4 THREE HUNDRED AND FIFTY

Z ’ z E S O P S F B L E S A ,

L ITERALLY Tunsmm momm GREEK.

B Y TH E (7 R EV G E FY E . T D M A . O. R WN S E N L O , .

WIT H ON E HUN D ED AN D F U EEN ILLU ST RAD ONs D ESIGN ED BY R O RT , H RISON Wem AN D ENG AVE av J . G EEN Y AR , R D R AWA .

C H I C A G O O C O . B E L F R D , C L A R K E ,

1 8 8 2 .

P R E F A C E .

T HE A L th e the e T E , Parable , and Fabl are all common

e and popular mod s of conveying instruction . Each

ow n is distinguished by its special characteristics .

The Tale consists simply in the narration of a story im either founded on facts , or created solely by the ain ation e g , and not necessarily associat d with the

n P teaching of ay moral lesson . The arable is the designed use of language purposely intended to con vey a hidden and secret meaning other than that contai n ed in th e words themselves ; and which may

s bearer or may not bear a pecial reference to the , or

e Th e read r . Fable partly agrees With , and partly

f e e n di f rs from both of th se . It will co tain , like the

e Tal , a short but real narrative ; it will seek , like the

P e an d arable , to convey a hidden m aning , that not

so much by the use of language , as by the skilful i n troduction of fictitious characte rs ; and yet unlike

e P l ee in i to ither Tale or arable , it wi l ever k p V ew, P r e ace vi f .

as its high prerogative , and inseparable attribute ,

the great purpose of instruction , and will necessarily

n seek to i culcate some moral maxim , social duty , or

political truth . The true Fable , if it rise to its high

on e en d requirements , ever aims at great and purpose

- im the representation of human motive , and the

n n provement of huma co duct , and yet it so conceals

its design under the disguise of fictitious characters ,

e by clothing with sp ech the animals of the field , the

th e birds of the air, trees of the wood , or the beasts

of the forest , that the reader shall receive advice

n without perceivi g the presence of the adviser .

Thus the superiority of the counselor , which often

e n e renders couns l u palatable , is kept out of vi w . and th e l esson comes with the greater acceptan ce when

s m e the reader is led . unconsciou ly to hi s lf , to have

his sympathies enlisted in behalf of what is pure ,

in di honorable , and praiseworthy , and to have his g

e l ow un nation excit d against what is , ignoble , and

T h e worthy . true fabulist , therefore , discharges a

os n is e e m t important functio . He n ith r a narrator, n o r e s He e an all gori t . is a great teach r, a corrector o f morals , a censor of vice , and a commender of

s c s s th e vi rtue . In thi on ists the uperiority of Fable

e h e P e T he s ove r the Tal or t arabl . fabuli t is to c e e et e e to c o r at a laugh , but y , und r a merry guis , n r ace P ef . vii a a vey instruction . Ph edrus , the gre t imitator of jE so to be p , plainly indicates this double purpose the

e true office of the writ r of fables .

D u e e d oe est: uo sum movet pl x lib lli q d ri . flio mo o Etquod pruden t"vitam oon s n t.

The continual observanc e of this twofold aim

e e c f o r the ve cr at s the charm , and a counts uni rsal ” o f e Afi so favor, the fabl s of p . The fable , says

P . . e e rofessor K O Mueller , originated in Gre c in an

‘ ’ n ff a intentio al travestie of human a airs . The ines ,

as its name denotes , is an admoni tion , or rather a

o e e an repr of, v iled , ither from fear of excess of

n e e e fra kn ss , or from a love of fun and j st , b neath the fiction of an occurrence happening among beasts ;

. and wherever w e have any ancient and authentic

E so ian account of the p fables , we find it to be the

The construction of a fable involves a minute attention to th e narration itself ; the deduc tion of the moral ; and a careful mainten ance of the individual characteristics of the fictitious person

e ages introduced into it . The narration should relat

l an d to one simple action , consistent with itse f,

neither be overladen with a multiplicity of details ,

h o V s o t e aure A n c en G K . . u ol . L A of e L f eece 0 e le . Hi t ry it r t i t r , by M l r ,

. 9 o on ar e 18 8 1 1. L n 5 p d , P k r, , P r e ace viii f .

i nor d stracted by a variety of circumstances . The

moral or lesson should be so plain , and so intimately

an d interwoven with , so necessarily dependent on ,

the narration , that every reader should be compelled

to give to it the same undeniable interpretation . The introduction of the animals or fictitious charac ters should be marked with an unexceptionable care

h th e and attention to t eir natural attributes , and to qualities attributed to them by u n iversal popular u consent . The Fox sho ld be always cunning , the m Hare ti id , the Lion hold , the Wolf cruel , the Bull

n strong , the Horse proud , and the Ass patient . Ma y of these fables are characterized by the strictest

u e . observance of these r les . Th y are occupied with

one short narrative , from which the moral naturally m flows , and with which it is inti ately associated .

i ' * ‘ ‘ D odsl e in which Tis the simple manner , says y, the morals of ZE sop are interwov en with his fabl es

n e e that disti guishes him , and gives him the pref r nce

‘ e e n e ov r all oth r mythologists . His Mountai deliv red

’ e e th e e of a Mous , produc s moral of his fabl in ridi

e en cule of pompous pr t ders ; and his Crow , when

her eese e s e e she drops ch , l t fall , as it w r by accident ,

th e strongest admonition against the power of f

0 0 aes o f fE-m an d o t e Ful m l lnl n I th e e oo 3 1001 h . n b ks t an s ate F bl p . r r , r l d b tul wrt Ih n l ul o n et'n m l m l m l wl l h u sc l c c l l o uo f h o es uml a y l . n Essa y p l , y o n v ham m 00 n m . ub . B m r l ir i g , P r ace ef . ix

e r e flattery . There is no need of a s pa at sentence to

n explain it ; no possibility of impressi g it deeper, by

that load we too often see of accumulated reflec

ise tions . i An equal amount of pra is due for the consistency with which the characters of the ani

i io l are fi ct t us . mals , y introduced , marked While

they are made to depict the motives and passions of

e men , th y retain , in an eminent degree , their own

special features of craft or counsel , of cowardice or

e courag , of generosity or rapacity .

These terms of praise, it must be confessed , can

l c not be bestowed on all the fables in this col e tion .

i Many of them lack that unity of des gn , that close

n co nection of the moral with the narrative , that d wise choice in the intro uction of the animals , which

constitute the charm and excellency of true E sop ian

t om e of h ese aes h ad n o ou in th e fi rs n s an ce arima an d S t f bl , d bt, t i t , p ry e n o n th e fi s occas on of h e co m privat i terpretati n . O r t i t ir be in g pose d th ey we e n en e to e e to so me ass n e en or to some n d uaac s of r i t d d r f r p i g v t, i ivid l t “ wro - n an d o aes of th e E ae the Fox . n . hus th e of the g d i g T , f bl gl (p “ " Fox n d o are su os to h ae ee n w i e n a M n key (p . pp ed v b r tt by A rc h il o c h s o aen th e u i es on e h im m So aso th e t of u t e n L cabes. abl es , v g i j r d by y l “ “ ” the wo en F ox of the ro s as n aK n were S ll (p. F g ki g i g (p. spoken by E so p f or th e imm ediate p urp ow of recon c ilin g th e in h abitan ts of am os an d A h en s to h ei es ec i e ul ers e an e an d is s raus S t , t r r p t v r , P ri d r P i t t wh i le th e tabl e of th e Horse an d Stag was co m posed to cauti on th e in h ab

itan ts of me aaai n s n i ao - ar to haa i n m il a Hi r g t grat n g b dy gu d P l ri s. asi r ” man n e the ae rom hae us th e ar ae of th e Sun is su ose to r, t bl f P dr , M ri g , pp d hae e e e n ce to th e con e m ae un o n of L iath e au h er of D usus v r f r t pl t d i iv . d g t r , wi h e an us th e ao i an d n s e of aa h ese ab l es h ow e m T n . t t S j f v r t , i i t r r j T , e e h ou h hus o n an ih s ec ae en s an d es n e at fi rs to m ee v r, t g t rigi ti g p i l v t . d ig d t t s ec al c c ums an ces are so adm irab l con s uc e as to be rau h w p i ir t , y tr t d f g t ith/ esson s of en eral u an d of un ers aa cao l g tility, iv l ppli ti n, fable . This inferiority of some to others is suffi cien tl y accounted for in the history of the origin and descent of these fables . The great bulk of them are A l not the immediate work of sop . Many are obtained from ancient authors prior to the time in which he

i e l v d . Thus the fable of the Hawk and the Night

“ i n gale is related by Hesiod the Eagle wou n ded

own e by an Arrow , winged with its Feath rs , by

“ ZE schyl us flr the Fox avengin g his wro n gs on the ” n Eagle , by Archilochus . 1 Ma y of them again are

n of later origin , and are to be traced to the mo ks of

mi : an d the ddle ages yet this collection , though thus made up of fables both earlier an d later than the

ZE so h ul era of p , rig tf ly bears his name, because he composed so large a number (all framed in th e same

n an d mould , and co formed to the same fashion ,

n stamped with the same li eaments , image , and superscription ) as to secure to himself the right to

e be considered th e father of Greek fabl s , and the

s fo u n de r of thi class of writing , which has ever

i n has e si n c e born e h s ame , and s cured for him ,

es o e aotd ies e se 202 . H i d . Op r , v r as o f th s 0 nc h ius ame n . o f the m o n s. E se h l us s e M y . Fr g t Myr id y p k i ’ a ho as o n th e A es o i A sto han e s b e be f o re h i d . S ee c tal mt existi n g s y S li t v ri p , n e N18 li .

’ ' as M (i atai o rd S e e aso Muc l l c r s sto o f th e L e aur e F am en . . 3 r g t, . l Hi ry it r t

- n n ci en G ee c e vo l . l . . 190 103 f A t r , , pp , r e ac P f e. xi

i through all succeed ng ages , the position of the first

‘ of moralists .

The fables were in the first instanc e o n l v narrated

E s e e n by op , and for a long time w r ha ded down by

n t is the uncertain channel of oral traditio . Socra es mentioned by P l ato i as having employ e d his time

e i the ac whil in pr son , awaiting the return of s red ship from Delphos which was to be th e signal of his

e e n ve but death , in turning som of these fabl s i to rse ,

v h e e e e D e he thus ersifi ed only such as e r m mb r d . m etrius Phal ereus e n s , a philosopher at Ath about

300 B e the s c o e n C . . , is said to have mad fir t ll ctio of

P s e s ubse e . ae th se fables h drus , a lav by birth or by

en e b the qu t misfortunes , and admitt d y Augustus to

e e honors of a fr edman , imitated many of thes fables in Latin iambics about the commencement of th e

A h ho n ius . t Christian era p , a rhetorician of Antioch ,

1 5 n C . 3 o A . , wrote a treatise , and converted into Latin

prose , some of these fables . This translation is the \ m ore w orth i a the y of notice , as it llustrates custom

“ ' ' ae h as w ut h s in h is an orE n M. e so ao n a r B yl ll p t i sem t p . n y p i t d ppa ' ' en ce que l es fables qui porten t aujourd h ui son n o m so ien t l es memes quil aa aes ; e es en n en en d e l ui our l a u a uan al amaere et v it f it ll vi t bi p pl p rt, q t ti l " ’ " “ ' a aen s e mas l es aro es son un au re A n d aai n C es d o n e p ; i p l t d t . g , t ’ ’ es o s ue al merais mi eu att ue la o e d e i in ven tio n mas san s H i d , q j x rib r gl ir ; i ou e ii assaah ose re m E so l a ec i on n e si h eureuse d t l i l c t s i parfaite . p e perf t ' ’ ” men uon l are ard s comme l e ere d e ce so de ro uc i on a te ts . t, q g vr i p t r p d t ae D c on n ae s o ue B yl , i ti ir Hi t riq . ao i n P h ted on e Pl t , r e ace xii P f .

in of common use, both these and in later times . The rhetoricians and philosophers were accustomed

to give the Fables of ZE sop as an exercise to th eir

scholars , not only inviting them to discuss the moral m of the tale , but also to practice and to perfect the

in m selves thereby style and rules of gra mar , by maki n g for themselves n ew and various version s of

* e the fables . Ausonius , the friend of the Emp ror

in th e Valentinian , and the latest poet of eminence

n Western Empire , has handed dow some of these

J ul ian us Titian us e fables in verse , which , a cont m

orar p y writer of no great name , translated into

A v ien us n prose . , also , a co temporary of Ausonius .

put some of these fables into Latin elegiacs , which are given by N ev el et (in a book we shall refer to

e e e an d s h r aft r) , are occa ionally incorporated with

n the editio s of P haedrus .

Seve n c enturies elapsed before the next notice is

n e jE so n s e fou d of the Fabl s of p . Duri g thi long p rio d se s ee e an c the fable s m to hav suffered e lipse , to have disappeared and to have been forgotten ; an d it

‘ A p olug os on i m l sl t tl bl A b risque ithe n l li mi to A usm i ias n o n l e u i tal um P r me o p to r A ug ustl tul E m plam i rl awtrlam ; (Juanaw-rtl t e x l l l styl e ' l ml t-s tre vn ae l an aua”p as ' ‘ ' Fam Il "faun aar l i - x l i il . i rm a E istul a Kiw i) A il p , , P re f ace. xiii

at m is the com encement of the fourteenth century , wh en the Byzan ti n e emperors were the great patrons

e s of l arning, and amidst the splendors of an A iatic

we s court , that next find honor paid to the name and

jE so Pl . an ud s memory of p Maximus e , a learned

' monk of Constantinople , made a collection of about

a hundred and fifty of these fables . Little is known

l an ud s w . P e as of his history , however, no mere re

in cluse, shut up his monastery . He took an active

1 3 was . 2 A . D part in public affairs In 7 . he sent on a diplomatic mission to Venice by the Emperor A n dron icus o i the Elder . This brought him int mm edi P ate contact with the Western atriarch , whose inter ests he henc eforth advocate d with so much zeal as to bring on him suspicion and persecution from the

Pl an ud s rulers of the Eastern Church . e has been

- exposed to a two fold accusation . He is charged on the one hand with having had before him a copy of

B abrias (to whom w e shall have occas ion to refer at

en P an d e greater l gth in the end of this reface) , to hav

th e e to had bad tast transpose , or to turn his poet

n : t ical version i to prose and he is asser ed , on the other

JE so al l hand , never to have seen the Fables of p at , but to have himself invented and made the fables which he palmed off under the name of the famous

two Greek fabulist . The truth lies between thes e ex r a xiv P ef ce.

P l an udes tremes . may have invented some few f a

n in bles , or have i serted some that were current his day ; but there is an abundance of unanswerable in tern al evidence to prove that he had an acquaintance

ZE so with the veritable Fables of p , although the ver

to sions he had access were probably corrupt , as con tain ed in the various translations and disquisitional

th e e exercises of rhetoricians and philosoph rs . His

n n collection is interesti g and important , not o ly as the parent source or foundation of the earlier pri n ted

n ZE so versio s of p , but as the direct channel of attract

n ing to these fables the attentio of the learned .

re - The eventual introduction , however, of these E a Fables of sop to their high pl ce in the general

e e e lit rature of Christ ndom , is to be look d for in the

West rathe r than in the East . The calamities gradu

n ally thicke ing round the Eastern Empire , and the

tan tin 0 l 1453 A D n e o n s e . . fall of C p , combi ed with oth r e vents to promote the rapid restoration of learni n g in Italy ; an d with that recovery of learning th e re vive l of an interest in the Fables of ZEsop is clos ely d e e n th e i entified . Th s fables , indeed , were amo g first writings of an earlier an tiquity that attracted

e n e e e att ntio . Th y took their place b sid the Holy

c e h c s S riptur s and t e an ient clas ic authors , in the

n d o f e d e ada e mi s the gr at stu nts of th t y. Lor nzo re ace P f . xv

Valla , one of the most famous promoters of Italian

th e learning , not only translated into Latin Iliad of Homer and the Histories of Herodotus and Thucydi

ZE S O . des , but also the Fables of p

. These fables , again , were among the books brought into an extended circulation by the agency of th(

A ccursius e 147 5 printing press . Bonus , as arly as

1480 , printed the collection of these fables , made by

l an udes a Cax P , which , within five ye rs afterwards ,

‘ ton translated into English , and printed at his press

u s in Westminster Abbey , It m st h mentioned also that the learning of this age has left permanent

e f abl es traces of its influenc on these , i by causing the interpolation with th em of some of those am using

o h h ese u caon s are in th e B sh useum an d are laced in th e B t t p bli ti riti M , j p e ass f or the n s ec on of th e c u o a in cases un us. libr ry d r gl , i p ti ri Fables may possibly h ave been n ot e n tire ly un k n o w n to th e medie val sc h o ars T he e re two ce e rae wor s wh c h m h some be c asse l . r a l b t d k i ig t by l d “ ” amon s wo s of h s esc on . T h e on e is th e ec ul um Saien tim g t rk t i d ripti Sp p , S r A rch sh o of e usal em o acon s e a ater ar u e to t. C J but f tt ib t d y il, bi p r , id r bly l o ri an d e on in Lai n It is i v e ou oo an d co n n s in . n o s gi , xi t g ly t d id d i t f r b k , si sts o f lon g con versati on s co n ducte d by fi ctitio us c haracte rs un der th e fi u es of th e easts of the fi e an d ores an d ame at th e re uke o f ar g r b ld f t. i d b p ti c ul ar c asses of men th e oas u th e ou th e u u ous th e w ah u l , b tf l, pr d, l x ri . r t f l, are d the etc . on e o f the s o es ec se h ose of Al so an n on e hae N t ri pr i ly t p, v con e in n i t e sen ess an d un m s aae e uc on of th e esso n n e n e y, t r , i t k bl d d ti l i t d d to be au ab l e h the t e so co n s cuous in th e reaG ree au s . Th t g t by , pi g t k f b li t “ ac l e of i : e th e oo is h s ecuum Saien ti te B . C riil i E iscO x t tit b k t i Sp l p , y p p aas uadri artitus ao l o eti cus vocatus in us u em ro verb iis omn is li q p p g , q q id p " et totjus saien tim s ec u um e T h e o he r is a p p l c laret et fe lic it r i n c ipit. t ar e wor in two o umes u sh e in th e ou e en h cen u l g r k v l , p bli d f rt t t ry by CaesaHel sterbaeh aC s e c an mon un e the i e of D ial o ue Mi rac u r , i t r i k, d r t tl g o um i n o in wh c h e n e n 1851 . h s wo con s s s of co ers a n s l r , r pri t d T i rk i t v ti i man s o es n wo n on a o f It has n o co res y t ri are i ter ve l l ki n ds subjects . r on d en ce wi h the ure E so iau a p t p p f ble. P r ace x vi ef . stories whi ch were so frequently introduced into the

public discourses of the great preachers of those days , an d of which specimens are yet to be found in the

B Meff reth av extant sermons of Jean anlin , , and G

* briel Barlette . The publication of this era which

n most probably has i fluenced these fables , is the

F acetiarum bun Liber , 1 a book consisting of a t d P dred jests and stories , by the celebra e oggio

A D 1 4 1 tw o Bracciolini , published . . 7 , from which the “ l . 1 fables of the Mil er, his Son , and the Ass , p 33,

“ un . 1 and the Fox and the Woodcutter , p 25, are

e doubt dly selected .

The knowledge of these fables rapidly spread from

n ih Italy i to Germany , and their popularity was creased by the favor an d sanction given to them by

the great fathers of the Reformation , who frequent l y used them as vehicles for satire and protest against

n d the tricks a abuses of the Romish ecclesiastics .

Th e am erarius zealous and renowned C , who took an ac tive part in th e preparation of the confession of

A u sbur h u g g , found time . amidst his n merous avoca

f r h e n th e tions , to prepare a version o t stude ts in

n e e h e ess . u iv rsity of Tubing n , in which was a prof or

’ - - c u NW" ost med imvul l rc n c S an G o u . l l ivin i s . h . B P c m by ri g ld g .

1 Fo r an acc o un o f h wo see the L e o f o e Il rn c c iul l n l th e t t i s rk if P ggi , by

Re v am Bh e hc n i L e oo 1801. . Willi p . iv rp l .

x viii

contained the Latin versions of th e same fables by

P ad A v ie n us h h e rus , , and other authors . T is volume

of N ev el et forms a complete Corpus F abul arum

ZE sop icarum ; and to his labors ZE sop ewes his res

toration to universal favor as on e of the wise mor al i t s s and great teachers of mankind . During the interval of three centuries which has elapsed since

’ m N ev el ets the publication of this volu e of , no book ,

with the exception of the Holy Scriptures , has had a

’ wider circulation than "Esop s Fables . They have

been translated into th e greater number of th e lan

e n guages both of Europe and of the East , and hav bee

en J ew read , and will be read , for g erations , alike by ,

e en H ath , Mohammedan , and Christian . They are

at the present time , not only engrafted into the lit

erature of the civilized world , but are familiar as

household words in the commo n intercourse and

th e daily conversation of inhabitants of all countries .

’ This collection of N ev el ets is the great cul m in at

in g point in the history of the revival of the fame

JEso ian . e and reputation of p Fables It is remarkabl ,

s n th e e e al o , as containi g in its preface g rm of an id a ,

which has be e n since proved to have been correct by

e . n e N ev el et n a strang chain of ci rcumsta c s . i ti

es B abrias mat an opinion , that a writer named would be found to be the veritable author of the exi sting P r e ace x ix f .

orm o f jEs es m has s f opian Fabl . This inti ation inc e

e n se e e e e giv ri to a s ri s of inquiri s , the knowledg of

e n un which is n cessary , in the prese t day , to a full d erstan din g of the true position of ZE sop in connec a m tion with the writings that be r his na e .

The history of B abri as 18 so strange an d inte re s t

un fi tl be e a am o n ing, that it might not y numer ted g

e the curiositi s of literature . He is generally sup posed to have been a Greek of Asia Minor; of one of

e h e the Ionic Colonies , but the exact p riod in which

c lived and wrote is yet unsettled . He is pla ed , by

* as one critic , as far back the institution of the

e B 250 b Achaian L ague , . C . , y another as late as the 35 h e e A . D . 2 Emp ror Severus , who di d ; while ot ers make him a contemporary with P heed rus in the time

e of Aug ustus . At whatever time he wrot his ver

ZEso sion of p , by some strange accident it seems to

have entirely disappeared , and to have been lost

A v ien us sight of . His name is mentioned by ; by

Suidas , a celebrated critic , at the close of the elev en th century , who gives in his lexicon several iso lated verses of hi s version of the fables ; and by John

i oet Tzetzes , a grammar an and p of Constantinople , who lived during the latter half of the tw el f th ~ cen ~

u o esso h eod assica useum N e . i . J l 1849. ore e h . See C Pr f r T B rg l l M , v ii y, P r e ace xx f .

N v l t . e e e e tury , in the pr face to the volume which w e n have described , poi ts out that the Fables of

Pl an udes JE so could not be the work of p , as they

“ n contai a reference in two places to Holy monks ,

e and give a verse from the Epistle of St . Jam s as an

E imith on e B abrias p to of the fables , and suggests

* n en as their author . Fra cis Vavassor, a learned Fr ch

e an d j suit , entered at greater length on this subject ,

produced further proofs from internal evidence , from the use of the word P iraeus in describing the harbor

of Athens , a name which was not given till two

e e ZE so hundr d y ars after p , and from the introduction

e of oth r modern words , that many of these fables must have been at least committed to writing pos terior JE so an d to the time of p , more boldly suggests

B abrias as their author or collector "These various

e e B b ri n a as u . ref r nces to i d ced Dr Richard Bentley ,

th e se e n at clo of the s ve teenth century , to examine

’ e JE so e more minut ly the existing versions of p s Fabl s ,

' “ " w a so o w e n A . O as s re ase en ed D e Lud leraD icti n e as . V v r t ti , titl ritt mm at th e ue o a azac ho u h u sh e ate h is e s f the c e e e M. B . r q t l br t d l (t g p bli d f r cie uth ) f o r th e u o se o f sh ow n hat the u es ue s e o f w i n ao t . p rp i g t b rl q tyl r ti g d p ' m ud o l S c urro n an d D A sso ue i il l l (l at ha me. so o u ain F an c e b n by , t t ti p p l r r , “ muwtio n o m th u w rs — F ruuc l sc i V avn sso rl s o e a fr e an c i e n t ci ssic riw . p r " o um iu m e am 0 . A s 1 0 t rd , 7 . t T he c lai ms o f l iub rlus also fo un d awarm advoc ate In th e learn ed Fre n c h mun M il u l r wh i is am e D ie tio uur D ic tio un ul re s o ue . o n h a . y . , d ir bl y, Hi t riq ' ’ ' M t ri ue d o e e i l o rl ace es mid itl o uul aume n s in l u . l u s ) t l i rr y , l . giv rg t c o n ltrmatl o n o f th e o n o n s o f h is ean e re ecesso s N e vele t an d pi i l r d p d r , u u m V v l r. r a P ef ce. x xi a and he maint ined that many of them could , with a

t S ea slight change of words , be resolved in o the " e B abr as e z nic iambics , in which i is known to hav

e e writt n : and , with a greater fr edom than the evi

e B abrias d nce then justified , he put forth , in behalf of .

e a claim to the exclusive authorship of these fabl s .

n o Such a seemingly extravaga t the ry , thus roundly

B en l et . . t e asserted , excited much opposition Dr yi m

with an able antagonist in a member of the U niver

sit e y of Oxford , the Hon . Mr . Charles Boyle , 1 aft r

s an d ward Earl of Orrery . Their letters disputations

on this subject , enlivened on both sides with much

wit l ace and learning, will ever bear a conspicuous p

in the literary history of the seventeenth century .

The arguments of Dr . Bentley were yet further de

fended a few years later by Mr . Thomas Tyrwhitt , a

- well read scholar, who gave up high ci vil distino

tions that he might devote himself the more un reserv dl e s . . y to literary pursuit Mr Tyrwhitt published ,

A . D . 1 7 7 6 B abrias , a Dissertation on , and a collee

cazon e or h ai n am cs ; ac hel iambic aame h an am c S t , lt g, i bi ( l , lti g i bi ) dif fers fro m the iambic Sen ari us in al ways h avi n g aspo n dee or trochee f or its as oo : th e fi h oo to ao sh o n ess of m e re e n en eral an l t f t ft f t, v id rt t , b i g g ly aes f B ab am c . S ee o rias ran sl ae a Re v. J mes D aies Loc i bi F bl , t t d by v k

woo 86 ace . 1 0. e . 27 d , Pr f , p

’ See D r. B en e s D sse aon s u on th e E s es of tl y i rt ti p pi tl Phalaris.

’ r B n e ai on t 2 D . e s D sse s on he E s es of haas an d Faes of tl y i rt t pi tl P l ri , bl

E so e am n e . B the o n o rae Char es o p x i d y H bl l B yle. i r ace xxi P ef .

e . tion of his fables in choliambic m tre , found in a MS

in the Bodleian Library at Oxford . Francesco de

Furia, a learned Italian , contributed further testi mony to the correctness of the supposition that Bab rias had made a v eritable col lection of fables by print in g from a MS . contained in the Vatican library sev 1 844 eral fables never before published . In the year ,

o n ew h wever, and unexpected light was thrown upon

A B abrias this subject . veritable copy of was found

uin c in a manner as singular as were the MSS . of Q

’ ’ til ian s P Institutes , and of Cicero s Orations by oggio

A D 141 6 Men oid es in the monastery of St . Gall . . . M . , P at the suggestion of M . Villemain , Minister of ublic P Instruction to King Louis hilippe , had been entrust

a . ed with commission to search for ancient MSS , and

in carrying out his instructions he found a MS . at the

convent of St . Laura , on Mount Athos , which proved to be a copy of the long suspected and wished - for

B abri . choliambic version of as. This MS was found

two to be divided into books , the one containing one

- fi ve - fi v e hundred and twenty , and the other ninety

v en e fables . This disco ery attracted very g eral att n

s e tion , not only as confirming , in a ingular mann r the conjec tures so ‘ bol dl y made by a long chain of

e e critics , but as bringing to light valuabl literary tr as

es e d n es o an d c o ur t n i g to tablish the reputati n , to n P r e ace f . xxiii

firm the antiquity and authenticity of the great mass

JE so ian of p Fable . The Fables thus recovered were

o o soon published . They found a m st worthy edit r

Co rn ewal l s in the late distinguished Sir George Lewi , and a translator equally qualified for his task , in the

Reverend James Davies , M . A . , sometime a scholar i of Lincoln College , Oxford , and h mself a relation of t n heir English editor. Thus , after an eclipse of ma y

e B abrias as e an d centuri s , shines out the earli st ,

f jE s o ian most reliable collector o veritable p Fables .

Having thus given a complete synopsis of the

i s o s n orig n , descent , and hi t ry of these fable , it o ly remains to explain the reasons which have induced

P n ew J the ublishers to prepare a edition of Esop , and to state the grounds on which they hope to establish a claim for support and public approval in their un d kin t n ew erta g . They boldly assert hat the light thrown upon these fables by the discovery of the

B abrias s n ew tran sl a metrical version by , render a i tion an nevitable necessity . The two chief existing

English versions of jE sop are those by Archdeacon

l e Croxa l , and by the lat Rev . Thomas James , canon P of eterborough . The first of these deviates so very t i d far from the tex , that it degenerates nto a paro y .

The fables are so padded , diluted , and altered , as to give very little idea to the reader either of the terse v P r ace xxi ef .

i ness or the mean ng of the original . The second of these is an improvement on its predecessor, but Mr .

James , either out of compliance with the wishes of

n the publishers , or in co descension to the taste prev

aleut some twenty years ago , has so freely intro duced as the point of the fable conventional English sayings which are not sanctioned by the Greek , and which in many instances are scarcely equivalent to

it , that his version frequently approaches a para phrase rather than atranslation . The P ublishers therefore ground their first claim for public approval on the necessity for a new tran sl a

tion . They trust further that their present work will

have met that necessity in a satisfactory manner.

They have sought to give as nearly a literal tran sl a tion as possible of the Greek text ; and they hope that if the reader should miss the smoothness and thor oughly English tone which characterized the pre v io us version of these fables , he will be more than

repaid , by gaining a nearer approach to the spirit ,

s thoughts , and (in some case ) to the epigrammatic e n e th e n t rse ss of origi al . The publishers trust to

e e e vindicate , on anoth r ground , th ir claims to a shar o f c e e e publi patronage . They hav ins rt d an hun d e n e w e e a the s c r d fabl s , and th y h ve sati fa tion of

o e n c the e e kn wing that this ditio , on whi h y hav spar d

P re ace xxvi f .

fables and to make a wholly new translation . The necessity of a n ew and improved translation the

n Editor then recognized, and would have willi gly t under aken . It was a wish he had much at heart , and when the proposal was voluntarily made to him by the present P ublishers to undertake the task of

’ a new tran slation of an enlarged number of JE S Op s

saw n f be Fables , he no reason for refusi g the o fer cause of his prior discharge of a totally different de sign ; and he resolved to comply with the request at submitted to him , and to do his best toward the tain m en t of so desirable an object as a purer tran s

lation , and more literal rendering of fables so justly

celebrated . The foll owing are the sources from which the pres ent translation has been prepared

ab u o 6 B ril Fub l so e o rn wal l Le s. o d 184 . m E ze . G e e C e wi p rg Oxf r , b i o u dum d id it Il n r i Fabul xE s e E C Od l CO man uscri to aem see n c . m p se . p p rt eo wa w o a e 1 G e Co rn e l l Le is. L n o n : 867 . rg d P rk r, M nl ml o l cal l n e aet u a i ol al l eti. a y g A sop oa. Op r st di Ieuse l N eh N eve Fr k u l Ul O. f rt, Ful mhu Aflso lac ae ual os an e lan ud em f ban tur cu aet s u o p , g t P ere r t di an c isc i d u i Li i 8 Fr o F a. s m 1 10. r p , E rocu ltl an l l s m x gn mi e C r l l Hn l ml . L p l , ’ d ’au l C i ri l S D o h n ass s. l l w b lw E OD LB . lp i l ic l w T HE LIFE OF ZESOP

T HE knowledge of the Egyptians was concealed in hieroglyphic s and other mysterious c haracters ; that of the Grecian s in symbols and ei n bl em atical jE so n e e the allusions but p , havi g p netrat d through al l e m s veil they had thrown over her, brought th ir y His e e . terles to light , and wrapp d them up in fabl s e P l an udes lif , as recorded by and other writers of

n e n . a tiquity , is here faithfully pr se ted to the public

was A m m on ius P . He born at , in hrygia the Great er in s e n ; a town it elf obscure , though , from its b i g jE so s e the birthplace of p , might succe sfully hav entered i n to competition as a rival with those citie s that with a noble emulation contended for the birth of Homer . All agree that his person was uncommonly de e formed , insomuch that the Thersites of Hom r seems to be but an imperfect transcript of him . His n fi at n head was lo g, nose , lips thick and pende t , a

hump back , and complexion dark , from which he contracted his n ame (ZE sop us bei n g the same with ZEthio s s but p ) , large belly , and bow leg his great was n e est infirmity was , that his speech slow . i rtie n l ate , and very obscure . Such was the person of J B ut . n Esop , as Nature often sets the most refulge t e s en g ms where they would be lea t expected , so she dowed this ex traordinary man with an accomplished xxviii

e mind , capabl of the most sublime and elevated ideas . His station in life also , as well as his person , was mean an d contem ptible the former part of in which was spent the most abject poverty , and the e f ew latter in slav ry , till a years before his death . His first master (under whose domi n ion h e then n an e groaned) , fi ding him incapable of y dom stic e in business , employ d him the field , where , not long

e n . aft r, he gave the first testimo y of his ingenuity

It happened one day , when his master was walking in n m the field , that a laborer prese ted him with so e d elicious figs ; which he immediately gave to the care of A gath op odus (another of his servan ts) ‘ B ut h e till he returned from the bath . , in league

- e h e an d with his fellow s rvant , agreed to eat t m , lay ZE s n o . the guilt upo p When the master returned , JEso n they loudly accused p of eati g the figs . The n JE so master , e raged , sent for p , and asked him what could induce him to eat the figs he had ordered to be reserved ? Not answering readil y fi n h is de e n f nce , he was ordered to be punished . But, falli g ’ h e e th e at his master s feet , implor d him to suspend en an d e punishm t . In which interval he ran fetch d s m e n h is o e warm water , and drank it ; th n , putti g n d o w s th e re fi ger n his throat , he cau ed water to n n n turn , for he had eate othi g that day . He then requested that his accusers might be ord ered to do th e h is e e same ; which , master approving , they w r e was ZE so ' s told to do ; and the consequ nce , that p n n e en e e e e en i oc nce was apparent, and his mi s w r giv o e s d ese e t the puni shm nt th ey ju tly rv d . n is s e e n e to th e T he day followi g h ma t r r tur d city , and ZES Op was remand e d to h is l abo r ; wh e n h e m et s h e two prie ts o f Diana who ad los tth i r way . They L ife of xxi x

e e t e commanded him , in the nam of Jov , to direc th m into the most regular track ; which he not on ly p er e but e e form d , refr shed them with m at ; for which s kindne s he gained their good wishes , as well as their prayers . ZE so e p , returning to his task , Oppressed with car an d e e m e labor , lay down to sle p ; and in a dr a beh ld

Fortune standing by him , gratifying him wi th volu bil it the n y of language , and ability of wrappi g up his id eas in the form of apologues . Immediately “ n h e " a starti g up , exclaimed , O wonderful in what e charming trance have I been for , behold , I sp ak

e can e . flu ntly , and register each creature by its nam This certainly is the reward of my compliance and ” n h e to kind ess to the strangers . Overjoyed , went e e his labor . Having committed som fault , Z nas

(overseer of the field) struck him . You are ” jE so f always , said p , punishing him that of ends e you not . If my master kn w it , he would , no doubt , ” e e revenge th se stripes . Zenas , fill d with enmity , n e e e n and asto ish d to h ar him sp ak flue tly , resolved e (by way of prev ntion , lest he should be discharged as an unjust steward , ) to accuse him to his master ; n whom , not long after , he accosted , desiri g the gods e to protect him . Upon which his master inquir d , e ? what it was that discompos d him Zenas replied , “ n n Th e e Somethi g wo derful in the field . mast r ? asked , what the wonder could be He answered , “ zEso n w p , who was thought dumb , has o found n e e utterance and elocutio . His mast r observ d , be n e in e e This will rui ous to the , whos stimation “ n n he was reputed a mo ster . Ze as rej oined , What he hath spite- fully spoken agai n st me I should have buried in silence ; but against you and the gods he xxx L if e of

n hath uttered intolerable curses . This so i censed h e be his master, that ordered him to sold for a slave as a recompense for his ingratitude and impi ety . No soon er had Zen as got ZE sop in his power than he informed him how he was to be disposed of . To “ ” whom he replied , Do your pleasure . Shortly n m et after which a merchant , comi g to buy cattle , n e Ze as who told him , that though he had no cattl , an a . he had a man sl ve to sell The merch t , hearing ZE so n this , desired to see him . p bei g introduced , he “ e n n ot on burst into laught r , sayi g , Had I been c v in ced by his voice , I should have taken him for a blown bladder . Why did you draw me aside to shock my eyes with such a deformed monster ? ” As

h jE so . m er e departed , p desired him to stop The “ e J chant r plied , Be gone , you filthy cur Esop th e n requested to know for what cause h e came “ He e n e thither . r plied , To buy somethi g of valu , ” n ZEso n not such a worthless thi g as thou art . p th e e e h im fi n d pr ss d him to buy , promising he should his n e him worth mo ey . The merchant d sired him e to explain himself . Have you at hom , said ? ZE so - I p , any testy children shall supply the ” place of bugbear, to terrify them into silence . n e h e e Zenas was the ask d , what would tak for that ? ” e e - e uncouth cr ature Thr e half p nce , said he .

