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diff --git a/25357.txt b/25357.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..d1f069a --- /dev/null +++ b/25357.txt @@ -0,0 +1,4852 @@ +Project Gutenberg's A Hundred Fables of La Fontaine, by Jean de La Fontaine + +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: A Hundred Fables of La Fontaine + +Author: Jean de La Fontaine + +Illustrator: Percy J. Billinghurst + +Release Date: May 6, 2008 [EBook #25357] + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ASCII + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK A HUNDRED FABLES OF LA FONTAINE *** + + + + +Produced by David Edwards, Josephine Paolucci and the +Online Distributed Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net. +(This file was produced from images generously made +available by The Internet Archive.) + + + + + + + + +[Illustration: A HUNDRED FABLES OF LA FONTAINE + +WITH PICTURES BY PERCY J. BILLINGHURST] + + + + +A HUNDRED FABLES OF + +LA FONTAINE + +[Illustration] + + +A HUNDRED FABLES + +OF + +LA FONTAINE + +WITH PICTURES BY PERCY J. BILLINGHURST + + LONDON + JOHN LANE THE BODLEY HEAD + NEW YORK JOHN LANE COMPANY + + +_SECOND EDITION_ + + Printed by BALLANTYNE, HANSON & CO. + At the Ballantyne Press, Edinburgh + + + + +CONTENTS + + +A + + _Page_ +_The Acorn and the Pumpkin_ 128 +_The Animals Sick of the Plague_ 200 +_The Ape_ 90 +_The Ass and his Masters_ 34 +_The Ass and the Dog_ 120 +_The Ass and the Little Dog_ 18 +_The Ass Carrying Relics_ 26 +_The Ass Dressed in the Lion's Skin_ 166 +_The Ass Loaded with Sponges_ 72 + +B + +_The Bat and the Two Weasels_ 66 +_The Battle of the Rats and the Weasels_ 198 +_The Bear and the Two Companions_ 194 +_The Bird Wounded by an Arrow_ 68 + +C + +_The Camel and the Floating Sticks_ 82 +_The Carter in the Mire_ 104 +_The Cat and the Fox_ 138 +_The Cat and the Two Sparrows_ 150 +_The Cock and the Fox_ 76 +_The Council held by the Rats_ 62 +_The Countryman and the Serpent_ 102 +_The Cunning Fox_ 88 + +D + +_Death and the Woodman_ 56 +_The Dog and his Master's Dinner_ 110 +_The Dog whose Ears were Cropped_ 144 +_The Dove and the Ant_ 74 +_The Dragon with many Heads_ 54 + +E + +_The Eagle and the Magpie_ 94 +_The Eagle and the Owl_ 184 +_The Ears of the Hare_ 22 +_The Earthen Pot and the Iron Pot_ 192 +_Education_ 122 + +F + +_The Fool who Sold Wisdom_ 130 +_The Fox, the Flies, and the Hedgehog_ 92 +_The Fox, the Monkey, and the Animals_ 98 +_The Fox and the Turkeys_ 172 +_The Fox, the Wolf, and the Horse_ 170 + +G + +_The Grasshopper and the Ant_ 2 + +H + +_The Hare and the Partridge_ 28 +_The Head and the Tail of the Serpent_ 108 +_The Heifer, the Goat, and the Sheep_ 48 +_The Heron_ 106 +_The Hog, the Goat, and the Sheep_ 116 +_The Hornets and the Bees_ 58 +_The Horse and the Wolf_ 182 + +J + +_The Joker and the Fishes_ 112 + +L + +_The Lion and the Ass Hunting_ 8 +_The Lion and the Hunter_ 96 +_The Lion and the Gnat_ 70 +_The Lion and the Monkey_ 178 +_The Lion beaten by the Man_ 78 +_The Lioness and the Bear_ 146 +_The Lion Going to War_ 30 +_The Lion, the Wolf, and the Fox_ 196 +_The Lobster and her Daughter_ 162 + +M + +_The Man and his Image_ 52 +_The Man and the Wooden God_ 20 +_The Man and the Owl_ 148 +_The Miser and the Monkey_ 186 +_The Monkey and the Cat_ 140 +_The Monkey and the Leopard_ 126 + +N + +_Nothing too Much_ 136 + +O + +_The Oak and the Reed_ 60 +_The Old Cat and the Young Mouse_ 154 +_The Old Man and the Ass_ 32 +_The Old Woman and her Servants_ 24 +_The Oyster and the Litigants_ 132 + +P + +_Philomet and Progne_ 80 +_The Ploughman and his Sons_ 164 + +Q + +_The Quarrel of the Dogs and Cats_ 158 + +R + +_The Rat and the Elephant_ 118 +_The Rat and the Oyster_ 114 +_The Rat Retired from the World_ 86 + +S + +_The Shepherd and his Dog_ 44 +_The Shepherd and his Flock_ 38 +_The Shepherd and the Lion_ 180 +_The Shepherd and the Sea_ 16 +_The Sick Stag_ 156 +_The Spider and the Swallow_ 142 +_The Stag and the Vine_ 190 +_The Sun and the Frogs_ 100 +_The Swan and the Cook_ 12 + +T + +_The Thieves and the Ass_ 4 +_The Tortoise and the Two Ducks_ 40 +_The Two Asses_ 42 +_The Two Bulls and the Frog_ 64 +_The Two Dogs and the Dead Ass_ 124 +_The Two Goats_ 152 +_The Two Mules_ 46 +_The Two Rats, the Fox, and the Egg_ 50 + +V + +_The Vultures and the Pigeons_ 188 + +W + +_The Wallet_ 174 +_The Wax-Candle_ 36 +_The Weasel in the Granary_ 14 +_The Wolf Accusing the Fox_ 6 +_The Wolf and the Fox_ 160 +_The Wolf and the Lean Dog_ 134 +_The Wolf, the Goat, and the Kid_ 84 +_The Wolf turned Shepherd_ 10 +_The Woodman and Mercury_ 176 +_The Woods and the Woodman_ 168 + + + + +A HUNDRED FABLES OF LA FONTAINE + + + + +The Grasshopper and the Ant. + + + A grasshopper gay + Sang the summer away, + And found herself poor + By the winter's first roar. + Of meat or of bread, + Not a morsel she had! + So a-begging she went, + To her neighbour the ant, + For the loan of some wheat, + Which would serve her to eat, + Till the season came round. + "I will pay you," she saith, + "On an animal's faith, + Double weight in the pound + Ere the harvest be bound." + The ant is a friend + (And here she might mend) + Little given to lend. + "How spent you the summer?" + Quoth she, looking shame + At the borrowing dame. + "Night and day to each comer + I sang, if you please." + "You sang! I'm at ease; + For 'tis plain at a glance, + Now, ma'am, you must dance." + +[Illustration: THE GRASSHOPPER AND THE ANT.] + + + + +The Thieves and the Ass. + + + Two thieves, pursuing their profession, + Had of a donkey got possession, + Whereon a strife arose, + Which went from words to blows. + The question was, to sell, or not to sell; + But while our sturdy champions fought it well, + Another thief, who chanced to pass, + With ready wit rode off the ass. + + _This ass is, by interpretation,_ + _Some province poor, or prostrate nation._ + _The thieves are princes this and that,_ + _On spoils and plunder prone to fat,--_ + _As those of Austria, Turkey, Hungary._ + _(Instead of two, I've quoted three--_ + _Enough of such commodity.)_ + _These powers engaged in war all,_ + _Some fourth thief stops the quarrel,_ + _According all to one key,_ + _By riding off the donkey_ + +[Illustration: THE THIEVES AND THE ASS.] + + + + +The Wolf Accusing the Fox. + + + A wolf, affirming his belief + That he had suffer'd by a thief, + Brought up his neighbour fox-- + Of whom it was by all confess'd, + His character was not the best-- + To fill the prisoner's box. + As judge between these vermin, + A monkey graced the ermine; + And truly other gifts of Themis + Did scarcely seem his; + For while each party plead his cause, + Appealing boldly to the laws, + And much the question vex'd, + Our monkey sat perplex'd. + Their words and wrath expended, + Their strife at length was ended; + When, by their malice taught, + The judge this judgment brought: + "Your characters, my friends, I long have known, + As on this trial clearly shown; + And hence I fine you both--the grounds at large + To state would little profit-- + You wolf, in short, as bringing groundless charge, + You fox, as guilty of it." + + _Come at it right or wrong, the judge opined_ + _No other than a villain could be fined_ + +[Illustration: THE WOLF ACCUSING THE FOX BEFORE THE MONKEY.] + + + + +The Lion and the Ass Hunting. + + + The king of animals, with royal grace, + Would celebrate his birthday in the chase. + 'Twas not with bow and arrows, + To slay some wretched sparrows; + The lion hunts the wild boar of the wood, + The antlered deer and stags, the fat and good. + This time, the king, t' insure success, + Took for his aide-de-camp an ass, + A creature of stentorian voice, + That felt much honour'd by the choice. + The lion hid him in a proper station, + And order'd him to bray, for his vocation, + Assured that his tempestuous cry + The boldest beasts would terrify, + And cause them from their lairs to fly. + And, sooth, the horrid noise the creature made + Did strike the tenants of the wood with dread; + And, as they headlong fled, + All fell within the lion's ambuscade. + "Has not my service glorious + Made both of us victorious?" + Cried out the much-elated ass. + "Yes," said the lion; "bravely bray'd! + Had I not known yourself and race, + I should have been myself afraid!" + The donkey, had he dared, + With anger would have flared + At this retort, though justly made; + For who could suffer boasts to pass + So ill-befitting to an ass? + +[Illustration: THE LION AND THE ASS HUNTING.] + + + + +The Wolf turned Shepherd. + + + A wolf, whose gettings from the flocks + Began to be but few, + Bethought himself to play the fox + In character quite new. + A shepherd's hat and coat he took, + A cudgel for a crook, + Nor e'en the pipe forgot: + And more to seem what he was not, + Himself upon his hat he wrote, + "I'm Willie, shepherd of these sheep." + His person thus complete, + His crook in upraised feet, + The impostor Willie stole upon the keep. + The real Willie, on the grass asleep, + Slept there, indeed, profoundly, + His dog and pipe slept, also soundly; + His drowsy sheep around lay. + As for the greatest number, + Much bless'd the hypocrite their slumber, + And hoped to drive away the flock, + Could he the shepherd's voice but mock. + He thought undoubtedly he could. + He tried: the tone in which he spoke, + Loud echoing from the wood, + The plot and slumber broke; + Sheep, dog, and man awoke. + The wolf, in sorry plight, + In hampering coat bedight, + Could neither run nor fight. + + _There's always leakage of deceit_ + _Which makes it never safe to cheat._ + _Whoever is a wolf had better_ + _Keep clear of hypocritic fetter._ + +[Illustration: THE WOLF TURNED SHEPHERD.] + + + + +The Swan and the Cook. + + + The pleasures of a poultry yard + Were by a swan and gosling shared. + The swan was kept there for his looks, + The thrifty gosling for the cooks; + The first the garden's pride, the latter + A greater favourite on the platter. + They swam the ditches, side by side, + And oft in sports aquatic vied, + Plunging, splashing far and wide, + With rivalry ne'er satisfied. + One day the cook, named Thirsty John, + Sent for the gosling, took the swan + In haste his throat to cut, + And put him in the pot. + The bird's complaint resounded + In glorious melody; + Whereat the cook, astounded + His sad mistake to see, + Cried, "What! make soup of a musician! + Please God, I'll never set such dish on. + No, no; I'll never cut a throat + That sings so sweet a note." + + _'Tis thus, whatever peril may alarm us,_ + _Sweet words will never harm us._ + +[Illustration: THE SWAN AND THE COOK.] + + + + +The Weasel in the Granary. + + + A weasel through a hole contrived to squeeze, + (She was recovering from disease,) + Which led her to a farmer's hoard. + There lodged, her wasted form she cherish'd; + Heaven knows the lard and victuals stored + That by her gnawing perish'd! + Of which the consequence + Was sudden corpulence. + A week or so was past, + When having fully broken fast, + A noise she heard, and hurried + To find the hole by which she came, + And seem'd to find it not the same; + So round she ran, most sadly flurried; + And, coming back, thrust out her head, + Which, sticking there, she said, + "This is the hole, there can't be blunder: + What makes it now so small, I wonder, + Where, but the other day, I pass'd with ease?" + A rat her trouble sees, + And cries, "But with an emptier belly; + You enter'd lean, and lean must sally." + +[Illustration: THE WEASEL IN THE GRANARY.] + + + + +The Shepherd and the Sea. + + + A shepherd, neighbour to the sea, + Lived with his flock contentedly. + His fortune, though but small, + Was safe within his call. + At last some stranded kegs of gold + Him tempted, and his flock he sold, + Turn'd merchant, and the ocean's waves + Bore all his treasure--to its caves. + Brought back to keeping sheep once more, + But not chief shepherd, as before, + When sheep were his that grazed the shore, + He who, as Corydon or Thyrsis, + Might once have shone in pastoral verses, + Bedeck'd with rhyme and metre, + Was nothing now but Peter. + But time and toil redeem'd in full + Those harmless creatures rich in wool; + And as the lulling winds, one day, + The vessels wafted with a gentle motion, + "Want you," he cried, "more money, Madam Ocean? + Address yourself to some one else, I pray; + You shall not get it out of me! + I know too well your treachery." + + _This tale's no fiction, but a fact,_ + _Which, by experience back'd,_ + _Proves that a single penny,_ + _At present held, and certain,_ + _Is worth five times as many,_ + _Of Hope's, beyond the curtain;_ + + _That one should be content with his condition,_ + _And shut his ears to counsels of ambition,_ + _More faithless than the wreck-strown sea, and which_ + _Doth thousands beggar where it makes one rich,--_ + _Inspires the hope of wealth, in glorious forms,_ + _And blasts the same with piracy and storms._ + +[Illustration: THE SHEPHERD AND THE SEA.] + + + + +The Ass and the Little Dog. + + + One's native talent from its course + Cannot be turned aside by force; + But poorly apes the country clown + The polish'd manners of the town. + Their Maker chooses but a few + With power of pleasing to imbue; + Where wisely leave it we, the mass, + Unlike a certain fabled ass, + That thought to gain his master's blessing + By jumping on him and caressing. + "What!" said the donkey in his heart; + "Ought it to be that puppy's part + To lead his useless life + In full companionship + With master and his wife, + While I must bear the whip? + What doth the cur a kiss to draw? + Forsooth, he only gives his paw! + If that is all there needs to please, + I'll do the thing myself, with ease." + Possess'd with this bright notion,-- + His master sitting on his chair, + At leisure in the open air,-- + He ambled up, with awkward motion, + And put his talents to the proof; + Upraised his bruised and batter'd hoof, + And, with an amiable mien, + His master patted on the chin, + The action gracing with a word-- + The fondest bray that e'er was heard! + O, such caressing was there ever? + Or melody with such a quaver? + "Ho! Martin! here! a club, a club bring!" + Out cried the master, sore offended. + So Martin gave the ass a drubbing,-- + And so the comedy was ended. + +[Illustration: THE ASS AND THE LITTLE DOG.] + + + + +The Man and the Wooden God. + + + A pagan kept a god of wood,-- + A sort that never hears, + Though furnish'd well with ears,-- + From which he hoped for wondrous good. + The idol cost the board of three; + So much enrich'd was he + With vows and offerings vain, + With bullocks garlanded and slain: + No idol ever had, as that, + A kitchen quite so full and fat. + But all this worship at his shrine + Brought not from this same block divine + Inheritance, or hidden mine, + Or luck at play, or any favour. + Nay, more, if any storm whatever + Brew'd trouble here or there, + The man was sure to have his share, + And suffer in his purse, + Although the god fared none the worse. + At last, by sheer impatience bold, + The man a crowbar seizes, + His idol breaks in pieces, + And finds it richly stuff'd with gold. + "How's this? Have I devoutly treated," + Says he, "your godship, to be cheated? + Now leave my house, and go your way, + And search for altars where you may." + +[Illustration: THE MAN AND THE WOODEN GOD.] + + + + +The Ears of the Hare. + + + Some beast with horns did gore + The lion; and that sovereign dread, + Resolved to suffer so no more, + Straight banish'd from his realm, 'tis said, + All sorts of beasts with horns-- + Rams, bulls, goats, stags, and unicorns. + Such brutes all promptly fled. + A hare, the shadow of his ears perceiving, + Could hardly help believing + That some vile spy for horns would take them, + And food for accusation make them. + "Adieu," said he, "my neighbour cricket; + I take my foreign ticket. + My ears, should I stay here, + Will turn to horns, I fear; + And were they shorter than a bird's, + I fear the effect of words." + "These horns!" the cricket answer'd; "why, + God made them ears who can deny?" + "Yes," said the coward, "still they'll make them horns, + And horns, perhaps, of unicorns! + In vain shall I protest, + With all the learning of the schools: + My reasons they will send to rest + In th' Hospital of Fools." + +[Illustration: THE EARS OF THE HARE.] + + + + +The Old Woman and Her Servants. + + + A beldam kept two spinning maids, + Who plied so handily their trades, + Those spinning sisters down below + Were bunglers when compared with these. + No care did this old woman know + But giving