Cozy Edition: Tale Of The Pie And The Patty Pan, Plus Fables

Snuggle up and get ready to drift off to sleep. The Tale of The Pie and The Patty Pan, is read slowly and at an even pace, giving readers a calm reading experience. This week we join Ribby and Duchess for an afternoon tea party. Following, story three of Aesop's fables and their morals are shared (The Fox and the Stork, The Mountain in Labor, The Town Mouse and The Country Mouse). While parenting styles and social norms have changed since these stories were written, the morals of each story are timeless. Each story is read twice, helping readers rest assured that there's no need to stay awake in case they miss something.

Music in this episode is created by:

"Windswept" Kevin MacLeod
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License

"Silver Blue Light" Kevin MacLeod
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License

Transcript

Welcome to Forget-Me-Not Fairy Tales Bedtime Edition. Classic stories for book lovers of all ages. Don't worry about missing the action. Just let your mind and body relax. Each story is read slowly and softly two times with soothing sounds to help you drift off to sleep. Before we start our story, Let's prepare both mind and body. It's time to let your mind be calm and let your body relax. Breathe in and exhale. Relax your mind. Relax your body. Place your worries or busy thoughts in my box. I'll hold them for you. Let sleep wrap around you like a warm gentle love. It's your time to unwind, To let go, And enjoy the good story. The Tale of the Pie and the Patty Pan Written and illustrated by Beatrix Potter Once upon a time, There was a pussycat called Ribby who invited a little dog called Duchess to tea. My dear Duchess, Said Ribby's letter, And we will have something so very nice. Duchess read the letter and wrote an answer. I will come with much pleasure after quarter past four, But it is very strange. I was just going to invite you to come here to supper, My dear Ribby, To eat something most delicious. I will come very punctually, My dear Ribby, Wrote Duchess, And then at the end she added, I hope it isn't mouse. And then she thought that did not look quite polite, So she scratched out, Isn't mouse, And changed it to, I hope it will be fine, And she gave her letter to the postman. But she thought a great deal about Ribby's pie, And she read Ribby's letter over and over again. I am dreadfully afraid it will be mouse, Said Duchess to herself. I really couldn't, Couldn't eat mouse pie, And I shall have to eat it because it is a party, And my pie was going to be veal and ham, A pink and white pie dish, And so is mine. Just like Ribby's dishes, They were both bought at Tabitha Twitchin's. Duchess went into her larder and took the pie off a shelf and looked at it. It is all ready to put into the oven, Such lovely pie crust, And I put in a little tiny patchy pan to hold up the crust, And I made a hole in the middle with a fork to let out the steam. Oh, I do wish I could eat my own pie instead of a pie made of mouse. Duchess considered and considered and read Ribby's letter again. A pink and white pie dish, And you shall eat it all. You means me, And Ribby is not going to even taste the pie herself. A pink and white pie dish. Ribby is sure to go out to buy the muffins. Oh, What a good idea. Why shouldn't I rush along and put my pie into Ribby's oven when Ribby isn't there? Duchess was quite delighted with her own cleverness. Ribby, In the meantime, Had received Duchess's answer, And as soon as she was sure that the little doll could come, She popped her pie into the oven. There were two ovens, One above the other. Some other knobs and handles were only ornamental and not intended to open. Ribby put the pie into the lower oven. The door was very stiff. A top oven bakes too quickly, Said Ribby to herself. It is a pie of the most delicate and tender mouths minced up with bacon, And I have taken out all the bones because Duchess did nearly choke herself with a fish bone last time I gave a party. She eats a little fast, Rather big mouthfuls, But a most gentle and elegant little dog, Infinitely superior company to cousin Tabitha Twitchit. Ribby put on some coal and swept up the hearth. Then she went out with a can to the well for water to fill up the kettle. Then she began to set the room in order for it was the sitting room as well as the kitchen. She shook the mats out at the front door and put them straight. The hearth rug was a rabbit skin. She dusted the clock and the ornaments on the mantelpiece, And she polished and rubbed the tables and chairs. Then she spread a very clean white tablecloth and set out her best china set, Which she took out of a wall cupboard near the fireplace. The teacups were white with a pattern of pink roses, And the dinner plates were white and blue. When Ribby had laid the table, She took a jug and a blue and white dish and went out down the field to the farm to fetch milk and butter. When she came back, She peeped into the bottom oven. The pie looked very comfortable. Ribby put on