MY tea is nearly ready and the sun has left the sky ; 
It's time to take the window to see Leerie going by ; 
For every night at tea-time, and before you take your 

seat, 
With lantern and with ladder he comes posting up the 

street. 

Now Tom would be a driver, and Maria go to sea, 
And my papa's a banker and as rich as he can be ; 
But I, when I am stronger and can choose what I'm 

to do, 
O Leerie, I'll go round at night and light the lamps 

with you ! 

For we are very lucky, with a lamp before the door, 
And Leerie stops to light it as he lights so many more ; 
And oh ! before you hurry by with ladder and with light 
O Leerie, see a little child and nod to him to-night ! 

ROBERT LOUIS STEVENSON 
via