IV.7 The Viper and the File

He that a greater biter bites,
His folly on himself requites,
As we shall manifest forthwith.--
There was a hovel of a smith,
Where a poor Viper chanced to steal,
And being greedy of a meal,
When she had seized upon a file,
Was answer'd in this rugged style:
"Why do you think, O stupid snake!
On me your usual meal to make,
Who've sharper teeth than thine by far,
And can corrode an iron bar?"