1. The morning shone bright and I was ready,
Harbingers of dawn began to appear,

2. With the crescent moon still in its mouth,
Long but slowing in its career,

3. The cripple advanced with labored gait,
The python slithered forth from its lair,

4. Till we startled a flock unused to men,
Or the vagaries of fate they bear,

5. Huddling together in their alarm,
A wasp descended on them there,

6. Like an arrow shot true to its mark,
Or a planet traversing the air,

7. A lamb separated from the herd,
Bleating piteously in despair,

8. Until adding four and two in the count,
Our labors at last bore fruit to share,

9. We sprinkled their sides as reward for the debt,
Thankful for bounty they did not spare,

10. We left with enough, and more to spare,
Preserved gain for efforts we dare.