le ease,
the father addressed himself to them to this effect: "O, my sons,
behold the power of unity! for if you, in like manner, would but
keep yourselves strictly joined in the bonds of friendship, it
would not be in the power of any mortal to hurt you; but when
once the ties of brotherly affection are dissolved, how soon do
you fall to pieces, and become liable to be violated by every
injurious hand that assaults you."

MORAL.

Union is strength. Love is a powerful bond, which, when
cherished, will make those who are bound together by it
irresistible.

FABLE LXXXIV.

THE BROOK AND THE FOUNTAIN.

A FOUNTAIN varied gambols played,
Close by an humble Brook;
While gently murmuring through the glade,
Its peaceful course it took.

Perhaps it gave one envious gaze
Upon the Fountain's height,
While glittering in the morning rays
Pre-eminently bright.

In all the colours of the sky,
Alternately it shone:
The Brook observed it with a sigh,
But quietly rolled on.

The owner of the Fountain died;
Neglect soon brought decay;
The bursting pipes were ill-supplied;
The Fountain ceased to play.

But still the Brook its peaceful course
Continued to pursue;
Her ample, inexhausted source,
From Nature's fount she drew.

"Now," said the Brook, "I bless my fate,
My showy rival gone;
Contented in its native state
My little stream rolls on.

And all the world has cause, indeed,
To own, with grateful heart,
How much great Nature's works excel
The feeble works of art."

MORAL.

Humble usefulness is preferable to idle splendour.

FABLE LXXXV.

THE MICE IN COUNCIL.

The Mice called a general council, and, having met, after the
doors were locked, entered into a free consultation about ways
and means how to render their fortunes and estates more secure
from the danger of the Cat. Many things were offered, and much
was debated, "pro and con," upon the matter. At last, a young
Mouse, in a fine, florid speech, concluded with an expedient, and
that the only one, which was to put them for the future entirely
out of the power of the enemy; and this was that the Cat should
wear a bell about her neck, which, upon the least motion, would
give the alarm, and be a signal for them to retire into their
holes. This speech was received with great applause, and it was
ev