Tried to explore the monarch's ear!

     Who straightway woke with wrath immense,

     And shook his head to cast him thence.

     "You rascal, what are you about,"

     Said he, when he had turned him out.

     "I'll teach you soon," the lion said,

     "To make a mouse-hole in my head!"

     So saying, he prepared his foot,

     To crush the trembling tiny brute;

     But he, the mouse, with tearful eye,

     Implored the lion's clemency,

     Who thought it best at least to give

     His little pris'ner a reprieve.

     'Twas nearly twelve months after this,

     The lion chanced his way to miss;

     When pressing forward: heedless yet,

     He got entangled in a net.

     With dreadful rage he stamp'd and tore,

     And straight commenced a lordly roar;

     When the poor mouse who heard the noise,

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