  Little Brown Hen, one warm spring day, Made a nest in the barn, in the clover hay. Said Little Brown Hen, "Eggs are so dear, The Farmer Boy might come in here, “So I really believe it may be wise, To hide my nest from his bright blue eyes.” The Bossy-calf saw her very well, But she knew the Bossy-calf wouldn’t tell. And every day when the clock struck ten, With a cheerful song that Little Brown Hen Laid an egg in the nest in the clover hay, Until she had twelve eggs hidden away. In that nest, which was almost out of sight, Sat Little Brown Hen, both day and night; And the Bossy-calf knew her secret well, But the Bossy-calf would never tell. And the little gray mice came there to play, To amuse the Little Brown Hen all day, Till one morning, oh, such a pretty sight, Out in the sunshine warm and bright! Little Brown Hen—proud, happy dame— With twelve little fluffy chickens came! Said Baby Fritz, with a joyous shout, “Look, Buddie, the chicks are all popped out!” You should have seen the Farmer Boy! His eyes were all bulged out with joy. But the Bossy-calf didn’t see, alas! He was out in the meadow, eating grass. |
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