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diff --git a/21446.txt b/21446.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..aa8427a --- /dev/null +++ b/21446.txt @@ -0,0 +1,5145 @@ +Project Gutenberg's Favourite Fables in Prose and Verse, by Various + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: Favourite Fables in Prose and Verse + +Author: Various + +Illustrator: Harrison Weir + +Release Date: May 15, 2007 [EBook #21446] + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ASCII + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK FAVOURITE FABLES *** + + + + +Produced by Marilynda Fraser-Cunliffe, Sankar Viswanathan, +and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at +http://www.pgdp.net (This file was made using scans of +public domain works in the International Children's Digital +Library.) + + + + + + + + + + [Illustration: THE FROG AND THE OX.] + + + FAVOURITE FABLES, + + In Prose and Verse. + + + WITH TWENTY-FOUR ILLUSTRATIONS + + FROM DRAWINGS + + + BY HARRISON WEIR. + + + [Illustration: JUSTICE.] + + + + LONDON: + + GRIFFITH AND FARRAN, + + (SUCCESSORS TO NEWBERY AND HARRIS), + + CORNER OF ST. PAUL'S CHURCHYARD. + + MDCCCLXX. + + * * * * * + + + + +CONTENTS. + + +FABLE + +I. THE FOX AND THE GOAT + +II. THE FROG AND THE OX + +III. THE MAN AND HIS GOOSE + +IV. THE LION AND OTHER BEASTS + +V. THE DOVE AND THE ANT + +VI. THE FOX WITHOUT A TAIL + +VII. THE BUTTERFLY AND THE SNAIL + +VIII. THE WOLF AND THE CRANE + +IX. THE FROG AND THE RAT + +X. THE FIGHTING COCK AND EAGLE + +XI. THE DIAMOND AND THE LOADSTONE + +XII. THE BEAR AND THE BEES + +XIII. THE FROGS DESIRING A KING + +XIV. THE FOX AND THE BOAR + +XV. THE VINE AND THE GOAT + +XVI. THE DISCONTENTED HORSE + +XVII. THE MOUNTAIN IN LABOUR + +XVIII. THE FOX AND THE STORK + +XIX. THE HORSE AND THE STAG + +XX. THE LION WOUNDED + +XXI. THE ASS IN THE LION'S SKIN + +XXII. JUPITER AND THE FARMER + +XXIII. THE VAIN JACKDAW + +XXIV. THE VIPER AND THE FILE + +XXV. THE WOLF AND THE LAMB + +XXVI. THE OLD BULLFINCH AND YOUNG BIRDS + +XXVII. THE MOUSE AND THE WEASEL + +XXVIII. THE OLD HOUND + +XXIX. THE CHARGER AND THE ASS + +XXX. THE COLT AND THE FARMER + +XXXI. THE LARK AND HER YOUNG ONES + +XXXII. THE FOX AND THE CROW + +XXXIII. THE PEACOCK'S COMPLAINT + +XXXIV. THE STAG IN THE OX-STALL + +XXXV. THE WIND AND THE SUN + +XXXVI. THE TRAVELLERS AND THE BEAR + +XXXVII. THE DOG AND THE SHADOW + +XXXVIII. THE HERMIT AND THE BEAR + +XXXIX. THE SHEPHERD'S BOY AND THE WOLF + +XL. THE FAWN AND HER MOTHER + +XLI. THE TORTOISE AND THE EAGLE + +XLII. THE BROTHER AND SISTER + +XLIII. THE SHEPHERD'S DOG AND WOLF + +XLIV. THE COVETOUS MAN + +XLV. THE HARE AND THE TORTOISE + +XLVI. THE HOG AND THE ACORNS + +XLVII. THE COUNTRY MOUSE AND THE CITY MOUSE + +XLVIII. THE CAT AND THE MICE + +XLIX. THE KID AND THE WOLF + +L. THE COUNCIL OF HORSES + +LI. THE ASS AND THE LITTLE DOG + +LII. THE LION AND THE FOUR BULLS + +LIII. THE LEOPARD AND THE FOX + +LIV. THE WARRIOR WOLF + +LV. THE BELLY AND THE MEMBERS + +LVI. THE CUR, THE HORSE, AND THE SHEPHERD'S DOG + +LVII. THE JACKDAW AND THE EAGLE + +LVIII. THE ASS AND THE LION HUNTING + +LIX. THE WOLF IN SHEEP'S CLOTHING + +LX. THE TWO BEES + +LXI. THE TURKEY AND THE ANT + +LXII. THE DOG AND THE WOLF + +LXIII. THE SATYR AND THE TRAVELLER + +LXIV. THE BARLEY-MOW AND THE DUNGHILL + +LXV. THE SHEEP-BITER AND SHEPHERD + +LXVI. THE STAG AT THE POOL + +LXVII. THE OLD SWALLOWS AND THE YOUNG BIRDS + +LXVIII. THE WAGGONER AND THE BUTTERFLY + +LXIX. THE LION, THE BEAR AND THE FOX + +LXX. THE FOX AND THE GRAPES + +LXXI. THE HARE AND MANY FRIENDS + +LXXII. THE COCK AND THE FOX + +LXXIII. THE LION AND THE MOUSE + +LXXIV. THE TRUMPETER TAKEN PRISONER + +LXXV. THE MOUSE AND THE ELEPHANT + +LXXVI. THE HUSBANDMAN AND HIS SONS + +LXXVII. THE BALD KNIGHT + +LXXVIII. THE DOG IN THE MANGER + +LXXIX. THE OLD MAN AND DEATH + +LXXX. THE OLD HEN AND YOUNG COCK + +LXXXI. MERCURY AND THE WOODMAN + +LXXXII. THE WOLF AND THE KID + +LXXXIII. THE OLD MAN AND HIS SONS + +LXXXIV. THE BROOK AND THE FOUNTAIN + +LXXXV. THE MICE IN COUNCIL + +LXXXVI. THE FOX IN THE WELL + +LXXXVII. THE HORSE AND THE WOLF + +LXXXVIII. THE TWO SPRINGS + +LXXXIX. THE COUNTRYMAN AND THE RAVEN + +XC. THE FOX AND THE BRAMBLE + +XCI. HERCULES AND THE CARTER + +XCII. THE BOYS AND THE FROGS + +XCIII. THE COCK AND THE JEWEL + +XCIV. THE NIGHTINGALE AND THE GLOW-WORM + +XCV. THE FOX AND THE SICK LION + +XCVI. THE LION, THE FOX, AND THE GEESE + +XCVII. THE ONE-EYED DOE + +XCVIII. THE FOX, THE RAVEN, AND THE DOVE + +XCIX. THE TWO POTS + +C. THE TWO FROGS + +CI. THE FOX AND THE MASK + +CII. THE CAT, THE COCK, AND THE YOUNG MOUSE + +CIII. THE MICE AND THE TRAP + +CIV. THE CHAMELEON + +CV. THE WOLF, THE FOX, AND THE ASS + +CVI. THE BOY AND THE BUTTERFLY + +CVII. THE CROW AND THE PITCHER + + * * * * * + + + + +LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS. + + +1. THE FROG AND THE OX (_Frontispiece_) + +2. THE FOX WITHOUT A TAIL + +3. THE FIGHTING COCK AND EAGLE + +4. THE VINE AND THE GOAT + +5. THE LION WOUNDED + +6. THE WOLF AND THE LAMB + +7. THE CHARGER AND THE ASS + +8. THE FOX AND THE CROW + +9. THE DOG AND THE SHADOW + +10. THE FAWN AND HER MOTHER + +11. THE HARE AND THE TORTOISE + +12. THE KID AND THE WOLF + +13. THE LEOPARD AND THE FOX + +14. THE JACKDAW AND THE EAGLE + +15. THE DOG AND THE WOLF + +16. THE STAG AT THE POOL + +17. THE FOX AND THE GRAPES + +18. THE LION AND THE MOUSE + +19. THE DOG IN THE MANGER + +20. THE WOLF AND THE GOAT + +21. THE HORSE AND THE WOLF + +22. THE COCK AND THE JEWEL + +23. THE ONE-EYED DOE + +24. THE FOX AND THE MASK + + * * * * * + + + + +FAVOURITE FABLES. + +FABLE I. + +THE FOX AND THE GOAT. + + +[Illustration] + +In the extreme end of a village a Fox one day went to have a peep +at a hen-roost. He had the bad luck to fall into a well, where he +swam first to this side, and then to that side, but could not get +out with all his pains. At last, as chance would have it, a poor +Goat came to the same place to seek for some drink. "So ho! +friend Fox," said he, "you quaff it off there at a great rate: I +hope by this time you have quenched your thirst." "Thirst!" said +the sly rogue; "what I have found here to drink is so clear, and +so sweet, that I cannot take my fill of it; do, pray, come down, +my dear, and have a taste of it." With that, in plumped the Goat +as he bade him; but as soon as he was down, the Fox jumped on his +horns, and leaped out of the well in a trice; and as he went off, +"Good bye, my wise friend," said he; "if you had as much brains +as you have beard, I should have been in the well still, and you +might have stood on the brink of it to laugh at me, as I now do +at you." + + +MORAL. + +A rogue will give up the best friend he has to get out of a +scrape; so that we ought to know what a man is, that we may judge +how far we may trust to what he says. + + + + +FABLE II. + +THE FROG AND THE OX. + + +An old Frog, being wonderfully struck with the size and majesty +of an Ox that was grazing in the marshes, was seized with the +desire to expand herself to the same portly magnitude. After +puffing and swelling for some time, "What think you," said she, +to her young ones, "will this do?" "Far from it," said they. +"Will this?" "By no means." "But this surely will?" "Nothing +like it," they replied. After many fruitless and ridiculous +efforts to the same purpose, the foolish Frog burst her skin, and +miserably expired upon the spot. + + +MORAL. + +To attempt what is out of our power, and to rival those greater +than ourselves, is sure to expose us to contempt and ruin. + + + + +FABLE III. + +THE MAN AND HIS GOOSE. + + +A CERTAIN Man had a Goose, which laid him a golden egg every day. +But, not contented with this, which rather increased than abated +his avarice, he was resolved to kill the Goose, and cut up her +belly, so that he might come to the inexhaustible treasure which +he fancied she had within her, without being obliged to wait for +the slow production of a single egg daily. He did so, and, to his +great sorrow and disappointment, found nothing within. + + +MORAL. + +The man that hastes to become rich often finds that he has only +brought on ruin. + + + + +FABLE IV. + +THE LION AND OTHER BEASTS. + + +The Bull, and several other beasts, were ambitious of the honour +of hunting with the Lion. His savage Majesty graciously +condescended to their desire; and it was agreed that they should +have an equal share in whatever might be taken. They scour the +forest, are unanimous in the pursuit, and, after a long chase, +pull down a noble stag. It was divided with great dexterity by +the Bull into four equal parts; but just as he was going to +secure his share--"Hold!" says the Lion, "let no one presume to +help himself till he hath heard our just and reasonable claims. I +seize upon the first quarter by virtue of my prerogative; the +second I claim as due to my superior conduct and courage; I +cannot forego the third, on account of the necessities of my den; +and if anyone is inclined to dispute my right to the fourth, let +him speak." Awed by the majesty of his frown, and the terror of +his paws, they silently withdrew, resolving never to hunt again +but with their equals. + + +MORAL. + +Be certain that those who have great power are honest before you +place yourselves in their hands, or you will be deprived of your +just rights. + + + + +FABLE V. + +THE DOVE AND THE ANT. + + +The Ant, compelled by thirst, went to drink in a clear, purling +rivulet; but the current, with its circling eddy, snatched her +away, and carried her down the stream. A Dove, pitying her +distressed condition, cropped a branch from a neighbouring tree +and let it fall into the water, by means of which the Ant saved +herself and got ashore. Not long after, a Fowler, having a design +against the Dove, planted his nets in due order, without the +bird's observing what he was about; which the Ant perceiving, +just as he was going to put his design into execution, she bit +his heel, and made him give so sudden a start, that the Dove took +the alarm, and flew away. + + +MORAL. + +Kindness to others seldom fails of its reward; and none is so +weak that he may not be able in some fashion to repay it. Let us +show kindness without looking for a return, but a blessing will +surely follow. + + + + +FABLE VI. + +THE FOX WITHOUT A TAIL. + + +A FOX being caught in a steel trap by his tail, was glad to compound +for his escape with the loss of it; but on coming abroad into the +world, began to be so sensible of the disgrace such a defect would +bring upon him, that he almost wished he had died rather than left +it behind him. However, to make the best of a bad matter, he formed +a project in his head to call an assembly of the rest of the Foxes, +and propose it for their imitation as a fashion which would be very +agreeable and becoming. He did so, and made a long harangue upon the +unprofitableness of tails in general, and endeavoured chiefly to +show the awkwardness and inconvenience of a Fox's tail in +particular; adding that it would be both more graceful and more +expeditious to be altogether without them, and that, for his part, +what he had only imagined and conjectured before, he now found by +experience; for that he never enjoyed himself so well, nor found +himself so easy as he had done since he cut off his tail. He said no +more, but looked about with a brisk air to see what proselytes he +had gained; when a sly old Fox in the company, who understood trap, +answered him, with a leer, "I believe you may have found a +conveniency in parting with your tail; and when we are in the same +circumstances, perhaps we may do so too." + +[Illustration: THE FOX WITHOUT A TAIL.] + + +MORAL. + +It is common for men to wish others reduced to their own level, +and we ought to guard against such advice as may proceed from +this principle. + + + + +FABLE VII. + +THE BUTTERFLY AND THE SNAIL. + + + As in the sunshine of the morn, + A Butterfly, but newly born, + Sat proudly perking on a rose, + With pert conceit his bosom glows; + His wings, all glorious to behold, + Bedropt with azure, jet and gold, + Wide he displays; the spangled dew + Reflects his eyes, and various hue. + + His now forgotten friend, a Snail, + Beneath his house, with slimy trail, + Crawls o'er the grass; whom, when he spies, + In wrath he to the gardener cries: + + "What means yon peasant's daily toil, + From choaking weeds to rid the soil? + Why wake you to the morning's care? + Why with new arts correct the year? + Why glows the peach with crimson hue? + And why the plum's inviting blue? + Were they to feast his taste designed, + That vermin, of voracious kind? + Crush, then, the slow, the pilf'ring race; + So purge thy garden from disgrace." + + "What arrogance!" the Snail replied; + "How insolent is upstart pride! + Hadst thou not thus, with insult vain, + Provoked my patience to complain, + I had concealed thy meaner birth, + Nor traced thee to the scum of earth: + For, scarce nine suns have wak'd the hours, + To swell the fruit, and paint the flowers, + Since I thy humbler life surveyed, + In base, in sordid guise arrayed; + A hideous insect, vile, unclean, + You dragg'd a slow and noisome train; + And from your spider-bowels drew + Foul film, and spun the dirty clue. + I own my humble life, good friend; + Snail was I born, and Snail shall end. + And what's a Butterfly? At best, + He's but a Caterpillar, dress'd; + And all thy race (a numerous seed) + Shall prove of Caterpillar breed." + + +MORAL. + + All upstarts, insolent in place, + Remind us of their vulgar race. + + + + +FABLE VIII. + +THE WOLF AND THE CRANE. + + +A WOLF, after too greedily devouring his prey, happened to have a +bone stick in his throat, which gave him so much pain that he +went howling up and down, and importuning every creature he met +to lend him a kind hand in order to his relief; nay, he even +promised a reward to anyone who should undertake the operation +with success. At last the Crane, tempted with the lucre of the +reward, and having first made the Wolf confirm his promise with +an oath, undertook the business, and ventured his long neck into +the rapacious felon's throat. + +In short, he plucked out the bone, and expected the promised +gratuity; when the Wolf, turning his eyes disdainfully towards +him, said, "I did not think you had been so unreasonable! Have I +not suffered you safely to draw your neck out of my jaws? And +have you the conscience to demand a further reward?" + + +MORAL. + +When we do good to bad men, we must not expect good from them. + + + + +FABLE IX. + +THE FROG AND THE RAT. + + + Once on a time, a foolish Frog, + Vain, proud, and stupid as a log, + Tired with the marsh, her native home, + Imprudently abroad would roam, + And fix her habitation where + She'd breathe at least a purer air. + She was resolved to change, that's poz; + Could she be worse than where she was? + + Away the silly creature leaps. + A Rat, who saw her lab'ring steps, + Cried out, "Where in this hurry, pray? + You certainly will go astray!" + + "Ne'er fear; I quit that filthy bog, + Where I so long have croaked incog: + People of talents, sure, should thrive, + And not be buried thus alive. + But, pray (for I'm extremely dry), + Know you of any water nigh?" + + "None," said the Rat, "you'll reach to-day, + As you so slowly make your way. + Believe a friend, and take my word, + This jaunt of yours is quite absurd. + Go to your froggery again; + In your own element remain." + No: on the journey she was bent, + Her thirst increasing as she went; + For want of drink she scarce can hop, + And yet despairing of a drop: + Too late she moans her folly past; + She faints, she sinks, she breathes her last. + + +MORAL. + + Vulgar minds will pay full dear, + When once they move beyond their sphere. + + + + +FABLE X. + +THE FIGHTING COCK AND EAGLE. + + +Two Cocks were fighting for the sovereignty of the dunghill, and +one of them having got the better of the other, he that was +vanquished crept into a hole, and hid himself for some time; but +the victor flew up to an eminent place, clapt his wings, and +crowed out victory. An Eagle, who was watching for his prey near +the place, saw him, and, making a swoop, trussed him up in his +talons, and carried him off. The Cock that had been beaten, +perceiving this, soon quitted his hole, and, shaking off all +remembrance of his late disgrace, gallanted the hens with all the +intrepidity imaginable. + + +MORAL. + +Before honour is humility. We must not be too much elevated by +prosperity lest we meet a grievous fall. + +[Illustration: THE FIGHTING COCK AND EAGLE.] + + + + +FABLE XI. + +THE DIAMOND AND THE LOADSTONE. + + +A DIAMOND, of great beauty and lustre, observing, not only many +other gems of a lower class ranged together with himself in the +same cabinet, but a Loadstone likewise placed not far from him, +began to question the latter how he came there, and what +pretensions he had to be ranked among the precious stones; he, +who appeared to be no better than a mere flint, a sorry, coarse, +rusty-looking pebble, without any the least shining quality to +advance him to such an honour; and concluded with desiring him to +keep his distance, and pay a proper respect to his superiors. + +"I find," said the Loadstone, "you judge by external appearances, +and condemn without due examination; but I will not act so +ungenerously by you. I am willing to allow you your due praise: +you are a pretty bauble; I am mightily delighted to see you +glitter and sparkle; I look upon you with pleasure and surprise; +but I must be convinced you are of some sort of use before I +acknowledge that you have any real merit, or treat you with that +respect which you seem to demand. With regard to myself, I +confess my deficiency in outward beauty; but I may venture to +say, that I make amends by my intrinsic qualities. The great +improvement of navigation is entirely owing to me. By me the +distant parts of the world have been made known and are +accessible to each other; the remotest nations are connected +together, and all, as it were, united into one common society; by +a mutual intercourse they relieve one another's wants, and all +enjoy the several blessings peculiar to each. The world is +indebted to me for its wealth, its splendour, and its power; and +the arts and sciences are, in a great measure, obliged to me for +their improvements, and their continual increase. All these +blessings I am the origin of; for by my aid it is that man is +enable to construct that valuable instrument, the Mariner's +Compass." + + +MORAL. + + Let dazzling stones in splendour glare; + Utility's the gem for wear. + + + + +FABLE XII. + +THE BEAR AND THE BEES. + + +A BEAR happened to be stung by a Bee; and the pain was so acute, +that in the madness of revenge he ran into the garden, and +overturned the hive. This outrage provoked their anger to such a +degree that it brought the fury of the whole swarm upon him. They +attacked him with such violence that his life was in danger, and +it was with the utmost difficulty that he made his escape, +wounded from head to tail. In this desperate condition, lamenting +his misfortunes, and licking his sores, he could