It has been my object, in writing the following Little Songs for Little Boys and Girls, to endeavor to catch something of that good-humored pleasantry, that musical nonsense, which makes Mother Goose so attractive to children of all ages.
The little folks must decide whether the book is entertaining. To them I present my little volume, with the earnest hope that it will receive their approbation. If children love to lisp my rhymes, while parents find no fault in them, I ask no higher praise.
In the present edition of the "Nursery Songs," which has been carefully revised, the original name given by its parent and best friends is restored.
Two captivating little songs, by some unknown hand, appended to the
English edition, are retained; and two or three from the first
American edition, omitted in the English, are restored.
I will hope that the little folks will welcome the little book in its new dress, and make much of it; for it was at first made, and is now adorned with pictures, on purpose to please them.
ANNIE'S GARDEN, . . . . . . . . . . Malbrooke,
THE NEW MOON,
LULLABY, . . . . . . . . . . . . . Vesper Hymn,
STOP! STOP! PRETTY WATER, . . . . . Buy a Broom,
MY LITTLE DOLL ROSE,
BUTTERFLIES ARE PRETTY, . . . . . . The White Cockade,
OLD NURSEY, . . . . . . . . . . . . Kitty Clover,
THE SUN IS UP, . . . . . . . . . . Bonny Boat,
WALTER AND HIS DOG,
IT IS A PLEASANT DAY, . . . . . . . The Schoolmaster,
THE GOOD MOOLLY COW,
NOTHING BUT BA-A,
JAMES AND HIS MOTHER,
MASTER JOHNNY RIDING,
O, LOOK AT THE MOON, . . . . . . . Buy a Broom,
SONG FOR A COMPANY OF CHILDREN,
THE DOG AND CAT, THE DUCK AND RAT,
TRUSTY LEARNING ABC,
DO YOU GUESS IT IS I?
FIDDLEDEDEE,
THE STARS AND THE BABIES,