And then the whole Frog family began to bellow their loudest:[p. 117]
Come let us sing a merry song!
To you it may sound sad.
And if you think it loud and long
We think that it's not bad.
"We'll sing about a grumpy one
Who snaps and bites all day.
And if you call that "having fun"
We make reply, "Go 'way!"
He has a glittering, wicked eye
And also cruel jaws.
And if you ask the reason why,
We'll answer you, "Because!"
He'll stretch his neck and grab you quick—
Don't let him come too near!
And if you poke him with a stick
He'll seize that too—oh, dear!
Now, we'll admit he swims quite well
And that he's slow ashore.
Don't ask us if he wears a shell
Until we tell you more.
Don't ask us if he's fond of fish
Nor seek to learn his age.
And kindly don't express a wish
To see him in a rage!
Don't ask us if his claws are strong
And if he has a tail.
It might be short and blunt, or long
And pointed like a nail.
We do not want to cause you pain.
We would not give offense—
But, sir, you'll not come here again
If you have any sense.