Page:An argosy of fables.djvu/221

 Rh when the sun was shining brightly, that the little Bird of Saint Martin flung itself down upon the ground beside a tree and rolling over kicked its legs high in the air exclaiming:

"There, if the Heavens should fall I could hold them up with my legs!"

Just then a single leaf fell from a branch of the tree and fluttered down upon the Bird. The latter sprang up, half dead with fear, and flew away crying shrilly, "Oh, Saint Martin, Saint Martin, save your little Bird!"

There are many like this Bird of Saint Martin, whose faith is strong in times of safety, but weak in times of danger.

(Odo of Sherington.)

THE CAT'S BEAUTIFUL WIFE

CERTAIN Tom Cat had lately acquired a beautiful Wife who contemptuously laughed at his requests that she would stay at home, and persisted in going out for long walks with other Cats. The Cat complained to his friends about his Wife's love of gaiety, and one of his friends gave him this advice:

"Singe her fur in splotches here and there, and she will be glad enough to stay at home!"

The Tom Cat followed this advice, and the beautiful Wife ceased her roaming and stayed at home.

Personal vanity often leads us into temptation.

(Odo of Sherington.)