Ode to the Plague Rat
by Count Jehan de la Marche, OL KSCA Pel. etc.

Some say the lyon is the fiercest beast
Some say the dragon flaming in the east
Somesay the tyger burning in the night
I say the rat that bears the deadly blight

Brave men have met the lyon face to face
Brave men have dared the dragon by God's grace
Brave men have met the tyger in fierce fight
All flee the rat, for nonecan meet his might

Praise not the lyon though he be the king
Praise not the drake the far Cathayans sing
Praise not the tyger with his stripes so bright
I praise the rat, for praise is his by right