Page:Florian - The Fables, 1888.djvu/82

 76 To this, at least, you must agree."

But while the pedants thus debate, They each become more obstinate, Until a rat who had much wit From eating learned manuscript, Cried to the crew:— "I see why each should hold his view: In Egypt men ador'd the cat; The Athenians worship'd owls; The Romans petted and made fat      The goose as first of fowls. As your self-int'rest points the way, So your opinions turn and sway."