by Sarah Josepha Hale

    Mary had a little lamb，

    Its fleece was white as snow；

    And everywhere that Mary went，

    The lamb was sure to go.

    He followed her to school one day

    That was against the rule；

    It made the children laugh and play，

    To see a lamb at school.

    So the teacher turned him out，

    But still he lingered near，

    And waited patiently about，

    Till Mary did appear.

    Then he ran to her， and laid

    His head upon her arm，

    As if he said， "I'm not afraid

    You'll keep me from all harm."

    "What makes the lamb love Mary so？"

    The eager children cry.

    "Oh， Mary loves the lamb， you know，"

    The teacher did reply.