Put a chalk-egg beneath the clucking hen,

She 'll lay a real one, laudably deceived,

Daily for weeks to come. I 've told my lie,

And seen truth follow, marvels none of mine;

All was not cheating, sir, I 'm positive!

I don't know if I move your hand sometimes

When the spontaneous writing spreads so far,

If my knee lifts the table all that height,

Why the inkstand don't fall off the desk a-tilt,

Why the accordion plays a prettier waltz