Mary Had a Little Lamb (Nursery Rhyme)

Summary

The nursery rhyme tells the story of a girl named Mary and her devoted lamb, whose fleece is as white as snow. The lamb follows Mary everywhere, including to school, which is against the rules. The lamb’s presence at school amuses the children, but the teacher sends him away. Despite this, the lamb waits patiently for Mary until school is over and shows its affection by resting its head on her arm, symbolizing trust and love. The curious children wonder why the lamb loves Mary so much, to which the teacher explains that the lamb is drawn to Mary because she is kind to it. The rhyme illustrates the bond between humans and animals and conveys the message that kindness and love can foster trust and loyalty.

Read Online

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 keep me from all harm.’
‘What makes the lamb love Mary so?’
The eager 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.’