Ii. The Pony'S Arrival

"Here's the pony! here's the pony!" Fast the tidings flew As the longed-for pony trotted Up the avenue.

And the children, such news hearing, Quickly gathered near; Saw and loved the pretty creature, Voted him "a dear."

"Father! Mother! Come and see him!" "Auntie, do come! do!" "Hurry, nurse, and let the baby See the pony, too."

"Oh, at last we've got a pony," Cried the children all. "Every one must come to see him, Call the people! call!"

From the farm and from the garden, From each household nook, Men and maids with pleasure hastened At the pet to look.

Close around the gentle pony Did the children crowd, Patting, stroking, gazing, praising, Eager, fond, and proud.

Near them flocked the grown-up people, With admiring eyes. For 'twas plain the pretty pony Was a wondrous prize.

Such a shape! and such a color! Such a mane and tail! Legs so slender, hoofs so dainty, Words to picture fail.

And not only for his beauty Did he merit praise, But for all his tricks so clever, And his gentle ways.