Little Masterpieces of American Wit and Humor, Volume II

by W. W. Jacobs

  GEORGE T. LANIGAN

  THE FOX AND THE CROW

  A crow, having secured a Piece of Cheese, flew with its Prize to alofty Tree, and was preparing to devour the Luscious Morsel, when acrafty Fox, halting at the foot of the Tree, began to cast about how hemight obtain it.

  "How tasteful is your Dress," he cried, in well-feigned Ecstacy; "itcannot surely be that your Musical Education has been neglected? Willyou not oblige----?"

  "I have a horrid Cold," replied the Crow, "and never sing without myMusic; but since you press me--at the same time, I should add that Ihave read AEsop, and been there before."

  So saying, she deposited the Cheese in a safe Place on the Limb of theTree, and favored him with a Song.

  "Thank you," exclaimed the Fox, and trotted away, with the Remark thatWelsh Rabbits never agreed with him, and were far inferior in Qualityto the animate Variety.

  _Moral_--The foregoing fable is supported by a whole Gatling Batteryof Morals. We are taught (1) that it Pays to take the Papers; (2) thatInvitation is not Always the Sincerest Flattery; (3) that a StalledRabbit with Contentment is better than No Bread; and (4) that the Aimof Art is to Conceal Disappointment.

  GEO. T. LANIGAN.

  By permission of _Life_ Publishing Company