Volume 10 — A LETTER FROM HOME[4]

"It is spring, my dear Umbobo, On the isle of Gumbo Goo, And your father, King Korobo, And your mother long for you. "We had missionaries Monday, Much the finest of the year— Our old cook came back last Sunday, And the stews she makes are dear. "I've the loveliest string of knuckles Which dear Father gave to me, And a pair of shin-bone buckles Which I so wish you could see. "You remember Mr. Booloo? He is coming over soon With some friends from Unatulu— We all hope they'll call at noon. "Mr. Booloo's rather slender, But we'll fix him up with sage, And I think he'll be quite tender For a fellow of his age. "Genevieve O-loola's marriage Was arranged so very queer— Have you read 'The Bishop's Carriage'? Don't you think it's just too dear? "I am hoping next vacation I may visit you a while. In this out-of-way location It's so hard to know the style. "Will you try and match the sample I enclose—be sure it's green. Get three yards—that will be ample. Velvet, mind, not velveteen. "Gentle mother worries badly, And she thinks it is a shame That a man like Dr. Hadley Lets you play that football game. "For the way they hurt each other Seems so barbarously rude— No, you've not been raised, dear brother, To do anything so crude. "And those horrid meals at college— Not what you're accustomed to. It is hard, this quest for knowledge, But be brave. "Your sister, Boo." "P.S.— "If it's not too great a bother And a mental overtax, Would you send your poor old father, C.O.D., a battle-axe?"