title: Little folks' book of verse ...
text: ■»■-«—' J L tlf ■■■■ '.: OOK < VERSE GOLDEN BOOKS FOR CHILDREN EDITED BY CLIFTON JOHNSON mass //', Book i> GopightN COPYRIGHT DEPOSIT. GOLDEN BOOKS FOR CHILDREN Edited by Clifton Johnson LITTLE FOLKS' BOOK OF VERSE Little Annie's Garden Poem on page 21 LITTLE FOLKS' BOOK OF VERSE GOLDEN BOOKS FOR CHILDREN EDITED BY CLIFTON JOHNSON Illustrated by MARY R. BASSETT New York THE BAKER & TAYLOR COMPANY 1911 1* 'v. & Copyright 1911 by The Baker & Taylor Company Published October, 1911 PRINTED IN THE UNITED STATES BY The F. A. Bassette Company OF SPRINGFIELD, MASSACHUSETTS CLA30U227 Contents Cock-A-Doodle-Doo The Wind and the Leaves Daybreak The Priest and the Mulberry Tree Winter Jewels The Cow and the Ass The Nightingale and Glow- Worm The Alphabet The Ant and the Cricket A Fly .. Spring Voices Ding Dong The Foolish Fish Ready for Duty The Voice of Spring After Blenheim The Bobolink Annie's Garden The Ladybug The Puzzled Centipede The Brook The Kite that Broke Away Turncoats The Dandelion An Alphabet Jingle The Chorus of Frogs Lord Ullin's Daughter Good Morning Good Night. Dame Duck's Lecture on Education Page 1 2 2 3 4 5 7 8 9 10 12 12 13 14 15 16 19 21 22 23 23 24 25 26 31 vi Contents Page The Pin 34 Yankee Doodle .... 35 The Sparrow .... 37 The Shower .... . 38 The Little Girl Who Could Not Read 39 The Diverting History of John Gilpin 39 The Reason Why. 50 Mischief .... 50 The Worm .... 52 Mary's Lamb 53 Snow ..... 54 The Rain-Man 55 Country Music 56 The Wren and the Hen 56 Casabianca .... 57 A Good Play 59 The May Queen 59 Politeness .... 60 The Proud Cricket 61 Guessing Song 62 Landing of the Pilgrim Fathers 63 How to Get Breakfast 64 New Year's Eve 65 Paul Revere' s Ride 65 My Winter Friend 70 The Father's Home Coming 71 The Squirrels and the Gun 72 The Violet .... 73 My Dog .... 73 My Doll .... 74 What the Burdock was Good For 74 The Golden Rule. 75 The Lazy Horse 76 The Frost .... 78 Is It You? .... 79 Contents VII Page A Good Thanksgiving .... 80 The Wood-Mouse 81 Pussy Willow ..... 82 The Cock and the Clucking Hen 82 The Runaways ..... 83 Three Children Sliding on the Ice 84 Snow in Town ..... 84 The Fox and the Goose .... 85 The Story of a Snake .... 86 The Mice 87 Out-Of-Door Arithmetic 88 The Ragged Dolly 88 Filial Trust 89 The Way to School .... 90 The Idler and the Worker 92 The Last Speech of Poor Puss 93 A Tragic Story ..... 95 A Sleigh-Ride 96 Wishing ...... 96 All for Want of a Nail .... 97 The Brown Thrush .... 98 The North Wind 98 The Lark and the Rook. 99 The Weathercock's Complaint 100 Little by Little ..... 101 Why Some Birds Hop and Others Walk 102 The Task 103 Hiawatha's Childhood .... 104 The Glutton 106 King Bruce and the Spider 108 How the Winds Blow .... 110 My Kite 111 God Made Them All .... . 112 The Rivulet 112 Wishes ....... 113 VIII Contents Page Spring ....... . 114 The Disappointed Snowflake. . 115 The Adventures of Joe Dobson . 116 Snow-Bound .... . 118 The Spider ...... 123 The Fox and the Crow .... . 124 The Clouds ..... . 125 A Winter Visitor ..... . 126 Which Way Does the Wind Blow . 126 Bird Trades ...... . 127 The Milkmaid . 128 The Stormy March .... . 129 Morning and Evening .... . 130 The Little Mouse . ... . 131 The Charge of the Light Brigade . 132 The Wind and the Moon . 134 Time ....... . 136 The Death of Master Tommy Rook . 137 In September ..... . 140 The Wind in Frolic .... . 141 Jack Frost ...... . 142 The Days . 143 The Three Little Kittens . 144 Little Things ..... 145 The Little Bird's Complaint to His Mistress 146 Bed in Summer ..... 147 A Spring Song ..... 148 Little Billee 148 Humanity ...... 150 Great, Wide, Beautiful, Wonderful World 150 The Retired Cat ..... 151 A Nonsense Poem ..... 155 The Parts of Speech .... 156 The Story of the Little Gray Bird. 157 Contents IX Page The Spider and the Fly . . 158 Try, Try Again 161 An Evening Lullaby 162 Perseverance \m The Schoolroom Clock 163 My Little Brother. 164 Falling Snow 164 The Two Rats 165 Little Hepatica 166 The Mother Hen's Mistake 166 The Birds .. 167 The Raindrops' Ride 168 Come, My Children 168 Wild Winds. 169 The Pond 170 Be Jolly 171 The Barefoot Boy. 172 Quite Like a Stocking 173 Mav ... 174 The Truant. 174 Just as He Feared. 175 Kindness to Pussy. 176 The Seasons 176 The Squirrels' Arithmetic 177 The Little Boy and His Ball 178 The Bluebird's Song 179 Who Stole the Bird's Nest 180 Mother's Children. 183 The Ill-Natured Brier 184 Who Was She 185 Summer Woods 186 Little Jack Frost 187 Over the Hill 188 The Snow Storm 189 Rain in Summer 190 x Contents Page A Dream .... 190 The Frost 191 Bird Thoughts 192 One Thing at a Time 193 Daisies .... 193 The Tumble. 194 Little Streams 194 The Woodpecker 195 The Honey Bee 198 The Night Before Christmas 198 The Holiday. 200 The Girl Who Cried 201 Merry Rain 202 The Good Moolly Cow. 203 The Mother's Work 204 A Fourth of July Record 205 The Spider and His Wife 206 Spring .... 208 Contented John 209 Suppose 210 Frogs at School 211 In the Meadow 212 The Gourd and the Palm 216 Meddlesome Matty 216 The Winter Bird 219 Greedy Richard 219 The Birds and the Hawk 221 The Little Star 222 A Mortifying Mistake 223 Thanksgiving Day 224 The Little Kite '. 224 Pride .... 225 Finery 226 The Wind 226 The Snail 227 Contents XI Page Mother's Kiss ..... 