"I certainly think," said a fox to a crane,

"That face, ma'am of yours is remarkably plain;

That beak that you wear is so frightful a feature,

It makes you appear a most singular creature."

The crane, much offended at what she had heard,

March'd off at full speed, without saying a word:

"Oh dear!" said the fox, "Mrs. Crane, I protest

You misunderstand me, 'twas only a jest."

"Come, don't be affronted—stay with me and dine;

You know very well 'tis this temper of mine