12 OCTOBER 1912, Page 17

TIMOTHY, Timothy, where have you been? . " Over the

sloping meadows green ; The river called, but I could not stay, Into the copse I ran away."

Timothy, Timothy, what did you see ?

" A bunny scampering round a tree, A squirrel saying such wicked words, And ever so many different birds."

Timothy, Timothy, what did you smell? " That is a secret I cannot tell ; I followed the ground, I followed the air, And there were messages everywhere."

Timothy, Timothy, what did you hear ?

" I heard you calling, mistress dear; But there were calls of another kind Irresistible to my mind."

Timothy, Timothy, why did you go ?

" I couldn't help it, I love it so.— Hunting things that flutter and run Is such eternally perfect fun."

Timothy, Timothy, what must I do ?

" Oh ! don't be cross, for that isn't you, And I'm so hungry and tired and sore,--.

Feed me and love me as before !"

DOROTHEA SUMNER