228 I'll Try 228 The Quarrelsome Kittens 229 Little Raindrops ..... 230 The Bumbling Bumblebee 231 Wee Willie's First Hair-Cut. 231 Supposing .... 232 Where is God . ... 232 The Wind 232 Illustrations Little Annie's Garden Frontispiece ■/ Facing Page Mary and Her Lamb 52 V My Doll .... 74 * Hiawatha and Old Nokomis 104 / The Clouds .... 124 Bed in Summer 146 "' The Barefoot Boy. 172 i The Holiday ... 200 The poems in this volume by Henry W. Longfellow, John G. Whittier, Thomas Bailey Aldrich, Frank Demp- ster Sherman, Alice and Phoebe Carey, and Lucy Lar- com are published by permission of, and by arrangement with, Houghton Mifflin Company, the authorized pub- lishers of their works. Kindly permission has also been granted by the au- thors to use the selections from the writings of Mrs. Emily Huntington Miller, Miss Augusta Earned, Miss Winifred Stoner and Mr. J. W. Foley; and acknowl- edgment is made to the Outlook and the Youth's Com- panion for the privilege of reprinting several poems which first appeared in their pages. Introductory Note / T A HIS collection of poems was made primarily for -*- children from six to twelve years of age; but in- asmuch as the attraction of the best juvenile literature is by no means confined to the children themselves, I hope the volume will give pleasure to many a reader of mature years. Most of what I have included belongs to a com- paratively recent period. The possible range of selec- tion covers a span of about six centuries. Further back the words were so different from those we now use as to be like a foreign language. But little that is suitable for children has come down to us from even half as many years ago, except nursery jingles, and those make a volume by themselves. The first requisite of the poems admitted to these pages was that they should be interesting to the average intelligent child. Toleration is not enough. The poem capable of winning no more than that has been re- jected, no matter what its graces of expression or form, or what its fame of authorship. Children do not ordinarily care for descriptive nature poems, or the detailed depiction of character, or for unfamiliar dialect; and there is much else in the poetry commonly set before them which is beyond xviii Introductory Note the range of their experience and comprehension, and which makes a good deal of it dull reading to them. They enjoy an easily-caught rhythm, and above all things a lively story that moves rapidly forward to the climax. Narratives that have to do with animals are particularly welcome, and such have large place in the present volume. Some of the selections are portions of long poems, and I have never hesitated to omit parts of the shorter poems, when by so doing I could enhance the interest without sacrificing an artis- tic completeness. It has been my aim to avoid entirely subjects alien to the tastes of healthy childhood; and this means in the main the exclusion of verse that is melancholy, retrospective, sentimental, or devotional. Technically, the poetry is not always wholly admir- able, but it is simple and genuine, and there is in it much of quaint fancy and rollicking entertainment. I wish examples of the work of all the recognized poetic masters of the race could be given. Unfortu- nately many of them did not produce poetry of interest to little folks; but I have tried to furnish as varied a representation as possible of famous poets, and to include the favorite poems by minor writers that seem worthy and that have real charm for youthful readers. That the poems will leave agreeable impressions and memories I feel assured. Hadley, Mass. Clifton Johnson Little Folks' Book of Verse COCK-A-DOODLE-DOO A little boy got out of bed — 'Twas only six o'clock — And out the window poked his head, And spied a crowing cock. The little boy said, "Mr. Bird, Pray tell me who are you?" And all the answer that he heard Was, "Cock-a-doodle-doo!" "What would you think, if you were me," He said, "and I were you?" But still that bird provokingly Cried, "Cock-a-doodle-doo!" "Now hark to me, you stupid head, How much is two times two?" That old bird winked one eye, and said Just "Cock-a-doodle-doo!" The boy then slammed the window down, To a fence the old bird flew, And flapping hard his two wings brown Cried, " Cock-a-doodle-doodle-doodle-doo ! ' ' Little Folks' Book of Verse THE WIND AND THE LEAVES "Come, little leaves," said the wind one day, "Come over the meadows with me and play. Put on your dresses of red and gold; For summer is gone, and the days grow cold." Soon as the leaves heard the wind's loud call, Down they came fluttering, one and all. O'er the brown field then they danced and flew Singing the soft little songs they knew. Dancing and whirling, the little leaves went, Winter had called them, and they were content. Soon, fast asleep on their earthy beds, The snow laid a coverlet over their heads. George Cooper. DAYBREAK A wind came up out of the sea, And said : " O mists, make room for me ! : It hailed the ships, and cried: "Sail on, Ye mariners, the night is gone." And hurried landward far away, Crying: "Awake! it is the day." It said unto the forest: "Shout! Hang all your leafy bauners out!" The Priest and the Mulberry Tree 3 It touched the wood-bird's folded wing, And said: "O bird, awake and sing!" It whispered to the fields of corn : "Bow down, and hail