Digitized by the Internet Archive
in 2007 with funding from
Microsoft Corporation
http://www.archive.org/details/aesopredivivusOOboyluoft
•f
JEsop (Redivivus.
:^^V<*
Msop
(R.8DIVIVC/S
BY
MARY BOYLE.
ft
1890.
LOV-CDO&C '
Field & Tuer, The Leadenhall 'Press, 8. C.
Simpkin, oMar shall, Hamilton, Kent & Co., Ltd :
5\>a> York;. Scribner & Welford, "743 & 74s, 'Broadway.
The Leadenhall Press,
London, E.C.
t 4.359-
4
Old cuts are here wedded to Fables new.
'But I'd skit) the oMorals if I were you.
<lf
COT^TEC^TS.
I.
Courtship
II.
The Taming of the Shrew -
III.
Unity is Strength
IV.
The Kennel in Council
V.
The Simple Stork
VI.
The Quarrel
VII.
Self- Esteem
VIII.
Rival Songsters
IX.
Cruelty Requited
X.
Foiled
XI.
The Sly Stag -
XII.
Children, Obey your Parents
XIII.
The Victor Spurned
XIV.
An Accommodating Defendant
XV.
Genius -
XVI.
Simplicity Victorious
XVII.
The Duel
XVIII.
Gossip ...
XIX.
Gardening Extraordinary
XX.
Conceit ...
XXI.
Plain Speaking -
XXII.
Billy and Bully
XXIII.
Least Said, Soonest Mended
XXIV.
Masher Bunnie
XXV.
Duped -
XXVI.
Crossed ...
PAGE.
I
4
8
10
12
18
21
24
27
33
36
39
42
44
47
5°
54
57
59
6i
65
66
68
72
74
xxvii. The Old Spider and a New Fly
xxvill. Caught in his Own Net
xxix. Bitter Honey -
XXX. Diamond Cut Diamond
xxxi. Conflicting Statements -
XXXII. Confirmed by Taste
xxxin. Prejudice -
xxxiv. Dissatisfied Madam
xxxv. Terpsichorean Art -
xxxvi. The Iquisitive Shepherd -
XXXVII. Piscatory Greatness »
XXXVIII. Pride Goes Before a Fall -
xxxix. The Wrong Word •
XL. Wide Awake Crcesus
XLI. Master Cubby •
XLII. Professional *
XLIII. A Vacancy Occurs ...
XLIV. Curiosity and Danger go Hand in Hand
XLV. The Pseudo Mariner -
XLVI. The Ungrateful Cur
XLVII. Mr. and Mrs. Crow - - -
XLVIII. Infra. Dig -
XL1X. A Delicate Question -
L. The Fir Tree ...
Li. The Echo ....
L1I. Tit for Tat -
LI II. Fine Words versus Kind Actions
LIV. Brotherly Love •
LV. A Cool Reminder
76
78
81
83
85
88
90
94
97
101
103
106
109
in
114
118
120
122
126
128
130
132
135
137
140
143
145
148
151
^Esop Redivivus.
i.
Courtship.
"\\77HAT, you here again," said a Milk-maid
w
to her Lover, " I told you last Spring
I'd have None of you."
" Since then my Uncle is Dead. Now I am
Wealthy. I can offer you Riches such as you
2 jEsop rR^divivus.
' never Saw or even Dreamt of. I'm the most
Flourishing Shepherd in the Kingdom. Your
last year's Excuse doesn't hold Good now. If
you Refused me because I was Poor, I come
back to you Rich."
" What did I give you last Spring ? " she asked.
" The Mitten," he answered.
" Then be Off with you, and if Ever you come
Bothering me again like This, I'll meet you with
the Gloves."
The Shepherd went Home and took Lessons
in Boxing. A year later he Called on his Old
Love.
"Well," he said, "here I am. Shall we
Have it Out now or a little Later On ?"
" No time like the Present," said the Maiden,
coyly, and after a Tough Scuffle they Closed.
" Quarter ! " said the Maiden, after a while.
" Not a Bit of it," said the Shepherd.
" Hold ! " cried the Girl in Despair.
" Do you Give In ? "
"Yes."
" And will you Marry me?"
" Yes, if you will but Desist."
sEsop T^edivivus. 3
" There's nothing like Humouring aWoman,"
said the Philosophic Shepherd, as he gave his
Love a Parting Salute.
qMO^qAL.
^(Soufo a ta&&k eap pou nap,
©0 not fie afieurfc anb fvtt,
^afte tnp a&Bice, if pou fie gag,
£0ereTW eprincj up in (Setr $eart— regret
B2
jdEsop T{edivivus.
11.
The Taming of the Shrew.
" HPHE fact is, sir," said a little ChurchoMouse
to his Father-in- Law, " if you don't
make your 'Daughter keep a Civil Tongue in
her head, I shall run away and Leave her."
"You had plenty of time to Judge of her
character Before you Married," said the Father,
coolly. M If I remember aright, you Favoured
us with your company Pretty Often before my
'Daughter became your Wife — especially at
Meals," he added in an undertone.
udEsop %edivivus. 5
"I don't deny it," said the Complainant, "but
that doesn't prove she isn't a Vixen now. She
was Civil Enough to me in those days."
" That's a Way they've Got," agreed the
Father, who was a well-to-do farm-yard dMouse,
and had been Married thrice.
" But what would you advise ? "
" Give her a Good Shaking."
"I can't," confessed the Church dMouse, "it's
against our Rules you know, and if I would, I
couldn't, for she's Ever so Much bigger and
stronger than I."
Here the old dMouse laughed at the Rueful
Face of his Son-in-Law. " Well, it's very
Disgraceful," he said at length, " especially as
you are Church people."
Then a cBaby-dMouse began to cry, and the
Father -in- Law went off to Hush its Sobs.
Instead of going home the Vixen's Husband
Walked About till he was tired, and then sat
Down under an Old Willow-tree, the better to
Reflect on his grievances.
" She'll be Killing me some-day," he said to
himself, " and then there will be an End of it.
Oh, dear me, I wish I were a bachelor ! "
6 u?£sop %edivivus.
1 Several qM ice passed by, but none Perceived
him. At last he Saw his Wife coming. It was
growing dark, but there was no Mistaking her,
and what a Rage she appeared to be in to be
sure. Wasn't he Glad to be safe under that
Willow-tree !
Just as she came to the End of the Walk, a
pugnacious looking oMouse met her. He had
Come Down by the opposite Path.
Now in the gathering gloom, oMrs. Church
oMouse thought it was her Beloved Spouse, so
she flew at him, scratched him, and Banged
him Right and Left before he knew where
he was. The stranger had been Taken by
Surprise, but quickly recovered, and shaking
himself free from the enraged female, he Fell
To, and gave her ladyship an Awful Trouncing:
you should have Heard her Squeal, and Beg for
Mercv !
"You'll scratch me Again like that, won't
you?" bang! bang! bang! "And you'll Help
yourself to my Fur, won't you ? " bang ! bang !
bang !
More dead than alive oMrs. Church oMouse
at length Made her Escape. Then oMr. Church
sEsop H{edivivus. 7
oMoiise came from under the Willow-tree and,
with his Nose in the Air, walked home with
Swaggering Gait. A Hero indeed was he !
" I've often Given you Warning," he said, on
entering their abode. "Now you've Got what
you Deserved. Don't let me have Any More
of your tantrums, ma'am, or I shall have to
Repeat the Dose."
11 Please don't," said his Wife, who was in a
corner Bathing her throbbing head. " Please
don't. And I'll Never say another Angry
Word to you so long as I live."
And he didn't.
And she Never did.
£MO%qAL.
% coSBaro'e weapon is an aSuefoe tonqut.
sEsop Tiedivivus.
111.
Unity is Strength.
11 T 'M as good as you," said the ^Pen to the Ink.
1 " Perhaps better," answered the Ink,
Wrathfully.
" I do all the Work," said the Ten.
"And can make an Impression, can't you ?"
" No," spluttered the Ink, smarting under
the Bitter Sarcasm, "I have to drag you About
with me to do that."
" You are a Conceited Upstart," sneered
the Ink.
^Esop TSgdivivus. 9
" All the same, you are Glad enough to Flow
to my delicate nib."
M It seems to me that, in the interest of Both
of us, 'twere better that this Vexed Question
should be settled."
" Writer" screamed the Ink above his liquid,
" Writer, which does the Most work, the 'Pen
For a moment the writer Considered. Then
he said, " When both of you have Answered
the Question I am about to put, I will Answer
Yours. What would Either of you do With-
out dMet"
" Oh ! " said the 'Pen, " I Never thought of
That."
" Ah !" mused the 'Pen, " I Never looked at
it in that light."
"No, said the writer thoughtfully, "You
were so Wrapt Up in self that you Failed to
Recognise the claims of other people. Rowers
in the same Craft, had better Pull Together ii
they Fain would reach the Shore."
tMOTiQAL.
§ktt\\t t0 a coneunting ftre,
(gnfc fof% fane tU Paine,
IO
sEsop T^edivivus.
IV.
The Kennel in Council.
" YV7ELL, to be sure," said the C^Qew/ound-
* * /and, " the Expected Spaniel has
arrived, only instead of One Spaniel there
are Two."
"Captain Gun has but One Spaniel" re-
marked a 'Pug.
"True," answered the ^Newfoundland" and
how are we to Decide as to the Impostor f "
" That the Impostor will do for us," said the
blind Collie, who was an Oracle, "Meanwhile,
I will Listen."
s£sop T^edivivus. n
In stepped the Two Claimants, both well-bred
dogs, apparently not a Pin to Choose between
them.
"We are very Pleased to see you," was the
C^Qewfoundland's greeting.
One Spaniel gave a Condescending Sniff.
"Thank you," said the Other dog, quietly.
After that the Collie and the ^Newfoundland
Talked Together. The Collie waxed warm in
his Denunciation of one of the dogs.
" Still," persisted the ^Newfoundland, u I've
counted All points, and the Impostor, as you
call him, is the Better Bred."
" That may be," assented the blind Collie,
" That is but Accident of Birth. It is speech
and manners that Betray one's Training, and
you must Allow that any dog which comes
from Captain Gun's will Know how to Com-
port Himself. Only one of the two dogs
Thanked you for your Greeting. The Impostor
Sniffed. Let him be Turned Away.
dM01&4L.
jfafoe cofoure tttafte a dancjeroue Bait,
Q8$tn tvutfy ie out gour eclSemee wiM faif.
12
^Esop T^edivivus.
V.
The Simple Stork.
"YV7HAT are you doing?" said a Stork to
*v a Fox.
11 I'm having a Sip of Wine," he answered.
"What does it Taste like?" asked the Stork
who was Very Thirsty.
" First rate ! Have you Never tasted wine?"
11 No," replied the Stork, honestly enough.
" Why you're no Stork at all ! " exclaimed
the Fox. "You're a Goose, that's what you
JEsop T^edivivus. 13
are. Fancy a 'Bird of your Social Position
never drinking wine. The Storks where I
come from drink wine Every Day."
" Indeed," said the 'Bird, in Wonder.
"And they Grow fat and merry. Their
plumage is sublime, and their Eyes — their
Eyes," repeated the Fox, gaining time to coin
a Fitting Simile, "why, my Dear, their Eyes
Shine like Diamonds." The Stork reflected,
and Reynard continued, "I've never seen
Such a subdued looking 'Bird of Your species
Before. I suppose it is owing to your Never
having Drunk Wine."
"What is it to looked Subdued?" questioned
the simple Stork.
" Well — aw — to look as if your Own Tail
didn't Belong to You."
" Oh " said the Stork, then after a moment's
thought, " what would you Advise to me Do ?"
" Drink wine," said 'Reynard.
" How can I Drink it ? " asked the Stork.
"After the General Fashion, /usually drink
with my mouth. You've a pretty Long Beak
of your own, which is a Decided Advantage."
14 jEsop T^edivivus.
" But it is Such a funny vessel, I can't Get
my beak in."
" Oh yes you can. Try."
And the Foolish Stork did try.
"I can't drink," she said, from the Depths
of the Bottle.
" Further Down, further Down," advised
the Fox.
"And yet I can't Drink," said the Stork, in
a Muffled Voice.
" Then pull your head out," said the Fox.
" I can't," said the Stork.
"Sure?"
"Yes, sure."
