FABLES. 



THE STAG AND THE FAWN. 



A Stag, grown old and mischievous, was, ac- 

 cording to custom, stamping with his' foot, making 

 threatening motions with his head, and bellowing 

 so terribly, that the whole herd quaked for fear of 

 him ; when one of the little Eawns coming up, 

 addressed him to this purpose: Pray what is the 

 reason that you, who are so stout and formidable 

 at all other times, if you do but hear the cry of the 

 hounds, are ready to fly out of your skin for fear? 

 What you observe is true, replied the Stag, though 

 I know not how to account for it : I am indeed 

 vigorous and able enough, I think, to defend myself 

 against all attacks, and often resolve with myself, 

 that nothing shall ever dismay my courage for the 

 future; but, alas! I no sooner hear the voice of the 

 hounds, than all my spirits fail, and I cannot help 

 making off as fast as my legs can carry me. 



