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The Fly and the Mule

A Fly that sat upon the beam
Rated the Mule: " Why, sure you dream ?
" Pray get on faster with the cart
Or I shall sting you till you smart!"
She answers: " All this talk I hear
With small attention, but must fear
Him who upon the box sustains
The pliant whip, and holds the reins.
Cease then your pertness-for I know
When to give back, and when to go."
This tale derides the talking crew,
Whose empty threats are all they do.
The Fables of Phaedrus Translated into English Verse. Phaedrus. Christopher Smart, A. M. London. G. Bell and Sons, Ltd. 1913.

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