Page:Florian - The Fables, 1888.djvu/49

Their love of wrong, contempt of right,
The selfish use they make of war,
       Et cetera, et cetera.
And now the world crowd up to hear
A preacher of so little fear.
Deer, gazelles, kids, show their deep sense
Of his all-powerful eloquence.
His gen'rous truths they recognize;
He's listened to with weeping eyes;
His fame is spread the country round;
The tidings far and near resound—
Are borne upon the pop'lar voice,
Until at court they make a noise.
The lion who at that time reign'd
(Good and pious as things then went),
To hear the famous preacher deign'd,
And to invite his presence sent.
Charm'd with the royal courtesy,
The preacher went without delay.
His sermon now himself surpass'd.
It was a perfect thunder-blast
Against th' infernal thirst for blood
Indulged by tyrants of the wood.
He spoke of helpless innocence,
Oppress'd by lawless insolence;
Dwelt on the vices of the great;
Their love of power insatiate;
He call'd for justice long delay'd,
'Gainst those who on the feeble prey'd,
Till beasts of prey all quak'd with fear