tasks as she might please. + No sooner did the god of day + His glorious locks enkindle, + Than both the wheels began to play, + And from each whirling spindle + Forth danced the thread right merrily, + And back was coil'd unceasingly. + Soon as the dawn, I say, its tresses show'd, + A graceless cock most punctual crow'd. + The beldam roused, more graceless yet, + In greasy petticoat bedight, + Struck up her farthing light, + And then forthwith the bed beset, + Where deeply, blessedly did snore + Those two maid-servants tired and poor. + One oped an eye, an arm one stretch'd, + And both their breath most sadly fetch'd, + This threat concealing in the sigh-- + "That cursed cock shall surely die!" + And so he did:--they cut his throat, + And put to sleep his rousing note. + And yet this murder mended not + The cruel hardship of their lot; + For now the twain were scarce in bed + Before they heard the summons dread. + The beldam, full of apprehension + Lest oversleep should cause detention, + Ran like a goblin through her mansion. + + _Thus often, when one thinks_ + _To clear himself from ill,_ + _His effort only sinks_ + _Him in the deeper still._ + _The beldam acting for the cock,_ + _Was Scylla for Charybdis' rock._ + +[Illustration: THE OLD WOMAN AND HER TWO SERVANTS.] + + + + +The Ass Carrying Relics. + + + An ass, with relics for his load, + Supposed the worship on the road + Meant for himself alone, + And took on lofty airs, + Receiving as his own + The incense and the prayers. + Some one, who saw his great mistake, + Cried, "Master Donkey, do not make + Yourself so big a fool. + Not you they worship, but your pack; + They praise the idols on your back, + And count yourself a paltry tool." + + _'Tis thus a brainless magistrate_ + _Is honour'd for his robe of state._ + +[Illustration: THE ASS CARRYING RELICS.] + + + + +The Hare and the Partridge. + + + A field in common share + A partridge and a hare, + And live in peaceful state, + Till, woeful to relate! + The hunters' mingled cry + Compels the hare to fly. + He hurries to his fort, + And spoils almost the sport + By faulting every hound + That yelps upon the ground. + At last his reeking heat + Betrays his snug retreat. + Old Tray, with philosophic nose, + Snuffs carefully, and grows + So certain, that he cries, + "The hare is here; bow wow!" + And veteran Ranger now,-- + The dog that never lies,-- + "The hare is gone," replies. + Alas! poor, wretched hare, + Back comes he to his lair, + To meet destruction there! + The partridge, void of fear, + Begins her friend to jeer:-- + "You bragg'd of being fleet; + How serve you, now, your feet?" + Scarce has she ceased to speak,-- + The laugh yet in her beak,-- + When comes her turn to die, + From which she could not fly. + She thought her wings, indeed, + Enough for every need; + But in her laugh and talk, + Forgot the cruel hawk! + +[Illustration: THE HARE AND THE PARTRIDGE.] + + + + +The Lion Going to War. + + + The lion had an enterprise in hand; + Held a war-council, sent his provost-marshal, + And gave the animals a call impartial-- + Each, in his way, to serve his high command. + The elephant should carry on his back + The tools of war, the mighty public pack, + And fight in elephantine way and form; + The bear should hold himself prepared to storm; + The fox all secret stratagems should fix; + The monkey should amuse the foe by tricks. + "Dismiss," said one, "the blockhead asses, + And hares, too cowardly and fleet." + "No," said the king; "I use all classes; + Without their aid my force were incomplete. + The ass shall be our trumpeter, to scare + Our enemy. And then the nimble hare + Our royal bulletins shall homeward bear." + + _A monarch provident and wise_ + _Will hold his subjects all of consequence,_ + _And know in each what talent lies._ + _There's nothing useless to a man of sense._ + +[Illustration: THE LION GOING TO WAR.] + + + + +The Old Man and the Ass. + + + An old man, riding on his ass, + Had found a spot of thrifty grass, + And there turn'd loose his weary beast. + Old Grizzle, pleased with such a feast, + Flung up his heels, and caper'd round, + Then roll'd and rubb'd upon the ground, + And frisk'd and browsed and bray'd, + And many a clean spot made. + Arm'd men came on them as he fed: + "Let's fly," in haste the old man said. + "And wherefore so?" the ass replied; + "With heavier burdens will they ride?" + "No," said the man, already started. + "Then," cried the ass, as he departed + "I'll stay, and be--no matter whose; + Save you yourself, and leave me loose + But let me tell you, ere you go, + (I speak plain English, as you know,) + My master is my only foe." + +[Illustration: THE OLD MAN AND THE ASS.] + + + + +The Ass and his Masters. + + + A gardener's ass complain'd to Destiny + Of being made to rise before the dawn. + "The cocks their matins have not sung," said he, + "Ere I am up and gone. + And all for what? To market herbs, it seems. + Fine cause, indeed, to interrupt my dreams!" + Fate, moved by such a prayer, + Sent him a currier's load to bear, + Whose hides so heavy and ill-scented were, + They almost choked the foolish beast. + "I wish me with my former lord," he said: + "For then, whene'er he turn'd his head, + If on the watch, I caught + A cabbage-leaf, which cost me nought. + But, in this horrid place, I find + No chance or windfall of the kind;-- + Or if, indeed, I do, + The cruel blows I rue." + Anon it came to pass + He was a collier's ass. + Still more complaint. "What now?" said Fate, + Quite out of patience. + "If on this jackass I must wait, + What will become of kings and nations? + Has none but he aught here to tease him? + Have I no business but to please him?" + And Fate had cause;--for all are so + Unsatisfied while here below. + Our present lot is aye the worst. + Our foolish prayers the skies infest. + Were Jove to grant all we request, + The din renew'd, his head would burst. + +[Illustration: THE ASS AND HIS MASTERS.] + + + + +The Wax-Candle. + + + From bowers of gods the bees came down to man. + On Mount Hymettus, first, they say, + They made their home, and stored away + The treasures which the zephyrs fan. + When men had robb'd these daughters of the sky, + And left their palaces of nectar dry,-- + Or, in English as the thing's explain'd, + When hives were of their honey drain'd-- + The spoilers 'gan the wax to handle, + And fashion'd from it many a candle. + Of these, one, seeing clay, made brick by fire, + Remain uninjured by the teeth of time, + Was kindled into great desire + For immortality sublime. + And so this new Empedocles + Upon the blazing pile one sees, + Self-doom'd by purest folly + To fate so melancholy. + The candle lack'd philosophy: + All things are made diverse to be. + To wander from our destined tracks-- + There cannot be a vainer wish; + But this Empedocles of wax, + That melted in chafing-dish + Was truly not a greater fool + Than he of whom we read at school. + +[Illustration: THE WAX-CANDLE.] + + + + +The Shepherd and his Flock. + + + "What! shall I lose them one by one, + This stupid coward throng? + And never shall the wolf have done? + They were at least a thousand strong, + But still they've let poor Robin fall a prey! + Ah, woe's the day! + Poor Robin Wether lying dead! + He follow'd for a bit of bread + His master through the crowded city, + And would have follow'd, had he led, + Around the world. Oh! what a pity! + My pipe, and even step, he knew; + To meet me when I came, he flew; + In hedge-row shade we napp'd together; + Alas, alas, my Robin Wether!" + When Willy thus had duly said + His eulogy upon the dead, + And unto everlasting fame + Consign'd poor Robin Wether's name, + He then harangued the flock at large, + From proud old chieftain rams + Down to the smallest lambs, + Addressing them this weighty charge,-- + Against the wolf, as one, to stand, + In firm, united, fearless band, + By which they might expel him from their land. + Upon their faith, they would not flinch, + They promised him, a single inch. + "We'll choke," said they, "the murderous glutton + Who robb'd us of our Robin Mutton." + Their lives they pledged against the beast, + And Willy gave them all a feast. + But evil Fate, than Phoebus faster, + Ere night had brought a new disaster: + A wolf there came. By nature's law, + The total flock were prompt to run; + And yet 'twas not the wolf they saw, + But shadow of him from the setting sun. + + _Harangue a craven soldiery,_ + _What heroes they will seem to be!_ + _But let them snuff the smoke of battle,_ + _Or even hear the ramrods rattle,_ + _Adieu to all their boast and mettle:_ + _Your own example will be vain,_ + _And exhortations, to retain_ + _The timid cattle._ + +[Illustration: THE SHEPHERD AND HIS FLOCK.] + + + + +The Tortoise and the Two Ducks. + + + A light-brain'd tortoise, anciently, + Tired of her hole, the world would see. + Prone are all such, self-banish'd, to roam-- + Prone are all cripples to abhor their home. + Two ducks, to whom the gossip told + The secret of her purpose bold, + Profess'd to have the means whereby + They could her wishes gratify. + "Our boundless road," said they, "behold! + It is the open air; + And through it we will bear + You safe o'er land and ocean. + Republics, kingdoms, you will view, + And famous cities, old and new; + And get of customs, laws, a notion,-- + Of various wisdom, various pieces, + As did, indeed, the sage Ulysses." + The eager tortoise waited not + To question what Ulysses got, + But closed the bargain on the spot. + A nice machine the birds devise + To bear their pilgrim through the skies. + Athwart her mouth a stick they throw: + "Now bite it hard, and don't let go," + They say, and seize each duck an end, + And, swiftly flying, upward tend. + It made the people gape and stare + Beyond the expressive power of words, + To see a tortoise cut the air, + Exactly poised between two birds. + "A miracle," they cried, "is seen! + There goes the flying tortoise queen!" + "The queen!" ('twas thus the tortoise spoke;) + "I'm truly that, without a joke." + Much better had she held her tongue, + For, opening that whereby she clung, + Before the gazing crowd she fell, + And dash'd to bits her brittle shell. + + _Imprudence, vanity, and babble,_ + _And idle curiosity,_ + _An ever-undivided rabble,_ + _Have all the same paternity._ + +[Illustration: THE TORTOISE AND THE TWO DUCKS.] + + + + +The Two Asses. + + + Two asses tracking, t'other day, + Of which each in his turn, + Did incense to the other burn, + Quite in the usual way,-- + I heard one to his comrade say, + "My lord, do you not find + The prince of knaves and fools + To be this man, who boasts of mind + Instructed in his schools? + With wit unseemly and profane, + He mocks our venerable race-- + On each of his who lacketh brain + Bestows our ancient surname, ass! + And, with abusive tongue portraying, + Describes our laugh and talk as braying! + These bipeds of their folly tell us, + While thus pretending to excel us." + "No, 'tis for you to speak, my friend, + And let their orators attend. + The braying is their own, but let them be: + We understand each other, and agree, + And that's enough. As for your song, + Such wonders to its notes belong, + The nightingale is put to shame, + The Sirens lose one half their fame." + "My lord," the other ass replied, + "Such talents in yourself reside, + Of asses all, the joy and pride." + These donkeys, not quite satisfied + With scratching thus each other's hide, + Must needs the cities visit, + Their fortunes there to raise, + By sounding forth the praise, + Each, of the other's skill exquisite. + +[Illustration: THE TWO ASSES.] + + + + +The Shepherd and his Dog. + + + A shepherd, with a single dog, + Was ask'd the reason why + He kept a dog, whose least supply + Amounted to a loaf of bread + For every day. The people said + He'd better give the animal + To guard the village seignior's hall; + For him, a shepherd, it would be + A thriftier economy + To keep small curs, say two or three, + That would not cost him half the food, + And yet for watching be as good. + The fools, perhaps, forgot to tell + If they would fight the wolf as well. + The silly shepherd, giving heed, + Cast off his dog of mastiff breed, + And took three dogs to watch his cattle, + Which ate far less, but fled in battle. + + _Not vain our tale, if it convinces_ + _Small states that 'tis a wiser thing_ + _To trust a single powerful king,_ + _Than half a dozen petty princes._ + +[Illustration: THE SHEPHERD AND HIS DOG.] + + + + +The Two Mules. + + + Two mules were bearing on their backs, + One, oats; the other, silver of the tax. + The latter glorying in his load, + March'd proudly forward on the road; + And, from the jingle of his bell, + 'Twas plain he liked his burden well. + But in a wild-wood glen + A band of robber men + Rush'd forth upon the twain. + Well with the silver pleased, + They by the bridle seized + The treasure mule so vain. + Poor mule! in struggling to repel + His ruthless foes, he fell + Stabb'd through; and with a bitter sighing, + He cried, "Is this the lot they promised me? + My humble friend from danger free, + While, weltering in my gore, I'm dying?" + "My friend," his fellow-mule replied, + "It is not well to have one's work too high. + If thou hadst been a miller's drudge, as I, + Thou wouldst not thus have died." + +[Illustration: THE TWO MULES.] + + + + +The Heifer, the Goat, and the Sheep. + + + The heifer, the goat, and their sister the sheep, + Compacted their earnings in common to keep, + 'Tis said, in time past, with a lion, who sway'd + Full lordship o'er neighbours, of whatever grade. + The goat, as it happen'd, a stag having snared, + Sent off to the rest, that the beast might be shared. + All gather'd; the lion first counts on his claws, + And says, "We'll proceed to divide with our paws + The stag into pieces, as fix'd by our laws." + This done, he announces part first as his own; + "'Tis mine," he says, "truly, as lion alone." + To such a decision there's nought to be said, + As he who has made it is doubtless the head. + "Well, also, the second to me should belong; + 'Tis mine, be it known, by the right of the strong. + Again, as the bravest, the third must be mine. + To touch but the fourth whoso maketh a sign, + I'll choke him to death + In the space of a breath!" + +[Illustration: THE HEIFER, THE GOAT, & THE SHEEP.] + + + + +The Two Rats, the Fox, and the Egg. + + + Two rats in foraging fell on an egg,-- + For gentry such as they + A genteel dinner every way; + They needed not to find an ox's leg. + Brimful of joy and appetite, + They were about to sack the box, + So tight without the aid of locks, + When suddenly there came in sight + A personage--Sir Pullet Fox. + Sure, luck was never more untoward + Since Fortune was a vixen froward! + How should they save their egg--and bacon? + Their plunder couldn't then be bagg'd; + Should it in forward paws be taken, + Or roll'd along, or dragg'd? + Each method seem'd impossible, + And each was then of danger full. + Necessity, ingenious mother, + Brought forth what help'd them from their pother. + As still there was a chance to save their prey,-- + The sponger yet some hundred yards away,-- + One seized the egg, and turn'd upon his back, + And then, in spite of many a thump and thwack, + That would have torn, perhaps, a coat of mail, + The other dragg'd him by the tail. + Who dares the inference to blink, + That beasts possess wherewith to think? + + _Were I commission'd to bestow_ + _This power on creatures here below,_ + _The beasts should have as much of mind_ + _As infants of the human kind._ + +[Illustration: THE TWO RATS THE FOX AND THE EGG.] + + + + +The Man and his Image. + + + A man, who had no rivals in the love + Which to himself he bore, + Esteem'd his own dear beauty far above + What earth had seen before. + More than contented in his error, + He lived the foe of every mirror. + Officious fate, resolved our lover + From such an illness should recover, + Presented always to his eyes + The mute advisers which the ladies prize;-- + Mirrors in parlours, inns, and shops,-- + Mirrors the pocket furniture of fops,-- + Mirrors on every lady's zone, + From which his face reflected shone. + What could our dear Narcissus do? + From haunts of men he now withdrew, + On purpose that his precious shape + From every mirror might escape. + But in his forest glen alone, + Apart from human trace, + A watercourse, + Of purest source, + While with unconscious gaze + He pierced its waveless face, + Reflected back his own. + Incensed with mingled rage and fright, + He seeks to shun the odious sight; + But yet that mirror sheet, so clear and still, + He cannot leave, do what he will. + + _Ere this, my story's drift you plainly see._ + _From such mistake there is no mortal free._ + _That obstinate self-lover_ + _The human soul doth cover;_ + _The mirrors' follies are of others,_ + _In which, as all are genuine brothers,_ + _Each soul may see to life depicted_ + _Itself with just such faults afflicted;_ + _And by that charming placid brook,_ + _Needless to say, I mean your Maxim Book._ + +[Illustration: THE MAN AND HIS IMAGE] + + + + +The Dragon with Many Heads. + + + An envoy of the Porte Sublime, + As history says, once on a time, + Before th' imperial German court + Did rather boastfully report, + The troops commanded by his master's firman, + As being a stronger army than the German: + To which replied a Dutch attendant, + "Our prince has more than one dependant + Who keeps an army at his own expense." + The Turk, a man of sense, + Rejoin'd, "I am aware + What power your emperor's servants share. + It brings to mind a tale both strange and true, + A thing which once, myself, I chanced to view. + I saw come darting through a hedge, + Which fortified a rocky ledge, + A hydra's hundred heads; and in a trice + My blood was turning into ice. + But less the harm than terror,-- + The body came no nearer; + Nor could, unless it had been sunder'd, + To parts at least a hundred. + While musing deeply on this sight, + Another dragon came to light, + Whose single head avails + To lead a hundred tails: + And, seized with juster fright, + I saw him pass the hedge,-- + Head, body, tails,--a wedge + Of living and resistless powers.