WHY THE HORSES JUMPED OVERBOARD
There were two fine horses. Here is a picture of them. One was named Albion, and the other Erin. Albion was the white horse, of course; for the word "Albion" is derived from the Latin albus, white; and England got the name of Albion because of its white chalky cliffs by the sea.
Well, these two fine horses belonged to Mr. Ducrow, who kept a circus. They were on board a steamer bound for Newhaven in England. They had been out at sea several days; and they longed to have a frolic on the green land, and have a bite at some good crisp grass.
So, when they saw the land quite near, what did they do but leap overboard, and swim towards it! But the groom who took care of them sprang instantly after them, and kept swimming beside them, guiding and cheering them.
As soon as they got out of the water, and felt the green turf under them, they snorted and gambolled, and showed their joy in various ways. How nice the green grass must have tasted to them! and what fun it must have been to lie down and have a good roll on the ground!
Uncle Charles.
THE LADY BIRD
2
Spring is not coming yet;
Why are you here?
Insects don't come about
This time of year.
Up the cold window-pane
Why do you roam?
Lady-bird, lady-bird,
Fly away home!
3
Come when the flowers come,
Come with the spring,
Dear little lady-bird
With a red wing!
In the cold winter-days
Why wilt thou roam?
Lady-bird, lady-bird,
Fly away home.