Part 5 (1/2)

If evil habits have got a man into difficulties, there is no surer way to extricate himself than, by G.o.d's help, to cast those habits off.

FABLE XXVIII.

THE OLD HOUND.

An old Hound, who had been an excellent good one in his time, and given his master great sport and satisfaction in many a chase, at last, by the effect of years, became feeble and unserviceable.

However, being in the field one day when the Stag was almost run down, he happened to be the first that came in with him, and seized him by one of his haunches; but his decayed and broken teeth not being able to keep their hold, the deer escaped and threw him quite out. Upon which his master, being in a great pa.s.sion, and going to strike him, the honest old creature is said to have barked out this apology. ”Ah! do not strike your poor old servant; it is not my heart and inclination, but my strength and speed that fail me. If what I now am displeases you, pray don't forget what I have been.”

MORAL.

Past services should never be forgotten.

FABLE XXIX.

THE CHARGER AND THE a.s.s

The Horse, adorned with his great war-saddle, and champing his foaming bridle, came thundering along the way, and made the mountains echo with his loud, shrill neighing. He had not gone far before he overtook an a.s.s, who was labouring under a heavy burthen, and moving slowly on in the same track with himself.

Immediately he called out to him, in a haughty, imperious tone, and threatened to trample him in the dirt, if he did not make way for him. The poor, patient a.s.s, not daring to dispute the matter, quietly got out of his way as fast as he could, and let him go by. Not long after this, the same Horse, in an engagement with the enemy, happened to be shot in the eye, which made him unfit for show or any military business; so he was stript of his fine ornaments, and sold to a carrier. The a.s.s, meeting him in this forlorn condition, thought that now it was his time to speak; and so, says he, ”Heyday, friend, is it you? Well, I always believed that pride of yours would one day have a fall.”

MORAL.

Pride and haughtiness are foreign to really great men. Those who show it, when in their high estate, if the wheel of fortune should change, instead of friends.h.i.+p or pity, will meet with nothing but contempt.

[Ill.u.s.tration: THE CHARGER AND THE a.s.s.]

FABLE x.x.x.

THE COLT AND THE FARMER.

A COLT, for blood and mettled speed, The choicest of the running breed, Of youthful strength and beauty vain, Refused subjection to the rein.

In vain the groom's officious skill Opposed his pride, and checked his will; In vain the master's forming care Restrained with threats, or soothed with prayer: Of freedom proud, and scorning man, Wild o'er the s.p.a.cious plain he ran.

Where'er luxuriant Nature spread Her flowery carpet o'er the mead, Or bubbling stream's soft gliding pa.s.s To cool and freshen up the gra.s.s, Disdaining bounds, he cropped the blade, And wantoned in the spoil he made.

In plenty thus the summer pa.s.sed; Revolving winter came at last: The trees no more a shelter yield; The verdure withers from the field: Perpetual snows invest the ground; In icy chains the streams are bound: Cold, nipping winds, and rattling hail, His lank, unsheltered sides a.s.sail.

As round he cast his rueful eyes, He saw the thatched-roof cottage rise: The prospect touched his heart with cheer, And promised kind deliverance near.

A stable, erst his scorn and hate, Was now become his wished retreat; His pa.s.sion cool, his pride forgot, A Farmer's welcome yard he sought.

The master saw his woful plight, His limbs, that tottered with his weight, And, friendly, to the stable led, And saw him littered, dressed, and fed.