not forbear +reflecting how much more advisable it had been to have patiently +borne one injury, than by an unprofitable resentment to have +provoked a thousand. + + +MORAL. + +It is more prudent to acquiesce under an injury from a single +person, then by an act of vengeance to bring upon us the +resentment of a whole community. + + + + +FABLE XIII. + +THE FROGS DESIRING A KING. + + +The Frogs, living an easy, free life everywhere among the lakes +and ponds, assembled together one day, in a very tumultuous +manner, and petitioned Jupiter to let them have a king, who might +inspect their morals, and make them live a little honester. +Jupiter, being at that time in pretty good humour, was pleased to +laugh heartily at their ridiculous request, and, throwing a +little log down into the pool, cried, "There is a king for you!" +The sudden splash which this made by its fall into the water, at +first terrified them so exceedingly that they were afraid to come +near it. But, in a little time, seeing it lie still without +moving, they ventured, by degrees, to approach it; and at last, +finding there was no danger, they leaped upon it, and, in short, +treated it as familiarly as they pleased. But, not contented with +so insipid a king as this was, they sent their deputies to +petition again for another sort of one; for this they neither did +nor could like. Upon that he sent them a Stork, who, without any +ceremony, fell devouring and eating them up, one after another, +as fast as he could. Then they applied themselves privately to +Mercury, and got him to speak to Jupiter in their behalf, that he +would be so good as to bless them again with another king, or +restore them to their former state. "No," says he; "since it was +their own choice, let the obstinate wretches suffer the +punishment due to their folly." + + +MORAL. + +This fable teaches that it is better to be content with our +present condition, however bad we may think it, than, by +ambitious change, to risk making it worse. + + + + +FABLE XIV. + +THE FOX AND THE BOAR. + + +THE BOAR stood whetting his tusks against an old tree. The Fox, +who happened to come by at the same time, asked him why he made +those martial preparations of whetting his teeth, since there was +no enemy near, that he could perceive. "That may be, Master +Reynard," says the Boar, "but we should scour up our arms, while +we have leisure, you know; for, in time of danger, we shall have +something else to do." + + +MORAL. + +It is well to have preparations made for all emergencies, that +when we are placed in any difficult position we may be calm and +self-possessed. These preparations are best made in times of +leisure. + + + + +FABLE XV. + +THE VINE AND THE GOAT. + + +A GOAT having taken shelter from the heat of the sun under the +broad leaves of a shady-spreading vine, began to crop and eat +them; by this means, the branches being put into a rustling +motion, he drew the eyes of some hunters who were passing that +way, and, seeing the vine stir, thought some wild beast had taken +covert there; they shot their arrows at a venture, and killed the +Goat, who, before he expired, uttered his dying words to this +purpose: "Ah! I suffer justly for my ingratitude, who could not +forbear doing an injury to the vine that had so kindly afforded +me shelter." + + +MORAL. + +Ingratitude is a great crime, and from which we should seek +earnestly to be preserved. He that is capable of injuring his +benefactor, what would he scruple to do towards another? + +[Illustration: THE VINE AND THE GOAT.] + + + + +FABLE XVI. + +THE DISCONTENTED HORSE. + + + As JUPITER once was receiving petitions + From birds and from beasts of all ranks and conditions; + With an eye full of fire, and mane quite erect, + Which, I'm sorry to say, shewed but little respect, + The Horse went as near as he dared to the throne, + And thus made his donkey-like sentiments known: + + "For beauty of symmetry, fleetness, and force, + It is said that all animals yield to the Horse; + While my spirit I feel, and my figure I view + In the brook, I'm inclined to believe it is true; + But still, mighty Jupiter, still, by your aid, + In my form might some further improvements be made. + To run is my duty, and swifter and stronger + I surely should go, were my legs to be longer: + And as man always places a seat on my back, + I should have been made with a saddle or sack; + It had saved _him_ much trouble, on journies departing, + And _I_ had been constantly ready for starting." + + Great Jupiter smiled (for he laughed at the brute, + As he saw more of folly than vice in his suit), + And striking the earth with omnipotent force, + A Camel rose up near the terrified Horse: + He trembled--he started--his mane shook with fright, + And he staggered half round, as preparing for flight. + + "Behold!" exclaimed Jove, "there an animal stands + With both your improvements at once to your hands: + His legs are much longer; the hump on his back + Well answers the purpose of saddle or sack: + Of your shapes, tell me, which is more finished and trim? + Speak out, silly Horse, would you wish to be him?" + + The Horse looked abashed, and had nothing to say + And Jove, with reproaches, thus sent him away: + "Begone, till you gratefully feel and express + Your thanks for the blessings and gifts you possess. + The Camel, though plain, is mild, useful, and good; + You are handsome, but proud, discontented and rude." + + + + +FABLE XVII. + +THE MOUNTAIN IN LABOUR. + + +A RUMOUR once prevailed that a neighbouring mountain was in +labour; it was affirmed that she had been heard to utter +prodigious groans; and a general expectation had been raised that +some extraordinary birth was at hand. + +Multitudes flocked in much eagerness to be witnesses of the +wonderful event, one expecting her to be delivered of a giant, +another of some enormous monster, and all were in earnest +expectation of something grand and astonishing; when, after +waiting with great impatience a considerable time, behold, out +crept a Mouse. + + +MORAL. + +To raise uncommon expectations renders an ordinary event +ridiculous. + + + + +FABLE XVIII. + +THE FOX AND THE STORK. + + +THE FOX, though in general more inclined to roguery than wit, had +once a strong inclination to play the wag with his neighbour the +Stork. He accordingly invited her to dinner in due form. But when +she came to the table, the Stork found it consisted entirely of +different soups, served in broad, shallow dishes, so that she +could only dip the end of her bill in them, but could not +possibly satisfy her hunger. The Fox lapped them up very readily, +and every now and then addressing himself to his guest, desired +to know how she liked her entertainment, hoped that everything +was to her liking, and protested he was very sorry to see her eat +so sparingly. + +The Stork, perceiving she was jested with, took no notice, but +pretended to like every dish extremely; and, at parting, pressed +the Fox so earnestly to return her visit that he could not, in +civility, refuse. + +The day arrived, and he repaired to his appointment. But, to his +great dismay, he found the dinner was composed of minced meat, +served up in long, narrow-necked bottles; so that he was only +tantalized with the sight of what it was impossible for him to +taste. The Stork thrust in her long bill, and helped herself very +plentifully; then, turning to Reynard, who was eagerly licking +the outside of a jar where some sauce had been spilled, "I am +very glad," said she, smiling, "that you appear to have so good +an appetite. I hope you will make as hearty a dinner at my table +as I did the other day at yours." The Fox hung down his head, and +looked very much displeased. "Nay, nay!" said the Stork; "don't +pretend to be out of humour about the matter; they that cannot +take a jest should never make one." + + + + +FABLE XIX. + +THE HORSE AND THE STAG. + + +The Stag, with his sharp horns, got the better of the Horse, and +drove him clear out of the pasture where they used to feed +together. So the latter craved the assistance of man, and, in +order to receive the benefit of it, suffered him to put a bridle +into his mouth, and a saddle upon his back. By this means he +entirely defeated his enemy, but was mightily disappointed when, +upon returning thanks, and desiring to be dismissed, he received +this answer: "No; I never knew before how useful a drudge you +were; now I have found out what you are good for, you may depend +upon it, I will keep you to it." + + +MORAL. + +Help yourself, if you can do so; but at any rate, before you seek +the assistance of a powerful man, be sure that the help he gives +you will be disinterested, or you may find that in helping you he +may put you under obligations fatal to liberty. + + + + +FABLE XX. + +THE LION WOUNDED. + + +A MAN, who was very skilful with his bow, went up into the forest to +hunt. At his approach, there was a great consternation and rout +among the wild beasts, the Lion alone showing any determination to +fight. "Stop," said the Archer to him, "and await my messenger, who +has somewhat to say to you." With that, he sent an arrow after the +Lion, and wounded him in the side. The Lion, smarting with anguish, +fled into the depths of the forest; but a Fox, seeing him run, bade +him take courage, and face his enemy. "No," said the Lion, "you will +not persuade me to that; for if the messenger he sends is so sharp, +what must be the power of him who sends it?" + + +MORAL. + +It is better to yield to a superior force than foolishly brave +its power. + +[Illustration: THE LION WOUNDED.] + + + + +FABLE XXI. + +THE ASS IN THE LION'S SKIN. + + +An Ass, finding a Lion's skin, disguised himself with it, and +ranged about the forest, putting all the beasts that saw him into +bodily fear. After he had diverted himself thus for some time, he +met a Fox, and, being desirous to frighten him too, as well as +the rest, he leapt at him with some fierceness, and endeavoured +to imitate the roaring of the Lion. + +"Your humble servant," says the Fox, "if you had held your +tongue, I might have taken you for a Lion, as others did; but now +you bray I know who you are." + + +MORAL. + +A silent man may pass for a wise man, but when we hear him speak +we are able to form an estimate of his value. + + + + +FABLE XXII. + +JUPITER AND THE FARMER. + + + 'Tis said, that Jove had once a farm to let, + And sent down Mercury, his common crier, + To make the most that he could get; + Or sell it to the highest buyer. + + To view the premises the people flocked: + And, as 'tis usual in such case, + Began to run them down apace; + The soil was poor, the farm ill stocked: + In short, a barren, miserable place, + Scarce worth th' expense to draw a lease. + + One bolder, tho' not wiser than the rest, + Offered to pay in so much rent, + Provided he had Jove's consent + To guide the weather just as he thought best; + Or wet, or dry; or cold, or hot; + Whate'er he asked should be his lot; + + To all which Jove gave a consenting nod. + The seasons now obsequious stand, + Quick to obey their lord's command, + And now the Farmer undertakes the god; + Now calls for sunshine, now for rains, + Dispels the clouds, the wind restrains; + + But still confined within his farm alone, + He makes a climate all his own; + For when he sheds, or when he pours, + Refreshing dews, or soaking showers, + + His neighbours never share a drop; + So much the better for their crop; + Each glebe a plenteous harvest yields; + Whilst our director spoils his fields. + + Next year, he tries a different way; + New moulds the seasons, and directs again; + But all in vain: + His neighbour's grounds still thrive while his decay. + + What does he do in this sad plight? + For once he acted right: + He to the god his fate bemoaned, + Asked pardon, and his folly owned. + Jove, like a tender master, fond to save, + His weakness pityed, and his fault forgave. + + +MORAL. + + He, who presumes the ways of heaven to scan, + Is not a wise, nor yet a happy man: + In this firm truth securely we may rest,-- + Whatever Providence ordains is best; + Had man the power, he'd work his own undoing; + To grant his will would be to cause his ruin. + + + + +FABLE XXIII. + +THE VAIN JACKDAW. + + +A CERTAIN Jackdaw was so proud and ambitious that, not contented +to live within his own sphere, he picked up the feathers which +fell from the Peacocks, stuck them among his own, and very +confidently introduced himself into an assembly of those +beautiful birds. They soon found him out, stripped him of his +borrowed plumes, and falling upon him with their sharp bills, +punished him as his presumption deserved. + +Upon this, full of grief and affliction, he returned to his old +companions, and would have flocked with them again; but they, +knowing his late life and conversation, industriously avoided +him, and refused to admit him into their company; and one of +them, at the same time, gave him this serious reproof: "If, +friend, you could have been contented with your station, and had +not disdained the rank in which nature had placed you, you had +not been used so scurvily by those amongst whom you introduced +yourself, nor suffered the notorious slight which we now think +ourselves obliged to put upon you." + + +MORAL. + +Great evils arise from vanity; for when we try to place ourselves +in a position for which we are not fit, we are liable to be +laughed at, and, when we would return to our former state, we +find we have lost the esteem of our former friends. + + + + +FABLE XXIV. + +THE VIPER AND THE FILE. + + +A VIPER, crawling into a smith's shop to seek for something to +eat, cast her eyes upon a File, and darting upon it in a moment, +"Now I have you," said she, "and so you may help yourself how you +can; but you may take my word for it that I shall make a fine +meal of you before I think of parting with you." "Silly wretch!" +said the File, as gruff as could be, "you had much better be +quiet, and let me alone; for, if you gnaw for ever, you will get +nothing but your trouble for your pains. Make a meal of me, +indeed! why, I myself can bite the hardest iron in the shop; and +if you go on with your foolish nibbling I shall tear all the +teeth out of your spiteful head before you know where you are." + + +MORAL. + +Take care that you never strive with those who are too strong for +you, nor do spiteful things, lest you suffer for it. + + + + +FABLE XXV. + +THE WOLF AND THE LAMB. + + +One hot, sultry day, a Wolf and a Lamb happened to come just at +the same time to quench their thirst in the stream of a clear, +silver brook, that ran tumbling down the side of a rocky +mountain. The Wolf stood upon the higher ground, and the Lamb at +some distance from him down the current. However, the Wolf, +having a mind to pick a quarrel with him, asked him what he meant +by disturbing the water, and making it so muddy that he could not +drink, and at the same time demanded satisfaction. The Lamb, +frightened at this threatening charge, told him, in a tone as +mild as possible, that, with humble submission, he could not +conceive how that could be, since the water which he drank ran +down from the Wolf to him, and therefore it could not be +disturbed so far up the stream. "Be that as it will," replies the +Wolf, "you are a rascal; and I have been told that you treated me +with ill-language behind my back about half a year ago." "Upon my +word," says the Lamb, "the time you mention was before I was +born." The Wolf finding it to no purpose to argue any longer +against truth, fell into a great passion, snarling and foaming at +the mouth, as if he had been mad; and, drawing nearer to the +Lamb, "Sirrah," said he, "if it was not you, it was your father, +and that's all one." So he seized the poor innocent, helpless +thing, tore it to pieces, and made a meal of it. + +[Illustration: THE WOLF AND THE LAMB.] + + +MORAL. + +Bad men, who wish to quarrel, will always find a pretence; if +they can find no true grounds, they will resort to those which +are false. + + + + +FABLE XXVI. + +THE OLD BULLFINCH AND YOUNG BIRDS. + + + It chanced, that, on a winter's day, + But warm and bright, and calm as May, + The birds, conceiving a design + To forestall sweet St. Valentine, + In many an orchard, copse, and grove, + Assembled on affairs of love; + And with much twitter and much chatter, + Began to agitate the matter. + + At length, a Bullfinch, who could boast + More years and wisdom than the most, + Entreated, opening wide his beak, + A moment's liberty to speak; + And, silence publicly enjoined, + Delivered briefly thus his mind: + + "My friends, be cautious how ye treat + The subject upon which we meet; + I fear we shall have winter yet." + + A Finch, whose tongue knew no control, + With golden wing, and satin poll, + A last year's bird, who ne'er had tried + What marriage means, thus pert replied: + + "Methinks, the gentleman," quoth she, + "Opposite, in the apple-tree, + By his good will, would keep us single, + 'Till yonder heaven and earth shall mingle; + Or (which is likelier to befall) + 'Till death exterminate us all. + I marry without more ado; + My dear Dick Redcap, what say you?" + + Dick heard; and tweedling, ogling, bridling, + Turning short round, strutting, and sidling, + Attested glad his approbation + Of an immediate conjugation. + Their sentiments so well express'd, + Influenced mightily the rest; + All pair'd, and each pair built a nest. + + But though the birds were thus in haste, + The leaves came on not quite so fast; + And destiny, that sometimes bears + An aspect stern on man's affairs, + Not altogether smil'd on theirs. + + The wind, that late breath'd gently forth, + Now shifted east, and east by north; + Bare trees and shrubs but ill, you know, + Could shelter them from rain or snow; + Stepping into their nests, they paddled, + Themselves were chill'd, their eggs were addled; + Soon every father bird, and mother, + Grew quarrelsome, and peck'd each other; + Parted without the least regret, + Except that they had ever met; + And learn'd in future to be wiser + Than to neglect a good adviser. + + +MORAL. + + Young folks, who think themselves so wise, + That old folks' counsel they despise, + Will find, when they too late repent, + Their folly prove their punishment. + + + + +FABLE XXVII. + +THE MOUSE AND THE WEASEL. + + +A LITTLE starveling rogue of a Mouse had, with much pushing +application, made his way through a small hole in a corn-basket, +where he stuffed and crammed so plentifully, that, when he would +have retired the way he came, he found himself too plump, with +all his endeavours, to accomplish it. A Weasel, who stood at some +distance, and had been diverting himself with beholding the vain +efforts of the little fat thing, called to him, and said, +"Harkee, honest friend; if you have a mind to make your escape, +there is but one way for it: contrive to grow as poor and lean as +you were when you entered, and then, perhaps, you may get off." + + +MORAL. + +If evil habits have got a man into difficulties, there is no +surer way to extricate himself than, by God's help, to cast those +habits off. + + + + +FABLE XXVIII. + +THE OLD HOUND. + + +An