Page:FirstSeriesOfHymns.djvu/144

Rh "What a wretch!" said the Cat; "what a bloodthirsty brute! To seize a poor Sheep, when there's herbage and fruit." Cried the Fox, "With the acorns so sweet and so good, What a tyrant this is to spill innocent blood."

Then onward they went and discoursed by the way, And with still more wise maxims enliven'd the day; And e'er as they travell'd they moralised still, Till they came where some poultry peck'd chaff by a mill

Then the Fox, without ceasing his sayings so wise, Now snapp'd up a Chicken by way of a prize; And a mouse which then chanced from her covert to stray, The thoughtful Grimalkin secured as her prey.

A Spider who sat in her web on the wall Perceived the poor victims and pitied their fall; She cried, "Of such murders how guiltless am I!" Then ran to regale on a new-taken Fly.

