ALAS, my Child, where is the Pen <br />That can do Justice to the Hen? <br />Like Royalty, She goes her way, <br />Laying foundations every day, <br />Though not for Public Buildings, yet <br />For Custard, Cake and Omelette. <br />Or if too Old for such a use <br />They have their Fling at some Abuse, <br />As when to Censure Plays Unfit <br />Upon the Stage they make a Hit, <br />Or at elections Seal the Fate <br />Of an Obnoxious Candidate. <br />No wonder, Child, we prize the Hen, <br />Whose Egg is mightier than the Pen.<br /><br />Oliver Herford<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/the-hen/
