The Hare and the Tortoise

24. THE HARE AND THE TORTOISE.
A Hare one day a Tortoise chaffed
On her slow gait. The Tortoise laughed.
"'Tis true I'm slowest of the slow
And you're the fastest thing I know;
Yet notwithstanding your swift pace,"
Said she, "I'll beat you in a race."
The Hare consented, half in jest,
To put the matter to the test,
And off they started. Like a flash,
Half round the course in one swift dash,
Bounded the Hare; then, feeling sure
That victory was now secure,
Sat down to rest - - and fell asleep.
Meanwhile his Rival, creep, creep, creep,
Came slowly on, caught up, and passed.
Creep-creep, creep-creep, until at last
The Hare awaking, rubbed his eyes
And saw, to his intense surprise,
The Tortoise, faithful to her boast,
Was waiting at the winning-post. [more info]