Page:An argosy of fables.djvu/208

 158 THE FAMISHED BEAR

NE autumn, when the crop of woodland berries had begun to fail, a hungry Bear made his way down to the rocky seashore, and seizing a big stone between his hairy limbs slowly lowered himself into the water. Before long a number of crabs had laid fast hold upon the thick fur of his hide, whereupon the Bear climbed back upon dry land, shook off the haul of sea-food he had netted, and settled down to enjoy their tender meat at his leisure.

Even the dullest brains are sharpened by hunger.

(Phædrus, Fables, Appendix II, No. 21.)

THE SNAKE AND THE LIZARD

SNAKE, happening one day upon a Lizard, seized hold of it and prepared to swallow it down his rapacious throat. The Lizard, however, quickly snatched up a small stick that lay near and held it cross-wise between its clenched teeth. The ends of the stick, catching the corners of the greedy jaws, neatly turned the trick upon the Snake, who, half choked, must needs let his victim escape unhurt. A quick wit often makes up for lack of strength.

(Phædrus, Fables, Appendix II, No. 23.)