her shawl and bonnet and went out again with a basket to the village shop to buy a packet of tea, A pound of lump sugar, And a pot of marmalade. And just at the same time, Duchess came out of her house at the other end of the village. Ribby met Duchess halfway down the street, Also carrying a basket covered with a cloth. They only bowed to one another. They did not speak because they were going to have a party. As soon as Duchess had got round the corner out of sight, She simply ran straight away to Ribby's house. Ribby went into the shop and bought what she required and came out after a pleasant gossip with Cousin Tabitha Twidget. Cousin Tabitha was disdainful afterwards in conversation. A little dog indeed, Just as if there were no cats in Suare and a pie for afternoon tea. A very idea, Said Cousin Tabitha Twidget. Ribby went on to Timothy Baker's and bought the muffins. Then she went home. There seemed to be a sort of scuffling noise in the back passage as she was coming in at the front door. I trust that is not that pie. The spoons are locked up, However, Said Ribby. But there was nobody there. Ribby opened the bottom oven door with some difficulty and turned the pie. There began to be a pleasing smell of baked mouse. Duchess, In the meantime, Had slipped out at the back door. It is a very odd thing that Ribby's pie was not in the oven when I put mine in. I can't find it anywhere. I have looked all over the house. I put my pie into a nice hot oven at the top. I could not turn any of the other handles. I think they are all shams, Said Duchess. But I wish I could have removed the pie made of mouse. I cannot think what she has done with it. I heard Ribby coming and I had to run out by the back door. Duchess went home and brushed her beautiful black coat and then she picked a bunch of flowers in her garden as a present for Ribby and passed the time until the clock struck four. Ribby, Having assured herself by careful search that there was really no one hiding in the cupboard or in the larder, Went upstairs to change her dress. She put on a lilac silk gown for the party and an embroidered muslin apron and tippet. It is very strange, Said Ribby. I did not think I left that drawer pulled out. Has somebody been trying on my mittens? She came downstairs again and made the tea and put the teapot on the hob. She peeped again into the bottom oven. The pie had become a lovely brown. And it was steaming hot. She sat down before the fire to wait for the little dog. I am glad I used the bottom oven, Said Ribby. The top one would certainly have been much too hot. I wonder why that cupboard door was open. Can there really have been someone in the house? Very punctually, At four o'clock, Duchess started to go to the party. She ran so fast through the village that she was too early and she had to wait a little while in the lane that leads down to Ribby's house. I wonder if Ribby has taken my pie out of the oven yet, Said Duchess. And whatever can have become of the other pie made of mouse? At a quarter past four to the minute, There came a most gentle little tap-tippity. Is Mrs. Ribbitson at home? Inquired Duchess in the porch. Come in. And how do you do, My dear Duchess, Cried Ribby. I hope I see you well. Quite well, I thank you. And how do you do, My dear Ribby, Said Duchess. I've brought you some flowers. Mmm, What a delicious smell of pie. Oh, What lovely flowers. Yes, It is mouse and bacon. Do not talk about food, My dear Ribby, Said Duchess. What a lovely white tea cloth. Hmm, Is it done to a turn? Is it still in the oven? Now, I think it wants another five minutes, Said Ribby. Just a shade longer. I will pour out the tea while we wait. Do you take sugar, My dear Duchess? Oh, Yes, Please, My dear Ribby. And may I have a lump upon my nose? With pleasure, My dear Duchess. How beautifully you beg. Oh, How sweetly pretty. Duchess sat up with the sugar on her nose and sniffed. Oh, How good that pie smells. I do love veal and ham, I mean to say, Mouse and bacon. She dropped the sugar in confusion and had to go hunting under the tea table so to not see which oven Ribby opened in order to get out the pie. Ribby set the pie upon the table. There was a very savory smell. Duchess came out from under the tablecloth, Munching sugar, And sat upon a chair. I will first cut the pie for you. I am going to have muffin and marmalade, Said Ribby. Do you really prefer muffin? Mine the patty pan. I beg your pardon, Said Ribby. May I pass you marmalade, Said Duchess hurriedly. The pie proved extremely toothsome and the muffins light and hot. They disappeared rapidly, Especially the pie. I think, Thought the Duchess to herself, I think it would be wiser if I helped myself to pie, Though Ribby did not seem to notice anything when she was cutting it. What very small, Fine pieces it has cooked into. I did not remember that I had minced it up so fine. I suppose this is a quicker oven than my own. How fast Duchess is eating, Thought Ribby to herself as she buttered her fifth muffin. The pie dish was emptying rapidly. Duchess had had four helps already