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Aesop, in Rhyme

THE ASS IN THE LION'S SKIN.

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THE ASS IN THE LION'S SKIN.

Fools may on other fools impose;

The sage their real value knows.

An ass once found a lion's skin,

And rolling up himself therein,

From every fold that he came nigh,

Made flocks, and herds, and shepherds fly.

Ranging the country round, at last

He meets his master where he pass'd,

Who long-ears instantly descries

Through his magnificent disguise:

Laying his cudgel on his side,

"Get home, thou stupid fool," he cried:

"With others for a lion pass;

I know thee for an arrant ass."

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Illustration 155
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