Lion, Fox, And Gander.

        A lion, sick of pomp and state,
        Resolved his cares to delegate.
        Reynard was viceroy named - the crowd
        Of courtiers to the regent bowed;
        Wolves, bears, and tigers stoop and bend,
        And strive who most could condescend;
        Whilst he, with wisdom in his face,
        Assumed the regal grace and pace.
        Whilst flattery hovered him around,
        And the pleased ear in thraldom bound,
        A fox, well versed in adulation,
        Rose to pronounce the due oration:

        "Vast talents, trained in virtue's school,
        With clemency, from passion cool -
        And uncorrupted - such a hand
        Will shed abundance o'er the land.
        The brain shall prompt the wiser part,
        Mercy and justice rule the heart;
        All blessings must attend the nation
        Under such bright administration."

        A gander heard and understood,
        And summoned round his gosling brood:
        "Whene'er you hear a rogue commended,
        Be sure some mischief is intended;
        A fox now spoke in commendation -
        Foxes no doubt will rise in station;
        If they hold places, it is plain
        The geese will feel a tyrant reign.
        'Tis a sad prospect for our race
        When every petty clerk in place
        Will follow fashion, and ne'er cease
        On holidays to feed on geese."