The Bathers
Adown the beach at Rockaway,Three bathers one hot summer dayRetired to while the hours away.Their minds were free, their hearts were light.The August sun was fierce and bright,They dived and swam from morn till night.
Adown the beach at Rockaway,Three bathers one hot summer dayRetired to while the hours away.
Their minds were free, their hearts were light.The August sun was fierce and bright,They dived and swam from morn till night.
The Bad Boy
This little fellow misbehaved,And gave the people shocks,Until at last they were compelledTo put him in the stocks.
This little fellow misbehaved,And gave the people shocks,Until at last they were compelledTo put him in the stocks.
Brotherly Consolation
A Thingamy-bobGot out of a job,And went to consult with his brother:Said his brother to him,"Your chances are slimUnless you go hunt up another."
A Thingamy-bobGot out of a job,And went to consult with his brother:Said his brother to him,"Your chances are slimUnless you go hunt up another."
The Butterfly Man
A very gay fellow was he—As gay as a mortal could be.And he fluttered aboutTill at last he turned outA Butterfly man, as you see.
A very gay fellow was he—As gay as a mortal could be.And he fluttered aboutTill at last he turned outA Butterfly man, as you see.
The Transferred Smile
Two little snails did smile and smile,The summer day beguiling.Two birds espied them from afar,And now the birds are smiling.
Two little snails did smile and smile,The summer day beguiling.Two birds espied them from afar,And now the birds are smiling.
The Modest Miss Kangaroo
The Royal Grotto
A king and a queen in a grottoAre kissing as kings and queens ought toIf you'll look you will findTwo attendants behind,—"To watch and to guard," is their motto.
A king and a queen in a grottoAre kissing as kings and queens ought toIf you'll look you will findTwo attendants behind,—"To watch and to guard," is their motto.
Two kangaroos upon a poleWere talking softly to each other.One whispered: "Dear, upon the whole,I think you'd better ask my mother."
Two kangaroos upon a poleWere talking softly to each other.One whispered: "Dear, upon the whole,I think you'd better ask my mother."
The Gargoyle
A gargoyle here you see.I've heard it said that heWas found in FranceBy strangest chance—But what is that to me?I only know that weDiscovered him to beAn imp of ink;And so I thinkHe's ours, as you'll agree.
A gargoyle here you see.I've heard it said that heWas found in FranceBy strangest chance—But what is that to me?
I only know that weDiscovered him to beAn imp of ink;And so I thinkHe's ours, as you'll agree.
The Elf Party
These four little two-horned elvesAre seated on coraline shelves.The spot where they beIs down under the sea,And they've got the whole reef to themselves.
These four little two-horned elvesAre seated on coraline shelves.The spot where they beIs down under the sea,And they've got the whole reef to themselves.
Unpleasant Companions
Here are two Wriggles from Wriggelum-town—Their legs are sky-blue and their bodies are brown;Their tails are a wonderful changeable hue;I don't care to have them for playmates, do you?
Here are two Wriggles from Wriggelum-town—Their legs are sky-blue and their bodies are brown;Their tails are a wonderful changeable hue;I don't care to have them for playmates, do you?
The Grenadier
A soldierly fellow is he,With swords as erect as can be.His attendants are queer,And so small, they appearTo barely reach up to his knee.
A soldierly fellow is he,With swords as erect as can be.His attendants are queer,And so small, they appearTo barely reach up to his knee.
Kings' Jesters
Jesters from the courts of kingsTell their secret whisperings.Just a fleeting moment, thenThey must hurry back again.Ever making monarchs gay,Happy-hearted jesters they.
Jesters from the courts of kingsTell their secret whisperings.Just a fleeting moment, thenThey must hurry back again.Ever making monarchs gay,Happy-hearted jesters they.
The Funny Octopus
A jolly old octopus lived in the sea,With a hey-diddle hi-diddle dum;And the funniest sort of a fellow was he,This jolly old octopus under the sea,With a mouth where the top of his head ought to be,To swallow the divers that come—This jolly old octopus under the sea,With a hey-diddle hi-diddle dum.
