plenty of days when sunbeams are bright; + But now, when everything's dark and drear, + Why do you come, Saint Valentine dear? + + I've searched the gardens all through and through, + For a bud to tell of my love so true; + But buds are asleep, and blossoms are dead, + And the snow beats down on my poor little head; + So, little loveliest lady mine, + Here is my heart for your valentine. + + + + +JAMIE IN THE GARDEN. + + + How is a little boy to know + About these berries all, + That ripen all the summer through, + From spring-time until fall? + + I must not eat them till they're ripe, + I know that very well; + But each kind ripens differently, + So how am I to tell? + + Though strawberries and raspberries, + When ripe, are glowing red, + Red blackberries I must not touch, + Mamma has lately said. + + And though no one of these is fit + To touch when it is green, + Ripe gooseberries, as green as grass, + At Grandpapa's I've seen. + + And peas are green when they are ripe; + Some kinds of apples too. + But they're not berries; neither are + These currants, it is true. + + These currants, now! why, some are red, + And some are brilliant green. + "Don't eat unripe ones!" said Mamma. + But which ones did she mean? + + To disobey her would be wrong. + To leave them I am loath. + I really _can't_ find out, unless-- + Unless I eat them both! + + [_He eats them both._] + + + + +SOMEBODY'S BOY (NOT MINE). + + + When he was up he cried to get down, + And when he was in he cried to get out; + And no little boy in Boston town + Was ever so ready to fret and pout. + Poutsy, oh! + And fretsy, oh! + And spend the whole day in a petsy, oh! + And what shall we do to this bad little man, + But scold him as hard as we possibly can! + + When he was cold he cried to be warm, + And when he was warm he cried to be cold; + And all the morning 'twas scold and storm, + And all the evening 'twas storm and scold. + Stormy, oh! + And scoldy, oh! + And never do what he was toldy, oh! + And what shall we do to this bad little man, + But scold him as hard as we possibly can! + + + + +BOGY. + + + His eyes are green and his nose is brown, + His feet go up and his head goes down, + And so he goes galloping through the town, + The king of the Hobbledygoblins. + His heels stick out and his toes stick in, + He wears his mustaches upon his chin, + And he glares about with a horrible grin, + The king of the Hobbledygoblins. + + No naughty boys can escape his eyes; + He clutches them, 'spite of their tears and sighs, + And away at a terrible pace he hies + To his castle of Killemaneetem; + There he shuts them up under lock and key, + And feeds them on blacking and grasshopper tea, + And if ever they try to get out, you see, + Why, this is the way he'll treat 'em. + + [_Here Mamma may toss the little boy up in the air, or shake + him, or tickle his little chin, whichever he likes best._] + + Now, Johnny and Tommy, you'd better look out! + All day you've done nothing but quarrel and pout, + And nobody knows what it's all about, + But it gives me a great deal of pain, dears. + So, Johnny and Tommy, be good, I pray, + Or the king will be after you some fine day, + And off to his castle he'll whisk you away, + And we never shall see you again, dears! + + + + +THE MERMAIDENS. + + + The little white mermaidens live in the sea, + In a palace of silver and gold; + And their neat little tails are all covered with scales, + Most beautiful for to behold. + + On wild white horses they ride, they ride, + And in chairs of pink coral they sit; + They swim all the night, with a smile of delight, + And never feel tired a bit. + + + +THE PHRISKY PHROG + + + Now list, oh! list to the piteous tale + Of the Phrisky Phrog and the Sylvan Snayle; + Of their lives and their loves, their joys and their woes, + And all about them that any one knows. + + The Phrog lived down in a grewsome bog, + The Snayle in a hole in the end of a log; + And they loved each other so fond and true, + They didn't know what in the world to do. + + For the Snayle declared 'twas too cold and damp + For a lady to live in a grewsome swamp; + While her lover replied, that a hole in a log + Was no possible place for a Phrisky Phrog. + + "Come down! come down, my beautiful Snayle! + With your helegant horns and your tremulous tail; + Come down to my bower in the blossomy bog, + And be happy with me," said the Phrisky Phrog. + + "Come up, come up, to my home so sweet, + Where there's plenty to drink, and the same to eat; + Come up where the cabbages bloom in the vale, + And be happy with me," said the Sylvan Snayle. + + But he wouldn't come, and she wouldn't go, + And so they could never be married, you know; + Though they loved each other so fond and true, + They didn't know what in the world to do. + + + + +THE AMBITIOUS CHICKEN. + + + It was an Easter chicken + So blithesome and so gay; + He peeped from out his plaster shell + All on an Easter Day. + + His wings were made of yellow down, + His eyes were made of beads; + He seemed, in very sooth, to have + All that a chicken needs. + + He winked and blinked and peeped about, + And to himself he said, + "When first a chicken leaves the shell, + Of course he must be fed. + + "And though I may be young in years, + And this my natal morn, + I'm quite, _quite_ old enough to know + Where people keep the corn." + + He winked and blinked and peeped about, + Till in a corner sly + He saw a heap of golden corn + Piled on a platter high. + + "Now, this is well!" the chicken cried; + "Now, this is well, in sooth. + This corn shall nourish and sustain + My faint and tender youth. + + "And I shall grow and grow apace, + And come to high estate, + With mighty feathers in my tail, + And combs upon my pate. + + "To see my beauty and my grace + The feathered race will flock, + And all will bow them low before + The mighty Easter Cock." + + As thus the chicken proudly spake, + And stooped to snatch the prize, + His head fell off, and rolled away + Before his very eyes!!!! + + It rolled into the dish of corn, + A sad and sombre sight, + While still upon its plaster legs, + His body stood upright. + + And little Mary, when she came + With shining "popper" bright, + To pop the corn, and make the balls + Which were her heart's delight, + + Gazed at the dish with wide blue eyes, + And "Oh! Mamma!" she said: + "One piece has gone and _popped itself_ + Into a chicken's head!" + + + + +THE BOY AND THE BROOK. + + + Said the boy to the brook that was rippling away, + "Oh, little brook, pretty brook, will you not stay? + Oh, stay with me, play with me, all the day long, + And sing in my ears your sweet murmuring song." + Said the brook to the boy as it hurried away, + "And is't for my music you ask me to stay? + I was silent until from the hillside I gushed; + Should I pause for an instant, my song would be hushed." + + Said the boy to the wind that was fluttering past, + "Oh, little wind, pretty wind, whither so fast? + Oh, stay with me, play with me, fan my hot brow, + And ever breathe softly and gently as now." + Said the wind to the boy as it hurried away, + "And is't for my coolness you ask me to stay? + 'Tis only in flying you feel my cool breath; + Should I pause for an instant, that instant were death." + + Said the boy to the day that was hurrying by, + "Oh, little day, pretty day, why must you fly? + Oh, stay with me, play with me, just as you are; + Let no shadow of evening your noon-brightness mar." + Said the day to the boy as it hurried away, + "And is't for my brightness you ask me to stay? + Know, the jewel of day would no longer seem bright, + If it were not clasped round by the setting of night." + + + + +THE SHARK. + + + Oh! blithe and merrily sang the shark, + As he sat on the house-top high: + A-cleaning his boots, and smoking cheroots, + With a single glass in his eye. + + With Martin and Day he polished away, + And a smile on his face did glow, + As merry and bold the chorus he trolled + Of "Gobble-em-upsky ho!" + + He sang so loud, he astonished the crowd + Which gathered from far and near. + For they said, "Such a sound, in the country round, + We never, no, never did hear." + + He sang of the ships that he'd eaten like chips + In the palmy days of his youth. + And he added, "If you don't believe it is true, + Pray examine my wisdom tooth!" + + He sang of the whales who'd have given their tails + For a glance of his raven eye. + And the swordfish, too, who their weapons all drew, + And swor'd for his sake they'd die. + + And he sang about wrecks and hurricane decks + And the mariner's perils and pains, + Till every man's blood up on end it stood, + And their hair ran cold in their veins. + + But blithe as a lark the merry old shark, + He sat on the sloping roof. + Though he said, "It is queer that no one draws near + To examine my wisdom toof!" + + And he carolled away, by night and by day, + Until he made every one ill. + And I'll wager a crown that unless he's come down, + He is probably carolling still. + + + + +THE EASTER HEN. + + + Oh! children, have you ever seen + The little Easter Hen, + Who comes to lay her pretty eggs, + Then runs away again? + + She only comes on Easter Day; + And when that day is o'er, + Till next year brings it round again, + You will not see her more. + + Her eggs are not like common eggs, + But all of colors bright: + Blue, purple, red, with spots and stripes, + And scarcely one that's white. + + She lays them in no special place,-- + On this side, now on that. + And last year, only think! she laid + One right in Johnny's hat. + + But naughty boys and girls get none: + So, children, don't forget! + And be as good as good can be-- + It is not Easter yet! + + + + +PUMP AND PLANET. + + + With a hop, skip, and jump, + We went to the pump, + To fill our kettles with starch. + He gave us good day + In the pleasantest way, + With a smile that was winning and arch. + + "Oh, Pump," said I, + "When you look up on high + To flirt with the morning star, + Does it make you sad, + Oh! Pumpy, my lad, + To think she's away so far?" + + Said the Pump, "Oh no! + For we've settled it so + That but little my feelings are tried. + For every clear night + She slides down the moonlight, + And shines in the trough at my side." + + + + +THE POSTMAN. + + + Hey! the little postman, + And his little dog. + Here he comes a-hopping + Like a little frog; + Bringing me a letter, + Bringing me a note, + In the little pocket + Of his little coat. + + Hey! the little postman, + And his little bag, + Here he comes a-trotting + Like a little nag; + Bringing me a paper, + Bringing me a bill, + From the little grocer + On the little hill. + + Hey! the little postman, + And his little hat, + Here he comes a-creeping + Like a little cat. + What is that he's saying? + "Naught for you to-day!" + Horrid little postman! + I wish you'd go away! + + + + +HOPSY UPSY. + + + Hopsy upsy, Baby oh! + Into your bath you now must go; + Splash and dash, and paddle and plash, + That's what you like, my Baby oh! + + Where is the sponge for Baby oh? + See the silvery fountains flow,-- + Diamond drops so bright and clear, + Falling all over my Baby dear. + + Now for the soap, my Baby oh! + Watch the bubbles that come and go; + Rainbow isles in a sea of foam, + Reflecting your smiles, they go and come. + + Here is the towel for Baby oh! + Cannot stay in all day, you know; + Now scrub and rub, and rub and scrub, + And so good-by to the beautiful tub. + + Now for the shirt, my Baby oh! + Soft and warm, and as white as snow. + Puffy white petticoats, fluffy white gown; + Why, what a great ball of thistle-down! + + Last come the curls, my Baby oh! + Soft as silver they fall and flow. + Now toss him up and carry him down, + The bonniest Baby in Boston town! + + + + +LITTLE BLACK MONKEY. + + + Little black Monkey sat up in a tree, + Little black Monkey he grinned at me; + He put out his paw for a cocoanut, + And he dropped it down on my occiput. + + The occiput is a part, you know, + Of the head which does on my shoulders grow; + And it's very unpleasant to have it hit, + Especially when there's no hair on it. + + I took up my gun, and I said, "Now, why, + Little black Monkey, should you not die? + I'll hit you soon in a vital part! + It may be your head, or it may be your heart." + + I steadied my gun, and I aimed it true; + The trigger it snapped and the bullet it flew; + But just where it went to I cannot tell, + For I never _could_ find where that bullet fell. + + Little black Monkey still sat in the tree, + And placidly, wickedly grinned at me. + I took up my gun and I walked away, + And postponed his death till another day. + + + + +JIPPY AND JIMMY. + + + Jippy and Jimmy were two little dogs. + They went to sail on some floating logs; + The logs rolled over, the dogs rolled in, + And they got very wet, for their clothes were thin. + + Jippy and Jimmy crept out again. + They said, "The river is full of rain!" + They said, "The water is far from dry! + Ki-hi! ki-hi! ki-_hi_-yi! ki-hi!" + + Jippy and Jimmy went shivering home. + They said, "On the river no more we'll roam; + And we won't go to sail until we learn how, + Bow-wow! bow-wow! bow-_wow_-wow! bow-wow!" + + + + +MASTER JACK'S SONG. + + [_Written after spending the Christmas Holidays at + Grandmamma's._] + + + You may talk about your groves, + Where you wander with your loves. + You may talk about your moonlit waves that fall and flow. + Something fairer far than these + I can show you, if you please. + 'Tis the charming little cupboard where the jam-pots grow. + + _Chorus._ Where the jam-pots grow! + Where