"Very well then, keep your head where it
is. There's very Little Picking on it," he
observed. " Now I can have my Breakfast,
sure, I've Waited long Enough." And the
Wicked Fox Ate up the poor Stork.
<£MO%oAL.
$3eS5are of eftangere, n?0o SBouift fain
^impftctfg denoe,
©on'* tiettn to tfeir foofiefi fofft,
Or emuftrte fljeir pride.
sEsop T^edivivus.
15
1
lllll"i!!^^^^^S!lllllllllllll
^^^^^5p% ^ 381| &%jl
■«8SpKi8lBBR
Ii'^^^^^MHbJE W
111
lllllliniirium^^a¥Hlilll 1 ll 1
VI.
I The (Quarrel.
" T'M Convinced that I laid Five Eggs," said
a disconsolate Hen - Sparrow, as she
looked Ruefully into her Nest.
" Where have you Been ? " enquired her
cMate.
11 Only a little way Along the Road," an-
swered the Hen.
"You've been Gadding About," said her
oMate sharply, "What Right have you to
Leave your Nest at all ? "
1 6 JEsop T^divivus.
" Oh ! " gasped the Hen, " Just Hear him ! "
Then every individual feather she Possessed
turned the Wrong Way, and she said hotly,
" When you Flew out this morning you said
you would not be Ten Minutes, and now — look
at the Sun. What Time do you make it out
to be, <£Mr. Sparrow f "
" Two o'clock," said <£Mr. Sparrow briefly.
" Yes, two o'clock, and you Left Home at
Eleven." Here the little Hen stamped her
Claw with Passion, and the Cock -Sparrow
hung his head, as Well he Might.
" Gadding About," piped the lady Furiously,
gradually working Herself into Hysterics.
" Gadding about Indeed — when I was Nearly
Starving, and compelled to leave my nest in
Search of Food. I tell you what — "
But she never Did tell him. Something at-
tracted her attention. " <£Mr. Sparrow" said
she, with a convulsive sob, " That is Not <£My
Egg."
And as cMr. Sparrow contemplated the
Cuckoo's Legacy, he couldn't say it Was.
" Why I'd five Green little beauties, oh ! oh !
oh ! " She was Beginning Again cMr. Sparrow
jEsop %edivivus. 17
reflected. He was a Family 'Bird and Hated
Scenes.
" My dear," he said, Very Deliberately, as
if the idea had Cost him no end of Thought,
"suppose that egg were hatched, now, what
Sort of a 'Bird do you Think there would be
inside."
The Hen Dried her Tears. Her Curiosity
was aroused.
" I don't know," she said, Composing herself
for an Indefinite Sit, "but I'll see."
Q&Qtn paeeion 6£inde, pour adEerearp map
Q8ov& on pour weaftneee, <xnb conquer pou
t$<\t map.
JEsop T{edivivus.
Vll.
Self-Esteem.
" YV7ELL to be sure, what a Lovely creature
* * I Am," exclaimed a Stag, as he stooped
down to Drink of a Crystal Stream which
Flowed at his feet. " What ears, and ah ! what
Beautiful eyes. They are darker, they are
larger, than Any of the Herd, and there's no-
body, nobody to admire Them." He sighed,
JEsop T^edivzvus. jo,
then took a Step Forward, and one or two
steps Backward, threw his head a little to One
Side, and Sniffed the Air in a Very supercilious
fashion. " I wish I could go to a Show," he
said. " I'm better worth Looking at than the
White Bull, or that Old fat Pig, and they
Took the First Prizes at a show lately. But
there's no Accounting for taste. And what
that pig does Consume to be sure ! By the
way, I feel Very hungry — yes, I've a Silent
Sorrow, most decidedly. It really Must be
supper time. Hi ! you fellows," he called
Out to two of his Companions who were
hurrying helter-skelter Past him, M Isn't it
Feeding time ? "
" Feeding Time," returned his oMessmate
with surprise, " my good fellow, we had our
Supper an hour ago. Did not you Hear the
bugle Call?"
" Never a note."
" Are you Dull of Hearing ? "
The Stag shook his head.
" What were you Doing then ? "
The Stag blushed.
c 2
20
JEsop %§divivus.
"Ah!" said his Companion, "admiring your-
self As Usual — you see we know your Failing,
but, my friend, you won't Grow Fat on that
sort of Diet — good night."
cMOIicAL.
(How ©(Soufo pou 6e preftp,
QHoef peopfe $a$t egee,
§o do not procfatm it,
§ot tfyat te unJBiee.
jEsop T^edivivus.
21
Vlll.
Rival Songsters.
"W7H ATS that?" asked the Wind.
* * " Me singing," said the Corncrake, " I
Sing at Eventide."
"Like me," brayed C^Qeddy, browsing near,
M My hee haw ! is enchanting and well-sustained,
22 JEsop 1{edivivus.
for its many the Whack I've had for the very
same," he added.
" And my voice is oft heard at midnight in
Sweet Melody," said a quadruped of the Feline
as she set up a prolonged "mew."
" Never heard such a Row since I Learned
to Lisp," shrieked the Wind, and he Blew a
Blast which Silenced the trio effectually.
" That's because you've No Ear for music,"
croaked the Corncrake, after an interval, "but
Why stay to question such as If"
" I'm on the look out for a musical Freight,"
quoth the Wind.
11 Bear my refrain Along with you," sug-
gested U^eddy.
" Phew ! " said the Wind. Then after a
while— " What's that ? "
" The tinkling of a Sheep - Bell," purred
oMadame.
" A trumpery bell," put in ChQed.
" Little bell, little bell, wilt Come along o'
me ? " asked the Wind.
JEsop T^edivivus.
23
"If it please you," answered the Sheep-TleH
meekly. "If you think me Worthy to be borne."
" Worthy, ah ! your very Worth lies in your
Not Asserting it. Come along Pretty Tinkler."
zMOe%£AL.
Q)e w#o poeee00 a voice fade (Jeeo,
$t map not cflarnt.
§in% not vorxt praiee, $t Sow no good,
$\xt worfte pou (farm*
24
jEsop rRedivivtis.
IX.
Cruelty Requited.
" /^^H ! spare me, sir," said a Little 'Bird to
^-^ a Hunter, who must needs shoot at
All he Saw.
11 Fly," said the dMarksman, " Fly ! You
have your Chance, and I would fain have a
Moving Target."
"Alas !" said the little 'Bird, "my wing is
broken, I cannot soar, or even stir."
"Oh! oh !" said the dMan, "then I shall
have a Sure Shot."
jEsop T^edivivus. 25
"Spare me," cried the 'Bird. "Save my life,
and Of a Surety I will save yours — at this very
moment you are in Danger."
But the Hunter heeded not the Poor Third's
warning, or perhaps he never heard it, so Eager
was he to Shoot. He touched the Trigger,
and the 'Bird tumbled over. As the shot
Pierced its Side an oAdder, which the man
had not seen, Bit him in the Leg.
" Zounds ! " he cried, " what's that ? " And
turning Quickly, he saw the Snake and Killed
it. But the %eptile had Already Done its
work ; it had stung him, and its Sting meant
Death.
" Ah ! " sighed the poor little 'Bird, when
she Saw what had Happened. " Had he but
Spared Me I could have Saved His life, for I
saw the deadly Snake ere it Reached him. I
tried to warn him, but his Heart knew no Pity
Towards the Defenceless. Good bye ! " she
said to the Huntsman, who by this time was
Writhing in Agony. " Farewell ! "
" Why did you not Warn me ? " cried the
man.
11 Alas ! you gave me No Opportunity."
26 ALsop 1{edivivus.
" Would that I had," sighed the Huntsman.
11 Could I but Efface the Past, never again
would I Injure a Hapless Creature. Forgive
me, poor ISird" he said, in Faltering tones.
" Forgiven," answered the cBird) with fleeting
breath, " thy Folly has Wrought its own
Destruction ; Surely this is Punishment
Enough."
And Together the ^Bz'rd and Huntsman Died.
tMOTioAL.
©on'* injure wfyat is (Jefylkee, nmr eeeft
£o ta&t abxxxnta^t of t$t emaff ano weaft.
JEsop %edivivus.
27
X.
Foiled.
' I 'HERE was once a Young King who had
A a very crafty 'Vizier. This 'Vizier used
to tell All Sorts of Untruths about the
<£\fonarch, and whenever opportunity Oc-
curred tried to make his subjects Hate him.
He would induce the King to make Harsh
Laws, saying that the people were Rebellious,
and wanted Keeping Down. Then, when Such
28 JEsofi T^edivivus.
laws were enforced, he would Sympathise with
the people Behind the Kings Back, and Say
all manner of Hard Things against him. Some
how or other, it must have been a oMagpie
which Chattered, the King became Aware of
this Double Dealing, and he determined to
trap the 'Vizier.
About this time a Wise oMan was Expected
from the East. He was coming on a Visit to
the Court, and was Very learned, versed in
All Manner of science, and was a Doctor into
the Bargain.
One day the King, who was very much
harrassed and bothered with Cares of State,
told the Vizier that he felt Too 111 to attend
to business any longer, and that he Wanted a
Holiday. Now the 'Vizier would have Jumped
for Joy, only he Couldn't, for he had Gout in
his Big Toe, and people with Gout don't usually
Jump About much.
" I know of no One who is capable of Man-
aging Affairs in your absence," said the crafty
'Vizier.
" Oh," said the King, " I thought that Per-
haps you would act as Regent."
jEsop T^edivivus. 29
" If it please you," said the 'Vizier, Doing
his Best to make a polite bow, without Shew-
ing his Joy.
"Very well, then," assented the King, "I
shall Appoint you Regent and Take a Rest.
Goodness knows ! I need one."
He looked so 111 and Worried that anyone,
save a nasty old Disagreeable Vizier, would
have been Sorry for the Young oMonarch.
Now, as soon as the King shut Himself up
in his Palace, you should have seen what High
Jinks the people had. The Vizier made Galas
and feasted Everybody right royally. Some
folk liked it, others didn't. For instance, those
little 'Boys in the street who Ate ham sand-
wiches and rode merry-go-rounds for an Hour
Together — they Liked these doings ; but the
confectioner, whose duty it was to Provide the
sandwiches, without anyone being Responsible
for the payment thereof; and the man who
owned the Merry-go-rounds, and had Plenty
of Customers but Few Pennies — they didn't
Like it. Still, you Cannot please everyone,
you know.
30 jEsop 1{edivivus.
Now in the Midst of all this Fuss and
Scramble, who should Come to the city but the
Wise oMan from the East. What he Thought
of it all I Cannot Say, but he used to Sit in
the market-place and talk to the Poor. They
Told him all their Troubles, and he lent a
ready Willing Ear to their Complaint. They
told him Also that they had a very Cruel King
and a very Kind Vizier.
But here Discussion Arose. Some said that
the 'Vizier was not a Good Man, others said
that he Was. And which Side the Wise oAfan
believed it was Hard to Determine.
One day the Wise oMan took it into his
wise old head to Go to the Palace.
" I want to See the King" he said to the
Vizier.
" But you can't see him, he's poorly."
" I must see him," persisted the Old oMan,
" Bring him to Me."
Now all the People wanted to hear the Wise
oMan rebuke their Naughty oMonarch, so
they Thronged into the Court-yard till it was
Crammed ; and the Court-yard, I must tell you,
held Many persons.
jEsop T^edivivus. 31
The 'Vizier heard all the OldoMan had to say
and then retired. Presently he Returned.
"You can't see the King" he said Abruptly,
" the thing's Impossible. But you can Send a
Message," he added more Civilly.
To tell the truth, the "Vizier was afraid of
this August Stranger ; in fact, he Hated him
for the Power he exercised over the Multitude
— only he dare not show it.
" I will send no message," said the Wise
cMan, " I will See the King. Go and tell
him so."
The 'Vizier went away Again, and when he
came back he said, M Once more, I am to tell
you that the King will Not come. But he
has sent a Request."
"And that is?"
" That is, as he will not Come to you, he
desires to Reward your Impertinence — your
Head shall go to Him."
"You say that the King has Sent for my
Head."
" Of a surety," answered the "Vizier stoutly.
" Did you See him ? "
" Yes and he told me what I now tell you."
2,2 jEsop T{edivivus.
" So the King Wants my Head. You are
Sure of this oMr. 'Vizier"
" Sure ! and the Kings wishes must be
obeyed."
