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WILD ANIMAL 
 VERSES 
 
 Made at the New York 
 Zoological Park 
 
 A. M. CASTELLO 
 
 With Nine Illustrations 
 from the Zoological 
 Park Animal Collections 
 
 BROADWAY PUBLISHING CO. 
 
 835 Broadway, New York 
 
T^o 
 
 ^-\ '^r" 
 
 ^ '• 
 
 ,A ?^. 
 
 ^ 
 
 Copyright, 19 13, 
 
 BY 
 
 A. M. Castello 
 
 ©CI.A358217 
 
The author's thanks and appre- 
 ciation are hereby tendered to 
 the officials of the New York 
 Zoological Park for their cour- 
 tesy in loaning the cuts used in 
 this work. 
 
PREFACE. 
 
 I am always glad to see good verses about wild 
 animals. Of the up-to-date verses of the period, 
 it seems to me that only a few can be understood 
 or appreciated by a layman without a key. It is, 
 therefore, rather refreshing to acquire a collec- 
 tion of Wild-Animal Rhymes that not only rhyme, 
 but also make sense. 
 
 I think that all youngsters, as well as oldsters, 
 will enjoy Mrs. Castello's droll verses about some 
 of the most odd and interesting animals of the 
 Zoological Park. Beyond a doubt these breezy 
 verses, whose poetic feet adequately support them, 
 will promote that appreciation of wild animals 
 and their curious habits which is so necessary to 
 the enjoyment of their acquaintance by mankind. 
 It is my hope that these Wild-Animal Rhymes will 
 be received in the same spirit of friendship for 
 animals in which they have been composed. 
 
 W. T. HORNADAY. 
 
 August 22, igiS' 
 
CONTENTS. 
 
 PAGE 
 
 The Peacock's Tale i 
 
 An Australian Suffragette 3 
 
 Dame Beaver's Prophecy 7 
 
 iWhen the Bears Receive Their Rations. 9 
 
 Mr. Bower Bird's Wooing 13 
 
 Every Doe Has Her Day 16 
 
 Origin of the Flying Fox 20 
 
 The Babies of the Zoo 25 
 
 Strength in Numbers 27 
 
 Lament of the Tasmanian Devil. . . . . ., 31 
 
 The Aoudad Family 33 
 
 Cockatoo and Gallinule 35 
 
 What the Horned Owl Thought About 
 
 It 38 
 
 A Noble Captive 40 
 
 The Chipmunk 42 
 
 The Making of a Leader 44 
 
 The Pheasants 49 
 
 And This is Fame................... 50 
 
 The Egret 54 
 
 The Swan Song.. :..».» . .l. >.... . 56 
 
Wild Animal Verses 
 
 THE PEACOCK'S TALE. 
 
 QOW usually I'm modest, a very quiet 
 bird, 
 And even in my own defense, I seldom 
 say a word; 
 Although I'm often tempted, and, like the ghost 
 
 of old, 
 If I but had a proper chance, I could a tale unfold. 
 The public is ungrateful, that's a proverb, as you 
 
 know. 
 It's true, for often I'm accused of doing things 
 for show. 
 
 I'm just an ornamental bird and do the things I 
 
 can, 
 I only seek to please you when I make my tail a 
 
 fan; 
 But, when I spread and sail around before the 
 
 gaping crowd. 
 This is the comment that I hear, "The peacock is 
 
 so proud!" 
 
 I 
 
2 WILD ANIMAL VERSES 
 
 And yet I've seen them run a block to catch a 
 
 glimpse of me, 
 And if I chance to drop a quill, how nimble they 
 
 can be; 
 They'll jump the fence and break the law — what 
 
 do you think of that? — 
 To get that feather from my tail to ornament a 
 
 hat. 
 
WILD ANIMAL VERSES 
 
 AN AUSTRALIAN SUFFRAGETTE. 
 
 'HE emu is the strangest bird 
 That I have heard of yet, 
 But 'tis no wonder he's so queer, 
 His wife's a suffragette. 
 Long years ago, in other lands, 
 
 His lesson he was taught. 
 Before the Natural History men 
 Their first emu had caught. 
 
 Now, Mrs. Emu laid her eggs 
 
 All neatly side by side. 
 *'I think I've done my duty now," 
 
 She said with conscious pride. 
 "Here, Mr. Emu, 'tend these eggs, 
 
 I've other fish to fry. 
 Come, sit upon them, keep them warm ; 
 
 I'll see you bye and bye." 
 
 Nearby there lived a relative, 
 
 Her Cousin Cassowary, 
 But Cassie seldom spoke to her, 
 
 She was exclusive, very. 
 So Mrs. Emu walked alone 
 
 Upon the shining sand. 
 Until of Sister Suffragettes, 
 
 She found a merry band. 
 
 [The Emu (habitant of Australia) is a very large bird, next in 
 size to the ostrich, curiously interesting in appearance and habits. 
 Among other peculiar characteristics, the male bird does the incu- 
 bating.] 
 
4 WILD ANIMAL VERSES 
 
 With these she played and hopped about, 
 
 And picked and ate her fill; 
 A very happy bird was she 
 
 Because she had her will, 
 Which was to leave that stupid nest 
 
 And through the woods to roam, 
 Attending clubs and banquets, too. 
 
 While hubby stayed at home. 
 
 Beside a bush a plover hen 
 
 Was sitting on her eggs ; 
 She gravely rose and craned her neck, 
 
 And stretched her aching legs. 
 "What shiftless things these emus are. 
 
 Their homes they do neglect, 
 And to their mates I'm sure they show 
 
 But very poor respect." 
 
 Now, Mrs. Emu overheard 
 
 Just what the plover said; 
 It vexed her not a little, 
 
 And she proudly tossed her head. 
 "You stupid creature sitting there. 
 
 Why don't you fly away? 
 You don't assert the rights you have. 
 
 You've never had your day." 
 
 "I wouldn't have a mate like yours," 
 
 The plover hen replied. 
 "Now mine's the finest bird on wings. 
 
WILD ANIMAL VERSES 
 
 And I am satisfied. 
 So why do you come loitering round 
 
 To rob me of my rest? 
 I think myself you'd better be 
 
 A-sitting on your nest." 
 
 Then Mrs. Emu loudly laughed. 
 
 "You foolish thing," said she, 
 "Your mate's a vain and selfish bird. 
 
 Why, can't you see that he 
 Just preens and struts and flirts about 
 
 With other plovers' mates? 
 While mine, as any helpmeet should, 
 
 Stays home and incubates." 
 
 At this the plover hen arose 
 
 Upon her trembling legs, 
 So angry and excited, 
 
 She almost broke her eggs. 
 "I'd be ashamed if I were you 
 
 To talk like this," she cried; 
 "For you have no sense of duty 
 
 Nor any wifely pride. 
 
 "It has been proven that no male 
 
 Can keep his self-respect 
 While doing things his wife should do, 
 
 And being so hen-pecked." 
 Again the emu laughed with scorn, 
 
 "Who taught such things to you? 
 
6 WILD ANIMAL VERSES 
 
 It was your husband, doubtless; 
 I've another point of view." 
 
