heard the door fall down, and saw that they were all taken. Then the fear of approaching death so seized them, that they found no relish for the delicious food, but stood shivering and fasting until the Cook who had set the Trap came and put an end to them.

The wise Mice, who had contented themselves with their usual food, fled into their holes, and by that means preserved their lives.

He who enters a business should see his way out

of it.

THE ELEPHANT AND THE ASSEMBLY OF ANIMALS.

The wise Elephant, whose efforts were always directed towards the benefit of his society, saw with much concern the many abuses among the Beasts, which called loudly for reform. He therefore assembled them, and, with all due respect and humility, began a long sermon, wherein he spoke plainly to them about their vices and bad habits. He called their attention especially to their idle ways, their greed, cruelty, envy, hatred, treachery, and deceit.

To many of his auditors this speech was excellent and they listened with open-mouthed attention, especially such as the innocent Dove, the faithful

Dog, the obedient Camel, the harmless Sheep, and the industrious Ant; the busy Bee also approved much of this lecture.

Another part of the audience were extremely offended, and could scarcely endure so long an oration; the Tiger, for instance, and the Wolf were exceedingly tired, and the Serpent hissed with all his might, while a murmur of disapprobation burst from the Wasp, the Drone, the Hornet, and the Fly. The Grasshopper hopped disdainfully away from the assembly, the Sloth was indignant, and the insolent Ape mimicked the orator.

The Elephant, seeing the tumult, concluded his discourse with these words: "My advice is addressed equally to all, but remember that those who feel hurt by any remarks of mine acknowledge their guilt. The innocent are unmoved."

It is the bit dog that howls.

THE TWO FOXES.

Two Foxes once found their way into a henroost, where they killed the Cock, the Hens, and the Chickens, and began to feed upon them. One of the Foxes, who was young and inconsiderate, was for devouring them all upon the spot; the other, who was old and covetous, proposed to reserve some of them for another time.

"For experience, child," said he, "has made me wise, and I have seen many unexpected events since I came into the world. Let us provide therefore, against what may happen, and not consume all our stores at one meal."

"All this is wondrous wise," replied the young Fox, "but for my part I am resolved not to stir until I have eaten as much as will serve me a whole week; for who would be mad enough to return hither, where it is certain the owner of these fowls will watch for us, and if he catch us, will put us to death?"

After this short discourse, each pursued his own scheme. The young Fox ate till he burst himself, and had scarcely strength enough to reach his hole before he died. The old one who thought it much better to deny his appetite for the present, and lay up provision for the future, returned the next day, and was killed by the farmer. Thus the young

one came to grief through greed, and the old one through avarice.

Every age has its peculiar vice.

THE EAGLE, THE JACKDAW, AND THE

MAGPIE.

The kingly Eagle kept his court with all the formalities of state, which was duly attended by

all his plumed subjects in their highest feathers. But these solemn assemblies were frequently disturbed by the impertinent conduct of two, who assumed the importance of highfliers, and these were no other than the Jackdaw and the Magpie, who were forever contending for precedence which neither of them would give up to the other. The contest ran so high that at length they mutually agreed to appeal to the sovereign Eagle for his decision in this momentous affair.

The Eagle gravely announced that he did not wish to make any invidious distinction by deciding to the advantage of either party, but would give them a rule by which they might determine it between themselves.

"In the future," said he, "the greater fool shall always take the lead; but which of you it may be, I leave you to settle."

Be not great in your own eyes, lest some one
else deem you a fool.

THE BOY AND THE FILBERTS.

A Boy once thrust his hand into a pitcher which was full of figs and filberts. He grasped as many as his fist could possibly hold, but when he tried to draw it out, the narrowness of the neck prevented him. Not liking to lose any of them,

but unable to draw out his hand full, he burst into tears and bitterly bemoaned his hard for

tune.

An honest fellow who stood by gave him this wise and reasonable advice: "Grasp only half the quantity, my boy, and you will easily succeed."

Do not seize more than you can carry away.

THE DOG AND THE CROCODILE.

A Dog, running along the banks of the Nile, grew thirsty, but fearing to be seized by the monsters of that river, he would not stop to quench his thirst, but lapped as he ran. A Crocodile, raising his head above the surface of the water, asked him why he was in such a hurry?

"I have often wished to meet you," added he, "and feel sure I should like you immensely. So why not stay and chat awhile?"

"You do me great honor," replied the Dog," but I am afraid the pleasure would be all on your side; and, to tell the truth, it is to avoid such companions as you that I am in such haste."

We can never be too carefully guarded against

a connection with persons of bad character.