But just at the time the philosopher spoke

     An acorn dropp'd down on his head from the oak;

     Then, said he, who just now thought

      his

     plan was so clever,

     "I am glad that

      this

     was not a pumpkin, however."

     The sage would no doubt have looked grievously dull,

     Had a pumpkin descended with force on his scull.

     Of his folly then let us in future beware,

     And believe that

      such

     matters

      are best as they are

     :

     Leave the manners and customs of oak trees alone,

     Of acorns, and pumpkins—and look to our own.

      A wolf

     , once forgetting the size of his swallow,

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