The merchant paid the price, observing that with h e n nothing had bought nothi g . e e e e Wh n they w r come near hom , two of the mer ’ c c e s n ZE so es e hant s hildr n , eei g p , t tified th ir fear of “ ” “ n N o w ZEs o see him by cryi g . , sir , said p , you ” the e ff e m s e e e ct of my pro i . As th y w nt into the th e e n c m e J house m rchant , smili g , om and d Esop to

e e - n t e n salut his f llow serva s ; who , wh they beheld L i e o £3 0 7 f f 1 .

“ e e n his deformity , xclaim d What could i duce my ” master to bring such awretch into his family l Shortly after this the merchant ordered al l thing s n n to be got ready for an inte ded journey i to Asia . “Then they were assigning to each servant his pro ZE S O e b portion of burden , p d sired (it eing his first m h e e e ti e) that he might have t light st . His requ st e e being grant d , he took up the basket of br ad ; at which the other slaves laughed , considering that

- a burden enough for two . But when dinner time p roach ed ZE so wh o e t ffi t p , p , ( had with gr a di cul y sus tain ed e his load) was command d to set it down , and distribute an equal share of the bread to the other b n s slaves . His load eing thus dimi i hed one half he

e e - pursu d his journey with pl asure . At supper time h e was again ordered to distribute of his load ; after which (the basket being empti ed) the n ext morn ing h e l ed th e e van , and obliged those , who b fore had n treated him with contempt, to applaud his i genu ity .

Being arrived at Ephesus, and having sold divers of his slaves to good advantage , the merchant was persuaded to sail with th e last three to Samos ; n n amely , Ca tor, a native of Cappadocia , and Gram m aticus in two e s adim en , born Lydia ; p rson of l rge jE so d e sions ; and p , whose character was before r N w . o te sc ibed , in order that he might the bet r sell the two former , he dressed them in new clothes ; but (supposin g that no art could improve him) he " clothed Esop in sackcloth , which exposed him as well to derision as to sale . Among those who came to buy was Xanthus , an eminent philosopher of n Samos , attended with his scholars ; who , havi g e E vi wed the slaves , and seeing sop placed in the X x x l l

s tt w midst, supposed he was e here that the other t o might appear to a greater advantage .

The philosopher first addressed himself to Cantor, “ ” n demandi g what he could perform . All things . n m said he . Xa thus then de anded what price was “ n n set upon him . The mercha t replied , A thousa d ” - n n en half pe ce . Xa thus , displeased at the price , w t an d to the other , asked him what he could do . He “ ” e also replied , All things . The philosoph r then G ram maticus asked the price of . He was told , “ ” - n three thousand half pe ce . Xanthus , thinking n this also too much , declared he would buy o e e e servants that w re rat d at so high a pric . Upon which the scholars suggested to Xanthus to “ ’ ZE so n buy p , sayi g they would pay for him . T is ” “ not fit , said Xanthus , that I should buy him , and en you make good the paym t . Besides , my wife would be much displeased to have such a misshap en ” n e e person to wait upo her . The scholars r pli d , We are n o talways obliged to comply with the de sires of a woman therefore let us examine this de ZEso formed creature . Xanthus , turning to p , bid “ ? ” him be comforted . Was I ever sad replied ” ? th e jEsop . Of what place are you a native said “ ”

am e JE so . philosopher . I a n gro , said p I do ” e ZE sO not ask you that , but where you w re born . p “ “ w e r e as k ans ered , Of my moth , Neith r did I ” “ s e e that , said Xanthu , but what plac wer you born ” “ in ? My moth e r n ever i nformed m e whether ” “ ” “ e e w ? abov or b lo . What can you perform Noth ” “ in e e jEs o th e two g , r pli d p ; former having told e d o s e e n s n you th y can all thing , th re r mai nothi g “ ” m e d o s for to . Are you willing , said Xanthu , “ ” Y ou t tha tI should buy you ? ough , answered xxxiv

she had enriched him , and she would abandon that n ZE so . O e unhappy mansion this Xanthus rebuk d p , er m n n u e who had discov ed so uch i ge ity b fore , that ff E n o . he was so sile t now . Cast her , said sop ” “ Away with you , villain , replied he . My love an d my life is so incorporated into hers , as if one ” two ZE so heart alone managed bodies . At which p , n stamping, said that Xanthus was under the domi ion of n n m his wife and tur i g to his istress , said ,

You , madam , would have had the philosopher n n m e have brought you a you g , ha dso e f llow , ee whose attractions might f d your vanity , but at the e same time might ndanger his reputation . Oh , e o n e Euripides , thy mouth was a gold n , for these e , words came out of it Great is the ffort of the n an d e n o sea when its waves swell into seditio , ob y l aw and the flame or impression of devouri n g fi re ; are m n poverty , is a ruinous condition and there a y n e thi gs intolerable , but nothing equal to an imp tu ’ n n hil h r . osos e ous woma You , bei g the wife of a p , should not be attended by such persons as would ” e n bring philosophy itself into disreput . She , bei g n unable to co tradict him , asked Xanthus where h e “ had purchased this beauty . The handsomeness of “ sh e d c his ingenuity , said , doth recompense for the formity of his p erso n my di slik e of him is ex tin ” ” is h d s t e s a s O u e . ZES g Your mi r s , said X nthu to p , ” " n e w e e ZEso Tis is r concil d . p i ronically repli ed e s to e s m a difficult matt r ure app a e a wo an . For ” “ the e s n s be s e futur , aid Xa thu , il nt ; I bought you to ” e n ob y , not to co tradict . The n t h e day following , Xa hus , going to t garden bu e s n d e ZEso to y h rb , comma d p to accompany him . e e e had t e e n Wh n the gard n r ga h r d the herbs , he e XXI V

s n e e e trusted them to ZE op . Whe th y w r paid for , the gardener ask ed Xanthus what w as th e natural reas on that the h erbs that he planted did not im as prove with that quick and active growth , those ’ which were Nature s voluntary production Xan n e e s thus , not being able to a sw r the qu stion , thu “ replied It thus happened from that ord e r an d seri es of P rovidence that thread ed togeth e r infe rior ” — e e s A t jE so e . causes and th ir ffect , which p smil d ? Do you laugh at me said Xanthus . I laugh at ” “ n s e e h e you , a w r d , and not you only , but him that " s n taught you . Upon which Xanthus , addres i g se th e e him lf to gard ner, said , It is not fit for me , wh o e e n hav disput d in lear ed auditories , to unravel e n n qu stio s in a garde . My servant here will solve ” ffi c u T h e e e the di lty . gardener r pli d , Is there any ” knowledge treasured up in this sordid vessel ? At ZE so f n n which p was of e ded , and asked the garde er “ this question When a widow is engaged in sec on d n uptials she is mother to the issue of her firs t e s e m e marriag , but t p oth r to the children of her sec e ond husband . Thos , to whom by the proper obli ation s h er e n g of Nature aff ctio s are entitled , she aff ects an d values more than those to whom sh e is e n en e moth r o ly by accid tal r lation . So it is here th e earth is a stepmother to those plants which are n e i corporat d into her womb by art , but a mother to ” e o w n n thos which are her free productio . The gar dch er was so well satisfied with his reply that h e gave him liberty to gather what h erbs he might at an n m en e y time wa t , as a reco p s . e n Some days aft r this , Xa thus , having met with m e an d n n n e so e fri nds at the bath , i te ding to i vit e ZE so them to dinner, order d p to go directly home, xxxvi L ife of

e and boil some l ntils . He went , as enjoined , and

only boiled one . Xanthus , after bathing , accord in l n g y invited his friends , i forming them , that n on fi though their fare would be sca ty , yet he was c n dent they would take the will for the deed . Whe they came home Xanthus ordered E sop to bri n g d n n something to ri k ; who , taki g some water from n the stream of the bath , presented it to Xa thus ; at ZES O which he was offended , and asked p where he “ ” jE so . brought it from ? From the bath , said p s Xanthu , on account of his friends , concealed his n ZE so n a ger, and called for a basin , which p havi g h im brought, stood still . Xanthus asked , Do you ? ” ’T not wash He replied , is for you to command , in me to obey , but to put water the basin was no ” th e n part of comma d . Upon which Xanthus asked

his frie n ds wh ether they thought he had bought . a

: servant who replied , that , in their opinion , he had s n w rather purchased a ma ter . Xanthus o asked if e ZE so the dinn r was ready When p , putting lentil e s e into a sh ll , presented it to his ma t r ; who , having e o e tri d if it was b iled enough , ord red him to serve ZE so m up the rest . p i mediately put the broth into an d saucers , brought them to Xanthus who asked “ e ? a wh re the lentils were You have it alre dy , e e jEso r pli d p . Did you boil but o n e said h is

. S Al s master No more , sir, aid op ; Your com ” th e mand was i n singular numbe r . At which Xan “ e e n thus incensed , xclaim d , This fellow is e ough m e 1 but n o t e to drive mad , that I may d ceive my ’ e n n t s ee fri ds , go i stan ly , and buy, four hog f t , and o e o e w . c JEs c N o b il th m Whi h p h erfully did . , e e e e n n s n whil th y w r boili g , Xa thu , wishi g to find ’ e c n ZEso s e some caus of omplai t , i n p abs nce took L ife of xxxvii

out on e of the feet which jE sop on his return mi ss an d us n th e es an d ed , , s pecti g d ign , ran to a jacent

- st an d off th e ee e hog y , , cutting one of f t of a fatt d

it . hog , singed it, and put into the pot Xanthus , ZE so e run suspecting that p , on the discov ry , would e jE so away , put the foot in again . So that , wh n p e e came to serve them up on the table , he found th r e t wer five . Upon which Xanthus inquired by wha e n E an e e m a s they were multiplied . sop sw r d by — Ho w ee e . s His asking , many f t hav two hog ” ” e e e en f E so mast r r plied , Eight . Her , th , said p , are e an d ou e h o the e five pres nt , y fatt d g hath oth r e n e ex thr e . Xanthus , being more e rag d at this , e n ot e u claim d , Did I say this f llow wo ld drive me mad Shortly afte rwards on e of th e scholars invited Xanthus an d his fellow stud en ts to a feast ; wh e re n t e ff e n e h e Xa hus , wishing to r concile the di re c had n se jEso occasioned when he first retur ed , nt p with a s e e choice dish to his mi tress , t lling him to giv i t to h er ZE so en an d e n that loved him best . p w t ; , s ati g s an d s e himself in the porch , called his mistre s , how d her the present Xanthus had sent to h er that loved ” “ h e him best . But this , said , madam , is not for ’ s a you . Then , calling his master bitch , Lyc ena , he h e n n r . cast it dow , and bid eat it At his retur Xan thus asked him wh eth er h e had do n e as h e was o r e He Y es an d d red said , , she swallowed it in my e n presence . His mast r the inquired what she said . ” jE so r Nothing to me , said p , but to you she e ” ‘ ofl en d ed s turns her thanks . This so his mistres ‘ th that she determined to leave the house . In e

mean time , while they were all heated with wine, be th one of the company asked , when would e time xx xv iii

of the greatest confusion among mortals ? ZE sop “ an d em replied , When the dead rise att pt to trace ” out their ancient possessions . At which the schol ars smiled . Another asked why sheep lie so calmly , and swine with such an offensive noise The ” “ e e ZE so n n sh ep , answ red p , bei g used to be shor , e m are sil nt , and expect nothing but what is custo ary ; but n swine , unaccustomed to be handled , whe they are killed , make an hideous noise . The scholars were so pleased with his answers that they burst ih h . e to laughter Supper being over , Xant us return d be home , and would have saluted his wife but she , ing highly offended at what had passed , told him wh o she would have nothing to say to him , , instead n n e e of se ding her his dai ti s , had s nt them to his dog . n u ZE so h h ad Xa th s , surprised , asked p to whom e “ n h er prese ted them who replied , To that loves you ” “ ” e b st . Then , calling the spaniel . This is she , said “ he , for , though you load her wi th stripes , yet still she fawns upon and accompanies you . You should ” have told me to present them to your wife . You ” “ n ow X are convinced , mistress , said anthus , it

' m f l e was not y au t that the present miscarri d . Bear th e e an d I disappointment with patienc , will take ZE o an opportunity of avenging it upon s p . But d id s s e e this not ati fy his wif . She ther fore went to h e r s ZEso father ; which cau ed p to triumph , saying , N o w se e o u . , sir you e which lov s y best ZEso e h is s y After this p , obs rving ma ter uneas on ’ f e d e e h im be account of his wi s partur , told not to h h e s o n h er unhappy , for t at would o bring back c s h e se t o ff a e an d again . For whi h pu rpo e to m rk t , c e ee se & c es h e in ten pur has d fowls , g , . With th e tio n al ly went to the h o use wh e re his mistre ss resided L i e 3 0 3 f of £ 1 . xxxix and asked the servants if they had anything to sell that would add to the magnificence of aweddi n g feast he was about to provide . They inquiring n e e be re whose marriage was goi g to be c lebrat d , e e plied , Xanthus means to cel brate his s cond nup ” tial s - n e to morrow . This intellige ce soon reach d the ear of his wife ; and fill ed her so with jealousy flew e e es that she hom , and declared that no s cond p ousal s of his should be establishe d but upon her u ZE so who s de urn . Th s p , was the occa ion of her

e et . partur , was the cause of her hasty r urn Not lon g aft er Xanthus invited his scholars to din e ZE so e s t ner, and ord red p to furnish the f a with the choicest dainties ; who while fulfilli n g the Command w h o . of his master, was studying to expose his folly He therefore laid out the money in tongues, which he served up accompanied with a poignant sauce .

The scholars much commended his first cou rse , as it furn ished them with matter for conve rsation; but th e th e s second and third being the same , guest were astonished as w ell as their master ; who in quired if there was nothing provided but to n gu es ? ” jE so p replied , Nothing else . Thou lump of de ” s I to formity , said Xanthu , did not command you ” “ ” e e e ? ZEso pr pare the choic st dainti s Sir , said p , your rep roof before philosophers d eserves my ? th e thanks . What excels the tongue It is great n channel of learni g and philosophy . By this noble organ addresses , commerce , contracts , eulogies , and

s . marriages , are completely e tablished On this n is th e moves life itself . Therefore nothi g equal to ”

. e n tongue The scholars , d parti g , declared that the l philosophy exce led that of Xanthus , L i e E s x l f of op .

Some time after this Xanthus , perceiving the dis of satisfaction his scholars , told them it was not his “ ” n ow design so to have treated them . But , said I he , have ordered my servant to procure the ” ZE so n worst meats for supper . p , however , (consta t e n to his purpos , ) again provided to gues . Xanthus , m n s en ore ince sed still , asked him if thi was the ter tain m en t h e had ordered To which "Esop repli ed “ that he had exactly fulfilled his commands . For ” “ e n ? what , said he , is wors than the to gue Is it en n m e not frequ tly the rui of e pi res , citi s , and pri vate connectio n s ? Is it not the co n veya n ce of cal um n ies ? In and forgeries short , is it not the grand disturber of civil seei ety ? Whe n the s cholars e e e heard his r ply , they d clared that the d formity of his body was but the transcript of his distorted and n an d e n n irregular man ers ; gav Xa thus a cautio . n lest his behavior should drive him out of his mi d . JE se e e To whom p observed , that their sp ech betray d b e n be their malice , y end avori g to cause discontent an d twe en him his master . n e e Xanthus , still desirous to reve g hims lf for e m these affronts , again sought for caus to co plain of Al sop ; and commanded h im (s inc e he had accused the scholars of o ffi ciousn ess) to find a man that re T h e e da e gard ed nothing . n xt y , whil traversing the ets o n s t e e stre , sop discovered e it ing in a n glig nt e JE so posture , void of r flection . This man p accost e e s e ed , and invit d to dinn r with his ma t r . The es t n e an d clown , without h ita io . follow d him , sat ' h is m s e s l e h i e e Xan down at a t r tab in s m an attir . thus i mm ediately ask ed who this guest was ? JEso p ” l is n e e t s n e t e s . e r plied , a p rso r gardl s Xan hu th ’ d e fe the t n e e t sired his wi to wash s ra g r s f e , think

L i e £30 9 xlii f of 1 .

n one attempted to lay it aside , he we t home , and e but th e told his master ther was one person in bath . e Xanthus arriving , and se ing a multitude , asked n Al him the reason of his false i formation . sop told n e him , there was a great sto e lay at the ntrance , m e m over which many stu bl d , but only one re oved n the obstacle ; so that there was o ly one man , the e rest being little better than ciph rs . n on n an d Not lo g after, a day fixed by Xa thus e s other philosoph r for public rejoicing . Xanthus n be having drank freely , was raised into a passio , e ing worsted in som dispute that had arise n which.

A l sop observing , said . Master , Bacchus is the n parent of three evils . The first is voluptuous ess , th e r the second intemperance , third calumny or e e n n proach ; of which you , b ing e gaged in dri k , ” in tox i at should beware . At last , Xanthus being c of him it ed , one the scholars asked if was possible “ ” e n I to drink off the sea . V ry easy , said Xa thus , m ” will engage to perfor it myself . Upon which they n n laid a wager ; and havi g excha ged rings , depart n ed . The day followi g Xanthus missed his ring , and

Al . I asked sop what was become of it know not , “ n n of said he , but this I am co fide t we must not es e stay here ; for y t rday , when disguised with liquor, you betted your whol e fortune that you would drink h e an d ex chan off t ocean , to the wager , you g ‘ bind n t e I en ed your ring . Xa hus repli d , What could gage l ess ? But can you contrive h ow to get rid of ” ? f Al i s m it To per orm it , said sop , i possible ; s but h o w to avoid it I will how you . When you be e e an d de m eet again , as confid nt as ev r, or r a l ed o n the sh e e s n s e tabl e to be p ac or , and p r o pr pared he c e s e to lave t o an with cup ; and , wh n the multi i £3 0 9 L fe of 1 . xliii

th e tude are assembled , ask what was wager . The n e to d n reply will be , that you e gag d ri k up the sea : then do you address them thus , Ye ci tizens of n Samos , you are not ignorant that ma y rivers dis M ee en was charge themselves into the sea . y agr m t e to drink up the ocean , and not those str ams . If e e you , th n , can obstruct their course , I am r ady to m e n e e e e e . p rform y ngag ment Xanthus , b i g pl as d th e e e e e s se e with exp di nt , when the p opl a mbl d , ac t ed and said as Al s op had instructed him for whic h e he was highly applauded . When the scholar f ll at e e his feet , and own d himself wrong , at the same tim requesting that the wager mightbe dissolved which

e ed . Xanthus , at the d sire of the Samians , grant Al h is m e t d t sop , on return ho , intima e to Xan hus e his how much he had m rited freedom , that he had th e an d e e e e e s bid him go to door ; , if th r w r two cr w t e was s s m e in sigh , to t ll him , for it an au piciou o n h e e e o n e be but , if b h ld but , it would a bad one . A l e saw two sop return d , and told him he pe rched on a tree . But , when Xanthus went out , one of d Al un them was gone . Upon which he calle sop an grateful villain , observing that his whole aim was to make him an object of ridicule , for which he n ow Al should be scourged . sop , groaning with his stripes , addressed one who entered to sup with his “ : a master, in a sad accent , thus You , th t beheld c rew one , are rewarded with a supper ; and I , that ” n e discovered two , am recompensed u des rvedly .

Which ingenious address so softened Xanthus , that he forbade the continuance of his punishment .

Shortly after , Xanthus designing to ente rtain the c e n Al s philosophers and rat rs , comma ded sop to tand t n u n h a b m e . t t the gate , and admit n o e t wise A e xliv L if e of

appointed time several came to the gate , requesting admittance : but Al sop put thi s question to them all “ ” — What stirs th e dog ? At which they were much ff n n a o ended , supposi g he mea t to give them that p pellation . At last one came who made this reply “ JEso to his question , His ears and his tail . p , m satisfied with the answer, ad itted him , and con him n on e ducted to his master, sayi g there was only n philosopher had desired admitta ce . The day fol n e lowing , whe they met at the schools , they r proach cd Xanthus with treating them contemptuously , by permitting Al sop to stan d at the gate and salute ” Xan them with the opprobrious epithet of dogs .

if e . thus asked th y were serious They replied , they Al were . Upon which sop was called , and asked how he dared to affro n t his friends ? To which he hil oso replied , Did you not tell me that none but p p h ers should be admitted And what are “ these said Xanthus , do they not merit that ” ? n s A l character By no mea s , aid sop , for , wh e n th ey came to the gate I d eman ded of th em What stirs the dog ? and but on e among th em all ” e n gav a proper a swer . Upon this all agreed that Al sop had acted strictly as his master commanded him . n e Al s One day , when Xa thus , accompani d by op , n to th e m e s an d e we t visit monu nt , to amuse hims lf c n s Al s see ese e t e s 011 with the ins riptio , op , ing th l t r o ab d e 0 fr s e e n e e so . . of th m , . , , o , , , how d th m s W11 e n s e . 0 to Xa thu . a king him their m aning , aft r “ s e o n n s h e kn w n ot Mas e e . serious con id rati , co f sed ” te r s Al s e s e c e s , aid op , if by th haract r I trace out ” e s e e s I e e e ? s a tr a ur , what r ward hall r c iv Xanthu “ ” e e d T h eed o he e e . l t answ r , y fr m and ha f tr asur , i s x l v L f e of A l op .

A l n the e e t Then sop , havi g dug arth four f e from the n e n an d sto , fou d it ; , giving it to his master , claimed “ ” “ e n his r ward . No , said Xa thus , not till I can e th e e unrav l myst ry , the knowledge of which will ” he Al t be worth more than t treasure . sop old him a e prudent man had ngraven them , and the sense was a b d 0 e this going , paces , four , digging , thou ” 0 a: an shalt find , a treasure , of gold l Xanthus swered e ee , It will be more to my int rest to keep th ” “ Al than to let thee go . Then , said sop , I will prove that the gold belongs to the king of B izan ti ” H w e o . um . do you prove it said his mast r a b d Thus . replied he , restore , to the king , Di o n sius e 6 0 e x y , which , thou hast found , tr asure , of ” n n e Al to ao gold . Upo this Xa thus requ sted sop JE cept the half, as a reward for his silence . sop f e replied , I receive not this as the e f ct of your e th e bounty , but of his who conc aled it ; for this is — a b genuine sense of the letters taking , go your d e h e 0 way , divide , whic , you have found , the ” e e treasure . Xanthus r plied , Come , d part the e e moi ty of the gold , and your fre dom , shall be your ” A l reward . As they returned , Xanthus (fearing sop would discover the aff air) commanded that they s e n hould take him to prison . As th y were taki g him Al m e th e e n m se away , sop exclai d , Do sol m pro i s of s an d e e philosopher , their sp cious intimation of lib rty e n d in pri so n and fetters Upon which Xanthus e e e e h e ord r d his r l ase , observing that what had said n was true ; though he was co fident , when he had w got his freedom , he would do all that lay in his po

. Al al l er to inj ure him sop answered , In spite of artifi ces i your , I shall obtain my l berty . L i e Al so xlvi f of p .

Soon after this , on a day appointed for general e festivity by the eitzens of Samos , an eagle desc nd e u n ed , snatch d p the public ri g, and afterwards Th e dropped it into the lap of a slave . astonished Sam ians applied to Xanthus to unfold the mystery n l was who , knowing himself i capab e , very much de e t d Al c e . j sop , perceiving this, asked what made h im - so unhappy . To morrow , when you appear ” in m public , says he, tell the Sa ians , that you are but not dexterous in these matters , you have a ser ” an d vant that is . To this Xanthus agreed , accord in l A 3s0 g y the next day p was called forth . But , saw th e when they him , y smiled , asking contempt uousl How y , can such a deformed creature unfold ” ? Al re this great mystery sop , waving his hand , “ of s plied , Ye citizens Samo , you should not only e vi w the front of the house , but the tenant also ; for frequently an upright and u n de rstan ding soul dwells in a d eformed an d disordered body ; an d you k n ow it is not the shape of the cask that men admire , but the wine concealed therein . Hearing this , they " : n desired him to proceed wherefore he conti ued , Ye e th e Samians , it rests with you to judge betwe n n master and the servant . If I do not u fold the mys ter l e be y concea ed in this signal accident , let strip s the d is my reward ; but , if the master be outvied by c o ver l et b e y , then my freedom given me . Upon thi s they insisted that Xant hus should give Al sop h is ee m e fr dom . Xanthus aking no r ply , the city es e s praetor addr s d him thu If you do not grant ” the th e Al e request of people , I will declare sop fre . e e Xan th n s ec e Al e an d th e Wh r upon , d lar d sop fr e e c e Al s city cri r pro laimed it . Th n said op to his mas “ ter , In spite of your malice , I have obtained my L i e A l s l f of op . x vii

. s th e e freedom And then , addres ing peopl , he thus unfolded the mys te ry Y e ci tizen s of Samos I the w the an d as eagle , you kno , is monarch of birds ; , n was n the public ri g dropped i to the lap of a slave , it seems to forebode that s om e of the adjacent ki n gs s will attempt to overthrow your established law , ” and entomb your liberty in slavery .

th e . e This filled Samians with grief Shortly aft r, s e n the letters arrived from Croesu of Lydia , r quiri g t o r Samians to pay tribu e , else prepare to suffer the e e calamiti s of a d structive war . was a Al Upon which a public council c lled , and sop was requested to give his advice ; who thus address e but tw o ed th m . We have , said have , objects The e before us . one is liberty ; which in the b gin n c o ni g is rough and diffi ult , but in the end is sm oth and easy ; and th e oth e r is bo n dage ; whose be gin but c n u a ning is easy , the o cl sion fat l and calami ” e d ecl ard tous . The Samians , wh n they heard this , , se e that , as they were at pre nt free , so they and th ir li berty would stand or fall together — and with this e e o r solute r ply dismissed the ambassadors . Cr esus e e b ing informed of their resolution , determin d to go to war with them . But the ambassadors advised him e Al s first to s nd for op , with the promise that the trib an d e ute should be suspended , then p rhaps he might n reduce them ; but that , as lo g as they were strength n n e Al e ed with the cou s ls of sop , he would not be e o abl . Cr esus took their advice , and sent for him on n n e those co ditio s . The Samians , being well satisfi d , Al agreed to give him up . But , when sop heard of Y e m it , he thus addressed them citizens of Sa os , e y o I am r ady to prostrate m self at the feet of Cr esus , com m en c but first I will tell you a tale . The wolves L i e A l s xlviii f of op .

war but ed with the sheep , the sheep were secured by th e gen erous protection of the dogs ; on which

the wolves sent ambassadors to the sheep , to this

end , that , if they desired peace , they should give up

their dogs . The timorous and unwary sheep agreed

to it , and sent away their protectors . The wolves e immediately destroyed th ir dogs , and then the

sheep fell an easy prey . The Samians , comprehend A l r ing his meaning , refused to let sop go , but he e

solved to accompany the ambassadors . Al When they arrived at Lydia , they presented sop . As soon as the king saw him he was angry ; despising the idea that so despicable a person should by his n cou sels prevent him from conquering the Samians . Al “ sop , observing his astonishment , said , Mighty " e e n or sir since neith r by forc necessity , but of my e n own free will , I give myself up , I r quest your atte n e m an e tio . A c rtain , having gather d many lo custs , killed them ; and having with them taken a ‘ grasshopper, she thus bespoke him Sir , do not kill me , for I am no ways destructive , my whole employ ’ e n w e ment b i g to charm to sleep the eary travell r . l et n Upon which he her go . Thus I , 0 ki g , pros e n trate before you , d sire my life may be the me u e e m nt of your mercy , since it cannot be pr judicial to any man ; for in this d eform ed body you shall ” “ e e e Al find an xalt d mind . Cro sus replied , sop , f e e not only thy li , but a fortun , shall be the proof of fi c e n ce h e be n e . my Demand , t er fore , what you ” “ ” e l be s pl eas , and it sha l granted . Oh king , aid “ l so e n . n A p , be r conciled to the Samia s The ki g “ ” e . A n d s e Al repli d , I am hortly aft r sent sop back with letters of reconciliation . On his arrival , the

Life of

i “ Al the king had read the letter he cr ed out , sop , th e N ew Herm i pillar of my kingdom , is dead p e n n pus , h ari g the ki g deplore his loss , informed him

he had not performed his command , but had pre served the life of Al sop ; well knowing that the king

himself would in the end be grieved. A l At which the king rejoiced , and sent for sop ; n who , after having established his innoce ce, was E un us again received into favor, and was condemn te n Al ed die ; but , on the i tercession of sop , his life w ’ was spared . N o , as soon as the King of Egypt s Al letter was shown to sop , he desired that this mes n sage might be retur ed that , after winter was e l n ot xpired , one shou d appear who would only n erect the tower, but answer every question dema d ” JE so ed . . Which was immediately dispatched p , E un us s having readopted , admoni hed him to this th e n effect My son , worship God , and honor ki g ; make thyself a terror to thine enemies , and useful n to thy friends . Pray that thine enemies may be i di ff e gent , that they may not o end th e ; and thy friends

n e . opule t , that they may be able to assist th e Be

co n stant to thy consort , lest thy inconstancy should m . ake her so . Be slow to speak and swift to hear n m e E n vy not th ose who do well . So ma age thy do s f B e tic af ai rs that those who fear may love . not s e e s m n a hamed to l arn . Trust not thy secr t to a wo a , ’ sh e s e Let - be l est houl d be i nsol nt . to day s stock ’ the - B e e . pl edge of to morrow s store . g ntle to all s e e w as Di scard para ites and whisp r rs . Al ays act ” o e h e se e s th u may st av no cau to r pent . The e say s had an e E un us t ing such eff ct upon , tha he shortly

afte r di ed with remorse and compunction . i e l i L f of Al s op .

e e A s The winter b ing n arly expired , l op procured four young eagles ; which he taught to carry bask e b e ets with little childr n in them , and to o ey th i r d his e in command and , having prepare for journ y in a to Egypt , a short time set off , taking the e gles

with him . ecten abo Al ed e x N , being told that sop was arriv ,

h e pressed his surprise , having understood that was Th e e e dead . n xt day all his officers were assembl d , dressed in whit e robes and the king in his royal at tire and imperial diadem . When seated on his n Al a h e throne he se t for sop , and sked him , to what e m e e th e r se bl d him , and thos who surrounded “ ? Al th e n a throne sop replied , You resemble ver l ” sun an d es l Vith , your attendants a fruitful harv t . e which answer the king was greatly pl ased . The n day followi g the king appeared in white , and his retinue in purple when Al sop was as ked the same e question to which he answ red , You are an em e n e bl m of the sun , and those that stand rou d a typ ” N t n of effused beams . Then ec e abo inquired his O pinion of his kingdom , and whether he did not ru flat think it preferable to that of Lyce s. Do not ” Al ter yourself , said sop , though your kingdom n may shine like the rays of the sun , yet , if put i to ” ~ competition with his , it would soon fade . Neeten w e e e abo , applauding his ans er , ask d where th y w re ” are e s that could erect the tower . They r ady , aid Al “ e e . sop , if you have appoint d the plac Upon which the king showed him a spacious plain . Then Al sop produced the eagles , with the children in the in stru baskets and , giving them their working h e ments , commanded t eagles to fly , who, being

e s . raised in the air, demand d the neces ary materials ii L i e Al s I f of op .

