The Thieves And The Ass

: A Hundred Fables Of La Fontaine

Two thieves, pursuing their profession,

Had of a donkey got possession,

Whereon a strife arose,

Which went from words to blows.

The question was, to sell, or not to sell;

But while our sturdy champions fought it well,

Another thief, who chanced to pass,

With ready wit rode off the ass.



_This ass is, by interpretation,_

_Some province poor, or prostrate nation._

_The thieves are princes this and that,_

_On spoils and plunder prone to fat,--_

_As those of Austria, Turkey, Hungary._

_(Instead of two, I've quoted three--_

_Enough of such commodity.)_

_These powers engaged in war all,_

_Some fourth thief stops the quarrel,_

_According all to one key,_

_By riding off the donkey_



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