Thornton Burgess Couplets
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Where you hear a joyous song
Nothing can be very wrong. Old Mother Nature Twill do no harm to wish, for you Will find some wishes do come true. Peter Rabbit A home should have in every part Built in the love that’s from the heart. Old Mother Nature Who always keeps an open mind To truth will be no longer blind. Old Mother Nature How precious may a treasure grow Only mothers really know. Old Mother Nature You never can tell! You never can tell! Things going wrong will often end well. Whitefoot Thus always you will meet life's test To do the things you can do best. Whitefoot He proves himself a neighbor true Who seeks a kindly deed to do. Whitefoot Joyous all the winds that blow To the heart with love aglow. Whitefoot When all is said and all is done ‘Tis only love of two makes one. Whitefoot A little fun, a little play, Should be a part of every day. Little Joe Otter For self alone we cannot live We take and we must also give. Paddy the Beaver Somehow friendship always doubles When it shares another's troubles. Longlegs the Heron When one plan fails, just try another Declare you'll win some way or other. Blacky the Crow Who has attentive ear and eye, Will learn a lot if he but try. Jerry Muskrat How few there are who know their neighbors Their pleasures, fears, and joys, and labors. Jerry Muskrat A bit of knowledge gained each day In time to wisdom points the way. Old Mother Nature With most folk it is well agreed He'll try and try who would succeed. Jerry Muskrat Who ventures nothing, nothing gains While boldness often much obtains. Jerry Muskrat Whate'er you do, I pray that you May to your word be always true. Jerry Muskrat Investigate and for yourself find out Those things which most you want to know about. Jerry Muskrat To self a mother gives no thought When babies are in peril caught. Old Mother Nature Foolish questions waste time, But wise questions lead to knowledge. Peter Rabbit That this is true there's no denying There's nothing in the world like trying. Peter Rabbit When all is said and all is done You'll find there's good in everyone. Longlegs the Heron Who to his spoken word is true Respect will have whate'er he do. Longlegs the Heron Few there are who can resist Those who patiently persist. Longlegs the Heron When in doubt just what your part Heed the promptings of your heart. Longlegs the Heron Beware the ones who boldly say That theirs is the appointed way. Old Mother Nature When once a task is well begun The doing of it should be fun. Paddy the Beaver No mighty tree, however tall, But started very, very small. Old Mother Nature It's what you do for others, Not what they do for you, That makes you feel so happy All through and through and through. Peter Rabbit A thing is good or it is bad, Makes you happy, makes you sad, According to your point of view The answer really lies in you: Old Mother Nature Who has attentive ear and eye, Will learn a lot if he but try. Jerry Muskrat How few there are who know their neighbors Their pleasures, fears and joys, and labors. Jerry Muskrat A purpose you will always find In everything, unless you're blind. Jerry Muskrat Respect another's point of view Though it be wholly new to you. Farmer Brown's Boy To sit in judgement, if you must Get ALL, the facts and then be just. Old Mother Nature Your mind made up a certain way Be swift to act; do not delay. Whitefoot Blessed is the tender heart That makes of sympathy an art. Longlegs the Heron Friendship, staunch though every test, Of all that life can give is best. Longlegs the Heron Good fortune nothing sweeter sends Than chance to meet and greet old friends. Longlegs the Heron He little gains and has no pride Who from his purpose turns aside. Whitefoot Just in time, not just too late Will make you master of your fate. Whitefoot The thing you've puzzled most about Is simple once you've found it out. Jerry Muskrat That which is too much for one May, perhaps, by two be done. Jerry Muskrat Waste no time on foolish wishes; They are much like uncaught fishes. Jerry Muskrat Look not too much on that behind Lest to the future you be blind. Whitefoot Enough is all you ever need And taking more is simply greed. Reddy Fox An empty stomach sharpens wit; We'll patient be and wait a bit. Granny Fox When doubtful what course to pursue ‘Tis sometimes best to nothing do. Whitefoot It often happens in the end An enemy may prove a friend. Whitefoot The best of plans will meet defeat Unless the details are complete. Jerry Muskrat A purpose you will always find In everything, unless you're blind. Jerry Muskrat To fool another through and