| Thomas R. Lounsbury, ed. (1838–1915). Yale Book of American Verse. 1912. |
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| Ralph Waldo Emerson. 1803–1882 |
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| 40. Fable |
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| THE MOUNTAIN and the squirrel | |
| Had a quarrel; | |
| And the former called the latter "Little Prig." | |
| Bun replied, | |
| "You are doubtless very big; | 5 |
| But all sorts of things and weather | |
| Must be taken in together, | |
| To make up a year | |
| And a sphere. | |
| And I think it no disgrace | 10 |
| To occupy my place. | |
| If I'm not as large as you, | |
| You are not so small as I, | |
| And not half so spry. | |
| I'll not deny you make | 15 |
| A very pretty squirrel track; | |
| Talents differ; all is well and wisely put; | |
| If I cannot carry forests on my back, | |
| Neither can you crack a nut." | |
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