Samuil Marshak
Good manners

A Teddy-Bear whose ways were bad
Was taught good manners by his Dad.

“When taken out for tea, my lad,
You mustn’t squeal and roar like mad.
It’s bad to boast and to be rude
And make a noise while chewing food.

“Take off your cap to folks you know
And don’t forget to say hullo.
Try not to walk upon all fours.
Especially when out of doors.

“It’s very impolite to yawn.
But if you must, take care
To put your paw upon your mouth
Like any decent bear.

“Don’t argue, squabble, scratch or fight.
Obey your elders, be polite,
Show seniors respect.

“For instance, Granny has poor sight,
So always see her home at night.
You’ll do so, I expect?”

So Teddy-Bear whose ways were bad
Was taught good manners by his Dad.
But though he did improve in part.
The bear remained a bear at heart.

He bowed to animals he knew.
Brown bears and even foxes, too.
He’d rise and offer them his seat
And on the whole, appeared quite sweet.
And yet with folks he didn’t know
He wasn’t half so good — Oh no!

He growled and snarled and used bad words,
Disturbed the bees and scared the birds.

And when he went by underground
He snapped his teeth and answered back
And pushed the passengers around
Until they thought their ribs would crack.

It takes a lot of time and care
To civilise a rude young bear.
And yet — our story makes it plain —
Your time may still be spent in vain.

Translated by Dorian Rottenberg