A fox walked round a toyman's shop
(How he came there, pray do not ask),
But soon he made a sudden stop,
To look and wonder at a mask.
The mask was beautiful and fair,
A perfect mask as e'er was made;
At which a lady meant to wear
At the ensuing masquerade.
He turned it round with much surprise,
To find it prove so light and thin;
"How strange!" astonished Reynard cries,
"Here's mouth and nose, and eyes and chin.
"And cheeks and lips, extremely pretty;
And yet, one thing there still remains
To make it perfect--what a pity,
So fine a head should have no brains!"
Thus, to some boy or maiden pretty;
Who to get learning takes no pains,
May we exclaim, "Ah! what a pity,
So fine a head should have no brains!"