VII. The Viper and the File

He that a greater biter bites,

His folly on himself requites,

As we shall manifest forthwith.—

There was a hovel of a smith,

Where a poor Viper chanced to steal,

And being greedy of a meal,

When she had seized upon a file,

Was answer’d in this rugged style:

“Why do you think, O stupid snake!

On me your usual meal to make,

Who’ve sharper teeth than thine by far,

And can corrode an iron bar?”

Riley