FABLES. 



55 



THE MAN AND HIS GOOSE. 



A certain Man had a Goose, which laid him a 

 golden egg every day. But not contented with 

 this, which rather increased than abated his avarice, 

 he was resolved to kill the Goose, and cut up her 

 belly, that by so doing he might come at the inex- 

 haustible treasure which he fancied she had within 

 her. He did so, and, to his great sorrow and dis- 

 appointment, found nothing. 



APPLICATION. 



No passion can be a greater torment to those 

 who are led by it, or more frequently mistakes its 

 aim, than insatiable covetousness. It makes men 

 blind to their present happiness, and conjures up 

 ideal prospects of increasing felicity, which often 

 tempt its deluded votaries to their ruin. Men who 



