PART I
ENGLISH FABLES
VERBATIM FROM BOILEAU
NCE (says an author, where I need not say)
Two travellers found an Oyster in their way:
Both fierce, both hungry, the dispute grew strong,
While, scale in hand. Dame Justice pass'd along.
Before her each with clamour pleads the laws,
Explained the matter and would win the cause.
Dame Justice weighing long the doubtful right.
Takes, opens, swallows it before their sight.
The cause of strife remov'd so rarely well,
"There take (says Justice), take ye each a shell.
We thrive at Westminster on fools like you.
'Twas a fat Oyster—live in peace—Adieu."
THE LOST CAMEL
A DERVISH was journeying alone in the desert, when two Merchants suddenly met him. "You have lost a Camel," said he to the Merchants. "Indeed we have," they replied. "Was he not blind in his right eye, and lame in his left leg?" said the Dervish. "He was," replied the Merchants. "Had he lost a front tooth?" said
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