Thread by @PaoloBrennan

A Cautionary Tale

Jacob. Who ran away from Europa, his Nurse, and was eaten by a Lion

By Hillairy Bolloc

Thread

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There was a Boy whose name was Jacob;
A favourite of the Tory Club.
They gave him Tea, and Cakes, and Jam,
And slices of delicious Ham,
And Chocolate with pink inside
And little Tricycles to ride,
And read him Stories through and through,

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They even took him to the Zoo--
But there it was the dreadful Fate
Befell him, which I now relate.
You know--or at least you ought to know,
For I have often told you so--
That Children never are allowed
To leave their Nurses in a Crowd;

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Now this was Jacob’s special foible,
He ran away when he was able,
And on this inauspicious day
He slipped his hand and ran away!
He hadn't gone a yard when--Bang!
With open Jaws, a lion sprang,
And hungrily began to eat
The Boy: beginning at his feet.

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Now, just imagine how it feels
When first your toes and then your heels,
And then by gradual degrees,
Your shins and ankles, calves and knees,
Are slowly eaten, bit by bit.
No wonder Jacob hated it!
No wonder that he shouted Hi!''

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The Honest Keeper heard his cry,
Though very fat he almost ran
To help the little gentleman.
“Corbyn!'' he ordered as he came
(For Corbyn was the Lion's name),
Corbyn!'' he cried, with angry frown,
“Let go, Sir! Down, Sir! Put it down!''

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The Lion made a sudden stop,
He let the Dainty Morsel drop,
And slunk reluctant to his Cage,
Snarling with Disappointed Rage.
But when he beheld poor Jacob,
The Honest Keeper could only sob.
The Lion having reached his Head,
The Miserable Boy was dead!

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When Nurse informed his Parents, they
Were more Concerned than I can say:--
His Mother, as She dried her eyes,
Said, Well--it gives me no surprise,
He would not do as he was told!''

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His Father, who was self-controlled,
Bade all the children round attend
To Jacob’s miserable end,
And always keep a-hold of Nurse
For fear of finding something worse.