Page 35 - ENGLISH 9

Look at the Pictures and Guess

a. What is this poem about?

b. Did the mother fish allow the little fish to take a bite?

The Foolish Fish

“Dear mother,” said a little fish,

“Is that a worm I see?
I’m very hungry, and I wish
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You’d get the worm for me.”
“Sweet innocent,” the mother cried,

And started from her nook,
“That worm you see is there to hide

The sharpness of a hook.”
As I have heard, the little trout

Was young and foolish too,
And presently he ventured out

To learn what might be true.
Around about the worm he played,

With many a longing look,
And “Dear me!” to himself he said,

“I’m sure there is no hook.”
“I think I’ll give one little bite;”

And that was what he did,
And thus he died in hapless plight

By not doing as he was bid.
- Ann and Jane Taylor

Ann Taylor (1782-1866) best remembered as the elder sister and collabarator of Jane
Taylor was an English poet and literary critic. Twinkle Twinkle Little Star and other
verses for children brought them long-lasting popularity.

30 English class 9