Jane’s Uncle
| Jane’s Uncle, who lived far away, Sent her Mama a note one day, Explaining that he found he had To spend a fortnight in Bagdad. He had a daughter, and ’twas plain He hoped that she might stay with Jane. “She’s a sad puss,” he said, “I own; But I can’t leave the child alone.” “I think,” Mama said, in a fuss, “We can’t have her to stay with us: I do not like my Jane to mix With children who have naughty tricks.” But Jane said, with a gentle smile, Plying her needle all the while, “Pray, let her come here, dear Mama, With the permission of Papa; I have a hope that she might be Influenced for her good by me: For I could show her that she would Be happier if she were good.” |
She bought a rod that afternoon
| At this her kind Mama relented, And, as her good Papa consented, That very day her mother wrote Her uncle quite a cordial note, Saying, “I think that it is clear Your Ann should spend your absence here” As she expected Ann quite soon, She bought a rod that afternoon. And sure enough, next Tuesday, Ann Was brought there by a serving-man. |
Ann was brought there by a serving man
| Alas! alas! it soon was plain She was not in the least like Jane! She ran and laughed and romped about, And raised a hubbub and a shout. “Oh, fie!” said Jane, “Pray, cousin Ann, Do be more tranquil if you can.” But Ann just laughed, and did not care, And tweaked her cousin by the hair. When they were out she climbed a tree, Which quite annoyed the “busy Bee.” “Fie, fie!” she cried. Ann said “Here goes:” And aimed an acorn at her nose! So Jane replied, “My good Mama Shall know how rude and rough you are.” “Your good Mama!” said little Ann; “Well, if you want to tell, you can.” She went away—went whistling too, Such a rude, boyish thing to do! |
Aimed an acorn at her nose