Visit to the Country

A little boy one morning rose,
And from his chamber high,
Saw with delight the sun was bright
And beautiful the sky.

For with his mother and his aunt,
That day full well he knew
Was planned for him a pleasant jaunt
Across the waters blue.

And soon from head to foot complete
The little boy was dressed;
But yet no breakfast could he eat,
So full of joy his breast.

Ere ten o’clock their trunks were packed,
And all were in array,
Nor yet a piece of cake they lacked
To eat upon the way.

Oh, had you seen the pretty boat
With mast and sail and oar,
In which the happy party float
The peaceful billows o’er.

By pebbly shore and island green,
Where thick the bushes grew,
Each little girl and boy, I ween,
Had longed to be there too.

But soon they reached the island where
Their cousin kind had come
With greeting fair to meet them there,
And take them to his home.

His good brown horse drew wagon bright,
In which was room enough,
For better far than chaises light
Are these when roads are rough.

The good horse trotted with his load,—
The whip he did not need,
And o’er the high and rugged road
Our travellers bore with speed.

I cannot tell each charming sight
That on the dear boy’s view
Arose to fill him with delight,
For all to him was new.

Here swam a flock of gabbling geese
In waters bright and still,
Nor did the sheep the gambols cease
About the verdant hill.

The cattle from their grassy meal
Raised up a heavy eye,
And many a pig sent forth its squeal
As rolled the wagon by.

And now the house appear’d in view
That they should tarry in,—
Then barking out the house-dog flew
And out came all their kin.

They kindly welcome gave each guest,
And full refreshment brought;
Then evening came, and needful rest
Each weary traveller sought.