Last Chapter
In which it will be shown that with beasts, as with men, one revolution follows another, and that they are all more or less alike in fair promises, and failures to fulfil them.
THE Animals were once more assembled, and the tumult of voices worse than ever. Each and all of them were clamouring for reform.
“Of what do you complain?” cried the Fox, addressing the crowd.
“If we only knew our grievances,” they replied, “we should not complain.”
“We do not know,” said a voice, “but if we examine we shall find out.”
“Examine them, by all means,” cried the Fox.
“What good have you done,” shouted the voice, “by compiling a one-sided history? Too much here, and too little there. Let us fight. A revolution will purge the kingdom.”
“That is all very well, my friend,” replied the orator, “but reason is better than haphazard revolution. You must have learned that by experience.”
“Gentlemen,” said the Weasel, coming to the aid of his accomplice, the Fox, “it is by practising deceit, we become perfect. Let us begin again.”
“I could have said so,” cried the Mocking-bird, “ink, ink, always ink; it blots out a multitude of sins where good actions would prove of no avail.”
“Bravo!” from all sides. “Down with the editors!”
There was only one ink-pot in the room, and it was smashed.
“It is not good for us to be here,” said the Weasel to the Fox; “people invariably stone their prophets. Let us go hence!”
The volume was closed, the animals dispersed, for the keeper appeared on the scene to lock the door.
The Ringdoves mounted to their clouds; the Bear departed with his cubs; the Doves ascended heavenward; while Tortoises, Beetles, Bats, Shrimps, and Apes danced round a bonfire of rejected manuscripts.
The End