Preparing for the Fray

Preparing for the coming fray, The Camp was busy night and day; The Rhino had his horn re-ground, Because it had got blunt he found.

The Elephant had his tusks, too, Re-sharpened till they looked like new; In fact, the Ape's new grindstone strong Was working nearly all day long.

All day the Camp was never still— With marching to and fro, and drill; And quite right too, since it appears They hadn't been to war for years.

The oldest there had never known Such preparations to be shown; Indeed, they'd never had, somehow, A great Rebellion until now.

Next day took place the Grand Review, Before His Majesty, The troops marched past in order true— A splendid sight to see.

The speech he made filled all with pride, As brave as brave could be: "For Country and for King," he cried, "On, on to victory!"