THE GOOSE. I KNEW an old wife lean and poor, He held a goose upon his arm, He utter'd rhyme and reason, Here, take the goose, and keep you warm, It is a stormy season." She caught the white goose by the leg, A goose 'twas no great matter. The goose let fall a golden egg With cackle and with clatter. She dropt the goose, and caught the pelf, And bless'd herself, and cursed herself, And feeding high, and living soft, So sitting, served by man and maid, It clutter'd here, it chuckled there; And hurl'd the pan and kettle. "A quinsy choke thy cursed note!" Then wax'd her anger stronger. "Go, take the goose, and wring her throat, I will not bear it longer." Then yelp'd the cur, and yawl'd the cat ; The goose flew this way and flew that, As head and heels upon the floor He took the goose upon his arm, He utter'd words of scorning; "So keep you cold, or keep you warm, It is a stormy morning." The wild wind rang from park and plain, Till all the tables danced again, The glass blew in, the fire blew out, And while on all sides breaking loose Her household fled the danger, Quoth she, "The Devil take the goose, And God forget the stranger!" |