1 files changed, 5401 insertions, 0 deletions

diff --git a/21189-8.txt b/21189-8.txt
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..b095f53
--- /dev/null
+++ b/21189-8.txt
@@ -0,0 +1,5401 @@
+The Project Gutenberg EBook of Aesop, in Rhyme, by Marmaduke Park
+
+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: Aesop, in Rhyme
+       Old Friends in a New Dress
+
+Author: Marmaduke Park
+
+Release Date: April 19, 2007 [EBook #21189]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK AESOP, IN RHYME ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by David Edwards, Jacqueline Jeremy and the Online
+Distributed Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net (This
+file was produced from images generously made available
+by The University of Florida, The Internet
+Archive/Children's Library)
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration: Ęsop in Rhyme]
+
+
+
+
+ĘSOP,
+
+IN RHYME;
+
+OR,
+
+OLD FRIENDS IN A NEW DRESS.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+BY MARMADUKE PARK.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+PHILADELPHIA:
+C. G. HENDERSON, & CO.,
+N. W. CORNER ARCH AND FIFTH STREETS.
+1852.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1852,
+
+BY C. G. HENDERSON & CO.,
+
+in the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the United States,
+in and for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration]
+
+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 bone in store or expectation,
+And that I call a great vexation."
+
+"Indeed it is," the dog replied:
+"I know no ill so great beside;
+But if you do not like to be
+So poorly fed, come live with me."
+"Agreed," rejoined the wolf, "I'll go:
+But pray, what work am I to do?"
+"Oh, 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."
+"Oh," 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."
+
+
+MORAL.
+
+Our neighbors 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.
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration]
+
+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.
+
+"Oh, I wish I had caught ye, _whoever ye be_
+I'd have soon let you know, I'd have soon let ye see,
+What he 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 thief, and proposed a reward
+Of a lamb, to the man who would give information
+Concerning the thief, and his true designation.
+
+The project succeeded; for soon there applied
+A certain near neighbor, with others beside.
+"But tell me the thief," said the herdsman, "at least;"
+"Come hither," said they, "and we'll show you the beast!"
+
+"The _beast_!" said the rustic, who thought he should die on
+The spot, when he found that the thief was a lion!
+"Ill 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."
+
+
+MORAL.
+
+Silly people ask things that would ruin, if sent;
+They demand them in haste, and at leisure repent.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration]
+
+THE BOYS AND THE FROGS.
+
+
+Some boys, beside a pond or lake,
+Were playing once at _duck and drake?_
+When, doubtless to their heart's content,
+Volleys 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;
+And scores in less than half an hour,
+Perished beneath the dreadful shower.
+
+At last, said one, "You silly folks, I say,
+Do fling your stones another way;
+Though _sport_ to _you_, to throw them thus,
+Remember, pray, 'tis _death_ to us!"
+
+
+MORAL.
+
+From hence this moral may be learn'd:
+Let play _be play_ to _all concern'd_.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration]
+
+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.
+
+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."
+
+
+MORAL.
+
+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.
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration]
+
+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 good sense.
+
+"So," says he, "don't be prating,--look yonder, I pray,
+At that sculpture of marble, now what will you say?
+The lion is vanquished; 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 _we_ are sculptors," the other replied,
+"You will then on the man see the _lion_ astride."
+
+
+MORAL.
+
+The man might have added, if he had been wise,
+"But a beast _cannot_ sculpture a stone, _if he tries_."
+_That_ sufficiently shows where the difference lies.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration]
+
+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 misunderstand me, 'twas only a 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 him quite,
+But to view his remarks in a good-natured light.
+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, not fish;
+But plain gravy-soup, in a broad shallow dish.
+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;
+"Oh, 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 narrow, for Reynard by far.
+"You make a poor dinner, I fear," said the bird;
+"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 matched by a crane."
+
+
+MORAL.
+
+Cunning folks who play tricks which good manners condemn,
+Often find their own tricks play'd again upon them.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration]
+
+THE TRAVELLER AND THE SATYR.
+
+
+A luckless wight, in winter slow,
+Travelling once a forest through
+Cold and hungry, tired and wet,
+Began in words like these to fret:
+"Oh, what a sharp inclement day!
+And what a dismal, dreary way!
+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 turned 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 follow'd to his heart's content,
+Blowing his finger 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!" was all his host replied,
+Intent some pottage to provide,
+Which heated well, with spice infused,
+Was to his shivering guest produced:
+
+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!"
+
+
+MORAL.
+
+The traveller 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.
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration]
+
+THE TRAVELLERS AND THE PURSE.
+
+
+Two friends once were walking in sociable chat,
+  When a purse one espied on the ground;
+"Oh, see!" said he, (thank my fortune for that,)
+  "What a large sum of money I've found!"
+
+"Nay, do not say _I_" said his friend, "for you know
+  'Tis but friendship to share it with me;"
+"I share it with you," said the other. "How so?
+  He who _found_ it the owner should be."
+
+"Be it so," said his friend, "but what sound do I hear?
+  '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 claimed the sole right to the prize!
+And since all the _money_ was taken by you,
+  With you the _dishonesty_ lies."
+
+
+MORAL.
+
+When people are selfish, dishonest, and mean,
+Their nature, in dealing, will quickly be seen.
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration]
+
+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 labor 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."
+
+"I," said the tongue, "may surely speak,
+  Since I his inmate 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 labor gain,
+  He too with labor 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 obeyed;
+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.
+
+Once more the clam'rous members met,
+  A lean and hungry throng;
+When all allowed, 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.
+
+
+MORAL.
+
+This tale for state affairs is meant,
+  Which we need not discuss;
+At present we will be content,
+  To find a moral thus:
+
+The mouth has claims of large amount,
+  From arms, legs, feet, and hands;
+But let them not, on that account,
+ Pay _more_ than it demands.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration]
+
+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."
+
+"Very good," said the hare; said the tortoise, "Proceed,
+  And the fox shall decide who has won,"
+Then the hare started off with incredible speed;
+  But the tortoise walk'd leisurely on.
+
+"Come tortoise, friend tortoise, walk on," said the hare,
+  "Well, I shall stay here for my dinner;
+Why, 'twill take you a month, at that rate, to get there,
+  Then how can you hope to be winner?"
+
+But the tortoise could hear not a word that she said
+  For he was far distant behind;
+So the hare felt secured while at leisure she fed,
+  And took a sound nap when she dined.
+
+So at last this slow walker came up with the hare,
+  And there fast asleep did he spy her;
+And he cunningly crept with such caution and care,
+  That she woke not, although he pass'd by her.
+
+"Well now," thought the hare, when she open'd her eyes,
+  "For the race,--and I soon shall have done it;"
+But who can describe her chagrin and surprise,
+  When she found that the _tortoise_ had won it!
+
+
+MORAL.
+
+Thus plain plodding people, we often shall find,
+Will leave hasty confident people behind.
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration]
+
+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;
+But if twenty for accidents should be detach'd,
+It will leave me just sixty sound eggs to hatch'd.
+
+"Well, sixty sound eggs--no; sound chickens, I mean;
+Of these some may die--we'll suppose seventeen--
+Seventeen!--not so many--say ten at the most,
+Which will leave fifty chickens to boil or to roast.
+
+"But then there's their barley; how much will they need?
+Why they take but one grain at a time when they feed,
+So that's a mere trifle; now then let us see,
+At a fair market price, how much money there'll be?
+
+"Six shillings a pair--five--four--three-and-six,
+To prevent all mistakes, that low price I will fix;
+Now what will that make? fifty chickens, I said,
+Fifty times three-and-sixpence--_I'll ask brother Ned_.
+
+"Oh! but stop--three-and-sixpence 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 shameful 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 be 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--the milk pail descended!
+And so all her schemes for the future were ended.
+
+
+MORAL.
+
+This moral, I think, may be safely attach'd:
+Reckon not on your chickens before they are hatch'd.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration]
+
+THE LARK AND HER YOUNG ONES.
+
+
+A lark who had her nest conceal'd,
+Says Esop, 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 every 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 the farmer came 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 neighbor's help must borrow,
+So tell them we begin to-morrow."
+
+Just after this the lark returned,
+When from her brood this news she learned.
+"Ah! dearest mother," then, said they,
+"Pray, let us all begone to-day."
+
+"My dears," said she, "you need not fret,
+I shall not be uneasy yet;
+For if he waits for neighbor's 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 press'd,
+And told their mother, word for word,
+The fresh intelligence they heard.
+
+"Ah, 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.
+
+Once more the farmer early came,
+And found the case was just the same.
+The day 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 neighbors;
+So you and I'll commence our labors:
+To-morrow early, we'll begin
+_Ourselves_, and get our harvest in."
+
+"Now," said the lark, when this she 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.
+
+
+MORAL.
+
+Hence, while we wait for other's aid,
+Our business needs must be delay'd;
+Which might be done with half the labor
+'Twould take to go and call a neighbor.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration]
+
+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 dropp'd down on his head from the oak;
+Then, said he, who just now thought _his_ plan was so clever,
+"I am glad that _this_ was not a pumpkin, however."
+
+
+MORAL.
+
+The sage would no doubt have looked grievously dull,
+Had a pumpkin descended with force on his scull.
+Of his folly then let us in future beware,
+And believe that _such_ matters _are best as they are_:
+Leave the manners and customs of oak trees alone,
+Of acorns, and pumpkins--and look to our own.
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration]
+
+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!"
+
+His mouth was propp'd open by means of the bone,
+  And his breathing was greatly impeded,
+But a crane coming up, he contrived to make known
+  What kind of assistance he needed.
+
+"How d'ye do?" said the bird; said the beast, "Very ill,
+  For a bone has gone down the wrong way;
+But if you can extract it by means of your bill,
+  The service I'll amply repay."
+
+Thought the crane, "I'm no surgeon: yet all must agree,
+  That my bill will make excellent _forceps_;
+And as for the money, I do not now see
+  Why I need refuse taking his worship's."
+
+Said the bird, "It's agreed;" said his patient, "Proceed,
+  And take the bone hence, I beseech;"
+Which, after awhile, and with infinite toil,
+  The crane at last managed to reach.
+
+"Thank my stars!" said the beast, from his terrors released,
+  "Thank you _too_, sir," said he to the bird;
+"Alas!" said the crane, "is this all I'm to gain,
+  I was waiting the promised reward."
+
+Said the wolf, "You forget, I've contracted no debt,
+  Since the service was _rendered by me_;
+Your head I releas'd from the jaws of a beast,
+  And now you're demanding a fee!"
+
+
+MORAL.
+
+Give your help to a wolf, should he beg for your aid,
+But you must not expect when you've done to be paid.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration]
+
+THE DOG AND THE SHADOW.
+
+
+A dog growing thinner, for want of a dinner,
+  Once purloined him a joint from a tray,
+"How happy I am, with this shoulder of lamb,"
+  Thought the cur as he trotted away.
+
+But the way that he took, lay just over a brook,
+  Which he found it was needful to cross;
+So without more ado, he plunged in to go through,
+  Not dreaming of danger or loss.
+
+But what should appear, in this rivulet clear,
+  As he thought upon coolest reflection,
+But a cur like himself, who with ill-gotten pelf,
+  Had run off in that very direction.
+
+Thought the dog, _a propos_! but that instant let go
+  (As he snatched at this same water-spaniel)
+The piece he possess'd:--so with hunger distress'd
+  He slowly walk'd home to his kennel.
+
+
+MORAL.
+
+Hence, when we are needy, don't let us be greedy,
+  (Excuse me this line of digression,)
+Lest in snatching at all, like the dog, we let fall
+  The good that we have in possession.
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration]
+
+THE TRAVELLERS AND THE BEAR.
+
+
+Two trav'llers one morning set out from their home,
+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.
+
+But scarce was this done, when forth rushing amain,
+Sprung a bear from a wood tow'rds these travellers twain;
+Then one of our heroes, with courage immense,
+Climb'd into a tree, and there found his defence.
+
+The other fell flat to the earth with 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.
+
+Then, said he, "I can't think what the bear could propose,
+When so close to your ear, he presented his nose."
+"Why this," said the other, "he told me to do,
+To beware for the future of cowards like you."
+
+
+MORAL.
+
+Those people who run from their friends in distress,
+Will be left when _themselves_ are in trouble, I guess.
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration]
+
+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.
+
+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 excell'd
+All other beasts," their neighbors swell'd,
+  And ask'd, "as large as this is!"
+
+"Oh, larger far than that," said they,
+"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.
+
+
+MORAL.
+
+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.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration]
+
+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.
+
+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. Nibblecheese rose, and said, "I would propose,
+  To this cat 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.
+
+"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._
+
+
+MORAL.
+
+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.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration]
+
+THE WOLF AND THE LAMB.
+
+
+A wolf 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 near the lamb he came,
+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."
+
+"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:
+How dare you contradict me thus;
+But more than this, you idle clack,
+You rail'd 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 honor is not quite correct."
+
+"If not, your mother it must be,
+And that comes all the same to me,"
+Rejoined the wolf--who waited not
+But kill'd and ate him on the spot.
+
+
+MORAL.
+
+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 _two_.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration]
+
+THE BEASTS IN PARTNERSHIP.
+
+
+This _firm_ 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 implied,
+They their stocks should unite, and the profits divide.
+
+Now the fable relates, it so happened 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."
+"Oh, take it and welcome," they all of them said.
+
+"I claim too the second; since no one denies
+'Twas my courage and conduct that gained you the prize:
+And for the third; that you know is a fine
+To the Lord of the manor, and therefore is mine."
+
+"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.
+
+"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 expenses 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;"
+"Oh, yes! let us break up the firm," said the rest;
+
+And so:--for you may not have heard of it yet,--
+It was quickly dissolved, though not in _the gazette_.
+
+
+MORAL.
+
+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.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration]
+
+THE LION AND THE MOUSE.
+
+
+A lion, with the heat oppress'd,
+One day composed himself to rest;
+But whilst he dozed, as he intended,
+A mouse his royal back ascended;
+Nor thought of harm as Esop tells,
+Mistaking him for something else,
+And travelled 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!
+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 turned 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 least to give
+His little pris'ner a reprieve.
+'Twas nearly twelve months after this,
+The lion chanced his way to miss;
+When pressing forward: heedless yet,
+He got entangled in a net.
+With dreadful rage he stamp'd 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 labor she applied
+Her teeth, the net-work to divide;
+And so at last forth issued he,
+A _lion_, by a mouse set free.
+
+
+MORAL.
