O Sun and Skies, that Hoover o'er our Fields Where Grains implanted lie, and Silos stand,-- Pour out thy Warmth and Rains till Hunger yields Thruout the World to our blest _Fodder_land! SINCE THE LITTLE ONE CAME I seem to have taken a new lease on life Since the little one came; I've lost the old grouch, and I say to my wife, Do you think I'm to blame Because I have changed in my feelings towards you Since the Little One came? The furnace, 'tis true, gave me something to do, But I think it a shame That some tiny tie like the Little One here (How is Snooks for a name?) Was not sooner left on our doorstep, my dear! The Store takes my time, but a very small part,-- It's all over at four! I've cut Clancy's out and have made a new start; All my cronies are sore! But what do I care? I have mended my ways, So I rush from the Store And hasten back home where the Little One plays On the ruggèd hall floor, And pick him up quick (O, how pretty he looks!) Without shutting the door; So anxious I am to caress little _Snooks_. The chafing-dish chafes and the Joy-car is sore; We have given them up! The Two-step and Bridge are tabooed evermore; There is Joy in our Cup! We've cut out the movies and dining about For our own modest sup; And billiards and golfing, I've cut them both out! As I did to the Hup. With playthings and drum (and a ruppy, tup, tup!) Loaded up like a Krupp, I beat it to Snooky,--our _English Bull Pup_. RUN ALONG, LITTLE GIRL! Run along, Little Girl! for it's bed-time now: Your Dollies are sleepy and poor old Bow-wow Is weary and lonesome, curled up in a heap-- 'Twould take little rocking to put him to sleep! Your Teddy Bear's growling: or is it a snore? Perhaps he objects to his bed on the floor? So pick up your treasures and when prayers are said-- Run along, Little Girl, and climb in to bed! Run along, Little Girl! The Sandman is here; You've crowded too much into one day, I fear! Poor, little, tired Girlie, you've worked at your play Till the bloom of your cheeks has faded away. To-morrow, again, you can sit by the fire And dress all your Dollies in gala attire. Say, Good Night! to your thimble, needle and seams; Run along, Little Girl, and sweet be your dreams! Run along, Little Girl, and cover up tight! There's nothing to harm you, no spooks in the night Nor Bogeymen glaring when you are awake; For they're _bad_ little girls that Bogeymen take. To-morrow Bow-wow can be hitched to your sled And draw you to Grandma's to see Piggie fed; No harm can befall you when Mother is near; Run along, Little Girl, and God bless you, Dear! A RETROSPECT