Aesop, in Rhyme Old Friends in a New Dress
     Tried to pass a large marrow-bone through it.

     "Oh dear," said the beast, thinking death was to follow,

     "How careless and stupid to do it!"

     His mouth was propp'd open by means of the bone,

     And his breathing was greatly impeded,

     But a crane coming up, he contrived to make known

     What kind of assistance he needed.

     "How d'ye do?" said the bird; said the beast, "Very ill,

     For a bone has gone down the wrong way;

     But if you can extract it by means of your bill,

     The service I'll amply repay."

     Thought the crane, "I'm no surgeon: yet all must agree,

     That my bill will make excellent

      forceps

     ;

     And as for the money, I do not now see

     Why I need refuse taking his worship's."

     Said the bird, "It's agreed;" said his patient, "Proceed,

     And take the bone hence, I beseech;"

     Which, after awhile, and with infinite toil,


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