THE
ANIMALS'
REBELLION

described by
CLIFTON BINGHAM

and pictured by
G. H. THOMPSON

The Animals' Rebellion.

The "Trip to Sea"¹ had long been made,
The "Picnic"² bills had all been paid;
But if you'll listen, I will tell
What made the animals rebel.

The Tiger was dissatisfied—
"Why should the Lion reign?" he cried;
"He's no more King of Beasts than I;
So let us all his rule defy!"

A secret meeting then he called:
And while the others stood appalled,
His wants and grievances explained,
And quickly some adherents gained.

The Fox his joy could not conceal--
"In guns," thought he, "I'll make a deal!"
The Owl, who all his speeches heard,
Took care to take down every word:

And ere the rising of the sun,
The Great Rebellion had begun!

      1. "The Animals' Trip to Sea."
      2. "The Animals' Picnic."

SECRET MEETING OF THE REBELS

The Tiger's Petition

The King sat on his Throne one day,
  His Crown upon his brow;
To him, in most obsequious way,
  The Tiger made his bow.

His long petition he unrolled,
  With names all written down;
The courtiers stared—their blood ran cold—
  King Leo gave a frown.

"What have we here?" demanded he,
  "And what does he require?"
The Elephant said, "Here I see
  A traitor, royal sire!"

The Brown Bear murmured, "So do I—
  He's right, without a doubt!"
The monarch cried, with flashing eye,
  "Turn this intruder out!"

PRESENTING A PETITION TO THE KING

At midnight, in an empty hut,
  Deep in the forest old,
The Rebels met with doors close shut,
  Their dark schemes to unfold.

"Friends!" Tiger cried, "no more we'll brook
  This despot's cruel reign;
Our charter lies