The Rope-dancer
: Literary Fables Of YriarteAs an unpractised urchin lessons took
In dancing, of a veteran of the ring,
On slack or tight rope,--it is all one thing,--
The youngster said,--"Good master, prithee, look;
How this great staff bothers and wearies me,
Which you call balance-pole or counterpoise!
In rope-dancing, what use one can devise
For such a clumsy load, I cannot see.
Why should you wish my motions so to fetter?
I lack not strength, nor yet activity.
For instance, now--this step and posture--see
If I, without the pole, can't do it better.
Look, master, there's not one whit of trouble in it."
As he says this, he throws the pole away--
"What's coming now? What are you doing, pray?"
He's flat upon his back in half a minute!
"At your best friend you grumble--silly wretch,"--
The master said,--"and if you choose to scout
The aid of art and method,--you'll find out
This is not the last tumble you will catch."
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