A cock there was: a sage was he
(If Esop we may trust,)
Who wish'd to make a meal, you see,
As other sages must.
With this intent, as heretofore,
When on the hunt for grain;
Our hero scratch'd the litter o'er
With all his might and main.
But scarce a minute had he scratch'd,
When, to his great surprise,
A gem, with golden chain attach'd,
He saw with both his eyes.
"Alack!" quoth he, "what have we here?
A diamond, I protest!
Which lords and ladies buy so dear,
And hold in such request.
"But one good barley-corn to me
Has more intrinsic worth
Than all the pearls now in the sea,
Or gold now in the earth."