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PARLEY'S
BOOK OF FABLES
The Two Goldfinches.
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PETER PARLEY'S
BOOK OF FABLES.
ILLUSTRATED BY
NUMEROUS ENGRAVINGS.
HARTFORD:
PUBLISHED BY R. A. WHITE,
1845.
Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1834, by
S. G. Goodrich,
In the Clerk's Office of the District Court of Massachusetts.
PREFACE.
This little book is chiefly compiled from a
collection of Fables, by Ingram Cobbin, recently
published in London. That work was expressly
written for youth, and seemed, on the whole, hap-
pily adapted to the inculcation of religion and
morality. In an attempt to render this work still
more suitable to the purposes of education and
moral culture, I have rejected such stories as might
seem of questionable utility, and remodeled those
that are retained. I hope I may have so far suc-
ceeded in my desire to benefit and please my youth-
ful readers, as to have prepared a book of Fables that
may, in amusing the fancy, carry home to the heart
many lasting lessons of virtue.
I am well aware that conscientious scruples are
entertained by many wise and good people as to the
use of fiction in juvenile books ; and perhaps par-
ticular objections are supposed to exist against books
6 PREFACE.
of fables. But it appears to me that the argument
commonly lies against the abuse, and not against the
use, of fiction. Parables are not only fictions, but
are closely allied to fables ; and of these the Scrip-
tures furnish us many examples. This alone is a
sufficient refutation of all arguments against fable
or fiction, properly used.
Addison recommends fables, as exhilarating to
the mind by fanciful representations, while, in its
very moments of relaxation, it thus lays up les-
sons of truth. He also remarks, that "Jotham's
fable of the trees is the oldest extant, and as beauti-
ful as any made since." Nathan's fable of the poor
man is next in antiquity, and may perhaps be con-
sidered even superior to it, in aflfecting repre-
sentation.
To these examples from the Old Testament, we
may add the authority of Jesus Christ, who frequently
made use of parables or fables to inculcate truth.
And the conscientious Cowper, in reply to Rousseau,
the deist, who contended that all fables which ascribe
reason and speech to animals, should be withheld, as
being mere vehicles of deception, thus sarcastically
PREFACE. 7
and triumphantly sings, in his fable of the Pairing
Time:
" I shall not. ask Jean Jacques Rousseau
If birds confabulate or no ;
'Tis clear that they wore always able
To hold discourse, at least in fable ;
And e'en the child, who knows no better
Than to interpret to the letter
A story of a cock and bull,
Must have a most uncommon skull."
I do not mean by this to recommend all books of
fables to children ; on the contrary, I deem most
collections I have met with, very objectionable.
They are generally sullied with indelicacies, and the
fables they contain often inc "Icate craft, cunning,
and worldly selfishness.
TO THE YOUNG READER.
This little book is full of stories, which I call
Fables. By this I mean that they are tales, in
which foxes, frogs, dogs, and other animals, are
fancied sometimes to speak, and think, like men,
women, and children. These stories, you will un-
8 PREFACE.
derstand, are not histories; and I do not pretend
that these things actually did happen. I only im-
agine them to have happened ; and my object in
telling them, is not to make you believe what is false,
but to impress upon your mind what is true.
For instance ; I tell you a story of some mice who
talked together and disobeyed their mother, and one
of them got his leg torn off in a trap. Now, you
will UDvderstand that I do not wish to make you be-
lieve that this adventure of the mice actually hap-
pened, for that would be to deceive you ; but I want
to impress upon your minds the great truth, that
disobedience and deception are very wicked and-
very dangerous.
Thus you see that, i'^^^hile I tell you stories of
things that never happened, my real design is to give
you lessons of importance. The truth is, that chil-
dren are fond of stories ; and, to please them, I have
given them stories. But I wish my little friends to
be good and happy ; I have therefore mixed with
these stories some good and useful things, which I
hope they will long remember.
P. PARLEY.
CONTENTS
Pago.
The Child and Snake ; or, a Story to show that what is
beautiful may not be good 13
The Boy and the Rose; or, a Story to show the Folly of
Disobedience IG
The Spider turned out or his House; or the Wickedness
of doing Wrong to Another, because we happen to be
st'-onger than he 18
T'-iE CARRiER-PiGEON ; or, being busy and persevering in
what we have to do 20
The two Goldfinches ; a Story of Friendship or Kindness
of one Person for another 22
The Bees and the Drones ; or, a Story to show the Folly of
Idleness \ . 24
The Archer and the Arrow; or, a Story to show the Folly
of Injustice 26
The Thunder Clouds; or, a Story to show the Folly of
Quarrelling , 28
The Elder and the Thorn-Tree ; or, a Story to show the
Folly of thinking too highly of ourselves 30
The Wolf and the Young Lamb ; or, a Story to show the
Wickedness of deceiving others by pretended Kindness ... 33
1 *
10 CONTENTS.
Page.
The Rival Snails ; or, a Story to show the Danger of Am-
bition, or a Love of Superiority 35
The Goose and the Colt ; or, a Story to show the Cruelty
of laughing at the Misfortunes of others 37
The Candle and the Candlestick 3 or, a Story to show our
Dependence upon one another 39
The Boys and the Ice ; or, a Stary to show the Danger of
Disobedience 41
The Flower Garden and Weeds; or, a Story to shov/ the
Sorrow which wicked Children cause their Parents 43
The Forest Trees ; or, a Story to show the Folly of
Boasting 4Q
The Cow and the Clover; or, a Story to show the Danger
of Greediness 49
The Vessel without a Pilot ; or, a Story to show the Im-
portance of good Advice, and the Necessity of follow-
ing it 51
The Wax and Mould Candle; or, a Story to show that we
are all more or less dependent upon others 54
The Child and the Rainbow ; or, a Story to show the fleet-
ing Nature of Pleasures and Paches 55
The Young Caterpillar and tpie Rook ; or, a Story to
show the Folly of ignorant Boasting and pretended
Knowledge 58
The Little Boy and the Moon ; or, a Story to show the
Folly of wishing for what we cannot have 60
CONTENTS. 1 1
Pago.
The Frog and his Neighbors ; or, a Story to show the Evil
of putting off doing a Thing- till another Time 62
The Earth-Worm and the Bek ; or, a Story to show that
there are different Kinds of Enjoyment and Happiness. ... 65
The two Roses ; or, a Story to show the Foolishness of
Vanity 67
The Angry Monkey; or, a Story to show the Folly of Re-
venge 69
The Fox and Spaniel ; or, a Story to show the Evil 'f
keeping bad Company , 71
The Rats and the Barley ; or, a Story to show the Folly
and Wickedness of Extravagance and Waste 74
The two Rooks ; or, a Story to show the Uncertainty of
Happiness 76
The Flies and the Spider; or, a Story to show the Danger
of not taking good Advice 79
The Falling Kite ; or, a Story to show the Folly of
Pride 82
The Raven and the Cock ; or, a Story to show the Folly of
storing the Mind with useless Knowledge 84
The Old Fish and the Young Ones ; or, a Story to show
the Dangers of Temptation 86
The Drowning Boy and Dog ; or, a Story to show the Ex-
cellence of Humanity 89
The Lost Dog ; or, a Fable to show the Folly and Wicked-
ness of Discontent 92
12 CONTENTS.
Page.
The Rat and her Young Ones ; or, a Story to show the
Wickedness of Falsehood and Deceit 96
The Discontented Dog ; or, a Story to show the Folly of
Caprice, or Love of changing our Situations 100
The Countryman and his Pig ; or, a Story to show the
Folly of Obstinacy 103
The Dog and his Master ; or, a Story to show the Necessi-
ty of keeping our Promises 106
Tit for Tat ; a Story to show the Necessity of doing to
others as we would be done by 109
The Pig in the Parlorj a Fable about Neatness 113
The Wolf and Lamb ; or, a Story to show the Wickedness
of Injustice 115
The Cock and the Fox ; or, a Story to show that one who
makes false Pretences, is likely to be detected 117
The Lion and the Bulls ; or, a Story to show the Necessi-
ty of Union and Friendship 119
The Dog and the Crocodile ; or, a Story to show the Ne-
cessity or Caution » 121
The Owl and Grasshopper ; or, a Story to show the Folly
of teasing our Neighbors 123
The Cat and the Fox ; or, a Story to show that Vanity and
Conceit may end in Shame 125
PARLEY'S FABLES.
THE CHILD AND SNAKE ;
Or, a Story to show that what is beautiful may not be
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A LITTLE BOY was one day walking in a field.
It was summer, and the weather was warm and
pleasant. The grass was green, and there were
many flowers in full bloom.
14 PARLEYS FABLES.
The boy was delighted as he ran along : some-
times he stopped to pick the red blossoms of the
clover, and then to gather the yellow tops of the
wild lily: sometimes he would listen to the
meadow lark, that sang from the top of a tree ;
and sometimes he would chase the butterflies
that flew before him.
