CONTENTSTHE DOG AND THE WOLF5THE HERDSMAN8THE BOYS AND THE FROGS11THE COCK AND THE JEWEL13THE MAN AND THE LION15THE FOX AND THE CRANE18THE TRAVELLER AND THE SATYR22THE TRAVELLERS AND THE PURSE25THE MOUTH AND THE LIMBS27THE HARE AND THE TORTOISE31THE MILKMAID34THE LARK AND HER YOUNG ONES39THE PHILOSOPHER AND THE ACORN43THE WOLF AND THE CRANE45THE DOG AND THE SHADOW48THE TRAVELLERS AND THE BEAR50THE FROGS AND THE BULL52THE COUNCIL OF MICE54THE WOLF AND THE LAMB57THE BEASTS IN PARTNERSHIP60THE LION AND THE MOUSE64THE JEALOUS ASS67THE TOWN AND COUNTRY MICE71THE FOX AND THE CROW75THE LION AN THE ECHO79THE PAPER KITE82THE RATS AND THE CHEESE85AURELIA AND THE SPIDER88THE REDBREAST AND THE SPARROW90THE POET AND THE COBWEBS92THE EPICURE AND THE PHYSICIAN96THE FROGS DESIRING A KING101THE HARE AND THE BRAMBLE104THE HORSE AND THE STAG106THE CAT AND THE OLD MOUSE108THE FOX AND THE VISOR MASK110THE GOOSE THAT LAID THE GOLDEN EGGS112THE FOX AND THE GRAPES114THE MOUSE AND THE WEASEL116THE MISER AND HIS TREASURE118THE JACKDAW AND THE PEACOCKS120THE SPARROW AND THE HARE122THE ASS AND THE LION123THE STAG AND THE FOUNTAIN125THE EAGLE, THE CAT, AND THE SOW127THE EAGLE, THE RAVEN AND THE TORTOISE129THE FLAY AND THE HORSE131ESOP AT PLAY132THE OLD PILOT AND THE SAILORS134THE CRAB AND HER DAUGHTER135THE SUN AND THE WIND137THE TWO POTS139HERCULES AND THE CARTER141THE ANT AND THE GRASSHOPPER142THE CROW AND THE PITCHER144THE ANGLER AND THE LITTLE FISH145THE FROG AND THE FOX146THE APE AND HR YOUNG ONES147THE FIR TREE AND THE THORN149THE ASS IN THE LION'S SKIN151THE DOG IN THE MANGER153THE STAG AND THE VINE154THE FIR MISCHIEVOUS DOG155THE SICK MAN AND THE PHYSICIAN156THE FARMER AND HIS SONS158THE SWALLOW AND THE BIRDS160THE BOASTING TRAVELLER162THE OLD WOMAN AND HER MAIDS164THE FIR INDUSTRY AND SLOTH166THE SHEPHERD TURNED MERCHANT168THE SPENDTHRIFT AND THE SWALLOW170THE EAGLE AND THE CROW171THE WOLF AND THE SHEPHERD'S BOY173THE FOX WITHOUT A TAIL175THE MEN AND THE OYSTER177THE SHEPHERD AND HIS DOG179THE COUNTRYMAN AND THE JUSTICE181THE COCK AND THE FOX183THE BLIND MAN AND THE LAME185THE MAN AND THE SERPENT187THE TWO STREAMS189THE SOT AND HIS WIFE191THE FARMER AND HIS QUARRELSOME SONS193THE FIG TREE AND THE FLOWERING SHRUB195THE FARMER AND THE LANDLORD197THE SCHOOL-BOY AND THE MONITOR199THE MILLER AND HIS ASS201THE DREAMER AND HIS SONS204THE OLD MAN AND DEATH206THE PAINTER209THE COBBLER AND THE NABOB212THE HORSE AND HIS RIDER215THE GOOD MINISTER219THE SWAN AND THE COOK221THE LYNX AND THE MOLE223THE OLD CAT AND THE YOUNG MOUSE225THE TWO FRIENDS227THE SICK STAG230THE FOREST AND THE WOODMAN232THE ELEPHANT AND THE MONKEY OF JUPITER234THE WOODCUTTER AND DEATH237THE RAT AND THE OYSTER239THE PHYSICIANS242THE MOUNTAIN IN LABOR244THE CAT METAMORPHOSED INTO A WOMAN246THE FROG AND THE RAT248THE LION AND THE FLY251THE TWO MULES253THE JUPITER AND THE FARMER255THE COCK, THE CAT, AND THE LITTLE MOUSE258THE MONKEY261THE HORSE AND THE ASS263THE ASTROLOGER WHO FELL INTO A WELL265THE ANIMALS SICK WITH THE PLAGUE269THE CANDLE273THE HOG, THE GOAT, AND THE SHEEP275THE DELICATE HERON278THE BLACKAMOOR AND HER MISTRESS280THE BEAR AND THE GARDENER282THE VULTURES AND THE PIGEONS284THE BEAR AND THE BEES287Illustration 002Aesop in RhymeÆSOP,IN RHYME;OR,OLD FRIENDS IN A NEW DRESS.Illustration 005BY MARMADUKE PARK.PHILADELPHIA:C. G. HENDERSON, & CO.,N. W. CORNER ARCH AND FIFTH STREETS.1852.Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1852,BY C. G. HENDERSON & CO.,in the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the United States, in and for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania.Illustration 007THE DOG AND THE WOLF.A wolfthere was, whose scanty fareHad made his person lean and spare;A dog there was, so amply fed,His sides were plump and sleek; 'tis saidThe wolf once met this prosp'rous cur,And thus began: "Your servant, sir;I'm pleased to see you look so well,Though how it is I cannot tell;I have not broke my fast to-day;Nor have I, I'm concern'd to say,One bone in store or expectation,And that I call a great vexation.""Indeed it is," the dog replied:"I know no ill so great beside;But if you do not like to beSo poorly fed, come live with me.""Agreed," rejoined the wolf, "I'll go:But pray, what work am I to do?""Oh, guard the house, and do not failTo bark at thieves, and wag your tail."So off they jogg'd, and soon arrivedAt where the friendly mastiff lived."Well," said the wolf, "I can't denyYou have a better house than I.""Not so," the other then replied,"If you with me will hence abide.""Oh," said the wolf, "how kind you are!But what d'ye callthat, hanging there?Is it an iron chain, or what?""Friend," said the dog, "I quite forgotTo mention that; sometimes, you see,They hook that little chain tome;But it is only meant to keepUs dogs from walking in our sleep,And should you wear it, you would find,It's nothing that you need to mind.""I'll take your word," the wolf replied."It's truth by me shall ne'er be tried;I'll have my liberty again,And you your collar and your chain."MORAL.Our neighbors sometimes seem to beA vast deal better off than we;Yet seldom 'tis they really are,Sincetheyhave troubles too to bear,Which, if the truth were really known,Are quite as grievous as our own.Illustration 010THE HERDSMAN.A herdsman, who lived at a time and a placeWhich, should you not know, is but little disgrace,Discover'd one morning, on counting his stock,That a sheep had been stolen that night from the flock."Oh, I wish I had caught ye,whoever ye be,I'd have soon let you know, I'd have soon let ye see,What he had to expect," said the herdsman, "I trow;But I've thought of a scheme that will trouble you now."So what did he do, sir, but put up a board,Describing the thief, and proposed a rewardOf a lamb, to the man who would give informationConcerning the thief, and his true designation.The project succeeded; for soon there appliedA certain near neighbor, with others beside."But tell me the thief," said the herdsman, "at least;""Come hither," said they, "and we'll show you the beast!""Thebeast!" said the rustic, who thought he should die onThe