MR. PHILOSOPHER

Old Mr. Philosopher

Comes for Ben and Claire,

An ugly man, a tall man,

With bright-red hair.

The books that he's written

No one can read.

“In fifty years they'll understand:

Now there's no need.

“All that matters now

Is getting the fun.

Come along, Ben and Claire;

Plenty to be done.”

Then old Philosopher,

Wisest man alive,

Plays at Lions and Tigers

Down along the drive —

Gambolling fiercely

Through bushes and grass,

Making monstrous mouths,

Braying like an ass,

Twisting buttercups

In his orange hair,

Hopping like a kangaroo,

Growling like a bear.

Right up to tea-time

They frolic there.

“My legs are wingle,”

Says Ben to Claire.