Thus he went on for a full hour. At length
he came to a thick group of bushes. They cast
a pleasant shade upon the ground, and the child
sat down beneath them.
While he was there, a creature came gliding
through the grass, and wound itself around the
trunk of a tree that was near. It seemed a beau-
tiful thing to the little child, for it was of a glossy
brown, with many bright and beautiful colors
upon it.
Beside all this, it moved hi d graceful manner,
and seemed so gentle and mild, that the boy
arose, and approached it. But no sooner did be
PARLEY'S FABLES. 15
come near, than the creature made a sharp rat-
tling noise with its tail, raised up its head,
flourished its tongue, and seemed to say, *' Come
no farther, or I will bite you !"
The little boy was alarmed, and ran away :
and it is well that he did so, for the creature
was a rattlesnake. When he got home, he
told his mother what he had seen, and she bade
him beware of such creatures, however pretty
might be their form, or however bright might
be their colors.
Now, I have told you this story for the pur-
pose of making you, remember that a thing is
not good, merely because it is beautiful. The
serpent seemed a lovely thing to the boy, but
it had sharp teeth, and a poisonous tongue, and
if he had gone too near, the serpent would have
killed him.
Thus it often happens, that what is pleas-
ant to the eye, is full of danger ; and young
16
PARLEY'S FABLES.
people should take care how they are enticed hy
mere beauty. A little boy or girl may have
a handsome face, or be finely dressed ; but if
they are not good, they cannot be loved.
THE BOY AND THE ROSE ;
Or, a Story to show the Folly of Disobedience.
A LITTLE BOY one day asked his mother il he
might walk in the garden. She told him to go
PARLEY'S FABLES. it
with his sister, but directed him to do nothing
but what she might say was right.
The two children went together, and were
much pleased with the plants and the flowers.
At length the boy saw a rose, and was going to
pick it. His sister told him not to pick the
rose ; but he would not obey her.
He ran to the bush, and snatched the rose
by the stem. But, alas, how bitterly did he
repent his folly 1 The stem of the rose was
covered with thorns, and his little hand was
soon covered with blood.
This little story should teach children never
to be disobedient. It shows us that what may
seem very pleasant, may do us harm, if we
take it rashly ; and that it is much better to take
the advice of those who are older and wiser than
ourselves. Above all, children should never dis-
obey their parents.
18
PARLEY'S FABLEJ
THE SPIDER TURNED OUT OF HIS HOUSE;
Or, the Wickedness of doing Wro7ig to Another^ be-
cause we happen to he stronger than he.
Every body knows that a spider is fond of
forming his web in the corner of a room. When
his web is done, he waits patiently till some silly
fly is caught by the fine threads ; he then rushes
out, binds the poor buzzing creature round and
round, and at his leisure devours him.
Now, a spider had one day got his web all
nicely arranged in the corner of a room, when
PARLEY'S FABLES. 19
the house-maid, with a broom, came and brushed
it away. The spider went tumbling upon the
floor ; but he hid himself behind a table, till the
maid was gone.
He then crawled up the wall, and, finding his
web destroyed, he went to another spider, who
had a nice web in the garden among the flow-
ers. He did not hesitate a moment, but
crawled into it, and, being stronger than his
neighbor, drove him out, and took possession of
his place.
Now, whenever a child snatches or takes away
a thing from another who is younger and weaker,
he is like the cruel and selfish spider, who robs
his neighbor, merely because he has strength to
do it. I hope none of my little readers will
ever imitate this vile spider.
go PARLEY'S FABLES.
THE CARRIER-PIGEON;
O?', being husy and persevering in what we have to do.
Did you ever see a pigeon ? What a glossy
neck he has ! and how swiftly he flies ! In some
countries, there is a kind of bird called the
carrier-pigeon^ because he is made to carry let-
ters from one place to another.
There was once a carrier-pigeon, with a letter
tied to his neck, who flew forty miles in forty
minutes ! '^ Pray how do you manage to travel
so fast ?" said some of his companions, ^''l go
PARLEY'S FABLES. 2l
straight forward ^"^"^ said the pigeon. *^ I do not
stop by the way : I look not to the right hand
or the left : I take the shortest way, and losef
no time."
It is thus that children should pursue any ob-
ject that is set before them. In study, they
should lose no time ; in running of an errand,
they should go straight forward. In doing any
duty, they should imitate the pigeon, turn not to
the right or left, take the shortest course, and
perform their task with diligence.
22
PARLEY'S FABLES.
THE TWO GOLDFINCHES;
\S. Story of Friendshij) or Kindness of one Person for
another.
There were oAce two birds, called goldr-
finches^ shut up together in a cage. Here they
remained for a long time, and, as was natu-
ral, they became very fond of each other.
They would sit together upon the same perch,
for hours. If one sang, the other would sing
also ; and if one was sick, the other was very
PARLEY'S FABLES. 23
sad, and would not be happy till his little mate
was well again.
Well, it so happened that one of these birds
got out of the cage one day, and, with great
delight, flew away. How happy did he feel to
breathe the pure air, and glide, like an arrow,
over the tops cf the trees !
But, pretty soon, he began to think of his
mate in the cage. He then flew back, and, sit-
ting upon a tree that was near, begged him to
come out. But the bird in the cage was larger,
and could not get between the wires. "Well,"
said the other bird, '' I had rather be confined
with you in the cage, than enjoy my liberty
alone." So saying, he flew to the cage, and,
getting into it, declared he would never leave
his friend any more.
In this little story we see a good example of
that kindness and love which should make us
willing to sufier, if there is need, for a friend in
24
PARLEY'S FABLES.
distress. Children should sometimes give up
their pleasures to their playmates, or brothers
and sisters, rather than enjoy them alone.
THE BEES AND THE DRONES ;
Or, a Story to show the Folly of Idleness,
A HIVE of bees employed themselves indus-
triously, during the summer, in collecting a quan-
tity of honey for their use in w^inter. They
arose early in the morning, and v^ent busily from
flower to flov^er, in all the neighboring gardens,
PARLEY'S FABLES. 25
and visited the fields for the purpose of sucking
the honey from the sweet clover and other blos-
soms. When the work was all done, and the
winter approached, the drones, who had eaten
all their honey as fast as they procured it, went
into the hive, expecting to share with the indus-
trious and frugal bees.
But their hopes were disappointed :• the bees
told them that they should have provided for
their own wants, and, as they had not done so,
and had idled away all their time, they must
suffer for their foolishness. The bees then
drove them all away from the hive, and they
soon perished with hunger.
This story should teach men and women to
employ their time industriously, and not be idle,
and expect others to work for them. Every
person should provide for himself, that he may
not suffer or perish like the idle drones. Even
little children should not be idle. They should,
2
26
PARLEY'S FABLES.
very early, learn to spend their time well, either
in study, healthful play, or work. An idle
child, though his parents may be rich, will
probably be a useless drone in society ; unhap-
py himself, and a burden to others.
THE ARCHER AND THE ARROW;
Or, a Story to show the Folly of Injustice,
An archer set up a mark against a tree, took
out his bow, and amused himself by trying to
send the arrow into the centre of the circle.
PARLEY'S FABLES. 27
He made several attempts, bat without success.
He then vented his anger against the arrow,
and accused it of being the cause of his dis-
appointment.
" You are unjust," said the arrow. "It is
you who direct me, and therefore you are the
only one to blame."
It is an idle and wicked practice of some
persons to charge others with guilt, which lies
at their own door. We should teach chil-
dren to be wiser, and never to try to hide
their own faults by laying the blame on those
who are innocent. It is not only wicked, but
foolish ; for candor is a great virtue, and a frank
confession of a fault always ensures forgiveness
and approbation.
28 PARLEY'S FABLES.
THE THUNDER CLOUDS;
O?', a Story to show the Folly of Quarrelling.
Two clouds, filled with rain, and very black
and threatening, were blown by the wind, in
opposite directions, and, of course, met one an-
other. Each insisted that the other should give
way, and make room for a passage. But neither
would yield, and both obstinately persisted in
keeping its place. So the winds pushed them
on, and they rushed furiously against each other,
PARLEY'S FABLES. 29
making a terrible convulsion. Thus they were
torn in pieces ; and, by their folly, both were
soon destroyed. Nor was this all : in the
strife, several houses were thrown to the ground,
barns and bridges were demolished, and many
people were killed.
This fable should teach children rather to
yield to their companions than to resist and
quarrel ; for by doing so, they are sure of
making themselves and others unhappy.
^sMj^^^^
30
PARLEY'S FABLES.
THE ELDER AND THE THORN-TREE ;
Or, a Story to show the Folly of thinking too highly of
ourselves.
