The Cat replied. "These talons grim Shall be your guard; the Owl no more Should watch your nest; the Weasel slim Shall never make of you his meat." "Not such a fool," replied the Rat, "Am I as to release a Cat!" And forthwith sought his snug retreat; But near the narrow hole he sought The Weasel watched, perhaps meaning nought. Still further upward climbed the Rat, To where the great Owl grimly sat; At last, by dangers menaced round, Sir Gnaw-cheese once more seeks the ground, And, working hard with practised grinder, Relieves poor Puss from cords that bind her. The task is just completed, When the ruthless man appears, And, overwhelmed with equal fears, The new allies by different paths retreated. Soon after this adventure The Cat beheld, one sunny day, Snug in a place from cats secure, His friend the Rat, and said, "I pray, Come, let's embrace, we are friends again. It gives me, on my word, true pain To think that one to whom I owe My life should deem me still his foe!" "And do you think," replied the Rat, "That I am ignorant of a Cat? I know within your bosom lies The germ of all hypocrisies." To trust to friendships that rogues feign Is leaning on a straw, 'tis plain. FABLE CLXXI. DEMOCRITUS AND THE ABDERANIANS. How I the base and vulgar hate: Profane, unjust, and obstinate! So ever prone, with lip and eye, To turn the truth to calumny!