Now, Willy Wolly planned, you see,
To catch a speckled trout;
But caught a very different fish
From what he had laid out!
In view of all the fishes,—
Who much enjoyed the joke,
With many a joyous wriggle
And finny punch and poke,—
Young Willy Wolly, leaping[Page 563]
A fence with dire design,
Had carelessly left swinging
His fishing-hook and [line].
How Willy Wolly did it,
He really could not tell,
But instantly he had his fish
Exceeding fast and well!
He hooked the struggling monster
Securely in the sleeve;
And, all at once, he found it time
His pleasant sport to leave;—
'T was not a very gamy fish[Page 564]
For one so large and strong,
That Willy Wolly, blubbering,
Helped carefully along.
The giggling fishes crowded to
The river bank to look,
As Willy Wolly, captive, led
Himself with line and [hook]!
When Willy Wolly went, you see,
To catch a speckled trout,
Why, Willy Wolly caught himself!
And so the joke is out.
His mother saved that barbèd hook,
And sternly bid him now
No more to dare a-fishing go,
Until he has learned how!