In a fine garden, which had many trees and
shrubs in it, were an elder-tree and a thorn-
tree, w^hich grew side by side in a hedge.*
The elder, being taller than the thorn, looked
down upon it with contempt, and one day spoke
to it in abusive language.
* The little reader should know that a hedge is a fence made of
shrubs. In England, there are few other fences than thorn hedges.
PARLEY'S FABLES. 31
*' Why do you Stand so near me, you miser-
able, crook-backed old thorn ? You know that
you cannot be compared to me, either in use or
in beauty : indeed, you are fit for nothing but to
be burnt ; while I am tall and pleasing to the
eye; and, beside, I produce berries, that will
make excellent wine, and my branches can be
cut into whistles for the children."
" I beg your pardon," said the thorn, mod-
estly ; ' ' but, to speak my mind, I think you are
very conceited, as well as very rude. Since I
am compelled by your impertinence to stand
up for myself, I will say, that I have no
doubt I am more useful than you are. In the
first place, I support the hedge by my strength,
and beautify it with my blossoms in the spring ;
and, by the prickly points in my branches, I
render the hedge an effectual barrier against all
unruly cattle."
While this conversation was going on, the
32 FARLEY'S FABLES.
owner of the garden walked up to them with
his gardener. '' I am going to take awaj this
hedge," said he, ''but do not destroy the old
thorn. Cut it carefully, and preserve it, as it
will make me a nice walking-stick. As for the
elder, it is good for nothing but to burn." The
two trees looked at one another: the elder
looked sadly ashamed, but the thorn said not a
word.
This story should teach us not to think more
highly of ourselves than of others, as time very
often shows that they are more useful, and of
more consequence, than we can ever be. It
sometimes happens that persons who are hand-
some or well dressed, are much less pleasing and
useful than those who are homely or dressed in
a plain way. Those who do the best are the
most worthy of esteem, and are best loved.
PARLEY'S FABLES. 33
Or, a Story to shoiv the Wicl-cedness of deceiving others
hj ]jretended Kindness.
A YOUNG lamb, having strayed a little way
from his mother, a careful old sheep, acci-
dentally ran a thorn into his foot, which gave
him great pain. While he was limping about, a
wolf came by, and, seeing his situation, asked
him, in a kind manner, what was the matter with
his foot. " I have got a thorn into it," said the
poor lamb, *^ and I wish I could get it out, for
it hurts me very much. I am going to my
mother, whom you see yonder, to see if she can
cure me."
" You need not go so far," said the wolf.
*' If you will come a little way with me to my
house, I will cure you. I know a great deal,
about these things, and have cured a great
3
34 PARLEY'S FABLES.
many poor little lambs like you. Come, come
with me. We will walk slowly." So saying,
he led the unsuspicious lamb out of the sight
of his mother, and then, turning round suddenly,
said, «' This is the only cure I know of," and
instantly devoured him.
It is always wicked to injure another ; but
to pretend to be a friend to another, and, after
obtaining his confidence, to betray and injure
him, is the basest and most detestable kind of
wickedness. Whoever is guilty of such con-
duct, ought to be shunned, and hunted from
society, as the shepherd hunts the wolf.
PARLEY'S FABLES.
35
THE RIVAL SNAILS;
Or J a Story to show the Danger of Ambition^ or a Love
of Superiority.
One day, a party of snails, on the side of
a house, ^^re reposing in the sun, when one
of them proposed that they should all set out
together, and see which could first reach the
top of the house. To this they agreed; and,
accordingly, they all slowly began to ascend
the wall.
Two of them went a little way, and as they
36 PARLEY'S FABLES.
felt very tired, they stopped^ and would go no
farther. Two more went on patiently till they
reached half way, when they also gave up
all idea of proceeding.
One alone, who was stronger than the rest,
drew near the top ; and from this height he
looked down, and, seemg his companions so far
below him, he could not suppress his contempt
and derision. But in the midst of his exaltation,
he grew giddy, and, letting go his hold, fell down
on the pavement with such force as to dash him
in nieces.
Let us learn from this, that if we are
endowed with superior capacities, or^are favored
with better success than others, we must not be
vain and boastful, and look upon our inferiors
with contempt; for our very superiority may
be the source of danger, and w^e may not
only lose all the advantages we possess, but
actually become weaker than those we once
PARLEY'S FABLES.
31
despised. It is right to make exertions to excel
in all that is good and right ; but if our efforts
are crowned with success, let us bear our good
fortune with modesty, and treat others, below us
in life, with greater kindness.
THE GOOSE AND THE COLT ;
Or^ a Story to show the Cruelty of laughing at ike
Misfortunes of others.
A YOUNG colt, who was scampering about the
fields, and enjoying himself very much, met a
38 PARLEY'S FABLES.
poor goose, who had been lately stripped of her
feathers to supply the wants of her master.
The colt, instead of pitying her condition, only
laughed at the figure she made, and, snorting
with contempt, turned away, waved his tail,
kicked up his heels, and bounded off into the
fields.
Now, it happened that, soon after this, the
colt's master thought it best to catch this same
colt, put a rope around his neck, and cut off his
ears and tail. Having done this, he turned him
into the field, where, after a few days, he
chanced to meet the goose. "Aha!" says the
old bird ; "so you have lost your ears and tail, I
see ! Whose turn is it to laugh now ? Look
at me. You see that nature is supplying me
with new feathers, to take the place of those I
lost ; but who will restore to you your ears
and tail?"
This story may show us the folly of laughing
PARLEY'S FABLES.
39
at the misfortunes of those we may chance to
meet in life ; and we may rest assured, that
whoever turns others into ridicule, will be
treated in the same way, if he ever becomes
unfortunate.
THE CANDLE AND THE CANDLESTICK ;
Or, a Story to shoiv our Dependence upon one another.
Upon a table in a comfortable parlor stood a
candlestick, with a lighted candle in it, which
burned brightly, and gave every thing a cheerful
40 PARLEY'S FABLES.
and gay appearance. As it saw itself reflected
from all the bright objects in the room, and
observed its radiance in an opposite mirror, the
conceited candle was filled with admiration of
its power and beauty, and looked with contempt
upon the candlestick that supported it.
"You poor, miserable candlestick," said the
tall piece of tallow, " of what use are you, but
to wait upon me?" "Be not so proud," said
the candlestick. "Only consider what you
would be without me. If I did not hold you up,
you would sink down prostrate upon the table ;
your light would be extinguished, and your
utility and beauty would be at an end. I am of
more importance to you than you are to me ;
therefore do not treat me with contempt, merely
because my station is not quite so high as yours ;
let us rather live in peace, and acknowledge, with
kindness, the obligations we owe one to another.'*
This story may show that we are alJ
PARLEY'S FABLES. 41
dependent upon each other. The rich are
necessary to the poor ; the poor are necessary to
the rich. The rich without the poor would be
like the candle ; the poor without the rich would
be like the useless candlestick, without a
candle.
THE BOYS AND THE ICE ;
Or, a Story to show the Danger of Disobedience,
A NICE pond in a field being frozen over on
a cold day, some little boys asked leave of their
42 PARLEY'S FABLES.
parents to go and slide upon it. But they were
told not to go, as the ice was not yet thick
enough to bear them.
But these foolish children thought they knew
best. The pond, they said, had been frozen over
since the day before, and looked as if it were
quite safe.
So they all went to the pond. Going upon
the edge, and finding it did not break, they
ventured farther and farther, till they were near
the middle, saying to one another that their
parents did not understand ice as well as they
did. But just as they were boasting in this
way, the ice broke with a terrible crash, and all
but two of these rash and disobedient children
were drowned.
It would be well if children would be
obedient to their parents, who are better judges
than they, of what is safe and best, without
such bitter experience as they often meet with.
PARLEY'S FABLES. 43
Disobedience is generally punished in some way
or other, and often very severely.
THE FLOWER GARDEN AND WEEDS;
Otj a Story to show the Sorrow which wicked Children
cause their Parents.
A GENTLEMAN had a fine garden, which was
well situated, and which he cultivated with the
greatest care. In the spring, he procured some
44 PARLEY'S FABLES.
seeds of all sorts, and sowed them in the beds.
He watered them every morning, and watched
for the time of their appearance above ground
with the greatest anxiety. But what was his
disappointment to find that the weeds grew up
so thick and close, that they choked the seeds,
which had no room to grow !
*' Ah," said he, "I fondly hoped that the
garden I had taken so much care of, would repay
me for my trouble ! I expected to see a variety
of beautiful and fragrant flowers, which I
might enjoy myself and show to my friends.
