if bees a government maintain,

why may not rats, of stronger brain

and greater power, as well be thought

by machiavellian axioms taught?

and so they are, for thus of late

it happened in the rats' free state.

their prince (his subjects more to please)

had got a mighty cheshire cheese,

in which his ministers of state

might live in plenty and grow great.

a powerful party straight combined,

and their united forces joined

to bring their measures into play,

for none so loyal were as they;

and none such patriots to support

as well the country as the court.

no sooner were those dons admitted,

but (all those wondrous virtues quitted)

they all the speediest means devise

to raise themselves and families.

another party well observing

these pampered were, while they were starving,

their ministry brought in disgrace,

expelled them and supplied their place;

these on just principles were known

the true supporters of the throne.

and for the subjects' liberty,

they'd (marry, would they) freely die;

but being well fixed in their station,

regardless of their prince and nation,

just like the others, all their skill

was how they might their paunches fill.

on this a rat not quite so blind

in state intrigues as human kind,

but of more honour, thus replied:

"confound ye all on either side;

all your contentions are but these,

whose arts shall best secure the cheese."

anonymous