A wolf

     there was, whose scanty fare

     Had made his person lean and spare;

     A dog there was, so amply fed,

     His sides were plump and sleek; 'tis said

     The wolf once met this prosp'rous cur,

     And thus began: "Your servant, sir;

     I'm pleased to see you look so well,

     Though how it is I cannot tell;

     I have not broke my fast to-day;

     Nor have I, I'm concern'd to say,

     One bone in store or expectation,

     And that I call a great vexation."

     "Indeed it is," the dog replied:

     "I know no ill so great beside;

     But if you do not like to be

     So poorly fed, come live with me."

     "Agreed," rejoined the wolf, "I'll go:

     But pray, what work am I to do?"

     "Oh, guard the house, and do not fail

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