Part 2 (1/2)

[Ill.u.s.tration]

THE TRAVELLERS AND THE PURSE.

Two friends once were walking in sociable chat, When a purse one espied on the ground; ”Oh, see!” said he, (thank my fortune for that,) ”What a large sum of money I've found!”

”Nay, do not say _I_” said his friend, ”for you know 'Tis but friends.h.i.+p to share it with me;”

”I share it with you,” said the other. ”How so?

He who _found_ it the owner should be.”

”Be it so,” said his friend, ”but what sound do I hear?

'Stop thief!' one is calling to you; He comes with a constable close in the rear!”

Said the other, ”Oh, what shall we do?”

”Nay, do not say _we_,” said his friend, ”for you know You claimed the sole right to the prize!

And since all the _money_ was taken by you, With you the _dishonesty_ lies.”

MORAL.

When people are selfish, dishonest, and mean, Their nature, in dealing, will quickly be seen.

[Ill.u.s.tration]

THE MOUTH AND THE LIMBS.

In days of yore, they say, 'twas then When all things spoke their mind; The arms and legs of certain men, To treason felt inclined.

These arms and legs together met, As snugly as they could, With knees and elbows, hands and feet, In discontented mood.

Said they, ”'Tis neither right nor fair, Nor is there any need, To labor with such toil and care, The greedy mouth to feed.”

”This we're resolved no more to do, Though we so long have done it;”

”Ah!” said the knees and elbows too, ”And we are bent upon it.”

”I,” said the tongue, ”may surely speak, Since I his inmate am; And for his vices while you seek, His virtues I'll proclaim.

”You say the mouth embezzles all, The fruit of your exertion; But I on this a.s.sembly call To prove the base a.s.sertion.

”The food which you with labor gain, He too with labor chews; Nor does he long the food retain, But gives it for your use.

”But he his office has resign'd To whom you may prefer; He begs you therefore now to find Some other treasurer.”