

The Stag and the Fawn.A Stag, grown old and mischievous, was, according to custom, stampingwith his foot, making offers with his head, and bellowing so terriblythat the whole herd quaked for fear of him; when one of the littleFawns, coming up, addressed him thus: "Pray, what is the reason thatyou, who are so formidable at all other times, if you do but hear thecry of the hounds, are ready to fly out of your skin for fear?" "Whatyou observe is true," replied the Stag, "though I know not how toaccount for it. I am indeed vigorous and able, and often resolve thatnothing shall ever dismay my courage; but, alas! I no sooner hear thevoice of a hound but my spirits fail me, and I cannot help making off asfast as my legs can carry me." The greatest braggarts are the greatest cowards. From Aesop's Fables |