Page:Three hundred Aesop's fables (Townshend).djvu/90

84 Weasels were always the victors. The Mice thought that the cause of their frequent defeats was, that they had not leaders set apart from the general army to command them, and that they were exposed to dangers from want of discipline. They chose therefore such mice as were most renowned for their family descent, strength, and counsel, as well as most noted for their courage in the fight, that they might marshal them in battle array, and form them into troops, regiments, and battalions. When all this was done, and the army disciplined, and the herald Mouse had duly proclaimed war by challenging the Weasels, the newly chosen generals bound their heads with straws, that they might be more conspicuous to all their troops. Scarcely had the battle commenced, when a great rout overwhelmed the Mice, who scampered off as fast as they could to their holes. The generals not being able to get in on account of the ornaments on their heads, were all captured and eaten by the Weasels.

The more honour the more danger.

A, keeping watch over his sheep near the shore, saw the Sea very calm and smooth, and longed to make a voyage with a view to traffic. He sold all his flock, and invested it in a cargo of dates and set sail. But a very great tempest coming on, and the ship being in danger of sinking, he threw all his merchandise overheard, and hardly escaped with his life in the empty ship. Not long afterwards, on some one passing by, and observing the unruffled calm of the sea, he interrupted him and said, "Belike it is again in want of dates, and therefore looks quiet."