ABSTRACT
A birthday party at the Zoo 1 In honour of a kangaroo, Was held for him and seven guests (Invited at their own requests). A seal leapt from the Zoo-side lake Holding his gift of an eccles cake. A bear and lion, paw in paw, Brought each a carrot, rich and raw. A tiger, wolf, and chimpanzee Brought each a pot of birthday-tea. An elephant arrived in state With eight iced biscuits on a plate. Then, afterwards, as soon as each Had made his lengthy birthday speech, They changed their seats, to set in place Two groups, one tenor, and one bass. They sang about the earth, and seas, The Ides of March, and apple trees, Things round about, and things afar, Etcetera … etcetera … In fact the truth should now transpire: This was the Zoo’s official choir. 2
