Page:An argosy of fables.djvu/469

 Rh EIGHBOUR, a favor I would ask

&ensp;—'Tis no great thing—'tis but a Cask

An empty Cask's not much to lend

Just to accommodate a friend.

When one money wants to borrow.

Then 'tis as well to cry 'To-morrow—

Not just now—I can't indeed—

No cash have I but what I need.'

For he that lends away his purse

May find it to return averse."

The Cask was lent—the Cask came back

Quite sound—at least, without a crack;

But then of oil't had such a snack!

So strong a scent that it quite spoiled

Whatever was poured in. 'Twas boiled.

Was scalded, aired; yet still the taint

Remained matter of complaint.

To cure it was a fruitless task.

And so they burned the infected Cask.

Parents! The lesson of my fable

For you is specially intended.

Deem not defects may be evaded

Imbibed in youth; since naught is able.

When once the evil's taken place,

Early impressions to efface,