J’admire,” said he, “ton beau plumage,”

(The which was simply persiflage.)

Two things there are, no doubt you know,

To which a fox is used:

A rooster that is bound to crow,

A crow that’s bound to roost;

And whichsoever he espies

He tells the most unblushing lies.

“Sweet fowl,” he said, “I understand

You’re more than merely natty,