Page:Gesta Romanorum - Swan - Wright - 1.djvu/550

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This fable has crept in our story-books.

We have here a new version of an Æsopian fable.

"This is the fable of Parnell's, which that elegant and original writer has heightened with many masterly touches of poetical colouring, and a happier arrangement of circumstances. Among other proofs which might be mentioned of Parnell's genius and address in treating this subject, by reserving the discovery of the angel to a critical period at the close of the fable, he has found means to introduce a beautiful description, and an interesting surprise."—.

That the reader may compare the two stories the more readily, it is inserted here.

in a wild, unknown to public view, From youth to age a reverend hermit grew,