Here is an amusing traveller's tale about some monkeys which carried their love of imitating very far; as you will say when you have read
"THE SAILOR AND THE MONKEYS.
"Once, in the hope of honest gain
From Afric's golden store,
A smart young sailor crossed the main,
And landed on the shore.
"And leaving soon the sultry strand
Where his fair vessel lay,
He travelled o'er the neighbouring land
To trade in peaceful way.
"Full many a toy had he to sell,
And caps of scarlet dye;
And such things as he knew full well
Would please the native's eye.
"But as he travelled through the woods
He longed to have a nap,
And opening there his pack of goods,
Took out a scarlet cap,
"And drew it on his head, thereby
To shield him from the sun;
Then soundly slept, nor thought an eye
Had seen what he had done.
"But many a monkey dwelling there,
Though hidden from his eyes,
Having well watched the whole affair,
Now longed to win a prize.
"And while he slept each one did seize
A cap to deck his brows;
Then climbing up the highest trees,
Sat chattering on the boughs.
"The sailor waked, his caps were gone,
And loud and long he grieves,
Till, looking up with heart forlorn,
He spied at once the thieves.