and was fumbling with the spoon. A little more bacon, My dear Duchess, Said Ribby. Thank you, My dear Ribby. I was only feeling for the patty pan. The patty pan, My dear Duchess. The patty pan that held up the pie crust, Said Duchess, Blushing under her black coat. Oh, I didn't put one in, My dear Duchess, Said Ribby. I don't think that it is necessary in pies made of mouse. Duchess fumbled with the spoon. I can't find it, She said anxiously. There isn't a patty pan, Said Ribby, Looking perplexed. Yes, Indeed, My dear Ribby. Where can it have gone to, Said Duchess. There most certainly is not one, My dear Duchess. I disapprove of tin articles in puddings and pies. It is most undesirable, Especially when people swallow in lumps, She added in a lower voice. Duchess looked very much alarmed and continued to scoop the inside of the pie dish. My great-aunt, Squintina, Grandmother of Cousin Tabitha Twitchit, Died of a thimble in a Christmas plum pudding. I never put any article of metal in my puddings or pies. Duchess looked aghast and tilted up the pie dish. I have only four patty pans and they are all in the cupboard, Duchess said up a howl. Oh, I shall die, I shall die. I have swallowed a patty pan. Oh, My dear Ribby, I do feel so ill. It is impossible, My dear Duchess. There was not a patty pan. Duchess moaned and whined and rocked herself about. Oh, I feel so dreadful. I have swallowed a patty pan. There was nothing in the pie, Said Ribby severely. Yes, There was, My dear Ribby. I am sure I have swallowed it. Let me prop you up with a pillow, My dear Duchess. Where do you think you feel ill? Oh, I do feel so ill all over me, My dear Ribby. I have swallowed a large tin patty pan with a sharp scalloped edge. Shall I run for the doctor? I will just lock up the spoons. Oh, Yes, Yes. Fetch, Dr. Maggity. My dear Ribby. He is a pie himself. He will certainly understand. Ribby settled Duchess in an armchair before the fire and went out and hurried to the village to look for the doctor. She found him at the smithy. He was occupied in putting rusty nails into a bottle of ink, Which he had obtained at the post office. Gammon, Ha, Ha, Said he with his head on one side. Ribby explained that her guests had swallowed a patty pan. Spinach, Ha, Ha, Said he and accompanied her with all christity. He hopped so fast that Ribby had to run. It was most conspicuous. All the village could see that Ribby was fetching the doctor. I knew they wouldn't overeat themselves, Said Cousin Tabitha Twitchit. But while Ribby had been hunting for the doctor, A curious thing had happened to Duchess, Who had been left by herself, Sitting before the fire, Sighing and groaning and feeling very unhappy. How could I have swallowed it? Such a large thing as a patty pan. She got up and went to the table and felt inside the pie dish again with the spoon. No, There is no patty pan, And I put one in, And nobody has eaten pie except me, So I must have swallowed it. She sat down again and stared mournfully at the grate. The fire crackled and danced, And something sizzled. Duchess started. She opened the door of the top oven. Out came a rich, Steamy flavor of veal and ham, And there stood a fine brown pie, And through a hole in the top of the pie crust there was a glimpse of a little tin patty pan. Duchess drew a long breath. Then I must have been eating mouse. No wonder I fell ill, But perhaps I should feel worse if I had really swallowed a patty pan. Duchess reflected. What a very awkward thing to have to explain to Ribby. I think I will put my pie in the backyard and say nothing about it. When I go home, I will run around and take it away. She put it outside the back door and sat down again by the fire and shut her eyes. When Ribby arrived with the doctor, She seemed fast asleep. Gammon, Ha, Ha, Said the doctor. I am feeling very much better, Said Duchess waking up with a jump. I am truly glad to hear it. He has brought you a pill, My dear Duchess. I think I should feel quite well if he only felt my pulse, Said Duchess backing away from the magpie, Who sidled up with something in his beak. It is only a bread pill. You had much better take it. Drink a little milk, My dear Duchess. Gammon, Gammon, Said the doctor while Duchess coughed and choked. Don't say that again, Said Ribby losing her temper. Here, Take this bread and jam and get out into the yard. Gammon and spinach, Ha, Ha, Ha, Shouted Dr. Maggity triumphantly outside the back door. I am feeling very much better, My dear Ribby, Said Duchess. Do you not think that I had better go home before it gets dark? Perhaps it might be wise, My dear Duchess. I will lend you a nice warm shawl, And you shall take my arm. I would not trouble you for worlds. I feel wonderfully better. One pill of Dr. Maggity. Indeed, It is most admirable if it has cured you of a patty pan. I will call directly after breakfast to ask how you have slept. Ribby and Duchess said goodbye affectionately, And Duchess started home. Halfway up the lane, She stopped and looked back. Ribby had gone in and shut her door. Duchess slipped through