“ N ecten abo Al , hearing their request , said to sop , I ” n o m en t can Al e H w have tha fly . sop repli d , o then can you think of en gagi n g in a contest with ” n L cerus N e Ki g y , who is stored with such ? cte e nabo acknowledg d himself subdued . Shortly after he sent for several sages from H eli A l n opolis , to ask sop a variety of questions . O e of Hel io ol itan s Al the p at the banquet said to sop , I am employed by o n e of our deities to ask you this ” “ ” e n e e qu stio . You discov r your ignoranc , said “ ZE so n n o n e p , by dimi ishing the k owledge of of

your gods . A second put this question , desiring ZE so n e an d p to explai it There is a vast t mple , a m e e a colu n supporting tw lv magnificent cities , e ch an d of which is sustained with thirty rafters , con ” Al stan tl y circulated by two women . To this sop “ th e th e answered , The temple is world , the cities an d months , the rafters the days of the month , the day an d night are the two women wh o successively n atte d each other . The day following N ecten abo summoned h is e n an d e fri ds , confess d that the tribute exacted by d u h n n t Al n e Lyc e rus was e to t e i ge ui y of sop . O of e e n n th em r pli d , We will try him agai with questio s ” “ ” e e n e e Al that w r v r heard of . And I , said sop , “ ” will answer them . e e He th en d part d , and prepared a schedule , where o n was engrossed N ecten abo confesses he is ih ” L c rus the d e bted a thousand talents to y e . And in e s e morning pr ent d it to the king ; who , paying him n e se e L cerus e to the mo y , ob rv d that y was fortunat have his kingdo m supported by so sagacious a p e r

e e . son . He th e n dismiss d him , bidding him farew ll i 3 0 0 L fe of £ 1 . liii a E sop, having digested the whole into a n rrative . th e returned to Babylon , and presented it with tri cerus wh o was e ad h e bute to Ly ; so w ll ple se , that commanded an elegant statue to be erected to his memory . Shortly after he obtained leave of th e king to sail rn into Greece , upon condition that he should retu to the ff n e Babylon . Having surveyed di erent provi c s , h e set off and obtained an eminent character , for

e o . Delphos , where the templ of Apollo st od But here they paid but little attention to his e loquence “ Al s Y e observing which , op said , citizens of Del phos you justly resemble the wood that floats on the e e sea which at a distanc app ars something worth , w e n but when it approaches are disappoi ted . So I , did e when at a great distance from your city , admir n ow l ed you , but am to think you the most useless ” n e e amo g men . Hearing this , they w r afraid that e a e he would , at his d parture , spe k disresp ctfully of them ; they therefore determine d to ensnare an d de e stroy him . For which end they took a gold n cup Al ’ out of the temple , and concealed it in sop s bag Ph oc id gage who , unsuspecting, departed to e . The D el hian s p pursued him , and there charged him with e sacrilege . He d nied the fact, but they untied his e baggage , found the cup , and discover d it to the Al n ow city . sop , seeing through their malicious stratagem , desired they would not deprive him of his life . But they first condemned him to prison , Al and then to death . sop , unable to extricate him

self, deplored his fate in the prison . While he was a h complaining, one Demas ( friend) as ked him t e Al w cause of his violent sorrow . sop replied , A e

man , having lately buried her husband, wept daily i E s liv L fe of op .

o off over his grave . One , who was pl wing not far , l e fe l in love with her ; and , l aving his oxen , went to e an d the grav , mourned with her . She asked why ’ e he wept . B cause , replied he , I have lately ’ m e buried an amiable wife , and find it gives ease . ’ ’ Such is my fate, said the woman . Then , said he ,

as we are united in trouble , why should we not be ’ joined i n marriage , since we love each other ? While they were thus e n gaged some villain took away his oxen upon which he went home an d wept n ow much . The woman inquired , why he wept . ’ e He replied , I have just cause to we p . So I , after having escaped many dangers , have cause to weep e that I cannot extricate mys lf from this . The Del hian s p then came , and dragged him to the verge of a craggy precipice when Al sop thus addressed them When beasts did parley , the mouse , being m inti ate with the frog , invited her to supper in the storehouse of a rich man , desiring her to make her self welcome . After this the frog invited the mouse ; an d , that he might not be tired of swimming , she tied his leg to hers . This done , they endeavored to go across the stream ; but , before they were half e ver, the mouse was drowned ; and , when dying , d e clared the frog was the cause , and that some more we e po rful than thems lves would avenge his death . e The agle , beholding the mouse floating on the e wat r , snatched at him , and with him took the frog ; s e thu both fell a pr y to the eagle . So I , who am e a s r ady to fall victim to your inju tice , shall not wan t an av enger ; for all G reec e and Babylon will ” e t unit for hat purpose . But all this was of no avail n either his attempt e t e e e to sh l e r himself in the t mpl . Th y still contin L i e o Al s V f f op . ued dragging him to the precipice when he again en e addressed them Ye citiz s of D lphos , the hare , e e e t th e being pursued by the agle , retr at d in o nest h orn m of the hornet . The et i plored the eagle to h e h e r have pity on t hare . The eagle repulsed the n et e , and destroyed the hare . The horn t traced out e The the nest of the eagle , and demolished her ggs . next time the eagl e built h er n est higher ; but the

e . hornet still pursu d , and again destroyed them The the e s e third time agle oared , and deposited her ggs the es rotec between kne of Jupiter , invoking his p e tion . The hornet , composing a ball of dirt , dropp d ’ wh o th e o it into Jupiter s lap , forgetting egg , sho k off all together . Being informed by the hornet that was n h e en deav this in revenge for a former i j ury , ored to reconcile them , lest the progeny of his favor

: rn ite bird should be destroyed . But , the ho et per th e sisting , he respited hatching of the eagles till the A n d time when the hornets sally forth . you , citi e z ns of Delphos , despise not this deity , from whom I ” have implored refuge . N ow A l sop , perceiving they continued still deaf to e his entreaties , sternly , and for the last time , bespok e an them thus Ye cruel and obdurate men , a c rt i e e husbandman , growing aged , who had never b h ld e e the city , d sired his servants to convey him thith r, e that he might see it before he di d . As he went he was overtaken by a violent storm and gloomy dark ness , so that the asses which drew the carriage mis e took the way , and guided him to a precipice wher , being upon the verge of approaching ruin , he thus n comm itt exclaimed Oh Jove , what i jury have I ed , that hath incensed thee to cause this misfortune especially that I should owe my death not to gener l v i L i e A l s f of op .

ous horses , nor to active mules , but to dull and de ” “ ” “ s icabl e ? Al p asses And this , said sop , is my t unhappy fate, not by the hands of persons of wor h and abilities , but by those of the vilest and most D el hian s e worthless of men . This said , the p thr w him from the precipice , and he perished . a n Not long after, destructive pestilence havi g th e raged among them , they were told by oracle , Al ’ that it was the expiation of sop s unjust tragedy .

Wherefore, in order to avert the judgment , they n o erected a pompous monume t over his b nes . n an d But , whe the principals of Greece the Sages e wer informed of the catastrophe , and having ma ur l e t e y weighed the fact , they s verely revenged the Al ’ innocent eff usion of sop s blood .

I ll ustration s L ist qf .

Fo x WHO HAD L OST H I s TAI L VAIN JAC K D A w K ID AND T H E WOL F O x AND T H E FROG FI G HTING COC KS AND T H E EA G L E HORS E AND H I s R ID E R (T hree Illustrati o n s) VIN E AND T H E GOAT

T H E E T H E P I G E ON s HAWK , KIT , AND T wo POTS T H I E F AND H i s MOTH E R WOL F AN D T H E S H E E P F o x AND T H E CROW

' O LD WO MA N A N D T H E WIN E - jA R

' STAG IN T H E O x - S rA L L EAG L E AND T H E ARROW L ION AND T H E BOAR

O N E - E Y E D D OE MI L K WO MAN AND H E R PAI L

WOL F AND T H E HOUS E - D OG A ss C ARR YIN G T H E IMAG E O LD HOUND WO L F AND T HE SH E PH E RDS A ss AN D H l S S HADOW

O A K A N D T H E R E E D s

F o x AND T HE WOODC UTT E R WO L F A N D T H E L ION l l A R E s AND T H E F R O G s

‘ P i S H E R MA N AND T H E L1TT LE FISH CAM E L AND T H E A R A B C AT AND T H E M I C E D OG A N D T HE COO K L ist o I l l us tration s f .

T H E L T HE E AN D T H E Fo x ION , B AR ,

S E A - G U LL AND T H E KIT E Fo x AND T HE L E OPARD BU LL AND T H E GOAT BA L D KNI G HT HAR E AND T H E HOUND HE N AND T HE GO L DE N E GG S TR E E S AND T H E A x E BOWMAN AND L ION WOMAN AND H E R HE N Fo x AND T HE H E DG E HOG

hIU LE

CROW AND T H E PITC H E R Fo x AND T H E GRAPES HART AND T HE VIN E KID AND T HE WOL F MONK E Y AND T HE DOL PHIN HORS E AND T H E STAG

TH I E F AND T H E HOUS E - D OG Fo x AND T HE L ION (Three Ill ustratio n s) BOY BATHI N G WOL F AND T H E S H E PH E RD L ARK AND H E R YOUN G ON E S A ss AND T H E WOL F

D OG T H E C T H E F o x , CO K , AND F o x AND T H E MASK WOL F AND T H E GOAT L I ON AND T H E THR E E BU L LS TOWN MOUS E AND T H E COUNTR Y MOUS E G E E S E AND T H E CRAN E S BLIND MAN AN D T HE WH E LP L ist o I l l ustration s f .

WOL F AND T H E HORS E Q UAC K FROG NORTH W I ND AND T H E S UN T RUMPE T E R TAK E N PR ISON E R

’ ASS I N T H E L ION S S KIN MAN AND T H E SATYR DOV E AND T H E CROW EA G L E AND T H E JAC KDAW EAG L E AND T H E F o x S TA G AT T H E POO L DOG S AND T H E H I DE S MONK E Y AND T H E CAM E L L ION AND T H E ' F o x A s s AND HI S DRI V E R MOTH E R AND T H E WO L F PARTRI DG E AND T HE FOW L E R A ss AND T H E CHAR G E R (T wo I l l ustI atio n s) L AM B AND T H E WOL F VI P E R AND T H E FI LE

’ KING S SON AND T HE PAINT E D L ION BUFFOON AND T H E COUNTRYMAN

E T H E G T H E MOUS , FRO , AND HAWK T H E F AE P F A B L E S O S O .

THE LION AND THE MOUSE.

A LION was awakened from sleep by a Mouse run

n ning over his face . Rising up in a ger, he caught him and was about to kill him when the Mouse

piteously entreated , saying If you would only

spare my life , I would be sure to repay your kind him s o . nes . The Lion laughed and let g It 36 L F Al P T HE FAB ES O so . happened shortly after this that the Lion was caught by some hun ters, who bound him by stron g ropes to

n rear the ground . The Mouse , recog izing his , came up , and gnawed the rope with his teeth , and setting

him : free , exclaimed You ridiculed the idea of my

e n ever b ing able to help you , not expecti g to receive from me an y repayment Of your favor ; but n ow you know that it is possible for even a Mouse to confer ” benefits on a Lion .

THE FATHER AND HIS SONS .

A FATHER had a family of sons who were p erp etu ally quarrelling among themselves . When he failed

to heal their disputes by his . exhortations , he deter mined to give them a practical illu stration of the evils Of disunio n ; and for this purpose he one day told

e them to bri ng him a bundle of sticks . When th y

h e a n had done so , pl ced the faggot into the ha ds of

each of them in succession , and ordered them to

e br ak it in pieces . They each tried with all their

d un e an . str ngth , were not able to do it He next

s e clo d the faggot , and took the sticks separately , one

o n e an d by , again put them into their hands , on

e which th ey brok e them asily . He then addressed “ e th m in these words : My sons , if you are of one

d e min , and unit to assist each other, you will be as

o n e h e this fagg t , uni jur d by all t attempts of your

e e s d s n mie ; but if you are divi ed among yourselve , ” o b s s e s y uwill e broke n as ea ily ath se ticks . D THE WOLF AN THE LAMB .

L a A WO F meeting with Lamb astray from the fold , resolved not to lay violent hands on him , but to find some plea , which should justify to the Lamb him " self his right to eat him . He thus addressed him i u ” t . Sirrah , last year you grossly ns l ed me In ” o deed , bleated the Lamb in a mournful t ne of voice , w ” as . I not then born Then said the Wolf, You ” “ ” N O feed in my pasture . , good sir , replied the “ ” Lamb , I have not yet tasted grass . Again said ” ” i N O e . a the Wolf , You dr nk of my well , excl im d the Lamb , I never yet drank water, for as yet my

’ ” an d mother s milk is both food drink to me . On which the Wolf seized him , and ate him up , say 38 L JESOP THE FAB ES OF .

’ e e ing , Well I won t remain supperl ss , ev n though ” e n e m n you refute very o of my i putatio s . The tyrant will always fi n d a pretext for his tyranny .

THE BAT AND THE WEASELS .

A B AT falling upon the groun d was caught by a

Of Weasel , whom he earnestly sought his life . The

n Weasel refused , sayi g , that he was by nature the him enemy of all birds . The Bat assured that he was not a bird , but a mouse , and thus saved his life .

Shortly afterwards the Bat again fell on the ground ,

e and was caught by another Weas l , whom he like

e wise entreated not to eat him . The W asel said that he had a special hostility to mice . The Bat assured him that he was not a mouse , but a bat ; and thus a second time escaped .

It is wise to turn circumstances to good account .

THE ASS AND THE GRASSHOPPER .

A N Ass having heard some Grasshoppers chirping , was e th e highly enchanted ; and , d siring to possess s e r Of e s am cha ms m lody , demanded what ort of f e e ood th y lived on , to give th m such beautiful “ o c s T he e he d w T h e A ss re e e T e . v i . y r pli d ,

S e h e dew olv d that e would only liv upon , and in a s e e e hort tim di d of hung r .

L Al P 40 THE FAB ES OF SO .

- THE CHARCOAL BURNER AND THE FULLER .

A CHARCOAL - BURNER carried on his trade in his own

en house . One day he met a friend, a Fuller, and _ treated him to come and live with him , saying, that they should be far better neighbors , and that their housekeeping expenses would be lessened . The

Fuller replied : The arrangement is impossible as far as I am concerned , for whatever I should whiten , you would immediately blacken again with your charcoal .

Like will draw like .

THE BOY HUNTING LOCUSTS .

A B OY was hunting for locusts . He had caught a

saw goodly number, when he a Scorpion , and , mis taking him for a locust , reached out his hand to take

: him . The Scorpion , showing his sting , said If you had but touched me , my friend , you would have lost ” an d me , all your locusts tool

THE ANTS AND THE GRASSHOPPER .

’ T HE ANTS were employing a fine winter s day in

n dryi g grain collected in the summer time . A Grass

e s n f am m e hopper, p ri hi g with , passed by and earn l esty begged for a li ttle food . The Ants inquired of “ s him , Why did you not trea ure up food during the ” “ ? He e e summer r plied , I had not l isure enough .

th d s in s n e I passed e ay ingi g . Th y then said in deri

Sio n : I f you were fo olish e nough to sing all the sum ” me r us d c e bed th e e , you m t an e supperl ss to in wint r. K THE COO AND THE JEWEL .

A COCK , scratching for food for himself and his hens , “ found a precious stone ; on which he said : If your owner had found thee , and not I , he would have taken thee up , and have set thee in thy first estate ; ul but I have found thee for no purpose . I wo d rather ” have one barleycorn than all the jewels in the world. E L F Al soP TH FAB ES O .

THE KINGDOM OF THE LION .

THE beasts of the field and forest had a Lion as their king . He was neither wrathful , cruel , nor tyran i l n ca . , but just and gentle as a king could be He made during his reign a royal proclamation for a

e an d general assembly of all the birds and b asts,

n drew up conditions for an u iversal league , in which P the Wolf and the Lamb , the anther and the Kid , the Tiger and the Stag, the Dog and the Hare , Should live together in perfect peace and amity . The Hare “ h ow said , Oh , I have longed to see this day, in which the weak shall take their place with impunity ” by the side of the strong .

THE FISHERMAN PIPING .

A FISHERMAN skilled in music took his flute and his

- nets to the sea shore . Standing on a projecting rock he played several tunes , in the hope that the fish ,

e own attract d by his melody , would of their accord dance into his net , which he had placed below . At last, having long waited i n vain , he laid aside his

n et sea flute , and casting his into the , made an ex

h e saw collent haul of fish . When them leaping about in the n otupon the rock he said : 0 you most

e e e e e e p rvers cr atur s , wh n I pip d you would not ” d e n o w e e se e . anc , but that I hav c a d you do so m rrily THE HARE AND THE TORTOISE .

A HARE one day ridiculed the short feet and slow

: pace of the Tortoise . The latter , laughing , said “ e Though you be swift as the wind , I will b at you in a race . The Hare , deeming her assertion to be

a an d simply impossible , assented to the propos l ; they agreed that the Fox should choose the course , and fix the goal . On the day appointed for the race they started together . The Tortoise never for a moment stopped , but went on with a slow but steady pace straight to the end of the course . The Hare , u n e l l a t tr sting to his ativ swiftness , cared itt e bou 44 LE JESOP THE FAB S OF .

n n e the race , and layi g dow by the wayside, f ll fast

n an d asleep . At last waki g up , moving as fast as

th e he could , he saw the Tortoise had reached goal , and was comfortably dozing after her fatigue .

THE TRAVELER AND HIS DOG .

L saw A TRAVE ER , about to set out on his j ourney , his Dog standing at the door stretching himself . He “ asked h im sharply : What do you stand gapi n g th ere for ? Everything is ready but you ; so come ” ~ with me instantly . The Dog , wagging his tail , re “ ' plied 0, master I am quite ready ; it is you for

n whom I am waiti g . The loiterer often imputes delay to his more active friend .

HERCULES AND THE WAGONER .

A CART E R was driving a wagon alon g a country

e e lan , when the whe ls sank down deep into a rut .

The stu ifi ed rustic driver, p and aghast, stood looking

n at the wago , and did nothing but utter loud cries

s com e e e to Hercule to and h lp him . Hercul s , it is “ e e an d e : P ut said , app ar d , thus address d him your

e ee man should rs to the wh ls , my . Goad on your

c e e f or el bullo ks , and nev r mor pray to me h p , until

e e se f you have don your best to h lp your l , or depend

o n o u up it y will henceforth pray in vain .

- e t s Self h lp is he be t help . THE DOG AND THE SHADOW .

D OG r am A , crossing a bridge over a st e with a ,

wn piece of flesh in his mouth , saw his o shadow in

o the water, and to k it for that of another Dog, with a piece of meat double his own in size . He there fore let go his own , and fiercely attacked the other

Dog, to get his larger piece from him . He thus lost

: be both that which grasped at in the water, because a it was a shadow ; and his own , because the stre m swept it away. 6 L Al s P 4 THE FAB ES OF o .

THE MOLE AND HIS MOTHER .

L A MO E , a creature blind from its birth , once said "” to his mother I am sure that I can see , mother

hi s In the desire to prove to him his mistake , mother

f ew placed before him a grains of frankincense , and “ ” “ ? n asked , What is it The you g Mole said , It is “ : a pebble . His mother exclaimed My son , I am

afraid that you are not only blind , but that you have ” lost your sense of smell .

THE SWALLOW AND THE CROW . THE Swallow and the Crow had a contention about their plumage . The Crow put an end to the dispute by saying : Your feathers are all very well in th e ” n spring , but mine protect me agai st the winter .

Fine weather friends are not worth much .

THE FARMER AND THE SNAKE .

A FARMER found in the winter time a Snake stiff had and frozen with cold . He compassion on it , and taking it up placed it in his bosom . The Snake

n e e on bei g thawed by the warmth quickly r viv d ,

e s he hith is e wh n , resuming its natural in tincts , ben

l n i Th e o n h m . factor, inf icti g a mortal wound “ is s Farmer said with h late t breath , I am rightly s e rv ed for pitying a scoundrel "

e l The greatest ben efits will not bind the ungrat fu .

48 L JE S OP THE FAB ES OF .

who had stolen the Calf, he would offer a lamb in

Pan e e sacrifice to Hermes , , and the Guardian D iti s

. ot n of the forest N long afterwards , as he asce ded ‘ c a small hillo k , he saw at its foot a Lion feeding on the Calf . Terrified at the sight , he lifted his eyes

: n ow and his hands to heaven , and said Just I vowed to offer a lamb to the Guardian Deities of the forest if I could only find out who had robb ed me ;

n ow but that I have discovered the thief , I would willingly add a full - grown Bull to the Calf I have

' m wn lost , if I may only secure y o escape from him ” in safety .

THE FARMER AND THE STORK . A FARMER placed nets on his newly sown plough

lands , and caught a quantity of Cranes , which came to pick up his seed . With them he trapped a Stork

also . The Stork having his leg fractured by the net ,

earnestly besought the Farmer to spare his life . “ P “ ray , save me , Master , he said , and let me go free this once . My broken limb should excite your

s am pity . Be ides , I no Crane , I am a Stork , a bird of exc ellent character ; and see how I love and slave

f o r f eath my father and mother . Look too , at my

o rs e are s n . , th y not the least like to tho e of a Cra e “ e The Farmer laugh d aloud , and said , It may be

o u all as y say ; I only know this , I have taken you

e e th e e with th s robbers , Cran s , and you must die i n ” e th ir company .

d s e B ir of a feather flock tog ther, THE FAWN AND HIS MOTHER.

r “ A YOUNG FAWN once said to his mothe , You are larger than a dog , and swifter , and more used to run

too ning , and you have your horns as a defence ; " why , then , O Mother are you always in such a ter ” b oun d ? : rible fright of the s She smiled , and said

l . I know fu l well , my son , that all you say is true

n n I have the adva tages you me tion , but yet when I hear only the bark of a single dog I feel ready to faint , and fly away as fast as I can .

N o to ar argumen ts will give courage the cow d , L F Al S P 50 T HE FAB ES O O .

P P E THE POMEGRANATE , A LE TR E ,

AND BRAMBLE .

THE P OMEGRANATE and Apple - tree disputed as to

e which was the most beautiful . When their strif

e n was at its height , a Bramble from the n ighbori g

e it an d e : h dge lifted up s voice , said in a boastful ton P ray , my dear friends , in my presence at least

cease from such vain disputings .

THE MOUNTAIN IN LABOR .

A MOUNTAIN was once greatly agitated . Loud groan s an d noises were heard ; and crowds of people

came from all parts to see what was the matter . While th ey were assembled in anxious expectation m of some terrible calamity , out ca e a Mouse .

’ Don t make much ado about nothing .

THE BEAR AND THE FOX .

e h is A BEAR boasted v ry much of philanthropy , say “ ing that of all animals h e was th e most tender in

his h e had es regard for man , for such r pect for him , ” his de that h e would not even touch ad body . A Fo x h earing th ese words said with a smile to th e “ B e " ou eat n tth ar, Oh that y would the dead and o e

living. AN D . THE ASS, THE FOX , THE LION

T HE Ass and the Fox having entered into partn er ship together for their mutual protection , went out into the forest to hunt . They had not proceeded far,

immin when they met a Lion . The Fox , seeing the ency of the danger , approached the Lion , and prom

s i ed to contrive for him the capture of the Ass , if he would pledge his word that his own life should not he n hi m enda gered . On his assuring that he would n ot n i jure him , the Fox led the Ass to a deep pit , and

see contrived that he should fall into it . The Lion ing that the Ass was secured , immediately clutched

r the Fox , and then attacked the Ass at his leisu e. L zEsor 52 THE FAB ES OF .

- P T THE FLIES AND THE HONEY O .

A J A R of Honey having been upset in a house

’ keeper s room , a number of flies were attracted by

its sweetness , and placing their feet in it , ate it greedily . Their feet however became so smeared

n with the honey that they could not use their wi gs , nor release themselves, and were suffocated . Just “ as they were expiring, they exclaimed , O foolish

creatures that we are , for the sake of a little pleasure w ” e have destroyed ourselves . P leasure bought with pains , hurts.

THE MAN AND THE LION .

A MA N and a Lion travelled together through the forest . They soon began to boast of their respective superiority to each oth er in strength and prowess .

n As they were disputi g , they passed a statue ,

e carv d in stone , which represented a Lion strangled ” e : by a Man . The travell r pointed to it and said

S ee e "How are ro th re strong we , and how we p ” v e r e e re vail e ven the king of b asts . The Lion “ e e n pli d This statu was mad e by o e of you men .

If e h o w e we Lions kn w to rect statues , you would ” see th e e de he w he Man plac d un r t p a of t Lion .

On e s d e tory is goo , till anoth r is told. THE TORTOISE AND THE

EAGLE .

z A TORTOISE , la ily basking in the sun , complained to the sea - birds of her hard fate , that no one would teach her to fly . An Eagle hover in g near, heard her lamentation , and demanded what re ward she him would give , if he would

an d take her aloft, float L JE SOP 54 THE FAB ES OF .

“ in the air . I will give you , she said , all the ” “ riches of the Red Sea . I will teach you to fly ” n in then , said the Eagle ; and taki g her up his

— e talons , he carried her almost to the clouds , wh n

l of t m oun tain suddenly letting her go , she fell on a y ,

an d dashed her shell to pieces . The Tortoise ex “ claimed in the m om en t of death : I have deserved

my present fate ; for what had I to do with wings ffi and clouds , who can with di culty move about on the earth ? ”

If men had all they wished, they would be often

ruined .

THE FARMER AND THE CRANES .

SOME Cranes made their feeding grounds on some

- i plough lands newly sown w th wheat . For a long tm i e the Farmer , brandishing an empty sling , chased them away by the terror he inspired ; but when the birds found that the sling was o n ly swung

in e an an d the air, they ceas d to take y notice of it ,

would not move . The farmer on seeing this ,

h is e an d charged sling with ston s , killed a great

e h is - number. Th y at once forsook plough lands , “ e I o ff and cried to ach other , t is time for us to be to Liliput : for this man is no longe r content to scare

us e e , but b gins to show us in arnest what he can

do .

s s fi e l s If word uf c not , b ow must follow.

56 L E THE FAB ES OF SOP.

- you will place your fore feet upon the wall , and I and bend your head , will run up your back escape , ” an d will help you out afterwards . On the Goat the ' readily assenting to this second proposal , Fox

n n m w leapt upo his back , and steadyi g hi self ith the

’ Goat s horns , reached in safety the mouth of the

well , when he immediately made off as fast as he l cou d . The Goat upbraided him with the breach of

his bargain , when he turned round and cried out : You foolish old fellow "If you had as many brains

in in your head as you have hairs your beard , you would never have gone down before you had in

s ected p the way up , nor have exposed yourself to ” dangers from which you had no means of escape . Look before you leap

THE LIONESS .

A CoN TR OV E R sv prevailed among the beasts of

the field , as to which of the animals deserved the most credit for producing the greatest number of

' s whelps at a birth . They ru hed clamorously into

h h er t e presence of the Lioness , and demanded of “ ” he the settl ement of t dispute . And you , they “ s h o w ? The aid , many sons have you at a birth u “ "I Lioness la ghed at them , and said Why have

only one ; but that on e is altogether a thorough - bred ” Lion .

T th . he value is i n e worth , not in the number THE BEAR

THE TWO TRAVELERS .

T WO men were traveling together, when a bear suddenly met them on

their path . One of them climbed up d quickly into a tree , and conceale

himself in the branches . The other, d seeing that he must be attacke , fell

flat on the ground , when the Bear came felt him with

al l hi s his snout , and smelt him over, he held breath , and feigned the appearance of death as much as him . r he could The Bea soon left , for it is said he will not touch a dead body . When he was quite 58 L or ZESOP THE FAB ES .

gone , the other traveler descended from the tree , “ an d n n i accosti g his friend , jocularly i qu red what ” wis ered ? it was the Bear had p in his ear he replied , He gav e me this advice : Never travel with a ” n frie d who deserts you at the approach of danger.

Misfortune tests the sincerity of friends .

P THE THIRSTY IGEON .

P saw A IGEON , oppressed by excessive thirst , a

- su goblet of water painted on a sign board . Not p

n it flew posi g to be only a picture, she towards it

an d with a loud whirr, unwittingly dashed against th - n esign board and jarred herself terribly . Havi g

e brok n her wings by the blow , she fell to the ground ,

n d w a as caught by one of the bystanders . i Zeal should not outrun d scretion .

- THE OXEN AND THE AXLE TREES .

A HEAVY wagon was being d ragged along a country l an e b o x n The - an d y a team of e . axle trees groaned c e e h e e s roak d terribly : wh n t ox n turning round , thu

e e th e ee wh addr ss d wh ls . Hullo thorel y do you

e so c e Wo e mak mu h nois ? b ar all the labor, and ” n o t to we , you , ought cry out .

e s uff e r s e Thos who mo t cry out the l ast. THE DOG IN THE MANGER .

D OG A lay in a manger, and by his growling and snapping prevented the oxen from eating the hay “ which had been placed for them . What a selfish ” “ Dog"said one of them to his companions ; he can l not eat the hay himself, and yet refuses to a low ” those to cat who can .

I THE S CK LION .

A LION being unable from old age and in fi rm ities to provide himself with food by force , resolved to do so by artifice . He betook himself to his den , and lying i down there , pretended to be sick , tak ng care that 60 L E ZE S OP THE FAB S OF .

be his sickness should publicly known . The beasts

on expressed their sorrow, and came one by e to his d n e . to visit him , when the Lion devoured them

After many of the beasts had thus disappeared , the

an d n n e Fox discovered the trick , prese ti g hims lf to

re the Lion , stood on the outside of the cave, at a

s ectf ul h ow p distance, and asked of him he did ; to

whom he replied , I am very middling , but why do you stand without ? pray enter withi n to talk with “ n me . The Fox replied , No , tha k you , I notice that there are man y pri n ts of feet entering your ” an n cave , but I see no trace of y returni g . He is wise who is warned by the misfortunes of

others .

THE R V E N A N D THE A SWAN .

saw A RAVEN a Swan , and desired to secure for

himself a like beauty of plumage . Supposing that his splendid white color arose from his washing in

h e e th e the water in which swam , the Rav n left altars in the neighborhood of which he pick ed up his d u an . living , and took p his abode in the lakes pools

e his as h e h e But cl ansing feathers as often would ,

n could n o tcha ge th eir color, while through want of d food he p e rishe .

han e C g of habitcannot alter nature . THE CAT AND THE COOK.

A T w A C caught a Cock , and took counsel ith him self h ow h e might find a reasonable excuse for eat i ng him . He accused him as being a nuisance to i mi men , by crowing in the night t me , and not per t ting them to sleep . The Cock defended himself by hi saying, that he did t s for the benefit of men , that they might rise betimes for their labors . The Cat “ e o replied , Although you abound in sp cious apol ” I shall n ot remain supperless ; and he made a T E L OF JE 62 H FAB ES SOP .

THE BOASTING TRAVELER .

MAN A who had traveled in foreign lands , boasted

n hi s n th very much , on returni g to own cou try , of e many wonderful and heroic things he had don e in

er the different places he had visited . Among oth h ad things , he said that when he was at Rhodes he leapt to such a distance that no man of his day could leap anywhere near him— and as to that there wer e him in Rhodes many persons who saw do it, and b whom he could call as witnesses . One of the y

N ow standers interrupting him , said , my good

n man , if this be all true there is no need of wit esses . ” n ow Suppose this to be Rhodes ; and for your leap .

P ’ THE WOLF IN SHEE S CLOTHING .

ONCE upon a time a Wolf resolved to disguise his nature by his habit , that so he might get food with out stint . Encased in the skin of a sheep , he pas

r d tu e with the flock , beguiling the shepherd by his

e e artific . I n the ev ning he was shut up by the

e e th e sh ph rd in the fold ; the gate was closed , and

m h e e e ntrance ade thoroughly secure . The s ph rd c o ming into th e fold duri n g th e nigh t to provid e

o o d f o r th e h th e n e f morrow , caug t up Wol f, i st ad of

d h im h is s ee an e . a h p , kill d with knife i n the fold

se e k fi n d Harm , harm .

64 L j— THE FAB ES OF ESOP .

THE GOAT AND THE GOATHERD . A GOATHERD had sought to bring back a stray goat to his flock . He whistled and sounded his horn in

n vain ; the straggler paid no atte tion to the summons .

At last the Goatherd threw a stone , and breaking its horn , besought the Goat not to tell his master . The “ Goat replied , Why , you silly fellow , the horn will ” speak though I be silent . Do not attempt to hide things which cannot be hid .

THE MISER .

A MISER sold all that he had , and bought a lump of

in gold , which he took and buried a hole dug in the ground by the side of an old wall , and went daily to

f re look at it . One of his workmen , observing his , covered the secret of the hidden treasure , and dis quent visits to the spot , watched his movements , dig ging down , came to the lump of gold , and stole it .

The Miser, on his next visit , found the hole empty ,

e and b gan to tear his hair, and to make loud lamen tation s . A neighbor , seeing him overcome with “ P grief, and learning the cause , said , ray do not

e ston e gri ve so ; but go and take a , and place it in the

o It e the n e . h l , and fancy that gold is still lyi g ther will do you quite the same s ervice ; for wh en the gold

was there , you had it not , as you did not make the ” te tus f i sligh s e o t. THE FROGS AS KING FOR A KING .

THE n Frogs , grieved at havi g no established Ruler, sent ambassadors to Jupiter entreating for a King .

He , perceiving their simplicity , cast down a huge

s log into the lake . The Frogs , terrified at the spla h occasioned by its fall , hid themselves in the depths of the pool . But no sooner did they see that the huge log continued motionless , than they swam again to the top of the water, dismissed their fears , and came so to despise it as to climb up , and to

i e squat upon it . After some t me they b gan to think themselves ill - treated in the appointment of so inert

e a Ruler , and sent a second deputation to Jupit r to pray that he would set over them another sovereign .

He then gave them an Eel to govern them . When t the Frogs discovered his easy good na ure , they yet a third time sent to Jupiter to beg that he woul d 6 6 T HE L F JE FAB ES O SOP .

once more choose for them another King . Jupiter,

en displeased at their complaints , s t a Heron , who

preyed upon the Frogs day by day , till there were none left to croak upon the Lake .

T HE P . PORKER, THE SHEE , AND THE GOAT

A YOUNG P ig was shut up in a fold - yard with a

Goat and a Sheep . On one occasion the Shepherd laid hold of him , when he grunted , and squeaked ,

n d a resisted violently . The Sheep and the Goat “ an d complained of his distressing cries , said , he ” n often ha dles us , and we do not cry out . To this “ he replied , Your handling and mine are very dif f r n t e e . things He catches you only for your wool , or your milk , but he lays hold on me for my very ” life .

THE BOY AND THE FILBERTS .

B OY fi l berts A put his hand into a pitcher full of .

He grasped as many as he could possibly hold , but when he endeavored to pull out his hand , he was prevented from doing so by the neck of the pitcher .

e Unwilling to los his filberts , and yet unable to

he withdraw his hand , burst into tears , and bitterly

e d lament d his isappointm ent . A bystander said to “ B e s s e th e him , ati fi d with half quantity, and you ” will readily draw out your hand .

n ot e Do att mpt too much at once . THE LABORER AND THE SNAKE .

A SNAKE , having made his hole close to the porch

’ of a cottage , inflicted a severe bite on the Cottager s infant son , of which he died , to the great grief of his parents . The father resolved to kill the Snake , and d the next day , on its coming out of its hole for foo , took up his axe ; but , making too much haste to hit him as he wriggled away , missed his head , and cut

e off only the end of his tail . Aft r some time the u Cottager , afraid lest the Snake sho ld bite him also ,

e d ad endeavored to make p ace , and place some bre 68 T HE L OF ZESOP FAB ES .

in and salt his hole . The Snake , slightlyhissing , “ said : There can henceforth be no peace between us ; for whenever I see you I shall remember the loss of my tail , and whenever you see me you will be ” thinking of the death of your son . No on e truly forgets injuries in the presence of him who caused the injury .

THE ASS AND THE MULE .

L A MU ETEER set forth on a journey , driving before u him an Ass and a M le , both well laden . The Ass ,

n n as lo g as he traveled alo g the plain , carried his load with ease ; but when he began to ascend the steep path of the mountain , he felt his load to be more than he could bear . He entreated his com panion to relieve him of a small portion , that he might carry home the rest ; but the mule paid no

n attentio to the request . The Ass shortly afterwards

n n fell dow dead under his burde . The Muleteer, not

in knowing what else to do so wild a region , placed Upon th e Mul e th e load carried by the Ass in addi

h is e th e tion to own , and at the top of all plac d hide

h A ss e . of t e , aft r he had flayed him The Mule , groaning beneath his heavy burden , said thus to

e e e n s hims lf I am tr at d accordi g to my de erts . I f I had only bee n willing to assi st the A ss a littl e in

ee s n o w hearin his n d , I hould not be g , together with ” e e his burden , hims lf as w ll . THE HORSE AND GROOM .

