The Talking Beasts_ A Book of Fable Wisdom - Nora Archibald Smith

(Perpustakaan Sri Jauhari) #1

"Yes, faith," answered the Man, "it is hot enough in all conscience, and that is
just the reason why I blow it."


"Be off with you!" cried the Satyr, in alarm; "I will have no part with a man who
can blow hot and cold from the same mouth."


The Two Travellers and the Oyster


As two men were walking by the seaside at low water they saw an Oyster, and
they both stooped at the same time to pick it up. Immediately, one pushed the
other away, and a dispute ensued.


A third Traveller coming along at the time, they determined to refer the matter to
him, as to which of the two had the better right to the Oyster.


While they were each telling his story the Arbitrator gravely took out his knife,
opened the shell and loosened the Oyster.


When they had finished, and were listening for his decision, he just as gravely
swallowed the Oyster, and offered them the two halves of the shell. "The Court,"
said he, "awards you each a Shell. The Oyster will cover the costs."


The Young Mouse, the Cock, and the Cat


A young Mouse, on his return to his hole after leaving it for the first time, thus
recounted his adventures to his mother: "Mother," said he, "quitting this narrow
place where you have brought me up, I was rambling about to-day like a Young
Mouse of spirit, who wished to see and to be seen, when two such notable
creatures came in my way! One was so gracious, so gentle and benign; the other,
who was just as noisy and forbidding, had on his head and under his chin pieces
of raw meat, which shook at every step he took; and then, all at once, beating his
sides with the utmost fury, he uttered such a harsh and piercing cry that I fled in
terror; and this, too, just as I was about to introduce myself to the other stranger,
who was covered with fur like our own, only richer looking and much more
beautiful, and who seemed so modest and benevolent that it did my heart good to
look at her."

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