The Thrush and the Swallow

A young Thrush, who lived in an orchard once became acquainted with a Swallow.

A friendship sprang up between them; and the Swallow, after skimming the orchard and the neighboring meadow, would every now and then come and visit the Thrush.

The Thrush, hopping from branch to branch, would welcome him with his most cheerful note.

"O mother!" said he to his parent one day, "never had creature such a friend as I have in this same Swallow.

"—"Nor ever any mother," replied the parent-bird, "such a silly son as I have in this same Thrush. Long before the approach of winter, your friend will have left you; and while you sit shivering on a leafless bough he will be sporting under sunny skies hundreds of miles away."

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The Fawn and his Mother

A young Fawn once said to his mother: "You are larger than a dog, and swifter, and more used to running; why, then, O Mother! are you always in such a terrible fright of the hounds?"

She smiled, and said: "I know full well, my son, that all you say is true. I have the advantages you mention, but yet when I hear the bark of a single dog I feel ready to faint."

No arguments will give courage to the coward.

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The Crab and its Mother

A Crab said to her son: "Why do you walk so one-sided, my child? It is far more becoming to go straight forward."

The young Crab replied: "Quite true, dear mother; and if you will show me the straight way, I will promise to walk in it." The mother tried in vain, and submitted without remonstrance to the reproof of her child.

Example is more powerful than precept.

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The Boy and the Nettle

A Boy was stung by a Nettle. He ran home and told his mother, saying:

"Although it pains me so much, I did but touch it ever so gently."

"That was just it," said his mother, "which caused it to sting you. The next time you touch a Nettle, grasp it boldly, and it will be soft as silk to your hand, and not in the least hurt you."

Whatever you do, do with all your might.

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