222 FABLES. 



of fern, and took a nap, concluding she could easily 

 make up the lost ground, should the Tortoise at 

 any time pass by. Indulging in this security, she 

 over-slept herself, until the Tortoise, in a continued 

 steady pace, arrived first at the fixed distance, and 

 won the race 



APPLICATION. 



WE must not flatter ourselves with coming to the 

 end of our journey in time, if we sleep by the way; 

 and unnecessary delays, in all pressing affairs, are 

 just so much time lost. Action is an important 

 part of the business of life; and " up and be doing" 

 is a motto we ought to keep in mind, as it has 

 guided many a plain plodding man, with steady 

 aim, to carry his point effectually in making his 

 own fortune, and at the same time gaining the 

 esteem of the world. Industry and application to 

 business make amends for the w^ant of a quick 

 and ready wit ; but men of great natural abilities, 

 and vivacity of imagination, often presume too 

 much upon the superiority of their genius, and if to 

 this presumption they add pride and conceit, they 

 despise the drudgery of business, and suffer their 

 affairs to go to disorder or ruin, through idleness 

 and neglect. 



