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+Project Gutenberg's Favourite Fables in Prose and Verse, by Various
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+Title: Favourite Fables in Prose and Verse
+
+Author: Various
+
+Illustrator: Harrison Weir
+
+Release Date: May 15, 2007 [EBook #21446]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK FAVOURITE FABLES ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by Marilynda Fraser-Cunliffe, Sankar Viswanathan,
+and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at
+http://www.pgdp.net (This file was made using scans of
+public domain works in the International Children's Digital
+Library.)
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+                 [Illustration: THE FROG AND THE OX.]
+
+
+                          FAVOURITE FABLES,
+
+                         In Prose and Verse.
+
+
+                    WITH TWENTY-FOUR ILLUSTRATIONS
+
+                            FROM DRAWINGS
+
+
+                          BY HARRISON WEIR.
+
+
+                       [Illustration: JUSTICE.]
+
+
+
+                               LONDON:
+
+                         GRIFFITH AND FARRAN,
+
+                 (SUCCESSORS TO NEWBERY AND HARRIS),
+
+                   CORNER OF ST. PAUL'S CHURCHYARD.
+
+                              MDCCCLXX.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+CONTENTS.
+
+
+FABLE
+
+I.        THE FOX AND THE GOAT
+
+II.       THE FROG AND THE OX
+
+III.      THE MAN AND HIS GOOSE
+
+IV.       THE LION AND OTHER BEASTS
+
+V.        THE DOVE AND THE ANT
+
+VI.       THE FOX WITHOUT A TAIL
+
+VII.      THE BUTTERFLY AND THE SNAIL
+
+VIII.     THE WOLF AND THE CRANE
+
+IX.       THE FROG AND THE RAT
+
+X.        THE FIGHTING COCK AND EAGLE
+
+XI.       THE DIAMOND AND THE LOADSTONE
+
+XII.      THE BEAR AND THE BEES
+
+XIII.     THE FROGS DESIRING A KING
+
+XIV.      THE FOX AND THE BOAR
+
+XV.       THE VINE AND THE GOAT
+
+XVI.      THE DISCONTENTED HORSE
+
+XVII.     THE MOUNTAIN IN LABOUR
+
+XVIII.    THE FOX AND THE STORK
+
+XIX.      THE HORSE AND THE STAG
+
+XX.       THE LION WOUNDED
+
+XXI.      THE ASS IN THE LION'S SKIN
+
+XXII.     JUPITER AND THE FARMER
+
+XXIII.    THE VAIN JACKDAW
+
+XXIV.     THE VIPER AND THE FILE
+
+XXV.      THE WOLF AND THE LAMB
+
+XXVI.     THE OLD BULLFINCH AND YOUNG BIRDS
+
+XXVII.    THE MOUSE AND THE WEASEL
+
+XXVIII.   THE OLD HOUND
+
+XXIX.     THE CHARGER AND THE ASS
+
+XXX.      THE COLT AND THE FARMER
+
+XXXI.     THE LARK AND HER YOUNG ONES
+
+XXXII.    THE FOX AND THE CROW
+
+XXXIII.   THE PEACOCK'S COMPLAINT
+
+XXXIV.    THE STAG IN THE OX-STALL
+
+XXXV.     THE WIND AND THE SUN
+
+XXXVI.    THE TRAVELLERS AND THE BEAR
+
+XXXVII.   THE DOG AND THE SHADOW
+
+XXXVIII.  THE HERMIT AND THE BEAR
+
+XXXIX.    THE SHEPHERD'S BOY AND THE WOLF
+
+XL.       THE FAWN AND HER MOTHER
+
+XLI.      THE TORTOISE AND THE EAGLE
+
+XLII.     THE BROTHER AND SISTER
+
+XLIII.    THE SHEPHERD'S DOG AND WOLF
+
+XLIV.     THE COVETOUS MAN
+
+XLV.      THE HARE AND THE TORTOISE
+
+XLVI.     THE HOG AND THE ACORNS
+
+XLVII.    THE COUNTRY MOUSE AND THE CITY MOUSE
+
+XLVIII.   THE CAT AND THE MICE
+
+XLIX.     THE KID AND THE WOLF
+
+L.        THE COUNCIL OF HORSES
+
+LI.       THE ASS AND THE LITTLE DOG
+
+LII.      THE LION AND THE FOUR BULLS
+
+LIII.     THE LEOPARD AND THE FOX
+
+LIV.      THE WARRIOR WOLF
+
+LV.       THE BELLY AND THE MEMBERS
+
+LVI.      THE CUR, THE HORSE, AND THE SHEPHERD'S DOG
+
+LVII.     THE JACKDAW AND THE EAGLE
+
+LVIII.    THE ASS AND THE LION HUNTING
+
+LIX.      THE WOLF IN SHEEP'S CLOTHING
+
+LX.       THE TWO BEES
+
+LXI.      THE TURKEY AND THE ANT
+
+LXII.     THE DOG AND THE WOLF
+
+LXIII.    THE SATYR AND THE TRAVELLER
+
+LXIV.     THE BARLEY-MOW AND THE DUNGHILL
+
+LXV.      THE SHEEP-BITER AND SHEPHERD
+
+LXVI.     THE STAG AT THE POOL
+
+LXVII.    THE OLD SWALLOWS AND THE YOUNG BIRDS
+
+LXVIII.   THE WAGGONER AND THE BUTTERFLY
+
+LXIX.     THE LION, THE BEAR AND THE FOX
+
+LXX.      THE FOX AND THE GRAPES
+
+LXXI.     THE HARE AND MANY FRIENDS
+
+LXXII.    THE COCK AND THE FOX
+
+LXXIII.   THE LION AND THE MOUSE
+
+LXXIV.    THE TRUMPETER TAKEN PRISONER
+
+LXXV.     THE MOUSE AND THE ELEPHANT
+
+LXXVI.    THE HUSBANDMAN AND HIS SONS
+
+LXXVII.   THE BALD KNIGHT
+
+LXXVIII.  THE DOG IN THE MANGER
+
+LXXIX.    THE OLD MAN AND DEATH
+
+LXXX.     THE OLD HEN AND YOUNG COCK
+
+LXXXI.    MERCURY AND THE WOODMAN
+
+LXXXII.   THE WOLF AND THE KID
+
+LXXXIII.  THE OLD MAN AND HIS SONS
+
+LXXXIV.   THE BROOK AND THE FOUNTAIN
+
+LXXXV.    THE MICE IN COUNCIL
+
+LXXXVI.   THE FOX IN THE WELL
+
+LXXXVII.  THE HORSE AND THE WOLF
+
+LXXXVIII. THE TWO SPRINGS
+
+LXXXIX.   THE COUNTRYMAN AND THE RAVEN
+
+XC.       THE FOX AND THE BRAMBLE
+
+XCI.      HERCULES AND THE CARTER
+
+XCII.     THE BOYS AND THE FROGS
+
+XCIII.    THE COCK AND THE JEWEL
+
+XCIV.     THE NIGHTINGALE AND THE GLOW-WORM
+
+XCV.      THE FOX AND THE SICK LION
+
+XCVI.     THE LION, THE FOX, AND THE GEESE
+
+XCVII.    THE ONE-EYED DOE
+
+XCVIII.   THE FOX, THE RAVEN, AND THE DOVE
+
+XCIX.     THE TWO POTS
+
+C.        THE TWO FROGS
+
+CI.       THE FOX AND THE MASK
+
+CII.      THE CAT, THE COCK, AND THE YOUNG MOUSE
+
+CIII.     THE MICE AND THE TRAP
+
+CIV.      THE CHAMELEON
+
+CV.       THE WOLF, THE FOX, AND THE ASS
+
+CVI.      THE BOY AND THE BUTTERFLY
+
+CVII.     THE CROW AND THE PITCHER
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS.
+
+
+1.   THE FROG AND THE OX (_Frontispiece_)
+
+2.   THE FOX WITHOUT A TAIL
+
+3.   THE FIGHTING COCK AND EAGLE
+
+4.   THE VINE AND THE GOAT
+
+5.   THE LION WOUNDED
+
+6.   THE WOLF AND THE LAMB
+
+7.   THE CHARGER AND THE ASS
+
+8.   THE FOX AND THE CROW
+
+9.   THE DOG AND THE SHADOW
+
+10.  THE FAWN AND HER MOTHER
+
+11.  THE HARE AND THE TORTOISE
+
+12.  THE KID AND THE WOLF
+
+13.  THE LEOPARD AND THE FOX
+
+14.  THE JACKDAW AND THE EAGLE
+
+15.  THE DOG AND THE WOLF
+
+16.  THE STAG AT THE POOL
+
+17.  THE FOX AND THE GRAPES
+
+18.  THE LION AND THE MOUSE
+
+19.  THE DOG IN THE MANGER
+
+20.  THE WOLF AND THE GOAT
+
+21.  THE HORSE AND THE WOLF
+
+22.  THE COCK AND THE JEWEL
+
+23.  THE ONE-EYED DOE
+
+24.  THE FOX AND THE MASK
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+FAVOURITE FABLES.
+
+FABLE I.
+
+THE FOX AND THE GOAT.
+
+
+[Illustration]
+
+In the extreme end of a village a Fox one day went to have a peep
+at a hen-roost. He had the bad luck to fall into a well, where he
+swam first to this side, and then to that side, but could not get
+out with all his pains. At last, as chance would have it, a poor
+Goat came to the same place to seek for some drink. "So ho!
+friend Fox," said he, "you quaff it off there at a great rate: I
+hope by this time you have quenched your thirst." "Thirst!" said
+the sly rogue; "what I have found here to drink is so clear, and
+so sweet, that I cannot take my fill of it; do, pray, come down,
+my dear, and have a taste of it." With that, in plumped the Goat
+as he bade him; but as soon as he was down, the Fox jumped on his
+horns, and leaped out of the well in a trice; and as he went off,
+"Good bye, my wise friend," said he; "if you had as much brains
+as you have beard, I should have been in the well still, and you
+might have stood on the brink of it to laugh at me, as I now do
+at you."
+
+
+MORAL.
+
+A rogue will give up the best friend he has to get out of a
+scrape; so that we ought to know what a man is, that we may judge
+how far we may trust to what he says.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE II.
+
+THE FROG AND THE OX.
+
+
+An old Frog, being wonderfully struck with the size and majesty
+of an Ox that was grazing in the marshes, was seized with the
+desire to expand herself to the same portly magnitude. After
+puffing and swelling for some time, "What think you," said she,
+to her young ones, "will this do?" "Far from it," said they.
+"Will this?" "By no means." "But this surely will?" "Nothing
+like it," they replied. After many fruitless and ridiculous
+efforts to the same purpose, the foolish Frog burst her skin, and
+miserably expired upon the spot.
+
+
+MORAL.
+
+To attempt what is out of our power, and to rival those greater
+than ourselves, is sure to expose us to contempt and ruin.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE III.
+
+THE MAN AND HIS GOOSE.
+
+
+A CERTAIN Man had a Goose, which laid him a golden egg every day.
+But, not contented with this, which rather increased than abated
+his avarice, he was resolved to kill the Goose, and cut up her
+belly, so that he might come to the inexhaustible treasure which
+he fancied she had within her, without being obliged to wait for
+the slow production of a single egg daily. He did so, and, to his
+great sorrow and disappointment, found nothing within.
+
+
+MORAL.
+
+The man that hastes to become rich often finds that he has only
+brought on ruin.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE IV.
+
+THE LION AND OTHER BEASTS.
+
+
+The Bull, and several other beasts, were ambitious of the honour
+of hunting with the Lion. His savage Majesty graciously
+condescended to their desire; and it was agreed that they should
+have an equal share in whatever might be taken. They scour the
+forest, are unanimous in the pursuit, and, after a long chase,
+pull down a noble stag. It was divided with great dexterity by
+the Bull into four equal parts; but just as he was going to
+secure his share--"Hold!" says the Lion, "let no one presume to
+help himself till he hath heard our just and reasonable claims. I
+seize upon the first quarter by virtue of my prerogative; the
+second I claim as due to my superior conduct and courage; I
+cannot forego the third, on account of the necessities of my den;
+and if anyone is inclined to dispute my right to the fourth, let
+him speak." Awed by the majesty of his frown, and the terror of
+his paws, they silently withdrew, resolving never to hunt again
+but with their equals.
+
+
+MORAL.
+
+Be certain that those who have great power are honest before you
+place yourselves in their hands, or you will be deprived of your
+just rights.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE V.
+
+THE DOVE AND THE ANT.
+
+
+The Ant, compelled by thirst, went to drink in a clear, purling
+rivulet; but the current, with its circling eddy, snatched her
+away, and carried her down the stream. A Dove, pitying her
+distressed condition, cropped a branch from a neighbouring tree
+and let it fall into the water, by means of which the Ant saved
+herself and got ashore. Not long after, a Fowler, having a design
+against the Dove, planted his nets in due order, without the
+bird's observing what he was about; which the Ant perceiving,
+just as he was going to put his design into execution, she bit
+his heel, and made him give so sudden a start, that the Dove took
+the alarm, and flew away.
+
+
+MORAL.
+
+Kindness to others seldom fails of its reward; and none is so
+weak that he may not be able in some fashion to repay it. Let us
+show kindness without looking for a return, but a blessing will
+surely follow.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE VI.
+
+THE FOX WITHOUT A TAIL.
+
+
+A FOX being caught in a steel trap by his tail, was glad to compound
+for his escape with the loss of it; but on coming abroad into the
+world, began to be so sensible of the disgrace such a defect would
+bring upon him, that he almost wished he had died rather than left
+it behind him. However, to make the best of a bad matter, he formed
+a project in his head to call an assembly of the rest of the Foxes,
+and propose it for their imitation as a fashion which would be very
+agreeable and becoming. He did so, and made a long harangue upon the
+unprofitableness of tails in general, and endeavoured chiefly to
+show the awkwardness and inconvenience of a Fox's tail in
+particular; adding that it would be both more graceful and more
+expeditious to be altogether without them, and that, for his part,
+what he had only imagined and conjectured before, he now found by
+experience; for that he never enjoyed himself so well, nor found
+himself so easy as he had done since he cut off his tail. He said no
+more, but looked about with a brisk air to see what proselytes he
+had gained; when a sly old Fox in the company, who understood trap,
+answered him, with a leer, "I believe you may have found a
+conveniency in parting with your tail; and when we are in the same
+circumstances, perhaps we may do so too."
+
+[Illustration: THE FOX WITHOUT A TAIL.]
+
+
+MORAL.
+
+It is common for men to wish others reduced to their own level,
+and we ought to guard against such advice as may proceed from
+this principle.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE VII.
+
+THE BUTTERFLY AND THE SNAIL.
+
+
+    As in the sunshine of the morn,
+    A Butterfly, but newly born,
+    Sat proudly perking on a rose,
+    With pert conceit his bosom glows;
+    His wings, all glorious to behold,
+    Bedropt with azure, jet and gold,
+    Wide he displays; the spangled dew
+    Reflects his eyes, and various hue.
+
+      His now forgotten friend, a Snail,
+    Beneath his house, with slimy trail,
+    Crawls o'er the grass; whom, when he spies,
+    In wrath he to the gardener cries:
+
+      "What means yon peasant's daily toil,
+    From choaking weeds to rid the soil?
+    Why wake you to the morning's care?
+    Why with new arts correct the year?
+    Why glows the peach with crimson hue?
+    And why the plum's inviting blue?
+    Were they to feast his taste designed,
+    That vermin, of voracious kind?
+    Crush, then, the slow, the pilf'ring race;
+    So purge thy garden from disgrace."
+
+      "What arrogance!" the Snail replied;
+    "How insolent is upstart pride!
+    Hadst thou not thus, with insult vain,
+    Provoked my patience to complain,
+    I had concealed thy meaner birth,
+    Nor traced thee to the scum of earth:
+    For, scarce nine suns have wak'd the hours,
+    To swell the fruit, and paint the flowers,
+    Since I thy humbler life surveyed,
+    In base, in sordid guise arrayed;
+    A hideous insect, vile, unclean,
+    You dragg'd a slow and noisome train;
+    And from your spider-bowels drew
+    Foul film, and spun the dirty clue.
+    I own my humble life, good friend;
+    Snail was I born, and Snail shall end.
+    And what's a Butterfly? At best,
+    He's but a Caterpillar, dress'd;
+    And all thy race (a numerous seed)
+    Shall prove of Caterpillar breed."
+
+
+MORAL.
+
+    All upstarts, insolent in place,
+    Remind us of their vulgar race.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE VIII.
+
+THE WOLF AND THE CRANE.
+
+
+A WOLF, after too greedily devouring his prey, happened to have a
+bone stick in his throat, which gave him so much pain that he
+went howling up and down, and importuning every creature he met
+to lend him a kind hand in order to his relief; nay, he even
+promised a reward to anyone who should undertake the operation
+with success. At last the Crane, tempted with the lucre of the
+reward, and having first made the Wolf confirm his promise with
+an oath, undertook the business, and ventured his long neck into
+the rapacious felon's throat.
+
+In short, he plucked out the bone, and expected the promised
+gratuity; when the Wolf, turning his eyes disdainfully towards
+him, said, "I did not think you had been so unreasonable! Have I
+not suffered you safely to draw your neck out of my jaws? And
+have you the conscience to demand a further reward?"
+
+
+MORAL.
+
+When we do good to bad men, we must not expect good from them.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE IX.
+
+THE FROG AND THE RAT.
+
+
+    Once on a time, a foolish Frog,
+    Vain, proud, and stupid as a log,
+    Tired with the marsh, her native home,
+    Imprudently abroad would roam,
+    And fix her habitation where
+    She'd breathe at least a purer air.
+    She was resolved to change, that's poz;
+    Could she be worse than where she was?
+
+      Away the silly creature leaps.
+    A Rat, who saw her lab'ring steps,
+    Cried out, "Where in this hurry, pray?
+    You certainly will go astray!"
+
+      "Ne'er fear; I quit that filthy bog,
+    Where I so long have croaked incog:
+    People of talents, sure, should thrive,
+    And not be buried thus alive.
+    But, pray (for I'm extremely dry),
+    Know you of any water nigh?"
+
+      "None," said the Rat, "you'll reach to-day,
+    As you so slowly make your way.
+    Believe a friend, and take my word,
+    This jaunt of yours is quite absurd.
+    Go to your froggery again;
+    In your own element remain."
+    No: on the journey she was bent,
+    Her thirst increasing as she went;
+    For want of drink she scarce can hop,
+    And yet despairing of a drop:
+    Too late she moans her folly past;
+    She faints, she sinks, she breathes her last.
+
+
+MORAL.
+
+    Vulgar minds will pay full dear,
+    When once they move beyond their sphere.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE X.
+
+THE FIGHTING COCK AND EAGLE.
+
+
+Two Cocks were fighting for the sovereignty of the dunghill, and
+one of them having got the better of the other, he that was
+vanquished crept into a hole, and hid himself for some time; but
+the victor flew up to an eminent place, clapt his wings, and
+crowed out victory. An Eagle, who was watching for his prey near
+the place, saw him, and, making a swoop, trussed him up in his
+talons, and carried him off. The Cock that had been beaten,
+perceiving this, soon quitted his hole, and, shaking off all
+remembrance of his late disgrace, gallanted the hens with all the
+intrepidity imaginable.
+
+
+MORAL.
+
+Before honour is humility. We must not be too much elevated by
+prosperity lest we meet a grievous fall.
+
+[Illustration: THE FIGHTING COCK AND EAGLE.]
+
+
+
+
+FABLE XI.
+
+THE DIAMOND AND THE LOADSTONE.
+
+
+A DIAMOND, of great beauty and lustre, observing, not only many
+other gems of a lower class ranged together with himself in the
+same cabinet, but a Loadstone likewise placed not far from him,
+began to question the latter how he came there, and what
+pretensions he had to be ranked among the precious stones; he,
+who appeared to be no better than a mere flint, a sorry, coarse,
+rusty-looking pebble, without any the least shining quality to
+advance him to such an honour; and concluded with desiring him to
+keep his distance, and pay a proper respect to his superiors.
+
+"I find," said the Loadstone, "you judge by external appearances,
+and condemn without due examination; but I will not act so
+ungenerously by you. I am willing to allow you your due praise:
+you are a pretty bauble; I am mightily delighted to see you
+glitter and sparkle; I look upon you with pleasure and surprise;
+but I must be convinced you are of some sort of use before I
+acknowledge that you have any real merit, or treat you with that
+respect which you seem to demand. With regard to myself, I
+confess my deficiency in outward beauty; but I may venture to
+say, that I make amends by my intrinsic qualities. The great
+improvement of navigation is entirely owing to me. By me the
+distant parts of the world have been made known and are
+accessible to each other; the remotest nations are connected
+together, and all, as it were, united into one common society; by
+a mutual intercourse they relieve one another's wants, and all
+enjoy the several blessings peculiar to each. The world is
+indebted to me for its wealth, its splendour, and its power; and
+the arts and sciences are, in a great measure, obliged to me for
+their improvements, and their continual increase. All these
+blessings I am the origin of; for by my aid it is that man is
+enable to construct that valuable instrument, the Mariner's
+Compass."
+
+
+MORAL.
+
+    Let dazzling stones in splendour glare;
+    Utility's the gem for wear.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE XII.
+
+THE BEAR AND THE BEES.
+
+
+A BEAR happened to be stung by a Bee; and the pain was so acute,
+that in the madness of revenge he ran into the garden, and
+overturned the hive. This outrage provoked their anger to such a
+degree that it brought the fury of the whole swarm upon him. They
+attacked him with such violence that his life was in danger, and
+it was with the utmost difficulty that he made his escape,
+wounded from head to tail. In this desperate condition, lamenting
+his misfortunes, and licking his sores, he could not forbear
+reflecting how much more advisable it had been to have patiently
+borne one injury, than by an unprofitable resentment to have
+provoked a thousand.
+
+
+MORAL.
+
+It is more prudent to acquiesce under an injury from a single
+person, then by an act of vengeance to bring upon us the
+resentment of a whole community.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE XIII.
+
+THE FROGS DESIRING A KING.
+
+
+The Frogs, living an easy, free life everywhere among the lakes
+and ponds, assembled together one day, in a very tumultuous
+manner, and petitioned Jupiter to let them have a king, who might
+inspect their morals, and make them live a little honester.
+Jupiter, being at that time in pretty good humour, was pleased to
+laugh heartily at their ridiculous request, and, throwing a
+little log down into the pool, cried, "There is a king for you!"
+The sudden splash which this made by its fall into the water, at
+first terrified them so exceedingly that they were afraid to come
+near it. But, in a little time, seeing it lie still without
+moving, they ventured, by degrees, to approach it; and at last,
+finding there was no danger, they leaped upon it, and, in short,
+treated it as familiarly as they pleased. But, not contented with
+so insipid a king as this was, they sent their deputies to
+petition again for another sort of one; for this they neither did
+nor could like. Upon that he sent them a Stork, who, without any
+ceremony, fell devouring and eating them up, one after another,
+as fast as he could. Then they applied themselves privately to
+Mercury, and got him to speak to Jupiter in their behalf, that he
+would be so good as to bless them again with another king, or
+restore them to their former state. "No," says he; "since it was
+their own choice, let the obstinate wretches suffer the
+punishment due to their folly."
+
+
+MORAL.
+
+This fable teaches that it is better to be content with our
+present condition, however bad we may think it, than, by
+ambitious change, to risk making it worse.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE XIV.
+
+THE FOX AND THE BOAR.
+
+
+THE BOAR stood whetting his tusks against an old tree. The Fox,
+who happened to come by at the same time, asked him why he made
+those martial preparations of whetting his teeth, since there was
+no enemy near, that he could perceive. "That may be, Master
+Reynard," says the Boar, "but we should scour up our arms, while
+we have leisure, you know; for, in time of danger, we shall have
+something else to do."
+
+
+MORAL.
+
+It is well to have preparations made for all emergencies, that
+when we are placed in any difficult position we may be calm and
+self-possessed. These preparations are best made in times of
+leisure.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE XV.
+
+THE VINE AND THE GOAT.
+
+
+A GOAT having taken shelter from the heat of the sun under the
+broad leaves of a shady-spreading vine, began to crop and eat
+them; by this means, the branches being put into a rustling
+motion, he drew the eyes of some hunters who were passing that
+way, and, seeing the vine stir, thought some wild beast had taken
+covert there; they shot their arrows at a venture, and killed the
+Goat, who, before he expired, uttered his dying words to this
+purpose: "Ah! I suffer justly for my ingratitude, who could not
+forbear doing an injury to the vine that had so kindly afforded
+me shelter."
+
+
+MORAL.
+
+Ingratitude is a great crime, and from which we should seek
+earnestly to be preserved. He that is capable of injuring his
+benefactor, what would he scruple to do towards another?
+
+[Illustration: THE VINE AND THE GOAT.]
+
+
+
+
+FABLE XVI.
+
+THE DISCONTENTED HORSE.
+
+
+    As JUPITER once was receiving petitions
+    From birds and from beasts of all ranks and conditions;
+    With an eye full of fire, and mane quite erect,
+    Which, I'm sorry to say, shewed but little respect,
+    The Horse went as near as he dared to the throne,
+    And thus made his donkey-like sentiments known:
+
+      "For beauty of symmetry, fleetness, and force,
+    It is said that all animals yield to the Horse;
+    While my spirit I feel, and my figure I view
+    In the brook, I'm inclined to believe it is true;
+    But still, mighty Jupiter, still, by your aid,
+    In my form might some further improvements be made.
+    To run is my duty, and swifter and stronger
+    I surely should go, were my legs to be longer:
+    And as man always places a seat on my back,
+    I should have been made with a saddle or sack;
+    It had saved _him_ much trouble, on journies departing,
+    And _I_ had been constantly ready for starting."
+
+      Great Jupiter smiled (for he laughed at the brute,
+    As he saw more of folly than vice in his suit),
+    And striking the earth with omnipotent force,
+    A Camel rose up near the terrified Horse:
+    He trembled--he started--his mane shook with fright,
+    And he staggered half round, as preparing for flight.
+
+      "Behold!" exclaimed Jove, "there an animal stands
+    With both your improvements at once to your hands:
+    His legs are much longer; the hump on his back
+    Well answers the purpose of saddle or sack:
+    Of your shapes, tell me, which is more finished and trim?
+    Speak out, silly Horse, would you wish to be him?"
+
+      The Horse looked abashed, and had nothing to say
+    And Jove, with reproaches, thus sent him away:
+    "Begone, till you gratefully feel and express
+    Your thanks for the blessings and gifts you possess.
+    The Camel, though plain, is mild, useful, and good;
+    You are handsome, but proud, discontented and rude."
+
+
+
+
+FABLE XVII.
+
+THE MOUNTAIN IN LABOUR.
+
+
+A RUMOUR once prevailed that a neighbouring mountain was in
+labour; it was affirmed that she had been heard to utter
+prodigious groans; and a general expectation had been raised that
+some extraordinary birth was at hand.
+
+Multitudes flocked in much eagerness to be witnesses of the
+wonderful event, one expecting her to be delivered of a giant,
+another of some enormous monster, and all were in earnest
+expectation of something grand and astonishing; when, after
+waiting with great impatience a considerable time, behold, out
+crept a Mouse.
+
+
+MORAL.
+
+To raise uncommon expectations renders an ordinary event
+ridiculous.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE XVIII.
+
+THE FOX AND THE STORK.
+
+
+THE FOX, though in general more inclined to roguery than wit, had
+once a strong inclination to play the wag with his neighbour the
+Stork. He accordingly invited her to dinner in due form. But when
+she came to the table, the Stork found it consisted entirely of
+different soups, served in broad, shallow dishes, so that she
+could only dip the end of her bill in them, but could not
+possibly satisfy her hunger. The Fox lapped them up very readily,
+and every now and then addressing himself to his guest, desired
+to know how she liked her entertainment, hoped that everything
+was to her liking, and protested he was very sorry to see her eat
+so sparingly.
+
+The Stork, perceiving she was jested with, took no notice, but
+pretended to like every dish extremely; and, at parting, pressed
+the Fox so earnestly to return her visit that he could not, in
+civility, refuse.
+
+The day arrived, and he repaired to his appointment. But, to his
+great dismay, he found the dinner was composed of minced meat,
+served up in long, narrow-necked bottles; so that he was only
+tantalized with the sight of what it was impossible for him to
+taste. The Stork thrust in her long bill, and helped herself very
+plentifully; then, turning to Reynard, who was eagerly licking
+the outside of a jar where some sauce had been spilled, "I am
+very glad," said she, smiling, "that you appear to have so good
+an appetite. I hope you will make as hearty a dinner at my table
+as I did the other day at yours." The Fox hung down his head, and
+looked very much displeased. "Nay, nay!" said the Stork; "don't
+pretend to be out of humour about the matter; they that cannot
+take a jest should never make one."
+
+
+
+
+FABLE XIX.
+
+THE HORSE AND THE STAG.
+
+
+The Stag, with his sharp horns, got the better of the Horse, and
+drove him clear out of the pasture where they used to feed
+together. So the latter craved the assistance of man, and, in
+order to receive the benefit of it, suffered him to put a bridle
+into his mouth, and a saddle upon his back. By this means he
+entirely defeated his enemy, but was mightily disappointed when,
+upon returning thanks, and desiring to be dismissed, he received
+this answer: "No; I never knew before how useful a drudge you
+were; now I have found out what you are good for, you may depend
+upon it, I will keep you to it."
+
+
+MORAL.
+
+Help yourself, if you can do so; but at any rate, before you seek
+the assistance of a powerful man, be sure that the help he gives
+you will be disinterested, or you may find that in helping you he
+may put you under obligations fatal to liberty.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE XX.
+
+THE LION WOUNDED.
+
+
+A MAN, who was very skilful with his bow, went up into the forest to
+hunt. At his approach, there was a great consternation and rout
+among the wild beasts, the Lion alone showing any determination to
+fight. "Stop," said the Archer to him, "and await my messenger, who
+has somewhat to say to you." With that, he sent an arrow after the
+Lion, and wounded him in the side. The Lion, smarting with anguish,
+fled into the depths of the forest; but a Fox, seeing him run, bade
+him take courage, and face his enemy. "No," said the Lion, "you will
+not persuade me to that; for if the messenger he sends is so sharp,
+what must be the power of him who sends it?"
+
+
+MORAL.
+
+It is better to yield to a superior force than foolishly brave
+its power.
+
+[Illustration: THE LION WOUNDED.]
+
+
+
+
+FABLE XXI.
+
+THE ASS IN THE LION'S SKIN.
+
+
+An Ass, finding a Lion's skin, disguised himself with it, and
+ranged about the forest, putting all the beasts that saw him into
+bodily fear. After he had diverted himself thus for some time, he
+met a Fox, and, being desirous to frighten him too, as well as
+the rest, he leapt at him with some fierceness, and endeavoured
+to imitate the roaring of the Lion.
+
+"Your humble servant," says the Fox, "if you had held your
+tongue, I might have taken you for a Lion, as others did; but now
+you bray I know who you are."
+
+
+MORAL.
+
+A silent man may pass for a wise man, but when we hear him speak
+we are able to form an estimate of his value.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE XXII.
+
+JUPITER AND THE FARMER.
+
+
+    'Tis said, that Jove had once a farm to let,
+        And sent down Mercury, his common crier,
+    To make the most that he could get;
+        Or sell it to the highest buyer.
+
+    To view the premises the people flocked:
+        And, as 'tis usual in such case,
+        Began to run them down apace;
+    The soil was poor, the farm ill stocked:
+        In short, a barren, miserable place,
+        Scarce worth th' expense to draw a lease.
+
+    One bolder, tho' not wiser than the rest,
+        Offered to pay in so much rent,
+        Provided he had Jove's consent
+    To guide the weather just as he thought best;
+        Or wet, or dry; or cold, or hot;
+        Whate'er he asked should be his lot;
+
+    To all which Jove gave a consenting nod.
+        The seasons now obsequious stand,
+        Quick to obey their lord's command,
+    And now the Farmer undertakes the god;
+        Now calls for sunshine, now for rains,
+        Dispels the clouds, the wind restrains;
+
+    But still confined within his farm alone,
+    He makes a climate all his own;
+        For when he sheds, or when he pours,
+        Refreshing dews, or soaking showers,
+
+        His neighbours never share a drop;
+        So much the better for their crop;
+        Each glebe a plenteous harvest yields;
+        Whilst our director spoils his fields.
+
+        Next year, he tries a different way;
+    New moulds the seasons, and directs again;
+                 But all in vain:
+    His neighbour's grounds still thrive while his decay.
+
+        What does he do in this sad plight?
+        For once he acted right:
+        He to the god his fate bemoaned,
+        Asked pardon, and his folly owned.
+        Jove, like a tender master, fond to save,
+        His weakness pityed, and his fault forgave.
+
+
+MORAL.
+
+    He, who presumes the ways of heaven to scan,
+    Is not a wise, nor yet a happy man:
+    In this firm truth securely we may rest,--
+    Whatever Providence ordains is best;
+    Had man the power, he'd work his own undoing;
+    To grant his will would be to cause his ruin.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE XXIII.
+
+THE VAIN JACKDAW.
+
+
+A CERTAIN Jackdaw was so proud and ambitious that, not contented
+to live within his own sphere, he picked up the feathers which
+fell from the Peacocks, stuck them among his own, and very
+confidently introduced himself into an assembly of those
+beautiful birds. They soon found him out, stripped him of his
+borrowed plumes, and falling upon him with their sharp bills,
+punished him as his presumption deserved.
+
+Upon this, full of grief and affliction, he returned to his old
+companions, and would have flocked with them again; but they,
+knowing his late life and conversation, industriously avoided
+him, and refused to admit him into their company; and one of
+them, at the same time, gave him this serious reproof: "If,
+friend, you could have been contented with your station, and had
+not disdained the rank in which nature had placed you, you had
+not been used so scurvily by those amongst whom you introduced
+yourself, nor suffered the notorious slight which we now think
+ourselves obliged to put upon you."
+
+
+MORAL.
+
+Great evils arise from vanity; for when we try to place ourselves
+in a position for which we are not fit, we are liable to be
+laughed at, and, when we would return to our former state, we
+find we have lost the esteem of our former friends.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE XXIV.
+
+THE VIPER AND THE FILE.
+
+
+A VIPER, crawling into a smith's shop to seek for something to
+eat, cast her eyes upon a File, and darting upon it in a moment,
+"Now I have you," said she, "and so you may help yourself how you
+can; but you may take my word for it that I shall make a fine
+meal of you before I think of parting with you." "Silly wretch!"
+said the File, as gruff as could be, "you had much better be
+quiet, and let me alone; for, if you gnaw for ever, you will get
+nothing but your trouble for your pains. Make a meal of me,
+indeed! why, I myself can bite the hardest iron in the shop; and
+if you go on with your foolish nibbling I shall tear all the
+teeth out of your spiteful head before you know where you are."
+
+
+MORAL.
+
+Take care that you never strive with those who are too strong for
+you, nor do spiteful things, lest you suffer for it.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE XXV.
+
+THE WOLF AND THE LAMB.
+
+
+One hot, sultry day, a Wolf and a Lamb happened to come just at
+the same time to quench their thirst in the stream of a clear,
+silver brook, that ran tumbling down the side of a rocky
+mountain. The Wolf stood upon the higher ground, and the Lamb at
+some distance from him down the current. However, the Wolf,
+having a mind to pick a quarrel with him, asked him what he meant
+by disturbing the water, and making it so muddy that he could not
+drink, and at the same time demanded satisfaction. The Lamb,
+frightened at this threatening charge, told him, in a tone as
+mild as possible, that, with humble submission, he could not
+conceive how that could be, since the water which he drank ran
+down from the Wolf to him, and therefore it could not be
+disturbed so far up the stream. "Be that as it will," replies the
+Wolf, "you are a rascal; and I have been told that you treated me
+with ill-language behind my back about half a year ago." "Upon my
+word," says the Lamb, "the time you mention was before I was
+born." The Wolf finding it to no purpose to argue any longer
+against truth, fell into a great passion, snarling and foaming at
+the mouth, as if he had been mad; and, drawing nearer to the
+Lamb, "Sirrah," said he, "if it was not you, it was your father,
+and that's all one." So he seized the poor innocent, helpless
+thing, tore it to pieces, and made a meal of it.
+
+[Illustration: THE WOLF AND THE LAMB.]
+
+
+MORAL.
+
+Bad men, who wish to quarrel, will always find a pretence; if
+they can find no true grounds, they will resort to those which
+are false.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE XXVI.
+
+THE OLD BULLFINCH AND YOUNG BIRDS.
+
+
+    It chanced, that, on a winter's day,
+    But warm and bright, and calm as May,
+    The birds, conceiving a design
+    To forestall sweet St. Valentine,
+    In many an orchard, copse, and grove,
+    Assembled on affairs of love;
+    And with much twitter and much chatter,
+    Began to agitate the matter.
+
+      At length, a Bullfinch, who could boast
+    More years and wisdom than the most,
+    Entreated, opening wide his beak,
+    A moment's liberty to speak;
+    And, silence publicly enjoined,
+    Delivered briefly thus his mind:
+
+      "My friends, be cautious how ye treat
+    The subject upon which we meet;
+    I fear we shall have winter yet."
+
+      A Finch, whose tongue knew no control,
+    With golden wing, and satin poll,
+    A last year's bird, who ne'er had tried
+    What marriage means, thus pert replied:
+
+      "Methinks, the gentleman," quoth she,
+    "Opposite, in the apple-tree,
+    By his good will, would keep us single,
+    'Till yonder heaven and earth shall mingle;
+    Or (which is likelier to befall)
+    'Till death exterminate us all.
+    I marry without more ado;
+    My dear Dick Redcap, what say you?"
+
+      Dick heard; and tweedling, ogling, bridling,
+    Turning short round, strutting, and sidling,
+    Attested glad his approbation
+    Of an immediate conjugation.
+    Their sentiments so well express'd,
+    Influenced mightily the rest;
+    All pair'd, and each pair built a nest.
+
+      But though the birds were thus in haste,
+    The leaves came on not quite so fast;
+    And destiny, that sometimes bears
+    An aspect stern on man's affairs,
+    Not altogether smil'd on theirs.
+
+      The wind, that late breath'd gently forth,
+    Now shifted east, and east by north;
+    Bare trees and shrubs but ill, you know,
+    Could shelter them from rain or snow;
+    Stepping into their nests, they paddled,
+    Themselves were chill'd, their eggs were addled;
+    Soon every father bird, and mother,
+    Grew quarrelsome, and peck'd each other;
+    Parted without the least regret,
+    Except that they had ever met;
+    And learn'd in future to be wiser
+    Than to neglect a good adviser.
+
+
+MORAL.
+
+    Young folks, who think themselves so wise,
+    That old folks' counsel they despise,
+    Will find, when they too late repent,
+    Their folly prove their punishment.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE XXVII.
+
+THE MOUSE AND THE WEASEL.
+
+
+A LITTLE starveling rogue of a Mouse had, with much pushing
+application, made his way through a small hole in a corn-basket,
+where he stuffed and crammed so plentifully, that, when he would
+have retired the way he came, he found himself too plump, with
+all his endeavours, to accomplish it. A Weasel, who stood at some
+distance, and had been diverting himself with beholding the vain
+efforts of the little fat thing, called to him, and said,
+"Harkee, honest friend; if you have a mind to make your escape,
+there is but one way for it: contrive to grow as poor and lean as
+you were when you entered, and then, perhaps, you may get off."
+
+
+MORAL.
+
+If evil habits have got a man into difficulties, there is no
+surer way to extricate himself than, by God's help, to cast those
+habits off.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE XXVIII.
+
+THE OLD HOUND.
+
+
+An old Hound, who had been an excellent good one in his time, and
+given his master great sport and satisfaction in many a chase, at
+last, by the effect of years, became feeble and unserviceable.
+
+However, being in the field one day when the Stag was almost run
+down, he happened to be the first that came in with him, and
+seized him by one of his haunches; but his decayed and broken
+teeth not being able to keep their hold, the deer escaped and
+threw him quite out. Upon which his master, being in a great
+passion, and going to strike him, the honest old creature is said
+to have barked out this apology. "Ah! do not strike your poor old
+servant; it is not my heart and inclination, but my strength and
+speed that fail me. If what I now am displeases you, pray don't
+forget what I have been."
+
+MORAL.
+
+Past services should never be forgotten.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE XXIX.
+
+THE CHARGER AND THE ASS
+
+
+The Horse, adorned with his great war-saddle, and champing his
+foaming bridle, came thundering along the way, and made the
+mountains echo with his loud, shrill neighing. He had not gone
+far before he overtook an Ass, who was labouring under a heavy
+burthen, and moving slowly on in the same track with himself.
+Immediately he called out to him, in a haughty, imperious tone,
+and threatened to trample him in the dirt, if he did not make way
+for him. The poor, patient Ass, not daring to dispute the matter,
+quietly got out of his way as fast as he could, and let him go
+by. Not long after this, the same Horse, in an engagement with
+the enemy, happened to be shot in the eye, which made him unfit
+for show or any military business; so he was stript of his fine
+ornaments, and sold to a carrier. The Ass, meeting him in this
+forlorn condition, thought that now it was his time to speak; and
+so, says he, "Heyday, friend, is it you? Well, I always believed
+that pride of yours would one day have a fall."
+
+
+MORAL.
+
+Pride and haughtiness are foreign to really great men. Those who
+show it, when in their high estate, if the wheel of fortune
+should change, instead of friendship or pity, will meet with
+nothing but contempt.
+
+[Illustration: THE CHARGER AND THE ASS.]
+
+
+
+
+FABLE XXX.
+
+THE COLT AND THE FARMER.
+
+
+    A COLT, for blood and mettled speed,
+    The choicest of the running breed,
+    Of youthful strength and beauty vain,
+    Refused subjection to the rein.
+
+      In vain the groom's officious skill
+    Opposed his pride, and checked his will;
+    In vain the master's forming care
+    Restrained with threats, or soothed with prayer:
+    Of freedom proud, and scorning man,
+    Wild o'er the spacious plain he ran.
+
+      Where'er luxuriant Nature spread
+    Her flowery carpet o'er the mead,
+    Or bubbling stream's soft gliding pass
+    To cool and freshen up the grass,
+    Disdaining bounds, he cropped the blade,
+    And wantoned in the spoil he made.
+
+      In plenty thus the summer passed;
+    Revolving winter came at last:
+    The trees no more a shelter yield;
+    The verdure withers from the field:
+    Perpetual snows invest the ground;
+    In icy chains the streams are bound:
+    Cold, nipping winds, and rattling hail,
+    His lank, unsheltered sides assail.
+
+      As round he cast his rueful eyes,
+    He saw the thatched-roof cottage rise:
+    The prospect touched his heart with cheer,
+    And promised kind deliverance near.
+    A stable, erst his scorn and hate,
+    Was now become his wished retreat;
+    His passion cool, his pride forgot,
+    A Farmer's welcome yard he sought.
+
+      The master saw his woful plight,
+    His limbs, that tottered with his weight,
+    And, friendly, to the stable led,
+    And saw him littered, dressed, and fed.
+    In slothful ease all night he lay;
+    The servants rose at break of day;
+    The market calls. Along the road
+    His back must bear the pond'rous load;
+
+      In vain he struggles or complains,
+    Incessant blows reward his pains.
+    To-morrow varies but his toil:
+    Chained to the plough, he breaks the soil;
+    While scanty meals at night repay
+    The painful labours of the day.
+
+      Subdued by toil, with anguish rent,
+    His self-upbraidings found a vent.
+    "Wretch that I am!" he sighing said,
+    "By arrogance and folly led;
+    Had but my restive youth been brought
+    To learn the lesson nature taught,
+    Then had I, like my sires of yore,
+    The prize from every courser bore.
+    Now, lasting servitude's my lot,
+    My birth contemned, my speed forgot;
+    Doomed am I, for my pride, to bear
+    A living death from year to year."
+
+
+MORAL.
+
+    He who disdains control, will only gain
+    A youth of pleasure for an age of pain.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE XXXI.
+
+THE LARK AND HER YOUNG ONES.
+
+
+A LARK, who had young ones in a field of corn almost ripe, was
+under some fear lest the reapers should come to reap it before
+her young brood was fledged and able to remove from that place.
+She, therefore, upon flying abroad to look for food, left this
+charge with them--to take notice what they heard talked of in her
+absence, and tell her of it when she came back again.
+
+When she was gone, they heard the owner of the corn call to his
+son: "Well," says he, "I think this corn is ripe enough. I would
+have you go early to-morrow, and desire our friends and
+neighbours to come and help us to reap it." When the old Lark
+came home, the young ones fell a quivering and chirping round
+her, and told her what had happened, begging her to remove them
+as fast as she could. The mother bid them be easy: "For," said
+she, "if the owner depends on his friends and neighbours, I am
+pretty sure the corn will not be reaped to-morrow."
+
+Next day, she went out again, leaving the same orders as before.
+The owner came, and staid, expecting his friends; but the sun
+grew hot, and nothing was done, for not a soul came to help them.
+Then says he to his son, "I perceive these friends of ours are
+not to be depended upon; so you must go to your uncles and
+cousins, and tell them I desire they would be here betimes
+to-morrow morning, to help us to reap." Well, this the young
+ones, in a great fright, reported also to their mother. "If that
+be all," says she, "do not be frightened, dear children; for
+kindred and relations are not so very forward to serve one
+another; but take particular notice what you hear said next time,
+and be sure you let me know it."
+
+She went abroad next day, as usual; and the owner, finding his
+relations as slack as the rest of his neighbours, said to his
+son, "Harkee, George; get a couple of good sickles ready against
+to-morrow morning, and we will even reap the corn ourselves."
+When the young ones told their mother this, "Then," said she, "we
+must be gone indeed; for, when a man undertakes to do his
+business himself, it is not so likely he will be disappointed."
+So she removed her young ones at once, and the corn was reaped
+next day by the good man and his son.
+
+
+MORAL.
+
+Never depend on the assistance of others. No business is so sure
+to be done as that which a man sets about doing himself.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE XXXII.
+
+THE FOX AND THE CROW.
+
+
+A CROW, having taken a piece of cheese out of a cottage window,
+flew up with it into a high tree in order to eat it; which the
+Fox observing, came and sat underneath, and began to compliment
+the Crow upon the subject of her beauty. "I protest," says he, "I
+never observed it before, but your feathers are of a more
+delicate white than any that ever I saw in my life! Ah! what a
+fine shape and graceful turn of body is there! And I make no
+question but you have a tolerable voice. If it is but as fine as
+your complexion, I do not know a bird that can pretend to stand
+in competition with you." The Crow foolishly believed all that
+the Fox said was true; but, thinking the Fox a little dubious as
+to her vocal powers, and having a mind to set him right in that
+matter, opened her mouth, and, in the same instant, let the
+cheese drop out of her mouth. This being what the Fox wanted, he
+caught it up in a moment, and trotted away, laughing to himself
+at the easy credulity of the Crow.
+
+
+MORAL.
+
+When anyone is flattered as possessing qualities he ought to feel
+conscious he does not possess, let him beware lest the flatterers
+wish either to deprive him of some solid good, or to make him
+appear ridiculous in the eyes of others.
+
+[Illustration: THE FOX AND THE CROW]
+
+
+
+
+FABLE XXXIII.
+
+THE PEACOCK'S COMPLAINT.
+
+
+The Peacock presented a memorial to Juno, importing how hardly he
+thought he was used, in not having so good a voice as the
+Nightingale; how that bird was agreeable to every ear that heard
+it, while he was laughed at for his ugly, screaming noise, if he
+did but open his mouth.
+
+The goddess, concerned at the uneasiness of her favourite bird,
+answered him very kindly to this purpose:--"If the Nightingale is
+blest with a fine voice, you have the advantage in point of
+beauty and size." "Ah!" says he, "but what avails my silent,
+unmeaning beauty, when I am so far excelled in voice?"
+
+The goddess dismissed him, bidding him consider that the
+properties of every creature were appointed by the decree of
+Fate; to him beauty, to the Eagle strength, to the Nightingale a
+voice of melody, to the Parrot the faculty of speech, and to the
+Dove innocence; that each of these was contented with his own
+peculiar quality; and, unless he wished to be miserable, he must
+also learn to be equally satisfied.
+
+
+MORAL.
+
+    The man who to his lot's resigned
+    True happiness is sure to find;
+    While envy ne'er can mend the ill,
+    But makes us feel it keener still.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE XXXIV.
+
+THE STAG IN THE OX-STALL.
+
+
+A STAG, roused from his thick covert in the midst of the forest, and
+driven hard by the hounds, made towards a farm-house, and, seeing
+the door of an ox-stall open, entered therein, and hid himself under
+a heap of straw. One of the oxen, turning his head about, asked him
+what he meant by venturing himself in such a place, where he was
+sure to meet his doom. "Ah!" said the Stag, "if you will but be so
+good as to favour me with your concealment, I hope I shall do well
+enough; I intend to make off again the first opportunity."
+
+Well, he stayed there till towards night; in came the ox-man with
+a bundle of fodder, and never saw him. In short, all the servants
+of the farm came and went, and not one of them suspected anything
+of the matter. Nay, the bailiff himself came, according to form,
+and looked in, but walked away, no wiser than the rest. Upon this
+the Stag, ready to jump out of his skin for joy, began to return
+thanks to the good-natured Oxen, protesting that they were the
+most obliging people he had ever met with in his life.
+
+After he had done his compliments, one of them answered him,
+gravely, "Indeed, we desire nothing more than to have it in our
+power to contribute to your escape, but there is a certain person
+you little think of who has a hundred eyes; if he should happen
+to come, I would not give this straw for your life."
+
+In the meanwhile, home comes the master himself from a
+neighbour's, where he had been invited to dinner; and, because he
+had observed the cattle not look well of late, he went up to the
+rack, and asked why they did not give them more fodder; then,
+casting his eyes downward, "Heydey!" says he, "why so sparing of
+your litter? pray scatter a little more here. And these
+cobwebs--But I have spoken so often that, unless I do it
+myself--" Thus, as he went on, prying into everything, he chanced
+to look where the Stag's horns lay sticking out of the straw;
+upon which he raised a hue and cry, called his people about him,
+killed the Stag, and made a prize of him.
+
+
+MORAL.
+
+For a work to be done thoroughly, it ought to be done by oneself;
+the eye of a master is keener than that of a servant.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE XXXV.
+
+THE WIND AND THE SUN.
+
+
+A DISPUTE once arose betwixt the North Wind and the Sun about the
+superiority of their power; and they agreed to try their strength
+upon a traveller, which should be able to get off his cloak
+first.
+
+The North Wind began, and blew a very cold blast, accompanied
+with a sharp, driving shower. But this, and whatever else he
+could do, instead of making the man quit his cloak, obliged him
+to gird it about his body as close as possible.
+
+Next came the Sun, who, breaking out from the thick, watery
+cloud, drove away the cold vapours from the sky, and darted his
+warm, sultry beams upon the head of the poor weather-beaten
+traveller. The man, growing faint with the heat, and unable to
+endure it any longer, first throws off his heavy cloak, and then
+flies for protection to the shade of a neighbouring grove.
+
+
+MORAL.
+
+Soft and gentle means will often accomplish what force and fury
+can never effect.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE XXXVI.
+
+THE TRAVELLERS AND THE BEAR.
+
+
+Two men, being about to travel through a forest together,
+mutually promised to stand by each other in any danger they
+should meet on the way. They had not gone far when a Bear came
+rushing towards them out of a thicket; upon which, one, being a
+light, nimble fellow, got up into a tree. The other, falling flat
+upon his face, and holding his breath, lay still, while the Bear
+came up and smelled at him; but that creature, supposing him to
+be a dead carcass, went back to the wood without doing him the
+least harm. When all was over, the man who had climbed the tree
+came down to his companion, and, with a pleasant smile, asked
+what the Bear had said to him; "For," says he, "I took notice
+that he clapped his mouth very close to your ear." "Why," replied
+the other, "he charged me to take care, for the future, not to
+put any confidence in such cowardly rascals as you are."
+
+
+MORAL.
+
+Nothing is more common than to hear people profess friendship
+when there is no occasion for it; but he is a true friend who is
+ready to assist us in the time of danger and difficulty. Choose,
+therefore, friends whom you can depend on for such a time, and
+greatly value them.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE XXXVII.
+
+THE DOG AND THE SHADOW.
+
+
+A DOG, crossing a small rivulet, with a piece of flesh in his
+mouth, which he had stolen from a butcher's shop, saw his own
+shadow represented in the clear mirror of the limpid stream; and,
+believing it to be another dog who was carrying another piece of
+flesh, he could not forbear catching at it, but was so far from
+getting anything by his greedy design, that he dropped the piece
+he had in his mouth, which immediately sank to the bottom, and
+was irrecoverably lost.
+
+
+MORAL.
+
+It is the just punishment of greediness to lose the substance by
+grasping at the shadow; while the man who would take what does
+not belong to him deserves to lose what he has.
+
+[Illustration: THE DOG AND THE SHADOW.]
+
+
+
+
+FABLE XXXVIII.
+
+THE HERMIT AND THE BEAR.
+
+
+      ONCE on a time, a mountain Bear
+    Lived in a forest drear, with no Bears near him;
+          Fat, fierce, and sulky.
+      Nor man nor other beast approached his lair;
+    His neighbours all despise, or hate, or fear him.
+      'Tis good to talk--to hold one's tongue--
+      Though either in excess be wrong:
+          Our hermit bulky,
+    So shaggy, sullen, taciturn, and rude,
+    Bear as he was, grew sick of solitude.
+
+      At the same time, by chance, retired
+    Far from the world, a man advanced in age,
+          But stout and healthy.
+      Not with devotion's flame his heart was fired;
+    Not prayer and fasting occupied the sage;
+      Though on mankind he shut his door,
+      No vows of poverty he swore:
+          The wight was wealthy.
+    But by some treacherous friend, or fair, betrayed,
+    He lived with plants, and communed with his spade.
+
+      High priest of Flora you might call him;
+    Nor less was he the favourite of Pomona.
+          But one day, walking,
+      He found it dull; and should some ill befall him,
+    In his sweet paradise, he felt alone,--Ah!
+      For neither rose, nor pink, nor vine,
+      Except in such a lay as mine,
+          Are given to talking.
+    His head old Time had now long years heaped many on;
+    So he resolved to look for some companion.
+
+      On this important expedition--
+    But fearing his researches would be vain--
+          The sage departed:
+      Revolving deeply his forlorn condition,
+    He slowly mused along a narrow lane;
+      When on a sudden--unawares--
+      A nose met his:--it was the Bear's!
+          With fright he started.
+    Fear is a common feeling: he that wise is,
+    Although his fright be great, his fear disguises.
+
+      Prudence suggested--"Stand your ground;
+    'Tis hard to turn, and harder still to dash on."
+          Prudence prevails.
+      'Twixt kindred minds a sympathy is found
+    Which lights up oft at sight a tender passion.
+
+      Where sexes are of different kind;
+      And oft 'twill ties of friendship bind
+          Between two males:
+    These magic signs our hermits, at a glance, see:
+    Each found he strongly pleased the other's fancy.
+
+      Bruin at compliments was awkward,
+    But was not long his sentiments in telling--
+          "Old man, I like you!"
+      The man replied, "Fair sir, you need not walk hard,
+    In half an hour you'll reach my humble dwelling.
+    I've milk, and various sorts of fruit,
+    If any should your palate suit,
+          Take what may strike you;
+    On me it will confer the highest pleasure
+    To spread before you all my garden's treasure."
+
+      On jogged the human Hermit with the Bear,
+    Like smoking Germans, few words interlarding;
+          Though little said,
+      Finding their tempers suited to a hair,
+    They grew firm friends before they reached the garden.
+      Each took his task, their moods the same,
+      One dug, the other hunted game,
+          And often sped;
+    And Bruin, o'er his friend a strict watch keeping,
+    Chased off the flies that haunted him when sleeping.
+
+      One afternoon, as in the sun
+    The weary Hermit took his usual nap,
+          And at his post
+      The faithful Bear his daily work begun,
+    Giving full many a brush and gentle slap,
+      With a light whisp of herbs sweet-scented,
+      And thus the teasing flies prevented,
+          That buzzing host,
+    From fixing on his sleeping patron's visage,
+    Sunk in the deep repose so fit for his age.
+
+      One blue-bottle his care defied;
+    No place could please him but the old man's nose,
+          Quite unabashed.
+      The Bear, provoked, no means would leave untried;
+    At last, a vigorous, certain mode, he chose:
+      Extending wide his heavy paw,
+      And thrusting hard each crooked claw,
+          The fly was smashed:
+    But his poor patron's face, so roughly patted,
+    All streamed with blood, and smooth his nose was flatted.
+
+      The Bear sneaked off to humble distance,
+    Seeing the damage he had done his friend;
+          Who raged with smart.
+      But calling in philosophy's assistance,
+    Anger, he thought, his wounds would never mend,
+      So coolly said, "Farewell, friend Bruin!
+      Since you have laid my face in ruin,
+          'Tis time to part."
+
+
+MORAL.
+
+    All those must such mishaps expect to share,
+    Who, for a friend, think fit to take a Bear.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE XXXIX.
+
+THE SHEPHERD'S BOY AND THE WOLF.
+
+
+A CERTAIN Shepherd's Boy, who kept sheep upon a common, in sport
+and wantonness would often cry out, "The Wolf! the Wolf!" By this
+means, he several times drew the husbandmen in an adjoining field
+from their work; who, finding themselves deluded, resolved for
+the future to take no notice of his alarm. Soon after the Wolf
+came indeed. The boy cried out in earnest; but no heed being
+given to his cries, the sheep were devoured by the Wolf.
+
+
+MORAL.
+
+The notorious liar, besides the sin of the thing, will not be
+believed when, by chance, he tells the truth.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE XL.
+
+THE FAWN AND HER MOTHER.
+
+
+A HIND was one day stamping with her foot, and bellowing so
+loudly that the whole herd quaked for fear, when one of her
+little Fawns, coming up to her, said, "Mother, what is the reason
+that you, who are so strong and bold at all other times, if you
+do but hear the cry of the hounds, are so afraid of them?" "What
+you say is true," replied the Hind; "though I know not how to
+account for it. I am, indeed, vigorous and strong enough, and
+often resolve that nothing shall ever dismay my courage; but,
+alas! I no sooner hear the voice of a hound than all my spirits
+fail me, and I cannot help making off as fast as my legs can
+carry me."
+
+
+MORAL.
+
+When we have done all, Nature will remain what she was. There is
+no arguing a coward into courage.
+
+[Illustration: THE FAWN AND HER MOTHER.]
+
+
+
+
+FABLE XLI.
+
+THE TORTOISE AND THE EAGLE.
+
+
+The Tortoise, weary of his condition, by which he was confined to
+creep upon the ground, and being ambitious to have a prospect,
+and look about him, gave out that, if any bird would take him up
+into the air, and show him the world, he would reward him with
+the discovery of many precious stones, which he knew were hidden
+in a certain part of the earth.
+
+The Eagle undertook to do as he desired, and, when he had
+performed his commission, demanded the reward. But, finding the
+Tortoise could not make good his words, he stuck his talons into
+the softer parts of his body, and made him a sacrifice to his
+revenge.
+
+
+MORAL.
+
+He that, to secure an advantage, deceives his friend by an
+untruth, will surely suffer for it when he is detected.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE XLII.
+
+THE BROTHER AND SISTER.
+
+
+A CERTAIN Man had two children, a Son and a Daughter--the Boy
+handsome enough, the Girl not quite so comely. They were both
+very young, and happened one day to be playing near the
+looking-glass, which stood on their mother's toilet. The Boy,
+pleased with the novelty of the thing, viewed himself for some
+time, and in a wanton, roguish manner observed to the Girl how
+handsome he was. She resented the insult, and ran immediately to
+her father, and, with a great deal of aggravation, complained of
+her brother, particularly for having acted so effeminate a part
+as to look in a glass, and meddle with things which belong to
+women only. The father, embracing them both with much tenderness
+and affection, told them that he should like to have them both
+look in the glass every day; "To the intent that you," says he to
+the Boy, "if you think that face of yours handsome, may not
+disgrace and spoil it by an ugly temper and a bad behaviour; and
+that you," added he, addressing the Girl, "may make up for the
+defects of your person by the sweetness of your manners and the
+excellence of your understanding."
+
+
+MORAL.
+
+A well-informed mind is better than a handsome person.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE XLIII.
+
+THE SHEPHERD'S DOG AND THE WOLF.
+
+
+    A WOLF, with hunger fierce and bold,
+    Ravaged the plains, and thinned the fold;
+    Deep in the wood secure he lay,
+    The thefts of night regaled the day.
+    In vain the shepherd's wakeful care
+    Had spread the toils, and watched the snare;
+    In vain the Dog pursued his pace,
+    The fleeter robber mocked the chase.
+
+      As Lightfoot ranged the forest round,
+    By chance his foe's retreat he found:
+    "Let us awhile the war suspend,
+    And reason as from friend to friend."
+    "A truce!" replies the Wolf. 'Tis done.
+    The Dog the parley thus begun:--
+
+      "How can that strong, intrepid mind
+    Attack a weak, defenceless kind?
+    Those jaws should prey on nobler food,
+    And drink the boar's and lion's blood;
+    Great souls with generous pity melt,
+    Which coward tyrants never felt.
+    How harmless is our fleecy care!
+    Be brave, and let thy mercy spare."
+
+      "Friend," says the Wolf, "the matter weigh:
+    Nature designed us beasts of prey;
+    As such, when hunger finds a treat,
+    'Tis necessary Wolves should eat.
+    If, mindful of the bleating weal,
+    Thy bosom burn with real zeal,
+    Hence, and thy tyrant lord beseech;
+    To him repeat the moving speech.
+    A Wolf eats sheep but now and then;
+    Ten thousands are devoured by men."
+
+
+MORAL.
+
+    An open foe may prove a curse,
+    But a pretended friend is worse.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE XLIV.
+
+THE COVETOUS MAN.
+
+
+A POOR covetous wretch, who had scraped together a good parcel of
+money, went and dug a hole in one of his fields and hid it. The
+great pleasure of his life was to go and look upon this treasure
+once a day at least; which one of his servants observing, and
+guessing there was something more than ordinary in the place,
+came at night, found it, and carried it off. The next day,
+returning as usual to the scene of his delight, and perceiving it
+had been stolen away from him, he tore his hair for grief, and
+uttered the doleful complaints of his despair to the woods and
+meadows. At last, a neighbour of his, who knew his temper,
+overhearing him, and being informed of the occasion of his
+sorrow, "Cheer up, man!" says he, "thou has lost nothing; there
+is the hole for thee to go and peep at still; and if thou canst
+but fancy thy money there, it will do just as well."
+
+
+MORAL.
+
+Money, well used, has its full value; but when allowed to lie
+useless to others or to one's self, it possesses no more value
+than a heap of oyster shells. Avarice is, therefore, a silly as
+well as a sinful vice. Use your wealth in doing good, and its
+highest value will be attained.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE XLV.
+
+THE HARE AND THE TORTOISE.
+
+
+A HARE twitted a Tortoise on account of his slowness, and vainly
+boasted of her own great speed in running. "Let us make a match,"
+replied the Tortoise: "I'll run with you five miles for five
+pounds, and the Fox yonder shall be the umpire of the race." The
+Hare agreed, and away they both started together. But the Hare,
+by reason of her exceeding swiftness, outran the Tortoise to such
+a degree that she made a jest of the matter, and, finding herself
+a little tired, squatted in a tuft of fern that grew by the way,
+and took a nap, thinking that, if the Tortoise went by, she could
+at any time catch him up with all the ease imaginable. In the
+meanwhile the Tortoise came jogging on, with a slow but continued
+motion; and the Hare, out of a too great security and confidence
+of victory, oversleeping herself, the Tortoise arrived at the end
+of the race first.
+
+
+MORAL.
+
+Industry and application will, in most cases, do more than quick
+and ready wit. The highest genius, without industry, will
+generally fail of any great exploit.
+
+[Illustration: THE HARE AND THE TORTOISE.]
