Till, fainting in the public way,
Half-dead with fear the gafping lay.
What tranfport in her bofom grew,
When firft the horse appear'd in view!
Let me, fays fhe, your back afcend,
And owe my fafety to a friend.
You know my feet betray my flight;
To friendship ev'ry burden's light.

The Horfe reply'd, Poor honeft Pufs,
It grieves my heart to fee thee thus.
Be comforted, relief is near;

For all your friends are in the rear.

She next the ftately Bull implor'd;
And thus reply'd the mighty lord.
Since ev'ry beaft alive can tell
That I fincerely wish you well,
I may, without offence, pretend
To take the freedom of a friend.
Love calls me hence; a fav'rite cow
Expects me near yon barley-mow;

And when a lady's in the cafe,

You know, all other things give place.
To leave you thus might feem unkind;
But fee, the Goat is juft behind.

The Goat remark'd her pulfe was high,
Her languid head, her heavy eye:

My back, fays he, may do you harm;
The Sheep's at hand, and wool is warm.
The Sheep was feeble, and complain'd

His fides a load of wool fuftain'd:
Said he was flow, confefs'd his fears;
For hounds eat fheep, as well as Hares.
She now the trotting Calf address'd,
To fave from death a friend diftrefs'd.
Shall I, fays he, of tender age,
In this important care engage?
Older and abler pass'd you by;

How ftrong are those! how weak am I!
Should I prefume 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 fhall we all lament! Adieu:

For fee the hounds are just in view.

END OF THE FIRST PART.

FABLES

BY THE LATE

MR. GAY.

PART THE SECOND.

GS