“Do n't Buy a Pig in a Poke.”

Unscrupulous Pigmongers will

Attempt to wheedle and to coax

The ignorant young housewife till

She purchases her pigs in pokes;

Beasts that have got a Lurid Past,

Or else are far Too Good to Last.

So, should you not desire to be

The victim of a cruel hoax,

Then promise me, ah! promise me,

You will not purchase pigs in pokes!

(‘ Twould be an error just as big

To poke your purchase in a pig. )

Too well I know the bitter cost,

To turn this subject off with jokes;

How many a fortune has been lost

By men who purchased pigs in pokes.

( Ah! think on such when you would talk

With mouths that are replete with pork! )

And, after dinner, round the fire,

Astride of Grandpa's rugged knee,

Implore your bored but patient sire

To tell you what a Poke may be.

The fact he might disclose to you —

Which is far more than I can do.

The Moral of The Pigs and Pokes

Is not to make your choice too quick.

In purchasing a Book of Jokes,

Pray poke around and take your pick.

Who knows how rich a mental meal

The covers of this book conceal?