groans,
He chased her until he saw her alight,
Then eat her up all but her bones.

Poor Ganderee's heart was ready to break
When the sad news reached her ear.
"'T was that villain the Fox," said good Mr. Drake,
Who lived in a pond very near.

"Now listen to me, I pray you," he said,
"And roof your new house with some tiles,
Or you, like your sisters, will soon be dead,--
A prey to your enemy's wiles."

So she took the advice of her mother and friend,
And made her house very secure.
Then she said,--"Now, whatever may be my end,
The Fox cannot catch me, I'm sure."

He called at her door the very next day,
And loudly and long did he knock;
But she said to him,--"Leave my house, I pray,
For the door I will not unlock;

[Illustration]

"For you've killed my sisters, I know full well,
And you wish that I too were dead."
"O dear!" said the Fox, "I can't really tell
Who put such a thought in your head:

"For I've always liked geese more than other birds,
And you of your race I've loved best."
But the Goose ne'er heeded his flattering words,
So hungry he went to his rest.

Next week she beheld him again appear;
"Let me in very quick," he cried,
"For the news I've to tell you'll be charmed to hear,
And 'tis rude to keep me outside."

But the Goose only opened one window-pane,
And popped out her pretty red bill;
Said she, "Your fair words are all in vain,
But talk to me here, if you will."

"To-morrow," he cried, "there will be a fair,
All the birds and the beasts will go;
So allow me, I pray, to escort you there,
For you will be quite charmed, I know."

"Many thanks for your news," said Ganderee,
"But I had rather not go with you;
I care not for any gay sight to see,"--
So the window she closed, and withdrew.

In the morning, howe'er, her mind she changed,
And she thought she would go to the fair;
So her numerous feathers she nicely arranged,
And cleaned her red bill with much care.

She went, I believe, before it was light,
For of Reynard she felt much fear;
So quickly she thought she would see each sight,
And return ere he should appear.

When the Goose arrived she began to laugh
At the wondrous creatures she saw;
There were dancing bears, and a tall giraffe,
And a beautiful red macaw.

A monkey was weighing out apples and roots;