Fable of the Draught Oxen and Fatted Ox

Two oxen harness'd in a sledge, Both weary, lean and weak, Beheld across a verdant hedge, A brother fat and sleek. Ah, John, cried one, severe our fate! No higher can we soar, Than serving man both soon and late, Till time shall be no more. The pamper'd beast with scornful look, Their shackled bodies ey'd; His graceful mein, a limpid brook Reflected, he replied. Would I be dragging thus in chains, Behold my godlike brow; From morn till night I range the plains, And all my course allow. But lo! there is a time we find, When beasts of burden boast; For soon they heard a warrant sign'd, His fat surloins to roast. Into the sledge the butcher threw, The godlike hero dead; His pond'rous carcase, home they drew, So rich and dainty fed. What think you now? said murm'ring John, This lesson let us learn; Contented to be plodding on, And eat the bread we earn.