On the Tree Top Part 6

His loyal love he sends to you, With a tender rabbit for a stew."

And the pretty princess smiled, And the king said, "Many thanks."

And Puss strode off to her master's home, Purring, and full of pranks.

And cried, "I've a splendid plan for you!

Say nothing, but do as I tell you to!

"To-morrow, at noon, the king And his beautiful daughter ride; And you must go, as they draw near, And bathe at the river side."

The youth said "Pooh!" but still, next day, Bathed, when the king went by that way.

Puss hid his dingy clothes In the marshy river-gra.s.s.

And screamed, when the king came into sight, "The Marquis of Carabas-- My master--is drowning close by!

Help! help! good king, or he will die!"

Then servants galloped fast, And dragged him from the water.

"'Tis the knight who sent the rabbit stew,"

The king said, to his daughter.

And a suit of clothes was brought with speed, And he rode in their midst, on a royal steed.

Meanwhile Puss, in advance, To the Ogre's palace fled, Where he sat, with a great club in his hand, And a monstrous ugly head.

She mewed politely as she went in, But he only grinned, with a dreadful grin.

"I have heard it said," she purred, "That, with the greatest ease, You change, in the twinkling of an eye, Into any shape you please!"

"Of course I can!" the Ogre cried, And a roaring lion stood at her side.

Puss shook like a leaf, in her boots, But said, "It is very droll!

Now, please, if you can, change into a mouse!"

He did. And she swallowed him whole!

Then, as the king and his suite appeared, She stood on the palace porch and cheered.

'Twas a grand old palace indeed, Builded of stone and bra.s.s.

"Welcome, most n.o.ble ladies and lords, To the Castle of Carabas!"

Puss said, with a sweeping courtesy; And they entered, and feasted royally.

And the Marquis lost his heart At the beautiful princess' smile; And the very next day the two were wed, In wonderful state and style.

And Puss in Boots was their favorite page, And lived with them to a good old age.

GOLD-LOCKS' DREAM OF p.u.s.s.iE WILLOW.

By Clara Doty Bates.

One sunny day, in the early spring, Before a bluebird dared to sing, Cloaked and furred as in winter weather,-- Seal-brown hat and cardinal feather,-- Forth with a piping song, Went Gold-Locks "after flowers."

"Tired of waiting so long,"

Said this little girl of ours.

She searched the bare brown meadow over, And found not even a leaf of clover; Nor where the sod was chill and wet Could she spy one tint of violet; But where the brooklet ran A noisy swollen billow, She picked in her little hand A branch of p.u.s.s.ie-willow.

She shouted out, in a happy way, At the catkins' fur, so soft and gray; She smoothed them down with loving pats, And called them her little p.u.s.s.ie-cats.

She played at scratch and bite; She played at feeding cream; And when she went to bed that night, Gold-Locks dreamed a dream.

Curled in a little cosy heap, Under the bed-clothes, fast asleep, She heard, although she scarce knew how, A score of voices "_M-e-o-w! m-e-o-w!_"

And right before her bed, Upon a branching tree, Were kittens, and kittens, and kittens, As thick as they could be.

Maltese, yellow, and black as ink; White, with both ears lined with pink; Striped, like a royal tiger's skin; Yet all were hollow-eyed, and thin; And each one wailed aloud, Once, and twice, and thrice: "We are the willow-p.u.s.s.ies; O, where are the willow-mice!"

Meanwhile, outside, through branch and bough, The March wind wailed, "_M-e-o-w! m-e-o-w!_"

'Twas dark, and yet Gold-Locks awoke, And softly to her mother spoke: "If they were fed, mamma, It would be very nice; But I _hope_ the willow-p.u.s.s.ies Won't find the willow-mice!"

[Color Plate:]

Little girl, Little girl, Where have you been?

Gathering roses to give to the queen.

TONY.

By Mrs. Clara Doty Bates.

Whisk!--away in the sun His little flying feet Scamper as softly fleet As ever the rabbits run.

He is gone like a flash, and then In a breath is back again.

The silky flosses shine Down to his very toes: Tipped with white is his nose: And his ears are fleeces fine, Blowing a shadow-grace Breeze-like about his face.

Quick to a whistled call Hearkens his ready ear, Scarcely waiting to hear; Silk locks, white feet, all Rush, like a furry elf Tumbling over himself.

How does he sleep? He winks Twice with his mischief eyes; Dozes a bit; then lies Down with a sigh; then thinks Over some roguish play, And is up and away!

CAMPING OUT.

By Mrs. Clara Doty Bates.

Dame Spider had spun herself lank and thin With trying to take her neighbors in; Gra.s.shopper had traveled so far and so fast That he found he must give up at last; And the maiden Ant had bustled about The village till she was all worn out.

Old b.u.mble Bee had lived on sweet Till he couldn't help but overeat; Miss Worm had measured her puny length Till she had no longer any strength; And Mr. Beetle was shocked to find His eyes were failing and almost blind.

So they all decided that they must seek Their health in the country for a week.