Page:An argosy of fables.djvu/192

 142 THE SHE-GOATS AND THEIR BEARDS

HE She-goats having obtained by request from Jupiter the favour of a beard, the He-goats, sorely displeased, made complaint that the females equalled them in dignity. "Suffer them," said Jupiter, "to enjoy an empty honour, and to assume the badge of your nobler sex, so long as they are not your equals in strength or courage."

It matters little if those who are inferior to us in merit should be like us in outside appearances.

(Phædrus, Fables, Vol. IV, No. 15; Townsend's translation.)

THE HELMSMAN AND THE SAILORS

CERTAIN ship had long been buffeted by raging seas, and all on board, expecting instant death, bewailed their fate. But suddenly the storm abated, and the sky cleared, and the ship rode steadily, rocked by gentle waves. The Sailors, in their relief, gave way to extravagant rejoicing; but the Helmsman, made wise by past danger, spoke a word of warning:

"You should learn to keep your rejoicings and your fears under better control, since all our life is a mixture of joy and sorrow."

(Phædrus, Fables, Vol. IV, No. 16.)

THE MOUNTAIN IN LABOUR

MOUNTAIN was once greatly agitated. Loud groans and noises were heard; and crowds of people came from all parts to see what was the matter. While they were assembled in anxious