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+The Project Gutenberg EBook of Æsop's Fables, by Æsop
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+Title: Æsop's Fables
+       Embellished with One Hundred and Eleven Emblematical Devices.
+
+Author: Æsop
+
+Release Date: March 18, 2012 [EBook #39187]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: UTF-8
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK ÆSOP'S FABLES ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by Chris Curnow, Julia Neufeld and the Online
+Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (This
+file was produced from images generously made available
+by The Internet Archive)
+
+
+
+
+
+Transcriber's note: Text enclosed by underscores is in italics
+(_italics_).
+
+
+  ÆSOP'S FABLES.
+
+  EMBELLISHED WITH
+
+  One Hundred and Eleven
+  EMBLEMATICAL DEVICES.
+
+  [Illustration: Man reading]
+
+  Printed at the Chiswick Press,
+  BY C. WHITTINGHAM;
+
+  FOR CARPENTER AND SON, OLD BOND STREET;
+  J. BOOKER, NEW BOND STREET; SHARPE AND
+  HAILES, PICCADILLY; AND WHITTINGHAM
+  AND ARLISS, PATERNOSTER ROW.
+
+  1814.
+
+
+
+
+CONTENTS.
+
+
+  _Fable_                                       _Page_
+
+  1 The Cock and the Jewel                        1
+
+  2 The Wolf and the Lamb                         4
+
+  3 The Lion and the Four Bulls                   7
+
+  4 The Frog and the Fox                          9
+
+  5 The Ass eating Thistles                      11
+
+  6 The Lark and her Young Ones                  13
+
+  7 The Cock and the Fox                         16
+
+  8 The Fox in the Well                          19
+
+  9 The Wolves and the Sheep                     21
+
+  10 The Eagle and the Fox                       23
+
+  11 The Wolf in Sheep's Clothing                26
+
+  12 The Fowler and the Ring-Dove                28
+
+  13 The Sow and the Wolf                        30
+
+  14 The Horse and the Ass                       32
+
+  15 The Wolf, the Lamb, and the Goat            35
+
+  16 The Kite and the Pigeons                    38
+
+  17 The Country Mouse and the City Mouse        41
+
+  18 The Swallow and other Birds                 46
+
+  19 The Hunted Beaver                           48
+
+  20 The Cat and the Fox                         50
+
+  21 The Cat and the Mice                        52
+
+  22 The Lion and other Beasts                   54
+
+  23 The Lion and the Mouse                      56
+
+  24 The Fatal Marriage                          58
+
+  25 The Mischievous Dog                         60
+
+  26 The Ox and the Frog                         62
+
+  27 The Fox and the Lion                        65
+
+  28 The Ape and the Fox                         67
+
+  29 The Dog in the Manger                       70
+
+  30 The Birds, the Beasts, and the Bat          72
+
+  31 The Fox and the Tiger                       75
+
+  32 The Lioness and the Fox                     78
+
+  33 The Oak and the Reed                        80
+
+  34 The Wind and the Sun                        82
+
+  35 The Kite, the Frog, and the Mouse           85
+
+  36 The Frogs desiring a King                   87
+
+  37 The Old Woman and her Maids                 90
+
+  38 The Lion, the Bear, and the Fox             92
+
+  39 The Crow and the Pitcher                    95
+
+  40 The Porcupine and the Snakes                97
+
+  41 The Hares and Frogs in a Storm             100
+
+  42 The Fox and the Wolf                       103
+
+  43 The Dog and the Sheep                      106
+
+  44 The Peacock and the Crane                  108
+
+  45 The Viper and the File                     110
+
+  46 The Ass, the Lion, and the Cock            112
+
+  47 The Jackdaw and Peacocks                   114
+
+  48 The Ant and the Fly                        116
+
+  49 The Ant and the Grasshopper                119
+
+  50 The Countryman and the Snake               121
+
+  51 The Fox and the Sick Lion                  124
+
+  52 The Wanton Calf                            127
+
+  53 Hercules and the Carter                    130
+
+  54 The Belly and the Members                  133
+
+  55 The Horse and the Lion                     136
+
+  56 The Husbandman and the Stork               138
+
+  57 The Cat and the Cock                       140
+
+  58 The Leopard and the Fox                    142
+
+  59 The Shepherd's Boy                         145
+
+  60 The Fox and the Goat                       147
+
+  61 Cupid and Death                            149
+
+  62 The Old Man and his Sons                   151
+
+  63 The Stag and the Fawn                      154
+
+  64 The Old Hound                              157
+
+  65 Jupiter and the Camel                      159
+
+  66 The Fox without a Tail                     161
+
+  67 The Fox and the Crow                       163
+
+  68 The Hawk and the Farmer                    166
+
+  69 The Nurse and the Wolf                     168
+
+  70 The Hare and the Tortoise                  170
+
+  71 The Young Man and his Cat                  173
+
+  72 The Ass in the Lion's Skin                 175
+
+  73 The Mountains in Labour                    177
+
+  74 The Satyr and the Traveller                179
+
+  75 The Sick Kite                              182
+
+  76 The Hawk and the Nightingale               184
+
+  77 The Peacock's Complaint                    186
+
+  78 The Angler and the Little Fish             188
+
+  79 The Geese and the Cranes                   190
+
+  80 The Dog and the Shadow                     192
+
+  81 The Ass and the Little Dog                 194
+
+  82 The Wolf and the Crane                     197
+
+  83 The Envious Man and the Covetous           199
+
+  84 The Two Pots                               201
+
+  85 The Fox and the Stork                      203
+
+  86 The Bear and the Bee-Hives                 205
+
+  87 The Travellers and the Bear                207
+
+  88 The Trumpeter taken Prisoner               209
+
+  89 The Partridge and the Cocks                211
+
+  90 The Falconer and the Partridge             214
+
+  91 The Eagle and the Crow                     216
+
+  92 The Lion, the Ass, and the Fox             218
+
+  93 The Fox and the Grapes                     220
+
+  94 The Horse and the Stag                     222
+
+  95 The Young Man and the Swallow              224
+
+  96 The Man and his Goose                      227
+
+  97 The Dog and the Wolf                       229
+
+  98 The Wood and the Clown                     232
+
+  99 The Old Lion                               234
+
+  100 The Horse and the Loaded Ass              236
+
+  101 The Old Man and Death                     238
+
+  102 The Boar and the Ass                      240
+
+  103 The Tunny and the Dolphin                 242
+
+  104 The Peacock and the Magpie                244
+
+  105 The Forester and the Lion                 246
+
+  106 The Stag looking into the Water           248
+
+  107 The Stag in the Ox-Stall                  251
+
+  108 The Dove and the Ant                      254
+
+  109 The Lion in Love                          256
+
+  110 The Tortoise and the Eagle                259
+
+
+
+
+PREFACE,
+
+_BY S. CROXALL_.
+
+
+So much has been already said concerning Æsop and his writings, both by
+ancient and modern authors, that the subject seems to be quite
+exhausted. The different conjectures, opinions, traditions, and
+forgeries, which from time to time we have had given to us of him, would
+fill a large volume: but they are, for the most part, so inconsistent
+and absurd, that it would be but a dull amusement for the reader to be
+led into such a maze of uncertainty: since Herodotus, the most ancient
+Greek historian, did not flourish till near an hundred years after Æsop.
+
+As for his Life, with which we are entertained in so complete a manner,
+before most of the editions of his Fables, it was invented by one
+Maximus Planudes, a Greek Monk; and, if we may judge of him from that
+composition, just as judicious and learned a person, as the rest of his
+fraternity are at this day observed to be. Sure there never were so many
+blunders and childish dreams mixed up together, as are to be met with in
+the short compass of that piece. For a Monk, he might be very good and
+wise, but in point of history and chronology, he shows himself to be
+very ignorant. He brings Æsop to Babylon, in the reign of king Lycerus,
+a king of his own making; for his name is not to be found in any
+catalogue, from Nabonassar to Alexander the Great; Nabonadius, most
+probably, reigning in Babylon about that time. He sends him into Egypt
+in the days of Nectanebo, who was not in being till two hundred years
+afterwards; with some other gross mistakes of that kind, which
+sufficiently show us that this Life was a work of invention, and that
+the inventor was a bungling poor creature. He never mentions Æsop's
+being at Athens; though Phædrus speaks of him as one that lived the
+greatest part of his time there; and it appears that he had a statue
+erected in that city to his memory, done by the hand of the famed
+Lysippus. He writes of him as living at Samos, and interesting himself
+in a public capacity in the administration of the affairs of that place;
+yet, takes not the least notice of the Fable which Aristotle[1] tells us
+he spoke in behalf of a famous Demagogue there, when he was impeached
+for embezzling the public money; nor does he indeed give us the least
+hint of such a circumstance. An ingenious man might have laid together
+all the materials of this kind that are to be found in good old authors,
+and, by the help of a bright invention, connected and worked them up
+with success; we might have swallowed such an imposition well enough,
+because we should not have known how to contradict it: but in Planudes'
+case, the imposture is doubly discovered; first, as he has the
+unquestioned authority of antiquity against him; secondly, (and if the
+other did not condemn him) as he has introduced the witty, discreet,
+judicious Æsop, quibbling in a strain of low monastic waggery, and as
+archly dull as a Mountebank's Jester.
+
+  [1] _Arist. Rhet._ Lib. ii. chap. 21.
+
+That there was a Life of Æsop, either written or traditionary, before
+Aristotle's time, is pretty plain; and that there was something of that
+kind extant in Augustus' reign, is, I think, as undoubted; since Phædrus
+mentions many transactions of his, during his abode at Athens. But it is
+as certain, that Planudes met with nothing of this kind; or, at least,
+that he met not with the accounts with which they were furnished,
+because of the omissions before-mentioned; and consequently with none so
+authentic and good. He seems to have thrown together some merry conceits
+which occurred to him in the course of his reading, such as he thought
+were worthy of Æsop, and very confidently obtrudes them upon us for his.
+But, when at last he brings him to Delphos (where he was put to death by
+being thrown down from a precipice) that the Delphians might have some
+colour of justice for what they intended to do, he favours them with the
+same stratagem which Joseph made use of to bring back his brother
+Benjamin; they clandestinely convey a cup into his baggage, overtake him
+upon the road, after a strict search find him guilty; upon that pretence
+carry him back to the city, condemn and execute him.
+
+As I would neither impose upon others, nor be imposed upon, I cannot, as
+some have done, let such stuff as this pass for the Life of the great
+Æsop. Planudes has little authority for any thing he has delivered
+concerning him; nay, as far as I can find, his whole account, from the
+beginning to the end, is mere invention, excepting some few
+circumstances; such as the place of his birth, and of his death; for in
+respect of the time in which he lived, he has blundered egregiously, by
+mentioning some incidents as contemporary with Æsop, which were far
+enough from being so. Xanthus, his supposed master, puts his wife into a
+passion, by bringing such a piece of deformity into her house, as our
+Author is described to be. Upon this, the master reproaches the slave
+for not uttering something witty, at a time that seemed to require it so
+much: and then Æsop comes out, slap dash, with a satirical reflection
+upon women, taken from Euripides, the famous Greek tragedian. Now
+Euripides happened not to be born till about fourscore years after
+Æsop's death. What credit, therefore, can be given to any thing Planudes
+says of him?
+
+As to the place of his birth, I will allow, with the generality of those
+who have written about him, that it might have been some town in Phrygia
+Major: A. Gellius making mention of him, says, 'Æsopus ille, e Phrygia,
+Fabulator.' That he was also by condition a slave, we may conclude from
+what Phædrus[2] relates of him. But whether at both Samos and Athens, he
+does not particularly mention: though I am inclined to think it was at
+the latter only; because he often speaks of him as living at that place,
+and never at any other; which looks as if Phædrus believed that he had
+never lived any where else. Nor do I see how he could help being of that
+opinion, if others of the ancients, whose credit is equally good, did
+not carry him into other places. Aristotle introduces him (as I
+mentioned before) speaking in public to the Samians, upon the occasion
+of their Demagogue, or Prime Minister, being impeached for plundering
+the commonwealth.
+
+  [2] Lib. ii. fab. 9. and Lib. iii. fab. 19.
+
+I cannot but think Æsop was something above the degree of a slave, when
+he made such a figure as an eminent speaker in the Samian State. Perhaps
+he might have been in that low condition in the former part of his life;
+and therefore Phædrus, who had been of the same rank himself, might love
+to enlarge upon this circumstance, since he does not choose to represent
+him in any higher sphere. Unless we allow him to be speaking[3] in as
+public a capacity to the Athenians, upon the occasion of Pisistratus'
+seizing their liberties, as we have before supposed he did to the
+Samians. But, however, granting that he was once a slave, we have great
+authority that he was afterwards not only free, but in high veneration
+and esteem with all that knew him; especially all that were eminent for
+wisdom and virtue. Plutarch, in his Banquet of the Seven Wise Men, among
+several other illustrious persons, celebrated for their wit and
+knowledge, introduces Æsop. And, though in one place he seems to be
+ridiculed by one of the company for being of a clumsy mongrel shape;
+yet, in general, he is represented as very courtly and polite in his
+behaviour. He rallies Solon, and the rest, for taking too much liberty
+in prescribing rules for the conduct of sovereign princes; putting them
+in mind, that those who aspire to be the friends and counsellors of
+such, lose that character, and carry matters too far when they proceed
+to censure and find fault with them. Upon the credit of Plutarch,
+likewise, we fix the Life of Æsop in the time of Crœsus, King of Lydia;
+with whom he was in such esteem, as to be deputed by him to consult the
+Oracle at Delphos, and be sent as his envoy to Periander, King of
+Corinth; which was about three hundred and twenty years after the time
+in which Homer lived, and five hundred and fifty before Christ.
+
+  [3] _Phæd._ Lib. i. fab. 2.
+
+Now, though this imaginary banquet of Plutarch does not carry with it
+the weight of a serious history, yet we may take it for granted, that he
+introduced nothing in his fictitious scene, which might contradict
+either the written or traditionary Life of Æsop; but rather chose to
+make every thing agree with it. Be that as it will, this is the sum of
+the account which we have to give of him. Nor, indeed, is it material
+for us to know the little trifling circumstances of his Life; as whether
+he lived at Samos or Athens, whether he was a slave or a freeman,
+whether handsome or ugly. He has left us a legacy in his writings that
+will preserve his memory dear and perpetual among us: what we have to
+do, therefore, is to show ourselves worthy of so valuable a present, and
+to act, in all respects, as near as we can to the will and intention of
+the donor. They who are governed by reason, need no other motive than
+the mere goodness of a thing to incite them to the practice of it. But
+men, for the most part, are so superficial in their inquiries, that they
+take all upon trust; and have no taste for any thing but what is
+supported by the vogue of others, and which it is inconsistent with the
+fashion of the world not to admire.
+
+As an inducement, therefore, to such as these to like the person and
+conversation of Æsop, I must assure them that he was held in great
+esteem by most of the great wits of old. There is scarce an author among
+the ancient Greeks, who mixed any thing of morality in his writings,
+but either quotes or mentions him.
+
+Whatever his person was, the beauties of his mind were very charming and
+engaging; that the most celebrated among the ancients were his admirers;
+that they speak of him with raptures, and pay as great a respect to him
+as to any of the other wise men who lived in the same age. Nor can I
+perceive, from any author of antiquity, that he was so deformed as the
+Monk has represented him. If he had, he must have been so monstrous and
+shocking to the eye, as not only to be a very improper envoy for a great
+king, but scarce fit to be admitted as a slave in any private family.
+Indeed, from what Plutarch hints of him, I suspect he had something
+particular in his mien; but rather odd than ugly, and more apt to excite
+mirth than disgust, in those that conversed with him. Perhaps something
+humorous displayed itself in his countenance as well as his writings;
+and it might be upon account of both, that he got the name of
+Γελωτοποιος, as Lucian calls him, and his works that of Γελοια. However,
+we will go a middle way; and without insisting upon his beauty, or giving
+into his deformity, allow him to have made a merry comical figure; at least
+as handsome as Socrates; but at the same time conclude, that this
+particularity in the frame of his body was so far from being of any
+disadvantage to him, that it gave a mirthful cast to every thing he said,
+and added a kind of poignancy to his conversation.
+
+We have seen what opinion the ancients had of our Author, and his
+writings. Now, as to the manner of conveying instruction by Fables in
+general, though many good vouchers of antiquity sufficiently recommend
+it, yet to avoid tiring the reader's patience, I shall wave all
+quotations from thence, and lay before him the testimony of a modern;
+whose authority, in point of judgment, and consequently, in the present
+case, may be as readily acknowledged as that of any ancient of them all.
+"Fables[4]," says Mr. Addison, "were the first pieces of wit that made
+their appearance in the world; and have been still highly valued, not
+only in times of the greatest simplicity, but among the most polite ages
+of mankind. Jotham's Fable of the Trees is the oldest that is extant,
+and as beautiful as any which have been made since that time. Nathan's
+Fable of the poor Man and his Lamb, is likewise more ancient than any
+that is extant, besides the above-mentioned, and had so good an effect,
+as to convey instruction to the ear of a king, without offending it,
+and to bring the man after God's own heart to a right sense of his
+guilt, and his duty. We find Æsop in the most distant ages of Greece.
+And, if we look into the very beginning of the commonwealth of Rome, we
+see a mutiny among the common people appeased by the Fable of the Belly
+and the Members[5]; which was indeed very proper to gain the attention
+of an incensed rabble, at a time, when, perhaps, they would have torn to
+pieces any man who had preached the same doctrine to them, in an open
+and direct manner. As Fables took their birth in the very infancy of
+learning, they never flourished more than when learning was at its
+greatest height. To justify this assertion, I shall put my reader in
+mind of Horace, the greatest wit and critic in the Augustan age; and of
+Boileau, the most correct poet among the moderns; not to mention La
+Fontaine, who, by this way of writing, is come more into vogue than any
+other author of our times." After this, he proceeds to give some account
+of that kind of Fable in which the passions, and other imaginary beings,
+are actors; and concludes with a most beautiful one of that sort, of his
+own contriving. In another place, he gives us a translation from Homer
+of that inimitable Fable comprised in the interview between Jupiter and
+Juno, when the latter made use of the girdle of Venus, to recall the
+affection of her husband; a piece never sufficiently to be recommended
+to the perusal of such of the fair sex, as are ambitious of acquitting
+themselves handsomely in point of conjugal complacence. But I must not
+omit the excellent Preface, by which the Fable is introduced, "Reading
+is to the mind[6]," says he, "what exercise is to the body: as by the
+one, health is preserved, strengthened, and invigorated; by the other
+virtue (which is the health of the mind) is kept alive, cherished, and
+confirmed. But, as exercise becomes tedious and painful when we make use
+of it only as the means of health, so reading is too apt to grow uneasy
+and burdensome, when we apply ourselves to it only for our improvement
+in virtue. For this reason, the virtue which we gather from a Fable or
+an allegory, is like the health we get by hunting, as we are engaged in
+an agreeable pursuit that draws us on with pleasure, and makes its
+insensible of the fatigues that accompany it."
+
+  [4] Spect. No. 183.
+
+  [5] Fab. liv.
+
+  [6] Tatler, No. 147.
+
+
+
+
+ÆSOP'S FABLES.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE I.
+
+[Illustration: THE COCK AND THE JEWEL.]
+
+
+A brisk young Cock, in company with two or three pullets, his
+mistresses, raking upon a dunghill for something to entertain them with,
+happened to scratch up a Jewel. He knew what it was well enough, for it
+sparkled with an exceeding bright lustre; but, not knowing what to do
+with it, endeavoured to cover his ignorance under a gay contempt; so,
+shrugging up his wings, shaking his head, and putting on a grimace, he
+expressed himself to this purpose:--'Indeed, you are a very fine thing;
+but I know not any business you have here. I make no scruple of
+declaring that my taste lies quite another way; and I had rather have
+one grain of dear delicious barley, than all the Jewels under the sun.'
+
+
+APPLICATION.
+
+There are several people in the world that pass, with some, for well
+accomplished gentlemen, and very pretty fellows, though they are as
+great strangers to the true uses of virtue and knowledge as the Cock
+upon the dunghill is to the real value of the Jewel. He palliates his
+ignorance by pretending that his taste lies another way. But, whatever
+gallant airs people may give themselves upon these occasions, without
+dispute, the solid advantages of virtue, and the durable pleasures of
+learning, are as much to be preferred before other objects of the
+senses, as the finest brilliant diamond is above a barley-corn. The
+greatest blockheads would appear to understand what at the same time
+they affect to despise: and nobody yet was ever so vicious, as to have
+the impudence to declare, in public, that virtue was not a fine thing.
+
+But still, among the idle, sauntering young fellows of the age, who have
+leisure as well to cultivate and improve the faculties of the mind, as
+to dress and embellish the body, how many are there who spend their days
+in raking after new scenes of debauchery, in comparison of those few who
+know how to relish more reasonable entertainments! Honest, undesigning
+good sense is so unfashionable, that he must be a bold man who, at this
+time of day, attempts to bring it into esteem.
+
+How disappointed is the youth who, in the midst of his amorous pursuits,
+endeavouring to plunder an outside of bloom and beauty, finds a treasure
+of impenetrable virtue concealed within! And why may it not be said, how
+delighted are the fair sex when, from among a crowd of empty, frolic,
+conceited admirers, they find out, and distinguish with their good
+opinion, a man of sense, with a plain, unaffected person, which, at
+first sight, they did not like!
+
+
+
+
+FABLE II.
+
+[Illustration: THE WOLF AND THE LAMB.]
+
+
+One hot, sultry day, a Wolf and a Lamb happened to come, just at the
+same time, to quench their thirst in the stream of a clear, silver brook
+that ran tumbling down the side of a rocky mountain. The Wolf stood upon
+the higher ground, and the Lamb at some distance from him down the
+current. However, the Wolf, having a mind to pick a quarrel with him,
+asked him, what he meant by disturbing the water, and making it so muddy
+that he could not drink? and, at the same time demanded satisfaction.
+The Lamb, frightened at this threatening charge, told him, in a tone as
+mild as possible, that, with humble submission, he could not conceive
+how that could be; since the water which he drank, ran down from the
+Wolf to him, and therefore it could not be disturbed so far up the
+stream. 'Be that as it will,' replies the Wolf, 'you are a rascal, and I
+have been told that you treated me with ill language, behind my back,
+about half a year ago.'--'Upon my word,' says the Lamb, 'the time you
+mention was before I was born.' The Wolf, finding it to no purpose to
+argue any longer against truth, fell into a great passion, snarling and
+foaming at the mouth, as if he had been mad; and drawing nearer to the
+Lamb, 'Sirrah,' says he, 'if it was not you, it was your father, and
+that is all one.'--So he seized the poor innocent, helpless thing, tore
+it to pieces, and made a meal of it.
+
+
+APPLICATION.
+
+The thing which is pointed at in this fable is so obvious, that it will
+be impertinent to multiply words about it. When a cruel ill-natured man
+has a mind to abuse one inferior to himself, either in power or courage,
+though he has not given the least occasion for it, how does he resemble
+the Wolf! whose envious, rapacious temper could not bear to see
+innocence live quietly in its neighbourhood. In short, wherever ill
+people are in power, innocence and integrity are sure to be persecuted:
+the more vicious the community is, the better countenance they have for
+their own villanous measures. To practise honesty in bad times, is being
+liable to suspicion enough; but if any one should dare to prescribe it,
+it is ten to one but he would be impeached of high crimes and
+misdemeanors: for to stand up for justice in a degenerate and corrupt
+state, is tacitly to upbraid the government, and seldom fails of pulling
+down vengeance upon the head of him that offers to stir in its defence.
+Where cruelty and malice are in combination with power, nothing is so
+easy as for them to find a pretence to tyrannize over innocence, and
+exercise all manner of injustice.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE III.
+
+[Illustration: THE LION AND THE FOUR BULLS.]
+
+
+Four Bulls, which had entered into a very strict friendship, kept always
+near one another, and fed together. The Lion often saw them, and as
+often had a mind to make one of them his prey; but, though he could
+easily have subdued any of them singly, yet he was afraid to attack the
+whole alliance, as knowing they would have been too hard for him, and
+therefore contented himself, for the present, with keeping at a
+distance. At last, perceiving no attempt was to be made upon them, as
+long as this combination held, he took occasion, by whispers and hints,
+to foment jealousies, and raise divisions among them. This stratagem
+succeeded so well, that the Bulls grew cold and reserved towards one
+another, which soon after ripened into a downright hatred and
+aversion; and, at last, ended in a total separation. The Lion had now
+obtained his ends; and, as impossible as it was for him to hurt them
+while they were united, he found no difficulty, now they were parted, to
+seize and devour every Bull of them, one after another.
+
+
+APPLICATION.
+
+The moral of this fable is so well known and allowed, that to go about
+to enlighten it, would be like holding a candle to the sun. "A kingdom
+divided against itself cannot stand;" and as undisputed a maxim as it
+is, was, however, thought necessary to be urged to the attention of
+mankind, by the best Man that ever lived. And since friendships and
+alliances are of so great importance to our well-being and happiness, we
+cannot be too often cautioned not to let them be broken by tale-bearers
+and whisperers, or any other contrivance of our enemies.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE IV.
+
+[Illustration: THE FROG AND THE FOX.]
+
+
+A Frog, leaping out of a lake, and taking the advantage of a rising
+ground, made proclamation to all the beasts of the forest, that he was
+an able physician, and, for curing all manner of distempers, would turn
+his back to no person living. This discourse, uttered in a parcel of
+hard, cramp words, which nobody understood, made the beasts admire his
+learning, and give credit to every thing he said. At last the Fox, who
+was present, with indignation asked him, how he could have the
+impudence, with those thin lantern-jaws, that meagre pale phiz, and
+blotched spotted body, to set up for one who was able to cure the
+infirmities of others.
+
+
+APPLICATION.
+
+A sickly, infirm look, is as disadvantageous in a physician, as that of
+a rake in a clergyman, or a sheepish one in a soldier. If this moral
+contains any thing further, it is, that we should not set up for
+rectifying enormities in others, while we labour under the same
+ourselves. Good advice ought always to be followed, without our being
+prejudiced upon account of the person from whom it comes: but it is
+seldom that men can be brought to think us worth minding, when we
+prescribe cures for maladies with which ourselves are infected.
+"Physician, heal thyself," is too scriptural not to be applied upon such
+an occasion; and, if we would avoid being the jest of an audience, we
+must be sound, and free from those diseases of which we would endeavour
+to cure others. How shocked must people have been to hear a preacher,
+for a whole hour, declaim against drunkenness, when his own infirmity
+has been such, that he could neither bear nor forbear drinking; and,
+perhaps, was the only person in the congregation who made the doctrine
+at that time necessary! Others too have been very zealous in exploding
+crimes, for which none were more suspected than themselves: but let such
+silly hypocrites remember, that they whose eyes want couching, are the
+most improper people in the world to set up for oculists.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE V.
+
+[Illustration: THE ASS EATING THISTLES.]
+
+
+An Ass was loaded with good provisions of several sorts, which, in time
+of harvest, he was carrying into the field for his master and the
+reapers to dine upon. By the way he met with a fine large Thistle, and,
+being very hungry, began to mumble it; which, while he was doing, he
+entered into this reflection--'How many greedy epicures would think
+themselves happy, amidst such a variety of delicate viands as I now
+carry! But to me, this bitter prickly Thistle is more savoury and
+relishing than the most exquisite and sumptuous banquet.'
+
+
+APPLICATION.
+
+Happiness and misery, and oftentimes pleasure and pain, exist merely in
+our opinion, and are no more to be accounted for than the difference of
+tastes. "That which is one man's meat, is another man's poison," is a
+proposition that ought to be allowed in all particulars, where the
+opinion is concerned, as well as in eating and drinking. Our senses must
+inform us whether a thing pleases or displeases, before we can declare
+our judgment of it; and that is to any man good or evil, which his own
+understanding suggests to him to be so, and not that which is agreeable
+to another's fancy. And yet, as reasonable and as necessary as it is to
+grant this, how apt are we to wonder at people for not liking this or
+that, or how can they think so and so! This childish humour of wondering
+at the different tastes and opinions of others, occasions much
+uneasiness among the generality of mankind. But, if we considered things
+rightly, why should we be more concerned at others differing from us in
+their way of thinking upon any subject whatever, than at their liking
+cheese, or mustard; one, or both of which, we may happen to dislike? In
+truth, he that expects all mankind should be of his opinion, is much
+more stupid and unreasonable than the Ass in the fable.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE VI.
+
+[Illustration: THE LARK AND HER YOUNG ONES.]
+
+
+A Lark, who had Young Ones in a field of corn which was almost ripe, was
+under some fear lest the reapers should come to reap it before her young
+brood were fledged, and able to remove from the place: wherefore, upon
+flying abroad to look for food, she left this charge with them--that
+they should take notice what they heard talked of in her absence, and
+tell her of it when she came back again. When she was gone, they heard
+the owner of the corn call to his son--'Well,' says he, 'I think this
+corn is ripe enough; I would have you go early to-morrow, and desire our
+friends and neighbours to come and help us to reap it.' When the Old
+Lark came home, the Young Ones fell a quivering and chirping round her,
+and told her what had happened, begging her to remove them as fast as
+she could. The mother bid them be easy; 'for,' says she, 'if the owner
+depends upon friends and neighbours, I am pretty sure the corn will not
+be reaped to-morrow.' Next day she went out again, upon the same
+occasion, and left the same orders with them as before. The owner came,
+and stayed, expecting those he had sent to: but the sun grew hot, and
+nothing was done, for not a soul came to help him. 'Then,' says he to
+his son, 'I perceive these friends of ours are not to be depended upon;
+so that you must even go to your uncles and cousins, and tell them, I
+desire they would be here betimes to-morrow morning to help us to reap.'
+Well, this the Young Ones, in a great fright, reported also to their
+mother. 'If that be all,' says she, 'do not be frightened, children, for
+kindred and relations do not use to be so very forward to serve one
+another; but take particular notice what you hear said the next time,
+and be sure you let me know it.' She went abroad the next day, as usual;
+and the owner, finding his relations as slack as the rest of his
+neighbours, said to his son, 'Hark ye! George, do you get a couple of
+good sickles ready against to-morrow morning, and we will even reap the
+corn ourselves.' When the Young Ones told their mother this, 'Then,'
+says she, 'we must be gone indeed; for, when a man undertakes to do his
+business himself, it is not so likely that he will be disappointed.' So
+she removed her Young Ones immediately, and the corn was reaped the next
+day by the good man and his son.
+
+
+APPLICATION.
+
+Never depend upon the assistance of friends and relations in any thing
+which you are able to do yourself; for nothing is more fickle and
+uncertain. The man, who relies upon another for the execution of any
+affair of importance, is not only kept in a wretched and slavish
+suspense while he expects the issue of the matter, but generally meets
+with a disappointment. While he, who lays the chief stress of his
+business upon himself, and depends upon his own industry and attention
+for the success of his affairs, is in the fairest way to attain his end:
+and, if at last he should miscarry, has this to comfort him--that it was
+not through his own negligence, and a vain expectation of the assistance
+of friends. To stand by ourselves, as much as possible, to exert our own
+strength and vigilance in the prosecution of our affairs, is god-like,
+being the result of a most noble and highly exalted reason; but they who
+procrastinate and defer the business of life by an idle dependance upon
+others, in things which it is in their own power to effect, sink down
+into a kind of stupid abject slavery, and show themselves unworthy of
+the talents with which human nature is dignified.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE VII.
+
+[Illustration: THE COCK AND THE FOX.]
+
+
+The Fox, passing early one summer's morning near a farm-yard, was caught
+in a springe, which the farmer had planted there for that end. The Cock,
+at a distance, saw what happened; and, hardly yet daring to trust
+himself too near so dangerous a foe, approached him cautiously, and
+peeped at him, not without some horror and dread of mind. Reynard no
+sooner perceived it, but he addressed himself to him, with all the
+designing artifice imaginable. 'Dear cousin,' says he, 'you see what an
+unfortunate accident has befallen me here, and all upon your account:
+for, as I was creeping through yonder hedge, in my way homeward, I heard
+you crow, and was resolved to ask you how you did before I went any
+further: but, by the way, I met with this disaster; and therefore now I
+must become an humble suitor to you for a knife to cut this plaguy
+string; or, at least, that you would conceal my misfortune, till I have
+gnawed it asunder with my teeth.' The Cock, seeing how the case stood,
+made no reply, but posted away as fast as he could, and gave the farmer
+an account of the whole matter; who, taking a good weapon along with
+him, came and did the Fox's business, before he could have time to
+contrive his escape.
+
+
+APPLICATION.
+
+Though there is no quality of the mind more graceful in itself, or that
+renders it more amiable to others, than the having a tender regard to
+those who are in distress; yet we may err, even in this point, unless we
+take care to let our compassion flow out upon proper objects only. When
+the innocent fall into misfortune, it is the part of a generous brave
+spirit to contribute to their redemption; or, if that be impossible, to
+administer something to their comfort and support. But, when wicked men,
+who have been enemies to their fellow-subjects, are entrapped in their
+own pernicious schemes, he that labours to deliver them, makes himself
+an associate in their crimes, and becomes as great an enemy to the
+public as those whom he would screen and protect.
+
+When highwaymen and housebreakers are taken, condemned, and going to
+satisfy justice, at the expense of their vile paltry lives; who are
+they that grieve for them, and would be glad to rescue them from the
+rope? Not honest men, we may be sure. The rest of the thieving
+fraternity would, perhaps, commiserate their condition, and be ready to
+mutiny in their favour: nay, the rascally solicitor, who had been
+employed upon their account, would be vexed that his negociations had
+succeeded no better, and be afraid of losing his reputation, among other
+delinquents, for the future: but every friend to justice would have no
+reason to be dissatisfied at any thing but a mournful reflection, which
+he could not forbear making, that, while these little criminals swing
+for some trifling inconsiderable rapine, others, so transcendently their
+superiors in fraud and plunder, escape with a whole skin.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE VIII.
+
+[Illustration: THE FOX IN THE WELL.]
+
+
+A Fox having fallen into a Well, made a shift, by sticking his claws
+into the sides, to keep his head above water. Soon after, a Wolf came
+and peeped over the brink; to whom the Fox applied himself very
+earnestly for assistance: entreating, that he would help him to a rope,
+or something of that kind, which might favour his escape. The Wolf,
+moved with compassion at his misfortune, could not forbear expressing
+his concern: 'Ah! poor Reynard,' says he, 'I am sorry for you with all
+my heart; how could you possibly come into this melancholy
+condition?'--'Nay, prithee, friend,' replies the Fox, 'if you wish me
+well, do not stand pitying of me, but lend me some succour as fast as
+you can: for pity is but cold comfort when one is up to the chin in
+water, and within a hair's breadth of starving or drowning.'
+
+
+APPLICATION.
+
+Pity, indeed, is of itself but poor comfort at any time; and, unless it
+produces something more substantial, is rather impertinently
+troublesome, than any way agreeable. To stand bemoaning the misfortunes
+of our friends, without offering some expedient to alleviate them, is
+only echoing to their grief, and putting them in mind that they are
+miserable. He is truly my friend who, with a ready presence of mind,
+supports me; not he who condoles with me upon my ill success, and says
+he is sorry for my loss. In short, a favour or obligation is doubled by
+being well-timed; and he is the best benefactor, who knows our
+necessities, and complies with our wishes, even before we ask him.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE IX.
+
+[Illustration: THE WOLVES AND THE SHEEP.]
+
+
+The Wolves and the Sheep had been a long time in a state of war
+together. At last a cessation of arms was proposed, in order to a treaty
+of peace, and hostages were to be delivered on both sides for security.
+The Wolves proposed that the Sheep should give up their dogs, on the one
+side, and that they would deliver up their young ones, on the other.
+This proposal was agreed to; but no sooner executed, than the young
+Wolves began to howl for want of their dams. The old ones took this
+opportunity to cry out, the treaty was broke; and so falling upon the
+Sheep, who were destitute of their faithful guardians the dogs, they
+worried and devoured them without control.
+
+
+APPLICATION.
+
+In all our transactions with mankind, even in the most private and low
+life, we should have a special regard how, and with whom, we trust
+ourselves. Men, in this respect, ought to look upon each other as
+Wolves, and to keep themselves under a secure guard, and in a continual
+posture of defence. Particularly upon any treaties of importance, the
+securities on both sides should be strictly considered; and each should
+act with so cautious a view to their own interest, as never to pledge or
+part with that which is the very essence and basis of their safety and
+well-being. And if this be a just and reasonable rule for men to govern
+themselves by, in their own private affairs, how much more fitting and
+necessary is it in any conjuncture wherein the public is concerned? If
+the enemy should demand our whole army for an hostage, the danger in our
+complying with it would be so gross and apparent, that we could not help
+observing it: but, perhaps, a country may equally expose itself by
+parting with a particular town or general, as its whole army; its
+safety, not seldom, depending as much upon one of the former, as upon
+the latter. In short, hostages and securities may be something very dear
+to us, but ought never to be given up, if our welfare and preservation
+have any dependance upon them.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE X.
+
+[Illustration: THE EAGLE AND THE FOX.]
+
+
+An Eagle that had young ones, looking out for something to feed them
+with, happened to spy a Fox's cub, that lay basking itself abroad in the
+sun. She made a stoop, and trussed it immediately; but before she had
+carried it quite off, the old Fox coming home, implored her, with tears
+in her eyes, to spare her cub, and pity the distress of a poor fond
+mother, who should think no affliction so great as that of losing her
+child. The Eagle, whose nest was up in a very high tree, thought herself
+secure enough from all projects of revenge, and so bore away the cub to
+her young ones, without showing any regard to the supplications of the
+Fox. But that subtle creature, highly incensed at this outrageous
+barbarity, ran to an altar, where some country people had been
+sacrificing a kid in the open fields, and catching up a firebrand in her
+mouth, made towards the tree where the Eagle's nest was, with a
+resolution of revenge. She had scarce ascended the first branches, when
+the Eagle, terrified with the approaching ruin of herself and family,
+begged of the Fox to desist, and, with much submission, returned her the
+cub again safe and sound.
+
+
+APPLICATION.
+
+This fable is a warning to us not to deal hardly or injuriously by any
+body. The consideration of our being in a high condition of life, and
+those we hurt, far below us, will plead little or no excuse for us in
+this case: for there is scarce a creature of so despicable a rank, but
+is capable of avenging itself some way, and at some time or other. When
+great men happen to be wicked, how little scruple do they make of
+oppressing their poor neighbours! They are perched upon a lofty station,
+and have built their nest on high; and, having outgrown all feelings of
+humanity, are insensible of any pangs of remorse. The widow's tears, the
+orphan's cries, and the curses of the miserable, like javelins thrown by
+the hand of a feeble old man, fall by the way, and never reach their
+heart. But let such a one, in the midst of his flagrant injustice,
+remember, how easy a matter it is, notwithstanding his superior
+distance, for the meanest vassal to be revenged of him. The bitterness
+of an affliction, even where cunning is wanting, may animate the
+poorest spirit with resolutions of vengeance; and, when once that fury
+is thoroughly awakened, we know not what she will require before she is
+lulled to rest again. The most powerful tyrants cannot prevent a
+resolved assassination; there are a thousand different ways for any
+private man to do the business, who is heartily disposed to it, and
+willing to satisfy his appetite for revenge, at the expense of his life.
+An old woman may clap a firebrand in the palace of a prince; and it is
+in the power of a poor weak fool to destroy the children of the mighty.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE XI.
+
+[Illustration: THE WOLF IN SHEEP'S CLOTHING.]
+
+
+A Wolf, clothing himself in the skin of a Sheep, and getting in among
+the flock, by this means took the opportunity to devour many of them. At
+last the shepherd discovered him, and cunningly fastening a rope about
+his neck, tied him up to a tree which stood hard by. Some other
+shepherds happening to pass that way, and observing what he was about,
+drew near, and expressed their amazement at it. 'What,' says one of
+them, 'brother, do you make hanging of Sheep?'--'No,' replies the other;
+'but I make hanging of a Wolf whenever I catch him, though in the habit
+and garb of a Sheep.' Then he showed them their mistake, and they
+applauded the justice of the execution.
+
+
+APPLICATION.
+
+This fable shows us, that no regard is to be had to the mere habit or
+outside of any person, but to undisguised worth and intrinsic virtue.
+When we place our esteem upon the external garb, before we inform
+ourselves of the qualities which it covers, we may often mistake evil
+for good, and, instead of a Sheep, take a Wolf into our protection.
+Therefore, however innocent or sanctified any one may appear, as to the
+vesture wherewith he is clothed, we may act rashly, because we may be
+imposed upon, if from thence we take it for granted, that he is inwardly
+as good and righteous as his outward robe would persuade us he is. Men
+of judgment and penetration do not use to give an implicit credit to a
+particular habit, or a peculiar colour, but love to make a more exact
+scrutiny; for he that will not come up to the character of an honest,
+good kind of man, when stripped of his Sheep's Clothing, is but the more
+detestable for his intended imposture; as the Wolf was but the more
+obnoxious to the shepherd's resentment, by wearing a habit so little
+suiting with his manners.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE XII.
+
+[Illustration: THE FOWLER AND THE RING-DOVE.]
+
+
+A fowler took his gun, and went into the woods a-shooting. He spied a
+Ring-Dove among the branches of an oak, and intended to kill it. He
+clapped the piece to his shoulder, and took his aim accordingly. But,
+just as he was going to pull the trigger, an adder, which he had trod
+upon under the grass, stung him so painfully in the leg, that he was
+forced to quit his design, and threw his gun down in a passion. The
+poison immediately infected his blood, and his whole body began to
+mortify; which, when he perceived, he could not help owning it to be
+just. 'Fate,' says he, 'has brought destruction upon me, while I was
+contriving the death of another.'
+
+
+APPLICATION.
+
+This is another lesson against injustice; a topic in which our just
+Author abounds. And, if we consider the matter fairly, we must allow it
+to be as reasonable that some one should do violence to us, as we should
+commit it upon another. When we are impartial in our reflections, thus
+we must always think. The unjust man, with a hardened unfeeling heart,
+can do a thousand bitter things to others: but if a single calamity
+touches himself, oh, how tender he is! How insupportable is the
+uneasiness it occasions! Why should we think others born to hard
+treatment more than ourselves? Or imagine it can be reasonable to do to
+another, what we ourselves should be unwilling to suffer? In our
+behaviour to all mankind, we need only ask ourselves these plain
+questions, and our consciences will tell us how to act. Conscience, like
+a good valuable domestic, plays the remembrancer to us upon all
+occasions, and gives us a gentle twitch, when we are going to do a wrong
+thing. It does not, like the adder in the fable, bite us to death, but
+only gives us kind cautions. However, if we neglect these just and
+frequent warnings, and continue in a course of wickedness and injustice,
+do not let us be surprised if Providence thinks fit, at last, to give us
+a home sting, and to exercise a little retaliation upon us.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE XIII.
+
+[Illustration: THE SOW AND THE WOLF.]
+
+
+A Sow had just farrowed, and lay in the stye, with her whole litter of
+pigs about her. A Wolf who longed for one of them, but knew not how to
+come at it, endeavoured to insinuate himself into the Sow's good
+opinion: and, accordingly, coming up to her--'How does the good woman in
+the straw do?' says he. 'Can I be of any service to you, Mrs. Sow, in
+relation to your little family here? If you have a mind to go abroad,
+and air yourself a little, or so, you may depend upon it, I will take as
+much care of your pigs as you could yourself.'--'Your humble servant,'
+says the Sow, 'I thoroughly understand your meaning; and, to let you
+know I do, I must be so free as to tell you, I had rather have your
+room than your company; and, therefore, if you would act like a Wolf of
+honour, and oblige me, I beg I may never see your face again.'
+
+
+APPLICATION.
+
+The being officiously good-natured and civil is something so uncommon in
+the world, that one cannot hear a man make profession of it without
+being surprised, or, at least, suspecting the disinterestedness of his
+intentions. Especially, when one who is a stranger to us, or though
+known, is ill-esteemed by us, will be making offers of services, we have
+great reason to look to ourselves, and exert a shyness and coldness
+towards him. We should resolve not to receive even favours from bad kind
+of people; for should it happen that some immediate mischief was not
+couched in them, yet it is dangerous to have obligations to such, or to
+give them an opportunity of making a communication with us.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE XIV.
+
+[Illustration: THE HORSE AND THE ASS.]
+
+
+The Horse, adorned with his great war-saddle, and champing his foaming
+bridle, came thundering along the way, and made the mountains echo with
+his loud shrill neighing. He had not gone far, before he overtook an
+Ass, who was labouring under a heavy burden, and moving slowly on in the
+same track with himself. Immediately he called out to him, in a haughty
+imperious tone, and threatened to trample him in the dirt, if he did not
+break the way for him. The poor patient Ass, not daring to dispute the
+matter, quietly got out of his way as fast as he could, and let him go
+by. Not long after this, the same Horse, in an engagement with the
+enemy, happened to be shot in the eye, which made him unfit for show,
+or any military business; so he was stripped of his fine ornaments, and
+sold to a carrier. The Ass, meeting him in this forlorn condition,
+thought that now it was his time to insult; and so, says he, 'Hey-day,
+friend, is it you? Well, I always believed that pride of yours would one
+day have a fall.'
+
+
+APPLICATION.
+
+Pride is a very unaccountable vice: many people fall into it unawares,
+and are often led into it by motives, which, if they considered things
+rightly, would make them abhor the very thoughts of it. There is no man
+that thinks well of himself, but desires that the rest of the world
+should think so too. Now it is the wrong measures we take in
+endeavouring after this, that expose us to discerning people in that
+light which they call pride, and which is so far from giving us any
+advantage in their esteem, that it renders us despicable and ridiculous.
+It is an affectation of appearing considerable, that puts men upon being
+proud and insolent; and their very being so makes them, infallibly,
+little, and inconsiderable. The man that claims and calls for reverence
+and respect, deserves none; he that asks for applause, is sure to lose
+it; the certain way to get it is to seem to shun it; and the humble man,
+according to the maxims even of this world, is the most likely to be
+exalted. He that, in his words or actions, pleads for superiority, and
+rather chooses to do an ill action, than condescend to do a good one,
+acts like the Horse, and is as void of reason and understanding. The
+rich and the powerful want nothing but the love and esteem of mankind to
+complete their felicity; and these they are sure to obtain by a
+good-humoured, kind condescension; and as certain of being every body's
+aversion, while the least tincture of overbearing rudeness is
+perceptible in their words or actions. What brutal tempers must they be
+of, who can be easy and indifferent, while they know themselves to be
+universally hated, though in the midst of affluence and power! But this
+is not all; for if ever the wheel of fortune should whirl them from the
+top to the bottom, instead of friendship or commiseration, they will
+meet with nothing but contempt; and that with much more justice than
+ever they themselves exerted it towards others.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE XV.
+
+[Illustration: THE WOLF, THE LAMB, AND THE GOAT.]
+
+
+A Wolf meeting a Lamb, one day, in company with a Goat--'Child,' says
+he, 'you are mistaken; this is none of your mother; she is yonder;'
+pointing to a flock of sheep at a distance.--'It may be so,' says the
+Lamb; 'the person that happened to conceive me, and afterwards bore me a
+few months in her belly, because she could not help it, and then dropped
+me, she did not care where, and left me to the wide world, is, I
+suppose, what you call my mother; but I look upon this charitable Goat
+as such, that took compassion on me in my poor, helpless, destitute
+condition, and gave me suck; sparing it out of the mouths of her own
+kids, rather than I should want it.'--'But sure,' says he, 'you have a
+greater regard for her that gave you life, than for any body
+else.'--'She gave me life! I deny that. She that could not so much as
+tell whether I should be black or white, had a great hand in giving me
+life, to be sure! But, supposing it were so, I am mightily obliged to
+her, truly, for contriving to let me be of the male-kind, so that I go
+every day in danger of the butcher. What reason then have I to have a
+greater regard for one to whom I am so little indebted for any part of
+my being, than for those from whom I have received all the benevolence
+and kindness which have hitherto supported me in life?'
+
+
+APPLICATION.
+
+It is they whose goodness makes them our parents, that properly claim
+filial respect from us, and not those who are such only out of
+necessity. The duties between parents and their children are relative
+and reciprocal. By all laws, natural as well as civil, it is expected
+that the parents should cherish and provide for the child, till it is
+able to shift for itself; and that the child, with a mutual tenderness,
+should depend upon the parent for its sustenance, and yield it a
+reasonable obedience. Yet, through the depravity of human nature, we
+very often see these laws violated, and the relations before-mentioned
+treating one another with as much virulence as enemies of different
+countries are capable of. Through the natural impatience and protervity
+of youth, we observe the first occasion for any animosity most
+frequently arising from their side; but, however, there are not wanting
+examples of undutiful parents: and, when a father, by using a son ill,
+and denying him such an education and such an allowance as his
+circumstances can well afford, gives him occasion to withdraw his
+respect from him, to urge his begetting of him as the sole obligation to
+duty, is talking like a silly unthinking dotard. Mutual benevolence must
+be kept up between relations, as well as friends; for, without this
+cement, whatever you please to call the building, it is only a castle in
+the air, a thing to be talked of, without the least reality.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE XVI.
+
+[Illustration: THE KITE AND THE PIGEONS.]
+
+
+A Kite, who had kept sailing in the air for many days near a dove-house,
+and made a stoop at several pigeons, but all to no purpose (for they
+were too nimble for him), at last had recourse to stratagem, and took
+his opportunity one day to make a declaration to them, in which he set
+forth his own just and good intentions, who had nothing more at heart
+than the defence and protection of the Pigeons in their ancient rights
+and liberties, and how concerned he was at their fears and jealousies of
+a foreign invasion, especially their unjust and unreasonable suspicions
+of himself, as if he intended, by force of arms, to break in upon their
+constitution, and erect a tyrannical government over them. To prevent
+all which, and thoroughly to quiet their minds, he thought proper to
+propose to them such terms of alliance and articles of peace as might
+for ever cement a good understanding between them: the principal of
+which was, that they should accept of him for their king, and invest him
+with all kingly privilege and prerogative over them. The poor simple
+Pigeons consented: the Kite took the coronation oath, after a very
+solemn manner, on his part, and the Doves, the oaths of allegiance and
+fidelity, on theirs. But much time had not passed over their heads,
+before the good Kite pretended that it was part of his prerogative to
+devour a Pigeon whenever he pleased. And this he was not contented to do
+himself only, but instructed the rest of the royal family in the same
+kingly arts of government. The Pigeons, reduced to this miserable
+condition, said one to the other, 'Ah! we deserve no better! Why did we
+let him come in!
+
+
+APPLICATION.
+
+What can this fable be applied to but the exceeding blindness and
+stupidity of that part of mankind who wantonly and foolishly trust their
+native rights of liberty without good security? Who often choose for
+guardians of their lives and fortunes, persons abandoned to the most
+unsociable vices; and seldom have any better excuse for such an error in
+politics than, that they were deceived in their expectation; or never
+thoroughly knew the manners of their king till he had got them entirely
+in his power: which, however, is notoriously false; for many, with the
+Doves in the fable, are so silly, that they would admit of a Kite,
+rather than be without a king. The truth is, we ought not to incur the
+possibility of being deceived in so important a matter as this: an
+unlimited power should not be trusted in the hands of any one who is not
+endued with a perfection more than human.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE XVII.
+
+[Illustration: THE COUNTRY MOUSE AND THE CITY MOUSE.]
+
+
+An honest, plain, sensible Country Mouse, is said to have entertained at
+his hole one day a fine Mouse of the Town. Having formerly been
+playfellows together, they were old acquaintance, which served as an
+apology for the visit. However, as master of the house, he thought
+himself obliged to do the honours of it, in all respects, and to make as
+great a stranger of his guest as he possibly could. In order to this, he
+set before him a reserve of delicate grey peas and bacon, a dish of fine
+oatmeal, some parings of new cheese, and, to crown all with a dessert, a
+remnant of a charming mellow apple. In good manners, he forbore to eat
+any himself, lest the stranger should not have enough; but, that he
+might seem to bear the other company, sat and nibbled a piece of a
+wheaten straw very busily. At last says the spark of the town, 'Old
+crony, give me leave to be a little free with you; how can you bear to
+live in this nasty, dirty, melancholy hole here, with nothing but woods
+and meadows, and mountains, and rivulets, about you? Do not you prefer
+the conversation of the world to the chirping of birds, and the
+splendour of a court to the rude aspect of an uncultivated desert! Come,
+take my word for it, you will find it a change for the better. Never
+stand considering, but away this moment. Remember, we are not immortal,
+and therefore have no time to lose. Make sure of to-day, and spend it as
+agreeably as you can; you know not what may happen to-morrow.' In short,
+these and such like arguments prevailed, and his Country Acquaintance
+was resolved to go to town that night. So they both set out upon their
+journey together, proposing to sneak in after the close of the evening.
+They did so; and, about midnight, made their entry into a certain great
+house, where there had been an extraordinary entertainment the day
+before, and several tit-bits, which some of the servants had purloined,
+were hid under the seat of a window. The Country Guest was immediately
+placed in the midst of a rich Persian carpet: and now it was the
+Courtier's turn to entertain; who, indeed, acquitted himself in that
+capacity with the utmost readiness and address, changing the courses as
+elegantly, and tasting every thing first as judiciously, as any clerk of
+a kitchen, the other sat and enjoyed himself like a delighted epicure,
+tickled to the last degree with this new turn of his affairs; when, on a
+sudden, a noise of somebody opening the door made them start from their
+seats, and scuttle in confusion about the dining-room. Our Country
+Friend, in particular, was ready to die with fear at the barking of a
+huge mastiff or two, which opened their throats just about the same
+time, and made the whole house echo. At last, recovering
+himself--'Well,' says he, 'if this be your town life, much good may do
+you with it: give me my poor quiet hole again, with my homely, but
+comfortable, grey peas.'
+
+
+APPLICATION.
+
+A moderate fortune, with a quiet retirement in the country, is
+preferable to the greatest affluence which is attended with care and the
+perplexity of business, and inseparable from the noise and hurry of the
+town. The practice of the generality of people of the best taste, it is
+to be owned, is directly against us in this point; but, when it is
+considered that this practise of theirs proceeds rather from a
+compliance with the fashion of the times, than their own private
+thoughts, the objection is of no force. Among the great numbers of men
+who have received a learned education, how few are there but either have
+their fortunes entirely to make, or, at least, think they deserve to
+have, and ought not to lose the opportunity of getting, somewhat more
+than their fathers have left them! The town is the field of action for
+volunteers of this kind; and whatever fondness they may have for the
+country, yet they must stay till their circumstances will admit of a
+retreat thither. But sure there never was a man yet, who lived in a
+constant return of trouble and fatigue in town, as all men of business
+do in some degree or other, but has formed to himself some end of
+getting some sufficient competency, which may enable him to purchase a
+quiet possession in the country, where he may indulge his genius, and
+give up his old age to that easy smooth life which, in the tempest of
+business, he had so often longed for. Can any thing argue more strongly
+for a country life, than to observe what a long course of labour people
+go through, and what difficulties they encounter to come at it? They
+look upon it, at a distance, like a kind of heaven, a place of rest and
+happiness; and are pushing forward through the rugged thorny cares of
+the world, to make their way towards it. If there are many who, though
+born to plentiful fortunes, yet live most part of their time in the
+noise, the smoke, and hurry of the town, we shall find, upon inquiry,
+that necessary indispensible business is the real or pretended plea
+which most of them have to make for it. The court and the senate require
+the attendance of some: lawsuits, and the proper direction of trade,
+engage others: they who have a sprightly wit and an elegant taste for
+conversation, will resort to the place which is frequented by people of
+the same turn, whatever aversion they may otherwise have for it; and
+others, who have no such pretence, have yet this to say, that they
+follow the fashion. They who appear to have been men of the best sense
+amongst the ancients, always recommended the country as the most proper
+scene for innocence, ease, and virtuous pleasure; and, accordingly, lost
+no opportunities of enjoying it: and men of the greatest distinction
+among the moderns, have ever thought themselves most happy when they
+could be decently spared from the employments which the excellency of
+their talents necessarily threw them into, to embrace the charming
+leisure of a country life.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE XVIII.
+
+[Illustration: THE SWALLOW AND OTHER BIRDS.]
+
+
+A farmer was sowing his field with flax. The Swallow observed it, and
+desired the other Birds to assist her in picking the seed up, and in
+destroying it; telling them, that flax was that pernicious material of
+which the thread was composed which made the fowler's nets, and by that
+means contributed to the ruin of so many innocent birds. But the poor
+Swallow not having the good fortune to be regarded, the flax sprung up,
+and appeared above the ground. She then put them in mind once more of
+their impending danger, and wished them to pluck it up in the bud,
+before it went any further. They still neglected her warnings; and the
+flax grew up into the high stalk. She yet again desired them to attack
+it, for that it was not yet too late. But all that she could get was to
+be ridiculed and despised for a silly pretending prophet. The Swallow
+finding all her remonstrances availed nothing, was resolved to leave the
+society of such unthinking, careless creatures, before it was too late.
+So quitting the woods, she repaired to the houses, and forsaking the
+conversation of the Birds, has ever since made her abode among the
+dwellings of men.
+
+
+APPLICATION.
+
+As men, we should always exercise so much humanity as to endeavour the
+welfare of mankind, particularly of our acquaintance and relations: and,
+if by nothing further, at least by our good advice. When we have done
+this, and, if occasion required, continued to repeat it a second or
+third time, we shall have acquitted ourselves sufficiently from any
+imputation upon their miscarriage; and having nothing more to do but to
+separate ourselves from them, that we may not be involved in their ruin,
+or be supposed to partake of their error. This is an excommunication
+which reason allows. For as it would be cruel, on the one side, to
+prosecute and hurt people for being mistaken, so, on the other, it would
+be indiscreet and over complaisant, to keep them company through all
+their wrong notions, and act contrary to our opinion out of pure
+civility.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE XIX.
+
+[Illustration: THE HUNTED BEAVER.]
+
+
+It is said that a Beaver (a creature which lives chiefly in the water)
+has a certain part about him which is good in physic, and that, upon
+this account, he is often hunted down and killed. Once upon a time, as
+one of these creatures was hard pursued by the dogs, and knew not how to
+escape, recollecting with himself the reason of his being thus
+persecuted, with a great resolution and presence of mind, he bit off the
+part which his hunters wanted, and throwing it towards them, by these
+means escaped with his life.
+
+
+APPLICATION.
+
+However it is among beasts, there are few human creatures but what are
+hunted for something else besides either their lives or the pleasure of
+hunting them. The inquisition would hardly be so keen against the Jews,
+if they had not something belonging to them which their persecutors
+esteem more valuable than their souls; which whenever that wise, but
+obstinate people, can prevail with themselves to part with, there is an
+end of the chase for that time. Indeed, when life is pursued, and in
+danger, whoever values it, should give up every thing but his honour to
+preserve it. And when a discarded minister is prosecuted for having
+damaged the commonwealth, let him but throw down some of the fruits of
+his iniquity to the hunters, and one may engage for his coming off, in
+other respects, with a whole skin.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE XX.
+
+[Illustration: THE CAT AND THE FOX.]
+
+
+As the Cat and the Fox were talking politics together, on a time, in the
+middle of a forest, Reynard said, 'Let things turn out ever so bad, he
+did not care, for he had a thousand tricks for them yet, before they
+should hurt him.'--'But pray,' says he, 'Mrs. Puss, suppose there should
+be an invasion, what course do you design to take?'--'Nay,' says the
+Cat, 'I have but one shift for it, and if that won't do, I am
+undone.'--'I am sorry for you, replies Reynard, 'with all my heart, and
+would gladly furnish you with one or two of mine, but indeed, neighbour,
+as times go, it is not good to trust; we must even be every one for
+himself, as the saying is, and so your humble servant.' These words were
+scarce out of his mouth, when they were alarmed with a pack of hounds,
+that came upon them full cry. The Cat, by the help of her single shift,
+ran up a tree, and sat securely among the top branches; from whence she
+beheld Reynard, who had not been able to get out of sight, overtaken
+with his thousand tricks, and torn in as many pieces by the dogs which
+had surrounded him.
+
+
+APPLICATION.
+
+A man that sets up for more cunning than the rest of his neighbours, is
+generally a silly fellow at the bottom. Whoever is master of a little
+judgment and insight into things, let him keep them to himself, and make
+use of them as he sees occasion; but he should not be teasing others
+with an idle and impertinent ostentation of them. One good discreet
+expedient, made use of upon an emergency, will do a man more real
+service, and make others think better of him, than to have passed all
+along for a shrewd crafty knave, and be bubbled at last. When any one
+has been such a coxcomb as to insult his acquaintance, by pretending to
+more policy and stratagem than the rest of mankind, they are apt to wish
+for some difficulty for him to show his skill in; where, if he should
+miscarry (as ten to one but he does) his misfortune, instead of pity, is
+sure to be attended with laughter. He that sets up for a biter, as the
+phrase is, being generally intent upon his prey, or vain of showing his
+art, frequently exposes himself to the traps of one sharper than
+himself, and incurs the ridicule of those whom he designed to make
+ridiculous.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE XXI.
+
+[Illustration: THE CAT AND THE MICE.]
+
+
+A certain house was much infested with Mice; but at last they got a Cat,
+who catched and eat every day some of them. The Mice, finding their
+numbers grow thin, consulted what was best to be done for the
+preservation of the public from the jaws of the devouring Cat. They
+debated and came to this resolution, That no one should go down below
+the upper shelf. The Cat, observing the mice no longer came down as
+usual, hungry and disappointed of her prey, had recourse to this
+stratagem; she hung by her hinder legs on a peg which stuck in the wall,
+and made as if she had been dead, hoping by this lure to entice the Mice
+to come down. She had not been in this posture long, before a cunning
+old Mouse peeped over the edge of the shelf, and spoke thus:--'Aha, my
+good friend, are you there! there may you be! I would not trust myself
+with you, though your skin were stuffed with straw.'
+
+
+APPLICATION.
+
+Prudent folks never trust those a second time who have deceived them
+once. And, indeed, we cannot well be too cautious in following this
+rule, for, upon examination, we shall find, that most of the misfortunes
+which befal us, proceed from our too great credulity. They that know how
+to suspect, without exposing or hurting themselves, till honesty comes
+to be more in fashion, can never suspect too much.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE XXII.
+
+[Illustration: THE LION AND OTHER BEASTS.]
+
+
+The Lion and several other beasts entered into an alliance, offensive
+and defensive, and were to live very sociably together in the forest.
+One day, having made a sort of an excursion by way of hunting, they took
+a very fine, large, fat deer, which was divided into four parts; there
+happening to be then present his majesty the Lion, and only three
+others. After the division was made, and the parts were set out, his
+majesty advancing forward some steps, and pointing to one of the shares,
+was pleased to declare himself after the following manner: 'This I seize
+and take possession of as my right, which devolves to me, as I am
+descended by a true, lineal, hereditary succession from the royal family
+of Lion: that (pointing to the second) I claim by, I think, no
+unreasonable demand; considering that all the engagements you have with
+the enemy turn chiefly upon my courage and conduct; and you very well
+know, that wars are too expensive to be carried on without proper
+supplies. Then (nodding his head towards the third) that I shall take by
+virtue of my prerogative; to which, I make no question, but so dutiful
+and loyal a people will pay all the deference and regard that I can
+desire. Now, as for the remaining part, the necessity of our present
+affairs is so very urgent, our stock so low, and our credit so impaired
+and weakened, that I must insist upon your granting that, without any
+hesitation or demur; and hereof fail not at your peril.'
+
+
+APPLICATION.
+
+No alliance is safe which is made with those that are superior to us in
+power. Though they lay themselves under the most strict and solemn ties
+at the opening of the congress, yet the first advantageous opportunity
+will tempt them to break the treaty; and they will never want specious
+pretences to furnish out their declarations of war. It is not easy to
+determine, whether it is more stupid and ridiculous for a community to
+trust itself first in the hands of those that are more powerful than
+themselves, or to wonder afterwards that their confidence and credulity
+are abused, and their properties invaded.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE XXIII.
+
+[Illustration: THE LION AND THE MOUSE.]
+
+
+A Lion, faint with heat, and weary with hunting, was laid down to take
+his repose under the spreading boughs of a thick shady oak. It happened
+that, while he slept, a company of scrambling Mice ran over his back,
+and waked him: upon which, starting up, he clapped his paw upon one of
+them, and was just going to put it to death; when the little suppliant
+implored his mercy in a very moving manner, begging him not to slain his
+noble character with the blood of so despicable and small a beast. The
+Lion, considering the matter, thought proper to do as he was desired,
+and immediately released his little trembling prisoner. Not long after,
+traversing the forest in pursuit of his prey, he chanced to run into
+the toils of the hunters; from whence, not able to disengage himself,
+he set up a most hideous and loud roar. The Mouse, hearing the voice,
+and knowing it to be the Lion's, immediately repaired to the place, and
+bid him fear nothing, for that he was his friend. Then straight he fell
+to work, and, with his little sharp teeth, gnawing asunder the knots and
+fastenings of the toils, set the royal brute at liberty.
+
+
+APPLICATION.
+
+This fable gives us to understand, that there is no person in the world
+so little, but even the greatest may, at some time or other, stand in
+need of his assistance; and consequently that it is good to use
+clemency, where there is any room for it, towards those who fall within
+our power. A generosity of this kind is a handsome virtue, and looks
+very graceful whenever it is exerted, if there were nothing else in it:
+but as the lowest people in life may, upon occasion, have it in their
+power either to serve or hurt us, that makes it our duty, in point of
+common interest, to behave ourselves with good nature and lenity towards
+all with whom we have to do. Then the gratitude of the Mouse, and his
+readiness not only to repay, but even to exceed, the obligation due to
+his benefactor, notwithstanding his little body, gives us the specimen
+of a great soul, which is never so much delighted as with an opportunity
+of showing how sensible it is of favours received.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE XXIV.
+
+[Illustration: THE FATAL MARRIAGE.]
+
+
+The Lion aforesaid, touched with the grateful procedure of the Mouse,
+and resolving not to be outdone in generosity by any wild beast
+whatsoever, desired his little deliverer to name his own terms, for that
+he might depend upon his complying with any proposal he should make. The
+Mouse, fired with ambition at this gracious offer, did not so much
+consider what was proper for him to ask, as what was in the power of his
+prince to grant; and so presumptuously demanded his princely daughter,
+the young Lioness, in marriage. The Lion consented: but, when he would
+have given the royal virgin into his possession, she, like a giddy thing
+as she was, not minding how she walked, by chance set her paw upon her
+spouse, who was coming to meet her, and crushed her little dear to
+pieces.
+
+
+APPLICATION.
+
+This fable seems intended to show us how miserable some people make
+themselves by a wrong choice, when they have all the good things in the
+world spread before them to choose out of. In short, if that one
+particular of judgment be wanting, it is not in the power of the
+greatest monarch upon earth, nor of the repeated smiles of fortune, to
+make us happy. It is the want or possession of a good judgment which
+oftentimes makes the prince a poor wretch, and the poor philosopher
+completely easy. Now, the first and chief degree of judgment is to know
+one's self; to be able to make a tolerable estimate of one's own
+capacity, so as not to speak or undertake any thing which may either
+injure or make us ridiculous: and yet (as wonderful as it is) there have
+been men of allowed good sense in particular, and possessed of all
+desirable qualifications in general, to make life delightful and
+agreeable, who have unhappily contrived to match themselves with women
+of a genius and temper necessarily tending to blast their peace. This
+proceeds from some unaccountable blindness: but when wealthy plebeians,
+of mean extraction and unrefined education, as an equivalent for their
+money, demand brides out of the nurseries of our peerage, their being
+despised, or at least overlooked, is so unavoidable, unless in
+extraordinary cases, that nothing but a false taste of glory could make
+them enter upon a scheme so inconsistent and unpromising.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE XXV.
+
+[Illustration: THE MISCHIEVOUS DOG.]
+
+
+A certain man had a Dog, which was so fierce and mischievous, that he
+was forced to fasten a heavy clog about his neck, to keep him from
+running at and worrying people. This the vain cur took for a badge of
+honourable distinction; and grew so insolent upon it, that he looked
+down with an air of scorn upon the neighbouring dogs, and refused to
+keep them company. But a sly old poacher, who was one of the gang,
+assured him, that he had no reason to value himself upon the favour he
+wore, since it was fixed upon him rather as a mark of disgrace than of
+honour.
+
+
+APPLICATION.
+
+Some people are so exceeding vain, and at the same time so dull of
+apprehension, that they interpret every thing by which they are
+distinguished from others in their own favour. If they betray any
+weaknesses in conversation, which are apt to excite the laughter of
+their company, they make no scruple of ascribing it to their superiority
+in point of wit. If want of sense or breeding (one of which is always
+the case) disposes them to give, or mistake, affronts, upon which
+account all discreet sensible people are obliged to shun their company,
+they impute it to their own valour and magnanimity, to which they fancy
+the world pays an awful and respectful deference. There are several
+decent ways of preventing such turbulent men from doing mischief, which
+might be applied with secrecy, and many times pass unregarded, if their
+own arrogance did not require the rest of mankind to take notice of it.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE XXVI.
+
+[Illustration: THE OX AND THE FROG.]
+
+
+An Ox, grazing in a meadow, chanced to set his foot among a parcel of
+young Frogs, and trod one of them to death. The rest informed their
+mother, when she came home, what had happened; telling her, that the
+beast which did it was the hugest creature that they ever saw in their
+lives. 'What, was it so big?' says the old Frog, swelling and blowing up
+her speckled belly to a great degree. 'Oh! bigger by a vast deal,' say
+they. 'And so big?' says she, straining herself yet more. 'Indeed,
+mamma,' say they, 'If you were to burst yourself, you would never be so
+big.' She strove yet again, and burst herself indeed.
+
+
+APPLICATION.
+
+Whenever a man endeavours to live equal with one of a greater fortune
+than himself, he is sure to share a like fate with the Frog in the
+fable. How many vain people, of moderate easy circumstances, burst and
+come to nothing, by vying with those whose estates are more ample than
+their own? Sir Changeling Plumstock was possessed of a very considerable
+estate, devolved to him by the death of an old uncle, who had adopted
+him his heir. He had a false taste of happiness, and, without the least
+economy, trusting to the sufficiency of his vast revenue, was resolved
+to be outdone by nobody in showish grandeur and expensive living. He
+gave five thousand pounds for a piece of ground in the country to set a
+house upon; the building and furniture of which cost fifty thousand
+more; and his gardens were proportionably magnificent. Besides which, he
+thought himself under a necessity of buying out two or three tenements
+which stood in his neighbourhood, that he might have elbow-room enough.
+All this he could very well bear; and still might have been happy, had
+it not been for an unfortunate view which he one day happened to take of
+my Lord Castlebuilder's gardens, which consisted of twenty acres,
+whereas his own were not above twelve. From that time he grew pensive;
+and, before the ensuing winter, gave five and thirty years purchase for
+a dozen acres more to enlarge his gardens; built a couple of exorbitant
+greenhouses, and a large pavilion at the further end of a terrace-walk.
+The bare repairs and superintendencies of all which call for the
+remaining part of his income. He is mortgaged pretty deep, and pays
+nobody; but, being a privileged person, resides altogether at a private
+cheap lodging in the City of Westminster.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE XXVII.
+
+[Illustration: THE FOX AND THE LION.]
+
+
+The first time the Fox saw the Lion, he fell down at his feet, and was
+ready to die with fear. The second time, he took courage, and could even
+bear to look upon him. The third time, he had the impudence to come up
+to him, to salute him, and to enter into familiar conversation with him.
+
+
+APPLICATION.
+
+From this fable we may observe the two extremes in which we may fail, as
+to a proper behaviour towards our superiors: the one is a bashfulness,
+proceeding either from a vicious guilty mind, or a timorous rusticity;
+the other, an over-bearing impudence, which assumes more than becomes
+it, and so renders the person insufferable to the conversation of
+well-bred reasonable people. But there is this difference between the
+bashfulness that arises from a want of education, and the shamefacedness
+that accompanies conscious guilt; the first, by a continuance of time
+and a nearer acquaintance, may be ripened into a proper liberal
+behaviour; the other no sooner finds an easy practicable access, but it
+throws off all manner of reverence, grows every day more and more
+familiar, and branches out into the utmost indecency and irregularity.
