My sponge was all lost, and the class couldn't wait.

"And 'cause I was hurrying, what do you think?

That bothersome ink-bottle slopped out the ink!

You can't expect gloves to look nobby and new

When they have to be used for a slate and ink too.

Now, that's reasons enough!" said poor Tommy, "I guess!"

And the company bowed a unanimous "Yes,"

And the horse, cow and sheep, duck, duckling and hen,

Complacently turned themselves homeward again.