MORAL.

This fable goes to show, That those mistake, Who think that all they know: When knowing nothing of the world, Their giddy brain is quickly whirled. And hence this moral let us make, That he is caught, who thinks to take.



THE PHYSICIANS.

Dr. So-much-the-worse went out to see A patient sick as one could be. His brother So-much-the-better, Having received an urgent letter, Came also the sick man to visit. So-much-the-worse declared he'd die, So-much-the-better asked him why. And while their plans they thus discourse, The sick man died, so much the worse! So-much-the-better now declared, That if the sick man had not despaired, He would have lived. So-much-the-worse Said, "I was right, agree with me, Our patient's dead, as you can see."

MORAL.

There's wisdom in the saying, by my troth, Too many cooks will spoil the broth.



THE MOUNTAIN IN LABOR.

A mountain thought to be in labor, Made such a horrid noise, That round it each stranger came and neighbor, Thinking the end of all this noise would be A city, quite as large as three. Having drawn all the province round, The mountain from a little mound, Let out a mouse.

MORAL.

When I think upon this fable, Of which the narration is false, And the sense true; It puts me much in mind Of authors not a few, Who boast that they are able To write on any subject as they please, And after all—do nothing.



THE CAT METAMORPHOSED INTO A WOMAN.

A man was passionately fond of his cat, He thought she was pretty, and sleek, and all that; And she purred in the softest tone, He wished to make her his own. This man by prayers, by tears, By sorcery and charms, Changed pussy to a woman fair, And took her in his arms. But in the wainscot soon a rat Made itself manifest, And very soon the pussy cat, Could still no longer rest. Her foolish husband who believed That nothing had of cat remained, And as his wife had her received— Was, now, I warrant, somewhat pained. Next time the vermin came, Pussy was surer of her game— For having changed her face, The mice not frightened, Did not change their pace— And the astonished spouse Was very glad— To change her back— And was no more cat-mad.

MORAL.

What in the bone is born, Will in the flesh remain, Both night and morn, And ne'er come out again.



THE FROG AND THE RAT.

He who another thinks to injure, May in the end destroy himself.

A rat who fed exceeding well, Was by a frog invited out to dine; "The voyage," said froggy, "will be quickly made, If you will tie your foot to mine." Frog vaunted the delight of bathing, Praised the varieties they'd met upon the way, And when the rat consented to be tied, Attempted to bear him away. The rat half drowned resisted all he could. The frog, imaged the dinner he would make; Suddenly, flying from a neighboring wood, A hawk appeared, and quickly did he take Both of the combatants up in his bill, Before they e'en had time to make their will; And quite delighted did the greedy sinner Make off of fish and flesh a hearty dinner. For in the hawk's dominions, fast days Are never kept. Now if the frog had acted as he ought, And had not tried to dine off the poor rat, They would not both have perished, To make fat, A pampered hawk; And master rat, Had he not been so curious about Aquatic government, Had from the scrape got safely out.

MORAL.

A scheme or a conspiracy, Be it all plotted well As safe, 'twould seem as it could be, And sure of all success, May, none the less, Entirely fail, And grand conspirators, And all bewail, The day that set them scheming.



THE LION AND THE FLY.

A lion by a gad-fly worried, Half maddened by his sting, Exclaimed, "Be off, vile fly— Mean, pitiful, base thing!" After the fly had ended his repast, Fully exhausted feels the beast at last, And roared so that he shook the earth, While the victorious fly Met in the spider's web his destiny.

MORAL.

Two morals draw I from this tale: First, We should fear the smallest enemy; And second, We may escape great perils, And from a trifling cause may die.



THE TWO MULES.

Two mules went travelling on their way, One with a sack of corn; The other with gold and bells so gay, Most gaily tripped along. Proud of so rich a load, He kept the bells a ringing— And was so proud, had he known how He would have commenced singing. Soon some robbers rude appeared, Who stopped this mule upon his road, And very soon they had him cleared Of all his weight of precious gold. Falling beneath their blows, "I die," The expiring trotter cried, "Had you been," said the other, "Low as I, you would not thus have died."

