FAVOURITE FABLES. 35

PADBLE X2<cV iil,
THE OLD HOUND.

An old Hound, who had been an excellent good one in
his time, and given his master great sport and satisfaction in
many a chase, at last, by the effect of years, became feeble
and unserviceable.

However, being in the field one day when the Stag was
almost run down, he happened to be the first that came in.
with him, and seized him by one of his haunches; but his
decayed and broken teeth not being able to keep their hold,
the deer escaped and threw him quite out. Upon which his
master, being in a great passion, and going to strike him,
the honest old creature is said to have barked out this
apology. ‘Ah! do not strike your poor old servant; it is
not my heart and inclination, but my strength and speed that
fail me. If what I now am displeases you, pray don’t forget
what I have been.”

MORAL.

Past services should never be forgotten.