®f)e libvavy of tfte Unibergttp of iSortf) Carolina Cnboteeb bj> ®{je dialectic ant) IJfjtlantfjtopic i^odetieg m 0^ ,(S = 1: i 'fcfWU 'v ! I ". LI ^ A ,,3-iA.isxjvao „ tRAFTSTYLr '-jp %1..3ims. •-STYLE 1K 1g;e-street, ib - CONTENTS. Pgge i I. The Oak and the Reed 1 II. The Fox and the Lion 3 III. TheFrogs 4 IV. The Solar Phenomenon 6 V. The Compliant Farmer 8 VI. The Two Vessels 10 VII. The Bear and the Hermit 11 VIII. The Clown praying to Hercules 12 IX. The Lion and the Ass 15 X. The Dog invited to dinner 16 XL The Eagle and the Crow 18 XII. The Mouse and the Weasel 19 SHI. The Grapes are sour 20 XIV. The Ass in the Lion's skin 20 j XV. The Man who had travelled 22 XVI. The Dos and the Wolf 23 VII. The Herdsman 25 fill. The Chameleon 26 XIX. The Boys and the Frogs 28 XX. The Horse and the Ass 29 XXL Mercury and the Sculptor 30 XII. The Bull and the Gnat 32 CIII. The Cock and the Jewel 32 nV. The Man and the Lion 34 XV. The Two Frogs 35 CVI. The Fox and the Crane 36 VII. The Traveller and the Satyr 37 fill. The Travellers and the Puree 40 'QX. The Mouth and the Limbs 41 V XX. The Conceited Cur , 45 xKl. The Hare and the Tortoise 44 XII. The Honest Woodman 46 TIL The Crow and the Pitcher 49 QV. The Young Mouse SO FABLE XXXV. The Toad and the Fly i XXXVI. The Milkmaid . XXXVII. The Lark and her young ones S XXXVIII. The Philosopher and the Acorn XXXIX. The Two Cats 6 XL. The Wolf and the Crane XLI. The Fox and the Goat . . 6 XLII. The Lame Man and the Blind XLIII. The Fox and the Hen XLIV. The Tortoise XLV. The Dog of Reflection 6 XLVI. The Travellers and Bear 7 XLVII. The Frogs and the Bull 7 XLVII1. The Council of Mice 7 XLIX. The Wolf and the Lamb 7 L. The Beasts in Partnership 7 LI. The Lion and the Mouse 7 LII. The Jealous Ass 8 LIU. The Town and Country Mice 8 LIV. The Cat and the Fox 8 LV. The Wasp and the Snail 8 LVI. The Fox and the Crow 8 LVII. Dr.Wolf 8 LVIII. The Council of War 9 ORIGINAL FABLES. FABLE I. The Old Woman and the Death- Watch 9. II. The Donkeys' Dialogue 9( III. The Pride of the Cobler's Dog 9£ IV. Peter the Great 9i V. Edwin 1CT, VI. The Ass and the Fox 1(H VII. The Peach and the Potatoe IK VIII. The Show of Wild Beasts 11] IX. The Shower of Puddings lit X. The Dog and the Pitcher 117 XL The Gofd Pin and the Nail 12( XII. The Wasps and the Flies 122 XIII. JEsop's Trial l£j Tlie Oak & the Reed Tlie ¥ox & the Lion . jESOP IN RHYME : &C. &C. FABLE I. THE OAK AND THE REED. 1 HE thunder roar'd, the wind was high, And vivid lightning fili'd the sky; When an old oak, whose aged form Ere now had witness'd many a storm, Had borne the brunt, and still withstood The wind, the lightning, and the flood; "Was torn up from his roots at last, By one tremendous, wintry blast ; Then headlong to the stream descended ; His ancient pride and glory ended. The ample waters soon convey'd The oak-tree from his well-known shade ; Then unknown, naked hills were seen, With rude and dreary wilds between, And by the river's oozy edge, Grew weakly reeds and languid sedge. " Strange 1" thought the oak, (permit the fable,) " That plants so slender should be able B 2 Thus to survive the stormy day, Which made my stubborn limbs give way." A reed just bending with the storm, Then to the oak inclin'd its form ; And thus it whisper'd, — " Aged friend, I do not break because I bend; I find it best while troubles last, To bow beneath them till they're past." Thus spoke the trembling reed, and ceased ; For now the windy storm increased ; Then to the earth it bow'd its head, Proving the truth of what it said. Meanwhile the oak, with quicken'd sail, Was hurried onward by the gale ; And scarce had time allow'd to say " You're right," ere he was borne away. Of moral here there's little need, Since that was furnish'd by the reed. FABLE II. THE FOX AND THE LION. When the fox and the lion first happen'd to meet, Poor Reynard fell down at his majesty's feet, So great was the terror inspired ; But the next time he met him, not quite so afraid, When the lion approach'd an obeisance he made, And after his health he inquired. But the third time he met him, " Old crony," said he, I Pray whither so fast , ? I must say, to be free, That you're grown somewhat cool and unkind." The dignified lion deign'd not a reply ; But taking the fox to a river hard by, Cool'd him, both in body and mind. I Thought the fox, whilst emerging in woe-begone state, " This comes of one's making too free with the great." b 2 FABLE III. THE FROCS. Some frogs within a bog or ditch, I really cannot tell you which ; Yet I prefer to say a bog, For that you know best rhymes to frog : These frogs, as Esop's muse doth sing, Requested they might have a king. So Jupiter, in merry mood, Straight threw them down a log of wood: But who can say how much it splash'd, Or who was frighten'd, who was mash'd ? Surprised that such should be the case, Nor liking much this act of grace, They kept aloof a day or two, For fear of what he next might do. " But see, how still he lies," said they, a Let's go and hear what he will say ;" So they approach'd the royal log, And there was one courageous frog, Who leap'd upon him, to inquire, What was his majesty's desire ; But he of course no answer made; So they, concluding he was dead, Petition'd Jupiter again, Who quickly sent them down a crane. % Tlie Discontented Prog's The Solar Phenomenon This gracious prince to all the nation Then issued forth a proclamation, In which the greatest, and the least, Were all invited to a feast. And so, on the appointed day Legions of frogs stopp'd up the way. " Now," said the king, " upon this log Is spread our feast ; and any frog Who to jump on may not be able, I'll raise him gently to the table." Enough was said, for every guest Around the monarch's person prest. The king then made a gracious bend, To help his subjects to ascend ; But so it was, as Esop wrote, He let them fall straight down his throat ; While those below thought alf was right, Although their friends were out of sight ; Till one, who something wrong suspected, Leap'd up, and so the fraud detected. Who can describe his feelings then ? My tongue cannot, nor can my pen : Scarce was he up, ere he was down, And made the whole transaction known. Enough was said, for every frog, Ere he had ceased, forsook the bog ; Croaking and groaning as they went, For their old form of government. 6 This fable Phsedrus did relate, Referring to affairs of state : But leaving politics alone Till we're a little older grown, 'Twill be a safer way for us, To take the author's meaning thus, — That folks well off should be content, Nor make a change they may repent. FABLE IV. THE SOLAR PHENOMENON. An astronomer gazing, as oft he had done, Through a very long telescope aim'd at the sun, Descried, on a sudden, a spot on his face, So large as to darken one third of his rays ! " Oh ! Newton, Oh ! Halley, were ye but alive, What name to this monster, I ask, would ye give? Like no other spot on his disc does it seem ; As macules, jhculce, neither of them. But what do I see ? the phenomenon mo^es, And there are its legs too, which certainly proves That it must be an animal : — awful indeed ! For its length half a million of miles must exceed: If so, then the question must needs be decided, Which has for so long all the learned divided ; For now 'tis as plain as the nose on my face, That the sun is in truth an inhabited place ! — " Oh, all ye philosophers, moralists, sages, Who have puzzled your brains on this subject for ages j Old Thales, Copernicus, Newton, Descartes, Draw near, if ye can, and the truth I'll impart." He ceased : but he scarcely an ending had made, When the shades of those worthies his summons obey'd ; And, in low hollow voices, demanded in haste, For what reason he'd call'd them, and broken their rest. " Oh, indeed! are ye come?" said our hero, sur- prised, " Why I did not suppose, as ye all had demised, What I said could have reach'd you ; but, as it is so, Forthwith I'll proceed the huge monster to show." So saying, to each he the telescope handed, And quickly of each his opinion demanded. Said Newton, " That there is some creature I own ; iBut I do not believe it exists in the sun:" " Nor I," said Copernicus, Thales, and all ; " In fact we believe 'tis no wonder at all !" " Then pray," said our hero, " explain what you see, And say what you take this appearance to be." Said Newton, " Unscrew the last lens from your glass;" The astronomer quickly obey'd, and, alas ! 8 For his fame and his theory — what should he descry s When he open'd the end of his tube,— but a fly ! Examine them well, ere you speak of new wonders 'Twill save you from many ridiculous blunders. FABLE V. THE COMPLIANT FARMER. An honest farmer and his son Were driving once an ass to town ; But, wishing not to tire the brute, They would not ride, but walk'd on foot. " Well," said a man, whom soon they met, " I ne'er beheld such nonsense yet! Why should ye walk ? why don't ye ride ? Pray what's a donkey for beside ? " " Right," said the farmer; " Son, arise, And take our worthy friend's advice." The duteous son obey'd with haste, And soon bestrode th' unwilling beast. Scarce bad he mounted, when, behold 1 Two women next began to scold. Tlie Compliant Farmer Tlie two Vessels. 