FAVOURITE FABLES. Iol

as not to know of the peace which has been lately proclaimed
between all kinds of birds and beasts; and that we are for
the future to forbear hostilities on all sides, and to live in the
utmost love and harmony, and this, under the penalty of
suffering the severest punishment that can be inflicted? ’’
All this while the Cock seemed to give little attention to what
was said, but stretched out his neck, as if he saw something
at a distance.

‘Cousin,’ says the Fox, “‘ what is it that you look at so
earnestly?”’ ‘*Why,”’ says the Cock, “I think I see a pack
of hounds yonder, a little way off.’’ ‘Oh, then,”’ says the
Fox, ‘“‘your humble servant, I must begone.”’ ‘“‘ Nay, pray
cousin, do not go,’”’ says the Cock, ‘‘I am just coming down;
surely you are not afraid of Dogs in these peaceable times? ’”’
‘No, no,”’ says he, “‘ but ten to one whether they have heard
of the proclamation yet.’

MORAL,

When rogues are met in their own strain, they are
generally worsted. It is interesting to see the snares of the
wicked defeated by the discreet management of the innocent.
“‘ Answer a fool according to his folly,’’ is an old maxim.