through Just let him think he's fooling you. Jerry Muskrat To be too sure is a mistake The smartest folk will sometimes make. Jerry Muskrat Don't blame the fox; he has to live; But to him no advantage give. Jerry Muskrat Who, startled by a great surprise, Controls his tongue is very wise. Jerry Muskrat The one thing in the world of strife More precious than all else is life. Jerry Muskrat When you hear a warning, heed it Never think you do not need it. Jerry Muskrat Lest your judgment you would mend, Hold it 'til you see the end. Jerry Muskrat Alas, that man so seldom pauses To think of all the pain he causes. Jerry Muskrat Patience often wins the day When over haste has lost the way. Longlegs Heron Greed's a dreadful thing to see As everybody will agree. Headfirst in, no way out; It's best to know what you're about! Too often you will find it true The critic talks but cannot do. Paddy the Beaver If I blame you and you blame me ‘Tis clear we're bound to disagree. Mother Bear Things seem good or things seem bad According to the view you've had. Mother Bear The world can do quite well without The sulky folks and those who pout. Mother Bear The Great World calls, and soon or late Must each obey and rule his fate. Mother Bear Wait a minute; count the cost. Wasted time is time that's lost. Mother Bear Who does not fear to take a chance Will make the most of circumstance. Mother Bear He truly brave is who can be No wit less brave with none to see. Mother Bear True independence he has earned Who for himself to do has learned. Mother Bear Experience is not a preacher, But has no equal as a teacher. Mother Bear This is, you'll find, the law of fate: Regrets are always just too late. Mother Bear A danger past is a danger past, So why not just forget it? Watch out instead for one ahead Until you've safely met it. Peter Rabbit Heedlessness is just the twin of thoughtlessness You know, And where you find them both at once, There trouble's sure to grow. Peter Rabbit To use your eyes is very wise And much to be commended; But never see what cannot be For such as you intended. Peter Rabbit It's hard to keep a secret which you fairly Ache to tell; So not to know such secrets Is often quite as well. Peter Rabbit Nothing that you ever do, Nothing good or nothing bad, But has effects on other folks Gives them pain or makes them glad. Peter Rabbit Do not take the word of others That things are or are not s0 When there is a chance that you may Find out for yourself and know. Blacky the Crow A single fact may fail to prove you Either right or wrong; Confirm it with another and your proof Will them be strong. Blacky the Crow For fussiness their friends mistake The pains some people often take. Mrs. Carol (Meadowlark) Alas, how often do we find That folks with sight are also blind. Old Mother Nature I scorn the one who never works Success is never won by shirks Cousin Lycosa (Spider) Avoid disputes unless you know That what you say is really so. Old Mother Nature Suspicion's a persistent thing: It will not die, but cling and cling. Jerry Muskrat Pity the lonely, for deep in the heart Is an ache that no doctor can heal with his art. Whitefoot |
Ideas are very funny things
At least I think them so. From nothing out of nowhere they Just seem to come, you know. Jerry Muskrat True royalty, as we have seen Though losing all remains a queen. Old Mother Nature To each of us doth Nature give His own peculiar way to live. Peter Rabbit There's play in work and work in play; There's fun and gain in both that way. Old Mother Nature Who does the work at hand today Tomorrow may have time to play Jerry Muskrat With most folk it is well agreed He'll try and try who would succeed. Jerry Muskrat If you will to yourself be true Let nothing stop what you should do. Paddy the Beaver Who fun in life himself denies Becomes a grouch before he dies. Little Joe Otter The sweetness of a sound you'll find Not in the ear but in the mind. Paddy the Beaver You often find where love abides The heart and not the head decides. Old Mother Nature Whatever you decide to do Make up your mind to see it through. Peter Rabbit Who travel much will wiser be, Provided he has eyes to see. Little Joe Otter The opportunist oft succeeds Because of trifles that he heeds. Little Joe Otter Love at times may be perplexing Quite upsetting and most vexing. Mrs. Flathorns The worker who has done his best Will most appreciate his rest. Paddy the Beaver When you see another's danger Warn him ‘though you be a stranger. Blacky the Crow No matter how you love to roam There comes a time you want a home. Little Joe Otter By sitting still may much be learned And thus be useful