+Indeed, there are many occasions which may happen to cast an awe, or
+even a terror, upon our minds at first view, without any just and
+reasonable grounds; but upon a little recollection, or a nearer insight,
+we recover ourselves, and can appear indifferent and unconcerned, where,
+before, we were ready to sink under a load of diffidence and fear. We
+should, upon such occasions, use our endeavours to regain a due degree
+of steadiness and resolution; but, at the same time, we must have a care
+that our efforts in that respect do not force the balance too much, and
+make it rise to an unbecoming freedom and an offensive familiarity.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE XXVIII.
+
+[Illustration: THE APE AND THE FOX.]
+
+
+The Ape meeting the Fox one day, humbly requested him to give him a
+piece of his fine, long, brush tail, to cover his poor naked backside,
+which was exposed to all the violence and inclemency of the weather;
+'For,' says he, 'Reynard, you have already more than you have occasion
+for, and a great part of it even drags along in the dirt.' The Fox
+answered, 'That as to his having too much, that was more than he knew;
+but be it as it would, he had rather sweep the ground with his tail, as
+long as he lived, than deprive himself of the least bit to cover the
+Ape's nasty stinking posteriors.'
+
+
+APPLICATION.
+
+One cannot help considering the world, in the particular of the goods of
+fortune, as a kind of lottery; in which some few are entitled to prizes
+of different degrees; others, and those by much the greatest part, come
+off with little or nothing. Some, like the Fox, have even larger
+circumstances than they know what to do with, insomuch that they are
+rather a charge and incumbrance than of any true use and pleasure to
+them. Others, like the poor Ape's case, are all blank; not having been
+so lucky as to draw from the wheel of fortune wherewith to cover their
+nakedness, and live with tolerable decency. That these things are left,
+in a great measure, by Providence, to the blind uncertain shuffle of
+chance, is reasonable to conclude from the unequal distribution of them;
+for there is seldom any regard had to true merit upon these occasions;
+folly and knavery ride in coaches, while good sense and honesty walk in
+the dirt. The all-wise Disposer of events does certainly permit these
+things for just and good purposes, which our shallow understanding is
+not able to fathom; but, humanly thinking, if the riches and power of
+the world were to be always in the hands of the virtuous part of
+mankind, they would be more likely to do good with them in their
+generation, than the vile sottish wretches who generally enjoy them. A
+truly good man would direct all the superfluous part of his wealth, at
+least, for the necessities of his fellow-creatures, though there were no
+religion which enjoined it: but selfish and avaricious people, who are
+always great knaves, how much soever they may have, will never think
+they have enough: much less be induced, by any consideration of virtue
+and religion, to part with the least farthing for public charity and
+beneficence.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE XXIX.
+
+[Illustration: THE DOG IN THE MANGER.]
+
+
+A Dog was lying upon a manger full of hay. An Ox, being hungry, came
+near, and offered to eat of the hay; but the envious ill-natured cur,
+getting up and snarling at him, would not suffer him to touch it. Upon
+which the Ox, in the bitterness of his heart, said, 'A curse light on
+thee, for a malicious wretch, who wilt neither eat hay thyself, nor
+suffer others to do it.'
+
+
+APPLICATION.
+
+Envy is the most unnatural and unaccountable of all the passions. There
+is scarce any other emotion of the mind, however unreasonable, but may
+have something said in excuse for it; and there are many of these
+weaknesses of the soul, which, notwithstanding the wrongness and
+irregularity of them, swell the heart, while they last, with pleasure
+and gladness. But the envious man has no such apology as this to make;
+the stronger the passion is, the greater torment he endures; and
+subjects himself to a continual real pain, by only wishing ill to
+others. Revenge is sweet, though cruel and inhuman; and though it
+sometimes thirsts even for blood, yet may be glutted and satiated.
+Avarice is something highly monstrous and absurd; yet, as it is a desire
+after riches, every little acquisition gives it pleasure; and to behold
+and feel the hoarded treasure, to a covetous man, is a constant
+uncloying enjoyment. But envy, which is an anxiety arising in our minds,
+upon our observing accomplishments in others which we want ourselves,
+can never receive any true comfort, unless in a deluge, a conflagration,
+a plague, or some general calamity that should befal mankind: for, as
+long as there is a creature living, that enjoys its being happily within
+the envious man's sphere, it will afford nourishment to his distempered
+mind; but such nourishment as will make him pine, and fret, and emaciate
+himself to nothing.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE XXX.
+
+[Illustration: THE BIRDS, THE BEASTS, AND THE BAT.]
+
+
+Once upon a time there commenced a fierce war between the Birds and the
+Beasts; when the Bat, taking advantage of his ambiguous make hoped, by
+that means, to live secure in a state of neutrality, and save his bacon.
+It was not long before the forces on each side met, and gave battle;
+and, their animosities running very high, a bloody slaughter ensued. The
+Bat, at the beginning of the day, thinking the birds most likely to
+carry it, listed himself among them; but kept fluttering at a little
+distance, that he might the better observe, and take his measures
+accordingly. However, after some time spent in the action, the army of
+the Beasts seeming to prevail, he went entirely over to them, and
+endeavoured to convince them, by the affinity which he had to a Mouse,
+that he was by nature a beast, and would always continue firm and true
+to their interest. His plea was admitted; but, in the end, the advantage
+turning completely on the side of the Birds, under the admirable conduct
+and courage of their general the Eagle, the Bat, to save his life, and
+escape the disgrace of falling into the hands of his deserted friends,
+betook himself to flight; and ever since, skulking in caves and hollow
+trees all day, as if ashamed to show himself, he never appears till the
+dusk of the evening, when all the feathered inhabitants of the air are
+gone to roost.
+
+
+APPLICATION.
+
+For any one to desert the interest of his country, and turn renegado,
+either out of fear, or any prospect of advantage, is so notoriously vile
+and low, that it is no wonder if the man, who is detected in it, is for
+ever ashamed to see the sun, and to show himself in the eyes of those
+whose cause he has betrayed. Yet, as there is scarce any vice, even to
+be imagined, but there may be found men who have been guilty of it,
+perhaps there have been as many criminals in the case before us, as in
+any one particular besides, notwithstanding the aggravation and
+extraordinary degree of its baseness. We cannot help reflecting upon it
+with horror: but, as truly detestable as this vice is, and must be
+acknowledged to be, by all mankind, so far are those that practise it
+from being treated with a just resentment by the rest of mankind, that
+by the kind reception they afterwards meet with, they rather seem to be
+encouraged and applauded, than despised and discountenanced, for it.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE XXXI.
+
+[Illustration: THE FOX AND THE TIGER.]
+
+
+A skilful archer coming into the woods, directed his arrows so
+successfully, that he slew many wild beasts, and pursued several others.
+This put the whole savage kind into a fearful consternation, and made
+them fly to the most retired thickets for refuge. At last, the Tiger
+resumed a courage, and, bidding them not to be afraid, said, that he
+alone would engage the enemy; telling them, they might depend upon his
+valour and strength to revenge their wrongs. In the midst of these
+threats, while he was lashing himself with his tail, and tearing up the
+ground for anger, an arrow pierced his ribs, and hung by its barbed
+point in his side. He set up an hideous and loud roar, occasioned by
+the anguish which he felt, and endeavoured to draw out the painful dart
+with his teeth; when the Fox, approaching him, inquired with an air of
+surprise, who it was that could have strength and courage enough to
+wound so mighty and valorous a beast?--'Ah!' says the Tiger, 'I was
+mistaken in my reckoning: it was that invincible man yonder.'
+
+
+APPLICATION.
+
+Though strength and courage are very good ingredients towards the making
+us secure and formidable in the world, yet, unless there be a proper
+portion of wisdom or policy to direct them, instead of being
+serviceable, they often prove detrimental to their proprietors. A rash
+froward man, who depends upon the excellence of his own parts and
+accomplishments, is likewise apt to expose a weak side, which his
+enemies might not otherwise have observed, and gives an advantage to
+others by those very means which he fancied would have secured it to
+himself. Counsel and conduct always did, and always will, govern the
+world; and the strong, in spite of all their force, can never avoid
+being tools to the crafty. Some men are as much superior to others in
+wisdom and policy, as man, in general, is above a brute. Strength
+ill-concerted, opposed to them, is like a quarter staff in the hands of
+a huge, robust, but bungling fellow, who fights against a master of the
+science. The latter, though without a weapon, would have skill and
+address enough to disarm his adversary, and drub him with his own staff.
+In a word, savage fierceness and brutal strength must not pretend to
+stand in competition with finesse and stratagem.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE XXXII.
+
+[Illustration: THE LIONESS AND THE FOX.]
+
+
+The Lioness and the Fox meeting together fell into discourse; and the
+conversation turning upon the breeding and the fruitfulness of some
+living creatures above others, the Fox could not forbear taking the
+opportunity of observing to the Lioness, that, for her part, she thought
+Foxes were as happy in that respect as almost any other creatures; for
+that they bred constantly once a year, if not oftener, and always had a
+good litter of cubs at every birth: 'and yet,' says she, 'there are
+those who are never delivered of more than one at a time, and that
+perhaps not above once or twice through their whole life, who hold up
+their noses, and value themselves so much upon it, that they think all
+other creatures beneath them, and scarce worthy to be spoken to.' The
+Lioness, who all the while perceived at whom this reflection pointed,
+was fired with resentment, and with a good deal of vehemence
+replied--'What you have observed may be true, and that not without
+reason. You produce a great many at a litter, and often; but what are
+they?--Foxes. I indeed have but one at a time; but you should remember
+that this one is a Lion.'
+
+
+APPLICATION.
+
+Our productions, of whatsoever kind, are not to be esteemed so much by
+the quantity as the quality of them. It is not being employed much, but
+well, and to the purpose, which makes us useful to the age we live in,
+and celebrated by those which are to come. As it is a misfortune to the
+countries which are infested with them, for Foxes and other vermin to
+multiply; so one cannot help throwing out a melancholy reflection, when
+one sees some particulars of the humankind increase so fast as they do.
+But the most obvious meaning of this fable, is the hint it gives us in
+relation to authors. These gentlemen should never attempt to raise
+themselves a reputation, by enumerating a catalogue of their
+productions; since there is more glory in having written one tolerable
+piece, than a thousand indifferent ones. And whoever has had the good
+fortune to please in one performance of this kind, should be very
+cautious how he ventures his reputation in a second.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE XXXIII.
+
+[Illustration: THE OAK AND THE REED.]
+
+
+An oak, which hung over the bank of a river, was blown down by a violent
+storm of wind; and as it was carried along by the stream, some of its
+boughs brushed against a Reed which grew near the shore. This struck the
+Oak with a thought of admiration; and he could not forbear asking the
+Reed, how he came to stand so secure and unhurt, in a tempest which had
+been furious enough to tear an Oak up by the roots? 'Why,' says the
+Reed, 'I secure myself by putting on a behaviour quite contrary to what
+you do; instead of being stubborn and stiff, and confiding in my
+strength, I yield and bend to the blast, and let it go over me; knowing
+how vain and fruitless it would be to resist.'
+
+
+APPLICATION.
+
+Though a tame submission to injuries which it is in our power to
+redress, be generally esteemed a base and a dishonourable thing; yet, to
+resist where there is no probability, or even hopes, of our getting the
+better, may also be looked upon as the effect of a blind temerity, and
+perhaps of a weak understanding. The strokes of fortune are oftentimes
+as irresistible as they are severe; and he who, with an impatient
+reluctant spirit, fights against her, instead of alleviating, does but
+double her blows upon himself. A person of a quiet still temper, whether
+it is given him by Nature, or acquired by art, calmly composes himself,
+in the midst of a storm, so as to elude the shock, or receive it with
+the least detriment; like a prudent experienced sailor, who is swimming
+to the shore from a wrecked vessel in a swelling sea, he does not oppose
+the fury of the waves, but stoops and gives way, that they may roll over
+his head without obstruction. The doctrine of absolute submission in all
+cases is an absurd dogmatical precept, with nothing but ignorance and
+superstition to support it: but, upon particular occasions, and where it
+is impossible for us to overcome, to submit patiently is one of the most
+reasonable maxims in life.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE XXXIV.
+
+[Illustration: THE WIND AND THE SUN.]
+
+
+A dispute once arose between the north Wind and the Sun, about the
+superiority of their power; and they agreed to try their strength upon a
+traveller, which should be able to get his cloak off first. The north
+Wind began, and blew a very cold blast, accompanied with a sharp driving
+shower. But this, and whatever else he could do, instead of making the
+man quit his cloak, obliged him to gird it about his body as close as
+possible. Next came the Sun, who, breaking out from a thick watery
+cloud, drove away the cold vapours from the sky, and darted his warm
+sultry beams upon the head of the poor weather-beaten traveller. The man
+growing faint with the heat, and unable to endure it any longer, first
+throws off his heavy cloak, and then flies for protection to the shade
+of a neighbouring grove.
+
+
+APPLICATION.
+
+There is something in the temper of men so averse to severe and
+boisterous treatment, that he who endeavours to carry his point that
+way, instead of prevailing, generally leaves the mind of him, whom he
+has thus attempted, in a more confirmed and obstinate situation than he
+found it at first. Bitter words and hard usage freeze the heart into a
+kind of obduracy, which mild persuasion and gentle language only can
+dissolve and soften. Persecution has always fixed and rivetted those
+opinions which it was intended to dispel; and some discerning men have
+attributed the quick growth of Christianity, in a great measure, to the
+rough and barbarous reception which its first teachers met with in the
+world. The same may have been observed of our reformation; the blood of
+the martyrs was the manure which produced that great Protestant crop, on
+which the church of England has subsisted ever since. Providence, which
+always makes use of the most natural means to attain its purpose, has
+thought fit to establish the purest religion by this method: the
+consideration of which may give a proper check to those who are
+continually endeavouring to root out errors by that very management,
+which so infallibly fixes and implants all opinions, as well erroneous
+as orthodox. When an opinion is so violently attacked, it raises an
+attention in the persecuted party, and gives an alarm to their vanity,
+by making them think that worth defending and keeping, at the hazard of
+their lives, which, perhaps, otherwise they would only have admired
+awhile for the sake of its novelty, and afterwards resigned of their own
+accord. In short, a fierce turbulent opposition, like the north Wind,
+only serves to make a man wrap up his notions more closely about him;
+but we know not what a kind, warm, Sun-shiny behaviour, rightly applied,
+would not be able to effect.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE XXXV.
+
+[Illustration: THE KITE, THE FROG, AND THE MOUSE.]
+
+
+There was once a great emulation between the Frog and the Mouse, which
+should be master of the fen, and wars ensued upon it. But the crafty
+Mouse, lurking under the grass in ambuscade, made sudden sallies, and
+often surprised the enemy at a disadvantage. The Frog, excelling in
+strength, and being more able to leap abroad and take the field,
+challenged the Mouse to single combat. The Mouse accepts the challenge;
+and each of them entered the lists, armed with a point of a bulrush
+instead of a spear. A Kite, sailing in the air, beheld them afar off;
+and, while they were eagerly bent upon each other, and pressing on to
+the duel, this fatal enemy descended souse upon them, and with her
+crooked talons carried off both the champions.
+
+
+APPLICATION.
+
+Nothing so much exposes a man's weak side, and lays him so open to an
+enemy, as passion and malice. He whose attention is wholly fixed upon
+forming a project of revenge, is ignorant of the mischiefs that may be
+hatching against him from some other quarter, and, upon the attack, is
+unprovided with the means of defending or securing himself. How are the
+members of a commonwealth sometimes divided amongst themselves, and
+inspired with rancour and malice to the last degree; and often upon as
+great a trifle as that which was the subject matter of debate between
+the Frog and the Mouse; not for any real advantage, but merely who shall
+get the better in the dispute? But such animosities, as insignificant
+and trifling as they may be among themselves, are yet of the last
+importance to their enemies, by giving them many fair opportunities of
+falling upon them, and reducing them to misery and slavery. O Britons,
+when will ye be wise! when will ye throw away the ridiculous
+distinctions of party, those ends of bulrushes, and by a prudent union
+secure yourselves in a state of peace and prosperity! A state, of which,
+if it were not for your intolerably foolish and unnecessary divisions at
+home, all the powers upon earth could never deprive you.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE XXXVI.
+
+[Illustration: THE FROGS DESIRING A KING.]
+
+
+The Frogs, living an easy free life every where among the lakes and
+ponds, assembled together, one day, in a very tumultuous manner, and
+petitioned Jupiter to let them have a King, who might inspect their
+morals, and make them live a little honester. Jupiter, being at that
+time in pretty good humour, was pleased to laugh heartily at their
+ridiculous request; and, throwing a little log down into the pool,
+cried, 'There is a King for you.' The sudden splash which this made by
+its fall into the water, at first terrified them so exceedingly, that
+they were afraid to come near it. But in a little time, seeing it lay
+still without moving, they ventured, by degrees, to approach it; and at
+last, finding there was no danger, they leaped upon it; and, in short,
+treated it as familiarly as they pleased. But not contented with so
+insipid a King as this was, they sent their deputies to petition again
+for another sort of one; for this they neither did nor could like. Upon
+that he sent them a Stork, who, without any ceremony, fell a devouring
+and eating them up, one after another, as fast as he could. Then they
+applied themselves privately to Mercury, and got him to speak to Jupiter
+in their behalf, that he would be so good as to bless them again with
+another King, or to restore them to their former state. 'No,' says he,
+'since it was their own choice, let the obstinate wretches suffer the
+punishment due to their folly.'
+
+
+APPLICATION.
+
+It is pretty extraordinary to find a fable of this kind finished with so
+bold and yet polite a turn by Phædrus: one who attained his freedom by
+the favour of Augustus, and wrote it in the time of Tiberius; who were,
+successively, tyrannical usurpers of the Roman government. If we may
+take his word for it, Æsop spoke it upon this occasion. When the
+commonwealth of Athens flourished under good wholesome laws of its own
+enacting, they relied so much upon the security of their liberty, that
+they negligently suffered it to run out into licentiousness. And
+factions happening to be fomented among them by designing people, much
+about the same time, Pisistratus took that opportunity to make himself
+master of their citadel and liberties both together. The Athenians
+finding themselves in a slate of slavery, though their tyrant happened
+to be a very merciful one, yet could not bear the thoughts of it; so
+that Æsop, where there was no remedy, prescribes to them patience, by
+the example of the foregoing fable; and adds, at last, 'Wherefore, my
+dear countrymen, be contented with your present condition, bad as it is,
+for fear a change should be worse.'
+
+
+
+
+FABLE XXXVII.
+
+[Illustration: THE OLD WOMAN AND HER MAIDS.]
+
+
+A certain Old Woman had several Maids, whom she used to call up to their
+work, every morning, at the crowing of the Cock. The Wenches, who found
+it grievous to have their sweet sleep disturbed so early, combined
+together, and killed the Cock; thinking, that, when the alarm was gone,
+they might enjoy themselves in their warm beds a little longer. The Old
+Woman, grieved for the loss of her Cock, and having, by some means or
+other, discovered the whole plot, was resolved to be even with them;
+for, from that time, she obliged them to rise constantly at midnight.
+
+
+APPLICATION.
+
+It can never be expected that things should be, in all respects,
+agreeable to our wishes; and, if they are not very bad indeed, we
+ought, in many cases, to be contented with them; lest when, through
+impatience, we precipitately quit our present condition of life, we may
+to our sorrow find, with the old saying, that seldom comes a better.
+Before we attempt any alteration of moment, we should be certain what
+state it will produce; for, when things are already bad, to make them
+worse by trying experiments, is an argument of great weakness and folly,
+and is sure to be attended with a too late repentance. Grievances, if
+really such, ought by all means to be redressed, provided we can be
+assured of doing it with success: but we had better, at any time, bear
+with some inconvenience, than make our condition worse by attempting to
+mend it.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE XXXVIII.
+
+[Illustration: THE LION, THE BEAR, AND THE FOX.]
+
+
+A Lion and a Bear fell together by the ears over the carcass of a Fawn
+which they found in the forest, their title to him being to be decided
+by force of arms. The battle was severe and tough on both sides, and
+they held it out, tearing and worrying one another so long, that, what
+with wounds and fatigue, they were so faint and weary, that they were
+not able to strike another stroke. Thus, while they lay upon the ground,
+panting and lolling out their tongues, a Fox chanced to pass by that
+way, who, perceiving how the case stood, very impudently stepped in
+between them, seized the booty which they had all this while been
+contending for, and carried it off. The two combatants, who lay and
+beheld all this, without having strength enough to stir and prevent it,
+were only wise enough to make this reflection: 'Behold the fruits of our
+strife and contention! that villain, the Fox, bears away the prize, and
+we ourselves have deprived each other of the power to recover it from
+him.'
+
+
+APPLICATION.
+
+When people go to law about an uncertain title, and have spent their
+whole estate in the contest, nothing is more common than for some little
+pettifogging attorney to step in and secure it to himself. The very name
+of law seems to imply equity and justice, and that is the bait which has
+drawn in many to their ruin. Others are excited by their passions, and
+care not if they destroy themselves, so they do but see their enemy
+perish with them. But, if we lay aside prejudice and folly, and think
+calmly of the matter, we shall find, that going to law is not the best
+way of deciding differences about property; it being, generally
+speaking, much safer to trust to the arbitration of two or three honest
+sensible neighbours, than, at a vast expense of money, time, and
+trouble, to run through the tedious, frivolous forms, with which, by the
+artifice of greedy lawyers, a court of judicature is contrived to be
+attended. It has been said, that if mankind would lead moral virtuous
+lives, there would be no occasion for divines; if they would but live
+temperately and soberly, that they would never want physicians; both
+which assertions, though true in the main, are yet expressed in too
+great a latitude. But one may venture to affirm, that if men preserved
+a strict regard to justice and honesty in their dealings with each
+other, and, upon any mistake or misapprehension, were always ready to
+refer the matter to disinterested umpires, of acknowledged judgment and
+integrity, they never could have the least occasion for lawyers. When
+people have gone to law, it is rarely to be found but one or both
+parties was either stupidly obstinate, or rashly inconsiderate. For, if
+the case should happen to be so intricate, that a man of common sense
+could not distinguish who had the best title, how easy would it be to
+have the opinion of the best counsel in the land, and agree to determine
+it by that? If it should appear dubious even after that, how much better
+would it be to divide the thing in dispute, rather than go to law, and
+hazard the losing not only of the whole, but costs and damages into the
+bargain?
+
+
+
+
+FABLE XXXIX.
+
+[Illustration: THE CROW AND THE PITCHER.]
+
+
+A Crow, ready to die with thirst, flew with joy to a Pitcher, which he
+beheld at some distance. When he came, he found water in it indeed, but
+so near the bottom, that, with all his stooping and straining, he was
+not able to reach it. Then he endeavoured to overturn the Pitcher, that
+so at least he might be able to get a little of it. But his strength was
+not sufficient for this. At last, seeing some pebbles lie near the
+place, he cast them one by one into the Pitcher; and thus, by degrees,
+raised the water up to the very brim, and satisfied his thirst.
+
+
+APPLICATION.
+
+Many things which cannot be effected by strength, or by the vulgar way
+of enterprising, may yet be brought about by some new and untried means.
+A man of sagacity and penetration, upon encountering a difficulty or
+two, does not immediately despair; but, if he cannot succeed one way,
+employs his wit and ingenuity another; and, to avoid or get over an
+impediment, makes no scruple of stepping out of the path of his
+forefathers. Since our happiness, next to the regulation of our minds,
+depends altogether upon our having and enjoying the conveniences of
+life, why should we stand upon ceremony about the methods of obtaining
+them, or pay any deference to antiquity upon that score? If almost every
+age had not exerted itself in some new improvements of its own, we
+should want a thousand arts, or, at least, many degrees of perfection in
+every art, which at present we are in possession of. The invention of
+any thing which is more commodious for the mind or body than what they
+had before, ought to be embraced readily, and the projector of it
+distinguished with a suitable encouragement. Such as the use of the
+compass, for example, from which mankind reaps so much benefit and
+advantage, and which was not known to former ages. When we follow the
+steps of those who have gone before us in the old beaten track of life,
+how do we differ from horses in a team, which are linked to each other
+by a chain or harness, and move on in a dull heavy pace, to the tune of
+their leader's bells? But the man who enriches the present fund of
+knowledge with some new and useful improvement, like a happy adventurer
+at sea, discovers, as it were, an unknown land, and imports an
+additional trade into his own country.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE XL.
+
+[Illustration: THE PORCUPINE AND THE SNAKES.]
+
+
+A Porcupine, wanting to shelter himself, desired a nest of Snakes to
+give him admittance into their cave. They were prevailed upon, and let
+him in accordingly; but were so annoyed with his sharp prickly quills,
+that they soon repented of their easy compliance, and entreated the
+Porcupine to withdraw, and leave them their hole to themselves. 'No,'
+says he, 'let them quit the place that don't like it; for my part, I am
+well enough satisfied as I am.'
+
+
+APPLICATION.
+
+Some people are of such brutish, inhospitable tempers, that there is no
+living with them, without greatly incommoding ourselves. Therefore,
+before we enter into any degree of friendship, alliance, or partnership,
+with any person whatever, we should thoroughly consider his nature and
+qualities, his circumstances and his humour. There ought to be something
+in each of these respects to tally and correspond with our own measures,
+to suit our genius, and adapt itself to the size and proportion of our
+desires; otherwise our associations, of whatever kind, may prove the
+greatest plagues of our life. Young men are very apt to run into this
+error; and being warm in all their passions, throw open their arms at
+once, and admit into the greatest intimacy persons whom they know little
+of, but by false and uncertain lights. Thus they sometimes receive a
+Viper into their bosom instead of a friend, and take a Porcupine for a
+consort, with whom they are obliged to cohabit, though she may prove a
+thorn in their sides as long as they live. A true friend is one of the
+greatest blessings in life; therefore to be mistaken or disappointed of
+such enjoyment, when we hope to be in full possession of it must be as
+great a mortification. So that we cannot be too nice and scrupulous in
+our choice of those who are to be our companions for life: for they must
+have but a poor shallow notion of friendship, who intend to take it,
+like a lease, for a term of years only. In a word, the doctrine which
+this fable speaks, is to prepare us against being injured or deceived by
+a rash combination of any sort. The manners of the man we desire for a
+friend, of the woman we like for a wife, of the person with whom we
+would jointly manage and concert measures for the advancement of our
+temporal interest, should be narrowly and cautiously inspected, before
+we embark with them in the same vessel, lest we should alter our mind
+when it is too late, and think of regaining the shore after we have
+launched out of our depth.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE XLI.
+
+[Illustration: THE HARES AND FROGS IN A STORM.]
+
+
+Upon a great storm of wind that blew among the trees and bushes, and
+made a rustling with the leaves, the Hares (in a certain park where
+there happened to be plenty of them) were so terribly frighted, that
+they ran like mad all over the place, resolving to seek out some retreat
+of more security, or to end their unhappy days by doing violence to
+themselves. With this resolution they found an outlet where a pale had
+been broken down, and, bolting forth upon an adjoining common, had not
+run far before their course was stopped by that of a gentle brook which
+glided across the way they intended to take. This was so grievous a
+disappointment, that they were not able to bear it; and they determined
+rather to throw themselves headlong into the water, let what would
+become of it, than lead a life so full of dangers and crosses. But, upon
+their coming to the brink of the river, a parcel of Frogs, which were
+sitting there, frighted at their approach, leaped into the stream in
+great confusion, and dived to the very bottom for fear: which a cunning
+old Puss observing, called to the rest and said, 'Hold, have a care what
+ye do: here are other creatures, I perceive, which have their fears as
+well as us: don't then let us fancy ourselves the most miserable of any
+upon earth; but rather, by their example, learn to bear patiently those
+inconveniences which our nature has thrown upon us.'
+
+
+APPLICATION.
+
+This fable is designed to show us how unreasonable many people are for
+living in such continual fears and disquiets about the miserableness of
+their condition. There is hardly any state of life great enough to
+satisfy the wishes of an ambitious man; and scarce any so mean but may
+supply all the necessities of him that is moderate. But if people will
+be so unwise as to work themselves up to imaginary misfortunes, why do
+they grumble at nature and their stars, when their own perverse minds
+are only to blame? If we are to conclude ourselves unhappy by as many
+degrees as there are others greater than we, why then the greatest part
+of mankind must be miserable, in some degree at least. But, if they who
+repine at their own afflicted condition, would but reckon up how many
+more there are with whom they would not change cases, than whose
+pleasures they envy, they would certainly rise up better satisfied from
+such a calculation. But what shall we say to those who have a way of
+creating themselves panics from the rustling of the wind, the scratching
+of a Rat or Mouse behind the hangings, the fluttering of a Moth, or the
+motion of their own shadow by moonlight? Their whole life is as full of
+alarms as that of a Hare, and they never think themselves so happy as
+when, like the timorous folks in the fable, they meet with a set of
+creatures as fearful as themselves.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE XLII.
+
+[Illustration: THE FOX AND THE WOLF.]
+
+
+The Wolf having laid in store of provision, kept close at home, and made
+much of himself. The Fox observed this, and thinking it something
+particular, went to visit him, the better to inform himself of the truth
+of the matter. The Wolf excused himself from seeing him, by pretending
+he was very much indisposed. All this did but confirm the Fox in his
+suspicions: so away he goes to a shepherd, and made discovery of the
+Wolf; telling him, he had nothing else to do but to come with a good
+weapon and knock him on the head as he lay in his cave. The shepherd
+followed his directions, and killed the Wolf. The wicked Fox enjoyed the
+cave and provisions to himself, but enjoyed them not long; for the same
+shepherd passing afterwards by the same hole, and seeing the Fox there,
+dispatched him also.
+
+
+APPLICATION.
+
+This fable seems to be directed against the odious trade of informing.
+Not that giving information against criminals and enemies of the public
+is in itself odious, for it is commendable; but the circumstances and
+manner of doing it oftentimes make it a vile and detestable employment.
+He that accuses another merely for the sake of the promised reward, or
+in hopes of getting his forfeited estate, or with any other such
+mercenary view, nay, even to save his own life, whatever he gets by the
+bargain, is sure to lose his reputation: for, indeed, the most innocent
+company is not safe with such a one in it, nor the neighbourhood secure
+in which he lives. A villain of his stamp, whose only end is getting,
+will as soon betray the innocent as the guilty: let him but know where
+there is a suspected person, and propose the reward, and he will scarce
+fail to work the suspicion up to high-treason, or be at a loss to give
+sufficient proofs of it. We have no small comfort concerning this sort
+of people, when we consider how improbable it is that they should thrive
+or prosper long in their ill-gotten possessions. For he that can betray
+another for the sake of a little pelf, must be a man of such bad
+principles, that it cannot be for the interest of any community to
+suffer him to live long in it. Besides, he himself will not be
+contented with one single villany; and there is no fear but he will
+provoke justice to hurl down upon his head at least as great a calamity
+as he, by his malicious information, has brought upon another.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE XLIII.
+
+[Illustration: THE DOG AND THE SHEEP.]
+
+
+The Dog sued the Sheep for a debt, of which the Kite and the Wolf were
+to be judges. They, without debating long upon the matter, or making any
+scruple for want of evidence, gave sentence for the plaintiff; who
+immediately tore the poor Sheep in pieces, and divided the spoil with
+the unjust judges.
+
+
+APPLICATION.
+
+Deplorable are the times when open barefaced villany is protected and
+encouraged, when innocence is obnoxious, honesty contemptible, and it is
+reckoned criminal to espouse the cause of virtue. Men originally entered
+into covenants and civil compacts with each other for the promotion of
+their happiness and well-being, for the establishment of justice and
+public peace. How comes it then that they look stupidly on, and tamely
+acquiesce, when wicked men pervert this end, and establish an arbitrary
+tyranny of their own upon the foundation of fraud and oppression? Among
+beasts, who are incapable of being civilized by social laws, it is no
+strange thing to see innocent helpless Sheep fall a prey to Dogs,
+Wolves, and Kites: but it is amazing how mankind could ever sink down to
+such a low degree of base cowardice, as to suffer some of the worst of
+their species to usurp a power over them, to supersede the righteous
+laws of good government, and to exercise all kinds of injustice and
+hardship, in gratifying their own vicious lusts. Wherever such
+enormities are practised, it is when a few rapacious statesmen combine
+together to get and secure the power in their own hands, and agree to
+divide the spoil among themselves. For as long as the cause is to be
+tried only among themselves, no question but they will always vouch for
+each other. But, at the same time, it is hard to determine which
+resemble brutes most, they in acting, or the people in suffering them to
+act, their vile selfish schemes.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE XLIV.
+
+[Illustration: THE PEACOCK AND THE CRANE.]
+
+
+The Peacock and the Crane by chance met together in the same place. The
+Peacock erecting his tail, displayed his gaudy plumes, and looked with
+contempt upon the Crane, as some mean ordinary person. The Crane,
+resolving to mortify his insolence, took occasion to say, that Peacocks
+were very fine birds indeed, if fine feathers could make them so; but
+that he thought it a much nobler thing to be able to rise above the
+clouds, than to strut about upon the ground, and be gazed at by
+children.
+
+
+APPLICATION.
+
+It is very absurd to slight or insult another upon his wanting a
+property which we possess; for he may, for any thing we know, have as
+just reason to triumph over us, by being master of some good quality of
+which we are incapable. But, in regard to the fable before us, that
+which the Peacock values himself upon, the glitter and finery of dress,
+is one of the most trifling considerations in nature; and what a man of
+sense would be ashamed to reckon even as the least part of merit.
+Indeed, children, and those people who think much about the same pitch
+with them, are apt to be taken with varnish and tinsel: but they who
+examine by the scale of common sense must find something of weight and
+substance, before they can be persuaded to set a value. The mind which
+is stored with virtuous and rational sentiments, and the behaviour which
+speaks complacence and humility, stamps an estimate upon the possessor,
+which all judicious spectators are ready to admire and acknowledge. But
+if there be any merit in an embroidered coat, a brocade waistcoat, a
+shoe, a stocking, or a sword-knot, the person who wears them has the
+least claim to it; let it be ascribed where it justly belongs--to the
+several artizans who wrought and disposed the materials of which they
+consist. This moral is not intended to derogate any thing from the
+magnificence of fine clothes and rich equipages, which, as times and
+circumstances require, may be used with decency and propriety enough:
+but one cannot help being concerned, lest any worth should be affixed to
+them more than their own intrinsic value.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE XLV.
+
+[Illustration: THE VIPER AND THE FILE.]
+
+
+A Viper entering a smith's shop, looked up and down for something to
+eat; and seeing a File, fell to gnawing it as greedily as could be. The
+File told him, very gruffly, that he had best be quiet and let him
+alone; for he would get very little by nibbling at one who, upon
+occasion, could bite iron and steel.
+
+
+APPLICATION.
+
+By this fable we are cautioned to consider what any person is, before we
+make an attack upon him after any manner whatsoever: particularly how we
+let our tongues slip in censuring the actions of those who are, in the
+opinion of the world, not only of an unquestioned reputation, so that
+nobody will believe what we insinuate against them; but of such an
+influence, upon account of their own veracity, that the least word from
+them would ruin our credit to all intents and purposes. If wit be the
+case, and we have a satirical vein, which at certain periods must have a
+flow, let us be cautious at whom we level it; for if the person's
+understanding be of better proof than our own, all our ingenious
+sallies, like liquor squirted against the wind, will recoil back upon
+our own faces, and make us the ridicule of every spectator. This fable,
+besides, is not an improper emblem of envy; which, rather than not bite
+at all, will fall foul where it can hurt nothing but itself.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE XLVI.
+
+[Illustration: THE ASS, THE LION, AND THE COCK.]
+
+
+An Ass and a Cock happened to be feeding together in the same place,
+when on a sudden they spied a Lion approaching them. This beast is
+reported, above all things, to have an aversion, or rather antipathy, to
+the crowing of a Cock; so that he no sooner heard the voice of that
+bird, but he betook him to his heels, and run away as fast as ever he
+could. The Ass fancying he fled for fear of him, in the bravery of his
+heart, pursued him, and followed him so far, that they were quite out of
+the hearing of the Cock; which the Lion no sooner perceived, but he
+turned about and seized the Ass; and just as he was ready to tear him to
+pieces, the sluggish creature is said to have expressed himself
+thus:--'Alas! fool that I was, knowing the cowardice of my own nature,
+thus, by an affected courage, to throw myself into the jaws of death,
+when I might have remained secure and unmolested!'
+
+
+APPLICATION.
+
+There are many who, out of an ambition to appear considerable, affect to
+show themselves men of fire, spirit, and courage: but these being
+qualities, of which they are not the right owners, they generally expose
+themselves, and show the little title they have to them, by endeavouring
+to exert and produce them at unseasonable times, or with improper
+persons. A bully, for fear you should find him out to be a coward,
+overacts his part, and calls you to account for affronts which a man of
+true bravery would never have thought of: and a cowardly silly fellow,
+observing that he may take some liberties with impunity, where perhaps
+the place or the company protect him, falsely concludes from thence,
+that the person with whom he made free is a greater coward than himself;
+so that he not only continues his offensive raillery and impertinence
+for the present, but probably renews them in some place not so
+privileged as the former, where his insolence meets with a due
+chastisement; than which nothing is more equitable in itself, or
+agreeable to the discreet part of mankind.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE XLVII.
+
+[Illustration: THE JACKDAW AND PEACOCKS.]
+
+
+A certain Jackdaw was so proud and ambitious, that, not contented to
+live within his own sphere, he picked up the feathers which fell from
+the Peacocks, stuck them in among his own, and very confidently
+introduced himself into an assembly of those beautiful birds. They soon
+found him out, stripped him of his borrowed plumes, and, falling upon
+him with their sharp bills, punished him as his presumption deserved.
+Upon this, full of grief and affliction, he returned to his old
+companions, and would have flocked with them again; but they, knowing
+his late life and conversation, industriously avoided him, and refused
+to admit him into their company: and of them, at the same time, gave him
+this serious reproof--'If, friend, you could have been contented with
+our station, and had not disdained the rank in which Nature had placed
+you, you had not been used so scurvily by those upon whom you intruded
+yourself, nor suffered the notorious slight which now we think ourselves
+obliged to put upon you.'
+
+
+APPLICATION.
+
+What we may learn from this fable is, in the main, to live contentedly
+in our own condition, whatever it be, without affecting to look bigger
+than we are, by a false or borrowed light. To be barely pleased with
+appearing above what a man really is, is bad enough; and what may justly
+render him contemptible in the eyes of his equals: but if, to enable him
+to do this with something of a better grace, he has clandestinely
+feathered his nest with his neighbour's goods, when found out, he has
+nothing to expect but to be stripped of his plunder, and used like a
+felonious rogue into the bargain.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE XLVIII.
+
+[Illustration: THE ANT AND THE FLY.]
+
+
+One day there happened some words between the Ant and the Fly about
+precedency, and the point was argued with great warmth and eagerness on
+both sides. Says the Fly, 'It is well known what my pretensions are, and
+how justly they are grounded: there is never a sacrifice that is offered
+but I always taste of the entrails, even before the gods themselves. I
+have one of the uppermost seats at church, and frequent the altar as
+often as any body: I have a free admission at court; and can never want
+the king's ear, for I sometimes sit upon his shoulder. There is not a
+maid of honour, or handsome young creature, comes in my way, but, if I
+like her, I settle betwixt her balmy lips, and then I eat and drink the
+best of every thing, without having any occasion to work for my living.
+What is there that such country pusses as you enjoy, to be compared with
+a life like this?'--The Ant, who by this time had composed herself,
+replied with a great deal of temper, and no less severity--'Indeed, to
+be a guest at an entertainment of the gods, is a very great honour, if
+one is invited; but I should not care to be a disagreeable intruder any
+where. You talk of the king and the court, and the fine ladies there,
+with great familiarity; but, as I have been getting in my harvest in
+summer, I have seen a certain person under the town walls, making a
+hearty meal upon something that is not so proper to be mentioned. As to
+your frequenting the altars, you are in the right to take sanctuary
+where you are like to meet with the least disturbance: but I have known
+people before now run to altars, and call it devotion, when they have
+been shut out of all good company, and had no where else to go. You do
+not work for your living, you say,--true: therefore, when you have
+played away the summer, and winter comes, you have nothing to live upon;
+and, while you are starving with cold and hunger, I have a good warm
+house over my head, and plenty of provisions about me.'
+
+
+APPLICATION.
+
+This fable points out to us the different characters of those that
+recommend themselves in a vain-glorious way by false and borrowed
+lights; and of those whose real merit procures them a good esteem
+wherever they go. Poverty and folly having, at the same time,
+possession of any one man, cannot fail of making him an object of pity,
+if not of contempt; but, when an empty conceited pride happens to be
+joined with them, they render the creature in whom they meet at the same
+time despicable and ridiculous. One who often attends at court, not
+because he has a place, but because he has not, should not value himself
+upon his condition. They who go to church out of vanity and curiosity,
+and not for pure devotion, should not value themselves upon their
+religion, for it is not worth a straw. They who eat at a threepenny
+ordinary, and sometimes not so well, should not boast either of their
+dinner or company. In short, nobody is a better gentleman, than he whose
+own honest industry supplies him with a plenty of all necessaries; who
+is so well acquainted with honour, as never to say or do a mean and
+unjust thing; and who despises an idle scoundrel, but knows how to
+esteem men of his own principles. Such a one is a person of the first
+quality, though he has never a title, and ought to take place of every
+man who is not so good as himself.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE XLIX.
+
+[Illustration: THE ANT AND THE GRASSHOPPER.]
+
+
+In the winter season, a commonwealth of Ants was busily employed in the
+management and preservation of their corn; which they exposed to the air
+in heaps round about the avenues of their little country habitation. A
+Grasshopper, who had chanced to outlive the summer, and was ready to
+starve with cold and hunger, approached them with great humility, and
+begged that they would relieve his necessity, with one grain of wheat or
+rye. One of the Ants asked him, how he had disposed of his time in
+summer, that he had not taken pains, and laid in a stock, as they had
+done?--'Alas, gentlemen,' says he, 'I passed away the time merrily and
+pleasantly, in drinking, singing, and dancing, and never once thought
+of winter.'--'If that be the case,' replied the Ant, laughing, 'all I
+have to say is, that they who drink, sing, and dance in the summer, must
+starve in winter.'
+
+
+APPLICATION.
+
+As summer is the season of the year in which the industrious and
+laborious husbandman gathers and lays up such fruits as may supply his
+necessities in winter, so youth and manhood are the times of life which
+we should employ and bestow in laying in such a stock of all kind of
+necessaries as may suffice for the craving demands of helpless old age.
+Yet, notwithstanding the truth of this, there are many of those which we
+call rational creatures, who live in a method quite opposite to it, and
+make it their business to squander away, in a profuse prodigality,
+whatever they get in their younger days: as if the infirmity of age
+would require no supplies to support it; or, at least, would find them
+administered to in some miraculous way. From this fable we learn this
+admirable lesson, never to lose any present opportunity of providing
+against the future evils and accidents of life. While health and the
+flower and vigour of our age remain firm and entire, let us lay them out
+to the best advantage, that, when the latter days take hold of us, and
+spoil us of our strength and abilities, we may have a store moderately
+sufficient to subsist upon, which we laid up in the morning of our age.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE L.
+
+[Illustration: THE COUNTRYMAN AND THE SNAKE.]
+
+
+A villager, in a frosty, snowy winter, found a snake under a hedge,
+almost dead with cold. He could not help having compassion for the poor
+creature, so brought it home, and laid it upon the hearth near the fire;
+but it had not lain there long, before (being revived with the heat) it
+began to erect itself, and fly at his wife and children, filling the
+whole cottage with dreadful hissings. The Countryman hearing an outcry,
+and perceiving what the matter was, catched up a mattock, and soon
+dispatched him; upbraiding him at the same time in these words--'Is
+this, vile wretch, the reward you make to him that saved your life? Die,
+as you deserve; but a single death is too good for you.'
+
+
+APPLICATION.
+
+It is the nature of ingrates to return evil for good: and the moralists,
+in all ages, have incessantly declaimed against the enormity of this
+crime, concluding, that they who are capable of hurting their
+benefactors, are not fit to live in a community; being such, as the
+natural ties of parent, friend, or country, are too weak to restrain
+within the bounds of society. Indeed, the sin of ingratitude is so
+detestable, that as none but the most inhuman temper can be guilty of
+it, so, in writing to men, there is no occasion to use many words,
+either in exposing the vice itself, or dissuading people from the
+commission of it. Therefore it is not likely that a person of Æsop's
+sagacity would have compiled this fable, without having something else
+in view besides this trite and obvious subject. He certainly intended to
+put us in mind that, as none but a poor silly clown would go to take up
+a Snake and cherish it, so we shall be very negligent and ill-advised
+if, in doing good offices, we do not take care to bestow our benevolence
+upon proper objects. It was not at all unnatural in the Snake to hiss,
+and brandish his tongue, and fly at the first that came near him; as
+soon at the person that saved his life as any other; indeed, more
+likely, because nobody else had so much to do with him. Nor is it
+strange at any time to see a reprobate fool throwing his poisonous
+language about, and committing his extravagancies against those, more
+especially, who are so inadvertent as to concern themselves with him.
+The Snake and the reprobate will not appear extraordinary in their
+malevolence: but the sensible part of mankind cannot help thinking those
+guilty of great indiscretion, who receive either of them into their
+protection.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE LI.
+
+[Illustration: THE FOX AND THE SICK LION.]
+
+
+It was reported that the Lion was sick, and the beasts were made to
+believe that they could not make their court better than by going to
+visit him. Upon this they generally went; but it was particularly taken
+notice of, that the Fox was not one of the number. The Lion therefore
+dispatched one of his Jackals to sound him about it, and ask him why he
+had so little charity and respect, as never to come near him, at a time
+when he lay so dangerously ill, and every body else had been to see
+him?--'Why,' replies the Fox, 'pray present my duty to his majesty, and
+tell him, that I have the same respect for him as ever, and have been
+coming several times to kiss his royal hand: but I am so terribly
+frightened at the mouth of his cave, to see the print of my
+fellow-subjects feet all pointing forwards and none backwards, that I
+have not resolution enough to venture in.' Now the truth of the matter
+was, that this sickness of the Lion's was only a sham to draw the beasts
+into his den, the more easily to devour them.
+
+
+APPLICATION.
+
+A man should weigh and consider the nature of any proposal well before
+he gives into it; for a rash and hasty compliance has been the ruin of
+many a one. And it is the quintessence of prudence not to be too easy of
+belief. Indeed the multitude think altogether in the same track, and are
+much upon a footing. Their meditations are confined in one channel, and
+they follow one another, very orderly, in a regular stupidity. Can a man
+of thought and spirit be harnessed thus, and trudge along like a
+pack-horse, in a deep, stinking, muddy road, when he may frisk it over
+the beauteous lawns, or lose himself agreeably in the shady verdant
+mazes of unrestrained contemplation? It is impossible. Vulgar notions
+are so generally attended with error, that wherever one traces the
+footsteps of the many, tending all one way, it is enough to make one
+suspect, with the Fox in the fable, that there is some trick in it. The
+eye of reason is dulled and stupified when it is confined, and made to
+gaze continually upon the same thing: it rather chooses to look about
+it, and amuse itself with variety of objects, as they lie scattered up
+and down in the unbounded prospect. He that goes implicitly into a
+thing, may be mistaken, notwithstanding the number of those who keep him
+company; but he that keeps out till he sees reason to enter, acts upon
+true maxims of policy and prudence. In short, it becomes us, as we are
+reasonable creatures, to behave ourselves as such, and to do as few
+things as possible, of which we may have occasion to repent.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE LII.
+
+[Illustration: THE WANTON CALF.]
+
+
+A Calf, full of play and wantonness, seeing the Ox at plough, could not
+forbear insulting him. 'What a sorry poor drudge art thou,' says he, 'to
+bear that heavy yoke upon your neck, and go all day drawing a plough at
+your tail, to turn up the ground for your master! but you are a wretched
+dull slave, and know no better, or else you would not do it. See what a
+happy life I lead: I go just where I please; sometimes I lie down under
+the cool shade; sometimes frisk about in the open sunshine; and, when I
+please, slake my thirst in the clear sweet brook; but you, if you were
+to perish, have not so much as a little dirty water to refresh you.' The
+Ox, not at all moved with what he said, went quietly and calmly on with
+his work; and, in the evening, was unyoked and turned loose. Soon after
+which he saw the Calf taken out of the field, and delivered into the
+hands of a priest, who immediately led him to the altar, and prepared to
+sacrifice him. His head was hung round with fillets of flowers, and the
+fatal knife was just going to be applied to his throat, when the Ox drew
+near, and whispered him to this purpose--'Behold the end of your
+insolence and arrogance; it was for this only you were suffered to live
+at all; and pray now, friend, whose condition is best, yours or mine?'
+
+
+APPLICATION.
+
+To insult people in distress is the property of a cruel, indiscreet, and
+giddy temper; for, as the proceedings of fortune are very irregular and
+uncertain, we may, the next turn of the wheel, be thrown down to their
+condition, and they exalted to ours. We are likewise given to understand
+by this fable what the consequence of an idle life generally is, and how
+well satisfied laborious diligent men are, in the end, when they come
+quietly to enjoy the fruits of their industry. They who by little tricks
+and sharpings, or by open violence and robbery, live in a high expensive
+way, often in their hearts, at least, despise the poor honest man who is
+contented with the virtuous product of his daily labour, and patiently
+submits to his destiny. But how often is the poor man comforted, by
+seeing these wanton villains led in triumph to the altar of justice,
+while he has many a cheerful summer's morning to enjoy abroad, and many
+a long winter's evening to indulge himself in at home, by a quiet
+hearth, and under an unenvied roof: blessings which often attend a sober
+industrious man, though the idle and the profligate are utter strangers
+to them. Luxury and intemperance, besides their being certain to shorten
+a man's days, are very apt not only to engage people with their seeming
+charms into a debauched life, utterly prejudicial to their health, but
+to make them have a contempt for others, whose good sense and true taste
+of happiness inspire them with an aversion to idleness and effiminacy,
+and put them upon hardening their constitution by innocent exercise and
+laudable employment. How many do gluttony and sloth tumble into an
+untimely grave! while the temperate and the active drink sober draughts
+of life, and spin out their thread to the most desirable length.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE LIII.
+
+[Illustration: HERCULES AND THE CARTER.]
+
+
+As a clownish Fellow was driving his cart along a deep miry lane, the
+wheels stuck so fast in the clay, that the horses could not draw them
+out. Upon this, he fell a bawling and praying to Hercules to come and
+help him. Hercules, looking down from a cloud, bid him not lie there,
+like an idle rascal as he was, but get up and whip his horses stoutly,
+and clap his shoulder to the wheel; adding, that this was the only way
+for him to obtain his assistance.
+
+
+APPLICATION.
+
+This fable shows us how vain and ill-grounded the expectations of those
+people are who imagine they can obtain whatever they want by
+importuning heaven with their prayers; for it is so agreeable to the
+nature of the Divine Being to be better pleased with virtuous actions
+and an honest industry than idle prayers, that it is a sort of blasphemy
+to say otherwise. These were the sentiments of honest good heathens, who
+were strangers to all revealed religion: but it is not strange that they
+should embrace and propagate such a notion, since it is no other than
+the dictate of common reason. What is both strange in itself, and
+surprising how it could be made so fashionable, is, that most of those
+whose reason should be enlightened by revelation, are very apt to be
+guilty of this stupidity, and, by praying often for the comforts of
+life, to neglect that business which is the proper means of procuring
+them. How such a mistaken devotion came to prevail one cannot imagine,
+unless from one of these two motives; either that people, by such a veil
+of hypocrisy, would pass themselves upon mankind for better than they
+really are, or are influenced by unskilful preachers (which is
+sometimes, indeed too often, the case) to mind the world as little as
+possible, even to the neglect of their necessary callings. No question
+but it is a great sin for a man to fail in his trade or occupation by
+running often to prayers; it being a demonstration in itself, though the
+Scripture had never said it, that we please God most when we are doing
+the most good: and how can we do more good than, by a sober honest
+industry, 'to provide for those of our own household,' and to endeavour
+'to have to give to him that needeth?' The man who is virtuously and
+honestly engaged, is actually serving God all the while, and is more
+likely to have his silent wishes, accompanied with strenuous endeavours,
+complied with by the Supreme Being, than he who begs with a fruitless
+vehemence, and solicits with an empty hand: a hand which would be more
+religious were it usefully employed, and more devout were it stretched
+forth to do good to those that want it.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE LIV.
+
+[Illustration: THE BELLY AND THE MEMBERS.]
+
+
+In former days, when the Belly and the other parts of the body enjoyed
+the faculty of speech, and had separate views and designs of their own,
+each part, it seems, in particular for himself, and in the name of the
+whole, took exception at the conduct of the Belly, and were resolved to
+grant him supplies no longer. They said they thought it very hard that
+he should lead an idle good-for-nothing life, spending and squandering
+away, upon his own ungodly guts, all the fruits of their labour; and
+that, in short, they were resolved for the future, to strike off his
+allowance, and let him shift for himself as well as he could. The Hands
+protested they would not lift up a finger to keep him from starving;
+and the Mouth wished he might never speak again if he took in the least
+bit of nourishment for him as long as he lived; and, say the Teeth, may
+we be rotten if ever we chew a morsel for him for the future. This
+solemn league and covenant was kept as long as any thing of that kind
+can be kept, which was until each of the rebel members pined away to the
+skin and bone, and could hold out no longer. Then they found there was
+no doing without the Belly, and that, as idle and insignificant as he
+seemed, he contributed as much to the maintenance and welfare of all the
+other parts as they did to his.
+
+
+APPLICATION.
+
+This fable was spoken by Menenius Agrippa, a famous Roman consul and
+general, when he was deputed by the senate to appease a dangerous tumult
+and insurrection of the people. The many wars that nation was engaged
+in, and the frequent supplies they were obliged to raise, had so soured
+and inflamed the minds of the populace, that they were resolved to
+endure it no longer, and obstinately refused to pay the taxes which were
+levied upon them. It is easy to discern how the great man applied this
+fable. For, if the branches and members of a community refuse the
+government that aid which its necessities require, the whole must perish
+together. The rulers of a state, as idle and insignificant as they may
+sometimes seem, are yet as necessary to be kept up and maintained in a
+proper and decent grandeur, as the family of each private person is in a
+condition suitable to itself. Every man's enjoyment of that little which
+he gains by his daily labour, depends upon the government's being
+maintained in a condition to defend and secure him in it.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE LV.
+
+[Illustration: THE HORSE AND THE LION.]
+
+
+A Lion seeing a fine plump Nag, had a great mind to eat a bit of him,
+but knew not which way to get him into his power. At last he bethought
+himself of this contrivance: he gave out that he was a physician, who,
+having gained experience by his travels into foreign countries, had made
+himself capable of curing any sort of malady or distemper incident to
+any kind of beast, hoping by this stratagem to get an easier admittance
+among cattle, and find an opportunity to execute his design. The Horse,
+who smoked the matter, was resolved to be even with him; and, so
+humouring the thing, as if he suspected nothing, he prayed the Lion to
+give him his advice in relation to a thorn he had got in his foot, which
+had quite lamed him, and gave him great pain and uneasiness. The Lion
+readily agreed and desired he might see the foot. Upon which the Horse
+lifted up one of his hind legs, and, while the Lion pretended to be
+poring earnestly upon his hoof, gave him such a kick in the face as
+quite stunned him, and left him sprawling upon the ground. In the mean
+time the Horse trotted away, neighing and laughing merrily at the
+success of the trick, by which he had defeated the purpose of one who
+intended to have tricked him out of his life.
+
+
+APPLICATION.
+
+Though all manner of fraud and tricking is mean, and utterly beneath a
+man of sense and honour, yet, methinks, equity itself allows us to
+disappoint the deceiver, and to repel craft by cunning. Treachery has
+something so wicked and worthy of punishment in its nature, that it
+deserves to meet with a return of its own kind: an open revenge would be
+too liberal for it, and nothing matches it but itself. However,
+therefore, abominable it is to be the aggressor in this point, yet it
+cannot be inconsistent with virtue to counterplot and to take all manner
+of advantage against the man who is undermining us.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE LVI.
+
+[Illustration: THE HUSBANDMAN AND THE STORK.]
+
+
+The Husbandman pitched a net in his fields to take the Cranes and Geese
+which came to feed upon the new-sown corn. Accordingly he took several,
+both Cranes and Geese; and among them a Stork, who pleaded hard for his
+life, and, among other apologies which he made, alleged, that he was
+neither Goose nor Crane, but a poor harmless Stork, who performed his
+duty to his parents to all intents and purposes, feeding them when they
+were old, and, as occasion required, carrying them from place to place
+upon his back.--'All this may be true,' replies the Husbandman; 'but, as
+I have taken you in bad company, and in the same crime, you must expect
+to suffer the same punishment.'
+
+
+APPLICATION.
+
+If bad company had nothing else to make us shun and avoid it, this,
+methinks, might be sufficient, that it infects and taints a man's
+reputation, to as great a degree as if he were thoroughly versed in the
+wickedness of the whole gang. What is it to me if the thief who robs me
+of my money gives part of it to build a church? Is he ever the less a
+thief? Shall a woman's going to prayers twice a day save her reputation,
+if she is known to be a malicious lying gossip? No, such mixtures of
+religion and sin make the offence but the more flagrant, as they
+convince us that it was not committed out of ignorance. Indeed, there is
+no living without being guilty of some faults, more or less; which the
+world ought to be good-natured enough to overlook, in consideration of
+the general frailty of mankind, when they are not too gross and too
+abundant: but when we are so abandoned to stupidity, and a neglect of
+our reputation, as to keep bad company, however little we may be
+criminal in reality, we must expect the same censure and punishment as
+is due to the most notorious of our companions.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE LVII.
+
+[Illustration: THE CAT AND THE COCK.]
+
+
+The Cat, having a mind to make a meal of the Cock, seized him one
+morning by surprise, and asked him what he could say for himself why
+slaughter should not pass upon him?--The Cock replied, that he was
+serviceable to mankind by crowing in the morning, and calling them up to
+their daily labour.--'That is true,' says the Cat, 'and is the very
+objection that I have against you; for you make such a shrill
+impertinent noise, that people cannot sleep for you. Besides you are an
+incestuous rascal, and make no scruple of lying with your mother and
+sisters.'--'Well,' says the Cock, 'this I do not deny; but I do it to
+procure eggs and chickens for my master.'--'Ah! villain,' says the Cat,
+'hold your wicked tongue; such impieties as these declare that you are
+no longer fit to live.'
+
+
+APPLICATION.
+
+When a wicked man in power has a mind to glut his appetite in any
+respect, innocence, or even merit, is no protection against him. The
+cries of justice and the voice of reason are of no effect upon a
+conscience hardened in iniquity, and a mind versed in a long practice of
+wrong and robbery. Remonstrances, however reasonably urged, or movingly
+couched, have no more influence upon the heart of such a one, than the
+gentle evening breeze has upon the oak when it whispers among its
+branches, or the rising surges upon the deaf rock when they dash and
+break against its sides. Power should never be trusted in the hands of
+an impious selfish man, and one that has more regard to the
+gratification of his own unbounded avarice than to public peace and
+justice. Were it not for the tacit consent and heartless compliance of a
+great majority of fools, mankind would not be ridden, as oftentimes they
+are, by a little majority of knaves, to their great misfortune: for,
+whatever people may think of the times, if they were ten times worse
+than they are, it is principally owing to their own stupidity. Why do
+they trust the man a moment longer who has once injured and betrayed
+them?
+
+
+
+
+FABLE LVIII.
+
+[Illustration: THE LEOPARD AND THE FOX.]
+
+
+The Leopard one day took it into his head to value himself upon the
+great variety and beauty of his spots, and truly he saw no reason why
+even the Lion should take place of him, since he could not show so
+beautiful a skin. As for the rest of the wild beasts of the forest, he
+treated them all, without distinction, in the most haughty disdainful
+manner. But the Fox being among them, went up to him with a great deal
+of spirit and resolution, and told him, that he was mistaken in the
+value he was pleased to set upon himself; since people of judgment were
+not used to form their opinion of merit from an outside appearance, but
+by considering the good qualities and endowments with which the mind was
+stored within.
+
+
+APPLICATION.
+
+How much more heavenly and powerful would beauty prove, if it were not
+so frequently impaired by the affectation and conceitedness of its
+possessor! If some women were but as modest and unassuming as they are
+handsome, they might command the hearts of all that behold them: but
+Nature seemed to foresee, and has provided against such an
+inconvenience, by tempering its great master-pieces with a due
+proportion of pride and vanity; so that their power, depending upon the
+duration of their beauty only, is like to be but of a short continuance;
+which, when they happen to prove tyrants, is no small comfort to us; and
+then, even while it lasts, will abate much of its severity by the allay
+of those two prevailing ingredients. Wise men are chiefly captivated
+with the charms of the mind; and whenever they are infatuated with a
+passion for any thing else, it is generally observed that they cease,
+during that time at least, to be what they were, and are indeed looked
+upon to be only playing the fool. If the fair ones we have been speaking
+of have a true ascendant over them, they will oblige them to divest
+themselves of common sense, and to talk and act ridiculously, before
+they can think them worthy of the least regard. Should one of these fine
+creatures be addressed in the words of Juba,
+
+  'Tis not a set of features, or complexion,
+  The tincture of a skin, that I admire.
+  Beauty soon grows familiar to the lover,
+  Fades in his eye, and palls upon the sense.
+  The virtuous Marcia towers above her sex.
+  True, she is fair; oh, how divinely fair!
+  But still the lovely maid improves her charms
+  With inward greatness, unaffected wisdom,
+  And sanctity of manners.----
+
+The man that should venture the success of a strong passion upon the
+construction she would put upon such a compliment, might have reason to
+repent of his conduct.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE LIX.
+
+[Illustration: THE SHEPHERD'S BOY.]
+
+
+A certain Shepherd's Boy kept his Sheep upon a common, and, in sport and
+wantonness, would often cry out, The Wolf! The Wolf! By this means he
+several times drew the Husbandmen, in an adjoining field, from their
+work; who, finding themselves deluded, resolved for the future to take
+no notice of his alarm. Soon after the Wolf came indeed. The Boy cried
+out in earnest: but no heed being given to his cries, the Sheep were
+devoured by the Wolf.
+
+
+APPLICATION.
+
+He that is detected for being a notorious liar, besides the ignominy and
+reproach of the thing, incurs this mischief, that he will scarce be able
+to get any one to believe him again as long as he lives. However true
+our complaint may be, or how much soever it may be for our interest to
+have it believed, yet, if we have been frequently caught tripping
+before, we shall hardly be able to gain credit to what we relate
+afterwards. Though mankind are generally stupid enough to be often
+imposed upon, yet few are so senseless as to believe a notorious liar,
+or to trust a cheat upon record. These little shams, when found out, are
+sufficiently prejudicial to the interest of every private person who
+practises them. But, when we are alarmed with imaginary dangers in
+respect of the public, till the cry grows quite stale and threadbare,
+how can it be expected we should know when to guard ourselves against
+real ones.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE LX.
+
+[Illustration: THE FOX AND THE GOAT.]
+
+
+A Fox, having tumbled by chance into a Well, had been casting about a
+long while, to no purpose, how he should get out again; when at last a
+Goat came to the place, and, wanting to drink, asked Reynard whether the
+water was good. 'Good!' says he; 'ay, so sweet, that I am afraid I have
+surfeited myself, I have drank so abundantly.' The Goat upon this,
+without any more ado, leaped in; and the Fox, taking the advantage of
+his horns, by the assistance of them as nimbly leaped out, leaving the
+poor Goat at the bottom of the Well to shift for himself.
+
+
+APPLICATION.
+
+The doctrine taught us by this fable is no more than this, that we ought
+to consider who it is that advises us before we follow the advice: for,
+however plausible the counsel may seem, if the person that gives it is a
+crafty knave, we may be assured that he intends to serve himself in it
+more than us, if not to erect something to his own advantage out of our
+ruin.
+
+The little, poor, country attorney, ready to perish, and sunk to the
+lowest depth of poverty for want of employment, by such arts as these
+draws the esquire, his neighbour, into the gulf of the law; till, laying
+hold on the branches of his revenue, he lifts himself out of obscurity,
+and leaves the other immured in the bottom of a mortgage.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE LXI.
+
+[Illustration: CUPID AND DEATH.]
+
+
+Cupid, one sultry summer's noon, tired with play, and faint with heat,
+went into a cool grotto to repose himself, which happened to be the cave
+of Death. He threw himself carelessly down on the floor, and his quiver
+turning topsy-turvy, all the arrows fell out, and mingled with those of
+Death, which lay scattered up and down the place. When he awoke, he
+gathered them up as well as he could; but they were so intermingled
+that, though he knew the certain number, he could not rightly
+distinguish them; from which it happened that he took up some of the
+arrows which belonged to Death, and left several of his own in the room
+of them. This is the cause that we, now and then, see the hearts of the
+old and decrepit transfixed with the bolts of Love; and with equal grief
+and surprise behold the youthful blooming part of our species smitten
+with the darts of Death.
+
+
+APPLICATION.
+
+If we allow for this fable's being written by a heathen, and according
+to the scheme of the ancient pagan theology, it will appear to be a
+pretty probable solution of some parts of the dispensation of
+Providence, which otherwise seem to be obscure and unaccountable. For,
+when we see the young and the old fall promiscuously by the hand of
+Death, and at the same time consider that the world is governed by an
+all-wise Providence, we are puzzled how to account for so seemingly
+preposterous and unnatural a way of working. We should look upon a
+gardener to be mad, or at least very capricious, who, when his young
+trees are just arrived to a degree of bearing, should cut them down for
+fuel, and choose out old, rotten, decayed, sapless stocks to graft and
+inoculate upon: yet the irregular proceedings of those two levellers,
+Love and Death, appear to be every jot as odd and unreasonable. However,
+we must take it for granted that these things, though the method of them
+is hidden from our eyes, are transacted after the most just and fit
+manner imaginable: but, humanly speaking, it is strange that Death
+should be suffered to make such undistinguished havoc in the world; and,
+at the same time, just as shocking and unnatural to see old age laid
+betwixt a pair of wedding sheets, as it is for youth and beauty to be
+locked up in the cold embraces of the grave.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE LXII.
+
+[Illustration: THE OLD MAN AND HIS SONS.]
+
+
+An Old Man had many Sons, who were often falling out with one another.
+When the Father had exerted his authority, and used other means in order
+to reconcile them, and all to no purpose, at last he had recourse to
+this expedient: he ordered his Sons to be called before him, and a short
+bundle of sticks to be brought; and then commanded them, one by one, to
+try if, with all their might and strength, they could any of them break
+it. They all tried, but to no purpose; for the sticks being closely and
+compactly bound up together, it was impossible for the force of man to
+do it. After this the Father ordered the bundle to be untied, and gave a
+single stick to each of his Sons; at the same time bidding him try to
+break it: which, when each did with all imaginable ease, the Father
+addressed himself to them to this effect--'O my Sons, behold the power
+of unity! For if you, in like manner, would but keep yourselves strictly
+conjoined in the bonds of friendship, it would not be in the power of
+any mortal to hurt you; but when once the ties of brotherly affection
+are dissolved, how soon do you fall to pieces, and are liable to be
+violated by every injurious hand that assaults you!'
+
+
+APPLICATION.
+
+Nothing is more necessary towards completing and continuing the
+well-being of mankind, than their entering into and preserving
+friendships and alliances. The safety of a government depends chiefly
+upon this; and therefore it is weakened and exposed to its enemies, in
+proportion as it is divided by parties. "A kingdom divided against
+itself, is brought to desolation:" and the same holds good among all
+societies and corporations of men, from the constitution of the nation
+down to every little parochial vestry. But the necessity of friendship
+extends itself to all sorts of relations in life, as it conduces
+mightily to the advantage of particular clans and families. Those of the
+same blood and lineage have a natural disposition to unite together,
+which they ought by all means to cultivate and improve. It must be a
+great comfort to people, when they fall under any calamity, to know
+there are many others who sympathize with them; a great load of grief is
+mightily lessened, when it is parcelled out into many shares. And then
+joy, of all our passions, loves to be communicative, and generally
+increases in proportion to the number of those who partake of it with
+us. We defy the threats and malice of an enemy, when we are assured that
+he cannot attack us single, but must encounter a bundle of allies at the
+same time. But they that behave themselves so as to have few or no
+friends in the world, live in perpetual fear and jealousy of mankind,
+because they are sensible of their own weakness, and know themselves
+liable to be crushed, or broken to pieces, by the first aggressor.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE LXIII.
+
+[Illustration: THE STAG AND THE FAWN.]
+
+
+A Stag, grown old and mischievous, was, according to custom, stamping
+with his foot, making offers with his head, and bellowing so terribly,
+that the whole herd quaked for fear of him: when one of the little Fawns
+coming up, addressed him to this purpose--'Pray, what is the reason that
+you, who are so stout and formidable at all other times, if you do but
+hear the cry of the hounds, are ready to fly out of your skin for
+fear?'--'What you observe is true,' replied the Stag, 'though I know not
+how to account for it: I am indeed vigorous, and able enough, I think,
+to make my party good any where, and often resolve with myself, that
+nothing shall ever dismay my courage for the future; but, alas! I no
+sooner hear the voice of a hound but all my spirits fail me, and I
+cannot help making off as fast as ever my legs can carry me.'
+
+
+APPLICATION.
+
+This is the case of many a cowardly bully in the world. He is disposed
+to be imperious and tyrannical, and to insult his companions, and takes
+all opportunities of acting according to his inclination; but yet is
+cautious where he makes his haunts, and takes care to have to do only
+with a herd of rascally people, as vile and mean as himself. A man of
+courage quashes him with a word; and he who has threatened death in
+every sentence, for a twelvemonth together, to those whom he knew it
+would affright, at the very frown of an intrepid man has leaped out of a
+window. It is no unpleasant sight to be present when any of these
+gentlemen happen to be disarmed of their terror before the face of their
+humble admirers: there is a strange boisterous struggle betwixt fear,
+shame, and revenge, which blinds them with confusion; and, though they
+would fain exert a little courage, and show themselves men, yet, they
+know not how; there is something within which will not suffer them to do
+it. The predominance of nature will show itself, upon occasion, in its
+true colours, through all the disguises which artful men endeavour to
+throw over it. Cowardice, particularly, gives us but the more suspicion
+when it would conceal itself under an affected fierceness; as they who
+would smother an ill smell by a cloud of perfume, are imagined to be
+but the more offensive. When we have done all, Nature will remain what
+she was, and show herself whenever she is called upon; therefore
+whatever we do in contradiction to her laws, is so forced and affected,
+that it must needs expose and make us ridiculous. We talk nonsense when
+we would argue against it: like Teague, who being asked why he fled from
+his colours, said, his heart was as good as any in the regiment; but
+protested his cowardly legs would run away with him whatever he could
+do.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE LXIV.
+
+[Illustration: THE OLD HOUND.]
+
+
+An Old Hound, who had been an excellent good one in his time, and given
+his master great sport and satisfaction in many a chase, at last, by the
+effect of years, became feeble and unserviceable. However, being in the
+field one day, when the stag was almost run down, he happened to be the
+first that came in with him, and seized him by one of his haunches; but,
+his decayed and broken teeth not being able to keep their hold, the deer
+escaped, and threw him quite out. Upon which his master, being in a
+great passion, and going to strike him, the honest old creature is said
+to have barked out his apology--'Ah! do not strike your poor old
+servant; it is not my heart and inclination, but my strength and speed,
+that fail me. If what I now am displeases, pray don't forget what I have
+been.'
+
+
+APPLICATION.
+
+This fable may serve to give us a general view of the ingratitude of
+the greatest part of mankind. Notwithstanding all the civility and
+complaisance that is used among people where there is a common
+intercourse of business, yet let the main spring, the probability of
+their being serviceable to each other, either in point of pleasure or
+profit, be but once broken, and farewell courtesy: so far from
+continuing any regard in behalf of past favours, it is very well if they
+forbear doing any thing that is injurious. If the master had only ceased
+to caress and make much of the Old Hound, when he was past doing any
+service, it had not been very strange; but to treat a poor creature ill,
+not for a failure of inclination, but merely a defect of nature, must,
+notwithstanding the crowd of examples there are to countenance it, be
+pronounced inhuman and unreasonable.
