II. The Fox and the Grapes

An hungry Fox with fierce attack

Sprang on a Vine, but tumbled back,

Nor could attain the point in view,

So near the sky the bunches grew.

As he went off, “They’re scurvy stuff,”

Says he, “and not half ripe enough—

And I’ve more rev’rence for my tripes

Than to torment them with the gripes.”

For those this tale is very pat

Who lessen what they can’t come at.

Riley