Part 7 (2/2)

I'd show them I was master, As we scudded fast and faster, We pirates bold, a-search for gold, across the Spanish Main!

A pirate, a pirate!

I'd like to be a pirate, A scarlet scarf about my neck, a cutla.s.s at my wrist!

With my boots of s.h.i.+ning leather Creaking when they rubbed together, And a foeman lank, to walk the plank, whenever I'd insist!

A pirate, a pirate!

I want to be a pirate!

To sail the seas for treasure, and to keep it in our hold!

To fear no foe nor nation-- What a splendid occupation To be a doughty pirate in the daring days of old!

A pirate, a pirate!

But if I were a pirate, I couldn't have a pair of skates, a football, or a sled!

So, when I think it over, Though I'd _like_ to be a rover, I'd rather live in our house, and be myself, instead!

[Ill.u.s.tration: I'D LIKE TO BE A PIRATE A SCARLET SCARF ABOUT MY NECK, A CUTLa.s.s AT MY WRIST]

OUR PLAYHOUSE IS SO NEAR TO FAIRYLAND--

Our playhouse is so near to Fairyland I think the fairies come and peep, to see How children play.

So sometimes when there's something in the gra.s.s That sounds like fairies' footsteps very faint Not far away,

We sit quite still, all on the playhouse wall; But though we wait and wait for them to speak They never do.

Our playhouse is so near to Fairyland They'll come some day, and start to play with us, I think, don't you?

NEW LEAVES

It doesn't do you any good to hide, Trees! Everybody knows you're there inside!

Besides, although you think you're hid complete --We see your feet!

BEACH BIRDS

Beach birds, beach birds, flying in to me, From the wide, blue palaces of your home, the sea, What have you to tell about, islands green and fair?

Stories of the s.h.i.+ps that tramp the trail to Everywhere?

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