9 " You lazy boy !" at once they cried, " Why don't you let your father ride ? " "True," said the father; " Son, get down I'll ride, and you shall walk to town." The son dismounted honest Ned, And let his father ride instead. Once more they sped them on their way, And met a party ; " Come," said they, " Your legs are longer than your son's ; Suppose you let him ride for once." " Good," said the father ; " Son, you see There's room enough for you and me ; Get up behind." — Once more the son Bestrode the beast, and journey'd on. Again they sped ; again they met A party not contented yet : Said they, " Have pity on your beast, And one of you get down at least." But our good farmer thought, at last, He e'en would profit by the past ; Nor change again, unless, indeed, In one opinion all agreed. bS 10 Although opinions vary so, >Tis hard the right from wrong to know, (And never would the labour cease, Of studying every man's caprice ;) Yet some there are in which we see The wise and good do all agree : Let their opinions be your own, And let what they advise be done. FABLE VI. THE TWO VESSELS. I'll tell you a tale; — two vessels set sail, Without either captain or crew ! Your wonder to settle, they were a brass kettle, An earthenware porringer too. " O dear!" said the latter:—" Friend, what is the matter ?" The kettle demanded, at last. Said the pitcher, " I think I shall certainly sink, I am filling with water so fast." " Oh ! be not afraid, I will lend you my aid ; Hook on to my spout," said the kettle. Said the pitcher, " O dear, it is you that I fear, Since if we come nigh, of the blow / must die ; For I'm earthen, but vou are of metal" 11 As weak folks oft suffer by strong ones, I say That the weaker had better keep out of their way. FABLE VII. THE BEAR AND THE HERMIT. Once a bear had a thorn in his foot, as they term it, Which it seems was extracted from thence by a hermit : So the beast felt so grateful, and pleased with the der- vise, That he offer'd to enter quite into his service. So the hermit consented, at length, to the plan. " Now then," thought the bear, " I must do what I can To make myself useful ; and glad I shall be If a service in turn shall be render'd by me." Not long after this, as the hermit was sleeping, And the bear was the watch with great vigilance keep- ing; On the nose of the former alighted a fly ; " O now," thought the bear, " my best skill I must try." So he lifted his paw, and completed the process, But crush'd with the By his poor patron's proboscis ! 12 Up started the hermit — " Base villain/' said he, " Is this the reward for my goodness to thee ? " The bear felt confounded, as any one would, But explain'd the transaction as well as he could. "Well! be sure," said the hermit, "when next you kill flies, If on me they alight, just to ask my advice ; For Pd rather havejifty of them on my nose, Than one of your friendly but terrible blows." Let us always take heed, when we render a service, That we serve not our friend as the bear did the der- vise : Some ills had much better, we know, be endured, Than the pain, or the danger, of having them cured. FABLE VIII. THE CLOWN PRAYING TO HERCULES. An ancient Roman, you must know, (I think his name was Cicero,) Wishing to make his garden smarter, Bespoke some gravel of a carter; But that had many miles to come, To reach his seat at Tusculum ; 13 And then, beside all this, the way Was quite knee-deep in miry clay ; The horse was lame, the cart was crazy ; And, worse than all, the man was lazy. If so, you'll say, I am afraid That Tully's job will be delay 'd. Exactly so ; — the cart at length Was fix'd beyond the horse's strength : In vain the driver groan'd and grumbled, Down in the mud all fours he tumbled, And there for near an hour he lay ; Thought he, " To Hercules I'll pray, And this, I think, will do to say : " * O thou, who wrench'd the lion's jaws, Regardless of his teeth and claws ; Who drown'd the Hydra (if I'm right,) And Cerberus didst drag to light; Who flung the boar, and toss'd the bull Over thy shoulders, with a pull ; Captured the oxen ; Geryon slew, And Diomedes vanquished too ; Who caught the stag that ran so fast, And shot those birds of prey at last ; Who conquer'd those great amazons, And all the stables cleansed at once (Two thousand of them) ; and, I'm told, Procured the apples made of gold. O Hercules ! so strong thou art, Sure thou canst move this horse and cart.' " } 14 Scarce had he ceased, when rolling thunder Surprised this man with fear and wonder ; Then straight before his eyes he sees No less a form than Hercules, Who soon began in words like these : " You impious, idle,- lazy fellow ! How long will you lie there and bellow ? Disturbing my immortal neighbours With that long rig-me-roll of labours ! Think you, I'll help you with your load, While you lie sprawling on the road? Apply your shoulders to the wheel, Nor idly thus before me kneel ; Then, should the task too mighty prove, I may assist you with a shove ; But those who indolent remain, May roar for help, but roar in vain." } This is the moral of the fable, To help yourself if you are able. 15 FABLE IX. THE LION AND THE ASS. In the clays of old Esop, it once came to pass That a lion saw fit to make friends with an ass ; r For," said he, " I well know, by myself, he can bray In such style as to strike all the beasts with dismay." " Now you take the rear, I'll proceed to the van," Said the lion, " then make the worst noise that you can ; They'll be seized with a panic, I have not a doubt, Which will end in their total dispersion and route." So the ass bray'd a tune which he thought would succeed, When the cattle made off with incredible speed ; Then the lion fell on them and made them his prey : " Only think," said the donkey, " how well I can bray." " Well," said he to the lion, "pray how did it do ?" | Indeed," said that beast, " Sir, you frighten'd me too ; And, had I not known it before, 1 protest, I, myself, should have run with all speed, like the rest." Some folks think their failings for merits will pass Though none will think so, I admit, but an ass. 16 FABLE X. THE DOG INVITED TO DINNER. A gentleman, (a friend of mine,) Invited sundry folks to dine ; I cannot tell you who, because I was not there ; but some one was, Who, when return'd, with ready pen Recorded that which happen'd then. It seems this circumstance occur'd ; — The dog, the orders overheard, For game and fish, and butcher's meat, And much beside, — a royal treat. So finding mighty preparations, The dog ask'd one of his relations; He thought it was, and so do I, A lucky opportunity. This dog arrived, was usher'd in, Where charming things were smelt and seen ; The meat while raw so tempting look'd, They wish'd it were not to be cook'd ; Though then they might have thought it nice, But for the pepper and the spice : Yet as it might be underdone, And some have pepper, some have none, 17 'Twixt venison, mutton, beef, and veal, They doubted not to make a meal. But woe befel the luckless cur ; Whence some disaster, you'll infer. The cook, you see, who chanced to find him, Turn'd round, and softly crept behind him ; Then took a leg in either hand, All which you clearly understand ; And bore the inverted, howling beast Far from the kitchen and the feast ; Then from the window to the yard Was thrown the dog, who thought it hard. 'Twas bad enough to break his bones, By falling headlong on the stones ; But this, though bad, was not the worst That yet remains to be rehearsed ; For all the dogs and cats, he knew, Press'd round with friendly " hoxv cfye do?" " Do ! " said our hero, somewhat gruff, " What do you mean ? I'm well enough." " We're glad to hear it, sir," said they, " How did you like your dinner, pray ? " " Dinner !" said he, — " I only wish All you could taste that charming dish ; In truth so much I ate and drank, I must acknowledge, to be frank, 18 I was so sadly overcome, I scarce know how I left the room." Thus disappointment and confusion Reward an impudent intrusion. FABLE XI. THE EAGLE AND THE CROW. An eagle descending one day from the skies, Seized a lamb in his talons, and made him his prize: Then spreading his pinions abroad to the gale, Bore his prey through the air with a dignified sail. " That was very well done," thought a crow, " I confess ; Yet I can perform it still better, I guess : " So saying, she dropp'd on the back of a lamb, But " alas ! " thought the crow, " what a blockhead lam!" For her feet were entangled so fast in the fleece, That she neither could rise nor obtain her release; So instead of her taking the lamb, you must know, The lamb, with great ease, ran away with the croia. The Eagle fe the Crow. The Mouse & the Weasel . 