spot, when he found that the thief was a lion!"Ill luck to my hurry, what now shall I do?I promised a lamb to detect you 'tis true;But now I'd consentallmy substance to pay,If I could but with safety get out of your way."MORAL.Silly people ask things that would ruin, if sent;They demand them in haste, and at leisure repent.Illustration 012Illustration 013THE BOYS AND THE FROGS.Someboys, beside a pond or lake,Were playing once atduck and drake?When, doubtless to their heart's content,Volleys of stones were quickly sent.But there were some (there will be such)Who did not seem amused so much;These were the frogs, to whom the game,In point of sport was not the same.For scarce a stone arrived, 'tis said,But gave some frog a broken head;And scores in less than half an hour,Perished beneath the dreadful shower.At last, said one, "You silly folks, I say,Do fling your stones another way;Thoughsporttoyou, to throw them thus,Remember, pray, 'tisdeathto us!"MORAL.From hence this moral may be learn'd:Let playbe playtoall concern'd.Illustration 014Illustration 015THE COCK AND THE JEWEL.A cockthere was: a sage was he(If Esop we may trust,)Who wish'd to make a meal, you see,As other sages must.With this intent, as heretofore,When on the hunt for grain;Our hero scratch'd the litter o'erWith all his might and main.But scarce a minute had he scratch'd,When, to his great surprise,A gem, with golden chain attach'd,He saw with both his eyes."Alack!" quoth he, "what have we here?A diamond, I protest!Which lords and ladies buy so dear,And hold in such request."But one good barley-corn to meHas more intrinsic worthThan all the pearls now in the sea,Or gold now in the earth."MORAL.The moral here, in Esop's mind,Was this, there's not a doubt:Things havemostvalue, which we findWecannotdo without.Illustration 017THE MAN AND THE LION.A manand a lion once had a dispute,Which was reckon'd the greatest, the man or the brute;The lion discoursed on his side at some length,And greatly enlarged on his courage and strength.The man, one would think, had enough to replyOnhisside the question, which none could deny;But like many others who make a pretence,He talk'd perfect nonsense, and thought it good sense."So," says he, "don't be prating,—look yonder, I pray,At that sculpture of marble, now what will you say?The lion is vanquished; but as for the manHe is striding upon him; deny it who can.""But pray," said the lion, "who sculptured that stone?""One ofus," said the man, "I must candidly own.""But whenweare sculptors," the other replied,"You will then on the man see thelionastride."MORAL.The man might have added, if he had been wise,"But a beastcannotsculpture a stone,if he tries."Thatsufficiently shows where the difference lies.Illustration 019Illustration 020THE FOX AND THE CRANE."I certainlythink," said a fox to a crane,"That face, ma'am of yours is remarkably plain;That beak that you wear is so frightful a feature,It makes you appear a most singular creature."The crane, much offended at what she had heard,March'd off at full speed, without saying a word:"Oh dear!" said the fox, "Mrs. Crane, I protestYou misunderstand me, 'twas only a jest.""Come, don't be affronted—stay with me and dine;You know very well 'tis this temper of mineTo say such odd things to my intimate friends;But you know that poor Reynard no mischief intends."So the crane thought it best not to break with him quite,But to view his remarks in a good-natured light.So she put on as pleasant a face as she couldWhen he ask'd her to dine, and replied that she would.But alas! she perceived that his jokes were not over,When Reynard removed from the victuals its cover'Twas neither game, butcher's meat, chicken, not fish;But plain gravy-soup, in a broad shallow dish.Now this the fox lapp'd with his tongue very quick,While the crane could scarce dip in the point of her beak;"You make a poor dinner," said he to his guest;"Oh, dear! by no means," said the bird, "I protest."But the crane ask'd the fox on a subsequent day,When nothing, it seems, for their dinner had theyBut some minced meat served up in a narrow-neck'd jar;Too long, and narrow, for Reynard by far."You make a poor dinner, I fear," said the bird;"Why, I think," said the fox, "'twould be very absurdTo deny what you say, yet I cannot complain,But confess, though a fox, that I'm matched by a crane."MORAL.Cunning folks who play tricks which good manners condemn,Often find their own tricks play'd again upon them.Illustration 023Illustration 024THE TRAVELLER AND THE SATYR.A lucklesswight, in winter slow,Travelling once a forest throughCold and hungry, tired and wet,Began in words like these to fret:"Oh, what a sharp inclement day!And what a dismal, dreary way!No friendly cot, no cheering fields,No food this howling forest yields;I've nought in store or expectation!There's nought before me but starvation.""Not quite so bad," a voice replied;Quickly the traveller turned aside,And saw the satyr of the wood,Who close beside his dwelling stood."Here is my cave hard by," said he,"Walk in, you're welcome, pray be free."The traveller did not hesitate,Hoping for something good to eat,But follow'd to his heart's content,Blowing his finger as he went."Pray," said the satyr, "may I knowFor what you blow your fingers so?""What! need you," said the man, "be told?