第3章

TheBowmanandLionAVERYSKILLFULBOWMANwenttothemountainsinsearchofgame，butallthebeastsoftheforestfledathisapproach。TheLionalonechallengedhimtocombat。TheBowmanimmediatelyshotoutanarrowandsaidtotheLion:"Isendtheemymessenger，thatfromhimthoumayestlearnwhatImyselfshallbewhenIassailthee。"ThewoundedLionrushedawayingreatfear，andwhenaFoxwhohadseenitallhappentoldhimtobeofgoodcourageandnottobackoffatthefirstattackhereplied:"Youcounselmeinvain；forifhesendssofearfulamessenger，howshallIabidetheattackofthemanhimself？"

Beonguardagainstmenwhocanstrikefromadistance。

TheCamelWHENMANfirstsawtheCamel，hewassofrightenedathisvastsizethatheranaway。Afteratime，perceivingthemeeknessandgentlenessofthebeast"stemper，hesummonedcourageenoughtoapproachhim。Soonafterwards，observingthathewasananimalaltogetherdeficientinspirit，heassumedsuchboldnessastoputabridleinhismouth，andtoletachilddrivehim。

Useservestoovercomedread。

TheWaspandtheSnakeAWASPseatedhimselfupontheheadofaSnakeand，strikinghimunceasinglywithhisstings，woundedhimtodeath。TheSnake，beingingreattormentandnotknowinghowtoridhimselfofhisenemy，sawawagonheavilyladenwithwood，andwentandpurposelyplacedhisheadunderthewheels，saying，"AtleastmyenemyandIshallperishtogether。"

TheDogandtheHareAHOUNDhavingstartedaHareonthehillsidepursuedherforsomedistance，atonetimebitingherwithhisteethasifhewouldtakeherlife，andatanotherfawninguponher，asifinplaywithanotherdog。TheHaresaidtohim，"Iwishyouwouldactsincerelybyme，andshowyourselfinyourtruecolors。Ifyouareafriend，whydoyoubitemesohard？Ifanenemy，whydoyoufawnonme？"

Noonecanbeafriendifyouknownotwhethertotrustordistrusthim。

TheBullandtheCalfABULLwasstrivingwithallhismighttosqueezehimselfthroughanarrowpassagewhichledtohisstall。AyoungCalfcameup，andofferedtogobeforeandshowhimthewaybywhichhecouldmanagetopass。"Saveyourselfthetrouble，"saidtheBull；"I

knewthatwaylongbeforeyouwereborn。"

TheStag，theWolf，andtheSheepASTAGaskedaSheeptolendhimameasureofwheat，andsaidthattheWolfwouldbehissurety。TheSheep，fearingsomefraudwasintended，excusedherself，saying，"TheWolfisaccustomedtoseizewhathewantsandtorunoff；andyou，too，canquicklyoutstripmeinyourrapidflight。HowthenshallIbeabletofindyou，whenthedayofpaymentcomes？"

Twoblacksdonotmakeonewhite。

ThePeacockandtheCraneAPEACOCKspreadingitsgorgeoustailmockedaCranethatpassedby，ridiculingtheashenhueofitsplumageandsaying，"Iamrobed，likeaking，ingoldandpurpleandallthecolorsoftherainbow；whileyouhavenotabitofcoloronyourwings。"

"True，"repliedtheCrane；"butIsoartotheheightsofheavenandliftupmyvoicetothestars，whileyouwalkbelow，likeacock，amongthebirdsofthedunghill。"

Finefeathersdon"tmakefinebirds。

TheFoxandtheHedgehogAFOXswimmingacrossarapidriverwascarriedbytheforceofthecurrentintoaverydeepravine，wherehelayforalongtimeverymuchbruised，sick，andunabletomove。Aswarmofhungryblood-suckingfliessettleduponhim。AHedgehog，passingby，sawhisanguishandinquiredifheshoulddriveawaythefliesthatweretormentinghim。"Bynomeans，"repliedtheFox；"praydonotmolestthem。""Howisthis？"saidtheHedgehog；"doyounotwanttoberidofthem？""No，"returnedtheFox，"fortheseflieswhichyouseearefullofblood，andstingmebutlittle，andifyouridmeofthesewhicharealreadysatiated，othersmorehungrywillcomeintheirplace，andwilldrinkupallthebloodIhaveleft。"

TheEagle，theCat，andtheWildSowANEAGLEmadehernestatthetopofaloftyoak；aCat，havingfoundaconvenienthole，movedintothemiddleofthetrunk；andaWildSow，withheryoung，tookshelterinahollowatitsfoot。

TheCatcunninglyresolvedtodestroythischance-madecolony。

Tocarryoutherdesign，sheclimbedtothenestoftheEagle，andsaid，"Destructionispreparingforyou，andformetoo，unfortunately。TheWildSow，whomyouseedailydigginguptheearth，wishestouproottheoak，soshemayonitsfallseizeourfamiliesasfoodforheryoung。"HavingthusfrightenedtheEagleoutofhersenses，shecreptdowntothecaveoftheSow，andsaid，"Yourchildrenareingreatdanger；forassoonasyougooutwithyourlittertofindfood，theEagleispreparedtopounceupononeofyourlittlepigs。"HavinginstilledthesefearsintotheSow，shewentandpretendedtohideherselfinthehollowofthetree。Whennightcameshewentforthwithsilentfootandobtainedfoodforherselfandherkittens，butfeigningtobeafraid，shekeptalookoutallthroughtheday。Meanwhile，theEagle，fulloffearoftheSow，satstillonthebranches，andtheSow，terrifiedbytheEagle，didnotdaretogooutfromhercave。Andthustheyboth，alongwiththeirfamilies，perishedfromhunger，andaffordedampleprovisionfortheCatandherkittens。

TheThiefandtheInnkeeperATHIEFhiredaroominatavernandstayedawhileinthehopeofstealingsomethingwhichshouldenablehimtopayhisreckoning。Whenhehadwaitedsomedaysinvain，hesawtheInnkeeperdressedinanewandhandsomecoatandsittingbeforehisdoor。TheThiefsatdownbesidehimandtalkedwithhim。Astheconversationbegantoflag，theThiefyawnedterriblyandatthesametimehowledlikeawolf。TheInnkeepersaid，"Whydoyouhowlsofearfully？""Iwilltellyou，"saidtheThief，"butfirstletmeaskyoutoholdmyclothes，orIshalltearthemtopieces。Iknownot，sir，whenIgotthishabitofyawning，norwhethertheseattacksofhowlingwereinflictedonmeasajudgmentformycrimes，orforanyothercause；butthisIdoknow，thatwhenIyawnforthethirdtime，Iactuallyturnintoawolfandattackmen。"Withthisspeechhecommencedasecondfitofyawningandagainhowledlikeawolf，ashehadatfirst。TheInnkeeper。hearinghistaleandbelievingwhathesaid，becamegreatlyalarmedand，risingfromhisseat，attemptedtorunaway。

