The Mule
A Mule had had a long rest and much good feeding. He was feeling very
vigorous indeed, and pranced around loftily, holding his head high.
"My father certainly was a full-blooded racer," he said. "I can feel
that distinctly."
Next day he was put into harness again and that evening he was very
downhearted indeed.
"I was mistaken," he said. "My father was an Ass after all."
Be sure of your pedigree before you boast of it.
The Sick Stag
A Stag had fallen sick. He had just strength enough to gather some food and find a quiet clearing in the woods, where he lay down to wait until his strength should return. The Animals heard about the Stag's illness and came to ask after his health. Of course, they were all hungry, and helped themselves freely to the Stag's food; and as you would expect, the Stag soon starved to death.
Good will is worth nothing unless it is accompanied by good acts.
The Old Lion
A Lion had grown very old. His teeth were worn away. His limbs could
no longer bear him, and the King of Beasts was very pitiful indeed as
he lay gasping on the ground, about to die.
Where now his strength and his former graceful beauty?
Now a Boar spied him, and rushing at him, gored him with his yellow
tusk. A Bull trampled him with his heavy hoofs. Even a contemptible
Ass let fly his heels and brayed his insults in the face of the
Lion.
It is cowardly to attack the defenseless, though he be an enemy.
