To write what is strictly a fable, a person will need to observe the distinctions of the type in general as cut off from parable on the one hand and allegory on the other, and to observe the distinctions of the subdivisions within the type. Then he must decide, of course, which subdivision he is going to follow, must select his moral, pick out his actors, think over their characteristics, and finally narrate a brief occurrence in a vivid, homely style. The dialogue, while correct, should be very colloquial. It is well for one to pay especial attention to author's narrative, likewise, that it may be informing though limited. After all is told, the writer may or may not affix a maxim at the end, definitely and neatly stated. In either case, however, the lesson taught should be unmistakable. Original and spirited fables could be written in the field of civic morals, about which the world has just begun to think seriously. Despite the good work that is being done in the name of charity, there is room surely for pleasant satire when a Happy Childhood Society gives elaborately dressed dolls to naked babies. If one chooses to write a rational fable, where the actors are human beings, one must be careful not to write a parable. The lesson of a fable is always unsentimentally practical--not spiritual. Where the actors are gods, or gods and men, the student-writer must distinguish fable from myth. He should not aim at explaining a universal phenomenon, but simply at teaching a single, acute, work-a-day lesson. =Armenian proverbs that might be used for fable maxims= 1. When a man sees that the water does not follow him, he follows the water. 2. Strong vinegar bursts the cask. 3. Dogs quarrel among themselves, but against the wolf they are united. 4. Only a bearded man can laugh at a beardless face. 5. Make friends with a dog, but keep a stick in your hand. 6. One should not feel hurt at the kick of an ass. 7. Running is also an art. 8. He who speaks the truth must have one foot in the stirrup. 9. Before Susan had done prinking, church was over. 10. When you are going in, first consider how you are coming out. 11. The ass knows seven ways of swimming, but when he sees the water he forgets them all. 12. A shrewd enemy is better than a stupid friend. 13. Because the cat could get no meat he said, "Today is Friday." 14. A goat prefers one goat to a whole herd of sheep. 15. A near neighbor is better than a distant kinsman. 16. When I have honey, the flies come even from Bagdad. _RATIONAL, WITH THE ACTORS GODS AND MEN_ =Jupiter and the Countryman=