Page:Florian - The Fables, 1888.djvu/123

Rh More fully to explain the case. If I, like you, could climb a tree, Indeed, you well may credit me, I had been with you long ere this, To show how great my pleasure is." Now squirrels though not bred in schools. Are not by any means all fools; And ours was shrewd enough to see Quite through the fox's knavery. So he replied in tones most kind:— "I am delighted, friend, to find That we so near related are. Your happiness I fully share; And I shall hurry to descend. But ere I come I have a friend That I would introduce to you. He is a near relation too: One who is all in all to me, Whom you'll be glad, perhaps, to see; He's sleeping in that hole below; Knock at the door and call him out: He'll warmly welcome you, I know, On learning what you've come about." Old Reynard hurries to the door, Hoping to get one squirrel more; But on the instant that he knocks, The dog, awak'd from slumbers sound, Springs out, and at a single bound, Upon the spot kills Mister Fox.

The offices of a true friend