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，andsupposinghimtobeamanwhomheisalwayssaidtobefriend，cameandplacedhimselfunderhim，toconveyhimonhisbackinsafetytotheshore。WhentheDolphinarrivedwithhisburdeninsightoflandnotfarfromAthens，heaskedtheMonkeyifhewereanAthenian。Thelatterrepliedthathewas，andthathewasdescendedfromoneofthemostnoblefamiliesinthatcity。TheDolphintheninquiredifheknewthePiraeusthefamousharborofAthens。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，interpretingallhesaidandhowcouldshedootherwise？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。