298. King Bell

FRANK DEMPSTER SHERMAN

Long ago there lived a King
A mighty man and bold,
Who had two sons, named Dong and Ding,
Of whom this tale is told.

Prince Ding was clear of voice, and tall,
A Prince in every line;
Prince Dong, his voice was very small,
And he but four feet nine.

Now both these sons were very dear
To Bell, the mighty King.
They always hastened to appear
When he for them would ring.

Ding never failed the first to be,
But Dong, he followed well,
And at the second summons he
Responded to King Bell.

This promptness of each royal Prince
Is all of them we know,
Except that all their kindred since
Have done exactly so.

And if you chance to know a King
Like this one of the dong,
Just listen once—and there is Ding;
Again—and there is Dong.