+
+There are two accounts upon which people that have been useful are
+frequently neglected. One, when they are so decayed, either through age
+or some accident, that they are no longer able to do the services they
+have formerly done; the other, when the occasion or emergency which
+required such talents no longer exists. Phædrus, who more than once
+complains of the bad consequences of age, makes no other application to
+this fable than by telling his friend Philetus, with some regret, that
+he wrote it with such a view; having, it seems, been repaid with
+neglect, or worse usage, for services done in his youth to those who
+were then able to afford him a better recompense.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE LXV.
+
+[Illustration: JUPITER AND THE CAMEL.]
+
+
+The Camel presented a petition to Jupiter, complaining of the hardship
+of his case in not having, like bulls and other creatures, horns, or any
+weapons of defence, to protect himself from the attacks of his enemies,
+and praying that relief might be given him in such manner as might be
+thought most expedient. Jupiter could not help smiling at the
+impertinent address of the great silly beast, but, however, rejected the
+petition; and told him that, so far from granting his unreasonable
+request, henceforward he would take care his ears should be shortened,
+as a punishment for his presumptuous importunity.
+
+
+APPLICATION.
+
+The nature of things is so fixed in every particular, that they are very
+weak superstitious people who dream it is to be altered. But, besides
+the impossibility of producing a change by addresses of this nature,
+they who employ much of their time upon such accounts, instead of
+getting, are sure to lose in the end. When any man is so frivolous and
+vexatious as to make unreasonable complaints, and to harbour undue
+repinings in his heart, his peevishness will lessen the real good which
+he possesses, and the sourness of his temper shorten that allowance of
+comfort which he already thinks too scanty. Thus, in truth, it is not
+Providence, but ourselves who punish our own importunity in soliciting
+for impossibilities, with a sharp corroding care, which abridges us of
+some part of that little pleasure which Providence has cast into our
+lot.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE LXVI.
+
+[Illustration: THE FOX WITHOUT A TAIL.]
+
+
+A Fox, being caught in a steel trap by his tail, was glad to compound
+for his escape with the loss of it; but, upon coming abroad into the
+world, began to be so sensible of the disgrace such a defect would bring
+upon him, that he almost wished he had died rather than left it behind
+him. However, to make the best of a bad matter, he formed a project in
+his head to call an assembly of the rest of the Foxes, and propose it
+for their imitation, as a fashion which would be very agreeable and
+becoming. He did so, and made a long harangue upon the unprofitableness
+of tails in general, and endeavoured chiefly to show the awkwardness and
+inconvenience of a Fox's tail in particular: adding, that it would be
+both more graceful and more expeditious to be altogether without them;
+and that, for his part, what he had only imagined and conjectured
+before, he now found by experience; for that he never enjoyed himself so
+well, and found himself so easy as he had done since he cut off his
+tail. He said no more, but looked about with a brisk air, to see what
+proselytes he had gained; when a sly old thief in the company, who
+understood trap, answered him with a leer--'I believe you may have found
+a conveniency in parting with your tail, and when we are in the same
+circumstances, perhaps we may do so too.'
+
+
+APPLICATION.
+
+If men were but generally as prudent as Foxes, they would not suffer so
+many silly fashions to obtain as are daily brought in vogue, for which
+scarce any reason can be assigned besides the humour of some conceited
+vain creature; unless, which is full as bad, they are intended to
+palliate some defect in the person that introduces them. The petticoat
+of a whole sex has been sometimes swelled to such a prodigious extent,
+to screen an enormity of which only one of them has been guilty. And it
+is no wonder that Alexander the Great could bring a wry-neck into
+fashion, in a nation of slaves, when we consider what power of this
+nature some little, insignificant, dapper fellows have had among a free
+people.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE LXVII.
+
+[Illustration: THE FOX AND THE CROW.]
+
+
+A Crow having taken a piece of cheese out of a cottage window, flew up
+into a high tree with it, in order to eat it; which a Fox observing,
+came and sat underneath, and began to compliment the Crow upon the
+subject of her beauty. 'I protest,' says he, 'I never observed it
+before, but your feathers are of a more delicate white than any that
+ever I saw in my life! Ah; what a fine shape and graceful turn of body
+is there! And I make no question but you have a tolerable voice. If it
+is but as fine as your complexion, I do not know a bird that can pretend
+to stand in competition with you.' The Crow, tickled with this very
+civil language, nestled and riggled about, and hardly knew where she
+was; but thinking the Fox a little dubious as to the particular of her
+voice, and having a mind to set him right in that matter, began to sing,
+and in the same instant let the cheese drop out of her mouth. This being
+what the Fox wanted, he chopped it up in a moment, and trotted away,
+laughing to himself at the easy credulity of the Crow.
+
+
+APPLICATION.
+
+They that love flattery (as it is to be feared too many do) are in a
+fair way to repent of their foible in the long run. And yet how few are
+there among the whole race of mankind who may be said to be full proof
+against its attacks! The gross way by which it is managed by some silly
+practitioners, is enough to alarm the dullest apprehension, and make it
+to value itself upon the quickness of its insight into the little plots
+of this nature: but let the ambuscade be disposed with due judgment, and
+it will scarce fail of seizing the most guarded heart. How many are
+tickled to the last degree with the pleasure of flattery, even while
+they are applauded for their honest detestation of it! There is no way
+to baffle the force of this engine but by every one's examining,
+impartially for himself, the true estimate of his own qualities: if he
+deals sincerely in the matter, nobody can tell so well as himself what
+degree of esteem ought to attend any of his actions, and therefore he
+should be entirely easy as to the opinion men are like to have of them
+in the world. If they attribute more to him than is his due, they are
+either designing or mistaken: if they allow him less, they are envious,
+or, possibly, still mistaken; and, in either case, are to be despised or
+disregarded. For he that flatters, without designing to take advantage
+of it, is a fool; and whoever encourages that flattery which he has
+sense enough to see through, is a vain coxcomb.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE LXVIII.
+
+[Illustration: THE HAWK AND THE FARMER.]
+
+
+A Hawk, pursuing a Pigeon over a corn-field with great eagerness and
+force, threw himself into a net which a husbandman had planted there to
+take the Crows; who being employed not far off, and seeing the Hawk
+fluttering in the net, came and took him: but, just as he was going to
+kill him, the Hawk besought him to let him go, assuring him that he was
+only following a Pigeon, and neither intended nor had done any harm to
+him. To whom the Farmer replied--'And what harm had the poor Pigeon done
+to you?' Upon which he wrung his head off immediately.
+
+
+APPLICATION.
+
+Passion, prejudice, or power, may so far blind a man as not to suffer
+him justly to distinguish whether he is not acting injuriously at the
+same time that he fancies he is only doing his duty. Now the best way
+of being convinced, whether what we do is reasonable and fit, is to put
+ourselves in the place of the persons with whom we are concerned, and
+then consult our conscience about the rectitude of our behaviour. For
+this we may be assured of, that we are acting wrong whenever we are
+doing any thing to another which we should think unjust if it was done
+to us. Nothing but an habitual inadvertency, as to this particular, can
+be the occasion that so many ingenious noble spirits are often engaged
+in courses so opposite to virtue and honour. He that would startle, if a
+little attorney should tamper with him to forswear himself, to bring off
+some small offender, some ordinary trespasser, will, without scruple,
+infringe the constitution of his country for the precarious prospect of
+a place or a pension. Which is most corrupt, he that lies, like a knight
+of the post, for half-a-crown and a dinner, or he that does it for the
+more substantial consideration of a thousand pounds a year? Which would
+be doing most service to the public, giving true testimony in a cause
+between two private men, and against one little common thief who has
+stolen a gold watch; or voting honestly and courageously against a rogue
+of state, who has gagged and bound the laws, and stripped the nation?
+Let those who intend to act justly, but view things in this light, and
+all would be well. There would be no danger of their oppressing others,
+or fear of being oppressed themselves.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE LXIX.
+
+[Illustration: THE NURSE AND THE WOLF.]
+
+
+A nurse, who was endeavouring to quiet a froward bawling child, among
+other attempts, threatened to throw it out of doors to the Wolf, if it
+did not leave off crying. A Wolf, who chanced to be prowling near the
+door, just at that time, heard the expression, and believing the woman
+to be in earnest, waited a long while about the house, in expectation of
+seeing her words made good. But at last the child, wearied with its own
+importunities, fell asleep, and the poor Wolf was forced to return back
+to the woods empty and supperless. The Fox meeting him, and surprised to
+see him going home so thin and disconsolate, asked him what the matter
+was, and how he came to speed no better that night?--'Ah! do not ask
+me,' says he; 'I was so silly as to believe what the Nurse said, and
+have been disappointed.'
+
+
+APPLICATION.
+
+All the moralists have agreed to interpret this fable as a caution to us
+never to trust a woman. What reasons they could have for giving so rough
+and uncourtly a precept, is not easy to be imagined: for, however fickle
+and unstable some women may be, it is well known there are several who
+have a greater regard for truth, in what they assert or promise, than
+most men. There is not room, in so short a compass, to express a due
+concern for the honour of the ladies upon this occasion, nor to show how
+much one is disposed to vindicate them: and, though there is nothing bad
+which can be said to them but may with equal justice be averred of the
+other sex, yet one would not venture to give them quite so absolute a
+precaution as the old mythologists have affixed to this fable; but only
+to advise them to consider well and thoroughly of the matter before they
+trust any man living.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE LXX.
+
+[Illustration: THE HARE AND THE TORTOISE.]
+
+
+A Hare insulted a tortoise upon account of his slowness, and vainly
+boasted of her own great speed in running.--'Let us make a match,'
+replied the Tortoise; 'I will run with you five miles for five pounds,
+and the Fox yonder shall be the umpire of the race.' The Hare agreed;
+and away they both started together. But the Hare, by reason of her
+exceeding swiftness, outran the Tortoise to such a degree, that she made
+a jest of the matter; and, finding herself a little tired, squatted in a
+tuft of fern that grew by the way, and took a nap; thinking that, if the
+Tortoise went by, she could at any time fetch him up with all the ease
+imaginable. In the meanwhile the Tortoise came jogging on with slow but
+continued motion; and the Hare, out of a too great security and
+confidence of victory, oversleeping herself, the Tortoise arrived at the
+end of the race first.
+
+
+APPLICATION.
+
+Industry and application to business makes amends for the want of a
+quick and ready wit. Hence it is, that the victory is not always to the
+strong, nor the race to the swift. Men of fine parts are apt to despise
+the drudgery of business; but, by affecting to show the superiority of
+their genius, upon many occasions, they run into too great an extreme
+the other way; and the administration of their affairs is ruined through
+idleness and neglect. What advantage has a man from the fertility of his
+invention, and the vivacity of his imagination, unless his resolutions
+are executed with a suitable and uninterrupted rapidity? In short, your
+men of wit and fire, as they are called, are oftentimes sots, slovens,
+and lazy fellows: they are generally proud and conceited to the last
+degree; and, in the main, not the fittest persons for either
+conversation or business. Such is their vanity, they think the
+sprightliness of their humour inconsistent with a plain sober way of
+thinking and speaking, and able to atone for all the little neglects of
+their business and persons. But the world will not be thus imposed upon;
+the man who would gain the esteem of others, and make his own fortune,
+must be one that carries his point effectually, and finishes his course
+without swerving or loitering. Men of dull parts, and a slow
+apprehension, assisted by a continued diligence, are more likely to
+attain this than your brisk retailers of wit, with their affected spleen
+and indolence. And if business be but well done, no matter whether it be
+done by the sallies of a refined wit, or the considering head of a plain
+plodding man.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE LXXI.
+
+[Illustration: THE YOUNG MAN AND HIS CAT.]
+
+
+A certain Young Man used to play with a Cat, of which he grew so fond,
+that at last he fell in love with it, and to such a degree, that he
+could rest neither night nor day for the excess of his passion. At last
+he prayed to Venus, the goddess of beauty, to pity him, and relieve his
+pain. The good-natured goddess was propitious, and heard his prayers:
+before he rose up from kneeling, the Cat, which he held in his arms, was
+transformed into a beautiful girl. The Youth was transported with joy,
+and married her that very day. At night they went to bed, and as the new
+bride lay encircled in the embraces of her amorous husband, she
+unfortunately heard a Mouse behind the hangings, and sprung from his
+arms to pursue it. Venus, offended to see her sacred rites profaned by
+such an indecent behaviour, and perceiving that her new convert, though
+a woman in outward appearance, was a Cat in her heart, she made her
+return to her old form again, that her manners and person might be
+agreeable to each other.
+
+
+APPLICATION.
+
+People, as to their manners and behaviour, take a strong bias from
+custom and education, but a much stronger from Nature. Her laws are so
+strong, that it is in vain for us to go to oppose them; we may refine
+and improve, but can never totally alter her works. Upon this account it
+is that we oftentimes see silly awkward blockheads displaying their
+idiotism and folly through all their ensigns of dignity; for some
+natures are so coarse and rustic, that all the embroidery of a court
+cannot conceal them. Doubtless such people were intended by Nature for
+nothing above driving Hogs to a fair, and laughing at the jokes of a
+country Merry Andrew. Fortune has found them worthy of her favours, and
+given them a lift out of the mire: but yet they do not fail to give
+frequent indications of their true composition, by a thousand little
+dirty actions. A fine equipage, and a great estate, may raise a man to
+an exalted station, and procure a respect to his outward person;
+notwithstanding which it may so happen, that every time he speaks and
+acts he cannot help playing the fool for the blood of him.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE LXXII.
+
+[Illustration: THE ASS IN THE LION'S SKIN.]
+
+
+An Ass finding the skin of a Lion, put it on; and, going into the woods
+and pastures, threw all the flocks and herds into a terrible
+consternation. At last, meeting his owner, he would have frightened him
+also; but the good man, seeing his long ears slick out, presently knew
+him, and with a good cudgel made him sensible that, notwithstanding his
+being dressed in a Lion's Skin, he was really no more than an Ass.
+
+
+APPLICATION.
+
+As all affectation is wrong, and tends to expose and make a man
+ridiculous, so the more distant he is from the thing which he affects to
+appear, the stronger will the ridicule be which he excites, and the
+greater the inconveniences into which he runs himself thereby. How
+strangely absurd it is for a timorous person to procure a military post
+in order to keep himself out of danger! and to fancy a red coat the
+surest protection for cowardice! yet there have been those who have
+purchased a commission to avoid being insulted; and have been so silly
+as to think courage was interwoven with a sash, or tied up in a cockade.
+But it would not be amiss for such gentlemen to consider, that it is not
+in the power of scarlet cloth to alter nature; and that, as it is
+expected a soldier should show himself a man of courage and intrepidity
+upon all proper occasions, they may, by this means, meet the disgrace
+they intended to avoid, and appear greater asses than they need to have
+done. However, it is not in point of fortitude only that people are
+liable to expose themselves, by assuming a character to which they are
+not equal; but he who puts on a show of learning, of religion, of a
+superior capacity in any respect, or, in short, of any virtue or
+knowledge to which he has no proper claim, is, and will always be found
+to be, "An Ass in a Lion's Skin."
+
+
+
+
+FABLE LXXIII.
+
+[Illustration: THE MOUNTAINS IN LABOUR.]
+
+
+The Mountains were said to be in labour, and uttered most dreadful
+groans. People came together far and near to see what birth would be
+produced; and, after they wailed a considerable time in expectation, out
+crept a Mouse.
+
+
+APPLICATION.
+
+Great cry and little wool is the English proverb; the sense of which
+bears an exact proportion to this fable; by which are exposed all those
+who promise something exceeding great, but come off with a production
+ridiculously little. Projectors of all kinds, who endeavour by
+artificial rumours to raise the expectations of mankind, and then by
+their mean performances defeat and disappoint them, have, time out of
+mind, been lashed with the recital of this fable. How agreeably
+surprising is it to see an unpromising favourite, whom the caprice of
+fortune has placed at the helm of state, serving the commonwealth with
+justice and integrity, instead of smothering and embezzling the public
+treasure to his own private and wicked ends! and, on the contrary, how
+melancholy, how dreadful, or rather, how exasperating and provoking a
+sight is it to behold one, whose constant declarations for liberty and
+the public good have raised people's expectations of him to the highest
+pitch, as soon as he is got into power exerting his whole art and
+cunning to ruin and enslave his country! The sanguine hopes of all those
+that wished well to virtue, and flattered themselves with a reformation
+of every thing that opposed the well-being of the community, vanish away
+in smoke, and are lost in a dark, gloomy, uncomfortable prospect.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE LXXIV.
+
+[Illustration: THE SATYR AND THE TRAVELLER.]
+
+
+A Satyr, as he was ranging the forest in an exceeding cold snowy season,
+met with a Traveller, half-starved with the extremity of the weather. He
+took compassion on him, and kindly invited him home to a warm
+comfortable cave he had in the hollow of a rock. As soon as they had
+entered and sat down, notwithstanding there was a good fire in the
+place, the chilly Traveller could not forbear blowing his fingers' ends.
+Upon the Satyr's asking him why he did so, he answered, that he did it
+to warm his hands. The honest sylvan having seen little of the world,
+admired a man who was master of so valuable a quality as that of blowing
+heat, and therefore was resolved to entertain him in the best manner he
+could. He spread the table before him with dried fruits of several
+sorts; and produced a remnant of cold cordial wine, which, as the rigour
+of the season made very proper, he mulled with some warm spices, infused
+over the fire, and presented to his shivering guest. But this the
+Traveller thought fit to blow likewise; and, upon the Satyr's demanding
+a reason why he blowed again, he replied, to cool his dish. This second
+answer provoked the Satyr's indignation as much as the first had kindled
+his surprise: so, taking the man by the shoulder, he thrust him out of
+doors, saying, he would have nothing to do with a wretch who had so vile
+a quality as to blow hot and cold with the same mouth.
+
+
+APPLICATION.
+
+Though the poor Traveller in the fable was not guilty of any real crime
+in what he did, yet one cannot help approving the honest simplicity of
+the Satyr, who could not be reconciled to such double dealing. In the
+moral sense of the fable, nothing can be more offensive to one of a
+sincere heart, than he that blows with a different breath from the same
+mouth; who flatters a man to his face, and reviles him behind his back.
+Some again, just like this man, to serve a present view, will blow
+nothing but what is warm, benevolent, and cherishing; and, when they
+have raised the expectations of a dependent to a degree which they think
+may prove troublesome, can, with putting on a cold air, easily chill and
+blast all his blooming hopes. But such a temper, whether it proceeds
+from a designed or natural levity, is detestable, and has been the cause
+of much trouble and mortification to many a brave deserving man. Unless
+the tenor of a man's life be always true and consistent with itself, the
+less one has to do with him the better.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE LXXV.
+
+[Illustration: THE SICK KITE.]
+
+
+A Kite had been sick a long time, and finding there were no hopes of
+recovery, begged of his mother to go to all the churches and religious
+houses in the country, to try what prayers and promises would effect in
+his behalf. The old Kite replied--'Indeed, dear son, I would willingly
+undertake any thing to save your life, but I have great reason to
+despair of doing you any service in the way you propose: for, with what
+face can I ask any thing of the gods in favour of one whose whole life
+has been a continual scene of rapine and injustice, and who has not
+scrupled, upon occasion, to rob the very altars themselves?'
+
+
+APPLICATION.
+
+The rehearsal of this fable almost unavoidably draws our attention to
+that very serious and important point, the consideration of a death-bed
+repentance. And, to expose the absurdity of relying upon such a weak
+foundation, we need only ask the same question with the Kite in the
+fable: how can he that has offended the gods all his life-time, by doing
+acts of dishonour and injustice, expect that they should be pleased with
+him at last, for no other reason but because he fears he shall not be
+able to offend them any longer? when, in truth, such a repentance can
+signify nothing but a confirmation of his former impudence and folly:
+for sure no stupidity can exceed that of the man who expects a future
+judgment, and yet can bear to commit any piece of injustice with a sense
+and deliberation of the fact.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE LXXVI.
+
+[Illustration: THE HAWK AND THE NIGHTINGALE.]
+
+
+A Nightingale, sitting all alone among the shady branches of an oak,
+sung with so melodious and shrill a pipe, that she made the woods echo
+again, and alarmed a hungry Hawk, who was at some distance off watching
+for his prey; he had no sooner discovered the little musician, but,
+making a stoop at the place, he seized her with his crooked talons, and
+bid her prepare for death.--'Ah!' says she, 'for mercy's sake don't do
+so barbarous a thing, and so unbecoming yourself; consider, I never did
+you any wrong, and am but a poor small morsel for such a stomach as
+yours; rather attack some larger fowl, which may bring you more credit
+and a better meal, and let me go.'--'Aye!' says the Hawk, 'persuade me
+to it if you can: I have been upon the watch all day long, and have not
+met with one bit of any thing till I caught you; and now you would have
+me let you go, in hopes of something better, would you? Pray, who would
+be the fool then?'
+
+
+APPLICATION.
+
+They who neglect the opportunity of reaping a small advantage, in hopes
+they shall obtain a better, are far from acting upon a reasonable and
+well-advised foundation. The figure of Time is always drawn with a
+single lock of hair hanging over his forehead, and the back part of his
+head bald; to put us in mind that we should be sure to lay hold of an
+occasion, when it presents itself to us, lest afterwards we repent us of
+our omission and folly, and would recover it when it is too late. It is
+a very weak reason to give for our refusal of an offer of kindness, that
+we do it because we desire or deserve a better; for it is time enough to
+relinquish the small affair when the great one comes, if ever it does
+come. But, supposing it should not, how can we forgive ourselves for
+letting any thing slip through our hands, by vainly gaping after
+something else, which we never could obtain? He who has not been guilty
+of any of these kind of errors, however poorly he may come off at last,
+has only the malice of fortune, or of somebody else, to charge with his
+ill success; and may applaud himself with some comfort, in never having
+lost an opportunity, though ever so small, of bettering and improving
+his circumstances. Unthinking people have oftentimes the unhappiness to
+fret and tease themselves with retrospects of this kind, which they, who
+attend to the business of life as they ought, never have occasion to
+make.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE LXXVII.
+
+[Illustration: THE PEACOCK'S COMPLAINT.]
+
+
+The Peacock presented a memorial to Juno, importing how hardly he
+thought he was used in not having so good a voice as the Nightingale;
+how that pretty animal was agreeable to every ear that heard it, while
+he was laughed at for his ugly screaming noise, if he did but open his
+mouth. The goddess, concerned at the uneasiness of her favourite bird,
+answered him very kindly to this purpose: 'If the Nightingale is blest
+with a fine voice, you have the advantage in point of beauty and
+largeness of person.'--'Ah!' says he, 'but what avails my silent
+unmeaning beauty, when I am so far excelled in voice!'--The goddess
+dismissed him, bidding him consider, that the properties of every
+creature were appointed by the decree of fate: to him beauty; strength
+to the Eagle; to the Nightingale a voice of melody; the faculty of
+speech to the Parrot; and to the Dove innocence. That each of these was
+contented with his own peculiar quality; and unless he had a mind to be
+miserable, he must learn to be so too.
+
+
+APPLICATION.
+
+Since all things, as Juno says, are fixed by the eternal and unalterable
+decree of fate, how absurd it is to hear people complaining and
+tormenting themselves for that which it is impossible ever to obtain!
+They who are ambitious of having more good qualities, since that is
+impracticable, should spare for no pains to cultivate and recommend
+those they have; which a sourness and peevishness of temper, instead of
+improving, will certainly lessen and impair, whether they are of the
+mind or body. If we had all the desirable properties in the world, we
+could be no more than easy and contented with them; and if a man, by a
+right way of thinking, can reconcile himself to his own condition,
+whatever it be, he will fall little short of the most complete state
+that mortals ever enjoyed.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE LXXVIII.
+
+[Illustration: THE ANGLER AND THE LITTLE FISH.]
+
+
+A man was angling in a river, and caught a small Perch; which, as he was
+taking off the hook and going to put into his basket, opened its mouth,
+and began to implore his pity, begging that he would throw it into the
+river again. Upon the man's demanding what reason he had to expect such
+a favour?--'Why,' says the Fish, 'because, at present, I am but young
+and little, and consequently not so well worth your while as I shall be
+if you take me some time hence, when I am grown larger.'--'That may be,'
+replies the man, 'but I am not one of those fools who quit a certainty,
+in expectation of an uncertainty.'
+
+
+APPLICATION.
+
+This fable points much the same way as the seventy-sixth, so that one
+moral may very well serve for both. But the lesson they teach is so
+useful and instructive, that a repetition of it is by no means
+superfluous. The precept which they would instil into us is, never to
+let slip the present opportunity, but to secure to ourselves every
+little advantage, just in the nick that it offers, without a vain
+reliance upon, and fruitless expectation of, something better in time to
+come. We may cheer up our spirits with hoping for that which we cannot
+at present obtain; but at the same time let us be sure we give no
+occasion of condemning ourselves for omitting any thing which it was in
+our power to secure.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE LXXIX.
+
+[Illustration: THE GEESE AND THE CRANES.]
+
+
+A flock of Geese and a parcel of Cranes used often to feed together in a
+corn field. At last the owner of the corn, with his servants, coming
+upon them of a sudden, surprised them in the very fact; and the geese,
+being heavy, fat, full-bodied creatures, were most of them sufferers;
+but the Cranes, being thin and light, easily flew away.
+
+
+APPLICATION.
+
+When the enemy comes to make a seizure, they are sure to suffer most
+whose circumstances are the richest and fattest. In any case of
+persecution, money hangs like a dead weight about a man; and we never
+feel gold so heavy as when we endeavour to make off with it. Therefore
+wise and politic ministers of state, whenever they see a storm begin to
+gather over their heads, always take care to unlade themselves of a good
+part of their cargo; and, by this means, seldom find but the blasts of
+obloquy, through which they are to make their way, are less deaf and
+inexorable than the stormy waves of the ocean. Indeed, poverty is too
+frequently the occasion of mens' being treated as if they were guilty of
+the greatest crimes and reproaches; but then these sort of criminals
+have this advantage, that no one thinks fit to treat them with any thing
+worse than contempt: whereas if any pretence can be found to fall upon
+the man who is rich, it is a miracle if he escapes with both life and
+money. In short, riches are like the baggage of an army: very useful
+while we lie in quiet possession of the camp, or are powerful enough to
+defy the enemy; but when once we are put to the rout, if we would get
+off with our lives or liberties, we must quit our baggage as soon as
+possible, and leave it for plunder to our pursuers. Nay, however
+strongly intrenched we may think ourselves, as long as money is in the
+case, it is good to look about us for fear of a surprise: for, after
+all, he that does not, upon occasion, make himself wings with his riches
+to fly off with, deserves to be punished, like a Goose as he is, for his
+heaviness.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE LXXX.
+
+[Illustration: THE DOG AND THE SHADOW.]
+
+
+A Dog, crossing a little rivulet with a piece of flesh in his mouth, saw
+his own Shadow represented in the clear mirror of the limpid stream;
+and, believing it to be another dog, who was carrying another piece of
+flesh, he could not forbear catching at it; but was so far from getting
+any thing his greedy design, that he dropped the piece he had in his
+mouth, which immediately sunk to the bottom, and was irrecoverably lost.
+
+
+APPLICATION.
+
+He that catches at more than belongs to him justly deserves to lose what
+he has. Yet nothing is more common, and, at the same time, more
+pernicious, than this selfish principle. It prevails from the king to
+the peasant; and all orders and degrees of men are, more or less,
+infected with it. Great monarchs have been drawn in, by this greedy
+humour, to grasp at the dominions of their neighbours; not that they
+wanted any thing more to feed their luxury, but to gratify their
+insatiable appetite for vain-glory. If the kings of Persia could have
+been contented with their own vast territories, they had not lost all
+Asia for the sake of a little petty state of Greece. And France, with
+all its glory, has, ere now, been reduced to the last extremity by the
+same unjust encroachments.
+
+He that thinks he sees another's estate in a pack of cards, or a box and
+dice, and ventures his own in the pursuit of it, should not repine if he
+finds himself a beggar in the end.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE LXXXI.
+
+[Illustration: THE ASS AND THE LITTLE DOG.]
+
+
+The Ass observing how great a favourite the Little Dog was with his
+master, how much caressed and fondled, and fed with good bits at every
+meal; and for no other reason, as he could perceive, but skipping and
+frisking about, wagging his tail, and leaping up into his master's lap;
+he was resolved to imitate the same, and see whether such a behaviour
+would not procure him the same favours. Accordingly, the master was no
+sooner come home from walking about his fields and gardens, and was
+seated in his easy chair, but the Ass, who observed him, came gamboling
+and braying towards him, in a very awkward manner. The master could not
+help laughing aloud at the odd sight. But his jest was soon turned into
+earnest, when he felt the rough salute of the Ass's fore-feet, who,
+raising himself upon his hinder legs, pawed against his breast with a
+most loving air, and would fain have jumped into his lap. The good man,
+terrified at this outrageous behaviour, and unable to endure the weight
+of so heavy a beast, cried out; upon which, one of his servants running
+in with a good stick, and laying on heartily upon the bones of the poor
+Ass, soon convinced him that every one who desires it is not qualified
+to be a favourite.
+
+
+APPLICATION.
+
+Some men are as engaging in their ways as little dogs. They can fawn,
+wheedle, cringe, or, if occasion requires, leap backward and forward
+over a stick, to the great emolument of their master, and entertainment
+of those that behold them. But these are qualifications to which every
+body cannot pretend; and therefore none but those who have a genius for
+it should aspire at the employment. Many a man envies the happiness of
+these favourites, and would fain insinuate himself into the same good
+graces, if he did but know the way; but, whoever has a tolerable share
+of discretion, will distrust his abilities in this respect, and modestly
+forbear the attempt, for fear he should miscarry and look like an Ass.
+But, in short, the true moral of this fable is, that every one should
+consider the just turn and temper of his parts, and weigh the talents by
+which he hopes to be distinguished. After such an examination, he may
+the more certainly know how to apply them to the most proper purposes;
+at least, so as not to hurt, or even mortify himself, by any mistaken
+address. Since there is such a variety of tempers in the world, and a no
+less multiplicity of arts and studies to fit and tally with them, how
+reasonable is it in general, and how much would it be for the true
+interest of every one in particular, if men would but be directed, by
+the natural bent of their genius, to such pursuits as are most agreeable
+to their capacities, and to the rudiments of education which they have
+most strongly imbibed.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE LXXXII.
+
+[Illustration: THE WOLF AND THE CRANE.]
+
+
+A Wolf, after devouring his prey, happened to have a bone stick in his
+throat, which gave him so much pain, that he went howling up and down,
+and importuning every creature he met to lend him a kind hand, in order
+to his relief; nay, he promised a reasonable reward to any one that
+should undertake the operation with success. At last the Crane, tempted
+with the lucre of the reward, and having first procured him to confirm
+his promise with an oath, undertook the business, and ventured his long
+neck into the rapacious felon's throat. In short, he plucked out the
+bone, and expected the promised gratuity. When the Wolf, turning his
+eyes disdainfully towards him, said,--'I did not think you had been so
+unconscionable; I had your head in my mouth, and could have bit it off
+whenever I pleased, but suffered you to take it away without any
+damage, and yet you are not contented.'
+
+
+APPLICATION.
+
+There is a sort of people in the world, to whom a man may be in the
+wrong for doing services, upon a double score: first, because they never
+deserved to have a good office done them; and, secondly, because, when
+once engaged, it is so hard a matter to get well rid of their
+acquaintance.
+
+This fable is not an example of ingratitude, as at first sight it seems
+to be, and as some of the mythologists have understood it; to make it a
+parallel in that case, the Crane ought to have been under some
+difficulties in his turn, and the Wolf have refused to assist him when
+it was in his power. The whole stress of it lies in this: that we ought
+to consider what kind of people they are to whom we are desired to do
+good offices, before we do them; for he that grants a favour, or even
+confides in a person of no honour, instead of finding his account in it,
+comes off well if he is no sufferer.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE LXXXIII.
+
+[Illustration: THE ENVIOUS MAN AND THE COVETOUS.]
+
+
+An Envious Man happened to be offering up his prayers to Jupiter just in
+the time and place with a Covetous Miserable Fellow. Jupiter, not caring
+to be troubled with their impertinences himself, sent Apollo to examine
+the merits of their petitions, and to give them such relief as he should
+think proper. Apollo therefore opened his commission, and withal told
+them that, to make short of the matter, whatever the one asked the other
+should have it double. Upon this, the Covetous Man, though he had a
+thousand things to request, yet forbore to ask first, hoping to receive
+a double quantity; for he concluded that all men's wishes sympathized
+with his. By this means, the Envious Man had an opportunity of
+preferring his petition first, which was the thing he aimed at; so,
+without much hesitation, he prayed to be relieved, by having one of his
+eyes put out: knowing that, of consequence, his companion would be
+deprived of both.
+
+
+APPLICATION.
+
+In this fable the folly of those two vices, Envy and Avarice, is fully
+exposed, and handsomely rallied. The Miser, though he has the riches of
+the world, without stint, laid open to his choice, yet dares not name
+the sum, for fear another should be richer than himself. The advantage
+of a double quantity, by receiving last, is what he cannot bear to lose,
+and he fares accordingly. The Envious Man, though he has a power of
+calling for good things, without measure, to himself or others, yet
+waves this happy privilege, and is content to punish himself by a very
+great loss, even that of an eye, that he may bring down a double portion
+of the like calamity upon another. These are the true tempers of the
+covetous and envious; one can scarce determine, whether they are more
+mischievous to themselves, or to the public; but it is manifest, that
+they are highly noxious to both, and should be treated accordingly.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE LXXXIV.
+
+[Illustration: THE TWO POTS.]
+
+
+An Earthen Pot, and one of Brass, standing together upon the river's
+brink, were both carried away by the flowing-in of the tide. The Earthen
+Pot showed some uneasiness, as fearing he should be broken; but his
+companion of Brass bid him be under no apprehensions, for that he would
+take care of him.--'O,' replies the other, 'keep as far off as ever you
+can, I entreat you; it is you I am most afraid of: for, whether the
+stream dashes you against me, or me against you, I am sure to be the
+sufferer; and therefore, I beg of you, do not let us come near one
+another.'
+
+
+APPLICATION.
+
+A man of a moderate fortune, who is contented with what he has, and
+finds he can live happily upon it, should take care not to hazard and
+expose his felicity by consorting with the great and the powerful.
+People of equal conditions may float down the current of life, without
+hurting each other; but it is a point of some difficulty to steer one's
+course in the company of the great, so as to escape without a bulge. One
+would not choose to have one's little country-box situated in the
+neighbourhood of a very great man; for whether I ignorantly trespass
+upon him, or he knowingly encroaches upon me, I only am like to be the
+sufferer. I can neither entertain nor play with him upon his own terms;
+for that which is moderation and diversion to him, in me would be
+extravagance and ruin.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE LXXXV.
+
+[Illustration: THE FOX AND THE STORK.]
+
+
+The Fox invited the Stork to dinner, and being disposed to divert
+himself at the expense of his guest, provided nothing for the
+entertainment but a soup, in a wide shallow dish. This himself could lap
+up with a great deal of ease; but the Stork, who could but just dip in
+the point of his bill, was not a bit the better all the while: however,
+in a few days after, he returned the compliment, and invited the Fox;
+but suffered nothing to be brought to table but some minced meat in a
+glass jar, the neck of which was so deep, and so narrow, that, though
+the Stork with his long bill made a shift to fill his belly, all that
+the Fox, who was very hungry, could do, was to lick the brim, as the
+Stork slabbered them with his eating. Reynard was heartily vexed at
+first; but, when he came to take his leave, owned ingenuously, that he
+had been used as he deserved; and that he had no reason to take any
+treatment ill, of which himself had set the example.
+
+
+APPLICATION.
+
+It is mighty imprudent, as well as inhuman and uncivil, to affront any
+body; and whoever takes the liberty to exercise his witty talent that
+way, must not think much of it if he meets reprisals. Indeed, if all
+those who are thus paid in their own coin would take it with the same
+frankness the Fox did, the matter would not be much; but we are too apt,
+when the jest comes to be turned home upon ourselves, to think that
+insufferable in another, which we looked upon as pretty and facetious
+when the humour was our own. The rule of doing as we would be done by,
+so proper to be our model in every transaction of life, may more
+particularly be of use in this respect: because people seldom or never
+receive any advantage by these little ludicrous impositions; and yet, if
+they were to ask themselves the question, would find that another's
+using them in the same manner would be very displeasing.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE LXXXVI.
+
+[Illustration: THE BEAR AND THE BEE HIVES.]
+
+
+A Bear, climbing over the fence into a place where Bees were kept, began
+to plunder the Hives, and rob them of their honey. But the Bees, to
+revenge the injury, attacked him in a whole swarm together; and, though
+they were not able to pierce his rugged hide, yet, with their little
+stings, they so annoyed his eyes and nostrils, that, unable to endure
+the smarting pain, with impatience he tore the skin over his ears with
+his own claws, and suffered ample punishment for the injury he did the
+Bees in breaking open their waxen cells.
+
+
+APPLICATION.
+
+Many and great are the injuries of which some men are guilty towards
+others, for the sake of gratifying some liquorish appetite. For there
+are those who would not stick at bringing desolation upon their country,
+and run the hazard of their own necks into the bargain, rather than
+baulk a wicked inclination, either of cruelty, ambition, or avarice. But
+it were to be wished all who are hurried by such blind impulses, would
+consider a moment before they proceed to irrevocable execution. Injuries
+and wrongs not only call for revenge and reparation with the voice of
+equity itself, but oftentimes carry their punishment along with them;
+and, by an unforeseen train of events, are retorted at the head of the
+actor of them; and not seldom, from a deep remorse, expiated upon
+himself by his own hand.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE LXXXVII.
+
+[Illustration: THE TRAVELLERS AND THE BEAR.]
+
+
+Two men being to travel through a forest together, mutually promised to
+stand by each other in any danger they should meet upon the way. They
+had not gone far before a Bear came rushing towards them out of a
+thicket; upon which one, being a light nimble fellow, got up into a
+tree; the other falling flat upon his face, and holding his breath, lay
+still while the Bear came up and smelled at him; but that creature,
+supposing him to be a dead carcass, went back again into the wood,
+without doing him the least harm. When all was over, the Spark who had
+climbed the tree came down to his companion, and, with a pleasant smile,
+asked him what the Bear said to him--'For,' says he, 'I took notice that
+he clapt his mouth very close to your ear.'----'Why,' replies the
+other, 'he charged me to take care, for the future, not to put any
+confidence in such cowardly rascals as you.'
+
+
+APPLICATION.
+
+Though nothing is more common than to hear people profess services of
+friendship where there is no occasion for them, yet scarce any thing is
+so hard to be found as a true friend, who will assist us in time of
+danger and difficulty. All the declarations of kindness which are made
+to an experienced man, though accompanied by a squeeze of the hand, and
+a solemn asseveration, should leave no greater impression upon his mind
+than the whistling of the hollow breeze which brushes one's ear with an
+unmeaning salute, and is presently gone. He that succours our necessity
+by a well-timed assistance, though it were not ushered in by previous
+compliments, will ever after be looked upon as our friend and protector;
+and, in so much a greater degree, as the favour was unasked and
+unpromised; as it was not extorted by importunities on the one side, nor
+led in by a numerous attendance of promises on the other. Words are
+nothing till they are fulfilled by actions; and therefore we should not
+suffer ourselves to be deluded by a vain hope and reliance upon them.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE LXXXVIII.
+
+[Illustration: THE TRUMPETER TAKEN PRISONER.]
+
+
+A trumpeter, being taken prisoner in a battle, begged hard for quarter,
+declaring his innocence, and protesting that he neither had nor could
+kill any man, bearing no arms but only his trumpet, which he was obliged
+to sound at the word of command.--'For that reason,' replied his
+enemies, 'we are determined not to spare you; for though you yourself
+never fight, yet, with that wicked instrument of yours, you blow up
+animosity between other people, and so become the occasion of much
+bloodshed.'
+
+
+APPLICATION.
+
+A man may be guilty of murder who has never handled a sword, or pulled a
+trigger, or lifted up his arm with any mischievous weapon. There is a
+little incendiary, called the tongue, which is more venomous than a
+poisoned arrow, and more killing than a two-edged sword. The moral of
+the fable therefore is this, that if in any civil insurrection the
+persons taken in arms against the government deserve to die, much more
+do they whose devilish tongues gave birth to the sedition, and excited
+the tumult. When wicked priests, instead of preaching peace and charity,
+employ that engine of scandal their tongue to foment rebellions, whether
+they succeed in their designs or no, they ought to be severely punished;
+for they have done what in them lay to set folks together by the ears;
+they have blown the trumpet and sounded the alarm, and if thousands are
+not destroyed by the sword, it is none of their fault.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE LXXXIX.
+
+[Illustration: THE PARTRIDGE AND THE COCKS.]
+
+
+A certain man, having taken a Partridge, plucked some of the feathers
+out of its wings, and turned it into a little yard, where he kept game
+Cocks. The Cocks, for awhile, made the poor bird lead a sad life,
+continually pecking and driving it away from the meat. This treatment
+was taken the more unkindly, because offered to a stranger; and the
+Partridge could not but conclude them the most inhospitable uncivil
+people he had ever met with. But at last, observing how frequently they
+quarrelled and fought with each other, he comforted himself with this
+reflection; that it was no wonder they were so cruel to him, since there
+was so much bickering and animosity among themselves.
+
+
+APPLICATION.
+
+This fable comes home to ourselves, we of this island having always been
+looked upon as cruel to strangers. Whether there is any thing in the
+manner of our situation, as an island, which consequently can be no
+thoroughfare to other countries, and so is not made use of by strangers
+upon that account, which makes us thus shy and uncivil; or, whether it
+be a jealousy upon account of our liberties, which puts us upon being
+suspicious of, and unwilling to harbour any that are not members of the
+same community, perhaps it would not be easy to determine. But that it
+is so in fact, is too notorious to be denied; and probably can be
+accounted for no better way than from the natural bent of our temper, as
+it proceeds from something peculiar to our air and climate. It has been
+affirmed, that there is not in the whole world besides a breed of Cocks
+and Dogs so fierce and incapable of yielding as that of ours; but that
+either of them, carried into foreign countries, would degenerate in a
+few years. Why may not the same be true of our men? But if strangers
+find any inconvenience in this, there is a comfortable consideration to
+balance it on the other side, which is, that there are no people under
+the sun so much given to division and contention among themselves as we
+are. Can a stranger think it hard to be looked upon with some shyness,
+when he beholds how little we spare one another? Was ever any
+foreigner, merely for being a foreigner, treated with half that malice
+and bitterness which differing parties express towards each other? One
+would willingly believe that this proceeds in the main, on both sides,
+from a passionate concern for our liberties and well-being; for there is
+nothing else which can so well excuse it. But it cannot be denied, that
+our aversion, notwithstanding our being a trading nation, to have any
+intercourse with strangers, is so great, that when we want other objects
+for our churlishness, we raise them up among ourselves; and there is,
+sometimes, as great a strangeness kept up between one county and another
+here, as there is between two distinct kingdoms abroad. One cannot so
+much wonder at the constant hostilities which are observed between the
+inhabitants of South and North Britain, of Wales and Ireland, among one
+another, when a Yorkshireman shall be looked upon as a foreigner by a
+native of Norfolk, and both be taken for outlandish intruders by one
+that happens to be born within the bills of mortality.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE XC.
+
+[Illustration: THE FALCONER AND THE PARTRIDGE.]
+
+
+A falconer having taken a Partridge in his net, the bird begged hard for
+a reprieve, and promised the man, if he would let him go, to decoy other
+Partridges into his net.--'No,' replies the Falconer, 'I was before
+determined not to spare you, but now you have condemned yourself by your
+own words: for he who is such a scoundrel as to offer to betray his
+friends to save himself, deserves, if possible, worse than death.'
+
+
+APPLICATION.
+
+However it may be convenient for us to like the treason, yet we must be
+very destitute of honour not to hate and abominate the traitor. And
+accordingly history furnishes us with many instances of kings and great
+men who have punished the actors of treachery with death, though the
+part they acted had been so conducive to their interests as to give them
+a victory, or perhaps the quiet possession of a throne. Nor can princes
+pursue a more just maxim than this; for a traitor is a villain of no
+principles, that sticks at nothing to promote his own selfish ends; he
+that betrays one cause for a great sum of money, will betray another
+upon the same account; and therefore it must be very impolitic in a
+state to suffer such wretches to live in it. Since then this maxim is so
+good, and so likely at all times to be practised, what stupid rogues
+must they be who undertake such precarious dirty work! If they miscarry,
+it generally proves fatal to them from one side or other; if they
+succeed, perhaps they may have the promised reward, but are sure to be
+detested, if suffered to live, by the very person that employs them.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE XCI.
+
+[Illustration: THE EAGLE AND THE CROW.]
+
+
+An Eagle flew down from the top of a high rock, and settled upon the
+back of a Lamb; and then instantly flying up into the air again, bore
+his bleating prize aloft in his pounces. A Crow, who sat upon an elm,
+and beheld this exploit, resolved to imitate it; so flying down upon the
+back of a Ram, and entangling his claws in the wool, he fell a
+chattering and attempting to fly; by which means he drew the observation
+of the Shepherd upon him, who finding his feet hampered in the fleece of
+the Ram, easily took him, and gave him to his boys for their sport and
+diversion.
+
+
+APPLICATION.
+
+Every quality which is excellent and commendable, is not, however,
+always a proper object for our imitation. We ought to state our own
+account honestly and fairly, that we may see what our abilities are, and
+how our circumstances stand; otherwise we may not only become ridiculous
+to others, but prejudicial to ourselves, by some awkward and ill-judged
+emulation, though it happen to be in a qualification truly laudable and
+great. It behoves every man to exert a good share of industry towards
+the advancement of his interest, or, if he pleases, of his reputation.
+But then it is highly necessary that he does this with a true regard to
+his own capacity, and without any danger of exposing or embarrassing
+himself in the operation.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE XCII.
+
+[Illustration: THE LION, THE ASS, AND THE FOX.]
+
+
+The Lion, the Ass, and the Fox went a hunting together in the forest;
+and it was agreed, that whatever was taken should be divided amongst
+them. They happened to have very good sport, and caught a large fat
+Stag, which the Lion ordered the Ass to divide. The Ass, according to
+the best of his capacity, did so, and made three pretty equal shares.
+But such levelling doings not suiting at all with the craving temper of
+the greedy Lion, without farther delay he flew upon the Ass, and tore
+him in pieces; and then bid the Fox divide it into two parts. Reynard,
+who seldom wanted a prompter, however, had his cue given him
+sufficiently upon this occasion; and so nibbling off one little bit for
+himself, he laid forth all the rest for the Lion's portion. The royal
+brute was so delighted at this dutiful and handsome proof of his
+respect, that he could not forbear expressing the satisfaction it gave
+him; and asked him withal, where he could possibly have learned so
+proper and so courtly a behaviour?--'Why,' replies Reynard, 'to tell
+your majesty the truth, I was taught it by the Ass that lies dead
+there.'
+
+
+APPLICATION.
+
+We may learn a great deal of useful experience from the examples of
+other people, if we will but take the pains to observe them. And,
+besides the profit of the instructions, there is no small pleasure in
+being taught any proper science at the expense of somebody else. To this
+purpose, the history of former times, as well as the transactions of the
+present, are very well adapted; and so copious, as to be able to furnish
+us with precedents upon almost every occasion. The rock upon which
+another has split is a kind of light-house or beacon to warn us from the
+like calamity; and by taking such an advantage, how easily may we steer
+a safe course! He that, in any negociation with his betters, does not
+well and wisely consider how to behave himself, so as not to give
+offence, may very likely come off as the Ass did: but a cool thinking
+man, though he should despair of ever making friends of the people in
+power, will be cautious and prudent enough to do nothing which may
+provoke them to be his enemies.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE XCIII.
+
+[Illustration: THE FOX AND THE GRAPES.]
+
+
+A Fox, very hungry, chanced to come into a vineyard, where there hung
+branches of charming ripe grapes; but nailed up to a trellis so high,
+that he leaped till he quite tired himself, without being able to reach
+one of them. At last--'Let who will take them!' says he, 'they are but
+green and sour; so I will even let them alone.'
+
+
+APPLICATION.
+
+This fable is a good reprimand to a parcel of vain coxcombs in the
+world, who, because they would never be thought to be disappointed in
+any of their pursuits, pretend a dislike to every thing which they
+cannot obtain. There is a strange propensity in mankind to this temper,
+and there are numbers of grumbling malcontents in every different
+faculty and sect in life. The discarded statesman, considering the
+corruption of the times, would not have any hand in the administration
+of affairs for all the world. The country squire damns a court life, and
+would not go cringing and creeping to a drawing-room for the best place
+the king has at his disposal. A young fellow, being asked how he liked a
+celebrated beauty, by whom all the world knew he was despised, answered,
+she had a stinking breath. How insufferable is the pride of this poor
+creature man! who would stoop to the basest vilest actions, rather than
+be thought not able to do any thing. For what is more base and vile than
+lying? And when do we lie more notoriously than when we disparage and
+find fault with a thing, for no other reason but because it is out of
+our power?
+
+
+
+
+FABLE XCIV.
+
+[Illustration: THE HORSE AND THE STAG.]
+
+
+The Stag with his sharp horns, got the better of the Horse, and drove
+him clear out of the pasture where they used to feed together. So the
+latter craved the assistance of man; and, in order to receive the
+benefit of it, suffered him to put a bridle into his mouth and a saddle
+upon his back. By this way of proceeding he entirely defeated his enemy;
+but was mightily disappointed when, upon returning thanks, and desiring
+to be dismissed, he received this answer:--'No, I never knew before how
+useful a drudge you were; now I have found what you are good for, you
+may depend upon it I will keep you to it.'
+
+
+APPLICATION.
+
+As the foregoing fable was intended to caution us against consenting to
+any thing that might prejudice public liberty, this may serve to keep
+us upon our guard in the preservation of that which is of a private
+nature. This is the use and interpretation given of it by Horace, the
+best and most polite philosopher that ever wrote. After reciting the
+fable, he applies it thus:--'This,' says he, 'is the case of him, who
+dreading poverty, parts with that invaluable jewel, liberty; like a
+wretch as he is, he will always be subject to a tyrant of some sort or
+other, and be a slave for ever; because his avaricious spirit knew not
+how to be contented with that moderate competency, which he might have
+possessed independent of all the world.'
+
+
+
+
+FABLE XCV.
+
+[Illustration: THE YOUNG MAN AND THE SWALLOW.]
+
+
+A prodigal Young Spendthrift, who had wasted his whole patrimony in
+taverns and gaming-houses, among lewd idle company, was taking a
+melancholy walk near a brook. It was in the month of January; and
+happened to be one of those warm sunshiny days which sometimes smile
+upon us even in that winterly season of the year; and, to make it the
+more flattering, a Swallow, which had made his appearance, by mistake,
+too soon, flew skimming along upon the surface of the water. The giddy
+Youth observing this, without any further consideration, concluded that
+summer was now come, and that he should have little or no occasion for
+clothes, so went and pawned them at the broker's, and ventured the money
+for one stake more, among his sharping companions. When this too was
+gone the same way with the rest, he took another solitary walk in the
+same place as before. But the weather being severe and frosty, had made
+every thing look with an aspect very different from what it did before;
+the brook was quite frozen over, and the poor Swallow lay dead upon the
+bank of it: the very sight of which cooled the young Spark's brains; and
+coming to a kind of sense of his misery, he reproached the deceased bird
+as the author of all his misfortunes:--'Ah, wretch that thou wert!' says
+he, 'thou hast undone both thyself and me, who was so credulous as to
+depend upon thee.'
+
+
+APPLICATION.
+
+They who frequent taverns and gaming-houses, and keep bad company,
+should not wonder if they are reduced, in a very small time, to penury
+and want. The wretched young fellows, who once addict themselves to such
+a scandalous kind of life, scarce think of, or attend to, any one thing
+besides. They seem to have nothing else in their heads, but how they may
+squander what they have got, and where they may get more when that is
+gone. They do not make the same use of their reason that other people
+do; but, like the jaundiced eye, view every thing in that false light in
+which their distemper and debauchery represent it. The Young Man in the
+fable gives us a pretty example of this; he sees a Swallow in the midst
+of winter, and instead of being surprised at it, as a very irregular
+and extraordinary thing, concludes from thence that it is summer, as if
+he had never thought before about the season. Well, the result of this
+wise conclusion is of a piece with the conclusion itself; if it is
+summer, he shall not want so many clothes, therefore he sells them: for
+what?--More money to squander away; as if (had his observation been
+just) summer would have lasted all the year round. But the true result
+and conclusion of all this is--when both his money and clothes are
+irrecoverably gone, he comes to his right senses; is ready to perish
+with hunger, to starve with cold, and to tear his own flesh with remorse
+and vexation at his former stupidity.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE XCVI.
+
+[Illustration: THE MAN AND HIS GOOSE.]
+
+
+A certain Man had a Goose, which laid him a golden egg every day. But,
+not contented with this, which rather increased than abated his avarice,
+he was resolved to kill the Goose, and cut up her belly, that so he
+might come at the inexhaustible treasure which he fancied she had within
+her. He did so; and, to his great sorrow and disappointment, found
+nothing.
+
+
+APPLICATION.
+
+They who are of such craving impatient tempers, that they cannot live
+contented when fortune has blessed them with a constant and continued
+sufficiency, deserve even to be deprived of what they have. And this has
+been the case of many ambitious and covetous men, who, by making an
+essay to grow very rich at once, have missed what they aimed at, and
+lost what they had before. But this comes so near the sense of the
+forty-seventh fable, that the same application may very well serve for
+both. If any thing further can be couched in this, it may possibly be
+intended to show us the unreasonableness and inconvenience of being
+solicitous about what may happen hereafter, and wanting to pry into the
+womb of futurity: which if we could do, all we should get for our pains
+would be, to spoil our pleasures by anticipation, and double our
+misfortunes by a previous sense and apprehension of them. There are some
+things that entertain and delight us very agreeably while we view them
+at a proper distance; which, perhaps, would not stand the test of a too
+near inspection. Beauty, being only the external form of a thing which
+strikes the eye in a pleasing manner, is a very thin glossy being, and,
+like some nice paintings of a peculiar composition, will not well bear
+even to be breathed on: to preserve our good opinion of it, we must not
+approach too close; for if, like the man in the fable, we have a mind to
+search for a treasure within, we may not only fail of our expectations
+there, but even lose the constant relish we enjoyed from a remoter
+contemplation.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE XCVII.
+
+[Illustration: THE DOG AND THE WOLF.]
+
+
+A lean, hungry, half-starved Wolf, happened, one moonshiny night, to
+meet with a jolly, plump, well-fed mastiff; and, after the first
+compliments were passed, says the Wolf--'You look extremely well; I
+protest, I think, I never saw a more graceful comely person. But how
+comes it about, I beseech you, that you should live so much better than
+I? I may say, without vanity, that I venture fifty times more than you
+do; and yet I am almost ready to perish with hunger.'--The Dog answered
+very bluntly--'Why you may live as well, if you will do the same for it
+that I do.'--'Indeed! What is that?' says he.--'Why,' says the Dog,
+'only to guard the house a nights, and keep it from thieves.'--'With
+all my heart,' replies the Wolf, 'for at present I have but a sorry time
+of it; and, I think, to change my hard lodging in the woods, where I
+endure rain, frost, and snow, for a warm roof over my head, and a belly
+full of good victuals, will be no bad bargain.'--'True,' says the Dog;
+'therefore you have nothing more to do but to follow me.' Now, as they
+were jogging on together, the Wolf spied a crease in the Dog's neck,
+and, having a strange curiosity, could not forbear asking him what it
+meant.--'Pugh! nothing,' says the Dog. 'Nay, but pray,'--says the Wolf.
+'Why,' says the Dog, 'if you must know, I am tied up in the day-time,
+because I am a little fierce, for fear I should bite people, and am only
+let loose a nights. But this is done with design to make me sleep a
+days, more than any thing else, and that I may watch the better in the
+night-time; for, as soon as ever the twilight appears, out I am turned,
+and may go where I please. Then my master brings me plates of bones from
+the table with his own hands, and whatever scraps are left by any of the
+family, all fall to my share; for you must know I am a favourite with
+every body. So you see how you are to live.--Come, come along; what is
+the matter with you?'--'No,' replied the Wolf, 'I beg your pardon; keep
+your happiness all to yourself. Liberty is the word with me; and I would
+not be a king upon the terms you mention.'
+
+
+APPLICATION.
+
+The lowest condition of life, with freedom attending it, is better than
+the most exalted station under a restraint. Æsop and Phædrus, who had
+both felt the bitter effects of slavery, though the latter of them had
+the good fortune to have the mildest prince that ever was for his
+master, cannot forbear taking all opportunities to express their great
+abhorrence of servitude, and their passion for liberty, upon any terms
+whatsoever. Indeed, a state of slavery, with whatever seeming grandeur
+and happiness it may be attended, is yet so precarious a thing, that he
+must want sense, honour, courage, and all manner of virtue, who can
+endure to prefer it in his choice. A man who has so little honour as to
+bear to be a slave, when it is in his power to prevent or redress it,
+would make no scruple to cut the throats of his fellow creatures, or to
+do any wickedness that the wanton unbridled will of his tyrannical
+master could suggest.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE XCVIII.
+
+[Illustration: THE WOOD AND THE CLOWN.]
+
+
+A country Fellow came one day into the Wood, and looked about him with
+some concern; upon which the Trees, with a curiosity natural to some
+other creatures, asked him what he wanted.--He replied--'That he only
+wanted a piece of wood to make a handle to his hatchet.' Since that was
+all, it was voted unanimously, that he should have a piece of good,
+sound, tough ash. But he had no sooner received and fitted it for his
+purpose, than he began to lay about him unmercifully, and to hack and
+hew without distinction, felling the noblest trees in all the forest.
+Then the Oak is said to have spoke thus to the Beech in a low
+whisper,--'Brother, we must take it for our pains.'
+
+
+APPLICATION.
+
+No people are more justly liable to suffer than they who furnish their
+enemies with any kind of assistance. It is generous to forgive; it is
+enjoined us by religion to love our enemies; but he that trusts an
+enemy, much more contributes to the strengthening and arming of him, may
+almost depend upon repenting him for his inadvertent benevolence; and
+has, moreover, this to add to his distress, that, when he might have
+prevented it, he brought his misfortune upon himself by his own
+credulity.
+
+Any person in a community, by what name or title soever distinguished,
+who affects a power which may possibly hurt the people, is an enemy to
+that people, and therefore they ought not to trust him: for though he
+were ever so fully determined not to abuse such a power, yet he is so
+far a bad man, as he disturbs the people's quiet, and makes them jealous
+and uneasy by desiring to have it, or even retaining it, when it may
+prove mischievous. If we consult history, we shall find that the thing
+called Prerogative has been claimed and contended for chiefly by those
+who never intended to make a good use of it; and as readily resigned and
+thrown up by just and wise princes, who had the true interest of their
+people at heart. How like senseless stocks do they act, who, by
+complimenting some capricious mortal, from time to time, with parcels of
+prerogative, at last put it out of their power to defend and maintain
+themselves in their just and natural liberty!
+
+
+
+
+FABLE XCIX.
+
+[Illustration: THE OLD LION.]
+
+
+A Lion, worn out with old age, lay fetching his last gasp, and agonizing
+in the convulsive struggles of death. Upon which occasion several of the
+beasts, who had formerly been sufferers by him, came and revenged
+themselves upon him. The Boar, with his mighty tusks, drove at him in a
+stroke that glanced like lightning. And the Bull gored him with his
+violent horns. Which, when the Ass saw they might do without any danger,
+he too came up, and threw his heels into the Lion's face. Upon which,
+the poor old expiring tyrant uttered these words with his last dying
+groan:--'Alas! how grievous is it to suffer insults, even from the brave
+and the valiant; but to be spurned by so base a creature as this is, who
+is the disgrace of Nature, is worse than dying ten thousand deaths.'
+
+
+APPLICATION.
+
+He that would be reverenced and respected by the rest of mankind, must
+lay in a foundation for it of some kind or other; for people cannot be
+persuaded to pay deference and esteem for nothing. So that, though we
+have lived in good repute in the world, if ever we should happen to
+outlive our stock, we must not be surprised to find ourselves slighted
+and affronted, even by the vilest scum of the people. If therefore we
+would raise to ourselves a dignity that will continue not only to the
+end of our lives, but extend itself far down among the ages of
+posterity, we should take care to establish it upon a foundation of
+virtue and good-nature: this will not only preserve us from the insults
+of enemies, but, upon occasion, surround us with a trusty guard of
+faithful and sincere friends.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE C.
+
+[Illustration: THE HORSE AND THE LOADED ASS.]
+
+
+An idle Horse, and an Ass labouring under a heavy burden, were
+travelling the road together; they both belonged to a country fellow,
+who trudged it on foot by them. The Ass, ready to faint under his heavy
+load, entreated the Horse to assist him, and lighten his burden, by
+taking some of it upon his back. The Horse was ill-natured, and refused
+to do it; upon which the poor Ass tumbled down in the midst of the
+highway, and expired in an instant. The countryman ungirted his
+pack-saddle, and tried several ways to relieve him, but all to no
+purpose: which, when he perceived, he took the whole burden and laid it
+upon the Horse, together with the skin of the dead Ass: so that the
+Horse, by his moroseness in refusing to do a small kindness, justly
+brought upon himself a great inconvenience.
+
+
+APPLICATION.
+
+Self-love is no such ill principle, if it were but well and truly
+directed; for it is impossible that any man should love himself to any
+purpose, who withdraws his assistance from his friends or the public.
+Every government is to be considered as a body politic; and every man
+who lives in it as a member of that body. Now, to carry on the allegory,
+no member can thrive better than when they all jointly unite in their
+endeavours to assist and improve the whole. If the hand was to refuse
+its assistance in procuring food for the mouth, they must both starve
+and perish together. And when those, who are parties concerned in the
+same community, deny such assistance to each other, as the preservation
+of that community necessarily requires, their self-interestedness, in
+that case, is ill-directed, and will have a quite contrary effect from
+what they intended. How many people are so senseless as to think it hard
+that there should be any taxes in the nation; whereas, were there to be
+none indeed, those very people would be undone immediately. That little
+property they have would be presently plundered by foreign or domestic
+enemies; and then they would be glad to contribute their quota, even
+without an act of parliament. The charges of supporting a government are
+necessary things, and easily supplied by a due and well proportioned
+contribution. But, in a narrower and more confined view, to be ready to
+assist our friends upon all occasions, is not only good, as it is an act
+of humanity, but highly discreet, as it strengthens our interest, and
+gives us an opportunity of lightening the burden of life.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE CI.
+
+[Illustration: THE OLD MAN AND DEATH.]
+
+
+A poor feeble old man who had crawled out into a neighbouring wood to
+gather a few sticks, had made up his bundle, and, laying it over his
+shoulders was trudging homeward with it; but, what with age, and the
+length of the way, and the weight of his burden, he grew so faint and
+weak that he sunk under it: and, as he sat on the ground, called upon
+Death to come, once for all, and ease him of his troubles. Death no
+sooner heard him, but he came and demanded of him what he wanted. The
+poor old creature, who little thought Death had been so near, and
+frighted almost out of his senses with his terrible aspect, answered him
+trembling, that having by chance let his bundle of sticks fall, and
+being too infirm to get it up himself, he had made bold to call upon him
+to help him: that, indeed, this was all he wanted at present; and that
+he hoped his worship was not offended with him for the liberty he had
+taken in so doing.
+
+
+APPLICATION.
+
+This fable gives us a lively representation of the general behaviour of
+mankind towards that grim king of terrors, Death. Such liberties do they
+take with him behind his back, that, upon every little cross accident
+which happens in their way, Death is immediately called upon; and they
+even wish it might be lawful for them to finish by their own hands a
+life so odious, so perpetually tormenting and vexatious. When, let but
+Death only offer to make his appearance, and the very sense of his near
+approach almost does the business. Oh, then all they want is a little
+longer life; and they would be glad to come off so well as to have their
+old burden laid upon their shoulders again. One may well conclude what
+an utter aversion they, who are in youth, health, and vigour of body,
+have to dying, when age, poverty, and wretchedness, are not sufficient
+to reconcile us to the thought.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE CII.
+
+[Illustration: THE BOAR AND THE ASS.]
+
+
+A little scoundrel of an Ass, happening to meet with a Boar, had a mind
+to be arch upon him,--'And so, brother,' says he, 'your humble servant.'
+The Boar, somewhat nettled at his familiarity, bristled up to him, and
+told him, he was surprised to hear him utter so impudent an untruth, and
+was just going to show his noble resentment, by giving him a rip in the
+flank; but wisely stifling his passion, he contented himself with only
+saying--'Go, you sorry beast! I could be amply and easily revenged of
+you; but I do not care to foul my tusks with the blood of so base a
+creature.'
+
+
+APPLICATION.
+
+Fools are sometimes so ambitious of being thought wits, that they run
+great hazards in attempting to show themselves such. This is not the
+first Ass, who, after a handsome rebuke from one superior to himself
+both in courage and merit, has continued his awkward raillery even to
+the last degree of offence. But such a dull creature is so far from
+raising himself the least esteem by his ludicrous vein, that he has very
+good luck if he escapes with a whole skin. Buffoons, like dwarfs, should
+be matched with those of their own level; a man, in sense or stature,
+would be ashamed to encounter either of them. But notwithstanding all
+this, and though the Boar in the fable is a very good example to men of
+generous brave spirits not to give themselves up to passion, nor to be
+distempered with thoughts of revenge upon the insolent behaviour of
+every Ass that offends them, because their hands would be dishonoured by
+the tincture of a base man's blood; yet among human creatures, the
+correction of an Ass that would be unseasonably witty, may be performed
+with justness and propriety enough, provided it be done in good humour.
+The blood of a coward, literally speaking, would stain the character of
+a man of honour; when we chastise such wretches, it should be done, if
+possible, in the utmost calmness of temper. It takes off something from
+the reputation of a great soul, when we see it is in the power of a fool
+to ruffle and unsettle it.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE CIII.
+
+[Illustration: THE TUNNY AND THE DOLPHIN.]
+
+
+A fish called a Tunny being pursued by a Dolphin, and driven with great
+violence, not minding which way he went, was thrown by the force of the
+waves upon a rock, and left there. His death now was inevitable; but,
+casting his eyes on one side, and seeing the Dolphin in the same
+condition lay gasping by him.--'Well,' says he, 'I must die, it is true;
+but I die with pleasure, when I behold him who is the cause of it
+involved in the same fate.'
+
+
+APPLICATION.
+
+Revenge though a blind mischievous passion, is yet a very sweet thing:
+so sweet, that it can even soothe the pangs and reconcile us to the
+bitterness of death. And, indeed, it must be a temper highly
+philosophical, that could be driven out of life by any tyrannical unjust
+procedure, and not be touched with a sense of pleasure to see the author
+of it splitting upon the same rock. When this is allowed, and it is
+further considered how easily the revenge of the meanest person may be
+executed even upon the highest, it should, methinks, keep people upon
+their guard, and prevail with them not to persecute or be injurious to
+any one. The moral turpitude of doing wrong is sufficient to influence
+every brave honest man, and to secure him from harbouring even the least
+thought of it in his breast: but the knave and the coward should weigh
+the present argument, and, before they attempt the least injury, be
+assured of this truth, that nothing is more sweet, nor scarce any thing
+so easy to compass, as revenge.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE CIV.
+
+[Illustration: THE PEACOCK AND THE MAGPIE.]
+
+
+The birds met together upon a time to choose a king; and the Peacock
+standing candidate, displayed his gaudy plumes, and catched the eyes of
+the silly multitude with the richness of his feathers. The majority
+declared for him, and clapped their wings with great applause: but just
+as they were going to proclaim him, the Magpie stepped forth in the
+midst of the assembly, and addressed himself thus to the new king--'May
+it please your majesty elect, to permit one of your unworthy subjects to
+represent to you his suspicions and apprehensions, in the face of this
+whole congregation: we have chosen you for our king, we have put our
+lives and fortunes into your hands, and our whole hope and dependence is
+upon you; if therefore, the Eagle, or the Vulture, or the Kite, should
+at any time make a descent upon us, as it is highly probable they will,
+may your majesty be so gracious as to dispel our fears, and clear our
+doubts, about that matter, by letting us know how you intend to defend
+us against them?'--This pithy unanswerable question drew the whole
+audience into so just a reflection, that they soon resolved to proceed
+to a new choice. But, from that time, the Peacock has been looked upon
+as a vain insignificant pretender, and the Magpie esteemed as eminent a
+speaker as any among the whole community of birds.
+
+
+APPLICATION.
+
+Form and outside, in the choice of a ruler, should not be so much
+regarded as the qualities and endowments of the mind. In choosing heads
+of corporations, from the king of the land down to the master of a
+company, upon every new election it should be inquired into, which of
+the candidates is most capable of advancing the good and welfare of the
+community; and upon him the choice should fall. But the eyes of the
+multitude are so dazzled with pomp and show, noise and ceremony, that
+they cannot see things really as they are: and from hence it comes to
+pass, that so many absurdities are committed and maintained in the
+world. People should examine and weigh the real weight and merit of the
+person, and not be imposed upon by false colours and pretences of I know
+not what.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE CV.
+
+[Illustration: THE FORESTER AND THE LION.]
+
+
+The Forester meeting with a Lion one day, they discoursed together for
+awhile without differing much in opinion. At last, a dispute happening
+to arise about the superiority between a Man and a Lion, the Man,
+wanting a better argument, showed the Lion a marble monument, on which
+was placed the statue of a man striding over a vanquished Lion.--'If
+this,' says the Lion, 'is all you have to say for it, let us be the
+carvers, and we will make the Lion striding over the Man.'
+
+
+APPLICATION.
+
+Contending parties are very apt to appeal for the truth to records
+written by their own side; but nothing is more unfair, and at the same
+time insignificant and unconvincing. Such is the partiality of mankind
+in favour of themselves and their own actions, that it is almost
+impossible to come at any certainty by reading the accounts which are
+written on one side only. We have few or no memoirs come down to us of
+what was transacted in the world during the sovereignty of ancient Rome,
+but what were written by those who had a dependency upon it; therefore
+it is no wonder that they appear, upon most occasions, to have been so
+great and glorious a nation. What their contemporaries of other
+countries thought of them we cannot tell, otherwise than from their own
+writers: it is not impossible but they might have described them as a
+barbarous, rapacious, treacherous, unpolite people; who, upon their
+conquest of Greece, for some time, made as great havoc and destruction
+of the arts and sciences, as their fellow plunderers, the Goths and
+Vandals, did afterwards in Italy. What monsters would our own
+party-zealots make of each other, if the transactions of the times were
+to be handed down to posterity by a warm hearty man on either side! and,
+were such records to survive two or three centuries, with what
+perplexities and difficulties must they embarrass a young historian, as
+by turns he consulted them for the characters of his great forefathers!
+If it should so happen, it were to be wished this application might be
+living at the same time that young readers, instead of doubting to which
+they should give their credit, would not fail to remember that this was
+the work of a man, that of a lion.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE CVI.
+
+[Illustration: THE STAG LOOKING INTO THE WATER.]
+
+
+A Stag that had been drinking at a clear spring, saw himself in the
+water: and, pleased with the prospect, stood afterwards for some time
+contemplating and surveying his shape and features from head to
+foot.--'Ah!' says he, 'what a glorious pair of branching horns are
+there! how gracefully do those antlers hang over my forehead, and give
+an agreeable turn to my whole face! If some other parts of my body were
+but proportionable to them, I would turn my back to nobody; but I have a
+set of such legs as really makes me ashamed to see them. People may talk
+what they please of their conveniencies, and what great need we stand in
+of them upon several occasions; but, for my part, I find them so very
+slender and unsightly, that I had as lief have none at all.' While he
+was giving himself these airs, he was alarmed with the noise of some
+huntsmen, and a pack of hounds that had been just laid on upon the
+scent, and were making towards him. Away he flies, in some
+consternation, and, bounding nimbly over the plain, threw dogs and men
+at a vast distance behind him. After which, taking a very thick copse,
+he had the ill-fortune to be entangled by his horns in a thicket; where
+he was held fast till the hounds came in and pulled him down. Finding
+now how it was like to go with him, in the pangs of death he is said to
+have uttered these words:--'Unhappy creature that I am! I am too late
+convinced, that what I prided myself in has been the cause of my
+undoing, and what I so much disliked was the only thing that could have
+saved me.'
