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diff --git a/old/52103-0.txt b/old/52103-0.txt deleted file mode 100644 index e60bba7..0000000 --- a/old/52103-0.txt +++ /dev/null @@ -1,2877 +0,0 @@ -The Project Gutenberg EBook of Lays of Ancient Babyland, by Anonymous - -This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and most -other parts of the world 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. If you are not located in the United States, you'll have -to check the laws of the country where you are located before using this ebook. - -Title: Lays of Ancient Babyland - to which are added Small Divers Histories not known to the Ancients - -Author: Anonymous - -Release Date: May 19, 2016 [EBook #52103] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: UTF-8 - -*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK LAYS OF ANCIENT BABYLAND *** - - - - -Produced by Emmy, MWS and the Online Distributed -Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (This file was -produced from images generously made available by The -Internet Archive) - - - - - - - - - - - _Lately Published, price 5s., or with Plates on - India, 7s. 6d._ - - ILLUSTRATED WITH ETCHINGS BY - GEORGE CRUIKSHANK - - THE - BEE AND THE WASP - - A FABLE IN VERSE - - [Illustration] - - BASIL MONTAGU PICKERING - - 196 PICCADILLY LONDON W. - - - - -[Illustration] - - - - -Lays of Ancient Babyland - -_to which are added_ - -divers small Histories - -not known to the - -_Ancients_. - -[Illustration] - - - - - Lays of Ancient Babyland - - to which are added - - DIVERS SMALL HISTORIES - - not known to the - - ANCIENTS - - _Dedicated, with much respect, but without - permission, to the_ - - BABIES OF ENGLAND - - [Illustration: ALDI - - DISCIP. - - ANGLVS] - - - LONDON - - BASIL M. PICKERING, 196, PICCADILLY - - 1857 - - - - -[Illustration] - - - - - TO AUGUSTA MARY, - - _for whose amusement the following stories were - from time to time written,_ - - THIS LITTLE VOLUME, - - _in which they are now collected, is inscribed - for a memorial of the happy - days of her earliest - childhood._ - -[Illustration] - - - - -[Illustration] - - - - -CONTENTS. - - - Whittington and his Cat 1 - The Three Wishes 33 - Little Red-riding-hood 43 - Jack the Giant-killer 55 - - - DIVERS SMALL HISTORIES - - The Vain Mouse 79 - Cock Robin and Jenny Wren 83 - The Proud Eagle 87 - Young Lumpkin’s Hyæna 91 - The Young Thrushes 95 - M. P., or the Magpie 101 - The Pigeon and the Hen 105 - The Oyster and the Muscle 109 - - - - - The True History of - MAISTER WHITTINGTON - AND HIS CAT. - - _As it is spoken or sung in the streets of the - great city of London on the ninth - day of November._ - - - - -[Illustration] - - - - -Whittington and his Cat. - - - God prosper long our good Lord Mayor, - And give him wealth and wit! - A little wisdom too mote well - His judgement-seat befit. - - Come listen all ye prentice lads, - Sore set to drudge and fast, - How that good luck and industrie - Will make a man at last. - -[Sidenote: Whittington,] - - When our third Edward ruled the land, - A king of glorious fame, - An humble boy there lived also, - Dick Whittington by name. - -[Sidenote: an orphan boy,] - - His father and his mother too - Were laid beneath the sod: - But he was left, and all alone - The path of misery trod. - -[Sidenote: destitute,] - - No woollen hose wore he, nor shoes - Upon his shivering feet; - A tatter’d cloak was all he had - To ward the rain and sleet. - - Yet, though his breast was cold without, - His heart was warm within; - And he grumbled not, for well he wot - That envy is a sin. - -[Sidenote: but industrious,] - - And he would fight with all his might - To earn his daily bread: - Alas, to think how oft he went - All supperless to bed! - -[Sidenote: had heard great reports of London.] - - Now he had heard of London town, - And what the folks did there: - How aldermen did eat and drink, - And plenty had to spare. - - And how the streets were full of shops, - And shops were full of food; - Of beef, and mutton, cheese and ham, - And every thing that’s good. - - And how the men and women all - Were lords and ladies there; - And little boys were rigg’d as smart - As monkeys at a fair. - - But what most wonderful did seem, - Of all he had heard told, - Was how the streets of that great town - Were paved with solid gold. - -[Sidenote: Resolved to get there,] - - Heyday! thought he, if only I - Could get to that fine place! - ’Twould not be long ere I would change - My miserable case. - -[Sidenote: he makes his way on foot.] - - Now started off for London town - Before the break of day, - He fared beside a waggoner - Who drove his team that way. - - All day they trudged until the sun - Had sunk behind the hill; - And when he rose again next morn - He saw them trudging still. - -[Sidenote: His joy to behold that land of plenty.] - - At length a multitudinous smoke - Hid half th’ horizon round: - And such a sight of chimney-pots! - Dick gaped with joy and stound. - - He thought how often he had lain - Beneath the cold damp air; - While here was house-room sure for all, - And fires i’faith to spare. - - ’Twere hard indeed if one should need - A chimney-corner here: - And from the drays that block’d the ways - Small lack could be of beer. - - ’Twas thus thought Dick, and so full quick - The waggoner he left; - And was not long, ere thro’ the throng - His nimble way he cleft. - -[Sidenote: His subsequent disappointment;] - - Thro’ street, thro’ lane, full fast he ran; - But marvell’d to behold - The ways all strown with dirt and stone, - And not with solid gold. - - And folks were not all lords he thought, - Nor ladies of degree: - For here were rags, and here were tags, - As in his own countrie. - -[Sidenote: when hungry and cold,] - - Yet, where such plenty seem’d of all - A hungry lad mote need, - Tho’ rags were there he did not care: - He could not fail to speed. - -[Sidenote: he is neither fed by the victualler;] - - So at a shop he made a stop: - Before his well-spread board - The vict’ller stood, in jolly mood; - Dick thought he was a lord. - - In cap ydight and waistcoat white - He beckon’d folks within; - While fumes arose to tell the nose - Of all that savoury bin. - - Dick’s joy was great to see the meat; - So in he ran with haste: - Alas! roast beef is nought but grief - To such as may not taste. - - The vict’ller’s eye right scornfully - Scann’d Dick from foot to head; - Who begg’d, for love of God above, - A bit of meat and bread. - - “For one small groat it may be bought; - “I’faith it is not dear: - “But no sirloin withouten coin, - “Nor room for beggars here.” - - Thereat a pamper’d cur rush’d forth - And bit Dick’s naked feet: - Who by the wrathful victualler - Was shoved into the street. - -[Sidenote: nor covered by the clothier;] - - Next shivering in his tatter’d dress - He view’d a clothier’s store; - But, as he was all penniless, - They drove him from the door. - - Ah, tradesmen sleek! ah, Christians meek! - Why will ye swell with pride, - When ragged want or wretched woe - Stands shivering at your side? - -[Sidenote: nor even heeded by any body.] - - Alas, poor boy! what could he do? - The busy crowd swept past: - But all on self intent, or pelf, - No eye on him was cast. - - He strove to beg: some heard him not, - And some would not believe: - Some heard him and believed him too, - But yet would not relieve. - -[Sidenote: Want most grievous in the midst of plenty.] - - Oh! hunger is a galling thing, - Where nought is there to eat; - But three times more it galleth sore - To starve midst bread and meat. - -[Sidenote: At last he is noticed by a merchant-citizen,] - - Now just as Dick all spent and sick - Had laid him down to die, - A citizen of gentle mien - It chanced came walking by. - - A merchant he of high degree, - With ruffles all of lace; - And Nature’s true nobility - Was blazon’d in his face. - -[Sidenote: who takes him home, and feeds him.] - - He up did pick and home led Dick, - And gave him food to eat: - Then sent him to a clean warm bed, - Not back into the