Page:An argosy of fables.djvu/222

 170 THE FROG'S BEAUTIFUL SON

T happened once on a time that the Animals met together in Council. The Frog being unable himself to attend sent his only son, who in his haste forgot to wear his new shoes. So the Frog looked around for some swift messenger to take them to the Council. Presently he saw the Hare, which is a strong swift runner, so he called to him and made a bargain with him to carry the new shoes to his son. The Hare, however, objected, "How am I to know which is your son among so many animals at the Council?"

The Frog replied, "Look for the one that is the most beautiful among all the Animals,—for that is my son."

"Then it must be the Peacock," said the Hare, "or perhaps the Dove, who is your son?"

"Certainly not," answered the Frog, "for the flesh of the Dove is dark, and the Peacock has ugly feet."

"Then tell me, pray," said the Hare, "what does your son look like?"

"He is very like me," replied the Frog. "He has a head like mine, a stomach like mine, legs and feet like mine; in short, he is my own beautiful son. Take the shoes to him."

Because he loved his son, the Frog thought him beautiful. Love is blind.

(Odo of Sherington. Fable 13.)

THE ASS PRETENDING THAT HE WAS ILL

CERTAIN Ass had noticed that bread and oats and corn, and other good things were often given to the Pigs, although they did no work, and after they had eaten they would lie down and