The Pobble swam fast and well,And when boats or ships came near him,He tinkledy-binkledy-winkled a bellSo that all the world could hear him.And all the Sailors and Admirals cried,When they saw him nearing the further side, —‘He has gone to fish, for his Aunt Jobiska'sRuncible Cat with crimson whiskers!’* * *The Pobble went gaily on,To a rock by the edge of the water,And there, a-eating of crumbs and cream,Sat King Jampoodle’s daughter.Her cap was a root of Beetroot redWith a hole cut out to insert her head;Her gloves were yellow; her shoes were pink;Her frock was green: and her name was Bink.Said the Pobble – ‘O Princess Bink,A-eating of crumbs and cream!Your beautiful face has filled my heartWith the most profound esteem!And my Aunt Jobiska says, Man’s lifeAin’t worth a penny without a wife,Whereby it will give me the greatest pleasureIf you’ll marry me now, or when you’ve leisure!’Said the Princess Bink – ‘O! Yes!I will certainly cross the channelAnd marry you then if you’ll give me nowThat lovely scarlet fl annel!And besides that fl annel about your noseI trust you will give me all your toes,To place in my Pa’s Museum collection,As proofs of your deep genteel aff ection!’The Pobble unwrapped his nose,And gave her the fl annel so red,Which, throwing her beetroot cap away,He wreathed around her head.And one by one he unscrewed his toes,Which were made of the beautiful wood that growsIn his Aunt Jobiska’s roorial park,When the days are short and the nights are dark.Said the Princess – ‘O Pobble! My Pobble!I’m yours for ever and ever!I never will leave you my Pobble! My Pobble!Never, and never, and never!’Said the Pobble – ‘My Binky! O bless your heart! —– But say – would you like at once to startWithout taking leave of your dumpetty FatherJampoodle the King?’ – Said the Princess – ‘Rather!’They crossed the Channel at onceAnd when boats and ships came near them,They winkelty-binkelty-tinkled their bellSo that all the world could hear them.And all the Sailors and Admirals criedWhen they saw them swim to the farther side —‘There are no more fish for his Aunt Jobiska’sRuncible Cat with crimson whiskers!’They danced about all day,All over the hills and dales;They danced in every village and townIn the North and the South of Wales.And their Aunt Jobiska made them a dishOf Mice and Buttercups fried with fish,For she said – ‘The World in general knowsPobbles are happier without their toes!’