+
+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.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration]
+
+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 favorite dog which he fed from his hand.
+Nay, the dog was permitted to jump on his knee:
+An honor that vex'd our poor donkey to see.
+
+"Now," thought he, "what's the reason, I cannot see any,
+That I have no favors, while he has so many?
+If all this is got by just wagging his tail,
+Why _I_ have got one, which I'll wag without fail."
+
+So the donkey resolved to try what he could do
+And, determined unusual attentions to show,
+When his master was dining, came into the room.
+"Good sir!" said his friends, "why your donkey is come!"
+
+"Indeed!" said their host, great astonishment showing,
+When he saw the ass come, while his tail was a-going;
+But who can describe his dismay or 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 roared--the 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 demonstration,
+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.
+
+
+MORAL.
+
+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_.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration]
+
+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 oatmeal and green 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; Oh! could you see
+_My_ residence, how charm'd you'd be.
+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!"
+
+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--
+Entered at midnight through a crack,
+And rested from their tedious track.
+
+"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 green peas?" "Upon my word,
+It is," the country mouse replied,
+"All this must needs the point decide."
+
+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."
+
+
+MORAL.
+
+Then let not those begin to grumble,
+Whose lot is safe, though poor and humble;
+Nor envy him who better fares,
+But for each good, has twenty cares.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration]
+
+THE FOX AND THE CROW.
+
+
+Crows feed upon worms: yet an author affirms
+  Cheshire cheese they will get if they're able;
+"For," said he, "I well know, one unprincipled crow
+  Once purloined a large piece from my table."
+
+Then away darted she, to the shade of a tree,
+  To deposit the booty within her;
+But it never occurr'd to the mind of the bird,
+  That a _fox_ was to have it for dinner.
+
+"How many a slip, 'twixt the cup and the lip!"
+  (Excuse me, I pray, the digression,)
+Said a fox to himself, "I can share in the pelf,
+  If I act with my usual discretion."
+
+So said he, "Is it you? pray, ma'am, how do you do,
+  I have long wish'd to pay you a visit;
+For a twelvemonth has pass'd, since I heard of you last
+  Which is not very neighborly, is it?
+
+"But, dear madam," said he, "you are dining, I see;
+  On that subject I'd ask your advice;
+Pray, ma'am, now can you tell, where provisions they sell,
+  That are not an extravagant price?
+
+"Bread and meat are so dear, and have been for a year,
+  That poor people can scarcely endure it,
+And then _cheese is so high_, that such beggars as I,
+  _Till it falls_, cannot hope to procure it."
+
+But the ill-behaved bird did not utter a word,
+  Still intent on retaining her plunder;
+Thought the fox, "It should seem, this is not a good scheme,
+  What else can I think of, I wonder?"
+
+So said Reynard once more, "I ne'er knew it before,
+  But your feathers are whiter than snow is!"
+But thought he, when he'd said it, "she'll ne'er give it credit,
+  For what bird is so black as a crow is."
+"But I'm told that your voice is a horrible noise,
+  Which they say of all sounds is the oddest;
+But then this is absurd, for it never is heard,
+  Since you are so excessively modest."
+
+If _that's_ all thought the crow, "I will soon let you know
+  That all doubt on that score may be ended;"
+Then most laughingly piped, the poor silly biped,
+  When quickly her dinner descended!
+
+
+MORAL.
+
+If this _biped_ had not been so vain and conceited,
+She would not by the fox quite so soon have been cheated;
+But perhaps the term _biped_ to some may be new:
+'Tis a two-legged creature--perchance it is _you_.
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration]
+
+THE LION AND THE ECHO.
+
+
+A lion, bravest of the wood,
+Whose title undisputed stood,
+As o'er the wide domains he prowl'd,
+And in pursuit of booty growl'd,
+An Echo from a distant cave
+Regrowl'd, articulately grave:
+His majesty, surprised, began
+To think at first it was a man;
+But on reflection sage, he found
+It was too like a lion's sound.
+"Whose voice is that which growls at mine?"
+His highness ask'd. Says Echo, "Mine!"
+"Thine!" says the Lion: "Who art thou?"
+Echo as stern cried, "Who art thou?"
+"Know I'm a lion, hear and tremble!"
+Replied the king. Cried Echo, "Tremble!"
+"Come forth," says Lion; "show thyself."
+Laconic Echo answered, "Elf."
+"Elf, durst thou call me, vile pretender?"
+Echo as loud replies, "Pretender!"
+At this, as jealous of his reign,
+He growl'd in rage; she growl'd again.
+Incensed the more, he chafed and foam'd,
+And round the spacious forest roam'd
+To find the rival of his throne,
+Who durst with him dispute the crown.
+
+A fox, who listen'd all the while,
+Address'd the monarch with a smile:
+"My liege, most humbly I make bold,
+Though truth may not be always told,
+That this same phantom which you hear,
+That so alarms your royal ear,
+Is not a rival of your throne:
+The voice and fears are all your own."
+Imaginary terrors scare
+A timorous soul with real fear;
+Nay, even the wise and brave are cow'd
+By apprehensions from the crowd:
+A frog a lion may disharm,
+And yet how causeless the alarm!
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration]
+
+THE PAPER KITE.
+
+
+Once on a time, a paper kite
+Was mounted to a wondrous height;
+Where, giddy with its elevation,
+It thus express'd self-admiration:
+"See how yon crowds of gazing people
+Admire my flight above the steeple;
+How would they wonder, if they knew
+All that a kite, like me, could do?
+Were I but free, I'd take a flight,
+And pierce the clouds beyond their sight.
+But, ah! like a poor prisoner bound,
+My string confines me near the ground.
+I'd brave the eagle's towering wing,
+Might I but fly without a string."
+It tugg'd and pull'd, while thus it spoke,
+To break the string--at last it broke!
+Deprived at once of all its stay,
+In vain it tried to soar away:
+Unable its own weight to bear,
+It flutter'd downward through the air;
+Unable its own course to guide,
+The winds soon plunged it in the tide.
+Oh! foolish kite, thou hadst no wing,
+How could'st thou fly without a string?
+My heart replied, "Oh, Lord, I see
+How much the kite resembles me!
+Forgetful that by thee I stand,
+Impatient of thy ruling hand;
+How oft I've wish'd to break the lines
+Thy wisdom for my lot assigns!
+How oft indulged a vain desire
+For something more or something higher!
+And but for grace and love divine,
+A fall thus dreadful had been mine."
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration]
+
+THE RATS AND THE CHEESE.
+
+
+If bees a government maintain,
+Why may not rats of stronger brain
+And greater power, as well bethought
+By Machiavelian axioms taught?
+And so they are, for thus of late
+It happened in the rats' free state.
+Their prince (his subjects more to please)
+Had got a mighty Cheshire cheese,
+In which his ministers of state
+Might live in plenty and grow great.
+A powerful party straight combined,
+And their united forces join'd,
+To bring their measures into play,
+For none so loyal were as they;
+And none such patriots, to support
+As well the country as the court.
+No sooner were those Dons admitted
+But (all those wondrous virtues quitted)
+They all the speediest means devise
+To raise themselves and families.
+Another party well observing
+These pamper'd were, while they were starving,
+Their ministry brought in disgrace,
+Expelled them and supplied their place;
+These on just principles were known
+The true supporters of the throne,
+And for the subjects liberty
+They'd (marry would they) freely die;
+But being well fix'd in their station,
+Regardless of their prince and nation,
+Just like the others, all their skill
+Was how they might their paunches fill.
+On this a rat, not quite so blind
+In state intrigues as human kind,
+But of more honor, thus replied:
+"Confound ye all on either side;
+All your contentions are but these,
+Whose arts shall best secure the cheese."
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration]
+
+AURELIA AND THE SPIDER.
+
+
+The muslin torn, from tears of grief
+In vain Aurelia sought relief;
+In sighs and plaints she pass'd the day;
+The tatter'd frock neglected lay:
+While busied at the weaving trade,
+A spider heard the sighing maid
+And kindly stopping in a trice,
+Thus offer'd (gratis) her advice:
+"Turn, little girl! behold in me
+A stimulus to industry
+Compare your woes, my dear, with mine,
+Then tell me who should most repine:
+This morning, ere you left your room,
+The chambermaid's remorseless broom
+In one sad moment that destroy'd,
+To build which thousands were employ'd!
+The shock was great; but as my life
+I saved in the relentless strife,
+I knew lamenting was in vain,
+So patient went to work again.
+By constant work, a day or more,
+My little mansion did restore:
+And if each tear which you have shed
+Had been a needle-full of thread,
+If every sigh of sad despair
+Had been a stitch of proper care,
+Closed would have been the luckless rent,
+Nor thus the day have been misspent."
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration]
+
+THE REDBREAST AND THE
+SPARROW.
+
+
+Perch'd on a tree, hard by a rural cot,
+A redbreast singing cheer'd the humble spot;
+A sparrow on the thatch in critic spleen
+Thus took occasion to reprove the strain:
+"Dost thou," cried he, "thou dull dejected thing,
+Presume to emulate the birds of spring?
+Can thy weak warbling dare approach the thrush
+Or blackbird's accents in the hawthorn bush?
+Or with the lark dost thou poor mimic, vie,
+Or nightingale's unequal'd melody?
+These other birds possessing twice thy fire
+Have been content in silence to admire."
+"With candor judge," the minstrel bird replied,
+"Nor deem my efforts arrogance or pride;
+Think not ambition makes me act this part,
+I only sing because I love the art:
+I envy not, indeed, but much revere
+Those birds whose fame the test of skill will bear;
+I feel no hope arising to surpass,
+Nor with their charming songs my own to class;
+Far other aims incite my humble strain.
+Then surely I your pardon may obtain,
+While I attempt the rural vale to move
+By imitating of the lays I love."
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration]
+
+THE POET AND THE COBWEBS.
+
+
+A bard, whose pen had brought him more
+Of fame than of the precious ore,
+In Grub Street garret oft reposed
+With eyes contemplative half-closed.
+Cobwebs around in antique glory,
+Chief of his household inventory,
+Suggested to his roving brains
+Amazing multitude of scenes.
+
+"This batch," said he, "of murder-spinners
+Who toil their brains out for their dinners,
+Though base, too long unsung has lain
+By kindred brethren of Duck Lane,
+Unknowing that its little plan
+Holds all the cyclopedia of man.
+
+"This one, whose radiant thread
+Is every where from centre spread,
+Like orbs in planetary skies,
+Enclosed with rounds of various size,
+This curious frame I aptly call
+A cobweb mathematical.
+
+"In secret holes, that dirty line,
+Where never sun presumes to shine,
+With straws, and filth, and time beset,
+Where all is fish that comes to net,
+That musty film, the Muse supposes
+Figures the web of Virtuosos.
+
+"You, where the gaudy insect sings,
+Are cobwebs of the court of kings,
+Where gilded threads conceal the gin.
+And broider'd knaves are caught therein.
+
+"That holly, fix'd 'mid mildew'd panes,
+Of cheerless Christmas the remains
+(I only dream and sing its cheer,
+My Muse keeps Lent throughout the year)
+That holly, labor'd o'er and o'er,
+Is cobwebs of the lawyer's lore,
+Where frisky flies, on gambols borne,
+Find out the snare, when lost, undone.
+
+"These dangling webs, with dirt and age,
+Display their tatter'd equipage,
+So like the antiquarian crew,
+That those in every thread I view.
+
+"Here death disseminated lies,
+In shrunk anatomies of flies;
+And amputated limbs declare
+What vermin lie in ambush there:
+A baited lure with drugg'd perdition,
+A cobweb, not misnamed physician.
+
+"Those plaited webs, long pendent there,
+Of sable bards a subtle snare,
+Of all-collective disposition,
+Which holds like gout of inquisition,
+May well denominated be,
+The trap-webs of divinity."
+
+But whilst our bard described the scene,
+A bee stole through a broken pane;
+Fraught with the sweets of every flower,
+In taking his adventurous tour,
+Is there entrapp'd. Exert thy sting,
+Bold bee, and liberate thy wing!
+The poet kindly dropp'd his pen,
+And freed the captive from its den;
+Then musing o'er his empty table,
+Forgot the moral of his fable.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration]
+
+THE EPICURE AND THE PHYSICIAN.
+
+
+Two hundred years ago, or more,
+An heir possess'd a miser's store;
+Rejoiced to find his father dead,
+Till then on thrifty viands fed;
+Unnumber'd dishes crown'd his board,
+With each unwholesome trifle stored.
+He ate--and long'd to eat again,
+But sigh'd for appetite in vain:
+His food, though dress'd a thousand ways,
+Had lost its late accustom'd praise;
+He relish'd nothing--sickly grew--
+Yet long'd to taste of something new.
+It chanced in this disastrous case,
+One morn betimes he join'd the chase:
+Swift o'er the plain the hunters fly,
+Each echoing out a joyous cry;
+A forest next before them lay;
+He, left behind, mistook his way,
+And long alone bewildered rode,
+He found a peasant's poor abode;
+But fasting kept, from six to four,
+Felt hunger, long unfelt before;
+The friendly swain this want supplied,
+And Joan some eggs and bacon fried.
+Not dainty now, the squire in haste
+Fell to, and praised their savory taste;
+Nay, said his meal had such a _gout_
+He ne'er in tarts and olios knew.
+Rejoiced to think he'd found a dish,
+That crown'd his long unanswer'd wish,
+With gold his thankful host he paid,
+Who guides him back from whence he stray'd;
+But ere they part, so well he dined,
+His rustic host the squire enjoin'd
+To send him home next day a stock
+Of those same eggs and charming hock.
+He hoped this dish of savory meat
+Would prove that still 'twas bliss to eat;
+But, ah! he found, like all the rest,
+These eggs were tasteless things at best;
+The bacon not a dog would touch,
+So rank--he never tasted such!
+He sent express to fetch the clown,
+And thus address'd him with a frown:
+"These eggs, this bacon, that you sent,
+For Christian food were never meant;
+As soon I'll think the moon's a cheese,
+As those you dress'd the same with these.
+Little I thought"--"Sir," says the peasant,
+"I'm glad your worship is so pleasant:
+You joke, I'm sure: for I can swear,
+The same the fowls that laid them are!
+And know as well that all the bacon
+From one the self-same flitch was taken:
+The air, indeed, about our green
+Is known to make the stomach keen."
+"Is that the case?" the squire replied;
+"That air shall be directly tried."
+He gave command--a house he hired,
+And down he goes with hope inspired,
+And takes his cooks--a favorite train;
+But still they ply their art in vain.
