THE TWO RABBITS

Some shrubs amidst to shun
The dogs he saw pursue,
I will not call it run,
But say a rabbit flew.

From out his hiding-place
A neighbour came to see,
And said, «Friend, wait a space:
What may the matter be?»

«What should it be?» he cried;
«I breathless came in fear,
Because that I espied
Two scoundrel greyhounds near».

«Yes», said the other, «far
I see them also there;
But those no greyhounds are!»
«What?»—«Setters, I’ll declare».

«How, setters do you say?
My grandad just as much!
They are greyhounds, greyhounds, they;
I saw them plainly such».

«They are setters; get along:
What know you of these matters?»—
«They are greyhounds; you are wrong:»—
«I tell you they are setters».

The dogs while they engage
In these contentious habits,
Come up, and vent their rage
On my two thoughtless rabbits.

              * * *

Who minor points affect,
So much about to quarrel,
And weightier things neglect,
Let them take the moral.