The Wolf and Crane

Who for his merit seeks a price From men of violence and vice, Is twice a fool-first so declared, As for the worthless he has cared; Then after all, his honest aim Must end in punishment and shame. A bone the Wolf devoured in haste, Stuck in his greedy throat so fast, That, tortured with the pain, he roar'd, And ev'ry beast around implored, That who a remedy could find Should have a premium to his mind. A Crane was wrought upon to trust His oath at length-and down she thrust Her neck into his throat impure, And so perform'd a desp'rate cure. At which, when she desired her fee, "You base, ungrateful minx," says he, "Whom I so kind forbore to kill, And now, forsooth, you'd bring your bill!"