As the circus train passed through the street An Elephant caught the eye Of a "rural duffer," who remarked As the creature lumbered by,— While a wondering look stole o 'er his phiz— (No artist's hand could paint it;) "Wa-al neow, Maria,—I swan to man That's quite an insect, aint it?"
A city swell heard the remark, And quickly turned his nose Up, with an air that plainly said: "Such horrid folks as those May go their way—for they'll pollute The very atmosphere With their uncouth ways and ignorance— We can't endure them here!"
The time rolled on,—and the city swell Was brought to account one day For the many bills and debts he owed— He had not a cent to pay. His creditors gobbled all his goods And set them up for sale; But the cash they brought did not suffice So they marched him off to jail.—
The "duffer" shook his jolly sides With a hearty, merry laugh; And recalled the time when he "so shocked The insipid city calf." "I pay my bills as I go along— I owe no man," said he; "There's no insect born that can compete With a biped such as he!"
