I’ll down, and all of us will seal the blessing

With general kissing and caressing.”

“Adieu,” said the fox; “my errand’s pressing,

I’ll hurry on my way,

And we’ll rejoice some other day.”

So off the fellow scampered, quick and light,

To gain the fox-holes of the neighboring height—

Less happy in his stratagem than flight.

The cock laughed sweetly in his sleeve—

’Tis doubly sweet deceiver to deceive.