the jam-pots grow! + Where the jelly jolly, jelly jolly jam-pots grow. + The fairest spot to me, + On the land or on the sea, + Is the charming little cupboard where the jam-pots grow. + + There the golden peaches shine + In their syrup clear and fine, + And the raspberries are blushing with a dusky glow. + And the cherry and the plum + Seem to beckon you to come + To the charming little cupboard where the jam-pots grow. + + _Chorus._ Where the jam-pots grow! + Where the jam-pots grow! + Where the jelly jolly, jelly jolly jam-pots grow. + The fairest spot to me, + On the land or on the sea, + Is the charming little cupboard where the jam-pots grow. + + There the sprightly pickles stand, + With the catsup close at hand, + And the marmalades and jellies in a goodly row. + While the quinces' ruddy fire + Would an anchorite inspire + To seek the little cupboard where the jam-pots grow. + + _Chorus._ Where the jam-pots grow! + Where the jam-pots grow! + Where the jelly jolly, jelly jolly jam-pots grow. + The fairest spot to me, + On the land or on the sea, + Is the charming little cupboard where the jam-pots grow. + + Never tell me of your bowers + That are full of bugs and flowers! + Never tell me of your meadows where the breezes blow! + But sing me, if you will, + Of the house beneath the hill, + And the darling little cupboard where the jam-pots grow. + + _Chorus._ Where the jam-pots grow! + Where the jam-pots grow! + Where the jelly jolly, jelly jolly jam-pots grow. + The fairest spot to me, + On the land or on the sea, + Is the charming little cupboard where the jam-pots grow. + + + + +MOTHER ROSEBUSH. + + + There are roses that grow on a vine, on a vine, + There are roses that grow on a stalk; + But my little Rose + Grows on ten little toes, + So I'll take my Rose out for a walk. + Come out in the garden, Rosy Posy, + Come visit your cousins, child, with me! + If you are my daughter, it stands to reason + Your own Mother Rosebush I must be. + + Now, here is your cousin Damask, Rosy! + And, Rosy, here is your cousin Blush; + General Jacqueminot, + (Your uncle, you know,) + Salutes you hero with his crimson flush. + Here's Gloire de Dijon, a splendid fellow, + All creamy and dreamy and soft and sweet; + And Cloth-of-Gold, with his coat of yellow, + Is dropping rose-nobles here at your feet. + + My Baltimore Belle, my Queen of the Prairie, + Now, why are your ladyships looking so cross? + Lord Butterfly, see! + And Sir Honey de Bee, + Have deserted them both for your sweet cousin Moss. + All! Maréchal Niel, I am glad to observe, sir, + You train up your buds in the way they should go, + All buttoned up close; while careless Niphetos + Lets her children go fluttering to and fro. + + You whitest beauty, what is your name, now? + "Snow Queen?" Ay, and it suits you well! + And yonder, I see, + Is my friend Cherokee, + Who will not stop climbing, his name to tell; + And hero and there are blushing and blowing + Crimson and yellow and white and pink; + Pale or angry, gleaming or glowing. + The whole world's turning to roses, I think. + + Oh! fair is the rose on the vine, on the vine, + And sweet is the rose on the tree; + But there's only one Rose + That has ten little toes, + And she is the Rose for me. + Come, put on your calyx, Rosy Posy, + Put on your calyx and come with me; + For if you are my daughter, it stands to reason, + Your own Mother Rosebush I must be. + + + + +THE FIVE LITTLE PRINCESSES. + + + Five little princesses started off to school, + Following their noses, because it was the rule; + But one nose turned up, and another nose turned down, + So all these little princesses were lost in the town. + + Poor little princesses cannot find their way. + Naughty little noses, to lead them astray! + Poor little princesses, sadly they roam; + Naughty little noses, pray lead them home! + + + + +THE HORNET AND THE BEE. + + + Said the hornet to the bee, + "Pray you, will you marry me? + Will you be my little wife, + For to love me all my life? + You shall have a velvet cloak, + And a bonnet with a poke. + You shall sit upon a chair + With a cabbage in your hair. + You shall ride upon a horse, + If you fancy such a course. + You shall feed on venison pasty + In a manner trig and tasty; + Devilled bones and apple-cores, + If you like them, shall be yours. + You shall drink both rum and wine, + If you only will be mine. + Pray you, will you marry me?" + Said the hornet to the bee. + + Said the bee unto the hornet, + "Your proposal, sir, I scorn it. + Marry one devoid of money, + Who can't make a drop of honey? + Cannot even play the fiddle, + And is pinched up in the middle? + Nay, my love is set more high. + + Cockychafer's bride am I. + Cockychafer whirring loud, + Frisking free and prancing proud, + Cockychafer blithe and gay, + He hath stole my heart away. + Him alone I mean to marry, + So no longer you need tarry. + Not another moment stay! + Cockychafer comes this way. + Your proposal, sir, I scorn it!" + Said the bee unto the hornet. + + So the cockychafer came, + Took the bee to be his dame. + Took the bee to be his wife, + For to love her all his life. + Wedding dress of goblin green, + Hat and feathers for a queen, + Worsted mittens on her feet, + Thus her toilet was complete. + Then when it was time to dine, + Cockychafer brought her wine, + Roasted mouse and bunny-fish, + Porridge in a silver dish; + Lobster-claws and scalloped beast. + Was not that a lovely feast? + But when it was time to sup, + Cockychafer ate her up. + Thus concludes the history + Of the hornet and the bee. + + + + +THE THREE LITTLE CHICKENS WHO WENT OUT TO TEA, AND THE ELEPHANT. + + + Little chickens, one, two, three, + They went out to take their tea, + Brisk and gay as gay could be, + Cackle wackle wackle! + Feathers brushed all smooth and neat, + Yellow stockings on their feet, + Tails and tuftings all complete, + Cackle wackle wackle! + + "Very seldom," said the three, + "Like of us the world can see, + Beautiful exceedingly, + Cackle wackle wackle! + Such our form and such our face, + Such our Cochin China grace, + We must win in beauty's race, + Cackle wackle wackle!" + + Met an elephant large and wise, + Looked at them with both his eyes: + Caused these chickens great surprise, + Cackle wackle wackle! + "Why," they said, "do you suppose + Elephant doesn't look out of his nose, + So very conveniently it grows? + Cackle wackle wackle! + + "Elephant with nose so long, + Sing on now a lovely song, + As we gayly trip along, + Cackle wackle wackle! + Sing of us and sing of you, + Sing of corn and barley too, + Beauteous beast with eyes of blue, + Cackle wackle wackle!" + + Elephant sang so loud and sweet, + Chickens fell before his feet; + For his love they did entreat, + Cackle wackle wackle. + "Well-a-day! and woe is me! + Would we all might elephants be! + Then he'd marry us, one, two, three, + Cackle wackle wackle!" + + Elephant next began to dance: + Capered about with a stately prance + Learned from his grandmother over in France, + Cackle wackle wackle! + Fast and faster 'gan to tread, + Trod on every chicken's head, + Killed them all uncommonly dead, + Cackle wackle wackle! + + + MORAL. + + Little chickens, one, two, three, + When you're walking out to tea, + Don't make love to all you see, + Cackle wackle wackle! + Elephants have lovely eyes, + But to woo them is not wise, + For they are not quite your size! + Cackle wackle wackle! + + + + +A LEGEND OF LAKE OKEEFINOKEE. + + + There once was a frog, + And he lived in a bog, + On the banks of Lake Okeefinokee. + And the words of the song + That he sang all day long + Were, "Croakety croakety croaky." + + Said the frog, "I have found + That my life's daily round + In this place is exceedingly poky. + So no longer I'll stop, + But I swiftly will hop + Away from Lake Okeefinokee." + + Now a bad mocking-bird + By mischance overheard + The words of the frog as he spokee. + And he said, "All my life + Frog and I've been at strife, + As we lived by Lake Okeefinokee. + + "Now I see at a glance + Here's a capital chance + For to play him a practical jokee. + So I'll venture to say + That he shall not to-day + Leave the banks of Lake Okeefinokee." + + So this bad mocking-bird, + Without saying a word, + He flew to a tree which was oaky. + And loudly he sang, + Till the whole forest rang, + "Oh! Croakety croakety croaky!" + + As he warbled this song, + Master Frog came along, + A-filling his pipe for to smokee, + And he said, "'Tis some frog + Has escaped from the bog + Of Okeefinokee-finokee. + + "I am filled with amaze + To hear one of my race + A-warbling on top of an oaky; + But if frogs can climb trees, + I may still find some ease + On the banks of Lake Okeefinokee." + + So he climbed up the tree; + But alas! down fell he! + And his lovely green neck it was brokee; + And the sad truth to say, + Never more did he stray + From the banks of Lake Okeefinokee. + + And the bad mocking-bird + Said, "How very absurd + And delightful a practical jokee!" + But I'm happy to say + He was drowned the next day + In the waters of Okeefinokee. + + + + +GRANDPAPA'S VALENTINE. + + + I may not claim her lovely hand, + My darling and my pride! + I may not ask her to become + My bright and beauteous bride; + The measure of my love for her + May not be said or sung; + And all because I'm rather old, + And she is rather young. + + I may not clasp her slender waist, + And thread the mazy dance; + I may not drive her in the Park, + With steeds that neigh and prance. + I may not tempt her with my lands, + Nor buy her with my gold; + And all because she's rather young, + And I am rather old. + + She leaves me for a younger swain, + A plump and beardless boy. + She slights me for a sugar-plum, + Neglects me for a toy. + And worst of all, this state of things + Can never altered be; + For I am nearly sixty-eight, + And she is only three. + + + + +ALIBAZAN. + + + All on the road to Alibazan, + A May Day in the morning, + 'Twas there I met a bonny young man, + A May Day in the morning; + A bonny young man all dressed in blue, + Hat and feather and stocking and shoe, + Ruff and doublet and mantle too, + A May Day in the morning. + + He made me a bow, and he made me three, + A May Day in the morning; + He said, in truth, I was fair to see, + A May Day in the morning. + "And say, will you be my sweetheart now? + I'll marry you truly with ring and vow; + I've ten fat sheep and a black-nosed cow, + A May Day in the morning. + + "What shall we buy in Alibazan, + A May Day in the morning? + A pair of shoes and a feathered fan, + A May Day in the morning. + A velvet gown all set with pearls, + A silver hat for your golden curls, + A pot of pinks for my pink of girls, + A May Day in the morning." + + All in the streets of Alibazan, + A May Day in the morning, + The merry maidens tripped and ran, + A May Day in the morning. + And this was fine, and that was free, + But he turned from them all to look on me; + And "Oh! but there's none so fair to see, + A May Day in the morning." + + All in the church of Alibazan, + A May Day in the morning, + 'Twas there I wed my bonny young man, + A May Day in the morning. + And oh! 'tis I am his sweetheart now! + And oh! 'tis we are happy, I trow, + With our ten fat sheep and our black-nosed cow, + A May Day in the morning. + + + + +THE THREE FISHERS. + + + John, Frederick, and Henry, + Had once a holiday; + And they would go a-fishing, + So merry and so gay. + They went to fish for salmon, + These little children three; + As in this pretty picture + You all may plainly see. + + It was not in the ocean, + Nor from the river shore, + But in the monstrous water-butt + Outside the kitchen door. + And John he had a fish-hook, + And Fred a crooked pin, + And Henry took his sister's net, + And thought it was no sin. + + They climbed up on the ladder, + Till they the top did win; + And then they perched upon the edge, + And then they did begin. + But how their fishing prospered, + Or if they did it well, + Or if they caught the salmon, + I cannot, cannot tell. + + Because I was not there, you know, + But I can only say + That I too went a-fishing, + That pleasant summer day. + It was not for a salmon, + Or shark with monstrous fin, + But it was for three little boys, + All dripping to the skin. + + + + +PEEPSY. + + [_After the manner of Jane Taylor._] + + + Our Julia has a little bird, + And Peepsy is his name; + And now I'll sing a little song + To celebrate the same. + + He's yellow all from head to foot, + And he is very sweet, + And very little trouble, for + He never wants to eat. + + He never asks for water clear, + He never chirps for seed, + For cracker, or for cuttlefish, + For sugar or chickweed. + + "Oh! what a perfect pet!" you cry, + But there's one little thing, + One drawback to the bonny bird,-- + Our Peepsy cannot sing. + + He chirps no song at dawn or eve, + He makes no merry din; + But this one cannot wonder at, + For Peepsy's made of tin. + + + + +MAY SONG. + + + On a certain First of May, + So they say, + Came two merry little maids + Out to play. + Brown-haired Jeanie, sweet and wise, + Fair-haired Norah, with her eyes + Blue as are the morning skies. + Each in cap and kirtle gay, + Pretty little maids were they; + Light of heart and well content, + Through the fields they singing went, + On a merry First of May, + So they say. + + On this merry First of May, + So they say, + Came two sturdy little lads + By that way. + Miller's Robin from the mill, + Shepherd's Johnnie from the hill; + Bonny little lads, I trow, + Sunny eyes and open brow, + Ruddy cheeks and curly hair, + Sturdy legs all brown and bare, + Through the fields they marched along, + Whistling each his cheery song, + On a merry First of May, + So they say. + + On this merry First of May, + So they say, + Lads and lasses, there they met + On their way. + Said the lads, "We'll choose a queen! + May Day comes but once, I ween. + Search we all the country round, + Sweeter maids could not be found." + Laughed the lasses merrily, + "Ay! but which one shall it be? + John and Robin, tell us true, + Which is fairer of the two, + On this merry First of May? + Quickly say!" + + On this merry First of May, + So they say, + Shepherd Johnnie hushed his whistle + Blithe and gay; + "Brown eyes are more fair," said he, + "For they shine so winsomely!" + "Nay!" quoth Robin, "'tis confessed + Blue eyes _always_ are the best! + Fair-haired Norah wins the prize!" + "That she does not!" Johnnie cries; + "Norah's well enough, but Jean, + Brown and sweet, shall be the queen + On this merry First of May! + Choose _my_ way!" + + On this merry First of May, + So they say, + Soon to earnest turned their play. + Well-a-day! + Loud and angry words arose, + Angry words soon turned to blows; + John and Robin o'er the ground + Chase each other round and round, + Kicking, cuffing, here and there, + Shouting through the sweet May air: + "Jeanie!" "Norah!