320.The Two Dogs
A MAN had two dogs: a hound, trained to assist him in his sports, and a house-dog, taught to watch the house. When he returned home after a good day’s sport, he always gave the house-dog a large share of his spoil. The hound, feeling much aggrieved at this, reproached his companion, saying,
“It is very hard to have all this labour, while you, who do not assist in the chase, luxuriate on the fruits of my exertions.”
The house-dog replied, “Do not blame me, my friend, but find fault with the master, who has not taught me to labour, but to depend for subsistence on the labour of others.”
❖ Children are not to be blamed for the faults of their parents.
319.The Two Bags
EVERY MAN, according to an ancient legend, is born into the world with two bags suspended from his neck. One bag in front full of his neighbors’ faults, and a large bag behind filled with his own faults. Hence it is that men are quick to see the faults of others, and yet are often blind to their own failings.
❖ See your fault first before pointing out anothers.
318.The Trumpeter Taken Prisoner
A TRUMPETER, bravely leading on the soldiers, was captured by the enemy. He cried out to his captors, “Pray spare me, and do not take my life without cause or without inquiry. I have not slain a single man of your troop. I have no arms, and carry nothing but this one brass trumpet.”
“That is the very reason for which you should be put to death,” they said; “for, while you do not fight yourself, your trumpet stirs all the others to battle.”
317.The Tree and the Reed
“WELL, little one,” said a Tree to a Reed that was growing at its foot, “why do you not plant your feet deeply in the ground, and raise your head boldly in the air as I do?”
“I am contented with my lot,” said the Reed. “I may not be so grand, but I think I am safer.”
“Safe!” sneered the Tree. “Who shall pluck me up by the roots or bow my head to the ground?” But it soon had to repent of its boasting, for a hurricane arose which tore it up from its roots, and cast it a useless log on the ground, while the little Reed, bending to the force of the wind, soon stood upright again when the storm had passed over.
❖ OBSCURITY OFTEN BRINGS SAFETY.
