What good is a brother?
I never could see,
But only to tease
A poor sister like me,
And that is as naughty,
As naughty can be.
He's nothing but trouble,
And mama's great care,
And always in mischief
A-doing his share;
And no peace in the house
Whenever he's there.
He hangs up my doll
At the foot of the bed,
With my new skipping-rope
Until she is dead;
Then laughs at the tears
That it makes me shed.
Then he teases my kitty,
Like the bad boys do,
By pulling her tail
Till it's nearly in two;
Then whistles and laughs
When he hears her mew.
If I had my wish,
Do you know what I'd say?
I'd tell my poor mama
To give him away
To grandpa and grandma,
And there make him stay.
But, then, poor grandpa!
He never could nap
Without a bad boy
Crawling up on his lap,
And whipping his knees
To make them get-ap.
And poor, dear grandma,
So patient and kind,
It worries her so
Because he won't mind;
And then her glasses
She never could find.
I suppose I must live,
And try, if I can,
To bear with his capers
Until he's a man;
But I do hope then
My brother will see
What a lot of trouble
He has been to me. |