Classic Poem

A FABLE

 Beneath the horror of a rock,
A shepherd careless fed his flock.
Souse from its top an eagle came,
And seiz'd upon a sporting lamb;
Its tender sides his talons tear,
And bear it bleating thro' the air.

 This was discover'd by a crow,
Who hopp'd upon the plain below.
“Yon ram,” says he, “becomes my prey”;
And, mounting, hastens to the fray,
Lights on his back—when lo, ill-luck!
He in the fleece entangled stuck;
He spreads his wings, but can't get free,
Struggling in vain for liberty.

 The shepherd soon the captive spies,
And soon he seizes on the prize.
His children curious crowd around,
And ask what strange fowl he has found?
“My sons,” said he, “warn'd by this wretch,
Attempt no deed above your reach:
An eagle not an hour ago,
He's now content to be a crow.”