Thinking along the lines of Tim Burton and Lewis Carroll (from yesterday's post) it isn't much of a stretch to end up remembering Hillaire Belloc.The English writer/historian took on an array of topics in his essays (travel writing, politics, warfare) but he is probably best remembered for his humorous poetry.
Belloc's book of "Cautionary Tales" was supposedly written for children but the satire & implausible morals are enjoyed by adults like me who find them quite hilarious! See if the example below makes you laugh:
The Chief Defect of Henry King
Was chewing little bits of String.
At last he swallowed some which tied
Itself in ugly Knots inside.
Physicians of the Utmost Fame
Were called at once, but when they came
They answered, as they took their Fees,
"There is no Cure for this Disease
Henry will very soon be dead."
His Parents stood about his Bed
Lamenting his Untimely Death,
When Henry, with his Latest Breath,
Cried - "Oh, my Friends, be warned by me,
That Breakfast, Dinner, Lunch and Tea
Are all the Human Frame Requires..."
With that the Wretched Child expires.