Be moderate when you are high, Nor glory o'er the passers by.



JUPITER AND THE FARMER.

Jupiter had a farm to let, Mercury advertised it, and people came, Made offers, listened, all the same, Made some objection. One declared the land Was rough and dry, And full of sand. One had this reason, one had that, Until at last a man appeared, Who said he'd try to farm it, agreed that He might have any weather that he chose.

Behold! as soon as he but yawns, it blows Or rains, or is quite clear. His neighbors, even the most near, Are not affected by these changes. In usual route, their weather ranges; They have good crops, But he had none. At last when tired, he began Complaining unto Jupiter. The next year the same thing, Changes of weather he can bring— And the neighbors no more Than the Americans, Are troubled by the farming Of his lands. At last tired out, with all his strife in vain, He yields his power to the God of rain; Acknowledging, that all along The god did right, And he did wrong.

MORAL.

Let us conclude that Providence For man ordains much better than we can.



THE COCK, THE CAT, AND THE LITTLE MOUSE.

A young mouse, who had nothing seen, Was nearly caught; You shall hear how He told his mother the adventure— He said, "Pray, listen, now: I started out to frolic at a venture, When two fine animals appeared Before my eyes, And filled me with surprise. One was soft, benign, and sweet, The other, turbulent, and full of inquietude, Had a loud voice, piercing and rude, And on his head a piece of flesh. A sort of arm raised him up in the air, As though to fly out of a mesh— His tail was spread out like a fan." Now it was a cock of which our little mouse, Made to his mother this fine picture, Describing him like an enthusiast. "He beat," said he, "his flanks, With his two arms, Making such a noise and such a din, That, frightened half to death, I hurried in. Although I pique myself upon my courage And heartily I cursed him in my heart, For but for him, I'd taken part, In conversation with the gentle creature, Who my advances would encourage. She is velvety, like us, with a long tail, A modest look, and sparkling eyes, And is much like a rat. She spies The objects round her. I turned pale On hearing the other creature's din, Or else I should have asked her in." "My child," said the mother, "this last was a cat, An enemy of every mouse and rat. The other a cock, whom do not fear, Perhaps we may dine on him here."

Take care, whatever they may seem, Of judging people by their mien.



THE MONKEY.

The animals, on the death of the lion, During his life, prince of the country, Resolved to elect a king to try on The regal crown, and chose a monkey. Because after the animals had all Tried on the regal crown, or let it fall, Because their heads were all too big, Or too small, too horned, or too thick, The monkey slipped through it; And with it cut up many a trick, Which they all thought refined, And chose him with one mind. Only the fox regretted the election, And swore to reign in his defection. He came and made his compliment; "Sire," said he, "I know a treasure meant For your high majesty. I will show The spot where it lies hid." The monkey went at Reynard's bid— And was caught in a trap. The fox exclaimed, "How do you think to govern us, When, after all, with all your fuss, You cannot well, do what you may, Keep e'en yourself out of harm's way." The animals agreed, That royal power suits very few indeed.



THE HORSE AND THE ASS.

An ass accompanied by a horse uncourteous, Who only had his harness on his back; And the poor jackass staggered 'Neath the load of vegetable and a pack; He begged the horse to help him, If he could— But not a single bit, The other would. "I ask," said the poor beast, "A little pity— Help me at least, To reach the city." The horse refused, And got his due, For the ass died. The farmer's man Stripped off the skin of honest Ben, And made the horse, whom they espied, Drag on the skin and the cart beside.

MORAL.

'Tis wise to lend our aid To others in distress, We often thus are made The means of happiness. The churlish, unkind man His neighbor's death may cause, And have to help his family, Through taxes and the laws.



THE ASTROLOGER WHO FELL INTO A WELL.

