d
determined to put an end to themselves and their troubles, by jumping
from a lofty precipice into a deep lake below. As they scampered off in
a very numerous body to carry out their resolve, the Frogs lying on the
banks of the lake heard the noise of their feet, and rushed
helter-skelter to the deep water for safety. On seeing the rapid
disappearance of the Frogs, one of the Hares cried out to his
companions: "Stay, my friends, do not do as you intended; for you now
see that other creatures who yet live are more timorous than ourselves."

[Illustration]

We are encouraged by seeing others that are worse off than ourselves.

The Lion and the Boar.

[Illustration]

On a summer day, when the great heat induced a general thirst, a Lion
and a Boar came at the same moment to a small well to drink. They
fiercely disputed which of them should drink first, and were soon
engaged in the agonies of a mortal combat. On their stopping on a
sudden to take breath for the fiercer renewal of the strife, they saw
some Vultures waiting in the distance to feast on the one which should
fall first. They at once made up their quarrel, saying: "It is better
for us to make friends, than to become the food of Crows or Vultures, as
will certainly happen if we are disabled."

Those who strive are often watched by others who will take advantage of
their defeat to benefit themselves.

The Mischievous Dog.

[Illustration]

A Dog used to run up quietly to the heels of those he met, and to bite
them without notice. His master sometimes suspended a bell about his
neck, that he might give notice of his presence wherever he went, and
sometimes he fastened a chain about his neck, to which was attached a
heavy clog, so that he could not be so quick at biting people's heels.

The Dog grew proud of his bell and clog, and went with them all over the
market-place. An old hound said to him: "Why do you make such an
exhibition of yourself? That bell and clog that you carry are not,
believe me, orders of merit, but, on the contrary, marks of disgrace, a
public notice to all men to avoid you as an ill-mannered dog."

Those who achieve notoriety often mistake it for fame.

[Illustration]

The Quack Frog.

[Illustration]

A Frog once made proclamation to all the beasts that he was a learned
physician, and able to heal all diseases. A Fox asked him: "How can you
pretend to prescribe for others, and you are unable to heal yo