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NY PUBL C LIBRARY THE BRANCH LIBRARIES
3 3333 08103 4817
8
B942036
THE LION AND THE MOUSE (PAGE 75)
THE HERFORD &SOP
Fifty Fables in Verse
BY OLIVER HERFORD
ILLUSTRATIONS BY
THE AUTHOR
GINN AND COMPANY
BOSTON • NEW YORK • CHICAGO • LONDON ATLANTA • DALLAS • COLUMBUS • SAN FRANCISCO
COPYRIGHT, 1921, BY OLIVER HERFORD
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
723 -
THE NEW YOBK
PUBLIC IIPRARY
Ai;T'T>. LcNijX AND TfLOEN F 'UNCTIONS.
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GTNN AND COMPANY • PRO- PRIETORS • BOSTON • U.S.A
To
PAUL M. HERZOG, JR.
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R. HERFORD asks me to write the preface for this book. ^Esop was a wise man of old who wrote in Greek, which only a few of us read easily nowa- days. ^Esop wrote what we call fables, a fable being a good story which cant be true but which may teach a great truth. ALsop could do that sort of thing well, but I'm not sure Mr. Herford doesn't do it even better. Mr. Her- ford certainly has taken Mr. & sop's old Greek fables and written them over into English which you and I have joy in reading. He has ?nade pictures, too, for the fables, that give us a happy feeling of personal friendship with all the characters in the book.
Tou will like to read these fables, and before you know it you will jind that you have taken very pleasantly a dose of good common sense, of which most of us need more than we ever get. The happy time you are going to have with this little book you owe at least as much to Mr. Herford as to Mr. TEsop. Shall we say, Thank you, Mr. Herford, for introducing us so delightfully to Mr. JEsop ? At least, I do.
C. H. THURBER
P. S. Mr. ^Esop wrote many more than fifty fables ; perhaps you and I can persuade Mr. Herford to write more too.
CONTENTS
PAGE
The Dog and the Wolf 3
The Farmer and the Snake 5
The Ant and the Grasshopper 6
The Deer and the Vine 8
The Old Lion 9
The Fox and the Lion 1 1
The Fisherman and the Little Fish 12
The Gnat and the Bullock 13
The Bear and the Two Travelers 14
The Dog and his Shadow ...» 17
The Ox and the Frog 18
The Man and the Lion ., 20
The Lion and the Fox 22
The Eagle and the Arrow 24
The Doe and the Lion 26
The Wind and the Sun 27
The Miller and his Son and their Ass 30
The Fox and the Grapes 35
The Ass and the Image 36
The Kid and the Wolf 37
The Stag and the Lion 38
The Crow and the Water Jar 41
The Crab and his Mother 43
[vii]
The Herford
PAGE
'The Hare and the Tortoise 44
The Milkmaid 46
The Hares and the Frogs 49
The Dog in the Manger 51
A Fox and a Crab 52
The Nurse and the Wolf 53
The Mice in Council 54
The Wolf in Sheep's Clothing 57
The Cat, the Monkey, and the Chestnuts . . . . 59
The Wolf and the Watch-Dog 61
The Fox and the Crow 62
The Star Gazer 64
The Fox that Lost bis Tail 65
The Attack Frog . • ... 68
The Four Bulls and the Lion 69
The Lioness 70
The Shepherd Boy and the Wolf 72
The Fox, the Lion, and the Ass 73
The Lion and the Mouse 75
The Town Mouse and the Country Mouse . . . . 76
The Donkey in the Lion s Skin 78
The Wolf and the Crane 80
The Goose that Laid the Golden Egg 82
The Wolf and -the Lamb 84
The Farmer and his Sons 87
The Arab and his Camel 88
The Miser 89
[• • • -| vm]
THE HERFORD JESOP
FIFTY FABLES IN VERSE
THE DOG AND THE WOLF
LAZY Dog that sleeping lay
Outside the farmyard gate, one day, Woke with a sudden start, to see A fierce Wolf glaring hungrily, Gruesome and grisly, gaunt and grim, And just about to spring on him. "O Wolf!3 exclaimed the frightened Pup,
[3]
"The Herford
" One word before you eat me up !
Observe how very small and thin
I am ; 't would really be a sin
To eat me now. Indeed I'm quite
Unworthy of your appetite.
Tomorrow Master gives a treat,
And I shall have so much to eat
That if you'll wait a day or two
I'll make a bigger meal for you ! '
The Wolf agreed and went away ;
But when on the appointed day
He came again to claim his right,
He found the farmyard gate shut tight,
And Doggie on the other side.
