The Jumping-Bean ( A curious bean, with a small maggot in it, who comes

By Richard Arthur Warren Hughes

Sun in a warm streak

Striping the plush:

Catch breath, hold finger tight:

All delight hush.

Dance, small grey thing

Sleek in the warm sun:

Roll around, to this, to that,

— Rare wormy fun!

Hot sun applauds thee:

Warm fingers press

To wake the small life within

Thy rotund dress.

Alack! Have years in cupboard,

In chill and dark,

Stifled thy discontent?

Snufft thy spark?

Liest thou stark, stiff,

There in thy bed?

Weep then a dirge for him:

Poor Bean's dead!