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The Autobiography of a Monkey

THE SONG OF THE JUNGLE.

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The Elephant: Oh, I am the lord of the forest and plain! The Lion, Tigers, etc.: And we are the beasts that acknowledge your reign! The Birds: And we are the minstrels that come at your call! The Monkeys: And we are the jesters that laugh at you all!

Illustration from The Autobiography of a Monkey

Chorus, All—

Oh, yes! Oh, yes! Oh, yes! Oh, yes! The tribes of the jungle are we— Our home is the darksome wilderness That never a man shall see.

The Elephant: Oh, the jungle was meant and was made for my will! The Lions, Tigers, etc.: For the sport of the chase and the zest of the kill! The Birds: For the beating of wings and the echo of song! The Monkeys: For gambol and grimace the whole season long!

Illustration from The Autobiography of a Monkey
Illustration from The Autobiography of a Monkey

Chorus, All: Hurrah! Hurrah! Hurrah! Oh, yes! For all of the tribes that be With homes in the tangled wilderness That never a man shall see.

Illustration from The Autobiography of a Monkey

But, alas, for the boasts of the jungle! The men came among us one day, And one with a box that made music Enticed foolish monkeys away.

The birds and the beasts of the forest Were mute at the marvellous song, But the monkeys crept out of the tree-tops— An eager and wondering throng.

Illustration from The Autobiography of a Monkey
Illustration from The Autobiography of a Monkey

The birds and the beasts of the forest Kept hidden and silent that day, But the monkey-folk formed a procession And followed the minstrel away.

And thus did we give up the forest To dwell with our brothers, the men— Farewell to the beautiful jungle! 'Twas long ere I saw it again!

Illustration from The Autobiography of a Monkey
Illustration from The Autobiography of a Monkey

Part Second.

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