old Hound, who had been an excellent good one in his time, and +given his master great sport and satisfaction in many a chase, at +last, by the effect of years, became feeble and unserviceable. + +However, being in the field one day when the Stag was almost run +down, he happened to be the first that came in with him, and +seized him by one of his haunches; but his decayed and broken +teeth not being able to keep their hold, the deer escaped and +threw him quite out. Upon which his master, being in a great +passion, and going to strike him, the honest old creature is said +to have barked out this apology. "Ah! do not strike your poor old +servant; it is not my heart and inclination, but my strength and +speed that fail me. If what I now am displeases you, pray don't +forget what I have been." + +MORAL. + +Past services should never be forgotten. + + + + +FABLE XXIX. + +THE CHARGER AND THE ASS + + +The Horse, adorned with his great war-saddle, and champing his +foaming bridle, came thundering along the way, and made the +mountains echo with his loud, shrill neighing. He had not gone +far before he overtook an Ass, who was labouring under a heavy +burthen, and moving slowly on in the same track with himself. +Immediately he called out to him, in a haughty, imperious tone, +and threatened to trample him in the dirt, if he did not make way +for him. The poor, patient Ass, not daring to dispute the matter, +quietly got out of his way as fast as he could, and let him go +by. Not long after this, the same Horse, in an engagement with +the enemy, happened to be shot in the eye, which made him unfit +for show or any military business; so he was stript of his fine +ornaments, and sold to a carrier. The Ass, meeting him in this +forlorn condition, thought that now it was his time to speak; and +so, says he, "Heyday, friend, is it you? Well, I always believed +that pride of yours would one day have a fall." + + +MORAL. + +Pride and haughtiness are foreign to really great men. Those who +show it, when in their high estate, if the wheel of fortune +should change, instead of friendship or pity, will meet with +nothing but contempt. + +[Illustration: THE CHARGER AND THE ASS.] + + + + +FABLE XXX. + +THE COLT AND THE FARMER. + + + A COLT, for blood and mettled speed, + The choicest of the running breed, + Of youthful strength and beauty vain, + Refused subjection to the rein. + + In vain the groom's officious skill + Opposed his pride, and checked his will; + In vain the master's forming care + Restrained with threats, or soothed with prayer: + Of freedom proud, and scorning man, + Wild o'er the spacious plain he ran. + + Where'er luxuriant Nature spread + Her flowery carpet o'er the mead, + Or bubbling stream's soft gliding pass + To cool and freshen up the grass, + Disdaining bounds, he cropped the blade, + And wantoned in the spoil he made. + + In plenty thus the summer passed; + Revolving winter came at last: + The trees no more a shelter yield; + The verdure withers from the field: + Perpetual snows invest the ground; + In icy chains the streams are bound: + Cold, nipping winds, and rattling hail, + His lank, unsheltered sides assail. + + As round he cast his rueful eyes, + He saw the thatched-roof cottage rise: + The prospect touched his heart with cheer, + And promised kind deliverance near. + A stable, erst his scorn and hate, + Was now become his wished retreat; + His passion cool, his pride forgot, + A Farmer's welcome yard he sought. + + The master saw his woful plight, + His limbs, that tottered with his weight, + And, friendly, to the stable led, + And saw him littered, dressed, and fed. + In slothful ease all night he lay; + The servants rose at break of day; + The market calls. Along the road + His back must bear the pond'rous load; + + In vain he struggles or complains, + Incessant blows reward his pains. + To-morrow varies but his toil: + Chained to the plough, he breaks the soil; + While scanty meals at night repay + The painful labours of the day. + + Subdued by toil, with anguish rent, + His self-upbraidings found a vent. + "Wretch that I am!" he sighing said, + "By arrogance and folly led; + Had but my restive youth been brought + To learn the lesson nature taught, + Then had I, like my sires of yore, + The prize from every courser bore. + Now, lasting servitude's my lot, + My birth contemned, my speed forgot; + Doomed am I, for my pride, to bear + A living death from year to year." + + +MORAL. + + He who disdains control, will only gain + A youth of pleasure for an age of pain. + + + + +FABLE XXXI. + +THE LARK AND HER YOUNG ONES. + + +A LARK, who had young ones in a field of corn almost ripe, was +under some fear lest the reapers should come to reap it before +her young brood was fledged and able to remove from that place. +She, therefore, upon flying abroad to look for food, left this +charge with them--to take notice what they heard talked of in her +absence, and tell her of it when she came back again. + +When she was gone, they heard the owner of the corn call to his +son: "Well," says he, "I think this corn is ripe enough. I would +have you go early to-morrow, and desire our friends and +neighbours to come and help us to reap it." When the old Lark +came home, the young ones fell a quivering and chirping round +her, and told her what had happened, begging her to remove them +as fast as she could. The mother bid them be easy: "For," said +she, "if the owner depends on his friends and neighbours, I am +pretty sure the corn will not be reaped to-morrow." + +Next day, she went out again, leaving the same orders as before. +The owner came, and staid, expecting his friends; but the sun +grew hot, and nothing was done, for not a soul came to help them. +Then says he to his son, "I perceive these friends of ours are +not to be depended upon; so you must go to your uncles and +cousins, and tell them I desire they would be here betimes +to-morrow morning, to help us to reap." Well, this the young +ones, in a great fright, reported also to their mother. "If that +be all," says she, "do not be frightened, dear children; for +kindred and relations are not so very forward to serve one +another; but take particular notice what you hear said next time, +and be sure you let me know it." + +She went abroad next day, as usual; and the owner, finding his +relations as slack as the rest of his neighbours, said to his +son, "Harkee, George; get a couple of good sickles ready against +to-morrow morning, and we will even reap the corn ourselves." +When the young ones told their mother this, "Then," said she, "we +must be gone indeed; for, when a man undertakes to do his +business himself, it is not so likely he will be disappointed." +So she removed her young ones at once, and the corn was reaped +next day by the good man and his son. + + +MORAL. + +Never depend on the assistance of others. No business is so sure +to be done as that which a man sets about doing himself. + + + + +FABLE XXXII. + +THE FOX AND THE CROW. + + +A CROW, having taken a piece of cheese out of a cottage window, +flew up with it into a high tree in order to eat it; which the +Fox observing, came and sat underneath, and began to compliment +the Crow upon the subject of her beauty. "I protest," says he, "I +never observed it before, but your feathers are of a more +delicate white than any that ever I saw in my life! Ah! what a +fine shape and graceful turn of body is there! And I make no +question but you have a tolerable voice. If it is but as fine as +your complexion, I do not know a bird that can pretend to stand +in competition with you." The Crow foolishly believed all that +the Fox said was true; but, thinking the Fox a little dubious as +to her vocal powers, and having a mind to set him right in that +matter, opened her mouth, and, in the same instant, let the +cheese drop out of her mouth. This being what the Fox wanted, he +caught it up in a moment, and trotted away, laughing to himself +at the easy credulity of the Crow. + + +MORAL. + +When anyone is flattered as possessing qualities he ought to feel +conscious he does not possess, let him beware lest the flatterers +wish either to deprive him of some solid good, or to make him +appear ridiculous in the eyes of others. + +[Illustration: THE FOX AND THE CROW] + + + + +FABLE XXXIII. + +THE PEACOCK'S COMPLAINT. + + +The Peacock presented a memorial to Juno, importing how hardly he +thought he was used, in not having so good a voice as the +Nightingale; how that bird was agreeable to every ear that heard +it, while he was laughed at for his ugly, screaming noise, if he +did but open his mouth. + +The goddess, concerned at the uneasiness of her favourite bird, +answered him very kindly to this purpose:--"If the Nightingale is +blest with a fine voice, you have the advantage in point of +beauty and size." "Ah!" says he, "but what avails my silent, +unmeaning beauty, when I am so far excelled in voice?" + +The goddess dismissed him, bidding him consider that the +properties of every creature were appointed by the decree of +Fate; to him beauty, to the Eagle strength, to the Nightingale a +voice of melody, to the Parrot the faculty of speech, and to the +Dove innocence; that each of these was contented with his own +peculiar quality; and, unless he wished to be miserable, he must +also learn to be equally satisfied. + + +MORAL. + + The man who to his lot's resigned + True happiness is sure to find; + While envy ne'er can mend the ill, + But makes us feel it keener still. + + + + +FABLE XXXIV. + +THE STAG IN THE OX-STALL. + + +A STAG, roused from his thick covert in the midst of the forest, and +driven hard by the hounds, made towards a farm-house, and, seeing +the door of an ox-stall open, entered therein, and hid himself under +a heap of straw. One of the oxen, turning his head about, asked him +what he meant by venturing himself in such a place, where he was +sure to meet his doom. "Ah!" said the Stag, "if you will but be so +good as to favour me with your concealment, I hope I shall do well +enough; I intend to make off again the first opportunity." + +Well, he stayed there till towards night; in came the ox-man with +a bundle of fodder, and never saw him. In short, all the servants +of the farm came and went, and not one of them suspected anything +of the matter. Nay, the bailiff himself came, according to form, +and looked in, but walked away, no wiser than the rest. Upon this +the Stag, ready to jump out of his skin for joy, began to return +thanks to the good-natured Oxen, protesting that they were the +most obliging people he had ever met with in his life. + +After he had done his compliments, one of them answered him, +gravely, "Indeed, we desire nothing more than to have it in our +power to contribute to your escape, but there is a certain person +you little think of who has a hundred eyes; if he should happen +to come, I would not give this straw for your life." + +In the meanwhile, home comes the master himself from a +neighbour's, where he had been invited to dinner; and, because he +had observed the cattle not look well of late, he went up to the +rack, and asked why they did not give them more fodder; then, +casting his eyes downward, "Heydey!" says he, "why so sparing of +your litter? pray scatter a little more here. And these +cobwebs--But I have spoken so often that, unless I do it +myself--" Thus, as he went on, prying into everything, he chanced +to look where the Stag's horns lay sticking out of the straw; +upon which he raised a hue and cry, called his people about him, +killed the Stag, and made a prize of him. + + +MORAL. + +For a work to be done thoroughly, it ought to be done by oneself; +the eye of a master is keener than that of a servant. + + + + +FABLE XXXV. + +THE WIND AND THE SUN. + + +A DISPUTE once arose betwixt the North Wind and the Sun about the +superiority of their power; and they agreed to try their strength +upon a traveller, which should be able to get off his cloak +first. + +The North Wind began, and blew a very cold blast, accompanied +with a sharp, driving shower. But this, and whatever else he +could do, instead of making the man quit his cloak, obliged him +to gird it about his body as close as possible. + +Next came the Sun, who, breaking out from the thick, watery +cloud, drove away the cold vapours from the sky, and darted his +warm, sultry beams upon the head of the poor weather-beaten +traveller. The man, growing faint with the heat, and unable to +endure it any longer, first throws off his heavy cloak, and then +flies for protection to the shade of a neighbouring grove. + + +MORAL. + +Soft and gentle means will often accomplish what force and fury +can never effect. + + + + +FABLE XXXVI. + +THE TRAVELLERS AND THE BEAR. + + +Two men, being about to travel through a forest together, +mutually promised to stand by each other in any danger they +should meet on the way. They had not gone far when a Bear came +rushing towards them out of a thicket; upon which, one, being a +light, nimble fellow, got up into a tree. The other, falling flat +upon his face, and holding his breath, lay still, while the Bear +came up and smelled at him; but that creature, supposing him to +be a dead carcass, went back to the wood without doing him the +least harm. When all was over, the man who had climbed the tree +came down to his companion, and, with a pleasant smile, asked +what the Bear had said to him; "For," says he, "I took notice +that he clapped his mouth very close to your ear." "Why," replied +the other, "he charged me to take care, for the future, not to +put any confidence in such cowardly rascals as you are." + + +MORAL. + +Nothing is more common than to hear people profess friendship +when there is no occasion for it; but he is a true friend who is +ready to assist us in the time of danger and difficulty. Choose, +therefore, friends whom you can depend on for such a time, and +greatly value them. + + + + +FABLE XXXVII. + +THE DOG AND THE SHADOW. + + +A DOG, crossing a small rivulet, with a piece of flesh in his +mouth, which he had stolen from a butcher's shop, saw his own +shadow represented in the clear mirror of the limpid stream; and, +believing it to be another dog who was carrying another piece of +flesh, he could not forbear catching at it, but was so far from +getting anything by his greedy design, that he dropped the piece +he had in his mouth, which immediately sank to the bottom, and +was irrecoverably lost. + + +MORAL. + +It is the just punishment of greediness to lose the substance by +grasping at the shadow; while the man who would take what does +not belong to him deserves to lose what he has. + +[Illustration: THE DOG AND THE SHADOW.] + + + + +FABLE XXXVIII. + +THE HERMIT AND THE BEAR. + + + ONCE on a time, a mountain Bear + Lived in a forest drear, with no Bears near him; + Fat, fierce, and sulky. + Nor man nor other beast approached his lair; + His neighbours all despise, or hate, or fear him. + 'Tis good to talk--to hold one's tongue-- + Though either in excess be wrong: + Our hermit bulky, + So shaggy, sullen, taciturn, and rude, + Bear as he was, grew sick of solitude. + + At the same time, by chance, retired + Far from the world, a man advanced in age, + But stout and healthy. + Not with devotion's flame his heart was fired; + Not prayer and fasting occupied the sage; + Though on mankind he shut his door, + No vows of poverty he swore: + The wight was wealthy. + But by some treacherous friend, or fair, betrayed, + He lived with plants, and communed with his spade. + + High priest of Flora you might call him; + Nor less was he the favourite of Pomona. + But one day, walking, + He found it dull; and should some ill befall him, + In his sweet paradise, he felt alone,--Ah! + For neither rose, nor pink, nor vine, + Except in such a lay as mine, + Are given to talking. + His head old Time had now long years heaped many on; + So he resolved to look for some companion. + + On this important expedition-- + But fearing his researches would be vain-- + The sage departed: + Revolving deeply his forlorn condition, + He slowly mused along a narrow lane; + When on a sudden--unawares-- + A nose met his:--it was the Bear's! + With fright he started. + Fear is a common feeling: he that wise is, + Although his fright be great, his fear disguises. + + Prudence suggested--"Stand your ground; + 'Tis hard to turn, and harder still to dash on." + Prudence prevails. + 'Twixt kindred minds a sympathy is found + Which lights up oft at sight a tender passion. + + Where sexes are of different kind; + And oft 'twill ties of friendship bind + Between two males: + These magic signs our hermits, at a glance, see: + Each found he strongly pleased the other's fancy. + + Bruin at compliments was awkward, + But was not long his sentiments in telling-- + "Old man, I like you!" + The man replied, "Fair sir, you need not walk hard, + In half an hour you'll reach my humble dwelling. + I've milk, and various sorts of fruit, + If any should your palate suit, + Take what may strike you; + On me it will confer the highest pleasure + To spread before you all my garden's treasure." + + On jogged the human Hermit with the Bear, + Like smoking Germans, few words interlarding; + Though little said, + Finding their tempers suited to a hair, + They grew firm friends before they reached the garden. + Each took his task, their moods the same, + One dug, the other hunted game, + And often sped; + And Bruin, o'er his friend a strict watch keeping, + Chased off the flies that haunted him when sleeping. + + One afternoon, as in the sun + The weary Hermit took his usual nap, + And at his post + The faithful Bear his daily work begun, + Giving full many a brush and gentle slap, + With a light whisp of herbs sweet-scented, + And thus the teasing flies prevented, + That buzzing host, + From fixing on his sleeping patron's visage, + Sunk in the deep repose so fit for his age. + + One blue-bottle his care defied; + No place could please him but the old man's nose, + Quite unabashed. + The Bear, provoked, no means would leave untried; + At last, a vigorous, certain mode, he chose: + Extending wide his heavy paw, + And thrusting hard each crooked claw, + The fly was smashed: + But his poor patron's face, so roughly patted, + All streamed with blood, and smooth his nose was flatted. + + The Bear sneaked off to humble distance, + Seeing the damage he had done his friend; + Who raged with smart. + But calling in philosophy's assistance, + Anger, he thought, his wounds would never mend, + So coolly said, "Farewell, friend Bruin! + Since you have laid my face in ruin, + 'Tis time to part." + + +MORAL. + + All those must such mishaps expect to share, + Who, for a friend, think fit to take a Bear. + + + + +FABLE XXXIX. + +THE SHEPHERD'S BOY AND THE WOLF. + + +A CERTAIN Shepherd's Boy, who kept sheep upon a common, in sport +and wantonness would often cry out, "The Wolf! the Wolf!" By this +means, he several times drew the husbandmen in an adjoining field +from their work; who, finding themselves deluded, resolved for +the future to take no notice of his alarm. Soon after the Wolf +came indeed. The boy cried out in earnest; but no heed being +given to his cries, the sheep were devoured by the Wolf. + + +MORAL. + +The notorious liar, besides the sin of the thing, will not be +believed when, by chance, he tells the truth. + + + + +FABLE XL. + +THE FAWN AND HER MOTHER. + + +A HIND was one day stamping with her foot, and bellowing so +loudly that the whole herd quaked for fear, when one of her +little Fawns, coming up to her, said, "Mother, what is the reason +that you, who are so strong and bold at all other times, if you +do but hear the cry of the hounds, are so afraid of them?" "What +you say is true," replied the Hind; "though I know not how to +account for it. I am, indeed, vigorous and strong enough, and +often resolve that nothing shall ever dismay my courage; but, +alas! I no sooner hear the voice of a hound than all my spirits +fail me, and I cannot help making off as fast as my legs can +carry me." + + +MORAL. + +When we have done all, Nature will remain what she was. There is +no arguing a coward into courage. + +[Illustration: THE FAWN AND HER MOTHER.] + + + + +FABLE XLI. + +THE TORTOISE AND THE EAGLE. + + +The Tortoise, weary of his condition, by which he was confined to +creep upon the ground, and being ambitious to have a prospect, +and look about him, gave out that, if any bird would take him up +into the air, and show him the world, he would reward him with +the discovery of many precious stones, which he knew were hidden +in a certain part of the earth. + +The Eagle undertook to do as he desired, and, when he had +performed his commission, demanded the reward. But, finding the +Tortoise could not make good his words, he stuck his talons into +the softer parts of his body, and made him a sacrifice to his +revenge. + + +MORAL. + +He that, to secure an advantage, deceives his friend by an +untruth, will surely suffer for it when he is detected. + + + + +FABLE XLII. + +THE BROTHER AND SISTER. + + +A CERTAIN Man had two children, a Son and a Daughter--the Boy +handsome enough, the Girl not quite so comely. They were both +very young, and happened one day to be playing near the +looking-glass, which stood on their mother's toilet. The Boy, +pleased with the novelty of the thing, viewed himself for some +time, and in a wanton, roguish manner observed to the Girl how +handsome he was. She resented the insult, and ran immediately to +her father, and, with a great deal of aggravation, complained of +her brother, particularly for having acted so effeminate a part +as to look in a glass, and meddle with things which belong to +women only. The father, embracing them both with much tenderness +and affection, told them that he should like to have them both +look in the glass every day; "To the intent that you," says he to +the Boy, "if you think that face of yours handsome, may not +disgrace and spoil it by an ugly temper and a bad behaviour; and +that you," added he, addressing the Girl, "may make up for the +defects of your person by the sweetness of your manners and the +excellence of your understanding." + + +MORAL. + +A well-informed mind is better than a handsome person. + + + + +FABLE XLIII. + +THE SHEPHERD'S DOG AND THE WOLF. + + + A WOLF, with hunger fierce and bold, + Ravaged the plains, and thinned the fold; + Deep in the wood secure he lay, + The thefts of night regaled the day. + In vain the shepherd's wakeful care + Had spread the toils, and watched the snare; + In vain the Dog pursued his pace, + The fleeter robber mocked the chase. + + As Lightfoot ranged the forest round, + By chance his foe's retreat he found: + "Let us awhile the war suspend, + And reason as from friend to friend." + "A truce!" replies the Wolf. 'Tis done. + The Dog the parley thus begun:-- + + "How can that strong, intrepid mind + Attack a weak, defenceless kind? + Those jaws should prey on nobler food, + And drink the boar's and lion's blood; + Great souls with generous pity melt, + Which coward tyrants never felt. + How harmless is our fleecy care! + Be brave, and let thy mercy spare." + + "Friend," says the Wolf, "the matter weigh: + Nature designed us beasts of prey; + As such, when hunger finds a treat, + 'Tis necessary Wolves should eat. + If, mindful of the bleating weal, + Thy bosom burn with real zeal, + Hence, and thy tyrant lord beseech; + To him repeat the moving speech. + A Wolf eats sheep but now and then; + Ten thousands are devoured by men." + + +MORAL. + + An open foe may prove a curse, + But a pretended friend is worse. + + + + +FABLE XLIV. + +THE COVETOUS MAN. + + +A POOR covetous wretch, who had scraped together a good parcel of +money, went and dug a hole in one of his fields and hid it. The +great pleasure of his life was to go and look upon this treasure +once a day at least; which one of his servants observing, and +guessing there was something more than ordinary in the place, +came at night, found it, and carried it off. The next day, +returning as usual to the scene of his delight, and perceiving it +had been stolen away from him, he tore his hair for grief, and +uttered the doleful complaints of his despair to the woods and +meadows. At last, a neighbour of his, who knew his temper, +overhearing him, and being informed of the occasion of his +sorrow, "Cheer up, man!" says he, "thou has lost nothing; there +is the hole for thee to go and peep at still; and if thou canst +but fancy thy money there, it will do just as well." + + +MORAL. + +Money, well used, has its full value; but when allowed to lie +useless to others or to one's self, it possesses no more value +than a heap of oyster shells. Avarice is, therefore, a silly as +well as a sinful vice. Use your wealth in doing good, and its +highest value will be attained. + + + + +FABLE XLV. + +THE HARE AND THE TORTOISE. + + +A HARE twitted a Tortoise on account of his slowness, and vainly +boasted of her own great speed in running. "Let us make a match," +replied the Tortoise: "I'll run with you five miles for five +pounds, and the Fox yonder shall be the umpire of the race." The +Hare agreed, and away they both started together. But the Hare, +by reason of her exceeding swiftness, outran the Tortoise to such +a degree that she made a jest of the matter, and, finding herself +a little tired, squatted in a tuft of fern that grew by the way, +and took a nap, thinking that, if the Tortoise went by, she could +at any time catch him up with all the ease imaginable. In the +meanwhile the Tortoise came jogging on, with a slow but continued +motion; and the Hare, out of a too great security and confidence +of victory, oversleeping herself, the Tortoise arrived at the end +of the race first. + + +MORAL. + +Industry and application will, in most cases, do more than quick +and ready wit. The highest genius, without industry, will +generally fail of any great exploit. + +[Illustration: THE HARE AND THE TORTOISE.] + + + + +FABLE XLVI. + +THE HOG AND THE ACORNS. + + + ONE moonshiny night, + With a great appetite, + A Hog feasted on Acorns with all his might: + Quite pleased with his prize + Both in taste and in size, + While he ate he devoured the rest with his eyes. + + You know, I'm in joke, + When I say that the oak, + Moved a _bough_ to the grunter before she spoke; + But you know, too, in fable, + We feel ourselves able + To make anything speak--tree, flower, or table. + + Said the Oak, looking big, + "I think, Mr. Pig, + You might thank me for sending you fruit from my twig; + But, you ill-behaved Hog! + You devour the prog, + And have no better manners, I think, than a dog." + + He replied, looking up, + Though not ceasing to sup, + Till the Acorns were eaten--ay, every cup-- + "I acknowledge, to you + My thanks would be due, + If from feelings of kindness my supper you threw. + + "To-morrow, good dame, + Give my children the same, + And then you, with justice, may gratitude claim." + + +MORAL. + + He merits no praise + To the end of his days, + Who to those who surround him no service conveys. + + + + +FABLE XLVII. + +THE COUNTRY MOUSE AND THE CITY MOUSE. + + +An honest, plain, sensible country Mouse is said to have +entertained at his hole one day a fine Mouse of the town. Having +formerly been playfellows together, they were old acquaintances, +which served as an apology for the visit. However, as master of +the house, he thought himself obliged to do the honours of it, in +all respects, and to make as great a stranger of his guest as he +possibly could. In order to this, he set before him a reserve of +delicate grey pease and bacon, a dish of fine oatmeal, some +parings of new cheese, and, to crown all with a dessert, a +remnant of a charming mellow apple. + +In good manners, he forebore to eat any of it himself, lest the +stranger should not have enough; but, that he might seem to bear +the other company, sat and nibbled a piece of wheaten straw very +busily. At last, says the spark of the town, "Old croney, give me +leave to be a little free with you. How can you bear to live in +this nasty, dirty, melancholy hole here, with nothing but woods +and meadows, mountains and rivulets about you? Do you not prefer +the busy world to the chirping of birds, and the splendour of a +court to the rude aspect of an uncultivated desert? Come, take my +word for it, you will find it a change for the better. Stand not +considering, but away this moment. Remember, we are not immortal, +and therefore have no time to lose. Make sure of to-day, and +spend it as agreeably as you can; you know not what may happen +to-morrow." + +In short, these and such like arguments prevailed, and his country +friend was resolved to go to town that night. So they both set out +upon their journey, proposing to sneak in after the close of the +evening. They did so, and about midnight made their entry into a +certain great house, where there had been an extraordinary +entertainment the day before, and several tit-bits, which some of +the servants had purloined, were hid under a seat of a window. The +country guest was immediately placed in the midst of a rich Persian +carpet; and now it was the courtier's turn to entertain, who, +indeed, acquitted himself in that capacity with the utmost readiness +and address, changing the courses as elegantly, and tasting +everything first as judiciously, as any clerk of the kitchen. The +other sat and enjoyed himself like a delighted epicure, tickled to +the last degree with this new turn of his affairs; when, on a +sudden, a noise of somebody opening the door made them start from +their seats and scuttle in confusion about the dining-room. Our +country friend, in particular, was ready to die with fear at the +barking of a huge Mastiff or two, which opened their throats just +about the same time, and made the whole house echo. + +At last, recovering himself, "Well," says he, "if this be your +town life, much good may you do with it; give me my poor, quiet +hole again, with my homely but comfortable grey pease." + + +MORAL. + +Poverty and safety are preferable to luxury and danger. + + + + +FABLE XLVIII. + +THE CAT AND THE MICE. + + +A CERTAIN house was much infested with Mice; but at last they got +a Cat, who caught and ate every day some of them. The Mice, +finding their numbers grow thin, consulted what was best to be +done for the preservation of the public from the jaws of the +devouring Cat. They debated and came to this resolution, that no +one should go down below the upper shelf. + +The Cat, observing the Mice no longer came down as usual, hungry and +disappointed of her prey, had recourse to this stratagem:--She hung +by her hind legs on a peg which stuck in the wall, and made as if +she had been dead, hoping by this lure to entice the Mice to come +down. She had not been in this posture long before a cunning old +Mouse peeped over the edge of the shelf, and spoke thus:--"Ha! ha! +my good friend, are you there? There you may be! I would not trust +myself with you, though your skin were stuffed with straw." + + +MORAL. + +They that are wise will never trust those a second time who have +deceived them once. + + + + +FABLE XLIX. + +THE KID AND THE WOLF. + + +A KID, being mounted upon the roof of a lofty shed, and seeing a +Wolf below, loaded him with all manner of reproaches. Upon which, +the Wolf, looking up, replied, "Do not vaunt yourself, vain +creature, and think you mortify me; for I look upon this ill +language as not coming from you, but from the place that protects +you." + + +MORAL. + +To rail or give bad language is wrong at all times; but when a +man is protected by circumstances, it is cowardly, as well as +wrong. The man who then uses it becomes a fit object of contempt +to him that he reviles. + +[Illustration: THE KID AND THE WOLF.] + + + + +FABLE L. + +THE COUNCIL OF HORSES. + + + UPON a time, a neighing Steed, + Who grazed among a numerous breed, + With mutiny had fired the train, + And spread dissension through the plain. + + On matters that concerned the state + The council met in grand debate. + A Colt, whose eye-balls flamed with ire, + Elate with strength and youthful fire, + In haste stepped forth before the rest, + And thus the listening throng addressed:-- + + "Good gods! how abject is our race! + Condemned to slavery and disgrace! + Shall we our servitude retain, + Because our sires have borne the chain? + Consider, friends, your strength and might; + 'Tis conquest to assert your right. + How cumberous is the gilded coach! + The pride of man is our reproach. + Were we designed for daily toil, + To drag the ploughshare through the soil; + To sweat in harness through the road; + To groan beneath the carrier's load? + How feeble are the two-legged kind! + What force is in our nerves combined! + Shall, then, our nobler jaws submit + To foam and champ the galling bit? + Shall haughty men my back bestride? + Shall the sharp spur provoke my side? + Forbid it, heavens! reject the rein, + Your shame, your infamy disdain. + Let him the Lion first control, + And still the Tiger's famished growl! + Let us, like them, our freedom claim; + And make him tremble at our name." + + A general nod approved the cause, + And all the circle neighed applause; + When, lo! with grave and solemn pace, + A Steed advanced before the race, + With age and long experience wise; + Around he casts his thoughtful eyes, + And, to the murmurs of the train, + Thus spoke the Nestor of the plain:-- + + "When I had health and strength, like you, + The toils of servitude I knew. + Now, grateful man rewards my pains, + And gives me all these wide domains. + At will I crop the year's increase; + My latter life is rest and peace. + I grant, to man we lend our pains, + And aid him to correct the plains. + But doth not he divide the care, + Through all the labours of the year? + How many thousand structures rise, + To fence us from inclement skies! + For us he bears the sultry day, + And stores up all our winter's hay. + He sows, he reaps the harvest gain; + We share the toil, and share the grain." + + The tumult ceased. The Colt submitted; + And, like his ancestors, was bitted. + + +MORAL. + + Since every creature is decreed + To aid each other's mutual need; + Submit with a contented mind + To act the part by heaven assigned. + + + + +FABLE LI. + +THE ASS AND THE LITTLE DOG. + + +The Ass, observing how great a favourite a little Dog was with +his master, how much caressed, and fondled, and fed with good +bits at every meal, and for no other reason, as he could +perceive, but skipping and frisking about, wagging his tail, and +leaping up in his master's lap, was resolved to imitate the same, +and see whether such behaviour would not procure him the same +favours. Accordingly, the master was no sooner come home from +walking about his fields and gardens, and was seated in his easy +chair, than the Ass, who observed him, came gamboling and braying +towards him, in a very awkward manner. The master could not help +laughing aloud at the odd sight. But the jest soon became +earnest, when he felt the rough salute of the fore-feet, as the +Ass, raising himself upon his hinder legs, pawed against his +breast with a most loving air, and would fain have jumped into +his lap. The good man, terrified at this outrageous conduct, and +unable to endure the weight of so heavy a beast, cried out; upon +which one of his servants, running in with a good stick, and +laying heartily upon the bones of the poor Ass, soon convinced +him that everyone who desires it is not qualified to be a +favourite. + + +MORAL. + +All men have not the same gifts of pleasing. It will be well, +therefore, to keep in our own place; and, in that condition of +life, to do our duty. By which we shall be most likely to give +satisfaction. + + + + +FABLE LII. + +THE LION AND THE FOUR BULLS. + + +Four Bulls, which had entered into a very strict friendship, kept +always near one another, and fed together. The Lion often saw +them, and as often wished to make one of them his prey; but +though he could easily have subdued any of them singly, yet he +was afraid to attack the whole when together, knowing they would +have been too hard for him; and, therefore, contented himself for +the present with keeping at a distance. At last, perceiving no +attempt was to be made upon them as long as their combination +lasted, he took occasion, by whispers and hints, to foment +jealousies and raise divisions among them. + +This stratagem succeeded so well, that the Bulls grew cold and +reserved towards one another, which soon after ripened into a +downright hatred and aversion, and, at last, ended in a total +separation. The Lion had now obtained his ends; and, as +impossible as it was for him to hurt them while they were united, +he found no difficulty, now they were parted, to seize and devour +every Bull of them, one after another. + + +MORAL. + +Union is strength. Jealousy and envy, especially when fomented by +whisperers, will destroy gradually the ties that make us safe +against enemies. + + + + +FABLE LIII. + +THE LEOPARD AND THE FOX. + + +The Leopard one day took it into his head to value himself upon +the great variety and beauty of his spots; and, truly, he saw no +reason why even the lion should take place of him, since he could +not show so beautiful a skin. As for the rest of the wild beasts +of the forests, he treated them all, without distinction, in the +most haughty and disdainful manner. But the Fox, being among +them, went up to him with a great deal of spirit and resolution, +and told him that he was mistaken in the value he was pleased to +set upon himself, since people of judgment were not used to form +their opinion of merit from an outside appearance, but by +considering the good qualities and endowments with which the mind +was stored within. + + +MORAL. + +Haughty beauty is an ungraceful thing. True beauty is always +found in a setting of modesty, and then only appears the bright +jewel that it is. + +[Illustration: THE LEOPARD AND THE FOX.] + + + + +FABLE LIV. + +THE WARRIOR WOLF. + + + A YOUNG Wolf said aloud + To the listening crowd, + "I may well of my father's great courage be proud; + Wherever he came, + Flock, shepherd, or dame, + All trembled and fled at the sound of his name. + Did anyone spy + My papa coming by-- + Two hundred or more--Oh! he made them all fly! + One