A city rat upon a day,
Invited from his curds
A country rat, in courteous way,
To pick the bones of birds.
The cloth on Turkey-carpet spread
With sundry odds and ends ;
I think it need not here be said,
How happy were these friends !
It was a most genteel repast,
Where Plenty held her reign,
But ah ! a noise their mirth o’ercast,
As they were in the vein.
Hard at the door that noise was heard,
The town rat ran away,
The rustic also something stirred
Advising not to stay.
The noise was hushed, the town rat grew
Bold, and brought back his guest.
“Come ”said the cit, inspired anew,
Let’s now eat up the rest.”
“I’ve quite enough,” the rustic cried,
"To-morrow dine with me ;
Not that I feast in regal pride,
Or e’er such dainties see ;
“But at my leasure still I eat,
There’s nought to damp my cheer ;
Away with fests, however great,
That may be spoiled by fear.”