en proposed by some that the Mouse who made it should have the
thanks of the assembly; upon which an old, grave Mouse, who had
sat silent all the while, stood up, and, in another speech, owned
that the contrivance was admirable, and the author of it, without
doubt, an ingenious Mouse, but, he said, he thought it would not
be so proper to vote him thanks till he should farther inform
them how this bell was to be fastened about the Cat's neck, and
what Mouse would undertake to do it.

MORAL.

Many things appear excellent in theory which are impossible in
practice. It often requires a great deal of courage to carry out
projects which a fine, florid speech may persuade the hearers are
most plausible.

FABLE LXXXVI.

THE FOX IN THE WELL.

A FOX, having fallen into a well, made a shift by sticking his
claws into the sides to keep his head above water. Soon after a
Wolf came and peeped over the brink, to whom the Fox applied very
earnestly for assistance; entreating that he would help him to a
rope, or something of the kind, which might favour his escape.
The Wolf moved with compassion at his misfortune, could not
forbear expressing his concern. "Ah, poor Reynard," says he, "I
am sorry for you with all my heart; how could you possibly come
into this melancholy condition?"

"Nay, pr'ythee, friend," replied the Fox, "if you wish me well,
do not stand pitying me, but lend me some succour as fast as you
can; for pity is but cold comfort when one is up to the chin in
water, and within a hair's breadth of starving or drowning."

MORAL.

Mere expressions of pity, without a desire or attempt to
alleviate suffering, are a mockery. He that would be truly a
friend, will be ready to give his assistance when needed.

FABLE LXXXVII.

THE HORSE AND THE WOLF.

As a Wolf was roaming over a farm, he came to a field of oats,
but not being able to eat them, he left them and went his way.

Presently, meeting with a Horse, he bade him come with him into
the field, "For," says he, "I have found some capital oats; and I
have not tasted one, but have kept them all for you, for the very
sound of your teeth is music to my ear." But the Horse replied,
"A pretty fellow! if Wolves were able to eat oats, I suspect you
would not have preferred your ears to your appetite."

MORAL.

Little thanks are due to him, who only gives away whatever is of
no use to himself.

FABLE LXXXVIII.

THE TWO SPRINGS.

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