[kellychaos]

The Elf and the Dormouse

Did you ever wonder who first thought of making umbrellas? Well, this is the story.

Under the toadstool, crept a wee little Elf,
Out of the rain to shelter himself

Under the toadstool, sound asleep,
Sat a big Dormouse all in a heap.

Trembled the wee Elf, frightened, and yet
Fearing to fly away lest he get wet.

To the next shelter--maybe a mile!
Sudden the wee Elf smiled a wee smile

Tugged till the toadstool toppled in two.
Holding it over him, gaily he flew.

Soon he was safe home, dry as could be.
Soon woke the Dormouse--"Good gracious me!"

"Where is my toadstool?" loud he lamented.
--And that's how umbrellas first were invented.

Oliver Herford