" What does this mean ? Come out ! ' he cried.
Loud laughed the Dog, " It means," said he,
" I'm wiser than I used to be ! "
N
The Herford
THE FARMER AND THE SNAKE
NE winter's day a Farmer found A Serpent stretched upon the ground Lifeless and stiff. Touched by the sight Of the poor frozen creature's plight, He bore it home with him and there Brought it to life, with warmth and care. No sooner was the Serpent quite Recovered, than it sprang to bite The good man's hand. " So that 's the way/5 Exclaimed the Farmer, " you repay A friendly turn ! " With that, he plied His stick till he was satisfied, Beyond a doubt, this time the Snake Was really dead and no mistake.
[5]
The Herford
THE ANT AND THE GRASSHOPPER
BUSY Ant one summer day
Was storing grains of wheat away For winter food. A Grasshopper Paused in his song to laugh at her. " Why do you work so hard ? ' said he, " Summer 's the time for jollity ! ' The Ant said nothing. By and by Came winter with the frowning sky And frozen meadows ; came also The Grasshopper, with tale of woe. " Help me, for pity's sake ! ' cried he. " No/3 said the Ant, " you mocked at me Last summer ; now you ask to share My harvest. All I have to spare Is GOOD ADVICE : Exchange your gift Of song and dance for honest thrift ! '
[6]
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THE DEER AND THE VINE
STAG, exhausted by the chase, Discovered for a hiding place A Vine whose leaves so thickly grew They hid him from the Hunter's view. Here, thinking now the danger past, And hungry from his all-day fast, He nibbled at the leaves, which made A rustling that at once betrayed Where he was hidden. Peering through The Vine, the Hunter found and slew The Stag, who thus was justly paid For hurting leaves that gave him aid.
[8]
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• -<&&.
THE OLD LION
LION, old and powerless, Lay on the ground in sore distress, Nigh unto death. Seeing his plight A Boar, recalling an old slight, Stabbed him as he defenseless lay, With vengeful tusk, and ran away. Soon after came a Bull, who bore Resentment for an unpaid score, And gored, by way of punishment, The Lion to his heart's content. An Ass, who had observed all this, Thought, " Here's a chance too good to miss !
[9]
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The Herford
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And with his hind heels, just for spite, Let drive at him with all his might. At that, with an expiring roar, The Lion cried, " Unmoved I bore The insults of the Boar and Bull. But now, indeed, my cup is full ! From you, a beast of meanest breed, To suffer this is death indeed ! '
[10]
The Herford
THE FOX AND THE LION
A FOX who never, strange to say,
* Had seen the King of Beasts, one day
Beheld a Lion. At the sight He very nearly died of fright. The second time he met the King He felt a sort of shivering Sensation up and down his spine, But outwardly betrayed no sign. The third time they met face to face The Fox showed not the slightest trace Of fear, but bold as anything Walked up and said, " Good morning, King !
'The Herford
FHE FISHERMAN AND THE LITTLE FISH
A FISHERMAN at close of day, ^=^A Counting his catch, to his dismay JL- W Found one small Fish was all the spoil Resulting from his hard day's toil. With gaping mouth and piteous stare The Fish implored the Man to spare His life. " I am so small," said he, " If you'll return me to the sea, I shall grow bigger by and by And worth your while to catch." " Not I ! " Replied the Fisherman. " I know Too much to let a Small Fish go Because there possibly may be A big Fish somewhere in the sea.'3
[12]
The Herford
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THE GNAT AND THE BULLOCK
GNAT, once chancing to alight, After a long and weary flight, Upon a Bullock's horn to rest, With a loud buzzing thus addressed The Bullock, " Pray, good Sir, allow Me to express my thanks ; and now If you don't mind, I'll fly away, Unless you'd rather have me stay.'3 "Pray do whatever you decide; 'Tis all the same to me,'3 replied The Bullock ; " I was not aware, Until you spoke, that you were there.'3
The Herford
THE BEAR AND THE TWO TRAVELERS
friends, when walking in a wood, Met with a Bear. One, who was good At climbing, quickly climbed a tree ; The other, not so spry as he, Dropped on the ground, and when the Bear Came up and sniffed his face and hair
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With curious snout, he held his breath And saved his life by feigning death ; For Bruin will not touch, 'tis said, A body that he thinks is dead. Soon as the Bear was gone, the man Who climbed the tree came down and ran To join his comrade. " Well/3 said he, " What did the Bear say ? From my tree I saw him whispering in your ear." " He told me, since you wish to hear," Replied the other, " to steer clear Of friends who flee when danger 's near ; He will not have to tell me twice. I'm going to take that Bear's advice.''
