HOW WILLY WOLLY WENT A-FISHING.
Reading edition
BY S.C. STONE.
One day, on going fishing Was Willy Wolly bent; And, as it chanced a holiday, Why, Willy Wolly went.
Now, Willy Wolly planned, you see, To catch a speckled trout; But caught a very different fish From what he had laid out! In view of all the fishes,— Who much enjoyed the joke, With many a joyous wriggle And finny punch and poke,— Young Willy Wolly, leaping[Page 563] A fence with dire design, Had carelessly left swinging His fishing-hook and line.
How Willy Wolly did it, He really could not tell, But instantly he had his fish Exceeding fast and well! He hooked the struggling monster Securely in the sleeve; And, all at once, he found it time His pleasant sport to leave;— 'T was not a very gamy fish[Page 564] For one so large and strong, That Willy Wolly, blubbering, Helped carefully along. The giggling fishes crowded to The river bank to look, As Willy Wolly, captive, led Himself with line and hook!
When Willy Wolly went, you see, To catch a speckled trout, Why, Willy Wolly caught himself! And so the joke is out. His mother saved that barbèd hook, And sternly bid him now No more to dare a-fishing go, Until he has learned how!
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