A CAT caught a Cock, and pondered how he might find a reasonable excuse for eating him. —
一只猫捉到了一只公鸡，并思考着如何找到一个合理的借口来吃掉它。 —

He accused him of being a nuisance to men by crowing in the nighttime and not permitting them to sleep. —
他指责公鸡在夜间打鸣，不让人们睡觉，给人们带来麻烦。 —

The Cock defended himself by saying that he did this for the benefit of men, that they might rise in time for their labors. —
公鸡为自己辩护说，他这样做是为了人们的利益，让他们能够及时起床劳作。 —

The Cat replied, “Although you abound in specious apologies, I shall not remain supperless”; —
猫回答说：“虽然你的辩解听起来有道理，但我不会空着肚子呆着。” —

and he made a meal of him.
于是他吃掉了公鸡。