The poem
I love to watch my seven cows In meads of buttercups abrowse, With guilded knees; But even more I love to see Them chew the cud so tranquilly In twilight ease.
Each is the image of content From fragrant hours in clover spent, 'Mid leaf and bud; As up and down without a pause Mechanically move their jaws To chew the cud.
Friend, there's a hope for me and you: Let us resolve to chew and chew With molars strong; The man who learns to masticate With patience may control his fate, His life prolong.
In salivation is salvation: So if some silly little nation Should bathe in blood, Let's take a lesson from the cow, And learn in life's long gloaming how To chew the cud.