XXVIII. The Fox and Eagle

Howe’er exalted in your sphere,

There’s something from the mean to fear;

For, if their property you wrong,

The poor’s revenge is quick and strong.

When on a time an Eagle stole

The cubs from out a Fox’s hole,

And bore them to her young away,

That they might feast upon the prey,

The dam pursues the winged thief,

And deprecates so great a grief;

But safe upon the lofty tree,

The Eagle scorn’d the Fox’s plea.

With that the Fox perceived at hand

An altar, whence she snatch’d a brand,

And compassing with flames the wood,

Put her in terror for her brood.

She therefore, lest her house should burn,

Submissive did the cubs return.

Riley