But, instead of this, I see nothing before me
but rank weeds, which have neither use nor
beauty. Alas ! how great are my mortification
and disappointment ! "
This story may serve to illustrate the sorrow
of those parents, who, having taken pains to
train up their children in the way in which they
PARLEYS FABLES. 45
should go, Still find them disobedient and wick^
ed. Alas ! how bitter is the misery of a father
or a mother, to find, that the good seeds they
have sown in the minds of their children
produce no fruit, while the rank weeds of vice
spring up and flower, and cover the soil with
their luxuriance !
I hope my little readers will remember this
tale, and not grieve the hearts of those who
love them most dearly, by rejecting what is
good, and only cherishing what is evil.
46
PARLEY'S FABLES.
THE FOREST TREES;
Orj a Story to show the Folly of Boasting.
M^J
B''i
^^R
J:^t^'jS'<^^s^m
w^S
^H^
^^Bj
j^^nsumN]^
M('iiils!\ J ^z' a^P^*^
E8!^^'sraB
^^^^^^(7jt!i^&£f >t
T^^^H
s
^^r
^^H
l^^^^m,
W^.:^^
^y
^^^%
In a fine forest of trees of various kinds, there
were several which were holding a conversation
upon their particular beauty, use, strength, size,
and other qualifications. Some boasted of one
thing, and some of another.
One of the tallest and finest trees said,
proudly, '* Which of you, my friends, is so tall
and straight as I am ? I am the stateliest tree
PARLEY'S FABLES. 47
in the forest." Another said, " Which of you
is as strong as I am ? I have stood in the storm
for years, and no blast has been able to bend or
break me down. I am the strongest tree in the
forest."
A third said, " Which of you is so graceful as
I am? My branches all wave in the breeze,
in the most elegant manner. I am the most
graceful tree in the forest." Another said,
" You may all boast of your size, strength and
elegance, but when winter has stripped you of
your verdure, how naked and desolate you
appear, w^hile I am clothed in everlasting green !
I am the only tree worth looking at. I am
the brightest and most unfading tree in the
forest."
While these vain trees were thus talking,
each trying to appear better than the others,
the owner of the forest came, with his wood-
48 PARLEY'S FABLES.
cutter, to mark some trees which he wished to
have cut down. The tall, the strong, the grace-
ful, and the evergreen tree, were all selected,
and, in another hour, were laid lo¥/ bj the axe,
and cut up for use.
Thus you see how vain it is to boast of any
qualifications we possess, as, like these boastful
trees, we have not the power to ensure their
continuance. We do not know that the next
hour may not deprive iis of them.
PARLEY'S FABLES. 49
THE COW AND THE CLOVER;
Or^ a Story to show the Danger of Greediness.
A cow, that was roaming at large, and felt
herself very hungry, saw a field full of fine
clover not far off and instantly set out towards
it, that she might satisfy her appetite. The
clover was very sweet and fresh, and the cow
found it so delicious, that she ate without con-
sidering the consequences of her greediness, and
filled herself so full that she died in a short
time. M
50 PARLEY'S FABLES.
A horse, who entered the field just at this
moment, seeing the cow's misfortune, said,
" Poor unfortunate glutton ! If you had but
known how to control your appetite, you would
be yet alive^ to enjoy your food another time.
But you rather chose to enjoy all at once, and
have thus put an end to your life. I will profit
by your experience, and eat sparingly, that 1
may be alive to-morrow."
Let children learn from this story to beware
of greediness. It is better to lay by a part of
our good things for another time, and not devour
them all at once, that we may not suffer for our
folly, like this silly cow.
PARLEY'S FABLES. 61
THE VESSEL WITHOUT A PILOT;
Or, a Story to show the Importance of good Advice,
and the JVecessity of following it.
There was once a stately vessel, which was
very impatient to leave the port. Her sails
were hoisted, her flag waved in the breeze, and
she heaved merrily where she was anchored upon
the tumbling sea. She therefore sent for the
pilot, and told him to come on board and take
command, and guide her safely out of the port,
till she should be upon the broad bosom of
52 PARLEYS FABLES.
the deep. But, the weather being stormy, and
the sea very rough, the pilot told the ship that
it would be dangerous to go, and that, if she
did not wait, she would probably be dashed to
pieces, and he should lose his life.
** Coward that thou art ! " said the ship ; " you
are afraid to go, I perceive ; but you need not go ;
I will venture alone. I shall do very well with-
out you, you will see." So she broke from her
anchor, and, with swelling sails, went from the
port without any guide. The waves carried her
out, and for a while she rode in a very stately
manner on the water.
'* How finely I go 1" said she. '*I need no
guide and no rudder. There is no danger here.
I ride upon the water ; and, though it is a little
rough, it does me no harm," While speaking
in this boasting manner, she suddenly struck
upon a rock which w^as hidden under the water,
and, splitting with a terrible crash, the waters
PARLEY'S FABLES. 53
broke through her sides, and she sank to the
bottom in an instant.
How many little children there are like this
vain ship ! They are very apt to think that
they can go any w^here, and do any thing, in
their own way, and without any guide. But
let them remember, that their parents are the
only sure and safe pilots, who know perfectly the
dangers that surround them. If any boy or girl
is tempted to do any thing without a parent's
advice, or contrary to a parent's will, let them
remember the sad wreck of the wilful ship,
who disdained to take a pilot's counsel.
54 PARLEY'S FABLES.
THE WAX AND MOULD CANDLE:
Or, a Story to show that we are all more or less de-
j)endent upon others,
A WAX and a mould candle, which were placed
on a stand, began to dispute with one another as
to which gave the best and brightest light. The
wax candle contended that its light was more
clear, and the mould candle insisted that its
flame was larger.
^'You foolish and contentious candles," said
one of the candlesticks, " of what use are you
more than we are, till you are lighted? Can
you either of you burn till some person has first
set you on fire. Therefore, from this, learn hu-
mility, and do not quarrel about trifles."
This fable may serve to remind us of what
is very true — that we are all dependent upon
others. Alone, we can do but little. It is
PARLEY'S FABLES. 55
necessary for us to have the help of others, in
every important, and, indeed, in every trifling
concern of life ; there is nothing that we can do,
therefore, which should feed our pride ; but
there is much to teach us lessons of humility.
THE CHILD AND THE RAINBOW;
Or, a Story to show the jieeting JYature of Pleasures
and Riches.
*' My dear mother," said a little boy to his
mother, " it has done raining, the sun is bright,
56 PARLEY'S FABLES.
and only see what a beautiful bow there is in
the sky! " '' Yes, my child," said his mother,
'' that beautiful arch is the rainbow. Count the
colors, and you will find there are seven- — violet,
indigo, blue, green, yellow, orange, and red."
'' I will get a chair," said the boy, "and get
up at the window, that I may see it more dis-
tinctly, and count the colors you speak of. I
cannot distinguish the yellow from the orange,
till I get up on the chair."
So the little child did as he desired, but was
disappointed to find, that, while he was making
preparations to enjoy the sight, the bow had
vanished from the sky.
Let us, my young friends, learn to bear in
mind, that many things, such as youth, beauty,
pleasure and riches,, are almost as fleeting as
the rainbow; and though they may please us
for a time, yet they vanish and appear no more.
PARLEY'S FABLES. 57
THE WATCHMAKER AND THE TIME-PIECE;
Or, a Siory to show the Evil of Hypocrisy.
Among the beautiful clocks and watches in a
watchmaker's shop, was a time-piece, which
was so handsome that it attracted the attention
of every one who entered the shop.
" Pray sir, can you recommend this clock?"
said a lady to the watchmaker. ''I am in search
of a good one ; and if this is as good as it is hand-
some, it will answer my purpose completely."
" Madam," said the watchmaker, " I am
sorry I cannot in honor recommend it. I do not
wish to deceive my customers, and therefore
have never been able to sell that clock. It is
as beautiful a time-piece as I ever saw, but it is
very deceitful ; for, to confess the truth, it will
not go."
This story should teach us not always to
judge by appearances. There are some persons
3*
58 PARLEY'S FABLES.
who have a fair outside, with a wicked or de-
ceitful heart within. Such persons, like the
clock in the story, are useless, and will con-
stantly be avoided ; while others, of less favor-
able appearance, will be loved and happy, if
they possess good and useful qualities.
THE YOUNG CATERPILLAR AND THE ROOK;
Or, a Story to show the Folly of ignorant Boasting and
pretended Knowledge.
A YOUNG caterpillar one day climbed to the
top of a currant-bush, to take a view of what
w^as going on below. Delighted with the ex-
tensive prospect, he crawled down again to his
companions, who were feeding on the leaves
there, and boasted of the sights he had seen.
«' Why," said he, <' I can see the whole world
from the top of this bush."
PARLEY'S FABLES. 59
On a lofty elm that stood near them, was a
rook, who had perched upon the topmost branch.
