The Self-Made Monkey

  A MAN of humble¹ birth and no breading, who held a high political
office, was passing through a forest, when he met a Monkey.

  "I take it you are one of my constituents," the Man said.

  "No," replied the Monkey; "but I will support you if you can urge a
valid² claim to my approval."

  "I am a self-made man," said the other, proudly.

  "That is nothing," the Monkey said.  And going to a bigger pine, he
rose by his own unaided exertions³ to the top branch, where he sat,
all bedaubed with the pitch which that vegetable exudes⁴.  "Now," he
added, "I am a self-made Monkey."