 "I have some ideas of my own, 
 
 And one of them is this, 
 That what a bird has never had, 
 
 He'll surely never miss. 
 That mate of mine has never known 
 
 The joy of being free, 
 So he's content to mind the nest 
 
 And leave the world to me. 
 
 "Now, I think that's as it should be. 
 
 You think another way, 
 But some time you will change your mind, 
 
 At least I hope you may. 
 For when the world's turned upside down, 
 
 And then set right again, 
 I think you'll see the odds will be 
 
 In favor of the hen." 
 
WILD ANIMAL VERSES 
 
 DAME BEAVER'S PROPHECY. 
 
 a 
 
 BRAVE young beaver, many years ago, 
 Lay dreaming in the mud beside his 
 
 home. 
 
 He watched with sullen gaze the slow 
 stream's flow, 
 And sank his flat tail deeper in the loam. 
 "What, ho!" his mother cried. "Why mope you 
 here ? 
 Is this my son, the strongest of his tribe. 
 Who lays him down, ere yet the dawn is near? 
 To what shall I this listlessness ascribe? 
 
 "No teeth are sharper, and no eyes more bright, 
 
 None has a broader tail, or wiser head. 
 Of Beavertown you should be King by right, 
 
 And far beyond our dam your fame has 
 spread." 
 "And what is fame?" the young Amphibian cried. 
 
 "What brings it me, but jealousy and hate? 
 My strength and skill which are your boast and 
 pride. 
 
 To me seem nothing but a jest of fate. 
 
 "While I am planning architectural tricks, 
 And thinking of the great things to be done. 
 
 Note. — In the New York Zoo at Bronx Park, near the beaver 
 pond, there is a tree showing the remarkable work done by the sharp 
 teeth of these industrious little animals. 
 
8 WILD ANIMAL VERSES 
 
 My neighbor builds a house of little sticks, 
 
 And claims the bride I thought myself had 
 won." 
 "And such a bride!" Dame Beaver flapped her 
 tail; 
 "A foolish creature, better lost than found. 
 Think not because of this that you shall fail 
 In greater things, my son; just look around. 
 
 "Mark yonder hut of twigs and rotten sticks ; 
 
 Your neighbor and his mate live there and 
 dream; 
 But when the freshet comes with cunning tricks, 
 
 They'll see their home fall shattered in the 
 stream. 
 But you shall win renown for all our race, 
 
 Our industry a proverb shall become. 
 And men shall give your works an honored place, 
 
 Long after all your enemies are dumb. 
 "They'll write a record of your valiant deeds, 
 
 And passing crowds shall pause, to gaze and 
 laud; 
 They'll note the house you built among the reeds. 
 
 And point in wonder to the tree you gnawed." 
 
.1 
 
 / 
 
 ALASKAN BROWN BEAR 
 
WILD ANIMAL VERSES 9 
 
 WHEN THE BEARS RECEIVE THEIR 
 RATIONS. 
 
 'IE away for the bear dens! 
 
 Here they come from nooks and glens, 
 From monkey house and goat hill, 
 See them coming, coming still, 
 From the valleys, 
 From the alleys, 
 With jests and merry sallies. 
 How they laugh and how they shout. 
 What is all this fuss about? 
 There's a keeper with a cart, 
 After him the children start; 
 How they hurry. 
 What a flurry, 
 'Mong the small boys, what a scurry. 
 
 And the grown-ups follow, too, 
 Just to see what he will do. 
 With that load of fish and bread; 
 For the bears must all be fed. 
 
 Loaves and fishes, 
 
 Without dishes. 
 
 Every bear gets all he wishes. 
 First are served the cunning cubs. 
 Then the lazy half-grown chubs, 
 Grizzlies, too, must have their share. 
 And the funny long-lipped bear. 
 
10 WILD ANIMAL VERSES 
 
 Oh, you Bruin! 
 
 What a ruin 
 
 You make of fishes without stewin'. 
 
 On the bones they never choke, 
 But their bread they love to soak; 
 See them dip it in the pond, 
 Of soaked bread they're very fond. 
 
 Now, then, hello! 
 
 You greedy fellow, 
 
 In your coat of brownish yellow. 
 What! still reaching after more? 
 Why, already you have four 
 Goodly loaves, besides the fish. 
 Now I wonder if you wish 
 
 For bigger jaws, 
 
 And longer claws, 
 
 And to hold more in your paws. 
 
 Soon we'll see the small boys run. 
 They know where to find the fun. 
 Just a little bit below 
 There you'll see a funny show ; 
 
 For down there 
 
 Is the clown bear, 
 
 The big Alaskan brown bear; 
 He'll stand up and wave his paws, 
 Clap them, too, and click his claws; 
 Bread and fish are flying free, 
 
WILD ANIMAL VERSES 11 
 
 So he thinks 'tis time that he 
 Had his dinner, 
 He's a winner: 
 Gets just what he wants, the sinner. 
 
 He's a beast of splendid size. 
 And 'tis plain that he is wise, 
 For when others growl and whine. 
 He just makes some coaxing sign; 
 
 He's the rare sage 
 
 Of the bear cage. 
 
 Largest known bear of the age. 
 On the hill are smaller bear. 
 Some of which are very rare, 
 Though diminutive in size. 
 One of them looks very wise. 
 
 Glossy coated, 
 
 Snowy throated, 
 
 For his spectacles he's noted. 
 
 Down below is Silver King, 
 What a task it was to bring 
 This beast from the polar sea. 
 Where his life was wild and free. 
 
 'Tis reported 
 
 That he courted. 
 
 And among the icebergs sported, 
 All unmindful of the cold. 
 For within his white coat's fold 
 Wind or snow could do no harm; 
 
12 WILD ANIMAL VERSES 
 
 Silver King was safe and warm. 
 Rightly named, 
 Greatly famed, 
 But he never can be tamed. 
 
WILD ANIMAL VERSES 13 
 
 MR. BOWER BIRD'S WOOING. 
 
 nIS satin coat was shining 
 With iridescent hues, 
 And his little heart was pining 
 A pretty mate to choose. 
 So he began his wooing 
 
 By building of his bower — 
 It was his way of suing, 
 
 And he toiled for many an hour 
 A-hunting twigs and dragging 
 
 Them and setting them on end — 
 His spirits never flagging, 
 
 Though it was a task to bend 
 All those twigs to form the arches 
 
 Where he hoped his bride would play 
 With him in the merry marches 
 And run races all the day. 
 
 'Long came Miss Glossy Feather, 
 
 And peeped in rather shy. 
 *'It's very pleasant weather!" 
 
 She murmured with a sigh. 
 Now his heart began to flutter 
 
 When he saw her standing there, 
 It almost made him stutter ^^ 
 
 When he answered, "Pret, pret-pr-itty fair. 
 
 TThe Bower Bird, to attract his mate, constructs a bower by plac- 
 ing twigs onlnd, in ;ows, and binding the tops to fo^'",.^^^^^"- . ^"^ 
 lie and the chosen one play together, chasing each other back and 
 forth in and out! between the rows of twigs, until the more serious 
 work of bttilding the nest begins.] 
 
14 WILD ANIMAL VERSES 
 
 "You're building quite a pretty bower." 
 
 The builder swelled with pride. 
 "Well, If you can spare an hour, 
 
 Suppose you come inside ; 
 I am pleased indeed to know you, 
 
 And flattered by your call. 
 I'll be very glad to show you 
 
 If you'll step into my hall." 
 
