Laid an egg in the nest in the clover hay,
Until she had twelve eggs hidden away.
In that nest, which was almost out of sight,
Sat Little Brown Hen, both day and night;
And the Bossy-calf knew her secret well,
But the Bossy-calf would never tell.
And the little gray mice came there to play,
To amuse the Little Brown Hen all day,
Till one morning, oh, such a pretty sight,
Out in the sunshine warm and bright!
Little Brown Hen—proud, happy dame—
With twelve little fluffy chickens came!
Said Baby Fritz, with a joyous shout,
“Look, Buddie, the chicks are all popped out!”