FAVOURITE FABLES. 77

The Cur, with never-ceasing tongue,
Upon the passing traveller sprung.

The Horse, from scorn provoked to ire, !
Flung backward; rolling in the mire,
The Puppy howled, and bleeding lay ;
The Pad in peace pursued his way.

A Shepherd’s Dog, who saw the deed,
Detesting the vexatious breed,
Bespoke him thus: ‘‘ When coxcombs prate,
They kindle wrath, contempt, or hate;
Thy teasing tongue, had judgment tied,
Thou hadst not like a Puppy died.”

MORAL.

Too late the forward youth will find
That jokes are sometimes paid in kind;
Or, if they canker in the breast,

He makes a foe who makes a jest.