Then a grave-looking pig, of respectable age,
Who was always considered remarkably sage,
Said, "Ladies, allow me to offer a word
Respecting the orders we yesterday heard.
It seems that Miss does not approve of the plan
Proposed by our master to Joseph, his man;
Though such we all come to, at one time or other:
Last week I thus lost my affectionate brother,
And next week, perhaps, I myself may be taken,
For this is the season for making of bacon;
However, as Miss Pig objects thus to be
Cut off in her prime,—and we all must agree
It is very unpleasant,—there can be no doubt of it,—
I've thought of a way by which she may get out of it:
Now, if she had not been so plump and good looking,
They would never have fancied her ready for cooking;
But if she'd get rid of these charms, I am thinking,
By living awhile without eating or drinking,
And hides herself up in the loft, 'mongst the hay,
They'll think that somebody has stole her away.
And when she comes back, she will be so much thinner,
Depend on't they'll no longer want her for dinner."
Mamma thought this scheme was uncommonly clever,
But her daughter indignantly answered, "No, never!
What! lose all my beauty? I'd much rather die for it;
If that's my last chance, I am sure I shan't try for it;
To be called thin and ugly,—I never could bear;—
The thought makes me nervous. I vow and declare.
I should be neglected, and not have a lover:
I'd rather be killed, half a dozen times over.
'Tis a comfort to know, since my life I'm not able
To save, I shall look very well on the table."
Poor Piggy was killed on the very next day,
And all who'd the pleasure of tasting her, say
That she was so nice, they should never forget her,
The Queen and Prince Consort could not have a better.
END OF
THE LITTLE PIG'S TALE.