Billy, boy! Billy, boy!
He was his mother's joy,
But he couldn't shoot an arrow worth a cent;
And a rabbit almost laughed
As she watched the flying shaft,
And the place upon the target where it went.
The rabbit passing by,
So very soft and sly,
Took Billy for a hunter gaily dressed;
But when she came anear,
She said, "'Tis very clear
It's safe enough to stay and take a rest."
Said the rabbit, "Billy, boy,
You never will annoy
Anybody, by your shooting at a mark;
With an arrow and a bow,
I just would like to show,
I can reach the bull's-eye nearer in the dark."
Just then an arrow flew,
That pierced it thro' and thro'
Which made Miss Bunny start, and jump, sky high!
She cried, "Oh, dear! Oh, dear!
It's safer in the rear;"
And scampered off and never said,--"Good-bye."
You see the reason why,
'Tis always best to try,
Tho' others laugh and slander all the same;
For be it late or soon,
They'll always change their tune,
When they see your arrow doesn't miss its aim.