the fence and ran around to the back of Ribby's house and peeped into the yard. Upon the roof of the pigsty sat Dr. Maggity and three jackdaws. The jackdaws were eating pie crusts, And the magpie was drinking gravy out of a patty pan. Gammon, Ha, Ha! He shouted when he saw Duchess's little black nose peeping round the corner. Duchess ran home, Feeling uncommonly silly. When Ribby came out for a pail full of water to wash up the tea things, She found a pink and white pie dish lying smashed in the middle of the yard. The patty pan was under the pump where Dr. Maggity had considerably left it. Ribby stared with amazement. Did you ever see the like? So there really was a patty pan. But my patty pans are all in the kitchen cupboard. Well, I never did. Next time I want to give a party, I will invite Cousin Tabitha Twidget. I hope you enjoyed this story. The Tale of the Pie in the Patty Pan Fairy tales contain many morals. One lesson from this story is Don't make assumptions or mistake telling lies for being polite. Both can cause far more pain and problems than it's worth. And now it's time for The Fox and the Stork The fox one day thought of a plan to amuse himself at the expense of the stork, At whose odd appearance he was always laughing. You must come and dine with me today, He said to the stork, Smiling to himself at the trick he was going to play. The stork gladly accepted the invitation and arrived in good time and with a very good appetite. For dinner, The fox served soup, But it was set in a very shallow dish, And all the stork could do was to wet the very tip of his bill. Not a drop of soup could he get, But the fox lapped it up easily and to increase the disappointment of the stork, Made a great show of enjoyment. The hungry stork was much displeased at the trick, But he was a calm, Even-tempered fellow and saw no good in flying into a rage. Instead, Not long afterwards, He invited the fox to dinner with him in turn. The fox arrived promptly at the time that had been set and the stork served a fish dinner that had a very appetizing smell, But it was served in a tall jar with a very narrow neck. The stork could easily get at the food with his long bill, But all the fox could do was to lick the outside of the jar and sniff at the delicious odor, And when the fox lost his temper, The stork said calmly, Do not play tricks on your neighbors unless you can stand the same treatment yourself. The moral of the story is, Treat others like you would like to be treated. The Mountain in Labor One day, The people of a certain country noticed that a great mountain nearby had begun to rumble and shake. Smoke and flames shot up from its peak, The earth trembled beneath their feet, And enormous cracks split the ground around the mountain's base. Something tremendous is about to happen, The people cried, And they gathered from miles around to watch. Crowds pressed together at what they hoped was a safe distance, Their eyes fixed upon the shaking mountain. Some thought a new volcano was being born, Others whispered that a giant must be struggling to break free from deep within the earth. If you declared that the mountain was surely about to split open and pour forth rivers of gold and precious gems. The rumbling grew louder, The ground shook harder, Rocks tumbled down the mountainside in great avalanches that raised clouds of dust. The people held their breath, Waiting for the magnificent spectacle that was sure to come. Then, At last, A small crack appeared near the base of the mountain. The crowd leaned forward. Out of the crack crept a tiny mouse. It blinked in the sunlight, Twitched its whiskers, And scurried away into the grass. The crowd stared in silence for a moment, Then burst into laughter that echoed across the valley. The moral of the story is, Big promises often end in small results. The Town Mouse and the Country Mouse A town mouse once visited a relative who lived in the country. For lunch, The country mouse served wheat stalks, Roots, And acorns with a dash of cold water for drink. The town mouse ate very sparingly, Nibbling a little of this and a little of that, And by her manner, Making it very plain that she ate the simple food only to be polite. After the meal, The friends had a long talk, Or rather, The town mouse talked about her life in the city while the country mouse listened. They then went to bed in a cozy nest in the hedgerow and slept in quiet and comfort until morning. In her sleep, The country mouse dreamed she was a town mouse with all the luxuries and delights of city life that her friend had described for her. So the next day, When the town mouse asked the country mouse to go home with her to the city, She gladly said yes. When they reached the mansion in which the town mouse lived, They found on the table in the dining room the leavings of a very fine banquet. There were sweetbeats and jellies, Pastries, Delicious cheeses, Indeed the most tempting foods that a mouse can imagine. But just as the country mouse was about to nibble a dainty bit of pastry, She heard a cat meow loudly and scratch