Pagina 65 van 274

A Man once went abroad on his travels, and when he came home he

had wonderful tales to tell of the things he had done in foreign

countries. Among other things, he said he had taken part in a

jumping-match at Rhodes, and had done a wonderful jump which no

one could beat. "Just go to Rhodes and ask them," he said; "every

one will tell you it's true." But one of those who were listening

said, "If you can jump as well as all that, we needn't go to

Rhodes to prove it. Let's just imagine this is Rhodes for a

minute: and now--jump!"

Deeds, not words.

THE CRAB AND HIS MOTHER

An Old Crab said to her son, "Why do you walk sideways like that,

my son? You ought to walk straight." The Young Crab replied,

"Show me how, dear mother, and I'll follow your example." The Old

Crab tried, but tried in vain, and then saw how foolish she had

been to find fault with her child.

Example is better than precept.

THE ASS AND HIS SHADOW