-- + The other was your emperor's force; this ours." + +[Illustration: THE DRAGON WITH MANY HEADS.] + + + + +Death and the Woodman + + + A poor wood-chopper, with his fagot load, + Whom weight of years, as well as load, oppress'd, + Sore groaning in his smoky hut to rest, + Trudged wearily along his homeward road. + At last his wood upon the ground he throws, + And sits him down to think o'er all his woes. + To joy a stranger, since his hapless birth, + What poorer wretch upon this rolling earth? + No bread sometimes, and ne'er a moment's rest; + Wife, children, soldiers, landlords, public tax, + All wait the swinging of his old, worn axe, + And paint the veriest picture of a man unblest. + On Death he calls. Forthwith that monarch grim + Appears, and asks what he should do for him. + "Not much, indeed; a little help I lack-- + To put these fagots on my back." + + _Death ready stands all ills to cure;_ + _But let us not his cure invite._ + _Than die, 'tis better to endure,--_ + _Is both a manly maxim and a right._ + +[Illustration: DEATH AND THE WOODMAN.] + + + + +The Hornets and the Bees. + + + "The artist by his work is known." + A piece of honey-comb, one day, + Discover'd as a waif and stray, + The hornets treated as their own. + Their title did the bees dispute, + And brought before a wasp the suit. + The judge was puzzled to decide, + For nothing could be testified + Save that around this honey-comb + There had been seen, as if at home, + Some longish, brownish, buzzing creatures, + Much like the bees in wings and features. + But what of that? for marks the same, + The hornets, too, could truly claim. + Between assertion, and denial, + The wasp, in doubt, proclaim'd new trial; + And, hearing what an ant-hill swore, + Could see no clearer than before. + "What use, I pray, of this expense?" + At last exclaim'd a bee of sense. + "We've labour'd months in this affair, + And now are only where we were. + Meanwhile the honey runs to waste: + 'Tis time the judge should show some haste. + The parties, sure, have had sufficient bleeding, + Without more fuss of scrawls and pleading. + Let's set ourselves at work, these drones and we + And then all eyes the truth may plainly see, + Whose art it is that can produce + The magic cells, the nectar juice." + The hornets, flinching on their part, + Show that the work transcends their art. + The wasp at length their title sees, + And gives the honey to the bees. + + _Would God that suits at law with us_ + _Might all be managed thus!_ + +[Illustration: THE HORNETS AND THE BEES.] + + + + +The Oak and the Reed. + + + The oak one day address'd the reed:-- + "To you ungenerous indeed + Has nature been, my humble friend, + With weakness aye obliged to bend. + The smallest bird that flits in air + Is quite too much for you to bear; + The slightest wind that wreathes the lake + Your ever-trembling head doth shake. + The while, my towering form + Dares with the mountain top + The solar blaze to stop, + And wrestle with the storm. + What seems to you the blast of death, + To me is but a zephyr's breath. + Beneath my branches had you grown, + Less suffering would your life have known, + Unhappily you oftenest show + In open air your slender form, + Along the marshes wet and low, + That fringe the kingdom of the storm. + To you, declare I must, + Dame Nature seems unjust." + Then modestly replied the reed: + "Your pity, sir, is kind indeed, + But wholly needless for my sake. + The wildest wind that ever blew + Is safe to me compared with you. + I bend, indeed, but never break. + Thus far, I own, the hurricane + Has beat your sturdy back in vain; + But wait the end." Just at the word, + The tempest's hollow voice was heard. + The North sent forth her fiercest child, + Dark, jagged, pitiless, and wild. + The oak, erect, endured the blow; + The reed bow'd gracefully and low. + But, gathering up its strength once more, + In greater fury than before, + The savage blast + O'erthrew, at last, + That proud, old, sky-encircled head, + Whose feet entwined the empire of the dead! + +[Illustration: THE OAK AND THE REED.] + + + + +The Council held by the Rats. + + + Old Rodilard, a certain cat, + Such havoc of the rats had made, + 'Twas difficult to find a rat + With nature's debt unpaid. + The few that did remain, + To leave their holes afraid, + From usual food abstain, + Not eating half their fill. + And wonder no one will + That one who made of rats his revel, + With rats pass'd not for cat, but devil. + Now, on a day, this dread rat-eater, + Who had a wife, went out to meet her; + And while he held his caterwauling, + The unkill'd rats, their chapter calling, + Discuss'd the point, in grave debate, + How they might shun impending fate. + Their dean, a prudent rat, + Thought best, and better soon than late, + To bell the fatal cat; + That, when he took his hunting round, + The rats, well caution'd by the sound, + Might hide in safety under ground; + Indeed he knew no other means. + And all the rest + At once confess'd + Their minds were with the dean's. + No better plan, they all believed, + Could possibly have been conceived. + No doubt the thing would work right well, + If any one would hang the bell. + But, one by one, said every rat, + "I'm not so big a fool as that." + The plan knock'd up in this respect, + The council closed without effect. + + And many a council I have seen, + Or reverend chapter with its dean, + That, thus resolving wisely, + Fell through like this precisely. + + _To argue or refute_ + _Wise counsellors abound;_ + _The man to execute_ + _Is harder to be found._ + +[Illustration: THE COUNCIL HELD BY THE RATS.] + + + + +The Two Bulls and the Frog. + + + Two bulls engaged in shocking battle, + Both for a certain heifer's sake, + And lordship over certain cattle, + A frog began to groan and quake. + "But what is this to you?" + Inquired another of the croaking crew. + "Why, sister, don't you see, + The end of this will be, + That one of these big brutes will yield, + And then be exiled from the field? + No more permitted on the grass to feed, + He'll forage through our marsh, on rush and reed; + And while he eats or chews the cud, + Will trample on us in the mud. + Alas! to think how frogs must suffer + By means of this proud lady heifer!" + This fear was not without good sense. + One bull was beat, and much to their expense; + For, quick retreating to their reedy bower, + He trod on twenty of them in an hour. + + _Of little folks it oft has been the fate_ + _To suffer for the follies of the great._ + +[Illustration: THE TWO BULLS AND THE FROG.] + + + + +The Bat and the Two Weasels. + + + A blundering bat once stuck her head + Into a wakeful weasel's bed; + Whereat the mistress of the house, + A deadly foe of rats and mice, + Was making ready in a trice + To eat the stranger as a mouse. + "What! do you dare," she said, "to creep in + The very bed I sometimes sleep in, + Now, after all the provocation + I've suffered from your thievish nation? + Are you not really a mouse, + That gnawing pest of every house, + Your special aim to do the cheese ill? + Ay, that you are, or I'm no weasel." + "I beg your pardon," said the bat; + "My kind is very far from that. + What! I a mouse! Who told you such a lie? + Why, ma'am, I am a bird; + And, if you doubt my word, + Just see the wings with which I fly. + Long live the mice that cleave the sky!" + These reasons had so fair a show, + The weasel let the creature go. + + By some strange fancy led, + The same wise blunderhead, + But two or three days later, + Had chosen for her rest + Another weasel's nest, + This last, of birds a special hater. + New peril brought this step absurd: + Without a moment's thought or puzzle, + Dame weasel opened her peaked muzzle + To eat th' intruder as a bird. + "Hold! do not wrong me," cried the bat; + "I'm truly no such thing as that. + Your eyesight strange conclusions gathers. + What makes a bird, I pray? Its feathers. + I'm cousin of the mice and rats. + Great Jupiter confound the cats!" + The bat, by such adroit replying, + Twice saved herself from dying. + + _And many a human stranger_ + _Thus turns his coat in danger;_ + _And sings, as suits, where'er he goes,_ + _"God save the king!"--or "save his foes!"_ + +[Illustration: THE BAT AND THE TWO WEASELS.] + + + + +The Bird wounded by an Arrow. + + + A bird, with plumed arrow shot, + In dying case deplored her lot: + "Alas!" she cried, "the anguish of the thought! + This ruin partly by myself was brought! + Hard-hearted men! from us to borrow + What wings to us the fatal arrow! + But mock us not, ye cruel race, + For you must often take our place." + + _The work of half the human brothers_ + _Is making arms against the others._ + +[Illustration: THE BIRD WOUNDED BY AN ARROW.] + + + + +The Lion and the Gnat. + + + "Go, paltry insect, nature's meanest brat!" + Thus said the royal lion to the gnat. + The gnat declared immediate war. + "Think you," said he, "your royal name + To me worth caring for? + Think you I tremble at your power or fame? + The ox is bigger far than you; + Yet him I drive, and all his crew." + This said, as one that did no fear owe, + Himself he blew the battle charge, + Himself both trumpeter and hero. + At first he play'd about at large, + Then on the lion's neck, at leisure, settled, + And there the royal beast full sorely nettled. + With foaming mouth, and flashing eye, + He roars. All creatures hide or fly,-- + Such mortal terror at + The work of one poor gnat! + With constant change of his attack, + The snout now stinging, now the back, + And now the chambers of the nose; + The pigmy fly no mercy shows. + The lion's rage was at its height; + His viewless foe now laugh'd outright, + When on his battle-ground he saw, + That every savage tooth and claw + Had got its proper beauty + By doing bloody duty; + Himself, the hapless lion, tore his hide, + And lash'd with sounding tail from side to side. + Ah! bootless blow, and bite, and curse! + He beat the harmless air, and worse; + For, though so fierce and stout, + By effort wearied out, + He fainted, fell, gave up the quarrel; + The gnat retires with verdant laurel. + + _We often have the most to fear_ + _From those we most despise;_ + _Again, great risks a man may clear,_ + _Who by the smallest dies._ + +[Illustration: THE LION AND THE GNAT.] + + + + +The Ass Loaded with Sponges. + + + A man, whom I shall call an ass-eteer, + His sceptre like some Roman emperor bearing, + Drove on two coursers of protracted ear, + The one, with sponges laden, briskly faring; + The other lifting legs + As if he trod on eggs, + With constant need of goading, + And bags of salt for loading. + O'er hill and dale our merry pilgrims pass'd, + Till, coming to a river's ford at last, + They stopp'd quite puzzled on the shore. + Our asseteer had cross'd the stream before; + So, on the lighter beast astride, + He drives the other, spite of dread, + Which, loath indeed to go ahead, + Into a deep hole turns aside, + And, facing right about, + Where he went in, comes out; + For duckings, two or three + Had power the salt to melt, + So that the creature felt + His burden'd shoulders free. + The sponger, like a sequent sheep, + Pursuing through the water deep, + Into the same hole plunges + Himself, his rider, and the sponges. + All three drank deeply: asseteer and ass + For boon companions of their load might pass; + Which last became so sore a weight, + The ass fell down, + Belike to drown + His rider risking equal fate. + A helper came, no matter who. + + _The moral needs no more ado--_ + _That all can't act alike,--_ + _The point I wish'd to strike._ + +[Illustration: THE ASS LOADED WITH SPONGES.] + + + + +The Dove and the Ant. + + + A dove came to a brook to drink, + When, leaning o'er its crumbling brink, + An ant fell in, and vainly tried, + In this, to her, an ocean tide, + To reach the land; whereat the dove, + With every living thing in love, + Was prompt a spire of grass to throw her, + By which the ant regain'd the shore. + + A barefoot scamp, both mean and sly, + Soon after chanced this dove to spy; + And, being arm'd with bow and arrow, + The hungry codger doubted not + The bird of Venus, in his pot, + Would make a soup before the morrow. + Just as his deadly bow he drew, + Our ant just bit his heel. + Roused by the villain's squeal, + The dove took timely hint, and flew + Far from the rascal's coop;-- + And with her flew his soup. + +[Illustration: THE DOVE AND THE ANT.] + + + + +The Cock and the Fox. + + + Upon a tree there mounted guard + A veteran cock, adroit and cunning; + When to the roots a fox up running, + Spoke thus, in tones of kind regard:-- + "Our quarrel, brother, 's at an end; + Henceforth I hope to live your friend; + For peace now reigns + Throughout the animal domains. + I bear the news:--come down, I pray, + And give me the embrace fraternal; + And please, my brother, don't delay. + So much the tidings do concern all, + That I must spread them far to-day. + Now you and yours can take your walks + Without a fear or thought of hawks. + And should you clash with them or others, + In us you'll find the best of brothers;-- + For which you may, this joyful night, + Your merry bonfires light. + But, first, let's seal the bliss + With one fraternal kiss." + "Good friend," the cock replied, "upon my word, + A better thing I never heard; + And doubly I rejoice + To hear it from your voice; + And, really there must be something in it, + For yonder come two greyhounds, which I flatter + Myself are couriers on this very matter. + They come so fast, they'll be here in a minute. + I'll down, and all of us will seal the blessing + With general kissing and caressing." + "Adieu," said fox; "my errand's pressing; + I'll hurry on my way, + And we'll rejoice some other day." + So off the fellow scamper'd, quick and light, + To gain the fox-holes of a neighbouring height, + Less happy in his stratagem than flight. + The cock laugh'd sweetly in his sleeve;-- + 'Tis doubly sweet deceiver to deceive. + +[Illustration: THE COCK AND THE FOX.] + + + + +The Lion beaten by the Man. + + + A picture once was shown, + In which one man, alone, + Upon the ground had thrown + A lion fully grown. + Much gloried at the sight the rabble. + A lion thus rebuked their babble:-- + "That you have got the victory there, + There is no contradiction. + But, gentles, possibly you are + The dupes of easy fiction: + Had we the art of making pictures, + Perhaps our champion had beat yours!" + +[Illustration: THE LION BEATEN BY THE MAN.] + + + + +Philomel and Progne. + + + From home and city spires, one day, + The swallow Progne flew away, + And sought the bosky dell + Where sang poor Philomel. + "My sister," Progne said, "how do you do? + 'Tis now a thousand years since you + Have been conceal'd from human view; + I'm sure I have not seen your face + Once since the times of Thrace. + Pray, will you never quit this dull retreat?" + "Where could I find," said Philomel, "so