The Tale of Peter Rabbit. Беатрис Поттер

      The Tale of Peter Rabbit

      Once upon a time there were four little Rabbits, and their names were—

      Flopsy,

      Mopsy,

      Cotton-tail,

      and Peter.

      They lived with their Mother in a sand-bank, underneath the root of a very big fir-tree.

      'Now my dears,' said old Mrs. Rabbit one morning, 'you may go into the fields or down the lane, but don't go into Mr. McGregor's garden: your Father had an accident there; he was put in a pie by Mrs. McGregor.'

      'Now run along, and don't get into mischief. I am going out.'

      Then old Mrs. Rabbit took a basket and her umbrella, and went through the wood to the baker's. She bought a loaf of brown bread and five currant buns.

      Flopsy, Mopsy, and Cotton-tail, who were good little bunnies, went down the lane to gather blackberries:

      But Peter, who was very naughty, ran straight away to Mr. McGregor's garden, and squeezed under the gate!

      First he ate some lettuces and some French beans; and then he ate some radishes;

      And then, feeling rather sick, he went to look for some parsley.

      But round the end of a cucumber frame, whom should he meet but Mr. McGregor!

      Mr. McGregor was on his hands and knees planting out young cabbages, but he jumped up and ran after Peter, waving a rake and calling out, 'Stop thief!'

      Peter was most dreadfully frightened; he rushed all over the garden, for he had forgotten the way back to the gate.