Fables in Rhyme for Little Folks

<h2><SPAN name="f9" id="f9"></SPAN><i>The Lion And The Gnat.</i></h2> <ANTIMG src="images/9,1.jpg" alt="9,1"><br/> <br/> The Lion once said to the Gnat: "You brat,<br/> Clear out just as quick as you can, now--s'cat!<br/> If you meddle with me<br/> I will not guarantee<br/> That you won't be slammed perfectly flat--<br/> D'ye see?"<br/> <ANTIMG src="images/9,2.jpg" alt="If you meddle with me I will not guarantee that you won't be slammed perfectly flat."><br/> Said the Gnat: "Because you're called King--you thing!--<br/> You fancy that you will make <i>me</i> take wing.<br/> Why, an ox weighs much more,<br/> Yet I drive him before<br/> When I get good and ready to sting.<br/> Now, roar!"<br/> <br/> Then loudly his trumpet he blew. And--whew!<br/> How fiercely and fast at his foe he flew.<br/> From the tail to the toes<br/> He draws blood as he goes.<br/> Then he starts in to sting and to chew<br/> His nose.<br/> <br/> Sir Lion was mad with the pain. In vain<br/> He roared and he foamed and he shook his mane.<br/> All the beasts that were nigh<br/> Fled in fear from his cry.<br/> But the Gnat only stung him again--<br/> In the eye.<br/> <br/> He looked and laughed as he saw--Haw, Haw!--<br/> The Lion self-torn by his tooth and claw,<br/> So His Majesty's hide<br/> With his own blood was dyed.<br/> Said the Gnat: "Shall I serve you up raw--<br/> Or fried?"<br/> <br/> It's finished. The Lion's loud roar is o'er.<br/> He's bitten and beaten, he's sick and sore.<br/> But a spider's web spread<br/> Trapped the Gnat as he sped<br/> With the news...He will never fight more--<br/> He's dead!<br/> <ANTIMG src="images/9,3.jpg" alt="9,3"> <br/> <br/> <br/> <br/> <hr class="narrow"> &nbsp; <div style="break-after:column;"></div><br />