+Perhaps 'twas riding did the feat:
+He rides,--but still he cannot eat.
+At last a friend, to physic bred,
+Perceived his case, and thus he said:
+"Be ruled by me, you soon shall eat,
+With hearty gust, the plainest meat;
+A pint of milk each rising morn,
+Procure from cow of sable horn;
+Shake in three drops of morning dew
+From twig of ever-verdant yew;
+It must by your own hand be done,
+Your face turn'd westward from the sun.
+With this, ere half an hour is past,
+Well crumb'd with biscuit, break your fast;
+Which done, from food (or all is vain)
+For twice three hours and one abstain--
+Then dine on one substantial dish,
+If plainly dress'd, of flesh or fish."
+Grave look'd the doctor as he spake--
+The squire concludes th' advice to take,
+And, cheated into temperance, found
+The bliss his former luxury drown'd.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration]
+
+THE FROGS DESIRING A KING.
+
+
+Athens in freedom flourish'd long,
+'Till licence seized the giddy throng.
+Just laws grown weary to obey,
+They sunk to tyranny a prey.
+Pisistratus, though mild he sway'd,
+Their turbulence had not allay'd.
+Whilst they were cursing in despair,
+The yoke they had not learn'd to bear,
+Esop, their danger to describe,
+Rehears'd this fable to the tribe:
+
+"Some frogs, like you, of freedom tired,
+From Jupiter a king desir'd:
+One that should execute the law,
+And keep the dissolute in awe.
+Jove laugh'd, and threw them down a log,
+That thundering fell and shook the bog.
+Amongst the reeds the tremblers fled:
+Till one more bold advanc'd his head,
+And saw the monarch of the flood
+Lying half smothered in the mud.
+He calls the croaking race around:
+"A wooden king!" the banks resound.
+Fear once remov'd they swim about him,
+And gibe and jeer and mock and flout him;
+And messengers to Jove depute,
+Effectively to grant their suit.
+A hungry stork he sent them then,
+Who soon had swallow'd half the fen.
+Their woes scarce daring to reveal,
+To Mercury by night they steal,
+And beg him to entreat of Jove
+The direful tyrant to remove.
+'No,' says the God, 'they chose their lot,
+And must abide what they have got:'
+So you, my friends, had best go home
+In peace, lest something worse should come."
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration]
+
+THE HARE AND THE BRAMBLE.
+
+
+A hare, closely pursued, thought it prudent and meet
+To a bramble for refuge awhile to retreat;
+He enter'd the covert, but entering, found
+That briers and thorns did on all sides abound;
+And that, though he was safe, yet he never could stir,
+But his sides they would wound, or would tear off his fur:
+He shrugg'd up his shoulders, but would not complain:
+"To repine at small evils," quoth puss, "is in vain:
+That no bliss can be perfect, I very well knew--
+But from the same source good and evil doth flow--
+And full sorely my skin though these briers may rend,
+Yet they keep off the dogs, and my life will defend:
+For the sake of the good, then, let evil be borne--
+For each sweet has its bitter, each bramble its thorn."
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration]
+
+THE HORSE AND THE STAG.
+
+
+Within a certain pasture,
+  There lived some creatures wild.
+The sky was blue, the grass was green,
+  The air was very mild.
+
+Now though this field was large and fine,
+  They could not live in love:
+But for the grass in one large spot
+  A horse and stag once strove.
+
+The stag was strongest in the strife,
+  And so the battle won;
+And from the field the horse was sent
+  And with chagrin was stung.
+
+So to the man the horse applied,
+  For help, the stag to beat,
+And so effectual was his help,
+  The stag had to retreat.
+
+But when to go away he tried,
+  The man held to him fast:
+"Now that you are of use," he cried,
+  "You'll serve me to the last."
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration]
+
+THE CAT AND THE OLD MOUSE.
+
+
+The mice o'errun a certain house--
+In every spot was found a mouse.
+So for a cat the mistress went,
+And to the kitchen puss was sent.
+
+With diligence were many caught,
+And eaten up. The mice were taught
+That they some cunning must devise
+To keep the prey from pussy's eyes.
+
+So on a certain shelf so high,
+To reach which puss in vain might try,
+There all the mice together got,
+And they resolved to leave it not.
+
+So pussy found that to eat them,
+She must resort to stratagem.
+And holding fast by means of pegs,
+She hung suspended by the legs.
+
+And downward she then hung her head,
+And looked as though she were quite dead--
+And thus she sought to cheat the mice,
+And from their dwellings them entice.
+
+A cunning mouse, well "up to trap,"
+On pussy her two eyes did clap.
+"Aha!" she cried, "puss are you there?
+Within your reach, I would not dare--
+Not e'en though it were proved by law,
+That your whole skin were stuffed with straw."
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration]
+
+THE FOX AND THE VIZOR MASK.
+
+
+A fox while walking out one day,
+Into a toy shop chanced to stray;
+Among the toys that stood arrayed,
+A vizor mask was there displayed,
+With rosy cheeks, complexion fair,
+And ruby lips and auburn hair,
+And eyes of blue, and Grecian nose;
+And many beauties to disclose,
+It seemed made. The fox, with sighs,
+Gazed on. "Ah, ah!" he cries,
+"Look at this head it naught contains,
+It has rare beauty, but no brains."
+
+
+MORAL.
+
+The accomplished beau, in air and mien how blest.
+His hat well fashioned, and his hair well dress'd--
+But still undress'd within: to give him brains
+Exceeds his hatter's or his barber's pains.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration]
+
+THE GOOSE THAT LAID GOLDEN
+EGGS.
+
+
+A man once had a goose I'm told,
+Which had laid each day an egg of gold.
+Now if this treasure were well spent,
+It might make any one content.
+But no! this man desired more;
+And though of eggs he had rich store;
+He thought one day the goose he'd kill,
+And then at once his pockets fill.
+So chasing goosey round and round,
+She soon was caught and firmly bound
+He opened her from neck to tail
+And then his folly did bewail.
+For not a single egg was there,
+And thus he lost this treasure rare.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration]
+
+THE FOX AND THE GRAPES.
+
+
+A fox once took it in his pate,
+To go beyond a garden gate,
+To see if there grew on the trees,
+Some food his hunger to appease.
+So in he went and there he spied
+Some grapes. To reach them hard he tried.
+Now they were large and luscious too,
+Quite purple, and beautiful to view.
+So up he jumps with many a bound,
+Until exhausted to the ground,
+He falls. The grapes hang o'er his head,
+In clusters large, "Well! well!" he said,
+"You are but green, and hard as stone,
+And all my time away is thrown.
+I'll leave you to your solitude,
+You are not fit to make me food."
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration]
+
+THE MOUSE AND THE WEASEL.
+
+
+A very thin and hungry mouse,
+  Into a granary stole,
+Where stood a basket full of grain,
+  In which was a small hole.
+
+After much squeezing he got in,
+  And there he ate his fill;
+But when he tried to issue out,
+  The hole seemed smaller still.
+
+A weasel who stood looking on,
+  Cried out in sneering tone,
+"You can't come out, my little dear,
+  Until you've smaller grown.
+
+"You were half-starved when you crept in,
+  And now you are quite stout;
+So cease to eat until you can,
+  As you got in, get out."
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration]
+
+THE MISER AND HIS TREASURE.
+
+
+  In a retired spot,
+  A miser had got
+A very large treasure in store.
+  And it was his delight,
+  Each morn and each night,
+To count it and add to it more.
+
+  He had made the hole deep,
+  And he thought none would peep,
+To find out his secret retreat.
+  But a servant so sly,
+  His master did spy,
+And thought that his cunning he'd beat.
+
+  So one dark winter night,
+  He took out his light,
+And to the field hastened away;
+  And he laughed in his sleeve,
+  To think how 'twould grieve
+His master to miss it next day.
+
+  And indeed the distress
+  Of his lord you may guess,
+For words can't describe it, I'm sure.
+  He tore out his hair,
+  Clasp'd his hands in despair
+And cried he was ruined and poor.
+
+  A man passing by,
+  His grief chanced to spy;
+And told him, "'tis useless to mourn.
+  You can look at the hole,
+  To solace your soul,
+Although all the money is gone."
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration]
+
+THE JACKDAW AND THE PEACOCKS.
+
+
+Thus Esop has the folly shown,
+To build on merits not your own.
+
+A jackdaw, empty, pert and vain,
+Who held his equals in disdain,
+One day some beauteous feathers found,
+Left by a peacock on the ground.
+When in the gaudy plumage dress'd,
+The shallow thing his fortune bless'd;
+With stately gesture strode along,
+And boldly join'd the peacock throng;
+Who, his impertinence to pay,
+First stripp'd him, and then chas'd away.
+The crest-fall'n coxcomb homeward sneaks,
+And his forsaken comrades seeks;
+Where'er he comes, with scorn they leave him,
+And not a jackdaw will receive him.
+Says one he had disdain'd, at last,
+"Such as thou art, thou mightst have pass'd,
+And hadst not now been cast behind,
+The scorn and scandal of thy kind."
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration]
+
+THE SPARROW AND THE HARE.
+
+
+Who dares another's ills deride,
+Had best against his own provide.
+An eagle pouncing on a hare,
+With piercing cries puss rends the air;
+When a pert sparrow from a tree,
+Insulted thus her misery:
+"Ho, ho! poor puss, thy boasted speed
+Has failed thee, then, in time of need!"
+Scarce had she spoke, when, like an arrow,
+A vulture darted on the sparrow.
+Ere the poor hare resign'd her breath,
+"This sight," she cried, "consoles in death
+--That thou, who hast my woes derided,
+My last of miseries hast divided!"
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration]
+
+THE ASS AND THE LION.
+
+
+Vain boasters credit may surprise,
+Till known; who knows them will despise.
+
+A lion once a hunting took
+An ass, and hid him in a nook.
+To drive the forest made him bray,
+That he might seize the passing prey.
+Long-ears set up such horrid cries,
+That every creature trembling flies;
+The lion, practised in his trade,
+Had soon abundant carnage made;
+Satiate with spoil, the ass he calls,
+And bid him cease his hideous brawls.
+The king he found with slaughter weary,
+Surrounded by his noble quarry,
+And, puffed with self-importance, said:
+"Sir, to some purpose I have bray'd!"
+"No ass more famously could do,"
+The lion says, "but thee I knew,
+Or I might have been frightened too."
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration]
+
+THE STAG AND THE FOUNTAIN.
+
+
+That good from bad men rarely know,
+This apologue may serve to show:
+
+A stag upon a fountain's side,
+Beheld his branching horns with pride;
+While of his spindle-shanks asham'd,
+Their disproportioned form he blam'd.
+Sudden he hears the hunter's cries,
+And to the forest nimbly flies.
+The woods receive their well-known guest.
+His tangled horns, his feet arrest;
+The hounds approach, and seize their prey;
+Who, dying, thus was heard to say:
+"Wretch that I am! too late I learn,
+How little we the truth discern!
+What would have saved me, I despis'd,
+And what has been my ruin, priz'd!"
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration]
+
+THE EAGLE, THE CAT, AND THE
+SOW.
+
+
+Her nest on high an eagle made
+Lower a cat her kittens laid;
+And at the bottom of the tree
+A sow dispos'd her progeny.
+Vile puss to gain her wicked ends,
+Much love for both of them pretends.
+First to the eagle's aerie mounts,
+And thus to her false alarms recounts:
+"Madam, in truth our dangerous state,
+'Tis with reluctance I relate;
+But things are really gone so far,
+Conceal them I no longer dare.
+Night after night the treacherous sow
+Our tree has undermined below;
+Ere long it cannot choose but fall,
+And then she hopes to eat us all."
+Successful when she saw her lies,
+Down to the bristly sow she hies;
+"My worthy neighbor!" crying out,
+"I pray you, mind what you're about,
+For to a certainty I know,
+The eagle waits but till you go,
+(The thing with great concern I say,)
+To make your little ones her prey."
+Suspicious dread when thus inspir'd,
+Puss to her hole all day retir'd;
+Stealing at night on silent paw,
+To stuff her own and kittens' maw.
+To stir nor sow nor eagle dare.
+What more? fell hunger ends their care;
+And long the mischief-making beast
+With her base brood on carrion feast.
+
+Learn hence, ye simples, ere too late,
+What ills the double-tongued create.
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration]
+
+THE EAGLE, THE RAVEN AND
+THE TORTOISE.
+
+
+Who in their foe united find
+Force, art, and a remorseless mind,
+Whate'er their strength and prowess be,
+To perish stand in jeopardy.
+
+An eagle once a tortoise held,
+Safe in his horny house concealed,
+Which he in vain essayed to break
+With all the fury of his beak.
+As with his prey he wing'd the air,
+A wily raven ventur'd near:
+"Your prize is excellent," says she,
+"And if you'll give a share to me,
+I know, for all his iron hide,
+How we the dainty may divide."
+The bargain made, "On yonder wall,
+Down," says the raven, "let him fall."
+He listen'd to the hoary sinner;
+And they on turtle made their dinner.
+
+Thus fraud and force their purpose gain,
+And nature fortifies in vain.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration]
+
+THE FLY AND THE HORSE.
+
+
+A fly upon a coach-box seated,
+With arrogance the horses rated.
+"Advance!" cries out the paltry thing,
+"Unless you mean to feel my sting."
+"Not thee we heed," a horse replied,
+"But him whose skilful hand can guide
+The rein and whip. We better know
+Than thee when we should stop or go."
+
+Thus men without or sense or weight,
+Think themselves born to rule the state.
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration]
+
+ESOP AT PLAY.
+
+
+When an Athenian Esop saw,
+Playing with school-boys once at taw,
+The man with laughter shook his sides;
+Esop the laughter thus derides:
+"Of this slack bow before you laid,
+The meaning, sprightly sir," he said,
+"Explain!" (A crowd had gather'd round.)
+Surpris'd, the man no answer found:
+He puzzled long, but all his wit
+Could on no explanation hit.
+The laugh on Esop's side; says he,
+"Why you this bow unbended see,
+It is because it needs must break,
+If always bent; so we must take
+Due relaxation, that the mind
+Its vigor may when wanted find."
+
+He who in harmless sport employs
+A vacant hour, is not unwise.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration]
+
+THE OLD PILOT AND THE SAILORS.
+
+
+To one complaining of his fate,
+Esop this fable did relate.
+
+A ship by raging tempests toss'd,
+The seamen, giving all for lost,
+'Twas who should weep and pray the most.
+Grown calm at once the sky and sea,
+They shout in joyful extacy.
