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The Better Part of Valor.


By Carolyn Wells.


I.

The fearlessest baby you ever did see
Was little Xantippe Zenobia Lee;
She calmly stood still, without tremor or shock,
When she saw her great-grandmother’s great turkey-cock.

II.

When to ruffle his feathers the turkey began,
Do you think that Xantippe Zenobia ran?
No! She turned up her queer little nose, and said “Pooh!
You need n't to think that I ’m frightened of you!”

III.

The turkey swelled bigger; his tail-feathers spread,
And he puffed up his wings. Then he waggled his head
And looked toward the baby.
With agonized squeals
Xantippe Zenobia took to her heels!

Vol. XXXII.—6.
41