And the Squirrel, well pleas'd such diversion to see,
Sat cracking his nuts overhead in a tree.
Then out came a Spider, with fingers so fine,
To shew his dexterity on the tight-line;
From one branch to another his cobweb he slung,
Then as quick as an arrow he darted along.
But just in the middle,—oh, shocking to tell!—
From his rope in an instant poor harlequin fell;
Yet he touch'd not the ground, but with talons outspread,
Hung suspended in air at the end of a thread.
Then the Grasshopper came, with a jerk and a spring,
Very long was his leg, though but short was his wing
He took but three leaps, and was soon out of sight,
Then chirp'd his own praises the rest of the night
With steps quite majestic the Snail did advance,
And promis'd the gazers a minuet to dance;
But they all laugh'd so loud that he pulled in his head,
And went in his own little chamber to bed.
