Page:Florian - The Fables, 1888.djvu/18

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FLORIAN'S FABLES.

FABLE III.
THE THREE RIVALS.

Once on a time rose fierce disputes Between three very gentle brutes—            The ox, the horse, and ass. Their overweening pride, alas! As oft with men of seeming sense, Led them to strive for precedence. Perhaps, my friend, you may deride The thought of asses having pride; But are not others sometimes vain, And aim at rank they can't attain?