He overheard the vain boast of the silly cater-
pillar, and thus addressed him, much to his
mortification : —
" You say you have seen the world," said
she : '' why, look at me ; how much higher I am
than you ! and how much more can I see than
you can ! and yet I do not boast ; for I know but
little, and cannot see far, because I cannot fly
high.
"But the lark can mount even above the
clouds, and can look all around her to a great
distance ; and yet there are countries far beyond
her sight. Learn humility from this rebuke,
and, instead of boasting of the little knowledge
you possess, try to gain more." The caterpillar
slunk behind his companions, and was never
heard to boast afterwards.
Those people who know but little are very
60 PARLEY'S FABLES.
apt to boast, while those who know a great
deal are anxious to acquire still more knowl-
edge.
THE LITTLE BOY AND THE MOON;
Or, a Story to show the Folly of wishing for what we
cannot have.
A LITTLE BOY, whose parents indulged him
in all his wishes, and gave him every thing
he desired, saw, one evening, the moon shining
brightly in the sky, and thought it so beautiful,
that he wished to have it to play with.
He, accordingly, asked his mother to reach it,
and give it to him. '^ My dear," said his in-
dulgent parent, '' the moon is too high for me
to reach. It is many, many miles off. You
should have it if I could get it ; but I cannot.
Ask for something more reasonable."
But the spoiled child, accustomed to have cJl
PARLEY'S FABLES. 61
his wishes gratified, could not bear to be de-
prived of this pretty plaything, the moon, and
began to cry bitterly, and complain of his
mother. She could not pacify him, and now
began to see the folly of having indulged him so
much.
I dare say that all my readers think the little
child I have been speaking of very foolish and
very unreasonable ; but let them take care that
they, too, do not tease their parents for things
they cannot have. Children that are very much
indulged, are soon spoiled ; and then they are
never satisfied. They soon grow tired of one
thing, and then want another; and thus they
make themselves and every body around them
unhappy. Parents should be very careful, there-
fore, how they indulge their children ; for they
may make them very disagreeable by such
means.
62
PARLEY'S FABLES.
THE FROG AND HIS NEIGHBORS;
Or, a Story to show the Evil of putting off doing a
Thing till another Time.
A FROG, who had made his dwelling in a bank
of earth near an old hedge, was one day very
much alarmed by hearing a man say, who was
working not far off, that he was going to re-
move the hedge, and dig down the bank, in a
day or two.
The frog instantly set to work, and removed
PARLEY'S FABLES. 63
his habitation to another ditch hard by, for he
was afraid that the laborer would destroy his
house, and that he should lose his life. He
also told all his neighbors of the man's inten-
tion, and warned them of their danger ; but
they only laughed at him, and called him a
silly old croaker.
The next day, as the frog found that the
man had already begun his work, he went again
to his neighbors, and told them of their peril.
" Do you not see," said he, " that the hedge
is already pulled down, and that the bank can-
not long remain ?"
*' Mind your own affairs," said the uncivil
frogs, '• and we will mind ours. We have
time enough before us. We surely know as
well as you when it is necessary to leave our
homes. We are very happy and comfortable
here, and will not go till it is time."
Notwithstanding the insults and ingratitude
64 PARLEY'S FABLES.
he met with, this wise and kind-hearted frog,
seeing the dwellings of his friends on the verge
of destruction, went again to expostulate with
them, and told them that, if they did not all
remove immediately, they would certainly lose
their. lives. "Well, well, we will remove to-
morrow," said the frogs.
To-morrow came, but the lazy frogs had not
removed ; and they were all killed or wounded,
and their dwellings destroyed. The frog, who
had warned his neighbors, was all the time safe
and snug in his house. He lamented the fate
of his friends, but confessed that those who put
off till to-morrow what ought to be done to-
day, can expect no better fortune.
Let this fable teach us all never to procras-
tinate, or put off till another time that which
should be done now. To-morrow may never
come ; and if it does, if we are too idle to do
our duty to-day, it is likely we shall be too idle
to do it to-morrow.
PARLEY'S FABLES. 66
THE EARTH-WORM AND THE BEE;
Orj a Story to show that there are different Kinds of
Enjoyment and Happiness,
" What an easy, quiet life I lead ! " said a
worm one day, who had just crawled out of a
heap of earth. *' Here I live, from day to day,
with my food before me ; and my bed is ready
made wherever I choose to lay myself."
" Poor bee ! how busy you are obliged to be
all day, to provide yourself with food ! And, be-
side that, as there are no flowers in winter to
5
66 PARLEY'S FABLES.
supply your honey, you must work hard all the
fine summer, to lay up a store of food for the
cold weather. How you must envy me ! I
am not obliged to lay up any food for the fu-
ture. There is always plenty of rich mud
wherever I go ; and nothing can be better than
to enjoy it."
" Poor crawling creature," said the bee,
" how little you know of my pleasures ! You,
who are satisfied with the bottom of a ditch,
can have no idea of my enjoyments. You can-
not, of course, imagine the bliss I feel in flying
from flower to flower, in drinking the dew, and
extracting the delicious honey."
This poor grovelling earth-worm may serve
to illustrate the character of those who think
only of the pleasures of this world, and know
nothing of the happiness which springs from re-
ligion. The bee is like one whose heart is filled
with love, and who, instead of creeping upon the
PARLEY'S FABLES. 67
earth, soars into the sky, and derives his enjoy-
ments, sweet as the honey of flowers, from
truth, chai-ity, and hope of happiness in heaven.
THE TWO ROSES;
Or J a Story to show the Foolishness of Vanity.
On the borders of a pond, situated in a beau-
tiful flower-garden, two roses grew side by side.
They were both lovely, but not equally modest.
One of them never thought of her beauty and
attractions ; but the other one thought of little
68 PARLEY'S FABLES.
else, and constantly admired her fair face, as it
was reflected in the clear bosom of the pond.
" My dear friend," said the modest rose to
her one day, **how can you be vain of what is
so transient ? The beauty, of which you are so
proud, you may be deprived of in an hour :
some fair hand may pluck you from the stem, to
aid in adorning her bouquet ; or a strong wind
may come, and scatter your pink leaves on the
gravel-walk; or even a worm may feast upon
them, and deface them."
" I do not fear any of these threatened evils,"
said the other rose : «'if I am plucked, I shall
still be lovely and admired; and as for the
wind or the worm, they would not have the
presumption to approach me." As the silly
flower thus spoke, a strong east wind suddenly
rose, and, stripping the leaves of the rose, sent
them whirling over the bosom of the pond.
This story may shovv^ young people the folly
PARLEY'S FABLES. 69
of admiring themselves, and of being vain of
that which sickness or death may destroy in an
hour. Let them rather wish to make then-
minds lovely ; for these are imperishable, and
may flourish forever.
THE ANGRY MONKEY;
Or, a Story to show the Folly of Revenge.
A MONKEY, who had been offended by some
of his companions, climbed up into an old crazy
building, which was near falling, and, picking out
bricks, stones and bits of wood, amused himself
by pelting such of his fellow monkeys as came
in his way.
A wise old ape, who had screened himself
behind a large beam, to avoid getting hurt, put
out his head cautiously, and remonstrated with
his cruel neighbor, telling him, among other
things, that he would himself get hurt ; for the
70 PARLEY'S FABLES.
building was old, and, if he did not take heed,
it would tumble down upon him. ** It is not
worth while," said he, '* to revenge yourself at
the expense of your own life."
But the monkey was so angry, and found
such gratification in the indulgence of his spite,
that he did not mind the kind warning of his
friend, the ape, but went on pelting all he
could see, with sticks, stones and brick-bats.
But, at length, while he was trying to pull out
a larger piece of timber, he loosened the raf-
ters, and the roof suddenly fell in with a great
crash, and buried the monkey in the ruins.
How dangerous, as well as wicked, it is to
indulge a spirit of revenge ! It not only hardens
our hearts to the pain we inflict upon others,
but it makes us blind or indifferent to the most
serious evils, which the indulgence of our pas-
sions may bring upon ourselves.
PARLEY'S FABLES. 71
THE FOX AND SPANIEL;
Or, a Story to show the Evil of keeping bad Company.
A FOX and spaniel met each other frequently,
till, at last, they became acquainted, and were so
fond of each other's society, that they were
seldom separated. The spaniel followed the
fox in all his rambles, and was the witness of all
his depredations. Sometimes the fox went into
the hen-roost, and stole a hen or chicken ; some-
times he stole a lamb from the hill-side; and
sometimes he ran off with a pig that was astray
in the woods. On all these occasions, he was
attended by his playmate, the spaniel.
Well, one day the fox entered a fine barn-
yard, where there was a great deal of poultry
of all kinds, — hens, turkeys, geese and ducks,—
attended, as usual, by his companion, the spaniel.
Prowling along carefully, so that he might not
72 PARLEY'S FABLES.
be seen, the fox slyly drew near a fine fat goose,
which he intended for his dinner.
