FAB. XXIV. The Master and Dogs.
A Great Snow fell, and lying long, confind
A Country Gentleman to his Mansion House,
Until all his Provisions were consumd;
Finding at length, no succour could be had
From the next Village, or the neighboring Towns,
The Snow had made the Ways so deep, and bad;
He first his Poultrey killd, and then his Sheep,
At last, the Oxen too, which Tilld his Ground.
Which when the Dogs perceivd, in a great fright,
They left the House, to save their lives by flight.
For if he has no mercy on those Beasts,
One of them said, whose Labours gain him Bread,
What can we look for, who by him are fed?
The MORAL.
When on the Righteous Affliction falls,
With what face can the Wicked hope to escape?