A stag whose lissome joints grew stiff had made
A grassy couch outside a woodland shade,
Hence ample fodder to his need he found.
Till soon, to see their neighbour, gathered round
Whole tribes of beasts (a right good neighbour he!) Each came, and each with his supplies made free
By thoughtless nibbling, ere it sought the wood.
Thus sank, not by disease, but want of food,
A stag that scarce had yet two crow-lives told:
Had he lack'd friends, he haply had died old!"
Source: Davies: Fables of Babrius = Babrius 46.
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