providing pleasure for others to share long after you are dead?" The old
man stopped in his labor and replied: "Others before me provided for my
happiness, and it is my duty to provide for those who shall come after
me. As for life, who is sure of it for a day? You may all die before
me." The old man's words came true; one of the young men went on a
voyage at sea and was drowned, another went to war and was shot, and the
third fell from a tree and broke his neck.

We should not think wholly of ourselves, and we should remember that
life is uncertain.




The Lion and the Fox.


[Illustration]

A Fox entered into partnership with a Lion, on the pretense of becoming
his servant. Each undertook his proper duty in accordance with his own
nature and powers. The Fox discovered and pointed out the prey, the
Lion sprang on it and seized it. The Fox soon became jealous of the Lion
carrying off the Lion's share, and said that he would no longer find out
the prey, but would capture it on his own account. The next day he
attempted to snatch a lamb from the fold, but fell himself a prey to the
huntsman and his hounds.

Keep to your place, if you would succeed.