TheThieflaidholdofhiscoatandentreatedhimtostop，saying，"Praywait，sir，andholdmyclothes，orIshalltearthemtopiecesinmyfury，whenIturnintoawolf。"Atthesamemomentheyawnedthethirdtimeandsetupaterriblehowl。TheInnkeeper，frightenedlestheshouldbeattacked，lefthisnewcoatintheThief"shandandranasfastashecouldintotheinnforsafety。TheThiefmadeoffwiththecoatanddidnotreturnagaintotheinn。

Everytaleisnottobebelieved。

TheMuleAMULE，frolicsomefromlackofworkandfromtoomuchcorn，gallopedaboutinaveryextravagantmanner，andsaidtohimself:

"Myfathersurelywasahigh-mettledracer，andIamhisownchildinspeedandspirit。"Onthenextday，beingdrivenalongjourney，andfeelingverywearied，heexclaimedinadisconsolatetone:"Imusthavemadeamistake；myfather，afterall，couldhavebeenonlyanass。"

TheHartandtheVineAHART，hardpressedinthechase，hidhimselfbeneaththelargeleavesofaVine。Thehuntsmen，intheirhaste，overshottheplaceofhisconcealment。Supposingalldangertohavepassed，theHartbegantonibblethetendrilsoftheVine。Oneofthehuntsmen，attractedbytherustlingoftheleaves，lookedback，andseeingtheHart，shotanarrowfromhisbowandstruckit。

TheHart，atthepointofdeath，groaned:"Iamrightlyserved，forIshouldnothavemaltreatedtheVinethatsavedme。"

TheSerpentandtheEagleASERPENTandanEaglewerestrugglingwitheachotherindeadlyconflict。TheSerpenthadtheadvantage，andwasabouttostranglethebird。Acountrymansawthem，andrunningup，loosedthecoiloftheSerpentandlettheEaglegofree。TheSerpent，irritatedattheescapeofhisprey，injectedhispoisonintothedrinkinghornofthecountryman。Therustic，ignorantofhisdanger，wasabouttodrink，whentheEaglestruckhishandwithhiswing，and，seizingthedrinkinghorninhistalons，carrieditaloft。

TheCrowandthePitcherACROWperishingwiththirstsawapitcher，andhopingtofindwater，flewtoitwithdelight。Whenhereachedit，hediscoveredtohisgriefthatitcontainedsolittlewaterthathecouldnotpossiblygetatit。Hetriedeverythinghecouldthinkoftoreachthewater，butallhiseffortswereinvain。Atlasthecollectedasmanystonesashecouldcarryanddroppedthemonebyonewithhisbeakintothepitcher，untilhebroughtthewaterwithinhisreachandthussavedhislife。

Necessityisthemotherofinvention。

TheTwoFrogsTWOFROGSwereneighbors。Oneinhabitedadeeppond，farremovedfrompublicview；theotherlivedinagullycontaininglittlewater，andtraversedbyacountryroad。TheFrogthatlivedinthepondwarnedhisfriendtochangehisresidenceandentreatedhimtocomeandlivewithhim，sayingthathewouldenjoygreatersafetyfromdangerandmoreabundantfood。Theotherrefused，sayingthathefeltitsoveryhardtoleaveaplacetowhichhehadbecomeaccustomed。Afewdaysafterwardsaheavywagonpassedthroughthegullyandcrushedhimtodeathunderitswheels。

Awillfulmanwillhavehiswaytohisownhurt。

TheWolfandtheFoxATONETIMEaverylargeandstrongWolfwasbornamongthewolves，whoexceededallhisfellow-wolvesinstrength，size，andswiftness，sothattheyunanimouslydecidedtocallhim"Lion。"

TheWolf，withalackofsenseproportionedtohisenormoussize，thoughtthattheygavehimthisnameinearnest，and，leavinghisownrace，consortedexclusivelywiththelions。AnoldslyFox，seeingthis，said，"MayInevermakemyselfsoridiculousasyoudoinyourprideandself-conceit；foreventhoughyouhavethesizeofalionamongwolves，inaherdoflionsyouaredefinitelyawolf。"

TheWalnut-TreeAWALNUTTREEstandingbytheroadsideboreanabundantcropoffruit。Forthesakeofthenuts，thepassers-bybrokeitsbrancheswithstonesandsticks。TheWalnut-Treepiteouslyexclaimed，"Owretchedme!thatthosewhomIcheerwithmyfruitshouldrepaymewiththesepainfulrequitals!"

TheGnatandtheLionAGNATcameandsaidtoaLion，"Idonotintheleastfearyou，norareyoustrongerthanIam。Forinwhatdoesyourstrengthconsist？Youcanscratchwithyourclawsandbitewithyourteethanawomaninherquarrels。IrepeatthatIamaltogethermorepowerfulthanyou；andifyoudoubtit，letusfightandseewhowillconquer。"TheGnat，havingsoundedhishorn，fastenedhimselfupontheLionandstunghimonthenostrilsandthepartsofthefacedevoidofhair。Whiletryingtocrushhim，theLiontorehimselfwithhisclaws，untilhepunishedhimselfseverely。

TheGnatthusprevailedovertheLion，and，buzzingaboutinasongoftriumph，flewaway。Butshortlyafterwardshebecameentangledinthemeshesofacobwebandwaseatenbyaspider。

Hegreatlylamentedhisfate，saying，"Woeisme!thatI，whocanwagewarsuccessfullywiththehugestbeasts，shouldperishmyselffromthisspider，themostinconsiderableofinsects!"

