[Illustration]

The Master was much alarmed at the strange behavior of the Ass,
and calling for help, soon attracted the attention of the
servants. When they saw the danger the Master was in from the
clumsy beast, they set upon the Ass and drove him with kicks and
blows back to the stable. There they left him to mourn the
foolishness that had brought him nothing but a sound beating.

_Behavior that is regarded as agreeable in one is very rude and
impertinent in another._

_Do not try to gain favor by acting in a way that is contrary to
your own nature and character._

THE MILKMAID AND HER PAIL

A Milkmaid had been out to milk the cows and was returning from
the field with the shining milk pail balanced nicely on her head.
As she walked along, her pretty head was busy with plans for the
days to come.

"This good, rich milk," she mused, "will give me plenty of cream
to churn. The butter I make I will take to market, and with the
money I get for it I will buy a lot of eggs for hatching. How
nice it will be when they are all hatched and the yard is full of
fine young chicks. Then when May day comes I will sell them, and
with the money I'll buy a lovely new dress to wear to the fair.
All the young men will look at me. They will come and try to make
love to me,--but I shall very quickly send them about their
business!"

[Illustration]

As she thought of how she would settle that matter, she tossed
her head scornfully, and down fell the pail of milk to the
ground. And all the milk flowed out, and with it vanished butter
and eggs and chicks and new dress and all the milkmaid's pride.

_Do not count your chickens before they are hatched._

THE WOLF AND THE SHEPHERD

A Wolf, lurking near the Shepherd's hut, saw the Shepherd and his
family feasting on a roasted lamb.

"Aha!" he muttered. "What a great shouting and running about
there would have been, had they caught me at just the very thing
they are doing with so much enjoyment!"

_Men often condemn others for what they see no wrong in doing
themselves._

THE GOATHERD AND THE GOAT

A Goat strayed away from the flock, tempted by a patch of clover.
The Goatherd tried to call it back, but in vain. It would not
obey him. Then he picked up a stone and threw it, breaking the
Goat's horn.

The Goatherd was frightened.

"Do not tell the master," he begged the Goat.

"No," said the Goat, "that broken horn can speak for itself!"

_Wicked