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THE LIONESS AND THE VIXEN

A Lioness and a Vixen were talking together about their young, as

mothers will, and saying how healthy and well-grown they were,

and what beautiful coats they had, and how they were the image of

their parents. "My litter of cubs is a joy to see," said the Fox;

and then she added, rather maliciously, "But I notice you never

have more than one." "No," said the Lioness grimly, "but that

one's a lion."

Quality, not quantity.

THE VIPER AND THE FILE

A Viper entered a carpenter's shop, and went from one to another

of the tools, begging for something to eat. Among the rest, he

addressed himself to the File, and asked for the favour of a

meal. The File replied in a tone of pitying contempt, "What a

simpleton you must be if you imagine you will get anything from

me, who invariably take from every one and never give anything in

return."

The covetous are poor givers.

THE CAT AND THE COCK