Page:The Hind and Panther transvers'd to the story of the country mouse and the city mouse (1709).djvu/41

 is so engaging; hear me but two Lines, I'gad, and go away afterwards if you can.

But now, alas, I grieve, I grieve to tell What sad Mischance these pretty things befel These Birds of Beasts.

There's a tender Expression, Birds of Beasts: 'tis the greatest Affront that you can put upon any Bird, to call it, Beast of a Bird: and a Beast is so fond of being call'd a Bird, as you can't imagine.

These Birds of Beasts, these learned Reas'ning Mice, Were separated, banish'd in a trice. Who would be learned for their sakes, who wise?

Ay, who indeed? There's a Pathos, I'gad, Gentlemen, if that won't move you, nothing will, I can assure you: But here's the sad thing I was afraid of.

The Constable alarm'd by this Noise, Enter'd the Room, directed by the Voice, And speaking to the Watch, with Head aside, Said, Desperate Cures must be to desperate Ills apply'd. These Gentlemen, for so their Fate decrees, Can ne'er enjoy at once the But and Peace. When each have separated Interests of their own, Two Mice are one too many for a Town. By Schism they are torn; and therefore, Brother, Look you to one, and I'll secure the t'other. Now whither Dapple did to Bridewell go, Or in the Stocks all Night her Finger blow, Or in the Compter lay, concerns not us to know. But the immortal Matron, spotless White, Forgetting Dapple's Rudeness, Malice, Spight, Look'd kindly back, and wept, and said, Good Night.