+
+
+
+
+FABLE XLVI.
+
+THE HOG AND THE ACORNS.
+
+
+          ONE moonshiny night,
+          With a great appetite,
+    A Hog feasted on Acorns with all his might:
+          Quite pleased with his prize
+          Both in taste and in size,
+    While he ate he devoured the rest with his eyes.
+
+          You know, I'm in joke,
+          When I say that the oak,
+    Moved a _bough_ to the grunter before she spoke;
+          But you know, too, in fable,
+          We feel ourselves able
+    To make anything speak--tree, flower, or table.
+
+          Said the Oak, looking big,
+          "I think, Mr. Pig,
+    You might thank me for sending you fruit from my twig;
+          But, you ill-behaved Hog!
+          You devour the prog,
+    And have no better manners, I think, than a dog."
+
+          He replied, looking up,
+          Though not ceasing to sup,
+    Till the Acorns were eaten--ay, every cup--
+          "I acknowledge, to you
+          My thanks would be due,
+    If from feelings of kindness my supper you threw.
+
+          "To-morrow, good dame,
+          Give my children the same,
+    And then you, with justice, may gratitude claim."
+
+
+MORAL.
+
+          He merits no praise
+          To the end of his days,
+    Who to those who surround him no service conveys.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE XLVII.
+
+THE COUNTRY MOUSE AND THE CITY MOUSE.
+
+
+An honest, plain, sensible country Mouse is said to have
+entertained at his hole one day a fine Mouse of the town. Having
+formerly been playfellows together, they were old acquaintances,
+which served as an apology for the visit. However, as master of
+the house, he thought himself obliged to do the honours of it, in
+all respects, and to make as great a stranger of his guest as he
+possibly could. In order to this, he set before him a reserve of
+delicate grey pease and bacon, a dish of fine oatmeal, some
+parings of new cheese, and, to crown all with a dessert, a
+remnant of a charming mellow apple.
+
+In good manners, he forebore to eat any of it himself, lest the
+stranger should not have enough; but, that he might seem to bear
+the other company, sat and nibbled a piece of wheaten straw very
+busily. At last, says the spark of the town, "Old croney, give me
+leave to be a little free with you. How can you bear to live in
+this nasty, dirty, melancholy hole here, with nothing but woods
+and meadows, mountains and rivulets about you? Do you not prefer
+the busy world to the chirping of birds, and the splendour of a
+court to the rude aspect of an uncultivated desert? Come, take my
+word for it, you will find it a change for the better. Stand not
+considering, but away this moment. Remember, we are not immortal,
+and therefore have no time to lose. Make sure of to-day, and
+spend it as agreeably as you can; you know not what may happen
+to-morrow."
+
+In short, these and such like arguments prevailed, and his country
+friend was resolved to go to town that night. So they both set out
+upon their journey, proposing to sneak in after the close of the
+evening. They did so, and about midnight made their entry into a
+certain great house, where there had been an extraordinary
+entertainment the day before, and several tit-bits, which some of
+the servants had purloined, were hid under a seat of a window. The
+country guest was immediately placed in the midst of a rich Persian
+carpet; and now it was the courtier's turn to entertain, who,
+indeed, acquitted himself in that capacity with the utmost readiness
+and address, changing the courses as elegantly, and tasting
+everything first as judiciously, as any clerk of the kitchen. The
+other sat and enjoyed himself like a delighted epicure, tickled to
+the last degree with this new turn of his affairs; when, on a
+sudden, a noise of somebody opening the door made them start from
+their seats and scuttle in confusion about the dining-room. Our
+country friend, in particular, was ready to die with fear at the
+barking of a huge Mastiff or two, which opened their throats just
+about the same time, and made the whole house echo.
+
+At last, recovering himself, "Well," says he, "if this be your
+town life, much good may you do with it; give me my poor, quiet
+hole again, with my homely but comfortable grey pease."
+
+
+MORAL.
+
+Poverty and safety are preferable to luxury and danger.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE XLVIII.
+
+THE CAT AND THE MICE.
+
+
+A CERTAIN house was much infested with Mice; but at last they got
+a Cat, who caught and ate every day some of them. The Mice,
+finding their numbers grow thin, consulted what was best to be
+done for the preservation of the public from the jaws of the
+devouring Cat. They debated and came to this resolution, that no
+one should go down below the upper shelf.
+
+The Cat, observing the Mice no longer came down as usual, hungry and
+disappointed of her prey, had recourse to this stratagem:--She hung
+by her hind legs on a peg which stuck in the wall, and made as if
+she had been dead, hoping by this lure to entice the Mice to come
+down. She had not been in this posture long before a cunning old
+Mouse peeped over the edge of the shelf, and spoke thus:--"Ha! ha!
+my good friend, are you there? There you may be! I would not trust
+myself with you, though your skin were stuffed with straw."
+
+
+MORAL.
+
+They that are wise will never trust those a second time who have
+deceived them once.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE XLIX.
+
+THE KID AND THE WOLF.
+
+
+A KID, being mounted upon the roof of a lofty shed, and seeing a
+Wolf below, loaded him with all manner of reproaches. Upon which,
+the Wolf, looking up, replied, "Do not vaunt yourself, vain
+creature, and think you mortify me; for I look upon this ill
+language as not coming from you, but from the place that protects
+you."
+
+
+MORAL.
+
+To rail or give bad language is wrong at all times; but when a
+man is protected by circumstances, it is cowardly, as well as
+wrong. The man who then uses it becomes a fit object of contempt
+to him that he reviles.
+
+[Illustration: THE KID AND THE WOLF.]
+
+
+
+
+FABLE L.
+
+THE COUNCIL OF HORSES.
+
+
+    UPON a time, a neighing Steed,
+    Who grazed among a numerous breed,
+    With mutiny had fired the train,
+    And spread dissension through the plain.
+
+    On matters that concerned the state
+    The council met in grand debate.
+    A Colt, whose eye-balls flamed with ire,
+    Elate with strength and youthful fire,
+    In haste stepped forth before the rest,
+    And thus the listening throng addressed:--
+
+      "Good gods! how abject is our race!
+    Condemned to slavery and disgrace!
+    Shall we our servitude retain,
+    Because our sires have borne the chain?
+    Consider, friends, your strength and might;
+    'Tis conquest to assert your right.
+    How cumberous is the gilded coach!
+    The pride of man is our reproach.
+    Were we designed for daily toil,
+    To drag the ploughshare through the soil;
+    To sweat in harness through the road;
+    To groan beneath the carrier's load?
+    How feeble are the two-legged kind!
+    What force is in our nerves combined!
+    Shall, then, our nobler jaws submit
+    To foam and champ the galling bit?
+    Shall haughty men my back bestride?
+    Shall the sharp spur provoke my side?
+    Forbid it, heavens! reject the rein,
+    Your shame, your infamy disdain.
+    Let him the Lion first control,
+    And still the Tiger's famished growl!
+    Let us, like them, our freedom claim;
+    And make him tremble at our name."
+
+      A general nod approved the cause,
+    And all the circle neighed applause;
+    When, lo! with grave and solemn pace,
+    A Steed advanced before the race,
+    With age and long experience wise;
+    Around he casts his thoughtful eyes,
+    And, to the murmurs of the train,
+    Thus spoke the Nestor of the plain:--
+
+      "When I had health and strength, like you,
+    The toils of servitude I knew.
+    Now, grateful man rewards my pains,
+    And gives me all these wide domains.
+    At will I crop the year's increase;
+    My latter life is rest and peace.
+    I grant, to man we lend our pains,
+    And aid him to correct the plains.
+    But doth not he divide the care,
+    Through all the labours of the year?
+    How many thousand structures rise,
+    To fence us from inclement skies!
+    For us he bears the sultry day,
+    And stores up all our winter's hay.
+    He sows, he reaps the harvest gain;
+    We share the toil, and share the grain."
+
+      The tumult ceased. The Colt submitted;
+    And, like his ancestors, was bitted.
+
+
+MORAL.
+
+    Since every creature is decreed
+    To aid each other's mutual need;
+    Submit with a contented mind
+    To act the part by heaven assigned.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE LI.
+
+THE ASS AND THE LITTLE DOG.
+
+
+The Ass, observing how great a favourite a little Dog was with
+his master, how much caressed, and fondled, and fed with good
+bits at every meal, and for no other reason, as he could
+perceive, but skipping and frisking about, wagging his tail, and
+leaping up in his master's lap, was resolved to imitate the same,
+and see whether such behaviour would not procure him the same
+favours. Accordingly, the master was no sooner come home from
+walking about his fields and gardens, and was seated in his easy
+chair, than the Ass, who observed him, came gamboling and braying
+towards him, in a very awkward manner. The master could not help
+laughing aloud at the odd sight. But the jest soon became
+earnest, when he felt the rough salute of the fore-feet, as the
+Ass, raising himself upon his hinder legs, pawed against his
+breast with a most loving air, and would fain have jumped into
+his lap. The good man, terrified at this outrageous conduct, and
+unable to endure the weight of so heavy a beast, cried out; upon
+which one of his servants, running in with a good stick, and
+laying heartily upon the bones of the poor Ass, soon convinced
+him that everyone who desires it is not qualified to be a
+favourite.
+
+
+MORAL.
+
+All men have not the same gifts of pleasing. It will be well,
+therefore, to keep in our own place; and, in that condition of
+life, to do our duty. By which we shall be most likely to give
+satisfaction.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE LII.
+
+THE LION AND THE FOUR BULLS.
+
+
+Four Bulls, which had entered into a very strict friendship, kept
+always near one another, and fed together. The Lion often saw
+them, and as often wished to make one of them his prey; but
+though he could easily have subdued any of them singly, yet he
+was afraid to attack the whole when together, knowing they would
+have been too hard for him; and, therefore, contented himself for
+the present with keeping at a distance. At last, perceiving no
+attempt was to be made upon them as long as their combination
+lasted, he took occasion, by whispers and hints, to foment
+jealousies and raise divisions among them.
+
+This stratagem succeeded so well, that the Bulls grew cold and
+reserved towards one another, which soon after ripened into a
+downright hatred and aversion, and, at last, ended in a total
+separation. The Lion had now obtained his ends; and, as
+impossible as it was for him to hurt them while they were united,
+he found no difficulty, now they were parted, to seize and devour
+every Bull of them, one after another.
+
+
+MORAL.
+
+Union is strength. Jealousy and envy, especially when fomented by
+whisperers, will destroy gradually the ties that make us safe
+against enemies.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE LIII.
+
+THE LEOPARD AND THE FOX.
+
+
+The Leopard one day took it into his head to value himself upon
+the great variety and beauty of his spots; and, truly, he saw no
+reason why even the lion should take place of him, since he could
+not show so beautiful a skin. As for the rest of the wild beasts
+of the forests, he treated them all, without distinction, in the
+most haughty and disdainful manner. But the Fox, being among
+them, went up to him with a great deal of spirit and resolution,
+and told him that he was mistaken in the value he was pleased to
+set upon himself, since people of judgment were not used to form
+their opinion of merit from an outside appearance, but by
+considering the good qualities and endowments with which the mind
+was stored within.
+
+
+MORAL.
+
+Haughty beauty is an ungraceful thing. True beauty is always
+found in a setting of modesty, and then only appears the bright
+jewel that it is.
+
+[Illustration: THE LEOPARD AND THE FOX.]
+
+
+
+
+FABLE LIV.
+
+THE WARRIOR WOLF.
+
+
+          A YOUNG Wolf said aloud
+          To the listening crowd,
+    "I may well of my father's great courage be proud;
+          Wherever he came,
+          Flock, shepherd, or dame,
+    All trembled and fled at the sound of his name.
+          Did anyone spy
+          My papa coming by--
+    Two hundred or more--Oh! he made them all fly!
+          One day, by a blow,
+          He was conquered, I know;
+    But no wonder at last he should yield to a foe:
+          He yielded, poor fellow!
+          The conquering bellow
+    Resounds in my ears as my poor father's knell--Oh!"
+          A Fox then replied,
+          While, leering aside,
+    He laughed at his folly and vapouring pride:
+          "My chattering youth,
+          Your nonsense, forsooth,
+    Is more like a funeral sermon than truth.
+          Let history tell
+          How your old father fell;
+    And see if the narrative sounds as well.
+          Your folly surpasses,
+          Of monkeys all classes;
+    The beasts which he frightened, or conquered, were asses,
+          Except a few sheep,
+          When the shepherd, asleep,
+    The dog by his side for safety did keep.
+          Your father fell back,
+          Knocked down by a whack
+    From the very first bull that he dared to attack.
+          Away he'd have scoured,
+          But soon overpowered,
+    He lived like a thief, and he died like a coward."
+
+
+
+
+FABLE LV.
+
+THE BELLY AND THE MEMBERS.
+
+
+In former days, when the Belly and the other parts of the body
+enjoyed the faculty of speech, and had separate views and designs
+of their own; each part, it seems, in particular, for himself,
+and in the name of the whole, took exception at the conduct of
+the Belly, and were resolved to grant him supplies no longer.
+
+They said they thought it very hard that he should lead an idle,
+good-for-nothing life, spending and squandering away upon his own
+vile appetites all the fruits of their labour; and that, in
+short, they were resolved for the future to strike off his
+allowance, and let him shift for himself as well as he could.
+
+The hands protested they would not lift a finger to keep him from
+starving; and the mouth wished he might never speak again if he
+took in the least bit of nourishment for him as long as he lived;
+and the teeth said, "May we be rotten if ever we chew a morsel
+for him for the future!" This solemn league and covenant was kept
+so long, until each of the rebel members pined away to the skin
+and bone, and could hold out no longer. Then they found there was
+no doing without the Belly, and that, as idle and insignificant
+as he seemed, he contributed as much to the maintenance and
+welfare of all the other parts as they did to his.
+
+
+MORAL.
+
+Men are dependent upon their fellow-creatures, and it is foolish
+to expect we can do without the help of others.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE LVI.
+
+THE CUR, THE HORSE, AND THE SHEPHERD'S DOG.
+
+
+    A VILLAGE Cur, of snappish race,
+    The pertest puppy in the place,
+    Imagined that his treble throat
+    Was blessed with music's sweetest note;
+    In the mid road he basking lay,
+    The yelping nuisance of the way;
+    For not a creature passed along,
+    But had a sample of his song.
+
+      Soon as the trotting steed he hears,
+    He starts, he cocks his dapper ears;
+    Away he scours, assaults his hoof;
+    Now near him snarls, now barks aloof;
+    With shrill impertinence attends;
+    Nor leaves him till the village ends.
+
+      It chanced, upon his evil day,
+    A Pad came pacing down the way;
+    The Cur, with never-ceasing tongue,
+    Upon the passing traveller sprung.
+    The Horse, from scorn provoked to ire,
+    Flung backward; rolling in the mire,
+    The Puppy howled, and bleeding lay;
+    The Pad in peace pursued his way.
+
+      A Shepherd's Dog, who saw the deed,
+    Detesting the vexatious breed,
+    Bespoke him thus: "When coxcombs prate,
+    They kindle wrath, contempt, or hate;
+    Thy teasing tongue, had judgment tied,
+    Thou hadst not like a Puppy died."
+
+
+MORAL.
+
+    Too late the forward youth will find
+    That jokes are sometimes paid in kind;
+    Or, if they canker in the breast,
+    He makes a foe who makes a jest.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE LVII.
+
+THE JACKDAW AND THE EAGLE.
+
+
+An Eagle flew down from the top of a high rock, and settled upon
+the back of a lamb, and then, instantly flying up into the air
+again, bore his bleating prize aloft in his talons. A Jackdaw,
+who sat upon an elm, and beheld his exploit, resolved to imitate
+it. So, flying upon the back of a ram, and entangling his claws
+in the wool, he fell a-chattering and attempting to fly; by which
+means he drew the observation of the shepherd upon him, who,
+finding his feet hampered in the fleece of the ram, easily took
+him, and gave him to his boys for their sport and diversion,
+saying, "The silly bird thought he was an Eagle; but, no doubt,
+by this time he has found out he is but a Jackdaw."
+
+
+MORAL.
+
+A false estimate of our own abilities ever exposes us to
+ridicule, and often to danger.
+
+[Illustration: THE JACKDAW AND THE EAGLE.]
+
+
+
+
+FABLE LVIII.
+
+THE ASS AND THE LION HUNTING.
+
+
+The Lion took a fancy to hunt in company with the Ass; and, to
+make him the more useful, gave him instructions to hide himself
+in a thicket, and then to bray in the most frightful manner that
+he could possibly contrive. "By this means," says he, "you will
+rouse all the beasts within hearing of you, while I stand at the
+outlets and take them as they are making off." This was done; and
+the stratagem took effect accordingly. The Ass brayed most
+hideously, and the timorous beasts, not knowing what to make of
+it, began to scour off as fast as they could; when the Lion, who
+was posted at a convenient place, seized and devoured them as he
+pleased.
+
+Having got his belly full, he called out to the Ass, and bid him
+leave off braying, as he had had enough. Upon this the lop-eared
+brute came out of his ambush, and, approaching the Lion, asked
+him, with an air of conceit, "how he liked his performance."
+"Prodigiously," says he; "you did it so well, that I protest, had
+I not known your nature and temper, I might have been frightened
+myself."
+
+
+MORAL.
+
+Boastful cowards may impose upon those who do not know them, but
+are held to be only ridiculous by those who do. Pompous persons
+who would wish themselves thought perfect Lions, when known are
+mostly found arrant Asses.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE LIX.
+
+THE WOLF IN SHEEP'S CLOTHING.
+
+
+A WOLF clothing himself in the skin of a Sheep, and getting in
+among the flock, by this means took the opportunity to devour
+many of them. At last, the Shepherd discovered him, and cunningly
+fastened a rope about his neck, tying him up to a tree which
+stood hard by.
+
+Some other Shepherds happening to pass that way, and observing
+what he was about, drew near, and expressed their wonder at it.
+"What," says one of them, "Brother, do you hang Sheep?" "No,"
+replies the other; "I hang a Wolf whenever I catch him, though in
+the habit and garb of Sheep." Then he showed them their mistake,
+and they applauded the justice of the execution.
+
+
+MORAL.
+
+Those who try to seem what they are not will not always thereby
+escape the punishment of what they are.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE LX.
+
+THE TWO BEES.
+
+
+On a fine morning in May, two Bees set forward in quest of honey;
+the one, wise and temperate; the other, careless and extravagant.
+They soon arrived at a garden enriched with aromatic herbs, the
+most fragrant flowers, and the most delicious fruits. They
+regaled themselves for a time on the various dainties that were
+set before them: the one loading his thigh at intervals with
+provisions for the hive against the distant winter, the other
+revelling in sweets, without regard to anything but his present
+gratification.
+
+At length, they found a wide-mouthed vial, that hung beneath the
+bough of a peach-tree, filled with honey ready tempered, and
+exposed to their taste in the most alluring manner. The
+thoughtless Epicure, spite of all his friend's remonstrances,
+plunged headlong into the vessel, resolving to indulge himself in
+all the pleasures of sensuality. The Philosopher, on the other
+hand, sipped a little with caution, but, being suspicious of
+danger, flew off to fruits and flowers; where, by the moderation
+of his meals, he improved his relish for the true enjoyment of
+them.
+
+In the evening, however, he called upon his friend, to inquire
+whether he would return to the hive, but found him surfeited in
+sweets, which he was as unable to leave as to enjoy. Clogged in
+his wings, enfeebled in his feet, and his whole frame totally
+enervated, he was but just able to bid his friend adieu, and to
+lament, with his latest breath, that though a taste of pleasure
+may quicken the relish of life, an unrestrained indulgence is
+inevitable destruction.
+
+
+MORAL.
+
+Moderation rewards and intemperance punishes itself.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE LXI.
+
+THE TURKEY AND THE ANT.
+
+
+    A TURKEY, tired of common food,
+    Forsook the barn, and sought the wood;
+    Behind her ran her infant train,
+    Collecting here and there a grain.
+    "Draw near, my birds," the mother cries,
+    "This hill delicious fare supplies;
+    Behold the busy negro race,
+    See millions blacken all the place.
+    Fear not: like me, with freedom eat;
+    An Ant is most delightful meat.
+    How blessed, how envied were our life,
+    Could we but 'scape the poulterer's knife!
+    But man, cursed man, on Turkeys preys,
+    And Christmas shortens all our days.
+    Sometimes with oysters we combine;
+    Sometimes assist the savoury chine:
+    From the low peasant to the lord,
+    The Turkey smokes on every board;
+    Sure, men for gluttony are cursed,
+    Of the seven deadly sins, the worst."
+
+      An Ant, who climbed beyond her reach,
+    Thus answered from the neighbouring beech:
+    "Ere you remark another's sin,
+    Bid thy own conscience look within;
+    Control thy more voracious bill,
+    Nor, for a breakfast, nations kill."
+
+
+MORAL.
+
+    In other folks we faults can spy,
+    And blame the mote that dims their eye;
+    Each little speck and blemish find:
+    To our own stronger errors blind.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE LXII.
+
+THE DOG AND THE WOLF.
+
+
+A LEAN, hungry, half-starved Wolf happened, one moonshiny night,
+to meet a jolly, plump, well-fed Mastiff; and after the first
+compliments were passed, says the Wolf, "You look extremely well;
+I protest, I think I never saw a more graceful, comely person;
+but how comes it about, I beseech you, that you should live so
+much better than I? I may say, without vanity, that I venture
+fifty times more than you do, and yet I am almost ready to perish
+with hunger." The Dog answered very bluntly, "Why, you may live
+as well, if you do the same for it as I do." "Indeed! what is
+that?" says he. "Why," says the Dog, "only to guard the house at
+night, and keep it from thieves." "With all my heart," replies
+the Wolf, "for at present I have but a sorry time of it; and I
+think to change my hard lodging in the woods, where I endure
+rain, frost, and snow, for a warm roof over my head and enough of
+good victuals, will be no bad bargain." "True," says the Dog;
+"therefore you have nothing to do but to follow me."
+
+[Illustration: THE HOUSE DOG AND THE WOLF.]
+
+Now, as they were jogging on together, the Wolf spied a crease
+in the Dog's neck, and having a strange curiosity, could not
+forbear asking him what it meant! "Pugh! nothing," says the Dog.
+"Nay, but pray," says the Wolf. "Why," says the Dog, "if you must
+know, I am tied up in the day-time, because I am a little fierce,
+for fear I should bite people, and am only let loose at nights.
+But this is done with a design to make me sleep by day, more than
+anything else, and that I may watch the better in the night time;
+for, as soon as ever the twilight appears, out I am turned, and
+may go where I please. Then my master brings me plates of bones
+from the table with his own hands; and whatever scraps are left
+by any of the family, all fall to my share; for, you must know, I
+am a favourite with everybody. So you see how you are to
+live.--Come, come along; what is the matter with you?" "No,"
+replied the Wolf, "I beg your pardon; keep your happiness all to
+yourself. Liberty is the word with me; and I would not be a king
+upon the terms you mention."
+
+
+MORAL.
+
+The lowest condition of life, with freedom, is happier than the
+greatest without it. The bird of the air, though he roosts on a
+bough, has more real joy than the well-fed captive in a gilded
+cage.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE LXIII.
+
+THE SATYR AND THE TRAVELLER.
+
+
+A SATYR, as he was ranging the forest in an exceedingly cold, snowy
+season, met with a Traveller half starved with the extremity of the
+weather. He took compassion on him, and kindly invited him home to a
+warm, comfortable cave he had in a hollow of a rock. As soon as they
+had entered and sat down, notwithstanding there was a good fire in
+the place, the chilled Traveller could not forbear blowing his
+finger-ends.
+
+Upon the Satyr asking him why he did so, he answered that he did
+it to warm his hands. The honest Sylvan having seen little of the
+world, admired a man who was master of so valuable a quality as
+that of blowing heat; and, therefore, was resolved to entertain
+him in the best manner he could. He spread the table before him
+with dried fruits of several sorts, and produced a remnant of
+cold cordial wine, which, as the rigour of the season made very
+proper, he mulled with some warm spices, over the fire, and
+presented to his shivering guest. But this the Traveller thought
+fit to blow likewise; and upon the Satyr's demanding the reason
+why he blowed again, he replied, to cool the dish.
+
+This second answer provoked the Satyr's indignation, as much as
+the first had kindled his surprise; so, taking the man by the
+shoulder, he thrust him out, saying he would have nothing to do
+with a wretch who had so vile a quality as to blow hot and cold
+with the same mouth.
+
+
+MORAL.
+
+Double dealing is always detestable. The man that blows hot and
+cold at the same time is not worthy to be trusted; the sooner we
+part from him the better.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE LXIV.
+
+THE BARLEY-MOW AND THE DUNGHILL.
+
+
+    As 'CROSS his yard, at early day,
+    A careful farmer took his way,
+    He stopped, and leaning on his fork,
+    Observed the flail's incessant work.
+    In thought he measured all his store;
+    His geese, his hogs, he numbered o'er;
+    In fancy weighed the fleeces shorn,
+    And multiplied the next year's corn.
+
+      A Barley-Mow, which stood beside,
+    Thus to its musing master cried:
+
+      "Say, good sir, is it fit or right,
+    To treat me with neglect and slight?
+    Me, who contribute to your cheer,
+    And raise your mirth with ale and beer!
+    Why thus insulted, thus disgraced,
+    And that vile Dunghill near me placed?
+    Are those poor sweepings of a groom,
+    That filthy sight, that nauseous fume,
+    Meet objects here? Command it hence:
+    A thing so mean must give offence."
+
+      The humble Dunghill thus replied:
+    "Thy master hears, and mocks thy pride.
+    Insult not thus the meek and low;
+    In me thy benefactor know:
+    My warm assistance gave thee birth,
+    Or thou hadst perished low in earth:
+    But upstarts, to support their station,
+    Cancel at once all obligation."
+
+
+
+
+FABLE LXV.
+
+THE SHEEP-BITER AND SHEPHERD.
+
+
+A CERTAIN Shepherd had a Dog, upon whose fidelity he relied very
+much; for whenever he had occasion to be absent himself, he
+committed the care and tuition of the flock to the charge of his
+Dog; and, to encourage him to do his duty cheerfully, he fed him
+constantly with sweet curds and whey, and sometimes threw him a
+crust or two. Yet, notwithstanding this, no sooner was his back
+turned, but the treacherous cur fell foul of the flock, and
+devoured the sheep, instead of guarding and defending them. The
+Shepherd being informed of this, was resolved to hang him; and
+the Dog, when the rope was about his neck, and he was just going
+to be hung, began to expostulate with his master, asking him, why
+he was so unmercifully bent against him, who was his own servant
+and creature, and had only committed two or three crimes, and why
+he did not rather execute vengeance upon the Wolf, who was a
+constant and declared enemy? "Nay," replies the Shepherd, "it is
+for that very reason that I think you ten times more deserving of
+death than he. From him I expected nothing but hostilities; and
+therefore could guard against him. You I depended upon as a just
+and faithful servant, and fed and encouraged you accordingly; and
+therefore your treachery is the more notorious, and your
+ingratitude the more unpardonable."
+
+
+MORAL.
+
+A known enemy is better than a treacherous friend.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE LXVI.
+
+THE STAG AT THE POOL.
+
+
+A STAG that had been drinking at a clear spring, saw himself in
+the water; and, pleased with the sight, stood long contemplating
+and surveying his shape and features from head to foot. "Ah!"
+says he, "what a glorious pair of branching horns are there! How
+gracefully do those antlers hang over my forehead, and give an
+agreeable turn to my whole face! If some other parts of my body
+were but in proportion to them, I would turn my back to nobody;
+but I have a set of such legs as really make me ashamed to see
+them. People may talk what they please of their conveniences, and
+what great need we stand in of them, upon several occasions; but,
+for my part, I find them so very slender and unsightly that I had
+as lief have none at all."
+
+While he was giving himself these airs, he was alarmed with the
+noise of some huntsmen and a pack of hounds that had been just
+laid on upon the scent, and were making towards him.
+
+[Illustration: THE STAG AT THE POOL.]
+
+Away he flees in some consternation, and, bounding nimbly over
+the plain, threw dogs and men at a vast distance behind him.
+After which, taking a very thick copse, he had the ill-fortune to
+be entangled by his horns in a thicket, where he was held
+fast, till the hounds came in and pulled him down. Finding now
+how it was likely to go with him, in the pangs of death, he is
+said to have uttered these words:--"Unhappy creature that I am! I
+am too late convinced that what I prided myself in has been the
+cause of my undoing, and what I so much disliked was the only
+thing that could have saved me."
+
+
+MORAL.
+
+Beauty often becomes a snare and ruin, while solid virtue, though
+unadorned, gains respect. The latter, too, will mature with age,
+while the former will surely fade.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE LXVII.
+
+THE OLD SWALLOWS AND THE YOUNG BIRDS.
+
+
+A SWALLOW, observing a husbandman employed in sowing hemp, called
+the little Birds together, and informed them what the farmer was
+about. He told them that hemp was the material from which the
+nets, so fatal to the feathered race, were composed; and advised
+them unanimously to join in picking it up, in order to prevent
+the consequences.
+
+The Birds, either disbelieving his information, or neglecting his
+advice, gave themselves no trouble about the matter. In a little
+time, the hemp appeared above the ground. The friendly Swallow
+again addressed himself to them--told them it was not yet too
+late, provided they would immediately set about the work, before
+the seeds had taken too deep root. But, they still rejecting his
+advice, he forsook their society; repaired, for safety, to towns
+and cities; there built his habitation, and kept his residence.
+
+One day, as he was skimming along the streets, he happened to see
+a great number of these very Birds, imprisoned in a cage, on the
+shoulders of a bird-catcher. "Unhappy wretches!" said he, "you
+now feel the punishment of your former neglect. But those who,
+having no foresight of their own, despise the wholesome
+admonition of their friends, deserve the mischiefs which their
+own obstinacy or negligence bring upon their heads."
+
+
+MORAL.
+
+    This Fable teaches thoughtless youth
+    A most important moral truth:--
+    The seeds, which proved the young birds' ruin,
+    Are emblems of their own undoing,
+    Should they neglect, while yet 'tis time,
+    To pluck the early shoots of crime;
+    Or, in their own opinions wise,
+    The counsel of their friends despise.
+    For evil habits, left to grow,
+    Are ever sure to lead to woe;
+    But checked in time with vigorous hand,
+    Will bend to virtue's firm command.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE LXVIII.
+
+THE WAGGONER AND THE BUTTERFLY.
+
+
+    The rain so soft had made the road,
+    That, in a rut, a waggon-load,
+    The poor man's harvest, (bitter luck!)
+    Sank down a foot, and there it stuck.
+    He whipped his horses, but in vain;
+    They pulled and splashed, and pulled again,
+    But vainly still; the slippery soil
+    Defied their strength, and mocked their toil.
+    Panting they stood, with legs outspread;
+    The driver stood, and scratched his head:
+    (A common custom, by-the-bye,
+    When people know not what to try,
+    Though not, it seems, a remedy).
+
+      A Butterfly, in flower concealed,
+    Had travelled with them from the field;
+    Who in the waggon was thrown up,
+    While feasting on a buttercup.
+    The panting of each labouring beast
+    Disturbed her at her fragrant feast;
+    The sudden stop, the driver's sigh,
+    Awoke her generous sympathy.
+    And, seeing the distressing case
+    She cried, while springing from her place,
+    (Imagining her tiny freight
+    A vast addition to the weight,)
+    "I must have pity--and be gone,
+    Now, master Waggoner, drive on."
+
+
+MORAL.
+
+    Do not admire this Butterfly,
+    Young reader; I will tell you why.
+    At first, goodnature seems a cause,
+    Why she should merit your applause;
+    But 'twas conceit that filled her breast:
+    Her self-importance made a jest
+    Of what might otherwise have claimed
+    Your praise,--but now she must be blamed.
+    Should any case occur, when you
+    May have some friendly act to do;
+    Give all _your feeble aid_--as such,
+    But estimate it not too much.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE LXIX.
+
+THE LION, THE BEAR, AND THE FOX.
+
+
+A LION and a Bear quarrelling over the carcase of a Fawn, which
+they found in the forest, their title to him had to be decided by
+force of arms. The battle was severe and tough on both sides, and
+they fought it out, tearing and worrying one another so long,
+that, what with wounds and fatigue, they were so faint and weary,
+that they were not able to strike another stroke. Thus, while
+they lay upon the ground, panting and lolling out their tongues,
+a Fox chanced to pass by that way, who, perceiving how the case
+stood, very impudently stepped in between them, seized the booty
+which they had all this while been contending for, and carried it
+off. The two combatants, who lay and beheld all this, without
+having strength to stir and prevent it, were only wise enough to
+make this reflection:--"Behold the fruits of our strife and
+contention! That villain, the Fox, bears away the prize, and we
+ourselves have deprived each other of the power to recover it
+from him."
+
+
+MORAL.
+
+When fools quarrel, knaves get the prize of contention.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE LXX.
+
+THE FOX AND THE GRAPES.
+
+
+In days of yore, when a young Fox would take more pains to get a
+bunch of grapes than a plump, fat goose, an arch young thief cast
+his eyes on a fine bunch which hung on the top of a poor man's
+vine, and made him lick his lips like a hound at the sight of a
+joint of meat. "Oh," said he, "how nice they look! I must have a
+taste of them, if I die for it;" and with that, up he jumped with
+all his might, but had the ill-luck not to reach the grapes; yet,
+as he could not find in his heart to leave them, he tried for
+them as long as he was able; so he leaped and jumped, and jumped
+and leaped, till at last he was glad to rest. But when he found
+all his pains were in vain, "Hang them!" said he, "I am sure they
+are not fit to eat, for they are as sour as crabs, and would set
+my teeth on edge for a whole week; and so I shall leave them for
+the next fool who may chance to come this way."
+
+
+MORAL.
+
+Some men make light of that which is out of their reach, though
+at the same time in their hearts they know not what to do for
+want of it.
+
+[Illustration: THE FOX AND THE GRAPES.]
+
+
+
+
+FABLE LXXI.
+
+THE HARE AND MANY FRIENDS.
+
+
+    A HARE, who, in a civil way,
+    Complied with everything, like Gay,
+    Was known by all the bestial train,
+    Who haunt the wood, or graze the plain.
+
+      As forth she went, at early dawn,
+    To taste the dew-besprinkled lawn,
+    Behind she hears the hunter's cries,
+    And from the deep-mouthed thunder flies.
+    She starts, she stops, she pants for breath;
+    She hears the near approach of death;
+    She doubles, to mislead the hound,
+    And measures back her mazy round;
+    Till, fainting in the public way,
+    Half dead with fear, she gasping lay:--
+    What transport in her bosom grew,
+    When first the Horse appeared in view!
+
+      "Let me," says she, "your back ascend,
+    And owe my safety to a friend;
+    You know my feet betray my flight;
+    To friendship, ev'ry burthen's light."
+
+      The Horse replied,--"Poor, honest Puss!
+    It grieves my heart to see thee thus:
+    Be comforted,--relief is near;
+    For all our friends are in the rear."
+
+      She next the stately Bull implored,
+    And thus replied the mighty lord:--
+    "Since every beast alive can tell,
+    That I sincerely wish you well,
+    I may, without offence, pretend
+    To take the freedom of a friend.
+    Love calls me hence; a favourite cow
+    Expects me near yon barley-mow;
+    And when a lady's in the case,
+    You know, all other things give place.
+    To leave you thus may seem unkind;
+    But see,--the Goat is just behind."
+
+      The Goat remarked her pulse was high;
+    Her languid head, her heavy eye;
+    "My back," says she, "may do you harm;
+    The Sheep's at hand, and wool is warm."
+
+      The Sheep was feeble, and complained,
+    His sides a load of wool sustained;
+    Said he was slow; confessed his fears;
+    For Hounds eat Sheep as well as Hares.
+
+      She now the trotting Calf addressed,
+    To save from death a friend distressed.
+    "Shall I," says he, "of tender age,
+    In this important care engage?
+    Older and abler pass you by;
+    How strong are those! how weak am I!
+    Should I presume to bear you hence,
+    Those friends of mine may take offence.
+    Excuse me, then,--you know my heart;
+    But dearest friends, alas! must part.
+    How shall we all lament!--Adieu!
+    For see, the Hounds are just in view."
+
+
+MORAL.
+
+    Friendships are single: who depend
+    On many rarely find a friend.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE LXXII.
+
+THE COCK AND THE FOX.
+
+
+A COCK, being perched among the branches of a lofty tree, crowed
+aloud, so that the shrillness of his voice echoed through the
+wood and invited a Fox to the place, who was prowling in that
+neighbourhood in quest of his prey. But Reynard, finding the Cock
+was inaccessible by reason of the height of his situation, had
+recourse to stratagem in order to decoy him down. So, approaching
+the tree, "Cousin," says he, "I am heartily glad to see you; but
+at the same time I cannot forbear expressing my uneasiness at the
+inconvenience of the place, which will not let me pay my respects
+to you in a handsomer manner; though I suppose you will come down
+presently, and thus the difficulty will be easily removed."
+
+"Indeed, cousin," says the Cock, "to tell you the truth, I do not
+think it safe to venture upon the ground; for though I am
+convinced how much you are my friend, yet I may have the
+misfortune to fall into the clutches of some other beasts, and
+what will become of me then?" "Oh, dear!" says Reynard, "is it
+possible that you can be so ignorant, as not to know of the
+peace which has been lately proclaimed between all kinds of birds
+and beasts; and that we are for the future to forbear hostilities
+on all sides, and to live in the utmost love and harmony, and
+this, under the penalty of suffering the severest punishment that
+can be inflicted?" All this while the Cock seemed to give little
+attention to what was said, but stretched out his neck, as if he
+saw something at a distance.
+
+"Cousin," says the Fox, "what is it that you look at so
+earnestly?" "Why," says the Cock, "I think I see a pack of hounds
+yonder, a little way off." "Oh, then," says the Fox, "your humble
+servant, I must begone." "Nay, pray cousin, do not go," says the
+Cock, "I am just coming down; surely you are not afraid of Dogs
+in these peaceable times?" "No, no," says he, "but ten to one
+whether they have heard of the proclamation yet."
+
+
+MORAL.
+
+When rogues are met in their own strain, they are generally
+worsted. It is interesting to see the snares of the wicked
+defeated by the discreet management of the innocent. "Answer a
+fool according to his folly," is an old maxim.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE LXXIII.
+
+THE LION AND THE MOUSE.
+
+
+A LION, faint with heat and weary with hunting, was lying down to
+take his repose under the spreading boughs of a thick shady oak.
+It happened that while he slept, a company of scrambling mice ran
+over his back, and waked him; upon which, starting up, he clapped
+his paw upon one of them, and was just going to put it to death,
+when the little supplicant implored his mercy in a very moving
+manner, begging him not to stain his noble character with the
+blood of so despicable and small a beast.
+
+The Lion, considering the matter, thought proper to do as he was
+desired, and immediately released his little trembling prisoner.
+
+Not long after, while traversing the forest in pursuit of his
+prey, he chanced to run into the toils of the hunters, from
+whence, not being able to disengage himself, he set up a most
+hideous and loud roar.
+
+The Mouse, hearing a voice, and knowing it to be the Lion's,
+immediately repaired to the place, and bid him fear nothing, for
+that he was his friend. Then straight he fell to work, and
+with his sharp little teeth gnawing asunder the knots and
+fastenings of the toils, set the royal brute at liberty.
+
+[Illustration: THE LION AND THE MOUSE.]
+
+
+MORAL.
+
+There is none so little, but that even the greatest may at some
+time or other stand in need of his assistance.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE LXXIV.
+
+THE TRUMPETER TAKEN PRISONER.
+
+
+A TRUMPETER, being taken prisoner in a battle, begged hard for
+quarter, declaring his innocence, and protesting that he neither
+had nor could kill any man, bearing no arms but only a trumpet,
+which he was obliged to sound at the word of command. "For that
+reason," replied his enemies, "we are determined not to spare
+you; for though you yourself never fight, yet with that wicked
+instrument of yours, you blow up animosity between other people,
+and so become the occasion of much bloodshed."
+
+
+MORAL.
+
+The hand may rest quiet by the side, and yet the tongue be the
+means of doing more injury than a thousand hands.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE LXXV.
+
+THE MOUSE AND THE ELEPHANT.
+
+
+    A PERT young Mouse, but just arrived
+    From Athens, where some time he'd lived;
+    And daily to the portico,
+    To pick up learning, used to go;
+    Vain of the wisdom he had stored,
+    And of the books he had devoured;
+    Puffed up with pride and self-conceit,
+    And proud to show his little wit,
+    Thus to an Elephant, one day,
+    He took it in his head to say:--
+
+      "Nay, not so pompous in your gait,
+    Because Dame Nature made you great;
+    I tell you, sir, your mighty size
+    Is of no value in my eyes;--
+    Your magnitude, I have a notion,
+    Is quite unfit for locomotion;
+    When journeying far, you often prove
+    How sluggishly your feet can move.
+    Now, look at me: I'm made to fly;
+    Behold, with what rapidity
+    I skip about from place to place,
+    And still unwearied with the race;
+    But you--how lazily you creep,
+    And stop to breathe at every step!
+    Whenever I your bulk survey,
+    I pity--" What he meant to say,
+    Or with what kind of peroration
+    He'd have concluded his oration,
+    I cannot tell; for, all at once,
+    There pounced upon the learned dunce
+    An ambushed Cat; who, very soon,
+    Experimentally made known,
+    That between Mice and Elephants
+    There is a mighty difference.
+
+
+MORAL.
+
+    When fools pretend to wit and sense,
+    And wish to shine at your expense,
+    Defy them to the proof, and you
+    Will make them their own folly show.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE LXXVI.
+
+THE HUSBANDMAN AND HIS SONS.
+
+
+A CERTAIN Husbandman, lying at the point of death, and being
+desirous his sons should pursue that innocent, entertaining
+course of agriculture in which he himself had been engaged all
+his life, made use of this expedient to induce them to it. He
+called them to his bed-side and spoke to this effect: "All the
+patrimony I have to bequeath you, Sons, is my farm and my
+vineyard, of which I make you joint heirs. But I charge you not
+to let it go out of your own occupation; for if I have any
+treasure besides, it lies buried somewhere in the ground, within
+a foot of the surface."
+
+This made the Sons conclude that he talked of money which he had hid
+there; so, after their father's death, with unwearied diligence and
+application, they carefully dug up every inch, both of the farm and
+vineyard; from which it came to pass that, though they missed the
+treasure which they expected, the ground, by being so well stirred
+and loosened, produced so plentiful a crop of all that was sowed in
+it as proved a real, and no inconsiderable treasure.
+
+
+MORAL.
+
+Labour and industry, well applied, seldom fail of finding a rich
+treasure. And if these do not give us exactly the wealth we are
+looking for, they will certainly give us health and cheerfulness,
+with a tranquil mind, and, without these, all the gold of Peru
+would lie in our coffers useless.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE LXXVII.
+
+THE BALD KNIGHT.
+
+
+A CERTAIN Knight growing old, his hair fell off, and he became
+bald; to hide which imperfection he wore a periwig. But as he was
+riding out with some others a-hunting, a sudden gust of wind blew
+off the periwig, and exposed his bald pate.
+
+The company could not forbear laughing at the accident; and he
+himself laughed as loud as anybody, saying, "How was it to be
+expected that I should keep strange hair on my head, when my own
+would not stay there."
+
+
+MORAL.
+
+If, by any word or action, we happen to raise the laughter of
+those about us, we cannot stifle it better than, by a brisk
+presence of mind, to join in the mirth of the company, and, if
+possible, anticipate the jests they are ready to make on us.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE LXXVIII.
+
+THE DOG IN THE MANGER.
+
+
+A DOG was lying upon a manger full of hay. An Ox, being hungry,
+came near, and wanted to eat of the hay; but the envious,
+ill-natured cur, getting up and snarling at him, would not suffer
+him to touch it. Upon which the Ox, in the bitterness of his
+heart, said, "What a selfish wretch thou art, for thou canst
+neither eat hay thyself, nor suffer others to do so."
+
+
+MORAL.
+
+Selfishness is a most contemptible thing; but that degree of it
+which withholds from others what we can make no possible use of
+ourselves, is hateful in the extreme.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE LXXIX.
+
+THE OLD MAN AND DEATH.
+
+
+[Illustration: THE DOG IN THE MANGER.]
+
+A POOR, feeble old Man, who had crawled out into a neighbouring
+wood to gather a few sticks, had made up his bundle, and,
+laying it over his shoulders, was trudging homeward with it; but
+what with age, and the length of the way, and the weight of his
+burden, he grew so faint and weak that he sunk under it, and, as
+he sat on the ground, called upon Death to come and ease him of
+his troubles. Death no sooner heard him than he came and demanded
+of him what he wanted. The poor old creature, who little thought
+Death had been so near, and frightened almost out of his senses
+with his terrible aspect, answered him, trembling, That, having
+by chance let his bundle of sticks fall, and being too infirm to
+get it up himself, he had made bold to call upon him to help him;
+that, indeed, this was all he wanted at present, and that he
+hoped his worship was not offended with him for the liberty he
+had taken in so doing.
+
+
+MORAL.
+
+Men lightly speak of Death when they think he is far away; but
+let him appear near, and the very sense of his approach almost
+drives the life away. Men then resume the burden of cares which
+they had thrown down as insupportable, being content to bear the
+ills they have than fly to others that they know not of.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE LXXX.
+
+THE OLD HEN AND YOUNG COCK.
+
+
+    As an old Hen led forth her train,
+    And seemed to peck, to show the grain;
+    She raked the chaff, she scratched the ground,
+    And gleaned the spacious yard around.
+    A giddy chick, to try her wings,
+    On the well's narrow margin springs,
+    And prone she drops. The mother's breast
+    All day with sorrow was possessed.
+
+      A Cock she met--her son, she knew;
+    And in her heart affection grew.
+
+      "My son," says she, "I grant, your years
+    Have reached beyond a mother's cares;
+    I see you vigorous, strong, and bold;
+    I hear, with joy, your triumphs told.
+    'Tis not from Cocks thy fate I dread;
+    But let thy ever-wary tread
+    Avoid yon well; that fatal place
+    Is sure perdition to our race.
+    Print this, my counsel, on thy breast;
+    To the just gods I leave the rest."
+
+      He thanked her care; yet, day by day,
+    His bosom burned to disobey;
+    And every time the well he saw,
+    Scorned, in his heart, the foolish law;
+    Near and more near each day he drew,
+    And longed to try the dangerous view.
+
+      "Why was this idle charge?" he cries;
+    "Let courage female fears despise!
+    Or did she doubt my heart was brave,
+    And, therefore, this injunction gave?
+    Or does her harvest store the place,
+    A treasure for her younger race?
+    And would she thus my search prevent?--
+    I stand resolved, and dare th' event."
+
+      Thus said, he mounts the margin's round,
+    And pries into the depth profound.
+    He stretched his neck; and, from below,
+    With stretching neck advanced a foe:
+    With wrath his ruffled plumes he tears;
+    The foe with ruffled plumes appears:
+    Threat answered threat, his fury grew;
+    Headlong to meet the war he flew;
+    But when the watery death he found,
+    He thus lamented as he drowned:
+    "I ne'er had been in this condition,
+    Had I obeyed the prohibition."
+
+
+MORAL.
+
+    Obey your parents, or 'twill be your fate,
+    To feel repentance when it comes too late.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE LXXXI.
+
+MERCURY AND THE WOODMAN.
+
+
+A MAN was felling a tree on the bank of a river, and by chance
+let his hatchet slip out of his hand, which dropped into the
+water, and immediately sunk to the bottom. Being, therefore, in
+great distress from the loss of his tool, he sat down and
+bemoaned himself most lamentably.
+
+Upon this, Mercury appeared to him, and being informed of the
+cause of his complaint, dived to the bottom of the river, and,
+coming up again, showed the man a golden hatchet, demanding if
+that were his. He denied that it was; upon which Mercury dived a
+second time, and brought up a silver one. The Man refused it,
+alleging likewise that this was not his. He dived a third time,
+and fetched up the individual hatchet the man had lost; upon
+sight of which the poor fellow was overjoyed, and took it with
+all humility and thankfulness. Mercury was so pleased with the
+fellow's honesty, that he gave him the other two into the
+bargain, as a reward for his just dealing.
+
+The man then went to his companions, and, giving them an account
+of what had happened, one of them went presently to the river
+side, and let his hatchet fall designedly into the stream. Then,
+sitting down upon the bank, he fell a-weeping and lamenting, as
+if he had been really and sorely afflicted. Mercury appeared as
+before, and, diving, brought him up a golden hatchet, asking if
+that was the one he had lost. Transported at the precious metal,
+he answered "Yes," and went to snatch it greedily. But the god,
+detesting his abominable impudence, not only refused to give him
+that, but would not so much as let him have his own hatchet
+again.
+
+
+MORAL.
+
+Honesty is the best policy; it has made many a man's fortune,
+being blessed by God, and highly valued by man.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE LXXXII.
+
+THE WOLF AND THE KID.
+
+
+The GOAT, going abroad to feed, shut up her young kid at home,
+charging him to bolt the door fast, and open it to nobody, till
+she herself should return. The Wolf, who lay lurking just by,
+heard this charge given, and soon after came and knocked at the
+door, counterfeiting the voice of the Goat, and desiring to be
+admitted. The Kid, looking out of the window and discovering the
+cheat, bid him go about his business; for however he might
+imitate a Goat's voice, yet he appeared too much like a Wolf to
+be trusted.
+
+
+MORAL.
+
+We cannot use too much caution in avoiding those things which
+those who have more experience than we have warned us against.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE LXXXIII.
+
+THE OLD MAN AND HIS SONS.
+
+
+[Illustration: THE WOLF AND THE GOAT.]
+
+An Old Man had many Sons, who were often falling out with one
+another. When the father had exerted his authority, and used
+other means in order to reconcile them, and all to no purpose, he
+at last had recourse to this expedient: he ordered his Sons to be
+called before him, and a short bundle of sticks to be brought;
+and then commanded them, one by one, to try if, with all their
+might and strength, they could any of them break it. They all
+tried, but to no purpose; for the sticks being closely and
+compactly bound up together, it was impossible for the force of
+man to do it.
+
+After this the father ordered the bundle to be untied, and gave a
+single stick to each of his Sons, at the same time bidding him
+try to break it, which, when each did, with all imaginable ease,
+the father addressed himself to them to this effect: "O, my sons,
+behold the power of unity! for if you, in like manner, would but
+keep yourselves strictly joined in the bonds of friendship, it
+would not be in the power of any mortal to hurt you; but when
+once the ties of brotherly affection are dissolved, how soon do
+you fall to pieces, and become liable to be violated by every
+injurious hand that assaults you."
+
+
+MORAL.
+
+Union is strength. Love is a powerful bond, which, when
+cherished, will make those who are bound together by it
+irresistible.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE LXXXIV.
+
+THE BROOK AND THE FOUNTAIN.
+
+
+    A FOUNTAIN varied gambols played,
+      Close by an humble Brook;
+    While gently murmuring through the glade,
+      Its peaceful course it took.
+
+    Perhaps it gave one envious gaze
+      Upon the Fountain's height,
+    While glittering in the morning rays
+      Pre-eminently bright.
+
+    In all the colours of the sky,
+      Alternately it shone:
+    The Brook observed it with a sigh,
+      But quietly rolled on.
+
+    The owner of the Fountain died;
+      Neglect soon brought decay;
+    The bursting pipes were ill-supplied;
+      The Fountain ceased to play.
+
+    But still the Brook its peaceful course
+      Continued to pursue;
+    Her ample, inexhausted source,
+      From Nature's fount she drew.
+
+    "Now," said the Brook, "I bless my fate,
+      My showy rival gone;
+    Contented in its native state
+      My little stream rolls on.
+
+    And all the world has cause, indeed,
+      To own, with grateful heart,
+    How much great Nature's works excel
+      The feeble works of art."
+
+
+MORAL.
+
+Humble usefulness is preferable to idle splendour.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE LXXXV.
+
+THE MICE IN COUNCIL.
+
+
+The Mice called a general council, and, having met, after the
+doors were locked, entered into a free consultation about ways
+and means how to render their fortunes and estates more secure
+from the danger of the Cat. Many things were offered, and much
+was debated, "pro and con," upon the matter. At last, a young
+Mouse, in a fine, florid speech, concluded with an expedient, and
+that the only one, which was to put them for the future entirely
+out of the power of the enemy; and this was that the Cat should
+wear a bell about her neck, which, upon the least motion, would
+give the alarm, and be a signal for them to retire into their
+holes. This speech was received with great applause, and it was
+even proposed by some that the Mouse who made it should have the
+thanks of the assembly; upon which an old, grave Mouse, who had
+sat silent all the while, stood up, and, in another speech, owned
+that the contrivance was admirable, and the author of it, without
+doubt, an ingenious Mouse, but, he said, he thought it would not
+be so proper to vote him thanks till he should farther inform
+them how this bell was to be fastened about the Cat's neck, and
+what Mouse would undertake to do it.
+
+
+MORAL.
+
+Many things appear excellent in theory which are impossible in
+practice. It often requires a great deal of courage to carry out
+projects which a fine, florid speech may persuade the hearers are
+most plausible.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE LXXXVI.
+
+THE FOX IN THE WELL.
+
+
+A FOX, having fallen into a well, made a shift by sticking his
+claws into the sides to keep his head above water. Soon after a
+Wolf came and peeped over the brink, to whom the Fox applied very
+earnestly for assistance; entreating that he would help him to a
+rope, or something of the kind, which might favour his escape.
+The Wolf moved with compassion at his misfortune, could not
+forbear expressing his concern. "Ah, poor Reynard," says he, "I
+am sorry for you with all my heart; how could you possibly come
+into this melancholy condition?"
+
+"Nay, pr'ythee, friend," replied the Fox, "if you wish me well,
+do not stand pitying me, but lend me some succour as fast as you
+can; for pity is but cold comfort when one is up to the chin in
+water, and within a hair's breadth of starving or drowning."
+
+
+MORAL.
+
+Mere expressions of pity, without a desire or attempt to
+alleviate suffering, are a mockery. He that would be truly a
+friend, will be ready to give his assistance when needed.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE LXXXVII.
+
+THE HORSE AND THE WOLF.
+
+
+As a Wolf was roaming over a farm, he came to a field of oats,
+but not being able to eat them, he left them and went his way.
+
+Presently, meeting with a Horse, he bade him come with him into
+the field, "For," says he, "I have found some capital oats; and I
+have not tasted one, but have kept them all for you, for the very
+sound of your teeth is music to my ear." But the Horse replied,
+"A pretty fellow! if Wolves were able to eat oats, I suspect you
+would not have preferred your ears to your appetite."
+
+
+MORAL.
+
+Little thanks are due to him, who only gives away whatever is of
+no use to himself.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE LXXXVIII.
+
+THE TWO SPRINGS.
+
+
+[Illustration: THE HORSE AND THE WOLF.]
+
+Two springs, which issued from the same mountain, began their
+course together: one of them took her way in a silent and
+gentle stream, while the other rushed along with a sounding and
+rapid current. "Sister," said the latter, "at the rate you move,
+you will probably be dried up, before you advance much farther;
+whereas, for myself, I will venture a wager, that, within two or
+three hundred furlongs, I shall become navigable; and, after
+distributing commerce and wealth wherever I flow, I shall
+majestically proceed to pay my tribute to the ocean. So,
+farewell, dear sister! and patiently submit to your fate."
+
+Her sister made no reply; but, calmly descending to the meadows
+below, increased her stream by numberless little rills which she
+collected in her progress, till, at length, she was enabled to
+rise into a considerable river; whilst the proud stream, who had
+the vanity to depend solely upon her own sufficiency, continued a
+shallow brook; and was glad, at last, to be helped forward, by
+throwing herself into the arms of her despised sister.
+
+
+MORAL.
+
+His strength in words the blusterer vainly spends, While
+steadiness in quiet gains its ends.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE LXXXIX.
+
+THE COUNTRYMAN AND THE RAVEN.
+
+
+      A RAVEN, while with glossy breast,
+    Her new laid eggs she fondly pressed,
+    And, on her wicker-work high mounted,
+    Her chickens prematurely counted.
+    (A fault philosophers might blame,
+    If quite exempted from the same,)
+    Enjoyed at ease the genial day;
+    'Twas April, as the bumpkins say;--
+    The legislature called it May;
+    But suddenly, a wind, as high
+    As ever swept a winter's sky,
+    Shook the young leaves about her ears,
+    And filled her with a thousand fears,
+    Lest the rude blast should snap the bough,
+    And spread her golden hopes below.
+    But just at eve the blowing weather,
+    And all her fears, were hushed together.
+    "And now," quoth poor unthinking Ralph,
+    "'Tis over, and the brood is safe."
+
+    (For Ravens, though as birds of omen,
+    They teach both conjurors and old women;
+    To tell us what is to befall,
+    Can't prophesy themselves at all.)
+    The morning came, when neighbour Hodge,
+    Who long had marked her airy lodge,
+    And destined all the treasure there,
+    A gift to his expecting fair,
+    Climbed, like a squirrel to his dray,
+    And bore the worthless prize away.
+
+
+MORAL.
+
+    Safety consists not in escape
+    From danger of a frightful shape;
+    Fate steals along with silent tread,
+    Found oftenest in what least we dread;
+    Frowns in the storm with angry brow,
+    But in the sunshine strikes the blow.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE XC.
+
+THE FOX AND THE BRAMBLE.
+
+
+A FOX, hard pressed by the hounds, was getting over a hedge, but
+tore his foot upon a Bramble, which grew just in the midst of it,
+upon which he reproached the Bramble for his inhospitable cruelty in
+using a stranger, which had fled to him for protection, after such a
+barbarous manner. "Yes," says the Bramble, "you intended to have
+made me serve your turn, I know; but take this piece of advice with
+you for the future: Never lay hold of a Bramble again, as you value
+your sweet person; for laying hold is a privilege that belongs to us
+Brambles, and we do not care to let it go out of the family."
+
+
+MORAL.
+
+Impertinent people, who take liberties with others, are often
+much surprised if they are retorted on with severity. It is
+better, then, to keep from undue familiarity with strangers, for
+we know not of what temper they may be.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE XCI.
+
+HERCULES AND THE CARTER.
+
+
+As a clownish fellow was driving his cart along a deep miry lane,
+the wheels stuck so fast in the clay, that the horses could not
+draw them out. Upon this he fell a-bawling and praying to
+Hercules to come and help him.
+
+Hercules, looking down from a cloud, bade him not lie there,
+like an idle rascal, as he was, but get up and whip his horses
+stoutly, and clap his shoulder to the wheel; adding, that this
+was the only way for him to obtain his assistance.
+
+
+MORAL.
+
+The man who asks Heaven for gifts, and neglects the gifts Heaven
+has given, must expect silence until he shows that he is in
+earnest by putting his shoulder to the wheel.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE XCII.
+
+THE BOYS AND THE FROGS.
+
+
+On the margin of a large lake, which was inhabited by a great
+number of Frogs, a company of Boys happened to be at play. Their
+diversion was duck and drake, and whole volleys of stones were
+thrown into the water, to the great annoyance and danger of the
+poor terrified Frogs. At length, one of the most hardy, lifting
+up his head above the surface of the lake;--"Ah! dear children!"
+said he, "why will ye learn so soon to be cruel? Consider, I
+beseech you, that though this may be sport to _you_, it is death
+to _us_."
+
+
+MORAL.
+
+    A noble mind disdains to gain
+    Its pleasure from another's pain.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE XCIII.
+
+THE COCK AND THE JEWEL.
+
+
+A BRISK young Cock, in company with two or three pullets, raking
+upon a dunghill for something to entertain them with, happened to
+scratch up a jewel, which sparkled with an exceeding bright
+lustre; but, not knowing what to do with it, endeavoured to cover
+his ignorance under a look of contempt. So, shrugging up his
+wings, shaking his head, and putting on a grimace, he expressed
+himself to this purpose: "Indeed, you are a very fine thing, but
+I know not what business you have here. I make no scruple of
+declaring that my taste lies quite another way, and I had rather
+have one grain of dear delicious barley than all the jewels under
+the sun."
+
+
+MORAL.
+
+We should not despise as worthless what does not come within the
+limit of our understanding. Some lose what is truly valuable for
+want of knowledge, and prefer what is comparatively worthless.
+
+[Illustration: THE COCK AND THE JEWEL.]
+
+
+
+
+FABLE XCIV.
+
+THE NIGHTINGALE AND THE GLOW-WORM.
+
+
+      A NIGHTINGALE, that, all day long,
+    Had cheered the village with his song,
+    Nor yet at eve his note suspended,
+    Nor yet when eventide was ended,
+    Began to feel, as well he might,
+    The keen demands of appetite;
+    When, looking eagerly around,
+    He spied, far off, upon the ground,
+    A something shining in the dark,
+    And knew the Glow-worm by his spark;
+    So, stooping down from hawthorn top,
+    He thought to put him in his crop.
+    The Worm, aware of his intent,
+    Harangued him thus, right eloquent:--
+    "Did you admire my lamp," quoth he,
+    "As much as I your minstrelsy,
+    You would abhor to do me wrong,
+    As much as I to spoil your song;
+    For 'twas the self-same power divine
+    Taught you to sing and me to shine;
+    That you with music, I with light,
+    Might beautify and cheer the night."
+    The songster heard his short oration,
+    And, warbling out his approbation,
+    Released him, as my story tells,
+    And found a supper somewhere else.
+
+
+MORAL.
+
+    From this short fable, youth may learn
+    Their real interest to discern,
+    That brother should not strive with brother,
+    And worry and oppress each other;
+    But, joined in unity and peace,
+    Their mutual happiness increase:
+    Pleased when each others' faults they hide,
+    And in their virtues feel a pride.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE XCV.
+
+THE FOX AND THE SICK LION.
+
+
+It was reported that the Lion was sick, and the beasts were made
+to believe that they could not make their court better than by
+going to visit him. Upon this, they generally went, but it was
+particularly remarked that the Fox was not one of the number. The
+Lion, therefore, dispatched one of his Jackals to sound him about
+it, and to ask him why he had so little charity and respect as
+never to come near him at a time when he lay so dangerously ill,
+and everybody else had been to see him. "Why," replied the Fox,
+"pray present my duty to his majesty, and tell him that I have
+the same respect for him as ever, and have been coming several
+times to kiss his royal paw, but I am so terribly frightened at
+the mouth of his cave, to see the print of my fellow-subjects'
+feet all pointing forwards, and none backwards, that I had not
+resolution enough to venture in."
+
+Now, the truth of the matter was, that the sickness of the Lion
+was only a sham to draw the beasts into his den, the more easily
+to devour them.
+
+
+MORAL.
+
+It is well to weigh and consider the nature of any proposal
+thoroughly before we accede to it; but, certainly, if we have
+reason, from the injury done to others, to suspect that we may
+suffer harm, it is decidedly better to decline.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE XCVI.
+
+THE LION, THE FOX, AND THE GEESE.
+
+
+      A LION, tired with state affairs,
+    Quite sick of pomp, and worn with cares,
+    Resolved (remote from noise and strife)
+    In peace to pass his latter life.
+
+      It was proclaimed: the day was set:
+    Behold the general council met:
+    The Fox was viceroy named. The crowd
+    To the new regent humbly bowed!
+    Wolves, bears, and mighty tigers bend,
+    And strive who most shall condescend.
+    The crowd admire his wit, his sense:
+    Each word hath weight and consequence.
+    The flatterer all his art displays;
+    He who hath power, is sure of praise.
+    A Fox stepped forth before the rest,
+    And thus the servile throng addressed:--
+
+      "How vast his talents, born to rule,
+    And train'd in virtue's honest school!
+    What clemency his temper sways!
+    How uncorrupt are all his ways!
+    Beneath his conduct and command
+    Rapine shall cease to waste the land;
+    What blessings must attend the nation
+    Under this good administration!"
+
+      He said. A Goose, who distant stood,
+    Harangu'd apart the cackling brood:
+
+      "Whene'er I hear a knave commend,
+    He bids me shun his worthy friend.
