Hist!

Hist! . . . . . . Hark! The night is very dark, And we've to go a mile or so Across the Possum Park.

Step . . . . . . light, Keeping to the right; If we delay, and lose our way, We'll be out half the night. The clouds are low and gloomy. Oh! It's just begun to mist! We haven't any overcoats And--Hist! . . . . . . Hist!

(Mo . . . . . . poke!) Who was that that spoke? This is not a fitting spot To make a silly joke.

Dear . . . . . . me! A mopoke in a tree! It jarred me so, I didn't know Whatever it could be. But come along; creep along; Soon we shall be missed. They'll get a scare and wonder where We--Hush! . . . . . . Hist!

Ssh! . . . . . . Soft! I've told you oft and oft We should not stray so far away Without a moon aloft.

Oo! . . . . . . Scat! Goodness! What was that? Upon my word, it's quite absurd, It's only just a cat. But come along; haste along; Soon we'll have to rush, Or we'll be late and find the gate Is--Hist! . . . . . . Hush!

(Kok!. . . . . . Korrock!) Oh! I've had a shock! I hope and trust it's only just A frog behind a rock.

Shoo! . . . . . . Shoo! We've had enough of you; Scaring folk just for a joke Is not the thing to do. But come along, slip along-- Isn't it a lark Just to roam so far from home On--Hist! . . . . . . Hark!

Look! . . . . . . See! Shining through the tree, The window-light is glowing bright To welcome you and me.

Shout! . . . . . . Shout! There's someone round about, And through the door I see some more And supper all laid out. Now, run! Run! Run! Oh, we've had such splendid fun-- Through the park in the dark, As brave as anyone.

Laughed, we did, and chaffed, we did, And whistled all the way, And we're home again! Home again! Hip . . . . . . Hooray!