126 FAVOURITE FABLES,

FABLE XCIV.

THE COCK AND THE JEWEL.

A BRISK young Cock, in company with two or three
pullets, raking upon a dunghill for something to entertain
them with, happened to scratch up a jewel, which sparkled
with an exceeding bright lustre; but, not knowing what to do
with it, endeavoured to cover his ignorance under a look of
contempt. So, shrugging up his wings, shaking his head,
_and putting on a grimace, he expressed himself to this
purpose: ‘Indeed, you are a very fine thing, but I know not
what business you have here. I make noscruple of declaring
that my taste lies quite another way, and I had rather have
one grain of dear delicious barley than all the jewels under
the sun.”’

MORAL.

We should not despise as worthless what does not come
within the limit of our understanding. Some lose what is
truly valuable for want of knowledge, and prefer what is
comparatively worthless.