The reading of "Jim Who Rand Away from His Nurse and Was Eaten By a Lion" is from the children's book entitled "Cautionary Tales for Children" (1907). The story is authored by Hilaire Belloc, and the original illustrations you will see in the video are by Basil T. Blackwood.

This children's poem tells the story of young Jim who has a reputation for not listening to his elders. During a visit to the zoo, Jim slips away from his nanny and finds himself in the lion's cage. The lion is only too happy to indulge in a boy snack, and quickly gobbles up Jim, starting at his feet. When the zoo keeper hears Jim's cries, he comes running (as best he can), but arrives too late to save Jim. He finds the lion (Ponto) has eaten everything but Jim's head.

JIM: Who ran away from his Nurse, and was eaten by a Lion.

There was a Boy whose name was Jim;
His Friends were very good to him.
They gave him Tea, and Cakes, and Jam,
And slices of delicious Ham,
And Chocolate with pink inside,
And little Tricycles to ride,
And read him Stories through and through,
And even took him to the Zoo
But there it was the dreadful Fate
Befell him, which I now relate.

You know - at least you ought to know.
For I have often told you so
That Children never are allowed
To leave their Nurses in a Crowd;

Now this was Jim's especial Foible,
He ran away when he was able,
And on this inauspicious day
He slipped his hand and ran away!
He hadn't gone a yard when
Bang!
With open Jaws, a Lion sprang,
And hungrily began to eat
The Boy: beginning at his feet.

Now just imagine how it feels
When first your toes and then your heels,
And then by gradual degrees,
Your shins and ankles, calves and knees,
Are slowly eaten, bit by bit.

No wonder Jim detested it!
No wonder that he shouted "Hi!"
The Honest Keeper heard his cry,
Though very fat he almost ran
To help the little gentleman.
"Ponto!" he ordered as he came
(For Ponto was the Lion's name),
"Ponto!" he cried, with angry Frown.
"Let go, Sir! Down, Sir! Put it down!"

The Lion made a sudden Stop,
He let the Dainty Morsel drop,
And slunk reluctant to his Cage,
Snarling with Disappointed Rage
But when he bent him over Jim,
The Honest Keeper's Eyes were dim.
The Lion having reached his Head,
The Miserable Boy was dead!

When Nurse informed his Parents, they
Were more Concerned than I can say
His Mother, as She dried her eyes,
Said, "Well, it gives me no surprise,
He would not do as he was told!"

His Father, who was self-controlled,
Bade all the children round attend
To James' miserable end,
And always keep a-hold of Nurse
For fear of finding something worse.

MUSIC CREDITS:
The theme music for this poem video was created and recorded by Eddie Lewis (www.EddieLewis.com).

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