sweet?" + "What! sweet?" cried Progne--"sweet to waste + Such tones on beasts devoid of taste + Or on some rustic, at the most! + Should you by deserts be engross'd? + Come, be the city's pride and boast. + Besides, the woods remind of harms + That Tereus in them did your charms." + "Alas!" replied the bird of song, + "The thought of that so cruel wrong + Makes me, from age to age, + Prefer this hermitage; + For nothing like the sight of men + Can call up what I suffer'd then." + +[Illustration: PHILOMEL AND PROGNE.] + + + + +The Camel and the Floating Sticks. + + + The first who saw the humpback'd camel + Fled off for life; the next approach'd with care; + The third with tyrant rope did boldly dare + The desert wanderer to trammel. + Such is the power of use to change + The face of objects new and strange; + Which grow, by looking at, so tame, + They do not even seem the same. + And since this theme is up for our attention, + A certain watchman I will mention, + Who, seeing something far + Away upon the ocean, + Could not but speak his notion + That 'twas a ship of war. + Some minutes more had past,-- + A bomb-ketch 'twas without a sail, + And then a boat, and then a bale, + And floating sticks of wood at last! + + _Full many things on earth, I wot,_ + _Will claim this tale,--and well they may;_ + _They're something dreadful far away,_ + _But near at hand--they're not._ + +[Illustration: THE CAMEL AND THE FLOATING STICKS.] + + + + +The Wolf, the Goat, and the Kid. + + + As went a goat of grass to take her fill, + And browse the herbage of a distant hill, + She latch'd her door, and bid, + With matron care, her kid; + "My daughter, as you live, + This portal don't undo + To any creature who + This watchword does not give: + 'Deuce take the wolf and all his race!'" + The wolf was passing near the place + By chance, and heard the words with pleasure, + And laid them up as useful treasure; + And hardly need we mention, + Escaped the goat's attention. + No sooner did he see + The matron off, than he, + With hypocritic tone and face, + Cried out before the place, + "Deuce take the wolf and all his race!" + Not doubting thus to gain admission. + The kid, not void of all suspicion, + Peer'd through a crack, and cried, + "Show me white paw before + You ask me to undo the door." + The wolf could not, if he had died, + For wolves have no connection + With pains of that complexion. + So, much surprised, our gourmandiser + Retired to fast till he was wiser. + + _How would the kid have been undone_ + _Had she but trusted to the word?_ + _The wolf by chance had overheard!_ + _Two sureties better are than one;_ + _And caution's worth its cost,_ + _Though sometimes seeming lost._ + +[Illustration: THE WOLF, THE GOAT, AND THE KID.] + + + + +The Rat Retired from the World. + + + The sage Levantines have a tale + About a rat that weary grew + Of all the cares which life assail, + And to a Holland cheese withdrew. + His solitude was there profound, + Extending through his world so round. + Our hermit lived on that within; + And soon his industry had been + With claws and teeth so good, + That in his novel hermitage, + He had in store, for wants of age, + Both house and livelihood. + One day this personage devout, + Whose kindness none might doubt, + Was ask'd, by certain delegates + That came from Rat-United-States, + For some small aid, for they + To foreign parts were on their way, + For succour in the great cat-war. + Ratopolis beleaguer'd sore, + Their whole republic drain'd and poor, + No morsel in their scrips they bore. + Slight boon they craved, of succour sure + In days at utmost three or four. + "My friends," the hermit said, + "To worldly things I'm dead. + How can a poor recluse + To such a mission be of use? + What can he do but pray + That God will aid it on its way? + And so, my friends, it is my prayer + That God will have you in his care." + His well-fed saintship said no more, + But in their faces shut the door. + + _What think you, reader, is the service_ + _For which I use this niggard rat?_ + _To paint a monk? No, but a dervise._ + _A monk, I think, however fat,_ + _Must be more bountiful than that._ + +[Illustration: THE RAT RETIRED FROM THE WORLD.] + + + + +The Cunning Fox. + + + A fox once practised, 'tis believed, + A stratagem right well conceived. + The wretch, when in the utmost strait + By dogs of nose so delicate, + Approach'd a gallows, where, + A lesson to like passengers, + Or clothed in feathers or in furs, + Some badgers, owls, and foxes, pendent were. + Their comrade, in his pressing need, + Arranged himself among the dead. + I seem to see old Hannibal + Outwit some Roman general, + And sit securely in his tent, + The legions on some other scent. + But certain dogs, kept back + To tell the errors of the pack, + Arriving where the traitor hung, + A fault in fullest chorus sung. + Though by their bark the welkin rung, + Their master made them hold the tongue. + Suspecting not a trick so odd, + Said he, "The rogue's beneath the sod. + My dogs, that never saw such jokes, + Won't bark beyond these honest folks." + + The rogue would try the trick again. + He did so to his cost and pain. + Again with dogs the welkin rings; + Again our fox from gallows swings; + But though he hangs with greater faith + This time, he does it to his death. + + _So uniformly is it true,_ + _A stratagem is best when new._ + +[Illustration: THE CUNNING FOX.] + + + + +The Ape. + + + There is an ape in Paris, + To which was given a wife: + Like many a one that marries, + This ape, in brutal strife, + Soon beat her out of life. + Their infant cries,--perhaps not fed,-- + But cries, I ween, in vain; + The father laughs: his wife is dead, + And he has other loves again, + Which he will also beat, I think,-- + Return'd from tavern drown'd in drink. + + _For aught that's good, you need not look_ + _Among the imitative tribe;_ + _A monkey be it, or what makes a book--_ + _The worse, I deem--the aping scribe._ + +[Illustration: THE APE.] + + + + +The Fox, the Flies, and the Hedgehog. + + + A fox, old, subtle, vigilant, and sly,-- + By hunters wounded, fallen in the mud,-- + Attracted by the traces of his blood, + That buzzing parasite, the fly. + He blamed the gods, and wonder'd why + The Fates so cruelly should wish + To feast the fly on such a costly dish. + "What! light on me! make me its food! + Me, me, the nimblest of the wood! + How long has fox-meat been so good? + What serves my tail? Is it a useless weight? + Go,--Heaven confound thee, greedy reprobate!-- + And suck thy fill from some more vulgar veins!" + A hedgehog, witnessing his pains, + (This fretful personage + Here graces first my page,) + Desired to set him free + From such cupidity. + "My neighbour fox," said he, + "My quills these rascals shall empale, + And ease thy torments without fail." + "Not for the world, my friend!" the fox replied. + "Pray let them finish their repast. + These flies are full. Should they be set aside, + New hungrier swarms would finish me at last." + + _Consumers are too common here below,_ + _In court and camp, in church and state, we know._ + _Old Aristotle's penetration_ + _Remark'd our fable's application;_ + _It might more clearly in our nation._ + _The fuller certain men are fed,_ + _The less the public will be bled._ + +[Illustration: THE FOX THE FLIES & THE HEDGEHOG.] + + + + +The Eagle and the Magpie. + + + The eagle, through the air a queen, + And one far different, I ween, + In temper, language, thought, and mien,-- + The magpie,--once a prairie cross'd. + The by-path where they met was drear, + And Madge gave up herself for lost; + But having dined on ample cheer, + The eagle bade her, "Never fear; + You're welcome to my company; + For if the king of gods can be + Full oft in need of recreation,-- + Who rules the world,--right well may I, + Who serve him in that high relation: + Amuse me, then, before you fly." + Our cackler, pleased, at quickest rate + Of this and that began to prate. + No fool, or babbler for that matter, + Could more incontinently chatter. + At last she offer'd to make known-- + A better spy had never flown-- + All things, whatever she might see, + In travelling from tree to tree. + But, with her offer little pleased-- + Nay, gathering wrath at being teased,-- + For such a purpose, never rove,-- + Replied th' impatient bird of Jove. + "Adieu, my cackling friend, adieu; + My court is not the place for you: + Heaven keep it free from such a bore!" + Madge flapp'd her wings, and said no more. + + _'Tis far less easy than it seems_ + _An entrance to the great to gain._ + _The honour oft hath cost extremes_ + _Of mortal pain._ + _The craft of spies, the tattling art,_ + _And looks more gracious than the heart,_ + _Are odious there;_ + _But still, if one would meet success,_ + _Of different parishes the dress_ + _He, like the pie, must wear._ + +[Illustration: THE EAGLE AND THE MAGPIE.] + + + + +The Lion and the Hunter. + + + A braggart, lover of the chase, + Had lost a dog of valued race, + And thought him in a lion's maw. + He ask'd a shepherd whom he saw, + "Pray show me, man, the robber's place, + And I'll have justice in the case." + "'Tis on this mountain side," + The shepherd man replied. + "The tribute of a sheep I pay, + Each month, and where I please I stray." + Out leap'd the lion as he spake, + And came that way with agile feet. + The braggart, prompt his flight to take, + Cried, "Jove, O grant a safe retreat!" + + _A danger close at hand_ + _Of courage is the test._ + _It shows us who will stand--_ + _Whose legs will run their best._ + +[Illustration: THE LION AND THE HUNTER.] + + + + +The Fox, the Monkey, and the Animals + + + Left kingless by the lion's death, + The beasts once met, our story saith, + Some fit successor to install. + Forth from a dragon-guarded, moated place, + The crown was brought, and, taken from its case, + And being tried by turns on all, + The heads of most were found too small; + Some horned were, and some too big; + Not one would fit the regal gear. + For ever ripe for such a rig, + The monkey, looking very queer, + Approach'd with antics and grimaces, + And, after scores of monkey faces, + With what would seem a gracious stoop, + Pass'd through the crown as through a hoop. + The beasts, diverted with the thing, + Did homage to him as their king. + The fox alone the vote regretted, + But yet in public never fretted. + When he his compliments had paid + To royalty, thus newly made, + "Great sire, I know a place," said he, + "Where lies conceal'd a treasure, + Which, by the right of royalty, + Should bide your royal pleasure." + The king lack'd not an appetite + For such financial pelf, + And, not to lose his royal right, + Ran straight to see it for himself. + It was a trap, and he was caught. + Said Renard, "Would you have it thought, + You ape, that you can fill a throne, + And guard the rights of all, alone, + Not knowing how to guard your own?" + + _The beasts all gather'd from the farce,_ + _That stuff for kings is very scarce._ + +[Illustration: THE FOX, THE MONKEY, AND THE ANIMALS.] + + + + +The Sun and the Frogs. + + + Rejoicing on their tyrant's wedding-day, + The people drown'd their care in drink; + While from the general joy did AEsop shrink, + And show'd its folly in this way. + "The sun," said he, "once took it in his head + To have a partner: so he wed. + From swamps, and ponds, and marshy bogs, + Up rose the wailings of the frogs. + "What shall we do, should he have progeny?" + Said they to Destiny; + 'One sun we scarcely can endure, + And half-a-dozen, we are sure, + Will dry the very sea. + Adieu to marsh and fen! + Our race will perish then, + Or be obliged to fix + Their dwelling in the Styx!' + For such an humble animal, + The frog, I take it, reason'd well." + +[Illustration: THE SUN AND THE FROGS.] + + + + +The Countryman and the Serpent. + + + A countryman, as AEsop certifies, + A charitable man, but not so wise, + One day in winter found, + Stretch'd on the snowy ground, + A chill'd or frozen snake, + As torpid as a stake, + And, if alive, devoid of sense. + He took him up, and bore him home, + And, thinking not what recompense + For such a charity would come, + Before the fire stretch'd him, + And back to being fetch'd him. + The snake scarce felt the genial heat + Before his heart with native malice beat. + He raised his head, thrust out his forked tongue, + Coil'd up, and at his benefactor sprung. + "Ungrateful wretch!" said he, "is this the way + My care and kindness you repay? + Now you shall die." With that his axe he takes, + And with two blows three serpents makes. + Trunk, head, and tail were separate snakes; + And, leaping up with all their might, + They vainly sought to reunite. + + _'Tis good and lovely to be kind;_ + _But charity should not be blind;_ + _For as to wretchedness ingrate,_ + _You cannot raise it from its wretched state._ + +[Illustration: THE COUNTRYMAN AND THE SERPENT.] + + + + +The Carter in the Mire. + + + The Phaeton who drove a load of hay + Once found his cart bemired. + Poor man! the spot was far away + From human help--retired, + In some rude country place, + In Brittany, as near as I can trace, + Near Quimper Corentan,-- + A town that poet never sang,-- + Which Fate, they say, puts in the traveller's path, + When she would rouse the man to special wrath. + May Heaven preserve us from that route! + But to our carter, hale and stout:-- + Fast stuck his cart; he swore his worst, + And, fill'd with rage extreme, + The mud-holes now he cursed, + And now he cursed his team, + And now his cart and load,-- + Anon, the like upon himself bestow'd. + Upon the god he call'd at length, + Most famous through the world for strength. + "O, help me, Hercules!" cried he; "for if thy back of yore + This burly planet bore, thy arm can set me free." + This prayer gone up, from out a cloud there broke + A voice which thus in godlike accents spoke:-- + "The suppliant must himself bestir, + Ere Hercules will aid confer. + Look wisely in the proper quarter, + To see what hindrance can be found; + Remove the execrable mud and mortar, + Which, axle-deep, beset thy wheels around. + Thy sledge and crowbar take, + And pry me up that stone, or break; + Now fill that rut upon the other side. + Hast done it?" "Yes," the man replied. + "Well," said the voice, "I'll aid thee now; + Take up thy whip." "I have ... but, how? + My cart glides on with ease! + I thank thee, Hercules." + "Thy team," rejoin'd the voice, "has light ado; + So help thyself, and Heaven will help thee too." + +[Illustration: THE CARTER IN THE MIRE.] + + + + +The Heron. + + + One day,--no matter when or where,-- + A long-legg'd heron chanced to fare + By a certain river's brink, + With his long, sharp beak + Helved on his slender neck; + 'Twas a fish-spear, you might think. + The water was clear and still, + The carp and the pike there at will + Pursued their silent fun, + Turning up, ever and anon, + A golden side to the sun. + With ease might the heron have made + Great profits in his fishing trade. + So near came the scaly fry, + They might be caught by the passer-by. + But he thought he better might + Wait for a better appetite-- + For he lived by rule, and could not eat, + Except at his hours, the best of meat. + Anon his appetite return'd once more; + So, approaching again the shore, + He saw some tench taking their leaps, + Now and then, from their lowest deeps. + With as dainty a taste as Horace's rat, + He turn'd away from such food as that. + "What, tench for a heron! poh! + I scorn the thought, and let them go." + The tench refused, there came a gudgeon; + "For all that," said the bird, "I budge on. + I'll ne'er open my beak, if the gods please, + For such mean little fishes as these." + He did it for less; | For it came to pass, + That not another fish could he see; + And, at last, so hungry was he, + That he thought it of some avail + To find on the bank a single snail. + + _Such is the sure result_ + _Of being too difficult._ + + _Would you be strong and great_ + _Learn to accommodate._ + +[Illustration: THE HERON.] + + + + +The Head and the Tail of the Serpent. + + + Two parts the serpent has-- + Of men the enemies-- + The head and tail: the same + Have won a mighty fame, + Next to the cruel Fates;-- + So that, indeed, hence + They once had great debates + About precedence. + The first had always gone ahead; + The tail had been for ever led; + And now to Heaven it pray'd, + And said, + "O, many and many a league, + Dragg'd on in sore fatigue, + Behind his back I go. + Shall he for ever use me so? + Am I his humble servant? + No. Thanks to God most fervent! + His