The Fox and Eagle

Howe'er exalted in your sphere, There's something from the mean to fear For, if their property you wrong, The poor's revenge is quick and strong When on a time an Eagle stole The cubs from out a Fox's hole, And bore them to her young away, That they might feast upon the prey The dam pursues the winged thief, And deprecates so great a grief; But safe upon the lofty tree, The Eagle scorn'd the Fox's plea. With that the Fox perceived at hand An altar, whence she snatched a brand, And compassing with flames the wood, Put her in terror for her brood. She therefore, lest her house should burn, Submissive did the cubs return.