THE RIVAL KINGS.
(A FABLE IN FOUR SITUATIONS.)
SITUATION FIRST
"I
have only one ambition in this world," said King Albus, addressing the feathered members of his household, "only one ambition."
"And what is that?" said the oldest and the fattest hen, sidling up to him.
"My ambition is," replied the king, strutting about the yard, and looking as haughty and as full of fight as only a Spanish cock can, "to see my detested rival over the fence yonder humbled in the dust."
"You've often said that," remarked the old hen.
"Yes," continued the king, "I mean to do it, too; and his lifeless body shall float down the mill-stream as helpless as a ball of worsted. I have said, and I will do."
"Well, dear," the hen said; "don't forget that King Crèvecœur is a powerful big bird."