A She-Goat, a Sheep and a Sow.

A She-Goat that gave exc'lent Milk, A Sheep, whose Fleece was soft as Silk, And a fat Sow went to the Fair In the same Cart, not to take th' Air, Or to see Shows; but, as I am told, Downright in order to be sold; All the way long the Sow did squawl, And scream enough to deafen 'em all; Had she been follow'd by six score Butchers, she could have done no more: The other Creatures wonder'd at her, And could not dream what was the matter; They thought it must proceed from fear; And yet perceived no danger near; The Carter told her, What d'ye mean? Who gives you reason to complain? Your Cries have stunn'd us; what d'ye make This horrid Noise for? prithee take Example by your Company, Be silent or talk civilly. Look on that Sheep, he thinks you're mad; Has he spoke one Word good or bad? No: He is wise.——The Devil he is, Replies the Sow, could he but guess, Whither you carry us, or why; I'm sure he'd bawl as loud as I: He's used to Shears, and so the Fool Thinks only that you'll take his Wool; And this good Lady with the Beard Has no great Cause to be afear'd; She's daily milk'd and does depend on't, you'll drain her Dug, and there's an end on't: And 't maybe so, or 't may be not: But, wou'd you have me such a sot, Who 'm good for nothing, whilst I've Breath, To be afraid of less than Death?

The Moral. Upon my Word 'twas shrewdly said, Of one that was no better bred: Yes all this sad complaints and fear Are for the Thing she's forced to bear: And tho' she knew, she was to dye, She could not change her destiny. Therefore I think, where all is lost, He, that sees farthest, suffers most.