The Kangaroo says, whenever I jump,
I always come down with a great big thump.
The Emu can give a nasty kick;
Which is worse than getting a hit with a brick.
I'm but a funny wild, little, spotted Native Cat,
With claws and tail like a squirrel and a nose like a rat.
Common people call me simply Mr. PLATYPUS,
Learned people call me Mr. OR-NI-THO-RINK-KUS.
I'm bit a little Native Bear, and am so happy and bright,
I sleep and dream in a tree by day, and climb about at night.
The clever Bower Bird builds his nest up a tree,
And his beautiful palace down on the lea.
Here we see a pretty bird, of its voice you will never tire,
But tho' it mocks the sounds it hears the bird is still a Lyre.
_(By a Company of Three Particularly Poor Poets.)_
[Illustration: Tiny Child Astride a Giant Emu Egg harnessed to two
Lyre Birds.]
[Page 150--Pussy Land]