'Two asses tracking, t'other day, Of which each in his turn, Did incense to the other burn, Quite in the usual way,-- I heard one to his comrade say, "My lord, do you not find The prince of knaves and fools To be this man, who boasts of mind Instructed in his schools? With wit unseemly and profane, He mocks our venerable race-- On each of his who lacketh brain Bestows our ancient surname, ass! And, with abusive tongue portraying, Describes our laugh and talk as braying! These bipeds of their folly tell us, While thus pretending to excel us." "No, 'tis for you to speak, my friend, And let their orators attend. The braying is their own, but let them be: We understand each other, and agree, And that's enough. As for your song, Such wonders to its notes belong, The nightingale is put to shame, And Lambert[10] loses half his fame." "My lord," the other ass replied, "Such talents in yourself reside, Of asses all, the joy and pride." These donkeys, not quite satisfied With scratching thus each other's hide, Must needs the cities visit, Their fortunes there to raise, By sounding forth the praise, Each, of the other's skill exquisite. Full many, in this age of ours,-- Not only among asses, But in the higher classes, Whom Heaven hath clothed with higher powers,-- Dared they but do it, would exalt A simple innocence from fault, Or virtue common and domestic, To excellence majestic. I've said too much, perhaps; but I suppose Your majesty the secret won't disclose, Since 'twas your majesty's request that I This matter should exemplify. How love of self gives food to ridicule, I've shown. To prove the balance of my rule, That justice is a sufferer thereby, A longer time will take.' 'Twas thus the monkey spake. But my informant does not state, That e'er the sage did demonstrate The other point, more delicate. Perhaps he thought none but a fool A lion would too strictly school. [9] This fable is founded upon the Latin proverb _Asinus asinum fricat_. [10] _Lambert_.--This was Michael Lambert, master of chamber-music to Louis XIV., and brother-in-law to the Grand Monarque's other great music man, J. B. Lulli, who was chapel-music master. VI.--THE WOLF AND THE FOX.