6. She next the stately bull implored; And thus replied the mighty lord:-- "Since every beast alive can tell That I sincerely wish you well, I may, without offense, pretend To take the freedom of a friend. Love calls me hence; a favorite cow Expects me near yon barley-mow; And when a lady's in the case, You know all other things give place. To leave you thus might seem unkind; But see,--the goat is just behind." 7. The goat remarked her pulse was high, Her languid head, her heavy eye,-- "My back," says he, "may do you harm; The sheep's at hand, and wool is warm." 8. The sheep was feeble, and complained His sides a load of wool sustained: Said he was slow, confessed his fears; For hounds eat sheep, as well as hares. 9. She now the trotting calf addressed, To save from death a friend distressed. "Shall I," says he, "of tender age, In this important care engage? Older and abler passed you by; How strong are those! how weak am I! 10. "Should I presume to bear you hence, Those friends of mine may take offense. Excuse me, then,--you know my heart; But dearest friends, alas! must part. How shall we all lament! Adieu! For see,--the hounds are just in view." 11. 'Tis thus in friendships; who depend On many, rarely find a friend. [Illustration] LESSON XXXVI. _Maxims._--SELECTED. Never delay until to-morrow what you can do to-day. Never trouble others for what you can do yourself. Never spend your money before you have it. Never buy what you do not want, because it is cheap. Pride costs more than hunger, thirst, or cold. We never repent of having eaten too little. Nothing is troublesome that we do willingly. How much pains have those evils cost us which never happened! Take things always by their smooth handle. When angry, count ten before you speak; if very angry, a hundred. Hear as little as possible spoken against others; and believe nothing of the kind, until you are absolutely forced to believe it. Always believe that if you heard what may be said on the other side of the question, a very different account of the matter might be given. Do to others what you would have them do to you. LESSON XXXVII. _How to be Happy._--CHILD AT HOME. 1. Every child must have observed how much happier and more beloved some children are than others. There are some children whom you always love to be with. They are happy themselves, and they make you happy. 2. There are others, whose society you always avoid. The very expression of their countenances produces unpleasant feelings. They seem to have no friends. 3. No person can be happy without friends. The heart is formed for love, and cannot be happy without the opportunity of giving and receiving affection.