The Judicious Lion

A Lion on the carcass stood Of a young heifer in the wood; A robber that was passing there, Came up, and ask'd him for a share. "A share," says he, "you should receive, But that you seldom ask our leave For things so handily removed." At which the ruffian was reproved. It happen'd that the selfsame day A modest pilgrim came that way, And when he saw the Lion, fled: Says he, " There is no cause of dread, In gentle tone-take you the chine, Which to your merit I assign."- Then having parted what he slew, To favour his approach withdrew. A great example, worthy praise, But not much copied now-a-days! For churls have coffers that o'erflow, And sheepish worth is poor and low.