The Wolf and Fox, with the Ape for Judge

Whoe'er by practice indiscreet Has pass'd for a notorious cheat, Will shortly find his credit fail, Though he speak truth, says Esop's tale. The Wolf the Fox for theft arraigned; The Fox her innocence maintained: The Ape, as umpire, takes his seat; Each pleads his cause with skill and heat. Then thus the Ape, with aspect grave, The sentence from the hustings gave: "For you, Sir Wolf, I do descry That all your losses are a lie- And you, with negatives so stout, 0 Fox! have stolen the goods no doubt."