owess. As they were disputing, they passed a statue, carved in stone,
which represented "A Lion strangled by a Man." The traveler pointed to
it and said: "See there! How strong we are, and how we prevail over even
the king of beasts." The Lion replied: "This statue was made by one of
you men. If we Lions knew how to erect statues, you would see the man
placed under the paw of the Lion."

One story is good till another is told.

The Ox and the Frog.

[Illustration]

An Ox, drinking at a pool, trod on a brood of young frogs, and crushed
one of them to death. The mother, coming up and missing one of her sons,
inquired of his brothers what had become of him. "He is dead, dear
mother; for just now a very huge beast with four great feet came to the
pool, and crushed him to death with his cloven heel." The Frog, puffing
herself out, inquired, "If the beast was as big as that in size."
"Cease, mother, to puff yourself out," said her son, "and do not be
angry; for you would, I assure you, sooner burst than successfully
imitate the hugeness of that monster."

Impossible things we cannot hope to attain, and it is of no use to try.

The Birds, the Beasts, and the Bat.

The Birds waged war with the Beasts, and each party were by turns the
conquerors. A Bat, fearing the uncertain issues of the fight, always
betook himself to that side which was the strongest. When peace was
proclaimed, his deceitful conduct was apparent to both the combatants;
he was driven forth from the light of day, and henceforth concealed
himself in dark hiding-places, flying always alone and at night.

Those who practice deceit must expect to be shunned.

The Charcoal-Burner and the Fuller.

A Charcoal-burner carried on his trade in his own house. One day he met
a friend, a Fuller, and entreated him to come and live with him, saying
that they should be far better neighbors, and that their housekeeping
expenses would be lessened. The Fuller replied: "The arrangement is
impossible as far as I am concerned, for whatever I should whiten, you
would immediately blacken again with your charcoal."

Like will draw like.

The Bull and the Goat.

[Illustration]

A Bull, escaping from a Lion, entered a cave, which some shepherds had
lately occupied. A He-goat was left in it, who sharply attacked him with
his horns. The Bull quietly addressed him--"Butt away as much as you
will. I have no fear of you, but of the Lion. Let tha