Page:Fables of Aesop.pdf/8

 The Wolf indicted the Fox for felony, before the Ape, who upon that occasion, was appointed special judge of the cause. The Fox gave in his answer to the Wolf’s accusation, and denied the fact. So after a fair hearing on both sides, the Ape gave his judgment in the following manner. Addressing the Wolf, he said, ‘I am of opinion that you never lost the goods you sue for;' and to the Fox he said, ‘There is no question but that you have stolen what is laid to your charge, at least.' The court was dismissed with this public censure. A bad character will turn out against you, but a good one is a fortune. A poor feeble Old Man, having gone to gather a few sticks, was crawling homeward with his bundle; but owing to the length of the way and the weight of his load, he sank under it, and as he sat on the ground, called on Death to ease him of his troubles. Death no sooner heard him than he came and demanded what he wanted. The poor old creature, not thinking Death so near, and frightened with his terrible aspect, answered, trembling, 'That having let his bundle fall, he had made bold to call on him for help, and that was all he wanted.'The true way to take from death its terrors, is to lead a virtuous life.