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THE PEACOCK AND THE CRANE

A Peacock taunted a Crane with the dullness of her plumage. "Look

at my brilliant colours," said she, "and see how much finer they

are than your poor feathers." "I am not denying," replied the

Crane, "that yours are far gayer than mine; but when it comes to

flying I can soar into the clouds, whereas you are confined to

the earth like any dunghill cock."

THE CAT AND THE BIRDS

A Cat heard that the Birds in an aviary were ailing. So he got

himself up as a doctor, and, taking with him a set of the

instruments proper to his profession, presented himself at the

door, and inquired after the health of the Birds. "We shall do

very well," they replied, without letting him in, "when we've

seen the last of you."

A villain may disguise himself, but he will not deceive the wise.

THE SPENDTHRIFT AND THE SWALLOW