A lion loved a human maid,
And asked her father for her hand.
And he, unwilling, but afraid
The suitor might misunderstand
A cold, discourteous “I refuse!”
Planned to foil him with a ruse.
“My girl is but a tender thing
Your teeth and claws might hurt,” he said.
“But let me pull them, noble King,
And I will gladly bid you wed.”
the lovesick lion grunted, “Yes!”,
Since love consents to all distress.
Clawless and toothless, he declared,
“Now I will take my promised bride!”
“Try it, you brute!” the father dared,
And laughed as though to split his side.
For small respect will honor those
Who yield their weapons to their foes.