+
+
+APPLICATION.
+
+Perhaps we cannot apply this better than by supposing the fable to be a
+parable! which may be thus explained. The Deer, viewing itself in the
+water, is a beautiful young lady at her looking-glass. She cannot help
+being sensible of the charms which lie blooming in every feature of her
+face. She moistens her lips, languishes with her eyes, adjusts every
+lock of her hair with the nicest exactness, gives an agreeable attitude
+to her whole body; and then, with a soft sigh, says to herself,--'Ah!
+how happy might I be, in a daily crowd of admirers, if it were not for
+the censoriousness of the age! when I view that face, where Nature, to
+give her her due, has been liberal enough of charms, how easy should I
+be, if it were not for that slender particular, my honour. The odious
+idea of that comes across all my happy moments, and brings a
+mortification with it that damps my most flattering tender hopes. Oh!
+that there were no such thing in the world!'--In the midst of these
+soliloquies she is interrupted by the voice of her lover, who enters her
+chamber singing a rigadoon air; and, introducing his discourse in a
+familiar easy manner, takes occasion to launch out in praise of her
+beauty; sees she is pleased with it, snatches her hand, kisses it in a
+transport; and, in short, pursues his point so close, that she is not
+able to disengage herself from him. But, when the consequence of all
+this approaches, in an agony of grief and shame, she fetches a deep sigh
+and says--'Ah! how mistaken have I been! the virtue I slighted might
+have saved me; but the beauty I prized so much has been my undoing.'
+
+
+
+
+FABLE CVII.
+
+[Illustration: THE STAG AND THE OX-STALL.]
+
+
+A Stag, roused out of his thick cover in the midst of the forest, and
+driven hard by the hounds, made towards a farm-house, and seeing the
+door of an Ox-Stall open, entered therein, and hid himself under a heap
+of straw. One of the Oxen, turning his head about, asked him what he
+meant by venturing himself in such a place as that was, where he was
+sure to meet with his doom?--'Ah!' says the Stag, 'if you will but be so
+good as to favour me with your concealment, I hope I shall do well
+enough; I intend to make off again the first opportunity.'--Well, he
+staid there till towards night; in came the ox-man with a bundle of
+fodder, and never saw him. In short, all the servants of the farm came
+and went, and not a soul of them smelt any thing of the matter. Nay,
+the bailiff himself came according to form, and looked in, but walked
+away no wiser than the rest. Upon this the Stag, ready to jump out of
+his skin for joy, began to return thanks to the good-natured Oxen,
+protesting that they were the most obliging people he had ever met with
+in his life. After he had done his compliments, one of them answered him
+gravely--'Indeed, we desire nothing more than to have it in our power to
+contribute to your escape; but there is a certain person, you little
+think of, who has a hundred eyes; if he should happen to come, I would
+not give this straw for your life.'--In the interim, home comes the
+master himself, from a neighbour's, where he had been invited to dinner;
+and, because he had observed the cattle to look but scurvily of late, he
+went up to the rack, and asked, why they did not give them more fodder?
+then, casting his eyes downward,--'Hey-day!' says he, 'why so sparing of
+your litter? pray scatter a little more here. And these cobwebs--but I
+have spoke so often, that unless I do it myself--' Thus, as he went on,
+prying into every thing, he chanced to look where the Stag's horns lay
+sticking out of the straw; upon which he raised a hue-and-cry, called
+all his people about him, killed the poor Stag, and made a prize of him.
+
+
+APPLICATION.
+
+The moral of this fable is, that nobody looks after a man's affairs so
+well as he himself. Servants, being but hirelings, seldom have the true
+interest of their master at heart, but let things run on in a negligent
+constant disorder; and this, generally, not so much for want of capacity
+as honesty. Their heads are taken up with the cultivation of their own
+private interest; for the service and promotion of which that of their
+master is postponed, and often entirely neglected.
+
+Few families are reduced to poverty and distress merely by their own
+extravagance and indulgence in luxury: the inattention of servants
+swells every article of expense in domestic œconomy; and the retinue of
+great men, instead of exerting their industry to conduce as far as
+possible to the increase of their master's wealth, commonly exercise no
+other office than that of locusts and caterpillars, to consume and
+devour it.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE CVIII.
+
+[Illustration: THE DOVE AND THE ANT.]
+
+
+The Ant, compelled by thirst, went to drink in a clear purling rivulet;
+but the current, with its circling eddy, snatched her away, and carried
+her down the stream. The Dove, pitying her distressed condition, cropped
+a branch from a neighbouring tree, and let it fall into the water, by
+means of which the Ant saved herself, and got ashore. Not long after, a
+fowler having a design upon the Dove, planted his nets in due order,
+without the bird's observing what he was about; which the Ant
+perceiving, just as he was going to put his design in execution, she bit
+him by the heel, and made him give so sudden a start, that the Dove took
+the alarm, and flew away.
+
+
+APPLICATION.
+
+One good turn deserves another; and gratitude is excited by so noble and
+natural a spirit, that he ought to be looked upon as the vilest of
+creatures who has no sense of it. It is, indeed, so very just and
+equitable a thing, and so much every man's duty, that, to speak of it
+properly, one should not mention it as any thing meritorious, or that
+may claim praise and admiration, any more than we should say a man ought
+to be rewarded or commended for not killing his father, or forbearing to
+set fire to his neighbour's house. The bright and shining piece of
+morality, therefore, which is recommended to us in this fable, is set
+forth in this example of the Dove, who, without any obligation or
+expectation, does a voluntary office of charity to its fellow creature
+in distress. The constant uninterrupted practice of this virtue, is the
+only thing in which we are capable of imitating the great Author of our
+being; whose beloved Son, besides the many precepts he has given to
+enforce this duty, used this expression as a common saying, 'It is more
+blessed to give than to receive.'
+
+
+
+
+FABLE CIX.
+
+[Illustration: THE LION IN LOVE.]
+
+
+The Lion, by chance, saw a fair Maid, the forester's daughter, as she
+was tripping over a lawn, and fell in love with her. Nay, so violent was
+his passion, that he could not live unless he made her his own; so that,
+without any more delay, he broke his mind to the father, and demanded
+the damsel for his wife. The man, as odd as the proposal seemed at
+first, yet soon recollected, that by complying he might get the Lion
+into his power; but, by refusing him, should only exasperate and provoke
+his rage. Therefore he consented; but told him it must be upon these
+conditions: that, considering the girl was young and tender, he must
+agree to let his teeth be plucked out, and his claws cut off, lest he
+should hurt her, or at least frighten her, with the apprehension of
+them. The Lion was too much in love to hesitate; but was no sooner
+deprived of his teeth and claws, than the treacherous forester attacked
+him with a huge club, and knocked his brains out.
+
+
+APPLICATION.
+
+Of all the ill consequences that may attend that blind passion, love,
+seldom any prove so fatal as that one, of its drawing people into a
+sudden and ill-concerted marriage. They commit a rash action in the
+midst of a fit of madness, of which, as soon as they come to themselves,
+they may find reason to repent as long as they live. Many an unthinking
+young fellow has been treated as much like a savage, in this respect, as
+the Lion in the fable. He has, perhaps, had nothing valuable belonging
+to him but his estate, and the writings which made his title to it; and,
+if he is so far captivated as to be persuaded to part with these, his
+teeth and his claws are gone, and he lies entirely at the mercy of madam
+and her relations. All the favour he is to expect, after this, is from
+the accidental goodness of the family he falls into; which, if it happen
+to be of a particular strain, will not fail to keep him in a distant
+subjection, after they have stripped him of all his power. Nothing but a
+true friendship, and a mutual interest, can keep up reciprocal love
+between the conjugal pair; and when that is wanting, and nothing but
+contempt and aversion remain to supply the place, matrimony becomes a
+downright state of enmity and hostility: and what a miserable case he
+must be in, who has put himself and his whole power into the hands of
+his enemy, let those consider, who, while they are in their sober
+senses, abhor the thoughts of being betrayed into their ruin, by
+following the impulse of a blind unheeding passion.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE CX.
+
+[Illustration: THE TORTOISE AND THE EAGLE.]
+
+
+The Tortoise, weary of his condition, by which he was confined to creep
+upon the ground, and being ambitious to have a prospect, and look about
+him, gave out, that if any bird would take him up into the air, and show
+him the world, he would reward him with a discovery of many precious
+stones, which he knew were hidden in a certain place of the earth: the
+Eagle undertook to do as he desired, and, when he had performed his
+commission, demanded the reward; but finding the Tortoise could not make
+good his words, he stuck his talons into the softer parts of his body,
+and made him a sacrifice to his revenge.
+
+
+APPLICATION.
+
+As men of honour ought to consider calmly how far the things which they
+promise may be in their power, before they venture to make promises
+upon this account, because the non-performance of them will be apt to
+excite an uneasiness within themselves, and tarnish their reputation in
+the eyes of other people; so fools and cowards should be as little rash
+in this respect as possible, lest their impudent forgeries draw upon
+them the resentment of those whom they disappoint, and that resentment
+makes them undergo smart, but deserved, chastisement. The man who is so
+stupid a knave as to make a lying promise where he is sure to be
+detected, receives the punishment of his folly unpitied by all that know
+him.
+
+
+FINIS.
+
+
+Printed by C. WHITTINGHAM, Chiswick.
+
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Transcriber's note:
+
+The header "Fable I" has been added.
+
+Variations in spelling and hyphenation have been preserved except in
+obvious cases of typographical error.
+
+
+
+
+
+End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Æsop's Fables, by Æsop
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+The Project Gutenberg EBook of �sop's Fables, by �sop
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+Title: �sop's Fables
+       Embellished with One Hundred and Eleven Emblematical Devices.
+
+Author: �sop
+
+Release Date: March 18, 2012 [EBook #39187]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK �SOP'S FABLES ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by Chris Curnow, Julia Neufeld and the Online
+Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (This
+file was produced from images generously made available
+by The Internet Archive)
+
+
+
+
+
+Transcriber's note: Text enclosed by underscores is in italics
+(_italics_).
+
+
+  �SOP'S FABLES.
+
+  EMBELLISHED WITH
+
+  One Hundred and Eleven
+  EMBLEMATICAL DEVICES.
+
+  [Illustration: Man reading]
+
+  Printed at the Chiswick Press,
+  BY C. WHITTINGHAM;
+
+  FOR CARPENTER AND SON, OLD BOND STREET;
+  J. BOOKER, NEW BOND STREET; SHARPE AND
+  HAILES, PICCADILLY; AND WHITTINGHAM
+  AND ARLISS, PATERNOSTER ROW.
+
+  1814.
+
+
+
+
+CONTENTS.
+
+
+  _Fable_                                       _Page_
+
+  1 The Cock and the Jewel                        1
+
+  2 The Wolf and the Lamb                         4
+
+  3 The Lion and the Four Bulls                   7
+
+  4 The Frog and the Fox                          9
+
+  5 The Ass eating Thistles                      11
+
+  6 The Lark and her Young Ones                  13
+
+  7 The Cock and the Fox                         16
+
+  8 The Fox in the Well                          19
+
+  9 The Wolves and the Sheep                     21
+
+  10 The Eagle and the Fox                       23
+
+  11 The Wolf in Sheep's Clothing                26
+
+  12 The Fowler and the Ring-Dove                28
+
+  13 The Sow and the Wolf                        30
+
+  14 The Horse and the Ass                       32
+
+  15 The Wolf, the Lamb, and the Goat            35
+
+  16 The Kite and the Pigeons                    38
+
+  17 The Country Mouse and the City Mouse        41
+
+  18 The Swallow and other Birds                 46
+
+  19 The Hunted Beaver                           48
+
+  20 The Cat and the Fox                         50
+
+  21 The Cat and the Mice                        52
+
+  22 The Lion and other Beasts                   54
+
+  23 The Lion and the Mouse                      56
+
+  24 The Fatal Marriage                          58
+
+  25 The Mischievous Dog                         60
+
+  26 The Ox and the Frog                         62
+
+  27 The Fox and the Lion                        65
+
+  28 The Ape and the Fox                         67
+
+  29 The Dog in the Manger                       70
+
+  30 The Birds, the Beasts, and the Bat          72
+
+  31 The Fox and the Tiger                       75
+
+  32 The Lioness and the Fox                     78
+
+  33 The Oak and the Reed                        80
+
+  34 The Wind and the Sun                        82
+
+  35 The Kite, the Frog, and the Mouse           85
+
+  36 The Frogs desiring a King                   87
+
+  37 The Old Woman and her Maids                 90
+
+  38 The Lion, the Bear, and the Fox             92
+
+  39 The Crow and the Pitcher                    95
+
+  40 The Porcupine and the Snakes                97
+
+  41 The Hares and Frogs in a Storm             100
+
+  42 The Fox and the Wolf                       103
+
+  43 The Dog and the Sheep                      106
+
+  44 The Peacock and the Crane                  108
+
+  45 The Viper and the File                     110
+
+  46 The Ass, the Lion, and the Cock            112
+
+  47 The Jackdaw and Peacocks                   114
+
+  48 The Ant and the Fly                        116
+
+  49 The Ant and the Grasshopper                119
+
+  50 The Countryman and the Snake               121
+
+  51 The Fox and the Sick Lion                  124
+
+  52 The Wanton Calf                            127
+
+  53 Hercules and the Carter                    130
+
+  54 The Belly and the Members                  133
+
+  55 The Horse and the Lion                     136
+
+  56 The Husbandman and the Stork               138
+
+  57 The Cat and the Cock                       140
+
+  58 The Leopard and the Fox                    142
+
+  59 The Shepherd's Boy                         145
+
+  60 The Fox and the Goat                       147
+
+  61 Cupid and Death                            149
+
+  62 The Old Man and his Sons                   151
+
+  63 The Stag and the Fawn                      154
+
+  64 The Old Hound                              157
+
+  65 Jupiter and the Camel                      159
+
+  66 The Fox without a Tail                     161
+
+  67 The Fox and the Crow                       163
+
+  68 The Hawk and the Farmer                    166
+
+  69 The Nurse and the Wolf                     168
+
+  70 The Hare and the Tortoise                  170
+
+  71 The Young Man and his Cat                  173
+
+  72 The Ass in the Lion's Skin                 175
+
+  73 The Mountains in Labour                    177
+
+  74 The Satyr and the Traveller                179
+
+  75 The Sick Kite                              182
+
+  76 The Hawk and the Nightingale               184
+
+  77 The Peacock's Complaint                    186
+
+  78 The Angler and the Little Fish             188
+
+  79 The Geese and the Cranes                   190
+
+  80 The Dog and the Shadow                     192
+
+  81 The Ass and the Little Dog                 194
+
+  82 The Wolf and the Crane                     197
+
+  83 The Envious Man and the Covetous           199
+
+  84 The Two Pots                               201
+
+  85 The Fox and the Stork                      203
+
+  86 The Bear and the Bee-Hives                 205
+
+  87 The Travellers and the Bear                207
+
+  88 The Trumpeter taken Prisoner               209
+
+  89 The Partridge and the Cocks                211
+
+  90 The Falconer and the Partridge             214
+
+  91 The Eagle and the Crow                     216
+
+  92 The Lion, the Ass, and the Fox             218
+
+  93 The Fox and the Grapes                     220
+
+  94 The Horse and the Stag                     222
+
+  95 The Young Man and the Swallow              224
+
+  96 The Man and his Goose                      227
+
+  97 The Dog and the Wolf                       229
+
+  98 The Wood and the Clown                     232
+
+  99 The Old Lion                               234
+
+  100 The Horse and the Loaded Ass              236
+
+  101 The Old Man and Death                     238
+
+  102 The Boar and the Ass                      240
+
+  103 The Tunny and the Dolphin                 242
+
+  104 The Peacock and the Magpie                244
+
+  105 The Forester and the Lion                 246
+
+  106 The Stag looking into the Water           248
+
+  107 The Stag in the Ox-Stall                  251
+
+  108 The Dove and the Ant                      254
+
+  109 The Lion in Love                          256
+
+  110 The Tortoise and the Eagle                259
+
+
+
+
+PREFACE,
+
+_BY S. CROXALL_.
+
+
+So much has been already said concerning �sop and his writings, both by
+ancient and modern authors, that the subject seems to be quite
+exhausted. The different conjectures, opinions, traditions, and
+forgeries, which from time to time we have had given to us of him, would
+fill a large volume: but they are, for the most part, so inconsistent
+and absurd, that it would be but a dull amusement for the reader to be
+led into such a maze of uncertainty: since Herodotus, the most ancient
+Greek historian, did not flourish till near an hundred years after �sop.
+
+As for his Life, with which we are entertained in so complete a manner,
+before most of the editions of his Fables, it was invented by one
+Maximus Planudes, a Greek Monk; and, if we may judge of him from that
+composition, just as judicious and learned a person, as the rest of his
+fraternity are at this day observed to be. Sure there never were so many
+blunders and childish dreams mixed up together, as are to be met with in
+the short compass of that piece. For a Monk, he might be very good and
+wise, but in point of history and chronology, he shows himself to be
+very ignorant. He brings �sop to Babylon, in the reign of king Lycerus,
+a king of his own making; for his name is not to be found in any
+catalogue, from Nabonassar to Alexander the Great; Nabonadius, most
+probably, reigning in Babylon about that time. He sends him into Egypt
+in the days of Nectanebo, who was not in being till two hundred years
+afterwards; with some other gross mistakes of that kind, which
+sufficiently show us that this Life was a work of invention, and that
+the inventor was a bungling poor creature. He never mentions �sop's
+being at Athens; though Ph�drus speaks of him as one that lived the
+greatest part of his time there; and it appears that he had a statue
+erected in that city to his memory, done by the hand of the famed
+Lysippus. He writes of him as living at Samos, and interesting himself
+in a public capacity in the administration of the affairs of that place;
+yet, takes not the least notice of the Fable which Aristotle[1] tells us
+he spoke in behalf of a famous Demagogue there, when he was impeached
+for embezzling the public money; nor does he indeed give us the least
+hint of such a circumstance. An ingenious man might have laid together
+all the materials of this kind that are to be found in good old authors,
+and, by the help of a bright invention, connected and worked them up
+with success; we might have swallowed such an imposition well enough,
+because we should not have known how to contradict it: but in Planudes'
+case, the imposture is doubly discovered; first, as he has the
+unquestioned authority of antiquity against him; secondly, (and if the
+other did not condemn him) as he has introduced the witty, discreet,
+judicious �sop, quibbling in a strain of low monastic waggery, and as
+archly dull as a Mountebank's Jester.
+
+  [1] _Arist. Rhet._ Lib. ii. chap. 21.
+
+That there was a Life of �sop, either written or traditionary, before
+Aristotle's time, is pretty plain; and that there was something of that
+kind extant in Augustus' reign, is, I think, as undoubted; since Ph�drus
+mentions many transactions of his, during his abode at Athens. But it is
+as certain, that Planudes met with nothing of this kind; or, at least,
+that he met not with the accounts with which they were furnished,
+because of the omissions before-mentioned; and consequently with none so
+authentic and good. He seems to have thrown together some merry conceits
+which occurred to him in the course of his reading, such as he thought
+were worthy of �sop, and very confidently obtrudes them upon us for his.
+But, when at last he brings him to Delphos (where he was put to death by
+being thrown down from a precipice) that the Delphians might have some
+colour of justice for what they intended to do, he favours them with the
+same stratagem which Joseph made use of to bring back his brother
+Benjamin; they clandestinely convey a cup into his baggage, overtake him
+upon the road, after a strict search find him guilty; upon that pretence
+carry him back to the city, condemn and execute him.
+
+As I would neither impose upon others, nor be imposed upon, I cannot, as
+some have done, let such stuff as this pass for the Life of the great
+�sop. Planudes has little authority for any thing he has delivered
+concerning him; nay, as far as I can find, his whole account, from the
+beginning to the end, is mere invention, excepting some few
+circumstances; such as the place of his birth, and of his death; for in
+respect of the time in which he lived, he has blundered egregiously, by
+mentioning some incidents as contemporary with �sop, which were far
+enough from being so. Xanthus, his supposed master, puts his wife into a
+passion, by bringing such a piece of deformity into her house, as our
+Author is described to be. Upon this, the master reproaches the slave
+for not uttering something witty, at a time that seemed to require it so
+much: and then �sop comes out, slap dash, with a satirical reflection
+upon women, taken from Euripides, the famous Greek tragedian. Now
+Euripides happened not to be born till about fourscore years after
+�sop's death. What credit, therefore, can be given to any thing Planudes
+says of him?
+
+As to the place of his birth, I will allow, with the generality of those
+who have written about him, that it might have been some town in Phrygia
+Major: A. Gellius making mention of him, says, '�sopus ille, e Phrygia,
+Fabulator.' That he was also by condition a slave, we may conclude from
+what Ph�drus[2] relates of him. But whether at both Samos and Athens, he
+does not particularly mention: though I am inclined to think it was at
+the latter only; because he often speaks of him as living at that place,
+and never at any other; which looks as if Ph�drus believed that he had
+never lived any where else. Nor do I see how he could help being of that
+opinion, if others of the ancients, whose credit is equally good, did
+not carry him into other places. Aristotle introduces him (as I
+mentioned before) speaking in public to the Samians, upon the occasion
+of their Demagogue, or Prime Minister, being impeached for plundering
+the commonwealth.
+
+  [2] Lib. ii. fab. 9. and Lib. iii. fab. 19.
+
+I cannot but think �sop was something above the degree of a slave, when
+he made such a figure as an eminent speaker in the Samian State. Perhaps
+he might have been in that low condition in the former part of his life;
+and therefore Ph�drus, who had been of the same rank himself, might love
+to enlarge upon this circumstance, since he does not choose to represent
+him in any higher sphere. Unless we allow him to be speaking[3] in as
+public a capacity to the Athenians, upon the occasion of Pisistratus'
+seizing their liberties, as we have before supposed he did to the
+Samians. But, however, granting that he was once a slave, we have great
+authority that he was afterwards not only free, but in high veneration
+and esteem with all that knew him; especially all that were eminent for
+wisdom and virtue. Plutarch, in his Banquet of the Seven Wise Men, among
+several other illustrious persons, celebrated for their wit and
+knowledge, introduces �sop. And, though in one place he seems to be
+ridiculed by one of the company for being of a clumsy mongrel shape;
+yet, in general, he is represented as very courtly and polite in his
+behaviour. He rallies Solon, and the rest, for taking too much liberty
+in prescribing rules for the conduct of sovereign princes; putting them
+in mind, that those who aspire to be the friends and counsellors of
+such, lose that character, and carry matters too far when they proceed
+to censure and find fault with them. Upon the credit of Plutarch,
+likewise, we fix the Life of �sop in the time of Croesus, King of Lydia;
+with whom he was in such esteem, as to be deputed by him to consult the
+Oracle at Delphos, and be sent as his envoy to Periander, King of
+Corinth; which was about three hundred and twenty years after the time
+in which Homer lived, and five hundred and fifty before Christ.
+
+  [3] _Ph�d._ Lib. i. fab. 2.
+
+Now, though this imaginary banquet of Plutarch does not carry with it
+the weight of a serious history, yet we may take it for granted, that he
+introduced nothing in his fictitious scene, which might contradict
+either the written or traditionary Life of �sop; but rather chose to
+make every thing agree with it. Be that as it will, this is the sum of
+the account which we have to give of him. Nor, indeed, is it material
+for us to know the little trifling circumstances of his Life; as whether
+he lived at Samos or Athens, whether he was a slave or a freeman,
+whether handsome or ugly. He has left us a legacy in his writings that
+will preserve his memory dear and perpetual among us: what we have to
+do, therefore, is to show ourselves worthy of so valuable a present, and
+to act, in all respects, as near as we can to the will and intention of
+the donor. They who are governed by reason, need no other motive than
+the mere goodness of a thing to incite them to the practice of it. But
+men, for the most part, are so superficial in their inquiries, that they
+take all upon trust; and have no taste for any thing but what is
+supported by the vogue of others, and which it is inconsistent with the
+fashion of the world not to admire.
+
+As an inducement, therefore, to such as these to like the person and
+conversation of �sop, I must assure them that he was held in great
+esteem by most of the great wits of old. There is scarce an author among
+the ancient Greeks, who mixed any thing of morality in his writings,
+but either quotes or mentions him.
+
+Whatever his person was, the beauties of his mind were very charming and
+engaging; that the most celebrated among the ancients were his admirers;
+that they speak of him with raptures, and pay as great a respect to him
+as to any of the other wise men who lived in the same age. Nor can I
+perceive, from any author of antiquity, that he was so deformed as the
+Monk has represented him. If he had, he must have been so monstrous and
+shocking to the eye, as not only to be a very improper envoy for a great
+king, but scarce fit to be admitted as a slave in any private family.
+Indeed, from what Plutarch hints of him, I suspect he had something
+particular in his mien; but rather odd than ugly, and more apt to excite
+mirth than disgust, in those that conversed with him. Perhaps something
+humorous displayed itself in his countenance as well as his writings;
+and it might be upon account of both, that he got the name of
+Gelotopoios, as Lucian calls him, and his works that of Geloia. However,
+we will go a middle way; and without insisting upon his beauty, or giving
+into his deformity, allow him to have made a merry comical figure; at least
+as handsome as Socrates; but at the same time conclude, that this
+particularity in the frame of his body was so far from being of any
+disadvantage to him, that it gave a mirthful cast to every thing he said,
+and added a kind of poignancy to his conversation.
+
+We have seen what opinion the ancients had of our Author, and his
+writings. Now, as to the manner of conveying instruction by Fables in
+general, though many good vouchers of antiquity sufficiently recommend
+it, yet to avoid tiring the reader's patience, I shall wave all
+quotations from thence, and lay before him the testimony of a modern;
+whose authority, in point of judgment, and consequently, in the present
+case, may be as readily acknowledged as that of any ancient of them all.
+"Fables[4]," says Mr. Addison, "were the first pieces of wit that made
+their appearance in the world; and have been still highly valued, not
+only in times of the greatest simplicity, but among the most polite ages
+of mankind. Jotham's Fable of the Trees is the oldest that is extant,
+and as beautiful as any which have been made since that time. Nathan's
+Fable of the poor Man and his Lamb, is likewise more ancient than any
+that is extant, besides the above-mentioned, and had so good an effect,
+as to convey instruction to the ear of a king, without offending it,
+and to bring the man after God's own heart to a right sense of his
+guilt, and his duty. We find �sop in the most distant ages of Greece.
+And, if we look into the very beginning of the commonwealth of Rome, we
+see a mutiny among the common people appeased by the Fable of the Belly
+and the Members[5]; which was indeed very proper to gain the attention
+of an incensed rabble, at a time, when, perhaps, they would have torn to
+pieces any man who had preached the same doctrine to them, in an open
+and direct manner. As Fables took their birth in the very infancy of
+learning, they never flourished more than when learning was at its
+greatest height. To justify this assertion, I shall put my reader in
+mind of Horace, the greatest wit and critic in the Augustan age; and of
+Boileau, the most correct poet among the moderns; not to mention La
+Fontaine, who, by this way of writing, is come more into vogue than any
+other author of our times." After this, he proceeds to give some account
+of that kind of Fable in which the passions, and other imaginary beings,
+are actors; and concludes with a most beautiful one of that sort, of his
+own contriving. In another place, he gives us a translation from Homer
+of that inimitable Fable comprised in the interview between Jupiter and
+Juno, when the latter made use of the girdle of Venus, to recall the
+affection of her husband; a piece never sufficiently to be recommended
+to the perusal of such of the fair sex, as are ambitious of acquitting
+themselves handsomely in point of conjugal complacence. But I must not
+omit the excellent Preface, by which the Fable is introduced, "Reading
+is to the mind[6]," says he, "what exercise is to the body: as by the
+one, health is preserved, strengthened, and invigorated; by the other
+virtue (which is the health of the mind) is kept alive, cherished, and
+confirmed. But, as exercise becomes tedious and painful when we make use
+of it only as the means of health, so reading is too apt to grow uneasy
+and burdensome, when we apply ourselves to it only for our improvement
+in virtue. For this reason, the virtue which we gather from a Fable or
+an allegory, is like the health we get by hunting, as we are engaged in
+an agreeable pursuit that draws us on with pleasure, and makes its
+insensible of the fatigues that accompany it."
+
+  [4] Spect. No. 183.
+
+  [5] Fab. liv.
+
+  [6] Tatler, No. 147.
+
+
+
+
+�SOP'S FABLES.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE I.
+
+[Illustration: THE COCK AND THE JEWEL.]
+
+
+A brisk young Cock, in company with two or three pullets, his
+mistresses, raking upon a dunghill for something to entertain them with,
+happened to scratch up a Jewel. He knew what it was well enough, for it
+sparkled with an exceeding bright lustre; but, not knowing what to do
+with it, endeavoured to cover his ignorance under a gay contempt; so,
+shrugging up his wings, shaking his head, and putting on a grimace, he
+expressed himself to this purpose:--'Indeed, you are a very fine thing;
+but I know not any business you have here. I make no scruple of
+declaring that my taste lies quite another way; and I had rather have
+one grain of dear delicious barley, than all the Jewels under the sun.'
+
+
+APPLICATION.
+
+There are several people in the world that pass, with some, for well
+accomplished gentlemen, and very pretty fellows, though they are as
+great strangers to the true uses of virtue and knowledge as the Cock
+upon the dunghill is to the real value of the Jewel. He palliates his
+ignorance by pretending that his taste lies another way. But, whatever
+gallant airs people may give themselves upon these occasions, without
+dispute, the solid advantages of virtue, and the durable pleasures of
+learning, are as much to be preferred before other objects of the
+senses, as the finest brilliant diamond is above a barley-corn. The
+greatest blockheads would appear to understand what at the same time
+they affect to despise: and nobody yet was ever so vicious, as to have
+the impudence to declare, in public, that virtue was not a fine thing.
+
+But still, among the idle, sauntering young fellows of the age, who have
+leisure as well to cultivate and improve the faculties of the mind, as
+to dress and embellish the body, how many are there who spend their days
+in raking after new scenes of debauchery, in comparison of those few who
+know how to relish more reasonable entertainments! Honest, undesigning
+good sense is so unfashionable, that he must be a bold man who, at this
+time of day, attempts to bring it into esteem.
+
+How disappointed is the youth who, in the midst of his amorous pursuits,
+endeavouring to plunder an outside of bloom and beauty, finds a treasure
+of impenetrable virtue concealed within! And why may it not be said, how
+delighted are the fair sex when, from among a crowd of empty, frolic,
+conceited admirers, they find out, and distinguish with their good
+opinion, a man of sense, with a plain, unaffected person, which, at
+first sight, they did not like!
+
+
+
+
+FABLE II.
+
+[Illustration: THE WOLF AND THE LAMB.]
+
+
+One hot, sultry day, a Wolf and a Lamb happened to come, just at the
+same time, to quench their thirst in the stream of a clear, silver brook
+that ran tumbling down the side of a rocky mountain. The Wolf stood upon
+the higher ground, and the Lamb at some distance from him down the
+current. However, the Wolf, having a mind to pick a quarrel with him,
+asked him, what he meant by disturbing the water, and making it so muddy
+that he could not drink? and, at the same time demanded satisfaction.
+The Lamb, frightened at this threatening charge, told him, in a tone as
+mild as possible, that, with humble submission, he could not conceive
+how that could be; since the water which he drank, ran down from the
+Wolf to him, and therefore it could not be disturbed so far up the
+stream. 'Be that as it will,' replies the Wolf, 'you are a rascal, and I
+have been told that you treated me with ill language, behind my back,
+about half a year ago.'--'Upon my word,' says the Lamb, 'the time you
+mention was before I was born.' The Wolf, finding it to no purpose to
+argue any longer against truth, fell into a great passion, snarling and
+foaming at the mouth, as if he had been mad; and drawing nearer to the
+Lamb, 'Sirrah,' says he, 'if it was not you, it was your father, and
+that is all one.'--So he seized the poor innocent, helpless thing, tore
+it to pieces, and made a meal of it.
+
+
+APPLICATION.
+
+The thing which is pointed at in this fable is so obvious, that it will
+be impertinent to multiply words about it. When a cruel ill-natured man
+has a mind to abuse one inferior to himself, either in power or courage,
+though he has not given the least occasion for it, how does he resemble
+the Wolf! whose envious, rapacious temper could not bear to see
+innocence live quietly in its neighbourhood. In short, wherever ill
+people are in power, innocence and integrity are sure to be persecuted:
+the more vicious the community is, the better countenance they have for
+their own villanous measures. To practise honesty in bad times, is being
+liable to suspicion enough; but if any one should dare to prescribe it,
+it is ten to one but he would be impeached of high crimes and
+misdemeanors: for to stand up for justice in a degenerate and corrupt
+state, is tacitly to upbraid the government, and seldom fails of pulling
+down vengeance upon the head of him that offers to stir in its defence.
+Where cruelty and malice are in combination with power, nothing is so
+easy as for them to find a pretence to tyrannize over innocence, and
+exercise all manner of injustice.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE III.
+
+[Illustration: THE LION AND THE FOUR BULLS.]
+
+
+Four Bulls, which had entered into a very strict friendship, kept always
+near one another, and fed together. The Lion often saw them, and as
+often had a mind to make one of them his prey; but, though he could
+easily have subdued any of them singly, yet he was afraid to attack the
+whole alliance, as knowing they would have been too hard for him, and
+therefore contented himself, for the present, with keeping at a
+distance. At last, perceiving no attempt was to be made upon them, as
+long as this combination held, he took occasion, by whispers and hints,
+to foment jealousies, and raise divisions among them. This stratagem
+succeeded so well, that the Bulls grew cold and reserved towards one
+another, which soon after ripened into a downright hatred and
+aversion; and, at last, ended in a total separation. The Lion had now
+obtained his ends; and, as impossible as it was for him to hurt them
+while they were united, he found no difficulty, now they were parted, to
+seize and devour every Bull of them, one after another.
+
+
+APPLICATION.
+
+The moral of this fable is so well known and allowed, that to go about
+to enlighten it, would be like holding a candle to the sun. "A kingdom
+divided against itself cannot stand;" and as undisputed a maxim as it
+is, was, however, thought necessary to be urged to the attention of
+mankind, by the best Man that ever lived. And since friendships and
+alliances are of so great importance to our well-being and happiness, we
+cannot be too often cautioned not to let them be broken by tale-bearers
+and whisperers, or any other contrivance of our enemies.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE IV.
+
+[Illustration: THE FROG AND THE FOX.]
+
+
+A Frog, leaping out of a lake, and taking the advantage of a rising
+ground, made proclamation to all the beasts of the forest, that he was
+an able physician, and, for curing all manner of distempers, would turn
+his back to no person living. This discourse, uttered in a parcel of
+hard, cramp words, which nobody understood, made the beasts admire his
+learning, and give credit to every thing he said. At last the Fox, who
+was present, with indignation asked him, how he could have the
+impudence, with those thin lantern-jaws, that meagre pale phiz, and
+blotched spotted body, to set up for one who was able to cure the
+infirmities of others.
+
+
+APPLICATION.
+
+A sickly, infirm look, is as disadvantageous in a physician, as that of
+a rake in a clergyman, or a sheepish one in a soldier. If this moral
+contains any thing further, it is, that we should not set up for
+rectifying enormities in others, while we labour under the same
+ourselves. Good advice ought always to be followed, without our being
+prejudiced upon account of the person from whom it comes: but it is
+seldom that men can be brought to think us worth minding, when we
+prescribe cures for maladies with which ourselves are infected.
+"Physician, heal thyself," is too scriptural not to be applied upon such
+an occasion; and, if we would avoid being the jest of an audience, we
+must be sound, and free from those diseases of which we would endeavour
+to cure others. How shocked must people have been to hear a preacher,
+for a whole hour, declaim against drunkenness, when his own infirmity
+has been such, that he could neither bear nor forbear drinking; and,
+perhaps, was the only person in the congregation who made the doctrine
+at that time necessary! Others too have been very zealous in exploding
+crimes, for which none were more suspected than themselves: but let such
+silly hypocrites remember, that they whose eyes want couching, are the
+most improper people in the world to set up for oculists.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE V.
+
+[Illustration: THE ASS EATING THISTLES.]
+
+
+An Ass was loaded with good provisions of several sorts, which, in time
+of harvest, he was carrying into the field for his master and the
+reapers to dine upon. By the way he met with a fine large Thistle, and,
+being very hungry, began to mumble it; which, while he was doing, he
+entered into this reflection--'How many greedy epicures would think
+themselves happy, amidst such a variety of delicate viands as I now
+carry! But to me, this bitter prickly Thistle is more savoury and
+relishing than the most exquisite and sumptuous banquet.'
+
+
+APPLICATION.
+
+Happiness and misery, and oftentimes pleasure and pain, exist merely in
+our opinion, and are no more to be accounted for than the difference of
+tastes. "That which is one man's meat, is another man's poison," is a
+proposition that ought to be allowed in all particulars, where the
+opinion is concerned, as well as in eating and drinking. Our senses must
+inform us whether a thing pleases or displeases, before we can declare
+our judgment of it; and that is to any man good or evil, which his own
+understanding suggests to him to be so, and not that which is agreeable
+to another's fancy. And yet, as reasonable and as necessary as it is to
+grant this, how apt are we to wonder at people for not liking this or
+that, or how can they think so and so! This childish humour of wondering
+at the different tastes and opinions of others, occasions much
+uneasiness among the generality of mankind. But, if we considered things
+rightly, why should we be more concerned at others differing from us in
+their way of thinking upon any subject whatever, than at their liking
+cheese, or mustard; one, or both of which, we may happen to dislike? In
+truth, he that expects all mankind should be of his opinion, is much
+more stupid and unreasonable than the Ass in the fable.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE VI.
+
+[Illustration: THE LARK AND HER YOUNG ONES.]
+
+
+A Lark, who had Young Ones in a field of corn which was almost ripe, was
+under some fear lest the reapers should come to reap it before her young
+brood were fledged, and able to remove from the place: wherefore, upon
+flying abroad to look for food, she left this charge with them--that
+they should take notice what they heard talked of in her absence, and
+tell her of it when she came back again. When she was gone, they heard
+the owner of the corn call to his son--'Well,' says he, 'I think this
+corn is ripe enough; I would have you go early to-morrow, and desire our
+friends and neighbours to come and help us to reap it.' When the Old
+Lark came home, the Young Ones fell a quivering and chirping round her,
+and told her what had happened, begging her to remove them as fast as
+she could. The mother bid them be easy; 'for,' says she, 'if the owner
+depends upon friends and neighbours, I am pretty sure the corn will not
+be reaped to-morrow.' Next day she went out again, upon the same
+occasion, and left the same orders with them as before. The owner came,
+and stayed, expecting those he had sent to: but the sun grew hot, and
+nothing was done, for not a soul came to help him. 'Then,' says he to
+his son, 'I perceive these friends of ours are not to be depended upon;
+so that you must even go to your uncles and cousins, and tell them, I
+desire they would be here betimes to-morrow morning to help us to reap.'
+Well, this the Young Ones, in a great fright, reported also to their
+mother. 'If that be all,' says she, 'do not be frightened, children, for
+kindred and relations do not use to be so very forward to serve one
+another; but take particular notice what you hear said the next time,
+and be sure you let me know it.' She went abroad the next day, as usual;
+and the owner, finding his relations as slack as the rest of his
+neighbours, said to his son, 'Hark ye! George, do you get a couple of
+good sickles ready against to-morrow morning, and we will even reap the
+corn ourselves.' When the Young Ones told their mother this, 'Then,'
+says she, 'we must be gone indeed; for, when a man undertakes to do his
+business himself, it is not so likely that he will be disappointed.' So
+she removed her Young Ones immediately, and the corn was reaped the next
+day by the good man and his son.
+
+
+APPLICATION.
+
+Never depend upon the assistance of friends and relations in any thing
+which you are able to do yourself; for nothing is more fickle and
+uncertain. The man, who relies upon another for the execution of any
+affair of importance, is not only kept in a wretched and slavish
+suspense while he expects the issue of the matter, but generally meets
+with a disappointment. While he, who lays the chief stress of his
+business upon himself, and depends upon his own industry and attention
+for the success of his affairs, is in the fairest way to attain his end:
+and, if at last he should miscarry, has this to comfort him--that it was
+not through his own negligence, and a vain expectation of the assistance
+of friends. To stand by ourselves, as much as possible, to exert our own
+strength and vigilance in the prosecution of our affairs, is god-like,
+being the result of a most noble and highly exalted reason; but they who
+procrastinate and defer the business of life by an idle dependance upon
+others, in things which it is in their own power to effect, sink down
+into a kind of stupid abject slavery, and show themselves unworthy of
+the talents with which human nature is dignified.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE VII.
+
+[Illustration: THE COCK AND THE FOX.]
+
+
+The Fox, passing early one summer's morning near a farm-yard, was caught
+in a springe, which the farmer had planted there for that end. The Cock,
+at a distance, saw what happened; and, hardly yet daring to trust
+himself too near so dangerous a foe, approached him cautiously, and
+peeped at him, not without some horror and dread of mind. Reynard no
+sooner perceived it, but he addressed himself to him, with all the
+designing artifice imaginable. 'Dear cousin,' says he, 'you see what an
+unfortunate accident has befallen me here, and all upon your account:
+for, as I was creeping through yonder hedge, in my way homeward, I heard
+you crow, and was resolved to ask you how you did before I went any
+further: but, by the way, I met with this disaster; and therefore now I
+must become an humble suitor to you for a knife to cut this plaguy
+string; or, at least, that you would conceal my misfortune, till I have
+gnawed it asunder with my teeth.' The Cock, seeing how the case stood,
+made no reply, but posted away as fast as he could, and gave the farmer
+an account of the whole matter; who, taking a good weapon along with
+him, came and did the Fox's business, before he could have time to
+contrive his escape.
+
+
+APPLICATION.
+
+Though there is no quality of the mind more graceful in itself, or that
+renders it more amiable to others, than the having a tender regard to
+those who are in distress; yet we may err, even in this point, unless we
+take care to let our compassion flow out upon proper objects only. When
+the innocent fall into misfortune, it is the part of a generous brave
+spirit to contribute to their redemption; or, if that be impossible, to
+administer something to their comfort and support. But, when wicked men,
+who have been enemies to their fellow-subjects, are entrapped in their
+own pernicious schemes, he that labours to deliver them, makes himself
+an associate in their crimes, and becomes as great an enemy to the
+public as those whom he would screen and protect.
+
+When highwaymen and housebreakers are taken, condemned, and going to
+satisfy justice, at the expense of their vile paltry lives; who are
+they that grieve for them, and would be glad to rescue them from the
+rope? Not honest men, we may be sure. The rest of the thieving
+fraternity would, perhaps, commiserate their condition, and be ready to
+mutiny in their favour: nay, the rascally solicitor, who had been
+employed upon their account, would be vexed that his negociations had
+succeeded no better, and be afraid of losing his reputation, among other
+delinquents, for the future: but every friend to justice would have no
+reason to be dissatisfied at any thing but a mournful reflection, which
+he could not forbear making, that, while these little criminals swing
+for some trifling inconsiderable rapine, others, so transcendently their
+superiors in fraud and plunder, escape with a whole skin.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE VIII.
+
+[Illustration: THE FOX IN THE WELL.]
+
+
+A Fox having fallen into a Well, made a shift, by sticking his claws
+into the sides, to keep his head above water. Soon after, a Wolf came
+and peeped over the brink; to whom the Fox applied himself very
+earnestly for assistance: entreating, that he would help him to a rope,
+or something of that kind, which might favour his escape. The Wolf,
+moved with compassion at his misfortune, could not forbear expressing
+his concern: 'Ah! poor Reynard,' says he, 'I am sorry for you with all
+my heart; how could you possibly come into this melancholy
+condition?'--'Nay, prithee, friend,' replies the Fox, 'if you wish me
+well, do not stand pitying of me, but lend me some succour as fast as
+you can: for pity is but cold comfort when one is up to the chin in
+water, and within a hair's breadth of starving or drowning.'
+
+
+APPLICATION.
+
+Pity, indeed, is of itself but poor comfort at any time; and, unless it
+produces something more substantial, is rather impertinently
+troublesome, than any way agreeable. To stand bemoaning the misfortunes
+of our friends, without offering some expedient to alleviate them, is
+only echoing to their grief, and putting them in mind that they are
+miserable. He is truly my friend who, with a ready presence of mind,
+supports me; not he who condoles with me upon my ill success, and says
+he is sorry for my loss. In short, a favour or obligation is doubled by
+being well-timed; and he is the best benefactor, who knows our
+necessities, and complies with our wishes, even before we ask him.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE IX.
+
+[Illustration: THE WOLVES AND THE SHEEP.]
+
+
+The Wolves and the Sheep had been a long time in a state of war
+together. At last a cessation of arms was proposed, in order to a treaty
+of peace, and hostages were to be delivered on both sides for security.
+The Wolves proposed that the Sheep should give up their dogs, on the one
+side, and that they would deliver up their young ones, on the other.
+This proposal was agreed to; but no sooner executed, than the young
+Wolves began to howl for want of their dams. The old ones took this
+opportunity to cry out, the treaty was broke; and so falling upon the
+Sheep, who were destitute of their faithful guardians the dogs, they
+worried and devoured them without control.
+
+
+APPLICATION.
+
+In all our transactions with mankind, even in the most private and low
+life, we should have a special regard how, and with whom, we trust
+ourselves. Men, in this respect, ought to look upon each other as
+Wolves, and to keep themselves under a secure guard, and in a continual
+posture of defence. Particularly upon any treaties of importance, the
+securities on both sides should be strictly considered; and each should
+act with so cautious a view to their own interest, as never to pledge or
+part with that which is the very essence and basis of their safety and
+well-being. And if this be a just and reasonable rule for men to govern
+themselves by, in their own private affairs, how much more fitting and
+necessary is it in any conjuncture wherein the public is concerned? If
+the enemy should demand our whole army for an hostage, the danger in our
+complying with it would be so gross and apparent, that we could not help
+observing it: but, perhaps, a country may equally expose itself by
+parting with a particular town or general, as its whole army; its
+safety, not seldom, depending as much upon one of the former, as upon
+the latter. In short, hostages and securities may be something very dear
+to us, but ought never to be given up, if our welfare and preservation
+have any dependance upon them.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE X.
+
+[Illustration: THE EAGLE AND THE FOX.]
+
+
+An Eagle that had young ones, looking out for something to feed them
+with, happened to spy a Fox's cub, that lay basking itself abroad in the
+sun. She made a stoop, and trussed it immediately; but before she had
+carried it quite off, the old Fox coming home, implored her, with tears
+in her eyes, to spare her cub, and pity the distress of a poor fond
+mother, who should think no affliction so great as that of losing her
+child. The Eagle, whose nest was up in a very high tree, thought herself
+secure enough from all projects of revenge, and so bore away the cub to
+her young ones, without showing any regard to the supplications of the
+Fox. But that subtle creature, highly incensed at this outrageous
+barbarity, ran to an altar, where some country people had been
+sacrificing a kid in the open fields, and catching up a firebrand in her
+mouth, made towards the tree where the Eagle's nest was, with a
+resolution of revenge. She had scarce ascended the first branches, when
+the Eagle, terrified with the approaching ruin of herself and family,
+begged of the Fox to desist, and, with much submission, returned her the
+cub again safe and sound.
+
+
+APPLICATION.
+
+This fable is a warning to us not to deal hardly or injuriously by any
+body. The consideration of our being in a high condition of life, and
+those we hurt, far below us, will plead little or no excuse for us in
+this case: for there is scarce a creature of so despicable a rank, but
+is capable of avenging itself some way, and at some time or other. When
+great men happen to be wicked, how little scruple do they make of
+oppressing their poor neighbours! They are perched upon a lofty station,
+and have built their nest on high; and, having outgrown all feelings of
+humanity, are insensible of any pangs of remorse. The widow's tears, the
+orphan's cries, and the curses of the miserable, like javelins thrown by
+the hand of a feeble old man, fall by the way, and never reach their
+heart. But let such a one, in the midst of his flagrant injustice,
+remember, how easy a matter it is, notwithstanding his superior
+distance, for the meanest vassal to be revenged of him. The bitterness
+of an affliction, even where cunning is wanting, may animate the
+poorest spirit with resolutions of vengeance; and, when once that fury
+is thoroughly awakened, we know not what she will require before she is
+lulled to rest again. The most powerful tyrants cannot prevent a
+resolved assassination; there are a thousand different ways for any
+private man to do the business, who is heartily disposed to it, and
+willing to satisfy his appetite for revenge, at the expense of his life.
+An old woman may clap a firebrand in the palace of a prince; and it is
+in the power of a poor weak fool to destroy the children of the mighty.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE XI.
+
+[Illustration: THE WOLF IN SHEEP'S CLOTHING.]
+
+
+A Wolf, clothing himself in the skin of a Sheep, and getting in among
+the flock, by this means took the opportunity to devour many of them. At
+last the shepherd discovered him, and cunningly fastening a rope about
+his neck, tied him up to a tree which stood hard by. Some other
+shepherds happening to pass that way, and observing what he was about,
+drew near, and expressed their amazement at it. 'What,' says one of
+them, 'brother, do you make hanging of Sheep?'--'No,' replies the other;
+'but I make hanging of a Wolf whenever I catch him, though in the habit
+and garb of a Sheep.' Then he showed them their mistake, and they
+applauded the justice of the execution.
+
+
+APPLICATION.
+
+This fable shows us, that no regard is to be had to the mere habit or
+outside of any person, but to undisguised worth and intrinsic virtue.
+When we place our esteem upon the external garb, before we inform
+ourselves of the qualities which it covers, we may often mistake evil
+for good, and, instead of a Sheep, take a Wolf into our protection.
+Therefore, however innocent or sanctified any one may appear, as to the
+vesture wherewith he is clothed, we may act rashly, because we may be
+imposed upon, if from thence we take it for granted, that he is inwardly
+as good and righteous as his outward robe would persuade us he is. Men
+of judgment and penetration do not use to give an implicit credit to a
+particular habit, or a peculiar colour, but love to make a more exact
+scrutiny; for he that will not come up to the character of an honest,
+good kind of man, when stripped of his Sheep's Clothing, is but the more
+detestable for his intended imposture; as the Wolf was but the more
+obnoxious to the shepherd's resentment, by wearing a habit so little
+suiting with his manners.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE XII.
+
+[Illustration: THE FOWLER AND THE RING-DOVE.]
+
+
+A fowler took his gun, and went into the woods a-shooting. He spied a
+Ring-Dove among the branches of an oak, and intended to kill it. He
+clapped the piece to his shoulder, and took his aim accordingly. But,
+just as he was going to pull the trigger, an adder, which he had trod
+upon under the grass, stung him so painfully in the leg, that he was
+forced to quit his design, and threw his gun down in a passion. The
+poison immediately infected his blood, and his whole body began to
+mortify; which, when he perceived, he could not help owning it to be
+just. 'Fate,' says he, 'has brought destruction upon me, while I was
+contriving the death of another.'
+
+
+APPLICATION.
+
+This is another lesson against injustice; a topic in which our just
+Author abounds. And, if we consider the matter fairly, we must allow it
+to be as reasonable that some one should do violence to us, as we should
+commit it upon another. When we are impartial in our reflections, thus
+we must always think. The unjust man, with a hardened unfeeling heart,
+can do a thousand bitter things to others: but if a single calamity
+touches himself, oh, how tender he is! How insupportable is the
+uneasiness it occasions! Why should we think others born to hard
+treatment more than ourselves? Or imagine it can be reasonable to do to
+another, what we ourselves should be unwilling to suffer? In our
+behaviour to all mankind, we need only ask ourselves these plain
+questions, and our consciences will tell us how to act. Conscience, like
+a good valuable domestic, plays the remembrancer to us upon all
+occasions, and gives us a gentle twitch, when we are going to do a wrong
+thing. It does not, like the adder in the fable, bite us to death, but
+only gives us kind cautions. However, if we neglect these just and
+frequent warnings, and continue in a course of wickedness and injustice,
+do not let us be surprised if Providence thinks fit, at last, to give us
+a home sting, and to exercise a little retaliation upon us.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE XIII.
+
+[Illustration: THE SOW AND THE WOLF.]
+
+
+A Sow had just farrowed, and lay in the stye, with her whole litter of
+pigs about her. A Wolf who longed for one of them, but knew not how to
+come at it, endeavoured to insinuate himself into the Sow's good
+opinion: and, accordingly, coming up to her--'How does the good woman in
+the straw do?' says he. 'Can I be of any service to you, Mrs. Sow, in
+relation to your little family here? If you have a mind to go abroad,
+and air yourself a little, or so, you may depend upon it, I will take as
+much care of your pigs as you could yourself.'--'Your humble servant,'
+says the Sow, 'I thoroughly understand your meaning; and, to let you
+know I do, I must be so free as to tell you, I had rather have your
+room than your company; and, therefore, if you would act like a Wolf of
+honour, and oblige me, I beg I may never see your face again.'
+
+
+APPLICATION.
+
+The being officiously good-natured and civil is something so uncommon in
+the world, that one cannot hear a man make profession of it without
+being surprised, or, at least, suspecting the disinterestedness of his
+intentions. Especially, when one who is a stranger to us, or though
+known, is ill-esteemed by us, will be making offers of services, we have
+great reason to look to ourselves, and exert a shyness and coldness
+towards him. We should resolve not to receive even favours from bad kind
+of people; for should it happen that some immediate mischief was not
+couched in them, yet it is dangerous to have obligations to such, or to
+give them an opportunity of making a communication with us.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE XIV.
+
+[Illustration: THE HORSE AND THE ASS.]
+
+
+The Horse, adorned with his great war-saddle, and champing his foaming
+bridle, came thundering along the way, and made the mountains echo with
+his loud shrill neighing. He had not gone far, before he overtook an
+Ass, who was labouring under a heavy burden, and moving slowly on in the
+same track with himself. Immediately he called out to him, in a haughty
+imperious tone, and threatened to trample him in the dirt, if he did not
+break the way for him. The poor patient Ass, not daring to dispute the
+matter, quietly got out of his way as fast as he could, and let him go
+by. Not long after this, the same Horse, in an engagement with the
+enemy, happened to be shot in the eye, which made him unfit for show,
+or any military business; so he was stripped of his fine ornaments, and
+sold to a carrier. The Ass, meeting him in this forlorn condition,
+thought that now it was his time to insult; and so, says he, 'Hey-day,
+friend, is it you? Well, I always believed that pride of yours would one
+day have a fall.'
+
+
+APPLICATION.
+
+Pride is a very unaccountable vice: many people fall into it unawares,
+and are often led into it by motives, which, if they considered things
+rightly, would make them abhor the very thoughts of it. There is no man
+that thinks well of himself, but desires that the rest of the world
+should think so too. Now it is the wrong measures we take in
+endeavouring after this, that expose us to discerning people in that
+light which they call pride, and which is so far from giving us any
+advantage in their esteem, that it renders us despicable and ridiculous.
+It is an affectation of appearing considerable, that puts men upon being
+proud and insolent; and their very being so makes them, infallibly,
+little, and inconsiderable. The man that claims and calls for reverence
+and respect, deserves none; he that asks for applause, is sure to lose
+it; the certain way to get it is to seem to shun it; and the humble man,
+according to the maxims even of this world, is the most likely to be
+exalted. He that, in his words or actions, pleads for superiority, and
+rather chooses to do an ill action, than condescend to do a good one,
+acts like the Horse, and is as void of reason and understanding. The
+rich and the powerful want nothing but the love and esteem of mankind to
+complete their felicity; and these they are sure to obtain by a
+good-humoured, kind condescension; and as certain of being every body's
+aversion, while the least tincture of overbearing rudeness is
+perceptible in their words or actions. What brutal tempers must they be
+of, who can be easy and indifferent, while they know themselves to be
+universally hated, though in the midst of affluence and power! But this
+is not all; for if ever the wheel of fortune should whirl them from the
+top to the bottom, instead of friendship or commiseration, they will
+meet with nothing but contempt; and that with much more justice than
+ever they themselves exerted it towards others.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE XV.
+
+[Illustration: THE WOLF, THE LAMB, AND THE GOAT.]
+
+
+A Wolf meeting a Lamb, one day, in company with a Goat--'Child,' says
+he, 'you are mistaken; this is none of your mother; she is yonder;'
+pointing to a flock of sheep at a distance.--'It may be so,' says the
+Lamb; 'the person that happened to conceive me, and afterwards bore me a
+few months in her belly, because she could not help it, and then dropped
+me, she did not care where, and left me to the wide world, is, I
+suppose, what you call my mother; but I look upon this charitable Goat
+as such, that took compassion on me in my poor, helpless, destitute
+condition, and gave me suck; sparing it out of the mouths of her own
+kids, rather than I should want it.'--'But sure,' says he, 'you have a
+greater regard for her that gave you life, than for any body
+else.'--'She gave me life! I deny that. She that could not so much as
+tell whether I should be black or white, had a great hand in giving me
+life, to be sure! But, supposing it were so, I am mightily obliged to
+her, truly, for contriving to let me be of the male-kind, so that I go
+every day in danger of the butcher. What reason then have I to have a
+greater regard for one to whom I am so little indebted for any part of
+my being, than for those from whom I have received all the benevolence
+and kindness which have hitherto supported me in life?'
+
+
+APPLICATION.
+
+It is they whose goodness makes them our parents, that properly claim
+filial respect from us, and not those who are such only out of
+necessity. The duties between parents and their children are relative
+and reciprocal. By all laws, natural as well as civil, it is expected
+that the parents should cherish and provide for the child, till it is
+able to shift for itself; and that the child, with a mutual tenderness,
+should depend upon the parent for its sustenance, and yield it a
+reasonable obedience. Yet, through the depravity of human nature, we
+very often see these laws violated, and the relations before-mentioned
+treating one another with as much virulence as enemies of different
+countries are capable of. Through the natural impatience and protervity
+of youth, we observe the first occasion for any animosity most
+frequently arising from their side; but, however, there are not wanting
+examples of undutiful parents: and, when a father, by using a son ill,
+and denying him such an education and such an allowance as his
+circumstances can well afford, gives him occasion to withdraw his
+respect from him, to urge his begetting of him as the sole obligation to
+duty, is talking like a silly unthinking dotard. Mutual benevolence must
+be kept up between relations, as well as friends; for, without this
+cement, whatever you please to call the building, it is only a castle in
+the air, a thing to be talked of, without the least reality.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE XVI.
+
+[Illustration: THE KITE AND THE PIGEONS.]
+
+
+A Kite, who had kept sailing in the air for many days near a dove-house,
+and made a stoop at several pigeons, but all to no purpose (for they
+were too nimble for him), at last had recourse to stratagem, and took
+his opportunity one day to make a declaration to them, in which he set
+forth his own just and good intentions, who had nothing more at heart
+than the defence and protection of the Pigeons in their ancient rights
+and liberties, and how concerned he was at their fears and jealousies of
+a foreign invasion, especially their unjust and unreasonable suspicions
+of himself, as if he intended, by force of arms, to break in upon their
+constitution, and erect a tyrannical government over them. To prevent
+all which, and thoroughly to quiet their minds, he thought proper to
+propose to them such terms of alliance and articles of peace as might
+for ever cement a good understanding between them: the principal of
+which was, that they should accept of him for their king, and invest him
+with all kingly privilege and prerogative over them. The poor simple
+Pigeons consented: the Kite took the coronation oath, after a very
+solemn manner, on his part, and the Doves, the oaths of allegiance and
+fidelity, on theirs. But much time had not passed over their heads,
+before the good Kite pretended that it was part of his prerogative to
+devour a Pigeon whenever he pleased. And this he was not contented to do
+himself only, but instructed the rest of the royal family in the same
+kingly arts of government. The Pigeons, reduced to this miserable
+condition, said one to the other, 'Ah! we deserve no better! Why did we
+let him come in!
+
+
+APPLICATION.
+
+What can this fable be applied to but the exceeding blindness and
+stupidity of that part of mankind who wantonly and foolishly trust their
+native rights of liberty without good security? Who often choose for
+guardians of their lives and fortunes, persons abandoned to the most
+unsociable vices; and seldom have any better excuse for such an error in
+politics than, that they were deceived in their expectation; or never
+thoroughly knew the manners of their king till he had got them entirely
+in his power: which, however, is notoriously false; for many, with the
+Doves in the fable, are so silly, that they would admit of a Kite,
+rather than be without a king. The truth is, we ought not to incur the
+possibility of being deceived in so important a matter as this: an
+unlimited power should not be trusted in the hands of any one who is not
+endued with a perfection more than human.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE XVII.
+
+[Illustration: THE COUNTRY MOUSE AND THE CITY MOUSE.]
+
+
+An honest, plain, sensible Country Mouse, is said to have entertained at
+his hole one day a fine Mouse of the Town. Having formerly been
+playfellows together, they were old acquaintance, which served as an
+apology for the visit. However, as master of the house, he thought
+himself obliged to do the honours of it, in all respects, and to make as
+great a stranger of his guest as he possibly could. In order to this, he
+set before him a reserve of delicate grey peas and bacon, a dish of fine
+oatmeal, some parings of new cheese, and, to crown all with a dessert, a
+remnant of a charming mellow apple. In good manners, he forbore to eat
+any himself, lest the stranger should not have enough; but, that he
+might seem to bear the other company, sat and nibbled a piece of a
+wheaten straw very busily. At last says the spark of the town, 'Old
+crony, give me leave to be a little free with you; how can you bear to
+live in this nasty, dirty, melancholy hole here, with nothing but woods
+and meadows, and mountains, and rivulets, about you? Do not you prefer
+the conversation of the world to the chirping of birds, and the
+splendour of a court to the rude aspect of an uncultivated desert! Come,
+take my word for it, you will find it a change for the better. Never
+stand considering, but away this moment. Remember, we are not immortal,
+and therefore have no time to lose. Make sure of to-day, and spend it as
+agreeably as you can; you know not what may happen to-morrow.' In short,
+these and such like arguments prevailed, and his Country Acquaintance
+was resolved to go to town that night. So they both set out upon their
+journey together, proposing to sneak in after the close of the evening.
+They did so; and, about midnight, made their entry into a certain great
+house, where there had been an extraordinary entertainment the day
+before, and several tit-bits, which some of the servants had purloined,
+were hid under the seat of a window. The Country Guest was immediately
+placed in the midst of a rich Persian carpet: and now it was the
+Courtier's turn to entertain; who, indeed, acquitted himself in that
+capacity with the utmost readiness and address, changing the courses as
+elegantly, and tasting every thing first as judiciously, as any clerk of
+a kitchen, the other sat and enjoyed himself like a delighted epicure,
+tickled to the last degree with this new turn of his affairs; when, on a
+sudden, a noise of somebody opening the door made them start from their
+seats, and scuttle in confusion about the dining-room. Our Country
+Friend, in particular, was ready to die with fear at the barking of a
+huge mastiff or two, which opened their throats just about the same
+time, and made the whole house echo. At last, recovering
+himself--'Well,' says he, 'if this be your town life, much good may do
+you with it: give me my poor quiet hole again, with my homely, but
+comfortable, grey peas.'
+
+
+APPLICATION.
+
+A moderate fortune, with a quiet retirement in the country, is
+preferable to the greatest affluence which is attended with care and the
+perplexity of business, and inseparable from the noise and hurry of the
+town. The practice of the generality of people of the best taste, it is
+to be owned, is directly against us in this point; but, when it is
+considered that this practise of theirs proceeds rather from a
+compliance with the fashion of the times, than their own private
+thoughts, the objection is of no force. Among the great numbers of men
+who have received a learned education, how few are there but either have
+their fortunes entirely to make, or, at least, think they deserve to
+have, and ought not to lose the opportunity of getting, somewhat more
+than their fathers have left them! The town is the field of action for
+volunteers of this kind; and whatever fondness they may have for the
+country, yet they must stay till their circumstances will admit of a
+retreat thither. But sure there never was a man yet, who lived in a
+constant return of trouble and fatigue in town, as all men of business
+do in some degree or other, but has formed to himself some end of
+getting some sufficient competency, which may enable him to purchase a
+quiet possession in the country, where he may indulge his genius, and
+give up his old age to that easy smooth life which, in the tempest of
+business, he had so often longed for. Can any thing argue more strongly
+for a country life, than to observe what a long course of labour people
+go through, and what difficulties they encounter to come at it? They
+look upon it, at a distance, like a kind of heaven, a place of rest and
+happiness; and are pushing forward through the rugged thorny cares of
+the world, to make their way towards it. If there are many who, though
+born to plentiful fortunes, yet live most part of their time in the
+noise, the smoke, and hurry of the town, we shall find, upon inquiry,
+that necessary indispensible business is the real or pretended plea
+which most of them have to make for it. The court and the senate require
+the attendance of some: lawsuits, and the proper direction of trade,
+engage others: they who have a sprightly wit and an elegant taste for
+conversation, will resort to the place which is frequented by people of
+the same turn, whatever aversion they may otherwise have for it; and
+others, who have no such pretence, have yet this to say, that they
+follow the fashion. They who appear to have been men of the best sense
+amongst the ancients, always recommended the country as the most proper
+scene for innocence, ease, and virtuous pleasure; and, accordingly, lost
+no opportunities of enjoying it: and men of the greatest distinction
+among the moderns, have ever thought themselves most happy when they
+could be decently spared from the employments which the excellency of
+their talents necessarily threw them into, to embrace the charming
+leisure of a country life.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE XVIII.
+
+[Illustration: THE SWALLOW AND OTHER BIRDS.]
+
+
+A farmer was sowing his field with flax. The Swallow observed it, and
+desired the other Birds to assist her in picking the seed up, and in
+destroying it; telling them, that flax was that pernicious material of
+which the thread was composed which made the fowler's nets, and by that
+means contributed to the ruin of so many innocent birds. But the poor
+Swallow not having the good fortune to be regarded, the flax sprung up,
+and appeared above the ground. She then put them in mind once more of
+their impending danger, and wished them to pluck it up in the bud,
+before it went any further. They still neglected her warnings; and the
+flax grew up into the high stalk. She yet again desired them to attack
+it, for that it was not yet too late. But all that she could get was to
+be ridiculed and despised for a silly pretending prophet. The Swallow
+finding all her remonstrances availed nothing, was resolved to leave the
+society of such unthinking, careless creatures, before it was too late.
+So quitting the woods, she repaired to the houses, and forsaking the
+conversation of the Birds, has ever since made her abode among the
+dwellings of men.
+
+
+APPLICATION.
+
+As men, we should always exercise so much humanity as to endeavour the
+welfare of mankind, particularly of our acquaintance and relations: and,
+if by nothing further, at least by our good advice. When we have done
+this, and, if occasion required, continued to repeat it a second or
+third time, we shall have acquitted ourselves sufficiently from any
+imputation upon their miscarriage; and having nothing more to do but to
+separate ourselves from them, that we may not be involved in their ruin,
+or be supposed to partake of their error. This is an excommunication
+which reason allows. For as it would be cruel, on the one side, to
+prosecute and hurt people for being mistaken, so, on the other, it would
+be indiscreet and over complaisant, to keep them company through all
+their wrong notions, and act contrary to our opinion out of pure
+civility.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE XIX.
+
+[Illustration: THE HUNTED BEAVER.]
+
+
+It is said that a Beaver (a creature which lives chiefly in the water)
+has a certain part about him which is good in physic, and that, upon
+this account, he is often hunted down and killed. Once upon a time, as
+one of these creatures was hard pursued by the dogs, and knew not how to
+escape, recollecting with himself the reason of his being thus
+persecuted, with a great resolution and presence of mind, he bit off the
+part which his hunters wanted, and throwing it towards them, by these
+means escaped with his life.
+
+
+APPLICATION.
+
+However it is among beasts, there are few human creatures but what are
+hunted for something else besides either their lives or the pleasure of
+hunting them. The inquisition would hardly be so keen against the Jews,
+if they had not something belonging to them which their persecutors
+esteem more valuable than their souls; which whenever that wise, but
+obstinate people, can prevail with themselves to part with, there is an
+end of the chase for that time. Indeed, when life is pursued, and in
+danger, whoever values it, should give up every thing but his honour to
+preserve it. And when a discarded minister is prosecuted for having
+damaged the commonwealth, let him but throw down some of the fruits of
+his iniquity to the hunters, and one may engage for his coming off, in
+other respects, with a whole skin.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE XX.
+
+[Illustration: THE CAT AND THE FOX.]
+
+
+As the Cat and the Fox were talking politics together, on a time, in the
+middle of a forest, Reynard said, 'Let things turn out ever so bad, he
+did not care, for he had a thousand tricks for them yet, before they
+should hurt him.'--'But pray,' says he, 'Mrs. Puss, suppose there should
+be an invasion, what course do you design to take?'--'Nay,' says the
+Cat, 'I have but one shift for it, and if that won't do, I am
+undone.'--'I am sorry for you, replies Reynard, 'with all my heart, and
+would gladly furnish you with one or two of mine, but indeed, neighbour,
+as times go, it is not good to trust; we must even be every one for
+himself, as the saying is, and so your humble servant.' These words were
+scarce out of his mouth, when they were alarmed with a pack of hounds,
+that came upon them full cry. The Cat, by the help of her single shift,
+ran up a tree, and sat securely among the top branches; from whence she
+beheld Reynard, who had not been able to get out of sight, overtaken
+with his thousand tricks, and torn in as many pieces by the dogs which
+had surrounded him.
+
+
+APPLICATION.
+
+A man that sets up for more cunning than the rest of his neighbours, is
+generally a silly fellow at the bottom. Whoever is master of a little
+judgment and insight into things, let him keep them to himself, and make
+use of them as he sees occasion; but he should not be teasing others
+with an idle and impertinent ostentation of them. One good discreet
+expedient, made use of upon an emergency, will do a man more real
+service, and make others think better of him, than to have passed all
+along for a shrewd crafty knave, and be bubbled at last. When any one
+has been such a coxcomb as to insult his acquaintance, by pretending to
+more policy and stratagem than the rest of mankind, they are apt to wish
+for some difficulty for him to show his skill in; where, if he should
+miscarry (as ten to one but he does) his misfortune, instead of pity, is
+sure to be attended with laughter. He that sets up for a biter, as the
+phrase is, being generally intent upon his prey, or vain of showing his
+art, frequently exposes himself to the traps of one sharper than
+himself, and incurs the ridicule of those whom he designed to make
+ridiculous.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE XXI.
+
+[Illustration: THE CAT AND THE MICE.]
+
+
+A certain house was much infested with Mice; but at last they got a Cat,
+who catched and eat every day some of them. The Mice, finding their
+numbers grow thin, consulted what was best to be done for the
+preservation of the public from the jaws of the devouring Cat. They
+debated and came to this resolution, That no one should go down below
+the upper shelf. The Cat, observing the mice no longer came down as
+usual, hungry and disappointed of her prey, had recourse to this
+stratagem; she hung by her hinder legs on a peg which stuck in the wall,
+and made as if she had been dead, hoping by this lure to entice the Mice
+to come down. She had not been in this posture long, before a cunning
+old Mouse peeped over the edge of the shelf, and spoke thus:--'Aha, my
+good friend, are you there! there may you be! I would not trust myself
+with you, though your skin were stuffed with straw.'
+
+
+APPLICATION.
+
+Prudent folks never trust those a second time who have deceived them
+once. And, indeed, we cannot well be too cautious in following this
+rule, for, upon examination, we shall find, that most of the misfortunes
+which befal us, proceed from our too great credulity. They that know how
+to suspect, without exposing or hurting themselves, till honesty comes
+to be more in fashion, can never suspect too much.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE XXII.
+
+[Illustration: THE LION AND OTHER BEASTS.]
+
+
+The Lion and several other beasts entered into an alliance, offensive
+and defensive, and were to live very sociably together in the forest.
+One day, having made a sort of an excursion by way of hunting, they took
+a very fine, large, fat deer, which was divided into four parts; there
+happening to be then present his majesty the Lion, and only three
+others. After the division was made, and the parts were set out, his
+majesty advancing forward some steps, and pointing to one of the shares,
+was pleased to declare himself after the following manner: 'This I seize
+and take possession of as my right, which devolves to me, as I am
+descended by a true, lineal, hereditary succession from the royal family
+of Lion: that (pointing to the second) I claim by, I think, no
+unreasonable demand; considering that all the engagements you have with
+the enemy turn chiefly upon my courage and conduct; and you very well
+know, that wars are too expensive to be carried on without proper
+supplies. Then (nodding his head towards the third) that I shall take by
+virtue of my prerogative; to which, I make no question, but so dutiful
+and loyal a people will pay all the deference and regard that I can
+desire. Now, as for the remaining part, the necessity of our present
+affairs is so very urgent, our stock so low, and our credit so impaired
+and weakened, that I must insist upon your granting that, without any
+hesitation or demur; and hereof fail not at your peril.'
