The Elephant said, “Look, how long and powerful my tusks! there is nothing that can resist them.”
A Toad, who lived secure in the heart of a rock, close by, said, “’Tis the Lion’s valor that leads him to the herds, and gets him killed by the hunters. ’Tis the Fox’s cunning that brings him to the furrier at last. ’Tis the plumes of the Peacock that men covet; hence his ruin. The Elephant is hunted for his tusks, and they are his bane.” In the mark of your vanity is your death!
THE COCK AND HIS THREE HENS
A Cock, named Crimson Crest, was once strutting about with his three hens, Meek Love, Bright Wit, and Fine Feather. The hens, being in very good spirits, said, “Ah, how we love you!”
“Why do you love me at all?” said Crimson Crest.
“Because,” said they, “of the noble qualities that adorn your mind.”
“Are you sure,” said he, “you love me for the qualities that adorn my mind?”
“Yes, we are,” said the three with one voice.
After having gone over some distance, Crimson Crest dropped down like one dead.