+The pilot, from experience wise,
+The giddy crew did thus advise:
+"Nor much rejoice, nor over grieve,
+But decently what comes receive;
+Since good and ill succeed so near,
+Meet ill with hope and good with fear."
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration]
+
+THE CRAB AND HER DAUGHTER.
+
+
+Not what they hear, but what they see,
+Will children and domestics be.
+
+A crab one day her daughter chid;
+"You never do as you are bid,
+Have I not told you o'er and o'er,
+That awkward gait to use no more?
+Learn, ninny, once for all to know,
+Folks forward and not backward go."
+"Mamma," says Miss, "how strange you talk!
+Have I not learn'd from you to walk?
+Were I to move the other way,
+How could I follow you I pray?"
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration]
+
+THE SUN AND THE WIND.
+
+
+Phebus and Boreas from on high
+Upon the road a traveller spy,
+Wearing a cloak for fear of rain.
+Says Boreas, "his precaution's vain
+'Gainst me, I'll show you for a joke
+How soon I'll make him quit his cloak."
+"Come on," says Phebus, "let us see
+Who best succeeds, or you or me."
+The wind to blow so fierce began,
+He almost had upset his man;
+But still his cloak, for all his roar,
+Was wrapp'd more closely than before.
+When Boreas what he could had done,
+"Now for my trial," says the Sun,
+And with his beams so warm'd the air,
+The man his mantle could not bear,
+But open'd first, then threw aside.
+
+Learn hence, unbending sons of pride
+Persuasive manners will prevail,
+When menaces and bluster fail.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration]
+
+THE TWO POTS.
+
+
+Forc'd on a stream to make their way,
+To pot of brass says pot of clay:
+"Since brass is stout and clay is frail,
+Pray let us at a distance sail.
+Not your intention that I fear
+Sir Brass," adds humble Earthenware,
+"While the winds leave you to yourself;
+But woe betide my ribs of delf,
+If it should dash our sides together;
+For mine would be the damage, whether
+Their force should you or I impel;
+To pray proceed, and fare you well."
+
+Learn hence, ye folks of low estate,
+To keep due distance from the great.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration]
+
+HERCULES AND THE CARTER.
+
+
+His cart bemired, a carter pray'd
+To Hercules to come and aid.
+"Up!" says the God, "thou lazy dog.
+And lift the axle from the bog;
+Think'st thou Gods nothing have to do
+But listen to such knaves as you?"
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration]
+
+THE ANT AND THE GRASSHOPPER.
+
+
+From a wise emmet, well sustain'd
+On what her industry had gain'd,
+A grasshopper some aid desir'd.
+"What was his trade?" the ant inquir'd.
+"I've none," the grasshopper replied;
+"I range the country far and wide,
+Singing all day from door to door,
+And have no time to form a store."
+Shutting her granaries, says the ant,
+"No wonder, friend, you are in want;
+He who all summer sings, may chance
+In winter to be forc'd to dance."
+
+To spend his time in idle song,
+The thoughtless grasshopper was wrong;
+And not to give a small supply,
+The emmet mean and niggardly.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration]
+
+THE CROW AND THE PITCHER.
+
+
+Patience and ingenuity
+The want of natural means supply.
+
+A thirsty crow some water found,
+But in a vessel so profound,
+That with her neck at utmost stretch,
+A single drop she could not reach.
+Then stones she in the pitcher places,
+Which to the top the water raises;
+And by this innocent device
+Her thirst at leisure satisfies.
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration]
+
+THE ANGLER AND THE LITTLE
+FISH.
+
+
+An angler a small salmon caught,
+Who with much earnestness besought
+That he would let her go: says she,
+"What can you do with such as me!
+Next year when grown a little bigger,
+I in your bag might make a figure."
+The prudent man replied, "No, no;
+Into my pouch, though small, you go.
+A bird in hand is better far,
+Than two that in the bushes are."
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration]
+
+THE FROG AND THE FOX.
+
+
+Let us our own defects amend,
+Ere to guide others we pretend.
+
+A sallow, wrinkl'd, spotted frog,
+To turn physician left the bog.
+"He every malady could cure,"
+He said, "that animals endure."
+"First on yourself your science show,"
+Says Reynard: "that the world may know
+Your skill and knowledge, pray begin
+Of those foul spots to clear your skin:
+For while you look so sick and pale,
+To vend your drugs you'll ne'er prevail."
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration]
+
+THE APE AND HER YOUNG ONES.
+
+
+An ape had cubs; one much she lov'd,
+The other small affection prov'd.
+Alarm'd, she hears the hunter's cries;
+And catching up her darling flies:
+Through fear she stumbled o'er some stones
+And broke the little favorite's bones;
+The other to her back who clung
+Uninjured went with her along.
+
+Mothers, beware! the fondl'd child
+By too much tenderness is spoil'd;
+While those who hardships have endur'd,
+To suffer life are best inur'd.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration]
+
+THE FIR TREE AND THE THORN.
+
+
+The lowly and contented state
+Is farthest from the wounds of fate.
+
+A fir tree upon a humble thorn
+From his high top look'd down with scorn.
+"For loftiest fanes we grow," she said,
+"Of us the tallest masts are made,
+While thou, poor bramble, canst produce
+Nothing of ornament or use."
+"Great tree," the modest thorn replied,
+"When the sharp axe shall pierce your side,
+In vain you then may wish to be
+Unsought-for, and unknown like me."
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration]
+
+THE ASS IN THE LION'S SKIN.
+
+
+Fools may on other fools impose;
+The sage their real value knows.
+
+An ass once found a lion's skin,
+And rolling up himself therein,
+From every fold that he came nigh,
+Made flocks, and herds, and shepherds fly.
+Ranging the country round, at last
+He meets his master where he pass'd,
+Who long-ears instantly descries
+Through his magnificent disguise:
+Laying his cudgel on his side,
+"Get home, thou stupid fool," he cried:
+"With others for a lion pass;
+I know thee for an arrant ass."
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration]
+
+THE DOG IN THE MANGER.
+
+
+A mastiff in a stable lay,
+Couch'd on a manger full of hay.
+When any thing drew near to eat,
+He quickly forced it to retreat.
+An ox then cried, "detested creature,
+How vile is thy malignant nature,
+Which will not others let enjoy
+That which thou never canst employ!"
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration]
+
+THE STAG AND THE VINE.
+
+
+A stag pursued with horn and hound
+In a thick vineyard shelter found.
+Soon as he thought the danger past,
+He on the vine began to feast.
+The huntsman hears the rustling noise,
+And through half-eaten leaves descries
+His branching horns, the pack recalls,
+And merited the creature falls
+To his ingratitude a prey.
+
+Those their protectors who betray,
+Unpitying, all the world will see
+Consign'd to death and infamy.
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration]
+
+THE MISCHIEVOUS DOG.
+
+
+Titles and ribands, bought with shame,
+Folly and vice but more proclaim.
+A man who own'd a vicious dog,
+Upon his collar fix'd a log,
+Which the vain cur supposed to be
+A note of worth and dignity.
+A mastiff saw his foolish pride;
+"Puppy," indignantly he cried,
+"That thing is put about your neck
+Your mischievous designs to check;
+And to who see you to declare,
+Of what a currish race you are."
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration]
+
+THE SICK MAN AND THE PHYSICIAN.
+
+
+Woe to the land where those who guide,
+To please the people's foolish pride,
+Persuade them there is nought to dread,
+When ruin threatens o'er their head.
+
+A patient, ask'd to tell his pains,
+Of thirst and shivering cold complains.
+"'Tis very good," the doctor said;
+"He has but to remain in bed,
+And take the med'cines I shall send,
+The thing will soon be at an end."
+When next the question was repeated,
+The man complain'd he much was heated;
+"This," cried the leech, "is better still!"
+And thus to each increasing ill,
+"That it was going well," he cried,
+Till the poor martyr sunk and died.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration]
+
+THE FARMER AND HIS SONS.
+
+
+Work, work, my boys, with hand and mind!
+Your labors you will fruitful find.
+
+A husbandman, about to die,
+Call'd on his children to come nigh:
+"I leave," he says, "a small estate,
+But wherewithal to make it great:
+For know, a treasure it contains,
+If you to search will take the pains."
+He died. The sons dug all the ground,
+And there no hidden treasure found;
+But so productive was the soil,
+The crop by far o'erpaid the toil.
+Says one, when they the corn had sold,
+"This treasure 'twas our sire foretold!"
+
+[Illustration:]
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration]
+
+THE SWALLOW AND THE BIRDS.
+
+
+Those who of guides stand most in need,
+Are least inclin'd advice to heed.
+
+A travell'd swallow, learn'd and wise,
+To all his feather'd neighbors cries:
+"See you yon laborers there below;
+What is it, think ye, that they sow?
+'Tis hemp, my friends; of which are made
+The nets that for us all are laid;
+The moment yonder men are gone,
+Then pick the seeds up one by one."
+The gay inhabitants of air
+For his precaution little care.
+The seedling sprung; again the swallow
+Urges his good advice to follow;
+Again his counsel they deride.
+The plants full grown, and cut, and dried,
+Beaten and spun, the nets were made,
+And the unwary birds betray'd,
+Regretting, in their hapless fate,
+Their incredulity too late.
+
+Learn hence the danger to foresee,
+Nor wait for their maturity.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration]
+
+THE BOASTING TRAVELLER.
+
+
+A fellow who abroad had been,
+Told marvels he had done and seen:
+"When resident at Rhodes," he said,
+"A leap of twenty yards he made
+Over a barrier ten feet high;
+A dozen witnesses were by."
+"Come on," says one, at the same table,
+"Yon ditch and fence to o'erleap you're able.
+They're not, by much, so high or wide;
+Here let the experiment be tried.
+Suppose yourself at Rhodes, and we
+Your faithful witnesses will be."
+The man replied, "that he to-day
+Was not quite well," and stole away.
+
+Who boast of what they cannot do
+Both knavery and folly show.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration]
+
+THE OLD WOMAN AND HER MAIDS.
+
+
+Better known evils to endure,
+Than seek by wrong a doubtful cure.
+
+A thrifty dame her maids awoke
+At the first crowing of the cock.
+They of such early rising tir'd,
+To kill the harmless cock conspir'd.
+The dame, to hear him crow in wait,
+Next morning lay in bed till eight.
+But when she knew the trick they had play'd,
+She caused a larum to be made,
+And rung it daily in their ears
+Two hours before the dawn appears.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration]
+
+INDUSTRY AND SLOTH.
+
+
+Insidious sloth her object gains,
+If but a hearing she obtains.
+
+A youth ask'd why so long in bed?
+"I listen to a cause," he said;
+"As soon as I unclose my eyes.
+First industry excites to rise."
+"Up, up," she says, "to meet the sun,
+Your task of yesterday's undone!"
+"Lie still," cries sloth, "it is not warm,
+An hour's more sleep can do no harm;
+You will have time your work to do,
+And leisure for amusement too."
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration]
+
+THE SHEPHERD TURNED MERCHANT.
+
+
+Fair weather sailors, keep at home,
+For be assur'd the storm will come.
+
+A shepherd of an inland breed
+Brought to the coast his flocks to feed;
+The beauty of a summer sea,
+A merchant tempted him to be.
+He sold his sheep, and with the sale
+Purchas'd of dates an ample bale.
+He sail'd; a furious tempest rose;
+Into the sea his dates he throws;
+And swimming from the bark to land,
+Arrives half dead upon the strand.
+To one, soon afterwards who stood
+Pleas'd with the calmness of the flood,
+"Aye, aye," the simple shepherd said
+"With dates again it would be fed."
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration]
+
+THE SPENDTHRIFT AND THE
+SWALLOW.
+
+
+A fool who all had thrown away,
+When wandering pennyless one day,
+Perceived a swallow. "Ho," says he,
+"Summer is come at last I see!"
+And to a Jew his mantle sold.
+Next day it was severely cold:
+Starv'd as he walk'd, the bird he found
+Frozen to death upon the ground.
+"Ah! what a fool was I," he cried,
+"When on one swallow I relied!"
+
+Those who too readily believe,
+For their credulity may grieve.
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration]
+
+THE EAGLE AND THE CROW.
+
+
+The wise well know their force to weigh,
+Nor what they cannot do, essay.
+
+A carrion crow an eagle saw
+Seize on a lamb with beak and claw.
+Conceiving he could better do,
+He pounces on a well fed ewe;
+But he and not the sheep was caught;
+For when to fly with it he sought,
+His feet entangled in the wool,
+The shepherd seiz'd the helpless fool.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration]
+
+THE WOLF AND THE SHEPHERD'S
+BOY.
+
+
+In wantonness a shepherd's boy
+Alarm'd the neighbor's with his cry;
+"The wolf! the wolf!" And when they came,
+Of their lost labor made his game.
+At last the wolf when there indeed,
+His real cries they did not heed;
+He and his flock a prey were made,
+And for his lies he dearly paid.
+
+Those who are known to have deceiv'd,
+When they speak truth, are not believ'd.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration]
+
+THE FOX WITHOUT A TAIL.
+
+
+Fashions and modes we often see,
+Made to conceal deformity:
+Those to whom nature has been kind,
+Should leave such fopperies behind.
+
+A fox who in a trap was taken,
+Resign'd his brush to save his bacon.
+Ashamed that all the world should know
+His cunning had been cheated so,
+To an assembly of the nation
+He made the following oration:
+"I oft have thought the tails we wear
+A troublesome appendage are;
+Where's their utility, I pray?
+They serve but to obstruct our way.
+Nor ornamental do I find,
+To drag this ponderous length behind.
+For my part, without more debate,
+I move our tails we amputate."
+"Please, sir, to show yourself behind,"
+(Says one to smoke the jest inclin'd,
+And who discovered what it was)
+"We there perhaps shall see the cause,
+Ere we your prudent counsel take,
+Why you this curious motion make?"
+His bare posteriors when they found,
+Loud laughter shook the benches round;
+Nor could the fox without a tail
+To introduce the mode prevail.
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration]
+
+THE MEN AND THE OYSTER.
+
+
+Any partition better make,
+Than _all_ the hungry law should take.
+
+By the sea side two travellers found
+A fine large oyster on the ground;
+His claim each obstinately lays:
+"I saw it first," one eager says;
+"I pick'd it up," the other cries;
+"Mine"--"Mine is certainly the prize."
+They talk'd as usual, loud and long;
+And more they reason'd, more were wrong;
+Till they a neighboring lawyer see
+Passing, and mutually agree
+To take him for their referee.
