The Ballad of Angry Angus McMangus

"The Ballad of Angry Angus McMangus" was a poem composed by Miranda Goshawk and published in the Book of Spells as the conundrum accompanying the book's third chapter. The poem tells the tale of Angus McMangus, a Hogwarts student who had capability, but lacked patience and calm.

The poem

Oh, Angus McMangus, you should have been great!
With talents aplenty — success on a plate!
We all thought you'd garner great grades quite securely —
But Angus McMangus, your spells turned out poorly.
I first heard you roar on the day we did Charms
Your shouting put everyone into alarms
'I can't — it's a joke — this whole class is a flop!'
Your fist crashing down made experiments stop.
Again, and again, with just ten minutes gone
Of each class you would blow up — 'no, everything's wrong!
I can't be expected to work in this way!'
And you'd throw half-made jiggers and potions away
'Calmly!' said teachers, and 'just give it time!'
But Angus McMangus thinks waiting's a crime.
If he can't do it straight away, or double quick,
He'll snatch up his wand and — crack — one broken stick.
'It ought to be done now!' 'I've tried once already!'
In vain did your teachers cry, 'Steady, now, steady!'
So Angus McMangus, it's you I must blame
It's all your own fault that you didn't win fame.
Now answer me, students, what did Angus lack?
What didn't he do, which will keep YOU on track?

Appearances

• Wonderbook: Book of Spells