TheBowmanandLionAVERYSKILLFULBOWMANwenttothemountainsinsearchofgame，butallthebeastsoftheforestfledathisapproach。TheLionalonechallengedhimtocombat。TheBowmanimmediatelyshotoutanarrowandsaidtotheLion:\"Isendtheemymessenger，thatfromhimthoumayestlearnwhatImyselfshallbewhenIassailthee。\"ThewoundedLionrushedawayingreatfear，andwhenaFoxwhohadseenitallhappentoldhimtobeofgoodcourageandnottobackoffatthefirstattackhereplied:\"Youcounselmeinvain；forifhesendssofearfulamessenger，howshallIabidetheattackofthemanhimself？\'
Beonguardagainstmenwhocanstrikefromadistance。
TheCamelWHENMANfirstsawtheCamel，hewassofrightenedathisvastsizethatheranaway。Afteratime，perceivingthemeeknessandgentlenessofthebeast\'stemper，hesummonedcourageenoughtoapproachhim。Soonafterwards，observingthathewasananimalaltogetherdeficientinspirit，heassumedsuchboldnessastoputabridleinhismouth，andtoletachilddrivehim。
Useservestoovercomedread。
TheWaspandtheSnakeAWASPseatedhimselfupontheheadofaSnakeand，strikinghimunceasinglywithhisstings，woundedhimtodeath。TheSnake，beingingreattormentandnotknowinghowtoridhimselfofhisenemy，sawawagonheavilyladenwithwood，andwentandpurposelyplacedhisheadunderthewheels，saying，\"AtleastmyenemyandIshallperishtogether。\"
TheDogandtheHareAHOUNDhavingstartedaHareonthehillsidepursuedherforsomedistance，atonetimebitingherwithhisteethasifhewouldtakeherlife，andatanotherfawninguponher，asifinplaywithanotherdog。TheHaresaidtohim，\"Iwishyouwouldactsincerelybyme，andshowyourselfinyourtruecolors。Ifyouareafriend，whydoyoubitemesohard？Ifanenemy，whydoyoufawnonme？\'
Noonecanbeafriendifyouknownotwhethertotrustordistrusthim。
TheBullandtheCalfABULLwasstrivingwithallhismighttosqueezehimselfthroughanarrowpassagewhichledtohisstall。AyoungCalfcameup，andofferedtogobeforeandshowhimthewaybywhichhecouldmanagetopass。\"Saveyourselfthetrouble，\"saidtheBull；\"I
knewthatwaylongbeforeyouwereborn。\"
TheStag，theWolf，andtheSheepASTAGaskedaSheeptolendhimameasureofwheat，andsaidthattheWolfwouldbehissurety。TheSheep，fearingsomefraudwasintended，excusedherself，saying，\"TheWolfisaccustomedtoseizewhathewantsandtorunoff；andyou，too，canquicklyoutstripmeinyourrapidflight。HowthenshallIbeabletofindyou，whenthedayofpaymentcomes？\'
Twoblacksdonotmakeonewhite。
ThePeacockandtheCraneAPEACOCKspreadingitsgorgeoustailmockedaCranethatpassedby，ridiculingtheashenhueofitsplumageandsaying，\"Iamrobed，likeaking，ingoldandpurpleandallthecolorsoftherainbow；whileyouhavenotabitofcoloronyourwings。\"
\"True，\"repliedtheCrane；\"butIsoartotheheightsofheavenandliftupmyvoicetothestars，whileyouwalkbelow，likeacock，amongthebirdsofthedunghill。\"
Finefeathersdon\'tmakefinebirds。
TheFoxandtheHedgehogAFOXswimmingacrossarapidriverwascarriedbytheforceofthecurrentintoaverydeepravine，wherehelayforalongtimeverymuchbruised，sick，andunabletomove。Aswarmofhungryblood-suckingfliessettleduponhim。AHedgehog，passingby，sawhisanguishandinquiredifheshoulddriveawaythefliesthatweretormentinghim。\"Bynomeans，\"repliedtheFox；\"praydonotmolestthem。\"\"Howisthis？\'saidtheHedgehog；\"doyounotwanttoberidofthem？\'\"No，\"returnedtheFox，\"fortheseflieswhichyouseearefullofblood，andstingmebutlittle，andifyouridmeofthesewhicharealreadysatiated，othersmorehungrywillcomeintheirplace，andwilldrinkupallthebloodIhaveleft。\"
TheEagle，theCat，andtheWildSowANEAGLEmadehernestatthetopofaloftyoak；aCat，havingfoundaconvenienthole，movedintothemiddleofthetrunk；andaWildSow，withheryoung，tookshelterinahollowatitsfoot。
TheCatcunninglyresolvedtodestroythischance-madecolony。
Tocarryoutherdesign，sheclimbedtothenestoftheEagle，andsaid，\"Destructionispreparingforyou，andformetoo，unfortunately。TheWildSow，whomyouseedailydigginguptheearth，wishestouproottheoak，soshemayonitsfallseizeourfamiliesasfoodforheryoung。\"HavingthusfrightenedtheEagleoutofhersenses，shecreptdowntothecaveoftheSow，andsaid，\"Yourchildrenareingreatdanger；forassoonasyougooutwithyourlittertofindfood，theEagleispreparedtopounceupononeofyourlittlepigs。\"HavinginstilledthesefearsintotheSow，shewentandpretendedtohideherselfinthehollowofthetree。Whennightcameshewentforthwithsilentfootandobtainedfoodforherselfandherkittens，butfeigningtobeafraid，shekeptalookoutallthroughtheday。Meanwhile，theEagle，fulloffearoftheSow，satstillonthebranches，andtheSow，terrifiedbytheEagle，didnotdaretogooutfromhercave。Andthustheyboth，alongwiththeirfamilies，perishedfromhunger，andaffordedampleprovisionfortheCatandherkittens。
TheThiefandtheInnkeeperATHIEFhiredaroominatavernandstayedawhileinthehopeofstealingsomethingwhichshouldenablehimtopayhisreckoning。Whenhehadwaitedsomedaysinvain，hesawtheInnkeeperdressedinanewandhandsomecoatandsittingbeforehisdoor。TheThiefsatdownbesidehimandtalkedwithhim。Astheconversationbegantoflag，theThiefyawnedterriblyandatthesametimehowledlikeawolf。TheInnkeepersaid，\"Whydoyouhowlsofearfully？\'\"Iwilltellyou，\"saidtheThief，\"butfirstletmeaskyoutoholdmyclothes，orIshalltearthemtopieces。Iknownot，sir，whenIgotthishabitofyawning，norwhethertheseattacksofhowlingwereinflictedonmeasajudgmentformycrimes，orforanyothercause；butthisIdoknow，thatwhenIyawnforthethirdtime，Iactuallyturnintoawolfandattackmen。\"Withthisspeechhecommencedasecondfitofyawningandagainhowledlikeawolf，ashehadatfirst。TheInnkeeper。hearinghistaleandbelievingwhathesaid，becamegreatlyalarmedand，risingfromhisseat，attemptedtorunaway。
