Page:Backblock Ballads and Later Verses (C.J. Dennis, 1918).djvu/107



Once an anthropoidal ape, Hairy, savage, strange of shape, On a day that was excessively B.C., In a forest damp and dim, With his tail around a limb, Hung head downward from a neolithic tree; And appeared to be lost in gloomy introspection.

In his dull, primeval style He considered quite a while— A comparatively thoughtful ape was he— Then he drummed upon his chest, And remarked: "I give it best! Strike me lucky! This 'ere game's no good to me! And I'm full up of the whole damn business!"