--is more fair!" + While the little maids aside, + Blue eyes, brown eyes, open wide + On this stormy First of May, + Well-a-day! + + On this merry First of May, + So they say, + Jean and Norah stole away + From the fray. + "Silly lads!" they laughing cried, + "Let them as they will decide; + Shall we while they quarrel, pray, + Lose our pretty holiday? + Come away, and we may find + Other lads, who know their mind. + Or if not, why then, I ween, + Each will be the other's queen, + On this merry First of May. + Come away!" + + + + +TWO LITTLE VALENTINES. + + [_For two little girls._] + + + I. + + Young Rosalind, she is my rose! + I care not who the secret knows; + So deep within my heart she grows, + Her constant bloom no winter knows; + Sweet Rosalind, she is my rose. + + Alas! this rose hath yet a thorn, + Whereon my heart is daily torn. + The love I proffer her each morn, + That love she flings me back in scorn. + But shall I therefore idly mourn? + She'd be no rose _without_ the thorn. + + + II. + + When the ivory lily darkens, + When the jealous rose turns pale, + Then I say, "My Julia's coming! + 'Tis a sign will never fail." + + When the bobolink is silent, + When the linnet stays her trill, + Then I say, "My Julia's singing! + At her voice the birds are still." + + When I feel two velvet rose-leaves + Touch my eyes on either lid, + Then I say, "My Julia kissed me!" + And she answers, "Yes, me did!" + + + + +A HOWL ABOUT AN OWL. + + + It was an owl lived in an oak, + Sing heigh ho! the prowly owl! + He often smiled, but he seldom spoke, + And he wore a wig and a camlet cloak. + Sing heigh ho! the howly fowl! + Tu-whit! tu-whit! tu-whoo! + + He fell in love with the chickadee, + Sing heigh ho! the prowly owl! + He askèd her, would she marry he, + And they'd go and live in Crim Tartaree. + Sing heigh ho! the howly fowl! + Tu-whit! tu-whit! tu-whoo! + + "'Tis true," says he, "you are far from big." + Sing heigh ho! the prowly owl! + "But you'll look twice as well when I've bought you a wig, + And I'll teach you the Lancers and the Chorus Jig." + Sing heigh ho! the howly fowl! + Tu-whit! tu-whit! tu-whoo! + + "I'll feed you with honey when the moon grows pale." + Sing heigh ho! the prowly owl! + "I'll hum you a hymn, and I'll sing you a scale, + Till you quiver with delight to the tip of your tail!" + Sing heigh ho! the howly fowl! + Tu-whit! tu-whit! tu-whoo! + + So he went for to marry of the chickadee, + Sing heigh ho! the prowly owl! + But the sun was so bright that he could not see, + So he marrièd the hoppergrass instead of she. + And wasn't that a sad disappointment for he! + Sing heigh ho! the howly fowl! + Tu-whit! tu-whit! tu-whoo! + + + + +OUR CELEBRATION. + + + Off go the fire-crackers, bang! bang! bang! + Off go the fire-crackers, bang! bang! bang! + Popguns all a-snapping, and banners all a-flapping,-- + Off go the fire-crackers, bang! bang! bang! + + Off the torpedoes go, crack! crack! crack! + Off the torpedoes go, crack! crack! crack! + Fish-horns all a-tooting, and schoolboys all a-hooting,-- + Off the torpedoes go, crack! crack! crack! + + Off go the fireworks, fizz! fizz! fizz! + Off go the fireworks, fizz! fizz! fizz! + Pin-wheels all a-turning, and fingers all a-burning,-- + Off go the fireworks, fizz! fizz! fizz! + + Off goes our little Ned, boo-hoo-hoo! + Off goes our little Ned, boo-hoo-hoo! + Big hole in his jacket, and another in his pocket, + Half the hair singed off his head, + Off goes our little Ned,-- + Mamma'll put him straight to bed, boo-hoo-hoo! + + + + +THE SONG OF THE CORN-POPPER. + + + Pip! pop! flippety flop! + Here am I, all ready to pop. + Girls and boys, the fire burns clear; + Gather about the chimney here. + Big ones, little ones, all in a row. + Hop away! pop away! here we go! + + Pip! pop! flippety flop! + Into the bowl the kernels drop. + Sharp and hard and yellow and small; + Must say they don't look good at all. + But wait till they burst into warm white snow! + Hop away! pop away! here we go! + + Pip! pop! flippety flop! + Don't fill me too full; shut down the top! + Rake out the coals in an even bed, + Topaz yellow and ruby red; + Shade your eyes from the fiery glow. + Hop away! pop away! here we go! + + Pip! pop! flippety flop! + Shake me steadily; do not stop! + Backward and forward, not up and down; + Don't let me drop, or you'll burn it brown. + Never too high and never too low. + Hop away! pop away! here we go! + + Pip! pop! flippety flop! + Now they are singing, and soon they'll hop. + Hi! the kernels begin to swell; + Ho! at last they are dancing well. + Puffs and fluffs of feathery snow, + Hop away! pop away! here we go! + + Pip! pop! flippety flop! + All full, little ones? Time to stop! + Pour out the snowy, feathery mass; + Here is a treat for lad and lass. + Open your mouths now, all in a row; + Munch away! crunch away! here we go! + + + + +WHAT BOBBY SAID. + + + I don't think it's right! + I don't think it's fair! + I don't like Easter + At all! so there! + + It's only because + I'm young, you see, + They think they can play + Their tricks upon me. + + They brought me an egg, + And a beauty, too! + All golden yellow, + With stripes of blue. + + They said 'twas a true egg, + A _truly_ true! + And, of course, I supposed + It was so all through; + + But when it was opened, + Just think what a shame! + 'Twas just like the white ones, + Just _'zactly_ the same! + + Part white and part yellow, + No bit of it blue, + And it tasted the same + As the other ones, too. + + I don't think it's right, + And I don't think it's fair, + And I don't like Easter + _At all!_ so there! + + + + +MASTER JACK'S VIEWS. + + [_After a lesson in astronomy._] + + + The merry old World goes round, goes round, + And round the old World does go; + Day in, day out, from west to east, + At a pace that is far from slow. + + And he's never been known to change his pace, + Or swerve an inch from his course, + Though his journey so easily shortened might be, + By cutting his orbit across. + + If I were you, you silly old World, + I know well what I 'd do: + Break loose from that tiresome orbit-track, + And go spinning the Universe through. + + I'd startle the stars from their morning nap, + With a "How do you do to-day?" + And before any one could take off his night-cap, + I'd be millions of miles away. + + I'd warm my hands at the gate of the Sun, + And cool them off at the Pole; + Then off and away down the Milky Way, + How merrily I would roll! + + I'd steal from Saturn his golden rings, + From Mars his mantle of red; + And I'd borrow the sword of Orion the brave, + To cut off the Serpent's head. + + I'd saddle the Bear, and ride on his back, + Nor dream of being afraid; + And maybe I'd stop at the Archer's shop, + To see how the rainbows are made. + + I'd race with the comets, I'd flirt with the moon, + I'd waltz with the Northern Lights, + Till the whole Solar System should hold up its hands + And exclaim, "What remarkable sights!" + + But stay! to all these delightful things + One slight objection I see; + For if the World _should_ play these wonderful pranks. + Pray, what would become of me? + + And what would become of papa and mamma? + And what would become of you? + And how should we like to go spinning about, + And careering the Universe through? + + Well, the merry old World goes round, goes round, + And round the old World does go; + And a great deal better than you or I, + The wise old World must know! + + + + +EMILY JANE. + + + Oh! Christmas time is coming again, + And what shall I buy for Emily Jane? + O Emily Jane, my love so true, + Now what upon earth shall I buy for you? + My Emily Jane, my doll so dear, + I've loved you now for many a year, + And still while there's anything left of you, + My Emily Jane, I'll love you true! + + My Emily Jane has lost her head, + And has a potato tied on instead; + A hole for an eye, and a lump for a nose, + It really looks better than you would suppose. + My Emily Jane has lost her arms, + The half of one leg's the extent of her charms; + But still, while there's anything left of you, + My Emily Jane, I'll love you true! + + And now, shall I bring you a fine new head, + Or shall I bring you a leg instead? + Or will you have arms, to hug me tight, + When naughty 'Lizabeth calls you a fright? + Or I'll buy you a dress of satin so fine, + 'Mong all the dolls to shimmer and shine; + For oh! while there's anything left of you, + My Emily Jane, I'll love you true! + + Mamma says, "Keep all your pennies, Sue, + And I'll buy you a doll all whole and new;" + But better I love my dear old doll, + With her one half-leg and potato poll. + "The potato may rot, and the leg may fall?" + Well, then I shall treasure the sawdust, that's all! + For while there is _anything_ left of you, + My Emily Jane, I'll love you true! + + + + +SONG OF THE MOTHER WHOSE CHILDREN ARE FOND OF DRAWING. + + + Oh, could I find the forest + Where the pencil-trees grow! + Oh, might I see their stately stems + All standing in a row! + I'd hie me to their grateful shade; + In deep, in deepest bliss; + For then I need not hourly hear + A chorus such as this: + + _Chorus._ Oh, lend me a pencil, _please_, Mamma! + Oh, draw me some houses and trees, Mamma! + Oh, make me a floppy + Great poppy to copy, + And a horsey that prances and gees, Mamma! + + The branches of the pencil-tree + Are pointed every one; + Ay! each one has a glancing point + That glitters in the sun. + The leaves are leaves of paper white, + All fluttering in the breeze; + Ah! could I pluck one rustling bough, + I'd silence cries like these: + + _Chorus._ Oh, lend me a pencil, do, Mamma! + I've got mine all stuck in the glue, Mamma! + Oh, make me a pretty + Big barn and a city, + And a cow and a steam-engine too, Mamma! + + The fruit upon the pencil-tree + Hangs ripening in the sun, + In clusters bright of pocket-knives,-- + Three blades to every one. + Ah! might I pluck one shining fruit, + And plant it by my door, + The pleading cries, the longing sighs, + Would trouble me no more. + + _Chorus._ Oh, sharpen a pencil for me, Mamma! + 'Cause Johnny and Baby have three, Mamma! + And this isn't fine! + And Hal sat down on mine! + So do it bee-yu-ti-ful-_lee_, Mamma! + + + + +THE SEVEN LITTLE TIGERS AND THE AGED COOK. + + + Seven little tigers they sat them in a row, + Their seven little dinners for to eat; + And each of the troop had a little plate of soup, + The effect of which was singularly neat. + + They were feeling rather cross, for they hadn't any sauce + To eat with their pudding or their pie; + So they rumpled up their hair, in a spasm of despair, + And vowed that the aged cook should die. + + Then they called the aged cook, and a frying-pan they took, + To fry him very nicely for their supper; + He was ninety-six years old, on authority I'm told, + And his name was Peter Sparrow-piper Tupper. + + "Mr. Sparrow-piper Tup, we intend on you to sup!" + Said the eldest little tiger very sweetly; + But this naughty aged cook, just remarking, "Only look!" + Chopped the little tiger's head off very neatly. + + Then he said unto the rest, "It has always been confessed + That a tiger's better eating than a man; + So I'll fry him for you now, and you all will find, I trow, + That to eat him will be much the better plan." + + So they tried it in a trice, and found that it was nice, + And with rapture they embracèd one another; + And they said, "By hook or crook, we must keep this aged cook; + So we'll ask him to become our elder brother." + + [_Which they accordingly did._] + + + + +AGAMEMNON. + + + About a king I have to tell, + Of all the woes that him befell + Through those who should have served him well, + Poor Agamemnon! + How he was huffed and cuffed about, + And tossed from windows, in and out, + With jest and gibe and eldritch shout, + Poor Agamemnon! + + Of worsted was the monarch made, + Of gayest colors neatly laid + In each imaginable shade, + Poor Agamemnon! + His trousers were of scarlet hue, + His jacket of celestial blue, + With snow-white tunic peeping through, + Poor Agamemnon! + + When he was young and in his prime, + On Christmas tree, in Christmas time, + He glowed like bird of tropic clime, + Poor Agamemnon! + His