+
+
+APPLICATION.
+
+No alliance is safe which is made with those that are superior to us in
+power. Though they lay themselves under the most strict and solemn ties
+at the opening of the congress, yet the first advantageous opportunity
+will tempt them to break the treaty; and they will never want specious
+pretences to furnish out their declarations of war. It is not easy to
+determine, whether it is more stupid and ridiculous for a community to
+trust itself first in the hands of those that are more powerful than
+themselves, or to wonder afterwards that their confidence and credulity
+are abused, and their properties invaded.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE XXIII.
+
+[Illustration: THE LION AND THE MOUSE.]
+
+
+A Lion, faint with heat, and weary with hunting, was laid down to take
+his repose under the spreading boughs of a thick shady oak. It happened
+that, while he slept, a company of scrambling Mice ran over his back,
+and waked him: upon which, starting up, he clapped his paw upon one of
+them, and was just going to put it to death; when the little suppliant
+implored his mercy in a very moving manner, begging him not to slain his
+noble character with the blood of so despicable and small a beast. The
+Lion, considering the matter, thought proper to do as he was desired,
+and immediately released his little trembling prisoner. Not long after,
+traversing the forest in pursuit of his prey, he chanced to run into
+the toils of the hunters; from whence, not able to disengage himself,
+he set up a most hideous and loud roar. The Mouse, hearing the voice,
+and knowing it to be the Lion's, immediately repaired to the place, and
+bid him fear nothing, for that he was his friend. Then straight he fell
+to work, and, with his little sharp teeth, gnawing asunder the knots and
+fastenings of the toils, set the royal brute at liberty.
+
+
+APPLICATION.
+
+This fable gives us to understand, that there is no person in the world
+so little, but even the greatest may, at some time or other, stand in
+need of his assistance; and consequently that it is good to use
+clemency, where there is any room for it, towards those who fall within
+our power. A generosity of this kind is a handsome virtue, and looks
+very graceful whenever it is exerted, if there were nothing else in it:
+but as the lowest people in life may, upon occasion, have it in their
+power either to serve or hurt us, that makes it our duty, in point of
+common interest, to behave ourselves with good nature and lenity towards
+all with whom we have to do. Then the gratitude of the Mouse, and his
+readiness not only to repay, but even to exceed, the obligation due to
+his benefactor, notwithstanding his little body, gives us the specimen
+of a great soul, which is never so much delighted as with an opportunity
+of showing how sensible it is of favours received.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE XXIV.
+
+[Illustration: THE FATAL MARRIAGE.]
+
+
+The Lion aforesaid, touched with the grateful procedure of the Mouse,
+and resolving not to be outdone in generosity by any wild beast
+whatsoever, desired his little deliverer to name his own terms, for that
+he might depend upon his complying with any proposal he should make. The
+Mouse, fired with ambition at this gracious offer, did not so much
+consider what was proper for him to ask, as what was in the power of his
+prince to grant; and so presumptuously demanded his princely daughter,
+the young Lioness, in marriage. The Lion consented: but, when he would
+have given the royal virgin into his possession, she, like a giddy thing
+as she was, not minding how she walked, by chance set her paw upon her
+spouse, who was coming to meet her, and crushed her little dear to
+pieces.
+
+
+APPLICATION.
+
+This fable seems intended to show us how miserable some people make
+themselves by a wrong choice, when they have all the good things in the
+world spread before them to choose out of. In short, if that one
+particular of judgment be wanting, it is not in the power of the
+greatest monarch upon earth, nor of the repeated smiles of fortune, to
+make us happy. It is the want or possession of a good judgment which
+oftentimes makes the prince a poor wretch, and the poor philosopher
+completely easy. Now, the first and chief degree of judgment is to know
+one's self; to be able to make a tolerable estimate of one's own
+capacity, so as not to speak or undertake any thing which may either
+injure or make us ridiculous: and yet (as wonderful as it is) there have
+been men of allowed good sense in particular, and possessed of all
+desirable qualifications in general, to make life delightful and
+agreeable, who have unhappily contrived to match themselves with women
+of a genius and temper necessarily tending to blast their peace. This
+proceeds from some unaccountable blindness: but when wealthy plebeians,
+of mean extraction and unrefined education, as an equivalent for their
+money, demand brides out of the nurseries of our peerage, their being
+despised, or at least overlooked, is so unavoidable, unless in
+extraordinary cases, that nothing but a false taste of glory could make
+them enter upon a scheme so inconsistent and unpromising.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE XXV.
+
+[Illustration: THE MISCHIEVOUS DOG.]
+
+
+A certain man had a Dog, which was so fierce and mischievous, that he
+was forced to fasten a heavy clog about his neck, to keep him from
+running at and worrying people. This the vain cur took for a badge of
+honourable distinction; and grew so insolent upon it, that he looked
+down with an air of scorn upon the neighbouring dogs, and refused to
+keep them company. But a sly old poacher, who was one of the gang,
+assured him, that he had no reason to value himself upon the favour he
+wore, since it was fixed upon him rather as a mark of disgrace than of
+honour.
+
+
+APPLICATION.
+
+Some people are so exceeding vain, and at the same time so dull of
+apprehension, that they interpret every thing by which they are
+distinguished from others in their own favour. If they betray any
+weaknesses in conversation, which are apt to excite the laughter of
+their company, they make no scruple of ascribing it to their superiority
+in point of wit. If want of sense or breeding (one of which is always
+the case) disposes them to give, or mistake, affronts, upon which
+account all discreet sensible people are obliged to shun their company,
+they impute it to their own valour and magnanimity, to which they fancy
+the world pays an awful and respectful deference. There are several
+decent ways of preventing such turbulent men from doing mischief, which
+might be applied with secrecy, and many times pass unregarded, if their
+own arrogance did not require the rest of mankind to take notice of it.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE XXVI.
+
+[Illustration: THE OX AND THE FROG.]
+
+
+An Ox, grazing in a meadow, chanced to set his foot among a parcel of
+young Frogs, and trod one of them to death. The rest informed their
+mother, when she came home, what had happened; telling her, that the
+beast which did it was the hugest creature that they ever saw in their
+lives. 'What, was it so big?' says the old Frog, swelling and blowing up
+her speckled belly to a great degree. 'Oh! bigger by a vast deal,' say
+they. 'And so big?' says she, straining herself yet more. 'Indeed,
+mamma,' say they, 'If you were to burst yourself, you would never be so
+big.' She strove yet again, and burst herself indeed.
+
+
+APPLICATION.
+
+Whenever a man endeavours to live equal with one of a greater fortune
+than himself, he is sure to share a like fate with the Frog in the
+fable. How many vain people, of moderate easy circumstances, burst and
+come to nothing, by vying with those whose estates are more ample than
+their own? Sir Changeling Plumstock was possessed of a very considerable
+estate, devolved to him by the death of an old uncle, who had adopted
+him his heir. He had a false taste of happiness, and, without the least
+economy, trusting to the sufficiency of his vast revenue, was resolved
+to be outdone by nobody in showish grandeur and expensive living. He
+gave five thousand pounds for a piece of ground in the country to set a
+house upon; the building and furniture of which cost fifty thousand
+more; and his gardens were proportionably magnificent. Besides which, he
+thought himself under a necessity of buying out two or three tenements
+which stood in his neighbourhood, that he might have elbow-room enough.
+All this he could very well bear; and still might have been happy, had
+it not been for an unfortunate view which he one day happened to take of
+my Lord Castlebuilder's gardens, which consisted of twenty acres,
+whereas his own were not above twelve. From that time he grew pensive;
+and, before the ensuing winter, gave five and thirty years purchase for
+a dozen acres more to enlarge his gardens; built a couple of exorbitant
+greenhouses, and a large pavilion at the further end of a terrace-walk.
+The bare repairs and superintendencies of all which call for the
+remaining part of his income. He is mortgaged pretty deep, and pays
+nobody; but, being a privileged person, resides altogether at a private
+cheap lodging in the City of Westminster.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE XXVII.
+
+[Illustration: THE FOX AND THE LION.]
+
+
+The first time the Fox saw the Lion, he fell down at his feet, and was
+ready to die with fear. The second time, he took courage, and could even
+bear to look upon him. The third time, he had the impudence to come up
+to him, to salute him, and to enter into familiar conversation with him.
+
+
+APPLICATION.
+
+From this fable we may observe the two extremes in which we may fail, as
+to a proper behaviour towards our superiors: the one is a bashfulness,
+proceeding either from a vicious guilty mind, or a timorous rusticity;
+the other, an over-bearing impudence, which assumes more than becomes
+it, and so renders the person insufferable to the conversation of
+well-bred reasonable people. But there is this difference between the
+bashfulness that arises from a want of education, and the shamefacedness
+that accompanies conscious guilt; the first, by a continuance of time
+and a nearer acquaintance, may be ripened into a proper liberal
+behaviour; the other no sooner finds an easy practicable access, but it
+throws off all manner of reverence, grows every day more and more
+familiar, and branches out into the utmost indecency and irregularity.
+Indeed, there are many occasions which may happen to cast an awe, or
+even a terror, upon our minds at first view, without any just and
+reasonable grounds; but upon a little recollection, or a nearer insight,
+we recover ourselves, and can appear indifferent and unconcerned, where,
+before, we were ready to sink under a load of diffidence and fear. We
+should, upon such occasions, use our endeavours to regain a due degree
+of steadiness and resolution; but, at the same time, we must have a care
+that our efforts in that respect do not force the balance too much, and
+make it rise to an unbecoming freedom and an offensive familiarity.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE XXVIII.
+
+[Illustration: THE APE AND THE FOX.]
+
+
+The Ape meeting the Fox one day, humbly requested him to give him a
+piece of his fine, long, brush tail, to cover his poor naked backside,
+which was exposed to all the violence and inclemency of the weather;
+'For,' says he, 'Reynard, you have already more than you have occasion
+for, and a great part of it even drags along in the dirt.' The Fox
+answered, 'That as to his having too much, that was more than he knew;
+but be it as it would, he had rather sweep the ground with his tail, as
+long as he lived, than deprive himself of the least bit to cover the
+Ape's nasty stinking posteriors.'
+
+
+APPLICATION.
+
+One cannot help considering the world, in the particular of the goods of
+fortune, as a kind of lottery; in which some few are entitled to prizes
+of different degrees; others, and those by much the greatest part, come
+off with little or nothing. Some, like the Fox, have even larger
+circumstances than they know what to do with, insomuch that they are
+rather a charge and incumbrance than of any true use and pleasure to
+them. Others, like the poor Ape's case, are all blank; not having been
+so lucky as to draw from the wheel of fortune wherewith to cover their
+nakedness, and live with tolerable decency. That these things are left,
+in a great measure, by Providence, to the blind uncertain shuffle of
+chance, is reasonable to conclude from the unequal distribution of them;
+for there is seldom any regard had to true merit upon these occasions;
+folly and knavery ride in coaches, while good sense and honesty walk in
+the dirt. The all-wise Disposer of events does certainly permit these
+things for just and good purposes, which our shallow understanding is
+not able to fathom; but, humanly thinking, if the riches and power of
+the world were to be always in the hands of the virtuous part of
+mankind, they would be more likely to do good with them in their
+generation, than the vile sottish wretches who generally enjoy them. A
+truly good man would direct all the superfluous part of his wealth, at
+least, for the necessities of his fellow-creatures, though there were no
+religion which enjoined it: but selfish and avaricious people, who are
+always great knaves, how much soever they may have, will never think
+they have enough: much less be induced, by any consideration of virtue
+and religion, to part with the least farthing for public charity and
+beneficence.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE XXIX.
+
+[Illustration: THE DOG IN THE MANGER.]
+
+
+A Dog was lying upon a manger full of hay. An Ox, being hungry, came
+near, and offered to eat of the hay; but the envious ill-natured cur,
+getting up and snarling at him, would not suffer him to touch it. Upon
+which the Ox, in the bitterness of his heart, said, 'A curse light on
+thee, for a malicious wretch, who wilt neither eat hay thyself, nor
+suffer others to do it.'
+
+
+APPLICATION.
+
+Envy is the most unnatural and unaccountable of all the passions. There
+is scarce any other emotion of the mind, however unreasonable, but may
+have something said in excuse for it; and there are many of these
+weaknesses of the soul, which, notwithstanding the wrongness and
+irregularity of them, swell the heart, while they last, with pleasure
+and gladness. But the envious man has no such apology as this to make;
+the stronger the passion is, the greater torment he endures; and
+subjects himself to a continual real pain, by only wishing ill to
+others. Revenge is sweet, though cruel and inhuman; and though it
+sometimes thirsts even for blood, yet may be glutted and satiated.
+Avarice is something highly monstrous and absurd; yet, as it is a desire
+after riches, every little acquisition gives it pleasure; and to behold
+and feel the hoarded treasure, to a covetous man, is a constant
+uncloying enjoyment. But envy, which is an anxiety arising in our minds,
+upon our observing accomplishments in others which we want ourselves,
+can never receive any true comfort, unless in a deluge, a conflagration,
+a plague, or some general calamity that should befal mankind: for, as
+long as there is a creature living, that enjoys its being happily within
+the envious man's sphere, it will afford nourishment to his distempered
+mind; but such nourishment as will make him pine, and fret, and emaciate
+himself to nothing.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE XXX.
+
+[Illustration: THE BIRDS, THE BEASTS, AND THE BAT.]
+
+
+Once upon a time there commenced a fierce war between the Birds and the
+Beasts; when the Bat, taking advantage of his ambiguous make hoped, by
+that means, to live secure in a state of neutrality, and save his bacon.
+It was not long before the forces on each side met, and gave battle;
+and, their animosities running very high, a bloody slaughter ensued. The
+Bat, at the beginning of the day, thinking the birds most likely to
+carry it, listed himself among them; but kept fluttering at a little
+distance, that he might the better observe, and take his measures
+accordingly. However, after some time spent in the action, the army of
+the Beasts seeming to prevail, he went entirely over to them, and
+endeavoured to convince them, by the affinity which he had to a Mouse,
+that he was by nature a beast, and would always continue firm and true
+to their interest. His plea was admitted; but, in the end, the advantage
+turning completely on the side of the Birds, under the admirable conduct
+and courage of their general the Eagle, the Bat, to save his life, and
+escape the disgrace of falling into the hands of his deserted friends,
+betook himself to flight; and ever since, skulking in caves and hollow
+trees all day, as if ashamed to show himself, he never appears till the
+dusk of the evening, when all the feathered inhabitants of the air are
+gone to roost.
+
+
+APPLICATION.
+
+For any one to desert the interest of his country, and turn renegado,
+either out of fear, or any prospect of advantage, is so notoriously vile
+and low, that it is no wonder if the man, who is detected in it, is for
+ever ashamed to see the sun, and to show himself in the eyes of those
+whose cause he has betrayed. Yet, as there is scarce any vice, even to
+be imagined, but there may be found men who have been guilty of it,
+perhaps there have been as many criminals in the case before us, as in
+any one particular besides, notwithstanding the aggravation and
+extraordinary degree of its baseness. We cannot help reflecting upon it
+with horror: but, as truly detestable as this vice is, and must be
+acknowledged to be, by all mankind, so far are those that practise it
+from being treated with a just resentment by the rest of mankind, that
+by the kind reception they afterwards meet with, they rather seem to be
+encouraged and applauded, than despised and discountenanced, for it.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE XXXI.
+
+[Illustration: THE FOX AND THE TIGER.]
+
+
+A skilful archer coming into the woods, directed his arrows so
+successfully, that he slew many wild beasts, and pursued several others.
+This put the whole savage kind into a fearful consternation, and made
+them fly to the most retired thickets for refuge. At last, the Tiger
+resumed a courage, and, bidding them not to be afraid, said, that he
+alone would engage the enemy; telling them, they might depend upon his
+valour and strength to revenge their wrongs. In the midst of these
+threats, while he was lashing himself with his tail, and tearing up the
+ground for anger, an arrow pierced his ribs, and hung by its barbed
+point in his side. He set up an hideous and loud roar, occasioned by
+the anguish which he felt, and endeavoured to draw out the painful dart
+with his teeth; when the Fox, approaching him, inquired with an air of
+surprise, who it was that could have strength and courage enough to
+wound so mighty and valorous a beast?--'Ah!' says the Tiger, 'I was
+mistaken in my reckoning: it was that invincible man yonder.'
+
+
+APPLICATION.
+
+Though strength and courage are very good ingredients towards the making
+us secure and formidable in the world, yet, unless there be a proper
+portion of wisdom or policy to direct them, instead of being
+serviceable, they often prove detrimental to their proprietors. A rash
+froward man, who depends upon the excellence of his own parts and
+accomplishments, is likewise apt to expose a weak side, which his
+enemies might not otherwise have observed, and gives an advantage to
+others by those very means which he fancied would have secured it to
+himself. Counsel and conduct always did, and always will, govern the
+world; and the strong, in spite of all their force, can never avoid
+being tools to the crafty. Some men are as much superior to others in
+wisdom and policy, as man, in general, is above a brute. Strength
+ill-concerted, opposed to them, is like a quarter staff in the hands of
+a huge, robust, but bungling fellow, who fights against a master of the
+science. The latter, though without a weapon, would have skill and
+address enough to disarm his adversary, and drub him with his own staff.
+In a word, savage fierceness and brutal strength must not pretend to
+stand in competition with finesse and stratagem.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE XXXII.
+
+[Illustration: THE LIONESS AND THE FOX.]
+
+
+The Lioness and the Fox meeting together fell into discourse; and the
+conversation turning upon the breeding and the fruitfulness of some
+living creatures above others, the Fox could not forbear taking the
+opportunity of observing to the Lioness, that, for her part, she thought
+Foxes were as happy in that respect as almost any other creatures; for
+that they bred constantly once a year, if not oftener, and always had a
+good litter of cubs at every birth: 'and yet,' says she, 'there are
+those who are never delivered of more than one at a time, and that
+perhaps not above once or twice through their whole life, who hold up
+their noses, and value themselves so much upon it, that they think all
+other creatures beneath them, and scarce worthy to be spoken to.' The
+Lioness, who all the while perceived at whom this reflection pointed,
+was fired with resentment, and with a good deal of vehemence
+replied--'What you have observed may be true, and that not without
+reason. You produce a great many at a litter, and often; but what are
+they?--Foxes. I indeed have but one at a time; but you should remember
+that this one is a Lion.'
+
+
+APPLICATION.
+
+Our productions, of whatsoever kind, are not to be esteemed so much by
+the quantity as the quality of them. It is not being employed much, but
+well, and to the purpose, which makes us useful to the age we live in,
+and celebrated by those which are to come. As it is a misfortune to the
+countries which are infested with them, for Foxes and other vermin to
+multiply; so one cannot help throwing out a melancholy reflection, when
+one sees some particulars of the humankind increase so fast as they do.
+But the most obvious meaning of this fable, is the hint it gives us in
+relation to authors. These gentlemen should never attempt to raise
+themselves a reputation, by enumerating a catalogue of their
+productions; since there is more glory in having written one tolerable
+piece, than a thousand indifferent ones. And whoever has had the good
+fortune to please in one performance of this kind, should be very
+cautious how he ventures his reputation in a second.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE XXXIII.
+
+[Illustration: THE OAK AND THE REED.]
+
+
+An oak, which hung over the bank of a river, was blown down by a violent
+storm of wind; and as it was carried along by the stream, some of its
+boughs brushed against a Reed which grew near the shore. This struck the
+Oak with a thought of admiration; and he could not forbear asking the
+Reed, how he came to stand so secure and unhurt, in a tempest which had
+been furious enough to tear an Oak up by the roots? 'Why,' says the
+Reed, 'I secure myself by putting on a behaviour quite contrary to what
+you do; instead of being stubborn and stiff, and confiding in my
+strength, I yield and bend to the blast, and let it go over me; knowing
+how vain and fruitless it would be to resist.'
+
+
+APPLICATION.
+
+Though a tame submission to injuries which it is in our power to
+redress, be generally esteemed a base and a dishonourable thing; yet, to
+resist where there is no probability, or even hopes, of our getting the
+better, may also be looked upon as the effect of a blind temerity, and
+perhaps of a weak understanding. The strokes of fortune are oftentimes
+as irresistible as they are severe; and he who, with an impatient
+reluctant spirit, fights against her, instead of alleviating, does but
+double her blows upon himself. A person of a quiet still temper, whether
+it is given him by Nature, or acquired by art, calmly composes himself,
+in the midst of a storm, so as to elude the shock, or receive it with
+the least detriment; like a prudent experienced sailor, who is swimming
+to the shore from a wrecked vessel in a swelling sea, he does not oppose
+the fury of the waves, but stoops and gives way, that they may roll over
+his head without obstruction. The doctrine of absolute submission in all
+cases is an absurd dogmatical precept, with nothing but ignorance and
+superstition to support it: but, upon particular occasions, and where it
+is impossible for us to overcome, to submit patiently is one of the most
+reasonable maxims in life.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE XXXIV.
+
+[Illustration: THE WIND AND THE SUN.]
+
+
+A dispute once arose between the north Wind and the Sun, about the
+superiority of their power; and they agreed to try their strength upon a
+traveller, which should be able to get his cloak off first. The north
+Wind began, and blew a very cold blast, accompanied with a sharp driving
+shower. But this, and whatever else he could do, instead of making the
+man quit his cloak, obliged him to gird it about his body as close as
+possible. Next came the Sun, who, breaking out from a thick watery
+cloud, drove away the cold vapours from the sky, and darted his warm
+sultry beams upon the head of the poor weather-beaten traveller. The man
+growing faint with the heat, and unable to endure it any longer, first
+throws off his heavy cloak, and then flies for protection to the shade
+of a neighbouring grove.
+
+
+APPLICATION.
+
+There is something in the temper of men so averse to severe and
+boisterous treatment, that he who endeavours to carry his point that
+way, instead of prevailing, generally leaves the mind of him, whom he
+has thus attempted, in a more confirmed and obstinate situation than he
+found it at first. Bitter words and hard usage freeze the heart into a
+kind of obduracy, which mild persuasion and gentle language only can
+dissolve and soften. Persecution has always fixed and rivetted those
+opinions which it was intended to dispel; and some discerning men have
+attributed the quick growth of Christianity, in a great measure, to the
+rough and barbarous reception which its first teachers met with in the
+world. The same may have been observed of our reformation; the blood of
+the martyrs was the manure which produced that great Protestant crop, on
+which the church of England has subsisted ever since. Providence, which
+always makes use of the most natural means to attain its purpose, has
+thought fit to establish the purest religion by this method: the
+consideration of which may give a proper check to those who are
+continually endeavouring to root out errors by that very management,
+which so infallibly fixes and implants all opinions, as well erroneous
+as orthodox. When an opinion is so violently attacked, it raises an
+attention in the persecuted party, and gives an alarm to their vanity,
+by making them think that worth defending and keeping, at the hazard of
+their lives, which, perhaps, otherwise they would only have admired
+awhile for the sake of its novelty, and afterwards resigned of their own
+accord. In short, a fierce turbulent opposition, like the north Wind,
+only serves to make a man wrap up his notions more closely about him;
+but we know not what a kind, warm, Sun-shiny behaviour, rightly applied,
+would not be able to effect.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE XXXV.
+
+[Illustration: THE KITE, THE FROG, AND THE MOUSE.]
+
+
+There was once a great emulation between the Frog and the Mouse, which
+should be master of the fen, and wars ensued upon it. But the crafty
+Mouse, lurking under the grass in ambuscade, made sudden sallies, and
+often surprised the enemy at a disadvantage. The Frog, excelling in
+strength, and being more able to leap abroad and take the field,
+challenged the Mouse to single combat. The Mouse accepts the challenge;
+and each of them entered the lists, armed with a point of a bulrush
+instead of a spear. A Kite, sailing in the air, beheld them afar off;
+and, while they were eagerly bent upon each other, and pressing on to
+the duel, this fatal enemy descended souse upon them, and with her
+crooked talons carried off both the champions.
+
+
+APPLICATION.
+
+Nothing so much exposes a man's weak side, and lays him so open to an
+enemy, as passion and malice. He whose attention is wholly fixed upon
+forming a project of revenge, is ignorant of the mischiefs that may be
+hatching against him from some other quarter, and, upon the attack, is
+unprovided with the means of defending or securing himself. How are the
+members of a commonwealth sometimes divided amongst themselves, and
+inspired with rancour and malice to the last degree; and often upon as
+great a trifle as that which was the subject matter of debate between
+the Frog and the Mouse; not for any real advantage, but merely who shall
+get the better in the dispute? But such animosities, as insignificant
+and trifling as they may be among themselves, are yet of the last
+importance to their enemies, by giving them many fair opportunities of
+falling upon them, and reducing them to misery and slavery. O Britons,
+when will ye be wise! when will ye throw away the ridiculous
+distinctions of party, those ends of bulrushes, and by a prudent union
+secure yourselves in a state of peace and prosperity! A state, of which,
+if it were not for your intolerably foolish and unnecessary divisions at
+home, all the powers upon earth could never deprive you.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE XXXVI.
+
+[Illustration: THE FROGS DESIRING A KING.]
+
+
+The Frogs, living an easy free life every where among the lakes and
+ponds, assembled together, one day, in a very tumultuous manner, and
+petitioned Jupiter to let them have a King, who might inspect their
+morals, and make them live a little honester. Jupiter, being at that
+time in pretty good humour, was pleased to laugh heartily at their
+ridiculous request; and, throwing a little log down into the pool,
+cried, 'There is a King for you.' The sudden splash which this made by
+its fall into the water, at first terrified them so exceedingly, that
+they were afraid to come near it. But in a little time, seeing it lay
+still without moving, they ventured, by degrees, to approach it; and at
+last, finding there was no danger, they leaped upon it; and, in short,
+treated it as familiarly as they pleased. But not contented with so
+insipid a King as this was, they sent their deputies to petition again
+for another sort of one; for this they neither did nor could like. Upon
+that he sent them a Stork, who, without any ceremony, fell a devouring
+and eating them up, one after another, as fast as he could. Then they
+applied themselves privately to Mercury, and got him to speak to Jupiter
+in their behalf, that he would be so good as to bless them again with
+another King, or to restore them to their former state. 'No,' says he,
+'since it was their own choice, let the obstinate wretches suffer the
+punishment due to their folly.'
+
+
+APPLICATION.
+
+It is pretty extraordinary to find a fable of this kind finished with so
+bold and yet polite a turn by Ph�drus: one who attained his freedom by
+the favour of Augustus, and wrote it in the time of Tiberius; who were,
+successively, tyrannical usurpers of the Roman government. If we may
+take his word for it, �sop spoke it upon this occasion. When the
+commonwealth of Athens flourished under good wholesome laws of its own
+enacting, they relied so much upon the security of their liberty, that
+they negligently suffered it to run out into licentiousness. And
+factions happening to be fomented among them by designing people, much
+about the same time, Pisistratus took that opportunity to make himself
+master of their citadel and liberties both together. The Athenians
+finding themselves in a slate of slavery, though their tyrant happened
+to be a very merciful one, yet could not bear the thoughts of it; so
+that �sop, where there was no remedy, prescribes to them patience, by
+the example of the foregoing fable; and adds, at last, 'Wherefore, my
+dear countrymen, be contented with your present condition, bad as it is,
+for fear a change should be worse.'
+
+
+
+
+FABLE XXXVII.
+
+[Illustration: THE OLD WOMAN AND HER MAIDS.]
+
+
+A certain Old Woman had several Maids, whom she used to call up to their
+work, every morning, at the crowing of the Cock. The Wenches, who found
+it grievous to have their sweet sleep disturbed so early, combined
+together, and killed the Cock; thinking, that, when the alarm was gone,
+they might enjoy themselves in their warm beds a little longer. The Old
+Woman, grieved for the loss of her Cock, and having, by some means or
+other, discovered the whole plot, was resolved to be even with them;
+for, from that time, she obliged them to rise constantly at midnight.
+
+
+APPLICATION.
+
+It can never be expected that things should be, in all respects,
+agreeable to our wishes; and, if they are not very bad indeed, we
+ought, in many cases, to be contented with them; lest when, through
+impatience, we precipitately quit our present condition of life, we may
+to our sorrow find, with the old saying, that seldom comes a better.
+Before we attempt any alteration of moment, we should be certain what
+state it will produce; for, when things are already bad, to make them
+worse by trying experiments, is an argument of great weakness and folly,
+and is sure to be attended with a too late repentance. Grievances, if
+really such, ought by all means to be redressed, provided we can be
+assured of doing it with success: but we had better, at any time, bear
+with some inconvenience, than make our condition worse by attempting to
+mend it.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE XXXVIII.
+
+[Illustration: THE LION, THE BEAR, AND THE FOX.]
+
+
+A Lion and a Bear fell together by the ears over the carcass of a Fawn
+which they found in the forest, their title to him being to be decided
+by force of arms. The battle was severe and tough on both sides, and
+they held it out, tearing and worrying one another so long, that, what
+with wounds and fatigue, they were so faint and weary, that they were
+not able to strike another stroke. Thus, while they lay upon the ground,
+panting and lolling out their tongues, a Fox chanced to pass by that
+way, who, perceiving how the case stood, very impudently stepped in
+between them, seized the booty which they had all this while been
+contending for, and carried it off. The two combatants, who lay and
+beheld all this, without having strength enough to stir and prevent it,
+were only wise enough to make this reflection: 'Behold the fruits of our
+strife and contention! that villain, the Fox, bears away the prize, and
+we ourselves have deprived each other of the power to recover it from
+him.'
+
+
+APPLICATION.
+
+When people go to law about an uncertain title, and have spent their
+whole estate in the contest, nothing is more common than for some little
+pettifogging attorney to step in and secure it to himself. The very name
+of law seems to imply equity and justice, and that is the bait which has
+drawn in many to their ruin. Others are excited by their passions, and
+care not if they destroy themselves, so they do but see their enemy
+perish with them. But, if we lay aside prejudice and folly, and think
+calmly of the matter, we shall find, that going to law is not the best
+way of deciding differences about property; it being, generally
+speaking, much safer to trust to the arbitration of two or three honest
+sensible neighbours, than, at a vast expense of money, time, and
+trouble, to run through the tedious, frivolous forms, with which, by the
+artifice of greedy lawyers, a court of judicature is contrived to be
+attended. It has been said, that if mankind would lead moral virtuous
+lives, there would be no occasion for divines; if they would but live
+temperately and soberly, that they would never want physicians; both
+which assertions, though true in the main, are yet expressed in too
+great a latitude. But one may venture to affirm, that if men preserved
+a strict regard to justice and honesty in their dealings with each
+other, and, upon any mistake or misapprehension, were always ready to
+refer the matter to disinterested umpires, of acknowledged judgment and
+integrity, they never could have the least occasion for lawyers. When
+people have gone to law, it is rarely to be found but one or both
+parties was either stupidly obstinate, or rashly inconsiderate. For, if
+the case should happen to be so intricate, that a man of common sense
+could not distinguish who had the best title, how easy would it be to
+have the opinion of the best counsel in the land, and agree to determine
+it by that? If it should appear dubious even after that, how much better
+would it be to divide the thing in dispute, rather than go to law, and
+hazard the losing not only of the whole, but costs and damages into the
+bargain?
+
+
+
+
+FABLE XXXIX.
+
+[Illustration: THE CROW AND THE PITCHER.]
+
+
+A Crow, ready to die with thirst, flew with joy to a Pitcher, which he
+beheld at some distance. When he came, he found water in it indeed, but
+so near the bottom, that, with all his stooping and straining, he was
+not able to reach it. Then he endeavoured to overturn the Pitcher, that
+so at least he might be able to get a little of it. But his strength was
+not sufficient for this. At last, seeing some pebbles lie near the
+place, he cast them one by one into the Pitcher; and thus, by degrees,
+raised the water up to the very brim, and satisfied his thirst.
+
+
+APPLICATION.
+
+Many things which cannot be effected by strength, or by the vulgar way
+of enterprising, may yet be brought about by some new and untried means.
+A man of sagacity and penetration, upon encountering a difficulty or
+two, does not immediately despair; but, if he cannot succeed one way,
+employs his wit and ingenuity another; and, to avoid or get over an
+impediment, makes no scruple of stepping out of the path of his
+forefathers. Since our happiness, next to the regulation of our minds,
+depends altogether upon our having and enjoying the conveniences of
+life, why should we stand upon ceremony about the methods of obtaining
+them, or pay any deference to antiquity upon that score? If almost every
+age had not exerted itself in some new improvements of its own, we
+should want a thousand arts, or, at least, many degrees of perfection in
+every art, which at present we are in possession of. The invention of
+any thing which is more commodious for the mind or body than what they
+had before, ought to be embraced readily, and the projector of it
+distinguished with a suitable encouragement. Such as the use of the
+compass, for example, from which mankind reaps so much benefit and
+advantage, and which was not known to former ages. When we follow the
+steps of those who have gone before us in the old beaten track of life,
+how do we differ from horses in a team, which are linked to each other
+by a chain or harness, and move on in a dull heavy pace, to the tune of
+their leader's bells? But the man who enriches the present fund of
+knowledge with some new and useful improvement, like a happy adventurer
+at sea, discovers, as it were, an unknown land, and imports an
+additional trade into his own country.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE XL.
+
+[Illustration: THE PORCUPINE AND THE SNAKES.]
+
+
+A Porcupine, wanting to shelter himself, desired a nest of Snakes to
+give him admittance into their cave. They were prevailed upon, and let
+him in accordingly; but were so annoyed with his sharp prickly quills,
+that they soon repented of their easy compliance, and entreated the
+Porcupine to withdraw, and leave them their hole to themselves. 'No,'
+says he, 'let them quit the place that don't like it; for my part, I am
+well enough satisfied as I am.'
+
+
+APPLICATION.
+
+Some people are of such brutish, inhospitable tempers, that there is no
+living with them, without greatly incommoding ourselves. Therefore,
+before we enter into any degree of friendship, alliance, or partnership,
+with any person whatever, we should thoroughly consider his nature and
+qualities, his circumstances and his humour. There ought to be something
+in each of these respects to tally and correspond with our own measures,
+to suit our genius, and adapt itself to the size and proportion of our
+desires; otherwise our associations, of whatever kind, may prove the
+greatest plagues of our life. Young men are very apt to run into this
+error; and being warm in all their passions, throw open their arms at
+once, and admit into the greatest intimacy persons whom they know little
+of, but by false and uncertain lights. Thus they sometimes receive a
+Viper into their bosom instead of a friend, and take a Porcupine for a
+consort, with whom they are obliged to cohabit, though she may prove a
+thorn in their sides as long as they live. A true friend is one of the
+greatest blessings in life; therefore to be mistaken or disappointed of
+such enjoyment, when we hope to be in full possession of it must be as
+great a mortification. So that we cannot be too nice and scrupulous in
+our choice of those who are to be our companions for life: for they must
+have but a poor shallow notion of friendship, who intend to take it,
+like a lease, for a term of years only. In a word, the doctrine which
+this fable speaks, is to prepare us against being injured or deceived by
+a rash combination of any sort. The manners of the man we desire for a
+friend, of the woman we like for a wife, of the person with whom we
+would jointly manage and concert measures for the advancement of our
+temporal interest, should be narrowly and cautiously inspected, before
+we embark with them in the same vessel, lest we should alter our mind
+when it is too late, and think of regaining the shore after we have
+launched out of our depth.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE XLI.
+
+[Illustration: THE HARES AND FROGS IN A STORM.]
+
+
+Upon a great storm of wind that blew among the trees and bushes, and
+made a rustling with the leaves, the Hares (in a certain park where
+there happened to be plenty of them) were so terribly frighted, that
+they ran like mad all over the place, resolving to seek out some retreat
+of more security, or to end their unhappy days by doing violence to
+themselves. With this resolution they found an outlet where a pale had
+been broken down, and, bolting forth upon an adjoining common, had not
+run far before their course was stopped by that of a gentle brook which
+glided across the way they intended to take. This was so grievous a
+disappointment, that they were not able to bear it; and they determined
+rather to throw themselves headlong into the water, let what would
+become of it, than lead a life so full of dangers and crosses. But, upon
+their coming to the brink of the river, a parcel of Frogs, which were
+sitting there, frighted at their approach, leaped into the stream in
+great confusion, and dived to the very bottom for fear: which a cunning
+old Puss observing, called to the rest and said, 'Hold, have a care what
+ye do: here are other creatures, I perceive, which have their fears as
+well as us: don't then let us fancy ourselves the most miserable of any
+upon earth; but rather, by their example, learn to bear patiently those
+inconveniences which our nature has thrown upon us.'
+
+
+APPLICATION.
+
+This fable is designed to show us how unreasonable many people are for
+living in such continual fears and disquiets about the miserableness of
+their condition. There is hardly any state of life great enough to
+satisfy the wishes of an ambitious man; and scarce any so mean but may
+supply all the necessities of him that is moderate. But if people will
+be so unwise as to work themselves up to imaginary misfortunes, why do
+they grumble at nature and their stars, when their own perverse minds
+are only to blame? If we are to conclude ourselves unhappy by as many
+degrees as there are others greater than we, why then the greatest part
+of mankind must be miserable, in some degree at least. But, if they who
+repine at their own afflicted condition, would but reckon up how many
+more there are with whom they would not change cases, than whose
+pleasures they envy, they would certainly rise up better satisfied from
+such a calculation. But what shall we say to those who have a way of
+creating themselves panics from the rustling of the wind, the scratching
+of a Rat or Mouse behind the hangings, the fluttering of a Moth, or the
+motion of their own shadow by moonlight? Their whole life is as full of
+alarms as that of a Hare, and they never think themselves so happy as
+when, like the timorous folks in the fable, they meet with a set of
+creatures as fearful as themselves.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE XLII.
+
+[Illustration: THE FOX AND THE WOLF.]
+
+
+The Wolf having laid in store of provision, kept close at home, and made
+much of himself. The Fox observed this, and thinking it something
+particular, went to visit him, the better to inform himself of the truth
+of the matter. The Wolf excused himself from seeing him, by pretending
+he was very much indisposed. All this did but confirm the Fox in his
+suspicions: so away he goes to a shepherd, and made discovery of the
+Wolf; telling him, he had nothing else to do but to come with a good
+weapon and knock him on the head as he lay in his cave. The shepherd
+followed his directions, and killed the Wolf. The wicked Fox enjoyed the
+cave and provisions to himself, but enjoyed them not long; for the same
+shepherd passing afterwards by the same hole, and seeing the Fox there,
+dispatched him also.
+
+
+APPLICATION.
+
+This fable seems to be directed against the odious trade of informing.
+Not that giving information against criminals and enemies of the public
+is in itself odious, for it is commendable; but the circumstances and
+manner of doing it oftentimes make it a vile and detestable employment.
+He that accuses another merely for the sake of the promised reward, or
+in hopes of getting his forfeited estate, or with any other such
+mercenary view, nay, even to save his own life, whatever he gets by the
+bargain, is sure to lose his reputation: for, indeed, the most innocent
+company is not safe with such a one in it, nor the neighbourhood secure
+in which he lives. A villain of his stamp, whose only end is getting,
+will as soon betray the innocent as the guilty: let him but know where
+there is a suspected person, and propose the reward, and he will scarce
+fail to work the suspicion up to high-treason, or be at a loss to give
+sufficient proofs of it. We have no small comfort concerning this sort
+of people, when we consider how improbable it is that they should thrive
+or prosper long in their ill-gotten possessions. For he that can betray
+another for the sake of a little pelf, must be a man of such bad
+principles, that it cannot be for the interest of any community to
+suffer him to live long in it. Besides, he himself will not be
+contented with one single villany; and there is no fear but he will
+provoke justice to hurl down upon his head at least as great a calamity
+as he, by his malicious information, has brought upon another.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE XLIII.
+
+[Illustration: THE DOG AND THE SHEEP.]
+
+
+The Dog sued the Sheep for a debt, of which the Kite and the Wolf were
+to be judges. They, without debating long upon the matter, or making any
+scruple for want of evidence, gave sentence for the plaintiff; who
+immediately tore the poor Sheep in pieces, and divided the spoil with
+the unjust judges.
+
+
+APPLICATION.
+
+Deplorable are the times when open barefaced villany is protected and
+encouraged, when innocence is obnoxious, honesty contemptible, and it is
+reckoned criminal to espouse the cause of virtue. Men originally entered
+into covenants and civil compacts with each other for the promotion of
+their happiness and well-being, for the establishment of justice and
+public peace. How comes it then that they look stupidly on, and tamely
+acquiesce, when wicked men pervert this end, and establish an arbitrary
+tyranny of their own upon the foundation of fraud and oppression? Among
+beasts, who are incapable of being civilized by social laws, it is no
+strange thing to see innocent helpless Sheep fall a prey to Dogs,
+Wolves, and Kites: but it is amazing how mankind could ever sink down to
+such a low degree of base cowardice, as to suffer some of the worst of
+their species to usurp a power over them, to supersede the righteous
+laws of good government, and to exercise all kinds of injustice and
+hardship, in gratifying their own vicious lusts. Wherever such
+enormities are practised, it is when a few rapacious statesmen combine
+together to get and secure the power in their own hands, and agree to
+divide the spoil among themselves. For as long as the cause is to be
+tried only among themselves, no question but they will always vouch for
+each other. But, at the same time, it is hard to determine which
+resemble brutes most, they in acting, or the people in suffering them to
+act, their vile selfish schemes.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE XLIV.
+
+[Illustration: THE PEACOCK AND THE CRANE.]
+
+
+The Peacock and the Crane by chance met together in the same place. The
+Peacock erecting his tail, displayed his gaudy plumes, and looked with
+contempt upon the Crane, as some mean ordinary person. The Crane,
+resolving to mortify his insolence, took occasion to say, that Peacocks
+were very fine birds indeed, if fine feathers could make them so; but
+that he thought it a much nobler thing to be able to rise above the
+clouds, than to strut about upon the ground, and be gazed at by
+children.
+
+
+APPLICATION.
+
+It is very absurd to slight or insult another upon his wanting a
+property which we possess; for he may, for any thing we know, have as
+just reason to triumph over us, by being master of some good quality of
+which we are incapable. But, in regard to the fable before us, that
+which the Peacock values himself upon, the glitter and finery of dress,
+is one of the most trifling considerations in nature; and what a man of
+sense would be ashamed to reckon even as the least part of merit.
+Indeed, children, and those people who think much about the same pitch
+with them, are apt to be taken with varnish and tinsel: but they who
+examine by the scale of common sense must find something of weight and
+substance, before they can be persuaded to set a value. The mind which
+is stored with virtuous and rational sentiments, and the behaviour which
+speaks complacence and humility, stamps an estimate upon the possessor,
+which all judicious spectators are ready to admire and acknowledge. But
+if there be any merit in an embroidered coat, a brocade waistcoat, a
+shoe, a stocking, or a sword-knot, the person who wears them has the
+least claim to it; let it be ascribed where it justly belongs--to the
+several artizans who wrought and disposed the materials of which they
+consist. This moral is not intended to derogate any thing from the
+magnificence of fine clothes and rich equipages, which, as times and
+circumstances require, may be used with decency and propriety enough:
+but one cannot help being concerned, lest any worth should be affixed to
+them more than their own intrinsic value.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE XLV.
+
+[Illustration: THE VIPER AND THE FILE.]
+
+
+A Viper entering a smith's shop, looked up and down for something to
+eat; and seeing a File, fell to gnawing it as greedily as could be. The
+File told him, very gruffly, that he had best be quiet and let him
+alone; for he would get very little by nibbling at one who, upon
+occasion, could bite iron and steel.
+
+
+APPLICATION.
+
+By this fable we are cautioned to consider what any person is, before we
+make an attack upon him after any manner whatsoever: particularly how we
+let our tongues slip in censuring the actions of those who are, in the
+opinion of the world, not only of an unquestioned reputation, so that
+nobody will believe what we insinuate against them; but of such an
+influence, upon account of their own veracity, that the least word from
+them would ruin our credit to all intents and purposes. If wit be the
+case, and we have a satirical vein, which at certain periods must have a
+flow, let us be cautious at whom we level it; for if the person's
+understanding be of better proof than our own, all our ingenious
+sallies, like liquor squirted against the wind, will recoil back upon
+our own faces, and make us the ridicule of every spectator. This fable,
+besides, is not an improper emblem of envy; which, rather than not bite
+at all, will fall foul where it can hurt nothing but itself.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE XLVI.
+
+[Illustration: THE ASS, THE LION, AND THE COCK.]
+
+
+An Ass and a Cock happened to be feeding together in the same place,
+when on a sudden they spied a Lion approaching them. This beast is
+reported, above all things, to have an aversion, or rather antipathy, to
+the crowing of a Cock; so that he no sooner heard the voice of that
+bird, but he betook him to his heels, and run away as fast as ever he
+could. The Ass fancying he fled for fear of him, in the bravery of his
+heart, pursued him, and followed him so far, that they were quite out of
+the hearing of the Cock; which the Lion no sooner perceived, but he
+turned about and seized the Ass; and just as he was ready to tear him to
+pieces, the sluggish creature is said to have expressed himself
+thus:--'Alas! fool that I was, knowing the cowardice of my own nature,
+thus, by an affected courage, to throw myself into the jaws of death,
+when I might have remained secure and unmolested!'
+
+
+APPLICATION.
+
+There are many who, out of an ambition to appear considerable, affect to
+show themselves men of fire, spirit, and courage: but these being
+qualities, of which they are not the right owners, they generally expose
+themselves, and show the little title they have to them, by endeavouring
+to exert and produce them at unseasonable times, or with improper
+persons. A bully, for fear you should find him out to be a coward,
+overacts his part, and calls you to account for affronts which a man of
+true bravery would never have thought of: and a cowardly silly fellow,
+observing that he may take some liberties with impunity, where perhaps
+the place or the company protect him, falsely concludes from thence,
+that the person with whom he made free is a greater coward than himself;
+so that he not only continues his offensive raillery and impertinence
+for the present, but probably renews them in some place not so
+privileged as the former, where his insolence meets with a due
+chastisement; than which nothing is more equitable in itself, or
+agreeable to the discreet part of mankind.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE XLVII.
+
+[Illustration: THE JACKDAW AND PEACOCKS.]
+
+
+A certain Jackdaw was so proud and ambitious, that, not contented to
+live within his own sphere, he picked up the feathers which fell from
+the Peacocks, stuck them in among his own, and very confidently
+introduced himself into an assembly of those beautiful birds. They soon
+found him out, stripped him of his borrowed plumes, and, falling upon
+him with their sharp bills, punished him as his presumption deserved.
+Upon this, full of grief and affliction, he returned to his old
+companions, and would have flocked with them again; but they, knowing
+his late life and conversation, industriously avoided him, and refused
+to admit him into their company: and of them, at the same time, gave him
+this serious reproof--'If, friend, you could have been contented with
+our station, and had not disdained the rank in which Nature had placed
+you, you had not been used so scurvily by those upon whom you intruded
+yourself, nor suffered the notorious slight which now we think ourselves
+obliged to put upon you.'
+
+
+APPLICATION.
+
+What we may learn from this fable is, in the main, to live contentedly
+in our own condition, whatever it be, without affecting to look bigger
+than we are, by a false or borrowed light. To be barely pleased with
+appearing above what a man really is, is bad enough; and what may justly
+render him contemptible in the eyes of his equals: but if, to enable him
+to do this with something of a better grace, he has clandestinely
+feathered his nest with his neighbour's goods, when found out, he has
+nothing to expect but to be stripped of his plunder, and used like a
+felonious rogue into the bargain.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE XLVIII.
+
+[Illustration: THE ANT AND THE FLY.]
+
+
+One day there happened some words between the Ant and the Fly about
+precedency, and the point was argued with great warmth and eagerness on
+both sides. Says the Fly, 'It is well known what my pretensions are, and
+how justly they are grounded: there is never a sacrifice that is offered
+but I always taste of the entrails, even before the gods themselves. I
+have one of the uppermost seats at church, and frequent the altar as
+often as any body: I have a free admission at court; and can never want
+the king's ear, for I sometimes sit upon his shoulder. There is not a
+maid of honour, or handsome young creature, comes in my way, but, if I
+like her, I settle betwixt her balmy lips, and then I eat and drink the
+best of every thing, without having any occasion to work for my living.
+What is there that such country pusses as you enjoy, to be compared with
+a life like this?'--The Ant, who by this time had composed herself,
+replied with a great deal of temper, and no less severity--'Indeed, to
+be a guest at an entertainment of the gods, is a very great honour, if
+one is invited; but I should not care to be a disagreeable intruder any
+where. You talk of the king and the court, and the fine ladies there,
+with great familiarity; but, as I have been getting in my harvest in
+summer, I have seen a certain person under the town walls, making a
+hearty meal upon something that is not so proper to be mentioned. As to
+your frequenting the altars, you are in the right to take sanctuary
+where you are like to meet with the least disturbance: but I have known
+people before now run to altars, and call it devotion, when they have
+been shut out of all good company, and had no where else to go. You do
+not work for your living, you say,--true: therefore, when you have
+played away the summer, and winter comes, you have nothing to live upon;
+and, while you are starving with cold and hunger, I have a good warm
+house over my head, and plenty of provisions about me.'
+
+
+APPLICATION.
+
+This fable points out to us the different characters of those that
+recommend themselves in a vain-glorious way by false and borrowed
+lights; and of those whose real merit procures them a good esteem
+wherever they go. Poverty and folly having, at the same time,
+possession of any one man, cannot fail of making him an object of pity,
+if not of contempt; but, when an empty conceited pride happens to be
+joined with them, they render the creature in whom they meet at the same
+time despicable and ridiculous. One who often attends at court, not
+because he has a place, but because he has not, should not value himself
+upon his condition. They who go to church out of vanity and curiosity,
+and not for pure devotion, should not value themselves upon their
+religion, for it is not worth a straw. They who eat at a threepenny
+ordinary, and sometimes not so well, should not boast either of their
+dinner or company. In short, nobody is a better gentleman, than he whose
+own honest industry supplies him with a plenty of all necessaries; who
+is so well acquainted with honour, as never to say or do a mean and
+unjust thing; and who despises an idle scoundrel, but knows how to
+esteem men of his own principles. Such a one is a person of the first
+quality, though he has never a title, and ought to take place of every
+man who is not so good as himself.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE XLIX.
+
+[Illustration: THE ANT AND THE GRASSHOPPER.]
+
+
+In the winter season, a commonwealth of Ants was busily employed in the
+management and preservation of their corn; which they exposed to the air
+in heaps round about the avenues of their little country habitation. A
+Grasshopper, who had chanced to outlive the summer, and was ready to
+starve with cold and hunger, approached them with great humility, and
+begged that they would relieve his necessity, with one grain of wheat or
+rye. One of the Ants asked him, how he had disposed of his time in
+summer, that he had not taken pains, and laid in a stock, as they had
+done?--'Alas, gentlemen,' says he, 'I passed away the time merrily and
+pleasantly, in drinking, singing, and dancing, and never once thought
+of winter.'--'If that be the case,' replied the Ant, laughing, 'all I
+have to say is, that they who drink, sing, and dance in the summer, must
+starve in winter.'
+
+
+APPLICATION.
+
+As summer is the season of the year in which the industrious and
+laborious husbandman gathers and lays up such fruits as may supply his
+necessities in winter, so youth and manhood are the times of life which
+we should employ and bestow in laying in such a stock of all kind of
+necessaries as may suffice for the craving demands of helpless old age.
+Yet, notwithstanding the truth of this, there are many of those which we
+call rational creatures, who live in a method quite opposite to it, and
+make it their business to squander away, in a profuse prodigality,
+whatever they get in their younger days: as if the infirmity of age
+would require no supplies to support it; or, at least, would find them
+administered to in some miraculous way. From this fable we learn this
+admirable lesson, never to lose any present opportunity of providing
+against the future evils and accidents of life. While health and the
+flower and vigour of our age remain firm and entire, let us lay them out
+to the best advantage, that, when the latter days take hold of us, and
+spoil us of our strength and abilities, we may have a store moderately
+sufficient to subsist upon, which we laid up in the morning of our age.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE L.
+
+[Illustration: THE COUNTRYMAN AND THE SNAKE.]
+
+
+A villager, in a frosty, snowy winter, found a snake under a hedge,
+almost dead with cold. He could not help having compassion for the poor
+creature, so brought it home, and laid it upon the hearth near the fire;
+but it had not lain there long, before (being revived with the heat) it
+began to erect itself, and fly at his wife and children, filling the
+whole cottage with dreadful hissings. The Countryman hearing an outcry,
+and perceiving what the matter was, catched up a mattock, and soon
+dispatched him; upbraiding him at the same time in these words--'Is
+this, vile wretch, the reward you make to him that saved your life? Die,
+as you deserve; but a single death is too good for you.'
+
+
+APPLICATION.
+
+It is the nature of ingrates to return evil for good: and the moralists,
+in all ages, have incessantly declaimed against the enormity of this
+crime, concluding, that they who are capable of hurting their
+benefactors, are not fit to live in a community; being such, as the
+natural ties of parent, friend, or country, are too weak to restrain
+within the bounds of society. Indeed, the sin of ingratitude is so
+detestable, that as none but the most inhuman temper can be guilty of
+it, so, in writing to men, there is no occasion to use many words,
+either in exposing the vice itself, or dissuading people from the
+commission of it. Therefore it is not likely that a person of �sop's
+sagacity would have compiled this fable, without having something else
+in view besides this trite and obvious subject. He certainly intended to
+put us in mind that, as none but a poor silly clown would go to take up
+a Snake and cherish it, so we shall be very negligent and ill-advised
+if, in doing good offices, we do not take care to bestow our benevolence
+upon proper objects. It was not at all unnatural in the Snake to hiss,
+and brandish his tongue, and fly at the first that came near him; as
+soon at the person that saved his life as any other; indeed, more
+likely, because nobody else had so much to do with him. Nor is it
+strange at any time to see a reprobate fool throwing his poisonous
+language about, and committing his extravagancies against those, more
+especially, who are so inadvertent as to concern themselves with him.
+The Snake and the reprobate will not appear extraordinary in their
+malevolence: but the sensible part of mankind cannot help thinking those
+guilty of great indiscretion, who receive either of them into their
+protection.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE LI.
+
+[Illustration: THE FOX AND THE SICK LION.]
+
+
+It was reported that the Lion was sick, and the beasts were made to
+believe that they could not make their court better than by going to
+visit him. Upon this they generally went; but it was particularly taken
+notice of, that the Fox was not one of the number. The Lion therefore
+dispatched one of his Jackals to sound him about it, and ask him why he
+had so little charity and respect, as never to come near him, at a time
+when he lay so dangerously ill, and every body else had been to see
+him?--'Why,' replies the Fox, 'pray present my duty to his majesty, and
+tell him, that I have the same respect for him as ever, and have been
+coming several times to kiss his royal hand: but I am so terribly
+frightened at the mouth of his cave, to see the print of my
+fellow-subjects feet all pointing forwards and none backwards, that I
+have not resolution enough to venture in.' Now the truth of the matter
+was, that this sickness of the Lion's was only a sham to draw the beasts
+into his den, the more easily to devour them.
+
+
+APPLICATION.
+
+A man should weigh and consider the nature of any proposal well before
+he gives into it; for a rash and hasty compliance has been the ruin of
+many a one. And it is the quintessence of prudence not to be too easy of
+belief. Indeed the multitude think altogether in the same track, and are
+much upon a footing. Their meditations are confined in one channel, and
+they follow one another, very orderly, in a regular stupidity. Can a man
+of thought and spirit be harnessed thus, and trudge along like a
+pack-horse, in a deep, stinking, muddy road, when he may frisk it over
+the beauteous lawns, or lose himself agreeably in the shady verdant
+mazes of unrestrained contemplation? It is impossible. Vulgar notions
+are so generally attended with error, that wherever one traces the
+footsteps of the many, tending all one way, it is enough to make one
+suspect, with the Fox in the fable, that there is some trick in it. The
+eye of reason is dulled and stupified when it is confined, and made to
+gaze continually upon the same thing: it rather chooses to look about
+it, and amuse itself with variety of objects, as they lie scattered up
+and down in the unbounded prospect. He that goes implicitly into a
+thing, may be mistaken, notwithstanding the number of those who keep him
+company; but he that keeps out till he sees reason to enter, acts upon
+true maxims of policy and prudence. In short, it becomes us, as we are
+reasonable creatures, to behave ourselves as such, and to do as few
+things as possible, of which we may have occasion to repent.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE LII.
+
+[Illustration: THE WANTON CALF.]
+
+
+A Calf, full of play and wantonness, seeing the Ox at plough, could not
+forbear insulting him. 'What a sorry poor drudge art thou,' says he, 'to
+bear that heavy yoke upon your neck, and go all day drawing a plough at
+your tail, to turn up the ground for your master! but you are a wretched
+dull slave, and know no better, or else you would not do it. See what a
+happy life I lead: I go just where I please; sometimes I lie down under
+the cool shade; sometimes frisk about in the open sunshine; and, when I
+please, slake my thirst in the clear sweet brook; but you, if you were
+to perish, have not so much as a little dirty water to refresh you.' The
+Ox, not at all moved with what he said, went quietly and calmly on with
+his work; and, in the evening, was unyoked and turned loose. Soon after
+which he saw the Calf taken out of the field, and delivered into the
+hands of a priest, who immediately led him to the altar, and prepared to
+sacrifice him. His head was hung round with fillets of flowers, and the
+fatal knife was just going to be applied to his throat, when the Ox drew
+near, and whispered him to this purpose--'Behold the end of your
+insolence and arrogance; it was for this only you were suffered to live
+at all; and pray now, friend, whose condition is best, yours or mine?'
+
+
+APPLICATION.
+
+To insult people in distress is the property of a cruel, indiscreet, and
+giddy temper; for, as the proceedings of fortune are very irregular and
+uncertain, we may, the next turn of the wheel, be thrown down to their
+condition, and they exalted to ours. We are likewise given to understand
+by this fable what the consequence of an idle life generally is, and how
+well satisfied laborious diligent men are, in the end, when they come
+quietly to enjoy the fruits of their industry. They who by little tricks
+and sharpings, or by open violence and robbery, live in a high expensive
+way, often in their hearts, at least, despise the poor honest man who is
+contented with the virtuous product of his daily labour, and patiently
+submits to his destiny. But how often is the poor man comforted, by
+seeing these wanton villains led in triumph to the altar of justice,
+while he has many a cheerful summer's morning to enjoy abroad, and many
+a long winter's evening to indulge himself in at home, by a quiet
+hearth, and under an unenvied roof: blessings which often attend a sober
+industrious man, though the idle and the profligate are utter strangers
+to them. Luxury and intemperance, besides their being certain to shorten
+a man's days, are very apt not only to engage people with their seeming
+charms into a debauched life, utterly prejudicial to their health, but
+to make them have a contempt for others, whose good sense and true taste
+of happiness inspire them with an aversion to idleness and effiminacy,
+and put them upon hardening their constitution by innocent exercise and
+laudable employment. How many do gluttony and sloth tumble into an
+untimely grave! while the temperate and the active drink sober draughts
+of life, and spin out their thread to the most desirable length.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE LIII.
+
+[Illustration: HERCULES AND THE CARTER.]
+
+
+As a clownish Fellow was driving his cart along a deep miry lane, the
+wheels stuck so fast in the clay, that the horses could not draw them
+out. Upon this, he fell a bawling and praying to Hercules to come and
+help him. Hercules, looking down from a cloud, bid him not lie there,
+like an idle rascal as he was, but get up and whip his horses stoutly,
+and clap his shoulder to the wheel; adding, that this was the only way
+for him to obtain his assistance.
+
+
+APPLICATION.
+
+This fable shows us how vain and ill-grounded the expectations of those
+people are who imagine they can obtain whatever they want by
+importuning heaven with their prayers; for it is so agreeable to the
+nature of the Divine Being to be better pleased with virtuous actions
+and an honest industry than idle prayers, that it is a sort of blasphemy
+to say otherwise. These were the sentiments of honest good heathens, who
+were strangers to all revealed religion: but it is not strange that they
+should embrace and propagate such a notion, since it is no other than
+the dictate of common reason. What is both strange in itself, and
+surprising how it could be made so fashionable, is, that most of those
+whose reason should be enlightened by revelation, are very apt to be
+guilty of this stupidity, and, by praying often for the comforts of
+life, to neglect that business which is the proper means of procuring
+them. How such a mistaken devotion came to prevail one cannot imagine,
+unless from one of these two motives; either that people, by such a veil
+of hypocrisy, would pass themselves upon mankind for better than they
+really are, or are influenced by unskilful preachers (which is
+sometimes, indeed too often, the case) to mind the world as little as
+possible, even to the neglect of their necessary callings. No question
+but it is a great sin for a man to fail in his trade or occupation by
+running often to prayers; it being a demonstration in itself, though the
+Scripture had never said it, that we please God most when we are doing
+the most good: and how can we do more good than, by a sober honest
+industry, 'to provide for those of our own household,' and to endeavour
+'to have to give to him that needeth?' The man who is virtuously and
+honestly engaged, is actually serving God all the while, and is more
+likely to have his silent wishes, accompanied with strenuous endeavours,
+complied with by the Supreme Being, than he who begs with a fruitless
+vehemence, and solicits with an empty hand: a hand which would be more
+religious were it usefully employed, and more devout were it stretched
+forth to do good to those that want it.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE LIV.
+
+[Illustration: THE BELLY AND THE MEMBERS.]
+
+
+In former days, when the Belly and the other parts of the body enjoyed
+the faculty of speech, and had separate views and designs of their own,
+each part, it seems, in particular for himself, and in the name of the
+whole, took exception at the conduct of the Belly, and were resolved to
+grant him supplies no longer. They said they thought it very hard that
+he should lead an idle good-for-nothing life, spending and squandering
+away, upon his own ungodly guts, all the fruits of their labour; and
+that, in short, they were resolved for the future, to strike off his
+allowance, and let him shift for himself as well as he could. The Hands
+protested they would not lift up a finger to keep him from starving;
+and the Mouth wished he might never speak again if he took in the least
+bit of nourishment for him as long as he lived; and, say the Teeth, may
+we be rotten if ever we chew a morsel for him for the future. This
+solemn league and covenant was kept as long as any thing of that kind
+can be kept, which was until each of the rebel members pined away to the
+skin and bone, and could hold out no longer. Then they found there was
+no doing without the Belly, and that, as idle and insignificant as he
+seemed, he contributed as much to the maintenance and welfare of all the
+other parts as they did to his.
+
+
+APPLICATION.
+
+This fable was spoken by Menenius Agrippa, a famous Roman consul and
+general, when he was deputed by the senate to appease a dangerous tumult
+and insurrection of the people. The many wars that nation was engaged
+in, and the frequent supplies they were obliged to raise, had so soured
+and inflamed the minds of the populace, that they were resolved to
+endure it no longer, and obstinately refused to pay the taxes which were
+levied upon them. It is easy to discern how the great man applied this
+fable. For, if the branches and members of a community refuse the
+government that aid which its necessities require, the whole must perish
+together. The rulers of a state, as idle and insignificant as they may
+sometimes seem, are yet as necessary to be kept up and maintained in a
+proper and decent grandeur, as the family of each private person is in a
+condition suitable to itself. Every man's enjoyment of that little which
+he gains by his daily labour, depends upon the government's being
+maintained in a condition to defend and secure him in it.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE LV.
+
+[Illustration: THE HORSE AND THE LION.]
+
+
+A Lion seeing a fine plump Nag, had a great mind to eat a bit of him,
+but knew not which way to get him into his power. At last he bethought
+himself of this contrivance: he gave out that he was a physician, who,
+having gained experience by his travels into foreign countries, had made
+himself capable of curing any sort of malady or distemper incident to
+any kind of beast, hoping by this stratagem to get an easier admittance
+among cattle, and find an opportunity to execute his design. The Horse,
+who smoked the matter, was resolved to be even with him; and, so
+humouring the thing, as if he suspected nothing, he prayed the Lion to
+give him his advice in relation to a thorn he had got in his foot, which
+had quite lamed him, and gave him great pain and uneasiness. The Lion
+readily agreed and desired he might see the foot. Upon which the Horse
+lifted up one of his hind legs, and, while the Lion pretended to be
+poring earnestly upon his hoof, gave him such a kick in the face as
+quite stunned him, and left him sprawling upon the ground. In the mean
+time the Horse trotted away, neighing and laughing merrily at the
+success of the trick, by which he had defeated the purpose of one who
+intended to have tricked him out of his life.
+
+
+APPLICATION.
+
+Though all manner of fraud and tricking is mean, and utterly beneath a
+man of sense and honour, yet, methinks, equity itself allows us to
+disappoint the deceiver, and to repel craft by cunning. Treachery has
+something so wicked and worthy of punishment in its nature, that it
+deserves to meet with a return of its own kind: an open revenge would be
+too liberal for it, and nothing matches it but itself. However,
+therefore, abominable it is to be the aggressor in this point, yet it
+cannot be inconsistent with virtue to counterplot and to take all manner
+of advantage against the man who is undermining us.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE LVI.
+
+[Illustration: THE HUSBANDMAN AND THE STORK.]
+
+
+The Husbandman pitched a net in his fields to take the Cranes and Geese
+which came to feed upon the new-sown corn. Accordingly he took several,
+both Cranes and Geese; and among them a Stork, who pleaded hard for his
+life, and, among other apologies which he made, alleged, that he was
+neither Goose nor Crane, but a poor harmless Stork, who performed his
+duty to his parents to all intents and purposes, feeding them when they
+were old, and, as occasion required, carrying them from place to place
+upon his back.--'All this may be true,' replies the Husbandman; 'but, as
+I have taken you in bad company, and in the same crime, you must expect
+to suffer the same punishment.'
+
+
+APPLICATION.
+
+If bad company had nothing else to make us shun and avoid it, this,
+methinks, might be sufficient, that it infects and taints a man's
+reputation, to as great a degree as if he were thoroughly versed in the
+wickedness of the whole gang. What is it to me if the thief who robs me
+of my money gives part of it to build a church? Is he ever the less a
+thief? Shall a woman's going to prayers twice a day save her reputation,
+if she is known to be a malicious lying gossip? No, such mixtures of
+religion and sin make the offence but the more flagrant, as they
+convince us that it was not committed out of ignorance. Indeed, there is
+no living without being guilty of some faults, more or less; which the
+world ought to be good-natured enough to overlook, in consideration of
+the general frailty of mankind, when they are not too gross and too
+abundant: but when we are so abandoned to stupidity, and a neglect of
+our reputation, as to keep bad company, however little we may be
+criminal in reality, we must expect the same censure and punishment as
+is due to the most notorious of our companions.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE LVII.
+
+[Illustration: THE CAT AND THE COCK.]
+
+
+The Cat, having a mind to make a meal of the Cock, seized him one
+morning by surprise, and asked him what he could say for himself why
+slaughter should not pass upon him?--The Cock replied, that he was
+serviceable to mankind by crowing in the morning, and calling them up to
+their daily labour.--'That is true,' says the Cat, 'and is the very
+objection that I have against you; for you make such a shrill
+impertinent noise, that people cannot sleep for you. Besides you are an
+incestuous rascal, and make no scruple of lying with your mother and
+sisters.'--'Well,' says the Cock, 'this I do not deny; but I do it to
+procure eggs and chickens for my master.'--'Ah! villain,' says the Cat,
+'hold your wicked tongue; such impieties as these declare that you are
+no longer fit to live.'
+
+
+APPLICATION.
+
+When a wicked man in power has a mind to glut his appetite in any
+respect, innocence, or even merit, is no protection against him. The
+cries of justice and the voice of reason are of no effect upon a
+conscience hardened in iniquity, and a mind versed in a long practice of
+wrong and robbery. Remonstrances, however reasonably urged, or movingly
+couched, have no more influence upon the heart of such a one, than the
+gentle evening breeze has upon the oak when it whispers among its
+branches, or the rising surges upon the deaf rock when they dash and
+break against its sides. Power should never be trusted in the hands of
+an impious selfish man, and one that has more regard to the
+gratification of his own unbounded avarice than to public peace and
+justice. Were it not for the tacit consent and heartless compliance of a
+great majority of fools, mankind would not be ridden, as oftentimes they
+are, by a little majority of knaves, to their great misfortune: for,
+whatever people may think of the times, if they were ten times worse
+than they are, it is principally owing to their own stupidity. Why do
+they trust the man a moment longer who has once injured and betrayed
+them?
+
+
+
+
+FABLE LVIII.
+
+[Illustration: THE LEOPARD AND THE FOX.]
+
+
+The Leopard one day took it into his head to value himself upon the
+great variety and beauty of his spots, and truly he saw no reason why
+even the Lion should take place of him, since he could not show so
+beautiful a skin. As for the rest of the wild beasts of the forest, he
+treated them all, without distinction, in the most haughty disdainful
+manner. But the Fox being among them, went up to him with a great deal
+of spirit and resolution, and told him, that he was mistaken in the
+value he was pleased to set upon himself; since people of judgment were
+not used to form their opinion of merit from an outside appearance, but
+by considering the good qualities and endowments with which the mind was
+stored within.
+
+
+APPLICATION.
+
+How much more heavenly and powerful would beauty prove, if it were not
+so frequently impaired by the affectation and conceitedness of its
+possessor! If some women were but as modest and unassuming as they are
+handsome, they might command the hearts of all that behold them: but
+Nature seemed to foresee, and has provided against such an
+inconvenience, by tempering its great master-pieces with a due
+proportion of pride and vanity; so that their power, depending upon the
+duration of their beauty only, is like to be but of a short continuance;
+which, when they happen to prove tyrants, is no small comfort to us; and
+then, even while it lasts, will abate much of its severity by the allay
+of those two prevailing ingredients. Wise men are chiefly captivated
+with the charms of the mind; and whenever they are infatuated with a
+passion for any thing else, it is generally observed that they cease,
+during that time at least, to be what they were, and are indeed looked
+upon to be only playing the fool. If the fair ones we have been speaking
+of have a true ascendant over them, they will oblige them to divest
+themselves of common sense, and to talk and act ridiculously, before
+they can think them worthy of the least regard. Should one of these fine
+creatures be addressed in the words of Juba,
+
+  'Tis not a set of features, or complexion,
+  The tincture of a skin, that I admire.
+  Beauty soon grows familiar to the lover,
+  Fades in his eye, and palls upon the sense.
+  The virtuous Marcia towers above her sex.
+  True, she is fair; oh, how divinely fair!
+  But still the lovely maid improves her charms
+  With inward greatness, unaffected wisdom,
+  And sanctity of manners.----
+
+The man that should venture the success of a strong passion upon the
+construction she would put upon such a compliment, might have reason to
+repent of his conduct.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE LIX.
+
+[Illustration: THE SHEPHERD'S BOY.]
+
+
+A certain Shepherd's Boy kept his Sheep upon a common, and, in sport and
+wantonness, would often cry out, The Wolf! The Wolf! By this means he
+several times drew the Husbandmen, in an adjoining field, from their
+work; who, finding themselves deluded, resolved for the future to take
+no notice of his alarm. Soon after the Wolf came indeed. The Boy cried
+out in earnest: but no heed being given to his cries, the Sheep were
+devoured by the Wolf.
+
+
+APPLICATION.
+
+He that is detected for being a notorious liar, besides the ignominy and
+reproach of the thing, incurs this mischief, that he will scarce be able
+to get any one to believe him again as long as he lives. However true
+our complaint may be, or how much soever it may be for our interest to
+have it believed, yet, if we have been frequently caught tripping
+before, we shall hardly be able to gain credit to what we relate
+afterwards. Though mankind are generally stupid enough to be often
+imposed upon, yet few are so senseless as to believe a notorious liar,
+or to trust a cheat upon record. These little shams, when found out, are
+sufficiently prejudicial to the interest of every private person who
+practises them. But, when we are alarmed with imaginary dangers in
+respect of the public, till the cry grows quite stale and threadbare,
+how can it be expected we should know when to guard ourselves against
+real ones.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE LX.
+
+[Illustration: THE FOX AND THE GOAT.]
