Lion, Fox, And Gander.

A lion, sick of pomp and state,             Resolved his cares to delegate.             Reynard was viceroy named - the crowd             Of courtiers to the regent bowed;             Wolves, bears, and tigers stoop and bend,             And strive who most could condescend;             Whilst he, with wisdom in his face,             Assumed the regal grace and pace.             Whilst flattery hovered him around,             And the pleased ear in thraldom bound,             A fox, well versed in adulation,             Rose to pronounce the due oration:             "Vast talents, trained in virtue's school,             With clemency, from passion cool -             And uncorrupted - such a hand             Will shed abundance o'er the land.             The brain shall prompt the wiser part,             Mercy and justice rule the heart;             All blessings must attend the nation             Under such bright administration."             A gander heard and understood,             And summoned round his gosling brood:             "Whene'er you hear a rogue commended,             Be sure some mischief is intended;             A fox now spoke in commendation -             Foxes no doubt will rise in station;             If they hold places, it is plain             The geese will feel a tyrant reign.             'Tis a sad prospect for our race             When every petty clerk in place             Will follow fashion, and ne'er cease             On holidays to feed on geese."