I will lead that foolish creature yonder into a pit
where he can't get out, and you can feast at your pleasure."

The Lion agreed and the Fox returned to the Ass.

"I made him promise not to hurt us," said the Fox. "But come, I
know a good place to hide till he is gone."

So the Fox led the Ass into a deep pit. But when the Lion saw
that the Ass was his for the taking, he first of all struck down
the traitor Fox.

_Traitors may expect treachery._

THE BIRDS, THE BEASTS, AND THE BAT

The Birds and the Beasts declared war against each other. No
compromise was possible, and so they went at it tooth and claw.
It is said the quarrel grew out of the persecution the race of
Geese suffered at the teeth of the Fox family. The Beasts, too,
had cause for fight. The Eagle was constantly pouncing on the
Hare, and the Owl dined daily on Mice.

It was a terrible battle. Many a Hare and many a Mouse died.
Chickens and Geese fell by the score--and the victor always
stopped for a feast.

Now the Bat family had not openly joined either side. They were a
very politic race. So when they saw the Birds getting the better
of it, they were Birds for all there was in it. But when the tide
of battle turned, they immediately sided with the Beasts.

When the battle was over, the conduct of the Bats was discussed
at the peace conference. Such deceit was unpardonable, and Birds
and Beasts made common cause to drive out the Bats. And since
then the Bat family hides in dark towers and deserted ruins,
flying out only in the night.

_The deceitful have no friends._

[Illustration]

THE LION, THE BEAR, AND THE FOX

Just as a great Bear rushed to seize a stray kid, a Lion leaped
from another direction upon the same prey. The two fought
furiously for the prize until they had received so many wounds
that both sank down unable to continue the battle.

Just then a Fox dashed up, and seizing the kid, made off with it
as fast as he could go, while the Lion and the Bear looked on in
helpless rage.

"How much better it would have been," they said, "to have shared
in a friendly spirit."

_Those who have all the toil do not always get the profit._

[Illustration]

THE WOLF AND THE LAMB

A stray Lamb stood drinking early one morning on the bank of a
woodland stream. That very same morning a hungry Wolf came by
farther up the stream, hunting for something to eat. He soon got
his eyes on the Lamb. As a rule Mr. Wolf sna