[Illustration: THE SOW AND THE WOLF.]
A Sow had just farrowed, and lay in the stye, with her whole litter of
pigs about her. A Wolf who longed for one of them, but knew not how to
come at it, endeavoured to insinuate himself into the Sow's good
opinion: and, accordingly, coming up to her--'How does the good woman in
the straw do?' says he. 'Can I be of any service to you, Mrs. Sow, in
relation to your little family here? If you have a mind to go abroad,
and air yourself a little, or so, you may depend upon it, I will take as
much care of your pigs as you could yourself.'--'Your humble servant,'
says the Sow, 'I thoroughly understand your meaning; and, to let you
know I do, I must be so free as to tell you, I had rather have your
room than your company; and, therefore, if you would act like a Wolf of
honour, and oblige me, I beg I may never see your face again.'