The Duel
The gingham dog and the calico cat
Side by side on the table sat; T'was half past twelve, and (what do you think!) Nor one nor t'other had slept a wink! 
The old Dutch clock and the Chinese plate Appeared to know as sure as fate There was going to be a terrible spat
(I wasn't there; I simply state What was told to me by the Chinese plate!) 
The gingham dog went "Bow-wow-wow!" And the calico cat replied "Mee-ow!" The air was littered, an hour or so,
With bits of gingham and calico, While the old Dutch clock in the chimney-place Up with its hands before its face, For it always dreaded a family row!
(Now mind: I'm only telling you What the old Dutch clock declares is true!)
The Chinese plate looked very blue, And wailed, "Oh, dear! what shall we do!" But the gingham dog and the calico cat Wallowed this
way and tumbled that, Employing every tooth and claw In the awfulest way you ever saw-- And oh! How the gingham and calico flew! (Don't fancy I
exaggerate-- I got my news from the Chinese plate!) Next morning, where the two had sat
They found no trace of dog or cat; And some folks think unto this day That burglars stole that pair away! But the truth about that cat and pup
Is this: they ate each other up! Now what do you really think of that! (The old Dutch clock it told me so, And that is how I came to know.By Eugene Field
Gingham: A kind of cotton or linen cloth, usually in stripes or checks, the yarn of which is dyed before it is
woven.
Calico: Cotton cloth printed with a figured pattern.
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