The Porcupine and the Snakes — Nursery Rhyme Lyrics

A Porcupine, wanting to shelter himself, desired a nest of Snakes to give him admittance into their cave. They were prevailed upon, and let him in accordingly; but were so annoyed with his sharp prickly quills that they soon repented of their easy compliance, and entreated the Porcupine to withdraw, and leave them their hole to themselves. "No," says he, "let them quit the place that don't like it; for my part, I am well enough satisfied as I am."
Hospitality is a virtue, but should be wisely exercised; we may by thoughtlessness entertain foes instead of friends.

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Learning from "The Porcupine and the Snakes"

Nursery rhymes are some of the best teachers of rhythm and rhyme. "The Porcupine and the Snakes" uses 2 lines to create a memorable verse — proof that effective poetry doesn't need to be long. Pay attention to the meter: the pattern of stressed and unstressed syllables is what makes the rhyme stick in your head.

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Frequently asked questions

What are the words to The Porcupine and the Snakes?
The lyrics to The Porcupine and the Snakes are: A Porcupine, wanting to shelter himself, desired a nest of Snakes to give him admittance into their cave. They were prevailed upon, and let him in accordingly; but were so annoyed with his sharp prickly quills that they soon repented of their easy compliance, and entreated the Porcupine to withdraw, and leave them their hole to themselves. "No," says he, "let them quit the place that don't like it; for my part, I am well enough satisfied as I am." / Hospitality is a virtue, but should be wisely exercised; we may by thoughtlessness entertain foes instead of friends.
How many lines does The Porcupine and the Snakes have?
"The Porcupine and the Snakes" has 2 lines of verse.

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