A jolly old octopus lived in the sea,With a hey-diddle hi-diddle dum;And the funniest sort of a fellow was he,This jolly old octopus under the sea,With a mouth where the top of his head ought to be,To swallow the divers that come—This jolly old octopus under the sea,With a hey-diddle hi-diddle dum.
The Nymphs And The Ostriches
Two pious little nymphs are kneeling here—Two double-headed ostriches above them;And on their backs two gallant knights appear—Perhaps they'll see the little nymphs and love them.
Two pious little nymphs are kneeling here—Two double-headed ostriches above them;And on their backs two gallant knights appear—Perhaps they'll see the little nymphs and love them.
A Convenience
The shadow-rack stands in the Shadow-man's hall;It holds shadow-canes and umbrellas, and allThe various things that the Gobolinks useWhen they go for a walk to get rid of the blues.
The shadow-rack stands in the Shadow-man's hall;It holds shadow-canes and umbrellas, and allThe various things that the Gobolinks useWhen they go for a walk to get rid of the blues.
Fox And Geese
Entomology
These are some insects that dwell in the grassAnd nip at the gobolinks' toes as they pass.Their legs are uneven, their bodies are queer.Their habits are very uncertain, I fear.
These are some insects that dwell in the grassAnd nip at the gobolinks' toes as they pass.Their legs are uneven, their bodies are queer.Their habits are very uncertain, I fear.
Two foxes stole two geese one night,When the air was warm and the moon was bright:One started west—one started east—Their hearts intent on a glorious feast.But alas! for the things that we hope to do!A funny old man, with pistols two,Came running out, where the moon was bright,And they dropped their plunder and took to flight.
Two foxes stole two geese one night,When the air was warm and the moon was bright:One started west—one started east—Their hearts intent on a glorious feast.But alas! for the things that we hope to do!A funny old man, with pistols two,Came running out, where the moon was bright,And they dropped their plunder and took to flight.
The Tail Of Taddy Pole
The Tail Of Taddy Pole
There was a little Polliwog—His name was Taddy Pole.He lived within a little bog,Beside a crawfish hole.
There was a little Polliwog—His name was Taddy Pole.He lived within a little bog,Beside a crawfish hole.
And all the day did Taddy playAround a sunken log,Until he lost his tail one day,And then he was a frog.
And all the day did Taddy playAround a sunken log,Until he lost his tail one day,And then he was a frog.
The Arabesque
Oh, here are two doves in a bower,Or a wonderful arabesque flower;Or a nobby designFor a sweet valentine;Or, reversed, 't is a beast with a glower.
Oh, here are two doves in a bower,Or a wonderful arabesque flower;Or a nobby designFor a sweet valentine;Or, reversed, 't is a beast with a glower.
The Gobolinks' Mirror
Tins is the mirror the gobolinks useTo do up their tresses in style if they choose.To do up their tresses,And look at their dresses,And maybe to button their shoes.
Tins is the mirror the gobolinks useTo do up their tresses in style if they choose.To do up their tresses,And look at their dresses,And maybe to button their shoes.
Wind Maidens
Here are two maids of the windWhose dresses are strangely designed.They appear to be madeWithout buttons or braid,And fastened together behind.
Here are two maids of the windWhose dresses are strangely designed.They appear to be madeWithout buttons or braid,And fastened together behind.
The Pugilists
The pugilistic craze is suchThat e'en the gobolinks absorb it.These pictures don't amount to much,But they were made for Fitz and Corbett.
The pugilistic craze is suchThat e'en the gobolinks absorb it.These pictures don't amount to much,But they were made for Fitz and Corbett.
What They Left
Oh, here's to the poet that singsThe song of the gobolink kingsWho left silhouettesWith their kindest regrets,And other quite wonderful things.
Oh, here's to the poet that singsThe song of the gobolink kingsWho left silhouettesWith their kindest regrets,And other quite wonderful things.
Gobolink Horses
These are the steeds that the gobolinks use;They love them and pet them and never abuse.Their backs are not pleasant to sit on, they say,So they ride them erect in the hippodrome way.
These are the steeds that the gobolinks use;They love them and pet them and never abuse.Their backs are not pleasant to sit on, they say,So they ride them erect in the hippodrome way.