Just as he had seized the poor bird, and was
bearing him off, the poultry set up so loud a
cackling, as to call the attention of the farmer,
who was at work in a field close by. Seemg
the mischief, he seized a loaded gun, and fired
at the fox and dog just as they were leaving
the yard.
The shot wounded both the animals, who fell
down instantly. The farmer came up, and,
seizing the fox, he knocked him on the head,
saying, " Rogue and thief that thou art ! this is
the last goose of mine thou shalt steal, and I
know well that it is not the first meal you have
made from my poultry-yard."
Then, turning to the dog, he said, " And you,
too, shall die!" " O, dear sir," said the poor
spaniel, '' do not kill me. I do not deserve to
die. I never stole a goose in my life." ^' How
PARLEY'S FABLES. 73
can I believe what you say ? " said the farmer.
" I find you in company with the fox, and
therefore you must suffer with him." So say-
ing, he killed him without more words.
If children do not wish to be thought wicked
and bad, do not let them keep company with
those children who are so ; for, if they do not
become as bad as they are, they will suffer dis-
grace by being found in their company.
4 . >
74
PARLEY'S FABLES.
THE RATS AND THE BARLEY;
Or^ a Story to show the Folly and Wickedness of Ex-
travagance and Waste.
Some rats, who lived in a garret, were well
pleased, one day, to see a man deposit a large
sack of barley in the corner. " There," said
the man, " is a fine quantity, and will last me a
long time. Here it must be quite safe."
*' Not so safe as you think, master," said a
pert young rat, when the farmer had closed the
door. " Come, my friends ; we have been
PARLEY'S FABLES. 75
nearly starved lately : now is the time to enjoy
ourselves. As the man said, ' This w^ill last us
some time.' We can eat without fear of getting
soon to the end of it."
All the rats now assembled to partake of the
feast, and found the fresh-picked grain truly
delicious. They continued eating voraciously
from day to day, till this bountiful supply was
all gone. The winter had now set in, and the
ground was covered with snow. The improvi-
dent rats had now no provision, and were in
danger of all dying of hunger.
" How foolish we were," said one of them,
" to eat it all so greedily, without thinking of
the winter ! If we had not been so wasteful
and extravagant, there would have been enough
barley to last till summer; but now I suppose
we must all starve."
Those who are extravagant may be sure that,
sooner or later, they will be in want. Let us
76
PARLEY'S FABLES.
rather act wisely for the future, than live only
for the present ; for we may be certain that, if
we are careless and wasteful, we shall suffer.
THE TWO ROOKS
Or, a Story to show the Uncertainty of Happiness,
Two young rooks, who had just chosen each
other for mates, began to build their nest in a
tall tree, which was occupied by many other
rooks of their acquaintance. One of them
picked up sticks to form the ground-work of the
PARLEY'S FABLES. 77
nest, while the other gathered -fine roots and
grass to line it with.
In this happy condition, they congratulated
each other on the probability of years of happi-
ness in this abode, as they were much too high
to be troubled by wicked boys, and too near the
town for birds of prey to venture near them.
It was delightful to observe the care with
which they provided food for their nestlings, and
the assiduity with which they watched them.
And when their labors were over, and sleep had
overcome their little charge, what a clear, sweet
song of gratitude they poured from their throats,
as if to express their happiness and rapture !
But this did not last long. The owner of the
grounds where the tree stood, being rather an-
noyed by the continued noise of these happy
little songsters, one day took his gun, and, firing
into the midst of the flock, killed a number of
them.
78 PARLEY'S FABLES.
The two poor rooks we have been talking of
were the first that fell. As they lay wounded
on the ground close to each other, they turned
then- eyes up to the tree where they had been
so happy, murmured a faint farewell, and in-
stantly expired.
When we are happy, we should enjoy our-
selves, but never forget that our blessings may
be taken away, as all schemes of earthly hap-
piness are uncertain. We should therefore live
prepared for disappointment, that, when it
comes, it may not overcome us.
PARLEY'S FABLES.
79
THE FLIES AND THE SPIDER;
Or, a Story to show the Danger of not taking good
Advice.
'* Good morning, my young friend," said an
old fly to a young one, on a fine day in autumn.
" It is a delightful day, and thje fields and gar-
dens smell sweetly ; but I beg of you not to go
into any of them."
'« I have just flown ove them, and I saw our
enemies, the spiders, very busily at work weav-
ing webs for our destruction, on every tree and
80 PARLEY'S FABLES.
bush. You are young and inexperienced, and
will certainly get caught. You had better be
contented here, and buzz around the flowers at
the windows."
" O, thank you for your advice," said the
young fly ; "I will take care of myself. My
sight is very good, and I surely cannot run into
danger, if I keep my eyes open." So saying,
he left the pleasant parlor, and made the best
of his way to the garden, which was filled with
flowers of every description, and trees and
shrubs of all kinds.
The foolish creature, far from remembering
the advice that was so kindly given him, went
directly to the arbor, which was covered with a
honeysuckle, and buzzed about it with delight.
But what was his horror to find himself sud-
denly entangled in a web, which was partly
concealed under a broad leaf !
While he struggled hard, vainly endeavoring
PARLEY'S FABLES. 81
to extiicate himself, he was watched by the
spider, who seemed pleased to observe his use-
less efforts. At length, he ran up to him,
stuck his fangs into his side, and feasted upon
his blood.
'« Alas !" said the dying fly, when he was on
the point of expiring, "I was warned of my
danger by an old friend, but I thought I knew
best, and I did not follow his advice." *' That
was your fault, and not mine," said the spider,
and swallowed him up.
Many children, like this silly fly, run mto
danger, because they will not mind their parents'
advice, and because they think they know more
than those who are older and more experienced
than they.
82 PARLEY'S FABLES.
THE FALLING KITE;
Or, a Story to show the Folly of Pride,
A KITE, which had risen to a great height in
the air, and soared far above the tallest steeple,
and nearly to the clouds, looked down from his
exalted station with contempt, and thus ex-
pressed his disdain of all below : —
<^ How superior I am! " said he. '^ Who has
ever ascended so high as I have ? The king on
his throne is mean in comparison to me. I look
down upon towns and villages, and men, women
PARLEY'S FABLES. 83
and children look lilie mere specks. Poor, mean
creatures ! I despise them."
So saying, the proud kite shook his head in
derision, waved his long tail, and steered about
in various directions, so that he broke the string
that supported him, and, falling down vrith great
force from this height, w^as very much hurt,
" Ah !" said he, "if I had not soared so high,
I should not have fallen so far, and been bruised
so much."
We should beware of lookuig with contempt
on those beneath us, as a very trifling cause may
reduce us to a lower condition than those we
despise.
84 PARLEY'S FABLES.
THE RAVEN AND THE COCK ;
Or J a Story to show the Folly of storing the Mind tvitk
useless Knowledge,
A RAVEN promised a cock that he would one
day show him some curious things, which he did
not believe any other bird but himself possessed.
So, on one fine morning, the two set out, and
proceeded some distance, till they came to an
old wall, where the raven exhibited his hoards.
These consisted of old bones and stones, bits
of wood and leather, pieces of glass and china,
and a quantity of other things of the same de-
scription. " Have I not got quite a museum?"
said the raven. " What other bird of your ac-
quaintance has got so many fine things ?"
'« Pray tell me the use of them all," said the
wise old cock. *' You have indeed scraped to-
gether a rare and curious collection ; but to what
purpose have you got them together ? Can you
PARLEY'S FABLES. 85
eat them?" ''No, certainly not," said the
raven. " Can any of your friends eat them?"
rejoined the cock. " I should think not," said
the raven.
*' Can you make them useful in any way, to
yourself or others?" said his friend. "I am
afraid not," said the raven, looking very silly.
" Then I must say, that I think you are a great
simpleton, to spend all your time in laying up so
much useless trash," said the cock, and turn-
ed round, leaving the raven in stupid amaze-
ment.
Children, who fill their heads with idle non-
sense instead of useful knowledge, very much
resemble this foolish raven. It will neither
benefit their own minds, nor those of their
companions.
PARLEY'S FABLES.
THE OLD FISH AND THE YOUNG ONES;
Or, a Story to show the Dangers of Temptation.
A FISHERMAN One day took his station on the
bank of a clear stream, and, taking out his hook
and line, which he baited with great care, threw
them into the water. He then cunningly drew
the hook along, to deceive the poor fish who
were swimming below. Of these, there were
great numbers, both young and old.
The experienced old fishes did not venture
PARLEY'S FABLES. 87
near the bait, as they well knew the danger of
tasting it, and, seeing some foolish young ones
drawing near it, they warned them not to
touch it.
