Honey has ever been my fav’rite food;
It is so wholesome, and so sweet and luscious,
I can’t conceive how you can call it nauseous.
Do get me some o’t, and you may depend
You’ll make me evermore your steadfast friend.”
“You’re surely joking, uncle!” Reynard cried.
“No, on my sacred word!” the Bear replied;
“I’d not, though jokes as blackberries were rife,
Joke upon such a subject for my life.”
“Well, you surprise me!” said the knavish beast.