A GROOM used to spend whole days in currycxm i b ing and rubbing down his Horse , but at the same time stole his oats , and sold them for his own profit . "” a Alas said the Horse , if you re lly wish me to be in good condition , you should groom me less , and ” feed me more . l Honesty is the best po icy .

' THE ASS AND THE LAP DOG .

MA N e - A had an Ass , and a Maltes Lap dog , a very

. a great beauty The Ass was left in a st ble , and had

us plenty of oats and hay to eat, j t as any other Ass 0 L jES P 7 THE FAB ES OF O .

- would . The Lap dog knew many tricks , and was a

e great favorite with his master , who often fondl d him , and seldom went out to dine or to sup without

- bringing him home some tit bit to eat , when he frisked and jumped about him in a manner pleasant to see . The Ass , on the contrary , had much work

- n to do , in grinding the corn mill , and in carryi g wood

from the forest or burdens from the farm . He often lamented his own hard fate and contrasted it with

- the luxury and idleness of the Lap dog , till at last on e day he broke his cords and halter, and galloped

’ n n i to his master s house , kicki g up his heels without

e n m asure , and frisking and fawni g as well as he

could . He next tried to jump about his master as

- e he had seen the Lap dog do, but he brok the table

and smashed all the dishes upon it to atoms . He

' n the attempted to lick his master, and jumped upon

n his back . The servants hearing the stra ge hubbub ,

and perceiving the danger of their master, quickly ’ ’ e out th e r lieved him , and drove Ass to his stable ,

with kicks , and clubs , and cuffs . The Ass , as he

e r turned to his stall beaten nearly to death , thus lam en ted I have brought it all on myself Why could I not have been contented to labor with my

c n s be ompanio s , and not wi h to idle all the day like

that us el ess l ittl e Lap - dog "

L E sor 7 2 THE FAB ES OF .

THE THE A N D THE F X LION , MOUSE , O .

’ A LION, fatigued by the heat of a summer s day , fell i fast asleep in h s den . A Mouse ran over his mane

an d and ears , woke him from his slumbers . He rose up and shook himself in great wrath , and searched

every corner of his den to find the Mouse . A Fox

him : seeing , said A fine Lion you are to be fright ” e ened of a Mouse . Tis not the Mouse I f ar, said

hi - the Lion ; I resent s familiarity and ill breeding . s Little libertie are great offences . Q

’ THE SHEPHERD S BOY AND WOLF .

- A SHEPHERD BOY , who watched a flock of sheep

near a village , brought out the villagers three or four “ " "” times by crying out , Wolf Wolf and when his h l him neig bors came to he p , laughed at them for

n their pai s . The Wolf , however , did truly come at

The - n ow last . Shepherd boy , really alarmed , shouted “ P m e in an agony of terror : ray , do come and help ; the Wolf is killing the sheep ; but no one paid any

The ee e . h d to his cri s , nor rendered any assistance

e e Wolf, having no caus of fear , took it asily , and

c e e e e th e e la rat d or d stroy d whol flock .

e is n o el n e Ther b ie vi g a liar, even wh n he speaks

h e t truth . THE MISCHIEVOUS DOG .

A DOG used to run up quietly to the heels of every

b . one he met , and to ite them without notice His master suspended a bell about his neck , that he might give notice of his presence wherever he went .

r an d The Dog g ew proud of his bell , went tinkling

- it all over the market place . An old hound said to “ him Why do you make such an exhibition of ? yourself That bell that you carry is not , believe me , any order of merit , but , on the contrary a mark all of disgrace , a public notice to men to avoid you ” - as an ill mannered dog .

en Notoriety is oft mistaken for fame . P 7 4 THE FABLES or JESO .

’ THE BOYS AND THE FROGS .

saw SOME boys , playing near a pond , a number of h Frogs in the water, and began to pelt them wit

n e stones . They killed several of them , when o of

n the Frogs , lifti g his head out of the water, cried “ P : out ray stop , my boys what is sport to you , is death to us .

THE SALT MERCHANT AND HIS ASS .

P E L A D AR , dealing in salt , drove his Ass to the sea shore to buy salt . His road home lay across a stream , in passing which his Ass , making a false step , fell by accident into the water, and rose up i again w th his load considerably lighter , as the P water melted the salt . The edlar retraced his

h is steps , and refilled panniers with a larger quan tity of salt than before . When he came again to the stream , the Ass fell down on purpose in the same i spot , and , regaining his feet w th the weight of his load much diminished , brayed triumphantly as if he P had obtained what he desired . The edlar saw through his trick , and drove him for the third time

the e he to coast, wh re bought a cargo of sponges

s e T he in t ad of salt . Ass , again playing the knave ,

e he c e h e e wh n rea h d t stream , f ll down on purpose ,

n e wh en the s ponges becomi g swoll n with the water, his load was v e ry greatly incre ased ; and thus his , trick r ec oil ed on himse lf in fi tting to h is back a

e de doubl bur n .

6 L JE SOP 7 THE FAB ES OF .

the night . On the morrow it snowed very hard , so that he could not take the herd to their usual feed ing places , but was obliged to keep them in the fold . He gave his ow n goats just sufficient food to keep

n them alive , but fed the stra gers more abundantly , in the hope of enticing them to stay with him , and

“

. a of making them his own When the th w set in , he led them all out to feed , and the wild goats scam pered away as fast as they could to the mountains . The Goatherd taxed them with their ingratitude in leaving him , when during the storm he had taken more care of them than of his own herd . One of “ h m turn in t e g about said to him , That is the very . reason why we are so cautious ; for if you yesterday treated us better than the Goats you have had so long , it is plain also that if others came after us , you would in the same manner, prefer them to our selves . Old friends cannot with impunity be sacrificed for

11 new 0 8 8 .

T HE B OY A N D THE NETTLES .

A B OY was stung by a Nettle . He ran home and told his mother , saying , Although it pains me so ” “ much , I did but touch it ever so gently . That ” “ was just it , said his mother , which caused it to

The e sting you . n xt time you touch a Nettle , grasp

be as it boldly , and it will soft silk to your hand , and

e not in th e l ast hurt you .

te e o d o t al l Wha v r y udo , wi h your might , A THE FOX WHO HAD LOST HIS T IL .

F ox A caught in a trap , escaped with the loss of his ” brush . Henceforth feeling his life a burden from the shame and ridicule to which he was exposed , he schemed to bring all the other Foxes into a like condition with himself , that in the common loss he

might the better conceal his own deprivation . He assembled a good man y Foxes and publicly advised a , them to cut off their t ils , saying that they would

not only look mu ch better without them , but that

they would get rid of the weight of the brush , which ” e in was a very great inconv nience . One of them “ terru tin s p g him said , If you had not your elf lost ” s y our tail , my friend , you would not thu coun sel us , T HE L 7 8 FAB ES OF JE SOP .

THE MAN AND HIS TWO SWEETHEARTS .

L - m an u A MIDD E AGED , whose hair had beg n to turn

n n e grey , courted two wome at the same time . O of them was young ; and the other well advanced in

n years . The elder woma , ashamed to be courted by

n n n a man you ger tha herself, made a point , whe ever

n her admirer visited her, to pull out some portio of his black hairs . The younger , on the contrary , not wi n shi g to become the wife of an old man , was equally zealous in removi n g every grey hair she could find . Thus it came to pass , that between them both he v ery soon found that he had not a hair left on his head .

Those who seek to pleas e everybody please no body .

THE ASTRONOMER .

' A N Astronomer used to go out of a night to ob

n serve the stars . One evening , as he wa dered through the suburbs with his whole attention fixed

w s ‘ h e n ee e . e on the sky , e f ll u a are into a d p w ll Whil

e an d e e e an d h e lament d b wail d his sor s and bruises ,

n ran th e e cri ed loudly for help , a eighbor to w ll , and “ e had n e l arning what happe d said Hark ye , old

o w in fell , why , in striving to pry into what is heaven ” do you n o tmanage to see what is on e arth ?

80 L ZE SOP THE FAB ES OF .

n beauty of his plumage , the birds i dignantly pro

tested , and each plucking from him his own feathers ,

ackdaw ackd w the J was again nothing but a J a.

THE WOLVES AND THE SHEEP .

WHY should there always be this internecine and ” im placable warfare between us ? said th e Wolves

- to the Sheep . Those evil disposed Dogs have much k a to answer for. They always bar whenever we p proach you , and attack us before we have done any u harm . If you wo ld only dismiss them from your heels , there might soon be treaties of peace and of ” reconciliation between us . The sheep , poor silly

" an d creatures were easily beguiled , dismissed the fl Dogs . The Wolves destroyed the unguarded ock

at their own pleasure .

THE CAT AND THE BIRDS .

A T th e a A C , hearing that Birds in a certain avi ry

es u s were ailing , dr sed himself p as a phy ician , and , taking with him his can e and th e i n struments be

n e comi g his prof ssion , went to the aviary , knocked

the h ow at the door, and inquired of inmates they

e he be all did , saying that if they wer ill , would

Th e happy to prescribe for th e m and cure them . y “ e We are e e an d s n e re pli d , all v ry w ll , hall conti u

o n l be o en u so , if you will y go d o gh to go away , and

as are l eave us we , THE KID AND THE WOLF .

KID A standing on the roof of a house , out of

’ imm edi harm s way , saw a Wolf passing by : and a ately began to t unt and revile him . The Wolf, l u : ah" e : is n o ooking p, said Sirr I hear th e yet it t 8 2 T HE L JE FAB ES OF SOP . th en who mockest me, but the roof on which thou ” art standing . Time and place often give the advantage to the weak over the strong .

THE FARMER AND HIS SONS .

A FARMER being on the point of death wished to ensure from his son s the sam e attention to his farm as he had himself given it . He called them to his “ e bedside , and said , My sons , there is a great tr a

in n sure hid one of my vi eyards . The sons after his death took their spades and mattocks , and care fully dug over every portion of their land . They

n but i n e fou d no treasure , the V s repaid their labor by an extraordinary and superabundant crop .

THE HEIFER AND THE OX .

A HEIFER saw an Ox hard at work harnessed to a

his plough , and tormented him with reflections on unhappy fate in being compelled to labor . Shortly

e e afterwards , at the harvest home , the owner r l as ed

' e the Ox from his yoke , but bound the H ifer with cords , and led him away to the altar to be slain in

saw honor of the festival . The Ox what was being “ d e d l the e e : on , and sai with a smi e to H if r For

e e e to d e e s this you w r allow d live in i l n s , becau se ” u e e e en be s yo w r pr s tly to acrificed .

84 L E THE FAB ES OF SOP.

P THE OLD WOMAN AND THE HYSICIAN .

A N old woman having lost the use of her eyes , called in P a hysician to heal them , and made this bargai n with him in the presence of witnesses : that if he should cure her blindness , he should receive from h er n a sum of money ; but if her i firmity remained , she should give him nothing . This agreement being ' P entered into , the hysician , time after time , applied his salve to her eyes , and on every visit taking something away , stole by little and little all her property : and when he had got all she had , he healed

n . her, and dema ded the promised payment The old o saw woman , when she rec vered her sight and none of her goods in her house, would give h im nothing .

o The P hysician insisted n his claim , and , as she still

refused , summoned her before the Archons . The old woman standing up in the Court thus spoke : “ This man here speaks the truth in what he says ; for I did promise to give him a sum of money , if I

: should recov er my sight but if I continued blind , I

‘ n N ow was to give h im othing . he declares that I

‘ ’ th e am he aled . I on contrary affirm that I am

’ s till blind ; for when I lost the use of my eyes , I saw in my house various chattels and valuable

. w goods : but n o , though he swears I am cured of my

n i e see s e t. blindness , I am not abl to a ingl thi g in THE FIGHTING COCKS AND THE EAGLE .

Two Game Cocks were fiercely fighting for the

m - astery of the farm yard . One at last put the other to flight . The vanquished Cock skulked away

The and hid himself in a quiet corner . conqueror,

flying up to a high wall , flapped his wings and crowed exultingly with all his might . An Eagle sailing through the air pounced upon him , and car ried him off in his talons . The vanquished Cock immediately came out of his corner , and ruled hence forth with un disputed maste ry .

Pride goes before d estruction . L ZES OP 86 THE FAB ES OF .

THE CHARGER AND THE MILLER .

in fi rm ities A CHARGER , feeling the of age , betook

n him to a mill instead of goi g out to battle . But when he was compelled to gri n d i n stead of serving

in the wars , he bewailed his change of fortune, and “ " called to mind his former state , saying, Ah Miller ,

n acam ai n in I had i deed to go p g g before , but I was

an d barbed from counter to tail , a man went along

n ow to groom me ; and , I cannot tell what ailed me

“ ’ to prefer the mill before the battle . Forbear , “ Was said the Miller to him , harping on what of

n yore , for it is the common lot of mortals to sustai the ups and downs of fortune .

THE FOX AND THE MONKEY .

A MONKEY once danced in an assembly of the Beasts an d so pleased them all by his performance that

n they el ected him their King . A Fox e vying him

h e e t honor , discovered a piec of meat lying in a trap , and leading the Monkey to the place where it “ was , said , that she had found a store , but had not

e h im used it , but had k pt it for as treasure trove of ” h is e kingdom , and counsell d him to lay hold of it .

e s The Monkey approach d careles ly , and was caught

i n the trap ; and on h is accusing the Fox of pur ~ “ o sel e n h im th e e sh e p y l adi g into snar , replied , 0

n e are as Mo k y , and you , with such a mind yours , ” going to bo Ki n g ove r the Beas ts ?

88 L jE S OP THE FAB ES OF .

n n War, however, bei g agai proclaimed , and the r trumpet summoning him to his standa d , the Sol

on dier put his charger its military trappings , and in mounted , being clad his heavy coat of mail . The

Horse fell down straightway under the weight , no

n longer equal to the burde , and said to his master ,

’ Y ou n ow must e en go to the war on foot , for you have transformed me from a Horse into an Ass ; and

i h ow can you expect that I can again turn in a mo ment from an Ass to a Horse ? ”

THE BELLY AND THE MEMBERS .

T HE members of the Body rebelled against the Belly “ we be e e and said , Why should p rpetually engag d

m s n in ad ini teri g to your wants , while you do

n o e s thing but tak your re t , and enjoy yourself in ? luxury and self- indulgenc e The members carri ed o utth eir es s e th e r olve , and refu ed th ir assistance to

The e Body . whole body quickly becam debilitated , an d the d ee t e e han s , f t , mou h , and ey s , when too lat ,

e e e rep nt d of th ir folly . D THE VINE AN THE GOAT .

A VINE was luxuriant in the time of vintage with leaves and grapes . A Goat , passing by , nibbled its young tendrils and its leaves . The Vine addressed “ i : him , and sa d Why do you thus inj ure me with a ? out cause , and crop my leaves Is there no young grass left ? But I shal l not have to wait long for my just revenge ; for if you now should crop my leaves , and cut me down to my root, I shal l provide the wine to pour over you when you are led as a victim ” to the sacrifice . 90 T HE L zs sop FAB ES OF .

AN D JUP ITER THE MONKEY .

JUPITER issued a proclamation to all the beasts of th e th e o n e forest , and promised a royal reward to

th e n s whose offspring should be deemed ha dsome t .

The Monkey came with the rest , and presented , with

’ flat- s all a mother s tenderness , a nosed , hairle s , ill featured you n g Monkey as a candidate for the prom d ised reward . A general laugh salute her on the “ presentation of her son . She resolutely said , I know not whether Jupiter will allot the prize to m y

th e son ; but this I do know, that he is at least in o eyes of me his mother , the dearest, hands mest, and ” most beautiful of all .

THE WIDOW AND HER LITTLE MAIDENS .

A WIDOW woman , fond of cleaning, had two little

he r was maidens to wait on . She in the habit of

n w waking them early in the mor ing , at cockcro . T ho maidens being aggri eved by such excessive

e wh o m is labor, resolv d to kill the cock roused their

es . e s e tr s so early When th y had done thi , th y found that they had only prepared for themselves

e e e e s es gr at r troubl s , for th ir mi tr s , no longer hear

e c o e e ing th hour fro m the co k , w k th m up to their work in the midd le o f the nigh t.

9 L JE SOP 2 THE FAB ES OF .

consented . When they had admitted him into the

e cote, they found that he mad more havoc and slew

on e a larger number of them in day , than the Kite

could pounce upon in a whole year .

Avoid a remedy that is worse than the disease .

P THE DOL HINS , THE WHALES, AND THE P S RAT .

THE Dolphins and Whales waged a fierce warfare wi h ' ah t e c . other When the battle was at its height ,

a Sprat lifted its head out of the waves , and said

that he would reconcile their differences , if they

would accept him as an umpire . One of the DOI “ hin s p replied , We would far rather be destroyed

in our battle with each other, than admit any inter ” ference from you in our affairs .

T HE THE P A N D THE SWALLOW , SER ENT , F COURT O JUSTICE .

LL r A SWA OW , returning f om abroad , and ever fond

of dwelling with men , built herself a nest in the wall

of a Court of Justice , and there hatched seven young

e birds . A S rpent gliding past the nest , from its

e un fl d ed hol in the wall , ate up the young e g nest

n h e r e e lings . The Swallow fi ding n st mpty , lament

ed e e n e " greatly , and xclaim d : Woe to me a stra g r

’ that in this plac e where all others rights are pro d l ff tec te , I a one should su er wrong . THE TWO POTS .

A RIVER carried down in its stream two Pots , one made of earthenware , and the other of brass . The “ P ot P e Earthen said to the Brass Pot , ray k ep at a

: distance , and do not come near me for if you touch me ever so slightly , I shall be broken in pieces ; and ” besides , I by no means wish to come near you .

th e e Equals make b st friends .

THE SHEPHERD AND THE WOLF .

A SHEPHERD once found the whelp of a Wolf, and brought it up , and after a while taught it to steal lambs from the neighboring flocks . The Wolf hav i ing shown h mself an apt pupil , said to the Shep herd, since you have taught me to steal , you must

- i l u keep a sharp look out , or you w l lose some of yo r ” w n o flock, 94 T HE L FAB ES OF JE SOP .

THE CRAB AND ITS MOTHER .

A CRAB said to her son , Why do you walk so one ? ' m or bec m in sided , my child It is far e o g to go straightforward . The young Crab replied : Q uite true , dear mother ; and if you will show me th e ” in T h straight way , I will promise to walk it . e e w moth r tried in vain , and submitted ithout remon

strance to the reproof of her child .

o Example is more p werful than precept .

THE FATHER AND HIS TWO DAUGHTERS .

had on r A MAN two daughters , the e ma ried to a

- gardener, and the other to a tile maker . After a time he went to the daughter who had married the gar d n er h ow n e , and inquired how she was , and all thi gs “ e w nt with her . She said , All things are prosper

e ing with me , and I have only one wish , that th re may be a heavy fall of rain , in order that the plants ” h e n may be well watered . Not long after we t to

e - the daughter who had married the til maker, and

e e likewis inquired of her how she fared ; she r plied ,

I want for nothing , and have only one wish , that th e e ma e th e sun n e dry w ather y continu , and shi ”

be e . hot and bright , so that the bricks might dri d “ He h e r e s es said to , If your sist r wi h for rain , and

d r e e c you for y w ath r , with whi h of the two am I ? ” to j o in m y wi sh es

96 L P THE FAB ES OF JES O .

ear with his teeth and bit it off . The mother up

an r braided him as unnatural child , whereon he e “ " plied , Ah if you had beaten me , when I first stole

- and brought to you that lesson book , I should not have come to this , nor have been thus led to a dis graceful death .

THE OLD MAN AND DEATH .

A N old man was employed in cutting wood in the forest , and , in carrying the faggots into the city for sale one day , being very wearied with his long jour ney , he sat down by the wayside , and , throwing “ ” ” down his load , besought Death to come . Death

m m e i diately appeared , in answer to his summons , k n and as ed for what reaso he had called him . The

l ead old man replied , That , lifting up the , you c may pla e it again upon my shoulders .

THE FIR TREE AND THE BRA MBLE .

“ F I R E th e A TRE said boastingly to Bramble , You are us eful for nothing at all ; while I am everywhere

s used for roofs and house . The Bramble made “ e answer You poor cr ature , i f you would only c all to mind the ax es and saws which are about to

w n h e you dow , you would have reason to wish that

l e . you had grown up a Bramb , not a Fir Tree

B etter e e e pov rty without car , than rich s with . THE WOLF AND THE SHEEP .

L l a A WO F , sorely wounded and bitten by dogs , y

in d sick and maimed in his lair . Being want of foo , he called to a Sheep , who was passing , and asked him to fetch some water from a stream flowin g close “ ” “ beside him . For, he said , if you will bring me drink , I will find means to provide myself with “ meat . Yes , said the Sheep , if I should bring

s you the draught , you would doubtle s make me pro ” vide the meat al so .

are e Hypocritical speeches easily se n through, T HE L OF E FAB ES SOP .

THE MAN BITTEN BY A DOG .

MA N A who had been bitten by a Dog, went about in quest of some one who might heal him . A friend

n meeti g him , and learning what he wanted , said ,

If you would be cured , take a piece of bread , and

n dip it in the blood from your wou d , and go and give it to the Dog that bit you . The man who had “ ? been bitten , laughed at this advice , and said , Why

If I should do so , it would be as if I should pray ” every Dog in the town to bite me .

- Benefits bestowed upon the evil disposed, increase their means of injuring you .

THE HUNTSMAN AND THE FISHERMAN .

the A HUNTSMAN , returning with his dogs from field , l fe l in by chance with a Fisherman , bringing home a basket well ladened with fish . The Huntsman wished to have the fish ; and their owner ex p eri en ced an equal longi n g for the contents of the game

e n bag . Th y quickly agreed to excha ge the produce

’ of their day s sport . Each was so well pleased with h is e bargain , that th y made for some time the same e xchange day after day . A neighbor said to them ,

s If you go on in thi way , you will soon destroy , by

e n use th e e e e fr que t , pl asure of your xchang , and e ach will agai n wish to retain the fruits of his own ” sport .

Abstain and enjoy .

100 L JES OP THE FAB ES OF .

re deceitfully ; but the Crow , anxious to refute the

flection u cast upon her voice , set up a lo d caw , and

dropped the flesh . The Fox quickly picked it up , and thus addressed the crow : My good Crow , your voice is right enough , but your wit is wanting .

THE TWO DOGS .

MAN A had two dogs ; a Hound , trained to assist

- him in his sports , and a House dog, taught to watch the house . When he returned home after a good

’

- day s sport, he always gave the House dog a large a share of his spoil . The Hound , feeling much g at grieved this reproached his companion , saying , “ It is very hard to have all this labor, while you ,

in who do not assist the chase , luxuriate on the fruits ” “ - e of my exertions . The House dog r plied , Do not but blame me , my friend , find fault with the mas ter has , who not taught me to labor, but to depend h for subsistence on t e labor of others .

Children are not to be blamed for the faults of

e th ir parents . - THE OLD WOMAN AND THE WINE J AR .

An Old Woman found an empty jar which had late l hi re y been full of prime old wine , and w ch still tain ed the fragrant smell of its former contents .

She greedily placed it several times to her nose , and “ 0 drawing it backwards and forwards said , most delicious "How nice must the Wine itself have been ' when it leaves behind in the very vessel which con ” tain ed it so sweet a perfume "

o . , The memory of a go d deed lives 102 L E THE FAB ES OF SOP .

P THE WIDOW AND THE SHEE .

A CERTAIN poor Widow had one solitary Sheep . At

ea n . e an d sh ring time , wishi g to take his fle ce , to

e avoid expense , she sheared him hers lf , but used the h shears so unskilfully, that with the fleece S e sheared

n the flesh . The Sheep , writhing with pai , said , ? Why do you hurt me so , Mistress What weight can my blood add to the wool ? If you want my

in flesh , there is the butcher, who will kill me a

an d trice ; but if you want my fleece wool , there is

an d the shearer, who will shear not hurt me .

e The l ast outlay is not always the greatest gain .

THE WILD ASS AND THE LION .

A WI L D Ass and a Lion entered i n to an allianc e that they might capture the beasts of the forest with the

th e greater ease . The Lion agreed to assist Wild

av e Ass with his strength , while the Wild Ass g the

Lion the benefit of his greater speed . When they had taken as many beasts as their necessities re

h e n e quired , t Lion u dertook to distribut the prey , “ n e and for this purpose divided it i to thr e shares . I ” “ l e h e wil take the first shar , said , because I am

an d e n e as e King : the s co d shar , a partn r with you

in the chase : an d the thi rd share (beli eve m e) will

be c e e e un s a sour of gr at vil to you , les you willingly ” f s c es n it m e an d se t f as s a u an . r ig to , O fa t yo

t s Migh mak e right .

1 04 L E THE FAB ES OF SOP .

gratulating himself on his safety , began to express his si n cere than ks to the Oxen who had kindly af

n e h forded him help in the hour of need . O of t em

: i again answered him We ndeed wish you well ,

but the danger is not over . There is one other yet

h un to pass through the shed , who has as it were a

e an d dr d eyes , , until he has come and gone , your ” life is still i n peril . At that moment the master

to himself entered , and having had complain that

' ro erl f ed his oxen had not been p p y , he went up to “ an d e their racks , cri d out Why is there such a ? scarcity of fodder There is not - half enough straw

e for them to lie on . Those lazy fellows have not ev n ” swept the cobwebs away . While he thus examined

everything in turn , he spied the tips of the antlers of

the Stag peeping out of the straw . Then summon

ing his laborers , he ordered that the Stag should be

seized , and killed .

P L AY F THE U L ASS .

An Ass climbed up to the roof of a building , and ,

e in frisking about ther , broke the tiling . The owner

h im an d o went up after , quickly dr ve him down ,

e e e b ating him s v rely with a thick wooden cudgel .

saw n d o The Ass said , Why , I the Mo key this very

n e e thi g yest rday , and you all laugh d heartily , as if

e s it afford ed you v e ry gr at amu ement .

Those wh o d o n o tknow th e ir righ t plac e must be

taught it . THE EAGLE AND THE ARROW .

N rock A Eagle sat on a lofty , watching the move ments of a Hare , whom he sought to make his prey . An archer who saw him from a place of conceal ment , took an accurate aim , and wounded him mor tally . The Eagle gave one look at the arrow that had e n tered his heart, and saw in that single glance that its feathers had been furnished by himself. It “ ex cl ain ied is a double grief to me , he , that I should perish by an arrow feathered from my own

n wi gs . A consciousness of misfortunes arising from a

’ e s man s own misconduct aggravat s their bitterne s . 106 THE FAB LES OF msor

THE SICK KITE .

e A KITE , sick unto d ath , said to his mother O

" n ot Mother do mourn , but at once invoke the gods ” “

. e " that my life may be prolonged She repli d , Alas

n my son , which of the gods do you thi k will pity you ? Is there on e whom you have not outraged by fi l chin g from th eir very altars a part of the sacrifice offered up to them ? ”

We must make friends in prosperity , if we would e have their h lp in adversity .

THE LION AND THE DOLPHIN .

- saw A LION roaming by the sea shore , a Dolphin lift up its head out of the waves , and asked him to contract an allian ce with him ; saying that of al l the e animals they ought to be the best friends , sinc the

n one was the ki g of beasts on the earth , and the other was the sovereign ruler of all the inhabitants of the ocean . The Dolphin gladly consented to this

e r quest . Not long afterwards the Lion had a com bat with awild bull , and called on the Dolphin to

e h lp him . The Dolphin , though quite willing to give

s s e him as i tance , was unabl to do so , as he could not

m an s the s by any e reach land . The Lion abu ed him

e as a traitor . The Dolphin r plied , Nay , my friend ,

m e N e e blame not , but atur , which , whil giving me th e e e t seahas sov r ign y of the , quite denied me the ” e n th e d pow r of livi g Upon lan .

1 08 L JE P THE FAB ES OF SO .

THE MICE AND THE WEASELS .

THE Weasels and the Mice waged a perpetual war

in w as h d s . fare with each other, which much blood e _

The Weasels were always the victors . The Mice

e thought that the cause of their frequent def ats was , that they had not leaders set apart from the general army to command them , and that they were exposed to dangers from want of discipline . They chose therefore such mice as were most renowned f or their

n family descent , stre gth , and counsel , as well as most noted for their courage in the fight , that they might marshal them in battle array , and form them into troops , regiments and battalions . When all this was done , and the army disciplined , and the herald Mouse had duly proclaimed war by chal l en g ing the Weasels , the newly chosen generals bound their heads with straws , that they might be more con had sp icuous to all their troops . Scarcely the battle commenced , when a great rout overwhelmed the

off Mice , who scampered as fast as they could to

e e n ot their holes . The g n rals being able to get in

w r on account of the ornaments on their heads , e e all

e h e e captured and eat n by t Weas ls .

The m ore honor the more danger. - THE ONE EY ED DOE .

was to z A DOE , blind of an eye, accustomed gra e as f near to the edge of the clif as she possibly could , in the hope of securing her greater safety . She turned her sound eye towards the land , that she might get the earliest ‘ tidings of the approach of hunter or

an d hound , her injured eye towards the sea, from

which she entertained no anticipation of danger .

m saw a So e boatmen sailing by , her, and t king a i successful aim , mortally wounded her . Yield ng up

t : her breath , she gasped for h this lament O wretched creature that I am "to take such p recau

an d tion against the land , after all to find this sea

com e shore , to which I had for safety, so much more ” perilous , 1 L ZE SOP 1 0 THE FAB ES OF .

‘ P THE SHE HERD AND THE SEA .

A SHEPHERD , keeping watch over his sheep near the

saw shore , the sea very calm and smooth , and longed to make a voyage with a View to traffic . He sold

an d all his flock , and invested it in a cargo of dates

i a an d set sa l . But very great tempest coming on ,

bem i n n the ship g danger of sinki g , he threw all his

e merchandise ov rboard , and hardly escaped with his life in the empty ship . Not long afterwards , on

an d n f some one passing by , observi g the unruf led

B e calm of the sea , he interrupted him and said , like it is again in want of dates , and therefore looks quiet .

HE K A N D THE THE A SS, T COO , LION .

- A N Ass and a Cock were in a straw yard together , when a Lion , desperate from hunger, approached the

th e spot . He was about to spring upon Ass , when

h e ook th e t C (to sound of whose voice the Lion , it is

has said , a singular aversion) crowed loudly , and the Lion fled away as fast as he could . The Ass ob serving his trepidation at the mere crowi n g of a

m e e h im Cock , sum on d courag to attack , and gal

m had n loped after h i for that purpose . He run o

e e the e long distanc , wh n Lion turning about , seiz d

m ec es h im and to re h i to pi .

f e e False confidence o t n l ads into danger.

L JE S P 1 12 THE FAB ES OF O .

head , and refuse them every one . At this moment

' h e s tossed her head in unison with her thoughts ,

- n when down fell the Milk pail to the grou d , and all

her imaginary schemes perished in a moment .

THE MICE IN COUNCIL .

T HE Mice summoned a council to decide how they might best devise means for obtaini n g notice of th e m th approach of their great enemy the Cat . A ong e

e many plans devis d , the one that found most favor

th e was the proposal to tie a bell to the neck of Cat , that the Mice being warned by the sou n d of th e tinkling might run away and hide them sel v e s in

c w e h e Mir o th eir holes at his a pproa h . But h n t

furth er d ebated wh o among them should thus he l l

the at was on e i C , there no found to do t. - THE WOLF AND THE HOUSE DOG .

L e - f ed a A WO F , meeting with a big w ll M stiff , having a wooden collar about his neck , inquired of him who

et e e it was that fed him so well , and y comp ll d him to drag that heavy log about wherever he wen t :

‘ h e e e The master , repli d . Th n said the Wolf

May no friend of mine ever be in such a plight ; for the weight of this chain is enough to spoil the ” appetite .

THE RIVERS AND THE SEA .

i Sea THE Rivers joined together to compla n to the , “ fl w saying , Why is it that when we e into your

an d such tides so potable sweet , you work in us a ” an d e an d r n ? change , mak us salt unfit to d i k The

Sea e e h , perc iving that they intend d to throw t e 1 14 T HE L F JE P FAB ES O SO .

“ P flow blame on him , said , ray cease to into me

n and then you will not be made bri y .

Some find fault with those thi n gs by which they are chiefly benefited .

THE WILD BOAR AND THE FOX .

L an d A WI D BOAR stood under a tree , rubbed his tusks against the trunk . A Fox passing by , asked him why he thus sharpened his teeth when there was no danger threatening from either huntsman “ or hound . He replied , I do it advisedly ; for it would never do to have to sharpen my weapons just at the time I ought to be using them . To be well prepared for war is the best guarantee of peace .

THE THREE TRADESMEN .

A GREAT city was besieged , and its inhabitants were call ed together to consider the best means of pro

e e teeting it from the nemy . A Bricklayer pres nt

s ff n e earnestly recommended brick , as a ordi g the b st

e e materials for an effectual resistance . A Carp nt r

s m n with equal energy propo ed ti ber , as providi g

e a preferable m thod of defence . Upon which a “ s ff e o u Curri e r stood up , and said , Sir , I di r from y altogether : th ere is no material for resi s tan c e equal to a cov e ri n g of hides ; and n othing so good as

’ l eathe rf

e man mse Ev ry for hi lf.

1 16 L JESOP THE FAB ES OF .

A XE THE TWO TRAVELERS AND THE .

’ T wo men were journeyi n g together in each other s

m n On e co pa y. of them picked up an axe that lay “ n Upo the path , and said , I have found an axe . ” “ Nay , my friend , replied the other , do not say ‘ ’ ‘ ’ x ” ae . I , but We have found an They had not gone far before they saw the owner of the axe pur

n n u sui g them , whe he who had picked p the axe “ ” “ n n said , We are u do e . Nay , replied the other ,

keep to your first mode of speech , my friend ; what

‘ ’ n n ow you thought right the , think right . Say I , ” W n not e are u done .

e He who shares the dang r ought to share the prize .

THE OLD LION .

A LION , worn out with years , and powerless from

n e disease , lay on the ground at the poi t of d ath . A

e ar s e n an d e s B ru h d upo him , av nged with a troke

n e e e e n u o f his tusks a lo g r m mb r d i j ry . Shortly

aft erwards th e Bull with h is hor n s gored h im as if

n e e th e A ss h e were an e my . Wh n saw that the

e e c o u b e e n l et h ug b ast ld assail d wi th impu ity , he

’ ' i re e d h is h s T h e n diiv e at h s fo h a with eel . expiri g “ o n d I h e e c n e th e su Li sai , av r lu ta tly brook d in lts

' e to be c o e e e d e eo n o l the brav , but mp ll d to n ur

e l e e d s e is n ee tum y from th . a i grac to Nature , i d d to " d ie a doubl e death . T HE OLD HOUND .

an d A HOUND , who in the days of his youth strength

e en coun had never yi lded to any beast of the forest , tered in his old age a boar in the chase . He seized

e a him boldly by the ear , but could not r t in his hold because of the decay of his teeth , so that the boar escaped . His master , quickly coming up , was very much disappointed , and fiercely abused the dog . The

n Hou d looked up , and said , It was not my fault , u master ; my spirit was as good as ever, but I co ld

in fi rmities be not help mine . I rather deserve to praised for what I have been , than to be blamed for what I am . L jE SOP 11 8 THE FAB ES OF .

T HE B E E A N D P JU ITER .

