The Awful Bugaboo by Eugene Field

A bugaboo, or bugbear, is a variant of the faeries that scare parents into seeing to their children. In Realms of Power : Faerie this would be a variant of the ogre Gello. Thanks to Ann and her production team for the recording.

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THERE was an awful Bugaboo

Whose Eyes were Red and Hair was Blue;

His Teeth were Long and Sharp and white

And he went Prowling ’round at Night.

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A little Girl was Tucked in Bed,

A pretty Night Cap on her Head;

Her Mamma heard her Pleading Say,

“Oh, do not Take the Lamp away!”

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But Mamma took away the Lamp

And oh, the Room was Dark and Damp;

The little Girl was Scared to Death—

She did not Dare to Draw her Breath.

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And all at Once the Bugaboo

Came Rattling down the Chimney Flue;

He Perched upon the little Bed

And scratched the Girl until she bled.

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He drank the Blood and Scratched again—

The little Girl cried out in Vain—

He picked Her up and Off he Flew—

This Naughty, Naughty Bugaboo!

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So, children, when in Bed to-night,

Don’t let them Take away the Light,

Or else the Awful Bugaboo

May come and Fly away with You!