*' Do not be tempted to taste the worm,"
said they ; "it does but hide the sharp hook ;
and, though you do not see it, take our words
for it, who are older and wiser than you, that
the hook is covered with food only to deceive
you ; and if you get it once into your throats,
it is all over with you. The cunning fisherman
you see on the bank, will take you and fry you
for his dinner."
" I see no fisherman," said one of the little
fish, "and I see no hook. I only see a nice
worm tied to the end of a string. Come on,
my friends; I will taste first, and then each of
you shall have a nibble ; for it is as fine and
large a worm as I ever saw, and it is a great pity
88 PARLEY'S FABLES.
it should be wasted. See, it is now moving
away."
So saying, this bold young fish sprang at the
worm, and instantly swallowed the hook. The
fisherman drew him quickly from the water ; and
the silly little fish only lived long enough to
repent his folly.
How many temptations are there in the way
of children, which it is necessary they should
avoid ! It is sometimes very difficult, particular-
ly to the young, to avoid the danger; they
should, therefore, take the advice of their
parents and friends, who will help them to
resist temptation, and thus escape the evil to
which they are exposed.
PARLEY'S FABLES. 89
THE DROWNING BOY AND DOG;
Or, a Story to show the Excellence of Humanitij.
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A LITTLE BOY, who was playing by the side
of a small pond with his playmates, fell into the
water. He struggled hard, and made great
efforts to get out, but the bank was so high that
he could not. The boys and girls, who were
with him, cried and screamed for help ; but no
one was near to help them.
The poor little boy now gave up all for lost.
90 PARLEY'S FABLES.
His eyes, mouth and nose were so full of water,
that he could hardly breathe ; still he continued
to make great efforts to save himself. But his
strength was fast failing, and he expected that
he should soon be drowned.
This would indeed have been his fate, had
not a dog, that was passing by, heard his cries
and those of his companions. This noble ani-
mal ran to the pond, and, seeing the sad condi-
tion of the poor child, plunged into the water,
and seized him by his hair. He then swam
carefully along, and jumped on shore, bringing
the child along with him. In this way the boy
was saved.
But, though he was dripping wet, and very
cold, he felt very grateful to the animal who
had saved his life : he declared, that, for his
sake, he would be kind to all the dogs he
should meet, and always remember that but for
the kindness of a dog, he should have perished.
PARLEY'S FABLES. 91
I hope all children will learn, from this
story, that even so humble a creature as a dog
may be very useful to us ; and that it may
teach them to be kind to those in distress.
Those vi^ho are kind to others in trouble w^ill
generally meet a generous return ; while those
who are indifferent to the misfortunes of others
will usually become outcasts from society.
92
PARLEY'S FABLES.
THE LOST DOG;
(hi a Fable to show the Folly and Wickedness of
Discontent.
There was once a dog whose name was
Rover. He had a kind and indulgent master,
who gave him plenty of food to eat, and milk to
drink. He also allowed this favorite dog to lie
on the hearth-rug before the fire in the day-
time, and provided him with a nice bed of hay
in the night.
The dog was therefore very fond of his
PARLEY'S FABLES. 93
master ; and when he saw him approaching, he
would wag his tail, prick up his ears, and jump
for joy. He always went out walking with
him wherever he went, and had many a pleasant
ramble in the fields and woods.
But Rover loved to wander. He w^anted
liberty to go off to a distance from his master,
who was obliged to keep him by his side, for
fear he should get lost. This the dog thought
very hard. *' Why may I not sometimes go out
alone ?" said he. '' Other dogs go where they
please, and come back when they please ; and
I am determined I will do the same."
So, on one fine afternoon, when his master
had gone out. Rover set off to take a ramble
in the woods. The air was very warm and
pleasant, and he was delighted to roam about at
his ease, and chase the birds and squirrels that
came in his way.
Time flew on so rapidly, that the poor dog
94 PARLEY'S FABLES.
did not observe that the sun was just setting,
and that he was far from home. He, however,
being at length fatigued, turned about, and set
off for home. But he was quite bewildered,
and could not find the way back.
Poor Rover ! He now wished he had not left
his kind master and good home ; for he feared
he should never see either of them again. He left
the woods, and went into the road, to see if he
could get into some house, where he might sleep
for the night.
While he was going from place to place, in
this disconsolate manner, a poor man, who was
going home to his family after a hard day's
work, had compassion upon him, and took him
with him.
But, in this poor man's house, he had nothing
but a cold stone floor to lie upon ; and he dared
not to go near the fire, because the cottager's
wife, who could not bear to have a dog in the
PARLEY'S FABLES. 95
house, kicked and beat him every time he ven-
tm'ed near her. He had no soft bed made for
him at night, and as for food, there was hardly
enough for the children, so that Rover was fed
but sparingly.
How bitterly did the poor dog lament, now,
that he had left his kind master and good
home ! How often did he try to find his way
back ! But it was all in vain. He did not live
long after this change of circumstances. He
pined away, and soon died of hunger and grief.
There are many little children like Rover,
who do not know what is best for them, and
who are discontented with what their parents
and friends do for them. If they are denied
any gratification they wish for, they are apt to
seek it in spite of all warning, and are then sure
to be the sufferers.
96
PARLEY'S FABLES.
THE RAT AND HER YOUNG ONES;
Or, a Story to show the Wickedness of Falsehood and
Deceit.
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An old rat, who lived in a snug hole under a
wood-house, one day w^ent out to find food for
her young ones ; but, before she went, she gave
them particular orders not to leave their home
till she returned, as she feared they might get
into trouble.
This advice the young rats were determined
not to follow. They longed to leave their hole,
PARLEYS FABLES. 97
and see the world, and thought that their mother
was foolish to be afraid of danger.
" What harm can there be," said one of them,
" in going a little way ? If we should see a
cat, we can surely scamper away ; and as there
are four of us, we can warn each other of any
evil. So let us go out, and we will get home
before our moffier returns, that she may not
know of our disobedience."
So they all left the hole with great caution,
looking to the right and left, to see if any cat
were near. But they saw none, and ventured
into a large room in an out-building, where
there were several sacks of grain. This was
just what they wanted, and they congratulated
each other upon their good fortune.
They immediately advanced towards the
grain, pricking up their ears to listen for any
sounds, and moving very cautiously. Suddenly,
one of them gave a dreadful shriek, and his
7
98 PARLEY'S FABLES.
companions, hastening to him, found him caught
in a trap, which had been concealed under some
bran.
In great fear, they all fled. The one that
was caught tried in vain to draw the trap after
him ; but it was so heavy, that, in pulling it, he
tore off his leg. But, though he was in terri-
ble pain, he did not scream, *Tor fear the cat
should hear him, and catch him ; so he limped
after the others as well as he could.
As soon as he got home, the young rats began
to lick his wound, that he might be cured before
his mother's return. For these foolish crea-
tures forgot that she must see that he had lost
his leg.
While they were thinking of what they should
say, to deceive their mother and hide their diso-
bedience, she came in, and, seeing one of them
in great distress, asked him what was the
matter.
PARLEY'S FABLES. 99
" Oh, my dear mother," said he, " while
you were gone, a strong iron trap came into
the hole, and snapped off my leg." " Yes,"
said all of them together, " it came in and
seized our poor brother's leg, and bit it off, in
spite of all we could do."
" Ay, ay," said the old rat, ''I see how it
is ; if you had not gone to the trap, it would
certainly not have come to you. You may be
thankful that you have not been killed by the cat
that I have seen watching for you not far off.
'' As for you," said she to the one who had
lost his leg, << you are punished severely enough
for your fault, and I do not think you will ever
forget the lesson; but your brothers I shall
punish severely, for being disobedient in the
first place, and for telling me a falsehood to
hide it."
Children may not only learn the danger of
disobedience from this story, but they may see,
100
PARLEYS FABLES.
from it, that one sin generally leads to another.
If they are so wicked as to disobey their par-
ents, they are very often tempted to tell false-
hoods to hide their disobedience, and thus com-
mit two bad and serious faults.
THE DISCONTENTED DOG;
Or^ a Story to show the Folly of Caprice, or Love of
changing oar Situations.
A DOG, that was accustomed to be kept out
of doors, and never permitted to enter the
PARLEY'S FABLES. 101
house, grew dissatisfied with his condition, and
thus complained of his master's cruelty in de-
barring: him from the comforts of the fireside.
*' Ah me ! " said he, " how hard is my fate !
Here I am doomed to be constantly out of doors
night and day. They will not permit me to
enter the house, for fear I shall dirty it ; so that
I never see the warm fire, nor enjoy any other
comforts."
His master, who was passing by the dog's
kennel at this moment, heard his complaint,
and took pity upon him. He was called into
the parlor, allowed to sleep upon the rug before
the fire, and was often fed with nice bits from
the table.
