A Recipe for Health

"The present week is Health Week," 
   I said to Bluegum Bill.
Stripped to the buff, Bill took an axe,
   And swung it with a will.
Tireless, with rhythmic stroke
   He hewed a mighty tree.
"An' how does that concern a bloke?"
   Said Bluegum Bill to me.
 
"I always count my calories,"
   I said to Bluegum Bill.
"Uh, huh," said he.  Deep in the tree
   With an unerring skill
His axe-blade bit; and in the sun
   His thews bulged mightily.
"Can't say I've ever met with one,"
   Said Bluegum Bill to me.
 
"I watch my vitamins with care,"
   I said to Bluegum Bill.
His body gleamed; indeed, he seemed
   As rugged as the hill
On which we stood.  "That might be good
   For monied men," said he.
"Myself I gets no time for pets,"
   Said Bluegum Bill to me.
 
"I always diet to keep fit,"
   I said to Bluegum Bill.
"Look out!" said he.  "Stand back a bit!"
   The huge tree shook the hill.
"Great work!" I cried.  "How do you keep
   Such strength?"  He glanced at me
"Hard toil an' tucker an' some sleep,"
   Said Bluegum Bill to me.