day, by a blow, + He was conquered, I know; + But no wonder at last he should yield to a foe: + He yielded, poor fellow! + The conquering bellow + Resounds in my ears as my poor father's knell--Oh!" + A Fox then replied, + While, leering aside, + He laughed at his folly and vapouring pride: + "My chattering youth, + Your nonsense, forsooth, + Is more like a funeral sermon than truth. + Let history tell + How your old father fell; + And see if the narrative sounds as well. + Your folly surpasses, + Of monkeys all classes; + The beasts which he frightened, or conquered, were asses, + Except a few sheep, + When the shepherd, asleep, + The dog by his side for safety did keep. + Your father fell back, + Knocked down by a whack + From the very first bull that he dared to attack. + Away he'd have scoured, + But soon overpowered, + He lived like a thief, and he died like a coward." + + + + +FABLE LV. + +THE BELLY AND THE MEMBERS. + + +In former days, when the Belly and the other parts of the body +enjoyed the faculty of speech, and had separate views and designs +of their own; each part, it seems, in particular, for himself, +and in the name of the whole, took exception at the conduct of +the Belly, and were resolved to grant him supplies no longer. + +They said they thought it very hard that he should lead an idle, +good-for-nothing life, spending and squandering away upon his own +vile appetites all the fruits of their labour; and that, in +short, they were resolved for the future to strike off his +allowance, and let him shift for himself as well as he could. + +The hands protested they would not lift a finger to keep him from +starving; and the mouth wished he might never speak again if he +took in the least bit of nourishment for him as long as he lived; +and the teeth said, "May we be rotten if ever we chew a morsel +for him for the future!" This solemn league and covenant was kept +so long, until each of the rebel members pined away to the skin +and bone, and could hold out no longer. Then they found there was +no doing without the Belly, and that, as idle and insignificant +as he seemed, he contributed as much to the maintenance and +welfare of all the other parts as they did to his. + + +MORAL. + +Men are dependent upon their fellow-creatures, and it is foolish +to expect we can do without the help of others. + + + + +FABLE LVI. + +THE CUR, THE HORSE, AND THE SHEPHERD'S DOG. + + + A VILLAGE Cur, of snappish race, + The pertest puppy in the place, + Imagined that his treble throat + Was blessed with music's sweetest note; + In the mid road he basking lay, + The yelping nuisance of the way; + For not a creature passed along, + But had a sample of his song. + + Soon as the trotting steed he hears, + He starts, he cocks his dapper ears; + Away he scours, assaults his hoof; + Now near him snarls, now barks aloof; + With shrill impertinence attends; + Nor leaves him till the village ends. + + It chanced, upon his evil day, + A Pad came pacing down the way; + The Cur, with never-ceasing tongue, + Upon the passing traveller sprung. + The Horse, from scorn provoked to ire, + Flung backward; rolling in the mire, + The Puppy howled, and bleeding lay; + The Pad in peace pursued his way. + + A Shepherd's Dog, who saw the deed, + Detesting the vexatious breed, + Bespoke him thus: "When coxcombs prate, + They kindle wrath, contempt, or hate; + Thy teasing tongue, had judgment tied, + Thou hadst not like a Puppy died." + + +MORAL. + + Too late the forward youth will find + That jokes are sometimes paid in kind; + Or, if they canker in the breast, + He makes a foe who makes a jest. + + + + +FABLE LVII. + +THE JACKDAW AND THE EAGLE. + + +An Eagle flew down from the top of a high rock, and settled upon +the back of a lamb, and then, instantly flying up into the air +again, bore his bleating prize aloft in his talons. A Jackdaw, +who sat upon an elm, and beheld his exploit, resolved to imitate +it. So, flying upon the back of a ram, and entangling his claws +in the wool, he fell a-chattering and attempting to fly; by which +means he drew the observation of the shepherd upon him, who, +finding his feet hampered in the fleece of the ram, easily took +him, and gave him to his boys for their sport and diversion, +saying, "The silly bird thought he was an Eagle; but, no doubt, +by this time he has found out he is but a Jackdaw." + + +MORAL. + +A false estimate of our own abilities ever exposes us to +ridicule, and often to danger. + +[Illustration: THE JACKDAW AND THE EAGLE.] + + + + +FABLE LVIII. + +THE ASS AND THE LION HUNTING. + + +The Lion took a fancy to hunt in company with the Ass; and, to +make him the more useful, gave him instructions to hide himself +in a thicket, and then to bray in the most frightful manner that +he could possibly contrive. "By this means," says he, "you will +rouse all the beasts within hearing of you, while I stand at the +outlets and take them as they are making off." This was done; and +the stratagem took effect accordingly. The Ass brayed most +hideously, and the timorous beasts, not knowing what to make of +it, began to scour off as fast as they could; when the Lion, who +was posted at a convenient place, seized and devoured them as he +pleased. + +Having got his belly full, he called out to the Ass, and bid him +leave off braying, as he had had enough. Upon this the lop-eared +brute came out of his ambush, and, approaching the Lion, asked +him, with an air of conceit, "how he liked his performance." +"Prodigiously," says he; "you did it so well, that I protest, had +I not known your nature and temper, I might have been frightened +myself." + + +MORAL. + +Boastful cowards may impose upon those who do not know them, but +are held to be only ridiculous by those who do. Pompous persons +who would wish themselves thought perfect Lions, when known are +mostly found arrant Asses. + + + + +FABLE LIX. + +THE WOLF IN SHEEP'S CLOTHING. + + +A WOLF clothing himself in the skin of a Sheep, and getting in +among the flock, by this means took the opportunity to devour +many of them. At last, the Shepherd discovered him, and cunningly +fastened a rope about his neck, tying him up to a tree which +stood hard by. + +Some other Shepherds happening to pass that way, and observing +what he was about, drew near, and expressed their wonder at it. +"What," says one of them, "Brother, do you hang Sheep?" "No," +replies the other; "I hang a Wolf whenever I catch him, though in +the habit and garb of Sheep." Then he showed them their mistake, +and they applauded the justice of the execution. + + +MORAL. + +Those who try to seem what they are not will not always thereby +escape the punishment of what they are. + + + + +FABLE LX. + +THE TWO BEES. + + +On a fine morning in May, two Bees set forward in quest of honey; +the one, wise and temperate; the other, careless and extravagant. +They soon arrived at a garden enriched with aromatic herbs, the +most fragrant flowers, and the most delicious fruits. They +regaled themselves for a time on the various dainties that were +set before them: the one loading his thigh at intervals with +provisions for the hive against the distant winter, the other +revelling in sweets, without regard to anything but his present +gratification. + +At length, they found a wide-mouthed vial, that hung beneath the +bough of a peach-tree, filled with honey ready tempered, and +exposed to their taste in the most alluring manner. The +thoughtless Epicure, spite of all his friend's remonstrances, +plunged headlong into the vessel, resolving to indulge himself in +all the pleasures of sensuality. The Philosopher, on the other +hand, sipped a little with caution, but, being suspicious of +danger, flew off to fruits and flowers; where, by the moderation +of his meals, he improved his relish for the true enjoyment of +them. + +In the evening, however, he called upon his friend, to inquire +whether he would return to the hive, but found him surfeited in +sweets, which he was as unable to leave as to enjoy. Clogged in +his wings, enfeebled in his feet, and his whole frame totally +enervated, he was but just able to bid his friend adieu, and to +lament, with his latest breath, that though a taste of pleasure +may quicken the relish of life, an unrestrained indulgence is +inevitable destruction. + + +MORAL. + +Moderation rewards and intemperance punishes itself. + + + + +FABLE LXI. + +THE TURKEY AND THE ANT. + + + A TURKEY, tired of common food, + Forsook the barn, and sought the wood; + Behind her ran her infant train, + Collecting here and there a grain. + "Draw near, my birds," the mother cries, + "This hill delicious fare supplies; + Behold the busy negro race, + See millions blacken all the place. + Fear not: like me, with freedom eat; + An Ant is most delightful meat. + How blessed, how envied were our life, + Could we but 'scape the poulterer's knife! + But man, cursed man, on Turkeys preys, + And Christmas shortens all our days. + Sometimes with oysters we combine; + Sometimes assist the savoury chine: + From the low peasant to the lord, + The Turkey smokes on every board; + Sure, men for gluttony are cursed, + Of the seven deadly sins, the worst." + + An Ant, who climbed beyond her reach, + Thus answered from the neighbouring beech: + "Ere you remark another's sin, + Bid thy own conscience look within; + Control thy more voracious bill, + Nor, for a breakfast, nations kill." + + +MORAL. + + In other folks we faults can spy, + And blame the mote that dims their eye; + Each little speck and blemish find: + To our own stronger errors blind. + + + + +FABLE LXII. + +THE DOG AND THE WOLF. + + +A LEAN, hungry, half-starved Wolf happened, one moonshiny night, +to meet a jolly, plump, well-fed Mastiff; and after the first +compliments were passed, says the Wolf, "You look extremely well; +I protest, I think I never saw a more graceful, comely person; +but how comes it about, I beseech you, that you should live so +much better than I? I may say, without vanity, that I venture +fifty times more than you do, and yet I am almost ready to perish +with hunger." The Dog answered very bluntly, "Why, you may live +as well, if you do the same for it as I do." "Indeed! what is +that?" says he. "Why," says the Dog, "only to guard the house at +night, and keep it from thieves." "With all my heart," replies +the Wolf, "for at present I have but a sorry time of it; and I +think to change my hard lodging in the woods, where I endure +rain, frost, and snow, for a warm roof over my head and enough of +good victuals, will be no bad bargain." "True," says the Dog; +"therefore you have nothing to do but to follow me." + +[Illustration: THE HOUSE DOG AND THE WOLF.] + +Now, as they were jogging on together, the Wolf spied a crease +in the Dog's neck, and having a strange curiosity, could not +forbear asking him what it meant! "Pugh! nothing," says the Dog. +"Nay, but pray," says the Wolf. "Why," says the Dog, "if you must +know, I am tied up in the day-time, because I am a little fierce, +for fear I should bite people, and am only let loose at nights. +But this is done with a design to make me sleep by day, more than +anything else, and that I may watch the better in the night time; +for, as soon as ever the twilight appears, out I am turned, and +may go where I please. Then my master brings me plates of bones +from the table with his own hands; and whatever scraps are left +by any of the family, all fall to my share; for, you must know, I +am a favourite with everybody. So you see how you are to +live.--Come, come along; what is the matter with you?" "No," +replied the Wolf, "I beg your pardon; keep your happiness all to +yourself. Liberty is the word with me; and I would not be a king +upon the terms you mention." + + +MORAL. + +The lowest condition of life, with freedom, is happier than the +greatest without it. The bird of the air, though he roosts on a +bough, has more real joy than the well-fed captive in a gilded +cage. + + + + +FABLE LXIII. + +THE SATYR AND THE TRAVELLER. + + +A SATYR, as he was ranging the forest in an exceedingly cold, snowy +season, met with a Traveller half starved with the extremity of the +weather. He took compassion on him, and kindly invited him home to a +warm, comfortable cave he had in a hollow of a rock. As soon as they +had entered and sat down, notwithstanding there was a good fire in +the place, the chilled Traveller could not forbear blowing his +finger-ends. + +Upon the Satyr asking him why he did so, he answered that he did +it to warm his hands. The honest Sylvan having seen little of the +world, admired a man who was master of so valuable a quality as +that of blowing heat; and, therefore, was resolved to entertain +him in the best manner he could. He spread the table before him +with dried fruits of several sorts, and produced a remnant of +cold cordial wine, which, as the rigour of the season made very +proper, he mulled with some warm spices, over the fire, and +presented to his shivering guest. But this the Traveller thought +fit to blow likewise; and upon the Satyr's demanding the reason +why he blowed again, he replied, to cool the dish. + +This second answer provoked the Satyr's indignation, as much as +the first had kindled his surprise; so, taking the man by the +shoulder, he thrust him out, saying he would have nothing to do +with a wretch who had so vile a quality as to blow hot and cold +with the same mouth. + + +MORAL. + +Double dealing is always detestable. The man that blows hot and +cold at the same time is not worthy to be trusted; the sooner we +part from him the better. + + + + +FABLE LXIV. + +THE BARLEY-MOW AND THE DUNGHILL. + + + As 'CROSS his yard, at early day, + A careful farmer took his way, + He stopped, and leaning on his fork, + Observed the flail's incessant work. + In thought he measured all his store; + His geese, his hogs, he numbered o'er; + In fancy weighed the fleeces shorn, + And multiplied the next year's corn. + + A Barley-Mow, which stood beside, + Thus to its musing master cried: + + "Say, good sir, is it fit or right, + To treat me with neglect and slight? + Me, who contribute to your cheer, + And raise your mirth with ale and beer! + Why thus insulted, thus disgraced, + And that vile Dunghill near me placed? + Are those poor sweepings of a groom, + That filthy sight, that nauseous fume, + Meet objects here? Command it hence: + A thing so mean must give offence." + + The humble Dunghill thus replied: + "Thy master hears, and mocks thy pride. + Insult not thus the meek and low; + In me thy benefactor know: + My warm assistance gave thee birth, + Or thou hadst perished low in earth: + But upstarts, to support their station, + Cancel at once all obligation." + + + + +FABLE LXV. + +THE SHEEP-BITER AND SHEPHERD. + + +A CERTAIN Shepherd had a Dog, upon whose fidelity he relied very +much; for whenever he had occasion to be absent himself, he +committed the care and tuition of the flock to the charge of his +Dog; and, to encourage him to do his duty cheerfully, he fed him +constantly with sweet curds and whey, and sometimes threw him a +crust or two. Yet, notwithstanding this, no sooner was his back +turned, but the treacherous cur fell foul of the flock, and +devoured the sheep, instead of guarding and defending them. The +Shepherd being informed of this, was resolved to hang him; and +the Dog, when the rope was about his neck, and he was just going +to be hung, began to expostulate with his master, asking him, why +he was so unmercifully bent against him, who was his own servant +and creature, and had only committed two or three crimes, and why +he did not rather execute vengeance upon the Wolf, who was a +constant and declared enemy? "Nay," replies the Shepherd, "it is +for that very reason that I think you ten times more deserving of +death than he. From him I expected nothing but hostilities; and +therefore could guard against him. You I depended upon as a just +and faithful servant, and fed and encouraged you accordingly; and +therefore your treachery is the more notorious, and your +ingratitude the more unpardonable." + + +MORAL. + +A known enemy is better than a treacherous friend. + + + + +FABLE LXVI. + +THE STAG AT THE POOL. + + +A STAG that had been drinking at a clear spring, saw himself in +the water; and, pleased with the sight, stood long contemplating +and surveying his shape and features from head to foot. "Ah!" +says he, "what a glorious pair of branching horns are there! How +gracefully do those antlers hang over my forehead, and give an +agreeable turn to my whole face! If some other parts of my body +were but in proportion to them, I would turn my back to nobody; +but I have a set of such legs as really make me ashamed to see +them. People may talk what they please of their conveniences, and +what great need we stand in of them, upon several occasions; but, +for my part, I find them so very slender and unsightly that I had +as lief have none at all." + +While he was giving himself these airs, he was alarmed with the +noise of some huntsmen and a pack of hounds that had been just +laid on upon the scent, and were making towards him. + +[Illustration: THE STAG AT THE POOL.] + +Away he flees in some consternation, and, bounding nimbly over +the plain, threw dogs and men at a vast distance behind him. +After which, taking a very thick copse, he had the ill-fortune to +be entangled by his horns in a thicket, where he was held +fast, till the hounds came in and pulled him down. Finding now +how it was likely to go with him, in the pangs of death, he is +said to have uttered these words:--"Unhappy creature that I am! I +am too late convinced that what I prided myself in has been the +cause of my undoing, and what I so much disliked was the only +thing that could have saved me." + + +MORAL. + +Beauty often becomes a snare and ruin, while solid virtue, though +unadorned, gains respect. The latter, too, will mature with age, +while the former will surely fade. + + + + +FABLE LXVII. + +THE OLD SWALLOWS AND THE YOUNG BIRDS. + + +A SWALLOW, observing a husbandman employed in sowing hemp, called +the little Birds together, and informed them what the farmer was +about. He told them that hemp was the material from which the +nets, so fatal to the feathered race, were composed; and advised +them unanimously to join in picking it up, in order to prevent +the consequences. + +The Birds, either disbelieving his information, or neglecting his +advice, gave themselves no trouble about the matter. In a little +time, the hemp appeared above the ground. The friendly Swallow +again addressed himself to them--told them it was not yet too +late, provided they would immediately set about the work, before +the seeds had taken too deep root. But, they still rejecting his +advice, he forsook their society; repaired, for safety, to towns +and cities; there built his habitation, and kept his residence. + +One day, as he was skimming along the streets, he happened to see +a great number of these very Birds, imprisoned in a cage, on the +shoulders of a bird-catcher. "Unhappy wretches!" said he, "you +now feel the punishment of your former neglect. But those who, +having no foresight of their own, despise the