Page:Æsop's fables- (IA aesopfables00aesoiala).pdf/41

From Wikisource
Jump to navigation Jump to search
This page has been validated.

peeped out and saw the Cat hanging there. “Aha!” it cried, “you’re very clever, madam, no doubt: but you may turn yourself into a bag of meal hanging there, if you like, yet you won’t catch us coming anywhere near you.”

If you are wise you won’t be deceived by the innocent airs of those whom you have once found to be dangerous.

THE MISCHIEVOUS DOG

THERE was once a Dog who used to snap at people and bite them without any provocation, and who was a great nuisance to every one who came to his master’s house. So his master fastened a bell round his neck to warn people of his presence. The Dog was very proud of the bell, and strutted about tinkling it with immense satisfaction. But an old dog came up to him and said, “The fewer airs you give yourself the better, my friend. You don’t think, do you, that your bell was given you as a reward of merit? On the contrary, it is a badge of disgrace.”

Notoriety is often mistaken for fame.

3