#eugenefield

"Wynken, Blynken, and Nod" , a nocturnal journey of three children through a dreamlike world of moonlight and stars.

The Duel

Eugene Field

The gingham dog and the calico cat Side by side on the table sat; ‘T was half-past twelve, and (what do you think!) Nor one nor t’ other had slept a wink!       The old Dutch clock and the Chinese plate       Appeared to know as sure as fate There was going to be a terrible spat.             (I was n’t there; I simply state             What was told to me by the Chinese plate!)

The gingham dog went “Bow-wow-wow!” And the calico cat replied “Mee-ow!” The air was littered, an hour or so, With bits of gingham and calico,       While the old Dutch clock in the chimney-place       Up with its hands before its face, For it always dreaded a family row!             (Now mind: I ‘m only telling you             What the old Dutch clock declares is true!)

The Chinese plate looked very blue, And wailed, “Oh, dear! what shall we do!” But the gingham dog and the calico cat Wallowed this way and tumbled that,       Employing every tooth and claw       In the awfullest way you ever saw—- And, oh! how the gingham and calico flew!             (Don’t fancy I exaggerate—-             I got my news from the Chinese plate!)