Aesop, in Rhyme Part 1

Aesop, in Rhyme.

by Marmaduke Park.

THE DOG AND THE WOLF.

A wolf there was, whose scanty fare Had made his person lean and spare; A dog there was, so amply fed, His sides were plump and sleek; 'tis said The wolf once met this prosp'rous cur, And thus began: "Your servant, sir; I'm pleased to see you look so well, Though how it is I cannot tell; I have not broke my fast to-day; Nor have I, I'm concern'd to say, One bone in store or expectation, And that I call a great vexation."

"Indeed it is," the dog replied: "I know no ill so great beside; But if you do not like to be So poorly fed, come live with me."

"Agreed," rejoined the wolf, "I'll go: But pray, what work am I to do?"

"Oh, guard the house, and do not fail To bark at thieves, and wag your tail."

So off they jogg'd, and soon arrived At where the friendly mastiff lived.

"Well," said the wolf, "I can't deny You have a better house than I."

"Not so," the other then replied, "If you with me will hence abide."

"Oh," said the wolf, "how kind you are!

But what d'ye call _that_, hanging there?

Is it an iron chain, or what?"

"Friend," said the dog, "I quite forgot To mention that; sometimes, you see, They hook that little chain to _me_; But it is only meant to keep Us dogs from walking in our sleep, And should you wear it, you would find, It's nothing that you need to mind."

"I'll take your word," the wolf replied.

"It's truth by me shall ne'er be tried; I'll have my liberty again, And you your collar and your chain."

MORAL.

Our neighbors sometimes seem to be A vast deal better off than we; Yet seldom 'tis they really are, Since _they_ have troubles too to bear, Which, if the truth were really known, Are quite as grievous as our own.

[Ill.u.s.tration]

THE HERDSMAN.

A herdsman, who lived at a time and a place Which, should you not know, is but little disgrace, Discover'd one morning, on counting his stock, That a sheep had been stolen that night from the flock.

"Oh, I wish I had caught ye, _whoever ye be_ I'd have soon let you know, I'd have soon let ye see, What he had to expect," said the herdsman, "I trow; But I've thought of a scheme that will trouble you now."

So what did he do, sir, but put up a board, Describing the thief, and proposed a reward Of a lamb, to the man who would give information Concerning the thief, and his true designation.

The project succeeded; for soon there applied A certain near neighbor, with others beside.

"But tell me the thief," said the herdsman, "at least;"

"Come hither," said they, "and we'll show you the beast!"

"The _beast_!" said the rustic, who thought he should die on The spot, when he found that the thief was a lion!

"Ill luck to my hurry, what now shall I do?

I promised a lamb to detect you 'tis true; But now I'd consent _all_ my substance to pay, If I could but with safety get out of your way."

MORAL.

Silly people ask things that would ruin, if sent; They demand them in haste, and at leisure repent.

[Ill.u.s.tration]

[Ill.u.s.tration]

THE BOYS AND THE FROGS.

Some boys, beside a pond or lake, Were playing once at _duck and drake?_ When, doubtless to their heart's content, Volleys of stones were quickly sent.

But there were some (there will be such) Who did not seem amused so much; These were the frogs, to whom the game, In point of sport was not the same.

For scarce a stone arrived, 'tis said, But gave some frog a broken head; And scores in less than half an hour, Perished beneath the dreadful shower.

At last, said one, "You silly folks, I say, Do fling your stones another way; Though _sport_ to _you_, to throw them thus, Remember, pray, 'tis _death_ to us!"

MORAL.

From hence this moral may be learn'd: Let play _be play_ to _all concern'd_.

[Ill.u.s.tration]

[Ill.u.s.tration]

THE c.o.c.k AND THE JEWEL.

A c.o.c.k there was: a sage was he (If Esop we may trust,) Who wish'd to make a meal, you see, As other sages must.

With this intent, as heretofore, When on the hunt for grain; Our hero scratch'd the litter o'er With all his might and main.

But scarce a minute had he scratch'd, When, to his great surprise, A gem, with golden chain attach'd, He saw with both his eyes.

"Alack!" quoth he, "what have we here?

A diamond, I protest!

Which lords and ladies buy so dear, And hold in such request.