 "Oh, I don't know how to answer, 
 
 I haven't time toda,y; 
 I hardly think I can, sir, 
 
 I must be on my way." 
 "Oh, 'twill only take a minute, 
 
 Just come in and rest a bit." 
 Slyly thinking, "Once she's in it, 
 
 Maybe she'll be loth to quit." 
 "I might help you!" she suggested. 
 
 "Oh, no, not at all," said he. 
 "But I'd like to," she protested. 
 
 Then he ventured to agree. 
 "What hues do you think most pleasing?" 
 
 Said she, "I am fond of blue." 
 "Well," he answered, slightly teasing, 
 
 "I must like what pleases you." 
 
 Thus began their life together. 
 Soon their bower was complete; 
 
 Then each brought a shell or feather 
 For the entrance trim and neat. 
 
WILD ANIMAL VERSES 19 
 
 Objects bright and shells deserted 
 
 Gathered they from far and near, 
 All their skill and strength exerted, 
 
 For their bower had grown so dear. 
 Though 'twas but a place for courting, 
 
 Built and furnished all for fun, 
 There they had some jolly sporting 
 
 Ere their real work had begun. 
 But this play would soon be over. 
 
 They must build their little nest, 
 There their brood to hatch and hover— ^ 
 
 This was after all the best. 
 
16 WILD ANIMAL VERSES 
 
 EVERY DOE HAS HER DAY. 
 
 ^^1^-^HE elk had shed his antlers 
 ■ ^] That had been his pride and boast, 
 ^^^^ And a pair of velvet nubbins 
 Were now the very most 
 That he could show for ornament 
 
 Upon his noble head; 
 His coat was rough and shabby, 
 
 And his glorious strength had fled. 
 
 The doe, anon so gentle, 
 
 Was mistress of the hour. 
 And it seemed to give her pleasure 
 
 To make him feel her power; 
 She butted him unmercifully, 
 
 And drove him from the glen, 
 And when he ventured to return 
 
 She butted him again. 
 
 This Delilah of the woods 
 
 Knew the weakness of her mate, 
 And quickly took advantage 
 
 Of his shorn and crippled state, 
 
 Note. — It is an almost unbelievable fact that elk, in common with 
 moose and all other members of the deer family, shed their antlers 
 every year. The old ones drop off in the spring and are quickly re- 
 placed by new ones, which at first are mere round knobs covered with 
 a soft, velvety substance. They are very tender during this period, 
 when they are said to be in velvet. And the animal becomes thin and 
 weak as a result of the drain upon his system necessary to this re- 
 markable production. He is quite at the mercy of the does, and they 
 do not hesitate to avail themselves of the opportunity to play the 
 tyrant, which at other seasons of the year is his prerogative. 
 
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WILD ANIMAL VERSES 17 
 
 And shamelessly she mocked him 
 
 And derided his sad plight, 
 Till the persecuted beast 
 
 Found relief alone in flight. 
 
 But when the Autumn days were come 
 
 His strength returned again, 
 His splendid antlers towered 
 
 Above the heads of men; 
 He would have been a target 
 
 For some hunter's fatal shot 
 Had he not wisely made his home 
 
 In a sequestered spot. 
 
 The doe beside him meekly walked, 
 
 A docile creature, she, 
 For since the tables had been turned 
 
 Full well she knew that he 
 Would now assert his natural rights, 
 
 His will she must obey. 
 Nor did she once oppose him 
 
 Or dispute his right of way. 
 
 One evening when the shadows. 
 
 Long and black, began to fall, 
 The elk, upon a lofty crag. 
 
 Loomed skyward, grand and tall ; 
 The doe was feeding just below. 
 
 Upon a grassy plot, 
 And feeling very peaceful 
 
 And contented with her lot. 
 
18 WILD ANIMAL VERSES 
 
 When from out the creeping shadows 
 
 She heard a savage growl, 
 Then, from the darkening forest. 
 
 There came an answering howl ; 
 Swift as a thought she bounded up 
 
 To where the great elk stood ; 
 He placed himself before her 
 
 As a brave protector should. 
 
 A great, gaunt wolf with hungry snarls 
 
 Came clambering from the glen, 
 The elk impaled him on his horns 
 
 And hurled him back again; 
 His comrades stole around the rocks. 
 
 Behind the trembling doe. 
 But the champion wheeled upon them 
 
 And dealt them each a blow. 
 
 They were staggered for a moment, 
 
 But rallied from the shock, 
 And with energies redoubled 
 
 They scrambled up the rock. 
 For half the night he fought them, 
 
 Toward dawn they slunk away. 
 The daylight found him still on guara. 
 
 The doe beside him lay. 
 
 And when she wakened from her sleep 
 She looked on him with pride. 
 
 And springing quickly to her feet 
 Began to lick his side. 
 
WILD ANIMAL VERSES 19 
 
 Where the hungry wolves had scratched him 
 
 With fierce and cruel claws, 
 But in her ministrations 
 
 She was soon compelled to pause. 
 
 For he shook his blood-stained antlers 
 
 And stamped one slender hoof, 
 And then he turned upon her 
 
 With a look of stern reproof: 
 "Remember how you taunted me, 
 
 When I was M^eak," said he; 
 "When my antlers were in velvet 
 
 And tender as could be. 
 
 "Well, were you kind and gentle then, 
 
 And patient? No, indeed! 
 'And yet I have defended you 
 
 In this your time of need." 
 She hung her graceful head and sighed, 
 
 "I'm sorry for the wrong; 
 I did you in your feebleness, 
 
 Before your horns were strong." 
 
 And then she turned and walked away 
 
 With quietness and grace. 
 And as she went she thoughtfully 
 
 Reflected on the case : 
 "He rules me more than half the year, 
 
 Relentlessly, and so — 
 I'd better not be too subdued 
 
 And contrite," thought the doe. 
 
20 WILD ANIMAL VERSES 
 
 ORIGIN OF THE FLYING FOX. 
 
 (fruit bat) 
 
 ENEATH a fig tree longingly 
 A little red fox sat, 
 And gazed and gazed upon the figs, 
 And wished he were a bat. 
 Or any creature having wings, 
 
 That he might reach those figs 
 Which in the breeze bobbed temptingly 
 Upon their slender twigs. 
 
 A tiny bird, not half so large 
 
 As little Reynard, came 
 And ate so much and ate so long, 
 
 And seemed so very tame, 
 The wily fox began to think 
 
 He might make friends with her, 
 And so he waited patiently 
 
 And scarcely made a stir, 
 
 Until she hopped down on the ground, 
 
 And turned her head awry, 
 Looking so friendly and so kind, 
 
 He breathed a gentle sigh. 
 "I'd like some figs, myself," said he. 
 
 "Now you have had your fill. 
 Suppose you lend your wings to me — 
 
 I'll thank you if you will." 
 
WILD ANIMAL VERSES 21 
 
 "Oh, mine are much too small," cried she; 
 
 "They're very fragile things, 
 Besides, how everyone would laugh 
 
 To see a fox on wings. 
 Take my advice and be content 
 
 With nature's plan for you; 
 Just take the food within your reach 
 
 As other foxes do." 
 