the coming morn!" It shouted through the belfry tower: "Awake, O bell! proclaim the hour." Henry W. Longfellow THE PRIEST AND THE MULBERRY TREE Did you hear of the curate who mounted his mare, And merrily trotted along to the fair? Of creature more tractable none ever heard, In the height of her speed she would stop at a word; But again with a word, when the curate said, "Hey," She put forth her mettle and galloped away. As near to the gates of the city he rode, While the sun of September all brilliantly glowed, The good priest discovered, with eyes of desire, A mulberry tree in a hedge of wild briar; On boughs long and lofty, in many a green shoot, Hung large, black and glossy, the beautiful fruit. The curate was hungry and thirsty to boot; He shrunk from the thorns, though he longed for the fruit; With a word he arrested his courser's keen speed, And he stood up erect on the back of his steed; On the saddle he stood while the creature stood still, And he gathered the fruit till he took his good fill. 4 Little Folks' Book of Verse "Sure never," he thought, "was a creature so rare, So docile, so true, as my excellent mare; Lo, here now I stand," and he gazed all around, "As safe and as steady as if on the ground; Yet how had it been, if some traveller this way, Had, dreaming no mischief, but chanced to cry, 'Hey!'" He stood with his head in the mulberry tree, And he spoke out aloud in his fond reverie; At the sound of the word the good mare made a push, And down went the priest in the wild-briar bush. He remembered too late, on his thorny green bed, Much that well may be thought cannot wisely be said. Thomas Love Peacock WINTER JEWELS A million little diamonds Twinkled on the trees; And all the little children cried, "A jewel, if you please!" But while they held their hands outstretched To catch the diamonds gay, A million little sunbeams came And stole them all away. Mrs. Mary F. Butts. The Cow and the Ass THE COW AND THE ASS Beside a green meadow a stream used to flow, So clear, one might see the white pebbles below. To this cooling brook the warm cattle would stray, To stand in the shade on a hot summer's day. A cow, quite oppressed by the heat of the sun, Came here to refresh, as she often had done; And standing quite still, stooping over the stream, Was musing perhaps, or perhaps she might dream. But soon a brown ass, of respectable look, Came trotting up also, to taste of the brook And to nibble a little at daisies and grass. "How d'ye do?" said the cow. "How d'ye do?" said the ass. "Take a seat," said the cow, gently waving her hand. "By no means, dear madam," said he, "while you stand." Then stooping to drink, with a complaisant bow, "Ma'am, your health," said the ass. "Thank you, sir," said the cow. When a few of these compliments more had been passed, They laid themselves down on the herbage at last, And waiting politely, as gentlemen must, The ass held his tongue, that the cow might speak first. 6 Little Folks' Book of Verse Then, with a deep sigh, she directly began, "Don't you think, Mr. Ass, we are injured by man? 'Tis a subject which lies with a weight on my mind, We really are greatly oppressed by mankind. "Pray what is the reason — I see none at all — That I always must go when Jane chooses to call? Whatever I'm doing — 'tis certainly hard — I'm forced to leave off, to be milked in the yard. "I've no will of my own, but must do as they please, And give them my milk to make butter and cheese. Sometimes I endeavor to kick down the pail, Or give her a box on the ear with my tail." "But ma'am," said the ass, "not presuming to teach — Oh dear, I beg pardon — pray finish your speech. Excuse my mistake," said the courteous swain; " Go on, and I'll not interrupt you again." "Why, sir," said the cow, "I just want to observe, Those hard-hearted tyrants no longer I'll serve; But leave them forever to do as they please, And look somewhere else for their butter and cheese." Ass waited a moment, his answer to scan, And then, "Not presuming to teach," he began, "Permit me to say, since my thoughts you invite, I always saw things in a different light. The Nightingale and the Glow- Worm 7 "That you afford man an important supply, No ass in his senses would ever deny; But then, in return, 'tis but fair to allow, They are of some service to you, Mistress Cow. " 'Tis their pleasant meadow in which you repose, And they find you a shelter from winter's cold snows. For comforts like these, we're indebted to man; And for him, in return, should do all that we can." The cow, upon this, cast her eyes on the grass, Not pleased to be schooled in this way by an ass; "Yet," said she to herself, "though he's not very bright, I really believe that the fellow is right." Jane Taylor. THE NIGHTINGALE AND GLOW-WORM A nightingale, that all day long Had cheered the village with his song, Nor yet at eve his note suspended, Nor yet when eventide was ended, Began to feel, as well he might, The keen demands of appetite; When, looking eagerly around, He spied far off upon the ground, A something shining in the dark, And knew the glow-worm by his spark; So, stooping down from hawthorn top, He thought to put him in his crop. 8 Little Folks' Book of Verse The worm, aware of his intent, Harangued him thus, right eloquent — "Did you admire my lamp," quoth he, "As much as I your