The wise well know their force to weigh,
Nor what they cannot do, essay.
A carrion crow an eagle saw
Seize on a lamb with beak and claw.
Conceiving he could better do,
He pounces on a well fed ewe;
But he and not the sheep was caught;
For when to fly with it he sought,
His feet entangled in the wool,
The shepherd seiz'd the helpless fool.
[Illustration]
[Illustration]
THE WOLF AND THE SHEPHERD'S
BOY.
In wantonness a shepherd's boy
Alarm'd the neighbor's with his cry;
"The wolf! the wolf!" And when they came,
Of their lost labor made his game.
At last the wolf when there indeed,
His real cries they did not heed;
He and his flock a prey were made,
And for his lies he dearly paid.
Those who are known to have deceiv'd,
When they speak truth, are not believ'd.
[Illustration]
[Illustration]