The hare he loitered by the way -- The tortoise reached the spot. (First read to me when aetat. three. The tale it liked me not). Deponent sayeth not what bliss The goal awarded there; One may despise his enterprise And yet I like that hare. The tortoise took the level road Without an observation -- A creature mere of one idea, Void of imagination. The hare frisked sideways through the fields Allured of many causes And made no doubt where turnips sprout Appreciative pauses. The tortoise turned nor right or left -- Intent upon the goal he; A song-bird blue the hare heard through -- A most artistic soul he. The tortoise labored through the dust Intent on destination; The hare the while skipped back a mile In some long-eared flirtation. Ah well, the tortoise reached the goal With ne'er an interference. In primers brown he wears the crown Of lofty perseverance. The hare is pointed to with scorn And counseled to repent. 'Twas not his gait that made him late -- 'Twas just his temperament. Ah, many a tortoise do I know, Renowned for rarely resting, Homely and good as wholesome food And just as interesting. And many a frisky hare I know The hoarded hours a-giving To sing and praise and laugh and laze And take his joy in living. @3L'Envoi@1 Yet let the ancient moral rise -- My story it has none -- @3Of course@1 the tortoise won the prize -- Who was it had the fun? |