Here is a child who clambers and scrambles,-- All by himself and gathering brambles; Here is a tramp who stands and gazes; And there is the green for stringing the daisies! Here is a cart run away in the road Lumping along with man and load; And here is a mill and there is a river: Each a glimpse and gone for ever! [Illustration] THE WIND I saw you toss the kites on high And blow the birds about the sky; And all around I heard you pass, Like ladies' skirts across the grass-- O wind, a-blowing all day long! O wind, that sings so loud a song! I saw the different things you did, But always you yourself you hid. I felt you push, I heard you call, I could not see yourself at all-- O wind, a-blowing all day long, O wind, that sings so loud a song! O you that are so strong and cold, O blower, are you young or old? Are you a beast of field and tree, Or just a stronger child than me? O wind, a-blowing all day long, O wind, that sings so loud a song! [Illustration: _"I felt you push, I heard you call."_] [Illustration] Auntie's Skirts Whenever Auntie moves around Her dresses make a curious sound. They trail behind her up the floor, And trundle after through the door. [Illustration] HAPPY THOUGHT The world is so full of a number of things, I'm sure we should all be as happy as kings. THE COW The friendly cow all red and white, I love with all my heart; She gives me cream with all her might, To eat with apple-tart. She wanders lowing here and there, And yet she cannot stray, All in the pleasant open air, The pleasant light of day; And blown by all the winds that pass And wet with all the showers, She walks among the meadow grass And eats the meadow flowers. [Illustration: _"She walks among the meadow grass."_] [Illustration] MY BED IS A BOAT My bed is like a little boat; Nurse helps me in when I embark; She girds me in my sailor's coat And starts me in the dark. At night, I go on board and say Good-night to all my friends on shore; I shut my eyes and sail away And see and hear no more. And sometimes things to bed I take, As prudent sailors have to do; Perhaps a slice of wedding-cake, Perhaps a toy or two. All night across the dark we steer; But when the day returns at last, Safe in my room, beside the pier, I find my vessel fast. [Illustration] THE LAND OF NOD From breakfast on through all the day At home among my friends I stay, But every night I go abroad Afar into the Land of Nod. All by myself I have to go, With none to tell me what to do-- All alone beside the streams And up the mountain-side of dreams.