The Magpie and The Raven

WHO takes a hint, a fault to mend,
Observ'd in either foe or friend,
Deserveth praise; but not so he,
Copying faults, makes that a plea;
It rather aggravates the case,
As he sees clearly the disgrace;
While him, who first commits the fault,
Perhaps is better fed than taught;
Incautiously it may be err'd,
Therefore less wrong, and less absurd.
        A MAGPIE , in the way of joke,
Reprov'd a Raven for his croak.

        "Whether successful, whether not,
"You croak," said he, "none knows for what.
"If a dead carcass you espy,
"It is lamented with a sigh.
"Ah what an awful sight is death!
"But one hour past the thing had breath.
"Then fancy fills your ears with groans,
"But cheerfully you pick his bones.
"If ever you in fact lament,
" 'Tis better morsels were not sent:
"Because I know you like a lamb,
"And much prefer it to the dam.
"Epicureans never humble,
"Are morose, and apt to grumble.
"You also croak, from morn till night,
"As if nought else could give delight."
    The Raven cry'd--" 'Tis very true;
"What will not habit make us do?

"To copy them, and do the same?
"Examples given, who's to blame."
        The Magpie said--"Nought can permit,
"Or make what's wrong, be right and fit:
"Copying faults is ever wrong,
"To whomsoever they belong.
"Good neither wants excuse or clokes;
"Leave bad examples to bad folks.
"Man often grumbles at his lot,
"His daily benefits forgot."

MORAL.

When bad examples men assail,
Reason is often known to fail.
Shall Instinct be a better guide?
No, not if Reason calls in Pride.

Original fables by a Lady

Printed by W. Calvert, Shire Lane, Lincoln's Inn, for B. Crosby and Co. London, 1810

To your Royal Highness the following Fables are dedicated, with a wish that in an interval of leisure some transient amusement may be obtained.