street. - - “Thank God! for that I pass’d that way - “This night,“ the good man cried; - “For had I walk’d another way, - “Poor boy! he might have died.” - - The morning come, Dick early rose, - And thank’d him from his heart; - And told him how no friend on earth - He had to take his part. - -[Sidenote: This merchant becomes his friend.] - - “Then I’m your friend,” the kind man cried, - “And you shall live with me: - “And you shall tend my merchandize, - “And keep my granary.” - -[Sidenote: and employs him in his granary;] - - How danced for joy the lucky boy, - To see his alter’d plight! - He watch’d his granary by day, - And lock’d it fast by night. - - Now stored within this granary, - Were corn and wine and oil, - And cheese and other precious things - Which rats and mice do spoil. - -[Sidenote: where there lived a cat,] - - So there with Dick ydwelt a cat; - A tabby cat was she: - As sleek and soft, and eke as fat, - As any cat could be. - -[Sidenote: of social temper,] - - And she about his legs would purr, - And on his knees would sit; - And every meal he took, for her - He saved a dainty bit. - -[Sidenote: and high quality.] - - And not a mouse came near her house - But swallow’d was alive: - And not a rat but felt her pat: - No wonder she did thrive! - -[Sidenote: The birth of a kitten:] - - Now scarce three moons had waned and fill’d, - Since Dick’s lone hours she cheer’d, - When at her side, as Heaven will’d, - A kitten there appear’d. - -[Sidenote: and Dick’s twofold delight thereafter.] - - Then Dick’s delight was doubled quite; - For one may well avouch, - Whatever fun there was in one - In two was twice as much. - -[Sidenote: This kitten’s surpassing beauty,] - - All black and red this kitten’s head - Look’d like a polish’d stone: - All red and black this kitten’s back - Like tortoiseshell it shone. - - Full sure I am that well its dam - Might dote on such a kit: - The very rats that flee from cats - Would stand and stare at it. - -[Sidenote: and most pleasant humour.] - - Its tail it whisk’d and leapt and frisk’d, - In weather fair and foul: - Or cold, or hot, it matter’d not - To such a merry soul. - - But who could see such joyful glee - And not be joyous too? - So Dick forgot his sorry lot - And laugh’d as others do. - -[Sidenote: Dick acquires his first property.] - - Which when the merchant saw, and how - The kitten it was grown, - Of his free gift to Whittington - He gave it for his own. - -[Illustration] - - -[Illustration] - - -PART II. - - Come listen all, both great and small, - Of high and low degree; - That ye may know this true story - And live in charity. - - As wealth by waste and idle taste - Soon falls to penury, - So small estate becometh great - By luck and industry. - - Content then be in poverty, - In wealth of humble mind; - Like children of one family - To one another kind. - -[Sidenote: The venture of the merchant] - - This merchant now in foreign parts - A venture fain would make; - And all the folk of his household - Were free to share the stake. - -[Sidenote: joined by each of his domestics.] - - One risk’d a shilling, one a groat, - And one a coin of gold; - And every one his stake anon - To the ship’s captain told. - -[Sidenote: Dick’s jesting offer] - - Then half in jest, and half in shame, - Dick fetch’d his kitten down: - “I too,” he to the captain cried, - “Will venture all my own.” - -[Sidenote: to the surprise of all] - - The servants laugh’d: Dick would have wept, - And therefore laugh’d the more; - But soon they stared for wonderment - Who laugh’d so loud before. - -[Sidenote: taken in earnest by the Captain.] - - For now the Captain, “Done,” he cried, - “A bargain by my fay:” - And call’d the ship’s-mate in a trice, - To stow the cat away. - -[Sidenote: The cat is taken aboard.] - - He came so quick, no time had Dick - To countervail his joke: - So all aboard poor Puss was stored - Among the sea-going folk. - -[Sidenote: The ship sails.] - - Now from her mooring, all ataut, - Put off at turn of tide, - Adown the river’s ebbing flood - The gallant bark did glide. - - And, like some heavenward-soaring bird, - She faced the open seas; - And seem’d as sick of land to spread - Her wings before the breeze. - -[Sidenote: The cat at sea.] - - Then, as she flew, Puss fetch’d a mew, - As if to say--poor me! - To think that I a land-bred cat - Should thus be press’d to sea! - - But, ere a week was past and gone, - He changed this plaintive tone, - And, like a jolly sailor-boy, - Purr’d gaily up and down. - - For lean and fat a ship-board cat - He found hath both to spare; - And legs by hosts for rubbing posts - Are always lounging there. - - And then he oft would run aloft, - And just look out to sea; - Nor e’er a boy could scream _ahoy_ - In shriller note than he. - -[Sidenote: The ship’s course.] - - The fresh wind blew; the light bark flew, - And clear’d the channel’s mouth; - Through Biscay’s bay then cut her way, - And bore towards the South. - -[Sidenote: Bound for Africa.] - - For she was bound for Afric ground, - Where wretched negroes dwell; - Who waste their days in idle ways, - As I am loth to tell. - - Nathless the soil withouten toil - God’s gracious bounty yields; - And gum drops free from every tree - Along the sunny fields. - - And we are told how dust of gold - Stains all the river sands: - And huge beasts shed their ivory tusks - About the desert lands. - -[Sidenote: The unthriftiness of the negroes.] - - Now what is not with trouble got - Is seldom kept with care: - For foresight and economy - To idlesse strangers are. - - So these poor souls their goodly stores, - Not needed for the day, - For trifles and for tromperie - They barter all away. - -[Sidenote: The ship sails past the cape of St. Vincent;] - - Three days, three nights our gallant ship - Her southward course had steer’d, - When o’er her larboard at the dawn - Saint Vincent’s cape appear’d. - - Still southward yet three days three nights - Her steady prow she bore; - But when again Sol gilt the main - Was spied Marocco’s shore. - -[Sidenote: anchors off the coast of Marocco.] - - Now shouts of joy and busy noise - Salute the rising day: - The coast was made, the ship was stay’d, - And anchor’d in the bay. - - As when a stranger hawk, that long - Hath soar’d in middle air, - Borne earthward on a tree alights, - And makes his station there; - - The myriad tenants of the grove - Would fain his purpose know; - And flock around, yet hold aloof - For fear to meet a foe: - -[Sidenote: The wonderment of the negroes.] - - ’Twas thus the negroes throng’d the beach, - To view a ship at sea: - While some drew down their light canoes; - What mote the strange bark be? - - Or friend--or foe? They long’d to know, - Yet durst not venture near: - Till soon the boat was all afloat, - And off to lay their fear. - -[Sidenote: Their king and queen] - - Afront were seen a king and queen, - Whom all the rest obey’d: - And all the good things of the land - Belong’d to them, ’twas said. - -[Sidenote: invited by the Captain] - - Which when the captain heard, and how - They had an ample hoard, - Their companie requested he - To dine with him on board. - -[Sidenote: go on board.] - - Now, wafted o’er the azure lake, - The king and eke his queen, - Behold them seated on the deck: - The captain sat between. - -[Sidenote: Puss salutes his Majesty after European fashion.] - - But ere the dinner it was served, - While yawn’d the king for meat, - Just to divert the royal mind, - Puss rubb’d against his feet. - - Now you must know the royal toe - It ticklish was to touch: - But Puss rubb’d he so daintily, - The king he liked it much. - - Then to his bride he spake aside, - And e’en was speaking yet, - When lo!