NERVOUS JELLY

One day when there was company, wee greedy Lillie May

Took the jelly nearly all when it was passed her way;

And in great haste she ate it up with her small silver spoon,

But oh, alas, the Piggiewig! she was discovered soon

By Mother, who was greatly shocked to see her naughty elf

Eating like a greedy boy from off the kitchen shelf.

But Mother couldn't scold aloud for fear the guests would hear,

And so she softly whispered, "Don't eat that way, my dear."

Then Mrs. Dean, the company, she patted Lillie's head,

And smiling at the jellied face, she to the culprit said,

"I've always liked the jelly good which makes my bread so sweet,

And surely it tastes better still when with a spoon we eat

This lovely, wobbling dainty, which is loved by one and all,

From little girls and tiny boys to great men, large and tall."

This speech encouraged little May, who nodded her wise head

And said, "Besides dis jelly is too nervous for to spread."