With a roar and a dreadful sound, The Torrent dashed down the rock. All fled from its mighty bound; And horror followed the shock, Shaking the fields around.
No Traveller dared essay To cross the Torrent, save one, Who, meeting thieves by the way, And, finding all chances gone, Rode straight through the foam and spray.
No depth! All menace and din! The Traveller drew his breath With courage, and laughed within Himself at escape from death; But the thieves resolved to win.
His path they pursue and keep, Till he comes to a River clear, Peaceful and tranquil as sleep, And as far removed from fear: Its banks are in no way steep.
But pure and glistening sand Border the placid wave; He leaves the dangerous land, To find a treacherous grave: It was deep, you'll understand.
He drinks of the awful Styx, For deepest waters are still. Beware of quiet men's tricks; But for noisy men--they will Battle with words, not sticks.
[Illustration: THE TORRENT AND THE RIVER.]
We ought to help each other, wise men say: An Ass forgot this motto, one fine day. I know not how our beast ignored the rule, For he's an amiable, good-natured fool. A trusty Dog so gravely paced along, The master took his nap at even-song: The Ass began to roam about and feed, And found, at last, a rank and savoury mead. There were no thistles,--that he must endure: One must not be too much an epicure. The feast was still not bad: while aught remains; 'Twould pass for once, the air's fresh on these plains. The Dog, half dead with hunger, said, at last, "My dear companion, all this time I fast. Stoop down a bit, and let the panniers fall; I'll take my dinner out." No word at all The Ass vouchsafed, fearing to lose a bite; At length he deigned to answer the poor wight: "Friend, when your master rouses from his nap, He's sure at once to call you on his lap, And give you a good meal." A Wolf, just then, Ran forth, half famished, from his forest den. The Ass called loudly to the Dog to aid; The Dog stood still. "My friend," he quickly said, "Fly till your master wakes--he'll not be long;-- Run fast. If caught, avert the coming wrong With a hard kick, and break the wretch's jaw: They've shod you lately, and you're right in law. Mind, stretch him flat." The Dog spoke wise and well. But the Wolf choked the Ass, and down he fell.