 Then Reynard laughed. "You're very wise 
 
 For one so small," said he. 
 "I might take you, for you are just 
 
 Within my reach, you see." 
 He m.ade a spring, but up she flew 
 
 And perched upon a bough; 
 Then from this safe retreat looked down 
 
 And said, "I'll tell you how 
 You may possess the wings you crave, 
 
 Although I still maintain 
 'Twere better you should be content 
 
 A red fox to remain." 
 
 "So don't blame me in after years, 
 
 If this you should regret: 
 Just wait until the moon comes up, 
 
 And when the ground is wet, 
 Then stand upon your head and wish 
 
 Three times, with all your heart, 
 And keep on standing thus until 
 
 Your wings begin to start." 
 
22 WILD ANIMAL VERSES 
 
 This time it was the bird who laughed 
 
 And flew away in glee. 
 Then Reynard pawed the ground and barked- 
 
 An angry fox was he. 
 'Til never do that silly trick 
 
 Of standing on my head. 
 That bird must be a 'lyre' bird, 
 
 And every word she said 
 I know was false — and yet, perhaps, 
 
 'Twould do no harm to try; 
 No one would know it if I failed, 
 
 And I do long to fly." 
 
 There never was a prophecy 
 
 Made yet by man or bird 
 But some one half believed in it, 
 
 No matter how absurd. 
 So when the moon came rising up 
 
 From out her downy bed, 
 She laughed to see a little fox 
 
 A-standing on his head. 
 "Now, what's this for, you silly thing? 
 
 I fear you will take root." 
 "Oh, no, not root, but wings 
 
 I'll take, I'm bound to 'evolute.' " 
 
 "Well, since you are so determined," 
 
 The laughing moon replied, 
 "Your faith shall be rewarded 
 
 And your wish be gratified. 
 
WILD ANIMAL VERSES 23 
 
 But seeing you have gained your point, 
 
 While standing on your head, 
 Through life you'll go head downward, 
 
 Now mark what I have said." 
 
 And then the moon went sailing off. 
 
 For other work had she, 
 And Reynard rose on trembling wings — 
 
 A Flying Fox was he. 
 He had one happy moment, 
 
 But triumph cannot last; 
 His flying brought him soon to grief — 
 
 He found himself caught fast. 
 
 And when they brought him to the Zoo, 
 
 His was a curious case, 
 For being neither bird nor beast. 
 
 They found him hard to place. 
 But out of this predicament 
 
 Some wise head found a way: 
 "Let's put him in the reptile house," 
 
 So there he is today. 
 
 Poor little fox without a tail, 
 
 Except a tale of woe, 
 For his handsome brush had vanished 
 
 When his wings began to grow. 
 This is his sorrow and his shame, 
 
 And this perhaps Is why. 
 To hide himself within his wings, 
 
 He ever seems to try. 
 
24 WILD "ANIMAL VERSES 
 
 Head downward, by one foot he hangs, 
 
 For passers-by to view — 
 The oddest little animal 
 
 In all the great Bronx Zoo. 
 
FLYING FOX 
 
 (Fruit Bat) 
 
WILD ANIMAL VERSES 25 
 
 THE BABIES OF THE ZOO. 
 
 XN the day time, of the May time, 
 Oh, don't they have a gay time. 
 The darling little babies of the Zoo. 
 How they ramble, and they gamble, 
 And up the rocks they scramble — 
 The pretty spotted fawns, the lambs and kiddies, 
 too. 
 
 And the funny, little bunny, 
 Like a bee in search of honey, 
 Darts about among the trees, from limb to limb. 
 And the very little, merry little, wary little fishes 
 Look just like streaks of sunshine when they 
 swim. 
 
 In the by nooks, on the sly brooks, 
 iWith gentle quacks and shy looks 
 The little ducks go paddling all the day. 
 And the tall deer to the small deer 
 Says, "Be careful and don't fall, dear, 
 And it's very, very bad to run away." 
 
 When it's food time, what a good time, 
 
 And with some perhaps a rude time. 
 
 There is among the babies of the Zoo. 
 
 What a clatter I How they chatter I And we 
 
 wonder what's the matter 
 'Till we're told that all this noise Is nothing new. 
 
26 V/ILD ANIMAL VERSES > 
 
 What a waking, what a shaking, 
 
 And what hasty toilet making 
 
 There must be among the happy little birds, 
 
 When the warning light of morning 
 
 Shows them that the day is dawning, 
 
 And the park is filled with singing without words. 
 
 Now it's day time, and it's play time. 
 
 So let them have a gay time. 
 
 The cunning Teddy bears, and all the rest. 
 
 For it's light time, 
 
 But at night time, oh, that is just the right time. 
 
 For the babies all to creep to mother's breast. 
 
WILD ANIMAL VERSES 27 
 
 STRENGTH IN NUMBERS. 
 
 ^^^5^HE Hon was very hungry, 
 ■ ^ ^ J For days he'd had no food, 
 ^^■^r And a herd of moving spring-box 
 To him looked wondrous good. 
 'Twas a chance for which he had longed, 
 
 And had no mind to lose. 
 Only there were so many 
 
 He hardly knew how to choose. 
 
 They were moving from the barrens 
 
 To pastures new and green, 
 With a hungering and thirsting 
 
 That could be plainly seen; 
 They turned not to the right nor left, 
 
 So great their longings were, 
 And neither man nor lion 
 
 Could their fixed intent deter. 
 
 They saw naught and they heard naught 
 
 But the beating of their feet, 
 As they swept across the open 
 
 With a rhythm smooth and fleet. 
 The lion saw, and lashed his tail — 
 
 He looked a king indeed. 
 And a dainty meal of spring-box 
 
 Was all he seemed to need. 
 
 The Springbox (or Springbuck) is a species of antelope, habitant 
 of Africa, that, when pressed by thirst, travels in a solid phalanx and 
 with great rapidity toward some stream. It is said that lions arc 
 sometimes cawght in the jam and carried along with the herd. 
 
28 WILD 'ANIMAL VERSES 
 
 But he felt a greedy longing 
 
 To capture more than one, 
 To not only sate his hunger, 
 
 But to have a bit of fun. 
 His yellow eyes were gleaming, 
 
 As he glided toward the herd. 
 With the motion of a serpent 
 
 And the swiftness of a bird. 
 
 Instead of springing lightly 
 
 Upon the nearest doe, 
 He bounded in among them, 
 
 A fierce and deadly foe; 
 But they scarcely seemed to heed him. 
 
 So great was their desire 
 To quench the awful thirst within. 
 
 Which, like a raging fire, 
 Seemed driving them to madness 
 
 With a headlong, heedless gait, 
 And they closed upon the lion, 
 
 Regardless of their fate. 
 In vain he tried to roar, and to bite. 
 
 To scratch and claw. 
 He was crowded, crushed and jammed. 
 
 Till he could not raise a paw. 
 
 Said the lion to himself, 
 
 "Now I'm in a 'box' indeed!" 
 
 The king of beasts was suffering 
 The punishment of greed. 
 
WILD ANIMAL VERSES 29 
 
 Without a single thrill of pride 
 
 The spring-box tore along, 
 Bearing their royal prisoner 
 
 In the middle of the throng. 
 
