Page:An argosy of fables.djvu/361

 Rh THE BOY AND THE NETTLE

BOY playing in the fields got stung by a Nettle. He ran home to his mother, telling her that he had but touched that nasty weed, and it had stung him. "It was just your touching it. my boy," said the mother, "that caused it to sting you; the next time you meddle with a Nettle, grasp it tightly, and it will do you no hurt."

Do boldly what you do at all.

{{center|{{smaller|{Dodsley, Original Fables, No. 19.)}}}}

THE STARS AND THE SKY-ROCKET

S a Rocket shot upward through the air, one holiday night, and saw the trail of light that marked his passage, he could not resist exulting in his proud ascent, and calling upon the Stars to do him homage.

"Behold," said he, "what gaping multitudes admire the brilliance of my train, while all your feeble sparks of light are disregarded!"

The Stars heard this foolish boast in silent indignation; only the Dog-star deigned to answer him:

"Do not measure your importance," said he, "by the capricious fancy of the fickle crowd. Remember that you are only a part of the gaudy display of a passing moment. Even while I speak, your blaze is half burnt out, and you are at this instant sinking into endless darkness. Whereas our fires are lighted up by Heaven for the admiration and benefit of the universe; and our glory shall endure forever."

(Dodsley, Original Fables, No. 38.)