So her house she soon built of nice red brick,
But she only thatched it with straw;

And she thought that, however the fox might kick,
He could not get in e'en a paw.

So she went to sleep, and at dead of night
She heard at the door a low scratch;
And presently Reynard, with all his might,
Attempted to jump on the thatch.

But he tumbled back, and against the wall
Grazed his nose in a fearful way,
Then, almost mad with the pain of his fall,
He barked, and ran slowly away.

So Goosey laughed, and felt quite o'erjoyed
To have thus escaped from all harm;

But had she known how the Fox was employed,
She would have felt dreadful alarm;

For Gobble had been his last dainty meat,

So hungry he really did feel,

And resolved in his mind to accomplish this feat, And have the young goose for a meal.

So he slyly lighted a bundle of straws,
And made no more noise than a mouse,
Then lifted himself up on his hind paws,
And quickly set fire to the house.

T'was 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,
And, heedless of all her sad groans,
He chased her until he saw her alight,

Then eat her up, all but her bones.

Poor Ganderee's heart was ready to break
When the sad news reached her ear:

"'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,

66

And roof your new house with some tiles, Or, you, like your sisters, will soon be dead,A prey to your enemy's wiles."

So she took the advice of her mother and friend,
And made her house very secure :
Then she said,—"Now, whatever may
The Fox cannot catch me, I'm sure."

be
my end,

He called at her door the very next day,
And loudly and long did he knock,

But she said to him,-"Leave my house, I pray,
For the door I will not unlock;

"For you've killed my sisters, I know full well, you wish that I too were dead;"

And

"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,
And
you of your race I've loved best;"

But the Goose ne'er heeded his flattering words,
So, hungry he went to his rest.

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,
And popped out her pretty red bill,

Said she, "Your fair words are all in vain,
But talk to me here if you will."

"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'll be quite charmed, I know."

66

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, however, her mind she changed,
And she thought she would go to the fair;
So her numerous feathers she nicely arranged,
And cleaned her red bill with much care.

She went, I believe, before it was light,
For of Reynard she felt much fear;

So quickly she thought she would see each sight,
And return ere he should appear.