Part 24 (1/2)
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THE CANDLE.
It was in the home of the Olympian G.o.ds, That bees first lodged, 'tis said, On Mount Hymettus; and thitherwards Came zephyrs with light tread.
When from the hives, the honey, Had all been taken out, As there remained naught but wax, Some candles were, for money, Carefully made and sold in packs.
One of these candles on a certain day Seeing that clay by fire was turned to brick, Thought he could harden his body the same; And getting near the fire to try the trick, This new Empedocles to flame condemned Soon found of his philosophy the end.
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THE HOG, THE GOAT, AND THE SHEEP.
A goat, a sheep, and a fat hog, On the same cart were bound for the fair.
They lay as quietly as any log, But were not seeking their amus.e.m.e.nt there.
They were to be sold, so says the story.
The carter, who his business knows, Don't take them into town to see the _shows_.
Dame porker was inclined to squeal, As though the butcher's knife she 'gan to feel.
Her grunts, and squeals, and cries Were loud enough to deafen one, The other animals more wise, And better tempered, with surprise Exclaimed, ”have done!”
The carter to the porker turned, ”Where have you manners learned, Why stun us all? Do you not see That you're the noisiest of the three?
That sheep says not a word, Nor can the young goat's voice be heard.”
”But,” said the hog, ”they both are fools.
If like me they knew their fate, They'd halloo out at greater rate, The goat will only lose her milk, The sheep his wool, but here, poor me, I'm to be eaten, and know my destiny.”
The porker was quite right, But hallooing with all her might, Was all too late, And could not alter her sad fate.
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THE DELICATE HERON.
By the bank of a river, A heron walked out, And in it were sporting, Pike, mackerel and trout.
Now these fish with great ease, Our bird might have caught, But I'll wait till I'm hungry The silly bird thought.
At last came his appet.i.te, ”Now I'll eat,” the bird cries, And some tench from the bottom, Just then he saw rise.
”But these are not good enough At this time of day,”