And reason, impotently kind,

A tardy friend, limps far behind.

Now when our pair had drank amain,

They thought of getting out again;

And long with aching hearts they try’d,

But this the steep ascent denied.

Reynard at length the goat addrest,

And thus his wily thought exprest:

“Courage, my friend,—be rul’d by me,

We’ll soon from this mischance be free;