The Pigeon and the Owl. 91 



And stretch your small eyes, and fly out in the 



night, 

 And cry, ' Hoo-hoo-hoo,' with all your might." 



So little Miss Pigeon to practice began ; 



But all she could do 

 Her eyes would not stretch and her voice would 



not change 

 Its soft, gentle coo; 

 And she caught a sad cold from the night damp 



and chill, 

 And lacking the sunshine besides, she fell ill. 



Then little Miss Pigeon gave up being wise ; 



" For plainly," said she, 

 " Though owls are the wisest of birds, theirs is not 



The wisdom for me ; 

 So I '11 be the very best pigeon I can." 

 And what do you think ? She grew wise on 

 that plan. 



From McMurry's Classic Stories for the Little Ones. 



By permission of PUBLIC SCHOOL PUBL. Co. 



