first step lost us all. If we had not given up our rights to the Ash, we might have stood for ages." Let not your conduct furnish a handle against yourself.

THE RIVER FISH AND THE SEA FISH.

A Large fresh-water Pike was carried out to sea by a strong current. He gave himself great airs on account of what he considered his superior race and descent, and despised the Sea Fishes among whom he found himself.

"You value yourself at a great price," said a little stranger, "but if ever it is our fate to come to the market, you will find that I am thought a good deal more of there than you."

Size does not control value.

THE HORSE AND THE STAG.

The Horse having quarrelled with the Stag, and being unable to revenge himself upon his enemy, came to a Man and begged his help. He allowed the Man to saddle and bridle him, and together they ran down the Stag and killed him. The Horse neighed with joy, and, thanking his

rider warmly, asked him now to remove his saddle and let him go.

"No, no," said the Man; "you are much too useful to me as you are."

The Horse thenceforward served the Man, and found that he had gratified his revenge at the cost of his liberty.

Put bounds to your anger or it will put bounds

to you.

THE FLYING-FISH AND THE DOLPHIN.

A Flying-fish, being pursued by a Dolphin, swam for safety into shallow water. Seeing the Dolphin still after him, he came too far in shore, and was thrown by the waves high and dry on the sand. The Dolphin, eager in pursuit, and unable to stop himself, was also stranded.

The Flying-Fish, beholding the Dolphin in the same condition as himself, said, "Now I die with pleasure, for I see my enemy has met the same fate."

Revenge is sweet.

THE PARTRIDGE AND THE COCKS.

A Certain man having taken a Partridge, cut his wings and put him into a little yard where he

kept Game-Cocks. The Cocks were not at all civil to the new-comer, who at first put his treatment down to the fact of his being a stranger. When, however, he found that they frequently fought and nearly killed each other, he ceased to wonder that they did not respect him.

Those who do not treat their own kindred well make poor friends.

THE HUNTED BEAVEE.

The tail of the Beaver was once thought to be of use in medicine, and the animal was often hunted on that account. A shrewd old fellow of the race, being hard pressed by the Dogs, and knowing well why they were after him, had the resolution and the presence of mind to bite off his tail, and leave it behind him, and thus escaped with his life.

The skin is nearer than the cloak.

THE OAK AND THE REEDS.

A Violent storm uprooted an Oak that grew on the bank of a river. The Oak drifted across the stream, and lodged among some Reeds. Wondering to find these still standing, he could not help

asking them how it was they had escaped the fury of a storm which had torn him up by the roots.

"We bent our heads to the blast," said they, "and it passed over us. You stood stiff and stubborn till you could stand no longer."

Stoop to conquer.

THE FOX AND THE TTGER.

A Skilful Archer coming into the woods, directed his arrows so well that the beasts fled in dismay. The Tiger, however, told them not to be afraid, for he would singly engage their enemy, and drive him from their domain. He had scarcely spoken, when an arrow pierced his ribs and lodged in his side. The Pox asked him, slyly, what he thought of his opponent now.

"Ah!" replied the Tiger, writhing with pain, "I find that I was mistaken in my reckoning."

Knowledge is power.

ESOP At Play.

An Athenian once found Æsop joining merrily in the sports of some children. He ridiculed him for his want of gravity, and Æsop good-temperedly took up a bow, unstrung it, and laid it at his feet.

"There, friend," said he; "that bow, if kept always strained, would lose its spring, and probably snap. Let it go free sometimes, and it will be the fitter for use when it is wanted."

Wise play makes wise work.

THE FOX AND THE WOOD-CUTTER.

A Fox having been hunted hard, and run a long chase, saw a Wood-Cutter at work, and begged him to help him to some hiding-place. The Man said he might go into his cottage, which was close by. He was no sooner in, than the Huntsmen came up. "Have you seen a Fox pass this way?" said they.

The Wood-Cutter said "No," but pointed at the same time towards the place where the Fox lay. The Huntsmen did not take the hint, however, and made off again at full speed. The Fox, who had seen all that took place through a chink in the wall, thereupon came out, and was walking away without a word.

"Why, how now?" said the Man; "haven't you the manners to thank host before your you go ? "Yes, yes," said the Fox; "if your deeds had been as honest as your words, I would have given you thanks."

Sincerity is shown by the heart.