THE PHEASANT AND THE FOX 



II 

 " Time indeed it is," said Reynard, " for the fray to 



be prepar'd. 

 For open war against us has already been declar'd ; 

 Two cubs, last week, two hopeful cubs, the finest out 



of five. 

 Within their mother's hearing chopp'd, were eaten up 

 alive. 



Ill 



" Within our woodland shelter here, two winter 



seasons through, 

 You and I have dwelt together in a friendship firm 



and true ; 

 Still, I own it, to my yearning heart one envious 



feeling clings. 

 Cock-pheasant ! what I covet is the privilege of 



wings. 



IV 



" To you the gift is perilous, in safety while you run. 

 It is only when uprisingthat you temptthelevell'dgun; 

 Would that I could rid you of those wings you 



rashly wear. 

 And plant upon my back instead, a well-proportioned 



pair. 



V 



" Think oi Victory defeated, as to triumph on she sped, 



Think of 'Boaster^ terror-stricken, as my pinions I 

 outspread ; 



Think of Crafty s baffled cunning, think of Vul- 

 picide s despair. 



Think of Leveller s amazement, as I mounted in 

 mid-air ! 



167 