" They must," agreed the Old oMan, " as
you Yourself shall Testify."
And throwing Disguise aside, the Young
King stood before them, for the Wise oMan
and the King were one.
And a Head was Cut Off. But it Wasn't
the one the 'Vizier intended.
^MOcF^AL.
©ecetf map fPouriefl for a ftme,
(#n& fafeeflooo 0o£o ife ewap;
$3itf frufl} wiff ouf, and egaff erpoee
©atrft oeeoe (o £ic$f of dap.
JEsop TZgdivivus.
33
XI.
The Sly Stag.
" I would I were a bird,"
sang a Wolf outside a hut where a Stag had
taken shelter,
" That I Might Fly to thee,
And breathe—"
"You've been Eating Onions," interrupted a
voice, and a Head was thrust out of a Square
little Window.
" What do you Want here ? " demanded the
Stag.
D
34 JEsop T^edivivus.
" I was only serenading you, <£Miss" said
the Wolf glibly.
"Then be Off with you, I want None of
your Noise."
" It's a pleasant evening, wouldn't you Like
a Walk oMiss" persisted the Wolf, who was
Peckish.
" I can't leave the hut."
"Then open the Door and I'll keep you
Company, I can Finish my song Inside," he
added, by way of inducement.
" Bide a wee," said the Stag, who was Born
on the Scotch Moors.
" Dinna fash Yersel aboot makin' the but
and the ben tidy," said the Wolf who had
once tasted crowdy, which Accounted for his
Accent.
" Do ye mind watchin' Doon the road a
Wee to see if a Kid Passes that Way. If ye
ken him call out and I'll let ye Baith in
Tegither."
"Very well," agreed the Wolf smacking his
Lips at the thought of the Good Things to
come."
jEsop 1{edivivus. 35
Very stealthily the Stag crept Out of a
Window behind the Hut and Ran Along the
road in a different direction to where the Wolf
was Looking. She Told her mate, and he
Told the herd of the Danger ; so they all Kept
Together, and as the Wolf dared not Attack
Them in a body he was starved to Death.
tMOT&lL.
QJ Ut of mofljer wit, 3 0at>e Been toft,
30 eomeftmee wovtfy a pocht fM of goto.
D2
36
jEsop TZgdivivus.
Xll.
Children, Obey your Parents.
11 L_I ERE goes," cried a Young Shoot, strug-
gling to Push his Head above ground.
"Keep quiet," said the Parent Stem. "The
Sun is Warm, the Wind blows sweet, and yet
'tis early Spring. Stay where you Are, gather
strength, when the Right Time comes for you
to peep Above I'll tell you."
jEsop %edivivus. 37
" Fudge ! " said the naughty Shoot. " Right
time indeed, you'll Keep me Here for ever if
I don't Assert myself."
"Your brother and sister shoots Remain
content."
" Oh ! but they're such a sleepy, lazy Crew.
Now, it's no Earthly Use your Kicking up a
Dust. I've Made up my Mind, and I'm
Coining. Here goes — Hullo ! " Already his
Tender Head was above ground. A solitary
green Speck upon the bare dark earth.
" I say, you snoozums-snorums," he called
below, " follow my Example and Come aloft.
Oh ! it's splendid," he exclaimed with enthu-
siasm. " Why I never Could have Believed
there were such things if I had Not Seen them
for myself. There are plants a Thousand times
greater than mother. She's a Regular Wisp
compared with some. Come up, I say, and
learn what Life is."
But his obedient brother and sister shoots
took no notice of his Foolish Prattle. They
harkened to their parent's Voice and heeded
not vain words.
The sun shone fair, the Wind was Soft and
38 JEsop %edivivns.
Balmy. The cool and Refreshing showers
strengthened and nourished the Disobedient
Shoot, and he tried Very Hard to tower above
his oMothers head.
Soon all was Changed. The sun came not.
The wind Blew hard. Hail, sleet, and snow
Pelted on his Drooping Head, then he lay him
down and Died.
Days and weeks passed on, and the cuckoo's
Note was heard. One day the Whole Family
of Shoots, with their mother's Consent, prepared
for a General Rising.
"What's this?" squeaked a tiny sprout,
striking his head against a Withered Stick.
" 'Tis my first-born," answered the mother
softly, "my erring Wayward child. To gratify
a Foolish Whim, he must needs forfeit Life !"
Queefton not pour mortjer'e woro0,
iSlje t$ou$t Before pou cried.
jEsop T{edivivus.
39
Xlll.
The Victor Spurned.
" T SAY she is oMy Hen ! "
* " Sir, that Hen belongs to Me ! "
" By my comb, she does Not, and Shall Not."
"This quarrel must be Wiped out with
Blood," said the Game Cock, Grandly, polish-
ing his spurs as he Spoke.
" You will find me a Match for you," said
his spangled antagonist. "Ckerie," he called
out to the Lady in Dispute, "Cherie, if I Lose
40 JEsop cRedivivus.
my Life in this combat, I yield it willingly for
your 'sake, for I could not live Without you."
"Old Girl! out of the way," said the Game
Cock, previous to making Feathers Fly.
Then business began.
An introductory peck at each other's crest
was Playful enough as Far as it Went, but
when Spangles wattles Dissolved (Partnership
they were Warming to their Subject. The
Game Cock was Long-winded, which was a
decided Advantage, but Spangles Fought like
a Hero. Dig to the Right of him, dig to the
Left of him, till it seemed as if the Game Cock
were going to be Beaten, and that if Things
didn't come to a Climax soon there would be
Naught left to Fight.
But the wary Chanticleer was only Husband-
ing his Strength, for when poor Spangles had
hardly a Peck left in him — then it Was that
the Game Cock Let Drive, and buffeted,
spurred, and helped himself to Spangles' feathers
wholesale. And at last he Jumped on him
and crowed ! " Cock-a-doodle-do ! "
No response.
" Cock-a-doodle-dooo ! "
jEsop T^edivivus. 41
Never a kick.
" Come along Old Girl," said the Game Cock,
dismounting. " He's Done for."
" No, thank you," said she.
"Why Not," he asked.
" Because Spangles is not yet Quite Dead,
and to tell you the Truth, I do not choose to
Mate with a Prize fighter. I shall wait till
Spangles recovers. I've not the sweetest
Temper in the world, and it Strikes me that
if I Married You, I should be Laid Up in the
hospital for repairs before the honey Moon
was over."
ZMOTiQAL.
Q#e in our ar&our often eljon? a tvait,
(Q#e fain wouft 0ide) for wgicfl we §at>e
£0 pap.
42
sEsop l^edivivus.
XIV.
An Accommodating
Defendant.
"Y'OU are known to the Complainant" said
Judge 'Peacock.
11 1 am, my lord," replied the cDefenda?it.
" And you Agreed to Many Her."
" I did."
jEsop l^edivivus. 43
" What could you have Plainer than that ? He
admits it," piped the Complainant. " You
hear him."
" Conflicting evidence, Certainly," said the
Judge. " Let me hear you Say it Again, you
offerred to Marry the Complainant?"
" Certainly, I never objected."
" Then 6Mr. Turkey what is zMiss Turkey
Pulling you Up for Breach of Promise for?
Are you still willing to make this Lady your
wife."
" Not my wife, I never Agreed to That."
" But you offered to Marry her."
" Yes, you see it's Like this, I'm the Registrar,
and I'll Marry her to Any Man living at Half
Price. I can't say Fairer than That, can I ? "
mo%oAL.
(g. SBittp foe ie a fierce foe,
jge fieate pou on dje $rouno pou efcmd.
44
jEsop %edivivus.
XV.
Genius
" DETER is very Like his Father."
* " Aye, the lad is Right enough."
" And Jonah Takes after dMy family."
" Well, I don't see that as Much as you
Appear to do."
" There's not a Doubt of it — ask anybody.
He's the very Image of my Brother. He will
jEsop "Redivivus. 45
be Either a poet or a painter, will Jonah. See
him with his Book now.
" I'd as Lief see him with a top and a whip
like "Peter"
" That's because you've No Mind, T{euben —
you never had, my poor mother used to say."
" I've not a doubt of it. She was Very
strong on the Saying subject."
" If you speak a word Against my Mother ! "
" Shouldn't think of it."
" Then what did you begin for? "
11 But you were talking about Jonah" cor-
rected the Husband, who went so Far and no
Further with his mother-in-law for a topic.
" I said, I persist in Saying, and what is
more I Mean to Stick to it, that Jonah Takes
After oMy family, and will one day be an
Illustrious Personage. Why, only this morn-
ing he asked me to Draw him the Ark, and
the animals coming out of it. Think of that
for a boy of His years. The interest he evinces
for Things far beyond his Age is marvellous.
See, now, how Deeply he is Buried in my
sketches." Calls : "Jonah, precious, what is so
Absorbing you ? "
46 JEsop T^edivivus.
" I can't make out some of the things
you've Drawed in my book."
Fond oMother Goes to see.
" What is that, oMother f "
"A camel, 'Darling."
" And what's this creature next to it ? "
"A tortoise, 'Ducky"
"And this Big Brute?"
11 A cow, My boy."
" A cow is it ? Well, next time you Draw a
Cow just write c-o-w under it, then everybody
will Know what it is."
ZMO'RqAL.
QJ favoured cflifd ttrif? eomefttnee c(Surfte0 grow,
(&nd Bntiee t$z §<xnb t$at neper fceaft a 6fc>w !
JEsop TZgdivivus.
47
XVI.
Simplicity Victorious.
' YV7HY, my darling, what are you Doing
** there ? " asked, with Wondrous Con-
sideration, a Wolf of a Lamb.
" Please sir I slipped in."
" Then slip out."
" I don't like."
"Why?"
" Because you are Watching me."
48 jEsop T^edivivus.
" Run up the path," said the Wolf.
" But it is Private Property." And the Lamb
read out, "Trespassers will be Prosecuted!"
" Oh ! that's all gammon," said the Wolf.
"You'll not be prosecuted, I know the Lord of
the Manor Very Well. Fact is, he's a Friend
of Mine. Now you just Obey me. Come
along dear. You'll be Getting rheumatism or
cramp if you Stand in the Water much longer.
Then what will Mamma say? How is Papa,
Lammie, he's a Great Friend of mine."
"You appear to have a Number of Friends,"
said the Lamb.
" Yes, I've a long visiting list, and my Visiting
Cards cost me quite a Fortune ; but why tarry ?
Come along."
" I don't like to Climb while you are Looking
at me."
" Should I turn my Back? "
" Please ; will you also Crouch down ? "
" Certainly."
" Thanks ! " Then very Quietly the little
Lamb Crossed the Stream and Climbed Up the
opposite bank.
" Are you coming ? " asked the Wolf.
JEsop %edivivus. 49
No reply.
" The brat must be deaf!"
"Are you coming?" he Called Out again.
Silence reigned.
11 Won't I Grind his Gristle for this Impu-
dence ! "
"Well, bless me," said the Wolf, at length,
11 1 can stand this No Longer. I must look
round."
And he did.
Now what do you think he saw ? Well, the
little Lamb Tearing Along the fields, putting
Acre after Acre between him and the Wolf.
He was Out of Danger, and soon, very soon,
would Reach Home.
" To think," said the Wolf with a savage bay,
" to think that a Simple-looking brat Like That
should Dupe Me ! "
mO%oAL.
§(}ou{fo gou fie in danger, ttp to fteep cafttt,
€oof conduct tvtff &<xb pou $ro«g( ban%tt
anb $axm.
50
jEsop %edivivus.
XV11.
The Duel.
A LITTLE oMouse lived Next Door to a
*^^ young Frog. They were firm friends,
and kept No Secrets from each Other. They
talked about the weather, which showed what
Confidence existed between them. They spoke
of the crops, the state of the country Generally,
and each agreed that the World was a very
Bad Place, and that they were the only Decent
People in it.
When the oMouse got a Sweetheart she told
sEsop 'Redivivus. 51
the Frog, and when the Frog contemplated
matrimony he Consulted the oMouse.
They had one Common enemy — a Hawk.
But here their Friendship stood them in Good
stead. It was No Use, for the Hawk never
could Catch them napping. For if the Frog
were in danger the oMouse would give him
warning, and vice versa.
cMiss oMouse and oM aster Frog would have
been the Happiest couple in the World but
for this Hawk.
