The Horse and the Stag
Within a certain pasture,
There lived some creatures wild.
The sky was blue, the grass was green,
The air was very mild.
Now though this field was large and fine,
They could not live in love:
But for the grass in one large spot
A horse and stag once strove.
The stag was strongest in the strife,
And so the battle won;
And from the field the horse was sent
And with chagrin was stung.
So to the man the horse applied,
For help, the stag to beat,
And so effectual was his help,
The stag had to retreat.
But when to go away he tried,
The man held to him fast:
“Now that you are of use,” he cried,
“You’ll serve me to the last.”