minstrelsy, You would abhor to do me wrong, As much as I to spoil your song; For 'twas the self-same power divine, Taught you to sing and me to shine; That you with music, I with light, Might beautify and cheer the night.' ' The songster heard his short oration, And warbling out his approbation, Released him, as my story tells, And found a supper somewhere else. William Cowper. THE ALPHABET " Come, come, my darling, I must see How you can say your A, B, C. Go get your book, and come to me, And I will hear your E, F, G, When you have said your A, B, C. "A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I, J, K, L, M, N, 0, P, Q,R,S,T,U,W,V, X, Y, and Z — Oh dear me, Yes, you can say your A, B, C." The Ant and the Cricket THE ANT AND THE CRICKET A silly young cricket, accustomed to sing Through the warm, sunny months of gay summer and spring, Began to complain, when he found that at home His cupboard was empty and winter was come. Not a crumb to be found On the snow-covered ground; Not a flower could he see, Not a leaf on a tree. " Oh, what will become, " says the cricket, " of me? " At last by starvation and famine made bold, All dripping with wet and all trembling with cold, Away he set off to a miserly ant To see if, to keep him alive, he would grant Him shelter from rain. A mouthful of grain He wished only to borrow, He'd repay it tomorrow; If not helped, he must die of starvation and sorrow. Says the ant to the cricket: "I'm your servant and friend, But we ants never borrow, we ants never lend. Pray tell me, dear sir, did you lay nothing by 10 Little Folks' Book of Verse When the weather was warm?" Said the cricket, "Not I. My heart was so light That I sang day and night, For all nature looked gay. " "You sang, sir, you say? Go then, " said the ant, "and sing winter away. " Thus ending, he hastily lifted the wicket And out of the door turned the poor little cricket. Though this is a fable, the moral is good — If you live without work, you must live without food. A FLY Baby Bye, Here's a fly; Let us watch him, you and I. How he crawls Up the walls; Yet he never falls ! I believe with six such legs You and I could walk on eggs. There he goes On his toes Tickling baby's nose. Spots of red Dot his head; Rainbows on his back are spread. That small speck Is his neck; See him nod and beck. A Fly 11 I can show you, if you choose Where to look to find his shoes — Three small pairs Made of hairs; These he always wears. He can eat Bread and meat; There's his mouth between his feet. When it rains He complains On the window-panes. Tongues to talk have you and I; God has given the little fly No such things; So he sings With his buzzing wings. In the sun Webs are spun, What if he gets into one? Little fly, Ope your eye; Spiders are near by; And a secret I can tell — Spiders never use flies well. Then away, Do not stay. Little fly, good day. Theodore Tilton. 12 Little Folks' Book of Verse SPRING VOICES "Caw! caw!" says the Crow, "Spring has come again I know; For as sure as I am born, There's a farmer planting corn. I shall breakfast there, I trow, Long before his corn can grow." "Quack, quack!" says the Duck, "Was there ever such good luck! Spring has cleared the pond of ice, And the day is warm and nice, Just as I and Goodman Drake Thought we'd like a swim to take." "Croak, croak!" says the Frog, As he leaps out from the bog; " Spring is near, I do declare, For the earth is warm and fair. Croak! croak! croak! I love the spring, When the little birdies sing." DING DONG! Ding don g! ding doDg! I'll sing you a song. 'Tis about a little bird. He sat on a tree, And he saDg to me, And I never said a word. The Foolish Fish 13 Ding dong! ding dong! I'll sing you a song. 'Tis about a little mouse. He looked very cunning As I saw him running About my father's house. Ding dong! ding dong! I'll sing you a song. 'Tis about my little kitty. She's speckled all over, And I know you'll love her, For she is very pretty. Eliza Lee Follen. THE FOOLISH FISH "Dear mother," said a little fish, "Is that a worm I see? I'm very hungry, and I wish You'd get the worm for me." "Sweet innocent," the mother cried, And started from her nook, "That worm you see is there to hide The sharpness of a hook." As I have heard, the little trout Was young and foolish too, And presently he ventured out To learn what might be true. 14 Little Folks' Book of Verse Around about the worm he played, With many a longing look, And "Dear me!" to himself he said, "I'm sure there is no hook." "I think I'll give one little bite;" And that was what he did, And thus he died in hapless plight By not doing as he was bid. Ann and Jane Taylor. READY FOR DUTY Daffy-down-dilly came up in the cold Through the brown mold, Although the March breezes blew keen on her face, Although the white snow lay on many a place. Daffy-down-dilly had heard under ground The sweet rushing sound Of the streams, as they burst off their white winter chains, Of the whistling spring winds, and the pattering rains. "Now then," thought Daffy, deep down in her heart, "It's time I should start!" So she pushed her soft leaves straight up through the ground, Till she came to the surface — and then she looked round. The Voice of Spring 15 There was snow all about her, gray clouds overhead; The trees all looked dead. Then how do you think Daffy-down-dilly felt, When