He favoured me, as is his wont, with all the sporting tips.

But the most delightful object I saw upon that shore

Was a ruddy-faced and chubby-legged philosopher of four.

Though his sisters capered round him, the sage refused to budge,

He continued quietly digging just as solemn as a judge;

And if he fell, as men may fall, he spurned their proffered aid,

But lay awhile and pondered, while he clutched his wooden spade;

Then, having thought some problem out, and found that life was vain,

He slowly raised his three-foot form, and set to work again.

And so the round of pleasure goes; a man could scarce believe