A famished Bear, whose foot was clenched
Within a murderous engine, wrenched
And bounced about in fright and pain
Around the tree that held the chain,
Emitting many a hideous howl.
His state was noticed by an Owl,
Who, perched above him fat and free,
Philosophized from out the tree:
" Of what avail this fuss and noise? —
The thing you need, my Bear, is poise. "

MORAL

Such counsels are most sage, we know —
But often how malapropos!