FABLES. 



193 



THE MICE IN COUNCIL. 



THE Mice called a general council, and after the 

 doors were locked, entered into a free consultation 

 about ways and means how to render themselves 

 more secure from the danger of the Cat. Many 

 schemes were proposed, and much debate took 

 place upon the matter. At last, a young Mouse, 

 in a fine florid speech, broached an expedient, 

 which he contended was the only one to put them 

 entirely out of the power of the enemy, and this 

 was, that the Cat should wear a bell about her 

 neck, which, upon the least motion, would give the 

 alarm, and be a signal for them to retire into their 

 holes. This speech was received with great ap- 

 plause, and it was even proposed by some, that 

 the Mouse who had made it should have the thanks 

 of the assembly. Upon which, an old Mouse, who 

 had sat silent hitherto, gravely observed, that the 



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