19 When little folks try with the great to compare, They soon show their neighbours how little they are, FABLE XII. THE MOUSE AND THE WEASEL. Of a mouse I have read, who so poorly was fed, That her person quite dwindled away ; I Until being so thin, through a crack she squeezed in To some corn, where she feasted all day. When no more she could eat, she essay'd to retreat, But how was she shock'd to discern That her bulk had increas'd, by the means of her feast, To a size that forbad her return ! So she scrambled about; but she could not get out ; Said a weazel, " Your hurry I blame ; This advice I would tender : — first starve yourself slender, And then you may go as you came." This mouse, it is frankly confess'd, might be needy, But that's no excuse for her being so greedy : If less she had eaten, no doubt, through the crack Which she enter'd so freely, she might have got back. £0 FABLE XIII. THE GRAPES ARE SOUR. A monkey some charming ripe grapes once espied, Which how to obtain, was the query ; For up to a trellis, so high they were tied, That he jump'd till he made himself weary. So finding, at last, they were out of his power, Said he, " Let them have them who will : I see that they're green, and don't doubt that they're sour, And fruit that's unripe makes me ill." Those will ne'er be believed by the world, it is plain, Who pretend to dislike what they cannot obtain. FABLE XIV. THE ASS IN THE LION'S SKIN. An ass, who imagined his virtues neglected, And saw that his talents were little respected ; Supposing folks judged of his worth by his skin 5 Resolv'd the first good one he saw to creep in. ■ Tlie Monkey & Grap e s Tne Ass in the Lions sMn, 21 Soon after he found the fine coat of a lion ; j| O ! this," thought the ass, " by all means I will try jiVhich at last he contriv'd to throw over his shoulders ; I Now," said he, " with what awe shall I strike all beholders !" I Then he went to a pond, to survey himself in it, And when he had stay'd to adjust it a minute, Had had the last look, and felt sure it would do, To his neighbours he hasted, to make his debut. (e Dear ! now," said the beast, " how provoking it is, ;>Tot a soul's to be seen such a fine day as this !" —I wish, though, it would not hang over one's eyes ; ! must try to procure one that's nearer my size." Just after he met a stray pig in the road, So he look'd as terrific and fierce as he could ; But instead of his showing the smallest dismay, ^The pig only grunted, and kept on his way. He next saw a fox, and, to fright him the more, ^e tried, when they met, like a lion to roar : I s Ah ! " said Reynard, " thinjk not for a lion to pass, liVhile you act like a donkey, and bray like an ass." Vulgar people well drest will be sure to be known ; For the moment they speak, their vulgarity's shown. FABLE XV. THE MAN WHO HAD TRAVELLED. A man who had travell'd, his story unraveled, And strange were the things he related ; Till his hearers began to discredit the man ; For they were with his miracles sated. So he rack'd his invention, to keep their attention, And at last he declar'd to them all That he leap'd from the dome of St. Peter's at Rome, Without being hurt by his fall. " For," said he, " when at Rhodes, I conform'd to their modes, And in leaping became so expert, That now should they toss us clean o'er the Colossus, I am certain I should not be hurt ! " This, all were agreed, was surprising indeed, Provided the whole were authentic ; Then the truth to confirm, he employ'd ev'ry term In Sheridan, Johnson, or EnticL " But, good sir," said a friend, " all our scruples must end, If you would but just leap from that steeple;" The Man wlio liad Travelled. Tlie Dog- & tlie Wolf. ut our hero thought fit, at that hint to retreat From a pack of incredulous people. /hen people assert an achievement expert, \ And have only assertions to show it ; 'here is ground to suspect that they are not correct ; [ The best proof of all is to do it. FABLE XVI. THE DOG AND THE WOLF. A wolf there was, whose scanty fare Had made his person lean and spare : A dog there was, so amply fed, His sides were plump and sleek, 'tis said. The wolf once met this prosp'rous cur, And thus began :— " Your servant, sir ; I'm pleased to see you look so well, Though how it is I cannot tell ; I have not broke my fast to-day ; Nor have I, I'm concern'd to say, One one in store or expectation, And that I call a great vexation." " Indeed it is," the dog replied ; " I know no ill so ^reat beside ; 24 But if you do not like to be So poorly fed, come live with me." " Agreed," rejoin'd the wolf, " I'll go ; But pray what work am I to do ?" " O, guard the house, and do not fail To bark at thieves, and wag your tail." So off they jogg'd, and soon arrived, At where the friendly mastiff lived, " Well," said the wolf, " I can't deny You have a better house than I." " Not so," the other then replied, " If you with me will hence abide." " O !" said the wolf, " how kind you are ! But what d'ye call that, hanging there ? Is it an iron chain, or what ? " " Friend," said the dog, " I quite forgot To mention that : — sometimes, you see, They hook that little chain to me ; But it is only meant to keep Us dogs from walking in our sleep, And should you wear it, you would find, It's nothing that you need to mind." " I'll take your word," the wolf replied, It's truth by me shall ne'er be tried ; I'll have my liberty again, And you your collar and your chain." TTie Ghamelion 25 Our neighbours sometimes seem to be A vast deal better off than we ; Yet seldom 'tis they really are, Since they have troubles too to bear, Which, if the truth were really known, Are quite as grievous as our own. FABLE XVII. THE HERDSMAN. A herdsman, who lived at a time and a place Which, should you not know, is but little disgrace, Discover'd one morning, on counting his stock, That a sheep had been stolen that night from the flock. 1 0, I wish I had caught ye, 'whoever ye he, I'd have soon let you know, I'd have soon let you see,. jl What ye had to expect," said the herdsman, " I trow; But I've thought of a scheme that will trouble you now." So what did he do, sir, but put up a board, Describing the theft, and proposed a reward Of a lamb, to the man who would give information Concerning the thief, and his true designation. 26 The project succeeded ; for quickly there came Some half dozen neighbours, demanding the lamb ; " But tell me the thief? " said the herdsman, " at least " Come hither," said they, " and we'll show you tl beast." " The beast ! " said the rustic, who thought 1 should die on The spot, when he found that the thief was a lion ! " 111 luck to my hurry ! what now shall I do ? I promised a lamb to detect you, 'tis true ; But now I'd consent all my substance to pay, If I could but with safety get out of your way." Silly people ask things that would ruin, if sent; They demand them in haste, and at leisure repent. FABLE XVIII. THE CHAMELEON. Two friends, B and A, were disputing, one day, On a creature they'd both of them seen ; But who would suppose the debate that arose Was whether 'twas scarlet or green. 27 Said B, " If you're right, I will own black is white, Or that two, with two added, make eight ;" " And so will I too," replied A, " when you show That that creature is green, as you state." " Sir, it was, I maintain ; I affirm it again ; Am I not to believe my own eyes ? " " It was not," replied A, " it was scarlet, I say, Which none but a madman denies." Then said C, " My good fellow, you'll find it is yellow ; You surely have never been near it :" " That cannot be true, for I'm certain 'twas blue," Said another who happen'd to hear it. I !" said D, " it's absurd ! if you'll credit my word, The creature was brown as a berry :" I Not brown, sir," said Jack, " when I saw it, 'twas black ;" Then the neighbours began to be merry. I Come," said E, " hold your tongue, you are all of you wrong, Or, at least, you are none of you right:" Then a box he display'd, where the creature was laid, When this marvellous lizard was white ! c 2 28 " Good people," said I, " a chameleon's dye, He can change any colour to suit; Now if this had been known, all must candidly own, You would not have commenced the dispute." This great altercation show'd small information, As such disputes constantly do ; For ignorant minds, one most commonly finds, Are excessively positive too. FABLE XIX. THE BOYS AND THE FROGS. Some boys, beside a pond or lake, Were playing once at duck and drake ; When, doubtless, to their hearts content, Vollies of stones were quickly sent. But there were some (there will be such) Who did not seem amused so much ; These were the frogs, to whom the game, In point of sport, was not the same. For scarce a stone arrived, 'tis said, But gave some frog a broken head ; Tlie Boys & the Frog's The Horse & the As s 29 And scores, in less than half an hour, Perish'd beneath the dreadful shower. At last, said one, " Young folks, I say, Do fling your stones another way; Tho' sport to you, to throw them thus, Remember, pray, 'tis death to us!" From hence this moral may be learn'd Let play be play to all concern d. FABLE XX. THE HORSE AND THE ASS. A horse, and a donkey, once met on the road: I Dear me !" said the former, " you've got a great load; I'm really concern'd at your case from my heart." I Why then," thought the ass, " don't you carry a part?" At last, said the donkey, " Come, neighbour, I say, Won't you lend me a hand with my burden to-day ? I'll carry the panniers, if you'll take the sack; If you'll stop, I can hitch it just on to your back." 30 " Not so," said the horse, " for should that come to pass, Your owner, I'm certain, would think me an ass ; And sooner I'd bear any load he could pile, Than a name so contemptible, vulgar, and vile." The ass gave a look, but she nothing replied; For she fell to the earth with her burden, and died ; So the man coming up when he saw the ass fall, Made the horse carry donkey, sack, panniers, and all. We had best with good-will help our neighbours in trouble, Nor be forced to comply when the labour is double. FABLE XXI. MERCURY AND THE SCULPTOR. We've often made the beasts and birds To speak their minds, and utter words ; So sure 'twill make but little odds To introduce the heathen gods ; And if the fable's understood, I think you'll say the moral's good ; But should you not approve the same, Esop, not I, must bear the blame. Mercury & the Sculptor. The