Icarus forgot the directions of his father and flew higher and higher. “Do not fly so high, Icarus,” called out his father, “it is dangerous. You are too young to trust yourself to such high places.”
But Icarus called back, “I can take care of myself,” and flew on higher and higher. At last he came close to the sun, and all the wax melted off his feathers and they began to drop off. One by one they fell until only the frame was left. Then Icarus began to fall, and he fell and fell until he dropped down into the water—and that was the end of Icarus!
But Daedalus who had kept away from the sun flew on and landed in his own country.
THE COUNTRY MOUSE AND THE CITY MOUSE
In which we see that comfort in safety is better than luxury in fear.
Brownie was a little mouse who lived in the country. His home was an old hollow log, but it seemed a mansion to Brownie who was happy all day long playing in the woods and green fields.
Now Brownie had a cousin named Ringtail who lived in the city and one day he came out to see Brownie. They went for a long walk through the woods and came home just in time for dinner. Brownie was afraid there would not be enough for two, so he only nibbled on an acorn while Ringtail had green peas, an ear of corn, and a big red apple. But much to Brownie’s surprise he did not seem to enjoy his dinner, and when he had finished the city mouse said:
“My cousin, how can you live in this stupid place, with nothing to eat, and nothing to see but woods and bare fields? Come with me to my home in the city and I will show you what real life is. When once you see my beautiful home you will never be content to live in this place again.”
So Brownie went with his cousin. It was night when they reached the huge house in whose garret Ringtail made his home. The city mouse then showed his country cousin what a nice bed he had out of some old clothes that had been put in a chest. He then led him to the pantry and showed him the cold meats, and cheese, and the bread that were on the shelves. “Now, this is what I call real life,” said Ringtail. “Come, let us go into the dining-room where we will eat.”