CHILD-SONGS
I
The City Child
Dainty little maiden, whither would you wander?
Whither from this pretty home, the home where mother dwells?
"Far, and far away," said the dainty little maiden,
"All among the gardens, auriculas, anemones,
Roses and lilies and Canterbury-bells."
Dainty little maiden, whither would you wander?
Whither from this pretty house, this city-house of ours?
"Far and far away," said the dainty little maiden,
"All among the meadows, the clover and the clematis,
Daisies and kingcups, and honeysuckle-flowers."
II
Minnie and Winnie
Minnie and Winnie
Slept in a shell.
Sleep, little ladies!
And they slept well.
Pink was the shell within,
Silver without;
Sounds of the great sea
Wander'd about.
Sleep, little ladies!
Wake not soon!
Echo on echo
Dies to the moon.
Two bright stars
Peep'd into the shell.
"What are they dreaming of?
Who can tell?"
Started a green linnet
Out of the croft;
Wake, little ladies,
The sun is aloft!
—Alfred Lord Tennyson.
The Lamb
Little Lamb, who made thee?
Dost thou know who made thee?
Gave thee life, and bade thee feed
By the stream and o'er the mead;
Softest clothing, woolly, bright;
Gave thee such a tender voice,
Making all the vales rejoice;
Little Lamb, who made thee?
Dost thou know who made thee?
Little Lamb, I'll tell thee.
Little Lamb, I'll tell thee.
He is calléd by thy name,
For He calls Himself a Lamb:—
He is meek, and He is mild;
He became a little child:
I, a child, and thou, a lamb,
We are calléd by His name.
Little Lamb, God bless thee;
Little Lamb, God bless thee.
—William Blake.