Tied for the basket-maker's hand.

Taking up one: "My boys," says he,

"Which is the strongest, let me see;

He who this bundle breaks in twain,

The preference, and this prize shall gain,"

(Showing a pair of Sunday shoes.)

The rivals every effort use

In vain. Their utmost force when tried,

The father took the twigs untied,

And giving to them one by one,