seemed to be a simple and easy choice in the condition of absolute
originality; particularly as the older fables are given in another
volume of this series.

This translation (in which I gratefully acknowledge the assistance of my
friend Mrs. A.H. Beddoe) is neither "free" nor literal. It sometimes
amplifies a thought, much as a musician might amplify the harmonies upon
a master's figured bass. But even this is rarely done, and then only
with a view to the youthful reader's pleasure and profit. With that
view, further, the social and political introductions to the fables have
been omitted, as well as the scientific discourses and the allusions to
the unfortunate wars of Louis XIV. and other historical matters, all of
which would have neither meaning nor interest but for "grown-ups" of a
certain class.

F.C. TILNEY.




CONTENTS

PAGE

THE TWO MULES 13

THE HARE AND THE PARTRIDGE 15

THE GARDENER AND HIS LANDLORD 17