The Pigs and the Charcoal-burner

By Walter de la Mare

The old Pig said to the little pigs,

'In the forest is truffles and mast,

Follow me then, all ye little pigs,

Follow me fast!'

The Charcoal-burner sat in the shade

With his chin oil his thumb,

And saw the big Pig and the little pigs

Chuffling come.

He watched 'neath a green and giant bough,

And the pigs in the ground

Made a wonderful grisling and gruzzling

And greedy sound.

And when, full-fed, they were gone, and Night

Walked her starry ways,

He stared with his cheeks in his hands

At his sullen blaze.