The Wolf and the Lion

ROAMING BY the mountainside at sundown, a Wolf saw his own shadow
become greatly extended and magnified, and he said to himself, “Why
should I, being of such an immense size and extending nearly an acre in
length, be afraid of the Lion? Ought I not to be acknowledged as King
of all the collected beasts?” While he was indulging in these proud
thoughts, a Lion fell upon him and killed him. He exclaimed with a too
late repentance, “Wretched me! this overestimation of myself is the
cause of my destruction.”




The Birds, the Beasts, and the Bat


THE BIRDS waged war with the Beasts, and each were by turns the
conquerors. A Bat, fearing the uncertain issues of the fight, always
fought on the side which he felt was the strongest. When peace was
proclaimed, his deceitful conduct was apparent to both combatants.
Therefore being condemned by each for his treachery, he was driven
forth from the light of day, and henceforth concealed himself in dark
hiding-places, flying always alone and at night.