Spying a sparrow in a tree,
A fowler threw his net.
But in his haste he did not see
Where his own feet were set.
Just then he heard a hiss, and saw
A ribboned body dart,
And felt as though a fiery claw
Had pierced him to the heart.
And from the venom soon he died,
While watcher heard him moan
that he who hunts another’s hide
Should also guard his own.