TheMonkeyandtheDolphinASAILOR，boundonalongvoyage，tookwithhimaMonkeytoamusehimwhileonshipboard。AshesailedoffthecoastofGreece，aviolenttempestaroseinwhichtheshipwaswreckedandhe，hisMonkey，andallthecrewwereobligedtoswimfortheirlives。A

DolphinsawtheMonkeycontendingwiththewaves，andsupposinghimtobeaman(whomheisalwayssaidtobefriend)，cameandplacedhimselfunderhim，toconveyhimonhisbackinsafetytotheshore。WhentheDolphinarrivedwithhisburdeninsightoflandnotfarfromAthens，heaskedtheMonkeyifhewereanAthenian。Thelatterrepliedthathewas，andthathewasdescendedfromoneofthemostnoblefamiliesinthatcity。TheDolphintheninquiredifheknewthePiraeus(thefamousharborofAthens)。Supposingthatamanwasmeant，theMonkeyansweredthatheknewhimverywellandthathewasanintimatefriend。

TheDolphin，indignantatthesefalsehoods，dippedtheMonkeyunderthewateranddrownedhim。

TheJackdawandtheDovesAJACKDAW，seeingsomeDovesinacoteabundantlyprovidedwithfood，paintedhimselfwhiteandjoinedtheminordertosharetheirplentifulmaintenance。TheDoves，aslongashewassilent，supposedhimtobeoneofthemselvesandadmittedhimtotheircote。Butwhenonedayheforgothimselfandbegantochatter，theydiscoveredhistruecharacteranddrovehimforth，peckinghimwiththeirbeaks。FailingtoobtainfoodamongtheDoves，hereturnedtotheJackdaws。Theytoo，notrecognizinghimonaccountofhiscolor。expelledhimfromlivingwiththem。

Sodesiringtwoends，heobtainedneither。

TheHorseandtheStagATONETIMEtheHorsehadtheplainentirelytohimself。ThenaStagintrudedintohisdomainandsharedhispasture。TheHorse，desiringtorevengehimselfonthestranger，askedamanifhewerewillingtohelphiminpunishingtheStag。ThemanrepliedthatiftheHorsewouldreceiveabitinhismouthandagreetocarryhim，hewouldcontriveeffectiveweaponsagainsttheStag。

TheHorseconsentedandallowedthemantomounthim。FromthathourhefoundthatinsteadofobtainingrevengeontheStag，hehadenslavedhimselftotheserviceofman。

TheKidandtheWolfAKID，returningwithoutprotectionfromthepasture，waspursuedbyaWolf。Seeinghecouldnotescape，heturnedround，andsaid:"Iknow，friendWolf，thatImustbeyourprey，butbeforeIdieIwouldaskofyouonefavoryouwillplaymeatunetowhichImaydance。"TheWolfcomplied，andwhilehewaspipingandtheKidwasdancing，somehoundshearingthesoundranupandbeganchasingtheWolf。TurningtotheKid，hesaid，"ItisjustwhatIdeserve；forI，whoamonlyabutcher，shouldnothaveturnedpipertopleaseyou。"

TheProphetAWIZARD，sittinginthemarketplace，wastellingthefortunesofthepassers-bywhenapersonranupingreathaste，andannouncedtohimthatthedoorsofhishousehadbeenbrokenopenandthatallhisgoodswerebeingstolen。Hesighedheavilyandhastenedawayasfastashecouldrun。Aneighborsawhimrunningandsaid，"Oh!youfellowthere!yousayyoucanforetellthefortunesofothers；howisityoudidnotforeseeyourown？"

TheFoxandtheMonkeyAFOXandaMonkeyweretravelingtogetheronthesameroad。Astheyjourneyed，theypassedthroughacemeteryfullofmonuments。

"Allthesemonumentswhichyousee，"saidtheMonkey，"areinhonorofmyancestors，whowereintheirdayfreedmenandcitizensofgreatrenown。"TheFoxreplied，"Youhavechosenamostappropriatesubjectforyourfalsehoods，asIamsurenoneofyourancestorswillbeabletocontradictyou。"

Afalsetaleoftenbetraysitself。

TheThiefandtheHousedogATHIEFcameinthenighttobreakintoahouse。HebroughtwithhimseveralslicesofmeatinordertopacifytheHousedog，sothathewouldnotalarmhismasterbybarking。AstheThiefthrewhimthepiecesofmeat，theDogsaid，"Ifyouthinktostopmymouth，youwillbegreatlymistaken。Thissuddenkindnessatyourhandswillonlymakememorewatchful，lestundertheseunexpectedfavorstomyself，youhavesomeprivateendstoaccomplishforyourownbenefit，andformymaster"sinjury。"

TheMan，theHorse，theOx，andtheDogAHORSE，Ox，andDog，driventogreatstraitsbythecold，soughtshelterandprotectionfromMan。Hereceivedthemkindly，lightedafire，andwarmedthem。HelettheHorsemakefreewithhisoats，gavetheOxanabundanceofhay，andfedtheDogwithmeatfromhisowntable。Gratefulforthesefavors，theanimalsdeterminedtorepayhimtothebestoftheirability。Forthispurpose，theydividedthetermofhislifebetweenthem，andeachendowedoneportionofitwiththequalitieswhichchieflycharacterizedhimself。TheHorsechosehisearliestyearsandgavethemhisownattributes:henceeverymanisinhisyouthimpetuous，headstrong，andobstinateinmaintaininghisownopinion。TheOxtookunderhispatronagethenexttermoflife，andthereforemaninhismiddleageisfondofwork，devotedtolabor，andresolutetoamasswealthandtohusbandhisresources。

TheendoflifewasreservedfortheDog，whereforetheoldmanisoftensnappish，irritable，hardtoplease，andselfish，tolerantonlyofhisownhousehold，butaversetostrangersandtoallwhodonotadministertohiscomfortortohisnecessities。

TheApesandtheTwoTravelersTWOMEN，onewhoalwaysspokethetruthandtheotherwhotoldnothingbutlies，weretravelingtogetherandbychancecametothelandofApes。OneoftheApes，whohadraisedhimselftobeking，commandedthemtobeseizedandbroughtbeforehim，thathemightknowwhatwassaidofhimamongmen。HeorderedatthesametimethatalltheApesbearrangedinalongrowonhisrighthandandonhisleft，andthatathronebeplacedforhim，aswasthecustomamongmen。Afterthesepreparationshesignifiedthatthetwomenshouldbebroughtbeforehim，andgreetedthemwiththissalutation:"WhatsortofakingdoIseemtoyoutobe，Ostrangers？"TheLyingTravelerreplied，"Youseemtomeamostmightyking。""Andwhatisyourestimateofthoseyouseearoundme？""These，"hemadeanswer，"areworthycompanionsofyourself，fitatleasttobeambassadorsandleadersofarmies。"TheApeandallhiscourt，gratifiedwiththelie，commandedthatahandsomepresentbegiventotheflatterer。

OnthisthetruthfulTravelerthoughttohimself，"Ifsogreatarewardbegivenforalie，withwhatgiftmaynotIberewarded，if，accordingtomycustom，Itellthetruth？"TheApequicklyturnedtohim。"AndprayhowdoIandthesemyfriendsaroundmeseemtoyou？""Thouart，"hesaid，"amostexcellentApe，andallthesethycompanionsafterthyexampleareexcellentApestoo。"

