 | The collected works of Ambrose Bierce |  |
THE CO-DEFENDANTS
A Jackass by a Lion chasedHad made so admirable haste
That his pursuer, far behind,
Had, long before, his hope resigned
And gone to sleep; but still poor Jack
Pressed on, nor ventured to look back.
“Why, what's the matter?” cried a Steer,
Obstructing him in his career.
“Out of the way and let us pass!”
Roared the still apprehensive Ass.
“‘Us’? Why, my friend,” the Steer replied,
“I see but you, and none beside.”
“I'm but the foremost,” answered Jack—
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Behold, he clawed me here and here;
See how he tore my precious ear!
Believe me, sir, your count's at fault—
No one escapes that cat's assault.”
To let them limp along, the Steer
Backed off in wonder and in fear.
The Ass evanished like a flame,
But not another donkey came.
Then said the Steer: “I've saved—well done!—
All jackasses beneath the sun,
Rolled into one, rolled into one.”
| The collected works of Ambrose Bierce | |