Page:The Green Bag (1889–1914), Volume 01.pdf/518

Rh This bush was destitute of fence, But as there was no evidence Of any law to keep it closed, His syrup Bush left there exposed. Now Brainard's cow did often range This bush in search of pasture strange Beyond her strict-appointed pale Quite undeterred by wall or rail, As Bush well knew; but though no dolt, He quite forgot that cows would bolt This article of commerce staple Drawn from the smooth-bark sugar-maple.

At length, when Moolly in the grove In search of provender did rove, She found this palatable drink, And hanging o'er the fatal brink, So greedily did Moolly suck it,
 * That giving one convulsive cough,

She speedily did "kick the bucket"
 * And lay completely "sugared-off."

Brainard sued Bush for negligence In keeping bush without a fence, Or leaving syrup without care, Well knowing that his cow ran there.

This case to us presents two views,— Two horns between which we must choose. This sugar-Bush did very wrong To leave his syrup there so long, Knowing that cows in search of pasture Might thereby meet with sore disaster.

Oh, Bush deserves much to be blamed, He really ought to be ashamed! He should have known that cattle lap Inviting liquids.—Verbum sap.