 | |
| |
| Friendship, like love, is but a name, |
| Unless to one you stint the flame. |
| The child, whom many fathers share, |
| Hath seldom known a father's care. |
| 5 | Tis thus in friendships; who depend |
| On many, rarely find a friend. |
| A hare, who in a civil way, |
| Complied with everything, like Gay, |
| Was known by all the bestial train |
| 10 | Who haunt the wood, or graze the plain. |
| |
| Her care was never to offend, |
| And every creature was her friend. |
| As forth she went at early dawn, |
| To taste the dew-besprinkled lawn, |
| 15 | Behind she hears the hunter's cries, |
| And from the deep-mouthed thunder flies. |
| She starts, she stops, she pants for breath; |
| She hears the near advance of death; |
| She doubles to mislead the hound, |
| 20 | And measures back her mazy round; |
| |
| Till fainting in the public way, |
| Half-dead with fear, she gasping lay. |
| What transport in her bosom grew, |
| When first the horse appeared in view! |
| 25 | „Let me,“ says she, „your back ascend, |
| And owe my safety to a friend. |
| You know my feet betray my flight; |
| To friendship every burden's light.“ |
| The horse replied — „Poor honest puss, |
| 30 | It grieves my heart to see thee thus; |
| |
| Be comforted, relief is near; |
| For all your friends are in the rear.“ |
| She next the stately bull implored; |
| And thus replied the mighty lord-- |
| 35 | „Since every beast alive can tell |
| That I sincerely wish you well, |
| I may, without offence, pretend |
| To take the freedom of a friend. |
| Love calls me hence; a favourite cow |
| 40 | Expects me near yon barley mow: |
| |
| And when a lady's in the case, |
| You know all other things give place. |
| To leave you thus might seem unkind; |
| But see, the goat is just behind.“ |
| 45 | The goat remarked her pulse was high, |
| Her languid head, her heavy eye; |
| „My back,“ says she, „may do you harm; |
| The sheep's at hand, and wool is warm.“ |
| The sheep was feeble, and complained |
| 50 | His sides a load of wool sustained: |
| |
| Said he was slow, confessed his fears; |
| For hounds cat sheep, as well as hares. |
| She now the trotting calf addressed, |
| To save from death a friend distressed. |
| 55 | „Shall I,“ says he, „of tender age, |
| In this important care engage? |
| Older and abler passed you by; |
| How strong are those! how weak am I! |
| Should I presume to bear you hence, |
| 60 | Those friends of mine may take offence. |
| |
| Excuse me then. You know my heart, |
| But dearest friends, alas! must part. |
| How shall we all lament! Adieu! |
| For see the hounds are just in view.“ |
