"But what about painting a canary?" your Aunt Amy asked. "You spoke of such a thing a moment ago."
"Yes, and it is what I am telling you about. Mr. Crow wrote the poetry which tells the story, and you shall hear it."
Then Mrs. Mouser Cat repeated the following:
For he was such a knowing puss--
Oh yes, he was!
A really clever, sharp young puss--
Oh yes, he was!
He wouldn't do as others do,
He said, "I know a thing or two,
I do!
"To-morrow is the great bird show--
I think it is;
The far-renowned canary show--
Of course it is.
Some yellow ochre, so I've heard,
Will wondrously improve a bird,
I've heard
"I think I'll enter at that show--
I think I will,
Just make one entry for that show--
By Jove, I will.
And if my bird don't get the prize,
Why it will be, as I surmise,
A surprise!"
The show was held--a great success--
Of course it was!
By all 'twas called a huge success--
Indeed it was!
The judges were experienced cats;
They wore tail-coats, and large top-hats--
Such hats!
Young Tom was there--he'd brought his bird--
Just think! he had!
He'd really dared to bring that bird--
Oh yes, he had!
He said, "No one will ever know
That my canary's all no go,
Oh no!"
