Carolyn Wells

“ You scorn him, yet you must—ah, there's the rub—
Accept him at your table or your club.
He has his points, yet he's a pest, indeed;
I would we could exterminate the breed.
THE WATCH DOG
This useful animal we keep
To guard our treasure while we sleep.
A pointer, not a setter, yet
He's of no use unless he's set. ”

“ 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. ”

“ 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
Here are two Fire Dogs—they are queer, indeed;
They seem to come of a three-legged breed.
They have no tails, their bark is on their back;
They hunt in couples, never in a pack. ”