Chapter 3

She could not see any one, nor hear anybody snoring, so she walked into the Bears' parlour.

There was a fire, which made the room cheerful, and the hot milk looked very inviting; it quite seemed to say, "Come and have some breakfast;" and the early spring air had made Golden Hair rather cold, and very hungry; so she sat down by the fire in the little Bear's chair. It was too small for her, but she did not quite sit down at first. In a moment she got up again, and went round the table and tasted the milk in all the basins. Little Bear's was the nicest, because it had sugar in it, and Golden Hair thought it was good. So she took the basin and sat down again in Little Bear's chair, took his spoon, and ate up _all_ his milk. Now this was very wrong. A tiny bear is only a tiny bear; still, he has a right to keep his own things. But Golden Hair did not know any better. Unluckily, Baby Bear's chair was, as we have said, too small for her; she broke the seat and fell through, basin and all.

Then Golden Hair went upstairs, and there she saw three beds all in a row. Golden Hair lay down on Father Bear's bed first, but that was too long for her; then she lay down on Mother Bear's bed, and that was too wide for her; last of all she lay down on Baby Bear's bed, and there she fell asleep, for she was tired.

By-and-by the bears came home. Baby Bear saw that his chair was broken and thrown down, and he cried in a very squeaky voice,

"SOMEBODY HAS BEEN HERE;" and Father Bear growled,

"SOMEBODY HAS BEEN HERE;"

And Mother Bear growled, more softly,

"SOMEBODY HAS BEEN HERE."

Then they went to the table and looked at their breakfasts, and Father Bear growled, "WHO HAS TOUCHED MY BASIN?"

And Mother Bear growled, "WHO HAS TOUCHED MY BASIN?"

And Tiny Bear squeaked, "SOMEBODY HAS BROKEN MINE!"

And then Tiny Bear began to cry, for he was very fond of his own basin and his own chair; and, besides, he was very hungry after his long walk in the forest.

It really did seem a shame. Then the three bears thought they would go over their house, to see who had been in it, and to try if they could find the thief.

They went upstairs to their bedroom, which was over their other room, and as soon as they saw the tumbled beds Father Bear growled,

"WHO HAS BEEN LYING ON MY BED?"

And Mother Bear growled

"WHO HAS BEEN LYING ON MY BED?"

And Tiny Bear squeaked out,

"Oh! here is a little girl in my bed; and it must be she who has eaten my breakfast and broken my chair."

Then Father Bear growled,

"LET US EAT HER UP;"

And Mother Bear growled, "LET US EAT HER UP;"

And Tiny Bear squeaked,

"LET US EAT HER UP."

The noise they made woke Golden Hair, and you may imagine how frightened she was when she saw the three bears. She started out of bed, and jumped at once out of the window. The bears rushed after her, and Father Bear caught her golden hair in his teeth, but she left a lock behind, and still ran on. Then the three bears all jumped out after her, but they fell one on the top of the other and rolled over and over, and while they were picking themselves up, little Golden Hair ran home, and they were not able to catch her.

But I do not think she had acted rightly (though she did not deserve to be eaten up); it was very wrong to break little Bear's chair and eat his milk, and I think Golden Hair will have to take great care to keep out of the reach of the THREE BEARS.

PUNCH AND JUDY.

Mr. Punch and his wife Led a terrible life, Very much like a dog and a cat; Till, one summer morn A baby was born, A darling all dimples and fat.

Mrs. Judy was proud, And the nurses allowed That they never had seen such a child; And the proud mother thought When her baby she brought To her husband, "It must make him mild."

Mr. Punch was quite pleased; The poor baby he seized, And danced up and down in great joy. "Oh, my Judy," he cried, "With a father's just pride, I look on our beautiful boy."

But the baby soon cried; Punch's temper was tried, And in a great passion he flew; He shook the poor child, And, with rage growing wild, The babe o'er the balcony threw.

Judy, greatly displeased, A thick stick at once seized, And began her stern husband to beat; "O you monster," she cried, As her weapon she plied, "You deserve the same ending to meet."

On his arms and his head Her blows fell like lead; She wonder'd such treatment he stood! Beating and battering, She made such a clattering, It sounded like chopping up wood.

Of his beating quite tired, Punch's patience expired; He snatched the stick out of her hands, And gave Judy a blow Which, alas, laid her low, And above her a conqueror stands.

Then he danced and he sang, And such nonsense began, That we laughed, though we couldn't tell why; For in such a sad case It were much more our place For Judy's misfortunes to cry.