TheThieflaidholdofhiscoatandentreatedhimtostop，saying，\"Praywait，sir，andholdmyclothes，orIshalltearthemtopiecesinmyfury，whenIturnintoawolf。\"Atthesamemomentheyawnedthethirdtimeandsetupaterriblehowl。TheInnkeeper，frightenedlestheshouldbeattacked，lefthisnewcoatintheThief\'shandandranasfastashecouldintotheinnforsafety。TheThiefmadeoffwiththecoatanddidnotreturnagaintotheinn。
Everytaleisnottobebelieved。
TheMuleAMULE，frolicsomefromlackofworkandfromtoomuchcorn，gallopedaboutinaveryextravagantmanner，andsaidtohimself:
\"Myfathersurelywasahigh-mettledracer，andIamhisownchildinspeedandspirit。\"Onthenextday，beingdrivenalongjourney，andfeelingverywearied，heexclaimedinadisconsolatetone:\"Imusthavemadeamistake；myfather，afterall，couldhavebeenonlyanass。\"
TheHartandtheVineAHART，hardpressedinthechase，hidhimselfbeneaththelargeleavesofaVine。Thehuntsmen，intheirhaste，overshottheplaceofhisconcealment。Supposingalldangertohavepassed，theHartbegantonibblethetendrilsoftheVine。Oneofthehuntsmen，attractedbytherustlingoftheleaves，lookedback，andseeingtheHart，shotanarrowfromhisbowandstruckit。
TheHart，atthepointofdeath，groaned:\"Iamrightlyserved，forIshouldnothavemaltreatedtheVinethatsavedme。\"
TheSerpentandtheEagleASERPENTandanEaglewerestrugglingwitheachotherindeadlyconflict。TheSerpenthadtheadvantage，andwasabouttostranglethebird。Acountrymansawthem，andrunningup，loosedthecoiloftheSerpentandlettheEaglegofree。TheSerpent，irritatedattheescapeofhisprey，injectedhispoisonintothedrinkinghornofthecountryman。Therustic，ignorantofhisdanger，wasabouttodrink，whentheEaglestruckhishandwithhiswing，and，seizingthedrinkinghorninhistalons，carrieditaloft。
TheCrowandthePitcherACROWperishingwiththirstsawapitcher，andhopingtofindwater，flewtoitwithdelight。Whenhereachedit，hediscoveredtohisgriefthatitcontainedsolittlewaterthathecouldnotpossiblygetatit。Hetriedeverythinghecouldthinkoftoreachthewater，butallhiseffortswereinvain。Atlasthecollectedasmanystonesashecouldcarryanddroppedthemonebyonewithhisbeakintothepitcher，untilhebroughtthewaterwithinhisreachandthussavedhislife。
Necessityisthemotherofinvention。
TheTwoFrogsTWOFROGSwereneighbors。Oneinhabitedadeeppond，farremovedfrompublicview；theotherlivedinagullycontaininglittlewater，andtraversedbyacountryroad。TheFrogthatlivedinthepondwarnedhisfriendtochangehisresidenceandentreatedhimtocomeandlivewithhim，sayingthathewouldenjoygreatersafetyfromdangerandmoreabundantfood。Theotherrefused，sayingthathefeltitsoveryhardtoleaveaplacetowhichhehadbecomeaccustomed。Afewdaysafterwardsaheavywagonpassedthroughthegullyandcrushedhimtodeathunderitswheels。
Awillfulmanwillhavehiswaytohisownhurt。
TheWolfandtheFoxATONETIMEaverylargeandstrongWolfwasbornamongthewolves，whoexceededallhisfellow-wolvesinstrength，size，andswiftness，sothattheyunanimouslydecidedtocallhim\"Lion。\"
TheWolf，withalackofsenseproportionedtohisenormoussize，thoughtthattheygavehimthisnameinearnest，and，leavinghisownrace，consortedexclusivelywiththelions。AnoldslyFox，seeingthis，said，\"MayInevermakemyselfsoridiculousasyoudoinyourprideandself-conceit；foreventhoughyouhavethesizeofalionamongwolves，inaherdoflionsyouaredefinitelyawolf。\"
TheWalnut-TreeAWALNUTTREEstandingbytheroadsideboreanabundantcropoffruit。Forthesakeofthenuts，thepassers-bybrokeitsbrancheswithstonesandsticks。TheWalnut-Treepiteouslyexclaimed，\"Owretchedme!thatthosewhomIcheerwithmyfruitshouldrepaymewiththesepainfulrequitals!\"
TheGnatandtheLionAGNATcameandsaidtoaLion，\"Idonotintheleastfearyou，norareyoustrongerthanIam。Forinwhatdoesyourstrengthconsist？Youcanscratchwithyourclawsandbitewithyourteethanawomaninherquarrels。IrepeatthatIamaltogethermorepowerfulthanyou；andifyoudoubtit，letusfightandseewhowillconquer。\"TheGnat，havingsoundedhishorn，fastenedhimselfupontheLionandstunghimonthenostrilsandthepartsofthefacedevoidofhair。Whiletryingtocrushhim，theLiontorehimselfwithhisclaws，untilhepunishedhimselfseverely。
TheGnatthusprevailedovertheLion，and，buzzingaboutinasongoftriumph，flewaway。Butshortlyafterwardshebecameentangledinthemeshesofacobwebandwaseatenbyaspider。
Hegreatlylamentedhisfate，saying，\"Woeisme!thatI，whocanwagewarsuccessfullywiththehugestbeasts，shouldperishmyselffromthisspider，themostinconsiderableofinsects!\"
TheMonkeyandtheDolphinASAILOR，boundonalongvoyage，tookwithhimaMonkeytoamusehimwhileonshipboard。AshesailedoffthecoastofGreece，aviolenttempestaroseinwhichtheshipwaswreckedandhe，hisMonkey，andallthecrewwereobligedtoswimfortheirlives。A
DolphinsawtheMonkeycontendingwiththewaves，andsupposinghimtobeaman(whomheisalwayssaidtobefriend)，cameandplacedhimselfunderhim，toconveyhimonhisbackinsafetytotheshore。WhentheDolphinarrivedwithhisburdeninsightoflandnotfarfromAthens，heaskedtheMonkeyifhewereanAthenian。Thelatterrepliedthathewas，andthathewasdescendedfromoneofthemostnoblefamiliesinthatcity。TheDolphintheninquiredifheknewthePiraeus(thefamousharborofAthens)。Supposingthatamanwasmeant，theMonkeyansweredthatheknewhimverywellandthathewasanintimatefriend。
