The Animals (the Lion dead) Resolved to choose a King instead; The crown was taken from its case-- A dragon guarded well the place. They tried the crown, but, when they'd done, It would not fit a single one. Some heads too large, and some too small; Many had horns,--defects in all. The Monkey, laughing, tried it, too, And got his mocking visage through, With many wild, fantastic faces; And twisting gambols and grimaces. A hoop, at last, around his waist He wore it, and they cried, "Well placed!" He was elected. Each one paid Their homage to the King they'd made. The Fox alone laments the choice, But chokes it down with flattering voice. Paving his little compliments, To hide his secret sentiments. "Sire," to the King, he said, "I've pleasure To tell you I have found a treasure; A secret, but to me alone-- All treasures fall unto the throne." The young King, eager at finance, Ran fast himself, to catch the chance. It was a trap, and he was caught. The Fox said, when his aid he sought, "You think to govern us and rule; You cannot save yourself, you fool!" They turned him out, and, with some wit, Agreed that few a crown will fit. FABLE CXI. THE MULE THAT BOASTED OF HIS FAMILY. An Episcopal Mule, of its family proud, Would <i>not</i> keep his ancestry under a cloud, But chattered, and bragged of his mother the mare: Of her having done this, and her having been there; And vowed that so famous a creature ignored, Was a shame and disgrace to historian's record. He frankly disdained on a doctor to wait, And patiently stand at a poor patient's gate. At last, growing old, in the mill he's confined, Then his father, the donkey, came into his mind. A misfortune is useful, if only to bring A fool to his senses--a very good thing-- It's sent for a purpose, and always will be Useful to some one or something, you see. FABLE CXII. THE OLD MAN AND THE ASS. An Old Man, riding on a Donkey, saw A meadow thick with flowers, and full of grass. He instantly unbridled the poor Ass, And let him roam for twenty minutes' law. It scratch'd, and scratch'd, and munch'd, and chew'd, and bray'd Nipping the best, and kicking, for sheer fun: The meal refreshing was betimes begun. Just then the enemy came, all arrayed: "Fly," said the Old Man. "Wherefore?" said the beast; "Am I to carry double burden--double load? Am I to tramp once more upon the road?" "No," said the Old Man; "I'll stop here, at least." "To whom I may belong is no great matter. Go, save yourself from an unlucky blow; My master is my enemy, I know: I tell you in the best French I can patter." [Illustration: THE COUNTRYMAN AND THE SERPENT.] FABLE CXIII. THE COUNTRYMAN AND THE SERPENT.