THE ASS IN THE LION’S SKIN

An Ass, finding the skin of a Lion, put it on; and, going into the woods and pastures, threw all the flocks and herds into a terrible consternation.  At last, meeting his owner, he would have frightened him also; but the good man, seeing his long ears stick out, presently knew him, and with a good cudgel made him sensible that, notwithstanding his being dressed in a Lion’s skin, he was really no more than an Ass.

THE ASS EATING THISTLES

An Ass was loaded with good provisions of several sorts, which, in time of harvest, he was carrying into the field for his master and the reapers to dine upon.  On the way he met with a fine large thistle, and being very hungry, began to mumble it; which while he was doing, he entered into this reflection:—­“How many greedy epicures would think themselves happy, amidst such a variety of delicate viands as I now carry!  But to me this bitter, prickly thistle is more savory and relishing than the most exquisite and sumptuous banquet.”

THE WOLF IN SHEEP’S CLOTHING

A Wolf, clothing himself in the skin of a sheep, and getting in among the flock, by this means took the opportunity to devour many of them.  At last the shepherd discovered him, and cunningly fastening a rope about his neck, tied him up to a tree which stood hard by.  Some other shepherds happening to pass that way, and observing what he was about, drew near, and expressed their admiration at it.  “What!” says one of them, “brother, do you make hanging of a sheep?” “No,” replied the other, “but I make hanging of a Wolf whenever I catch him, though in the habit and garb of a sheep.”  Then he showed them their mistake, and they applauded the justice of the execution.

THE COUNTRYMAN AND THE SNAKE

A Villager, in a frosty, snowy winter, found a Snake under a hedge, almost dead with cold.  He could not help having a compassion for the poor creature, so brought it home, and laid it upon the hearth, near the fire; but it had not lain there long, before (being revived with the heat) it began to erect itself, and fly at his wife and children, filling the whole cottage with dreadful hissings.  The Countryman heard an outcry, and perceiving what the matter was, catched up a mattock and soon dispatched him; upbraiding him at the same time in these words:—­“Is this, vile wretch, the reward you make to him that saved your life?  Die as you deserve; but a single death is too good for you.”

THE BELLY AND THE MEMBERS