--the platter came,--whereat - The rest he did forget. - -[Sidenote: The dinner.] - - Now both did eat their fill of meat, - As suiteth royalty: - No lack was there of the ship’s best fare, - And grog flow’d copiously. - -[Sidenote: Puss joins the carousal,] - - And both did quaff, and both did laugh, - And both sang merrily: - Till Puss could stay no more away, - But came to join the glee. - -[Sidenote: his pleasantry.] - - His tail he whisk’d, and leapt and frisk’d, - As he was wont before: - Whereat the king and eke the queen - For very mirth did roar. - -[Sidenote: The royal whim] - - Then up he gat, and sware an oath-- - That, for so droll a thing, - In barter, of his choicest goods - A shipload he would bring. - -[Sidenote: indulged at much cost.] - - Thereat the captain--“Done,” he cried - “A bargain by my fay!” - And sent his whole ship’s-company - To fetch the goods away. - -[Sidenote: A merry night.] - - Now laugh’d the king and laugh’d the Queen, - And laugh’d the captain he: - A bargain struck at festive board - Doth please so mightily. - - The goods were brought, the ship was fraught, - And stow’d away full tight. - The king and queen, they drank till e’en, - And slept on board that night. - -[Sidenote: The next morning.] - - The captain rose at early dawn - And call’d to th’ king anon: - “This cat is thine, this cargo’s mine; - And now I must begone.” - - The king awoke and waked the queen, - Who slept so heavily, - That full ten minutes pass’d away, - Before that she could see. - -[Sidenote: The king’s maudlin humour.] - - Then clasping Puss within her arms - She nursed him like a child. - The king his humour now was sad; - Nathless the monarch smiled. - -[Sidenote: The king and queen depart with puss.] - - Then down the vessel’s side he stepp’d, - And down the queen stepp’d she. - And Puss was handed down perforce - To join their company. - - Alongside lay the king’s canoe, - Well mann’d with negroes ten; - Who swift row’d off the royal pair, - With Puss all snug between. - -[Sidenote: The ship weighs anchor,] - - Then sung the Captain--“all hand’s up, - The anchor haul amain: - Unfurl the sails, and point the prow - For British lands again.” - -[Sidenote: and sails homeward.] - - Tis done: from out the tranquil bay - Our goodly vessel glides; - And, homeward bound, on Ocean’s back - Right gallantly she rides. - -[Illustration] - - - - -PART III. - - -[Sidenote: Dick’s whole estate.] - - NOW when the merchant gave to Dick - That kitten for his own, - No thing he had alive or dead - On earth save it alone. - -[Sidenote: His regret at its loss;] - - And so enamour’d had he grown - Of this his property, - That sooth his heart did sorely smart - When Puss was sent to sea. - -[Sidenote: His melancholy vein,] - - Then all was lonely as before; - Again he rued his plight: - He moped in solitude all day, - And lay awake all night. - -[Sidenote: and wayward fancy.] - - So dismal and so desolate - The granary now it seem’d, - He long’d in the green fields to be, - And where the sunshine gleam’d. - -[Sidenote: He deserts his trust,] - - Alas! how weak our nature is - Its cravings to resist: - For Dick betray’d his master’s trust - To follow his own list. - -[Sidenote: and wanders into the fields.] - - He stroll’d abroad into the fields, - He knew not where nor why; - Regardless of his duty quite - About the granary. - -[Sidenote: The Lord Mayor’s day.] - - Now as it chanced the new Lord Mayor - Of London, that same day, - To meet the king at Westminster - In state had ta’en his way. - -[Sidenote: Bow bells] - - With such a charge the city-barge - Did proudly flaunt along: - And the bells of Bow were nothing slow - To greet him with--_ding, dong_. - -[Sidenote: heard by Dick.] - - While truant Dick all sad and sick - Was wandering in despair, - Hark! hark! the music of Bow-bells - Came wafted on the air. - -[Sidenote: What they seemed to say.] - - They seem’d to say--_Turn Whit-ting-ton_: - _Again turn Whit-ting-ton_: - And when he listen’d still, they said-- - _Lord May-or of Lon-don_. - - Again he heard the self-same words - Repeated by the chimes; - Yet trusted not, till he had heard - The same an hundred times. - -[Sidenote: His repentance and return.] - - “It must be so: and I will go - Back to my granary. - Oh shame! to be so false while he - Was true and kind to me.” - - He turn’d, and reach’d the granary - Before the fall of day: - And not a living soul e’er knew - That he had run away. - -[Sidenote: his good resolves,] - - This foolish prank he sorely rued; - But now that it was o’er, - And he all right again, he vow’d - He ne’er would do so more. - -[Sidenote: rewarded by peace of mind.] - - And so that night in peace he slept, - And so to joy he rose: - But while he slept, he thought he trod - Upon the Lord Mayor’s toes. - -[Sidenote: His prophetic dream.] - - Patience--patience! my little boy; - Take heed to save your skin: - The Lord Mayor is a portly man, - And thou but small and thin. - - Beware of cage, beware of cat - That tails hath three times three: - For he may strip, and he may whip, - And he may ’mprison thee. - - All in his sleep this sage advice - Seem’d whisper’d to his ear: - Nathless right on the Lord Mayor’s toe - He stood withouten fear. - -[Sidenote: A visiter] - - Again the day had pass’d away, - And night was creeping o’er, - When such a knock as mote him shock - Was thunder’d at his door. - -[Sidenote: brings tidings of his luck.] - - “Hallo! hallo! why batter so?” - In trembling voice he sung: - Whereat wide-open flew the door, - And in the Captain sprung. - - “Good luck, good luck! my jolly buck! - Why whimper there and whine? - Cheer up now Maister Whittington, - For--all the cargo’s thine.” - -[Sidenote: His incredulity.] - - But Dick was so much used to woe, - He dared not trust on weal: - Nor had he zest to point a jest - To rouse the sailor’s peal. - -[Sidenote: The congratulations of the household.] - - Till soon the household made aware - Came rattling at the door, - And greeted Maister Whittington, - Who was poor Dick before. - - They led him forth a man of worth, - And humbly call’d him _Sire_; - And placed him in a huge arm-chair - Before the merchant’s fire. - - The good man heard the rumour’d word - And eke his daughter fair; - And both ran straight to where he sate - All in this huge arm-chair. - - ’Twas then the merchant laugh’d aloud, - And then the maiden smiled: - And then the servants bow’d to him - They had before reviled. - -[Sidenote: The virtue of riches.] - - For Poverty may blameless be, - Yet is an unblest thing; - And wealth, for all that good men preach, - Doth sure obeisance bring. - - This truth found Dick, who grew full quick - Into an honour’d man; - Yet was he loth to let his luck - Abide where it began. - -[Sidenote: His active industry,] - - So join’d he jolly venturers - In every good emprise; - It was no niggard share he staked - In all their argosies. - -[Sidenote: rewarded.] - - All lucky he came off at sea; - But luckier far on land, - Whenas the merchant’s daughter fair - Gave him her heart and hand. - -[Sidenote: His honours.] - - Next he became an Alderman, - And Lord Mayor before long: - And then--oh! how the bells of Bow - Did greet him with _ding-dong_. - - E’en on that day they seem’d to say - _Lord May-or of Lon-don_: - But when he listen’d still they said - _Sir Rich-ard Whit-ting-ton_. - -[Sidenote: His charity.] - - Then thought he on the luckless lad - That swept the granary floor; - Nor ever in the pride of wealth - Did he forget the poor. - - And so God save our good Lord Mayor, - And give him wealth and wit: - But never let a prentice-lad - Dick Whittington forget. - -[Illustration] - - - - -[Illustration] - - - - -THE THREE WISHES. - - -_A Lay sung in small Families during the Moon which follows next to -that which is known as the Honey-moon._ - -[Illustration] - - - - -[Illustration] - - - - -The Three Wishes. - - - IN wedlock once (’twas years agone) - Were join’d a simple pair; - The man in sooth was wondrous poor, - The woman wondrous fair. - -[Sidenote: Love is not covetous,] - - What wonder then that they should love, - As none e’er loved before; - And tho’ few worldly goods they had, - They coveted no more. - -[Sidenote: but, whether woman’s, or man’s,] - - For woman is a generous thing, - And loves for love alone; - And man he loves for beauty’s sake, - And dotes on flesh and bone. - -[Sidenote: consists not with