upon a tree there mounted guard

a veteran cock, adroit and cunning;

when to the roots a fox up running,

spoke thus, in tones of kind regard:

"our quarrel, brother, 's at an end;

henceforth i hope to live your friend;

for peace now reigns

throughout the animal domains.

i bear the news—come down, i pray,

and give me the embrace fraternal;

and please, my brother, don't delay.

so much the tidings do concern all,

that i must spread them far to-day.

now you and yours can take your walks

without a fear or thought of hawks.

and should you clash with them or others,

in us you'll find the best of brothers;

for which you may, this joyful night,

your merry bonfires light.

but, first, let's seal the bliss

with one fraternal kiss."

the cock replied, "upon my word,

a better thing i never heard;

and doubly i rejoice

to hear it from your voice;

there really must be something in it,

for yonder come two greyhounds, which i flatter

myself are couriers on this very matter.

they come so fast, they'll be here in a minute.

i'll down, and all of us will seal the blessing

with general kissing and caressing."

"adieu," said fox; "my errand's pressing;

i'll hurry on my way,

and we'll rejoice some other day."

so off the fellow scampered, quick and light,

to gain the fox-holes of a neighbouring height,

less happy in his stratagem than flight.

the cock laugh'd sweetly in his sleeve—

'tis doubly sweet deceiver to deceive.