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And tho’ awkward is my mien,
I often on the stage am seen.
But to raise your wonder higher,
I to greater heights aspire;
At table I my lord attend,
Please him and gratify his friend.
A COCK.
For vigilance and courage true,
I’ve no superior, equals few;
Which makes me by th’ industrious priz’d,
But by the indolent despis’d.
Bold and alert l meet the foe,
In all engagements valour show,
And if he proves too proud to yield,
One falls before we quit the field.
But tho’ with these perfections great
1 am endu’d—such is my fate;
They seize and to a stake me tie,
And bastinade me till I die.
AN OX.
I know my owner, serve my feeder,
But have no notion of my breeder:
Who sought the means to change my nature,
And from a fierce unruly creature,
Made me useful to the nation,
As some who move in higher station;
For I with gratitude abundant,
My owner’s praise set forth redundant.
And fraught with virtues deem’d inherent,
May well be call'd the king’s vicegerent;
As I his subjects render stronger,
And die that they may live the longer.
A HORSE.
The king and subject I assistance lend.
In war a firm ally, in peace a friend;
