Page:Field Poems of Childhood.djvu/163



HE gingham dog and the calico cat Side by side on the table sat; 'Twas half-past twelve, and (what do you think!) Nor one nor t' other had slept a wink! &emsp;&emsp;The old Dutch clock and the Chinese plate &emsp;&emsp;Appeared to know as sure as fate There was going to be a terrible spat. &emsp;&emsp;(I wasn't there; I simply state &emsp;&emsp;What was told to me by the Chinese plate!)

The gingham dog went "bow-wow-wow!" And the calico cat replied "mee-ow!" The air was littered, an hour or so, With bits of gingham and calico, &emsp;&emsp;While the old Dutch clock in the chimney-place &emsp;&emsp;Up with its hands before its face, For it always dreaded a family row! &emsp;&emsp;(Now mind: I'm only telling you &emsp;&emsp;What the old Dutch clock declares is true!)