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[-6]
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THE DOG AND HIS SHADOW
DOG, with a choice bit of meat That he was carrying home to eat, Crossing a bridge, saw in the brook
His own reflection, which he took
To be another Dog. " The Pig !
His piece of meat is twice as big
As mine ! Well, I'll soon let him see
Which is the better Dog ! ' cried he ;
And dropping his, without ado,
To grab the other's meat he flew.
Meanwhile his own sank out of sight ;
Thus he lost both, which served him right !
[17]
'The Herford
THE OX AND THE FROG
N OX, not heeding, as he chewed
His midday cud, stepped on a brood Of little Frogs, and all were crushed Save one, who, panic-stricken, rushed To tell his mother how there came
A great huge beast with eyes like flame
[18]
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And cloven feet, and crushed to death
Her children. As he paused for breath,
" Was it as big as this ? ' said she,
Puffing herself out monstrously ;
" Or this ? or this ? ' " Oh, mother, spare
Yourself! You might as well compare
A Puffball to the Pyramid,"
Cried he. " If you don't have a care
You'll burst!' And sure enough she did.
T'he Her ford
'•4.
THE MAN AND THE LION
LION and a Man, as they
Were walking in a park one day, Exchanging stories of their strength
And deeds of valor, came at length
Upon the statue of a Man
[20]
The Herford
Slaying a Lion. Then began A wrangle. Said the Man, " I call That true to nature." " Not at all ! " The Lion roared. " You think it true Because it shows Man's point of view. If it were mine, the Man would not Be seen ! : Exclaimed the other, " What ! No Man at all?" " Oh, yes/' replied The Lion, " he would be inside \ ;
[21]
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The Herford
THE LION AND THE FOX
LION that had grown too weak With age to leave his den to seek For food, foreseeing now that he Must get his meals by strategy, Lay down, pretending to be sick. The beasts, not dreaming 'twas a trick, And thinking one so near his end No harm could possibly intend, Flocked to condole, alas ! to learn The truth too late, as each in turn Was gobbled up. The Fox, less prone To trust appearances, alone Saw through the trick and stayed outside. " Come in, I beg," the Lion cried. "Thanks," said the Fox, "but I prefer To stay without. I notice, Sir, That all the footprints hereabout Go toward your den, and none come out ! '
[22]
'The Herford
THE EAGLE AND THE ARROW
N EAGLE, following a Hare,
Lit on a rock. While perching there, A hunter, on the watch for game, Spied him and taking careful aim Shot from his bow a winged dart That pierced the Eagle thro' the heart. As from his side he strove to draw The dart, the stricken creature saw Its feather came from his own wing. " Alas ! Death has a double sting ! ' Cried he, " for all too late I know 'Tis my own Pride that lays me low ! '
The Herford
THE DOE AND THE LION
A DOE, pursued by dogs, to save ^ Her life took refuge in a cave.
Picture her consternation when It proved to be a Lion's den, And her unspeakable dismay To find it was the Lion's day " At home." He hailed her with delight. " My dear," said he, " you are a sight For hungry eyes ! " " Alas ! " cried she, " That this should be the end of me ! Only escaping Man's pursuit To be devoured by a Brute ! "
[26] .
The Herford
THE WIND AND THE SUN
Wind and Sun once fell into A heated argument, which grew Each day more bitter. Wind and Sun Each claimed to be the stronger one.
[27]
The Herford
Finding that neither one would make
The least concession, for the sake
Of peace the two agreed at length
Upon a trial of their strength.
