Читать книгу The Child's Coloured Gift Book - George Dalziel - Страница 4

Table of Contents

A stands for the Ass, who eats thistles and grass;

He is useful and patient, though only an Ass.

B for the Bees, that fly out here and there,

And bring to the hives the sweet honey with care.

C for the Cows, in the shade of the trees;

They are chewing the cud, and seem quite at their ease.

D for Ducks, swimming, diving, and playing together;

They care not for rain nor the stormiest weather.

E for the Eggs, which we find in the nest;

They still feel quite warm, from the hen's downy breast.

F are the Fowls: the hens and the cocks.

Take care, my fine birdies, beware of the fox.

G is the Goat, with two kids young and gay;

They run to their mother, then scamper away.

H is the Horse, so sleek and so strong;

He draws the hay-cart to the meadow along.

I is the Isle; and I'll mention my wish

To sit on the bank, in the summer, and fish.

K are the Kittens, that live in the stable;

They will catch all the mice as soon as they're able.

L is for Lucy, who waits at the stile,

And puts down the pail, for she's resting awhile.

M is the Milk, which is good, Pussy thinks,

And so, uninvited and slyly, she drinks.

N stands for the Nuts; and when lessons are done,

Two boys can go nutting much better than one.

O for the Owl, that flies out in the night,

And sails o'er the barn in the quiet moonlight.

P for some Pigs, which have strayed from their sty,

But of course will return there to bed by-and-by.

Q stands for the Quince I have plucked from a tree,

To flavour the tart Mary's making for me.

R for the Rabbits, white, spotted, and gray;

Just see how that little one nibbles away.

S for the Sheep, with their coats of soft wool.

They stand in the meadows so pleasant and cool.

T for the Turkey, who stately doth sail,

With long sweeping wings and wide-spreading tail.

V for the Vine, growing high on the wall;

Take care, little boy, or you surely will fall.

W for Waggon, that stands empty alone

Near the trees in the fields when the horses are gone.

X, put on a barrel, is intended to tell

The strength of the beer, and its flavour as well.

Y is the Yard, where the chicks love to feed

On the oats, and the barley, and other good seed.

Z is for Zachary, shutting the gate;

So Good Night, little children; it's getting quite late.