Nor Pindar's heav'nly lyre, nor Horace when a swan. Your ancestors proceed from race divine: From Brennus and Belinus is your line; Who gave to sov'reign Rome such loud alarms, That ev'n the priests were not excus'd from arms. "Besides, a famous monk of modern times Has left of cocks recorded in his rhymes, 64 That of a parish priest the son and heir, (When sons of priests were from the proverb clear,) Affronted once a cock of noble kind, For which the clerk his father was disgrac'd, And emulate your father's angel voice." 650 The cock was pleas'd to hear him speak so fair, And proud beside, as solar people are; 660 Ye princes, rais'd by poets to the gods, And Alexander'd up in lying odes, Believe not ev'ry flatt'ring knave's report, There's many a Reynard lurking in the court; And he shall be receiv'd with more regard, And listen'd to, than modest truth is heard. This Chanticleer, of whom the story sings, Stood high upon his toes, and clapp'd his wings; Then stretch'd his neck, and wink'd with both his eyes, Ambitious as he sought th' Olympic prize. But while he pain'd himself to raise his note, False Reynard rush'd, and caught him by the throat. 670 Then on his back he laid the precious load, And sought his wonted shelter of the wood; Swiftly he made his way, the mischief done, Of all unheeded, and pursued by none.. Alas, what stay is there in human state, Or who can shun inevitable fate? And to the neighb'ring maple wing'd his flight. Whom when the traitor safe on tree beheld, He curs'd the gods, with shame and sorrow fill'd; Shame for his folly, sorrow out of time, For plotting an unprofitable crime: Yet mast'ring both, th' artificer of lies Renews th' assault, and his last batt'ry tries. "Tho' I," said he, "did ne'er in thought offend, How justly may my lord suspect his friend? Th' appearance is against me, I confess, 780 Who seemingly have put you in distress: You, if your goodness does not plead my "Nay," quoth the cock, "but I beshrew us both, If I believe a saint upon his oath: An honest man may take a knave's advice, Shall soothe me more to sing with wink ing eyes, 800 And open mouth, for fear of catching flies., Who blindfold walks upon a river's brim, When he should see, has he deserv'd to swim?" "Better, sir cock, let all contention cease; Come down," said Reynard, "let us treat of peace." "A peace with all my soul," said Chanticleer, "But, with your favor, I will treat it here; And, lest the truce with treason should be mix'd, 'Tis my concern to have the tree betwixt." THE MORAL In this plain fable you th' effect The cock and fox the fool and knave imply; 820 So take the corn, and leave the chaff behind. |