THE PREFACE DEDICATORY. 



To the Youth of the British Isles. 



IN collecting together, for your use and benefit, some of 

 the prudential maxims, and moral apothegms, of the 

 ancient sages, the Publishers of this volume have been 

 stimulated by an ardent desire to render this excellen 

 mode of instruction as agreeable as possible; and, at the 

 same time, to impress the precepts contained in the Fables 

 more forcibly on your minds, they have endeavoured to 

 make the embellishments worthy of your notice and 

 examination. 



If the seeds of morality and patriotism be early sown 

 they will spring up, and ripen to maturity, in a confirmed 

 love of truth, integrity and honour; and without these for 

 his guide, no man can do credit to himself or his country. 

 This consideration is of vital importance; for our comfort 



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