AN old Hellenic saw declares The gods, who govern men's affairs Impartial (grumble as we may), For all their favors make us pay According to their special worth: Wealth, honor, beauty, noble birth, Has each its price; and still the higher The gift, the more the gods require! Hence, let not foolish pride inflate The seeming favorites of Fate. A Fir-tree, very large and tall, That grew beside a Bramble small, Was boasting of his strength and size: "What houses I would make!" he cries; "While you are simply good for naught, Unworthy of the Woodman's thought!" "True!" said the Bramble; "but reflect! -- If he were here, would you elect (Think of his axe, and tell me, sir) To be a Bramble or a Fir?" |