Fables for the Fair/Fable 11
THE WOMAN WHO BELIEVED IN EARLY RISING
THE WOMAN WHO BELIEVED IN EARLY RISING
THERE was once a Woman who Felt that her Husband stayed Out too Late at Night. She therefore Devised a Plan to Cure him of this. Her Plan was to Rise Early in order to Insure his Retiring Early.
"Only in this Way will he be Able to get Enough Sleep," she said.
Her Husband, who usually Endeavored to Please her, rose Without Complaint at Six O’clock, but Continued to stay Out Late. Perceiving that her Purpose was Not Accomplished, the Woman Changed the Hour to Five O'clock.
"The Morning Hours are the Best for Work," she said, "and I Understand that the Morning Air possesses Great Virtues."
Her Husband objected, but Rose at Five, as she Wished.
Still he Continued to Come In Late. Then the Woman fixed the Hour at Four-thirty.
"I have Always Enjoyed seeing the Sun Rise," she said.
"In that Case," said her Husband decidedly, "I Shall Not go to bed At All, since it would Not be Worth my While. I will Stay up All Night and take my Sleep at My Office in the Afternoon. So We will have Breakfast at Three O'clock, if you like."
This teaches us that the Early Worm will Turn.