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+The Project Gutenberg EBook of The �sop for Children, by �sop
+
+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: The �sop for Children
+       With pictures by Milo Winter
+
+Author: �sop
+
+Illustrator: Milo Winter
+
+Release Date: December 2, 2006 [EBook #19994]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE �SOP FOR CHILDREN ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by Jason Isbell Christine D. and the Online
+Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+THE WOLF AND THE KID
+
+
+There was once a little Kid whose growing horns made him think he
+was a grown-up Billy Goat and able to take care of himself. So
+one evening when the flock started home from the pasture and his
+mother called, the Kid paid no heed and kept right on nibbling
+the tender grass. A little later when he lifted his head, the
+flock was gone.
+
+He was all alone. The sun was sinking. Long shadows came creeping
+over the ground. A chilly little wind came creeping with them
+making scary noises in the grass. The Kid shivered as he thought
+of the terrible Wolf. Then he started wildly over the field,
+bleating for his mother. But not half-way, near a clump of trees,
+there was the Wolf!
+
+The Kid knew there was little hope for him.
+
+"Please, Mr. Wolf," he said trembling, "I know you are going to
+eat me. But first please pipe me a tune, for I want to dance and
+be merry as long as I can."
+
+The Wolf liked the idea of a little music before eating, so he
+struck up a merry tune and the Kid leaped and frisked gaily.
+
+Meanwhile, the flock was moving slowly homeward. In the still
+evening air the Wolf's piping carried far. The Shepherd Dogs
+pricked up their ears. They recognized the song the Wolf sings
+before a feast, and in a moment they were racing back to the
+pasture. The Wolf's song ended suddenly, and as he ran, with the
+Dogs at his heels, he called himself a fool for turning piper to
+please a Kid, when he should have stuck to his butcher's trade.
+
+_Do not let anything turn you from your purpose._
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+THE TORTOISE AND THE DUCKS
+
+
+The Tortoise, you know, carries his house on his back. No matter
+how hard he tries, he cannot leave home. They say that Jupiter
+punished him so, because he was such a lazy stay-at-home that he
+would not go to Jupiter's wedding, even when especially invited.
+
+After many years, Tortoise began to wish he had gone to that
+wedding. When he saw how gaily the birds flew about and how the
+Hare and the Chipmunk and all the other animals ran nimbly by,
+always eager to see everything there was to be seen, the Tortoise
+felt very sad and discontented. He wanted to see the world too,
+and there he was with a house on his back and little short legs
+that could hardly drag him along.
+
+One day he met a pair of Ducks and told them all his trouble.
+
+"We can help you to see the world," said the Ducks. "Take hold of
+this stick with your teeth and we will carry you far up in the
+air where you can see the whole countryside. But keep quiet or
+you will be sorry."
+
+The Tortoise was very glad indeed. He seized the stick firmly
+with his teeth, the two Ducks took hold of it one at each end,
+and away they sailed up toward the clouds.
+
+Just then a Crow flew by. He was very much astonished at the
+strange sight and cried:
+
+"This must surely be the King of Tortoises!"
+
+"Why certainly----" began the Tortoise.
+
+But as he opened his mouth to say these foolish words he lost his
+hold on the stick, and down he fell to the ground, where he was
+dashed to pieces on a rock.
+
+_Foolish curiosity and vanity often lead to misfortune._
+
+
+
+
+THE YOUNG CRAB AND HIS MOTHER
+
+
+"Why in the world do you walk sideways like that?" said a Mother
+Crab to her son. "You should always walk straight forward with
+your toes turned out."
+
+"Show me how to walk, mother dear," answered the little Crab
+obediently, "I want to learn."
+
+So the old Crab tried and _tried_ to walk straight forward. But
+she could walk sideways only, like her son. And when she wanted
+to turn her toes out she tripped and fell on her nose.
+
+_Do not tell others how to act unless you can set a good
+example._
+
+[Illustration]
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+THE FROGS AND THE OX
+
+
+An Ox came down to a reedy pool to drink. As he splashed heavily
+into the water, he crushed a young Frog into the mud. The old
+Frog soon missed the little one and asked his brothers and
+sisters what had become of him.
+
+"A _great big_ monster," said one of them, "stepped on little
+brother with one of his huge feet!"
+
+"Big, was he!" said the old Frog, puffing herself up. "Was he as
+big as this?"
+
+"Oh, _much_ bigger!" they cried.
+
+The Frog puffed up still more.
+
+"He could not have been bigger than this," she said. But the
+little Frogs all declared that the monster was _much, much_
+bigger and the old Frog kept puffing herself out more and more
+until, all at once, she burst.
+
+_Do not attempt the impossible._
+
+[Illustration:]
+
+
+
+
+THE DOG, THE COCK, AND THE FOX
+
+
+A Dog and a Cock, who were the best of friends, wished very much
+to see something of the world. So they decided to leave the
+farmyard and to set out into the world along the road that led to
+the woods. The two comrades traveled along in the very best of
+spirits and without meeting any adventure to speak of.
+
+At nightfall the Cock, looking for a place to roost, as was his
+custom, spied nearby a hollow tree that he thought would do very
+nicely for a night's lodging. The Dog could creep inside and the
+Cock would fly up on one of the branches. So said, so done, and
+both slept very comfortably.
+
+With the first glimmer of dawn the Cock awoke. For the moment he
+forgot just where he was. He thought he was still in the farmyard
+where it had been his duty to arouse the household at daybreak.
+So standing on tip-toes he flapped his wings and crowed lustily.
+But instead of awakening the farmer, he awakened a Fox not far
+off in the wood. The Fox immediately had rosy visions of a very
+delicious breakfast. Hurrying to the tree where the Cock was
+roosting, he said very politely:
+
+"A hearty welcome to our woods, honored sir. I cannot tell you
+how glad I am to see you here. I am quite sure we shall become
+the closest of friends."
+
+"I feel highly flattered, kind sir," replied the Cock slyly. "If
+you will please go around to the door of my house at the foot of
+the tree, my porter will let you in."
+
+The hungry but unsuspecting Fox, went around the tree as he was
+told, and in a twinkling the Dog had seized him.
+
+_Those who try to deceive may expect to be paid in their own
+coin._
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+BELLING THE CAT
+
+
+The Mice once called a meeting to decide on a plan to free
+themselves of their enemy, the Cat. At least they wished to find
+some way of knowing when she was coming, so they might have time
+to run away. Indeed, something had to be done, for they lived in
+such constant fear of her claws that they hardly dared stir from
+their dens by night or day.
+
+Many plans were discussed, but none of them was thought good
+enough. At last a very young Mouse got up and said:
+
+"I have a plan that seems very simple, but I know it will be
+successful. All we have to do is to hang a bell about the Cat's
+neck. When we hear the bell ringing we will know immediately that
+our enemy is coming."
+
+All the Mice were much surprised that they had not thought of
+such a plan before. But in the midst of the rejoicing over their
+good fortune, an old Mouse arose and said:
+
+"I will say that the plan of the young Mouse is very good. But
+let me ask one question: Who will bell the Cat?"
+
+_It is one thing to say that something should be done, but quite
+a different matter to do it._
+
+
+
+
+THE EAGLE AND THE JACKDAW
+
+
+An Eagle, swooping down on powerful wings, seized a lamb in her
+talons and made off with it to her nest. A Jackdaw saw the deed,
+and his silly head was filled with the idea that he was big and
+strong enough to do as the Eagle had done. So with much rustling
+of feathers and a fierce air, he came down swiftly on the back of
+a large Ram. But when he tried to rise again he found that he
+could not get away, for his claws were tangled in the wool. And
+so far was he from carrying away the Ram, that the Ram hardly
+noticed he was there.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+The Shepherd saw the fluttering Jackdaw and at once guessed what
+had happened. Running up, he caught the bird and clipped its
+wings. That evening he gave the Jackdaw to his children.
+
+"What a funny bird this is!" they said laughing, "what do you
+call it, father?"
+
+"That is a Jackdaw, my children. But if you should ask him, _he_
+would say he is an Eagle."
+
+_Do not let your vanity make you overestimate your powers._
+
+
+
+
+THE BOY AND THE FILBERTS
+
+
+A Boy was given permission to put his hand into a pitcher to get
+some filberts. But he took such a great fistful that he could not
+draw his hand out again. There he stood, unwilling to give up a
+single filbert and yet unable to get them all out at once. Vexed
+and disappointed he began to cry.
+
+"My boy," said his mother, "be satisfied with half the nuts you
+have taken and you will easily get your hand out. Then perhaps
+you may have some more filberts some other time."
+
+_Do not attempt too much at once._
+
+
+
+
+HERCULES AND THE WAGONER
+
+
+A Farmer was driving his wagon along a miry country road after a
+heavy rain. The horses could hardly drag the load through the
+deep mud, and at last came to a standstill when one of the wheels
+sank to the hub in a rut.
+
+The farmer climbed down from his seat and stood beside the wagon
+looking at it but without making the least effort to get it out
+of the rut. All he did was to curse his bad luck and call loudly
+on Hercules to come to his aid. Then, it is said, Hercules really
+did appear, saying:
+
+"Put your shoulder to the wheel, man, and urge on your horses. Do
+you think you can move the wagon by simply looking at it and
+whining about it? Hercules will not help unless you make some
+effort to help yourself."
+
+And when the farmer put his shoulder to the wheel and urged on
+the horses, the wagon moved very readily, and soon the Farmer was
+riding along in great content and with a good lesson learned.
+
+_Self help is the best help._
+
+_Heaven helps those who help themselves._
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+THE KID AND THE WOLF
+
+
+A frisky young Kid had been left by the herdsman on the thatched
+roof of a sheep shelter to keep him out of harm's way. The Kid
+was browsing near the edge of the roof, when he spied a Wolf and
+began to jeer at him, making faces and abusing him to his heart's
+content.
+
+"I hear you," said the Wolf, "and I haven't the least grudge
+against you for what you say or do. When you are up there it is
+the roof that's talking, not you."
+
+_Do not say anything at any time that you would not say at all
+times._
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+THE TOWN MOUSE AND THE COUNTRY MOUSE
+
+
+A Town Mouse once visited a relative who lived in the country.
+For lunch the Country Mouse served wheat stalks, roots, and
+acorns, with a dash of cold water for drink. The Town Mouse ate
+very sparingly, nibbling a little of this and a little of that,
+and by her manner making it very plain that she ate the simple
+food only to be polite.
+
+After the meal the friends had a long talk, or rather the Town
+Mouse talked about her life in the city while the Country Mouse
+listened. They then went to bed in a cozy nest in the hedgerow
+and slept in quiet and comfort until morning. In her sleep the
+Country Mouse dreamed she was a Town Mouse with all the luxuries
+and delights of city life that her friend had described for her.
+So the next day when the Town Mouse asked the Country Mouse to go
+home with her to the city, she gladly said yes.
+
+When they reached the mansion in which the Town Mouse lived, they
+found on the table in the dining room the leavings of a very fine
+banquet. There were sweetmeats and jellies, pastries, delicious
+cheeses, indeed, the most tempting foods that a Mouse can
+imagine. But just as the Country Mouse was about to nibble a
+dainty bit of pastry, she heard a Cat mew loudly and scratch at
+the door. In great fear the Mice scurried to a hiding place,
+where they lay quite still for a long time, hardly daring to
+breathe. When at last they ventured back to the feast, the door
+opened suddenly and in came the servants to clear the table,
+followed by the House Dog.
+
+The Country Mouse stopped in the Town Mouse's den only long
+enough to pick up her carpet bag and umbrella.
+
+"You may have luxuries and dainties that I have not," she said as
+she hurried away, "but I prefer my plain food and simple life in
+the country with the peace and security that go with it."
+
+_Poverty with security is better than plenty in the midst of fear
+and uncertainty._
+
+[Illustration: THE TOWN MOUSE AND THE COUNTRY MOUSE]
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+THE FOX AND THE GRAPES
+
+
+A Fox one day spied a beautiful bunch of ripe grapes hanging from
+a vine trained along the branches of a tree. The grapes seemed
+ready to burst with juice, and the Fox's mouth watered as he
+gazed longingly at them.
+
+The bunch hung from a high branch, and the Fox had to jump for
+it. The first time he jumped he missed it by a long way. So he
+walked off a short distance and took a running leap at it, only
+to fall short once more. Again and again he tried, but in vain.
+
+Now he sat down and looked at the grapes in disgust.
+
+"What a fool I am," he said. "Here I am wearing myself out to get
+a bunch of sour grapes that are not worth gaping for."
+
+And off he walked very, very scornfully.
+
+_There are many who pretend to despise and belittle that which is
+beyond their reach._
+
+
+
+
+THE BUNDLE OF STICKS
+
+
+A certain Father had a family of Sons, who were forever
+quarreling among themselves. No words he could say did the least
+good, so he cast about in his mind for some very striking example
+that should make them see that discord would lead them to
+misfortune.
+
+One day when the quarreling had been much more violent than usual
+and each of the Sons was moping in a surly manner, he asked one
+of them to bring him a bundle of sticks. Then handing the bundle
+to each of his Sons in turn he told them to try to break it. But
+although each one tried his best, none was able to do so.
+
+The Father then untied the bundle and gave the sticks to his Sons
+to break one by one. This they did very easily.
+
+"My Sons," said the Father, "do you not see how certain it is
+that if you agree with each other and help each other, it will be
+impossible for your enemies to injure you? But if you are divided
+among yourselves, you will be no stronger than a single stick in
+that bundle."
+
+_In unity is strength._
+
+
+
+
+THE WOLF AND THE CRANE
+
+
+A Wolf had been feasting too greedily, and a bone had stuck
+crosswise in his throat. He could get it neither up nor down, and
+of course he could not eat a thing. Naturally that was an awful
+state of affairs for a greedy Wolf.
+
+So away he hurried to the Crane. He was sure that she, with her
+long neck and bill, would easily be able to reach the bone and
+pull it out.
+
+"I will reward you very handsomely," said the Wolf, "if you pull
+that bone out for me."
+
+The Crane, as you can imagine, was very uneasy about putting her
+head in a Wolf's throat. But she was grasping in nature, so she
+did what the Wolf asked her to do.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+When the Wolf felt that the bone was gone, he started to walk
+away.
+
+"But what about my reward!" called the Crane anxiously.
+
+"What!" snarled the Wolf, whirling around. "Haven't you got it?
+Isn't it enough that I let you take your head out of my mouth
+without snapping it off?"
+
+_Expect no reward for serving the wicked._
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+THE ASS AND HIS DRIVER
+
+
+An Ass was being driven along a road leading down the mountain
+side, when he suddenly took it into his silly head to choose his
+own path. He could see his stall at the foot of the mountain, and
+to him the quickest way down seemed to be over the edge of the
+nearest cliff. Just as he was about to leap over, his master
+caught him by the tail and tried to pull him back, but the
+stubborn Ass would not yield and pulled with all his might.
+
+"Very well," said his master, "go your way, you willful beast,
+and see where it leads you."
+
+With that he let go, and the foolish Ass tumbled head over heels
+down the mountain side.
+
+_They who will not listen to reason but stubbornly go their own
+way against the friendly advice of those who are wiser than they,
+are on the road to misfortune._
+
+
+
+
+THE OXEN AND THE WHEELS
+
+
+A pair of Oxen were drawing a heavily loaded wagon along a miry
+country road. They had to use all their strength to pull the
+wagon, but they did not complain.
+
+The Wheels of the wagon were of a different sort. Though the task
+they had to do was very light compared with that of the Oxen,
+they creaked and groaned at every turn. The poor Oxen, pulling
+with all their might to draw the wagon through the deep mud, had
+their ears filled with the loud complaining of the Wheels. And
+this, you may well know, made their work so much the harder to
+endure.
+
+"Silence!" the Oxen cried at last, out of patience. "What have
+you Wheels to complain about so loudly? We are drawing all the
+weight, not you, and we are keeping still about it besides."
+
+_They complain most who suffer least._
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+THE LION AND THE MOUSE
+
+
+A Lion lay asleep in the forest, his great head resting on his
+paws. A timid little Mouse came upon him unexpectedly, and in her
+fright and haste to get away, ran across the Lion's nose. Roused
+from his nap, the Lion laid his huge paw angrily on the tiny
+creature to kill her.
+
+"Spare me!" begged the poor Mouse. "Please let me go and some day
+I will surely repay you."
+
+The Lion was much amused to think that a Mouse could ever help
+him. But he was generous and finally let the Mouse go.
+
+Some days later, while stalking his prey in the forest, the Lion
+was caught in the toils of a hunter's net. Unable to free
+himself, he filled the forest with his angry roaring. The Mouse
+knew the voice and quickly found the Lion struggling in the net.
