The Tortoise and the Hare

There’s no point in running; one must start on time.
The Hare and the Tortoise prove this truth of mine.

“I’ll wager,” said the Tortoise, “you won’t reach the mark
As soon as I.” “As soon? Are you quite mad?”
Replied the nimble beast.

“My friend, you need a cure—
Four grains of hellebore, I’m sure."
"Mad or not, the bet is on.”

And so it was: the stakes were set
And placed beside the finish line.

Our Hare had but four leaps to make;
I mean the kind he takes when nearly caught.
He wandered off, he fell asleep, and the slow Tortoise
Was the first to cross the line.