The Hare and Many Friends-John Gay (1685-1732)

You know my feet betray my flight;
To friendship every burden’s light.”
The Horse replied: “Poor honest Puss,
It grieves my heart to see thee thus;
Be comforted, relief is near;
For all your friends are in the rear.”
She next the stately Bull implored,
And thus replied the mighty Lord:
“Since every beast alive can tell
That I sincerely wish you well,
I may without offence pretend
To take the freedom of a friend.
Love calls me hence; a favourite cow
Expects me near yon barley-mow;
And when a lady’s in the case,
You know, all other things give place.
To leave you thus might seem unkind,
But see the Goat is just behind.”
The Goat remarked her pulse was high,
Her languid head, her heavy eye:
“My back,” says he, “may do you harm;
The sheep’s at hand, and wool is warm.”
The sheep was feeble, and complained
His sides a load of wool sustained;
Said he was slow, confessed his fears;
For hounds eat Sheep as well as Hares!
She now the trotting Calf addressed;
To save from death a friend distressed:
“Shall I,” says he, “of tender age,
In this important care engage?
Older and abler passed you by;
How strong are those! How weak am I!
Should I presume to bear you hence,
Those friends of mine may take offence.
Excuse me, then. You know my heart;
But dearest friends, alas must part;
How shall we all lament! Adieu,
For see the hounds are just in view.”
John Gay