There was a round pond, and a pretty pond too;
About it white daisies and violets grew,
And dark weeping willows, that stood to the ground,
Dipped in their long branches, and shaded it round.
A party of ducks to this pond would repair,
To feast on the green water-weeds that grew there:
Indeed, the assembly would frequently meet
To discuss their affairs in this pleasant retreat.
Now the subjects on which they were wont to converse
I'm sorry I cannot include in verse;
For, though I've oft listened in hopes of discerning,
I own 'tis a matter that baffles my learning.
One day a young chicken that lived thereabout
Stood watching to see the ducks pass in and out,
Now standing tail upward, now diving below;
She thought of all things she should like to do so.
So the poor silly chick was determined to try:
She thought 't was as easy to swim as to fly;
Though her mother had told her she must not go near,
She foolishly thought there was nothing to fear.
“My feet, wings, and feathers, for aught that I see,
As good as the ducks' are for swimming,' said she;
"Though my beak is pointed, as their beaks are round,
Is that any reason that I should be drowned?
“Why should I not swim, then, as well as a duck?
I think I shall venture, and e'en try my luck!
“For,” said she -in spite of all that her mother had taught her-
“I'm really remarkably fond of the water.”
So in this poor ignorant animal flew,
But soon found her dear mother's cautions were true;
She splashed, and she dashed, and she turned herself round,
And heartily wished herself safe on the ground.
But now 'twas too late to begin to repent;
The harder she struggled the deeper she went,
And every effort had vainly been tried,
She slowly sunk down to the bottom and died!
The ducks, I perceived, began loudly to quack
When they saw the poor fowl floating dead on its back;
And, by their grave gestures and looks, 'twas apparent
They discoursed on the sin of not minding a parent.