Page:An argosy of fables.djvu/499

 Rh yet you grudge me the smallest bit of it. Whatever is the reason?"

"The reason," replied the Sheep, "is that you lack the skill to take off my wool in the same easy manner that the Shepherd shears me." (Lessing, Fables, Book III, No. 5. Translated by G. Moir Bussey.)

THE BEAR AND THE ELEPHANT HAT incomprehensible creatures men are!" said the Bear to the Elephant. "What will they not expect next of us superior animals? I am forced to dance to music, I, a serious-minded Bear! Yet they know quite well that such foolish capers are unsuited to my dignified nature. Otherwise why do they always laugh when I dance?"

"I also dance to music," replied the wise old Elephant," and I consider myself quite as sedate and honourable as yourself. Nevertheless, the spectators never laugh at me; all that can be read in their faces is a pleased wonderment. Believe me, friend Bear, the people laugh at you, not because you dance, but because you look as though you felt so silly." (Lessing, Fables, Book III, No. 11. Translated by G. Moir Bussey.)

THE OSTRICH HE arrow-swift Reindeer once saw an Ostrich, and said: "There is nothing remarkable about the way in which the Ostrich runs. But it is quite likely that he flies much better."

At another time the Eagle saw the Ostrich, and said: "To be sure the Ostrich cannot fly, but I dare say that he may run rather well." (Lessing, Fables, Book III, No. 12. Translated by G. Moir Bussey.)