HE north wind does blow, and we shall have snow, THE And what will the robin do then? poor thing! But spring will come soon, and summer in June, In the sun all the day, blithely singing away, He'll forget all these cold winds and snow, glad thing! Her request's grantedQueer little boy! Dad don't think him much, Still he's ma's joy. Up to funny tricks All the day long, Blithe as a cricket Singing some song. Dame made a pudding, Suet and plum; Into it tumbled Little Tom Thumb. Struggling in the cloth, Frightened ma so : 'Surely it's bewitched! Hi! Pedler Joe!' When on his shoulder Out Tommy popped, Alarmed the pedler, Who pudding dropped. Jack must secure prize Cuts into dumplings, For ease retreating. Once tied to thistle, To keep from harm, The old cow ate him Oh, what alarm! But her throat's tickled; He strives to rise, And with cough comes up Great their surprise! Tom wore a small sword, And the folks say He was a biggish man Once as he's digging Oh, how absurd!Raised by his trousers In beak of bird; Nice dainty morsel To feed her brood. But Tom's ire rises, And fate withstood; Fought like a tiger When in the nest His new friends came off But second-best. One baby eagle He killed outright, Then dodged to 'scape from The mother's spite; Till, quick and sudden, She has pounced down, Drags him o'er water, And drops to drown. But a fish rising, With open jaws, Gives warm reception ; Tom only roars. Fish can't make him out, And, deep in thought, Soon in a cast-net Finds himself caught. King Arthur's cook bought And cut up fish, Tom makes his exit And bows from dish. Cook, of course frightened, And runs for life. Who gave a ring, Token of favour, Dropped o'er his head : 'Brave little mortal, Take that,' he said. 'I'll make new order,Band round the neck, Collar of valour, Heroes to deck.' The Queen, delighted, Said that he ought Now to be knighted And stay at Court. Oft since by courage Tom cleared the house, Killing or catching Ev'ry stray mouse. Four mice he harnessed Wasn't it grand, Riding and driving His four-in-hand? Sometimes the monarch, Guests to surprise, Bade Tom crawl under The paste of pies, Till he gave signal; Then, with a shout, Tom raised the lid up And thence jumped out! Round Arthur's table Swiftly he'd race, O'er dishes leaping Grand steeplechase! Once in a milk-pail Very nigh drowned, So he learned swimming And got renowned. The King had him drilled And taught to fence; Dressed as a soldier, His joy's immense. All whisker mixtures, From ev'ry shop, He gave a try-all To raise a crop. But vain all efforts! Still a smooth cheek! Till he resolves to Fairies to speak. Sought out the fairy-rings (At night they come); 'Oh, give me whiskers!' Cried out Tom Thumb. Now his cheek itches, And raising hand Feels the hair risingIsn't it grand? He other children Held in disdain, Thought they were childish Who cried at pain : |