"Yes," agreed the Lion, "it shows great courage."
Gamble, Grin, and Grub arranged themselves in order, and Gamble commenced—
"Cross Chelsea Bridge, by Chelsea town
There is a place called Battersea.
The very name to Christian dog's
Will make them shudder fearfully."
Here Grin took up the solo.
"A place where gloomy prison doors
Do shut up homeless dogs
If ever they get lost, or stray
During the London fogs."
Grub hereupon came forward.
"When once inside that citadel
Within three days or four,
They send you to a dreadful room
Where you never bark no more."
Then came the Chorus—
"Pleasant-Faced Lion, our thanks to thee
For having avoided Battersea."
"Very well sung," admitted the Lion. "I suppose that, being always so close to Westminster Abbey, the little lions have taken some useful hints from what they have heard going on inside.