And thousands err by such a view.

’Tis a choice spirit that has pried

Where clean contrivance chose to hide;

That this is not at random said,

I shall produce upon this head

A fable of an arch device,

About the Weasel and the Mice.

[ Fable I.] THE WEAZEL AND MICE.

A Weasel, worn with years, and lame,

That could not overtake its game,