knowledge earned. Little Joe Otter Many lessons learned in play You'll find a use for every day. Little Joe Otter A swift retreat is no disgrace When odds are much too great to face. Buster Bear Be careful when you climb a tree That to get down you're wholly free. Buster Bear Suspicion in a hateful thing, Yet it alone may safety bring. Flathorns the Moose None is so independent he Is from all obligations free, Old Mother Nature Who loudest boasts about his might May thus be masking fear to fight. Old Mother Nature Though danger may appear to work It gives you no excuse to shirk, Paddy the Beaver No loneliness is half so great As love deserted by a mate. Old Mother Nature Those who grumble and complain Very little have to gain. Old Mother Nature Before you put your tongue to use Be sure you have a real excuse. Old Mother Nature Careless feet will leave behind Records other people find. Old Mother Nature A secret may be secret still Though anyone may see who will. Old Mother Nature The truth you're sure of as you see it May sometimes happen not to be it. Old Mother Nature The truly blind we may excuse; Not those with eyes they do not use. Old Mother Nature The hurts that hardest are to bear Come from those for whom we care. Whitefoot Good appetite you'll always find Depends upon your state of mind. Peter Rabbit Brambles never scratch those who understand And are considerate of them. Peter Rabbit Old friends you've tried and know are true; ‘Tis more than can be said of new. Billy Possum When shines the sun some folks want rain; But when it pours, they still complain Stickytoes the Tree Frog Learn all you can about others, But keep your own affairs to yourself. Peter Rabbit Good advice is always needed But alas! is seldom heeded. Peter Rabbit Safety first is a wise rule for those Who would live long. Peter Rabbit This little point remember please There's little gained by those who tease. Peter Rabbit Mischief always waits to greet Idle hands and idle feet. Peter Rabbit Be careful never to intrude, For there is nothing quite so rude. Old Mother Nature In isolation you will find The concepts of a narrow mind. Old Mother Nature Heed not the gossip if you would Be friendly in your neighborhood. Old Mother Nature Who for more knowledge never tries Will never be accounted wise. Peter Rabbit The plainest facts some folks won't heed; A hint is all some others need. Old Mother Nature In other folk's affairs don't pry For no one really likes a spy. Old Mother Nature Be slow to boast lest in the end Humiliation shall attend. Old Mother Nature The right to live is given all However big, however small, Old Mother Nature This saying you'll find true though trite; It always pays to be polite. Peter Rabbit Judge no one by his style of dress; Your ignorance you thus confess. Blacky the Crow Little things you fail to see May important prove to be. Blacky the Crow When friends prove false, whom may we trust? The springs of faith are turned to dust. Blacky the Crow Doubt not a friend, but to the last Grip hard on faith and hold it fast. Blacky the Crow Who keeps his temper well in hand The situation will command. Longlegs the Heron Before you speak be sure you know That what you think is really so. Longlegs the Heron Who finds he's in the wrong should try To right it and eat humble pie. Longlegs the Heron Right of heart is he who will Wish his enemy no ill. Longlegs the Heron A wrong to others is not mended By saying it was not intended. Longlegs the Heron A friend stands by through thick and thin, And holds desertion as a sin. Longlegs the Heron Beware of tricky people; they Cannot be trusted night or day. Longlegs the Heron Impatience loses; patience wins. It sticks to what it once begins. Longlegs the Heron Don't let impatience lead you to Take chances as the foolish do. Longlegs the Heron When hope departs come grim despair: And sorrow seems too great to bear. Longlegs the Heron Who is too fussy what he eats Himself of much enjoyment cheats. Longlegs the Heron In quarreling there's little gain; It leads to sorrow and to pain. Longlegs the Heron Be not deceived by fickle fame, There's very little in a name. Longlegs the Heron Who listens well will knowledge gain If wiser folk will but explain. Longlegs the Heron Alas! Alas! That fear of man Should enter into every plan. Longlegs the Heron Folks aren't so sure about you when You spring surprises now and then. Little Joe Otter If there are things you would find out Just use your eyes and look about. Little Joe Otter Tis vain to sit and wish and wish When fishing where there are no fish. Little Joe Otter The heedless young who disobey Will for their folly have