"My child," replied his mother, "you have seen
That demure hypocrite we call a Cat:
Under that sleek and inoffensive mien
He bears a deadly hate of Mouse and Rat.
The other whom you fear, is harmless quite;
Nay, perhaps may serve us for a meal.
As for your friend, for all his innocent air,
We form the staple of his bill of fare."
Take, while you live this warning as your guide—
Don't judge by the outside.
(La Fontaine. Fables, Vol. VI, No. 5. Translated by the Rev. Wm. Lucas Collins.)
THE MULE WHO BOASTED OF HIS FAMILY
A BISHOP'S Mule made boast of his high birth;
Would talk forever of his mother's worth—
"My mother, who was once my lady's mare."
Much in her praise he told—
"She could do this,—and she had travelled there."
He almost thought that he deserved a place
By virtue of his race.
Among the great historic steeds of old,
And took it somewhat ill
That for a doctor's servant he was sold.
Grown old and poor, he had to turn a mill;
Then he remembered that, with all his pride.
He was a Donkey on his father's side.
(La Fontaine. Fables, Vol. VI, No. 7. Translated by the Rev. Wm. Lucas Collins.)