Bull k the Knat 31 Mercury, wishing much to know How he was liked by men below, Disguised himself in shape of man, As well we know such beings can ; And to a sculptor's shop descended, Where statues of the gods were vended : There Jupiter and Juno stood, In bronze, in marble, and in wood : Mars and Minerva richly drest, And Mercury amongst the rest. " Then," said he to the sculptor, " Sir, Pray what's the price of Jupiter?" The sum was named without delay : " And what d'ye ask for Juno, pray ?" " A trifle more," the man replied, " She's more esteem'd than most beside i" " And what for that upon the shelf?" Said Mercury, nodding at himself. " O !" said the man, " his worth is small; I never charge for him at all ; But when the other gods are bought, I always give him in for nought." You ask me what I think of you, — You're foolish and conceited too : No persons thus for praise will seek But those who are both vain and weak. FABLE XXII. THE BULL AND THE GNAT. On the horn of a bullock, alighted a gnat ; To which it is likely you'll say, " What of that?" I'll tell you : this insect thought he was so great, That the beast must be weary with bearing his weight. " I'm afraid that my pressure disturbs you," said he, " You must feel much oppress'd by a person like me ; But if for five minutes you'll let me remain, 1*11 remove to some tree which my weight can sustain." " Sit still and be quiet, I pray," said the beast, " Your weight does not burden my neck in the least ; Indeed I knew not of your coming, and so Shall not miss you whene'er you think proper to go." 'Tis the most insignificant persons, we see, Who suppose themselves folks of importance to be. FABLE XXIII. THE COCK AND THE JEWEL. A cock there was : — a sage was he (If Esop we may trust), Who wish'd to make a meal, you see, As other sages must. The Cock & the Jewel The Man & the Lion, With this intent, as heretofore, When on the hunt for grain ; Our hero scratch'd the litter o'er With all his might and main. But scarce a minute had he scratch'd, When, to his great surprise, A gem, with golden chain attach'd, He saw with both his eyes. " Alack ! " quoth he, " what have we here ? A diamond, I protest ! Which lords and ladies buy so dear, And hold in such request." " But one good barley-corn to me Has more intrinsic worth, Than all the pearls now in the sea, Or gold now in the earth." The moral here in Esop's mind Was this, there's not a doubt; Things have most value, which we find We cannot do without. c5 34. FABLE XXIV. THE MAN AND THE LION. A man and a lion once had a dispute, Which was reckon'd the greatest, the man or the brute; The lion discoursed on his side at some length, And greatly enlarged on his courage and strength. The man, one would think, had enough to reply On his side the question, which none could deny ; But like many others who make a pretence, He talk'd perfect nonsense, and thought it was sense. " So,'j said he, " don't be prating, — look yonder, I P^y, At that sculpture of marble, now what will you say ? " The lion is vanquish'd ; but as for the man He is striding upon him ; deny it who can. " But pray," said the lion, " who sculptured that stone ?" " One of us," said the man, " I must candidly own ;" " But when tve are sculptors," the other replied, " You'll then on the man see the lion astride." The man might have added, if he had been wise, " But a beast cannot sculpture a stone, if he tries" Tlie Two Frogs The Fox & tlie Crane. 35 FABLE XXV. THE TWO FROGS. The day was hot, — the heat was dire, Enough to make a post perspire : The ponds were empty, pumps were dry, The ducks were thirsty? so was I. Two frogs resolved, (quite right, I think) To take a tour in search of drink ; And long they sped them on their way, And many a dangerous leap had they. But there appear'd a well at length, Which both approach'd with failing strength ; But when they gave an anxious peep, Alas ! 'twas twenty fathoms deep ! " Well," said the youngest, "let's descend ;" " No," said the other, " youthful friend ; For should the water dry here too, I ask thee what we then should do." Deep was the well, — not quite so deep Our moral lies,—" look ere you leap!' 36 FABLE XXVI. THE FOX AND THE CRANE. " I certainly think," said a fox to a crane, " That face, ma'am, of yours is remarkably plain ; That beak that you wear is so frightful a feature, It makes you appear a most singular creature." The crane, much offended at what she had heard, March'd off at full speed, without saying a word ; " Oh dear ! " said the fox, " Mrs. Crane, I protest " You misunderstood me — 'twas only in jest." " Come, don't be affronted—- stay with me and dine ; You know very well 'tis this temper of mine To say such odd things to my intimate friends; But you know that poor Reynard no mischief intends." . So the crane thought it best not to break with the fox, But to take his remarks as an odd fellow's jokes ; So she put on as pleasant a face as she could When he ask'd her to dine, and replied that she would. But alas ! she perceived that his jokes were not over, When Reynard removed from the victuals its cover ; 'Twas neither game, butcher's meat, chicken, nor fish; But plain gravy-soup, in a broad shallow dish. 87 Now this the fox lapp'd with his tongue very quick, While the crane could scarce dip in the point of her beak; " You make a poor dinner," said he, to his guest, I dear ! by no means," said the bird, " I protest." But the crane ask'd the fox, on a subsequent day, When nothing, it seems, for their dinner had they But some minced meat served up in a narrow neck'd jar ; Too long, and too narrow, for Reynard by far. " You make a poor dinner, I fear," said the bird; i Why, I think," said the fox, " 'twould be very absurd To deny what you say ; yet I cannot complain, But confess, though a fox, that I'm match'd by a crane." Cunning folks who play tricks which good manners condemn, May find their own tricks play'd again upon them. FABLE XXVII. THE TRAVELLER AND THE SATYR. A luckless wight, in winter's snow, Travelling once a forest through : Cold and hungry, tired and wet, Began in words like these to fret ; 38 u Oh ! what a sharp inclement day ! And what a dismal, dreary way 1 No friendly cot, no cheering fields, No food this howling forest yields ; I've nought in store or expectation ; There's nought before me but starvation." " Not quite so bad," a voice replied; Quickly the traveller turn'd aside, And saw the satyr of the wood, Who close beside his dwelling stood. " Here is my cave hard by," said he, " Walk in, you're welcome, pray be free." The traveller did not hesitate. Hoping for something good to eat, But followed to his heart's content, Blowing his fingers as he went. " Pray," said the satyr, " may I know, " For what you blow your fingers so ? " " What ! need you," said the man, " be told ! To warm my fingers, numb'd with cold." " Indeed!" w r as all his host replied, Intent some pottage to provide, Which heated well, with spice infused, Was to his shivering guest produced : The Traveller k the Satyr. The Travellers & the Purse. 39 So hot it was, as Esop sung, It made our traveller scald his tongue ; And wishing not again to do it, Our hero could not wait, but blew it. " What! " said his host, in accent rough, »" Is not your pottage hot enough ? " " Yes," said the man, " full well I know it, 'Tis far too hot, that's why I blow it." " You artful villain ! do you so ? " His host replied, with angry brow ; My cave shall not a moment hold A man that blows both hot and cold ! By none but rogues can that be done: You double dealing wretch, begone!" The trav'ller scarce deserved such wrath, For warming fingers — cooling broth. No statutes old or new forbid it, Although with the same mouth he did it; Yet this beware of, old and young, What Esop meant — a double tongue; Which flatters now with civil clack, And slanders soon behind one's back. 40 FABLE XXVIII. THE TRAVELLERS AND THE PURSE. Two friends once were walking in sociable chat, When a purse one espied on the ground ; " Well ! come," said he, " thank my good fortune fo that, What a large sum of money I've found ! " " Nay, do not say J," said his friend, " for you knov Tis but justice to share it with me;" " I share it with you ! " said the other, " How so ? He v/ho found it, the owner should be." " Be it so," said his friend, " but what sound do '. hear ? 