FAVOURITE FABLES. 17

or restore them to their former state. ‘‘No,’’ says he;
“since it was their own choice, let the obstinate wretches
suffer the punishment due to their folly.”’

MORAL.

This fable teaches that it is better to be content with our
present condition, however bad we may think it, than, by
ambitious change, to risk making it worse.

—_)———

FABLE XIV.
THE FOX AND THE BOAR.

Tue Boar stood whetting his tusks against an old tree.
The Fox, who happened to come by at the same time, asked
him why he made those martial preparations of whetting his
teeth, since there was no enemy near, that he could perceive.
““That may be, Master Reynard,’’ says the Boar, ‘‘ but we
should scour up our arms, while we have leisure, you know;
for, in time of danger, we shall have something else to do.”’

MORAL.

It is well to have preparations made for all emergencies,
that when we are placed in any difficult position we may be
calm and self-possessed. These preparations are best made
in times of leisure.