The Eagle, the Raven and the Tortoise

Who in their foe united find

Force, art, and a remorseless mind,

Whate’er their strength and prowess be,

To perish stand in jeopardy.

An eagle once a tortoise held,

Safe in his horny house concealed,

Which he in vain essayed to break

With all the fury of his beak.

As with his prey he wing’d the air,

A wily raven ventur’d near:

“Your prize is excellent,” says she,

“And if you’ll give a share to me,

I know, for all his iron hide,

How we the dainty may divide.”

The bargain made, “On yonder wall,

Down,” says the raven, “let him fall.”

He listen’d to the hoary sinner;

And they on turtle made their dinner.

Thus fraud and force their purpose gain,

And nature fortifies in vain.