The Wolf, the Fox, and the Ape

The Wolf impeach'd the Fox of theft,
The Fox the charge denied;
To the grave Ape the case was left,
In justice to decide.

Wise Pug with comely buttocks sate,
And nodded o'er the laws,
Distinguish'd well through the debate,
And thus adjudg'd the cause: —

" The goods are stole, but not from thee,
Two pickled rogues well met;
Thou shalt be hang'd for perjury,
He, for an arrant cheat. "

MORAL .

Hang both, judicious brute, 'twas bravely said,
May villains always to their ruin plead!
When knaves fall out, and spitefully accuse,
There's nothing like the reconciling noose.
O hemp! the noblest gift propitious Heav'n
To mortals with a bounteous hand has giv'n,
To stop malicious breath, to end debate,
To prop the shaking throne, and purge the state.