“ B E E A from Mount Hymettus , the queen of the

n e hive , asce ded to Olympus , to pres nt to Jupiter s n y h er ome ho e fresh from combs . Jupiter , delighted ff n with the o ering of ho ey , promised to give what h im e e . v r she should ask She therefore besought ,

” saying, Give me , I pray thee , a sting , that if any m n ortal shall approach to take my ho ey , I may kill ” him . Jupiter was much displeased , for he loved much the race of man but could not refus e the

n n request on accou t of his promise . He thus a swered “ the Bee You shall have your request ; but it will w be at the peril of your o n life . For if you use your

sting , it shall remain in the wound you make , and

then you will die from the loss of it .

Evil wishes , like chickens , come home to roost .

THE MASTER AND HIS DOGS .

I n in A CERTA N man , detai ed by a storm his country

house , first of all killed his sheep , and then his goats ,

for the maintenance of his household . The storm

he was e still continuing , oblig d to slaughter his yoke

e ee s ox n for food . On s ing thi , his Dogs took counsel

e It us : togeth r , and said , is time for to be off for

s if the master pare not his oxen , who work for his ” h o w w e e ec e ? gain , can xp t him to spar us He is not to be trus te d as a friend who il l treats his w m o n fa ily .

120 THE L OF JESOP FAB ES . a the shore , they found that it could at the most be

an d s e small boat , not a hip . Wh n however it reached

s the beach , they di covered that it was only a large

o n e e fagot of sticks , and of th m said to his com

n W e e panio s , have wait d for no purpose , for after ” e a all th re is nothing to see but a f got .

Our mere anticipations of life outrun its realities .

THE BRAZIER AND H IS DOG .

Z A BRA IER had a little Dog, which was a great favorite with his master , and his constant compau ion . While he hammered away at his metals the

to Dog slept but when , on the other hand , he went

n di ner , and began to eat , the Dog woke up , and wagged his tail , as if he would ask for a share of his

n n meal . His master one day , pretendi g to be a gry , and shaking his stick at him , said , You wretched little sluggard what shall I do to you While I am

s e hammering on the anvil , you l ep on the mat ; and

at e whe n I begin to e aft r my toil , you wake up , and

n ot wag your tail for food . Do you know that labor

s s e e e l ess n an d i the ourc of v ry b i g , that none but th o se who work are e ntitl ed to e at THE ASS AND HIS SHA DOW .

A TRAVELER hired an Ass to convey him to a dis tant place . The day being intensely hot , and the sun shining in its strength , the traveler stopped to rest , and sought shelter from the heat under the

Shadow of the Ass . As this afforded only protection for one, and as the traveler and the owner of the

e Ass both claimed it , a violent disput arose between them as to which of them had the right to it . The

n l owner maintained that he had let the Ass o y , and

. e not his Shadow The travel r asserted that he had ,

A ss with the hire of the , hired his Shadow also . The 1 L jE SOP 22 THE FAB ES OF .

quarrel proceeded from words to blows , and while

m n off the e fought the Ass galloped .

In quarreling about the shadow we often lose the

substance .

THE ASS AND HIS MASTERS .

A N - hi m Ass belonging to a herb seller, who gave too

litle food and too much work , made a petition to Jupiter that he would release him from his presen t u service and provide him with another master . J

h is re piter, after warning him that he would repent

- quest , caused him to be sold to a tile maker. Short l y afterwards , finding that he had heavier loads to

- fi el d carry , and harder work in the brick , he peti l tion ed . te for another change o f master Jupiter, l i n g h im that it shoul d be the last time that he could

grant his request , ordained that he should be sold

n n n to a ta er . The Ass , findi g that he had fallen

’ n se aan d i to wor h nds , noting his master s occupa “ m n e tion , said , gl oa i g It would have been bett r

m e ee for to have b n either starved by the one , or to

hav e been overworked by th e other of my form e r

s e s e een ese ma t r , than to hav b bought by my pr nt

o n e e e n e e e w r , who will v aft r I am d ad tan my hid ,

and make me useful to him .

124 L AB P THE FAB ES OF S O .

- THE LION IN A FARM YARD .

- A LION entered a farm yard . The farmer, wishing

e to catch him, shut the gate . The Lion , wh n he

flew found that he could not escape , upon the Sheep , and killed them , and then attacked the oxen . The

e n e farm r , beginni g to be alarmed for his own saf ty ,

n as h e Ope ed the gate, when the Lion got off fast as

r r v iousl he could . On his departu e the farmer g e y lam en ted the destruction of his sheep and oxen ; when his wife , who had been a spectator of all that “ 011 took place , said , my word , you are rightly served ; for h ow could you for amoment think of shutting up a Lion along with you in the farmy ard , when you know that you Shake in your shoes if you ” only hear his rear at ever so great a distance ?

MERCURY AND THE SCULPTOR . M ERCURY once determined to learn in what esteem h m e was held a ong mortals . For this purpose he

s e e a sum d the charact r of a man , and visited in this

’ s se di gui a Sculptor s studio . Having looked at

s e variou statues , he demand d the price of two fig? arc s n e of Jupiter and of J u . When the sum at

e e wa which they wer valu d s named , he pointed to a f e th e igu r of himself , saying to Sculptor , You will c e e it rtainly want much mor for this , as is the sta tue the es e s the of M seng r of the God , and author of ” “ Th e l e all your gain . e Sculptor r p i d , Well , if you

’ ”

e t . will buy thes , I ll fling you that in o the bargain - THE FOX AND THE WOOD CUTTER.

F ox b oun ds s A running before the , came acro s a

- r e Wood cutte felling an oak , and b sought him to

- - show him a safe hiding place . The Wood cutter

Th e advised him to take shelter in his own hut . Fox crept in , and hid himself in a corner. The huntsman

f ew came up , with his hounds , in a minutes , and

- inquired of the Wood cutter if had seen the fox .

He declared that he had not seen him , and yet pointed all the time he was speaking , to the hut where the

th e Fox lay hid . The huntsman took no notice of signs , but , believing his word , hastened forward in the chase . As soon as they were well away , the Fox departed without taking an y notice of the Wood

u : a c tter whereon he called to him , and repro ched

me a o owe b , s yin , Y uungrateful fellow , you our . g y L jE SOP 1 26 THE FAB ES OF .

w u life to me , and yet you leave me itho t a word of ” thanks . The Fox replied , Indeed , I should have thanked you most fervently , if your deeds had been

as good as your words , and if your hands had not ” been traitors to your speech .

P THE BIRDCATCHER , THE ARTRIDGE , AND

THE COCK .

A BIRDCATCHER was about to sit down to a dinner of

Th e herbs , when a friend unexpectedly came in .

- e n bird trap was quit empty , as he had caught nothi g .

P e h ad He proceeded to kill a pied artridg , which he

n tamed for a decoy . He entreated thus ear estly for “ his life What would you do without me whe n next you spread your nets ? Who would chi rp you

n to sleep , or call for you the covey of answeri g

e birds The Birdcatcher spared his life , and det r mined to pick out a fine young Cock just attaining

He n e to his comb . thus expostulated in piteous to s “ e : e from his p rch If you kill me , who will announc to you the appearance of the dawn Who will wake you to you 1 daily tasks ? or tell you when it is time ? ” th e - th e He e e to visit bird trap i n morning r pli d ,

. are What you say is true You a capital bird . at

e the m wh t lling ti e of day . But I and the friend o

has e hav e i s com in must our d nner .

e e s o l aw N c s ity kn ws no .

128 T HE L E FAB ES OF SOP .

on sitting a tree overhanging the water, plucked a

an d n leaf , let it fall i to the stream close to her . The

n on e . Ant , climbi g to it , float d in safety to the bank Shortly afterwards a birdcatch er came and stood

n th e ee - e u der tr , and laid his lime twigs for the Dov , hi . s which sat in the branches The Ant , perceiving

n h im in desig , stung the foot . He suddenly threw

down the twigs , and thereupon made the Dove take

n wi g . The grateful heart will always find opportunities to Show its gratitude .

THE MONKEY AND THE FISHERMEN .

A MONKEY perched upon a lofty tree saw some Fishermen casti n g their nets into a river and

e n e narrowly watch d their proceedi gs . The Fish rmen

e e after a whil gave ov r fishing , and , on going home

e e n u to dinner , l ft th ir ets pon the bank . The

M onkey , who is the most imitative of animals ,

l escen ded th e - from tree top , and endeavored to do as

.h e e n ot y had done . Having handl d the , he threw it

i th e e e e es e . nto riv r, but b cam ntangled in the mesh “ e h e s se am l Wh n drowning , aid to him lf , I right y se rve d ; for what business had I who had never ” handled a n et to try and catch fish ? THE HARES AND THE FROGS .

wn THE Hares , oppressed with a sense of their o ex

din cee g timidity , and weary of the perpetual alarm to t which they were exposed , with one accord de er

e mined to put an end to themselves and their troubl s , by j umping from a lofty precipice into a dee p lake

off m below . As they scampered in a very nu erous body to carry out their resolve , the Frogs lying on the banks of the lake heard the noise of their feet , and rushed helter - skelter to the deep water for a safety . On seeing the r pid disappearance of the

on f an Frogs , e o the Hares cried out to his comp ions 1 30 HE L F JE P T FAB ES O S O .

Stay, my friends , do not do as you intended ; for you now see that other creatures who yet live are ” more timorous than ourselves .

THE SWAN AND THE G OOSE .

A CERTAIN rich man bought in th e mark et a Goose

on e e an d e and a Swan . He fed the for his tabl , k pt

e the other for the sake of its song . Wh n the time came for killing the Goose , the cook went to take him at night , when it was dark , and he was not able

on e an d to distinguish bird from the other , he caught w the Swan instead of the Goose . The S an , threat

n r n o e ed with death , burst fo th i t song , and thus made himself known by his voice , and preserved his life by his melody .

A word in season is most precious .

THE DOE AND THE LION .

A D OE hard pressed by hunters entered a cave for shelter which belonged to a Lion . The Lion con

e n h er e coaled him self on se i g approach ; but , wh n

cav e she was safe within the , sprang upon her, and “ ” o r t e her to piec es . Woe is me , exclaimed the “ D o e wh o e e , hav escap d from man , only to throw my self into the mouth o f awild beast "v

I n avoiding one evil care must be taken not to fall into another.

Z 1 32 L . ESOP THE FAB ES OF .

THE HUNTER AND THE WOODMAN .

A HUNTER , not very bold , was searching for the tracks of a Lion . He asked a man felling oaks in the forest if he had seen any marks of his footsteps , ” n or if he k ew where his lair was I will , he said , ” n at o ce show you the Lion himself . The Hunter, turning very pale , and chattering with his teeth “ e from fear, r plied , No , thank you . I did not ask

n ot that ; it is his track only I am in search of , the

Lion himself .

The hero is brave in deeds as well as words .

THE . SWOLLEN FOX .

F ox A , very much famished , seeing some bread and meat left by shepherds in the hollow of an oak , crept

n into th e hole ad made a hearty meal . When he

n fi ished , he was so full that he was not able to get

n out , and bega to groan and lament very sadly .

Another Fox passing by , heard his cries , and coming

U e . p , inquir d the cause of his complaining On learn “ en him ing what had happ ed , he said to , Ah , you

h e e e be will av to r main th re , my friend , until you

m e e co such as you we re when you crept in , and th n ” o u e s et y will a ily g out . THE CAMEL AND THE ARAB .

A N Arab Camel - driver having completed the lading

k e e of his Camel , as ed him which he would lik b st , t o

a e go up hill or down hill . The poor be st repli d , not without a touch of reason Why do you ask me ? Is it that the level way through the desert is closed ?”

THE MILLER, HIS SON , AND THEIR ASS .

A MILLER and his son were driving their Ass to a

’

neighboring fair to sell him . They had not gone far when they met with a troop of women collec ted round “ i e a well , talking and laugh ng . Look there , cri d “ l one of them , did you ever see such fel ows , to be trudging along the road on foot when they might ride ? ” The old man hearing this quickly made his

son mount the Ass , and continued to walk along P merrily by his side . resently they came up to a

n . group of old men in ear est debate There , said “ - a . one of them , it proves what I was saying What respect is shown to old age in these days ? Do you see that idle lad ridi n g while h is old father has to 1 34 L .ZE SOP THE FAB ES OF .

? walk Get down , you young scapegrace , and let ” the old man rest his weary limbs . Upon this the

Son old man made his dismount , and got up himself . In this man ner they had n otproceeded far when they “ : met a company of women and children Why , you ” h ow lazy old fellow , cried several tongues at once ,

n can you ride Upo the beast, while that poor little lad there can hardly keep pace by the Side of you ? ”

Th e good - natured Mill er immediately took up his

son behind him . They had now almost reached the town . P ray , honest friend , said a citizen , is that Ass ? ” “ ” “ . 0 your own Yes, says the old man , one “ would not have thought so , said the other, by the Wh way you load him . y, you two fellows are better ” “ n able to carry the poor beast than he you . Anythi g to please you , said the old man we can but try .

o al i h tin S f g g with his son , they tied the legs of the

an d en Ass together , by the help of a pole deavored to carry him on their shoulders over a bridge near the e ntrance of the town . This entertaining sight brought the people in crowds to laugh at it till the

th e Ass , not liking noise , nor the strange handling

th e s n that h e was subj e ct to , broke cord that bou d

h im m o ff e n th e e . , and , tu bling the pol e , f ll i to riv r

s the e e an d s de Upon thi , old man , v x d a hamed , ma

is wah e o e h t the bes t of h y om again . c nvinc d t a by e n d eavori n g to pl e as e e ve rybo dy h e. had pl eased

o o d th is A ss n to the . n b y , and los i bargain

136 L ZE SOP THE FAB ES OF .

‘ I HE MOUSE AND THE BULL .

LL a A BU was bitten by Mouse , and , pained by the wound , tried to capture him . The Mouse first reached his hole in safety, and the Bull dug into the walls with his horns , until wearied , crouching down , he slept by the hole . The Mouse peeping out , crept t fur ively up his flank , and , again biting him ,

an d retreated to his hole . The Bull rising up , not

n knowi g what to do , was sadly p erplexed . The h “ Mouse murmured fort , The great do not always prevail . There are times when the small and lowly mi are the strongest to do schief .

THE TWO FROGS .

Tw o FROGS dwelt in the same pool . The pool being

’ dried up under the summer s heat , they left it, and set e out together for anoth r home . As they went l along they chanced to pass a deep wel , amply sup w plied with water, on seeing hich one of the Frogs “ th e said to other , Let u s descend and make our abod e in this w ell : it will furnish us with shelter and ” o f od . The other replied with greater caution , But s the can uppose water shoul d fail us , how we get ” out again from so great a depth ?

s Do nothing without a regard to the consequence . THE DOG AND THE COOK .

t e A RICH man gave a grea f ast , to which he invited many friends

c and a quaintances . His dog availed himself of the occas ion

e e to invit a stranger dog , a fri nd “ of his , saying , My master gives a feast ; you wil l have unusually

' good cheer ; come and sup with ” - D o i me to night . The g thus n v ited went at the

hour appointed , and seeing the preparations for so grand an eu

te r tai n m e n t ,

said in , the joy of “ How his heart , glad I am that I cam e "I do not often get such a

as chance this . I will take care

an d. eat enough 1 38 L ZE P THE FAB ES OF SO .

- - to last me both to day and to morrow . While he d thus congratulated himself, and wagge his tail , as if he would convey a sense of his pleasure to his aw friend , the Cook s him moving about among his

bin d dishes , and , seizing him by his fore and paws, bundled him without ceremony out of the window .

He fell with force upon the ground , and limped at away , howling dreadfully . His yelling soon

U tracted other street dogs , who came p to him , and

n n re i quired how he had e joyed his supper . He “ plied , Why , to tell you the truth , I drank so much

how wine that I remember nothing . I do not know ” I got out of the house .

Uninvited guests seldom meet a welcome .

THE THIEVES AND THE COOK.

SOME thieves broke into a house , and found nothing but a Cock , whom they stole , and got off as fast as they could . On arriving at home they proceeded to “ kill the Cock , who thus pleaded for his life Pray spare me ; I am very serviceable to men . I wake ” “ them up in the night to their work . That is the ” very reason why we must the more kill you , they “ Ou replied ; for when you wake your neighbors, y ” e e en d s n e s ntir ly put an to ou r bu i s .

T he s afeguards o f v i rtue are hateful to the evil d e ispos d .

L or JE S OP 140 THE FAB ES .

THE FARMER AND THE FOX .

f or A FARMER , having a long spite against a Fox robbing his poultry yard , caught him at last , and , being determined to take an ample revenge , tied some tow well soaked with oil to his tail , and set it on fire . The Fox by a strange fatality rushed to the

th e fields of Farmer who had captured him . It was the time of the wheat harvest ; but the Farmer

riev reaped nothing that year , and returned home g ing sorely .

THE DANCING MONKEYS .

PR IN CE A had some Monkeys trained to dance .

’ n Bei g naturally great mimics of men s actions , they

an showed themselves most apt pupils ; and , when

e ray d in their rich clothes and masks , they danced as well as any of the courtiers . The spectacle was

oc often repeated with great applause , till on one casion a courtier, bent on mischief, took from his

pocket a handful of nuts , and threw them upon the

t e s ag . The Monkeys at the sight of the nuts forgot

e n th ir dancing , and became (as i deed they were) ff Monkeys instead of actors , and pulling o th eir

s es on mask , and tearing their rob , they fought with e

n The d c e s a other for the nuts . an ing sp ctacle thu

c am e to an end , amidst the laughter and ridicule of h t e audience . SE A - LL n a afi sh A GU havi g bolted down too l rge ,

- burst its d eep gullet bag , and lay down on the shore

e to die . A Kite , se ing him , exclaimed You richly deserve your fate for a bird of the air has no busi h ” ness to seek its food from t e sea . Every man should be content to min d his own business .

P P THE HILOSO HER, THE ANTS , AND

MERCURY .

A P HILOSOPHER witnessed from the shore the ship

t e wreck of a vessel , of which h crew and passengers

e were all drown ed . H inveighed against the injustice 142 L JE SOP THE FAB ES OF .

P of rovidence , which would for the sake of one criminal perchance sailing in theship allowso many

was innocent persons to perish . As he indulging in these reflections , he found himself surrounded by a whole army of Ants , near to whose nest he was

n standi g . One of them climbed up and stung him , an d he imm ediately trampled them all to death with his foot . Mercury presented himself, and striking P the hilosopher with his wand , said , And are you indeed to make yourself a judge of the dealings of P rovidence , who hast thyself in a similar manner treated these poor Ants ? ”

THE TRAVELER AND FORTUNE .

L a A TRAVE ER , wearied with long journey , lay down overcome with fatigue on the very brink of a

an deep well . Being within inch of falling into the water , Dame Fortune , it is said , appeared to him , and waking him from his slumber, thus addressed

: him : Good Sir, pray wake up for had you fallen into the well , the blame will be thrown on me , and I shall get an ill name among mortals for I find that

h ow men are sure to impute their calamities to me , e v e r much by th eir own folly they have really ” e e se brought th m on th m lves .

o r e s e Every one is m e or l s mast r of his own fate .

T HE FABLES OF JE SOP

THE PEASANT AND THE EAGLE .

P in A EASANT found an Eagle captured a trap , and , much admiring the bird , set him free . The Eagle

r did not prove ung ateful to his deliverer, for seeing

flew him sit under a wall , which was not safe, he towards him , and snatched off with his talons a bundle resting on his head , and on his risingto pur

hi m n P sue he let the bu dle fall again . The easant taking it up , and returning to the same place , found the wall under which he had been sitting fallen to the ground ; and he much marvelled at the requital made him by the Eagle for the service he had rendered him .

THE IMAGE OF MERCURY AND THE CAR

F ENTER .

n a A VERY poor man , a Carpe ter by tr de , had a m wooden image of Mercury , before which he ade

n offeri gs day by day , and entreated the idol to make him rich : but in spite of his entreaties he became

e n poorer and poorer . At last , b i g very wroth , he

w s took his image do n from its pede tal , and dashed it agai n st the wall : when its head being knocked off out came a stream of gold , which the Carpenter “ e u e quickly pick d p , and said , W ll , I think thou art altogeth e r contradictory and unreasonabl e ; for

n h o n o r l e ed en e ts : wh e I paid you , r ap no b fi but n o w that I maltreat you I am load ed with an abnud

n c e f a O riches . THE BULL AND THE GOAT .

LL a A BU , escaping from a Lion , entered a c ve , He which some shepherds had lately occupied . A goat was left in it , who sharply attacked him with — “ his horns . The Bull quietly addressed him Butt away as much as you will . I have no fear of you , but of the Lion . Let that monster once go , and I will soon let you know what is the respective strength ” of a Goat and a Bull . It shows an evil disposition to take advan tage of a friend in distress . JE P 146 T HE FAB LES OF SO .

P THE LAM .

n A LAMP soaked with too much oil , and flari g very

a n . much , boasted th t it gave more light tha the sun fi m A sudden p u of wind arising , it was im ediately

n : exti guished . Its owner lit it again , and said

n Boast no more , but henceforth be co tent to give thy light in silence . Know that not even the stars

' ” need to be relit .

THE LION , THE FOX , AND THE ASS .

THE Lion , the Fox , and the Ass entered into an

e agreement to assist each ther in the chase . Having

secured a large booty , the Lion , on their return from

the forest , asked the Ass to allot his due portion to

in each of the three partners the treaty . The Ass

carefully divided the spoil into three equal shares , and modestly requested th e two others to make the

fi rst choice . The Lion , bursting out into a great

h e rage , devoured the Ass . Then requested the Fox

th s to do him e favor to make a divi ion . The Fox accumulated all that they had killed into one large

e l l h ap , and eft to himself the smallest possib e “ e The mors l . Lion said , Who has taught you my “ e e f ol l o w th e ? are v ry exc llent , art of division You

e e He p rf ct to a fraction . replied , I learnt it from ” the e n h is Ass , by witn ssi g fate . Happy is the man who l earns from the misfortunes

of others ,

148 L E THE FAB ES OF SOP .

THE MONKEYS AND THEIR MOTHER .

T HE n two Mo key , it is said , has young ones at a

e birth . The mother fondl s one , and nurtures it with the greatest affection and care ; but hates and n eglects the other . It happened once on a time that the young one which was caressed and loved was sm e oth red by the too great affection of the mother , while the despi sed one was nurtured and reared in spite of the neglect to which it was exposed .

The best intentions will not always ensure success .

P THE OAKS AND JU ITER .

n e THE Oaks prese t d a complaint to Jupiter, saying,

hear We for no purpose the burden of life , as of all th e trees that grow we are the most continually in ” “ e peril of the axe . Jupit r made answer , You have only to thank yourselve s f or the misfortunes to which you are exposed : for if you did not make such e e n s se xc lle t pillar and posts , and prove your lves so

l e n e e serviceab to the carpe t rs and the farm rs , the axe

e u would not so frequ ntly be laid to yo r roots . THE HARE AND THE HOUND .

B . A HOU N having started a Hare from his form , after

- a long run , gave up the chase . A Goat herd seeing him stop , mocked him , saying , The little one is the ” n e best ru ner of the two . The Hound repli d , You do not see the diff erence between us : I was only

running for a dinner , but he, for his life .

THE OAK AND THE WOODCUTTERS .

THE Woodcutters cut down a Mountain Oak,split it

in pieces , making wedges of its own branches for

n o . dividing the tru k , and for saving their lab r The

h th e Oak said with a sig , I do not care about blows 150 THE FABLES OF ZES OP .

th of e axe aimed at my roots , but I do grieve at b ei n g torn i n pi eces by these w edges made from m y ” own branches . Misfortunes springing from ourselves are the hardest to bear .

P THE WAS AND THE SNAKE .

A WASP seated himself upon the head of a Snake , and striki n g him un ceasin gl y with his sti n gs wounded him to death . The Snake , being in great torment , an d not knowing how to rid himself of his enemy ,

saw or to scare him away, a wagon heavily laden with wood , and went and purposely placed his head under the wheels , and said , I and my enemy shall ” thus perish together .

THE PEACOCK AND THE CRANE .

A P EACOCK Spreading its gorgeous tail mocked a

n Crane that passed by , ridiculi g the ashen hue of its “ e n e n in plumag , and sayi g , I am robed , lik a ki g , al l gold and purple , and the colors of the rainbow ; ” while you have not a bit of color on your wings . ” e e the Tru , r plied Crane ; but I soar to the heights

e e m e of h av n , and lift up y voice to the stars , whil

e l th e the you walk b low , ike a cock , among birds of ” d un t L

’ e e e d n e Fin f ath rs on t mak e fi birds .

1 52 L or JE S P THE FAB ES O .

HE A S A N D THE PR T S oes.

A N a Ass , carrying a load of wood , p ssed through a pond . As he was crossing through the water he lost

an d his footing, and stumbled fell , and not being able to raise on account of his load , he groaned heavily . Som e Frogs frequenting the pool heard his lamen ta “ ou to tion , and said , What would y do if you had

e e liv h re always as we do , when you make such a fuss about a mere fall into the water ?”

Men often bear l ittte grievances with less courage than they do large misfortunes .

T HE CROW AND THE RAVEN .

R ow A C was very jealous of the Raven , because he

n d e w was co si er d a bird of good omen , and al ays

e m en n attract d the attention of , as indicati g by his

n e flight the good or evil course of future eve ts . S eing

e e e s sh e flew u ee som trav ll r approaching , p into a tr , an d o c n on e th e e p r hi g herself on of branches , caw d as as sh e Th e s loudly could . traveller turned towards the s n e e on e ound , and wo dered what it bod d , wh n of

e his th m said to companion , Let us proceed on our

d caw c rew journey , my frien , for it is only the of a , ” e and her cry , you know , is no om n .

Those who assum e a character whi c h does not

d c e e e e e . b long to th m , only mak th ms lves ri i ulous THE TREES AND THE AXE .

e A MAN came into a for st , and made a petition to the Trees to provide him a handle for his axe . The

Trees consented to his request , and gave him a young

- e n ew ash tree . No sooner had the man fitt d from it a a handle to his axe , than he beg n to use it , and quickly felled with his strokes the noblest giants of the forest .

destruc An old oak , lamenting when too late the

n n tion of his compa ions , said to a neighbori g cedar ,

The first step has lost us all . If we had not given

up the rights of the ash , we might yet have retained ” o our own privileges , and have sto d for ages . 154 L zEso r THE FAB ES OF .

THE BULL , THE LIONESS , AND THE WILD

BOAR HUNTER .

’ A BULL findi n g a lion s cub asleep gored him to

n e m death with his horns . The Lio ss ca e up , and

e m e bitt rly la ented the d ath of her whelp . A Wild

an d boar Hunter seeing her distress, stood afar off, “ h er n m en said to , Thi k how many there are who

e n m th e e hav reaso to la ent loss of th ir children , ” whose deaths have been caused by you .

P - THE WOLVES AND THE SHEE DOGS .

“ THE WOLVES thus addressed the Sheep - dogs : Why s hould you , who are like us in so many things , not

n be entirely of one mi d with us , and live with us as brothers should ? We differ from you in one poi n t

e bow an d only . We liv in freedom , but you down to , s m e n wh o in n lave for , ; , retur for your services , flog ut you with whi ps , and p collars on your necks .

e s e e They mak you al o guard th ir she p , and while h they eat t e mutton throw only the bones to you . If

be e s e e you will p r uad d by us , you will giv us the s ee w e h p , and will enjoy them in common , till we ” e Th e s e all are surf ited . Dog list ned favorably to

ese s n e r den th e e th pro posal , and , e t ing the of Wolv s ,

e u o e s th ey were s tm m and t rn to pi c e .

L E 156 THE FAB ES OF SOP.

n e m for if he se ds so f arful a essenger , how shall I ” abide the attack of the m an himself ?

A m an who can strike from a distance is no pleas

n at neighbor .

THE CAMEL .

m e WHEN man first saw the Ca l , he was so frightened

his fled e at vast size that he away . Aft r a time , per c eiv in e e en e h is em e g the m ekness and g ntl ss of t p r , h mm n n h im n e su o ed courage e ough to approach . Soo

e h e was an n afterwards , obs rving that a imal alto

e g ther deficient in spirit, he assumed such boldness as to put a bridle in his mouth , and set a child to drive him .

Use serves to overcome dread .

THE CRAB AND THE FOX .

- e A CRAB , forsaking the sea shor , chose a neighboring green meadow as its fe eding ground . A Fox came

an d across him , being very much famished ate him

w s u . a p Just as he on the point of being eaten , he

e said , I well deserv my fate ; for what business had

n an d I on the land , when by my ature habits I am ” only adapted for the sea?

C o ntentment with our lot is an element of happi ness . THE WOMAN AND HER HEN . A WOMAN possessed a Hen that gave her an egg

h ow every day . She often thought with herself she

e n on e might obtain two ggs daily i stead of , and at i last , to gain her purpose , determined to g ve the Hen a double allowance of barley . From that day the Hen i became fat and sleek , and never once la d another egg .

ov rreacheth Covetousness e itself.

P THE ASS AND THE OLD SHE H ERD .

SHE P HE R r A watched his Ass feeding in a meadow .

Being alarmed on a sudden by the cries of the enemy , e d A ss hi m h appeale to the to fly with , lest they 1 58 T HE L JESOP FAB ES OF .

“ He should both be captured . lazily replied , Why ? th c should I , pray Do you think it likely e onqueror ” “ ” ? re will place on me two sets of panniers No , h “ ” joined t e Shepherd Then , said the Ass ,

n lo g as I carry the panniers , what matters it to me whom I serve ?”

In a chan ge of govern men t the poor change noth ing beyond the name of their master.

H T HE KITES A N D T E SWANS .

m THE Kites of old ti e had , equal ly with the Swans , the privilege of song . But having heard the neigh

n n of the horse , they were so e cha ted with the sound ,

an d that they tried to imitate it ; , in trying to neigh ,

n they f orget how to si g . Th e desire for im agi n ary benefits often involves

the loss of present blessings .

THE HARES AND THE FOXES .

e th e e TH E Har s waged war with Eagles , and call d “ o n th es th m e e e . Up Fox to help They r plied , We

i e e e would w llingly hav h lp d you , if we had not known "

e e e e e e . who y w r , and with whom y w r fighting

e P o s o m s Count th t bef re you com it your elves .

1 60 L E THE FAB ES OF SOP .

THE DOG AND THE HARE .

HOUND havi n g started a Hare on the hill - side

pursued h er for som e distan c e : at on e time bitin g her

et with his te h as if he would take her life , and at

n m n n h r in a other ti e faw ing upo e , as if play with “ n e T h . e a oth r dog Hare said to him , I wish you

n e e m e e would act si c r ly by , and show yours lf in your

w h e . are n true colors If you a frie d , y do you bit me ” so ? en em w h v n ? hard if an y , do you faw on me

They are n o fri en ds whom you k n ow n ot wh ether

to u - s tr st or to distru t .

THE BULL AND THE CALF . A BU LL was striving with al l his might to squeeze himself through a narrow passage which l ed to his

d ff e . n an e stall A you g Calf came up , o red to go b fore and show him the way by which h e could man age to ” pass . Save yourself the trouble , said the Bull ; I ” knew that way long before you were born .

E P THE STAG , THE WOLF , AND THE SH E . A STAG ask ed a Sh eep to l end h im a measure of

e t th e . wh a , and said that Wolf would be his surety

T he e som e e Sheep , f aring fraud was intended . excus d “ e Th e is e e hers lf, saying , Wolf accustom d to seiz

o ff what he wants , and to run ; and you , too , can

in How e quic kly outstrip me your rapid flight . th n

e e shall I be abl to find you , wh n the day of payment ” com es ? T wo blac ks do n o tmake o n e white THE . MULE .

L A MU E , frolicsome from want of work and from a overmuch corn , galloped about in a very extrav gant “ : e manner , and said to himself My fath r surely was

- own a high mettled racer , and I am his child in speed and spirit . On the next day , being driven a long a journey , and feeling very we ried , he exclaimed in a disconsolate tone : I must have made a mistake ; ” ass my father, after all , could have been only an .

THE EAGLE , THE CAT , AND THE WILD SOW .

A N EAGL E had made her nest at the top of a l of tV

. e n oak A Cat , having found a conveni nt hole , kitte ed

e an d VVi d h in the middl of the trunk ; a l Sow . with er 1 62 T HE L JE P FAB ES OF SO .

young, had taken shelter in a hollow at its foot . The

Cat resolved to destroy by her arts this chance - mad e

th e colony . To carry out her design , she climbed to “ n nest of the Eagle , and said , Destruction is prepari g

n for you , and for me too , u fortunately . The Wild

S ow o , wh m you may see daily digging up the earth , wishes to uproot the oak , that she may on its fall ” seize our families as food for her young . Having thus deprived the Eagle of her senses through terror, sh e crept down to the cave of the Sow , and said ,

Your children are in great danger ; for as soon as you shall go out with your litter to find food , the Eagle is prepared to pounce upon one of your little ” l ow pigs . Having insti led these fears into the S , she went and pretended to hide herself in the hollow of the tree . When night came she went forth with silent foot and obtained food for herself and her kittens ;

- but, feigning to be afraid , she kept a look out all through the day . Meanwhile , the Eagle , full of fear

S ow of the , sat still on the branches , and the Sow, terrified by the Eagle , did not dare to go out from h er cave ; and thus they each , with their families ,

e f perish d from hunger, and a forded an ample pro vision to the Cat and her kittens .

164 L JE P THE FAB ES OF SO .

‘ T HE W OLF AND THE FOX;

A VERY large an d strong Wolf was born among the

- wolves , who exceeded all his fellow wolves in him strength , size, and swiftness , so that they gave , “ ” n n n en a with u a imous co s t , the n me of Lion . The

n Wolf, with a want of sense proportioned to his e or mous size , thought that they gave him this name in e n an d ow n e e ar est , , leaving his rac , consort d exclu

iv l s e . y with the lions An old sly Fox , seeing this , “ e said , May I n ver make myself so ridiculous as you do in your pride and self - conceit ; for you really show like a lion among wolves , whereas in a herd of lions you are a wolf .

P THE PRO HET .

Z R in e - A WI A D, sitting the mark t place , told the for

- tunes of the passers by . A person ran up i n great

te n n e th e s his has , and a nou c d to him that door of

o e house had been br k en op n , and that all his goods

e e He e n e w re being stol n . sighed h avily , and haste d

saw away as fast as he could run . A neighbor him “ ? u s d " se y ou r nning , and ai , Oh you follow tho say yo uc an foretell th e fortunes of others ; h ow is it you ” did n o t fore see your o wn ? THE FOX AND THE P GRA ES . A FAMISHED F ox saw some

clusters of ripe black grapes

hanging from a trellised

Vine . She resorted to all

her tricks to get at them,

but wearied herself in vain , for she could not reach

them. At last turned

away beguiling herself of her disappointment and “ : an saying The Grapes are sour, d not ripe as I thought 16 6 LE ZESOP THE FAB S OF .

SE RP E N THE T AND TH E EAGLE . A SERPENT and an Eagle were struggling with each

e in e oth r the throes of a deadly conflict . The S rpent

e had the advantag , and was about to strangle the

m n bird . A country an saw them , and ru ning up ,

e th e e an d loos d the coil of S rpent , let the Eagle go

ee . n fr The Serpe t , irritated at the escape of his

l et n it n prey , fly his poison , and i jected . i to the drink

n n m ing hor of the cou try an . The rustic , ignorant

n en of his danger , was about to dri k , wh the Eagle

n n an d struck his ha d with his wi g , , seizing the

in n drinking horn his talo s , carried it up aloft .

