Than up came little Bantie with his haughty, scornful word.
The handsome game-cock’s feathers glistened golden in the light;
Loud cried the tiny rooster in his coat of snowy white,
“Just step aside and let your betters pass, I’ll thank you, sirs!”
“We’ve all a right here,” mild replied the owner of the spurs.
Oh, then the Bantam tiptoed round: “What’s that I heard you say?
I’m Chanticleer Grandissimo!”—ah! in the dust he lay.
Above him stood the game-cock like a giant in his might,
And round him all the other fowls rejoicing in his fright.
And while he still lay, giddy, with his dainty claws in air,