REVENGE IS SWEET

Timaru Herald, Volume CXLV, Issue 21304, 25 March 1939, Page 6 (Supplement)

REVENGE IS SWEET

The small boy sat upon a seat, And those who passed him by Beheld upon his chubby face A look of agony.

A dozen people glanced his way, And said: “Poor little chap, He must have been the victim of Some terrible mishap!"

Then came an old and kindly man Who stopped and gently said: "Pray, tell me, child, what troubles you, Why happiness has fled!

"Has someone mocked or cheated you. Or robbed you of a toy? Have you been badly treated by A base but bigger boy?"

The sufferer made no attempt To answer or explain. And so the aged fellow coughed And set to work again.

“Are you by chance in misery Through hunger, cold or thirst? Or is it mumps or measles? Come, Confess to me the worst!"

The urchin wriggled to and fro. And gave a sort of gasp, And then he murmured solemnly “Pm sitting on a wasp!"

The ancient stood and stared at him In wonder and surprise, Then murmured: “What a dreadful thing! Quick, take my hand, and rise!”

The small boy pressed his lips as one Who strives with fear or woe; Tears trickled down his cheeks, but yet He firmly answered “No!” "Get up! Get up!” the old man said. "From danger one should fly!" Then, since the victim ivould not budge, He asked the reason why.

“A wasp came near,” the child explained, “And, though I did my best To send him somewhere else, he stayed And proved a perfect pest. ‘“He stung me hard as I sat down, But in this way, you see, I think I’m hurting him as much As he is hurting me!” l