Judge the Surprise occasioned when one Day
these old friends went Out for a Walk, and
each took a Different Path. The Hawk was
not Hungry just then, but he had Pleasant
Anticipations. When oMiss oMouse came
home she Slammed the Door in the Frogs
face, but Peeping out again to see How he
Took this insult, the Frog not to he Outdone,
in the matter of malice, Spat at the oMouse.
" Things cannot go on much longer Like
This," said the oMouse to a Friend. " I'll be
Even with that Frog yet."
The Hawk heard this Speech, for he was
Close by.
E2
52 JEsop T^ediviviis.
" How do you Mean to Settle it?" asked he.
11 With swords," said the Frog, quite Grandly,
and he Inflated his Cheeks and squared his
Shoulders as though he could Settle the Busi-
ness of a hundred Such foes.
" That's Capital," said the Hawk, " nothing
like Spirit."
"And steel," put in Froggy.
"And steel," assented the Hawk.
" Will you be Umpire ? " asked Froggy.
" Yes," said the Hawk.
11 And will keep Quite close to me ? "
"Yes."
" Because the cMouse is a Treacherous little
Baggage. She'll take Advantage of me if she
gets the Least bit of an opportunity."
" You may Rely upon my Championship,"
said the Hawk.
Two days afterwards the Duel was Pro-
claimed, and was attended by the Whole Village.
The duellists chose a Pleasant little Spot
near a Stream where Bulrushes grew.
After shaking hands the Fight Began. One,
two. One, two, thrust, parry, over and over
again.
JEsop rR§divivus. 53
The cMouse Wielded her Weapon famously.
The Hawk Hovered Over to see Fair play.
The Frog fought Savagely, but badly. He
received a Tremendous Dig in the Stomach.
"Oh!" he cried in Anguish, "Hawk/
Hawk ! your aid, Hawk ! "
There was a Sudden Swoop, when thew !
thew ! click ! went both swords right through
the Hawk's neck.
11 Oh ! " cried the onlookers, agast, " What's
That for?"
11 To rid ourselves of our Common Enemy."
Then the Frog and the oMouse Embraced,
and Kissed, and Went on their Way rejoicing.
tMOI^QAL.
£rue ftrienoeflip te emit, it aioe ue in efrife,
®no 0efye ue (0 fieatr weff fl)e Butroen of fife.
54
JEsop %edivivus.
XV111.
Gossip.
HAVE you Heard the News?" asked
Harry, the village blacksmith.
"Yes," answered Tom and 1>*c£, "isn't it
Dreadful ? "
"Horrible," said Harry, "it will be the
Scandal of the whole Township, see if it isn't."
"There is no Scandal at All," said John.
JEsop %edivivus. 55
" I never should have Anticipated such a
thing," said Tom.
"A whale isn't caught Every Day," said
Harry.
"A whale," echoed a Trio of voices, "what
about a Whale ? "
" I heard," said Harry, " that a Whale had
been Caught on the Long Sands. That's my
News."
"And I heard," said <Dick, "that a Shark
swallowed Tom Pumpkin, and that Gilbert
Filbert held the shark's Tail, while Parson
Barson read the Burial Service. That's my
News."
"And I was Told, as a Great Secret, that
the curly-headed coastguardsman Became In-
fatuated with a Mermaid, and because he
Couldn't be amphibious like She Was, he
Jumped into the Sea, resolving to Spend the
last Few Moments of his life with her. That's
my News."
"Well, I was There," said John. "On the
spot when my News happened."
" Oh, tell us, speak low," said Tom, Ttick,
and Harry, all Agape.
56 jEsop T{edivivus.
" Well, Dan Dan vers caught a finless sprat
Stuffed with Golden Guineas."
" Some of us have been listening to Silly
Gossip," agreed the Trio.
On wflicf it rune apace;
3^0 footprint* kau a ttait U^inbf
Q#0ic(5 noting can efface.
JEsop T^edivivus.
57
XIX.
Gardening Extraordinary.
/^~\NCE a Rich oMan bought a Country
^-*^ House. He had been Something in the
City, and the Goddess Fortune had favoured
him. Now he Determined to Leave fog,
smoke, and tumult Behind, and Spend the re-
mainder of his Days amid Beauty, Sunshine,
and Flowers.
For all that he was Rich he liked Four
Pennies for Every Groat he Changed.
58 JEsop Hedivivus.
He had a Gardener who was lazy, and de-
served Reproof, and none was so able to Ad-
minister it as the Retired City Magnate.
At noon the Gardener Went Home to
dinner. Ten minutes afterwards the oMerchant
Doffed his Coat and began to Dig.
At one o'clock the Gardener returned.
" See, here," said the ^Merchant, " I have
Dug Over this patch of ground in as Little
Time as it took you to Water it. Are you not
Ashamed of yourself? I should never have
Possessed a Garden like this if I had Frittered
Away my time like you do."
11 Humph ! " said the cMan.
"What do youSay?" enquired the oMerchant
11 Why, sir, I thinks as you be t' biggest Softy
I iver Seed or Hard on in my life. You've
gone and Dug Up t' best onion bed in the
country. Yaw ! haw ! "
mo%oAL.
% man map (Save xicfytB, ano %ttp wiee fie,
@no ptt on eome pointe none eo eimpfe ae 0e.
JEsop T{edivivus.
59
XX.
Conceit.
1 T^O you Know," said a Peacock to his
^^^ cMate, " I've a Strange Fluttering
about the region of my Windpipe."
11 Pip," suggested the Lady.
"iPip," echoed her indignant Spouse, u say
rather, 'tis the Forerunner of that Thrilling
Power, the glorious Gift of Song."
" La ! " said the 'Peahen meekly.
60 JEsop Redivivus.
"And what is More," went on the communi-
cative 'Bird, with head erect and Wings out-
spread, " I mean to Become a Musician."
" Instrumentalist or vocalist," croaked a
'Raven, who had heard What was not Intended
for his Ears.
" Both," replied the Peacock, for he could
not define.
" Long years have I lived," replied the
Raven, " and strange and Wondrous Things
have I Seen, yet never have I Known one who
was Boastful and Vainglorious become a true
musician. Excellence is the Outcome of
Labour, and Music, while it ennobles, is an
Exacting mistress. If after Years of study and
Careful Training thou shouldst — "
"Come along dear," piped the Peacock to
his oMate, "the Fluttering has gone now."
dMORcAL.
3f pou eeeft fame for fame afone,
gtm cfear of aW t$t (ntueee ;
£o%t ^iefbe to foBe, anb patience wine,
Q#(Sere t&hnt offtme foeee.
jEsop T^edivivus.
61
XXI.
Plain Speaking.
"Y"^ ET along ! " said a 'Butterfly to a Grub,
^-* how dare you Brush past me like that?"
" You once were a Grub yourself, my Fine
Lady," said a 'Bulrush growing Near.
11 How can you make such an Assertion ? "
said the 'Butterfly hotly. " A Grub ! " The
very thought made her sneeze.
62 jfEsop %§divivus.
" You say that /was once a Grub ? "
11 1 do," said the 'Bulrush, Firmly.
" I should like to Shake you for your Impu-
dence," muttered the butterfly to herself.
What she said Aloud was, " If I were not a
Polite Being I would use an Epithet to you
which implies the Reverse of Truthful."
" I know quite well what you would Say,
but for all that, my Dear, I remember you as
a Grub. Why Child, I've known your Family
for Generations. Each year that I have come
up there has been Some of you flitting about
me."
" Hear him," said oMtss 'Butterfly in Despair.
" I, with my sparkling Eyes and radiant Hues,
my Sunny wings and Delicate Toes — once a
Grub!'
Away flew the 'Butterfly, hither and thither ;
basking first on a Rose-leaf, then on a sweet
Picotee. Towards the scented Groves, and
back again to the Grateful Clover. Oh ! what
a Happy Creature was she !
One day during her flirtings she passed the
'Bulrush, but although he Bowed politely, she
Pretended not to see him.
JEsop T{edivivus. 63
The days were like years, and the Sun was
always shining. Ah ! what it is to be a
'Butterfly ! There came an evening after a
warm sultry day, when not a Breath of wind
Stirred the idrooping flowrets, steeped and
burdened with the Kindly Dew. On this
particular Evening oMiss 'Butterfly did not feel
quite as Well as usual.
" I'll go to the 'Bulrush" she said to a friend,
and away she went.
The first object that met her gaze on her
arrival was an Exquisite specimen of her own
species.
"Allow me to Introduce you," said the
'Bulrush slyly, "eMiss Grub, cMiss 'Butterfly ."
" Now, Who was Who ? "
Our old friend's Lips began to Curl when
the lovely stranger said, " How do you do,
oMiss 'Butterfly f"
"We have just been talking about you," ex-
claimed the 'Bulrush; "my little friend here
is Highly Amused at your Treatment of her
as a Grub. You remember Brushing Past
her one day ? "
Pause.
64
sEsop HSjzdivivus.
" There is one thing I would Say in Con-
clusion,"— this was uttered with Scathing
Sarcasm, — " our little Grub of yore possesses
two Wonderful Qualities which rarely combine:
Besides being Beautiful, and an Object for
Admiration, she is Also Politer
(poftftneee coete na\x$t 8u* is wotty a
%uat deaf.
sEsop T{edivivus.
65
XXll.
Billy and Bully.
"/^LAD to Meet you," said the Goat, "it
V< was Good of you to protect me from
that dog Yesterday."
" I defended you because I believe we are
Akin," said the 'Bui/, who was Deep Red.
" We possess the same Power of Defence."
"We are Abused by the world Generally,"
grumbled the Goal. " They call me Hilly,
which is an Unwarrantable liberty, and any
66 s£sop T^edivivus.
human Biped who happens to be particularly
Cowardly and Pugnacious the world dubs
'Bully, which is an affront to you."
" Hist ! there is a Lion Looking at us."
"Where?"
" Behind you — don't look. He thinks that
we Cannot See him."
" My hind foot is lame," said the 'Bull. " My
corns are Troubling me, I cannot go, so don't
leave me, 'Billy."
" But I'm no use, I'm Such a little chap."
" None too small to do a Kindly Service.
It is not the Strong and Brave who prove the
Best Friends, but the. Staunch and True,
whate'er their Stature."
So the Goat remained, and the Lion, tired
of waiting till the Friends should part, Went
his Way.
qMOcRqAL.
§tanb firm 6p gour Broker,
(fflfyatt'tt map Beftde,
Je efrong, fong, anb wi&e.
y^Esop T^edivivus.
67
XX111.
Least Said Soonest Mended.
" T HAVE Made a Mistake," said a crafty
* C^otary, as he went through the Items
of a Disputed Account.
" Nay, pardon me, it is I who made the mis-
take," answered the Injured Client.
"How so?"
" I oMistook You for an Honest Lawyer.
Allow me to Wish you a very good morning."
dMO^cAL.
(HKtfJ a ftnave bon't content,
§\Unu itf atwaptf eafe.
F 2
68
dbsop rRedivivus.
XXIV.
Masher Bunnie.
" r\R ! I wish that I had a Brown Coat,"
^~"^ said a disconsolate little Itunnze, as
he Sat on a large dock leaf twirling his
Whiskers in the sun. " Summer is Coming
On, and I am as Dingy as a Toad. Not even
a white front, collar, cuffs, or socks — all
Brown."
s£sop cR§divivus. 69
" Brown is the safest of all colours for you
my Dear," said his QAunt.
"How so?"
" Because it is the Colour of the Earth, and
you can trip along the ploughed fields and
under the hedges without so much fear of
Detection."
a Who cares about being Safe ? " snapped
the querrelous cBunnie. "I've got Four Legs,
haven't I?"
" Oh dear ! " he sighed, when his QAunt
turned her Back and left him. " What oAm I
to do ? There are Plenty of things which
change colour for Summer. Why not I ?
Look at the trees ; they've got a Bran New
set of leaves on. And the birds. Didn't that
Norwegian rabbit tell me that the ptarmigan
in his country had White Coats for winter and
Brown Ones for summer. Now why can't I
have a brown coat for winter and a white one
for summer ? To be Brown the whole year
round is dreadful."
But he determined that he wouldn't be
Brown, and grew so Cross and Ill-tempered
that when his little sister passed him to go to
7© s£sop T^edivivus.
Dinner he gave her a Severe Shaking, out of
pure spite — not because she merited it.