TheDolphin，indignantatthesefalsehoods，dippedtheMonkeyunderthewateranddrownedhim。
TheJackdawandtheDovesAJACKDAW，seeingsomeDovesinacoteabundantlyprovidedwithfood，paintedhimselfwhiteandjoinedtheminordertosharetheirplentifulmaintenance。TheDoves，aslongashewassilent，supposedhimtobeoneofthemselvesandadmittedhimtotheircote。Butwhenonedayheforgothimselfandbegantochatter，theydiscoveredhistruecharacteranddrovehimforth，peckinghimwiththeirbeaks。FailingtoobtainfoodamongtheDoves，hereturnedtotheJackdaws。Theytoo，notrecognizinghimonaccountofhiscolor。expelledhimfromlivingwiththem。
Sodesiringtwoends，heobtainedneither。
TheHorseandtheStagATONETIMEtheHorsehadtheplainentirelytohimself。ThenaStagintrudedintohisdomainandsharedhispasture。TheHorse，desiringtorevengehimselfonthestranger，askedamanifhewerewillingtohelphiminpunishingtheStag。ThemanrepliedthatiftheHorsewouldreceiveabitinhismouthandagreetocarryhim，hewouldcontriveeffectiveweaponsagainsttheStag。
TheHorseconsentedandallowedthemantomounthim。FromthathourhefoundthatinsteadofobtainingrevengeontheStag，hehadenslavedhimselftotheserviceofman。
TheKidandtheWolfAKID，returningwithoutprotectionfromthepasture，waspursuedbyaWolf。Seeinghecouldnotescape，heturnedround，andsaid:\"Iknow，friendWolf，thatImustbeyourprey，butbeforeIdieIwouldaskofyouonefavoryouwillplaymeatunetowhichImaydance。\"TheWolfcomplied，andwhilehewaspipingandtheKidwasdancing，somehoundshearingthesoundranupandbeganchasingtheWolf。TurningtotheKid，hesaid，\"ItisjustwhatIdeserve；forI，whoamonlyabutcher，shouldnothaveturnedpipertopleaseyou。\"
TheProphetAWIZARD，sittinginthemarketplace，wastellingthefortunesofthepassers-bywhenapersonranupingreathaste，andannouncedtohimthatthedoorsofhishousehadbeenbrokenopenandthatallhisgoodswerebeingstolen。Hesighedheavilyandhastenedawayasfastashecouldrun。Aneighborsawhimrunningandsaid，\"Oh!youfellowthere!yousayyoucanforetellthefortunesofothers；howisityoudidnotforeseeyourown？\'
TheFoxandtheMonkeyAFOXandaMonkeyweretravelingtogetheronthesameroad。Astheyjourneyed，theypassedthroughacemeteryfullofmonuments。
\"Allthesemonumentswhichyousee，\"saidtheMonkey，\"areinhonorofmyancestors，whowereintheirdayfreedmenandcitizensofgreatrenown。\"TheFoxreplied，\"Youhavechosenamostappropriatesubjectforyourfalsehoods，asIamsurenoneofyourancestorswillbeabletocontradictyou。\"
Afalsetaleoftenbetraysitself。
TheThiefandtheHousedogATHIEFcameinthenighttobreakintoahouse。HebroughtwithhimseveralslicesofmeatinordertopacifytheHousedog，sothathewouldnotalarmhismasterbybarking。AstheThiefthrewhimthepiecesofmeat，theDogsaid，\"Ifyouthinktostopmymouth，youwillbegreatlymistaken。Thissuddenkindnessatyourhandswillonlymakememorewatchful，lestundertheseunexpectedfavorstomyself，youhavesomeprivateendstoaccomplishforyourownbenefit，andformymaster\'sinjury。\"
TheMan，theHorse，theOx，andtheDogAHORSE，Ox，andDog，driventogreatstraitsbythecold，soughtshelterandprotectionfromMan。Hereceivedthemkindly，lightedafire，andwarmedthem。HelettheHorsemakefreewithhisoats，gavetheOxanabundanceofhay，andfedtheDogwithmeatfromhisowntable。Gratefulforthesefavors，theanimalsdeterminedtorepayhimtothebestoftheirability。Forthispurpose，theydividedthetermofhislifebetweenthem，andeachendowedoneportionofitwiththequalitieswhichchieflycharacterizedhimself。TheHorsechosehisearliestyearsandgavethemhisownattributes:henceeverymanisinhisyouthimpetuous，headstrong，andobstinateinmaintaininghisownopinion。TheOxtookunderhispatronagethenexttermoflife，andthereforemaninhismiddleageisfondofwork，devotedtolabor，andresolutetoamasswealthandtohusbandhisresources。
TheendoflifewasreservedfortheDog，whereforetheoldmanisoftensnappish，irritable，hardtoplease，andselfish，tolerantonlyofhisownhousehold，butaversetostrangersandtoallwhodonotadministertohiscomfortortohisnecessities。
TheApesandtheTwoTravelersTWOMEN，onewhoalwaysspokethetruthandtheotherwhotoldnothingbutlies，weretravelingtogetherandbychancecametothelandofApes。OneoftheApes，whohadraisedhimselftobeking，commandedthemtobeseizedandbroughtbeforehim，thathemightknowwhatwassaidofhimamongmen。HeorderedatthesametimethatalltheApesbearrangedinalongrowonhisrighthandandonhisleft，andthatathronebeplacedforhim，aswasthecustomamongmen。Afterthesepreparationshesignifiedthatthetwomenshouldbebroughtbeforehim，andgreetedthemwiththissalutation:\"WhatsortofakingdoIseemtoyoutobe，Ostrangers？\'TheLyingTravelerreplied，\"Youseemtomeamostmightyking。\"\"Andwhatisyourestimateofthoseyouseearoundme？\'\"These，\"hemadeanswer，\"areworthycompanionsofyourself，fitatleasttobeambassadorsandleadersofarmies。\"TheApeandallhiscourt，gratifiedwiththelie，commandedthatahandsomepresentbegiventotheflatterer。
OnthisthetruthfulTravelerthoughttohimself，\"Ifsogreatarewardbegivenforalie，withwhatgiftmaynotIberewarded，if，accordingtomycustom，Itellthetruth？\'TheApequicklyturnedtohim。\"AndprayhowdoIandthesemyfriendsaroundmeseemtoyou？\'\"Thouart，\"hesaid，\"amostexcellentApe，andallthesethycompanionsafterthyexampleareexcellentApestoo。\"
