I know
Why the Rhinoceros is sad,
--Ah, child! 'twas long ago.
[Illustration]
I am akin to all the Earth
By many a tribal sign:
The aged Pig will often wear
That sad, sweet smile of mine.
[Illustration]
My niece, the Barnacle, has got
My piercing eyes of black;
The Elephant has got my nose,
I do not want it back.
[Illustration]
I know the strange tale of the Slug;
The Early Sin--the Fall--
The Sleep--the Vision--and the Vow--
The Quest--the Crown--the Call.
[Illustration]
And I have loved the Octopus,
Since we were boys together.
I love the Vulture and the Shark:
I even love the weather.
[Illustration]
I love to bask in sunny fields,
And when that hope is vain,
I go and bask in Baker Street,
All in the pouring rain.
[Illustration]
Come snow! where fly, by some strange law,
Hard snowballs--without noise--
Through streets untenanted, except
By good unconscious boys.
[Illustration]
Come fog! exultant mystery--
Where, in strange darkness rolled,
The end of my own nose becomes
A lovely legend old.
Come snow, and hail, and thunderbolts,
Sleet, fire, and general fuss;
Come to my arms, come all at once--
Oh photograph me thus!
[Illustration]
* * * * *
OF THE DANGERS ATTENDING ALTRUISM ON THE HIGH SEAS.
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