1 Stop thief! ' one is calling to you ; He comes with a constable close in the rear !" Said the other, " Oh ! what shall we do! " " Nay, do not say we," said his friend, " for you know You claim'd the sole right to the prize ; And since all the money was taken by you, With you the dishonesty lies." When people are selfish, dishonest, and mean, Their nature, in dealing, will quickly be seen. 41 the business in question be pleasure or profit, len each thinks of course he should have the whole of it; I :t if it should happen 'tis danger or toil, ! en indeed they will vote for dividing the spoil. FABLE XXIX. THE MOUTH AND THE LIMBS. In days of yore, they say, 'twas then When all things spoke their mind ; The arms and legs of certain men, To treason felt inclined. These arms and legs together met, As snugly as they could. With knees and elbows, hands and feet, In discontented mood. Said they, " 'Tis neither right nor fair, Nor is there any need, To labour with such toil and care, The greedy mouth to feed." " This we're resolved no more to do, Though we so long have done it ;" " Ah ! " said the knees and elbows too, " And we are bent upon it." 42 " I," said the tongue, " may surely speak, Since his inmate I am ; And for his vices while you seek, His virtues I'll proclaim." " You say the mouth embezzles all The fruit of your exertion ; But I on this assembly call To prove the base assertion." " The food which you with labour gain, He too with labour chews ; Nor does he long the food retain, But gives it for your use." " But he his office has resign'd To whom you may prefer ; He begs you therefore now to find Some other treasurer." " Well, be it so," they all replied; " His wish shall be obey'd ; We think the hands may now be tried As treasurers in his stead." The hands with joy to this agreed, And all to them was paid; But they the treasure kept indeed, And no disbursements made. 43 Once more the clam'rous members met, A lean and hungry throng ; When all allow'd, from head to feet, That what they'd done was wrong. To take his office once again, The mouth they all implored ; Who soon accepted it, and then Health was again restored. The mouth has claims of large amount From arras, legs, feet, and hands ; But let them not, on that account, Pay more than it demands. FABLE XXX. THE CONCEITED CUR. Ave read in a book of a mischievous dog, und whose neck there was fasten'd a large wooden log, ?or reasons I need not declare ; t not seeming to know for what purpose 'twas made, i ran to his friends and acquaintance, and said, * See, what a smart collar I wear!" 44 " We see it distinctly," a mastiff replied ; " But strongly advise you the honour to hide, Which is what we should certainly do ; For instead of exciting the smallest respect, It strongly implies, when we come to reflect, That you've had a sound horse-whipping too. I will not affirm that I ever have known Any lad not ashamed his fool's-cap should be showr] Yet many there are that with ease could be named, W T ho can show their/ooZ's tricks without feeling ashanj FABLE XXXI. THE HARE AND THE TORTOISE. Said a hare to a tortoise, " Good sir, what a while You have been only crossing the way ; Why I really believe that to go half a mile, You must travel two nights and a day. " I am very contented," the creature replied, " Though I walk but a tortoise's pace ; But if you think proper the point to decide, We will run half a mile in a race." P-44- The Hare & the Tortoise. The Honest Woodman 45 jry good," said the hare; said the tortoise, " pro-, ceed, nd the fox shall decide who has won ;" a the hare started off with incredible speed; at the tortoise walk'd leisurely on. ime, tortoise, friend tortoise, walk on," said the hare, ♦Well, I shall stay here for my dinner ; r 'twill take you a month, at that rate, to get there, den how can you hope to be winner?" the tortoise could hear not a word that she said, e was such a great distance behind ; he hare felt secure whilst at leisure she fed, nd took a sound nap when she'd dined. t last this slow walker came up with the hare, nd there fast asleep did he spy her ; i he cunningly crept with such caution and care, tiat she woke not, although he pass'd by her. ell now," thought the hare, when she open'd her eyes, For the race, — and I soon shall have done it ;" who can describe her chagrin and surprise, r hen she found that the tortoise had won it ! s plain plodding people, we often shall find, , leave hasty confident people behind. 46 FABLE XXXII. THE HONEST WOODMAN. A certain man— excuse, I pray, Commencing in the dog-trot way,, For what, I ask, am I to do When Esop does not tell me who ? — This man, with many a hearty stroke, Was cutting down an ancient oak ; When as he smote, his axe's head Far from its handle quickly sped, And, to the woodman's great dismay, Into the river found its way. " Now tell us why," the rustic cried, " Ye could not on the stick abide ? You surely might have stay'd with me At least till I had felPd the tree." Thus did the man his thoughts express, And sat him down in great distress; But had not long reclined himself, When there appear'd a sprightly elf, Who ask'd the reason of his grief, And promised also quick relief. The man explain'd, the sprite withdrew, Intent his magic power to shew ; Forthwith he dived beneath the stream, Full many a fathom, to redeem 47 This woodman's hatchet, — but behold ! He found one made of solid gold ! r Is this the tool you lost ? " said he, " O no, that ne'er belong'd to me," The man replied : " Then/' said the sprite, I I'll try again to get the right." i Once more he plunged: once more emerged, And now a silver hatchet urged On our poor rustic; but the clown !Too honest was e'en that to own ; I Well," said the fairy, " I'll persist Till I procure the one you miss'd." Again withdrawn, again return'd, The man with joy his axe discern'd. Said he, " Thou art a friend in need, iThis is my very tool indeed !" i Pray take it then," the elf replied, And gave the other two beside ; But ere the man found what to say, iThe friendly sprite had flown away. Mean while the man neglected not To tell his neighbours what he'd got ; " Well," said a friend, " if that be true, I'll go and try what / can do." Then to the place an axe he took, And soon he dropt it in the brook ; Then sat him down to mourn the same, When, as before, the fairy came ; 48 Who, finding how the matter stood, Brought a gold hatchet from the flood ; Then ask'd the man if that were his : " O yes I" said he, " indeed it is: That is the very selfsame hatchet:" Then tried with eager haste to snatch it. But ere the gold was grasp'd by him, The sprite return'd it to the stream. " Oh !" said the rustic, " woe is me! I ne'er again that axe shall see !" " Nor yet your own" rejoin'd the elf, " Unless you make a plunge yourself." A maxim I shall now rehearse, Which suits exactly with my verse ; That honesty is found to be The best and wisest policy : Although the crafty man disdains The honest man, as wanting brains. The Crow Sz the Pitcher, The Yo 11112; Mouse. 49 FABLE XXXIII. ! THE CHOW AND THE PITCHER. You must know, that a crow Felt inclined, when she'd dined, ] For some drink, being thirsty and hot ; ut puddle or poo], her fever to cool, 'Within twenty miles there was not. Then said she, " Woe is me 1 Surely I must soon die," When lo ! she espied at a distance jj pitcher or jug, alias pipkin or mug, I Which promised the needed assistance. " A propos" said the crow, " Now I think I shall drink, And I shall be there in a minute ;" ut alas ! for the bird, — still her draught was deferr'd, ! For scarcely a cup-full was in it. " How provoking ! I'm choaking!" Said she ; " but let's see ! r Sure I've thought of a project to gain it ; ;9th stones from my bill, the deep jug I will fill, ben the water will rise, till my thirst it supplies." —She did so, and so did obtain it. 50 Had this two-legg'd thing been as stupid as many, Though dying for drink she would not have got any. FABLE XXXIV. THE YOUNG MOUSE, In a crack near a cupboard, with dainties provided, A certain young mouse with her mother resided ; So securely they lived on that fortunate spot, Any mouse in the land might have envied their lot. But one day this young mouse, who was given to roam Having made an excursion some way from her home, On a sudden return'd, with such joy in her eyes, That her grey, sedate parent express'd some surprise, " mother I" said she, " the good folks of tlii house, Fm convinced, have not any ill-will to a mouse, And those tales can't be true which you always ar telling ; For they've been at the pains to construct us a dwelling ** The floor is of wood, and the walls are of wires, Exactly the size that one's comfort requires ; And I'm sure that we there should have nothing to feai If ten cats with their kittens at once should appear. 51 u And then they have made such nice holes in the wall. One could slip in and out with no trouble at all ; But forcing one through such rough crannies as these, Always gives one's poor ribs a most terrible squeeze. " But the best of all is, they've provided us well, With a large piece of cheese of most exquisite smell ; 'Twas so nice, I had put my head in to go through, When I thought it my duty to come and fetch you." " Ah child!" said her mother, " believe, I entreat, Both the cage and the cheese are a horrible cheat : Do not think all that trouble they took for our good ; They would catch us, and hill us all there, if they could, As they've caught and kilPd scores ; and I never could learn, I That a mouse, who once enter'd, did ever return !" Let the young people mind what the old people say, And when danger is near them, keep out of the way. P 2 52 FABLE XXXV. THE TOAD AND THE FLY. When Cadmus lived, in days of yore, Three thousand years ago or more- Retired within a shady grot, There lived a toad — deny it not, Who, thoughtful, sleepy, or sedate, Pass'd years away in lonely state. At last he slept, as it should seem, Beside a petrifying stream, Which ere he woke to find it out, With stone enclosed him, round about; So tightly fitted to his shape, He could not stretch, nor even gape. — O ! had he known, ere his repose, How many years he had to doze, No doubt he would have settled all His worldly matters, great and small ; Nor left his children fighting battles About his sundry goods and chattels ; Who knew not (pardon this digression) Whether they ought to take possession. Three thousand years had he to pass, Imbedded in the solid mass : Tlie Toad & the Fly. Tlie Milkmaid 53 (I hope this