29 MARCH 1986, Page 34

Johnny Rook

Seeing all the tricks and crookery Of the boss-rooks in his rookery, Johnny Rook took such a fit Of laughter that his belly split.

His doctor said: 'Don't laugh so much!' - A wise old crow who, with deft touch Put the final stitches in 'For a while don't even grin!'

Translated from Russian by John Heath-Stubbs

Eugene Dubnov