XXVI. The Fox and the Stork

One should do injury to none;

But he that has th’ assault begun,

Ought, says the fabulist, to find

The dread of being served in kind,

A Fox, to sup within his cave

The Stork an invitation gave,

Where, in a shallow dish, was pour’d

Some broth, which he himself devour’d;

While the poor hungry Stork was fain

Inevitably to abstain.

The Stork, in turn, the Fox invites,

And brings her liver and her lights

In a tall flagon, finely minced,

And thrusting in her beak, convinced

The Fox that he in grief must fast,

While she enjoy’d the rich repast.

Then, as in vain he lick’d the neck,

The Stork was heard her guest to check,

“That every one the fruits should bear

Of their example, is but fair.”

Riley