FAVOURITE FABLES. 125

there, like an idle rascal, as he was, but get up and whip his
horses stoutly, and clap his shoulder to the wheel; adding,
that this was the only way for him to obtain his assistance.

MORAL.

The man who asks Heaven for gifts, and neglects the
gifts Heaven has given, must expect silence until he shows
that he is in earnest by putting his shoulder to the wheel.

—_o—_-

FABLE XCIII.
THE BOYS AND THE FROGS.

On the margin of a large lake, which was inhabited by a
great number of Frogs, a company of Boys happened to be
at play. Their diversion was duck and drake, and whole
volleys of stones were thrown into the water, to the great
annoyance and danger of the poor terrified Frogs. At
length, one of the most hardy, lifting up his head above the
surface of the lake ;—‘‘ Ah! dear children!’’ said he, “‘ why
will ye learn so soon to be cruel? Consider, I beseech you,
that though this may be sport to you, it is death to us.”

MORAL.
A noble mind disdains to gain
Its pleasure from another’s pain.