TheKingoftheApes，enragedathearingthesetruths，gavehimovertotheteethandclawsofhiscompanions。
TheWolfandtheShepherdAWOLFfollowedaflockofsheepforalongtimeanddidnotattempttoinjureoneofthem。TheShepherdatfirststoodonhisguardagainsthim，asagainstanenemy，andkeptastrictwatchoverhismovements。ButwhentheWolf，dayafterday，keptinthecompanyofthesheepanddidnotmaketheslightestefforttoseizethem，theShepherdbegantolookuponhimasaguardianofhisflockratherthanasaplotterofevilagainstit；andwhenoccasioncalledhimonedayintothecity，heleftthesheepentirelyinhischarge。TheWolf，nowthathehadtheopportunity，felluponthesheep，anddestroyedthegreaterpartoftheflock。WhentheShepherdreturnedtofindhisflockdestroyed，heexclaimed:\"Ihavebeenrightlyserved；whydidI
trustmysheeptoaWolf？\'
TheHaresandtheLionsTHEHARESharanguedtheassembly，andarguedthatallshouldbeequal。TheLionsmadethisreply:\"Yourwords，OHares!aregood；buttheylackbothclawsandteethsuchaswehave。\"
TheLarkandHerYoungOnesALARKhadmadehernestintheearlyspringontheyounggreenwheat。Thebroodhadalmostgrowntotheirfullstrengthandattainedtheuseoftheirwingsandthefullplumageoftheirfeathers，whentheownerofthefield，lookingoverhisripecrop，said，\"ThetimehascomewhenImustaskallmyneighborstohelpmewithmyharvest。\"OneoftheyoungLarksheardhisspeechandrelatedittohismother，inquiringofhertowhatplacetheyshouldmoveforsafety。\"Thereisnooccasiontomoveyet，myson，\"shereplied；\"themanwhoonlysendstohisfriendstohelphimwithhisharvestisnotreallyinearnest。\"Theownerofthefieldcameagainafewdayslaterandsawthewheatsheddingthegrainfromexcessofripeness。Hesaid，\"Iwillcomemyselftomorrowwithmylaborers，andwithasmanyreapersasIcanhire，andwillgetintheharvest。\"TheLarkonhearingthesewordssaidtoherbrood，\"Itistimenowtobeoff，mylittleones，forthemanisinearnestthistime；henolongertrustshisfriends，butwillreapthefieldhimself。\"
Self-helpisthebesthelp。
TheFoxandtheLionWHENAFOXwhohadneveryetseenaLion，fellinwithhimbychanceforthefirsttimeintheforest，hewassofrightenedthathenearlydiedwithfear。Onmeetinghimforthesecondtime，hewasstillmuchalarmed，butnottothesameextentasatfirst。Onseeinghimthethirdtime，hesoincreasedinboldnessthathewentuptohimandcommencedafamiliarconversationwithhim。
Acquaintancesoftensprejudices。
TheWeaselandtheMiceAWEASEL，inactivefromageandinfirmities，wasnotabletocatchmiceasheoncedid。Hethereforerolledhimselfinflourandlaydowninadarkcorner。AMouse，supposinghimtobefood，leapeduponhim，andwasinstantlycaughtandsqueezedtodeath。Anotherperishedinasimilarmanner，andthenathird，andstillothersafterthem。AveryoldMouse，whohadescapedmanyatrapandsnare，observedfromasafedistancethetrickofhiscraftyfoeandsaid，\"Ah!youthatliethere，mayyouprosperjustinthesameproportionasyouarewhatyoupretendtobe!\"
TheBoyBathingABOYbathinginariverwasindangerofbeingdrowned。Hecalledouttoapassingtravelerforhelp，butinsteadofholdingoutahelpinghand，themanstoodbyunconcernedly，andscoldedtheboyforhisimprudence。\"Oh，sir!\"criedtheyouth，\"prayhelpmenowandscoldmeafterwards。\"
Counselwithouthelpisuseless。
TheAssandtheWolfANASSfeedinginameadowsawaWolfapproachingtoseizehim，andimmediatelypretendedtobelame。TheWolf，comingup，inquiredthecauseofhislameness。TheAssrepliedthatpassingthroughahedgehehadtrodwithhisfootuponasharpthorn。HerequestedthattheWolfpullitout，lestwhenheatehimitshouldinjurehisthroat。TheWolfconsentedandliftedupthefoot，andwasgivinghiswholemindtothediscoveryofthethorn，whentheAss，withhisheels，kickedhisteethintohismouthandgallopedaway。TheWolf，beingthusfearfullymauled，said，\"Iamrightlyserved，forwhydidIattempttheartofhealing，whenmyfatheronlytaughtmethetradeofabutcher？\'
TheSellerofImagesACERTAINMANmadeawoodenimageofMercuryandoffereditforsale。Whennooneappearedwillingtobuyit，inordertoattractpurchasers，hecriedoutthathehadthestatuetosellofabenefactorwhobestowedwealthandhelpedtoheapupriches。
Oneofthebystanderssaidtohim，\"Mygoodfellow，whydoyousellhim，beingsuchaoneasyoudescribe，whenyoumayyourselfenjoythegoodthingshehastogive？\'\"Why，\"hereplied，\"Iaminneedofimmediatehelp，andheiswonttogivehisgoodgiftsveryslowly。\"
TheFoxandtheGrapesAFAMISHEDFOXsawsomeclustersofripeblackgrapeshangingfromatrellisedvine。Sheresortedtoallhertrickstogetatthem，butweariedherselfinvain，forshecouldnotreachthem。
Atlastsheturnedaway，hidingherdisappointmentandsaying:
\"TheGrapesaresour，andnotripeasIthought。\"
TheManandHisWifeAMANhadaWifewhomadeherselfhatedbyallthemembersofhishousehold。Wishingtofindoutifshehadthesameeffectonthepersonsinherfather\'shouse，hemadesomeexcusetosendherhomeonavisittoherfather。Afterashorttimeshereturned，andwhenheinquiredhowshehadgotonandhowtheservantshadtreatedher，shereplied，\"Theherdsmenandshepherdscastonmelooksofaversion。\"Hesaid，\"OWife，ifyouweredislikedbythosewhogooutearlyinthemorningwiththeirflocksandreturnlateintheevening，whatmusthavebeenfelttowardsyoubythosewithwhomyoupassedthewholeday!\"
Strawsshowhowthewindblows。
