XX A GOOD BOY I WOKE before the morning, I was happy all the day, I never said an ugly word, but smiled and stuck to play. And now at last the sun is going down behind the wood, And I am very happy, for I know that I've been good. My bed is waiting cool and fresh, with linen smooth and fair, And I must off to sleepsin-by, and not forget my prayer. I know that, till to-morrow I shall see the sun arise, But slumber hold me tightly till I waken in the dawn, And hear the thrushes singing in the lilacs round the lawn. XXI ESCAPE AT BEDTIME HE lights from the parlour and kitchen shone out TH Through the blinds and the windows and bars; And high overhead and all moving about, There were thousands of millions of stars. There ne'er were such thousands of leaves on a tree, Nor of people in church or the Park, As the crowds of the stars that looked down upon me, And that glittered and winked in the dark. The Dog, and the Plough, and the Hunter, and all, These shone in the sky, and the pail by the wall They saw me at last, and they chased me with cries, But the glory kept shining and bright in my eyes, B XXII MARCHING SONG ORING the comb and play upon it ! Marching, here we come! Willie cocks his highland bonnet, Johnnie beats the drum. Mary Jane commands the party, Peter leads the rear ; Feet in time, alert and hearty, Each a Grenadier! All in the most martial manner Marching double-quick ; While the napkin like a banner Waves upon the stick! Here's enough of fame and pillage, Great commander Jane ! Now that we've been round the village, Let's go home again. XXIII THE COW THE friendly cow all red and white, I love with all my heart : She gives me cream with all her might, To eat with apple-tart. She wanders lowing here and there, And yet she cannot stray, All in the pleasant open air, The pleasant light of day; And blown by all the winds that pass And eats the meadow flowers. |