Aesop, in Rhyme Part 13

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THE FROG AND THE FOX.

Let us our own defects amend, Ere to guide others we pretend.

A sallow, wrinkl'd, spotted frog, To turn physician left the bog.

"He every malady could cure,"

He said, "that animals endure."

"First on yourself your science show,"

Says Reynard: "that the world may know Your skill and knowledge, pray begin Of those foul spots to clear your skin: For while you look so sick and pale, To vend your drugs you'll ne'er prevail."

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THE APE AND HER YOUNG ONES.

An ape had cubs; one much she lov'd, The other small affection prov'd.

Alarm'd, she hears the hunter's cries; And catching up her darling flies: Through fear she stumbled o'er some stones And broke the little favorite's bones; The other to her back who clung Uninjured went with her along.

Mothers, beware! the fondl'd child By too much tenderness is spoil'd; While those who hards.h.i.+ps have endur'd, To suffer life are best inur'd.

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THE FIR TREE AND THE THORN.

The lowly and contented state Is farthest from the wounds of fate.

A fir tree upon a humble thorn From his high top look'd down with scorn.

"For loftiest fanes we grow," she said, "Of us the tallest masts are made, While thou, poor bramble, canst produce Nothing of ornament or use."

"Great tree," the modest thorn replied, "When the sharp axe shall pierce your side, In vain you then may wish to be Unsought-for, and unknown like me."

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THE a.s.s IN THE LION'S SKIN.

Fools may on other fools impose; The sage their real value knows.

An a.s.s once found a lion's skin, And rolling up himself therein, From every fold that he came nigh, Made flocks, and herds, and shepherds fly.

Ranging the country round, at last He meets his master where he pa.s.s'd, Who long-ears instantly descries Through his magnificent disguise: Laying his cudgel on his side, "Get home, thou stupid fool," he cried: "With others for a lion pa.s.s; I know thee for an arrant a.s.s."

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THE DOG IN THE MANGER.

A mastiff in a stable lay, Couch'd on a manger full of hay.

When any thing drew near to eat, He quickly forced it to retreat.

An ox then cried, "detested creature, How vile is thy malignant nature, Which will not others let enjoy That which thou never canst employ!"

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THE STAG AND THE VINE.

A stag pursued with horn and hound In a thick vineyard shelter found.

Soon as he thought the danger past, He on the vine began to feast.

The huntsman hears the rustling noise, And through half-eaten leaves descries His branching horns, the pack recalls, And merited the creature falls To his ingrat.i.tude a prey.

Those their protectors who betray, Unpitying, all the world will see Consign'd to death and infamy.

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THE MISCHIEVOUS DOG.

t.i.tles and ribands, bought with shame, Folly and vice but more proclaim.

A man who own'd a vicious dog, Upon his collar fix'd a log, Which the vain cur supposed to be A note of worth and dignity.

A mastiff saw his foolish pride; "Puppy," indignantly he cried, "That thing is put about your neck Your mischievous designs to check; And to who see you to declare, Of what a currish race you are."