The Brother And The Sister
A father had one son and one daughter, the former remarkable for his
good looks, the latter for her extraordinary ugliness. While they
were playing one day as children, they happened by chance to look
together into a mirror that was placed on their mother's chair. The
boy congratulated himself on his good looks; the girl grew angry,
and could not bear the self-praises of her Brother, interpreting all
he said (and how could she do otherwise?) into reflection on herself.
She ran off to her father. to be avenged on her Brother, and spitefully
accused him of having, as a boy, made use of that which belonged only
to girls. The father embraced them both, and bestowing his kisses
and affection impartially on each, said, "I wish you both would look
into the mirror every day: you, my son, that you may not spoil your
beauty by evil conduct; and you, my daughter, that you may make up
for your lack of beauty by your virtues."
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