The Elf and the Dormouse
Did you ever wonder who first thought of making umbrellas? Well, this is the story.
Under the toadstool, crept a wee little Elf,
Out of the rain to shelter himself
Under the toadstool, sound asleep,
Sat a big Dormouse all in a heap.
Trembled the wee Elf, frightened, and yet
Fearing to fly away lest he get wet.
To the next shelter--maybe a mile!
Sudden the wee Elf smiled a wee smile
Tugged till the toadstool toppled in two.
Holding it over him, gaily he flew.
Soon he was safe home, dry as could be.
Soon woke the Dormouse--"Good gracious me!"
"Where is my toadstool?" loud he lamented.
--And that's how umbrellas first were invented.
Oliver Herford