TheKingoftheApes，enragedathearingthesetruths，gavehimovertotheteethandclawsofhiscompanions。

TheWolfandtheShepherdAWOLFfollowedaflockofsheepforalongtimeanddidnotattempttoinjureoneofthem。TheShepherdatfirststoodonhisguardagainsthim，asagainstanenemy，andkeptastrictwatchoverhismovements。ButwhentheWolf，dayafterday，keptinthecompanyofthesheepanddidnotmaketheslightestefforttoseizethem，theShepherdbegantolookuponhimasaguardianofhisflockratherthanasaplotterofevilagainstit；andwhenoccasioncalledhimonedayintothecity，heleftthesheepentirelyinhischarge。TheWolf，nowthathehadtheopportunity，felluponthesheep，anddestroyedthegreaterpartoftheflock。WhentheShepherdreturnedtofindhisflockdestroyed，heexclaimed:"Ihavebeenrightlyserved；whydidI

trustmysheeptoaWolf？"

TheHaresandtheLionsTHEHARESharanguedtheassembly，andarguedthatallshouldbeequal。TheLionsmadethisreply:"Yourwords，OHares!aregood；buttheylackbothclawsandteethsuchaswehave。"

TheLarkandHerYoungOnesALARKhadmadehernestintheearlyspringontheyounggreenwheat。Thebroodhadalmostgrowntotheirfullstrengthandattainedtheuseoftheirwingsandthefullplumageoftheirfeathers，whentheownerofthefield，lookingoverhisripecrop，said，"ThetimehascomewhenImustaskallmyneighborstohelpmewithmyharvest。"OneoftheyoungLarksheardhisspeechandrelatedittohismother，inquiringofhertowhatplacetheyshouldmoveforsafety。"Thereisnooccasiontomoveyet，myson，"shereplied；"themanwhoonlysendstohisfriendstohelphimwithhisharvestisnotreallyinearnest。"Theownerofthefieldcameagainafewdayslaterandsawthewheatsheddingthegrainfromexcessofripeness。Hesaid，"Iwillcomemyselftomorrowwithmylaborers，andwithasmanyreapersasIcanhire，andwillgetintheharvest。"TheLarkonhearingthesewordssaidtoherbrood，"Itistimenowtobeoff，mylittleones，forthemanisinearnestthistime；henolongertrustshisfriends，butwillreapthefieldhimself。"

Self-helpisthebesthelp。

TheFoxandtheLionWHENAFOXwhohadneveryetseenaLion，fellinwithhimbychanceforthefirsttimeintheforest，hewassofrightenedthathenearlydiedwithfear。Onmeetinghimforthesecondtime，hewasstillmuchalarmed，butnottothesameextentasatfirst。Onseeinghimthethirdtime，hesoincreasedinboldnessthathewentuptohimandcommencedafamiliarconversationwithhim。

Acquaintancesoftensprejudices。

TheWeaselandtheMiceAWEASEL，inactivefromageandinfirmities，wasnotabletocatchmiceasheoncedid。Hethereforerolledhimselfinflourandlaydowninadarkcorner。AMouse，supposinghimtobefood，leapeduponhim，andwasinstantlycaughtandsqueezedtodeath。Anotherperishedinasimilarmanner，andthenathird，andstillothersafterthem。AveryoldMouse，whohadescapedmanyatrapandsnare，observedfromasafedistancethetrickofhiscraftyfoeandsaid，"Ah!youthatliethere，mayyouprosperjustinthesameproportionasyouarewhatyoupretendtobe!"

TheBoyBathingABOYbathinginariverwasindangerofbeingdrowned。Hecalledouttoapassingtravelerforhelp，butinsteadofholdingoutahelpinghand，themanstoodbyunconcernedly，andscoldedtheboyforhisimprudence。"Oh，sir!"criedtheyouth，"prayhelpmenowandscoldmeafterwards。"

Counselwithouthelpisuseless。

TheAssandtheWolfANASSfeedinginameadowsawaWolfapproachingtoseizehim，andimmediatelypretendedtobelame。TheWolf，comingup，inquiredthecauseofhislameness。TheAssrepliedthatpassingthroughahedgehehadtrodwithhisfootuponasharpthorn。HerequestedthattheWolfpullitout，lestwhenheatehimitshouldinjurehisthroat。TheWolfconsentedandliftedupthefoot，andwasgivinghiswholemindtothediscoveryofthethorn，whentheAss，withhisheels，kickedhisteethintohismouthandgallopedaway。TheWolf，beingthusfearfullymauled，said，"Iamrightlyserved，forwhydidIattempttheartofhealing，whenmyfatheronlytaughtmethetradeofabutcher？"

TheSellerofImagesACERTAINMANmadeawoodenimageofMercuryandoffereditforsale。Whennooneappearedwillingtobuyit，inordertoattractpurchasers，hecriedoutthathehadthestatuetosellofabenefactorwhobestowedwealthandhelpedtoheapupriches。

Oneofthebystanderssaidtohim，"Mygoodfellow，whydoyousellhim，beingsuchaoneasyoudescribe，whenyoumayyourselfenjoythegoodthingshehastogive？""Why，"hereplied，"Iaminneedofimmediatehelp，andheiswonttogivehisgoodgiftsveryslowly。"

TheFoxandtheGrapesAFAMISHEDFOXsawsomeclustersofripeblackgrapeshangingfromatrellisedvine。Sheresortedtoallhertrickstogetatthem，butweariedherselfinvain，forshecouldnotreachthem。

Atlastsheturnedaway，hidingherdisappointmentandsaying:

"TheGrapesaresour，andnotripeasIthought。"

TheManandHisWifeAMANhadaWifewhomadeherselfhatedbyallthemembersofhishousehold。Wishingtofindoutifshehadthesameeffectonthepersonsinherfather"shouse，hemadesomeexcusetosendherhomeonavisittoherfather。Afterashorttimeshereturned，andwhenheinquiredhowshehadgotonandhowtheservantshadtreatedher，shereplied，"Theherdsmenandshepherdscastonmelooksofaversion。"Hesaid，"OWife，ifyouweredislikedbythosewhogooutearlyinthemorningwiththeirflocksandreturnlateintheevening，whatmusthavebeenfelttowardsyoubythosewithwhomyoupassedthewholeday!"

