An ass, with relics for his load, Supposed the worship on the road Meant for himself alone, And took on lofty airs, Receiving as his own The incense and the prayers. Some one, who saw his great mistake, Cried, "Master Donkey, do not make Yourself so big a fool. Not you they worship, but your pack; They praise the idols on your back, And count yourself a paltry tool." _'Tis thus a brainless magistrate_ _Is honour'd for his robe of state._ [Illustration: THE ASS CARRYING RELICS.] The Hare and the Partridge. A field in common share A partridge and a hare, And live in peaceful state, Till, woeful to relate! The hunters' mingled cry Compels the hare to fly. He hurries to his fort, And spoils almost the sport By faulting every hound That yelps upon the ground. At last his reeking heat Betrays his snug retreat. Old Tray, with philosophic nose, Snuffs carefully, and grows So certain, that he cries, "The hare is here; bow wow!" And veteran Ranger now,-- The dog that never lies,-- "The hare is gone," replies. Alas! poor, wretched hare, Back comes he to his lair, To meet destruction there! The partridge, void of fear, Begins her friend to jeer:-- "You bragg'd of being fleet; How serve you, now, your feet?" Scarce has she ceased to speak,-- The laugh yet in her beak,-- When comes her turn to die, From which she could not fly. She thought her wings, indeed, Enough for every need; But in her laugh and talk, Forgot the cruel hawk! [Illustration: THE HARE AND THE PARTRIDGE.] The Lion Going to War. The lion had an enterprise in hand; Held a war-council, sent his provost-marshal, And gave the animals a call impartial-- Each, in his way, to serve his high command. The elephant should carry on his back The tools of war, the mighty public pack, And fight in elephantine way and form; The bear should hold himself prepared to storm; The fox all secret stratagems should fix; The monkey should amuse the foe by tricks. "Dismiss," said one, "the blockhead asses, And hares, too cowardly and fleet." "No," said the king; "I use all classes; Without their aid my force were incomplete. The ass shall be our trumpeter, to scare Our enemy. And then the nimble hare Our royal bulletins shall homeward bear." _A monarch provident and wise_ _Will hold his subjects all of consequence,_ _And know in each what talent lies._ _There's nothing useless to a man of sense._ [Illustration: THE LION GOING TO WAR.] The Old Man and the Ass.