124 FAVOURITE FABLES.

the midst of it, upon which he reproached the Bramble for his
inhospitable cruelty in using a stranger, which had fled to
him for protection, after such a barbarous manner. “ Yes,”’
says the Bramble, ‘‘you intended to have made me serve
your turn, I know; but take this piece of advice with you for
the future: Never lay hold of a Bramble again, as you value
your sweet person ; for laying hold is a privilege that belongs
to us Brambles, and we do not care to let it go out of the
family.”

MORAL.

Impertinent people, who take liberties with others, are
often much surprised if they are retorted on with severity.
Itis better, then, to keep from undue familiarity with strangers,
for we know not of what temper they may be.

 

0—

FABLE XCII.

HERCULES AND THE CARTER.

As a clownish fellow was driving his cart along a deep
miry lane, the wheels stuck so fast in the clay, that the horses
could not draw them out. Upon this he fell a-bawling and
praying to Hercules to come and help him.

Hercules, looking down from a cloud, bade him not lie