XVI. Phædrus, on His Fables

What certain envious hearts intend

I very clearly comprehend,

Let them dissemble e’er so much.—

When they perceive the master’s touch,

And find ’tis likely to endure,

They’ll say ’tis Esop to be sure—

But what appears of mean design,

At any rate they’ll vouch for mine.

These in a word I would refute:

Whether of great or no repute,

What sprung from Esop’s fertile thought

This hand has to perfection brought;

But waiving things to our distaste,

Let’s to the destined period haste.

Riley