McGuffey's Second Eclectic Reader

Lesson Lxvi.

deep flour dough mill'er wheth'er

cook a far' dust'y cra'dles grind'ing

glow doth val'ley reap'ers a-knead'ing

ALICE'S SUPPER. 1. Far down in the valley the wheat grows deep, And the reapers are making the cradles sweep; And this is the song that I hear them sing, While cheery and loud their voices ring: "'Tis the finest wheat that ever did grow! And it is for Alice's supper--ho! ho!"

2. Far down by the river the old mill stands, And the miller is rubbing his dusty hands; And these are the words of the miller's lay, As he watches the millstones grinding away: "'Tis the finest flour that money can buy, And it is for Alice's supper--hi! hi!"

3. Downstairs in the kitchen the fire doth glow, And cook is a-kneading the soft, white dough; And this is the song she is singing to-day, As merry and busy she's working away: "'Tis the finest dough, whether near or afar, And it is for Alice's supper--ha! ha!"

4. To the nursery now comes mother, at last, And what in her hand is she bringing so fast? 'Tis a plateful of something, all yellow and white, And she sings as she comes, with her smile so bright: "'Tis the best bread and butter I ever did see, And it is for Alice's supper--he! he!"