All that day, and the next, the Rabbit
Bewailed his Misfortune. On the third day
he went for a Walk alone. His ears Hung
Down and his eyelids drooped. His mouth
curled up at the Corners, his nose was Several
degrees higher than his forehead, and his Tail
swung like a pendulum.
Passing along a Turnpike road, he came to
a mill. The door was Open, and he could see
a quantity of white Dust on the floor. " The
very thing," he said, his features relaxing.
" Now for a Metamorphosis." He stepped in
and rubbed himself from head to foot with the
dust that was Heaped Around.
At last he had a real presentable summer
outfit. He came Home very quickly, but it
was Already late, and his Family were in bed.
He dare not go down his own Hole for fear of
spoiling his coat, so he leaned against a Hay-
stack and Slept there all night.
In the morning none of his Relations knew
him till he spoke, then his cAunt recognised
his voice.
s£sop %edivivns.
71
"You foolish boy," she said, "mind if you
don't pay the Penalty for this Folly."
" Fiddle-de-dee,' said cBunnie, and Capered
round the field. Just then a sportsman came
up with a pack of Dogs after him.
" To holes ! " cried a buck, who was Head
of the family, and away scampered the rabbits
in Compliance. Our white friend ran as fast
as any of the Other rabbits, but his coat being
so startling in Shade the dogs Saw him much
Plainer than the rest of his brethren, and as if
with one accord they made a Dead Set at him
— overtook and Worried him.
qMO%qAL.
©on'f cxcwt for fine featfjere,
%$t Briber fljeir sfSaoe,
%%t greater tfyt danger
Of foin% Uttaptb.
72
s£sop cI{ediviviis.
XXV.
Duped.
""yOU failed to keep your Appointment
A with me yesterday," said a Frog to
a Gnat.
" Nay, I was at the Place appointed, even
though you did beg of me not to Tell my
» Mother," said the Gnat.
11 1 beg your pardon."
" And I yours."
s£sop %edivivus. 73
11 1 was at the Monument from two till four."
"And I from one till five."
" There must be Some Mistake, I never
saw you."
" But I saw you, though I failed to make
you hear."
" That is Strange. You are sure you were
there ? "
"Yes."
" Well, I Hopped round and round for two
Mortal hours."
11 Hopped round it ? Ah ! now I see. You
chose the Base ? "
"Yes."
" I the summit — that's the Difference. Next
time you make an appointment with a Country
Girl, oMr. Frog, please be More Explicit."
Q)oun<j maibtw Beware of tfyt e5Bain n?(So
woufo tatfyx
Keep out of $e way of gout: mottyct cinb
fatfier*
74
s£sop cRedivivus.
XXVI.
Crossed.
A 597 entered the ranks of an Opposing
Army and asked to be Given the office
of trumpeter.
There was a vacancy so he obtained the
post. But a Soldier, who suspected the new
Trumpeter of Treachery, contrived during the
night to Steal into the enemy's camp and
Change Instruments. He gave the trumpet
dEsop %edivivus. 75
belonging to his own corps to the enemy, and
theirs he Brought Away, laying it quietly
beside the Sleeping Spy, who at length Awoke
and Blew a Blast. Judge everyone's surprise
during the early morning to hear a retreat
sounded, and the enemy recognising their own
musician and instrument, marched away leaving
their foe Master of the Field.
<MO%oAL.
(H)0en a ttic&eUt ie fricftefc
^0en none can compfain.
76
sEsop T{edivivus.
XXVll.
The Old Spider and a New Fly.
1 YV7ALK into your parlour ! for what do
you Take me pray ? "
" A Fly" answered the Spider Meekly.
" An Idiot you had better have said. Walk
into your Parlour indeed ! Flop into your
web you mean, and kick, and kick, and kick,
till Death releases me, or you should want
your Dinner."
" No offence Miss," said the Spider, climbing
up to his Attic.
s£sop %edivlvus. jj
" Come back," called the Irate Fly after him.
" Come back, I say, and Listen to what I have
to tell. Once there was a time when Files,
like other folk, were foolish. Had you Invited
my great-grandmother, she Undoubtedly would
have accepted your Alluring Invitation. But
Not Me, cMr. Spider, Not Me. Everyone
is so wise now-a-days. We despise what once
was Credited. Now look at me, oMr. Spider.
Mark me Well." Here the Fly Puffed out
her Cheeks, spread her wings, rubbed one foot
Against the Other in a very knowing fashion,
and Rose a few inches in the air. "I fly," she
said, " to escape from your Villanous Clutches,
and — " a oMartln on the wing swallowed her up!
" That's Just the Way with the wise ones,"
said the Spider, who had Watched the Fly's
destruction. " Her grandmother may have
been Foolish and old-fashioned in her Ways,
but I'll Wager my web she had Eyes enough
to see a bird."
zMO%QAL.
£6oee ptoph n?0o eap ttytp an met
7»
s£sop T^edivivus.
XXV111.
Caught in his own Net.
" pAREWELL my Hoys," said uncle <Dick,
who lay a-dying.
He had been a Good Man, for all that he
believed himself to be Inspired and wrote
Vile poetry.
" To think that you must Die," said James.
" Oh ! the Pity of it ! "
JEsop T{edivivus. 79
M My dear kind uncle," said little Hugh, as
he kissed the Hand that had always dealt so
generously towards him.
" You will find that I have left a just Will,
and divided my Possessions with Discretion."
"Don't speak of Wills, Uncle," said Hugh.
u I have Considered both your Dispositions,
and have apportioned my Property Accord-
ingly."
"You were ever a Just Man," said James.
11 1 may have acted Foolishly at times, but
my will is the Outcome of much thought and
deliberation.
" What on earth is the Old Fellow driving
at," reflected jfames, who had Toadied his uncle
for Many Years, hoping to Gain Thereby.
"You have both been good 'Boys, and will
find that I have Appreciated the many Kind-
nesses you have Shown me. Farewell ! "
The uncle died, and his will was read.
"To my nephew James," it ran, "I bequeath
my Greatest earthly possession — my works,
twenty-eight Volumes of Verse. He liked to
hear me read my poetry, and recognised my
genius, though Nobody Else did. To my
8o
sEsop cBsedivivns.
nephew Hugh, who has No imagination, but
is Honest and Truthful, and is business-like in
his tastes and habits, I bequeath my money,
lands, goods, and chattels, and whatsoever I
possess."
qMO%qAL.
jff cautft in (U (rap (§ai SBe 6atf
^Smaft? epmpaflSp faffe to our fo^
^Esop TSjzdivivus.
81
XXIX.
Bitter Honey
" r* OOD-BYE, dear John, it should be a
^-^ Comfort to you to know that you go
to the Scaffold with a Clear Conscience and
have my full confidence in your Innocence. It
ought to Alleviate your Distress to know that
you bear the Punishment for one who is your
Enemy, and who now is Free to roam whither-
soever he will."
82 s£sop %edivivus.
" It is hard," said the man, calmly.
M Yes, Very hard, I'm glad you Feel for me.
You always did. Whatever shall I do when
you are gone ? To whom shall I Fly for
sympathy ? Oh dear, what a nuisance ! There
will be all sorts of questions Cropping Up that
I want to ask you when you are No More — "
" Quiet, sweetheart, say some Words of
Comfort to me."
"John, how long shall I wait, and who
shall I Marry when you are Dead ? There
now, don't cry dear. You were Always a
good kind Lover, and it woe's Me, for I shall
Miss you Sorely."
^MO'BsAL.
% eefftefj eouf #ae epee
ZQ<xt neBer eee oiefreee,
(&no eare S$(Hc0 never 0ear
(& crp of pain.
sSsofi %edivivus.
83
XXX.
Diamond Cut Diamond.
" "M ®^ my men>" sa^ tne ®/ww^ oMan who
Owned the stone, M you have been to
my quarry and have seen Another stone, which
do you think the Better of the two ?"
" This one," said the <£Man with the oMallet.
He Grimaced to his friend as he spoke, for he
G2
84
y^Esop T{edivivus.
was not telling the truth. He wished to Cheat
the afflicted oMerchant.
"This is a better Stone than the One at the
Quarry ? "
" Yes."
"Then you shall have this for the same
money as the other," said the li/ind oMan,
kindly. " Take It away."
to fricli or itytat a man wgo cannot eee
J0 ungeturoue to t$t faet otcpu.
sEsop %edivivus.
85
XXXI.
Conflicting Statements.
" C\& ! let me Go," cried z'Barn'Door Cock
^^ to a dairymaid who was bent on his
destruction. " Let me go, I Never did you
any Harm."
" What is the matter ? " said the oMistress,
Stepping forward.
86 j&sop %edivivtis.
"Please ma'am, this Fellow leads all the
hens into your flower garden."
" I don't," said the Cock. " It is untrue."
" Which am I to believe ?" said the oMistress.
"Believe me ma'am," said the dMaid, and
she Squeezed the bird's throat so that he could
offer no Defence.
" But what have you to do with the flower
garden that you should wish to Kill him, your
work lies among the churns."
" Make her let me go, ma'am," said the Cock,
Freeing his Throat after a Violent Struggle.
Then when the oMaid released her Hold, he
shook his Feathers and said :
" Ma'am, the maids here have a Spite against
me, and have all threatened to twist my Neck."
" Why so my poor "Bird? "
M Because I Crow too loud, I 'waken you
every morning."
" That's a fact."
u And you Rout the maids out of Bed earlier
than they Like. They say if it were not for
Me you would lie half an hour longer, and so
would they."
s£sop eI{edivivus. 87
" Indeed ! " said the oMistress, Significantly.
" Now away with you," to the oMaid, " and if
you Dare to lay a finger on that bird, I'll — "
11 Cock-a-doodle-do ! "
tMO^oAL.
Ifytat BoflJ ei&ee voitty ftrmneee,
QJu umyixt te Bound
£0 mut et>er£ cZknt
On imyattiat ground.
88
s£sop T^edivivus.
XXX11.
Confirmed by Taste.
L_T ERE'S the first Thistle I've seen since
I left Edinbro' " said a 'Donkey , as he
Tramped along a Private Road at Dover.
" It does my poor old eyes Good to meet
anything which comes fra' bonnie Scotland."
" I'm not Scotch," said the Thistle Disdain-
fully, M I'm French, I was Planted here because
I couldn't help it. There was a Terrible Wind
blowing at Calais that night."
u^Esop %edivivus.
89
11 But, my wee lassie, ye look Scotch,"
" Appearances are sometimes deceptive."
" Very likely, but taste seldom errs : Aye,
sure enu it's Scotch," declared the 'Don&ey,
as he munched away at the Haughty Thistle,
" I've eaten too mony in my time for there to
be a doot on't."
oMOTicAL.
£0 oieoSSn pour peopfe or nation t0 wrong,
jfofft fcutgij at anb ntocft eucjj presence.
9o
yllsop %edivivus.
XXX111.
Prejudice.
1 YN77ELL, bless my Keys," said the Clarionet,
** "if there isn't old Schmeckpiffer dam
back again."
"And looking as 'witching as ever," said the
little 'Drum.
"As Seedy, you mean," Contradicted the
Cornet.
" His hair has grown somewhat longer, his
Body lankier, his Eyes have Grown Duller,
dEsop cI{edivivus. 91
and his Nose more pointed ; save for these
Trivial alterations, my brother, I find no differ-
ence in the man. And a Fiddle who could
Boast of having been Caressed by the immortal
Paganini ought to be an authority."
"Hush," crashed the Cymbals, " old Schmeck-
pifferdam is About to Speak."
" My friends," began the Conductor, address-
ing the orchestra with his Usual Politeness,
" I've but lately returned from Leipzig."
" Tune me ! if ever I heard such a duffer in
my life ! " struck in the 'Bass Fiddle, during a
pause occasioned by Herr Schmeckpifferdam
Clearing his Throat. The Conductor hated the
'Bass Fiddle, and as a natural consequence the
'Bass Fiddle had a Very low estimation of the
Conductor.
" While in Leipzig I heard Wonderful music
— music, my friends, which brought Tears to
my eyes, and — "
"A lump in your throat," suggested the
Viola. " Go on."
" — I must say took me Quite by Surprise.
I heard a wonderfully beautiful — an exquisite
symphony composed by an Englishman, my
92 sEsop %edivivus.
friends, a countryman of your own, one John
Smith."
" Oh " rose from every pipe, every string ;
even the drums Groaned.
