Page 24 - The English Carnival 7

And her little yellow dog and her little red wagon,

And her realio, trulio, little pet dragon.

Belinda is as brave as a barrel full of bears,

And Ink and Blink chase lions down the stairs,

Mustard is as brave as a tiger in a rage,

But Custard keeps crying for a nice safe cage.

–Ogden Nash

Word Meanings

realio, trulio imaginary or fanciful terms emphasizing the fantastical

nature of the dragon and other elements in the poem

percival a name used humorously for the dragon
daggers sharp, pointed knives

unmerciful without mercy or pity
strategically mouseholed cleverly found a hiding place

gyrate to move or spin in a circular motion

flagon a large container for holding liquids

gulped swallowed hastily or greedily

clatter a loud, sharp noise, often associated with the striking of
metal objects together

flustered agitated, confused, or in a state of nervousness

22