in a neighbouring field. Their names are
still preserved in the archives. There were two Donkeys, a couple of
old Horses, and two or three Goats. The Fox also was added to their
number, as assessor, in order that the business might be carried on
under competent supervision.

Now, popular report said that the Pike used to supply the table of the
Fox with fish. However this might be, there was no partiality among
the judges; and it must also be stated that it was impossible to
conceal the Pike's roguery in the affair in question. So there was no
help for it. Sentence was passed, condemning the Pike to an
ignominious punishment. In order to frighten others, it was to be hung
from a tree.

"Respected judges," thus did the Fox begin to speak, "hanging is a
trifle. I should have liked to have sentenced the culprit to such a
punishment as has never been seen here among us. In order that rogues
may in future live in fear, and run a terrible risk, I would drown it
in the river."

"Excellent!" cry the judges, and unanimously accept the proposition.

So the Pike was flung--into the river.

The Cuckoo and the Eagle

The Eagle promoted a Cuckoo to the rank of a Nightingale. The Cuckoo,
proud of its new position, seated itself proudly on an aspen, and began
to exhibit its musical talents. After a time, it looks round. All the
birds are flying away, some laughing at it, others abusing it. Our
Cuckoo grows angry, and hastens to the Eagle with a complaint against
the birds.

"Have pity on me!" it says. "According to your command, I have been
appointed Nightingale to these woods, and yet the birds dare to laugh
at my singing."

"My friend," answers the Eagle, "I am a king, but I am not God. It is
impossible for me to remedy the cause of your complaint. I can order a
Cuckoo to be styled a Nightingale; but to make a Nightingale out of a
Cuckoo--that I cannot do."

The Peasant and the Sheep

A Peasant summoned a Sheep into courts charging the poor thing with a
criminal offence. The judge was--the Fox.

The case was immediately in full swing. Plaintiff and defendant were
equally adjured to state, point by point, and without both speaking at
once, how the affair took place, and in what their proof consisted.

Says the Peasant: "On such and such a day, I missed two of my fowls
early in the morning. Nothing was left of them but bones and leathers;
and no one had been in the yard but the Sheep."

The