" May I be tootle-tootled if I Venture to
play a single Note of John Smith's symphony,"
piped the Flute, in a perfect Frenzy of Passion.
"John Smith indeed ! Look at him all of you !
There's a fine Conductor / Goes to Leipzig,
comes back with a Tear in his eye, and a lump
in his throat — over what ? Why, over a John
Smith."
" I always told you old Schmeckpifferdam
was an ass," came from the Exultant 'Bass
Fiddle.
Again the Conductor spoke. " Before I
submit to you the score, gentlemen, let me
give you an Idea of the oAdagioT Here then
Schmeckpifferdam took up the Fiddle, which
had Always a tale to tell of his beloved Paganini,
and played a sad, painful strain, as of some
creature in distress who Appealed for Aid in
vain. A stoney-hearted monster seemed to
Jeer at the suffering one ; bid her mingle with
the World and make merry. Once more the
sEsop T^edzvivus. 93
supplicating voice, once more the heart-
rending wail, then a Wild Cry of despair,
and the voice died away in the stillness of
Death.
"Well," sighed the 'Cello, "by my bridge,
I was Never so affected in my life."
" Nor I, Nor I," echoed the husky chorus.
"I feel," said the Cornet sadly, "just the
same as I always do when playing Spohr's
1 cRgse Sweetly blooming.1 When I come to
that Exquisite modulation, I feel as if I could
bloom away for ever ! "
"And that Theme, my friends," said the
Conductor, bowing to the orchestra, "that
Theme which I have Tried to interpret is but a
Feeble illustration of John Smith's symphony."
JMOTicAL.
(prejudice 85iW warp tfie min&,
@n& cramp t$t aMtet §<xnb.
94
s£sop cRKedivivus.
XXXIV.
Dissatisfied Madam.
' I 'HERE was once a young Couple about to
Set Up housekeeping. They wandered
round the fields Together to seek a Picturesque
spot.
"This situation is delightful," said the 'Buck,
"the hills Shelter us on the north and the
Forest on the east. I've heard my grandfather
say such Surroundings were good."
Alsop %edivivus. 95
" Perhaps your grandfather had Rheumatism,
and looked at Everything from a Painful
Standpoint. I don't, and hate being sheltered
as if I were a bald ^ig. Come along," said
the %oe.
They tramped about for an hour and stood
at the Top of a very high Cliff.
" See, this is charming. You can see the
country for Miles around. A place like this
ought to suit you. There is not the Shadow
of a Shelter anywhere."
" Have you brought me up here to induce
me to commit suicide ? Do you want our
inquisitive Progeny to break their dear little
necks ? "
" You did not like the Valley, love ! "
" No."
" And you don't fancy the Hills."
11 Certainly not."
" Shall we try a Level Tract ? "
0 A Level Tract ! A common go-between —
neither one thing nor another ! No, indeed,
oMr. cBuck) do you wish to Insult me ? "
96
j£sop T^edivivus.
11 1 wish to bid you good day, my dear, till
you are in a better humour. I will meet you
again when you have found some Suitable Spot
where we can make our Home."
The 'Doe is Still wandering.
^MOcRqAL.
^ome people erie* n>(So ne'er eafteftefc are,
(&nb witty man anb nature are aftoage at IBar.
y^Esop %edivivus.
97
XXXV.
Terpsichorean Art.
A YOUNG Lady Crab was very Anxious
to visit France. Some one of her ac-
quaintance had lived there, and related such
Stories of the delightful cities that it completely
Turned oMdlle Crab's shell.
She would get behind a Stone and commence
dancing, One, Two, Three. Three, Two, One,
H
98 s£sop T^edivivus.
"At any rate when I get there," she would
say to herself (and this was a Great Comfort to
her), " I shall know how to polka." 0?ie, Two,
Three. Three, Two, One.
A Young Gentleman Crab crawled on the
beach one Saturday afternoon and Watched
her. His Crabship's Heart was Touched. She
was a very pretty Creature certainly. "We
cannot Afford to let such a Beauty migrate.
We can fully Appreciate her Charms at home,"
he said to the seawrack, and he closed his
Claws the better to Consider how he might
Win her. The next week he waited, and she
Disappeared as usual behind a stone.
He called out, " Miss, if you'll Condescend
to let me, I'll teach you a Newer Step than the
one you know."
" Oh ! " said oMiss Crab, blushing rosy red,
11 1 didn't know Anyone was a-looking."
11 Of course not," said the Gallant assuringly,
" how should you ? "
So she came out on the Beach, and he gave
her a Lesson. She said he took Very long
steps, but he reminded her that he had been in
Aisop H{edivivus. 99
France, and knew what he was about. He
danced jFour, Five, Six, instead of One, Two,
Three, to his polka.
" Now you can hop beautifully," he declared,
when his pupil was out of breath. " You have
Acquired the toe Business, now you must begin
with the language."
" Yes," simpered the Lady.
11 You know what a Verb is ? "
" Of course," she answered, raising her
feelers. She had no Eyebrows, so she just
raised what she had.
"Well, we will take the verb To Love,
J'aime-— say it after me — J'aime, I love."
" J'aime — I love." The teacher looked very
Hard at the pupil.
" Tu aimes — thou lovest, ahem ! "
" Tu aimes — thou lovest," repeated the Lady.
" II aime — he loves," and the tutor Smacked
his Lips.
" II aime — he loves," which made the Lady
titter.
" Nous aimons — we love." They never Got
any Further with the French language than
h 2
100
dEsop %edivivus.
that. It was strange, but they both understood
each other in English, and the young Lady
Crab Sacrificed Ambition and a worldly
craving to become the wife of a plain, matter-
of-fact John Bull.
<£MO%oAL.
^(Jere'e 6eauty at 0ome, anb Son't croee t$t eeae
^o <jad$er flie \x\x\t w§ic§ <3*on> on our freee.
s£sop %edivivus.
IOI
XXXVI.
The Inquisitive Shepherd.
A HETZgMIT asked an Inquisitive Shepherd
**" to Stay to supper. The invitation was
accepted.
" This is fine soup," said the oMan, " what is
it made of?"
11 Eels shins," said the Hermit.
" You live very Retired. Where did you
Reside before you came here ? "
102
s£sop T^edivivus.
" In a balloon."
" And why did you leave your balloon ? "
M Because I was Footsore."
" What are you by Trade ? "
" A Gentleman's servant."
" And who did you Wait upon ? "
" Myself."
£MO%qAL.
JnquietftEe foil are eufijecf to enuBe,
^(SoucjjS i$t% ne'er eee t$t point of odicatt rufie.
v' A
^Esop cBKedivivus.
103
XXXV11.
Piscatory Greatness.
OIX little Trout did not Deign to swim in
^ the same river as did the Other fish.
11 We are aristocrats," they said among
themselves, "and it is Not Meet that we should
Mingle with the Common Shoal. Come, let
us away, and find a place wherein to Disport
our well-bred fins."
11 I've found a Dear little creek," said Fish
V^o.i.
104 s£sop %edivivus.
- " Ah ! but yesterday I met an eel coming
out," said Fish C^o. 2.
11 1 see a splendid pool," said Fish 5\o. 3.
" It smells pikish," said Fish 5\\?. 4.
" But here is a Delightful Bay," said Fish
"Yes, we'll go there," agreed Fish C^Qo. 6.
And they went.
" How Delightful to be select ! "
" Will you see that the Refrectory is all that
it Should be?"
" I'll just Swim by the esplanade."
" Nay, go rather by the terrace." Were a
few of the well-bred Expressions used Imme-
diately on their taking possession.
" My great great-grandfather used to say — "
" Piscatorian, I beg of you not to Worry us
with the Maxims and Arguments of your illus-
trious progenitor. There is No Need to trade
upon one's ancestor for greatnes, our position
is assured.
"Ahem! Haw-Haw!" formed a trouty
chorus.
How long such fine Language continued to
Flow from their well-bred lips is unknown, but
y£sop cI{edivivus. 105
when the Tide turned they failed to Recognize
the Danger they were in. Away, away — im-
perceptibly at first, but surely enough, away
went the water, leaving a Shallow little Lake
and the fishes in it — not- to Play at Greatness,
but to be Caught, for a Man passing by saw
them.
And strange as it may Seem to you and me
who know their sentiments, when these fish
were Cooked, would you believe it ? they
tasted Just the Same as common, every-day
trout.
<£MOT{qAL.
($■ wdb&ttb pereon neSer frafcea
(Upon 0i0 cjtrand bwunt.
io6
s£sop %edivivus.
XXXVlll.
Pride goes Before a Fall.
" /^\H ! if I hadn't such long legs," sighed a
^-^ 'Brahma Chick.
" Long Legs indeed ! " screamed tiny Speckles,
the smallest of the clutch, " why, I think Long
Legs are Beautiful. See what Heaps of
Things you can reach which I cannot," and a
tear dropped from oMiss Speckles1 eye, so
genuine was her Grief.
dEsop T^edivtvus. 107
" Long Legs are certainly an advantage,"
said grave-looking Ginger, the only boy of the
family.
" So I'm beautiful, reflected oMiss 'Brahma,
both Speckles and Ginger think so. Now
I come to think of it, those queer looking
creatures with Green eyes all over their
tails have Long Legs. I've as much right
to the front Garden as they have. I'm too
good for the back Garden, I am," and away
strutted oMiss 'Brahma, to mingle in Better
Society, as she put it.
" What's that Thing ? " enquired <£Mr. Tea-
cock, as oMiss 'Brahma made her debut on the
lawn.
" Don't be Alarmed, my love. It's only a
harmless Chick come to Look at us," said
oMrs. 'Peahen, superciliously.
" Shoo ! Shoo ! " said the Gardener, and
dMiss 'Brahma had to go.
" Cook," said the oMistress to her Servant,
next Morning, " Johnstone complains that one
of the chickens has begun to stray on the
lawn. Just keep a sharp look out, and if it
io8
sEsop %edivivus.
•ever occur again, we will have the Tiresome
Thing for breakfast.
Ginger heard the sentence, and told his
sister. oMiss cBrahma took the Lesson to
Heart, and Cured herself of her Foolish Pride.
Eventually, she Became a sensible and un-
obtrusive Hen, the very pattern of the roost.
<ZM01{cAL.
Btt pour eare 6e cfoseo to ftattixp
($no open to aopice.
s£sop cBsedivivus.
109
XXXIX.
The Wrong Word.
A FOOLISH Hind once fell in love. The
^^ worst of it was, he did not know what to
say to the Girl, so he sought Advice of his
oMaster.
" What shall I tell her ? " he asked, after
Going into Particulars.
" Well," said the oMaster, with a Comical
Twinkle in the corner of his eye. " The easiest
no sEsop T^edivivus.
thing for you to do, is to tell the Girl that she
has Stolen your Heart.
A few days afterwards the Hind came to
his oMaster, in a perfect Frenzy of Passion.
" A nice thing you've done — Good Advice
you've given — you've Lost me my Sweetheart,
you have ! "
" How so ? " asked the oMaster Anxiously.
u Well, directly I said to her what you Told
me to say, she began screaming and Ran
Away."
" What did you Say to her ? "
" What you advised me."
" But what was that ? "
" I told her she'd stolen my Liver."
ZMOTiQAL.
(& Sort t0 a ematt tfiina;,
QBuf IBgen mieappfieo,
t£§<xt it map worft miecfKef
Cannot fie oenieo.
Aisop %edivivus.
ill
xl.
Wide-awake Croesus,
A oMISET^ lay Very 111, and his relatives
*^ thought that he would Die. What
Bothered them was, they did not know Any-
thing of His Affairs, how much he possessed,
112 sEsop T{edivivus.
or where he had Invested his Money. But
the fact remained — he was rich.
A young Kinsman wishful to take advantage
of the Helplessness of the oMiser, and desiring
to Cheat the other members of the family,
bought a Magic Lantern, and thought he would
Frighten old Croesus into Confessing Every-
thing.
The oMiser awoke, and behold !
The vision said to him, " John Thomas, you
are About to Die ! "
" That's stale news," said the oMiser, blink-
ing. " Are there no Later Bulletins than that
issued, where you come from ? "
" And you are Rich," continued the 'Vision,
" but I know Every Secret that is in your
breast. You would relieve your mind, I can
see that Something is disturbing you. Tell
me where your Wealth lies Hid, and your
Conscience will be the lighter. In that Box
lies Treasure — you see I know."
