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Show THE FIRESIDE ELEPHANT. Ah me, how frequently I pant To be a stately elephant! With skin so thick and strength so great He scorns the puny tricks of fate, - - The while his shoulders well rnay bear ' A really untold weight of care. Ah, were I he, I will aver I'd be a model householder! 'Tis possible, I grant you that, He is not suited to a flat; Yet you'll admit at once that he Is builded for economy. He need not stoop to pick things up; He wants no valet, cook, or maid; His hand is spoon and fork and cup, And e'en a straw for lemonade. And when the icebox hoard has shrunk To puny size in fourth floor rears, He takes a shower bath from his trunk, And sits a-fanning with his ears. Or when the days are wintry chill, And windows must the air exclude, He leaves his nose across the sill, While folks below prepare their food! Iii-' ni Show me the man who would not pant " To be a gentle elephant! Burges Johnson in Harper's Magazine. |