FABLES AND ANIMALS.

85

The EAGLE and the ASSEMBLY of ANIMALS.

As Jupiter's all-seeing eye

Survey'd the worlds beneath the sky,

From this small speck of earth were sent
Murmurs and sounds of discontent;

For ev'ry thing alive complain'd,

That he the hardest life sustain'd.

Jove calls his Eagle. At the word
Before him stands the royal bird.

The bird, obedient, from Heaven's height,
Downward directs his rapid flight;

Then cited ev'ry living thing,

To hear the mandates of his king.

Ungrateful creatures, whence arise

These murmurs which offend the skies?
Why this disorder? say the cause;
For just are Jove's eternal laws.

Let each his discontent reveal;

To yon sour Dog I first appeal.

Hard is my lot, the Hound replies :

On what fleet nerves the Greyhound flies;