Part 3 (1/2)

Who'll make his shroud?

I, said the Beetle, With my thread and needle.

I'll make his shroud.

Who'll dig his grave?

I, said the Owl, With my spade and shovel.

I'll dig his grave.

Who'll toll the bell?

I, said the Bull, Because I can pull.

I'll pull the bell.

[Ill.u.s.tration: THE BULL TOLLING THE BELL]

[Ill.u.s.tration: THE ROOK AND THE LARK]

Who'll be the Parson?

I, said the Rook, With my little book.

I'll be the Parson.

Who'll be the Clerk?

I, said the Lark, If it's not in the dark.

I'll be the Clerk.

Who'll be chief mourner?

I, said the Dove, For I mourn for my love.

I'll be chief mourner.

Who'll sing a psalm?

I, said the Thrush, As she sat in a bush.

I'll sing a psalm.

[Ill.u.s.tration: THE THRUSH.]

[Ill.u.s.tration: SIGHING AND SOBBING FOR POOR c.o.c.k ROBIN.]

All the birds of the air Fell a-sighing and sobbing When they heard the bell toll For poor c.o.c.k Robin.

JACK & THE BEAN-STALK.

Once upon a time there was a poor widow who lived in a little cottage with her only son Jack.