The Dunce of a Kitten.

Come, pussy, will you learn to read?

I’ve got a pretty book:

Nay, turn this way, you must, indeed:

Fie, there’s a sulky look.

Here is a pretty picture, see,

An apple and great A:

How stupid you will ever be,

If you do nought but play.

Come, A, B, C, an easy task,

What any fool can do:

I will do any thing you ask,

For dearly I love you.

Now, how I’m vex’d, you are so dull,

You have not learnt it half:

You will grow up a downright fool,

And make all people laugh.

Mamma told me so, I declare,

And made me quite ashamed;

So I resolved no pains to spare,

Nor like a dunce be blamed.

Well, get along, you naughty kit,

And after mice go look;

I’m glad that I have got more wit,

I love my pretty book.