the sun would not shine, and the ice would not melt? "Cold weather!" said Daffy, still working away; "The earth's hard today! But unless I can manage to lift up my head, The people will think that Spring herself 's dead!" So little by little, she brought her leaves out, All clustered about; And then her bright flowers began to unfold, Till Daffy stood robed in her spring green and gold. Oh, Daffy-down-dilly, so brave and so true ! I wish all were like you ! So ready for duty in all sorts of weather, And holding forth courage and beauty together. Anna B. Warner. THE VOICE OF SPRING I am coming, I am coming! Hark! the honey bee is humming; See, the lark is soaring high In the blue and sunny sky, And the gnats are on the wing Wheeling round in airy ring. 16 Little Folks' Book of Verse Listen! New-born lambs are bleating, And the cawing rooks are meeting In the elms — a noisy crowd. All the birds are singing loud, And the first white butterfly In the sunshine dances by. Look around you, look around ! Flowers in all the fields abound, Every running stream is bright, All the orchard trees are white, And each small and waving shoot Promises sweet autumn fruit. Mary Howitt. AFTER BLENHEIM It was a summer evening; Old Kaspar's work was doue, And he before his cottage door Was sitting in the sun; And by him sported on the green His little grandchild Wilhelmine. She saw her brother Peterkin Roll something large and round Which he beside the rivulet In playing there had found; He came to ask what he had found That was so large and smooth and round. After Blenheim 17 Old Kaspar took it from the boy, Who stood expectant by; And then the old man shook his head, And with a natural sigh, " 'Tis some poor fellow's skull," said he, " Who fell in the great victory. "I find them in the garden, For there's many here about; And often when I go to plough The ploughshare turns them out. For many thousand men," said he, "Were slain in that great victory." "Now tell us what 'twas all about," Young Peterkin he cries; And little Wilhelmine looks up With wonder- waiting eyes; "Now tell us all about the war, And what they fought each other for? " "It was the English," Kaspar cried, "Who put the French to rout; But what they fought each other for I could not well make out. But everybody said," quoth he, "That 'twas a famous victory. 18 Little Folks' Book of Verse "My father lived at Blenheim then, Yon little stream hard by; They burnt his dwelling to the ground, And he was forced to fly; So with his wife and child he fled, Nor had he where to rest his head. "They say it was a shocking sight After the field was won; For many thousand bodies here Lay rotting in the sun; But things like that, you know, must be After a famous victory. "Great praise the Duke of Marlbro' won And our good Prince Eugene;" — "Why 'twas a very wicked thing!" Said little Wilhelmine; "Nay — nay — my little girl," quoth he, "It was a famous victory. "And everybody praised the Duke Who this great fight did win." — "But what good came of it at last?" Quoth little Peterkin: — "Why that I cannot tell," said he, "But 'twas a famous victory." Robert Southey. The Bobolink 19 THE BOBOLINK Merrily swinging on briar and weed, Near to the nest of his little dame, Over the mountain-side or mead, Robert of Lincoln is telling his name : Bob-o'-link, bob-o'-link, Spink, spank, spink; Snug and safe is that nest of ours, Hidden among the summer flowers; Chee, chee, chee. Robert of Lincoln is gaily drest, Wearing a bright black wedding-coat; White are his shoulders, and white his crest; Hear him call in his merry note: Bob-o'-link, bob-o'-link, Spink, spank, spink; Look what a nice new coat is mine, Sure there was never a bird so fine. Chee, chee, chee. Robert of Lincoln's Quaker wife, Pretty and quiet, with plain brown wings, Passing at home a patient life, Broods in the grass while her husband sings : Bob-o'-link, bob-o'-link, Spink, spank, spink; Brood, kind creature; you need not fear Thieves and robbers while I am here. Chee, chee, chee. 20 Little Folks' Book of Verse Modest and shy as a nun is she; One weak chirp is her only note, Braggart and prince of braggarts is he, Pouring boasts from his little throat: Bob-o'-link, bob-o'-link, Spink, spank, spink; Never was I afraid of man; Catch me cowardly knaves, if you can! Chee, chee, chee. Six white eggs on a bed of hay, Flecked with purple, a pretty sight! There as the mother sits all day, Robert is singing with all his might : Bob-o'-link, bob-o'-link, Spink, spank, spink; Nice good wife, that never goes out, Keeping house while I frolic about. Chee, chee, chee. Soon as the little ones chip the shell, Six wide mouths are open for food; Robert of Lincoln bestirs him well, Gathering seeds for the hungry brood. Bob-o'-link, bob-o'-link, Spink, spank, spink; This new life is likely to be Hard for a gay young fellow like me. Chee, chee, chee. Annie's Garden 21 Robert of Lincoln at length is made Sober with work, and silent with care; Off is his holiday garment laid, Half forgotten that merry air: Bob-o'-link, bob-o'-link, Spink, spank, spink; Nobody knows but my mate and I Where our nest and our nestlings lie. Chee, chee, chee. Summer wanes; the children are grown; Fun and frolic no more he knows; Robert of Lincoln's a humdrum crone; Off he flies, and we sing as he goes : "Bob-o'-link, bob-o'-link, Spink, spank, spink; When you can pipe that merry old strain, Robert of Lincoln, come back again. Chee, chee, chee." William Cullen Bryant. ANNIE'S GARDEN In little Annie's garden There grew all sorts of posies; She had pinks and mignonette, And tulips and roses. 