But let's find whence this came about: Ha, lo, that Thresher bold and stout! How, like a hero, void of dread, He aims to crack that sailor's head! While, with the purchase of the stroke, Behind, the bearer's pate is broke: The sailor too resolves to drub, Wrathful he sways the ponderous club; Who to stir up his rage shall dare? He'll fight for ever--for his Bear. Sir _Hudibras_ agreed, Bear-baiting Was carnal, and of man's creating; But, had he like that Thresher done, I'll hold a wager, ten to one, His knighthood had not kept him safe; That Tar had trimm'd both him and _Ralph_. In fighting _George's_ glorious battles, To save our liberties and chattels; Commanded by some former _Howe_, Ordain'd to make proud _Gallia_ bow, A cannon-ball took off his leg: What then? he scorns, like some, to beg; That muzzled beast is taught to dance, That Ape to ape the beaux of _France_; The countryfolks admire the sport, And small collections pay him for't. Sailors and Soldiers ne'er agree;-- There's difference twixt the Land and Sea; He, willing not a jest shall 'scape, In uniform riggs out his Ape:-- From which we reasonably infer An Ape may be an Officer. But, hey-day! more disasters still? Turn quick thy head, bold sailor _Will_. In vain that fellow, on his Ass, Attempts to Hogs at home to pass, The hungry Bear, who thinks no crime To feast on guts at any time, Arrests the garbage in the tub, And with his snout begins to grub. Pray is it friendly, honest brother, That one Ass thus should ride another? The beast seems wearied with his toil, And, like the bear, would munch a while. The good wife thought that every pig Should in the wash, then coming, swig; And went industriously to find Her family of the hoggish kind; But, oh, unhappy fate to tell! Behind the Thresher down she fell: Indeed the wonder were no more, Had she, by chance, fall'n down before: Away the sow affrighted runs, Attended by her little ones: Those gruntings to each other sounding; This squeaking shrill, through fear of drowning. "The lamb thou doom'st to bleed to-day, Had he thy reason, wou'd he play?"[E] And did that Bear know he'd be beat, Would he from out that firkin eat? The Ass's rider lifts his stick; Take out your nose, old _Bruin_, quick; A grin of vengeance arms his face, Presaging torture, and disgrace. The Ape, who dearly loves to ride On _Bruin's_ back, in martial pride, Dejected at the sad occasion, Looks up, with soft commiseration; As if to speak, "Oh, spare my friend! Avert that blow you now intend!" 'Tis complaisant, good-natur'd too;-- Much more than many Apes would do.