 They had no time to notice 
 
 His grandly flowing mane, 
 And whether he was king or serf 
 
 They did not care a grain. 
 And so they crushed and jostled 
 
 Him, and trampled on his feet, 
 Until he felt a nausea at 
 
 The thought of spring-box meat. 
 
 His thirst for blood was also gone, 
 
 He had one only hope. 
 That something soon would happen 
 
 To this herd of antelope — 
 A hunter's shot or anything 
 
 To break this awful pack, 
 For he was getting dizzy, 
 
 And things around looked black. 
 
 At last it came, a sudden break. 
 
 The herd flew wide apart; 
 The smell of water was the cause 
 
 That gladdened every heart. 
 With leaps and bounds they sought the stream — 
 
 The lion stood amazed 
 To find himself alone and free. 
 
 Though bruised and somewhat dazed. 
 
30 WILD ANIMAL VERSES 
 
 The spring-box wallowed in the stream, 
 
 And drank and drank again; 
 The lion turned his wilted tail 
 
 And fled across the plain, 
 And in the darkened jungle sought 
 
 A place in which to lie 
 And lick his disappointed chops, 
 
 And eat his humble pie. 
 
WILD ANIMAL VERSES 31 
 
 LAMENT OF THE TASMANIAN 
 DEVIL. 
 
 ^i^fc^^HE Tasmanian Devil repined in his cage, 
 £ ^j For his heart was near bursting with 
 ^^^^ impotent rage; 
 
 All the luxuries provided he looked on 
 
 with scorn, 
 Then gave himself over to musings forlorn. 
 His keepers were worried to see him so sad, 
 And with tidbits attempted to make his heart 
 
 glad; 
 But the creature's dull eyes looked reproachfully 
 
 out 
 On the curious loungers who sauntered about, 
 And who sometimes would loiter to read his queer 
 
 name. 
 And, "Tasmanian Devil!" they'd always exclaim. 
 Then they'd look on this queer little beast in 
 
 amaze. 
 As they read of his savage and terrible ways. 
 In his far away home in Tasmanian wilds. 
 Where his heart had been happy, and light as a 
 
 child's ; 
 If he preyed upon others of lesser degree, 
 It was only as nature had made him to be — 
 And no worse than the mildest of humans who eat 
 Little chickens and lambs because they are sweet. 
 
32 WILD ANIMAL VERSES 
 
 He had played with his fellows, and never once 
 
 guessed 
 That his fate was a different one from the rest. 
 A nocturnal terror, though a sluggard by day. 
 In the darkest of wilds he had captured his prey. 
 But 'twas not till he dwelt in his cage at the Zoo 
 That he learned what remarkable things he could 
 
 do. 
 And his name, though he never had heard it till 
 
 then. 
 Was the wickedest name ever known among men. 
 Well, was this then the reason that kept him 
 
 apart? 
 Was it sorrow for sin made him heavy of heart? 
 No, alas, it was not, and his neighbor next door 
 Could have told you, perhaps, why this beast was 
 
 so sore, 
 For she heard him lamenting by night on his bed. 
 And she caught the sad words which the poor 
 
 devil said: 
 "I have found out my name, and my nature, I'm 
 
 told, 
 Is ferocious and savage, unless well controlled; 
 But in name and in fame little comfort I find. 
 If they cannot be known to my kin and my kind. 
 Oh, if one would but go to my friends o'er the sea 
 And just tell what a devil I've gotten to be!" 
 
WILD ANIMAL VERSES 33 
 
 THE AOUDAD FAMILY. 
 
 O you know the Aoudad Family, now liv- 
 ing at the Zoo? 
 There are quite a goodly number, but 
 once there were but two. 
 And I suppose there was a time when there was 
 
 only one, 
 But he found that single blessedness was very 
 
 lonely fun. 
 So with flowing beard he sauntered to neighbor 
 
 Aoudad's gate. 
 And sheepishly requested little Nannie for his 
 
 mate. 
 But his neighbor answered sadly that she was very 
 
 young — 
 Perhaps they'd better wait awhile. Then up Miss 
 
 Nannie sprung, 
 But not with haste immodest, she minced down to 
 
 the gate — 
 In her vocabulary there was no such word as wait. 
 And when her father asked her, "When will you 
 
 wed this Aoudad?" 
 She tilted up her pointed chin and promptly an- 
 swered, "Now, Dad." 
 
 So now they dwell in grandeur in their mansion at 
 
 the Zoo, 
 And they've added to their household Billy 
 
 Aoudad No. 2 ; 
 
34 WILD ANIMAL VERSES 
 
 And this Billy is precocious, New Yorker to the 
 
 core 
 An up-to-date young Aoudad, who knows a great 
 
 deal more 
 Than his horned and bearded father, whose long 
 
 mane sweeps the hills, 
 And like many other youngsters likes to do what 
 
 ere he wills. 
 When once he had been cutting some capers 
 
 rather bad, 
 His father turned upon him, with visage long and 
 
 sad. 
 "I never did in all my life such foolish things," 
 
 quoth he; 
 "I never even learned such tricks; they shock and 
 
 anger me." 
 
 "Oh, then, you've lost just half your life," cried 
 
 saucy Billy Aoudad. 
 "You surely don't know what you've missed. 
 
 Come on, I'll show you how. Dad." 
 
WILD ANIMAL VERSES 35 
 
 COCKATOO AND GALLINULE. 
 
 ON the far Australian shore, 
 Two thousand miles away and more. 
 Beside a glassy, ferny pool, 
 Lived a pretty Gallinule, 
 Chattering, happy, little thing, 
 Light of heart and soft of wing. 
 A leadbeater Cockatoo 
 In a tall tree lived there, too; 
 Snowy plumed and crimson crested, 
 
 Very grand and proud was he. 
 Ruddy winged and rosy vested, 
 
 Sitting in his chosen tree, 
 Like some lofty potentate, 
 In his costly robes of state. 
 
 Modest little Gallinule, 
 Looking shyly in the pool, 
 Saw her own reflection there, 
 Felt that she could not compare 
 With this splendid Cockatoo. 
 Hardly knowing what to do 
 Hid herself behind some weeds. 
 Creeping off among the reeds. 
 Softly laughed the bird above her, 
 
 "I can see you, little fool; 
 Oh, you can't hide from your lover. 
 
 Pretty, pretty Gallinule." 
 
36 WILD 'ANIMAL VERSES 
 
 Vexed, but flattered, stood she still, 
 Strong of heart, though weak of will. 
 
 Would he speak to her again? 
 Was she really pretty then? 
 That grand bird had called her so; 
 He was wise and ought to know. 
 Soon the voice of Cockatoo 
 Thrilled her foolish heart anew. 
 "Come up here and sit by me, 
 Strange and wondrous sights you'll see. 
 Ah, but now I do recall 
 
 Gallinules have feeble wings. 
 Nothing worse could me befall 
 
 Than if mine were useless things. 
 
 "But, say, pretty Gallinule, 
 Now, why don't you go to school ? 
 Go to school and learn to fly. 
 Then you'll be as grand as I. 
 You shall come and live with me, 
 Up here in my leafy tree; 
 This is just the place for you, 
 Here beside your Cockatoo. 
 Then, some time when all in feather, 
 
 And there's sweetness in the air, 
 We will fly away together — 
 
 Won't we be a gorgeous pair?" 
 Sighed the wily Cockatoo. 
 "Gallinule, I want but you!" 
 