brother I was born, + And not his slave forlorn. + The self-same blood in both, + I'm just as good as he: + A poison dwells in me + As virulent as doth + In him. In mercy, heed, + And grant me this decree, + That I, in turn, may lead-- + My brother, follow me. + My course shall be so wise, + That no complaint shall rise." + With cruel kindness Heaven granted + The very thing he blindly wanted: + At once this novel guide, + That saw no more in broad daylight + Than in the murk of darkest night, + His powers of leading tried, + Struck trees, and men, and stones, and bricks, + And led his brother straight to Styx. + And to the same unlovely home, + Some states by such an error come. + +[Illustration: THE HEAD & THE TAIL OF THE SERPENT.] + + + + +The Dog And His Master's Dinner. + + + Our eyes are not made proof against the fair, + Nor hands against the touch of gold. + Fidelity is sadly rare, + And has been from the days of old. + Well taught his appetite to check, + And do full many a handy trick, + A dog was trotting, light and quick, + His master's dinner on his neck. + A temperate, self-denying dog was he, + More than, with such a load, he liked to be. + But still he was, while many such as we + Would not have scrupled to make free. + Strange that to dogs a virtue you may teach, + Which, do your best, to men you vainly preach! + This dog of ours, thus richly fitted out, + A mastiff met, who wish'd the meat, no doubt. + To get it was less easy than he thought: + The porter laid it down and fought. + Meantime some other dogs arrive: + Such dogs are always thick enough, + And, fearing neither kick nor cuff, + Upon the public thrive. + Our hero, thus o'ermatch'd and press'd,-- + The meat in danger manifest,-- + Is fain to share it with the rest; + And, looking very calm and wise, + "No anger, gentlemen," he cries: + "My morsel will myself suffice; + The rest shall be your welcome prize." + With this, the first his charge to violate, + He snaps a mouthful from his freight. + Then follow mastiff, cur, and pup, + Till all is cleanly eaten up. + Not sparingly the party feasted, + And not a dog of all but tasted. + + _In some such manner men abuse_ + _Of towns and states the revenues._ + _The sheriffs, aldermen, and mayor,_ + _Come in for each a liberal share._ + +[Illustration: THE DOG AND HIS MASTER'S DINNER.] + + + + +The Joker and the Fishes. + + + A joker at a banker's table, + Most amply spread to satisfy + The height of epicurean wishes, + Had nothing near but little fishes. + So, taking several of the fry, + He whisper'd to them very nigh, + And seem'd to listen for reply. + The guests much wonder'd what it meant, + And stared upon him all intent. + The joker, then, with sober face, + Politely thus explain'd the case: + "A friend of mine, to India bound, + Has been, I fear, + Within a year, + By rocks or tempests wreck'd and drown'd. + I ask'd these strangers from the sea + To tell me where my friend might be. + But all replied they were too young + To know the least of such a matter-- + The older fish could tell me better. + Pray, may I hear some older tongue?" + What relish had the gentlefolks + For such a sample of his jokes, + Is more than I can now relate. + They put, I'm sure, upon his plate, + A monster of so old a date, + He must have known the names and fate + Of all the daring voyagers, + Who, following the moon and stars, + Have, by mischances, sunk their bones + Within the realms of Davy Jones; + And who, for centuries, had seen, + Far down, within the fathomless, + Where whales themselves are sceptreless, + The ancients in their halls of green. + +[Illustration: THE JOKER AND THE FISHES.] + + + + +The Rat and the Oyster. + + + A country rat, of little brains, + Grown weary of inglorious rest, + Left home with all its straws and grains, + Resolved to know beyond his nest. + When peeping through the nearest fence, + "How big the world is, how immense!" + He cried; "there rise the Alps, and that + Is doubtless famous Ararat." + His mountains were the works of moles, + Or dirt thrown up in digging holes! + Some days of travel brought him where + The tide had left the oysters bare. + Since here our traveller saw the sea, + He thought these shells the ships must be. + "My father was, in truth," said he, + "A coward, and an ignoramus; + He dared not travel: as for me, + I've seen the ships and ocean famous; + Have cross'd the deserts without drinking, + And many dangerous streams unshrinking." + Among the shut-up shell-fish, one + Was gaping widely at the sun; + It breathed, and drank the air's perfume, + Expanding, like a flower in bloom. + Both white and fat, its meat + Appear'd a dainty treat. + Our rat, when he this shell espied, + Thought for his stomach to provide. + "If not mistaken in the matter," + Said he, "no meat was ever fatter, + Or in its flavour half so fine, + As that on which to-day I dine." + Thus full of hope, the foolish chap + Thrust in his head to taste, + And felt the pinching of a trap-- + The oyster closed in haste. + + _Now those to whom the world is new_ + _Are wonder-struck at every view;_ + _And the marauder finds his match,_ + _When he is caught who thinks to catch._ + +[Illustration: THE RAT AND THE OYSTER.] + + + + +The Hog, the Goat, and the Sheep. + + + A goat, a sheep, and porker fat, + All to the market rode together. + Their own amusement was not that + Which caused their journey thither. + Their coachman did not mean to "set them down" + To see the shows and wonders of the town. + The porker cried, in piercing squeals, + As if with butchers at his heels. + The other beasts, of milder mood, + The cause by no means understood. + They saw no harm, and wonder'd why + At such a rate the hog should cry. + "Hush there, old piggy!" said the man, + "And keep as quiet as you can. + What wrong have you to squeal about, + And raise this dev'lish, deaf'ning shout? + These stiller persons at your side + Have manners much more dignified. + Pray, have you heard + A single word + Come from that gentleman in wool? + That proves him wise." "That proves him fool!" + The testy hog replied; + "For did he know + To what we go, + He'd cry almost to split his throat; + So would her ladyship the goat. + They only think to lose with ease, + The goat her milk, the sheep his fleece: + They're, maybe, right; but as for me + This ride is quite another matter. + Of service only on the platter, + My death is quite a certainty. + Adieu, my dear old piggery!" + The porker's logic proved at once + Himself a prophet and a dunce. + + _Hope ever gives a present ease,_ + _But fear beforehand kills:_ + _The wisest he who least foresees_ + _Inevitable ills._ + +[Illustration: THE HOG THE GOAT AND THE SHEEP.] + + + + +The Rat and the Elephant. + + + A rat, of quite the smallest size, + Fix'd on an elephant his eyes, + And jeer'd the beast of high descent + Because his feet so slowly went. + Upon his back, three stories high, + There sat, beneath a canopy, + A certain sultan of renown, + His dog, and cat, and wife sublime, + His parrot, servant, and his wine, + All pilgrims to a distant town. + The rat profess'd to be amazed + That all the people stood and gazed + With wonder, as he pass'd the road, + Both at the creature and his load. + "As if," said he, "to occupy + A little more of land or sky + Made one, in view of common sense, + Of greater worth and consequence! + What see ye, men, in this parade, + That food for wonder need be made? + The bulk which makes a child afraid? + In truth, I take myself to be, + In all aspects, as good as he." + And further might have gone his vaunt; + But, darting down, the cat + Convinced him that a rat + Is smaller than an elephant. + +[Illustration: THE RAT AND THE ELEPHANT.] + + + + +The Ass and the Dog. + + + Along the road an ass and dog + One master following, did jog. + Their master slept: meanwhile, the ass + Applied his nippers to the grass, + Much pleased in such a place to stop, + Though there no thistle he could crop. + He would not be too delicate, + Nor spoil a dinner for a plate, + Which, but for that, his favourite dish, + Were all that any ass could wish. + "My dear companion," Towser said,-- + "'Tis as a starving dog I ask it,-- + Pray lower down your loaded basket, + And let me get a piece of bread." + No answer--not a word!--indeed, + The truth was, our Arcadian steed + Fear'd lest, for every moment's flight, + His nimble teeth should lose a bite. + At last, "I counsel you," said he, "to wait + Till master is himself awake, + Who then, unless I much mistake, + Will give his dog the usual bait." + Meanwhile, there issued from the wood + A creature of the wolfish brood, + Himself by famine sorely pinch'd. + At sight of him the donkey flinch'd, + And begg'd the dog to give him aid. + The dog budged not, but answer made,-- + "I counsel thee, my friend, to run, + Till master's nap is fairly done; + There can, indeed, be no mistake, + That he will very soon awake; + Till then, scud off with all your might; + And should he snap you in your flight, + This ugly wolf,--why, let him feel + The greeting of your well-shod heel. + I do not doubt, at all, but that + Will be enough to lay him flat." + But ere he ceased it was too late; + The ass had met his cruel fate. + +[Illustration: THE ASS AND THE DOG.] + + + + +Education. + + + Lapluck and Caesar brothers were, descended + From dogs by Fame the most commended, + Who falling, in their puppyhood, + To different masters anciently, + One dwelt and hunted in the boundless wood; + From thieves the other kept a kitchen free. + At first, each had another name; + But, by their bringing up, it came, + While one improved upon his nature, + The other grew a sordid creature, + Till, by some scullion called Lapluck, + The name ungracious ever stuck. + To high exploits his brother grew, + Put many a stag at bay, and tore + Full many a trophy from the boar; + In short, him first, of all his crew, + The world as Caesar knew; + And care was had, lest, by a baser mate, + His noble blood should e'er degenerate. + Not so with him of lower station, + Whose race became a countless nation-- + The common turnspits throughout France-- + Where danger is, they don't advance-- + Precisely the Antipodes + Of what we call the Caesars, these! + + _Oft falls the son below his sire's estate:_ + _Through want of care all things degenerate._ + _For lack of nursing Nature and her gifts,_ + _What crowds from gods become mere kitchen-thrifts!_ + +[Illustration: EDUCATION.] + + + + +The Two Dogs and the Dead Ass. + + + Two lean and hungry mastiffs once espied + A dead ass floating on a water wide. + The distance growing more and more, + Because the wind the carcass bore,-- + "My friend," said one, "your eyes are best; + Pray let them on the water rest: + What thing is that I seem to see? + An ox, or horse? what can it be?" + "Hey!" cried his mate; "what matter which, + Provided we could get a flitch? + It doubtless is our lawful prey: + The puzzle is to find some way + To get the prize; for wide the space + To swim, with wind against your face. + Let's drink the flood; our thirsty throats + Will gain the end as well as boats. + The water swallow'd, by and by + We'll have the carcass, high and dry-- + Enough to last a week, at least." + Both drank as some do at a feast; + Their breath was quench'd before their thirst, + And presently the creatures burst! + + _And such is man. Whatever he_ + _May set his soul to do or be,_ + _To him is possibility._ + _How many vows he makes!_ + _How many steps he takes!_ + _How does he strive, and pant, and strain,_ + _Fortune's or Glory's prize to gain!_ + +[Illustration: THE TWO DOGS AND THE DEAD ASS.] + + + + +The Monkey and the Leopard. + + + A monkey and a leopard were + The rivals at a country fair. + Each advertised his own attractions. + Said one, "Good sirs, the highest place + My merit knows; for, of his grace, + The king hath seen me face to face; + And, judging by his looks and actions, + I gave the best of satisfactions. + When I am dead, 'tis plain enough, + My skin will make his royal muff. + So richly is it streak'd and spotted, + So delicately waved and dotted, + Its various beauty cannot fail to please." + And, thus invited, everybody sees; + But soon they see, and soon depart. + The monkey's show-bill to the mart + His merits thus sets forth the while, + All in his own peculiar style:-- + "Come, gentlemen, I pray you, come; + In magic arts I am at home. + The whole variety in which + My neighbour boasts himself so rich, + Is to his simple skin confined, + While mine is living in the mind. + For I can speak, you understand; + Can dance, and practise sleight-of-hand; + Can jump through hoops, and balance sticks; + In short, can do a thousand tricks; + One penny is my charge to you, + And, if you think the price won't do, + When you have seen, then I'll restore + Each man his money at the door." + + _The ape was not to reason blind;_ + _For who in wealth of dress can find_ + _Such charms as dwell in wealth of mind?_ + _One meets our ever-new desires,_ + _The other in a moment tires._ + _Alas! how many lords there are,_ + _Of mighty sway and lofty mien,_ + _Who, like this leopard at the fair,_ + _Show all their talents on the skin!_ + +[Illustration: THE MONKEY AND THE LEOPARD.] + + + + +The Acorn and the Pumpkin. + + + God's works are good. This truth to prove + Around the world I need not move; + I do it by the nearest pumpkin. + "This fruit so large, on vine so small," + Surveying once, exclaim'd a bumpkin-- + "What could He mean who made us all? + He's left this pumpkin out of place. + If I had order'd in the case, + Upon that oak it should have hung-- + A noble fruit as ever swung + To grace a tree so firm and strong. + Indeed, it was a great mistake, + As this discovery teaches, + That I myself did not partake + His counsels whom my curate preaches. + All things had then in order come; + This acorn, for example, + Not bigger than my thumb, + Had not disgraced a tree so ample. + The more I think, the more I wonder + To see outraged proportion's laws, + And that without the slightest cause; + God surely made an awkward blunder." + With such reflections proudly fraught, + Our sage grew tired of mighty thought, + And threw himself on Nature's lap, + Beneath an oak, to take his nap. + Plump on his nose, by lucky hap, + An acorn fell: he waked, and in + The scarf he wore beneath his chin, + He found the cause of such a bruise + As made him different language use. + "O! O!" he cried; "I bleed! I bleed! + And this is what has done the deed! + But, truly, what had been my fate, + Had this had half a pumpkin's weight! + I see that God had reasons good, + And all His works were understood." + Thus home he went in humbler mood. + +[Illustration: THE ACORN AND THE PUMPKIN.] + + + + +The Fool who Sold Wisdom. + + + A fool, in town, did wisdom cry; + The people, eager, flock'd to buy. + Each for his money got, + Paid promptly on the spot, + Besides a box upon the head, + Two fathoms' length of thread. + The most were vex'd--but quite in vain, + The public only mock'd their pain. + The wiser they who nothing said, + But pocketed the box and thread. + To search the meaning of the thing + Would only laughs and hisses bring. + Hath reason ever guaranteed + The wit of fools in speech or deed? + 'Tis said of brainless heads in France, + The cause of what they do is chance. + One dupe, however, needs must know + What meant the thread, and what the blow + So ask'd a sage, to make it sure. + "They're both hieroglyphics pure," + The sage replied without delay; + "All people well advised will stay + From fools this fibre's length away, + Or get--I hold it sure as fate-- + The other symbol on the pate. + So far from cheating you of gold, + The fool this wisdom fairly sold." + +[Illustration: THE FOOL WHO SOLD WISDOM.] + + + + +The Oyster and the Litigants. + + + Two pilgrims on the sand espied + An oyster thrown up by the tide. + In hope, both swallow'd ocean's fruit; + But ere the fact there came dispute. + While one stoop'd down to take the prey, + The other push'd him quite away. + Said he, "'Twere rather meet + To settle which shall eat. + Why, he who first the oyster saw + Should be its eater by the law; + The other should but see him do it." + Replied his mate, "If thus you view it, + Thank God the lucky eye is mine." + "But I've an eye not worse than thine," + The other cried, "and will be cursed, + If, too, I didn't see it first." + "You saw it, did you? Grant it true, + I saw it then, and felt it too." + Amidst this sweet affair, + Arrived a person very big, + Ycleped Sir Nincom Periwig. + They made him judge,--to set the matter square. + Sir Nincom, with a solemn face, + Took up the oyster and the case: + In opening both, the first he swallow'd, + And, in due time, his judgment follow'd. + "Attend: the court awards you each a shell + Cost free; depart in peace, and use them well." + + _Foot up the cost of suits at law,_ + _The leavings reckon and awards,_ + _The cash you'll see Sir Nincom draw,_ + _And leave the parties--purse and cards._ + +[Illustration: THE OYSTER AND THE LITIGANTS.] + + + + +The Wolf and the Lean Dog. + + + A Troutling, some time since, + Endeavour'd vainly to convince + A hungry fisherman + Of his unfitness for the frying-pan. + The fisherman had reason good-- + The troutling did the best he could-- + Both argued for their lives. + Now, if my present purpose thrives, + I'll prop my former proposition + By building on a small addition. + A certain wolf, in point of wit + The prudent fisher's opposite, + A dog once finding far astray, + Prepared to take him as his prey. + The dog his leanness pled; + "Your lordship, sure," he said, + "Cannot be very eager + To eat a dog so meagre. + To wait a little do not grudge: + The wedding of my master's only daughter + Will cause of fatted calves and fowls a slaughter; + And then, as you yourself can judge, + I cannot help becoming fatter." + The wolf, believing, waived the matter, + And so, some days therefrom, + Return'd with sole design to see + If fat enough his dog might be. + The rogue was now at home: + He saw the hunter through the fence. + "My friend," said he, "please wait; + I'll be with you a moment hence, + And fetch our porter of the gate." + This porter was a dog immense, + That left to wolves no future tense. + Suspicion gave our wolf a jog,-- + It might not be so safely tamper'd. + "My service to your porter dog," + Was his reply, as off he scamper'd. + His legs proved better than his head, + And saved him life to learn his trade. + +[Illustration: THE WOLF AND THE LEAN DOG.] + + + + +Nothing too Much. + + + Look where we will throughout creation, + We look in vain for moderation. + + The grain, best gift of Ceres fair, + Green waving in the genial air, + By overgrowth exhausts the soil; + By superfluity of leaves + Defrauds the treasure of its sheaves, + And mocks the busy farmer's toil. + Not less redundant is the tree, + So sweet a thing is luxury. + The grain within due bounds to keep, + Their Maker licenses the sheep + The leaves excessive to retrench. + In troops they spread across the plain, + And, nibbling down the hapless grain, + Contrive to spoil it, root and branch. + So, then, with licence from on high, + The wolves are sent on sheep to prey; + The whole the greedy gluttons slay; + Or, if they don't, they try. + + Next, men are sent on wolves to take + The vengeance now condign: + In turn the same abuse they make + Of this behest divine. + + Of animals, the human kind + Are to excess the most inclined. + On low and high we make the charge,-- + Indeed, upon the race at large. + There liveth not the soul select + That sinneth not in this respect. + Of "Nought too much," the fact is, + All preach the truth,--none practise. + +[Illustration: NOTHING TOO MUCH.] + + + + +The Cat and the Fox. + + + The cat and fox, when saints were all the rage + Together went upon pilgrimage. + Our pilgrims, as a thing of course, + Disputed till their throats were hoarse. + Then, dropping to a lower tone, + They talk'd of this, and talk'd of that, + Till Renard whisper'd to the cat, + "You think yourself a knowing one: + How many cunning tricks have you? + For I've a hundred, old and new, + All ready in my haversack." + The cat replied, "I do not lack, + Though with but one provided; + And, truth to honour, for that matter, + I hold it than a thousand better." + In fresh dispute they sided; + And loudly were they at it, when + Approach'd a mob of dogs and men. + "Now," said the cat, "your tricks ransack, + And put your cunning brains to rack, + One life to save; I'll show you mine-- + A trick, you see, for saving nine." + With that, she climb'd a lofty pine. + The fox his hundred ruses tried, + And yet no safety found. + A hundred times he falsified + The nose of every hound.-- + Was here, and there, and everywhere, + Above, and under ground; + But yet to stop he did not dare, + Pent in a hole, it was no joke, + To meet the terriers or the smoke. + So, leaping into upper air, + He met two dogs, that choked him there. + + _Expedients may be too many,_ + _Consuming time to choose and try._ + _On one, but that as good as any,_ + _'Tis best in danger to rely._ + +[Illustration: THE CAT AND THE FOX.] + + + + +The Monkey and the Cat. + + + Sly Bertrand and Ratto in company sat, + (The one was a monkey, the other a cat,) + Co-servants and lodgers: + More mischievous codgers + Ne'er mess'd from a platter, since platters were flat. + Was anything wrong in the house or about it, + The neighbours were blameless,--no mortal could doubt it; + For Bertrand was thievish, and Ratto so nice, + More attentive to cheese than he was to the mice. + One day the two plunderers sat by the fire, + Where chestnuts were roasting, with looks of desire. + To steal them would be a right noble affair. + A double inducement our heroes drew there-- + 'Twould benefit them, could they swallow their fill, + And then 'twould occasion to somebody ill. + Said Bertrand to Ratto, "My brother, to-day + Exhibit your powers in a masterly way, + And take me these chestnuts, I pray. + Which were I but otherwise fitted + (As I am ingeniously witted) + For pulling things out of the flame, + Would stand but a pitiful game." + "'Tis done," replied Ratto, all prompt to obey; + And thrust out his paw in a delicate way. + First giving the ashes a scratch, + He open'd the coveted batch; + Then lightly and quickly impinging, + He drew out, in spite of the singeing, + One after another, the chestnuts at last,-- + While Bertrand contrived to devour them as fast. + A servant girl enters. Adieu to the fun. + Our Ratto was hardly contented, says one.-- + + _No more are the princes, by flattery paid_ + _For furnishing help in a different trade,_ + _And burning their fingers to bring_ + _More power to some mightier king._ + +[Illustration: THE MONKEY AND THE CAT.] + + + + +The Spider and the Swallow. + + + "O Jupiter, whose fruitful brain, + By odd obstetrics freed from pain, + Bore Pallas, erst my mortal foe, + Pray listen to my tale of woe. + This Progne takes my lawful prey. + As through the air she cuts her way, + My flies she catches from my door,-- + Yes, _mine_--I emphasize the word,-- + And, but for this accursed bird, + My net would hold an ample store: + For I have woven it of stuff + To hold the strongest strong enough." + 'Twas thus, in terms of insolence, + Complain'd the fretful spider, once + Of palace-tapestry a weaver, + But then a spinster and deceiver, + That hoped within her toils to bring + Of insects all that ply the wing. + The sister swift of Philomel, + Intent on business, prosper'd well; + In spite of the complaining pest, + The insects carried to her nest-- + Nest pitiless to suffering flies-- + Mouths gaping aye, to gormandize, + Of young ones clamouring, + And stammering, + With unintelligible cries. + The spider, with but head and feet, + And powerless to compete + With wings so fleet, + Soon saw herself a prey. + The swallow, passing swiftly by, + Bore web and all away, + The spinster dangling in the sky! + + _Two tables hath our Maker set_ + _For all that in this world are met._ + _To seats around the first_ + _The skilful, vigilant, and strong are beckon'd:_ + _Their hunger and their thirst_ + _The rest must quell with leavings at the second._ + +[Illustration: THE SPIDER AND THE SWALLOW.] + + + + +The Dog whose Ears were Cropped. + + + "What have I done, I'd like to know, + To make my master maim me so? + A pretty figure I shall cut! + From other dogs I'll keep, in kennel shut. + Ye kings of beasts, or rather tyrants, ho! + Would any beast have served you so?" + Thus Growler cried, a mastiff young;-- + The man, whom pity never stung, + Went on to prune him of his ears. + Though Growler whined about his losses, + He found, before the lapse of years, + Himself a gainer by the process; + For, being by his nature prone + To fight his brethren for a bone, + He'd oft come back from sad reverse + With those appendages the worse. + All snarling dogs have ragged ears. + + The less of hold for teeth of foe, + The better will the battle go. + When, in a certain place, one fears + The chance of being hurt or beat, + He fortifies it from defeat. + Besides the shortness of his ears, + See Growler arm'd against his likes + With gorget full of ugly spikes. + A wolf would find it quite a puzzle + To get a hold about his muzzle. + +[Illustration: THE DOG WHOSE EARS WERE CROPPED.] + + + + +The Lioness and the Bear. + + + The lioness had lost her young; + A hunter stole it from the vale; + The forests and the mountains rung + Responsive to her hideous wail. + Nor night, nor charms of sweet repose, + Could still the loud lament that rose + From that grim forest queen. + No animal, as you might think, + With such a noise could sleep a wink. + A bear presumed to intervene. + "One word, sweet friend," quoth she, + "And that is all, from me. + The young that through your teeth have pass'd, + In file unbroken by a fast, + Had they nor dam nor sire?" + "They had them both." "Then I desire, + Since all their deaths caused no such grievous riot, + While mothers died of grief beneath your fiat, + To know why you yourself cannot be quiet?" + "I quiet!--I!--a wretch bereaved! + My only son!--such anguish be relieved! + No, never! All for me below + Is but a life of tears and woe!"-- + "But say, why doom yourself to sorrow so?"-- + "Alas! 'tis Destiny that is my foe." + + _Such language, since the mortal fall,_ + _Has fallen from the lips of all._ + _Ye human wretches, give your heed;_ + _For your complaints there's little need._ + _Let him who thinks his own the hardest case,_ + _Some widowed, childless Hecuba behold,_ + _Herself to toil and shame of slavery sold,_ + _And he will own the wealth of heavenly grace._ + +[Illustration: THE LIONESS AND THE BEAR.] + + + + +The Mice and the Owl. + + + A pine was by a woodman fell'd, + Which ancient, huge, and hollow tree + An owl had for his palace held-- + A bird the Fates had kept in fee, + Interpreter to such as we. + Within the caverns of the pine, + With other tenants of that mine, + Were found full many footless mice, + But well provision'd, fat, and nice. + The bird had bit off all their feet, + And fed them there with heaps of wheat. + That this owl reason'd, who can doubt? + When to the chase he first went out, + And home alive the vermin brought, + Which in his talons he had caught, + The nimble creatures ran away. + Next time, resolved to make them stay, + He cropp'd their legs, and found, with pleasure, + That he could eat them at his leisure; + It were impossible to eat + Them all at once, did health permit. + His foresight, equal to our own, + In furnishing their food was shown. + Now, let Cartesians, if they can, + Pronounce this owl a mere machine. + Could springs originate the plan + Of maiming mice when taken lean, + To fatten for his soup-tureen? + If reason did no service there, + I do not know it anywhere. + Observe the course of argument: + These vermin are no sooner caught than gone: + They must be used as soon, 'tis evident; + But this to all cannot be done. + Hence, while their ribs I lard, + I must from their elopement guard. + But how?--A plan complete!-- + I'll clip them of their feet! + Now, find me, in your human schools, + A better use of logic's tools! + +[Illustration: THE MICE AND THE OWL.] + + + + +The Cat and the Two Sparrows. + + + Contemporary with a sparrow tame + There lived a cat; from tenderest age, + Of both, the basket and the cage + Had household gods the same. + The bird's sharp beak full oft provoked the cat, + Who play'd in turn, but with a gentle pat, + His wee friend sparing with a merry laugh, + Not punishing his faults by half. + In short, he scrupled much the harm, + Should he with points his ferule arm. + The Sparrow, less discreet than he, + With dagger beak made very free. + Sir Cat, a person wise and staid, + Excused the warmth with which he play'd: + For 'tis full half of friendship's art + To take no joke in serious part. + Familiar since they saw the light, + Mere habit kept their friendship good; + Fair play had never turn'd to fight, + Till, of their neighbourhood, + Another sparrow came to greet + Old Ratto grave and Saucy Pete. + Between the birds a quarrel rose, + And Ratto took his side. + "A pretty stranger, with such blows + To beat our friend!" he cried. + "A neighbour's sparrow eating ours! + Not so, by all the feline powers." + And quick the stranger he devours. + "Now, truly," saith Sir Cat, + "I know how sparrows taste by that. + Exquisite, tender, delicate!" + This thought soon seal'd the other's fate.-- + But hence what moral can I bring? + For, lacking that important thing, + A fable lacks its finishing: + I seem to see of one some trace, + But still its shadow mocks my chase. + +[Illustration: THE CAT AND THE TWO SPARROWS.] + + + + +The Two Goats. + + + Two goats, who self-emancipated,-- + The white that on their feet they wore + Look'd back to noble blood of yore,-- + Once quit the lowly meadows, sated, + And sought the hills, as it would seem: + In search of luck, by luck they met + Each other at a mountain stream. + As bridge a narrow plank was set, + On which, if truth must be confest, + Two weasels scarce could go abreast. + And then the torrent, foaming white, + As down it tumbled from the height, + Might well those Amazons affright. + But maugre such a fearful rapid, + Both took the bridge, the goats intrepid! + I seem to see our Louis Grand + And Philip IV. advance + To the Isle of Conference, + That lies 'twixt Spain and France, + Each sturdy for his glorious land. + Thus each of our adventurers goes, + Till foot to foot, and nose to nose, + Somewhere about the midst they meet, + And neither will an inch retreat. + For why? they both enjoy'd the glory + Of ancestors in ancient story. + The one, a goat of peerless rank, + Which, browsing on Sicilian bank, + The Cyclop gave to Galataea; + The other famous Amalthaea, + The goat that suckled Jupiter, + As some historians aver. + For want of giving back, in troth, + A common fall involved them both.-- + A common accident, no doubt, + On Fortune's changeful route. + +[Illustration: THE TWO GOATS.] + + + + +The Old Cat and the Young Mouse. + + + A young and inexperienced mouse + Had faith to try a veteran cat,-- + Raminagrobis, death to rat, + And scourge of vermin through the house,-- + Appealing to his clemency + With reasons sound and fair. + "Pray let me live; a mouse like me + It were not much to spare. + Am I, in such a family, + A burden? Would my largest wish + Our wealthy host impoverish? + A grain of wheat will make my meal; + A nut will fat me like a seal. + I'm lean at present; please to wait, + And for your heirs reserve my fate." + The captive mouse thus spake. + Replied the captor, "You mistake; + To me shall such a thing be said? + Address the deaf! address the dead! + A cat to pardon!