An astrologer, of high ambition, While star-gazing fell down Into a well. "Sage gentleman," Remarked the people of the town, "How did you think to read the stars, old man, When you cannot preserve your own position." This adventure in itself, without going further, Might serve as a lesson, to most of mankind, For of us mortals, a certain part inclines, To the belief, that, with the help of mind, The book of Destiny may easily be read, But this book, by Homer and his disciples sung, What is it called but Chance, by ancients, And by us Christians named Providence instead. Now in Chance there can no science be, Or why should it be called by them Chance— And things uncertain, who knows in advance? If all depends upon the fixed decree, Of Him who does all things, and nothing does unwisely. How should we read his will, And know that which from us he would conceal? Wherefore watch the stars so nicely, To know how to avoid inevitable woe; Or how, in future times, our fate will go; To make us, in the midst of pleasure, sad, Or with predicted evil, drive us mad, Convert all blessings into curses dire? Is this the knowledge to which we aspire, Is it an error or a crime thus to believe That future destiny can thus be known? In place of star-gazing above our head, Let us confide ourselves to the Great One. The firmament exists, the stars go on their way, And the sun shines upon us every day; And every day, the day is lost in night, Without our knowing aught else from the sight. That the seasons come, the crops are ripe, And in what wood we should look out for snipe, And some few other things, but for the change Of day to night, by which the world doth range, It has not aught to do with Destiny. Quacks, and ye compilers of horoscopes, Quit all the courts of princes in Europe, And take with you all mischief makers

You deserve belief no more than they do.

MORAL.

This astrologer in the well, Resembles all of his false art, Who while they are in danger, dream That in the stars, they read the happiest theme.



THE ANIMALS SICK WITH THE PLAGUE.

A scourge which spread terror, Invented by heaven to punish earth— The plague (if to name it be no error) Was making every animal To curse his birth. In one day it might have enriched Acheron, And upon beasts made busy war. Amongst them all there was not one, But, sick and ailing, was complaining sore; All did not die, but each was ill— Not one strove now to eat his fill, No meat excited them to taste, Nor did the wolves again lay waste, The innocent prey. Even the doves fled from each other, And cooed no more the live-long day. The lion held war counsel—"My brother," Said he, addressing each in turn, "I think that heaven hath allowed This punishment on us to fall For the sins we have disavowed. Now I for one will confess all, And let him who is most to blame, Be slaughtered in the others' name. Perhaps he may obtain a common cure, For history tells us that in like cases, The guilty die in others' places; Let us not then be false to Nature, Let us confess our faults—in fine I will the first acknowledge mine; And I avow, that oft I keep A serious tax on harmless sheep. What had they done, In naught offended— Yet I their quiet lives have ended. Sometimes, with sorrow be it heard, I e'en have eaten the shepherd, And I acknowledge all— And I will die like a quiet bird— If my death keep you from your fall. It must be hoped now in all justice, That he who is most guilty perish." "Sire," said the fox, "you are too good a king To die for any trivial thing; Your simples are too nice. Eat sheep, and why not? Is it a sin? is it a vice? No, sire, you did them honor; And as for shepherds, I desire, That over us their false empire Should cease, and we have all we want Of sheep and fleece." So said the fox, flatterers applaud, The tiger, bear, and other powers they laud, Even for their most violent offence. All quarrelsome people, Down to the mastiffs, Were little saints. But when the donkey's turn came on, They heard him with many ifs. He said, "I now remember That by a monk's garden passing, (It was late in December, And my strength soon faints,) I ate a leaf of some dry plant, And e'en now I with terror pant." They seized upon him and devoured, And said he was the cause Of heaven's anger being lowered.

With interested judges, right Is always on the side of might.



THE CANDLE.

It was in the home of the Olympian gods, That bees first lodged, 'tis said, On Mount Hymettus; and thitherwards Came zephyrs with light tread. When from the hives, the honey, Had all been taken out, As there remained naught but wax, Some candles were, for money, Carefully made and sold in packs. One of these candles on a certain day Seeing that clay by fire was turned to brick, Thought he could harden his body the same; And getting near the fire to try the trick, This new Empedocles to flame condemned Soon found of his philosophy the end.



THE HOG, THE GOAT, AND THE SHEEP.