wholesome +admonition of their friends, deserve the mischiefs which their +own obstinacy or negligence bring upon their heads." + + +MORAL. + + This Fable teaches thoughtless youth + A most important moral truth:-- + The seeds, which proved the young birds' ruin, + Are emblems of their own undoing, + Should they neglect, while yet 'tis time, + To pluck the early shoots of crime; + Or, in their own opinions wise, + The counsel of their friends despise. + For evil habits, left to grow, + Are ever sure to lead to woe; + But checked in time with vigorous hand, + Will bend to virtue's firm command. + + + + +FABLE LXVIII. + +THE WAGGONER AND THE BUTTERFLY. + + + The rain so soft had made the road, + That, in a rut, a waggon-load, + The poor man's harvest, (bitter luck!) + Sank down a foot, and there it stuck. + He whipped his horses, but in vain; + They pulled and splashed, and pulled again, + But vainly still; the slippery soil + Defied their strength, and mocked their toil. + Panting they stood, with legs outspread; + The driver stood, and scratched his head: + (A common custom, by-the-bye, + When people know not what to try, + Though not, it seems, a remedy). + + A Butterfly, in flower concealed, + Had travelled with them from the field; + Who in the waggon was thrown up, + While feasting on a buttercup. + The panting of each labouring beast + Disturbed her at her fragrant feast; + The sudden stop, the driver's sigh, + Awoke her generous sympathy. + And, seeing the distressing case + She cried, while springing from her place, + (Imagining her tiny freight + A vast addition to the weight,) + "I must have pity--and be gone, + Now, master Waggoner, drive on." + + +MORAL. + + Do not admire this Butterfly, + Young reader; I will tell you why. + At first, goodnature seems a cause, + Why she should merit your applause; + But 'twas conceit that filled her breast: + Her self-importance made a jest + Of what might otherwise have claimed + Your praise,--but now she must be blamed. + Should any case occur, when you + May have some friendly act to do; + Give all _your feeble aid_--as such, + But estimate it not too much. + + + + +FABLE LXIX. + +THE LION, THE BEAR, AND THE FOX. + + +A LION and a Bear quarrelling over the carcase of a Fawn, which +they found in the forest, their title to him had to be decided by +force of arms. The battle was severe and tough on both sides, and +they fought it out, tearing and worrying one another so long, +that, what with wounds and fatigue, they were so faint and weary, +that they were not able to strike another stroke. Thus, while +they lay upon the ground, panting and lolling out their tongues, +a Fox chanced to pass by that way, who, perceiving how the case +stood, very impudently stepped in between them, seized the booty +which they had all this while been contending for, and carried it +off. The two combatants, who lay and beheld all this, without +having strength to stir and prevent it, were only wise enough to +make this reflection:--"Behold the fruits of our strife and +contention! That villain, the Fox, bears away the prize, and we +ourselves have deprived each other of the power to recover it +from him." + + +MORAL. + +When fools quarrel, knaves get the prize of contention. + + + + +FABLE LXX. + +THE FOX AND THE GRAPES. + + +In days of yore, when a young Fox would take more pains to get a +bunch of grapes than a plump, fat goose, an arch young thief cast +his eyes on a fine bunch which hung on the top of a poor man's +vine, and made him lick his lips like a hound at the sight of a +joint of meat. "Oh," said he, "how nice they look! I must have a +taste of them, if I die for it;" and with that, up he jumped with +all his might, but had the ill-luck not to reach the grapes; yet, +as he could not find in his heart to leave them, he tried for +them as long as he was able; so he leaped and jumped, and jumped +and leaped, till at last he was glad to rest. But when he found +all his pains were in vain, "Hang them!" said he, "I am sure they +are not fit to eat, for they are as sour as crabs, and would set +my teeth on edge for a whole week; and so I shall leave them for +the next fool who may chance to come this way." + + +MORAL. + +Some men make light of that which is out of their reach, though +at the same time in their hearts they know not what to do for +want of it. + +[Illustration: THE FOX AND THE GRAPES.] + + + + +FABLE LXXI. + +THE HARE AND MANY FRIENDS. + + + A HARE, who, in a civil way, + Complied with everything, like Gay, + Was known by all the bestial train, + Who haunt the wood, or graze the plain. + + As forth she went, at early dawn, + To taste the dew-besprinkled lawn, + Behind she hears the hunter's cries, + And from the deep-mouthed thunder flies. + She starts, she stops, she pants for breath; + She hears the near approach of death; + She doubles, to mislead the hound, + And measures back her mazy round; + Till, fainting in the public way, + Half dead with fear, she gasping lay:-- + What transport in her bosom grew, + When first the Horse appeared in view! + + "Let me," says she, "your back ascend, + And owe my safety to a friend; + You know my feet betray my flight; + To friendship, ev'ry burthen's light." + + The Horse replied,--"Poor, honest Puss! + It grieves my heart to see thee thus: + Be comforted,--relief is near; + For all our friends are in the rear." + + She next the stately Bull implored, + And thus replied the mighty lord:-- + "Since every beast alive can tell, + That I sincerely wish you well, + I may, without offence, pretend + To take the freedom of a friend. + Love calls me hence; a favourite cow + Expects me near yon barley-mow; + And when a lady's in the case, + You know, all other things give place. + To leave you thus may seem unkind; + But see,--the Goat is just behind." + + The Goat remarked her pulse was high; + Her languid head, her heavy eye; + "My back," says she, "may do you harm; + The Sheep's at hand, and wool is warm." + + The Sheep was feeble, and complained, + His sides a load of wool sustained; + Said he was slow; confessed his fears; + For Hounds eat Sheep as well as Hares. + + She now the trotting Calf addressed, + To save from death a friend distressed. + "Shall I," says he, "of tender age, + In this important care engage? + Older and abler pass you by; + How strong are those! how weak am I! + Should I presume to bear you hence, + Those friends of mine may take offence. + Excuse me, then,--you know my heart; + But dearest friends, alas! must part. + How shall we all lament!--Adieu! + For see, the Hounds are just in view." + + +MORAL. + + Friendships are single: who depend + On many rarely find a friend. + + + + +FABLE LXXII. + +THE COCK AND THE FOX. + + +A COCK, being perched among the branches of a lofty tree, crowed +aloud, so that the shrillness of his voice echoed through the +wood and invited a Fox to the place, who was prowling in that +neighbourhood in quest of his prey. But Reynard, finding the Cock +was inaccessible by reason of the height of his situation, had +recourse to stratagem in order to decoy him down. So, approaching +the tree, "Cousin," says he, "I am heartily glad to see you; but +at the same time I cannot forbear expressing my uneasiness at the +inconvenience of the place, which will not let me pay my respects +to you in a handsomer manner; though I suppose you will come down +presently, and thus the difficulty will be easily removed." + +"Indeed, cousin," says the Cock, "to tell you the truth, I do not +think it safe to venture upon the ground; for though I am +convinced how much you are my friend, yet I may have the +misfortune to fall into the clutches of some other beasts, and +what will become of me then?" "Oh, dear!" says Reynard, "is it +possible that you can be so ignorant, as not to know of the +peace which has been lately proclaimed between all kinds of birds +and beasts; and that we are for the future to forbear hostilities +on all sides, and to live in the utmost love and harmony, and +this, under the penalty of suffering the severest punishment that +can be inflicted?" All this while the Cock seemed to give little +attention to what was said, but stretched out his neck, as if he +saw something at a distance. + +"Cousin," says the Fox, "what is it that you look at so +earnestly?" "Why," says the Cock, "I think I see a pack of hounds +yonder, a little way off." "Oh, then," says the Fox, "your humble +servant, I must begone." "Nay, pray cousin, do not go," says the +Cock, "I am just coming down; surely you are not afraid of Dogs +in these peaceable times?" "No, no," says he, "but ten to one +whether they have heard of the proclamation yet." + + +MORAL. + +When rogues are met in their own strain, they are generally +worsted. It is interesting to see the snares of the wicked +defeated by the discreet management of the innocent. "Answer a +fool according to his folly," is an old maxim. + + + + +FABLE LXXIII. + +THE LION AND THE MOUSE. + + +A LION, faint with heat and weary with hunting, was lying down to +take his repose under the spreading boughs of a thick shady oak. +It happened that while he slept, a company of scrambling mice ran +over his back, and waked him; upon which, starting up, he clapped +his paw upon one of them, and was just going to put it to death, +when the little supplicant implored his mercy in a very moving +manner, begging him not to stain his noble character with the +blood of so despicable and small a beast. + +The Lion, considering the matter, thought proper to do as he was +desired, and immediately released his little trembling prisoner. + +Not long after, while traversing the forest in pursuit of his +prey, he chanced to run into the toils of the hunters, from +whence, not being able to disengage himself, he set up a most +hideous and loud roar. + +The Mouse, hearing a voice, and knowing it to be the Lion's, +immediately repaired to the place, and bid him fear nothing, for +that he was his friend. Then straight he fell to work, and +with his sharp little teeth gnawing asunder the knots and +fastenings of the toils, set the royal brute at liberty. + +[Illustration: THE LION AND THE MOUSE.] + + +MORAL. + +There is none so little, but that even the greatest may at some +time or other stand in need of his assistance. + + + + +FABLE LXXIV. + +THE TRUMPETER TAKEN PRISONER. + + +A TRUMPETER, being taken prisoner in a battle, begged hard for +quarter, declaring his innocence, and protesting that he neither +had nor could kill any man, bearing no arms but only a trumpet, +which he was obliged to sound at the word of command. "For that +reason," replied his enemies, "we are determined not to spare +you; for though you yourself never fight, yet with that wicked +instrument of yours, you blow up animosity between other people, +and so become the occasion of much bloodshed." + + +MORAL. + +The hand may rest quiet by the side, and yet the tongue be the +means of doing more injury than a thousand hands. + + + + +FABLE LXXV. + +THE MOUSE AND THE ELEPHANT. + + + A PERT young Mouse, but just arrived + From Athens, where some time he'd lived; + And daily to the portico, + To pick up learning, used to go; + Vain of the wisdom he had stored, + And of the books he had devoured; + Puffed up with pride and self-conceit, + And proud to show his little wit, + Thus to an Elephant, one day, + He took it in his head to say:-- + + "Nay, not so pompous in your gait, + Because Dame Nature made you great; + I tell you, sir, your mighty size + Is of no value in my eyes;-- + Your magnitude, I have a notion, + Is quite unfit for locomotion; + When journeying far, you often prove + How sluggishly your feet can move. + Now, look at me: I'm made to fly; + Behold, with what rapidity + I skip about from place to place, + And still unwearied with the race; + But you--how lazily you creep, + And stop to breathe at every step! + Whenever I your bulk survey, + I pity--" What he meant to say, + Or with what kind of peroration + He'd have concluded his oration, + I cannot tell; for, all at once, + There pounced upon the learned dunce + An ambushed Cat; who, very soon, + Experimentally made known, + That between Mice and Elephants + There is a mighty difference. + + +MORAL. + + When fools pretend to wit and sense, + And wish to shine at your expense, + Defy them to the proof, and you + Will make them their own folly show. + + + + +FABLE LXXVI. + +THE HUSBANDMAN AND HIS SONS. + + +A CERTAIN Husbandman, lying at the point of death, and being +desirous his sons should pursue that innocent, entertaining +course of agriculture in which he himself had been engaged all +his life, made use of this expedient to induce them to it. He +called them to his bed-side and spoke to this effect: "All the +patrimony I have to bequeath you, Sons, is my farm and my +vineyard, of which I make you joint heirs. But I charge you not +to let it go out of your own occupation; for if I have any +treasure besides, it lies buried somewhere in the ground, within +a foot of the surface." + +This made the Sons conclude that he talked of money which he had hid +there; so, after their father's death, with unwearied diligence and +application, they carefully dug up every inch, both of the farm and +vineyard; from which it came to pass that, though they missed the +treasure which they expected, the ground, by being so well stirred +and loosened, produced so plentiful a crop of all that was sowed in +it as proved a real, and no inconsiderable treasure. + + +MORAL. + +Labour and industry, well applied, seldom fail of finding a rich +treasure. And if these do not give us exactly the wealth we are +looking for, they will certainly give us health and cheerfulness, +with a tranquil mind, and, without these, all the gold of Peru +would lie in our coffers useless. + + + + +FABLE LXXVII. + +THE BALD KNIGHT. + + +A CERTAIN Knight growing old, his hair fell off, and he became +bald; to hide which imperfection he wore a periwig. But as he was +riding out with some others a-hunting, a sudden gust of wind blew +off the periwig, and exposed his bald pate. + +The company could not forbear laughing at the accident; and he +himself laughed as loud as anybody, saying, "How was it to be +expected that I should keep strange hair on my head, when my own +would not stay there." + + +MORAL. + +If, by any word or action, we happen to raise the laughter of +those about us, we cannot stifle it better than, by a brisk +presence of mind, to join in the mirth of the company, and, if +possible, anticipate the jests they are ready to make on us. + + + + +FABLE LXXVIII. + +THE DOG IN THE MANGER. + + +A DOG was lying upon a manger full of hay. An Ox, being hungry, +came near, and wanted to eat of the hay; but the envious, +ill-natured cur, getting up and snarling at him, would not suffer +him to touch it. Upon which the Ox, in the bitterness of his +heart, said, "What a selfish wretch thou art, for thou canst +neither eat hay thyself, nor suffer others to do so." + + +MORAL. + +Selfishness is a most contemptible thing; but that degree of it +which withholds from others what we can make no possible use of +ourselves, is hateful in the extreme. + + + + +FABLE LXXIX. + +THE OLD MAN AND DEATH. + + +[Illustration: THE DOG IN THE MANGER.] + +A POOR, feeble old Man, who had crawled out into a neighbouring +wood to gather a few sticks, had made up his bundle, and, +laying it over his shoulders, was trudging homeward with it; but +what with age, and the length of the way, and the weight of his +burden, he grew so faint and weak that he sunk under it, and, as +he sat on the ground, called upon Death to come and ease him of +his troubles. Death no sooner heard him than he came and demanded +of him what he wanted. The poor old creature, who little thought +Death had been so near, and frightened almost out of his senses +with his terrible aspect, answered him, trembling, That, having +by chance let his bundle of sticks fall, and being too infirm to +get it up himself, he had made bold to call upon him to help him; +that, indeed, this was all he wanted at present, and that he +hoped his worship was not offended with him for the liberty he +had taken in so doing. + + +MORAL. + +Men lightly speak of Death when they think he is far away; but +let him appear near, and the very sense of his approach almost +drives the life away. Men then resume the burden of cares which +they had thrown down as insupportable, being content to bear the +ills they have than fly to others that they know not of. + + + + +FABLE LXXX. + +THE OLD HEN AND YOUNG COCK. + + + As an old Hen led forth her train, + And seemed to peck, to show the grain; + She raked the chaff, she scratched the ground, + And gleaned the spacious yard around. + A giddy chick, to try her wings, + On the well's narrow margin springs, + And prone she drops. The mother's breast + All day with sorrow was possessed. + + A Cock she met--her son, she knew; + And in her heart affection grew. + + "My son," says she, "I grant, your years + Have reached beyond a mother's cares; + I see you vigorous, strong, and bold; + I hear, with joy, your triumphs told. + 'Tis not from Cocks thy fate I dread; + But let thy ever-wary tread + Avoid yon well; that fatal place + Is sure perdition to our race. + Print this, my counsel, on thy breast; + To the just gods I leave the rest." + + He thanked her care; yet, day by day, + His bosom burned to disobey; + And every time the well he saw, + Scorned, in his heart, the foolish law; + Near and more near each day he drew, + And longed to try the dangerous view. + + "Why was this idle charge?" he cries; + "Let courage female fears despise! + Or did she doubt my heart was brave, + And, therefore, this injunction gave? + Or does her harvest store the place, + A treasure for her younger race? + And would she thus my search prevent?