somewhat
more advanced in age, and was as anxious that her husband should appear
a suitable match for her. So, while the young one seized every
opportunity of pulling out the good man's gray hairs, the old one was
as industrious in plucking out every black hair she could find, till he
found that, between the one and the other, he had not a hair left.

He that submits his principles to the influence and caprices of opposite
parties will end in having no principles at all.

The Heifer, the Goat, the Sheep and the Lion.

[Illustration]

A Heifer, a Goat, a Sheep, and a Lion formed a partnership, and agreed
to divide their earnings. The Goat having snared a stag, they sent for
the Lion to divide it for them. The Lion said: "I will make four
parts--the first shall be mine as judge; the second, because I am
strongest; the third, because I am bravest; and the fourth--I will kill
any one who dares touch it."

He who will steal a part will steal the whole.

The Camel and the Travelers.

[Illustration]

Two Travelers on a desert saw a Camel in the distance, and were greatly
frightened at his huge appearance, thinking it to be some huge monster.
While they hid behind some low shrubs, the animal came nearer, and they
discovered that it was only a harmless Camel which had excited their
fears.

Distance exaggerates dangers.

The Swan and the Goose.

[Illustration]

A certain rich man bought in the market a Goose and a Swan. He fed the
one for his table, and kept the other for the sake of its song. When the
time came for killing the Goose, the cook went to take him at night,
when it was dark, and he was not able to distinguish one bird from the
other, and he caught the Swan instead of the Goose. The Swan, threatened
with death, burst forth into song, and thus made himself known by his
voice, and preserved his life by his melody.

Sweet words may deliver us from peril, when harsh words would fail.

The Dolphins and the Sprat.

The Dolphins and the Whales were at war with one another, and the Sprat
stepped in and endeavored to separate them. But one of the Dolphins
cried out: "We would rather perish in the contest, than be reconciled by
you."

The Shepherd and the Sea.

[Illustration]

A Shepherd moved down his flock to feed near the shore, and beholding
the Sea lying in a smooth calm, he was seized with a strong desire to
sail over it. So he sold all his sheep and bought