But this capricious and discontented animal
had not enjoyed these new comforts more than
a week, when his master heard him once more
complaining, as he lay upon the carpet, on a fine,
102 PARLEY'S FABLES.
warm day. The children were all at play in
the yard, and the dog pined to be with them.
*' Why may I not be at liberty to go out with
the rest ?" said the dog. '* It is such a fine day,
I long to go out and stretch my limbs. I am
now seldom allowed to go out, for fear of bring-
ing in dirt, and soiling my mistress's carpet.
*« It is true, I have the comfort of a fire, and
many nice bits of meat and bread are given me ;
yet I am not happy with all my comforts. I
am but a poor prisoner, who is debarred the
pleasures of air and exercise. I envy the mean-
est cur in the streets."
" Ungrateful and capricious beast," said his
master, " take thy liberty, but never let me see
thy face again in the house ! " So saying, he
kicked the dog out of the door, who ran yelping
away to his kennel.
People are very apt to think their lot a hard
one, and to wish for a change ; but when the
PARLEY'S FABLES. 103
change is made, they are seldom satisfied. A
contented disposition can render almost any
state a happy one ; a discontented disposition
will spoil the greatest blessings.
THE COUNTRYMAN AND HIS PIG;
Or, a Story to show the Folly of Obstinacy,
. A COUNTRYMAN onc day wished to take a pig
to market. But when he tried to drive him one
way, he would go the other, and seemed obsti-
nately bent on going every way but the right.
104 PARLEY'S FABLES.
If the man wanted him to turn to the right, he
insisted upon going to the left ; and if he tried
to drive him to the left, he was sure to turn
to the right.
At length, the countryman, heing tired, and
out of patience, tied a string to one of the pig's
hind legs, and attempted to guide him with the
whip as if he were a horse ; but this would not
do ; for grunter kicked and squealed, ran for-
ward and then backward, a^ persisted in at-
tempting to return to his sty.
*' So, then," said the driver, " you will not
go on, and do as I want you to do. Well, well,
we will see who shall be master, you or I."
So saying, he took a strong rope out of his
pocket, seized the squealing animal by the legs,
and, tying them fast together, threw him on the
back of his horse, between two bags of grain.
In vain did the angry creature struggle and
squeal : he could not get away, nor loosen the
PARLEY'S FABLES. 105
cord about his legs. He now repented of his
obstinacy; for the cord hurt him, and the motion
of the horse made him ache all over. But the
countryman did not mind this, and hurried on
the horse, to make up for the time that had
been lost.
«' O, my dear master," said the uneasy pig,
" do pray let me get down. I am not accus-
tomed to riding. I know nothing about it, and
shall certainly break my neck. Besides that,
the string hurts my legs sadly, and I feel bruised
all over. Do let me get down this once."
*' That you shall not," said the countryman.
*« You would not walk to please me, and so you
shall ride. You have had your way long
enough ; now I must have mine." So saying,
he jolted the squealing pig all the way to
market.
My little readers may learn from this story
never to be obstinate ; for, if they are so, they
5*
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PARLEY'S FABLES.
must expect to be treated roughly by those who
would, doubtless, prefer to treat them with ten-
derness. It is much better to be obedient than
to cry and resist, like this foolish pig.
THE DOG AND HIS MASTER;
Or, a Story to show the JYeccssity of Jccejping our
Promises.
A DOG, that was kept chained to his kennel, to
guard his master's grounds, begged hard, one
day, to be permitted to be free, and promised
PARLEY'S FABLES. 107
tliat he would not leave the yard. His master
thought he would gratify him ; so he unchained
him, and left him while he went to his morning
employments.
The dog was no sooner alone, than he forgot
his promise, left the yard, and went out to take
a ramble. He was so delighted with his free-
dom, that he staid out all day, and did not return
till late in the evening. His master, however,
said nothing to him, but chained him up as
usual.
The next morning, when the gates were
opened, he asked leave again to have his chain
taken off. "What," said his master, "when
you deceived me yesterday, do you ask me
again to trust you ? No ; you have once broken
your promise, and I will trust you no more."
<« O, pray let me be free once more," said
the dog, "and I will promise you faithfully not
to leave the yard; indeed I will. I will not
108 PARLEY'S FABLES.
even go near the gate, for fear I should be
tempted to go through it. Do pray, my dear
master, take off my chain."
" I tell you," said the gentleman, *'I cannot
believe you. You have deceived me once, and
1 cannot trust you. You are necessary here, to
guard my property ; and, for fear you may be
tempted to leave this place, I shall keep you
securely chained."
We should not make promises, if we do not
mean to keep them ; for nobody will place any
dependence upon our veord, if we once deceive
them.
PARLEY'S FABLES.
109
TIT FOR TAT;
A Story to show the JVeccssity of doing to others as ive
would he done hy.
A LITTLE CHIMNEY-SWEEPER was, oiie after-
noon, sitting upon the steps of a door, resting
himself, after his morning's work. He had a
large piece of bread and butter in his hand,
which the cook of the house had kindly given
him, and which he intended to eat for his
supper.
When he was quite rested, he began to eat.
110 PARLEY'S FABLES.
He found the bread and butter very sweet and
good ; and, as he was hungry, he enjoyed it very
much. So he ate as fast as he could, now and
then humming a tune.
Not far from him, on the steps of another
door, lay a dog, quietly asleep in the sun. The
sweep called out to him, and said, *' Come
here, sir, come here," whistling and beckoning
to him at the same time.
The dog, hearing himself called, and seeing
that the boy w^as eating, got up, shook himself,
wagged his tail, and advanced towards the boy,
in the hopes that he would give him a piece
of the bread and butter. The mischievous
boy held out the bread to the dog, who instantly
stretched out his nose to take it.
But the young rogue, instead of giving the
dog any of his supper, hastily drew back his
hand, and struck him a severe blow on the nose,
which made the poor creature run howling
PARLEY'S FABLES. Ill
away, while the cruel little sweep laughed most
heartily at the trick he had played.
A gentleman, who was sitting at a window
on the opposite side of the street, saw this
action, and determined to punish the wicked
boy. So, opening the street door, he beckoned
to the sweep to come over, showing him a six-
pence which he held in his hand.
"Would you like to have this sixpence, my
boy?" said the gentleman. '' It will buy you
a better supper than you have got there." " O,
yes, sir, if you please, with many thanks,"
said the little sweep, eagerly stretching out his
hand for the prize.
But, just as he was going to take tne money,
the gentleman hit him so smart a rap on his
knuckles with a cane which he held behind him,
that the boy drew back his hand, screaming
with pain.
<< What did you do that for?" said he, sob-
112 PARLEY'S FABLES.
bing, and rubbing his knuckles. ^* I did not ask
for the sixpence." " Why did vou hurt the
poor dog just now? " said the gentleman. <'He
did not ask you for your bread and butter. I
only serve you as you served him. Let this
teach you that dogs can feel as v^^ell as boys, and
learn to behave more kindly towards dumb
animals in future."
PARLEY'S FABLES. /% 113
THE PIG IN THE PARLOR;
A Fable about JVcatness.
There was once a pig, who had been brought
up in a sty ; and, like other pigs, thus educated,
he preferred a dirty pen to a neat one. But,
still, he took it into his head one day, that he
should like to live in the house, and run about
on the nice carpet which he chanced to see, as
the door was open.
He therefore requested his master to grant
him the favor of quitting his dirty sty, that he
8
114 PARLEY'S FABLES.
might live in the parlor. Strange as it may
seem, the gentleman consented.
Accordingly, he had the pig washed and
combed, and brought into the parlor. At first,
the creature liked it mightily, and grunted about
with a great display of satisfaction. But, in a
short time, he grew weary of the neatness of all
around, and began to sigh for some mud and
dirt to root about in. At length he broke away
from the parlor, and ran back to his sty, where
he remained ever after.
This story may show that a child educated in
bad habits will be likely to keep them. A child
brought up with a love of neatness and order,
will preserve it in after life, and it will be a
source of great comfort and happiness ; while,
on the contrary, if any parent brings up a child
in habits of negligence and uncleanliness, he
may be sure that these habits will be retained,
and will prove the occasion of great misery.
PARLEY'S FABLES. 127
only means of escape by running up the first
tree, where she rolled herself up, and remained
in safety till the hounds had passed.
But the fox, who thought himself so cunning
and crafty, and felt so sure of saving himself
from any danger, set off as fast as he could,
and ran this way, and that, but all to no purpose ;
for the pack soon overtook him, and tore him
into a dozen pieces.
This story should teach people to be modest
and humble, and not overrate their abilities, as
those who do so are generally more exposed to
danger than others.
Thus, my young friends, I have told you
some fancy stories, partly for the sake of
amusing you, and partly for the sake of im-
128 PARLEY'S FABLES.
pressing upon your minds certain useful lessons.
These I hope you may remember ; and if you
do so, they will no doubt be the source of
much good.
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