Sidebilder
PDF
ePub

the Young Ones fell a-quivering and chirping round her, and told her what had happened, begging her to remove them as fast as she could. The mother

bade them be easy; "for," says she, "if the owner depends upon friends and neighbours, I am pretty sure the corn will not be reaped to-morrow." Next day she went out again, upon the same occasion, and left the same orders with them as before. The owner came, and stayed, expecting those he had sent to: but the sun grew hot, and nothing was done, for not a soul came to help him. "Then," says he to his son, "I perceive these friends of ours are not to be depended upon; so that you must even go to your uncles and cousins, and tell them I desire they would be here betimes to-morrow morning to help us to reap." Well, this the Young Ones, in a great fright, reported also to their mother. "If that be all," says she, "do not be frightened, children; for kindred and relations do not use to be so very forward to serve one another: but take particular notice what you hear said the next time, and be sure you let me know it." She went abroad the next day, as usual; and the owner, finding his relations as slack as the rest of his neighbours, said to his son, "Hark ye, George, do you get a couple of good sickles ready against to-morrow morning, and we will even reap the corn ourselves." When the Young Ones told their mother this, "Then," says she, "we must be

gone indeed; for when a man undertakes to do his work himself, he will not be disappointed." So she removed her Young Ones immediately, and the corn was reaped the next day by the good man and his son.

MORAL. He who would have things well done must do them himself.

APPLICATION. This fable inculcates the duty of self-reliance. The proverb says, "The soil on a farmer's shoe is the most fertile soil on his farm." Never depend upon the assistance of friends and relations in anything which you are able to do yourself.

Neighbours and friends are backward. Who intends
T'effect things well, must make his hands his friends.

[graphic]

THE COCK AND THE FOX.

THE Fox, passing early one summer morning near a farmyard, was caught in a trap, which had been set for that very purpose. The Cock, from a distance, saw what happened; and, hardly daring to trust himself near so dangerous a foe, approached him cautiously, and peeped at him, not without some horror and dread of mind. Reynard no sooner perceived him, but he addressed him, with all the designing artifice imaginable. "Dear cousin," says he, "you see what an unfortunate accident has befallen me here, and all upon your account: for, as I was creeping through yonder hedge, in my way home

ward, I heard you crow, and was resolved to ask you how you did before I went any farther: but by the way I met with this disaster; and therefore now I must become an humble suitor to you for a knife to cut this string; or, at least, that you would conceal my misfortune till I have gnawed it asunder with my teeth." The Cock, seeing how the case stood, made no reply, but flew away as fast as he could, and gave the farmer an account of the whole matter; who, taking a good weapon along with him, came and destroyed the Fox before he had time to escape.

MORAL. Use discrimination in your charities.

APPLICATION. The relief of the distresses of our fellow-creatures affords to the humane mind the most

pleasurable sensations. Many charitable persons give to every applicant for their alms, and thereby frequently encourage idleness and imposture. The truly conscientious man will give himself the trouble of inquiring into the truth of the distresses which he relieves, and with a willingness to give will unite a care that his charities are bestowed on worthy objects.

In faith and hope the world will disagree;
But all mankind's concern is charity.

[graphic]

THE FOX IN THE WELL.

A Fox, having fallen into a Well, made a shift, by sticking his claws into the sides, to keep his head above water. Soon after, a Wolf came and peeped over the brink, to whom the Fox applied himself very earnestly for assistance, entreating that he would help him to a rope, which might favour his escape. The Wolf, moved with compassion at his misfortune, thus expressed his concern: "Ah, poor Reynard!" says he; "I am sorry for you with all my heart. How could you possibly come into this melancholy plight?" -"Nay, prithee, friend," replies the Fox, "if you wish me well, do not stand pitying me, but lend me some succour as fast as you can; for pity is but cold

« ForrigeFortsett »