Cyril F. Austin

“ Upset the barge, the cargo sank
And left them workless on the bank.
Soon after that they came across
Some races in full swing.
Said Edward, “Horses cannot toss
And you can serve me as a hoss,
—’Twill be the very thing.” ”

“ Then Edward's heart beat high with pride, ⁠He drew himself erect And said to Horace, "Quick, now! stride As if you wore Newfoundland hide ⁠And follow with respect." But, 'spite of all their dashing air,
The maids preserved their glassy stare. <poem>A flush o'erspread poor Edward's cheek, ⁠He walked on very fast, And Horace followed, very meek. But all at once they heard a shriek ⁠From the fair dames they'd passed: —Enraged to see their sunshade red, A wild bull charged with lowered head. ”

“ All dolls, when made, must go
Until some maiden, kind and fair,
Buys them and saves them from despair.
And this is why, you know,
They have such eager, anxious eyes,
As each to catch your notice tries. ”

“ It said, and scrambled through the hedge.
So side by side, o'er hill and dale, ⁠The gallant heroes strode, And Horace frisked his stumpy tail And joked with every frog and snail ⁠And chaffed each slug and toad. But silent Edward longed for fame And by great deeds to make a name.
He also wished he had a hat —The day was very warm— But soon he ceased to think of that, For lo! beside the road there sat ⁠Two maids of sweetest charm. 'Twas saucy Sue and modest Moll, Who sported a red parasol. ”