Strawsshowhowthewindblows。

ThePeacockandJunoTHEPEACOCKmadecomplainttoJunothat，whilethenightingalepleasedeveryearwithhissong，hehimselfnosooneropenedhismouththanhebecamealaughingstocktoallwhoheardhim。TheGoddess，toconsolehim，said，"Butyoufarexcelinbeautyandinsize。Thesplendoroftheemeraldshinesinyourneckandyouunfoldatailgorgeouswithpaintedplumage。""ButforwhatpurposehaveI，"saidthebird，"thisdumbbeautysolongasIamsurpassedinsong？""Thelotofeach，"repliedJuno，"hasbeenassignedbythewilloftheFates——tothee，beauty；totheeagle，strength；tothenightingale，song；totheraven，favorable，andtothecrow，unfavorableauguries。Theseareallcontentedwiththeendowmentsallottedtothem。"

TheHawkandtheNightingaleANIGHTINGALE，sittingaloftuponanoakandsingingaccordingtohiswont，wasseenbyaHawkwho，beinginneedoffood，swoopeddownandseizedhim。TheNightingale，abouttolosehislife，earnestlybeggedtheHawktolethimgo，sayingthathewasnotbigenoughtosatisfythehungerofaHawkwho，ifhewantedfood，oughttopursuethelargerbirds。TheHawk，interruptinghim，said:"IshouldindeedhavelostmysensesifIshouldletgofoodreadyinmyhand，forthesakeofpursuingbirdswhicharenotyetevenwithinsight。"

TheDog，theCock，andtheFoxADOGandaCockbeinggreatfriends，agreedtotraveltogether。

Atnightfalltheytookshelterinathickwood。TheCockflyingup，perchedhimselfonthebranchesofatree，whiletheDogfoundabedbeneathinthehollowtrunk。Whenthemorningdawned，theCock，asusual，crowedveryloudlyseveraltimes。A

Foxheardthesound，andwishingtomakeabreakfastonhim，cameandstoodunderthebranches，sayinghowearnestlyhedesiredtomaketheacquaintanceoftheownerofsomagnificentavoice。

TheCock，suspectinghiscivilities，said:"Sir，Iwishyouwoulddomethefavorofgoingaroundtothehollowtrunkbelowme，andwakingmyporter，sothathemayopenthedoorandletyouin。"

WhentheFoxapproachedthetree，theDogsprangoutandcaughthim，andtorehimtopieces。

TheWolfandtheGoatAWOLFsawaGoatfeedingatthesummitofasteepprecipice，wherehehadnochanceofreachingher。Hecalledtoherandearnestlybeggedhertocomelowerdown，lestshefallbysomemishap；andheaddedthatthemeadowslaywherehewasstanding，andthattheherbagewasmosttender。Shereplied，"No，myfriend，itisnotforthepasturethatyouinviteme，butforyourself，whoareinwantoffood。"

TheLionandtheBullALION，greatlydesiringtocaptureaBull，andyetafraidtoattackhimonaccountofhisgreatsize，resortedtoatricktoensurehisdestruction。HeapproachedtheBullandsaid，"Ihaveslainafinesheep，myfriend；andifyouwillcomehomeandpartakeofhimwithme，Ishallbedelightedtohaveyourcompany。"TheLionsaidthisinthehopethat，astheBullwasintheactofrecliningtoeat，hemightattackhimtoadvantage，andmakehismealonhim。TheBull，onapproachingtheLion"sden，sawthehugespitsandgiantcaldrons，andnosignwhateverofthesheep，and，withoutsayingaword，quietlytookhisdeparture。TheLioninquiredwhyhewentoffsoabruptlywithoutawordofsalutationtohishost，whohadnotgivenhimanycauseforoffense。"Ihavereasonsenough，"saidtheBull。"Iseenoindicationwhateverofyourhavingslaughteredasheep，whileI

doseeveryplainlyeverypreparationforyourdiningonabull。"

TheGoatandtheAssAMANoncekeptaGoatandanAss。TheGoat，envyingtheAssonaccountofhisgreaterabundanceoffood，said，"Howshamefullyyouaretreated:atonetimegrindinginthemill，andatanothercarryingheavyburdens"；andhefurtheradvisedhimtopretendtobeepilepticandfallintoaditchandsoobtainrest。TheAsslistenedtohiswords，andfallingintoaditch，wasverymuchbruised。Hismaster，sendingforaleech，askedhisadvice。HebadehimpouruponthewoundsthelungsofaGoat。TheyatoncekilledtheGoat，andsohealedtheAss。

TheTownMouseandtheCountryMouseACOUNTRYMOUSEinvitedaTownMouse，anintimatefriend，topayhimavisitandpartakeofhiscountryfare。Astheywereonthebareplowlands，eatingtherewheat-stocksandrootspulledupfromthehedgerow，theTownMousesaidtohisfriend，"Youliveherethelifeoftheants，whileinmyhouseisthehornofplenty。Iamsurroundedbyeveryluxury，andifyouwillcomewithme，asIwishyouwould，youshallhaveanampleshareofmydainties。"TheCountryMousewaseasilypersuaded，andreturnedtotownwithhisfriend。Onhisarrival，theTownMouseplacedbeforehimbread，barley，beans，driedfigs，honey，raisins，and，lastofall，broughtadaintypieceofcheesefromabasket。TheCountryMouse，beingmuchdelightedatthesightofsuchgoodcheer，expressedhissatisfactioninwarmtermsandlamentedhisownhardfate。Justastheywerebeginningtoeat，someoneopenedthedoor，andtheybothranoffsqueaking，asfastastheycould，toaholesonarrowthattwocouldonlyfindroominitbysqueezing。Theyhadscarcelybeguntheirrepastagainwhensomeoneelseenteredtotakesomethingoutofacupboard，whereuponthetwoMice，morefrightenedthanbefore，ranawayandhidthemselves。AtlasttheCountryMouse，almostfamished，saidtohisfriend:"Althoughyouhavepreparedformesodaintyafeast，Imustleaveyoutoenjoyitbyyourself。Itissurroundedbytoomanydangerstopleaseme。Iprefermybareplowlandsandrootsfromthehedgerow，whereIcanliveinsafety，andwithoutfear。"

TheWolf，theFox，andtheApeAWOLFaccusedaFoxoftheft，buttheFoxentirelydeniedthecharge。AnApeundertooktoadjudgethematterbetweenthem。

WheneachhadfullystatedhiscasetheApeannouncedthissentence:"Idonotthinkyou，Wolf，everlostwhatyouclaim；

andIdobelieveyou，Fox，tohavestolenwhatyousostoutlydeny。"

Thedishonest，iftheyacthonestly，getnocredit。

TheFlyandtheDraught-MuleAFLYsatontheaxle-treeofachariot，andaddressingtheDraught-Mulesaid，"Howslowyouare!Whydoyounotgofaster？

