THE ELF AND THE DORMOUSE

by: Oliver Herford (1863-1935)

NDER a toadstool crept a wee Elf,

Out of the rain to shelter himself.

 

Under the toadstool, sound asleep,

Sat a big Dormouse all in a heap.

 

Trembled the wee Elf, frightened and yet

Fearing to fly away lest he get wet.

 

To the next shelter--maybe a mile!

Sudden the wee Elf smiled a wee smile.

 

Tugged till the toadstool toppled in two.

Holding it over him, gaily he flew.

 

Soon he was safe home, dry as could be.

Soon woke the Dormouse--"Good gracious me!

 

"Where is my toadstool?" loud he lamented.

--And that's how umbrellas first were invented.