Some men make light of that which is out of their reach, though at the same time in their hearts they know not what to do for want of it.
THE FOX AND THE GRAPES.
FABLE LXXI.
THE HARE AND MANY FRIENDS.
A Hare, who, in a civil way,
Complied with everything, like Gay,
Was known by all the bestial train,
Who haunt the wood, or graze the plain.
As forth she went, at early dawn,
To taste the dew-besprinkled lawn,
Behind she hears the hunter's cries,
And from the deep-mouthed thunder flies.
She starts, she stops, she pants for breath;
She hears the near approach of death;
She doubles, to mislead the hound,
And measures back her mazy round;
Till, fainting in the public way,
Half dead with fear, she gasping lay:—
What transport in her bosom grew,
When first the Horse appeared in view!