For it chanced to be dividend day,
And he jumped on the 'bus,
After reasoning thus--
In his logical juvenile way:--

"Here's a 'bus passing by,
And I cannot see why
I should weary my infantile feet;
I've a copper to spare,
And the authorised fare
Is a penny to Liverpool Street."

As the 'bus cantered on,
Little cake-eating JOHN
In the corner contentedly sat,
And with that one and this
(Whether Mister or Miss)
Had a meteorological chat.

Came a bolt from the blue
When, collecting his due,
The conductor remarked, "Though I thank
That young cake-eating gent
For the penny he's sent,
It's a _tuppenny_ ride to the Bank!"

"You're a pirate!" sobbed JACK,
"And your colours are black!"
But he heard--as he struggled to speak--
The conductor observe,