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DAME DUCKS LESSON TO HER DUCKLINGS. Of straw, and leaves, and withered grass, And down from her own breast. And there she sat for four long weeks, In rainy days and fine, Until the Ducklings all came out— Four, five, six, seven, eight, nine. One peeped out from beneath her wing, One scrambled on her back: “ That’s very rude,’ said old Dame Duck, ‘Get off! quack, quack, quack, quack!” “’T is close,” said Dame Duck, shoving out The egg-shells with her bill, “ Besides, it never suits young ducks To keep them sitting still.” So, rising from her nest, she said, “Now, children, look at me: A well-bred duck should waddle so, From side to side—d’ ye see?” c Yes,” said the little ones, and then She went on to explain : “A well-bred duck turns in its toes As I do—try again.” “Yes” said the Ducklings, waddling on. “That’s better,” said their mother ; c But well-bred ducks walk in a row, Straight—one behind another.” 15 r a