" You see that Traveler," said the Sun,
" On yonder road ; whichever one
The sooner forces him to strip
His cloak off, wins the Championship ! "
The Wind, rejoicing in a fight,
Sprang up and blew with all his might ;
Quite confident that he would win,
But very soon, to his chagrin,
He found the harder that he blew,
The Traveler more tightly drew
His cloak about him. One last puff
He gave, then shouted in a huff,
" I give it up, it can't be done ! "
Then, with a smile, arose the Sun
And beamed his brightest on the Man,
So that he presently began
To feel his cloak. Then bit by bit,
[28]
The Herford
As he grew warmer, loosened it. At last he threw it off. "You win!" Exclaimed the Wind. " I now begin To see the Light ! I thought till now That everything to FORCE must bow ; But you compel me to admit PERSUASION has the best of it ! "
•m \\\
[29]
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THE MILLER AND HIS SON AND
THEIR ASS
MILLER and his Son one day,
As they were trudging on their way To sell their Donkey at the fair, Passed by a group of girls. " Look there ! At those two simpletons ! " one cried, " Who walk when there 's a beast to ride ! ' The Miller hearing, bade his Son Get on the Donkey's back. This done,
[30]
The Herford
Proceeding on their way again They met a party of old men, Discoursing gravely. " There ! ' cried one, " Look at that good-for-nothing son Who rides and lets his father go On foot. - You rascal ! have you no Respect for Age ? no filial pride ? Get off and let the old man ride ! " Without a word the boy obeyed And, leaping from the Donkey, made His father take his place and ride While he ran by the Donkey's side. As thus they journeyed merrily, Along there came a company Of womenfolk and children, who Set up a terrible to-do,
" Have you no heart ? ' the women cried ; "A great, strong man like you to ride And let your son, poor little man, Keep pace with you as best he can ! ' The Miller, naturally kind,
The Herford
At this, took up his Son behind ; And on the Donkey's back the pair Rode on to town. When almost there, A Stranger, in ill-natured tone, Accosted them, " Pray do you own That Donkey, Sir ? ' " Most certainly ! Replied the Miller. "Well," said he, " One would not think so by the way You load him ! If I had my say, I'd make the pair of you alight And carry him ! 3 " Perhaps you're right ; It is the only thing/' replied The Miller, "that we have not tried. We aim to please.' So then and there Dismounting, that obliging pair Tied the poor Donkey's feet and slung Him to a pole from which he hung, Braying his protest, upside down, And started with him to the town Upon their shoulders. At the sight The townsfolk, shouting with delight,
[32]
risk
The Herford
Came flocking round on every side,
Until the Donkey, terrified,
Just as they reached a bridge, broke through
The cords and tumbled off into
The river and was swept away.
Thus did the foolish Miller pay
For trying to please everyone ;
He lost his Donkey and pleased none.
J
[34]
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The Herford /Esop
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THE FOX AND THE GRAPES
THIRSTY Fox once saw some fine Ripe Grapes that hung on a tall vine. "Just what I'm longing for!" cried he,
And sprang to get them eagerly.
Alas ! the clusters hung so high
He could not reach them. By and by,
Finding his efforts all in vain,
His longing turned into disdain ;
"They're only fit," snarled he, "for Apes.
What do I want with Sour Grapes ! '
[35]
The Herford
THE ASS AND THE IMAGE
N ASS once carried through the town A precious Image of renown Upon his back. Observing how The crowds upon the streets would bow Their heads devoutly as he passed He thought they bowed to him. " At last ! Brayed he, " the world has come to see My wisdom, my nobility, My majesty, my strength of will \ ' Reflecting thus, the Ass stood still ; Nor would he stir a step until In angry tones the driver cried, " Get up, you lazy beast ! 3 and plied His whip. " Maybe you think it's you The people there are bowing to ! Things have come to a pretty pass When folks turn out to laud an ASS !
5 )
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[36]
The Herford
•
THE KID AND THE WOLF
1ID, safe in a hayloft high, Laughed at a Wolf that happened by; " Well," said the Wolf, " I must admit Up there you have the best of it ; But let the Hayloft have its due, 'Tis the Loft laughs at me, not you ; If you don't think so, try your wit Down here, and see who laughs at it !
[37]
The Herford
THE STAG AND THE LION
STAG came to a pool to drink
And, bending o'er the mossy brink, Beheld as in a mirror bright His shapely image. At the sight Of his great antlers, spreading wide In graceful curves, he swelled with pride ; But when he looked upon his long, Thin legs, it seemed a cruel wrong That one with horns so fierce and grand Upon such spindle legs should stand.
[38]
L.
The Herford ALsop
While thus he mused, it came to pass A Lion hiding in the grass Sprang out at him. The spindle shanks So late despised now earned his thanks ; Alas, in vain ! - - for even as he thought The foe outstripped, a low branch caught His horns and held him till his fate O'ertook him, thus he learned too late How his best points he had despised, To be betrayed by those he prized.
[40]
The Herford
THE CROW AND THE WATER JAR
A THIRSTY Crow once found a Jar ^=A\ That held some water, but 'twas far JL. jV Too narrow necked, and much too low The water was, for Master Crow With his short neck to get a drink. The Crow then set himself to think - At last upon a plan he hit.
