THE CRABS' TEA-PARTY. 147 



III. 



" But, then, if you do really wish to be good, 

 Of course I '11 advise you, as any wife should. 

 Call your neighbors together, 



And give them a tea ; 

 'T will make them as happy 



As happy can be. 



And then make a speech, and present to each guest 

 Such a gift as you think would please him the best." 



IV. 



" You are right," said the Crab ; " and I give you much praise 

 For your kindly advice as to mending my ways. 

 We will have it to-morrow, 



A real five-o'clock tea. 

 Will you wait on the table, 



Or would you be free? " 



" O, I '11 wait," said his wife ; " but now hurry away, 

 For our invitations must go out to-day." 



Then off ran the Crab, as fast as a sprinter, 

 And carried these words to Octopus, the printer : 

 " Mr. Crab and his Wife 

 Would most happy be 

 To receive you to-morrow. 



Five. R. S.V. P." 



" And, please, Mr. Printer, will they be done soon?" 

 " They '11 be ready," said he, " precisely at noon." 



