THE DOLLS’ TEA-PARTY.

1. The dolls had a tea party: wasn’t it fun! In ribbons and laces they came one by one; 359 We girls set the table, and poured out the tea; And each of us held up a doll on our knee.

2. You never saw children behave half so well; Why nobody had any gossip to tell! And—can you believe it? for badness that day, No dolly was sent from the table away.

3. The cups and the saucers they shone lily white: We helped all the dollies; they looked so polite; We had cake and jam from our own pantry shelves; Of course we did most of the eating ourselves.

4. But housewives don’t know when their cares may begin— The door it stood open, and pussy popped in; He jumped on the table,—and what do you think?— Down fell all the crockery there in a wink.

5. We picked up the pieces with many a sigh; Our party broke up, and we all said good-bye. Do come to our next one:—but then we’ll invite That very rude pussy to keep out of sight.