Look at Mere Victorine
At her stall in the street,
With the lily and rose,
And the white _marguerite_,
She makes pretty _bouquets_
The whole of the day:
There are buyers in plenty
Who pass by that way.
Little Basil and Amelie,
Watching her, stand:
Up to Mere Victorine
Basil stretches his hand,
"Can't you spare me," says he,
"A morsel of green,
Or _one_ sweet little flower,
Good Mere Victorine?"
"If you come for a flower,
Pray where is your _sou_?"
Answers Mere Victorine,
"I can't _give_ one to you--
Such flowers as mine
Are for selling, you know;
You must go to the country,
Where _wild_ flowers grow."
[Illustration]