messuage of stone, Was rent free all this time, I own.) However, not a year ago, It seems this block was sawn in two ; When, to the workman's great surprise, The drowsy reptile met their eyes, Who issued, from his durance freed, A venerable toad indeed. Then crowds drew near from far to see This remnant of antiquity, Who, fully conscious of the fact, Their utmost homage did exact. It happen'd then, there came that way, A fly that only lives a day ; Who thinking it was rather odd, Such rev'rence should be paid a toad, First ask'd the reason of the fuss, And then address'd the reptile thus : " And so," said he, " I find it's true, This world's but twice as old as you ; A poor ephemeron am I, This day was born, this day must die ; Yet I maintain, say what you will, My life has been the longest still." " What!" said the toad, with angry hiss, " D'ye mean by such a speech as this?" 54 " Sir," said the fly, with ready breath, u Sleep is another kind of death ; You?' days, though more than I can number, You've spent in one continued slumber 5 My life, though short it is, I own, Has never once a slumber known : — I do not reckon in the term While I remain'd a torpid worm ; Nor you the time you must have dozed Ere stone around you could have closed ; Nor when one's half asleep you see, Which you at present seem to be ; But when one's broad awake, you know, And doing what one has to do, As has this very day been done By me, a poor ephemeron ; Which single day, it hence appears, Exceeds your long three thousand years," I'd further add, the sense to fix, Lie not till nine, but rise at six ; The longer you can keep awake, The longer you your life will make. 55 FABLE XXXVI. THE MILKMAID, A milkmaid, who poized a full pail on her head, Thus mused on her prospects in life, it is said : Let's see — I should think that this milk will procure One hundred good eggs, or fourscore, to be sure." " Well then — stop a bit ; — it must not be forgotten, some of these may be broken, and some may be rotten; 3ut if twenty for accidents should be detach'd, t will leave me just sixty sound eggs to be hatch'd. " Well, sixty sound eggs— no; sound chickens, I mean ; )f these some may die : — we'll suppose seventeen, — seventeen ! — not so many.— say ten at the most, Vhich will leave fifty chickens to boil or to roast. " But then there's their barley : how much will they need? Vhy they take but one grain at a time when they feed, !o that's a mere trifle : — now then, let us see, it a fair market price, how much money there'll be ? " Six shillings a pair— five— four— three-and-six, 'o prevent all mistakes, that low price I will fix ; fow what will that make ?— -fifty chickens, I said, ifty times three-and-sixpence— I'll ask brother Ne4 56 " O i but stop— three-and-sixpenee a pair I must sell 'em ; Well, a pair is a couple — now then let us tell 'em; A couple in fifty will go— (my poor brain !) "Why just a score times, and five pair will remain. " Twenty-five pair of fowls— now how plaguesome it is, That I can't reckon up as much money as this ! Well- there's no use in trying : so let's give a guess; I will say twenty pounds, and it can't It no less. " Twenty pounds, I am certain, will buy me a cow, Thirty geese, and two turkeys—eight pigs and a sow; Now if these turn out well, at the end of the year, I shall fill both my pockets with guineas 'tis clear. " Then I'll bid that old tumble-down hovel good- bye ; My mother she'll scold, and my sisters they'll cry : But I won't care a crow's egg for all they can say ; I sha'n't go to stop with such beggars as they !" But forgetting her burden, when this she had said, The maid superciliously toss'd up her head : When alas! for her prospects — her milk-pail descended! And so all her schemes for the future were ended. This moral, I think, may be safely attach'd ; Reckon not on your chickens before they are hatch'd. The Larh & her Young Ones The Philosopher 8b the Acorn. £7 FABLE XXXVII. THE LARK AND HER YOUNG ONES. A lark who had her nest conceal'd, Says Msop, in a barley field ; Began, as harvest time drew near, The reaping of the corn to fear : Afraid they would her nest descry, Before her tender brood could fly. She charged them therefore ev'ry day, Before for food she flew away, To watch the farmer in her stead, And listen well to all he said. It chanced one day, she scarce was gone, Ere came the farmer, and his son. The farmer well his field survey 'd, And sundry observations made : At last, " I'll tell you what," said he, " This corn is fit to cut, I see ; But we our neighbours' help must borrow, So tell them we begin to-morrow." Just after this the lark retum'd, When from her brood this news she learn'd. " Ah ! dearest mother," then said they " Pray let us all be gone to-day," d5 m u My dears/' said she, " you need not fret ; I shall not be uneasy yet; Tor if he waits for neighbours' aid, The business long will be delay'd," At dawn she left her nest once more, And charged her young ones as before. At five the farmer came again, And waited for his friends in vain. " Well," said the man, " I fancy, son, These friends we can't depend upon ; To-morrow early mind you go And let our own relations know." Again the lark approach'd her nest, When round her all her young ones prest. And told their mother, word for word, The fresh intelligence they'd heard. " Ah 1 children, be at ease," said she ; " We're safe another day, I see ; For these relations, you will find, Just like his friends, will stay behind." At dawn again the lark withdrew, And did again her Charge renew. S9 Once more the farmer early came, And found the case was just the same ; The clay advanced, the sun was high ; But not a single help drew nigh. Then said the farmer, " Hark-ye, son— - I see this job will not be done, While thus we wait for friends and neighbours ; So you and I'll commence our labours : To-morrow early we'll begin Ourselves, and get our harvest in." " Now," said the lark, when this she'd heard, " Our movement must not be deferr'd ; For if the farmer and his son Themselves begin, 'twill soon be done." The morrow proved the lark was right ; For all was cut and housed by night. Hence, while we wait for others' aid, Our business needs must be delay'd ; Which might be done with half the labour 'Twould take to go and call a neighbour. 60 FABLE XXXVIII. THE PHILOSOPHER AND THE ACORN. A philosopher, proud of his wit and his reason, Sat him under an oak in a hot summer season. On the oak grew an acorn or two, it is said : On the ground grew a pumpkin as big as his head. Thought the sage, " What's the reason this oak is so strong A few acorns to bear that are scarce an inch long ; While this poor feeble plant has a weight to sustain, "Which had much better hang on the tree, it is plain ?" But just at the time the philosopher spoke, An acorn dropt down on his head from the oak; Then said he, who just now thought his plan was so clever, il I am glad that this was not a pumpkin, however." The sage would no doubt have look'd grievously dull, Had a pumpkin descended with force on his skull. Of his folly then let us in future beware, And believe that such matters are best as tlie:/ arc : Leave the manners and customs of oak-trees alone, Of acorns, and pumpkins — and look to our own. 61 FABLE XXXIX, THE TWO CATS, Two cats or dogs, just which you please, Purloin'd a piece of Cheshire cheese ; But when to part the same they tried, They did not seem quite satisfied ; But after some small altercation, Referr'd the same to arbitration ; Entrusting to a monkey's paws, The whole disposal of their cause, " Now then," said he, with learned look, As in his hands the scales he took ; " You say these bits should weigh the same ; But one I see will kick the beam Unless I have a bit of t' other : — Dear me ! now this out-weighs the other. What shall I do ? — another bite Yet I must have to get them right. Hey day ! they are unequal yet! Well, I'll adjust them : do not fret," Said he, and bit another piece, From the small remnant of their cheese. " Hold I " said the cats, " good sir, refrain, And give us back our cheese again." . 62 " Not so," the learned judge replied, u Justice is not yet satisfied; A case of consequence, like this, I cannot in such haste dismiss ; Another piece from this must come To gain an equilibrium." Thus he the business did delay, Till scarce an ounce was left to weigh. Once more the cats, with hunger prest, Entreated him to spare the rest. " Friends," said the ape, " this piece of cheese Will barely pay the judge's fees ; " Who straight devour'd that morsel too, Dismissed the court, and then withdrew, From this I hope you'll plainly see, How much they lose who disagree ; You'd better take a portion small, Than go to law and lose it all. FABLE XL. THE WOLF AND THE CRANE, A wolf, once forgetting the size of his swallow, Tried to pass a large marrow-bone through it. "Oh dear!" said the beast, thinking death was to follow, " How careless and stupid to do it!" Tlie Two Cat The Wolf & the Crane. es His mouth was propp'd open by means of the bone, .nd his breathing was greatly impeded ; /hen a crane coming up, he contrived to make known /hat kind of assistance he needed. " How d'ye do I " said the bird ; said the beast, " Very ill, or a bone has gone down the wrong way ; iut if you can extract it by means of your bill, I'he service I'll amply repay." Thought the crane, " I'm no surgeon ; yet all must agree, hat my beak will make excellent forceps ; .nd as for the money, I do not now see /hy I need refuse taking his worship's." Said the bird, M It's agreed;" said his patient, " Proceed, .nd take the bone hence, I beseech;" /hich, after a while, and with infinite toil, he crane at last managed to reach. " Thank my stars ! " said the benst, from his terrors released, -" Thank you too, sir," said he to tlie bird : Alas !" said the crane, " what is thi§ Uiat you mean ? am waiting the promised reward," 64 Said the wolf, " You forget, I've contracted no debt, Since the service was render d by me ; Your head I released from the jaws of a beast, And now you're demanding a fee!'' Give your help to a wolf, if he beg for your aid, But you must not expect when you've done to be paid, FABLE XLI. THE FOX AND THE GOAT. A fox by chance, and not design, Into a well did tumble ; So it fell out, that he fell in, Which made poor Reynard grumble. A goat that wish'd to quench his thirst, Approach'd the well with haste ; But seeing the fox had got there first, Ask'd how he liked the taste. " How ?" said the fox, " these waters are Delicious, I assure ye 5 So wholesome too, that if you were Now dying, they would cure ye." p. Of. Tlie Fox & the Goat. Tlie Lame Man & the Blind. 