A Sorrow

THE White Rat died last night.We found him cold and stiff;We wrapped him warm and tight.In my best handkerchief.

Jimmy marched on before,Bearing the poor dead Rat;Alice deep mourning wore,I had papa's silk hat.

Jimmy the sermon preached,Alice and I just cried.That was a noble speech,Worthy the Rat that died.

We made him a tiny grave,Down in the shadow dimWhere the willow hedge-rows waveWe solemnly buried him.

Jimmy and Alice and IWent sadly back to our play.But there's a cloud in the sky,And a shade on the Shining Way.