--old one too! + Why, such a thing I never knew. + Thou victim of my paw, + By well-establish'd law, + Die as a mousling should, + And beg the sisterhood + Who ply the thread and shears, + To lend thy speech their ears. + Some other like repast + My heirs may find, or fast." + + He ceased. The moral's plain. + _Youth always hopes its ends to gain,_ + _Believes all spirits like its own:_ + _Old age is not to mercy prone._ + +[Illustration: THE OLD CAT AND THE YOUNG MOUSE.] + + + + +The Sick Stag + + + A stag, where stags abounded, + Fell sick and was surrounded + Forthwith by comrades kind, + All pressing to assist, + Or see, their friend, at least, + And ease his anxious mind-- + An irksome multitude. + "Ah, sirs!" the sick was fain to cry, + "Pray leave me here to die, + As others do, in solitude. + Pray, let your kind attentions cease, + Till death my spirit shall release." + But comforters are not so sent: + On duty sad full long intent, + When Heaven pleased, they went: + But not without a friendly glass; + That is to say, they cropp'd the grass + And leaves which in that quarter grew, + From which the sick his pittance drew. + By kindness thus compell'd to fast, + He died for want of food at last. + + _The men take off no trifling dole_ + _Who heal the body, or the soul._ + _Alas the times! do what we will,_ + _They have their payment, cure or kill._ + +[Illustration: THE SICK STAG.] + + + + +The Quarrel of the Dogs and Cats. + + + In mansion deck'd with frieze and column, + Dwelt dogs and cats in multitudes; + Decrees, promulged in manner solemn, + Had pacified their ancient feuds. + Their lord had so arranged their meals and labours, + And threaten'd quarrels with the whip, + That, living in sweet cousinship, + They edified their wondering neighbours. + At last, some dainty plate to lick, + Or profitable bone to pick, + Bestow'd by some partiality, + Broke up the smooth equality. + The side neglected were indignant + At such a slight malignant. + From words to blows the altercation + Soon grew a perfect conflagration. + In hall and kitchen, dog and cat + Took sides with zeal for this or that. + New rules upon the cat side falling + Produced tremendous caterwauling. + Their advocate, against such rules as these, + Advised recurrence to the old decrees. + They search'd in vain, for, hidden in a nook, + The thievish mice had eaten up the book. + Another quarrel, in a trice, + Made many sufferers with the mice; + For many a veteran whisker'd-face, + With craft and cunning richly stored, + And grudges old against the race, + Now watch'd to put them to the sword; + Nor mourn'd for this that mansion's lord. + + _Look wheresoever we will, we see_ + _No creature from opponents free._ + _'Tis nature's law for earth and sky;_ + _'Twere vain to ask the reason why:_ + _God's works are good,--I cannot doubt it,--_ + _And that is all I know about it._ + +[Illustration: THE QUARREL OF THE DOGS AND CATS.] + + + + +The Wolf and the Fox. + + + "Dear wolf," complain'd a hungry fox, + "A lean chick's meat, or veteran cock's, + Is all I get by toil or trick: + Of such a living I am sick. + With far less risk, you've better cheer; + A house you need not venture near, + But I must do it, spite of fear. + Pray, make me master of your trade. + And let me by that means be made + The first of all my race that took + Fat mutton to his larder's hook: + Your kindness shall not be repented." + The wolf quite readily consented. + "I have a brother, lately dead: + Go fit his skin to yours," he said. + 'Twas done; and then the wolf proceeded: + "Now mark you well what must be done, + The dogs that guard the flock to shun." + The fox the lessons strictly heeded. + At first he boggled in his dress; + But awkwardness grew less and less, + Till perseverance gave success. + His education scarce complete, + A flock, his scholarship to greet, + Came rambling out that way. + The new-made wolf his work began, + Amidst the heedless nibblers ran, + And spread a sore dismay. + The bleating host now surely thought + That fifty wolves were on the spot: + Dog, shepherd, sheep, all homeward fled, + And left a single sheep in pawn, + Which Renard seized when they were gone. + But, ere upon his prize he fed, + There crow'd a cock near by, and down + The scholar threw his prey and gown, + That he might run that way the faster-- + Forgetting lessons, prize and master. + + _Reality, in every station,_ + _Will burst out on the first occasion._ + +[Illustration: THE WOLF AND THE FOX.] + + + + +The Lobster and her Daughter. + + + The wise, sometimes, as lobsters do, + To gain their ends back foremost go. + It is the rower's art; and those + Commanders who mislead their foes, + Do often seem to aim their sight + Just where they don't intend to smite. + My theme, so low, may yet apply + To one whose fame is very high, + Who finds it not the hardest matter + A hundred-headed league to scatter. + What he will do, what leave undone, + Are secrets with unbroken seals, + Till victory the truth reveals. + Whatever he would have unknown + Is sought in vain. Decrees of Fate + Forbid to check, at first, the course + Which sweeps at last the torrent force. + One Jove, as ancient fables state, + Exceeds a hundred gods in weight. + So Fate and Louis would seem able + The universe to draw, + Bound captive to their law.-- + But come we to our fable. + A mother lobster did her daughter chide: + "For shame, my daughter! can't you go ahead?" + "And how go you yourself?" the child replied; + "Can I be but by your example led? + Head foremost should I, singularly, wend, + While all my race pursue the other end." + She spoke with sense: for better or for worse, + Example has a universal force. + To some it opens wisdom's door, + But leads to folly many more. + Yet, as for backing to one's aim, + When properly pursued + The art is doubtless good, + At least in grim Bellona's game. + +[Illustration: THE LOBSTER AND HER DAUGHTER.] + + + + +The Ploughman and his Sons. + + _The farmer's patient care and toil + Are oftener wanting than the soil._ + + + A wealthy ploughman drawing near his end, + Call'd in his sons apart from every friend, + And said, "When of your sire bereft, + The heritage our fathers left + Guard well, nor sell a single field. + A treasure in it is conceal'd: + The place, precisely, I don't know, + But industry will serve to show. + The harvest past, Time's forelock take, + And search with plough, and spade, and rake; + Turn over every inch of sod, + Nor leave unsearch'd a single clod." + The father died. The sons--and not in vain-- + Turn'd o'er the soil, and o'er again; + That year their acres bore + More grain than e'er before. + Though hidden money found they none, + Yet had their father wisely done, + To show by such a measure, + That toil itself is treasure. + +[Illustration: THE PLOUGHMAN AND HIS SONS.] + + + + +The Ass Dressed in the Lion's Skin. + + + Clad in a lion's shaggy hide, + An ass spread terror far and wide, + And, though himself a coward brute, + Put all the world to scampering rout: + But, by a piece of evil luck, + A portion of an ear outstuck, + Which soon reveal'd the error + Of all the panic terror. + Old Martin did his office quick. + Surprised were all who did not know the trick, + To see that Martin, at his will, + Was driving lions to the mill! + + _In France, the men are not a few_ + _Of whom this fable proves too true;_ + _Whose valour chiefly doth reside_ + _In coat they wear and horse they ride._ + +[Illustration: THE ASS DRESSED IN THE LION'S SKIN.] + + + + +The Woods and the Woodman. + + + A certain wood-chopper lost or broke + From his axe's eye a bit of oak. + The forest must needs be somewhat spared + While such a loss was being repair'd. + Came the man at last, and humbly pray'd + That the woods would kindly lend to him-- + A moderate loan--a single limb, + Whereof might another helve be made, + And his axe should elsewhere drive its trade. + O, the oaks and firs that then might stand, + A pride and a joy throughout the land, + For their ancientness and glorious charms! + The innocent Forest lent him arms; + But bitter indeed was her regret; + For the wretch, his axe new-helved and whet, + Did nought but his benefactress spoil + Of the finest trees that graced her soil; + And ceaselessly was she made to groan, + Doing penance for that fatal loan. + + _Behold the world-stage and its actors,_ + _Where benefits hurt benefactors!--_ + _A weary theme, and full of pain;_ + _For where's the shade so cool and sweet,_ + _Protecting strangers from the heat,_ + _But might of such a wrong complain?_ + _Alas! I vex myself in vain;_ + _Ingratitude, do what I will,_ + _Is sure to be the fashion still._ + +[Illustration: THE WOODS AND THE WOODMAN.] + + + + +The Fox, the Wolf, and the horse. + + + A fox, though young, by no means raw, + Had seen a horse, the first he ever saw: + "Ho! neighbour wolf," said he to one quite green, + "A creature in our meadow I have seen,-- + Sleek, grand! I seem to see him yet,-- + The finest beast I ever met." + "Is he a stouter one than we?" + The wolf demanded, eagerly; + "Some picture of him let me see." + "If I could paint," said fox, "I should delight + T' anticipate your pleasure at the sight; + But come; who knows? perhaps it is a prey + By fortune offer'd in our way." + They went. The horse, turn'd loose to graze, + Not liking much their looks and ways, + Was just about to gallop off. + "Sir," said the fox, "your humble servants, we + Make bold to ask you what your name may be." + The horse, an animal with brains enough, + Replied, "Sirs, you yourselves may read my name; + My shoer round my heel hath writ the same." + The fox excus'd himself for want of knowledge: + "Me, sir, my parents did not educate,-- + So poor, a hole was their entire estate. + My friend, the wolf, however, taught at college, + Could read it were it even Greek." + The wolf, to flattery weak, + Approach'd to verify the boast; + For which four teeth he lost. + The high raised hoof came down with such a blow, + As laid him bleeding on the ground full low. + "My brother," said the fox, "this shows how just + What once was taught me by a fox of wit,-- + Which on thy jaws this animal hath writ,-- + 'All unknown things the wise mistrust.'" + +[Illustration: THE FOX THE WOLF AND THE HORSE.] + + + + +The Fox and the Turkeys. + + + Against a robber fox, a tree + Some turkeys served as citadel. + That villain, much provoked to see + Each standing there as sentinel, + Cried out, "Such witless birds + At me stretch out their necks, and gobble! + No, by the powers! I'll give them trouble." + He verified his words. + The moon, that shined full on the oak, + Seem'd then to help the turkey folk. + But fox, in arts of siege well versed, + Ransack'd his bag of tricks accursed. + He feign'd himself about to climb; + Walk'd on his hinder legs sublime; + Then death most aptly counterfeited, + And seem'd anon resuscitated. + A practiser of wizard arts + Could not have fill'd so many parts. + In moonlight he contrived to raise + His tail, and make it seem a blaze: + And countless other tricks like that. + Meanwhile, no turkey slept or sat. + Their constant vigilance at length, + As hoped the fox, wore out their strength. + Bewilder'd by the rigs he run, + They lost their balance one by one. + As Renard slew, he laid aside, + Till nearly half of them had died; + Then proudly to his larder bore, + And laid them up, an ample store. + + _A foe, by being over-heeded,_ + _Has often in his plan succeeded._ + +[Illustration: THE FOX AND THE TURKEYS.] + + + + +The Wallet. + + + From heaven, one day, did Jupiter proclaim, + "Let all that live before my throne appear, + And there if any one hath aught to blame, + In matter, form, or texture of his frame, + He may bring forth his grievance without fear. + Redress shall instantly be given to each. + Come, monkey, now, first let us have your speech. + You see these quadrupeds, your brothers; + Comparing, then, yourself with others, + Are you well satisfied?" "And wherefore not?" + Says Jock. "Haven't I four trotters with the rest? + Is not my visage comely as the best? + But this my brother Bruin, is a blot + On thy creation fair; + And sooner than be painted I'd be shot, + Were I, great sire, a bear." + The bear approaching, doth he make complaint? + Not he;--himself he lauds without restraint. + The elephant he needs must criticise; + To crop his ears and stretch his tail were wise; + A creature he of huge, misshapen size. + The elephant, though famed as beast judicious, + While on his own account he had no wishes, + Pronounced dame whale too big to suit his taste; + Of flesh and fat she was a perfect waste. + The little ant, again, pronounced the gnat too wee; + To such a speck, a vast colossus she. + Each censured by the rest, himself content, + Back to their homes all living things were sent. + + _Such folly liveth yet with human fools._ + _For others lynxes, for ourselves but moles._ + _Great blemishes in other men we spy,_ + _Which in ourselves we pass most kindly by._ + _As in this world we're but way-farers,_ + _Kind Heaven has made us wallet-bearers._ + _The pouch behind our own defects must store,_ + _The faults of others lodge in that before._ + +[Illustration: THE WALLET.] + + + + +The Woodman and Mercury. + + + A man that labour'd in the wood + Had lost his honest livelihood; + That is to say, + His axe was gone astray. + He had no tools to spare; + This wholly earn'd his fare. + Without a hope beside, + He sat him down and cried, + "Alas, my axe! where can it be? + O Jove! but send it back to me, + And it shall strike good blows for thee." + His prayer in high Olympus heard, + Swift Mercury started at the word. + "Your axe must not be lost," said he: + "Now, will you know it when you see? + An axe I found upon the road." + With that an axe of gold he show'd. + "Is't this?" The woodman answer'd, "Nay." + An axe of silver, bright and gay, + Refused the honest woodman too. + At last the finder brought to view + An axe of iron, steel, and wood. + "That's mine," he said, in joyful mood; + "With that I'll quite contented be." + The god replied, "I give the three, + As due reward of honesty." + This luck when neighbouring choppers knew, + They lost their axes, not a few, + And sent their prayers to Jupiter + So fast, he knew not which to hear. + His winged son, however, sent + With gold and silver axes, went. + Each would have thought himself a fool + Not to have own'd the richest tool. + But Mercury promptly gave, instead + Of it, a blow upon the head. + + _With simple truth to be contented,_ + _Is surest not to be repented;_ + _But still there are who would_ + _With evil trap the good,--_ + _Whose cunning is but stupid,_ + _For Jove is never duped._ + +[Illustration: THE WOODMAN AND MERCURY.] + + + + +The Lion and the Monkey. + + + The lion, for his kingdom's sake, + In morals would some lessons take, + And therefore call'd, one summer's day, + The monkey, master of the arts, + An animal of brilliant parts, + To hear what he could say. + "Great king," the monkey thus began, + "To reign upon the wisest plan + Requires a prince to set his zeal, + And passion for the public weal, + Distinctly and quite high above + A certain feeling call'd self-love, + The parent of all vices, + In creatures of all sizes. + To will this feeling from one's breast away, + Is not the easy labour of a day; + By that your majesty august, + Will execute your royal trust, + From folly free and aught unjust." + "Give me," replied the king, + "Example of each thing." + "Each species," said the sage,-- + "And I begin with ours,-- + Exalts its own peculiar powers + Above sound reason's gauge. + Meanwhile, all other kinds and tribes + As fools and blockheads it describes, + With other compliments as cheap. + But, on the other hand, the same + Self-love inspires a beast to heap + The highest pyramid of fame + For every one that bears his name; + Because he justly deems such praise + The easiest way himself to raise. + 'Tis my conclusion in the case, + That many a talent here below + Is but cabal, or sheer grimace,-- + The art of seeming things to know-- + An art in which perfection lies + More with the ignorant than wise." + +[Illustration: THE LION AND THE MONKEY] + + + + +The Shepherd and the Lion. + + + The Fable AEsop tells is nearly this:-- + A shepherd from his flock began to miss, + And long'd to catch the stealer of, his sheep. + Before a cavern, dark and deep, + Where wolves retired by day to sleep, + Which he suspected as the thieves, + He set his trap among the leaves; + And, ere he left the place, + He thus invoked celestial grace:-- + "O king of all the powers divine, + Against the rogue but grant me this delight, + That this my trap may catch him in my sight, + And I, from twenty calves of mine, + Will make the fattest thine." + But while the words were on his tongue, + Forth came a lion great and strong. + Down crouch'd the man of sheep, and said, + With shivering fright half dead, + "Alas! that man should never be aware + Of what may be the meaning of his prayer! + To catch the robber of my flocks, + O king of gods, I pledged a calf to thee: + If from his clutches thou wilt rescue me, + I'll raise my offering to an ox." + +[Illustration: THE SHEPHERD AND THE LION.] + + + + +The Horse and the Wolf. + + + A wolf who, fall'n on needy days, + In sharp look-out for means and ways, + Espied a horse turn'd out to graze. + His joy the reader may opine. + "Once got," said he, "this game were fine; + But if a sheep, 'twere sooner mine. + I can't proceed my usual way; + Some trick must now be put in play." + This said, + He came with measured tread, + And told the horse, with learned verbs, + He knew the power of roots and herbs,-- + Whatever grew about those borders,-- + He soon could cure of all disorders. + If he, Sir Horse, would not conceal + The symptoms of his case, + He, Doctor Wolf, would gratis heal; + For that to feed in such a