Fables of La Fontaine — Fables CXI and CXII

THE MULE THAT BOASTED OF HIS FAMILY.

An Episcopal Mule, of its family proud, Would <i>not</i> keep his ancestry under a cloud, But chattered, and bragged of his mother the mare: Of her having done this, and her having been there;

And vowed that so famous a creature ignored, Was a shame and disgrace to historian's record.

He frankly disdained on a doctor to wait, And patiently stand at a poor patient's gate.

At last, growing old, in the mill he's confined, Then his father, the donkey, came into his mind.

A misfortune is useful, if only to bring A fool to his senses--a very good thing-- It's sent for a purpose, and always will be Useful to some one or something, you see.

FABLE CXII.

THE OLD MAN AND THE ASS.

An Old Man, riding on a Donkey, saw A meadow thick with flowers, and full of grass.

He instantly unbridled the poor Ass, And let him roam for twenty minutes' law.

It scratch'd, and scratch'd, and munch'd, and chew'd, and bray'd Nipping the best, and kicking, for sheer fun: The meal refreshing was betimes begun.

Just then the enemy came, all arrayed: "Fly," said the Old Man.

"Wherefore?"

said the beast;

"Am I to carry double burden--double load?

Am I to tramp once more upon the road?"

"No," said the Old Man; "I'll stop here, at least."

"To whom I may belong is no great matter.

Go, save yourself from an unlucky blow;

My master is my enemy, I know: I tell you in the best French I can patter."

[Illustration: THE COUNTRYMAN AND THE SERPENT.

] FABLE CXIII.