The crystal dewdrops on the trees
Are gems by fancy made.
Oh, there is joy and happiness
In everything we see!
But greatest joys we shall possess
Through truth and purity.
When he had finished, all the animals near and far gave vent to tremendous applause, for animal audiences are not so hard to please as those composed of human beings. Mr. Opossum became so enthusiastic that he shouted at the top of his voice:
“Hurrah for Mr. Redsquirrel! One cannot judge by the size of a creature how much he can say.”
Miss Hare joined the other two judges, and for a few moments they held an earnest conversation among themselves, while the audience sat in breathless expectation.
Finally, Mother Goose descended from her perch and waddled to the front of the platform, where she faced the eager listeners and said in a shrill, but kindly voice: