Aesop at Court :: :: University of Virginia Library

A mighty Lyon heretofore,
Of monstrous Paws, and dreadful Roar,
Was bent upon a Chase:
Inviting Friends, and near Allies,
Frankly to share the Sport and Prize,
During the hunting Space.

The Lynx, and Royal Panther came,
The Boar and Wolf of Wolfingham,
The Articles were these:
Share and share like what e'er they got,
The Dividend upon the spot,
And so depart in peace.
A Royal Hart, delicious Meat!
Destin'd by inauspicious Fate,
Was started for the Game:
The Hunters run him one and all,
The Chase was long, and at the fall,
Each enter'd with his Claim.

One lov'd a Hanch, and one a side,
This eat it powder'd, tother dry'd,
Each for his share alone:

Old Grey-beard then began to roar,
His Whiskers twirl'd, bully'd and swore,
The Hart was all his own.

And thus I prove my Title good,
My Friend deceas'd sprung from our Blood,
Half's mine as we're ally'd:
My valour claims the other part,
In short I love a hunted Hart,
And now who dares divide?

The bilk'd Confederates they stare,
And cry'd, old Gentleman deal fair,
For once be Just and True:
Quoth He, and looking wondrous grum,
Behold my Paws, the word is Mum,
And so Messieurs adieu.

The MORAL.

Tyrants can only be restrain'd by might,
Power's their Conscience, and the Sword their right:
Allies they Court to compass private ends,
But at the Dividend disclaim their Friends.

Yet boast not France, of thy successful Fraud,
Maintain'd by Blood, a Torment whilst enjoy'd:
Imperial Cæsar drives the Storm along,
And Nassaus Arms avenge the publick wrong.