+Running to one of the great ropes that bound him, she gnawed it
+until it parted, and soon the Lion was free.
+
+"You laughed when I said I would repay you," said the Mouse. "Now
+you see that even a Mouse can help a Lion."
+
+_A kindness is never wasted._
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+THE SHEPHERD BOY AND THE WOLF
+
+
+A Shepherd Boy tended his master's Sheep near a dark forest not
+far from the village. Soon he found life in the pasture very
+dull. All he could do to amuse himself was to talk to his dog or
+play on his shepherd's pipe.
+
+One day as he sat watching the Sheep and the quiet forest, and
+thinking what he would do should he see a Wolf, he thought of a
+plan to amuse himself.
+
+His Master had told him to call for help should a Wolf attack the
+flock, and the Villagers would drive it away. So now, though he
+had not seen anything that even looked like a Wolf, he ran toward
+the village shouting at the top of his voice, "Wolf! Wolf!"
+
+As he expected, the Villagers who heard the cry dropped their
+work and ran in great excitement to the pasture. But when they
+got there they found the Boy doubled up with laughter at the
+trick he had played on them.
+
+A few days later the Shepherd Boy again shouted, "Wolf! Wolf!"
+Again the Villagers ran to help him, only to be laughed at again.
+
+Then one evening as the sun was setting behind the forest and the
+shadows were creeping out over the pasture, a Wolf really did
+spring from the underbrush and fall upon the Sheep.
+
+In terror the Boy ran toward the village shouting "Wolf! Wolf!"
+But though the Villagers heard the cry, they did not run to help
+him as they had before. "He cannot fool us again," they said.
+
+The Wolf killed a great many of the Boy's sheep and then slipped
+away into the forest.
+
+_Liars are not believed even when they speak the truth._
+
+
+
+
+THE GNAT AND THE BULL
+
+
+A Gnat flew over the meadow with much buzzing for so small a
+creature and settled on the tip of one of the horns of a Bull.
+After he had rested a short time, he made ready to fly away. But
+before he left he begged the Bull's pardon for having used his
+horn for a resting place.
+
+"You must be very glad to have me go now," he said.
+
+"It's all the same to me," replied the Bull. "I did not even know
+you were there."
+
+_We are often of greater importance in our own eyes than in the
+eyes of our neighbor._
+
+_The smaller the mind the greater the conceit._
+
+[Illustration]
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+THE PLANE TREE
+
+
+Two Travellers, walking in the noonday sun, sought the shade of a
+widespreading tree to rest. As they lay looking up among the
+pleasant leaves, they saw that it was a Plane Tree.
+
+"How useless is the Plane!" said one of them. "It bears no fruit
+whatever, and only serves to litter the ground with leaves."
+
+"Ungrateful creatures!" said a voice from the Plane Tree. "You
+lie here in my cooling shade, and yet you say I am useless! Thus
+ungratefully, O Jupiter, do men receive their blessings!"
+
+_Our best blessings are often the least appreciated._
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+THE FARMER AND THE STORK
+
+
+A Stork of a very simple and trusting nature had been asked by a
+gay party of Cranes to visit a field that had been newly planted.
+But the party ended dismally with all the birds entangled in the
+meshes of the Farmer's net.
+
+The Stork begged the Farmer to spare him.
+
+"Please let me go," he pleaded. "I belong to the Stork family who
+you know are honest and birds of good character. Besides, I did
+not know the Cranes were going to steal."
+
+"You may be a very good bird," answered the Farmer, "but I caught
+you with the thieving Cranes and you will have to share the same
+punishment with them."
+
+_You are judged by the company you keep._
+
+
+
+
+THE SHEEP AND THE PIG
+
+
+One day a shepherd discovered a fat Pig in the meadow where his
+Sheep were pastured. He very quickly captured the porker, which
+squealed at the top of its voice the moment the Shepherd laid his
+hands on it. You would have thought, to hear the loud squealing,
+that the Pig was being cruelly hurt. But in spite of its squeals
+and struggles to escape, the Shepherd tucked his prize under his
+arm and started off to the butcher's in the market place.
+
+The Sheep in the pasture were much astonished and amused at the
+Pig's behavior, and followed the Shepherd and his charge to the
+pasture gate.
+
+"What makes you squeal like that?" asked one of the Sheep. "The
+Shepherd often catches and carries off one of us. But we should
+feel very much ashamed to make such a terrible fuss about it like
+you do."
+
+"That is all very well," replied the Pig, with a squeal and a
+frantic kick. "When he catches you he is only after your wool.
+But he wants my bacon! gree-ee-ee!"
+
+_It is easy to be brave when there is no danger._
+
+[Illustration: THE SHEEP AND THE PIG]
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+THE TRAVELERS AND THE PURSE
+
+
+Two men were traveling in company along the road when one of them
+picked up a well-filled purse.
+
+"How lucky I am!" he said. "I have found a purse. Judging by its
+weight it must be full of gold."
+
+"Do not say '_I_ have found a purse,'" said his companion. "Say
+rather '_we_ have found a purse' and 'how lucky _we_ are.'
+Travelers ought to share alike the fortunes or misfortunes of the
+road."
+
+"No, no," replied the other angrily. "_I_ found it and _I_ am
+going to keep it."
+
+Just then they heard a shout of "Stop, thief!" and looking
+around, saw a mob of people armed with clubs coming down the
+road.
+
+The man who had found the purse fell into a panic.
+
+"We are lost if they find the purse on us," he cried.
+
+"No, no," replied the other, "You would not say 'we' before, so
+now stick to your 'I'. Say '_I_ am lost.'"
+
+_We cannot expect any one to share our misfortunes unless we are
+willing to share our good fortune also._
+
+
+
+
+THE LION AND THE ASS
+
+
+One day as the Lion walked proudly down a forest aisle, and the
+animals respectfully made way for him, an Ass brayed a scornful
+remark as he passed.
+
+The Lion felt a flash of anger. But when he turned his head and
+saw who had spoken, he walked quietly on. He would not honor the
+fool with even so much as a stroke of his claws.
+
+_Do not resent the remarks of a fool. Ignore them._
+
+
+
+
+THE FROGS WHO WISHED FOR A KING
+
+
+The Frogs were tired of governing themselves. They had so much
+freedom that it had spoiled them, and they did nothing but sit
+around croaking in a bored manner and wishing for a government
+that could entertain them with the pomp and display of royalty,
+and rule them in a way to make them know they were being ruled.
+No milk and water government for them, they declared. So they
+sent a petition to Jupiter asking for a king.
+
+Jupiter saw what simple and foolish creatures they were, but to
+keep them quiet and make them think they had a king he threw down
+a huge log, which fell into the water with a great splash. The
+Frogs hid themselves among the reeds and grasses, thinking the
+new king to be some fearful giant. But they soon discovered how
+tame and peaceable King Log was. In a short time the younger
+Frogs were using him for a diving platform, while the older Frogs
+made him a meeting place, where they complained loudly to Jupiter
+about the government.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+To teach the Frogs a lesson the ruler of the gods now sent a
+Crane to be king of Frogland. The Crane proved to be a very
+different sort of king from old King Log. He gobbled up the poor
+Frogs right and left and they soon saw what fools they had been.
+In mournful croaks they begged Jupiter to take away the cruel
+tyrant before they should all be destroyed.
+
+"How now!" cried Jupiter "Are you not yet content? You have what
+you asked for and so you have only yourselves to blame for your
+misfortunes."
+
+_Be sure you can better your condition before you seek to
+change._
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+THE OWL AND THE GRASSHOPPER
+
+
+The Owl always takes her sleep during the day. Then after
+sundown, when the rosy light fades from the sky and the shadows
+rise slowly through the wood, out she comes ruffling and blinking
+from the old hollow tree. Now her weird "hoo-hoo-hoo-oo-oo"
+echoes through the quiet wood, and she begins her hunt for the
+bugs and beetles, frogs and mice she likes so well to eat.
+
+Now there was a certain old Owl who had become very cross and
+hard to please as she grew older, especially if anything
+disturbed her daily slumbers. One warm summer afternoon as she
+dozed away in her den in the old oak tree, a Grasshopper nearby
+began a joyous but very raspy song. Out popped the old Owl's head
+from the opening in the tree that served her both for door and
+for window.
+
+"Get away from here, sir," she said to the Grasshopper. "Have you
+no manners? You should at least respect my age and leave me to
+sleep in quiet!"
+
+But the Grasshopper answered saucily that he had as much right to
+his place in the sun as the Owl had to her place in the old oak.
+Then he struck up a louder and still more rasping tune.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+The wise old Owl knew quite well that it would do no good to
+argue with the Grasshopper, nor with anybody else for that
+matter. Besides, her eyes were not sharp enough by day to permit
+her to punish the Grasshopper as he deserved. So she laid aside
+all hard words and spoke very kindly to him.
+
+"Well sir," she said, "if I must stay awake, I am going to settle
+right down to enjoy your singing. Now that I think of it, I have
+a wonderful wine here, sent me from Olympus, of which I am told
+Apollo drinks before he sings to the high gods. Please come up
+and taste this delicious drink with me. I know it will make you
+sing like Apollo himself."
+
+The foolish Grasshopper was taken in by the Owl's flattering
+words. Up he jumped to the Owl's den, but as soon as he was near
+enough so the old Owl could see him clearly, she pounced upon him
+and ate him up.
+
+_Flattery is not a proof of true admiration._
+
+_Do not let flattery throw you off your guard against an enemy._
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+THE WOLF AND HIS SHADOW
+
+
+A Wolf left his lair one evening in fine spirits and an excellent
+appetite. As he ran, the setting sun cast his shadow far out on
+the ground, and it looked as if the wolf were a hundred times
+bigger than he really was.
+
+"Why," exclaimed the Wolf proudly, "see how big I am! Fancy _me_
+running away from a puny Lion! I'll show him who is fit to be
+king, he or I."
+
+Just then an immense shadow blotted him out entirely, and the
+next instant a Lion struck him down with a single blow.
+
+_Do not let your fancy make you forget realities._
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+THE OAK AND THE REEDS
+
+
+A Giant Oak stood near a brook in which grew some slender Reeds.
+When the wind blew, the great Oak stood proudly upright with its
+hundred arms uplifted to the sky. But the Reeds bowed low in the
+wind and sang a sad and mournful song.
+
+"You have reason to complain," said the Oak. "The slightest
+breeze that ruffles the surface of the water makes you bow your
+heads, while I, the mighty Oak, stand upright and firm before the
+howling tempest."
+
+"Do not worry about us," replied the Reeds. "The winds do not
+harm us. We bow before them and so we do not break. You, in all
+your pride and strength, have so far resisted their blows. But
+the end is coming."
+
+As the Reeds spoke a great hurricane rushed out of the north. The
+Oak stood proudly and fought against the storm, while the
+yielding Reeds bowed low. The wind redoubled in fury, and all at
+once the great tree fell, torn up by the roots, and lay among the
+pitying Reeds.
+
+_Better to yield when it is folly to resist, than to resist
+stubbornly and be destroyed._
+
+
+
+
+THE RAT AND THE ELEPHANT
+
+
+A Rat was traveling along the King's highway. He was a very proud
+Rat, considering his small size and the bad reputation all Rats
+have. As Mr. Rat walked along--he kept mostly to the ditch--he
+noticed a great commotion up the road, and soon a grand
+procession came in view. It was the King and his retinue.
+
+The King rode on a huge Elephant adorned with the most gorgeous
+trappings. With the King in his luxurious howdah were the royal
+Dog and Cat. A great crowd of people followed the procession.
+They were so taken up with admiration of the Elephant, that the
+Rat was not noticed. His pride was hurt.
+
+"What fools!" he cried. "Look at me, and you will soon forget
+that clumsy Elephant! Is it his great size that makes your eyes
+pop out? Or is it his wrinkled hide? Why, I have eyes and ears
+and as many legs as he! I am of just as much importance, and"--
+
+But just then the royal Cat spied him, and the next instant, the
+Rat knew he was _not_ quite so important as an Elephant.
+
+_A resemblance to the great in some things does not make us
+great._
+
+
+
+
+THE BOYS AND THE FROGS
+
+
+Some Boys were playing one day at the edge of a pond in which
+lived a family of Frogs. The Boys amused themselves by throwing
+stones into the pond so as to make them skip on top of the water.
+
+The stones were flying thick and fast and the Boys were enjoying
+themselves very much; but the poor Frogs in the pond were
+trembling with fear.
+
+At last one of the Frogs, the oldest and bravest, put his head
+out of the water, and said, "Oh, please, dear children, stop your
+cruel play! Though it may be fun for you, it means death to us!"
+
+_Always stop to think whether your fun may not be the cause of
+another's unhappiness._
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+THE CROW AND THE PITCHER
+
+
+In a spell of dry weather, when the Birds could find very little
+to drink, a thirsty Crow found a pitcher with a little water in
+it. But the pitcher was high and had a narrow neck, and no matter
+how he tried, the Crow could not reach the water. The poor thing
+felt as if he must die of thirst.
+
+Then an idea came to him. Picking up some small pebbles, he
+dropped them into the pitcher one by one. With each pebble the
+water rose a little higher until at last it was near enough so he
+could drink.
+
+_In a pinch a good use of our wits may help us out._
+
+[Illustration]
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+THE ANTS AND THE GRASSHOPPER
+
+
+One bright day in late autumn a family of Ants were bustling
+about in the warm sunshine, drying out the grain they had stored
+up during the summer, when a starving Grasshopper, his fiddle
+under his arm, came up and humbly begged for a bite to eat.
+
+"What!" cried the Ants in surprise, "haven't you stored anything
+away for the winter? What in the world were you doing all last
+summer?"
+
+"I didn't have time to store up any food," whined the
+Grasshopper; "I was so busy making music that before I knew it
+the summer was gone."
+
+The Ants shrugged their shoulders in disgust.
+
+"Making music, were you?" they cried. "Very well; now dance!" And
+they turned their backs on the Grasshopper and went on with their
+work.
+
+_There's a time for work and a time for play._
+
+
+
+
+THE ASS CARRYING THE IMAGE
+
+
+A sacred Image was being carried to the temple. It was mounted on
+an Ass adorned with garlands and gorgeous trappings, and a grand
+procession of priests and pages followed it through the streets.
+As the Ass walked along, the people bowed their heads reverently
+or fell on their knees, and the Ass thought the honor was being
+paid to himself.
+
+With his head full of this foolish idea, he became so puffed up
+with pride and vanity that he halted and started to bray loudly.
+But in the midst of his song, his driver guessed what the Ass had
+got into his head, and began to beat him unmercifully with a
+stick.
+
+"Go along with you, you stupid Ass," he cried. "The honor is not
+meant for you but for the image you are carrying."
+
+_Do not try to take the credit to yourself that is due to
+others._
+
+
+
+
+A RAVEN AND A SWAN
+
+
+A Raven, which you know is black as coal, was envious of the
+Swan, because her feathers were as white as the purest snow. The
+foolish bird got the idea that if he lived like the Swan,
+swimming and diving all day long and eating the weeds and plants
+that grow in the water, his feathers would turn white like the
+Swan's.
+
+So he left his home in the woods and fields and flew down to live
+on the lakes and in the marshes. But though he washed and washed
+all day long, almost drowning himself at it, his feathers
+remained as black as ever. And as the water weeds he ate did not
+agree with him, he got thinner and thinner, and at last he died.
+
+_A change of habits will not alter nature._
+
+[Illustration]
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+THE TWO GOATS
+
+
+Two Goats, frisking gayly on the rocky steeps of a mountain
+valley, chanced to meet, one on each side of a deep chasm through
+which poured a mighty mountain torrent. The trunk of a fallen
+tree formed the only means of crossing the chasm, and on this not
+even two squirrels could have passed each other in safety. The
+narrow path would have made the bravest tremble. Not so our
+Goats. Their pride would not permit either to stand aside for the
+other.
+
+One set her foot on the log. The other did likewise. In the
+middle they met horn to horn. Neither would give way, and so they
+both fell, to be swept away by the roaring torrent below.
+
+_It is better to yield than to come to misfortune through
+stubbornness._
+
+
+
+
+THE ASS AND THE LOAD OF SALT
+
+
+A Merchant, driving his Ass homeward from the seashore with a
+heavy load of salt, came to a river crossed by a shallow ford.
+They had crossed this river many times before without accident,
+but this time the Ass slipped and fell when halfway over. And
+when the Merchant at last got him to his feet, much of the salt
+had melted away. Delighted to find how much lighter his burden
+had become, the Ass finished the journey very gayly.
+
+Next day the Merchant went for another load of salt. On the way
+home the Ass, remembering what had happened at the ford,
+purposely let himself fall into the water, and again got rid of
+most of his burden.