swarthy cheek, his beard of brown, + His gay attire and golden crown, + Showed him a king of high renown, + Poor Agamemnon! + + The children, learning then to pore + O'er Father Homer's god-like lore, + Cried, "See! the king of men once more, + Great Agamemnon! + Now, when we play the siege of Troy, + Achilles, Hector, Ajax boy, + With us the fighting he'll enjoy, + Great Agamemnon!" + + But well-a-day! the war began, + And Greek and Trojan, man to man, + In god-like fury raged and ran, + Poor Agamemnon! + 'Twas Ajax seized the king, I trow, + And, using him as weapon now, + Did smite bold Hector on the brow, + Poor Agamemnon! + + Then fierce and fell the contest grew; + From hand to hand the monarch flew, + Still clutched and hurled with fury new, + Poor Agamemnon! + His beaded eyes wept tears of shame, + His worsted cheeks with wrath did flame; + In vain he called each hero's name, + Poor Agamemnon! + + At length great Hector seized the king + And gave his mighty arm a swing, + Then upward soared with sudden fling, + Poor Agamemnon! + Upon the high-pitched roof fell he, + And there, from Greek and Trojan free, + He lay for all the world to see, + Poor Agamemnon! + + The fierce sun beat upon his head, + The rain washed white his trousers red, + The moon looked down on him and said, + "Poor Agamemnon!" + His gold and blue were gray and brown, + When Ajax, chief of high renown, + The roof-tree scaled, and brought him down, + Poor Agamemnon! + + And now within the nursery, + In doll-house parlor you may see + His dim and faded majesty, + Poor Agamemnon! + And still each little naughty boy, + Ranging the cupboards for some toy, + Cries out, "Aha! the siege of Troy! + Poor Agamemnon!" + + + + +THE WEDDING. + + + Blue-bell, bonny bell, ring for the wedding! + Gallant young Hyacinth marries the Rose. + Here we all wait for the wedding procession, + Standing up high on our tippy-toe-toes. + + Blue-bell, bonny bell, ring for the wedding! + First the three ushers on grasshoppers ride,-- + Coxcomb, Larkspur, and gallant Sweet William, + Handsome young dandies as ever I spied. + + Here in a coach come the bride's rich relations,-- + Old Madam Damask and old Mr. Moss; + Greatly I fear they approve not the marriage, + Else they'd not look so uncommonly cross. + + Here comes His Excellence Baron de Goldbug, + Leading the Dowager Duchess of Snail; + Feathers and fringe on the top of her bonnet, + Roses and rings on the end of her tail. + + Blue-bell, bonny bell, ring for the wedding! + Here come the bridesmaids, by two and by two; + Gay little Primrose, fair little Snowdrop, + Peachblossom, Jasmine, and Eglantine too. + + Last come the lovers, wrapped up in each other, + Thinking of love, and of little beside. + Blue-bell, bonny bell, ring for the wedding! + Health and long life to the beautiful bride! + + + + +SWING SONG. + + + As I swing, as I swing, + Here beneath my mother's wing, + Here beneath my mother's arm, + Never earthly thing can harm. + Up and down, to and fro, + With a steady sweep I go, + Like a swallow on the wing, + As I swing, as I swing. + + As I swing, as I swing, + Honey-bee comes murmuring, + Humming softly in my ear, + "Come away with me, my dear! + In the tiger-lily's cup + Sweetest honey we will sup." + Go away, you velvet thing! + I must swing! I must swing! + + As I swing, as I swing, + Butterfly comes fluttering, + "Little child, now come away + 'Mid the clover-blooms to play; + Clover-blooms are red and white, + Sky is blue, and sun is bright. + Why then thus, with folded wing, + Sit and swing, sit and swing?" + + As I swing, as I swing, + Oriole comes hovering. + "See my nest in yonder tree! + Little child, come work with me. + + Learn to make a perfect nest, + That of all things is the best. + Come! nor longer loitering + Sit and swing, sit and swing!" + + As I swing, as I swing, + Though I have not any wing, + Still I would not change with you, + Happiest bird that ever flew. + Butterfly and honey-bee, + Sure 'tis you must envy me, + Safe beneath my mother's wing + As I swing, as I swing. + + + + +THE LITTLE COSSACK. + + + The tale of the little Cossack, + Who lived by the river Don: + He sat on a sea-green hassock, + And his grandfather's name was John. + His grandfather's name was John, my dears, + And he lived upon bottled stout; + And when he was found to be not at home, + He was frequently found to be out. + + The tale of the little Cossack,-- + He sat by the river-side, + And wept when he heard the people say + That his hair was probably dyed. + That his hair was probably dyed, my dears, + And his teeth were undoubtedly sham; + "If this be true," quoth the little Cossàck, + "What a poor little thing I am!" + + The tale of the little Cossack,-- + He sat by the river's brim, + And he looked at the little fishes, + And the fishes looked back at him. + The fishes looked back at him, my dears, + And winked at him, which was wuss; + "If this be true, my friend," they said, + "You'd better come down to us." + + The tale of the little Cossack,-- + He said, "You are doubtless right, + Though drowning is not a becoming death + For it makes one look like a fright. + If my lovely teeth be crockery, + And my hair of Tyrian dye, + Then life is a bitter mockery, + And no more of it will I!" + + The tale of the little Cossack,-- + He drank of the stout so brown; + Then put his toes in the water, + And the fishes dragged him down. + And the people threw in his hassock + And likewise his grandfather John; + And there was an end of the family, + On the banks of the river Don. + + + + +WHAT A VERY RUDE LITTLE BIRD SAID TO JOHNNY THIS MORNING. + + + Thing with two legs, out on the lawn! + Stupid old thing! + Why don't you fly, or hop at least? + Why don't you sing? + There you stand with your great long legs + Stiff as a couple of giant pegs; + Have you a nest with five blue eggs? + Have you _anything_? + + Thing with two legs, out on the lawn! + Stubborn old thing! + Is that your only song, that harsh, + Loud muttering? + Here! listen, and try to imitate me! + Chirr-a-wink! chirr-a-wink! pirrip-wip-wee! + It's just as easy as easy can be, + Stubborn old thing! + + Thing with two legs, out on the lawn! + Ugly old thing! + I hear my little brown wife in the nest + Soft chirruping. + And if you think I've nothing else to do + But stay here and talk to the like of you, + You're greatly mistaken, I tell you true! + Good-by, old thing! + + + + +THE MONKEYS AND THE CROCODILE. + + + Five little monkeys + Swinging from a tree; + Teasing Uncle Crocodile, + Merry as can be. + Swinging high, swinging low, + Swinging left and right: + "Dear Uncle Crocodile, + Come and take a bite!" + + Five little monkeys + Swinging in the air; + Heads up, tails up, + Little do they care. + Swinging up, swinging down, + Swinging far and near: + "Poor Uncle Crocodile, + Aren't you hungry, dear?" + + Four little monkeys + Sitting in the tree; + Heads down, tails down, + Dreary as can be. + Weeping loud, weeping low, + Crying to each other: + "Wicked Uncle Crocodile, + To gobble up our brother!" + + + + +PAINTED LADIES + + + Oh, the pretty painted ladies! + Oh, the naughty painted ladies, + That go running, climbing, running, + All about my cottage door. + Would you have their story, Johnny? + Sit beside me, Sweet-and-bonny! + You shall hear a sadder story + Than you ever beard before. + + These were maidens fair and slender, + Some with dove-eyes, brown and tender, + Some with black, and some with blue eyes, + Locks of auburn, locks of gold. + Rosy cheeks, and lips of cherry, + Voices glad and laughter merry, + Ever smiling, ever singing, + Over gay and over bold. + + And these maids were ever running, + Watching going, watching coming, + Asking questions of each other + And of every one they knew. + Peeping, peeping, here and yonder, + Ready still to guess and wonder, + "Was it she?" "And did he do it?" + "Tell me quickly!" "Tell me true!" + + Oh, the pretty painted ladies! + Oh, the naughty painted ladies! + When the king came riding, riding, + For to seek him out a bride, + How they whispered, how they chattered; + Each herself in secret flattered + She could win him, she could wed him, + In an hour, if she tried. + + So they prinked and pranked them gayly, + So they crimped and curled them daily, + Trying ring and trying jewel, + All their beauty to complete. + Not content with Nature's roses, + Fie! their cheeks are painted posies; + And their lips are red and reddest, + But alas! they are not sweet. + + Then the king came riding stately, + On his charger set sedately, + With his golden robe about him, + And his crown upon his head. + Oh! a royal port and presence, + Meet for courtly love and pleasance; + Happy, happy is the maiden + He shall woo and he shall wed. + + Oh, the pretty painted ladies! + Oh, the naughty painted ladies! + How they leaned from door and window, + Flinging roses 'neath his feet; + Silken robes and jewels shining, + White arms waving, tossing, twining, + Lips that laughed and eyes that languished, + Over bold and over sweet. + + But the king looked gravely on them; + Cast no answering glance upon them; + Coldly turned from where they waited + In their beauty, in their pride. + "Find me out some modest maiden, + Not with silks and jewels laden, + One whose pureness, one whose sweetness + Fit her for a royal bride." + + Oh, the pretty painted ladies! + Oh, the naughty painted ladies! + Red with shame and white with anger, + Back they pressed against the wall. + As they drew their silks around them, + Lo! some sudden magic bound them, + While they whispered, while they clustered, + Into flowers changed them all. + + Glowing cheek and snowy bosom + Changed to white and ruddy blossom; + Locks of gold and locks of auburn + Into tendrils curling green. + While for silk and satin's shimmer, + And for jewels' rainbow glimmer, + Leaves that whispered, leaves that clustered,-- + Only these were to be seen. + + But the pretty painted ladies, + But the naughty painted ladies, + Still are running, climbing, running, + At the window, at the door. + Peeping, peeping, here and yonder, + "Is the story true?" you wonder; + Sure, I heard it from themselves, dear, + For they tell it o'er and o'er. + + + + +SOME FISHY NONSENSE. + + + Timothy Tiggs and Tomothy Toggs, + They both went a-fishing for pollothywogs; + They both went a-fishing + Because they were wishing + To see how the creatures would turn into frogs. + + Timothy Tiggs and Tomothy Toggs, + They both got stuck in the bogothybogs; + They caught a small minnow, + And said 'twas a sin oh! + That things with no legs should pretend to be frogs. + + + + +LADY'S SLIPPER. + + + My lady she rose from her bower, her bower, + All under the linden tree. + 'Twas midnight past, and the fairies' hour, + And up and away must she. + + She's pulled on her slippers of golden yellow, + Her mantle of gossamer green; + And she's away to the elfin court, + To wait on the elfin queen. + + Oh hone! my lady's slipper, + Oh hey! my lady's shoe. + She's lost its fellow, so golden yellow, + A-tripping it over the dew. + + And now she flitted, and now she stepped, + Through dells of the woodland deep, + Where owls were flying awake, awake, + And birds were sitting asleep. + + And now she flitted, and now she trod, + Where the mist hung shadowy-white; + And the river lay gleaming, sleeping, dreaming, + Under the sweet moonlight. + + Oh hone! my lady's slipper, + Oh hey! my lady's shoe. + She's lost its fellow, so golden yellow, + A-tripping it over the dew. + + And now she passed through the wild marsh-land, + Where the marsh-elves lay asleep; + And a heron blue was their watchman true, + Good watch and ward for to keep. + + But Jack-in-the-Pulpit was wake, awake, + And saw my lady gay; + And he reached his hand as she fluttered past, + And caught her slipper away. + + Oh hone! my lady's slipper, + Oh hey! my lady's shoe. + She's lost its fellow, so golden yellow, + A-tripping it over the dew. + + Oh! long that lady she searched and prayed, + And long she wept and besought; + But all would not do, and with one wee shoe + She must dance at the elfin court. + + But she _might_ have found her slipper, her slipper, + It shone so golden-gay; + For I am no elf, yet I found it myself, + And I brought it home to-day. + + Oh hone! my lady's slipper, + Oh hey! my lady's shoe. + She's lost its fellow, so golden yellow, + A-tripping it over the dew. + + + + +A LITTLE SONG TO SING TO A LITTLE MAID IN A SWING. + + + If I were a fairy king, + (Swinging high, swinging low,) + I would give to you a ring, + (Swinging oh!) + With a diamond set so bright + That the shining of its light + Should make morning of the night, + (Swinging high, swinging low,) + Should make morning of the night. + (Swinging oh!) + + On each ringlet as it fell + (Swinging high, swinging low,) + I would tie a golden bell; + (Swinging oh!) + And the golden bells would chime + In a little merry rhyme, + In the merry summer-time,-- + (Swinging high, swinging low,) + In the happy summer-time. + (Swinging oh!) + + You should wear a satin gown + (Swinging high, swinging low,) + All with ribbons falling down; + (Swinging oh!) + And your little darling feet, + Oh, my Pretty and my Sweet, + Should be shod with silver neat,-- + (Swinging high, swinging low,) + Shod with silver slippers neat. + (Swinging oh!) + + All the flowers in the land + (Swinging high, swinging low,) + You should hold in either hand; + (Swinging oh!) + And the myrtle and the rose + Should spring up beneath your toes, + For to gratify your nose,-- + (Swinging high, swinging low,) + For to gratify your nose. + (Swinging oh!) + + But I'm not a fairy, Pet, + (Swinging high, swinging low,) + Am not even a king as yet; + (Swinging oh!) + So all that I can do + Is to kiss your little shoe, + And to make a queen of you,-- + (Swinging high, swinging low,) + Make a fairy queen of you. + (Swinging oh!) + + + + +BETTY IN BLOSSOM-TIME. + + + Snow, snow, down from the apple-trees, + Pink and white drifting of petals sweet, + Kiss her and crown her, our Lady of Blossoming, + Here as she sits on the apple-tree seat. + + Has she not gathered the summer about her? + Look, how it laughs from her lips and her eyes! + Think you the sun there would shine on without her? + Nay! 