Iii. The Pony'S Tricks

"Shake hands, pony," said the coachman. Quickly, at command, Pony placed his forefoot gently In the coachman's hand.

"Pony," said the coachman, slowly, "I have heard it said That you're fond of oats for supper;" Pony bowed his head.

"What! Another trick! Oh, watch him!" "Pony, show them now How you like to roll and frolic; Roll, sir! You know how!"

Down upon the grass went pony, Rolled from side to side. And the children watched his capers With delight and pride.

In the stable pony showed them He knew one trick more. With his nose the latch he lifted Of the stable door.

"Ha, ha!" said the coachman, gayly, "I'll look out for you! Stable doors by ponies opened? That would never do!"

"Oh! the cunning little fellow! How much he does know!" Laughed the children, "He's as funny As a circus show!"

IV. THE PONY NAMED.

With them all, the pretty pony Was the theme for days; Parents, children, groom, and coachman Joined in words of praise.

Soon arose the weighty question What his name should be, And the children long debated Ere they could agree.

"Call him 'Beauty.'" "That's too common!" "Merrylegs." "Too long!" Gipsy, Bijou, Firefly, Diamond, Names in plenty throng.

But, not suited yet, the children One and all discard. If the pony were less precious, Choice would be less hard!

But at last they named him "Rollo," Saying, "For you know One of his best tricks is rolling, And he loves it so."

And ere long the clever pony To the children came From the stall or from the pasture When they called his name.