THE Lion and several other Beasts entered into an alliance offensive and defensive, and were to live. very sociably together in the forest. One day, having made a sort of an excursion by way of hunting, they took a very fine, large, fat deer, which was divided into four parts; there happening to be then present his majesty the Lion, and only three others. After the division was made, and the parts were set out, his majesty, advancing forward some steps and point ing to one of the shares, was pleased to declare himself after the following manner: "This I seize and take possession of as my right, which devolves to me, as I am descended by a true, lineal, hereditary succession 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 overcomes right. APPLICATION. The conduct of the Lion in this fable finds frequent imitation among men. In every private society, at school (the little epitome of the world) and in the world itself, examples of petty tyrannies, arising out of a sense 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." wall." "The weakest must go to the The great and small but rarely meet On terms of amity complete ; Plebeians must surrender And yield so much to noble folk, Reason and right are of themselves most strong; THE LION AND THE MOUSE. A LION, faint with heat, and weary with hunting, was lying down to take his repose under the spreading bows 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. Not long after, traversing the forest in E 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. The least may help the greatest. 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 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? Then let the social instinct glow, And learn to feel another's woe. |