YOU naughty old dog
Just run right away!
For Annie and I
Are going to play.
And then Minnie struck
Old Rover's thick hide
With her dimpled hand
As he stood at her side.
"Why, Minnie! how can you?"
Said sweet Annie May.
"Have you never been told
Of that terrible day
When the waters went mad
With foaming and strife,
And Rover, good dog,
Saved your dear little life?
"All night the Delaware
Rose; and then
While papa was gone
For boats and for men,
Mamma, she cuddled you
Safe and warm,
And left you for Rover
To guard from harm
"While she tried to save
A few things more.
But when she returned
Through the water's roar,
Your cradle was gone!
And old Rover, too.
Poor mamma! she cried
'Oh what shall I do!'
"Papa came back and took us away,
Searching for you
The rest of the day.
At night, a fisherman
Sailed o'er the deep,
With you in your cradle
Fast asleep!
"He found old Rover
Towing you down
To a little island
Near the town.
All day careful vigil
Rover had kept,
While you, all unconscious,
Had smiled and slept."
Now Rover was hugged!
And blue eyes were wet,
As Minnie said, low,
"I shall never forget!
When I've anything good
He shall have a big part;
And a great big place
All his own, in my heart."
S. R. Sill.