THE TWO FROGS .

Th e Two FROGS were neighbors . one inhabited a

n e deep po d , far remov d from public View ; the other

e in n e e liv d a gully containi g little water, and trav rs d

th e by a country road . He that lived in pond warned h is e e e e e fri nd , and ntr at d him to change his r sidence ,

e e and to com and liv with him , saying that he would e nj o y greater safe ty from danger and more abundant ' o T h e e e ed n e f od . oth r r fus , sayi g that he f lt it so v e ry hard to re m ov e from a plac e to which h e had bec c s e f ew ome ac u tom d . A days afterwards a heavy

n e the s e wago pass d through gully , and cru h d him to de ee ath und e r its wh ls .

w man his o w A ilful will have his way to n hurt .

168 L or ABSOP THE FAB ES .

waited some days in vain , he saw the Innkeeper

be dressed in a new and handsome coat , and sitting fore his door . The Thief sat down beside him , and talked with him . As the conversation began to flag,

n the Thief yaw ed terribly , and at the same time “ howled like a wolf . The Innkeeper said , Why do ?” you howl so fearfully I will tell you , said the “ Thief but first let me ask you to hold my clothes , h for I wish to leave t em in your hands . I know not,

n sir, when I got this habit of yaw ing, nor whether these attacks of howlin g were inflicted on me as a judgment for my crimes , or for any other cause ; but this I do know , that when I yawn for the third time, ” I actually turn into a wolf, and attack men . With

n this speech he c ommenced a seco d fit of yawning , and again howled as a wolf, as he did at first . The

n e e In k eper hearing his tale , and , beli ving what he said , became greatly alarmed , and rising from his

e seat, attempt d to run away . The Thief laid hold of “ an d n P his coat , entreated him to stop , sayi g , ray wait , sir, and hold my clothes , or I shall tear them ” to . pieces in my fury , when I turn into a wolf At

e e n e th e m set the sam mom nt he yaw d third ti e , and

f The e en e up a howl like a wol . Innke per, fright d

h n ew l est e should be attacked , left his coat in his

h e hand , and ran as fast as could i nto the inn for

e he e e saf ty . T Thi f mad off with his new coat , and

he did not return again to t inn .

Every tale is not to be b elieved . THE KID AND THE WOLF .

ID e as A K , returning without prot ction from the p

e e . tur , was pursu d by a Wolf He turned round , and

: said to the Wolf I know , friend Wolf, that I must

e be your pr y ; but before I die, I would ask of you one favor , that you will play me a tune, to which I

w as may dance . The Wolf complied , and while he

n pipi g , and the Kid was dancing , the hounds , hear in g the sound , came up , and , issuing forth , gave chase to the Wolf . The Wolf, turning to the Kid , a“ s id , It is just what I deserve ; for I , who am only a ” butcher, should not have turned piper to please you. 1 7 0 L JESOP THE FAB ES OF .

- THE WALNUT TREE .

A WAL NUT - TRE E standing by the roadside bore an

n - b abu dant crop of fruit . The passers y broke its branches with sto n es and sticks for the sake of the “ - e nuts . The Walnut tr e piteously exclaimed , O wretched me "that those whom I cheer with my fruit should repay me with these painful requitals "”

THE A ND THE GNAT LION .

“ A GNAT came and said to a Lion , I do not the least fear you , nor are you stronger than I am . For in what does your strength consist ? You can scratch

— so with your claws , and bite with your teeth can a m wo an in her quarrels . I repeat that I am altogether more powerful than you ; and if you doubt it , let us ” an d e n se e . fight who will co qu r The Gnat, having

e his th e sound d horn ; fastened itself upon Lion , and stung him on the nostrils and the parts of the face

e d void of hair . The Lion , trying to crush him , tore

s b n s himself with his claw , until e pu i hed himself

se e . e e v rely The Gnat thus prevail d ov r the Lion , an d in flew , buzzing about a song of triumph , away . But shortly afterwards h e b ecam e entangled in the

e e s . meshes of a cobweb , and was at n by a pider He “ e e f ate s n Wo e m e " greatly lam nt d his , ayi g , is that

I e c ss , who can wag war suc e fully with the hugest

e e s se b asts , should p ri h my lf from this spider, the ” most incons ide rabl e of insects "

L E 1 7 2 THE FAB ES OF SOP .

den in sight of land not far from Athens , he de m an ded e of the Monkey if he were an Ath nian , who replied that he was , and that he was descended from one of the most noble families in that city . He

n P a the . inquired if he knew the ir eus (the famous

n harbor of Athens) . The Monkey , supposi g that a

n e man was mea t , answer d , that he knew him very

Th e a . well , and that he was an intim te friend Dol

n e phin , indig ant at th se falsehoods , dipped the Mon him key under the water, and drowned .

THE JACKDAW AND THE DOVES .

A JA CKD A W seeing some Doves in a cote abundantly provided with food , painting himself white , joined

e himself to them , that he might share their pl ntiful

n mai tenance . The Doves as long as he was silent , supposing him to be one of themselves , admitted him e e e to th ir cote ; but wh n , one day forg tting him

he n self, began to chatter, they , discoveri g his true

e character, drove him forth , p cking him with their

th e h e beaks . Failing to obtain food among Doves ,

akdaw s betook himself again to the J c . They too ,

n h is ex not recognizi g him on account of color,

el l d p e him from living with them . So desiring two

e h e e . obj cts , e Obtained n ith r O THE H RSE AND THE STAG .

THE HORSE had the plain entirely to himself . A Stag

n his i truded into his domain , and shared pasture . The Horse desiring to revenge himself on the stranger, requested a man , if he were willing , to help

in re l ied that him punishing the Stag . The man p s

an d if the Horse would receive a bit in his mouth , f agree to carry him , that he would contrive ef ectual

Th e e e weapons against the Stag . hors consent d , and allowed the man to mount him . From that hour

n n n n he found that, instead of obtai i g reve ge o th e a t m Stag, he had ensl ved himself o the service of an . 1 7 4 THE FAB LES OF E SOP

THE FOX AND THE MONKEY .

A F ox and a Monkey w ere travelli n g together on the

r ad e . same As they journeyed, they passed through “ a cemetery full of monuments . All these monu ” “ ments which you see , said the Monkey , are erected

n in in honor of my a cestors , who were their day ” m n e . freed , and citizens of great renown The Fox “ e replied, You hav chosen a most appropriate sub

ect am n j for your falsehoods , as I sure one of your ” n ancestors will be able to co tradict you .

A false tale often betrays itself .

THE MAN AND HIS WIFE .

A MA N had a Wife who made herself hated by all H the members of his household . e wished to find out if she had the same effect on the persons in her

’ father s house . He therefore made some excuse to send her home on a visit to her father . After a Short

sh e e h ow time r turned , when he inquired she had got

h ow r on , and the servants had treated her. She e “ plied , The neatherds and shepherds cast on me “ . 0 looks of aversion He said , Wife , if you were disliked by those wh o go out early in the morning

the e with their flocks , and return late i n vening , what must have been felt towards you by those with ” whom you passed the whol e of the day " w w Straws sho ho the wind blows .

1 6 L .ZE S P 7 THE FAB ES OF O .

THE MA N THE T HE ox N D THE , HORSE , , A D OG .

A HORSE , Ox , and Dog, driven to great straits by the

e He cold , sought shelter and prot ction from Man .

e rec ived them kindly , lighted a fire , and warmed

em e e e th e th . He mad the Hors free of his oats , gav

f ed th e Ox abundance of hay , and Dog with meat

e from his own table . Grat ful for these favors , they im d etermined to repay h to the best of their ability . They divided for this purpose the term of his life

an d n on e between them , each e dowed portion of it with the qualities which chiefly characterized him

en self . The Horse chose his earliest years , and dowed them with his own attributes : hence eve ry

oh man is i n his youth impetuous , headstrong , and

n wn stin ate in maintaini g his o opinion . The Ox took under his patronage the next term of life , and there

e fore man i n his middle age is fond of work , devot d to labor , and resolute to amass wealth , and to hus

e e o f band his r sourc s . The end life was reserved to th e e man n s Dog , wherefor the old is often s appi h ,

e an d se sh e n i rritabl , hard to please , lfi , tol rant o ly of

o wn se to S e his hou hold , but averse trang rs , and to all who do not admini ster to his comfort or to his

e e n c ssities . THE FOX AND THE LION .

F e A ox who had never yet seen a Lion , when he f ll in with him by a certain chance for the first time in

was r the forest, was so frightened that he nea dying

with fear . On his meeting with him for the second

e h e m tim was still much alarmed , but not to the sa e

aa O n the h exten t s tfirst, n seei g him third time, e 1 8 L ABS OP 7 THE FAB ES OF .

n so increased in boldness that he we t up to him , and

comm enced a familiar conversation with him .

Acquaintance softens prejudic es .

THE WEASEL AND THE MICE .

L in fi rm itie A WEASE , inactive from age and s, was

e n not abl to catch m i ce as he o ce did . He therefore

e in roll d himself in flour and lay down a dark corner .

e e A Mous , supposing him to be food , l apt upon him ,

d e e an . , being instantly caught , was sque z d to death

e e s e e e Anoth r p ri h d in a Similar mann r , and th n a

e third , and still others after them . A very old Mous ,

es e e observ who had cap d full many a trap and snar ,

e n e h e ing from a saf dista c t trick of his crafty foe , “ s d " l ie e e e us ai , Ah you that th r , may you prosp r j t in the sam e proportion as yo uare what you pretend m c to ,

1 80 L JES OP THE FAB ES OF .

e One of the Apes , who had raised hims lf to be king, mm m r co anded the to be laid hold of, and b ought be

h im m of fore , that he ight know what was said him m among men . He ordered at the same ti e that all th e Apes should be arranged in a long row on his

hi s right hand and on left , and that a throne should

him as be placed for , as w the custom among men . After these preparations he signified his will that

an d the two men should be brought before him , “ greeted them with this salutation : What sort of a ” n ? ki g do I seem to you to be , 0 strangers The lying “ e Trav ller replied , You seem to me a most mighty ” “ king . And what is your estimate of those you ?” ” “ see around me These , he made answer, are l am worthy companions of yourse f, fit at least to be

bassado rs and leaders of armies . The Ape and all

th e n his court , gratified with lie , commanded a ha d

flater r some present to be given to the t e . On this the “ truthful Traveller thought within himself , If so

e great a reward be giv n for a lie , with what gift

may n ot I be rewarded , if , according to my custom , ? ” I shall tell the truth The Ape quickly turned to

how him . And pray do I and these my friends ” ” “ r ? h e a ound me seem to you Thou art , said , a

A e mos t excelle nt p , and all these thy companions ” e afte r thy exampl e are exc llent Apes , too . The

n th e e e e Ki g of Ap s , enraged at h aring th se truths , gave h im o v e r to the teeth and claws of his com

panions . THE WOLF AND THE SHEPHERD .

L e A WO F follow d a flock of sheep for a long time , and did n ot attempt to injure one of them The

ar Shepherd at first stood on his gu d against him , as against an enemy , and kept a strict watch over his movements . But when the Wolf, day after day , kept m in the co pany of the sheep , and did not make the

ff th e e slightest e ort to seize them , Shepherd b gan to look upon him as a guardian of his flock rather than as a plotter of evil against it ; and when occasion

n called him one day i to the city , he left the sheep Th e . e entirely in his charg Wolf, now that he had

n e e e the opportu ity , fell upon the sh ep , and d stroy d

h e t e greater part of the flock . The Sh pherd on his 182 L E THE FAB ES OF SOP .

n his e : return findi g flock d stroyed , exclaimed I hav e be en rightly s erve d ; why did ’ I trust my she ep to a Wolf ?”

THE HARES AND THE LIONS .

n e th e e T HE HA R Es hara gu d ass mbly , and argued that

T he all should be on an equality . Lions made this “ e s 0 s " e r ply : Your word , Hare are good ; but th y

e lac k both claws an d teeth such as we hav .

1 84 L JESOP THE FAB ES OF .

l Th e e not rea ly in earnest . own r of the field again

f ew n came a days later, and saw the wheat sheddi g “ th e e grain from excess of rip ness , and said , I will

m - an d co e myself to morrow with my laborers, with

n et th e as ma y reapers as I can hire , and will g in ” n harvest . The Lark on heari g these words , said to “ n ow off her brood , It is time to be , my little ones , for th e man is in earnest this time ; he n o longer ” trusts to his friends , but will reap the field himself .

- Self help is the best help .

THE PEACOCK AND JUNO .

T HE PEACOCK made complaint to Juno that , while a h e the nighting le pleased every ear with his song , no sooner ope n ed his mouth than h e became a laugh

- n e . e i g stock to all who h ard him The Godd ss , to “ e e console him , said , But you far xc l in beauty and

th e e e es size . The splendor of m rald shin in your

n e an d e us t n e ck , you unfold a tail gorg o wi h pai t d

e th e plumage . But for what purpos have I , said “ d s e n sse bi r , thi dumb b auty so lo g as I am surpa d ” “ ” “ s Th e l o Of e has in ong ? t each , r plied Juno ,

th e e — ee bee n assign ed by th e will of Fat s to th ,

e e s th e n n e beauty ; to the agl , trength ; to ighti gal ,

n e e an d th e n u so g ; to the rav n , favorabl , to crow ,

es e e are n e e h favorable , auguri . Th s all co t nt d wit ” e the end o wm ents allotted to th m . THE ASS AN D THE WOLF .

A N saw Ass , feedi ng in a meadow , a Wolf approach

seize him e ing to , and immediat ly pretended to be

th e lame . The Wolf , coming up , inquired cause of his lameness . The Ass said , that passing through a

e n hedg he trod with his foot upon a sharp thor , and

e requested the Wolf to pull it out , lest when he supp d

e hi s on him it Should injur throat . The Wolf con

n n e senting, and lifti g up the foot , and givi g his whol

e his mind to the discov ry of the thorn , the ASS with

heels kicked his teeth into his mouth , and galloped

\V ol f n a m away . The , bei g thus fe rfully auled , said ,

em art I am rightly served , for why did I att pt the

e n of h ali g , when my father only taught me the trade ? " of a butch er T HE FABL E S OF zE SOP

THE SELLER OF IMAGES .

m e m A CERTAIN man ad a wooden i age of Mercury ,

n o n e ad offered it for sale . When no appeared will

in in g to buy it , order that he might attract purchas

e ers , he cried out that he had the statue to s ll of a

n be efactor , who bestowed wealth and helped to heap

u n . O e p riches of the bystanders said to him , My l good fel ow , why do you sell him , being such a one

r e n as you desc ib , whe you may yourself enjoy the ” “ ” n ? Wh good thi gs he has to give y , he replied ,

e n I am in want of imm diate help , and he is wo t to ” give his good gifts very slowly .

THE HAWK AND THE NIGHTINGALE .

L n u A NIGHTINGA E sitti g aloft pon an oak , and sing

in c g ac ording to his wont , was seen by a Hawk ,

e n n e swee an d who b i g i n wa t of food , mad a p down ,

e e him n l s e s iz d . The Nighti gale , about to o e his lif , e n e th e l et n ar stly besought Hawk to him go , sayi g that h o was not big en ough to satisfy th e hunger of

l l awk wh o he e e t , , if want d food , ought to pursu

the e s T h e n larg r bird . Hawk , i terrupting him , said I should ind e ed hav e lost my sen ses if I should l et

o o e d the go f d r ady to my han , for sake of pursuing

c e birds whi h are not y t e ven wi thin Sight .

88 .E 1 THE FABLES OF SOP .

Cook the morning dawned , the , as usual , crowed

very loudly several times . A Fox hearing the sound , an d n wishi g to make a breakfast on him , came and

n stood under the bra ches , saying how earnestly he desired to make th e acquaintance of the owner of so k . Coo n 1 magnificent a voice The , suspecti g his c v1 lities : th , said Sir , I wish you would do me e favor to go round to that hollow trunk below me , and wake

m a an d l et up my porter , that he y open the door , you ”

. e in On the Fox approaching the tr e, the Dog him sprung out and caught , and tore him in pieces .

THE G OAT AND THE ASS .

A MAN once kept a Goat and an Ass . The Goat envyi n g the Ass on account of his greater abundance

How m e : of food , said , sha fully you are treated at

in an d one time grinding the mill , at another carry ing heavy burdens and he further advised him that he should pretend to be epileptic , and fall into a

e ditch , and so obtain rest . The Ass gav credence to his words , and falling into a ditch , was very much b e sm din his ruised . His mast r, g for a leech , asked a e dvic . He bade him pour upon the wounds the lights of a Goat . They at once killed the Goat , and

’ so healed the Ass . THE FOX AND THE MASK .

' an rumm a A Fox entered the house of actor , and , g

e s m ing through all his prop rtie , ca e upon a Mas k ,

He an admirable imitation of a human head . plac ed “ e " his paws on it , and said , What a beautiful h ad ” 18 n s yet it of no value , as it entirely wa ts brain .

THE LION AND THE BULL.

l an d A LION , greatly desirous of fighting a Bu l , yet afraid to attack him on account of his great size , hi resorted to a trick to ensure s destruction . He “ e approached him and said , I have slain a fine sh ep , my friend ; and if you will come home and partake l of him with me , I shal be delighted to have your ” s in company . The Lion aid this the hope that , as h e n t i eat t Bull was i he act of reclin ng to , he might 1 00 L JE S OP THE FAB ES OF .

n attack him to adva tage , and mak e his meal on him .

d en saw The Bull , however , on his approach to his ,

an d n the huge spits giant caldro s , and no Sign what

of an d ever the sheep , , without saying a word ,

e n n e quietly took his d parture . The Lio i quir d why he went off so abruptly without a word of sal utati on

n to his host , who had not give him any cause of ” f n of ence . I have reasons e ough , said the Bull . I see no i n dication whatever of your havi n g

n slaughtered a sheep , while I do see , very plai ly ,

every preparation for your dining on a bull .

PP THE GRASSHO ER AND THE OWL .

A N WL O , accustomed to feed at night and to sleep b during the day , was greatly distur ed by the noise of a Grasshopper, and earnestly besought her to

ff n Th e leave o chirpi g . Grasshopper refused to de

an d e sist , chirp d louder and louder the more the Owl

saw S h e entreated . The Owl , when she that could

e get no redress , and that her words were despis d , attacked the chatterer by a stratagem . Since I “ n ca not sleep , she said , on account of your song ,

e which , beli ve me , is sweet as the lyre of Apollo , I shall indulge myself in drinki n g some nectar which

P e n ot m allas lat ly gave me . If you do dislike it , co e ” to m e we Th e G s , and will drink it together. ra s h O e r s p p , who was at once thir ty , and pleased with th e e h r c fl Th e Owl e e . prais of voi e , eagerly w up , w ut coming forth from her hollo , seized her, and p he r d to eath ,

10 L AE 2 THE FAB ES OF SOP .

P THE FOWLER AND THE VI ER .

L n - m an d t i en A FOW ER , tak i g his bird li e his w gs , w t out to catch birds . Seeing a thrush sitting upon a

e e an d n tre , he wished to tak it , fitti g his twigs to a

n e en n e proper le gth , he watch d int tly , havi g his whol

S k e thoughts directed towards the y . Whil thus

e looking upwards , he unawares trod upon a Vip r

T h n n e e e . e e asleep just b for his f et Vip r , tur i g

d n an d h e n n towar s him , stu g him ; , falling i to a swoo , “ m e " w e said to himself , Woe is that hil I proposed

n n to hu t a other , am myself fallen unawares into ” the snares of death .

N D THE HORSE A THE ASS .

fi n e n A HORSE , proud of his trappi gs , met an Ass on th e h n e ighway . The Ass bei g h avily laden moved “ ” l e s owly out of the way . Hardly , said the Hors , “ s m can I re ist kicking you with with y heels . The

e e e an d n n Ass h ld his p ac , made o ly a sile t appeal to th e the d N o t w th e justice of go s . long after ards

e - e Horse , having b come broken wind d , was sent by

T h e e n him his owner to the farm . Ass se i g draw

d - s e e ing a ung cart , thu d rid d him Where , O

s are n o w th i th en wh o boa ter, all y gay trapp ngs , art thysel f reduced to th e c ondition you so lately ” treated with contempt ? THE LION AND THE THREE BULLS .

e THREE BULLS for a long time pastu red togeth r . A Lion lay in ambush in the hop e of making them his prey , but was afraid to aattack them whilst they kept together. Having at l st by guileful speeches suc eeded e c in separating them , he attacked th m with

a on e out fear, as they fed alone , and f sted on them by one at his own leisure .

Union is strength . 1 94 L ABS P THE FAB ES OF O .

N D - THE FLY A THE DRAUGHT MULE .

F L Y on - A sat the axle tree of a chariot , and address “ in - " g the Draught mule said , How slow you are Why do you not go faster ? See if I do not prick ” h - e r your neck wit my sting . The Draught mul e “ n ot n plied , I do heed your threats ; I o ly care for h im who sits above you , who quickens my pace with his whip , or holds me back with the reins . Away ,

e n therefor , with your i solence , for I know well when ” to go fast, and when to go Slow .

THE FISHERMEN .

P er SOME Fishermen were out trawling their nets . c eiv in m g the to be very heavy , they danced about for joy , and supposed they had taken a large draught

e of fish . Wh n they had dragged the nets to the

e shore th y found but few fish , and that the nets were full of sand and stones , and they were beyond meas ure cast down— not so much at the disappointment

n which had befalle them , as because they had formed

ff e such very di e rent exp ctations . One of their com “ an pany , old man , said , Let us cease lamenting ,

ee s my mates , for, as it s m to me , sorrow is always the t win sister of joy ; and it was only to be looked

we s e - for that , who ju t now w re over rejoiced , should ” e e e n sad n xt hav som thi g to make us .

1 96 T HE L F JE SOP FAB ES O .

n n pressed his satisfactio in warm terms , and lame ted e his own hard fate . Just as they were b ginning to

on e O n off eat , some pe ed the door , and they both ran squeaki n g as fast as they could to a hole so narrow

in n that two could only find room it by squeezi g . They had scarcely again begun their repast when some on e else entered to take something out of a cup

on board , which the two Mice , more frightened than

e befor , ran away and hid themselves . At last the

n Cou try Mouse , almost famished , thus addressed his “ friend : Although you have prepared for me so dainty a feast , I must leave you to enjoy it by your

n self. It is surrounded by too ma y dangers to please

- me . I prefer my bare plough lands and roots from

e - row the hedg , so that I only can live in safety , and ” without fear.

THE WOLF , THE FOX , AND THE APE .

LE e A WO accused a Fox of theft , but he entir ly de n e e e d i d the charg . An Ape und rtook to adju ge the

ee matter betw n th em . When each had fully stated h is the A e e e : case , p pronounced this s ntenc I do

n e an d not thi k you , Wolf, ev r lost what you claim ;

I do e e e b li v you , Fox , to have stolen what you so

o d e n st utly y .

T he d o if e h es et . ish nest , th y act on tly , g no credit AND

THE CRANES . THE GEESE and the Cranes

fed in the sam e meadow . A

bird - catcher came to en snare

es them in his nets . The Cran

being light of wing , fled away at his approach ; while

e the Geese , being slower of flight and heavier in th ir bodies , were captured .

P THE WASPS , THE ARTRIDGES , AND TH E

FARMER .

T HE P WASPS and the artridges , overcome with thirst , came to a Farmer an d besought him to give th em

m w n e so e ater to dri k . Th y promised amply to repay

e P him the favor which th y asked . The artridges 1 98 T HE L IES OP FAB ES OF .

e l an d d clared that they wou d dig around his vines ,

m n e e make the produce fi r grap s . The Wasps said that they would keep guard and drive off thieves

ei n n with th r sti gs . The Farmer , interrupti g them , “ : x said I have already two o en , who without mak in e . g any promises , do all thes things It is surely better for me to give the water to them than to you .

E THE BROTH R AND THE SISTER .

A FATHER had one son and one daughter ; the former

e r markable for his good looks , the latter for her ex traordin ar y ugliness . While they were playing one day as children , they happened to chance to look together i n to a mirror that was placed on their

’ n mother s chair . The boy co gratulated himself on

n his good looks ; the girl grew a gry , and could not bear the self - praises of h er Brother ; interpreting all h e said (and h ow could she do otherwise ?) i n to reflec

n e Sh e Off h er tio on hers lf . ran to father , to be

. e e in h er av ng d her turn on Brother, and spitefully

c e h im e a cus d of having , as a boy , mad use of that

e The e e which b longed only to girls . father mbrac d

em e s f th both , and b stowing his kis es and a fection “ o n each impartially , said : I wish you both every

o the so n day to lo k into mirror : you , my , that you

n o t s o e e d may p il your b auty by vil con uct ; and you ,

d te r at my augh , th you may make up for your want ” o f e b r e b auty y your vi tu s .

200 THE FAB L ES or JESOP

THE DOGS AND THE FOX .

n n SOME DOGS , fi di g the skin of a lion , began to tear

n it in pieces with their teeth . A Fox , seei g them , “ v n said , If this lion were ali e , you would soo find ” n out that his claws were stro ger than your teeth .

It is easy to kick a man that is down .

THE COBBLER TURNED DOCTOR .

L A COBB ER unable to make a living by his trade , rendered desperate by poverty , began to practice medicine in a town in which he was not known .

‘ He sold a drug , pretending that it was an antidote

n e to all poisons , and obtai ed a great name for hims lf

- ff ha by long winded pu s and advertisements . He p pened to fall sick himself of a serious illness , on which the Governor of the town determined to test his skill . For this purpose he called for a cup , and w hile filling it with water, pretended to mix poison

’ th n e h im with e Cobbler s antidote , and comma d d to drink it , on the promise of a reward . The Cobbler,

e e e h e had und r the f ar of d ath , confessed that no

ed e m m knowl g of medicine , and was only ade fa ous

h e by t e stupid clamors of the crowd . The Gov rnor

e e an d th e call d a public ass mbly , thus addressed “ citiz ens : Of what folly hav e you b een guilty ? You

ted n s e have not h esita to e tru t your h ads to a man , whom no o n e could employ to m ake ev e n the shoes ” for their foot . THE WOLF AND THE HORSE .

A ’ WOLF coming out of a field of oats met with a “ d : Horse , and thus a dressed him I would advise you a to go into that field . It is full of capit l oats , which

ie I have left untouched for you , as you are a fr nd the very sound of whose teeth it will be a pleasure ” “ to me to hear . The Horse replied , If oats had

e in been the food of wolves , you would never hav dul ed th e s g your ears at co t of your belly .

n e Men of evil reputatio . wh n they perform a good

f . deed , ail to get credit for it 02 L JES OP 2 THE FAB ES OF .

THE TWO MEN WHO WERE ENEMIES .

T wo ME N , deadly enemies to each other, sailed in

the same vessel . Determined to keep as far apart as

e an d possibl , the one seated himself in the stern , the

other in the prow of the ship . A violent storm hav

in g arisen , and the vessel being in great danger of

n si king , the one in the stern inquired of the pilot which of th e two ends of the ship would go down

n first . O his replying that he supposed it would be “ n e n ot the prow , the said the Man , D ath would be

grievous to me, if I could only see my Enemy die ” before me .

- THE GAME COCKS AND THE PARTRIDGE .

MA N two - - A had Game cocks in his poultry yard . One day by chance he fell in with a tame P artridge

for sale . He purchased it , and brought it home that

e - it might be r ared with his Game cocks . On its

e - b ing put into the poultry yard they struck at it , and

th e P was ri v followed it about , so that artridge g e

o usl e was y troubled in mind , and suppos d that he

s e e e h e e thu evilly tr ated b caus was a strang r . Not

h e saw th e e long afterwards Cocks fighting togeth r , and not separati n g before o n e had well beaten th e “ e He e n s e e oth r . th aid to hims lf, I shall no long r distre ss mys elf at b eing stru c k at by these Gam e

c o e 1 se e c e cks , wh n that they annot even r frain ” e n t e e from quarr lli g wi h ach oth r.

204 L JE SOP THE FAB ES OF .

ortun it p y, accused the Fox to the Lion for not pay ing any respect to him who had the rule ov er th em

e all , and for not coming to visit him . At that v ry

e moment the Fox cam in , and heard these last words

n of the Wolf . The Lion roari g out in a rage against

n m e him , he sought an opportunity to defe d hi s lf, “ e and said , And who of all those who hav come to

e you have benefit d you so much as I , who have travelled from place to place in every direction , and have sought an d learnt from the physicians the ” means of healing you ? The Lion comman ded him

e h im imm diately to tell the cure , when he replied , “ et You must flay a wolf alive , and wrap his ski n y ” n e warm around you . The Wolf was at o ce tak n

y n n and fla ed ; whereon the Fox , tur i g to him , said , with a smile , You should have moved your master il l not to , but to good , will .

’ THE DOG S HOUSE .

A DOG , in the winter time , rolled together and coiled up in as small a space as possible on account of the

e e e. cold , det rmined to make hims lf a hous When

e the summer return d again he lay asleep , stretched

en e : at his full l gth , and appeared to hims lf to be of a

e e e be e gr at siz , and consider d that it would neith r an e asy nor a n ec essary work to m ak e him sel f such

e ac c o n n o datc hi a hous as would n m. T E H NORTH WIND AND THE SUN .

THE North Wind and the Sun disputed which was be the most powerful , and agreed that he should the declared victor , who could first strip a wayfaring

n man of his clothes . The North Wi d first tried his

: power , and blew with all his might but the keener became his blasts, the closer the Traveller wrappe d his cloak around him ; till at last , resigning all hope h of victory , he called upon the Sun to see what e al l could do . The Sun suddenly shone out with his warmth . The Traveller no sooner felt his genial

on e n an rays than he took off garme t after another, d 206 F A B LE S j- THE OF ESOP .

u se at last , fairly overcome with heat , ndres d , and i bathed in a stream that lay n his path .

Persuasion is better than Force .

R W ME R R TH E C O AND CU Y .

A CR OW caught in a snare prayed to Apollo to release h im e m at , making a vow to off r so e frankincense

e n e his shrine . B i g rescu d from his danger, he forgot t w his promise . Shor ly after ards , on being again

s e n caught in a second nar , passi g by Apollo he made

e e o ff er n the sam promis to frankince se to Mercury , “ e e d s wh n he app are , and aid to him , 0 thou most

se " c an I e e e e s ba fellow how b li v the , who ha t dis owned and wronged thy f o rm e r patron

"

208 TH E FAB LES OF zE S OP .

T HE THE BIRDS , BEASTS , AND THE BAT .

war an d THE Birds waged with the Beasts , each

e party w re by turns the conquerors . A Bat , fearing

n h im the uncertai issues of the fight . always betook

n self to that side which was the strongest . Whe

was l m a peace proc ai ed , his deceitful conduct was p

e e par nt to both the combatants , he was driv n forth

an d from the light of day , henceforth concealed

- a himself in dark hiding places , flying always lone

and at night.

THE R SPENDTH IFT AND THE SWALLOW .

Y OU N G h A man , a great spendt rift , had run through

al l an d . his patrimony , had but one good cloak left .

He happened to see a Swallow , which had appeared

before its season , skimming along a pool and twit

tering gaily . He supposed that summer had come ,

an d s m went and old his cloak . Not any days after , the winte r having set in again with renewed frost

an d h e cold , found the unfortunate Swallow lifeless “ the " h on ground ; and said , Unhappy bird what ave ? you don e By thu s appearing before the spri n g

e e e tim you hav not only kill d yoursel f, but you have

t es ao wrough my d truction ls , THE TRUM PETER TAKEN PRISONER.

A TRU MPETER , bravely leading on the soldiers , was

captured by the enemy . He cried out to his captors , “ P ray spare me , and do not take my life without cause or without injury . I have not slain a singl e

man . of your troop I have no arms , and carry u ” nothing but this one brass tr mpet . That is the ” very reason for which you should be put to death ,

ou s they said ; for while y do not fight your elf , your u al l ” tr mpet stirs up the others to battle . 2 10 L jE THE FAB ES OF S OP .

THE FOX AND THE LION .

F OX saw n n in A a Lio confi ed a cage , and , standing n e him h ear him , bitterly revil d . The Lion said to t e “ u Fox , It is not tho who revilest me ; but this mis ” chance which has befallen me .

THE OWL AND THE BIRDS .

A N W L in h er O , wisdom , counselled the Birds , when l the acorn first began to sprout , to pul it up by all

n means out of the grou d , and not to allow it to grow because it would produce the mistletoe , from which

- an irremediable poison , the bird lime , would be ex tracted , by which they would be captured . The Owl next advised them to pluck up the seed of the flax ,

e which men had sown , as it was a plant which bod d wl no good to them . And , lastly , the O , seeing an r a cher approach , predicted thatthis man , being on foot , would contrive darts armed with feathers , which should fl y faster than the wings of the Birds

m s th e selves . The Birds gave no credence to the e

n n th e Owl be de war i g words , but considered to besi

h was e e s e . h rself, and said that mad But aft rwards ,

i n h r s e h er f ndi g e word were true , they wond red at

d e s e e e . k nowledg , and med her to be the wi st of birds H en c e it is that wh e n sh e appears th ey resort to h er as k n o wing all things ; whil e sh e n o longer gi ve s

e c e in o e t e s th m advi , but s litud lamen s th ir pa t folly .

2 1 2 L AE THE FAB ES OF SOP .

e n righteous vengeance on th ir persecutors . They e tre ated Jupiter that th ey m ight n o lon ger be a sso

el e I l l s n in m n at d with the , as they had nothi g co mo ,

an d in could not live together , but were engaged

n n u ceasi g warfare , and that an indissoluble law

m n ight be laid dow , for their future protection .

u e e J piter granted their requ st , and d creed that hen ceforth the I l l s should visit th e earth in compan y

G ods with each other , but that the o should one by

n Hen ce o e enter the habitations of men . it arises

I l l s e o n e on e that abound , for they com not by , but

: G oods in troops , and by no means singly while the

n proceed from Jupiter , and are give , not alike to

n all , but si gly , and separately ; and one by one to

those who are able to discern them .

THE SPARROW AND THE HARE .

A HARE pounc ed upon by an eagle sobbed very

e . much , and uttered cries lik a child A Sparrow “ d h er r upbrai ed , and said , Where now is thy e markabl e swiftness of foot ? Why w ere your fe et ” so s ? e the was e low Whil Sparrow thus sp aking, a

s ed e hawk eiz him on a sudd n , and killed him . The

e was o f e h e r e e n Har c m ort d in d ath , and xpiri g said , “ " so e e n se All you who lat ly , wh you suppo d your

’ e s l e e e e c e n o w s lf a , xult d ov r my alamity , hav your ” e e so d e o e s o tu e s lf r a n to pl r a imilar misf r n . THE MAN AN D THE SATY R.

