The English Magazine

Rain Rain Go Away

Rain, rain, go away,
Come again another day.

by Edith Nesbit

The garden mould was damp and chill;
Winter had had his brutal will
Since over all the year's content
His devastating legions went.

"Wishing"

by William Allingham

Ring-Ting! I wish I were a primrose,
A bright yellow primrose, blowing in the spring!
The stooping boughs above me,
The wandering bee to love me ,
The fern and moss to creep across,
And the elm tree for our king!

Nay—stay! I wish I were an elm tree,
A great, lofty elm tree, with green leaves gay!
The winds would set them dancing,
The sun and moonshine glance in,
The birds would house among the boughs,
And sweetly sing.

Oh no! I wish I were a robin,
A robin or a little wren, everywhere to go;
Through forest, field, or garden,
And ask no leave or pardon,
Till winter comes with icy thumbs
To ruffle up our wing!

Well—tell! Where should I fly to,
Where go to sleep in the dark wood or dell?
Before a day was over,
Home comes the rover,
For mother’s kiss—sweeter this
Than any other thing.

Thanks to Hekner

Animal Fair

I went to the animal fair
The birds and the beasts were there
The big baboon, by the light of the moon
Was combing his auburn hair.

The monkey did get drunk
And sat on the elephant's trunk.
The elephant sneezed and fell on his knees
But what become of the monkey, monkey, monkey?