Phaedrus, On His Fables.
What certain envious hearts intendI very clearly comprehend,
Let them dissemble e'er so much.-.
When they perceive the master's touch,
And find 'tis likely to endure,
They'll say 'tis Esop to be sure-
But what appears of mean design,
At any rate they'll vouch for mine.
These in a word I would refute:
Whether of great or no repute,
What sprung from Esop's fertile thought
This hand has to perfection brought;
But waiving things to our distaste,
Let's to the destined period haste.