+
+The angry Merchant immediately turned about and drove the Ass
+back to the seashore, where he loaded him with two great baskets
+of sponges. At the ford the Ass again tumbled over; but when he
+had scrambled to his feet, it was a very disconsolate Ass that
+dragged himself homeward under a load ten times heavier than
+before.
+
+_The same measures will not suit all circumstances._
+
+[Illustration: THE ASS AND THE LOAD OF SALT]
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+THE LION AND THE GNAT
+
+
+"Away with you, vile insect!" said a Lion angrily to a Gnat that
+was buzzing around his head. But the Gnat was not in the least
+disturbed.
+
+"Do you think," he said spitefully to the Lion, "that I am afraid
+of you because they call you king?"
+
+The next instant he flew at the Lion and stung him sharply on the
+nose. Mad with rage, the Lion struck fiercely at the Gnat, but
+only succeeded in tearing himself with his claws. Again and again
+the Gnat stung the Lion, who now was roaring terribly. At last,
+worn out with rage and covered with wounds that his own teeth and
+claws had made, the Lion gave up the fight.
+
+The Gnat buzzed away to tell the whole world about his victory,
+but instead he flew straight into a spider's web. And there, he
+who had defeated the King of beasts came to a miserable end, the
+prey of a little spider.
+
+_The least of our enemies is often the most to be feared._
+
+_Pride over a success should not throw us off our guard._
+
+
+
+
+THE LEAP AT RHODES
+
+A certain man who visited foreign lands could talk of little when
+he returned to his home except the wonderful adventures he had
+met with and the great deeds he had done abroad.
+
+One of the feats he told about was a leap he had made in a city
+Called Rhodes. That leap was so great, he said, that no other man
+could leap anywhere near the distance. A great many persons in
+Rhodes had seen him do it and would prove that what he told was
+true.
+
+"No need of witnesses," said one of the hearers. "Suppose this
+city is Rhodes. Now show us how far you can jump."
+
+_Deeds count, not boasting words._
+
+
+
+
+THE COCK AND THE JEWEL
+
+A Cock was busily scratching and scraping about to find something
+to eat for himself and his family, when he happened to turn up a
+precious jewel that had been lost by its owner.
+
+"Aha!" said the Cock. "No doubt you are very costly and he who
+lost you would give a great deal to find you. But as for me, I
+would choose a single grain of barleycorn before all the jewels
+in the world."
+
+_Precious things are without value to those who cannot prize
+them._
+
+
+
+
+THE MONKEY AND THE CAMEL
+
+
+At a great celebration in honor of King Lion, the Monkey was
+asked to dance for the company. His dancing was very clever
+indeed, and the animals were all highly pleased with his grace
+and lightness.
+
+The praise that was showered on the Monkey made the Camel
+envious. He was very sure that he could dance quite as well as
+the Monkey, if not better, so he pushed his way into the crowd
+that was gathered around the Monkey, and rising on his hind legs,
+began to dance. But the big hulking Camel made himself very
+ridiculous as he kicked out his knotty legs and twisted his long
+clumsy neck. Besides, the animals found it hard to keep their
+toes from under his heavy hoofs.
+
+At last, when one of his huge feet came within an inch of King
+Lion's nose, the animals were so disgusted that they set upon the
+Camel in a rage and drove him out into the desert.
+
+Shortly afterward, refreshments, consisting mostly of Camel's
+hump and ribs, were served to the company.
+
+_Do not try to ape your betters._
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+THE WILD BOAR AND THE FOX
+
+
+A Wild Boar was sharpening his tusks busily against the stump of
+a tree, when a Fox happened by. Now the Fox was always looking
+for a chance to make fun of his neighbors. So he made a great
+show of looking anxiously about, as if in fear of some hidden
+enemy. But the Boar kept right on with his work.
+
+"Why are you doing that?" asked the Fox at last with a grin.
+"There isn't any danger that I can see."
+
+"True enough," replied the Boar, "but when danger does come there
+will not be time for such work as this. My weapons will have to
+be ready for use then, or I shall suffer for it."
+
+_Preparedness for war is the best guarantee of peace._
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+THE ASS, THE FOX, AND THE LION
+
+
+An Ass and a Fox had become close comrades, and were constantly
+in each other's company. While the Ass cropped a fresh bit of
+greens, the Fox would devour a chicken from the neighboring
+farmyard or a bit of cheese filched from the dairy. One day the
+pair unexpectedly met a Lion. The Ass was very much frightened,
+but the Fox calmed his fears.
+
+"I will talk to him," he said.
+
+So the Fox walked boldly up to the Lion.
+
+"Your highness," he said in an undertone, so the Ass could not
+hear him, "I've got a fine scheme in my head. If you promise not
+to hurt me, I will lead that foolish creature yonder into a pit
+where he can't get out, and you can feast at your pleasure."
+
+The Lion agreed and the Fox returned to the Ass.
+
+"I made him promise not to hurt us," said the Fox. "But come, I
+know a good place to hide till he is gone."
+
+So the Fox led the Ass into a deep pit. But when the Lion saw
+that the Ass was his for the taking, he first of all struck down
+the traitor Fox.
+
+_Traitors may expect treachery._
+
+
+
+
+THE BIRDS, THE BEASTS, AND THE BAT
+
+The Birds and the Beasts declared war against each other. No
+compromise was possible, and so they went at it tooth and claw.
+It is said the quarrel grew out of the persecution the race of
+Geese suffered at the teeth of the Fox family. The Beasts, too,
+had cause for fight. The Eagle was constantly pouncing on the
+Hare, and the Owl dined daily on Mice.
+
+It was a terrible battle. Many a Hare and many a Mouse died.
+Chickens and Geese fell by the score--and the victor always
+stopped for a feast.
+
+Now the Bat family had not openly joined either side. They were a
+very politic race. So when they saw the Birds getting the better
+of it, they were Birds for all there was in it. But when the tide
+of battle turned, they immediately sided with the Beasts.
+
+When the battle was over, the conduct of the Bats was discussed
+at the peace conference. Such deceit was unpardonable, and Birds
+and Beasts made common cause to drive out the Bats. And since
+then the Bat family hides in dark towers and deserted ruins,
+flying out only in the night.
+
+_The deceitful have no friends._
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+THE LION, THE BEAR, AND THE FOX
+
+
+Just as a great Bear rushed to seize a stray kid, a Lion leaped
+from another direction upon the same prey. The two fought
+furiously for the prize until they had received so many wounds
+that both sank down unable to continue the battle.
+
+Just then a Fox dashed up, and seizing the kid, made off with it
+as fast as he could go, while the Lion and the Bear looked on in
+helpless rage.
+
+"How much better it would have been," they said, "to have shared
+in a friendly spirit."
+
+_Those who have all the toil do not always get the profit._
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+THE WOLF AND THE LAMB
+
+
+A stray Lamb stood drinking early one morning on the bank of a
+woodland stream. That very same morning a hungry Wolf came by
+farther up the stream, hunting for something to eat. He soon got
+his eyes on the Lamb. As a rule Mr. Wolf snapped up such
+delicious morsels without making any bones about it, but this
+Lamb looked so very helpless and innocent that the Wolf felt he
+ought to have some kind of an excuse for taking its life.
+
+"How dare you paddle around in my stream and stir up all the
+mud!" he shouted fiercely. "You deserve to be punished severely
+for your rashness!"
+
+"But, your highness," replied the trembling Lamb, "do not be
+angry! I cannot possibly muddy the water you are drinking up
+there. Remember, you are upstream and I am downstream."
+
+"You _do_ muddy it!" retorted the Wolf savagely. "And besides, I
+have heard that you told lies about me last year!"
+
+"How could I have done so?" pleaded the Lamb. "I wasn't born
+until this year."
+
+"If it wasn't you, it was your brother!"
+
+"I have no brothers."
+
+"Well, then," snarled the Wolf, "It was someone in your family
+anyway. But no matter who it was, I do not intend to be talked
+out of my breakfast."
+
+And without more words the Wolf seized the poor Lamb and carried
+her off to the forest.
+
+_The tyrant can always find an excuse for his tyranny._
+
+_The unjust will not listen to the reasoning of the innocent._
+
+
+
+
+THE WOLF AND THE SHEEP
+
+
+A Wolf had been hurt in a fight with a Bear. He was unable to
+move and could not satisfy his hunger and thirst. A Sheep passed
+by near his hiding place, and the Wolf called to him.
+
+"Please fetch me a drink of water," he begged, "that might give
+me strength enough so I can get me some solid food."
+
+"Solid food!" said the Sheep. "That means me, I suppose. If I
+should bring you a drink, it would only serve to wash me down
+your throat. Don't talk to me about a drink!"
+
+_A knave's hypocrisy is easily seen through._
+
+
+
+
+THE HARES AND THE FROGS
+
+
+Hares, as you know, are very timid. The least shadow, sends them
+scurrying in fright to a hiding place. Once they decided to die
+rather than live in such misery. But while they were debating how
+best to meet death, they thought they heard a noise and in a
+flash were scampering off to the warren. On the way they passed a
+pond where a family of Frogs was sitting among the reeds on the
+bank. In an instant the startled Frogs were seeking safety in the
+mud.
+
+"Look," cried a Hare, "things are not so bad after all, for here
+are creatures who are even afraid of us!"
+
+_However unfortunate we may think we are there is always someone
+worse off than ourselves._
+
+[Illustration]
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+THE FOX AND THE STORK
+
+
+The Fox one day thought of a plan to amuse himself at the expense
+of the Stork, at whose odd appearance he was always laughing.
+
+"You must come and dine with me today," he said to the Stork,
+smiling to himself at the trick he was going to play. The Stork
+gladly accepted the invitation and arrived in good time and with
+a very good appetite.
+
+For dinner the Fox served soup. But it was set out in a very
+shallow dish, and all the Stork could do was to wet the very tip
+of his bill. Not a drop of soup could he get. But the Fox lapped
+it up easily, and, to increase the disappointment of the Stork,
+made a great show of enjoyment.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+The hungry Stork was much displeased at the trick, but he was a
+calm, even-tempered fellow and saw no good in flying into a rage.
+Instead, not long afterward, he invited the Fox to dine with him
+in turn. The Fox arrived promptly at the time that had been set,
+and the Stork served a fish dinner that had a very appetizing
+smell. But it was served in a tall jar with a very narrow neck.
+The Stork could easily get at the food with his long bill, but
+all the Fox could do was to lick the outside of the jar, and
+sniff at the delicious odor. And when the Fox lost his temper,
+the Stork said calmly:
+
+_Do not play tricks on your neighbors unless you can stand the
+same treatment yourself._
+
+
+
+
+THE TRAVELERS AND THE SEA
+
+
+Two Travelers were walking along the seashore. Far out they saw
+something riding on the waves.
+
+"Look," said one, "a great ship rides in from distant lands,
+bearing rich treasures!"
+
+The object they saw came ever nearer the shore.
+
+"No," said the other, "that is not a treasure ship. That is some
+fisherman's skiff, with the day's catch of savoury fish."
+
+Still nearer came the object. The waves washed it up on shore.
+
+"It is a chest of gold lost from some wreck," they cried. Both
+Travelers rushed to the beach, but there they found nothing but a
+water-soaked log.
+
+_Do not let your hopes carry you away from reality._
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+THE WOLF AND THE LION
+
+
+A Wolf had stolen a Lamb and was carrying it off to his lair to
+eat it. But his plans were very much changed when he met a Lion,
+who, without making any excuses, took the Lamb away from him.
+
+The Wolf made off to a safe distance, and then said in a much
+injured tone:
+
+"You have no right to take my property like that!"
+
+The Lion looked back, but as the Wolf was too far away to be
+taught a lesson without too much inconvenience, he said:
+
+"Your property? Did you buy it, or did the Shepherd make you a
+gift of it? Pray tell me, how did you get it?"
+
+_What is evil won is evil lost._
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+THE STAG AND HIS REFLECTION
+
+
+A Stag, drinking from a crystal spring, saw himself mirrored in
+the clear water. He greatly admired the graceful arch of his
+antlers, but he was very much ashamed of his spindling legs.
+
+"How can it be," he sighed, "that I should be cursed with such
+legs when I have so magnificent a crown."
+
+At that moment he scented a panther and in an instant was bounding
+away through the forest. But as he ran his wide-spreading antlers
+caught in the branches of the trees, and soon the Panther overtook
+him. Then the Stag perceived that the legs of which he was so
+ashamed would have saved him had it not been for the useless
+ornaments on his head.
+
+_We often make much of the ornamental and despise the useful._
+
+
+
+
+THE PEACOCK
+
+
+The Peacock, they say, did not at first have the beautiful
+feathers in which he now takes so much pride. These, Juno, whose
+favorite he was, granted to him one day when he begged her for a
+train of feathers to distinguish him from the other birds. Then,
+decked in his finery, gleaming with emerald, gold, purple, and
+azure, he strutted proudly among the birds. All regarded him with
+envy. Even the most beautiful pheasant could see that his beauty
+was surpassed.
+
+Presently the Peacock saw an Eagle soaring high up in the blue
+sky and felt a desire to fly, as he had been accustomed to do.
+Lifting his wings he tried to rise from the ground. But the
+weight of his magnificent train held him down. Instead of flying
+up to greet the first rays of the morning sun or to bathe in the
+rosy light among the floating clouds at sunset, he would have to
+walk the ground more encumbered and oppressed than any common
+barnyard fowl.
+
+_Do not sacrifice your freedom for the sake of pomp and show._
+
+[Illustration: THE PEACOCK]
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+THE MICE AND THE WEASELS
+
+
+The Weasels and the Mice were always up in arms against each
+other. In every battle the Weasels carried off the victory, as
+well as a large number of the Mice, which they ate for dinner
+next day. In despair the Mice called a council, and there it was
+decided that the Mouse army was always beaten because it had no
+leaders. So a large number of generals and commanders were
+appointed from among the most eminent Mice.
+
+To distinguish themselves from the soldiers in the ranks, the new
+leaders proudly bound on their heads lofty crests and ornaments
+of feathers or straw. Then after long preparation of the Mouse
+army in all the arts of war, they sent a challenge to the
+Weasels.
+
+The Weasels accepted the challenge with eagerness, for they were
+always ready for a fight when a meal was in sight. They
+immediately attacked the Mouse army in large numbers. Soon the
+Mouse line gave way before the attack and the whole army fled for
+cover. The privates easily slipped into their holes, but the
+Mouse leaders could not squeeze through the narrow openings
+because of their head-dresses. Not one escaped the teeth of the
+hungry Weasels.
+
+_Greatness has its penalties._
+
+
+
+
+THE WOLF AND THE LEAN DOG
+
+
+A Wolf prowling near a village one evening met a Dog. It happened
+to be a very lean and bony Dog, and Master Wolf would have turned
+up his nose at such meager fare had he not been more hungry than
+usual. So he began to edge toward the Dog, while the Dog backed
+away.
+
+"Let me remind your lordship," said the Dog, his words
+interrupted now and then as he dodged a snap of the Wolf's teeth,
+"how unpleasant it would be to eat me now. Look at my ribs. I am
+nothing but skin and bone. But let me tell you something in
+private. In a few days my master will give a wedding feast for
+his only daughter. You can guess how fine and fat I will grow on
+the scraps from the table. _Then_ is the time to eat me."
+
+The Wolf could not help thinking how nice it would be to have a
+fine fat Dog to eat instead of the scrawny object before him. So
+he went away pulling in his belt and promising to return.
+
+Some days later the Wolf came back for the promised feast. He
+found the Dog in his master's yard, and asked him to come out and
+be eaten.
+
+"Sir," said the Dog, with a grin, "I shall be delighted to have
+you eat me. I'll be out as soon as the porter opens the door."
+
+But the "porter" was a huge Dog whom the Wolf knew by painful
+experience to be very unkind toward wolves. So he decided not to
+wait and made off as fast as his legs could carry him.
+
+_Do not depend on the promises of those whose interest it is to
+deceive you._
+
+_Take what you can get when you can get it._
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+THE FOX AND THE LION
+
+
+A very young Fox, who had never before seen a Lion, happened to
+meet one in the forest. A single look was enough to send the Fox
+off at top speed for the nearest hiding place.
+
+The second time the Fox saw the Lion he stopped behind a tree to
+look at him a moment before slinking away. But the third time,
+the Fox went boldly up to the Lion and, without turning a hair,
+said, "Hello, there, old top."
+
+_Familiarity breeds contempt._
+
+_Acquaintance with evil blinds us to its dangers._
+
+
+
+
+THE LION AND THE ASS
+
+
+A Lion and an Ass agreed to go hunting together. In their search
+for game the hunters saw a number of Wild Goats run into a cave,
+and laid plans to catch them. The Ass was to go into the cave and
+drive the Goats out, while the Lion would stand at the entrance
+to strike them down.