WILD ANIMAL VERSES 27 
 
 Trembling little Gallinule 
 Stole back softly to the pool, 
 Half submitting to her fate; 
 Then she thought about her mate. 
 He was very handsome, too. 
 In his glossy coat of blue, 
 And his red and jaunty hat. 
 How her heart went pit-a-pat. 
 Thinking of her mate and lover, 
 
 Wondering what she'd better do, 
 tWhile among the boughs about her, 
 
 Waited doting Cockatoo, 
 Murmuring half In ridicule, 
 "Pretty little Gallinule!" 
 
 Creeping through the undergrowth 
 
 Came some hunters, caught them both, 
 
 Tempter and the tempted, too ; 
 
 Now they both are at the Zoo. 
 
 You can see them any day 
 
 That you chance to pass that way. 
 
 One is in the house exotic. 
 
 One is in the cage aquatic; 
 
 One has learned to say, "Good-morning." 
 
 This you know is Cockatoo. 
 The other gives a note of warning 
 
 (Though perhaps 'tis nothing new), 
 As she basks beside the pool — 
 This, you know, is Gallinule. 
 
38 WILD ANIMAL VERSES 
 
 WHAT THE HORNED OWL 
 THOUGHT ABOUT IT. 
 
 ONCE a barnyard hen hatched a red- 
 headed duck, 
 And a troublesome chick was he, 
 For when she would call to him, "Cluck, 
 cluck, cluck," 
 Did he heed her at all? Not he. 
 He was very proud of his neck feathers green. 
 
 And the impudent curl of his tail. 
 And his bright cap of red was a sight to be seen 
 When over the pond he would sail. 
 
 His little hen sister and little cock brother 
 
 He regarded as plain and obscure, 
 While the cackles and clucks of his kind foster- 
 mother 
 
 He found very hard to endure. 
 Now one day this duck, who was really a drake. 
 
 Caught a gaudy winged, great butterfly. 
 "Oh, please let me go; if my life you should take 
 
 The king of all insects would die." 
 
 Then loud laughed the drake as he pulled off a 
 
 wing, 
 "Why, once you were naught but a worm. 
 And, now who are you, to proclaim yourself king? 
 No wonder you wriggle and squirm." 
 
WILD ANIMAL VERSES 39 
 
 "Croak, croak!" cried a frog on the bank over- 
 head, 
 
 "Mr. Drake, to inform you, I beg, 
 That while it is true what you just now have said. 
 
 You yourself were once only an egg." 
 
 "And you," sneered the drake, "I remember the 
 time 
 
 When you were a tadpole small ; 
 You wiggled about In the mire and slime. 
 
 With never a leg at all." 
 Then the great horned owl, wakened out of his 
 sleep 
 
 By the querulous chatter below. 
 From a hole in his tree took a curious peep, 
 
 And muttered, "Now this is all so, 
 
 "You are each of you right in what you have said, 
 
 So you may as well laugh and agree. 
 Let the things of the past be as though they were 
 dead. 
 
 For so it seems wisest to me, 
 It matters but little just what you were once — 
 
 Caterpillars or catamounts, 
 An egg or a worm, a tadpole or dunce — 
 
 It's what you are now that counts." 
 
40 WILD ANIMAL VERSES 
 
 A NOBLE CAPTIVE. 
 
 DOW comes His Grace, the Secretary 
 Bird,— 
 Though to my mind the name is quite 
 absurd; 
 Those graceful quills which ornament each ear 
 Were never meant for usefulness, I fear. 
 A titled courtier of old times he looks — 
 A knight stepped out of ancient picture books. 
 The stateliest bird in all the Zoo is he; 
 Like some great general in captivity. 
 He marches back and forth with measured stride, 
 And views the passing crowd with injured pride. 
 No common prisoner he, but one of state. 
 As his attire would plainly indicate. 
 His rank and times are set forth by his clothes, 
 His breeches of black velvet, and his hose, 
 Long, pink and silken on his slender legs, . 
 And now his satin coat your favor begs; 
 Dove colored, soft, and of a texture fine; 
 A grandee looks he going out to dine. 
 
 This Secretary Bird, as he is named. 
 Must have antecedents, greatly famed. 
 
 The Secretary Bird is one of the most remarkable dwellers in the 
 Ostrich House at the Zoo. He is noted in his native country (Africa) 
 as a snake killer, his attacks being made with the feet, never with the 
 beak. 
 
 The long cockades of black feathers falling backward at each side 
 of the head are said to have suggested the name. Secretary Bird, from 
 a fancied resemblance to a quill stuck behind the ear. 
 
SECRETARY BIRD 
 
WILD ANIMAL VERSES 41 
 
 Some of their zeal may have been handed down, 
 
 For he himself is not without renown; 
 
 The great St. George, of dragon-killing fame, 
 
 May be his patron saint, for this bird's game 
 
 Is killing snakes, and If you watch you'll see 
 
 With what dispatch, and what dexterity, 
 
 A blow of death his quick strong foot can deal 
 
 To any luckless creature that may steal 
 
 In unsuspecting trust across his path, 
 
 And thus he feeds his hunger, or his wrath. 
 
 Now, if in transmigration you believe, 
 'Twould not be hard, a fancy to conceive, 
 That when the dragon-killing saint expired. 
 His mighty soul with valiant deeds inspired 
 In one of this bird's ancestors had found 
 A new abode, and when on looking round, 
 He saw no dragons, still not to be foiled. 
 He kept on searching till a snake uncoiled 
 Close at his feet. His brave heart gave a leap, 
 And, like a warrior wakened out of sleep. 
 He charged the serpent, and with one swift stroke 
 Of his strong, slender foot he bruised and broke 
 The head and neck, and from that thrilling hour 
 None dared dispute his special right and power 
 To rid his land of snakes and serpents vile, 
 As did St. Patrick for the Emerald Isle. 
 
43 WILD ANIMAL VERSES 
 
 THE CHIPMUNK. 
 
 Nlllfci ^WO children with their mother 
 # C J Were visiting the Zoo, 
 ^^^X But finally of walking 
 
 They very tired grew; 
 And so they sought a shady place, 
 
 A quiet road beside, 
 But scarcely were they seated 
 
 When the little maiden cried : 
 
 "O mother, see that cunning thing! 
 
 What Is It? There he goesl" 
 "Why, that's a chipmunk," said the boy. 
 
 "Look out, he'll get your toes. 
 "Here, Bunny! Here Is something good." 
 
 He tossed a peanut out. 
 The chipmunk sat up stiff and straight, 
 
 Then swiftly whirled about. 
 
 The peanut quickly disappeared 
 
 Within his little pouch. 
 And he bobbed up for another 
 
 Without even saying Ouch! 
 The little girl with pitying eyes 
 
 His pouch distended saw. 
 "Poor thing!" she cried, "he's got the mumps. 
 
 Just see his swollen jaw!" 
 
WILD ANIMAL VERSES 43 
 
 "The mumps, indeed ! but on one side," 
 
 Then loudly laughed her brother; 
 "Now we'll just swell the other side. 
 
