se
Performing fearful larks
With stingarees of all degrees,
As well as whales and sharks;
The sight would quickly let you know
The great contempt that penguins show
For stingarees and sharks.

[Illustration]

'O see the penguin as he goes
A-turning Catherine wheels,
Without repose upon the nose
Of walruses and seals.
But bless your heart, a penguin feels
Supreme contempt for foolish seals,
While he never fails, where'er he goes,
To turn back-flaps on a walrus nose.'

'It's all very fine,' said the Puddin' gloomily, 'singing about the joys
of being penguins and pirates, but how'd you like to be a Puddin' and be
eaten all day long?'

And in a very gruff voice he sang as follows:--

'O, who would be a puddin',
A puddin' in a pot,
A puddin' which is stood on
A fire which is hot?
O sad indeed the lot
Of puddin's in a pot.

'I wouldn't be a puddin'
If I could be a bird,
If I could be a wooden
Doll, I would'n say a word.
Yes, I have often heard
It's grand to be a bird.

'But as I am a puddin',
A puddin' in a pot,
I hope you get the stomach ache
For eatin' me a lot.
I hope you get it hot,
You puddin'-eatin' lot!'

'Very well sung, Albert,' said Bill encouragingly, 'though you're a
trifle husky in your undertones, which is no doubt due to the gravy in
your innards. However, as a reward for bein' a bright little feller we
shall have a slice of you all round before turnin' in for the night.'

So they whistled up the plum-duff side of the Puddin', and had supper.
When that was done, Bill stood up and made a speech to Bunyip Bluegum.

'I am now about to put before you an important proposal,' said Bill.
'Here you are, a young intelligent feller, goin' about seein' the world
by yourself. Here is Sam an' me, two as fine fellers as ever walked,
goin' about the world with a Puddin'. My proposal to you is--Join us,
and become a member of the Noble Society of Puddin'-owners. The duties
of the Society,' went on Bill, 'are light. The members are required to
wander along the roads, indulgin' in conversation, song and story,
eatin' at regular intervals at the Puddin'. And now, what's your
answer?'

'My answer,' said Bunyip Bluegum, 'is, Done with you.' And, shaking
hands warmly all round, they loudly sang--

THE PUDDIN'-OWNERS' ANTHEM

'The solemn word is plighted,
The solemn tale is told,
We swear to stand united