Miss F.M. De Lisle
This is a damsel who dresses in style.Her name is Miss Fannie Magruder De Lisle.She loves to look pretty—as most of us do—That's why she's so stylish, and dignified, too.
This is a damsel who dresses in style.Her name is Miss Fannie Magruder De Lisle.She loves to look pretty—as most of us do—That's why she's so stylish, and dignified, too.
Fannie's Curling-Tongs
These are the irons with which Fannie crimpsHer fair auburn tresses whenever she primps.She curls and arranges her locks with great care,Because she is proud of her radiant hair.
These are the irons with which Fannie crimpsHer fair auburn tresses whenever she primps.She curls and arranges her locks with great care,Because she is proud of her radiant hair.
The Bears And The Harlequins.
Gay harlequins dancing—beribboned are theyAnd carry two poles in the air;That rest on their heads in a curious way,And top of each pole is a bear,I declare,A wonderful, long-tailed bear.
Gay harlequins dancing—beribboned are theyAnd carry two poles in the air;That rest on their heads in a curious way,And top of each pole is a bear,I declare,A wonderful, long-tailed bear.
The Faithful Notes
An old guitar once broke its strings,And all the musical notes took wings;They harried away to lands afar.But two of them stayed with the old guitar.
An old guitar once broke its strings,And all the musical notes took wings;They harried away to lands afar.But two of them stayed with the old guitar.
The Polite Colly-Wobbles
Very polite colly-wobbles are these—They hang by their feet to the branches of trees,While a hand they extendTo a wobbledy friend,And often they say, "If you please."
Very polite colly-wobbles are these—They hang by their feet to the branches of trees,While a hand they extendTo a wobbledy friend,And often they say, "If you please."
The Brave Warriors
Two Indian warriors got frightened one day,And fled from the midst of alarms;And later they met in a curious way,Each bearing a goat in his arms.
Two Indian warriors got frightened one day,And fled from the midst of alarms;And later they met in a curious way,Each bearing a goat in his arms.
Steeple Men
Two funny old three-legged gnomesCame out of their shadowy domes:They made their saluteWith a hand and a foot,And then hurried back to their homes.
Two funny old three-legged gnomesCame out of their shadowy domes:They made their saluteWith a hand and a foot,And then hurried back to their homes.
The Sheet-and-pillow Party
A pillow-case party the Gobolinks gave,And it proved a right merry carouse:But I'm sure you'd have laughed at their attitudes graveAs they made their ridiculous bows.
A pillow-case party the Gobolinks gave,And it proved a right merry carouse:But I'm sure you'd have laughed at their attitudes graveAs they made their ridiculous bows.
Moss-Backs
Here are two scraggle-de-racksWith moss on their beautiful backs—The sort that you'll findOn such of mankindAs fail to keep up with the facts.
Here are two scraggle-de-racksWith moss on their beautiful backs—The sort that you'll findOn such of mankindAs fail to keep up with the facts.
A What-is-it
There was an old man of high feather,Who said, "I can't really tell whetherI'm a man or a mouse,Or the roof of a house,So much may depend on the weather."
There was an old man of high feather,Who said, "I can't really tell whetherI'm a man or a mouse,Or the roof of a house,So much may depend on the weather."
The Merry Water-Weedles
Within the caverns of the seaTwo Water-weedles stay.Their hearts are happy as can be,Within the caverns of the seaThey sing and frolic in their gleeThroughout the livelong day.Within the caverns of the seaTwo water-weedles stay.
Within the caverns of the seaTwo Water-weedles stay.Their hearts are happy as can be,Within the caverns of the seaThey sing and frolic in their gleeThroughout the livelong day.Within the caverns of the seaTwo water-weedles stay.
A Narrow Escape
Two piggies went to marketAll on a market day,But when the butcher caught themThey wished they'd stayed away."Oh, Piggy-wiggy, fare you well,Our ribs will soon be spare."And they quickly ran away,And now they don't go there.
Two piggies went to marketAll on a market day,But when the butcher caught themThey wished they'd stayed away.
"Oh, Piggy-wiggy, fare you well,Our ribs will soon be spare."And they quickly ran away,And now they don't go there.
