Childhood songs / by Lucy Larcom [electronic text]

DUMPY DUCKY.

QUACK, quack, quack! Three white and four black. Your coat, you saucy fellow, Shades off to green and yellow: Do you think I like you best Because you are prettiest?

Quack, quack, quack! White spots on his back, Chasing his long-necked brothers, I see him, old duck-mothers;— You need not quack so loud, Nor look so stiff and proud.

Quack, quack, quack! Ducks, you have a knack Of talking and saying nothing, And showing off fine clothing Like many folks I see Who wiser ought to be.

Quack, quack, quack! Please to stop your clack! They call me Dumpy Ducky; Do you not think you are lucky, You ducklings all, to be Named for a girl like me?

Quack, quack, quack! What is there that we lack,— You with a pond for swimming, I with my bucket brimming,— You with your web-toes neat, I with my stout bare feet?

Quack, quack, quack! You make a funny track When you waddle through the garden. And, ducks, I beg your pardon, But I do not choose to try A swim in your pond; not I!

Quack, quack, quack! Now you may all turn back, Your home is in the water; I am the Dutchman's daughter, And my plump little sisters cry, "We want a drink!" Good b'ye!