The combats of my dog have known. 

 He ne'er, like bullies coward-hearted, 

 Attacks in public to be parted. 

 Think not, rash fool, to share his fame : 

 Be his the honour or the shame. 



Thus said, they swore, and raved like thunder 

 They dragg'd their fasten'd dogs asunder ; 

 While clubs and kicks from ev'ry side 

 Rebounded from the Mastiff's hide. 



All reeking now with sweat and blood, 

 Awhile the parted warriors stood, 

 Then poured upon the meddling foe, 

 Who, worried, howl'd and sprawl'd below. 

 He rose, and limping from the fray, 

 By both sides mangled, sneak'd away. 



John Gay. 



The Cur, the Horse, and the Shepherd's Dog -<v> 



' I ''HE lad of all-sufficient merit 



With modesty ne'er damps his spirit ; 

 Presuming on his own deserts, 

 On all alike his tongue exerts ; 

 His noisy jokes at random throws, 

 And pertly spatters friends and foes ; 

 In wit and war the bully race 

 Contribute to their own disgrace. 

 Too late the forward youth shall find 



^3 



