And bade us bring him the rabbit next.
He welcomed “Punch” with a loving smile,
And hugged him close in his arms awhile;
And we knew (for the dear child’s eyes grew dim)
How grievous it was to part with him.
His mother he bade, with tearful cheek,
Give “Punch” his carrot three days a week,
With lettuce-leaves on a cautious plan,
And only just moisten his daily bran.
Then next we brought to him, one by one,