THE DIALOGUE

Oh, do not heed her, Mistress dear;

Think how I love you, guard you, cheer!

When all we creatures were assigned

Our places with your human kind,

(‘ Twas long ago ) while some became

Your slaves — as spiritless as tame,

We two, as friends, beneath your roof

Were lodged, because we each gave proof proof —

Yes, yes — I of my faithfulness —

Man calls on me in all distress!

You blundering, careless beast, be still!

My cleanliness, my grace, my skill,

Did, quite as much myself commend!

That we should live, not slave, but friend

To Master Man was then agreed:

But since of caution there is need,

We asked a written document;

To which our Master did consent.

Puffed up with confidence and pride,

He took the document to hide.