“There are turkeys, daily fed On the best of household bread, So that they’ll be fat and toothsome for Thanksgiving day; What a sin it is and shame, Crime without a proper name, For a man these gentle creatures first to feed, then slay! “There are birds that sing a lay Full of joy at break of day, That will silent be forever at the set of sun. Some will slay the songsters sweet On pretense that they would eat, While a thousand more admit they kill them just for fun. “List and hear these creatures all, Mighty beasts as well as small, With a thousand, thousand voices, loud and long repeat, We beseech you, let us live; Take not life you can not give; Only kill ferocious creatures; never slay to eat. “It was God’s appointed plan, Given long ago to man, That no creature of another creature’s flesh should eat, But that all alike should dine On the fruit of tree and vine And the toothsome grains, which heaven has given man for meat. “Better far it is to be A vegetarian, don’t you see? As thus we take our daily food direct from heaven’s own hand. When we eat another’s flesh, We’re not taking food that’s fresh, But are living on a diet that is second hand. “Oh, then, let us all resolve That, while earth and years revolve, We will never more pollute our mouths with bloody meat, But will choose a diet pure, From disease and germs secure, And of fruits and nuts and grains so wholesome ever eat!” HELEN: I’m glad you read it to us, mother. It _does_ seem, when the cattle eat the grass and grain, and then we eat _them_, as though we were eating second-hand food. PERCY: I don’t propose to do that way any longer. I think I should have what I eat first-hand, as well as the sheep and ox. MOTHER: I am sure if you carry out your resolve you will have pure blood and a more healthy body. I saw some pictures of children not long ago who had never tasted meat in their lives, and they were as happy and hearty as you could wish to see. I want you each to act for yourselves in this matter, and do what you think will be the best for your health. ELMER: Is salt a food, mother? MOTHER: No; salt is a mineral, yet it is found in all parts of the body. It is also found in nearly all our foods. We add it to some things when cooking to give them flavor, but it is hurtful to eat much of it. AMY: Are mustard, pepper, spices, ginger, and hot sauces good to eat?