FABLES. 



26l 



THE POLECAT AND THE COCK. 



A Polecat, that had long committed depredations 

 on the farm-yard, having a mind to make a meal of 

 the blood of the Cock, seized him one morning by 

 surprise, and asked him what he could say for him- 

 self why slaughter should not pass upon him ? The 

 Cock replied, that he was serviceable to mankind 

 by crowing in the morning, and calling them up to 

 their daily labour. That is true, says the Polecat, 

 and is the very objection that I have against you, 

 for you make such a shrill impertinent noise, that 

 people cannot sleep for you. Besides, you arc an 

 incestuous rascal, and make no scruple of lying 

 with your mother and sisters. Well, says the 

 Cock, this I do not deny; but I do it to procure 

 eggs and chickens for my master. Ah ! villain, 

 says the Polecat, hold your wicked tongue, such 



