want of water affects me more, and that without water I cannot support
myself. At this crisis the rights of ancient companionship demand that
ye should take me with you, and not leave me alone in the sorrowful
abode of separation."

The Geese answered: "O esteemed comrade! the pang of parting from thee
is sharper than that of exile, and wherever we go, though we should
pass our time in the utmost comfort, yet, deprived of seeing thee, the
eye of our rejoicing would be darkened; but for us to proceed on the
earth's surface and so to traverse a great and long distance is
impossible, and for thee, too, to fly through the expanse of air and
accompany us is impracticable; and such being the case, how can we
travel together?"

The Tortoise answered: "Your sagacity will be able to devise a remedy
for this matter, and what plan can develop while my spirit is broken by
the thought of parting?"

The Geese replied: "O friend! during this period of our friendship we
have observed in thee somewhat of hastiness and rashness; perhaps thou
wilt not act upon what we say, nor keep firm to thy promise after thou
hast made it."

The Tortoise rejoined; "How can it be that ye should speak with a view
to my advantage, and I fail to perform a compact which is for my own
good?"

Said the Geese: "The condition is that when we take thee up and fly
through the air thou wilt not utter a single syllable, for any one who
may happen to see us will be sure to throw in a word, and say something