PRETTY Biddy Top-knot has a hidden nest,
Out among the willows stretching toward the west:
Every day she runs there on her yellow legs,
To count and add another to her store of eggs.
Top-knot soon is missing from the garden walks:
No more with the other hens struts about and stalks!
No more is her cackle from the willows heard,
Where, but late, she noisily all the barn-yard stirred.
Down among the willows, stretching toward the west,
Top-knot's snowy turban shows above her nest:
Slanting ray of sunshine peeps in very bright;
Come and peep in with it, you shall see a sight.
Thirteen little chickens, downiest ever seen,
And joyous little Top-knot proud as any queen!
For that they are beauties all the hens agree:
Can you wonder Top-knot should so happy be?
Full of her importance, Top-knot doth appear,--
Thirteen little chickens she must feed and rear!
Soon more hens are missing!--are they lost or hid?
Think you they'll surprise us just as Top-knot did?