Friday, December 24, 2010

Boothby: The Fox and the Crane

Harm none; then injuries done to thee,
Retorted may deserve to be.
Reynard one day, in merry vein,
To dine invited neighbour Crane.
He gave her neither frogs nor fish,
But mince-meat, in a shallow dish;
So that, while Reynard lapt his fill,
No morsel pass'd her pointed bill,
And sad and fasting she went home.
Next day she ask'd the Fox to come
And sup; and gave, for only food,
A hash that smelt extremely good,
Served in a jar with narrow neck,
Where Longshanks just could put her beak.
The Crane supt well; her famish'd guest
By no means relishing the feast.
"No malice," says the Crane, "adieu!
Remember I was taught by you."


Source: Boothby - Phaedrus 1.25.
Vulpes et Ciconia

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