The Washington union. [volume] (City of Washington [D.C.]) 1857-1859, 1858-08-01
DIR. ERANKLIN',S FABLE.

Franklin the printer the philosopher and the states
man. deserves to rank next to Washington as the ables
practical statesman of his generation and his services to
our country both in the councils Mt home and in diplo
macy abroad cannot be exaggerated In the most cult
waited circles of England and France he found no supe
rio in racy wit or keen penetration or ready rcparee
The following impomtu fable is specimen of his invar
able readiness to defend the honor of his country when
surrounded by those who had little sympathy with its in
situations:
Lord Spencer was great admircr Of Dr. Franklin and
never missed sending him card when he intended
quorum of learned at his table The last time that
philosopher enjoyed the honor in IT'S just be-
fore he was driven from England by Lord North. The
conversation taking turn fables, Lord Spencer OBJ
served that it had certainly been very luckily thing
pecay for the young that this mode of instruction had
been hit as there is something wonderfully cal
culated to touch favorite string with them nov
city and surprise They would listen he said to fox
when they would not to father and they would be
apt to remember anything good told them by owl
crow than by an uncle or aunt But am afraid,
continued his lordshp, that the of fables is past
op and Phudrus among the ancients and Fontane and
Gay among the moderns, have given us many fine
speeches from the birds and beasts that suspect their
budgets are pretty nearly exhausted,
The company coincised with his lordshp, except
Franklin who silent
even, doctor" said Lord Spencer "what is your
opinion ON this subject r.
=" Why, my lord replied Franklin, I" cannot say
that have the honor to think with you in this affair
The birds and beasts have indeed said great many wise
things; but it is likely they will say great many
yet before they done Nature am thinking, is not
quite easily exhausted as your lordship seems to
imagine"
Lord Spencer evidently confused but still with that
countenance pleasure which chaacerzes great souls
when they meet superior genius exclaimed Well, doc
tor, suppose you give a fable know that you
good at impromptu.
The company all seconded the motion.
Franklin thanked them for the compliment, but beg
ged TO be excused They would hear excuse They
knew they said he could do it, and insisted he should
his pencil and after scbblng few minutes reached it
to Spencer. saying Wel N.Y. lord since you will have
it So here's something fresh from the brain, but I'm
afraid you IL not find fsop in it, !"
''Read it, DOCTOR read it J.! the cry of the noble
lord and his friends
In mood respectful and pleasant, Franklin thus be-
gan nOnce upon time-hem Las eagle in the
full pride of his pinions SCARED an humble farm
yard darng his eyes around in search of pig lamb
such pretty itb what should he behold but
plump young rabbit as he thought, squatted among the
weeds Down at once upon him he pounced like thun-
der and bearing him ao in his a1ons thus chucklcd to
himself with joy POUNDS, what lucky dog l am |!
uch nice rabbit here, this morning, for my break
fast T."
.Hs JOY but momentary for the supposed rabbit
happened to be stout cat who splitting aud raging in
santy stuck his teeth and nails like any wild cat squa
ing with fury into the eagles thighs making the blood
| and feathers fly at dreadful rate.
I" Hold hold for mercys sake hold y cried the
GLE his wings shivering in the air with very torment
81 Villain retorted the cat, with tgcr-like growl,
dare you talk of mercy after treating thus who new
err injured your
".o, God bless you Mr. Cat, is that you rejoined
the eagle, mighty complasant pom honor did not in
tend, sir thought it was only rabbit had got hold
of-and you know fond of rabbits Do you sup
pose, my dear sir that If had but dream it you,
| would have touched hair OF your head No,
indeed am not such fool oil that comes to- And
now my dear Mr. Cat come let's be good friends again.
and III let you go with all my heart.
:" Yes, you'll let me go, scoundrel, will you--herc
from the cloudsto break every bone in my skin No,
villain, carry back, and put down exactly where
you found me, I'll tear the throat out Of you in
ment.'
"Whout word Of reply, the eagle stopped from his
giddy height, and sailing humbly down with great
plasncc restored the cat to his simple yard there
to sleep, or hunt his rats and mice at pleasure"
solemn silence ensued At length, with deep
prophetic sigh, Lord Spencer thus replied tAh Dr.
Franklin see the drift of your fable and my fears
have already made the application, God grant that
Britain may not prove the eagle, and America the cat
The fable paraprased in the whig papers OF that day
concludes in this way
Thus Britain thought in seventy six,
| Her alons in hare 10 fix;
| But In the scuD1e found
| The bird received dangerous wound,
| a Which, though pretending oft to hide
Still rankles in bis sde.n
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