" Pish ! " said the oMiser, " gammon ! I take
the gold which is for current expenses, out of
that box Every Night, and stick it under my
Pillow. And as for all that Twaddle about my
^Esop T^edivivus. 113
Conscience, and my wealth being hid — and
you knowing all _I know, if you're a New
Fangled thought-reader, go back and Learn
your business properly. You're a fine Noodle
to hit on an Empty Box ! "
And the Invalid chinked his Gold, turned
on his pillow and went to Sleep.
oMO^cAL.
©on'* tvwt (0 a fraud to fitter gour aime,
Out of n<xu$t can come na\i$t, anb notaries
ttmains.
ii4
sEsop cB^divivus.
xli.
Master Cubby.
" /^ O to bed, dears," said Reynard, speaking
^-^ to his family generally.
" I should Never think of taking precedence
of you," said the first-born in Deferential
tones.
j?£sop %edivivus. 115
" But, when I tell you to do so ! "
" Such excellent Training as I have received,
cannot be Forgotten at a moment's notice.
You have taught me Never to precede my
Elders."
A pause.
"oMatnma, you look Tired, dear," said
%eynard to his Spouse, somewhat later, " I
think you had better Go to Rest."
" Thank you, but my Breathing is Very Bad
to-night," and she glanced Meaningly at the
foot prints of the hounds, at the Mouth of her
Home. Visitors there might be Within,
awaiting her arrival. Thank you she would
Prefer remaining out of doors.
T{eynard looked round. "Cubby, you go to
bed, this instant."
11 Yes, papa."
" And Cubby—"
" Yes, sir."
" When you get to the Far end of the hole,
call out, let me know. That *Bor will be
having Bronchitis if he sleeps Near the Door
to-night," he explained afterwards.
12
1 1 6 ALsop %edivivus.
Cubby was none so Simple as he Looked.
He was Fully Aware why he had been sent to
bed before any of the others, and he deter-
mined to give a Roland for an Oliver.
He went to bed.
His family waited and listened, peeped and
spied, but Never a Sound or a movement.
"And he had Such powerful lungs," thought
his oMamma.
" They've made Short Work of Cubby"
considered his papa.
Sunrise found the family of foxes Crampy,
stiff, and Miserable.
" Good Morning," said Cubby, at length,
coming to the Mouth of the Hole. It was
close upon Noon.
" What ! Cubby ?" came from Every tongue.
" You young Rascal," cried T^ynard,
" you've been to sleep. Why didn't you Call
Out ? I told you last night to go to the End of
the cave, and then Let me Know."
11 I've a Treacherous Memory," said Cubby,
11 you're told me so before to-day, but wasn't
it jolly having All the Bed to Myself, and
rolling off all the soft ! "
sEsop %edivivus.
117
Nobody saw the joke but Cubby.
" I believe you were Afraid of the hounds'
Footprints," said he, " but none seemed to have
gumption enough to Notice that they were
turned towards the village."
£MO%oAL.
Qfc eimpfe %i$t map 6e fiotfi eljrewd anb cfear,
Q&Un otfyttB tumUt 0e map ftnow no fear.
n8
Aisop %edivivus.
xlii.
Professional.
" A ND once a dog Bit me."
** " Indeed," said the "Bull.
"And a cat took Possession of my left eye."
" Good gracious ! "
" I've had colic and cramp for Weeks
together."
"Well, I never!" .
" I was imprisoned in a disused Watering-
can, and kept for six weeks Without Food."
AZsop %edivivus. 119
"Poor thing, and did ye live?" asked the
Goat.
" I've been reduced to Such Privations, as to
be obliged to Bolt my own skin."
" Mercy on us ! "
Thus the Frog bewailed his Sad Condition :
" During a severe thunderstorm, I lost All
my children, and my husband was Struck by
Lightning."
" My heart Bleeds for you," said the Stag.
" And now, gentlemen, the most Trivial
Donation will receive my Heartfelt Thanks."
" I never give to professional croakers," said
the Fox, " and," turning to his friends, " if you
are wise, you will Follow my Example."
^MO^oAL.
(geaf Mefre60 ie Bihnt,
QHen&tcancg t>cr6oee.
120
s£sop %edivivus.
xliii.
A Vacancy Occurs.
A FOX met an oApe, " Do you know " said
the Fox, "where the Hunters are at this
Present moment ? "
" Following the hounds."
" Have vou Seen them ? "
" Times innumerable."
" Eh ? "
" Times innumerable."
s£sop %edivivus. 121
" Are you Daft ? "
" No, but my twin-brother is."
" What turn does his foolishness take ? "
" Second on the right, third on the left ? "
11 Get out ! "
The Fox went by, but presently Returned,
and said to the QApe, " I should like to Help
you on in Life. Would you like a dolt's
place ? "
" What ! are you leaving a Good Situation ? "
dMO^cAL.
Q^ecauee one foofie 0imp£e jwt Bear t§\& in ntino,
%t map 6e more fearn'o t§<m flje xt&t of 0ie &inb.
122
</£sop %edivivus.
xliv.
Curiosity and Danger go
Hand in Hand.
"T^O you know," said a Pert young 'Bee,
^"^ with a Smudge on her Cheek, " that
the Italians have got a new hive."
" No," replied a pensive looking 'Drone, " I
did not know, at least," he corrected himself,
for he was Very Exact, " until you informed
me I did not."
sEsop %edivivus. 123
" Yes," went on oMiss 'Bee, u such a Beauty,
Wooden, square, and smooth, with bits of glass
let in — and oh ! would you believe it, artificial
combs ! "
" Never," cried the 'Drone in horror. " No
Queen in the World would allow it. Artificial
Combs indeed ! You'll be telling me Next
they extract Honey from artificial flowers,"
and the pensive-looking Drone frowned at the
pert 'Bee.
All that day and the next, the inquisitive
*Bee kept Buzzing round and round her Neigh-
bours' new hive. Once, one of her own hive
Caught her, and sent her home with a Stinging
reprimand. All to no purpose. She flew
back in half an hour, as Naughty and as
inquisitive as ever. She whisked under the
hive, Buzzed round it, soared above it, then
she could bear it No Longer, and determined
to see what was inside. Creeping behind a
very heavily-laden Italian Bee, she just managed
to get round the Corner of the Entrance,
when oh ! she was pounced upon and well-
nigh Strangled.
124 s£sop %edivivus.
11 What do you want here ? " demanded the
Janitor 'Bee.
11 Havn't you got a Queen of your Own ? "
cried an Italian rDrone.
But the indignant couple did not wait for a
reply, and, indeed, had they Done so, the poor
'Pert 'Bee could not have Vouchsafed one, for
she was strangled and beaten, and Uncere-
moniously kicked out of doors — a bruised and
lifeless Thing.
" Serve her right," said the Queen of the
Italian Bees, when the Death of the Spy was
reported to her, with a full and detailed
account of what had taken place. " I want
no Foreigners in my Hive. Take this as a
Warning, my subjects, and Protect our Glorious
Home."
" But your oMajesty" protested a tender-
hearted Gentleman 'Bee, " she was so Young.
Had you let her live, who knows but that she
might have seen the Error of her Ways and
repented."
11 Silence that rebel," and he Too was
strangled.
Aisop %edivivus. 125
0 Yes," said a wise old Grandmother 'Bee,
shaking her head, " Order must be Maintained.
If the *Bee forsook her own hive and Queen,
surely, it is not hard to suggest that she might
Betray ours. And a voice that is Raised
against nature's law, had better be Silenced
for ever."
tMOI&AL.
Qj3e topat, for fogaftg i0 £0 a croSht
3te ticfywt, moet 6eauftfu£ ^ent.
N,V- —
126
Aisop %edivivus.
xlv.
The Pseudo Mariner.
" jDLEASE will you Help a Shipwrecked
oMariner ? " asked a 'Beggar of a
Sportsma?L passing by.
" How is it that you are so Reduced ? You
are not old, and look Strong and healthy."
" I was wrecked off the Coast of Norway,
and was the only man in the Whole Crew left
to tell the tale."
" Why did you not Appeal to the owners ? "
s£sof> %edivivus. 127
" In the meantime they had become
Bankrupt."
" I will Help you if I find your case to be
genuine."
" Never a Doubt of it ; Bobbie Duff knows,
and so does Sammie Scrub."
" And where may Bobbie Duff and Sammie
Scrub be found ? "
11 They're both Dead, sir."
"And so you are a Shipwrecked Mariner,
Humph!"
"As sure as that Brig be a-sailing in the Bay."
11 Then that Settles it, for now I find you are
a Cheat. Any sailor would know that a Brig
had Two Masts and a Schooner three. Your
brig turns out to be a schooner, so good-bye."
dMOlicAL.
Zq fie a good cfytat
QJou muet fie Eetrp nriee,
Or efoe pou map eilutnfife
$n*> faff over ftee.
128
Aisop cRedivivus.
xlvi.
The Ungrateful Cur.
A ^PTil^QCE sate in his Summer-house one
** afternoon awaiting the Arrival of his
Guests. He was giving a large Garden-party.
Presently he heard a Pitiful Howl, and listen-
ing, found that it Proceeded from the well.
Thither he went. Stooping over, he saw a
'Dog Scrambling into a Bucket.
" My poor creature," said the 'Prince, Com-
passionately, " how did you get Down there."
" I jumped in after a Bone," said the T)og.
11 And where is the Bone ? "
s£sop %edivivus. 129
" I've eaten it. Oh, do lift me Up please."
" I will, on one Condition."
And that is —
"You must not Shake Yourself near me.
I'm giving a mob garden-party," explained the
cPrince) " and have got my Best Clothes on."
11 Oh, I'll not Shake Myself near you," said
the 'Dog, "just try me."
Thus assured, the Prince set to work to
Wind Up the Bucket, and Sprung three But-
tons during the operation. One, two, and
Over he came.
" Wait a moment," said the cPrince) but the
'Dog Forgot his Promise, and peppered the
'Prince from top to toe with the Muddy Water
from off his Coat.
" If I had Known, I would have Left you
where you were," said his Benefactor, ruefully
Contemplating his Ruined Suit, " I shall have
to Change my Garments now."
The 'Dog Uttered not a Word of thanks or
apology, but Galloped off to tell his friends
what a Lucky Escape he had had.
3n%tatit\xbt ia oft t$t coin
Q#(Sic0 page a Benefactor.
130
sEsop T^edivivus.
xlvii.
Mr. and Mrs. Crow.
WILL tell you what," said an evil-looking
Crow to the Partner of his Joys and
Sorrows. " We'll build our Nest There!'
pointing with his claw to a Fork in an ancient
tree, " and what is more, we will Line it with
Mud."
11 Moss," suggested oMrs. Crow, who had a
Refined Mind.
Alsop %edivivus. 131
11 Mud," said oMr. Crow decidedly, and soon
the Dual cry of Mud ! Moss ! echoed through
the Rookery.
" Look here ? " cawed <£Mr. Crow, when his
wife was out of breath, " if you don't stop your
1 Mossing ' I'll give you a Crack on the Side of
your Head which will make you See Stars."
" I say Moss," said oMrs. Crow, defiantly.
"And I say Mud!"
" Again, I say Moss ! "
"Then, Madam, I wish you a very Good
Evening," and <£Mr. Crow strutted away, leav-
ing his Lady in the Lurch.
qMO^RqAL.
Stan'l m<xn%U afiottf die vant
QXntit pou'Be tnctib t§t efcepfe.
K2
132
Aisop T{edivivus.
xlviii.
Infra. Dig,
I" 'VE a very Knotty Problem to lay before
you to-night ! " said the Speaker of the
mouse assembly. " You know that yesterday
we were twelve United brethren ! "
" We know it."
11 And that now, one of us has Withdrawn."
" Exactly."
11 And will not Return unless we concede to
his request."
dEsop cBsedivivns. 133
" Alas, it is so."
" Hitherto, the several members of our
Illustrious House, have been content to follow
the Trades our forefather's Profited by."
" We've been tallow-chandlers, cheese-fac-
tors, grocers, dairy, and General stores-men,
from Time Immemorial."
" And have Always done a thriving trade,
as our Stomachs can testify."
" Now, try and Guess the trade our Mis-
guided Brother wishes to follow."
11 Milliner ? " " No."
" Furrier ? " u No."
" Prize fighter ? " " No, worse than That."
" Then we give it up."
" Why, a poet."
