Fables usually deal with the faults and failings of grown-ups, and may be left for children to read for themselves, to extract what suits them.

I'm fond of him, despite the failings in his character.

Cowardice had been his failing as a boy.

Since nothing was being offered at the moment to draw a bid from him, he maintained a semblance of interest solely to cover his thoughts, meanwhile lending a civil ear to the garrulous tongue of a dealer of his acquaintance who, having edged nearer to indulge a failing for gossip, found a ready auditor.

But the truth is, that morality was never suffered, in the days of persecution, to protect heresy: nor are we sure that Ascham was more clear from common failings than those who suffered more; and, whatever might be his abilities, they were not so necessary, but Gardiner could have easily filled his place with another secretary.

The papers then published have recently been issued afresh, with considerable additions and corrections, by Dr. Eduard Grisebach, who is also entitled to gratitude for the care with which he has followed the text of the manuscripts, now in the Royal Library at Berlin, and for having drawn attentionalthough in terms that are unnecessarily severeto a number of faults and failings on the part of the previous editor.

TO MY FATHER Must then my failings from the shaft Of anger ne'er escape? And dost thou storm because I've quaff'd The water of the grape? That I can thus from wine be driv'n Thou surely ne'er canst think Another reason thou hast giv'n Why I resolve to drink. 'Twas sweet the flowing cup to seize, 'Tis sweet thy rage to see;

Before that day came, however, Captain Nugent heard of the proceedings, and after a painful interview with the steward, during which the latter's failings by no means escaped attention, confined him to the house.

He who thus discovers failings with unwillingness, and extenuates the faults which cannot be denied, puts an end at once to doubt or vindication; his hearers repose upon his candour and veracity, and admit the charge without allowing the excuse.

It is perhaps not quite seemly to discuss my brother's failings at this time, but we want to get at the truth about his death.

The title so pleased the insulted pride of his people that they followed him eagerly, and remained blind to many failings through more wars than one.

He knew something of the law of the survival of the fittest, for he himself had survived the long struggle for honors which had put him at last in a position where he felt secure at least from the pinch of poverty, and whatever Oliver Herrick's failings among the larger forces with which he had been brought into contact, Markham knew him to have been an honest man, a good father and a faithful gentleman.