+
+
+A Fox, having tumbled by chance into a Well, had been casting about a
+long while, to no purpose, how he should get out again; when at last a
+Goat came to the place, and, wanting to drink, asked Reynard whether the
+water was good. 'Good!' says he; 'ay, so sweet, that I am afraid I have
+surfeited myself, I have drank so abundantly.' The Goat upon this,
+without any more ado, leaped in; and the Fox, taking the advantage of
+his horns, by the assistance of them as nimbly leaped out, leaving the
+poor Goat at the bottom of the Well to shift for himself.
+
+
+APPLICATION.
+
+The doctrine taught us by this fable is no more than this, that we ought
+to consider who it is that advises us before we follow the advice: for,
+however plausible the counsel may seem, if the person that gives it is a
+crafty knave, we may be assured that he intends to serve himself in it
+more than us, if not to erect something to his own advantage out of our
+ruin.
+
+The little, poor, country attorney, ready to perish, and sunk to the
+lowest depth of poverty for want of employment, by such arts as these
+draws the esquire, his neighbour, into the gulf of the law; till, laying
+hold on the branches of his revenue, he lifts himself out of obscurity,
+and leaves the other immured in the bottom of a mortgage.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE LXI.
+
+[Illustration: CUPID AND DEATH.]
+
+
+Cupid, one sultry summer's noon, tired with play, and faint with heat,
+went into a cool grotto to repose himself, which happened to be the cave
+of Death. He threw himself carelessly down on the floor, and his quiver
+turning topsy-turvy, all the arrows fell out, and mingled with those of
+Death, which lay scattered up and down the place. When he awoke, he
+gathered them up as well as he could; but they were so intermingled
+that, though he knew the certain number, he could not rightly
+distinguish them; from which it happened that he took up some of the
+arrows which belonged to Death, and left several of his own in the room
+of them. This is the cause that we, now and then, see the hearts of the
+old and decrepit transfixed with the bolts of Love; and with equal grief
+and surprise behold the youthful blooming part of our species smitten
+with the darts of Death.
+
+
+APPLICATION.
+
+If we allow for this fable's being written by a heathen, and according
+to the scheme of the ancient pagan theology, it will appear to be a
+pretty probable solution of some parts of the dispensation of
+Providence, which otherwise seem to be obscure and unaccountable. For,
+when we see the young and the old fall promiscuously by the hand of
+Death, and at the same time consider that the world is governed by an
+all-wise Providence, we are puzzled how to account for so seemingly
+preposterous and unnatural a way of working. We should look upon a
+gardener to be mad, or at least very capricious, who, when his young
+trees are just arrived to a degree of bearing, should cut them down for
+fuel, and choose out old, rotten, decayed, sapless stocks to graft and
+inoculate upon: yet the irregular proceedings of those two levellers,
+Love and Death, appear to be every jot as odd and unreasonable. However,
+we must take it for granted that these things, though the method of them
+is hidden from our eyes, are transacted after the most just and fit
+manner imaginable: but, humanly speaking, it is strange that Death
+should be suffered to make such undistinguished havoc in the world; and,
+at the same time, just as shocking and unnatural to see old age laid
+betwixt a pair of wedding sheets, as it is for youth and beauty to be
+locked up in the cold embraces of the grave.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE LXII.
+
+[Illustration: THE OLD MAN AND HIS SONS.]
+
+
+An Old Man had many Sons, who were often falling out with one another.
+When the Father had exerted his authority, and used other means in order
+to reconcile them, and all to no purpose, at last he had recourse to
+this expedient: he ordered his Sons to be called before him, and a short
+bundle of sticks to be brought; and then commanded them, one by one, to
+try if, with all their might and strength, they could any of them break
+it. They all tried, but to no purpose; for the sticks being closely and
+compactly bound up together, it was impossible for the force of man to
+do it. After this the Father ordered the bundle to be untied, and gave a
+single stick to each of his Sons; at the same time bidding him try to
+break it: which, when each did with all imaginable ease, the Father
+addressed himself to them to this effect--'O my Sons, behold the power
+of unity! For if you, in like manner, would but keep yourselves strictly
+conjoined in the bonds of friendship, it would not be in the power of
+any mortal to hurt you; but when once the ties of brotherly affection
+are dissolved, how soon do you fall to pieces, and are liable to be
+violated by every injurious hand that assaults you!'
+
+
+APPLICATION.
+
+Nothing is more necessary towards completing and continuing the
+well-being of mankind, than their entering into and preserving
+friendships and alliances. The safety of a government depends chiefly
+upon this; and therefore it is weakened and exposed to its enemies, in
+proportion as it is divided by parties. "A kingdom divided against
+itself, is brought to desolation:" and the same holds good among all
+societies and corporations of men, from the constitution of the nation
+down to every little parochial vestry. But the necessity of friendship
+extends itself to all sorts of relations in life, as it conduces
+mightily to the advantage of particular clans and families. Those of the
+same blood and lineage have a natural disposition to unite together,
+which they ought by all means to cultivate and improve. It must be a
+great comfort to people, when they fall under any calamity, to know
+there are many others who sympathize with them; a great load of grief is
+mightily lessened, when it is parcelled out into many shares. And then
+joy, of all our passions, loves to be communicative, and generally
+increases in proportion to the number of those who partake of it with
+us. We defy the threats and malice of an enemy, when we are assured that
+he cannot attack us single, but must encounter a bundle of allies at the
+same time. But they that behave themselves so as to have few or no
+friends in the world, live in perpetual fear and jealousy of mankind,
+because they are sensible of their own weakness, and know themselves
+liable to be crushed, or broken to pieces, by the first aggressor.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE LXIII.
+
+[Illustration: THE STAG AND THE FAWN.]
+
+
+A Stag, grown old and mischievous, was, according to custom, stamping
+with his foot, making offers with his head, and bellowing so terribly,
+that the whole herd quaked for fear of him: when one of the little Fawns
+coming up, addressed him to this purpose--'Pray, what is the reason that
+you, who are so stout and formidable at all other times, if you do but
+hear the cry of the hounds, are ready to fly out of your skin for
+fear?'--'What you observe is true,' replied the Stag, 'though I know not
+how to account for it: I am indeed vigorous, and able enough, I think,
+to make my party good any where, and often resolve with myself, that
+nothing shall ever dismay my courage for the future; but, alas! I no
+sooner hear the voice of a hound but all my spirits fail me, and I
+cannot help making off as fast as ever my legs can carry me.'
+
+
+APPLICATION.
+
+This is the case of many a cowardly bully in the world. He is disposed
+to be imperious and tyrannical, and to insult his companions, and takes
+all opportunities of acting according to his inclination; but yet is
+cautious where he makes his haunts, and takes care to have to do only
+with a herd of rascally people, as vile and mean as himself. A man of
+courage quashes him with a word; and he who has threatened death in
+every sentence, for a twelvemonth together, to those whom he knew it
+would affright, at the very frown of an intrepid man has leaped out of a
+window. It is no unpleasant sight to be present when any of these
+gentlemen happen to be disarmed of their terror before the face of their
+humble admirers: there is a strange boisterous struggle betwixt fear,
+shame, and revenge, which blinds them with confusion; and, though they
+would fain exert a little courage, and show themselves men, yet, they
+know not how; there is something within which will not suffer them to do
+it. The predominance of nature will show itself, upon occasion, in its
+true colours, through all the disguises which artful men endeavour to
+throw over it. Cowardice, particularly, gives us but the more suspicion
+when it would conceal itself under an affected fierceness; as they who
+would smother an ill smell by a cloud of perfume, are imagined to be
+but the more offensive. When we have done all, Nature will remain what
+she was, and show herself whenever she is called upon; therefore
+whatever we do in contradiction to her laws, is so forced and affected,
+that it must needs expose and make us ridiculous. We talk nonsense when
+we would argue against it: like Teague, who being asked why he fled from
+his colours, said, his heart was as good as any in the regiment; but
+protested his cowardly legs would run away with him whatever he could
+do.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE LXIV.
+
+[Illustration: THE OLD HOUND.]
+
+
+An Old Hound, who had been an excellent good one in his time, and given
+his master great sport and satisfaction in many a chase, at last, by the
+effect of years, became feeble and unserviceable. However, being in the
+field one day, when the stag was almost run down, he happened to be the
+first that came in with him, and seized him by one of his haunches; but,
+his decayed and broken teeth not being able to keep their hold, the deer
+escaped, and threw him quite out. Upon which his master, being in a
+great passion, and going to strike him, the honest old creature is said
+to have barked out his apology--'Ah! do not strike your poor old
+servant; it is not my heart and inclination, but my strength and speed,
+that fail me. If what I now am displeases, pray don't forget what I have
+been.'
+
+
+APPLICATION.
+
+This fable may serve to give us a general view of the ingratitude of
+the greatest part of mankind. Notwithstanding all the civility and
+complaisance that is used among people where there is a common
+intercourse of business, yet let the main spring, the probability of
+their being serviceable to each other, either in point of pleasure or
+profit, be but once broken, and farewell courtesy: so far from
+continuing any regard in behalf of past favours, it is very well if they
+forbear doing any thing that is injurious. If the master had only ceased
+to caress and make much of the Old Hound, when he was past doing any
+service, it had not been very strange; but to treat a poor creature ill,
+not for a failure of inclination, but merely a defect of nature, must,
+notwithstanding the crowd of examples there are to countenance it, be
+pronounced inhuman and unreasonable.
+
+There are two accounts upon which people that have been useful are
+frequently neglected. One, when they are so decayed, either through age
+or some accident, that they are no longer able to do the services they
+have formerly done; the other, when the occasion or emergency which
+required such talents no longer exists. Ph�drus, who more than once
+complains of the bad consequences of age, makes no other application to
+this fable than by telling his friend Philetus, with some regret, that
+he wrote it with such a view; having, it seems, been repaid with
+neglect, or worse usage, for services done in his youth to those who
+were then able to afford him a better recompense.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE LXV.
+
+[Illustration: JUPITER AND THE CAMEL.]
+
+
+The Camel presented a petition to Jupiter, complaining of the hardship
+of his case in not having, like bulls and other creatures, horns, or any
+weapons of defence, to protect himself from the attacks of his enemies,
+and praying that relief might be given him in such manner as might be
+thought most expedient. Jupiter could not help smiling at the
+impertinent address of the great silly beast, but, however, rejected the
+petition; and told him that, so far from granting his unreasonable
+request, henceforward he would take care his ears should be shortened,
+as a punishment for his presumptuous importunity.
+
+
+APPLICATION.
+
+The nature of things is so fixed in every particular, that they are very
+weak superstitious people who dream it is to be altered. But, besides
+the impossibility of producing a change by addresses of this nature,
+they who employ much of their time upon such accounts, instead of
+getting, are sure to lose in the end. When any man is so frivolous and
+vexatious as to make unreasonable complaints, and to harbour undue
+repinings in his heart, his peevishness will lessen the real good which
+he possesses, and the sourness of his temper shorten that allowance of
+comfort which he already thinks too scanty. Thus, in truth, it is not
+Providence, but ourselves who punish our own importunity in soliciting
+for impossibilities, with a sharp corroding care, which abridges us of
+some part of that little pleasure which Providence has cast into our
+lot.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE LXVI.
+
+[Illustration: THE FOX WITHOUT A TAIL.]
+
+
+A Fox, being caught in a steel trap by his tail, was glad to compound
+for his escape with the loss of it; but, upon coming abroad into the
+world, began to be so sensible of the disgrace such a defect would bring
+upon him, that he almost wished he had died rather than left it behind
+him. However, to make the best of a bad matter, he formed a project in
+his head to call an assembly of the rest of the Foxes, and propose it
+for their imitation, as a fashion which would be very agreeable and
+becoming. He did so, and made a long harangue upon the unprofitableness
+of tails in general, and endeavoured chiefly to show the awkwardness and
+inconvenience of a Fox's tail in particular: adding, that it would be
+both more graceful and more expeditious to be altogether without them;
+and that, for his part, what he had only imagined and conjectured
+before, he now found by experience; for that he never enjoyed himself so
+well, and found himself so easy as he had done since he cut off his
+tail. He said no more, but looked about with a brisk air, to see what
+proselytes he had gained; when a sly old thief in the company, who
+understood trap, answered him with a leer--'I believe you may have found
+a conveniency in parting with your tail, and when we are in the same
+circumstances, perhaps we may do so too.'
+
+
+APPLICATION.
+
+If men were but generally as prudent as Foxes, they would not suffer so
+many silly fashions to obtain as are daily brought in vogue, for which
+scarce any reason can be assigned besides the humour of some conceited
+vain creature; unless, which is full as bad, they are intended to
+palliate some defect in the person that introduces them. The petticoat
+of a whole sex has been sometimes swelled to such a prodigious extent,
+to screen an enormity of which only one of them has been guilty. And it
+is no wonder that Alexander the Great could bring a wry-neck into
+fashion, in a nation of slaves, when we consider what power of this
+nature some little, insignificant, dapper fellows have had among a free
+people.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE LXVII.
+
+[Illustration: THE FOX AND THE CROW.]
+
+
+A Crow having taken a piece of cheese out of a cottage window, flew up
+into a high tree with it, in order to eat it; which a Fox observing,
+came and sat underneath, and began to compliment the Crow upon the
+subject of her beauty. 'I protest,' says he, 'I never observed it
+before, but your feathers are of a more delicate white than any that
+ever I saw in my life! Ah; what a fine shape and graceful turn of body
+is there! And I make no question but you have a tolerable voice. If it
+is but as fine as your complexion, I do not know a bird that can pretend
+to stand in competition with you.' The Crow, tickled with this very
+civil language, nestled and riggled about, and hardly knew where she
+was; but thinking the Fox a little dubious as to the particular of her
+voice, and having a mind to set him right in that matter, began to sing,
+and in the same instant let the cheese drop out of her mouth. This being
+what the Fox wanted, he chopped it up in a moment, and trotted away,
+laughing to himself at the easy credulity of the Crow.
+
+
+APPLICATION.
+
+They that love flattery (as it is to be feared too many do) are in a
+fair way to repent of their foible in the long run. And yet how few are
+there among the whole race of mankind who may be said to be full proof
+against its attacks! The gross way by which it is managed by some silly
+practitioners, is enough to alarm the dullest apprehension, and make it
+to value itself upon the quickness of its insight into the little plots
+of this nature: but let the ambuscade be disposed with due judgment, and
+it will scarce fail of seizing the most guarded heart. How many are
+tickled to the last degree with the pleasure of flattery, even while
+they are applauded for their honest detestation of it! There is no way
+to baffle the force of this engine but by every one's examining,
+impartially for himself, the true estimate of his own qualities: if he
+deals sincerely in the matter, nobody can tell so well as himself what
+degree of esteem ought to attend any of his actions, and therefore he
+should be entirely easy as to the opinion men are like to have of them
+in the world. If they attribute more to him than is his due, they are
+either designing or mistaken: if they allow him less, they are envious,
+or, possibly, still mistaken; and, in either case, are to be despised or
+disregarded. For he that flatters, without designing to take advantage
+of it, is a fool; and whoever encourages that flattery which he has
+sense enough to see through, is a vain coxcomb.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE LXVIII.
+
+[Illustration: THE HAWK AND THE FARMER.]
+
+
+A Hawk, pursuing a Pigeon over a corn-field with great eagerness and
+force, threw himself into a net which a husbandman had planted there to
+take the Crows; who being employed not far off, and seeing the Hawk
+fluttering in the net, came and took him: but, just as he was going to
+kill him, the Hawk besought him to let him go, assuring him that he was
+only following a Pigeon, and neither intended nor had done any harm to
+him. To whom the Farmer replied--'And what harm had the poor Pigeon done
+to you?' Upon which he wrung his head off immediately.
+
+
+APPLICATION.
+
+Passion, prejudice, or power, may so far blind a man as not to suffer
+him justly to distinguish whether he is not acting injuriously at the
+same time that he fancies he is only doing his duty. Now the best way
+of being convinced, whether what we do is reasonable and fit, is to put
+ourselves in the place of the persons with whom we are concerned, and
+then consult our conscience about the rectitude of our behaviour. For
+this we may be assured of, that we are acting wrong whenever we are
+doing any thing to another which we should think unjust if it was done
+to us. Nothing but an habitual inadvertency, as to this particular, can
+be the occasion that so many ingenious noble spirits are often engaged
+in courses so opposite to virtue and honour. He that would startle, if a
+little attorney should tamper with him to forswear himself, to bring off
+some small offender, some ordinary trespasser, will, without scruple,
+infringe the constitution of his country for the precarious prospect of
+a place or a pension. Which is most corrupt, he that lies, like a knight
+of the post, for half-a-crown and a dinner, or he that does it for the
+more substantial consideration of a thousand pounds a year? Which would
+be doing most service to the public, giving true testimony in a cause
+between two private men, and against one little common thief who has
+stolen a gold watch; or voting honestly and courageously against a rogue
+of state, who has gagged and bound the laws, and stripped the nation?
+Let those who intend to act justly, but view things in this light, and
+all would be well. There would be no danger of their oppressing others,
+or fear of being oppressed themselves.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE LXIX.
+
+[Illustration: THE NURSE AND THE WOLF.]
+
+
+A nurse, who was endeavouring to quiet a froward bawling child, among
+other attempts, threatened to throw it out of doors to the Wolf, if it
+did not leave off crying. A Wolf, who chanced to be prowling near the
+door, just at that time, heard the expression, and believing the woman
+to be in earnest, waited a long while about the house, in expectation of
+seeing her words made good. But at last the child, wearied with its own
+importunities, fell asleep, and the poor Wolf was forced to return back
+to the woods empty and supperless. The Fox meeting him, and surprised to
+see him going home so thin and disconsolate, asked him what the matter
+was, and how he came to speed no better that night?--'Ah! do not ask
+me,' says he; 'I was so silly as to believe what the Nurse said, and
+have been disappointed.'
+
+
+APPLICATION.
+
+All the moralists have agreed to interpret this fable as a caution to us
+never to trust a woman. What reasons they could have for giving so rough
+and uncourtly a precept, is not easy to be imagined: for, however fickle
+and unstable some women may be, it is well known there are several who
+have a greater regard for truth, in what they assert or promise, than
+most men. There is not room, in so short a compass, to express a due
+concern for the honour of the ladies upon this occasion, nor to show how
+much one is disposed to vindicate them: and, though there is nothing bad
+which can be said to them but may with equal justice be averred of the
+other sex, yet one would not venture to give them quite so absolute a
+precaution as the old mythologists have affixed to this fable; but only
+to advise them to consider well and thoroughly of the matter before they
+trust any man living.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE LXX.
+
+[Illustration: THE HARE AND THE TORTOISE.]
+
+
+A Hare insulted a tortoise upon account of his slowness, and vainly
+boasted of her own great speed in running.--'Let us make a match,'
+replied the Tortoise; 'I will run with you five miles for five pounds,
+and the Fox yonder shall be the umpire of the race.' The Hare agreed;
+and away they both started together. But the Hare, by reason of her
+exceeding swiftness, outran the Tortoise to such a degree, that she made
+a jest of the matter; and, finding herself a little tired, squatted in a
+tuft of fern that grew by the way, and took a nap; thinking that, if the
+Tortoise went by, she could at any time fetch him up with all the ease
+imaginable. In the meanwhile the Tortoise came jogging on with slow but
+continued motion; and the Hare, out of a too great security and
+confidence of victory, oversleeping herself, the Tortoise arrived at the
+end of the race first.
+
+
+APPLICATION.
+
+Industry and application to business makes amends for the want of a
+quick and ready wit. Hence it is, that the victory is not always to the
+strong, nor the race to the swift. Men of fine parts are apt to despise
+the drudgery of business; but, by affecting to show the superiority of
+their genius, upon many occasions, they run into too great an extreme
+the other way; and the administration of their affairs is ruined through
+idleness and neglect. What advantage has a man from the fertility of his
+invention, and the vivacity of his imagination, unless his resolutions
+are executed with a suitable and uninterrupted rapidity? In short, your
+men of wit and fire, as they are called, are oftentimes sots, slovens,
+and lazy fellows: they are generally proud and conceited to the last
+degree; and, in the main, not the fittest persons for either
+conversation or business. Such is their vanity, they think the
+sprightliness of their humour inconsistent with a plain sober way of
+thinking and speaking, and able to atone for all the little neglects of
+their business and persons. But the world will not be thus imposed upon;
+the man who would gain the esteem of others, and make his own fortune,
+must be one that carries his point effectually, and finishes his course
+without swerving or loitering. Men of dull parts, and a slow
+apprehension, assisted by a continued diligence, are more likely to
+attain this than your brisk retailers of wit, with their affected spleen
+and indolence. And if business be but well done, no matter whether it be
+done by the sallies of a refined wit, or the considering head of a plain
+plodding man.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE LXXI.
+
+[Illustration: THE YOUNG MAN AND HIS CAT.]
+
+
+A certain Young Man used to play with a Cat, of which he grew so fond,
+that at last he fell in love with it, and to such a degree, that he
+could rest neither night nor day for the excess of his passion. At last
+he prayed to Venus, the goddess of beauty, to pity him, and relieve his
+pain. The good-natured goddess was propitious, and heard his prayers:
+before he rose up from kneeling, the Cat, which he held in his arms, was
+transformed into a beautiful girl. The Youth was transported with joy,
+and married her that very day. At night they went to bed, and as the new
+bride lay encircled in the embraces of her amorous husband, she
+unfortunately heard a Mouse behind the hangings, and sprung from his
+arms to pursue it. Venus, offended to see her sacred rites profaned by
+such an indecent behaviour, and perceiving that her new convert, though
+a woman in outward appearance, was a Cat in her heart, she made her
+return to her old form again, that her manners and person might be
+agreeable to each other.
+
+
+APPLICATION.
+
+People, as to their manners and behaviour, take a strong bias from
+custom and education, but a much stronger from Nature. Her laws are so
+strong, that it is in vain for us to go to oppose them; we may refine
+and improve, but can never totally alter her works. Upon this account it
+is that we oftentimes see silly awkward blockheads displaying their
+idiotism and folly through all their ensigns of dignity; for some
+natures are so coarse and rustic, that all the embroidery of a court
+cannot conceal them. Doubtless such people were intended by Nature for
+nothing above driving Hogs to a fair, and laughing at the jokes of a
+country Merry Andrew. Fortune has found them worthy of her favours, and
+given them a lift out of the mire: but yet they do not fail to give
+frequent indications of their true composition, by a thousand little
+dirty actions. A fine equipage, and a great estate, may raise a man to
+an exalted station, and procure a respect to his outward person;
+notwithstanding which it may so happen, that every time he speaks and
+acts he cannot help playing the fool for the blood of him.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE LXXII.
+
+[Illustration: THE ASS IN THE LION'S SKIN.]
+
+
+An Ass finding the skin of a Lion, put it on; and, going into the woods
+and pastures, threw all the flocks and herds into a terrible
+consternation. At last, meeting his owner, he would have frightened him
+also; but the good man, seeing his long ears slick out, presently knew
+him, and with a good cudgel made him sensible that, notwithstanding his
+being dressed in a Lion's Skin, he was really no more than an Ass.
+
+
+APPLICATION.
+
+As all affectation is wrong, and tends to expose and make a man
+ridiculous, so the more distant he is from the thing which he affects to
+appear, the stronger will the ridicule be which he excites, and the
+greater the inconveniences into which he runs himself thereby. How
+strangely absurd it is for a timorous person to procure a military post
+in order to keep himself out of danger! and to fancy a red coat the
+surest protection for cowardice! yet there have been those who have
+purchased a commission to avoid being insulted; and have been so silly
+as to think courage was interwoven with a sash, or tied up in a cockade.
+But it would not be amiss for such gentlemen to consider, that it is not
+in the power of scarlet cloth to alter nature; and that, as it is
+expected a soldier should show himself a man of courage and intrepidity
+upon all proper occasions, they may, by this means, meet the disgrace
+they intended to avoid, and appear greater asses than they need to have
+done. However, it is not in point of fortitude only that people are
+liable to expose themselves, by assuming a character to which they are
+not equal; but he who puts on a show of learning, of religion, of a
+superior capacity in any respect, or, in short, of any virtue or
+knowledge to which he has no proper claim, is, and will always be found
+to be, "An Ass in a Lion's Skin."
+
+
+
+
+FABLE LXXIII.
+
+[Illustration: THE MOUNTAINS IN LABOUR.]
+
+
+The Mountains were said to be in labour, and uttered most dreadful
+groans. People came together far and near to see what birth would be
+produced; and, after they wailed a considerable time in expectation, out
+crept a Mouse.
+
+
+APPLICATION.
+
+Great cry and little wool is the English proverb; the sense of which
+bears an exact proportion to this fable; by which are exposed all those
+who promise something exceeding great, but come off with a production
+ridiculously little. Projectors of all kinds, who endeavour by
+artificial rumours to raise the expectations of mankind, and then by
+their mean performances defeat and disappoint them, have, time out of
+mind, been lashed with the recital of this fable. How agreeably
+surprising is it to see an unpromising favourite, whom the caprice of
+fortune has placed at the helm of state, serving the commonwealth with
+justice and integrity, instead of smothering and embezzling the public
+treasure to his own private and wicked ends! and, on the contrary, how
+melancholy, how dreadful, or rather, how exasperating and provoking a
+sight is it to behold one, whose constant declarations for liberty and
+the public good have raised people's expectations of him to the highest
+pitch, as soon as he is got into power exerting his whole art and
+cunning to ruin and enslave his country! The sanguine hopes of all those
+that wished well to virtue, and flattered themselves with a reformation
+of every thing that opposed the well-being of the community, vanish away
+in smoke, and are lost in a dark, gloomy, uncomfortable prospect.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE LXXIV.
+
+[Illustration: THE SATYR AND THE TRAVELLER.]
+
+
+A Satyr, as he was ranging the forest in an exceeding cold snowy season,
+met with a Traveller, half-starved with the extremity of the weather. He
+took compassion on him, and kindly invited him home to a warm
+comfortable cave he had in the hollow of a rock. As soon as they had
+entered and sat down, notwithstanding there was a good fire in the
+place, the chilly Traveller could not forbear blowing his fingers' ends.
+Upon the Satyr's asking him why he did so, he answered, that he did it
+to warm his hands. The honest sylvan having seen little of the world,
+admired a man who was master of so valuable a quality as that of blowing
+heat, and therefore was resolved to entertain him in the best manner he
+could. He spread the table before him with dried fruits of several
+sorts; and produced a remnant of cold cordial wine, which, as the rigour
+of the season made very proper, he mulled with some warm spices, infused
+over the fire, and presented to his shivering guest. But this the
+Traveller thought fit to blow likewise; and, upon the Satyr's demanding
+a reason why he blowed again, he replied, to cool his dish. This second
+answer provoked the Satyr's indignation as much as the first had kindled
+his surprise: so, taking the man by the shoulder, he thrust him out of
+doors, saying, he would have nothing to do with a wretch who had so vile
+a quality as to blow hot and cold with the same mouth.
+
+
+APPLICATION.
+
+Though the poor Traveller in the fable was not guilty of any real crime
+in what he did, yet one cannot help approving the honest simplicity of
+the Satyr, who could not be reconciled to such double dealing. In the
+moral sense of the fable, nothing can be more offensive to one of a
+sincere heart, than he that blows with a different breath from the same
+mouth; who flatters a man to his face, and reviles him behind his back.
+Some again, just like this man, to serve a present view, will blow
+nothing but what is warm, benevolent, and cherishing; and, when they
+have raised the expectations of a dependent to a degree which they think
+may prove troublesome, can, with putting on a cold air, easily chill and
+blast all his blooming hopes. But such a temper, whether it proceeds
+from a designed or natural levity, is detestable, and has been the cause
+of much trouble and mortification to many a brave deserving man. Unless
+the tenor of a man's life be always true and consistent with itself, the
+less one has to do with him the better.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE LXXV.
+
+[Illustration: THE SICK KITE.]
+
+
+A Kite had been sick a long time, and finding there were no hopes of
+recovery, begged of his mother to go to all the churches and religious
+houses in the country, to try what prayers and promises would effect in
+his behalf. The old Kite replied--'Indeed, dear son, I would willingly
+undertake any thing to save your life, but I have great reason to
+despair of doing you any service in the way you propose: for, with what
+face can I ask any thing of the gods in favour of one whose whole life
+has been a continual scene of rapine and injustice, and who has not
+scrupled, upon occasion, to rob the very altars themselves?'
+
+
+APPLICATION.
+
+The rehearsal of this fable almost unavoidably draws our attention to
+that very serious and important point, the consideration of a death-bed
+repentance. And, to expose the absurdity of relying upon such a weak
+foundation, we need only ask the same question with the Kite in the
+fable: how can he that has offended the gods all his life-time, by doing
+acts of dishonour and injustice, expect that they should be pleased with
+him at last, for no other reason but because he fears he shall not be
+able to offend them any longer? when, in truth, such a repentance can
+signify nothing but a confirmation of his former impudence and folly:
+for sure no stupidity can exceed that of the man who expects a future
+judgment, and yet can bear to commit any piece of injustice with a sense
+and deliberation of the fact.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE LXXVI.
+
+[Illustration: THE HAWK AND THE NIGHTINGALE.]
+
+
+A Nightingale, sitting all alone among the shady branches of an oak,
+sung with so melodious and shrill a pipe, that she made the woods echo
+again, and alarmed a hungry Hawk, who was at some distance off watching
+for his prey; he had no sooner discovered the little musician, but,
+making a stoop at the place, he seized her with his crooked talons, and
+bid her prepare for death.--'Ah!' says she, 'for mercy's sake don't do
+so barbarous a thing, and so unbecoming yourself; consider, I never did
+you any wrong, and am but a poor small morsel for such a stomach as
+yours; rather attack some larger fowl, which may bring you more credit
+and a better meal, and let me go.'--'Aye!' says the Hawk, 'persuade me
+to it if you can: I have been upon the watch all day long, and have not
+met with one bit of any thing till I caught you; and now you would have
+me let you go, in hopes of something better, would you? Pray, who would
+be the fool then?'
+
+
+APPLICATION.
+
+They who neglect the opportunity of reaping a small advantage, in hopes
+they shall obtain a better, are far from acting upon a reasonable and
+well-advised foundation. The figure of Time is always drawn with a
+single lock of hair hanging over his forehead, and the back part of his
+head bald; to put us in mind that we should be sure to lay hold of an
+occasion, when it presents itself to us, lest afterwards we repent us of
+our omission and folly, and would recover it when it is too late. It is
+a very weak reason to give for our refusal of an offer of kindness, that
+we do it because we desire or deserve a better; for it is time enough to
+relinquish the small affair when the great one comes, if ever it does
+come. But, supposing it should not, how can we forgive ourselves for
+letting any thing slip through our hands, by vainly gaping after
+something else, which we never could obtain? He who has not been guilty
+of any of these kind of errors, however poorly he may come off at last,
+has only the malice of fortune, or of somebody else, to charge with his
+ill success; and may applaud himself with some comfort, in never having
+lost an opportunity, though ever so small, of bettering and improving
+his circumstances. Unthinking people have oftentimes the unhappiness to
+fret and tease themselves with retrospects of this kind, which they, who
+attend to the business of life as they ought, never have occasion to
+make.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE LXXVII.
+
+[Illustration: THE PEACOCK'S COMPLAINT.]
+
+
+The Peacock presented a memorial to Juno, importing how hardly he
+thought he was used in not having so good a voice as the Nightingale;
+how that pretty animal was agreeable to every ear that heard it, while
+he was laughed at for his ugly screaming noise, if he did but open his
+mouth. The goddess, concerned at the uneasiness of her favourite bird,
+answered him very kindly to this purpose: 'If the Nightingale is blest
+with a fine voice, you have the advantage in point of beauty and
+largeness of person.'--'Ah!' says he, 'but what avails my silent
+unmeaning beauty, when I am so far excelled in voice!'--The goddess
+dismissed him, bidding him consider, that the properties of every
+creature were appointed by the decree of fate: to him beauty; strength
+to the Eagle; to the Nightingale a voice of melody; the faculty of
+speech to the Parrot; and to the Dove innocence. That each of these was
+contented with his own peculiar quality; and unless he had a mind to be
+miserable, he must learn to be so too.
+
+
+APPLICATION.
+
+Since all things, as Juno says, are fixed by the eternal and unalterable
+decree of fate, how absurd it is to hear people complaining and
+tormenting themselves for that which it is impossible ever to obtain!
+They who are ambitious of having more good qualities, since that is
+impracticable, should spare for no pains to cultivate and recommend
+those they have; which a sourness and peevishness of temper, instead of
+improving, will certainly lessen and impair, whether they are of the
+mind or body. If we had all the desirable properties in the world, we
+could be no more than easy and contented with them; and if a man, by a
+right way of thinking, can reconcile himself to his own condition,
+whatever it be, he will fall little short of the most complete state
+that mortals ever enjoyed.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE LXXVIII.
+
+[Illustration: THE ANGLER AND THE LITTLE FISH.]
+
+
+A man was angling in a river, and caught a small Perch; which, as he was
+taking off the hook and going to put into his basket, opened its mouth,
+and began to implore his pity, begging that he would throw it into the
+river again. Upon the man's demanding what reason he had to expect such
+a favour?--'Why,' says the Fish, 'because, at present, I am but young
+and little, and consequently not so well worth your while as I shall be
+if you take me some time hence, when I am grown larger.'--'That may be,'
+replies the man, 'but I am not one of those fools who quit a certainty,
+in expectation of an uncertainty.'
+
+
+APPLICATION.
+
+This fable points much the same way as the seventy-sixth, so that one
+moral may very well serve for both. But the lesson they teach is so
+useful and instructive, that a repetition of it is by no means
+superfluous. The precept which they would instil into us is, never to
+let slip the present opportunity, but to secure to ourselves every
+little advantage, just in the nick that it offers, without a vain
+reliance upon, and fruitless expectation of, something better in time to
+come. We may cheer up our spirits with hoping for that which we cannot
+at present obtain; but at the same time let us be sure we give no
+occasion of condemning ourselves for omitting any thing which it was in
+our power to secure.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE LXXIX.
+
+[Illustration: THE GEESE AND THE CRANES.]
+
+
+A flock of Geese and a parcel of Cranes used often to feed together in a
+corn field. At last the owner of the corn, with his servants, coming
+upon them of a sudden, surprised them in the very fact; and the geese,
+being heavy, fat, full-bodied creatures, were most of them sufferers;
+but the Cranes, being thin and light, easily flew away.
+
+
+APPLICATION.
+
+When the enemy comes to make a seizure, they are sure to suffer most
+whose circumstances are the richest and fattest. In any case of
+persecution, money hangs like a dead weight about a man; and we never
+feel gold so heavy as when we endeavour to make off with it. Therefore
+wise and politic ministers of state, whenever they see a storm begin to
+gather over their heads, always take care to unlade themselves of a good
+part of their cargo; and, by this means, seldom find but the blasts of
+obloquy, through which they are to make their way, are less deaf and
+inexorable than the stormy waves of the ocean. Indeed, poverty is too
+frequently the occasion of mens' being treated as if they were guilty of
+the greatest crimes and reproaches; but then these sort of criminals
+have this advantage, that no one thinks fit to treat them with any thing
+worse than contempt: whereas if any pretence can be found to fall upon
+the man who is rich, it is a miracle if he escapes with both life and
+money. In short, riches are like the baggage of an army: very useful
+while we lie in quiet possession of the camp, or are powerful enough to
+defy the enemy; but when once we are put to the rout, if we would get
+off with our lives or liberties, we must quit our baggage as soon as
+possible, and leave it for plunder to our pursuers. Nay, however
+strongly intrenched we may think ourselves, as long as money is in the
+case, it is good to look about us for fear of a surprise: for, after
+all, he that does not, upon occasion, make himself wings with his riches
+to fly off with, deserves to be punished, like a Goose as he is, for his
+heaviness.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE LXXX.
+
+[Illustration: THE DOG AND THE SHADOW.]
+
+
+A Dog, crossing a little rivulet with a piece of flesh in his mouth, saw
+his own Shadow represented in the clear mirror of the limpid stream;
+and, believing it to be another dog, who was carrying another piece of
+flesh, he could not forbear catching at it; but was so far from getting
+any thing his greedy design, that he dropped the piece he had in his
+mouth, which immediately sunk to the bottom, and was irrecoverably lost.
+
+
+APPLICATION.
+
+He that catches at more than belongs to him justly deserves to lose what
+he has. Yet nothing is more common, and, at the same time, more
+pernicious, than this selfish principle. It prevails from the king to
+the peasant; and all orders and degrees of men are, more or less,
+infected with it. Great monarchs have been drawn in, by this greedy
+humour, to grasp at the dominions of their neighbours; not that they
+wanted any thing more to feed their luxury, but to gratify their
+insatiable appetite for vain-glory. If the kings of Persia could have
+been contented with their own vast territories, they had not lost all
+Asia for the sake of a little petty state of Greece. And France, with
+all its glory, has, ere now, been reduced to the last extremity by the
+same unjust encroachments.
+
+He that thinks he sees another's estate in a pack of cards, or a box and
+dice, and ventures his own in the pursuit of it, should not repine if he
+finds himself a beggar in the end.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE LXXXI.
+
+[Illustration: THE ASS AND THE LITTLE DOG.]
+
+
+The Ass observing how great a favourite the Little Dog was with his
+master, how much caressed and fondled, and fed with good bits at every
+meal; and for no other reason, as he could perceive, but skipping and
+frisking about, wagging his tail, and leaping up into his master's lap;
+he was resolved to imitate the same, and see whether such a behaviour
+would not procure him the same favours. Accordingly, the master was no
+sooner come home from walking about his fields and gardens, and was
+seated in his easy chair, but the Ass, who observed him, came gamboling
+and braying towards him, in a very awkward manner. The master could not
+help laughing aloud at the odd sight. But his jest was soon turned into
+earnest, when he felt the rough salute of the Ass's fore-feet, who,
+raising himself upon his hinder legs, pawed against his breast with a
+most loving air, and would fain have jumped into his lap. The good man,
+terrified at this outrageous behaviour, and unable to endure the weight
+of so heavy a beast, cried out; upon which, one of his servants running
+in with a good stick, and laying on heartily upon the bones of the poor
+Ass, soon convinced him that every one who desires it is not qualified
+to be a favourite.
+
+
+APPLICATION.
+
+Some men are as engaging in their ways as little dogs. They can fawn,
+wheedle, cringe, or, if occasion requires, leap backward and forward
+over a stick, to the great emolument of their master, and entertainment
+of those that behold them. But these are qualifications to which every
+body cannot pretend; and therefore none but those who have a genius for
+it should aspire at the employment. Many a man envies the happiness of
+these favourites, and would fain insinuate himself into the same good
+graces, if he did but know the way; but, whoever has a tolerable share
+of discretion, will distrust his abilities in this respect, and modestly
+forbear the attempt, for fear he should miscarry and look like an Ass.
+But, in short, the true moral of this fable is, that every one should
+consider the just turn and temper of his parts, and weigh the talents by
+which he hopes to be distinguished. After such an examination, he may
+the more certainly know how to apply them to the most proper purposes;
+at least, so as not to hurt, or even mortify himself, by any mistaken
+address. Since there is such a variety of tempers in the world, and a no
+less multiplicity of arts and studies to fit and tally with them, how
+reasonable is it in general, and how much would it be for the true
+interest of every one in particular, if men would but be directed, by
+the natural bent of their genius, to such pursuits as are most agreeable
+to their capacities, and to the rudiments of education which they have
+most strongly imbibed.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE LXXXII.
+
+[Illustration: THE WOLF AND THE CRANE.]
+
+
+A Wolf, after devouring his prey, happened to have a bone stick in his
+throat, which gave him so much pain, that he went howling up and down,
+and importuning every creature he met to lend him a kind hand, in order
+to his relief; nay, he promised a reasonable reward to any one that
+should undertake the operation with success. At last the Crane, tempted
+with the lucre of the reward, and having first procured him to confirm
+his promise with an oath, undertook the business, and ventured his long
+neck into the rapacious felon's throat. In short, he plucked out the
+bone, and expected the promised gratuity. When the Wolf, turning his
+eyes disdainfully towards him, said,--'I did not think you had been so
+unconscionable; I had your head in my mouth, and could have bit it off
+whenever I pleased, but suffered you to take it away without any
+damage, and yet you are not contented.'
+
+
+APPLICATION.
+
+There is a sort of people in the world, to whom a man may be in the
+wrong for doing services, upon a double score: first, because they never
+deserved to have a good office done them; and, secondly, because, when
+once engaged, it is so hard a matter to get well rid of their
+acquaintance.
+
+This fable is not an example of ingratitude, as at first sight it seems
+to be, and as some of the mythologists have understood it; to make it a
+parallel in that case, the Crane ought to have been under some
+difficulties in his turn, and the Wolf have refused to assist him when
+it was in his power. The whole stress of it lies in this: that we ought
+to consider what kind of people they are to whom we are desired to do
+good offices, before we do them; for he that grants a favour, or even
+confides in a person of no honour, instead of finding his account in it,
+comes off well if he is no sufferer.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE LXXXIII.
+
+[Illustration: THE ENVIOUS MAN AND THE COVETOUS.]
+
+
+An Envious Man happened to be offering up his prayers to Jupiter just in
+the time and place with a Covetous Miserable Fellow. Jupiter, not caring
+to be troubled with their impertinences himself, sent Apollo to examine
+the merits of their petitions, and to give them such relief as he should
+think proper. Apollo therefore opened his commission, and withal told
+them that, to make short of the matter, whatever the one asked the other
+should have it double. Upon this, the Covetous Man, though he had a
+thousand things to request, yet forbore to ask first, hoping to receive
+a double quantity; for he concluded that all men's wishes sympathized
+with his. By this means, the Envious Man had an opportunity of
+preferring his petition first, which was the thing he aimed at; so,
+without much hesitation, he prayed to be relieved, by having one of his
+eyes put out: knowing that, of consequence, his companion would be
+deprived of both.
+
+
+APPLICATION.
+
+In this fable the folly of those two vices, Envy and Avarice, is fully
+exposed, and handsomely rallied. The Miser, though he has the riches of
+the world, without stint, laid open to his choice, yet dares not name
+the sum, for fear another should be richer than himself. The advantage
+of a double quantity, by receiving last, is what he cannot bear to lose,
+and he fares accordingly. The Envious Man, though he has a power of
+calling for good things, without measure, to himself or others, yet
+waves this happy privilege, and is content to punish himself by a very
+great loss, even that of an eye, that he may bring down a double portion
+of the like calamity upon another. These are the true tempers of the
+covetous and envious; one can scarce determine, whether they are more
+mischievous to themselves, or to the public; but it is manifest, that
+they are highly noxious to both, and should be treated accordingly.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE LXXXIV.
+
+[Illustration: THE TWO POTS.]
+
+
+An Earthen Pot, and one of Brass, standing together upon the river's
+brink, were both carried away by the flowing-in of the tide. The Earthen
+Pot showed some uneasiness, as fearing he should be broken; but his
+companion of Brass bid him be under no apprehensions, for that he would
+take care of him.--'O,' replies the other, 'keep as far off as ever you
+can, I entreat you; it is you I am most afraid of: for, whether the
+stream dashes you against me, or me against you, I am sure to be the
+sufferer; and therefore, I beg of you, do not let us come near one
+another.'
+
+
+APPLICATION.
+
+A man of a moderate fortune, who is contented with what he has, and
+finds he can live happily upon it, should take care not to hazard and
+expose his felicity by consorting with the great and the powerful.
+People of equal conditions may float down the current of life, without
+hurting each other; but it is a point of some difficulty to steer one's
+course in the company of the great, so as to escape without a bulge. One
+would not choose to have one's little country-box situated in the
+neighbourhood of a very great man; for whether I ignorantly trespass
+upon him, or he knowingly encroaches upon me, I only am like to be the
+sufferer. I can neither entertain nor play with him upon his own terms;
+for that which is moderation and diversion to him, in me would be
+extravagance and ruin.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE LXXXV.
+
+[Illustration: THE FOX AND THE STORK.]
+
+
+The Fox invited the Stork to dinner, and being disposed to divert
+himself at the expense of his guest, provided nothing for the
+entertainment but a soup, in a wide shallow dish. This himself could lap
+up with a great deal of ease; but the Stork, who could but just dip in
+the point of his bill, was not a bit the better all the while: however,
+in a few days after, he returned the compliment, and invited the Fox;
+but suffered nothing to be brought to table but some minced meat in a
+glass jar, the neck of which was so deep, and so narrow, that, though
+the Stork with his long bill made a shift to fill his belly, all that
+the Fox, who was very hungry, could do, was to lick the brim, as the
+Stork slabbered them with his eating. Reynard was heartily vexed at
+first; but, when he came to take his leave, owned ingenuously, that he
+had been used as he deserved; and that he had no reason to take any
+treatment ill, of which himself had set the example.
+
+
+APPLICATION.
+
+It is mighty imprudent, as well as inhuman and uncivil, to affront any
+body; and whoever takes the liberty to exercise his witty talent that
+way, must not think much of it if he meets reprisals. Indeed, if all
+those who are thus paid in their own coin would take it with the same
+frankness the Fox did, the matter would not be much; but we are too apt,
+when the jest comes to be turned home upon ourselves, to think that
+insufferable in another, which we looked upon as pretty and facetious
+when the humour was our own. The rule of doing as we would be done by,
+so proper to be our model in every transaction of life, may more
+particularly be of use in this respect: because people seldom or never
+receive any advantage by these little ludicrous impositions; and yet, if
+they were to ask themselves the question, would find that another's
+using them in the same manner would be very displeasing.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE LXXXVI.
+
+[Illustration: THE BEAR AND THE BEE HIVES.]
+
+
+A Bear, climbing over the fence into a place where Bees were kept, began
+to plunder the Hives, and rob them of their honey. But the Bees, to
+revenge the injury, attacked him in a whole swarm together; and, though
+they were not able to pierce his rugged hide, yet, with their little
+stings, they so annoyed his eyes and nostrils, that, unable to endure
+the smarting pain, with impatience he tore the skin over his ears with
+his own claws, and suffered ample punishment for the injury he did the
+Bees in breaking open their waxen cells.
+
+
+APPLICATION.
+
+Many and great are the injuries of which some men are guilty towards
+others, for the sake of gratifying some liquorish appetite. For there
+are those who would not stick at bringing desolation upon their country,
+and run the hazard of their own necks into the bargain, rather than
+baulk a wicked inclination, either of cruelty, ambition, or avarice. But
+it were to be wished all who are hurried by such blind impulses, would
+consider a moment before they proceed to irrevocable execution. Injuries
+and wrongs not only call for revenge and reparation with the voice of
+equity itself, but oftentimes carry their punishment along with them;
+and, by an unforeseen train of events, are retorted at the head of the
+actor of them; and not seldom, from a deep remorse, expiated upon
+himself by his own hand.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE LXXXVII.
+
+[Illustration: THE TRAVELLERS AND THE BEAR.]
+
+
+Two men being to travel through a forest together, mutually promised to
+stand by each other in any danger they should meet upon the way. They
+had not gone far before a Bear came rushing towards them out of a
+thicket; upon which one, being a light nimble fellow, got up into a
+tree; the other falling flat upon his face, and holding his breath, lay
+still while the Bear came up and smelled at him; but that creature,
+supposing him to be a dead carcass, went back again into the wood,
+without doing him the least harm. When all was over, the Spark who had
+climbed the tree came down to his companion, and, with a pleasant smile,
+asked him what the Bear said to him--'For,' says he, 'I took notice that
+he clapt his mouth very close to your ear.'----'Why,' replies the
+other, 'he charged me to take care, for the future, not to put any
+confidence in such cowardly rascals as you.'
+
+
+APPLICATION.
+
+Though nothing is more common than to hear people profess services of
+friendship where there is no occasion for them, yet scarce any thing is
+so hard to be found as a true friend, who will assist us in time of
+danger and difficulty. All the declarations of kindness which are made
+to an experienced man, though accompanied by a squeeze of the hand, and
+a solemn asseveration, should leave no greater impression upon his mind
+than the whistling of the hollow breeze which brushes one's ear with an
+unmeaning salute, and is presently gone. He that succours our necessity
+by a well-timed assistance, though it were not ushered in by previous
+compliments, will ever after be looked upon as our friend and protector;
+and, in so much a greater degree, as the favour was unasked and
+unpromised; as it was not extorted by importunities on the one side, nor
+led in by a numerous attendance of promises on the other. Words are
+nothing till they are fulfilled by actions; and therefore we should not
+suffer ourselves to be deluded by a vain hope and reliance upon them.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE LXXXVIII.
+
+[Illustration: THE TRUMPETER TAKEN PRISONER.]
+
+
+A trumpeter, being taken prisoner in a battle, begged hard for quarter,
+declaring his innocence, and protesting that he neither had nor could
+kill any man, bearing no arms but only his trumpet, which he was obliged
+to sound at the word of command.--'For that reason,' replied his
+enemies, 'we are determined not to spare you; for though you yourself
+never fight, yet, with that wicked instrument of yours, you blow up
+animosity between other people, and so become the occasion of much
+bloodshed.'
+
+
+APPLICATION.
+
+A man may be guilty of murder who has never handled a sword, or pulled a
+trigger, or lifted up his arm with any mischievous weapon. There is a
+little incendiary, called the tongue, which is more venomous than a
+poisoned arrow, and more killing than a two-edged sword. The moral of
+the fable therefore is this, that if in any civil insurrection the
+persons taken in arms against the government deserve to die, much more
+do they whose devilish tongues gave birth to the sedition, and excited
+the tumult. When wicked priests, instead of preaching peace and charity,
+employ that engine of scandal their tongue to foment rebellions, whether
+they succeed in their designs or no, they ought to be severely punished;
+for they have done what in them lay to set folks together by the ears;
+they have blown the trumpet and sounded the alarm, and if thousands are
+not destroyed by the sword, it is none of their fault.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE LXXXIX.
+
+[Illustration: THE PARTRIDGE AND THE COCKS.]
+
+
+A certain man, having taken a Partridge, plucked some of the feathers
+out of its wings, and turned it into a little yard, where he kept game
+Cocks. The Cocks, for awhile, made the poor bird lead a sad life,
+continually pecking and driving it away from the meat. This treatment
+was taken the more unkindly, because offered to a stranger; and the
+Partridge could not but conclude them the most inhospitable uncivil
+people he had ever met with. But at last, observing how frequently they
+quarrelled and fought with each other, he comforted himself with this
+reflection; that it was no wonder they were so cruel to him, since there
+was so much bickering and animosity among themselves.
+
+
+APPLICATION.
+
+This fable comes home to ourselves, we of this island having always been
+looked upon as cruel to strangers. Whether there is any thing in the
+manner of our situation, as an island, which consequently can be no
+thoroughfare to other countries, and so is not made use of by strangers
+upon that account, which makes us thus shy and uncivil; or, whether it
+be a jealousy upon account of our liberties, which puts us upon being
+suspicious of, and unwilling to harbour any that are not members of the
+same community, perhaps it would not be easy to determine. But that it
+is so in fact, is too notorious to be denied; and probably can be
+accounted for no better way than from the natural bent of our temper, as
+it proceeds from something peculiar to our air and climate. It has been
+affirmed, that there is not in the whole world besides a breed of Cocks
+and Dogs so fierce and incapable of yielding as that of ours; but that
+either of them, carried into foreign countries, would degenerate in a
+few years. Why may not the same be true of our men? But if strangers
+find any inconvenience in this, there is a comfortable consideration to
+balance it on the other side, which is, that there are no people under
+the sun so much given to division and contention among themselves as we
+are. Can a stranger think it hard to be looked upon with some shyness,
+when he beholds how little we spare one another? Was ever any
+foreigner, merely for being a foreigner, treated with half that malice
+and bitterness which differing parties express towards each other? One
+would willingly believe that this proceeds in the main, on both sides,
+from a passionate concern for our liberties and well-being; for there is
+nothing else which can so well excuse it. But it cannot be denied, that
+our aversion, notwithstanding our being a trading nation, to have any
+intercourse with strangers, is so great, that when we want other objects
+for our churlishness, we raise them up among ourselves; and there is,
+sometimes, as great a strangeness kept up between one county and another
+here, as there is between two distinct kingdoms abroad. One cannot so
+much wonder at the constant hostilities which are observed between the
+inhabitants of South and North Britain, of Wales and Ireland, among one
+another, when a Yorkshireman shall be looked upon as a foreigner by a
+native of Norfolk, and both be taken for outlandish intruders by one
+that happens to be born within the bills of mortality.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE XC.
+
+[Illustration: THE FALCONER AND THE PARTRIDGE.]
+
+
+A falconer having taken a Partridge in his net, the bird begged hard for
+a reprieve, and promised the man, if he would let him go, to decoy other
+Partridges into his net.--'No,' replies the Falconer, 'I was before
+determined not to spare you, but now you have condemned yourself by your
+own words: for he who is such a scoundrel as to offer to betray his
+friends to save himself, deserves, if possible, worse than death.'
+
+
+APPLICATION.
+
+However it may be convenient for us to like the treason, yet we must be
+very destitute of honour not to hate and abominate the traitor. And
+accordingly history furnishes us with many instances of kings and great
+men who have punished the actors of treachery with death, though the
+part they acted had been so conducive to their interests as to give them
+a victory, or perhaps the quiet possession of a throne. Nor can princes
+pursue a more just maxim than this; for a traitor is a villain of no
+principles, that sticks at nothing to promote his own selfish ends; he
+that betrays one cause for a great sum of money, will betray another
+upon the same account; and therefore it must be very impolitic in a
+state to suffer such wretches to live in it. Since then this maxim is so
+good, and so likely at all times to be practised, what stupid rogues
+must they be who undertake such precarious dirty work! If they miscarry,
+it generally proves fatal to them from one side or other; if they
+succeed, perhaps they may have the promised reward, but are sure to be
+detested, if suffered to live, by the very person that employs them.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE XCI.
+
+[Illustration: THE EAGLE AND THE CROW.]
+
+
+An Eagle flew down from the top of a high rock, and settled upon the
+back of a Lamb; and then instantly flying up into the air again, bore
+his bleating prize aloft in his pounces. A Crow, who sat upon an elm,
+and beheld this exploit, resolved to imitate it; so flying down upon the
+back of a Ram, and entangling his claws in the wool, he fell a
+chattering and attempting to fly; by which means he drew the observation
+of the Shepherd upon him, who finding his feet hampered in the fleece of
+the Ram, easily took him, and gave him to his boys for their sport and
+diversion.
+
+
+APPLICATION.
+
+Every quality which is excellent and commendable, is not, however,
+always a proper object for our imitation. We ought to state our own
+account honestly and fairly, that we may see what our abilities are, and
+how our circumstances stand; otherwise we may not only become ridiculous
+to others, but prejudicial to ourselves, by some awkward and ill-judged
+emulation, though it happen to be in a qualification truly laudable and
+great. It behoves every man to exert a good share of industry towards
+the advancement of his interest, or, if he pleases, of his reputation.
+But then it is highly necessary that he does this with a true regard to
+his own capacity, and without any danger of exposing or embarrassing
+himself in the operation.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE XCII.
+
+[Illustration: THE LION, THE ASS, AND THE FOX.]
+
+
+The Lion, the Ass, and the Fox went a hunting together in the forest;
+and it was agreed, that whatever was taken should be divided amongst
+them. They happened to have very good sport, and caught a large fat
+Stag, which the Lion ordered the Ass to divide. The Ass, according to
+the best of his capacity, did so, and made three pretty equal shares.
+But such levelling doings not suiting at all with the craving temper of
+the greedy Lion, without farther delay he flew upon the Ass, and tore
+him in pieces; and then bid the Fox divide it into two parts. Reynard,
+who seldom wanted a prompter, however, had his cue given him
+sufficiently upon this occasion; and so nibbling off one little bit for
+himself, he laid forth all the rest for the Lion's portion. The royal
+brute was so delighted at this dutiful and handsome proof of his
+respect, that he could not forbear expressing the satisfaction it gave
+him; and asked him withal, where he could possibly have learned so
+proper and so courtly a behaviour?--'Why,' replies Reynard, 'to tell
+your majesty the truth, I was taught it by the Ass that lies dead
+there.'
+
+
+APPLICATION.
+
+We may learn a great deal of useful experience from the examples of
+other people, if we will but take the pains to observe them. And,
+besides the profit of the instructions, there is no small pleasure in
+being taught any proper science at the expense of somebody else. To this
+purpose, the history of former times, as well as the transactions of the
+present, are very well adapted; and so copious, as to be able to furnish
+us with precedents upon almost every occasion. The rock upon which
+another has split is a kind of light-house or beacon to warn us from the
+like calamity; and by taking such an advantage, how easily may we steer
+a safe course! He that, in any negociation with his betters, does not
+well and wisely consider how to behave himself, so as not to give
+offence, may very likely come off as the Ass did: but a cool thinking
+man, though he should despair of ever making friends of the people in
+power, will be cautious and prudent enough to do nothing which may
+provoke them to be his enemies.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE XCIII.
+
+[Illustration: THE FOX AND THE GRAPES.]
+
+
+A Fox, very hungry, chanced to come into a vineyard, where there hung
+branches of charming ripe grapes; but nailed up to a trellis so high,
+that he leaped till he quite tired himself, without being able to reach
+one of them. At last--'Let who will take them!' says he, 'they are but
+green and sour; so I will even let them alone.'
+
+
+APPLICATION.
+
+This fable is a good reprimand to a parcel of vain coxcombs in the
+world, who, because they would never be thought to be disappointed in
+any of their pursuits, pretend a dislike to every thing which they
+cannot obtain. There is a strange propensity in mankind to this temper,
+and there are numbers of grumbling malcontents in every different
+faculty and sect in life. The discarded statesman, considering the
+corruption of the times, would not have any hand in the administration
+of affairs for all the world. The country squire damns a court life, and
+would not go cringing and creeping to a drawing-room for the best place
+the king has at his disposal. A young fellow, being asked how he liked a
+celebrated beauty, by whom all the world knew he was despised, answered,
+she had a stinking breath. How insufferable is the pride of this poor
+creature man! who would stoop to the basest vilest actions, rather than
+be thought not able to do any thing. For what is more base and vile than
+lying? And when do we lie more notoriously than when we disparage and
+find fault with a thing, for no other reason but because it is out of
+our power?
+
+
+
+
+FABLE XCIV.
+
+[Illustration: THE HORSE AND THE STAG.]
+
+
+The Stag with his sharp horns, got the better of the Horse, and drove
+him clear out of the pasture where they used to feed together. So the
+latter craved the assistance of man; and, in order to receive the
+benefit of it, suffered him to put a bridle into his mouth and a saddle
+upon his back. By this way of proceeding he entirely defeated his enemy;
+but was mightily disappointed when, upon returning thanks, and desiring
+to be dismissed, he received this answer:--'No, I never knew before how
+useful a drudge you were; now I have found what you are good for, you
+may depend upon it I will keep you to it.'
+
+
+APPLICATION.
+
+As the foregoing fable was intended to caution us against consenting to
+any thing that might prejudice public liberty, this may serve to keep
+us upon our guard in the preservation of that which is of a private
+nature. This is the use and interpretation given of it by Horace, the
+best and most polite philosopher that ever wrote. After reciting the
+fable, he applies it thus:--'This,' says he, 'is the case of him, who
+dreading poverty, parts with that invaluable jewel, liberty; like a
+wretch as he is, he will always be subject to a tyrant of some sort or
+other, and be a slave for ever; because his avaricious spirit knew not
+how to be contented with that moderate competency, which he might have
+possessed independent of all the world.'
+
+
+
+
+FABLE XCV.
+
+[Illustration: THE YOUNG MAN AND THE SWALLOW.]
+
+
+A prodigal Young Spendthrift, who had wasted his whole patrimony in
+taverns and gaming-houses, among lewd idle company, was taking a
+melancholy walk near a brook. It was in the month of January; and
+happened to be one of those warm sunshiny days which sometimes smile
+upon us even in that winterly season of the year; and, to make it the
+more flattering, a Swallow, which had made his appearance, by mistake,
+too soon, flew skimming along upon the surface of the water. The giddy
+Youth observing this, without any further consideration, concluded that
+summer was now come, and that he should have little or no occasion for
+clothes, so went and pawned them at the broker's, and ventured the money
+for one stake more, among his sharping companions. When this too was
+gone the same way with the rest, he took another solitary walk in the
+same place as before. But the weather being severe and frosty, had made
+every thing look with an aspect very different from what it did before;
+the brook was quite frozen over, and the poor Swallow lay dead upon the
+bank of it: the very sight of which cooled the young Spark's brains; and
+coming to a kind of sense of his misery, he reproached the deceased bird
+as the author of all his misfortunes:--'Ah, wretch that thou wert!' says
+he, 'thou hast undone both thyself and me, who was so credulous as to
+depend upon thee.'
+
+
+APPLICATION.
+
+They who frequent taverns and gaming-houses, and keep bad company,
+should not wonder if they are reduced, in a very small time, to penury
+and want. The wretched young fellows, who once addict themselves to such
+a scandalous kind of life, scarce think of, or attend to, any one thing
+besides. They seem to have nothing else in their heads, but how they may
+squander what they have got, and where they may get more when that is
+gone. They do not make the same use of their reason that other people
+do; but, like the jaundiced eye, view every thing in that false light in
+which their distemper and debauchery represent it. The Young Man in the
+fable gives us a pretty example of this; he sees a Swallow in the midst
+of winter, and instead of being surprised at it, as a very irregular
+and extraordinary thing, concludes from thence that it is summer, as if
+he had never thought before about the season. Well, the result of this
+wise conclusion is of a piece with the conclusion itself; if it is
+summer, he shall not want so many clothes, therefore he sells them: for
+what?--More money to squander away; as if (had his observation been
+just) summer would have lasted all the year round. But the true result
+and conclusion of all this is--when both his money and clothes are
+irrecoverably gone, he comes to his right senses; is ready to perish
+with hunger, to starve with cold, and to tear his own flesh with remorse
+and vexation at his former stupidity.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE XCVI.
+
+[Illustration: THE MAN AND HIS GOOSE.]
+
+
+A certain Man had a Goose, which laid him a golden egg every day. But,
+not contented with this, which rather increased than abated his avarice,
+he was resolved to kill the Goose, and cut up her belly, that so he
+might come at the inexhaustible treasure which he fancied she had within
+her. He did so; and, to his great sorrow and disappointment, found
+nothing.
+
+
+APPLICATION.
+
+They who are of such craving impatient tempers, that they cannot live
+contented when fortune has blessed them with a constant and continued
+sufficiency, deserve even to be deprived of what they have. And this has
+been the case of many ambitious and covetous men, who, by making an
+essay to grow very rich at once, have missed what they aimed at, and
+lost what they had before. But this comes so near the sense of the
+forty-seventh fable, that the same application may very well serve for
+both. If any thing further can be couched in this, it may possibly be
+intended to show us the unreasonableness and inconvenience of being
+solicitous about what may happen hereafter, and wanting to pry into the
+womb of futurity: which if we could do, all we should get for our pains
+would be, to spoil our pleasures by anticipation, and double our
+misfortunes by a previous sense and apprehension of them. There are some
+things that entertain and delight us very agreeably while we view them
+at a proper distance; which, perhaps, would not stand the test of a too
+near inspection. Beauty, being only the external form of a thing which
+strikes the eye in a pleasing manner, is a very thin glossy being, and,
+like some nice paintings of a peculiar composition, will not well bear
+even to be breathed on: to preserve our good opinion of it, we must not
+approach too close; for if, like the man in the fable, we have a mind to
+search for a treasure within, we may not only fail of our expectations
+there, but even lose the constant relish we enjoyed from a remoter
+contemplation.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE XCVII.
+
+[Illustration: THE DOG AND THE WOLF.]
+
+
+A lean, hungry, half-starved Wolf, happened, one moonshiny night, to
+meet with a jolly, plump, well-fed mastiff; and, after the first
+compliments were passed, says the Wolf--'You look extremely well; I
+protest, I think, I never saw a more graceful comely person. But how
+comes it about, I beseech you, that you should live so much better than
+I? I may say, without vanity, that I venture fifty times more than you
+do; and yet I am almost ready to perish with hunger.'--The Dog answered
+very bluntly--'Why you may live as well, if you will do the same for it
+that I do.'--'Indeed! What is that?' says he.--'Why,' says the Dog,
+'only to guard the house a nights, and keep it from thieves.'--'With
+all my heart,' replies the Wolf, 'for at present I have but a sorry time
+of it; and, I think, to change my hard lodging in the woods, where I
+endure rain, frost, and snow, for a warm roof over my head, and a belly
+full of good victuals, will be no bad bargain.'--'True,' says the Dog;
+'therefore you have nothing more to do but to follow me.' Now, as they
+were jogging on together, the Wolf spied a crease in the Dog's neck,
+and, having a strange curiosity, could not forbear asking him what it
+meant.--'Pugh! nothing,' says the Dog. 'Nay, but pray,'--says the Wolf.
+'Why,' says the Dog, 'if you must know, I am tied up in the day-time,
+because I am a little fierce, for fear I should bite people, and am only
+let loose a nights. But this is done with design to make me sleep a
+days, more than any thing else, and that I may watch the better in the
+night-time; for, as soon as ever the twilight appears, out I am turned,
+and may go where I please. Then my master brings me plates of bones from
+the table with his own hands, and whatever scraps are left by any of the
+family, all fall to my share; for you must know I am a favourite with
+every body. So you see how you are to live.--Come, come along; what is
+the matter with you?'--'No,' replied the Wolf, 'I beg your pardon; keep
+your happiness all to yourself. Liberty is the word with me; and I would
+not be a king upon the terms you mention.'
+
+
+APPLICATION.
+
+The lowest condition of life, with freedom attending it, is better than
+the most exalted station under a restraint. �sop and Ph�drus, who had
+both felt the bitter effects of slavery, though the latter of them had
+the good fortune to have the mildest prince that ever was for his
+master, cannot forbear taking all opportunities to express their great
+abhorrence of servitude, and their passion for liberty, upon any terms
+whatsoever. Indeed, a state of slavery, with whatever seeming grandeur
+and happiness it may be attended, is yet so precarious a thing, that he
+must want sense, honour, courage, and all manner of virtue, who can
+endure to prefer it in his choice. A man who has so little honour as to
+bear to be a slave, when it is in his power to prevent or redress it,
+would make no scruple to cut the throats of his fellow creatures, or to
+do any wickedness that the wanton unbridled will of his tyrannical
+master could suggest.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE XCVIII.
+
+[Illustration: THE WOOD AND THE CLOWN.]
+
+
+A country Fellow came one day into the Wood, and looked about him with
+some concern; upon which the Trees, with a curiosity natural to some
+other creatures, asked him what he wanted.--He replied--'That he only
+wanted a piece of wood to make a handle to his hatchet.' Since that was
+all, it was voted unanimously, that he should have a piece of good,
+sound, tough ash. But he had no sooner received and fitted it for his
+purpose, than he began to lay about him unmercifully, and to hack and
+hew without distinction, felling the noblest trees in all the forest.
+Then the Oak is said to have spoke thus to the Beech in a low
+whisper,--'Brother, we must take it for our pains.'
+
+
+APPLICATION.
+
+No people are more justly liable to suffer than they who furnish their
+enemies with any kind of assistance. It is generous to forgive; it is
+enjoined us by religion to love our enemies; but he that trusts an
+enemy, much more contributes to the strengthening and arming of him, may
+almost depend upon repenting him for his inadvertent benevolence; and
+has, moreover, this to add to his distress, that, when he might have
+prevented it, he brought his misfortune upon himself by his own
+credulity.
+
+Any person in a community, by what name or title soever distinguished,
+who affects a power which may possibly hurt the people, is an enemy to
+that people, and therefore they ought not to trust him: for though he
+were ever so fully determined not to abuse such a power, yet he is so
+far a bad man, as he disturbs the people's quiet, and makes them jealous
+and uneasy by desiring to have it, or even retaining it, when it may
+prove mischievous. If we consult history, we shall find that the thing
+called Prerogative has been claimed and contended for chiefly by those
+who never intended to make a good use of it; and as readily resigned and
+thrown up by just and wise princes, who had the true interest of their
+people at heart. How like senseless stocks do they act, who, by
+complimenting some capricious mortal, from time to time, with parcels of
+prerogative, at last put it out of their power to defend and maintain
+themselves in their just and natural liberty!
+
+
+
+
+FABLE XCIX.
+
+[Illustration: THE OLD LION.]
+
+
+A Lion, worn out with old age, lay fetching his last gasp, and agonizing
+in the convulsive struggles of death. Upon which occasion several of the
+beasts, who had formerly been sufferers by him, came and revenged
+themselves upon him. The Boar, with his mighty tusks, drove at him in a
+stroke that glanced like lightning. And the Bull gored him with his
+violent horns. Which, when the Ass saw they might do without any danger,
+he too came up, and threw his heels into the Lion's face. Upon which,
+the poor old expiring tyrant uttered these words with his last dying
+groan:--'Alas! how grievous is it to suffer insults, even from the brave
+and the valiant; but to be spurned by so base a creature as this is, who
+is the disgrace of Nature, is worse than dying ten thousand deaths.'
+
+
+APPLICATION.
+
+He that would be reverenced and respected by the rest of mankind, must
+lay in a foundation for it of some kind or other; for people cannot be
+persuaded to pay deference and esteem for nothing. So that, though we
+have lived in good repute in the world, if ever we should happen to
+outlive our stock, we must not be surprised to find ourselves slighted
+and affronted, even by the vilest scum of the people. If therefore we
+would raise to ourselves a dignity that will continue not only to the
+end of our lives, but extend itself far down among the ages of
+posterity, we should take care to establish it upon a foundation of
+virtue and good-nature: this will not only preserve us from the insults
+of enemies, but, upon occasion, surround us with a trusty guard of
+faithful and sincere friends.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE C.
+
+[Illustration: THE HORSE AND THE LOADED ASS.]
+
+
+An idle Horse, and an Ass labouring under a heavy burden, were
+travelling the road together; they both belonged to a country fellow,
+who trudged it on foot by them. The Ass, ready to faint under his heavy
+load, entreated the Horse to assist him, and lighten his burden, by
+taking some of it upon his back. The Horse was ill-natured, and refused
+to do it; upon which the poor Ass tumbled down in the midst of the
+highway, and expired in an instant. The countryman ungirted his
+pack-saddle, and tried several ways to relieve him, but all to no
+purpose: which, when he perceived, he took the whole burden and laid it
+upon the Horse, together with the skin of the dead Ass: so that the
+Horse, by his moroseness in refusing to do a small kindness, justly
+brought upon himself a great inconvenience.
+
+
+APPLICATION.
+
+Self-love is no such ill principle, if it were but well and truly
+directed; for it is impossible that any man should love himself to any
+purpose, who withdraws his assistance from his friends or the public.
+Every government is to be considered as a body politic; and every man
+who lives in it as a member of that body. Now, to carry on the allegory,
+no member can thrive better than when they all jointly unite in their
+endeavours to assist and improve the whole. If the hand was to refuse
+its assistance in procuring food for the mouth, they must both starve
+and perish together. And when those, who are parties concerned in the
+same community, deny such assistance to each other, as the preservation
+of that community necessarily requires, their self-interestedness, in
+that case, is ill-directed, and will have a quite contrary effect from
+what they intended. How many people are so senseless as to think it hard
+that there should be any taxes in the nation; whereas, were there to be
+none indeed, those very people would be undone immediately. That little
+property they have would be presently plundered by foreign or domestic
+enemies; and then they would be glad to contribute their quota, even
+without an act of parliament. The charges of supporting a government are
+necessary things, and easily supplied by a due and well proportioned
+contribution. But, in a narrower and more confined view, to be ready to
+assist our friends upon all occasions, is not only good, as it is an act
+of humanity, but highly discreet, as it strengthens our interest, and
+gives us an opportunity of lightening the burden of life.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE CI.
+
+[Illustration: THE OLD MAN AND DEATH.]
+
+
+A poor feeble old man who had crawled out into a neighbouring wood to
+gather a few sticks, had made up his bundle, and, laying it over his
+shoulders was trudging homeward with it; but, what with age, and the
+length of the way, and the weight of his burden, he grew so faint and
+weak that he sunk under it: and, as he sat on the ground, called upon
+Death to come, once for all, and ease him of his troubles. Death no
+sooner heard him, but he came and demanded of him what he wanted. The
+poor old creature, who little thought Death had been so near, and
+frighted almost out of his senses with his terrible aspect, answered him
+trembling, that having by chance let his bundle of sticks fall, and
+being too infirm to get it up himself, he had made bold to call upon him
+to help him: that, indeed, this was all he wanted at present; and that
+he hoped his worship was not offended with him for the liberty he had
+taken in so doing.
