A KITE, who had kept sailing in the air for many days near a dovehouse, and made a swoop at several Pigeons, but all to no purpose (for they were too nimble for him), at last had recourse to stratagem, and took his opportunity one day to make a declaration to them, in which he set forth his own just and good intentions, who had nothing more at heart than the defence and protection of the Pigeons in their ancient rights and liberties, and how concerned he was at their fears and jealousies of a foreign invasion, especially their unjust and unreasonable suspicions of himself, as if he intended by force of arms to break

in upon their constitution, and erect a tyrannical government over them. To prevent all which, and thoroughly to quiet their minds, he thought proper to propose to them such terms of alliance and articles of peace as might for ever cement a good understanding betwixt them: the principal of which was, that they should accept him for their king, and invest him with all kingly privilege and prerogative over them. The poor, simple Pigeons consented. The Kite took the coronation oath, after a very solemn manner, on his part; and the Doves, the oaths of allegiance and fidelity, on theirs. But much time had not passed over their heads before the Kite pretended that it was part of his prerogative to devour a Pigeon whenever he pleased. And this he was not contented to do himself only, but instructed the rest of the royal family in the same kingly arts of government. The Pigeons, reduced to this miserable condition, said one to the other, "Ah! we deserve no better! Why did we let him come in?"

MORAL.

If you trust before you try,
You may repent before you die.

APPLICATION.

How often do men bring the calamities of life upon themselves! They make a wrong choice in a profession, or in a friend; or incur uncalled-for liabilities on the assurances of persons

whose later conduct proves them to be unworthy of confidence, and hence bring misery and disaster on themselves. He who is willing to be deceived will be deceived. Sudden trust brings sudden repentance.

Whoever trusteth ere he know,

Doth hurt himself and please his foe.

A

AN honest, plain, sensible Country Mouse is said to have entertained at his hole one day a fine Mouse of the Town. Having formerly been playfellows together, they were old acquaintance, which served as an apology for the visit. However, as master of the house, he thought himself obliged to do the honours of it in all respects, and to promote the comfort of his guest as much as he possibly could. In order to this, he set before him a supply of delicate gray peas and bacon, a dish of fine oatmeal, some parings of new cheese, and, to crown all, a remnant of a charming mellow apple for dessert.

In good manners, he forbore to eat any himself, lest his visitor should not have enough; but that he might seem to bear him company, sat and nibbled a piece of a wheaten straw very busily. At last says the Citizen of the Town, "Old friend, give me leave to be a little free with you: how can you bear to live in this nasty, dirty, melancholy hole here, with nothing but woods, and meadows, and mountains, and rivulets about you? Do not you prefer the conversation of the world to the chirping of birds, and the splendour of a court to the rude aspect of the country? Come, take my word for it, you will find it a change for the better. Never stand considering, but away this moment. Remember, we are older than we were, and therefore have no time to lose. Make sure of to-day, and spend it as agreeably as you can; you know not what may happen tomorrow." In short, these and such like arguments prevailed, and his Country Acquaintance was resolved to go to town that night. So they both set out upon their journey together, proposing to sneak in after the close of the evening. They did so; and about midnight, made their entry into a certain great house, where there had been an extraordinary entertainment during the evening, and several titbits were still lying on the floor. The Country Guest was immediately placed in the midst of a rich Persian carpet and now it was the Courtier's turn