Not long ago th' Ambassador From the great _Turk_ to the Emperor, Extoll'd his Master's strength, beyond The _German_ Force; a Courtier, fond Of his own Country, boastingly Said, his Imperial Majesty Had many Princes under him, So powerful, that each of 'em, Could raise an Army of his own, And more than one that wore a Crown. I know, says th' other, very well, Your Dukes and Pow'rs Electoral, With others, that advance the glory Of th' Empire. But I'll tell y' a story: I dreamt I saw a frightful Beast, That had a hundred Heads at least; At first I startled at the sight; But soon recovering from my Fright, I ventured on, and coming near it, I found I had no cause to fear it: For every Head did what it would; Some work'd with all the Force they could; But most of 'em lay of a heap, And look'd as if th' been asleep; Others, in hopes of better Prey, Were pulling quite another way. I turn'd my Head about, and spied A mighty Beast, on the other side: One Head adorn'd his Brawny Neck; But hundred Tails did close his Back; And as the Heads march'd o'er the Land, The Tails did follow at Command; Did Execution every where; I waked, and thought the Monsters were Both Empires; but the Tails are ours, And all the glorious Heads are yours. _The Wolf and Dog._ A Wolf so pitious poor and thin, His very Bones stuck through his Skin, (A sign the Dogs were watchful) met A sturdy Mastiff, slick and fat. Sir Wolf, revengeful on his Foes, Had murder'd him, as one of those That hinder'd him from stealing Cattle; But was afraid of joyning Battle With one, that look'd, as if he could Stand buff, and make his party good. And therefore in an humble way He gives the Dog the time o'th' Day; Talks mighty complaisant, and vents A Waggon Load of Compliments Upon his being in such a Case, His brawny Flank and jolly Face. Sir Wolf, replies the Mastiff, you May be as fat as any Doe, If you'll but follow my advice; For Faith, I think you are unwise, To ramble up and down a Wood, Where's nothing to be had, that's good, No Elemosynary meat, Or e'er a bit, that's good to eat, But what is got by downright force, For which at last you pay in course. And thus yourselves, your hagged Wives And Children lead but wretched lives; Always in fear of being caught, Till commonly y'are starv'd or shot. Quoth Wolf, shew me a livelyhood, And then, the Devil take the Wood: I stand in need of better Diet, And would be glad to feed in quiet: But, pray, What's to be done, an't please ye? Nothing, but what is very easy; To bark at Fellows that look poor, Fright pilfring Strolers from the Door; And then, which is the chiefest matter, To wag your Tail, to coax and flatter Those of the Family; for this They'll give you hundred Niceties, As Chicken Bones, boyl'd Loins of Mutton, As good as ever Tooth was put in,