+
+The plan worked beautifully. The Ass made such a frightful din in
+the cave, kicking and braying with all his might, that the Goats
+came running out in a panic of fear, only to fall victim to the
+Lion.
+
+The Ass came proudly out of the cave.
+
+"Did you see how I made them run?" he said.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+"Yes, indeed," answered the Lion, "and if I had not known you and
+your kind I should certainly have run, too."
+
+_The loud-mouthed boaster does not impress nor frighten those who
+know him._
+
+
+
+
+THE DOG AND HIS MASTER'S DINNER
+
+
+A Dog had learned to carry his master's dinner to him every day.
+He was very faithful to his duty, though the smell of the good
+things in the basket tempted him.
+
+The Dogs in the neighborhood noticed him carrying the basket and
+soon discovered what was in it. They made several attempts to
+steal it from him. But he always guarded it faithfully.
+
+Then one day all the Dogs in the neighborhood got together and
+met him on his way with the basket. The Dog tried to run away
+from them. But at last he stopped to argue.
+
+That was his mistake. They soon made him feel so ridiculous that
+he dropped the basket and seized a large piece of roast meat
+intended for his master's dinner.
+
+"Very well," he said, "you divide the rest."
+
+_Do not stop to argue with temptation._
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+THE VAIN JACKDAW AND HIS BORROWED FEATHERS
+
+
+A Jackdaw chanced to fly over the garden of the King's palace.
+There he saw with much wonder and envy a flock of royal Peacocks
+in all the glory of their splendid plumage.
+
+Now the black Jackdaw was not a very handsome bird, nor very
+refined in manner. Yet he imagined that all he needed to make
+himself fit for the society of the Peacocks was a dress like
+theirs. So he picked up some castoff feathers of the Peacocks and
+stuck them among his own black plumes.
+
+Dressed in his borrowed finery he strutted loftily among the
+birds of his own kind. Then he flew down into the garden among
+the Peacocks. But they soon saw who he was. Angry at the cheat,
+they flew at him, plucking away the borrowed feathers and also
+some of his own.
+
+The poor Jackdaw returned sadly to his former companions. There
+another unpleasant surprise awaited him. They had not forgotten
+his superior airs toward them, and, to punish him, they drove him
+away with a rain of pecks and jeers.
+
+_Borrowed feathers do not make fine birds._
+
+[Illustration]
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+THE MONKEY AND THE DOLPHIN
+
+
+It happened once upon a time that a certain Greek ship bound for
+Athens was wrecked off the coast close to Piraeus, the port of
+Athens. Had it not been for the Dolphins, who at that time were
+very friendly toward mankind and especially toward Athenians, all
+would have perished. But the Dolphins took the shipwrecked people
+on their backs and swam with them to shore.
+
+Now it was the custom among the Greeks to take their pet monkeys
+and dogs with them whenever they went on a voyage. So when one of
+the Dolphins saw a Monkey struggling in the water, he thought it
+was a man, and made the Monkey climb up on his back. Then off he
+swam with him toward the shore.
+
+The Monkey sat up, grave and dignified, on the Dolphin's back.
+
+"You are a citizen of illustrious Athens, are you not?" asked the
+Dolphin politely.
+
+"Yes," answered the Monkey, proudly. "My family is one of the
+noblest in the city."
+
+"Indeed," said the Dolphin. "Then of course you often visit
+Piraeus."
+
+"Yes, yes," replied the Monkey. "Indeed, I do. I am with him
+constantly. Piraeus is my very best friend."
+
+This answer took the Dolphin by surprise, and, turning his head,
+he now saw what it was he was carrying. Without more ado, he
+dived and left the foolish Monkey to take care of himself, while
+he swam off in search of some human being to save.
+
+_One falsehood leads to another._
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+THE WOLF AND THE ASS
+
+
+An Ass was feeding in a pasture near a wood when he saw a Wolf
+lurking in the shadows along the hedge. He easily guessed what
+the Wolf had in mind, and thought of a plan to save himself. So
+he pretended he was lame, and began to hobble painfully.
+
+When the Wolf came up, he asked the Ass what had made him lame,
+and the Ass replied that he had stepped on a sharp thorn.
+
+"Please pull it out," he pleaded, groaning as if in pain. "If you
+do not, it might stick in your throat when you eat me."
+
+The Wolf saw the wisdom of the advice, for he wanted to enjoy his
+meal without any danger of choking. So the Ass lifted up his foot
+and the Wolf began to search very closely and carefully for the
+thorn.
+
+Just then the Ass kicked out with all his might, tumbling the
+Wolf a dozen paces away. And while the Wolf was getting very
+slowly and painfully to his feet, the Ass galloped away in
+safety.
+
+"Serves me right," growled the Wolf as he crept into the bushes.
+"I'm a butcher by trade, not a doctor."
+
+_Stick to your trade._
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+THE MONKEY AND THE CAT
+
+
+Once upon a time a Cat and a Monkey lived as pets in the same
+house. They were great friends and were constantly in all sorts
+of mischief together. What they seemed to think of more than
+anything else was to get something to eat, and it did not matter
+much to them how they got it.
+
+One day they were sitting by the fire, watching some chestnuts
+roasting on the hearth. How to get them was the question.
+
+"I would gladly get them," said the cunning Monkey, "but you are
+much more skillful at such things than I am. Pull them out and
+I'll divide them between us."
+
+Pussy stretched out her paw very carefully, pushed aside some of
+the cinders, and drew back her paw very quickly. Then she tried
+it again, this time pulling a chestnut half out of the fire. A
+third time and she drew out the chestnut. This performance she
+went through several times, each time singeing her paw severely.
+As fast as she pulled the chestnuts out of the fire, the Monkey
+ate them up.
+
+Now the master came in, and away scampered the rascals, Mistress
+Cat with a burnt paw and no chestnuts. From that time on, they
+say, she contented herself with mice and rats and had little to
+do with Sir Monkey.
+
+_The flatterer seeks some benefit at your expense._
+
+
+
+
+THE DOGS AND THE FOX
+
+
+Some Dogs found the skin of a Lion and furiously began to tear it
+with their teeth. A Fox chanced to see them and laughed
+scornfully.
+
+"If that Lion had been alive," he said, "it would have been a
+very different story. He would have made you feel how much
+sharper his claws are than your teeth."
+
+_It is easy and also contemptible to kick a man that is down._
+
+
+
+
+THE DOGS AND THE HIDES
+
+
+Some hungry Dogs saw a number of hides at the bottom of a stream
+where the Tanner had put them to soak. A fine hide makes an
+excellent meal for a hungry Dog, but the water was deep and the
+Dogs could not reach the hides from the bank. So they held a
+council and decided that the very best thing to do was to drink
+up the river.
+
+All fell to lapping up the water as fast as they could. But
+though they drank and drank until, one after another, all of them
+had burst with drinking, still, for all their effort, the water
+in the river remained as high as ever.
+
+_Do not try to do impossible things._
+
+
+
+
+THE RABBIT, THE WEASEL, AND THE CAT
+
+
+A Rabbit left his home one day for a dinner of clover. But he
+forgot to latch the door of his house and while he was gone a
+Weasel walked in and calmly made himself at home. When the Rabbit
+returned, there was the Weasel's nose sticking out of the
+Rabbit's own doorway, sniffing the fine air.
+
+The Rabbit was quite angry--for a Rabbit--, and requested the
+Weasel to move out. But the Weasel was perfectly content. He was
+settled down for good.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+A wise old Cat heard the dispute and offered to settle it.
+
+"Come close to me," said the Cat, "I am very deaf. Put your
+mouths close to my ears while you tell me the facts."
+
+The unsuspecting pair did as they were told and in an instant the
+Cat had them both under her claws. No one could deny that the
+dispute had been definitely settled.
+
+_The strong are apt to settle questions to their own advantage._
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+THE BEAR AND THE BEES
+
+
+A Bear roaming the woods in search of berries happened on a
+fallen tree in which a swarm of Bees had stored their honey. The
+Bear began to nose around the log very carefully to find out if
+the Bees were at home. Just then one of the swarm came home from
+the clover field with a load of sweets. Guessing what the Bear
+was after, the Bee flew at him, stung him sharply and then
+disappeared into the hollow log.
+
+The Bear lost his temper in an instant, and sprang upon the log
+tooth and claw, to destroy the nest. But this only brought out
+the whole swarm. The poor Bear had to take to his heels, and he
+was able to save himself only by diving into a pool of water.
+
+_It is wiser to bear a single injury in silence than to provoke a
+thousand by flying into a rage._
+
+
+
+
+THE FOX AND THE LEOPARD
+
+
+A Fox and a Leopard, resting lazily after a generous dinner,
+amused themselves by disputing about their good looks. The
+Leopard was very proud of his glossy, spotted coat and made
+disdainful remarks about the Fox, whose appearance he declared
+was quite ordinary.
+
+The Fox prided himself on his fine bushy tail with its tip of
+white, but he was wise enough to see that he could not rival the
+Leopard in looks. Still he kept up a flow of sarcastic talk, just
+to exercise his wits and to have the fun of disputing. The
+Leopard was about to lose his temper when the Fox got up, yawning
+lazily.
+
+"You may have a very smart coat," he said, "but you would be a
+great deal better off if you had a little more smartness inside
+your head and less on your ribs, the way I am. That's what I call
+real beauty."
+
+_A fine coat is not always an indication of an attractive mind._
+
+[Illustration: THE FOX AND THE LEOPARD]
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+THE HERON
+
+
+A Heron was walking sedately along the bank of a stream, his eyes
+on the clear water, and his long neck and pointed bill ready to
+snap up a likely morsel for his breakfast. The clear water
+swarmed with fish, but Master Heron was hard to please that
+morning.
+
+"No small fry for me," he said. "Such scanty fare is not fit for
+a Heron."
+
+Now a fine young Perch swam near.
+
+"No indeed," said the Heron. "I wouldn't even trouble to open my
+beak for anything like that!"
+
+As the sun rose, the fish left the shallow water near the shore
+and swam below into the cool depths toward the middle. The Heron
+saw no more fish, and very glad was he at last to breakfast on a
+tiny Snail.
+
+_Do not be too hard to suit or you may have to be content with
+the worst or with nothing at all._
+
+
+
+
+THE COCK AND THE FOX
+
+
+One bright evening as the sun was sinking on a glorious world a
+wise old Cock flew into a tree to roost. Before he composed
+himself to rest, he flapped his wings three times and crowed
+loudly. But just as he was about to put his head under his wing,
+his beady eyes caught a flash of red and a glimpse of a long
+pointed nose, and there just below him stood Master Fox.
+
+"Have you heard the wonderful news?" cried the Fox in a very
+joyful and excited manner.
+
+"What news?" asked the Cock very calmly. But he had a queer,
+fluttery feeling inside him, for, you know, he was very much
+afraid of the Fox.
+
+"Your family and mine and all other animals have agreed to
+forget their differences and live in peace and friendship from
+now on forever. Just think of it! I simply cannot wait to embrace
+you! Do come down, dear friend, and let us celebrate the joyful
+event."
+
+"How grand!" said the Cock. "I certainly am delighted at the
+news." But he spoke in an absent way, and stretching up on
+tiptoes, seemed to be looking at something afar off.
+
+"What is it you see?" asked the Fox a little anxiously.
+
+"Why, it looks to me like a couple of Dogs coming this way. They
+must have heard the good news and--"
+
+But the Fox did not wait to hear more. Off he started on a run.
+
+"Wait," cried the Cock. "Why do you run? The Dogs are friends of
+yours now!"
+
+"Yes," answered the Fox. "But they might not have heard the news.
+Besides, I have a very important errand that I had almost
+forgotten about."
+
+The Cock smiled as he buried his head in his feathers and went to
+sleep, for he had succeeded in outwitting a very crafty enemy.
+
+_The trickster is easily tricked._
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+THE DOG IN THE MANGER
+
+
+A Dog asleep in a manger filled with hay, was awakened by the
+Cattle, which came in tired and hungry from working in the field.
+But the Dog would not let them get near the manger, and snarled
+and snapped as if it were filled with the best of meat and bones,
+all for himself.
+
+The Cattle looked at the Dog in disgust. "How selfish he is!"
+said one. "He cannot eat the hay and yet he will not let us eat
+it who are so hungry for it!"
+
+Now the farmer came in. When he saw how the Dog was acting, he
+seized a stick and drove him out of the stable with many a blow
+for his selfish behavior.
+
+_Do not grudge others what you cannot enjoy yourself._
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+THE WOLF AND THE GOAT
+
+
+A hungry Wolf spied a Goat browsing at the top of a steep cliff
+where he could not possibly get at her.
+
+"That is a very dangerous place for you," he called out,
+pretending to be very anxious about the Goat's safety. "What if
+you should fall! Please listen to me and come down! Here you can
+get all you want of the finest, tenderest grass in the country."
+
+The Goat looked over the edge of the cliff.
+
+"How very, very anxious you are about me," she said, "and how
+generous you are with your grass! But I know you! It's your _own_
+appetite you are thinking of, not mine!"
+
+_An invitation prompted by selfishness is not to be accepted._
+
+
+
+
+THE ASS AND THE GRASSHOPPERS
+
+
+One day as an Ass was walking in the pasture, he found some
+Grasshoppers chirping merrily in a grassy corner of the field.
+
+He listened with a great deal of admiration to the song of the
+Grasshoppers. It was such a joyful song that his pleasure-loving
+heart was filled with a wish to sing as they did.
+
+"What is it?" he asked very respectfully, "that has given you
+such beautiful voices? Is there any special food you eat, or is
+it some divine nectar that makes you sing so wonderfully?"
+
+"Yes," said the Grasshoppers, who were very fond of a joke; "it
+is the dew we drink! Try some and see."
+
+So thereafter the Ass would eat nothing and drink nothing but
+dew.
+
+Naturally, the poor foolish Ass soon died.
+
+_The laws of nature are unchangeable._
+
+
+
+
+THE MULE
+
+
+A Mule had had a long rest and much good feeding. He was feeling
+very vigorous indeed, and pranced around loftily, holding his
+head high.
+
+"My father certainly was a full-blooded racer," he said. "I can
+feel that distinctly."
+
+Next day he was put into harness again and that evening he was
+very downhearted indeed.
+
+"I was mistaken," he said. "My father was an Ass after all."
+
+_Be sure of your pedigree before you boast of it._
+
+
+
+
+THE FOX AND THE GOAT
+
+
+A Fox fell into a well, and though it was not very deep, he found
+that he could not get out again. After he had been in the well a
+long time, a thirsty Goat came by. The Goat thought the Fox had
+gone down to drink, and so he asked if the water was good.
+
+"The finest in the whole country," said the crafty Fox, "jump in
+and try it. There is more than enough for both of us."
+
+The thirsty Goat immediately jumped in and began to drink. The
+Fox just as quickly jumped on the Goat's back and leaped from the
+tip of the Goat's horns out of the well.
+
+The foolish Goat now saw what a plight he had got into, and
+begged the Fox to help him out. But the Fox was already on his
+way to the woods.
+
+"If you had as much sense as you have beard, old fellow," he said
+as he ran, "you would have been more cautious about finding a way
+to get out again before you jumped in."
+
+_Look before you leap._
+
+[Illustration]
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+THE CAT, THE COCK, AND THE YOUNG MOUSE
+
+
+A very young Mouse, who had never seen anything of the world,
+almost came to grief the very first time he ventured out. And
+this is the story he told his mother about his adventures.
+
+"I was strolling along very peaceably when, just as I turned the
+corner into the next yard, I saw two strange creatures. One of
+them had a very kind and gracious look, but the other was the
+most fearful monster you can imagine. You should have seen him.
+
+"On top of his head and in front of his neck hung pieces of raw
+red meat. He walked about restlessly, tearing up the ground with
+his toes, and beating his arms savagely against his sides. The
+moment he caught sight of me he opened his pointed mouth as if to
+swallow me, and then he let out a piercing roar that frightened
+me almost to death."
+
+Can you guess who it was that our young Mouse was trying to
+describe to his mother? It was nobody but the Barnyard Cock and
+the first one the little Mouse had ever seen.
+
+"If it had not been for that terrible monster," the Mouse went
+on, "I should have made the acquaintance of the pretty creature,
+who looked so good and gentle. He had thick, velvety fur, a meek
+face, and a look that was very modest, though his eyes were
+bright and shining. As he looked at me he waved his fine long
+tail and smiled.
+
+"I am sure he was just about to speak to me when the monster I
+have told you about let out a screaming yell, and I ran for my
+life."
+
+"My son," said the Mother Mouse, "that gentle creature you saw
+was none other than the Cat. Under his kindly appearance, he
+bears a grudge against every one of us. The other was nothing but
+a bird who wouldn't harm you in the least. As for the Cat, he
+eats us. So be thankful, my child, that you escaped with your
+life, and, as long as you live, never judge people by their
+looks."