+
+
+APPLICATION.
+
+This fable gives us a lively representation of the general behaviour of
+mankind towards that grim king of terrors, Death. Such liberties do they
+take with him behind his back, that, upon every little cross accident
+which happens in their way, Death is immediately called upon; and they
+even wish it might be lawful for them to finish by their own hands a
+life so odious, so perpetually tormenting and vexatious. When, let but
+Death only offer to make his appearance, and the very sense of his near
+approach almost does the business. Oh, then all they want is a little
+longer life; and they would be glad to come off so well as to have their
+old burden laid upon their shoulders again. One may well conclude what
+an utter aversion they, who are in youth, health, and vigour of body,
+have to dying, when age, poverty, and wretchedness, are not sufficient
+to reconcile us to the thought.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE CII.
+
+[Illustration: THE BOAR AND THE ASS.]
+
+
+A little scoundrel of an Ass, happening to meet with a Boar, had a mind
+to be arch upon him,--'And so, brother,' says he, 'your humble servant.'
+The Boar, somewhat nettled at his familiarity, bristled up to him, and
+told him, he was surprised to hear him utter so impudent an untruth, and
+was just going to show his noble resentment, by giving him a rip in the
+flank; but wisely stifling his passion, he contented himself with only
+saying--'Go, you sorry beast! I could be amply and easily revenged of
+you; but I do not care to foul my tusks with the blood of so base a
+creature.'
+
+
+APPLICATION.
+
+Fools are sometimes so ambitious of being thought wits, that they run
+great hazards in attempting to show themselves such. This is not the
+first Ass, who, after a handsome rebuke from one superior to himself
+both in courage and merit, has continued his awkward raillery even to
+the last degree of offence. But such a dull creature is so far from
+raising himself the least esteem by his ludicrous vein, that he has very
+good luck if he escapes with a whole skin. Buffoons, like dwarfs, should
+be matched with those of their own level; a man, in sense or stature,
+would be ashamed to encounter either of them. But notwithstanding all
+this, and though the Boar in the fable is a very good example to men of
+generous brave spirits not to give themselves up to passion, nor to be
+distempered with thoughts of revenge upon the insolent behaviour of
+every Ass that offends them, because their hands would be dishonoured by
+the tincture of a base man's blood; yet among human creatures, the
+correction of an Ass that would be unseasonably witty, may be performed
+with justness and propriety enough, provided it be done in good humour.
+The blood of a coward, literally speaking, would stain the character of
+a man of honour; when we chastise such wretches, it should be done, if
+possible, in the utmost calmness of temper. It takes off something from
+the reputation of a great soul, when we see it is in the power of a fool
+to ruffle and unsettle it.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE CIII.
+
+[Illustration: THE TUNNY AND THE DOLPHIN.]
+
+
+A fish called a Tunny being pursued by a Dolphin, and driven with great
+violence, not minding which way he went, was thrown by the force of the
+waves upon a rock, and left there. His death now was inevitable; but,
+casting his eyes on one side, and seeing the Dolphin in the same
+condition lay gasping by him.--'Well,' says he, 'I must die, it is true;
+but I die with pleasure, when I behold him who is the cause of it
+involved in the same fate.'
+
+
+APPLICATION.
+
+Revenge though a blind mischievous passion, is yet a very sweet thing:
+so sweet, that it can even soothe the pangs and reconcile us to the
+bitterness of death. And, indeed, it must be a temper highly
+philosophical, that could be driven out of life by any tyrannical unjust
+procedure, and not be touched with a sense of pleasure to see the author
+of it splitting upon the same rock. When this is allowed, and it is
+further considered how easily the revenge of the meanest person may be
+executed even upon the highest, it should, methinks, keep people upon
+their guard, and prevail with them not to persecute or be injurious to
+any one. The moral turpitude of doing wrong is sufficient to influence
+every brave honest man, and to secure him from harbouring even the least
+thought of it in his breast: but the knave and the coward should weigh
+the present argument, and, before they attempt the least injury, be
+assured of this truth, that nothing is more sweet, nor scarce any thing
+so easy to compass, as revenge.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE CIV.
+
+[Illustration: THE PEACOCK AND THE MAGPIE.]
+
+
+The birds met together upon a time to choose a king; and the Peacock
+standing candidate, displayed his gaudy plumes, and catched the eyes of
+the silly multitude with the richness of his feathers. The majority
+declared for him, and clapped their wings with great applause: but just
+as they were going to proclaim him, the Magpie stepped forth in the
+midst of the assembly, and addressed himself thus to the new king--'May
+it please your majesty elect, to permit one of your unworthy subjects to
+represent to you his suspicions and apprehensions, in the face of this
+whole congregation: we have chosen you for our king, we have put our
+lives and fortunes into your hands, and our whole hope and dependence is
+upon you; if therefore, the Eagle, or the Vulture, or the Kite, should
+at any time make a descent upon us, as it is highly probable they will,
+may your majesty be so gracious as to dispel our fears, and clear our
+doubts, about that matter, by letting us know how you intend to defend
+us against them?'--This pithy unanswerable question drew the whole
+audience into so just a reflection, that they soon resolved to proceed
+to a new choice. But, from that time, the Peacock has been looked upon
+as a vain insignificant pretender, and the Magpie esteemed as eminent a
+speaker as any among the whole community of birds.
+
+
+APPLICATION.
+
+Form and outside, in the choice of a ruler, should not be so much
+regarded as the qualities and endowments of the mind. In choosing heads
+of corporations, from the king of the land down to the master of a
+company, upon every new election it should be inquired into, which of
+the candidates is most capable of advancing the good and welfare of the
+community; and upon him the choice should fall. But the eyes of the
+multitude are so dazzled with pomp and show, noise and ceremony, that
+they cannot see things really as they are: and from hence it comes to
+pass, that so many absurdities are committed and maintained in the
+world. People should examine and weigh the real weight and merit of the
+person, and not be imposed upon by false colours and pretences of I know
+not what.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE CV.
+
+[Illustration: THE FORESTER AND THE LION.]
+
+
+The Forester meeting with a Lion one day, they discoursed together for
+awhile without differing much in opinion. At last, a dispute happening
+to arise about the superiority between a Man and a Lion, the Man,
+wanting a better argument, showed the Lion a marble monument, on which
+was placed the statue of a man striding over a vanquished Lion.--'If
+this,' says the Lion, 'is all you have to say for it, let us be the
+carvers, and we will make the Lion striding over the Man.'
+
+
+APPLICATION.
+
+Contending parties are very apt to appeal for the truth to records
+written by their own side; but nothing is more unfair, and at the same
+time insignificant and unconvincing. Such is the partiality of mankind
+in favour of themselves and their own actions, that it is almost
+impossible to come at any certainty by reading the accounts which are
+written on one side only. We have few or no memoirs come down to us of
+what was transacted in the world during the sovereignty of ancient Rome,
+but what were written by those who had a dependency upon it; therefore
+it is no wonder that they appear, upon most occasions, to have been so
+great and glorious a nation. What their contemporaries of other
+countries thought of them we cannot tell, otherwise than from their own
+writers: it is not impossible but they might have described them as a
+barbarous, rapacious, treacherous, unpolite people; who, upon their
+conquest of Greece, for some time, made as great havoc and destruction
+of the arts and sciences, as their fellow plunderers, the Goths and
+Vandals, did afterwards in Italy. What monsters would our own
+party-zealots make of each other, if the transactions of the times were
+to be handed down to posterity by a warm hearty man on either side! and,
+were such records to survive two or three centuries, with what
+perplexities and difficulties must they embarrass a young historian, as
+by turns he consulted them for the characters of his great forefathers!
+If it should so happen, it were to be wished this application might be
+living at the same time that young readers, instead of doubting to which
+they should give their credit, would not fail to remember that this was
+the work of a man, that of a lion.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE CVI.
+
+[Illustration: THE STAG LOOKING INTO THE WATER.]
+
+
+A Stag that had been drinking at a clear spring, saw himself in the
+water: and, pleased with the prospect, stood afterwards for some time
+contemplating and surveying his shape and features from head to
+foot.--'Ah!' says he, 'what a glorious pair of branching horns are
+there! how gracefully do those antlers hang over my forehead, and give
+an agreeable turn to my whole face! If some other parts of my body were
+but proportionable to them, I would turn my back to nobody; but I have a
+set of such legs as really makes me ashamed to see them. People may talk
+what they please of their conveniencies, and what great need we stand in
+of them upon several occasions; but, for my part, I find them so very
+slender and unsightly, that I had as lief have none at all.' While he
+was giving himself these airs, he was alarmed with the noise of some
+huntsmen, and a pack of hounds that had been just laid on upon the
+scent, and were making towards him. Away he flies, in some
+consternation, and, bounding nimbly over the plain, threw dogs and men
+at a vast distance behind him. After which, taking a very thick copse,
+he had the ill-fortune to be entangled by his horns in a thicket; where
+he was held fast till the hounds came in and pulled him down. Finding
+now how it was like to go with him, in the pangs of death he is said to
+have uttered these words:--'Unhappy creature that I am! I am too late
+convinced, that what I prided myself in has been the cause of my
+undoing, and what I so much disliked was the only thing that could have
+saved me.'
+
+
+APPLICATION.
+
+Perhaps we cannot apply this better than by supposing the fable to be a
+parable! which may be thus explained. The Deer, viewing itself in the
+water, is a beautiful young lady at her looking-glass. She cannot help
+being sensible of the charms which lie blooming in every feature of her
+face. She moistens her lips, languishes with her eyes, adjusts every
+lock of her hair with the nicest exactness, gives an agreeable attitude
+to her whole body; and then, with a soft sigh, says to herself,--'Ah!
+how happy might I be, in a daily crowd of admirers, if it were not for
+the censoriousness of the age! when I view that face, where Nature, to
+give her her due, has been liberal enough of charms, how easy should I
+be, if it were not for that slender particular, my honour. The odious
+idea of that comes across all my happy moments, and brings a
+mortification with it that damps my most flattering tender hopes. Oh!
+that there were no such thing in the world!'--In the midst of these
+soliloquies she is interrupted by the voice of her lover, who enters her
+chamber singing a rigadoon air; and, introducing his discourse in a
+familiar easy manner, takes occasion to launch out in praise of her
+beauty; sees she is pleased with it, snatches her hand, kisses it in a
+transport; and, in short, pursues his point so close, that she is not
+able to disengage herself from him. But, when the consequence of all
+this approaches, in an agony of grief and shame, she fetches a deep sigh
+and says--'Ah! how mistaken have I been! the virtue I slighted might
+have saved me; but the beauty I prized so much has been my undoing.'
+
+
+
+
+FABLE CVII.
+
+[Illustration: THE STAG AND THE OX-STALL.]
+
+
+A Stag, roused out of his thick cover in the midst of the forest, and
+driven hard by the hounds, made towards a farm-house, and seeing the
+door of an Ox-Stall open, entered therein, and hid himself under a heap
+of straw. One of the Oxen, turning his head about, asked him what he
+meant by venturing himself in such a place as that was, where he was
+sure to meet with his doom?--'Ah!' says the Stag, 'if you will but be so
+good as to favour me with your concealment, I hope I shall do well
+enough; I intend to make off again the first opportunity.'--Well, he
+staid there till towards night; in came the ox-man with a bundle of
+fodder, and never saw him. In short, all the servants of the farm came
+and went, and not a soul of them smelt any thing of the matter. Nay,
+the bailiff himself came according to form, and looked in, but walked
+away no wiser than the rest. Upon this the Stag, ready to jump out of
+his skin for joy, began to return thanks to the good-natured Oxen,
+protesting that they were the most obliging people he had ever met with
+in his life. After he had done his compliments, one of them answered him
+gravely--'Indeed, we desire nothing more than to have it in our power to
+contribute to your escape; but there is a certain person, you little
+think of, who has a hundred eyes; if he should happen to come, I would
+not give this straw for your life.'--In the interim, home comes the
+master himself, from a neighbour's, where he had been invited to dinner;
+and, because he had observed the cattle to look but scurvily of late, he
+went up to the rack, and asked, why they did not give them more fodder?
+then, casting his eyes downward,--'Hey-day!' says he, 'why so sparing of
+your litter? pray scatter a little more here. And these cobwebs--but I
+have spoke so often, that unless I do it myself--' Thus, as he went on,
+prying into every thing, he chanced to look where the Stag's horns lay
+sticking out of the straw; upon which he raised a hue-and-cry, called
+all his people about him, killed the poor Stag, and made a prize of him.
+
+
+APPLICATION.
+
+The moral of this fable is, that nobody looks after a man's affairs so
+well as he himself. Servants, being but hirelings, seldom have the true
+interest of their master at heart, but let things run on in a negligent
+constant disorder; and this, generally, not so much for want of capacity
+as honesty. Their heads are taken up with the cultivation of their own
+private interest; for the service and promotion of which that of their
+master is postponed, and often entirely neglected.
+
+Few families are reduced to poverty and distress merely by their own
+extravagance and indulgence in luxury: the inattention of servants
+swells every article of expense in domestic oeconomy; and the retinue of
+great men, instead of exerting their industry to conduce as far as
+possible to the increase of their master's wealth, commonly exercise no
+other office than that of locusts and caterpillars, to consume and
+devour it.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE CVIII.
+
+[Illustration: THE DOVE AND THE ANT.]
+
+
+The Ant, compelled by thirst, went to drink in a clear purling rivulet;
+but the current, with its circling eddy, snatched her away, and carried
+her down the stream. The Dove, pitying her distressed condition, cropped
+a branch from a neighbouring tree, and let it fall into the water, by
+means of which the Ant saved herself, and got ashore. Not long after, a
+fowler having a design upon the Dove, planted his nets in due order,
+without the bird's observing what he was about; which the Ant
+perceiving, just as he was going to put his design in execution, she bit
+him by the heel, and made him give so sudden a start, that the Dove took
+the alarm, and flew away.
+
+
+APPLICATION.
+
+One good turn deserves another; and gratitude is excited by so noble and
+natural a spirit, that he ought to be looked upon as the vilest of
+creatures who has no sense of it. It is, indeed, so very just and
+equitable a thing, and so much every man's duty, that, to speak of it
+properly, one should not mention it as any thing meritorious, or that
+may claim praise and admiration, any more than we should say a man ought
+to be rewarded or commended for not killing his father, or forbearing to
+set fire to his neighbour's house. The bright and shining piece of
+morality, therefore, which is recommended to us in this fable, is set
+forth in this example of the Dove, who, without any obligation or
+expectation, does a voluntary office of charity to its fellow creature
+in distress. The constant uninterrupted practice of this virtue, is the
+only thing in which we are capable of imitating the great Author of our
+being; whose beloved Son, besides the many precepts he has given to
+enforce this duty, used this expression as a common saying, 'It is more
+blessed to give than to receive.'
+
+
+
+
+FABLE CIX.
+
+[Illustration: THE LION IN LOVE.]
+
+
+The Lion, by chance, saw a fair Maid, the forester's daughter, as she
+was tripping over a lawn, and fell in love with her. Nay, so violent was
+his passion, that he could not live unless he made her his own; so that,
+without any more delay, he broke his mind to the father, and demanded
+the damsel for his wife. The man, as odd as the proposal seemed at
+first, yet soon recollected, that by complying he might get the Lion
+into his power; but, by refusing him, should only exasperate and provoke
+his rage. Therefore he consented; but told him it must be upon these
+conditions: that, considering the girl was young and tender, he must
+agree to let his teeth be plucked out, and his claws cut off, lest he
+should hurt her, or at least frighten her, with the apprehension of
+them. The Lion was too much in love to hesitate; but was no sooner
+deprived of his teeth and claws, than the treacherous forester attacked
+him with a huge club, and knocked his brains out.
+
+
+APPLICATION.
+
+Of all the ill consequences that may attend that blind passion, love,
+seldom any prove so fatal as that one, of its drawing people into a
+sudden and ill-concerted marriage. They commit a rash action in the
+midst of a fit of madness, of which, as soon as they come to themselves,
+they may find reason to repent as long as they live. Many an unthinking
+young fellow has been treated as much like a savage, in this respect, as
+the Lion in the fable. He has, perhaps, had nothing valuable belonging
+to him but his estate, and the writings which made his title to it; and,
+if he is so far captivated as to be persuaded to part with these, his
+teeth and his claws are gone, and he lies entirely at the mercy of madam
+and her relations. All the favour he is to expect, after this, is from
+the accidental goodness of the family he falls into; which, if it happen
+to be of a particular strain, will not fail to keep him in a distant
+subjection, after they have stripped him of all his power. Nothing but a
+true friendship, and a mutual interest, can keep up reciprocal love
+between the conjugal pair; and when that is wanting, and nothing but
+contempt and aversion remain to supply the place, matrimony becomes a
+downright state of enmity and hostility: and what a miserable case he
+must be in, who has put himself and his whole power into the hands of
+his enemy, let those consider, who, while they are in their sober
+senses, abhor the thoughts of being betrayed into their ruin, by
+following the impulse of a blind unheeding passion.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE CX.
+
+[Illustration: THE TORTOISE AND THE EAGLE.]
+
+
+The Tortoise, weary of his condition, by which he was confined to creep
+upon the ground, and being ambitious to have a prospect, and look about
+him, gave out, that if any bird would take him up into the air, and show
+him the world, he would reward him with a discovery of many precious
+stones, which he knew were hidden in a certain place of the earth: the
+Eagle undertook to do as he desired, and, when he had performed his
+commission, demanded the reward; but finding the Tortoise could not make
+good his words, he stuck his talons into the softer parts of his body,
+and made him a sacrifice to his revenge.
+
+
+APPLICATION.
+
+As men of honour ought to consider calmly how far the things which they
+promise may be in their power, before they venture to make promises
+upon this account, because the non-performance of them will be apt to
+excite an uneasiness within themselves, and tarnish their reputation in
+the eyes of other people; so fools and cowards should be as little rash
+in this respect as possible, lest their impudent forgeries draw upon
+them the resentment of those whom they disappoint, and that resentment
+makes them undergo smart, but deserved, chastisement. The man who is so
+stupid a knave as to make a lying promise where he is sure to be
+detected, receives the punishment of his folly unpitied by all that know
+him.
+
+
+FINIS.
+
+
+Printed by C. WHITTINGHAM, Chiswick.
+
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Transcriber's note:
+
+The header "Fable I" has been added.
+
+Variations in spelling and hyphenation have been preserved except in
+obvious cases of typographical error.
+
+
+
+
+
+End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of �sop's Fables, by �sop
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+    <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html;charset=iso-8859-1" />
+    <meta http-equiv="Content-Style-Type" content="text/css" />
+    <title>
+      �sop's Fables. Embellished with One Hundred and Eleven Emblematical Devices, by Carpenter and Son, a Project Gutenberg eBook.
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+<pre>
+
+The Project Gutenberg EBook of �sop's Fables, by �sop
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+Title: �sop's Fables
+       Embellished with One Hundred and Eleven Emblematical Devices.
+
+Author: �sop
+
+Release Date: March 18, 2012 [EBook #39187]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK �SOP'S FABLES ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by Chris Curnow, Julia Neufeld and the Online
+Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (This
+file was produced from images generously made available
+by The Internet Archive)
+
+
+
+
+
+
+</pre>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 450px;"><br /><br /><br />
+<img src="images/i_front_cover.jpg" width="450" height="739" alt="front cover" title="front cover" />
+
+</div>
+
+<h1>�SOP'S FABLES.</h1>
+
+<p class="center">EMBELLISHED WITH</p>
+
+<h4>One Hundred and Eleven<br />
+EMBLEMATICAL DEVICES.</h4>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 450px;">
+<img src="images/i_002.jpg" width="450" height="368" alt="Man reading" title="Man Reading" />
+
+</div>
+
+<p class="center">Printed at the Chiswick Press,</p>
+<h2>BY C. WHITTINGHAM;</h2>
+
+<p class="center">FOR CARPENTER AND SON, OLD BOND STREET;<br />
+J. BOOKER, NEW BOND STREET; SHARPE AND<br />
+HAILES, PICCADILLY; AND WHITTINGHAM<br />
+AND ARLISS, PATERNOSTER ROW.<br /><br />
+
+1814.
+</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2>CONTENTS.</h2>
+
+
+<div class="center">
+<table border="0" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="0" summary="Contents">
+<tr><td align="right">&nbsp;</td><td align="left"><i>Fable</i></td><td align="left"><i>Page</i></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="right">1</td><td align="left">The Cock and the Jewel</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_1">1</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="right">2</td><td align="left">The Wolf and the Lamb</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_4">4</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="right">3</td><td align="left">The Lion and the Four Bulls</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_7">7</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="right">4</td><td align="left">The Frog and the Fox</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_9">9</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="right">5</td><td align="left">The Ass eating Thistles</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_11">11</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="right">6</td><td align="left">The Lark and her Young Ones</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_13">13</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="right">7</td><td align="left">The Cock and the Fox</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_16">16</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="right">8</td><td align="left">The Fox in the Well</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_19">19</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="right">9</td><td align="left">The Wolves and the Sheep</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_21">21</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="right">10</td><td align="left">The Eagle and the Fox</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_23">23</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="right">11</td><td align="left">The Wolf in Sheep's Clothing</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_26">26</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="right">12</td><td align="left">The Fowler and the Ring-Dove</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_28">28</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="right">13</td><td align="left">The Sow and the Wolf</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_30">30</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="right">14</td><td align="left">The Horse and the Ass</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_32">32</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="right">15</td><td align="left">The Wolf, the Lamb, and the Goat</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_35">35</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="right">16</td><td align="left">The Kite and the Pigeons</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_38">38</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="right">17</td><td align="left">The Country Mouse and the City Mouse</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_41">41</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="right">18</td><td align="left">The Swallow and other Birds</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_46">46</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="right">19</td><td align="left">The Hunted Beaver</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_48">48</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="right">20</td><td align="left">The Cat and the Fox</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_50">50</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="right"><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_iv" id="Page_iv">[iv]</a></span></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="right">21</td><td align="left">The Cat and the Mice</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_52">52</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="right">22</td><td align="left">The Lion and other Beasts</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_54">54</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="right">23</td><td align="left">The Lion and the Mouse</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_56">56</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="right">24</td><td align="left">The Fatal Marriage</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_58">58</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="right">25</td><td align="left">The Mischievous Dog</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_60">60</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="right">26</td><td align="left">The Ox and the Frog</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_62">62</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="right">27</td><td align="left">The Fox and the Lion</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_65">65</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="right">28</td><td align="left">The Ape and the Fox</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_67">67</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="right">29</td><td align="left">The Dog in the Manger</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_70">70</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="right">30</td><td align="left">The Birds, the Beasts, and the Bat</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_72">72</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="right">31</td><td align="left">The Fox and the Tiger</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_75">75</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="right">32</td><td align="left">The Lioness and the Fox</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_78">78</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="right">33</td><td align="left">The Oak and the Reed</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_80">80</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="right">34</td><td align="left">The Wind and the Sun</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_82">82</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="right">35</td><td align="left">The Kite, the Frog, and the Mouse</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_85">85</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="right">36</td><td align="left">The Frogs desiring a King</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_87">87</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="right">37</td><td align="left">The Old Woman and her Maids</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_90">90</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="right">38</td><td align="left">The Lion, the Bear, and the Fox</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_92">92</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="right">39</td><td align="left">The Crow and the Pitcher</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_95">95</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="right">40</td><td align="left">The Porcupine and the Snakes</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_97">97</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="right">41</td><td align="left">The Hares and Frogs in a Storm</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_100">100</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="right">42</td><td align="left">The Fox and the Wolf</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_103">103</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="right">43</td><td align="left">The Dog and the Sheep</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_106">106</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="right">44</td><td align="left">The Peacock and the Crane</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_108">108</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="right">45</td><td align="left">The Viper and the File</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_110">110</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="right">46</td><td align="left">The Ass, the Lion, and the Cock</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_112">112</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="right">47</td><td align="left">The Jackdaw and Peacocks</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_114">114</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="right">48</td><td align="left">The Ant and the Fly</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_116">116</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="right">49</td><td align="left">The Ant and the Grasshopper</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_119">119</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="right">50</td><td align="left">The Countryman and the Snake</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_121">121</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="right">51</td><td align="left">The Fox and the Sick Lion</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_124">124</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="right">52</td><td align="left">The Wanton Calf</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_127">127</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="right"><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_v" id="Page_v">[v]</a></span></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="right">53</td><td align="left">Hercules and the Carter</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_130">130</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="right">54</td><td align="left">The Belly and the Members</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_133">133</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="right">55</td><td align="left">The Horse and the Lion</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_136">136</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="right">56</td><td align="left">The Husbandman and the Stork</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_138">138</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="right">57</td><td align="left">The Cat and the Cock</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_140">140</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="right">58</td><td align="left">The Leopard and the Fox</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_142">142</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="right">59</td><td align="left">The Shepherd's Boy</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_145">145</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="right">60</td><td align="left">The Fox and the Goat</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_147">147</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="right">61</td><td align="left">Cupid and Death</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_149">149</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="right">62</td><td align="left">The Old Man and his Sons</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_151">151</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="right">63</td><td align="left">The Stag and the Fawn</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_154">154</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="right">64</td><td align="left">The Old Hound</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_157">157</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="right">65</td><td align="left">Jupiter and the Camel</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_159">159</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="right">66</td><td align="left">The Fox without a Tail</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_161">161</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="right">67</td><td align="left">The Fox and the Crow</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_163">163</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="right">68</td><td align="left">The Hawk and the Farmer</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_166">166</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="right">69</td><td align="left">The Nurse and the Wolf</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_168">168</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="right">70</td><td align="left">The Hare and the Tortoise</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_170">170</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="right">71</td><td align="left">The Young Man and his Cat</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_173">173</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="right">72</td><td align="left">The Ass in the Lion's Skin</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_175">175</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="right">73</td><td align="left">The Mountains in Labour</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_177">177</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="right">74</td><td align="left">The Satyr and the Traveller</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_179">179</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="right">75</td><td align="left">The Sick Kite</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_182">182</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="right">76</td><td align="left">The Hawk and the Nightingale</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_184">184</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="right">77</td><td align="left">The Peacock's Complaint</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_186">186</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="right">78</td><td align="left">The Angler and the Little Fish</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_188">188</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="right">79</td><td align="left">The Geese and the Cranes</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_190">190</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="right">80</td><td align="left">The Dog and the Shadow</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_192">192</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="right">81</td><td align="left">The Ass and the Little Dog</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_194">194</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="right">82</td><td align="left">The Wolf and the Crane</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_197">197</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="right">83</td><td align="left">The Envious Man and the Covetous</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_199">199</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="right">84</td><td align="left">The Two Pots</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_201">201</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="right"><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_vi" id="Page_vi">[vi]</a></span></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="right">85</td><td align="left">The Fox and the Stork</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_203">203</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="right">86</td><td align="left">The Bear and the Bee-Hives</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_205">205</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="right">87</td><td align="left">The Travellers and the Bear</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_207">207</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="right">88</td><td align="left">The Trumpeter taken Prisoner</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_209">209</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="right">89</td><td align="left">The Partridge and the Cocks</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_211">211</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="right">90</td><td align="left">The Falconer and the Partridge</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_214">214</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="right">91</td><td align="left">The Eagle and the Crow</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_216">216</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="right">92</td><td align="left">The Lion, the Ass, and the Fox</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_218">218</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="right">93</td><td align="left">The Fox and the Grapes</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_220">220</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="right">94</td><td align="left">The Horse and the Stag</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_222">222</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="right">95</td><td align="left">The Young Man and the Swallow</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_224">224</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="right">96</td><td align="left">The Man and his Goose</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_227">227</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="right">97</td><td align="left">The Dog and the Wolf</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_229">229</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="right">98</td><td align="left">The Wood and the Clown</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_232">232</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="right">99</td><td align="left">The Old Lion</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_234">234</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="right">100</td><td align="left">The Horse and the Loaded Ass</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_236">236</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="right">101</td><td align="left">The Old Man and Death</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_238">238</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="right">102</td><td align="left">The Boar and the Ass</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_240">240</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="right">103</td><td align="left">The Tunny and the Dolphin</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_242">242</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="right">104</td><td align="left">The Peacock and the Magpie</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_244">244</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="right">105</td><td align="left">The Forester and the Lion</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_246">246</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="right">106</td><td align="left">The Stag looking into the Water</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_248">248</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="right">107</td><td align="left">The Stag in the Ox-Stall</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_251">251</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="right">108</td><td align="left">The Dove and the Ant</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_254">254</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="right">109</td><td align="left">The Lion in Love</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_256">256</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="right">110</td><td align="left">The Tortoise and the Eagle</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_259">259</a></td></tr>
+</table></div>
+
+
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2>PREFACE,</h2>
+
+<h4><i>BY S. CROXALL</i>.</h4>
+
+
+<p>So much has been already said concerning �sop and
+his writings, both by ancient and modern authors, that
+the subject seems to be quite exhausted. The different
+conjectures, opinions, traditions, and forgeries, which
+from time to time we have had given to us of him, would
+fill a large volume: but they are, for the most part, so
+inconsistent and absurd, that it would be but a dull amusement
+for the reader to be led into such a maze of uncertainty:
+since Herodotus, the most ancient Greek historian,
+did not flourish till near an hundred years after �sop.</p>
+
+<p>As for his Life, with which we are entertained in so complete
+a manner, before most of the editions of his Fables, it
+was invented by one Maximus Planudes, a Greek Monk;
+and, if we may judge of him from that composition, just as
+judicious and learned a person, as the rest of his fraternity
+are at this day observed to be. Sure there never were so
+many blunders and childish dreams mixed up together, as
+are to be met with in the short compass of that piece. For
+a Monk, he might be very good and wise, but in point of
+history and chronology, he shows himself to be very ignorant.
+He brings �sop to Babylon, in the reign of king
+Lycerus, a king of his own making; for his name is not
+to be found in any catalogue, from Nabonassar to Alexander
+the Great; Nabonadius, most probably, reigning in
+Babylon about that time. He sends him into Egypt in the
+days of Nectanebo, who was not in being till two hundred
+years afterwards; with some other gross mistakes of that
+kind, which sufficiently show us that this Life was a
+work of invention, and that the inventor was a bungling<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_viii" id="Page_viii">[viii]</a></span>
+poor creature. He never mentions �sop's being at Athens;
+though Ph�drus speaks of him as one that lived the greatest
+part of his time there; and it appears that he had a
+statue erected in that city to his memory, done by the hand
+of the famed Lysippus. He writes of him as living at
+Samos, and interesting himself in a public capacity in the
+administration of the affairs of that place; yet, takes not
+the least notice of the Fable which Aristotle<a name="FNanchor_1_1" id="FNanchor_1_1"></a><a href="#Footnote_1_1" class="fnanchor">[1]</a> tells us he
+spoke in behalf of a famous Demagogue there, when he
+was impeached for embezzling the public money; nor does
+he indeed give us the least hint of such a circumstance.
+An ingenious man might have laid together all the materials
+of this kind that are to be found in good old authors, and,
+by the help of a bright invention, connected and worked
+them up with success; we might have swallowed such an
+imposition well enough, because we should not have known
+how to contradict it: but in Planudes' case, the imposture
+is doubly discovered; first, as he has the unquestioned
+authority of antiquity against him; secondly, (and if the
+other did not condemn him) as he has introduced the witty,
+discreet, judicious �sop, quibbling in a strain of low
+monastic waggery, and as archly dull as a Mountebank's
+Jester.</p>
+
+<p>That there was a Life of �sop, either written or traditionary,
+before Aristotle's time, is pretty plain; and that
+there was something of that kind extant in Augustus' reign,
+is, I think, as undoubted; since Ph�drus mentions many
+transactions of his, during his abode at Athens. But it is as
+certain, that Planudes met with nothing of this kind; or,
+at least, that he met not with the accounts with which they
+were furnished, because of the omissions before-mentioned;
+and consequently with none so authentic and good. He
+seems to have thrown together some merry conceits which
+occurred to him in the course of his reading, such as he
+thought were worthy of �sop, and very confidently obtrudes
+them upon us for his. But, when at last he brings
+him to Delphos (where he was put to death by being thrown
+down from a precipice) that the Delphians might have
+some colour of justice for what they intended to do, he
+favours them with the same stratagem which Joseph made
+use of to bring back his brother Benjamin; they clandestinely
+convey a cup into his baggage, overtake him upon
+the road, after a strict search find him guilty; upon that
+pretence carry him back to the city, condemn and execute
+him.</p>
+
+<p>As I would neither impose upon others, nor be imposed
+upon, I cannot, as some have done, let such stuff as this<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_ix" id="Page_ix">[ix]</a></span>
+pass for the Life of the great �sop. Planudes has little
+authority for any thing he has delivered concerning him;
+nay, as far as I can find, his whole account, from the
+beginning to the end, is mere invention, excepting some
+few circumstances; such as the place of his birth, and of
+his death; for in respect of the time in which he lived, he
+has blundered egregiously, by mentioning some incidents
+as contemporary with �sop, which were far enough from
+being so. Xanthus, his supposed master, puts his wife into
+a passion, by bringing such a piece of deformity into her
+house, as our Author is described to be. Upon this, the
+master reproaches the slave for not uttering something
+witty, at a time that seemed to require it so much: and
+then �sop comes out, slap dash, with a satirical reflection
+upon women, taken from Euripides, the famous Greek
+tragedian. Now Euripides happened not to be born till
+about fourscore years after �sop's death. What credit,
+therefore, can be given to any thing Planudes says of him?</p>
+
+<p>As to the place of his birth, I will allow, with the generality
+of those who have written about him, that it might
+have been some town in Phrygia Major: A. Gellius making
+mention of him, says, '�sopus ille, e Phrygia, Fabulator.'
+That he was also by condition a slave, we may
+conclude from what Ph�drus<a name="FNanchor_2_2" id="FNanchor_2_2"></a><a href="#Footnote_2_2" class="fnanchor">[2]</a> relates of him. But
+whether at both Samos and Athens, he does not particularly
+mention: though I am inclined to think it was at the
+latter only; because he often speaks of him as living at
+that place, and never at any other; which looks as if
+Ph�drus believed that he had never lived any where else.
+Nor do I see how he could help being of that opinion, if
+others of the ancients, whose credit is equally good, did
+not carry him into other places. Aristotle introduces him
+(as I mentioned before) speaking in public to the Samians,
+upon the occasion of their Demagogue, or Prime Minister,
+being impeached for plundering the commonwealth.</p>
+
+<p>I cannot but think �sop was something above the
+degree of a slave, when he made such a figure as an
+eminent speaker in the Samian State. Perhaps he might
+have been in that low condition in the former part of his
+life; and therefore Ph�drus, who had been of the same
+rank himself, might love to enlarge upon this circumstance,
+since he does not choose to represent him in any
+higher sphere. Unless we allow him to be speaking<a name="FNanchor_3_3" id="FNanchor_3_3"></a><a href="#Footnote_3_3" class="fnanchor">[3]</a> in
+as public a capacity to the Athenians, upon the occasion
+of Pisistratus' seizing their liberties, as we have before<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_x" id="Page_x">[x]</a></span>
+supposed he did to the Samians. But, however, granting
+that he was once a slave, we have great authority that he
+was afterwards not only free, but in high veneration and
+esteem with all that knew him; especially all that were
+eminent for wisdom and virtue. Plutarch, in his Banquet
+of the Seven Wise Men, among several other illustrious
+persons, celebrated for their wit and knowledge, introduces
+�sop. And, though in one place he seems to be
+ridiculed by one of the company for being of a clumsy
+mongrel shape; yet, in general, he is represented as very
+courtly and polite in his behaviour. He rallies Solon,
+and the rest, for taking too much liberty in prescribing
+rules for the conduct of sovereign princes; putting them
+in mind, that those who aspire to be the friends and counsellors
+of such, lose that character, and carry matters too
+far when they proceed to censure and find fault with them.
+Upon the credit of Plutarch, likewise, we fix the Life of
+�sop in the time of Cr&oelig;sus, King of Lydia; with whom
+he was in such esteem, as to be deputed by him to consult
+the Oracle at Delphos, and be sent as his envoy to Periander,
+King of Corinth; which was about three hundred
+and twenty years after the time in which Homer lived,
+and five hundred and fifty before Christ.</p>
+
+<p>Now, though this imaginary banquet of Plutarch does
+not carry with it the weight of a serious history, yet we
+may take it for granted, that he introduced nothing in his
+fictitious scene, which might contradict either the written
+or traditionary Life of �sop; but rather chose to make
+every thing agree with it. Be that as it will, this is the
+sum of the account which we have to give of him. Nor,
+indeed, is it material for us to know the little trifling circumstances
+of his Life; as whether he lived at Samos or
+Athens, whether he was a slave or a freeman, whether
+handsome or ugly. He has left us a legacy in his writings
+that will preserve his memory dear and perpetual among
+us: what we have to do, therefore, is to show ourselves
+worthy of so valuable a present, and to act, in all respects,
+as near as we can to the will and intention of the donor.
+They who are governed by reason, need no other motive
+than the mere goodness of a thing to incite them to the
+practice of it. But men, for the most part, are so superficial
+in their inquiries, that they take all upon trust; and
+have no taste for any thing but what is supported by the
+vogue of others, and which it is inconsistent with the
+fashion of the world not to admire.</p>
+
+<p>As an inducement, therefore, to such as these to like the
+person and conversation of �sop, I must assure them that
+he was held in great esteem by most of the great wits of
+old. There is scarce an author among the ancient Greeks,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_xi" id="Page_xi">[xi]</a></span>
+who mixed any thing of morality in his writings, but
+either quotes or mentions him.</p>
+
+<p>Whatever his person was, the beauties of his mind were
+very charming and engaging; that the most celebrated
+among the ancients were his admirers; that they speak
+of him with raptures, and pay as great a respect to him
+as to any of the other wise men who lived in the same
+age. Nor can I perceive, from any author of antiquity,
+that he was so deformed as the Monk has represented
+him. If he had, he must have been so monstrous and
+shocking to the eye, as not only to be a very improper
+envoy for a great king, but scarce fit to be admitted as a
+slave in any private family. Indeed, from what Plutarch
+hints of him, I suspect he had something particular in his
+mien; but rather odd than ugly, and more apt to excite
+mirth than disgust, in those that conversed with him.
+Perhaps something humorous displayed itself in his countenance
+as well as his writings; and it might be upon
+account of both, that he got the name of &#915;&#949;&#955;&#969;&#964;&#959;&#960;&#959;&#953;&#959;&#962;, as
+Lucian calls him, and his works that of &#915;&#949;&#955;&#959;&#953;&#945;. However,
+we will go a middle way; and without insisting
+upon his beauty, or giving into his deformity, allow him
+to have made a merry comical figure; at least as handsome
+as Socrates; but at the same time conclude, that this
+particularity in the frame of his body was so far from
+being of any disadvantage to him, that it gave a mirthful
+cast to every thing he said, and added a kind of poignancy
+to his conversation.</p>
+
+<p>We have seen what opinion the ancients had of our
+Author, and his writings. Now, as to the manner of conveying
+instruction by Fables in general, though many
+good vouchers of antiquity sufficiently recommend it, yet
+to avoid tiring the reader's patience, I shall wave all
+quotations from thence, and lay before him the testimony
+of a modern; whose authority, in point of judgment, and
+consequently, in the present case, may be as readily acknowledged
+as that of any ancient of them all. "Fables<a name="FNanchor_4_4" id="FNanchor_4_4"></a><a href="#Footnote_4_4" class="fnanchor">[4]</a>,"
+says Mr. Addison, "were the first pieces of wit that
+made their appearance in the world; and have been still
+highly valued, not only in times of the greatest simplicity,
+but among the most polite ages of mankind. Jotham's
+Fable of the Trees is the oldest that is extant, and as
+beautiful as any which have been made since that time.
+Nathan's Fable of the poor Man and his Lamb, is likewise
+more ancient than any that is extant, besides the
+above-mentioned, and had so good an effect, as to convey
+instruction to the ear of a king, without offending it, and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_xii" id="Page_xii">[xii]</a></span>
+to bring the man after God's own heart to a right sense
+of his guilt, and his duty. We find �sop in the most
+distant ages of Greece. And, if we look into the very
+beginning of the commonwealth of Rome, we see a
+mutiny among the common people appeased by the
+Fable of the Belly and the Members<a name="FNanchor_5_5" id="FNanchor_5_5"></a><a href="#Footnote_5_5" class="fnanchor">[5]</a>; which was indeed
+very proper to gain the attention of an incensed rabble,
+at a time, when, perhaps, they would have torn to pieces
+any man who had preached the same doctrine to them,
+in an open and direct manner. As Fables took their
+birth in the very infancy of learning, they never flourished
+more than when learning was at its greatest height.
+To justify this assertion, I shall put my reader in mind
+of Horace, the greatest wit and critic in the Augustan
+age; and of Boileau, the most correct poet among the
+moderns; not to mention La Fontaine, who, by this way
+of writing, is come more into vogue than any other
+author of our times." After this, he proceeds to give some
+account of that kind of Fable in which the passions, and
+other imaginary beings, are actors; and concludes with a
+most beautiful one of that sort, of his own contriving.
+In another place, he gives us a translation from Homer
+of that inimitable Fable comprised in the interview between
+Jupiter and Juno, when the latter made use of the
+girdle of Venus, to recall the affection of her husband; a
+piece never sufficiently to be recommended to the perusal
+of such of the fair sex, as are ambitious of acquitting
+themselves handsomely in point of conjugal complacence.
+But I must not omit the excellent Preface, by which the
+Fable is introduced, "Reading is to the mind<a name="FNanchor_6_6" id="FNanchor_6_6"></a><a href="#Footnote_6_6" class="fnanchor">[6]</a>," says he,
+"what exercise is to the body: as by the one, health is
+preserved, strengthened, and invigorated; by the other
+virtue (which is the health of the mind) is kept alive,
+cherished, and confirmed. But, as exercise becomes
+tedious and painful when we make use of it only as the
+means of health, so reading is too apt to grow uneasy
+and burdensome, when we apply ourselves to it only for
+our improvement in virtue. For this reason, the virtue
+which we gather from a Fable or an allegory, is like the
+health we get by hunting, as we are engaged in an agreeable
+pursuit that draws us on with pleasure, and makes
+its insensible of the fatigues that accompany it."</p>
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_1" id="Page_1">[1]</a></span></p>
+<h2>�SOP'S FABLES.</h2>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2>FABLE I.</h2>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 450px;">
+<img src="images/i_014.jpg" width="450" height="341" alt="THE COCK AND THE JEWEL." title="THE COCK AND THE JEWEL." />
+<span class="caption">THE COCK AND THE JEWEL.</span>
+</div>
+
+
+<p>A brisk young Cock, in company with two or
+three pullets, his mistresses, raking upon a dunghill
+for something to entertain them with, happened
+to scratch up a Jewel. He knew what it was well
+enough, for it sparkled with an exceeding bright
+lustre; but, not knowing what to do with it,
+endeavoured to cover his ignorance under a gay
+contempt; so, shrugging up his wings, shaking
+his head, and putting on a grimace, he expressed
+himself to this purpose:&mdash;'Indeed, you are a very<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_2" id="Page_2">[2]</a></span>
+fine thing; but I know not any business you have
+here. I make no scruple of declaring that my
+taste lies quite another way; and I had rather
+have one grain of dear delicious barley, than all
+the Jewels under the sun.'</p>
+
+
+<p class="center">APPLICATION.</p>
+
+<p>There are several people in the world that pass,
+with some, for well accomplished gentlemen, and
+very pretty fellows, though they are as great
+strangers to the true uses of virtue and knowledge
+as the Cock upon the dunghill is to the real value
+of the Jewel. He palliates his ignorance by pretending
+that his taste lies another way. But,
+whatever gallant airs people may give themselves
+upon these occasions, without dispute, the solid
+advantages of virtue, and the durable pleasures of
+learning, are as much to be preferred before other
+objects of the senses, as the finest brilliant diamond
+is above a barley-corn. The greatest blockheads
+would appear to understand what at the same time
+they affect to despise: and nobody yet was ever
+so vicious, as to have the impudence to declare,
+in public, that virtue was not a fine thing.</p>
+
+<p>But still, among the idle, sauntering young fellows
+of the age, who have leisure as well to cultivate
+and improve the faculties of the mind, as to
+dress and embellish the body, how many are there
+who spend their days in raking after new scenes
+of debauchery, in comparison of those few who
+know how to relish more reasonable entertainments!<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_3" id="Page_3">[3]</a></span>
+Honest, undesigning good sense is so
+unfashionable, that he must be a bold man who,
+at this time of day, attempts to bring it into
+esteem.</p>
+
+<p>How disappointed is the youth who, in the
+midst of his amorous pursuits, endeavouring to
+plunder an outside of bloom and beauty, finds a
+treasure of impenetrable virtue concealed within!
+And why may it not be said, how delighted are
+the fair sex when, from among a crowd of empty,
+frolic, conceited admirers, they find out, and distinguish
+with their good opinion, a man of sense,
+with a plain, unaffected person, which, at first
+sight, they did not like!</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_4" id="Page_4">[4]</a></span></p>
+<h2>FABLE II.</h2>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 450px;">
+<img src="images/i_017.jpg" width="450" height="343" alt="THE WOLF AND THE LAMB." title="THE WOLF AND THE LAMB." />
+<span class="caption">THE WOLF AND THE LAMB.</span>
+</div>
+
+
+<p>One hot, sultry day, a Wolf and a Lamb happened
+to come, just at the same time, to quench
+their thirst in the stream of a clear, silver brook
+that ran tumbling down the side of a rocky mountain.
+The Wolf stood upon the higher ground,
+and the Lamb at some distance from him down
+the current. However, the Wolf, having a mind
+to pick a quarrel with him, asked him, what he
+meant by disturbing the water, and making it so
+muddy that he could not drink? and, at the same
+time demanded satisfaction. The Lamb, frightened
+at this threatening charge, told him, in a
+tone as mild as possible, that, with humble submission,
+he could not conceive how that could be;<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_5" id="Page_5">[5]</a></span>
+since the water which he drank, ran down from
+the Wolf to him, and therefore it could not be
+disturbed so far up the stream. 'Be that as it will,'
+replies the Wolf, 'you are a rascal, and I have
+been told that you treated me with ill language,
+behind my back, about half a year ago.'&mdash;'Upon
+my word,' says the Lamb, 'the time you mention
+was before I was born.' The Wolf, finding it to
+no purpose to argue any longer against truth, fell
+into a great passion, snarling and foaming at the
+mouth, as if he had been mad; and drawing
+nearer to the Lamb, 'Sirrah,' says he, 'if it was
+not you, it was your father, and that is all one.'&mdash;So
+he seized the poor innocent, helpless thing,
+tore it to pieces, and made a meal of it.</p>
+
+
+<p class="center">APPLICATION.</p>
+
+<p>The thing which is pointed at in this fable is
+so obvious, that it will be impertinent to multiply
+words about it. When a cruel ill-natured man
+has a mind to abuse one inferior to himself, either
+in power or courage, though he has not given the
+least occasion for it, how does he resemble the
+Wolf! whose envious, rapacious temper could
+not bear to see innocence live quietly in its neighbourhood.
+In short, wherever ill people are in
+power, innocence and integrity are sure to be
+persecuted: the more vicious the community is,
+the better countenance they have for their own
+villanous measures. To practise honesty in bad
+times, is being liable to suspicion enough; but if
+any one should dare to prescribe it, it is ten to<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_6" id="Page_6">[6]</a></span>
+one but he would be impeached of high crimes
+and misdemeanors: for to stand up for justice in
+a degenerate and corrupt state, is tacitly to upbraid
+the government, and seldom fails of pulling
+down vengeance upon the head of him that offers
+to stir in its defence. Where cruelty and malice
+are in combination with power, nothing is so easy
+as for them to find a pretence to tyrannize over
+innocence, and exercise all manner of injustice.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_7" id="Page_7">[7]</a></span></p>
+<h2>FABLE III.</h2>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 450px;">
+<img src="images/i_020.jpg" width="450" height="353" alt="THE LION AND THE FOUR BULLS." title="THE LION AND THE FOUR BULLS." />
+<span class="caption">THE LION AND THE FOUR BULLS.</span>
+</div>
+
+
+<p>Four Bulls, which had entered into a very
+strict friendship, kept always near one another,
+and fed together. The Lion often saw them, and
+as often had a mind to make one of them his prey;
+but, though he could easily have subdued any of
+them singly, yet he was afraid to attack the whole
+alliance, as knowing they would have been too
+hard for him, and therefore contented himself,
+for the present, with keeping at a distance. At
+last, perceiving no attempt was to be made upon
+them, as long as this combination held, he took
+occasion, by whispers and hints, to foment jealousies,
+and raise divisions among them. This
+stratagem succeeded so well, that the Bulls grew
+cold and reserved towards one another, which<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_8" id="Page_8">[8]</a></span>
+soon after ripened into a downright hatred and
+aversion; and, at last, ended in a total separation.
+The Lion had now obtained his ends; and, as
+impossible as it was for him to hurt them while
+they were united, he found no difficulty, now
+they were parted, to seize and devour every Bull
+of them, one after another.</p>
+
+
+<p class="center">APPLICATION.</p>
+
+<p>The moral of this fable is so well known and
+allowed, that to go about to enlighten it, would
+be like holding a candle to the sun. "A kingdom
+divided against itself cannot stand;" and as undisputed
+a maxim as it is, was, however, thought
+necessary to be urged to the attention of mankind,
+by the best Man that ever lived. And since
+friendships and alliances are of so great importance
+to our well-being and happiness, we cannot
+be too often cautioned not to let them be broken
+by tale-bearers and whisperers, or any other contrivance
+of our enemies.</p>
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_9" id="Page_9">[9]</a></span></p>
+<h2>FABLE IV.</h2>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 450px;">
+<img src="images/i_022.jpg" width="450" height="338" alt="THE FROG AND THE FOX." title="THE FROG AND THE FOX." />
+<span class="caption">THE FROG AND THE FOX.</span>
+</div>
+
+
+<p>A Frog, leaping out of a lake, and taking the
+advantage of a rising ground, made proclamation
+to all the beasts of the forest, that he was an able
+physician, and, for curing all manner of distempers,
+would turn his back to no person living.
+This discourse, uttered in a parcel of hard, cramp
+words, which nobody understood, made the beasts
+admire his learning, and give credit to every
+thing he said. At last the Fox, who was present,
+with indignation asked him, how he could have
+the impudence, with those thin lantern-jaws, that
+meagre pale phiz, and blotched spotted body, to
+set up for one who was able to cure the infirmities
+of others.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_10" id="Page_10">[10]</a></span></p>
+
+
+<p class="center">APPLICATION.</p>
+
+<p>A sickly, infirm look, is as disadvantageous in
+a physician, as that of a rake in a clergyman, or a
+sheepish one in a soldier. If this moral contains
+any thing further, it is, that we should not set up
+for rectifying enormities in others, while we labour
+under the same ourselves. Good advice ought
+always to be followed, without our being prejudiced
+upon account of the person from whom it
+comes: but it is seldom that men can be brought
+to think us worth minding, when we prescribe
+cures for maladies with which ourselves are infected.
+"Physician, heal thyself," is too scriptural
+not to be applied upon such an occasion;
+and, if we would avoid being the jest of an audience,
+we must be sound, and free from those
+diseases of which we would endeavour to cure
+others. How shocked must people have been to
+hear a preacher, for a whole hour, declaim against
+drunkenness, when his own infirmity has been
+such, that he could neither bear nor forbear
+drinking; and, perhaps, was the only person in
+the congregation who made the doctrine at that
+time necessary! Others too have been very zealous
+in exploding crimes, for which none were
+more suspected than themselves: but let such
+silly hypocrites remember, that they whose eyes
+want couching, are the most improper people in
+the world to set up for oculists.</p>
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_11" id="Page_11">[11]</a></span></p>
+<h2>FABLE V.</h2>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 450px;">
+<img src="images/i_024.jpg" width="450" height="299" alt="THE ASS EATING THISTLES." title="THE ASS EATING THISTLES." />
+<span class="caption">THE ASS EATING THISTLES.</span>
+</div>
+
+
+<p>An Ass was loaded with good provisions of
+several sorts, which, in time of harvest, he was
+carrying into the field for his master and the
+reapers to dine upon. By the way he met with a
+fine large Thistle, and, being very hungry, began
+to mumble it; which, while he was doing, he
+entered into this reflection&mdash;'How many greedy
+epicures would think themselves happy, amidst
+such a variety of delicate viands as I now carry!
+But to me, this bitter prickly Thistle is more
+savoury and relishing than the most exquisite
+and sumptuous banquet.'</p>
+
+
+<p class="center">APPLICATION.</p>
+
+<p>Happiness and misery, and oftentimes pleasure
+and pain, exist merely in our opinion, and are no<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_12" id="Page_12">[12]</a></span>
+more to be accounted for than the difference of
+tastes. "That which is one man's meat, is another
+man's poison," is a proposition that ought to be
+allowed in all particulars, where the opinion is
+concerned, as well as in eating and drinking.
+Our senses must inform us whether a thing pleases
+or displeases, before we can declare our judgment
+of it; and that is to any man good or evil, which
+his own understanding suggests to him to be so,
+and not that which is agreeable to another's fancy.
+And yet, as reasonable and as necessary as it is to
+grant this, how apt are we to wonder at people
+for not liking this or that, or how can they think
+so and so! This childish humour of wondering at
+the different tastes and opinions of others, occasions
+much uneasiness among the generality of
+mankind. But, if we considered things rightly,
+why should we be more concerned at others differing
+from us in their way of thinking upon any
+subject whatever, than at their liking cheese, or
+mustard; one, or both of which, we may happen
+to dislike? In truth, he that expects all mankind
+should be of his opinion, is much more stupid
+and unreasonable than the Ass in the fable.</p>
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_13" id="Page_13">[13]</a></span></p>
+<h2>FABLE VI.</h2>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 450px;">
+<img src="images/i_026.jpg" width="450" height="330" alt="THE LARK AND HER YOUNG ONES." title="THE LARK AND HER YOUNG ONES." />
+<span class="caption">THE LARK AND HER YOUNG ONES.</span>
+</div>
+
+
+<p>A Lark, who had Young Ones in a field of
+corn which was almost ripe, was under some fear
+lest the reapers should come to reap it before her
+young brood were fledged, and able to remove
+from the place: wherefore, upon flying abroad to
+look for food, she left this charge with them&mdash;that
+they should take notice what they heard
+talked of in her absence, and tell her of it when
+she came back again. When she was gone, they
+heard the owner of the corn call to his son&mdash;'Well,'
+says he, 'I think this corn is ripe enough;
+I would have you go early to-morrow, and desire
+our friends and neighbours to come and help us
+to reap it.' When the Old Lark came home, the
+Young Ones fell a quivering and chirping round<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_14" id="Page_14">[14]</a></span>
+her, and told her what had happened, begging
+her to remove them as fast as she could. The
+mother bid them be easy; 'for,' says she, 'if the
+owner depends upon friends and neighbours, I am
+pretty sure the corn will not be reaped to-morrow.'
+Next day she went out again, upon the same occasion,
+and left the same orders with them as before.
+The owner came, and stayed, expecting those he
+had sent to: but the sun grew hot, and nothing was
+done, for not a soul came to help him. 'Then,'
+says he to his son, 'I perceive these friends of ours
+are not to be depended upon; so that you must even
+go to your uncles and cousins, and tell them, I desire
+they would be here betimes to-morrow morning
+to help us to reap.' Well, this the Young
+Ones, in a great fright, reported also to their
+mother. 'If that be all,' says she, 'do not be frightened,
+children, for kindred and relations do not
+use to be so very forward to serve one another;
+but take particular notice what you hear said the
+next time, and be sure you let me know it.' She
+went abroad the next day, as usual; and the owner,
+finding his relations as slack as the rest of his
+neighbours, said to his son, 'Hark ye! George,
+do you get a couple of good sickles ready against
+to-morrow morning, and we will even reap the
+corn ourselves.' When the Young Ones told their
+mother this, 'Then,' says she, 'we must be gone
+indeed; for, when a man undertakes to do his
+business himself, it is not so likely that he will be
+disappointed.' So she removed her Young Ones
+immediately, and the corn was reaped the next
+day by the good man and his son.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_15" id="Page_15">[15]</a></span></p>
+
+
+<p class="center">APPLICATION.</p>
+
+<p>Never depend upon the assistance of friends
+and relations in any thing which you are able to
+do yourself; for nothing is more fickle and uncertain.
+The man, who relies upon another for the
+execution of any affair of importance, is not only
+kept in a wretched and slavish suspense while he
+expects the issue of the matter, but generally meets
+with a disappointment. While he, who lays the
+chief stress of his business upon himself, and
+depends upon his own industry and attention for
+the success of his affairs, is in the fairest way to
+attain his end: and, if at last he should miscarry,
+has this to comfort him&mdash;that it was not through
+his own negligence, and a vain expectation of the
+assistance of friends. To stand by ourselves, as
+much as possible, to exert our own strength and
+vigilance in the prosecution of our affairs, is god-like,
+being the result of a most noble and highly
+exalted reason; but they who procrastinate and
+defer the business of life by an idle dependance
+upon others, in things which it is in their own
+power to effect, sink down into a kind of stupid
+abject slavery, and show themselves unworthy of
+the talents with which human nature is dignified.</p>
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_16" id="Page_16">[16]</a></span></p>
+<h2>FABLE VII.</h2>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 450px;">
+<img src="images/i_029.jpg" width="450" height="345" alt="THE COCK AND THE FOX." title="THE COCK AND THE FOX." />
+<span class="caption">THE COCK AND THE FOX.</span>
+</div>
+
+
+<p>The Fox, passing early one summer's morning
+near a farm-yard, was caught in a springe, which
+the farmer had planted there for that end. The
+Cock, at a distance, saw what happened; and,
+hardly yet daring to trust himself too near so
+dangerous a foe, approached him cautiously, and
+peeped at him, not without some horror and dread
+of mind. Reynard no sooner perceived it, but
+he addressed himself to him, with all the designing
+artifice imaginable. 'Dear cousin,' says he, 'you
+see what an unfortunate accident has befallen me
+here, and all upon your account: for, as I was
+creeping through yonder hedge, in my way homeward,
+I heard you crow, and was resolved to ask
+you how you did before I went any further: but,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_17" id="Page_17">[17]</a></span>
+by the way, I met with this disaster; and therefore
+now I must become an humble suitor to you for a
+knife to cut this plaguy string; or, at least, that
+you would conceal my misfortune, till I have
+gnawed it asunder with my teeth.' The Cock,
+seeing how the case stood, made no reply, but
+posted away as fast as he could, and gave the
+farmer an account of the whole matter; who,
+taking a good weapon along with him, came and
+did the Fox's business, before he could have time
+to contrive his escape.</p>
+
+
+<p class="center">APPLICATION.</p>
+
+<p>Though there is no quality of the mind more
+graceful in itself, or that renders it more amiable
+to others, than the having a tender regard to those
+who are in distress; yet we may err, even in this
+point, unless we take care to let our compassion
+flow out upon proper objects only. When the
+innocent fall into misfortune, it is the part of a
+generous brave spirit to contribute to their redemption;
+or, if that be impossible, to administer
+something to their comfort and support. But,
+when wicked men, who have been enemies to
+their fellow-subjects, are entrapped in their own
+pernicious schemes, he that labours to deliver
+them, makes himself an associate in their crimes,
+and becomes as great an enemy to the public as
+those whom he would screen and protect.</p>
+
+<p>When highwaymen and housebreakers are
+taken, condemned, and going to satisfy justice,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_18" id="Page_18">[18]</a></span>
+at the expense of their vile paltry lives; who are
+they that grieve for them, and would be glad to
+rescue them from the rope? Not honest men, we
+may be sure. The rest of the thieving fraternity
+would, perhaps, commiserate their condition, and
+be ready to mutiny in their favour: nay, the rascally
+solicitor, who had been employed upon their
+account, would be vexed that his negociations
+had succeeded no better, and be afraid of losing
+his reputation, among other delinquents, for the
+future: but every friend to justice would have no
+reason to be dissatisfied at any thing but a mournful
+reflection, which he could not forbear making,
+that, while these little criminals swing for some
+trifling inconsiderable rapine, others, so transcendently
+their superiors in fraud and plunder,
+escape with a whole skin.</p>
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_19" id="Page_19">[19]</a></span></p>
+<h2>FABLE VIII.</h2>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 450px;">
+<img src="images/i_032.jpg" width="450" height="345" alt="THE FOX IN THE WELL." title="THE FOX IN THE WELL." />
+<span class="caption">THE FOX IN THE WELL.</span>
+</div>
+
+
+<p>A Fox having fallen into a Well, made a shift,
+by sticking his claws into the sides, to keep his
+head above water. Soon after, a Wolf came
+and peeped over the brink; to whom the Fox
+applied himself very earnestly for assistance:
+entreating, that he would help him to a rope, or
+something of that kind, which might favour his
+escape. The Wolf, moved with compassion at
+his misfortune, could not forbear expressing his
+concern: 'Ah! poor Reynard,' says he, 'I am
+sorry for you with all my heart; how could you
+possibly come into this melancholy condition?'&mdash;'Nay,
+prithee, friend,' replies the Fox, 'if you
+wish me well, do not stand pitying of me, but lend<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_20" id="Page_20">[20]</a></span>
+me some succour as fast as you can: for pity is
+but cold comfort when one is up to the chin in
+water, and within a hair's breadth of starving or
+drowning.'</p>
+
+
+<p class="center">APPLICATION.</p>
+
+<p>Pity, indeed, is of itself but poor comfort at
+any time; and, unless it produces something
+more substantial, is rather impertinently troublesome,
+than any way agreeable. To stand bemoaning
+the misfortunes of our friends, without
+offering some expedient to alleviate them, is only
+echoing to their grief, and putting them in mind
+that they are miserable. He is truly my friend
+who, with a ready presence of mind, supports
+me; not he who condoles with me upon my ill
+success, and says he is sorry for my loss. In
+short, a favour or obligation is doubled by being
+well-timed; and he is the best benefactor, who
+knows our necessities, and complies with our
+wishes, even before we ask him.</p>
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_21" id="Page_21">[21]</a></span></p>
+<h2>FABLE IX.</h2>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 450px;">
+<img src="images/i_034.jpg" width="450" height="344" alt="THE WOLVES AND THE SHEEP." title="THE WOLVES AND THE SHEEP." />
+<span class="caption">THE WOLVES AND THE SHEEP.</span>
+</div>
+
+
+<p>The Wolves and the Sheep had been a long
+time in a state of war together. At last a cessation
+of arms was proposed, in order to a treaty of
+peace, and hostages were to be delivered on both
+sides for security. The Wolves proposed that
+the Sheep should give up their dogs, on the one
+side, and that they would deliver up their young
+ones, on the other. This proposal was agreed to;
+but no sooner executed, than the young Wolves
+began to howl for want of their dams. The old
+ones took this opportunity to cry out, the treaty
+was broke; and so falling upon the Sheep, who
+were destitute of their faithful guardians the
+dogs, they worried and devoured them without
+control.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_22" id="Page_22">[22]</a></span></p>
+
+
+<p class="center">APPLICATION.</p>
+
+<p>In all our transactions with mankind, even in
+the most private and low life, we should have a
+special regard how, and with whom, we trust ourselves.
+Men, in this respect, ought to look upon
+each other as Wolves, and to keep themselves
+under a secure guard, and in a continual posture
+of defence. Particularly upon any treaties of
+importance, the securities on both sides should be
+strictly considered; and each should act with so
+cautious a view to their own interest, as never to
+pledge or part with that which is the very essence
+and basis of their safety and well-being. And if
+this be a just and reasonable rule for men to
+govern themselves by, in their own private affairs,
+how much more fitting and necessary is it in any
+conjuncture wherein the public is concerned? If
+the enemy should demand our whole army for an
+hostage, the danger in our complying with it
+would be so gross and apparent, that we could not
+help observing it: but, perhaps, a country may
+equally expose itself by parting with a particular
+town or general, as its whole army; its safety,
+not seldom, depending as much upon one of the
+former, as upon the latter. In short, hostages
+and securities may be something very dear to us,
+but ought never to be given up, if our welfare and
+preservation have any dependance upon them.</p>
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_23" id="Page_23">[23]</a></span></p>
+<h2>FABLE X.</h2>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 450px;">
+<img src="images/i_036.jpg" width="450" height="343" alt="THE EAGLE AND THE FOX." title="THE EAGLE AND THE FOX." />
+<span class="caption">THE EAGLE AND THE FOX.</span>
+</div>
+
+
+<p>An Eagle that had young ones, looking out for
+something to feed them with, happened to spy a
+Fox's cub, that lay basking itself abroad in the
+sun. She made a stoop, and trussed it immediately;
+but before she had carried it quite off,
+the old Fox coming home, implored her, with
+tears in her eyes, to spare her cub, and pity the
+distress of a poor fond mother, who should think
+no affliction so great as that of losing her child.
+The Eagle, whose nest was up in a very high
+tree, thought herself secure enough from all projects
+of revenge, and so bore away the cub to her
+young ones, without showing any regard to the
+supplications of the Fox. But that subtle creature,
+highly incensed at this outrageous barbarity,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_24" id="Page_24">[24]</a></span>
+ran to an altar, where some country people had
+been sacrificing a kid in the open fields, and
+catching up a firebrand in her mouth, made towards
+the tree where the Eagle's nest was, with
+a resolution of revenge. She had scarce ascended
+the first branches, when the Eagle, terrified
+with the approaching ruin of herself and family,
+begged of the Fox to desist, and, with much
+submission, returned her the cub again safe and
+sound.</p>
+
+
+<p class="center">APPLICATION.</p>
+
+<p>This fable is a warning to us not to deal hardly
+or injuriously by any body. The consideration
+of our being in a high condition of life, and those
+we hurt, far below us, will plead little or no
+excuse for us in this case: for there is scarce a
+creature of so despicable a rank, but is capable of
+avenging itself some way, and at some time or
+other. When great men happen to be wicked,
+how little scruple do they make of oppressing
+their poor neighbours! They are perched upon a
+lofty station, and have built their nest on high;
+and, having outgrown all feelings of humanity,
+are insensible of any pangs of remorse. The
+widow's tears, the orphan's cries, and the curses
+of the miserable, like javelins thrown by the hand
+of a feeble old man, fall by the way, and never
+reach their heart. But let such a one, in the
+midst of his flagrant injustice, remember, how
+easy a matter it is, notwithstanding his superior
+distance, for the meanest vassal to be revenged of
+him. The bitterness of an affliction, even where<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_25" id="Page_25">[25]</a></span>
+cunning is wanting, may animate the poorest
+spirit with resolutions of vengeance; and, when
+once that fury is thoroughly awakened, we know
+not what she will require before she is lulled to
+rest again. The most powerful tyrants cannot
+prevent a resolved assassination; there are a
+thousand different ways for any private man to
+do the business, who is heartily disposed to it,
+and willing to satisfy his appetite for revenge, at
+the expense of his life. An old woman may clap
+a firebrand in the palace of a prince; and it is
+in the power of a poor weak fool to destroy the
+children of the mighty.</p>
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_26" id="Page_26">[26]</a></span></p>
+<h2>FABLE XI.</h2>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 450px;">
+<img src="images/i_039.jpg" width="450" height="338" alt="THE WOLF IN SHEEP&#39;S CLOTHING." title="THE WOLF IN SHEEP&#39;S CLOTHING." />
+<span class="caption">THE WOLF IN SHEEP&#39;S CLOTHING.</span>
+</div>
+
+
+<p>A Wolf, clothing himself in the skin of a Sheep,
+and getting in among the flock, by this means
+took the opportunity to devour many of them.
+At last the shepherd discovered him, and cunningly
+fastening a rope about his neck, tied him
+up to a tree which stood hard by. Some other
+shepherds happening to pass that way, and observing
+what he was about, drew near, and expressed
+their amazement at it. 'What,' says one of them,
+'brother, do you make hanging of Sheep?'&mdash;'No,'
+replies the other; 'but I make hanging of
+a Wolf whenever I catch him, though in the habit
+and garb of a Sheep.' Then he showed them
+their mistake, and they applauded the justice of
+the execution.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_27" id="Page_27">[27]</a></span></p>
+
+
+<p>APPLICATION.</p>
+
+<p>This fable shows us, that no regard is to be had
+to the mere habit or outside of any person, but to
+undisguised worth and intrinsic virtue. When we
+place our esteem upon the external garb, before
+we inform ourselves of the qualities which it
+covers, we may often mistake evil for good, and,
+instead of a Sheep, take a Wolf into our protection.
+Therefore, however innocent or sanctified
+any one may appear, as to the vesture wherewith
+he is clothed, we may act rashly, because we
+may be imposed upon, if from thence we take it
+for granted, that he is inwardly as good and righteous
+as his outward robe would persuade us he
+is. Men of judgment and penetration do not use
+to give an implicit credit to a particular habit, or
+a peculiar colour, but love to make a more exact
+scrutiny; for he that will not come up to the
+character of an honest, good kind of man, when
+stripped of his Sheep's Clothing, is but the more
+detestable for his intended imposture; as the
+Wolf was but the more obnoxious to the shepherd's
+resentment, by wearing a habit so little
+suiting with his manners.</p>
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_28" id="Page_28">[28]</a></span></p>
+<h2>FABLE XII.</h2>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 450px;">
+<img src="images/i_041.jpg" width="450" height="334" alt="THE FOWLER AND THE RING-DOVE." title="THE FOWLER AND THE RING-DOVE." />
+<span class="caption">THE FOWLER AND THE RING-DOVE.</span>
+</div>
+
+
+<p>A fowler took his gun, and went into the
+woods a-shooting. He spied a Ring-Dove among
+the branches of an oak, and intended to kill it.
+He clapped the piece to his shoulder, and took
+his aim accordingly. But, just as he was going
+to pull the trigger, an adder, which he had trod
+upon under the grass, stung him so painfully in
+the leg, that he was forced to quit his design, and
+threw his gun down in a passion. The poison
+immediately infected his blood, and his whole
+body began to mortify; which, when he perceived,
+he could not help owning it to be just.
+'Fate,' says he, 'has brought destruction upon
+me, while I was contriving the death of another.'<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_29" id="Page_29">[29]</a></span></p>
+
+
+<p class="center">APPLICATION.</p>
+
+<p>This is another lesson against injustice; a topic
+in which our just Author abounds. And, if we
+consider the matter fairly, we must allow it to be
+as reasonable that some one should do violence to
+us, as we should commit it upon another. When
+we are impartial in our reflections, thus we must
+always think. The unjust man, with a hardened
+unfeeling heart, can do a thousand bitter things
+to others: but if a single calamity touches himself,
+oh, how tender he is! How insupportable is
+the uneasiness it occasions! Why should we think
+others born to hard treatment more than ourselves?
+Or imagine it can be reasonable to do to
+another, what we ourselves should be unwilling
+to suffer? In our behaviour to all mankind, we
+need only ask ourselves these plain questions, and
+our consciences will tell us how to act. Conscience,
+like a good valuable domestic, plays the
+remembrancer to us upon all occasions, and gives
+us a gentle twitch, when we are going to do a
+wrong thing. It does not, like the adder in the
+fable, bite us to death, but only gives us kind
+cautions. However, if we neglect these just and
+frequent warnings, and continue in a course of
+wickedness and injustice, do not let us be surprised
+if Providence thinks fit, at last, to give
+us a home sting, and to exercise a little retaliation
+upon us.</p>
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_30" id="Page_30">[30]</a></span></p>
+<h2>FABLE XIII.</h2>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 450px;">
+<img src="images/i_043.jpg" width="450" height="342" alt="THE SOW AND THE WOLF." title="THE SOW AND THE WOLF." />
+<span class="caption">THE SOW AND THE WOLF.</span>
+</div>
+
+
+<p>A Sow had just farrowed, and lay in the stye,
+with her whole litter of pigs about her. A Wolf
+who longed for one of them, but knew not how
+to come at it, endeavoured to insinuate himself
+into the Sow's good opinion: and, accordingly,
+coming up to her&mdash;'How does the good woman
+in the straw do?' says he. 'Can I be of any
+service to you, Mrs. Sow, in relation to your little
+family here? If you have a mind to go abroad,
+and air yourself a little, or so, you may depend
+upon it, I will take as much care of your pigs
+as you could yourself.'&mdash;'Your humble servant,'
+says the Sow, 'I thoroughly understand your
+meaning; and, to let you know I do, I must be
+so free as to tell you, I had rather have your room<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_31" id="Page_31">[31]</a></span>
+than your company; and, therefore, if you would
+act like a Wolf of honour, and oblige me, I beg
+I may never see your face again.'</p>
+
+
+<p class="center">APPLICATION.</p>
+
+<p>The being officiously good-natured and civil is
+something so uncommon in the world, that one
+cannot hear a man make profession of it without
+being surprised, or, at least, suspecting the disinterestedness
+of his intentions. Especially, when
+one who is a stranger to us, or though known, is
+ill-esteemed by us, will be making offers of services,
+we have great reason to look to ourselves,
+and exert a shyness and coldness towards him.
