A LITTLE LEARNING.

Otago Witness, Issue 2664, 5 April 1905, Page 82

A LITTLE LEARNING.

" We'll no' be ha'ein' nane the day," "Was what I^heard a guidwife say In answer to a baker's call, Going his rounds — French, pan, and' all. He, being something of a. wagThen (with a "Whoa" to his nag), And also- attending evening school, And very far from dolt or fool, Saw his way to a little fun. So, taking from/ his cart a bun, I>emurely gave it to the dame. She then and the-re amazed bacanie. So much she by his act fluttered, That minutes passed ere this she uttered: " Hech, sirs, mischief the baker take." (Scotch and favoured gui'd oatcake). Bob Doughboy now was out of sight. Hardily able to drive aright Pot fun and fancy that had ta'en. Him, and to which he gave the. rein. The very next day w© did meet The self-same lad in the same street, At the same spot—and the same wife— I heard her voice in wordy strife : " What in guidness wast d'ye say That gar'd that prank played yesterday? I aaid, ' We'll no' ha'e nane ava,' Ye ga'ed a bap, syne- rin a-wa. " It's no the first o' month Aprile, When folks try gowks to mak' by guile ; I'm fear'd ye're no jist richt at head; Ye should -tat' som© lie an' gang to bed."Bob Doughboy smiled good-naturedly "Thanks, madam., " with a bow, said he: " My physical and mental frame. In harmony agree +he same. " But I shall now demonstrate clear That action which ycai deemed' so queer. Ahem! — that is, insane, eccentric, ■ Its raison d'etre, sense, no trick. " You see, Eaig'lish composition ' Is onei for which I have ambition. T?o excel in rules of grammar I study them—tongs and hammer. " From this preface you'll understand How that bap came in your hand. The reason was your lapsus linguae — That was why the ,bap came your way. " Your slip is quit© a common error--! Teacher on it is a terror; — But on that rule I take the cake, Two negatives one affirm* tive make."* To this grammatical discourse, Flowing from so strange a source, With length'ning face the dame gare ear, Until at length some light appeared. " The buddy's daft," she then declared; '' As wild' as ony wild March hare. & I'll no ha'e yer bried nae mair "—" — Then slammed the door with, scornful air. Poor Doughboy turned 1 him round about, His face beclouded o'er with doubt ; And thro' his mind the tiulfa did xing: ' A little lears a dang'rous thing.' " DuuecliHt M.utli, 1903, »£• I>- Eg