The Captives
Pray tell us, if you please,What sort of things are these:A shadow-ghost has captured them,And holds them fast with ease.
Pray tell us, if you please,What sort of things are these:A shadow-ghost has captured them,And holds them fast with ease.
The Vicious Golly-Pops
Here are two Golly-popsLooking for lollypopsSuch as grow under the sea.Their ways are ambitious,Their faces are vicious.I'm glad they're not looking for me.
Here are two Golly-popsLooking for lollypopsSuch as grow under the sea.Their ways are ambitious,Their faces are vicious.I'm glad they're not looking for me.
The Divers
Two divers, one sweet summer day,Went down into the ocean,They saw the fishes all at play,The sea-flowers all in motion.They danced a jig and sang a song,And gathered water-roses,When, lo, two lobsters came along,And bit them on their toeses.
Two divers, one sweet summer day,Went down into the ocean,They saw the fishes all at play,The sea-flowers all in motion.
They danced a jig and sang a song,And gathered water-roses,When, lo, two lobsters came along,And bit them on their toeses.
The Shadow-Harp
This is the harp of which nobody sings—Where is the keyboard and where are the strings?The strings are undone and the keys thrown away,For this is the harp on which shadow-folk play.
This is the harp of which nobody sings—Where is the keyboard and where are the strings?The strings are undone and the keys thrown away,For this is the harp on which shadow-folk play.
A Glad Return
Two little maids just home from schoolHave been so long asunder—They first embrace, then face to faceThey stand and look and wonder.
Two little maids just home from schoolHave been so long asunder—They first embrace, then face to faceThey stand and look and wonder.
Grotesques
Grotesques
Very funny creatures these—Can't tell what they are.Men or birds or beasts or bees—Very funny creatures these—Turn them either way you please—View them near or far.Very funny creatures these—Can't tell what they are.
Very funny creatures these—Can't tell what they are.Men or birds or beasts or bees—Very funny creatures these—Turn them either way you please—View them near or far.Very funny creatures these—Can't tell what they are.
Shadow-Crests
These are designs of heraldryThat shadow-folk affect,Though some are no less shadowyThan those that men select.For many men have bought a crestAlthough they come quite dear,And such of those as can't investMay find an emblem here.
These are designs of heraldryThat shadow-folk affect,Though some are no less shadowyThan those that men select.
For many men have bought a crestAlthough they come quite dear,And such of those as can't investMay find an emblem here.
Shadow-Crests
Shadow-Crests
Shadow-Crests
A Frontier Coat-of-Arms
The Fanciful Elk
This is a crestThat came out of the West,For the family was foundedWhere hunters abounded,So the head of a deerAnd two hunters appear.
This is a crestThat came out of the West,For the family was foundedWhere hunters abounded,So the head of a deerAnd two hunters appear.
This is the head of an elk, as you see.His horns are as tall as a sycamore tree.They are strangely designed,And I think you will findHe has horns where his ears ought to be.
This is the head of an elk, as you see.His horns are as tall as a sycamore tree.They are strangely designed,And I think you will findHe has horns where his ears ought to be.
T' Other And Which
Ink-bottle imps turn up their nosesWhen they meet each other:And the reason, I suppose, is—Can't tell which from t' other.
Ink-bottle imps turn up their nosesWhen they meet each other:And the reason, I suppose, is—Can't tell which from t' other.
Cathodes
Cathodes
Cathodes
And here we have a lot of thingsDefying nomenclature.The bones of Gobolinks are they,Revealing in the cathode rayTheir anatomic nature.
And here we have a lot of thingsDefying nomenclature.The bones of Gobolinks are they,Revealing in the cathode rayTheir anatomic nature.
Cathodes
In The X-Ray
Cathode fairy,Light and airy,Sunny weather,Two together,Caring nothing why or whetherFlesh or blood or bone or featherShows on such a summer day'Neath the Cathode's magic ray.
Cathode fairy,Light and airy,Sunny weather,Two together,Caring nothing why or whetherFlesh or blood or bone or featherShows on such a summer day'Neath the Cathode's magic ray.
