The Oxford Dictionary of Quotations Preface

‘Civilization’ (1928) ch. 5
2.77 Hilaire Belloc 1870-1953
When people call this beast to mind,
They marvel more and more
At such a little tail behind,
So large a trunk before.
‘A Bad Child’s Book of Beasts’ (1896) ‘The Elephant’
I shoot the Hippopotamus
With bullets made of platinum,
Because if I use leaden ones
His hide is sure to flatten ’em.
‘A Bad Child’s Book of Beasts’ (1896) ‘The Hippopotamus’.
The Tiger, on the other hand, is kittenish and mild,
He makes a pretty play fellow for any little child;
And mothers of large families (who claim to common sense)
Will find a Tiger well repay the trouble and expense.
‘A Bad Child’s Book of Beasts’ (1896) ‘The Tiger’
Believing Truth is staring at the sun
Which but destroys the power that could perceive.
So naught of our poor selves can be at one
With burning Truth, nor utterly believe
‘Believing Truth is staring at the sun’ (1923)
Physicians of the Utmost Fame
Were called at once; but when they came
They answered, as they took their Fees,
‘There is no Cure for this Disease.’
‘Cautionary Tales’ (1907) ‘Henry King’
And always keep a-hold of Nurse
For fear of finding something worse.
‘Cautionary Tales’ (1907) ‘Jim’
In my opinion, Butlers ought
To know their place, and not to play
The Old Retainer night and day.
‘Cautionary Tales’ (1907) ‘Lord Lundy’
Sir! you have disappointed us!
We had intended you to be
The next Prime Minister but three:
The stocks were sold; the Press was squared;
The Middle Class was quite prepared.