The Little Dutchess

Once there lived a little Dutchess, Just beside the Zuyder Zee; Short and stout and roly-poly, As a Dutchess ought to be.

She had pigs and she had poultry, She had lands and she had gold; And she loved the Burgomaster,-- Loved him more than can be told.

"Surly, burly Burgomaster, Will you have me for your love? You shall be my pouter-pigeon, I will be your turtle-dove.

"You shall have my China porkers, You shall have each Dorking hen; Take them with your loving Dutchess, Oh, you Dutchiest of men!"

Loudly laughed the Burgomaster, "Naught I care for Dorking fowls; Naught for pig, unless 'tis roasted, And on that my doctor scowls.

"Frumpy, stumpy little Dutchess, I do not incline to wed. Keep your pigs and keep your poultry! I will take your gold instead.

"I will take your shining florins, I will take your fields' rich hoard; You may go and tend your piggies Till your spirits be restored."

Loudly wept the little Dutchess, Tending sad each China pig; Loudly laughed the Burgomaster 'Neath his merry periwig.

Till the Dutchy people, angry Conduct such as this to see, Took and plumped the pouter-pigeon Right into the Zuyder Zee.

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