ThePeacockandJunoTHEPEACOCKmadecomplainttoJunothat，whilethenightingalepleasedeveryearwithhissong，hehimselfnosooneropenedhismouththanhebecamealaughingstocktoallwhoheardhim。TheGoddess，toconsolehim，said，\"Butyoufarexcelinbeautyandinsize。Thesplendoroftheemeraldshinesinyourneckandyouunfoldatailgorgeouswithpaintedplumage。\"\"ButforwhatpurposehaveI，\"saidthebird，\"thisdumbbeautysolongasIamsurpassedinsong？\'\"Thelotofeach，\"repliedJuno，\"hasbeenassignedbythewilloftheFates——tothee，beauty；totheeagle，strength；tothenightingale，song；totheraven，favorable，andtothecrow，unfavorableauguries。Theseareallcontentedwiththeendowmentsallottedtothem。\"
TheHawkandtheNightingaleANIGHTINGALE，sittingaloftuponanoakandsingingaccordingtohiswont，wasseenbyaHawkwho，beinginneedoffood，swoopeddownandseizedhim。TheNightingale，abouttolosehislife，earnestlybeggedtheHawktolethimgo，sayingthathewasnotbigenoughtosatisfythehungerofaHawkwho，ifhewantedfood，oughttopursuethelargerbirds。TheHawk，interruptinghim，said:\"IshouldindeedhavelostmysensesifIshouldletgofoodreadyinmyhand，forthesakeofpursuingbirdswhicharenotyetevenwithinsight。\"
TheDog，theCock，andtheFoxADOGandaCockbeinggreatfriends，agreedtotraveltogether。
Atnightfalltheytookshelterinathickwood。TheCockflyingup，perchedhimselfonthebranchesofatree，whiletheDogfoundabedbeneathinthehollowtrunk。Whenthemorningdawned，theCock，asusual，crowedveryloudlyseveraltimes。A
Foxheardthesound，andwishingtomakeabreakfastonhim，cameandstoodunderthebranches，sayinghowearnestlyhedesiredtomaketheacquaintanceoftheownerofsomagnificentavoice。
TheCock，suspectinghiscivilities，said:\"Sir，Iwishyouwoulddomethefavorofgoingaroundtothehollowtrunkbelowme，andwakingmyporter，sothathemayopenthedoorandletyouin。\"
WhentheFoxapproachedthetree，theDogsprangoutandcaughthim，andtorehimtopieces。
TheWolfandtheGoatAWOLFsawaGoatfeedingatthesummitofasteepprecipice，wherehehadnochanceofreachingher。Hecalledtoherandearnestlybeggedhertocomelowerdown，lestshefallbysomemishap；andheaddedthatthemeadowslaywherehewasstanding，andthattheherbagewasmosttender。Shereplied，\"No，myfriend，itisnotforthepasturethatyouinviteme，butforyourself，whoareinwantoffood。\"
TheLionandtheBullALION，greatlydesiringtocaptureaBull，andyetafraidtoattackhimonaccountofhisgreatsize，resortedtoatricktoensurehisdestruction。HeapproachedtheBullandsaid，\"Ihaveslainafinesheep，myfriend；andifyouwillcomehomeandpartakeofhimwithme，Ishallbedelightedtohaveyourcompany。\"TheLionsaidthisinthehopethat，astheBullwasintheactofrecliningtoeat，hemightattackhimtoadvantage，andmakehismealonhim。TheBull，onapproachingtheLion\'sden，sawthehugespitsandgiantcaldrons，andnosignwhateverofthesheep，and，withoutsayingaword，quietlytookhisdeparture。TheLioninquiredwhyhewentoffsoabruptlywithoutawordofsalutationtohishost，whohadnotgivenhimanycauseforoffense。\"Ihavereasonsenough，\"saidtheBull。\"Iseenoindicationwhateverofyourhavingslaughteredasheep，whileI
doseeveryplainlyeverypreparationforyourdiningonabull。\"
TheGoatandtheAssAMANoncekeptaGoatandanAss。TheGoat，envyingtheAssonaccountofhisgreaterabundanceoffood，said，\"Howshamefullyyouaretreated:atonetimegrindinginthemill，andatanothercarryingheavyburdens\"；andhefurtheradvisedhimtopretendtobeepilepticandfallintoaditchandsoobtainrest。TheAsslistenedtohiswords，andfallingintoaditch，wasverymuchbruised。Hismaster，sendingforaleech，askedhisadvice。HebadehimpouruponthewoundsthelungsofaGoat。TheyatoncekilledtheGoat，andsohealedtheAss。
TheTownMouseandtheCountryMouseACOUNTRYMOUSEinvitedaTownMouse，anintimatefriend，topayhimavisitandpartakeofhiscountryfare。Astheywereonthebareplowlands，eatingtherewheat-stocksandrootspulledupfromthehedgerow，theTownMousesaidtohisfriend，\"Youliveherethelifeoftheants，whileinmyhouseisthehornofplenty。Iamsurroundedbyeveryluxury，andifyouwillcomewithme，asIwishyouwould，youshallhaveanampleshareofmydainties。\"TheCountryMousewaseasilypersuaded，andreturnedtotownwithhisfriend。Onhisarrival，theTownMouseplacedbeforehimbread，barley，beans，driedfigs，honey，raisins，and，lastofall，broughtadaintypieceofcheesefromabasket。TheCountryMouse，beingmuchdelightedatthesightofsuchgoodcheer，expressedhissatisfactioninwarmtermsandlamentedhisownhardfate。Justastheywerebeginningtoeat，someoneopenedthedoor，andtheybothranoffsqueaking，asfastastheycould，toaholesonarrowthattwocouldonlyfindroominitbysqueezing。Theyhadscarcelybeguntheirrepastagainwhensomeoneelseenteredtotakesomethingoutofacupboard，whereuponthetwoMice，morefrightenedthanbefore，ranawayandhidthemselves。AtlasttheCountryMouse，almostfamished，saidtohisfriend:\"Althoughyouhavepreparedformesodaintyafeast，Imustleaveyoutoenjoyitbyyourself。Itissurroundedbytoomanydangerstopleaseme。Iprefermybareplowlandsandrootsfromthehedgerow，whereIcanliveinsafety，andwithoutfear。\"
TheWolf，theFox，andtheApeAWOLFaccusedaFoxoftheft，buttheFoxentirelydeniedthecharge。AnApeundertooktoadjudgethematterbetweenthem。
WheneachhadfullystatedhiscasetheApeannouncedthissentence:\"Idonotthinkyou，Wolf，everlostwhatyouclaim；
andIdobelieveyou，Fox，tohavestolenwhatyousostoutlydeny。\"
Thedishonest，iftheyacthonestly，getnocredit。
TheFlyandtheDraught-MuleAFLYsatontheaxle-treeofachariot，andaddressingtheDraught-Mulesaid，\"Howslowyouare!Whydoyounotgofaster？
