Was better for all of them, soon or late.
Said he, “I will let my own tail wait,
And so I can open their eyes.”
Plain was the gain as plain could be,
But his words did not avail,
For they all made answer, “My plausible friend,
You talk wisely and well, but you talk to no end.
We know you’re dishonest and only pretend,
For you have not lost your tail!”