65 Deceived by this vile fellow's clack, The silly goat descended ; So Reynard jumping on his back, Got out, as he intended. When we take the advice of a rogue, who can tell t 'twill end like the goat jumping into the well. FABLE XLII. THE LAME MAN AND THE BLIND. Two persons once met, in a dangerous place, hen each to the other thus open'd his case : id one, " Oh ! good Christian, do pray be so kind J to lend me your aid, for you see I am blind." Said the other, " Good Christian ! 'tis well that you came, 3 help me, I pray, for I'm dreadfully lame ! " 'Alas 1" said the blind, " what is now to be done ? [ can run, but can't see : you can see, but can't run." But at last added he—" 'Tell you what, honest friend ; will borrow your eyes, but my legs I will lend ;" 66 So the cripple consented, and got on his back, And thus both with safety continued their track, By this fable you see we've endeavour'd to show, What a little good-natured contrivance can do. FABLE XLIII. THE FOX AND THE HEN. A hungry fox, in quest of prey, Into an out-house found his way, When looking round with skilful search, He 'spied a hen upon the perch. Thought Reynard, (i What's the reason why They place her on a roost so high . ? I know not what the use can be, Unless it's out of spite to me." As thus he thought, the hen awoke, When thus to her sly Reynard spoke. " Dear madam, I'm concern'd to hear, You've been unwell for half a year ; p. 66. The Fox 5b the Hen. Tlie Tortoise. 67 I could not quell my strong desire After your welfare to inquire ; But pray come down and take the air ; You'll ne'er get well while sitting there ; I'm sure it will not hurt your cough, —Do give me leave to help you off." " I thank you, sir," the hen replied, r I'd rather on my roost abide ; 'Tis true enough, I've been unwell, i And am so now, the truth to tell ; And I'm so nervous, you must know, ! I dare not trust myself below, And therefore say to those who call, I see no company at all ; For from my perch should I descend, I'm certain in my death 'twould end ; As then, I know, without presumption, My cough would end in a consignation" Thus cunning people often find Their crafty overtures declined, By prudent people, whom they thought, For want of wit, would soon be caught. 68 FABLE XLIV. THE TORTOISE. Once a tortoise complain'd (though 'twas not much use), That he scarce could see over the back of a goose ; That his legs were so short, and his pace was so slou Of the world and its wonders he nothing could know So at last he determined to alter his lot, Or at least for a season to rise from that spot ; So he mention'd his thoughts to a bird that he knew, Who agreed to oblige him and give him a view. So this bird, and another, supported a stick, Which was not very heavy, or clumsy, or thick ; This the tortoise enclosed in his mouth very tight, While the birds soon ascended a wonderful height. But an eagle who chanced the strange creature see, Exclaim'd with amazement, " Pray who can that be : " O, the king of the tortoises ! do not you know him : Said they, " 'tis our honour his kingdom to show him Said the bird, " Ere I take that as true, I rau pause;" The tortoise impatient, then open'd his jaws The Dog of Reflection. TJie Travellers &J3ear. 69 infirm his new title, when straight he descended! journey, and reign, and. existence were ended! far had the tortoise to fall, they relate, he'd time while descending to muse on his fate. !" thought he, " thus I pay for my foolish ambi- tion, ib would not be content with a humble condition ; imight have hung safely, I cannot deny, my mouth not been open'd to utter a lie. 9 ' FABLE XLV. THE DOG OF REFLECTION. p growing thinner, for want of a dinner, ce purloin'd him a joint from a tray; w happy I am, with this shoulder of lamb !" ought the cur as he trotted away. le way that he took, lay just over a brook, iiich he found it was needful to cross ; ithout more ado, he plunged in to go through, t dreaming of danger or loss. 'hat should appear, in this rivulet clear, he thought upon coolest reflection, 70 But a cur like himself, who with ill-gotten pelf, Had run off in that very direction. Thought the dog, apropos ! but that instant let gC (As he snatch'd at this same water spaniel) The piece he possess'd :— so with hunger distress'd He slowly walk'd home to his kennel. Hence, when we are needy, don't let us be greedy (Excuse me this lin§ of digression,) Lest in snatching at all,, like the dog, we let fall The good that we have in possession. 1 FABLE XL VI. THE TRAVELLERS AND BEAR. Two travelers one morning set out from their li It might be from Sparta, from Athens, or Rome ; It matters not which, but agreed, it is said, Should danger arise, to lend each other aid. And so it fell out, that they had not gone far* Before from a thicket came rushing a bear ; When one of our heroes, with courage immense, Climb'd into a. tree, and there found his defence, 71 The other fell flat to the earth with his dread, When the bear came and smelt him, and thought he was dead ; |So not liking the carcase, away trotted he, When straight our brave hero descended the tree. " Pray brother," said he, " what was said by the bear, When his mouth he presented so close to your ear ? " Why this," said the other, " he told me to do, To beware for the future of cowards like you." Those people who run from their friends in distress, Will be left when themselves are in trouble, I guess. FABLE XL VII. THE FROGS AND THE BULL. A bull once treading near a bog, Displaced the entrails of a frog, Who near his foot did trust them ; In fact, so great was the contusion, And made of his inwards such confusion, No art could re-adjust them. 72 It chanced that some who saw his fate, Did to a friend the deed relate, With croakings, groans, and hisses ; " The beast," said they, " in size excelled All other beasts," — their neighbour swell'd, And ask'd, " As large as this is i " ' i larger far than that," said th *y> ts Do not attempt it, madam, pray;" But still the frog distended, And said, " I'll burst, but I'll exceed,"— She tried, and burst herself indeed! And so the matter ended. Should you with pride inflate and swell, As did the frog : then who can tell! Your sides may crack, as has been shown, And we with laughing crack our own. FABLE XLVIII. THE COUNCIL OF MICE. Some mice who saw fit, once a quarter to meet, To arrange the concerns of their city; Thought it needful to choose, as is common with us, First a chairman, and then a committee. Tlie Frogs 5b the Bull. Tlie Council of Mice. 73 When the chairman was seated, the object he stated For which at that meeting they sat ; Which was, it should seem, the concerting a scheme To defeat the designs of the cat. Dr. Nibble-cheese rose, and said, " I would propose, To this cat that we fasten a bell : He who likes what I've said, now will hold up his head ; He who does not, may hold up his tail." So out of respect, they their noses erect, Except one who the order reversed ; Ayes, all then but one, but yet nought could be done, Until he had his reasons rehearsed. p I shall not," said this mouse, " waste the time of the house In long arguments ; since, as I view it, The scheme would succeed, without doubt, if indeed We could find any mouse who would do it." "Hear! hear!" was the cry, and "no bells we will try, Unless you will fasten them on ; " So quite broken-hearted the members departed, For the bill was rejected, nem. con. n Then be not too hasty in giving advice, Lest your schemes should remind of the council of mice ; You had better delay your opinion a year, Than put forth a ridiculous one, it is clear. FABLE XLIX. THE WOLF AND THE LAME. A wolp and lamb, once chanced to meet, Beside a stream, whose waters sweet Brought various kinds of beasts together, When dry and sultry was the weather ; Now though the wolf came there to drink, Of eating, he began to think, As soon as he espied the lamb, And straight resolved to kill the same ; Yet thought it better to begin, With threat'ning words and angry mien. " And so," said he to him below, " How dare you stir the water so? Making the cool refreshing flood As brown as beer, and thick as mud." Th_e Wolf & the Lamb. Tlie Beasts ia Partner ship. 75 " Sir," said the lamb, " that