A goat, a sheep, and a fat hog, On the same cart were bound for the fair. They lay as quietly as any log, But were not seeking their amusement there. They were to be sold, so says the story. The carter, who his business knows, Don't take them into town to see the shows. Dame porker was inclined to squeal, As though the butcher's knife she 'gan to feel. Her grunts, and squeals, and cries Were loud enough to deafen one, The other animals more wise, And better tempered, with surprise Exclaimed, "have done!" The carter to the porker turned, "Where have you manners learned, Why stun us all? Do you not see That you're the noisiest of the three? That sheep says not a word, Nor can the young goat's voice be heard." "But," said the hog, "they both are fools. If like me they knew their fate, They'd halloo out at greater rate, The goat will only lose her milk, The sheep his wool, but here, poor me, I'm to be eaten, and know my destiny." The porker was quite right, But hallooing with all her might, Was all too late, And could not alter her sad fate.



THE DELICATE HERON.

By the bank of a river, A heron walked out, And in it were sporting, Pike, mackerel and trout.

Now these fish with great ease, Our bird might have caught, But I'll wait till I'm hungry The silly bird thought.

At last came his appetite, "Now I'll eat," the bird cries, And some tench from the bottom, Just then he saw rise.

"But these are not good enough At this time of day," And he waited for better Till all swam away.

At eve almost starved When all other means fail, He was right glad to sup On a poor little snail.



THE BLACKAMOOR AND HER MISTRESS.

A foolish young lady, Took one of her maids, Who chanced to be black As the ace of spades, And said she'd have her washed white, By the other maids; She was put in a tub, And with water and towels Her skin they did rub, Through a long summer day till the night; But the more they did rub her, The blacker she got; And while they did scrub her, She mourned her hard lot. So the maids threw away All their labor and care, And the mistress gave up Her fine scheme in despair.



THE BEAR AND THE GARDENER.

A bear and gardener, Who mutually tired Of solitary life, And were inspired, With a warm friendship for each other, Promised to be to one another, Excellent friends, and so they were. As for the death of the poor man I'll tell you how it happened, If I can. The bear watching the gardener in his sleep— Beholding on his head a fly, And thinking it bad company, Took up a stone and dropped it down, Upon the fly 'tis true, But broke the gardener's crown.

MORAL.

To make our fortunes or to mend, A most malignant enemy Is better than a foolish friend.



THE VULTURES AND THE PIGEONS.

The wing'd inhabitants of air Waged on a time a direful war. Not those, in budding groves who sing, To usher in the amorous spring; Nor those, with Venus' car who fly Through the light clouds and yielding sky But the rapacious vulture brood, With crooked beak that thirsts for blood, And iron fangs. Their war, 'tis said, For a dog's carrion corse was made. Shrill shrieks resound from shore to shore; The earth beneath is sanguin'd o'er; Versed in the science to destroy, Address and valor they employ. 'Twould take a hundred tongues to tell, The heroes from the air who fell. The dovecote race, a gentle nation, Made offers of their mediation. Prudent ambassadors are sent; The vultures with the terms content, Agree their guarantee to take, And armistice and treaty make. This kind desire to interfere, Cost the poor peace-makers full dear. To rapine bred, the ruthless crew, Nor gratitude nor faith who knew, On the defenceless pigeons fall, And shortly had devoured them all.

MORAL.

When tyrants from their quarrels cease, Some weaker neighbor pays their peace. His safety in their warfare lies; Their feuds, not he should compromise. When Joseph, Frederick, and Kate, Tired of unprofitable hate, Their animosities would heel, They swallowed Poland at a meal.



THE BEAR AND THE BEES.

A bear once rambled from his home, Chanced through a garden trim to roam, Where, 'neath the shelter of the trees, The farmer had his hives of bees. Bruin loved honey. "Now," said he, "I'll rob your store-house, Master Bee. You'll buz, and hum about my ears, But noise a brave bear never fears." So saying, bear o'erturns a hive, And straight the air is all alive, With angry enemies, who sting As well as buz; and make bear sing, A lively tune of growls and roars, And cover him with smarting sores.



A CATALOGUE OF ENTERTAINING AND INSTRUCTIVE JUVENILE BOOKS,

PUBLISHED AND FOR SALE BY C. G. HENDERSON & CO.

