OIL THE CRICKET

“Mamma, what noises do I hear?

They keep me wide awake.”

“The chirping crickets, little dear;

What funny noise they make!”

“Yes, ma, but touch their tongues with oil,

To take the squeak away;

For soon it will their voices spoil,

To squeak thus night and day.”

Well done, my little girl of three;

‘ Twould tune our speaking gear

To utter sweeter melody

For your attentive ear,

If it were oiled a little, too,

For harsh too oft its tones;

Though formed to thrill with pleasure true,

It gives forth shrieks and groans,

Which fall discordant on the ear,

And budding pleasures spoil,

And speaking gear, likewise I fear;

So bring along the oil.