Isabel C. Byrum

“ While Biddy would search for them, clucking for hours
Over the barnyard and in 'mong the flowers.
The little log barn was a refuge at night
Where often poor Biddy for courage would fight;
And there, with her feathers above her young brood,
She tried to instruct them in ways to be good. ”

“ Where apples were juicy and mellow, one day,
These ten naughty children were gathered to play,
When suddenly one of them, leading the band,
Said, "Come, let us travel," and there a trip planned.
So off they all went toward the shed and the pump,
Turning out now and then for a log or a stump,
And down the steep hill where the clover bloomed bright
The little band wandered in perfect delight. ”

“ And leaving the road side she screamed, "Of all things!"
Her babies were all in the watering trough,
Regardless of sickness, disease, and of cough.
"Oh dear," cried poor Biddy, "What now shall I do?
My children will drown and before my eyes too!"
[Pg 12]
And mistress cried, "Biddy, now please don't you fear,
They simply love water, and oh! aren't they dear?
I'll keep them all safe, so Biddy go 'way!
And let your poor children have freedom to play." ”