+With legal dignity of face,
+He heard them both relate the case;
+"Your claims are good," then gravely said,
+"And a brave lawsuit would have made
+Which to prefer I cannot tell,
+So each of you must take a shell;
+And, as the oyster is but one,
+That I myself will swallow down;
+To stink it otherwise had lain,
+And all your cash been spent in vain;
+You're cheaply off; go home content;
+And faith the fish was excellent."
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration]
+
+THE SHEPHERD AND HIS DOG.
+
+
+A dog his master so deceiv'd,
+He was the best of curs believ'd.
+The flock was trusted to his care,
+Whene'er the shepherd was not there.
+And in the house, a favored guest,
+He always fed upon the best.
+The treacherous guard his charge betray'd
+And on the sheep in secret prey'd.
+The master, when the crime was prov'd,
+With double indignation mov'd,
+About his neck the halter tied
+Himself: the dog for mercy cried;
+"You let the wolf escape," he said,
+"Who much more slaughter oft has made."
+"Wretch!" says the man, "the wolf declares
+Hostility, and boldly dares;
+He has no confidence abused:
+But, coward, thou my trust hast used:
+Against myself! and on this tree
+Without delay shalt hanged be."
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration]
+
+THE COUNTRYMAN AND THE
+JUSTICE.
+
+
+The law still lends the readiest aid,
+When well her ministers are paid.
+
+A countryman, by power oppress'd,
+Seeking to have his wrongs redress'd,
+Oft to the justice went in vain;
+Admittance he could ne'er obtain,
+But still was bid again to come;
+"Unwell"--"engag'd"--or "not home!"
+The wily rustic took a kid
+One day, and in a basket hid;
+And when he to the house drew near,
+Began to pinch him by the ear,
+So that the porter, from the hall,
+Might hear the little fatling squall;
+The man his master's mind who knew,
+Open'd the door and let him through.
+The shepherd, laughing as he pass'd,
+Says to his kid, "Thy cries at last
+An audience for my wrongs obtain;
+Thy flesh, perhaps, redress will gain."
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration]
+
+THE COCK AND THE FOX.
+
+
+The world applauds the lucky hit,
+When it beholds the biter bit.
+
+A treach'rous fox invited down
+A cock, who on a tree had flown.
+"Do you not know, my friend," says he,
+"Bird, beast, fish, reptile, man agree,
+To live henceforth in amity?
+Come down and celebrate the day."
+"Troth," quoth the cock, "you truly say;
+For hounds I see come o'er the dell,
+With open mouths, the news to tell."
+"Adieu," says Ren. "'Tis best to go;
+Those dogs the treaty may not know."
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration]
+
+THE BLIND MAN AND THE LAME.
+
+
+Who kind assistance give and take,
+Life's arduous journey best will make.
+
+Two men, one blind, the other lame,
+To pass a ford together came.
+The stream was rapid, and the way
+Obliquely thwart the current lay;
+To his companion says the blind,
+"Yon winding road I ne'er shall find."
+"Nor my poor limbs," the lame replied,
+"The current's rapid force abide."
+"Come," says the blind, "my loins are strong,
+I'll bear you on my back along,
+While you to guide me give the word;"
+And thus they safely cross'd the ford.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration]
+
+THE MAN AND THE SERPENT.
+
+
+There's in the world a cursed race,
+Of nature so perverse and base,
+If from the gallows you should save,
+A dangerous enemy you have.
+
+A countryman a serpent found,
+Stiffen'd with frost upon the ground,
+And took her home; but when the fire
+Began new vigor to inspire,
+Swelling her neck with angry eyes,
+She fills the cot with hissing cries.
+The rustic then his axe did take,
+"Is this then the return you make?
+Is this your gratitude?" he said,
+And knock'd the reptile on the head.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration]
+
+THE TWO STREAMS.
+
+
+Those who display much dash and din,
+Have seldom any thing within.
+
+A weary traveller, one day,
+Cross'd o'er a river in his way;
+Alarm'd to see the foaming tide
+Dashing o'er rocks from side to side,
+Nevertheless, his course to keep,
+He ventur'd in with trembling step;
+And found the water neither deep,
+Nor footing bad; and got well o'er.
+When he had travell'd some leagues more,
+He to another river came,
+That smoothly flowed, a silent stream:
+This he thought easily to pass;
+But ere he in the middle was,
+He plunged into a gulf profound,
+And for his feet no bottom found;
+But, forced to swim with all his might,
+Got to the shore in piteous plight.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration]
+
+THE SOT AND HIS WIFE.
+
+
+Inveterate sin is seldom cur'd.
+
+A wife had long a sot endur'd,
+Who all his time in taverns spent,
+While his affairs in ruin went.
+Once as insensible he lay,
+She dress'd him in a corpse's array,
+And with the undertaker's aid,
+Into a burying vault convey'd.
+The fumes dispersed, the man awakes;
+All for reality he takes.
+When by the glimmering of a lamp
+He saw his mansion drear and damp,
+Reflecting how his life had pass'd,
+A forced repentance came at last.
+The wife, with suited voice and dress,
+Presented an infernal mess:
+"Good Trap, pray take away your meat;
+I have no appetite to eat,"
+He cried, "but faith I'm devilish dry:
+Can't you a bowl of wine supply?"
+The woman, seeing all was vain,
+Restor'd him to his casks again:
+Consol'd with certainty, that he
+Ere long a real corpse must be.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration]
+
+THE FARMER AND HIS QUARRELSOME
+SONS.
+
+
+Three sons an honest farmer had;
+And it so happen'd, ne'er a lad
+Could with the other two agree;
+All quarrelling perpetually.
+Their time in idle contest spent,
+Garden and farm to ruin went;
+And the good farmer and his wife
+Led but a miserable life.
+One day as this unhappy sire
+Sat musing by his evening fire,
+He saw some twigs in bundles stand,
+Tied for the basket-maker's hand.
+Taking up one: "My boys," says he,
+"Which is the strongest, let me see;
+He who this bundle breaks in twain,
+The preference, and this prize shall gain,"
+(Showing a pair of Sunday shoes.)
+The rivals every effort use
+In vain. Their utmost force when tried,
+The father took the twigs untied,
+And giving to them one by one,
+The work immediately was done.
+"Yon twigs," he says, "that broken lie,
+This useful lesson may supply:
+That those in amity who live,
+And succor to each other give,
+Double their forces to resist
+Oppression, and their work assist."
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration]
+
+THE FIG TREE AND THE FLOWERING
+SHRUB.
+
+
+Flowers which many leaves display,
+In fruitless beauty fade away.
+
+Cries one of these, with saucy sneer,
+To a plain fig-tree growing near,
+"How comes it, honest friend, that thou
+Dost in the spring no blossoms show?"
+Says he, "I keep them out of view,
+For fear I should resemble you,
+And in the autumn nought produce
+Of permanence and solid use."
+
+Who soon and much essay to shine,
+May dread a premature decline.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration]
+
+THE FARMER AND THE LANDLORD.
+
+
+A farmer of an honest fame,
+One morning to his landlord came:
+"Alas, my lord," he weeping said,
+"Gored by my bull, your ox is dead.
+What must be done?" "The case is plain,"
+Replies the lord; "the creature slain,
+The owner of the bull must pay;
+Let it be done without delay."
+"Heav'n give your worship long to live!
+I hope you will a good one give,
+For mine was good!" "How! your's, my friend?
+Let me your story comprehend:
+Your bull, you say, my ox has gored?"
+"Forgive me the mistake, my lord,
+In my confusion I have made;
+Mine was the ox that must be paid;
+But 'tis all one--what's just for me
+The same must for your worship be:
+I'll tell the steward what you say."
+"Not yet--we'll think of it to-day.
+Further inquiry must be had;
+Perhaps your fences were but bad;
+Perhaps--but come again to-morrow."
+The honest laborer saw with sorrow,
+That justice wears a different face,
+When for themselves men put the case.
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration]
+
+THE SCHOOL-BOY AND THE
+MONITOR.
+
+
+At play on Thames's verdant side
+A school boy fell into the tide,
+Where providentially there stood
+A willow, bending o'er the flood.
+Buoy'd on its branch, he floating lay,
+The monitor pass'd by that way.
+The lad entreats his life to save:
+The Don replies with aspect grave,
+"Sirrah, what business had you there?
+How vain is all our watchful care!
+You never heed a word we say;
+Your disobedience you shall pay!"
+"First," says the boy, "pray stretch your hand:
+I'll hear you when I come to land."
+
+This is for those, with vain parade
+Who give advice, instead of aid.
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration]
+
+THE MILLER AND HIS ASS.
+
+
+A rustic bringing to the fair
+An ass, that he might show him there,
+Sleek and well looking let him trot;
+He followed with his son on foot.
+The first they met upon the road,
+At our pedestrians laugh'd loud,
+"Look at those two legged asses," cried,
+"Who trudge on foot when they might ride!"
+The father with the hint complies:
+Makes the boy mount. Now other cries
+Assail their ears; by graybeards blam'd;
+"Sirrah, you ought to be asham'd
+To ride and let your father walk!"
+Again he listened to their talk.
+The sire got up, the youth got down;
+When passing through a country town,
+At every door the mothers said,
+"A murrain light on thy old head!
+Hast thou no bowels for thy kind?
+At least take up the lad behind."
+This done they next were thus address'd:
+"Two lubbers on a little beast?
+They fitter are to carry him!"
+Complying with this senseless whim,
+Upon a pole his feet in air,
+The ass they on their shoulders bear.
+Now laughing shouts spread far and wide.
+The ass's ligatures untied,
+"Proceed, my son," then said the man:
+"To please the world, do all we can,
+Since 'tis impossible, you see,
+To please ourselves content we'll be."
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration]
+
+THE DREAMER AND HIS SON.
+
+
+Mortals bring down upon their head
+The very miseries most they dread.
+
+The only son of a rich knight
+In hunting daily took delight.
+The father living in alarm,
+Lest he should come to any harm,
+Dream'd that he saw him on the ground,
+Rent with the lion's fatal wound.
+The youth, allow'd to hunt no more,
+Impatiently confinement bore.
+Remarking, one unlucky day,
+In the fine chamber where he lay,
+A lion painted on the wall,
+"Thou art," he cried, "the cause of all."
+With idle rage the wall he struck,
+And in his hand an iron stuck,
+Which piercing bones and sinews through,
+Fester'd and then a gangrene grew.
+And thus the father's ill-tim'd care
+Deprived him of his son and heir.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration]
+
+THE OLD MAN AND DEATH.
+
+
+Though life be welcome to the wise,
+Death cannot take him by surprise;
+Aware that every day and hour
+He holds but at the tyrant's power,
+That beauty, talents, worth, are vain.
+A moment's respite to obtain.
+Nothing more known, and yet how rare
+It is with courage to prepare
+For this inevitable day!
+All hope a little more delay.
+
+One who had suffer'd many a year,
+And to a century drew near,
+At last complain'd, that unawares
+Death came, unsettled his affairs:
+"My will is not completely made;
+A little time," he trembling said,
+"A little longer let me live;
+Some warning 'tis but fair to give!
+My grandson is expected home;
+At least pray, let the doctor come."
+"Poor helpless driveller!" Death replied,
+"Ten years ago thou should'st have died!
+Thy friends, thy foes, thyself outliv'd:
+Almost an age thou hast surviv'd:
+Some who their day had scarce begun.
+Others beneath their noon-tide sun--
+Time's deepest lines engrave thy brow,
+And dost thou hesitate to go?
+Idiot, what warning would'st thou have?
+One foot already in the grave:
+Sight, hearing, feeling, day by day,
+Sunk gradual in a long decay.
+I blame myself for my neglect;
+Thou'st not a moment to expect!"
+
+When failing nature warns, the sage
+Sees death a refuge from old age;
+And rising from life's lengthened feast,
+Willing retires, a sated guest.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration]
+
+THE PAINTER.
+
+
+When candid critics deign to blame
+Their index points the road to fame,
+But when dull fools your works admire,
+Throw them at once into the fire.
+
+In Rome there dwelt, in days of yore,
+A painter deep in graphic lore.
+His touch was firm, his outline true,
+And every rule full well he knew.
+A Mars he painted, meant to show
+How far his learned skill could go.
+The work complete, he call'd a friend,
+On whose good taste he could depend.
+The friend was honest, spoke his thought,
+And fairly pointed out the fault,
+"That overwork'd in every part,
+It show'd too much laborious art."
+The painter argued for his rules,
+And cited maxims from the schools;
+Still the judicious critic held
+The labor should be more conceal'd.
+While they disputed on his stricture,
+A coxcomb came to see the picture:
+Entering, he cries, "Good heavens, how fine!
+The piece, I swear, is quite divine!
+The sword, the knot, the belt, the leather,
+The steel, the gold, the silk, the feather,
+Are perfect nature, all together!"
+The painter, reddening with despite,
+Whispers, "My friend, by Jove, you're right.
+'Tis not enough our art to know,
+Till less of it we learn to show;
+My picture must be done again
+I see, to please discerning men."
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration]
+
+THE COBBLER AND THE NABOB.
+
+
+A cobbler, who had fix'd his stall
+Against a nabob's palace wall,
+Work'd merrily as others play,
+And sung and whistled all the day.
+A prey to many an anxious care,
+Less merry was the lord, by far;
+And often in the night he thought
+It hard, sleep was not to be bought:
+And if tow'rds morn he got a doze,
+The cobbler troubled his repose.
+One day he bid the man attend--
+And, "Well," says he, "my honest friend,
+How is it that so well you thrive?
+You seem the happiest man alive.
+Pray, what may be the profit clear,
+That you can earn within the year?"
+"What in a twelvemonth I can earn,
+My lord, was never my concern;
+'Tis quite enough," the cobbler said,
+"If I can gain my daily bread."
+"Take then this note"--'twas twenty pound;
+"But sing not with so shrill a sound,
+Good man," the generous nabob cries,
+"When early to your work you rise;
+For then I want to close my eyes."
+Delighted to his stall he went:
+But now he first felt discontent;
+All day he neither work'd nor ate,
+For thinking of his happy fate.
+At night, when he retir'd to bed,
+He plac'd the note beneath his head.
+But could not sleep a single wink,
+What he should do with it, to think;
+And every little noise he heard,
+That folks were come to rob him, fear'd.
+Living in constant dread to all,
+Who did but look towards his stall,
+So lean and sallow he was grown,
+The man was hardly to be known.
