`` Never mind the pearls : I 'd rather have you , dear , '' said Fancy lovingly . `` Tell me a story while we work , or sing me a song ; and I 'll give you my crown . '' `` I 'll sing you a little song that has got what your uncle calls a moral to it , '' said Lorelei , laughing mischievously . Then , in her breezy little voice , she sang the story of -- THE ROCK AND THE BUBBLE . Oh ! a bare , brown rock Stood up in the sea , The waves at its feet Dancing merrily . A little bubble Came sailing by , And thus to the rock Did it gayly cry , -- `` Ho ! clumsy brown stone , Quick , make way for me : I 'm the fairest thing That floats on the sea . `` See my rainbow-robe , See my crown of light , My glittering form , So airy and bright . `` O'er the waters blue , I 'm floating away , To dance by the shore With the foam and spray . `` Now , make way , make way ; For the waves are strong , And their rippling feet Bear me fast along . '' But the great rock stood Straight up in the sea : It looked gravely down , And said pleasantly , -- `` Little friend , you must Go some other way ; For I have not stirred This many a long day . `` Great billows have dashed , And angry winds blown ; But my sturdy form Is not overthrown . `` Nothing can stir me In the air or sea ; Then , how can I move , Little friend , for thee ? '' Then the waves all laughed , In their voices sweet ; And the sea-birds looked , From their rocky seat , At the bubble gay , Who angrily cried , While its round cheek glowed With a foolish pride , -- `` You shall move for me ; And you shall not mock At the words I say , You ugly , rough rock ! `` Be silent , wild birds ! Why stare you so ? Stop laughing , rude waves , And help me to go ! `` For I am the queen Of the ocean here , And this cruel stone Can not make me fear . '' Dashing fiercely up , With a scornful word , Foolish bubble broke ; But rock never stirred .
Then said the XXXXX , Sitting in their nests , To the little ones Leaning on their breasts , -- `` Be not like Bubble , Headstrong , rude , and vain , Seeking by violence Your object to gain ; `` But be like the rock , Steadfast , true , and strong , Yet cheerful and kind , And firm against wrong .
Ho Lorelei bubble day queen rainbow-robe sea sea-birds voices winds