"I shall not," said this mouse, "waste the time of the house,

     In long arguments; since, as I view it,

     The scheme would succeed without doubt, if indeed

     We could find any mouse who would

      do it

     ."

     "Hear! hear!" was the cry, and "no bells we will try,

     Unless you will fasten them on;"

     So quite broken-hearted the members departed,

     For the bill was rejected

      nem. con.

     Then be not too hasty in giving advice,

     Lest your schemes should remind of the council of mice;

     You had better delay your opinion a year,

     Than put forth a ridiculous one, it is clear.

      A wolf

     and lamb once chanced to meet,

     Beside a stream, whose waters sweet

     Brought various kinds of beasts together,

     When dry and sultry was the weather;

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