The animals, on the death of the lion,

During his life, prince of the country,

Resolved to elect a king to try on

The regal crown, and chose a monkey.

Because after the animals had all

Tried on the regal crown, or let it fall,

Because their heads were all too big,

Or too small, too horned, or too thick,

The monkey slipped through it;

And with it cut up many a trick,Which they all thought refined,

And chose him with one mind.

Only the fox regretted the election,

And swore to reign in his defection.

He came and made his compliment;

"Sire," said he, "I know a treasure meant

For your high majesty. I will show

The spot where it lies hid."

The monkey went at Reynard's bid—

And was caught in a trap.

The fox exclaimed,

"How do you think to govern us,

When, after all, with all your fuss,

You cannot well, do what you may,

Keep e'en yourself out of harm's way."

The animals agreed,

That royal power suits very few indeed.