n the Sheep depones that it was fast asleep all the night in
question, and it calls all its neighbours to testify that they had
never known it guilty either of theft or any roguery; and besides this,
it states that it never touches flesh-meat.

Here is the Fox's decision, word for word:

"The explanation of the Sheep cannot, under any circumstances, be
accepted, for all rogues are notoriously clever at concealing their
real designs; and it appears manifest, on due inquiry, that, on the
aforesaid night, the Sheep was not separated from the fowls. Fowls are
exceedingly savoury, and opportunity favoured. Therefore I decide,
according to my conscience, that it is impossible that the Sheep should
have forborne to eat the fowls. The Sheep shall accordingly be put to
death. Its carcass shall be given to the court, and its fleece be
taken by the Plaintiff."

The Elephant in Favour

Once upon a time the Elephant stood high in the good graces of the
Lion. The forest immediately began to talk of the matter, and, as
usual, many guesses were made as to the means by which the Elephant had
gained such favour.

"It is no beauty," say the beasts to each other, "and it is not
amusing; and what habits it has! what manners!"

Says the Fox, whisking about his brush, "If it had possessed such a
bushy tail as mine, I should not have wondered."

"Or, sister," says the Bear, "if it had gotten into favour on account
of its claws, no one would have found the matter at all extraordinary;
but it has no claws at all, as we all know well."

"Isn't it its tusks that have gotten it into favour?" thus the Ox broke
in upon their conversation. "Haven't they, perhaps, been mistaken for
horns."

"Is it possible," said the Ass, shaking its ears, "that you don't know
how it has succeeded in making itself liked, and in becoming
distinguished? Why, I have guessed the reason! If it hadn't been
remarkable for its long ears, it would never in the world have gotten
into favour."

The Sword-blade

The keen blade of a Sword, made of Damascus steel, which had been
thrown aside on a heap of old iron, was sent to market with the other
pieces of metal, and sold for a trifle to a Moujik. Now, a Moujik's
ideas move in a narrow circle. He immediately set to work to turn the
blade to account. Our Moujik fitted a handle to the blade, and began
to strip lime-trees in the forest with it, of the bark he wanted for
shoes, while at home he uncerem