at the door. In great fear, The mice scurried to a hiding place where they lay quite still for a long time, Hardly daring to breathe. When at last they ventured back to the feast, The door opened subtly and in came the servants to clear the table followed by the house dog. The country mouse stopped in the town mouse's den, Only long enough to pick up her carpet bag and umbrella. You may have luxuries and dainties that I have not, She said as she hurried away, But I prefer my plain food and simple life in the country with the peace and security that go with it. The moral of the story is, Not having a lot and being secure is better than having plenty but living in fear and uncertainty. The Tale of the Pie and the Patty Pan Written and illustrated by Beatrix Potter Once upon a time, There was a pussycat called Ribby who invited a little dog called Duchess to tea. My dear Duchess, Said Ribby's letter, And we will have something so very nice. I am a pie dish with a pink rim. You never tasted anything so good. Duchess read the letter and wrote in answer, I will come with much pleasure after quarter past four, But it is very strange, I was just going to invite you to come here to supper, My dear Ribby, To eat something most delicious. I will come very punctually, My dear Ribby, Wrote Duchess, And then at the end she added, I hope it isn't mouse. And then she thought that did not look quite polite, So she scratched out isn't mouse and changed it to, I hope it will be fine, And she gave her letter to the postman, But she thought a great tale about Ribby's pie, And she read Ribby's letter over and over again. I am dreadfully afraid it will be mouse, Said Duchess to herself, I really couldn't, Couldn't eat mouse pie, And I shall have to eat it because it is a party, And my pie was going to be veal and ham, A pink and white pie dish, And so is mine, Just like Ribby's dishes, They were both bought at Tabitha Twitchens. Duchess went into her larder, And took the pie off a shelf and looked at it, It is all ready to put into the oven, Such lovely pie crust, And I put in a little tiny patty pan to hold up the crust, And I made a hole in the middle with a fork to let out the steam, Oh, I do wish I could eat my own pie, Instead of a pie made of mouse, Duchess considered and considered, And read Ribby's letter again, A pink and white pie dish, And you shall eat it all, You means me, And Ribby is not going to even taste the pie herself, A pink and white pie dish, Ribby is sure to go out to buy the muffins, Oh, What a good idea, Why shouldn't I rush along, And put my pie into Ribby's oven, When Ribby isn't there, Duchess was quite delighted with her own cleverness, Ribby in the meantime had received Duchess's answer, And as soon as she was sure that the little doll could come, She popped her pie into the oven, There were two ovens, One above the other, Some other knobs and handles were only ornamental, And not intended to open, Ribby put the pie into the lower oven, The door was very stiff, A top oven bakes too quickly, Said Ribby to herself, It is a pie of the most delicate and tender mouths, Minced up with bacon, And I have taken out all the bones, Because Duchess did nearly choke herself with a fish bone last time I gave a party, She eats a little fast, Rather big mouthfuls, But a most gentle and elegant little dog, Infinitely superior company to cousin Tabitha Twitchit, Ribby put on some coal and swept up the hearth, Then she went out with a can to the well for water to fill up the kettle, Then she began to set the room in order, For it was the sitting room as well as the kitchen, She shook the mats out at the front door and put them straight, The hearth rug was a rabbit skin, She dusted the clock and the ornaments on the mantelpiece, And she polished and rubbed the tables and chairs, Then she spread a very clean white tablecloth, And set out her best china set, Which she took out of a wall cupboard near the fireplace, The teacups were white with the pattern of pink roses, And the dinner plates were white and blue, When Ribby had laid the table, She took a jug and a blue and white dish, And went out down the field to the farm to fetch milk and butter, When she came back she peeped into the bottom oven, The pie looked very comfortable, Ribby put on her shawl and bonnet, And went out again with a basket to the village shop to buy a packet of tea, A pound of lump sugar and a pot of marmalade, And just at the same time, Duchess came out of her house at the other end of the village, Ribby met Duchess halfway down the street, Also carrying a basket covered with a cloth, They only bowed to one another, They did not speak, Because they were going to have a party, As soon as Duchess had got round the corner out of sight, She simply ran straight away to Ribby's house, Ribby went into the shop and bought what she required, And came out after a pleasant gossip with Cousin Tabitha Twidget, Cousin Tabitha was disdainful afterwards in conversation, A little dog indeed, Just as if there were no cats in Sworry, And a pie for afternoon tea, What