[Illustration: THE MILLER, HIS SON, AND THE ASS.]
Took up his son upon the croup behind. But three yards more, a third, sour, carping set, Began to cavil,--'Biggest fools we've met! The beast is done--he'll die beneath their blows. What! load a poor old servant!' so it grows: 'They'll go to market, and they'll sell his skin.' 'Parbleu!' the Miller said, 'not worth a pin The fellow's brains who tries with toil and strife To please the world, his neighbour, and his wife. But still we'll have a try as we've begun:' So off the Ass they jumped, himself and son. The Ass in state goes first, and then came they. A quidnunc met them--What! is that the way? The Ass at ease, the Miller quite foot-sore! That seems an Ass that's greatly held in store. Set him in gold--frame him--now, by the mass, Wear out one's shoes, to save a paltry Ass! Not so went Nicolas his Jeanne to woo; The song says that he rode to save his shoe. There go three asses.' 'Right,' the Miller cries; 'I am an Ass, it's true, and you are wise; But henceforth I don't care, so let them blame Or praise, no matter, it shall be the same; Let them be quiet, pshaw! or let them tell, I'll go my own way now;'" and he did well.
Then follow Mars, or Cupid, or the Court, Walk, sit, or run, in town or country sport, Marry or take the cowl, empty or fill the bag, Still never doubt the babbling tongues will wag.
Upon a branch a crafty sentinel, A very artful old bird, sat. "Brother," a Fox said, "greet you well" (He speaks so soft--there's guile in that); "Our quarrel's over, peace proclaimed: I bring the news; come down, embrace: Do not delay: I shall be blamed If soon not twenty stages from this place. Now you and yours can take your ease: Do what you please, Without a fear; We're brothers now, you know, my dear. Light up the bonfires everywhere: Dismiss all care; But let us first, to seal the bliss, Have one fraternal, tender kiss." "Friend," said the Cock, "upon my word, More glorious news I never heard. This peace. May it increase; It's double joy to hear it, friend, from thee. Ha! there I see Two greyhounds--couriers, doubtless, as you are-- Coming fast down yonder scaur: They'll be here in a minute, Ah! yes, there's something in it-- I'll come down quick:--we'd better kiss all round." "Adieu," the Fox said; "Sir, my business presses; We shall meet shortly, I'll be bound: Another time we can exult Over this end of our distresses." Then off the rascal ran to ground, Full of chagrin and discontent. The Cock laughed loud, to see his fear, And clapped his wings, his wives to cheer.