Poem

In days of old, So I've been told,

The monkeys gave a feast.

They sent out cards,

With kind regards,

To every bird and beast.

The guests came dressed,

In fashion's best,

Unmindful of expense;

Except the whale,

Whose swallowtail,

Was "soaked" for fifty cents.

The guests checked wraps,

Canes, hats and caps; And when that task was done,

The footman he With dignitee,

Announced them one by one.

In Monkey Hall,

The host met all,

And hoped they'd feel at ease,

"I scarcely can," Said the Black and Tan,

"I'm busy hunting fleas."

"While waiting for A score or more Of guests,”

the hostess said,

"We'll have the Poodle Sing Yankee Doodle,

A-standing on his head.

And when this through,

Good Parrot, you,

Please show them how you swear."

"Oh, dear; don't cuss,"

Cried the Octopus,

And he walked off on his ear.

The Orang-Outang A sea-song sang,

About a Chimpanzee Who went abroad,

In a drinking gourd,

To the coast of Barberee.

Where he heard one night,

When the moon shone bright,

A school of mermaids pick Chromatic scales From off their tails,

And did it mighty slick.

"All guests are here,

To eat the cheer,

And dinner's served, my Lord.

" The butler bowed;

And then the crowd Rushed in with one accord.

The fiddler-crab Came in a cab,

And played a piece in C; While on his horn,

The Unicorn Blew,

You'll Remember Me.

"To give a touch Of early Dutch To this great feast of feasts,

I'll drink ten drops Of Holland's schnapps,

" Spoke out the King of Beasts.

"That must taste fine,"

Said the Porcupine,

"Did you see him smack his lip?"

"I'd smack mine, too,"

Cried the Kangaroo,

“If I didn't have the pip."

The Lion stood,

And said:

"Be good Enough to look this way;

Court Etiquette Do not forget,

And mark well what I say:

My royal wish Is every dish Be tasted first by me."

"Here's where I smile,"

Said the Crocodile,

And he climbed an axle-tree.

The soup was brought,

And...