202 
THIRD BOOK, 
“Whose voice is that which growlIs at mine? 
His highness asked. Says echo, “ mine!” 
“Thine!” says the lion; “ who art thou?” 
Echo, as stern, ecried, “ who art thou?” 
“Know I’m alion; hear and tremble!” 
Replied the king. Cried echo, “ tremble!” 
“ Come forth,” says lion; “show thyself,” 
Laconic echo answered, “ elf.” 
“ Elf, durst thou call me, vile pretender?” 
Echo as loud replied, “ pretender!” 
At this, as jealous of his reign, 
He growled in rage; he growled again. 
Incensed the more, he chafed and foamed, 
And round the spacious forest roamed, 
To find the rival of his throne, 
Who durst with him dispute the crown. 
A fox, who listened all the while, 
Addressed the monarch with a smile: 
“My liege, most humbly I make bold 
Though truth may not be always told, 
That this same phantom which you hear 
That so alarms your royal ear, 
Is not a rival of your throne; 
The voice and fears are all your own.” 
Imaginary terrors scare 
A timorous soul with real fear,