When I go rowing on the lake, I long to be a man; I'll give my Sunday frock to have A callous heart like Dan. I love the ripple of the waves When gliding o'er the deep, But when I see the cruel ours, I close my eyes and weep; For there are cat-fish in our lake, And I am filled with dread, Lest Don should strike a pussy-fish Upon its tender head. How would you like it if, some day An air-ship passing by, Should flap its cruel, thoughtless oars And knock you in the eye? My life would be one long regret If, for my pleasure vain, I caused a harmless little fish An hour of needless pain. And if Dan's heavy oars should cause One little fish to die, I'd never, never dare to look Smoked herring in the eye!