and kept from harm. If you choose to thrust me out, you yourself will be discarded and broken," But the Lock refused to be placated by these words, but on the contrary closed her Key-hole entirely, and refused the Key admission. Consequently, the master found that, in spite of his excellent Key, he was unable to open his door. At this the master became very angry and tore off the offending Lock, breaking it to pieces. Hereupon the Key taunted the Lock, and said: "Nothing is more vulgar than family quarrels. Besides, it is the part of wisdom to keep on good terms with those on whom you depend for a living."
(Nicholas Pergamenus, Dialogi Creaturarum, No. 23.)
THE FROG AND THE CRAB
WHEN a certain Frog saw a Crab swimming along close to the river bank, he said to himself, "Who is this ugly, misshapen creature which dares to muddy the water of my river? Since I am such a strong and powerful Frog, ruling over both land and water, I will at once approach the intruder and drive him away." So saying, the Frog gave a leap, which brought him in front of the Crab, and said: "Are you not ashamed, you wretched creature, to invade and trouble my peaceful waters? Dingy, insignificant beast that you are, do you not blush to befoul this bright, clear-running stream?" The Crab, meanwhile, continued to scuttle backward, according to his habit, and answered: "Do not speak to me in that tone, brother, because I would much rather continue to live in peace and friendship with you. Therefore do not try to pick a quarrel with me." The Frog, seeing that the Crab continued to scuttle backward, thought that he did so from fear, and accordingly, became more hostile in word
