Page:An argosy of fables.djvu/219

 Rh There are many people who finding themselves in a tight place, promise much, but when set at liberty fail to keep their promises.

(Odo of Sherington.)

THE CRANE WHO QUARRELLED WITH HIS MATE

CRANE once quarrelled with his Mate, and pecked out one of her eyes. Afterwards, feeling much ashamed of having done her such a terrible injury, he prepared to leave home and travel to a far-distant country. A Crow, meeting him just as he was setting forth, asked the reason for his journey. The Crane replied that he had pecked out his Mate's eye with his beak, and that because of his shame he felt that he must leave the country.

The Crow replied, "Have you not still got the same beak?" The Crane answered in surprise: "Certainly I have."

"Then," said the Crow, "where will you flee to? Because, wherever you go you must carry your beak with you!"

A man cannot run away from his conscience.

(Odo of Sherington.)

THE TOAD AND THE FROG

HE Toad which lives on land once asked the Frog, which lives in the pond, to give her some water to drink. "Surely," said the Frog, and she gave her all the water she wanted. Later the Frog, being hungry, asked the Toad to give her something to eat. The Toad answered: "No, indeed, I won't. I am so afraid that there