He'd speculate in stocks and oats;
'Twas positively awful,
For he couldn't say "No!" He couldn't say "No!"
He would veer like a weather-cock turning so slow;
He'd diddle, and dawdle, and stutter, but oh!
When it came to the point he could never say "No!"
Then boys and girls who hear my song,
Pray heed its theme alarming:
Be good, be wise, be kind, be strong—
These traits are always charming,