+    What praise! what mighty commendation!
+    But 'twas a Fox who spoke th' oration.
+    Foxes this government may prize,
+    As gentle, plentiful, and wise;
+    If they enjoy the sweets, 'tis plain
+    We Geese must feel a tyrant reign.
+    What havoc now shall thin our race!
+    When every petty clerk in place,
+    To prove his taste, and seem polite,
+    Will feed on Geese both noon and night."
+
+
+MORAL.
+
+Those flatter the plunderer who share in the spoil.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE XCVII.
+
+THE ONE-EYED DOE.
+
+
+A DOE, that had but one eye, used to graze near the sea, and that
+she might be the more secure from harm, she kept her blind side
+toward the water, from whence she had no apprehension of danger,
+and with the other surveyed the country as she fed.
+
+By this vigilance and precaution she thought herself in the
+utmost security; when a sly fellow, with two or three of his
+companions, who had been poaching after her several days to no
+purpose, at last took a boat, and, fetching a compass upon the
+sea, came gently down upon her, and shot her. The Doe, in the
+agonies of death, breathed out this doleful complaint:--"Oh, hard
+fate! that I should receive my death wound from that side whence
+I expected no ill; and be safe in that part where I looked for
+the most danger."
+
+
+MORAL.
+
+Our troubles and dangers frequently arise from the direction we
+least expect them.
+
+[Illustration: THE ONE-EYED DOE.]
+
+
+
+
+FABLE XCVIII.
+
+THE FOX, THE RAVEN, AND THE DOVE.
+
+
+A FOX, who was half-starved with hunger, stretched himself all
+along upon the ground, and lay as if he were dead, that he might
+entice the harmless birds to come within his reach, and then leap
+of a sudden upon them, and make them his prey; but it happened
+that a Raven, who was hovering near him, observed that he fetched
+his breath; and, by consequence, found it to be only a trick in
+him to catch the birds. She, therefore, instantly gave them
+notice of it; and forewarned them, as they valued their own
+lives, not to come within reach of the Fox, who only feigned
+himself to be dead.
+
+The Fox, finding his plot to be discovered, was obliged to go
+away hungry; but soon bethought himself of another invention:
+which was, to go and kennel himself in a hollow tree, upon which
+a Dove had her nest, and was breeding up her young ones. Having
+done this, he called to her, that, unless she would throw down to
+him sometimes one of her eggs, and sometimes one of her young
+ones, he would climb up the tree, take away all her eggs, kill
+both her and her young, and break her nest to pieces.
+
+The harmless Dove, thinking of two ills to choose the least, did
+as the Fox required her; and threw him down now one of her eggs,
+and then one of her young ones. Having done so, for some time,
+with a great deal of grief and sorrow, and the Fox continuing
+still to demand it of her, she, at last, made her complaint to
+the Raven, who chanced to come and perch herself on the same
+tree; grievously bemoaning her fate, that she, like a good
+mother, to provide for her children, was at last obliged to make
+them a sacrifice to such a villain. But the Raven, who was not so
+timorous as she, advised her, whenever the Fox threatened her
+again, that he would kill both her and her young, if she would
+not throw one of them down to him, to answer him roundly,--"If
+you could have flown or climbed up the tree, you would not have
+been so often contented with one of my eggs, or of my young; but
+would, long since, according to your ravenous and blood-thirsty
+nature, have devoured both me and them." In short, the next time
+the Fox came, and threatened her as before, she replied as the
+Raven had instructed her.
+
+The Fox, hearing her answer, and knowing very well that she was
+not so wise and cunning of herself, resolved to find out the
+truth of the matter; and, at length, came to understand that it
+was the Raven who had been her counsellor. He, therefore, vowed
+to be revenged on her, who had now, the second time, hindered him
+from getting his prey. Not long after, he espied her sitting on a
+high thorn-tree; and, going to her, began to praise her at a
+mighty rate,--magnifying her good fortune above that of all
+beasts, who could neither fly like her, nor tread the ground with
+so majestical a gait: adding, withal, that it would be a great
+pleasure to him to see her lordly walk; that he might from
+thence, be certain whether she were indeed so divine and
+prophetic a bird as men had always held her to be.
+
+The Raven, transported to hear herself thus praised to the skies,
+flew down; and, pitching upon the ground, walked to and fro, in
+mighty pomp and state. The Fox seemed highly delighted; and said,
+that he extremely wondered how the Raven could keep upon the
+ground, when the wind blew her feathers over her eyes, and
+hindered her sight; but chiefly when it blew before, behind, and
+on all sides of her. "I can very well provide against that," said
+the Raven; "for then I hide my head under my left wing." "How!"
+cried the Fox; "hide your head under your left wing! So wonderful
+a thing I can never believe, till I see it." Immediately the
+Raven put her head under her left wing, and held it there so long
+that the Fox caught hold of her and killed her for his prey.
+
+
+MORAL.
+
+So must they fare who give good advice to others, but have not
+discretion enough to follow it themselves.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE XCIX.
+
+THE TWO POTS.
+
+
+    Two Pots, of different size and matter made,
+    Were swiftly down a rolling stream convey'd.
+    The larger vessel, form'd of solid brass,
+    Did boldly o'er the rapid water pass;
+    While that whose substance was but brittle clay,
+    Would, for his safety, give the stronger way.
+    Him the Brass Pot invited to draw near,
+    And said, "His frailty need not cause his fear;
+    For he, with just precaution would prevent
+    The danger of their jostling as they went."
+      The Earthen Pot, that knew his weaker frame,
+    Excused himself, that he no nearer came;
+    And said, "My friend, if the impetuous tide
+    Should dash my clay against your brazen side,
+    By the hard fate of that unequal stroke,
+    While you are whole, I shall be surely broke."
+
+
+MORAL.
+
+    Men safest still in equal friendship live,
+    Where they can do no harm, and none receive;
+    The strong, by power led to insult the weak,
+    With every touch the brittle vessels break;
+    While they, abused and injured by the strong,
+    Must, without remedy, sustain the wrong.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE C.
+
+THE TWO FROGS.
+
+
+One hot, sultry summer, the lakes and ponds being almost
+everywhere dried up, a couple of Frogs agreed to travel together
+in search of water. At last they came to a deep well, and,
+sitting on the brink of it, began to consult whether they should
+leap in or no. One of them was so inclined, urging that there was
+plenty of clear, spring water, and no danger of being disturbed.
+"Well," says the other, "all this may be true, and yet I cannot
+come into your opinion for my life; for if the water should
+happen to dry up here too, how should we get out again."
+
+
+MORAL.
+
+Skilful generals always secure a way for retreat. "Look before
+you leap" is an old and trite proverb. We should not undertake
+any action of importance without considering what may be the
+result, in all its aspects.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE CI.
+
+THE FOX AND THE MASK.
+
+
+A FOX, being in a shop where Masks were sold, laid his foot upon
+one of them, and considering it awhile attentively, at last broke
+out into this exclamation:--"Bless me!" says he, "what a handsome
+face this is! What a pity it is that it should want brains!"
+
+
+MORAL.
+
+Beauty without sense is of little value. A fair outside is but a
+poor substitute for inward worth.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE CII.
+
+THE CAT, THE COCK, AND THE YOUNG MOUSE.
+
+
+[Illustration: THE FOX AND THE MASK.]
+
+A YOUNG Mouse, that had seen very little of the world, came running,
+one day, to his mother in great haste:--"Oh, mother!" said he, "I am
+frightened almost to death! I have seen the most extraordinary
+creature that ever was. He has a fierce, angry look, and struts
+about on two legs; a strange piece of flesh grows on his head, and
+another under his throat, as red as blood: he flapped his arms
+against his sides, as if he intended to rise into the air; and
+stretching out his head, he opened a sharp-pointed mouth so wide,
+that I thought he was preparing to swallow me up: then he roared at
+me so horribly, that I trembled in every joint, and was glad to run
+home as fast as I could. If I had not been frightened away by this
+terrible monster, I was just going to commence an acquaintance with
+the prettiest creature you ever saw. She had a soft fur skin,
+thicker than ours, and all beautifully streaked with black and grey;
+with a modest look, and a demeanour so humble and courteous, that
+methought I could have fallen in love with her. Then she had a fine,
+long tail, which she waved about so prettily, and looked so
+earnestly at me, that I do believe she was just going to speak to
+me, when the horrid monster frightened me away."
+
+"Ah, my dear child!" said the mother, "you have escaped being
+devoured, but not by that monster you were so much afraid of;
+which, in truth, was only a bird, and would have done you no
+manner of harm. Whereas, the sweet creature, of whom you seem so
+fond, was no other than a Cat; who, under that hypocritical
+countenance, conceals the most inveterate hatred to all our race,
+and subsists entirely by devouring Mice. Learn from this
+incident, my dear, never, while you live, to rely on outward
+appearances."
+
+
+MORAL.
+
+    Beneath a fair, alluring guise,
+    A hidden danger often lies.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE CIII.
+
+THE MICE AND THE TRAP.
+
+
+Once upon a time, the Mice saw a broiled rasher of bacon hanging
+up in a very little room, the door of which being open, enticed
+them to fall on with greedy appetites. But some of them took
+particular notice that there was but one way into the room, and,
+by consequence, but one way to get out of it; so that, if that
+door, by misfortune or art, should chance to be shut, they would
+all be inevitably taken: they could not, therefore, find in their
+hearts to venture in; but said, that they had rather content
+themselves with homely fare, in safety, than, for the sake of a
+dainty bit, to run the danger of being taken, and lost for ever.
+
+The other Mice, who were looked upon to be great epicures,
+declared that they saw no danger; and, therefore, ran into the
+room, and fell to eating the bacon with great delight: but they
+soon heard the door fall down, and saw that they were all taken.
+Then the fear of approaching death so seized them, that they
+found no relish in their exquisite food; and immediately came the
+Cook who had set the Trap, and killed them: but the others, who
+had contented themselves with their usual food, fled into their
+holes, and, by that means, preserved their lives.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE CIV.
+
+THE CHAMELEON.
+
+
+      Oft has it been my lot to mark
+    A proud, conceited, talking spark,
+    With eyes that hardly served at most
+    To guard their master 'gainst a post;
+    Yet round the world the blade has been,
+    To see whatever could be seen.
+    Returning from his finish'd tour,
+    Grown ten times perter than before,
+    Whatever word you chance to drop,
+    The travelled fool your mouth will stop;
+    "Sir, if my judgment you'll allow,--
+    I've seen,--and, sure, I ought to know;"--
+    So begs you'd pay a due submission,
+    And acquiesce in his decision.
+
+      Two travellers, of such a cast,
+    As o'er Arabia's wilds they pass'd,
+    And on their way, in friendly chat,
+    Now talked of this, and then of that;
+    Discoursed awhile, 'mongst other matter,
+    Of the Chameleon's form and nature.
+    "A stranger animal," cries one,
+    "Sure never lived beneath the sun:
+    A lizard's body, lean and long,
+    A fish's head, a serpent's tongue.
+    In truth, with triple jaw disjoin'd;
+    And what a length of tail behind!
+    How slow its pace! and then its hue!
+    Who ever saw so fine a blue?"
+
+      "Hold there!" the other quick replies,
+    "'Tis green:--I saw it with these eyes,
+    As late with open mouth it lay,
+    And warm'd it in the sunny ray:
+    Stretch'd at its ease the beast I view'd,
+    And saw it eat the air for food."
+
+      "I've seen it, sir, as well as you,
+    And must again affirm it blue;
+    At leisure I the beast survey'd,
+    Extended in the cooling shade."
+
+      "'Tis green! 'tis green! sir, I assure ye."--
+    "Green!" cries the other, in a fury,--
+    "Why, sir, d'ye think I've lost my eyes?"
+    "'Twere no great loss!" the friend replies;
+    "For if they always serve you thus,
+    You find 'em but of little use."
+
+      So high at last the contest rose,
+    From words they almost came to blows;
+    When, luckily, came by a third;
+    To him the question they referr'd;
+    And begged he'd tell 'em, if he knew,
+    Whether the thing was green or blue.
+
+      "Sirs," cries the umpire, "cease your pother--
+    The creature's neither one nor t'other.
+    I caught the animal last night,
+    And viewed it o'er by candle-light;
+    I marked it well--'twas black as jet;--
+    You stare--but, sirs, I've got it yet,
+    And can produce it."--"Pray, sir, do;
+    I'll lay my life the thing is blue."
+    "And I'll be sworn that when you've seen
+    The reptile, you'll pronounce him green."
+
+      "Well, then, at once to ease the doubt,"
+    Replies the man, "I'll turn him out;
+    And when before your eyes I've set him,
+    If you don't find him black I'll eat him;"
+    He said. Then full before their sight,
+    Produced the beast, and lo! 'twas white.
+    Both stared, the man looked wondrous wise.
+    "My children," the Chameleon cries,
+    (Then first the creature found a tongue),
+    "You all are right and all are wrong;
+    When next you talk of what you view,
+    Think others see as well as you;
+    Nor wonder, if you find that none
+    Prefers your eye-sight to his own."
+
+
+
+
+FABLE CV.
+
+THE WOLF, THE FOX, AND THE ASS.
+
+
+The Lion, as king of the beasts, made a law that no beast should,
+without lawful cause, do any hurt to another; and should come
+once a year to court, to confess, and be absolved or punished,
+according to his deserts. Now it happened that the Wolf and the
+Fox were going thither together, and overtaking the Ass on the
+road, said to him:--"Brother, it is a long way to court, and it
+certainly must be much more tedious to you than to ourselves,
+because of your slow pace; but we can avoid the trouble of going
+thither, if you think fit. Let us three confess ourselves to one
+another, and send our absolutions to court, attested by two of us
+as witnesses."
+
+The Ass liked the proposal; into a clover field they went, and
+the Fox thus confessed himself first:--"It happened, as I was
+going one night through a village, a Cock, by his loud crowing,
+disturbed all the people that were asleep; at which I grew very
+angry, and bit off his head; then, fearing that the stench of his
+dead body might be offensive to the Hens, I ate him up.
+Nevertheless, it happened, three days after, as I was going by
+the same village, those very Hens spied me; and, instead of
+thanking me for the great kindness I had done them, cried out,
+'Murderer, murderer!' Then I, in defence of my honour, killed
+three of them; and, lest they should have stunk and offended the
+neighbourhood, ate them up too. This is all I have done; for
+which I now await your sentence."
+
+The Wolf thereupon expressed himself thus:--"You have, indeed,
+offended against the letter of our monarch's law, but not against
+the meaning of it; since your intentions were honourable, to take
+care of the quiet of men, and to vindicate your injured
+reputation. If, therefore, you will promise never to be so hasty
+again in killing any beast, I vote for your absolution." This the
+Fox readily did; and the Ass joined in opinion with the Wolf, who
+then thus began his confession:--
+
+"As I was one day walking along, I saw a Sow trampling down the
+corn of a poor peasant, and tearing it up by the roots, while her
+hungry Pigs were strayed far from her, and could not get
+themselves out of the mire; so that I, growing very angry at the
+great mischief she did the peasant, and at her neglect of
+motherly duty, killed and ate her up. Three days after, chancing
+to go again the same way, I observed that those Pigs were grown
+very lean; and reflecting that, through want of their mother's
+milk, they would certainly die a languishing death, I put an end
+to their miseries, and ate them up too. This I have to confess."
+
+The Fox instantly argued in this manner:--"Though you confess to
+having killed both mother and children; and though it seems, at
+first sight, that you have heinously offended against the law of
+our king; yet I see, nevertheless, that your intentions were
+good: to prevent mischief from falling upon men, to stir up a
+mother to her duty, and to show compassion to her miserable
+children, are virtues that no law can forbid or punish. I,
+therefore, declare you absolved." To which the Ass agreed.
+
+The Ass then made his confession:--"You both know," said he,
+"that it is not in my nature to do hurt to other beasts, nor to
+shed blood; and, therefore, you cannot expect to hear any such
+thing from me; but, to content you, I will relate to you what
+happened innocently to me, while I was in the service of a
+master. He was an old man, and apt to take cold in his feet; so
+that, when he travelled, to keep them dry and warm, he was wont
+to stick a little hay in his shoes. Now I carried him, one
+winter, to an inn, where he was to lie all night; and when we
+came to the door, the innkeeper brought him a pair of dry
+slippers, that his dirty shoes might not soil the house; so that
+he pulled them off, and left them without, and me by them. In
+short, my master and his host found themselves so well in the
+chimney-corner, that they never thought of poor me; but left me
+all night in the bitter cold, without giving me a handful of
+food: so that I ate up all the hay that stuck in his shoes. This
+is all I have to say;--if you will call it a confession, you may:
+however, I think nothing can be said against it."
+
+"Oh!" said the Fox, immediately, "this is not, indeed, an offence
+against the letter of the law, which mentions only the doing hurt
+to beasts, and takes no notice of eating of hay; but, if we
+reflect on the dangerous consequences of this action, and that so
+reverend a creature as a chill, aged man, by being thus robbed of
+his hay in the winter, and the next day continuing his road
+without it, might have caught a cold, a cough, and a cholic, that
+would have brought his grey hairs to the grave:--whoever, I say,
+reflects on this, cannot but be of my opinion,--which is, that
+the Ass largely deserves to die. Cousin Wolf, what say you to
+this matter?" "I," said the Wolf, "am of opinion that by reason
+of the ill consequences that might have attended this action, the
+Ass deserves a double death, and to be made an example to
+others." With that he leaped upon him, and tore out his throat,
+and the Fox and he immediately ate him up.
+
+
+MORAL.
+
+Knaves can always find reasons for justifying their own conduct,
+and condemning that of others.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE CVI.
+
+THE BOY AND THE BUTTERFLY.
+
+
+A boy, greatly smitten with the colours of a Butterfly, pursued
+it from flower to flower with indefatigable pains. First, he
+aimed to surprise it among the leaves of a rose; then to cover it
+with his hat, as it was feeding on a daisy; now hoped to secure
+it, as it rested on a sprig of myrtle; and now grew sure of his
+prize, perceiving it loiter on a bed of violets. But the fickle
+Fly, continually changing one blossom for another, still eluded
+his attempts. At length, observing it half buried in the cup of a
+tulip, he rushed forward, and snatching it with violence, crushed
+it all to pieces.
+
+
+MORAL.
+
+    Pleasure, like the Butterfly,
+    Will still elude as we draw nigh;
+    And when we think we hold it fast,
+    Will, like the insect, breathe its last.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE CVII.
+
+THE CROW AND THE PITCHER.
+
+
+A Crow, ready to die with thirst, flew with joy to a Pitcher,
+which he beheld at some distance. When he came he found water in
+it, indeed, but so near the bottom that, with all his stooping
+and straining, he was not able to reach it. Then he endeavoured
+to overturn the Pitcher, that so at least he might be able to get
+a little of it. But his strength was not sufficient for this. At
+last, seeing some pebbles lie near the place, he cast them one by
+one into the Pitcher; and thus, by degrees, raised the water up
+to the very brim, and satisfied his thirst.
+
+
+MORAL.
+
+Necessity is the mother of invention, and that which cannot be
+accomplished by strength may be achieved by ingenuity.
+
+[Illustration: WHERE THERE IS A WILL, THERE IS A WAY.]
+
+
+
+
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+
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+G. KINGSTON. With Illustrations. Post 8vo, price 5_s._ cloth
+elegant.
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+With Illustrations. Post 8vo, 3_s._ 6_d._ cloth; 4_s._ gilt
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+Illustrations by ROBERT DUDLEY. Post 8vo, price 3_s._ 6_d._ cloth
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+W. WIEGAND. Price 2_s._ 6_d._ cloth; 3_s._ 6_d._ coloured, gilt
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+Post 8vo, price 5_s._ cloth; 5_s._ 6_d._ gilt edges.
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+<html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">
+  <head>
+    <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html;charset=iso-8859-1" />
+    <title>
+      The Project Gutenberg eBook of Favourite Fables, in Prose and Verse by Harrison Weir
+    </title>
+    <style type="text/css">
+/*<![CDATA[  XML blockout */
+<!--
+    p {  margin-top: .75em;
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+     a:hover { color:#ff0000; background-color:#FFFFFF; }
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+    table { width:80%; padding: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;}
+
+    .tocch    { text-align: right; vertical-align: top;}
+    .tocpg    {text-align: right; vertical-align: bottom;}
+
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+
+
+<pre>
+
+Project Gutenberg's Favourite Fables in Prose and Verse, by Various
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+Title: Favourite Fables in Prose and Verse
+
+Author: Various
+
+Illustrator: Harrison Weir
+
+Release Date: May 15, 2007 [EBook #21446]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK FAVOURITE FABLES ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by Marilynda Fraser-Cunliffe, Sankar Viswanathan,
+and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at
+http://www.pgdp.net (This file was made using scans of
+public domain works in the International Children's Digital
+Library.)
+
+
+
+
+
+
+</pre>
+
+<div class="figcenter"><img src="images/cover.jpg" alt="Cover" width="500" height="686" /></div>
+
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 400px;"><a name="frontispiece" id="frontispiece"></a>
+<img src="images/image_01.jpg" width="400" height="524" alt="THE FROG AND THE OX."  />
+<span class="caption">THE FROG AND THE OX.</span>
+</div>
+
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+
+<h1>FAVOURITE FABLES,</h1>
+
+<h3>In Prose and Verse.</h3>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+
+<h4><span class="smcap">With Twenty-four Illustrations</span></h4>
+
+<h5>FROM DRAWINGS</h5>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+
+<h2><span class="smcap">By Harrison Weir.</span></h2>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 250px;">
+<img src="images/image_02.jpg" width="250" height="183" alt="JUSTICE."  />
+<span class="caption">JUSTICE.</span>
+</div>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<h3>LONDON:</h3>
+<h3>GRIFFITH AND FARRAN,</h3>
+<h4>(SUCCESSORS TO NEWBERY AND HARRIS),</h4>
+<h4>CORNER OF ST. PAUL'S CHURCHYARD.</h4>
+<h3>MDCCCLXX.</h3>
+
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CONTENTS" id="CONTENTS"></a>CONTENTS.</h2>
+<table summary="Contents">
+<tr><td></td>
+  <td>&nbsp;</td>
+  <td class="f1">FABLE</td><td class="tocpg f1">PAGE</td></tr>
+<tr><td class="tocch">I.</td>
+  <td>&nbsp;</td>
+  <td><span class="smcap"><a href="#FABLE_I">The Fox and the Goat</a></span></td>
+<td class="tocpg"><a href="#Page_1">1</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td class="tocch">II.</td>
+  <td>&nbsp;</td>
+  <td><span class="smcap"><a href="#FABLE_II">The Frog and the Ox</a></span></td>
+<td class="tocpg"><a href="#Page_2">2</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td class="tocch">III.</td>
+  <td>&nbsp;</td>
+  <td><span class="smcap"><a href="#FABLE_III">The Man and His Goose</a></span></td>
+<td class="tocpg"><a href="#Page_3">3</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td class="tocch">IV.</td>
+  <td>&nbsp;</td>
+  <td><span class="smcap"><a href="#FABLE_IV">The Lion and other Beasts</a></span></td>
+<td class="tocpg"><a href="#Page_4">4</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td class="tocch">V.</td>
+  <td>&nbsp;</td>
+  <td><span class="smcap"><a href="#FABLE_V">The Dove and the Ant</a></span></td>
+<td class="tocpg"><a href="#Page_5">5</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td class="tocch">VI.</td>
+  <td>&nbsp;</td>
+  <td><span class="smcap"><a href="#FABLE_VI">The Fox without a Tail</a></span></td>
+<td class="tocpg"><a href="#Page_6">6</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td class="tocch">VII.</td>
+  <td>&nbsp;</td>
+  <td><span class="smcap"><a href="#FABLE_VII">The Butterfly and the Snail</a></span></td>
+<td class="tocpg"><a href="#Page_7">7</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td class="tocch">VIII.</td>
+  <td>&nbsp;</td>
+  <td><span class="smcap"><a href="#FABLE_VIII">The Wolf and the Crane</a></span></td>
+<td class="tocpg"><a href="#Page_9">9</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td class="tocch">IX.</td>
+  <td>&nbsp;</td>
+  <td><span class="smcap"><a href="#FABLE_IX">The Frog and the Rat</a></span></td>
+<td class="tocpg"><a href="#Page_10">10</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td class="tocch">X.</td>
+  <td>&nbsp;</td>
+  <td><span class="smcap"><a href="#FABLE_X">The Fighting Cock and Eagle</a></span></td>
+<td class="tocpg"><a href="#Page_12">12</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td class="tocch">XI.</td>
+  <td>&nbsp;</td>
+  <td><span class="smcap"><a href="#FABLE_XI">The Diamond and the Loadstone</a></span></td>
+<td class="tocpg"><a href="#Page_13">13</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td class="tocch">XII.</td>
+  <td>&nbsp;</td>
+  <td><span class="smcap"><a href="#FABLE_XII">The Bear and the Bees</a></span></td>
+<td class="tocpg"><a href="#Page_15">15</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td class="tocch">XIII.</td>
+  <td>&nbsp;</td>
+  <td><span class="smcap"><a href="#FABLE_XIII">The Frogs desiring a King</a></span></td>
+<td class="tocpg"><a href="#Page_16">16</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td class="tocch">XIV.</td>
+  <td>&nbsp;</td>
+  <td><span class="smcap"><a href="#FABLE_XIV">The Fox and the Boar</a></span></td>
+<td class="tocpg"><a href="#Page_17">17</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td class="tocch">XV.</td>
+  <td>&nbsp;</td>
+  <td><span class="smcap"><a href="#FABLE_XV">The Vine and the Goat</a></span></td>
+<td class="tocpg"><a href="#Page_18">18</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td class="tocch">XVI.</td>
+  <td>&nbsp;</td>
+  <td><span class="smcap"><a href="#FABLE_XVI">The Discontented Horse</a></span></td>
+<td class="tocpg"><a href="#Page_19">19</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td class="tocch">XVII.</td>
+  <td>&nbsp;</td>
+  <td><span class="smcap"><a href="#FABLE_XVII">The Mountain in Labour</a></span></td>
+<td class="tocpg"><a href="#Page_21">21</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td class="tocch">XVIII.</td>
+  <td>&nbsp;</td>
+  <td><span class="smcap"><a href="#FABLE_XVIII">The Fox and the Stork</a></span></td>
+<td class="tocpg"><a href="#Page_21">21</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td class="tocch">XIX.</td>
+  <td>&nbsp;</td>
+  <td><span class="smcap"><a href="#FABLE_XIX">The Horse and the Stag</a></span></td>
+<td class="tocpg"><a href="#Page_23">23</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td class="tocch">XX.</td>
+  <td>&nbsp;</td>
+  <td><span class="smcap"><a href="#FABLE_XX">The Lion Wounded</a></span></td>
+<td class="tocpg"><a href="#Page_24">24</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td class="tocch">XXI.</td>
+  <td>&nbsp;</td>
+  <td><span class="smcap"><a href="#FABLE_XXI">The Ass in the Lion's Skin</a></span></td>
+<td class="tocpg"><a href="#Page_25">25</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td class="tocch">XXII.</td>
+  <td>&nbsp;</td>
+  <td><span class="smcap"><a href="#FABLE_XXII">Jupiter and the Farmer</a></span></td>
+<td class="tocpg"><a href="#Page_25">25</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td class="tocch">XXIII.</td>
+  <td>&nbsp;</td>
+  <td><span class="smcap"><a href="#FABLE_XXIII">The Vain Jackdaw</a></span></td>
+<td class="tocpg"><a href="#Page_28">28</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td class="tocch">XXIV.</td>
+  <td>&nbsp;</td>
+  <td><span class="smcap"><a href="#FABLE_XXIV">The Viper and the File</a></span></td>
+<td class="tocpg"><a href="#Page_29">29</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td class="tocch">XXV.</td>
+  <td>&nbsp;</td>
+  <td><span class="smcap"><a href="#FABLE_XXV">The Wolf and the Lamb</a></span></td>
+<td class="tocpg"><a href="#Page_30">30</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td class="tocch">XXVI.</td>
+  <td>&nbsp;</td>
+  <td><span class="smcap"><a href="#FABLE_XXVI">The Old Bullfinch and Young Birds</a></span></td>
+<td class="tocpg"><a href="#Page_31">31</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td class="tocch">XXVII.</td>
+  <td>&nbsp;</td>
+  <td><span class="smcap"><a href="#FABLE_XXVII">The Mouse and the Weasel</a></span></td>
+<td class="tocpg"><a href="#Page_34">34</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td class="tocch">XXVIII.</td>
+  <td>&nbsp;</td>
+  <td><span class="smcap"><a href="#FABLE_XXVIII">The Old Hound</a></span></td>
+<td class="tocpg"><a href="#Page_35">35</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td class="tocch">XXIX.</td>
+  <td>&nbsp;</td>
+  <td><span class="smcap"><a href="#FABLE_XXIX">The Charger and the Ass</a></span></td>
+<td class="tocpg"><a href="#Page_36">36</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td class="tocch">XXX.</td>
+  <td>&nbsp;</td>
+  <td><span class="smcap"><a href="#FABLE_XXX">The Colt and the Farmer</a></span></td>
+<td class="tocpg"><a href="#Page_37">37</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td class="tocch">XXXI.</td>
+  <td>&nbsp;</td>
+  <td><span class="smcap"><a href="#FABLE_XXXI">The Lark and her Young Ones</a></span></td>
+<td class="tocpg"><a href="#Page_40">40</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td class="tocch">XXXII.</td>
+  <td>&nbsp;</td>
+  <td><span class="smcap"><a href="#FABLE_XXXII">The Fox and the Crow</a></span></td>
+<td class="tocpg"><a href="#Page_42">42</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td class="tocch">XXXIII.</td>
+  <td>&nbsp;</td>
+  <td><span class="smcap"><a href="#FABLE_XXXIII">The Peacock's Complaint</a></span></td>
+<td class="tocpg"><a href="#Page_43">43</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td class="tocch">XXXIV.</td>
+  <td>&nbsp;</td>
+  <td><span class="smcap"><a href="#FABLE_XXXIV">The Stag in the Ox-Stall</a></span></td>
+<td class="tocpg"><a href="#Page_44">44</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td class="tocch">XXXV.</td>
+  <td>&nbsp;</td>
+  <td><span class="smcap"><a href="#FABLE_XXXV">The Wind and the Sun</a></span></td>
+<td class="tocpg"><a href="#Page_46">46</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td class="tocch">XXXVI.</td>
+  <td>&nbsp;</td>
+  <td><span class="smcap"><a href="#FABLE_XXXVI">The Travellers and the Bear</a></span></td>
+<td class="tocpg"><a href="#Page_47">47</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td class="tocch">XXXVII.</td>
+  <td>&nbsp;</td>
+  <td><span class="smcap"><a href="#FABLE_XXXVII">The Dog and the Shadow</a></span></td>
+<td class="tocpg"><a href="#Page_48">48</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td class="tocch">XXXVIII.</td>
+  <td>&nbsp;</td>
+  <td><span class="smcap"><a href="#FABLE_XXXVIII">The Hermit and the Bear</a></span></td>
+<td class="tocpg"><a href="#Page_49">49</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td class="tocch">XXXIX.</td>
+  <td>&nbsp;</td>
+  <td><span class="smcap"><a href="#FABLE_XXXIX">The Shepherd's Boy and the Wolf</a></span></td>
+<td class="tocpg"><a href="#Page_53">53</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td class="tocch">XL.</td>
+  <td>&nbsp;</td>
+  <td><span class="smcap"><a href="#FABLE_XL">The Fawn and her Mother</a></span></td>
+<td class="tocpg"><a href="#Page_54">54</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td class="tocch">XLI.</td>
+  <td>&nbsp;</td>
+  <td><span class="smcap"><a href="#FABLE_XLI">The Tortoise and the Eagle</a></span></td>
+<td class="tocpg"><a href="#Page_55">55</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td class="tocch">XLII.</td>
+  <td>&nbsp;</td>
+  <td><span class="smcap"><a href="#FABLE_XLII">The Brother and Sister</a></span></td>
+<td class="tocpg"><a href="#Page_56">56</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td class="tocch">XLIII.</td>
+  <td>&nbsp;</td>
+  <td><span class="smcap"><a href="#FABLE_XLIII">The Shepherd's Dog and Wolf</a></span></td>
+<td class="tocpg"><a href="#Page_57">57</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td class="tocch">XLIV.</td>
+  <td>&nbsp;</td>
+  <td><span class="smcap"><a href="#FABLE_XLIV">The Covetous Man</a></span></td>
+<td class="tocpg"><a href="#Page_59">59</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td class="tocch">XLV.</td>
+  <td>&nbsp;</td>
+  <td><span class="smcap"><a href="#FABLE_XLV">The Hare and the Tortoise</a></span></td>
+<td class="tocpg"><a href="#Page_60">60</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td class="tocch">XLVI.</td>
+  <td>&nbsp;</td>
+  <td><span class="smcap"><a href="#FABLE_XLVI">The Hog and the Acorns</a></span></td>
+<td class="tocpg"><a href="#Page_61">61</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td class="tocch">XLVII.</td>
+  <td>&nbsp;</td>
+  <td><span class="smcap"><a href="#FABLE_XLVII">The Country Mouse and the City Mouse</a></span></td>
+<td class="tocpg"><a href="#Page_62">62</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td class="tocch">XLVIII.</td>
+  <td>&nbsp;</td>
+  <td><span class="smcap"><a href="#FABLE_XLVIII">The Cat and the Mice</a></span></td>
+<td class="tocpg"><a href="#Page_65">65</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td class="tocch">XLIX.</td>
+  <td>&nbsp;</td>
+  <td><span class="smcap"><a href="#FABLE_XLIX">The Kid and the Wolf</a></span></td>
+<td class="tocpg"><a href="#Page_66">66</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td class="tocch">L.</td>
+  <td>&nbsp;</td>
+  <td><span class="smcap"><a href="#FABLE_L">The Council of Horses</a></span></td>
+<td class="tocpg"><a href="#Page_66">66</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td class="tocch">LI.</td>
+  <td>&nbsp;</td>
+  <td><span class="smcap"><a href="#FABLE_LI">The Ass and the Little Dog</a></span></td>
+<td class="tocpg"><a href="#Page_69">69</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td class="tocch">LII.</td>
+  <td>&nbsp;</td>
+  <td><span class="smcap"><a href="#FABLE_LII">The Lion and the Four Bulls</a></span></td>
+<td class="tocpg"><a href="#Page_71">71</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td class="tocch">LIII.</td>
+  <td>&nbsp;</td>
+  <td><span class="smcap"><a href="#FABLE_LIII">The Leopard and the Fox</a></span></td>
+<td class="tocpg"><a href="#Page_72">72</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td class="tocch">LIV.</td>
+  <td>&nbsp;</td>
+  <td><span class="smcap"><a href="#FABLE_LIV">The Warrior Wolf</a></span></td>
+<td class="tocpg"><a href="#Page_73">73</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td class="tocch">LV.</td>
+  <td>&nbsp;</td>
+  <td><span class="smcap"><a href="#FABLE_LV">The Belly and the Members</a></span></td>
+<td class="tocpg"><a href="#Page_74">74</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td class="tocch">LVI.</td>
+  <td>&nbsp;</td>
+  <td><span class="smcap"><a href="#FABLE_LVI">The Cur, the Horse, and the Shepherd's Dog</a></span></td>
+<td class="tocpg"><a href="#Page_76">76</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td class="tocch">LVII.</td>
+  <td>&nbsp;</td>
+  <td><span class="smcap"><a href="#FABLE_LVII">The Jackdaw and the Eagle</a></span></td>
+<td class="tocpg"><a href="#Page_78">78</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td class="tocch">LVIII.</td>
+  <td>&nbsp;</td>
+  <td><span class="smcap"><a href="#FABLE_LVIII">The Ass and the Lion Hunting</a></span></td>
+<td class="tocpg"><a href="#Page_79">79</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td class="tocch">LIX.</td>
+  <td>&nbsp;</td>
+  <td><span class="smcap"><a href="#FABLE_LIX">The Wolf in Sheep's Clothing</a></span></td>
+<td class="tocpg"><a href="#Page_80">80</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td class="tocch">LX.</td>
+  <td>&nbsp;</td>
+  <td><span class="smcap"><a href="#FABLE_LX">The Two Bees</a></span></td>
+<td class="tocpg"><a href="#Page_81">81</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td class="tocch">LXI.</td>
+  <td>&nbsp;</td>
+  <td><span class="smcap"><a href="#FABLE_LXI">The Turkey and the Ant</a></span></td>
+<td class="tocpg"><a href="#Page_82">82</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td class="tocch">LXII.</td>
+  <td>&nbsp;</td>
+  <td><span class="smcap"><a href="#FABLE_LXII">The Dog and the Wolf</a></span></td>
+<td class="tocpg"><a href="#Page_84">84</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td class="tocch">LXIII.</td>
+  <td>&nbsp;</td>
+  <td><span class="smcap"><a href="#FABLE_LXIII">The Satyr and the Traveller</a></span></td>
+<td class="tocpg"><a href="#Page_86">86</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td class="tocch">LXIV.</td>
+  <td>&nbsp;</td>
+  <td><span class="smcap"><a href="#FABLE_LXIV">The Barley-Mow and the Dunghill</a></span></td>
+<td class="tocpg"><a href="#Page_87">87</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td class="tocch">LXV.</td>
+  <td>&nbsp;</td>
+  <td><span class="smcap"><a href="#FABLE_LXV">The Sheep-biter and Shepherd</a></span></td>
+<td class="tocpg"><a href="#Page_88">88</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td class="tocch">LXVI.</td>
+  <td>&nbsp;</td>
+  <td><span class="smcap"><a href="#FABLE_LXVI">The Stag at the Pool</a></span></td>
+<td class="tocpg"><a href="#Page_90">90</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td class="tocch">LXVII.</td>
+  <td>&nbsp;</td>
+  <td><span class="smcap"><a href="#FABLE_LXVII">The Old Swallows and the Young Birds</a></span></td>
+<td class="tocpg"><a href="#Page_91">91</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td class="tocch">LXVIII.</td>
+  <td>&nbsp;</td>
+  <td><span class="smcap"><a href="#FABLE_LXVIII">The Waggoner and the Butterfly</a></span></td>
+<td class="tocpg"><a href="#Page_93">93</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td class="tocch">LXIX.</td>
+  <td>&nbsp;</td>
+  <td><span class="smcap"><a href="#FABLE_LXIX">The Lion, the Bear and the Fox</a></span></td>
+<td class="tocpg"><a href="#Page_95">95</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td class="tocch">LXX.</td>
+  <td>&nbsp;</td>
+  <td><span class="smcap"><a href="#FABLE_LXX">The Fox and the Grapes</a></span></td>
+<td class="tocpg"><a href="#Page_96">96</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td class="tocch">LXXI.</td>
+  <td>&nbsp;</td>
+  <td><span class="smcap"><a href="#FABLE_LXXI">The Hare and Many Friends</a></span></td>
+<td class="tocpg"><a href="#Page_97">97</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td class="tocch">LXXII.</td>
+  <td>&nbsp;</td>
+  <td><span class="smcap"><a href="#FABLE_LXXII">The Cock and the Fox</a></span></td>
+<td class="tocpg"><a href="#Page_100">100</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td class="tocch">LXXIII.</td>
+  <td>&nbsp;</td>
+  <td><span class="smcap"><a href="#FABLE_LXXIII">The Lion and the Mouse</a></span></td>
+<td class="tocpg"><a href="#Page_102">102</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td class="tocch">LXXIV.</td>
+  <td>&nbsp;</td>
+  <td><span class="smcap"><a href="#FABLE_LXXIV">The Trumpeter taken Prisoner</a></span></td>
+<td class="tocpg"><a href="#Page_103">103</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td class="tocch">LXXV.</td>
+  <td>&nbsp;</td>
+  <td><span class="smcap"><a href="#FABLE_LXXV">The Mouse and the Elephant</a></span></td>
+<td class="tocpg"><a href="#Page_104">104</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td class="tocch">LXXVI.</td>
+  <td>&nbsp;</td>
+  <td><span class="smcap"><a href="#FABLE_LXXVI">The Husbandman and his Sons</a></span></td>
+<td class="tocpg"><a href="#Page_106">106</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td class="tocch">LXXVII.</td>
+  <td>&nbsp;</td>
+  <td><span class="smcap"><a href="#FABLE_LXXVII">The Bald Knight</a></span></td>
+<td class="tocpg"><a href="#Page_107">107</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td class="tocch">LXXVIII.</td>
+  <td>&nbsp;</td>
+  <td><span class="smcap"><a href="#FABLE_LXXVIII">The Dog in the Manger</a></span></td>
+<td class="tocpg"><a href="#Page_108">108</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td class="tocch">LXXIX.</td>
+  <td>&nbsp;</td>
+  <td><span class="smcap"><a href="#FABLE_LXXIX">The Old Man and Death</a></span></td>
+<td class="tocpg"><a href="#Page_108">108</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td class="tocch">LXXX.</td>
+  <td>&nbsp;</td>
+  <td><span class="smcap"><a href="#FABLE_LXXX">The Old Hen and Young Cock</a></span></td>
+<td class="tocpg"><a href="#Page_110">110</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td class="tocch">LXXXI.</td>
+  <td>&nbsp;</td>
+  <td><span class="smcap"><a href="#FABLE_LXXXI">Mercury and the Woodman</a></span></td>
+<td class="tocpg"><a href="#Page_112">112</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td class="tocch">LXXXII.</td>
+  <td>&nbsp;</td>
+  <td><span class="smcap"><a href="#FABLE_LXXXII">The Wolf and the Kid</a></span></td>
+<td class="tocpg"><a href="#Page_114">114</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td class="tocch">LXXXIII.</td>
+  <td>&nbsp;</td>
+  <td><span class="smcap"><a href="#FABLE_LXXXIII">The Old Man and his Sons</a></span></td>
+<td class="tocpg"><a href="#Page_114">114</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td class="tocch">LXXXIV.</td>
+  <td>&nbsp;</td>
+  <td><span class="smcap"><a href="#FABLE_LXXXIV">The Brook and the Fountain</a></span></td>
+<td class="tocpg"><a href="#Page_116">116</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td class="tocch">LXXXV.</td>
+  <td>&nbsp;</td>
+  <td><span class="smcap"><a href="#FABLE_LXXXV">The Mice in Council</a></span></td>
+<td class="tocpg"><a href="#Page_117">117</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td class="tocch">LXXXVI.</td>
+  <td>&nbsp;</td>
+  <td><span class="smcap"><a href="#FABLE_LXXXVI">The Fox in the Well</a></span></td>
+<td class="tocpg"><a href="#Page_119">119</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td class="tocch">LXXXVII.</td>
+  <td>&nbsp;</td>
+  <td><span class="smcap"><a href="#FABLE_LXXXVII">The Horse and the Wolf</a></span></td>
+<td class="tocpg"><a href="#Page_120">120</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td class="tocch">LXXXVIII.</td>
+  <td>&nbsp;</td>
+  <td><span class="smcap"><a href="#FABLE_LXXXVIII">The Two Springs</a></span></td>
+<td class="tocpg"><a href="#Page_120">120</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td class="tocch">LXXXIX.</td>
+  <td>&nbsp;</td>
+  <td><span class="smcap"><a href="#FABLE_LXXXIX">The Countryman and the Raven</a></span></td>
+<td class="tocpg"><a href="#Page_122">122</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td class="tocch">XC.</td>
+  <td>&nbsp;</td>
+  <td><span class="smcap"><a href="#FABLE_XC">The Fox and the Bramble</a></span></td>
+<td class="tocpg"><a href="#Page_123">123</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td class="tocch">XCI.</td>
+  <td>&nbsp;</td>
+  <td><span class="smcap"><a href="#FABLE_XCI">Hercules and the Carter</a></span></td>
+<td class="tocpg"><a href="#Page_124">124</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td class="tocch">XCII.</td>
+  <td>&nbsp;</td>
+  <td><span class="smcap"><a href="#FABLE_XCII">The Boys and the Frogs</a></span></td>
+<td class="tocpg"><a href="#Page_125">125</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td class="tocch">XCIII.</td>
+  <td>&nbsp;</td>
+  <td><span class="smcap"><a href="#FABLE_XCIII">The Cock and the Jewel</a></span></td>
+<td class="tocpg"><a href="#Page_126">126</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td class="tocch">XCIV.</td>
+  <td>&nbsp;</td>
+  <td><span class="smcap"><a href="#FABLE_XCIV">The Nightingale and the Glow-Worm</a></span></td>
+<td class="tocpg"><a href="#Page_127">127</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td class="tocch">XCV.</td>
+  <td>&nbsp;</td>
+  <td><span class="smcap"><a href="#FABLE_XCV">The Fox and the Sick Lion</a></span></td>
+<td class="tocpg"><a href="#Page_128">128</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td class="tocch">XCVI.</td>
+  <td>&nbsp;</td>
+  <td><span class="smcap"><a href="#FABLE_XCVI">The Lion, the Fox, and the Geese</a></span></td>
+<td class="tocpg"><a href="#Page_130">130</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td class="tocch">XCVII.</td>
+  <td>&nbsp;</td>
+  <td><span class="smcap"><a href="#FABLE_XCVII">The One-Eyed Doe</a></span></td>
+<td class="tocpg"><a href="#Page_132">132</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td class="tocch">XCVIII.</td>
+  <td>&nbsp;</td>
+  <td><span class="smcap"><a href="#FABLE_XCVIII">The Fox, the Raven, and the Dove</a></span></td>
+<td class="tocpg"><a href="#Page_133">133</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td class="tocch">XCIX.</td>
+  <td>&nbsp;</td>
+  <td><span class="smcap"><a href="#FABLE_XCIX">The Two Pots</a></span></td>
+<td class="tocpg"><a href="#Page_136">136</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td class="tocch">C.</td>
+  <td>&nbsp;</td>
+  <td><span class="smcap"><a href="#FABLE_C">The Two Frogs</a></span></td>
+<td class="tocpg"><a href="#Page_137">137</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td class="tocch">CI.</td>
+  <td>&nbsp;</td>
+  <td><span class="smcap"><a href="#FABLE_CI">The Fox and the Mask</a></span></td>
+<td class="tocpg"><a href="#Page_138">138</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td class="tocch">CII.</td>
+  <td>&nbsp;</td>
+  <td><span class="smcap"><a href="#FABLE_CII">The Cat, the Cock, and the Young Mouse</a></span></td>
+<td class="tocpg"><a href="#Page_138">138</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td class="tocch">CIII.</td>
+  <td>&nbsp;</td>
+  <td><span class="smcap"><a href="#FABLE_CIII">The Mice and the Trap</a></span></td>
+<td class="tocpg"><a href="#Page_140">140</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td class="tocch">CIV.</td>
+  <td>&nbsp;</td>
+  <td><span class="smcap"><a href="#FABLE_CIV">The Chameleon</a></span></td>
+<td class="tocpg"><a href="#Page_141">141</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td class="tocch">CV.</td>
+  <td>&nbsp;</td>
+  <td><span class="smcap"><a href="#FABLE_CV">The Wolf, the Fox, and the Ass</a></span></td>
+<td class="tocpg"><a href="#Page_144">144</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td class="tocch">CVI.</td>
+  <td>&nbsp;</td>
+  <td><span class="smcap"><a href="#FABLE_CVI">The Boy and the Butterfly</a></span></td>
+<td class="tocpg"><a href="#Page_148">148</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td class="tocch">CVII.</td>
+  <td>&nbsp;</td>
+  <td><span class="smcap"><a href="#FABLE_CVII">The Crow and the Pitcher</a></span></td>
+<td class="tocpg"><a href="#Page_149">149</a></td></tr>
+</table>
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2>LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS.</h2>
+
+<table summary="List of Illustrations">
+<tr><td></td>
+  <td></td>
+  <td></td><td class="tocpg f1">PAGE</td></tr>
+<tr><td class="tocch">1.</td>
+  <td>&nbsp;</td>
+  <td><span class="smcap"><a href="#frontispiece">The Frog and the Ox</a></span> </td>
+  <td class="tocpg"><a href="#frontispiece">(<i>Frontispiece</i>)</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td class="tocch">2.</td>
+  <td>&nbsp;</td>
+  <td><span class="smcap"><a href="#pic_03">The Fox without a Tail</a></span></td>
+  <td class="tocpg"><a href="#Page_6">6</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td class="tocch">3.</td>
+  <td>&nbsp;</td>
+  <td><span class="smcap"><a href="#pic_04">The Fighting Cock and Eagle</a></span></td>
+  <td class="tocpg"><a href="#Page_12">12</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td class="tocch">4.</td>
+  <td>&nbsp;</td>
+  <td><span class="smcap"><a href="#pic_05">The Vine and the Goat</a></span></td>
+  <td class="tocpg"><a href="#Page_18">18</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td class="tocch">5.</td>
+  <td>&nbsp;</td>
+  <td><span class="smcap"><a href="#pic_06">The Lion Wounded</a></span></td>
+  <td class="tocpg"><a href="#Page_24">24</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td class="tocch">6.</td>
+  <td>&nbsp;</td>
+  <td><span class="smcap"><a href="#pic_07">The Wolf and the Lamb</a></span></td>
+  <td class="tocpg"><a href="#Page_30">30</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td class="tocch">7.</td>
+  <td>&nbsp;</td>
+  <td><span class="smcap"><a href="#pic_08">The Charger and the Ass</a></span></td>
+  <td class="tocpg"><a href="#Page_36">36</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td class="tocch">8.</td>
+  <td>&nbsp;</td>
+  <td><span class="smcap"><a href="#pic_09">The Fox and the Crow</a></span></td>
+  <td class="tocpg"><a href="#Page_42">42</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td class="tocch">9.</td>
+  <td>&nbsp;</td>
+  <td><span class="smcap"><a href="#pic_10">The Dog and the Shadow</a></span></td>
+  <td class="tocpg"><a href="#Page_48">48</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td class="tocch">10.</td>
+  <td>&nbsp;</td>
+  <td><span class="smcap"><a href="#pic_11">The Fawn and her Mother</a></span></td>
+  <td class="tocpg"><a href="#Page_54">54</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td class="tocch">11.</td>
+  <td>&nbsp;</td>
+  <td><span class="smcap"><a href="#pic_12">The Hare and the Tortoise</a></span></td>
+  <td class="tocpg"><a href="#Page_60">60</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td class="tocch">12.</td>
+  <td>&nbsp;</td>
+  <td><a href="#pic_13"><span class="smcap">The Kid and the Wolf</span></a></td>
+  <td class="tocpg"><a href="#Page_66">66</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td class="tocch">13.</td>
+  <td>&nbsp;</td>
+  <td><span class="smcap"><a href="#pic_14">The Leopard and the Fox</a></span></td>
+  <td class="tocpg"><a href="#Page_72">72</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td class="tocch">14.</td>
+  <td>&nbsp;</td>
+  <td><span class="smcap"><a href="#pic_15">The Jackdaw and the Eagle</a></span></td>
+  <td class="tocpg"><a href="#Page_78">78</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td class="tocch">15.</td>
+  <td>&nbsp;</td>
+  <td><span class="smcap"><a href="#pic_16">The Dog and the Wolf</a></span></td>
+  <td class="tocpg"><a href="#Page_84">84</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td class="tocch">16.</td>
+  <td>&nbsp;</td>
+  <td><span class="smcap"><a href="#pic_17">The Stag at the Pool</a></span></td>
+  <td class="tocpg"><a href="#Page_90">90</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td class="tocch">17.</td>
+  <td>&nbsp;</td>
+  <td><span class="smcap"><a href="#pic_18">The Fox and the Grapes</a></span></td>
+  <td class="tocpg"><a href="#Page_96">96</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td class="tocch">18.</td>
+  <td>&nbsp;</td>
+  <td><span class="smcap"><a href="#pic_19">The Lion and the Mouse</a></span></td>
+  <td class="tocpg"><a href="#Page_102">102</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td class="tocch">19.</td>
+  <td>&nbsp;</td>
+  <td><span class="smcap"><a href="#pic_20">The Dog in the Manger</a></span></td>
+  <td class="tocpg"><a href="#Page_108">108</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td class="tocch">20.</td>
+  <td>&nbsp;</td>
+  <td><span class="smcap"><a href="#pic_21">The Wolf and the Goat</a></span></td>
+  <td class="tocpg"><a href="#Page_114">114</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td class="tocch">21.</td>
+  <td>&nbsp;</td>
+  <td><span class="smcap"><a href="#pic_22">The Horse and the Wolf</a></span></td>
+  <td class="tocpg"><a href="#Page_120">120</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td class="tocch">22.</td>
+  <td>&nbsp;</td>
+  <td><span class="smcap"><a href="#pic_23">The Cock and the Jewel</a></span></td>
+  <td class="tocpg"><a href="#Page_126">126</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td class="tocch">23.</td>
+  <td>&nbsp;</td>
+  <td><span class="smcap"><a href="#pic_24">The One-eyed Doe</a></span></td>
+  <td class="tocpg"><a href="#Page_132">132</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td class="tocch">24.</td>
+  <td>&nbsp;</td>
+  <td><span class="smcap"><a href="#pic_25">The Fox and the Mask</a></span></td>
+  <td class="tocpg"><a href="#Page_138">138</a></td></tr>
+</table>
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2>FAVOURITE FABLES.</h2>
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_1" id="Page_1">[1]</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="FABLE_I" id="FABLE_I"></a>FABLE I.</h2>
+
+<h3>THE FOX AND THE GOAT.</h3>
+<div class="figleft" style="width: 400px;"><a name="pic_02" id="pic_02"></a>
+<img src="images/image_03.jpg" width="400" height="406" alt=""  />
+</div>
+
+<p>In the extreme end of a village a Fox one day went to have a peep
+at a hen-roost. He had the bad luck to fall into a well, where he
+swam first to this side, and then to that side, but could not get
+out with all his pains. At last, as chance would have it, a poor
+Goat came to the same place to seek for some drink. "So ho!
+friend Fox," said he, "you quaff it off there at a great rate: I
+hope by this time you have quenched your thirst." "Thirst!" said
+the sly rogue; "what I have found here to drink is so clear, and
+so sweet, that I cannot take my<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_2" id="Page_2">[2]</a></span> fill of it; do, pray, come down,
+my dear, and have a taste of it." With that, in plumped the Goat
+as he bade him; but as soon as he was down, the Fox jumped on his
+horns, and leaped out of the well in a trice; and as he went off,
+"Good bye, my wise friend," said he; "if you had as much brains
+as you have beard, I should have been in the well still, and you
+might have stood on the brink of it to laugh at me, as I now do
+at you."</p>
+
+
+<p class="center">MORAL.</p>
+
+<p>A rogue will give up the best friend he has to get out of a
+scrape; so that we ought to know what a man is, that we may judge
+how far we may trust to what he says.</p>
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="FABLE_II" id="FABLE_II"></a>FABLE II.</h2>
+
+<h3>THE FROG AND THE OX.</h3>
+
+
+<p>An old Frog, being wonderfully struck with the size and majesty
+of an Ox that was grazing in the marshes, was seized with the
+desire to expand herself to the same portly magnitude. After
+puffing and swelling for some time, "What think you," said she,
+to her young ones, "will this do?" "Far from it," said they.
+"Will this?" "By no<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_3" id="Page_3">[3]</a></span> means." "But this surely will?" "Nothing
+like it," they replied. After many fruitless and ridiculous
+efforts to the same purpose, the foolish Frog burst her skin, and
+miserably expired upon the spot.</p>
+
+
+<p class="center">MORAL.</p>
+
+<p>To attempt what is out of our power, and to rival those greater
+than ourselves, is sure to expose us to contempt and ruin.</p>
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="FABLE_III" id="FABLE_III"></a>FABLE III.</h2>
+
+<h3>THE MAN AND HIS GOOSE.</h3>
+
+<p>A <span class="smcap">certain</span> Man had a Goose, which laid him a golden egg every day.
+But, not contented with this, which rather increased than abated
+his avarice, he was resolved to kill the Goose, and cut up her
+belly, so that he might come to the inexhaustible treasure which
+he fancied she had within her, without being obliged to wait for
+the slow production of a single egg daily. He did so, and, to his
+great sorrow and disappointment, found nothing within.</p>
+
+
+<p class="center">MORAL.</p>
+
+<p>The man that hastes to become rich often finds that he has only
+brought on ruin.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_4" id="Page_4">[4]</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="FABLE_IV" id="FABLE_IV"></a>FABLE IV.</h2>
+
+<h3>THE LION AND OTHER BEASTS.</h3>
+
+
+<p>The Bull, and several other beasts, were ambitious of the honour
+of hunting with the Lion. His savage Majesty graciously
+condescended to their desire; and it was agreed that they should
+have an equal share in whatever might be taken. They scour the
+forest, are unanimous in the pursuit, and, after a long chase,
+pull down a noble stag. It was divided with great dexterity by
+the Bull into four equal parts; but just as he was going to
+secure his share&mdash;"Hold!" says the Lion, "let no one presume to
+help himself till he hath heard our just and reasonable claims. I
+seize upon the first quarter by virtue of my prerogative; the
+second I claim as due to my superior conduct and courage; I
+cannot forego the third, on account of the necessities of my den;
+and if anyone is inclined to dispute my right to the fourth, let
+him speak." Awed by the majesty of his frown, and the terror of
+his paws, they silently withdrew, resolving never to hunt again
+but with their equals.</p>
+
+
+<p class="center">MORAL.</p>
+
+<p>Be certain that those who have great power are honest before you
+place yourselves in their hands, or you will be deprived of your
+just rights.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_5" id="Page_5">[5]</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="FABLE_V" id="FABLE_V"></a>FABLE V.</h2>
+
+<h3>THE DOVE AND THE ANT.</h3>
+
+
+<p>The Ant, compelled by thirst, went to drink in a clear, purling
+rivulet; but the current, with its circling eddy, snatched her
+away, and carried her down the stream. A Dove, pitying her
+distressed condition, cropped a branch from a neighbouring tree
+and let it fall into the water, by means of which the Ant saved
+herself and got ashore. Not long after, a Fowler, having a design
+against the Dove, planted his nets in due order, without the
+bird's observing what he was about; which the Ant perceiving,
+just as he was going to put his design into execution, she bit
+his heel, and made him give so sudden a start, that the Dove took
+the alarm, and flew away.</p>
+
+
+<p class="center">MORAL.</p>
+
+<p>Kindness to others seldom fails of its reward; and none is so
+weak that he may not be able in some fashion to repay it. Let us
+show kindness without looking for a return, but a blessing will
+surely follow.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_6" id="Page_6">[6]</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="FABLE_VI" id="FABLE_VI"></a>FABLE VI.</h2>
+
+<h3>THE FOX WITHOUT A TAIL.</h3>
+
+
+<p>A <span class="smcap">Fox</span> being caught in a steel trap by his tail, was glad to
+compound for his escape with the loss of it; but on coming abroad
+into the world, began to be so sensible of the disgrace such a
+defect would bring upon him, that he almost wished he had died
+rather than left it behind him. However, to make the best of a
+bad matter, he formed a project in his head to call an assembly
+of the rest of the Foxes, and propose it for their imitation as a
+fashion which would be very agreeable and becoming. He did so,
+and made a long harangue upon the unprofitableness of tails in
+general, and endeavoured chiefly to show the awkwardness and
+inconvenience of a Fox's tail in particular; adding that it would
+be both more graceful and more expeditious to be altogether
+without them, and that, for his part, what he had only imagined
+and conjectured before, he now found by experience; for that he
+never enjoyed himself so well, nor found himself so easy as he
+had done since he cut off his tail. He said no more, but looked
+about with a brisk air to see what proselytes he had gained; when
+a sly old Fox in the company, who understood trap, answered
+him, with a leer, "I believe you may have found a conveniency
+in parting with your tail; and when we are in the same
+circumstances, perhaps we may do so too."</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 400px;"><a name="pic_03" id="pic_03"></a>
+<img src="images/image_04.jpg" width="400" height="532" alt="THE FOX WITHOUT A TAIL."  />
+<span class="caption">THE FOX WITHOUT A TAIL.</span>
+</div>
+
+
+<p class="center">MORAL.</p>
+
+<p>It is common for men to wish others reduced to their own level,
+and we ought to guard against such advice as may proceed from
+this principle.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_7" id="Page_7">[7]</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="FABLE_VII" id="FABLE_VII"></a>FABLE VII.</h2>
+
+<h3>THE BUTTERFLY AND THE SNAIL.</h3>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">As in the sunshine of the morn,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">A Butterfly, but newly born,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Sat proudly perking on a rose,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">With pert conceit his bosom glows;<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">His wings, all glorious to behold,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Bedropt with azure, jet and gold,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Wide he displays; the spangled dew<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Reflects his eyes, and various hue.<br /></span>
+</div><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i2">His now forgotten friend, a Snail,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Beneath his house, with slimy trail,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Crawls o'er the grass; whom, when he spies,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">In wrath he to the gardener cries:<br /></span>
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_8" id="Page_8">[8]</a></span></div><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i2">"What means yon peasant's daily toil,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">From choaking weeds to rid the soil?<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Why wake you to the morning's care?<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Why with new arts correct the year?<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Why glows the peach with crimson hue?<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">And why the plum's inviting blue?<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Were they to feast his taste designed,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">That vermin, of voracious kind?<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Crush, then, the slow, the pilf'ring race;<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">So purge thy garden from disgrace."<br /></span>
+</div><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i2">"What arrogance!" the Snail replied;<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">"How insolent is upstart pride!<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Hadst thou not thus, with insult vain,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Provoked my patience to complain,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">I had concealed thy meaner birth,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Nor traced thee to the scum of earth:<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">For, scarce nine suns have wak'd the hours,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">To swell the fruit, and paint the flowers,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Since I thy humbler life surveyed,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">In base, in sordid guise arrayed;<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">A hideous insect, vile, unclean,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">You dragg'd a slow and noisome train;<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">And from your spider-bowels drew<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Foul film, and spun the dirty clue.<br /></span>
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_9" id="Page_9">[9]</a></span><span class="i0">I own my humble life, good friend;<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Snail was I born, and Snail shall end.<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">And what's a Butterfly? At best,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">He's but a Caterpillar, dress'd;<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">And all thy race (a numerous seed)<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Shall prove of Caterpillar breed."<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+
+<p class="center">MORAL.</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">All upstarts, insolent in place,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Remind us of their vulgar race.<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="FABLE_VIII" id="FABLE_VIII"></a>FABLE VIII.</h2>
+
+<h3>THE WOLF AND THE CRANE.</h3>
+
+
+<p>A <span class="smcap">Wolf</span>, after too greedily devouring his prey, happened to have a
+bone stick in his throat, which gave him so much pain that he
+went howling up and down, and importuning every creature he met
+to lend him a kind hand in order to his relief; nay, he even
+promised a reward to anyone who should undertake the operation
+with success. At last the Crane, tempted with the lucre of the
+reward, and having first made the Wolf confirm his promise with
+an oath, undertook the business, and ventured his long neck into
+the rapacious felon's throat.</p>
+
+<p>In short, he plucked out the bone, and expected the promised
+gratuity; when the Wolf, turning his eyes disdainfully<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_10" id="Page_10">[10]</a></span> towards
+him, said, "I did not think you had been so unreasonable! Have I
+not suffered you safely to draw your neck out of my jaws? And
+have you the conscience to demand a further reward?"</p>
+
+
+<p class="center">MORAL.</p>
+
+<p>When we do good to bad men, we must not expect good from them.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="FABLE_IX" id="FABLE_IX"></a>FABLE IX.</h2>
+
+<h3>THE FROG AND THE RAT.</h3>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">Once on a time, a foolish Frog,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Vain, proud, and stupid as a log,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Tired with the marsh, her native home,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Imprudently abroad would roam,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">And fix her habitation where<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">She'd breathe at least a purer air.<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">She was resolved to change, that's poz;<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Could she be worse than where she was?<br /></span>
+</div><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i2">Away the silly creature leaps.<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">A Rat, who saw her lab'ring steps,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Cried out, "Where in this hurry, pray?<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">You certainly will go astray!"<br /></span>
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_11" id="Page_11">[11]</a></span></div><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i2">"Ne'er fear; I quit that filthy bog,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Where I so long have croaked incog:<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">People of talents, sure, should thrive,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">And not be buried thus alive.<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">But, pray (for I'm extremely dry),<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Know you of any water nigh?"<br /></span>
+</div><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i2">"None," said the Rat, "you'll reach to-day,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">As you so slowly make your way.<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Believe a friend, and take my word,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">This jaunt of yours is quite absurd.<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Go to your froggery again;<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">In your own element remain."<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">No: on the journey she was bent,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Her thirst increasing as she went;<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">For want of drink she scarce can hop,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">And yet despairing of a drop:<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Too late she moans her folly past;<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">She faints, she sinks, she breathes her last.<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+
+<p class="center">MORAL.</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">Vulgar minds will pay full dear,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">When once they move beyond their sphere.<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_12" id="Page_12">[12]</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="FABLE_X" id="FABLE_X"></a>FABLE X.</h2>
+
+<h3>THE FIGHTING COCK AND EAGLE.</h3>
+
+
+<p>Two Cocks were fighting for the sovereignty of the dunghill, and
+one of them having got the better of the other, he that was
+vanquished crept into a hole, and hid himself for some time; but
+the victor flew up to an eminent place, clapt his wings, and
+crowed out victory. An Eagle, who was watching for his prey near
+the place, saw him, and, making a swoop, trussed him up in his
+talons, and carried him off. The Cock that had been beaten,
+perceiving this, soon quitted his hole, and, shaking off all
+remembrance of his late disgrace, gallanted the hens with all the
+intrepidity imaginable.</p>
+
+
+<p class="center">MORAL.</p>
+
+<p>Before honour is humility. We must not be too much elevated by
+prosperity lest we meet a grievous fall.</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 400px;"><a name="pic_04" id="pic_04"></a>
+<img src="images/image_05.jpg" width="400" height="530" alt="THE FIGHTING COCK AND EAGLE."  />
+<span class="caption">THE FIGHTING COCK AND EAGLE.</span>
+</div>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_13" id="Page_13">[13]</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="FABLE_XI" id="FABLE_XI"></a>FABLE XI.</h2>
+
+<h3>THE DIAMOND AND THE LOADSTONE.</h3>
+
+
+<p>A <span class="smcap">Diamond</span>, of great beauty and lustre, observing, not only many
+other gems of a lower class ranged together with himself in the
+same cabinet, but a Loadstone likewise placed not far from him,
+began to question the latter how he came there, and what
+pretensions he had to be ranked among the precious stones; he,
+who appeared to be no better than a mere flint, a sorry, coarse,
+rusty-looking pebble, without any the least shining quality to
+advance him to such an honour; and concluded with desiring him to
+keep his distance, and pay a proper respect to his superiors.</p>
+
+<p>"I find," said the Loadstone, "you judge by external appearances,
+and condemn without due examination; but I will not act so
+ungenerously by you. I am willing to allow you your due praise:
+you are a pretty bauble; I am mightily delighted to see you
+glitter and sparkle; I look upon you with pleasure and surprise;
+but I must be convinced you are of some sort of use before I
+acknowledge that you have any real merit, or treat you with that
+respect which you seem to demand. With regard to myself, I
+confess my deficiency in<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_14" id="Page_14">[14]</a></span> outward beauty; but I may venture to
+say, that I make amends by my intrinsic qualities. The great
+improvement of navigation is entirely owing to me. By me the
+distant parts of the world have been made known and are
+accessible to each other; the remotest nations are connected
+together, and all, as it were, united into one common society; by
+a mutual intercourse they relieve one another's wants, and all
+enjoy the several blessings peculiar to each. The world is
+indebted to me for its wealth, its splendour, and its power; and
+the arts and sciences are, in a great measure, obliged to me for
+their improvements, and their continual increase. All these
+blessings I am the origin of; for by my aid it is that man is
+enable to construct that valuable instrument, the Mariner's
+Compass."</p>
+
+
+<p class="center">MORAL.</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">Let dazzling stones in splendour glare;<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Utility's the gem for wear.<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_15" id="Page_15">[15]</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="FABLE_XII" id="FABLE_XII"></a>FABLE XII.</h2>
+
+<h3>THE BEAR AND THE BEES.</h3>
+
+
+<p>A <span class="smcap">Bear</span> happened to be stung by a Bee; and the pain was so acute,
+that in the madness of revenge he ran into the garden, and
+overturned the hive. This outrage provoked their anger to such a
+degree that it brought the fury of the whole swarm upon him. They
+attacked him with such violence that his life was in danger, and
+it was with the utmost difficulty that he made his escape,
+wounded from head to tail. In this desperate condition, lamenting
+his misfortunes, and licking his sores, he could not forbear
+reflecting how much more advisable it had been to have patiently
+borne one injury, than by an unprofitable resentment to have
+provoked a thousand.</p>
+
+
+<p class="center">MORAL.</p>
+
+<p>It is more prudent to acquiesce under an injury from a single
+person, then by an act of vengeance to bring upon us the
+resentment of a whole community.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_16" id="Page_16">[16]</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="FABLE_XIII" id="FABLE_XIII"></a>FABLE XIII.</h2>
+
+<h3>THE FROGS DESIRING A KING.</h3>
+
+
+<p>The Frogs, living an easy, free life everywhere among the lakes
+and ponds, assembled together one day, in a very tumultuous
+manner, and petitioned Jupiter to let them have a king, who might
+inspect their morals, and make them live a little honester.
