Sarah Josepha Hale

Mary had a little lamb, Its fleece was white as snow, And every where 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. And so the Teacher turned him out, But still he lingered near, And waited patiently about, Till Mary did appear. And then he ran to her and laid His head upon her arm, As if he said — "I'm not afraid — You'll shield me from all harm." "What makes the lamb love Mary so," The little children cry; "O, Mary loves the lamb you know, The Teacher did reply, "And you each gentle animal In confidence may bind, And make them follow at your call, If you are always kind."

Mary had a little lamb, Its fleece was white as snow; And everywhere that Mary went The lamb was sure to go. It followed her to school one day, Which was against the rule; It made the children laugh and play To see a lamb at school. And so the teacher turned it out, But still it lingered near, And waited patiently about Till Mary did appear. Why does the lamb love Mary so? The eager children cry; Why, Mary loves the lamb, you know, The teacher did reply.