very idea, Said Cousin Tabitha Twidget, Ribby went on to Timothy Baker's and bought the muffins, Then she went home, There seemed to be a sort of scuffling noise in the back passage, As she was coming in at the front door, I trust that is not that pie, The spoons are locked up however, Said Ribby, But there was nobody there, Ribby opened the bottom oven door with some difficulty, And turned the pie, There began to be a pleasing smell of baked mouse, Duchess in the meantime had slipped out at the back door, It is a very odd thing that Ribby's pie was not in the oven when I put mine in, I can't find it anywhere, I have looked all over the house, I put my pie into a nice hot oven at the top, I could not turn any of the other handles, I think they are all shams, Said Duchess, But I wish I could have removed the pie made of mouse, I cannot think what she has done with it, I heard Ribby coming and I had to run out by the back door, Duchess went home and brushed her beautiful black coat, And then she picked a bunch of flowers in her garden as a present for Ribby, And passed the time until the clock struck four, Ribby having assured herself by careful search, That there was really no one hiding in the cupboard, Or in the larder, Went upstairs to change her dress, She put on a lilac silk gown for the party, And an embroidered muslin apron and tippet, It is very strange, Said Ribby, I did not think I left that drawer pulled out, Has somebody been trying on my mittens, She came downstairs again and made the tea, And put the teapot on the hob, She peeped again into the bottom oven, The pie had become a lovely brown, And it was steaming hot, She sat down before the fire to wait for the little dog, I am glad I used the bottom oven, Said Ribby, The top one would certainly have been much too hot, I wonder why that cupboard door was open, Can there really have been someone in the house, Very punctually at four o'clock, Duchess started to go to the party, She ran so fast through the village, That she was too early, And she had to wait a little while in the lane, That leads down to Ribby's house, I wonder if Ribby has taken my pie out of the oven yet, Said Duchess, And whatever can have become of the other pie made of mouse, At a quarter past four to the minute, There came a most gentle little tap-tippity, Is Mrs. Ribbitson at home, Inquired Duchess in the porch, Come in and how do you do my dear Duchess, Cried Ribby, I hope I see you well, Quite well I thank you, And how do you do my dear Ribby, Said Duchess, I've brought you some flowers, Hmm what a delicious smell of pie, Oh what lovely flowers, Yes it is mouse and bacon, Do not talk about food my dear Ribby, Said Duchess, What a lovely white teacup, Hmm is it done to a turn, Is it still in the oven, No I think it wants another five minutes, Said Ribby, Just a shade longer, I will pour out the tea while we wait, Do you take sugar my dear Duchess, Oh yes please my dear Ribby, And may I have a lump upon my nose, With pleasure my dear Duchess, How beautifully you beg, Oh how sweetly pretty, Duchess sat up with the sugar on her nose and sniffed, Oh how good that pie smells, I do love veal and ham, I mean to say mouse and bacon, She dropped the sugar in confusion, And had to go hunting under the tea table, So to not see which oven Ribby opened, In order to get out the pie, Ribby set the pie upon the table, There was a very savory smell, Duchess came out from under the tablecloth, Munching sugar and sat upon a chair, I will first cut the pie for you, I am going to have muffin and marmalade, Said Ribby, Do you really prefer muffin, Mine the patty pan, I beg your pardon, Said Ribby, May I pass you marmalade, Said Duchess hurriedly, The pie proved extremely toothsome, And the muffins light and hot, They disappeared rapidly, Especially the pie, I think, Thought the Duchess to herself, I think it would be wiser, If I helped myself to pie, Though Ribby did not seem to notice anything, When she was cutting it, What very small fine pieces, It has cooked into, I did not remember, That I had minced it up so fine, I suppose this is a quicker oven than my own, How fast Duchess is eating, Thought Ribby to herself, As she buttered her fifth muffin, The pie dish was emptying rapidly, Duchess had had four helps already, And was fumbling with the spoon, A little more bacon, My dear Duchess, Said Ribby, Thank you, My dear Ribby, I was only feeling for the patty pan, The patty pan, My dear Duchess, The patty pan that held up the pie crust, Said Duchess, Blushing under her black coat, Oh, I did not put one in, My dear Duchess, Said Ribby, I don't think that it is necessary, In pies made of mouse, Duchess fumbled with the spoon, I can't find it, She said anxiously, There isn't a patty pan, Said Ribby, Looking perplexed, Yes indeed, My dear Ribby, Where can it have gone to, Said Duchess, There most certainly is not one, My dear Duchess, I disapprove of ten articles in puddings and pies, It is most undesirable, Especially when people swallow in lumps, She added in a lower voice, Duchess looked very