starvation;] - - But flesh and bone they must be fed, - As all the world doth know; - Withouten food the loveliest flesh - Most hideous soon doth grow. - - Nor bone will thrive on love alone, - If bread and meat it lacks; - Withouten food, the stronger love, - The weaker bone doth wax. - -[Sidenote: and is perill’d by idleness,] - - Now three weeks wedded had they been, - And though he was so poor, - The man, who had no goods within, - Scarce passed without the door. - - The woman loved him still so much, - She wish’d for nought instead; - Yet did she pine, each night to go - All supperless to bed. - - One night as o’er the hearth they sat, - The embers glowing bright, - My dear, quoth he, most fair by day - Thou’rt fairer still by night! - -[Sidenote: which induces want,] - - I too, quoth she, do love thee now - As ne’er I loved before; - Yet, were I not so hungry, I - Methinks should love thee more. - -[Sidenote: discontent,] - - Alas, said he, that poverty - Should such fond hearts betide! - I fain would work,--but love thee so, - I cannot leave thy side: - -[Sidenote: and unavailing wishes:] - - I wish that we were very rich! - She answer’d,--I am thine: - And, though I never cared for wealth, - Thy wishes shall be mine. - - Scarce had they spoke when on the hearth - Appear’d a little fay: - So beautiful she was, the room - It shone as bright as day. - -[Sidenote: of which even the full indulgence] - - Then waving thrice her lily hand, - In silver tones she spake;— - Thrice may ye wish what wish ye please, - And thrice your wish shall take. - - I am your guardian fay, she said, - And joy to see your love: - What would ye more to make you blest - As spirits are above? - - The beauteous fay then vanishing, - The man he kiss’d his wife; - And swore he never was before - So happy in his life. - - Now shall I be a lord, said he, - A bishop, or a king? - We’ll think it o’er to night, nor wish - In haste for any thing. - -[Sidenote: would end in folly.] - - Be it, said she; to-morrow then - We’ll wish one wish, my dear: - In the meantime, I only wish - We had some pudding here. - - Ah! luckless wish! upon the word, - A pudding straightway came: - At which the man wax’d high with rage, - The woman low with shame. - -[Sidenote: Then folly begets anger;] - - And as she hid her blushing eyes, - And crouch’d upon a stool; - The man he rose and stamp’d his foot, - And cursed her for a fool. - - He stamp’d his foot, and clench’d his fist, - And scarce refrain’d from blows: - A pudding! zounds, cried he, I wish - You had it at your nose! - - Up rose the pudding as he spake, - And, like an air-balloon, - Was borne aloft in empty space, - But oh! it settled soon: - -[Sidenote: and anger strife,] - - Too soon it settled on the nose - Of his unhappy wife: - Alas! how soon an angry word - Turns harmony to strife! - - For now the woman sobb’d aloud - To feel the pudding there; - And in her turn was angry too, - And call’d the man a bear. - -[Sidenote: followed by remorse and shame.] - - But when their anger had burnt out, - Its ash remain’d behind; - Remorse and shame that they had been - So foolish and so blind. - - The man brake silence first, and said,— - Two wishes now are gone, - And nothing gain’d; but one remains, - And much may still be done.— - - Oh were it so! but I have gain’d - What much I wish to lose-- - The woman blurted, as she saw - The pudding at her nose. - - Then off the pudding flew amain, - And roll’d into the dish: - For she in sooth unwittingly - Had wish’d the other wish. - - Now when the man saw what was done, - His choler quick return’d; - But when he look’d into her face, - With love again he burn’d. - -[Sidenote: But love consists with a lowly estate,] - - For now she smiled as she was wont, - And seem’d so full of charms, - That all unmindful of the past - He rush’d into her arms. - - Oh! how I joy thou’rt not, she said, - Nor bishop, king, nor lord! - I love thee better as thou art, - I do, upon my word! - - And I, said he, do dote on thee: - For now the pudding’s gone, - There’s not a face in any place - So pretty as thine own! - -[Sidenote: so there be contentment,] - - But as we have the pudding here, - ’Tis all we want,--said she, - Suppose we just sit down awhile - And eat it merrily. - -[Sidenote: and industry.] - - With all my heart, my love, said he, - For I am hungry too: - From this time forth, I’ll strive to earn - Enough for me and you. - -[Sidenote: Moral.] - - The fay then reappear’d, and spake - The moral of my song:— - “Man wants but little here below, - Nor wants that little long.” - - Love is a heavenly prize in sooth, - But earthborn flesh and bone, - If they would love, must live as well, - And cannot love alone. - - Then strive to earn the bread of life, - And guard your body’s health; - But mark--enough is all you want, - And competence is wealth. - - And to that happy soul, who love - With competency blends, - Contentment is a crown of joy!— - And here the moral ends. - - - - -[Illustration] - - - - -A brief Account of the sad Accident which befel - -LITTLE RED-RIDING-HOOD - -showing plainly what brought about the same. - -_A Lay of the Nursery, as chanted to simple Music by the -lady-governesses of the olden time._ - -[Illustration] - - - - -[Illustration] - - - - -Little Red-riding-hood. - - - A LITTLE girl once lived in a cottage near a tree, - A pretty little girl she was, and good as she could be. - Her father often kiss’d her; and her mother loved her so, - That if the king had pledged his crown for her, she had said--no. - Her grandmother, who lived in a village through a wood, - Had made her little granddaughter a nice red riding-hood, - This riding-hood she used to wear whenever she walk’d out; - It was so smart, the boys and girls would follow her about. - And all the neighbours loved her, and to see her often came; - And little Dame Red-riding-hood they call’d her for her name. - - One beautiful fine morning when her mother had been churning, - This little girl upon the hearth some nice sweet cakes was turning: - And whisper’d softly to herself, how well our oven bakes! - Oh, how I wish that grandmamma could taste these nice sweet cakes! - Her mother who was close behind, and heard her little mutter, - Then you shall take her some, she said, with some of my fresh butter. - But loiter not upon the road, nor from the footpath stray, - For many wicked folks there be might harm thee by the way. - As soon as she had heard these words, oh! how she jump’d for joy! - For she old granny loved as much as most love a new toy. - She put on her red-riding-hood, and started off in haste; - All eager for her grandmother her nice sweet cakes to taste. - And thus as on she trotted with her basket on her arm, - She little thought that any one would wish to do her harm. - - Now when she came into the wood, through which the footpath lay, - The birds were singing all around, the flowers were blooming gay. - Such yellow buttercups she saw, such violets white and blue, - Such primroses, such sweet-briars, and honey-suckles too; - That, oh! she thought within herself, I wish Mamma were here: - I’m sure she’d let me stop awhile; there can be nought to fear: - I must just pick these pretty flowers which smell so fresh and sweet: - ’Twill be so nice to take her home a nose-gay for a treat. - She told me not to loiter here, nor from the footpath stray; - And so I wont stop very long, nor wander far away. - And so she stopp’d, nor thought of harm, because she knew not what: - Enough it should have been to know--Mamma had told her not. - And from the path she stray’d away, and pick’d a thousand flowers; - And all the birds did welcome her within their leafy bowers. - But, as it so fell out, a wolf was basking in the grass, - And soon with his sharp hazel eyes espied the little lass. - And then he trotted up to her, and right before her stood: - How do you do, my dear? said he; what brings you to my wood? - Now though his coat was very rough, his words were soft and kind; - And not a single thought of fear e’er cross’d her simple mind. - And so she freely said,--I go to see my Granny, Sir, - Who lives in yonder village in the cottage near the fir. - I am her little pet, you know, and take her nice sweet cakes-- - Good bye; said he, and brush’d away thro’ bushes and thro’ brakes. - And not five minutes had pass’d by since he had quitted her, - Before he reach’d the village and the cottage near the fir. - - He rubb’d and scratch’d against the door; but she was ill in bed; - And when he tried to make a knock, she feebly raised her head; - And cried, who knocks at Martha’s door, and poor old Martha wakes? - It is your little pet, said he, who brings you nice sweet cakes. - God help you, dearest child, she cried, so pull the string you know; - And up the latch will go, my love, and you may enter so. - Then up he jump’d to reach the string, and open flew the door; - And in he walk’d, and fasten’d it, just as it was before. - Alas! alas!