Classic Poem

Who hailed me first with rapturous joy,
And did not fret and feel annoy
When the nurse said, “Why! she's a boy!”?
My Father.

Who gave that nurse a half-a-crown,
To let him hold me—did I frown?—
Of course he held me upside down.
My Father.

Who ne'er to cut my hair did try,
Imperilling by turns each eye,
And leaving all the lines awry?
My Father.

Who set me in the barber's chair
Instead, and had him cut my hair
Like my big brother's, good and square?
My Father.

Who, when I had a little fight
Because Tom tore my paper kite,
And trousers, said I did just right?
My Father.

Who, when Tom licked me black and blue,
Did not turn in and lick me too—
Saying 't was his duty so to do?
My Father.

Who told me courage always wins,
And taught me to “put up my fins,”
Till I could knock Tom off his pins?
My Father.

Who did not always make me plank
My pennies in that old tin “Bank,”
Where I could only hear them clank?
My Father.

Who, when I wished to buy a toy,
Ne'er thought 't would give me much more joy
To send tracts to some heathen boy?
My Father.

Who bought for me the loveliest toys,
And said, “Though books he more enjoys,
We can't indulge these little boys”?
My Father.

Who gave me next a glorious gun;
And who at last—when all was done—
Left all he had to me, his son?
My Father.