"HOW MANY MILES TO BABYLON?
THREE SCORE MILES AND TEN
CAN I GET THERE BY CANDLELIGHT?
YES, AND BACK AGAIN."
How shall I go to Babylon?
Who will tell me true?
Oh, there are trains, and there are boats,
And automobiles too.
And one may ride a bicycle,
Or go in a balloon;
Or one may travel on his feet
And get there 'most as soon.
For trains go off the track, you see,
And boats go down below;
And automobiles go to smash
In ways that none may know.
And tires of bicycles go pop,
Balloons will go and balk,
So taking all in all, I think
If I were you, I'd walk.
Hark! Hark!
Hark, Hark the dogs do bark!
The beggars have come to town.
Some in rags, and some in tags,
And some in velvet gowns.
Hear, hear, they're drawing near!
Just hark to the tramp of feet!
So haste about, set tables out,
And get them food to eat.
Run, run, the turkey's done!
I hope it is nicely dressed,
For those who shirk and will not work
Are sure to want the best.