The Cry for Justice: An Anthology of the Literature of Social Protest / The writings of philosophers, poets, novelists, social reformers, and others who have voiced the struggle against social injustice; selected from twenty-five languages; covering a period of five thousand years

by Unknown

By Bolton Hall

(See page [680])

“Times are hard,” said the Picked Chicken.

“Why,” said the Rat, “this is an era of prosperity; see how I have feathered my nest.”

“But,” said the Picked Chicken, “you have gotten my feathers.”

“You must not think,” said the Rat, “that because I get more comfort you get poorer.”

“But,” said the Chicken, “you produce no feathers, and I keep none—”

“If you would use your teeth”—interrupted the Rat.

“If—” said the Picked Chicken.

“You could lay—”