The Herford
" Since I cannot reach down to it, I must invent some way," said he, " To make the water rise to me/3 With little pebbles, one by one, He filled the Jar ; as this was done The water rose and rose, until The thirsty Crow could drink his fill,
[42]
'The Herford
THE CRAB AND HIS MOTHER
i AID a Crab in tone irate
To her son, " Your sidelong gait Annoys me ; can you not go straight ?
Said the Son, " I'll try, if you
Will show me how." What could she do ?
Mother Crab went sideways too !
[43]
The Herford
f
THE HARE AND THE TORTOISE
HARE one day a Tortoise chaffed
On her slow gait. The Tortoise laughed. " 'Tis true I'm slowest of the slow And you're the fastest thing I know ; Yet notwithstanding your swift pace/3 Said she, " I'll beat you in a race.>:
[44]
The Herford
The Hare consented, half in jest, To put the matter to the test, And off they started. Like a flash, Half round the course in one swift dash, Bounded the Hare ; then, feeling sure That victory was now secure, Sat down to rest - - and fell asleep. Meanwhile his Rival, creep, creep, creep, Came slowly on, caught up, and passed. Creep-creep, creep-creep, until at last The Hare awaking, rubbed his eyes And saw, to his intense surprise, The Tortoise, faithful to her boast, Was waiting at the winning-post.
[45]
The Herford
THE MILKMAID
A MILKMAID to the market sped, /=^\ Her milk pail, balanced on her head, JL J\. Brimful of milk fresh from the cow. And as she went she pondered how In time, by careful bargaining, The price that pail of milk would bring Might make her fortune. " First, I'll get," Thought she, " a batch of eggs to set ; And these, when hatched by some good hen, Will grow to fine, plump chickens; then At Fair-time, when the price is high,
[46]
The Herford
I'll sell them for enough to buy
That feathered hat and blue silk gown
I saw the other day in town.
Then, with pink ribbons in my hair,
When Jamie sees me at the Fair
And says he's sorry that he said
The things he did, I'll toss my head
Like this' -She tossed her head — and splash!
Down came the pail of milk, and crash !
Went eggs and chickens ; blue silk gown,
Hat, ribbons, all came tumbling down,
And the bright vision of the Fair
And - Jamie - - vanished into air !
[48]
The Herford
>••••..
,;<JS.« -,,,.«-™>li
THE HARES AND THE FROGS
NCE all the Hares in Haredom got Together to bewail their lot, And one and all agreed that, what With being hounded, snared and shot, And chased and worried, life was not Worth living. So, lest worse befall, Resolved at once to end it all, They rushed up a steep rock to throw Themselves into the lake below.
[49]
The Herford
Hearing them come, the Frogs beside
The water's edge leapt, terrified,
Into the lake. Seeing their fright,
A Hare exclaimed, " Brothers, our plight
Is not so bad ; now we have found
A folk who fear the very sound
Of our approach, let us," said he,
" Take courage in the thought that we,
The scorn of Man and Bird and Beast,
Are heroes to the Frogs at least ! '
[50]
The Herford JRsop
THE DOG IN THE MANGER
SELFISH Dog used for his bed The manger where the Oxen fed, And while he could not eat the hay Himself, by growling, drove away The hungry Oxen. Now, although That Dog died centuries ago, His evil name will never be Forgotten. For when people see Such selfishness as his, they say, " Dog in the manger," to this day. And of such creatures there are more That go on two legs than on four !
The Herford
A FOX AND A CRAB
FOX in search of food one day Espied a stranded Crab that lay Upon the beach. " What luck ! 3 said he, " A breakfast ready made for me ! " " The luck is yours," the Crab replied ; " Mine left me with the ebbing tide. Had I been faithful to the sea, I would not now your breakfast be ! '
[52]
The Herford
I
•-*-.. '
THE NURSE AND THE WOLF
HUNGRY Wolf once paused outside A cottage where an infant cried, And, listening, heard the nurse exclaim, " Be still, you naughty child ! For shame ! If you don't stop at once, I'll throw You to the wolf outside." " Oho ! " Chuckled the Wolf, " how fortunate ! I'll stay just where I am and wait, And soon my supper I shall get." For all we know, he 's waiting yet.
[53]
The Herford
THE MICE IN COUNCIL
NCE, in the absence of the Cat, The Mice in solemn council sat, Some plan of action to discuss
To curb her practice odious
Of prying into their affairs
And pouncing on them unawares.
