1 Once upon a time there were four little Rabbits, and their names were — Flopsy, Mopsy, Cotton-tail, and Peter.

2 They lived with their Mother in a sand-bank, underneath the root of a very big fir tree.

3 “Now, my dears,” said old Mrs. Rabbit one morning, “you may go into the fields or down the lane, but don’t go into Mr. McGregor’s garden: your Father had an accident there; he was put in a pie by Mrs. McGregor.”

4 “Now run along, and don’t get into mischief. I am going out.”

5 Then old Mrs. Rabbit took a basket and her umbrella, to the baker’s. She bought a loaf of brown bread and five currant buns.

6 Flopsy, Mopsy, and Cottontail, who were good little bunnies, went down the lane to gather blackberries;

7 But Peter, who was very naughty, ran straight away to Mr. McGregor’s garden and squeezed under the gate!

8 First he ate some lettuces and some French beans; and then he ate some radishes;

9 And then, feeling rather sick, he went to look for some parsley.