But to the Partlets down below who cannot find the key, they hear,
“Lock the dairy door;” that’s all his challenge says to them, my dear.
Why they had it, how they lost it, must remain a mystery;
I that tell you, never heard the first part of the history.
But if you listen, dear, next time the cock crows proudly
“Lock the dairy door!” you’ll hear him tell the biddies loudly:
“Chickle, chackle, chee!” they cry; “we haven’t got the key!” they cry;
“Chickle, chackle, chee! Oh, dear! wherever can it be?” they cry.
—Celia Thaxter.