Page:An argosy of fables.djvu/303

 Rh THE YOUNG FOX AND HIS MOTHER

YOUNG Fox said to his Mother: "Teach me a trick that will help me to escape, when I am close pressed by a dog, and my strength is failing." The Mother Fox replied: "There are many tricks for escaping from dogs and other enemies. But the best of them all is to remain hidden safe in your home, so that neither they see you nor you them."

It is best to avoid low company, whether they come in peace or in war.

(Jami, The Baharistan.)

THE FIREFLY

OUBTLESS you have sometimes seen the Firefly, gleaming like a lamp, in the garden at night.

"Oh, Night-illumining insect," some one said to the Firefly, "why can you not also shine in the day-time?"

The modest Firefly gave an answer full of wisdom: "Because no one would ever see me, in the light of the splendid sun!"

(Sadi, The Burstan.)

THE YOUNG CAMEL AND HIS MOTHER

YOUNG Camel once said to its Mother, "After you have reached the end of this journey, rest for a while."

"If the bridle was in my own hands," the Mother Camel replied,