much alarmed, And continued to scoop the inside of the pie dish, My great aunt, Squintina, Grandmother of cousin Tabitha Twitchit, Died of a thimble in a Christmas plum pudding, I never put any article of metal in my puddings or pies, Duchess looked aghast, And tilted up the pie dish, I have only four patty pans, And they are all in the cupboard, Duchess said up a howl, Oh, I shall die, I shall die, I have swallowed a patty pan, Oh my dear Ribby, I do feel so ill, It is impossible my dear Duchess, There was not a patty pan, Duchess moaned and whined, And rocked herself about, Oh, I feel so dreadful, I have swallowed a patty pan, There was nothing in the pie, Said Ribby severely, Yes there was my dear Ribby, I am sure I have swallowed it, Meow, Let me prop you up with a pillow my dear Duchess, Where do you think you feel ill, Oh, I do feel so ill all over me my dear Ribby, I have swallowed a large tin patty pan, With a sharp scalloped edge, Shall I run for the doctor, I will just lock up the spoons, Oh yes, Yes, Fetch Doctor Maggity, My dear Ribby, He is a pie himself, He will certainly understand, Ribby settled Duchess in an armchair before the fire, And went out and hurried to the village to look for the doctor, She found him at the smithy, He was occupied in putting rusty nails into a bottle of ink, Which he had obtained at the post office, Gammon, Ha, Ha, Said he with his head on one side, Ribby explained that her guests had swallowed a patty pan, Spinach, Ha, Ha, Said he, And accompanied her with all christity, He hopped so fast that Ribby had to run, It was most conspicuous, All the village could see that Ribby was fetching the doctor, I knew they would overeat themselves, Said cousin Tabitha Twitchit, But while Ribby had been hunting for the doctor, A curious thing had happened to Duchess, Who had been left by herself, Sitting before the fire, Sighing and groaning and feeling very unhappy, How could I have swallowed it, Such a large thing as a patty pan, She got up and went to the table, And felt inside the pie dish again with the spoon, No, There is no patty pan, And I put one in, And nobody has eaten pie except me, So I must have swallowed it, She sat down again, And stared mournfully at the crate, The fire crackled and danced, And something sizzled, Duchess started, She opened the door of the top oven, Out came a rich steamy flavor of veal and ham, And there stood a fine brown pie, And through a hole in the top of the pie crust, There was a glimpse of a little tin patty pan, Duchess drew a long breath, And I must have been eating mouse, No wonder I fell ill, But perhaps I should feel worse, If I had really swallowed a patty pan, Duchess reflected, What a very awkward thing to have to explain to Ribby, I think I will put my pie in the backyard, And say nothing about it, When I go home, I will run around and take it away, She put it outside the back door and sat down again by the fire and shut her eyes. When Ribby arrived with the doctor, She seemed fast asleep. Gammon, Ha ha, Said the doctor. I am feeling very much better, Said Dutchess waking up with a jump. I am truly glad to hear it. He has brought you a pill, My dear Dutchess. I think I should feel quite well if he only felt my pulse, Said Dutchess backing away from the magpie, Who sidled up with something in his beak. It is only a bread pill. You had much better take it. Drink a little milk, My dear Dutchess. Gammon, Gammon, Said the doctor, While Dutchess coughed and choked. Don't say that again, Said Ribby losing her temper. Here, Take this bread and jam and get out into the yard. Gammon and spinach, Ha ha ha, Shouted Dr. Maggety triumphantly outside the back door. I am feeling very much better, My dear Ribby, Said Dutchess. Do you not think that I had better go home before it gets dark? Perhaps it might be wise, My dear Dutchess. I will lend you a nice warm shawl, And you shall take my arm. I would not trouble you for worlds. I feel wonderfully better. One pill of Dr. Maggety. Indeed, It is most admirable if it has cured you of a patty-pan. I will call directly after breakfast to ask how you have slept. Ribby and Dutchess said goodbye affectionately, And Dutchess started home. Halfway up the lane, She stopped and looked back. Ribby had gone in and shut her door. Dutchess slipped through the fence and ran around to the back of Ribby's house and peeped into the yard. Upon the roof of the pigsty sat Dr. Maggety and three jackdaws. The jackdaws were eating pie crusts, And the magpie was drinking gravy out of a patty pan. "'Gammon, Ha, Ha! " he shouted when he saw Dutchess's little black nose peeping round the corner. Dutchess ran home, Feeling uncommonly silly. When Ribby came out for a pailful of water to wash up the tea things, She found a pink and white pie dish lying smashed in the middle of the yard. The patty pan was under the pump where Dr. Maggety had considerably left it. Ribby stared with amazement. Did you ever see the like? So there really was a patty pan. But my patty pans are all in the kitchen cupboard. Well, I never did. Next time I