t sum to the account.
The Mourning Brothers
Observing that he was about to die, an Old Man called his two Sons to his
bedside and expounded the situation.
"My children," said he, "you have not shown me many marks of respect
during my life, but you will attest your sorrow for my death. To him who
the longer wears a weed upon his hat in memory of me shall go my entire
fortune. I have made a will to that effect."
So when the Old Man was dead each of the youths put a weed upon his hat
and wore it until he was himself old, when, seeing that neither would
give in, they agreed that the younger should leave off his weeds and the
elder give him half of the estate. But when the elder applied for the
property he found that there had been an Executor!
Thus were hypocrisy and obstinacy fitly punished.
The Disinterested Arbiter
Two Dogs who had been fighting for a bone, without advantage to either,
referred their dispute to a Sheep. The Sheep patiently heard their
statements, then flung the bone into a pond.
"Why did you do that?" said the Dogs.
"Because," replied the Sheep, "I am a vegetarian."
The Thief and the Honest Man
A Thief who had brought a suit against his accomplices to recover his
share of the plunder taken from an Honest Man, demanded the Honest Man's
attendance at the trial to testify to his loss. But the Honest Man
explained that as he was merely the agent of a company of other honest
men it was none of his affair; and when the officers came to serve him
with a subpoena he hid himself behind his back and wiled away the
dragging hours of retirement and inaction by picking his own pockets.
The Dutiful Son
A Millionaire who had gone to an almshouse to visit his father met a
Neighbour there, who was greatly surprised.
"What!" said the Neighbour, "you do sometimes visit your father?"
"If our situations were reversed," said the Millionaire, "I am sure he
would visit me. The old man has always been rather proud of me.
Besides," he added, softly, "I had to have his signature; I am insuring
his life."
AESOPUS EMENDATUS
The Cat and the Youth
A Cat fell in love with a handsome Young Man, and entreated Venus to
change her into a woman.
"I should think," said Venus, "you might make so trifling a change
without bothering me. However, be a woman."
Afterward, wishing to see if the change were complete, Venus caused a
mouse to approach, where
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