LESSON XL.

Little Bo-peep said to her sheep, "In the wood there is tender grass growing; And as you're so good, you shall dine in the wood, By the brook that is quietly flowing." Then a squirrel hard by looked down with a sigh, And said, "Oh, please go away, ma'am! The acorns are mine, and the nuts too, so fine; And in the woods always I play, ma'am." Then little Bo-peep at the squirrel did peep: "No harm we are going to do, sir; My sheep are not thieves, and, under the leaves Of the wood, there is room for us too, sir. "But I wish to be just: so here's a soft crust Of white bread of my mother's own baking; And I'll give you a slice, which you'll find very nice, If you'll join us in our merry-making."

If you saw a goat Buttoned in a coat; If you saw a rat Dressed up in a hat; If you saw a lamb Take a slice of ham; If you saw a bear Combing out its hair; If you saw an ox Opening a box; If you saw a pig Eat a nice new fig; If you saw a mouse Throwing down a house; If you saw a stag Picking up a rag; If you saw a cow Make a pretty bow; If you saw a fly Take its slate and cry— You would surely say, "What peculiar play!" Or would surely sing, "What a funny thing!"