'tis her smile keeps the gray from the skies. + + Fire of the rose and snow of the jessamine, + Gold of the lily-dust hid in her hair; + Day holds his breath and Night comes up to look at her, + Leaving their strife for a vision so rare. + + Snow, snow, down from the apple-trees, + Pink and white drifting of petals sweet, + Kiss her and crown her, and flutter a-down her, + And carpet the ground for her dear little feet. + + + + +BETTY'S SONG. + + + Little Two-shoes, + Little Toddle-toes, + Like a little pretty pinky winky rose, + Come to me, now, + And we'll see, now, + How the rocking-chair away to By-land goes. + + With a heigh ho, + And a by-low, + And a swinging, swinging softly to and fro; + With a sleepy croon, + All about the moon, + How she puts the sleepy stars to beddy oh! + + With a hey-day, + And a rock-away, + And a patting down the hands that want to play; + With a swing swong + In the drowsy song, + That forgets the drowsy words it has to say. + + Now the lids close, + Just when no one knows, + And the dimpled flush grows deeper, rose on rose. + Little Two-shoes, + Little Toddle-toes, + With the rocking-chair away to By-land goes. + + + + +A NONSENSE TRAGEDY. + + + Brown owl sat on a caraway tree, + Ruffly, puffly, great big owl; + Who so learned and wise as he? + Huffly, snuffly, eminent fowl. + + Black bat hung by a twig of the tree, + Blinkety, winkety, blind old bat; + Paying his court to the bumble-bee, + Fuzzy bee, buzzy bee, yellow and fat. + + "Oh!" said the owl, "but the sun is so bright. + Blazing, crazing, fiery sun, + How can I possibly wait till night? + Sweltering, meltering, not much fun!" + + "Oh!" said the bat, "if a cloud would come, + Showery, lowery, nice gray cloud, + I'd take my love to my cavern home, + Happily, flappily, pleased and proud." + + "Oh!" said the bee, "but if that be all, + Whimpering, simpering, blear-eyed bat, + Yonder's a cloud coming up at your call, + Scowling, growling, black as your hat." + + "Oh!" said the owl and the bat together: + "Rollicky, jollicky, nice fat cloud, + Give us some good, black, thundery weather; + Roar away, pour away, can't be too loud!" + + Up came the cloud, spreading far and wide, + Billowy, pillowy, black as night; + Brisk little hurricane sitting inside, + Blow away, strow away, out of sight. + + Off went the owl like a thistle-down puff, + Ruffly, huffly, rolled in a ball; + Off went the bat like a candle-snuff, + Fly away, die away, terrible fall. + + Off went the twig, and off went the tree, + Crashing, smashing, splintering round; + Nothing was left but the bumble-bee, + And who so merry, so merry as she, + As she laughed, "Ho! ho!" as she laughed, "He! he! + Creep away, sleep away, hole in the ground." + + + + +FROM NEW YORK TO BOSTON. + + [_Allegro con moto._] + + + Here we go skilfully skipping, + Riding the resonant rail; + Conductor the tickets is clipping, + Boy has bananas for sale. + Raindrops outside are a-dripping,-- + Dripping o'er meadow and vale. + Here we go skilfully skipping, + Riding the resonant rail. + + Clankety clankety clank, + Clinkety clinkety cling; + Five little boys on a bank, + One little girl in a swing. + Fishhawk o'erhead in the distance, + Spreading his wings like a sail. + Here we go skilfully skipping, + Riding the resonant rail. + + "Puck, Life, Frank Leslie, and Harper! + Latest editions, just out!" + Boy is an impudent sharper! + All are last week's, I've no doubt. + "Every new monthly and weekly, + Every new novel and tale!" + Here we go skilfully skipping, + Riding the resonant rail. + + Jogglety jogglety joggle! + Jigglety jigglety jig! + Snuffy old man with a goggle, + Acid old dame with a wig, + Pretty girl peacefully sleeping + Under her gold-spotted veil. + Here we go skilfully skipping, + Riding the resonant rail. + + Now we are duly admonished, + Hartford's the place we reach next; + Cow in the field looks astonished, + Sheep in the pasture perplexed. + Furious puppy pursues us, + Cocking a truculent tail. + Here we go skilfully skipping, + Riding the resonant rail. + + "Lozenges, peanuts, and candy! + Apples and oranges sweet!" + Legs are so frightfully bandy, + Wonder he keeps on his feet. + "All the New York evening papers,-- + Times, Tribune, World, Sun, and Mail!" + Here we go skilfully skipping, + Riding the resonant rail. + + Engine goes "Whoosh!" at the station, + Engine goes "Whizz!" o'er the plain; + Horses express consternation, + Drivers remonstrate in vain. + Smoke-witches dancing about us, + Sparks in a fiery train. + Here we go skilfully skipping, + Riding the resonant rail. + + Tinklety tinklety tink! + Tunklety tunklety tunk! + Nearing the station, I think. + Where is the check for my trunk? + "Boston!" and "Boston!" and "Boston!" + Home of my fathers, all hail! + Here we go joyfully jumping, + Away from the resonant rail. + + + + +SANDY GODOLPHIN. + + + Sandy Godolphin sat up on the hill, + And up on the hill sat he; + And the only remark he was known to make, + Was "Fiddledy diddledy dee!" + + He made it first in the high Hebrew, + And then in the Dutch so low, + In Turkish and Russian and Persian and Prussian, + And rather more tongues than I know. + + He made this remark until it was dark, + And he could no longer see; + Then he lighted his lamp, because it was damp, + And gave him the neuralgeë. + + Sandy Godolphin came down from the hill, + And moaned in a dark despair: + "I've finished," said he, "with my fiddledy dee, + For nobody seems to care." + + + + +MY CLOCK. + + + My little clock, my little clock, + He lives upon the shelf; + He stands on four round golden feet, + And so supports himself. + + His face is very white and clean, + His hands are very black; + He has no soap to wash them with, + And suffers from the lack. + + He holds them up, his grimy hands, + And points at me all day; + "Make haste, make haste, the moments waste!" + He always seems to say. + + "Tick tock! tick tock! I am a clock; + I'm always up to time. + Ding dong! ding dong! the whole day long + My silver warnings chime. + + "Tick tock! tick tock! 'tis nine o'clock, + And time to go to school; + Don't loiter 'mid the buttercups, + Or by the wayside pool. + + "Ding dong! tick tock! 'tis two o'clock. + The dinner's getting cold; + You'd better hurry down, you child, + Or your mamma will scold. + + "Tick tock! tick tock! 'tis six o'clock. + You've had the afternoon + To play and romp, so now come in; + Your tea'll be ready soon. + + "Tick tock! tick tock! 'tis nine o'clock. + To bed, to bed, my dear! + Sleep sound, until I waken you, + When day is shining clear." + + So through the night and through the day, + My busy little clock, + He talks and talks and talks away, + With ceaseless "tick" and "tock." + + But warning others on his shelf, + All earnest as he stands, + He never thinks to warn himself; + He'll _never_ wash his hands. + + + + +MY UNCLE JEHOSHAPHAT. + + + My Uncle Jehoshaphat had a pig,-- + A pig of high degree; + And he always wore a brown scratch wig, + Most beautiful for to see. + + My Uncle Jehoshaphat loved this pig, + And the piggywig he loved him; + And they both jumped into the lake one day, + To see which best could swim. + + My Uncle Jehoshaphat he swam up, + And the piggywig he swam down; + And so they both did win the prize, + Which the same was a velvet gown. + + My Uncle Jehoshaphat wore one half, + And the piggywig wore the other; + And they both rode to town on the brindled calf, + To carry it home to its mother. + + + + +ROSY POSY. + + + There was a little Rosy, + And she had a little nosy; + And she made a little posy, + All pink and white and green. + And she said, "Little nosy, + Will you smell my little posy? + For of all the flowers that growsy, + Such sweet ones ne'er were seen." + + So she took the little posy, + And she put it to her nosy, + On her little face so rosy, + The flowers for to smell; + And which of them was Rosy, + And which of them was nosy, + And which of them was posy, + You really could not tell! + + +[Illustration: MY WALLPAPER. ] + + + + +SICK-ROOM FANCIES. + + + I. + + MY WALL-PAPER. + + The paper roses, blue and red, + That climbing go about my bed, + All up and down my chamber wall, + A-quarrelling one day did fall; + And as with half-shut eyes I lay, + 'Twas thus I heard the roses say: + + "You vulgar creature!" cried the Red, + "I wonder you dare raise your head, + Much less go flaunting here and there + With such a proud and perky air. + I am a rose indeed; but _you_! + Who ever heard of roses blue? + Your sense of truth, Ma'am, must be small, + To call yourself a rose at all." + + The Blue Rose proudly raised her head; + "Your humble servant, Ma'am!" she said. + "My family, I own, is far + From being such as you, Ma'am, are. + We blossomed lately in the sky, + A fairy plucked us, floating by, + And flung us down to earth, that we + Might show what roses _ought_ to be. + So, while we still adorn the earth, + Our hue attests our skyey birth." + + Just then _my_ Rose came through the room; + And in her hand, in wondrous bloom, + A lovely snow-white bud she bore, + With diamond dew-drops sprinkled o'er. + She laid it in my hand, and "See," + She said, "how fair a rose may be!" + The paper roses, Blues and Reds, + For shame hung down their silly heads. + I watched them, laughing, as I lay, + But not another word said they. + + + II. + + MY JAPANESE FAN. + + I have a friend, a little friend, + Who lives upon a fan; + Perhaps he is a woman, + Perhaps she is a man. + His clothes they are so very queer, + So _very_ queer, in sooth, + I sometimes call him "lovely maid," + And sometimes "gentle youth." + + Her hair is combed up straight and smooth + Above his pretty face. + His looks are full of friendliness; + Her attitude, of grace. + And every morning when I wake, + And every evening too, + She greets me with his pleasant smile, + And friendly "How-d'ye-do?" + + She wonders why I lie in bed; + He thinks my wisest plan + Would be to come and live with her + Upon a paper fan. + But that, alas! can never be; + And so I never can + Know whether he's a woman, + Or whether she's a man. + + + + +MARJORIE'S KNITTING. + + + In the chimney-corner our Marjorie sits, + Softly singing the while she knits. + The fire-light, flickering here and there, + Plays on her face and her shining hair; + + And glimmering bright in the fitful glow, + Backward and forward her needles go,-- + Backward and forward, swift and true,-- + And hark! the needles are singing too. + + "One and two and three and four, + Counting and narrowing o'er and o'er; + Knit and rib and seam and purl. + Clickety clackety, good little girl!" + + And what is our Marjorie knitting, I pray? + A soft, warm scarf, for a wintry day, + A pair of mittens for schoolboy Fred, + Or some reins for toddling Baby Ned? + + I cannot see, in the twilight gray, + How many needles are working away; + But I see them flickering in and out, + And _they_ know exactly what they are about. + + "One and two and three and four + Counting and narrowing o'er and o'er; + Knit and rib and seam and purl. + Clickety clackety, good little girl!" + + The fire is whispering, "Marjorie mine, + 'Tis a positive pleasure on you to shine, + From your pretty brown hair, all shining and neat, + Down to your dainty, trim-slippered feet." + + The kettle is murmuring, "Marjorie dear, + 'Tis all for your sake that I'm bubbling here; + But though I have bubbled both loud and long, + You've ears for nought save those needles' song." + + "One and two and three and four, + Counting and narrowing o'er and o'er; + Knit and rib and seam and purl. + Clickety clackety, good little girl!" + + Marjorie cheerily works away, + Nor ever her thoughts from her knitting stray. + Whatever it is, 'twill be sure to fit, + For loving thoughts in the web are knit. + + The kettle may bubble, the fire may burn, + But Marjorie's thoughts they cannot turn; + And I think my heart must be working too, + For it seems to sing as the needles do. + + "One and two and three and four, + Counting and narrowing o'er and o'er; + Knit and rib and seam and purl. + Clickety clackety, dear little girl!" + + + + +HE AND HIS FAMILY. + + + His father was a whale, + With a feather in his tail, + Who lived in the Greenland sea; + And his mother was a shark, + Who kept very dark + In the Gulf of Caribbee. + His uncles were a skate, + And a little whitebait, + And a flounder, and a chub beside; + And a lovely pickerèl, + Both a beauty and a belle, + Had promised for to be his bride. + You may think these things are strange, + And they _are_ a little change + From the ordinary run, 'tis true; + But the queerest thing (to me) + Of all appeared to be, + That _he_ was a kangaroo! + + + + +EASTER-TIME. + + + The little flowers came through the ground, + At Easter-time, at Easter-time; + They raised their heads and looked around, + At happy