THE WINNER OF THE PRIZE 
“Need I say that I’m proud? 
You can read it in my face; 
They are shouting aloud 
That I’ve won the foot race. 
“So he shouted again, ‘Ho. Ho. Whoo’; 
Says the Partridge to me, 
They’re shouting 
‘ ’Tis you, ’tis you’; 
“Come down to the brookside 
I very much thirst 
To tell all my kinfolks 
That I came out first. 
“Now this is the most pleasing 
Part of the tale; 
To hear Judge Crane shout 
‘The winner, Quail, Quail!’ 
“Our old friend the Owl 
Of course, couldn’t see. 
Not knowing that all eyes 
Were turned toward me. 
“With modest mien and grace profound 
I’ll accept the prize fresh from the ground. 
While my appetite calls not for worms 
I’m always fearful of catching germs. 
“However, I’ll take it, ’twill 
Not make me vain 
And I’ll divide with my neighbors 
In exchange for grain.” 
60 
