So, turning to his horse, he said—

“I am in haste to dine:

’Twas for your pleasure you came here,

You shall go back for mine.”

Ah! luckless speech, and bootless boast,

For which he paid full dear;

For, while he spake, a braying ass

Did sing most loud and clear;

Whereat his horse did snort, as he

Had heard a lion roar,