—Towarmmy fingers, 'numb'd with cold.""Indeed!" was all his host replied,Intent some pottage to provide,Which heated well, with spice infused,Was to his shivering guest produced:So hot it was, as Esop sung,It made our traveller scald his tongue;And wishing not again to do it,Our hero could not wait, but blew it."What?" said his host, in accent rough,"Is not your pottage hot enough?""Yes," said the man, "full well I know it,'Tis far too hot, that's why I blow it.""You artful villain! do you so?"His host replied, with angry brow;"My cave shall not a moment holdA man that blows both hot and cold!By none but rogues can that be done,You double-dealing wretch, begone!"MORAL.The traveller scarce deserved such wrath,For warming fingers—cooling broth.No statutes old or new forbid it,Although with the same mouth he did it:Yet this beware of old and young,What Esop meant—adouble tongue;Which flatters now with civil clack,And slanders soon behind one's back.Illustration 027THE TRAVELLERS AND THE PURSE.Twofriends once were walking in sociable chat,When a purse one espied on the ground;"Oh, see!" said he, (thank my fortune for that,)"What a large sum of money I've found!""Nay, do not sayI" said his friend, "for you know'Tis but friendship to share it with me;""I share it with you," said the other. "How so?He whofoundit the owner should be.""Be it so," said his friend, "but what sound do I hear?'Stop thief!' one is calling to you;He comes with a constable close in the rear!"Said the other, "Oh, what shall we do?""Nay, do not saywe," said his friend, "for you knowYou claimed the sole right to the prize!And since all themoneywas taken by you,With you thedishonestylies."MORAL.When people are selfish, dishonest, and mean,Their nature, in dealing, will quickly be seen.Illustration 029THE MOUTH AND THE LIMBS.Indays of yore, they say, 'twas thenWhen all things spoke their mind;The arms and legs of certain men,To treason felt inclined.These arms and legs together met,As snugly as they could,With knees and elbows, hands and feet,In discontented mood.Said they, "'Tis neither right nor fair,Nor is there any need,To labor with such toil and care,The greedy mouth to feed.""This we're resolved no more to do,Though we so long have done it;""Ah!" said the knees and elbows too,"And we are bent upon it.""I," said the tongue, "may surely speak,Since I his inmate am;And for his vices while you seek,His virtues I'll proclaim."You say the mouth embezzles all,The fruit of your exertion;But I on this assembly callTo prove the base assertion."The food which you with labor gain,He too with labor chews;Nor does he long the food retain,But gives it for your use."But he his office has resign'dTo whom you may prefer;He begs you therefore now to findSome other treasurer.""Well, be it so," they all replied;"His wish shall be obeyed;We think the hands may now be triedAs treasurers in his stead."The hands with joy to this agreed,And all to them was paid;But they the treasure kept indeed,And no disbursements made.Once more the clam'rous members met,A lean and hungry throng;When all allowed, from head to feet,That what they'd done was wrong.To take his office once again,The mouth they all implored;Who soon accepted it, and thenHealth was again restored.MORAL.This tale for state affairs is meant,Which we need not discuss;At present we will be content,To find a moral thus:The mouth has claims of large amount,From arms, legs, feet, and hands;But let them not, on that account,Paymorethan it demands.Illustration 032Illustration 033THE HARE AND THE TORTOISE.Saida hare to a tortoise, "Good sir, what a whileYou have been only crossing the way;Why I really believe that to go half a mile,You must travel two nights and a day.""I am very contented," the creature replied,"Though I walk but a tortoise's pace,But if you think proper the point to decide,We will run half a mile in a race.""Very good," said the hare; said the tortoise, "Proceed,And the fox shall decide who has won,"Then the hare started off with incredible speed;But the tortoise walk'd leisurely on."Come tortoise, friend tortoise, walk on," said the hare,"Well, I shall stay here for my dinner;Why, 'twill take you a month, at that rate, to get there,Then how can you hope to be winner?"But the tortoise could hear not a word that she saidFor he was far distant behind;So the hare felt secured while at leisure she fed,And took a sound nap when she dined.So at last this slow walker came up with the hare,And there fast asleep did he spy her;And he cunningly crept with such caution and care,That she woke not, although he pass'd by her."Well now," thought the hare, when she open'd her eyes,"For the race,—and I soon shall have done it;"But who can describe her chagrin and surprise,When she found that thetortoisehad won it!MORAL.Thus plain plodding people, we often shall find,Will leave hasty confident people behind.Illustration 033THE MILKMAID.A milkmaid, who poized a full pail on her head,Thus mused on her prospects in life, it is said:"Let's see—I should think that this milk will procureOne hundred good eggs, or fourscore to be sure."Well then—stop a bit,—it must not be forgotten,Some of these may be broken, and some may be rotten;But if twenty for accidents should be detach'd,It will leave me just sixty sound eggs to hatch'd."Well, sixty sound eggs—no; sound chickens, I mean;Of these some may die—we'll suppose seventeen—Seventeen!—not so many—say ten at the most,Which will leave fifty chickens to boil or to roast."But then there's their barley; how much will they need?Why they take but one grain at a time when they feed,So that's a mere trifle; now then let us see,At a fair market price, how much money there'll be?"Six shillings a pair—five—four—three-and-six,To prevent all mistakes, that low price I will fix;Now what will that make? fifty chickens, I said,Fifty times three-and-sixpence—I'll ask brother Ned."Oh! but stop—three-and-sixpence apairI must sell 'em;Well, a pair is a couple—now then let us tell 'em;A couple in fifty will go—(my poor brain!)Why just a score times, and five pair will remain."Twenty-five pair of fowls—now how shameful it is,That I can't reckon up as much money as this!Well, there's no use in trying; so let's give a guess;I will say twenty pounds, andit can't be no less."Twenty pounds, I am certain, will buy me a cow,Thirty geese, and two turkeys—eight pigs and a sow;Now if these turn out well, at the end of the year,I shall fill both my pockets with guineas 'tis clear."Then I'll bid that old tumble-down hovel good-bye;My mother she'll scold, and my sisters they'll cry:But I won't care a crow's egg for all they can say;I sha'n't go to stop with such beggars as they!"But forgetting her burden, when this she had said,The maid superciliously toss'd up her headWhen alas! for her prospects—the milk pail descended!And so all her schemes for the future were ended.MORAL.
