Does not the cutler's art supply The ornament that guards his thigh? All these, in duty to the throne, Their common obligations own. 'Tis he (his own and people's cause) Protects their properties and laws. _60 Thus they their honest toil employ, And with content their fruits enjoy. In every rank, or great or small, 'Tis industry supports us all. The animals by want oppressed, To man their services addressed; While each pursued their selfish good, They hungered for precarious food. Their hours with anxious cares were vex'd; One day they fed, and starved the next. _70 They saw that plenty, sure and rife, Was found alone in social life; That mutual industry professed, The various wants of man redressed. The cat, half-famished, lean and weak, Demands the privilege to speak. 'Well, puss,' says man, 'and what can you To benefit the public do?' The cat replies: 'These teeth, these claws, With vigilance shall serve the cause. _80 The mouse destroyed by my pursuit, No longer shall your feasts pollute; Nor rats, from nightly ambuscade, With wasteful teeth your stores invade.' 'I grant,' says man, 'to general use Your parts and talents may conduce; For rats and mice purloin our grain, And threshers whirl the flail in vain: Thus shall the cat, a foe to spoil, Protect the farmer's honest toil,' _90 Then, turning to the dog, he cried, 'Well, sir; be next your merits tried.' 'Sir,' says the dog, 'by self-applause We seem to own a friendless cause. Ask those who know me, if distrust E'er found me treacherous or unjust? Did I e'er faith or friendship break? Ask all those creatures; let them speak. My vigilance and trusty zeal Perhaps might serve the public weal. _100 Might not your flocks in safety feed, Were I to guard the fleecy breed? Did I the nightly watches keep, Could thieves invade you while you sleep?' The man replies: ''Tis just and right; Rewards such service should requite. So rare, in property, we find Trust uncorrupt among mankind, That, taken, in a public view, The first distinction is your due. _110 Such merits all reward transcend: Be then my comrade and my friend.' Addressing now the fly: 'From you What public service can accrue?' 'From me!' the flutt'ring insect said; 'I thought you knew me better bred. Sir, I'm a gentleman. Is't fit That I to industry submit? Let mean mechanics, to be fed By business earn ignoble bread. _120 Lost in excess of daily joys, No thought, no care my life annoys, At noon (the lady's matin hour) I sip the tea's delicious flower. On cakes luxuriously I dine, And drink the fragrance of the vine. Studious of elegance and ease, Myself alone I seek to please.' The man his pert conceit derides, And thus the useless coxcomb chides: _130 'Hence, from that peach, that downy seat, No idle fool deserves to eat.