[1] Upon A Tree There Mounted Guard A Veteran Cock, Adroit And Cunning; When To The Roots A Fox Up Running, Spoke Thus, In Tones Of Kind Regard: - 'Our Quarrel, Brother, 'S At An End; Henceforth I Hope To Live Your Friend; For Peace Now Reigns Throughout The Animal Domains. I Bear The News: - Come Down, I Pray, And Give Me The Embrace Fraternal; And Please, My Brother, Don't Delay. So Much The Tidings Do Concern All, That I Must Spread Them Far To-Day. Now You And Yours Can Take Your Walks Without A Fear Or Thought Of Hawks. And Should You Clash With Them Or Others, In Us You'll Find The Best Of Brothers; - For Which You May, This Joyful Night, Your Merry Bonfires Light. But, First, Let'S Seal The Bliss With One Fraternal Kiss.' 'Good Friend,' The Cock Replied, 'Upon My Word, A Better Thing I Never Heard; And Doubly I Rejoice To Hear It From Your Voice; And, Really There Must Be Something In It, For Yonder Come Two Greyhounds, Which I Flatter Myself Are Couriers On This Very Matter. They Come So Fast, They'll Be Here In A Minute. I'll Down, And All Of Us Will Seal The Blessing With General Kissing And Caressing.' 'Adieu,' Said Fox; 'My Errand'S Pressing; I'll Hurry On My Way, And We'll Rejoice Some Other Day.' So Off The Fellow Scamper'D, Quick And Light, To Gain The Fox-Holes Of A Neighbouring Height, Less Happy In His Stratagem Than Flight. The Cock Laugh'D Sweetly In His Sleeve; - 'Tis Doubly Sweet Deceiver To Deceive.