CONTENTSTHE DOG AND THE WOLF5THE HERDSMAN8THE BOYS AND THE FROGS11THE COCK AND THE JEWEL13THE MAN AND THE LION15THE FOX AND THE CRANE18THE TRAVELLER AND THE SATYR22THE TRAVELLERS AND THE PURSE25THE MOUTH AND THE LIMBS27THE HARE AND THE TORTOISE31THE MILKMAID34THE LARK AND HER YOUNG ONES39THE PHILOSOPHER AND THE ACORN43THE WOLF AND THE CRANE45THE DOG AND THE SHADOW48THE TRAVELLERS AND THE BEAR50THE FROGS AND THE BULL52THE COUNCIL OF MICE54THE WOLF AND THE LAMB57THE BEASTS IN PARTNERSHIP60THE LION AND THE MOUSE64THE JEALOUS ASS67THE TOWN AND COUNTRY MICE71THE FOX AND THE CROW75THE LION AN THE ECHO79THE PAPER KITE82THE RATS AND THE CHEESE85AURELIA AND THE SPIDER88THE REDBREAST AND THE SPARROW90THE POET AND THE COBWEBS92THE EPICURE AND THE PHYSICIAN96THE FROGS DESIRING A KING101THE HARE AND THE BRAMBLE104THE HORSE AND THE STAG106THE CAT AND THE OLD MOUSE108THE FOX AND THE VISOR MASK110THE GOOSE THAT LAID THE GOLDEN EGGS112THE FOX AND THE GRAPES114THE MOUSE AND THE WEASEL116THE MISER AND HIS TREASURE118THE JACKDAW AND THE PEACOCKS120THE SPARROW AND THE HARE122THE ASS AND THE LION123THE STAG AND THE FOUNTAIN125THE EAGLE, THE CAT, AND THE SOW127THE EAGLE, THE RAVEN AND THE TORTOISE129THE FLAY AND THE HORSE131ESOP AT PLAY132THE OLD PILOT AND THE SAILORS134THE CRAB AND HER DAUGHTER135THE SUN AND THE WIND137THE TWO POTS139HERCULES AND THE CARTER141THE ANT AND THE GRASSHOPPER142THE CROW AND THE PITCHER144THE ANGLER AND THE LITTLE FISH145THE FROG AND THE FOX146THE APE AND HR YOUNG ONES147THE FIR TREE AND THE THORN149THE ASS IN THE LION'S SKIN151THE DOG IN THE MANGER153THE STAG AND THE VINE154THE FIR MISCHIEVOUS DOG155THE SICK MAN AND THE PHYSICIAN156THE FARMER AND HIS SONS158THE SWALLOW AND THE BIRDS160THE BOASTING TRAVELLER162THE OLD WOMAN AND HER MAIDS164THE FIR INDUSTRY AND SLOTH166THE SHEPHERD TURNED MERCHANT168THE SPENDTHRIFT AND THE SWALLOW170THE EAGLE AND THE CROW171THE WOLF AND THE SHEPHERD'S BOY173THE FOX WITHOUT A TAIL175THE MEN AND THE OYSTER177THE SHEPHERD AND HIS DOG179THE COUNTRYMAN AND THE JUSTICE181THE COCK AND THE FOX183THE BLIND MAN AND THE LAME185THE MAN AND THE SERPENT187THE TWO STREAMS189THE SOT AND HIS WIFE191THE FARMER AND HIS QUARRELSOME SONS193THE FIG TREE AND THE FLOWERING SHRUB195THE FARMER AND THE LANDLORD197THE SCHOOL-BOY AND THE MONITOR199THE MILLER AND HIS ASS201THE DREAMER AND HIS SONS204THE OLD MAN AND DEATH206THE PAINTER209THE COBBLER AND THE NABOB212THE HORSE AND HIS RIDER215THE GOOD MINISTER219THE SWAN AND THE COOK221THE LYNX AND THE MOLE223THE OLD CAT AND THE YOUNG MOUSE225THE TWO FRIENDS227THE SICK STAG230THE FOREST AND THE WOODMAN232THE ELEPHANT AND THE MONKEY OF JUPITER234THE WOODCUTTER AND DEATH237THE RAT AND THE OYSTER239THE PHYSICIANS242THE MOUNTAIN IN LABOR244THE CAT METAMORPHOSED INTO A WOMAN246THE FROG AND THE RAT248THE LION AND THE FLY251THE TWO MULES253THE JUPITER AND THE FARMER255THE COCK, THE CAT, AND THE LITTLE MOUSE258THE MONKEY261THE HORSE AND THE ASS263THE ASTROLOGER WHO FELL INTO A WELL265THE ANIMALS SICK WITH THE PLAGUE269THE CANDLE273THE HOG, THE GOAT, AND THE SHEEP275THE DELICATE HERON278THE BLACKAMOOR AND HER MISTRESS280THE BEAR AND THE GARDENER282THE VULTURES AND THE PIGEONS284THE BEAR AND THE BEES287
Illustration 002
Aesop in Rhyme
Illustration 005
Illustration 007
A wolfthere was, whose scanty fareHad made his person lean and spare;A dog there was, so amply fed,His sides were plump and sleek; 'tis saidThe wolf once met this prosp'rous cur,And thus began: "Your servant, sir;I'm pleased to see you look so well,Though how it is I cannot tell;I have not broke my fast to-day;Nor have I, I'm concern'd to say,One bone in store or expectation,And that I call a great vexation.""Indeed it is," the dog replied:"I know no ill so great beside;But if you do not like to beSo poorly fed, come live with me.""Agreed," rejoined the wolf, "I'll go:But pray, what work am I to do?""Oh, guard the house, and do not failTo bark at thieves, and wag your tail."So off they jogg'd, and soon arrivedAt where the friendly mastiff lived."Well," said the wolf, "I can't denyYou have a better house than I.""Not so," the other then replied,"If you with me will hence abide.""Oh," said the wolf, "how kind you are!But what d'ye callthat, hanging there?Is it an iron chain, or what?""Friend," said the dog, "I quite forgotTo mention that; sometimes, you see,They hook that little chain tome;But it is only meant to keepUs dogs from walking in our sleep,And should you wear it, you would find,It's nothing that you need to mind.""I'll take your word," the wolf replied."It's truth by me shall ne'er be tried;I'll have my liberty again,And you your collar and your chain."
