the Raven; "for then I hide my head under my left wing." "How!"
cried the Fox; "hide your head under your left wing! So wonderful
a thing I can never believe, till I see it." Immediately the
Raven put her head under her left wing, and held it there so long
that the Fox caught hold of her and killed her for his prey.

MORAL.

So must they fare who give good advice to others, but have not
discretion enough to follow it themselves.

FABLE XCIX.

THE TWO POTS.

Two Pots, of different size and matter made,
Were swiftly down a rolling stream convey'd.
The larger vessel, form'd of solid brass,
Did boldly o'er the rapid water pass;
While that whose substance was but brittle clay,
Would, for his safety, give the stronger way.
Him the Brass Pot invited to draw near,
And said, "His frailty need not cause his fear;
For he, with just precaution would prevent
The danger of their jostling as they went."
The Earthen Pot, that knew his weaker frame,
Excused himself, that he no nearer came;
And said, "My friend, if the impetuous tide
Should dash my clay against your brazen side,
By the hard fate of that unequal stroke,
While you are whole, I shall be surely broke."

MORAL.

Men safest still in equal friendship live,
Where they can do no harm, and none receive;
The strong, by power led to insult the weak,
With every touch the brittle vessels break;
While they, abused and injured by the strong,
Must, without remedy, sustain the wrong.

FABLE C.

THE TWO FROGS.

One hot, sultry summer, the lakes and ponds being almost
everywhere dried up, a couple of Frogs agreed to travel together
in search of water. At last they came to a deep well, and,
sitting on the brink of it, began to consult whether they should
leap in or no. One of them was so inclined, urging that there was
plenty of clear, spring water, and no danger of being disturbed.
"Well," says the other, "all this may be true, and yet I cannot
come into your opinion for my life; for if the water should
happen to dry up here too, how should we get out again."

MORAL.

Skilful generals always secure a way for retreat. "Look before
you leap" is an old and trite proverb. We should not undertake
any action of importance without considering what may be the
result, in all its aspects.

FABLE CI.

THE FOX AND THE MASK.

A FOX, being in a shop where