Page:The Green Bag (1889–1914), Volume 01.pdf/518

This bush was destitute of fence,
But as there was no evidence
Of any law to keep it closed,
His syrup Bush left there exposed.
Now Brainard's cow did often range
This bush in search of pasture strange
Beyond her strict-appointed pale
Quite undeterred by wall or rail,
As Bush well knew; but though no dolt,
He quite forgot that cows would bolt
This article of commerce staple
Drawn from the smooth-bark sugar-maple.

At length, when Moolly in the grove
In search of provender did rove,
She found this palatable drink,
And hanging o'er the fatal brink,
So greedily did Moolly suck it,
That giving one convulsive cough,
She speedily did "kick the bucket"
And lay completely "sugared-off."

Brainard sued Bush for negligence
In keeping bush without a fence,
Or leaving syrup without care,
Well knowing that his cow ran there.

Savage, C. J.

This case to us presents two views,—
Two horns between which we must choose.
This sugar-Bush did very wrong
To leave his syrup there so long,
Knowing that cows in search of pasture
Might thereby meet with sore disaster.

The Other Judges.

Oh, Bush deserves much to be blamed,
He really ought to be ashamed!
He should have known that cattle lap
Inviting liquids.—Verbum sap.