to entertain; who, indeed, acquitted himself in that capacity with the utmost readiness and address, changing the courses as elegantly, and tasting every thing first as judiciously, as any clerk of a kitchen. The other sat and enjoyed himself like a delighted epicure, tickled to the last degree with this new turn of his affairs; when, on a sudden, a noise of somebody opening the door made them start from their seats, and hurry-scurry in confusion about the diningroom. Our Country Friend, in particular, was ready to die with fear at the barking of a huge mastiff, which sounded through the whole house. At last, recovering himself,-" Well," says he, "if this be your town life, much good may it do you! I shall return as fast as I can to my poor, quiet hole, with my homely but comfortable gray peas.

Give me again my hollow tree,

A crust of bread and liberty."

MORAL. Better to bear the ills we have, than fly to others that we know not of.

APPLICATION. It is neither unlawful now inexpedient to endeavour to improve our condition in life. On the contrary, an endeavour to rise, founded on honourable exertion, is consistent with a spirit of contentment, and with gratitude for present blessings. There exists, however, a class of persons at all times who are never contented with their station

Such

or circumstances, and who are constantly dissatisfied at not being higher or wealthier than they are. discontent is a man's worst evil. This fable teaches that contentment is great gain.

Seldom it comes, to few from heaven sent,

That much in little-all in naught―content.

A FARMER was sowing his field with flax. The Swallow observed it, and desired the other Birds to assist her in picking the seed up and destroying it, telling them that flax was that pernicious material of which the thread was composed which made the fowler's nets, and by that means contributed to the ruin of so many innocent Birds. But the poor

Swallow not having the good fortune to be regarded, the flax sprang up, and appeared above the ground. She then put them in mind once more of their impending danger, and wished them to pluck it up in the bud, before it went any further. They still neglected her warning, and the flax grew up into

the high stalk. She yet again desired them to attack it, for that it was not yet too late. But all that she could get was to be ridiculed and despised for a silly, pretending prophet. The Swallow, finding all her remonstrances availed nothing, was resolved to leave the society of such unthinking, careless creatures, before the hemp was woven into nets for their destruction. So, quitting the woods, and forsaking the conversation of the Birds, she has ever since made her abode among the dwellings of men.

MORAL, Prevention is better than cure.

APPLICATION. The black cloud of misfortune in many cases, casts its shadows before; yet men shut their eyes to the threatened danger, and pursue their own course till the possibility of prevention has passed away. They who have no foresight of their own, or who despise the wholesome advice of friends deserve to suffer the consequences of their folly, obstinacy, or want of oversight. He that will not be counselled cannot be helped. To fear all is to cure all.

Afterwits are dearly bought;

Let thy forewit guide thy thought.

THE HUNTED BEAVER.

IT is said that a Beaver (a creature which lives chiefly in the water) has a certain part about him which is good in physic, and that upon this account he is often hunted down and killed. Once upon a time, as one of these creatures was hard pursued by the dogs, and knew not how to escape, recollecting with himself the reason of his being thus persecuted, with a great resolution and presence of mind, he bit off the part which his hunters wanted, and throwing it towards them, by these means escaped with his life.