But cooler reflection at length,
As this elderly gentleman sat,
Said, jump up and follow the stream,
And look for your wig and your hat.
But alas for the thought! for so soon
As he rose from the place where he sat,
He slipp'd! and fell plump overhead,
To swim with his wig and his hat!
33. The Fox and the Cat.
The Fox and the Cat, as they travelled one day,
With moral discourses cut shorter the way:
"'Tis good," said the Fox, "to make justice our guide."
"How godlike is mercy!" Grimalkin replied.
As thus they proceeded, a Wolf from the wood,
Impatient of hunger and thirsting for blood,
Rush'd forth as he saw the dull shepherd asleep,
And seized for his breakfast an innocent Sheep.
"'Tis in vain," cried the Wolf, "Mistress Sheep, that you bleat,
When mutton's at hand, you know well I must eat."
The Cat was astounded! the Fox stood aghast!
To see the fell beast at his cruel repast.