But the constable see!-- "Are you come here for me?" Cries Punch, as he dances about. "Yes, yes; come to jail, 'Tis a terrible tale," Said the constable, "you must come out,

"And be tried for your life, For thus killing your wife; In prison, meantime, you'll abide." "Oh no, I won't go," Cried Punch, and a blow He gave the poor man in his side.

Now Punch had a pet Whom we must not forget, A dog known as Toby by name; A clown from a show One day came to know If Punch would not sell him the same.

But Punch would not part From his dog, for his heart (Though a wooden one) to him was true. He cried, "Give me a kiss, Dear Toby, I wis I never will sever from you."

But Jack Ketch comes at last; Punch's frolics are past, There is no one his cause to befriend; His nonsense and fun Are all, alas, done; He has come to a very bad end!

If he were not of wood It would not be good To laugh at the harm he has done; But 'twas only pretence, And there was not much sense In his crimes, or his grief, or his fun.

For a great many years, Punch's laughter and tears, Have amused both the child and the man; So I think at the last, For the sake of the past We will keep him as long as we can.

THE PETS.

_THE SHEEP._

The sheep is a very useful animal. Its wool, sheared off, makes us cloth and flannel, and all kinds of woollen goods; and its flesh, called mutton, is a chief part of our food. When sheep are little they are called lambs, and are very playful, pretty creatures.

Sheep soon learn to know the voice of their shepherd, and will follow it. In Eastern countries the shepherd walks before his flock, and they are led by his voice. There are dogs called sheep-dogs, which take care of the flocks, and protect the sheep, and keep them together. In some countries these dogs have often to fight with wolves, which attack the sheep and carry them off whenever they can; but the dogs are quite able to keep the wolf away when they are trained to do so.

On the Scottish hills the sheep-dog is often obliged to seek his charge in the snow-drifts, and to help get out a poor sheep or lamb which has got buried in it. Sheep love green meadows and pure water. You remember, I dare say, the beautiful Psalm, "The Lord is my shepherd, therefore I shall lack nothing."

_RABBITS._

Are the favourite pets of boys. They are merry little creatures, and it is an amusing sight to watch them running over the green turf about their warren, when they are free. They have many enemies, however, such as dogs, foxes, and weasels. But, in spite of their enemies, rabbits live a merry life together.

There are a great many different kinds of tame rabbits; some are white, with pink eyes and long ears. Rabbits have many young ones. One pair will have fifty-six little rabbits in a year. So it is lucky many other creatures feed on them. If they were left to increase, they would soon eat up every stalk of corn and all the green herbs.

The native country of the rabbit is Spain. In the Orkney Islands, where there are great numbers of rabbits, the wild ones are of a grey colour, and in winter time almost white.

The fur of the rabbit is much used for making hats. They are good for food also.

_THE COW._

Is a very valuable animal; indeed I do not know what we should do without her. She gives us milk and butter, cheese and cream; her skin is of great use, and her flesh is often eaten as beef. Cows grow fond of those who are kind to them.

There are a great many different kinds of cows; some red, some black, some brindled, white or spotted. Herefordshire cows have white faces. The ancient Britons had great numbers of fine cows; and wild cattle were common in our country seven hundred years ago. In the neighbourhood of London, in Henry II.'s reign, there was a large forest which contained a great many wild bulls and cows.

The cow is a good mother, very fond of her calf. The bull is a very bold, fierce animal. It has a great dislike to the colour red, and will run after and if it can toss any one wearing it. In Spain they have a cruel sport, called bull fights, between these brave animals and men on horseback.

The flesh of the cow and ox is called beef; that of the calf is veal.

_THE DONKEY._

This patient and useful animal is supposed to have come at first from the East, where it still continues to be of a greater size and of a much better appearance. They were as valuable there in former ages as horses; great men and judges rode on asses. The ass is very fond of its foal, and can be attached to its master if kindly treated. Its milk is thought very good for consumptive people. It is very sure-footed, and strong, and able to carry heavy burdens.

The Donkey is a very useful animal to the poor. It can do a great deal of work on very coarse and cheap food. Thistles make a dainty dinner for the ass. It is patient and gentle, but occasionally very obstinate; a fault chiefly produced in the poor beast by ill-usuage.

Children should never be cruel to this poor animal, but treat it kindly, and it will not then be stubborn and slow, but will do its best to carry them.

_THE COCK, THE HEN, AND THE CHICKENS._

Here is a fine farm-yard family! very useful friends of ours. The cock, who is a brave, spirited bird, wakes us up in the morning by crowing; the hen lays us eggs for breakfast, and when the wee chicks are big enough, they are very good food, as roast chicken. The cock teaches us watchfulness; the hen, motherly love.

There are many different kinds of fowls. The largest are the tall Cochin Chinas; the smallest the pert little Bantams. It is a great amusement for children to have a few fowls to feed, and take care of. Feeding them and finding their eggs is one of the country child's pleasures.

