The gingham dog went “bow-wow-wow!”

And the calico cat replied “mee-ow!”

The air was littered an hour or so,

With bits of gingham and calico;

While the old Dutch clock in the chimney-place,

Up with its hands before its face,

For it always dreaded a family row!

(Now mind: I’m only telling you

What the old Dutch clock declares is true!)

The Chinese plate looked very blue,