BIRDS, BEASTS, AND FISHES.

The Dog will come when he is called, The Cat will run away; The Monkey’s cheek is very bald, The Goat is fond of play. The Parrot is a prate-apace, Yet knows not what he says; The noble Horse will win the race, Or draw you in a chaise.

The Pig is not a feeder nice, The Squirrel loves a nut; The Wolf would eat you in a trice, The Buzzard’s eyes are shut. The Lark sings high up in the air, The Linnet in the tree; The Swan he has a bosom fair, And who so proud as he?

Oh, yes, the Peacock is more proud Because his tail has eyes; The Lion roars so very loud, He’d fill you with surprise. The Raven’s coat is shining black, Or, rather, raven grey; The Camel’s hunch is on his back, The Owl abhors the day.

The Pelican she loves her young, The Stork its parent loves; The Woodcock’s bill is very long, And innocent are Doves. The little Wren is very small, The Humming-bird is less; The Lady-bird is least of all, And beautiful in dress.

The Turtle—citizens’ delight!— Doth wear a coat of mail; The Glow-worm shines the darkest night With lantern in its tail. The streakèd Tiger’s fond of blood, The Pigeon feeds on peas; The Duck will gobble in the mud, The Mice will eat your cheese.

In Germany they hunt the Boar, The Bee brings honey home; The Ant lays up a winter store, The Bear loves honey-comb. The Hen guards well her little chicks, The Cow, her hoof is slit; The Beaver builds with mud and sticks, The Lapwing cries “Pee-wit!”

The child that does not these things know Might well be called a dunce; But you in knowledge quick must grow, For youth can come but once.