cannot be, The water flows from you to me; So 'tis impossible, I think, That what I do can spoil your drink." " I say it does, you saucy puss s How dare you contradict me thus : But more than this, you idle clack, You raiPd at me behind my back Two years ago, I have been told ; " " How so ? I'm not a twelvemonth old," The lamb replied ; " so I suspect Your honour is not quite correct." " If not, your mother it must be, And that comes all the same to me," Rejoin'd the wolf — who waited not, But kilPd and ate him on the spot. Some, like the wolf, adopt the plan, To make a quarrel if they can ; But none with you can hold dispute, If you're determined to be mute ; For sure this proverb must be true, That ev'ry quarrel must have ttvo. E 2 76 FABLE L. THE BEASTS IN PARTNERSHIP. This Jirm once existed, I'd have you to know, Messrs. Lion, Wolf, Tiger, Fox, Leopard, and Co. ; These in business were join'd, and of course 'twas im- plied, They their * f stocks should unite, and the profits di- vide. Now the fable relates, it so happen' d one day, That their efforts combined, made a bullock their prey ; But agreed that the Lion should make the division, And patiently waited the monarch's decision. " My friends," said the Lion, " I've parted, you see, The whole into six, which is right, you'll agree ; One part I may claim, as my share in the trade, " O! take it and welcome," they all of them said. " I claim too the second ; since no one denies 'Twas my courage and conduct that gain'd you the prize: And this," said he, laying his paw on the third, " This belongs to the manor of which I am Lord. 77 " Hey day !" said the fox; " Stop a bit," said the lion, " I have not quite done," said he, fixing his eye on The other three parts; " you are fully aware, That, as tribute) one other part comes to my share, 55 " And, I think, 'twould be prudent, the next to put by Somewhere safe in my den for a future supply, And the other, you know, will but barely suffice, To pay those expences which always arise," " If this be the case," said the fox, " I discern That the business to us is a losing concern; If so, to withdraw, I should think would be best ; " O yes ! let us break up the firm," said the rest ; And so, though you may not have heard of it yet, It was quickly dissolved, but not in the gazette. Some folks in their dealings, like him in the fable, Will take others' shares, if they think they are able ; But let them not wonder who act in this way, If they find none will join them in business or play. 78 FABLE LI. THE LION AND THE MOUSE. A lion, with the heat oppress'd, One day composed himself to rest ; But while his nap he thought to take, A mouse walk'd up his royal back ; Nor thought of harm, as Esop tells, Mistaking him for something else, And travelPd over him, and round him, And might have left him as he found him. Had he not, — tremble when you hear. Tried to explore the monarch's ear I Who straightway woke with wrath immense, And shook his head to cast him thence. *' You rascal, what are you about," Said he when he had turn'd him out. " I'll teach you soon," the lion said, " To make a mouse-hole in my head ! " So saying, he prepared his foot, To crush the trembling tiny brute ; But he (the mouse) with tearful eye, Implored the lion's clemency, Who thought it best at last to give His little pris'ner a reprieve. Tlie Lion k the Mouse. T\u> Jealous Ass. 79 'Twas nearly twelve-months after this, The lion chanced his way to miss ; When pressing on, with wayward feet, He got entangled in a net. With dreadful rage he stampt and tore, And straight commenced a lordly roar ; When the poor mouse, who heard the noise, Attended, for she knew his voice. Then what the lion's utmost strength Could not effect, she did at length : With patient labour she applied Her teeth, the net-work to divide ; And so at last forth issued he, A lion j by a mouse set free. Few are so small, or weak, I guess, But may assist us in distress ; Nor shall we ever, if we're wise, The meanest, or the least, despise. 80 FABLE LII. THE JEALOUS ASS, " There lived," says friend Esop, "some ages ago, An ass who had feelings acute, you must know ; This ass to be jealous, felt strongly inclined, And for reasons which follow, felt hurt in his mind. It seems that his master, as I understand, Had a favourite dog which he fed from his hand. Nay, the dog was permitted to jump on his knee]: An honour that vex'd our poor donkey to see. " Now," thought he, " what's the reason— I cannot see any, That I have no favours, while he has so many ? If all this is got by just wagging his tail, Why / have got one, which I'll wag without fail." So the donkey (resolved to try what he could do, And determined unusual attentions to shew,) When his master was dining came into the room. — " Good sir ! " said his friends, " why your donkey is come ! " u Indeed ! " said their host, great astonishment show- ing? When he saw the ass come, while his tail was a-going ; 81 But who can describe his dismay or his fear, When the donkey rear'd up and bray'd loud in his ear ! " You rascal, get down, — John, Edward, or Dick ! Where are you ? make haste, and come here with a stick." The man roar'd — his guests laugh'd — the dog bark'd— the bell rung ; Coals, poker, and tongs, at the donkey were flung, Till the blows and the kicks, with combined demon- station, Convinced him that this was a bad speculation ; So, mortified deeply, his footsteps retrod he, Hurt much in his mind, but still more in his body, So some silly children, as stupid as may be, Will cry for indulgences fit for a baby. Had they enter'd the room while the donkey withdrew, •They'd have seen their own folly and punishment too : Let them think of this fable, and what came to pass; Nor forget, — he who play'd this fine game was an ass. B $ 82 FABLE LIII. THE TOWN AND COUNTRY MICE. A plain, but honest, country mouse, Residing in a miller's house ; Once, on a time, invited down An old acquaintance of the town : And soon he brought his dainties out ; The best he had, there's not a doubt. A dish of oat-meal, and grey peas, With half a candle, and some cheese ; Some beans, and, if I'm not mistaken, A charming piece of Yorkshire bacon. And then to show he was expert In such affairs, a fine dessert Was next produced, all which he press'd, With rustic freedom, on his guest. But he, the city epicure, This homely fare could not endure; Indeed, he scarcely broke his fast By what he took, but said, at last, " Old crony, now, I'll tell you what ; I don't admire this lonely spot ; This dreadful, dismal, dirty hole, Seems more adapted for a mole Than 'tis for you ; O ! could you see My residence? how charni'd you'd be. The Town 3c Country Mice. The Cat fc the Fox. 83 Instead of bringing up your brood In wind, and wet, and solitude, . Come, bring them all at once to town, We'll make a courtier of a clown. I think that, for your children's sake, Tis proper my advice to take." " Well/' said his host, " I can but try, And so poor quiet hole good bye i" Then off they jogg'd for many a mile, Talking of splendid things the while ; At last, in town they all arrived — Found where the city mouse had lived— Enter'd at midnight through a crack, And rested from their tedious track. tC Now," said the city mouse, " I'll show What kind of fare I've brought you to : " On which he led the rustic mice Into a larder, snug and nice, Where ev'ry thing a mouse could relish, Did ev'ry shelf and nook embellish. " Now is not this to be preferr'd To your grey peas ?" " Upon my word It is," the country mouse replied, " All this must needs the point decide,' 5 84 Scarce had they spoke these words, when, lo ! A tribe of servants hasten'd through, And also two gigantic cats, Who spied our country mouse and brats. Then, by a timely exit, she Just saved herself and family. " Oh ! ask me not," said she in haste, " Your tempting dainties more to taste ; I much prefer my homely peas, To splendid dangers such as these." Let London coxcombs smartly drest, Make us poor country folks their jest ; But let them not with us compare : Clotvns are not fools ; but dandies are. FABLE LIV. THE CAT AND THE FOX. A cat and a fox held a long consultation Concerning the times, and the state of the nation ; When the aspect of things led them both to infer, That a grand revolution must shortly occu.. 85 Said the fox, " For my country, it is that I fear, For, as to myself, I can always get clear ; I have not, at present, much reason to fret, For I've got a thousand new schemes for them yet." " Indeed !" said the cat, " as for me, I've but one, And if that should fail Fm for ever undone ; The only protection remaining for me, When the enemy comes, I must find in a tree." " A very poor prospect," said Heynard, " I trow." "But see!" said the cat, "they're approaching us nov/i" Then each to his mode of escaping betook, The fox to his schemes, and the cat to an oak, Wlo found in the trees he could safely remain ; WIHe the fox with his thousand manoeuvres was slain. Hence it needs must appear, that when danger is near, Then sly, cunning folks have most reason to fear, 86 FABLE LV. THE WASP AND THE SNAIL. ourselves, it's confess'd, are these fables addr ess'd ; 'Tis a fact not to meet with denial ; id that this may be known, by all readers, I own, ||s the reason Pve published the trial. THE END. Baldwin, Printer, I Bridge-street, London. « £*^ ^*^ "*£wi>* <5v .w s^^^R 5# fc^Co.£^L i ^TlTV^ $>$£ ^£4 * -iff £ k£*£^&*& f3*y vv