THE ELF AND THE DORMOUSE
Reading edition
Under a toad stool Crept a wee Elf, Out of the rain To shelter himself. Under the toad stool Sound asleep, Sat a big Dormouse All in a heap. Trembled the wee Elf Frightened, and yet Fearing to fly away Lest he get wet. To the next shelter— Maybe a mile! Sudden the wee Elf Smiled a wee smile; Tugged till the toad stool Toppled in two; Holding it over him, Gayly he flew. Soon he was safe home, Dry as could be. Soon woke the Dormouse— "Good gracious me! "Where is my toad stool?" Loud he lamented. And that's how umbrellas First were invented.
—OLIVER HERFORD.