--as you or I on bread and milk would sup, - The greedy wolf this poor old dame he gobbled fairly up. - - But now, ashamed of what he’d done, he jump’d into her bed; - And put her gown upon his back, her cap upon his head. - But ere he long had lain, there came the very little pet, - Who long’d to tell her Granny of the kind wolf she had met. - And gently tapping at the door, she whisper’d soft and still; - And the false wolf spake huskily, as he were very ill: - Who knocks at Martha’s door, he cried, and poor old Martha wakes? - It is her little pet, said she, who brings her nice sweet cakes. - God help you, dearest, cried the wolf, so pull the string you know; - And up the latch will go, my love, and you may enter so. - Then up she jump’d to reach the string, and open flew the door; - And in she stepp’d, and fasten’d it, just as it was before. - - Now take off your red riding-hood, and come to me in bed: - He spake with an affected voice, and cover’d up his head. - The little damsel, as he spoke, just saw his hairy nose: - Yet now she did as she was bid, and so pull’d off her clothes. - - Oh! Granny, what rough arms you’ve got! I’m not afraid, cried she: - Rough arms? my dearest child, he said; better for hugging thee. - Oh! Granny, what sharp eyes you’ve got! I’m half afraid, cried she: - Sharp eyes? my dearest child, he said; better for seeing thee. - Oh! Granny, what long ears you’ve got! I’m quite afraid, cried she: - Long ears? my dearest child, he said; better for hearing thee. - Oh! Granny, what wide lips you’ve got! I think you’ll swallow me: - Wide lips? my dearest child, he said; better for kissing thee. - Thus having said, he kisses gave her one--two--three--and four; - And then--he would have eat her up, but he could eat no more. - - So little people all take heed, and do as you are bid; - Lest you some day should meet a wolf, as this poor maiden did. - -[Illustration] - - - - -[Illustration] - - - - - A Passage in the Life of - - JACK THE GIANT-KILLER. - - _A Lay formerly sung about the South-western - coast of England and the Principality of - Wales, but known in more remote - parts since the spread - of Learning._ - -[Illustration] - - - - -[Illustration] - - - - -Jack the Giant-killer. - -_Monstrum horrendum, informe, ingens._ - - - OLD Cormoran of Michael’s mount - By all his teeth he swore, - That he would eat more butcher’s meat, - Than a whole host from Cornwall’s coast - Of ten or fifteen score. - - In Arthur’s reign this Giant lived; - A Giant huge was he: - His name was known in every town, - From Devon’s border to Land’s-end, - And eke from sea to sea. - - Six fingers on each hand he bore, - Six toes upon each foot: - An ox’s hide his glove supplied; - And three times ten stout Cornish men - Could sleep within his boot. - - And while he bathed his monstrous legs, - And straddled in the seas, - The bravest ship of Arthur’s fleet - Might sail between his knees. - - His breath was like a gale of wind - As now-a-days it blows: - His sneeze was like a hurricane; - And leagues around was heard the sound - When he did blow his nose. - - His laugh was like a thunderclap - If e’er in jest he spoke; - And the waves that lay in Michael’s bay - Shook, like a merry company, - Responsive to his joke. - - Thrice every day he gorged his fill, - And thrice he drank as well: - One herd at least of salted swine, - One hundred fatted beeves in brine, - And eke a thousand casks of wine, - Were stow’d within his cell. - - On every sabbath day at morn, - While Church-bells toll’d for prayer, - He took his club and took his horn, - And took his belt with iron welt, - And through the sea did fare. - - Then foraging the country round - He pillaged every farm; - And hogs and sheep and oxen too - Were fell’d by his strong arm: - And then he bound them in his belt, - And round his waist huge loads did pack, - And swung the rest across his back, - And sought his isle again: - And not a man of all who dwelt - Or high or low within that shire, - Or peasant, parson or esquire, - But dreaded Cormoran. - - The very magistrates themselves, - Who once a fortnight did dispense - King Arthur’s justice at Penzance, - Despite of justice and of law - He made them cater for his maw: - And tho’ they lived in rusty pride, - Nor took their country’s pay, - He spared them not for that a jot, - But used to say the balance lay - Upon the country’s side. - - In sooth it was a grievous sight, - And sad it is to tell, - When Cormoran came o’er the sea, - What fearful things befel: - He had no shame of his ill name, - No sneaking thief was born; - But standing stiff on the main cliff - Nine times he wound his horn. - - Oh then I ween you might have seen - All nature in despair! - The bird soar’d high toward the sky, - The wild beast sought his lair. - - The sheep ran huddling to a nook, - As they had seen a wolf: - The snorting colt defied the brook, - Or plunged into the gulf. - - The lazy-grouping steers, that grazed - Upon the mountain fell, - Forgot their pasture all amazed, - And pour’d into the dell. - - The pigs that buried in the straw - Lay grunting snug and warm, - Now helter-skelter scurried off, - As if they smelt a storm. - - The watch-dog tore against his chain, - As he would choke with rage: - But when he listen’d once agen, - He knew the voice of Cormoran, - And skulk’d into his den. - - From every steeple on the coast, - And eke from every tower, - The village bells right merrily - Did chime the matins-hour; - But when they heard th’ accursed blast, - Each sturdy sexton stood aghast; - The rope it glided from his grasp, - And silence reign’d around: - Save here and there where sudden jerk - Had follow’d interrupted work, - Like dying man’s convulsive gasp, - There came a jangling sound. - - The lads and lasses, who that morn - Had donn’d their high-day trim, - Were pacing solemnly to prayer, - In modest guise and prim. - Apart they walk’d in decent pride, - And scarcely ventured side by side: - But hark! it was--it was-- - ’Twas Cormoran! they knew the sound - That paralysed the country round, - And hurried off in mass. - Forgetful now of prayer and pride - In groups they thrid the forest wide, - Or lurk in caves together: - And here and there a plighted pair - Wander aloof in mute despair, - Or crouch upon the heather. - - -[Illustration] - - -PART II. - -_Ingentes animos angusto in pectore._ - - IN Cornwall then there lived a youth, - (Such may that land ne’er lack) - His mother call’d him “Johnny dear,” - His father call’d him Jack. - - In sooth he was of gentle mien, - And of a nature kind: - And though his body it was small, - It held a mighty mind. - - For he had read of fairy tales, - And deeds of high emprize; - And envied knights who died in fights, - Or lived in ladies’ eyes. - - And not a wrestling match there was, - But Jack would try his skill; - And not a fair but Jack was there - To wreak his merry will. - - And while he sat upon some rock, - And watch’d his sheep by day, - His eyes were with his silly flock, - His soul was far away. - - Sometimes he went to beard intent - A Giant in his den; - Sometimes he thought he singly fought - With twice two hundred men: - - And