Page:Pieces People Ask For.djvu/219

Rh Here's the monstrous elephant—
 * I'm all a-tremble at the sight;

See his monstrous toothpick, boys!
 * Wonder if he's fastened tight?

There's the lion! see his tail!
 * How he drags it on the floor!

Sakes alive! I'm awful scared
 * To hear the horrid creatures roar!

Here's the monkeys in their cage,
 * Wide awake you are to see 'em;

Funny, ain't it? How would you
 * Like to have a tail and be 'em?

Johnny, darling, that's the bear
 * That tore the naughty boys to pieces!

Horned cattle! only hear
 * How the dreadful camel wheezes!

That's the tall giraffe, my boy,
 * Who stoops to hear the morning lark;

'Twas him who waded Noah's flood,
 * And scorned the refuge of the ark.

Here's the crane—the awkward bird!
 * Strong his neck is as a whaler's;

And his bill is full as long
 * As ever met one from the tailor's.

Look! just see the zebra there,
 * Standing safe behind the bars;

Goodness me! how like a flag,
 * All except the corner stars!

There's the bell! the birds and beasts
 * Now are going to be fed;

So, my little darlings, come,
 * It's time for you to be abed.

"Mother, 'tisn't nine o'clock!
 * You said we needn't go before;

Let us stay a little while—
 * Want to see the monkeys more!"