SONGS for CHILDREN, SONG XII

What a sweet and pretty creature We have bury'd, Charles, to-day; Oh! it sung the songs of nature, And has often made us gay.

But 'twas wild and would be straying, Never could endure its cage; And as thus all giddy straying, Chanc'd with PUSSY to engage.

Cruel PUSSY little caring For his form or song so sweet; Ever watching and ensnaring, Caus'd him soon his fate to meet.

Tho' we pity'd him when dying, And his shroud and coffin made; Yet indeed there's no denying, He was by himself betray'd.

Had he stay'd as friends would have him In his cage or mistress' room, Puss could not of life bereav'd him, He had never met his doom.

Wanton children, hence take warning, Safest in your parents care; When their gentle precepts scorning, Ever sure to meet a snare.