France (the Baby's Baedeker)

The natives here remark 'Mon Dieu! '
'Que voulez-vous? ' 'Comment ca va? '
'Sapristi! Par exemple! Un peu! '
'Tiens donc! Mais qu'est-ce que c'est que ca? '
They shave one portion of their dogs,
And live exclusively on frogs.

They get excited very quick,
And crowds will gather before long
If you should stand and wave your stick
And shout, 'A bas le Presidong! '
Still more amusing would it be
To say, 'Conspuez la Patrie!'

The French are so polite, you know,
They take their hats off very well,
And, should they tread upon your toe,
Remark, 'Pardon, Mademoiselle! '
And you would gladly bear the pain
To see them make that bow again.

Their ladies too have got a way
Which even curates can't resist;
'Twould make an Alderman feel gay
Or soothe a yellow journalist;
And then the things they say are so
Extremely -- well, in fact, -- you know!

_MORAL_

The closest scrutiny can find
No morals here of any kind.

End of title