A Moral Alphabet/G for Gnu

by Hilaire Belloc

G STANDS FOR GNU,

whose weapons of Defence

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.

MORAL:

Child, if you have a rummy kind of name,

Remember to be thankful for the same.