Easter-time. + And every pretty bud did say, + "Good people, bless this holy day; + For Christ is risen, the angels say, + This happy Easter-time." + + The scarlet lily raised its cup, + At Easter-time, at Easter-time; + The crocus to the sky looked up, + At happy Easter-time. + "We hear the song of heaven!" they say; + "Its glory shines on us to-day, + Oh! may it shine on us alway, + At happy Easter-time." + + 'Twas long and long and long ago, + That Easter-time, that Easter-time; + But still the scarlet lilies blow + At happy Easter-time. + And still each little flower doth say, + "Good Christians, bless this holy day; + For Christ is risen, the angels say, + At blessed Easter-time." + + + + +EASTER. + + + Give flowers to all the children, + This blessed Easter Day,-- + Fair crocuses and snowdrops, + And tulips brave and gay; + + Bright nodding daffodillies, + And purple iris tall, + And sprays of silver lilies, + The loveliest of all. + + And tell them, tell the children, + How in the dark, cold earth, + The flowers have been waiting + Till spring should give them birth. + + All winter long they waited, + Till the south wind's soft breath + Bade them rise up in beauty, + And bid farewell to death. + + Then tell the little children + How Christ our Saviour, too, + The flower of all eternity, + Once death and darkness knew. + + How, like these blossoms, silent, + Within the tomb he lay; + Then rose in light and glory, + To live in heaven alway. + + So take the flowers, children, + And be ye pure as they; + And sing of Christ our Saviour, + This blessed Easter Day. + + + + +JACKY FROST. + + + Jacky Frost, Jacky Frost, + Came in the night; + Left the meadows that he crossed + All gleaming white. + Painted with his silver brush + Every window-pane; + Kissed the leaves and made them blush, + Blush and blush again. + + Jacky Frost, Jacky Frost, + Crept around the house, + Sly as a silver fox, + Still as a mouse. + Out little Jenny came, + Blushing like a rose; + Up jumped Jacky Frost, + And pinched her little nose. + + + + +SUBTRACTION. + + + Six from four leaves two, Mamma, + Six from four leaves two. + Surely that is right, Mamma,-- + Don't you think 'twill do? + + Please don't shake your head, Mamma! + Well, it's _nearly_ right; + And what difference does it make + If it isn't _quite_? + + Hark! the boys are there, Mamma, + Out upon the lawn; + If I don't go soon, Mamma, + They will all be gone. + + _I_ would let _you_ go, Mamma, + Were I teaching you. + Six from four leaves two--oh dear! + + _Four_ from _six_ leaves two, Mamma! + Now I have it right. + Well! upon my word, I think + I wasn't very bright. + + Dear Mamma, before I go, + Here's a kiss for you. + Four from six leaves two, hurrah! + Four from six leaves two! + + + + +GRANDFATHER DEAR. + + [_Written for Decoration Day._] + + + Jonquil and daffodil mine, + Lift me your golden-crowned heads! + Cockscomb and peony fine, + Lend me your lordliest reds! + Tying my posy up here, + I must have flowers at will; + They are for Grandfather dear, + There where he sleeps on the hill. + + Grandfather dear was a soldier, + Gallant and handsome and young. + Flowers, I'll show you his picture, + Over the shelf where 'tis hung. + Yes, and his sword hangs beneath it, + The sword that he waved as he fell, + Fighting on Winchester Field,-- + The field he was holding so well. + + So when the year's at the sweetest, + Mother and Grandmother dear + And I, we go gathering flowers, + So sweet as they're blossoming here. + And when Grandfather looks down from heaven, + As he looks, and looks lovingly still, + He smiles as he sees his own flowers, + All shining and sweet on the hill. + + + + +GATHERING APPLES. + + + Down in the orchard, down in the orchard, + Under the gold-apple tree, + One little maid and two little maids + Frolic, merry and free. + Brown as a berry, red as a rose, + Sweeter maidens nobody knows. + "What are you doing, Marjorie? + Marjorie, tell to me?" + Up she lifted her curly head, + (Oh, but her cheeks were rosy-red!) + Shaking her curls right saucily, + "I'm gathering apples!" said she, said she, + "I'm gathering apples!" said she. + + Down in the orchard, down in the orchard, + Under the gold-apple tree, + Softly treading, the farmer came, + Peeping so warily. + Six feet high from his head to his toes; + A jollier farmer nobody knows. + "What are you doing, farmer, pray? + Jolly old farmer, say!" + Up he caught them both in his arms; + Oh, the shrieks, the merry alarms! + Closer clasping them lovingly, + "I'm gathering apples!" said he, said he, + "I'm gathering apples!" said he. + + + + +THE BALLAD OF THE BEACH. + + + "Take off thy stockings, Samuel! + Now take them off, I pray; + Roll up thy trousers, Samuel, + And come with me to play. + + "The ebbing tide has left the sand + All hard and smooth and white, + And we will build a goodly fort, + And have a goodly fight." + + Then Samuel he pullèd off + His hose of scarlet hue, + And Samuel he rollèd up + His breeches darkly blue. + + And hand-in-hand with Reginald, + He hied him to the beach; + Each little boy a shovel had, + And eke a pail had each. + + Then down upon the shining sand + Right joyfully they sat; + And far upon the shining sand + Each tossed his broad-brimmed hat. + + Then valiantly to work they went, + Like sturdy lads and true; + And there they built a stately fort, + The best that they might do. + + "Now sit we down within the walls, + Which rise above our head, + And we will make us cannon-balls + Of sand, as good as lead." + + Now as they worked, these little boys, + Full glad in heart and mind, + The creeping tide came back again, + To see what it could find. + + The creeping tide came up the sand, + To see what it could do; + And there it found two broad-brimmed hats, + With ribbons red and blue. + + And "See now!" said the creeping tide; + "These hats belong, I trow, + To Reginald and Samuel; + I saw them here but now." + + And "See now!" said the creeping tide; + "What hinders me to float + These hats out to the boys' mamma, + Is sailing in a boat?" + + Then up there came two little waves, + All rippling so free; + They lifted up the broad-brimmed hats, + And bore them out to sea. + + The ribbons red and ribbons blue + Streamed gallantly away; + The straw did glitter in the sun, + Were never craft so gay! + + The mother of these little lads + Was sailing on the sea; + And now she laughed, and now she sang, + And who so blithe as she? + + And "Look!" she said; "what things be these + That dance upon the wave, + All fluttering and glittering + And sparkling so brave? + + "Now row me well, my brethren, twain, + Now row me o'er the sea! + For we will chase these tiny craft, + And see what they may be." + + They rowed her fast, they rowed her well,-- + Too well, those gallants true; + For when she reached the broad-brimmed hats, + Right well those hats she knew. + + "Alas!" she cried; "my little lads + Are drownèd in the sea!" + Then down she sank in deadly swoon, + As pale as she might be. + + They rowed her well, those gallants gay, + They rowed her to the land; + They lifted up that lady pale, + And bore her up the strand. + + But as they bore her up the beach, + The balls began to fly, + And hit those gallants on the nose, + And hit them in the eye. + + They lookèd here, they lookèd there, + To see whence this might be; + And soon they spied a stately fort, + Beside the salt, salt sea. + + And straight from out the stately fort + The balls were flying free; + Each gallant rubbed his smitten nose, + And eke his eye rubbed he. + + They looked within the stately fort, + To see who aimed so well; + And there was little Reginald, + And youthful Samuel. + + They lifted up those little lads, + Each by his waisty-band; + And down beside that lady pale + They set them on the sand. + + And first that lady waxed more pale, + And syne she waxed full red; + And syne she kissed those little boys, + But not a word she said. + + Then up and spoke those gallants gay, + "You naughty little chaps, + Your poor mamma you've frightened sore, + And made her ill, perhaps. + + "And if you are not shaken well, + And if you are not spanked, + It will not be your uncles' fault; + So _they_ need not be thanked." + + Then up and spoke those little lads, + All mournful as they sat; + And each did cry, "Ah, woe is me! + I've lost--my nice--new--hat!" + + Then up and spoke that lady fair, + "Nay, nay, my little dears, + You sha'n't be spanked! so come with me, + And wipe away your tears. + + "There be more hats in Boston town, + For little boys to wear; + And as for those that you have lost, + I pray their voyage be fair. + + "For since I have my little lads, + The hats may sail away + Around the world and back again, + Forever and a day!" + + + + +THE BOOTS OF A HOUSEHOLD. + + [_After Mrs. Hemans._] + + + They came in beauty, side by side, + They filled one house with noise; + And now they're trotting far and wide, + On feet of girls and boys. + + The self-same shoemaker did bend + O'er every heel and toe; + Shaped all their upper leathers fair,-- + Where are those leathers now? + + One pair is kicking 'gainst the bench, + The patient bench, at school; + And two are wading through the mud, + And splashing in the pool. + + "The sea, the blue, lone sea," hath one. + He left it on the beach; + A merry wave came dancing up, + And bore it out of reach. + + One sleeps where depths of slimy bog + Are glossed with grasses o'er; + One hasty plunge--it loosed its hold, + And sank to rise no more. + + One pair--aha! I see them now, + And know them past all doubt; + For through each leather, gaping wide, + A rosy toe peeps out. + + And parted thus, old, dusty, torn, + They travel far and wide, + Who in the shop, in shining rows, + Sat lately side by side. + + And thus they frolic, frolic there, + And thus they caper here; + But great and small, and torn and all, + To mother's heart are dear. + + [N. B.--_Also to father's purse._] + + + + +THE PALACE + + + It's far away under the water, + And it's far away under the sea, + There's a beautiful palace a-waiting + For my little Rosy and me. + + [Illustration: Queen Rosy] + + The roof is made of coral, + And the floor is made of pearl, + And over it all the great waves fall + With a terrible tumble and whirl. + + The fishes swim in at the window, + And the fishes swim out at the door, + And the lobsters and eels go dancing quadrilles + All over the beautiful floor. + + There's a silver throne at on end, + And a golden throne at the other; + And on them you see, as plain as can be, + "Queen Rosy" and "Queen Mother." + + And I will sit on the silver throne, + And Rosy shall sit on the gold; + And there we will stay, and frolic and play, + Until we're a thousand years old. + + + + +BUNKER HILL MONUMENT. + + + Do you see that stately column, + Children dear, + Lifting its gray head to heaven, + Year by year? + Telling of the battle fought, + Telling of the good work wrought, + Telling of the victory bought, + Bought so dear! + + Oh! the costly blood that flowed, + Children mine! + Fast as from the purple grapes + Flows the wine! + Oh! the heroes lying dead! + Oh! the women's hearts that bled! + Oh! the bitter tears they shed, + Children mine! + + Long ago the tears were dried, + Children dear! + Long ago the weepers died, + Year by year. + But the column old and gray + Tells the story day by day. + "Victory!" it seems to say. + "Victory's here!" + + + + +MAY. + + + Is there anything new to sing about you, + May, my dear? + Any unhackneyed thing about you, + Pray, my dear? + Anything that has not been sung + Long ago, when the world was young, + By silver throat and golden tongue? + Say, my dear! + + So many have said that your eyes are blue, + May, my dear; + It must be a tiresome fact, though true, + May, my dear. + And if I, for one, my gracious Queen, + Should boldly assert that your eyes are green, + 'Twould be a relief to you, I ween. + Eh, my dear? + + We know, at the touch of your garment's fold, + May, my dear, + The daisies come starring with white and gold + The way, my dear; + We know that the painted blossoms all + Come starting up at your gentle call, + By dale and meadow and garden wall, + May, my dear. + + We know that your birds have the sweetest tune, + May, my dear; + And lovers love best beneath your moon, + They say, my dear. + And I might add that your perfumed kiss + Is considered productive of highest bliss; + But you must be so tired of hearing this. + Eh, my dear? + + No, I really don't think there's anything fresh + Or new, my dear; + For life is short, and available rhymes + Are few, my dear. + So if I say nought about vernal bowers, + And forbear to mention the sunlit showers, + I think I shall make the best use of my powers. + Don't you, my dear? + + And yet--yet I cannot help loving you so, + May, my dear, + That the old words, whether I will or no, + I say, my dear. + And how you are fair, and how you are sweet, + My loving lips forever repeat,-- + And is this the reason you pass so fleet? + Ah, stay, my dear! + + + + +GREGORY GRIGGS. + + + Gregory Griggs, Gregory Griggs, + Had forty-seven different wigs; + He wore them up, and he wore them down, + To please the people of Boston town. + He wore them east, and he wore them west, + But he never could tell which he liked the best. + + + + +A NURSERY TRAGEDY. + + + It was a lordly elephant, + His name, his name was Sprite; + He stood upon the nursery floor, + All ready for a fight. + + He looked upon the rocking-horse, + Who proudly prancing stood: + "O rocking-horse! O shocking