About a Mule
About a Mule is a poem written by F.I. (Franz Jves) published in the Arthur Conan Doyle handwritten magazine The Feldkirchian Gazette (Vol. I, october 1875).
About a Mule
From an ancient document in possession of a member of our staff.
The mule stood on the steamer's deck,
The land he would not tread
They pulled the haltar round his head [neck]
And cracked him o'er the head.
Yet fine and steadfast there he stood,
As stiff as any rule.
A critter of heroic blood,
Was that'ere cussed mule.
The cussed and swore — He would not go
Until he felt inclined.
And though they showered blow on blow
He wouldn't change his mind.
The deck hand to the captain cried
"This here mule's bound to stay"
And still upon the asses hide
With lash they fired away.
The captain from the shore replied
"The boat's about to sail
"As every other means we've tried
"Suppose you twist his tail."
"It's likely that will make him land"
The deckman brave but pale,
Approached him with extended hand
to twist that damned mule's tail.
Then came a sudden kick behind
The man "Oh! where was he"?
Ask of the softly blowing winds,
or fishes in the sea.
For a moment there was not a sound,
As that mule winked his eye.
As though to hint to those around
"I've sent him precious high"
"Cut that ere mule's throat, right away"
the captain did command.
But the noblest critter died that day,
Was the fearless, brave deck hand.
Moral by F.
My gentle readers old and young,
Take heed and do not fail,
to bear in mind the valiant man
Who pulled the donkey's tale.
And should temptation ever seek,
to draw you in it's snares.
Don't let your angry passions rise
And take you unawares.
And let all asses have their way,
who disobey command.
And perish not so foolishly
As that ere brave deck hand.
.F.I.
