Classic Poem

A hungry Lion on a lamb was feeding,
When a poor dog passed by,
And, with a patient look of meekness pleading,
Shared in the banquet, while the royal beast
Smiled at his ignorant simplicity.
A Wolf looked on, and said: “And surely I
May have a portion of the prey,—at least,
Indeed, I 'll try.”
He came,—came boldly: when the Lion saw
His purpose, he upraised his kingly paw,
Smote him to earth, and left him there to die.
There 's some excuse for inexperience;
But none for daring, insolent pretence.