Page:An argosy of fables.djvu/431

 Rh catches sight of an ear, then of two. Instantly darting his claws to the right and left, he loses his equilibrium, falls, and has caught nothing. Without waiting any longer to find out that which he cannot comprehend, he forsakes the looking-glass, saying: "What do I care about penetrating this mystery? I had better return to the kitchen, and catch a mouse for dinner."

(Florian, Fables. Translated by G. Moir Bussey.)

ITHIN Golconda's rich domain,

&ensp;The royal elephants to train—

To be their tutor, is a post

All aim at, and are proud to boast.

An alien once to this was named;

And deeply was the measure blamed.

But still in murmured talk, for there

The injured must in silence bear.

Or right or wrong, the king's behest:

Submission there is ever best.

This stranger by the prince preferred.

Was of the base jack-pudding herd,

Who dance on ropes, or spin a sieve

By sorcery, as the clowns believe.

The juggler had from Europe brought

A dog so singularly taught.

So perfect in acquired lore.

His like had ne'er been seen before.

The prince, perceiving how the rogue,