| ||||||
| Running Time: | 4:23 | Release Date: | ||||
| For this video we have found a rather jolly poem, that is just right for Christmas. No one knows who the author was, but they had rather a sense of fun. The text and images we have used are from an edition first published in 1858. | ||||||
About The Video |
| The Mouse And The Christmas Cake |
 |
A PRETTY story I will tell, Of Nib, a little Mouse, Who took delight, when none where near, To skip about the house. Her little nose could sniff and smell Where all good things were kept, And in the pantry well she knew That mistress Pussy slept. |
 |
But, notwithstanding, in she crept, And on the shelf she found A Christmas cake, the top of which Was by a castle crowned. The subject of the present cake Was Windsor's mighty walls; With turrets, windows, standard too, And entrance to the halls. Why, here within such walls as these, Thought Mousey, I could dwell; And should the Cat lay siege to them, Defend myself right well. |
 |
So, with her little teeth, which served For pickaxe and for spade, She gnawed right through the gothic door, And thus an entrance made. Then climbed the turret, which she chose Her residence to make; And thought to leave it now and then, And feast upon the cake. |
 |
All this occurred on Christmas eve, And next came Christmas day; And then some little folks arrived, To eat, and drink, and play. Right merry are the little folks, And what a noise they make, When Windsor castle they behold, Displayed upon the cake. |
 |
The turrets and the walls they view, The cannon, too, admire; The soldiers ready to present, And then pop! pop! to fire. On this, when they had long enough All exercised their wit, They scrutinised the cake, and wished To taste a bit of it. |
 |
Each guest prepared, the knife was raised Some slices to begin, When, lo! with wonder, all exclaimed, "I hear a noise within!" Poor Mousey, when she saw the knife, At once expressed her fear, By squeaking out with all her might, Which every one could hear. |
 |
Then John, as he the turret viewed, With consternation cried, "There's something, I am sure, alive, And moving, too, inside." All now were hushed, and knew not what All this could be about; While Mouse, in fright, forgot her tail, Which at the top popped out. "Why, here's some trick," the lady cried, "I'll knock the turret down." Mousey, in terror, gave a leap, And ran along her gown. |
 |
"Oh!" screamed the lady, "what is this?" On each side was dismay, Which Mousey took advantage of, By scampering away. Their fright all o'er, loud laughs ensued, From all within the house, To think that so much fear should be Caused by a little Mouse. The children hunted for this Mouse, But she was not a dolt To wait 'till she was caught, but made Right through a hole a bolt. |
 |
The party then began their dance, And singing next ensued; And then came supper, with its cakes, And very best home-brewed. |
More Of Our Christmas Videos |
A Visit From Saint Nicholas
This classic poem is also known as "The Night Before Christmas". Written by Clement Clarke Moore, it tells of a visit by Santa Claus.
The Truth About Santa Claus
So you think you know about Santa Claus? The truth is not so straightforward. We travel back in time to find the origins of the elusive Santa Claus.
Yes, Virginia, There Is A Santa Claus
1897 a young girl, Virginia O'Hanlon wrote to her local newspaper asking if Santa Claus was real. A veteran newpaper man Francis Pharcellus Church answered her question.
Baboushka - A Christmas Legend
One night many years ago, an old peasant woman named Baboushka was called on by the Three Wise Men who invited her to join them as they traveled to Bethlehem.
Old Santeclaus
Published 1821, in The Children's Friend this little known poem is of great interest as it introduces some modern elements of Santa as we know him today.
Interesting Links |
General |
Project Gutenberg - The Mouse and the Christmas Cake by Anonymous
Archive.org - The Mouse and the Christmas Cake by Anonymous
Librivox - Christmas Short Works Collection 2008