III. The Horse and Boar

A Wild-Boar wallow’d in the flood,

And troubled all the stream with mud,

Just where a horse to drink repair’d—

He therefore having war declared,

Sought man’s alliance for the fight,

And bore upon his back the knight;

Who being skill’d his darts to throw,

Despatched the Wild-Boar at a blow.

Then to the steed the victor said,

“I’m glad you came to me for aid,

For taught how useful you can be,

I’ve got at once a spoil and thee.”

On which the fields he made him quit,

To feel the spur and champ the bit.

Then he his sorrow thus express’d:

“I needs must have my wrongs redress’d,

And making tyrant man the judge,

Must all my life become a drudge.”

This tale the passionate may warn,

To bear with any kind of scorn;

And rather all complaint withdraw

Than either go to war or law.

Riley