 Here, Bunny, here's another." ; 
 
 The second peanut Bunny caught 
 
 And stuffed it in his cheek. 
 The little girl now saw the trick. 
 
 And laughed till she was weak. 
 
 "He swallows peanuts, shells and all I 
 
 You greedy little bunny, 
 I never did in all my life 
 
 See anything so funny." 
 
44 WILD ANIMAL VERSES 
 
 THE MAKING OF A LEADER. 
 
 XN the far off Northern country 
 Lived Johnnie Caribou, 
 A merry little youngster he, 
 With nothing else to do 
 But to run beside his mother, 
 
 Scampering through the wood. 
 Feasting upon moss and lichens. 
 Which are his natural food. 
 
 But one day Mother Caribou said, 
 
 "Johnnie, we must go 
 To the school down in the clearing, 
 
 A mile or two below." 
 Now, Johnnie knew about this school, 
 
 He'd been there once before, 
 Though only as a looker-on, 
 
 He knew what was in store. 
 
 So 'twas half in expectation, 
 
 And more than half in dread, 
 That he left off eating lichens 
 
 And followed where she led. 
 Sometimes he lagged a little. 
 
 But his mother had a way 
 Of looking calmly round at him; 
 
 [A description of the above incident is to be found in the Na- 
 tional Library of Stone and Cram.] 
 
WILD ANIMAL VERSES 45 
 
 She had no need to say, 
 "Come, Johnnie ! now then, hurry up, 
 Or you'll be late to school." 
 
 For Johnnie knew her wisdom, ** 
 
 And submlttea to her rule. 
 They were early at the clearing. 
 
 But others soon arrived. 
 And bashful master Caribou 
 
 Ungallantly contrived 
 To hide behind his mother 
 
 And another stately dame 
 From the curious gaze of strangers 
 
 He could not even name. 
 
 There were six or seven mothers, 
 
 And youngsters half a score; 
 The old ones quickly stepped behind, 
 
 And the young ones placed before, 
 Pushing them into the center. 
 
 With purpose wise and good. 
 That they all might know each other, 
 
 As young relations should. 
 Well, they showed their dispositions, 
 
 And some their training, too. 
 In this their first real lesson 
 
 In the school for Caribou. 
 Some of them were very timid. 
 
 And others were quite bold. 
 Master John was rather shy. 
 
46 WILD ANIMAL VERSES 
 
 But resolved his own to hold; 
 And when a young buck ducked his head, 
 
 With mischief in his look, 
 Undaunted, Johnnie Caribou 
 
 The challenge quickly took. 
 
 It was just a playful skirmish, 
 
 A lively bit of fun, 
 A lesson, too, in butting, 
 
 So you see no harm was done. 
 "Well, now, the second lesson 
 
 We must have," the leader said. 
 She started off, and all the rest 
 
 Soon followed where she led. 
 The mothers loping at her heels, 
 
 The little ones behind. 
 Not knowing where the race would end, 
 
 Or what they were to find. 
 
 Ambitious Johnnie Caribou, 
 
 More agile than the rest. 
 Soon headed all the little ones. 
 
 Resolved to do his best. 
 But he was not quite prepared 
 
 For the trick the leader played, 
 When she jumped a fallen tree, 
 
 And the others, undismayed, 
 Followed her till all the mothers 
 
 Were on the other side. 
 **Ba-a-a-h!" cried Johnnie Caribou, 
 
 Forgetting all his pride. 
 
WILD ANIMAL VERSES 47 
 
 He felt a sudden bump behind, 
 
 The next in line had come 
 To send poor Johnnie sprawling, 
 
 For the moment stricken dumb. 
 But there still was valiant stuff 
 
 In young Johnnie Caribou, 
 Who now resolved to be the first 
 
 That jumping trick to do. 
 
 Then he rose and looked around him, 
 
 And was surprised to see 
 That his mates had joined their mothers 
 
 By running round the tree ! 
 "That's a coward's trick," he said, 
 
 But said it very quiet, 
 And afterwards he added, 
 
 "I guess I'd better try it." 
 
 But the old ones were persistent. 
 
 They all lined up again; 
 The youngsters had to jump that log 
 
 Ere they could leave the glen. 
 And so Johnnie Caribou 
 
 Had a chance to show his pluck—* 
 He soon was at the head again 
 
 By either choice or luck. 
 
 He plucked up all his courage 
 
 To be ready at the start, 
 And ran behind his mother 
 
48 WILD ANIMAL VERSES 
 
 With a wildly beating heart; 
 And when he saw her lope that log 
 
 He knew that he was "next." 
 He hadn't time to say a prayer 
 
 Or to repeat a text, 
 But with his head and tail erect 
 
 He vaulted o'er that tree ; 
 
 And all the others followed — 
 'Twas a pretty sight to see. 
 
 "Bravo, Johnnie Caribou !" 
 He seemed to hear them say. 
 
 They recognized their leader 
 
 And followed him from that day. 
 
WILD ANIMAL VERSJBS 49 
 
 THE PHEASANTS 
 
 XF you would see a gorgeous sight, 
 Then some day when it's pleasant, 
 Just take the pathway to your right, 
 And walk beyond 
 The wild fowl pond 
 To the aviary of the pheasant. 
 
 There you will see the richest hues 
 
 In rare design ensembled, 
 The brightest reds, the deepest blues. 
 Golden yellow, 
 Warm and mellow. 
 To the sunset oft resembled. 
 
50 WILD ANIMAL VERSES 
 
 AND THIS IS FAME. 
 
 ZEBRA and an ostrich, side by side, 
 
 Were walking on the desert's burning 
 sand. 
 
 "Oh, I am sick of this," the Zebra 
 cried; 
 "I'm tired of this dull and lonely land. 
 I'd like to be where people come and go; 
 
 Somewhere there must be more congenial 
 climes. 
 I think you'll own that Africa is slow; 
 Our country is indeed behind the times." 
 
 The Zebra surely was a handsome sight, 
 
 His coat was very striking to behold, 
 His stripes were very black and very white, 
 
 And laid on in a pattern rather bold; 
 But to his Ostrich friend he often sighed — 
 
 The Ostrich ever lent a patient ear — 
 "One might as well be plain, or even pied. 
 
 What use are all my handsome stripes out 
 here? 
 
 "They say there Is a place across the sea, 
 
 Where I would be much prized and so would 
 you; 
 
 Where people come from everywhere to see 
 The animals. That place is called the Zool" 
 
WILD ANIMAL VERSES 51 
 
 *Tride goeth forth In stripes," his friend replied; 
 
 "Now, I would not go there, for I am told 
 They'd take my finest feathers from each side 
 And sell them to their merchant men for gold." 
 The Zebra laughed, "That wouldn't hurt you 
 much, 
 
 You always have to shed them anyway. 
 I've heard those folks have very gentle touch. 
 
 And treat all beasts with kindness, so they say." 
 
 "Well, if they capture you we'll have to part," 
 
 The Ostrich said, "for I shall use my speed; 
 I'll have to leave you, though 'twill break my 
 heart. 
 
 To being caught I am averse indeed." 
 And so it happened when the hunters came, 
 
 The Ostrich fled without a backward glance; 
 The frightened Zebra would have done the same 
 
 Despite his boastings if he'd had a chance. 
 
