THERE was once a great strife between the Frog and the Mouse, which should be master of the fen; and wars ensued upon it. But the crafty Mouse, lurking under the grass in ambuscade, made sudden sallies, and often surprised the enemy at a disadvantage, The Frog, excelling in strength, and being more able to leap abroad and take the field, challenged the Mouse to single combat. The Mouse accepts the challenge; and each combatant entered the lists, armed with a point of a bulrush instead of a spear. A Kite, sailing in the air, beheld them afar off; and, while they were eagerly bent upon each

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other, and pressing on to the duel, this fatal enemy descended upon them, and with her crooked talons carried off both the champions.

MORAL. Factions breed mischief in a state.

APPLICATION. The history of the republics of ancient Greece, with their numerous divisions, bitter intestine feuds, and violent factions, finds its counterpart in this fable. It admits, like the preceding, an exclusively political interpretation. The author seeks to moderate the factions among his fellow-citizens, and to promote harmony among all classes of the community, by warning them that the mutual divisions proceeding from party animosities were ofttimes the surest precursors of foreign aggression.

So should confederate states and people hush all inward strife,
When from without a foreign foe assails a nation's life;

All discords then out-trodden: 'tis by unity alone

The free shall have their freedom, and the brave preserve their

own.

The lesson conveyed by this fable is of universal application. In all, even in the best-governed states, lovers of change and leaders of faction exist.

'Gainst form and order they their power employ,

Nothing to build, and all things to destroy.

A CERTAIN Old Lady had several Maids, whom she used to call up to their work every morning at the crowing of the cock. The Women, who found it grievous to have their sweet sleep disturbed so early, combined together, and killed the cock; thinking that, when the alarm was gone, they might enjoy themselves in their warm beds a little longer. The Old Lady, grieved for the loss of her cock, and having, by some means or other, discovered the whole plot, was resolved to be even with them; for from that time she obliged them to rise constantly at midnight.

MORAL. Beware of falling from bad to worse.

APPLICATION. There is probably no situation of life in which all things will be exactly in accordance with our wishes. Oftentimes, in an endeavour to avoid a present grievance, we involve ourselves in greater troubles. The fable teaches that it is better to bear with some inconveniences, than run the risk of making matters worse by vain attempts to mend them. Too much carefulness overreacheth itself. Be slow in choosing, but slower in changing. Better to lose the wool than the sheep.

A LION and a Bear fought furiously together over the carcass of a fawn which they found in the forest, that their title to him might be decided by force of arms. The battle was severe and equal on both sides; and they held out, tearing and worrying one another, so long, that, faint and weary with their wounds, they were not able to strike another stroke. Thus, while they lay upon the ground, panting, and lolling out their tongues, a Fox chanced to pass by that way, who perceiving how the case stood, very impudently stepped in between them, seized the booty which they had been contending for, and carried it off