Hark, Hark the dogs do bark! The beggars have come to town. Some in rags, and some in tags, And some in velvet gowns. Hear, hear, they're drawing near! Just hark to the tramp of feet! So haste about, set tables out, And get them food to eat. Run, run, the turkey's done! I hope it is nicely dressed, For those who shirk and will not work Are sure to want the best. There Was an Old Woman "There was an old woman Who lived in a shoe, Who had so many children She didn't know what to do She gave them some broth Without any bread And whipped them all soundly And sent them to bed." [Illustration: There was an old woman who lived in a shoe. She had so many children she didn't know what to do; She gave them some broth without any bread; She whipped them all soundly, and put them to bed. FROM A DRAWING BY P. VINTON BROWN] Now it happened that Santa Claus, Passing that way, Peeped into the shoe top And saw how they lay-- With their round, rosy faces All shining with tears, And resolved to do something To comfort the dears. So while they were sleeping In woful array, He bundled those children Right into his sleigh; And cracking his whip As his reindeers sped forth, Away they all flew To his home in the North. What wonders he showed them, Such beautiful toys! Such dolls for the girls, And such drums for the boys! Such farms and such stables, Such monkeys and bears, Such dishes and tables And tiny dolls' chairs! And when they had seen All the wonderful things Which each winter, at Christmas, Dear Santa Claus brings, He gave them, to make Their enchantment complete, Just all of the candy And cake they could eat. When they told of their travels, Their mother, it seems, Only laughed, and declared They were nothing but dreams. I am sure, though, things _must_ Have occurred as they say, Else why were they, all of them, Ill the next day? Humpty Dumpty "Humpty Dumpty sat on a wall. Humpty Dumpty had a great fall. All the King's horses and all the King's men Couldn't put Humpty Dumpty together again." I There he lay, stretched out on the ground, While all the company gathered around; When, valiantly stifling his tears and his groans, He sadly addressed them in quavering tones. II "Friends," said Humpty, wiping his eyes, "This sudden descent was an awful surprise. It inclines me to think,--you may laugh at my views,-- That a seat that is humble is safest to choose.