COMIC PIECES. 247 



" Ah ! wert them, stout beast," cries the thief, " but a 

 MUTTON 



In a moment that carcass I'd seize as my own ; 

 As it is, some disguise I must artfully put on, 



Before I can tear thy fat flesh from the bone." 



So gravely saluting, he questioned the steed 



" Are you here, my fair sir, for your health or your 



pleasure '? 

 From the symptoms, I fear you're a great invalid, 



For, in health, men allow their poor nags but smalt 

 leisure. 



" As a pupil of Galen, accept my assistance, 



By feeling your pulse I shall feel what your state is ; 



I have travell'd thus far from a very great distance, 

 To give the afflicted my best advice gratis. 



"Very choice are the wise in selecting their food, 



For plants that are noxious the functions disturb all ; 



As Solomon knew well the bad from the good, 



I can point out each root in old Culpepper's herbal." 



The horse Isgrim's character knew by repute, 

 And plainly perceiv'd what the traitor design'd : 



So he says, " Learned doctor, my pains are acute, 

 An abscess is form'd in my off-foot behind." 



"A delicate part !" quoth the leech, " and indeed 

 In the choice of a surgeon, 'tis well to be wary; 



Allow me to touch it, and then I'll proceed, 

 Like a perfect adept in the art veter'nary. 



" But first of your pain let's examine the cause ," 

 The horse launch'd his heels, and no kick could be 



kinder, 

 It crush'd to a mummy the hypocrite's ja\v, 



And dash'd from their sockets, each holder and 

 grinder. 



" All this I deserve," said the wolf, full of sadness : 

 " In the trade of a butcher, I'd been quite at home, ah ! 



To change my profession was absolute madness 

 Who dares kill a patient without a diploma!" 