+Jupiter, being at that time in pretty good humour, was pleased to
+laugh heartily at their ridiculous request, and, throwing a
+little log down into the pool, cried, "There is a king for you!"
+The sudden splash which this made by its fall into the water, at
+first terrified them so exceedingly that they were afraid to come
+near it. But, in a little time, seeing it lie still without
+moving, they ventured, by degrees, to approach it; and at last,
+finding there was no danger, they leaped upon it, and, in short,
+treated it as familiarly as they pleased. But, not contented with
+so insipid a king as this was, they sent their deputies to
+petition again for another sort of one; for this they neither did
+nor could like. Upon that he sent them a Stork, who, without any
+ceremony, fell devouring and eating them up, one after another,
+as fast as he could. Then they applied themselves privately to
+Mercury, and got him to speak to Jupiter in their behalf, that he
+would be so good as to bless them again with another king,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_17" id="Page_17">[17]</a></span> or
+restore them to their former state. "No," says he; "since it was
+their own choice, let the obstinate wretches suffer the
+punishment due to their folly."</p>
+
+
+<p class="center">MORAL.</p>
+
+<p>This fable teaches that it is better to be content with our
+present condition, however bad we may think it, than, by
+ambitious change, to risk making it worse.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="FABLE_XIV" id="FABLE_XIV"></a>FABLE XIV.</h2>
+
+<h3>THE FOX AND THE BOAR.</h3>
+
+
+<p><span class="smcap">The Boar</span> stood whetting his tusks against an old tree. The Fox,
+who happened to come by at the same time, asked him why he made
+those martial preparations of whetting his teeth, since there was
+no enemy near, that he could perceive. "That may be, Master
+Reynard," says the Boar, "but we should scour up our arms, while
+we have leisure, you know; for, in time of danger, we shall have
+something else to do."</p>
+
+
+<p class="center">MORAL.</p>
+
+<p>It is well to have preparations made for all emergencies, that
+when we are placed in any difficult position we may be calm and
+self-possessed. These preparations are best made in times of
+leisure.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_18" id="Page_18">[18]</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="FABLE_XV" id="FABLE_XV"></a>FABLE XV.</h2>
+
+<h3>THE VINE AND THE GOAT.</h3>
+
+
+<p><span class="smcap">A Goat</span> having taken shelter from the heat of the sun under the
+broad leaves of a shady-spreading vine, began to crop and eat
+them; by this means, the branches being put into a rustling
+motion, he drew the eyes of some hunters who were passing that
+way, and, seeing the vine stir, thought some wild beast had taken
+covert there; they shot their arrows at a venture, and killed the
+Goat, who, before he expired, uttered his dying words to this
+purpose: "Ah! I suffer justly for my ingratitude, who could not
+forbear doing an injury to the vine that had so kindly afforded
+me shelter."</p>
+
+
+<p class="center">MORAL.</p>
+
+<p>Ingratitude is a great crime, and from which we should seek
+earnestly to be preserved. He that is capable of injuring his
+benefactor, what would he scruple to do towards another?</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 400px;"><a name="pic_05" id="pic_05"></a>
+<img src="images/image_06.jpg" width="400" height="532" alt="THE VINE AND THE GOAT."  />
+<span class="caption">THE VINE AND THE GOAT.</span>
+</div>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_19" id="Page_19">[19]</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="FABLE_XVI" id="FABLE_XVI"></a>FABLE XVI.</h2>
+
+<h3>THE DISCONTENTED HORSE.</h3>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">As <span class="smcap">Jupiter</span> once was receiving petitions<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">From birds and from beasts of all ranks and conditions;<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">With an eye full of fire, and mane quite erect,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Which, I'm sorry to say, shewed but little respect,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">The Horse went as near as he dared to the throne,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">And thus made his donkey-like sentiments known:<br /></span>
+</div><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i2">"For beauty of symmetry, fleetness, and force,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">It is said that all animals yield to the Horse;<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">While my spirit I feel, and my figure I view<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">In the brook, I'm inclined to believe it is true;<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">But still, mighty Jupiter, still, by your aid,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">In my form might some further improvements be made.<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">To run is my duty, and swifter and stronger<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">I surely should go, were my legs to be longer:<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">And as man always places a seat on my back,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">I should have been made with a saddle or sack;<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">It had saved <i>him</i> much trouble, on journies departing,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">And <i>I</i> had been constantly ready for starting."<br /></span>
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_20" id="Page_20">[20]</a></span></div><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i2">Great Jupiter smiled (for he laughed at the brute,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">As he saw more of folly than vice in his suit),<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">And striking the earth with omnipotent force,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">A Camel rose up near the terrified Horse:<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">He trembled&mdash;he started&mdash;his mane shook with fright,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">And he staggered half round, as preparing for flight.<br /></span>
+</div><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i2">"Behold!" exclaimed Jove, "there an animal stands<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">With both your improvements at once to your hands:<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">His legs are much longer; the hump on his back<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Well answers the purpose of saddle or sack:<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Of your shapes, tell me, which is more finished and trim?<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Speak out, silly Horse, would you wish to be him?"<br /></span>
+</div><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i2">The Horse looked abashed, and had nothing to say<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">And Jove, with reproaches, thus sent him away:<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">"Begone, till you gratefully feel and express<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Your thanks for the blessings and gifts you possess.<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">The Camel, though plain, is mild, useful, and good;<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">You are handsome, but proud, discontented and rude."<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_21" id="Page_21">[21]</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="FABLE_XVII" id="FABLE_XVII"></a>FABLE XVII.</h2>
+
+<h3>THE MOUNTAIN IN LABOUR.</h3>
+
+
+<p>A <span class="smcap">rumour</span> once prevailed that a neighbouring mountain was in
+labour; it was affirmed that she had been heard to utter
+prodigious groans; and a general expectation had been raised that
+some extraordinary birth was at hand.</p>
+
+<p>Multitudes flocked in much eagerness to be witnesses of the
+wonderful event, one expecting her to be delivered of a giant,
+another of some enormous monster, and all were in earnest
+expectation of something grand and astonishing; when, after
+waiting with great impatience a considerable time, behold, out
+crept a Mouse.</p>
+
+
+<p class="center">MORAL.</p>
+
+<p>To raise uncommon expectations renders an ordinary event
+ridiculous.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="FABLE_XVIII" id="FABLE_XVIII"></a>FABLE XVIII.</h2>
+
+<h3>THE FOX AND THE STORK.</h3>
+
+
+<p><span class="smcap">The Fox</span>, though in general more inclined to roguery than wit, had
+once a strong inclination to play the wag with his neighbour the
+Stork. He accordingly invited her to dinner in due form. But when
+she came to the table, the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_22" id="Page_22">[22]</a></span> Stork found it consisted entirely of
+different soups, served in broad, shallow dishes, so that she
+could only dip the end of her bill in them, but could not
+possibly satisfy her hunger. The Fox lapped them up very readily,
+and every now and then addressing himself to his guest, desired
+to know how she liked her entertainment, hoped that everything
+was to her liking, and protested he was very sorry to see her eat
+so sparingly.</p>
+
+<p>The Stork, perceiving she was jested with, took no notice, but
+pretended to like every dish extremely; and, at parting, pressed
+the Fox so earnestly to return her visit that he could not, in
+civility, refuse.</p>
+
+<p>The day arrived, and he repaired to his appointment. But, to his
+great dismay, he found the dinner was composed of minced meat,
+served up in long, narrow-necked bottles; so that he was only
+tantalized with the sight of what it was impossible for him to
+taste. The Stork thrust in her long bill, and helped herself very
+plentifully; then, turning to Reynard, who was eagerly licking
+the outside of a jar where some sauce had been spilled, "I am
+very glad," said she, smiling, "that you appear to have so good
+an appetite. I hope you will make as hearty a dinner at my table
+as I did the other day at yours." The Fox hung down his head, and
+looked very much displeased. "Nay, nay!" said the Stork; "don't
+pretend to be out of humour about the matter; they that cannot
+take a jest should never make one."</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_23" id="Page_23">[23]</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="FABLE_XIX" id="FABLE_XIX"></a>FABLE XIX.</h2>
+
+<h3>THE HORSE AND THE STAG.</h3>
+
+
+<p>The Stag, with his sharp horns, got the better of the Horse, and
+drove him clear out of the pasture where they used to feed
+together. So the latter craved the assistance of man, and, in
+order to receive the benefit of it, suffered him to put a bridle
+into his mouth, and a saddle upon his back. By this means he
+entirely defeated his enemy, but was mightily disappointed when,
+upon returning thanks, and desiring to be dismissed, he received
+this answer: "No; I never knew before how useful a drudge you
+were; now I have found out what you are good for, you may depend
+upon it, I will keep you to it."</p>
+
+
+<p class="center">MORAL.</p>
+
+<p>Help yourself, if you can do so; but at any rate, before you seek
+the assistance of a powerful man, be sure that the help he gives
+you will be disinterested, or you may find that in helping you he
+may put you under obligations fatal to liberty.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_24" id="Page_24">[24]</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="FABLE_XX" id="FABLE_XX"></a>FABLE XX.</h2>
+
+<h3>THE LION WOUNDED.</h3>
+
+
+<p>A <span class="smcap">Man</span>, who was very skilful with his bow, went up into the forest
+to hunt. At his approach, there was a great consternation and
+rout among the wild beasts, the Lion alone showing any
+determination to fight. "Stop," said the Archer to him, "and
+await my messenger, who has somewhat to say to you." With that,
+he sent an arrow after the Lion, and wounded him in the side. The
+Lion, smarting with anguish, fled into the depths of the forest;
+but a Fox, seeing him run, bade him take courage, and face his
+enemy. "No," said the Lion, "you will not persuade me to that;
+for if the messenger he sends is so sharp, what must be the power
+of him who sends it?"</p>
+
+
+<p class="center">MORAL.</p>
+
+<p>It is better to yield to a superior force than foolishly brave
+its power.</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 400px;"><a name="pic_06" id="pic_06"></a>
+<img src="images/image_07.jpg" width="400" height="534" alt="THE LION WOUNDED."  />
+<span class="caption">THE LION WOUNDED.</span>
+</div>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_25" id="Page_25">[25]</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="FABLE_XXI" id="FABLE_XXI"></a>FABLE XXI.</h2>
+
+<h3>THE ASS IN THE LION'S SKIN.</h3>
+
+
+<p>An Ass, finding a Lion's skin, disguised himself with it, and
+ranged about the forest, putting all the beasts that saw him into
+bodily fear. After he had diverted himself thus for some time, he
+met a Fox, and, being desirous to frighten him too, as well as
+the rest, he leapt at him with some fierceness, and endeavoured
+to imitate the roaring of the Lion.</p>
+
+<p>"Your humble servant," says the Fox, "if you had held your
+tongue, I might have taken you for a Lion, as others did; but now
+you bray I know who you are."</p>
+
+
+<p class="center">MORAL.</p>
+
+<p>A silent man may pass for a wise man, but when we hear him speak
+we are able to form an estimate of his value.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="FABLE_XXII" id="FABLE_XXII"></a>FABLE XXII.</h2>
+
+<h3>JUPITER AND THE FARMER.</h3>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">'Tis said, that Jove had once a farm to let,<br /></span>
+<span class="i4">And sent down Mercury, his common crier,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">To make the most that he could get;<br /></span>
+<span class="i4">Or sell it to the highest buyer.<br /></span>
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_26" id="Page_26">[26]</a></span></div><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">To view the premises the people flocked:<br /></span>
+<span class="i4">And, as 'tis usual in such case,<br /></span>
+<span class="i4">Began to run them down apace;<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">The soil was poor, the farm ill stocked:<br /></span>
+<span class="i4">In short, a barren, miserable place,<br /></span>
+<span class="i4">Scarce worth th' expense to draw a lease.<br /></span>
+</div><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">One bolder, tho' not wiser than the rest,<br /></span>
+<span class="i4">Offered to pay in so much rent,<br /></span>
+<span class="i4">Provided he had Jove's consent<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">To guide the weather just as he thought best;<br /></span>
+<span class="i4">Or wet, or dry; or cold, or hot;<br /></span>
+<span class="i4">Whate'er he asked should be his lot;<br /></span>
+</div><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">To all which Jove gave a consenting nod.<br /></span>
+<span class="i4">The seasons now obsequious stand,<br /></span>
+<span class="i4">Quick to obey their lord's command,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">And now the Farmer undertakes the god;<br /></span>
+<span class="i4">Now calls for sunshine, now for rains,<br /></span>
+<span class="i4">Dispels the clouds, the wind restrains;<br /></span>
+</div><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">But still confined within his farm alone,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">He makes a climate all his own;<br /></span>
+<span class="i4">For when he sheds, or when he pours,<br /></span>
+<span class="i4">Refreshing dews, or soaking showers,<br /></span>
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_27" id="Page_27">[27]</a></span></div><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i4">His neighbours never share a drop;<br /></span>
+<span class="i4">So much the better for their crop;<br /></span>
+<span class="i4">Each glebe a plenteous harvest yields;<br /></span>
+<span class="i4">Whilst our director spoils his fields.<br /></span>
+</div><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i4">Next year, he tries a different way;<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">New moulds the seasons, and directs again;<br /></span>
+<span class="i6">But all in vain:<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">His neighbour's grounds still thrive while his decay.<br /></span>
+</div><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i4">What does he do in this sad plight?<br /></span>
+<span class="i4">For once he acted right:<br /></span>
+<span class="i4">He to the god his fate bemoaned,<br /></span>
+<span class="i4">Asked pardon, and his folly owned.<br /></span>
+<span class="i4">Jove, like a tender master, fond to save,<br /></span>
+<span class="i4">His weakness pityed, and his fault forgave.<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+
+<p class="center">MORAL.</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">He, who presumes the ways of heaven to scan,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Is not a wise, nor yet a happy man:<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">In this firm truth securely we may rest,&mdash;<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Whatever Providence ordains is best;<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Had man the power, he'd work his own undoing;<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">To grant his will would be to cause his ruin.<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_28" id="Page_28">[28]</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="FABLE_XXIII" id="FABLE_XXIII"></a>FABLE XXIII.</h2>
+
+<h3>THE VAIN JACKDAW.</h3>
+
+
+<p>A <span class="smcap">certain</span> Jackdaw was so proud and ambitious that, not contented
+to live within his own sphere, he picked up the feathers which
+fell from the Peacocks, stuck them among his own, and very
+confidently introduced himself into an assembly of those
+beautiful birds. They soon found him out, stripped him of his
+borrowed plumes, and falling upon him with their sharp bills,
+punished him as his presumption deserved.</p>
+
+<p>Upon this, full of grief and affliction, he returned to his old
+companions, and would have flocked with them again; but they,
+knowing his late life and conversation, industriously avoided
+him, and refused to admit him into their company; and one of
+them, at the same time, gave him this serious reproof: "If,
+friend, you could have been contented with your station, and had
+not disdained the rank in which nature had placed you, you had
+not been used so scurvily by those amongst whom you introduced
+yourself, nor suffered the notorious slight which we now think
+ourselves obliged to put upon you."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_29" id="Page_29">[29]</a></span></p>
+
+
+<p class="center">MORAL.</p>
+
+<p>Great evils arise from vanity; for when we try to place ourselves
+in a position for which we are not fit, we are liable to be
+laughed at, and, when we would return to our former state, we
+find we have lost the esteem of our former friends.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="FABLE_XXIV" id="FABLE_XXIV"></a>FABLE XXIV.</h2>
+
+<h3>THE VIPER AND THE FILE.</h3>
+
+
+<p>A <span class="smcap">Viper</span>, crawling into a smith's shop to seek for something to
+eat, cast her eyes upon a File, and darting upon it in a moment,
+"Now I have you," said she, "and so you may help yourself how you
+can; but you may take my word for it that I shall make a fine
+meal of you before I think of parting with you." "Silly wretch!"
+said the File, as gruff as could be, "you had much better be
+quiet, and let me alone; for, if you gnaw for ever, you will get
+nothing but your trouble for your pains. Make a meal of me,
+indeed! why, I myself can bite the hardest iron in the shop; and
+if you go on with your foolish nibbling I shall tear all the
+teeth out of your spiteful head before you know where you are."</p>
+
+
+<p class="center">MORAL.</p>
+
+<p>Take care that you never strive with those who are too strong for
+you, nor do spiteful things, lest you suffer for it.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_30" id="Page_30">[30]</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="FABLE_XXV" id="FABLE_XXV"></a>FABLE XXV.</h2>
+
+<h3>THE WOLF AND THE LAMB.</h3>
+
+
+<p>One hot, sultry day, a Wolf and a Lamb happened to come just at
+the same time to quench their thirst in the stream of a clear,
+silver brook, that ran tumbling down the side of a rocky
+mountain. The Wolf stood upon the higher ground, and the Lamb at
+some distance from him down the current. However, the Wolf,
+having a mind to pick a quarrel with him, asked him what he meant
+by disturbing the water, and making it so muddy that he could not
+drink, and at the same time demanded satisfaction. The Lamb,
+frightened at this threatening charge, told him, in a tone as
+mild as possible, that, with humble submission, he could not
+conceive how that could be, since the water which he drank ran
+down from the Wolf to him, and therefore it could not be
+disturbed so far up the stream. "Be that as it will," replies the
+Wolf, "you are a rascal; and I have been told that you treated me
+with ill-language behind my back about half a year ago." "Upon my
+word," says the Lamb, "the time you mention was before I was
+born." The Wolf finding it to no purpose to argue any longer
+against truth, fell into a great passion, snarling and foaming at
+the mouth, as if he had been mad; and, drawing nearer to the
+Lamb, "Sirrah," said he, "if it was not you, it was your father,
+and that's all one." So he seized the poor innocent, helpless
+thing, tore it to pieces, and made a meal of it.</p>
+
+
+
+
+<p class="center">MORAL.</p>
+
+<p>Bad men, who wish to quarrel, will always find a pretence; if
+they can find no true grounds, they will resort to those which
+are false.</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 400px;"><a name="pic_07" id="pic_07"></a>
+<img src="images/image_08.jpg" width="400" height="528" alt="THE WOLF AND THE LAMB."  />
+<span class="caption">THE WOLF AND THE LAMB.</span>
+</div>
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_31" id="Page_31">[31]</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="FABLE_XXVI" id="FABLE_XXVI"></a>FABLE XXVI.</h2>
+
+<h3>THE OLD BULLFINCH AND YOUNG BIRDS.</h3>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">It chanced, that, on a winter's day,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">But warm and bright, and calm as May,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">The birds, conceiving a design<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">To forestall sweet St. Valentine,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">In many an orchard, copse, and grove,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Assembled on affairs of love;<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">And with much twitter and much chatter,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Began to agitate the matter.<br /></span>
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_32" id="Page_32">[32]</a></span></div><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i2">At length, a Bullfinch, who could boast<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">More years and wisdom than the most,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Entreated, opening wide his beak,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">A moment's liberty to speak;<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">And, silence publicly enjoined,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Delivered briefly thus his mind:<br /></span>
+</div><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i2">"My friends, be cautious how ye treat<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">The subject upon which we meet;<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">I fear we shall have winter yet."<br /></span>
+</div><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i2">A Finch, whose tongue knew no control,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">With golden wing, and satin poll,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">A last year's bird, who ne'er had tried<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">What marriage means, thus pert replied:<br /></span>
+</div><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i2">"Methinks, the gentleman," quoth she,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">"Opposite, in the apple-tree,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">By his good will, would keep us single,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">'Till yonder heaven and earth shall mingle;<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Or (which is likelier to befall)<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">'Till death exterminate us all.<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">I marry without more ado;<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">My dear Dick Redcap, what say you?"<br /></span>
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_33" id="Page_33">[33]</a></span></div><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i2">Dick heard; and tweedling, ogling, bridling,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Turning short round, strutting, and sidling,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Attested glad his approbation<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Of an immediate conjugation.<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Their sentiments so well express'd,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Influenced mightily the rest;<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">All pair'd, and each pair built a nest.<br /></span>
+</div><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i2">But though the birds were thus in haste,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">The leaves came on not quite so fast;<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">And destiny, that sometimes bears<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">An aspect stern on man's affairs,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Not altogether smil'd on theirs.<br /></span>
+</div><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i2">The wind, that late breath'd gently forth,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Now shifted east, and east by north;<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Bare trees and shrubs but ill, you know,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Could shelter them from rain or snow;<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Stepping into their nests, they paddled,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Themselves were chill'd, their eggs were addled;<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Soon every father bird, and mother,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Grew quarrelsome, and peck'd each other;<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Parted without the least regret,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Except that they had ever met;<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">And learn'd in future to be wiser<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Than to neglect a good adviser.<br /></span>
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_34" id="Page_34">[34]</a></span></div></div>
+
+
+<p class="center">MORAL.</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">Young folks, who think themselves so wise,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">That old folks' counsel they despise,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Will find, when they too late repent,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Their folly prove their punishment.<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="FABLE_XXVII" id="FABLE_XXVII"></a>FABLE XXVII.</h2>
+
+<h3>THE MOUSE AND THE WEASEL.</h3>
+
+
+<p>A <span class="smcap">little</span> starveling rogue of a Mouse had, with much pushing
+application, made his way through a small hole in a corn-basket,
+where he stuffed and crammed so plentifully, that, when he would
+have retired the way he came, he found himself too plump, with
+all his endeavours, to accomplish it. A Weasel, who stood at some
+distance, and had been diverting himself with beholding the vain
+efforts of the little fat thing, called to him, and said,
+"Harkee, honest friend; if you have a mind to make your escape,
+there is but one way for it: contrive to grow as poor and lean as
+you were when you entered, and then, perhaps, you may get off."</p>
+
+
+<p class="center">MORAL.</p>
+
+<p>If evil habits have got a man into difficulties, there is no
+surer way to extricate himself than, by God's help, to cast those
+habits off.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_35" id="Page_35">[35]</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="FABLE_XXVIII" id="FABLE_XXVIII"></a>FABLE XXVIII.</h2>
+
+<h3>THE OLD HOUND.</h3>
+
+
+<p>An old Hound, who had been an excellent good one in his time, and
+given his master great sport and satisfaction in many a chase, at
+last, by the effect of years, became feeble and unserviceable.</p>
+
+<p>However, being in the field one day when the Stag was almost run
+down, he happened to be the first that came in with him, and
+seized him by one of his haunches; but his decayed and broken
+teeth not being able to keep their hold, the deer escaped and
+threw him quite out. Upon which his master, being in a great
+passion, and going to strike him, the honest old creature is said
+to have barked out this apology. "Ah! do not strike your poor old
+servant; it is not my heart and inclination, but my strength and
+speed that fail me. If what I now am displeases you, pray don't
+forget what I have been."</p>
+
+<p class="center">MORAL.</p>
+
+<p>Past services should never be forgotten.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_36" id="Page_36">[36]</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="FABLE_XXIX" id="FABLE_XXIX"></a>FABLE XXIX.</h2>
+
+<h3>THE CHARGER AND THE ASS.</h3>
+
+
+<p>The Horse, adorned with his great war-saddle, and champing his
+foaming bridle, came thundering along the way, and made the
+mountains echo with his loud, shrill neighing. He had not gone
+far before he overtook an Ass, who was labouring under a heavy
+burthen, and moving slowly on in the same track with himself.
+Immediately he called out to him, in a haughty, imperious tone,
+and threatened to trample him in the dirt, if he did not make way
+for him. The poor, patient Ass, not daring to dispute the matter,
+quietly got out of his way as fast as he could, and let him go
+by. Not long after this, the same Horse, in an engagement with
+the enemy, happened to be shot in the eye, which made him unfit
+for show or any military business; so he was stript of his fine
+ornaments, and sold to a carrier. The Ass, meeting him in this
+forlorn condition, thought that now it was his time to speak; and
+so, says he, "Heyday, friend, is it you? Well, I always believed
+that pride of yours would one day have a fall."</p>
+
+
+<p class="center">MORAL.</p>
+
+<p>Pride and haughtiness are foreign to really great men. Those who
+show it, when in their high estate, if the wheel of fortune
+should change, instead of friendship or pity, will meet with
+nothing but contempt.</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 400px;"><a name="pic_08" id="pic_08"></a>
+<img src="images/image_09.jpg" width="400" height="529" alt="THE CHARGER AND THE ASS."  />
+<span class="caption">THE CHARGER AND THE ASS.</span>
+</div>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_37" id="Page_37">[37]</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="FABLE_XXX" id="FABLE_XXX"></a>FABLE XXX.</h2>
+
+<h3>THE COLT AND THE FARMER.</h3>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">A <span class="smcap">colt</span>, for blood and mettled speed,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">The choicest of the running breed,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Of youthful strength and beauty vain,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Refused subjection to the rein.<br /></span>
+</div><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i2">In vain the groom's officious skill<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Opposed his pride, and checked his will;<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">In vain the master's forming care<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Restrained with threats, or soothed with prayer:<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Of freedom proud, and scorning man,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Wild o'er the spacious plain he ran.<br /></span>
+</div><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i2">Where'er luxuriant Nature spread<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Her flowery carpet o'er the mead,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Or bubbling stream's soft gliding pass<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">To cool and freshen up the grass,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Disdaining bounds, he cropped the blade,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">And wantoned in the spoil he made.<br /></span>
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_38" id="Page_38">[38]</a></span></div><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i2">In plenty thus the summer passed;<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Revolving winter came at last:<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">The trees no more a shelter yield;<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">The verdure withers from the field:<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Perpetual snows invest the ground;<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">In icy chains the streams are bound:<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Cold, nipping winds, and rattling hail,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">His lank, unsheltered sides assail.<br /></span>
+</div><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i2">As round he cast his rueful eyes,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">He saw the thatched-roof cottage rise:<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">The prospect touched his heart with cheer,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">And promised kind deliverance near.<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">A stable, erst his scorn and hate,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Was now become his wished retreat;<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">His passion cool, his pride forgot,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">A Farmer's welcome yard he sought.<br /></span>
+</div><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i2">The master saw his woful plight,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">His limbs, that tottered with his weight,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">And, friendly, to the stable led,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">And saw him littered, dressed, and fed.<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">In slothful ease all night he lay;<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">The servants rose at break of day;<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">The market calls. Along the road<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">His back must bear the pond'rous load;<br /></span>
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_39" id="Page_39">[39]</a></span></div><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i2">In vain he struggles or complains,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Incessant blows reward his pains.<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">To-morrow varies but his toil:<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Chained to the plough, he breaks the soil;<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">While scanty meals at night repay<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">The painful labours of the day.<br /></span>
+</div><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i2">Subdued by toil, with anguish rent,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">His self-upbraidings found a vent.<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">"Wretch that I am!" he sighing said,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">"By arrogance and folly led;<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Had but my restive youth been brought<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">To learn the lesson nature taught,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Then had I, like my sires of yore,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">The prize from every courser bore.<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Now, lasting servitude's my lot,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">My birth contemned, my speed forgot;<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Doomed am I, for my pride, to bear<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">A living death from year to year."<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+
+<p class="center">MORAL.</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">He who disdains control, will only gain<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">A youth of pleasure for an age of pain.<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_40" id="Page_40">[40]</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="FABLE_XXXI" id="FABLE_XXXI"></a>FABLE XXXI.</h2>
+
+<h3>THE LARK AND HER YOUNG ONES.</h3>
+
+
+<p>A <span class="smcap">Lark</span>, who had young ones in a field of corn almost ripe, was
+under some fear lest the reapers should come to reap it before
+her young brood was fledged and able to remove from that place.
+She, therefore, upon flying abroad to look for food, left this
+charge with them&mdash;to take notice what they heard talked of in her
+absence, and tell her of it when she came back again.</p>
+
+<p>When she was gone, they heard the owner of the corn call to his
+son: "Well," says he, "I think this corn is ripe enough. I would
+have you go early to-morrow, and desire our friends and
+neighbours to come and help us to reap it." When the old Lark
+came home, the young ones fell a quivering and chirping round
+her, and told her what had happened, begging her to remove them
+as fast as she could. The mother bid them be easy: "For," said
+she, "if the owner depends on his friends and neighbours, I am
+pretty sure the corn will not be reaped to-morrow."</p>
+
+<p>Next day, she went out again, leaving the same orders as before.
+The owner came, and staid, expecting his friends; but the sun
+grew hot, and nothing was done, for not a soul came to help them.
+Then says he to his son, "I perceive<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_41" id="Page_41">[41]</a></span> these friends of ours are
+not to be depended upon; so you must go to your uncles and
+cousins, and tell them I desire they would be here betimes
+to-morrow morning, to help us to reap." Well, this the young
+ones, in a great fright, reported also to their mother. "If that
+be all," says she, "do not be frightened, dear children; for
+kindred and relations are not so very forward to serve one
+another; but take particular notice what you hear said next time,
+and be sure you let me know it."</p>
+
+<p>She went abroad next day, as usual; and the owner, finding his
+relations as slack as the rest of his neighbours, said to his
+son, "Harkee, George; get a couple of good sickles ready against
+to-morrow morning, and we will even reap the corn ourselves."
+When the young ones told their mother this, "Then," said she, "we
+must be gone indeed; for, when a man undertakes to do his
+business himself, it is not so likely he will be disappointed."
+So she removed her young ones at once, and the corn was reaped
+next day by the good man and his son.</p>
+
+
+<p class="center">MORAL.</p>
+
+<p>Never depend on the assistance of others. No business is so sure
+to be done as that which a man sets about doing himself.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_42" id="Page_42">[42]</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="FABLE_XXXII" id="FABLE_XXXII"></a>FABLE XXXII.</h2>
+
+<h3>THE FOX AND THE CROW.</h3>
+
+
+<p>A <span class="smcap">Crow</span>, having taken a piece of cheese out of a cottage window,
+flew up with it into a high tree in order to eat it; which the
+Fox observing, came and sat underneath, and began to compliment
+the Crow upon the subject of her beauty. "I protest," says he, "I
+never observed it before, but your feathers are of a more
+delicate white than any that ever I saw in my life! Ah! what a
+fine shape and graceful turn of body is there! And I make no
+question but you have a tolerable voice. If it is but as fine as
+your complexion, I do not know a bird that can pretend to stand
+in competition with you." The Crow foolishly believed all that
+the Fox said was true; but, thinking the Fox a little dubious as
+to her vocal powers, and having a mind to set him right in that
+matter, opened her mouth, and, in the same instant, let the
+cheese drop out of her mouth. This being what the Fox wanted, he
+caught it up in a moment, and trotted away, laughing to himself
+at the easy credulity of the Crow.</p>
+
+
+<p class="center">MORAL.</p>
+
+<p>When anyone is flattered as possessing qualities he ought to feel
+conscious he does not possess, let him beware lest the flatterers
+wish either to deprive him of some solid good, or to make him
+appear ridiculous in the eyes of others.</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 400px;"><a name="pic_09" id="pic_09"></a>
+<img src="images/image_10.jpg" width="400" height="529" alt="THE FOX AND THE CROW"  />
+<span class="caption">THE FOX AND THE CROW</span>
+</div>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_43" id="Page_43">[43]</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="FABLE_XXXIII" id="FABLE_XXXIII"></a>FABLE XXXIII.</h2>
+
+<h3>THE PEACOCK'S COMPLAINT.</h3>
+
+
+<p>The Peacock presented a memorial to Juno, importing how hardly he
+thought he was used, in not having so good a voice as the
+Nightingale; how that bird was agreeable to every ear that heard
+it, while he was laughed at for his ugly, screaming noise, if he
+did but open his mouth.</p>
+
+<p>The goddess, concerned at the uneasiness of her favourite bird,
+answered him very kindly to this purpose:&mdash;"If the Nightingale is
+blest with a fine voice, you have the advantage in point of
+beauty and size." "Ah!" says he, "but what avails my silent,
+unmeaning beauty, when I am so far excelled in voice?"</p>
+
+<p>The goddess dismissed him, bidding him consider that the
+properties of every creature were appointed by the decree of
+Fate; to him beauty, to the Eagle strength, to the Nightingale a
+voice of melody, to the Parrot the faculty of speech, and to the
+Dove innocence; that each of these was contented with his own
+peculiar quality; and, unless he wished to be miserable, he must
+also learn to be equally satisfied.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_44" id="Page_44">[44]</a></span></p>
+
+
+<p class="center">MORAL.</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">The man who to his lot's resigned<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">True happiness is sure to find;<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">While envy ne'er can mend the ill,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">But makes us feel it keener still.<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="FABLE_XXXIV" id="FABLE_XXXIV"></a>FABLE XXXIV.</h2>
+
+<h3>THE STAG IN THE OX-STALL.</h3>
+
+
+<p>A <span class="smcap">Stag</span>, roused from his thick covert in the midst of the forest,
+and driven hard by the hounds, made towards a farm-house, and,
+seeing the door of an ox-stall open, entered therein, and hid
+himself under a heap of straw. One of the oxen, turning his head
+about, asked him what he meant by venturing himself in such a
+place, where he was sure to meet his doom. "Ah!" said the Stag,
+"if you will but be so good as to favour me with your
+concealment, I hope I shall do well enough; I intend to make off
+again the first opportunity."</p>
+
+<p>Well, he stayed there till towards night; in came the ox-man with
+a bundle of fodder, and never saw him. In short, all the servants
+of the farm came and went, and not one of them suspected anything
+of the matter. Nay, the bailiff himself came, according to form,
+and looked in, but walked away, no wiser than the rest. Upon this
+the Stag,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_45" id="Page_45">[45]</a></span> ready to jump out of his skin for joy, began to return
+thanks to the good-natured Oxen, protesting that they were the
+most obliging people he had ever met with in his life.</p>
+
+<p>After he had done his compliments, one of them answered him,
+gravely, "Indeed, we desire nothing more than to have it in our
+power to contribute to your escape, but there is a certain person
+you little think of who has a hundred eyes; if he should happen
+to come, I would not give this straw for your life."</p>
+
+<p>In the meanwhile, home comes the master himself from a
+neighbour's, where he had been invited to dinner; and, because he
+had observed the cattle not look well of late, he went up to the
+rack, and asked why they did not give them more fodder; then,
+casting his eyes downward, "Heydey!" says he, "why so sparing of
+your litter? pray scatter a little more here. And these
+cobwebs&mdash;But I have spoken so often that, unless I do it
+myself&mdash;" Thus, as he went on, prying into everything, he chanced
+to look where the Stag's horns lay sticking out of the straw;
+upon which he raised a hue and cry, called his people about him,
+killed the Stag, and made a prize of him.</p>
+
+
+<p class="center">MORAL.</p>
+
+<p>For a work to be done thoroughly, it ought to be done by oneself;
+the eye of a master is keener than that of a servant.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_46" id="Page_46">[46]</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="FABLE_XXXV" id="FABLE_XXXV"></a>FABLE XXXV.</h2>
+
+<h3>THE WIND AND THE SUN.</h3>
+
+
+<p>A <span class="smcap">dispute</span> once arose betwixt the North Wind and the Sun about the
+superiority of their power; and they agreed to try their strength
+upon a traveller, which should be able to get off his cloak
+first.</p>
+
+<p>The North Wind began, and blew a very cold blast, accompanied
+with a sharp, driving shower. But this, and whatever else he
+could do, instead of making the man quit his cloak, obliged him
+to gird it about his body as close as possible.</p>
+
+<p>Next came the Sun, who, breaking out from the thick, watery
+cloud, drove away the cold vapours from the sky, and darted his
+warm, sultry beams upon the head of the poor weather-beaten
+traveller. The man, growing faint with the heat, and unable to
+endure it any longer, first throws off his heavy cloak, and then
+flies for protection to the shade of a neighbouring grove.</p>
+
+
+<p class="center">MORAL.</p>
+
+<p>Soft and gentle means will often accomplish what force and fury
+can never effect.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_47" id="Page_47">[47]</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="FABLE_XXXVI" id="FABLE_XXXVI"></a>FABLE XXXVI.</h2>
+
+<h3>THE TRAVELLERS AND THE BEAR.</h3>
+
+
+<p>Two men, being about to travel through a forest together,
+mutually promised to stand by each other in any danger they
+should meet on the way. They had not gone far when a Bear came
+rushing towards them out of a thicket; upon which, one, being a
+light, nimble fellow, got up into a tree. The other, falling flat
+upon his face, and holding his breath, lay still, while the Bear
+came up and smelled at him; but that creature, supposing him to
+be a dead carcass, went back to the wood without doing him the
+least harm. When all was over, the man who had climbed the tree
+came down to his companion, and, with a pleasant smile, asked
+what the Bear had said to him; "For," says he, "I took notice
+that he clapped his mouth very close to your ear." "Why," replied
+the other, "he charged me to take care, for the future, not to
+put any confidence in such cowardly rascals as you are."</p>
+
+
+<p class="center">MORAL.</p>
+
+<p>Nothing is more common than to hear people profess friendship
+when there is no occasion for it; but he is a true friend who is
+ready to assist us in the time of danger and difficulty. Choose,
+therefore, friends whom you can depend on for such a time, and
+greatly value them.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_48" id="Page_48">[48]</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="FABLE_XXXVII" id="FABLE_XXXVII"></a>FABLE XXXVII.</h2>
+
+<h3>THE DOG AND THE SHADOW.</h3>
+
+
+<p>A <span class="smcap">dog</span>, crossing a small rivulet, with a piece of flesh in his
+mouth, which he had stolen from a butcher's shop, saw his own
+shadow represented in the clear mirror of the limpid stream; and,
+believing it to be another dog who was carrying another piece of
+flesh, he could not forbear catching at it, but was so far from
+getting anything by his greedy design, that he dropped the piece
+he had in his mouth, which immediately sank to the bottom, and
+was irrecoverably lost.</p>
+
+
+<p class="center">MORAL.</p>
+
+<p>It is the just punishment of greediness to lose the substance by
+grasping at the shadow; while the man who would take what does
+not belong to him deserves to lose what he has.</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 400px;"><a name="pic_10" id="pic_10"></a>
+<img src="images/image_11.jpg" width="400" height="529" alt="THE DOG AND THE SHADOW."  />
+<span class="caption">THE DOG AND THE SHADOW.</span>
+</div>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_49" id="Page_49">[49]</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="FABLE_XXXVIII" id="FABLE_XXXVIII"></a>FABLE XXXVIII.</h2>
+
+<h3>THE HERMIT AND THE BEAR.</h3>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i2"><span class="smcap">Once</span> on a time, a mountain Bear<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Lived in a forest drear, with no Bears near him;<br /></span>
+<span class="i4">Fat, fierce, and sulky.<br /></span>
+<span class="i2">Nor man nor other beast approached his lair;<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">His neighbours all despise, or hate, or fear him.<br /></span>
+<span class="i2">'Tis good to talk&mdash;to hold one's tongue&mdash;<br /></span>
+<span class="i2">Though either in excess be wrong:<br /></span>
+<span class="i4">Our hermit bulky,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">So shaggy, sullen, taciturn, and rude,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Bear as he was, grew sick of solitude.<br /></span>
+</div><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i2">At the same time, by chance, retired<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Far from the world, a man advanced in age,<br /></span>
+<span class="i4">But stout and healthy.<br /></span>
+<span class="i2">Not with devotion's flame his heart was fired;<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Not prayer and fasting occupied the sage;<br /></span>
+<span class="i2">Though on mankind he shut his door,<br /></span>
+<span class="i2">No vows of poverty he swore:<br /></span>
+<span class="i4">The wight was wealthy.<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">But by some treacherous friend, or fair, betrayed,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">He lived with plants, and communed with his spade.<br /></span>
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_50" id="Page_50">[50]</a></span></div><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i2">High priest of Flora you might call him;<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Nor less was he the favourite of Pomona.<br /></span>
+<span class="i4">But one day, walking,<br /></span>
+<span class="i2">He found it dull; and should some ill befall him,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">In his sweet paradise, he felt alone,&mdash;Ah!<br /></span>
+<span class="i2">For neither rose, nor pink, nor vine,<br /></span>
+<span class="i2">Except in such a lay as mine,<br /></span>
+<span class="i4">Are given to talking.<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">His head old Time had now long years heaped many on;<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">So he resolved to look for some companion.<br /></span>
+</div><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i2">On this important expedition&mdash;<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">But fearing his researches would be vain&mdash;<br /></span>
+<span class="i4">The sage departed:<br /></span>
+<span class="i2">Revolving deeply his forlorn condition,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">He slowly mused along a narrow lane;<br /></span>
+<span class="i2">When on a sudden&mdash;unawares&mdash;<br /></span>
+<span class="i2">A nose met his:&mdash;it was the Bear's!<br /></span>
+<span class="i4">With fright he started.<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Fear is a common feeling: he that wise is,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Although his fright be great, his fear disguises.<br /></span>
+</div><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i2">Prudence suggested&mdash;"Stand your ground;<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">'Tis hard to turn, and harder still to dash on."<br /></span>
+<span class="i4">Prudence prevails.<br /></span>
+<span class="i2">'Twixt kindred minds a sympathy is found<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Which lights up oft at sight a tender passion.<br /></span>
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_51" id="Page_51">[51]</a></span></div><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i2">Where sexes are of different kind;<br /></span>
+<span class="i2">And oft 'twill ties of friendship bind<br /></span>
+<span class="i4">Between two males:<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">These magic signs our hermits, at a glance, see:<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Each found he strongly pleased the other's fancy.<br /></span>
+</div><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i2">Bruin at compliments was awkward,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">But was not long his sentiments in telling&mdash;<br /></span>
+<span class="i4">"Old man, I like you!"<br /></span>
+<span class="i2">The man replied, "Fair sir, you need not walk hard,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">In half an hour you'll reach my humble dwelling.<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">I've milk, and various sorts of fruit,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">If any should your palate suit,<br /></span>
+<span class="i4">Take what may strike you;<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">On me it will confer the highest pleasure<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">To spread before you all my garden's treasure."<br /></span>
+</div><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i2">On jogged the human Hermit with the Bear,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Like smoking Germans, few words interlarding;<br /></span>
+<span class="i4">Though little said,<br /></span>
+<span class="i2">Finding their tempers suited to a hair,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">They grew firm friends before they reached the garden.<br /></span>
+<span class="i2">Each took his task, their moods the same,<br /></span>
+<span class="i2">One dug, the other hunted game,<br /></span>
+<span class="i4">And often sped;<br /></span>
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_52" id="Page_52">[52]</a></span><span class="i0">And Bruin, o'er his friend a strict watch keeping,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Chased off the flies that haunted him when sleeping.<br /></span>
+</div><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i2">One afternoon, as in the sun<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">The weary Hermit took his usual nap,<br /></span>
+<span class="i4">And at his post<br /></span>
+<span class="i2">The faithful Bear his daily work begun,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Giving full many a brush and gentle slap,<br /></span>
+<span class="i2">With a light whisp of herbs sweet-scented,<br /></span>
+<span class="i2">And thus the teasing flies prevented,<br /></span>
+<span class="i4">That buzzing host,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">From fixing on his sleeping patron's visage,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Sunk in the deep repose so fit for his age.<br /></span>
+</div><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i2">One blue-bottle his care defied;<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">No place could please him but the old man's nose,<br /></span>
+<span class="i4">Quite unabashed.<br /></span>
+<span class="i2">The Bear, provoked, no means would leave untried;<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">At last, a vigorous, certain mode, he chose:<br /></span>
+<span class="i2">Extending wide his heavy paw,<br /></span>
+<span class="i2">And thrusting hard each crooked claw,<br /></span>
+<span class="i4">The fly was smashed:<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">But his poor patron's face, so roughly patted,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">All streamed with blood, and smooth his nose was flatted.<br /></span>
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_53" id="Page_53">[53]</a></span></div><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i2">The Bear sneaked off to humble distance,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Seeing the damage he had done his friend;<br /></span>
+<span class="i4">Who raged with smart.<br /></span>
+<span class="i2">But calling in philosophy's assistance,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Anger, he thought, his wounds would never mend,<br /></span>
+<span class="i2">So coolly said, "Farewell, friend Bruin!<br /></span>
+<span class="i2">Since you have laid my face in ruin,<br /></span>
+<span class="i4">'Tis time to part."<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+
+<p class="center">MORAL.</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">All those must such mishaps expect to share,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Who, for a friend, think fit to take a Bear.<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="FABLE_XXXIX" id="FABLE_XXXIX"></a>FABLE XXXIX.</h2>
+
+<h3>THE SHEPHERD'S BOY AND THE WOLF.</h3>
+
+
+<p>A <span class="smcap">certain</span> Shepherd's Boy, who kept sheep upon a common, in sport
+and wantonness would often cry out, "The Wolf! the Wolf!" By this
+means, he several times drew the husbandmen in an adjoining field
+from their work; who, finding themselves deluded, resolved for
+the future to take no notice of his alarm. Soon after the Wolf
+came indeed. The boy cried out in earnest; but no heed being
+given to his cries, the sheep were devoured by the Wolf.</p>
+
+
+<p class="center">MORAL.</p>
+
+<p>The notorious liar, besides the sin of the thing, will not be
+believed when, by chance, he tells the truth.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_54" id="Page_54">[54]</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="FABLE_XL" id="FABLE_XL"></a>FABLE XL.</h2>
+
+<h3>THE FAWN AND HER MOTHER.</h3>
+
+
+<p>A <span class="smcap">Hind</span> was one day stamping with her foot, and bellowing so
+loudly that the whole herd quaked for fear, when one of her
+little Fawns, coming up to her, said, "Mother, what is the reason
+that you, who are so strong and bold at all other times, if you
+do but hear the cry of the hounds, are so afraid of them?" "What
+you say is true," replied the Hind; "though I know not how to
+account for it. I am, indeed, vigorous and strong enough, and
+often resolve that nothing shall ever dismay my courage; but,
+alas! I no sooner hear the voice of a hound than all my spirits
+fail me, and I cannot help making off as fast as my legs can
+carry me."</p>
+
+
+<p class="center">MORAL.</p>
+
+<p>When we have done all, Nature will remain what she was. There is
+no arguing a coward into courage.</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 400px;"><a name="pic_11" id="pic_11"></a>
+<img src="images/image_12.jpg" width="400" height="528" alt="THE FAWN AND HER MOTHER."  />
+<span class="caption">THE FAWN AND HER MOTHER.</span>
+</div>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_55" id="Page_55">[55]</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="FABLE_XLI" id="FABLE_XLI"></a>FABLE XLI.</h2>
+
+<h3>THE TORTOISE AND THE EAGLE.</h3>
+
+
+<p>The Tortoise, weary of his condition, by which he was confined to
+creep upon the ground, and being ambitious to have a prospect,
+and look about him, gave out that, if any bird would take him up
+into the air, and show him the world, he would reward him with
+the discovery of many precious stones, which he knew were hidden
+in a certain part of the earth.</p>
+
+<p>The Eagle undertook to do as he desired, and, when he had
+performed his commission, demanded the reward. But, finding the
+Tortoise could not make good his words, he stuck his talons into
+the softer parts of his body, and made him a sacrifice to his
+revenge.</p>
+
+
+<p class="center">MORAL.</p>
+
+<p>He that, to secure an advantage, deceives his friend by an
+untruth, will surely suffer for it when he is detected.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_56" id="Page_56">[56]</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="FABLE_XLII" id="FABLE_XLII"></a>FABLE XLII.</h2>
+
+<h3>THE BROTHER AND SISTER.</h3>
+
+
+<p>A <span class="smcap">certain</span> Man had two children, a Son and a Daughter&mdash;the Boy
+handsome enough, the Girl not quite so comely. They were both
+very young, and happened one day to be playing near the
+looking-glass, which stood on their mother's toilet. The Boy,
+pleased with the novelty of the thing, viewed himself for some
+time, and in a wanton, roguish manner observed to the Girl how
+handsome he was. She resented the insult, and ran immediately to
+her father, and, with a great deal of aggravation, complained of
+her brother, particularly for having acted so effeminate a part
+as to look in a glass, and meddle with things which belong to
+women only. The father, embracing them both with much tenderness
+and affection, told them that he should like to have them both
+look in the glass every day; "To the intent that you," says he to
+the Boy, "if you think that face of yours handsome, may not
+disgrace and spoil it by an ugly temper and a bad behaviour; and
+that you," added he, addressing the Girl, "may make up for the
+defects of your person by the sweetness of your manners and the
+excellence of your understanding."</p>
+
+
+<p class="center">MORAL.</p>
+
+<p>A well-informed mind is better than a handsome person.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_57" id="Page_57">[57]</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="FABLE_XLIII" id="FABLE_XLIII"></a>FABLE XLIII.</h2>
+
+<h3>THE SHEPHERD'S DOG AND THE WOLF.</h3>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">A <span class="smcap">Wolf</span>, with hunger fierce and bold,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Ravaged the plains, and thinned the fold;<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Deep in the wood secure he lay,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">The thefts of night regaled the day.<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">In vain the shepherd's wakeful care<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Had spread the toils, and watched the snare;<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">In vain the Dog pursued his pace,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">The fleeter robber mocked the chase.<br /></span>
+</div><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i2">As Lightfoot ranged the forest round,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">By chance his foe's retreat he found:<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">"Let us awhile the war suspend,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">And reason as from friend to friend."<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">"A truce!" replies the Wolf. 'Tis done.<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">The Dog the parley thus begun:&mdash;<br /></span>
+</div><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i2">"How can that strong, intrepid mind<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Attack a weak, defenceless kind?<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Those jaws should prey on nobler food,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">And drink the boar's and lion's blood;<br /></span>
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_58" id="Page_58">[58]</a></span><span class="i0">Great souls with generous pity melt,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Which coward tyrants never felt.<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">How harmless is our fleecy care!<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Be brave, and let thy mercy spare."<br /></span>
+</div><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i2">"Friend," says the Wolf, "the matter weigh:<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Nature designed us beasts of prey;<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">As such, when hunger finds a treat,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">'Tis necessary Wolves should eat.<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">If, mindful of the bleating weal,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Thy bosom burn with real zeal,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Hence, and thy tyrant lord beseech;<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">To him repeat the moving speech.<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">A Wolf eats sheep but now and then;<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Ten thousands are devoured by men."<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+
+<p class="center">MORAL.</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">An open foe may prove a curse,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">But a pretended friend is worse.<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_59" id="Page_59">[59]</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="FABLE_XLIV" id="FABLE_XLIV"></a>FABLE XLIV.</h2>
+
+<h3>THE COVETOUS MAN.</h3>
+
+
+<p>A <span class="smcap">poor</span> covetous wretch, who had scraped together a good parcel of
+money, went and dug a hole in one of his fields and hid it. The
+great pleasure of his life was to go and look upon this treasure
+once a day at least; which one of his servants observing, and
+guessing there was something more than ordinary in the place,
+came at night, found it, and carried it off. The next day,
+returning as usual to the scene of his delight, and perceiving it
+had been stolen away from him, he tore his hair for grief, and
+uttered the doleful complaints of his despair to the woods and
+meadows. At last, a neighbour of his, who knew his temper,
+overhearing him, and being informed of the occasion of his
+sorrow, "Cheer up, man!" says he, "thou has lost nothing; there
+is the hole for thee to go and peep at still; and if thou canst
+but fancy thy money there, it will do just as well."</p>
+
+
+<p class="center">MORAL.</p>
+
+<p>Money, well used, has its full value; but when allowed to lie
+useless to others or to one's self, it possesses no more value
+than a heap of oyster shells. Avarice is, therefore, a silly as
+well as a sinful vice. Use your wealth in doing good, and its
+highest value will be attained.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_60" id="Page_60">[60]</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="FABLE_XLV" id="FABLE_XLV"></a>FABLE XLV.</h2>
+
+<h3>THE HARE AND THE TORTOISE.</h3>
+
+
+<p>A <span class="smcap">hare</span> twitted a Tortoise on account of his slowness, and vainly
+boasted of her own great speed in running. "Let us make a match,"
+replied the Tortoise: "I'll run with you five miles for five
+pounds, and the Fox yonder shall be the umpire of the race." The
+Hare agreed, and away they both started together. But the Hare,
+by reason of her exceeding swiftness, outran the Tortoise to such
+a degree that she made a jest of the matter, and, finding herself
+a little tired, squatted in a tuft of fern that grew by the way,
+and took a nap, thinking that, if the Tortoise went by, she could
+at any time catch him up with all the ease imaginable. In the
+meanwhile the Tortoise came jogging on, with a slow but continued
+motion; and the Hare, out of a too great security and confidence
+of victory, oversleeping herself, the Tortoise arrived at the end
+of the race first.</p>
+
+
+<p class="center">MORAL.</p>
+
+<p>Industry and application will, in most cases, do more than quick
+and ready wit. The highest genius, without industry, will
+generally fail of any great exploit.</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 400px;"><a name="pic_12" id="pic_12"></a>
+<img src="images/image_13.jpg" width="400" height="533" alt="THE HARE AND THE TORTOISE."  />
+<span class="caption">THE HARE AND THE TORTOISE.</span>
+</div>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_61" id="Page_61">[61]</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="FABLE_XLVI" id="FABLE_XLVI"></a>FABLE XLVI.</h2>
+
+<h3>THE HOG AND THE ACORNS.</h3>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i4"><span class="smcap">One</span> moonshiny night,<br /></span>
+<span class="i4">With a great appetite,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">A Hog feasted on Acorns with all his might:<br /></span>
+<span class="i4">Quite pleased with his prize<br /></span>
+<span class="i4">Both in taste and in size,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">While he ate he devoured the rest with his eyes.<br /></span>
+</div><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i4">You know, I'm in joke,<br /></span>
+<span class="i4">When I say that the oak,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Moved a <i>bough</i> to the grunter before she spoke;<br /></span>
+<span class="i4">But you know, too, in fable,<br /></span>
+<span class="i4">We feel ourselves able<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">To make anything speak&mdash;tree, flower, or table.<br /></span>
+</div><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i4">Said the Oak, looking big,<br /></span>
+<span class="i4">"I think, Mr. Pig,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">You might thank me for sending you fruit from my twig;<br /></span>
+<span class="i4">But, you ill-behaved Hog!<br /></span>
+<span class="i4">You devour the prog,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">And have no better manners, I think, than a dog."<br /></span>
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_62" id="Page_62">[62]</a></span></div><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i4">He replied, looking up,<br /></span>
+<span class="i4">Though not ceasing to sup,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Till the Acorns were eaten&mdash;ay, every cup&mdash;<br /></span>
+<span class="i4">"I acknowledge, to you<br /></span>
+<span class="i4">My thanks would be due,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">If from feelings of kindness my supper you threw.<br /></span>
+</div><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i4">"To-morrow, good dame,<br /></span>
+<span class="i4">Give my children the same,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">And then you, with justice, may gratitude claim."<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+
+<p class="center">MORAL.</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i4">He merits no praise<br /></span>
+<span class="i4">To the end of his days,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Who to those who surround him no service conveys.<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="FABLE_XLVII" id="FABLE_XLVII"></a>FABLE XLVII.</h2>
+
+<h3>THE COUNTRY MOUSE AND THE CITY MOUSE.</h3>
+
+
+<p>An honest, plain, sensible country Mouse is said to have
+entertained at his hole one day a fine Mouse of the town. Having
+formerly been playfellows together, they were old acquaintances,
+which served as an apology for the visit.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_63" id="Page_63">[63]</a></span> However, as master of
+the house, he thought himself obliged to do the honours of it, in
+all respects, and to make as great a stranger of his guest as he
+possibly could. In order to this, he set before him a reserve of
+delicate grey pease and bacon, a dish of fine oatmeal, some
+parings of new cheese, and, to crown all with a dessert, a
+remnant of a charming mellow apple.</p>
+
+<p>In good manners, he forebore to eat any of it himself, lest the
+stranger should not have enough; but, that he might seem to bear
+the other company, sat and nibbled a piece of wheaten straw very
+busily. At last, says the spark of the town, "Old croney, give me
+leave to be a little free with you. How can you bear to live in
+this nasty, dirty, melancholy hole here, with nothing but woods
+and meadows, mountains and rivulets about you? Do you not prefer
+the busy world to the chirping of birds, and the splendour of a
+court to the rude aspect of an uncultivated desert? Come, take my
+word for it, you will find it a change for the better. Stand not
+considering, but away this moment. Remember, we are not immortal,
+and therefore have no time to lose. Make sure of to-day, and
+spend it as agreeably as you can; you know not what may happen
+to-morrow."</p>
+
+<p>In short, these and such like arguments prevailed, and his
+country friend was resolved to go to town that night. So they
+both set out upon their journey, proposing to sneak<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_64" id="Page_64">[64]</a></span> in after the
+close of the evening. They did so, and about midnight made their
+entry into a certain great house, where there had been an
+extraordinary entertainment the day before, and several tit-bits,
+which some of the servants had purloined, were hid under a seat
+of a window. The country guest was immediately placed in the
+midst of a rich Persian carpet; and now it was the courtier's
+turn to entertain, who, indeed, acquitted himself in that
+capacity with the utmost readiness and address, changing the
+courses as elegantly, and tasting everything first as
+judiciously, as any clerk of the kitchen. The other sat and
+enjoyed himself like a delighted epicure, tickled to the last
+degree with this new turn of his affairs; when, on a sudden, a
+noise of somebody opening the door made them start from their
+seats and scuttle in confusion about the dining-room. Our country
+friend, in particular, was ready to die with fear at the barking
+of a huge Mastiff or two, which opened their throats just about
+the same time, and made the whole house echo.</p>
+
+<p>At last, recovering himself, "Well," says he, "if this be your
+town life, much good may you do with it; give me my poor, quiet
+hole again, with my homely but comfortable grey pease."</p>
+
+
+<p class="center">MORAL.</p>
+
+<p>Poverty and safety are preferable to luxury and danger.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_65" id="Page_65">[65]</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="FABLE_XLVIII" id="FABLE_XLVIII"></a>FABLE XLVIII.</h2>
+
+<h3>THE CAT AND THE MICE.</h3>
+
+
+<p>A <span class="smcap">certain</span> house was much infested with Mice; but at last they got
+a Cat, who caught and ate every day some of them. The Mice,
+finding their numbers grow thin, consulted what was best to be
+done for the preservation of the public from the jaws of the
+devouring Cat. They debated and came to this resolution, that no
+one should go down below the upper shelf.</p>
+
+<p>The Cat, observing the Mice no longer came down as usual, hungry
+and disappointed of her prey, had recourse to this
+stratagem:&mdash;She hung by her hind legs on a peg which stuck in the
+wall, and made as if she had been dead, hoping by this lure to
+entice the Mice to come down. She had not been in this posture
+long before a cunning old Mouse peeped over the edge of the
+shelf, and spoke thus:&mdash;"Ha! ha! my good friend, are you there?
