Perhaps he found a way to slip
Unnoticed to the Zoo,
And gave the Pachyderm a tip,
Or pumped the Wanderoo.
Or even by an artful plan
Deceived our watchful eyes,
And interviewed the Pelican,
Who is extremely wise."
"Oh! no," said he, in humble tone,
With shy but conscious look,
"Such facts I never could have known
But for this little book."
FOOTNOTE:
[A] Sometimes called the "Lion-tailed or tufted Baboon of Ceylon."
The Python
A Python I should not advise,—
It needs a doctor for its eyes,
And has the measles yearly.