when he found himself aground, - Not caring to be slain - He sprang afoot, and off he shot - Till he might breathe again. - - Now Jack while he sat thoughtfully - One glorious sabbath morn, - It so befel, as I did tell, - That Cormoran wound his horn. - - The ewes were browsing o’er the downs, - And scatter’d far away; - The lusty lambs had drain’d their dams, - And gamboll’d off to play. - - Now all did prick their ears right quick - Astounded at the blast; - As if a kite had soar’d in sight, - Or fox had skulken past. - - And then they scour’d about the lay, - And piteously did bleat, - Till in the throng that rush’d along - Each one its own might meet. - - Cried Jack--It is a shame, I wis, - A burning shame to see - This Cormoran, a single man, - Defy the whole countrie! - - What! tho’ no hand on Cornish land - Can wield the giant’s axe: - One heart there is as stout as his, - And that one heart is Jack’s. - - And, if I know a trick or two - May serve me in good stead, - This very night my mark I’ll write - Upon the giant’s head. - - That day pass’d by most tediously, - And Jack the hours did count, - Till night came on and he was gone - Alone to Michael’s mount. - - His horn was at his collar hung, - His hatchet in his hand; - Adown his side his spade was tied; - A pickaxe at his back was slung; - And thus he left the land. - - Across the bay he held his way, - And swam with all his might; - It was so dark he scarce could mark - The mountain’s frowning height. - - But soon he gain’d the rocky land, - And dripping from the wave - He peer’d around, till he had found - The hateful giant’s cave. - - There right afore the giant’s door - He dug a huge big hole; - Full deep and wide on every side - He scoop’d it like a mole. - - With muchel toil he moved the soil; - And then, to hide his tricks, - Above the cavern’s gaping mouth - He wove a frame of sticks. - - A frame of sticks just strong enough - To bear the living sward; - Which he so laid o’er as it was before, - Not a trace of the hole appear’d. - - Then pickaxe, spade, and hatchet too - Upon the ground he cast: - And he took his horn to salute the morn - And blew a jolly blast. - - Now how he danced, and how he pranced, - To think what he had done! - But when he heard what then he heard, - He well nigh burst for fun. - - “Holloa--Yaugh! Holloa--Yaugh! - Who dares wake Cormoran? - As I am good, by my father’s blood, - I smell a breathing man!” - - Then he rubb’d his eyes and drove to rise, - But woke so tardily, - That while he yawn’d the morning dawn’d, - And Jack bethought to flee. - - But while yet slumber his lids did cumber - He blew another blast; - And the giant rush’d out and blink’d about, - Till Jack he spied at last. - - What whipster is that scarce as tall as a cat? - He’ll do to broil or bake: - But he’s too small for me withal - This long night’s fast to break. - - Tis Jack, I swear! ah Jack, mon cher, - This is a merry bout! - I’ll pay your score--and all before - Your mother knows you’re out. - - So on he strode: but soon he trod - Aboon Jack’s handywork; - When in he fell, and roll’d pell-mell - Blaspheming like a Turk. - - Then Jack peep’d in, and rubb’d his chin, - While thus he spake his foe:— - Now, as you’re good, by your father’s blood, - Dear giant, swear not so. - - Why thus perplex’d and sorely vex’d, - Kind heart! for me and mine? - My mother knows I’m out;--but does - Your father know you’re in? - - At Jack’s keen wit the giant bit - His flesh with grief and pain: - Then with mock glee--Bravo! cried he: - Now help me out again. - - Jack quick replied: on either side - With both your hands hold tight: - While I take care to seize your hair, - And pull with all my might. - - The Giant did as he was bid; - When Jack his humour spoke: - For though so brave and seeming grave - He dearly loved a joke. - - “Stay, stay: the air is cold up here, - And you are delicate: - It sure were best to breakfast first; - I well can spare to wait. - - But broil not me, who am you see - Scarce taller than a cat: - Not half enough, besides I’m tough; - Do pray instead take--that:”— - - Whereat a thump he dealt so plump, - Upon the Giant’s head, - That down he roll’d upon the mould, - And there he lay like dead. - - Then Jack jump’d down and kneeling on - Him pull’d his clasp-knife out; - And here he gash’d, and there he slash’d, - As one would crimp a trout. - - Now such a flood of giant’s blood - Came rushing from each wound, - Jack well had need to off with speed, - Or sooth he had been drown’d. - - Then up he sprang, and, like a cock - That dead hath struck his foe, - He stood aloof upon a rock, - And thus began to crow. - - The deed is done! the game is won! - Great Cormoran is slain! - Now frisk and leap, my pretty sheep, - All merrily again. - - The deed is done! the game is won! - Right glorious Jack will be: - All Cornwall’s coast his fame shall boast - For this great victory! - - But who can know who struck the blow, - Since none were here to see? - What boots to Jack if he go back - Without some true trophee? - - For men in sooth are wondrous loth - To spend a word of praise: - Though great and small are prodigal - Of evil words always. - - But off to bear the Giant’s gear - Jack was too weak of limb: - He scarce could stand the weight on land; - Then how with it to swim? - - Wherefor he felt beneath his belt; - Perchance he there mote wear - A signet, or some love-token, - Or lock of lady’s hair. - - For who so fierce, but love may pierce - His breast, to all unknown? - What heart so sere, but springs a tear - In secret and alone? - - But Cormoran was not the man - To rue his lonely couch: - Nor pledge nor plight of lady bright - Was there within his pouch. - - There lay alone a steer’s thigh-bone, - Sharp pointed, huge, and thick; - Wherewith he used (for tell’t I must) - His monstrous teeth to pick. - - Now this took Jack, and on his back - He slung the ugly spoil: - And thus again he swam the main, - Sore sick of blood and toil. - - The morn was bright, the breeze was light, - Jack stemm’d the wave meanwhile: - And all Penzance came forth to see - Who left the Giant’s isle. - - They mark’d him ride the buoyant tide, - As one of stubborn mind; - And how he cleft his way and left - A blood-red track behind.— - - Now Jack once more on Cornwall’s shore - Unslung his huge trophee: - And all flock’d round, and mark’d with stound - What this strange thing mote be. - - So thick! so long! so sharp! so strong! - They saw the truth full quick: - For who but he its lord could be? - ’Twas Cormoran’s own tooth-pick! - - And who could seize that pocket-piece, - Nor pay for’t with his head? - And who e’er felt beneath that belt? - It must be he was dead! - - Then did they shout with joyous rout, - And Jack bore off amain: - Right up Penzance they led their dance, - Then led it down again. - - It chanced that morn the Ealdorman - Sat there in civic state; - On matters high of polity - For to deliberate. - - So when this noise of men and boys - Resounded through the street, - He felt the weight of high estate - And trembled in his seat. - - But soon a scout who had peep’d out - These welcome tidings told:— - “They bring a lad--some thief, or pad!” - Whereat he waxed more bold. - - For though he had no heart to beard - A burglar stout and tall, - He yet was glad to trounce a lad, - Because he was so small. - - But threats soon turn to promises, - And punishment to praise, - When Jack walks in and on the board - The giant’s tooth-pick lays! - - The Ealdorman is all astound, - And scarce his eyes believes; - For ’twas long syne that he did dine - Upon his own fat beeves. - - As fitting meed for such brave deed, - He fain would wealth bestow: - But money there was then as rare - As now-a-days, I trow. - - But honour shone more bright than coin - Before Jack’s noble eyes: - Awake--asleep--he still might keep - Untarnish’d this fair prize. - - The Ealdorman then rising up, - While Jack before him knelt, - In Arthur’s name he dubb’d him knight, - And girt him with a belt. - - The belt it was of good leather, - With letters stamp’d of gold; - And all the world might read thereon - This simple history told:— - - =This is the valiant Cornish man - Who slew the giant Cormoran!