VI.--THE FOX, THE MONKEY, AND THE ANIMALS.[8] Left kingless by the lion's death, The beasts once met, our story saith, Some fit successor to install. Forth from a dragon-guarded, moated place, The crown was brought, and, taken from its case, And being tried by turns on all, The heads of most were found too small; Some hornèd were, and some too big; Not one would fit the regal gear. For ever ripe for such a rig, The monkey, looking very queer, Approach'd with antics and grimaces, And, after scores of monkey faces, With what would seem a gracious stoop, Pass'd through the crown as through a hoop. The beasts, diverted with the thing, Did homage to him as their king. The fox alone the vote regretted, But yet in public never fretted. When he his compliments had paid To royalty, thus newly made, 'Great sire, I know a place,' said he, 'Where lies conceal'd a treasure, Which, by the right of royalty, Should bide your royal pleasure.' The king lack'd not an appetite For such financial pelf, And, not to lose his royal right, Ran straight to see it for himself. It was a trap, and he was caught. Said Renard, 'Would you have it thought, You ape, that you can fill a throne, And guard the rights of all, alone, Not knowing how to guard your own?' The beasts all gather'd from the farce, That stuff for kings is very scarce. [8] Aesop; also Faerno. VII.--THE MULE BOASTING OF HIS GENEALOGY.[9] A prelate's mule of noble birth was proud, And talk'd, incessantly and loud, Of nothing but his dam, the mare, Whose mighty deeds by him recounted were,-- This had she done, and had been present there,-- By which her son made out his claim To notice on the scroll of Fame. Too proud, when young, to bear a doctor's pill; When old, he had to turn a mill. As there they used his limbs to bind, His sire, the ass, was brought to mind. Misfortune, were its only use The claims of folly to reduce, And bring men down to sober reason, Would be a blessing in its season. [9] Aesop. VIII.--THE OLD MAN AND THE ASS.[10] An old man, riding on his ass, Had found a spot of thrifty grass, And there turn'd loose his weary beast. Old Grizzle, pleased with such a feast, Flung up his heels, and caper'd round, Then roll'd and rubb'd upon the ground, And frisk'd and browsed and bray'd, And many a clean spot made. Arm'd men came on them as he fed: 'Let's fly,' in haste the old man said. 'And wherefore so?' the ass replied; 'With heavier burdens will they ride?' 'No,' said the man, already started. 'Then,' cried the ass, as he departed, 'I'll stay, and be--no matter whose; Save you yourself, and leave me loose. But let me tell you, ere you go, (I speak plain French, you know,) My master is my only foe.'