"To see the penguin out at sea, And watch how he behaves, Would prove that penguins cannot be And never shall be slaves. You haven't got a notion How penguins brave the ocean, And laugh with scorn at waves. "To see the penguin at his ease Performing fearful larks With stingarees of all degrees, As well as whales and sharks ; The sight would quickly let you know The great contempt that penguins show For stingarees and sharks. "O see the penguin as he goes A-turning Catherine wheels, Without repose upon the nose Of walruses and seals. But bless your heart, a penguin feels Supreme contempt for foolish seals, While he never fails, where'er he goes, To turn back-flaps on a walrus nose." "It's all very fine," said the Puddin' gloomily, "singing about the joys of being penguins and pirates, but how'd you like to be a Puddin' and be eaten all day long?" And in a very gruff voice he sang as follows:-- "O, who would be a puddin', A puddin' in a pot, A puddin' which is stood on A fire which is hot ? O sad indeed the lot Of puddin's in a pot. "I wouldn't be a puddin' If I could be a bird, If I could be a wooden Doll, I wouldn't say a word. Yes, I have often heard It's grand to be a bird. "But as I am a puddin', A puddin' in a pot, I hope you get the stomachache For eatin' me a lot. I hope you get it hot, You puddin'-eatin' lot!" "Very well sung, Albert," said Bill encouragingly, "though you're a trifle husky in your undertones, which is no doubt due to the gravy in your innards. However, as a reward for bein' a bright little feller we shall have a slice of you all round before turnin' in for the night." So they whistled up the plum-duff side of the Puddin', and had supper. When that was done, Bill stood up and made a speech to Bunyip Bluegum. "I am now about to put before you an important proposal," said Bill. "Here you are, a young intelligent feller, goin' about seein' the world by yourself. Here is Sam an' me, two as fine fellers as ever walked, goin' about the world with a Puddin'. My proposal to you is--Join us, and become a member of the Noble Society of Puddin'-Owners. The duties of the Society," went on Bill, "are light. The members are required to wander along the roads, indulgin' in conversation, song and story, eatin' at regular intervals at the Puddin'. And now, what's your answer?" "My answer," said Bunyip Bluegum, "is, Done with you." And, shaking hands warmly all round, they loudly sang. THE PUDDIN'-OWNERS' ANTHEM. "The solemn word is plighted, The solemn tale is told, We swear to stand united, Three puddin'-owners bold. "Hurrah for puddin'-owning, Hurrah for Friendship's hand, The puddin'-thieves are groaning To see our noble band. "When we with rage assemble, Let puddin'-snatchers groan; Let puddin'-burglars tremble, They'll ne'er our puddin' own. "Hurrah, we'll stick together, And always bear in mind To eat our puddin' gallantly, Whenever we're inclined.