With a fly and a leap,
So anxious was he
To marry fair Peep.
And when he came to two very close together, he said to one, “Good day, Sister Cluck.”
And one answered, “Many thanks, young sir.”
“I’ve come a-wooing. May I have your fair sister Peep for my bride?”
“Ask Father Rooster, Mother Hen, Brother Bantam, and fair Peep herself; then we’ll see,” said Sister Cluck.
“Fair Peep, wilt thou be my bride?” said he. And all the family came up to hear her answer and it wasn’t no, so it must have been yes.
“What hast thou to keep house on?” said Mother Hen to her daughter.
And Brother Bantam answered for her, “A sweet voice;” and Sister Cluck added, “A sweet temper.”