+There you may be! I would not trust myself with you, though your
+skin were stuffed with straw."</p>
+
+
+<p class="center">MORAL.</p>
+
+<p>They that are wise will never trust those a second time who have
+deceived them once.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_66" id="Page_66">[66]</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="FABLE_XLIX" id="FABLE_XLIX"></a>FABLE XLIX.</h2>
+
+<h3>THE KID AND THE WOLF.</h3>
+
+
+<p>A <span class="smcap">Kid</span>, being mounted upon the roof of a lofty shed, and seeing a
+Wolf below, loaded him with all manner of reproaches. Upon which,
+the Wolf, looking up, replied, "Do not vaunt yourself, vain
+creature, and think you mortify me; for I look upon this ill
+language as not coming from you, but from the place that protects
+you."</p>
+
+
+<p class="center">MORAL.</p>
+
+<p>To rail or give bad language is wrong at all times; but when a
+man is protected by circumstances, it is cowardly, as well as
+wrong. The man who then uses it becomes a fit object of contempt
+to him that he reviles.</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 400px;"><a name="pic_13" id="pic_13"></a>
+<img src="images/image_14.jpg" width="400" height="524" alt="THE KID AND THE WOLF."  />
+<span class="caption">THE KID AND THE WOLF.</span>
+</div>
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="FABLE_L" id="FABLE_L"></a>FABLE L.</h2>
+
+<h3>THE COUNCIL OF HORSES.</h3>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0"><span class="smcap">Upon</span> a time, a neighing Steed,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Who grazed among a numerous breed,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">With mutiny had fired the train,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">And spread dissension through the plain.<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_67" id="Page_67">[67]</a></span></p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">On matters that concerned the state<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">The council met in grand debate.<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">A Colt, whose eye-balls flamed with ire,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Elate with strength and youthful fire,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">In haste stepped forth before the rest,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">And thus the listening throng addressed:&mdash;<br /></span>
+</div><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i2">"Good gods! how abject is our race!<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Condemned to slavery and disgrace!<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Shall we our servitude retain,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Because our sires have borne the chain?<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Consider, friends, your strength and might;<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">'Tis conquest to assert your right.<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">How cumberous is the gilded coach!<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">The pride of man is our reproach.<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Were we designed for daily toil,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">To drag the ploughshare through the soil;<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">To sweat in harness through the road;<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">To groan beneath the carrier's load?<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">How feeble are the two-legged kind!<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">What force is in our nerves combined!<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Shall, then, our nobler jaws submit<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">To foam and champ the galling bit?<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Shall haughty men my back bestride?<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Shall the sharp spur provoke my side?<br /></span>
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_68" id="Page_68">[68]</a></span><span class="i0">Forbid it, heavens! reject the rein,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Your shame, your infamy disdain.<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Let him the Lion first control,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">And still the Tiger's famished growl!<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Let us, like them, our freedom claim;<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">And make him tremble at our name."<br /></span>
+</div><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i2">A general nod approved the cause,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">And all the circle neighed applause;<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">When, lo! with grave and solemn pace,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">A Steed advanced before the race,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">With age and long experience wise;<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Around he casts his thoughtful eyes,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">And, to the murmurs of the train,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Thus spoke the Nestor of the plain:&mdash;<br /></span>
+</div><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i2">"When I had health and strength, like you,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">The toils of servitude I knew.<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Now, grateful man rewards my pains,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">And gives me all these wide domains.<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">At will I crop the year's increase;<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">My latter life is rest and peace.<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">I grant, to man we lend our pains,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">And aid him to correct the plains.<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">But doth not he divide the care,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Through all the labours of the year?<br /></span>
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_69" id="Page_69">[69]</a></span><span class="i0">How many thousand structures rise,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">To fence us from inclement skies!<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">For us he bears the sultry day,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">And stores up all our winter's hay.<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">He sows, he reaps the harvest gain;<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">We share the toil, and share the grain."<br /></span>
+</div><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i2">The tumult ceased. The Colt submitted;<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">And, like his ancestors, was bitted.<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+
+<p class="center">MORAL.</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">Since every creature is decreed<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">To aid each other's mutual need;<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Submit with a contented mind<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">To act the part by heaven assigned.<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="FABLE_LI" id="FABLE_LI"></a>FABLE LI.</h2>
+
+<h3>THE ASS AND THE LITTLE DOG.</h3>
+
+
+<p>The Ass, observing how great a favourite a little Dog was with
+his master, how much caressed, and fondled, and fed with good
+bits at every meal, and for no other reason, as<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_70" id="Page_70">[70]</a></span> he could
+perceive, but skipping and frisking about, wagging his tail, and
+leaping up in his master's lap, was resolved to imitate the same,
+and see whether such behaviour would not procure him the same
+favours. Accordingly, the master was no sooner come home from
+walking about his fields and gardens, and was seated in his easy
+chair, than the Ass, who observed him, came gamboling and braying
+towards him, in a very awkward manner. The master could not help
+laughing aloud at the odd sight. But the jest soon became
+earnest, when he felt the rough salute of the fore-feet, as the
+Ass, raising himself upon his hinder legs, pawed against his
+breast with a most loving air, and would fain have jumped into
+his lap. The good man, terrified at this outrageous conduct, and
+unable to endure the weight of so heavy a beast, cried out; upon
+which one of his servants, running in with a good stick, and
+laying heartily upon the bones of the poor Ass, soon convinced
+him that everyone who desires it is not qualified to be a
+favourite.</p>
+
+
+<p class="center">MORAL.</p>
+
+<p>All men have not the same gifts of pleasing. It will be well,
+therefore, to keep in our own place; and, in that condition of
+life, to do our duty. By which we shall be most likely to give
+satisfaction.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_71" id="Page_71">[71]</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="FABLE_LII" id="FABLE_LII"></a>FABLE LII.</h2>
+
+<h3>THE LION AND THE FOUR BULLS.</h3>
+
+
+<p>Four Bulls, which had entered into a very strict friendship, kept
+always near one another, and fed together. The Lion often saw
+them, and as often wished to make one of them his prey; but
+though he could easily have subdued any of them singly, yet he
+was afraid to attack the whole when together, knowing they would
+have been too hard for him; and, therefore, contented himself for
+the present with keeping at a distance. At last, perceiving no
+attempt was to be made upon them as long as their combination
+lasted, he took occasion, by whispers and hints, to foment
+jealousies and raise divisions among them.</p>
+
+<p>This stratagem succeeded so well, that the Bulls grew cold and
+reserved towards one another, which soon after ripened into a
+downright hatred and aversion, and, at last, ended in a total
+separation. The Lion had now obtained his ends; and, as
+impossible as it was for him to hurt them while they were united,
+he found no difficulty, now they were parted, to seize and devour
+every Bull of them, one after another.</p>
+
+
+<p class="center">MORAL.</p>
+
+<p>Union is strength. Jealousy and envy, especially when fomented by
+whisperers, will destroy gradually the ties that make us safe
+against enemies.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_72" id="Page_72">[72]</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="FABLE_LIII" id="FABLE_LIII"></a>FABLE LIII.</h2>
+
+<h3>THE LEOPARD AND THE FOX.</h3>
+
+
+<p>The Leopard one day took it into his head to value himself upon
+the great variety and beauty of his spots; and, truly, he saw no
+reason why even the lion should take place of him, since he could
+not show so beautiful a skin. As for the rest of the wild beasts
+of the forests, he treated them all, without distinction, in the
+most haughty and disdainful manner. But the Fox, being among
+them, went up to him with a great deal of spirit and resolution,
+and told him that he was mistaken in the value he was pleased to
+set upon himself, since people of judgment were not used to form
+their opinion of merit from an outside appearance, but by
+considering the good qualities and endowments with which the mind
+was stored within.</p>
+
+
+<p class="center">MORAL.</p>
+
+<p>Haughty beauty is an ungraceful thing. True beauty is always
+found in a setting of modesty, and then only appears the bright
+jewel that it is.</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 400px;"><a name="pic_14" id="pic_14"></a>
+<img src="images/image_15.jpg" width="400" height="533" alt="THE LEOPARD AND THE FOX."  />
+<span class="caption">THE LEOPARD AND THE FOX.</span>
+</div>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_73" id="Page_73">[73]</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="FABLE_LIV" id="FABLE_LIV"></a>FABLE LIV.</h2>
+
+<h3>THE WARRIOR WOLF.</h3>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i4">A <span class="smcap">young</span> Wolf said aloud<br /></span>
+<span class="i4">To the listening crowd,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">"I may well of my father's great courage be proud;<br /></span>
+<span class="i4">Wherever he came,<br /></span>
+<span class="i4">Flock, shepherd, or dame,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">All trembled and fled at the sound of his name.<br /></span>
+<span class="i4">Did anyone spy<br /></span>
+<span class="i4">My papa coming by&mdash;<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Two hundred or more&mdash;Oh! he made them all fly!<br /></span>
+<span class="i4">One day, by a blow,<br /></span>
+<span class="i4">He was conquered, I know;<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">But no wonder at last he should yield to a foe:<br /></span>
+<span class="i4">He yielded, poor fellow!<br /></span>
+<span class="i4">The conquering bellow<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Resounds in my ears as my poor father's knell&mdash;Oh!"<br /></span>
+<span class="i4">A Fox then replied,<br /></span>
+<span class="i4">While, leering aside,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">He laughed at his folly and vapouring pride:<br /></span>
+<span class="i4">"My chattering youth,<br /></span>
+<span class="i4">Your nonsense, forsooth,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Is more like a funeral sermon than truth.<br /></span>
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_74" id="Page_74">[74]</a><br /></span>
+<span class="i4">Let history tell<br /></span>
+<span class="i4">How your old father fell;<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">And see if the narrative sounds as well.<br /></span>
+<span class="i4">Your folly surpasses,<br /></span>
+<span class="i4">Of monkeys all classes;<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">The beasts which he frightened, or conquered, were asses,<br /></span>
+<span class="i4">Except a few sheep,<br /></span>
+<span class="i4">When the shepherd, asleep,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">The dog by his side for safety did keep.<br /></span>
+<span class="i4">Your father fell back,<br /></span>
+<span class="i4">Knocked down by a whack<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">From the very first bull that he dared to attack.<br /></span>
+<span class="i4">Away he'd have scoured,<br /></span>
+<span class="i4">But soon overpowered,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">He lived like a thief, and he died like a coward."<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="FABLE_LV" id="FABLE_LV"></a>FABLE LV.</h2>
+
+<h3>THE BELLY AND THE MEMBERS.</h3>
+
+
+<p>In former days, when the Belly and the other parts of the body
+enjoyed the faculty of speech, and had separate views and designs
+of their own; each part, it seems, in particular, for himself,
+and in the name of the whole, took exception at<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_75" id="Page_75">[75]</a></span> the conduct of
+the Belly, and were resolved to grant him supplies no longer.</p>
+
+<p>They said they thought it very hard that he should lead an idle,
+good-for-nothing life, spending and squandering away upon his own
+vile appetites all the fruits of their labour; and that, in
+short, they were resolved for the future to strike off his
+allowance, and let him shift for himself as well as he could.</p>
+
+<p>The hands protested they would not lift a finger to keep him from
+starving; and the mouth wished he might never speak again if he
+took in the least bit of nourishment for him as long as he lived;
+and the teeth said, "May we be rotten if ever we chew a morsel
+for him for the future!" This solemn league and covenant was kept
+so long, until each of the rebel members pined away to the skin
+and bone, and could hold out no longer. Then they found there was
+no doing without the Belly, and that, as idle and insignificant
+as he seemed, he contributed as much to the maintenance and
+welfare of all the other parts as they did to his.</p>
+
+
+<p class="center">MORAL.</p>
+
+<p>Men are dependent upon their fellow-creatures, and it is foolish
+to expect we can do without the help of others.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_76" id="Page_76">[76]</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="FABLE_LVI" id="FABLE_LVI"></a>FABLE LVI.</h2>
+
+<h3>THE CUR, THE HORSE, AND THE SHEPHERD'S DOG.</h3>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">A <span class="smcap">Village</span> Cur, of snappish race,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">The pertest puppy in the place,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Imagined that his treble throat<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Was blessed with music's sweetest note;<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">In the mid road he basking lay,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">The yelping nuisance of the way;<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">For not a creature passed along,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">But had a sample of his song.<br /></span>
+</div><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i2">Soon as the trotting steed he hears,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">He starts, he cocks his dapper ears;<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Away he scours, assaults his hoof;<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Now near him snarls, now barks aloof;<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">With shrill impertinence attends;<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Nor leaves him till the village ends.<br /></span>
+</div><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i2">It chanced, upon his evil day,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">A Pad came pacing down the way;<br /></span>
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_77" id="Page_77">[77]</a></span><span class="i0">The Cur, with never-ceasing tongue,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Upon the passing traveller sprung.<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">The Horse, from scorn provoked to ire,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Flung backward; rolling in the mire,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">The Puppy howled, and bleeding lay;<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">The Pad in peace pursued his way.<br /></span>
+</div><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i2">A Shepherd's Dog, who saw the deed,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Detesting the vexatious breed,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Bespoke him thus: "When coxcombs prate,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">They kindle wrath, contempt, or hate;<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Thy teasing tongue, had judgment tied,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Thou hadst not like a Puppy died."<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+
+<p class="center">MORAL.</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">Too late the forward youth will find<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">That jokes are sometimes paid in kind;<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Or, if they canker in the breast,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">He makes a foe who makes a jest.<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_78" id="Page_78">[78]</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="FABLE_LVII" id="FABLE_LVII"></a>FABLE LVII.</h2>
+
+<h3>THE JACKDAW AND THE EAGLE.</h3>
+
+
+<p>An Eagle flew down from the top of a high rock, and settled upon
+the back of a lamb, and then, instantly flying up into the air
+again, bore his bleating prize aloft in his talons. A Jackdaw,
+who sat upon an elm, and beheld his exploit, resolved to imitate
+it. So, flying upon the back of a ram, and entangling his claws
+in the wool, he fell a-chattering and attempting to fly; by which
+means he drew the observation of the shepherd upon him, who,
+finding his feet hampered in the fleece of the ram, easily took
+him, and gave him to his boys for their sport and diversion,
+saying, "The silly bird thought he was an Eagle; but, no doubt,
+by this time he has found out he is but a Jackdaw."</p>
+
+
+<p class="center">MORAL.</p>
+
+<p>A false estimate of our own abilities ever exposes us to
+ridicule, and often to danger.</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 400px;"><a name="pic_15" id="pic_15"></a>
+<img src="images/image_16.jpg" width="400" height="528" alt="THE JACKDAW AND THE EAGLE."  />
+<span class="caption">THE JACKDAW AND THE EAGLE.</span>
+</div>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_79" id="Page_79">[79]</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="FABLE_LVIII" id="FABLE_LVIII"></a>FABLE LVIII.</h2>
+
+<h3>THE ASS AND THE LION HUNTING.</h3>
+
+
+<p>The Lion took a fancy to hunt in company with the Ass; and, to
+make him the more useful, gave him instructions to hide himself
+in a thicket, and then to bray in the most frightful manner that
+he could possibly contrive. "By this means," says he, "you will
+rouse all the beasts within hearing of you, while I stand at the
+outlets and take them as they are making off." This was done; and
+the stratagem took effect accordingly. The Ass brayed most
+hideously, and the timorous beasts, not knowing what to make of
+it, began to scour off as fast as they could; when the Lion, who
+was posted at a convenient place, seized and devoured them as he
+pleased.</p>
+
+<p>Having got his belly full, he called out to the Ass, and bid him
+leave off braying, as he had had enough. Upon this the lop-eared
+brute came out of his ambush, and, approaching the Lion, asked
+him, with an air of conceit, "how he liked his performance."
+"Prodigiously," says he; "you did it so well, that I protest, had
+I not known your nature and temper, I might have been frightened
+myself."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_80" id="Page_80">[80]</a></span></p>
+
+
+<p class="center">MORAL.</p>
+
+<p>Boastful cowards may impose upon those who do not know them, but
+are held to be only ridiculous by those who do. Pompous persons
+who would wish themselves thought perfect Lions, when known are
+mostly found arrant Asses.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="FABLE_LIX" id="FABLE_LIX"></a>FABLE LIX.</h2>
+
+<h3>THE WOLF IN SHEEP'S CLOTHING.</h3>
+
+
+<p>A <span class="smcap">Wolf</span> clothing himself in the skin of a Sheep, and getting in
+among the flock, by this means took the opportunity to devour
+many of them. At last, the Shepherd discovered him, and cunningly
+fastened a rope about his neck, tying him up to a tree which
+stood hard by.</p>
+
+<p>Some other Shepherds happening to pass that way, and observing
+what he was about, drew near, and expressed their wonder at it.
+"What," says one of them, "Brother, do you hang Sheep?" "No,"
+replies the other; "I hang a Wolf whenever I catch him, though in
+the habit and garb of Sheep." Then he showed them their mistake,
+and they applauded the justice of the execution.</p>
+
+
+<p class="center">MORAL.</p>
+
+<p>Those who try to seem what they are not will not always thereby
+escape the punishment of what they are.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_81" id="Page_81">[81]</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="FABLE_LX" id="FABLE_LX"></a>FABLE LX.</h2>
+
+<h3>THE TWO BEES.</h3>
+
+
+<p>On a fine morning in May, two Bees set forward in quest of honey;
+the one, wise and temperate; the other, careless and extravagant.
+They soon arrived at a garden enriched with aromatic herbs, the
+most fragrant flowers, and the most delicious fruits. They
+regaled themselves for a time on the various dainties that were
+set before them: the one loading his thigh at intervals with
+provisions for the hive against the distant winter, the other
+revelling in sweets, without regard to anything but his present
+gratification.</p>
+
+<p>At length, they found a wide-mouthed vial, that hung beneath the
+bough of a peach-tree, filled with honey ready tempered, and
+exposed to their taste in the most alluring manner. The
+thoughtless Epicure, spite of all his friend's remonstrances,
+plunged headlong into the vessel, resolving to indulge himself in
+all the pleasures of sensuality. The Philosopher, on the other
+hand, sipped a little with caution, but, being suspicious of
+danger, flew off to fruits and flowers; where, by the moderation
+of his meals, he improved his relish for the true enjoyment of
+them.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_82" id="Page_82">[82]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>In the evening, however, he called upon his friend, to inquire
+whether he would return to the hive, but found him surfeited in
+sweets, which he was as unable to leave as to enjoy. Clogged in
+his wings, enfeebled in his feet, and his whole frame totally
+enervated, he was but just able to bid his friend adieu, and to
+lament, with his latest breath, that though a taste of pleasure
+may quicken the relish of life, an unrestrained indulgence is
+inevitable destruction.</p>
+
+
+<p class="center">MORAL.</p>
+
+<p>Moderation rewards and intemperance punishes itself.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="FABLE_LXI" id="FABLE_LXI"></a>FABLE LXI.</h2>
+
+<h3>THE TURKEY AND THE ANT.</h3>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">A <span class="smcap">Turkey</span>, tired of common food,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Forsook the barn, and sought the wood;<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Behind her ran her infant train,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Collecting here and there a grain.<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">"Draw near, my birds," the mother cries,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">"This hill delicious fare supplies;<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Behold the busy negro race,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">See millions blacken all the place.<br /></span>
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_83" id="Page_83">[83]</a></span><span class="i0">Fear not: like me, with freedom eat;<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">An Ant is most delightful meat.<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">How blessed, how envied were our life,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Could we but 'scape the poulterer's knife!<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">But man, cursed man, on Turkeys preys,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">And Christmas shortens all our days.<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Sometimes with oysters we combine;<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Sometimes assist the savoury chine:<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">From the low peasant to the lord,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">The Turkey smokes on every board;<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Sure, men for gluttony are cursed,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Of the seven deadly sins, the worst."<br /></span>
+</div><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i2">An Ant, who climbed beyond her reach,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Thus answered from the neighbouring beech:<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">"Ere you remark another's sin,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Bid thy own conscience look within;<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Control thy more voracious bill,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Nor, for a breakfast, nations kill."<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+
+<p class="center">MORAL.</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">In other folks we faults can spy,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">And blame the mote that dims their eye;<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Each little speck and blemish find:<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">To our own stronger errors blind.<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_84" id="Page_84">[84]</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="FABLE_LXII" id="FABLE_LXII"></a>FABLE LXII.</h2>
+
+<h3>THE DOG AND THE WOLF.</h3>
+
+
+<p>A <span class="smcap">lean</span>, hungry, half-starved Wolf happened, one moonshiny night,
+to meet a jolly, plump, well-fed Mastiff; and after the first
+compliments were passed, says the Wolf, "You look extremely well;
+I protest, I think I never saw a more graceful, comely person;
+but how comes it about, I beseech you, that you should live so
+much better than I? I may say, without vanity, that I venture
+fifty times more than you do, and yet I am almost ready to perish
+with hunger." The Dog answered very bluntly, "Why, you may live
+as well, if you do the same for it as I do." "Indeed! what is
+that?" says he. "Why," says the Dog, "only to guard the house at
+night, and keep it from thieves." "With all my heart," replies
+the Wolf, "for at present I have but a sorry time of it; and I
+think to change my hard lodging in the woods, where I endure
+rain, frost, and snow, for a warm roof over my head and enough of
+good victuals, will be no bad bargain." "True," says the Dog;
+"therefore you have nothing to do but to follow me."</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 400px;"><a name="pic_16" id="pic_16"></a>
+<img src="images/image_17.jpg" width="400" height="526" alt="THE HOUSE DOG AND THE WOLF."  />
+<span class="caption">THE HOUSE DOG AND THE WOLF.</span>
+</div>
+
+<p>Now, as they were jogging on together, the Wolf spied a <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_85" id="Page_85">[85]</a></span>crease
+in the Dog's neck, and having a strange curiosity, could not
+forbear asking him what it meant! "Pugh! nothing," says the Dog.
+"Nay, but pray," says the Wolf. "Why," says the Dog, "if you must
+know, I am tied up in the day-time, because I am a little fierce,
+for fear I should bite people, and am only let loose at nights.
+But this is done with a design to make me sleep by day, more than
+anything else, and that I may watch the better in the night time;
+for, as soon as ever the twilight appears, out I am turned, and
+may go where I please. Then my master brings me plates of bones
+from the table with his own hands; and whatever scraps are left
+by any of the family, all fall to my share; for, you must know, I
+am a favourite with everybody. So you see how you are to
+live.&mdash;Come, come along; what is the matter with you?" "No,"
+replied the Wolf, "I beg your pardon; keep your happiness all to
+yourself. Liberty is the word with me; and I would not be a king
+upon the terms you mention."</p>
+
+
+<p class="center">MORAL.</p>
+
+<p>The lowest condition of life, with freedom, is happier than the
+greatest without it. The bird of the air, though he roosts on a
+bough, has more real joy than the well-fed captive in a gilded
+cage.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_86" id="Page_86">[86]</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="FABLE_LXIII" id="FABLE_LXIII"></a>FABLE LXIII.</h2>
+
+<h3>THE SATYR AND THE TRAVELLER.</h3>
+
+
+<p>A <span class="smcap">Satyr</span>, as he was ranging the forest in an exceedingly cold,
+snowy season, met with a Traveller half starved with the
+extremity of the weather. He took compassion on him, and kindly
+invited him home to a warm, comfortable cave he had in a hollow
+of a rock. As soon as they had entered and sat down,
+notwithstanding there was a good fire in the place, the chilled
+Traveller could not forbear blowing his finger-ends.</p>
+
+<p>Upon the Satyr asking him why he did so, he answered that he did
+it to warm his hands. The honest Sylvan having seen little of the
+world, admired a man who was master of so valuable a quality as
+that of blowing heat; and, therefore, was resolved to entertain
+him in the best manner he could. He spread the table before him
+with dried fruits of several sorts, and produced a remnant of
+cold cordial wine, which, as the rigour of the season made very
+proper, he mulled with some warm spices, over the fire, and
+presented to his shivering guest. But this the Traveller thought
+fit to blow likewise; and upon the Satyr's demanding the reason
+why he blowed again, he replied, to cool the dish.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_87" id="Page_87">[87]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>This second answer provoked the Satyr's indignation, as much as
+the first had kindled his surprise; so, taking the man by the
+shoulder, he thrust him out, saying he would have nothing to do
+with a wretch who had so vile a quality as to blow hot and cold
+with the same mouth.</p>
+
+
+<p class="center">MORAL.</p>
+
+<p>Double dealing is always detestable. The man that blows hot and
+cold at the same time is not worthy to be trusted; the sooner we
+part from him the better.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="FABLE_LXIV" id="FABLE_LXIV"></a>FABLE LXIV.</h2>
+
+<h3>THE BARLEY-MOW AND THE DUNGHILL.</h3>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">As '<span class="smcap">cross</span> his yard, at early day,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">A careful farmer took his way,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">He stopped, and leaning on his fork,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Observed the flail's incessant work.<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">In thought he measured all his store;<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">His geese, his hogs, he numbered o'er;<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">In fancy weighed the fleeces shorn,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">And multiplied the next year's corn.<br /></span>
+</div><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i2">A Barley-Mow, which stood beside,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Thus to its musing master cried:<br /></span>
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_88" id="Page_88">[88]</a></span></div><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i2">"Say, good sir, is it fit or right,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">To treat me with neglect and slight?<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Me, who contribute to your cheer,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">And raise your mirth with ale and beer!<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Why thus insulted, thus disgraced,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">And that vile Dunghill near me placed?<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Are those poor sweepings of a groom,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">That filthy sight, that nauseous fume,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Meet objects here? Command it hence:<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">A thing so mean must give offence."<br /></span>
+</div><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i2">The humble Dunghill thus replied:<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">"Thy master hears, and mocks thy pride.<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Insult not thus the meek and low;<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">In me thy benefactor know:<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">My warm assistance gave thee birth,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Or thou hadst perished low in earth:<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">But upstarts, to support their station,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Cancel at once all obligation."<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="FABLE_LXV" id="FABLE_LXV"></a>FABLE LXV.</h2>
+
+<h3>THE SHEEP-BITER AND SHEPHERD.</h3>
+
+
+<p>A <span class="smcap">certain</span> Shepherd had a Dog, upon whose fidelity he relied very
+much; for whenever he had occasion to be absent<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_89" id="Page_89">[89]</a></span> himself, he
+committed the care and tuition of the flock to the charge of his
+Dog; and, to encourage him to do his duty cheerfully, he fed him
+constantly with sweet curds and whey, and sometimes threw him a
+crust or two. Yet, notwithstanding this, no sooner was his back
+turned, but the treacherous cur fell foul of the flock, and
+devoured the sheep, instead of guarding and defending them. The
+Shepherd being informed of this, was resolved to hang him; and
+the Dog, when the rope was about his neck, and he was just going
+to be hung, began to expostulate with his master, asking him, why
+he was so unmercifully bent against him, who was his own servant
+and creature, and had only committed two or three crimes, and why
+he did not rather execute vengeance upon the Wolf, who was a
+constant and declared enemy? "Nay," replies the Shepherd, "it is
+for that very reason that I think you ten times more deserving of
+death than he. From him I expected nothing but hostilities; and
+therefore could guard against him. You I depended upon as a just
+and faithful servant, and fed and encouraged you accordingly; and
+therefore your treachery is the more notorious, and your
+ingratitude the more unpardonable."</p>
+
+
+<p class="center">MORAL.</p>
+
+<p>A known enemy is better than a treacherous friend.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_90" id="Page_90">[90]</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="FABLE_LXVI" id="FABLE_LXVI"></a>FABLE LXVI.</h2>
+
+<h3>THE STAG AT THE POOL.</h3>
+
+
+<p>A <span class="smcap">Stag</span> that had been drinking at a clear spring, saw himself in
+the water; and, pleased with the sight, stood long contemplating
+and surveying his shape and features from head to foot. "Ah!"
+says he, "what a glorious pair of branching horns are there! How
+gracefully do those antlers hang over my forehead, and give an
+agreeable turn to my whole face! If some other parts of my body
+were but in proportion to them, I would turn my back to nobody;
+but I have a set of such legs as really make me ashamed to see
+them. People may talk what they please of their conveniences, and
+what great need we stand in of them, upon several occasions; but,
+for my part, I find them so very slender and unsightly that I had
+as lief have none at all."</p>
+
+<p>While he was giving himself these airs, he was alarmed with the
+noise of some huntsmen and a pack of hounds that had been just
+laid on upon the scent, and were making towards him.</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 400px;"><a name="pic_17" id="pic_17"></a>
+<img src="images/image_18.jpg" width="400" height="534" alt="THE STAG AT THE POOL."  />
+<span class="caption">THE STAG AT THE POOL.</span>
+</div>
+
+<p>Away he flees in some consternation, and, bounding nimbly over
+the plain, threw dogs and men at a vast distance behind him.
+After which, taking a very thick copse, he had the ill-fortune to
+be entangled by his horns in a thicket, <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_91" id="Page_91">[91]</a></span>where he was held
+fast, till the hounds came in and pulled him down. Finding now
+how it was likely to go with him, in the pangs of death, he is
+said to have uttered these words:&mdash;"Unhappy creature that I am! I
+am too late convinced that what I prided myself in has been the
+cause of my undoing, and what I so much disliked was the only
+thing that could have saved me."</p>
+
+
+<p class="center">MORAL.</p>
+
+<p>Beauty often becomes a snare and ruin, while solid virtue, though
+unadorned, gains respect. The latter, too, will mature with age,
+while the former will surely fade.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="FABLE_LXVII" id="FABLE_LXVII"></a>FABLE LXVII.</h2>
+
+<h3>THE OLD SWALLOWS AND THE YOUNG BIRDS.</h3>
+
+
+<p>A <span class="smcap">Swallow</span>, observing a husbandman employed in sowing hemp, called
+the little Birds together, and informed them what the farmer was
+about. He told them that hemp was the material from which the
+nets, so fatal to the feathered race, were composed; and advised
+them unanimously to join in picking it up, in order to prevent
+the consequences.</p>
+
+<p>The Birds, either disbelieving his information, or neglecting his
+advice, gave themselves no trouble about the matter. In a little
+time, the hemp appeared above the ground. The friendly Swallow
+again addressed himself to them&mdash;told them it was not yet too
+late, provided they<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_92" id="Page_92">[92]</a></span> would immediately set about the work, before
+the seeds had taken too deep root. But, they still rejecting his
+advice, he forsook their society; repaired, for safety, to towns
+and cities; there built his habitation, and kept his residence.</p>
+
+<p>One day, as he was skimming along the streets, he happened to see
+a great number of these very Birds, imprisoned in a cage, on the
+shoulders of a bird-catcher. "Unhappy wretches!" said he, "you
+now feel the punishment of your former neglect. But those who,
+having no foresight of their own, despise the wholesome
+admonition of their friends, deserve the mischiefs which their
+own obstinacy or negligence bring upon their heads."</p>
+
+
+<p class="center">MORAL.</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">This Fable teaches thoughtless youth<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">A most important moral truth:&mdash;<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">The seeds, which proved the young birds' ruin,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Are emblems of their own undoing,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Should they neglect, while yet 'tis time,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">To pluck the early shoots of crime;<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Or, in their own opinions wise,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">The counsel of their friends despise.<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">For evil habits, left to grow,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Are ever sure to lead to woe;<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">But checked in time with vigorous hand,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Will bend to virtue's firm command.<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_93" id="Page_93">[93]</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="FABLE_LXVIII" id="FABLE_LXVIII"></a>FABLE LXVIII.</h2>
+
+<h3>THE WAGGONER AND THE BUTTERFLY.</h3>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">The rain so soft had made the road,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">That, in a rut, a waggon-load,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">The poor man's harvest, (bitter luck!)<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Sank down a foot, and there it stuck.<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">He whipped his horses, but in vain;<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">They pulled and splashed, and pulled again,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">But vainly still; the slippery soil<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Defied their strength, and mocked their toil.<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Panting they stood, with legs outspread;<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">The driver stood, and scratched his head:<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">(A common custom, by-the-bye,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">When people know not what to try,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Though not, it seems, a remedy).<br /></span>
+</div><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i2">A Butterfly, in flower concealed,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Had travelled with them from the field;<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Who in the waggon was thrown up,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">While feasting on a buttercup.<br /></span>
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_94" id="Page_94">[94]</a></span><span class="i0">The panting of each labouring beast<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Disturbed her at her fragrant feast;<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">The sudden stop, the driver's sigh,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Awoke her generous sympathy.<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">And, seeing the distressing case<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">She cried, while springing from her place,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">(Imagining her tiny freight<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">A vast addition to the weight,)<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">"I must have pity&mdash;and be gone,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Now, master Waggoner, drive on."<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+
+<p class="center">MORAL.</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i2">Do not admire this Butterfly,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Young reader; I will tell you why.<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">At first, goodnature seems a cause,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Why she should merit your applause;<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">But 'twas conceit that filled her breast:<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Her self-importance made a jest<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Of what might otherwise have claimed<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Your praise,&mdash;but now she must be blamed.<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Should any case occur, when you<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">May have some friendly act to do;<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Give all <i>your feeble aid</i>&mdash;as such,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">But estimate it not too much.<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_95" id="Page_95">[95]</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="FABLE_LXIX" id="FABLE_LXIX"></a>FABLE LXIX.</h2>
+
+<h3>THE LION, THE BEAR, AND THE FOX.</h3>
+
+
+<p>A <span class="smcap">Lion</span> and a Bear quarrelling over the carcase of a Fawn, which
+they found in the forest, their title to him had to be decided by
+force of arms. The battle was severe and tough on both sides, and
+they fought it out, tearing and worrying one another so long,
+that, what with wounds and fatigue, they were so faint and weary,
+that they were not able to strike another stroke. Thus, while
+they lay upon the ground, panting and lolling out their tongues,
+a Fox chanced to pass by that way, who, perceiving how the case
+stood, very impudently stepped in between them, seized the booty
+which they had all this while been contending for, and carried it
+off. The two combatants, who lay and beheld all this, without
+having strength to stir and prevent it, were only wise enough to
+make this reflection:&mdash;"Behold the fruits of our strife and
+contention! That villain, the Fox, bears away the prize, and we
+ourselves have deprived each other of the power to recover it
+from him."</p>
+
+
+<p class="center">MORAL.</p>
+
+<p>When fools quarrel, knaves get the prize of contention.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_96" id="Page_96">[96]</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="FABLE_LXX" id="FABLE_LXX"></a>FABLE LXX.</h2>
+
+<h3>THE FOX AND THE GRAPES.</h3>
+
+
+<p>In days of yore, when a young Fox would take more pains to get a
+bunch of grapes than a plump, fat goose, an arch young thief cast
+his eyes on a fine bunch which hung on the top of a poor man's
+vine, and made him lick his lips like a hound at the sight of a
+joint of meat. "Oh," said he, "how nice they look! I must have a
+taste of them, if I die for it;" and with that, up he jumped with
+all his might, but had the ill-luck not to reach the grapes; yet,
+as he could not find in his heart to leave them, he tried for
+them as long as he was able; so he leaped and jumped, and jumped
+and leaped, till at last he was glad to rest. But when he found
+all his pains were in vain, "Hang them!" said he, "I am sure they
+are not fit to eat, for they are as sour as crabs, and would set
+my teeth on edge for a whole week; and so I shall leave them for
+the next fool who may chance to come this way."</p>
+
+
+<p class="center">MORAL.</p>
+
+<p>Some men make light of that which is out of their reach, though
+at the same time in their hearts they know not what to do for
+want of it.</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 400px;"><a name="pic_18" id="pic_18"></a>
+<img src="images/image_19.jpg" width="400" height="524" alt="THE FOX AND THE GRAPES."  />
+<span class="caption">THE FOX AND THE GRAPES.</span>
+</div>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_97" id="Page_97">[97]</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="FABLE_LXXI" id="FABLE_LXXI"></a>FABLE LXXI.</h2>
+
+<h3>THE HARE AND MANY FRIENDS.</h3>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">A <span class="smcap">Hare</span>, who, in a civil way,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Complied with everything, like Gay,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Was known by all the bestial train,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Who haunt the wood, or graze the plain.<br /></span>
+</div><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i2">As forth she went, at early dawn,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">To taste the dew-besprinkled lawn,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Behind she hears the hunter's cries,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">And from the deep-mouthed thunder flies.<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">She starts, she stops, she pants for breath;<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">She hears the near approach of death;<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">She doubles, to mislead the hound,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">And measures back her mazy round;<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Till, fainting in the public way,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Half dead with fear, she gasping lay:&mdash;<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">What transport in her bosom grew,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">When first the Horse appeared in view!<br /></span>
+</div><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i2">"Let me," says she, "your back ascend,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">And owe my safety to a friend;<br /></span>
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_98" id="Page_98">[98]</a></span><span class="i0">You know my feet betray my flight;<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">To friendship, ev'ry burthen's light."<br /></span>
+</div><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i2">The Horse replied,&mdash;"Poor, honest Puss!<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">It grieves my heart to see thee thus:<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Be comforted,&mdash;relief is near;<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">For all our friends are in the rear."<br /></span>
+</div><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i2">She next the stately Bull implored,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">And thus replied the mighty lord:&mdash;<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">"Since every beast alive can tell,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">That I sincerely wish you well,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">I may, without offence, pretend<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">To take the freedom of a friend.<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Love calls me hence; a favourite cow<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Expects me near yon barley-mow;<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">And when a lady's in the case,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">You know, all other things give place.<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">To leave you thus may seem unkind;<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">But see,&mdash;the Goat is just behind."<br /></span>
+</div><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i2">The Goat remarked her pulse was high;<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Her languid head, her heavy eye;<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">"My back," says she, "may do you harm;<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">The Sheep's at hand, and wool is warm."<br /></span>
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_99" id="Page_99">[99]</a></span></div><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i2">The Sheep was feeble, and complained,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">His sides a load of wool sustained;<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Said he was slow; confessed his fears;<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">For Hounds eat Sheep as well as Hares.<br /></span>
+</div><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i2">She now the trotting Calf addressed,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">To save from death a friend distressed.<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">"Shall I," says he, "of tender age,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">In this important care engage?<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Older and abler pass you by;<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">How strong are those! how weak am I!<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Should I presume to bear you hence,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Those friends of mine may take offence.<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Excuse me, then,&mdash;you know my heart;<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">But dearest friends, alas! must part.<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">How shall we all lament!&mdash;Adieu!<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">For see, the Hounds are just in view."<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+
+<p class="center">MORAL.</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">Friendships are single: who depend<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">On many rarely find a friend.<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_100" id="Page_100">[100]</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="FABLE_LXXII" id="FABLE_LXXII"></a>FABLE LXXII.</h2>
+
+<h3>THE COCK AND THE FOX.</h3>
+
+
+<p>A <span class="smcap">Cock</span>, being perched among the branches of a lofty tree, crowed
+aloud, so that the shrillness of his voice echoed through the
+wood and invited a Fox to the place, who was prowling in that
+neighbourhood in quest of his prey. But Reynard, finding the Cock
+was inaccessible by reason of the height of his situation, had
+recourse to stratagem in order to decoy him down. So, approaching
+the tree, "Cousin," says he, "I am heartily glad to see you; but
+at the same time I cannot forbear expressing my uneasiness at the
+inconvenience of the place, which will not let me pay my respects
+to you in a handsomer manner; though I suppose you will come down
+presently, and thus the difficulty will be easily removed."</p>
+
+<p>"Indeed, cousin," says the Cock, "to tell you the truth, I do not
+think it safe to venture upon the ground; for though I am
+convinced how much you are my friend, yet I may have the
+misfortune to fall into the clutches of some other beasts, and
+what will become of me then?" "Oh, dear!" says Reynard, "is it
+possible that you can be so ignorant,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_101" id="Page_101">[101]</a></span> as not to know of the
+peace which has been lately proclaimed between all kinds of birds
+and beasts; and that we are for the future to forbear hostilities
+on all sides, and to live in the utmost love and harmony, and
+this, under the penalty of suffering the severest punishment that
+can be inflicted?" All this while the Cock seemed to give little
+attention to what was said, but stretched out his neck, as if he
+saw something at a distance.</p>
+
+<p>"Cousin," says the Fox, "what is it that you look at so
+earnestly?" "Why," says the Cock, "I think I see a pack of hounds
+yonder, a little way off." "Oh, then," says the Fox, "your humble
+servant, I must begone." "Nay, pray cousin, do not go," says the
+Cock, "I am just coming down; surely you are not afraid of Dogs
+in these peaceable times?" "No, no," says he, "but ten to one
+whether they have heard of the proclamation yet."</p>
+
+
+<p class="center">MORAL.</p>
+
+<p>When rogues are met in their own strain, they are generally
+worsted. It is interesting to see the snares of the wicked
+defeated by the discreet management of the innocent. "Answer a
+fool according to his folly," is an old maxim.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_102" id="Page_102">[102]</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="FABLE_LXXIII" id="FABLE_LXXIII"></a>FABLE LXXIII.</h2>
+
+<h3>THE LION AND THE MOUSE.</h3>
+
+
+<p>A <span class="smcap">Lion</span>, faint with heat and weary with hunting, was lying down to
+take his repose under the spreading boughs of a thick shady oak.
+It happened that while he slept, a company of scrambling mice ran
+over his back, and waked him; upon which, starting up, he clapped
+his paw upon one of them, and was just going to put it to death,
+when the little supplicant implored his mercy in a very moving
+manner, begging him not to stain his noble character with the
+blood of so despicable and small a beast.</p>
+
+<p>The Lion, considering the matter, thought proper to do as he was
+desired, and immediately released his little trembling prisoner.</p>
+
+<p>Not long after, while traversing the forest in pursuit of his
+prey, he chanced to run into the toils of the hunters, from
+whence, not being able to disengage himself, he set up a most
+hideous and loud roar.</p>
+
+<p>The Mouse, hearing a voice, and knowing it to be the Lion's,
+immediately repaired to the place, and bid him fear nothing, for
+that he was his friend. Then straight he fell to <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_103" id="Page_103">[103]</a></span>work, and
+with his sharp little teeth gnawing asunder the knots and
+fastenings of the toils, set the royal brute at liberty.</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 400px;"><a name="pic_19" id="pic_19"></a>
+<img src="images/image_20.jpg" width="400" height="519" alt="THE LION AND THE MOUSE."  />
+<span class="caption">THE LION AND THE MOUSE.</span>
+</div>
+
+
+<p class="center">MORAL.</p>
+
+<p>There is none so little, but that even the greatest may at some
+time or other stand in need of his assistance.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="FABLE_LXXIV" id="FABLE_LXXIV"></a>FABLE LXXIV.</h2>
+
+<h3>THE TRUMPETER TAKEN PRISONER.</h3>
+
+
+<p>A <span class="smcap">Trumpeter</span>, being taken prisoner in a battle, begged hard for
+quarter, declaring his innocence, and protesting that he neither
+had nor could kill any man, bearing no arms but only a trumpet,
+which he was obliged to sound at the word of command. "For that
+reason," replied his enemies, "we are determined not to spare
+you; for though you yourself never fight, yet with that wicked
+instrument of yours, you blow up animosity between other people,
+and so become the occasion of much bloodshed."</p>
+
+
+<p class="center">MORAL.</p>
+
+<p>The hand may rest quiet by the side, and yet the tongue be the
+means of doing more injury than a thousand hands.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_104" id="Page_104">[104]</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="FABLE_LXXV" id="FABLE_LXXV"></a>FABLE LXXV.</h2>
+
+<h3>THE MOUSE AND THE ELEPHANT.</h3>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">A <span class="smcap">pert</span> young Mouse, but just arrived<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">From Athens, where some time he'd lived;<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">And daily to the portico,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">To pick up learning, used to go;<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Vain of the wisdom he had stored,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">And of the books he had devoured;<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Puffed up with pride and self-conceit,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">And proud to show his little wit,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Thus to an Elephant, one day,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">He took it in his head to say:&mdash;<br /></span>
+</div><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i2">"Nay, not so pompous in your gait,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Because Dame Nature made you great;<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">I tell you, sir, your mighty size<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Is of no value in my eyes;&mdash;<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Your magnitude, I have a notion,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Is quite unfit for locomotion;<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">When journeying far, you often prove<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">How sluggishly your feet can move.<br /></span>
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_105" id="Page_105">[105]</a></span><span class="i0">Now, look at me: I'm made to fly;<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Behold, with what rapidity<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">I skip about from place to place,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">And still unwearied with the race;<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">But you&mdash;how lazily you creep,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">And stop to breathe at every step!<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Whenever I your bulk survey,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">I pity&mdash;" What he meant to say,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Or with what kind of peroration<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">He'd have concluded his oration,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">I cannot tell; for, all at once,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">There pounced upon the learned dunce<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">An ambushed Cat; who, very soon,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Experimentally made known,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">That between Mice and Elephants<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">There is a mighty difference.<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+
+<p class="center">MORAL.</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">When fools pretend to wit and sense,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">And wish to shine at your expense,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Defy them to the proof, and you<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Will make them their own folly show.<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_106" id="Page_106">[106]</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="FABLE_LXXVI" id="FABLE_LXXVI"></a>FABLE LXXVI.</h2>
+
+<h3>THE HUSBANDMAN AND HIS SONS.</h3>
+
+
+<p>A <span class="smcap">certain</span> Husbandman, lying at the point of death, and being
+desirous his sons should pursue that innocent, entertaining
+course of agriculture in which he himself had been engaged all
+his life, made use of this expedient to induce them to it. He
+called them to his bed-side and spoke to this effect: "All the
+patrimony I have to bequeath you, Sons, is my farm and my
+vineyard, of which I make you joint heirs. But I charge you not
+to let it go out of your own occupation; for if I have any
+treasure besides, it lies buried somewhere in the ground, within
+a foot of the surface."</p>
+
+<p>This made the Sons conclude that he talked of money which he had
+hid there; so, after their father's death, with unwearied
+diligence and application, they carefully dug up every inch, both
+of the farm and vineyard; from which it came to pass that, though
+they missed the treasure which they expected, the ground, by
+being so well stirred and loosened, produced so plentiful a crop
+of all that was sowed in it as proved a real, and no
+inconsiderable treasure.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_107" id="Page_107">[107]</a></span></p>
+
+
+<p class="center">MORAL.</p>
+
+<p>Labour and industry, well applied, seldom fail of finding a rich
+treasure. And if these do not give us exactly the wealth we are
+looking for, they will certainly give us health and cheerfulness,
+with a tranquil mind, and, without these, all the gold of Peru
+would lie in our coffers useless.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="FABLE_LXXVII" id="FABLE_LXXVII"></a>FABLE LXXVII.</h2>
+
+<h3>THE BALD KNIGHT.</h3>
+
+
+<p>A <span class="smcap">certain</span> Knight growing old, his hair fell off, and he became
+bald; to hide which imperfection he wore a periwig. But as he was
+riding out with some others a-hunting, a sudden gust of wind blew
+off the periwig, and exposed his bald pate.</p>
+
+<p>The company could not forbear laughing at the accident; and he
+himself laughed as loud as anybody, saying, "How was it to be
+expected that I should keep strange hair on my head, when my own
+would not stay there."</p>
+
+
+<p class="center">MORAL.</p>
+
+<p>If, by any word or action, we happen to raise the laughter of
+those about us, we cannot stifle it better than, by a brisk
+presence of mind, to join in the mirth of the company, and, if
+possible, anticipate the jests they are ready to make on us.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_108" id="Page_108">[108]</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="FABLE_LXXVIII" id="FABLE_LXXVIII"></a>FABLE LXXVIII.</h2>
+
+<h3>THE DOG IN THE MANGER.</h3>
+
+
+<p>A <span class="smcap">Dog</span> was lying upon a manger full of hay. An Ox, being hungry,
+came near, and wanted to eat of the hay; but the envious,
+ill-natured cur, getting up and snarling at him, would not suffer
+him to touch it. Upon which the Ox, in the bitterness of his
+heart, said, "What a selfish wretch thou art, for thou canst
+neither eat hay thyself, nor suffer others to do so."</p>
+
+
+<p class="center">MORAL.</p>
+
+<p>Selfishness is a most contemptible thing; but that degree of it
+which withholds from others what we can make no possible use of
+ourselves, is hateful in the extreme.</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 400px;"><a name="pic_20" id="pic_20"></a>
+<img src="images/image_21.jpg" width="400" height="527" alt="THE DOG IN THE MANGER."  />
+<span class="caption">THE DOG IN THE MANGER.</span>
+</div>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="FABLE_LXXIX" id="FABLE_LXXIX"></a>FABLE LXXIX.</h2>
+
+<h3>THE OLD MAN AND DEATH.</h3>
+
+
+
+
+<p>A <span class="smcap">poor</span>, feeble old Man, who had crawled out into a neighbouring
+wood to gather a few sticks, had made up his bundle, <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_109" id="Page_109">[109]</a></span>and,
+laying it over his shoulders, was trudging homeward with it; but
+what with age, and the length of the way, and the weight of his
+burden, he grew so faint and weak that he sunk under it, and, as
+he sat on the ground, called upon Death to come and ease him of
+his troubles. Death no sooner heard him than he came and demanded
+of him what he wanted. The poor old creature, who little thought
+Death had been so near, and frightened almost out of his senses
+with his terrible aspect, answered him, trembling, That, having
+by chance let his bundle of sticks fall, and being too infirm to
+get it up himself, he had made bold to call upon him to help him;
+that, indeed, this was all he wanted at present, and that he
+hoped his worship was not offended with him for the liberty he
+had taken in so doing.</p>
+
+
+<p class="center">MORAL.</p>
+
+<p>Men lightly speak of Death when they think he is far away; but
+let him appear near, and the very sense of his approach almost
+drives the life away. Men then resume the burden of cares which
+they had thrown down as insupportable, being content to bear the
+ills they have than fly to others that they know not of.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_110" id="Page_110">[110]</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="FABLE_LXXX" id="FABLE_LXXX"></a>FABLE LXXX.</h2>
+
+<h3>THE OLD HEN AND YOUNG COCK.</h3>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">As an old Hen led forth her train,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">And seemed to peck, to show the grain;<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">She raked the chaff, she scratched the ground,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">And gleaned the spacious yard around.<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">A giddy chick, to try her wings,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">On the well's narrow margin springs,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">And prone she drops. The mother's breast<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">All day with sorrow was possessed.<br /></span>
+</div><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i2">A Cock she met&mdash;her son, she knew;<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">And in her heart affection grew.<br /></span>
+</div><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i2">"My son," says she, "I grant, your years<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Have reached beyond a mother's cares;<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">I see you vigorous, strong, and bold;<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">I hear, with joy, your triumphs told.<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">'Tis not from Cocks thy fate I dread;<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">But let thy ever-wary tread<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Avoid yon well; that fatal place<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Is sure perdition to our race.<br /></span>
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_111" id="Page_111">[111]</a></span><span class="i0">Print this, my counsel, on thy breast;<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">To the just gods I leave the rest."<br /></span>
+</div><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i2">He thanked her care; yet, day by day,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">His bosom burned to disobey;<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">And every time the well he saw,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Scorned, in his heart, the foolish law;<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Near and more near each day he drew,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">And longed to try the dangerous view.<br /></span>
+</div><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i2">"Why was this idle charge?" he cries;<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">"Let courage female fears despise!<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Or did she doubt my heart was brave,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">And, therefore, this injunction gave?<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Or does her harvest store the place,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">A treasure for her younger race?<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">And would she thus my search prevent?&mdash;<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">I stand resolved, and dare th' event."<br /></span>
+</div><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i2">Thus said, he mounts the margin's round,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">And pries into the depth profound.<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">He stretched his neck; and, from below,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">With stretching neck advanced a foe:<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">With wrath his ruffled plumes he tears;<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">The foe with ruffled plumes appears:<br /></span>
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_112" id="Page_112">[112]</a></span><span class="i0">Threat answered threat, his fury grew;<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Headlong to meet the war he flew;<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">But when the watery death he found,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">He thus lamented as he drowned:<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">"I ne'er had been in this condition,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Had I obeyed the prohibition."<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+
+<p class="center">MORAL.</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">Obey your parents, or 'twill be your fate,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">To feel repentance when it comes too late.<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="FABLE_LXXXI" id="FABLE_LXXXI"></a>FABLE LXXXI.</h2>
+
+<h3>MERCURY AND THE WOODMAN.</h3>
+
+
+<p>A <span class="smcap">Man</span> was felling a tree on the bank of a river, and by chance
+let his hatchet slip out of his hand, which dropped into the
+water, and immediately sunk to the bottom. Being, therefore, in
+great distress from the loss of his tool, he sat down and
+bemoaned himself most lamentably.</p>
+
+<p>Upon this, Mercury appeared to him, and being informed of the
+cause of his complaint, dived to the bottom of the river, and,
+coming up again, showed the man a golden hatchet, demanding if
+that were his. He denied that it was;<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_113" id="Page_113">[113]</a></span> upon which Mercury dived a
+second time, and brought up a silver one. The Man refused it,
+alleging likewise that this was not his. He dived a third time,
+and fetched up the individual hatchet the man had lost; upon
+sight of which the poor fellow was overjoyed, and took it with
+all humility and thankfulness. Mercury was so pleased with the
+fellow's honesty, that he gave him the other two into the
+bargain, as a reward for his just dealing.</p>
+
+<p>The man then went to his companions, and, giving them an account
+of what had happened, one of them went presently to the river
+side, and let his hatchet fall designedly into the stream. Then,
+sitting down upon the bank, he fell a-weeping and lamenting, as
+if he had been really and sorely afflicted. Mercury appeared as
+before, and, diving, brought him up a golden hatchet, asking if
+that was the one he had lost. Transported at the precious metal,
+he answered "Yes," and went to snatch it greedily. But the god,
+detesting his abominable impudence, not only refused to give him
+that, but would not so much as let him have his own hatchet
+again.</p>
+
+
+<p class="center">MORAL.</p>
+
+<p>Honesty is the best policy; it has made many a man's fortune,
+being blessed by God, and highly valued by man.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_114" id="Page_114">[114]</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="FABLE_LXXXII" id="FABLE_LXXXII"></a>FABLE LXXXII.</h2>
+
+<h3>THE WOLF AND THE KID.</h3>
+
+
+<p>The <span class="smcap">Goat</span>, going abroad to feed, shut up her young kid at home,
+charging him to bolt the door fast, and open it to nobody, till
+she herself should return. The Wolf, who lay lurking just by,
+heard this charge given, and soon after came and knocked at the
+door, counterfeiting the voice of the Goat, and desiring to be
+admitted. The Kid, looking out of the window and discovering the
+cheat, bid him go about his business; for however he might
+imitate a Goat's voice, yet he appeared too much like a Wolf to
+be trusted.</p>
+
+
+<p class="center">MORAL.</p>
+
+<p>We cannot use too much caution in avoiding those things which
+those who have more experience than we have warned us against.</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 400px;"><a name="pic_21" id="pic_21"></a>
+<img src="images/image_22.jpg" width="400" height="531" alt="THE WOLF AND THE GOAT."  />
+<span class="caption">THE WOLF AND THE GOAT.</span>
+</div>
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="FABLE_LXXXIII" id="FABLE_LXXXIII"></a>FABLE LXXXIII.</h2>
+
+<h3>THE OLD MAN AND HIS SONS.</h3>
+
+
+
+
+<p>An Old Man had many Sons, who were often falling out with one
+another. When the father had exerted his authority, <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_115" id="Page_115">[115]</a></span>and used
+other means in order to reconcile them, and all to no purpose, he
+at last had recourse to this expedient: he ordered his Sons to be
+called before him, and a short bundle of sticks to be brought;
+and then commanded them, one by one, to try if, with all their
+might and strength, they could any of them break it. They all
+tried, but to no purpose; for the sticks being closely and
+compactly bound up together, it was impossible for the force of
+man to do it.</p>
+
+<p>After this the father ordered the bundle to be untied, and gave a
+single stick to each of his Sons, at the same time bidding him
+try to break it, which, when each did, with all imaginable ease,
+the father addressed himself to them to this effect: "O, my sons,
+behold the power of unity! for if you, in like manner, would but
+keep yourselves strictly joined in the bonds of friendship, it
+would not be in the power of any mortal to hurt you; but when
+once the ties of brotherly affection are dissolved, how soon do
+you fall to pieces, and become liable to be violated by every
+injurious hand that assaults you."</p>
+
+
+<p class="center">MORAL.</p>
+
+<p>Union is strength. Love is a powerful bond, which, when
+cherished, will make those who are bound together by it
+irresistible.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_116" id="Page_116">[116]</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="FABLE_LXXXIV" id="FABLE_LXXXIV"></a>FABLE LXXXIV.</h2>
+
+<h3>THE BROOK AND THE FOUNTAIN.</h3>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">A <span class="smcap">Fountain</span> varied gambols played,<br /></span>
+<span class="i2">Close by an humble Brook;<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">While gently murmuring through the glade,<br /></span>
+<span class="i2">Its peaceful course it took.<br /></span>
+</div><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">Perhaps it gave one envious gaze<br /></span>
+<span class="i2">Upon the Fountain's height,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">While glittering in the morning rays<br /></span>
+<span class="i2">Pre-eminently bright.<br /></span>
+</div><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">In all the colours of the sky,<br /></span>
+<span class="i2">Alternately it shone:<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">The Brook observed it with a sigh,<br /></span>
+<span class="i2">But quietly rolled on.<br /></span>
+</div><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">The owner of the Fountain died;<br /></span>
+<span class="i2">Neglect soon brought decay;<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">The bursting pipes were ill-supplied;<br /></span>
+<span class="i2">The Fountain ceased to play.<br /></span>
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_117" id="Page_117">[117]</a></span></div><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">But still the Brook its peaceful course<br /></span>
+<span class="i2">Continued to pursue;<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Her ample, inexhausted source,<br /></span>
+<span class="i2">From Nature's fount she drew.<br /></span>
+</div><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">"Now," said the Brook, "I bless my fate,<br /></span>
+<span class="i2">My showy rival gone;<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Contented in its native state<br /></span>
+<span class="i2">My little stream rolls on.<br /></span>
+</div><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">And all the world has cause, indeed,<br /></span>
+<span class="i2">To own, with grateful heart,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">How much great Nature's works excel<br /></span>
+<span class="i2">The feeble works of art."<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+
+<p class="center">MORAL.</p>
+
+<p>Humble usefulness is preferable to idle splendour.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="FABLE_LXXXV" id="FABLE_LXXXV"></a>FABLE LXXXV.</h2>
+
+<h3>THE MICE IN COUNCIL.</h3>
+
+
+<p>The Mice called a general council, and, having met, after the
+doors were locked, entered into a free consultation about ways
+and means how to render their fortunes and estates<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_118" id="Page_118">[118]</a></span> more secure
+from the danger of the Cat. Many things were offered, and much
+was debated, "pro and con," upon the matter. At last, a young
+Mouse, in a fine, florid speech, concluded with an expedient, and
+that the only one, which was to put them for the future entirely
+out of the power of the enemy; and this was that the Cat should
+wear a bell about her neck, which, upon the least motion, would
+give the alarm, and be a signal for them to retire into their
+holes. This speech was received with great applause, and it was
+even proposed by some that the Mouse who made it should have the
+thanks of the assembly; upon which an old, grave Mouse, who had
+sat silent all the while, stood up, and, in another speech, owned
+that the contrivance was admirable, and the author of it, without
+doubt, an ingenious Mouse, but, he said, he thought it would not
+be so proper to vote him thanks till he should farther inform
+them how this bell was to be fastened about the Cat's neck, and
+what Mouse would undertake to do it.</p>
+
+
+<p class="center">MORAL.</p>
+
+<p>Many things appear excellent in theory which are impossible in
+practice. It often requires a great deal of courage to carry out
+projects which a fine, florid speech may persuade the hearers are
+most plausible.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_119" id="Page_119">[119]</a></span></p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="FABLE_LXXXVI" id="FABLE_LXXXVI"></a>FABLE LXXXVI.</h2>
+
+<h3>THE FOX IN THE WELL.</h3>
+
+
+<p>A <span class="smcap">Fox</span>, having fallen into a well, made a shift by sticking his
+claws into the sides to keep his head above water. Soon after a
+Wolf came and peeped over the brink, to whom the Fox applied very
+earnestly for assistance; entreating that he would help him to a
+rope, or something of the kind, which might favour his escape.
+The Wolf moved with compassion at his misfortune, could not
+forbear expressing his concern. "Ah, poor Reynard," says he, "I
+am sorry for you with all my heart; how could you possibly come
+into this melancholy condition?"</p>
+
+<p>"Nay, pr'ythee, friend," replied the Fox, "if you wish me well,
+do not stand pitying me, but lend me some succour as fast as you
+can; for pity is but cold comfort when one is up to the chin in
+water, and within a hair's breadth of starving or drowning."</p>
+
+
+<p class="center">MORAL.</p>
+
+<p>Mere expressions of pity, without a desire or attempt to
+alleviate suffering, are a mockery. He that would be truly a
+friend, will be ready to give his assistance when needed.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_120" id="Page_120">[120]</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="FABLE_LXXXVII" id="FABLE_LXXXVII"></a>FABLE LXXXVII.</h2>
+
+<h3>THE HORSE AND THE WOLF.</h3>
+
+
+<p>As a Wolf was roaming over a farm, he came to a field of oats,
+but not being able to eat them, he left them and went his way.</p>
+
+<p>Presently, meeting with a Horse, he bade him come with him into
+the field, "For," says he, "I have found some capital oats; and I
+have not tasted one, but have kept them all for you, for the very
+sound of your teeth is music to my ear." But the Horse replied,
+"A pretty fellow! if Wolves were able to eat oats, I suspect you
+would not have preferred your ears to your appetite."</p>
+
+
+<p class="center">MORAL.</p>
+
+<p>Little thanks are due to him, who only gives away whatever is of
+no use to himself.</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 400px;"><a name="pic_22" id="pic_22"></a>
+<img src="images/image_23.jpg" width="400" height="531" alt="THE HORSE AND THE WOLF."  />
+<span class="caption">THE HORSE AND THE WOLF.</span>
+</div>
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="FABLE_LXXXVIII" id="FABLE_LXXXVIII"></a>FABLE LXXXVIII.</h2>
+
+<h3>THE TWO SPRINGS.</h3>
+
+
+
+
+<p>Two springs, which issued from the same mountain, began their
+course together: one of them took her way in a silent <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_121" id="Page_121">[121]</a></span>and
+gentle stream, while the other rushed along with a sounding and
+rapid current. "Sister," said the latter, "at the rate you move,
+you will probably be dried up, before you advance much farther;
+whereas, for myself, I will venture a wager, that, within two or
+three hundred furlongs, I shall become navigable; and, after
+distributing commerce and wealth wherever I flow, I shall
+majestically proceed to pay my tribute to the ocean. So,
+farewell, dear sister! and patiently submit to your fate."</p>
+
+<p>Her sister made no reply; but, calmly descending to the meadows
+below, increased her stream by numberless little rills which she
+collected in her progress, till, at length, she was enabled to
+rise into a considerable river; whilst the proud stream, who had
+the vanity to depend solely upon her own sufficiency, continued a
+shallow brook; and was glad, at last, to be helped forward, by
+throwing herself into the arms of her despised sister.</p>
+
+
+<p class="center">MORAL.</p>
+
+<p>His strength in words the blusterer vainly spends, While
+steadiness in quiet gains its ends.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_122" id="Page_122">[122]</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="FABLE_LXXXIX" id="FABLE_LXXXIX"></a>FABLE LXXXIX.</h2>
+
+<h3>THE COUNTRYMAN AND THE RAVEN.</h3>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i2">A <span class="smcap">Raven</span>, while with glossy breast,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Her new laid eggs she fondly pressed,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">And, on her wicker-work high mounted,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Her chickens prematurely counted.<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">(A fault philosophers might blame,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">If quite exempted from the same,)<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Enjoyed at ease the genial day;<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">'Twas April, as the bumpkins say;&mdash;<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">The legislature called it May;<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">But suddenly, a wind, as high<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">As ever swept a winter's sky,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Shook the young leaves about her ears,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">And filled her with a thousand fears,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Lest the rude blast should snap the bough,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">And spread her golden hopes below.<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">But just at eve the blowing weather,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">And all her fears, were hushed together.<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">"And now," quoth poor unthinking Ralph,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">"'Tis over, and the brood is safe."<br /></span>
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_123" id="Page_123">[123]</a></span></div><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">(For Ravens, though as birds of omen,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">They teach both conjurors and old women;<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">To tell us what is to befall,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Can't prophesy themselves at all.)<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">The morning came, when neighbour Hodge,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Who long had marked her airy lodge,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">And destined all the treasure there,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">A gift to his expecting fair,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Climbed, like a squirrel to his dray,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">And bore the worthless prize away.<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+
+<p class="center">MORAL.</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">Safety consists not in escape<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">From danger of a frightful shape;<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Fate steals along with silent tread,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Found oftenest in what least we dread;<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Frowns in the storm with angry brow,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">But in the sunshine strikes the blow.<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="FABLE_XC" id="FABLE_XC"></a>FABLE XC.</h2>
+
+<h3>THE FOX AND THE BRAMBLE.</h3>
+
+
+<p>A <span class="smcap">Fox</span>, hard pressed by the hounds, was getting over a hedge, but
+tore his foot upon a Bramble, which grew just in<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_124" id="Page_124">[124]</a></span> the midst of
+it, upon which he reproached the Bramble for his inhospitable
+cruelty in using a stranger, which had fled to him for
+protection, after such a barbarous manner. "Yes," says the
+Bramble, "you intended to have made me serve your turn, I know;
+but take this piece of advice with you for the future: Never lay
+hold of a Bramble again, as you value your sweet person; for
+laying hold is a privilege that belongs to us Brambles, and we do
+not care to let it go out of the family."</p>
+
+
+<p class="center">MORAL.</p>
+
+<p>Impertinent people, who take liberties with others, are often
+much surprised if they are retorted on with severity. It is
+better, then, to keep from undue familiarity with strangers, for
+we know not of what temper they may be.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="FABLE_XCI" id="FABLE_XCI"></a>FABLE XCI.</h2>
+
+<h3>HERCULES AND THE CARTER.</h3>
+
+
+<p>As a clownish fellow was driving his cart along a deep miry lane,
+the wheels stuck so fast in the clay, that the horses could not
+draw them out. Upon this he fell a-bawling and praying to
+Hercules to come and help him.</p>
+
+<p>Hercules, looking down from a cloud, bade him not lie<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_125" id="Page_125">[125]</a></span> there,
+like an idle rascal, as he was, but get up and whip his horses
+stoutly, and clap his shoulder to the wheel; adding, that this
+was the only way for him to obtain his assistance.</p>
+
+
+<p class="center">MORAL.</p>
+
+<p>The man who asks Heaven for gifts, and neglects the gifts Heaven
+has given, must expect silence until he shows that he is in
+earnest by putting his shoulder to the wheel.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="FABLE_XCII" id="FABLE_XCII"></a>FABLE XCII.</h2>
+
+<h3>THE BOYS AND THE FROGS.</h3>
+
+
+<p>On the margin of a large lake, which was inhabited by a great
+number of Frogs, a company of Boys happened to be at play. Their
+diversion was duck and drake, and whole volleys of stones were
+thrown into the water, to the great annoyance and danger of the
+poor terrified Frogs. At length, one of the most hardy, lifting
+up his head above the surface of the lake;&mdash;"Ah! dear children!"
