FAVOURITE FABLES. 99

The Sheep was feeble, and complained,
His sides a load of wool sustained ;
Said he was slow; confessed his fears ;
For Hounds eat Sheep as well as Hares.

She now the trotting Calf addressed,
To save from death a friend distressed.
‘Shall I,”’ says he, ‘‘ of tender age,

In this important care engage?

Older and abler pass you by ;

How strong are those! how weak am I!
Should I presume to bear you hence,
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.”

MORAL.

Friendships are single: who depend
On many rarely find a friend.