XVII. The Sheep, the Dog, and the Wolf

Liars are liable to rue

The mischief they’re so prone to do.

The Sheep a Dog unjustly dunn’d

One loaf directly to refund,

Which he the Dog to the said Sheep

Had given in confidence to keep.

The Wolf was summoned, and he swore

It was not one, but ten or more.

The Sheep was therefore cast at law

To pay for things she never saw.

But, lo! ere many days ensued,

Dead in a ditch the Wolf she view’d:

“This, this,” she cried, “is Heaven’s decree

Of justice on a wretch like thee.”

Riley