-- + I stand resolved, and dare th' event." + + Thus said, he mounts the margin's round, + And pries into the depth profound. + He stretched his neck; and, from below, + With stretching neck advanced a foe: + With wrath his ruffled plumes he tears; + The foe with ruffled plumes appears: + Threat answered threat, his fury grew; + Headlong to meet the war he flew; + But when the watery death he found, + He thus lamented as he drowned: + "I ne'er had been in this condition, + Had I obeyed the prohibition." + + +MORAL. + + Obey your parents, or 'twill be your fate, + To feel repentance when it comes too late. + + + + +FABLE LXXXI. + +MERCURY AND THE WOODMAN. + + +A MAN was felling a tree on the bank of a river, and by chance +let his hatchet slip out of his hand, which dropped into the +water, and immediately sunk to the bottom. Being, therefore, in +great distress from the loss of his tool, he sat down and +bemoaned himself most lamentably. + +Upon this, Mercury appeared to him, and being informed of the +cause of his complaint, dived to the bottom of the river, and, +coming up again, showed the man a golden hatchet, demanding if +that were his. He denied that it was; upon which Mercury dived a +second time, and brought up a silver one. The Man refused it, +alleging likewise that this was not his. He dived a third time, +and fetched up the individual hatchet the man had lost; upon +sight of which the poor fellow was overjoyed, and took it with +all humility and thankfulness. Mercury was so pleased with the +fellow's honesty, that he gave him the other two into the +bargain, as a reward for his just dealing. + +The man then went to his companions, and, giving them an account +of what had happened, one of them went presently to the river +side, and let his hatchet fall designedly into the stream. Then, +sitting down upon the bank, he fell a-weeping and lamenting, as +if he had been really and sorely afflicted. Mercury appeared as +before, and, diving, brought him up a golden hatchet, asking if +that was the one he had lost. Transported at the precious metal, +he answered "Yes," and went to snatch it greedily. But the god, +detesting his abominable impudence, not only refused to give him +that, but would not so much as let him have his own hatchet +again. + + +MORAL. + +Honesty is the best policy; it has made many a man's fortune, +being blessed by God, and highly valued by man. + + + + +FABLE LXXXII. + +THE WOLF AND THE KID. + + +The GOAT, going abroad to feed, shut up her young kid at home, +charging him to bolt the door fast, and open it to nobody, till +she herself should return. The Wolf, who lay lurking just by, +heard this charge given, and soon after came and knocked at the +door, counterfeiting the voice of the Goat, and desiring to be +admitted. The Kid, looking out of the window and discovering the +cheat, bid him go about his business; for however he might +imitate a Goat's voice, yet he appeared too much like a Wolf to +be trusted. + + +MORAL. + +We cannot use too much caution in avoiding those things which +those who have more experience than we have warned us against. + + + + +FABLE LXXXIII. + +THE OLD MAN AND HIS SONS. + + +[Illustration: THE WOLF AND THE GOAT.] + +An Old Man had many Sons, who were often falling out with one +another. When the father had exerted his authority, and used +other means in order to reconcile them, and all to no purpose, he +at last had recourse to this expedient: he ordered his Sons to be +called before him, and a short bundle of sticks to be brought; +and then commanded them, one by one, to try if, with all their +might and strength, they could any of them break it. They all +tried, but to no purpose; for the sticks being closely and +compactly bound up together, it was impossible for the force of +man to do it. + +After this the father ordered the bundle to be untied, and gave a +single stick to each of his Sons, at the same time bidding him +try to break it, which, when each did, with all imaginable ease, +the father addressed himself to them to this effect: "O, my sons, +behold the power of unity! for if you, in like manner, would but +keep yourselves strictly joined in the bonds of friendship, it +would not be in the power of any mortal to hurt you; but when +once the ties of brotherly affection are dissolved, how soon do +you fall to pieces, and become liable to be violated by every +injurious hand that assaults you." + + +MORAL. + +Union is strength. Love is a powerful bond, which, when +cherished, will make those who are bound together by it +irresistible. + + + + +FABLE LXXXIV. + +THE BROOK AND THE FOUNTAIN. + + + A FOUNTAIN varied gambols played, + Close by an humble Brook; + While gently murmuring through the glade, + Its peaceful course it took. + + Perhaps it gave one envious gaze + Upon the Fountain's height, + While glittering in the morning rays + Pre-eminently bright. + + In all the colours of the sky, + Alternately it shone: + The Brook observed it with a sigh, + But quietly rolled on. + + The owner of the Fountain died; + Neglect soon brought decay; + The bursting pipes were ill-supplied; + The Fountain ceased to play. + + But still the Brook its peaceful course + Continued to pursue; + Her ample, inexhausted source, + From Nature's fount she drew. + + "Now," said the Brook, "I bless my fate, + My showy rival gone; + Contented in its native state + My little stream rolls on. + + And all the world has cause, indeed, + To own, with grateful heart, + How much great Nature's works excel + The feeble works of art." + + +MORAL. + +Humble usefulness is preferable to idle splendour. + + + + +FABLE LXXXV. + +THE MICE IN COUNCIL. + + +The Mice called a general council, and, having met, after the +doors were locked, entered into a free consultation about ways +and means how to render their fortunes and estates more secure +from the danger of the Cat. Many things were offered, and much +was debated, "pro and con," upon the matter. At last, a young +Mouse, in a fine, florid speech, concluded with an expedient, and +that the only one, which was to put them for the future entirely +out of the power of the enemy; and this was that the Cat should +wear a bell about her neck, which, upon the least motion, would +give the alarm, and be a signal for them to retire into their +holes. This speech was received with great applause, and it was +even proposed by some that the Mouse who made it should have the +thanks of the assembly; upon which an old, grave Mouse, who had +sat silent all the while, stood up, and, in another speech, owned +that the contrivance was admirable, and the author of it, without +doubt, an ingenious Mouse, but, he said, he thought it would not +be so proper to vote him thanks till he should farther inform +them how this bell was to be fastened about the Cat's neck, and +what Mouse would undertake to do it. + + +MORAL. + +Many things appear excellent in theory which are impossible in +practice. It often requires a great deal of courage to carry out +projects which a fine, florid speech may persuade the hearers are +most plausible. + + + + +FABLE LXXXVI. + +THE FOX IN THE WELL. + + +A FOX, having fallen into a well, made a shift by sticking his +claws into the sides to keep his head above water. Soon after a +Wolf came and peeped over the brink, to whom the Fox applied very +earnestly for assistance; entreating that he would help him to a +rope, or something of the kind, which might favour his escape. +The Wolf moved with compassion at his misfortune, could not +forbear expressing his concern. "Ah, poor Reynard," says he, "I +am sorry for you with all my heart; how could you possibly come +into this melancholy condition?" + +"Nay, pr'ythee, friend," replied the Fox, "if you wish me well, +do not stand pitying me, but lend me some succour as fast as you +can; for pity is but cold comfort when one is up to the chin in +water, and within a hair's breadth of starving or drowning." + + +MORAL. + +Mere expressions of pity, without a desire or attempt to +alleviate suffering, are a mockery. He that would be truly a +friend, will be ready to give his assistance when needed. + + + + +FABLE LXXXVII. + +THE HORSE AND THE WOLF. + + +As a Wolf was roaming over a farm, he came to a field of oats, +but not being able to eat them, he left them and went his way. + +Presently, meeting with a Horse, he bade him come with him into +the field, "For," says he, "I have found some capital oats; and I +have not tasted one, but have kept them all for you, for the very +sound of your teeth is music to my ear." But the Horse replied, +"A pretty fellow! if Wolves were able to eat oats, I suspect you +would not have preferred your ears to your appetite." + + +MORAL. + +Little thanks are due to him, who only gives away whatever is of +no use to himself. + + + + +FABLE LXXXVIII. + +THE TWO SPRINGS. + + +[Illustration: THE HORSE AND THE WOLF.] + +Two springs, which issued from the same mountain, began their +course together: one of them took her way in a silent and +gentle stream, while the other rushed along with a sounding and +rapid current. "Sister," said the latter, "at the rate you move, +you will probably be dried up, before you advance much farther; +whereas, for myself, I will venture a wager, that, within two or +three hundred furlongs, I shall become navigable; and, after +distributing commerce and wealth wherever I flow, I shall +majestically proceed to pay my tribute to the ocean. So, +farewell, dear sister! and patiently submit to your fate." + +Her sister made no reply; but, calmly descending to the meadows +below, increased her stream by numberless little rills which she +collected in her progress, till, at length, she was enabled to +rise into a considerable river; whilst the proud stream, who had +the vanity to depend solely upon her own sufficiency, continued a +shallow brook; and was glad, at last, to be helped forward, by +throwing herself into the arms of her despised sister. + + +MORAL. + +His strength in words the blusterer vainly spends, While +steadiness in quiet gains its ends. + + + + +FABLE LXXXIX. + +THE COUNTRYMAN AND THE RAVEN. + + + A RAVEN, while with glossy breast, + Her new laid eggs she fondly pressed, + And, on her wicker-work high mounted, + Her chickens prematurely counted. + (A fault philosophers might blame, + If quite exempted from the same,) + Enjoyed at ease the genial day; + 'Twas April, as the bumpkins say;-- + The legislature called it May; + But suddenly, a wind, as high + As ever swept a winter's sky, + Shook the young leaves about her ears, + And filled her with a thousand fears, + Lest the rude blast should snap the bough, + And spread her golden hopes below. + But just at eve the blowing weather, + And all her fears, were hushed together. + "And now," quoth poor unthinking Ralph, + "'Tis over, and the brood is safe." + + (For Ravens, though as birds of omen, + They teach both conjurors and old women; + To tell us what is to befall, + Can't prophesy themselves at all.) + The morning came, when neighbour Hodge, + Who long had marked her airy lodge, + And destined all the treasure there, + A gift to his expecting fair, + Climbed, like a squirrel to his dray, + And bore the worthless prize away. + + +MORAL. + + Safety consists not in escape + From danger of a frightful shape; + Fate steals along with silent tread, + Found oftenest in what least we dread; + Frowns in the storm with angry brow, + But in the sunshine strikes the blow. + + + + +FABLE XC. + +THE FOX AND THE BRAMBLE. + + +A FOX, hard pressed by the hounds, was getting over a hedge, but +tore his foot upon a Bramble, which grew just in the midst of it, +upon which he reproached the Bramble for his inhospitable cruelty in +using a stranger, which had fled to him for protection, after such a +barbarous manner. "Yes," says the Bramble, "you intended to have +made me serve your turn, I know; but take this piece of advice with +you for the future: Never lay hold of a Bramble again, as you value +your sweet person; for laying hold is a privilege that belongs to us +Brambles, and we do not care to let it go out of the family." + + +MORAL. + +Impertinent people, who take liberties with others, are often +much surprised if they are retorted on with severity. It is +better, then, to keep from undue familiarity with strangers, for +we know not of what temper they may be. + + + + +FABLE XCI. + +HERCULES AND THE CARTER. + + +As a clownish fellow was driving his cart along a deep miry lane, +the wheels stuck so fast in the clay, that the horses could not +draw them out. Upon this he fell a-bawling and praying to +Hercules to come and help him. + +Hercules, looking down from a cloud, bade him not lie there, +like an idle rascal, as he was, but get up and whip his horses +stoutly, and clap his shoulder to the wheel; adding, that this +was the only way for him to obtain his assistance. + + +MORAL. + +The man who asks Heaven for gifts, and neglects the gifts Heaven +has given, must expect silence until he shows that he is in +earnest by putting his shoulder to the wheel. + + + + +FABLE XCII. + +THE BOYS AND THE FROGS. + + +On the margin of a large lake, which was inhabited by a great +number of Frogs, a company of Boys happened to be at play. Their +diversion was duck and drake, and whole volleys of stones were +thrown into the water, to the great annoyance and danger of the +poor terrified Frogs. At length, one of the most hardy, lifting +up his head above the surface of the lake;--"Ah! dear children!" +said he, "why will ye learn so soon to be cruel? Consider, I +beseech you, that though this may be sport to _you_, it is death +to _us_." + + +MORAL. + + A noble mind disdains to gain + Its pleasure from another's pain. + + + + +FABLE XCIII. + +THE COCK AND THE JEWEL. + + +A BRISK young Cock, in company with two or three pullets, raking +upon a dunghill for something to entertain them with, happened to +scratch up a jewel, which sparkled with an exceeding bright +lustre; but, not knowing what to do with it, endeavoured to cover +his ignorance under a look of contempt. So, shrugging up his +wings, shaking his head, and putting on a grimace, he expressed +himself to this purpose: "Indeed, you are a very fine thing, but +I know not what business you have here. I make no scruple of +declaring that my taste lies quite another way, and I had rather +have one grain of dear delicious barley than all the jewels under +the sun." + + +MORAL. + +We should not despise as worthless what does not come within the +limit of our understanding. Some lose what is truly valuable for +want of knowledge, and prefer what is comparatively worthless. + +[Illustration: THE COCK AND THE JEWEL.] + + + + +FABLE XCIV. + +THE NIGHTINGALE AND THE GLOW-WORM. + + + A NIGHTINGALE, that, all day long, + Had cheered the village with his song, + Nor yet at eve his note suspended, + Nor yet when eventide was ended, + Began to feel, as well he might, + The keen demands of appetite; + When, looking eagerly around, + He spied, far off, upon the ground, + A something shining in the dark, + And knew the Glow-worm by his spark; + So, stooping down from hawthorn top, + He thought to put him in his crop. + The Worm, aware of his intent, + Harangued him thus, right eloquent:-- + "Did you admire my lamp," quoth he, + "As much as I your minstrelsy, + You would abhor to do me wrong, + As much as I to spoil your song; + For 'twas the self-same power divine + Taught you to sing and me to shine; + That you with music, I with light, + Might beautify and cheer the night." + The songster heard his short oration, + And, warbling out his approbation, + Released him, as my story tells, + And found a supper somewhere else. + + +MORAL. + + From this short fable, youth may learn + Their real interest to discern, + That brother should not strive with brother, + And worry and oppress each other; + But, joined in unity and peace, + Their mutual happiness increase: + Pleased when each others' faults they hide, + And in their virtues feel a pride. + + + + +FABLE XCV. + +THE FOX AND THE SICK LION. + + +It was reported that the Lion was sick, and the beasts were made +to believe that they could not make their court better than by +going to visit him. Upon this, they generally went, but it was +particularly remarked that the Fox was not one of the number. The +Lion, therefore, dispatched one of his Jackals to sound him about +it, and to ask him why he had so little charity and respect as +never to come near him at a time when he lay so dangerously ill, +and everybody else had been to see him. "Why," replied the Fox, +"pray present my duty to his majesty, and tell him that I have +the same respect for him as ever, and have been coming several +times to kiss his royal paw, but I am so terribly frightened at +the mouth of his cave, to see the print of my fellow-subjects' +feet all pointing forwards, and none backwards, that I had not +resolution enough to venture in." + +Now, the truth of the matter was, that the sickness of the Lion +was only a sham to draw the beasts into his den, the more easily +to devour them. + + +MORAL. + +It is well to weigh and consider the nature of any proposal +thoroughly before we accede to it; but, certainly, if we have +reason, from the injury done to others, to suspect that we may +suffer harm, it is decidedly better to decline. + + + + +FABLE XCVI. + +THE LION, THE FOX, AND THE GEESE. + + + A LION, tired with state affairs, + Quite sick of pomp, and worn with cares, + Resolved (remote from noise and strife) + In peace to pass his latter life. + + It was proclaimed: the day was set: + Behold the general council met: + The Fox was viceroy named. The crowd + To the new regent humbly bowed! + Wolves, bears, and mighty tigers bend, + And strive who most shall condescend. + The crowd admire his wit, his sense: + Each word hath weight and consequence. + The flatterer all his art displays; + He who hath power, is sure of praise. + A Fox stepped forth before the rest, + And thus the servile throng addressed:-- + + "How vast his talents, born to rule, + And train'd in virtue's honest school! + What clemency his temper sways! + How uncorrupt are all his ways! + Beneath his conduct and command + Rapine shall cease to waste the land; + What blessings must attend the nation + Under this good administration!" + + He said. A Goose, who distant stood, + Harangu'd apart the cackling brood: + + "Whene'er I hear a knave commend, + He bids me shun his worthy friend. + What praise! what mighty commendation! + But 'twas a Fox who spoke th' oration. + Foxes this government may prize, + As gentle, plentiful, and wise; + If they enjoy the sweets, 'tis plain + We Geese must feel a tyrant reign. + What havoc now shall thin our race! + When every petty clerk in place, + To prove his taste, and seem polite, + Will feed on Geese both noon and night." + + +MORAL. + +Those flatter the plunderer who share in the spoil. + + + + +FABLE XCVII. + +THE ONE-EYED DOE. + + +A DOE, that had but one eye, used to graze near the sea, and that +she might be the more secure from harm, she kept her blind side +toward the water, from whence she had no apprehension of danger, +and with the other surveyed the country as she fed. + +By this vigilance and precaution she thought herself in the +utmost security; when a sly fellow, with two or three of his +companions, who had been poaching after her several days to no +purpose, at last took a boat, and, fetching a compass upon the +sea, came gently down upon her, and shot her. The Doe, in the +agonies of death, breathed out this doleful complaint:--"Oh, hard +fate! that I should receive my death wound from that side whence +I expected no ill; and be safe in that part where I looked for +the most danger." + + +MORAL. + +Our troubles and dangers frequently arise from the direction we +least expect them. + +[Illustration: THE ONE-EYED DOE.] + + + + +FABLE XCVIII. + +THE FOX, THE RAVEN, AND THE DOVE. + + +A FOX, who was half-starved with hunger, stretched himself all +along upon the ground, and lay as if he were dead, that he might +entice the harmless birds to come within his reach, and then leap +of a sudden upon them, and make them his prey; but it happened +that a Raven, who was hovering near him, observed that he fetched +his breath; and, by consequence, found it to be only a trick in +him to catch the birds. She, therefore, instantly gave them +notice of it; and forewarned them, as they valued their own +lives, not to come within reach of the Fox, who only feigned +himself to be dead. + +The Fox, finding his plot to be discovered, was