"Say, of course you know a good deal more than any bird or animal on this farm, and I do wish you would tell me how long Mr. Turtle has lived?"
That was a question which your Aunt Amy could not answer, and when she said as much, Mrs. Goose continued:
"He claims to be very, very old, and to hear the stories he tells you'd think he had lived in every part of the world. He started a kind of a show last week, and calls it a 'zoo,' whatever that may be. A lot of birds and animals sit around to show themselves, and say it is a 'wonderful exhibition.' Mr. Man's little girl Alice was out walking with her doll yesterday, and saw Mr. Turtle near the old maple tree selling tickets for the 'zoo.' This is what Mr. Crow declares she said to the old fellow:
"They tell me, Mr. Turtle, you
Were born long years ago--
Five hundred years, the doctor says,
And doctors ought to know.
"He says that every year you live
A scientist can tell
Because each birthday leaves a mark
Upon your rusty shell.
"I've lots and lots of questions, then,
To ask if you're so old,
And if you will not answer them,
Please do not think me bold.
"In fourteen ninety-two, when Chris
Columbus westward sailed,
When he discovered Yankeeland,
Was he, then, later jailed?
"Did Shakespeare write those dramas old,
Or did Lord Bacon's pen?
When Joan rambled in Lorraine,
Were you out crawling then?
"You must have known the virgin queen,
And known Sir Walter, too;
You've heard that story of the ring,
What really did she do?
