p. 108 | The Home Circle

International Tract and Missionary Society · Oakland, California · Feb 14, 1884

The Home Circle.

THEY DIDN'T THINK.

ONCE a trap was baited with a piece of cheese; It tickled so a little mouse it almost made him sneeze. An old rat said, "There's danger—be careful where you go!" "Nonsense!" said the other, "I don't think you know." So he walked in boldly; nobody in sight; First he took a nibble, then he took a bite. Close the trap together, snapped as quick as wink, Catching mousey fast there, 'cause he didn't think.

Once a little turkey, fond of her own way, Wouldn't ask the old ones where to go or stay. Said she, "I'm not a baby, here I am half grown; Surely I am big enough to run around alone!" Off she went; but somebody, hiding, saw her pass; Soon, like snow, her feathers covered all the grass. So she made a supper for a sly young mink, 'Cause she was so headstrong that she wouldn't think.

Once there was a robin lived outside the door, Who wanted to go inside and hop upon the floor. "No, no," said the mother, "you must stay with me; Little birds are safest sitting in a tree!" "I don't care," said robin, and gave his tail a fling, "I don't think the old folks know quite everything." Down he flew, and kitty seized him before he'd time to wink, "Oh!" he cried, "I'm sorry, but I didn't think."

Now, my little children, you who read this song, Don't you see what trouble comes of thinking wrong? Can't you take a warning from their dreadful fate, Who began their thinking when it was to late? Don't think you're always safe, or that you know more Than anybody knows who has gone before; But when you're warned of ruin, pause upon the brink, And don't go under headlong, 'cause you didn't think.