A MAN and a Satyr once poured out libations gether in token of a bond of al liance bein g formed

n e between them . One very cold wi try day , as th y talked together, the Man put his fingers to his mouth

ir and blew on them . On the Satyr inqu ing the did reason of this , he told him that he it to warm his

e hands , they were so cold . Later on in the day th y sat down to eat , the food prepared being quite scald

e ing . The man rais d one of his dishes a little towards his mouth and blew in it . On the Satyr again in di d quiring the reason of this , he said that he it to

n cool the meat , it was so hot . I can no lo ger con ” s ider you as a friend , said the Satyr, a fellow who ” e s an d with the same br ath blow hot cold . 531 4 T HE FAB L E S OF

P THE ASS AND HIS URCHASER .

e a A MAN Wish d to purchase an Ass , and greed with its owner that he should try him before he bought h im an d th e . He took the Ass home , put him in

s - r r , t aw ya d with ‘his other Asses upon which he left h all the others , and joined imself at once to the

m T h e ost idle and the greatest eater of them all .

on man put a halter him , and led him back to his

h ow owner and on his inquiring , in so short a time . ” he could have made a trial of him , I do not need , “ w he answered , a trial ; I know that he ill be just such another as the one whom of all the rest he ” n chose for his companio .

A man is known by the company he keeps .

THE FLEA AND THE OX .

“ L : A F EA thus questioned the Ox What ails you ,

e n that , b i g so huge and strong , you submit to the

m e n wrongs you receive from , and thus slave for

e e b n th m day by day ; whil I , ei g so small a creature ,

e e e m rcil ssly fe d on their flesh , and drink their blood ?” “ without stint The Ox replied : I do not wish to be ungrateful ; for I am loved and well cared for by

m en e . , and th y often pat my head and shoulders

’ ” “ Woe s m e "said the Flea ; this very patting which

e e e e t you lik , wh n ver it happ ns to me , brings wi h it ” e e my inevitabl d struction .

6 T E LE F ZE 21 H FAB S O SOP .

on n e down the ba k , and lament d his hard fate .

Mercury appeared , and demanded the cause of his e un t ars . He told him his misfort e , when Mercury

n plunged into the stream , and , bri ging up a golden

On axe , inquired if that were the one he had lost .

e his saying that it was not his , Mercury disappear d

e d - b neath the water a second time , and returne with a silver axe in his hand , and again demanded of the “ ” Workman if it were his . On the Workman say ing it was not , he dived into the pool for the third

an d 011 time , brought up the axe that had been lost .

i n the Workman cla mi g it , and expressing his joy at its recovery, Mercury, pleased with his honesty , gave him the golden and the silver axes in addition to his own .

The Workman , on his return to his house , related

n e to his companions all that had happened . O of them at once resolved to try whether he could not also secure the same good fortune to himself . He

n ran to the river, and threw his axe on purpose i to

e the pool at the sam place , and sat down on the bank

e e e to weep . M ercury app ar d to him just as he hop d

n e he would ; and having lear ed the cause of his gri f ,

the e plunged into str am , and brought up a golden

ax e . , and inquired if he had lost it The Workman seized it greedily , and declared that of a truth it was th e very same axe that he had lost . Mercury,

k th e displeased at his navery , not only took away

ae e se e him th e gold en x , but r fu d to r cover for axe

o he he had thrown int t pool . A CKD A \V THE EAGLE AND THE J .

L e EAG E flying down from his eyri , on a lofty rock , seized upon a lamb , and carried him aloft on

ackdaw e . J his talons A , who witnessed the captur

e e of the lamb , was stirred with envy , and d termin d

He to emulate the strength and flight of the Eagle . fl w e round with a great whirr of his wings , and

n settled upon a large ram , with the inte tion of carry in off e n e e in g him , but his claws b comi g ntangl d his

e m e fleece he was not able to r lease hi s lf , although m he fluttered with his feathers as uch as he could .

e e n e The sheph rd , s ei g what had happen d . ran up 2 18 L o r P THE FAB ES JESO .

H n l h is . e and caught him at o ce c ipped wings , and

n e taking him home at ight , gave him to his childr n . “ ?” On their saying , Father, what kind of bird is it D aw he replied , To my certain knowledge he is a ;

but he will have it that he is an Eagle .

E PT N . JUPITER , N U E , M INERVA , AND MOMUS

e ACCORDING to an ancient l gend , the first man was

t th e e n th e made by Jupi er , first bull by N ptu e , and

e n m e first hous by Mi erva . On the co pl tion of their

a e labors , a dispute ros as to which had m ade the

a s most perfect work . They greed to appoint Momu

d h ow as j udge , and to abide by his ecision . Momus ,

n n ever, bei g very envious of the ha dicraft of each , found fault with all . He first blamed the work of

e e had n t th N ptune . becaus he o made e horns of the bull below his eyes , that he might better see where

He e to strike . then cond mned the work of Jupiter, because h e had not placed the heart of m an on the

e e o n e h outsid , that ev ry might read t e thoughts of the e recauti n at vil disposed , and take p the

n e e . a s i t nded mischi f And , las gain t

b s s h Mine rva , ecau e e had n o t 0 wh eels in the Of he r foundation house , might more easily remove if a n e

e t e r n d te rate unpl asan . Jupit , i ignant e

- fi n d in r e ud e fault g , d ov him from j g , an d e f s s xpelled him rom the man ions of Olympu .

0 L F‘ m 22 THE FAB ES O so r .

e h er n wood and there produc d you g . Not long after

n they had agreed upon this pla , when the Fox was

in ranging for food , the Eagle being want of pro

n vision for her you g ones , swooped down and seized

n n e an d upo o of the little cubs , feasted herself and

brood . The Fox on her return , discovering what

had h n appe ed , was less grieved for the death of her

h n f r n young t a o her i ability to avenge them . A just

n retribution , however, quickly fell upo the Eagle .

While hovering near an altar , on which some

e n en villag rs were sacrifici g a goat , she sudd ly seized

an d e s a piece of the flesh , carri d with it to her ne t a

burning cinder . A strong breeze soon fanned the

un fled ed spark into a flame , and the eaglets , as yet g

and helpless , were roasted in their nest and dropped

down dead at the bottom of the tree . The Fox gob

bled them up in the sight of the Eagle .

B A THE TWO G S .

E e VERY man , according to an anci nt legend , is born into the world with two bags suspended from h is — ’ n eck asmall bag in front full of his n eighbors

s e e n fault , and a larg bag b hi d filled with his own

t e e it is are see th e faul s . H nc that men quick to

e o wn faults of oth rs , and yet are Often blind to their

s failing . P THE STAG AT THE OOL .

A STAG overpowered by heat came to a spring to

wn e drink . Seeing his o shadow reflected in the wat r, he greatly admired the size and variety of his horns , but felt angry with himself for having such slender and weak feet . While he was thus contemplating

aLion th e e himself , appeared at pool and crouch d to spring upon him. The Stag immediately betook

: himself . to flight and exerting his utmost speed , as long as the plain was smooth and open , kept himself

n with ease at a safe d i sta ce from the Lion . But enteri n g a wood he became enta n gl ed by his horns : an d the Lion quickly came up W ith him and caught L JE S P 222 THE FAB ES OF O .

e m him . Wh n too late he thus reproached hi self Woe is me "How have I deceived myself "These

feet which would have saved me I despised , and I gloried in these antlers which have proved my

destruction .

What is most truly valuable is often underrated .

THE BITCH AND HER WHELPS .

A BITCH ready to whelp , earnestly begged of a

shepherd a place where she might litter. On her

e request b ing granted , she again besought per

mission to rear her puppies in the same spot . The

e e sh pherd again cons nted . But at last the Bitch ,

- protected with the body guard of her Whelps , who

n ow U e e had grown p , and w r abl e to d efe nd th em

se s r h er e e h the an d lves , a se ted xclusiv rig t to place ,

e the e e would not p rmit sh ph rd to approach .

224 L E THE FAB ES OF SOP .

ripen . A Fox seeing him sitting so long , and learn “ ing the reason of his doing so , said to him , You

n ih are indeed , si r , sadly deceivi g yourself ; you are dul in n " g g a hope strong e ough to cheat you , but m ” which will never reward you with enjoy ent .

THE LARK BURYING ITS FATHER .

T HE LARK (accordi n g to an an cient legend) was

created before the earth itself : and when her father

e n o died by a fell disease , as th re was earth , she

n could find for him o place of burial . She let him lie uninterred for five days , and on the sixth day , w e n in o n . b i g perplexity , she buried him in her head

en she H ce obtained her crest , which is popularly

’

- said to be her father s grave hillock .

’ Youth s first duty is reverence to parents .

THE GNAT AND THE BULL .

A GNAT settled on the horn of a Bull , and sat there ff . he o a long time Just as was about to fly , he

e e made a buzzing nois , and inqui r d of the Bull if he

e would lik e him to go . The Bull repli d , I did not

w s e kno you had come , and I shall not mis you wh n

o y ugo away .

Some m en are of more con sequenc e in their own

es the ey than in eyes of their neighbors . THE MONKEY AND THE CAMEL .

T HE beasts of the forest gave a splendid entertain

e ment at which the Monkey stood up and danc d .

Having vastly delighted the assembly , he sat down

s amidst universal applause . The Camel , enviou of the

e to praises bestowed on the Monkey , and d sirous di vert to himself the favor of the guests , proposed to

f r n stand up in his turn , and dance o their amuseme t .

He moved about in so utterly ridiculous a manner , that the Beasts in a fit of indignation set upon him with clubs , and drove him out of the assembly . b t It is absurd to ape our et ers . 226 L JES OP THE FAB ES OF .

THE S A N D T HE HEPHERD SHEEP .

saw A SHEPHERD driving his Sheep to a wood , an

n oak of unusual size , full of acorns , and , spreadi g his cloak under the branches , he climbed up into the

n tree , and shook down the acorns . The Sheep eati g

n e . the acor s , inadvertently frayed and tor the cloak

The Shepherd coming down , and seeing what was “ " done , said , 0 you most ungrateful creatures you provide wool to make garments for all other men , but you destroy the clothes of him who feeds you .

- THE PEASANT AND THE APPLE TREE .

- A PEASANT had in his garden an Apple tree , which here n no fruit , but o ly served as a harbor for the sparrows and grasshoppers . He resolved to cut it down , and , taking his axe in his hand , made a bold stroke at its roots . The grasshoppers and sparrows entreated him not to cut down the tree that sheltered them , but to spare it , and they would sing to him and listen to his labors . He paid no attention to bu their request , tgave the tree a second and a third blow with his axe : when he reached the hollow of h t e tree , he found a hive full of honey . Having

e w tast d the honeycomb , he thre down his axe , and , l the ee e it ooking on tr as sacred took gr at care of .

e e m n Self int r st alone moves some e .

228 THE FAB LES OF JESOP

e i e is l es w e s of th ir cho ce . Jupit r replied , It t hould " e e n B ut se m to cov t the ho or for the fruit . said “ n L et an on e W l l l Mi erva, y say what he the olive

n n is more dear to me o account of its fruit . The “ e e said Jupiter, My daught r, you are rightly call d w e wise ; for unless what do is useful , the glory of

it is vain .

TRUTH AND THE TRAVELLER .

A n in th e e e A WAYF RING Man , travelli g d s rt , met a

m He wo an standi n g alon e an d terribly dej ected . “ ” n th en ? i quired of her , Who art My name is ” “ ” Truth , she replied . And for what cause, he “ h asked , have you left the city , to dwell alone ere ” “ in ? in the wilderness She made answer, Because

e m e f ew n ow form r ti s , falsehood was with , but is ” with all men , whether you would hear or speak .

THE MANSLAYER .

N e A MA committed a murd r , and was pursued by the

e relations of the man whom he murd red . On his

h e h e saw o n its n re ac hing t e river Nil a Lion ba k ,

e n e e e . and b i g f arfully afraid , climb d up a tr e He

n e e fou d a s rpent in the upp r branches of the tree , and again being greatly alarmed he threw himself

n o th e n e h im i t rive r , whe a c rocodil caught and ate

h im the e . Thus the earth , the air, and wat r, alike

v i f use d e e e e sh lt r to a murd r r. THE LION AND THE FOX .

the A F OX entered into partnership with a Lion , on

e o pretence of becoming his servant . Each und rto k his proper duty in accordance with his own nature

e out and powers . The Fox discovered and point d h e . t prey , the Lion sprung on it . and seized it The Fox soon became jealous of the Lion carrying ofi th e

’ Lion s share , and said that he would no longer find

n out the prey , but would capture it on his own accou t . The next day he attempted to snatch a lamb from the fold , but fell himself a prey to the huntsmen and

n hou ds . 230 L JE S OP THE FAB ES OF .

THE LION AND THE EAGLE .

L AN EAG E stayed his flight , and entreated a Lion to make an alliance with him to their mutual adv an

“ ‘ tage . The Lion replied , I have no objection , but you must excuse me for requirin g you to find surety for your good faith ; for h ow can I trust any on e as a

n frie d , who is able to fly away from his bargain ” wh enever he pleases ?

Try before you trust .

THE HEN AND THE SWALLOW .

HE N n A findi g the eggs of a viper , and carefully keeping them warm , nourished them into life . A had “ Swallow observing what she done , said , You i " s lly creature why have you hatched these vipers ,

i in wh ch , when they shall have grown , will inflict ” ou jury all , beginning with yourself ?

THE FLEA AND THE WRESTLER .

L and A F EA settled upon the bare foot of a Wrestler, bit him ; on which he called loudly upon H e rcules

e for help . The Flea a second time hopp d upon his “ e t e e e " f e , when he groan d and said , O H rcul s if

e h ow you will not help me against a Fl a , can I hope ” for your assistance again s tgreate r antagonists ?

232 THE FA BL ES OF JES OP

. n th e n e ex her The Thrush , bei g at poi t of d ath , “ m e 0 e e am " th e clai d . foolish cr atur that I For sake of a little pleasant food I have deprived myself

Of i my l fe .

THE ROSE AND THE AMARANTH .

A N AMARANTH planted in a garden near a Rose - tree “ e : thus address d it What a lovely flower is the Rose ,

n a favorite alike with Gods and with men . I e vy

re you your beauty and your perfume . The Rose

ie m a pl d , I indeed , dear A aranth , flourish but for brief season "If no cruel hand pluck m e from my stem , yet I must perish by an early doom . But thou

imm r tal bl oom est art o , and dost never fade , but for ” ever in renewed youth .

- THE TRAVELLERS AND THE PLANE TREE .

T wo e Trav llers , worn out by the heat of the sum

’ e m r s sun , laid themselves down at noon under the

- - wide spreading bran ch es of a P lane tree . As they

e e e rest d under its shade , one of the Trav ll rs said to “ the th e other , What a singularly useless tree is

P n e "It e an d e ser la b ars no fruit , is not of the l ast ” i T he P e - ee n e u n him vice to man lan tr , i t rr pti g ,

“ Y o u n e s " o u l e re said , u grat ful fellow Do y , whi c eiv in e m e an d es n n d g ben fits from , r ti g u er my

e e m e se s an d un rofi t shade , dare to d scrib as u le s , p ” abl e ?

o e e e s S me men d spise their b st bl s ings . THE MOTHER

THE WOLF .

A FAMISHED Wolf was

prowling about in the morning in search of

food . As he passed the door of a cottage

built in the forest , he heard a Mother say to

“ e her child , Be qui t , or I will throw you

out of the window , ” and the Wolf shall eat

you . The Wolf sat all day waiting at the

door. In the evening he heard the same woman , fondling her child and saying :

e He is qui t now , and if the Wolf should ” come , we will kill him . The Wolf, n n heari g these words , we t home , gaping 234 L or J THE FAB ES ESOP.

an d with cold hunger . On his reaching his den , Mistress Wolf i n quired of him why he returned

an d e n n wearied supp rless , so co trary to his wo t . “ He e : f orsooth l— r plied Why , because I gave cred ence to the words of a woman "”

THE ASS AND THE HORSE .

A N Ass besough t a Horse to spare him a small por “ ” “ n e an n tio of his f ed . Yes , said he ; if y remai s o ut am n of what I now eati g I will give it to you , for the sake of my own superior dignity ; an d if you will com e wh en I shall reach my own stall in th e even ” in e g , I will giv you a little sack full of barley . The

’ s n n A s replied : Tha k you . I ca t think that you ,

n ow who refuse me a little matter , will by and by confer on m e a greater benefit .

P THE CROW AND THE SHEE .

A TROUBLESOME Crow seated h e rself on the back of

ee T he ee i s h is a Sh p . Sh p , much aga n t will , carried h e r c e ba kward and forward for a long tim , and at “ s d had e last ai , If you treat d a dog in this way , you hi ” would hav e had your deserts from s sharp teeth .

T o he ed es th e this t Crow repli , I d pise weak , and

e he m yi ld to t strong . I know whom I ay bully , and whom I must flatte r ; and I thus prolong my life to a

o ae go d old g .

Z L . E P 236 THE FAB ES OF SO .

ance , she had used him worse than the hedge itself . “ The Bramble , interrupting him , said , But you really

must have been out of your senses to fasten yourself .

on me , who am myself always accustomed to fasten ” upon others .

THE DOG AND THE OYSTER .

e n saw A DOG , used to ati g eggs , an Oyster ; and

n opening his mouth to its widest exte t , swallowed it

down with the utmost relish , supposing it to be an

f in egg . Soon afterwards su fering great pain his “ stomach , he said , I deserve all this torment , for my folly in thinking that everything round must be an egg . fi They who act without suf cient thought , will often

fall into unsuspected danger .

THE FLEA AND THE MAN .

A MAN , very much annoyed with a Flea . caught him “ are at last , and said , Who you who dare to feed on

s my limbs , and to co t me so much trouble in catch ?” “ e sir ing you The Flea repli d , O my dear , pray

e e spar my life , and d stroy me not , for I cannot pos ibl s . Man y do you much harm The , laughing , re “ e N ow shal l e t pli d , you c r ainly die by mine own

e e be s e hands , for no vil , wheth r it mall or larg , ” ought to be tolerated , THE ASS AND THE CHARGER .

A N Ass congratulated a Horse on being s o un grudg

in l and carefully p ovided for, while he himself g y r a had scarcely enough to eat , nor even th t without hard work . But when war broke out , and the heavy

m outed armed soldier the Horse , and riding him to the charge , rushed into the very midst of the enemy ,

'

and the Horse , being wounded , fell dead on the

- fi el d e battle ; then the Ass , seeing all th se things ,

an d e changed his mind . commiserat d the Horse . 238 THE FABLES OF E SOP .

P P . THE LION , JU ITER, AND THE ELE HANT

T HE LION wearied Jupiter with his frequent com

e " a plaints . It is tru , he said , O Jupiter th t I am

n in an d giga tic strength , handsome in shape, power f ul ‘ in attack . I have jaws well provided with teeth ,

and feet furnished with claws , and I lord it over all

e the b asts of the forest ; and what a disgrace it is ,

n am that bei g such as I , I should be frightened by ” “ the crowing of a cock . Jupiter replied , Why do you blame me without a cause ? I have giv en you l all the attributes which I possess myse f, and your ” courage neve r fails you except in this on e instance . a On this the Lion groaned and l mented very much , an d reproached himself with his cowardice, and s wished that he might die . As the e thoughts passed

r m et e th ough his mind , he an Elephant , and cam

e near to hold a conversation with him . Aft r a time he observed that the Elephant shook his ears very w a often , and he inquired h t was the matter, and w hy his ears moved with such a tremor every now

e and th en . Just at that moment a Gnat s ttled on “ th e head of the Elephant , and he replied , Do you

see t tha l ittle buzzing insect ? If it enters my ear, ” m y fate is sealed . I should die presently . The

“ e e Lion said , W ll , since so hug a beast is afraid of m m a tiny gnat , I will no more co plain , nor wish y

e ea fi n d e s l f d d . I myself , even as I am , bett r off

the e a e than El ph nt , in that very sam degree , that a ” c is e e Co k gr at r than a Gnat .

240 L ACS OP THE FAB ES OF .

T HE MA N A ND THE RICH TANNER .

an n A RICH man lived near a T er , and not being able

- h to bear the unpleasant smell of the tan yard , e

pressed his neighbor to go away . The Tanne r put

off his departure from time to time , saying that he

n would remove soon . But as he still conti ued to

w m an stay , it came to pass , as time ent on , the rich

m to e n became accusto ed the smell , and fe li g no

f e manner o inconvenience, mad no further com

plaints .

THE MULES AND THE ROBBERS .

TWO MU L ES well laden with packs were trudgi n g

i n n th e along .\ One carr ed pa iers filled with money ,

other sacks weighted with grain . The Mule carry

in c on g the treasure walked with head erect , as if

scious of the value of his burden , and tossed up and

e down the clear toned b lls fastened to his neck . His

companion followed with quiet and easy step . All

on a sudden Robbers rushed from their hiding - places

f e upon them , and in the scu fle with their own rs , wound ed with a sword the Mule carrying the treas

e ure , which they greedily seized upon , while th y

h Th e had took no noti c e of t e grain . Mule which

hi s e de e e s . been robb d and woun d , b wail d misfortune “ e e ee was T h e o ther r pli d , I am ind d glad that I

o e o f f o r I e s n am th ught so li ttl , hav lo t othing , nor

I hurt with any wou n d . THE VIPER AND THE FILE .

A VIPER entering the workshop of a smith , sought from the tools the means of satisfying his hunger .

He more particularly addressed himself to a File .

e re and asked of him the favor of a meal . The Fil

- n plied , You must indeed be a simple mi ded fellow

wh o if you expect to get anything from me , am

o v to accust med to take from every one, and ne er ” give anything in return .

The covetous are poor givers . 242 T HE L OF IE SOP FAB ES .

THE LION AND THE SHEP HERD .

A m n th n LION , roa i g rough a forest , trod upon a thor ,

p and soon after came up towards a She herd , and

him n fawned upon , waggi g his tail , as if he would “ d ” n an . say , I am a supplia t , seek your aid The

n an d e e Shepherd boldly exami ed , discov r d the thorn ,

e it and placing his foot upon his lap , pull d out and

e th e n e th e r lieved Lion of his pai , who r turned into

th e e im forest . Some time after , Sh pherd being “ n e o n n n priso d a false accusatio , is condem ed to be ” n n cast to the Lio s , as the punishme t of his imputed

n on e n crime . The Lio , b i g released from his cage , him recognizes the Shepherd as the man who healed ,

an d h , instead of attacking him , approac es and places

n n his foot upo his lap . The Ki g , as soon as he heard

e n the tale , order d the Lion to be set free agai in the

forest , and the Shepherd to be pardoned and restored

to his friends .

P THE CAMEL AND JU ITER .

E saw T H Camel , when he the Bull adorned with

e e s e horns , nvi d him , and wi hed that he hims lf could

m He e sae . obtain the honors w nt to Jupiter , and

e b sought him to give him horns . Jupiter, vexed at

s he was s e s his reque t , because not sati fi d with hi

s e an d s e o f e e et e iz tr ngth body , and d sir d y mor , not

n e se to e s but e e o ly r fu d giv him horn , v n deprived

h is e him of a portion of ars ,

Z 244 L OE . ES OP THE FAB ES .

“ h returned the Kite , I am much stronger t an you ” “ are . Why , are you able to secure the means of ” “ ? n living by your plunder Well , I have ofte caught ” in n and carried away an ostrich my talo s . The d Eagle , persua ed by these words accepted him as

th e her mate . Shortly after nuptials the Eagle said ,

n Fly off , and bri g me back the ostrich you prom m ” e. ised The Kite , soaring aloft into the air ,

brought back the shabbiest possible mouse , and stinking from the length of time it had lai n about “ s” “ the fields Is thi , said the Eagle , the faithful ? ” fulfilment of your promise to me The Kite replied , “ That I might attain to your royal hand , there is

nothing that I would not have promised , however ” much I knew that I must fail in the performance .

THE EAGLE AND HIS CAPTOR .

A N L e e EAG E was onc captur d by a man , who at once him clipped his wings , and put into his poultry yard with the other birds ; at which treatment the Eagle

was weighed down with grief. Another neighbor

f e having purchased him , su f red his feathers to grow

e again . The Eagl took flight , and pouncing upon a hare brought itat once as an off erin g to h is bene

n factor . A Fox , seei g this , exclaimed , Do not

e the m an propitiat favor of this , but of your former

e h e s own r , lest hould again hunt for you , and de

e e e priv you a s cond tim of your wings . ’ THE KING S SON AND THE PAINTED LION .

l ex er A KING who had one only son , fond of martia w cises , had a dream in hich he was warned that his son would be killed by a lion . Afraid lest the dream

l h his as t shou d prove true , e built for son a ple an palace , and adorned its walls for his amusement i with all kinds of animals of the size of l fe , among w which as the picture of a lion . When the young P f rince saw this , his grie at being thus confined

n n a burst out afresh , and standi g e r the lion , he thus spoke : 0 you most detestable of animals "through m ’ h a lying dream of y father s , w ich he saw in his

r sleep , I am shut up on your accou t in this palace as HE L F JE P 246 T FAB ES O SO .

?” if I had been a girl : what shal l I n ow do to you With these words b e stretched out his hands to ward

n e e a thor tr e , meaning to cut a stick from its branch s

' n that he might beat the lion , whe one of its sharp

r n prickles pierced his inger, and caused great pai

m n P n and inflam ation , so that the you g ri ce fell

n down in a fainting fit . A viole t fever suddenly set

e n . in , from which he di d not ma y days after

We had bett er hear our troubles bravely than try to escape them .

THE CA T AND VENUS .

OA T A fell in love with a handsome young man , and e n treated Venus that she would change her into the

n form of a woman . Venus conse ted to her request ,

e n t and transform d her i to a beau iful damsel , so that

saw h er h er the youth , and loved , and took her home

e as his bride . While they were reclining in th ir

e in chamb r , Venus , wishing to discover if the Cat h er change of shape had also altered her habits of

e us . lif , let down a mo e in the middle of the room

S he e t n e , quite forg t i g her present condition , start d

s s s up from the couch , and pur ued the mou e , wi hing a u e t . e e to it V n s , much disappointed . again caus d h e r to e r her e s r tu n to form r hape .

e e c e s e Natur x e d nurtur .

248 A L or ACS OP THE F B ES .

THE BALD MAN AND THE FLY .

F LY Man A bit the bare head of a Bald , who endea

n vori g to destroy it , gave himself a heavy slap .

e Th n said the Fly mockingly , You who have

n a wished to revenge , eve with death , the prick of

n n e ti y i sect , what will you do to yourself , who hav ” “ n ? I added i sult to injury The Bald Man replied ,

n can easily make peace with myself , because I k ow there was no intention to hurt . But you , an ill

n in favored and contemptible i sect , who delight

e sucking human blood , I wish that I could hav kill ed if ” you , even I had incurred a heavier penalty .

THE SHIPWRECKED MAN AND THE SEA .

n A SHIPWRECKED Man , having bee cast upon a cer f tain shore , slept after his bu fetings with the deep .

h e n After a while waking up , when looked upo the seab e e e n m en , load d it with reproaches that , ntici g

th e m es s n e wi th cal n s of its look , when it had i duc d

e its e e d e th m to plough wat rs , it gr w rough and s tro e d t e e Th e Sea y h m utt rly . , assuming the form o f o e e h im e m e m a w man , r pli d to Blam not . y

o o th e n e g d sir , but wi ds , for I am by my own natur as calm and fi rm ev en as this earth ; but th e wi n d s

n o n m e o n sudde t ese an d falli g a n , crea e th waves , " s m e n o u la h i t f ry . THE BUFFOON AND THE COUNTRYMAN .

A RICH nobleman once opened the theatres without charge to the people , and gave a public notice that he would handsomely reward any person who should w invent a n e amusement for the oc casion . Various public performers contended for the prize . Among

' them came a B ufi oon well known amon g the p op u

n lace for his jokes , and said that he had a ki d of entertainment which had never been brought out on any stage before . This report being spread about

was made a great stir in the place , and the theatre

' e B ufl oon crowded in very part . The appeared alone w upon the boards , ithout any apparatus or confed 250 L jE S OP THE FAB ES OF .

erates e sen e , and the v ry se of exp ctation caused an

' n T h e B ufl oon en inte se silence . sudd ly bent his

e u n head towards his bosom , and imitat d the sq eaki g m of a little pig so ad irably with his voice , that the audience declared that he had a porker u n d er his

cloak , and demanded that it should be shaken out .

When that was done , and yet nothing was found , the they cheered the actor , and loaded him with

s . ob loude t applause A Countryman in the crowd , “ n t So servi g all tha had passed , said , help me , Her "” cules , he shall not beat me at that trick and at o n ce proclaimed that he would do the same thin g on th e . next day , though in a much more natural way On the morrow a still larger crowd assembled in the theatre ; but now partiality for their favorite actor

an d very generally prevailed , the audience came rather to ridicule the Countryman than to see the

o e a spectacle . B th of the performers , howev r, p

r n p eaed o the stage . The Buffoon grunted and s ue e n d q ak d very fast , and obtai ed , as on the prece i n da an d s g y , the applause cheers of the spectator .

t th e u d e Nex Co ntryman commence , and pret nding that he c onc eal ed a little pig beneath his cloth e s

he the (which in truth did , but not suspected of

d e e au i nc ) contrived to lay hold of and to pull his car ,

e he be an e s wh n g to squ ak , and to expre s in his pain the c r f h e d e o t . actual y pig The crow , howev r, cri ed out with o n e c o n se n t that the Bu ffoon had

i e e e g v n a far mor xact imitati on , and clamored for

25 z 2 L . s P THE FAB ES OF so .

- - THE OLIVE TREE AND THE FIG TREE .

THE - - e Olive tree ridiculed the Fig tree becaus , while

- she was green all the year round, the Fig tree

th e e changed its leaves with seasons . A show r of l snow fel upon them , and , finding the Olive full of

foliage , it settled upon its branches , and , breaking

them down with its weight , at once despoiled it of

its beauty and killed the tree ; but finding the Fig

tree denuded of leaves , it fell through to the ground ,

and did not injure it at all .

’ THE FROGS COMPLAINT AGAINST THE SUN .

e ONCE upon a time , when the Sun announc d his

intention to take a wife , the Frogs lifted up their

voices in clamor to the sky . Jupiter , disturbed by

th e c reakin noise of their g , inquired the cause of

e n ow th ir complaint . One of them said , The Sun ,

w n hile he is si gle , parches up the marsh , and com p o l s us to die miserably in our arid homes ; what will be our future condition if he should beget other ” sun s r THE MOUSE , THE FROG , AND THE HAWK .

on un A MOUSE who always lived the land , by an lucky chance formed an intimate acquai n tan ce with

s a Frog , who lived for the mo t part in the water .

n m c e n The Frog , one day i tent on is hi f, bou d the w foot of the Mouse tightly to his o n . Thus joined

together, the Frog first of all led his friend the Mouse to the meadow where they w ere accustomed i to find their food . After th s , he gradually led him

h e toward the pool in which he lived , until reached

the very brink , when suddenly jumping in he

n dragged the Mouse in with him . The Frog e joyed

c reakin the water amazingly , and swam g about , as

if he had done a meritorious action . The unhappy

ff e his Mouse was soon su ocated with the wat r, and

to dead body floated about on the surface , tied the

un o t . a e o c foot f he Frog A H wk observ d it , and , p 2 54. L r THE FAB ES o JE SOP .

h ing upon it with his talons , carried it up aloft . T e

‘ Frog being still fastened to the leg of the Mouse ,

was also carried off a prisoner , and was eaten by

the Hawk .

Harm hatch , harm catch .

ZETHI P THE O .

T HE purchaser of a black servant was persuaded that the color of his skin arose from dirt contracted through the neglect of his former masters . On bring ing him home he resorted to every means of clean

n ing , and subjected him to incessant scrubbi gs . He caught a severe cold , but he never changed his color or complexion .

’ What s bred in the bone will stick to the flesh .

A THE FISHERM N AND HIS NETS .

e A FISHERMAN , ngaged in his calling , made a very successful cast , and captured a great haul of fish . He m anaged by a skilful handling of his net to re

th e e w e th e tain all larg fish , and to dra th m to shore ; but h e could not prevent the sm al l er fi sh from falling back through the m eshes of the n et into the sea .

56 LE z 2 . E s r THE FAB S OF o .

“ was while he doing, he entered into this reflection How man y greedy epicures would think them s a selves happy , amid t such variety of delicate n o " e v iands as I w carry But to me , this bitt r , prickly Thistle is more savory an d relishing than ” e the most exquisit and sumptuous banquet .

’ Every to his taste : one man s meat is another ’ ’ ’ man s poison , and one man s poison is another man s meat .

K THE COO AND THE FOX .

’ THE Fox , passing early one summer s morning near s rin s th e a farm yard , was caught in a p g , which n k e . oo farmer had pla t d there for that end The C , s n saw an d at a di ta ce , what happened , , hardly yet darmg to trust himself too near so dangerous a foe , h im approached cautiously , and peeped at him , not m n without so e horror and dread of mi d . Reynard n e e e no soo r p rceived it , but he addressed hims lf to n e him , with all the designi g artifice imaginabl . see an un f o rtu Dear cousin , says he , you what n e n nate accide t has befallen me h re , and all upo e n your account for, as I was cre pi g through yon d r e wa e h dge , in my y homeward , I heard you crow, and was resolved to ask you h o w you did b e fore I e went any furth r but , by the way , I met with this disaste r; and th erefore n ow I must become an hum ble suitor to you for a k n ife to cut this plaguy string ; at e o u or , l ast , that y would conceal my misfortune , ” e n wed e till I hav k a it asund r with my teeth . The c ee th e c s m d e but Co k , s ing how a e stood , a e no r ply , te as s as h e an d e pos d away fa t could , gav the farm L o r msor 25 THE FAB ES . 7 a er an account of the whole matter ; who , taking an d th e good weapon along with him , came did ’ e e Fox s business , before he could have tim to contriv his escape . It is the duty of humanity to succor the un f ortu nate and the troubled ; but to aid the vicious and the

- ui evil minded is to become a partner in their g lt .

THE FROG AND THE FOX .

l tai th e A FROG , leaping out of the ake , and k ng e n advantage of a rising ground , mad proclamatio to was an all the beasts of the forest , that he able phy sician e e , and , for curing all mann r of distemp rs , s dis would turn his back to no person living . Thi s e e in e m e s cour e , utt r d a parc l of hard , cra p d word , n e th e e s s m e which nobody u derstood , mad b a t ad ir

e n to n h e . his l arni g , and give credit everythi g said

At last the Fox , who was present , with indignation h ow asked him , he could have the impudence , with

n - an d those thin lanter jaws , that meagre , pale phiz , e blotched , spott d body , to set up for one who was in fi rm ities able to cure the of others . P ” hysician heal thyself .

THE FOX IN THE WELL .

F ox i A , having fallen into a Well , made a sh ft , by n n th e e sticki g his claws i to sides , to keep his h ad \V e . o l f above wat r Soon after , a came and peeped Z L r . E r 258 THE FAB ES o so . over the brink ; to whom the Fox applied him self v e ry earnestly for assistan ce entreating that he e n n would h lp him to a rope , or somethi g of that ki d , e which might favor his escap . The Wolf, moved with compassion at his misfortune , could not forbear ” n e expressing his co cern “Ah poor R ynard , says he , I am sorry for you with all my heart ; how could you possibly come into this melancholy condi “ ” “ e tion Nay , prithee , fri nd , replies the Fox , if ou y wish me well , do not stand pitying of me , but len d me some succor as fast as you can for pity is but cold comfort when one is up to the chin in wat ’ er n , and within a hair s breadth of starvi g or drown ” ing .

A grain of help is worth a bushel of pity .

THE FOWLER AND THE RINGDOVE .

