Part 13 (1/2)

She _wouldn't_ look over her picture-book!

She _wouldn't_ run out to help the cook!

She _wouldn't_ be petted or coaxed or teased, And she _would_ do _exactly whatever_ she pleased.

She _wouldn't_ have naughty rice to eat!

She _wouldn't_ be gentle and good and sweet!

She _wouldn't_ give me one single kiss, And pray what could we do with a girl like this?

We tickled her up, and we tickled her down, From her toddling toes to her curling crown.

And we kissed her and tossed her, until she was fain To promise she wouldn't say ”wouldn't” again.

WILL-O'-THE-WISP.

”Will-o'-the-wisp! Will-o'-the-wisp!

Show me your lantern true!

Over the meadow and over the hill, Gladly I'll follow you.

Never I'll murmur nor ask to rest, And ever I'll be your friend, If you'll only give me the pot of gold That lies at your journey's end.”

Will-o'-the-wisp, Will-o'-the-wisp, Lighted his lantern true; Over the meadow and over the hill, Away and away he flew.

And away and away went the poor little boy, Trudging along so bold, And thinking of naught but the journey's end, And the wonderful pot of gold.

Will-o'-the-wisp, Will-o'-the-wisp, Flew down to a lonely swamp; He put out his lantern and vanished away In the evening chill and damp.

And the poor little boy went s.h.i.+vering home, Wet and tired and cold; He had come, alas! to his journey's end, But where was the pot of gold?

NONSENSE VERSES.

I.

Nicholas Ned, He lost his head, And put a turnip on instead; But then, ah me!

He could not see, So he thought it was night, and he went to bed.

II.

Ponsonby Perks, He fought with Turks, Performing many wonderful works; He killed over forty, High-minded and haughty, And cut off their heads with smiles and smirks.

III.

Winifred White, She married a fright, She called him her darling, her duck, and delight; The back of his head Was so lovely, she said, It dazzled her soul and enraptured her sight.