Homepage
Login
Profile
BookClubs
dmBox
Read Ebook: A Phenomenal Fauna by Wells Carolyn Herford Oliver Illustrator
Font size:
Background color:
Text color:
Add to tbrJar First Page Next Page
Ebook has 94 lines and 5205 words, and 2 pages
Illustrator: Oliver Herford
A PHENOMENAL FAUNA
CAROLYN WELLS
WITH PICTURES BY OLIVER HEREFORD
To My Godfather WILLIAM F. CLARKE
THE REG'LAR LARK
The Reg'lar Lark's a very gay old Bird; At sunrise often may his voice be heard As jauntily he wends his homeward way, And trills a fresh and merry roundelay. And some old, wise philosopher has said: Rise with a lark, and with a lark to bed.
THE HUMBUG
Although a learned Entomologist May doubt if Humbugs really do exist, Yet each of us, I'm sure, can truly say We've seen a number of them in our day. But are they real?--well, a mind judicial Perhaps would call them false and artificial.
THE POPPYCOCK
The Poppycock's a fowl of English breed, And therefore many think him fine indeed. Credulous people's ears he would regale, And so he crows aloud and spreads his tale. But he is stuffed with vain and worthless words; Fine feathers do not always make fine birds.
THE HAYCOCK
The Haycock cannot crow; he has no brains, No,--not enough to go in when it rains. He is not gamy,--fighting's not his forte, A Haycock fight is just no sort of sport. Down in the meadow all day long he'll bide,
THE POWDER MONKEY
A Theory, by scientists defended, Declares that we from monkeys are descended. This being thus, we therefore clearly see The Powder-Monkey heads some pedigree. Ah, yes,--from him descend by evolution, The Dames and Daughters of the Revolution.
THE TREE CALF
The sportive Tree Calf here we see, He builds his nest up in a tree; To this strange dwelling-place he cleaves Because he is so fond of leaves. 'Twas his ancestral cow, I trow, Jumped o'er the moon, so long ago. But he is not so great a rover, Though at the last he runs to cover.
THE MILITARY FROG
The Military Frog, as well you know, Is the famed one who would a-wooing go. And on the soldier's manly breast displayed, He wins the heart of every blushing maid. But, as a frog, I think he's incomplete, He has no good hind legs that we may eat.
THE FEATHER BOA
This animal of which I speak Is a most curious sort of freak. Though Serpent would its form describe, Yet it is of the feathered tribe. And 'tis the snake, I do believe, That tempted poor old Mother Eve, For never woman did exist Who could its subtle charm resist.
THE BRICK BAT
Oft through the stillness of the summer night We see the Brick Bat take his rapid flight. And, with unerring aim, descending straight, He meets a cat on the back garden gate. The little Brick Bat could not fly alone,-- Oh, no; there is a power behind the thrown.
THE CAT O' NINE TAILS
The Cat O' Nine Tails is not very nice,-- No good at all at catching rats and mice; She eats no fish, though living on the sea, And no one's friend or pet she seems to be. Yet oft she makes it lively for poor Jack,-- Curls round his legs, and jumps upon his back.
THE ROUND ROBIN
Here's the Round Robin, round as any ball; You scarce can see his head or tail at all. He's not a carrier-pigeon, though he brings Important messages beneath his wings. And 'tis this freak of ornithology They mean who say, "A little bird told me."
THE IRON SPIDER
The Iron Spider is an insect strange, He loves to stand upon a red-hot range. Unlike his race, he's not an octoped, He has but three legs and he has no head. Had this but been the kind Miss Muffet saw 'Twould not have filled the maiden with such awe.
THE BOOKWORM
The Bookworm's an uninteresting grub, Whether he's all alone or in a club. Of stupid books which seem to us a bore, The Bookworm will devour the very core. Did Solomon or somebody affirm The early reed-bird catches the bookworm?
THE BLACK SHEEP
The Black Sheep is a beast all men should shun-- He has no fleece yet fleeces every one; Though without horns, oft with a horn he's seen; Though not a lamb, he gambles on the green. Perhaps he's not a sheep, as some suggest, But a grim wolf who's in sheep's clothing dressed.
TIME FLIES
Time Flies are well-known insects; sages claim That Tempus Fugit is their rightful name. When we're on idleness or pleasure bent, They sting our conscience and our fun prevent. We hear them winter mornings ere we rise, And oft in fly-time we observe Time Flies.
THE APPLE BEE
In country villages is found The Apple Bee with buzzing sound. And when our ears it does regale We find a sting is in its tale. As to its food,--the Apple Bee Is fond of doughnuts, cheese and tea.
THE WELSH RABBIT
See the Welsh Rabbit--he is bred on cheese; Although he's tough, he looks so mild, who'd think That a strong man from this small beast would shrink? But close behind him follows the nightmare, Beware of them, they are a frightful pair.
THE CRICKET BAT
The Cricket Bat is very often seen Flying perchance around the village green; But unlike many other bats, its flight Is always made by day and not by night. There may be one exception though,--and that Is when it's aimed at some stray neighboring Cat.
THE COMMON SWALLOW
The Common Swallow is so swift of flight, We scarcely see him ere he's out of sight. One does not make a summer, it is true, But many of them cause a fall or two. The Swallow's strong when he is in his prime, And yet a man can down him every time.
THE TOMAHAWK
The Tomahawk's a fearsome bird, we deem; Though feathered tribes hold him in great esteem; A bird of prey, he whizzes through the air, And clutches his pale victim by the hair. Gory and grewsome,--he is the mainstay Of the historic novel of to-day.
THE JAIL-BIRD
This is a Jail-bird. Isn't it a shame To keep him in a cage and try to tame His wild desires for freedom? See him droop Behind his bars. He wants to fly the coop. But to beguile his tedious, lonely hours Kind ladies bring him nosegays of bright flowers.
THE ROYAL SEAL
This noble beast's impressive form is seen 'Mong the possessions of a king or queen. Hard-favored, yet so valuable is he, He's ever kept beneath a lock and key. And, since his temper can't find vent in speech, He stamps and punches everything in reach.
THE FIRE DOGS
Add to tbrJar First Page Next Page