22 Little Folks' Book of Verse Sweet peas and morning glories, A bed of violets blue, And marigolds and asters In Annie's garden grew. There bees would go for honey; There birds would sip the dew; And there the gay-winged butterflies And little beetles flew. And there among her flowers Each bright and pleasant day, In her own pretty garden, Little Annie went to play. THE LADYBUG Ladybug! ladybug! fly away home, The glow-worm is lighting her lamp, The dew's falling fast, and your fine speckled wings Will be wet with the close-clinging damp. Ladybug! ladybug! fly away home, The field-mouse has gone to its nest, The daisies have shut up their sweet sleepy eyes, And the bees and the birds are at rest. Ladybug ! ladybug ! fly away now, To your home in the old willow tree. There your children so dear have invited the ant And a few cozy neighbors to tea. The Puzzled Centipede 23 Ladybug ! ladybug ! fly away home ! You're in luck if you reach it at last; For owls are abroad and the bats are awing, Sharp-set from their long daylight fast. Caroline Bowles Southey. THE PUZZLED CENTIPEDE A centipede was happy quite, Until a frog in fun Said, "Pray, which leg comes after which?" This raised her mind to such a pitch, She lay distracted in the ditch Considering how to run. THE BROOK I come from haunts of coot and hern, I make a sudden sally, And sparkle out among the fern To bicker down a valley. By thirty hills I hurry down, Or slip between the ridges, By twenty thorps, a little town, And half a hundred bridges. I chatter over stony ways In little sharps and trebles, I bubble into eddying bays, I babble on the pebbles. 24 Little Folks' Book of Verse I wind about, and in and out With here a blossom sailing, And here and there a lusty trout, And here and there a grayling. I steal by lawns and grassy plots, I slide by hazel covers, I move the sweet forget-me-nots That grow for happy lovers. I murmur under moon and stars In brambly wildernesses; I linger by my shingly bars, I loiter round my cresses; And out again I curve and flow To join the brimming river, For men may come and men may go, But I go on forever. Alfred Tennyson. THE KITE THAT BROKE AWAY Jack White flew his kite with George Brown one windy day, And the gale broke the tail and took the kite away. When the kite did alight in a lofty elm tree top Jack sighed and he cried as if he ne'er would stop. "Don't cry, wipe your eye," said George to weeping Jack. " Stay here, never fear, I'll get the kite safe back. " Turncoats 25 Up the tree scrambled he, and soon brought down the kite. "Many thanks, many thanks!" said little Jacky White. TURNCOATS Said a little black Tadpole to another, That happened to be his elder brother, " Pray, what strange creature is that I hear Croaking so loud? " "A Frog, my dear, " Said the brother, "and there he sits. " "I ne'er Saw an uglier monster, I declare, " Cried little Taddy, wriggling his tail In an offhand fashion that could not fail To show his contempt. "It's really a pleasure And satisfaction no words can measure, To think that we are so smooth and slim, So handsome, so — very unlike him. " "To be sure," said his brother, bobbing and blinking, "To be sure, I'm just of your way of thinking. " The air was mild, and the sun was strong, The Tadpoles were turned to Frogs ere long; The little one croaked, the big one croaked. At last said the younger, "Of course, we joked That day in the ditch; for there's no denying, And in fact it's a truth past all replying, That whether in mere or marsh or bog The handsomest creature, by far, is a frog. " "To be sure, " said his brother, bobbing and blinking, "To be sure, I'm just of your way of thinking. " Thomas Westwood. 26 Little Folks' Book of Verse THE DANDELION dandelion, yellow as gold, What do you do all day? 1 just wait here in the tall green grass Till the children come to play. O dandelion, yellow as gold, What do you do all night? T wait and wait till the cool dews fall And my hair grows long and white. And what do you do when your hair is white, And the children come to play? They take me up in their dimpled hands, And blow my hair away. AN ALPHABET JINGLE The A, B, C, Is pleasant to me; I'm learning it all the day. Whenever I look In a printed book I see nothing but A, B, C. Sing A, B, C, Sing A, B, C, I see nothing but A, B, C. An Alphabet Jingle 27 I'm glad to know The fine little row Of letters both great and small, The D, E, F, G, The L, M, N, 0, P, And the X, Y, Z, and all. Sing A, B, C, Sing R, S, T, Sing X, Y, Z, and all. If I can fix These marks twenty-six In this careless little head, I'll read every book As soon as I look At the letters all over it spread. Sing A, B, C, SingX,Y,Z; And the letters all over it spread. I now will learn Them all in turn, The big letters and the small; For how can I spell Or words pronounce well Till I learn the letters all? Sing A, B, C, Sing X, Y, Z; For I'm going to learn them all. 28 Little Folks' Book of Verse The bees and the flies Have nice little eyes, But never can read like me. They crawl on the book, And they