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Till a third party on a farther stretch,
"See! see!" exclaim'd, that old hard-hearted wretch!
How like a justice there he sits, or squire,
While the poor lad keepswadin through the mire"
"Stop," cried the lad, still deeper vex'd in mind
"Stop father; stop let me get on behind."
This done, thc thought they ccrtainly should please,
Escape reproaches, and be both at case,
For having tried each practicable way,
What could be lcft for jokers now to say?
Still disappointed by succeeding tone.
"Hark ye, you fellow "Is that ass your own?
Get off, for shame, or one of you at least;
You both deserve to carry the poor beast;
Ready to drop down upon the road,
With such a hugc unconscionablc load."
On this they both dismountcd; and, somc say
Contriv'd to carry, the remaining way
The ass between em; prints are seen, they add,
The ass supported by the man and lad,
Others omit that fancy in the print,
As ovcrstraining an ingcnious hint.
Thc copy that wc follow, says, the man
Rubb'd down his ass, and took to his first plan;
Walk'd to the fair and sold him, got his price,
And gave his son this pertinent advicc
"Let talkers talk; stick thou to what is best ;
To think of pleasing all, is all a jcst."