obliged to go +away hungry; but soon bethought himself of another invention: +which was, to go and kennel himself in a hollow tree, upon which +a Dove had her nest, and was breeding up her young ones. Having +done this, he called to her, that, unless she would throw down to +him sometimes one of her eggs, and sometimes one of her young +ones, he would climb up the tree, take away all her eggs, kill +both her and her young, and break her nest to pieces. + +The harmless Dove, thinking of two ills to choose the least, did +as the Fox required her; and threw him down now one of her eggs, +and then one of her young ones. Having done so, for some time, +with a great deal of grief and sorrow, and the Fox continuing +still to demand it of her, she, at last, made her complaint to +the Raven, who chanced to come and perch herself on the same +tree; grievously bemoaning her fate, that she, like a good +mother, to provide for her children, was at last obliged to make +them a sacrifice to such a villain. But the Raven, who was not so +timorous as she, advised her, whenever the Fox threatened her +again, that he would kill both her and her young, if she would +not throw one of them down to him, to answer him roundly,--"If +you could have flown or climbed up the tree, you would not have +been so often contented with one of my eggs, or of my young; but +would, long since, according to your ravenous and blood-thirsty +nature, have devoured both me and them." In short, the next time +the Fox came, and threatened her as before, she replied as the +Raven had instructed her. + +The Fox, hearing her answer, and knowing very well that she was +not so wise and cunning of herself, resolved to find out the +truth of the matter; and, at length, came to understand that it +was the Raven who had been her counsellor. He, therefore, vowed +to be revenged on her, who had now, the second time, hindered him +from getting his prey. Not long after, he espied her sitting on a +high thorn-tree; and, going to her, began to praise her at a +mighty rate,--magnifying her good fortune above that of all +beasts, who could neither fly like her, nor tread the ground with +so majestical a gait: adding, withal, that it would be a great +pleasure to him to see her lordly walk; that he might from +thence, be certain whether she were indeed so divine and +prophetic a bird as men had always held her to be. + +The Raven, transported to hear herself thus praised to the skies, +flew down; and, pitching upon the ground, walked to and fro, in +mighty pomp and state. The Fox seemed highly delighted; and said, +that he extremely wondered how the Raven could keep upon the +ground, when the wind blew her feathers over her eyes, and +hindered her sight; but chiefly when it blew before, behind, and +on all sides of her. "I can very well provide against that," said +the Raven; "for then I hide my head under my left wing." "How!" +cried the Fox; "hide your head under your left wing! So wonderful +a thing I can never believe, till I see it." Immediately the +Raven put her head under her left wing, and held it there so long +that the Fox caught hold of her and killed her for his prey. + + +MORAL. + +So must they fare who give good advice to others, but have not +discretion enough to follow it themselves. + + + + +FABLE XCIX. + +THE TWO POTS. + + + Two Pots, of different size and matter made, + Were swiftly down a rolling stream convey'd. + The larger vessel, form'd of solid brass, + Did boldly o'er the rapid water pass; + While that whose substance was but brittle clay, + Would, for his safety, give the stronger way. + Him the Brass Pot invited to draw near, + And said, "His frailty need not cause his fear; + For he, with just precaution would prevent + The danger of their jostling as they went." + The Earthen Pot, that knew his weaker frame, + Excused himself, that he no nearer came; + And said, "My friend, if the impetuous tide + Should dash my clay against your brazen side, + By the hard fate of that unequal stroke, + While you are whole, I shall be surely broke." + + +MORAL. + + Men safest still in equal friendship live, + Where they can do no harm, and none receive; + The strong, by power led to insult the weak, + With every touch the brittle vessels break; + While they, abused and injured by the strong, + Must, without remedy, sustain the wrong. + + + + +FABLE C. + +THE TWO FROGS. + + +One hot, sultry summer, the lakes and ponds being almost +everywhere dried up, a couple of Frogs agreed to travel together +in search of water. At last they came to a deep well, and, +sitting on the brink of it, began to consult whether they should +leap in or no. One of them was so inclined, urging that there was +plenty of clear, spring water, and no danger of being disturbed. +"Well," says the other, "all this may be true, and yet I cannot +come into your opinion for my life; for if the water should +happen to dry up here too, how should we get out again." + + +MORAL. + +Skilful generals always secure a way for retreat. "Look before +you leap" is an old and trite proverb. We should not undertake +any action of importance without considering what may be the +result, in all its aspects. + + + + +FABLE CI. + +THE FOX AND THE MASK. + + +A FOX, being in a shop where Masks were sold, laid his foot upon +one of them, and considering it awhile attentively, at last broke +out into this exclamation:--"Bless me!" says he, "what a handsome +face this is! What a pity it is that it should want brains!" + + +MORAL. + +Beauty without sense is of little value. A fair outside is but a +poor substitute for inward worth. + + + + +FABLE CII. + +THE CAT, THE COCK, AND THE YOUNG MOUSE. + + +[Illustration: THE FOX AND THE MASK.] + +A YOUNG Mouse, that had seen very little of the world, came running, +one day, to his mother in great haste:--"Oh, mother!" said he, "I am +frightened almost to death! I have seen the most extraordinary +creature that ever was. He has a fierce, angry look, and struts +about on two legs; a strange piece of flesh grows on his head, and +another under his throat, as red as blood: he flapped his arms +against his sides, as if he intended to rise into the air; and +stretching out his head, he opened a sharp-pointed mouth so wide, +that I thought he was preparing to swallow me up: then he roared at +me so horribly, that I trembled in every joint, and was glad to run +home as fast as I could. If I had not been frightened away by this +terrible monster, I was just going to commence an acquaintance with +the prettiest creature you ever saw. She had a soft fur skin, +thicker than ours, and all beautifully streaked with black and grey; +with a modest look, and a demeanour so humble and courteous, that +methought I could have fallen in love with her. Then she had a fine, +long tail, which she waved about so prettily, and looked so +earnestly at me, that I do believe she was just going to speak to +me, when the horrid monster frightened me away." + +"Ah, my dear child!" said the mother, "you have escaped being +devoured, but not by that monster you were so much afraid of; +which, in truth, was only a bird, and would have done you no +manner of harm. Whereas, the sweet creature, of whom you seem so +fond, was no other than a Cat; who, under that hypocritical +countenance, conceals the most inveterate hatred to all our race, +and subsists entirely by devouring Mice. Learn from this +incident, my dear, never, while you live, to rely on outward +appearances." + + +MORAL. + + Beneath a fair, alluring guise, + A hidden danger often lies. + + + + +FABLE CIII. + +THE MICE AND THE TRAP. + + +Once upon a time, the Mice saw a broiled rasher of bacon hanging +up in a very little room, the door of which being open, enticed +them to fall on with greedy appetites. But some of them took +particular notice that there was but one way into the room, and, +by consequence, but one way to get out of it; so that, if that +door, by misfortune or art, should chance to be shut, they would +all be inevitably taken: they could not, therefore, find in their +hearts to venture in; but said, that they had rather content +themselves with homely fare, in safety, than, for the sake of a +dainty bit, to run the danger of being taken, and lost for ever. + +The other Mice, who were looked upon to be great epicures, +declared that they saw no danger; and, therefore, ran into the +room, and fell to eating the bacon with great delight: but they +soon heard the door fall down, and saw that they were all taken. +Then the fear of approaching death so seized them, that they +found no relish in their exquisite food; and immediately came the +Cook who had set the Trap, and killed them: but the others, who +had contented themselves with their usual food, fled into their +holes, and, by that means, preserved their lives. + + + + +FABLE CIV. + +THE CHAMELEON. + + + Oft has it been my lot to mark + A proud, conceited, talking spark, + With eyes that hardly served at most + To guard their master 'gainst a post; + Yet round the world the blade has been, + To see whatever could be seen. + Returning from his finish'd tour, + Grown ten times perter than before, + Whatever word you chance to drop, + The travelled fool your mouth will stop; + "Sir, if my judgment you'll allow,-- + I've seen,--and, sure, I ought to know;"-- + So begs you'd pay a due submission, + And acquiesce in his decision. + + Two travellers, of such a cast, + As o'er Arabia's wilds they pass'd, + And on their way, in friendly chat, + Now talked of this, and then of that; + Discoursed awhile, 'mongst other matter, + Of the Chameleon's form and nature. + "A stranger animal," cries one, + "Sure never lived beneath the sun: + A lizard's body, lean and long, + A fish's head, a serpent's tongue. + In truth, with triple jaw disjoin'd; + And what a length of tail behind! + How slow its pace! and then its hue! + Who ever saw so fine a blue?" + + "Hold there!" the other quick replies, + "'Tis green:--I saw it with these eyes, + As late with open mouth it lay, + And warm'd it in the sunny ray: + Stretch'd at its ease the beast I view'd, + And saw it eat the air for food." + + "I've seen it, sir, as well as you, + And must again affirm it blue; + At leisure I the beast survey'd, + Extended in the cooling shade." + + "'Tis green! 'tis green! sir, I assure ye."-- + "Green!" cries the other, in a fury,-- + "Why, sir, d'ye think I've lost my eyes?" + "'Twere no great loss!" the friend replies; + "For if they always serve you thus, + You find 'em but of little use." + + So high at last the contest rose, + From words they almost came to blows; + When, luckily, came by a third; + To him the question they referr'd; + And begged he'd tell 'em, if he knew, + Whether the thing was green or blue. + + "Sirs," cries the umpire, "cease your pother-- + The creature's neither one nor t'other. + I caught the animal last night, + And viewed it o'er by candle-light; + I marked it well--'twas black as jet;-- + You stare--but, sirs, I've got it yet, + And can produce it."--"Pray, sir, do; + I'll lay my life the thing is blue." + "And I'll be sworn that when you've seen + The reptile, you'll pronounce him green." + + "Well, then, at once to ease the doubt," + Replies the man, "I'll turn him out; + And when before your eyes I've set him, + If you don't find him black I'll eat him;" + He said. Then full before their sight, + Produced the beast, and lo! 'twas white. + Both stared, the man looked wondrous wise. + "My children," the Chameleon cries, + (Then first the creature found a tongue), + "You all are right and all are wrong; + When next you talk of what you view, + Think others see as well as you; + Nor wonder, if you find that none + Prefers your eye-sight to his own." + + + + +FABLE CV. + +THE WOLF, THE FOX, AND THE ASS. + + +The Lion, as king of the beasts, made a law that no beast should, +without lawful cause, do any hurt to another; and should come +once a year to court, to confess, and be absolved or punished, +according to his deserts. Now it happened that the Wolf and the +Fox were going thither together, and overtaking the Ass on the +road, said to him:--"Brother, it is a long way to court, and it +certainly must be much more tedious to you than to ourselves, +because of your slow pace; but we can avoid the trouble of going +thither, if you think fit. Let us three confess ourselves to one +another, and send our absolutions to court, attested by two of us +as witnesses." + +The Ass liked the proposal; into a clover field they went, and +the Fox thus confessed himself first:--"It happened, as I was +going one night through a village, a Cock, by his loud crowing, +disturbed all the people that were asleep; at which I grew very +angry, and bit off his head; then, fearing that the stench of his +dead body might be offensive to the Hens, I ate him up. +Nevertheless, it happened, three days after, as I was going by +the same village, those very Hens spied me; and, instead of +thanking me for the great kindness I had done them, cried out, +'Murderer, murderer!' Then I, in defence of my honour, killed +three of them; and, lest they should have stunk and offended the +neighbourhood, ate them up too. This is all I have done; for +which I now await your sentence." + +The Wolf thereupon expressed himself thus:--"You have, indeed, +offended against the letter of our monarch's law, but not against +the meaning of it; since your intentions were honourable, to take +care of the quiet of men, and to vindicate your injured +reputation. If, therefore, you will promise never to be so hasty +again in killing any beast, I vote for your absolution." This the +Fox readily did; and the Ass joined in opinion with the Wolf, who +then thus began his confession:-- + +"As I was one day walking along, I saw a Sow trampling down the +corn of a poor peasant, and tearing it up by the roots, while her +hungry Pigs were strayed far from her, and could not get +themselves out of the mire; so that I, growing very angry at the +great mischief she did the peasant, and at her neglect of +motherly duty, killed and ate her up. Three days after, chancing +to go again the same way, I observed that those Pigs were grown +very lean; and reflecting that, through want of their mother's +milk, they would certainly die a languishing death, I put an end +to their miseries, and ate them up too. This I have to confess." + +The Fox instantly argued in this manner:--"Though you confess to +having killed both mother and children; and though it seems, at +first sight, that you have heinously offended against the law of +our king; yet I see, nevertheless, that your intentions were +good: to prevent mischief from falling upon men, to stir up a +mother to her duty, and to show compassion to her miserable +children, are virtues that no law can forbid or punish. I, +therefore, declare you absolved." To which the Ass agreed. + +The Ass then made his confession:--"You both know," said he, +"that it is not in my nature to do hurt to other beasts, nor to +shed blood; and, therefore, you cannot expect to hear any such +thing from me; but, to content you, I will relate to you what +happened innocently to me, while I was in the service of a +master. He was an old man, and apt to take cold in his feet; so +that, when he travelled, to keep them dry and warm, he was wont +to stick a little hay in his shoes. Now I carried him, one +winter, to an inn, where he was to lie all night; and when we +came to the door, the innkeeper brought him a pair of dry +slippers, that his dirty shoes might not soil the house; so that +he pulled them off, and left them without, and me by them. In +short, my master and his host found themselves so well in the +chimney-corner, that they never thought of poor me; but left me +all night in the bitter cold, without giving me a handful of +food: so that I ate up all the hay that stuck in his shoes. This +is all I have to say;--if you will call it a confession, you may: +however, I think nothing can be said against it." + +"Oh!" said the Fox, immediately, "this is not, indeed, an offence +against the letter of the law, which mentions only the doing hurt +to beasts, and takes no notice of eating of hay; but, if we +reflect on the dangerous consequences of this action, and that so +reverend a creature as a chill, aged man, by being thus robbed of +his hay in the winter, and the next day continuing his road +without it, might have caught a cold, a cough, and a cholic, that +would have brought his grey hairs to the grave:--whoever, I say, +reflects on this, cannot but be of my opinion,--which is, that +the Ass largely deserves to die. Cousin Wolf, what say you to +this matter?" "I," said the Wolf, "am of opinion that by reason +of the ill consequences that might have attended this action, the +Ass deserves a double death, and to be made an example to +others." With that he leaped upon him, and tore out his throat, +and the Fox and he immediately ate him up. + + +MORAL. + +Knaves can always find reasons for justifying their own conduct, +and condemning that of others. + + + + +FABLE CVI. + +THE BOY AND THE BUTTERFLY. + + +A boy, greatly smitten with the colours of a Butterfly, pursued +it from flower to flower with indefatigable pains. First, he +aimed to surprise it among the leaves of a rose; then to cover it +with his hat, as it was feeding on a daisy; now hoped to secure +it, as it rested on a sprig of myrtle; and now grew sure of his +prize, perceiving it loiter on a bed of violets. But the fickle +Fly, continually changing one blossom for another, still eluded +his attempts. At length, observing it half buried in the cup of a +tulip, he rushed forward, and snatching it with violence, crushed +it all to pieces. + + +MORAL. + + Pleasure, like the Butterfly, + Will still elude as we draw nigh; + And when we think we hold it fast, + Will, like the insect, breathe its last. + + + + +FABLE CVII. + +THE CROW AND THE PITCHER. + + +A Crow, ready to die with thirst, flew with joy to a Pitcher, +which he beheld at some distance. When he came he found water in +it, indeed, but so near the bottom that, with all his stooping +and straining, he was not able to reach it. Then he endeavoured +to overturn the Pitcher, that so at least he might be able to get +a little of it. But his strength was not sufficient for this. At +last, seeing some pebbles lie near the place, he cast them one by +one into the Pitcher; and thus, by degrees, raised the water up +to the very brim, and satisfied his thirst. + + +MORAL. + +Necessity is the mother of invention, and that which cannot be +accomplished by strength may be achieved by ingenuity. + +[Illustration: WHERE THERE IS A WILL, THERE IS A WAY.] + + + + +GRIFFITH & FARRAN'S NEW AND POPULAR WORKS FOR THE YOUNG. + + +THE HISTORY OF THE ROBINS. By MRS. TRIMMER. A New Edition, with +Twenty-four beautiful Illustrations from Drawings by HARRISON +WEIR. Small 4to, price 6_s._ extra cloth; 7_s._ 6_d._ cloth +elegant, gilt edges. + + "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."--_Art Journal_. + +THE LITTLE GIPSY. By ELIE SAUVAGE. Translated by ANNA BLACKWELL. +Profusely Illustrated by LORENZ FROeLICH. 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