+said he, "why will ye learn so soon to be cruel? Consider, I
+beseech you, that though this may be sport to <i>you</i>, it is death
+to <i>us</i>."</p>
+
+
+<p class="center">MORAL.</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">A noble mind disdains to gain<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Its pleasure from another's pain.<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_126" id="Page_126">[126]</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="FABLE_XCIII" id="FABLE_XCIII"></a>FABLE XCIII.</h2>
+
+<h3>THE COCK AND THE JEWEL.</h3>
+
+
+<p>A <span class="smcap">brisk</span> young Cock, in company with two or three pullets, raking
+upon a dunghill for something to entertain them with, happened to
+scratch up a jewel, which sparkled with an exceeding bright
+lustre; but, not knowing what to do with it, endeavoured to cover
+his ignorance under a look of contempt. So, shrugging up his
+wings, shaking his head, and putting on a grimace, he expressed
+himself to this purpose: "Indeed, you are a very fine thing, but
+I know not what business you have here. I make no scruple of
+declaring that my taste lies quite another way, and I had rather
+have one grain of dear delicious barley than all the jewels under
+the sun."</p>
+
+
+<p class="center">MORAL.</p>
+
+<p>We should not despise as worthless what does not come within the
+limit of our understanding. Some lose what is truly valuable for
+want of knowledge, and prefer what is comparatively worthless.</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 400px;"><a name="pic_23" id="pic_23"></a>
+<img src="images/image_24.jpg" width="400" height="527" alt="THE COCK AND THE JEWEL."  />
+<span class="caption">THE COCK AND THE JEWEL.</span>
+</div>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_127" id="Page_127">[127]</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="FABLE_XCIV" id="FABLE_XCIV"></a>FABLE XCIV.</h2>
+
+<h3>THE NIGHTINGALE AND THE GLOW-WORM.</h3>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i2">A <span class="smcap">Nightingale</span>, that, all day long,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Had cheered the village with his song,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Nor yet at eve his note suspended,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Nor yet when eventide was ended,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Began to feel, as well he might,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">The keen demands of appetite;<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">When, looking eagerly around,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">He spied, far off, upon the ground,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">A something shining in the dark,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">And knew the Glow-worm by his spark;<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">So, stooping down from hawthorn top,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">He thought to put him in his crop.<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">The Worm, aware of his intent,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Harangued him thus, right eloquent:&mdash;<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">"Did you admire my lamp," quoth he,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">"As much as I your minstrelsy,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">You would abhor to do me wrong,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">As much as I to spoil your song;<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">For 'twas the self-same power divine<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Taught you to sing and me to shine;<br /></span>
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_128" id="Page_128">[128]</a></span><span class="i0">That you with music, I with light,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Might beautify and cheer the night."<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">The songster heard his short oration,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">And, warbling out his approbation,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Released him, as my story tells,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">And found a supper somewhere else.<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+
+<p class="center">MORAL.</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">From this short fable, youth may learn<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Their real interest to discern,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">That brother should not strive with brother,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">And worry and oppress each other;<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">But, joined in unity and peace,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Their mutual happiness increase:<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Pleased when each others' faults they hide,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">And in their virtues feel a pride.<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="FABLE_XCV" id="FABLE_XCV"></a>FABLE XCV.</h2>
+
+<h3>THE FOX AND THE SICK LION.</h3>
+
+
+<p>It was reported that the Lion was sick, and the beasts were made
+to believe that they could not make their court<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_129" id="Page_129">[129]</a></span> better than by
+going to visit him. Upon this, they generally went, but it was
+particularly remarked that the Fox was not one of the number. The
+Lion, therefore, dispatched one of his Jackals to sound him about
+it, and to ask him why he had so little charity and respect as
+never to come near him at a time when he lay so dangerously ill,
+and everybody else had been to see him. "Why," replied the Fox,
+"pray present my duty to his majesty, and tell him that I have
+the same respect for him as ever, and have been coming several
+times to kiss his royal paw, but I am so terribly frightened at
+the mouth of his cave, to see the print of my fellow-subjects'
+feet all pointing forwards, and none backwards, that I had not
+resolution enough to venture in."</p>
+
+<p>Now, the truth of the matter was, that the sickness of the Lion
+was only a sham to draw the beasts into his den, the more easily
+to devour them.</p>
+
+
+<p class="center">MORAL.</p>
+
+<p>It is well to weigh and consider the nature of any proposal
+thoroughly before we accede to it; but, certainly, if we have
+reason, from the injury done to others, to suspect that we may
+suffer harm, it is decidedly better to decline.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_130" id="Page_130">[130]</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="FABLE_XCVI" id="FABLE_XCVI"></a>FABLE XCVI.</h2>
+
+<h3>THE LION, THE FOX, AND THE GEESE.</h3>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i2">A <span class="smcap">Lion</span>, tired with state affairs,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Quite sick of pomp, and worn with cares,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Resolved (remote from noise and strife)<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">In peace to pass his latter life.<br /></span>
+</div><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i2">It was proclaimed: the day was set:<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Behold the general council met:<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">The Fox was viceroy named. The crowd<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">To the new regent humbly bowed!<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Wolves, bears, and mighty tigers bend,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">And strive who most shall condescend.<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">The crowd admire his wit, his sense:<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Each word hath weight and consequence.<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">The flatterer all his art displays;<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">He who hath power, is sure of praise.<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">A Fox stepped forth before the rest,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">And thus the servile throng addressed:&mdash;<br /></span>
+</div><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i2">"How vast his talents, born to rule,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">And train'd in virtue's honest school!<br /></span>
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_131" id="Page_131">[131]</a></span><span class="i0">What clemency his temper sways!<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">How uncorrupt are all his ways!<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Beneath his conduct and command<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Rapine shall cease to waste the land;<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">What blessings must attend the nation<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Under this good administration!"<br /></span>
+</div><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i2">He said. A Goose, who distant stood,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Harangu'd apart the cackling brood:<br /></span>
+</div><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i2">"Whene'er I hear a knave commend,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">He bids me shun his worthy friend.<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">What praise! what mighty commendation!<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">But 'twas a Fox who spoke th' oration.<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Foxes this government may prize,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">As gentle, plentiful, and wise;<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">If they enjoy the sweets, 'tis plain<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">We Geese must feel a tyrant reign.<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">What havoc now shall thin our race!<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">When every petty clerk in place,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">To prove his taste, and seem polite,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Will feed on Geese both noon and night."<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+
+<p class="center">MORAL.</p>
+
+<p>Those flatter the plunderer who share in the spoil.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_132" id="Page_132">[132]</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="FABLE_XCVII" id="FABLE_XCVII"></a>FABLE XCVII.</h2>
+
+<h3>THE ONE-EYED DOE.</h3>
+
+
+<p>A <span class="smcap">Doe</span>, that had but one eye, used to graze near the sea, and that
+she might be the more secure from harm, she kept her blind side
+toward the water, from whence she had no apprehension of danger,
+and with the other surveyed the country as she fed.</p>
+
+<p>By this vigilance and precaution she thought herself in the
+utmost security; when a sly fellow, with two or three of his
+companions, who had been poaching after her several days to no
+purpose, at last took a boat, and, fetching a compass upon the
+sea, came gently down upon her, and shot her. The Doe, in the
+agonies of death, breathed out this doleful complaint:&mdash;"Oh, hard
+fate! that I should receive my death wound from that side whence
+I expected no ill; and be safe in that part where I looked for
+the most danger."</p>
+
+
+<p class="center">MORAL.</p>
+
+<p>Our troubles and dangers frequently arise from the direction we
+least expect them.</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 400px;"><a name="pic_24" id="pic_24"></a>
+<img src="images/image_25.jpg" width="400" height="532" alt="THE ONE-EYED DOE."  />
+<span class="caption">THE ONE-EYED DOE.</span>
+</div>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_133" id="Page_133">[133]</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="FABLE_XCVIII" id="FABLE_XCVIII"></a>FABLE XCVIII.</h2>
+
+<h3>THE FOX, THE RAVEN, AND THE DOVE.</h3>
+
+
+<p>A <span class="smcap">Fox</span>, who was half-starved with hunger, stretched himself all
+along upon the ground, and lay as if he were dead, that he might
+entice the harmless birds to come within his reach, and then leap
+of a sudden upon them, and make them his prey; but it happened
+that a Raven, who was hovering near him, observed that he fetched
+his breath; and, by consequence, found it to be only a trick in
+him to catch the birds. She, therefore, instantly gave them
+notice of it; and forewarned them, as they valued their own
+lives, not to come within reach of the Fox, who only feigned
+himself to be dead.</p>
+
+<p>The Fox, finding his plot to be discovered, was obliged to go
+away hungry; but soon bethought himself of another invention:
+which was, to go and kennel himself in a hollow tree, upon which
+a Dove had her nest, and was breeding up her young ones. Having
+done this, he called to her, that, unless she would throw down to
+him sometimes one of her eggs, and sometimes one of her young
+ones, he would climb up the tree, take away all her eggs, kill
+both her and her young, and break her nest to pieces.</p>
+
+<p>The harmless Dove, thinking of two ills to choose the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_134" id="Page_134">[134]</a></span> least, did
+as the Fox required her; and threw him down now one of her eggs,
+and then one of her young ones. Having done so, for some time,
+with a great deal of grief and sorrow, and the Fox continuing
+still to demand it of her, she, at last, made her complaint to
+the Raven, who chanced to come and perch herself on the same
+tree; grievously bemoaning her fate, that she, like a good
+mother, to provide for her children, was at last obliged to make
+them a sacrifice to such a villain. But the Raven, who was not so
+timorous as she, advised her, whenever the Fox threatened her
+again, that he would kill both her and her young, if she would
+not throw one of them down to him, to answer him roundly,&mdash;"If
+you could have flown or climbed up the tree, you would not have
+been so often contented with one of my eggs, or of my young; but
+would, long since, according to your ravenous and blood-thirsty
+nature, have devoured both me and them." In short, the next time
+the Fox came, and threatened her as before, she replied as the
+Raven had instructed her.</p>
+
+<p>The Fox, hearing her answer, and knowing very well that she was
+not so wise and cunning of herself, resolved to find out the
+truth of the matter; and, at length, came to understand that it
+was the Raven who had been her counsellor. He, therefore, vowed
+to be revenged on her, who had now, the second time, hindered him
+from getting his prey. Not long after, he espied her sitting on a
+high thorn-tree; and, going to her, began to praise her at a
+mighty<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_135" id="Page_135">[135]</a></span> rate,&mdash;magnifying her good fortune above that of all
+beasts, who could neither fly like her, nor tread the ground with
+so majestical a gait: adding, withal, that it would be a great
+pleasure to him to see her lordly walk; that he might from
+thence, be certain whether she were indeed so divine and
+prophetic a bird as men had always held her to be.</p>
+
+<p>The Raven, transported to hear herself thus praised to the skies,
+flew down; and, pitching upon the ground, walked to and fro, in
+mighty pomp and state. The Fox seemed highly delighted; and said,
+that he extremely wondered how the Raven could keep upon the
+ground, when the wind blew her feathers over her eyes, and
+hindered her sight; but chiefly when it blew before, behind, and
+on all sides of her. "I can very well provide against that," said
+the Raven; "for then I hide my head under my left wing." "How!"
+cried the Fox; "hide your head under your left wing! So wonderful
+a thing I can never believe, till I see it." Immediately the
+Raven put her head under her left wing, and held it there so long
+that the Fox caught hold of her and killed her for his prey.</p>
+
+
+<p class="center">MORAL.</p>
+
+<p>So must they fare who give good advice to others, but have not
+discretion enough to follow it themselves.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_136" id="Page_136">[136]</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="FABLE_XCIX" id="FABLE_XCIX"></a>FABLE XCIX.</h2>
+
+<h3>THE TWO POTS.</h3>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">Two Pots, of different size and matter made,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Were swiftly down a rolling stream convey'd.<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">The larger vessel, form'd of solid brass,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Did boldly o'er the rapid water pass;<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">While that whose substance was but brittle clay,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Would, for his safety, give the stronger way.<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Him the Brass Pot invited to draw near,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">And said, "His frailty need not cause his fear;<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">For he, with just precaution would prevent<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">The danger of their jostling as they went."<br /></span>
+<span class="i2">The Earthen Pot, that knew his weaker frame,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Excused himself, that he no nearer came;<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">And said, "My friend, if the impetuous tide<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Should dash my clay against your brazen side,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">By the hard fate of that unequal stroke,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">While you are whole, I shall be surely broke."<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+
+<p class="center">MORAL.</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">Men safest still in equal friendship live,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Where they can do no harm, and none receive;<br /></span>
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_137" id="Page_137">[137]</a></span><span class="i0">The strong, by power led to insult the weak,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">With every touch the brittle vessels break;<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">While they, abused and injured by the strong,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Must, without remedy, sustain the wrong.<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="FABLE_C" id="FABLE_C"></a>FABLE C.</h2>
+
+<h3>THE TWO FROGS.</h3>
+
+
+<p>One hot, sultry summer, the lakes and ponds being almost
+everywhere dried up, a couple of Frogs agreed to travel together
+in search of water. At last they came to a deep well, and,
+sitting on the brink of it, began to consult whether they should
+leap in or no. One of them was so inclined, urging that there was
+plenty of clear, spring water, and no danger of being disturbed.
+"Well," says the other, "all this may be true, and yet I cannot
+come into your opinion for my life; for if the water should
+happen to dry up here too, how should we get out again."</p>
+
+
+<p class="center">MORAL.</p>
+
+<p>Skilful generals always secure a way for retreat. "Look before
+you leap" is an old and trite proverb. We should not undertake
+any action of importance without considering what may be the
+result, in all its aspects.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_138" id="Page_138">[138]</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="FABLE_CI" id="FABLE_CI"></a>FABLE CI.</h2>
+
+<h3>THE FOX AND THE MASK.</h3>
+
+
+<p>A <span class="smcap">Fox</span>, being in a shop where Masks were sold, laid his foot upon
+one of them, and considering it awhile attentively, at last broke
+out into this exclamation:&mdash;"Bless me!" says he, "what a handsome
+face this is! What a pity it is that it should want brains!"</p>
+
+
+<p class="center">MORAL.</p>
+
+<p>Beauty without sense is of little value. A fair outside is but a
+poor substitute for inward worth.</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 400px;"><a name="pic_25" id="pic_25"></a>
+<img src="images/image_26.jpg" width="400" height="534" alt="THE FOX AND THE MASK."  />
+<span class="caption">THE FOX AND THE MASK.</span>
+</div>
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="FABLE_CII" id="FABLE_CII"></a>FABLE CII.</h2>
+
+<h3>THE CAT, THE COCK, AND THE YOUNG MOUSE.</h3>
+
+
+
+
+<p>A <span class="smcap">Young</span> Mouse, that had seen very little of the world, came
+running, one day, to his mother in great haste:&mdash;"Oh, mother!"
+said he, "I am frightened almost to death! I have seen the most
+extraordinary creature that ever was. He has a fierce, angry
+look, and struts about on two legs; a strange piece of flesh
+grows on his head, and another under his throat, as red as blood:
+he flapped his arms against his sides, as if he intended to rise
+into the air; and stretching out his <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_139" id="Page_139">[139]</a></span>head, he opened a
+sharp-pointed mouth so wide, that I thought he was preparing to
+swallow me up: then he roared at me so horribly, that I trembled
+in every joint, and was glad to run home as fast as I could. If I
+had not been frightened away by this terrible monster, I was just
+going to commence an acquaintance with the prettiest creature you
+ever saw. She had a soft fur skin, thicker than ours, and all
+beautifully streaked with black and grey; with a modest look, and
+a demeanour so humble and courteous, that methought I could have
+fallen in love with her. Then she had a fine, long tail, which
+she waved about so prettily, and looked so earnestly at me, that
+I do believe she was just going to speak to me, when the horrid
+monster frightened me away."</p>
+
+<p>"Ah, my dear child!" said the mother, "you have escaped being
+devoured, but not by that monster you were so much afraid of;
+which, in truth, was only a bird, and would have done you no
+manner of harm. Whereas, the sweet creature, of whom you seem so
+fond, was no other than a Cat; who, under that hypocritical
+countenance, conceals the most inveterate hatred to all our race,
+and subsists entirely by devouring Mice. Learn from this
+incident, my dear, never, while you live, to rely on outward
+appearances."</p>
+
+
+<p class="center">MORAL.</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">Beneath a fair, alluring guise,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">A hidden danger often lies.<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_140" id="Page_140">[140]</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="FABLE_CIII" id="FABLE_CIII"></a>FABLE CIII.</h2>
+
+<h3>THE MICE AND THE TRAP.</h3>
+
+
+<p>Once upon a time, the Mice saw a broiled rasher of bacon hanging
+up in a very little room, the door of which being open, enticed
+them to fall on with greedy appetites. But some of them took
+particular notice that there was but one way into the room, and,
+by consequence, but one way to get out of it; so that, if that
+door, by misfortune or art, should chance to be shut, they would
+all be inevitably taken: they could not, therefore, find in their
+hearts to venture in; but said, that they had rather content
+themselves with homely fare, in safety, than, for the sake of a
+dainty bit, to run the danger of being taken, and lost for ever.</p>
+
+<p>The other Mice, who were looked upon to be great epicures,
+declared that they saw no danger; and, therefore, ran into the
+room, and fell to eating the bacon with great delight: but they
+soon heard the door fall down, and saw that they were all taken.
+Then the fear of approaching death so seized them, that they
+found no relish in their exquisite food; and immediately came the
+Cook who had set the Trap, and killed them: but the others, who
+had contented themselves with their usual food, fled into their
+holes, and, by that means, preserved their lives.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_141" id="Page_141">[141]</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="FABLE_CIV" id="FABLE_CIV"></a>FABLE CIV.</h2>
+
+<h3>THE CHAMELEON.</h3>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i2">Oft has it been my lot to mark<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">A proud, conceited, talking spark,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">With eyes that hardly served at most<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">To guard their master 'gainst a post;<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Yet round the world the blade has been,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">To see whatever could be seen.<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Returning from his finish'd tour,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Grown ten times perter than before,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Whatever word you chance to drop,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">The travelled fool your mouth will stop;<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">"Sir, if my judgment you'll allow,&mdash;<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">I've seen,&mdash;and, sure, I ought to know;"&mdash;<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">So begs you'd pay a due submission,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">And acquiesce in his decision.<br /></span>
+</div><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i2">Two travellers, of such a cast,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">As o'er Arabia's wilds they pass'd,<br /></span>
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_142" id="Page_142">[142]</a></span><span class="i0">And on their way, in friendly chat,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Now talked of this, and then of that;<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Discoursed awhile, 'mongst other matter,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Of the Chameleon's form and nature.<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">"A stranger animal," cries one,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">"Sure never lived beneath the sun:<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">A lizard's body, lean and long,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">A fish's head, a serpent's tongue.<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">In truth, with triple jaw disjoin'd;<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">And what a length of tail behind!<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">How slow its pace! and then its hue!<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Who ever saw so fine a blue?"<br /></span>
+</div><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i2">"Hold there!" the other quick replies,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">"'Tis green:&mdash;I saw it with these eyes,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">As late with open mouth it lay,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">And warm'd it in the sunny ray:<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Stretch'd at its ease the beast I view'd,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">And saw it eat the air for food."<br /></span>
+</div><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i2">"I've seen it, sir, as well as you,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">And must again affirm it blue;<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">At leisure I the beast survey'd,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Extended in the cooling shade."<br /></span>
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_143" id="Page_143">[143]</a></span></div><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i2">"'Tis green! 'tis green! sir, I assure ye."&mdash;<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">"Green!" cries the other, in a fury,&mdash;<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">"Why, sir, d'ye think I've lost my eyes?"<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">"'Twere no great loss!" the friend replies;<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">"For if they always serve you thus,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">You find 'em but of little use."<br /></span>
+</div><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i2">So high at last the contest rose,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">From words they almost came to blows;<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">When, luckily, came by a third;<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">To him the question they referr'd;<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">And begged he'd tell 'em, if he knew,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Whether the thing was green or blue.<br /></span>
+</div><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i2">"Sirs," cries the umpire, "cease your pother&mdash;<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">The creature's neither one nor t'other.<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">I caught the animal last night,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">And viewed it o'er by candle-light;<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">I marked it well&mdash;'twas black as jet;&mdash;<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">You stare&mdash;but, sirs, I've got it yet,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">And can produce it."&mdash;"Pray, sir, do;<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">I'll lay my life the thing is blue."<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">"And I'll be sworn that when you've seen<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">The reptile, you'll pronounce him green."<br /></span>
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_144" id="Page_144">[144]</a></span></div><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i2">"Well, then, at once to ease the doubt,"<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Replies the man, "I'll turn him out;<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">And when before your eyes I've set him,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">If you don't find him black I'll eat him;"<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">He said. Then full before their sight,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Produced the beast, and lo! 'twas white.<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Both stared, the man looked wondrous wise.<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">"My children," the Chameleon cries,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">(Then first the creature found a tongue),<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">"You all are right and all are wrong;<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">When next you talk of what you view,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Think others see as well as you;<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Nor wonder, if you find that none<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Prefers your eye-sight to his own."<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="FABLE_CV" id="FABLE_CV"></a>FABLE CV.</h2>
+
+<h3>THE WOLF, THE FOX, AND THE ASS.</h3>
+
+
+<p>The Lion, as king of the beasts, made a law that no beast should,
+without lawful cause, do any hurt to another; and should come
+once a year to court, to confess, and be absolved or punished,
+according to his deserts. Now it happened that the Wolf and the
+Fox were going thither<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_145" id="Page_145">[145]</a></span> together, and overtaking the Ass on the
+road, said to him:&mdash;"Brother, it is a long way to court, and it
+certainly must be much more tedious to you than to ourselves,
+because of your slow pace; but we can avoid the trouble of going
+thither, if you think fit. Let us three confess ourselves to one
+another, and send our absolutions to court, attested by two of us
+as witnesses."</p>
+
+<p>The Ass liked the proposal; into a clover field they went, and
+the Fox thus confessed himself first:&mdash;"It happened, as I was
+going one night through a village, a Cock, by his loud crowing,
+disturbed all the people that were asleep; at which I grew very
+angry, and bit off his head; then, fearing that the stench of his
+dead body might be offensive to the Hens, I ate him up.
+Nevertheless, it happened, three days after, as I was going by
+the same village, those very Hens spied me; and, instead of
+thanking me for the great kindness I had done them, cried out,
+'Murderer, murderer!' Then I, in defence of my honour, killed
+three of them; and, lest they should have stunk and offended the
+neighbourhood, ate them up too. This is all I have done; for
+which I now await your sentence."</p>
+
+<p>The Wolf thereupon expressed himself thus:&mdash;"You have, indeed,
+offended against the letter of our monarch's law, but not against
+the meaning of it; since your intentions were honourable, to take
+care of the quiet of men, and to<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_146" id="Page_146">[146]</a></span> vindicate your injured
+reputation. If, therefore, you will promise never to be so hasty
+again in killing any beast, I vote for your absolution." This the
+Fox readily did; and the Ass joined in opinion with the Wolf, who
+then thus began his confession:&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"As I was one day walking along, I saw a Sow trampling down the
+corn of a poor peasant, and tearing it up by the roots, while her
+hungry Pigs were strayed far from her, and could not get
+themselves out of the mire; so that I, growing very angry at the
+great mischief she did the peasant, and at her neglect of
+motherly duty, killed and ate her up. Three days after, chancing
+to go again the same way, I observed that those Pigs were grown
+very lean; and reflecting that, through want of their mother's
+milk, they would certainly die a languishing death, I put an end
+to their miseries, and ate them up too. This I have to confess."</p>
+
+<p>The Fox instantly argued in this manner:&mdash;"Though you confess to
+having killed both mother and children; and though it seems, at
+first sight, that you have heinously offended against the law of
+our king; yet I see, nevertheless, that your intentions were
+good: to prevent mischief from falling upon men, to stir up a
+mother to her duty, and to show compassion to her miserable
+children, are virtues that no law can forbid or punish. I,
+therefore, declare you absolved." To which the Ass agreed.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_147" id="Page_147">[147]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>The Ass then made his confession:&mdash;"You both know," said he,
+"that it is not in my nature to do hurt to other beasts, nor to
+shed blood; and, therefore, you cannot expect to hear any such
+thing from me; but, to content you, I will relate to you what
+happened innocently to me, while I was in the service of a
+master. He was an old man, and apt to take cold in his feet; so
+that, when he travelled, to keep them dry and warm, he was wont
+to stick a little hay in his shoes. Now I carried him, one
+winter, to an inn, where he was to lie all night; and when we
+came to the door, the innkeeper brought him a pair of dry
+slippers, that his dirty shoes might not soil the house; so that
+he pulled them off, and left them without, and me by them. In
+short, my master and his host found themselves so well in the
+chimney-corner, that they never thought of poor me; but left me
+all night in the bitter cold, without giving me a handful of
+food: so that I ate up all the hay that stuck in his shoes. This
+is all I have to say;&mdash;if you will call it a confession, you may:
+however, I think nothing can be said against it."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh!" said the Fox, immediately, "this is not, indeed, an offence
+against the letter of the law, which mentions only the doing hurt
+to beasts, and takes no notice of eating of hay; but, if we
+reflect on the dangerous consequences of this action, and that so
+reverend a creature as a chill, aged man, by being thus robbed of
+his hay in the winter, and the next<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_148" id="Page_148">[148]</a></span> day continuing his road
+without it, might have caught a cold, a cough, and a cholic, that
+would have brought his grey hairs to the grave:&mdash;whoever, I say,
+reflects on this, cannot but be of my opinion,&mdash;which is, that
+the Ass largely deserves to die. Cousin Wolf, what say you to
+this matter?" "I," said the Wolf, "am of opinion that by reason
+of the ill consequences that might have attended this action, the
+Ass deserves a double death, and to be made an example to
+others." With that he leaped upon him, and tore out his throat,
+and the Fox and he immediately ate him up.</p>
+
+
+<p class="center">MORAL.</p>
+
+<p>Knaves can always find reasons for justifying their own conduct,
+and condemning that of others.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="FABLE_CVI" id="FABLE_CVI"></a>FABLE CVI.</h2>
+
+<h3>THE BOY AND THE BUTTERFLY.</h3>
+
+
+<p>A <span class="smcap">boy</span>, greatly smitten with the colours of a Butterfly, pursued
+it from flower to flower with indefatigable pains. First, he
+aimed to surprise it among the leaves of a rose; then to cover it
+with his hat, as it was feeding on a daisy; now hoped to secure
+it, as it rested on a sprig of myrtle;<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_149" id="Page_149">[149]</a></span> and now grew sure of his
+prize, perceiving it loiter on a bed of violets. But the fickle
+Fly, continually changing one blossom for another, still eluded
+his attempts. At length, observing it half buried in the cup of a
+tulip, he rushed forward, and snatching it with violence, crushed
+it all to pieces.</p>
+
+
+<p class="center">MORAL.</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">Pleasure, like the Butterfly,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Will still elude as we draw nigh;<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">And when we think we hold it fast,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Will, like the insect, breathe its last.<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="FABLE_CVII" id="FABLE_CVII"></a>FABLE CVII.</h2>
+
+<h3>THE CROW AND THE PITCHER.</h3>
+
+
+<p>A <span class="smcap">Crow</span>, ready to die with thirst, flew with joy to a Pitcher,
+which he beheld at some distance. When he came he found water in
+it, indeed, but so near the bottom that, with all his stooping
+and straining, he was not able to reach it. Then he endeavoured
+to overturn the Pitcher, that so at least he might be able to get
+a little of it. But his strength was not sufficient for this. At
+last, seeing some pebbles lie near the place, he cast them one by
+one into the Pitcher;<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_150" id="Page_150">[150]</a></span> and thus, by degrees, raised the water up
+to the very brim, and satisfied his thirst.</p>
+
+
+<p class="center">MORAL.</p>
+
+<p>Necessity is the mother of invention, and that which cannot be
+accomplished by strength may be achieved by ingenuity.</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 400px;"><a name="pic_26" id="pic_26"></a>
+<img src="images/image_27.jpg" width="400" height="307" alt="WHERE THERE IS A WILL, THERE IS A WAY."  />
+<span class="caption">WHERE THERE IS A WILL, THERE IS A WAY.</span>
+</div>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2>GRIFFITH &amp; FARRAN'S NEW AND POPULAR WORKS FOR THE YOUNG.</h2>
+
+
+<p><strong>THE HISTORY OF THE ROBINS.</strong> By <span class="smcap">Mrs.</span> TRIMMER. A New Edition, with
+Twenty-four beautiful Illustrations from Drawings by <span class="smcap">Harrison
+Weir</span>. Small 4to, price 6<i>s.</i> extra cloth; 7<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i> cloth
+elegant, gilt edges.</p>
+
+<p class="blockquot">"The delicious story of Dicksy, Flapsy and Picksey&mdash;who can have
+forgotten it? Harrison Weir is the Painter Laureate of the lower
+world, we have, therefore, a most attractive book."&mdash;<i>Art
+Journal</i>.</p>
+
+<p><strong>THE LITTLE GIPSY.</strong> By &Eacute;LIE SAUVAGE. Translated by <span class="smcap">Anna Blackwell</span>.
+Profusely Illustrated by <span class="smcap">Lorenz Fr&ouml;lich</span>. Small 4to, price 5<i>s.</i>
+cloth; 6<i>s.</i> cloth elegant, gilt edges.</p>
+
+<p class="blockquot">"An exquisite story, narrated with a grace and charm that will
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+singularly graceful."&mdash;<i>Athen&aelig;um.</i></p>
+
+<p><strong>JOHN DEANE OF NOTTINGHAM; <span class="smcap">his Adventures and Exploits</span>.</strong> By W. H.
+G. KINGSTON. With Illustrations. Post 8vo, price 5<i>s.</i> cloth
+elegant.</p>
+
+<p><strong>FROM PEASANT TO PRINCE; <span class="smcap">or, the Life of Alexander Prince
+Menschikoff</span>.</strong> Freely translated from the Russian by <span class="smcap">Madame
+Pietzker</span>. With Illustrations. Fcap. 8vo, 2<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i> cloth; 3<i>s.</i>
+gilt edges.</p>
+
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+With Illustrations. Post 8vo, 3<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i> cloth; 4<i>s.</i> gilt
+edges.</p>
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+and of Castile</span>.</strong> By EMILE DE BONNECHOSE. Translated by <span class="smcap">Margaret S.
+Jeune</span>. Fcap. 8vo, price 2<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i> cloth; 3<i>s.</i> gilt edges.</p>
+
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+elegant; 5<i>s.</i> gilt edges.</p>
+
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+
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+by <span class="smcap">J. Lawson</span>. Post 8vo, price 5<i>s.</i> cloth; 5<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i> gilt
+edges.</p>
+
+<p class="center">By the same Author,</p>
+
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+price 5<i>s.</i> cloth; 5<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i> gilt edges.</p>
+
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+8vo, price 4<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i> cloth; 5<i>s.</i> gilt edges.</p>
+
+<hr style='width: 45%;' />
+
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+BRODERIP. Illustrated by her Brother <span class="smcap">Tom Hood</span>. Super-royal 16mo,
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+
+<p><strong>THE ADVENTURES OF HANS STERK, <span class="smcap">the South African Hunter and
+Pioneer</span>.</strong> By <span class="smcap">Captain</span> DRAYSON, R.E. With Illustrations by <span class="smcap">Zwecker</span>.
+Post 8vo, price 5<i>s.</i> cloth; 5<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i> gilt edges.</p>
+
+<p><strong>NEPTUNE; <span class="smcap">or, The Autobiography of a Newfoundland Dog</span>.</strong> By the Author of "Tuppy," etc. With Illustrations by <span class="smcap">Elwes</span>. Super-royal
+16mo, price 2<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i> cloth; 3<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i> coloured, gilt edges.</p>
+
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+Illustrations by <span class="smcap">T. S. Wale</span>. Super-royal 16mo, price 2<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i>
+cloth; 3<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i> coloured, gilt edges.</p>
+
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+8vo, price 2<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i> cloth; 3<i>s.</i> gilt edges.</p>
+
+<p><strong>THE STOLEN CHERRIES; or, <span class="smcap">Tell the Truth at Once</span>.</strong> By EMILIA MARRYAT NORRIS, daughter of the late <span class="smcap">Captain Marryat</span>. With
+Illustrations by <span class="smcap">Fraser</span>. Price 2<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i> cloth; 3<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i> coloured, gilt edges.</p>
+
+<p><strong>CORNER COTTAGE AND ITS INMATES; or, <span class="smcap">Trust in God</span>.</strong> By FRANCES OSBORNE. The Illustrations by the Author. Fcap. 8vo, price 2<i>s.</i>
+6<i>d.</i> cloth; 3<i>s.</i> gilt edges.</p>
+
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+Containing numerous Illustrations by eminent Artists. Super-royal 4to, price 3<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i> plain; 7<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i> coloured; 10<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i> mounted on cloth and coloured, bound in an elegant cover printed in gold and colours.</p>
+
+<p><strong>THE BEAR KING: a Narrative confided to the Marines.</strong> By JAMES
+GREENWOOD. With Illustrations by <span class="smcap">Ernest Griset</span>. Small 4to,
+printed on toned paper. Price 3<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i> cloth; 5<i>s.</i> coloured,
+gilt edges.</p>
+
+<p><strong>THE BOOK OF CATS: a Chit-chat Chronicle of Feline Facts and
+Fancies.</strong> By CHARLES H. ROSS. With Twenty Illustrations by the
+Author. Post 8vo, price 4<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i> cloth; 5<i>s.</i> gilt edges.</p>
+
+<p><strong>GERALD AND HARRY; or, The <span class="smcap">Bears in the North</span>.</strong> By EMILIA MARRYAT NORRIS, Author of "The Early Start in Life," etc. With Six
+Illustrations by <span class="smcap">J. B. Zwecker</span>. Post 8vo, price 5<i>s.</i> cloth;
+5<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i> gilt edges.</p>
+
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+of "Playroom Stories," etc. With Illustrations by <span class="smcap">F. W. Keyl</span>.
+Super-royal 16mo, price 3<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i> cloth; 4<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i> coloured,
+gilt edges.</p>
+
+<p><strong>THE YOUNG VOCALIST: a Collection of Twelve Songs, each with an
+Accompaniment for the Pianoforte, selected from Mozart, Weber,
+Mendelssohn, Spohr, etc.</strong> By M<sup>RS.</sup> <span class="smcap">mounsey bartholomew</span>,
+Associate of the Philharmonic Society. 4to, price 2<i>s.</i> paper
+cloth; or 3<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i> extra cloth, gilt edges.</p>
+
+<p class="blockquot">"These Lyrics are selected and composed for children who are too
+young to sing operatic or romantic songs, or too old for those
+founded on nursery tales. The melodies are all of a suitable
+compass, so that the voices may not be injured by practice at an
+early age."&mdash;<i>Extract from Preface.</i></p>
+
+<p><strong>CASIMIR, THE LITTLE EXILE.</strong> By CAROLINE PEACHY. With Illustrations
+by <span class="smcap">C. Stanton</span>. Post 8vo, price 4<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i> cloth elegant.</p>
+
+<p><strong>LUCY'S CAMPAIGN: a Story of Adventure.</strong> By MARY and CATHERINE LEE.
+With Illustrations by <span class="smcap">George Hay</span>. Fcap. 8vo, price 3<i>s.</i> cloth
+elegant 3<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i> gilt edges.</p>
+
+<p class="blockquot">"Written with some of the grace and facility that distinguish the
+literary style of the two sisters&mdash;Sophia and Harriet Lee."&mdash;<i>Athen&aelig;um.</i></p>
+
+<p><strong>HELEN IN SWITZERLAND.</strong> By the Hon. AUGUSTA BETHELL, Author of "The
+Echoes of an Old Bell." With Illustrations by <span class="smcap">E. Whymper</span>.
+Super-royal 16mo, price 3<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i> cloth extra; 4<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i>
+coloured, gilt edges.</p>
+
+<hr style='width: 45%;' />
+
+<p class="center"><strong>* * * <i>A Complete Catalogue of</i> G.&amp; F.'s <i>Publications
+sent post free <br />
+on application.</i></strong></p>
+<hr style='width: 65%;' />
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+<pre>
+
+
+
+
+
+End of Project Gutenberg's Favourite Fables in Prose and Verse, by Various
+
+*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK FAVOURITE FABLES ***
+
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+</body>
+</html>
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@@ -0,0 +1,5145 @@
+Project Gutenberg's Favourite Fables in Prose and Verse, by Various
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+Title: Favourite Fables in Prose and Verse
+
+Author: Various
+
+Illustrator: Harrison Weir
+
+Release Date: May 15, 2007 [EBook #21446]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ASCII
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK FAVOURITE FABLES ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by Marilynda Fraser-Cunliffe, Sankar Viswanathan,
+and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at
+http://www.pgdp.net (This file was made using scans of
+public domain works in the International Children's Digital
+Library.)
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+                 [Illustration: THE FROG AND THE OX.]
+
+
+                          FAVOURITE FABLES,
+
+                         In Prose and Verse.
+
+
+                    WITH TWENTY-FOUR ILLUSTRATIONS
+
+                            FROM DRAWINGS
+
+
+                          BY HARRISON WEIR.
+
+
+                       [Illustration: JUSTICE.]
+
+
+
+                               LONDON:
+
+                         GRIFFITH AND FARRAN,
+
+                 (SUCCESSORS TO NEWBERY AND HARRIS),
+
+                   CORNER OF ST. PAUL'S CHURCHYARD.
+
+                              MDCCCLXX.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+CONTENTS.
+
+
+FABLE
+
+I.        THE FOX AND THE GOAT
+
+II.       THE FROG AND THE OX
+
+III.      THE MAN AND HIS GOOSE
+
+IV.       THE LION AND OTHER BEASTS
+
+V.        THE DOVE AND THE ANT
+
+VI.       THE FOX WITHOUT A TAIL
+
+VII.      THE BUTTERFLY AND THE SNAIL
+
+VIII.     THE WOLF AND THE CRANE
+
+IX.       THE FROG AND THE RAT
+
+X.        THE FIGHTING COCK AND EAGLE
+
+XI.       THE DIAMOND AND THE LOADSTONE
+
+XII.      THE BEAR AND THE BEES
+
+XIII.     THE FROGS DESIRING A KING
+
+XIV.      THE FOX AND THE BOAR
+
+XV.       THE VINE AND THE GOAT
+
+XVI.      THE DISCONTENTED HORSE
+
+XVII.     THE MOUNTAIN IN LABOUR
+
+XVIII.    THE FOX AND THE STORK
+
+XIX.      THE HORSE AND THE STAG
+
+XX.       THE LION WOUNDED
+
+XXI.      THE ASS IN THE LION'S SKIN
+
+XXII.     JUPITER AND THE FARMER
+
+XXIII.    THE VAIN JACKDAW
+
+XXIV.     THE VIPER AND THE FILE
+
+XXV.      THE WOLF AND THE LAMB
+
+XXVI.     THE OLD BULLFINCH AND YOUNG BIRDS
+
+XXVII.    THE MOUSE AND THE WEASEL
+
+XXVIII.   THE OLD HOUND
+
+XXIX.     THE CHARGER AND THE ASS
+
+XXX.      THE COLT AND THE FARMER
+
+XXXI.     THE LARK AND HER YOUNG ONES
+
+XXXII.    THE FOX AND THE CROW
+
+XXXIII.   THE PEACOCK'S COMPLAINT
+
+XXXIV.    THE STAG IN THE OX-STALL
+
+XXXV.     THE WIND AND THE SUN
+
+XXXVI.    THE TRAVELLERS AND THE BEAR
+
+XXXVII.   THE DOG AND THE SHADOW
+
+XXXVIII.  THE HERMIT AND THE BEAR
+
+XXXIX.    THE SHEPHERD'S BOY AND THE WOLF
+
+XL.       THE FAWN AND HER MOTHER
+
+XLI.      THE TORTOISE AND THE EAGLE
+
+XLII.     THE BROTHER AND SISTER
+
+XLIII.    THE SHEPHERD'S DOG AND WOLF
+
+XLIV.     THE COVETOUS MAN
+
+XLV.      THE HARE AND THE TORTOISE
+
+XLVI.     THE HOG AND THE ACORNS
+
+XLVII.    THE COUNTRY MOUSE AND THE CITY MOUSE
+
+XLVIII.   THE CAT AND THE MICE
+
+XLIX.     THE KID AND THE WOLF
+
+L.        THE COUNCIL OF HORSES
+
+LI.       THE ASS AND THE LITTLE DOG
+
+LII.      THE LION AND THE FOUR BULLS
+
+LIII.     THE LEOPARD AND THE FOX
+
+LIV.      THE WARRIOR WOLF
+
+LV.       THE BELLY AND THE MEMBERS
+
+LVI.      THE CUR, THE HORSE, AND THE SHEPHERD'S DOG
+
+LVII.     THE JACKDAW AND THE EAGLE
+
+LVIII.    THE ASS AND THE LION HUNTING
+
+LIX.      THE WOLF IN SHEEP'S CLOTHING
+
+LX.       THE TWO BEES
+
+LXI.      THE TURKEY AND THE ANT
+
+LXII.     THE DOG AND THE WOLF
+
+LXIII.    THE SATYR AND THE TRAVELLER
+
+LXIV.     THE BARLEY-MOW AND THE DUNGHILL
+
+LXV.      THE SHEEP-BITER AND SHEPHERD
+
+LXVI.     THE STAG AT THE POOL
+
+LXVII.    THE OLD SWALLOWS AND THE YOUNG BIRDS
+
+LXVIII.   THE WAGGONER AND THE BUTTERFLY
+
+LXIX.     THE LION, THE BEAR AND THE FOX
+
+LXX.      THE FOX AND THE GRAPES
+
+LXXI.     THE HARE AND MANY FRIENDS
+
+LXXII.    THE COCK AND THE FOX
+
+LXXIII.   THE LION AND THE MOUSE
+
+LXXIV.    THE TRUMPETER TAKEN PRISONER
+
+LXXV.     THE MOUSE AND THE ELEPHANT
+
+LXXVI.    THE HUSBANDMAN AND HIS SONS
+
+LXXVII.   THE BALD KNIGHT
+
+LXXVIII.  THE DOG IN THE MANGER
+
+LXXIX.    THE OLD MAN AND DEATH
+
+LXXX.     THE OLD HEN AND YOUNG COCK
+
+LXXXI.    MERCURY AND THE WOODMAN
+
+LXXXII.   THE WOLF AND THE KID
+
+LXXXIII.  THE OLD MAN AND HIS SONS
+
+LXXXIV.   THE BROOK AND THE FOUNTAIN
+
+LXXXV.    THE MICE IN COUNCIL
+
+LXXXVI.   THE FOX IN THE WELL
+
+LXXXVII.  THE HORSE AND THE WOLF
+
+LXXXVIII. THE TWO SPRINGS
+
+LXXXIX.   THE COUNTRYMAN AND THE RAVEN
+
+XC.       THE FOX AND THE BRAMBLE
+
+XCI.      HERCULES AND THE CARTER
+
+XCII.     THE BOYS AND THE FROGS
+
+XCIII.    THE COCK AND THE JEWEL
+
+XCIV.     THE NIGHTINGALE AND THE GLOW-WORM
+
+XCV.      THE FOX AND THE SICK LION
+
+XCVI.     THE LION, THE FOX, AND THE GEESE
+
+XCVII.    THE ONE-EYED DOE
+
+XCVIII.   THE FOX, THE RAVEN, AND THE DOVE
+
+XCIX.     THE TWO POTS
+
+C.        THE TWO FROGS
+
+CI.       THE FOX AND THE MASK
+
+CII.      THE CAT, THE COCK, AND THE YOUNG MOUSE
+
+CIII.     THE MICE AND THE TRAP
+
+CIV.      THE CHAMELEON
+
+CV.       THE WOLF, THE FOX, AND THE ASS
+
+CVI.      THE BOY AND THE BUTTERFLY
+
+CVII.     THE CROW AND THE PITCHER
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS.
+
+
+1.   THE FROG AND THE OX (_Frontispiece_)
+
+2.   THE FOX WITHOUT A TAIL
+
+3.   THE FIGHTING COCK AND EAGLE
+
+4.   THE VINE AND THE GOAT
+
+5.   THE LION WOUNDED
+
+6.   THE WOLF AND THE LAMB
+
+7.   THE CHARGER AND THE ASS
+
+8.   THE FOX AND THE CROW
+
+9.   THE DOG AND THE SHADOW
+
+10.  THE FAWN AND HER MOTHER
+
+11.  THE HARE AND THE TORTOISE
+
+12.  THE KID AND THE WOLF
+
+13.  THE LEOPARD AND THE FOX
+
+14.  THE JACKDAW AND THE EAGLE
+
+15.  THE DOG AND THE WOLF
+
+16.  THE STAG AT THE POOL
+
+17.  THE FOX AND THE GRAPES
+
+18.  THE LION AND THE MOUSE
+
+19.  THE DOG IN THE MANGER
+
+20.  THE WOLF AND THE GOAT
+
+21.  THE HORSE AND THE WOLF
+
+22.  THE COCK AND THE JEWEL
+
+23.  THE ONE-EYED DOE
+
+24.  THE FOX AND THE MASK
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+FAVOURITE FABLES.
+
+FABLE I.
+
+THE FOX AND THE GOAT.
+
+
+[Illustration]
+
+In the extreme end of a village a Fox one day went to have a peep
+at a hen-roost. He had the bad luck to fall into a well, where he
+swam first to this side, and then to that side, but could not get
+out with all his pains. At last, as chance would have it, a poor
+Goat came to the same place to seek for some drink. "So ho!
+friend Fox," said he, "you quaff it off there at a great rate: I
+hope by this time you have quenched your thirst." "Thirst!" said
+the sly rogue; "what I have found here to drink is so clear, and
+so sweet, that I cannot take my fill of it; do, pray, come down,
+my dear, and have a taste of it." With that, in plumped the Goat
+as he bade him; but as soon as he was down, the Fox jumped on his
+horns, and leaped out of the well in a trice; and as he went off,
+"Good bye, my wise friend," said he; "if you had as much brains
+as you have beard, I should have been in the well still, and you
+might have stood on the brink of it to laugh at me, as I now do
+at you."
+
+
+MORAL.
+
+A rogue will give up the best friend he has to get out of a
+scrape; so that we ought to know what a man is, that we may judge
+how far we may trust to what he says.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE II.
+
+THE FROG AND THE OX.
+
+
+An old Frog, being wonderfully struck with the size and majesty
+of an Ox that was grazing in the marshes, was seized with the
+desire to expand herself to the same portly magnitude. After
+puffing and swelling for some time, "What think you," said she,
+to her young ones, "will this do?" "Far from it," said they.
+"Will this?" "By no means." "But this surely will?" "Nothing
+like it," they replied. After many fruitless and ridiculous
+efforts to the same purpose, the foolish Frog burst her skin, and
+miserably expired upon the spot.
+
+
+MORAL.
+
+To attempt what is out of our power, and to rival those greater
+than ourselves, is sure to expose us to contempt and ruin.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE III.
+
+THE MAN AND HIS GOOSE.
+
+
+A CERTAIN Man had a Goose, which laid him a golden egg every day.
+But, not contented with this, which rather increased than abated
+his avarice, he was resolved to kill the Goose, and cut up her
+belly, so that he might come to the inexhaustible treasure which
+he fancied she had within her, without being obliged to wait for
+the slow production of a single egg daily. He did so, and, to his
+great sorrow and disappointment, found nothing within.
+
+
+MORAL.
+
+The man that hastes to become rich often finds that he has only
+brought on ruin.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE IV.
+
+THE LION AND OTHER BEASTS.
+
+
+The Bull, and several other beasts, were ambitious of the honour
+of hunting with the Lion. His savage Majesty graciously
+condescended to their desire; and it was agreed that they should
+have an equal share in whatever might be taken. They scour the
+forest, are unanimous in the pursuit, and, after a long chase,
+pull down a noble stag. It was divided with great dexterity by
+the Bull into four equal parts; but just as he was going to
+secure his share--"Hold!" says the Lion, "let no one presume to
+help himself till he hath heard our just and reasonable claims. I
+seize upon the first quarter by virtue of my prerogative; the
+second I claim as due to my superior conduct and courage; I
+cannot forego the third, on account of the necessities of my den;
+and if anyone is inclined to dispute my right to the fourth, let
+him speak." Awed by the majesty of his frown, and the terror of
+his paws, they silently withdrew, resolving never to hunt again
+but with their equals.
+
+
+MORAL.
+
+Be certain that those who have great power are honest before you
+place yourselves in their hands, or you will be deprived of your
+just rights.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE V.
+
+THE DOVE AND THE ANT.
+
+
+The Ant, compelled by thirst, went to drink in a clear, purling
+rivulet; but the current, with its circling eddy, snatched her
+away, and carried her down the stream. A Dove, pitying her
+distressed condition, cropped a branch from a neighbouring tree
+and let it fall into the water, by means of which the Ant saved
+herself and got ashore. Not long after, a Fowler, having a design
+against the Dove, planted his nets in due order, without the
+bird's observing what he was about; which the Ant perceiving,
+just as he was going to put his design into execution, she bit
+his heel, and made him give so sudden a start, that the Dove took
+the alarm, and flew away.
+
+
+MORAL.
+
+Kindness to others seldom fails of its reward; and none is so
+weak that he may not be able in some fashion to repay it. Let us
+show kindness without looking for a return, but a blessing will
+surely follow.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE VI.
+
+THE FOX WITHOUT A TAIL.
+
+
+A FOX being caught in a steel trap by his tail, was glad to compound
+for his escape with the loss of it; but on coming abroad into the
+world, began to be so sensible of the disgrace such a defect would
+bring upon him, that he almost wished he had died rather than left
+it behind him. However, to make the best of a bad matter, he formed
+a project in his head to call an assembly of the rest of the Foxes,
+and propose it for their imitation as a fashion which would be very
+agreeable and becoming. He did so, and made a long harangue upon the
+unprofitableness of tails in general, and endeavoured chiefly to
+show the awkwardness and inconvenience of a Fox's tail in
+particular; adding that it would be both more graceful and more
+expeditious to be altogether without them, and that, for his part,
+what he had only imagined and conjectured before, he now found by
+experience; for that he never enjoyed himself so well, nor found
+himself so easy as he had done since he cut off his tail. He said no
+more, but looked about with a brisk air to see what proselytes he
+had gained; when a sly old Fox in the company, who understood trap,
+answered him, with a leer, "I believe you may have found a
+conveniency in parting with your tail; and when we are in the same
+circumstances, perhaps we may do so too."
+
+[Illustration: THE FOX WITHOUT A TAIL.]
+
+
+MORAL.
+
+It is common for men to wish others reduced to their own level,
+and we ought to guard against such advice as may proceed from
+this principle.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE VII.
+
+THE BUTTERFLY AND THE SNAIL.
+
+
+    As in the sunshine of the morn,
+    A Butterfly, but newly born,
+    Sat proudly perking on a rose,
+    With pert conceit his bosom glows;
+    His wings, all glorious to behold,
+    Bedropt with azure, jet and gold,
+    Wide he displays; the spangled dew
+    Reflects his eyes, and various hue.
+
+      His now forgotten friend, a Snail,
+    Beneath his house, with slimy trail,
+    Crawls o'er the grass; whom, when he spies,
+    In wrath he to the gardener cries:
+
+      "What means yon peasant's daily toil,
+    From choaking weeds to rid the soil?
+    Why wake you to the morning's care?
+    Why with new arts correct the year?
+    Why glows the peach with crimson hue?
+    And why the plum's inviting blue?
+    Were they to feast his taste designed,
+    That vermin, of voracious kind?
+    Crush, then, the slow, the pilf'ring race;
+    So purge thy garden from disgrace."
+
+      "What arrogance!" the Snail replied;
+    "How insolent is upstart pride!
+    Hadst thou not thus, with insult vain,
+    Provoked my patience to complain,
+    I had concealed thy meaner birth,
+    Nor traced thee to the scum of earth:
+    For, scarce nine suns have wak'd the hours,
+    To swell the fruit, and paint the flowers,
+    Since I thy humbler life surveyed,
+    In base, in sordid guise arrayed;
+    A hideous insect, vile, unclean,
+    You dragg'd a slow and noisome train;
+    And from your spider-bowels drew
+    Foul film, and spun the dirty clue.
+    I own my humble life, good friend;
+    Snail was I born, and Snail shall end.
+    And what's a Butterfly? At best,
+    He's but a Caterpillar, dress'd;
+    And all thy race (a numerous seed)
+    Shall prove of Caterpillar breed."
+
+
+MORAL.
+
+    All upstarts, insolent in place,
+    Remind us of their vulgar race.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE VIII.
+
+THE WOLF AND THE CRANE.
+
+
+A WOLF, after too greedily devouring his prey, happened to have a
+bone stick in his throat, which gave him so much pain that he
+went howling up and down, and importuning every creature he met
+to lend him a kind hand in order to his relief; nay, he even
+promised a reward to anyone who should undertake the operation
+with success. At last the Crane, tempted with the lucre of the
+reward, and having first made the Wolf confirm his promise with
+an oath, undertook the business, and ventured his long neck into
+the rapacious felon's throat.
+
+In short, he plucked out the bone, and expected the promised
+gratuity; when the Wolf, turning his eyes disdainfully towards
+him, said, "I did not think you had been so unreasonable! Have I
+not suffered you safely to draw your neck out of my jaws? And
+have you the conscience to demand a further reward?"
+
+
+MORAL.
+
+When we do good to bad men, we must not expect good from them.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE IX.
+
+THE FROG AND THE RAT.
+
+
+    Once on a time, a foolish Frog,
+    Vain, proud, and stupid as a log,
+    Tired with the marsh, her native home,
+    Imprudently abroad would roam,
+    And fix her habitation where
+    She'd breathe at least a purer air.
+    She was resolved to change, that's poz;
+    Could she be worse than where she was?
+
+      Away the silly creature leaps.
+    A Rat, who saw her lab'ring steps,
+    Cried out, "Where in this hurry, pray?
+    You certainly will go astray!"
+
+      "Ne'er fear; I quit that filthy bog,
+    Where I so long have croaked incog:
+    People of talents, sure, should thrive,
+    And not be buried thus alive.
+    But, pray (for I'm extremely dry),
+    Know you of any water nigh?"
+
+      "None," said the Rat, "you'll reach to-day,
+    As you so slowly make your way.
+    Believe a friend, and take my word,
+    This jaunt of yours is quite absurd.
+    Go to your froggery again;
+    In your own element remain."
+    No: on the journey she was bent,
+    Her thirst increasing as she went;
+    For want of drink she scarce can hop,
+    And yet despairing of a drop:
+    Too late she moans her folly past;
+    She faints, she sinks, she breathes her last.
+
+
+MORAL.
+
+    Vulgar minds will pay full dear,
+    When once they move beyond their sphere.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE X.
+
+THE FIGHTING COCK AND EAGLE.
+
+
+Two Cocks were fighting for the sovereignty of the dunghill, and
+one of them having got the better of the other, he that was
+vanquished crept into a hole, and hid himself for some time; but
+the victor flew up to an eminent place, clapt his wings, and
+crowed out victory. An Eagle, who was watching for his prey near
+the place, saw him, and, making a swoop, trussed him up in his
+talons, and carried him off. The Cock that had been beaten,
+perceiving this, soon quitted his hole, and, shaking off all
+remembrance of his late disgrace, gallanted the hens with all the
+intrepidity imaginable.
+
+
+MORAL.
+
+Before honour is humility. We must not be too much elevated by
+prosperity lest we meet a grievous fall.
+
+[Illustration: THE FIGHTING COCK AND EAGLE.]
+
+
+
+
+FABLE XI.
+
+THE DIAMOND AND THE LOADSTONE.
+
+
+A DIAMOND, of great beauty and lustre, observing, not only many
+other gems of a lower class ranged together with himself in the
+same cabinet, but a Loadstone likewise placed not far from him,
+began to question the latter how he came there, and what
+pretensions he had to be ranked among the precious stones; he,
+who appeared to be no better than a mere flint, a sorry, coarse,
+rusty-looking pebble, without any the least shining quality to
+advance him to such an honour; and concluded with desiring him to
+keep his distance, and pay a proper respect to his superiors.
+
+"I find," said the Loadstone, "you judge by external appearances,
+and condemn without due examination; but I will not act so
+ungenerously by you. I am willing to allow you your due praise:
+you are a pretty bauble; I am mightily delighted to see you
+glitter and sparkle; I look upon you with pleasure and surprise;
+but I must be convinced you are of some sort of use before I
+acknowledge that you have any real merit, or treat you with that
+respect which you seem to demand. With regard to myself, I
+confess my deficiency in outward beauty; but I may venture to
+say, that I make amends by my intrinsic qualities. The great
+improvement of navigation is entirely owing to me. By me the
+distant parts of the world have been made known and are
+accessible to each other; the remotest nations are connected
+together, and all, as it were, united into one common society; by
+a mutual intercourse they relieve one another's wants, and all
+enjoy the several blessings peculiar to each. The world is
+indebted to me for its wealth, its splendour, and its power; and
+the arts and sciences are, in a great measure, obliged to me for
+their improvements, and their continual increase. All these
+blessings I am the origin of; for by my aid it is that man is
+enable to construct that valuable instrument, the Mariner's
+Compass."
+
+
+MORAL.
+
+    Let dazzling stones in splendour glare;
+    Utility's the gem for wear.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE XII.
+
+THE BEAR AND THE BEES.
+
+
+A BEAR happened to be stung by a Bee; and the pain was so acute,
+that in the madness of revenge he ran into the garden, and
+overturned the hive. This outrage provoked their anger to such a
+degree that it brought the fury of the whole swarm upon him. They
+attacked him with such violence that his life was in danger, and
+it was with the utmost difficulty that he made his escape,
+wounded from head to tail. In this desperate condition, lamenting
+his misfortunes, and licking his sores, he could not forbear
+reflecting how much more advisable it had been to have patiently
+borne one injury, than by an unprofitable resentment to have
+provoked a thousand.
+
+
+MORAL.
+
+It is more prudent to acquiesce under an injury from a single
+person, then by an act of vengeance to bring upon us the
+resentment of a whole community.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE XIII.
+
+THE FROGS DESIRING A KING.
+
+
+The Frogs, living an easy, free life everywhere among the lakes
+and ponds, assembled together one day, in a very tumultuous
+manner, and petitioned Jupiter to let them have a king, who might
+inspect their morals, and make them live a little honester.
+Jupiter, being at that time in pretty good humour, was pleased to
+laugh heartily at their ridiculous request, and, throwing a
+little log down into the pool, cried, "There is a king for you!"
+The sudden splash which this made by its fall into the water, at
+first terrified them so exceedingly that they were afraid to come
+near it. But, in a little time, seeing it lie still without
+moving, they ventured, by degrees, to approach it; and at last,
+finding there was no danger, they leaped upon it, and, in short,
+treated it as familiarly as they pleased. But, not contented with
+so insipid a king as this was, they sent their deputies to
+petition again for another sort of one; for this they neither did
+nor could like. Upon that he sent them a Stork, who, without any
+ceremony, fell devouring and eating them up, one after another,
+as fast as he could. Then they applied themselves privately to
+Mercury, and got him to speak to Jupiter in their behalf, that he
+would be so good as to bless them again with another king, or
+restore them to their former state. "No," says he; "since it was
+their own choice, let the obstinate wretches suffer the
+punishment due to their folly."
+
+
+MORAL.
+
+This fable teaches that it is better to be content with our
+present condition, however bad we may think it, than, by
+ambitious change, to risk making it worse.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE XIV.
+
+THE FOX AND THE BOAR.
+
+
+THE BOAR stood whetting his tusks against an old tree. The Fox,
+who happened to come by at the same time, asked him why he made
+those martial preparations of whetting his teeth, since there was
+no enemy near, that he could perceive. "That may be, Master
+Reynard," says the Boar, "but we should scour up our arms, while
+we have leisure, you know; for, in time of danger, we shall have
+something else to do."
+
+
+MORAL.
+
+It is well to have preparations made for all emergencies, that
+when we are placed in any difficult position we may be calm and
+self-possessed. These preparations are best made in times of
+leisure.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE XV.
+
+THE VINE AND THE GOAT.
+
+
+A GOAT having taken shelter from the heat of the sun under the
+broad leaves of a shady-spreading vine, began to crop and eat
+them; by this means, the branches being put into a rustling
+motion, he drew the eyes of some hunters who were passing that
+way, and, seeing the vine stir, thought some wild beast had taken
+covert there; they shot their arrows at a venture, and killed the
+Goat, who, before he expired, uttered his dying words to this
+purpose: "Ah! I suffer justly for my ingratitude, who could not
+forbear doing an injury to the vine that had so kindly afforded
+me shelter."
+
+
+MORAL.
+
+Ingratitude is a great crime, and from which we should seek
+earnestly to be preserved. He that is capable of injuring his
+benefactor, what would he scruple to do towards another?
