A True Fable

A human being inet an ass - no unusual occurrence, even in an assemblage composed exclusively of human beings - and observing the usually somber and pathetic expression óf the animal's face to be wreathed in radiant smiles, inquired- he being a professional phjj[anthropist, and therefore greatly distressed at any indication of happiness - "'fltry do yon smile, when the hardness of your lot, the grievous weight of your daüy burdens, and the severity of your heartIe8s taskmaker should rather compelyou to go mourning all your days and some of your nights?" "Oh, sir," replied the ass, for it was he, "I am light of heart and joyous when I reflect that with oats at sSVentyeight and corn at eighty-four cents a bushei, strawberries down tofifteen, and sugar at next to nothing, I am fed on viands far more costly than are placed upon the table of my master." For a moment the brow of the philanthropist darkened, and he raised his heavy cañe above the back of the eiütant ass. But observing that the patiënt, but not too patiënt animal was standing on three legs and looking aft with both eyes, his countenance grew brighter. "Goodl" he exclaimed; "that will make some men whom I know so utteriy unhappy and miserable they cannot sleep." So saying he went on his errand of benevolence, which was to eee if he conld not send a boy to jail for sii months for