The Tea and the Sage The Tea from China on her way, Met in some sea, or gulf, or bay-- (Would to her log I might refer!) The Sage, who thus accosted her: "Sister--ahoy! ho--whither bound?" "I leave," she said, "my native ground For Europe's markets, where, I'm told, They purchase me by weight of gold." "And I," the Sage replied, "am seeking The route to Canton or to Peking; Your Chinese use me largely in Their cookery and medicine; They know my virtues, nor deny The praise I ask, however high, While Europe scorns me, just indeed, As if I was the vilest weed. Go; and good luck t'ye; know full well That you are sure enough to sell, For nations all, (fools that they are!) Value whatever comes from afar, And give their money nothing loth, For anything of foreign growth." The Swan and the Linnet Piqued at the Linnet's song one day, The Swan exclaimed: "Leave off! I say-- Be still, you little noisy thing! What!--dare _you_ challenge me to sing, When there's no voice, however fine, Can match the melody of mine?" (The Linnet warbled on)--"D'ye hear? This impudence may cost you dear; I could with one harmonious note Forever stop your squeaking throat, And, if I do not choose to try, Respect my magnanimity." "I wish," at length the Linnet said, "I wish, to heaven, the proof were made; You cannot imagine how I long To hear that rich and flowing song Which though so sweet, by fame averred, I know not who has ever heard." The Swan essayed to sing, but--whew! She screeched and squalled a note or two, Until the Linnet, it appears, Took to her wings to save her ears. 'Tis strange when some of learned fame _Will_ prove their title to the name, How often ill-placed praise they mar, And show how ignorant they are. The Flint and the Steel The Flint, with language harsh and high, Accused the Steel of cruelty In striking her with all his might, Whene'er he wanted fire and light. The Steel the imputation spurned, And with such warmth the contest burned That both, at last, agreed to slip Their contract of companionship. "Good-by then, madame," said the one; "And since my company you shun, And to continue with me, doubt, We'll see what use you are without." "About as much as you will be, Good sir," she answered, "without me." FABLES OF GAY, COWPER, AND OTHERS "Brutes are my theme. Am I to blame If men in morals are the same? I no man call or ape or ass; 'Tis his own conscience holds the glass. Thus void of all offence I write; Who claims the fable, knows his right." JOHN GAY FABLES OF GAY AND COWPER The Monkey Who Had Seen the World