And formed me of the lap-dog kind, I then, in higher life employed, Had indolence and ease enjoyed; And, like a gentleman, caress'd, Had been the lady's favourite guest. Or were I sprung from spaniel line, Was his sagacious nostril mine, By me, their never-erring guide, From wood and plain their feasts supplied _70 Knights, squires, attendant on my pace, Had shared the pleasures of the chase. Endued with native strength and fire, Why called I not the lion sire? A lion! such mean views I scorn. Why was I not of woman born? Who dares with reason's power contend? On man we brutal slaves depend: To him all creatures tribute pays, And luxury employs his days.' _80 An ox by chance o'erheard his moan, And thus rebuked the lazy drone: 'Dare you at partial fate repine? How kind's your lot compared with mine! Decreed to toil, the barbarous knife Hath severed me from social life; Urged by the stimulating goad, I drag the cumbrous waggon's load: 'Tis mine to tame the stubborn plain, Break the stiff soil, and house the grain; _90 Yet I without a murmur bear The various labours of the year. But then consider, that one day, (Perhaps the hour's not far away,) You, by the duties of your post, Shall turn the spit when I'm the roast: And for reward shall share the feast; I mean, shall pick my bones at least.' ''Till now,' the astonished cur replies, 'I looked on all with envious eyes. _100 How false we judge by what appears! All creatures feel their several cares. If thus yon mighty beast complains, Perhaps man knows superior pains. Let envy then no more torment: Think on the ox, and learn content.' Thus said: close following at her heel, With cheerful heart he mounts the wheel. FABLE XVI. THE RAVENS, THE SEXTON, AND THE EARTH-WORM. TO LAURA.