SeeifIdonotprickyourneckwithmysting。\"TheDraught-Mulereplied，\"Idonotheedyourthreats；Ionlycareforhimwhositsaboveyou，andwhoquickensmypacewithhiswhip，orholdsmebackwiththereins。Away，therefore，withyourinsolence，forIknowwellwhentogofast，andwhentogoslow。\"
TheFishermenSOMEFISHERMENwereouttrawlingtheirnets。Perceivingthemtobeveryheavy，theydancedaboutforjoyandsupposedthattheyhadtakenalargecatch。Whentheyhaddraggedthenetstotheshoretheyfoundbutfewfish:thenetswerefullofsandandstones，andthemenwerebeyondmeasurecastdownsomuchatthedisappointmentwhichhadbefallenthem，butbecausetheyhadformedsuchverydifferentexpectations。Oneoftheircompany，anoldman，said，\"Letusceaselamenting，mymates，for，asitseemstome，sorrowisalwaysthetwinsisterofjoy；anditwasonlytobelookedforthatwe，whojustnowwereover-rejoiced，shouldnexthavesomethingtomakeussad。\"
TheLionandtheThreeBullsTHREEBULLSforalongtimepasturedtogether。ALionlayinambushinthehopeofmakingthemhisprey，butwasafraidtoattackthemwhiletheykepttogether。Havingatlastbyguilefulspeechessucceededinseparatingthem，heattackedthemwithoutfearastheyfedalone，andfeastedonthemonebyoneathisownleisure。
Unionisstrength。
TheFowlerandtheViperAFOWLER，takinghisbird-limeandhistwigs，wentouttocatchbirds。Seeingathrushsittinguponatree，hewishedtotakeit，andfittinghistwigstoaproperlength，watchedintently，havinghiswholethoughtsdirectedtowardsthesky。Whilethuslookingupwards，heunknowinglytroduponaViperasleepjustbeforehisfeet。TheViper，turningabout，stunghim，andfallingintoaswoon，themansaidtohimself，\"Woeisme!thatwhileIpurposedtohuntanother，Iammyselffallenunawaresintothesnaresofdeath。\"
TheHorseandtheAssAHORSE，proudofhisfinetrappings，metanAssonthehighway。
TheAss，beingheavilyladen，movedslowlyoutoftheway。
\"Hardly，\"saidtheHorse，\"canIresistkickingyouwithmyheels。\"TheAssheldhispeace，andmadeonlyasilentappealtothejusticeofthegods。NotlongafterwardstheHorse，havingbecomebroken-winded，wassentbyhisownertothefarm。TheAss，seeinghimdrawingadungcart，thusderidedhim:\"Where，O
boaster，arenowallthygaytrappings，thouwhoarethyselfreducedtotheconditionyousolatelytreatedwithcontempt？\'
TheFoxandtheMaskAFOXenteredthehouseofanactorand，rummagingthroughallhisproperties，cameuponaMask，anadmirableimitationofahumanhead。Heplacedhispawsonitandsaid，\"Whatabeautifulhead!Yetitisofnovalue，asitentirelylacksbrains。\"
TheGeeseandtheCranesTHEGEESEandtheCraneswerefeedinginthesamemeadow，whenabirdcatchercametoensnaretheminhisnets。TheCranes，beinglightofwing，fledawayathisapproach；whiletheGeese，beingslowerofflightandheavierintheirbodies，werecaptured。
TheBlindManandtheWhelpABLINDMANwasaccustomedtodistinguishingdifferentanimalsbytouchingthemwithhishands。ThewhelpofaWolfwasbroughthim，witharequestthathewouldfeelit，andsaywhatitwas。
Hefeltit，andbeingindoubt，said:\"IdonotquiteknowwhetheritisthecubofaFox，orthewhelpofaWolf，butthisIknowfullwell。Itwouldnotbesafetoadmithimtothesheepfold。\"
Eviltendenciesareshowninearlylife。
TheDogsandtheFoxSOMEDOGS，findingtheskinofalion，begantotearitinpieceswiththeirteeth。AFox，seeingthem，said，\"Ifthislionwerealive，youwouldsoonfindoutthathisclawswerestrongerthanyourteeth。\"
Itiseasytokickamanthatisdown。
TheCobblerTurnedDoctorACOBBLERunabletomakealivingbyhistradeandmadedesperatebypoverty，begantopracticemedicineinatowninwhichhewasnotknown。Hesoldadrug，pretendingthatitwasanantidotetoallpoisons，andobtainedagreatnameforhimselfbylong-windedpuffsandadvertisements。WhentheCobblerhappenedtofallsickhimselfofaseriousillness，theGovernorofthetowndeterminedtotesthisskill。Forthispurposehecalledforacup，andwhilefillingitwithwater，pretendedtomixpoisonwiththeCobbler\'santidote，commandinghimtodrinkitonthepromiseofareward。TheCobbler，underthefearofdeath，confessedthathehadnoknowledgeofmedicine，andwasonlymadefamousbythestupidclamorsofthecrowd。TheGovernorthencalledapublicassemblyandaddressedthecitizens:\"Ofwhatfollyhaveyoubeenguilty？Youhavenothesitatedtoentrustyourheadstoaman，whomnoonecouldemploytomakeeventheshoesfortheirfeet。\"
TheWolfandtheHorseAWOLFcomingoutofafieldofoatsmetaHorseandthusaddressedhim:\"Iwouldadviseyoutogointothatfield。Itisfulloffineoats，whichIhaveleftuntouchedforyou，asyouareafriendwhomIwouldlovetohearenjoyinggoodeating。\"TheHorsereplied，\"Ifoatshadbeenthefoodofwolves，youwouldneverhaveindulgedyourearsatthecostofyourbelly。\"
Menofevilreputation，whentheyperformagooddeed，failtogetcreditforit。
TheBrotherandtheSisterAFATHERhadonesonandonedaughter，theformerremarkableforhisgoodlooks，thelatterforherextraordinaryugliness。Whiletheywereplayingonedayaschildren，theyhappenedbychancetolooktogetherintoamirrorthatwasplacedontheirmother\'schair。Theboycongratulatedhimselfonhisgoodlooks；thegirlgrewangry，andcouldnotbeartheself-praisesofherBrother，interpretingallhesaid(andhowcouldshedootherwise？)intoreflectiononherself。Sheranofftoherfather。tobeavengedonherBrother，andspitefullyaccusedhimofhaving，asaboy，madeuseofthatwhichbelongedonlytogirls。Thefatherembracedthemboth，andbestowinghiskissesandaffectionimpartiallyoneach，said，\"Iwishyoubothwouldlookintothemirroreveryday:you，myson，thatyoumaynotspoilyourbeautybyevilconduct；andyou，mydaughter，thatyoumaymakeupforyourlackofbeautybyyourvirtues。\"