want to give a party, I will invite Cousin Taddle the Twidget. The End I hope you enjoyed this story, The Tale of the Pie in the Patty Pan. Fairytales contain many morals. One lesson from this story is, Don't make assumptions or mistake telling lies for being polite. Both can cause far more pain and problems than it's worth. And now it's time for Aesop's Fables. The Fox and the Stork The fox one day thought of a plan to amuse himself at the expense of the stork, At whose odd appearance he was always laughing. You must come and dine with me today, He said to the stork, Smiling to himself at the trick he was going to play. The stork gladly accepted the invitation and arrived in good time and with a very good appetite. For dinner, The fox served soup, But it was set in a very shallow dish, And all the stork could do was to wet the very tip of his bill. Not a drop of soup could he get, But the fox lapped it up easily, And to increase the disappointment of the stork made a great show of enjoyment. The hungry stork was much displeased at the trick, But he was a calm, Even-tempered fellow, And saw no good in flying into a rage. Instead, Not long afterwards, He invited the fox to dinner with him in turn. The fox arrived promptly at the time that had been set, And the stork served a fish dinner that had a very appetizing smell, But it was served in a tall jar with a very narrow neck. The stork could easily get at the food with his long bill, But all the fox could do was to lick the outside of the jar and sniff at the delicious odor, And when the fox lost his temper, The stork sat calmly. Do not play tricks on your neighbors unless you can stand the same treatment yourself. The moral of the story is, Treat others like you would like to be treated. The Mountain in Labor One day, The people of a certain country noticed that a great mountain nearby had begun to rumble and shake. Smoke and flames shot up from its peak. The earth trembled beneath their feet, And enormous cracks split the ground around the mountain's base. Something tremendous is about to happen, The people cried, And they gathered from miles around to watch. Crowds pressed together at what they hoped was a safe distance. Their eyes fixed upon the shaking mountain. Some thought a new volcano was being born. Others whispered that a giant must be struggling to break free from deep within the earth. If you declared that the mountain was surely about to split open and pour forth rivers of gold and precious gems. The rumbling grew louder. The ground shook harder. Rocks tumbled down the mountainside in great avalanches that raised clouds of dust. The people held their breath, Waiting for the magnificent spectacle that was sure to come. Then, At last, A small crack appeared near the base of the mountain. The crowd leaned forward. Out of the crack crept a tiny mouse. It blinked in the sunlight, Twitched its whiskers, And scurried away into the grass. The crowd stared in silence for a moment, Then burst into laughter that echoed across the valley. The moral of the story is, Big promises often end in small results. The Town Mouse and the Country Mouse A town mouse once visited a relative who lived in the country. For lunch, The country mouse served wheat stalks, Roots, And acorns with a dash of cold water for drink. The town mouse ate very sparingly, Nibbling a little of this and a little of that, And by her manner, Making it very plain that she ate the simple food only to be polite. After the meal, The friends had a long talk, Or rather, The town mouse talked about her life in the city while the country mouse listened. They then went to bed in a cozy nest in the hedgerow and slept in quiet and comfort until morning. In her sleep, The country mouse dreamed she was a town mouse with all the luxuries and delights of city life that her friend had described for her. So the next day, When the town mouse asked the country mouse to go home with her to the city, She gladly said yes. When they reached the mansion in which the town mouse lived, They found on the table in the dining room the leavings of a very fine banquet. There were sweetbeats and jellies, Pastries, Delicious cheeses, Indeed the most tempting foods that a mouse can imagine. But just as the country mouse was about to nibble a dainty bit of pastry, She heard a cat meow loudly and scratch at the door. In great fear, The mouse scurried to a hiding place where they lay quite still for a long time, Hardly daring to breathe. When at last they ventured back to the feast, The door opened subtly and in came the servants to clear the table, Followed by the house dog. The country mouse stopped in the town mouse's den, Only long enough to pick up her carpet back and umbrella. You may have luxuries and dainties that I have not, She said as she hurried away, But I prefer my plain food and simple life in the country with the peace and security that go with it. The moral of the story is, Not having a lot and being secure is better than having plenty, But living in fear and uncertainty. Thanks for listening my friend, Sleep tight.