f vivid language; so that no better theme can be
given to a student of literary history than the critical comparison of
these two allied forms of composition, representing as they do the two
extremes of actual development.

The best general account in English of the origin of the Greek Fable is
that of Rutherford in the introduction to his 'Babrius' (London, 1883).
An excellent special study of the history of the Aesopic Fables is that
by Joseph Jacobs in the first volume of his 'Aesop' (London, 1889). The
various ancient accounts of Aesop's life are collected by Simrock in
'Aesops Leben' (1864). The best scientific edition of the two hundred
and ten fables is that of Halm (Leipzig, 1887). Good disquisitions on
their history during the Middle Ages are those of Du Meril in French
(Paris, 1854) and Bruno in German (Bamberg, 1892). See also the articles
in the present work under the titles 'Babrius,' 'Bidpai,' 'John Gay,'
'Lafontaine,' 'Lokman,' 'Panchatantra,' 'Phaedrus,' 'Reynard the Fox.'

H.J. Peck

THE FOX AND THE LION

The first time the Fox saw the Lion, he fell down at his feet, and was
ready to die of fear. The second time, he took courage and could even
bear to look upon him. The third time, he had the impudence to come up
to him, to salute him, and to enter into familiar conversation with him.

THE ASS IN THE LION'S SKIN

An Ass, finding the skin of a Lion, put it on; and, going into the woods
and pastures, threw all the flocks and herds into a terrible
consternation. At last, meeting his owner, he would have frightened him
also; but the good man, seeing his long ears stick out, presently knew
him, and with a good cudgel made him sensible that, notwithstanding his
being dressed in a Lion's skin, he was really no more than an Ass.

THE ASS EATING THISTLES

An Ass was loaded with good provisions of several sorts, which, in time
of harvest, he was carrying into the field for his master and the
reapers to dine upon. On the way he met with a fine large thistle, and
being very hungry, began to mumble it; which while he was doing, he
entered into this reflection:--"How many greedy epicures would think
themselves happy, amidst such a variety of delicate viands as I now
carry! But to me this bitter, prickly thistle is more savory and
relishing than the most exquisite and sumptuous banquet."

THE WOLF IN SHEEP'S CLOTHING

A Wolf, clothing himself in the skin of a sheep, and getting in among
the flock,