TheWasps，thePartridges，andtheFarmerTHEWASPSandthePartridges，overcomewiththirst，cametoaFarmerandbesoughthimtogivethemsomewatertodrink。Theypromisedamplytorepayhimthefavorwhichtheyasked。ThePartridgesdeclaredthattheywoulddigaroundhisvinesandmakethemproducefinergrapes。TheWaspssaidthattheywouldkeepguardanddriveoffthieveswiththeirstings。ButtheFarmerinterruptedthem，saying:\"Ihavealreadytwooxen，who，withoutmakinganypromises，doallthesethings。Itissurelybetterformetogivethewatertothemthantoyou。\"
TheCrowandMercuryACROWcaughtinasnareprayedtoApollotoreleasehim，makingavowtooffersomefrankincenseathisshrine。Butwhenrescuedfromhisdanger，heforgothispromise。Shortlyafterwards，againcaughtinasnare，hepassedbyApolloandmadethesamepromisetoofferfrankincensetoMercury。Mercurysoonappearedandsaidtohim，\"Othoumostbasefellow？howcanIbelievethee，whohastdisownedandwrongedthyformerpatron？\'
TheNorthWindandtheSunTHENORTHWINDandtheSundisputedastowhichwasthemostpowerful，andagreedthatheshouldbedeclaredthevictorwhocouldfirststripawayfaringmanofhisclothes。TheNorthWindfirsttriedhispowerandblewwithallhismight，butthekeenerhisblasts，theclosertheTravelerwrappedhiscloakaroundhim，untilatlast，resigningallhopeofvictory，theWindcalledupontheSuntoseewhathecoulddo。TheSunsuddenlyshoneoutwithallhiswarmth。TheTravelernosoonerfelthisgenialraysthanhetookoffonegarmentafteranother，andatlast，fairlyovercomewithheat，undressedandbathedinastreamthatlayinhispath。
PersuasionisbetterthanForce。
TheTwoMenWhoWereEnemiesTWOMEN，deadlyenemiestoeachother，weresailinginthesamevessel。Determinedtokeepasfarapartaspossible，theoneseatedhimselfinthestem，andtheotherintheprowoftheship。Aviolentstormarose，andwiththevesselingreatdangerofsinking，theoneinthesterninquiredofthepilotwhichofthetwoendsoftheshipwouldgodownfirst。Onhisreplyingthathesupposeditwouldbetheprow，theMansaid，\"Deathwouldnotbegrievoustome，ifIcouldonlyseemyEnemydiebeforeme。\"
TheGamecocksandthePartridgeAMANhadtwoGamecocksinhispoultry-yard。OnedaybychancehefoundatamePartridgeforsale。HepurchaseditandbroughtithometoberearedwithhisGamecocks。WhenthePartridgewasputintothepoultry-yard，theystruckatitandfolloweditabout，sothatthePartridgebecamegrievouslytroubledandsupposedthathewasthusevillytreatedbecausehewasastranger。NotlongafterwardshesawtheCocksfightingtogetherandnotseparatingbeforeonehadwellbeatentheother。Hethensaidtohimself，\"IshallnolongerdistressmyselfatbeingstruckatbytheseGamecocks，whenIseethattheycannotevenrefrainfromquarrelingwitheachother。\"
TheQuackFrogAFROGonceuponatimecameforthfromhishomeinthemarshandproclaimedtoallthebeaststhathewasalearnedphysician，skilledintheuseofdrugsandabletohealalldiseases。AFoxaskedhim，\"Howcanyoupretendtoprescribeforothers，whenyouareunabletohealyourownlamegaitandwrinkledskin？\'
TheLion，theWolf，andtheFoxALION，growingold，laysickinhiscave。Allthebeastscametovisittheirking，excepttheFox。TheWolftherefore，thinkingthathehadacapitalopportunity，accusedtheFoxtotheLionofnotpayinganyrespecttohimwhohadtheruleoverthemallandofnotcomingtovisithim。AtthatverymomenttheFoxcameinandheardtheselastwordsoftheWolf。TheLionroaringoutinarageagainsthim，theFoxsoughtanopportunitytodefendhimselfandsaid，\"AndwhoofallthosewhohavecometoyouhavebenefitedyousomuchasI，whohavetraveledfromplacetoplaceineverydirection，andhavesoughtandlearntfromthephysiciansthemeansofhealingyou？\'TheLioncommandedhimimmediatelytotellhimthecure，whenhereplied，\"Youmustflayawolfaliveandwraphisskinyetwarmaroundyou。\"TheWolfwasatoncetakenandflayed；whereontheFox，turningtohim，saidwithasmile，\"Youshouldhavemovedyourmasternottoill，buttogood，will。\"
TheDog\'sHouseINTHEWINTERTIME，aDogcurledupinassmallaspaceaspossibleonaccountofthecold，determinedtomakehimselfahouse。Howeverwhenthesummerreturnedagain，helayasleepstretchedathisfulllengthandappearedtohimselftobeofagreatsize。Nowheconsideredthatitwouldbeneitheraneasynoranecessaryworktomakehimselfsuchahouseaswouldaccommodatehim。
TheWolfandtheLionROAMINGBYthemountainsideatsundown，aWolfsawhisownshadowbecomegreatlyextendedandmagnified，andhesaidtohimself，\"WhyshouldI，beingofsuchanimmensesizeandextendingnearlyanacreinlength，beafraidoftheLion？OughtInottobeacknowledgedasKingofallthecollectedbeasts？\'Whilehewasindulgingintheseproudthoughts，aLionfelluponhimandkilledhim。Heexclaimedwithatoolaterepentance，\"Wretchedme!thisoverestimationofmyselfisthecauseofmydestruction。\"
TheBirds，theBeasts，andtheBatTHEBIRDSwagedwarwiththeBeasts，andeachwerebyturnstheconquerors。ABat，fearingtheuncertainissuesofthefight，alwaysfoughtonthesidewhichhefeltwasthestrongest。Whenpeacewasproclaimed，hisdeceitfulconductwasapparenttobothcombatants。Thereforebeingcondemnedbyeachforhistreachery，hewasdrivenforthfromthelightofday，andhenceforthconcealedhimselfindarkhiding-places，flyingalwaysaloneandatnight。
