A poor little mouse, being half starved, ventured one day to steal from behind the wainscot while the family were at dinner, and trembling all the while, picked up a few crumbs which were scattered on the ground. She was soon observed, however every body was immediately alarmed; some called for the cat; others took up whatever was at hand, and endeavoured to crush her to pieces; and the poor terrified animal was driven round the room in an agony of terror. At length, however, she was fortunate enough to gain her hole, where she sat panting with fatigue. When the family were again seated, a lap-dog and a monkey came into the room. The former jumped into the lap of his mistress, fawned upon every one of the children, and made his court so effectually, that he was rewarded with some of the best The monkey, on morsels of the entertainment. the other hand, forced himself into notice by his grimaces. He played a thousand little mischievous tricks, and was regaled, at the appearance of the desert, with plenty of nuts and apples. The unfortunate little mouse, who saw from her hiding place every thing that passed, sighed in anguish of heart, and said to herself, "Alas! how ignorant was I, to imagine that poverty and distress were sufficient recommendations to the charity of the opulent. I now find, that whoever is not master of fawning and buffoonery, is but ill qualified for a dependant, and will not be suffered even to pick up the crumbs that fall from the table." ANIMALS, AND THEIR COUNTRIES C'er Afric's sand the tawny Lion stalks: And Seals and Spouting Whales sport in the Northern Main 211 Scene. The Sea-side, near Southampton. The tide coming in. Canute. Is it true, my friends, what you have so often told me, that I am the greatest of monarchs? Offa. It is true, my liege; you are the most powerful of all kings. Oswald. We are all your slaves; we kiss the dust of your feet. CANUTE'S REPROOF TO HIS COURTIERS. 69 Offa. Not only we, but even the elements, are your slaves. The land obeys you from shore to shore; and the sea obeys you. Canute. Does the sea, with its loud boisterous waves, obey me? will that terrible element be still at my bidding? Offa. Yes, the sea is yours; it was made to bear your ships upon its bosom, and to pour the treasures of the world at your royal feet. It is boisterous to your enemies, but it knows you to be its sovereign. Canute. Is not the tide coming up ? Oswald. Yes, my liege; you may perceive the swell already. Canute. Bring me a chair then; set it here upon the sands. Offa. Where the tide is coming up, my gracious lord? Canute. Yes, set it just here. Oswald. (aside.) I wonder what he is going to do! Offa. (aside.) Surely he is not such a fool as to believe us ! Canute. O mighty Ocean! thou art my subject; my courtiers tell me so; and it is thy bounden duty to obey me. Thus, then, I stretch my sceptre over thee, and command thee to retire. Roll back thy swelling waves, nor let them presume to wet the feet of me, thy royal master. Oswald. (aside.) I believe the sea will pay very little regard to his royal commands. Offa. See how fast the tide rises! Oswald. The next wave will come up to the chair. It is a folly to stay; we shall be covered with salt water. Canute. Well, does the sea obey my commands? If it be my subject, it is a very rebellious subject. See how it swells, and dashes the angry foam and salt spray over my sacred person. Vile sycophants! did you think I was the dupe of your base lies? that I believed your abject flatteries? Know, there is only one being whom the sea will obey. He is Sovereign of heaven and earth, King of kings, and Lord of lords. It is only he who can say to the ocean, "Thus far shalt thou go, but no farther, and here shall thy proud waves be stayed." A king is but a man; and man is but a worm. Shall a worm assume the power of the great God, and think the elements will obey him? Take away this crown, I will never wear it more. May kings learn to be humble from my example, and courtiers learn truth from your disgrace ! |