Thou hear’st the lion’s roar; forget not thus the pact.”
The hare replied: “Gramercy! Hear my poor excuse.
Let me explain. Your Majesty will ne’er refuse.”
The lion now: “Excuse? Thou basest of the base!
Is this the time to pay thy court? A pretty case!275
Unseasonably crowing cock art thou! Reprieved?
Excuse from simpleton can never be received.
A simpleton’s excuse is worse than was his fault.
Excuse of ignorance were science to assault.
Excuse from thee, thou hare, were quite devoid of sense.