THE DADDY LONG-LEGS AND THE FLY.
I.
Once Mr. Daddy Long-legs,
Dressed in brown and gray, Walked about upon the sands
Upon a summer's day: And there among the pebbles,
When the wind was rather cold, He met with Mr. Floppy Fly,
All dressed in blue and gold; And, as it was too soon to dine,
They drank some periwinkle-wine,
And played an hour or two, or more,
At battlecock and shuttledore.
II.
Said Mr. Daddy Long-legs
To Mr. Floppy Fly, "Why do you never come to court?
I wish you 'd tell me why. All gold and shine, in dress so fine,
You'd quite delight the court. Why do you never go at all?
I really think you ought. And, if you went, you'd see such sights!
Such rugs and jugs and candle-lights!
And, more than all, the king and queen,—
One in red, and one in green."
III.
"O Mr. Daddy Long-legs!"
Said Mr. Floppy Fly, "It's true I never go to court;
And I will tell you why. If I had six long legs like yours,
At once I'd go to court; But, oh! I can't, because my legs
Are so extremely short. And I'm afraid the king and queen
(One in red, and one in green)
Would say aloud, 'You are not fit,
You Fly, to come to court a bit!'"
IV.