B

is for Admiral Boom, who is Mr. Banks’ Best friend. He lives in a house Built like a Boat and wears a Blue coat with Brass Buttons.

His servant. Binnacle, a retired Bandit, Bakes the Bread. Borrows Butter from Mrs. Banks, and Bangs the Barometer. Today it says “Bright and Breezy,” so they are Both Bringing Barbara Banks to Buy some Breadcrumbs from the Bird Woman.

“Feed the Birds!” she says Benevolently. “Only tuppence a Bag.”

The Birds peck up the crumbs with their Beaks. “What a Beautiful Banquet!” they say.

And By and By, when Barbara is in Bed. the Bird Woman Beckons her Birds Beside her. They Burrow Beneath her Big Black skirts; they sit on her Bonnet; they creep into her Bulky pocket and even. Betweentimes, into her Boots.

“Sleep well, my Birdies!” they hear her say.

And there they stay till the Break of day.