INTRODUCTION.
Reading edition
I. Far from wild, Far from wood, In a field Rich and good; VI. Once he fled, Twice he fled, Over meadow And garden bed.
II. Near to hill, And winding glade, Lived the naughtiest Hare e'er made. VII. Thrice he had The rarest fun, Fourth was just Another one.
III. Father scolded, Mother whipped, But every day Away he slipped. VIII. Mad the races, Jolly the Hare, Little did he Reck or care.
IV. Brothers three, And sisters two, Cried and cried As off he flew. IX. The winds might blow, The waters flow, Over the hills Away he'd go!
V. Sore—sore—sore was the sobbing, Wild—wild—wild was his race; Only the woods to echo his footsteps, Only the winds—his hiding-place. X. "Don't you come home," the father said, "Until you can stay in your little bed; One more race and you keep away, Though you should beg and cry all day."
XI.
Alack! He never came back; That swift-footed Hare, That knowing Hare, That beast who didn't Reck nor care. Whether swallowed alive, Or hung on a rail, Or dancing along The waters pale, Or running, or walking, Or leaping a star, He was gone so long, And he went so far, That the winds forgot His very name; And lost to memory, Love, and fame, He became in verity The LOST HARE!
ADVENTURES.