"Don't fear, my Bunnies, you'll be shot, Though each has bought a gun; I'll whisper this," said Fox: "they've got Blank cartridge ev'ry one!" [Illustration: THE ARMORY] Raising the Standard. From lair to lair the news soon spread, And one and all leapt out of bed, And sallied forth, with loud hurrays, The Standard of Revolt to raise. The Bear looked fierce, the Crocodile Put on his most bloodthirsty smile; The Leopard and the Wolf were there, And cheers resounded in the air. The Tiger roared a lengthy speech, And called, in loudest tones, on each To do his best when came the fray, Not be afraid, nor run away. Cried he: "Now, onward to the field, To make this tyrant monarch yield!" "Charge, Leopard, charge--on, Tiger, on!" Were the first words of Rebellion. [Illustration: RAISING THE STANDARD OF REVOLT] Next morn a Scout the Camp alarms, The Lion's soldiers fly to arms. "The enemy advance!" he cries, "And means to take you by surprise!" In Leo's Camp, on Zootown plains, The utmost consternation reigns. In Leo's Camp. This startling news the peaceful Camp With preparation fills, Resounding with the soldiers' tramp, The noise of many drills. The Sergeants shout, the General storms; All round one sees and hears The trying on of uniforms, The clank of swords and spears. The Fox pretended, by and by, To be deaf, dumb and lame; But Jacko, with a placard "Spy," Quite spoilt his little game. Field Marshal Hippo shouted out, "Arrest him on the spot!" If he had not escaped, no doubt He'd promptly have been shot. [Illustration: A SPY IN CAMP] Preparing for the Fray. Preparing for the coming fray, The Camp was busy night and day; The Rhino had his horn re-ground, Because it had got blunt he found. The Elephant had his tusks, too, Re-sharpened till they looked like new; In fact, the Ape's new grindstone strong Was working nearly all day long. All day the Camp was never still-- With marching to and fro, and drill; And quite right too, since it appears They hadn't been to war for years. The oldest there had never known Such preparations to be shown; Indeed, they'd never had, somehow, A great Rebellion until now. [Illustration: PREPARING FOR THE FRAY] Next day took place the Grand Review, Before His Majesty, The troops marched past in order true-- A splendid sight to see. The speech he made filled all with pride, As brave as brave could be: "For Country and for King," he cried, "On, on to victory!" The Advance Guard. Then marched they forth unto the fray A battle fierce took place next day; I'm told it was a fearful fight, That lasted quite from morn till night. Through hail of shot and rain of lead, His Rebel band the Tiger led; And found that when the fight was done A brilliant victory was won. In vain King Leo's gallant band (The Prince of Tails was in command) Essayed the Rebel force to beat-- The effort ended in defeat.