After much talk the plan that met
With most approval was to get
A piece of cord and hang thereby
To Pussy's neck, upon the sly,
[54]
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The Herford
A bell that would not fail to ring When Pussy was about to spring, And so announce her fell intention. Truly a wonderful invention ! The Mice delightedly agreed ; " Now/3 said the Chairman, " all we need Is someone to attach the bell." At this, an awful silence fell Upon the meeting ; no one spoke. At length a voice the stillness broke, " I move, since no one seems to yearn To bell the Cat, that we adjourn."
[56]
The Herford
' •*
THE WOLF IN SHEEP'S CLOTHING
WICKED Wolf once donned the skin Of a dead Sheep and so got in Among the flock, deceiving by His artifice the shepherd's eye. All day, secure in his disguise, He watched his prey with gleaming eyes And ever growing appetite ; But fate willed otherwise. That night The careful shepherd, counting o'er
[57]
The Herford
His sheep, discovered one sheep more Than he possessed, and, looking through The flock again, he caught and slew The Wolf and hung him to a tree, That any passing Sheep might see, And, having seen, might warn the rest, "A Wolf's a Wolf, howe'er he's dress'd/
'
!
[58]
The Herford
THE CAT, THE MONKEY, AND THE CHESTNUTS
MONKEY and a Cat one day
Were sitting by the hearth, where lay Some Chestnuts roasting. " By the way," Exclaimed the Ape, " I never saw A Cat with such a perfect paw For pulling Chestnuts from a fire,
[59]
The Herford
And though I always did admire
Our master's hands, yours to the touch
Are softer far ! ' This was too much
For Pussy. With a flattered " Mew ! "
She reached into the fire and drew
A Chestnut out. The hot coals seared
Her paw, but Pussy persevered
Till she had pulled out every one.
Then, turning round to gaze upon
The Chestnuts, found that there were none !
Just empty shells ! All Pussy had
Was burns and the reflection sad
That she had singed her paws to feed
Her folly and the Monkey's greed.
[60]
The Herford
THE WOLF AND THE WATCH-DOG
WOLF who saw a Watch-dog sleek, Chained in a farmyard, stopped to speak. "They feed you well/' said he, " 'tis plain; But why that unbecoming chain ? ' " Oh, that 's a sort of badge of trust," Replied the Dog. " I wear it just To please the Boss. I scarcely know I have it on, the thing is so Extremely light." " H'm, that may be," Returned the Wolf, " but not for me ! I'd rather starve ! However light, A chain would spoil my appetite ! '
[61] .
The Herford
THE FOX AND THE CROW
CROW once stole a piece of cheese, And, to enjoy it at her ease, Flew to the top of a high tree. A Fox who, passing, chanced to see, Resolved to exercise his wit And win from her the dainty bit That in her beak she held so tight.
[ 62 ]
The Herford
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I J
" My dear/3 said he, with smile polite, " I never was aware till now How perfect is your form, nor how Superb your plumage. Had your voice An equal charm, I should rejoice To hear you sing ! : At that the Crow, Parting her beak to sing, let go The piece of cheese and saw the prize Snapped up before her very eyes, And heard the Fox's parting jeer- " Don't trouble now to caw, my dear ! :
[63]
The Herford
THE STAR GAZER
WISE Old Man whose chief delight Was studying the stars at night, One evening, gazing at the sky,
With head thrown back and chin held high,
Picking out just which star was which,
Stumbled and fell into a ditch.
Chancing to hear the Old Man's cry
A Stranger who was passing by
Beheld his plight and drawing near
Addressed him thus : " My friend, I fear
That when at night you walk about
With face uplifted, picking out
This star and that, you overlook
A planet, which, tho' in your book,
You will not see howe'er you try
By looking for it in the sky ;
A planet you will find well worth
Your while to watch — 'tis called THE EARTH."
[64]
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THE FOX THAT LOST HIS TAIL
FOX, once in a trap caught fast, Managed, by tugging hard, at last To free himself, only to find
He'd left his precious tail behind.
Here was a pretty state of things !
Exposed to all the shafts and stings
Of ridicule and malice too,
What in the world was he to do ?
One day he hit upon a plan.