A wolfthere was, whose scanty fare
Had made his person lean and spare;
A dog there was, so amply fed,
His sides were plump and sleek; 'tis said
The wolf once met this prosp'rous cur,
And thus began: "Your servant, sir;
I'm pleased to see you look so well,
Though how it is I cannot tell;
I have not broke my fast to-day;
Nor have I, I'm concern'd to say,
One bone in store or expectation,
And that I call a great vexation."
"Indeed it is," the dog replied:
"I know no ill so great beside;
But if you do not like to be
So poorly fed, come live with me."
"Agreed," rejoined the wolf, "I'll go:
But pray, what work am I to do?"
"Oh, guard the house, and do not fail
To bark at thieves, and wag your tail."
So off they jogg'd, and soon arrived
At where the friendly mastiff lived.
"Well," said the wolf, "I can't deny
You have a better house than I."
"Not so," the other then replied,
"If you with me will hence abide."
"Oh," said the wolf, "how kind you are!
But what d'ye callthat, hanging there?
Is it an iron chain, or what?"
"Friend," said the dog, "I quite forgot
To mention that; sometimes, you see,
They hook that little chain tome;
But it is only meant to keep
Us dogs from walking in our sleep,
And should you wear it, you would find,
It's nothing that you need to mind."
"I'll take your word," the wolf replied.
"It's truth by me shall ne'er be tried;
I'll have my liberty again,
And you your collar and your chain."
Our neighbors sometimes seem to beA vast deal better off than we;Yet seldom 'tis they really are,Sincetheyhave troubles too to bear,Which, if the truth were really known,Are quite as grievous as our own.
Our neighbors sometimes seem to be
A vast deal better off than we;
Yet seldom 'tis they really are,
Sincetheyhave troubles too to bear,
Which, if the truth were really known,
Are quite as grievous as our own.
Illustration 010
A herdsman, who lived at a time and a placeWhich, should you not know, is but little disgrace,Discover'd one morning, on counting his stock,That a sheep had been stolen that night from the flock."Oh, I wish I had caught ye,whoever ye be,I'd have soon let you know, I'd have soon let ye see,What he had to expect," said the herdsman, "I trow;But I've thought of a scheme that will trouble you now."So what did he do, sir, but put up a board,Describing the thief, and proposed a rewardOf a lamb, to the man who would give informationConcerning the thief, and his true designation.The project succeeded; for soon there appliedA certain near neighbor, with others beside."But tell me the thief," said the herdsman, "at least;""Come hither," said they, "and we'll show you the beast!""Thebeast!" said the rustic, who thought he should die onThe spot, when he found that the thief was a lion!"Ill luck to my hurry, what now shall I do?I promised a lamb to detect you 'tis true;But now I'd consentallmy substance to pay,If I could but with safety get out of your way."
A herdsman, who lived at a time and a place
Which, should you not know, is but little disgrace,
Discover'd one morning, on counting his stock,
That a sheep had been stolen that night from the flock.
"Oh, I wish I had caught ye,whoever ye be,
I'd have soon let you know, I'd have soon let ye see,
What he had to expect," said the herdsman, "I trow;
But I've thought of a scheme that will trouble you now."
So what did he do, sir, but put up a board,
Describing the thief, and proposed a reward
Of a lamb, to the man who would give information
Concerning the thief, and his true designation.
The project succeeded; for soon there applied
A certain near neighbor, with others beside.
"But tell me the thief," said the herdsman, "at least;"
"Come hither," said they, "and we'll show you the beast!"
"Thebeast!" said the rustic, who thought he should die on
The spot, when he found that the thief was a lion!
"Ill luck to my hurry, what now shall I do?
I promised a lamb to detect you 'tis true;
But now I'd consentallmy substance to pay,
If I could but with safety get out of your way."
Silly people ask things that would ruin, if sent;They demand them in haste, and at leisure repent.
Silly people ask things that would ruin, if sent;
They demand them in haste, and at leisure repent.
Illustration 012
Illustration 013
Someboys, beside a pond or lake,Were playing once atduck and drake?When, doubtless to their heart's content,Volleys of stones were quickly sent.But there were some (there will be such)Who did not seem amused so much;These were the frogs, to whom the game,In point of sport was not the same.For scarce a stone arrived, 'tis said,But gave some frog a broken head;And scores in less than half an hour,Perished beneath the dreadful shower.At last, said one, "You silly folks, I say,Do fling your stones another way;Thoughsporttoyou, to throw them thus,Remember, pray, 'tisdeathto us!"
Someboys, beside a pond or lake,
Were playing once atduck and drake?
When, doubtless to their heart's content,
Volleys of stones were quickly sent.
But there were some (there will be such)
Who did not seem amused so much;
These were the frogs, to whom the game,
In point of sport was not the same.
For scarce a stone arrived, 'tis said,
But gave some frog a broken head;
And scores in less than half an hour,
Perished beneath the dreadful shower.
At last, said one, "You silly folks, I say,
Do fling your stones another way;
Thoughsporttoyou, to throw them thus,
Remember, pray, 'tisdeathto us!"
From hence this moral may be learn'd:Let playbe playtoall concern'd.
From hence this moral may be learn'd:
Let playbe playtoall concern'd.
Illustration 014
Illustration 015
A cockthere was: a sage was he(If Esop we may trust,)Who wish'd to make a meal, you see,As other sages must.With this intent, as heretofore,When on the hunt for grain;Our hero scratch'd the litter o'erWith all his might and main.But scarce a minute had he scratch'd,When, to his great surprise,A gem, with golden chain attach'd,He saw with both his eyes."Alack!" quoth he, "what have we here?A diamond, I protest!Which lords and ladies buy so dear,And hold in such request."But one good barley-corn to meHas more intrinsic worthThan all the pearls now in the sea,Or gold now in the earth."
A cockthere was: a sage was he
(If Esop we may trust,)
Who wish'd to make a meal, you see,
As other sages must.
With this intent, as heretofore,
When on the hunt for grain;
Our hero scratch'd the litter o'er
With all his might and main.
But scarce a minute had he scratch'd,
When, to his great surprise,
A gem, with golden chain attach'd,
He saw with both his eyes.
"Alack!" quoth he, "what have we here?
A diamond, I protest!
Which lords and ladies buy so dear,
And hold in such request.
"But one good barley-corn to me
Has more intrinsic worth
Than all the pearls now in the sea,
Or gold now in the earth."
The moral here, in Esop's mind,Was this, there's not a doubt:Things havemostvalue, which we findWecannotdo without.