 His wish to travel soon was gratified. 
 
 He found himself surrounded by the sea, 
 And, strange to say, he felt quite satisfied. 
 
 For he'd discovered what his fate would be; 
 Though how he learned the secret no one knew, 
 
 But he had heard somehow mysteriously 
 That he was destined for the great Bronx Zoo I 
 
 When there arrived, a peaceful life he led. 
 His wants were all attended to each day, 
 His longings for publicity were fed, 
 
52 WILD ANIMAL VERSES 
 
 For crowds of curious people passed his way. 
 *'I wish my Ostrich could be here," he sighed 
 
 "To see how all these people gaze at me. 
 He might, perhaps, regret his having tried 
 
 So very hard to keep his liberty." 
 
 A stranger came to little "New York town" 
 
 From way out West, a little to the south. 
 He sought the Zoo, and wandered up and down, 
 
 And gazed about him with both eyes and 
 mouth. 
 [The Zebra saw him coming with a friend, 
 
 A city man who pointed out each sight. 
 And who with conscious learning sought to lend 
 
 An added interest and to shed new light 
 Upon this darkened mind from "Way out West." 
 
 "This Zebra here is quite a prize, 
 And of his kind, one of the very best." 
 
 The Zebra saw with pride the stranger's eyes 
 Upon him fastened with a wondering stare, 
 
 And then suspicion crept into that look. 
 Beneath his breath the woodsman seemed to 
 swear; 
 
 His grizzled head the skeptic slowly shook. 
 
 "Now, I suppose you think that I'm a fool. 
 But you will find you've made a great mistake; 
 
 Some scalawag has painted up a mule, 
 That Zebra critter's just a natural fake." 
 
 "Now," thought the Zebra, "this is very hard, 
 
WILD ANIMAL VERSES 53 
 
 Thus to be stolen from your native land, 
 And when you think you're going to be starred 
 
 As something very wonderful and grand, 
 Then just to hear a puddin'-headed cad 
 
 Make such remarks about your honesty as that; 
 Well, I must say, I think it's pretty bad. 
 
 And makes a fellow feel most awful flat. 
 
 "One thing alone consoles me for that speech — 
 It can't be heard by those I hold most dear. 
 
 I'm thankful they are all beyond its reach. 
 And now I'm glad my Ostrich isn't here!" 
 
54 WILD ANIMAL VERSES 
 
 THE EGRET. 
 
 'N egret stood alone upon a rock, 
 
 A still, white sentinel of wondrous 
 grace, 
 
 The sole survivor of a dreadful shock, 
 A splendid scion of a passing race. 
 How could he understand why he was left 
 Alone of all that happy, hopeful band — 
 Why of his mate and little ones bereft. 
 He had escaped the devastating hand. 
 
 The ermine clouds that splotched the tender blue 
 
 Stretched out their restful shadows o'er the 
 plain. 
 And rills invisible went singing through the reeds 
 
 And sedges with a sad refrain. 
 The hush of death seemed hanging in the air. 
 
 The snowy egret sank his drooping head. 
 For though the plain still lay as green and fair 
 
 As if it held no traces of the dead, 
 Too well he knew that 'neath the bending grass 
 
 Unburied forms in soft white garments lay, 
 Victims of vanity and greed, alas ! 
 
 And of the law's long pitiless delay. 
 His gentle soft-winged mate among the rest 
 
 Had fallen wildly fluttering to the ground, 
 A warm red stain upon her snowy breast 
 
 Showed that a fatal shot her heart had found. 
 
 Her little ones for food had vainly cried. 
 
WILD 'ANIMAL VERSES 55 
 
 Until at last their piteous cries were hushed ; 
 Their shapeless forms told plainly how they'd 
 died, 
 'Neath ruthless human feet they had been 
 crushed. 
 And other little ones were doomed to meet 
 
 A fate less kind, poor, starving, helpless things. 
 They but escaped those hurrying, heedless feet 
 To die from want of food and sheltering wings. 
 
 Beside their nest the parent birds lay dead, 
 
 Stripped of those plumes for which they had 
 been sought, 
 And which through envy to their death had led — 
 
 Plumes that fair women thoughtlessly had 
 bought 
 And proudly worn, unmindful of the pain, 
 
 The cruel torture, and the swift decrease 
 By countless numbers from their nesting plain 
 
 Of nature's wondrous avian masterpiece. 
 
 The lovely egrets now almost extinct, 
 
 Once swept in snowy clouds the southern 
 glades; 
 But selfish vanity with avarice linked 
 
 Has wrought their ruin by repeated raids. 
 Too late the law has roused to their defence, 
 
 Too late have fashion's followers learned their 
 shame. 
 For wanton slaughter knows no recompense — 
 
 The egret of our land is but a name. 
 
56 PFILD ANIMAL VERSES 
 
 THE SWAN SONG. 
 
 XN a far-away land by a still gray pond, 
 A white swan dwelt with her brood, 
 And her daily task was a mission fond, 
 To provide her young with food. 
 And she tenderly loved the soft white things, 
 
 Though she spoke no word at all. 
 And watchfully gathered beneath her wings 
 Each cygnet, timid and small. 
 
 Their nest was built among sedges and weeds, 
 
 And they basked in the yellow loam; 
 They played with each other among the reeds. 
 
 And knew no place but their home. 
 A choir of song birds fluttered and sang 
 
 In the trees that sheltered their nest, 
 But the voice of their own mother never rang 
 
 In lullabies over their rest. 
 
 In their down-covered hearts they wondered why 
 
 She never sang them to sleep, 
 But oft when they heard some lullaby. 
 
 Under her wings they would creep, 
 For they knew her breast was dearest of all. 
 
 Though she silently brooded above, 
 No bird in the trees, so grand and tall. 
 
 Could give them such wonderful love. 
 
WILD ANIMAL VERSES 57 
 
 But once when the sun was going away, 
 
 A-slipping down out of the sky, 
 When a pale blue mist on the gray pond lay, 
 
 They heard a low, soft cry. 
 'Twas their mother's own voice they knew. 
 
 When they heard the first sweet note, 
 And with outstretched wings to her side they flew 
 
 To catch each sound from her throat. 
 
 And the birds overhead grew strangely still. 
 While that new voice sweetly rang. 
 
 For every heart felt a tender thrill, 
 And this is the song she sang: 
 
 Son^. 
 
 "Somewhere there's a river of golden light. 
 
 As smooth as the sky above ; 
 Some time to that river I'll take my flight 
 
 With the little ones that I love. 
 And no one will ever disturb us there, 
 
 On that river of golden light. 
 Just loving each other shall be our care, 
 
 And I'll sing you to sleep each night." 
 
 The song was short, but O ! it was sweet. 
 And the little ones drew more near, 
 
 A snowy circle around her feet; 
 
 And they trembled with tender fear. 
 
58 WILD ANIMAL VERSES 
 
 When across the pond the morning broke, 
 
 And the sky shone gold and red, 
 And the cygnets out of their slumber woke, 
 
 The mother was cold and dead. 
 A gloom o'er the summer woods seemed cast, 
 
 And hushed were the birds above ; 
 That one sweet song was her first and last — 
 
 'Twas a song of mother-love. 
 
ov 12 mz