Calling a meeting of the clan,
He made a speech and thus began,
" Dear fellow Foxes ! I regret
To see that you are wearing yet
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That relic of antiquity The TAIL. In good society It is no longer comme il faut* And Human Beings long ago Discarded it. 'Tis an offense
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Against both Style and Common Sensec Take my advice, don't hesitate, Cut off your tails before too late ! ' Ere he could say another word, 'Mid cries of " foolish ! mad ! absurd ! ' Rose an old Fox ; " I beg to state,'1 Said he, " we should attach more weight To your advanced and lofty views Had you yourself a tail to lose ! '
* French for " as it should be." Pronounced kiim eel foe.
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THE QUACK FROG
FROG once made a proclamation To all the creatures in creation That, having taken the degree Doctor of Medicine — (M. D.), -
It gave him pleasure to assure The World that he could quickly cure, By means of a prescription rare, All ills to which the flesh is heir. " Then," said the Fox, " my learned friend, Since to heal others you pretend, Why is it that you don't begin
On your lame gait and wrinkled skin?'
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THE FOUR BULLS AND THE LION
NCE on a time four Bulls agreed To herd together and to feed In the same pasture. Crouched near by, A Lion watched, but dared not try His strength against four Bulls combined : And so by craft he undermined Their friendship, sowing seeds of hate And causing them to separate And graze in fields apart. This done, He feasted on them one by one.
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THE LIONESS
NCE the wilderness was rent With a storm of argument. Never was there such a din !
All the animals joined in,
Big and little, as they tried
This Great Question to decide,
Which of them could mother be
To the largest family.
When convinced at last that they
Could not settle it that way,
To the Lioness they went.
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" Pray decide our argument ;
But,'; said they, " before you do,
Tell how many cubs have you."
" Well ! ' replied the Lioness,
" Since you ask me, I confess
I have only one ; but why on
Numbers dwell ? That one 's a LION.
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THE SHEPHERD BOY AND THE WOLF
A SHEPHERD Lad who loved his joke ,^=4\ Was wont to scare the village folk JL. ±± By shouting, every now and then, " Help ! Wolf ! 3 and laughing rudely when They ran, in answer to his call, To find there was no wolf at all. The best of jokes, however, must If played too often cause distrust. So, when one day there came indeed A Wolf, the neighbors paid no heed. " The Shepherd 's at his tricks again ! ' Said they, and so he called in vain. Meanwhile, to point a moral deep, The Wolf devoured all his sheep.
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THE FOX, THE LION, AND THE ASS
NCE on a time it came to pass The Fox, the Lion, and the Ass Agreed to hunt in company. The hunting over - - when the three Viewed the result, well satisfied - The Lion bade the Ass divide The spoil. So, wishing to be fair,
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The Ass gave each an equal share.
Straightway the Lion, who could see
No virtue in equality,
Declared the judgment void and ate
The Judge. Warned by the Ass's fate,
The Fox exclaimed with ready wit,
" The Lion's share is - - all of it \ 3
" Right ! ' roared the Lion. " Come now, tell
Who taught you to divide so well ? '
" It was," replied the Fox, " alas !
Our late lamented friend, the Ass ! '
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THE LION AND THE MOUSE
LITTLE Mouse, who chanced to stray Near where a sleeping Lion lay, Forgetting all that Prudence taught,
Ventured too rashly - - and was caught.
" O Lion ! spare my life, I pray ! '
Pleaded the Mouse, " I will repay
Your kindness without fail/3 And so
The Lion laughed and let him go.
The Mouse, soon after this mishap,
Came on the Lion in a trap,
Bound by strong ropes ; without ado
He set to work and gnawed them through.
" A thousand thanks ! 3 the Lion cried.
" You've saved my life and shamed my Pride.
For tho' it 's true I am a King,
Position is not everything.
I owe my life to your quick Wit ! '
" Pray," said the Mouse, " don't mention it/'
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THE TOWN MOUSE AND THE COUNTRY MOUSE
COUNTRY Mouse once asked a friend Who lived in Town to come and spend The day, and breathe his country air,
And taste his simple country fare.
But simple fare like cheese and rye
And oatmeal failed to satisfy
The City Mouse's pampered taste.
" Your life, my friend, is going to waste
In this outlandish hole," said he.