The moral here, in Esop's mind,
Was this, there's not a doubt:
Things havemostvalue, which we find
Wecannotdo without.
Illustration 017
A manand a lion once had a dispute,Which was reckon'd the greatest, the man or the brute;The lion discoursed on his side at some length,And greatly enlarged on his courage and strength.The man, one would think, had enough to replyOnhisside the question, which none could deny;But like many others who make a pretence,He talk'd perfect nonsense, and thought it good sense."So," says he, "don't be prating,—look yonder, I pray,At that sculpture of marble, now what will you say?The lion is vanquished; but as for the manHe is striding upon him; deny it who can.""But pray," said the lion, "who sculptured that stone?""One ofus," said the man, "I must candidly own.""But whenweare sculptors," the other replied,"You will then on the man see thelionastride."
A manand a lion once had a dispute,
Which was reckon'd the greatest, the man or the brute;
The lion discoursed on his side at some length,
And greatly enlarged on his courage and strength.
The man, one would think, had enough to reply
Onhisside the question, which none could deny;
But like many others who make a pretence,
He talk'd perfect nonsense, and thought it good sense.
"So," says he, "don't be prating,—look yonder, I pray,
At that sculpture of marble, now what will you say?
The lion is vanquished; but as for the man
He is striding upon him; deny it who can."
"But pray," said the lion, "who sculptured that stone?"
"One ofus," said the man, "I must candidly own."
"But whenweare sculptors," the other replied,
"You will then on the man see thelionastride."
The man might have added, if he had been wise,"But a beastcannotsculpture a stone,if he tries."Thatsufficiently shows where the difference lies.
The man might have added, if he had been wise,
"But a beastcannotsculpture a stone,if he tries."
Thatsufficiently shows where the difference lies.
Illustration 019
Illustration 020
"I certainlythink," said a fox to a crane,"That face, ma'am of yours is remarkably plain;That beak that you wear is so frightful a feature,It makes you appear a most singular creature."The crane, much offended at what she had heard,March'd off at full speed, without saying a word:"Oh dear!" said the fox, "Mrs. Crane, I protestYou misunderstand me, 'twas only a jest.""Come, don't be affronted—stay with me and dine;You know very well 'tis this temper of mineTo say such odd things to my intimate friends;But you know that poor Reynard no mischief intends."So the crane thought it best not to break with him quite,But to view his remarks in a good-natured light.So she put on as pleasant a face as she couldWhen he ask'd her to dine, and replied that she would.But alas! she perceived that his jokes were not over,When Reynard removed from the victuals its cover'Twas neither game, butcher's meat, chicken, not fish;But plain gravy-soup, in a broad shallow dish.Now this the fox lapp'd with his tongue very quick,While the crane could scarce dip in the point of her beak;"You make a poor dinner," said he to his guest;"Oh, dear! by no means," said the bird, "I protest."But the crane ask'd the fox on a subsequent day,When nothing, it seems, for their dinner had theyBut some minced meat served up in a narrow-neck'd jar;Too long, and narrow, for Reynard by far."You make a poor dinner, I fear," said the bird;"Why, I think," said the fox, "'twould be very absurdTo deny what you say, yet I cannot complain,But confess, though a fox, that I'm matched by a crane."
"I certainlythink," said a fox to a crane,
"That face, ma'am of yours is remarkably plain;
That beak that you wear is so frightful a feature,
It makes you appear a most singular creature."
The crane, much offended at what she had heard,
March'd off at full speed, without saying a word:
"Oh dear!" said the fox, "Mrs. Crane, I protest
You misunderstand me, 'twas only a jest."
"Come, don't be affronted—stay with me and dine;
You know very well 'tis this temper of mine
To say such odd things to my intimate friends;
But you know that poor Reynard no mischief intends."
So the crane thought it best not to break with him quite,
But to view his remarks in a good-natured light.
So she put on as pleasant a face as she could
When he ask'd her to dine, and replied that she would.
But alas! she perceived that his jokes were not over,
When Reynard removed from the victuals its cover
'Twas neither game, butcher's meat, chicken, not fish;
But plain gravy-soup, in a broad shallow dish.
Now this the fox lapp'd with his tongue very quick,
While the crane could scarce dip in the point of her beak;
"You make a poor dinner," said he to his guest;
"Oh, dear! by no means," said the bird, "I protest."
But the crane ask'd the fox on a subsequent day,
When nothing, it seems, for their dinner had they
But some minced meat served up in a narrow-neck'd jar;
Too long, and narrow, for Reynard by far.
"You make a poor dinner, I fear," said the bird;
"Why, I think," said the fox, "'twould be very absurd
To deny what you say, yet I cannot complain,
But confess, though a fox, that I'm matched by a crane."
Cunning folks who play tricks which good manners condemn,Often find their own tricks play'd again upon them.
Cunning folks who play tricks which good manners condemn,
Often find their own tricks play'd again upon them.
Illustration 023
Illustration 024
A lucklesswight, in winter slow,Travelling once a forest throughCold and hungry, tired and wet,Began in words like these to fret:"Oh, what a sharp inclement day!And what a dismal, dreary way!No friendly cot, no cheering fields,No food this howling forest yields;I've nought in store or expectation!There's nought before me but starvation.""Not quite so bad," a voice replied;Quickly the traveller turned aside,And saw the satyr of the wood,Who close beside his dwelling stood."Here is my cave hard by," said he,"Walk in, you're welcome, pray be free."The traveller did not hesitate,Hoping for something good to eat,But follow'd to his heart's content,Blowing his finger as he went."Pray," said the satyr, "may I knowFor what you blow your fingers so?""What! need you," said the man, "be told?—Towarmmy fingers, 'numb'd with cold.""Indeed!" was all his host replied,Intent some pottage to provide,Which heated well, with spice infused,Was to his shivering guest produced:So hot it was, as Esop sung,It made our traveller scald his tongue;And wishing not again to do it,Our hero could not wait, but blew it."What?" said his host, in accent rough,"Is not your pottage hot enough?""Yes," said the man, "full well I know it,'Tis far too hot, that's why I blow it.""You artful villain! do you so?"His host replied, with angry brow;"My cave shall not a moment holdA man that blows both hot and cold!By none but rogues can that be done,You double-dealing wretch, begone!"
