THE FARMER AND THE LANDLORD.
Reading edition
THE FARMER AND THE LANDLORD.
A farmer of an honest fame,
One morning to his landlord came:
"Alas, my lord," he weeping said,
"Gored by my bull, your ox is dead.
What must be done?" "The case is plain,"
Replies the lord; "the creature slain,
The owner of the bull must pay;
Let it be done without delay."
"Heav'n give your worship long to live!
I hope you will a good one give,
For mine was good!" "How! your's, my friend?
Let me your story comprehend:
Your bull, you say, my ox has gored?"
"Forgive me the mistake, my lord,
In my confusion I have made;
Mine was the ox that must be paid;
But 'tis all one—what's just for me
The same must for your worship be:
I'll tell the steward what you say."
"Not yet—we'll think of it to-day.
Further inquiry must be had;
Perhaps your fences were but bad;
Perhaps—but come again to-morrow."
The honest laborer saw with sorrow,
That justice wears a different face,
When for themselves men put the case.