+At last he begg'd the lord to see:
+"Take back your present, sir," said he,
+"Riches, I find, are not for me.
+To-morrow I my song renew;
+Not less my gratitude to you:
+And care henceforward I will take,
+My chaunts your slumber do not break."
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration]
+
+THE HORSE AND HIS RIDER.
+
+
+A man a palfrey long possess'd,
+A quiet, serviceable beast;
+Spavin'd, indeed, and somewhat blind,
+But still his way he well could find;
+And if he stumbled now and then,
+Was soon upon his feet again.
+In short, for many a year, the pack
+Had borne him safely on his back.
+Till riding out one fatal day,
+He overheard some coxcombs say,
+"For such a man, 'tis quite a shame,
+To mount a horse old, blind, and lame."
+"Aye," replied one, "I know a steed
+Would nobly carry him indeed;
+Young, vigorous, beautiful, and sound;
+His like is nowhere to be found."
+In evil hour an ear he lent,
+To view this boasted courser went:
+Unwary on his back he got,
+And tried to put him on a trot;
+He rear'd and plung'd, and leap'd about,
+Till from his seat he shook him out,
+Then kicking, pitch'd him o'er his head,
+And laid him on the pavement dead.
+The vicious creature left at large,
+On all his fury would discharge;
+This from behind his heels surprise,
+Trod under foot, that sprawling lies:
+Another, who would seize the reins,
+Is bit and mangled for his pains.
+But want of nourishment and rest
+Will tame at last the fiercest beast;
+And rage itself suspends its course,
+Exhausted by its proper force.
+Light'ning no more his eyes inspire,
+No more his nostrils snorted fire;
+At bay he stood, fatigu'd and lank,
+With flagging ears, and beating flank.
+An active jockey, stout and able,
+Contracts to bring him to the stable;
+Soothes, and his neck begins to pat,
+And the corn rattles in his hat;
+By hunger drawn, repell'd by fear,
+The courser neighs, retires, comes near;
+Lur'd with the smell, begins to eat.
+The jockey vaulted in the seat:
+With vigorous hand the bridle plied,
+And stuck the rowels in his side.
+Some bounds and curvets still he made,
+But soon submissively obey'd.
+The horseman who such skill had shown,
+Resolv'd to keep him for his own:
+Aware that constant work alone
+Can keep this wicked spirit down
+He night and day is on his back,
+To lead him to some new attack,
+No road is safe, nor far nor near,
+This highwayman is every where.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration]
+
+THE GOOD MINISTER.
+
+
+An honest minister disgrac'd,
+(Such are not easily replac'd,)
+Found the sweet leisure in his fields,
+To virtuous minds retirement yields.
+The king, who had his foes believ'd,
+The loss of him ere long perceiv'd.
+To bring him back again intent,
+To his retreat alone he went:
+"My friend, you must return with me,"
+He said, "your value now I see."
+"Forgive me," the Recluse replied;
+"Here I determine to abide.
+By sad experience well I know,
+Were I to court again to go,
+And all my best endeavors do,
+To serve my country, sir, and you,
+Art and intrigue so much prevail,
+Again I certainly should fail;
+Against your will and approbation,
+And the good wishes of the nation,
+You'd find yourself compell'd to yield,
+And I once more must quit the field."
+
+The honest man, who will not bend
+To circumstance, or condescend
+To pay his court to knave or fool,
+Will never long a nation rule.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration]
+
+THE SWAN AND THE COOK.
+
+
+A man once had a swan and goose
+  Among his birds and beasts.
+The one was destined for a pet,
+  The other for a feast.
+Sometimes you saw them sailing
+  Gracefully on the current, side by side,
+Sometimes they played a game of tag,
+  Or plunged into the tide.
+One day the master ordered
+  The cook to kill the goose,
+And roast it for his dinner;
+  It was fat and fit for use.
+But the cook had taken a drop too much,
+  And it had gone to his head;
+So when he went out for the goose
+  He took the swan instead.
+He seized the swan fast by the throat,
+  And would have kill'd it soon:
+But the bird saw he was to die,
+  And he his throat did tune,
+And warbled out his farewell lay.
+  The cook straight dropped his knife
+In great surprise, "what! what!" cried he,
+  "Shall I take the life
+Of a musical bird like this?
+  No, no! it must not be.
+So to the garden he shall go back
+  And ne'er be kill'd by me."
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration]
+
+THE LYNX AND THE MOLE.
+
+
+A lynx once met by chance a mole,
+Just emerging from his hole.
+The lynx with penetrating eye
+The beauties of the place did spy,
+And asked the mole to take a share
+In the fine prospect, rich and rare.
+"I've seldom found so good a place.
+From this small hill you see a space
+Extended far beneath your view,
+I like it much; pray do not you?
+See now the sun begins to rise,
+And with crimson tints the skies.
+It spreads all round its genial heat,
+And nature now enjoys a treat."
+"Well, well!" the mole aloud did cry
+"You may see this and more, but I
+Can only now before me see,
+A very heavy mist." "Truly,
+Now," said the lynx, "I clearly see
+The difference 'twixt you and me.
+My eyes see with perception bright
+While your's are always dark as night.
+Go to your hold beneath the ground,
+While I will range the forest round."
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration]
+
+THE OLD CAT AND THE YOUNG
+MOUSE.
+
+
+A young mouse of little experience,
+Thought to soften an old cat,
+And besought her clemency,
+By asking for his life at her expense.
+Said he, "A mouse, or e'en a rat,
+Is not a great charge on the house;
+And I shall not starve out the host.
+Besides I seldom quit my post,
+And when I do a grain of corn
+Has served me since I first was born.
+Now I am thin, pray let me be,
+I'll serve your children yet, you'll see."
+Thus to the cat spoke the poor mouse.
+The other answered, "You mistake,
+When unto me this tone you take;
+You might as well talk to the deaf,
+As to so old a cat as I,
+And through your tricks I spy,
+Die! you can go and chatter to the fates,
+My children will be fed on better cates."
+
+
+MORAL.
+
+Youth is sanguine, and hopes for all:
+Old age is pitiless; so says our moral.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration]
+
+THE TWO FRIENDS.
+
+
+Two real friends lived in Monomotapa,
+All that belonged to one was for the other,
+And each was unto each a brother.
+The people of that country, thus,
+Make better friends than among us.
+One night when fast asleep,
+  They each were sound reposing,
+The eldest darted from his couch,
+  And stopped the other's dozing.
+He runs to see his friend,
+Awakes the slaves, and in the end,
+Even his friend is quite alarmed,
+And goes to seek the other,
+With sword and purse. "My brother,
+What can the matter be?
+Here I am armed, you see,
+Ready with sword to fight for you,
+And here is money ready too,
+If you have lost in play.
+You're even welcome to my handsome slave,
+With jet black hair, and eyes so grave."
+"No!" said the other, "I need naught,
+But ere I slept to-night, I thought,
+Being in a trance, that you were sad,
+And as the thought nigh drove me mad,
+I hurried to your tent,
+And found you sleeping quite content."
+
+
+MORAL.
+
+Which of the two best loved the other?
+Here is a thing to ponder on.
+A true friend is a precious thing,
+And all to aid you he will bring,
+But with excess of love the other
+In dreams was thinking of his brother.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration]
+
+THE SICK STAG.
+
+
+In a land where stags are many,
+One fell sick, and not any
+Of all his friends, delayed to come,
+To offer aid and consolation,
+In his sorrowful situation.
+Said he, "My friends, pray let me die
+In the right way, nor shed such tears."
+Not at all, the consolers,
+With many a tear, and many a sigh,
+Had come resolved by him to lie;
+And when they left they helped themselves
+Upon his lands, the greedy elves!
+And drank from out his brook,
+And every one of them such suppers took,
+That when the stag revived,
+He found his meals reduced;
+So that while his friends had thrived,
+He had to fast or die of hunger.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration]
+
+THE FOREST AND THE WOODMAN.
+
+
+A woodman had broken or misplaced
+The wooden handle of his axe,
+This loss could not be well replaced.
+So master woodman humbly prayed
+From all the trees a single branch,
+And promised to go elsewhere when he made
+Again his livelihood,
+And he would touch nor oak nor pine.
+The trees which were all very good
+Furnished for him new arms,
+And soon commenced all their alarms,
+And their regret. The axe was mended.
+And his repentance all was ended.
+The miserable wretch but used it,
+E'en as he had before abused it,
+By felling down the forest trees,
+Which groaned in spirit, and which died,
+By arms they had themselves supplied.
+
+
+MORAL.
+
+This is the way the world goes on,
+We use our benefits against our benefactors:
+I am tired of speaking thereupon,
+Till we obtain our wants, we are good actors.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration]
+
+THE ELEPHANT AND THE MONKEY
+OF JUPITER.
+
+
+Formerly the elephant and the rhinoceros
+Disputing on the light of empire
+Resolved to end the combat thus--
+By fighting to their heart's desire.
+The day was fixed, when it was heard,
+That the monkey of Sire Jupiter
+Had been seen in the air,
+Poised on a cloud like any bird.
+The elephant was quite convinced
+That to arrange the new election,
+An interest the god evinced,
+And felt for him a great affection,
+He went to see the monkey's highness,
+Expecting him to speak about the fight,
+But not a word said monkey.
+At this sight,
+The elephant perceived that he must speak himself,
+And so began: "Sire Jupiter," said he,
+"Between rhinoceros and me will see
+A royal combat of legation;
+A tournament for all the nation.
+I suppose you have already heard
+This news!" Said monkey, "Not a word."
+The elephant ashamed, and quite surprised,
+Looked on the monkey with astonished eyes.
+Said monkey, "In celestial place,
+A fly or leopard are of equal race."
+"Was it not then because of us,"
+Said elephant, "that you descended?"
+"Nay," said the monkey, quite offended.
+"I left the heavens to share a grain of corn
+Among some ants, nor knew that you were born.
+We have the care of mortal things;
+But all are equals in our eyes,
+And at your talk I feel surprise."
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration]
+
+THE WOODCUTTER AND DEATH.
+
+
+A woodman was toiling, all covered with dust,
+But reach home with his faggot ere night he must,
+Panting and weary he walks quite slow,
+How to get home he does not know.
+At last quite exhausted with toil and trouble,
+With the weight of the burden and his years, bent double.
+He puts down his faggot, and thinks of his pains,
+What is his work, and what are his gains,
+How since he came into this weary world,
+By the wheels of blind fortune around he's been twirled.
+Was he not poor, a wood cutter, at best,
+Oft without bread, always without rest.
+He thinks of his wife, his children, his taxes,
+At last quite warm with the subject he waxes.
+He calls on death; who comes without delay,
+The woodman, in terror, knows not what to say.
+Death asks what to do the man wishes he should.
+"Oh, help me," he said, "with this faggot of wood.
+My poor bones ache, and my limbs they crack.
+So help me to put it upon my back."
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration]
+
+THE RAT AND THE OYSTER.
+
+
+A rat who lived in the field,
+  A rat of little wit,
+Once grew tired of his father's house,
+  And quietly left it.
+He left the field, the grain and wheat,
+  Set out to travel, left his hole,
+And just as soon as he was out,
+  "How large and spacious on the whole
+Is this great country spread about.
+Here are the Apeninnes, and there Caucasus."
+The smallest mole hill is a mountain.
+At the end of some days our traveller arrives
+At a certain canton where every oyster thrives,
+And our famed traveller turned very pale,
+Thinking he saw great vessels setting sail
+"Mercy," said he, "My father was a dunce,
+He did not dare to travel even once,
+While I have seen already,
+The maritime empire,
+And travelled to my heart's desire."
+From a certain learn'd man,
+The rat had heard of such things,
+And thinks he has seen all he can.
+Among the many oysters closed,
+There was one open, which reposed,
+Mouth gaping, in the sun,
+The learned, travelled man,
+The rat, approached, thinking to make
+An excellent repast, and began to take
+A bite at the fine oyster, plump and fat,
+Whereupon closing on our rat,
+The oyster caught him tight
+And held him with all its might.
+
+
+MORAL.
+
+This fable goes to show,
+That those mistake,
+Who think that all they know:
+When knowing nothing of the world,
+Their giddy brain is quickly whirled.
+And hence this moral let us make,
+That he is caught, who thinks to take.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration]
+
+THE PHYSICIANS.
+
+
+Dr. So-much-the-worse went out to see
+A patient sick as one could be.
+His brother So-much-the-better,
+Having received an urgent letter,
+Came also the sick man to visit.
+So-much-the-worse declared he'd die,
+So-much-the-better asked him why.
+And while their plans they thus discourse,
+The sick man died, _so much the worse_!
+So-much-the-better now declared,
+That if the sick man had not despaired,
+He would have lived. So-much-the-worse
+Said, "I was right, agree with me,
+Our patient's dead, as you can see."
+
+
+MORAL.
+
+There's wisdom in the saying, by my troth,
+Too many cooks will spoil the broth.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration]
+
+THE MOUNTAIN IN LABOR.
+
+
+A mountain thought to be in labor,
+Made such a horrid noise,
+That round it each stranger came and neighbor,
+Thinking the end of all this noise would be
+A city, quite as large as three.
+Having drawn all the province round,
+The mountain from a little mound,
+Let out a mouse.
+
+
+MORAL.
+
+When I think upon this fable,
+Of which the narration is false,
+And the sense true;
+It puts me much in mind
+Of authors not a few,
+Who boast that they are able
+To write on any subject as they please,
+And after all--do nothing.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration]
+
+THE CAT METAMORPHOSED INTO
+A WOMAN.
+
+
+A man was passionately fond of his cat,
+He thought she was pretty, and sleek, and all that;
+And she purred in the softest tone,
+He wished to make her his own.
+This man by prayers, by tears,
+  By sorcery and charms,
+Changed pussy to a woman fair,
+  And took her in his arms.
+But in the wainscot soon a rat
+  Made itself manifest,
+And very soon the pussy cat,
+  Could still no longer rest.
+Her foolish husband who believed
+  That nothing had of cat remained,
+And as his wife had her received--
+  Was, now, I warrant, somewhat pained.
+Next time the vermin came,
+Pussy was surer of her game--
+  For having changed her face,
+The mice not frightened,
+  Did not change their pace--
+And the astonished spouse
+  Was very glad--
+To change her back--
+  And was no more cat-mad.
+
+
+MORAL.
+
+What in the bone is born,
+  Will in the flesh remain,
+Both night and morn,
+  And ne'er come out again.
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration]
+
+THE FROG AND THE RAT.
