H l?ear anb a Dai? 



Robber, I stole from springs and lowered ponds 



Till Snap and Crack went the ice at last. 

 Free, now I can sing my song and play 

 Every prankish trick that comes my way 



And laugh with glee at the dream that's past. 



Watch me tickle the rushes in the shade 

 Of the old mill where the waters run ; 



Watch how with interest ample I've repaid 

 Each smiling shaft of the welcome sun ; I f 



Watch me caress the bank and splash that stone 



All over with spray and hear me drone 

 The lazy song I have just begun. 



Hotter and hotter still the sim at noon 



Seems to grow and everywhere 

 Beasts a-thirsting drink me, so that soon 



I shall have no drop to spare. ^^Vv 

 I sink exhausted into the thirsty earth, 

 If succour come not soon my life is worth 



Three ha'pence, — naught, — a breath of air. 



A driving storm fills every puddle flowing ; 

 \ ^ Once more I'm the jolly brook I'd be. / 



I've stayed here all too long and must be going 



A hundred miles to join the sea. 

 My run to the ocean's only half the way; 

 I'm due on the mountain top in A year and a day 



By the god of the river's fixed decree. 



/ 



/ \ 



rfu 



