And, stricken with shame, to keep quite out of sight, Hides in ruins all day, and flies only by night. Many a debtor have I known-- Neither Bush, nor Bat, nor Duck-- Who even had not such ill luck As was upon this trio thrown, But simple lords, who, shunning snares, Sneaked always down by the back stairs. [1] An allusion to an ancient custom, which allowed debtors to be free of their creditors, if they would wear constantly a green cap; the public disgrace being considered equivalent to a discharge in full. [Illustration: THE EAGLE AND THE MAGPIE.] FABLE CCXXI. THE EAGLE AND THE MAGPIE. The Eagle, queen of the broad sky, Met, one day, in a field, the Pie-- In mind and language different, In plumage, and in every bent. Chance brought them into a by way: The Magpie was afraid to stay. The Eagle, having dined but lately, Assured her calmly and sedately. "Come, let's be social," said the Eagle, then; "And if the lord of gods and men Sometimes is weary of the king Who rules the universe, the thing Is clear, that ennui may e'en vex One who serves Jove. Amuse me!--come, And chatter as you do at home; It is not me you will perplex." The Pie began at once to gabble On this and that, on lords and rabble; Just like the man in Horace--just, Good, bad, indifferent, all on trust; Talking incessant, and still worse Than the poor fool in the famed verse. She offers, if it please his grace, To skip about, and watch each place He wishes. Jove knows that the Pie Was well constructed for a spy. The eagle answers, angrily, "Don't leave your home, my tattling friend. Adieu! I have no wish to send A gossip to corrupt my court, And spread each lying, false report: I hate a gossip." Quite content, Maggy cared little where she went. To dwell among the gods or kings Is not the pleasantest of things; That honour has its pangs also. Detractors, spies, and many a foe, Gracious and bland enough in face, But false in heart, infest each place, And make you odious. In courts wear Coats of two colours, or take care. FABLE CCXXII. THE QUARREL OF THE DOGS AND THE CATS; AND, ALSO, THAT OF THE CATS AND THE MICE.