Page:Florian - The Fables, 1888.djvu/26

From Wikisource
Jump to navigation Jump to search
This page has been validated.
20
FLORIAN'S FABLES.

So saying, off the young ones go,
Exulting in the overflow.
We need not on their journey dwell,
For soon the risen waters fell;
The carplings, caught in shallow pools,
          The fools!
Were hurried to the frying pan.
Now let him tell me, he who can,
Why did these carplings disobey,
And from the river stroll away?
Was it because they thought they knew
Their mother's counsels were not true?
Or was't they wanted something new?
Or did they think that—Ah, my friend!
To such inquiries where's the end?