A Session with Uncle Sidney

I. ONE OF HIS ANIMAL STORIES

Now, Tudens, you sit on _this_ knee -- and 'scuse / It having no side-saddle on; -- and, Jeems, / You sit on _this_ -- and don't you wobble so / And chug my old shins with your coppertoes; -- / And, all the rest of you, range round someway, -- / Ride on the rockers and hang to the arms / Of our old-time splint-bottom carryall! -- / Do anything but _squabble_ for a place, / Or push or shove or scrouge, or breathe _out loud_, / Or chew wet, or knead taffy in my beard! -- / Do _any_thing almost -- act _any_way, -- / Only _keep still_, so I can hear myself / Trying to tell you "just one story more!"