Oil The Cricket

"Mamma, what noises do I hear?
  They keep me wide awake."
"The chirping crickets, little dear;
  What funny noise they make!"

"Yes, ma, but touch their tongues with oil,
  To take the squeak away;
For soon it will their voices spoil,
  To squeak thus night and day."

Well done, my little girl of three;
  'Twould tune our speaking gear
To utter sweeter melody
  For your attentive ear,

If it were oiled a little, too,
  For harsh too oft its tones;
Though formed to thrill with pleasure true,
  It gives forth shrieks and groans,

Which fall discordant on the ear,
  And budding pleasures spoil,
And speaking gear, likewise I fear;
  So bring along the oil.