Grandfather's Stories

Grandfather's Stories

a country mouse, a plain, sensible sort of fellow, was once visited by former friend of his who lived in a neighboring city. The country mouse put before his friend some fine peas, some choice bacon, and a bit of rare cheese, and called upon him to eat heartily of the good food. The city mouse nibbled little here and there in dainty manner, wondering at the pleasure his host took in such coarse fare. In their after-dinner chat the town mouse said to the country mouse, "Come now with me, this very night, and see with your own eyes what life lead." The country mouse consented, and, as soon as it fell dark, off they started for the city, where they arrived just as a splendid supper, given by the master of the house, where our town friend lived, was over. The city mouse soon got together heap of dainties on corner of the handsome Turkey carpet. The country mouse, who had never even heard the names of half the meats set before him, was thinking where he should begin, when the room-door creaked, opened, and in entered a servant with light. The companions ran off, but, everything soon being quiet again, they returned to their feast, when once more the door opened, and the son of the master of the house came in with a great bounce, followed by his little terrier, who ran sniffing to the very spot where our friends had just been. The city mouse was by that time safe in his hole which, by the way, he had not been thoughtful enough to show to his friend, who could not find better shelter than sofa, behind which he waited in fear and trembling till it was quiet again. The city mouse then called upon him to resume his supper, but the country mouse said: "No, no I shall be off as fast as I can. I would rather have a crust, with peace and quietness, than all your fine things in the midst of such alarms and frights as these."

James Johonott

google books

American Book Company

1889

Illustrator Unknown

English

35

Pages 11-13