Using snapping or clapping to make the beat, say the following lines with the appropriate syllables on the beat.  The number of beats per line alternates:      4 3 4 3 4 3

The sun was shining on the sea,
   Shining with all his might:
He did his very best to make
   The billows smooth and bright--
And this was odd, because it was
   The middle of the night.
 

The sun was shining on the sea,
   Shining with all his might:
He did his very best to make
   The billows smooth and bright--
And this was odd, because it was
   The middle of the night.