A certain Man withdrew from his chariot a Horse, ennobled by many victories, and sold him for the mill. As he was being led out of doors from the mill-stones to water, he saw his fellows going towards the Circus, to celebrate the joyous contests at the games. With tears starting forth, he said, “Go on and be happy; celebrate without me the festive day in the race; at the place to which the accursed hand of the thief has dragged me, will I lament my sad fate.”
[ Fable XXI.]
THE HUNGRY BEAR.
Hunger sharpens the wits.
If at any time[NF.17] sustenance is wanting to the Bear in the woods, he runs to the rocky shore, and, grasping a rock, gradually lets down his shaggy thighs into the water; and as soon as the Crabs have stuck to the long hair, betaking himself to shore, the crafty fellow shakes off his sea-spoil, and enjoys the food that he has collected in every quarter. Thus even in Fools does hunger sharpen the wits.
[ Fable XXII.]
THE TRAVELLER AND THE RAVEN.
Men are very frequently imposed upon by words.
A Man while going through the fields along his solitary path, heard the word “Hail!” whereat he stopped for a moment, but seeing no one, went on his way. Again the same sound saluted him from a hidden spot; encouraged by the hospitable voice, he stopped short, that whoever it was might receive the like civility. When, looking all about, he had remained long in perplexity, and had lost the time in which he might have walked some miles, a Raven showed himself, and hovering above him, continually repeated “Hail!” Then, perceiving that he had been deluded: “Perdition seize you,” said he, “most mischievous bird, to have thus delayed me when I was in such a hurry.”
[ Fable XXIII.]
THE SHEPHERD AND THE SHE-GOAT.
Nothing is secret which shall not be made manifest.[NF.18]
A Shepherd had broken[NF.19] the horn of a She-Goat with his staff, and began to entreat her not to betray him to his Master. “Although unjustly injured,” said she, “still, I shall be silent; but the thing itself will proclaim your offence.”