The hen sits on her eggs for three weeks; and when the chicks are hatched, she takes the greatest care of them, gathering them under her wings when danger is near or the weather is at all cold; and she is ready to fight a hawk or even a dog in defence of her little ones.

Fowls feed on barley or any kind of grain, and pick up worms, &c., in their run. Stinging-nettles are very good food for chickens.

_THE HORSE._

This noblest of animals is believed to be a native of Arabia; but was in our islands before the Romans came here. The first money coined in Britain was stamped with the figure of a horse.

The horse has a wonderful memory. He never forgets a place to which he has once been taken. He loves his master if well treated; and in battles he displays the greatest courage and joy. He also understands sounds, and loves music. Indeed, the horse may be called the friend of man, and deserves all the kindness we can show him.

The Arabs bring up their horses with their children in their own tents; and the steed thus reared is very sensible and gentle. An Arab will not sell his favourite horse for any sum, however large: it is as dear to him as his children.

_THE GOAT._

The goat is a very useful animal. Its flesh is very good, though English people seldom eat it. Its milk is very good also, and of use to people in consumption. The most beautiful gloves are made from its skin.

Goats abound on the Welsh mountains; it is, indeed, an animal that loves the great hills. The Welsh goats are white; they are very active, and walk on the brink of precipices, and take the most wonderful leaps. The scent of a goat is unpleasant, but it is thought to prevent infection amongst cattle.

Horses are very fond of goats. They are more common in France than with us. In that country one sees a goat with nearly every flock of sheep.

Goats' flesh is called "kid." Do you remember how Jacob deceived his father with the skin and meat of a kid of the goats?

NURSERY SONGS.

Little Miss Muffet She sat on a tuffet, Eating of curds and whey. There came a great spider, Who sat down beside her, And frightened Miss Muffet away.

Pat-a-cake, Pat-a-cake, baker's man, Make me a cake as fast as you can; Pat it, and prick it, and mark it with T, And send it home for Tommy and me.

Humpty Dumpty sat on a wall, Humpty Dumpty had a great fall; All the king's horses and all the king's men Could not set Humpty Dumpty up again.

Young lambs to sell!--young lambs to sell! If I had as much money as I could tell, I never would cry, Young lambs to sell! Young lambs to sell!--young lambs to sell! I never would cry, Young lambs to sell!

Little Robin Redbreast sat upon a tree, Up went Pussy-cat, and down went he; Down came Pussy-cat, and away Robin ran; Says little Robin Redbreast, "Catch me if you can." Little Robin Redbreast jumped upon a wall, Pussy-cat jumped after him and almost got a fall; Little Robin chirped and sang, and what did Pussy say? Pussy-cat said "Mew," and Robin jumped away.

Handy Spandy Jack-a-Dandy Loved plumcake and sugar candy; He bought some at a grocer's shop, And out he came, hop, hop, hop.

Little Boy Blue, come blow up your horn, The sheep's in the meadow, the cow's in the corn. Where's the little boy that looks after the sheep? He is under the hay-cock fast asleep.

This little pig went to market; This little pig stayed at home; This pig had a piece of bread-and-butter; This little pig had none; This little pig said, "Wee, wee, wee! I can't find my way home."

NURSERY RHYMES.

Little Jack Horner sat in a corner, Eating his Christmas Pie; He put in his thumb, and pulled out a plum, And said, "What a good boy am I!"

To market, to market, to buy a fat pig; Home again, home again, jiggetty-jig. To market, to market, to buy a fat hog; Home again, home again, jiggetty-jog.

Taffy was a Welshman, Taffy was a thief; Taffy came to my house And stole a piece of beef. I went to Taffy's house, Taffy was from home; Taffy came to my house And stole a marrow bone.

Baa, baa, black sheep, Have you any wool? Yes, marry, have I, Three bags full: One for my master, One for my dame; But none for the little girl That cries in the lane.

Pretty maid, pretty maid, where have you been? Gathering a posie to give to the Queen.

Mary, Mary, quite contrary, How does your garden grow? Silver bells and cockle-shells, And columbines all of a row.

Little Bo-Peep has lost his sheep, And cannot tell where to find them Leave them alone, and they'll come home, And bring their tails behind them.

Little Bo-Peep fell fast asleep, And dreamt he heard them bleating When he awoke, he found it a joke, For still they all were fleeting.

Then up he took his little crook, Determined for to find them; He found them indeed, but it made his heart bleed, For they'd left their tails behind them.

Hot Cross Buns! Hot Cross Buns! One a penny, two a penny, Hot Cross Buns. Hot Cross Buns! Hot Cross Buns! If you have no daughters, give them to your sons.