AT THEIR Central Book & Stationery Warehouse,

No. 164 CHESTNUT STREET, Corner of Seventh, UNDER BARNUM'S MUSEUM. PHILADELPHIA



MAJA'S ALPHABET.

A VERY BEAUTIFUL PICTORIAL ALPHABET, In Rhyme.

WITH NEW AND ORIGINAL DESIGNS, BY ABSOLON.



COSTUMES OF AMERICA.

An excellent volume for Young People of both sexes, and well calculated to awaken an interest in the History of this Continent.

Illustrated with Twenty-four Engravings of Original Costumes. One volume, square 16mo. Cloth, 50 cents. With Colored Plates, 75 cents.



Little Charley's Christmas Amusements, OR WINTER SPORTS DURING THE HOLIDAYS.

With 28 Engravings on Wood.

One volume square 16mo. Cloth binding. Price 25 cents.



Little Charley's Stories of Great Men.

DESCRIPTIVE OF HEROES, STATESMEN, AND SCHOLARS.

WRITTEN IN AN EASY STYLE FOR BEGINNERS.

One volume square 16mo. Cloth. 25 cents.



CARLO FRANCONI, AN ITALIAN STORY, And other Stories for Young People.

BEAUTIFULLY ILLUSTRATED WITH ENGRAVINGS FROM ORIGINAL DESIGNS Square 16mo. Cloth Binding.

This is a very touching and entertaining Story for Youth. The Scene is laid in England, and in Italy, the incidents are of a peculiarly interesting character.



Little Charley's Games and Sports.

EMBELLISHED WITH 27 ENGRAVINGS OF THE PRIMARY GAMES FOR LITTLE CHILDREN.

One volume square 16mo. Cloth. 25 cents.



Good Aunt Fanny's Budget



OF Stories and Legends for Children.

TRANSLATED FROM THE GERMAN By Charles A. Dana.

Illustrated with 40 spirited Engravings after designs by Richter.

One vol. quarto. Cloth binding. Price 75 cents.



Little Charley's Picture Alphabet.

A stands for an Army, How bravely they go, With flag, drum, and trumpet, They make a great show.

One volume 16mo. Cloth. Price 25 cents.



Little Charley's Country Walk,



OR SUMMER RAMBLES IN THE FIELDS AND WOODS.

BY LITTLE CHARLEY.

An amusing and instructive book for Children from six to eight years of age.

Illustrated with 20 Engravings. 16mo. Cloth binding. Price 25 cents.



Little Charley's Rhymes and Jingles.

A NEW COLLECTION OF STORIES IN RHYME FOR ALL THE GOOD LITTLE BOYS OF AMERICA.

Embellished with 20 appropriate Wood Designs.

Square 16mo. Cloth. 25 cents.



KRISS KRINGLE'S RHYME BOOK.

A Lively Book of Rhymes for very little Children.

RICHLY EMBELLISHED WITH PICTURES.

Square 16mo. Paper Covers, 12-1/2 cents. Cloth Binding, 25 "



Nut Cracker and Sugar Dolly A FAIRY TALE.

TRANSLATED FROM THE GERMAN. BY CHARLES A. DANA.

SQUARE 16mo. CLOTH AND CLOTH GILT.

This New Fairy Tale is one of the liveliest, most readable, and most unexceptionable for Children which has ever appeared.



The Complete BOOK OF NURSERY RHYMES, FROM The Creation of the World TO THE PRESENT TIME.

One volume 18mo, 252 pages. Cloth Binding.



THRILLING STORIES OF THE OCEAN.

For the Entertainment and Instruction of the Young.

This is a neat volume of 300 pages, with numerous Embellishments. It is written in a familiar, popular style, and is well suited to the Juvenile, Family or School library.

CLOTH BINDING, PLAIN AND GILT EXTRA.



COSTUMES OF EUROPE.

Beautifully Embellished with 24 Engravings of Original Costumes. One vol. Square 16mo. Fine Cloth binding, 50 cts; with Col'd Engravings, 75 cts.



This is a Companion volume to the COSTUMES OF AMERICA, and is equally instructive as well as pleasing for young readers.

—> Every intelligent Boy should possess a Copy of the Book of Costumes of Europe and America.

THE END