Said the obstinate animal, foolish as ever,
But thinking himself very cunning and clever.
He made up his mind that whatever befell
He would run on before, and jump over this well.
“For,” says he, “cats and dogs can jump ever so high,
And frogs live in the water, and why should not I?
I suppose they’ll allow I’m as wise as a frog,
And I’ll very soon show I can jump like a dog.”
Away scampered he to the mouth of the well,
Climbed up to the top, missed his footing and fell.
From the bottom he set up a pitiful shout,
“O mother, I’m in, and I cannot get out!”
She ran to the side when she heard his complaint,
And saw him in agony, struggling and faint,
But no help could she give. “O children!” said she;
“How often I told you just how it would be!”