horse! + I'm thirsting for your blood! + + "How dare you stand and look at me, + You ugly snorting thing? + Know, that of every living beast, + The elephant is king! + + "And if a person looks at me, + Unless I give him leave, + He's very apt to meet his death + Too swiftly for reprieve. + + "You are the most unpleasant beast + I e'er have looked on yet; + Although the stupid children here + Will make of you a pet. + + "I hate your tail of waving hair! + I hate your bits of brass! + But more, oh, more than all, I hate + Your gleaming eyes of glass! + + "Were you of cotton-flannel made, + As nursery beasts should be, + With eyes of good black boot-buttons, + You then might look at me. + + "I might forgive your want of tusks, + Your lack of trunk forgive; + But that wild, goggling, glassy glare-- + No! never, while I live! + + "So get you gone, you rocking-horse! + Go to your closet-shed, + And there, behind the wood-basket, + Conceal your ugly head!" + + But as the elephant thus did scold + And rage and fume and roar, + The rocking-horse rocked over him, + And crushed him to the floor. + + + + +THE UMBRELLA BRIGADE + + + "Pitter patter!" falls the rain + On the school-room window-pane. + Such a plashing! such a dashing! + Will it e'er be dry again? + Down the gutter rolls a flood, + And the crossing's deep in mud; + And the puddles! oh, the puddles + Are a sight to stir one's blood! + + + _Chorus._ + + But let it rain + Tree-toads and frogs, + Muskets and pitchforks, + Kittens and dogs! + Dash away! plash away! + Who is afraid? + Here we go, + The Umbrella Brigade! + + Pull the boots up to the knee! + Tie the hoods on merrily! + Such a hustling! such a jostling! + Out of breath with fun are we. + Clatter, clatter, down the street, + Greeting every one we meet, + With our laughing and our chaffing, + Which the laughing drops repeat. + + + _Chorus._ + + So let it rain + Tree-toads and frogs, + Muskets and pitchforks, + Kittens and dogs! + Dash away! plash away! + Who is afraid? + Here we go, + The Umbrella Brigade! + + + + +THE PRINCESS IN SATURN AND THE RED MAN IN MARS. + + + There once was a princess both fair and tall, + Who did not live on this earth at all. + She lived up in Saturn, + And she was a pattern + Of every accomplishment, great and small; + The graces and virtues, she had them all. + + Greek, Latin, and Hebrew, she had them pat; + And she played on the sackbut! think of that! + And she sang so sweet, + All the birds at her feet + With envy and sorrow fell down quite flat; + I've been told they fell down quite remarkably flat. + + Now all the princes and all the kings + Who lived in Saturn and all his rings, + They came and knelt + Where the princess dwelt; + And they brought her all sorts of beautiful things,-- + Oh! quite an assortment of elegant things. + + For one king brought her a diamond hat; + And another presented a two-legged cat; + While another one said, + "When my uncle is dead, + I will give you his monkey. Be sure of that! + His talented monkey; depend upon that!" + + One powerful prince, with a haughty stride, + Came forward and said, "If you'll be my bride, + You shall have the Great Bear + To powder your hair, + And the small one to lace up your boots beside,-- + To lace up your boots, and to shine them beside." + + But the princess sighed; and softly she said, + "Alas! not one of you all can I wed. + 'Tis my positive plan + To marry a man + Who lives up in Mars, and is painted red,-- + From his head to his feet, quite a violent red. + + "I have often looked through my opera-glass, + And up and down I have seen him pass; + And so bright was his hue, + And so lovely to view, + I felt that in him lay my fate, alas! + I read in his red my own fate, alas! + + "So now, if you love me as fond and true + As all of you think that all of you do, + You will help me to wed + My 'Study in Red.' + Oh, kings and princes, now pray you, do! + You _dear_ kings and princes, I beg of you, do!" + + The kings and princes arose with a frown, + And first they looked up, and then they looked down. + Not a man of them spoke + Till he'd straightened his cloak, + And settled his wig, and adjusted his crown. + + [Illustration: THE PRINCESS IN SATURN.] + + And then, "If you honestly wish," they said, + "To marry a man who is _painted red_" + (In Saturn, I ween, + All the people are green), + "We don't know that there's anything more to be said,-- + Your Highness, there seems nothing more to be said." + + So they called a comet, and told him to go + To the Red Man in Mars, and give him to know + That a princess in Saturn, + Of virtues the pattern, + Desired to marry him, whether or no,-- + Was determined to marry him, whether or no. + + Away whizzed the comet, and soon he came + To the Red Man in Mars, and called him by name. + And telling his news, + Begged him not to refuse + To send back an answer at once to the same,-- + "Just you make up your mind in regard to the same!" + + But the Red Man sighed, and mournfully said, + "My friend, 'tis our law that all wives _must_ be red; + And if I should be seen + With a wife who is green, + Our king would be apt at removing my head,-- + Not a moment he'd lose in removing my head. + + "But if the young lady (who's surely most kind), + Could in any way make up her princessly mind + To turn _herself red_, + It need hardly be said + That a lover devoted in me she would find,-- + That a husband adoring in me she would find." + + The comet whizzed back with the answer again, + And the kings and the princes received it with pain. + "Sure, the princess's green + Has so brilliant a sheen, + That the thought of a change is exceedingly vain,-- + The idea of a change is prepost'rously vain." + + But when the princess this message heard, + She said, "I see nothing in this that's absurd." + Then to blush she began; + And she blushed till the Man + In Mars was less ruddy by half, on my word,-- + Less red by a generous half, on my word! + + She blushed over cheek and lip and brow, + From her fair little head to her trim little toe. + And her hat and her shoe, + And her farthingale too, + They blushed just as red as herself, I vow,-- + They blushed for the love of herself, I vow. + + She blushed till the Northern Lights grew pale; + And the Scorpion danced on the tip of his tail; + And the Red Man came + In a fiery flame, + And cried, "My bee-yutiful bride, all hail! + My blushing, bee-yutiful bride, all hail!" + + And so they were married, both he and she, + And the color of both was quite scarlet to see. + And they lived, the tale says, + To the end of their days, + As happy, as happy, as happy could be: + Sure, no other couple so happy could be. + + For she loved him in Hebrew, and likewise in Greek, + And the Latin tongue also she freely did speak. + And the sackbut she'd play + Every hour in the day, + Till the Red Man in Mars would with ecstasy squeak,-- + Till her cochineal husband with rapture would squeak. + + But the people in Saturn were sad, I ween, + And evermore greener they grew, and more green; + And the princes and kings + Said such heartbreaking things, + In these mirth-loving pages they must not be seen: + I really must stop, + And the subject must drop, + For it won't do at all for such things to be seen. + + + + +WIGGLE AND WAGGLE AND BUBBLE AND SQUEAK. + + + Wiggle and Waggle and Bubble and Squeak, + They went their fortunes for to seek; + They went to sea in a chicken-coop, + And they lived on mulligatawney soup. + + Wiggle and Waggle and Bubble and Squeak, + They cooked their soup every day in the week; + They cooked their soup in a chimney-pot, + For there the water was always hot. + + Wiggle and Waggle and Bubble and Squeak, + Each gave the other one's nose a tweak; + They tweaked so hard that it took their breath, + And so they met an untimely death. + + + + +GRET GRAN'F'THER. + + + What! take Gret Gran'f'ther's musket, + Thet he kerried at Bunker Hill, + An' go a-gunnin' fer sparrers + With Solomon Judd an' Bill? + + You let thet musket alone, Dan'l! + An' git down from thet air stool. + You've just time enough to hold this yarn + Afore ye go off to school. + + Thar! don't ye wriggle an' twist, sonny! + The yarn's fer yer own new socks; + It's safer to hold than muskets, + With their triggers an' riggers an' locks. + + A musket to shoot at sparrers! + Wal, boys is up to sech tricks! + An' thet old un, too, thet ain't ben tetched + Sence seventeen seventy-six! + + But I set more store by its rusty stock, + Than the finest money could buy; + An' if you'll stan' stiddy, Dan'l, + I'll tell ye the reason why. + + You never seed Gret Gran'f'ther, + But you've seed his pictur, boy, + With the smilin' mouth, an' the big brown eyes + Jes' brimmin' with life and joy. + + Wal! he war'n't like thet when I seed him, + But his sperrit was lively still, + Fer all his white hair an' empty sleeve, + As it was at Bunker Hill. + + An' many's the time he's told me, + Settin' here in this very cheer, + Of the fust time he shouldered thet musket, + In the Continental year. + + How out in the field a-mowin', + He seed the bay'nets glance, + An' ran fer his gun with a lighter heart + Than ever he went to a dance. + + Jest as he was,--in his shirt-sleeves + (Fer the day was warm and bright), + An' no hat,--but shoulderin' his musket, + Gret Gran'f'ther went to the fight. + + An' thar upon Bunker hillside, + Whar the smoke hung thick an' gray, + He went a-gunnin' fer redcoats, + As you'd go fer sparrers to-day. + + Hey! but the balls were whistlin'! + An' the flashes kem thick an' fast; + But whose-ever musket hed fust word, + Gret Gran'f'ther's hed the last. + + Then a gunner was shot beside him, + Thet handled a six-pound gun, + An' they called fer a man to tend her; + An' Gran'f'ther said he was one. + + "I ain't never fired a gun," said he, + "But I'll do my prideful best; + An' ef all you want is a man, Colonel, + Mebbe I'm as good as the rest." + + An' I reckon he was! fer he stood thar, + An' fired thet six-pound gun, + Till every redcoat within his range + Hed either dropped or run. + + Then all of a suddent thar kem a crack, + A flash an' a twinge an' a thrill, + An' Gran'f'ther's right arm dropped by his side, + An' hung thar, limp an' still. + + Jest fer a moment, I've heard him say, + The hull world seemed to reel; + An' a hummin' sound went through his ears, + Like Gran'm'ther's spinnin'-wheel. + + But he hedn't no time for faintin', + Nor he hedn't no time for pain; + "It's well I'm left-handed!" says Gran'f'ther, + An' he fired the gun again. + + Bimeby, when the Colonel found him, + Arter the fight was done, + He was lyin', all black like a nigger, + An' senseless, along by his gun. + + Then the boys made a kind o' stretcher, + An' jest as they laid him a-top, + "The balls was all gone," he says, "Colonel, + So I was obleeged to stop." + + Yes! thet was the way Gret Gran'f'ther fit, + An' the way he lost his arm; + But he shot with his left till the land was free, + An' then he kem back to the farm. + + An' he laid his musket acrost them hooks, + An' thar it's laid to this day; + An' spite o' you an' the sparrers, Dan'l, + Thar's whar it's a-goin' to stay. + + The school-bell! run now, sonny boy! + An' thank ye fer standin' still. + What's thet? Ay! Hurrah fer Gret Gran'f'ther! + An' hurrah fer Bunker Hill! + + + + +DAY DREAMS. + + + White wings over the water, + Fluttering, fluttering over the sea, + White wings over the water, + What are you bringing to me? + A fairy prince in a golden boat, + With golden ringlets that fall and float, + A velvet cap, and a taffety cloak, + This you are bringing to me. + + Fairy, fairy princekin, + Sailing, sailing hither to me, + Silk and satin and velvet, + What are you coming to see? + A little girl in a calico gown, + With hair and eyes of dusky brown, + Who sits on the wharf of the fishing-town, + Looking away to sea. + + [Illustration: DAY DREAMS.] + + Golden, golden sunbeams, + Touch me now with your wands of gold; + Make me a beautiful princess, + Radiant to behold. + + Blue and silver and ermine fine, + Diamond drops that flash and shine; + So shall I meet this prince of mine, + Fairer than may be told. + + White wings over the water, + Fluttering ever farther away; + Dark clouds shrouding the sunbeams, + Sullen and cold and gray. + Back I go in my calico gown, + Back to the hut in the fishing-town. + And oh, but the night shuts darkly down + After the summer day! + + + + +THE BATTLE. + + [_All the children march, each singing a verse in turn, and all + joining in the refrain._] + + + I am a German, + Marching, marching. + I am a German, + Tum tum tum! + Musket on shoulder, + Who could be bolder, + Tramping away at the sound of the drum. + + _Chorus_. Bang! bang! bang! + Hear the muskets rattle! + Bang! bang! bang! bang! + Now we'll have a battle. + Shoot 'em through the head, + Run 'em through the body! + He who runs away + Is called a Hoddy-Doddy.[1] + + [_Repeat after each verse._] + + I am a Frenchman, + Marching, marching. + I am a Frenchman, + Tum tum tum! + First at the front, + I will bear the battle's brunt, + Tramping away at the sound of the drum. + + I am an Englishman, + Marching, marching. + I am an Englishman, + Tum tum tum! + Let the foeman meet me! + Where's the one to beat me? + Tramping away at the sound of the drum. + + I am an Irishman, + Marching, marching. + I am an Irishman, + Tum tum tum! + When the battle's ready, + Who'll be there but Paddy? + Tramping away at the sound of the drum. + + [_All together._] + + We are the regiment, + Marching, marching. + We are the regiment, + Tum tum tum! + Let the trumpets blow, + As we rush to meet the foe, + With a tan tan tara! at the sound of the drum. + +[1] "Though you're such a Hoddy-Doddy!"