Now we've all heard the tale of penurious Joe,
And the way that McToad helped his nephew, although,
It has never been told why the miser repented,
But at last we can tell, as Cornelius consented.
Neighbours all were amazed at Old Corny's largesse
When they learned that he'd helped ease his nephew's distress,
For he'd never before thought of anyone's plight
And his own growing wealth was his only delight.
But that wily old toad must have known more than we
When he listened to Joe and he answered his plea;
It's so obvious now that Cornelius guessed
That his nephew, Young Joe, was with genius blessed.
So Cornelius gave Joe all the help that he needed
To carry on research until he succeeded.
He kept him in comfort, immersed in his thoughts,
Until he developed a sure cure for warts.
Now the salve must be tested; Joe had to be sure
That his potion would really effect a full cure,
So Cornelius agreed that the tests could begin
If the treatment would leave him with unblemished skin.
Then the cream was applied to the back of the toad
And at first old Cornelius was sure he'd explode,
But repeat applications made warts disappear
'Til Cornelius's back was so green and so clear.
Old Cornelius could barely conceal his delight,
For his wart ridden back was a horrible sight,
But now it was smooth, it was shiniest green;
Just the sleekest of backs that the frog world had seen!
Old McToad told his nephew I'll make you my heir,
And a third of my fortune you're going to share.
Just a third I shall leave in my bank, and what's more,
All the rest I shall gladly donate to the poor!
He was free of the stigma of miserly ways
And he vowed to be generous the rest of his days,
Then this proud declaration left neighbours agog;
Now I'm wartless he said, I'm Cornelius FROG!
Don Mulford