What’s The Use?

What’s the use in fishin’

     If the fish won’t bite?

What’s the use in whishin’

     If the wish ain’t right?

What’s the use in lickin’

     If the child don’t know?

What’s the use in kickin’

     When yer’ll hurt yer toe?

            So,

Take it easy when you fish,

Be mighty keerful how yer wish,

Use yer jidgment when yer lick,

Lower yer toe before yer kick,

An’ yer’ll call yerself a brick.

            I know.

Sept. 16, 1894

Pub. in Boston

Courier, Oct. 7,

    1894

Copied in D. Free Press