第39页 / 共626页

They had not gone far before they saw a cat sitting in the middle

of the road and making a most rueful face. 'Pray, my good lady,'

said the ass, 'what's the matter with you? You look quite out of

spirits!' 'Ah, me!' said the cat, 'how can one be in good spirits

when one's life is in danger? Because I am beginning to grow old,

and had rather lie at my ease by the fire than run about the

house after the mice, my mistress laid hold of me, and was going

to drown me; and though I have been lucky enough to get away from

her, I do not know what I am to live upon.' 'Oh,' said the ass,

'by all means go with us to the great city; you are a good night

singer, and may make your fortune as a musician.' The cat was

pleased with the thought, and joined the party.