Boy and Ox

1875

(Translated from the German of W. HEY by THEODORE FAY.)

"GOOD-DAY, Mr. Ox! Of what do you think?
In deep scientific reflection you sink."
"Thanks, thanks!" the ox answered, as chewing he sat;
"You do me much honor! I 'm not wise as that.
To men I leave science and study and thinking;
My business is pulling and eating and drinking.
They may toil to distinguish the false from the true;
But I am contented to sit here and chew."

He had not chewed long when his good master spoke:
"Ho! the ox to the wagon. Quick! on with the yoke."
The wagon was heavily loaded that day;
The ox bent his forehead and pulled it away.
Had great thinkers been called to drag up the hill
That wagon, 't would surely be standing there still!

—St. Nicholas, June 1875, p. 468.