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Grocott & Ward, comps. Grocott’s Familiar Quotations, 6th ed. 189-?.

Mouse

The country mouse stole out from his hiding-place, and bidding his friend good-bye, whispered in his ear, “Oh, my good sir, this fine mode of living may do for those who like it; but give me my barley bread in peace and security, before the daintiest feast where fear and care are in waiting.”
Æsop.—Fable 30.

The bumpkin then concludes, Adieu!
This life perhaps agrees with you:
My grove and cave, secure from snares,
Shall comfort me with chaff and tares.
Francis’ Horace, Book II. Sat. VI. Line 231.

Give me again my hollow tree,
A crust of bread, and liberty!
Pope.—Sat. VI. last lines.