The Ox and the Frog

11. THE OX AND THE FROG.
An Ox, not heeding, as he chewed
His midday cud, stepped on a brood
Of little Frogs, and all were crushed
Save one, who, panic-stricken, rushed
To tell his mother how there came
A great huge beast with eyes like flame
And cloven feet, and crushed to death
Her children. As he paused for breath,
"Was it as big as this?" said she,
Puffing herself out monstrously;
"Or this? Or this?" "Oh, mother, spare
Yourself! You might as well compare
A Puffball to the Pyramid,"
Cried he. "If you don't have a care
You'll burst!' And sure enough she did. [more info]