He sought for the cow, and implored the good dame
Would find out some means to restore his fair fame,
For there still was prevailing a cruel belief
That oft in the night he came forth as a thief;
So he lived in continual danger and strife,
Though he never had tasted her milk in his life.
On the faith of a hedgehog he dared to affirm,
That he seldom found courage to injure a worm.
Mrs. Cow was astonish’d; she never had heard
A report more untrue, a belief so absurd.