Tim Thimble’s Dream.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XXXVII, Issue 5, 4 August 1906, Page 44

Tim Thimble’s Dream.

Tim Thimble was extremely fat — much heavier than I, And that’s because he always sat when chairs were standing by. lie did delight to take hits ease—a shocking thing to do— For exercise in plenty, please, I recommend to you. The lazy ways that made him grow I shunned with all my might, And that's exactly why, you know, I’m moderately slight But this is al! beside the mark, and quite another theme; I meant to say that in the dark Tim Thimble had a dream— He dreamt that as he tucked the sheet securely round his chin, He heard a roaring in the* street —a most appalling din; It really was a shocking noise. (But here I ought to say, That ’midst the most untidy boys Tim Thimble led the way: He never brushed his Sunday coat; he never did his hair, And as to collars round his throat, I seldom saw them there.) Now. having made this matter plain, the subject we will drop. And take the story up again without another stop. Bond. loud, and louder grew the roar. Tim Thimble shrank with fear. For somehow to his bedroom door ha thought it drawing near. His hair did stiff and stiffer grow (but that I cannot blame. For more than once or twice, you know, my own has done the same): And then was heard an awful crash: the door wide open tied,. When ’neath the clothes Tim made a dash, and covered un his head. Don't laugh nt him: it’s hardly nice, and though you think it shame. I boldly own that once or twice I've acted much the same. When next he peeped into the dark, as bravely as he could, Beside his pillow, stiff and stark, a Congo Dion stood. “My hair is rough." the Lion cried. “Come, tell me while I wait, How brush and com!) should bo applied to make a parting straight?” Tim Thimble, with a heart of woe. exclaimed with feeble groan: “1 cannot say: 1 do not know —I never do my own.” “Then, sir.” the Lion roared amain, “such, lazy habits shun, Or every night I’ll come again, to see what you have done.” Tim Thimble trembled, waked from sleep. Twas half an hour from dawn; And when around he dared to peep, the visitor was gone. But after that he long displayed a neatness and a care: The stralghtest parting ever made was in Tim Thimble’s hair; And this was all because that night the Lion Conscience came. And taught him In a dream of fright that negligence Is shame.