: Literary Fables of Yriarte by Iriarte Tom S De Devereux George H George Humphrey Translator - Fables Spanish Translations into English

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INTRODUCTION.

Long years ago, in far-off land, When every brute beast had a way, What he thought and felt, to say In language all could understand-- The sagacious Elephant observed Among these creatures many a failing, And gross abuses, too, prevailing, Which strenuous reform deserved. He called them all, from far and near, His strictures on their ways to hear. With reverence the most profound His long proboscis swept the ground; In careful phrase, well learned by heart, He then discharged the censor's part-- A thousand silly foibles noted, A thousand vicious actions quoted; Envy, working sore vexation, Ostentatious insolence, Idleness, procrastination, The arrogance of ignorance.

His sound and noble counsel stirs The hearts of many listeners, Accepting, with due reverence, The dictates of his generous sense. The guileless Lamb and thrifty Ant, The Bee, frugal and provident, The trusty Setter, and the Dove, Ever faithful to her love, The obedient Horse, the Linnet shy, And the simple Butterfly. But, of the audience, a part not small Declared that their offended pride Such language plain could not abide; Not they--no, not at all. The Tiger and rapacious Wolf, Opening their lank jaws' bloody gulf, Against the adviser rave; His vile abuse, among the crowd, The venomous Serpent hissed aloud; While, all around, the whispering tone Of Wasp and Hornet, Fly and Drone, A murmuring echo gave. The mischievous Balm-cricket leapt From the tumultuous throng; The Locust spread his clanging wing, His greedy conscience felt the sting; The wriggling Caterpillar crept His sneaking way along; The Weasel arched his spiteful back; The Fox kept silence shrewd; The Monkey, sauciest of the pack, Mocked, with grimaces rude.

The stately Elephant looked down Upon the vexed turmoil: "To each and all and yet to none,"-- Spake his calm voice above the broil,-- "These censures I apply; Let him who winces put them on; Who not, hear quietly."

Whoever may my fables read, This truth important let him heed: That to all nations--not to any one-- And to all times, they speak. The world has shown alike The faults at which they strike In each revolving week. Then--since the warning finger Points at no destined head-- Who feels the censure linger Must sup on his own bread.

THE SILKWORM AND SPIDER.

At his cocoon a busy Silkworm labored; A Spider, who with all her might was spinning Hard by, with laugh malicious, thus bespoke him. In silly exultation tasks comparing: "What think you of my web, good Master Silkworm? This very morning I began it, early, And now, mid-day will see the job completed. Just see how fine and beautiful it is, too!" Coolly replied the precious fabric's workman: "'T is true--your labor tells us its own story."

Let those who boast their numerous vapid volumes, Know that 'tis quality, not bulk, that's precious. What costs small labor is of smaller value.

THE BEAR, THE MONKEY AND THE HOG.

Now, Bruin, anxious to excel, Before the Monkey showed his skill. "How do I dance, friend? Prithee tell." "Ill," said the Monkey, "very ill."

"I am afraid you look on me," Said Bruin, "with a jealous eye. Now, that I move quite gracefully, And know the step, can you deny?"

A jolly Pig was standing by, And shouted,--"Bravo! nobly done! A better dancer, sure am I, Was never seen beneath the sun."

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