SeeifIdonotprickyourneckwithmysting。"TheDraught-Mulereplied，"Idonotheedyourthreats；Ionlycareforhimwhositsaboveyou，andwhoquickensmypacewithhiswhip，orholdsmebackwiththereins。Away，therefore，withyourinsolence，forIknowwellwhentogofast，andwhentogoslow。"

TheFishermenSOMEFISHERMENwereouttrawlingtheirnets。Perceivingthemtobeveryheavy，theydancedaboutforjoyandsupposedthattheyhadtakenalargecatch。Whentheyhaddraggedthenetstotheshoretheyfoundbutfewfish:thenetswerefullofsandandstones，andthemenwerebeyondmeasurecastdownsomuchatthedisappointmentwhichhadbefallenthem，butbecausetheyhadformedsuchverydifferentexpectations。Oneoftheircompany，anoldman，said，"Letusceaselamenting，mymates，for，asitseemstome，sorrowisalwaysthetwinsisterofjoy；anditwasonlytobelookedforthatwe，whojustnowwereover-rejoiced，shouldnexthavesomethingtomakeussad。"

TheLionandtheThreeBullsTHREEBULLSforalongtimepasturedtogether。ALionlayinambushinthehopeofmakingthemhisprey，butwasafraidtoattackthemwhiletheykepttogether。Havingatlastbyguilefulspeechessucceededinseparatingthem，heattackedthemwithoutfearastheyfedalone，andfeastedonthemonebyoneathisownleisure。

Unionisstrength。

TheFowlerandtheViperAFOWLER，takinghisbird-limeandhistwigs，wentouttocatchbirds。Seeingathrushsittinguponatree，hewishedtotakeit，andfittinghistwigstoaproperlength，watchedintently，havinghiswholethoughtsdirectedtowardsthesky。Whilethuslookingupwards，heunknowinglytroduponaViperasleepjustbeforehisfeet。TheViper，turningabout，stunghim，andfallingintoaswoon，themansaidtohimself，"Woeisme!thatwhileIpurposedtohuntanother，Iammyselffallenunawaresintothesnaresofdeath。"

TheHorseandtheAssAHORSE，proudofhisfinetrappings，metanAssonthehighway。

TheAss，beingheavilyladen，movedslowlyoutoftheway。

"Hardly，"saidtheHorse，"canIresistkickingyouwithmyheels。"TheAssheldhispeace，andmadeonlyasilentappealtothejusticeofthegods。NotlongafterwardstheHorse，havingbecomebroken-winded，wassentbyhisownertothefarm。TheAss，seeinghimdrawingadungcart，thusderidedhim:"Where，O

boaster，arenowallthygaytrappings，thouwhoarethyselfreducedtotheconditionyousolatelytreatedwithcontempt？"

TheFoxandtheMaskAFOXenteredthehouseofanactorand，rummagingthroughallhisproperties，cameuponaMask，anadmirableimitationofahumanhead。Heplacedhispawsonitandsaid，"Whatabeautifulhead!Yetitisofnovalue，asitentirelylacksbrains。"

TheGeeseandtheCranesTHEGEESEandtheCraneswerefeedinginthesamemeadow，whenabirdcatchercametoensnaretheminhisnets。TheCranes，beinglightofwing，fledawayathisapproach；whiletheGeese，beingslowerofflightandheavierintheirbodies，werecaptured。

TheBlindManandtheWhelpABLINDMANwasaccustomedtodistinguishingdifferentanimalsbytouchingthemwithhishands。ThewhelpofaWolfwasbroughthim，witharequestthathewouldfeelit，andsaywhatitwas。

Hefeltit，andbeingindoubt，said:"IdonotquiteknowwhetheritisthecubofaFox，orthewhelpofaWolf，butthisIknowfullwell。Itwouldnotbesafetoadmithimtothesheepfold。"

Eviltendenciesareshowninearlylife。

TheDogsandtheFoxSOMEDOGS，findingtheskinofalion，begantotearitinpieceswiththeirteeth。AFox，seeingthem，said，"Ifthislionwerealive，youwouldsoonfindoutthathisclawswerestrongerthanyourteeth。"

Itiseasytokickamanthatisdown。

TheCobblerTurnedDoctorACOBBLERunabletomakealivingbyhistradeandmadedesperatebypoverty，begantopracticemedicineinatowninwhichhewasnotknown。Hesoldadrug，pretendingthatitwasanantidotetoallpoisons，andobtainedagreatnameforhimselfbylong-windedpuffsandadvertisements。WhentheCobblerhappenedtofallsickhimselfofaseriousillness，theGovernorofthetowndeterminedtotesthisskill。Forthispurposehecalledforacup，andwhilefillingitwithwater，pretendedtomixpoisonwiththeCobbler"santidote，commandinghimtodrinkitonthepromiseofareward。TheCobbler，underthefearofdeath，confessedthathehadnoknowledgeofmedicine，andwasonlymadefamousbythestupidclamorsofthecrowd。TheGovernorthencalledapublicassemblyandaddressedthecitizens:"Ofwhatfollyhaveyoubeenguilty？Youhavenothesitatedtoentrustyourheadstoaman，whomnoonecouldemploytomakeeventheshoesfortheirfeet。"

TheWolfandtheHorseAWOLFcomingoutofafieldofoatsmetaHorseandthusaddressedhim:"Iwouldadviseyoutogointothatfield。Itisfulloffineoats，whichIhaveleftuntouchedforyou，asyouareafriendwhomIwouldlovetohearenjoyinggoodeating。"TheHorsereplied，"Ifoatshadbeenthefoodofwolves，youwouldneverhaveindulgedyourearsatthecostofyourbelly。"

Menofevilreputation，whentheyperformagooddeed，failtogetcreditforit。

TheBrotherandtheSisterAFATHERhadonesonandonedaughter，theformerremarkableforhisgoodlooks，thelatterforherextraordinaryugliness。Whiletheywereplayingonedayaschildren，theyhappenedbychancetolooktogetherintoamirrorthatwasplacedontheirmother"schair。Theboycongratulatedhimselfonhisgoodlooks；thegirlgrewangry，andcouldnotbeartheself-praisesofherBrother，interpretingallhesaid(andhowcouldshedootherwise？)intoreflectiononherself。Sheranofftoherfather。tobeavengedonherBrother，andspitefullyaccusedhimofhaving，asaboy，madeuseofthatwhichbelongedonlytogirls。Thefatherembracedthemboth，andbestowinghiskissesandaffectionimpartiallyoneach，said，"Iwishyoubothwouldlookintothemirroreveryday:you，myson，thatyoumaynotspoilyourbeautybyevilconduct；andyou，mydaughter，thatyoumaymakeupforyourlackofbeautybyyourvirtues。"

