[THE CLOWNS' DUEL.]
When Jack and Jerry, both of them merry,
Met at the circus one day,
Over Jerry's crown leaped Jack the clown.
And knocked off his hat in play.
Jerry's rage was great, and from the ground straight
He leaped ten feet in the air,
And as he came down, he said, with a frown,
"Replace it, sir, or beware!"
Jack would not comply; the ring-master sly
Handed them "pistols for two."
They both knew 'twas cruel to fight a real duel—
What could they possibly do?
But the duel was fought, and a lesson taught
Of sorrow, remorse, and woe.
Jack lay like one dead, as heavy as lead,
While Jerry with grief bent low.