+
+_Do not trust alone to outward appearances._
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+THE WOLF AND THE SHEPHERD
+
+
+A Wolf had been prowling around a flock of Sheep for a long time,
+and the Shepherd watched very anxiously to prevent him from
+carrying off a Lamb. But the Wolf did not try to do any harm.
+Instead he seemed to be helping the Shepherd take care of the
+Sheep. At last the Shepherd got so used to seeing the Wolf about
+that he forgot how wicked he could be.
+
+One day he even went so far as to leave his flock in the Wolf's
+care while he went on an errand. But when he came back and saw
+how many of the flock had been killed and carried off, he knew
+how foolish to trust a Wolf.
+
+_Once a wolf, always a wolf._
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+THE PEACOCK AND THE CRANE
+
+
+A Peacock, puffed up with vanity, met a Crane one day, and to
+impress him spread his gorgeous tail in the Sun.
+
+"Look," he said. "What have you to compare with this? I am
+dressed in all the glory of the rainbow, while your feathers are
+gray as dust!"
+
+The Crane spread his broad wings and flew up toward the sun.
+
+"Follow me if you can," he said. But the Peacock stood where he
+was among the birds of the barnyard, while the Crane soared in
+freedom far up into the blue sky.
+
+_The useful is of much more importance and value, than the
+ornamental._
+
+
+
+
+THE FARMER AND THE CRANES
+
+
+Some Cranes saw a farmer plowing a large field. When the work of
+plowing was done, they patiently watched him sow the seed. It was
+their feast, they thought.
+
+So, as soon as the Farmer had finished planting and had gone
+home, down they flew to the field, and began to eat as fast as
+they could.
+
+The Farmer, of course, knew the Cranes and their ways. He had had
+experience with such birds before. He soon returned to the field
+with a sling. But he did not bring any stones with him. He
+expected to scare the Cranes just by swinging the sling in the
+air, and shouting loudly at them.
+
+At first the Cranes flew away in great terror. But they soon
+began to see that none of them ever got hurt. They did not even
+hear the noise of stones whizzing through the air, and as for
+words, they would kill nobody. At last they paid no attention
+whatever to the Farmer.
+
+The Farmer saw that he would have to take other measures. He
+wanted to save at least some of his grain. So he loaded his sling
+with stones and killed several of the Cranes. This had the effect
+the Farmer wanted, for from that day the Cranes visited his field
+no more.
+
+_Bluff and threatening words are of little value with rascals._
+
+_Bluff is no proof that hard fists are lacking._
+
+
+
+
+THE FARMER AND HIS SONS
+
+
+A rich old farmer, who felt that he had not many more days to
+live, called his sons to his bedside.
+
+"My sons," he said, "heed what I have to say to you. Do not on
+any account part with the estate that has belonged to our family
+for so many generations. Somewhere on it is hidden a rich
+treasure. I do not know the exact spot, but it is there, and you
+will surely find it. Spare no energy and leave no spot unturned
+in your search."
+
+The father died, and no sooner was he in his grave than the sons
+set to work digging with all their might, turning up every foot
+of ground with their spades, and going over the whole farm two or
+three times.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+No hidden gold did they find; but at harvest time when they had
+settled their accounts and had pocketed a rich profit far greater
+than that of any of their neighbors, they understood that the
+treasure their father had told them about was the wealth of a
+bountiful crop, and that in their industry had they found the
+treasure.
+
+_Industry is itself a treasure._
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+THE TWO POTS
+
+
+Two Pots, one of brass and the other of clay, stood together on
+the hearthstone. One day the Brass Pot proposed to the Earthen
+Pot that they go out into the world together. But the Earthen Pot
+excused himself, saying that it would be wiser for him to stay in
+the corner by the fire.
+
+"It would take so little to break me," he said. "You know how
+fragile I am. The least shock is sure to shatter me!"
+
+"Don't let that keep you at home," urged the Brass Pot. "I shall
+take very good care of you. If we should happen to meet anything
+hard I will step between and save you."
+
+So the Earthen Pot at last consented, and the two set out side by
+side, jolting along on three stubby legs first to this side, then
+to that, and bumping into each other at every step.
+
+The Earthen Pot could not survive that sort of companionship very
+long. They had not gone ten paces before the Earthen Pot cracked,
+and at the next jolt he flew into a thousand pieces.
+
+_Equals make the best friends._
+
+
+
+
+THE GOOSE AND THE GOLDEN EGG
+
+
+There was once a Countryman who possessed the most wonderful
+Goose you can imagine, for every day when he visited the nest,
+the Goose had laid a beautiful, glittering, golden egg.
+
+The Countryman took the eggs to market and soon began to get
+rich. But it was not long before he grew impatient with the Goose
+because she gave him only a single golden egg a day. He was not
+getting rich fast enough.
+
+Then one day, after he had finished counting his money, the idea
+came to him that he could get all the golden eggs at once by
+killing the Goose and cutting it open. But when the deed was
+done, not a single golden egg did he find, and his precious Goose
+was dead.
+
+_Those who have plenty want more and so lose all they have._
+
+[Illustration: THE GOOSE AND THE GOLDEN EGG]
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+THE FIGHTING BULLS AND THE FROG
+
+
+Two Bulls were fighting furiously in a field, at one side of
+which was a marsh. An old Frog living in the marsh, trembled as
+he watched the fierce battle.
+
+"What are _you_ afraid of?" asked a young Frog.
+
+"Do you not see," replied the old Frog, "that the Bull who is
+beaten, will be driven away from the good forage up there to the
+reeds of this marsh, and we shall all be trampled into the mud?"
+
+It turned out as the Frog had said. The beaten Bull was driven to
+the marsh, where his great hoofs crushed the Frogs to death.
+
+_When the great fall out, the weak must suffer for it._
+
+
+
+
+THE MOUSE AND THE WEASEL
+
+
+A little hungry Mouse found his way one day into a basket of
+corn. He had to squeeze himself a good deal to get through the
+narrow opening between the strips of the basket. But the corn was
+tempting and the Mouse was determined to get in. When at last he
+had succeeded, he gorged himself to bursting. Indeed he he became
+about three times as big around the middle as he was when he went
+in.
+
+At last he felt satisfied and dragged himself to the opening to
+get out again. But the best he could do was to get his head out.
+So there he sat groaning and moaning, both from the discomfort
+inside him and his anxiety to escape from the basket.
+
+Just then a Weasel came by. He understood the situation quickly.
+
+"My friend," he said, "I know what you've been doing. You've been
+stuffing. That's what you get. You will have to stay there till
+you feel just like you did when you went in. Good night, and good
+enough for you."
+
+And that was all the sympathy the poor Mouse got.
+
+_Greediness leads to misfortune._
+
+
+
+
+THE FARMER AND THE SNAKE
+
+
+A Farmer walked through his field one cold winter morning. On the
+ground lay a Snake, stiff and frozen with the cold. The Farmer
+knew how deadly the Snake could be, and yet he picked it up and
+put it in his bosom to warm it back to life.
+
+The Snake soon revived, and when it had enough strength, bit the
+man who had been so kind to it. The bite was deadly and the
+Farmer felt that he must die. As he drew his last breath, he said
+to those standing around:
+
+_Learn from my fate not to take pity on a scoundrel._
+
+
+
+
+THE SICK STAG
+
+
+A Stag had fallen sick. He had just strength enough to gather
+some food and find a quiet clearing in the woods, where he lay
+down to wait until his strength should return. The Animals heard
+about the Stag's illness and came to ask after his health. Of
+course, they were all hungry, and helped themselves freely to the
+Stag's food; and as you would expect, the Stag soon starved to
+death.
+
+_Good will is worth nothing unless it is accompanied by good
+acts._
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+THE GOATHERD AND THE WILD GOATS
+
+
+One cold stormy day a Goatherd drove his Goats for shelter into a
+cave, where a number of Wild Goats had also found their way. The
+Shepherd wanted to make the Wild Goats part of his flock; so he
+fed them well. But to his own flock, he gave only just enough
+food to keep them alive. When the weather cleared, and the
+Shepherd led the Goats out to feed, the Wild Goats scampered off
+to the hills.
+
+"Is that the thanks I get for feeding you and treating you so
+well?" complained the Shepherd.
+
+"Do not expect us to join your flock," replied one of the Wild
+Goats. "We know how you would treat us later on, if some
+strangers should come as we did."
+
+_It is unwise to treat old friends badly for the sake of new
+ones._
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+THE SPENDTHRIFT AND THE SWALLOW
+
+
+A young fellow, who was very popular among his boon companions as
+a good spender, quickly wasted his fortune trying to live up to
+his reputation. Then one fine day in early spring he found
+himself with not a penny left, and no property save the clothes
+he wore.
+
+He was to meet some jolly young men that morning, and he was at
+his wits' end how to get enough money to keep up appearances.
+Just then a Swallow flew by, twittering merrily, and the young
+man, thinking summer had come, hastened off to a clothes dealer,
+to whom he sold all the clothes he wore down to his very tunic.
+
+A few days later a change in weather brought a severe frost; and
+the poor swallow and that foolish young man in his light tunic,
+and with his arms and knees bare, could scarcely keep life in
+their shivering bodies.
+
+_One swallow does not make a summer._
+
+
+
+
+THE CAT AND THE BIRDS
+
+
+A Cat was growing very thin. As you have guessed, he did not get
+enough to eat. One day he heard that some Birds in the neighborhood
+were ailing and needed a doctor. So he put on a pair of spectacles,
+and with a leather box in his hand, knocked at the door of the
+Bird's home.
+
+The Birds peeped out, and Dr. Cat, with much solicitude, asked
+how they were. He would be very happy to give them some medicine.
+
+"Tweet, tweet," laughed the Birds. "Very smart, aren't you? We
+are very well, thank you, and more so, if _you_ only keep away
+from here."
+
+_Be wise and shun the quack._
+
+
+
+
+THE DOG AND THE OYSTER
+
+
+There was once a Dog who was very fond of eggs. He visited the
+hen house very often and at last got so greedy that he would
+swallow the eggs whole.
+
+One day the Dog wandered down to the seashore. There he spied an
+Oyster. In a twinkling the Oyster was resting in the Dog's
+stomach, shell and all.
+
+It pained the Dog a good deal, as you can guess.
+
+"I've learned that all round things are not eggs," he said
+groaning.
+
+_Act in haste and repent at leisure--and often in pain._
+
+
+
+
+THE ASTROLOGER
+
+
+A man who lived a long time ago believed that he could read the
+future in the stars. He called himself an Astrologer, and spent
+his time at night gazing at the sky.
+
+One evening he was walking along the open road outside the
+village. His eyes were fixed on the stars. He thought he saw
+there that the end of the world was at hand, when all at once,
+down he went into a hole full of mud and water.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+There he stood up to his ears, in the muddy water, and madly
+clawing at the slippery sides of the hole in his effort to climb
+out.
+
+His cries for help soon brought the villagers running. As they
+pulled him out of the mud, one of them said:
+
+"You pretend to read the future in the stars, and yet you fail to
+see what is at your feet! This may teach you to pay more
+attention to what is right in front of you, and let the future
+take care of itself."
+
+"What use is it," said another, "to read the stars, when you
+can't see what's right here on the earth?"
+
+_Take care of the little things and the big things will take care
+of themselves._
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+THREE BULLOCKS AND A LION
+
+
+A Lion had been watching three Bullocks feeding in an open field.
+He had tried to attack them several times, but they had kept
+together, and helped each other to drive him off. The Lion had
+little hope of eating them, for he was no match for three strong
+Bullocks with their sharp horns and hoofs. But he could not keep
+away from that field, for it is hard to resist watching a good
+meal, even when there is little chance of getting it.
+
+Then one day the Bullocks had a quarrel, and when the hungry Lion
+came to look at them and lick his chops as he was accustomed to
+do, he found them in separate corners of the field, as far away
+from one another as they could get.
+
+It was now an easy matter for the Lion to attack them one at a
+time, and this he proceeded to do with the greatest satisfaction
+and relish.
+
+_In unity is strength._
+
+
+
+
+MERCURY AND THE WOODMAN
+
+
+A poor Woodman was cutting down a tree near the edge of a deep
+pool in the forest. It was late in the day and the Woodman was
+tired. He had been working since sunrise and his strokes were not
+so sure as they had been early that morning. Thus it happened
+that the axe slipped and flew out of his hands into the pool.
+
+The Woodman was in despair. The axe was all he possessed with
+which to make a living, and he had not money enough to buy a new
+one. As he stood wringing his hands and weeping, the god Mercury
+suddenly appeared and asked what the trouble was. The Woodman
+told what had happened, and straightway the kind Mercury dived
+into the pool. When he came up again he held a wonderful golden
+axe.
+
+"Is this your axe?" Mercury asked the Woodman.
+
+"No," answered the honest Woodman, "that is not my axe."
+
+Mercury laid the golden axe on the bank and sprang back into the
+pool. This time he brought up an axe of silver, but the Woodman
+declared again that his axe was just an ordinary one with a
+wooden handle.
+
+Mercury dived down for the third time, and when he came up again
+he had the very axe that had been lost.
+
+The poor Woodman was very glad that his axe had been found and
+could not thank the kind god enough. Mercury was greatly pleased
+with the Woodman's honesty.
+
+"I admire your honesty," he said, "and as a reward you may have
+all three axes, the gold and the silver as well as your own."
+
+The happy Woodman returned to his home with his treasures, and
+soon the story of his good fortune was known to everybody in the
+village. Now there were several Woodmen in the village who
+believed that they could easily win the same good fortune. They
+hurried out into the woods, one here, one there, and hiding their
+axes in the bushes, pretended they had lost them. Then they wept
+and wailed and called on Mercury to help them.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+And indeed, Mercury did appear, first to this one, then to that.
+To each one he showed an axe of gold, and each one eagerly
+claimed it to be the one he had lost. But Mercury did not give
+them the golden axe. Oh no! Instead he gave them each a hard
+whack over the head with it and sent them home. And when they
+returned next day to look for their own axes, they were nowhere
+to be found.
+
+_Honesty is the best policy._
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+THE FROG AND THE MOUSE
+
+
+A young Mouse in search of adventure was running along the bank
+of a pond where lived a Frog. When the Frog saw the Mouse, he
+swam to the bank and croaked:
+
+"Won't you pay me a visit? I can promise you a good time if you
+do."
+
+The Mouse did not need much coaxing, for he was very anxious to
+see the world and everything in it. But though he could swim a
+little, he did not dare risk going into the pond without some
+help.
+
+The Frog had a plan. He tied the Mouse's leg to his own with a
+tough reed. Then into the pond he jumped, dragging his foolish
+companion with him.
+
+The Mouse soon had enough of it and wanted to return to shore;
+but the treacherous Frog had other plans. He pulled the Mouse
+down under the water and drowned him. But before he could untie
+the reed that bound him to the dead Mouse, a Hawk came sailing
+over the pond. Seeing the body of the Mouse floating on the
+water, the Hawk swooped down, seized the Mouse and carried it
+off, with the Frog dangling from its leg. Thus at one swoop he
+had caught both meat and fish for his dinner.
+
+_Those who seek to harm others often come to harm themselves
+through their own deceit._
+
+
+
+
+THE FOX AND THE CRAB
+
+
+A Crab one day grew disgusted with the sands in which he lived.
+He decided to take a stroll to the meadow not far inland. There
+he would find better fare than briny water and sand mites. So off
+he crawled to the meadow. But there a hungry Fox spied him, and
+in a twinkling, ate him up, both shell and claw.
+
+_Be content with your lot._
+
+
+
+
+THE SERPENT AND THE EAGLE
+
+
+A Serpent had succeeded in surprising an Eagle and had wrapped
+himself around the Eagle's neck. The Eagle could not reach the
+Serpent, neither with beak nor claws. Far into the sky he soared
+trying to shake off his enemy. But the Serpent's hold only
+tightened, and slowly the Eagle sank back to earth, gasping for
+breath.
+
+A Countryman chanced to see the unequal combat. In pity for the
+noble Eagle he rushed up and soon had loosened the coiling
+Serpent and freed the Eagle.
+
+The Serpent was furious. He had no chance to bite the watchful
+Countryman. Instead he struck at the drinking horn, hanging at
+the Countryman's belt, and into it let fly the poison of his
+fangs.
+
+The Countryman now went on toward home. Becoming thirsty on the
+way, he filled his horn at a spring, and was about to drink.
+There was a sudden rush of great wings. Sweeping down, the Eagle
+seized the poisoned horn from out his savior's hands, and flew
+away with it to hide it where it could never be found.
