  WAS once a hen of wit not small (In fact, ’twas not amazing), And apt at laying eggs withal, Who, when she’d done, would scream and bawl, As if the house were blazing. A turkey-cock, of age mature, Felt thereat indignation; ’Twas quite improper, he was sure— He would no more the thing endure; So, after cogitation, He to the lady straight repaired, And thus his business he declared: “Madam, pray, what’s the matter, That always, when you’ve laid an egg, You make so great a clatter? I wish you’d do the thing in quiet. Do be advised by me, and try it.” “Advised by you!” the lady cried, And tossed her head with proper pride; “And what do you know, now I pray, Of the fashion of the present day, You creature ignorant and low? However, if you want to know, This is the reason why I do it: I lay my egg, and then review it!” Matthew Claudius. |
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