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76
FLORIAN'S FABLES.
To this, at least, you must agree."
But while the pedants thus debate,
They each become more obstinate,
Until a rat who had much wit
From eating learned manuscript,
Cried to the crew:—
"I see why each should hold his view:
In Egypt men ador'd the cat;
The Athenians worship'd owls;
The Romans petted and made fat
The goose as first of fowls.
As your self-int'rest points the way,
So your opinions turn and sway."