" Come into Town and visit me -
And I will show you how (forgive
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Plain speech) a gentlemouse should live.'3 His host accepted with delight, So off they set and that same night, Arriving at the city house, Sat down to dine. The Country Mouse, Bewildered, scarce believed his eyes, For here were almonds, nuts and pies, Honey and custard, cream and cake, And - - " What 's that noise ? For mercy's sake ! 3 The Country Mouse exclaimed in fright, As through the floor with all their might They scampered, panting, out of breath. " It almost frightened me to death ! 3 " Oh, that - explained the City Mouse, " That is the Man who shares my house ; But he won't hurt you - " That may be,'3
Replied the guest, " but not for me This whirl of cake and custard gay ; It is not worth the price you pay. I'm just as much obliged, but I Prefer the Simple Life - - Good-by ! ;
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THE DONKEY IN THE LION'S SKIN
NCE a Donkey, wondering How it felt to be a King, Donned a Lion's skin he found Left by hunters on the ground. Thus in Regal Robe arrayed, All the other Beasts, dismayed When they saw him coming, fled, Save the Fox, who laughed and said, " You're no Lion, that I know By your voice, my friend, for tho' I've seen some Lions in my day, I've yet to hear a Lion bray ! '
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THE WOLF AND THE CRANE
WOLF who had the habit rude Of bolting greedily his food, When eating a quick lunch one day,
Swallowed a bone that stuck halfway,
Causing such agonizing pain
He sent in haste for Doctor Crane,
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And offered him a handsome fee
To pull the bone out instantly.
The Crane at once with ease and skill
Plucked out the bone. But when his Bill
For Payment Due he then presented,
The Wolf his impudence resented.
Quoth he, " A Crane 's well paid that draws
His head in safety from my jaws.'3
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THE GOOSE THAT LAID THE GOLDEN EGG
A FARMER once a Goose possessed r^\\ That laid each morning in her nest JL )V A Golden Egg, to him, indeed, A fortune. Yet such was his greed He grew in time suspicious lest
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One Egg per day were not the best The Goose could do. " I'm satisfied," Said he, " she has in her inside, A mint of Gold/3 And so the dunce, Thinking to get it all at once, Killed her and found to his chagrin Just flesh and feathers, bones and skin, And other things no earthly use To anyone except a Goose.
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F^"--."
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THE WOLF AND THE LAMB
HUNGRY Wolf in search of prey Once chanced to meet a Lamb, astray, And seeking, for appearance' sake, A Plausible Excuse to take Its life, addressed it thus, " I hear You slandered me one day last year/3
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" I ? ' cried the Lamb, " indeed, sir, no !
I was not born a year ago ! '
" Well," snapped the Wolf, " I understand
You eat the grass upon my land.'3
" You are mistaken, sir, I am
Too young for grass," replied the Lamb.
" No matter ! ' growled the Wolf, " one thing
I know, you drink from out my Spring."
Once more the Lamb the charge denied.
" Milk is my only food," he cried.
" Well, mine is Lamb ! So now I'll sup ! '
Shouted the Wolf - and ate him up.
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THE FARMER AND HIS SONS
N AGED Farmer, fearing lest
His land, when he was laid to rest, Might lie untilled ; before he died Summoned his sons to his bedside And told them that a Treasure rare Was buried in a field somewhere. No sooner was he laid away Than setting to, without delay His sons plowed up each field with care, To find at last the Treasure rare Was not a chest with guineas filled But rich crops from the land they tilled.
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THE ARAB AND HIS CAMEL
A CAMEL standing in the cold ^=Vv Outside an Arab's tent made bold JL JA. To ask if he might put his head Inside the door. " Why, surely," said The Arab. " Well, since you're so kind,'3 Resumed the Camel, " would you mind If I should put my neck in too ? ' The Arab smiled assent. " Pray do ! ' The Camel thanked him and complied, Remarking as he pushed inside, " Far be it from me to presume, But could you for my knees make room ? ' " Aye ! ' cried the man, " without a doubt ! " Well," said the Camel, " how about My hind legs ? Standing halfway through Keeps the door open." " Very true ; Come in and close the flap,': replied
The kindly Arab. Once inside
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The Camel found it cramped. " Dear me ! This tent 's too small for two ! ' cried he, " I must have room to turn about ! ' With that he pushed the Arab out.
THE MISER
y IT >HERE was a Miser once who sold His birthright for a lump of gold And hid the lump of gold away In a deep hole, to which each day He came to feast his eyes upon His treasure. - - One day it was gone. A thief had found the hiding-place And helped himself and left no trace. The miser raved and tore his hair. A neighbor, marking his despair, Counseled him thus : " Pray why be sad At losing what you never had ? Your lump of gold, you can't deny, Was only worth what it would buy.
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Go get a stone of equal size
And weight, then, if you shut your eyes,
For all the good you'll get of it
That stone will serve you every bit
As well, for with it can be bought
All you would buy — and that is naught !
CWT1WLC.** r,ON
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