--_Edward Lear._ + + + + +THE STRANGE BEAST. + + + Four gay gallants of London town + Went out to walk on Horsley Down; + And there they saw a beast, + The like of which had ne'er been seen + In Cheapside or in Strand, I ween, + In West-side or in East. + + Its legs were four, its tail was one, + So one gallant swore by the sun + It therefore was a horse; + "Nay!" cried the next, "this talk is idle. + If 'twere a horse, 'twould have a bridle, + A saddle, too, of course." + + "It has a horn, you will perceive, + We'll therefore call it, by your leave, + A unicorn of pride." + The others vowed by stick and fiddle + The unicorn wore his horn in the middle, + And not upon the side. + + "I call't a lion!" said the third. + "Nay!" cried the fourth, "that's _too_ absurd! + The creature has no mane. + To one who has a judgment fair, + It would appear to be a bear; + And this I will maintain." + + The beast (I'll tell the secret now! + 'Twas Farmer Giles's one-horned cow, + Her other horn was broken) + Advanced, meanwhile, toward the four, + And as 'twas supper-time and more, + Mooed loud, by way of token. + + With shriek and scream those gallants gay + To London town fled back away, + As fast as they might fare. + And when at home they stopped to rest 'em, + A whole menagerie had chased 'em, + As every one could swear. + + + + +A GARDEN JINGLE. + + + Three little peas, + Three little peas, + Three little peas in a pod. + The pod it was green, + And fair to be seen, + But they wanted to go abroad. + + And "Oh," said they, + "To be far away, + Out in the air so green! + To flutter and fly + Like the birds that go by! + We would envy nor king nor queen." + + Three little peas, + Three little peas, + Three little peas in a pod. + My Harry he took them, + And rattled and shook them, + And fired them all abroad. + + The first one fell + Right into the well, + And learned how to float and swim. + The second did fly + Into Roderick's eye, + And sorely disgusted him. + + But the third little pea, + Right venturesomely, + Straight up in the air it flew; + And it stared in surprise + With both of its eyes, + To find that the air was blue. + + + + +THE BABY GOES TO BOSTON. + + + What does the train say? + Jiggle joggle, jiggle joggle! + What does the train say? + Jiggle joggle jee! + Will the little baby go + Riding with the locomo? + Loky moky poky stoky + Smoky choky chee! + + Ting! ting! the bells ring, + Jiggle joggle, jiggle joggle! + Ting! ting! the bells ring, + Jiggle joggle jee! + Ring for joy because we go + Riding with the locomo, + Loky moky poky stoky + Smoky choky chee! + + Look! how the trees run, + Jiggle joggle, jiggle joggle! + Each chasing t'other one, + Jiggle joggle jee! + Are they running for to go + Riding with the locomo? + Loky moky poky stoky + Smoky choky chee! + + Over the hills now, + Jiggle joggle, jiggle joggle! + Down through the vale below, + Jiggle joggle jee! + All the cows and horses run, + Crying, "Won't you take us on, + Loky moky poky stoky + Smoky choky chee?" + + So, so, the miles go, + Jiggle joggle, jiggle joggle! + Now it's fast and now it's slow, + Jiggle joggle jee! + When we're at our journey's end, + Say good-by to snorting friend, + Loky moky poky stoky + Smoky choky chee! + + + + +THE FLAG IN THE SCHOOLROOM. + + [_Written for the Central Street Grammar School, Gardiner, Me., + Dec. 20, 1880._] + + + Goddess Freedom, look abroad + From thy snowy mount to-night! + In all thy realm so fair and broad, + Thou shalt not see a fairer sight. + Youthful hearts, so glad and free, + Paying homage due to thee: + Youthful voices, fresh and strong, + Singing thine immortal song. + + As the stars with many a ray + Deck thy banner's azure field, + So these children stand to-day, + Stars of hope upon thy shield. + May each boy, to manhood grown, + Ever, Freedom, be thine own; + Now thy nursling, frail and tender, + Then thy strength and thy defender. + + In the years that are to come, + Be they dark or be they bright, + Make in these young hearts thy home, + Raise them to thy lofty height. + Keep them still, in manhood's glow, + Pure as is our northern snow; + Keep their faith, till life be done, + Bright as is our northern sun! + + + + +JOHNNY JUMP-UP. + + + Who wakes earliest in the morn? + Sure you'll think it is the lark, + Who before the daylight's born, + Rises singing through the dark. + + But though sweet the lark may carol, + Early to his mate may call, + Johnny Jump-up, Johnny Jump-up, + Carols loud before them all. + + Who wakes latest in the night + When the sun is gone to bed, + When each tiny blossom bright + Nods in sleep its pretty head? + + Other babies all are sleeping, + Mother's eyelids droop and fall. + Johnny Jump-up, Johnny Jump-up, + Waketh later than them all. + + Johnny's eyes are very lovely, + Johnny's eyes are very blue; + But one hardly cares to see them + Snap and dance the whole night through. + + Johnny's laugh is clear and ringing, + Tinkling like a silver bell; + But a child should _not_ be singing + Morning, noon, and night as well. + + Johnny Jump-up, Johnny Jump-up, + Rules us with his tiny hand; + Lord and master, king and kaiser, + In the realm of Nurseryland. + + Take your pleasure without measure; + Laugh and crow, and whoop and call! + Johnny Jump-up, Johnny Jump-up, + We're your faithful servants all! + + + + +THE OUTLANDISHMAN. + + + The Outlandishman came o'er the sea, o'er the sea, + In a skipaway flipaway boat; + And who so merry, so merry as he, + As soon as he got afloat? + + He sat on the poop to gobble his soup + With a spoon, with a spoon of the best; + And part of his fast he broke on the mast, + And smashed on the bowsprit the rest. + + He lowered his line in the deep, in the deep, + And invited the fishlikins up; + Then he hung them in rows in front of his nose, + And wished it were time to sup. + + Then the Bottlegreen Bovis arose, arose, + And asked was he game for a fight; + But he seized on the anchor and threw it with rancor, + And the foe-fish retired from sight. + + He danced on the deck with never a check + Till the clock, till the clock struck nine. + And his eyes did wink, and he sang "tink a tink!" + In the mowl of the merry moonshine. + + Lo! all of these things the Outlandishman did, + As he sailed, as he sailed on the sea. + Yea, more! yea, more! both sorry and sore, + But you never shall learn them from me. + + + + +A SLEIGH-RIDE. + + + Ting! ring! the sleigh-bells jingle + Merrily over the frozen snow. + Cheeks a-glow and ears a-tingle, + Tumble in, children, here we go! + + Ting! ring! the sleigh-bells jingle! + Get along, Dobbin! go along, Jack! + Bells and voices merrily mingle, + Swift we fly as an arrow's track. + + Ting! ring! the sleigh-bells jingle! + Nose cold, Tommy? Here, rub it with snow! + Toes ache, Ned? Just kick till they tingle, + Thump! thump! thump! on the dasher, so! + + Ting! ring! the sleigh-bells jingle! + Snow-wreaths fly like a snow-sea's foam. + Sweet bells, sweet laugh, hark! how they mingle! + Tumble out, children, here we're at home! + + + + +The Little Gnome + + + Once there lived a little gnome + Who had made his little home + Right down in the middle of the earth, earth, earth. + He was full of fun and frolic, + But his wife was melancholic, + And he never could divert her into mirth, mirth, mirth. + + He had tried her with a monkey + And a parrot and a donkey, + And a pig that squealed whene'er he pulled its tail, tail, tail. + But though he laughed himself + Into fits, the jolly elf, + Still his wifey's melancholy did not fail, fail, fail. + + [Illustration: THE BLINKING BEAR.] + + "I will hie me," said the gnome, + "From my worthy earthy home; + I will go among the dwellings of the men, men, men. + _Something_ funny there must be, + That will make her say 'He, he!' + I will find it and will bring it her again, 'gain, 'gain." + + [Illustration: THE PATTYPOL.] + + So he travelled here and there, + And he saw the Blinking Bear, + And the Pattypol whose eyes are in his tail, tail, tail. + And he saw the Linking Gloon, + Who was playing the bassoon, + And the Octopus a-waltzing with the whale, whale, whale. + + [Illustration: THE LINKING GLOON.] + + He saw the Chingo Chee, + And a lovely sight was he, + With a ringlet and a ribbon on his nose, nose, nose, + And the Baggle, and the Wogg, + And the Cantilunar Dog, + Who was throwing cotton-flannel at his foes, foes, foes. + + All these the little gnome + Transported to his home, + And set them down before his weeping wife, wife, wife; + But she only cried and cried, + And she sobbywobbed and sighed, + Till she really was in danger of her life, life, life. + + [Illustration: THE OCTOPUS AND WHALE.] + + Then the gnome was in despair, + And he tore his purple hair, + And he sat him down in sorrow on a stone, stone, stone. + "I, too," he said, "will cry, + Till I tumble down and die, + For I've had enough of laughing all alone, 'lone, 'lone." + + [Illustration: THE BAGGLE.] + + [Illustration: THE WOGG.] + + [Illustration: THE CHINGO CHEE.] + + His tears they flowed away, + Like a rivulet at play, + With a bubble, gubble, rubble, o'er the ground, ground, ground. + But when this his wifey saw, + She loudly cried "Haw, haw! + Here at last is something funny you have found, found, found." + + She laughed, "Ho, ho! he, he!" + And she chuckled loud with glee, + And she wiped away her little husband's tears, tears, tears. + And since then, through wind and weather, + They have said "He, he!" together, + For several hundred thousand merry years, years, years. + + [Illustration: THE CANTILUNAR DOG.] + + + + +THE LITTLE DUTCHESS + + + Once there lived a little Dutchess, + Just beside the Zuyder Zee; + Short and stout and roly-poly, + As a Dutchess ought to be. + + She had pigs and she had poultry, + She had lands and she had gold; + And she loved the Burgomaster,-- + Loved him more than can be told. + + "Surly, burly Burgomaster, + Will you have me for your love? + You shall be my pouter-pigeon, + I will be your turtle-dove. + + "You shall have my China porkers, + You shall have each Dorking hen; + Take them with your loving Dutchess, + Oh, you Dutchiest of men!" + + Loudly laughed the Burgomaster, + "Naught I care for Dorking fowls; + Naught for pig, unless 'tis roasted, + And on that my doctor scowls. + + "Frumpy, stumpy little Dutchess, + I do not incline to wed. + Keep your pigs and keep your poultry! + I will take your gold instead. + + "I will take your shining florins, + I will take your fields' rich hoard; + You may go and tend your piggies + Till your spirits be restored." + + Loudly wept the little Dutchess, + Tending sad each China pig; + Loudly laughed the Burgomaster + 'Neath his merry periwig. + + Till the Dutchy people, angry + Conduct such as this to see, + Took and plumped the pouter-pigeon + Right into the Zuyder Zee. + + + * * * * * + + +BOOKS BY LAURA E. RICHARDS + + +THE GOLDEN WINDOWS. A Book of Fables for Old and Young + +_Illustrated Edition._ With five full-page illustrations and text +decorations by Arthur E. Becher and Julia Ward Richards. 12mo. Full +gilt. $1.50. + +_Popular Edition._ With frontispiece and text decorations. 16mo. +$1.00. + + Simply written, and exquisitely conceived with a little golden + moral attached to each.--_Boston Herald._ + + Fitly named, for the book is a window into a realm as beautiful + as it is real.--_The Outlook_, New York. + + +THE SILVER CROWN. Another Book of Fables for Old and Young + +With ornamental initials and title-page by Julia Ward Shaw. 12mo. +Decorated cloth, gilt top. $1.25. + + Forty-five simply written fables each with its own delightful + conception, and its own little moral, fragrant with + aspiration.--_New York Times._ + + Replete with exquisite feeling and lovely in the telling. No + child can read them without learning many a lesson tenderly + imparted, and no grown persons will read them without content + in their heart-satisfying wisdom.--_Chicago Post._ + + +THE JOYOUS STORY OF TOTO + +Illustrated by E. H. Garrett. 12mo. Cloth. $1.00. + +Toto is a little boy who lives with his blind grandmother on the edge +of a wood. Toto makes friends with all the wood creatures, from the +bear to the squirrel, and they frequently come to the house to +entertain the grandmother with their conversation. Told in a droll way +which is heartily enjoyed by the children. + + +TOTO'S MERRY WINTER + +Fully illustrated. 12mo. Cloth. $1.00. + +Toto's friends of the wood consent to spend the winter with him at the +cottage. Their adventures and their stories (for they delight to tell +stories when gathered before the fire) make a volume full of treasures +for young folks. + + +IN MY NURSERY. A Book of Rhymes for Young Folks + +Profusely illustrated. Small 4to. $1.00 _net_. + + Ex-President Theodore Roosevelt says: + + "There is a book I did not have when I was a child because it + was not written. It is Laura E. Richards' nursery rhymes. My + own children loved them dearly and their mother and I love them + almost equally." + + +THE PIG BROTHER + +Illustrated. 12mo. 40 cents _net_. + +A collection of the best of Mrs. Richards' short stories and verses +for children of nine or ten. + + +LITTLE, BROWN, & COMPANY, Publishers 34 BEACON STREET :: :: :: :: :: +BOSTON, MASS. + + + + + +End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of In My Nursery, by Laura E. 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