IX. The Hare and the Sparrow

Still to give cautions, as a friend,

And not one’s own affairs attend,

Is but impertinent and vain,

As these few verses will explain.

A Sparrow taunted at a Hare

Caught by an eagle high in air,

And screaming loud— “Where now,” says she,

“Is your renown’d velocity?

Why loiter’d your much boasted speed?”

Just as she spake, an hungry glede

Did on th’ injurious railer fall,

Nor could her cries avail at all.

The Hare, with its expiring breath,

Thus said: “See comfort ev’n in death!

She that derided my distress

Must now deplore her own no less.”

Riley