THE SONG OF THE SLAPSTICK

Why is a hen? (Kerflop!) Haw, haw!

Toot, goes the slide trombone;

Why is a hen? (And a swat in the jaw!)

And the ushers laugh alone.

Why is a—(Bang!)—is a—(Biff!) Ho, ho!

Boom! goes the sad French horn;

Why is a hen? (Kerflop!) Do you know?—

And the paid admissions mourn!

Vhy iss a hen? Yes? No? (Kerflop?)

Bang! goes the man at the drum;

Vhy iss a hen? (And a knock at the top!)

And the press agent's stricken dumb;

Vhy iss a—(Thud!)—iss a—(Flop!)—iss a hen?

Hark! how the supers laugh!

Vhy iss a—(Bing! Bang! Boom!)—and then

The slapstick's bust in half!

(Curtain)