,

     I'd have soon let you know, I'd have soon let ye see,

     What he had to expect," said the herdsman, "I trow;

     But I've thought of a scheme that will trouble you now."

     So what did he do, sir, but put up a board,

     Describing the thief, and proposed a reward

     Of a lamb, to the man who would give information

     Concerning the thief, and his true designation.

     The project succeeded; for soon there applied

     A certain near neighbor, with others beside.

     "But tell me the thief," said the herdsman, "at least;"

     "Come hither," said they, "and we'll show you the beast!"

     "The

      beast

     !" said the rustic, who thought he should die on

     The spot, when he found that the thief was a lion!

     "Ill luck to my hurry, what now shall I do?

     I promised a lamb to detect you 'tis true;

     But now I'd consent

      all

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