The Lion & the Statve

On a Statue—king Lion dethroned,
Showing conqueror Man,—Lion frowned.
“If a Lion, you know,
Had been sculptor, he’d show
Lion rampant, and Man on the ground.”

THE STORY DEPENDS ON THE TELLER

In the house, in the market, the streets,
Everywhere he was boasting his feats;
Till one said, with a sneer,
“Let us see it done here!
What’s so oft done with ease, one repeats.”

DEEDS NOT WORDS

“Fine feathers,” Jack thought, “make fine fowls;
I’ll be envied of bats & of owls:”
But the peacocks’ proud eyes
Saw through his disguise,
And Jack fled the assembly of fowls.

BORROWED PLUMES ARE SOON DISCOVERED

The Peacock considered it wrong
That he had not the nightingale’s song;
So to Juno he went,
She replied, “Be content
With thy having, & hold thy fool’s tongue!”

DO NOT QUARREL WITH NATURE

“Never fear!” said The Brass to the Clay
Of two Jars that the flood bore away:
“Keep you close to my side!”
But the porcelain replied,
“I’ll be smashed if beside you I stay.”

OUR FRIEND OUR ENEMY