COMIC PIECES. 



Not one there was in all the crowd 



Wish'd to be larger, smaller, straighter : 

 The ugliest monster there was proud 



Of the fair gifts bestow' d by nature. 

 Above the rest conspicuous MAN 



Appear' d, than other creatures vainer. 

 Great Jove contriv'd a simple plan, 



To make this obvious truth the plainer. 

 At his command, men wallets bore : 



For holding faults was made the sack ; 

 One end, as usual, hung before, 



The other close behind his back. 



Each to his own dear failings blind, 



To find another's error labours ; 

 Packs up his own faults snug behind, 



And trains the front pouch with his neighbour 



THE HORSE AND THE WOLF.* 



From the French of La Fontaine. 



When nature, releas'd from the cold icy trammels 

 Which winter had form'd, all her lustre renews, 



When the gold of the cowslip each meadow enamels, 

 And the amethyst blends with soft emerald hues. 



At this sprightly season of love and of joy, 



A home from his stable was sent by his master, 



In freedom these holiday hours to employ, 

 And graze at his ease in a rich verdant pasture. 



A wolf who was prowling in search of adventures, 

 The glossy, plump animal joyfully spies, 



With caution the paddock's enclosure he enters, 

 In hopes of possessing so tempting a prize 



* The narrative part of this piece should be spoken in an easy and 

 lively manner. The wolf is at first exulting, his tone then changes to 

 that of caution, and finally he becomes insinuating and'nr/ful, while 

 the horse is grave. 



