_Mabel._ Well, that’s the funniest thing I ever heard of. But, dear me, how dark it is getting. I must run home. [_Starts homeward. Hears howl._]
_Mabel._ What’s that? Oh! it’s a wolf. I’m so frightened! What shall I do? I’ll give the call.
_Mabel._ Wolf, I want you to be my friend.
_Mabel._ I’ve lost my way. Please show me the way home. I live at grandma’s.
_Wolf._ I know where you live. I’ve seen you playing there many times. Put your hand on my neck, and I’ll show you the way. [_Mabel does so._]
_Wolf._ There is your home; and your grandma is waiting for you.
_Mabel._ Thank you very much. I knew you were a good wolf. You wouldn’t hurt a little girl, would you?
_Mabel._ I’ve been in the woods. Oh, Grandma. I left my basket of strawberries there.
_Grandma._ Never mind. We can go to-morrow and get them. I was so frightened! Your uncle told me only yesterday he saw a wolf in the woods. Just think if you had met him to-day! He would have eaten you up, every bit of you.
_Mabel._ Oh, Grandma! I’m sure all wolves don’t eat little girls.
_Maiden._ Little bird, little bird, come to me, I have a green cage ready for thee, Beauty-bright flowers I’ll bring anew And fresh ripe cherries all wet with dew.
_Bird._ Thanks, little maiden, for all thy care, But I love dearly the clear cool air And my snug little nest in the old oak tree.
_Maiden._ Little bird, little bird, stay with me!
_Bird._ Nay, little damsel,—away I’ll fly To greener fields and warmer sky; When spring returns with pattering rain, You’ll hear my merry song again.
_Maiden._ Little bird, little bird, who’ll guide thee, Over the hills and over the sea? Foolish one, come in the house to stay, For I’m very sure you’ll lose your way.
_Bird._ Ah, no, little maiden, God guides me, Over the hills and over the sea. I will be free as the rushing air, And sing of sunshine everywhere.
_Fisherman._ Aha! I have you at last, little fish.
_Little Fish._ O Mr. Fisherman, please put me back into the water.
_Fisherman._ Put you back? No, I will not!
_Little Fish._ I beg you, put me back. I am so little.
_Fisherman._ It has taken me a long time to catch you. Put you back, indeed! I think not.
_Little Fish._ But I am so little. Put me back and wait until I have grown to be a large fish. Then I will make you a very good meal.