THE GUESTS ARRIVE SAFELY AT THE WEDDING
Reading edition
PUSS, JR., continued on his way with his small comrades, the squirrel, the old bullfrog, the chipmunk, the muskrat, the beaver (who had joined them without being asked after they had paid him for crossing his dam), and the timid little rabbit. Presently they saw in the distance the wedding procession of Cock Robin and Jenny Wren.
And first came Parson Rook, With his spectacles and band, And one of Mother Hubbard's books He held within his hand. The Sparrow and the Tomtit, And many more, were there. All came to see the wedding Of Jenny Wren, the fair. Then followed him the Lark, For he could sweetly sing, And he was to be the clerk At Cock Robin's wedding.
"Let us make haste," cried Puss, Jr., "or we shall be late."
"Please don't go so fast," begged the old bullfrog. "I'm a very poor walker."
"Here, climb up on my back," said the squirrel. "You can lean against my tail. It will keep you from falling off."
This helped matters a great deal, and our little friends moved forward at a good pace. The old bullfrog was also much relieved. He was pretty tired and every once in a while gasped for breath. He was not too weary, however, to catch several flies on the way, and he winked quite solemnly at Puss, who grinned in return. As they neared the wedding procession they heard the lark singing.
He sang of Robin's love For little Jenny Wren; And when he came unto the end, Then he began again. The Goldfinch came on next, To give away the bride; The Linnet, being bridesmaid, Walked by Jenny's side; And as she was a-walking, Said, "Upon my word, I think that your Cock Robin Is a very pretty bird."
"I think he is," whispered Puss, Jr., to the squirrel.
"So do I," said the chipmunk.
"Ker-chunk," said the old bullfrog, "he has a fine red vest. I always like white waistcoats, though," he added, looking down at his own; "but then, you know, everybody doesn't like the same thing."