sion from the royal family of Lion; that (pointing to the second) I claim by, I think, no unreasonable demand, considering that all the engagements you have with the enemy turn chiefly upon my courage and conduct; then (nodding his head towards the third) that I shall take by virtue of my prerogative, to which I make no question but so dutiful and loyal a subject will pay all the deference and regard that I can desire. Now, as for the remaining part, the necessity of our present affairs is so very urgent, our stock so low, and our credit so impaired and weakened, that I must insist upon your granting that without any hesitation or demur; and hereof fail not at your peril."

MORAL. Might makes right.

APPLICATION. The conduct of the Lion in this fable finds frequent imitation among men. The author probably composed the story with reference to the tyrannies practised by the large empires towards the smaller states, into which the earth was in his day divided. The fact he would illustrate is confirmed by the records of universal history; and our own age and time have not failed in contributing their share of precedents and examples. Modern diplomacy, with all its complications of the balance of power, and natural alliances of states, and network

of solemn treaties, has not succeeded in staying the excuse that might makes right. In every private society, at school—the little epitome of the world—and in the world itself, examples of petty tyrannies, arising from a conviction of superior might, constantly abound. The fable would teach that the firmest friendships are formed amongst equals. "The request of a lord," says the proverb, "is a force upon a man." The weakest must go to the wall.

The great and small but rarely meet
On terms of amity complete;

Plebeians must surrender

And yield so much to noble folk,
It is combining fire with smoke,
Obscurity with splendour.

Reason and right are of themselves most strong;
No kingdom got by cunning can stand long.

A LION, faint with heat, and weary with hunting, was lying down to take his repose under the spreading boughs of a thick, shady oak. It happened that, while he slept, a company of scrambling mice ran over his nose, and waked him; upon which, starting up, he clapped his paw upon one of them, and was just about to put it to death, when the little suppliant implored his mercy in a very moving manner, begging him not to stain his noble character with the blood of so despicable and small a beast. The Lion, considering the matter, thought proper to do as he was desired, and immediately released his little trembling prisoner.

E

Not long after, traversing the forest in pursuit of his prey, he chanced to run into the toils of the hunters; from whence, not able to disengage himself, he set up a most hideous and loud roar. The Mouse, hearing the voice, and knowing it to be the Lion's, immediately repaired to the place, and bid him fear nothing, for that he was his friend. Then straight he fell to work, and with his little sharp teeth gnawing asunder the knots and fastenings of the toils, set the royal brute at liberty.

MORAL.

Do as you would be done by.

APPLICATION.

There are none so poor as not to be able to do an occasional kindness; and there are none so exalted but to require at some time or other the aid of friends and neighbours. The fable teaches us that it is alike our interest and our duty to exercise kindly feelings and charitable acts towards all, as opportunity is afforded.

And from the prayer of want, and plaint of woe,

Oh, never, never turn away thine ear!

Forlorn in this bleak wilderness below,

Ah! what were man, should Heaven refuse to hear?

In the same case to others do

As you would they should do to you.

THE FATAL MARRIAGE.

THE same Lion, touched with the grateful conduct of the Mouse, and resolving not to be outdone in generosity, desired his little deliverer to name his own terms, for that he might depend upon his complying with any proposal he should make. The Mouse, fired with ambition at this gracious offer, did not so much consider what was proper for him to ask, as what was in the power of his prince to grant; and so presumptuously demanded his daughter, the young Lioness, in marriage. The Lion consented; but when he would have given the royal virgin into his possession, she, like a giddy thing as she was, not minding how she