Relay-Version: version B 2.10 5/3/83; site utzoo.UUCP Posting-Version: version B 2.10.1 6/24/83; site zehntel.UUCP Path: utzoo!watmath!clyde!burl!we13!ihnp4!zehntel!zinfandel!steve From: steve@zinfandel.UUCP Newsgroups: net.jokes Subject: Re: Re: Little Willie - (nf) Message-ID: <1383@zehntel.UUCP> Date: Sat, 10-Mar-84 04:19:54 EST Article-I.D.: zehntel.1383 Posted: Sat Mar 10 04:19:54 1984 Date-Received: Sun, 11-Mar-84 00:32:42 EST Sender: root@zehntel.UUCP Organization: Zehntel Inc., Walnut Creek, CA Lines: 35 #R:rayssd:-39800:zinfandel:6600105:000:1118 zinfandel!steve Mar 9 12:59:00 1984 I can trace the origin of "Little Willie" to the poem TENDER-HEARTEDNESS from RUTHLESS RHYMES FOR HEARTLESS HOMES, published in 1899 by Harry Jocelyn Clive Graham ("Col. D. Streamer"). Purists note, the original version is: TENDER-HEARTEDNESS Billy, in one of his nice new sashes, Fell in the fire and was burnt to ashes; Now, although the room grows chilly, I haven't the heart to poke poor Billy. RUTHLESS RHYMES FOR HEARTLESS HOMES and MORE RUTHLESS RHYMES FOR HEARTLESS HOMES (1930) are available together in an unabridged reprint with illustrations from the original editions, published by (who else?) Dover Books, No. T930. QUIET FUN My son Augustus, in the street one day, Was feeling quite exceptionally merry. A stranger asked him: "Can you show me, pray, The quickest way to Brompton Cemetery?" "The quickest way? You bet I can!" said Gus, And pushed the fellow underneath a bus. * * * Whatever people say about my son, He does enjoy his little bit of fun. -H.G. from MORE RUTHLESS RHYMES zehntel!zinfandel!steve nelson