The History of the Seven Families of the Lake Pipple-Popple
by Edward Lear
Chapter I

INTRODUCTORY

In former days — that is to say, once upon a time, there lived in the Land of Gramblamble, Seven Families. They lived by the side of the great Lake Pipple-Popple (one of the Seven Families, indeed, lived in the Lake), and on the outskirts of the City of Tosh, which, excepting when it was quite dark, they could see plainly. The names of all these places you have probably heard of, and you have only not to look in your Geography books to find out all about them.

Now the Seven Families who lived on the borders of the great Lake Pipple-Popple, were as follows in the next Chapter.

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Chapter II

THE SEVEN FAMILIES

There was a Family of Two old Parrots
and Seven young Parrots.

There was a Family of Two old Storks
and Seven young Storks.

There was a Family of Two old Geese,
and Seven young Geese.

There was a Family of Two old Owls,
and Seven young Owls.

There was a Family of Two Old Guinea Pigs
and Seven young Guinea Pigs.

There was a Family of Two old Cats
and Seven young Cats,

And there was a Family of Two old Fishes
and Seven young Fishes.