Page:Labour

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106

Labour.

^[1]In other words, they do not cast the truth into his face, but approach it by a by-path. But I, whether from awkwardness or from love for the truth, I do irritate the geese. What do you think of it, reader? Shall they give me blows with their beaks, till death threatens to follow ? Never mind; cost what it may, I will not be silent. I will not hypocritically conceal

↑ Till the lad was fairly puzzled and his way to market missed.
A man who chanced to pass that way, the gander soon espied,
And then began his neck to stretch, as wrathfully he cried,
(In the goose language,) "Look, kind sir, how cruelly we are treated
By this audacious peasant, who our tempers thus has heated,
We're geese of noble lineage ; our ancestors were holy,
And in the Roman capitol were worshipped all and solely.
Karasmin and d'Hosier agree on this if nothing else."
Said the stranger, "Worthy creatures, I do not doubt your words.
Your manners show me that you are most aristocratic birds."
"Truly and of our ancestors we share the glorious name.
And strive to live up to the deeds that won them endless fame."
"'Tis well. Of your great deeds recount me some, I pray."
"Our ancestors—" "I know that yarn for many a weary day.
They saved great Rome by hissing; but yourselves, what have you done?"
"Our ancestors—" "Oh, bother them! what merits have you?" "None!"

Ah, if I chose to listen to the vauntings and the boast
Of geese who don't wear feathers and who are not good to roast,
What sermons I could preach! "Hush, hush! I prithee, not a word!"
To-day shines forth the glorious bow of promise from the Lord.

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[1] Till the lad was fairly puzzled and his way to market missed.
A man who chanced to pass that way, the gander soon espied,
And then began his neck to stretch, as wrathfully he cried,
(In the goose language,) "Look, kind sir, how cruelly we are treated
By this audacious peasant, who our tempers thus has heated,
We're geese of noble lineage ; our ancestors were holy,
And in the Roman capitol were worshipped all and solely.
Karasmin and d'Hosier agree on this if nothing else."
Said the stranger, "Worthy creatures, I do not doubt your words.
Your manners show me that you are most aristocratic birds."
"Truly and of our ancestors we share the glorious name.
And strive to live up to the deeds that won them endless fame."
"'Tis well. Of your great deeds recount me some, I pray."
"Our ancestors—" "I know that yarn for many a weary day.
They saved great Rome by hissing; but yourselves, what have you done?"
"Our ancestors—" "Oh, bother them! what merits have you?" "None!"

Ah, if I chose to listen to the vauntings and the boast
Of geese who don't wear feathers and who are not good to roast,
What sermons I could preach! "Hush, hush! I prithee, not a word!"
To-day shines forth the glorious bow of promise from the Lord.

[1]