The Earthen Pot And The Iron Pot.

[1]      An iron pot proposed      To an earthen pot a journey.      The latter was opposed,      Expressing the concern he      Had felt about the danger      Of going out a ranger.      He thought the kitchen hearth      The safest place on earth      For one so very brittle.      'For thee, who art a kettle,      And hast a tougher skin,      There's nought to keep thee in.'      'I'll be thy body-guard,'      Replied the iron pot;      'If anything that's hard      Should threaten thee a jot,      Between you I will go,      And save thee from the blow.'      This offer him persuaded.      The iron pot paraded      Himself as guard and guide      Close at his cousin's side.      Now, in their tripod way,      They hobble as they may;      And eke together bolt      At every little jolt, -      Which gives the crockery pain;      But presently his comrade hits      So hard, he dashes him to bits,      Before he can complain.      Take care that you associate      With equals only, lest your fate      Between these pots should find its mate.