Pinafore Palace Part 21

And as they nestled cosily And hushed their weak complaining, She told them that the black, black cloud Was quite too small for raining.

And one by one they all were soothed, And out again went straying, Until five happy little chicks Were in the farmyard playing.

Emilie Poulsson.

_From the Norwegian._

_The Funniest Thing in the World_[5]

The funniest thing in the world, I know, Is watchin' the monkeys 'at's in the show!-- Jumpin' an' runnin' an' racin' roun', 'Way up the top o' the pole; nen down!

First they're here, an' nen they're there, An' ist a'most any an' ever'where!-- Screechin' an' scratchin' wherever they go, They're the funniest thing in the world, I know!

They're the funniest thing in the world, I think:-- Funny to watch 'em eat an' drink; Funny to watch 'em a-watchin' us, An' actin' 'most like grown folks does!-- Funny to watch 'em p'tend to be Skeerd at their tail 'at they happen to see;-- But the funniest thing in the world they do Is never to laugh, like me an' you!

James Whitcomb Riley.

[Footnote 5: _From "Rhymes of Childhood," copyright 1902, used by special permission of the publishers, The Bobbs-Merrill Company._]

_The Orphan's Song_

I had a little bird, I took it from the nest; I prest it and blest it, And nurst it in my breast.

I set it on the ground, Danced round and round, And sang about it so cheerly, With "Hey, my little bird, And ho! my little bird, And oh! but I love thee dearly!"

I make a little feast Of food soft and sweet, I hold it in my breast, And coax it to eat;

I pit, and I pat, I call this and that, And I sing about so cheerly, With "Hey, my little bird, And ho! my little bird, And ho! but I love thee dearly!"

Sydney Dobell.

_The Darling Birds_

The darling birds are warm; Yes, feather on feather, All close together, The darling birds are warm.

They care not whether 'Tis stormy weather,

For they are safe from harm.

With feather on feather, Tho' 'tis stormy weather, The darling birds are warm.

Unknown.

_The Lamb_

Now, Lamb, no longer naughty be, Be good and homewards come with me, Or else upon another day You shall not with the daisies play.

Did we not bring you, for a treat, In the green gra.s.s to frisk your feet?

And when we must go home again You pull your ribbon and complain.

So, little Lamb, be good once more, And give your naughty tempers o'er.

Then you again shall dine and sup On daisy white and b.u.t.tercup.

Kate Greenaway.

_Four Pets_

p.u.s.s.y has a whiskered face, Kitty has such pretty ways, Doggie scampers when I call, And has a heart to love us all.

The dog lies in his kennel, And Puss purrs on the rug, And baby perches on my knee For me to love and hug.

Pat the dog and stroke the cat, Each in its degree; And cuddle and kiss my baby, And baby dear kiss me.

Christina G. Rossetti.

_A Puppy's Problem_

When Midget was a puppy, And to the farm was brought, She found that there were many things A puppy must be taught.

Her mother oft had told her The first thing to be known Was how to gnaw and bite, and thus Enjoy a toothsome bone.

So Midget practiced biting On everything around, But that was not approved at all, To her surprise, she found.

The farmer spoke severely, Till Midget shook with fright; The children shouted "No, no, no!

Bad Midget! Mustn't bite!"

'Twas just the same with barking; At first they all said "Hark!"

Whenever Midget tried her voice; "Good puppy! that's it! Bark!"

But then, as soon as Midget Could sound a sharp "Bow-wow!"

Alas! the talk was changed to "Hus.h.!.+

Such noise we can't allow."

Now wasn't that a puzzle?

It seemed a problem dark, That it was right and wrong to bite And right and wrong to bark.

A puppy's hardest lesson Is when to bark and bite; But Midget learned it, and became A comfort and delight.

Emilie Poulsson.

_I Like Little p.u.s.s.y_

I like little p.u.s.s.y, Her coat is so warm; And if I don't hurt her She'll do me no harm.

So I'll not pull her tail, Nor drive her away, But p.u.s.s.y and I Very gently will play; She shall sit by my side, And I'll give her some food; And she'll love me because I am gentle and good.