FABLES. 



57 



THE WANTON CALF. 



A Calf, which had been some time fattening- in a 

 rich pasture, full of wantonness and arrogance, 

 could not forbear insulting an old Ox every time 

 he saw him at the plough. What a sorry drudge 

 art thou, says he, to bear that heavy yoke, and 

 draw all day a plough at thy tail ! See, what a fat, 

 sleek, and comely appearance I make, and what a 

 life of ease I lead : I go where I please, and frisk 

 about in the sunshine or lie down under the cool 

 shade, just as my own fancy prompts me. The Ox, 

 not moved by this insolence, made no reply, but 

 pursued his daily round of alternate labour and 

 rest, until he saw the Calf taken and delivered to a 

 priest, who immediately led him to the altar, and 

 prepared to sacrifice him. When the fatal knife 

 was just at his throat, the Ox dreAv near, and whis- 

 pered him to this purpose: see what your wanton 



VOL. IV. I 