+
+[Illustration: THE VINE AND THE GOAT.]
+
+
+
+
+FABLE XVI.
+
+THE DISCONTENTED HORSE.
+
+
+    As JUPITER once was receiving petitions
+    From birds and from beasts of all ranks and conditions;
+    With an eye full of fire, and mane quite erect,
+    Which, I'm sorry to say, shewed but little respect,
+    The Horse went as near as he dared to the throne,
+    And thus made his donkey-like sentiments known:
+
+      "For beauty of symmetry, fleetness, and force,
+    It is said that all animals yield to the Horse;
+    While my spirit I feel, and my figure I view
+    In the brook, I'm inclined to believe it is true;
+    But still, mighty Jupiter, still, by your aid,
+    In my form might some further improvements be made.
+    To run is my duty, and swifter and stronger
+    I surely should go, were my legs to be longer:
+    And as man always places a seat on my back,
+    I should have been made with a saddle or sack;
+    It had saved _him_ much trouble, on journies departing,
+    And _I_ had been constantly ready for starting."
+
+      Great Jupiter smiled (for he laughed at the brute,
+    As he saw more of folly than vice in his suit),
+    And striking the earth with omnipotent force,
+    A Camel rose up near the terrified Horse:
+    He trembled--he started--his mane shook with fright,
+    And he staggered half round, as preparing for flight.
+
+      "Behold!" exclaimed Jove, "there an animal stands
+    With both your improvements at once to your hands:
+    His legs are much longer; the hump on his back
+    Well answers the purpose of saddle or sack:
+    Of your shapes, tell me, which is more finished and trim?
+    Speak out, silly Horse, would you wish to be him?"
+
+      The Horse looked abashed, and had nothing to say
+    And Jove, with reproaches, thus sent him away:
+    "Begone, till you gratefully feel and express
+    Your thanks for the blessings and gifts you possess.
+    The Camel, though plain, is mild, useful, and good;
+    You are handsome, but proud, discontented and rude."
+
+
+
+
+FABLE XVII.
+
+THE MOUNTAIN IN LABOUR.
+
+
+A RUMOUR once prevailed that a neighbouring mountain was in
+labour; it was affirmed that she had been heard to utter
+prodigious groans; and a general expectation had been raised that
+some extraordinary birth was at hand.
+
+Multitudes flocked in much eagerness to be witnesses of the
+wonderful event, one expecting her to be delivered of a giant,
+another of some enormous monster, and all were in earnest
+expectation of something grand and astonishing; when, after
+waiting with great impatience a considerable time, behold, out
+crept a Mouse.
+
+
+MORAL.
+
+To raise uncommon expectations renders an ordinary event
+ridiculous.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE XVIII.
+
+THE FOX AND THE STORK.
+
+
+THE FOX, though in general more inclined to roguery than wit, had
+once a strong inclination to play the wag with his neighbour the
+Stork. He accordingly invited her to dinner in due form. But when
+she came to the table, the Stork found it consisted entirely of
+different soups, served in broad, shallow dishes, so that she
+could only dip the end of her bill in them, but could not
+possibly satisfy her hunger. The Fox lapped them up very readily,
+and every now and then addressing himself to his guest, desired
+to know how she liked her entertainment, hoped that everything
+was to her liking, and protested he was very sorry to see her eat
+so sparingly.
+
+The Stork, perceiving she was jested with, took no notice, but
+pretended to like every dish extremely; and, at parting, pressed
+the Fox so earnestly to return her visit that he could not, in
+civility, refuse.
+
+The day arrived, and he repaired to his appointment. But, to his
+great dismay, he found the dinner was composed of minced meat,
+served up in long, narrow-necked bottles; so that he was only
+tantalized with the sight of what it was impossible for him to
+taste. The Stork thrust in her long bill, and helped herself very
+plentifully; then, turning to Reynard, who was eagerly licking
+the outside of a jar where some sauce had been spilled, "I am
+very glad," said she, smiling, "that you appear to have so good
+an appetite. I hope you will make as hearty a dinner at my table
+as I did the other day at yours." The Fox hung down his head, and
+looked very much displeased. "Nay, nay!" said the Stork; "don't
+pretend to be out of humour about the matter; they that cannot
+take a jest should never make one."
+
+
+
+
+FABLE XIX.
+
+THE HORSE AND THE STAG.
+
+
+The Stag, with his sharp horns, got the better of the Horse, and
+drove him clear out of the pasture where they used to feed
+together. So the latter craved the assistance of man, and, in
+order to receive the benefit of it, suffered him to put a bridle
+into his mouth, and a saddle upon his back. By this means he
+entirely defeated his enemy, but was mightily disappointed when,
+upon returning thanks, and desiring to be dismissed, he received
+this answer: "No; I never knew before how useful a drudge you
+were; now I have found out what you are good for, you may depend
+upon it, I will keep you to it."
+
+
+MORAL.
+
+Help yourself, if you can do so; but at any rate, before you seek
+the assistance of a powerful man, be sure that the help he gives
+you will be disinterested, or you may find that in helping you he
+may put you under obligations fatal to liberty.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE XX.
+
+THE LION WOUNDED.
+
+
+A MAN, who was very skilful with his bow, went up into the forest to
+hunt. At his approach, there was a great consternation and rout
+among the wild beasts, the Lion alone showing any determination to
+fight. "Stop," said the Archer to him, "and await my messenger, who
+has somewhat to say to you." With that, he sent an arrow after the
+Lion, and wounded him in the side. The Lion, smarting with anguish,
+fled into the depths of the forest; but a Fox, seeing him run, bade
+him take courage, and face his enemy. "No," said the Lion, "you will
+not persuade me to that; for if the messenger he sends is so sharp,
+what must be the power of him who sends it?"
+
+
+MORAL.
+
+It is better to yield to a superior force than foolishly brave
+its power.
+
+[Illustration: THE LION WOUNDED.]
+
+
+
+
+FABLE XXI.
+
+THE ASS IN THE LION'S SKIN.
+
+
+An Ass, finding a Lion's skin, disguised himself with it, and
+ranged about the forest, putting all the beasts that saw him into
+bodily fear. After he had diverted himself thus for some time, he
+met a Fox, and, being desirous to frighten him too, as well as
+the rest, he leapt at him with some fierceness, and endeavoured
+to imitate the roaring of the Lion.
+
+"Your humble servant," says the Fox, "if you had held your
+tongue, I might have taken you for a Lion, as others did; but now
+you bray I know who you are."
+
+
+MORAL.
+
+A silent man may pass for a wise man, but when we hear him speak
+we are able to form an estimate of his value.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE XXII.
+
+JUPITER AND THE FARMER.
+
+
+    'Tis said, that Jove had once a farm to let,
+        And sent down Mercury, his common crier,
+    To make the most that he could get;
+        Or sell it to the highest buyer.
+
+    To view the premises the people flocked:
+        And, as 'tis usual in such case,
+        Began to run them down apace;
+    The soil was poor, the farm ill stocked:
+        In short, a barren, miserable place,
+        Scarce worth th' expense to draw a lease.
+
+    One bolder, tho' not wiser than the rest,
+        Offered to pay in so much rent,
+        Provided he had Jove's consent
+    To guide the weather just as he thought best;
+        Or wet, or dry; or cold, or hot;
+        Whate'er he asked should be his lot;
+
+    To all which Jove gave a consenting nod.
+        The seasons now obsequious stand,
+        Quick to obey their lord's command,
+    And now the Farmer undertakes the god;
+        Now calls for sunshine, now for rains,
+        Dispels the clouds, the wind restrains;
+
+    But still confined within his farm alone,
+    He makes a climate all his own;
+        For when he sheds, or when he pours,
+        Refreshing dews, or soaking showers,
+
+        His neighbours never share a drop;
+        So much the better for their crop;
+        Each glebe a plenteous harvest yields;
+        Whilst our director spoils his fields.
+
+        Next year, he tries a different way;
+    New moulds the seasons, and directs again;
+                 But all in vain:
+    His neighbour's grounds still thrive while his decay.
+
+        What does he do in this sad plight?
+        For once he acted right:
+        He to the god his fate bemoaned,
+        Asked pardon, and his folly owned.
+        Jove, like a tender master, fond to save,
+        His weakness pityed, and his fault forgave.
+
+
+MORAL.
+
+    He, who presumes the ways of heaven to scan,
+    Is not a wise, nor yet a happy man:
+    In this firm truth securely we may rest,--
+    Whatever Providence ordains is best;
+    Had man the power, he'd work his own undoing;
+    To grant his will would be to cause his ruin.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE XXIII.
+
+THE VAIN JACKDAW.
+
+
+A CERTAIN Jackdaw was so proud and ambitious that, not contented
+to live within his own sphere, he picked up the feathers which
+fell from the Peacocks, stuck them among his own, and very
+confidently introduced himself into an assembly of those
+beautiful birds. They soon found him out, stripped him of his
+borrowed plumes, and falling upon him with their sharp bills,
+punished him as his presumption deserved.
+
+Upon this, full of grief and affliction, he returned to his old
+companions, and would have flocked with them again; but they,
+knowing his late life and conversation, industriously avoided
+him, and refused to admit him into their company; and one of
+them, at the same time, gave him this serious reproof: "If,
+friend, you could have been contented with your station, and had
+not disdained the rank in which nature had placed you, you had
+not been used so scurvily by those amongst whom you introduced
+yourself, nor suffered the notorious slight which we now think
+ourselves obliged to put upon you."
+
+
+MORAL.
+
+Great evils arise from vanity; for when we try to place ourselves
+in a position for which we are not fit, we are liable to be
+laughed at, and, when we would return to our former state, we
+find we have lost the esteem of our former friends.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE XXIV.
+
+THE VIPER AND THE FILE.
+
+
+A VIPER, crawling into a smith's shop to seek for something to
+eat, cast her eyes upon a File, and darting upon it in a moment,
+"Now I have you," said she, "and so you may help yourself how you
+can; but you may take my word for it that I shall make a fine
+meal of you before I think of parting with you." "Silly wretch!"
+said the File, as gruff as could be, "you had much better be
+quiet, and let me alone; for, if you gnaw for ever, you will get
+nothing but your trouble for your pains. Make a meal of me,
+indeed! why, I myself can bite the hardest iron in the shop; and
+if you go on with your foolish nibbling I shall tear all the
+teeth out of your spiteful head before you know where you are."
+
+
+MORAL.
+
+Take care that you never strive with those who are too strong for
+you, nor do spiteful things, lest you suffer for it.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE XXV.
+
+THE WOLF AND THE LAMB.
+
+
+One hot, sultry day, a Wolf and a Lamb happened to come just at
+the same time to quench their thirst in the stream of a clear,
+silver brook, that ran tumbling down the side of a rocky
+mountain. The Wolf stood upon the higher ground, and the Lamb at
+some distance from him down the current. However, the Wolf,
+having a mind to pick a quarrel with him, asked him what he meant
+by disturbing the water, and making it so muddy that he could not
+drink, and at the same time demanded satisfaction. The Lamb,
+frightened at this threatening charge, told him, in a tone as
+mild as possible, that, with humble submission, he could not
+conceive how that could be, since the water which he drank ran
+down from the Wolf to him, and therefore it could not be
+disturbed so far up the stream. "Be that as it will," replies the
+Wolf, "you are a rascal; and I have been told that you treated me
+with ill-language behind my back about half a year ago." "Upon my
+word," says the Lamb, "the time you mention was before I was
+born." The Wolf finding it to no purpose to argue any longer
+against truth, fell into a great passion, snarling and foaming at
+the mouth, as if he had been mad; and, drawing nearer to the
+Lamb, "Sirrah," said he, "if it was not you, it was your father,
+and that's all one." So he seized the poor innocent, helpless
+thing, tore it to pieces, and made a meal of it.
+
+[Illustration: THE WOLF AND THE LAMB.]
+
+
+MORAL.
+
+Bad men, who wish to quarrel, will always find a pretence; if
+they can find no true grounds, they will resort to those which
+are false.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE XXVI.
+
+THE OLD BULLFINCH AND YOUNG BIRDS.
+
+
+    It chanced, that, on a winter's day,
+    But warm and bright, and calm as May,
+    The birds, conceiving a design
+    To forestall sweet St. Valentine,
+    In many an orchard, copse, and grove,
+    Assembled on affairs of love;
+    And with much twitter and much chatter,
+    Began to agitate the matter.
+
+      At length, a Bullfinch, who could boast
+    More years and wisdom than the most,
+    Entreated, opening wide his beak,
+    A moment's liberty to speak;
+    And, silence publicly enjoined,
+    Delivered briefly thus his mind:
+
+      "My friends, be cautious how ye treat
+    The subject upon which we meet;
+    I fear we shall have winter yet."
+
+      A Finch, whose tongue knew no control,
+    With golden wing, and satin poll,
+    A last year's bird, who ne'er had tried
+    What marriage means, thus pert replied:
+
+      "Methinks, the gentleman," quoth she,
+    "Opposite, in the apple-tree,
+    By his good will, would keep us single,
+    'Till yonder heaven and earth shall mingle;
+    Or (which is likelier to befall)
+    'Till death exterminate us all.
+    I marry without more ado;
+    My dear Dick Redcap, what say you?"
+
+      Dick heard; and tweedling, ogling, bridling,
+    Turning short round, strutting, and sidling,
+    Attested glad his approbation
+    Of an immediate conjugation.
+    Their sentiments so well express'd,
+    Influenced mightily the rest;
+    All pair'd, and each pair built a nest.
+
+      But though the birds were thus in haste,
+    The leaves came on not quite so fast;
+    And destiny, that sometimes bears
+    An aspect stern on man's affairs,
+    Not altogether smil'd on theirs.
+
+      The wind, that late breath'd gently forth,
+    Now shifted east, and east by north;
+    Bare trees and shrubs but ill, you know,
+    Could shelter them from rain or snow;
+    Stepping into their nests, they paddled,
+    Themselves were chill'd, their eggs were addled;
+    Soon every father bird, and mother,
+    Grew quarrelsome, and peck'd each other;
+    Parted without the least regret,
+    Except that they had ever met;
+    And learn'd in future to be wiser
+    Than to neglect a good adviser.
+
+
+MORAL.
+
+    Young folks, who think themselves so wise,
+    That old folks' counsel they despise,
+    Will find, when they too late repent,
+    Their folly prove their punishment.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE XXVII.
+
+THE MOUSE AND THE WEASEL.
+
+
+A LITTLE starveling rogue of a Mouse had, with much pushing
+application, made his way through a small hole in a corn-basket,
+where he stuffed and crammed so plentifully, that, when he would
+have retired the way he came, he found himself too plump, with
+all his endeavours, to accomplish it. A Weasel, who stood at some
+distance, and had been diverting himself with beholding the vain
+efforts of the little fat thing, called to him, and said,
+"Harkee, honest friend; if you have a mind to make your escape,
+there is but one way for it: contrive to grow as poor and lean as
+you were when you entered, and then, perhaps, you may get off."
+
+
+MORAL.
+
+If evil habits have got a man into difficulties, there is no
+surer way to extricate himself than, by God's help, to cast those
+habits off.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE XXVIII.
+
+THE OLD HOUND.
+
+
+An old Hound, who had been an excellent good one in his time, and
+given his master great sport and satisfaction in many a chase, at
+last, by the effect of years, became feeble and unserviceable.
+
+However, being in the field one day when the Stag was almost run
+down, he happened to be the first that came in with him, and
+seized him by one of his haunches; but his decayed and broken
+teeth not being able to keep their hold, the deer escaped and
+threw him quite out. Upon which his master, being in a great
+passion, and going to strike him, the honest old creature is said
+to have barked out this apology. "Ah! do not strike your poor old
+servant; it is not my heart and inclination, but my strength and
+speed that fail me. If what I now am displeases you, pray don't
+forget what I have been."
+
+MORAL.
+
+Past services should never be forgotten.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE XXIX.
+
+THE CHARGER AND THE ASS
+
+
+The Horse, adorned with his great war-saddle, and champing his
+foaming bridle, came thundering along the way, and made the
+mountains echo with his loud, shrill neighing. He had not gone
+far before he overtook an Ass, who was labouring under a heavy
+burthen, and moving slowly on in the same track with himself.
+Immediately he called out to him, in a haughty, imperious tone,
+and threatened to trample him in the dirt, if he did not make way
+for him. The poor, patient Ass, not daring to dispute the matter,
+quietly got out of his way as fast as he could, and let him go
+by. Not long after this, the same Horse, in an engagement with
+the enemy, happened to be shot in the eye, which made him unfit
+for show or any military business; so he was stript of his fine
+ornaments, and sold to a carrier. The Ass, meeting him in this
+forlorn condition, thought that now it was his time to speak; and
+so, says he, "Heyday, friend, is it you? Well, I always believed
+that pride of yours would one day have a fall."
+
+
+MORAL.
+
+Pride and haughtiness are foreign to really great men. Those who
+show it, when in their high estate, if the wheel of fortune
+should change, instead of friendship or pity, will meet with
+nothing but contempt.
+
+[Illustration: THE CHARGER AND THE ASS.]
+
+
+
+
+FABLE XXX.
+
+THE COLT AND THE FARMER.
+
+
+    A COLT, for blood and mettled speed,
+    The choicest of the running breed,
+    Of youthful strength and beauty vain,
+    Refused subjection to the rein.
+
+      In vain the groom's officious skill
+    Opposed his pride, and checked his will;
+    In vain the master's forming care
+    Restrained with threats, or soothed with prayer:
+    Of freedom proud, and scorning man,
+    Wild o'er the spacious plain he ran.
+
+      Where'er luxuriant Nature spread
+    Her flowery carpet o'er the mead,
+    Or bubbling stream's soft gliding pass
+    To cool and freshen up the grass,
+    Disdaining bounds, he cropped the blade,
+    And wantoned in the spoil he made.
+
+      In plenty thus the summer passed;
+    Revolving winter came at last:
+    The trees no more a shelter yield;
+    The verdure withers from the field:
+    Perpetual snows invest the ground;
+    In icy chains the streams are bound:
+    Cold, nipping winds, and rattling hail,
+    His lank, unsheltered sides assail.
+
+      As round he cast his rueful eyes,
+    He saw the thatched-roof cottage rise:
+    The prospect touched his heart with cheer,
+    And promised kind deliverance near.
+    A stable, erst his scorn and hate,
+    Was now become his wished retreat;
+    His passion cool, his pride forgot,
+    A Farmer's welcome yard he sought.
+
+      The master saw his woful plight,
+    His limbs, that tottered with his weight,
+    And, friendly, to the stable led,
+    And saw him littered, dressed, and fed.
+    In slothful ease all night he lay;
+    The servants rose at break of day;
+    The market calls. Along the road
+    His back must bear the pond'rous load;
+
+      In vain he struggles or complains,
+    Incessant blows reward his pains.
+    To-morrow varies but his toil:
+    Chained to the plough, he breaks the soil;
+    While scanty meals at night repay
+    The painful labours of the day.
+
+      Subdued by toil, with anguish rent,
+    His self-upbraidings found a vent.
+    "Wretch that I am!" he sighing said,
+    "By arrogance and folly led;
+    Had but my restive youth been brought
+    To learn the lesson nature taught,
+    Then had I, like my sires of yore,
+    The prize from every courser bore.
+    Now, lasting servitude's my lot,
+    My birth contemned, my speed forgot;
+    Doomed am I, for my pride, to bear
+    A living death from year to year."
+
+
+MORAL.
+
+    He who disdains control, will only gain
+    A youth of pleasure for an age of pain.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE XXXI.
+
+THE LARK AND HER YOUNG ONES.
+
+
+A LARK, who had young ones in a field of corn almost ripe, was
+under some fear lest the reapers should come to reap it before
+her young brood was fledged and able to remove from that place.
+She, therefore, upon flying abroad to look for food, left this
+charge with them--to take notice what they heard talked of in her
+absence, and tell her of it when she came back again.
+
+When she was gone, they heard the owner of the corn call to his
+son: "Well," says he, "I think this corn is ripe enough. I would
+have you go early to-morrow, and desire our friends and
+neighbours to come and help us to reap it." When the old Lark
+came home, the young ones fell a quivering and chirping round
+her, and told her what had happened, begging her to remove them
+as fast as she could. The mother bid them be easy: "For," said
+she, "if the owner depends on his friends and neighbours, I am
+pretty sure the corn will not be reaped to-morrow."
+
+Next day, she went out again, leaving the same orders as before.
+The owner came, and staid, expecting his friends; but the sun
+grew hot, and nothing was done, for not a soul came to help them.
+Then says he to his son, "I perceive these friends of ours are
+not to be depended upon; so you must go to your uncles and
+cousins, and tell them I desire they would be here betimes
+to-morrow morning, to help us to reap." Well, this the young
+ones, in a great fright, reported also to their mother. "If that
+be all," says she, "do not be frightened, dear children; for
+kindred and relations are not so very forward to serve one
+another; but take particular notice what you hear said next time,
+and be sure you let me know it."
+
+She went abroad next day, as usual; and the owner, finding his
+relations as slack as the rest of his neighbours, said to his
+son, "Harkee, George; get a couple of good sickles ready against
+to-morrow morning, and we will even reap the corn ourselves."
+When the young ones told their mother this, "Then," said she, "we
+must be gone indeed; for, when a man undertakes to do his
+business himself, it is not so likely he will be disappointed."
+So she removed her young ones at once, and the corn was reaped
+next day by the good man and his son.
+
+
+MORAL.
+
+Never depend on the assistance of others. No business is so sure
+to be done as that which a man sets about doing himself.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE XXXII.
+
+THE FOX AND THE CROW.
+
+
+A CROW, having taken a piece of cheese out of a cottage window,
+flew up with it into a high tree in order to eat it; which the
+Fox observing, came and sat underneath, and began to compliment
+the Crow upon the subject of her beauty. "I protest," says he, "I
+never observed it before, but your feathers are of a more
+delicate white than any that ever I saw in my life! Ah! what a
+fine shape and graceful turn of body is there! And I make no
+question but you have a tolerable voice. If it is but as fine as
+your complexion, I do not know a bird that can pretend to stand
+in competition with you." The Crow foolishly believed all that
+the Fox said was true; but, thinking the Fox a little dubious as
+to her vocal powers, and having a mind to set him right in that
+matter, opened her mouth, and, in the same instant, let the
+cheese drop out of her mouth. This being what the Fox wanted, he
+caught it up in a moment, and trotted away, laughing to himself
+at the easy credulity of the Crow.
+
+
+MORAL.
+
+When anyone is flattered as possessing qualities he ought to feel
+conscious he does not possess, let him beware lest the flatterers
+wish either to deprive him of some solid good, or to make him
+appear ridiculous in the eyes of others.
+
+[Illustration: THE FOX AND THE CROW]
+
+
+
+
+FABLE XXXIII.
+
+THE PEACOCK'S COMPLAINT.
+
+
+The Peacock presented a memorial to Juno, importing how hardly he
+thought he was used, in not having so good a voice as the
+Nightingale; how that bird was agreeable to every ear that heard
+it, while he was laughed at for his ugly, screaming noise, if he
+did but open his mouth.
+
+The goddess, concerned at the uneasiness of her favourite bird,
+answered him very kindly to this purpose:--"If the Nightingale is
+blest with a fine voice, you have the advantage in point of
+beauty and size." "Ah!" says he, "but what avails my silent,
+unmeaning beauty, when I am so far excelled in voice?"
+
+The goddess dismissed him, bidding him consider that the
+properties of every creature were appointed by the decree of
+Fate; to him beauty, to the Eagle strength, to the Nightingale a
+voice of melody, to the Parrot the faculty of speech, and to the
+Dove innocence; that each of these was contented with his own
+peculiar quality; and, unless he wished to be miserable, he must
+also learn to be equally satisfied.
+
+
+MORAL.
+
+    The man who to his lot's resigned
+    True happiness is sure to find;
+    While envy ne'er can mend the ill,
+    But makes us feel it keener still.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE XXXIV.
+
+THE STAG IN THE OX-STALL.
+
+
+A STAG, roused from his thick covert in the midst of the forest, and
+driven hard by the hounds, made towards a farm-house, and, seeing
+the door of an ox-stall open, entered therein, and hid himself under
+a heap of straw. One of the oxen, turning his head about, asked him
+what he meant by venturing himself in such a place, where he was
+sure to meet his doom. "Ah!" said the Stag, "if you will but be so
+good as to favour me with your concealment, I hope I shall do well
+enough; I intend to make off again the first opportunity."
+
+Well, he stayed there till towards night; in came the ox-man with
+a bundle of fodder, and never saw him. In short, all the servants
+of the farm came and went, and not one of them suspected anything
+of the matter. Nay, the bailiff himself came, according to form,
+and looked in, but walked away, no wiser than the rest. Upon this
+the Stag, ready to jump out of his skin for joy, began to return
+thanks to the good-natured Oxen, protesting that they were the
+most obliging people he had ever met with in his life.
+
+After he had done his compliments, one of them answered him,
+gravely, "Indeed, we desire nothing more than to have it in our
+power to contribute to your escape, but there is a certain person
+you little think of who has a hundred eyes; if he should happen
+to come, I would not give this straw for your life."
+
+In the meanwhile, home comes the master himself from a
+neighbour's, where he had been invited to dinner; and, because he
+had observed the cattle not look well of late, he went up to the
+rack, and asked why they did not give them more fodder; then,
+casting his eyes downward, "Heydey!" says he, "why so sparing of
+your litter? pray scatter a little more here. And these
+cobwebs--But I have spoken so often that, unless I do it
+myself--" Thus, as he went on, prying into everything, he chanced
+to look where the Stag's horns lay sticking out of the straw;
+upon which he raised a hue and cry, called his people about him,
+killed the Stag, and made a prize of him.
+
+
+MORAL.
+
+For a work to be done thoroughly, it ought to be done by oneself;
+the eye of a master is keener than that of a servant.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE XXXV.
+
+THE WIND AND THE SUN.
+
+
+A DISPUTE once arose betwixt the North Wind and the Sun about the
+superiority of their power; and they agreed to try their strength
+upon a traveller, which should be able to get off his cloak
+first.
+
+The North Wind began, and blew a very cold blast, accompanied
+with a sharp, driving shower. But this, and whatever else he
+could do, instead of making the man quit his cloak, obliged him
+to gird it about his body as close as possible.
+
+Next came the Sun, who, breaking out from the thick, watery
+cloud, drove away the cold vapours from the sky, and darted his
+warm, sultry beams upon the head of the poor weather-beaten
+traveller. The man, growing faint with the heat, and unable to
+endure it any longer, first throws off his heavy cloak, and then
+flies for protection to the shade of a neighbouring grove.
+
+
+MORAL.
+
+Soft and gentle means will often accomplish what force and fury
+can never effect.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE XXXVI.
+
+THE TRAVELLERS AND THE BEAR.
+
+
+Two men, being about to travel through a forest together,
+mutually promised to stand by each other in any danger they
+should meet on the way. They had not gone far when a Bear came
+rushing towards them out of a thicket; upon which, one, being a
+light, nimble fellow, got up into a tree. The other, falling flat
+upon his face, and holding his breath, lay still, while the Bear
+came up and smelled at him; but that creature, supposing him to
+be a dead carcass, went back to the wood without doing him the
+least harm. When all was over, the man who had climbed the tree
+came down to his companion, and, with a pleasant smile, asked
+what the Bear had said to him; "For," says he, "I took notice
+that he clapped his mouth very close to your ear." "Why," replied
+the other, "he charged me to take care, for the future, not to
+put any confidence in such cowardly rascals as you are."
+
+
+MORAL.
+
+Nothing is more common than to hear people profess friendship
+when there is no occasion for it; but he is a true friend who is
+ready to assist us in the time of danger and difficulty. Choose,
+therefore, friends whom you can depend on for such a time, and
+greatly value them.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE XXXVII.
+
+THE DOG AND THE SHADOW.
+
+
+A DOG, crossing a small rivulet, with a piece of flesh in his
+mouth, which he had stolen from a butcher's shop, saw his own
+shadow represented in the clear mirror of the limpid stream; and,
+believing it to be another dog who was carrying another piece of
+flesh, he could not forbear catching at it, but was so far from
+getting anything by his greedy design, that he dropped the piece
+he had in his mouth, which immediately sank to the bottom, and
+was irrecoverably lost.
+
+
+MORAL.
+
+It is the just punishment of greediness to lose the substance by
+grasping at the shadow; while the man who would take what does
+not belong to him deserves to lose what he has.
+
+[Illustration: THE DOG AND THE SHADOW.]
+
+
+
+
+FABLE XXXVIII.
+
+THE HERMIT AND THE BEAR.
+
+
+      ONCE on a time, a mountain Bear
+    Lived in a forest drear, with no Bears near him;
+          Fat, fierce, and sulky.
+      Nor man nor other beast approached his lair;
+    His neighbours all despise, or hate, or fear him.
+      'Tis good to talk--to hold one's tongue--
+      Though either in excess be wrong:
+          Our hermit bulky,
+    So shaggy, sullen, taciturn, and rude,
+    Bear as he was, grew sick of solitude.
+
+      At the same time, by chance, retired
+    Far from the world, a man advanced in age,
+          But stout and healthy.
+      Not with devotion's flame his heart was fired;
+    Not prayer and fasting occupied the sage;
+      Though on mankind he shut his door,
+      No vows of poverty he swore:
+          The wight was wealthy.
+    But by some treacherous friend, or fair, betrayed,
+    He lived with plants, and communed with his spade.
+
+      High priest of Flora you might call him;
+    Nor less was he the favourite of Pomona.
+          But one day, walking,
+      He found it dull; and should some ill befall him,
+    In his sweet paradise, he felt alone,--Ah!
+      For neither rose, nor pink, nor vine,
+      Except in such a lay as mine,
+          Are given to talking.
+    His head old Time had now long years heaped many on;
+    So he resolved to look for some companion.
+
+      On this important expedition--
+    But fearing his researches would be vain--
+          The sage departed:
+      Revolving deeply his forlorn condition,
+    He slowly mused along a narrow lane;
+      When on a sudden--unawares--
+      A nose met his:--it was the Bear's!
+          With fright he started.
+    Fear is a common feeling: he that wise is,
+    Although his fright be great, his fear disguises.
+
+      Prudence suggested--"Stand your ground;
+    'Tis hard to turn, and harder still to dash on."
+          Prudence prevails.
+      'Twixt kindred minds a sympathy is found
+    Which lights up oft at sight a tender passion.
+
+      Where sexes are of different kind;
+      And oft 'twill ties of friendship bind
+          Between two males:
+    These magic signs our hermits, at a glance, see:
+    Each found he strongly pleased the other's fancy.
+
+      Bruin at compliments was awkward,
+    But was not long his sentiments in telling--
+          "Old man, I like you!"
+      The man replied, "Fair sir, you need not walk hard,
+    In half an hour you'll reach my humble dwelling.
+    I've milk, and various sorts of fruit,
+    If any should your palate suit,
+          Take what may strike you;
+    On me it will confer the highest pleasure
+    To spread before you all my garden's treasure."
+
+      On jogged the human Hermit with the Bear,
+    Like smoking Germans, few words interlarding;
+          Though little said,
+      Finding their tempers suited to a hair,
+    They grew firm friends before they reached the garden.
+      Each took his task, their moods the same,
+      One dug, the other hunted game,
+          And often sped;
+    And Bruin, o'er his friend a strict watch keeping,
+    Chased off the flies that haunted him when sleeping.
+
+      One afternoon, as in the sun
+    The weary Hermit took his usual nap,
+          And at his post
+      The faithful Bear his daily work begun,
+    Giving full many a brush and gentle slap,
+      With a light whisp of herbs sweet-scented,
+      And thus the teasing flies prevented,
+          That buzzing host,
+    From fixing on his sleeping patron's visage,
+    Sunk in the deep repose so fit for his age.
+
+      One blue-bottle his care defied;
+    No place could please him but the old man's nose,
+          Quite unabashed.
+      The Bear, provoked, no means would leave untried;
+    At last, a vigorous, certain mode, he chose:
+      Extending wide his heavy paw,
+      And thrusting hard each crooked claw,
+          The fly was smashed:
+    But his poor patron's face, so roughly patted,
+    All streamed with blood, and smooth his nose was flatted.
+
+      The Bear sneaked off to humble distance,
+    Seeing the damage he had done his friend;
+          Who raged with smart.
+      But calling in philosophy's assistance,
+    Anger, he thought, his wounds would never mend,
+      So coolly said, "Farewell, friend Bruin!
+      Since you have laid my face in ruin,
+          'Tis time to part."
+
+
+MORAL.
+
+    All those must such mishaps expect to share,
+    Who, for a friend, think fit to take a Bear.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE XXXIX.
+
+THE SHEPHERD'S BOY AND THE WOLF.
+
+
+A CERTAIN Shepherd's Boy, who kept sheep upon a common, in sport
+and wantonness would often cry out, "The Wolf! the Wolf!" By this
+means, he several times drew the husbandmen in an adjoining field
+from their work; who, finding themselves deluded, resolved for
+the future to take no notice of his alarm. Soon after the Wolf
+came indeed. The boy cried out in earnest; but no heed being
+given to his cries, the sheep were devoured by the Wolf.
+
+
+MORAL.
+
+The notorious liar, besides the sin of the thing, will not be
+believed when, by chance, he tells the truth.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE XL.
+
+THE FAWN AND HER MOTHER.
+
+
+A HIND was one day stamping with her foot, and bellowing so
+loudly that the whole herd quaked for fear, when one of her
+little Fawns, coming up to her, said, "Mother, what is the reason
+that you, who are so strong and bold at all other times, if you
+do but hear the cry of the hounds, are so afraid of them?" "What
+you say is true," replied the Hind; "though I know not how to
+account for it. I am, indeed, vigorous and strong enough, and
+often resolve that nothing shall ever dismay my courage; but,
+alas! I no sooner hear the voice of a hound than all my spirits
+fail me, and I cannot help making off as fast as my legs can
+carry me."
+
+
+MORAL.
+
+When we have done all, Nature will remain what she was. There is
+no arguing a coward into courage.
+
+[Illustration: THE FAWN AND HER MOTHER.]
+
+
+
+
+FABLE XLI.
+
+THE TORTOISE AND THE EAGLE.
+
+
+The Tortoise, weary of his condition, by which he was confined to
+creep upon the ground, and being ambitious to have a prospect,
+and look about him, gave out that, if any bird would take him up
+into the air, and show him the world, he would reward him with
+the discovery of many precious stones, which he knew were hidden
+in a certain part of the earth.
+
+The Eagle undertook to do as he desired, and, when he had
+performed his commission, demanded the reward. But, finding the
+Tortoise could not make good his words, he stuck his talons into
+the softer parts of his body, and made him a sacrifice to his
+revenge.
+
+
+MORAL.
+
+He that, to secure an advantage, deceives his friend by an
+untruth, will surely suffer for it when he is detected.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE XLII.
+
+THE BROTHER AND SISTER.
+
+
+A CERTAIN Man had two children, a Son and a Daughter--the Boy
+handsome enough, the Girl not quite so comely. They were both
+very young, and happened one day to be playing near the
+looking-glass, which stood on their mother's toilet. The Boy,
+pleased with the novelty of the thing, viewed himself for some
+time, and in a wanton, roguish manner observed to the Girl how
+handsome he was. She resented the insult, and ran immediately to
+her father, and, with a great deal of aggravation, complained of
+her brother, particularly for having acted so effeminate a part
+as to look in a glass, and meddle with things which belong to
+women only. The father, embracing them both with much tenderness
+and affection, told them that he should like to have them both
+look in the glass every day; "To the intent that you," says he to
+the Boy, "if you think that face of yours handsome, may not
+disgrace and spoil it by an ugly temper and a bad behaviour; and
+that you," added he, addressing the Girl, "may make up for the
+defects of your person by the sweetness of your manners and the
+excellence of your understanding."
+
+
+MORAL.
+
+A well-informed mind is better than a handsome person.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE XLIII.
+
+THE SHEPHERD'S DOG AND THE WOLF.
+
+
+    A WOLF, with hunger fierce and bold,
+    Ravaged the plains, and thinned the fold;
+    Deep in the wood secure he lay,
+    The thefts of night regaled the day.
+    In vain the shepherd's wakeful care
+    Had spread the toils, and watched the snare;
+    In vain the Dog pursued his pace,
+    The fleeter robber mocked the chase.
+
+      As Lightfoot ranged the forest round,
+    By chance his foe's retreat he found:
+    "Let us awhile the war suspend,
+    And reason as from friend to friend."
+    "A truce!" replies the Wolf. 'Tis done.
+    The Dog the parley thus begun:--
+
+      "How can that strong, intrepid mind
+    Attack a weak, defenceless kind?
+    Those jaws should prey on nobler food,
+    And drink the boar's and lion's blood;
+    Great souls with generous pity melt,
+    Which coward tyrants never felt.
+    How harmless is our fleecy care!
+    Be brave, and let thy mercy spare."
+
+      "Friend," says the Wolf, "the matter weigh:
+    Nature designed us beasts of prey;
+    As such, when hunger finds a treat,
+    'Tis necessary Wolves should eat.
+    If, mindful of the bleating weal,
+    Thy bosom burn with real zeal,
+    Hence, and thy tyrant lord beseech;
+    To him repeat the moving speech.
+    A Wolf eats sheep but now and then;
+    Ten thousands are devoured by men."
+
+
+MORAL.
+
+    An open foe may prove a curse,
+    But a pretended friend is worse.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE XLIV.
+
+THE COVETOUS MAN.
+
+
+A POOR covetous wretch, who had scraped together a good parcel of
+money, went and dug a hole in one of his fields and hid it. The
+great pleasure of his life was to go and look upon this treasure
+once a day at least; which one of his servants observing, and
+guessing there was something more than ordinary in the place,
+came at night, found it, and carried it off. The next day,
+returning as usual to the scene of his delight, and perceiving it
+had been stolen away from him, he tore his hair for grief, and
+uttered the doleful complaints of his despair to the woods and
+meadows. At last, a neighbour of his, who knew his temper,
+overhearing him, and being informed of the occasion of his
+sorrow, "Cheer up, man!" says he, "thou has lost nothing; there
+is the hole for thee to go and peep at still; and if thou canst
+but fancy thy money there, it will do just as well."
+
+
+MORAL.
+
+Money, well used, has its full value; but when allowed to lie
+useless to others or to one's self, it possesses no more value
+than a heap of oyster shells. Avarice is, therefore, a silly as
+well as a sinful vice. Use your wealth in doing good, and its
+highest value will be attained.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE XLV.
+
+THE HARE AND THE TORTOISE.
+
+
+A HARE twitted a Tortoise on account of his slowness, and vainly
+boasted of her own great speed in running. "Let us make a match,"
+replied the Tortoise: "I'll run with you five miles for five
+pounds, and the Fox yonder shall be the umpire of the race." The
+Hare agreed, and away they both started together. But the Hare,
+by reason of her exceeding swiftness, outran the Tortoise to such
+a degree that she made a jest of the matter, and, finding herself
+a little tired, squatted in a tuft of fern that grew by the way,
+and took a nap, thinking that, if the Tortoise went by, she could
+at any time catch him up with all the ease imaginable. In the
+meanwhile the Tortoise came jogging on, with a slow but continued
+motion; and the Hare, out of a too great security and confidence
+of victory, oversleeping herself, the Tortoise arrived at the end
+of the race first.
+
+
+MORAL.
+
+Industry and application will, in most cases, do more than quick
+and ready wit. The highest genius, without industry, will
+generally fail of any great exploit.
+
+[Illustration: THE HARE AND THE TORTOISE.]
+
+
+
+
+FABLE XLVI.
+
+THE HOG AND THE ACORNS.
+
+
+          ONE moonshiny night,
+          With a great appetite,
+    A Hog feasted on Acorns with all his might:
+          Quite pleased with his prize
+          Both in taste and in size,
+    While he ate he devoured the rest with his eyes.
+
+          You know, I'm in joke,
+          When I say that the oak,
+    Moved a _bough_ to the grunter before she spoke;
+          But you know, too, in fable,
+          We feel ourselves able
+    To make anything speak--tree, flower, or table.
+
+          Said the Oak, looking big,
+          "I think, Mr. Pig,
+    You might thank me for sending you fruit from my twig;
+          But, you ill-behaved Hog!
+          You devour the prog,
+    And have no better manners, I think, than a dog."
+
+          He replied, looking up,
+          Though not ceasing to sup,
+    Till the Acorns were eaten--ay, every cup--
+          "I acknowledge, to you
+          My thanks would be due,
+    If from feelings of kindness my supper you threw.
+
+          "To-morrow, good dame,
+          Give my children the same,
+    And then you, with justice, may gratitude claim."
+
+
+MORAL.
+
+          He merits no praise
+          To the end of his days,
+    Who to those who surround him no service conveys.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE XLVII.
+
+THE COUNTRY MOUSE AND THE CITY MOUSE.
+
+
+An honest, plain, sensible country Mouse is said to have
+entertained at his hole one day a fine Mouse of the town. Having
+formerly been playfellows together, they were old acquaintances,
+which served as an apology for the visit. However, as master of
+the house, he thought himself obliged to do the honours of it, in
+all respects, and to make as great a stranger of his guest as he
+possibly could. In order to this, he set before him a reserve of
+delicate grey pease and bacon, a dish of fine oatmeal, some
+parings of new cheese, and, to crown all with a dessert, a
+remnant of a charming mellow apple.
+
+In good manners, he forebore to eat any of it himself, lest the
+stranger should not have enough; but, that he might seem to bear
+the other company, sat and nibbled a piece of wheaten straw very
+busily. At last, says the spark of the town, "Old croney, give me
+leave to be a little free with you. How can you bear to live in
+this nasty, dirty, melancholy hole here, with nothing but woods
+and meadows, mountains and rivulets about you? Do you not prefer
+the busy world to the chirping of birds, and the splendour of a
+court to the rude aspect of an uncultivated desert? Come, take my
+word for it, you will find it a change for the better. Stand not
+considering, but away this moment. Remember, we are not immortal,
+and therefore have no time to lose. Make sure of to-day, and
+spend it as agreeably as you can; you know not what may happen
+to-morrow."
+
+In short, these and such like arguments prevailed, and his country
+friend was resolved to go to town that night. So they both set out
+upon their journey, proposing to sneak in after the close of the
+evening. They did so, and about midnight made their entry into a
+certain great house, where there had been an extraordinary
+entertainment the day before, and several tit-bits, which some of
+the servants had purloined, were hid under a seat of a window. The
+country guest was immediately placed in the midst of a rich Persian
+carpet; and now it was the courtier's turn to entertain, who,
+indeed, acquitted himself in that capacity with the utmost readiness
+and address, changing the courses as elegantly, and tasting
+everything first as judiciously, as any clerk of the kitchen. The
+other sat and enjoyed himself like a delighted epicure, tickled to
+the last degree with this new turn of his affairs; when, on a
+sudden, a noise of somebody opening the door made them start from
+their seats and scuttle in confusion about the dining-room. Our
+country friend, in particular, was ready to die with fear at the
+barking of a huge Mastiff or two, which opened their throats just
+about the same time, and made the whole house echo.
+
+At last, recovering himself, "Well," says he, "if this be your
+town life, much good may you do with it; give me my poor, quiet
+hole again, with my homely but comfortable grey pease."
+
+
+MORAL.
+
+Poverty and safety are preferable to luxury and danger.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE XLVIII.
+
+THE CAT AND THE MICE.
+
+
+A CERTAIN house was much infested with Mice; but at last they got
+a Cat, who caught and ate every day some of them. The Mice,
+finding their numbers grow thin, consulted what was best to be
+done for the preservation of the public from the jaws of the
+devouring Cat. They debated and came to this resolution, that no
+one should go down below the upper shelf.
+
+The Cat, observing the Mice no longer came down as usual, hungry and
+disappointed of her prey, had recourse to this stratagem:--She hung
+by her hind legs on a peg which stuck in the wall, and made as if
+she had been dead, hoping by this lure to entice the Mice to come
+down. She had not been in this posture long before a cunning old
+Mouse peeped over the edge of the shelf, and spoke thus:--"Ha! ha!
+my good friend, are you there? There you may be! I would not trust
+myself with you, though your skin were stuffed with straw."
+
+
+MORAL.
+
+They that are wise will never trust those a second time who have
+deceived them once.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE XLIX.
+
+THE KID AND THE WOLF.
+
+
+A KID, being mounted upon the roof of a lofty shed, and seeing a
+Wolf below, loaded him with all manner of reproaches. Upon which,
+the Wolf, looking up, replied, "Do not vaunt yourself, vain
+creature, and think you mortify me; for I look upon this ill
+language as not coming from you, but from the place that protects
+you."
+
+
+MORAL.
+
+To rail or give bad language is wrong at all times; but when a
+man is protected by circumstances, it is cowardly, as well as
+wrong. The man who then uses it becomes a fit object of contempt
+to him that he reviles.
+
+[Illustration: THE KID AND THE WOLF.]
+
+
+
+
+FABLE L.
+
+THE COUNCIL OF HORSES.
+
+
+    UPON a time, a neighing Steed,
+    Who grazed among a numerous breed,
+    With mutiny had fired the train,
+    And spread dissension through the plain.
+
+    On matters that concerned the state
+    The council met in grand debate.
+    A Colt, whose eye-balls flamed with ire,
+    Elate with strength and youthful fire,
+    In haste stepped forth before the rest,
+    And thus the listening throng addressed:--
+
+      "Good gods! how abject is our race!
+    Condemned to slavery and disgrace!
+    Shall we our servitude retain,
+    Because our sires have borne the chain?
+    Consider, friends, your strength and might;
+    'Tis conquest to assert your right.
+    How cumberous is the gilded coach!
+    The pride of man is our reproach.
+    Were we designed for daily toil,
+    To drag the ploughshare through the soil;
+    To sweat in harness through the road;
+    To groan beneath the carrier's load?
+    How feeble are the two-legged kind!
+    What force is in our nerves combined!
+    Shall, then, our nobler jaws submit
+    To foam and champ the galling bit?
+    Shall haughty men my back bestride?
+    Shall the sharp spur provoke my side?
+    Forbid it, heavens! reject the rein,
+    Your shame, your infamy disdain.
+    Let him the Lion first control,
+    And still the Tiger's famished growl!
+    Let us, like them, our freedom claim;
+    And make him tremble at our name."
+
+      A general nod approved the cause,
+    And all the circle neighed applause;
+    When, lo! with grave and solemn pace,
+    A Steed advanced before the race,
+    With age and long experience wise;
+    Around he casts his thoughtful eyes,
+    And, to the murmurs of the train,
+    Thus spoke the Nestor of the plain:--
+
+      "When I had health and strength, like you,
+    The toils of servitude I knew.
+    Now, grateful man rewards my pains,
+    And gives me all these wide domains.
+    At will I crop the year's increase;
+    My latter life is rest and peace.
+    I grant, to man we lend our pains,
+    And aid him to correct the plains.
+    But doth not he divide the care,
+    Through all the labours of the year?
+    How many thousand structures rise,
+    To fence us from inclement skies!
+    For us he bears the sultry day,
+    And stores up all our winter's hay.
+    He sows, he reaps the harvest gain;
+    We share the toil, and share the grain."
+
+      The tumult ceased. The Colt submitted;
+    And, like his ancestors, was bitted.
+
+
+MORAL.
+
+    Since every creature is decreed
+    To aid each other's mutual need;
+    Submit with a contented mind
+    To act the part by heaven assigned.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE LI.
+
+THE ASS AND THE LITTLE DOG.
+
+
+The Ass, observing how great a favourite a little Dog was with
+his master, how much caressed, and fondled, and fed with good
+bits at every meal, and for no other reason, as he could
+perceive, but skipping and frisking about, wagging his tail, and
+leaping up in his master's lap, was resolved to imitate the same,
+and see whether such behaviour would not procure him the same
+favours. Accordingly, the master was no sooner come home from
+walking about his fields and gardens, and was seated in his easy
+chair, than the Ass, who observed him, came gamboling and braying
+towards him, in a very awkward manner. The master could not help
+laughing aloud at the odd sight. But the jest soon became
+earnest, when he felt the rough salute of the fore-feet, as the
+Ass, raising himself upon his hinder legs, pawed against his
+breast with a most loving air, and would fain have jumped into
+his lap. The good man, terrified at this outrageous conduct, and
+unable to endure the weight of so heavy a beast, cried out; upon
+which one of his servants, running in with a good stick, and
+laying heartily upon the bones of the poor Ass, soon convinced
+him that everyone who desires it is not qualified to be a
+favourite.
+
+
+MORAL.
+
+All men have not the same gifts of pleasing. It will be well,
+therefore, to keep in our own place; and, in that condition of
+life, to do our duty. By which we shall be most likely to give
+satisfaction.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE LII.
+
+THE LION AND THE FOUR BULLS.
+
+
+Four Bulls, which had entered into a very strict friendship, kept
+always near one another, and fed together. The Lion often saw
+them, and as often wished to make one of them his prey; but
+though he could easily have subdued any of them singly, yet he
+was afraid to attack the whole when together, knowing they would
+have been too hard for him; and, therefore, contented himself for
+the present with keeping at a distance. At last, perceiving no
+attempt was to be made upon them as long as their combination
+lasted, he took occasion, by whispers and hints, to foment
+jealousies and raise divisions among them.
+
+This stratagem succeeded so well, that the Bulls grew cold and
+reserved towards one another, which soon after ripened into a
+downright hatred and aversion, and, at last, ended in a total
+separation. The Lion had now obtained his ends; and, as
+impossible as it was for him to hurt them while they were united,
+he found no difficulty, now they were parted, to seize and devour
+every Bull of them, one after another.
+
+
+MORAL.
+
+Union is strength. Jealousy and envy, especially when fomented by
+whisperers, will destroy gradually the ties that make us safe
+against enemies.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE LIII.
+
+THE LEOPARD AND THE FOX.
+
+
+The Leopard one day took it into his head to value himself upon
+the great variety and beauty of his spots; and, truly, he saw no
+reason why even the lion should take place of him, since he could
+not show so beautiful a skin. As for the rest of the wild beasts
+of the forests, he treated them all, without distinction, in the
+most haughty and disdainful manner. But the Fox, being among
+them, went up to him with a great deal of spirit and resolution,
+and told him that he was mistaken in the value he was pleased to
+set upon himself, since people of judgment were not used to form
+their opinion of merit from an outside appearance, but by
+considering the good qualities and endowments with which the mind
+was stored within.
+
+
+MORAL.
+
+Haughty beauty is an ungraceful thing. True beauty is always
+found in a setting of modesty, and then only appears the bright
+jewel that it is.
+
+[Illustration: THE LEOPARD AND THE FOX.]
+
+
+
+
+FABLE LIV.
+
+THE WARRIOR WOLF.
+
+
+          A YOUNG Wolf said aloud
+          To the listening crowd,
+    "I may well of my father's great courage be proud;
+          Wherever he came,
+          Flock, shepherd, or dame,
+    All trembled and fled at the sound of his name.
+          Did anyone spy
+          My papa coming by--
+    Two hundred or more--Oh! he made them all fly!
+          One day, by a blow,
+          He was conquered, I know;
+    But no wonder at last he should yield to a foe:
+          He yielded, poor fellow!
+          The conquering bellow
+    Resounds in my ears as my poor father's knell--Oh!"
+          A Fox then replied,
+          While, leering aside,
+    He laughed at his folly and vapouring pride:
+          "My chattering youth,
+          Your nonsense, forsooth,
+    Is more like a funeral sermon than truth.
+          Let history tell
+          How your old father fell;
+    And see if the narrative sounds as well.
+          Your folly surpasses,
+          Of monkeys all classes;
+    The beasts which he frightened, or conquered, were asses,
+          Except a few sheep,
+          When the shepherd, asleep,
+    The dog by his side for safety did keep.
+          Your father fell back,
+          Knocked down by a whack
+    From the very first bull that he dared to attack.
+          Away he'd have scoured,
+          But soon overpowered,
+    He lived like a thief, and he died like a coward."
+
+
+
+
+FABLE LV.
+
+THE BELLY AND THE MEMBERS.
+
+
+In former days, when the Belly and the other parts of the body
+enjoyed the faculty of speech, and had separate views and designs
+of their own; each part, it seems, in particular, for himself,
+and in the name of the whole, took exception at the conduct of
+the Belly, and were resolved to grant him supplies no longer.
+
+They said they thought it very hard that he should lead an idle,
+good-for-nothing life, spending and squandering away upon his own
+vile appetites all the fruits of their labour; and that, in
+short, they were resolved for the future to strike off his
+allowance, and let him shift for himself as well as he could.
+
+The hands protested they would not lift a finger to keep him from
+starving; and the mouth wished he might never speak again if he
+took in the least bit of nourishment for him as long as he lived;
+and the teeth said, "May we be rotten if ever we chew a morsel
+for him for the future!" This solemn league and covenant was kept
+so long, until each of the rebel members pined away to the skin
+and bone, and could hold out no longer. Then they found there was
+no doing without the Belly, and that, as idle and insignificant
+as he seemed, he contributed as much to the maintenance and
+welfare of all the other parts as they did to his.
+
+
+MORAL.
+
+Men are dependent upon their fellow-creatures, and it is foolish
+to expect we can do without the help of others.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE LVI.
+
+THE CUR, THE HORSE, AND THE SHEPHERD'S DOG.
+
+
+    A VILLAGE Cur, of snappish race,
+    The pertest puppy in the place,
+    Imagined that his treble throat
+    Was blessed with music's sweetest note;
+    In the mid road he basking lay,
+    The yelping nuisance of the way;
+    For not a creature passed along,
+    But had a sample of his song.
+
+      Soon as the trotting steed he hears,
+    He starts, he cocks his dapper ears;
+    Away he scours, assaults his hoof;
+    Now near him snarls, now barks aloof;
+    With shrill impertinence attends;
+    Nor leaves him till the village ends.
+
+      It chanced, upon his evil day,
+    A Pad came pacing down the way;
+    The Cur, with never-ceasing tongue,
+    Upon the passing traveller sprung.
+    The Horse, from scorn provoked to ire,
+    Flung backward; rolling in the mire,
+    The Puppy howled, and bleeding lay;
+    The Pad in peace pursued his way.
+
+      A Shepherd's Dog, who saw the deed,
+    Detesting the vexatious breed,
+    Bespoke him thus: "When coxcombs prate,
+    They kindle wrath, contempt, or hate;
+    Thy teasing tongue, had judgment tied,
+    Thou hadst not like a Puppy died."
+
+
+MORAL.
+
+    Too late the forward youth will find
+    That jokes are sometimes paid in kind;
+    Or, if they canker in the breast,
+    He makes a foe who makes a jest.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE LVII.
+
+THE JACKDAW AND THE EAGLE.
+
+
+An Eagle flew down from the top of a high rock, and settled upon
+the back of a lamb, and then, instantly flying up into the air
+again, bore his bleating prize aloft in his talons. A Jackdaw,
+who sat upon an elm, and beheld his exploit, resolved to imitate
+it. So, flying upon the back of a ram, and entangling his claws
+in the wool, he fell a-chattering and attempting to fly; by which
+means he drew the observation of the shepherd upon him, who,
+finding his feet hampered in the fleece of the ram, easily took
+him, and gave him to his boys for their sport and diversion,
+saying, "The silly bird thought he was an Eagle; but, no doubt,
+by this time he has found out he is but a Jackdaw."
+
+
+MORAL.
+
+A false estimate of our own abilities ever exposes us to
+ridicule, and often to danger.
+
+[Illustration: THE JACKDAW AND THE EAGLE.]
+
+
+
+
+FABLE LVIII.
+
+THE ASS AND THE LION HUNTING.
+
+
+The Lion took a fancy to hunt in company with the Ass; and, to
+make him the more useful, gave him instructions to hide himself
+in a thicket, and then to bray in the most frightful manner that
+he could possibly contrive. "By this means," says he, "you will
+rouse all the beasts within hearing of you, while I stand at the
+outlets and take them as they are making off." This was done; and
+the stratagem took effect accordingly. The Ass brayed most
+hideously, and the timorous beasts, not knowing what to make of
+it, began to scour off as fast as they could; when the Lion, who
+was posted at a convenient place, seized and devoured them as he
+pleased.
+
+Having got his belly full, he called out to the Ass, and bid him
+leave off braying, as he had had enough. Upon this the lop-eared
+brute came out of his ambush, and, approaching the Lion, asked
+him, with an air of conceit, "how he liked his performance."
+"Prodigiously," says he; "you did it so well, that I protest, had
+I not known your nature and temper, I might have been frightened
+myself."
+
+
+MORAL.
+
+Boastful cowards may impose upon those who do not know them, but
+are held to be only ridiculous by those who do. Pompous persons
+who would wish themselves thought perfect Lions, when known are
+mostly found arrant Asses.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE LIX.
+
+THE WOLF IN SHEEP'S CLOTHING.
+
+
+A WOLF clothing himself in the skin of a Sheep, and getting in
+among the flock, by this means took the opportunity to devour
+many of them. At last, the Shepherd discovered him, and cunningly
+fastened a rope about his neck, tying him up to a tree which
+stood hard by.
+
+Some other Shepherds happening to pass that way, and observing
+what he was about, drew near, and expressed their wonder at it.
+"What," says one of them, "Brother, do you hang Sheep?" "No,"
+replies the other; "I hang a Wolf whenever I catch him, though in
+the habit and garb of Sheep." Then he showed them their mistake,
+and they applauded the justice of the execution.
+
+
+MORAL.
+
+Those who try to seem what they are not will not always thereby
+escape the punishment of what they are.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE LX.
+
+THE TWO BEES.
+
+
+On a fine morning in May, two Bees set forward in quest of honey;
+the one, wise and temperate; the other, careless and extravagant.
+They soon arrived at a garden enriched with aromatic herbs, the
+most fragrant flowers, and the most delicious fruits. They
+regaled themselves for a time on the various dainties that were
+set before them: the one loading his thigh at intervals with
+provisions for the hive against the distant winter, the other
+revelling in sweets, without regard to anything but his present
+gratification.
+
+At length, they found a wide-mouthed vial, that hung beneath the
+bough of a peach-tree, filled with honey ready tempered, and
+exposed to their taste in the most alluring manner. The
+thoughtless Epicure, spite of all his friend's remonstrances,
+plunged headlong into the vessel, resolving to indulge himself in
+all the pleasures of sensuality. The Philosopher, on the other
+hand, sipped a little with caution, but, being suspicious of
+danger, flew off to fruits and flowers; where, by the moderation
+of his meals, he improved his relish for the true enjoyment of
+them.
+
+In the evening, however, he called upon his friend, to inquire
+whether he would return to the hive, but found him surfeited in
+sweets, which he was as unable to leave as to enjoy. Clogged in
+his wings, enfeebled in his feet, and his whole frame totally
+enervated, he was but just able to bid his friend adieu, and to
+lament, with his latest breath, that though a taste of pleasure
+may quicken the relish of life, an unrestrained indulgence is
+inevitable destruction.
+
+
+MORAL.
+
+Moderation rewards and intemperance punishes itself.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE LXI.
+
+THE TURKEY AND THE ANT.
+
+
+    A TURKEY, tired of common food,
+    Forsook the barn, and sought the wood;
+    Behind her ran her infant train,
+    Collecting here and there a grain.
+    "Draw near, my birds," the mother cries,
+    "This hill delicious fare supplies;
+    Behold the busy negro race,
+    See millions blacken all the place.
+    Fear not: like me, with freedom eat;
+    An Ant is most delightful meat.
+    How blessed, how envied were our life,
+    Could we but 'scape the poulterer's knife!
+    But man, cursed man, on Turkeys preys,
+    And Christmas shortens all our days.
+    Sometimes with oysters we combine;
+    Sometimes assist the savoury chine:
+    From the low peasant to the lord,
+    The Turkey smokes on every board;
+    Sure, men for gluttony are cursed,
+    Of the seven deadly sins, the worst."
+
+      An Ant, who climbed beyond her reach,
+    Thus answered from the neighbouring beech:
+    "Ere you remark another's sin,
+    Bid thy own conscience look within;
+    Control thy more voracious bill,
+    Nor, for a breakfast, nations kill."
+
+
+MORAL.
+
+    In other folks we faults can spy,
+    And blame the mote that dims their eye;
+    Each little speck and blemish find:
+    To our own stronger errors blind.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE LXII.
+
+THE DOG AND THE WOLF.
+
+
+A LEAN, hungry, half-starved Wolf happened, one moonshiny night,
+to meet a jolly, plump, well-fed Mastiff; and after the first
+compliments were passed, says the Wolf, "You look extremely well;
+I protest, I think I never saw a more graceful, comely person;
+but how comes it about, I beseech you, that you should live so
+much better than I? I may say, without vanity, that I venture
+fifty times more than you do, and yet I am almost ready to perish
+with hunger." The Dog answered very bluntly, "Why, you may live
+as well, if you do the same for it as I do." "Indeed! what is
+that?" says he. "Why," says the Dog, "only to guard the house at
+night, and keep it from thieves." "With all my heart," replies
+the Wolf, "for at present I have but a sorry time of it; and I
+think to change my hard lodging in the woods, where I endure
+rain, frost, and snow, for a warm roof over my head and enough of
+good victuals, will be no bad bargain." "True," says the Dog;
+"therefore you have nothing to do but to follow me."
+
+[Illustration: THE HOUSE DOG AND THE WOLF.]
+
+Now, as they were jogging on together, the Wolf spied a crease
+in the Dog's neck, and having a strange curiosity, could not
+forbear asking him what it meant! "Pugh! nothing," says the Dog.
+"Nay, but pray," says the Wolf. "Why," says the Dog, "if you must
+know, I am tied up in the day-time, because I am a little fierce,
+for fear I should bite people, and am only let loose at nights.
+But this is done with a design to make me sleep by day, more than
+anything else, and that I may watch the better in the night time;
+for, as soon as ever the twilight appears, out I am turned, and
+may go where I please. Then my master brings me plates of bones
+from the table with his own hands; and whatever scraps are left
+by any of the family, all fall to my share; for, you must know, I
+am a favourite with everybody. So you see how you are to
+live.--Come, come along; what is the matter with you?" "No,"
+replied the Wolf, "I beg your pardon; keep your happiness all to
+yourself. Liberty is the word with me; and I would not be a king
+upon the terms you mention."
+
+
+MORAL.
+
+The lowest condition of life, with freedom, is happier than the
+greatest without it. The bird of the air, though he roosts on a
+bough, has more real joy than the well-fed captive in a gilded
+cage.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE LXIII.
+
+THE SATYR AND THE TRAVELLER.
+
+
+A SATYR, as he was ranging the forest in an exceedingly cold, snowy
+season, met with a Traveller half starved with the extremity of the
+weather. He took compassion on him, and kindly invited him home to a
+warm, comfortable cave he had in a hollow of a rock. As soon as they
+had entered and sat down, notwithstanding there was a good fire in
+the place, the chilled Traveller could not forbear blowing his
+finger-ends.
+
+Upon the Satyr asking him why he did so, he answered that he did
+it to warm his hands. The honest Sylvan having seen little of the
+world, admired a man who was master of so valuable a quality as
+that of blowing heat; and, therefore, was resolved to entertain
+him in the best manner he could. He spread the table before him
+with dried fruits of several sorts, and produced a remnant of
+cold cordial wine, which, as the rigour of the season made very
+proper, he mulled with some warm spices, over the fire, and
+presented to his shivering guest. But this the Traveller thought
+fit to blow likewise; and upon the Satyr's demanding the reason
+why he blowed again, he replied, to cool the dish.
+
+This second answer provoked the Satyr's indignation, as much as
+the first had kindled his surprise; so, taking the man by the
+shoulder, he thrust him out, saying he would have nothing to do
+with a wretch who had so vile a quality as to blow hot and cold
+with the same mouth.
+
+
+MORAL.
+
+Double dealing is always detestable. The man that blows hot and
+cold at the same time is not worthy to be trusted; the sooner we
+part from him the better.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE LXIV.
+
+THE BARLEY-MOW AND THE DUNGHILL.
