  "I'm king of the rock," said a silly old drake; "And no one must dare my claim to partake. I shall punish severely whoever comes near Without my permission: let all the world hear!" King Drake But out of the water, on the rock as he stands, Comes up, as if praying, what seemed like two hands. "Ah! here is a subject already for me! Come, my son, and fear nothing, I'll spare you," said he. Drake sees lobster But his majesty starts as if from a shock, When he sees a big lobster make a bow on the rock. "That is well," said the king; "but consider, my son, This rock is my throne, and is only for one." Go, pigmy! The lobster, however, is slow to obey; He spreads himself out; he will not go away. "Are you deaf?" cries King Drake, "go, pigmy! Get down! How dare you thus brave a drake of renown?" Lobster nips King Drake But the lobster, at this, nips King Drake in the leg. "Oh, loosen your claw! Let go! Oh! I beg." Tighter pinches the claw: "Rebellion! help! hear! King Drake is in trouble: is nobody near?" In vain are his kicks In vain are his kicks; his cries are in vain: The lobster clings fast, in spite of the pain; Nor lets go his hold till they get to the bank: Then the king waddles home, giving up throne and rank. From the German. The King waddles home Divider |
|