to pay. Little Joe Otter To eager youth 'tis vain to preach; Experience alone can teach. Little Joe Otter The willful and the heedless gain Experience through fright and pain. Little Joe Otter There's always someone setting traps While honest folk are taking naps. Little Joe Otter The young who heed an elder's warning Show evidence of wisdom's dawning. Little Joe Otter Youth too often scorns advice And in the end must pay the price. Little Joe Otter By pain and fright is wisdom bought, And thus respect for elders taught. Little Joe Otter Do a good turn for another Proving thus you are his brother. Billy Mink A moments carelessness may bring A sudden end to everything. Billy Mink A bad name sticks as naught else can To bird or beast or boy or man. Billy Mink Beware the coward and the sneak; He dares to face none but the weak. Billy Mink There's nothing quite like fear to spread And wrap the whole Great World in dread. Billy Mink Misunderstanding cleared away Bring peace and happiness to stay. Billy Mink Appearances sometimes deceive: Be not too ready to believe. Billy Mink Your fortunes you will ne'er repair By giving way to dull despair Madam Orb (Spider) May fortune spare you from the fate Of those who find mistakes too late. Billy Mink Trust not a fox because he smiles, Lest it may prove one of his wiles. Jerry Muskrat Whenever there's a fox about ‘Twill pay you well if you watch out. Jerry Muskrat When all seems well, with naught to fear, There may be unseen danger near. Jerry Muskrat |
Size is not the gauge of might;
Strength alone may lose a fight. Jimmy Skunk The humblest person oft can do That quite impossible for you. Old Mother Nature A home is more than just a house, Be it for Man or Bird or Mouse. Old Mother Nature When you've a problem never say "It can't be done." It can't that way. Mrs. Digger the Wasp Only one with open mind Truth may ever hope to find Old Mother Nature In some things folks may disagree But still the best of neighbors be. Old Mother Nature The Path of Life is seldom straight Around each turn adventures wait. Old Mother Nature Do something others cannot do And they will have respect for you. Old Mother Nature A cause for everything exists It can be found if one persists. Slaptail the Beaver True progress there could never be If people didn't disagree. Old Mother Nature In every day a little fun Should be enjoyed by everyone. Little Joe Otter Just a light caress may give Hope and faith and will to live. Old Mother Nature Thoughtful kindness in the end Is bound to win for you a friend. Billy Mink Who for another conquers fear Is truly brave, it is most clear. Blacky the Crow No greater happiness is won Than through a deed for others done. Blacky the Crow A song finds echo in your heart And gloom and discontent depart. Peter Rabbit No matter what it is you do You work for self and others too. Slaptail the Beaver If to yourself you would be true Use all the talents given you. Billy Mink He bravest is who is afraid Yet dares to give the helpless aid. Longlegs the Heron Who does his best will do his all And be content whate'er befall. Longlegs the Heron He best will live who will arrange His way of life to constant change. Old Mother Nature Before you speak be sure you know That what you think is really so. Longlegs the Heron Who finds he's in the wrong should try To right it and eat humble pie. Longlegs the Heron Right of heart is he who will Wish his enemy no ill. Longlegs the Heron A wrong to others is not mended By saying it was not intended. Longlegs the Heron A friend stands by through thick and thin, And holds desertion as a sin. Longlegs the Heron Beware of tricky people; they Cannot be trusted night or day. Longlegs the Heron Impatience loses; patience wins. It sticks to what it once begins. Longlegs the Heron Don't let impatience lead you to Take chances as the foolish do. Longlegs the Heron When hope departs come grim despair: And sorrow seems too great to bear. Longlegs the Heron Who is too fussy what he eats Himself of much enjoyment cheats. Longlegs the Heron In quarreling there's little gain; It leads to sorrow and to pain. Longlegs the Heron Be not deceived by fickle fame, There's very little in a name. Longlegs the Heron Who listens well will knowledge gain If wiser folk will but explain. Longlegs the Heron Alas! Alas! That fear of man Should enter into every plan. Longlegs the Heron Folks aren't so sure about you when You spring surprises now and then. Little Joe Otter If there are things you would find out Just use your eyes and look about. Little Joe Otter Tis vain to sit and wish and wish When fishing where there are no fish. Little Joe Otter