A Beetleville Dance
The beetles gave a party,And all their friends were there.The welcome was so heartyTo join the beetles' party,The Joodle and the JartyCame flying through the air.Oh, the beetles gave a party,And all their friends were there.
The beetles gave a party,And all their friends were there.The welcome was so heartyTo join the beetles' party,The Joodle and the JartyCame flying through the air.Oh, the beetles gave a party,And all their friends were there.
Queen Beetle
A Lady queen of Beetle-land—Attendants small on either hand.They walk or fly with equal skill—They fetch and carry at her will.I'm glad, I'm sure, that we have seenThe beetles and their lady queen.
A Lady queen of Beetle-land—Attendants small on either hand.They walk or fly with equal skill—They fetch and carry at her will.I'm glad, I'm sure, that we have seenThe beetles and their lady queen.
GOLD BUGGOLD BUG
GOLD BUG
Beetles
This is a beetle that came from Metuchen—The plan of his house is likewise his escutcheon.
This is a beetle that came from Metuchen—The plan of his house is likewise his escutcheon.
King Beetle
Oh, a marvelous mind has the old beetle king,And he rules in a marvelous way;For he rolls up his eyes and commences to singWhen his subjects go glittering by on the wing;And 'tis said that his notes have a powerful ringWhen he chants at the breaking of day—They say—His anthem at breaking of day.
Oh, a marvelous mind has the old beetle king,And he rules in a marvelous way;For he rolls up his eyes and commences to singWhen his subjects go glittering by on the wing;And 'tis said that his notes have a powerful ringWhen he chants at the breaking of day—They say—His anthem at breaking of day.
Our Pet
The head of a Gobolink tiger—With smellers arranged as you seeHe used to reside on the Niger;But now he is living with me.
The head of a Gobolink tiger—With smellers arranged as you seeHe used to reside on the Niger;But now he is living with me.
Good Breeding
Most Shadow-people are polite.And bow whene'er they meet;For us to do the same is right,At home or in the street.
Most Shadow-people are polite.And bow whene'er they meet;For us to do the same is right,At home or in the street.
The Washerwomen
There were some old ladies of DundeeWho did all their washing on Mondee.Then they shook out their clothesTill they dried, I suppose,To have them all ready for Sundee.
There were some old ladies of DundeeWho did all their washing on Mondee.Then they shook out their clothesTill they dried, I suppose,To have them all ready for Sundee.
A Marine Ball
Two lobsters and two sea-horsesOne day came out of the wet;They heard a mermaid sing her song,And danced a minuet.
Two lobsters and two sea-horsesOne day came out of the wet;They heard a mermaid sing her song,And danced a minuet.
The Queer Mollusks
The Queer Mollusks
Ridiculous mollusks are we,And dwell in the depths of the sea.Our bodies are jelly,And we haven't a bellyIn the place where our bellies should be.
Ridiculous mollusks are we,And dwell in the depths of the sea.Our bodies are jelly,And we haven't a bellyIn the place where our bellies should be.
Sea-TulipSEA-TULIP[A]
SEA-TULIP[A]
Within the garden of the seaAre gems of beauty rare—The Star-wort and AnemoneAnd Ocean pinks are there.Oh, these are dainty things indeedThe Mermaids keep in store;But fairer still, to me, the weedThat decks the ocean's floor.Whatever flower of earth we win,Howe'er so fair it be,'T will not surpass those weeds withinThe garden of the sea.
Within the garden of the seaAre gems of beauty rare—The Star-wort and AnemoneAnd Ocean pinks are there.
Oh, these are dainty things indeedThe Mermaids keep in store;But fairer still, to me, the weedThat decks the ocean's floor.
Whatever flower of earth we win,Howe'er so fair it be,'T will not surpass those weeds withinThe garden of the sea.
[A]Names given are in use only in Gobolink-land.
[A]Names given are in use only in Gobolink-land.
Icicle PlantICICLE PLANT
ICICLE PLANT
TOWER WEED.TOWER WEED.
TOWER WEED.
Giant Blue StemGIANT BLUE STEM
GIANT BLUE STEM
Prayer WeedPRAYER WEED
PRAYER WEED