THE Dog sued the Sheep for debt, of which the kite and the Wolf where to be judges. They, without debating long upon the matter, or making any scruple for want of evidence, gave sentence for the Dog; who immediately tore the poor Sheep in pieces, and divided the spoil with the unjust judges.

MORAL. Judges should be disinterested.

APPLICATION. The need of the counsel contained in this fable has in these days, happily, passed away. If there is one thing above another on which English

men congratulate themselves, and feel a pride in their country, it is on the purity of the fountains of justice, and on the impartiality shown in its administration. The law in this land is no respecter of persons. An obedience to its requirements is paid with equal cheerfulness by the sovereign on the throne and by the peasant in the cottage. If each would mend one, all would be amended.

THE Peacock and the Crane by chance met together in the same place. The Peacock, erecting his tail, displayed his gaudy plumes, and looked with contempt upon the Crane, as some mean, ordinary person. The Crane, resolving to mortify his insolence, took occasion to say, that Peacocks were very fine birds indeed, if fine feathers could make them so; but that he thought it a much nobler thing to be able to rise above the clouds, than to strut about upon the ground, and be gazed at by children.

MORAL. Appearances are deceitful.

APPLICATION. This fable is not intended to disparage the magnificence of rich clothes or splendid equipages, which, as times and circumstances require, may be used with propriety, and which are necessary to the due maintenance of the dignity of exalted rank. It solely protests against the unreasonableness of those who attribute personal worth and excellency to themselves from the mere possession of these advantages. Many an honest heart beats under a plain

coat:

An honest man, close buttoned to the chin,
Broadcloth without, and a warm heart within.

Fine feathers do not always make fine birds. Fair is not fair, but that which pleaseth. The meek and quiet spirit is of greater price than personal beauty, or the wearing of gold, or putting on of apparel.

In vain the faultless features strike,
When soul and body are unlike.
Pity that snowy breast should hide
Deceit, and avarice, and pride.

Smooth dissimulation! skilled to grace
A devil's purpose with an angel's face.

A VIPER entering a smith's shop, looked up and down for something to eat; and seeing a File, fell to gnawing it as greedily as could be. The File told him very gruffly, that he had best be quiet and let him alone; for he would get very little by nibbling at one who, upon occasion, could bite iron and steel.

MORAL. Attempt not impossibilities.

APPLICATION. There is a class of persons to be found in every community who engage thoughtlessly in pursuits for which they are not fitted, and persevere