128 THE FIRESIDE SPHINX 



the Ganges, is still an unscrupulous knave, and for 

 that reason, and that alone, is chosen as ambassa- 

 dor by his great kinsman, the Lion. 



" 'T was then agreed the Cat should try 

 If he could not the Fox outvie 

 In trickery and dissimulation, 

 And thus do service to the nation. 

 For he was, by all men's admission, 

 A wary, skilful politician." 



Frankly does the King of the Beasts admit the 

 cousinship and honourable station of his little rela- 

 tive. There is respect, mingled with cajolery, in the 

 monarch's parting words. 



" Tybert, forget not, I beseech, 

 How far back doth your lineage reach ; 

 Much farther back than mice and rats, 

 Which but created were for cats. 

 So foolish folks who sometime curse them, 

 Were only made that they might nurse them. 

 Never forget, I pray, that ye 

 Spring from our old nobility." 



" Well taught you are, and quick and wise, 

 Fulfilled of wit in all men's eyes ; 

 And plenteous therefore is my hope 

 That with this sinner you may cope. 

 For craft with craft may better fight, 

 Than mere brute strength that lacks foresight." 



Tybert is foiled by the arch-villany of the Fox. He 

 comes to grief, and his prestige fades before Rey- 

 nard's superior knavery ; yet, even in defeat, his 



