David Rands has kindly shared with readers of the Victorian Web his site about the life and works of W. B. Rands, the prolific writer of children's literature and originator of The Boy's Own Paper. Readers may wish to consult this site for more information about this little-known figure who had an immense influence upon Victorian children. [GPL]
Seven sweet singing birds up in a tree;
Seven swift sailing-ships white upon the sea;
Seven bright waether-cocks shining in the sun;
Seven slim race-horses ready for a run;
Seven gold butterflies flitting overhead;
seven red roses blowing in a garden bed;
Seven white lilies, with honey-bees inside them;
Seven round rainbows with clouds to divide them;
Seven pretty little girls with sugar on their lips;
Seven witty little boys, whom everybody tips;
Seven nice fathers to call little maids joys;
Seven nice mothers to kiss the little boys
Seven nights running I dreamt it all plain;
With bread and jam for supper I could dream it all again!
Last modified 21 August 2005