Page:Story of the robins.djvu/184

168 in things of more value to them, and make it a rule, unless in case of great necessity, to let them enjoy rest on the Sabbath day. "I am very cautious of not letting my beasts work beyond their strength, and always give them their food in due season; nor do I ever suffer them to be beat or cruelly used. Besides giving them what I call their daily wages, I indulge them with all the comforts I can afford them. In summer, when the business of the day is over, my horses enjoy themselves in a good pasture, and in winter they are sheltered from the inclemencies of the weather in a warm stable. If they get old, I contrive some easy task for them; and when they can work no longer, I let them live on the common without it, till age and infirmities make their lives burthensome to themselves, when I have them put to as easy a death as possible.

"Though my cows and sheep do not work for me, I think them entitled to a recompence for the profit I receive from their milk and wool, and endeavour to repay them with the kindest usage; and even my ass finds mercy from me, for I could not bear to see so useful a creature ill-treated; and as for my dogs, I set great store by them on account of their fidelity."