The Fables of Æsop, Tr. by S. Croxall, with New Applications by G. F. Townsend

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1866 edition. Excerpt: ...respect for him as ever, and have been coming several times to kiss his royal hand; but I am so terribly frightened at the mouth of his cave, to see the print of my fellow-subjects' feet all pointing forwards and none backwards, that I have not resolution enough to venture in." Now, the truth of the matter was, that this sickness of the Lion's was only a pretence to draw the beasts into his den, that he might the more easily devour them. Moral. It is easiest learning at another's cost. Application. Pain, if rightly regarded, contains within it proofs of mercy and loving-kindness. A sense of suffering is the chief sentinel and preserver of human life. If the warnings given by the endurance of pain were removed, how liable would men perpetually be to eat things fatal, to touch things hurtful, and to inflict on themselves unwitting injuries to their health and safety! The truly wise man will learn not only by his own personal trials, but will profit by the experience of others. The Fox, tracing the footsteps of his companions in one direction, discovered the Lion's den; and by finding none in the opposite track, availed himself of the experience afforded by his friends, and so escaped their fate and destruction. After his example, we may learn from others' pain. It is far better to borrow experience than to buy it. He that is warned by the folly of others, has perhaps attained the soundest wisdom. "That is indeed," says Colton, "a twofold knowledge, which profits alike by the folly of the foolish and the wisdom of the wise; it is both a shield and a sword; it borrows its security from the darkness, and its confidence from the light." Main, who have themselves but little skill To shape their course where perils may...