Introductory Comments
To the Great-Grandchildren,
Grand-Nephews, and Grand-Nieces
of Edward, 13th Earl of Derby,
This Book of Drawings and Verses
(The greater part of which were originally made and composed for their parents,)
Is Dedicated by the Author,
-Edward Lear
There was an Old Derry down Derry,
Who loved to see little folks merry;
So he made them a Book,
And with laughter they shook,
At the fun of that Derry down Derry!
There was an Old Man with a beard,
Who said, "It is just as I feared!--
Two Owls and a Hen,
Four Larks and a Wren,
Have all built their nests in my beard!"