= - -[Illustration] - - - - -[Illustration] - - - - -DIVERS SMALL HISTORIES, - -_not known to the Ancients_. - -[Illustration] - - - - -[Illustration] - - - - -The Vain Mouse. - - - UPON a river side - A Frog had built his house; - And in a hole close by - There lived a little Mouse. - - Now as they lived so near, - And went out in fine weather, - They used to meet sometimes, - And laugh and talk together. - - Thus as they jogg’d along - So happily through life, - The neighbours often said, - They must be man and wife. - - Now Mouse was rather gay, - While Froggy was most proper; - And so he said one day, - ’Tis time for me to stop her. - -[Sidenote: A fair offer,] - - That very afternoon, - As they were taking tea, - I love you, Mouse, said he; - Pray will you marry me? - - But Mouse was very vain; - And, though mice are so rife, - I’m sure she thought herself - The prettiest mouse in life. - -[Sidenote: rejected with disdain.] - - So looking grave at Frog - That he should dare to woo, - She said,--how can I love - A cold, damp thing, like you? - - Then jumping from her seat, - As if to shew her spite, - She whisk’d him with her tail, - Nor wish’d him once good-night. - - But, as it so fell out, - Old Pussy had been walking, - And stopp’d to listen there - While Frog and Mouse were talking: - -[Sidenote: Vanity meets its deserts.] - - And just as this vain Mouse - Was trotting home to bed, - Old Pussy cried,--Stop, stop! - And seized her by the head. - - Then Froggy who peep’d out - And saw how she was treated, - It serves her right, said he, - For being so conceited. - - So Pussy took poor Mouse, - And gave her to her kittens, - Who supp’d upon her flesh, - But saved her skin for mittens. - -[Illustration] - - - - -[Illustration] - - - - -Cock Robin and Jenny Wren. - - - “GOOD morning, dear Robin!” said sweet Jenny Wren: - “Good morning, sweet Jenny!” said Robin again. - Then chirping and flirting and hopping and bobbing - Together sat down Jenny Wren and Cock Robin. - - Then Jenny broke silence:—“Ah me! if you knew, - Dear Robin, how this little heart beats for you, - It hardly would happen that poor Jenny Wren - Must always give place to Dame Robin your hen.” - - “Sweet Jenny!” said he, “you don’t surely suppose - That Robins can trifle like jackdaws and crows! - You know birds of my quality must be decorous; - Though between you and me, sweet, it may sometimes bore us.” - - “Then come, my dear Robin! then come to my bower, - Now the trees are all leaf and the fields are all flower: - The world may tell stories,--I don’t care a fig, - While pretty Cock Robin is perch’d on my twig.” - - Cock Robin was tickled, and thrice chirp’d aloud, - And thrice wagg’d his tail and thrice graciously bow’d: - Then he bustled and rustled and whittled so high, - That he woke a dull owl who was dozing close by. - - “Whit-a-whoo!” cried the owl, as he blink’d with surprise: - “Where is he?--this sun is too bright for my eyes.” - But a cloud passing over, as if fate was in it, - He pounced upon Robin at that very minute. - - Poor Cock Robin! alas, that he should be so frail! - How could he give ear to her flattering tale! - The Owl minced him for supper: but, had he been wise, - He had still supp’d himself on Dame Robin’s mince-pies. - -[Illustration] - - - - -[Illustration] - - - - -The Proud Eagle. - - - AN eagle dwelt upon a rock, - And perch’d upon the topmost stones: - Whence he would pounce on bird and beast - And bear them off to pick their bones. - - He was a proud and cruel bird, - And boasted of his beak and claw; - His eye could reach both far and near, - And hunger was his only law. - - One morning in the month of May - A lamb was bleating on the lawn: - “A fig for lambs,” said he; “to-day - I’ll breakfast on a pretty fawn.” - - But every pretty fawn that day - Was shelter’d by its careful dam: - So as he could not breakfast there, - He turn’d again to find the lamb. - - And though he might have caught a hare - Who hurried off towards her brue; - “Nay think not, silly puss” he cried - “That I would stoop to lunch on you.” - - But now the shepherd watch’d his lambs, - And, as he dared not venture there, - Away he flew, and swore aloud - He’d gobble up alive the hare. - - He pass’d a little mouse just then, - Nor deigned to touch such paltry food: - But soon he found the prudent hare - Had stole away into the wood. - - Then in a passion back he flew - To swallow whole the little mouse: - But little mouse her danger knew, - And so had crept into her house. - - And now the evening dews were rising: - And as the light was waxing pale, - This proud bird (deem it not surprising) - Was glad to sup upon a snail. - -[Illustration] - - - - -[Illustration] - - - - -Young Lumpkin’s Hyæna. - - - IT was once on a time people said a hyæna - Lived close by the village and had a snug lair; - They were sure ’twas a real one, young Lumpkin had seen her, - With a head like a wolf and a tail like a bear. - - Old Gaffer moreover, who used to sit quaffing, - One night heard a scuffle and found a goose dead; - And dame Slipperslopper had often heard laughing, - While folks were, or ought to have been, all abed. - - So with common consent they determined to stop her, - For hyænas they said were a mischievous race: - So Gaffer and Lumpkin and Dame Slipperslopper - Sallied forth one fine morning all girt for the chase. - - They soon reach’d the hole where they reckon’d to find her, - And all took their posts as they gather’d round close; - And the Dame she peep’d in, though no mole could be blinder, - As she settled her spectacles over her nose. - - But just at that moment our old friend the fox, - (For no more and no less was Young Lumpkin’s Hyæna) - Was starting to visit old Gaffer’s fat cocks, - And he brush’d past her face just as if he’d not seen her. - - She started--her glasses fell into the hole; - And backward she tumbled and shriek’d like a child. - Young Lumpkin stood silent and look’d like a fool; - Old Gaffer ran homeward, as if he was wild. - - But before he got home he had lost a fine chicken, - And Dame Slipperslopper came back in chagrin: - But the Fox grinn’d with joy while his chops he sat licking, - And put on the glasses, to pick the bones clean. - -[Sidenote: Moral.] - - When a fool prates of wonders--a ghost or a dragon, - Believe not his story, albeit he may swear; - For be sure, that as usual the world will still wag on, - And never a dragon nor ghost will be there. - -[Illustration] - - - - -[Illustration] - - - - -The Young Thrushes. - -A TRUE STORY. - - - A PRETTY thrush with speckled breast - Within a yew had made her nest, - And laid her five eggs there: - Five pretty eggs so smooth and blue, - And, like herself all speckled too, - She brooded with much care. - - By day, by night, so close she sat, - No babbling dog, no crafty cat, - No boy her secret knew: - Nor bird--save one, who sat apart - And whistled to console her heart,— - Her gentle mate, and true. - - Thus time pass’d cheerily away; - Meanwhile her bosom day by day - With kindling fondness yearn’d: - Till, on the morn when it befel - Her callow nestlings burst the shell, - With mother’s love it burn’d. - - Now all seem’d brighter to her eye, - The earth more green, more blue the sky, - For all with love was dyed: - And while she flitted round for food, - And pick’d it for her helpless brood, - She wish’d no joy beside. - - Alas, that joy so sweet and pure - Should be on earth so little sure! - But such is Heaven’s decree. - Puss mark’d where she was wont to fly, - And watch’d her with a yellow eye, - And noted well the tree. - - Now stealthily she crept beneath, - And there she crouch’d as still as death, - Till home the thrush might go: - But mother’s eyes are open wide; - And soon the cautious parent spied - The ambush of her foe. - - Wherefore she went not near the yew, - But quite another way she flew; - And Pussy’s game seem’d lost: - For all in vain she strove to find - The nest which lay so close and blind, - Where two thick stems were cross’d. - - Then basking in the sunny ray, - She soon began to purr and play, - As all on love intent: - And mildness, like the velvet paw - Which cloked the terrors of her claw, - Belied her natural bent. - - Twas thus, whenas the senseless brood, - Who miss’d awhile their custom’d food, - Began to chirp complaints; - As if their mother knew not best, - Or would not charge her careful breast - With all their little wants. - - Full soon their folly did they rue; - (As foolish children always do;) - But ah! they rued too late: - For Pussy heard their silly wail, - And prick’d her ears, and lash’d her tail, - And grinn’d with scorn and hate. - - Then up the tree amain she sprung, - From branch, to bough, she leapt, she clung, - Till right within the nook, - Where lay the nestlings snug and warm, - She planted her terrific form, - And all the yew-tree shook! - - How then they trembled in despair, - And long’d to have their Mother there, - Most grievous is to tell: - And how Puss scorn’d such unripe meat, - And fiercely spurn’d them with her feet. - Till on the ground they fell! - - Alas! poor birds! had they been still, - Nor chirp’d their little plaints of ill, - While all was for the best, - The unheeding cat had walk’d away; - And they had lived secure that day - Within their happy nest. - -[Illustration] - - - - -[Illustration] - - - - -M. P. or The Magpie. - - -[Sidenote: A blockhead] - - A MAGPIE once was such a dunce, - That all the people said, - More bricks would lie in a fish’s eye, - Than learning in his head. - - And though his mother herself did bother - And every trouble took, - Yet not one word could that dull bird - Repeat without his book. - - Till once he saw a young jackdaw - Who dearly loved his letters; - Though not so much his taste was such, - As ’twas to ape his betters. - - Howe’er this be the jackdaw he - Could tell a funny story; - And many a bird his prattle heard - And envied him his glory. - -[Sidenote: may emulate eloquence;] - - But when he shew’d the wond’ring crowd - How he could spout and swell, - The Magpie tried for very pride - If he could do as well. - -[Sidenote: and, by practice,] - - And every night by candlelight - He conn’d his lessons o’er, - And every morn with the herdsman’s horn - He rose and practised more. - -[Sidenote: learn to speak with fluency,] - - Full soon he thought himself well taught, - And then began to chatter: - And the careful dame, his mother, came - To see what was the matter. - -[Sidenote: plausibility,] - - Like Miller Peel he smiled a deal, - And cull’d the fairest diction; - And look’d quite true though well he knew - That every word was fiction. - -[Sidenote: and grimace,] - -[Sidenote: so as to satisfy himself,—] - - Then to his nose he raised his toes, - And gravely look’d askew; - And thought himself a clever elf:— - And his mother thought so too. - -[Sidenote: and his mother,] - - “Caw, caw!” quoth she; “he sure must be - An orator or poet: - I’ll have him sent to Parliament, - That all the world may know it.” - -[Sidenote: --but not the Commons of England.] - - But though he shone so much alone, - And made his mother stare, - “The Members” swore he was a bore, - And had no business there. - - Yet there he is, and there I wis, - He’s likely still to be; - As, should you call at Stephen’s hall, - Yourself may chance to see. - - - - -[Illustration] - - - - -The Pigeon and the Hen, - -OR, THE PRIDE OF STATION. - - -[Sidenote: Fortune puffeth up the heart,] - - A MILK-WHITE pigeon (records state) - Was wedded to a milk-white mate: - Nor envied prince nor potentate - This dainty dove, - While crouching to her lord she sate, - And coo’d her love. - -[Sidenote: to judge others.] - - Indulged in all her heart’s desire - She felt no spark of lawless fire; - So plumed herself throughout the shire - A pattern wife: - And chid dame Partlet, as in ire, - For her loose life. - - A scandal to our sex, I vow, - Those cackling ladies of the mow! - Or black, or red, or high, or low, - They have no care; - So he’s a Cock--’tis quite enow - For welcome there! - - Dame Partlet heard, but felt no shame; - And let alone the vaunty dame, - To nurse her pride of wedded fame; - Herself content - That conscience whisper’d her no blame - Of evil bent. - - A shot!--the dove--she knew the sound! - Her milk-white mate has ta’en a wound: - He languishes upon the ground: - His swimming eyes - Heed not his comrades hovering round: - He gasps--he dies. - -[Sidenote: Altered circumstances] - - Oh! what can stint a widow’s grief! - Our pattern wife defied relief: - No grain pick’d she, no sprouting leaf, - --As folks could see: - A pattern widow (to be brief) - She fain would be. - - So trimly prinn’d she sat alone, - And lean’d her breast against a stone, - As one for ever woe-begone; - And would not coo: - No wonder that a suitor soon - Came down to woo. - - A vulgar bluerock by my fay! - Without the gentle pouting way - Of him that died the other day: - Alas! he’s gone! - And sore it is for one to stay, - And live alone! - -[Sidenote: induce altered feelings.] - - This bluerock press’d his suit so close, - Now strutting up upon his toes, - Now whispering something nose to nose,— - Our milk-white dove - Crouch’d to him, as the story goes, - And coo’d her love. - -[Sidenote: Few can afford to indulge a fine taste, though many may have -it.] - - Dame Partlet eyed the scene askaunt, - And spake:--The pamper’d few may vaunt - Their dainty taste o’er such as want; - But coarser bread - Is good enough to one who can’t - Get fine instead. - - - - -[Illustration] - - - - -The Oyster and the Muscle, - -OR, THE USES OF ADVERSITY. - - - AN Oyster, full of health and pride, - Once heard a Muscle by his side - O’er cruel fate repine; - Driv’n by the tyrant flood to roam - An outcast from his river-home, - And sicken in the brine. - - While faint lay one and gaped half-dead, - The other hugg’d his native bed, - And snuggled in his shell: - “Poor paltry child of ooze!” he spake, - “From Ocean’s sons example take, - “And dare to laugh at ill.” - - E’en as he spake, the dredgers came, - And fish’d him from his depth amain, - And stow’d him in the boat: - To London thence he found his way, - Where high and dry with more he lay,— - A dozen for a groat. - - The play was o’er, the people throng’d; - Yet fear’d he nought, howe’er he long’d - In Ocean’s sand to delve: - But now a Captain of the Blues - Dropt in at Arthur’s to carouse, - And call’d for oysters twelve. - - The word went out, the knife went in; - Our Oyster naked to the skin - Was brought upon a plate: - The Captain saw, the Captain seized, - And quick three drops of lemon squeezed - Upon his smarting pate. - - The pride of the Ocean then gave way; - He crisp’d his beard, (as people say) - And fetch’d a heavy groan: - Ah me! he thought; how light to bear - The troubles of our neighbours are; - How grievous are our own! - - -[Illustration: FINIS.] - - - - -[Illustration] - - PRINTED BY C. WHITTINGHAM, CHISWICK. - - - - - -End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Lays of Ancient Babyland, by Anonymous - -*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK LAYS OF ANCIENT BABYLAND *** - -***** This file should be named 52103-0.txt or 52103-0.zip ***** -This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: - http://www.gutenberg.org/5/2/1/0/52103/ - -Produced by Emmy, MWS and the Online Distributed -Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (This file was -produced from images generously made available by The -Internet Archive) - -Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions will -be renamed. - -Creating the works from print editions not protected by U.S. copyright -law means that no one owns a United States copyright in these works, -so the Foundation (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United -States without permission and without paying copyright -royalties. 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