_The Lark and her Young Ones._--Altered from ÆSOP.
1. A lark having built her nest in a corn-field, the corn grew ripe
before the young ones were able to fly. Fearing that the reapers would
come to cut down the corn before she had provided a safe place for her
little ones, she directed them every day, when she went out to obtain
their food, to listen to what the farmers should say about reaping the
corn.
2. The little birds promised their mother that they would listen very
attentively, and inform her of every word they should hear.
3. She then went abroad; and on her return, the little birds said to
their mother, Mother, you must take us away from here; for while you
were gone we heard the farmer tell his sons to go and ask some of his
neighbors to come to-morrow morning early, and help them cut down the
corn.
4. Is that what he said? asked their mother. Yes, mother, said the
little birds; and we are very much afraid that you cannot find a safe
place for us before the farmer and his neighbors begin to cut down the
corn.
5. Do not be afraid, my children, said the lark; if the former depends
on his neighbors to do his work for him, we shall be safe where we are.
So lie down in the nest, and give yourselves no uneasiness.
6. The next day, when the mother went out for food, she directed the
little ones again to listen, and to tell her all that they should hear.
7. In the evening, when she returned, the little ones told her that the
farmer's neighbors did not come to assist him on that day; and that the
farmer had told his sons to go and request his friends and relations to
come and assist him to cut down the corn, early in the next day morning.
8. I think, my children, said the lark, we shall still be safe here; and
we will, therefore, feel no anxiety or concern to-night.
9. On the third day, the mother again charged the young larks to give
her a faithful report of what was done and said, while she was absent.
10. When the old lark returned that evening, the little larks told her
that the farmer had been there, with his sons, early in the morning;
but, as his friends and relations had not come to assist him, he had
directed his sons to bring some sharp sickles early in the next morning,
and that, with their assistance, he should reap the corn himself.
11. Ah! said the mother, did he say so? Then it is time for us to
prepare to be gone; for when a man begins to think seriously of doing
his work himself, there is some prospect that it will be done; but if he
depends on his friends, his neighbors, or his relations, no one can tell
when his work will be done.
12. Now, this little story is called a Fable. It cannot be true, because
birds do not and cannot speak.
13. But, although it is not true, it is a very useful little story,
because it teaches us a valuable lesson: and that is, that it is best to
do our own work ourselves, rather than to depend upon others to do it
for us; for, if we depend upon them, they may disappoint us, but
whatever we determine to do for ourselves, we can easily accomplish, if
we go right to work about it.