In winter, when the fields are white, I sing this song for your delight -- In spring, when woods are growing green, I'll try and tell you what I mean. In summer, when the days are long, Perhaps you'll understand the song. In autumn, when the leaves are brown, Take pen and ink and write it down. I sent a message to the fish: I told them "This is the wish." The little fishes of the sea, They sent an answer back to me. The little fishes' answer was "We cannot do it, Sir, because --" I sent to them again to say "It will be better to obey." The fishes answered with a grin, "Why, what a temper you are in!" I told them once, I told them twice: They would not listen to advice. I took a kettle large and new, Fit for the deed I had to do. My heart went hop, my heart went thump; I filled the kettle at the pump. Then someone came to me and said "The little fishes are in bed." I said to him, I said it plain, "Then you must wake them up again." I said it loud and very clear; I went and shouted in his ear. But he was very stiff and proud; -- He said "I'd go and wake them, if --" I took a corkscrew from the shelf: I went to wake them up myself. And when I found the door was locked, I pulled and pushed and kicked and knocked. And when I found the door was shut, I tried to turn the handle, but --. |