THE HENS OF ORIPÒ
by Edward Lear, English artist, writer; known for his 'literary nonsense' & limericks (1812-1888)
The aged hens of Oripò,
They tempt the stormy sea;
Black, white and brown, they spread their win
And o'er the waters flee;
And when a little fish they clutch
Athwart the wave so blue,
They utter forth a joyful note, -
A cock-a-doodle-doo!
O! Oo! Oripò - Oo! the hens of Oripò!
The crafty hens of Oripò,
They wander on the shore,
Where shrimps and winkles pick they up,
And carry home a store;
For barley, oats, or golden corn,
To eat they never wish,
All vegetably food they scorn,
And only seek for fish.
O! Oo! Oripò - Oo! the hens of Oripò!
The wily hens of Oripò,
Black, white and brown and gray,
They don't behave like other hens;
In any decent way.
They lay their eggs among the rocks,
Instead of in the straw,
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O! Oo! Oripò - Oo! the hens of Oripò!
The nasty hens of Oripò,
With ill-conditioned zeal,
All fish defunct they gobble up,
At morn or evening meal.
Whereby their eggs, as now we find,
.................................
A fishlike ancient smell and taste
Unpleasant doth pervade.
O! Oo! Oripò - Oo! the hens of Oripò!
Edward Lear (1812-1888)
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