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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,