The Gnu

 The Gnu
by Hilakre Belloc

G. stands for Gnu, whose weapons of defense
Are long, sharp, curling horns, and common sense.
To these he adds a name so short and strong,
That even hardy Boers pronounce it wrong.
How often on a bright autumnal day
The pious people of Pretoria say
"Come, let us hunt the'' - then no more is heard,
But sounds of strong men struggling with a word;
Meanwhile the distant Gnu with grateful eyes
Observes his opportunity and flies.

The Yak

 The Yak
by Hilaire Belloc

As a friend to the children commend me the Yak.
You will find it exactly the thing:
It will carry and fetch, you can ride on its back,
Or lead it about with a string.

The Tartar who dwells on the plains of Thibet
(A desolate region of snow)
Has for centuries made it a nursery pet,
And surely the Tartar should know!

Then tell your papa where the Yak can be got,
And if he is awfully rich
He will buy you the creature - or else he will not.
(I cannot be positive which.)

The Frog

 The Frog
by Hilaire Belloc

Be kind and tender to the Frog,
And do not call him names,
As "Slimy-skin," or "Pollywog,"
Or likewise "Uncle James,"
Or "Gape'a'grin," or "Toad'gone'wrong,"
Or "Billy -Bandy Knees":
The frog is justly sensitive
To epithets like these.
No animal will more repay
A treatment kind and fair,
At least so lonely people say
Who keep a frog (and by the way,
They are extremely rare) .