Or beasts there have been chosen fourTo come to Paradise, And there with saints for evermoreThey dwell in happy wise.
Amongst them all the Ass stands first;
He comes with joyous stride, For to the Prophet-City erstDid Jesus on him ride.
Half timid next a Wolf doth creep,To whom Mahomet spake "Spoil not the poor man of his sheep,The rich man's thou mayst take."And then the brave and faithful Hound,Who by his master kept, And slept with him the slumbers soundThe seven sleepers slept.
Abuherrira's Cat, too, here,Purrs round his master blest, For holy must the beast appearThe Prophet hath caress'd.
1815.
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