+
+
+    As 'CROSS his yard, at early day,
+    A careful farmer took his way,
+    He stopped, and leaning on his fork,
+    Observed the flail's incessant work.
+    In thought he measured all his store;
+    His geese, his hogs, he numbered o'er;
+    In fancy weighed the fleeces shorn,
+    And multiplied the next year's corn.
+
+      A Barley-Mow, which stood beside,
+    Thus to its musing master cried:
+
+      "Say, good sir, is it fit or right,
+    To treat me with neglect and slight?
+    Me, who contribute to your cheer,
+    And raise your mirth with ale and beer!
+    Why thus insulted, thus disgraced,
+    And that vile Dunghill near me placed?
+    Are those poor sweepings of a groom,
+    That filthy sight, that nauseous fume,
+    Meet objects here? Command it hence:
+    A thing so mean must give offence."
+
+      The humble Dunghill thus replied:
+    "Thy master hears, and mocks thy pride.
+    Insult not thus the meek and low;
+    In me thy benefactor know:
+    My warm assistance gave thee birth,
+    Or thou hadst perished low in earth:
+    But upstarts, to support their station,
+    Cancel at once all obligation."
+
+
+
+
+FABLE LXV.
+
+THE SHEEP-BITER AND SHEPHERD.
+
+
+A CERTAIN Shepherd had a Dog, upon whose fidelity he relied very
+much; for whenever he had occasion to be absent himself, he
+committed the care and tuition of the flock to the charge of his
+Dog; and, to encourage him to do his duty cheerfully, he fed him
+constantly with sweet curds and whey, and sometimes threw him a
+crust or two. Yet, notwithstanding this, no sooner was his back
+turned, but the treacherous cur fell foul of the flock, and
+devoured the sheep, instead of guarding and defending them. The
+Shepherd being informed of this, was resolved to hang him; and
+the Dog, when the rope was about his neck, and he was just going
+to be hung, began to expostulate with his master, asking him, why
+he was so unmercifully bent against him, who was his own servant
+and creature, and had only committed two or three crimes, and why
+he did not rather execute vengeance upon the Wolf, who was a
+constant and declared enemy? "Nay," replies the Shepherd, "it is
+for that very reason that I think you ten times more deserving of
+death than he. From him I expected nothing but hostilities; and
+therefore could guard against him. You I depended upon as a just
+and faithful servant, and fed and encouraged you accordingly; and
+therefore your treachery is the more notorious, and your
+ingratitude the more unpardonable."
+
+
+MORAL.
+
+A known enemy is better than a treacherous friend.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE LXVI.
+
+THE STAG AT THE POOL.
+
+
+A STAG that had been drinking at a clear spring, saw himself in
+the water; and, pleased with the sight, stood long contemplating
+and surveying his shape and features from head to foot. "Ah!"
+says he, "what a glorious pair of branching horns are there! How
+gracefully do those antlers hang over my forehead, and give an
+agreeable turn to my whole face! If some other parts of my body
+were but in proportion to them, I would turn my back to nobody;
+but I have a set of such legs as really make me ashamed to see
+them. People may talk what they please of their conveniences, and
+what great need we stand in of them, upon several occasions; but,
+for my part, I find them so very slender and unsightly that I had
+as lief have none at all."
+
+While he was giving himself these airs, he was alarmed with the
+noise of some huntsmen and a pack of hounds that had been just
+laid on upon the scent, and were making towards him.
+
+[Illustration: THE STAG AT THE POOL.]
+
+Away he flees in some consternation, and, bounding nimbly over
+the plain, threw dogs and men at a vast distance behind him.
+After which, taking a very thick copse, he had the ill-fortune to
+be entangled by his horns in a thicket, where he was held
+fast, till the hounds came in and pulled him down. Finding now
+how it was likely to go with him, in the pangs of death, he is
+said to have uttered these words:--"Unhappy creature that I am! I
+am too late convinced that what I prided myself in has been the
+cause of my undoing, and what I so much disliked was the only
+thing that could have saved me."
+
+
+MORAL.
+
+Beauty often becomes a snare and ruin, while solid virtue, though
+unadorned, gains respect. The latter, too, will mature with age,
+while the former will surely fade.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE LXVII.
+
+THE OLD SWALLOWS AND THE YOUNG BIRDS.
+
+
+A SWALLOW, observing a husbandman employed in sowing hemp, called
+the little Birds together, and informed them what the farmer was
+about. He told them that hemp was the material from which the
+nets, so fatal to the feathered race, were composed; and advised
+them unanimously to join in picking it up, in order to prevent
+the consequences.
+
+The Birds, either disbelieving his information, or neglecting his
+advice, gave themselves no trouble about the matter. In a little
+time, the hemp appeared above the ground. The friendly Swallow
+again addressed himself to them--told them it was not yet too
+late, provided they would immediately set about the work, before
+the seeds had taken too deep root. But, they still rejecting his
+advice, he forsook their society; repaired, for safety, to towns
+and cities; there built his habitation, and kept his residence.
+
+One day, as he was skimming along the streets, he happened to see
+a great number of these very Birds, imprisoned in a cage, on the
+shoulders of a bird-catcher. "Unhappy wretches!" said he, "you
+now feel the punishment of your former neglect. But those who,
+having no foresight of their own, despise the wholesome
+admonition of their friends, deserve the mischiefs which their
+own obstinacy or negligence bring upon their heads."
+
+
+MORAL.
+
+    This Fable teaches thoughtless youth
+    A most important moral truth:--
+    The seeds, which proved the young birds' ruin,
+    Are emblems of their own undoing,
+    Should they neglect, while yet 'tis time,
+    To pluck the early shoots of crime;
+    Or, in their own opinions wise,
+    The counsel of their friends despise.
+    For evil habits, left to grow,
+    Are ever sure to lead to woe;
+    But checked in time with vigorous hand,
+    Will bend to virtue's firm command.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE LXVIII.
+
+THE WAGGONER AND THE BUTTERFLY.
+
+
+    The rain so soft had made the road,
+    That, in a rut, a waggon-load,
+    The poor man's harvest, (bitter luck!)
+    Sank down a foot, and there it stuck.
+    He whipped his horses, but in vain;
+    They pulled and splashed, and pulled again,
+    But vainly still; the slippery soil
+    Defied their strength, and mocked their toil.
+    Panting they stood, with legs outspread;
+    The driver stood, and scratched his head:
+    (A common custom, by-the-bye,
+    When people know not what to try,
+    Though not, it seems, a remedy).
+
+      A Butterfly, in flower concealed,
+    Had travelled with them from the field;
+    Who in the waggon was thrown up,
+    While feasting on a buttercup.
+    The panting of each labouring beast
+    Disturbed her at her fragrant feast;
+    The sudden stop, the driver's sigh,
+    Awoke her generous sympathy.
+    And, seeing the distressing case
+    She cried, while springing from her place,
+    (Imagining her tiny freight
+    A vast addition to the weight,)
+    "I must have pity--and be gone,
+    Now, master Waggoner, drive on."
+
+
+MORAL.
+
+    Do not admire this Butterfly,
+    Young reader; I will tell you why.
+    At first, goodnature seems a cause,
+    Why she should merit your applause;
+    But 'twas conceit that filled her breast:
+    Her self-importance made a jest
+    Of what might otherwise have claimed
+    Your praise,--but now she must be blamed.
+    Should any case occur, when you
+    May have some friendly act to do;
+    Give all _your feeble aid_--as such,
+    But estimate it not too much.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE LXIX.
+
+THE LION, THE BEAR, AND THE FOX.
+
+
+A LION and a Bear quarrelling over the carcase of a Fawn, which
+they found in the forest, their title to him had to be decided by
+force of arms. The battle was severe and tough on both sides, and
+they fought it out, tearing and worrying one another so long,
+that, what with wounds and fatigue, they were so faint and weary,
+that they were not able to strike another stroke. Thus, while
+they lay upon the ground, panting and lolling out their tongues,
+a Fox chanced to pass by that way, who, perceiving how the case
+stood, very impudently stepped in between them, seized the booty
+which they had all this while been contending for, and carried it
+off. The two combatants, who lay and beheld all this, without
+having strength to stir and prevent it, were only wise enough to
+make this reflection:--"Behold the fruits of our strife and
+contention! That villain, the Fox, bears away the prize, and we
+ourselves have deprived each other of the power to recover it
+from him."
+
+
+MORAL.
+
+When fools quarrel, knaves get the prize of contention.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE LXX.
+
+THE FOX AND THE GRAPES.
+
+
+In days of yore, when a young Fox would take more pains to get a
+bunch of grapes than a plump, fat goose, an arch young thief cast
+his eyes on a fine bunch which hung on the top of a poor man's
+vine, and made him lick his lips like a hound at the sight of a
+joint of meat. "Oh," said he, "how nice they look! I must have a
+taste of them, if I die for it;" and with that, up he jumped with
+all his might, but had the ill-luck not to reach the grapes; yet,
+as he could not find in his heart to leave them, he tried for
+them as long as he was able; so he leaped and jumped, and jumped
+and leaped, till at last he was glad to rest. But when he found
+all his pains were in vain, "Hang them!" said he, "I am sure they
+are not fit to eat, for they are as sour as crabs, and would set
+my teeth on edge for a whole week; and so I shall leave them for
+the next fool who may chance to come this way."
+
+
+MORAL.
+
+Some men make light of that which is out of their reach, though
+at the same time in their hearts they know not what to do for
+want of it.
+
+[Illustration: THE FOX AND THE GRAPES.]
+
+
+
+
+FABLE LXXI.
+
+THE HARE AND MANY FRIENDS.
+
+
+    A HARE, who, in a civil way,
+    Complied with everything, like Gay,
+    Was known by all the bestial train,
+    Who haunt the wood, or graze the plain.
+
+      As forth she went, at early dawn,
+    To taste the dew-besprinkled lawn,
+    Behind she hears the hunter's cries,
+    And from the deep-mouthed thunder flies.
+    She starts, she stops, she pants for breath;
+    She hears the near approach of death;
+    She doubles, to mislead the hound,
+    And measures back her mazy round;
+    Till, fainting in the public way,
+    Half dead with fear, she gasping lay:--
+    What transport in her bosom grew,
+    When first the Horse appeared in view!
+
+      "Let me," says she, "your back ascend,
+    And owe my safety to a friend;
+    You know my feet betray my flight;
+    To friendship, ev'ry burthen's light."
+
+      The Horse replied,--"Poor, honest Puss!
+    It grieves my heart to see thee thus:
+    Be comforted,--relief is near;
+    For all our friends are in the rear."
+
+      She next the stately Bull implored,
+    And thus replied the mighty lord:--
+    "Since every beast alive can tell,
+    That I sincerely wish you well,
+    I may, without offence, pretend
+    To take the freedom of a friend.
+    Love calls me hence; a favourite cow
+    Expects me near yon barley-mow;
+    And when a lady's in the case,
+    You know, all other things give place.
+    To leave you thus may seem unkind;
+    But see,--the Goat is just behind."
+
+      The Goat remarked her pulse was high;
+    Her languid head, her heavy eye;
+    "My back," says she, "may do you harm;
+    The Sheep's at hand, and wool is warm."
+
+      The Sheep was feeble, and complained,
+    His sides a load of wool sustained;
+    Said he was slow; confessed his fears;
+    For Hounds eat Sheep as well as Hares.
+
+      She now the trotting Calf addressed,
+    To save from death a friend distressed.
+    "Shall I," says he, "of tender age,
+    In this important care engage?
+    Older and abler pass you by;
+    How strong are those! how weak am I!
+    Should I presume to bear you hence,
+    Those friends of mine may take offence.
+    Excuse me, then,--you know my heart;
+    But dearest friends, alas! must part.
+    How shall we all lament!--Adieu!
+    For see, the Hounds are just in view."
+
+
+MORAL.
+
+    Friendships are single: who depend
+    On many rarely find a friend.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE LXXII.
+
+THE COCK AND THE FOX.
+
+
+A COCK, being perched among the branches of a lofty tree, crowed
+aloud, so that the shrillness of his voice echoed through the
+wood and invited a Fox to the place, who was prowling in that
+neighbourhood in quest of his prey. But Reynard, finding the Cock
+was inaccessible by reason of the height of his situation, had
+recourse to stratagem in order to decoy him down. So, approaching
+the tree, "Cousin," says he, "I am heartily glad to see you; but
+at the same time I cannot forbear expressing my uneasiness at the
+inconvenience of the place, which will not let me pay my respects
+to you in a handsomer manner; though I suppose you will come down
+presently, and thus the difficulty will be easily removed."
+
+"Indeed, cousin," says the Cock, "to tell you the truth, I do not
+think it safe to venture upon the ground; for though I am
+convinced how much you are my friend, yet I may have the
+misfortune to fall into the clutches of some other beasts, and
+what will become of me then?" "Oh, dear!" says Reynard, "is it
+possible that you can be so ignorant, as not to know of the
+peace which has been lately proclaimed between all kinds of birds
+and beasts; and that we are for the future to forbear hostilities
+on all sides, and to live in the utmost love and harmony, and
+this, under the penalty of suffering the severest punishment that
+can be inflicted?" All this while the Cock seemed to give little
+attention to what was said, but stretched out his neck, as if he
+saw something at a distance.
+
+"Cousin," says the Fox, "what is it that you look at so
+earnestly?" "Why," says the Cock, "I think I see a pack of hounds
+yonder, a little way off." "Oh, then," says the Fox, "your humble
+servant, I must begone." "Nay, pray cousin, do not go," says the
+Cock, "I am just coming down; surely you are not afraid of Dogs
+in these peaceable times?" "No, no," says he, "but ten to one
+whether they have heard of the proclamation yet."
+
+
+MORAL.
+
+When rogues are met in their own strain, they are generally
+worsted. It is interesting to see the snares of the wicked
+defeated by the discreet management of the innocent. "Answer a
+fool according to his folly," is an old maxim.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE LXXIII.
+
+THE LION AND THE MOUSE.
+
+
+A LION, faint with heat and weary with hunting, was lying down to
+take his repose under the spreading boughs of a thick shady oak.
+It happened that while he slept, a company of scrambling mice ran
+over his back, and waked him; upon which, starting up, he clapped
+his paw upon one of them, and was just going to put it to death,
+when the little supplicant implored his mercy in a very moving
+manner, begging him not to stain his noble character with the
+blood of so despicable and small a beast.
+
+The Lion, considering the matter, thought proper to do as he was
+desired, and immediately released his little trembling prisoner.
+
+Not long after, while traversing the forest in pursuit of his
+prey, he chanced to run into the toils of the hunters, from
+whence, not being able to disengage himself, he set up a most
+hideous and loud roar.
+
+The Mouse, hearing a voice, and knowing it to be the Lion's,
+immediately repaired to the place, and bid him fear nothing, for
+that he was his friend. Then straight he fell to work, and
+with his sharp little teeth gnawing asunder the knots and
+fastenings of the toils, set the royal brute at liberty.
+
+[Illustration: THE LION AND THE MOUSE.]
+
+
+MORAL.
+
+There is none so little, but that even the greatest may at some
+time or other stand in need of his assistance.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE LXXIV.
+
+THE TRUMPETER TAKEN PRISONER.
+
+
+A TRUMPETER, being taken prisoner in a battle, begged hard for
+quarter, declaring his innocence, and protesting that he neither
+had nor could kill any man, bearing no arms but only a trumpet,
+which he was obliged to sound at the word of command. "For that
+reason," replied his enemies, "we are determined not to spare
+you; for though you yourself never fight, yet with that wicked
+instrument of yours, you blow up animosity between other people,
+and so become the occasion of much bloodshed."
+
+
+MORAL.
+
+The hand may rest quiet by the side, and yet the tongue be the
+means of doing more injury than a thousand hands.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE LXXV.
+
+THE MOUSE AND THE ELEPHANT.
+
+
+    A PERT young Mouse, but just arrived
+    From Athens, where some time he'd lived;
+    And daily to the portico,
+    To pick up learning, used to go;
+    Vain of the wisdom he had stored,
+    And of the books he had devoured;
+    Puffed up with pride and self-conceit,
+    And proud to show his little wit,
+    Thus to an Elephant, one day,
+    He took it in his head to say:--
+
+      "Nay, not so pompous in your gait,
+    Because Dame Nature made you great;
+    I tell you, sir, your mighty size
+    Is of no value in my eyes;--
+    Your magnitude, I have a notion,
+    Is quite unfit for locomotion;
+    When journeying far, you often prove
+    How sluggishly your feet can move.
+    Now, look at me: I'm made to fly;
+    Behold, with what rapidity
+    I skip about from place to place,
+    And still unwearied with the race;
+    But you--how lazily you creep,
+    And stop to breathe at every step!
+    Whenever I your bulk survey,
+    I pity--" What he meant to say,
+    Or with what kind of peroration
+    He'd have concluded his oration,
+    I cannot tell; for, all at once,
+    There pounced upon the learned dunce
+    An ambushed Cat; who, very soon,
+    Experimentally made known,
+    That between Mice and Elephants
+    There is a mighty difference.
+
+
+MORAL.
+
+    When fools pretend to wit and sense,
+    And wish to shine at your expense,
+    Defy them to the proof, and you
+    Will make them their own folly show.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE LXXVI.
+
+THE HUSBANDMAN AND HIS SONS.
+
+
+A CERTAIN Husbandman, lying at the point of death, and being
+desirous his sons should pursue that innocent, entertaining
+course of agriculture in which he himself had been engaged all
+his life, made use of this expedient to induce them to it. He
+called them to his bed-side and spoke to this effect: "All the
+patrimony I have to bequeath you, Sons, is my farm and my
+vineyard, of which I make you joint heirs. But I charge you not
+to let it go out of your own occupation; for if I have any
+treasure besides, it lies buried somewhere in the ground, within
+a foot of the surface."
+
+This made the Sons conclude that he talked of money which he had hid
+there; so, after their father's death, with unwearied diligence and
+application, they carefully dug up every inch, both of the farm and
+vineyard; from which it came to pass that, though they missed the
+treasure which they expected, the ground, by being so well stirred
+and loosened, produced so plentiful a crop of all that was sowed in
+it as proved a real, and no inconsiderable treasure.
+
+
+MORAL.
+
+Labour and industry, well applied, seldom fail of finding a rich
+treasure. And if these do not give us exactly the wealth we are
+looking for, they will certainly give us health and cheerfulness,
+with a tranquil mind, and, without these, all the gold of Peru
+would lie in our coffers useless.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE LXXVII.
+
+THE BALD KNIGHT.
+
+
+A CERTAIN Knight growing old, his hair fell off, and he became
+bald; to hide which imperfection he wore a periwig. But as he was
+riding out with some others a-hunting, a sudden gust of wind blew
+off the periwig, and exposed his bald pate.
+
+The company could not forbear laughing at the accident; and he
+himself laughed as loud as anybody, saying, "How was it to be
+expected that I should keep strange hair on my head, when my own
+would not stay there."
+
+
+MORAL.
+
+If, by any word or action, we happen to raise the laughter of
+those about us, we cannot stifle it better than, by a brisk
+presence of mind, to join in the mirth of the company, and, if
+possible, anticipate the jests they are ready to make on us.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE LXXVIII.
+
+THE DOG IN THE MANGER.
+
+
+A DOG was lying upon a manger full of hay. An Ox, being hungry,
+came near, and wanted to eat of the hay; but the envious,
+ill-natured cur, getting up and snarling at him, would not suffer
+him to touch it. Upon which the Ox, in the bitterness of his
+heart, said, "What a selfish wretch thou art, for thou canst
+neither eat hay thyself, nor suffer others to do so."
+
+
+MORAL.
+
+Selfishness is a most contemptible thing; but that degree of it
+which withholds from others what we can make no possible use of
+ourselves, is hateful in the extreme.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE LXXIX.
+
+THE OLD MAN AND DEATH.
+
+
+[Illustration: THE DOG IN THE MANGER.]
+
+A POOR, feeble old Man, who had crawled out into a neighbouring
+wood to gather a few sticks, had made up his bundle, and,
+laying it over his shoulders, was trudging homeward with it; but
+what with age, and the length of the way, and the weight of his
+burden, he grew so faint and weak that he sunk under it, and, as
+he sat on the ground, called upon Death to come and ease him of
+his troubles. Death no sooner heard him than he came and demanded
+of him what he wanted. The poor old creature, who little thought
+Death had been so near, and frightened almost out of his senses
+with his terrible aspect, answered him, trembling, That, having
+by chance let his bundle of sticks fall, and being too infirm to
+get it up himself, he had made bold to call upon him to help him;
+that, indeed, this was all he wanted at present, and that he
+hoped his worship was not offended with him for the liberty he
+had taken in so doing.
+
+
+MORAL.
+
+Men lightly speak of Death when they think he is far away; but
+let him appear near, and the very sense of his approach almost
+drives the life away. Men then resume the burden of cares which
+they had thrown down as insupportable, being content to bear the
+ills they have than fly to others that they know not of.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE LXXX.
+
+THE OLD HEN AND YOUNG COCK.
+
+
+    As an old Hen led forth her train,
+    And seemed to peck, to show the grain;
+    She raked the chaff, she scratched the ground,
+    And gleaned the spacious yard around.
+    A giddy chick, to try her wings,
+    On the well's narrow margin springs,
+    And prone she drops. The mother's breast
+    All day with sorrow was possessed.
+
+      A Cock she met--her son, she knew;
+    And in her heart affection grew.
+
+      "My son," says she, "I grant, your years
+    Have reached beyond a mother's cares;
+    I see you vigorous, strong, and bold;
+    I hear, with joy, your triumphs told.
+    'Tis not from Cocks thy fate I dread;
+    But let thy ever-wary tread
+    Avoid yon well; that fatal place
+    Is sure perdition to our race.
+    Print this, my counsel, on thy breast;
+    To the just gods I leave the rest."
+
+      He thanked her care; yet, day by day,
+    His bosom burned to disobey;
+    And every time the well he saw,
+    Scorned, in his heart, the foolish law;
+    Near and more near each day he drew,
+    And longed to try the dangerous view.
+
+      "Why was this idle charge?" he cries;
+    "Let courage female fears despise!
+    Or did she doubt my heart was brave,
+    And, therefore, this injunction gave?
+    Or does her harvest store the place,
+    A treasure for her younger race?
+    And would she thus my search prevent?--
+    I stand resolved, and dare th' event."
+
+      Thus said, he mounts the margin's round,
+    And pries into the depth profound.
+    He stretched his neck; and, from below,
+    With stretching neck advanced a foe:
+    With wrath his ruffled plumes he tears;
+    The foe with ruffled plumes appears:
+    Threat answered threat, his fury grew;
+    Headlong to meet the war he flew;
+    But when the watery death he found,
+    He thus lamented as he drowned:
+    "I ne'er had been in this condition,
+    Had I obeyed the prohibition."
+
+
+MORAL.
+
+    Obey your parents, or 'twill be your fate,
+    To feel repentance when it comes too late.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE LXXXI.
+
+MERCURY AND THE WOODMAN.
+
+
+A MAN was felling a tree on the bank of a river, and by chance
+let his hatchet slip out of his hand, which dropped into the
+water, and immediately sunk to the bottom. Being, therefore, in
+great distress from the loss of his tool, he sat down and
+bemoaned himself most lamentably.
+
+Upon this, Mercury appeared to him, and being informed of the
+cause of his complaint, dived to the bottom of the river, and,
+coming up again, showed the man a golden hatchet, demanding if
+that were his. He denied that it was; upon which Mercury dived a
+second time, and brought up a silver one. The Man refused it,
+alleging likewise that this was not his. He dived a third time,
+and fetched up the individual hatchet the man had lost; upon
+sight of which the poor fellow was overjoyed, and took it with
+all humility and thankfulness. Mercury was so pleased with the
+fellow's honesty, that he gave him the other two into the
+bargain, as a reward for his just dealing.
+
+The man then went to his companions, and, giving them an account
+of what had happened, one of them went presently to the river
+side, and let his hatchet fall designedly into the stream. Then,
+sitting down upon the bank, he fell a-weeping and lamenting, as
+if he had been really and sorely afflicted. Mercury appeared as
+before, and, diving, brought him up a golden hatchet, asking if
+that was the one he had lost. Transported at the precious metal,
+he answered "Yes," and went to snatch it greedily. But the god,
+detesting his abominable impudence, not only refused to give him
+that, but would not so much as let him have his own hatchet
+again.
+
+
+MORAL.
+
+Honesty is the best policy; it has made many a man's fortune,
+being blessed by God, and highly valued by man.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE LXXXII.
+
+THE WOLF AND THE KID.
+
+
+The GOAT, going abroad to feed, shut up her young kid at home,
+charging him to bolt the door fast, and open it to nobody, till
+she herself should return. The Wolf, who lay lurking just by,
+heard this charge given, and soon after came and knocked at the
+door, counterfeiting the voice of the Goat, and desiring to be
+admitted. The Kid, looking out of the window and discovering the
+cheat, bid him go about his business; for however he might
+imitate a Goat's voice, yet he appeared too much like a Wolf to
+be trusted.
+
+
+MORAL.
+
+We cannot use too much caution in avoiding those things which
+those who have more experience than we have warned us against.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE LXXXIII.
+
+THE OLD MAN AND HIS SONS.
+
+
+[Illustration: THE WOLF AND THE GOAT.]
+
+An Old Man had many Sons, who were often falling out with one
+another. When the father had exerted his authority, and used
+other means in order to reconcile them, and all to no purpose, he
+at last had recourse to this expedient: he ordered his Sons to be
+called before him, and a short bundle of sticks to be brought;
+and then commanded them, one by one, to try if, with all their
+might and strength, they could any of them break it. They all
+tried, but to no purpose; for the sticks being closely and
+compactly bound up together, it was impossible for the force of
+man to do it.
+
+After this the father ordered the bundle to be untied, and gave a
+single stick to each of his Sons, at the same time bidding him
+try to break it, which, when each did, with all imaginable ease,
+the father addressed himself to them to this effect: "O, my sons,
+behold the power of unity! for if you, in like manner, would but
+keep yourselves strictly joined in the bonds of friendship, it
+would not be in the power of any mortal to hurt you; but when
+once the ties of brotherly affection are dissolved, how soon do
+you fall to pieces, and become liable to be violated by every
+injurious hand that assaults you."
+
+
+MORAL.
+
+Union is strength. Love is a powerful bond, which, when
+cherished, will make those who are bound together by it
+irresistible.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE LXXXIV.
+
+THE BROOK AND THE FOUNTAIN.
+
+
+    A FOUNTAIN varied gambols played,
+      Close by an humble Brook;
+    While gently murmuring through the glade,
+      Its peaceful course it took.
+
+    Perhaps it gave one envious gaze
+      Upon the Fountain's height,
+    While glittering in the morning rays
+      Pre-eminently bright.
+
+    In all the colours of the sky,
+      Alternately it shone:
+    The Brook observed it with a sigh,
+      But quietly rolled on.
+
+    The owner of the Fountain died;
+      Neglect soon brought decay;
+    The bursting pipes were ill-supplied;
+      The Fountain ceased to play.
+
+    But still the Brook its peaceful course
+      Continued to pursue;
+    Her ample, inexhausted source,
+      From Nature's fount she drew.
+
+    "Now," said the Brook, "I bless my fate,
+      My showy rival gone;
+    Contented in its native state
+      My little stream rolls on.
+
+    And all the world has cause, indeed,
+      To own, with grateful heart,
+    How much great Nature's works excel
+      The feeble works of art."
+
+
+MORAL.
+
+Humble usefulness is preferable to idle splendour.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE LXXXV.
+
+THE MICE IN COUNCIL.
+
+
+The Mice called a general council, and, having met, after the
+doors were locked, entered into a free consultation about ways
+and means how to render their fortunes and estates more secure
+from the danger of the Cat. Many things were offered, and much
+was debated, "pro and con," upon the matter. At last, a young
+Mouse, in a fine, florid speech, concluded with an expedient, and
+that the only one, which was to put them for the future entirely
+out of the power of the enemy; and this was that the Cat should
+wear a bell about her neck, which, upon the least motion, would
+give the alarm, and be a signal for them to retire into their
+holes. This speech was received with great applause, and it was
+even proposed by some that the Mouse who made it should have the
+thanks of the assembly; upon which an old, grave Mouse, who had
+sat silent all the while, stood up, and, in another speech, owned
+that the contrivance was admirable, and the author of it, without
+doubt, an ingenious Mouse, but, he said, he thought it would not
+be so proper to vote him thanks till he should farther inform
+them how this bell was to be fastened about the Cat's neck, and
+what Mouse would undertake to do it.
+
+
+MORAL.
+
+Many things appear excellent in theory which are impossible in
+practice. It often requires a great deal of courage to carry out
+projects which a fine, florid speech may persuade the hearers are
+most plausible.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE LXXXVI.
+
+THE FOX IN THE WELL.
+
+
+A FOX, having fallen into a well, made a shift by sticking his
+claws into the sides to keep his head above water. Soon after a
+Wolf came and peeped over the brink, to whom the Fox applied very
+earnestly for assistance; entreating that he would help him to a
+rope, or something of the kind, which might favour his escape.
+The Wolf moved with compassion at his misfortune, could not
+forbear expressing his concern. "Ah, poor Reynard," says he, "I
+am sorry for you with all my heart; how could you possibly come
+into this melancholy condition?"
+
+"Nay, pr'ythee, friend," replied the Fox, "if you wish me well,
+do not stand pitying me, but lend me some succour as fast as you
+can; for pity is but cold comfort when one is up to the chin in
+water, and within a hair's breadth of starving or drowning."
+
+
+MORAL.
+
+Mere expressions of pity, without a desire or attempt to
+alleviate suffering, are a mockery. He that would be truly a
+friend, will be ready to give his assistance when needed.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE LXXXVII.
+
+THE HORSE AND THE WOLF.
+
+
+As a Wolf was roaming over a farm, he came to a field of oats,
+but not being able to eat them, he left them and went his way.
+
+Presently, meeting with a Horse, he bade him come with him into
+the field, "For," says he, "I have found some capital oats; and I
+have not tasted one, but have kept them all for you, for the very
+sound of your teeth is music to my ear." But the Horse replied,
+"A pretty fellow! if Wolves were able to eat oats, I suspect you
+would not have preferred your ears to your appetite."
+
+
+MORAL.
+
+Little thanks are due to him, who only gives away whatever is of
+no use to himself.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE LXXXVIII.
+
+THE TWO SPRINGS.
+
+
+[Illustration: THE HORSE AND THE WOLF.]
+
+Two springs, which issued from the same mountain, began their
+course together: one of them took her way in a silent and
+gentle stream, while the other rushed along with a sounding and
+rapid current. "Sister," said the latter, "at the rate you move,
+you will probably be dried up, before you advance much farther;
+whereas, for myself, I will venture a wager, that, within two or
+three hundred furlongs, I shall become navigable; and, after
+distributing commerce and wealth wherever I flow, I shall
+majestically proceed to pay my tribute to the ocean. So,
+farewell, dear sister! and patiently submit to your fate."
+
+Her sister made no reply; but, calmly descending to the meadows
+below, increased her stream by numberless little rills which she
+collected in her progress, till, at length, she was enabled to
+rise into a considerable river; whilst the proud stream, who had
+the vanity to depend solely upon her own sufficiency, continued a
+shallow brook; and was glad, at last, to be helped forward, by
+throwing herself into the arms of her despised sister.
+
+
+MORAL.
+
+His strength in words the blusterer vainly spends, While
+steadiness in quiet gains its ends.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE LXXXIX.
+
+THE COUNTRYMAN AND THE RAVEN.
+
+
+      A RAVEN, while with glossy breast,
+    Her new laid eggs she fondly pressed,
+    And, on her wicker-work high mounted,
+    Her chickens prematurely counted.
+    (A fault philosophers might blame,
+    If quite exempted from the same,)
+    Enjoyed at ease the genial day;
+    'Twas April, as the bumpkins say;--
+    The legislature called it May;
+    But suddenly, a wind, as high
+    As ever swept a winter's sky,
+    Shook the young leaves about her ears,
+    And filled her with a thousand fears,
+    Lest the rude blast should snap the bough,
+    And spread her golden hopes below.
+    But just at eve the blowing weather,
+    And all her fears, were hushed together.
+    "And now," quoth poor unthinking Ralph,
+    "'Tis over, and the brood is safe."
+
+    (For Ravens, though as birds of omen,
+    They teach both conjurors and old women;
+    To tell us what is to befall,
+    Can't prophesy themselves at all.)
+    The morning came, when neighbour Hodge,
+    Who long had marked her airy lodge,
+    And destined all the treasure there,
+    A gift to his expecting fair,
+    Climbed, like a squirrel to his dray,
+    And bore the worthless prize away.
+
+
+MORAL.
+
+    Safety consists not in escape
+    From danger of a frightful shape;
+    Fate steals along with silent tread,
+    Found oftenest in what least we dread;
+    Frowns in the storm with angry brow,
+    But in the sunshine strikes the blow.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE XC.
+
+THE FOX AND THE BRAMBLE.
+
+
+A FOX, hard pressed by the hounds, was getting over a hedge, but
+tore his foot upon a Bramble, which grew just in the midst of it,
+upon which he reproached the Bramble for his inhospitable cruelty in
+using a stranger, which had fled to him for protection, after such a
+barbarous manner. "Yes," says the Bramble, "you intended to have
+made me serve your turn, I know; but take this piece of advice with
+you for the future: Never lay hold of a Bramble again, as you value
+your sweet person; for laying hold is a privilege that belongs to us
+Brambles, and we do not care to let it go out of the family."
+
+
+MORAL.
+
+Impertinent people, who take liberties with others, are often
+much surprised if they are retorted on with severity. It is
+better, then, to keep from undue familiarity with strangers, for
+we know not of what temper they may be.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE XCI.
+
+HERCULES AND THE CARTER.
+
+
+As a clownish fellow was driving his cart along a deep miry lane,
+the wheels stuck so fast in the clay, that the horses could not
+draw them out. Upon this he fell a-bawling and praying to
+Hercules to come and help him.
+
+Hercules, looking down from a cloud, bade him not lie there,
+like an idle rascal, as he was, but get up and whip his horses
+stoutly, and clap his shoulder to the wheel; adding, that this
+was the only way for him to obtain his assistance.
+
+
+MORAL.
+
+The man who asks Heaven for gifts, and neglects the gifts Heaven
+has given, must expect silence until he shows that he is in
+earnest by putting his shoulder to the wheel.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE XCII.
+
+THE BOYS AND THE FROGS.
+
+
+On the margin of a large lake, which was inhabited by a great
+number of Frogs, a company of Boys happened to be at play. Their
+diversion was duck and drake, and whole volleys of stones were
+thrown into the water, to the great annoyance and danger of the
+poor terrified Frogs. At length, one of the most hardy, lifting
+up his head above the surface of the lake;--"Ah! dear children!"
+said he, "why will ye learn so soon to be cruel? Consider, I
+beseech you, that though this may be sport to _you_, it is death
+to _us_."
+
+
+MORAL.
+
+    A noble mind disdains to gain
+    Its pleasure from another's pain.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE XCIII.
+
+THE COCK AND THE JEWEL.
+
+
+A BRISK young Cock, in company with two or three pullets, raking
+upon a dunghill for something to entertain them with, happened to
+scratch up a jewel, which sparkled with an exceeding bright
+lustre; but, not knowing what to do with it, endeavoured to cover
+his ignorance under a look of contempt. So, shrugging up his
+wings, shaking his head, and putting on a grimace, he expressed
+himself to this purpose: "Indeed, you are a very fine thing, but
+I know not what business you have here. I make no scruple of
+declaring that my taste lies quite another way, and I had rather
+have one grain of dear delicious barley than all the jewels under
+the sun."
+
+
+MORAL.
+
+We should not despise as worthless what does not come within the
+limit of our understanding. Some lose what is truly valuable for
+want of knowledge, and prefer what is comparatively worthless.
+
+[Illustration: THE COCK AND THE JEWEL.]
+
+
+
+
+FABLE XCIV.
+
+THE NIGHTINGALE AND THE GLOW-WORM.
+
+
+      A NIGHTINGALE, that, all day long,
+    Had cheered the village with his song,
+    Nor yet at eve his note suspended,
+    Nor yet when eventide was ended,
+    Began to feel, as well he might,
+    The keen demands of appetite;
+    When, looking eagerly around,
+    He spied, far off, upon the ground,
+    A something shining in the dark,
+    And knew the Glow-worm by his spark;
+    So, stooping down from hawthorn top,
+    He thought to put him in his crop.
+    The Worm, aware of his intent,
+    Harangued him thus, right eloquent:--
+    "Did you admire my lamp," quoth he,
+    "As much as I your minstrelsy,
+    You would abhor to do me wrong,
+    As much as I to spoil your song;
+    For 'twas the self-same power divine
+    Taught you to sing and me to shine;
+    That you with music, I with light,
+    Might beautify and cheer the night."
+    The songster heard his short oration,
+    And, warbling out his approbation,
+    Released him, as my story tells,
+    And found a supper somewhere else.
+
+
+MORAL.
+
+    From this short fable, youth may learn
+    Their real interest to discern,
+    That brother should not strive with brother,
+    And worry and oppress each other;
+    But, joined in unity and peace,
+    Their mutual happiness increase:
+    Pleased when each others' faults they hide,
+    And in their virtues feel a pride.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE XCV.
+
+THE FOX AND THE SICK LION.
+
+
+It was reported that the Lion was sick, and the beasts were made
+to believe that they could not make their court better than by
+going to visit him. Upon this, they generally went, but it was
+particularly remarked that the Fox was not one of the number. The
+Lion, therefore, dispatched one of his Jackals to sound him about
+it, and to ask him why he had so little charity and respect as
+never to come near him at a time when he lay so dangerously ill,
+and everybody else had been to see him. "Why," replied the Fox,
+"pray present my duty to his majesty, and tell him that I have
+the same respect for him as ever, and have been coming several
+times to kiss his royal paw, but I am so terribly frightened at
+the mouth of his cave, to see the print of my fellow-subjects'
+feet all pointing forwards, and none backwards, that I had not
+resolution enough to venture in."
+
+Now, the truth of the matter was, that the sickness of the Lion
+was only a sham to draw the beasts into his den, the more easily
+to devour them.
+
+
+MORAL.
+
+It is well to weigh and consider the nature of any proposal
+thoroughly before we accede to it; but, certainly, if we have
+reason, from the injury done to others, to suspect that we may
+suffer harm, it is decidedly better to decline.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE XCVI.
+
+THE LION, THE FOX, AND THE GEESE.
+
+
+      A LION, tired with state affairs,
+    Quite sick of pomp, and worn with cares,
+    Resolved (remote from noise and strife)
+    In peace to pass his latter life.
+
+      It was proclaimed: the day was set:
+    Behold the general council met:
+    The Fox was viceroy named. The crowd
+    To the new regent humbly bowed!
+    Wolves, bears, and mighty tigers bend,
+    And strive who most shall condescend.
+    The crowd admire his wit, his sense:
+    Each word hath weight and consequence.
+    The flatterer all his art displays;
+    He who hath power, is sure of praise.
+    A Fox stepped forth before the rest,
+    And thus the servile throng addressed:--
+
+      "How vast his talents, born to rule,
+    And train'd in virtue's honest school!
+    What clemency his temper sways!
+    How uncorrupt are all his ways!
+    Beneath his conduct and command
+    Rapine shall cease to waste the land;
+    What blessings must attend the nation
+    Under this good administration!"
+
+      He said. A Goose, who distant stood,
+    Harangu'd apart the cackling brood:
+
+      "Whene'er I hear a knave commend,
+    He bids me shun his worthy friend.
+    What praise! what mighty commendation!
+    But 'twas a Fox who spoke th' oration.
+    Foxes this government may prize,
+    As gentle, plentiful, and wise;
+    If they enjoy the sweets, 'tis plain
+    We Geese must feel a tyrant reign.
+    What havoc now shall thin our race!
+    When every petty clerk in place,
+    To prove his taste, and seem polite,
+    Will feed on Geese both noon and night."
+
+
+MORAL.
+
+Those flatter the plunderer who share in the spoil.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE XCVII.
+
+THE ONE-EYED DOE.
+
+
+A DOE, that had but one eye, used to graze near the sea, and that
+she might be the more secure from harm, she kept her blind side
+toward the water, from whence she had no apprehension of danger,
+and with the other surveyed the country as she fed.
+
+By this vigilance and precaution she thought herself in the
+utmost security; when a sly fellow, with two or three of his
+companions, who had been poaching after her several days to no
+purpose, at last took a boat, and, fetching a compass upon the
+sea, came gently down upon her, and shot her. The Doe, in the
+agonies of death, breathed out this doleful complaint:--"Oh, hard
+fate! that I should receive my death wound from that side whence
+I expected no ill; and be safe in that part where I looked for
+the most danger."
+
+
+MORAL.
+
+Our troubles and dangers frequently arise from the direction we
+least expect them.
+
+[Illustration: THE ONE-EYED DOE.]
+
+
+
+
+FABLE XCVIII.
+
+THE FOX, THE RAVEN, AND THE DOVE.
+
+
+A FOX, who was half-starved with hunger, stretched himself all
+along upon the ground, and lay as if he were dead, that he might
+entice the harmless birds to come within his reach, and then leap
+of a sudden upon them, and make them his prey; but it happened
+that a Raven, who was hovering near him, observed that he fetched
+his breath; and, by consequence, found it to be only a trick in
+him to catch the birds. She, therefore, instantly gave them
+notice of it; and forewarned them, as they valued their own
+lives, not to come within reach of the Fox, who only feigned
+himself to be dead.
+
+The Fox, finding his plot to be discovered, was obliged to go
+away hungry; but soon bethought himself of another invention:
+which was, to go and kennel himself in a hollow tree, upon which
+a Dove had her nest, and was breeding up her young ones. Having
+done this, he called to her, that, unless she would throw down to
+him sometimes one of her eggs, and sometimes one of her young
+ones, he would climb up the tree, take away all her eggs, kill
+both her and her young, and break her nest to pieces.
+
+The harmless Dove, thinking of two ills to choose the least, did
+as the Fox required her; and threw him down now one of her eggs,
+and then one of her young ones. Having done so, for some time,
+with a great deal of grief and sorrow, and the Fox continuing
+still to demand it of her, she, at last, made her complaint to
+the Raven, who chanced to come and perch herself on the same
+tree; grievously bemoaning her fate, that she, like a good
+mother, to provide for her children, was at last obliged to make
+them a sacrifice to such a villain. But the Raven, who was not so
+timorous as she, advised her, whenever the Fox threatened her
+again, that he would kill both her and her young, if she would
+not throw one of them down to him, to answer him roundly,--"If
+you could have flown or climbed up the tree, you would not have
+been so often contented with one of my eggs, or of my young; but
+would, long since, according to your ravenous and blood-thirsty
+nature, have devoured both me and them." In short, the next time
+the Fox came, and threatened her as before, she replied as the
+Raven had instructed her.
+
+The Fox, hearing her answer, and knowing very well that she was
+not so wise and cunning of herself, resolved to find out the
+truth of the matter; and, at length, came to understand that it
+was the Raven who had been her counsellor. He, therefore, vowed
+to be revenged on her, who had now, the second time, hindered him
+from getting his prey. Not long after, he espied her sitting on a
+high thorn-tree; and, going to her, began to praise her at a
+mighty rate,--magnifying her good fortune above that of all
+beasts, who could neither fly like her, nor tread the ground with
+so majestical a gait: adding, withal, that it would be a great
+pleasure to him to see her lordly walk; that he might from
+thence, be certain whether she were indeed so divine and
+prophetic a bird as men had always held her to be.
+
+The Raven, transported to hear herself thus praised to the skies,
+flew down; and, pitching upon the ground, walked to and fro, in
+mighty pomp and state. The Fox seemed highly delighted; and said,
+that he extremely wondered how the Raven could keep upon the
+ground, when the wind blew her feathers over her eyes, and
+hindered her sight; but chiefly when it blew before, behind, and
+on all sides of her. "I can very well provide against that," said
+the Raven; "for then I hide my head under my left wing." "How!"
+cried the Fox; "hide your head under your left wing! So wonderful
+a thing I can never believe, till I see it." Immediately the
+Raven put her head under her left wing, and held it there so long
+that the Fox caught hold of her and killed her for his prey.
+
+
+MORAL.
+
+So must they fare who give good advice to others, but have not
+discretion enough to follow it themselves.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE XCIX.
+
+THE TWO POTS.
+
+
+    Two Pots, of different size and matter made,
+    Were swiftly down a rolling stream convey'd.
+    The larger vessel, form'd of solid brass,
+    Did boldly o'er the rapid water pass;
+    While that whose substance was but brittle clay,
+    Would, for his safety, give the stronger way.
+    Him the Brass Pot invited to draw near,
+    And said, "His frailty need not cause his fear;
+    For he, with just precaution would prevent
+    The danger of their jostling as they went."
+      The Earthen Pot, that knew his weaker frame,
+    Excused himself, that he no nearer came;
+    And said, "My friend, if the impetuous tide
+    Should dash my clay against your brazen side,
+    By the hard fate of that unequal stroke,
+    While you are whole, I shall be surely broke."
+
+
+MORAL.
+
+    Men safest still in equal friendship live,
+    Where they can do no harm, and none receive;
+    The strong, by power led to insult the weak,
+    With every touch the brittle vessels break;
+    While they, abused and injured by the strong,
+    Must, without remedy, sustain the wrong.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE C.
+
+THE TWO FROGS.
+
+
+One hot, sultry summer, the lakes and ponds being almost
+everywhere dried up, a couple of Frogs agreed to travel together
+in search of water. At last they came to a deep well, and,
+sitting on the brink of it, began to consult whether they should
+leap in or no. One of them was so inclined, urging that there was
+plenty of clear, spring water, and no danger of being disturbed.
+"Well," says the other, "all this may be true, and yet I cannot
+come into your opinion for my life; for if the water should
+happen to dry up here too, how should we get out again."
+
+
+MORAL.
+
+Skilful generals always secure a way for retreat. "Look before
+you leap" is an old and trite proverb. We should not undertake
+any action of importance without considering what may be the
+result, in all its aspects.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE CI.
+
+THE FOX AND THE MASK.
+
+
+A FOX, being in a shop where Masks were sold, laid his foot upon
+one of them, and considering it awhile attentively, at last broke
+out into this exclamation:--"Bless me!" says he, "what a handsome
+face this is! What a pity it is that it should want brains!"
+
+
+MORAL.
+
+Beauty without sense is of little value. A fair outside is but a
+poor substitute for inward worth.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE CII.
+
+THE CAT, THE COCK, AND THE YOUNG MOUSE.
+
+
+[Illustration: THE FOX AND THE MASK.]
+
+A YOUNG Mouse, that had seen very little of the world, came running,
+one day, to his mother in great haste:--"Oh, mother!" said he, "I am
+frightened almost to death! I have seen the most extraordinary
+creature that ever was. He has a fierce, angry look, and struts
+about on two legs; a strange piece of flesh grows on his head, and
+another under his throat, as red as blood: he flapped his arms
+against his sides, as if he intended to rise into the air; and
+stretching out his head, he opened a sharp-pointed mouth so wide,
+that I thought he was preparing to swallow me up: then he roared at
+me so horribly, that I trembled in every joint, and was glad to run
+home as fast as I could. If I had not been frightened away by this
+terrible monster, I was just going to commence an acquaintance with
+the prettiest creature you ever saw. She had a soft fur skin,
+thicker than ours, and all beautifully streaked with black and grey;
+with a modest look, and a demeanour so humble and courteous, that
+methought I could have fallen in love with her. Then she had a fine,
+long tail, which she waved about so prettily, and looked so
+earnestly at me, that I do believe she was just going to speak to
+me, when the horrid monster frightened me away."
+
+"Ah, my dear child!" said the mother, "you have escaped being
+devoured, but not by that monster you were so much afraid of;
+which, in truth, was only a bird, and would have done you no
+manner of harm. Whereas, the sweet creature, of whom you seem so
+fond, was no other than a Cat; who, under that hypocritical
+countenance, conceals the most inveterate hatred to all our race,
+and subsists entirely by devouring Mice. Learn from this
+incident, my dear, never, while you live, to rely on outward
+appearances."
+
+
+MORAL.
+
+    Beneath a fair, alluring guise,
+    A hidden danger often lies.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE CIII.
+
+THE MICE AND THE TRAP.
+
+
+Once upon a time, the Mice saw a broiled rasher of bacon hanging
+up in a very little room, the door of which being open, enticed
+them to fall on with greedy appetites. But some of them took
+particular notice that there was but one way into the room, and,
+by consequence, but one way to get out of it; so that, if that
+door, by misfortune or art, should chance to be shut, they would
+all be inevitably taken: they could not, therefore, find in their
+hearts to venture in; but said, that they had rather content
+themselves with homely fare, in safety, than, for the sake of a
+dainty bit, to run the danger of being taken, and lost for ever.
+
+The other Mice, who were looked upon to be great epicures,
+declared that they saw no danger; and, therefore, ran into the
+room, and fell to eating the bacon with great delight: but they
+soon heard the door fall down, and saw that they were all taken.
+Then the fear of approaching death so seized them, that they
+found no relish in their exquisite food; and immediately came the
+Cook who had set the Trap, and killed them: but the others, who
+had contented themselves with their usual food, fled into their
+holes, and, by that means, preserved their lives.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE CIV.
+
+THE CHAMELEON.
+
+
+      Oft has it been my lot to mark
+    A proud, conceited, talking spark,
+    With eyes that hardly served at most
+    To guard their master 'gainst a post;
+    Yet round the world the blade has been,
+    To see whatever could be seen.
+    Returning from his finish'd tour,
+    Grown ten times perter than before,
+    Whatever word you chance to drop,
+    The travelled fool your mouth will stop;
+    "Sir, if my judgment you'll allow,--
+    I've seen,--and, sure, I ought to know;"--
+    So begs you'd pay a due submission,
+    And acquiesce in his decision.
+
+      Two travellers, of such a cast,
+    As o'er Arabia's wilds they pass'd,
+    And on their way, in friendly chat,
+    Now talked of this, and then of that;
+    Discoursed awhile, 'mongst other matter,
+    Of the Chameleon's form and nature.
+    "A stranger animal," cries one,
+    "Sure never lived beneath the sun:
+    A lizard's body, lean and long,
+    A fish's head, a serpent's tongue.
+    In truth, with triple jaw disjoin'd;
+    And what a length of tail behind!
+    How slow its pace! and then its hue!
+    Who ever saw so fine a blue?"
+
+      "Hold there!" the other quick replies,
+    "'Tis green:--I saw it with these eyes,
+    As late with open mouth it lay,
+    And warm'd it in the sunny ray:
+    Stretch'd at its ease the beast I view'd,
+    And saw it eat the air for food."
+
+      "I've seen it, sir, as well as you,
+    And must again affirm it blue;
+    At leisure I the beast survey'd,
+    Extended in the cooling shade."
+
+      "'Tis green! 'tis green! sir, I assure ye."--
+    "Green!" cries the other, in a fury,--
+    "Why, sir, d'ye think I've lost my eyes?"
+    "'Twere no great loss!" the friend replies;
+    "For if they always serve you thus,
+    You find 'em but of little use."
+
+      So high at last the contest rose,
+    From words they almost came to blows;
+    When, luckily, came by a third;
+    To him the question they referr'd;
+    And begged he'd tell 'em, if he knew,
+    Whether the thing was green or blue.
+
+      "Sirs," cries the umpire, "cease your pother--
+    The creature's neither one nor t'other.
+    I caught the animal last night,
+    And viewed it o'er by candle-light;
+    I marked it well--'twas black as jet;--
+    You stare--but, sirs, I've got it yet,
+    And can produce it."--"Pray, sir, do;
+    I'll lay my life the thing is blue."
+    "And I'll be sworn that when you've seen
+    The reptile, you'll pronounce him green."
+
+      "Well, then, at once to ease the doubt,"
+    Replies the man, "I'll turn him out;
+    And when before your eyes I've set him,
+    If you don't find him black I'll eat him;"
+    He said. Then full before their sight,
+    Produced the beast, and lo! 'twas white.
+    Both stared, the man looked wondrous wise.
+    "My children," the Chameleon cries,
+    (Then first the creature found a tongue),
+    "You all are right and all are wrong;
+    When next you talk of what you view,
+    Think others see as well as you;
+    Nor wonder, if you find that none
+    Prefers your eye-sight to his own."
+
+
+
+
+FABLE CV.
+
+THE WOLF, THE FOX, AND THE ASS.
+
+
+The Lion, as king of the beasts, made a law that no beast should,
+without lawful cause, do any hurt to another; and should come
+once a year to court, to confess, and be absolved or punished,
+according to his deserts. Now it happened that the Wolf and the
+Fox were going thither together, and overtaking the Ass on the
+road, said to him:--"Brother, it is a long way to court, and it
+certainly must be much more tedious to you than to ourselves,
+because of your slow pace; but we can avoid the trouble of going
+thither, if you think fit. Let us three confess ourselves to one
+another, and send our absolutions to court, attested by two of us
+as witnesses."
+
+The Ass liked the proposal; into a clover field they went, and
+the Fox thus confessed himself first:--"It happened, as I was
+going one night through a village, a Cock, by his loud crowing,
+disturbed all the people that were asleep; at which I grew very
+angry, and bit off his head; then, fearing that the stench of his
+dead body might be offensive to the Hens, I ate him up.
+Nevertheless, it happened, three days after, as I was going by
+the same village, those very Hens spied me; and, instead of
+thanking me for the great kindness I had done them, cried out,
+'Murderer, murderer!' Then I, in defence of my honour, killed
+three of them; and, lest they should have stunk and offended the
+neighbourhood, ate them up too. This is all I have done; for
+which I now await your sentence."
+
+The Wolf thereupon expressed himself thus:--"You have, indeed,
+offended against the letter of our monarch's law, but not against
+the meaning of it; since your intentions were honourable, to take
+care of the quiet of men, and to vindicate your injured
+reputation. If, therefore, you will promise never to be so hasty
+again in killing any beast, I vote for your absolution." This the
+Fox readily did; and the Ass joined in opinion with the Wolf, who
+then thus began his confession:--
+
+"As I was one day walking along, I saw a Sow trampling down the
+corn of a poor peasant, and tearing it up by the roots, while her
+hungry Pigs were strayed far from her, and could not get
+themselves out of the mire; so that I, growing very angry at the
+great mischief she did the peasant, and at her neglect of
+motherly duty, killed and ate her up. Three days after, chancing
+to go again the same way, I observed that those Pigs were grown
+very lean; and reflecting that, through want of their mother's
+milk, they would certainly die a languishing death, I put an end
+to their miseries, and ate them up too. This I have to confess."
+
+The Fox instantly argued in this manner:--"Though you confess to
+having killed both mother and children; and though it seems, at
+first sight, that you have heinously offended against the law of
+our king; yet I see, nevertheless, that your intentions were
+good: to prevent mischief from falling upon men, to stir up a
+mother to her duty, and to show compassion to her miserable
+children, are virtues that no law can forbid or punish. I,
+therefore, declare you absolved." To which the Ass agreed.
+
+The Ass then made his confession:--"You both know," said he,
+"that it is not in my nature to do hurt to other beasts, nor to
+shed blood; and, therefore, you cannot expect to hear any such
+thing from me; but, to content you, I will relate to you what
+happened innocently to me, while I was in the service of a
+master. He was an old man, and apt to take cold in his feet; so
+that, when he travelled, to keep them dry and warm, he was wont
+to stick a little hay in his shoes. Now I carried him, one
+winter, to an inn, where he was to lie all night; and when we
+came to the door, the innkeeper brought him a pair of dry
+slippers, that his dirty shoes might not soil the house; so that
+he pulled them off, and left them without, and me by them. In
+short, my master and his host found themselves so well in the
+chimney-corner, that they never thought of poor me; but left me
+all night in the bitter cold, without giving me a handful of
+food: so that I ate up all the hay that stuck in his shoes. This
+is all I have to say;--if you will call it a confession, you may:
+however, I think nothing can be said against it."
+
+"Oh!" said the Fox, immediately, "this is not, indeed, an offence
+against the letter of the law, which mentions only the doing hurt
+to beasts, and takes no notice of eating of hay; but, if we
+reflect on the dangerous consequences of this action, and that so
+reverend a creature as a chill, aged man, by being thus robbed of
+his hay in the winter, and the next day continuing his road
+without it, might have caught a cold, a cough, and a cholic, that
+would have brought his grey hairs to the grave:--whoever, I say,
+reflects on this, cannot but be of my opinion,--which is, that
+the Ass largely deserves to die. Cousin Wolf, what say you to
+this matter?" "I," said the Wolf, "am of opinion that by reason
+of the ill consequences that might have attended this action, the
+Ass deserves a double death, and to be made an example to
+others." With that he leaped upon him, and tore out his throat,
+and the Fox and he immediately ate him up.
+
+
+MORAL.
+
+Knaves can always find reasons for justifying their own conduct,
+and condemning that of others.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE CVI.
+
+THE BOY AND THE BUTTERFLY.
+
+
+A boy, greatly smitten with the colours of a Butterfly, pursued
+it from flower to flower with indefatigable pains. First, he
+aimed to surprise it among the leaves of a rose; then to cover it
+with his hat, as it was feeding on a daisy; now hoped to secure
+it, as it rested on a sprig of myrtle; and now grew sure of his
+prize, perceiving it loiter on a bed of violets. But the fickle
+Fly, continually changing one blossom for another, still eluded
+his attempts. At length, observing it half buried in the cup of a
+tulip, he rushed forward, and snatching it with violence, crushed
+it all to pieces.
+
+
+MORAL.
+
+    Pleasure, like the Butterfly,
+    Will still elude as we draw nigh;
+    And when we think we hold it fast,
+    Will, like the insect, breathe its last.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE CVII.
+
+THE CROW AND THE PITCHER.
+
+
+A Crow, ready to die with thirst, flew with joy to a Pitcher,
+which he beheld at some distance. When he came he found water in
+it, indeed, but so near the bottom that, with all his stooping
+and straining, he was not able to reach it. Then he endeavoured
+to overturn the Pitcher, that so at least he might be able to get
+a little of it. But his strength was not sufficient for this. At
+last, seeing some pebbles lie near the place, he cast them one by
+one into the Pitcher; and thus, by degrees, raised the water up
+to the very brim, and satisfied his thirst.
+
+
+MORAL.
+
+Necessity is the mother of invention, and that which cannot be
+accomplished by strength may be achieved by ingenuity.
+
+[Illustration: WHERE THERE IS A WILL, THERE IS A WAY.]
+
+
+
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+FROM PEASANT TO PRINCE; OR, THE LIFE OF ALEXANDER PRINCE
+MENSCHIKOFF. Freely translated from the Russian by MADAME
+PIETZKER. With Illustrations. Fcap. 8vo, 2_s._ 6_d._ cloth; 3_s._
+gilt edges.
+
+MILLICENT AND HER COUSINS. By the HONORABLE. AUGUSTA BETHELL.
+With Illustrations. Post 8vo, 3_s._ 6_d._ cloth; 4_s._ gilt
+edges.
+
+BERTRAND DU GUESCLIN, THE HERO OF BRITTANY, CONSTABLE OF FRANCE
+AND OF CASTILE. By EMILE DE BONNECHOSE. Translated by MARGARET S.
+JEUNE. Fcap. 8vo, price 2_s._ 6_d._ cloth; 3_s._ gilt edges.
+
+THEODORA: A TALE FOR GIRLS. By EMILIA MARRYAT NORRIS,
+Illustrations by GEORGE HAY. Post 8vo, price 4_s._ 6_d._ cloth
+elegant; 5_s._ gilt edges.
+
+ROSAMOND FANE; OR, THE PRISONERS OF ST. JAMES. By M. & C. LEE.
+Illustrations by ROBERT DUDLEY. Post 8vo, price 3_s._ 6_d._ cloth
+elegant; 4_s._ gilt edges.
+
+AMY'S WISH, AND WHAT CAME OF IT. By Mrs. G. TYLEE. Illustrated by
+W. WIEGAND. Price 2_s._ 6_d._ cloth; 3_s._ 6_d._ coloured, gilt
+edges.
+
+TALES OF THE WHITE COCKADE. By BARBARA HUTTON. With Illustrations
+by J. LAWSON. Post 8vo, price 5_s._ cloth; 5_s._ 6_d._ gilt
+edges.
+
+By the same Author,
+
+HEROES OF THE CRUSADES. Illustrations by P. PRIOLO. Post 8vo,
+price 5_s._ cloth; 5_s._ 6_d._ gilt edges.
+
+CASTLES AND THEIR HEROES. With Illustrations by G. BOWERS. Post
+8vo, price 4_s._ 6_d._ cloth; 5_s._ gilt edges.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+TALES OF THE TOYS TOLD BY THEMSELVES. By FRANCES FREELING
+BRODERIP. Illustrated by her Brother TOM HOOD. Super-royal 16mo,
+price 3_s._ 6_d._ cloth; 4_s._ 6_d._ coloured, gilt edges.
+
+THE ADVENTURES OF HANS STERK, THE SOUTH AFRICAN HUNTER AND
+PIONEER. By CAPTAIN DRAYSON, R.E. With Illustrations by ZWECKER.
+Post 8vo, price 5_s._ cloth; 5_s._ 6_d._ gilt edges.
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+NEPTUNE; OR, THE AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF A NEWFOUNDLAND DOG. By the
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+16mo, price 2_s._ 6_d._ cloth; 3_s._ 6_d._ coloured, gilt edges.
+
+OUR WHITE VIOLET. By KAY SPEN, Author of "Gerty and May." With
+Illustrations by T. S. WALE. Super-royal 16mo, price 2_s._ 6_d._
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+CONSTANCE AND NELLIE; or, THE LOST WILL. By EMMA DAVENPORT. Fcap.
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+THE STOLEN CHERRIES; or, TELL THE TRUTH AT ONCE. By EMILIA
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+THE ATTRACTIVE PICTURE-BOOK: a New Gift from the Old Corner.
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+GREENWOOD. With Illustrations by ERNEST GRISET. Small 4to,
+printed on toned paper. Price 3_s._ 6_d._ cloth; 5_s._ coloured,
+gilt edges.
+
+THE BOOK OF CATS: a Chit-chat Chronicle of Feline Facts and
+Fancies. By CHARLES H. ROSS. With Twenty Illustrations by the
+Author. Post 8vo, price 4_s._ 6_d._ cloth; 5_s._ gilt edges.
+
+GERALD AND HARRY; or, The BEARS IN THE NORTH. By EMILIA MARRYAT
+NORRIS, Author of "The Early Start in Life," etc. With Six
+Illustrations by J. B. ZWECKER. Post 8vo, price 5_s._ cloth;
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+Super-royal 16mo, price 3_s._ 6_d._ cloth; 4_s._ 6_d._ coloured,
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+THE YOUNG VOCALIST: a Collection of Twelve Songs, each with an
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+Mendelssohn, Spohr, etc. By Mrs. MOUNSEY BARTHOLOMEW, Associate of
+the Philharmonic Society. 4to, price 2_s._ paper cloth; or 3_s._
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+    "These Lyrics are selected and composed for children who are
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+    suitable compass, so that the voices may not be injured by
+    practice at an early age."--_Extract from Preface._
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+CASIMIR, THE LITTLE EXILE. By CAROLINE PEACHY. With Illustrations
+by C. STANTON. Post 8vo, price 4_s._ 6_d._ cloth elegant.
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+LUCY'S CAMPAIGN: a Story of Adventure. By MARY and CATHERINE LEE.
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+elegant 3_s._ 6_d._ gilt edges.
+
+    "Written with some of the grace and facility that distinguish
+    the literary style of the two sisters--Sophia and Harriet
+    Lee."--_Athenaeum._
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+HELEN IN SWITZERLAND. By the Hon. AUGUSTA BETHELL, Author of "The
+Echoes of an Old Bell." With Illustrations by E. WHYMPER.
+Super-royal 16mo, price 3_s._ 6_d._ cloth extra; 4_s._ 6_d._
+coloured, gilt edges.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+[Triple stars] _A Complete Catalogue of_ G.& F.'s _Publications
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