Favourite Fables in Prose and Verse Part 18

MORAL.

The man who asks Heaven for gifts, and neglects the gifts Heaven has given, must expect silence until he shows that he is in earnest by putting his shoulder to the wheel.

FABLE XCII.

THE BOYS AND THE FROGS.

On the margin of a large lake, which was inhabited by a great number of Frogs, a company of Boys happened to be at play. Their diversion was duck and drake, and whole volleys of stones were thrown into the water, to the great annoyance and danger of the poor terrified Frogs. At length, one of the most hardy, lifting up his head above the surface of the lake;--"Ah! dear children!"

said he, "why will ye learn so soon to be cruel? Consider, I beseech you, that though this may be sport to _you_, it is death to _us_."

MORAL.

A n.o.ble mind disdains to gain Its pleasure from another's pain.

FABLE XCIII.

THE c.o.c.k AND THE JEWEL.

A BRISK young c.o.c.k, in company with two or three pullets, raking upon a dunghill for something to entertain them with, happened to scratch up a jewel, which sparkled with an exceeding bright l.u.s.tre; but, not knowing what to do with it, endeavoured to cover his ignorance under a look of contempt. So, shrugging up his wings, shaking his head, and putting on a grimace, he expressed himself to this purpose: "Indeed, you are a very fine thing, but I know not what business you have here. I make no scruple of declaring that my taste lies quite another way, and I had rather have one grain of dear delicious barley than all the jewels under the sun."

MORAL.

We should not despise as worthless what does not come within the limit of our understanding. Some lose what is truly valuable for want of knowledge, and prefer what is comparatively worthless.

[Ill.u.s.tration: THE c.o.c.k AND THE JEWEL.]

FABLE XCIV.

THE NIGHTINGALE AND THE GLOW-WORM.

A NIGHTINGALE, that, all day long, Had cheered the village with his song, Nor yet at eve his note suspended, Nor yet when eventide was ended, Began to feel, as well he might, The keen demands of appet.i.te; When, looking eagerly around, He spied, far off, upon the ground, A something s.h.i.+ning in the dark, And knew the Glow-worm by his spark; So, stooping down from hawthorn top, He thought to put him in his crop.

The Worm, aware of his intent, Harangued him thus, right eloquent:-- "Did you admire my lamp," quoth he, "As much as I your minstrelsy, You would abhor to do me wrong, As much as I to spoil your song; For 'twas the self-same power divine Taught you to sing and me to s.h.i.+ne; That you with music, I with light, Might beautify and cheer the night."

The songster heard his short oration, And, warbling out his approbation, Released him, as my story tells, And found a supper somewhere else.

MORAL.

From this short fable, youth may learn Their real interest to discern, That brother should not strive with brother, And worry and oppress each other; But, joined in unity and peace, Their mutual happiness increase: Pleased when each others' faults they hide, And in their virtues feel a pride.

FABLE XCV.

THE FOX AND THE SICK LION.

It was reported that the Lion was sick, and the beasts were made to believe that they could not make their court better than by going to visit him. Upon this, they generally went, but it was particularly remarked that the Fox was not one of the number. The Lion, therefore, dispatched one of his Jackals to sound him about it, and to ask him why he had so little charity and respect as never to come near him at a time when he lay so dangerously ill, and everybody else had been to see him. "Why," replied the Fox, "pray present my duty to his majesty, and tell him that I have the same respect for him as ever, and have been coming several times to kiss his royal paw, but I am so terribly frightened at the mouth of his cave, to see the print of my fellow-subjects'

feet all pointing forwards, and none backwards, that I had not resolution enough to venture in."

Now, the truth of the matter was, that the sickness of the Lion was only a sham to draw the beasts into his den, the more easily to devour them.

MORAL.

It is well to weigh and consider the nature of any proposal thoroughly before we accede to it; but, certainly, if we have reason, from the injury done to others, to suspect that we may suffer harm, it is decidedly better to decline.

FABLE XCVI.

THE LION, THE FOX, AND THE GEESE.

A LION, tired with state affairs, Quite sick of pomp, and worn with cares, Resolved (remote from noise and strife) In peace to pa.s.s his latter life.

It was proclaimed: the day was set: Behold the general council met: The Fox was viceroy named. The crowd To the new regent humbly bowed!

Wolves, bears, and mighty tigers bend, And strive who most shall condescend.

The crowd admire his wit, his sense: Each word hath weight and consequence.

The flatterer all his art displays; He who hath power, is sure of praise.

A Fox stepped forth before the rest, And thus the servile throng addressed:--

"How vast his talents, born to rule, And train'd in virtue's honest school!

What clemency his temper sways!

How uncorrupt are all his ways!

Beneath his conduct and command Rapine shall cease to waste the land; What blessings must attend the nation Under this good administration!"

He said. A Goose, who distant stood, Harangu'd apart the cackling brood:

"Whene'er I hear a knave commend, He bids me shun his worthy friend.

What praise! what mighty commendation!

But 'twas a Fox who spoke th' oration.

Foxes this government may prize, As gentle, plentiful, and wise; If they enjoy the sweets, 'tis plain We Geese must feel a tyrant reign.

What havoc now shall thin our race!