Lille Bo-Peep

As once I went through Storyland, 'Mid hillocks of the hay, I met Bo-Peep. I took her hand, I said to her, "Good day. My little maid, why do you cry? Why droop your pretty head?" She put her finer to her eye, And this is what she said:
"I've lost my sheep, I let them roam, And now I cannot find them; I know (of course) that they'll come home, And bring their tails behind them. But what I really want to know Is why through all the ages I have to stand in Storyland Among the children's pages?"
"Sweetheart," said I, "the reason's clear, You are the Nursery treasure; For you were born, my pretty dear, To give the children pleasure; And if you cannot find your sheep, Permit me to remind you, The children who this book may keep Can find the sheep behind you!"