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Title: Lays of Ancient Babyland

Subtitle: to which are added Small Divers Histories not known to the Ancients

Author: Richard Trott Fisher

Release Date: May 19, 2016 [EBook #52103]

Language: English

Credits: 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)

*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK ***

Lately Published, price 5s., or with Plates on

India, 7s. 6d.

ILLUSTRATED WITH ETCHINGS BY

GEORGE CRUIKSHANK

THE

EE AND THE ASP

A FABLE IN VERSE

BASIL MONTAGU PICKERING

196 PICCADILLY LONDON W.

Lays of Ancient Babyland

to which are added

divers small Histories

not known to the

Ancients.

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

LONDON

BASIL M. PICKERING, 196, PICCADILLY

1857

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.

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 ʃpoken or ʃung in the ʃtreets of the

great city of London on the ninth

day of November.

Whittington and his Cat.

OD 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.

Whittington,

When our third Edward ruled the land,

A king of glorious fame,

An humble boy there lived also,

Dick Whittington by name.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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?

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.”

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.”

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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:

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.”

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.

PART III.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.”

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.

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.

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.

His active industry,

So join’d he jolly venturers

In every good emprise;

It was no niggard share he staked

In all their argosies.

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.

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.

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.

THE THREE WISHES.

A Lay ʃung in ʃmall Families during the Moon

which follows next to that which is

known as the Honey-moon.

The Three Wishes.

N wedlock once (’twas years agone)

Were join’d a simple pair;

The man in sooth was wondrous poor,

The woman wondrous fair.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

discontent,

Alas, said he, that poverty

Should such fond hearts betide!

I fain would work,—but love thee so,

I cannot leave thy side:

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.

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.

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.

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:

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

A brief Account of the ſad Accident

which befel

LITTLE RED-RIDING-HOOD

ſhowing plainly what brought

about the ſame.

A Lay of the Nurʃery, as chanted to ʃimple

Muʃic by the lady-governeʃʃes

of the olden time.

Little Red-riding-hood.

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.

A Paſſage in the Life of

JACK THE GIANT-KILLER.

A Lay formerly ʃung about the South-weʃtern

coaʃt of England and the Principality of

Wales, but known in more remote

parts ʃince the ʃpread

of Learning.

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.

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!

DIVERS SMALL HISTORIES,

not known to the Ancients.

The Vain Mouse.

PON 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.

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.

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:

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.

Cock Robin and Jenny Wren.

OOD 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.

The Proud Eagle.

N 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.

Young Lumpkin’s Hyæna.

T 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.

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.

The Young Thrushes.

A TRUE STORY.

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.

M. P. or The Magpie.

A blockhead

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

and grimace,

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.

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.”

—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.

The Pigeon and the Hen,

OR, THE PRIDE OF STATION.

Fortune puffeth up the heart,

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

The Oyster and the Muscle,

OR, THE USES OF ADVERSITY.

N 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!

PRINTED BY C. WHITTINGHAM, CHISWICK.

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Table of Contents

The Project Gutenberg eBook of Lays of Ancient Babyland, by Richard Trott Fisher

Lays of Ancient Babyland

CONTENTS.

Whittington and his Cat.

PART II.

PART III.

THE THREE WISHES.

The Three Wishes.

LITTLE RED-RIDING-HOOD

Little Red-riding-hood.

JACK THE GIANT-KILLER.

Jack the Giant-killer.

PART II.

DIVERS SMALL HISTORIES,

The Vain Mouse.

Cock Robin and Jenny Wren.

The Proud Eagle.

Young Lumpkin’s Hyæna.

The Young Thrushes. A TRUE STORY.

M. P. or The Magpie.

The Pigeon and the Hen, OR, THE PRIDE OF STATION.

The Oyster and the Muscle, OR, THE USES OF ADVERSITY.

THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE