XXIII. The Faithful House-Dog

A Man that’s gen’rous all at once

May dupe a novice or a dunce;

But to no purpose are the snares

He for the knowing ones prepares.

When late at night a felon tried

To bribe a Dog with food, he cried,

“What ho! do you attempt to stop

The mouth of him that guards the shop?

You ’re mightily mistaken, sir,

For this strange kindness is a spur,

To make me double all my din,

Lest such a scoundrel should come in.”

Riley