* A poet ! "
" Yes, a poet, a mere common Stringer of
so many Words a line."
" He'll have to have a license for that " put
in a legal-minded brother."
" No, he needn't. He has the Full Com-
plement of feet" contradicted a musical
kinsman who had an Air of Finality about
him.
134 Aisop T^edivivus.
" Insanity has never been known in our
family," said one of Dates and Facts.
"Well, it won't Hurt anyone that I am
aware of," spoke up an individual who went by
the name of our Obstinate 'Brother.
" True, but it is a very Out of the Way
thing."
" Pish ! we want the laddie back," said
'Brother Ob. " I vote we Set him Up
in life with the same impartiality, as if he
were going to be a joiner, and Wanted a bag
of tools, or a draper, and Required scissors
and a Tape Measure. Let's give the lad a
fitting outfit."
" A fount of pica — ( ) " " * ! ! ? &S*
shall be His, if it will make him a Poet. I
propose that he be apprenticed to-morrow."
qMO'F^AL.
% %tn\uB muet convince a crowd
®efore gte ftinorco (Sarften.
uSEsop T{edivivus.
135
xlix.
A Delicate Question.
" AND so it's your Birthday, Child}" said
**■ he to cPrtscz//a, whose crow's feet were
deep enough for mustard-and-cress beds.
"Yes, papa."
" I wish you many Happy Returns."
" Thank you, papa."
" And how Old are you to day, 'Prissie ? "
14 Nineteen."
136
yEsop cRedtvivus.
" Nineteen ? Ah, yes, I'll make a note of it.
It's as Well to remember so that I may not
Put my Foot into it."
(g. £a&p'0 age ie a $tiv<xtt matter
(&nd not a ftt eufijecf for iofe cgatfer.
sEsop %edtvivus.
137
L
The Fir Tree
A LITTLE Tree Grew in a very Large
Forest. It was so meek and Humble
that Nobody noticed it. Its companions
planted at the Same Time were much more
Forward, courted admiration, and Vied with
each other in height, breadth, and luxuriance
138 ALsop %edivivus.
of foliage. But the gentle Fir did none of
these things. One by one its companions
severed. One by one they went away.
" You old dowdy," said an Impudent Shrub,
why don't you Stir yourself and look About
you ? Those trees that were your Compeers,
are the stars knows where by this time. One
that I know of went to a gentleman's park and
was Set near a cedar, and a Nice Flirtation
they Struck Up. As true as I'm a Shrub, it
was the Scandal of the Parish. You've never
Heard that piece of news, I dare Say ? "
" No, I never heard of it."
" Tut, tut, what an Old Stager to be Sure."
" And there was another one," continued
the rattle-headed Shrub who went to a ball,
and being her debut, she was Decked out with
flowers, stars, and lights. Her life was a Short
and a Merry one. Anyhow, I should Prefer
her lot to Yours. Now hear the Wisdom of
a Shrub. Open your arms, keep down your
stump, and wag your Head about as if you
Knew a Thing or Two. Then, I've no Doubt,
you may attract attention."
s£sop 1{edivivus. 139
Years afterwards, when the Shrub was dead,
and the Forest was swept away, the Fir-tree
had grown so straight and sturdy, that it was
the Marvel of a Plain.
In Youth it was simple and good. In Age
it is great and renowned.
mo%oAL.
$t<xut}> in a<$e ie of a granoetr type
Zfan putt? poutfy.
$t ie t$t ntouifoina; of a ntaefer (Sand,
ZU wotrft of frutfi.
140
j&sop cR^divivus.
li.
The Echo.
" YV7HO would be an echo ? " said a conse-
quential oMermaid, whisking her Tail
in evident Displeasure.
" And," said a oMerman by her side, " just
Repeat anything that another body Says.
Nothing original, nothing on its Own Account,
only, only an echo ! "
" And such an echo too — listen ! La-di-da-
di-la-di-da," sang she.
y^Esop %edivivus. 141
This the gentle echo took up in a truly Artistic
Fashion, warbling it To and Fro, till it Died
away in a Tuneful Whisper.
" Faugh ! I'd sooner be a Sprat than an
echo," said the oMerman.
11 I wish you were," retorted another <£Mer-
individual Smacking his Lips. He was at
hand-glasses drawn with his brother.
" Hist ! " cried C\,eptune, " D'ye hear that
Music ? "
" Yes, 'tis the Gondoliers' Evening Song," said
the finny Young Woman. She had kept a
smile for the oMonarch of the cDeep1 ever
Since her mother had taught her the Use of a
comb.
" Hist ! " cried V^eptune again, and as the
Gondlier Ceased his Lay, the sympathetic echo
took up the last lingering notes, and Trilled
them, so soft, so true and sweet, that None
could withstand their beauty.
" My favour for the One who can Reproduce
such tones," cried U^Qep.
Oh ! what a Babel of Discord followed.
The finny Young Woman well-nigh Put her
Neck out, in her Joint effort to accomplish the
142 y^Esop %edivivus .
feat. But in all that Goodly Company, not
one Was there to be found, who could
Repeat so tuneful a Cadence as did the
echo.
" Nothing original, nothing of its own ac-
count, only, only an echo — but, my friends,"
laughed J^eptune, " it has Won my Favour."
"Zi& Better to eefjo tfje <$oo& tfyat pou Seat:
£(San invtnt wfat te wovt§ nau$t af aff.
s£sop T^gdivivus.
*43
lii.
Tit for Tat.
A FAMOUS doctor went, out one night,
took cold, which brought on Rheumatism,
lumbago, sciatica, and one or two other Little
Things.
As he had lately advocated the Cold Water
cure, a former Patient of his got Another Man
to help him, and Together they carried the
suffering Esculapius to the sea Shore.
144
dfrsop l^edivivus.
"Put your Feet into the water," said the
former Patient
"You idiot, I'm Raging with Fever," pro-
tested the invalid.
" Do as I tell you."
" Oh ! what Are you after ? " cried out the
'Doctor, as whack after whack came down upon
his Poor Back.
"You always were in favour of oMassage
treatment," quoth the Unmerciful 'Patient.
"You once prescribed for me. I'll trouble you
for my Fee : two guineas, Please."
cMOTiQAL.
^uite not t$t docfor'e ttomacfy.
udisop cRedivivus.
145
liii.
Fine Words versus
Kind Actions.
" A YE marry, but I Love thee ! "
"*^ " How much do'st thou Love me ! "
" I love thee quite Half my Dinner," said
U^ed. "Thine ears are the Longest I have
Ever Seen, thy step is Lighter than a gnat's,
thine eyes rival the Stars that Twinkle so
Pleasantly at Eventide, and thy Courage is
Sublime."
146 j^Esop %edivivus.
"All the same my Burden is Heavy," quoth
yenny. She was toiling up the hill, Tugging
a Cart full of turnips Along with her.
C^Qed nibbled first one Juicy Turnip and then
Another as he trotted jauntily by her Side,
swearing Everlasting fidelity and undying
Affection.
" Do'st thou know that thou art Beautiful,
yenny?" resumed the Amorous Quadruped,
after he had eaten just Three turnips and a
Half. "Can'st tell How Much I love thee?
Certes ! but one Must be blind to withstand
such charms as thine."
"Or such turnips," thought yenny, Dreamily.
"Hold there !" cried 'Bob, the costermonger's
ill-kempt ass, who was Browsing Near the Four
Lane Ends when 5\W and yenny Hove in
sight.
"Hold there ! oMistress yenny, let me help
Thee with thy burthen. Thy load is heavy I
trow, and oMy Way of making it lighter, though
Not so Novel as ^Master Coed's there, will be
More Beneficial to thee."
So saying, 'Bob went behind the cart and
pushed with all his Might.
^Esop %edivivus. 147
" I'm but a Poor Clod, Jenny" he said at
intervals, " and can stand but small chance
'gainst such a Rival as gentleman 5\W."
" There thou art at fault," said Jenny, drily.
" C^Qed, it is True, hath been breathing Sweet
Nothings in mine Ear this hour past, but all
the while my Poor weary Back was well-nigh
breaking."
5\W sighed, and Jenny continued.
"To prove how sincere was his regard, he
had likened me to Half his Dinner — mark you
— he had already Filled his Stomach with my
master's Turnips. Thou, oh 'Bob, did'st. vol-
untarily ease me of the Greater Part of my
burthen, therefore Thou has won my Heart
and 5\W my Hoof."
So 'Bob Won the day and 5\W limped Away.
dMO%cAL.
QJ (Sefyin<j ^anb in nub ejSaff proBe
Q£ qvtativ Boon t§<xn any t>on?e of fove.
L2
148
s£sop %edivivus.
liv.
Brotherly Love
A GT^OOoM was Going to Exhibit his Tiog
at a show. It was a fine animal, and
would assuredly have Taken the Prize but for
one thing — although entered, it Was not There.
Just at the Moment it was Wanted, ^rinnie
was No Where to be Found. They called,
Whistled, and shouted its Name till they were
hoarse, but All in Vain.
AZsop %edivivus. 149
The Groom was Very Angry when ^Dogless
he went to the show. Every terrier that
passed him he frowned at, for none so Good
and Worthy of a prize as was missing cPrinnie.
The judges Assembled, and the dogs Walked
round the ring.
The Groom was Excessively Angry when an
Inferior bow-wow to his own carried Off the
Fox-terrier's Championship Cup. He rushed
out of the show-yard, Mounted his Horse, and
galloped Furiously home. Within a Few
Yards of his master's lodge the Groom saw
'Prmnie, who was Crouching under a sycamore
tree. The Groom Severely Chastised the
quadruped.
" Why did you Sneak Off just before the
show opened ? "
" Give me time to Regain my Breath and I
will tell you."
" Well."
" Oh my poor Bones, they do Ache.
"Never mind your Bones, proceed with
your Story."
11 You know Snubby Chips ? "
" The ostler at the ' White Hart' ? "
150 s£sop T{edivivus.
" Yes, sir, he has a fox terrier."
" The little Cur took First Prize to-day."
" Did he ? Ah ! then I can Die happy.
Snubby Chip's dog Cappy, is my brother —
though None Knew of the relationship save
Ourselves. We overhead some People talking,
did Cappy and I, and it was Agreed, that if
Cappy did not Get a Prize at this show, he
was to be Sold, and shipped off to America.
He had tried for a prize Three Times in suc-
cession and failed. They said that he would
have a Good Chance but for Me, and Oh ! I
couldn't bear to think of losing my Only
Brother. Oh ! my poor head ! If you see
Cappy Tell him — "
But the poor ^og died ere he Breathed his
Farewell Message.
The Groom, struck with Remorse, buried the
Faithful Creature under the sycamore tree,
and Planted a fox-glove over his Grave.
MOItgAL.
Z>$t Brute creation often teacfi
® feeeon JBortfi t§t hatninc$.
s£so/> T^gdivivus.
151
lv.
A Cool Reminder.
IDE off," said an Iceberg, to a Sunbeam.
" If you Tickle me like That, I'll freeze
you, I will."
" I bear a Message," said the Sunbeam,
kindly, " the sweet message of Spring."
" I hear no deputy," quoth the Iceberg,
coldly, " I deal with Principals, I do, no
messengers for me."
" But I would Tell you—"
152 j£sop %edivivus.
111 Something melting, no doubt. Away
with you, or by my Latent Heat, I'll make you
shudder ! "
" So," said the Sun with Warmth, " you deal
with Principals do you ? "
" Yes, sir," answered the Iceberg, very
Slipperily.
" Then here am I : " and somewhat later —
" but where are You ? "
oMOT^AL.
Qgft courteoue aftfU to tU emaU <xe t$t %vt«t
(& v&Ut map eomefttnee 0at>e Z>taUn%& mt§ §btatt.
v
II1VI I* Wi
1 -»'
CD
O
W
!0
University of Toronto
i
Library
DO NOT /
REMOVE /
THE //
t>
CARD |
T-
FROM ^
^ P
0
THIS \
<d <r
o
POCKET \
3
03
Acme Library Card Pocket
as
LOWE-MARTIN CO. LIMITED
1 ■ \\
If .?''''': ■: Slfj$§ •;••?'■'. I
Hffis
my*
'■>'•"
Live Music Archive
Librivox Free Audio
Metropolitan Museum
Cleveland Museum of Art
Internet Arcade
Console Living Room
Books to Borrow
Open Library
TV News
Understanding 9/11