The Sparrow and the Hare

Who dares another’s ills deride,

Had best against his own provide.

An eagle pouncing on a hare,

With piercing cries puss rends the air;

When a pert sparrow from a tree,

Insulted thus her misery:

“Ho, ho! poor puss, thy boasted speed

Has failed thee, then, in time of need!”

Scarce had she spoke, when, like an arrow,

A vulture darted on the sparrow.

Ere the poor hare resign’d her breath,

“This sight,” she cried, “consoles in death

—That thou, who hast my woes derided,

My last of miseries hast divided!”