'Twas soon in a blaze, and Goosey awoke, With fright almost ready to die, And, nearly smothered with heat and with smoke, Up the chimney was forced to fly. The Fox was rejoiced to witness her flight, Poor Ganderee's heart was ready to break "Twas that villain the Fox," said good Mr. Drake, Who lived in a pond very near. "Now listen to me, I pray you," he said, So she took the advice of her mother and friend, Then she said,-" Now, whatever may be my end, He called at her door the very next day, But she said to him,-"Leave my house, I pray, "For you've killed my sisters I know full well, And you wish that I too were dead." "Oh dear," said the Fox, "I can't really tell Who put such a thought in your head: "For I've always liked geese more than other birds, Next week she beheld him again appear, "Let me in very quick," he cried, "For the news I've to tell you'll be charmed to hear, And 'tis rude to keep me outside.” But the Goose only opened one window-pane, Said she, "Your fair words are all in vain, I I "To-morrow," he cried, "there will be a fair, All the birds and the beasts will go; So allow me, I pray, to escort you there, For you will be quite charmed I know." Many thanks for your news," said Ganderee, "But I had rather not go with you; I care not for any gay sight to see,” So the window she closed, and withdrew. In the morning, howe'er, her mind she changed, She went, I believe, before it was light, So quickly she thought she would see each sight, When the Goose arrived she began to laugh There were dancing bears, and a tall giraffe, A monkey was weighing out apples and roots; An ostrich, too, sold by retail; There were bees and butterflies tasting the fruits, And a pig drinking out of a pail. |