Part 8 (2/2)

We've plenty of suns.h.i.+ne at home!

IN THE CLOSET.

They've took away the ball, Oh dear!

And I'll never get it back, I fear.

And now they've gone away, And left me for to stay All alone the livelong day, In here.

It was my ball, anyhow, Not his: For he never had a ball Like this.

Such a coward you'll not see, E'en if you should live to be Old as Deuteronomy, As he is.

I'm sure I meant no harm, None at all!

I just held out my hand For the ball, And--somehow--it hit his head.

Then his nose it went and bled, And as if I 'd killed him dead He did bawl.

Mother said I was a naughty Little wretch.

And Aunt Jane said the police She would fetch.

And that nurse, who's always glad Of a chance to make me mad, Said, ”indeed she never _had_ Seen sech!”

No! I never, never _will_ Be good!

I'll go and be a babe In the wood.

I'll run away to sea, And a pirate I will be.

Then they'll never _dare_ call me Rough and rude.

How hungry I am getting!

Let me see!

I wonder what they're going to have For tea.

Of course there will be jam And--oh! that potted ham!

How unfortunate I am!

Dear me!

Oh! it's growing very dark In here.

And that shadow in the corner Looks so queer!

Won't they bring me any light?

Must I stay in here all night?

I shall surely die of fright.

Oh dear!

Mother, darling, will you _never_ Come back?

_Oh! I'm sorry that I hit him Such a crack!_ Hark! yes, 'tis her voice I hear!

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