+
+
+He who another thinks to injure,
+May in the end destroy himself.
+
+A rat who fed exceeding well,
+Was by a frog invited out to dine;
+"The voyage," said froggy, "will be quickly made,
+If you will tie your foot to mine."
+Frog vaunted the delight of bathing,
+Praised the varieties they'd met upon the way,
+And when the rat consented to be tied,
+Attempted to bear him away.
+The rat half drowned resisted all he could.
+The frog, imaged the dinner he would make;
+Suddenly, flying from a neighboring wood,
+A hawk appeared, and quickly did he take
+Both of the combatants up in his bill,
+Before they e'en had time to make their will;
+And quite delighted did the greedy sinner
+Make off of fish and flesh a hearty dinner.
+For in the hawk's dominions, fast days
+Are never kept.
+Now if the frog had acted as he ought,
+And had not tried to dine off the poor rat,
+They would not both have perished,
+To make fat,
+A pampered hawk;
+And master rat,
+Had he not been so curious about
+Aquatic government,
+Had from the scrape got safely out.
+
+
+MORAL.
+
+A scheme or a conspiracy,
+Be it all plotted well
+As safe, 'twould seem as it could be,
+And sure of all success,
+May, none the less,
+Entirely fail,
+And grand conspirators,
+And all bewail,
+The day that set them scheming.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration]
+
+THE LION AND THE FLY.
+
+
+A lion by a gad-fly worried,
+Half maddened by his sting,
+Exclaimed, "Be off, vile fly--
+Mean, pitiful, base thing!"
+After the fly had ended his repast,
+Fully exhausted feels the beast at last,
+And roared so that he shook the earth,
+While the victorious fly
+Met in the spider's web his destiny.
+
+
+MORAL.
+
+Two morals draw I from this tale:
+  First, We should fear the smallest enemy;
+And second, We may escape great perils,
+  And from a trifling cause may die.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration]
+
+THE TWO MULES.
+
+
+Two mules went travelling on their way,
+  One with a sack of corn;
+The other with gold and bells so gay,
+  Most gaily tripped along.
+Proud of so rich a load,
+  He kept the bells a ringing--
+And was so proud, had he known how
+  He would have commenced singing.
+Soon some robbers rude appeared,
+  Who stopped this mule upon his road,
+And very soon they had him cleared
+  Of all his weight of precious gold.
+Falling beneath their blows, "I die,"
+  The expiring trotter cried,
+"Had you been," said the other,
+  "Low as I, you would not thus have died."
+
+Be moderate when you are high,
+Nor glory o'er the passers by.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration]
+
+JUPITER AND THE FARMER.
+
+
+Jupiter had a farm to let,
+Mercury advertised it, and people came,
+Made offers, listened, all the same,
+Made some objection.
+One declared the land
+Was rough and dry,
+And full of sand.
+One had this reason, one had that,
+Until at last a man appeared,
+Who said he'd try to farm it, agreed that
+He might have any weather that he chose.
+
+Behold! as soon as he but yawns, it blows
+Or rains, or is quite clear.
+His neighbors, even the most near,
+Are not affected by these changes.
+In usual route, their weather ranges;
+They have good crops,
+But he had none.
+At last when tired, he began
+Complaining unto Jupiter.
+The next year the same thing,
+Changes of weather he can bring--
+And the neighbors no more
+Than the Americans,
+Are troubled by the farming
+Of his lands.
+At last tired out, with all his strife in vain,
+He yields his power to the God of rain;
+Acknowledging, that all along
+The god did right,
+And he did wrong.
+
+
+MORAL.
+
+Let us conclude that Providence
+For man ordains much better than we can.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration]
+
+THE COCK, THE CAT, AND THE
+LITTLE MOUSE.
+
+
+A young mouse, who had nothing seen,
+Was nearly caught; You shall hear how
+He told his mother the adventure--
+He said, "Pray, listen, now:
+I started out to frolic at a venture,
+When two fine animals appeared
+Before my eyes,
+And filled me with surprise.
+One was soft, benign, and sweet,
+The other, turbulent, and full of inquietude,
+Had a loud voice, piercing and rude,
+And on his head a piece of flesh.
+A sort of arm raised him up in the air,
+As though to fly out of a mesh--
+His tail was spread out like a fan."
+Now it was a cock of which our little mouse,
+Made to his mother this fine picture,
+Describing him like an enthusiast.
+"He beat," said he, "his flanks,
+With his two arms,
+Making such a noise and such a din,
+That, frightened half to death,
+I hurried in.
+Although I pique myself upon my courage
+And heartily I cursed him in my heart,
+For but for him, I'd taken part,
+In conversation with the gentle creature,
+Who my advances would encourage.
+She is velvety, like us, with a long tail,
+A modest look, and sparkling eyes,
+And is much like a rat. She spies
+The objects round her. I turned pale
+On hearing the other creature's din,
+Or else I should have asked her in."
+"My child," said the mother, "this last was a cat,
+An enemy of every mouse and rat.
+The other a cock, whom do not fear,
+Perhaps we may dine on him here."
+
+Take care, whatever they may seem,
+Of judging people by their mien.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration]
+
+THE MONKEY.
+
+
+The animals, on the death of the lion,
+  During his life, prince of the country,
+Resolved to elect a king to try on
+  The regal crown, and chose a monkey.
+Because after the animals had all
+Tried on the regal crown, or let it fall,
+Because their heads were all too big,
+Or too small, too horned, or too thick,
+The monkey slipped through it;
+And with it cut up many a trick,
+Which they all thought refined,
+And chose him with one mind.
+Only the fox regretted the election,
+And swore to reign in his defection.
+He came and made his compliment;
+"Sire," said he, "I know a treasure meant
+For your high majesty. I will show
+The spot where it lies hid."
+The monkey went at Reynard's bid--
+And was caught in a trap.
+The fox exclaimed,
+"How do you think to govern us,
+When, after all, with all your fuss,
+You cannot well, do what you may,
+Keep e'en yourself out of harm's way."
+The animals agreed,
+That royal power suits very few indeed.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration]
+
+THE HORSE AND THE ASS.
+
+
+An ass accompanied by a horse uncourteous,
+Who only had his harness on his back;
+And the poor jackass staggered
+'Neath the load of vegetable and a pack;
+He begged the horse to help him,
+If he could--
+But not a single bit,
+The other would.
+"I ask," said the poor beast,
+"A little pity--
+Help me at least,
+To reach the city."
+The horse refused,
+And got his due,
+For the ass died.
+The farmer's man
+Stripped off the skin of honest Ben,
+And made the horse, whom they espied,
+Drag on the skin and the cart beside.
+
+
+MORAL.
+
+'Tis wise to lend our aid
+  To others in distress,
+We often thus are made
+  The means of happiness.
+The churlish, unkind man
+  His neighbor's death may cause,
+And have to help his family,
+  Through taxes and the laws.
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration]
+
+THE ASTROLOGER WHO FELL
+INTO A WELL.
+
+
+An astrologer, of high ambition,
+While star-gazing fell down
+Into a well. "Sage gentleman,"
+Remarked the people of the town,
+"How did you think to read the stars, old man,
+When you cannot preserve your own position."
+This adventure in itself, without going further,
+Might serve as a lesson, to most of mankind,
+For of us mortals, a certain part inclines,
+To the belief, that, with the help of mind,
+The book of Destiny may easily be read,
+But this book, by Homer and his disciples sung,
+What is it called but _Chance_, by ancients,
+And by us Christians named Providence instead.
+Now in Chance there can no science be,
+Or why should it be called by them _Chance_--
+And things uncertain, who knows in advance?
+If all depends upon the fixed decree,
+Of Him who does all things, and nothing does unwisely.
+How should we read his will,
+And know that which from us he would conceal?
+Wherefore watch the stars so nicely,
+To know how to avoid inevitable woe;
+Or how, in future times, our fate will go;
+To make us, in the midst of pleasure, sad,
+Or with predicted evil, drive us mad,
+Convert all blessings into curses dire?
+Is this the knowledge to which we aspire,
+Is it an error or a crime thus to believe
+That future destiny can thus be known?
+In place of star-gazing above our head,
+Let us confide ourselves to the Great One.
+The firmament exists, the stars go on their way,
+And the sun shines upon us every day;
+And every day, the day is lost in night,
+Without our knowing aught else from the sight.
+That the seasons come, the crops are ripe,
+And in what wood we should look out for snipe,
+And some few other things, but for the change
+Of day to night, by which the world doth range,
+It has not aught to do with Destiny.
+Quacks, and ye compilers of horoscopes,
+Quit all the courts of princes in Europe,
+And take with you all mischief makers
+
+You deserve belief no more than they do.
+
+
+MORAL.
+
+This astrologer in the well,
+Resembles all of his false art,
+Who while they are in danger, dream
+That in the stars, they read the happiest theme.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration]
+
+THE ANIMALS SICK WITH THE
+PLAGUE.
+
+
+A scourge which spread terror,
+Invented by heaven to punish earth--
+The plague (if to name it be no error)
+Was making every animal
+To curse his birth.
+In one day it might have enriched Acheron,
+And upon beasts made busy war.
+Amongst them all there was not one,
+But, sick and ailing, was complaining sore;
+All did not die, but each was ill--
+Not one strove now to eat his fill,
+No meat excited them to taste,
+Nor did the wolves again lay waste,
+The innocent prey.
+Even the doves fled from each other,
+And cooed no more the live-long day.
+The lion held war counsel--"My brother,"
+Said he, addressing each in turn,
+"I think that heaven hath allowed
+This punishment on us to fall
+For the sins we have disavowed.
+Now I for one will confess all,
+And let him who is most to blame,
+Be slaughtered in the others' name.
+Perhaps he may obtain a common cure,
+For history tells us that in like cases,
+The guilty die in others' places;
+Let us not then be false to Nature,
+Let us confess our faults--in fine
+I will the first acknowledge mine;
+And I avow, that oft I keep
+A serious tax on harmless sheep.
+What had they done,
+In naught offended--
+Yet I their quiet lives have ended.
+Sometimes, with sorrow be it heard,
+I e'en have eaten the shepherd,
+And I acknowledge all--
+And I will die like a quiet bird--
+If my death keep you from your fall.
+It must be hoped now in all justice,
+That he who is most guilty perish."
+"Sire," said the fox, "you are too good a king
+To die for any trivial thing;
+Your simples are too nice.
+Eat sheep, and why not?
+Is it a sin? is it a vice?
+No, sire, you did them honor;
+And as for shepherds, I desire,
+That over us their false empire
+Should cease, and we have all we want
+Of sheep and fleece."
+So said the fox, flatterers applaud,
+The tiger, bear, and other powers they laud,
+Even for their most violent offence.
+All quarrelsome people,
+Down to the mastiffs,
+Were little saints.
+But when the donkey's turn came on,
+They heard him with many ifs.
+He said, "I now remember
+That by a monk's garden passing,
+(It was late in December,
+And my strength soon faints,)
+I ate a leaf of some dry plant,
+And e'en now I with terror pant."
+They seized upon him and devoured,
+And said he was the cause
+Of heaven's anger being lowered.
+
+With interested judges, _right_
+Is always on the side of _might_.
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration]
+
+THE CANDLE.
+
+
+It was in the home of the Olympian gods,
+That bees first lodged, 'tis said,
+On Mount Hymettus; and thitherwards
+Came zephyrs with light tread.
+When from the hives, the honey,
+Had all been taken out,
+As there remained naught but wax,
+Some candles were, for money,
+Carefully made and sold in packs.
+One of these candles on a certain day
+Seeing that clay by fire was turned to brick,
+Thought he could harden his body the same;
+And getting near the fire to try the trick,
+This new Empedocles to flame condemned
+Soon found of his philosophy the end.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration]
+
+THE HOG, THE GOAT, AND THE
+SHEEP.
+
+
+A goat, a sheep, and a fat hog,
+On the same cart were bound for the fair.
+They lay as quietly as any log,
+But were not seeking their amusement there.
+They were to be sold, so says the story.
+The carter, who his business knows,
+Don't take them into town to see the _shows_.
+Dame porker was inclined to squeal,
+As though the butcher's knife she 'gan to feel.
+Her grunts, and squeals, and cries
+Were loud enough to deafen one,
+The other animals more wise,
+And better tempered, with surprise
+Exclaimed, "have done!"
+The carter to the porker turned,
+"Where have you manners learned,
+Why stun us all? Do you not see
+That you're the noisiest of the three?
+That sheep says not a word,
+Nor can the young goat's voice be heard."
+"But," said the hog, "they both are fools.
+If like me they knew their fate,
+They'd halloo out at greater rate,
+The goat will only lose her milk,
+The sheep his wool, but here, poor me,
+I'm to be eaten, and know my destiny."
+The porker was quite right,
+But hallooing with all her might,
+Was all too late,
+And could not alter her sad fate.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration]
+
+THE DELICATE HERON.
+
+
+By the bank of a river,
+  A heron walked out,
+And in it were sporting,
+  Pike, mackerel and trout.
+
+Now these fish with great ease,
+  Our bird might have caught,
+But I'll wait till I'm hungry
+  The silly bird thought.
+
+At last came his appetite,
+  "Now I'll eat," the bird cries,
+And some tench from the bottom,
+  Just then he saw rise.
+
+"But these are not good enough
+  At this time of day,"
+And he waited for better
+  Till all swam away.
+
+At eve almost starved
+  When all other means fail,
+He was right glad to sup
+  On a poor little snail.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration]
+
+THE BLACKAMOOR AND HER
+MISTRESS.
+
+
+A foolish young lady,
+  Took one of her maids,
+Who chanced to be black
+  As the ace of spades,
+And said she'd have her washed white,
+  By the other maids;
+She was put in a tub,
+  And with water and towels
+Her skin they did rub,
+  Through a long summer day till the night;
+But the more they did rub her,
+  The blacker she got;
+And while they did scrub her,
+  She mourned her hard lot.
+So the maids threw away
+  All their labor and care,
+And the mistress gave up
+  Her fine scheme in despair.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration]
+
+THE BEAR AND THE GARDENER.
+
+
+A bear and gardener,
+  Who mutually tired
+Of solitary life,
+  And were inspired,
+With a warm friendship for each other,
+Promised to be to one another,
+Excellent friends, and so they were.
+As for the death of the poor man
+I'll tell you how it happened,
+If I can.
+The bear watching the gardener in his sleep--
+Beholding on his head a fly,
+And thinking it bad company,
+Took up a stone and dropped it down,
+Upon the fly 'tis true,
+But broke the gardener's crown.
