Part 36 (2/2)

Thy sh.e.l.l is hard: so is not mine.”

Coth the crab, ”No, not I.”

”Tell me,” then spake the crab, ”therefore, Or else I thee defy: Give me thy claw, I ask no more.”

Coth the frog, ”That will I.”

The crab bit off the frog's fore-feet; The frog then he must die.

To woo a crab it is not meet: If any do, it is not I.

_From Christ Church MS., I. 549_.

THE BLOATED BIGGABOON

The bloated Biggaboon Was so haughty, he would not repose In a house, or a hall, or _ces choses_, But he slept his high sleep in his clothes-- 'Neath the moon.

The bloated Biggaboon Pour'd contempt upon waistcoat and skirt, Holding swallow-tails even as dirt-- So he puff'd himself out in his s.h.i.+rt, Like a b'loon.

_H. Cholmondeley-Pennell_.

WILD FLOWERS

”Of what are you afraid, my child?” inquired the kindly teacher.

”Oh, sir! the flowers, they are wild,” replied the timid creature.

_Peter Newell_.

TIMID HORTENSE

”Now, if the fish will only bite, we'll have some royal fun.”

”And do fish bite? The horrid things! Indeed, I'll not catch one!”

_Peter Newell_.

HER POLKA DOTS

She played upon her music-box a fancy air by chance, And straightway all her polka-dots began a lively dance.

_Peter Newell_.

<script>