The Death and Burial of Poor Cock Robin

Here are some enchanting illustrations by H.L. Stephens from his 1865 Children's Book, The Death and Burial of Poor Cock Robin.  In it, various animals of the field and sky take part in the physical tasks of laying their friend to rest.  Death and participation in funerals was a commonplace in 1865, and while no one would wish the morbidity rates of the 19th Century on the children of today, the levels of acceptance and participation  in funeral tasks are enviable.  

Who'll make the shroud?
I, said the Beetle,
with my thread and needle,
I'll make the shroud.

Who'll dig his grave?
I, said the Owl,
with my pick and shovel,
I'll dig his grave.

All the birds of the air
fell a-sighing and a-sobbing,
when they heard the bell toll
for poor Cock Robin.

For the complete set of images and text, visit 50Watts.com