—Elisabeth Cumings.
6. The Gnat and the Bull.
A gnat who had flown about until he was tired sat down to rest on the horn of a bull. After sitting there a long time he thought he would go home. So he made a loud buzzing noise and said to the bull:
“Would you like to have me stay longer or shall I go now?”
“Just as you please,” said the bull. “I did not know when you came, and I am sure I shall not miss you when you go away.”
Little people often think themselves of greatest consequence.
—Æsop.
7. A Real Lady.
A porter, an aged man, was passing along one of our streets with a heavy package on his shoulder, when he dropped his bale-hook and it rolled off the sidewalk into the gutter. Two or three young men standing near laughed at his misfortune, and offered no help. An elegantly dressed lady passing, quietly stepped into the street, and with her delicately gloved hand picked the bale-hook from the gutter and handed it to the old man. In trying to thank her, his hat fell off and rolled into the gutter. Again she stepped into the street, picked up his hat, and handed that to him. “God bless you,” said he, and so the old man was made happier, the lady was made happier, and the young men received a lesson which may make their lives happier, if they have sense enough to act upon it.—Selected.
8. Cautions.