Harry Graham (28)

Aus »Baby's Baedeker«:

Harry Graham: France

The natives here remark »Mon Dieu!« 

   »Que voulez-vous?« »Comment ça va?« 

»Sapristi! Par exemple! Un peu!«

   »Tiens donc! Mais qu'est-ce que c'est que ça?«

They shave one portion of their dogs,  

And live exclusively on frogs.

 

They get excited very quick,  

   And crowds will gather before long  

If you should stand and wave your stick  

   And shout, »À bas le Presidong!« 

Still more amusing would it be  

To say, »Conspuez la Patrie!«

The French are so polite, you know, 

   They take their hats off very well,  

And, should they tread upon your toe, 

   Remark, »Pardon, Mademoiselle!« 

And you would gladly bear the pain  

To see them make that bow again.

 

Their ladies too have got a way 

    Which even curates can't resist;  

'Twould make an Alderman feel gay  

   Or soothe a yellow journalist;  

And then the things they say are so  

Extremely—well, in fact,—you know!

 

MORAL

The closest scrutiny can find  
No morals here of any kind.