The Raven's coat is shining black, Or, rather, raven-grey ; The Camel's bunch is on his back, The Owl abhors the day. The Sparrow steals the cherry ripe, The Elephant is wise, The Blackbird charms you with his pipe, The Hen guards well her little chicks, The Beaver builds with mud and sticks, The little Wren is very small, The Humming-bird is less; The Lady-bird is least of all, The streaked Tiger's fond of blood, A Lobster's black, when boiled he's red, The Goose on grass will feed. The lady in her gown of silk The Glow-worm shines the darkest night, With lantern in his tail; The Turtle is the cit's delight, The Eagle has a crooked beak, The Starling, if he's taught, will speak; The child that does not these things know But I in knowledge quick will grow, For youth can come but once. Ann and Jane Taylor. Kindness to Animals LITTLE children, never give Pain to things that feel and live: Let the gentle robin come For the crumbs you save at home,— Peeping from her green grass lair, Anon. |