TheWasps，thePartridges，andtheFarmerTHEWASPSandthePartridges，overcomewiththirst，cametoaFarmerandbesoughthimtogivethemsomewatertodrink。Theypromisedamplytorepayhimthefavorwhichtheyasked。ThePartridgesdeclaredthattheywoulddigaroundhisvinesandmakethemproducefinergrapes。TheWaspssaidthattheywouldkeepguardanddriveoffthieveswiththeirstings。ButtheFarmerinterruptedthem，saying:"Ihavealreadytwooxen，who，withoutmakinganypromises，doallthesethings。Itissurelybetterformetogivethewatertothemthantoyou。"

TheCrowandMercuryACROWcaughtinasnareprayedtoApollotoreleasehim，makingavowtooffersomefrankincenseathisshrine。Butwhenrescuedfromhisdanger，heforgothispromise。Shortlyafterwards，againcaughtinasnare，hepassedbyApolloandmadethesamepromisetoofferfrankincensetoMercury。Mercurysoonappearedandsaidtohim，"Othoumostbasefellow？howcanIbelievethee，whohastdisownedandwrongedthyformerpatron？"

TheNorthWindandtheSunTHENORTHWINDandtheSundisputedastowhichwasthemostpowerful，andagreedthatheshouldbedeclaredthevictorwhocouldfirststripawayfaringmanofhisclothes。TheNorthWindfirsttriedhispowerandblewwithallhismight，butthekeenerhisblasts，theclosertheTravelerwrappedhiscloakaroundhim，untilatlast，resigningallhopeofvictory，theWindcalledupontheSuntoseewhathecoulddo。TheSunsuddenlyshoneoutwithallhiswarmth。TheTravelernosoonerfelthisgenialraysthanhetookoffonegarmentafteranother，andatlast，fairlyovercomewithheat，undressedandbathedinastreamthatlayinhispath。

PersuasionisbetterthanForce。

TheTwoMenWhoWereEnemiesTWOMEN，deadlyenemiestoeachother，weresailinginthesamevessel。Determinedtokeepasfarapartaspossible，theoneseatedhimselfinthestem，andtheotherintheprowoftheship。Aviolentstormarose，andwiththevesselingreatdangerofsinking，theoneinthesterninquiredofthepilotwhichofthetwoendsoftheshipwouldgodownfirst。Onhisreplyingthathesupposeditwouldbetheprow，theMansaid，"Deathwouldnotbegrievoustome，ifIcouldonlyseemyEnemydiebeforeme。"

TheGamecocksandthePartridgeAMANhadtwoGamecocksinhispoultry-yard。OnedaybychancehefoundatamePartridgeforsale。HepurchaseditandbroughtithometoberearedwithhisGamecocks。WhenthePartridgewasputintothepoultry-yard，theystruckatitandfolloweditabout，sothatthePartridgebecamegrievouslytroubledandsupposedthathewasthusevillytreatedbecausehewasastranger。NotlongafterwardshesawtheCocksfightingtogetherandnotseparatingbeforeonehadwellbeatentheother。Hethensaidtohimself，"IshallnolongerdistressmyselfatbeingstruckatbytheseGamecocks，whenIseethattheycannotevenrefrainfromquarrelingwitheachother。"

TheQuackFrogAFROGonceuponatimecameforthfromhishomeinthemarshandproclaimedtoallthebeaststhathewasalearnedphysician，skilledintheuseofdrugsandabletohealalldiseases。AFoxaskedhim，"Howcanyoupretendtoprescribeforothers，whenyouareunabletohealyourownlamegaitandwrinkledskin？"

TheLion，theWolf，andtheFoxALION，growingold，laysickinhiscave。Allthebeastscametovisittheirking，excepttheFox。TheWolftherefore，thinkingthathehadacapitalopportunity，accusedtheFoxtotheLionofnotpayinganyrespecttohimwhohadtheruleoverthemallandofnotcomingtovisithim。AtthatverymomenttheFoxcameinandheardtheselastwordsoftheWolf。TheLionroaringoutinarageagainsthim，theFoxsoughtanopportunitytodefendhimselfandsaid，"AndwhoofallthosewhohavecometoyouhavebenefitedyousomuchasI，whohavetraveledfromplacetoplaceineverydirection，andhavesoughtandlearntfromthephysiciansthemeansofhealingyou？"TheLioncommandedhimimmediatelytotellhimthecure，whenhereplied，"Youmustflayawolfaliveandwraphisskinyetwarmaroundyou。"TheWolfwasatoncetakenandflayed；whereontheFox，turningtohim，saidwithasmile，"Youshouldhavemovedyourmasternottoill，buttogood，will。"

TheDog"sHouseINTHEWINTERTIME，aDogcurledupinassmallaspaceaspossibleonaccountofthecold，determinedtomakehimselfahouse。Howeverwhenthesummerreturnedagain，helayasleepstretchedathisfulllengthandappearedtohimselftobeofagreatsize。Nowheconsideredthatitwouldbeneitheraneasynoranecessaryworktomakehimselfsuchahouseaswouldaccommodatehim。

TheWolfandtheLionROAMINGBYthemountainsideatsundown，aWolfsawhisownshadowbecomegreatlyextendedandmagnified，andhesaidtohimself，"WhyshouldI，beingofsuchanimmensesizeandextendingnearlyanacreinlength，beafraidoftheLion？OughtInottobeacknowledgedasKingofallthecollectedbeasts？"Whilehewasindulgingintheseproudthoughts，aLionfelluponhimandkilledhim。Heexclaimedwithatoolaterepentance，"Wretchedme!thisoverestimationofmyselfisthecauseofmydestruction。"

TheBirds，theBeasts，andtheBatTHEBIRDSwagedwarwiththeBeasts，andeachwerebyturnstheconquerors。ABat，fearingtheuncertainissuesofthefight，alwaysfoughtonthesidewhichhefeltwasthestrongest。Whenpeacewasproclaimed，hisdeceitfulconductwasapparenttobothcombatants。Thereforebeingcondemnedbyeachforhistreachery，hewasdrivenforthfromthelightofday，andhenceforthconcealedhimselfindarkhiding-places，flyingalwaysaloneandatnight。

