Sing-Song: When Fishes Set Umbrellas Up
When fishes set umbrellas up
If the rain-drops run,
Lizards will want their parasols
To shade them from the sun.
The peacock has a score of eyes
The peacock has a score of eyes,
With which he cannot see;
The cod-fish has a silent sound,
However that may be;
No dandelions tell the time
No dandelions tell the time,
Although they turn to clocks;
Cat鈥檚-cradle does not hold the cat.
Nor foxglove fit the fox.
Pussy has a whiskered face
Pussy has a whiskered face,
Kitty has such pretty ways;
Doggie scampers when I call,
And has a heart to love us all.
The dog lies in his kennel
The dog lies in his kennel,
And Puss purrs on the rug,
And baby perches on my knee
For me to love and hug.
Pat the dog and stroke the cat
Pat the dog and stroke the cat,
Each in its degree;
And cuddle and kiss my baby,
And baby kiss me.
If hope grew on a bush
If hope grew on a bush,
And joy grew on a tree,
What a nosegay for the plucking
There would be!
But oh! in windy autumn
But oh! in windy autumn,
When frail flowers wither,
What should we do for hope and joy,
Fading together?
I planted a hand
I planted a hand
And there came up a palm,
I planted a heart
And there came up balm.
Then I planted a wish
Then I planted a wish,
But there sprang a thorn,
While heaven frowned with thunder
And earth sighed forlorn.