The a.s.sembly, astounded, was puzzled to guess Why these two should so strange an opinion profess.
Could it be that they both were bulky and strong, Or that both boasted necks so remarkably long?
Or that Ostrich was known as a simpleton rare, While the other had surely no wisdom to spare?
Of their mutual ugliness were they both jealous, Or that each could display a protuberance callous?
Or can it be--"Pooh!" said Reynard the sly; "Are you all at a loss? then so am not I.
From Barbary both, of the desert, each brother, As his fellow-countryman, praises the other."
Shrewdly our Fox the riddle has read; Of writers in plenty the same may be said, Who, to test a man"s genius, ask where he was bred.
FABLE x.x.xIV.
THE CROW AND THE TURKEY.
A bitter contest once did spring,-- No matter how the fact I know,-- On their respective speed of wing, Between a Turkey and a Crow.
Which first would reach the appointed station, Sure you can tell, as well as I, Without much grave consideration, If you have ever seen them fly.
"Look here," the loitering Turkey cries To Crow, half vanished out of view; "The thought will to my mind arise That you are black and ugly too.
Moreover, I have always heard,"-- She shouts still louder after him,-- "You are a most unlucky bird, Foreboding naught but evils grim.
Begone from sight, disgusting beast!
You fairly do my stomach turn; Making your foul, revolting feast On carrion corpse that dogs would spurn."
"All this is nothing to the case,"
Answered the Crow, far off in air; "The only question now in place Is of our flight a trial fair."
When envious detractors find In wise men"s works, no welcome faults, They satisfy their spiteful mind By base and personal a.s.saults.
FABLE x.x.xV.
THE SILKWORM AND THE CATERPILLAR.
At the very same time, when the gaunt Dromedary And Ostrich, so ugly, each other bepraised, In terms so unmeasured and extraordinary, That the other brutes thought them both utterly crazed, Till the Fox told the reason, and their wonder dispelled-- In that same a.s.sembly arose a discussion Concerning the Silkworm, artificer skilled In producing of works of such wonderful fashion.
A silken coc.o.o.n some one brought them to see; They examine--their plaudits are hearty and loud.
And, even the Mole, though as blind as could be, Concedes it to be a masterpiece proud.
But an old Caterpillar, who his spite could not stifle, Muttered out of a corner, "This fuss was absurd.
Their wondrous coc.o.o.n was a pitiful trifle; Its admirers all ninnies," he coolly averred.
The beasts at each other looked round in amaze.
"How comes it," say they, "that this creature forlorn, What the rest of us all are uniting to praise, He alone, wretched worm, takes upon him to scorn?"
Then up jumped sly Reynard and said, "On my soul, "Tis easy enough the reason to show; His mortified rancor he cannot control; He makes coc.o.o.ns too, though they "re worthless, we know."
Laborious Genius! when, stung by the sneer Of the envious wretch who would rob you of glory, The loss of your well-deserved laurels you fear, Then take my advice and tell him this story.
FABLE x.x.xVI.
THE PURCHASE OF THE a.s.s.
Yesterday through our street An a.s.s did pa.s.s, In trappings most complete-- A gorgeous a.s.s.
Saddle and halter too Were both bran new; With ta.s.sels yellow Or red as rose.
Besides the fellow Wore plumes and bows Of ribbons bright.
Bells tinkle light As on he paced; And many a prank And rare device, With carving nice, The shears had traced On breast and flank.
His cunning master,-- As I was told,-- A Gypsy jockey, The creature sold To a weak blockhead; And they said The Donkey Colt Had cost the dolt But a mere song.
In haste along The exulting buyer Drove home the beast,-- His pride to feast, While friends admire His bargain rare.
"Let me inquire, Neighbor,"--says one,-- "If blood and bone, Good as his clothes, Your purchase shows."
Whereon, with care, The showy gear And harness line To strip he goes.
Beneath the saddle-- At first go off-- They find his withers With warts all rough, Like musket b.a.l.l.s.
Along the spine, And on his shoulders, Six dreadful galls Appal beholders.
Nothing to say Of two great gashes, That hidden lay Under the girt; And an old hurt, From cruel lashes, Clean to the bone, Into a tumor Inveterate grown.
In bitter humor, "Ah, precious gull!"-- The hapless owner said,-- "Donkey more dull A thousand fold Than this brute cull, I have my money paid For trumpery vile, Through Gypsy wile."
Now faith, this queer affair I often note.
Well it applies To friends of mine, Who, at great price, Buy books, that shine In bindings rich and rare, But are not worth a groat.
FABLE x.x.xVII.
THE OX AND THE GRa.s.sHOPPER.
As in a field the st.u.r.dy Ox was ploughing, A Gra.s.shopper, close by him, shrilly sang out; "Ah! what a crooked furrow, friend, you"re making!