[Illustration: THE OLD HOUND.]
An Old Hound, who had been an excellent good one in his time, and given
his master great sport and satisfaction in many a chase, at last, by the
effect of years, became feeble and unserviceable. However, being in the
field one day, when the stag was almost run down, he happened to be the
first that came in with him, and seized him by one of his haunches; but,
his decayed and broken teeth not being able to keep their hold, the deer
escaped, and threw him quite out. Upon which his master, being in a
great passion, and going to strike him, the honest old creature is said
to have barked out his apology--'Ah! do not strike your poor old
servant; it is not my heart and inclination, but my strength and speed,
that fail me. If what I now am displeases, pray don't forget what I have
been.'