The Acorn and the Mushroom.
From the French of Lachambeaudie.
An acorn bruised a mushroom’s head,1
Who, thus rebuking, mildly said :2
“ I pray you, friend, come not so near ;3
There’s ample room for us two here. ”4
With scorn, the acorn made reply :5
“ Do you suppose that such as I,6
Of ancient, noblest lineage born,7
Should heed a thing sprung up since morn ? ”8
The mushroom answered in this wise :9
“ A parvenu you may despise,10
Yet bear in mind that ’tis my fate11
To deck the tables of the great ;12
Whilst vilest is the lot for you—13
Into the pigstye straight you go.”14
More than one high-born fool we find,15
And oft base-born of noble mind.16