THE LION, THE FOX, AND THE GEESE.
A Lion, tired with state affairs,
Quite sick of pomp, and worn with cares,
Resolved (remote from noise and strife)
In peace to pass his latter life.
It was proclaimed: the day was set:
Behold the general council met:
The Fox was viceroy named. The crowd
To the new regent humbly bowed!
Wolves, bears, and mighty tigers bend,
And strive who most shall condescend.
The crowd admire his wit, his sense:
Each word hath weight and consequence.
The flatterer all his art displays;
He who hath power, is sure of praise.
A Fox stepped forth before the rest,
And thus the servile throng addressed:—
"How vast his talents, born to rule,
And train'd in virtue's honest school!
What clemency his temper sways!
How uncorrupt are all his ways!
Beneath his conduct and command
Rapine shall cease to waste the land;
What blessings must attend the nation
Under this good administration!"
He said. A Goose, who distant stood,
Harangu'd apart the cackling brood:
"Whene'er I hear a knave commend,
He bids me shun his worthy friend.
What praise! what mighty commendation!
But 'twas a Fox who spoke th' oration.
Foxes this government may prize,
As gentle, plentiful, and wise;
If they enjoy the sweets, 'tis plain
We Geese must feel a tyrant reign.
What havoc now shall thin our race!
When every petty clerk in place,
To prove his taste, and seem polite,
Will feed on Geese both noon and night."
MORAL.
Those flatter the plunderer who share in the spoil.