+
+_An act of kindness is well repaid._
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+THE WOLF IN SHEEP'S CLOTHING
+
+
+A certain Wolf could not get enough to eat because of the
+watchfulness of the Shepherds. But one night he found a sheep
+skin that had been cast aside and forgotten. The next day,
+dressed in the skin, the Wolf strolled into the pasture with the
+Sheep. Soon a little Lamb was following him about and was quickly
+led away to slaughter.
+
+That evening the Wolf entered the fold with the flock. But it
+happened that the Shepherd took a fancy for mutton broth that
+very evening, and, picking up a knife, went to the fold. There
+the first he laid hands on and killed was the Wolf.
+
+_The evil doer often comes to harm through his own deceit._
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+THE BULL AND THE GOAT
+
+
+A Bull once escaped from a Lion by entering a cave which the
+Goatherds used to house their flocks in stormy weather and at
+night. It happened that one of the Goats had been left behind,
+and the Bull had no sooner got inside than this Goat lowered his
+head and made a rush at him, butting him with his horns. As the
+Lion was still prowling outside the entrance to the cave, the
+Bull had to submit to the insult.
+
+"Do not think," he said, "that I submit to your cowardly
+treatment because I am afraid of you. When that Lion leaves, I'll
+teach you a lesson you won't forget."
+
+_It is wicked to take advantage of another's distress._
+
+
+
+
+THE EAGLE AND THE BEETLE
+
+
+A Beetle once begged the Eagle to spare a Hare which had run to
+her for protection. But the Eagle pounced upon her prey, the
+sweep of her great wings tumbling the Beetle a dozen feet away.
+Furious at the disrespect shown her, the Beetle flew to the
+Eagle's nest and rolled out the eggs. Not one did she spare. The
+Eagle's grief and anger knew no bounds, but who had done the
+cruel deed she did not know.
+
+Next year the Eagle built her nest far up on a mountain crag; but
+the Beetle found it and again destroyed the eggs. In despair the
+Eagle now implored great Jupiter to let her place her eggs in his
+lap. There none would dare harm them. But the Beetle buzzed about
+Jupiter's head, and made him rise to drive her away; and the eggs
+rolled from his lap.
+
+Now the Beetle told the reason for her action, and Jupiter had to
+acknowledge the justice of her cause. And they say that ever
+after, while the Eagle's eggs lie in the nest in spring, the
+Beetle still sleeps in the ground. For so Jupiter commanded.
+
+_Even the weakest may find means to avenge a wrong._
+
+[Illustration: THE EAGLE AND THE BEETLE]
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+THE OLD LION AND THE FOX
+
+
+An old Lion, whose teeth and claws were so worn that it was not
+so easy for him to get food as in his younger days, pretended
+that he was sick. He took care to let all his neighbors know
+about it, and then lay down in his cave to wait for visitors. And
+when they came to offer him their sympathy, he ate them up one by
+one.
+
+The Fox came too, but he was very cautious about it. Standing at
+a safe distance from the cave, he inquired politely after the
+Lion's health. The Lion replied that he was very ill indeed, and
+asked the Fox to step in for a moment. But Master Fox very wisely
+stayed outside, thanking the Lion very kindly for the invitation.
+
+"I should be glad to do as you ask," he added, "but I have
+noticed that there are many footprints leading into your cave and
+none coming out. Pray tell me, how do your visitors find their
+way out again?"
+
+_Take warning from the misfortunes of others._
+
+
+
+
+THE MAN AND THE LION
+
+
+A Lion and a Man chanced to travel in company through the forest.
+They soon began to quarrel, for each of them boasted that he and
+his kind were far superior to the other both in strength and
+mind.
+
+Now they reached a clearing in the forest and there stood a
+statue. It was a representation of Heracles in the act of tearing
+the jaws of the Nemean Lion.
+
+"See," said the man, "that's how strong _we_ are! The King of
+Beasts is like wax in our hands!"
+
+"Ho!" laughed the Lion, "a Man made that statue. It would have
+been quite a different scene had a Lion made it!"
+
+_It all depends on the point of view, and who tells the story._
+
+
+
+
+THE ASS AND THE LAP DOG
+
+
+There was once an Ass whose Master also owned a Lap Dog. This Dog
+was a favorite and received many a pat and kind word from his
+Master, as well as choice bits from his plate. Every day the Dog
+would run to meet the Master, frisking playfully about and
+leaping up to lick his hands and face.
+
+All this the Ass saw with much discontent. Though he was well
+fed, he had much work to do; besides, the Master hardly ever took
+any notice of him.
+
+Now the jealous Ass got it into his silly head that all he had to
+do to win his Master's favor was to act like the Dog. So one day
+he left his stable and clattered eagerly into the house.
+
+Finding his Master seated at the dinner table, he kicked up his
+heels and, with a loud bray, pranced giddily around the table,
+upsetting it as he did so. Then he planted his forefeet on his
+Master's knees and rolled out his tongue to lick the Master's
+face, as he had seen the Dog do. But his weight upset the chair,
+and Ass and man rolled over together in the pile of broken dishes
+from the table.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+The Master was much alarmed at the strange behavior of the Ass,
+and calling for help, soon attracted the attention of the
+servants. When they saw the danger the Master was in from the
+clumsy beast, they set upon the Ass and drove him with kicks and
+blows back to the stable. There they left him to mourn the
+foolishness that had brought him nothing but a sound beating.
+
+_Behavior that is regarded as agreeable in one is very rude and
+impertinent in another._
+
+_Do not try to gain favor by acting in a way that is contrary to
+your own nature and character._
+
+
+
+
+THE MILKMAID AND HER PAIL
+
+
+A Milkmaid had been out to milk the cows and was returning from
+the field with the shining milk pail balanced nicely on her head.
+As she walked along, her pretty head was busy with plans for the
+days to come.
+
+"This good, rich milk," she mused, "will give me plenty of cream
+to churn. The butter I make I will take to market, and with the
+money I get for it I will buy a lot of eggs for hatching. How
+nice it will be when they are all hatched and the yard is full of
+fine young chicks. Then when May day comes I will sell them, and
+with the money I'll buy a lovely new dress to wear to the fair.
+All the young men will look at me. They will come and try to make
+love to me,--but I shall very quickly send them about their
+business!"
+
+[Illustration]
+
+As she thought of how she would settle that matter, she tossed
+her head scornfully, and down fell the pail of milk to the
+ground. And all the milk flowed out, and with it vanished butter
+and eggs and chicks and new dress and all the milkmaid's pride.
+
+_Do not count your chickens before they are hatched._
+
+
+
+
+THE WOLF AND THE SHEPHERD
+
+
+A Wolf, lurking near the Shepherd's hut, saw the Shepherd and his
+family feasting on a roasted lamb.
+
+"Aha!" he muttered. "What a great shouting and running about
+there would have been, had they caught me at just the very thing
+they are doing with so much enjoyment!"
+
+_Men often condemn others for what they see no wrong in doing
+themselves._
+
+
+
+
+THE GOATHERD AND THE GOAT
+
+
+A Goat strayed away from the flock, tempted by a patch of clover.
+The Goatherd tried to call it back, but in vain. It would not
+obey him. Then he picked up a stone and threw it, breaking the
+Goat's horn.
+
+The Goatherd was frightened.
+
+"Do not tell the master," he begged the Goat.
+
+"No," said the Goat, "that broken horn can speak for itself!"
+
+_Wicked deeds will not stay hid._
+
+
+
+
+THE MISER
+
+
+A Miser had buried his gold in a secret place in his garden.
+Every day he went to the spot, dug up the treasure and counted it
+piece by piece to make sure it was all there. He made so many
+trips that a Thief, who had been observing him, guessed what it
+was the Miser had hidden, and one night quietly dug up the
+treasure and made off with it.
+
+When the Miser discovered his loss, he was overcome with grief
+and despair. He groaned and cried and tore his hair.
+
+A passerby heard his cries and asked what had happened.
+
+"My gold! O my gold!" cried the Miser, wildly, "someone has
+robbed me!"
+
+[Illustration]
+
+"Your gold! There in that hole? Why did you put it there? Why did
+you not keep it in the house where you could easily get it when
+you had to buy things?"
+
+"Buy!" screamed the Miser angrily. "Why, I never touched the
+gold. I couldn't think of spending any of it."
+
+The stranger picked up a large stone and threw it into the hole.
+
+"If that is the case," he said, "cover up that stone. It is worth
+just as much to you as the treasure you lost!"
+
+_A possession is worth no more than the use we make of it._
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+THE WOLF AND THE HOUSE DOG
+
+
+There was once a Wolf who got very little to eat because the Dogs
+of the village were so wide awake and watchful. He was really
+nothing but skin and bones, and it made him very downhearted to
+think of it.
+
+One night this Wolf happened to fall in with a fine fat House Dog
+who had wandered a little too far from home. The Wolf would
+gladly have eaten him then and there, but the House Dog looked
+strong enough to leave his marks should he try it. So the Wolf
+spoke very humbly to the Dog, complimenting him on his fine
+appearance.
+
+"You can be as well-fed as I am if you want to," replied the Dog.
+"Leave the woods; there you live miserably. Why, you have to
+fight hard for every bite you get. Follow my example and you will
+get along beautifully."
+
+"What must I do?" asked the Wolf.
+
+"Hardly anything," answered the House Dog. "Chase people who
+carry canes, bark at beggars, and fawn on the people of the
+house. In return you will get tidbits of every kind, chicken
+bones, choice bits of meat, sugar, cake, and much more beside,
+not to speak of kind words and caresses."
+
+The Wolf had such a beautiful vision of his coming happiness that
+he almost wept. But just then he noticed that the hair on the
+Dog's neck was worn and the skin was chafed.
+
+"What is that on your neck?"
+
+"Nothing at all," replied the Dog.
+
+"What! nothing!"
+
+"Oh, just a trifle!"
+
+"But please tell me."
+
+"Perhaps you see the mark of the collar to which my chain is
+fastened."
+
+"What! A chain!" cried the Wolf. "Don't you go wherever you
+please?"
+
+"Not always! But what's the difference?" replied the Dog.
+
+"All the difference in the world! I don't care a rap for your
+feasts and I wouldn't take all the tender young lambs in the
+world at that price." And away ran the Wolf to the woods.
+
+_There is nothing worth so much as liberty._
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+THE FOX AND THE HEDGEHOG
+
+
+A Fox, swimming across a river, was barely able to reach the
+bank, where he lay bruised and exhausted from his struggle with
+the swift current. Soon a swarm of blood-sucking flies settled on
+him; but he lay quietly, still too weak to run away from them.
+
+A Hedgehog happened by. "Let me drive the flies away," he said
+kindly.
+
+"No, no!" exclaimed the Fox, "do not disturb them! They have
+taken all they can hold. If you drive them away, another greedy
+swarm will come and take the little blood I have left."
+
+_Better to bear a lesser evil than to risk a greater in removing
+it._
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+THE BAT AND THE WEASELS
+
+
+A Bat blundered into the nest of a Weasel, who ran up to catch
+and eat him. The Bat begged for his life, but the Weasel would
+not listen.
+
+"You are a Mouse," he said, "and I am a sworn enemy of Mice.
+Every Mouse I catch, I am going to eat!"
+
+"But I am not a Mouse!" cried the Bat. "Look at my wings. Can
+Mice fly? Why, I am only a Bird! Please let me go!"
+
+The Weasel had to admit that the Bat was not a Mouse, so he let
+him go. But a few days later, the foolish Bat went blindly into
+the nest of another Weasel. This Weasel happened to be a bitter
+enemy of Birds, and he soon had the Bat under his claws, ready to
+eat him.
+
+"You are a Bird," he said, "and I am going to eat you!"
+
+"What," cried the Bat, "I, a Bird! Why, all Birds have feathers!
+I am nothing but a Mouse. 'Down with all Cats,' is _my_ motto!"
+
+And so the Bat escaped with his life a second time.
+
+_Set your sails with the wind._
+
+
+
+
+THE QUACK TOAD
+
+
+An old Toad once informed all his neighbors that he was a learned
+doctor. In fact he could cure anything. The Fox heard the news
+and hurried to see the Toad. He looked the Toad over very
+carefully.
+
+"Mr. Toad," he said, "I've been told that you cure anything! But
+just take a look at yourself, and then try some of your own
+medicine. If you can cure yourself of that blotchy skin and that
+rheumatic gait, someone might believe you. Otherwise, I should
+advise you to try some other profession."
+
+_Those who would mend others, should first mend themselves._
+
+
+
+
+THE FOX WITHOUT A TAIL
+
+
+A Fox that had been caught in a trap, succeeded at last, after
+much painful tugging, in getting away. But he had to leave his
+beautiful bushy tail behind him.
+
+For a long time he kept away from the other Foxes, for he knew
+well enough that they would all make fun of him and crack jokes
+and laugh behind his back. But it was hard for him to live alone,
+and at last he thought of a plan that would perhaps help him out
+of his trouble.
+
+He called a meeting of all the Foxes, saying that he had
+something of great importance to tell the tribe.
+
+When they were all gathered together, the Fox Without a Tail got
+up and made a long speech about those Foxes who had come to harm
+because of their tails.
+
+This one had been caught by hounds when his tail had become
+entangled in the hedge. That one had not been able to run fast
+enough because of the weight of his brush. Besides, it was well
+known, he said, that men hunt Foxes simply for their tails, which
+they cut off as prizes of the hunt. With such proof of the danger
+and uselessness of having a tail, said Master Fox, he would
+advise every Fox to cut it off, if he valued life and safety.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+When he had finished talking, an old Fox arose, and said,
+smiling:
+
+"Master Fox, kindly turn around for a moment, and you shall have
+your answer."
+
+When the poor Fox Without a Tail turned around, there arose such
+a storm of jeers and hooting, that he saw how useless it was to
+try any longer to persuade the Foxes to part with their tails.
+
+_Do not listen to the advice of him who seeks to lower you to his
+own level._
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+THE MISCHIEVOUS DOG
+
+
+There was once a Dog who was so ill-natured and mischievous that
+his Master had to fasten a heavy wooden clog about his neck to
+keep him from annoying visitors and neighbors. But the Dog seemed
+to be very proud of the clog and dragged it about noisily as if
+he wished to attract everybody's attention. He was not able to
+impress anyone.
+
+"You would be wiser," said an old acquaintance, "to keep quietly
+out of sight with that clog. Do you want everybody to know what a
+disgraceful and ill-natured Dog you are?"
+
+_Notoriety is not fame._
+
+
+
+
+THE ROSE AND THE BUTTERFLY
+
+
+A Butterfly once fell in love with a beautiful Rose. The Rose was
+not indifferent, for the Butterfly's wings were powdered in a
+charming pattern of gold and silver. And so, when he fluttered
+near and told how he loved her, she blushed rosily and said yes.
+After much pretty love-making and many whispered vows of
+constancy, the Butterfly took a tender leave of his sweetheart.
+
+But alas! It was a long time before he came back to her.
+
+"Is this your constancy?" she exclaimed tearfully. "It is ages
+since you went away, and all the time, you have been carrying on
+with all sorts of flowers. I saw you kiss Miss Geranium, and you
+fluttered around Miss Mignonette until Honey Bee chased you away.
+I wish he had stung you!"
+
+"Constancy!" laughed the Butterfly. "I had no sooner left you
+than I saw Zephyr kissing you. You carried on scandalously with
+Mr. Bumble Bee and you made eyes at every single Bug you could
+see. You can't expect any constancy from me!"
+
+_Do not expect constancy in others if you have none yourself._
+
+[Illustration: THE ROSE AND THE BUTTERFLY]
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+THE CAT AND THE FOX
+
+
+Once a Cat and a Fox were traveling together. As they went along,
+picking up provisions on the way--a stray mouse here, a fat
+chicken there--they began an argument to while away the time
+between bites. And, as usually happens when comrades argue, the
+talk began to get personal.
+
+"You think you are extremely clever, don't you?" said the Fox.
+"Do you pretend to know more than I? Why, I know a whole sackful
+of tricks!"
+
+"Well," retorted the Cat, "I admit I know one trick only, but
+that one, let me tell you, is worth a thousand of yours!"
+
+Just then, close by, they heard a hunter's horn and the yelping
+of a pack of hounds. In an instant the Cat was up a tree, hiding
+among the leaves.
+
+"This is my trick," he called to the Fox. "Now let me see what
+yours are worth."
+
+But the Fox had so many plans for escape he could not decide
+which one to try first. He dodged here and there with the hounds
+at his heels. He doubled on his tracks, he ran at top speed, he
+entered a dozen burrows,--but all in vain. The hounds caught him,
+and soon put an end to the boaster and all his tricks.