A lucklesswight, in winter slow,
Travelling once a forest through
Cold and hungry, tired and wet,
Began in words like these to fret:
"Oh, what a sharp inclement day!
And what a dismal, dreary way!
No friendly cot, no cheering fields,
No food this howling forest yields;
I've nought in store or expectation!
There's nought before me but starvation."
"Not quite so bad," a voice replied;
Quickly the traveller turned aside,
And saw the satyr of the wood,
Who close beside his dwelling stood.
"Here is my cave hard by," said he,
"Walk in, you're welcome, pray be free."
The traveller did not hesitate,
Hoping for something good to eat,
But follow'd to his heart's content,
Blowing his finger as he went.
"Pray," said the satyr, "may I know
For what you blow your fingers so?"
"What! need you," said the man, "be told?—
Towarmmy fingers, 'numb'd with cold."
"Indeed!" was all his host replied,
Intent some pottage to provide,
Which heated well, with spice infused,
Was to his shivering guest produced:
So hot it was, as Esop sung,
It made our traveller scald his tongue;
And wishing not again to do it,
Our hero could not wait, but blew it.
"What?" said his host, in accent rough,
"Is not your pottage hot enough?"
"Yes," said the man, "full well I know it,
'Tis far too hot, that's why I blow it."
"You artful villain! do you so?"
His host replied, with angry brow;
"My cave shall not a moment hold
A man that blows both hot and cold!
By none but rogues can that be done,
You double-dealing wretch, begone!"
The traveller scarce deserved such wrath,For warming fingers—cooling broth.No statutes old or new forbid it,Although with the same mouth he did it:Yet this beware of old and young,What Esop meant—adouble tongue;Which flatters now with civil clack,And slanders soon behind one's back.
The traveller scarce deserved such wrath,
For warming fingers—cooling broth.
No statutes old or new forbid it,
Although with the same mouth he did it:
Yet this beware of old and young,
What Esop meant—adouble tongue;
Which flatters now with civil clack,
And slanders soon behind one's back.
Illustration 027
Twofriends once were walking in sociable chat,When a purse one espied on the ground;"Oh, see!" said he, (thank my fortune for that,)"What a large sum of money I've found!""Nay, do not sayI" said his friend, "for you know'Tis but friendship to share it with me;""I share it with you," said the other. "How so?He whofoundit the owner should be.""Be it so," said his friend, "but what sound do I hear?'Stop thief!' one is calling to you;He comes with a constable close in the rear!"Said the other, "Oh, what shall we do?""Nay, do not saywe," said his friend, "for you knowYou claimed the sole right to the prize!And since all themoneywas taken by you,With you thedishonestylies."
Twofriends once were walking in sociable chat,
When a purse one espied on the ground;
"Oh, see!" said he, (thank my fortune for that,)
"What a large sum of money I've found!"
"Nay, do not sayI" said his friend, "for you know
'Tis but friendship to share it with me;"
"I share it with you," said the other. "How so?
He whofoundit the owner should be."
"Be it so," said his friend, "but what sound do I hear?
'Stop thief!' one is calling to you;
He comes with a constable close in the rear!"
Said the other, "Oh, what shall we do?"
"Nay, do not saywe," said his friend, "for you know
You claimed the sole right to the prize!
And since all themoneywas taken by you,
With you thedishonestylies."
When people are selfish, dishonest, and mean,Their nature, in dealing, will quickly be seen.
When people are selfish, dishonest, and mean,
Their nature, in dealing, will quickly be seen.
Illustration 029
Indays of yore, they say, 'twas thenWhen all things spoke their mind;The arms and legs of certain men,To treason felt inclined.These arms and legs together met,As snugly as they could,With knees and elbows, hands and feet,In discontented mood.Said they, "'Tis neither right nor fair,Nor is there any need,To labor with such toil and care,The greedy mouth to feed.""This we're resolved no more to do,Though we so long have done it;""Ah!" said the knees and elbows too,"And we are bent upon it.""I," said the tongue, "may surely speak,Since I his inmate am;And for his vices while you seek,His virtues I'll proclaim."You say the mouth embezzles all,The fruit of your exertion;But I on this assembly callTo prove the base assertion."The food which you with labor gain,He too with labor chews;Nor does he long the food retain,But gives it for your use."But he his office has resign'dTo whom you may prefer;He begs you therefore now to findSome other treasurer.""Well, be it so," they all replied;"His wish shall be obeyed;We think the hands may now be triedAs treasurers in his stead."The hands with joy to this agreed,And all to them was paid;But they the treasure kept indeed,And no disbursements made.Once more the clam'rous members met,A lean and hungry throng;When all allowed, from head to feet,That what they'd done was wrong.To take his office once again,The mouth they all implored;Who soon accepted it, and thenHealth was again restored.
Indays of yore, they say, 'twas then
When all things spoke their mind;
The arms and legs of certain men,
To treason felt inclined.
These arms and legs together met,
As snugly as they could,
With knees and elbows, hands and feet,
In discontented mood.
Said they, "'Tis neither right nor fair,
Nor is there any need,
To labor with such toil and care,
The greedy mouth to feed."
"This we're resolved no more to do,
Though we so long have done it;"
"Ah!" said the knees and elbows too,
"And we are bent upon it."
"I," said the tongue, "may surely speak,
Since I his inmate am;
And for his vices while you seek,
His virtues I'll proclaim.
"You say the mouth embezzles all,
The fruit of your exertion;
But I on this assembly call
To prove the base assertion.
"The food which you with labor gain,
He too with labor chews;
Nor does he long the food retain,
But gives it for your use.
"But he his office has resign'd
To whom you may prefer;
He begs you therefore now to find
Some other treasurer."
"Well, be it so," they all replied;
"His wish shall be obeyed;
We think the hands may now be tried
As treasurers in his stead."
The hands with joy to this agreed,
And all to them was paid;
But they the treasure kept indeed,
And no disbursements made.
Once more the clam'rous members met,
A lean and hungry throng;
When all allowed, from head to feet,
That what they'd done was wrong.
To take his office once again,
The mouth they all implored;
Who soon accepted it, and then
Health was again restored.
This tale for state affairs is meant,Which we need not discuss;At present we will be content,To find a moral thus:The mouth has claims of large amount,From arms, legs, feet, and hands;But let them not, on that account,Paymorethan it demands.
