BIRDS, BEASTS, AND FISHES.
The Dog will come when he is called,
The Cat will run away;
The Monkey’s cheek is very bald,
The Goat is fond of play.
The Parrot is a prate-apace,
Yet knows not what he says;
The noble Horse will win the race,
Or draw you in a chaise.
The Pig is not a feeder nice,
The Squirrel loves a nut;
The Wolf would eat you in a trice,
The Buzzard’s eyes are shut.
The Lark sings high up in the air,
The Linnet in the tree;
The Swan he has a bosom fair,
And who so proud as he?
Oh, yes, the Peacock is more proud
Because his tail has eyes;
The Lion roars so very loud,
He’d fill you with surprise.
The Raven’s coat is shining black,
Or, rather, raven grey;
The Camel’s hunch is on his back,
The Owl abhors the day.
The Pelican she loves her young,
The Stork its parent loves;
The Woodcock’s bill is very long,
And innocent are Doves.
The little Wren is very small,
The Humming-bird is less;
The Lady-bird is least of all,
And beautiful in dress.
The Turtle—citizens’ delight!—
Doth wear a coat of mail;
The Glow-worm shines the darkest night
With lantern in its tail.
The streakèd Tiger’s fond of blood,
The Pigeon feeds on peas;
The Duck will gobble in the mud,
The Mice will eat your cheese.
In Germany they hunt the Boar,
The Bee brings honey home;
The Ant lays up a winter store,
The Bear loves honey-comb.
The Hen guards well her little chicks,
The Cow, her hoof is slit;
The Beaver builds with mud and sticks,
The Lapwing cries “Pee-wit!”
The child that does not these things know
Might well be called a dunce;
But you in knowledge quick must grow,
For youth can come but once.
