The Hare and many Friends.—­GAY.

1.  A hare, who, in a civil way, Complied with everything, like Gay, Was known by all the bestial train Who haunt the wood, or graze the plain.  Her care was never to offend, And every creature was her friend.

2.  As forth she went, at early dawn, To taste the dew-besprinkled lawn, Behind she hears the hunter’s cries, And from the deep-mouthed thunder flies.

3.  She starts, she stops, she pants for breath; She hears the near advance of death; She doubles to mislead the hound, And measures back her mazy round; Till, fainting in the public way, Half dead with fear, she gasping lay.

4.  What transport in her bosom grew, When first the horse appeared in view!  “Let me,” says she, “your back ascend, And owe my safety to a friend.  You know my feet betray my flight,—­ To friendship every burden’s light.”

5.  The horse replied:—­“Poor honest puss, It grieves my heart to see thee thus.  Be comforted,—­relief is near; For all your friends are in the rear.”

6.  She next the stately bull implored; And thus replied the mighty lord:—­ “Since every beast alive can tell That I sincerely wish you well, I may, without offense, pretend To take the freedom of a friend.  Love calls me hence; a favorite cow Expects me near yon barley-mow; And when a lady’s in the case, You know all other things give place.  To leave you thus might seem unkind; But see,—­the goat is just behind.”

7.  The goat remarked her pulse was high, Her languid head, her heavy eye,—­ “My back,” says he, “may do you harm; The sheep’s at hand, and wool is warm.”

8.  The sheep was feeble, and complained His sides a load of wool sustained:  Said he was slow, confessed his fears; For hounds eat sheep, as well as hares.

9.  She now the trotting calf addressed, To save from death a friend distressed.  “Shall I,” says he, “of tender age, In this important care engage?  Older and abler passed you by; How strong are those! how weak am I!

10.  “Should I presume to bear you hence, Those friends of mine may take offense.  Excuse me, then,—­you know my heart; But dearest friends, alas! must part.  How shall we all lament!  Adieu!  For see,—­the hounds are just in view.”

    11.  ’Tis thus in friendships; who depend
    On many, rarely find a friend.

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LESSON XXXVI.

Maxims.—­SELECTED.

Never delay until to-morrow what you can do to-day.

Never trouble others for what you can do yourself.

Never spend your money before you have it.

Never buy what you do not want, because it is cheap.

Pride costs more than hunger, thirst, or cold.

We never repent of having eaten too little.