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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> </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> </p> + +<h1>FAVOURITE FABLES,</h1> + +<h3>In Prose and Verse.</h3> +<p> </p> + +<h4><span class="smcap">With Twenty-four Illustrations</span></h4> + +<h5>FROM DRAWINGS</h5> +<p> </p> + +<h2><span class="smcap">By Harrison Weir.</span></h2> +<p> </p> +<p> </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> </p> +<p> </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> </td> + <td class="f1">FABLE</td><td class="tocpg f1">PAGE</td></tr> +<tr><td class="tocch">I.</td> + <td> </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> </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> </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> </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> </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> </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> </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> </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> </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> </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> </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> </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> </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> </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> </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> </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> </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> </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> </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> </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> </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> </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> </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> </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> </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> </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> </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> </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> </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> </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> </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> </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> </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> </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> </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> </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> </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> </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> </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> </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> </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> </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> </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> </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> </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> </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> </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> </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> </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> </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> </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> </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> </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> </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> </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> </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> </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> </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> </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> </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> </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> </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> </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> </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> </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> </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> </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> </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> </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> </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> </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> </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> </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> </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> </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> </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> </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> </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> </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> </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> </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> </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> </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> </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> </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> </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> </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> </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> </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> </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> </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> </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> </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> </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> </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> </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> </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> </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> </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> </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> </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> </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> </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> </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> </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> </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> </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> </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> </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> </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> </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> </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> </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> </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> </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> </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> </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> </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> </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> </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> </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> </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> </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> </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> </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> </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> </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> </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> </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> </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> </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—"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—he started—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,—<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—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:—"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—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.</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—to hold one's tongue—<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,—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—<br /></span> +<span class="i0">But fearing his researches would be vain—<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—unawares—<br /></span> +<span class="i2">A nose met his:—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—"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—<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—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:—<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—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—ay, every cup—<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:—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."</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:—<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:—<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—<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Two hundred or more—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—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.—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:—"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—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:—<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—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,—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>—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:—"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:—<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,—"Poor, honest Puss!<br /></span> +<span class="i0">It grieves my heart to see thee thus:<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Be comforted,—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:—<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,—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,—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!—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:—<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;—<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—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—" 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—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?—<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;—<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;—"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:—<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:—<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:—"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,—"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,—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:—"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:—"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,—<br /></span> +<span class="i0">I've seen,—and, sure, I ought to know;"—<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:—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."—<br /></span> +<span class="i0">"Green!" cries the other, in a fury,—<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—<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—'twas black as jet;—<br /></span> +<span class="i0">You stare—but, sirs, I've got it yet,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And can produce it."—"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:—"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:—"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:—"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:—</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:—"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:—"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."</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:—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.</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 & 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—who can have +forgotten it? Harrison Weir is the Painter Laureate of the lower +world, we have, therefore, a most attractive book."—<i>Art +Journal</i>.</p> + +<p><strong>THE LITTLE GIPSY.</strong> By ÉLIE SAUVAGE. Translated by <span class="smcap">Anna Blackwell</span>. +Profusely Illustrated by <span class="smcap">Lorenz Frölich</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 +fascinate all readers, young or old. The illustrations are +singularly graceful."—<i>Athenæum.</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> + +<p><strong>MILLICENT AND HER COUSINS.</strong> By the <span class="smcap">Honorable</span>. AUGUSTA BETHELL. +With Illustrations. Post 8vo, 3<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i> cloth; 4<i>s.</i> gilt +edges.</p> + +<p><strong>BERTRAND DU GUESCLIN, <span class="smcap">the Hero of Brittany, Constable of France +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> + +<p><strong>THEODORA: <span class="smcap">a Tale for Girls</span>.</strong> By EMILIA MARRYAT NORRIS, +Illustrations by <span class="smcap">George Hay</span>. Post 8vo, price 4<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i> cloth +elegant; 5<i>s.</i> gilt edges.</p> + +<p><strong>ROSAMOND FANE; <span class="smcap">or, The Prisoners of St. James</span>.</strong> By M. & C. LEE. +Illustrations by <span class="smcap">Robert Dudley</span>. Post 8vo, price 3<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i> cloth elegant; 4<i>s.</i> gilt edges.</p> + +<p><strong>AMY'S WISH, AND WHAT CAME OF IT.</strong> By Mrs. G. TYLEE. Illustrated by +<span class="smcap">W. Wiegand</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>TALES OF THE WHITE COCKADE.</strong> By BARBARA HUTTON. With Illustrations +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> + +<p><strong>HEROES OF THE CRUSADES.</strong> Illustrations by <span class="smcap">P. Priolo</span>. Post 8vo, +price 5<i>s.</i> cloth; 5<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i> gilt edges.</p> + +<p><strong>CASTLES AND THEIR HEROES.</strong> With Illustrations by <span class="smcap">G. Bowers</span>. Post +8vo, price 4<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i> cloth; 5<i>s.</i> gilt edges.</p> + +<hr style='width: 45%;' /> + +<p><strong>TALES OF THE TOYS TOLD BY THEMSELVES.</strong> By FRANCES FREELING +BRODERIP. Illustrated by her Brother <span class="smcap">Tom Hood</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 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> + +<p><strong>OUR WHITE VIOLET.</strong> By KAY SPEN, Author of "Gerty and May." With +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> + +<p><strong>CONSTANCE AND NELLIE; or, <span class="smcap">The Lost Will</span>.</strong> By EMMA DAVENPORT. Fcap. +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> + +<p><strong>THE ATTRACTIVE PICTURE-BOOK:</strong> a New Gift from the Old Corner. +Containing numerous Illustrations by eminent Artists. 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Post 8vo, price 5<i>s.</i> cloth; +5<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i> gilt edges.</p> + +<p><strong>COUSIN TRIX AND HER WELCOME TALES.</strong> By GEORGINA M. CRAIK, Author +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."—<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—Sophia and Harriet Lee."—<i>Athenæum.</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.& 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 *** + +***** This file should be named 21446-h.htm or 21446-h.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + http://www.gutenberg.org/2/1/4/4/21446/ + +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.) + + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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