This tale for state affairs is meant,
Which we need not discuss;
At present we will be content,
To find a moral thus:
The mouth has claims of large amount,
From arms, legs, feet, and hands;
But let them not, on that account,
Paymorethan it demands.
Illustration 032
Illustration 033
Saida hare to a tortoise, "Good sir, what a whileYou have been only crossing the way;Why I really believe that to go half a mile,You must travel two nights and a day.""I am very contented," the creature replied,"Though I walk but a tortoise's pace,But if you think proper the point to decide,We will run half a mile in a race.""Very good," said the hare; said the tortoise, "Proceed,And the fox shall decide who has won,"Then the hare started off with incredible speed;But the tortoise walk'd leisurely on."Come tortoise, friend tortoise, walk on," said the hare,"Well, I shall stay here for my dinner;Why, 'twill take you a month, at that rate, to get there,Then how can you hope to be winner?"But the tortoise could hear not a word that she saidFor he was far distant behind;So the hare felt secured while at leisure she fed,And took a sound nap when she dined.So at last this slow walker came up with the hare,And there fast asleep did he spy her;And he cunningly crept with such caution and care,That she woke not, although he pass'd by her."Well now," thought the hare, when she open'd her eyes,"For the race,—and I soon shall have done it;"But who can describe her chagrin and surprise,When she found that thetortoisehad won it!
Saida hare to a tortoise, "Good sir, what a while
You have been only crossing the way;
Why I really believe that to go half a mile,
You must travel two nights and a day."
"I am very contented," the creature replied,
"Though I walk but a tortoise's pace,
But if you think proper the point to decide,
We will run half a mile in a race."
"Very good," said the hare; said the tortoise, "Proceed,
And the fox shall decide who has won,"
Then the hare started off with incredible speed;
But the tortoise walk'd leisurely on.
"Come tortoise, friend tortoise, walk on," said the hare,
"Well, I shall stay here for my dinner;
Why, 'twill take you a month, at that rate, to get there,
Then how can you hope to be winner?"
But the tortoise could hear not a word that she said
For he was far distant behind;
So the hare felt secured while at leisure she fed,
And took a sound nap when she dined.
So at last this slow walker came up with the hare,
And there fast asleep did he spy her;
And he cunningly crept with such caution and care,
That she woke not, although he pass'd by her.
"Well now," thought the hare, when she open'd her eyes,
"For the race,—and I soon shall have done it;"
But who can describe her chagrin and surprise,
When she found that thetortoisehad won it!
Thus plain plodding people, we often shall find,Will leave hasty confident people behind.
Thus plain plodding people, we often shall find,
Will leave hasty confident people behind.
Illustration 033
A milkmaid, who poized a full pail on her head,Thus mused on her prospects in life, it is said:"Let's see—I should think that this milk will procureOne hundred good eggs, or fourscore to be sure."Well then—stop a bit,—it must not be forgotten,Some of these may be broken, and some may be rotten;But if twenty for accidents should be detach'd,It will leave me just sixty sound eggs to hatch'd."Well, sixty sound eggs—no; sound chickens, I mean;Of these some may die—we'll suppose seventeen—Seventeen!—not so many—say ten at the most,Which will leave fifty chickens to boil or to roast."But then there's their barley; how much will they need?Why they take but one grain at a time when they feed,So that's a mere trifle; now then let us see,At a fair market price, how much money there'll be?"Six shillings a pair—five—four—three-and-six,To prevent all mistakes, that low price I will fix;Now what will that make? fifty chickens, I said,Fifty times three-and-sixpence—I'll ask brother Ned."Oh! but stop—three-and-sixpence apairI must sell 'em;Well, a pair is a couple—now then let us tell 'em;A couple in fifty will go—(my poor brain!)Why just a score times, and five pair will remain."Twenty-five pair of fowls—now how shameful it is,That I can't reckon up as much money as this!Well, there's no use in trying; so let's give a guess;I will say twenty pounds, andit can't be no less."Twenty pounds, I am certain, will buy me a cow,Thirty geese, and two turkeys—eight pigs and a sow;Now if these turn out well, at the end of the year,I shall fill both my pockets with guineas 'tis clear."Then I'll bid that old tumble-down hovel good-bye;My mother she'll scold, and my sisters they'll cry:But I won't care a crow's egg for all they can say;I sha'n't go to stop with such beggars as they!"But forgetting her burden, when this she had said,The maid superciliously toss'd up her headWhen alas! for her prospects—the milk pail descended!And so all her schemes for the future were ended.
A milkmaid, who poized a full pail on her head,
Thus mused on her prospects in life, it is said:
"Let's see—I should think that this milk will procure
One hundred good eggs, or fourscore to be sure.
"Well then—stop a bit,—it must not be forgotten,
Some of these may be broken, and some may be rotten;
But if twenty for accidents should be detach'd,
It will leave me just sixty sound eggs to hatch'd.
"Well, sixty sound eggs—no; sound chickens, I mean;
Of these some may die—we'll suppose seventeen—
Seventeen!—not so many—say ten at the most,
Which will leave fifty chickens to boil or to roast.
"But then there's their barley; how much will they need?
Why they take but one grain at a time when they feed,
So that's a mere trifle; now then let us see,
At a fair market price, how much money there'll be?
"Six shillings a pair—five—four—three-and-six,
To prevent all mistakes, that low price I will fix;
Now what will that make? fifty chickens, I said,
Fifty times three-and-sixpence—I'll ask brother Ned.
"Oh! but stop—three-and-sixpence apairI must sell 'em;
Well, a pair is a couple—now then let us tell 'em;
A couple in fifty will go—(my poor brain!)
Why just a score times, and five pair will remain.
"Twenty-five pair of fowls—now how shameful it is,
That I can't reckon up as much money as this!
Well, there's no use in trying; so let's give a guess;
I will say twenty pounds, andit can't be no less.
"Twenty pounds, I am certain, will buy me a cow,
Thirty geese, and two turkeys—eight pigs and a sow;
Now if these turn out well, at the end of the year,
I shall fill both my pockets with guineas 'tis clear.
"Then I'll bid that old tumble-down hovel good-bye;
My mother she'll scold, and my sisters they'll cry:
But I won't care a crow's egg for all they can say;
I sha'n't go to stop with such beggars as they!"
But forgetting her burden, when this she had said,
The maid superciliously toss'd up her head
When alas! for her prospects—the milk pail descended!
And so all her schemes for the future were ended.