+
+_Common sense is always worth more than cunning._
+
+
+
+
+THE BOY AND THE NETTLE
+
+
+A Boy, stung by a Nettle, ran home crying, to get his mother to
+blow on the hurt and kiss it.
+
+"Son," said the Boy's mother, when she had comforted him, "the
+next time you come near a Nettle, grasp it firmly, and it will be
+as soft as silk."
+
+_Whatever you do, do with all your might._
+
+
+
+
+THE OLD LION
+
+
+A Lion had grown very old. His teeth were worn away. His limbs
+could no longer bear him, and the King of Beasts was very pitiful
+indeed as he lay gasping on the ground, about to die.
+
+Where now his strength and his former graceful beauty?
+
+Now a Boar spied him, and rushing at him, gored him with his
+yellow tusk. A Bull trampled him with his heavy hoofs. Even a
+contemptible Ass let fly his heels and brayed his insults in the
+face of the Lion.
+
+_It is cowardly to attack the defenseless, though he be an
+enemy._
+
+
+
+
+THE FOX AND THE PHEASANTS
+
+
+One moonlight evening as Master Fox was taking his usual stroll
+in the woods, he saw a number of Pheasants perched quite out of
+his reach on a limb of a tall old tree. The sly Fox soon found a
+bright patch of moonlight, where the Pheasants could see him
+clearly; there he raised himself up on his hind legs, and began a
+wild dance. First he whirled 'round and 'round like a top, then
+he hopped up and down, cutting all sorts of strange capers. The
+Pheasants stared giddily. They hardly dared blink for fear of
+losing him out of their sight a single instant.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+Now the Fox made as if to climb a tree, now he fell over and lay
+still, playing dead, and the next instant he was hopping on all
+fours, his back in the air, and his bushy tail shaking so that it
+seemed to throw out silver sparks in the moonlight.
+
+By this time the poor birds' heads were in a whirl. And when the
+Fox began his performance all over again, so dazed did they
+become, that they lost their hold on the limb, and fell down one
+by one to the Fox.
+
+_Too much attention to danger may cause us to fall victims to
+it._
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+TWO TRAVELERS AND A BEAR
+
+
+Two Men were traveling in company through a forest, when, all at
+once, a huge Bear crashed out of the brush near them.
+
+One of the Men, thinking of his own safety, climbed a tree.
+
+The other, unable to fight the savage beast alone, threw himself
+on the ground and lay still, as if he were dead. He had heard
+that a Bear will not touch a dead body.
+
+It must have been true, for the Bear snuffed at the Man's head
+awhile, and then, seeming to be satisfied that he was dead,
+walked away.
+
+The Man in the tree climbed down.
+
+"It looked just as if that Bear whispered in your ear," he said.
+"What did he tell you?"
+
+"He said," answered the other, "that it was not at all wise to
+keep company with a fellow who would desert his friend in a
+moment of danger."
+
+_Misfortune is the test of true friendship._
+
+
+
+
+THE PORCUPINE AND THE SNAKES
+
+
+A Porcupine was looking for a good home. At last he found a
+little sheltered cave, where lived a family of Snakes. He asked
+them to let him share the cave with them, and the Snakes kindly
+consented.
+
+The Snakes soon wished they had not given him permission to stay.
+His sharp quills pricked them at every turn, and at last they
+politely asked him to leave.
+
+"I am very well satisfied, thank you," said the Porcupine. "I
+intend to stay right here." And with that, he politely escorted
+the Snakes out of doors. And to save their skins, the Snakes had
+to look for another home.
+
+_Give a finger and lose a hand._
+
+
+
+
+THE FOX AND THE MONKEY
+
+
+At a great meeting of the Animals, who had gathered to elect a
+new ruler, the Monkey was asked to dance. This he did so well,
+with a thousand funny capers and grimaces, that the Animals were
+carried entirely off their feet with enthusiasm, and then and
+there, elected him their king.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+The Fox did not vote for the Monkey and was much disgusted with
+the Animals for electing so unworthy a ruler.
+
+One day he found a trap with a bit of meat in it. Hurrying to
+King Monkey, he told him he had found a rich treasure, which he
+had not touched because it belonged by right to his majesty the
+Monkey.
+
+The greedy Monkey followed the Fox to the trap. As soon as he saw
+the meat he grasped eagerly for it, only to find himself held
+fast in the trap. The Fox stood off and laughed.
+
+"You pretend to be our king," he said, "and cannot even take care
+of yourself!"
+
+Shortly after that, another election among the Animals was held.
+
+_The true leader proves himself by his qualities._
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+THE MOTHER AND THE WOLF
+
+
+Early one morning a hungry Wolf was prowling around a cottage at
+the edge of a village, when he heard a child crying in the house.
+Then he heard the Mother's voice say:
+
+"Hush, child, hush! Stop your crying, or I will give you to the
+Wolf!"
+
+Surprised but delighted at the prospect of so delicious a meal,
+the Wolf settled down under an open window, expecting every
+moment to have the child handed out to him. But though the little
+one continued to fret, the Wolf waited all day in vain. Then,
+toward nightfall, he heard the Mother's voice again as she sat
+down near the window to sing and rock her baby to sleep.
+
+"There, child, there! The Wolf shall not get you. No, no! Daddy
+is watching and Daddy will kill him if he should come near!"
+
+Just then the Father came within sight of the home, and the Wolf
+was barely able to save himself from the Dogs by a clever bit of
+running.
+
+_Do not believe everything you hear._
+
+
+
+
+THE FLIES AND THE HONEY
+
+
+A jar of honey was upset and the sticky sweetness flowed out on
+the table. The sweet smell of the honey soon brought a large
+number of Flies buzzing around. They did not wait for an
+invitation. No, indeed; they settled right down, feet and all, to
+gorge themselves. The Flies were quickly smeared from head to
+foot with honey. Their wings stuck together. They could not pull
+their feet out of the sticky mass. And so they died, giving their
+lives for the sake of a taste of sweetness.
+
+_Be not greedy for a little passing pleasure. It may destroy
+you._
+
+
+
+
+THE EAGLE AND THE KITE
+
+
+An Eagle sat high in the branches of a great Oak. She seemed very
+sad and drooping for an Eagle. A Kite saw her.
+
+"Why do you look so woebegone?" asked the Kite.
+
+"I want to get married," replied the Eagle, "and I can't find a
+mate who can provide for me as I should like."
+
+"Take me," said the Kite; "I am very strong, stronger even than
+you!"
+
+"Do you really think you can provide for me?" asked the Eagle
+eagerly.
+
+"Why, of course," replied the Kite. "That would be a very simple
+matter. I am so strong I can carry away an Ostrich in my talons
+as if it were a feather!"
+
+The Eagle accepted the Kite immediately. But after the wedding,
+when the Kite flew away to find something to eat for his bride,
+all he had when he returned, was a tiny Mouse.
+
+"Is that the Ostrich you talked about?" said the Eagle in
+disgust.
+
+"To win you I would have said and promised anything," replied the
+Kite.
+
+_Everything is fair in love._
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+THE STAG, THE SHEEP, AND THE WOLF
+
+
+One day a Stag came to a Sheep and asked her to lend him a
+measure of wheat. The Sheep knew him for a very swift runner, who
+could easily take himself out of reach, were he so inclined. So
+she asked him if he knew someone who would answer for him.
+
+"Yes, yes," answered the Stag confidently, "the Wolf has promised
+to be my surety."
+
+"The Wolf!" exclaimed the Sheep indignantly. "Do you think I
+would trust you on such security? I know the Wolf! He takes what
+he wants and runs off with it without paying. As for you, you can
+use your legs so well that I should have little chance of
+collecting the debt if I had to catch you for it!"
+
+_Two blacks do not make a white._
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+THE ANIMALS AND THE PLAGUE
+
+
+Once upon a time a severe plague raged among the animals. Many
+died, and those who lived were so ill, that they cared for
+neither food nor drink, and dragged themselves about listlessly.
+No longer could a fat young hen tempt Master Fox to dinner, nor a
+tender lamb rouse greedy Sir Wolf's appetite.
+
+At last the Lion decided to call a council. When all the animals
+were gathered together he arose and said:
+
+"Dear friends, I believe the gods have sent this plague upon us
+as a punishment for our sins. Therefore, the most guilty one of
+us must be offered in sacrifice. Perhaps we may thus obtain
+forgiveness and cure for all.
+
+"I will confess all _my_ sins first. I admit that I have been
+very greedy and have devoured many sheep. They had done me no
+harm. I have eaten goats and bulls and stags. To tell the truth,
+I even ate up a shepherd now and then.
+
+"Now, if I am the most guilty, I am ready to be sacrificed. But I
+think it best that each one confess his sins as I have done. Then
+we can decide in all justice who is the most guilty."
+
+"Your majesty," said the Fox, "you are too good. Can it be a
+crime to eat sheep, such stupid mutton heads? No, no, your
+majesty. You have done them great honor by eating them up.
+
+"And so far as shepherds are concerned, we all know they belong
+to that puny race that pretends to be our masters."
+
+All the animals applauded the Fox loudly. Then, though the Tiger,
+the Bear, the Wolf, and all the savage beasts recited the most
+wicked deeds, all were excused and made to appear very saint-like
+and innocent.
+
+It was now the Ass's turn to confess.
+
+"I remember," he said guiltily, "that one day as I was passing a
+field belonging to some priests, I was so tempted by the tender
+grass and my hunger, that I could not resist nibbling a bit of
+it. I had no right to do it, I admit--"
+
+A great uproar among the beasts interrupted him. Here was the
+culprit who had brought misfortune on all of them! What a
+horrible crime it was to eat grass that belonged to someone else!
+It was enough to hang anyone for, much more an Ass.
+
+Immediately they all fell upon him, the Wolf in the lead, and
+soon had made an end to him, sacrificing him to the gods then and
+there, and without the formality of an altar.
+
+_The weak are made to suffer for the misdeeds of the powerful._
+
+
+
+
+THE SHEPHERD AND THE LION
+
+
+A Shepherd, counting his Sheep one day, discovered that a number
+of them were missing.
+
+Much irritated, he very loudly and boastfully declared that he
+would catch the thief and punish him as he deserved. The Shepherd
+suspected a Wolf of the deed and so set out toward a rocky region
+among the hills, where there were caves infested by Wolves. But
+before starting out he made a vow to Jupiter that if he would
+help him find the thief he would offer a fat Calf as a sacrifice.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+The Shepherd searched a long time without finding any Wolves, but
+just as he was passing near a large cave on the mountain side, a
+huge Lion stalked out, carrying a Sheep. In great terror the
+Shepherd fell on his knees.
+
+"Alas, O Jupiter, man does not know what he asks! To find the
+thief I offered to sacrifice a fat Calf. Now I promise you a
+full-grown Bull, if you but make the thief go away!"
+
+_We are often not so eager for what we seek, after we have found
+it._
+
+_Do not foolishly ask for things that would bring ruin if they
+were granted._
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+THE DOG AND HIS REFLECTION
+
+
+A Dog, to whom the butcher had thrown a bone, was hurrying home
+with his prize as fast as he could go. As he crossed a narrow
+footbridge, he happened to look down and saw himself reflected in
+the quiet water as if in a mirror. But the greedy Dog thought he
+saw a real Dog carrying a bone much bigger than his own.
+
+If he had stopped to think he would have known better. But
+instead of thinking, he dropped his bone and sprang at the Dog in
+the river, only to find himself swimming for dear life to reach
+the shore. At last he managed to scramble out, and as he stood
+sadly thinking about the good bone he had lost, he realized what
+a stupid Dog he had been.
+
+_It is very foolish to be greedy._
+
+
+
+
+THE HARE AND THE TORTOISE
+
+
+A Hare was making fun of the Tortoise one day for being so slow.
+
+"Do you ever get anywhere?" he asked with a mocking laugh.
+
+"Yes," replied the Tortoise, "and I get there sooner than you
+think. I'll run you a race and prove it."
+
+The Hare was much amused at the idea of running a race with the
+Tortoise, but for the fun of the thing he agreed. So the Fox, who
+had consented to act as judge, marked the distance and started
+the runners off.
+
+The Hare was soon far out of sight, and to make the Tortoise feel
+very deeply how ridiculous it was for him to try a race with a
+Hare, he lay down beside the course to take a nap until the
+Tortoise should catch up.
+
+The Tortoise meanwhile kept going slowly but steadily, and, after
+a time, passed the place where the Hare was sleeping. But the
+Hare slept on very peacefully; and when at last he did wake up,
+the Tortoise was near the goal. The Hare now ran his swiftest,
+but he could not overtake the Tortoise in time.
+
+_The race is not always to the swift._
+
+[Illustration: THE HARE AND THE TORTOISE]
+
+
+
+
+THE BEES AND WASPS, AND THE HORNET
+
+
+A store of honey had been found in a hollow tree, and the Wasps
+declared positively that it belonged to them. The Bees were just
+as sure that the treasure was theirs. The argument grew very
+pointed, and it looked as if the affair could not be settled
+without a battle, when at last, with much good sense, they
+_agreed_ to let a judge decide the matter. So they brought the
+case before the Hornet, justice of the peace in that part of the
+woods.
+
+When the Judge called the case, witnesses declared that they had
+seen certain winged creatures in the neighborhood of the hollow
+tree, who hummed loudly, and whose bodies were striped, yellow
+and black, like Bees.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+Counsel for the Wasps immediately insisted that this description
+fitted his clients exactly.
+
+Such evidence did not help Judge Hornet to any decision, so he
+adjourned court for six weeks to give him time to think it over.
+When the case came up again, both sides had a large number of
+witnesses. An Ant was first to take the stand, and was about to
+be cross-examined, when a wise old Bee addressed the Court.
+
+"Your honor," he said, "the case has now been pending for six
+weeks. If it is not decided soon, the honey will not be fit for
+anything. I move that the Bees and the Wasps be both instructed
+to build a honey comb. Then we shall soon see to whom the honey
+really belongs."
+
+The Wasps protested loudly. Wise Judge Hornet quickly understood
+why they did so: They knew they could not build a honey comb and
+fill it with honey.
+
+"It is clear," said the Judge, "who made the comb and who could
+not have made it. The honey belongs to the Bees."
+
+_Ability proves itself by deeds._
+
+
+
+
+THE LARK AND HER YOUNG ONES
+
+
+A Lark made her nest in a field of young wheat. As the days
+passed, the wheat stalks grew tall and the young birds, too, grew
+in strength. Then one day, when the ripe golden grain waved in
+the breeze, the Farmer and his son came into the field.
+
+"This wheat is now ready for reaping," said the Farmer. "We must
+call in our neighbors and friends to help us harvest it."
+
+The young Larks in their nest close by were much frightened, for
+they knew they would be in great danger if they did not leave the
+nest before the reapers came. When the Mother Lark returned with
+food for them, they told her what they had heard.
+
+"Do not be frightened, children," said the Mother Lark. "If the
+Farmer said he would call in his neighbors and friends to help
+him do his work, this wheat will not be reaped for a while yet."
+
+A few days later, the wheat was so ripe, that when the wind shook
+the stalks, a hail of wheat grains came rustling down on the
+young Larks' heads.
+
+"If this wheat is not harvested at once," said the Farmer, "we
+shall lose half the crop. We cannot wait any longer for help from
+our friends. Tomorrow we must set to work, ourselves."
+
+[Illustration]
+
+When the young Larks told their mother what they had heard that
+day, she said:
+
+"Then we must be off at once. When a man decides to do his own
+work and not depend on any one else, then you may be sure there
+will be no more delay."
+
+There was much fluttering and trying out of wings that afternoon,
+and at sunrise next day, when the Farmer and his son cut down the
+grain, they found an empty nest.
+
+_Self-help is the best help._
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+THE CAT AND THE OLD RAT
+
+
+There was once a Cat who was so watchful, that a Mouse hardly
+dared show the tip of his whiskers for fear of being eaten alive.
+That Cat seemed to be everywhere at once with his claws all ready
+for a pounce. At last the Mice kept so closely to their dens,
+that the Cat saw he would have to use his wits well to catch one.
+So one day he climbed up on a shelf and hung from it, head
+downward, as if he were dead, holding himself up by clinging to
+some ropes with one paw.
+
+When the Mice peeped out and saw him in that position, they
+thought he had been hung up there in punishment for some misdeed.
+Very timidly at first they stuck out their heads and sniffed
+about carefully. But as nothing stirred, all trooped joyfully out
+to celebrate the death of the Cat.
+
+Just then the Cat let go his hold, and before the Mice recovered
+from their surprise, he had made an end of three or four.
+
+Now the Mice kept more strictly at home than ever. But the Cat,
+who was still hungry for Mice, knew more tricks than one. Rolling
+himself in flour until he was covered completely, he lay down in
+the flour bin, with one eye open for the Mice.
