Page:The battle of the books - Guthkelch - 1908.djvu/115

Rh remote from the rest. As when two mongrel curs whom native greediness and domestic want provoke and join in partnership, though fearful, nightly to invade the folds of some rich grazier, they, with tails depressed, and lolling tongues, creep soft and slow; meanwhile the conscious moon, now in her zenith, on their guilty heads darts perpendicular rays, nor dare they bark though much provoked at her refulgent visage, whether seen in puddle by reflection or in sphere direct, but one surveys the region round, while t'other scouts the plain, if haply to discover at distance from the flock, some carcass half devoured, the refuse of gorged wolves or ominous ravens: so marched this lovely, loving pair of friends, nor with less fear and circumspection; when at a distance they might perceive two shining suits of armour hanging upon an oak, and the owners not far off in a profound sleep. The two friends drew lots, and the pursuing of this adventure fell to B-ntl-y. On he went, and in his van Confusion and Amaze, while Horror and Affright brought up the rear. As he came near, behold, two heroes of the Ancients' army, Phalaris and Æsop, lay fast asleep. B-ntl-y would fain have despatched them both, and