L s A FOW ER took his gun , and went into the wood e e n th e a shooting . He spi d a Ringdov amo g e an d en e branch s of an oak , int d d to kill it . He h an d aim clapped t e pi ece to his shoulder , took his n B ut us n accordi gly . , j t as he was goi g to pull the e h e th e trigg r , an adder , which had trod upon under s s h im n th e was gra s , tung so pai fully i n leg , that he e e n forc d to quit his d sig , and threw his gun down i n s n T he e h is a pas io . poison immediat ly infected

o h is e bl od , and whol body began to mortify which , e b e e e e h e n o t e wh n p rc iv d , could h lp owning it to ” “ be e he u d e just . Fat , says , has bro ght struction U p o n me while I was contriving the death of ” n a oth e r.

260 L JESOP THE FAB ES OF .

THE THE HORSE AND LOADED ASS .

n AN idle Horse , and an Ass labori g under a heavy u d n b r e , were travelling the road together ; they n d e both belo ge to a country f llow , who trudged it on A . s foot by them The s, ready to faint under his n e s t an d heavy load , e tr ated the Horse to a sis him , n lighte his burden , by taking some of it upon his

- back . The Horse was ill natured and refused to do it ; upon which the poor Ass tumbled down in th e th e i an d an n midst of h ghway , expired in insta t.

n n - e The countryma u girded his pack saddle , and tri d e several ways to reliev him , but all to no purpose ; n h e which , whe perceived , he took the whole bur den , and laid it upon the Horse , together with the skin of the dead Ass so that the Horse , by his n n morose ess in refusing to do a small ki dness , justly brought upon himself a great inconvenience . Sel fi sh n ess often prepares a burden as well as a own rod for its back .

THE PEACOCK AND THE MAGPIE .

THE birds met together upon a time to choose a P e king ; and the acock standing candidate , display d h is e e gaudy pl umes , and caught the ey s of the e silly multitud e wi th the richn ess of his feath rs . he m t e an d T ajori y d clared for him , clapped their e e wi n gs with gr at applaus ; but , just as they were n h im th e e e goi g to proclaim , Magpi stepp d forth in e s the e esse m th mid t of ass mbly , and addr d hi self thus to the n e w king May itplease your majesty E F‘ 61 TH FABLES O IES OP . elect to permit one of your unworthy subjects to represent to you his suspicions and apprehensions , e in the face of this whole congr gation , we have n w e our li s chosen you for our ki g , have put ve and e n e fortun s into your ha ds , and our whol hope and e n e e the e d pende ce is upon you ; if th r fore eagl , or e e the vulture , or the kit , should at any time mak a is descent upon us , as it highly probable they will , may your majesty be so gracious as to dispel our an d e t t e l et fears , cl ar our doubts about ha matt r , by ti n g us know h ow you intend to de fend us again st them This pithy unan swerable question dre w t e the whole audience in o so j ust a reflection , that th y w soon resolved to proceed to a n e choice . But , from the P en e that time , eacock has be look d upon as a e an d e e vain , insignificant pretend r , the Magpie ste m ed as emi n e n t as aspeaker as any among the whole n s commu i ty of bird .

n A king chose for his adornments , will bring his people to shame .

THE KITE AND THE PIGEONS .

e in A KITE , who had k pt sailing th e air for many

- e days near a dove house , and made a stoop at s veral P e n but e e ig o s , all to no purpos , (for they w re too e nimbl for him , ) at last had recourse to stratagem , and took his opportunity on e day to make a d eclara h e an d tion to t m , in which he set forth his own j ust n n good intentions , who had othi g more at h eart than the defence an d protection of th e P igeons in n e h w their a ci nt rights and liberties , and o concerned 262 L JES OP THE FAB ES OF . he was at their fears an d j ealousi es of a foreign ia v asion e e n u an d n e e , esp cially th ir u j st u r asonabl m e n n e e suspicions of hi s lf, as if he i te d d , by forc of in n n an d e e arms , to break upon their co stitutio , r ct n n e en a tyran ical governme t over them . To pr v t all an d which , thoroughly quiet their minds , he thought proper to propose to them such term s of allian ce an d articles of peac e as might forever c ement a good un d erstan d in g bet wee n th em ; the pri n cipal of which e e n was , that th y should acc pt of him for their ki g , an d i n v est him with all ki n gly privilege an d p rerog m m e P n n ative over the . The poor si pl igeons co se t ed ; the Kite took th e coro n ation oath after a very an d solemn manner , on his part , the Doves , the o e n an d e aths of all gia ce fidelity , on th irs . But e e much time had not pass d over their heads , befor the good Kite pretended that it was part of his pre e P n n e b e d rogative to d vour a igeo whe ver please . e e And this he was not cont nt d to do himself only , but instructed the rest of the royal family in th e n n Th e P r n . e same ki gly arts of gover me t igeons , du d e e n on th e ce to this mis rabl co dition , said e to “ e "w e " w e oth r , Ah deserve no better Why did l et him come in ?

Men should look before they leap . A too ready loyalty often leads to peril .

THE SWALLOW AND OTHER BIRDS .

E R w as h is e t T he A FARM sowing fi ld wi h flax .

w o se e it an d d es e the d s to Swallo b rv d , ir d other Bir

h e r in c the see es assist pi king d up and d troying it ,

Z 264 L OF . E P THE FAB ES SO .

e n ot ee and know no better , or els you would do it . S what a happy life I lead I go ju st wh ere I please sometimes I lie down under the cool shade ; som e m e th e en n n ti s frisk about in op su shi e ; and , when e I pl ase , slake my thirst in the clear sweet brook

but you , if you were to perish , have not so much as ” n ot a little dirty water to refresh you . The Ox , at al l w e e an d m moved ith what he said , w nt qui tly cal l on in n un y with his work ; and , the eve ing was h e aw yok ed and turned loose . Soon after which s e th e the calf tak n out of field , and delivered into the m th e hands of a priest , who im ediately led him to

e e . altar , and prepar d to sacrific him His head was n e e th e hu g round with fill ts of flow rs , and fatal n n e k ife was just goi g to be appli d to his throat , when the Ox drew near an d whispered him to thi s “ purpose B ehold the en d of your insole n ce an d arrogan c e it was for this o n ly you were suffe red to e n ow liv at all ; and pray , friend , whose condition is ” es n ? b t , yours or mi e

n n Boastful idle ess ofte comes to grief.

THE HUSBANDMAN AND THE STORK .

T HE Hu sbandman pitch ed a n et in h is fi eld s to take the cran es and geese which cam e to feed upon the

- n w n n . n h e e e e sow cor Accordi gly took s v ral , both c n e s ees e n e ra and g ; and amo g th m a Stork , who e e e pl ad d hard for his lif , and , among oth e r apolo

e s h e de e h e gi which ma , alleg d , that was n ei th e r c n e but s goose nor ra , a poor harmle s Stork , who pe rform ed h is duty to his parents to all i n tents an d s e e e a purpo es , f eding them when th y wer old , and , s P 265 THE FAB LES OF ABSO . occasion required carryi n g them from plac e to place

s be r e e e th e upo n hi back . All this may t u , r pli d

Husbandman but , as I have taken you in bad m in the s e e co pany , and same crime , you mu t xp ct ” h e to suff e r t e sam punishment . Howev er good a man may be he cannot afford to mix with evil companions .

THE HORSE AND THE LION .

n e A LION seei g a fine plump Nag , had a gr at mind n e n o t et to eat a bit of him . but k w which way to g h is h e e e him into power . At last b thought hims lf of this contriva n ce he gave out that h e w as a physi wh o e e eian , , having gained xperience by his t rav ls e e into for ign countries , had made hims lf capable of curi n g any sort of malady or distem per i n cid e n t to e e m any kind of b ast , hoping by this stratag to get an a e e an d fi n d o e sier admittanc among cattl . an p rtun it e n he se o e . T p y to ex cute his d sig Hor , who e e e be e v e smoked the matt r , was r solv d to n with be su e him and , so humoring the thing as if spect d th e v nothing , he prayed Lion to give him his ad ice

“ in e h e in r lation to a thorn had got his foot , which an d e e n had quite lamed him , gav him gr at pai and e Th e e e e . e uneasin ss Lion r adily agre d , and d sir d h e m n th e e e ight see the foot . Upo which Hors lift d u on e th e e en p of his hind legs , and , while Lion pr t d n n s n ed to be pori g ear e tly upo his hoof , gave him th e e s n him an d such a kick in face as quit tu ned , n n un e n left him sprawli g upo the gro d . In the m a n e n time the Horse trotted away , ighi g and laugh th e b ing merrily at success of the trick , y which he 266 LE or JE P THE FAB S SO . had defeated th e purpose of on e who intended to e h im h is have trick d out of life .

are en m The sharpest tricksters oft over atched . ” The e n gineer gets hoist with his own petard .

P CU ID AND DEATH .

m ’ CUPID , one sultry su mer s noon , tired with play , an d n n n e s e fai t with heat , we t i to a cool grotto to r po

e e . hims lf , which happened to be the cav of Death He e e an d threw hims lf car lessly down on the floor ,

e n n - th e e his quiv r tur i g topsy turvy , all arrows f ll o ut an d , mingled with those of Death , which lay an d n en scattered up dow the plac e . Wh he awoke h e as u e egathered th m up as well he co ld , but th y e n e n th e cer w e re so int rmi gl d that , though he k ew s n tain number , he could not rightly di ti gui sh them ; from which it happen ed that h e took up some of th e n e an d e arrows which belo ged to D ath , l ft several of e s th e his ow n in th e room of th m . Thi is cause that w e e see th e e s th e an d d e , now and th n , h art of old c re p it tran sfix ed with the bolts of love ; and with equal gri ef an d surpri se behold th e youthful bloom ing part of our speci es smitt en with the darts of

D e ath . Cupid ’ s arrows are as perilous as they are capri i us c o .

HI THE OLD MAN AND S SONS .

an n n s e te A N Old M had ma y So , who w re of n fallin g

o o n o e n th e e e e t utwith e an ther . Wh Fath r had x r s t e m e n s o de ed hi authori ty , and used o h r a in r r to

268 T HE L OF JES P FAB ES O .

” out of your skin for fear ? What you observe e e n ot is tru , r plied the Stag , though I know how n am n ee an d to accou t for it I i d d vigorous , able n e e enough , I thi k , to make my party good anywh r , and often resolve with m y self that nothi n g shall e v " er dismay my courage for the future but , alas I no sooner hear the voice of a hound but my spiri ts an d n n t off ev fail me , I ca o help making as fast as

er my legs can carry me .

Th e greatest braggarts are generally the most ah j cet cowards

H THE HAWK AND T E FARMER .

A HAWK , pursuing a pigeon over a corn field with e e n an d n n et gr at eag r ess force , threw himself i to a which a husban dm an had planted there to take the c rew s n n who bei g employed not far off , and seei g e a the Hawk flutt ring in the net , c me and took him ; s h e n be but , ju t as was goi g to kill him , the Hawk h im sought him to let him go , assuring that he was n e n o r only following a pigeon , and neither i tend d th e e had done any harm to him . To whom Farm r

replied , And what harm had the poor pigeon done to you Upon which he wrung his head off imme d iatel y . Oppre ssors are never short of excuses for their v c il d esigns .

THE NURSE AND THE WOLF .

E who was e n d e e d A NURS , avoring to qui t a frowar , d e t e s bawling chil , among oth r a t mpt , threaten ed to F A B LE s ABSOP 260 THE OF .

th e throw it out of doors to Wolf, if it did not leave off crying . A Wolf, who chanced to be prowling e e n ar the door just at that time , h ard the expres s be ion , and , believing the woman to in earnest , waited a long while about the house in expec tation s e th e of e ing her words made good . But at last

e e child , wearied with its own importuniti s , f ll e c asle p , and the poor Wolf was forc ed to return ba k t to the woods empty and supperless . The fox mee h i m so ing him , and surprised to see m going ho e e s th e t thin and disconsolat , a ked him what mat er h o w e e e t n was , and he cam to spe d no bett r hat ight ; ” Ah do not ask me , says he ; I was so silly as to believe what the Nurse said , and have been dis ” appointed . Even Wolves are sometimes too trustful

THE SATYR AND TRAVELER .

was n th e e A SATYR , as he ra ging forest in an xceed n s m et e e ing cold , s owy sea on , with a Trav l r half e He starved with the extremity of the weath r . took an d compassion on him , kindly invited him home to a warm comforta ble cave h e had in th e hollow of a an d . e t ere , rock As soon as they an d sat down not withstanding there was good fire in the place , the ’ chilly Traveler could not forbear blowi n g h is finge rs th e s n ends . Upon Satyr aski g him why he did so ,

h e n . he answered , that did it to warm his ha ds The n n ad honest sylvan hav i g see littl e of the world , mired am an who was master of so valuable a qual ~ an d e e e re ity as that of blowing heat , th r for was e o e i tm n e solv d t ntertain h m in the bes a n r he could , z L . s sor 27 0 THE FAB ES OF .

He spread the table before him with dried fruits of several sorts ; an d produced a remnant of cold cor n dial wi e , which , as the rigor of the season made in very proper , he mulled with some warm spices , an d fused over the fire , presented to his shivering e guest . But this the traveler thought to blow lik ’ wise and upon the Satyr s deman di n g a reason why he blowed again , he replied , to cool his dish . This ’ second answer provoked the Satyr s indignation as : n much as the first had kindled his surprise so , taki g him the man by the shoulder, he thrust out of doors , h saying, he would have nothing to do with a wretc who had so vile a quality as to blow hot and cold m n th with the same o . The mean est of men is he who combines in him fl tterer self the a and the slanderer.

THE ENVIOUS MAN AND THE COVETOUS .

A N Envious Man happened to be offering up his prayers to Jupiter j ust in the time and place with a covetous miserable fellow . Jupiter , not caring to be m h im sel f troubled with thei r i pertinences , sen tApollo i to exam ne the merits of their petitions , and to giv e them such relief as he should think proper . Apollo e ther fore opened his commission , and withal told e th m that , to make short of the matter, whatever th e e e one asked the oth r should have it doubl . U p th c e on this , Cov tous Man , though h e had a thousand

e tf orebo re s things to request , y to ask fir t , hopi n g to re ce ive a doubl e quantity for he c o n cl uded that all ’ e s h is m n s wishes ympathized with . By this means

2 7 2 THE FABLE S OF a with a great de l of ease but the Stork , who could Of w as but just dip in the point his bill , not a bit

: e f ew better all the while how ver , in a days after , e n an d n he r turned the complime t , i vited the Fox ; but suffered n othi n g to be brought to the table but m so e minced meat in a glass j ar , the neck of which n was so deep and so arrow , that , though the Stork n m e with his lo g bill ad a shift to fill his belly , all b n that the Fox , who was very u gy , could do , was to th e e lick the brims , as Stork slabbered th m with his e n e e ating . Rey ard was h artily vex d at first , but , e e in en uousl wh n he came to take his leave , own d g y , b e e e that he had e n us d as he d served , and that he ' n an th reatm en t had no reaso to take y ill , of which e himself had set the xample . The Fox may be full of cunning but the Stork is a match for him .

- THE BEAR AND THE BEE HIVES .

E n en n A B AR , climbi g over the f ce i to a place where e e e e e th e Be s w re k pt , b gan to plund r Hives , and rob h th e ee e th e m e . the of t i r honey But B s , to r venge n y e i in i jur . attack d l im a whole swarm together ; n o t e e e and , though they were abl to pierc his rugg d

e et e n s hid , y , with their littl sti g , they so annoyed e an d s u his yes nostril , that , nable to endure the n e smarting pain , with impatie c he tore the skin o v e r h is s h is c l am e ar with own aws , and suffered p l e pu n ishm ent for the i n jury h e d id the B ees in e c e s breaki n g ope n th ir wax en ll .

Ill - n s ain s gotte gain bring many p , z r . E o r 2 7 3 THE FABL ES o s .

THE EAGLE AND THE CROW .

A N Eagle flew down from the top of a high rock , and settled upon the back of a lamb ; and the n in statl n n his e n n y flyi g up into the air agai , bore bl ati g e n an priz e aloft in his pounc s . A Crow who sat upo l m e e e , and beheld the exploit , r solved to imitat it ram so flying down upon the back of a , and entang C h e e t ling his laws in the wool , f ll a cha tering and attempting to fly by which means h e dre w th e o h e h is s r v ation of the shepherd upon him , who find ing ee e ee e th e e as il v f t hamper d in the fl c of ram , took s e an d him , and gave him to his boy for th ir sport diversion .

It is not always safe to imitate a bad example .

P THE DOG AND THE SHEE .

T HE th e e the Dog sued She p for debt , of which h b e e u t e e . kite and wolf were to judg s Th y , witho t th e m n an sc ru debating long upon matter . or aki g y n n n e th e ple for wa t of e v ide ce . gave sente c for plai n tiff ; who imm ediately tore the poor Sh e ep in u es pieces , and divided the spoil with the unj st judg . Justic e can only be obtained by an appeal to . righteous j udges .

THE YOUNG MAN AND THE SWALLOW .

L n en h is A PRODIGA you g sp dthrift , who had wasted w m n in s an d n - use hole patri o y tavern gami g ho s, 27 4 L .E sor THE FAB ES OF .

n m e among lewd , idle compa y, was taking a lan e in n ch ly walk near a brook . It was the mo th of Jan uary ; an d happened to be o n e of those warm su n shi n y days which som etim es sm ile upon us ev en in that wi n terly season of the y e ar an d to mak e i t th e e h ad m d h is more flatt ring , a Swallow , which a e e n m n flew n app ara ce , by istake , too soo , skimmi g n n h e e T h e d alo g upo t surfac of the water . gid y n th is with outan r n s Youth observi g , y farthe co idera n e n ow an d tio , conclud d that summer was come , n o s that he should have little or occasion for clothe , ’ en e m an d so he w t and pawn d the at the broker s , e th e o n e e n h is v ntured money for stake mor , amo g n e n th e sharpi g companions . Wh n this too was go e wa n e same y with the rest , he took a oth r solitary e walk in the same place as before . But the weath r e n n b i g severe and frosty , had made everythi g look with an aspect very diffe rent from what it did be e O fore the brook was quit frozen ver , and the poor Swallow ‘ lay dead upon the bank of it ; the v ery ’ sight of which cooled the young Spark s brai n s ; an d m n e co i g to a sense of his misery , he r proached the d ec eased bird as the author of all his mi s fortunes : “ h e Ah , wretch that thou wert says , thou hast n e an d was u done both thys lf me . who so credulous

a e e . s to d pend upon th e The sp en dthrift blames everybody but hims elf for e his pov rty .

THE WOOD AND THE CLOWN .

e e o n e da n the A COUNTRY F llow cam y i to wood , and look e d abo ut him with som e c oncer n ; upon

27 6 L or JE SOP THE FAB ES . strength an d courage enough to wound so m ighty an d e s th e e valorous a b a t Ah says Tig r , I was mi staken in my reckoni n g it was that in v in ci ” m an ble yonder .

i s e It n ver wise to be to boastful . There is always s n ome vul erable point in the strongest armor .

P JU ITER AND THE CAMEL .

esen e an THE Camel pr ted a petition to Jupit r , compl i i n th e a s n g of h rd hip of his case in not havi g , like an d e an n bulls other cr atures , horns , or y weapo s of e en e to e h is d f c , protect hims lf from the attacks of em an d e en ies , praying that r lief might be given him in u m n e n s ch an er as might be thought most exp die t , Jupiter could not h elp smili n g at the im perti n en t e s e addr s of the great silly beast , but , however , r ject ed th e n an d petitio ; told him that , so far from grant in h is s e e en e h e g unrea onabl requ st , h c forward e e e s e would tak car his ars should be hort ned , as a m n e s n punish e t for his pr sumptuou importu ity . Di ssati sfaction tends to diminish the value of e sses pres nt po sions .

THE WIND AND THE SUN .

A m s P U 'rE o n c e aro s e b etwixt the north Wind and the un o e o f e e S , ab ut the sup riority th i r pow r ; and t e a e e to e s e n e h y gr d try th ir tr gth upon a trav ler,

o s s wh i c h sh uld be abl e to ge t hi c loak off fi r t . The n d b e n e e b s ac nor th Wi ga , and bl w a v ry cold la t, THE FABLES OF 27 7

s n s . com pani ed with a harp dri v i g hower But this , an d e e e se h e d o s te n what v r l could , in ad of maki g e t th e man quit his cloak , oblig d him to gird it abou th e his body as close as possible . Next came Sun ; a v e who , breaking out from thick watery cl oud , dro h sk an d e away t e cold vapors for the y, dart d his warm sultry rays upon the head of the poor w eath

r- e man n n th e e b aten traveler . The growi g fai t with u e s heat , and unable to end r it any longer , first throw ff n e n o his heavy cloak , and the fli s for protectio to e the s hade of a n ighboring grove . Extremes are always dangerous a medium course is always most to be desired .

THE OLD WOMAN AND HER MAIDS .

e A CERTAIN Old Woman had sev ral Maids , whom she e e used to call up to th ir work , very morning , at n T h e n e n the crowi g of the cock . We ch s , who fou d it grievous to have their sweet sleep disturbe d so early , combined together, and killed the cock n th e was e thinki g that , when alarm gone , th y might enjoy th em selves in their warm beds a little

n . n h e r lo ger The Old Woma , grieved for the loss of c e disc o v co k , and having , by som means or other, ered the whole plot , was resolved to be even wi th e th m ; for , from that time , she obliged them to rise n n co stantly at mid ight .

In rash endeavors to reduce existing ills , we may easily increase our troubles . 2 7 8 L r zs s r THE FAB ES o o .

P P ’ THE ORCU INE AND THE SNAKES .

P E n s A ORCUPIN , wanti g to shelter him elf, desired a n est of S n ak es to give h im adm ittan ce i n to th eir e e e e n l et him in cav . Th y were pr vail d upo , and accordi n gly ; but w ere so annoyed with his sharp prickly quills that th ey soon repen ted of their easy m n e an d e P n co plia c , ntreated the orcupi e to with an d e m m se v e draw , l a v e the their hole to the l s . ” “ ' h e d n No , says , let them quit the place that o t k e li e it for my part , I am well enough satisfi d as I am ” .

Hospitality is a virtue but should be wisely ex er c ised f ees in , we may by thoughtlessness entertain n stead of fri e ds .

THE CAT AND THE FOX .

As the Cat an d the Fox were talki n g politics togeth in th e m e e on a time , iddl of a forest , R ynard said , “ Let n e h e did thi gs turn out ev r so bad , not care , had et for he a thousand tricks for them y , before ” “ ” “ h im B ut h e Mrs they should hurt . pray , says , . P s e e n us , suppose th r should be an invasio , what ” se es n s th e cour do you d ig to take Nay , ays ’ e on e n Cat , I hav but shift for it , and if that wo t ” “ ” d o n d n e e s u . , l am o e I am sorry for you , r pli “ l te v n ard e d , with all my h art , and would gla ly fur n s o n e two e but n d e e d i h you with or of min , i , n e e s o it o s w e ighbor , as tim g , is not go d to tru t ; m us t e e n be e e o n e f o r m se as the s n i s v v ry hi l f , ay i g , ” s o e e s e an d your humbl e se rvant . Th s word w e r

L or .E s r 80 THE FAB ES o .

n n proper supplies . Then ( oddi g his head towards th e third) that I shall tak e by v irtue of my pror oga e m e n o s n o u tiv ; to which , I ak que tio , but s dutif l and loyal a people will pay all the d eference an d re N ow th e can e . gard that I desir , as for remaining e e part , the necessity of our pr sen t affairs is so v ry l o w an d e urgent , our stock so , our credit so impair d t u n and weakened , hat I must insist po your grant in an e g that , without y hesitation or d mur and ” hereof fail not at your peril . We should be careful how we place ourselves at u the mercy of the powerf l .

THE FATAL MARRIAGE .

T HE Lion touched with gratitude by the noble pro dure e n ce of a Mouse , and r sol v i g not to be outdo n e in an e es e generosity by y wild b ast whatsoever , d ir d e e his his littl d liverer to name own terms , for that he might depe n d upon h is com plyi n g with an y pro h e e . T am posal he should mak Mouse , fired with bitio n s e n ot n i at thi gracious off r , did so much co s d e r e him ask in what was prop r for to , as what was th e pow e r of h is pri n c e to grant ; an d so p resump tuo usl e e n c e e the n y d mand d his pri ly daught r , you g

L n e ss e T h e n c s e d bu . n n t io , in marriag Lio o e t , wh e n h e would have giv en the royal virgi n i n to h is

o s s e ss n s h e dd n as s he. wa n o p io , , like a gi y thi g s , t h o w sh e e d c e set h e r aw u minding walk , by hanc p p o n h e r s use w as c h er po , who oming to meet , and s t e c ru hed her lit l dear to pieces . E s so r 281 T H F A B LE S o r .

Ambition o fte n time s overl e aps itse lf an d fall s into

great peril .

THE ANT AND THE FLY .

ON E day there happened som e words between the e e th e Ant and the Fly about pr c dency , and point was argued with great warmth and eagerness on is n both sides . Says the Fly , It well know what are my pretensions are , and how justly they ground ed : there is never asacrifice offered but I always th e taste of the entrails , even before gods them th e e e selves . I have one of upp rmost s ats at church , and frequent th e altar as often as anybody I have a free admission at court and can neve r want the ’

e s e . king s ear, for I som time sit upon h is should r s e n There is not a maid of honor, or hand om you g e e se e cr ature com s in my way,but , if I like her , I ttl n betwixt her balmy lips . And then I eat and dri k th e e n best of ev rythi g , without having any occasion e to work for my li v ing . What is the r that such country pusses as you e n j oy to be compare d to a life ? ” like this The Ant , who by this time had com e e posed herself , replied wi th a gr at deal of t mper, se e e be e t and no less v ri ty Inde d , to a gu s at an en n th e s e tertainme t of god is a v ry great honor , if o n e is in vited ; but I should not c are to be a di sagree n e a h n n d able i trud r anywhere . You t lk of t e ki g a th e an d th e fi n e es e e w e court , ladi th r , ith gr at n e n in m familiarity ; but , as I have bee g tti g y har e ih e e n e v st summ r , I have seen a c rtai person. und r the town walls maki n g a hearty meal upon some n ot e thing that is so proper to be mention d . As to L msor 2 82 THE FAB ES OF .

n n your freque ti g the altars , you are i n the right to take sanctuary where you are like to meet with the least disturbance ; but I have known people before n ow e run to altars , and call it devotion , when th y m n have been shut out of all good co pa y , and had nowhere else to go . You do not work for your

— : e living , you say true ther fore , when you have m e n e m e played away the sum r , and wi t r co s , you an d starv have nothing to live upon ; , while you are in an d n g with cold hu ger , I have a good , warm e house over my head , and pl nty of provisions about ” me .

Gaiety and folly are all very well for the summer , but whe n the wi n ter comes th ev chan ge to discon tent and wretchedness .

THE COUNTRYMAN AND THE SNAKE .

L L t n e A VI AGER , in a fros y , s owy wint r, found a n S ake under a hedge , almost dead with cold . He could not help having a compassion for the poor e e an d cr ature , so he brought it hom , laid it upon the h e th e had . arth near fire ; but it not lain there long , b e fore (b eing revived with th e heat) it b egan to e c an d h is e an d n l re t itself , fly at wif childre , fi ling the e d e u n h whole cottag with r adf l hissi gs . T e ( o un tr men b earin u an d J y g an o tcry , pe rc eivi n g the tte was t u t what ma r , caugh p a ma tock , and s o o n dispatched him ; upbraiding h im at th e sam e e in ese d s Is s th e re tim th wor thi , . vile wretch , ward you mak e to him that saved your life ? D ie as ” d es e e e e is you rv ; but a singl d ath too good for you .

I N D E X .

XX V I""

B ow man an d Li on B o an d l e s y Fi b rt . A n t an d Fl y B oy an d Nettles n d s B o A n ts a Gras ho ppers y Bath i n g . Apes an d Two Trav ell ers B oy H un ti n g Lo c ust s r o A ss an d Chager B ys an d Frogs . A ss an d Driv er Braz i er an d h i s D og h n d ro o n d . 0 0 0 A ss a s e a s e 0 0 0 F g Br t r Si t r 0 A ss an d Grassho pper Buffoon an d the Co un try A ss an d h is Masters m an

i h se s . n d A ss an d h s Purc ar Bull a Calf . d A ss an d his S had ow . Bull an Goat A ss an d o se u L on ess an d d H r B ll , i Wil

- n . A ss an d Lap d og . Boar Hu ter A ss an d Mule am e A ss an d Ol d Sheph erd . C l am e an d a A ss an d Wolf . C l Ar b A ss c arryi n g Image Cam el an d Jupiter A ss eatin g Thi stl es Catan d Bird s A ss oc an d L o n Cat an d Cook , C k i A ss F o x an d L on , i ’

a d ce . n h n n . C t an A ss i t e Li o s Ski . Mi A stron om er Cat an d V en us . Co bbler turn ed D octor Co c k an d F ox . al d Man an d B Fly Co c k an d Jewel

ad K n i h t. B l C harcoal - burn er an d Full er B at an d ease l Charger an d Miller . - eaan d B ee e . B r hiv Co un trym an an d S n ake

eaan d F o x . n F x o o o o o o o o o B r Crab ad o o o o o ear an d T wo ravel l ers . its o h e T aan d 0 0 0 0 0 B Cr b M t r 0 0 B ee an d J u e it r Cro w an d M erc ury B e l l an d em e s b r C re w an d Pitc h er cpcac her a id e an d B ir t , P rtr g C re w an d Raven . Co c k . C re w an d Se rpe n t

ds eas s an d B at. Bir , B t Cro w an d Shee p tc an d he r Whe l ah . 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Bi h Cupid an d De t 0 0

d an an Wh o . Bli n M d p . Ro asti n g Trav ell er Dan c i n Mo n k ey Be ar an d Ass D o e mi f Li o n I n dex . 285

F an d C w D og an d Coo k . ox re

D og an d Oyster Fox an d D og an d Shad o w o x an l D o an d ee Fo x an aLeo g Sh p par

D o oc an d Fox Fox an d Lion . d g, C k

D og in Man ger . F ox an d Mask .

d F o x . Fo x e o s an an d on 0 0 D g M k y 0 0 0 0 0 Do gs an d H id es Fox an d Mo n k ey ’ Do gs H ouse 2M Fo x an d S tork o n s hal es an d a 92 Fo x an d i e D lphi , W Spr t T g r Deve an d Crow 215 Fox an d S i c k Li on Fox an d Wood c utter Fo x in the W ell ae an d ow E gl Arr Fo x who had los t his Tail Eae an d ee e gl tl o d B Fr g an F o x . Eagle an d aptor C Fro gs ask in g f or a Eal e an d 27 3 ’ g Fr gs co m plai n t again s t Eagle an d Fo x 2 19 gun o o o o o o o o o o o Eagle an d J ackdaw 2 17 3 Eagl e an d Kite . 34 — ae Cat an d W d So w 16 1 ame o c s an d arid e E gl , il G C k P rt g an d an es E n vi ous an d Co v etous Man 27 0 Geese Cr G n at an d Bull G n at an d Lio n arm er an d ran es F C Goat an d A ss arm er an d F ox F Go at an d Goatherd . armer an d h is Son s F Goath erd an d W i ld G oats arm er an d S n ake F G ood. an d Ills arm er an d Sto rk F Grasshopper an d Owl Fatal Marriage Fath er an d his So n s . Fath er an d his Two D augh Hare an d H oun d ters Hare an d Torto 1se Fawn an d hisMother : Hares an d Fo xes Fightin g Coc ks an d Eagle . Hares an d Fro gs F ir Tree an d Bram bl e . s Fi sherm an an d h is N et Hart an d Vi n e . w Fi sherm an an d Littl e Fi sh. Hak an d Farm er . Fi sherman Haw k an d Nighti n gal e w s e m en . a e an d eo n s Fi h r H k , Kit Pig

e O . Fl aan d Man . H e ifer an d x Fl eaan d Ox Hen an d Go lden Eggs w H w . Fl eaan d Wrestl er . en an d S allo

es n d on e - o t an Fli a H y p H erc ul es d Wago n er . e Fl y an d th e Draugh t Mul . H erd sman an d lost Bull ow n d n a d e t 0 0 0 e o se an d ss 0 0 0 F l r Ri g ov H r A 0 0 0 0 Fo wler an d Viper Horse an d Groo m o o o o o o o o o Fox an d Bramble Ho rse an d Lo ad ed A ss H orse an d Lion 2 86 I n d ex .

H orse an d h is Rider Li on ess H orse an d Stag un e an d o sem an H t r H r Man an d h is two Sw eet un e an d ood m an H t r W h earts H un tsm an an d i sh erman F Man an d h is Wife Hus an dm an an d S tork . b Man an d Li o n .

Man an d Satyr . Im age of Mercury an d Car Man bitten by aD og n p e ter .

Man o s x d D e O an o . , H r , g ackdaw an d o es . M n l r J D v as aye . ac kdaw an d F o x as e an d his J M t r Dogs . n Jupiter ad Cam el . Mercury an d S culptor u e n J pit r ad Mo n key . Mercury an d We rkm en u e e un e n e a ce an d a J pit r, N pt . Mi rv Mi We sel s an d Mi ce in Co un c il . Milk - w o m an an d h er Pail e h is S on an d h ei K id an d W o lf ” Mill r, t r K id an d W o lf ” sc h u D K in gd om of th e L1o n Mi i e vo s og K i n g 8 S on an d Pai n ted o e an d his o h e Li o n M l M t r d (‘ m on e an ae 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 R te an d Pigeon s . M k y l

o n e an d o h n . Kites an d S wan s M k y D lp i Mon k ey an d Fi sh erm an on e s an d h e M k y t ir Mother. Labo rer an d S n ake Mother an d Wo l Lam an d Wol f b f un an in Lao Lam p Mo t i b r Mo use an d ull . Lark an d h er Y o un g O n es B ouse R e an d aw M , g H k Lark buryi n g h e1 Fath er Mul e Lio n an d B ear Mul es an d Robbers . Li o n an d Bull Li o n an d D e l h i h n d a Li o n an d B ag e Nort Wi n d Sun u s an d o Li on an d Fo ur Bulls N r e W lf Li o n an d Fo x

o n n ak an d Reed s . Li ad Hare . O Li o n an d Mo use Oak an d Woo d c utters o o an d u e n d e e . s Li n a th r B asts . Oak J pit r d e h ld o un d Li o n an Sh p erd . O H o Li n an d T hree Bull s Old Lio n . L o n eaan d Fo x Old Man an d e ah i , B r D t L o n Fo x an d A ss Old Man an d his o n s i . S Li o n in aFarmyal d Old Wo man an d h er Ma1d s Li o n 111 Lo v e O ld Wo man an d Physi c ian L o n u e an d E e han t O ld o man an d W1 11e ~ ar i , J pit r l p W j L o n o use an d Fo x O i e - t ee an d - t ee i . M l v r Fig r L o n o an d Fo x On e - e ed i , W lf y

I n dezc .

Wild A ss an d Li on Wolf an d Sh eph erd Win d an d S un Wo lf an d Sh epherd s o an d an e o Fo x an d A e W lf Cr W lf, p \Vo Wolf an d F ox . l f m Sh eep 8 Cloth i n g W o lf an d Goat Wolv es an d S h eep ” Wolf an d Horse Wol ves an d Sh eep - d ogs Wo lf an d H ouse- d eg Wom an an d h er He n w Wolf an d Lam b . . Woo d an d th e Cl o n W olf an d Li on n L n n W olf ad i o Y ou g Man an d Swall o w . W olf an d Sh eep