TheSpendthriftandtheSwallowAYOUNGMAN，agreatspendthrift，hadrunthroughallhispatrimonyandhadbutonegoodcloakleft。OnedayhehappenedtoseeaSwallow，whichhadappearedbeforeitsseason，skimmingalongapoolandtwitteringgaily。Hesupposedthatsummerhadcome，andwentandsoldhiscloak。Notmanydayslater，wintersetinagainwithrenewedfrostandcold。WhenhefoundtheunfortunateSwallowlifelessontheground，hesaid，"Unhappybird!whathaveyoudone？Bythusappearingbeforethespringtimeyouhavenotonlykilledyourself，butyouhavewroughtmydestructionalso。"

TheFoxandtheLionAFOXsawaLionconfinedinacage，andstandingnearhim，bitterlyreviledhim。TheLionsaidtotheFox，"Itisnotthouwhorevilestme；butthismischancewhichhasbefallenme。"

TheOwlandtheBirdsANOWL，inherwisdom，counseledtheBirdsthatwhentheacornfirstbegantosprout，topullitallupoutofthegroundandnotallowittogrow。Shesaidacornswouldproducemistletoe，fromwhichanirremediablepoison，thebird-

lime，wouldbeextractedandbywhichtheywouldbecaptured。

TheOwlnextadvisedthemtopluckuptheseedoftheflax，whichmenhadsown，asitwasaplantwhichbodednogoodtothem。

And，lastly，theOwl，seeinganarcherapproach，predictedthatthisman，beingonfoot，wouldcontrivedartsarmedwithfeatherswhichwouldflyfasterthanthewingsoftheBirdsthemselves。

TheBirdsgavenocredencetothesewarningwords，butconsideredtheOwltobebesideherselfandsaidthatshewasmad。Butafterwards，findingherwordsweretrue，theywonderedatherknowledgeanddeemedhertobethewisestofbirds。Henceitisthatwhensheappearstheylooktoherasknowingallthings，whileshenolongergivesthemadvice，butinsolitudelamentstheirpastfolly。

TheTrumpeterTakenPrisonerATRUMPETER，bravelyleadingonthesoldiers，wascapturedbytheenemy。Hecriedouttohiscaptors，"Prayspareme，anddonottakemylifewithoutcauseorwithoutinquiry。Ihavenotslainasinglemanofyourtroop。Ihavenoarms，andcarrynothingbutthisonebrasstrumpet。""Thatistheveryreasonforwhichyoushouldbeputtodeath，"theysaid；"for，whileyoudonotfightyourself，yourtrumpetstirsalltheotherstobattle。"

TheAssintheLion"sSkinANASS，havingputontheLion"sskin，roamedaboutintheforestandamusedhimselfbyfrighteningallthefoolishanimalshemetinhiswanderings。AtlastcominguponaFox，hetriedtofrightenhimalso，buttheFoxnosoonerheardthesoundofhisthanheexclaimed，"Imightpossiblyhavebeenfrightenedmyself，ifIhadnotheardyourbray。"

TheSparrowandtheHareAHAREpounceduponbyaneaglesobbedverymuchandutteredcrieslikeachild。ASparrowupbraidedherandsaid，"Wherenowisthyremarkableswiftnessoffoot？Whywereyourfeetsoslow？"

WhiletheSparrowwasthusspeaking，ahawksuddenlyseizedhimandkilledhim。TheHarewascomfortedinherdeath，andexpiringsaid，"Ah!youwhosolately，whenyousupposedyourselfsafe，exultedovermycalamity，havenowreasontodeploreasimilarmisfortune。"

TheFleaandtheOxAFLEAthusquestionedanOx:"Whatailsyou，thatbeingsohugeandstrong，yousubmittothewrongsyoureceivefrommenandslaveforthemdaybyday，whileI，beingsosmallacreature，mercilesslyfeedontheirfleshanddrinktheirbloodwithoutstint？"TheOxreplied:"Idonotwishtobeungrateful，forIamlovedandwellcaredforbymen，andtheyoftenpatmyheadandshoulders。""Woe"sme!"saidtheflea；"thisverypattingwhichyoulike，wheneverithappenstome，bringswithitmyinevitabledestruction。"

TheGoodsandtheIllsALLtheGoodswereoncedrivenoutbytheIllsfromthatcommonsharewhichtheyeachhadintheaffairsofmankind；fortheIllsbyreasonoftheirnumbershadprevailedtopossesstheearth。

TheGoodswaftedthemselvestoheavenandaskedforarighteousvengeanceontheirpersecutors。TheyentreatedJupiterthattheymightnolongerbeassociatedwiththeIlls，astheyhadnothingincommonandcouldnotlivetogether，butwereengagedinunceasingwarfare；andthatanindissolublelawmightbelaiddownfortheirfutureprotection。JupitergrantedtheirrequestanddecreedthathenceforththeIllsshouldvisittheearthincompanywitheachother，butthattheGoodsshouldonebyoneenterthehabitationsofmen。HenceitarisesthatIllsabound，fortheycomenotonebyone，butintroops，andbynomeanssingly:whiletheGoodsproceedfromJupiter，andaregiven，notaliketoall，butsingly，andseparately；andonebyonetothosewhoareabletodiscernthem。

TheDoveandtheCrowADOVEshutupinacagewasboastingofthelargenumberofyoungoneswhichshehadhatched。ACrowhearingher，said:"Mygoodfriend，ceasefromthisunseasonableboasting。Thelargerthenumberofyourfamily，thegreateryourcauseofsorrow，inseeingthemshutupinthisprison-house。"

MercuryandtheWorkmenAWORKMAN，fellingwoodbythesideofariver，lethisaxedrop-byaccidentintoadeeppool。Beingthusdeprivedofthemeansofhislivelihood，hesatdownonthebankandlamentedhishardfate。Mercuryappearedanddemandedthecauseofhistears。

Afterhetoldhimhismisfortune，Mercuryplungedintothestream，and，bringingupagoldenaxe，inquiredifthatweretheonehehadlost。Onhissayingthatitwasnothis，Mercurydisappearedbeneaththewaterasecondtime，returnedwithasilveraxeinhishand，andagainaskedtheWorkmanifitwerehis。WhentheWorkmansaiditwasnot，hedivedintothepoolforthethirdtimeandbroughtuptheaxethathadbeenlost。

TheWorkmanclaimeditandexpressedhisjoyatitsrecovery。

Mercury，pleasedwithhishonesty，gavehimthegoldenandsilveraxesinadditiontohisown。TheWorkman，onhisreturntohishouse，relatedtohiscompanionsallthathadhappened。Oneofthematonceresolvedtotryandsecurethesamegoodfortuneforhimself。Herantotheriverandthrewhisaxeonpurposeintothepoolatthesameplace，andsatdownonthebanktoweep。