Page images
PDF
EPUB
[graphic][merged small][merged small][merged small]

N aged hound being in pursuit of his game, caught it, but could not hold it, because his teeth were worn out;

for which his master corrected him very severcly.

The dog begged that he might not be punished, alleging that he was old; yet he said, he had been stout in hi youthful days, and therefore hoped he might be pardoned, if it were only for his former services: but I see, continues he, nothing pleaseth without profit.

The interpretation.

If a favour is not continued, it is forgot. Many people are so ungrateful as to take no notice of the ninety nine good turns which they have received. if the hundredth is denied

them.

[graphic]

Young folks think old folks to be fools; but old folks know young folks to be fools.

FABLE III. OF THE KID, THE GOAT, AND THE WOLF.

W

HEN the goat was going abroad, she charged the kid to shut the door after her, and open it to none, till she should return; and then look out of the window first. Very well, mother, says the kid; if you had not told me, Ι. should have wit enough to keep the door shut, and to take care of myself.

At the same time the wolf harned to be behind the house, and heard the charge given to the kid.

Some time after the goat's departure, the wolf knocks at the door, and counterfeiting the goat's voice demands entrance.

The kid, supposing it to be her dam, forgot to look out at the window, but immediately opened the door, and let in the wolf, who instantly made a prey of her and tore her to pieces.

The interpretation.

Children should obey their parents, who are always better able to advise them, than the children can themselves. It is convenient also for young men to lend an ear to the aged, who being more experienced in the affairs of the world, can give them better council, whereby they may avoid many dan gers. Witness Eli's sons, and Rehoboam's fall.

[graphic]

A man may forgive an injury, but he cannot easily forget it.

FABLE IV. OF THE HUSBANDMAN AND THE SNAKE.

HUSBANDMAN had brought up a snake in his house: but being angry with her, struck her with his hatchet, and wounded her, for which reason she fled from him.

Afterwards the husbandman falling into want, imagined that this misfortune befel him for the injury done to the snake, and therefore humbly requested of her that she would come and live with him again.

The snake replied, That she forgave him, but she would not return to live with one who kept a hatchet in his house; adding, that although the smart of the wound was gone, yet the mark was left, and the remembrance of it was still fresh in her memory.

The interpretation

It is not safe to trust that man, who hath once made a breach in friendship. It is godlike to forgive an injury; but no harm to remember it, because it keeps us on our guard.

M

[graphic]

Make no friendship with an ill-natured man.

FABLE V. OF THE WOLVES AND THE SHEEP.

TH

HE wolves made a league with the sheep, and hostages were given on both sides. The wolves gave their young ones to the sheep, and the sheep gave their dogs to the wolves.

Some time after while the sheep were quietly feeding in the meadow, the young wolves began to howl for their dams; at which the wolves came rushing in among them, and charged them with breaking the league.

The sheep began to excuse themselves, saying, They were feeding by themselves, and therefore could not hurt the young wolves, not having any dogs with them.

But the wolves insisted on it, that they were guilty of a breach of friendship; alleging, at the same time, That those innocents, who never did any harm in their lives, would not make such dreadful lamentations, unless some violence had been offered to them; and knowing the sheep to be without their guard, they fell upon them and tore them to pieces.

The interpretation.

Be always upon your guard when an enemy is near. He who has always run counter to the rules of friendship, will never become a true friend, though you should bind him by the strongest engagements.

[graphic][merged small]

A

FABLE VI OF THE TWO THIEVES AND THE BUTCHER. COUPLE of sharpers went to a butcher's shop to buy some meat; but while the butcher was busied with other customers, one of them stole a piece of beef and gave it to his fellow, who put it under his cloak.

The butcher presently missed the meat, and charged them with the theft.

But he that stole it, swore by Jove that he had none of it; and he that had it swore likewise, he did not take it away.

To whom the butcher replied, The thief to me is unknown, though I believe it to be one of you; but he by whom you have sworn, can tell, and will reward you accordingly.

The interpretation.

God Almighty is privy to all our actions: and though we may for a while deceive men, yet we cannot escape his allseeing eye, who will reward or punish us according as we deserve.

« PreviousContinue »