The Way to Do It
I’ll tell you how I speak a piece:
First, I make my bow;
Then I bring my words out clear
And plain as I know how.
Next, I throw my hands up so!
Then I lift my eyes—
That’s to let my hearers know
Something doth surprise.
Next, I grin and show my teeth,
Nearly every one;
Shake my shoulders, hold my sides:
That’s the sign of fun.
Next I start and knit my brow,
Hold my head erect:
Something’s wrong, you see, and I
Decidedly object.
Then I wabble at my knees,
Clutch at shadows near,
Tremble well from top to toe:
That’s the sign of fear.
Now I start, and with a leap
Seize an airy dagger.
“Wretch!” I cry. That’s tragedy,
Every soul to stagger.
Then I let my voice grow faint,
Gasp and hold my breath;
Tumble down and plunge about:
That’s a villain’s death.
Quickly then I come to life,
Perfectly restored;
With a bow my speech is done.
Now you’ll please applaud.