36.The Bitch and Her Whelps
A BITCH, ready to whelp, earnestly begged a shepherd for a place where she might litter. When her request was granted, she besought permission to rear her puppies in the same spot. The shepherd again agreed. But at last the bitch, protected by the bodyguard of her whelps, who had now grown up and were able to defend themselves, asserted her exclusive right to the place and would not permit the shepherd to approach.
35.The Birds, the Beasts, and the Bat
THE BIRDS waged war with the beasts, and each were by turns the conquerors. A bat, fearing the uncertain issues of the fight, always fought on the side which he felt was the strongest. When peace was proclaimed, his deceitful conduct was apparent to both combatants. Therefore being condemned by each for his treachery, he was driven forth from the light of day, and henceforth hid himself in dark hiding-places, flying always alone and at night.
❖ Find out which side you are on as soon as you are up to it, then.
34.The Bird catcher, the Partridge, and the Cock
A BIRDCATCHER was about to sit down to a dinner of herbs when a friend unexpectedly came in. The bird-trap was quite empty, as he had caught nothing, and he had to kill a pied Partridge, which he had tamed for a decoy. The bird begged earnestly for his life:
“What would you do without me when next you spread your nets? Who would chirp you to sleep, or call for you the covey of answering birds?” ******
33.The Big Snake and the Fox
A REDTAILED boa snake boasted very much of his philanthropy, saying that of all animals he was the most tender in his regard for man, for he had such respect for him that he would not even touch his dead body. A fox hearing these words said with a smile to the boa,
“Oh! That you would eat the dead and not the living.”
❖ Go just for looking respectable, and repent at leisure.
