THE HEN AND DUCKLINGS.

1. From the old barn floor to the cottage door, Struts forth the old white hen; Very proud she feels, for at her heels She has a brood of ten. She’s glad to get out and roam about, Quite tired of sitting still; And now they will go, For she tells them all so, To the meadow down by the old mill.

2. For we there shall meet Many worms to eat, And beetles green and brown; But, she says, “D’ye hear, Don’t go too near The mill-pond, or you’ll drown.” They waddle along The weeds among, And learn to scratch and pick; But each little fellow Is covered with yellow, And has a queer bill for a chick.

3. Very soon the hen, With her brood of ten, A beetle sees beyond; As she runs to pin it, In a minute All jump into the pond. She opens her eyes In great surprise To see them swim with ease, And says, “Well, I never! Now, pray, did you ever See any such chickens as these?”