صفحة 99 من 274

A thirsty Stag went down to a pool to drink. As he bent over the

surface he saw his own reflection in the water, and was struck

with admiration for his fine spreading antlers, but at the same

time he felt nothing but disgust for the weakness and slenderness

of his legs. While he stood there looking at himself, he was seen

and attacked by a Lion; but in the chase which ensued, he soon

drew away from his pursuer, and kept his lead as long as the

ground over which he ran was open and free of trees. But coming

presently to a wood, he was caught by his antlers in the

branches, and fell a victim to the teeth and claws of his enemy.

"Woe is me!" he cried with his last breath; "I despised my legs,

which might have saved my life: but I gloried in my horns, and

they have proved my ruin."

What is worth most is often valued least.

THE DOG AND THE SHADOW