The Town Rat and the Country Rat

A rat from town, a country rat Invited in the civilest way; For dinner there was just to be Ortolans and an entrement. Upon a Turkey carpet soft The noble feast at last was spread; I leave you pretty well to guess The merry, pleasant life they led. Gay the repast, for plenty reigned, Nothing was wanting to the fare; But hardly had it well begun Ere chance disturbed the friendly pair. A sudden racket at the door Alarmed them, and they made retreat; The city rat was not the last, His comrade followed fast and fleet. The noise soon over, they returned, As rats on such occasions do; "Come," said the liberal citizen, "And let us finish our ragout." "Not a crumb more," the rustic said; "Tomorrow you shall dine with me; Don't think me jealous of your state, Or all your royal luxury; But then I eat so quiet at home, And nothing dangerous is near; Good-bye, my friend, I have no love For pleasure when it's mixed with fear."