Page:An argosy of fables.djvu/418

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With Powers Terrestrial to confer.
This Ape, says history, bore the name of Gil.
The Elephant immediately concluded
That he was sent some mission to fulfil
Relating to the Contest; thus deluded
He waits on Gil, but finds him rather slow
In broaching what he has to say.
Sir Gil, however, in a formal way
Before his Majesty bows low.
His Majesty in expectation
Regards in mute inquiry the Legation.
But not a word. The interest he believed
The Gods must take in Quarrels such as his
Had no existence in the Sphere of Bliss;
No news of the affair had been received.
What matters it to Those on high
Whether an Elephant or gilded Fly
Battles? He must himself commence the theme.
"My Cousin Jupiter," he says,
"Will see in a few days
A glorious Combat from his Throne supreme,
And all his Court
Enjoy Celestial sport."
"What Combat?" says the Ape with knitted brow.
"What Combat? How?
Know you not that the biggest of the Brutes,
Myself excepted, with myself disputes;
That Elephantopolis
Is going to war with great Rhinoceropolis,