+
+Sure enough, the Mice soon began to come out. To the Cat it was
+almost as if he already had a plump young Mouse under his claws,
+when an old Rat, who had had much experience with Cats and traps,
+and had even lost a part of his tail to pay for it, sat up at a
+safe distance from a hole in the wall where he lived.
+
+"Take care!" he cried. "That may be a heap of meal, but it looks
+to me very much like the Cat. Whatever it is, it is wisest to
+keep at a safe distance."
+
+_The wise do not let themselves be tricked a second time._
+
+
+
+
+THE FOX AND THE CROW
+
+
+One bright morning as the Fox was following his sharp nose
+through the wood in search of a bite to eat, he saw a Crow on the
+limb of a tree overhead. This was by no means the first Crow the
+Fox had ever seen. What caught his attention this time and made
+him stop for a second look, was that the lucky Crow held a bit of
+cheese in her beak.
+
+"No need to search any farther," thought sly Master Fox. "Here is
+a dainty bite for my breakfast."
+
+Up he trotted to the foot of the tree in which the Crow was
+sitting, and looking up admiringly, he cried, "Good-morning,
+beautiful creature!"
+
+The Crow, her head cocked on one side, watched the Fox
+suspiciously. But she kept her beak tightly closed on the cheese
+and did not return his greeting.
+
+"What a charming creature she is!" said the Fox. "How her
+feathers shine! What a beautiful form and what splendid wings!
+Such a wonderful Bird should have a very lovely voice, since
+everything else about her is so perfect. Could she sing just one
+song, I know I should hail her Queen of Birds."
+
+[Illustration]
+
+Listening to these flattering words, the Crow forgot all her
+suspicion, and also her breakfast. She wanted very much to be
+called Queen of Birds.
+
+So she opened her beak wide to utter her loudest caw, and down
+fell the cheese straight into the Fox's open mouth.
+
+"Thank you," said Master Fox sweetly, as he walked off. "Though
+it is cracked, you have a voice sure enough. But where are your
+wits?"
+
+_The flatterer lives at the expense of those who will listen to
+him._
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+THE ASS AND ITS SHADOW
+
+
+A Traveler had hired an Ass to carry him to a distant part of the
+country. The owner of the Ass went with the Traveler, walking
+beside him to drive the Ass and point out the way.
+
+The road led across a treeless plain where the Sun beat down
+fiercely. So intense did the heat become, that the Traveler at
+last decided to stop for a rest, and as there was no other shade
+to be found, the Traveler sat down in the shadow of the Ass.
+
+Now the heat had affected the Driver as much as it had the
+Traveler, and even more, for he had been walking. Wishing also to
+rest in the shade cast by the Ass, he began to quarrel with the
+Traveler, saying he had hired the Ass and not the shadow it cast.
+
+The two soon came to blows, and while they were fighting, the Ass
+took to its heels.
+
+_In quarreling about the shadow we often lose the substance._
+
+
+
+
+THE MILLER, HIS SON, AND THE ASS
+
+
+One day, a long time ago, an old Miller and his Son were on their
+way to market with an Ass which they hoped to sell. They drove
+him very slowly, for they thought they would have a better chance
+to sell him if they kept him in good condition. As they walked
+along the highway some travelers laughed loudly at them.
+
+"What foolishness," cried one, "to walk when they might as well
+ride. The most stupid of the three is not the one you would
+expect it to be."
+
+The Miller did not like to be laughed at, so he told his son to
+climb up and ride.
+
+They had gone a little farther along the road, when three
+merchants passed by.
+
+"Oho, what have we here?" they cried. "Respect old age, young
+man! Get down, and let the old man ride."
+
+Though the Miller was not tired, he made the boy get down and
+climbed up himself to ride, just to please the Merchants.
+
+At the next turnstile they overtook some women carrying market
+baskets loaded with vegetables and other things to sell.
+
+"Look at the old fool," exclaimed one of them. "Perched on the
+Ass, while that poor boy has to walk."
+
+The Miller felt a bit vexed, but to be agreeable he told the Boy
+to climb up behind him.
+
+They had no sooner started out again than a loud shout went up
+from another company of people on the road.
+
+"What a crime," cried one, "to load up a poor dumb beast like
+that! They look more able to carry the poor creature, than he to
+carry them."
+
+[Illustration]
+
+[Illustration]
+
+"They must be on their way to sell the poor thing's hide," said
+another.
+
+The Miller and his Son quickly scrambled down, and a short time
+later, the market place was thrown into an uproar as the two came
+along carrying the Donkey slung from a pole. A great crowd of
+people ran out to get a closer look at the strange sight.
+
+The Ass did not dislike being carried, but so many people came up
+to point at him and laugh and shout, that he began to kick and
+bray, and then, just as they were crossing a bridge, the ropes
+that held him gave way, and down he tumbled into the river.
+
+The poor Miller now set out sadly for home. By trying to please
+everybody, he had pleased nobody, and lost his Ass besides.
+
+_If you try to please all, you please none._
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+THE ANT AND THE DOVE
+
+
+A Dove saw an Ant fall into a brook. The Ant struggled in vain to
+reach the bank, and in pity, the Dove dropped a blade of straw
+close beside it. Clinging to the straw like a shipwrecked sailor
+to a broken spar, the Ant floated safely to shore.
+
+Soon after, the Ant saw a man getting ready to kill the Dove with
+a stone. But just as he cast the stone, the Ant stung him in the
+heel, so that the pain made him miss his aim, and the startled
+Dove flew to safety in a distant wood.
+
+_A kindness is never wasted._
+
+
+
+
+THE MAN AND THE SATYR
+
+
+A long time ago a Man met a Satyr in the forest and succeeded in
+making friends with him. The two soon became the best of
+comrades, living together in the Man's hut. But one cold winter
+evening, as they were walking homeward, the Satyr saw the Man
+blow on his fingers.
+
+"Why do you do that?" asked the Satyr.
+
+"To warm my hands," the Man replied.
+
+When they reached home the Man prepared two bowls of porridge.
+These he placed steaming hot on the table, and the comrades sat
+down very cheerfully to enjoy the meal. But much to the Satyr's
+surprise, the Man began to blow into his bowl of porridge.
+
+"Why do you do that?" he asked.
+
+"To cool my porridge," replied the Man.
+
+The Satyr sprang hurriedly to his feet and made for the door.
+
+"Goodby," he said, "I've seen enough. A fellow that blows hot and
+cold in the same breath cannot be friends with me!"
+
+_The man who talks for both sides is not to be trusted by
+either._
+
+[Illustration: THE MAN AND THE SATYR]
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+THE WOLF, THE KID, AND THE GOAT
+
+
+Mother Goat was going to market one morning to get provisions for
+her household, which consisted of but one little Kid and herself.
+
+"Take good care of the house, my son," she said to the Kid, as
+she carefully latched the door. "Do not let anyone in, unless he
+gives you this password: 'Down with the Wolf and all his race!'"
+
+Strangely enough, a Wolf was lurking near and heard what the Goat
+had said. So, as soon as Mother Goat was out of sight, up he
+trotted to the door and knocked.
+
+"Down with the Wolf and all his race," said the Wolf softly.
+
+It was the right password, but when the Kid peeped through a
+crack in the door and saw the shadowy figure outside, he did not
+feel at all easy.
+
+"Show me a white paw," he said, "or I won't let you in."
+
+A white paw, of course, is a feature few Wolves can show, and so
+Master Wolf had to go away as hungry as he had come.
+
+"You can never be too sure," said the Kid, when he saw the Wolf
+making off to the woods.
+
+_Two sureties are better than one._
+
+
+
+
+THE SWALLOW AND THE CROW
+
+
+The Swallow and the Crow had an argument one day about their
+plumage.
+
+Said the Swallow: "Just look at my bright and downy feathers.
+Your black stiff quills are not worth having. Why don't you dress
+better? Show a little pride!"
+
+"Your feathers may do very well in spring," replied the Crow,
+"but--I don't remember ever having seen you around in winter, and
+that's when I enjoy myself most."
+
+_Friends in fine weather only, are not worth much._
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+JUPITER AND THE MONKEY
+
+
+There was once a baby show among the Animals in the forest.
+Jupiter provided the prize. Of course all the proud mammas from
+far and near brought their babies. But none got there earlier
+than Mother Monkey. Proudly she presented her baby among the
+other contestants.
+
+As you can imagine, there was quite a laugh when the Animals saw
+the ugly flat-nosed, hairless, pop-eyed little creature.
+
+"Laugh if you will," said the Mother Monkey. "Though Jupiter may
+not give him the prize, I know that he is the prettiest, the
+sweetest, the dearest darling in the world."
+
+_Mother love is blind._
+
+
+
+
+THE LION, THE ASS, AND THE FOX
+
+
+A Lion, an Ass, and a Fox were hunting in company, and caught a
+large quantity of game. The Ass was asked to divide the spoil.
+This he did very fairly, giving each an equal share.
+
+The Fox was well satisfied, but the Lion flew into a great rage
+over it, and with one stroke of his huge paw, he added the Ass to
+the pile of slain.
+
+Then he turned to the Fox.
+
+"You divide it," he roared angrily.
+
+The Fox wasted no time in talking. He quickly piled all the game
+into one great heap. From this he took a very small portion for
+himself, such undesirable bits as the horns and hoofs of a
+mountain goat, and the end of an ox tail.
+
+The Lion now recovered his good humor entirely.
+
+"Who taught you to divide so fairly?" he asked pleasantly.
+
+"I learned a lesson from the Ass," replied the Fox, carefully
+edging away.
+
+_Learn from the misfortunes of others._
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+THE LION'S SHARE
+
+
+A long time ago, the Lion, the Fox, the Jackal, and the Wolf
+agreed to go hunting together, sharing with each other whatever
+they found.
+
+One day the Wolf ran down a Stag and immediately called his
+comrades to divide the spoil.
+
+Without being asked, the Lion placed himself at the head of the
+feast to do the carving, and, with a great show of fairness,
+began to count the guests.
+
+"One," he said, counting on his claws, "that is myself the Lion.
+Two, that's the Wolf, three, is the Jackal, and the Fox makes
+four."
+
+[Illustration]
+
+He then very carefully divided the Stag into four equal parts.
+
+"I am King Lion," he said, when he had finished, "so of course I
+get the first part. This next part falls to me because I am the
+strongest; and _this_ is mine because I am the bravest."
+
+He now began to glare at the others very savagely. "If any of you
+have any claim to the part that is left," he growled, stretching
+his claws meaningly, "now is the time to speak up."
+
+_Might makes right._
+
+
+
+
+THE MOLE AND HIS MOTHER
+
+
+A little Mole once said to his Mother:
+
+"Why, Mother, you said I was blind! But I am sure I can see!"
+
+Mother Mole saw she would have to get such conceit out of his
+head. So she put a bit of frankincense before him and asked him
+to tell what it was.
+
+The little Mole peered at it.
+
+"Why, that's a pebble!"
+
+"Well, my son, that proves you've lost your sense of smell as
+well as being blind."
+
+_Boast of one thing and you will be found lacking in that and a
+few other things as well._
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+THE NORTH WIND AND THE SUN
+
+
+The North Wind and the Sun had a quarrel about which of them was
+the stronger. While they were disputing with much heat and
+bluster, a Traveler passed along the road wrapped in a cloak.
+
+"Let us agree," said the Sun, "that he is the stronger who can
+strip that Traveler of his cloak."
+
+"Very well," growled the North Wind, and at once sent a cold,
+howling blast against the Traveler.
+
+With the first gust of wind the ends of the cloak whipped about
+the Traveler's body. But he immediately wrapped it closely around
+him, and the harder the Wind blew, the tighter he held it to him.
+The North Wind tore angrily at the cloak, but all his efforts
+were in vain.
+
+Then the Sun began to shine. At first his beams were gentle, and
+in the pleasant warmth after the bitter cold of the North Wind,
+the Traveler unfastened his cloak and let it hang loosely from
+his shoulders. The Sun's rays grew warmer and warmer. The man
+took off his cap and mopped his brow. At last he became so heated
+that he pulled off his cloak, and, to escape the blazing
+sunshine, threw himself down in the welcome shade of a tree by
+the roadside.
+
+_Gentleness and kind persuasion win where force and bluster
+fail._
+
+[Illustration]
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+THE HARE AND HIS EARS
+
+
+The Lion had been badly hurt by the horns of a Goat, which he was
+eating. He was very angry to think that any animal that he chose
+for a meal, should be so brazen as to wear such dangerous things
+as horns to scratch him while he ate. So he commanded that all
+animals with horns should leave his domains within twenty-four
+hours.
+
+The command struck terror among the beasts. All those who were so
+unfortunate as to have horns, began to pack up and move out. Even
+the Hare, who, as you know, has no horns and so had nothing to
+fear, passed a very restless night, dreaming awful dreams about
+the fearful Lion.
+
+And when he came out of the warren in the early morning sunshine,
+and there saw the shadow cast by his long and pointed ears, a
+terrible fright seized him.
+
+"Goodby, neighbor Cricket," he called. "I'm off. He will
+certainly make out that my ears are horns, no matter what I say."
+
+_Do not give your enemies the slightest reason to attack your
+reputation._
+
+_Your enemies will seize any excuse to attack you._
+
+
+
+
+THE WOLVES AND THE SHEEP
+
+
+A pack of Wolves lurked near the Sheep pasture. But the Dogs kept
+them all at a respectful distance, and the Sheep grazed in
+perfect safety. But now the Wolves thought of a plan to trick the
+Sheep.
+
+"Why is there always this hostility between us?" they said. "If
+it were not for those Dogs who are always stirring up trouble, I
+am sure we should get along beautifully. Send them away and you
+will see what good friends we shall become."
+
+The Sheep were easily fooled. They persuaded the Dogs to go away,
+and that very evening the Wolves had the grandest feast of their
+lives.
+
+_Do not give up friends for foes._
+
+
+
+
+THE COCK AND THE FOX
+
+
+A Fox was caught in a trap one fine morning, because he had got
+too near the Farmer's hen house. No doubt he was hungry, but that
+was not an excuse for stealing. A Cock, rising early, discovered
+what had happened. He knew the Fox could not get at him, so he
+went a little closer to get a good look at his enemy.
+
+The Fox saw a slender chance of escape.
+
+"Dear friend," he said, "I was just on my way to visit a sick
+relative, when I stumbled into this string and got all tangled
+up. But please do not tell anybody about it. I dislike causing
+sorrow to anybody, and I am sure I can soon gnaw this string to
+pieces."
+
+But the Cock was not to be so easily fooled. He soon roused the
+whole hen yard, and when the Farmer came running out, that was
+the end of Mr. Fox.
+
+_The wicked deserve no aid._
+
+
+
+
+THE ASS IN THE LION'S SKIN
+
+
+An Ass found a Lion's skin left in the forest by a hunter. He
+dressed himself in it, and amused himself by hiding in a thicket
+and rushing out suddenly at the animals who passed that way. All
+took to their heels the moment they saw him.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+The Ass was so pleased to see the animals running away from him,
+just as if he were King Lion himself, that he could not keep from
+expressing his delight by a loud, harsh bray. A Fox, who ran with
+the rest, stopped short as soon as he heard the voice. Approaching
+the Ass, he said with a laugh:
+
+"If you had kept your mouth shut you might have frightened me,
+too. But you gave yourself away with that silly bray."
+
+_A fool may deceive by his dress and appearance, but his words
+will soon show what he really is._
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+THE FISHERMAN AND THE LITTLE FISH
+
+
+A poor Fisherman, who lived on the fish he caught, had bad luck
+one day and caught nothing but a very small fry. The Fisherman
+was about to put it in his basket when the little Fish said:
+
+"Please spare me, Mr. Fisherman! I am so small it is not worth
+while to carry me home. When I am bigger, I shall make you a much
+better meal."
+
+But the Fisherman quickly put the fish into his basket.
+
+"How foolish I should be," he said, "to throw you back. However
+small you may be, you are better than nothing at all."
+
+_A small gain is worth more than a large promise._
+
+
+
+
+THE FIGHTING COCKS AND THE EAGLE
+
+
+Once there were two Cocks living in the same farmyard who could
+not bear the sight of each other. At last one day they flew up to
+fight it out, beak and claw. They fought until one of them was
+beaten and crawled off to a corner to hide.
+
+The Cock that had won the battle flew to the top of the
+hen-house, and, proudly flapping his wings, crowed with all his
+might to tell the world about his victory. But an Eagle, circling
+overhead, heard the boasting chanticleer and, swooping down,
+carried him off to his nest.
+
+His rival saw the deed, and coming out of his corner, took his
+place as master of the farmyard.
+
+_Pride goes before a fall._
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+
+End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The �sop for Children, by �sop
+
+*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE �SOP FOR CHILDREN ***
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