With goslings seven at her side;
A lovely yellowish-green they were,
And very dear to her.

She led them to the river's brink
To paddle their feet awhile and drink,
And there she heard a tale that made
Her very soul afraid.

A neighbor gabbled the story out,
How a wolf was known to be thereabout--
A great wolf whom nothing could please
As well as little geese.

So, when, as usual, to the wood
She went next day in search of food,
She warned them over and over, before
She turned to shut the door:

[Illustration]

"My little ones, if you hear a knock
At the door, be sure and not unlock,
For the wolf will eat you, if he gets in,
Feathers and bones and skin.

"You will know him by his voice so hoarse,
By his paws so hairy and black and coarse."
And the goslings piped up, clear and shrill,
"We'll take great care, we will."