TheSpendthriftandtheSwallowAYOUNGMAN，agreatspendthrift，hadrunthroughallhispatrimonyandhadbutonegoodcloakleft。OnedayhehappenedtoseeaSwallow，whichhadappearedbeforeitsseason，skimmingalongapoolandtwitteringgaily。Hesupposedthatsummerhadcome，andwentandsoldhiscloak。Notmanydayslater，wintersetinagainwithrenewedfrostandcold。WhenhefoundtheunfortunateSwallowlifelessontheground，hesaid，\"Unhappybird!whathaveyoudone？Bythusappearingbeforethespringtimeyouhavenotonlykilledyourself，butyouhavewroughtmydestructionalso。\"
TheFoxandtheLionAFOXsawaLionconfinedinacage，andstandingnearhim，bitterlyreviledhim。TheLionsaidtotheFox，\"Itisnotthouwhorevilestme；butthismischancewhichhasbefallenme。\"
TheOwlandtheBirdsANOWL，inherwisdom，counseledtheBirdsthatwhentheacornfirstbegantosprout，topullitallupoutofthegroundandnotallowittogrow。Shesaidacornswouldproducemistletoe，fromwhichanirremediablepoison，thebird-
lime，wouldbeextractedandbywhichtheywouldbecaptured。
TheOwlnextadvisedthemtopluckuptheseedoftheflax，whichmenhadsown，asitwasaplantwhichbodednogoodtothem。
And，lastly，theOwl，seeinganarcherapproach，predictedthatthisman，beingonfoot，wouldcontrivedartsarmedwithfeatherswhichwouldflyfasterthanthewingsoftheBirdsthemselves。
TheBirdsgavenocredencetothesewarningwords，butconsideredtheOwltobebesideherselfandsaidthatshewasmad。Butafterwards，findingherwordsweretrue，theywonderedatherknowledgeanddeemedhertobethewisestofbirds。Henceitisthatwhensheappearstheylooktoherasknowingallthings，whileshenolongergivesthemadvice，butinsolitudelamentstheirpastfolly。
TheTrumpeterTakenPrisonerATRUMPETER，bravelyleadingonthesoldiers，wascapturedbytheenemy。Hecriedouttohiscaptors，\"Prayspareme，anddonottakemylifewithoutcauseorwithoutinquiry。Ihavenotslainasinglemanofyourtroop。Ihavenoarms，andcarrynothingbutthisonebrasstrumpet。\"\"Thatistheveryreasonforwhichyoushouldbeputtodeath，\"theysaid；\"for，whileyoudonotfightyourself，yourtrumpetstirsalltheotherstobattle。\"
TheAssintheLion\'sSkinANASS，havingputontheLion\'sskin，roamedaboutintheforestandamusedhimselfbyfrighteningallthefoolishanimalshemetinhiswanderings。AtlastcominguponaFox，hetriedtofrightenhimalso，buttheFoxnosoonerheardthesoundofhisthanheexclaimed，\"Imightpossiblyhavebeenfrightenedmyself，ifIhadnotheardyourbray。\"
TheSparrowandtheHareAHAREpounceduponbyaneaglesobbedverymuchandutteredcrieslikeachild。ASparrowupbraidedherandsaid，\"Wherenowisthyremarkableswiftnessoffoot？Whywereyourfeetsoslow？\"
WhiletheSparrowwasthusspeaking，ahawksuddenlyseizedhimandkilledhim。TheHarewascomfortedinherdeath，andexpiringsaid，\"Ah!youwhosolately，whenyousupposedyourselfsafe，exultedovermycalamity，havenowreasontodeploreasimilarmisfortune。\"
TheFleaandtheOxAFLEAthusquestionedanOx:\"Whatailsyou，thatbeingsohugeandstrong，yousubmittothewrongsyoureceivefrommenandslaveforthemdaybyday，whileI，beingsosmallacreature，mercilesslyfeedontheirfleshanddrinktheirbloodwithoutstint？\'TheOxreplied:\"Idonotwishtobeungrateful，forIamlovedandwellcaredforbymen，andtheyoftenpatmyheadandshoulders。\"\"Woe\'sme!\"saidtheflea；\"thisverypattingwhichyoulike，wheneverithappenstome，bringswithitmyinevitabledestruction。\"
TheGoodsandtheIllsALLtheGoodswereoncedrivenoutbytheIllsfromthatcommonsharewhichtheyeachhadintheaffairsofmankind；fortheIllsbyreasonoftheirnumbershadprevailedtopossesstheearth。
TheGoodswaftedthemselvestoheavenandaskedforarighteousvengeanceontheirpersecutors。TheyentreatedJupiterthattheymightnolongerbeassociatedwiththeIlls，astheyhadnothingincommonandcouldnotlivetogether，butwereengagedinunceasingwarfare；andthatanindissolublelawmightbelaiddownfortheirfutureprotection。JupitergrantedtheirrequestanddecreedthathenceforththeIllsshouldvisittheearthincompanywitheachother，butthattheGoodsshouldonebyoneenterthehabitationsofmen。HenceitarisesthatIllsabound，fortheycomenotonebyone，butintroops，andbynomeanssingly:whiletheGoodsproceedfromJupiter，andaregiven，notaliketoall，butsingly，andseparately；andonebyonetothosewhoareabletodiscernthem。
TheDoveandtheCrowADOVEshutupinacagewasboastingofthelargenumberofyoungoneswhichshehadhatched。ACrowhearingher，said:\"Mygoodfriend，ceasefromthisunseasonableboasting。Thelargerthenumberofyourfamily，thegreateryourcauseofsorrow，inseeingthemshutupinthisprison-house。\"
MercuryandtheWorkmenAWORKMAN，fellingwoodbythesideofariver，lethisaxedrop-byaccidentintoadeeppool。Beingthusdeprivedofthemeansofhislivelihood，hesatdownonthebankandlamentedhishardfate。Mercuryappearedanddemandedthecauseofhistears。
Afterhetoldhimhismisfortune，Mercuryplungedintothestream，and，bringingupagoldenaxe，inquiredifthatweretheonehehadlost。Onhissayingthatitwasnothis，Mercurydisappearedbeneaththewaterasecondtime，returnedwithasilveraxeinhishand，andagainaskedtheWorkmanifitwerehis。WhentheWorkmansaiditwasnot，hedivedintothepoolforthethirdtimeandbroughtuptheaxethathadbeenlost。
TheWorkmanclaimeditandexpressedhisjoyatitsrecovery。
Mercury，pleasedwithhishonesty，gavehimthegoldenandsilveraxesinadditiontohisown。TheWorkman，onhisreturntohishouse，relatedtohiscompanionsallthathadhappened。Oneofthematonceresolvedtotryandsecurethesamegoodfortuneforhimself。Herantotheriverandthrewhisaxeonpurposeintothepoolatthesameplace，andsatdownonthebanktoweep。
