FAVOURITE FABLES. oo

FABLE XVII.

THE MOUNTAIN IN LABOUR.

A RUMOUR once prevailed that a neighbouring mountain
was in labour; it was affirmed that she had been heard to
utter prodigious groans; anda general expectation had been
raised that some extraordinary birth was at hand.

Multitudes flocked in much eagerness to be witnesses of
the wonderful event, one expecting her to be delivered of a
giant, another of some enormous monster, and all were in
earnest expectation of something grand and astonishing ;
when, after waiting with great impatience a considerable
time, behold, out crept a Mouse.

MORAL.

To raise uncommon expectations renders an ordinary
event ridiculous.

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FABLE XVIII.
THE FOX AND THE STORK.

Tue Fox, though in general more inclined to roguery
than wit, had once a strong inclination to play the wag with
his neighbour the Stork. He accordingly invited her to
dinner in due form. But when she came to the table, the