254 



TJie Poets Beasts. 



the ram's, being torn by brambles, leaves his body half 

 naked to the biting mountain-wind. But the sturdy old 

 ram refuses. 



" No," said he, " though my coat's torn, 

 Yet ken, thou worthless, that I scorn 

 To be obliged at any price 

 To sic as you, whose friendship's vice : 

 I'd have less favour frae the best, 

 Clad in a hatefu' hairy vest 

 Bestowed by thee, than as I noo 

 Stand but ill-drest in native woo'. 

 Boons frae the generous make ana smile ; 

 Fro' miscreants, make receivers vile." 



