The Butterfly, once, with the Grasshopper gay, A grand party gave in the middle of May; So, dear little readers, I'll tell you of all The guests who were asked to the feast and the ball. The Gnat was invited, the Dragonfly, too, And all his relations, green, orange, and blue; The Wasp, and Cockchafer, the Beetle and Bee; The stoutly-made Mole, and the Emmet so wee;
The Dormouse, and Snail, with a host more, were there But their names I can't tell you, I really declare. The Trumpeter Gadfly (who summoned the crew) Bade them all come at six, and to time, said, be true: In answer to which, they with pleasure replied, That they'd surely be there at the time specified. In the very best manner (without the least doubt) The kind-hearted hosts the grand banquet spread out,
Beneath an oak tree, which for ages had stood, In beauty and pride in the midst of a wood. A mushroom grew there, which a nice table made, And a waterdock-leaf for the cloth was soon laid. When the moment arrived, ready waiting were they To welcome their friends in the heartiest way; The first to arrive was the Beetle so black, Who carried the Emmet, his friend, on his back;