THE BRIDE RECEIVES SOME HANDSOME PRESENTS
Reading edition
DON'T be gone long," cried Puss, Jr., as the rabbit and the beaver ran off to their homes to get a present for Jenny Wren. "You had better hurry, or the wedding will be over by the time you return."
"Don't worry about me," said the rabbit, whisking away at a great rate.
"I'll be back, never fear," said the beaver.
Puss watched them out of sight, then he heard the parson begin again:
"Oh, then," says Parson Rook, "Who gives this maid away?" "I do," says the Goldfinch, "And her fortune I will pay; "Here's a bag of grain of many sorts, And other things besides; Now happy be the bridegroom, And happy be the bride."
Presently the rabbit returned. "Do you think she will like this?" he asked Puss, Jr., holding up a little white powder-puff. "I made it all myself. I had it put away in a little box for safe-keeping."
"It's very pretty," said Puss, Jr., with a smile. "What little bunny's tail did you cut off to make it with?"
"Not mine," replied the rabbit; "but don't ask me too many questions."
Just then the beaver came panting up. "Whew!" he cried. "I'd rather travel by water than by land; but, anyhow, I'm here. How do you think she will like my present?" and he held up a little gold ring.
"Just the thing!" cried Puss. "But where did you get it?"
"Oh, I found it on the bottom of the brook one day," replied the beaver, "so I picked it up and hung it on a nail; I thought it might come in handy some day."
"When shall we give her the present?" asked the squirrel.
"Wait, wait," said Puss; "they are not yet married. Listen to Parson Rook:
"And will you have her, Robin, To be your wedded wife?" "Yes, I will," says Robin, "And love her all my life." "And will you have him, Jenny, Your husband now to be?" "Yes, I will," says Jenny, "And love him heartily!" Then on her finger fair Cock Robin put the ring; "You're married now," says Parson Rook, While loud the lark did sing: "Happy be the bridegroom, And happy be the bride, And may not man, nor bird, nor beast, This happy pair divide."