“I’m not very fat—you’ve hit it again;
In truth I’m as lean as a lizard,
For some chronic complaint, with a long Latin name,
Is eating away my gizzard.”
“Your gizzard! good gracious! don’t say so, by Jove!”
The youth in dismay fairly roared;
“Why, that is the part sure to fall to my lot,
When, as now, I’m behind with my board!”
“I am sorry for that,” replied the old fowl;
“I assure you ’tis no fault of mine;