te number of
spectacles tumbled out, and were picked up by the crowd with all the
eagerness imaginable. There were enough for all, for every man had his
pair.

But it was soon found that these spectacles did not represent objects
to all mankind alike; for one pair was purple, another blue; one was
white and another black; some of the glasses were red, some green, and
some yellow. In short, there were all manner of colours, and every
shade of colour. However, notwithstanding this diversity, every man
was charmed with his own, as believing it the best, and enjoyed in
opinion all the satisfaction of truth.

The Bear and the Fowls

A Bear, who was bred in the savage desert, wished to see the world, and
he travelled from forest to forest, and from one kingdom to another,
making many profound observations on his way.

One day he came by accident into a farmer's yard, where he saw a number
of Fowls standing to drink by the side of a pool. Observing that after
every sip they turned up their heads toward the sky, he could not
forbear inquiring the reason of so peculiar a ceremony.

They told him that it was by way of returning thanks to Heaven for the
benefits they received; and was indeed an ancient and religious custom,
which they could not, with a safe conscience, or without impiety, omit.

Here the Bear burst into a fit of laughter, at once mimicking their
gestures, and ridiculing their superstition, in a most contemptuous
manner.

On this the Cock, with a spirit suitable to the boldness of his
character, addressed him in the following words: "As you are a
stranger, sir, you may perhaps be excused for the indecency of your
behaviour; yet give me leave to tell you that none but a Bear would
ridicule any religious ceremonies in the presence of those who believe
them of importance."

THE FABLES OF BIDPAI

"In English now they teach us wit. In English now they say:
Ye men, come learn of beasts to live, to rule and to obey,
To guide you wisely in the world, to know to shun deceit,
To fly the crooked paths of guile, to keep your doings straight."

SIR THOMAS NORTH

THE FABLES OF BIDPAI

The Snake and the Sparrows

It is related that two Sparrows once made their nest in the roof of a
house; and, contenting themselves with a single grain, so lived. Once
on a time they had young ones, and both the mother and father used to
go out in search of food for their support; and what they pr