Page:Aunt Jo's Scrap-Bag, Volume 6.djvu/235

Rh But the great rock stood
 * Straight up in the sea:

It looked gravely down,
 * And said pleasantly,—

Little friend, you must
 * Go some other way;

For I have not stirred
 * This many a long day.

Great billows have dashed,
 * And angry winds blown;

But my sturdy form
 * Is not overthrown.

Nothing can stir me
 * In the air or sea;

Then, how can I move,
 * Little friend, for thee?"

Then the waves all laughed,
 * In their voices sweet;

And the sea-birds looked,
 * From their rocky seat,

At the bubble gay,
 * Who angrily cried,

While its round cheek glowed
 * With a foolish pride,—

You shall move for me;
 * And you shall not mock

At the words I say,
 * You ugly, rough rock!

Be silent, wild birds! Why stare you so? 15