Cook,.of course frightened,

Dropping his knife,
Upsets the table

And runs for life.
Tom then crept upstairs,

Sought out the King,
Told his adventures ;

Who gave a ring,
Token of favour,

Dropped o’er his head :
‘Brave little mortal,

Take that,’ he said.
‘Tll make new order,—

Band round the neck,
Collar of valour,

Heroes to deck.’
The Queen, delighted,

Said that he ought
Now to be knighted

And stay at Court.
Oft since by courage

Tom cleared the house,
Killing or catching

Evry stray mouse.
Four mice he harnessed —

Wasn’t it grand,
Riding and driving

His four-in-hand ?
Sometimes the monarch,

Guests to surprise,
Bade Tom crawl under

The paste of pies,
Till he gave signal ;

Then, with a shout,

 

Tom raised the lid up
And thence jumped out!
Round Arthur's table
Swiftly he'd race,
O’er dishes leaping —
Grand steeplechase !
Once in a milk-pail
Very nigh drowned,
So he learned swimming
And got renowned.
The King had him drilled
And taught to fence;
Dressed as a soldier,
His joy’s immense.
All whisker mixtures,
From ev'ry shop,
He gave a try-all
To raise a crop.
But vain all efforts!
Still a smooth cheek !
Till he resolves to
Fairies to speak.
Sought out the fairy-rings
(At night they come) ;
‘Oh, give me whiskers !’
Cried out Tom Thumb.
Now his cheek itches,
And raising hand
Feels the hair rising —
Isn’t it grand?
He other children
Held in disdain,
Thought they were childish
Who cried at pain: