Classic Poem

A Lion, ass, and fox, combin'd
Their joint endeavours game to find,
And, when in chace much prey they found;
The ass is bid to deal it round.
Of force superior unaware,
To each he dealt an equal share:
The lion, vex'd to be but equal,
(Mark now what follows in the sequel),
Exclaims, You shan't divide so more,
And the poor ass in pieces tore:
Then to the trembling fox he cry'd,
Now, prithee, friend, do thou divide.
The fox to him the whole assign'd,
Leaving a paltry bit behind.
Who taught thee thus? the lion cries;
The ass's fate, the fox replies.