Katydid

I love to hear thine earnest voice,

Wherever thou art hid,

Thou testy little dogmatist,

Thou pretty Katydid!

Thou mindest me of gentle folks,—

Old gentle folks are they,—

Thou say'st an undisputed thing

In such a solemn way.

Thou art a female, Katydid!

I know it by the thrill

That quivers through the piercing notes,

So petulant and shrill.

I think there is a knot of you

Beneath the hollow tree,—

A knot of spinster Katydids,—

Do Katydids drink tea?

Oh, tell me where did Katy live,

And what did Katy do?

And was she very fair and young,

And yet so wicked, too?

Did Katy love a naughty man

Or kiss more cheeks than one?

I warrant Katy did no more

Than many a Kate has done.