(

We've not much stores at present—
Two lambs, a pig, some geese :
But he must have for dinner
Far more than even these.

Are you well skilled in fishing ?
I mean, for goats and sheep:
I'll show you how to catch ’em—

We angle rather deep.

A bunch of fruit or carrots,
Suspended with a hook,

Descends amongst the branches,
And thus a beast is took.

We haul them up with pleasure,
Such food is quite a treat ;
But Giant’s been a-courting,
So we are short of meat.

Some time Jack fished with patience,

But not a nibble saw,
When lo! the lion’s bell rang ;
They hear a mighty roar.

‘Run!’ cried the Golden Pheasant,
‘Take lambs, and geese, and pig ;

Though they are not sufficient,
They'll help to make him big.

Jack drove the cattle forward,
The lion made a bow;

He feels his strength returning—
In fact, is lively now.

Jack to his perch returns quick,
Ah! has he got a bite?

The line he left a dangling
Has jerked, and is drawn tight.

109

 

)

A tug quite unexpected
Nigh pulled him off the tree ;
Ah! this is sport in earnest!
He hauls away with glee.

And has to strain his whole force
To raise it ; when, alas!

He finds the great fish landed
Is but his old jackass!

A sorry déte-a-téte is
Held with the friend oft beaten:
‘I never meant, my namesake,
That you should e’er be eaten.’

Again the lion’s bell rang,
Jack swallows down a sob ;
‘Run!’ cried the Golden Pheasant,
‘This course will end the job.

’Tis hard to lose a donkey,
But sure, sir, of the two

There is no hesitation —
Better eat him than you.

Lions must have a blow-out,
Or we're blown up instead ;

I think it’s now just three weeks
Since last time he was fed.

Let’s also give him liquor,
Twill help to make him swell ;
Next bell he sets a-ringing
Will be his fun’ral knell.’
When introduced, the lion
Bowed to the wond’ring ass,
And begged him to be seated,
And would he take a glass