Hey diddle diddle, The cat and the fiddle, The cow jumped over the moon, The little dog laughed To see the sport, While the dish ran after the spoon.

The Queen of Hearts, She made some tarts Upon a summer day; The Knave of Hearts, He stole those tarts, And took them quite away.

The King of Hearts, He missed those tarts, And beat the knave full sore; The Knave of Hearts Brought back those tarts, And vowed he'd steal no more.

I had a little husband, No bigger than my thumb; I put him in a pint-pot, And there I bid him drum.

I bought a little horse, That galloped up and down; I bridled him and saddled him, And sent him out of town.

I gave him some garters, To garter up his hose, And a little handkerchief To wipe his pretty nose.

Goosey, Goosey Gander, Where shall I wander? Up stairs, down stairs, In my lady's chamber.

There I met an old man That would not say his prayers; I took him by the left leg, And threw him down stairs.

Little Polly Flinders, Sat among the cinders, Warming her pretty little toes; Her mother came and caught her, And scolded her little daughter, For spoiling her nice new clothes.

Ding Dong Bell, Pussy's in the well. Who put her in? Little Tommy Lin. Who pulled her out? Little Tommy Trout. What a naughty boy was that, To drown poor little Pussy cat, Who never did him any harm, But killed the mice in his father's barn.

Multiplication is vexation; Division is as bad; The Rule of Three doth puzzle me, And Practice drives me mad.

I had a little pony, His name was Dapple Grey, I lent him to a lady, To ride a mile away.

She whipped him, she slashed him, She rode him through the mire; I would not lend my pony now, For all the lady's hire.

Old woman, old woman, old woman say I, O whither, O whither, O whither so high? To sweep the cobwebs off the sky. Shall I go with you? Ay, by-and-by.

Dame Trot and her cat Led a peaceable life When they were not troubled With other folks' strife.

When Dame had her dinner Puss near her would wait, And was sure to receive A nice piece from her plate.

Simple Simon met a pieman Going to the fair; Says Simple Simon to the pieman, "Let me taste your ware."

Says the pieman to Simple Simon, "Show me first your penny." Says Simple Simon to the pieman, "Indeed, I have not any."

Simple Simon went a-fishing For to catch a whale; All the water he had got Was in his mother's pail.

Mary had a pretty bird, With feathers bright and yellow, Slender legs--upon my word, He was a pretty fellow.

The sweetest notes he always sang, Which much delighted Mary; And near the cage she'd ever sit, To hear her own Canary.

Is John Smith within? Yes, that he is. Can he set a shoe? Ay, marry, two; Here a nail and there a nail, Tick, tack, too.

Please to remember The fifth of November, Gunpowder treason and plot. I know no reason Why gunpowder treason Should ever be forgot.

Jack and Jill went up the hill To fetch a pail of water. Jack fell down and broke his crown, And Jill came tumbling after.

When little Fred went to bed, He always said his prayers. He kissed mamma and then papa, And straightway went upstairs.

Little Tommy Tucker, Sings for his supper. What shall he eat? White bread and butter. How shall he cut it Without e'er a knife? How will he be married Without e'er a wife.

Where are you going, my pretty maid? I'm going a milking, sir, she said. May I go with you, my pretty maid? You're kindly welcome, sir, she said. What is your fortune, my pretty maid? My face is my fortune, sir, she said. Then I won't marry you, my pretty maid. Nobody asked you, sir, she said.

Ride a cock-horse to Banbury Cross, To see an old lady upon a white horse; Rings on her fingers and bells on her toes, And so she makes music wherever she goes.

Sing a song of sixpence, A bag full of rye; Four-and-twenty blackbirds Baked in a pie.

When the pie was opened The birds began to sing. Was not that a dainty dish To set before the king?

The king was in his countinghouse, Counting out his money; The queen was in the parlour, Eating bread and honey.

The maid was in the garden, Hanging out the clothes; 'Long came a blackbird And snapt off her nose.

Tom, Tom, the piper's son, Stole a pig and away he run! The pig was eat, and Tom was beat, And Tom went roaring down the street.

Old King Cole Was a merry old soul, And a merry old soul was he! He called for his pipe, And he called for his bowl, And he called for his fiddlers three.

Every fiddler he had a fiddle, And a very fine fiddle had he! Twee tweedle dee, tweedle dee went the fiddlers. Oh, there's none so rare As can compare With King Cole and his fiddlers three!

Four-and-twenty tailors went to kill a snail; The best man among them durst not touch her tail. She put out her horns like a little Kyloe cow. Run, tailors, run, or she'll kill you all e'en now.