seem to look But they'll never know A, B, C. Sing A, B, C, Sing A, B, C, They'll never know A, B, C. THE CHORUS OF FROGS "Yaup, yaup, yaup!" Said the croaking voice of a frog: "A rainy day In the month of May, And plenty of room in the bog. " "Yaup, yaup, yaup!" Said the frog, as it hopped away : "The insects feed On the floating weed, And I'm hungry for dinner today. " "Yaup, yaup, yaup!" Said the frog as it splashed about: "Good neighbors all, When you hear me call, It is odd that you do not come out. " Lord Ullin's Daughter 29 "Yaup, yaup, yaup!" Said the frogs : " It is charming weather; We'll come and sup When the moon is up, And we'll all of us croak together. " Mrs. Hawkshaw. LORD ULLIN'S DAUGHTER A chieftain to the Highlands bound Cries, "Boatman, do not tarry! And I'll give thee a silver pound To row us o'er the ferry!" "Now, who be ye would cross Lochgyle This dark and stormy water?" "Oh, I'm the chief of Ulva's isle, And this, Lord Ullin's daughter; "And fast before her father's men Three days we've fled together, For should he find us in the glen, My blood would stain the heather; "His horsemen hard behind us ride — Should they our steps discover, Then who will cheer my bonny bride When they have slain her lover?" 30 Little Folks' Book of Verse Out spoke the hardy Highland wight, "I'll go, my chief, I'm ready: It is not for your silver bright, But for your winsome lady — " And by my word ! the bonny bird In danger shall not tarry; So though the waves are raging white, I'll row you o'er the ferry." By this the storm grew loud apace, The water- wraith was shrieking; And in the scowl of heaven each face Grew dark as they were speaking. But still as wilder blew the wind, And as the night grew drearer, Adown the glen rode armed men, Their trampling sounded nearer. "O haste thee, haste!" the lady cries, "Though tempests round us gather; I'll meet the raging of the skies, But not an angry father!" The boat has left a stormy land, A stormy sea before her — When Oh ! too strong for human hand The tempest gathered o'er her. Good Morning 31 And still they rowed amidst the roar Of waters fast prevailing : Lord Ullin reached that fatal shore — His wrath was changed to wailing. For, sore dismayed, through storm and shade His child he did discover: One lovely hand she stretched for aid, And one was round her lover. "Come back! come back!" he cried in grief "Across this stormy water; And I'll forgive your Highland chief — My daughter! O my daughter!" 'Twas vain : the loud waves lashed the shore, Return or aid preventing; The waters wild went o'er his child, And he was left lamenting. Thomas Campbell. GOOD MORNING Baby, baby, ope your eye, For the sun is in the sky, And is peering once again Through the frosty window-pane. Little baby, do not keep Any longer fast asleep. Ann and Jane Taylor. 32 Little Folks' Book of Verse GOOD NIGHT Baby, baby, lay your head On your pretty little bed. Shut your eye-peeps, now the day And the light are gone away. All the clothes are tucked in tight; Little baby dear, good night. Yes, my darling, well I know How the bitter wind doth blow; And the winter's snow and rain Patter on the window-pane; But they cannot come in here To my little baby dear. For the window is shut fast Till the stormy night is past, And the curtains I have spread Round about your cradle-bed. So till morning shineth bright, Little baby dear, good night. Ann and Jane Taylor. DAME DUCK'S LECTURE ON EDUCATION Close by the margin of the brook The old duck made her nest Of straw and leaves and withered grass And down from her own breast. Dame Duck's Lecture on Education 33 And there she sat for four long weeks, In rainy days and fine, Until the ducklings all came out — Four, five, six, seven, eight, nine! One peeped out from beneath her wing, One scrambled on her back; "That's very rude, " said old Dame Duck, "Get off! quack, quack, quack, quack!" They were a very thrifty brood, Those ducklings, small and callow; Their little wings were short, their down Was mottled gray and yellow. " 'Tis crowded here, " the duck remarked, And she thrust forth her bill; "Besides, it never suits young ducks To keep them sitting still." So, rising from her nest, she said, " Now, children, look at me. A well-bred duck should waddle thus, From side to side — just see." "Yes," said the little ones, and then She went on to explain, "A well-bred duck turns in its toes As I do — try again." 34 Little Folks' Book of Verse "Yes," said the ducklings, waddling on. "That's better," said their mother; " But well-bred ducks walk in a row, Straight — one behind another." "Yes," said the little ducks once more, All waddling in a row. "Now to the pond, " said old Dame Duck- Splash, splash ! and in they go. THE PIN "Dear me! what signifies a pin? I'll leave it on the floor; My pincushion has others in, Mama has plenty more. A miser will I never be, " Said little heedless Emily. So tripping on to giddy play, She left the pin behind For Betty's broom to whisk away, Or someone else to find. She never gave a thought, indeed, To what she might tomorrow need. Next day a party was to ride To see an air-balloon; And all the company beside Were dressed and ready soon; But she, poor girl, she could not stir, For just a pin to finish her. Yankee Doodle 35 'Twas vainly now, with eye and hand, She did to search begin; There was not one — not one, the band Of her pelisse to pin ! She cut her pincushion in two, But not a pin had slidden through. At last, as hunting on the floor Over a crack she lay, The carriage rattled to the door, Then rattled fast away. Poor Emily! she was not in, For want of just a single pin! There's hardly anything so small, So trifling or so mean, That we may never want at all, For service unforseen; And those who venture wilful waste, May woful want expect to taste. Ann Taylor. YANKEE DOODLE Father and I went down to camp, Along with Captain Good'in And there we saw the men and boys As thick as hasty puddin'. 