The Pike Against a pike was lodged the plaint: He'd made the pond a home unpleasant; It was a reason for restraint, And, that the rogue in person should be present, He, from the water, in a tub was brought.

The magistrates nearby, collecting, In a rich meadow pasture sought, Here is a list of those the captive's case affecting: Two asses gathered there, Two ancient, sorry horses and of goats a pair, While also, as a general inspector, a fox was of the prosecution the director.

Among the people, rumour said: This pike supplied the fox with fish: his table spread.

Nevertheless, the judges were in no way partial; Letting no wile or trend of vulpine tricks Obscure their crystal vision, They must fix upon a judgment free from politics; Against the guilty one their forces marshall, And sinners to deter, suspend him from a beam.

"My lord," pronounced the fox, "I am for death as sentence; Hanging is over good, despite the rogue's repentance; The punishment should be remarkable, extreme; To make a wicked life both dangerous and frightful, The pike should now be drowned." "A verdict rightful," exclaimed the judges, "surely no way spiteful," And threw the pike into a stream.