Susan Rewarded For Twenty Year's Service
(Written for Dr. and Mrs. W. Baker, Terre Haute, Ind.)
Professor Theophilus Socrates Snook,
One day paid a visit to Susan, his cook,
And beaming upon her with kindliest look
Said, "Susan, my dear, please gaze at tins book.
In here you may learn of elephantiasis,
And also the hookworm, uncinariasis;
Of craw-craw and chiggers, of ainhum and sprue,
And all that I've written about them is true.
Now, Susan, to me you've been faithful, my dear,
In keeping my house for many a year;
For years nearly twenty you've been now with me,
Cooking my victuals just as they should be,
And truly I think a reward I should pay
To one who has labored from day unto day.
So when I discovered a wondrous new germ,
Which causes young children to wiggle and squirm,
I thought that this bug for you I would name
And bring you great glory and honor and fame.
It's a wondrous discovery, this ungomariasis,
And so we will call it the SUSANBONPIASIS."
"No, thank you, your honor," said Susan Bawben,
"I had the bugs once and don't want 'em again,
And if you onsist upon callin' me BUGS,
I'll lave you alone wid your books and your drugs."