Read Ebook: Sonen af söder och nord. Förra delen Romantisk skildring från revolutionen i Paris 1848 by Blanche August

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MORAL.

When people are selfish, dishonest, and mean, Their nature, in dealing, will quickly be seen.

THE MOUTH AND THE LIMBS.

In days of yore, they say, 'twas then When all things spoke their mind; The arms and legs of certain men, To treason felt inclined.

These arms and legs together met, As snugly as they could, With knees and elbows, hands and feet, In discontented mood.

Said they, "'Tis neither right nor fair, Nor is there any need, To labor with such toil and care, The greedy mouth to feed."

"This we're resolved no more to do, Though we so long have done it;" "Ah!" said the knees and elbows too, "And we are bent upon it."

"I," said the tongue, "may surely speak, Since I his inmate am; And for his vices while you seek, His virtues I'll proclaim.

"You say the mouth embezzles all, The fruit of your exertion; But I on this assembly call To prove the base assertion.

"The food which you with labor gain, He too with labor chews; Nor does he long the food retain, But gives it for your use.

"But he his office has resign'd To whom you may prefer; He begs you therefore now to find Some other treasurer."

"Well, be it so," they all replied; "His wish shall be obeyed; We think the hands may now be tried As treasurers in his stead."

The hands with joy to this agreed, And all to them was paid; But they the treasure kept indeed, And no disbursements made.

Once more the clam'rous members met, A lean and hungry throng; When all allowed, from head to feet, That what they'd done was wrong.

To take his office once again, The mouth they all implored; Who soon accepted it, and then Health was again restored.

MORAL.

This tale for state affairs is meant, Which we need not discuss; At present we will be content, To find a moral thus:

THE HARE AND THE TORTOISE.

Said a hare to a tortoise, "Good sir, what a while You have been only cross