Along the road an Ass and Dog One master following, did jog. Their master slept: meanwhile, the Ass Applied his nippers to the grass, Much pleased in such a place to stop, Though there no thistle he could crop. He would not be too delicate, Nor spoil a dinner for a plate, Which, but for that, his favourite dish, Were all that any Ass could wish. "My dear companion," Towser said-- "'Tis as a starving Dog I ask it-- Pray lower down your loaded basket, And let me get a piece of bread." No answer--not a word!--indeed, The truth was, our Arcadian steed Fear'd lest, for every moment's flight, His nimble teeth should lose a bite. At last, "I counsel you," said he, "to wait Till master is himself awake, Who then, unless I much mistake, Will give his Dog the usual bait." Meanwhile, there issued from the wood A creature of the wolfish brood, Himself by famine sorely pinch'd. At sight of him the Donkey flinch'd, And begg'd the Dog to give him aid. The Dog budged not, but answer made, "I counsel thee, my friend, to run, Till master's nap is fairly done; There can, indeed, be no mistake That he will very soon awake; Till then, scud off with all your might; And should he snap you in your flight, This ugly Wolf--why, let him feel The greeting of your well-shod heel. I do not doubt, at all, but that Will be enough to lay him flat." But ere he ceased it was too late; The Ass had met his cruel fate. The Monkey and the Leopard A Monkey and a Leopard were The rivals at a country fair. Each advertised his own attractions. Said one, "Good sirs, the highest place My merit knows; for, of his grace, The King hath seen me face to face; And, judging by his looks and actions, I gave the best of satisfactions. When I am dead, 'tis plain enough, My skin will make his royal muff. So richly is it streak'd and spotted, So delicately waved and dotted, Its various beauty cannot fail to please." And, thus invited, everybody sees; But soon they see, and soon depart. The Monkey's show-bill to the mart His merits thus sets forth the while, All in his own peculiar style: "Come, gentlemen, I pray you, come; In magic arts I am at home. The whole variety in which My neighbour boasts himself so rich Is to his simple skin confined, While mine is living in the mind. For I can speak, you understand; Can dance, and practise sleight-of-hand; Can jump through hoops, and balance sticks; In short, can do a thousand tricks; One penny is my charge to you, And, if you think the price won't do, When you have seen, then I'll restore, Each man his money at the door."