[edit] Simple Willy

By the wayside, simple Willy,
Came upon a toad,
Sleeping there so quietly in
Winter’s drear cold.

Underneath his coat he put it,
So to keep it warm,
To his lonely hearth he bore it,
Safe from unknown harm.

Proud he felt, did simple Willy,
As he shaped its nest,
Made for it a mossy pillow,
Soft and sweet for rest.

Drink he brought it from his table,
But it made no stir,
Coaxed it touched it very gently,
Bringing no demur.

Long it sleeps, thought simple Willy,
In the silent night,

Then piled up high the waning fire,
To keep his vigil bright.

Glad he was that none could see him,
Guardian of a toad,
Kinder men might lightly tease,
But harder men might goad.

Friends he had none, simple Willy
Save of hedge and field,
Nothing craved but humble roof, all
Wild things to shield.

Fearful, panting little wild things,
Found a refuge there,
Bleeding paws and stricken limbs,
Tended he with care.

Sleeping, sleeping still, this new friend,
As the day turned red,
Then it was that simple Willy
Whispered, ‘Toad is dead'.