  John, Frederick, and Henry, Had once a holiday; And they would go a-fishing, So merry and so gay. They went to fish for salmon, These little children three; As in this pretty picture It was not in the ocean, Nor from the river shore, But in the monstrous water-butt Outside the kitchen door. And John he had a fish-hook, And Fred a crooked pin, And Henry took his sister's net, And thought it was no sin. They climbed up on the ladder, Till they the top did win; And then they perched upon the edge, And then they did begin. But how their fishing prospered, Or if they did it well, Or if they caught the salmon, I cannot, cannot tell. Because I was not there, you know, But I can only say That I too went a-fishing, That pleasant summer day. It was not for a salmon, Or shark with monstrous fin, But it was for three little boys, All dripping to the skin. |
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