were stuffed with straw."

MORAL.

They that are wise will never trust those a second time who have
deceived them once.

FABLE XLIX.

THE KID AND THE WOLF.

A KID, being mounted upon the roof of a lofty shed, and seeing a
Wolf below, loaded him with all manner of reproaches. Upon which,
the Wolf, looking up, replied, "Do not vaunt yourself, vain
creature, and think you mortify me; for I look upon this ill
language as not coming from you, but from the place that protects
you."

MORAL.

To rail or give bad language is wrong at all times; but when a
man is protected by circumstances, it is cowardly, as well as
wrong. The man who then uses it becomes a fit object of contempt
to him that he reviles.

[Illustration: THE KID AND THE WOLF.]

FABLE L.

THE COUNCIL OF HORSES.

UPON a time, a neighing Steed,
Who grazed among a numerous breed,
With mutiny had fired the train,
And spread dissension through the plain.

On matters that concerned the state
The council met in grand debate.
A Colt, whose eye-balls flamed with ire,
Elate with strength and youthful fire,
In haste stepped forth before the rest,
And thus the listening throng addressed:--

"Good gods! how abject is our race!
Condemned to slavery and disgrace!
Shall we our servitude retain,
Because our sires have borne the chain?
Consider, friends, your strength and might;
'Tis conquest to assert your right.
How cumberous is the gilded coach!
The pride of man is our reproach.
Were we designed for daily toil,
To drag the ploughshare through the soil;
To sweat in harness through the road;
To groan beneath the carrier's load?
How feeble are the two-legged kind!
What force is in our nerves combined!
Shall, then, our nobler jaws submit
To foam and champ the galling bit?
Shall haughty men my back bestride?
Shall the sharp spur provoke my side?
Forbid it, heavens! reject the rein,
Your shame, your infamy disdain.
Let him the Lion first control,
And still the Tiger's famished growl!
Let us, like them, our freedom claim;
And make him tremble at our name."

A general nod approved the cause,
And all the circle neighed applause;
When, lo! with grave and solemn pace,
A Steed advanced before the race,
With age and long experience wise;
Around he casts his thoughtful eyes,