In Camel Land—’twas years ago,

(As all the early records show)—

Mr. and Mrs. Camel, tall,

Had on their backs no hump at all.

They were as proud as proud could be

Of their physique—as one could see.

At home they used to joke and laugh,

Because so stooped their friend Giraffe!

When their two babies came to bless

Their home with camel loveliness,

Their joy was full. “Dear wife,” said he,

“Our boys are straight as straight can be!”

But when their age was six or eight,

(It pains me this fact to relate),

The parents’ counsels (so they say),

The boys neglected to obey.

“Oh, sit up straight!” the mother cried,

When their round shoulders she espied.

“You’ll be humpbacked unless you do,”

The father said—“a thing you’ll rue!”

But, no! the boys had their own way,

Refusing counsel to obey,

Until—too late to change, alack!

Each had a hump upon his back!