Two strong chains, and short, did hem
The activity of them.

Fittig seriously reflected:
"This must somehow be corrected!
Virtue needs encouragement;
Vice gets on by natural bent."
Paul and Peter now began
Schooling with Herr Buckleman.
At the first day's session he
Thus addressed them pleasantly:

"Dear lads,—I assure you, I am very
Glad you have come to this seminary;
And, as I hope, with all your powers
Intend to improve these precious hours.
And first, the things most important to mention,
Reading, writing, and ciphering will claim our attention;
For these are the arts by which man rises
To honor and wealth, and wins great prizes.
But, secondly, what good would all this do,
Unless politeness were added thereto?
For he who is not polite to all
Into trouble will certainly fall.
Finally, therefore, bending before you,
As you see, I entreat and implore you,

If in good faith you have made up your mind
To follow the rules I have now defined,
Then lift up your hands and look me in the eye,
And say, 'Herr Buckleman, we will try!'"
Paul and Peter thought: "Old man,
D'ye think us greenhorns? Is that your plan?"

They give no answer, but inwardly
They grin and giggle, and say, "he! he!"
Whereat old Master Buckleman
Gave a low whistle, and thus began:
"Since, then, you've resolved to be
Hardened reprobates," said he,
"I am resolved, face down, to lay
You both across my desk straightway,
Applying the stick to your hinder parts
In hopes of softening your hard hearts."

Drawing out then from beneath
His coat, like sabre from its sheath,
His good hazel rod, of stuff
Flexible and tight and tough,—
He with many a sturdy thwack
Laid it on each urchin's back.

Nay, he trounced two backs in one,
Till he deemed the work was done.
"Now then," he spoke in a tranquil way,
"Belovèd children, what do you say?

Are you content and are we agreed?"
"Yes, yes, Herr Buckleman,—yes, indeed!"
Such was the method of Buckleman;
We see the good effects of his plan.

'Twas the talk of the people, one and all,—
"Charming children—Peter and Paul!"
And so they tried it on Plish and Plum:
They too, also, to school must come.

And the Buckleman plan's applied
Faithfully to each one's hide.
Masters of Arts, they're soon approved,
And universally beloved;

And, as one might well expect,
Art shows practical effect.

One day travelling through the land,
With a field-glass in his hand,
A well-dressed man of fortune came;
Mister Peep, they called his name.

"Can't I, as I pass," said he,
"View the distant scenery?
Beauty reigns elsewhere, I know,
Whereas here 'tis but so-so."
Here he pitched into the pond,

Viewed the mud and naught beyond.
"Paul and Peter,—look and see
Where the gentleman can be!"

So said Fittig, who just then
Walked forth with the little men;
But fu'l soon it was made plain
Where the gentleman had lain,

When he, minus hat and glass,
Stood all dripping on the grass.

"Allez! Plish and Plum, apport!"
Came the order from the shore.
Strictly trained to fetch and carry,—
Not a moment did they tarry,—
Fetched the lost goods from the deep.
"Very well," cried Mister Peep.

"Nice dogs, friend, I'll buy the two;
How'll a hundred dollars do?"
Papa Fittig's head inclined:
"The gentleman is very kind."
On new legs he seems to stand,
Such a pile of cash in hand.