Volume I Part 37 (2/2)

Gustava feeds her,--she begs for more; And a little brown hen walks in at the door: ”Good day!” cries little Gustava.

She scatters crumbs for the little brown hen.

There comes a rush and a flutter, and then Down fly her little white doves so sweet, With their snowy wings and crimson feet: ”Welcome!” cries little Gustava.

So dainty and eager they pick up the crumbs.

But who is this through the doorway comes?

Little Scotch terrier, little dog Rags, Looks in her face, and his funny tail wags: ”Ha! ha!” laughs little Gustava.

”You want some breakfast too?” and down She sets her bowl on the brick floor brown; And little dog Rags drinks up her milk, While she strokes his s.h.a.ggy locks like silk: ”Dear Rags!” says little Gustava.

Waiting without stood sparrow and crow, Cooling their feet in the melting snow: ”Won't you come in, good folk?” she cried.

But they were too bashful, and stood outside Though ”Pray come in!” cried Gustava.

So the last she threw them, and knelt on the mat With doves and biddy and dog and cat.

And her mother came to the open house-door: ”Dear little daughter, I bring you some more.

My merry little Gustava!”

Kitty and terrier, biddy and doves, All things harmless Gustava loves.

The shy, kind creatures 'tis joy to feed, And oh, her breakfast is sweet indeed To happy little Gustava!

Celia Thaxter [1835-1894]

PRINCE TATTERS

Little Prince Tatters has lost his cap!

Over the hedge he threw it; Into the river it fell ”kerslap!”

Stupid old thing to do it!

Now Mother may sigh and Nurse may fume For the gay little cap with its eagle plume.

”One cannot be thinking all day of such matters!

Trifles are trifles!” says little Prince Tatters.

Little Prince Tatters has lost his coat!

Playing, he did not need it; ”Left it right there, by the nanny-goat, And n.o.body never seed it!”

Now Mother and Nurse may search till night For the little new coat with its b.u.t.tons bright; But--”Coat-sleeves or s.h.i.+rt-sleeves, how little it matters!

Trifles are trifles!” says little Prince Tatters.

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