That beak that you wear is so frightful a feature,

     It makes you appear a most singular creature."

     The crane, much offended at what she had heard,

     March'd off at full speed, without saying a word:

     "Oh dear!" said the fox, "Mrs. Crane, I protest

     You misunderstand me, 'twas only a jest."

     "Come, don't be affronted—stay with me and dine;

     You know very well 'tis this temper of mine

     To say such odd things to my intimate friends;

     But you know that poor Reynard no mischief intends."

     So the crane thought it best not to break with him quite,

     But to view his remarks in a good-natured light.

     So she put on as pleasant a face as she could

     When he ask'd her to dine, and replied that she would.

     But alas! she perceived that his jokes were not over,

     When Reynard removed from the victuals its cover

     'Twas neither game, butcher's meat, chicken, not fish;

     But plain gravy-soup, in a broad shallow dish.

     Now this the fox lapp'd with his tongue very quick,

     While the crane could scarce dip in the point of her beak;

 Prev. P 10/168 next