The Duel

The gingham dog and the calico cat; side by side on the table sat

T was half past twelve and what do you think?

No one on the other half slept a wink! The old Dutch clock in the Chinese plate

Appeared to know as sure as fate, there was going to be a terrible spat

I wasn't there, I simply stayed where I was told to me

By the Chinese plate, Chinese plate, Chinese plate

The gingham dog went "bow wow wow" and the calico cat replied "meow"

The air was littered in an hour, or so, with bits of gingham and calico

While the old Dutch clock in the chimney-place, up with its hands before its face!

For it always dreaded a family row, Now-a mind you, I'm only telling you