X.—THE SQUIRREL
“Little squirrel, living there
In the hollow tree,
I’ve a pretty cage for you;
Come and live with me!
“You may turn the little wheel—
That will be great fun!
Slowly round, or very fast
If you faster run.
“Little squirrel, I will bring
In my basket here
Every day a feast of nuts!
Come, then, squirrel dear.”
But the little squirrel said
From his hollow tree:
“Oh! no, no! I’d rather far
Live here and be free!”
So my cage is empty yet,
And the wheel is still;
But my little basket here
Oft with nuts I fill.
If you like, I’ll crack the nuts,
Some for you and me,
For the squirrel has enough
In his hollow tree.