+
+
+MORAL.
+
+To make our fortunes or to mend,
+A most malignant enemy
+Is better than a foolish friend.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration]
+
+THE VULTURES AND THE
+PIGEONS.
+
+
+The wing'd inhabitants of air
+Waged on a time a direful war.
+Not those, in budding groves who sing,
+To usher in the amorous spring;
+Nor those, with Venus' car who fly
+Through the light clouds and yielding sky
+But the rapacious vulture brood,
+With crooked beak that thirsts for blood,
+And iron fangs. Their war, 'tis said,
+For a dog's carrion corse was made.
+Shrill shrieks resound from shore to shore;
+The earth beneath is sanguin'd o'er;
+Versed in the science to destroy,
+Address and valor they employ.
+'Twould take a hundred tongues to tell,
+The heroes from the air who fell.
+The dovecote race, a gentle nation,
+Made offers of their mediation.
+Prudent ambassadors are sent;
+The vultures with the terms content,
+Agree their guarantee to take,
+And armistice and treaty make.
+This kind desire to interfere,
+Cost the poor peace-makers full dear.
+To rapine bred, the ruthless crew,
+Nor gratitude nor faith who knew,
+On the defenceless pigeons fall,
+And shortly had devoured them all.
+
+
+MORAL.
+
+When tyrants from their quarrels cease,
+Some weaker neighbor pays their peace.
+His safety in their warfare lies;
+Their feuds, not he should compromise.
+When Joseph, Frederick, and Kate,
+Tired of unprofitable hate,
+Their animosities would heel,
+They swallowed Poland at a meal.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration]
+
+THE BEAR AND THE BEES.
+
+
+A bear once rambled from his home,
+Chanced through a garden trim to roam,
+Where, 'neath the shelter of the trees,
+The farmer had his hives of bees.
+Bruin loved honey. "Now," said he,
+"I'll rob your store-house, Master Bee.
+You'll buz, and hum about my ears,
+But noise a brave bear never fears."
+So saying, bear o'erturns a hive,
+And straight the air is all alive,
+With angry enemies, who sting
+As well as buz; and make bear sing,
+A lively tune of growls and roars,
+And cover him with smarting sores.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+A
+CATALOGUE
+OF
+ENTERTAINING AND INSTRUCTIVE
+JUVENILE BOOKS,
+
+PUBLISHED AND FOR SALE BY
+C. G. HENDERSON & CO.
+
+AT THEIR
+Central Book & Stationery Warehouse,
+
+No. 164 CHESTNUT STREET,
+_Corner of Seventh_,
+UNDER BARNUM'S MUSEUM.
+PHILADELPHIA
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration]
+
+MAJA'S ALPHABET.
+
+A
+VERY BEAUTIFUL
+PICTORIAL ALPHABET,
+In Rhyme.
+
+WITH NEW AND ORIGINAL DESIGNS,
+BY ABSOLON.
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration]
+
+COSTUMES OF AMERICA.
+
+An excellent volume for Young People of both sexes, and well calculated
+to awaken an interest in the History of this Continent.
+
+Illustrated with Twenty-four Engravings of Original Costumes. One
+volume, square 16mo. Cloth, 50 cents. With Colored Plates, 75 cents.
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration]
+
+Little Charley's Christmas Amusements,
+OR
+WINTER SPORTS DURING THE HOLIDAYS.
+
+With 28 Engravings on Wood.
+
+One volume square 16mo. Cloth binding. Price 25 cents.
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration]
+
+Little Charley's Stories of Great Men.
+
+DESCRIPTIVE OF
+HEROES, STATESMEN, AND SCHOLARS.
+
+WRITTEN IN AN EASY STYLE FOR BEGINNERS.
+
+One volume square 16mo. Cloth. 25 cents.
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration]
+
+CARLO FRANCONI,
+AN ITALIAN STORY,
+_And other Stories for Young People_.
+
+BEAUTIFULLY ILLUSTRATED WITH ENGRAVINGS FROM ORIGINAL DESIGNS
+Square 16mo. Cloth Binding.
+
+This is a very touching and entertaining Story for Youth. The Scene
+is laid in England, and in Italy, the incidents are of a peculiarly
+interesting character.
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration]
+
+Little Charley's Games and Sports.
+
+EMBELLISHED WITH 27 ENGRAVINGS OF THE PRIMARY
+GAMES FOR LITTLE CHILDREN.
+
+One volume square 16mo. Cloth. 25 cents.
+
+
+
+
+Good Aunt Fanny's Budget
+
+[Illustration]
+
+OF
+Stories and Legends for Children.
+
+TRANSLATED FROM THE GERMAN
+By Charles A. Dana.
+
+Illustrated with 40 spirited Engravings after designs by Richter.
+
+One vol. quarto. Cloth binding. Price 75 cents.
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration]
+
+Little Charley's Picture Alphabet.
+
+A stands for an Army,
+How bravely they go,
+With flag, drum, and trumpet,
+They make a great show.
+
+One volume 16mo. Cloth. Price 25 cents.
+
+
+
+
+Little Charley's Country Walk,
+
+[Illustration]
+
+OR
+SUMMER RAMBLES
+IN THE
+FIELDS AND WOODS.
+
+BY LITTLE CHARLEY.
+
+An amusing and instructive book for Children from
+six to eight years of age.
+
+Illustrated with 20 Engravings.
+16mo. Cloth binding. Price 25 cents.
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration]
+
+Little Charley's Rhymes and Jingles.
+
+A NEW COLLECTION OF STORIES IN RHYME
+FOR
+ALL THE GOOD LITTLE BOYS OF AMERICA.
+
+Embellished with 20 appropriate Wood Designs.
+
+Square 16mo. Cloth. 25 cents.
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration]
+
+KRISS KRINGLE'S
+RHYME BOOK.
+
+A Lively Book of Rhymes for very little Children.
+
+RICHLY EMBELLISHED WITH PICTURES.
+
+Square 16mo. Paper Covers,  12-1/2 cents.
+             Cloth Binding, 25       "
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration]
+
+Nut Cracker and Sugar Dolly
+A FAIRY TALE.
+
+TRANSLATED FROM THE GERMAN.
+BY CHARLES A. DANA.
+
+SQUARE 16mo. CLOTH AND CLOTH GILT.
+
+This New Fairy Tale is one of the liveliest, most readable, and most
+unexceptionable for Children which has ever appeared.
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration]
+
+The Complete
+BOOK OF NURSERY RHYMES,
+FROM
+The Creation of the World
+TO
+THE PRESENT TIME.
+
+One volume 18mo, 252 pages. Cloth Binding.
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration]
+
+THRILLING STORIES
+OF THE
+OCEAN.
+
+For the Entertainment and Instruction of the Young.
+
+This is a neat volume of 300 pages, with numerous Embellishments.
+It is written in a familiar, popular style, and is well suited
+to the Juvenile, Family or School library.
+
+CLOTH BINDING, PLAIN AND GILT EXTRA.
+
+
+
+
+COSTUMES OF EUROPE.
+
+Beautifully Embellished with 24 Engravings of Original Costumes.
+One vol. Square 16mo. Fine Cloth binding, 50 cts; with Col'd
+Engravings, 75 cts.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+This is a Companion volume to the COSTUMES OF AMERICA, and is equally
+instructive as well as pleasing for young readers.
+
+--> Every intelligent Boy should possess a Copy of the Book of Costumes
+of Europe and America.
+
+
+
+
+
+End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Aesop, in Rhyme, by Marmaduke Park
+
+*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK AESOP, IN RHYME ***
+
+***** This file should be named 21189-8.txt or 21189-8.zip *****
+This and all associated files of various formats will be found in:
+        https://www.gutenberg.org/2/1/1/8/21189/
+
+Produced by David Edwards, Jacqueline Jeremy and the Online
+Distributed Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net (This
+file was produced from images generously made available
+by The University of Florida, The Internet
+Archive/Children's Library)
+
+
+Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions
+will be renamed.
+
+Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no
+one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation
+(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without
+permission and without paying copyright royalties.  Special rules,
+set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to
+copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to
+protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark.  Project
+Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you
+charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission.  If you
+do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the
+rules is very easy.  You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose
+such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and
+research.  They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do
+practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks.  Redistribution is
+subject to the trademark license, especially commercial
+redistribution.
+
+
+
+*** START: FULL LICENSE ***
+
+THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE
+PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK
+
+To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free
+distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work
+(or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project
+Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project
+Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at
+https://gutenberg.org/license).
+
+
+Section 1.  General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm
+electronic works
+
+1.A.  By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm
+electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to
+and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property
+(trademark/copyright) agreement.  If you do not agree to abide by all
+the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy
+all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession.
+If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project
+Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the
+terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or
+entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8.
+
+1.B.  "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark.  It may only be
+used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who
+agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement.  There are a few
+things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works
+even without complying with the full terms of this agreement.  See
+paragraph 1.C below.  There are a lot of things you can do with Project
+Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement
+and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic
+works.  See paragraph 1.E below.
+
+1.C.  The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation"
+or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project
+Gutenberg-tm electronic works.  Nearly all the individual works in the
+collection are in the public domain in the United States.  If an
+individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are
+located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from
+copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative
+works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg
+are removed.  Of course, we hope that you will support the Project
+Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by
+freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of
+this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with
+the work.  You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by
+keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project
+Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others.
+
+1.D.  The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern
+what you can do with this work.  Copyright laws in most countries are in
+a constant state of change.  If you are outside the United States, check
+the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement
+before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or
+creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project
+Gutenberg-tm work.  The Foundation makes no representations concerning
+the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United
+States.
+
+1.E.  Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg:
+
+1.E.1.  The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate
+access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently
+whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the
+phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project
+Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed,
+copied or distributed:
+
+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
+
+1.E.2.  If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived
+from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is
+posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied
+and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees
+or charges.  If you are redistributing or providing access to a work
+with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the
+work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1
+through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the
+Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or
+1.E.9.
+
+1.E.3.  If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted
+with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution
+must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional
+terms imposed by the copyright holder.  Additional terms will be linked
+to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the
+permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work.
+
+1.E.4.  Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm
+License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this
+work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm.
+
+1.E.5.  Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this
+electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without
+prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with
+active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project
+Gutenberg-tm License.
+
+1.E.6.  You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary,
+compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any
+word processing or hypertext form.  However, if you provide access to or
+distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than
+"Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version
+posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.org),
+you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a
+copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon
+request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other
+form.  Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm
+License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1.
+
+1.E.7.  Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying,
+performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works
+unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9.
+
+1.E.8.  You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing
+access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided
+that
+
+- You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from
+     the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method
+     you already use to calculate your applicable taxes.  The fee is
+     owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he
+     has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the
+     Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation.  Royalty payments
+     must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you
+     prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax
+     returns.  Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and
+     sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the
+     address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to
+     the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation."
+
+- You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies
+     you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he
+     does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm
+     License.  You must require such a user to return or
+     destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium
+     and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of
+     Project Gutenberg-tm works.
+
+- You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any
+     money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the
+     electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days
+     of receipt of the work.
+
+- You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free
+     distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works.
+
+1.E.9.  If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm
+electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set
+forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from
+both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael
+Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark.  Contact the
+Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below.
+
+1.F.
+
+1.F.1.  Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable
+effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread
+public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm
+collection.  Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic
+works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain
+"Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or
+corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual
+property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a
+computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by
+your equipment.
+
+1.F.2.  LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right
+of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project
+Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project
+Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project
+Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all
+liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal
+fees.  YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT
+LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE
+PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH F3.  YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE
+TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE
+LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR
+INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH
+DAMAGE.
+
+1.F.3.  LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a
+defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can
+receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a
+written explanation to the person you received the work from.  If you
+received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with
+your written explanation.  The person or entity that provided you with
+the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a
+refund.  If you received the work electronically, the person or entity
+providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to
+receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund.  If the second copy
+is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further
+opportunities to fix the problem.
+
+1.F.4.  Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth
+in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER
+WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO
+WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE.
+
+1.F.5.  Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied
+warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages.
+If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the
+law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be
+interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by
+the applicable state law.  The invalidity or unenforceability of any
+provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions.
+
+1.F.6.  INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the
+trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone
+providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance
+with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production,
+promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works,
+harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees,
+that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do
+or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm
+work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any
+Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause.
+
+
+Section  2.  Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm
+
+Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of
+electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers
+including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers.  It exists
+because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from
+people in all walks of life.
+
+Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the
+assistance they need, is critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's
+goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will
+remain freely available for generations to come.  In 2001, the Project
+Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure
+and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations.
+To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation
+and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4
+and the Foundation web page at https://www.pglaf.org.
+
+
+Section 3.  Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive
+Foundation
+
+The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit
+501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the
+state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal
+Revenue Service.  The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification
+number is 64-6221541.  Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at
+https://pglaf.org/fundraising.  Contributions to the Project Gutenberg
+Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent
+permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws.
+
+The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S.
+Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered
+throughout numerous locations.  Its business office is located at
+809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email
+business@pglaf.org.  Email contact links and up to date contact
+information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official
+page at https://pglaf.org
+
+For additional contact information:
+     Dr. Gregory B. Newby
+     Chief Executive and Director
+     gbnewby@pglaf.org
+
+
+Section 4.  Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg
+Literary Archive Foundation
+
+Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide
+spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of
+increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be
+freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest
+array of equipment including outdated equipment.  Many small donations
+($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt
+status with the IRS.
+
+The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating
+charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United
+States.  Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a
+considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up
+with these requirements.  We do not solicit donations in locations
+where we have not received written confirmation of compliance.  To
+SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any
+particular state visit https://pglaf.org
+
+While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we
+have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition
+against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who
+approach us with offers to donate.
+
+International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make
+any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from
+outside the United States.  U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff.
+
+Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation
+methods and addresses.  Donations are accepted in a number of other
+ways including including checks, online payments and credit card
+donations.  To donate, please visit: https://pglaf.org/donate
+
+
+Section 5.  General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic
+works.
+
+Professor Michael S. Hart was the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm
+concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared
+with anyone.  For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project
+Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support.
+
+
+Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed
+editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S.
+unless a copyright notice is included.  Thus, we do not necessarily
+keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition.
+
+
+Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility:
+
+     https://www.gutenberg.org
+
+This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm,
+including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary
+Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to
+subscribe to our email newsletter to hear about new eBooks.