FABLES. 



195 



THE APE CHOSEN KING. 



Ox the death of the old Lion, without his leaving 

 an heir, the beasts assembled to choose another 

 King of the forest in his stead. The crown was 

 tried on many a head, but did not sit easy upon 

 any one. At length the Ape putting it upon his 

 own, declared that it fitted him quite well, and 

 after shewing them many antic tricks, he with a 

 great deal of grimace, and an affected air of wis- 

 dom, offered himself to fill the high office. The 

 silly creatures being pleased with him at the mo- 

 ment, instantly, by a great majority, proclaimed 

 him King. The Eox, quite vexed to see his fellow- 

 subjects act so foolishly, resolved to convince them 

 of their sorry choice, and knowing of a trap ready 

 baited at no great distance, he addressed himself to 

 King Ape, and told him that he had discovered a 