place, + And run about untied, + Was proof itself of some disease, + As all the books decide. + "I have, good Doctor, if you please," + Replied the horse, "as I presume, + Beneath my foot, an aposthume." + "My son," replied the learned leech, + "That part, as all our authors teach, + Is strikingly susceptible + Of ills which make acceptable + What you may also have from me-- + The aid of skilful surgery." + The fellow, with this talk sublime, + Watch'd for a snap the fitting time. + Meanwhile, suspicious of some trick, + The weary patient nearer draws, + And gives his doctor such a kick, + As makes a chowder of his jaws. + Exclaim'd the Wolf, in sorry plight, + "I own those heels have served me right. + I err'd to quit my trade, as I will not in future; + Me Nature surely made for nothing but a butcher." + +[Illustration: THE HORSE AND THE WOLF.] + + + + +The Eagle and the Owl. + + + The eagle and the owl, resolved to cease + Their war, embraced in pledge of peace. + On faith of king, on faith of owl, they swore + That they would eat each other's chicks no more. + "But know you mine?" said Wisdom's bird. + "Not I, indeed," the eagle cried. + "The worse for that," the owl replied: + "I fear your oath's a useless word; + I fear that you, as king, will not + Consider duly who or what: + Adieu, my young, if you should meet them!" + "Describe them, then, and I'll not eat them," + The eagle said. The owl replied: + "My little ones, I say with pride, + For grace of form cannot be match'd,-- + The prettiest birds that e'er were hatch'd; + By this you cannot fail to know them; + 'Tis needless, therefore, that I show them." + At length God gives the owl a set of heirs, + And while at early eve abroad he fares, + In quest of birds and mice for food, + Our eagle haply spies the brood, + As on some craggy rock they sprawl, + Or nestle in some ruined wall, + (But which it matters not at all,) + And thinks them ugly little frights, + Grim, sad, with voice like shrieking sprites. + "These chicks," says he, "with looks almost infernal, + Can't be the darlings of our friend nocturnal. + I'll sup of them." And so he did, not slightly:-- + He never sups, if he can help it, lightly. + The owl return'd; and, sad, he found + Nought left but claws upon the ground. + He pray'd the gods above and gods below + To smite the brigand who had caused his woe. + Quoth one, "On you alone the blame must fall; + Thinking your like the loveliest of all + You told the eagle of your young ones' graces; + You gave the picture of their faces:-- + Had it of likeness any traces?" + +[Illustration: THE EAGLE AND THE OWL.] + + + + +The Miser and the Monkey. + + + A Man amass'd. The thing, we know, + Doth often to a frenzy grow. + No thought had he but of his minted gold-- + Stuff void of worth when unemploy'd, I hold. + Now, that this treasure might the safer be, + Our miser's dwelling had the sea + As guard on every side from every thief. + With pleasure, very small in my belief, + But very great in his, he there + Upon his hoard bestow'd his care. + No respite came of everlasting + Recounting, calculating, casting; + For some mistake would always come + To mar and spoil the total sum. + A monkey there, of goodly size,-- + And than his lord, I think, more wise,-- + Some doubloons from the window threw, + And render'd thus the count untrue. + The padlock'd room permitted + Its owner, when he quitted, + To leave his money on the table. + One day, bethought this monkey wise + To make the whole a sacrifice + To Neptune on his throne unstable. + I could not well award the prize + Between the monkey's and the miser's pleasure + Derived from that devoted treasure. + One day, then, left alone, + That animal, to mischief prone, + Coin after coin detach'd, + A gold jacobus snatch'd, + Or Portuguese doubloon, + Or silver ducatoon, + Or noble, of the English rose, + And flung with all his might + Those discs, which oft excite + The strongest wishes mortal ever knows. + Had he not heard, at last, + The turning of his master's key, + The money all had pass'd + The same short road to sea; + And not a single coin but had been pitch'd + Into the gulf by many a wreck enrich'd. + + _Now, God preserve full many a financier_ + _Whose use of wealth may find its likeness here!_ + +[Illustration: THE MISER AND THE MONKEY.] + + + + +The Vultures and the Pigeons. + + + Mars once made havoc in the air: + Some cause aroused a quarrel there + Among the birds;--not those that sing, + The courtiers of the merry Spring, + But naughty hawk and vulture folks, + Of hooked beak and talons keen. + The carcass of a dog, 'tis said, + Had to this civil carnage led. + Blood rain'd upon the swarded green, + And valiant deeds were done, I ween. + Suffice to say, that chiefs were slain, + And heroes strow'd the sanguine plain. + 'Twas sport to see the battle rage, + And valiant hawk with hawk engage; + 'Twas pitiful to see them fall,-- + Torn, bleeding, weltering, gasping, all. + Force, courage, cunning, all were plied; + Intrepid troops on either side + No effort spared to populate + The dusky realms of hungry Fate. + This woful strife awoke compassion + Within another feather'd nation, + Of iris neck and tender heart. + They tried their hand at mediation-- + To reconcile the foes, or part. + The pigeon people duly chose + Ambassadors, who work'd so well + As soon the murderous rage to quell, + And stanch the source of countless woes. + A truce took place, and peace ensued. + Alas! the people dearly paid + Who such pacification made! + Those cursed hawks at once pursued + The harmless pigeons, slew and ate, + Till towns and fields were desolate. + + _The safety of the rest requires_ + _The bad should flesh each other's spears:_ + _Whoever peace with them desires_ + _Had better set them by the ears._ + +[Illustration: THE VULTURES AND THE PIGEONS.] + + + + +The Stag and the Vine. + + + A stag, by favour of a vine, + Which grew where suns most genial shine, + And form'd a thick and matted bower + Which might have turn'd a summer shower, + Was saved from ruinous assault. + The hunters thought their dogs at fault, + And call'd them off. In danger now no more + The stag, a thankless wretch and vile, + Began to browse his benefactress o'er. + The hunters, listening the while, + The rustling heard, came back, + With all their yelping pack, + And seized him in that very place. + "This is," said he, "but justice, in my case. + Let every black ingrate + Henceforward profit by my fate." + The dogs fell to--'twere wasting breath + To pray those hunters at the death. + They left, and we will not revile 'em + A warning for profaners of asylum. + +[Illustration: THE STAG AND THE VINE.] + + + + +The Earthen Pot and the Iron Pot. + + + An iron pot proposed + To an earthen pot a journey. + The latter was opposed, + Expressing the concern he + Had felt about the danger + Of going out a ranger. + He thought the kitchen hearth + The safest place on earth + For one so very brittle. + "For thee, who art a kettle, + And hast a tougher skin, + There's nought to keep thee in." + "I'll be thy body-guard," + Replied the iron pot; + "If anything that's hard + Should threaten thee a jot, + Between you I will go, + And save thee from the blow." + This offer him persuaded. + The iron pot paraded + Himself as guard and guide + Close at his cousin's side. + Now, in their tripod way, + They hobble as they may; + And eke together bolt + At every little jolt,-- + Which gives the crockery pain; + But presently his comrade hits + So hard, he dashes him to bits, + Before he can complain. + + _Take care that you associate_ + _With equals only, lest your fate_ + _Between these pots should find its mate._ + +[Illustration: THE EARTHEN POT AND THE IRON POT.] + + + + +The Bear and the Two Companions. + + + Two fellows, needing funds, and bold, + A bearskin to a furrier sold, + Of which the bear was living still, + But which they presently would kill-- + At least they said they would, + And vow'd their word was good. + The bargain struck upon the skin, + Two days at most must bring it in. + Forth went the two. More easy found than got, + The bear came growling at them on the trot. + Behold our dealers both confounded, + As if by thunderbolt astounded! + Their bargain vanish'd suddenly in air; + For who could plead his interest with a bear? + One of the friends sprung up a tree; + The other, cold as ice could be, + Fell on his face, feign'd death, + And closely held his breath,-- + He having somewhere heard it said + The bear ne'er preys upon the dead. + Sir Bear, sad blockhead, was deceived-- + The prostrate man a corpse believed; + But, half suspecting some deceit, + He feels and snuffs from head to feet, + And in the nostrils blows. + The body's surely dead, he thinks. + "I'll leave it," says he, "for it stinks;" + And off into the woods he goes. + The other dealer, from his tree + Descending cautiously, to see + His comrade lying in the dirt, + Consoling, says, "It is a wonder + That, by the monster forced asunder, + We're, after all, more scared than hurt. + But," addeth he, "what of the creature's skin? + He held his muzzle very near; + What did he whisper in your ear?" + "He gave this caution,--'Never dare + Again to sell the skin of bear + Its owner has not ceased to wear.'" + +[Illustration: THE BEAR AND THE TWO COMPANIONS.] + + + + +The Lion, the Wolf, and the Fox + + + A Lion, old, and impotent with gout, + Would have some cure for age found out. + This king, from every species,-- + Call'd to his aid the leeches. + They came, from quacks without degree + To doctors of the highest fee. + Advised, prescribed, talk'd learnedly; + But with the rest + Came not Sir Cunning Fox, M.D. + Sir Wolf the royal couch attended, + And his suspicions there express'd. + Forthwith his majesty, offended, + Resolved Sir Cunning Fox should come, + And sent to smoke him from his home. + He came, was duly usher'd in, + And, knowing where Sir Wolf had been, + Said, "Sire, abused your royal ear + Has been by rumours insincere; + To wit, that I've been self-exempt + From coming here, through sheer contempt. + But, sire, your royal health to aid, + I vow'd to make a pilgrimage, + And, on my way, met doctors sage, + In skill the wonder of the age, + Whom carefully I did consult + About that great debility + Term'd in the books senility, + Of which you fear, with reason, the result. + You lack, they say, the vital heat, + By age extreme become effete. + Drawn from a living wolf, the hide + Should warm and smoking be applied. + Sir Wolf, here, won't refuse to give + His hide to cure you, as I live." + The king was pleased with this advice. + Flay'd, jointed, served up in a trice, + Sir Wolf first wrapped the monarch up, + Then furnish'd him whereon to sup. + + _Beware, ye courtiers, lest ye gain,_ + _By slander's arts, less power than pain._ + +[Illustration: THE LION THE WOLF AND THE FOX.] + + + + +The Battle of the Rats and Weasels. + + + The weasels live, no more than cats, + On terms of friendship with the rats; + And, were it not that these + Through doors contrive to squeeze + Too narrow for their foes, + The animals long-snouted + Would long ago have routed, + And from the planet scouted + Their race, as I suppose. + + One year it did betide, + When they were multiplied, + An army took the field + Of rats, with spear and shield, + Whose crowded ranks led on + A king named Ratapon. + The weasels, too, their banner + Unfurl'd in warlike manner. + As Fame her trumpet sounds, + The victory balanced well; + Enrich'd were fallow grounds + Where slaughter'd legions fell; + But by said trollop's tattle, + The loss of life in battle + Thinn'd most the rattish race + In almost every place; + + And finally their rout + Was total, spite of stout + Artarpax and Psicarpax, + And valiant Meridarpax, + Who, cover'd o'er with dust, + Long time sustain'd their host + Down sinking on the plain. + Their efforts were in vain; + Fate ruled that final hour, + (Inexorable power!) + And so the captains fled + As well as those they led; + The princes perish'd all. + The undistinguish'd small + In certain holes found shelter; + In crowding, helter-skelter; + But the nobility + Could not go in so free, + Who proudly had assumed + Each one a helmet plumed; + We know not, truly, whether + For honour's sake the feather, + Or foes to strike with terror; + But, truly, 'twas their error. + Nor hole, nor crack, nor crevice + Will let their head-gear in; + While meaner rats in bevies + An easy passage win;-- + So that the shafts of fate + Do chiefly hit the great. + + _A feather in the cap_ + _Is oft a great mishap._ + _An equipage too grand_ + _Comes often to a stand_ + _Within a narrow place._ + _The small, whate'er the case,_ + _With ease slip through a strait,_ + _Where larger folks must wait._ + +[Illustration: THE BATTLE OF THE RATS AND THE WEASELS.] + + + + +The Animals Sick of the Plague. + + + The sorest ill that Heaven hath + Sent on this lower world in wrath,-- + The plague (to call it by its name,) + One single day of which + Would Pluto's ferryman enrich,-- + Waged war on beasts, both wild and tame. + They died not all, but all were sick: + No hunting now, by force or trick, + To save what might so soon expire. + No food excited their desire; + Nor wolf nor fox now watch'd to slay + The innocent and tender prey. + The turtles fled; + So love and therefore joy were dead. + The lion council held, and said: + "My friends, I do believe + This awful scourge, for which we grieve, + Is for our sins a punishment + Most righteously by Heaven sent. + Let us our guiltiest beast resign, + A sacrifice to wrath divine. + Perhaps this offering, truly small, + May gain the life and health of all. + By history we find it noted + That lives have been just so devoted. + Then let us all turn eyes within, + And ferret out the hidden sin. + Himself let no one spare nor flatter, + But make clean conscience in the matter. + For me, my appetite has play'd the glutton + Too much and often upon mutton. + What harm had e'er my victims done? + I answer, truly, None. + Perhaps, sometimes, by hunger press'd, + I've eat the shepherd with the rest. + I yield myself, if need there be; + And yet I think, in equity, + Each should confess his sins with me; + For laws of right and justice cry, + The guiltiest alone should die." + "Sire," said the fox, "your majesty + Is humbler than a king should be, + +[Illustration: THE ANIMALS SICK OF THE PLAGUE.] + + And over-squeamish in the case. + What! eating stupid sheep a crime? + No, never, sire, at any time. + It rather was an act of grace, + A mark of honour to their race. + And as to shepherds, one may swear, + The fate your majesty describes, + Is recompense less full than fair + For such usurpers o'er our tribes." + + Thus Renard glibly spoke, + And loud applause from flatterers broke. + Of neither tiger, boar, nor bear, + Did any keen inquirer dare + To ask for crimes of high degree; + The fighters, biters, scratchers, all + From every mortal sin were free; + The very dogs, both great and small, + Were saints, as far as dogs could be. + + The ass, confessing in his turn, + Thus spoke in tones of deep concern:-- + "I happen'd through a mead to pass; + The monks, its owners, were at mass; + Keen hunger, leisure, tender grass, + And add to these the devil too, + All tempted me the deed to do. + I browsed the bigness of my tongue; + Since truth must out, I own it wrong." + + On this, a hue and cry arose, + As if the beasts were all his foes: + A wolf, haranguing lawyer-wise. + Denounced the ass for sacrifice-- + The bald-pate, scabby, ragged lout, + By whom the plague had come, no doubt. + His fault was judged a hanging crime. + "What? eat another's grass? O shame! + The noose of rope and death sublime, + For that offence, were all too tame!" + And soon poor Grizzle felt the same. + + _Thus human courts acquit the strong,_ + _And doom the weak, as therefore wrong._ + + + + + +End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of A Hundred Fables of La Fontaine, by +Jean de La Fontaine + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK A HUNDRED FABLES OF LA FONTAINE *** + +***** This file should be named 25357.txt or 25357.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + https://www.gutenberg.org/2/5/3/5/25357/ + +Produced by David Edwards, Josephine Paolucci and the +Online Distributed Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net. +(This file was produced from images generously made +available by The Internet Archive.) + + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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