The weekly North-Carolina standard. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 186?-1869, 1867-01-30
A Fable.

A iafuief, VINO was known to ms friends rs
very good man, once purchased a fine
horse, which proved to be refractory ami
NAL. The horse often threw his rider, and
as often ran away--he also roamed through
all the neighbours fields, fences and hedges
proving no obstruction to him. His masters
temper was sorely tried, but ss much of his
money was invested in him. he loved the
horse and was exceedingly 10th to part with
him. At length as the man grew more and
more determined to retain the vicious ami
NAL, his hitherto placid temper became fret
full, and wicked exclamations frequently fell
from his lips. r
The farmer had dog, faithful, trusty
creature, that followed him wherever he
went. So one fine Sunday morning when he
mounted his horse to go to church, clad in
his best garments. his little cog trotted brisk
ly behind as usual. %.
But the vicious horse, awaiting his oppor-
tunity, suddenly kicked up his heels and
bodily pitched the unfortunate rider into
bramble patch, and then tossing his head
gaily galloped off into the neighboring
forest @s .s i
The farmer having extricated himself, torn
and bleeding, from his thorny bed, seated
himself upon log and gave vent to his in
famed feelings in curses long and loud.
At length, having become somewhat ex-
hausted but in no wise Modified, since his
wounds still smarted and bled, his faithful
dog made bold to approach him.
Sagaciously pricking bis ears forward and
humbly wagglng his tail, be spoke as fol-
lows:
Master, it does not become me, perhaps,
the humblest of your attendants and noth-
ing but a poor dog at best, to speak ill Of
any other member of your august household
but really, master. repeat but your own
words when say that the horse is vicious
and dangerous animal"
"Umph," said the enraged man.
The dog perceiving that he was listened
to, gathered courage to proceed.
"And further, MASTER" he said, II will
observe another thing. The llmanners o
that horse have produced very bad effects
upon your temper; they have made you cross
and you sometimes utter evil words"
Now, MASTER" he continued, not OBJ
serving the increasing rage ofthe farmer, un
accustomed to listen to words of reason
proceeding from so humble beast, " hav,
considered these things matuSssly, and hav'
often thought to speak, but until now hav'
not found fitting opportunity. Sir, i
appears to me thus, that you must either sci
your horse and keep your religion, or keel
your horse and lose your religion"
The farmer could bear with his dog n,
longer So he arose and exclaimed to tn
terrified BEAST
"Jealous migrate, have 1 fed you so long
to feel your scorn and contempt at lasta Be
gone from my sight forever!"
Whereupon he attacked the unoffendin
animal and drove him forth half dead wit
kicks and curses. a.
Then remembering that his horse was stil
at large and knowing his many evil habits
he made haste to pursue after him. 1t hap
pened that there was a morass hard by, il
which the wicked. animal had heedlessl
plunged and was aoundering in tn
mire. The farmer discovering the sad pligh
of his favorite, likewise attempted t.
enter, but his efforts at rescue wer
fruitiess, for he soon stuck helplessly in tn
bog, and when we left the spot was swearing
and hurting sticks at every Object arouL'
him, SO great and overpowering had his evi
temper at last become.
APPLIcATIoN,-The horse is the Dali
Sentinel the rider Parson Pell and the dog
his faithful counsellor, is known by the nam
of Conscience.
MoRAL-Preachers, who edit political pa
pers, willingly part with their religion, ant
do violence to their consciences.
|