“UNCLE JAKE'S DUMB CRITTERS.”
“I don't know much of languages, such as the scholars tell.
But the language of dumb critters I understand quite well.
And I think, sir—yes, I think, sir—that their voices reach the sky.
And that their Maker understands the pleading of their eye.
And I shouldn't be surprised, sir, if at the judgment day,
Some cruel, heartless human folks should be as dumb as they.
My house is not so elegant as many are, I know;
But my cattle are all sheltered from the wintry winds and snow.
And they are not kept on rations that leave nothing but the frame.