Pagina 177 de 274

A certain man had two children, a boy and a girl: and the boy was

as good-looking as the girl was plain. One day, as they were

playing together in their mother's chamber, they chanced upon a

mirror and saw their own features for the first time. The boy saw

what a handsome fellow he was, and began to boast to his Sister

about his good looks: she, on her part, was ready to cry with

vexation when she was aware of her plainness, and took his

remarks as an insult to herself. Running to her father, she told

him of her Brother's conceit, and accused him of meddling with

his mother's things. He laughed and kissed them both, and said,

"My children, learn from now onwards to make a good use of the

glass. You, my boy, strive to be as good as it shows you to be

handsome; and you, my girl, resolve to make up for the plainness

of your features by the sweetness of your disposition."

THE HEIFER AND THE OX