The heedless young who disobey Will for their folly have to pay. Little Joe Otter To eager youth 'tis vain to preach; Experience alone can teach. Little Joe Otter The willful and the heedless gain Experience through fright and pain. Little Joe Otter This little point remember please There's little gained by those who tease. Peter Rabbit Mischief always waits to greet Idle hands and idle feet. Peter Rabbit Be careful never to intrude, For there is nothing quite so rude. Old Mother Nature In isolation you will find The concepts of a narrow mind. Old Mother Nature Heed not the gossip if you would Be friendly in your neighborhood. Old Mother Nature Who for more knowledge never tries Will never be accounted wise. Peter Rabbit The plainest facts some folks won't heed; A hint is all some others need. Old Mother Nature In other folk's affairs don't pry For no one really likes a spy. Old Mother Nature Be slow to boast lest in the end Humiliation shall attend. Old Mother Nature The right to live is given all However big, however small, Old Mother Nature This saying you'll find true though trite; It always pays to be polite. Peter Rabbit Judge no one by his style of dress; Your ignorance you thus confess. Blacky the Crow Little things you fail to see May important prove to be. Blacky the Crow When friends prove false, whom may we trust? The springs of faith are turned to dust. Blacky the Crow Doubt not a friend, but to the last Grip hard on faith and hold it fast. Blacky the Crow Who keeps his temper well in hand The situation will command. Longlegs the Heron I'd rather be frightened With no cause to fear Than fearful of nothing When danger is near. Whitefoot A useless thing is envy; A foolish thing to boot. Why should a Fox who has a bark Want like an Owl to hoot. Whitefoot The very time you feel most safe, And see no reason for alarm, Is just the time for keeping guard Against some unexpected harm. Jerry Muskrat Whoe'er is honest with himself, With other will be honest too: Remember this where’er you go And whatsoever you may do. Jerry Muskrat The one whose knowledge is complete I never yet have met. The more one gains possession of, The more he'll try to get. Jerry Muskrat Regard none whom you meet with scorn Because you think them lowly born. Old Mother Nature Nothing ever simply happens; Be this point in mind. If you look but close enough, A cause you're sure to find. Jerry Muskrat The trouble is that troubles are More frequently than not Brought on by naught but carelessness By someone who forgot. Jerry Muskrat A thousand things may happen to, Ten thousand things befall, The traveler who careless is, Or thinks he knows it all. By staying here and sitting still I'm sure you’ll simply grow quite ill. A change of scene is what I need To be from all my trouble freed. Peter Rabbit Now what's the use, pray tell me this; When all is said and done; A thousand things and one to learn And then forget the one? For when that one alone you need, And nothing else will do, What good are all the thousand then? I do not see; do you? Peter Rabbit When you find a friend in trouble Pass along a word of cheer. Often it is very helpful Just to feel a friend is near. Peter Rabbit Whate'er the task who does his best To circumstance must leave the rest. Madam Orb (Spider) It often happens when we know The troubles that our friends pass through, Our own seem very small indeed; You'll always find that this is true. To get things done, if you'll but try You'll always find there is a way. What you yourself can't do alone The chances are another may. Whose heart is true and brave and strong Who ne‘er gives up to grim despair, Will find some day that skies are blue And all the world is bright and fair. If people by their looks are judged. As judged they're sure to be, Why each should always look his best, I'm sure you will agree. Peter Rabbit Some little seeds of goodness You'll find in every heart, To sprout and keep on growing When once they get a start. Peter Rabbit Loafing doth the worker irk; Work the loafer tries to shirk. Old Mother Nature When man began to kill for fun Was frightfulness of war begun. Old Mother Nature Be not too sure you're right till you Have seen another's point of view. Old Mother Nature Alas, how oft for little gain Does thoughtlessness give others pain. Old Mother Nature The sun that shines for you may be Completely shut away from me. Johnny Chuck ‘Tis sad indeed to trust a friend Then have that trust abruptly end. Whitefoot Danger may be anywhere So I expect in everywhere. Whitefoot Unhappiness without a cause you never, never find; It may be in the stomach, or it may be in the mind. Whitefoot |