36 Little Folks' Book of Verse And there I saw a monster gun Large as a log of maple. 'Twas mounted on a little cart; A load for father's cattle. And every time they shot it off It took a horn of powder, And made a noise like father's gun, Only a great deal louder. Cousin Simon grew so bold I thought he would have cocked it; Which scared me so I hurried back And hung by father's pocket. And Major Davis had a gun, He kind of clapped his hand on't, And stuck a crooked stabbing iron Upon the little end on't. And there I saw a pumpkin shell As big as mother's basin, And every time they touched it off They scampered like the nation. I saw a little barrel, too, The heads were made of leather; They knocked on it with little clubs And called the folks together. The Sparrow 37 And there was Gen'ral Washington, And gentlefolks about him. They say he's grown so 'tarnal proud He will not ride without 'em. The flaming ribbons in his hat They looked so very fine, ah, I wished that they belonged to me To give to my Jemima. The troopers they would gallop up And fire right in our faces. It frightened me 'most half to death To see them run such races. I was so scared I ran away, Nor stopped, as I remember, Nor turned about till I got home, Locked up in mother's chamber. THE SPARROW Glad to see you, little bird; 'Twas your plaintive chirp I heard. What did you intend to say? "Give me something this cold day"? That I will, and plenty, too. All these crumbs I saved for you. Don't be frightened — here's a treat; I will wait and see you eat. 38 Little Folks' Book of Verse Shocking tales I hear of you; Speak, and tell me, are they true? Thomas says you steal his wheat, John complains his grapes you eat. But I will not try to know What you did so long ago. There's your breakfast, eat away; Come to see me every day. THE SHOWER Hear the rain, patter, patter, On the pane, clatter, clatter! Down it pours, helter, pelter; Quick indoors! shelter, shelter! See it gush, and roar and whirl, Swiftly rush, eddy and swirl Through the street, down the gutters ! How it splashes — but we don't care Though it dashes everywhere. We don't care, for, peeping through- See! up there — a patch of blue! And the sun, in spite of rain, Has begun to smile again. The Little Girl Who Could Not Read 39 THE LITTLE GIRL WHO COULD NOT READ I don't know my letters, and what shall I do? For I have a nice book, but I can't read it through; Oh dear, how I wish that my letters I knew. I think I had better begin them today, 'Tis so very tiresome always to play. Mama, if you please, will you teach me great A, And then B and C, as they stand in a row, One after another, as far as they go? For then I can read my new story you know. So do, mama, tell me at once, and you'll see What a good, very good little child I shall be To try to remember my A, B, C, D. THE DIVERTING HISTORY OF JOHN GILPIN John Gilpin was a citizen Of credit and renown. A train-band Captain eke was he Of famous London town. John Gilpin's spouse said to her dear: "Though wedded we have been These twice ten tedious years, yet we No holiday have seen. "Tomorrow is our wedding-day, And we will then repair Unto the Bell at Edmonton, All in a chaise and pair. 40 Little Folks' Book of Verse "My sister and my sister's child, Myself and children three, Will fill the chaise, so you must ride On horseback after we." He soon replied: "I do admire Of womankind but one, And you are she, my dearest dear, Therefore it shall be done. "I am a linendraper bold As all the world doth know, And my good friend the calender Will lend his horse to go." Quoth Mrs. Gilpin, "That's well said; And for that wine is dear, We will be furnished with our own, Which is both bright and clear." John Gilpin kissed his loving wife; O'er joyed was he to find That, though on pleasure she was bent, She had a frugal mind. The morning came, the chaise was brought, But yet was not allowed To drive up to the door, lest all Should say that she was proud. The Diverting History of John Gilpin 41 So three doors off the chaise was stayed, Where they did all get in, Six precious souls, and all agog To dash through thick and thin. Smack went the whip, round went the wheels, Were never folk so glad. The stones did rattle underneath As if Cheapside were mad. John Gilpin at his horse's side Seized fast the flowing mane, And up he got in haste to ride, But soon came down again; For saddle-tree scarce reached had he, His journey to begin, When, turning round his head, he saw Three customers come in. So down he came; for loss of time, Although it grieved him sore, Yet loss of pence, full well he knew, Would trouble him much more. 'Twas long before the customers Were suited to their mind. 