+We should resolve not to receive even favours
+from bad kind of people; for should it happen
+that some immediate mischief was not couched in
+them, yet it is dangerous to have obligations to
+such, or to give them an opportunity of making a
+communication with us.</p>
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_32" id="Page_32">[32]</a></span></p>
+<h2>FABLE XIV.</h2>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 450px;">
+<img src="images/i_045.jpg" width="450" height="337" alt="THE HORSE AND THE ASS." title="THE HORSE AND THE ASS." />
+<span class="caption">THE HORSE AND THE ASS.</span>
+</div>
+
+
+<p>The Horse, adorned with his great war-saddle,
+and champing his foaming bridle, came thundering
+along the way, and made the mountains echo
+with his loud shrill neighing. He had not gone
+far, before he overtook an Ass, who was labouring
+under a heavy burden, and moving slowly on in
+the same track with himself. Immediately he
+called out to him, in a haughty imperious tone,
+and threatened to trample him in the dirt, if he
+did not break the way for him. The poor patient
+Ass, not daring to dispute the matter, quietly
+got out of his way as fast as he could, and let him
+go by. Not long after this, the same Horse, in
+an engagement with the enemy, happened to be
+shot in the eye, which made him unfit for show,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_33" id="Page_33">[33]</a></span>
+or any military business; so he was stripped of his
+fine ornaments, and sold to a carrier. The Ass,
+meeting him in this forlorn condition, thought
+that now it was his time to insult; and so, says
+he, 'Hey-day, friend, is it you? Well, I always
+believed that pride of yours would one day have
+a fall.'</p>
+
+
+<p class="center">APPLICATION.</p>
+
+<p>Pride is a very unaccountable vice: many people
+fall into it unawares, and are often led into it by
+motives, which, if they considered things rightly,
+would make them abhor the very thoughts of it.
+There is no man that thinks well of himself, but
+desires that the rest of the world should think so
+too. Now it is the wrong measures we take in
+endeavouring after this, that expose us to discerning
+people in that light which they call pride, and
+which is so far from giving us any advantage in
+their esteem, that it renders us despicable and
+ridiculous. It is an affectation of appearing considerable,
+that puts men upon being proud and
+insolent; and their very being so makes them,
+infallibly, little, and inconsiderable. The man
+that claims and calls for reverence and respect,
+deserves none; he that asks for applause, is sure
+to lose it; the certain way to get it is to seem to
+shun it; and the humble man, according to the
+maxims even of this world, is the most likely to
+be exalted. He that, in his words or actions,
+pleads for superiority, and rather chooses to do
+an ill action, than condescend to do a good one,
+acts like the Horse, and is as void of reason and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_34" id="Page_34">[34]</a></span>
+understanding. The rich and the powerful want
+nothing but the love and esteem of mankind to
+complete their felicity; and these they are sure
+to obtain by a good-humoured, kind condescension;
+and as certain of being every body's aversion,
+while the least tincture of overbearing rudeness
+is perceptible in their words or actions.
+What brutal tempers must they be of, who can
+be easy and indifferent, while they know themselves
+to be universally hated, though in the
+midst of affluence and power! But this is not all;
+for if ever the wheel of fortune should whirl
+them from the top to the bottom, instead of
+friendship or commiseration, they will meet with
+nothing but contempt; and that with much
+more justice than ever they themselves exerted it
+towards others.</p>
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_35" id="Page_35">[35]</a></span></p>
+<h2>FABLE XV.</h2>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 450px;">
+<img src="images/i_048.jpg" width="450" height="334" alt="THE WOLF, THE LAMB, AND THE GOAT." title="THE WOLF, THE LAMB, AND THE GOAT." />
+<span class="caption">THE WOLF, THE LAMB, AND THE GOAT.</span>
+</div>
+
+
+<p>A Wolf meeting a Lamb, one day, in company
+with a Goat&mdash;'Child,' says he, 'you are mistaken;
+this is none of your mother; she is yonder;'
+pointing to a flock of sheep at a distance.&mdash;'It
+may be so,' says the Lamb; 'the person that
+happened to conceive me, and afterwards bore
+me a few months in her belly, because she could
+not help it, and then dropped me, she did not
+care where, and left me to the wide world, is, I
+suppose, what you call my mother; but I look
+upon this charitable Goat as such, that took compassion
+on me in my poor, helpless, destitute
+condition, and gave me suck; sparing it out of
+the mouths of her own kids, rather than I should
+want it.'&mdash;'But sure,' says he, 'you have a greater<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_36" id="Page_36">[36]</a></span>
+regard for her that gave you life, than for any
+body else.'&mdash;'She gave me life! I deny that. She
+that could not so much as tell whether I should
+be black or white, had a great hand in giving me
+life, to be sure! But, supposing it were so, I am
+mightily obliged to her, truly, for contriving to
+let me be of the male-kind, so that I go every
+day in danger of the butcher. What reason then
+have I to have a greater regard for one to whom
+I am so little indebted for any part of my being,
+than for those from whom I have received all the
+benevolence and kindness which have hitherto
+supported me in life?'</p>
+
+
+<p class="center">APPLICATION.</p>
+
+<p>It is they whose goodness makes them our
+parents, that properly claim filial respect from us,
+and not those who are such only out of necessity.
+The duties between parents and their children
+are relative and reciprocal. By all laws, natural
+as well as civil, it is expected that the parents
+should cherish and provide for the child, till it
+is able to shift for itself; and that the child, with
+a mutual tenderness, should depend upon the
+parent for its sustenance, and yield it a reasonable
+obedience. Yet, through the depravity of human
+nature, we very often see these laws violated,
+and the relations before-mentioned treating one
+another with as much virulence as enemies of
+different countries are capable of. Through the
+natural impatience and protervity of youth, we
+observe the first occasion for any animosity most<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_37" id="Page_37">[37]</a></span>
+frequently arising from their side; but, however,
+there are not wanting examples of undutiful
+parents: and, when a father, by using a son ill,
+and denying him such an education and such an
+allowance as his circumstances can well afford,
+gives him occasion to withdraw his respect from
+him, to urge his begetting of him as the sole
+obligation to duty, is talking like a silly unthinking
+dotard. Mutual benevolence must be kept up
+between relations, as well as friends; for, without
+this cement, whatever you please to call the
+building, it is only a castle in the air, a thing to
+be talked of, without the least reality.</p>
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_38" id="Page_38">[38]</a></span></p>
+<h2>FABLE XVI.</h2>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 450px;">
+<img src="images/i_051.jpg" width="450" height="371" alt="THE KITE AND THE PIGEONS." title="THE KITE AND THE PIGEONS." />
+<span class="caption">THE KITE AND THE PIGEONS.</span>
+</div>
+
+
+<p>A Kite, who had kept sailing in the air for
+many days near a dove-house, and made a stoop
+at several pigeons, but all to no purpose (for they
+were too nimble for him), at last had recourse
+to stratagem, and took his opportunity one day
+to make a declaration to them, in which he set
+forth his own just and good intentions, who had
+nothing more at heart than the defence and protection
+of the Pigeons in their ancient rights and
+liberties, and how concerned he was at their fears
+and jealousies of a foreign invasion, especially
+their unjust and unreasonable suspicions of himself,
+as if he intended, by force of arms, to break
+in upon their constitution, and erect a tyrannical<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_39" id="Page_39">[39]</a></span>
+government over them. To prevent all which,
+and thoroughly to quiet their minds, he thought
+proper to propose to them such terms of alliance
+and articles of peace as might for ever cement a
+good understanding between them: the principal
+of which was, that they should accept of him for
+their king, and invest him with all kingly privilege
+and prerogative over them. The poor simple
+Pigeons consented: the Kite took the coronation
+oath, after a very solemn manner, on his part,
+and the Doves, the oaths of allegiance and fidelity,
+on theirs. But much time had not passed
+over their heads, before the good Kite pretended
+that it was part of his prerogative to devour a
+Pigeon whenever he pleased. And this he was
+not contented to do himself only, but instructed
+the rest of the royal family in the same kingly
+arts of government. The Pigeons, reduced to
+this miserable condition, said one to the other,
+'Ah! we deserve no better! Why did we let
+him come in!</p>
+
+
+<p class="center">APPLICATION.</p>
+
+<p>What can this fable be applied to but the
+exceeding blindness and stupidity of that part of
+mankind who wantonly and foolishly trust their
+native rights of liberty without good security?
+Who often choose for guardians of their lives
+and fortunes, persons abandoned to the most
+unsociable vices; and seldom have any better
+excuse for such an error in politics than, that
+they were deceived in their expectation; or never<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_40" id="Page_40">[40]</a></span>
+thoroughly knew the manners of their king till
+he had got them entirely in his power: which,
+however, is notoriously false; for many, with the
+Doves in the fable, are so silly, that they would
+admit of a Kite, rather than be without a king.
+The truth is, we ought not to incur the possibility
+of being deceived in so important a matter as
+this: an unlimited power should not be trusted
+in the hands of any one who is not endued with
+a perfection more than human.</p>
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_41" id="Page_41">[41]</a></span></p>
+<h2>FABLE XVII.</h2>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 450px;">
+<img src="images/i_054.jpg" width="450" height="352" alt="THE COUNTRY MOUSE AND THE CITY MOUSE." title="THE COUNTRY MOUSE AND THE CITY MOUSE." />
+<span class="caption">THE COUNTRY MOUSE AND THE CITY MOUSE.</span>
+</div>
+
+
+<p>An honest, plain, sensible Country Mouse, is
+said to have entertained at his hole one day a
+fine Mouse of the Town. Having formerly been
+playfellows together, they were old acquaintance,
+which served as an apology for the visit. However,
+as master of the house, he thought himself
+obliged to do the honours of it, in all respects,
+and to make as great a stranger of his guest as he
+possibly could. In order to this, he set before
+him a reserve of delicate grey peas and bacon, a
+dish of fine oatmeal, some parings of new cheese,
+and, to crown all with a dessert, a remnant of a
+charming mellow apple. In good manners, he
+forbore to eat any himself, lest the stranger should
+not have enough; but, that he might seem to bear<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_42" id="Page_42">[42]</a></span>
+the other company, sat and nibbled a piece of a
+wheaten straw very busily. At last says the spark
+of the town, 'Old crony, give me leave to be a
+little free with you; how can you bear to live in
+this nasty, dirty, melancholy hole here, with
+nothing but woods and meadows, and mountains,
+and rivulets, about you? Do not you prefer the
+conversation of the world to the chirping of birds,
+and the splendour of a court to the rude aspect of
+an uncultivated desert! Come, take my word for
+it, you will find it a change for the better. Never
+stand considering, but away this moment. Remember,
+we are not immortal, and therefore have
+no time to lose. Make sure of to-day, and spend
+it as agreeably as you can; you know not what
+may happen to-morrow.' In short, these and
+such like arguments prevailed, and his Country
+Acquaintance was resolved to go to town that
+night. So they both set out upon their journey
+together, proposing to sneak in after the close of
+the evening. They did so; and, about midnight,
+made their entry into a certain great house, where
+there had been an extraordinary entertainment
+the day before, and several tit-bits, which some
+of the servants had purloined, were hid under the
+seat of a window. The Country Guest was immediately
+placed in the midst of a rich Persian
+carpet: and now it was the Courtier's turn to
+entertain; who, indeed, acquitted himself in that
+capacity with the utmost readiness and address,
+changing the courses as elegantly, and tasting
+every thing first as judiciously, as any clerk of a<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_43" id="Page_43">[43]</a></span>
+kitchen, the other sat and enjoyed himself like
+a delighted epicure, tickled to the last degree
+with this new turn of his affairs; when, on a
+sudden, a noise of somebody opening the door
+made them start from their seats, and scuttle in
+confusion about the dining-room. Our Country
+Friend, in particular, was ready to die with fear
+at the barking of a huge mastiff or two, which
+opened their throats just about the same time,
+and made the whole house echo. At last, recovering
+himself&mdash;'Well,' says he, 'if this be your
+town life, much good may do you with it: give
+me my poor quiet hole again, with my homely,
+but comfortable, grey peas.'</p>
+
+
+<p class="center">APPLICATION.</p>
+
+<p>A moderate fortune, with a quiet retirement in
+the country, is preferable to the greatest affluence
+which is attended with care and the perplexity of
+business, and inseparable from the noise and hurry
+of the town. The practice of the generality of
+people of the best taste, it is to be owned, is
+directly against us in this point; but, when it is
+considered that this practise of theirs proceeds
+rather from a compliance with the fashion of the
+times, than their own private thoughts, the
+objection is of no force. Among the great
+numbers of men who have received a learned
+education, how few are there but either have their
+fortunes entirely to make, or, at least, think they
+deserve to have, and ought not to lose the opportunity
+of getting, somewhat more than their<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_44" id="Page_44">[44]</a></span>
+fathers have left them! The town is the field of
+action for volunteers of this kind; and whatever
+fondness they may have for the country, yet they
+must stay till their circumstances will admit of a
+retreat thither. But sure there never was a man
+yet, who lived in a constant return of trouble and
+fatigue in town, as all men of business do in some
+degree or other, but has formed to himself some
+end of getting some sufficient competency, which
+may enable him to purchase a quiet possession in
+the country, where he may indulge his genius,
+and give up his old age to that easy smooth life
+which, in the tempest of business, he had so often
+longed for. Can any thing argue more strongly
+for a country life, than to observe what a long
+course of labour people go through, and what
+difficulties they encounter to come at it? They
+look upon it, at a distance, like a kind of heaven, a
+place of rest and happiness; and are pushing
+forward through the rugged thorny cares of the
+world, to make their way towards it. If there
+are many who, though born to plentiful fortunes,
+yet live most part of their time in the noise, the
+smoke, and hurry of the town, we shall find,
+upon inquiry, that necessary indispensible business
+is the real or pretended plea which most of
+them have to make for it. The court and the
+senate require the attendance of some: lawsuits,
+and the proper direction of trade, engage others:
+they who have a sprightly wit and an elegant
+taste for conversation, will resort to the place
+which is frequented by people of the same turn,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_45" id="Page_45">[45]</a></span>
+whatever aversion they may otherwise have for
+it; and others, who have no such pretence, have
+yet this to say, that they follow the fashion.
+They who appear to have been men of the best
+sense amongst the ancients, always recommended
+the country as the most proper scene for innocence,
+ease, and virtuous pleasure; and, accordingly,
+lost no opportunities of enjoying it: and
+men of the greatest distinction among the moderns,
+have ever thought themselves most happy when
+they could be decently spared from the employments
+which the excellency of their talents necessarily
+threw them into, to embrace the charming
+leisure of a country life.</p>
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_46" id="Page_46">[46]</a></span></p>
+<h2>FABLE XVIII.</h2>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 450px;">
+<img src="images/i_059.jpg" width="450" height="340" alt="THE SWALLOW AND OTHER BIRDS." title="THE SWALLOW AND OTHER BIRDS." />
+<span class="caption">THE SWALLOW AND OTHER BIRDS.</span>
+</div>
+
+
+<p>A farmer was sowing his field with flax. The
+Swallow observed it, and desired the other Birds
+to assist her in picking the seed up, and in
+destroying it; telling them, that flax was that
+pernicious material of which the thread was composed
+which made the fowler's nets, and by that
+means contributed to the ruin of so many innocent
+birds. But the poor Swallow not having the
+good fortune to be regarded, the flax sprung up,
+and appeared above the ground. She then put
+them in mind once more of their impending
+danger, and wished them to pluck it up in the
+bud, before it went any further. They still neglected
+her warnings; and the flax grew up into
+the high stalk. She yet again desired them to<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_47" id="Page_47">[47]</a></span>
+attack it, for that it was not yet too late. But all
+that she could get was to be ridiculed and despised
+for a silly pretending prophet. The Swallow
+finding all her remonstrances availed nothing,
+was resolved to leave the society of such unthinking,
+careless creatures, before it was too late. So
+quitting the woods, she repaired to the houses,
+and forsaking the conversation of the Birds, has
+ever since made her abode among the dwellings
+of men.</p>
+
+
+<p class="center">APPLICATION.</p>
+
+<p>As men, we should always exercise so much
+humanity as to endeavour the welfare of mankind,
+particularly of our acquaintance and relations:
+and, if by nothing further, at least by our good
+advice. When we have done this, and, if occasion
+required, continued to repeat it a second or third
+time, we shall have acquitted ourselves sufficiently
+from any imputation upon their miscarriage; and
+having nothing more to do but to separate ourselves
+from them, that we may not be involved
+in their ruin, or be supposed to partake of their
+error. This is an excommunication which reason
+allows. For as it would be cruel, on the one side,
+to prosecute and hurt people for being mistaken,
+so, on the other, it would be indiscreet and over
+complaisant, to keep them company through all
+their wrong notions, and act contrary to our
+opinion out of pure civility.</p>
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_48" id="Page_48">[48]</a></span></p>
+<h2>FABLE XIX.</h2>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 450px;">
+<img src="images/i_061.jpg" width="450" height="341" alt="THE HUNTED BEAVER." title="THE HUNTED BEAVER." />
+<span class="caption">THE HUNTED BEAVER.</span>
+</div>
+
+
+<p>It is said that a Beaver (a creature which lives
+chiefly in the water) has a certain part about him
+which is good in physic, and that, upon this
+account, he is often hunted down and killed. Once
+upon a time, as one of these creatures was hard
+pursued by the dogs, and knew not how to escape,
+recollecting with himself the reason of his being
+thus persecuted, with a great resolution and presence
+of mind, he bit off the part which his hunters
+wanted, and throwing it towards them, by these
+means escaped with his life.</p>
+
+
+<p class="center">APPLICATION.</p>
+
+<p>However it is among beasts, there are few
+human creatures but what are hunted for something<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_49" id="Page_49">[49]</a></span>
+else besides either their lives or the pleasure
+of hunting them. The inquisition would hardly
+be so keen against the Jews, if they had not
+something belonging to them which their persecutors
+esteem more valuable than their souls;
+which whenever that wise, but obstinate people,
+can prevail with themselves to part with, there is
+an end of the chase for that time. Indeed, when
+life is pursued, and in danger, whoever values it,
+should give up every thing but his honour to
+preserve it. And when a discarded minister is
+prosecuted for having damaged the commonwealth,
+let him but throw down some of the fruits
+of his iniquity to the hunters, and one may engage
+for his coming off, in other respects, with a whole
+skin.</p>
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_50" id="Page_50">[50]</a></span></p>
+<h2>FABLE XX.</h2>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 450px;">
+<img src="images/i_063.jpg" width="450" height="373" alt="THE CAT AND THE FOX." title="THE CAT AND THE FOX." />
+<span class="caption">THE CAT AND THE FOX.</span>
+</div>
+
+
+<p>As the Cat and the Fox were talking politics
+together, on a time, in the middle of a forest,
+Reynard said, 'Let things turn out ever so bad,
+he did not care, for he had a thousand tricks for
+them yet, before they should hurt him.'&mdash;'But
+pray,' says he, 'Mrs. Puss, suppose there should
+be an invasion, what course do you design to
+take?'&mdash;'Nay,' says the Cat, 'I have but one shift
+for it, and if that won't do, I am undone.'&mdash;'I
+am sorry for you, replies Reynard, 'with all my
+heart, and would gladly furnish you with one or
+two of mine, but indeed, neighbour, as times go,
+it is not good to trust; we must even be every
+one for himself, as the saying is, and so your
+humble servant.' These words were scarce out of
+his mouth, when they were alarmed with a pack<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_51" id="Page_51">[51]</a></span>
+of hounds, that came upon them full cry. The
+Cat, by the help of her single shift, ran up a
+tree, and sat securely among the top branches;
+from whence she beheld Reynard, who had not
+been able to get out of sight, overtaken with his
+thousand tricks, and torn in as many pieces by
+the dogs which had surrounded him.</p>
+
+
+<p class="center">APPLICATION.</p>
+
+<p>A man that sets up for more cunning than the
+rest of his neighbours, is generally a silly fellow
+at the bottom. Whoever is master of a little
+judgment and insight into things, let him keep
+them to himself, and make use of them as he sees
+occasion; but he should not be teasing others
+with an idle and impertinent ostentation of them.
+One good discreet expedient, made use of upon
+an emergency, will do a man more real service,
+and make others think better of him, than to
+have passed all along for a shrewd crafty knave,
+and be bubbled at last. When any one has been
+such a coxcomb as to insult his acquaintance, by
+pretending to more policy and stratagem than
+the rest of mankind, they are apt to wish for
+some difficulty for him to show his skill in;
+where, if he should miscarry (as ten to one but
+he does) his misfortune, instead of pity, is sure to
+be attended with laughter. He that sets up for a
+biter, as the phrase is, being generally intent upon
+his prey, or vain of showing his art, frequently
+exposes himself to the traps of one sharper than
+himself, and incurs the ridicule of those whom he
+designed to make ridiculous.</p>
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_52" id="Page_52">[52]</a></span></p>
+<h2>FABLE XXI.</h2>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 450px;">
+<img src="images/i_065.jpg" width="450" height="348" alt="THE CAT AND THE MICE." title="THE CAT AND THE MICE." />
+<span class="caption">THE CAT AND THE MICE.</span>
+</div>
+
+
+<p>A certain house was much infested with
+Mice; but at last they got a Cat, who catched
+and eat every day some of them. The Mice,
+finding their numbers grow thin, consulted what
+was best to be done for the preservation of the
+public from the jaws of the devouring Cat.
+They debated and came to this resolution, That
+no one should go down below the upper shelf.
+The Cat, observing the mice no longer came
+down as usual, hungry and disappointed of her
+prey, had recourse to this stratagem; she hung
+by her hinder legs on a peg which stuck in the
+wall, and made as if she had been dead, hoping
+by this lure to entice the Mice to come down.
+She had not been in this posture long, before a
+cunning old Mouse peeped over the edge of the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_53" id="Page_53">[53]</a></span>
+shelf, and spoke thus:&mdash;'Aha, my good friend,
+are you there! there may you be! I would not
+trust myself with you, though your skin were
+stuffed with straw.'</p>
+
+
+<p class="center">APPLICATION.</p>
+
+<p>Prudent folks never trust those a second time
+who have deceived them once. And, indeed, we
+cannot well be too cautious in following this rule,
+for, upon examination, we shall find, that most of
+the misfortunes which befal us, proceed from our
+too great credulity. They that know how to
+suspect, without exposing or hurting themselves,
+till honesty comes to be more in fashion, can
+never suspect too much.</p>
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_54" id="Page_54">[54]</a></span></p>
+<h2>FABLE XXII.</h2>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 450px;">
+<img src="images/i_067.jpg" width="450" height="368" alt="THE LION AND OTHER BEASTS." title="THE LION AND OTHER BEASTS." />
+<span class="caption">THE LION AND OTHER BEASTS.</span>
+</div>
+
+
+<p>The Lion and several other beasts entered into
+an alliance, offensive and defensive, and were to
+live very sociably together in the forest. One day,
+having made a sort of an excursion by way of
+hunting, they took a very fine, large, fat deer,
+which was divided into four parts; there happening
+to be then present his majesty the Lion, and
+only three others. After the division was made,
+and the parts were set out, his majesty advancing
+forward some steps, and pointing to one of the
+shares, was pleased to declare himself after the
+following manner: 'This I seize and take possession
+of as my right, which devolves to me, as I<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_55" id="Page_55">[55]</a></span>
+am descended by a true, lineal, hereditary succession
+from the royal family of Lion: that
+(pointing to the second) I claim by, I think, no
+unreasonable demand; considering that all the
+engagements you have with the enemy turn chiefly
+upon my courage and conduct; and you very well
+know, that wars are too expensive to be carried
+on without proper supplies. Then (nodding his
+head towards the third) that I shall take by virtue
+of my prerogative; to which, I make no question,
+but so dutiful and loyal a people will pay all the
+deference and regard that I can desire. Now, as
+for the remaining part, the necessity of our present
+affairs is so very urgent, our stock so low,
+and our credit so impaired and weakened, that I
+must insist upon your granting that, without any
+hesitation or demur; and hereof fail not at your
+peril.'</p>
+
+
+<p class="center">APPLICATION.</p>
+
+<p>No alliance is safe which is made with those
+that are superior to us in power. Though they
+lay themselves under the most strict and solemn
+ties at the opening of the congress, yet the first
+advantageous opportunity will tempt them to
+break the treaty; and they will never want specious
+pretences to furnish out their declarations
+of war. It is not easy to determine, whether it is
+more stupid and ridiculous for a community to
+trust itself first in the hands of those that are more
+powerful than themselves, or to wonder afterwards
+that their confidence and credulity are abused,
+and their properties invaded.</p>
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_56" id="Page_56">[56]</a></span></p>
+<h2>FABLE XXIII.</h2>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 450px;">
+<img src="images/i_069.jpg" width="450" height="329" alt="THE LION AND THE MOUSE." title="THE LION AND THE MOUSE." />
+<span class="caption">THE LION AND THE MOUSE.</span>
+</div>
+
+
+<p>A Lion, faint with heat, and weary with hunting,
+was laid down to take his repose under the
+spreading boughs of a thick shady oak. It happened
+that, while he slept, a company of scrambling
+Mice ran over his back, and waked him:
+upon which, starting up, he clapped his paw upon
+one of them, and was just going to put it to death;
+when the little suppliant implored his mercy in a
+very moving manner, begging him not to slain his
+noble character with the blood of so despicable
+and small a beast. The Lion, considering the
+matter, thought proper to do as he was desired,
+and immediately released his little trembling
+prisoner. Not long after, traversing the forest in
+pursuit of his prey, he chanced to run into the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_57" id="Page_57">[57]</a></span>
+toils of the hunters; from whence, not able to
+disengage himself, he set up a most hideous and
+loud roar. The Mouse, hearing the voice, and
+knowing it to be the Lion's, immediately repaired
+to the place, and bid him fear nothing, for that
+he was his friend. Then straight he fell to work,
+and, with his little sharp teeth, gnawing asunder
+the knots and fastenings of the toils, set the royal
+brute at liberty.</p>
+
+
+<p class="center">APPLICATION.</p>
+
+<p>This fable gives us to understand, that there is
+no person in the world so little, but even the
+greatest may, at some time or other, stand in need
+of his assistance; and consequently that it is good
+to use clemency, where there is any room for it,
+towards those who fall within our power. A
+generosity of this kind is a handsome virtue, and
+looks very graceful whenever it is exerted, if there
+were nothing else in it: but as the lowest people
+in life may, upon occasion, have it in their power
+either to serve or hurt us, that makes it our duty,
+in point of common interest, to behave ourselves
+with good nature and lenity towards all with
+whom we have to do. Then the gratitude of the
+Mouse, and his readiness not only to repay, but
+even to exceed, the obligation due to his benefactor,
+notwithstanding his little body, gives us
+the specimen of a great soul, which is never so
+much delighted as with an opportunity of showing
+how sensible it is of favours received.</p>
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_58" id="Page_58">[58]</a></span></p>
+<h2>FABLE XXIV.</h2>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 450px;">
+<img src="images/i_071.jpg" width="450" height="348" alt="THE FATAL MARRIAGE." title="THE FATAL MARRIAGE." />
+<span class="caption">THE FATAL MARRIAGE.</span>
+</div>
+
+
+<p>The Lion aforesaid, touched with the grateful
+procedure of the Mouse, and resolving not to be
+outdone in generosity by any wild beast whatsoever,
+desired his little deliverer to name his own
+terms, for that he might depend upon his complying
+with any proposal he should make. The
+Mouse, fired with ambition at this gracious offer,
+did not so much consider what was proper for him
+to ask, as what was in the power of his prince to
+grant; and so presumptuously demanded his
+princely daughter, the young Lioness, in marriage.
+The Lion consented: but, when he would
+have given the royal virgin into his possession,
+she, like a giddy thing as she was, not minding
+how she walked, by chance set her paw upon her
+spouse, who was coming to meet her, and crushed
+her little dear to pieces.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_59" id="Page_59">[59]</a></span></p>
+
+
+<p class="center">APPLICATION.</p>
+
+<p>This fable seems intended to show us how miserable
+some people make themselves by a wrong
+choice, when they have all the good things in the
+world spread before them to choose out of. In
+short, if that one particular of judgment be
+wanting, it is not in the power of the greatest
+monarch upon earth, nor of the repeated smiles
+of fortune, to make us happy. It is the want or
+possession of a good judgment which oftentimes
+makes the prince a poor wretch, and the poor
+philosopher completely easy. Now, the first and
+chief degree of judgment is to know one's self;
+to be able to make a tolerable estimate of one's
+own capacity, so as not to speak or undertake
+any thing which may either injure or make us
+ridiculous: and yet (as wonderful as it is) there
+have been men of allowed good sense in particular,
+and possessed of all desirable qualifications
+in general, to make life delightful and agreeable,
+who have unhappily contrived to match themselves
+with women of a genius and temper necessarily
+tending to blast their peace. This proceeds
+from some unaccountable blindness: but when
+wealthy plebeians, of mean extraction and unrefined
+education, as an equivalent for their money,
+demand brides out of the nurseries of our peerage,
+their being despised, or at least overlooked, is
+so unavoidable, unless in extraordinary cases,
+that nothing but a false taste of glory could make
+them enter upon a scheme so inconsistent and
+unpromising.</p>
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_60" id="Page_60">[60]</a></span></p>
+<h2>FABLE XXV.</h2>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 450px;">
+<img src="images/i_073.jpg" width="450" height="305" alt="THE MISCHIEVOUS DOG." title="THE MISCHIEVOUS DOG." />
+<span class="caption">THE MISCHIEVOUS DOG.</span>
+</div>
+
+
+<p>A certain man had a Dog, which was so fierce
+and mischievous, that he was forced to fasten a
+heavy clog about his neck, to keep him from running
+at and worrying people. This the vain cur
+took for a badge of honourable distinction; and
+grew so insolent upon it, that he looked down
+with an air of scorn upon the neighbouring dogs,
+and refused to keep them company. But a sly
+old poacher, who was one of the gang, assured
+him, that he had no reason to value himself upon
+the favour he wore, since it was fixed upon him
+rather as a mark of disgrace than of honour.</p>
+
+
+<p class="center">APPLICATION.</p>
+
+<p>Some people are so exceeding vain, and at the
+same time so dull of apprehension, that they interpret
+every thing by which they are distinguished<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_61" id="Page_61">[61]</a></span>
+from others in their own favour. If they
+betray any weaknesses in conversation, which
+are apt to excite the laughter of their company,
+they make no scruple of ascribing it to their
+superiority in point of wit. If want of sense or
+breeding (one of which is always the case) disposes
+them to give, or mistake, affronts, upon
+which account all discreet sensible people are
+obliged to shun their company, they impute it to
+their own valour and magnanimity, to which
+they fancy the world pays an awful and respectful
+deference. There are several decent ways of
+preventing such turbulent men from doing mischief,
+which might be applied with secrecy, and
+many times pass unregarded, if their own arrogance
+did not require the rest of mankind to
+take notice of it.</p>
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_62" id="Page_62">[62]</a></span></p>
+<h2>FABLE XXVI.</h2>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 450px;">
+<img src="images/i_075.jpg" width="450" height="370" alt="THE OX AND THE FROG." title="THE OX AND THE FROG." />
+<span class="caption">THE OX AND THE FROG.</span>
+</div>
+
+
+<p>An Ox, grazing in a meadow, chanced to set his
+foot among a parcel of young Frogs, and trod
+one of them to death. The rest informed their
+mother, when she came home, what had happened;
+telling her, that the beast which did it
+was the hugest creature that they ever saw in
+their lives. 'What, was it so big?' says the old
+Frog, swelling and blowing up her speckled
+belly to a great degree. 'Oh! bigger by a vast
+deal,' say they. 'And so big?' says she, straining
+herself yet more. 'Indeed, mamma,' say
+they, 'If you were to burst yourself, you would
+never be so big.' She strove yet again, and
+burst herself indeed.</p>
+
+
+<p class="center"><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_63" id="Page_63">[63]</a></span>APPLICATION.</p>
+
+<p>Whenever a man endeavours to live equal with
+one of a greater fortune than himself, he is sure
+to share a like fate with the Frog in the fable.
+How many vain people, of moderate easy circumstances,
+burst and come to nothing, by vying
+with those whose estates are more ample than
+their own? Sir Changeling Plumstock was possessed
+of a very considerable estate, devolved to
+him by the death of an old uncle, who had
+adopted him his heir. He had a false taste of
+happiness, and, without the least economy, trusting
+to the sufficiency of his vast revenue, was
+resolved to be outdone by nobody in showish
+grandeur and expensive living. He gave five
+thousand pounds for a piece of ground in the
+country to set a house upon; the building and
+furniture of which cost fifty thousand more; and
+his gardens were proportionably magnificent.
+Besides which, he thought himself under a necessity
+of buying out two or three tenements which
+stood in his neighbourhood, that he might have
+elbow-room enough. All this he could very well
+bear; and still might have been happy, had it
+not been for an unfortunate view which he one
+day happened to take of my Lord Castlebuilder's
+gardens, which consisted of twenty acres, whereas
+his own were not above twelve. From that time
+he grew pensive; and, before the ensuing winter,
+gave five and thirty years purchase for a dozen
+acres more to enlarge his gardens; built a couple<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_64" id="Page_64">[64]</a></span>
+of exorbitant greenhouses, and a large pavilion
+at the further end of a terrace-walk. The bare
+repairs and superintendencies of all which call for
+the remaining part of his income. He is mortgaged
+pretty deep, and pays nobody; but, being
+a privileged person, resides altogether at a private
+cheap lodging in the City of Westminster.</p>
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_65" id="Page_65">[65]</a></span></p>
+<h2>FABLE XXVII.</h2>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 450px;">
+<img src="images/i_078.jpg" width="450" height="335" alt="THE FOX AND THE LION." title="THE FOX AND THE LION." />
+<span class="caption">THE FOX AND THE LION.</span>
+</div>
+
+
+<p>The first time the Fox saw the Lion, he fell
+down at his feet, and was ready to die with fear.
+The second time, he took courage, and could even
+bear to look upon him. The third time, he had
+the impudence to come up to him, to salute him,
+and to enter into familiar conversation with him.</p>
+
+
+<p class="center">APPLICATION.</p>
+
+<p>From this fable we may observe the two extremes
+in which we may fail, as to a proper
+behaviour towards our superiors: the one is a
+bashfulness, proceeding either from a vicious
+guilty mind, or a timorous rusticity; the other,
+an over-bearing impudence, which assumes more
+than becomes it, and so renders the person insufferable<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_66" id="Page_66">[66]</a></span>
+to the conversation of well-bred reasonable
+people. But there is this difference between the
+bashfulness that arises from a want of education,
+and the shamefacedness that accompanies conscious
+guilt; the first, by a continuance of time
+and a nearer acquaintance, may be ripened into
+a proper liberal behaviour; the other no sooner
+finds an easy practicable access, but it throws off
+all manner of reverence, grows every day more
+and more familiar, and branches out into the
+utmost indecency and irregularity. Indeed, there
+are many occasions which may happen to cast an
+awe, or even a terror, upon our minds at first
+view, without any just and reasonable grounds;
+but upon a little recollection, or a nearer insight,
+we recover ourselves, and can appear indifferent
+and unconcerned, where, before, we were ready
+to sink under a load of diffidence and fear. We
+should, upon such occasions, use our endeavours
+to regain a due degree of steadiness and resolution;
+but, at the same time, we must have a care
+that our efforts in that respect do not force the
+balance too much, and make it rise to an unbecoming
+freedom and an offensive familiarity.</p>
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_67" id="Page_67">[67]</a></span></p>
+<h2>FABLE XXVIII.</h2>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 450px;">
+<img src="images/i_080.jpg" width="450" height="338" alt="THE APE AND THE FOX." title="THE APE AND THE FOX." />
+<span class="caption">THE APE AND THE FOX.</span>
+</div>
+
+
+<p>The Ape meeting the Fox one day, humbly
+requested him to give him a piece of his fine, long,
+brush tail, to cover his poor naked backside, which
+was exposed to all the violence and inclemency
+of the weather; 'For,' says he, 'Reynard, you
+have already more than you have occasion for,
+and a great part of it even drags along in the
+dirt.' The Fox answered, 'That as to his having
+too much, that was more than he knew; but be
+it as it would, he had rather sweep the ground
+with his tail, as long as he lived, than deprive
+himself of the least bit to cover the Ape's nasty
+stinking posteriors.'</p>
+
+
+<p class="center"><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_68" id="Page_68">[68]</a></span>APPLICATION.</p>
+
+<p>One cannot help considering the world, in the
+particular of the goods of fortune, as a kind of
+lottery; in which some few are entitled to prizes
+of different degrees; others, and those by much
+the greatest part, come off with little or nothing.
+Some, like the Fox, have even larger circumstances
+than they know what to do with, insomuch
+that they are rather a charge and incumbrance
+than of any true use and pleasure to them.
+Others, like the poor Ape's case, are all blank;
+not having been so lucky as to draw from the
+wheel of fortune wherewith to cover their nakedness,
+and live with tolerable decency. That these
+things are left, in a great measure, by Providence,
+to the blind uncertain shuffle of chance, is reasonable
+to conclude from the unequal distribution
+of them; for there is seldom any regard had
+to true merit upon these occasions; folly and
+knavery ride in coaches, while good sense and
+honesty walk in the dirt. The all-wise Disposer
+of events does certainly permit these things for
+just and good purposes, which our shallow understanding
+is not able to fathom; but, humanly
+thinking, if the riches and power of the world
+were to be always in the hands of the virtuous
+part of mankind, they would be more likely to do
+good with them in their generation, than the vile
+sottish wretches who generally enjoy them. A
+truly good man would direct all the superfluous<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_69" id="Page_69">[69]</a></span>
+part of his wealth, at least, for the necessities of
+his fellow-creatures, though there were no religion
+which enjoined it: but selfish and avaricious
+people, who are always great knaves, how much
+soever they may have, will never think they have
+enough: much less be induced, by any consideration
+of virtue and religion, to part with the
+least farthing for public charity and beneficence.</p>
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_70" id="Page_70">[70]</a></span></p>
+<h2>FABLE XXIX.</h2>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 450px;">
+<img src="images/i_083.jpg" width="450" height="360" alt="THE DOG IN THE MANGER." title="THE DOG IN THE MANGER." />
+<span class="caption">THE DOG IN THE MANGER.</span>
+</div>
+
+
+<p>A Dog was lying upon a manger full of hay.
+An Ox, being hungry, came near, and offered to
+eat of the hay; but the envious ill-natured cur,
+getting up and snarling at him, would not suffer
+him to touch it. Upon which the Ox, in the
+bitterness of his heart, said, 'A curse light on
+thee, for a malicious wretch, who wilt neither eat
+hay thyself, nor suffer others to do it.'</p>
+
+
+<p class="center">APPLICATION.</p>
+
+<p>Envy is the most unnatural and unaccountable
+of all the passions. There is scarce any other
+emotion of the mind, however unreasonable, but
+may have something said in excuse for it; and
+there are many of these weaknesses of the soul,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_71" id="Page_71">[71]</a></span>
+which, notwithstanding the wrongness and irregularity
+of them, swell the heart, while they last,
+with pleasure and gladness. But the envious man
+has no such apology as this to make; the stronger
+the passion is, the greater torment he endures;
+and subjects himself to a continual real pain, by
+only wishing ill to others. Revenge is sweet,
+though cruel and inhuman; and though it sometimes
+thirsts even for blood, yet may be glutted
+and satiated. Avarice is something highly monstrous
+and absurd; yet, as it is a desire after
+riches, every little acquisition gives it pleasure;
+and to behold and feel the hoarded treasure, to a
+covetous man, is a constant uncloying enjoyment.
+But envy, which is an anxiety arising in our
+minds, upon our observing accomplishments in
+others which we want ourselves, can never receive
+any true comfort, unless in a deluge, a conflagration,
+a plague, or some general calamity that
+should befal mankind: for, as long as there is a
+creature living, that enjoys its being happily
+within the envious man's sphere, it will afford
+nourishment to his distempered mind; but such
+nourishment as will make him pine, and fret,
+and emaciate himself to nothing.</p>
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_72" id="Page_72">[72]</a></span></p>
+<h2>FABLE XXX.</h2>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 450px;">
+<img src="images/i_085.jpg" width="450" height="378" alt="THE BIRDS, THE BEASTS, AND THE BAT." title="THE BIRDS, THE BEASTS, AND THE BAT." />
+<span class="caption">THE BIRDS, THE BEASTS, AND THE BAT.</span>
+</div>
+
+
+<p>Once upon a time there commenced a fierce
+war between the Birds and the Beasts; when
+the Bat, taking advantage of his ambiguous
+make hoped, by that means, to live secure in a
+state of neutrality, and save his bacon. It was not
+long before the forces on each side met, and gave
+battle; and, their animosities running very high,
+a bloody slaughter ensued. The Bat, at the
+beginning of the day, thinking the birds most
+likely to carry it, listed himself among them; but
+kept fluttering at a little distance, that he might
+the better observe, and take his measures accordingly.
+However, after some time spent in the
+action, the army of the Beasts seeming to prevail,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_73" id="Page_73">[73]</a></span>
+he went entirely over to them, and endeavoured
+to convince them, by the affinity which he had
+to a Mouse, that he was by nature a beast, and
+would always continue firm and true to their
+interest. His plea was admitted; but, in the
+end, the advantage turning completely on the
+side of the Birds, under the admirable conduct
+and courage of their general the Eagle, the
+Bat, to save his life, and escape the disgrace of
+falling into the hands of his deserted friends,
+betook himself to flight; and ever since, skulking
+in caves and hollow trees all day, as if ashamed
+to show himself, he never appears till the dusk of
+the evening, when all the feathered inhabitants
+of the air are gone to roost.</p>
+
+
+<p class="center">APPLICATION.</p>
+
+<p>For any one to desert the interest of his country,
+and turn renegado, either out of fear, or any prospect
+of advantage, is so notoriously vile and low,
+that it is no wonder if the man, who is detected
+in it, is for ever ashamed to see the sun, and to
+show himself in the eyes of those whose cause he
+has betrayed. Yet, as there is scarce any vice,
+even to be imagined, but there may be found
+men who have been guilty of it, perhaps there
+have been as many criminals in the case before
+us, as in any one particular besides, notwithstanding
+the aggravation and extraordinary degree of
+its baseness. We cannot help reflecting upon it
+with horror: but, as truly detestable as this vice<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_74" id="Page_74">[74]</a></span>
+is, and must be acknowledged to be, by all
+mankind, so far are those that practise it from
+being treated with a just resentment by the rest
+of mankind, that by the kind reception they
+afterwards meet with, they rather seem to be
+encouraged and applauded, than despised and
+discountenanced, for it.</p>
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_75" id="Page_75">[75]</a></span></p>
+<h2>FABLE XXXI.</h2>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 450px;">
+<img src="images/i_088.jpg" width="450" height="338" alt="THE FOX AND THE TIGER." title="THE FOX AND THE TIGER." />
+<span class="caption">THE FOX AND THE TIGER.</span>
+</div>
+
+
+<p>A skilful archer coming into the woods,
+directed his arrows so successfully, that he slew
+many wild beasts, and pursued several others.
+This put the whole savage kind into a fearful
+consternation, and made them fly to the most
+retired thickets for refuge. At last, the Tiger
+resumed a courage, and, bidding them not to be
+afraid, said, that he alone would engage the
+enemy; telling them, they might depend upon
+his valour and strength to revenge their wrongs.
+In the midst of these threats, while he was lashing
+himself with his tail, and tearing up the ground
+for anger, an arrow pierced his ribs, and hung by
+its barbed point in his side. He set up an hideous<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_76" id="Page_76">76]</a></span>
+and loud roar, occasioned by the anguish which
+he felt, and endeavoured to draw out the painful
+dart with his teeth; when the Fox, approaching
+him, inquired with an air of surprise, who it was
+that could have strength and courage enough to
+wound so mighty and valorous a beast?&mdash;'Ah!'
+says the Tiger, 'I was mistaken in my reckoning:
+it was that invincible man yonder.'</p>
+
+
+<p class="center">APPLICATION.</p>
+
+<p>Though strength and courage are very good
+ingredients towards the making us secure and
+formidable in the world, yet, unless there be a
+proper portion of wisdom or policy to direct them,
+instead of being serviceable, they often prove
+detrimental to their proprietors. A rash froward
+man, who depends upon the excellence of his own
+parts and accomplishments, is likewise apt to
+expose a weak side, which his enemies might not
+otherwise have observed, and gives an advantage
+to others by those very means which he fancied
+would have secured it to himself. Counsel and
+conduct always did, and always will, govern the
+world; and the strong, in spite of all their force,
+can never avoid being tools to the crafty. Some
+men are as much superior to others in wisdom
+and policy, as man, in general, is above a brute.
+Strength ill-concerted, opposed to them, is like a
+quarter staff in the hands of a huge, robust, but
+bungling fellow, who fights against a master of
+the science. The latter, though without a weapon,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_77" id="Page_77">77]</a></span>
+would have skill and address enough to disarm
+his adversary, and drub him with his own staff.
+In a word, savage fierceness and brutal strength
+must not pretend to stand in competition with
+finesse and stratagem.</p>
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_78" id="Page_78">[78]</a></span></p>
+<h2>FABLE XXXII.</h2>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 450px;">
+<img src="images/i_091.jpg" width="450" height="329" alt="THE LIONESS AND THE FOX." title="THE LIONESS AND THE FOX." />
+<span class="caption">THE LIONESS AND THE FOX.</span>
+</div>
+
+
+<p>The Lioness and the Fox meeting together
+fell into discourse; and the conversation turning
+upon the breeding and the fruitfulness of some
+living creatures above others, the Fox could not
+forbear taking the opportunity of observing to
+the Lioness, that, for her part, she thought Foxes
+were as happy in that respect as almost any other
+creatures; for that they bred constantly once a
+year, if not oftener, and always had a good litter
+of cubs at every birth: 'and yet,' says she,
+'there are those who are never delivered of more
+than one at a time, and that perhaps not above
+once or twice through their whole life, who hold
+up their noses, and value themselves so much
+upon it, that they think all other creatures beneath<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_79" id="Page_79">[79]</a></span>
+them, and scarce worthy to be spoken to.' The
+Lioness, who all the while perceived at whom
+this reflection pointed, was fired with resentment,
+and with a good deal of vehemence replied&mdash;'What
+you have observed may be true, and that
+not without reason. You produce a great many
+at a litter, and often; but what are they?&mdash;Foxes.
+I indeed have but one at a time; but you should
+remember that this one is a Lion.'</p>
+
+
+<p class="center">APPLICATION.</p>
+
+<p>Our productions, of whatsoever kind, are not
+to be esteemed so much by the quantity as the
+quality of them. It is not being employed much,
+but well, and to the purpose, which makes us
+useful to the age we live in, and celebrated by
+those which are to come. As it is a misfortune
+to the countries which are infested with them, for
+Foxes and other vermin to multiply; so one cannot
+help throwing out a melancholy reflection,
+when one sees some particulars of the humankind
+increase so fast as they do. But the most obvious
+meaning of this fable, is the hint it gives us in
+relation to authors. These gentlemen should
+never attempt to raise themselves a reputation,
+by enumerating a catalogue of their productions;
+since there is more glory in having written one
+tolerable piece, than a thousand indifferent ones.
+And whoever has had the good fortune to please
+in one performance of this kind, should be very
+cautious how he ventures his reputation in a
+second.</p>
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_80" id="Page_80">[80]</a></span></p>
+<h2>FABLE XXXIII.</h2>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 450px;">
+<img src="images/i_093.jpg" width="450" height="325" alt="THE OAK AND THE REED." title="THE OAK AND THE REED." />
+<span class="caption">THE OAK AND THE REED.</span>
+</div>
+
+
+<p>An oak, which hung over the bank of a river,
+was blown down by a violent storm of wind; and
+as it was carried along by the stream, some of its
+boughs brushed against a Reed which grew near
+the shore. This struck the Oak with a thought
+of admiration; and he could not forbear asking
+the Reed, how he came to stand so secure and
+unhurt, in a tempest which had been furious
+enough to tear an Oak up by the roots? 'Why,'
+says the Reed, 'I secure myself by putting on a
+behaviour quite contrary to what you do; instead
+of being stubborn and stiff, and confiding in my
+strength, I yield and bend to the blast, and let it
+go over me; knowing how vain and fruitless it
+would be to resist.'</p>
+
+
+<p class="center"><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_81" id="Page_81">[81]</a></span>APPLICATION.</p>
+
+<p>Though a tame submission to injuries which it
+is in our power to redress, be generally esteemed
+a base and a dishonourable thing; yet, to resist
+where there is no probability, or even hopes, of
+our getting the better, may also be looked upon
+as the effect of a blind temerity, and perhaps of a
+weak understanding. The strokes of fortune are
+oftentimes as irresistible as they are severe; and
+he who, with an impatient reluctant spirit, fights
+against her, instead of alleviating, does but double
+her blows upon himself. A person of a quiet still
+temper, whether it is given him by Nature, or
+acquired by art, calmly composes himself, in the
+midst of a storm, so as to elude the shock, or
+receive it with the least detriment; like a prudent
+experienced sailor, who is swimming to the shore
+from a wrecked vessel in a swelling sea, he does
+not oppose the fury of the waves, but stoops and
+gives way, that they may roll over his head
+without obstruction. The doctrine of absolute
+submission in all cases is an absurd dogmatical
+precept, with nothing but ignorance and superstition
+to support it: but, upon particular occasions,
+and where it is impossible for us to overcome, to
+submit patiently is one of the most reasonable
+maxims in life.</p>
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_82" id="Page_82">[82]</a></span></p>
+<h2>FABLE XXXIV.</h2>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 450px;">
+<img src="images/i_095.jpg" width="450" height="337" alt="THE WIND AND THE SUN." title="THE WIND AND THE SUN." />
+<span class="caption">THE WIND AND THE SUN.</span>
+</div>
+
+
+<p>A dispute once arose between the north Wind
+and the Sun, about the superiority of their power;
+and they agreed to try their strength upon a traveller,
+which should be able to get his cloak off
+first. The north Wind began, and blew a very
+cold blast, accompanied with a sharp driving
+shower. But this, and whatever else he could
+do, instead of making the man quit his cloak,
+obliged him to gird it about his body as close as
+possible. Next came the Sun, who, breaking
+out from a thick watery cloud, drove away the
+cold vapours from the sky, and darted his warm
+sultry beams upon the head of the poor weather-beaten
+traveller. The man growing faint with
+the heat, and unable to endure it any longer, first<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_83" id="Page_83">[83]</a></span>
+throws off his heavy cloak, and then flies for protection
+to the shade of a neighbouring grove.</p>
+
+
+<p class="center">APPLICATION.</p>
+
+<p>There is something in the temper of men so
+averse to severe and boisterous treatment, that
+he who endeavours to carry his point that way,
+instead of prevailing, generally leaves the mind
+of him, whom he has thus attempted, in a more
+confirmed and obstinate situation than he found
+it at first. Bitter words and hard usage freeze the
+heart into a kind of obduracy, which mild persuasion
+and gentle language only can dissolve and
+soften. Persecution has always fixed and rivetted
+those opinions which it was intended to dispel;
+and some discerning men have attributed the
+quick growth of Christianity, in a great measure,
+to the rough and barbarous reception which
+its first teachers met with in the world. The
+same may have been observed of our reformation;
+the blood of the martyrs was the manure which
+produced that great Protestant crop, on which
+the church of England has subsisted ever since.
+Providence, which always makes use of the most
+natural means to attain its purpose, has thought
+fit to establish the purest religion by this method:
+the consideration of which may give a proper
+check to those who are continually endeavouring
+to root out errors by that very management,
+which so infallibly fixes and implants all opinions,
+as well erroneous as orthodox. When an opinion
+is so violently attacked, it raises an attention in<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_84" id="Page_84">[84]</a></span>
+the persecuted party, and gives an alarm to their
+vanity, by making them think that worth defending
+and keeping, at the hazard of their lives,
+which, perhaps, otherwise they would only have
+admired awhile for the sake of its novelty, and
+afterwards resigned of their own accord. In
+short, a fierce turbulent opposition, like the north
+Wind, only serves to make a man wrap up his
+notions more closely about him; but we know
+not what a kind, warm, Sun-shiny behaviour,
+rightly applied, would not be able to effect.</p>
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_85" id="Page_85">[85]</a></span></p>
+<h2>FABLE XXXV.</h2>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 450px;">
+<img src="images/i_098.jpg" width="450" height="346" alt="THE KITE, THE FROG, AND THE MOUSE." title="THE KITE, THE FROG, AND THE MOUSE." />
+<span class="caption">THE KITE, THE FROG, AND THE MOUSE.</span>
+</div>
+
+
+<p>There was once a great emulation between the
+Frog and the Mouse, which should be master
+of the fen, and wars ensued upon it. But the
+crafty Mouse, lurking under the grass in ambuscade,
+made sudden sallies, and often surprised
+the enemy at a disadvantage. The Frog, excelling
+in strength, and being more able to leap
+abroad and take the field, challenged the Mouse
+to single combat. The Mouse accepts the challenge;
+and each of them entered the lists, armed
+with a point of a bulrush instead of a spear. A
+Kite, sailing in the air, beheld them afar off;
+and, while they were eagerly bent upon each
+other, and pressing on to the duel, this fatal
+enemy descended souse upon them, and with her
+crooked talons carried off both the champions.</p>
+
+
+<p class="center"><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_86" id="Page_86">[86]</a></span>APPLICATION.</p>
+
+<p>Nothing so much exposes a man's weak side,
+and lays him so open to an enemy, as passion
+and malice. He whose attention is wholly fixed
+upon forming a project of revenge, is ignorant of
+the mischiefs that may be hatching against him
+from some other quarter, and, upon the attack, is
+unprovided with the means of defending or securing
+himself. How are the members of a commonwealth
+sometimes divided amongst themselves,
+and inspired with rancour and malice to the last
+degree; and often upon as great a trifle as that
+which was the subject matter of debate between
+the Frog and the Mouse; not for any real advantage,
+but merely who shall get the better in the
+dispute? But such animosities, as insignificant
+and trifling as they may be among themselves,
+are yet of the last importance to their enemies,
+by giving them many fair opportunities of falling
+upon them, and reducing them to misery and
+slavery. O Britons, when will ye be wise!
+when will ye throw away the ridiculous distinctions
+of party, those ends of bulrushes, and by a
+prudent union secure yourselves in a state of
+peace and prosperity! A state, of which, if it were
+not for your intolerably foolish and unnecessary
+divisions at home, all the powers upon earth could
+never deprive you.</p>
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_87" id="Page_87">[87]</a></span></p>
+<h2>FABLE XXXVI.</h2>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 450px;">
+<img src="images/i_100.jpg" width="450" height="334" alt="THE FROGS DESIRING A KING." title="THE FROGS DESIRING A KING." />
+<span class="caption">THE FROGS DESIRING A KING.</span>
+</div>
+
+
+<p>The Frogs, living an easy free life every where
+among the lakes and ponds, assembled together,
+one day, in a very tumultuous manner, and petitioned
+Jupiter to let them have a King, who
+might inspect their morals, and make them live
+a little honester. Jupiter, being at that time in
+pretty good humour, was pleased to laugh heartily
+at their ridiculous request; and, throwing a little
+log down into the pool, cried, 'There is a King
+for you.' The sudden splash which this made by
+its fall into the water, at first terrified them so
+exceedingly, that they were afraid to come near
+it. But in a little time, seeing it lay still without
+moving, they ventured, by degrees, to approach
+it; and at last, finding there was no danger, they<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_88" id="Page_88">[88]</a></span>
+leaped upon it; and, in short, treated it as familiarly
+as they pleased. But not contented with
+so insipid a King as this was, they sent their
+deputies to petition again for another sort of one;
+for this they neither did nor could like. Upon
+that he sent them a Stork, who, without any
+ceremony, fell a devouring and eating them up,
+one after another, as fast as he could. Then they
+applied themselves privately to Mercury, and
+got him to speak to Jupiter in their behalf, that
+he would be so good as to bless them again with
+another King, or to restore them to their former
+state. 'No,' says he, 'since it was their own
+choice, let the obstinate wretches suffer the
+punishment due to their folly.'</p>
+
+
+<p class="center">APPLICATION.</p>
+
+<p>It is pretty extraordinary to find a fable of this
+kind finished with so bold and yet polite a turn
+by Ph�drus: one who attained his freedom by
+the favour of Augustus, and wrote it in the
+time of Tiberius; who were, successively, tyrannical
+usurpers of the Roman government. If
+we may take his word for it, �sop spoke it upon
+this occasion. When the commonwealth of
+Athens flourished under good wholesome laws of
+its own enacting, they relied so much upon the
+security of their liberty, that they negligently
+suffered it to run out into licentiousness. And
+factions happening to be fomented among them
+by designing people, much about the same time,
+Pisistratus took that opportunity to make himself<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_89" id="Page_89">[89]</a></span>
+master of their citadel and liberties both together.
+The Athenians finding themselves in a slate of
+slavery, though their tyrant happened to be a
+very merciful one, yet could not bear the thoughts
+of it; so that �sop, where there was no remedy,
+prescribes to them patience, by the example of
+the foregoing fable; and adds, at last, 'Wherefore,
+my dear countrymen, be contented with your
+present condition, bad as it is, for fear a change
+should be worse.'</p>
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_90" id="Page_90">[90]</a></span></p>
+<h2>FABLE XXXVII.</h2>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 450px;">
+<img src="images/i_103.jpg" width="450" height="333" alt="THE OLD WOMAN AND HER MAIDS." title="THE OLD WOMAN AND HER MAIDS." />
+<span class="caption">THE OLD WOMAN AND HER MAIDS.</span>
+</div>
+
+
+<p>A certain Old Woman had several Maids,
+whom she used to call up to their work, every
+morning, at the crowing of the Cock. The
+Wenches, who found it grievous to have their
+sweet sleep disturbed so early, combined together,
+and killed the Cock; thinking, that, when the
+alarm was gone, they might enjoy themselves in
+their warm beds a little longer. The Old Woman,
+grieved for the loss of her Cock, and having, by
+some means or other, discovered the whole plot,
+was resolved to be even with them; for, from
+that time, she obliged them to rise constantly at
+midnight.</p>
+
+
+<p class="center">APPLICATION.</p>
+
+<p>It can never be expected that things should be,
+in all respects, agreeable to our wishes; and, if<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_91" id="Page_91">[91]</a></span>
+they are not very bad indeed, we ought, in many
+cases, to be contented with them; lest when,
+through impatience, we precipitately quit our
+present condition of life, we may to our sorrow
+find, with the old saying, that seldom comes a
+better. Before we attempt any alteration of
+moment, we should be certain what state it will
+produce; for, when things are already bad, to
+make them worse by trying experiments, is an
+argument of great weakness and folly, and is sure
+to be attended with a too late repentance. Grievances,
+if really such, ought by all means to be
+redressed, provided we can be assured of doing
+it with success: but we had better, at any time,
+bear with some inconvenience, than make our
+condition worse by attempting to mend it.</p>
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_92" id="Page_92">[92]</a></span></p>
+<h2>FABLE XXXVIII.</h2>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 450px;">
+<img src="images/i_105.jpg" width="450" height="332" alt="THE LION, THE BEAR, AND THE FOX." title="THE LION, THE BEAR, AND THE FOX." />
+<span class="caption">THE LION, THE BEAR, AND THE FOX.</span>
+</div>
+
+
+<p>A Lion and a Bear fell together by the ears
+over the carcass of a Fawn which they found in
+the forest, their title to him being to be decided
+by force of arms. The battle was severe and
+tough on both sides, and they held it out, tearing
+and worrying one another so long, that, what
+with wounds and fatigue, they were so faint and
+weary, that they were not able to strike another
+stroke. Thus, while they lay upon the ground,
+panting and lolling out their tongues, a Fox
+chanced to pass by that way, who, perceiving
+how the case stood, very impudently stepped in
+between them, seized the booty which they had
+all this while been contending for, and carried
+it off. The two combatants, who lay and beheld
+all this, without having strength enough to stir<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_93" id="Page_93">[93]</a></span>
+and prevent it, were only wise enough to make
+this reflection: 'Behold the fruits of our strife
+and contention! that villain, the Fox, bears away
+the prize, and we ourselves have deprived each
+other of the power to recover it from him.'</p>
+
+
+<p class="center">APPLICATION.</p>
+
+<p>When people go to law about an uncertain title,
+and have spent their whole estate in the contest,
+nothing is more common than for some little
+pettifogging attorney to step in and secure it to
+himself. The very name of law seems to imply
+equity and justice, and that is the bait which has
+drawn in many to their ruin. Others are excited
+by their passions, and care not if they destroy
+themselves, so they do but see their enemy perish
+with them. But, if we lay aside prejudice and
+folly, and think calmly of the matter, we shall
+find, that going to law is not the best way of
+deciding differences about property; it being,
+generally speaking, much safer to trust to the
+arbitration of two or three honest sensible neighbours,
+than, at a vast expense of money, time,
+and trouble, to run through the tedious, frivolous
+forms, with which, by the artifice of greedy
+lawyers, a court of judicature is contrived to
+be attended. It has been said, that if mankind
+would lead moral virtuous lives, there would be
+no occasion for divines; if they would but live
+temperately and soberly, that they would never
+want physicians; both which assertions, though
+true in the main, are yet expressed in too great a<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_94" id="Page_94">[94]</a></span>
+latitude. But one may venture to affirm, that if
+men preserved a strict regard to justice and
+honesty in their dealings with each other, and,
+upon any mistake or misapprehension, were
+always ready to refer the matter to disinterested
+umpires, of acknowledged judgment and integrity,
+they never could have the least occasion
+for lawyers. When people have gone to law, it
+is rarely to be found but one or both parties was
+either stupidly obstinate, or rashly inconsiderate.
+For, if the case should happen to be so intricate,
+that a man of common sense could not distinguish
+who had the best title, how easy would it be to
+have the opinion of the best counsel in the land,
+and agree to determine it by that? If it should
+appear dubious even after that, how much better
+would it be to divide the thing in dispute, rather
+than go to law, and hazard the losing not only
+of the whole, but costs and damages into the
+bargain?</p>
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_95" id="Page_95">[95]</a></span></p>
+<h2>FABLE XXXIX.</h2>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 450px;">
+<img src="images/i_108.jpg" width="450" height="335" alt="THE CROW AND THE PITCHER." title="THE CROW AND THE PITCHER." />
+<span class="caption">THE CROW AND THE PITCHER.</span>
+</div>
+
+
+<p>A Crow, ready to die with thirst, flew with joy
+to a Pitcher, which he beheld at some distance.
+When he came, he found water in it indeed, but
+so near the bottom, that, with all his stooping and
+straining, he was not able to reach it. Then he
+endeavoured to overturn the Pitcher, that so at
+least he might be able to get a little of it. But
+his strength was not sufficient for this. At last,
+seeing some pebbles lie near the place, he cast
+them one by one into the Pitcher; and thus,
+by degrees, raised the water up to the very brim,
+and satisfied his thirst.</p>
+
+
+<p class="center">APPLICATION.</p>
+
+<p>Many things which cannot be effected by
+strength, or by the vulgar way of enterprising,
+may yet be brought about by some new and
+untried means. A man of sagacity and penetration,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_96" id="Page_96">[96]</a></span>
+upon encountering a difficulty or two, does
+not immediately despair; but, if he cannot succeed
+one way, employs his wit and ingenuity
+another; and, to avoid or get over an impediment,
+makes no scruple of stepping out of the path of
+his forefathers. Since our happiness, next to the
+regulation of our minds, depends altogether upon
+our having and enjoying the conveniences of life,
+why should we stand upon ceremony about the
+methods of obtaining them, or pay any deference
+to antiquity upon that score? If almost every age
+had not exerted itself in some new improvements
+of its own, we should want a thousand arts, or,
+at least, many degrees of perfection in every art,
+which at present we are in possession of. The
+invention of any thing which is more commodious
+for the mind or body than what they had before,
+ought to be embraced readily, and the projector
+of it distinguished with a suitable encouragement.
+Such as the use of the compass, for example,
+from which mankind reaps so much benefit and
+advantage, and which was not known to former
+ages. When we follow the steps of those who
+have gone before us in the old beaten track of
+life, how do we differ from horses in a team,
+which are linked to each other by a chain or
+harness, and move on in a dull heavy pace, to the
+tune of their leader's bells? But the man who
+enriches the present fund of knowledge with some
+new and useful improvement, like a happy adventurer
+at sea, discovers, as it were, an unknown
+land, and imports an additional trade into his
+own country.</p>
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_97" id="Page_97">[97]</a></span></p>
+<h2>FABLE XL.</h2>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 450px;">
+<img src="images/i_110.jpg" width="450" height="336" alt="THE PORCUPINE AND THE SNAKES." title="THE PORCUPINE AND THE SNAKES." />
+<span class="caption">THE PORCUPINE AND THE SNAKES.</span>
+</div>
+
+
+<p>A Porcupine, wanting to shelter himself, desired
+a nest of Snakes to give him admittance
+into their cave. They were prevailed upon, and
+let him in accordingly; but were so annoyed
+with his sharp prickly quills, that they soon repented
+of their easy compliance, and entreated
+the Porcupine to withdraw, and leave them their
+hole to themselves. 'No,' says he, 'let them
+quit the place that don't like it; for my part, I
+am well enough satisfied as I am.'</p>
+
+
+<p class="center">APPLICATION.</p>
+
+<p>Some people are of such brutish, inhospitable
+tempers, that there is no living with them, without
+greatly incommoding ourselves. Therefore,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_98" id="Page_98">[98]</a></span>
+before we enter into any degree of friendship,
+alliance, or partnership, with any person whatever,
+we should thoroughly consider his nature
+and qualities, his circumstances and his humour.
+There ought to be something in each of these
+respects to tally and correspond with our own
+measures, to suit our genius, and adapt itself to
+the size and proportion of our desires; otherwise
+our associations, of whatever kind, may
+prove the greatest plagues of our life. Young
+men are very apt to run into this error; and
+being warm in all their passions, throw open their
+arms at once, and admit into the greatest intimacy
+persons whom they know little of, but by false
+and uncertain lights. Thus they sometimes receive
+a Viper into their bosom instead of a friend, and
+take a Porcupine for a consort, with whom they
+are obliged to cohabit, though she may prove a
+thorn in their sides as long as they live. A true
+friend is one of the greatest blessings in life;
+therefore to be mistaken or disappointed of such
+enjoyment, when we hope to be in full possession
+of it must be as great a mortification. So that
+we cannot be too nice and scrupulous in our
+choice of those who are to be our companions for
+life: for they must have but a poor shallow notion
+of friendship, who intend to take it, like a lease,
+for a term of years only. In a word, the doctrine
+which this fable speaks, is to prepare us against
+being injured or deceived by a rash combination
+of any sort. The manners of the man we desire
+for a friend, of the woman we like for a wife, of<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_99" id="Page_99">[99]</a></span>
+the person with whom we would jointly manage
+and concert measures for the advancement of
+our temporal interest, should be narrowly and
+cautiously inspected, before we embark with
+them in the same vessel, lest we should alter our
+mind when it is too late, and think of regaining
+the shore after we have launched out of our
+depth.</p>
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_100" id="Page_100">[100]</a></span></p>
+<h2>FABLE XLI.</h2>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 450px;">
+<img src="images/i_113.jpg" width="450" height="318" alt="THE HARES AND FROGS IN A STORM." title="THE HARES AND FROGS IN A STORM." />
+<span class="caption">THE HARES AND FROGS IN A STORM.</span>
+</div>
+
+
+<p>Upon a great storm of wind that blew among
+the trees and bushes, and made a rustling with
+the leaves, the Hares (in a certain park where
+there happened to be plenty of them) were so
+terribly frighted, that they ran like mad all over
+the place, resolving to seek out some retreat of
+more security, or to end their unhappy days by
+doing violence to themselves. With this resolution
+they found an outlet where a pale had been
+broken down, and, bolting forth upon an adjoining
+common, had not run far before their course
+was stopped by that of a gentle brook which
+glided across the way they intended to take. This
+was so grievous a disappointment, that they were
+not able to bear it; and they determined rather<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_101" id="Page_101">[101]</a></span>
+to throw themselves headlong into the water, let
+what would become of it, than lead a life so full
+of dangers and crosses. But, upon their coming
+to the brink of the river, a parcel of Frogs, which
+were sitting there, frighted at their approach,
+leaped into the stream in great confusion, and
+dived to the very bottom for fear: which a cunning
+old Puss observing, called to the rest and
+said, 'Hold, have a care what ye do: here are
+other creatures, I perceive, which have their fears
+as well as us: don't then let us fancy ourselves
+the most miserable of any upon earth; but rather,
+by their example, learn to bear patiently those
+inconveniences which our nature has thrown
+upon us.'</p>
+
+
+<p class="center">APPLICATION.</p>
+
+<p>This fable is designed to show us how unreasonable
+many people are for living in such continual
+fears and disquiets about the miserableness
+of their condition. There is hardly any state of
+life great enough to satisfy the wishes of an ambitious
+man; and scarce any so mean but may
+supply all the necessities of him that is moderate.
+But if people will be so unwise as to work themselves
+up to imaginary misfortunes, why do they
+grumble at nature and their stars, when their
+own perverse minds are only to blame? If we
+are to conclude ourselves unhappy by as many
+degrees as there are others greater than we, why
+then the greatest part of mankind must be miserable,
+in some degree at least. But, if they who
+repine at their own afflicted condition, would but<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_102" id="Page_102">[102]</a></span>
+reckon up how many more there are with whom
+they would not change cases, than whose pleasures
+they envy, they would certainly rise up better
+satisfied from such a calculation. But what shall
+we say to those who have a way of creating themselves
+panics from the rustling of the wind, the
+scratching of a Rat or Mouse behind the hangings,
+the fluttering of a Moth, or the motion of
+their own shadow by moonlight? Their whole
+life is as full of alarms as that of a Hare, and they
+never think themselves so happy as when, like
+the timorous folks in the fable, they meet with a
+set of creatures as fearful as themselves.</p>
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_103" id="Page_103">[103]</a></span></p>
+<h2>FABLE XLII.</h2>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 450px;">
+<img src="images/i_116.jpg" width="450" height="368" alt="THE FOX AND THE WOLF." title="THE FOX AND THE WOLF." />
+<span class="caption">THE FOX AND THE WOLF.</span>
+</div>
+
+
+<p>The Wolf having laid in store of provision,
+kept close at home, and made much of himself.
+The Fox observed this, and thinking it something
+particular, went to visit him, the better to
+inform himself of the truth of the matter. The
+Wolf excused himself from seeing him, by pretending
+he was very much indisposed. All this
+did but confirm the Fox in his suspicions: so
+away he goes to a shepherd, and made discovery
+of the Wolf; telling him, he had nothing else to
+do but to come with a good weapon and knock
+him on the head as he lay in his cave. The shepherd
+followed his directions, and killed the Wolf.
+The wicked Fox enjoyed the cave and provisions<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_104" id="Page_104">[104]</a></span>
+to himself, but enjoyed them not long; for the
+same shepherd passing afterwards by the same
+hole, and seeing the Fox there, dispatched him
+also.</p>
+
+
+<p class="center">APPLICATION.</p>
+
+<p>This fable seems to be directed against the
+odious trade of informing. Not that giving information
+against criminals and enemies of the
+public is in itself odious, for it is commendable;
+but the circumstances and manner of doing it
+oftentimes make it a vile and detestable employment.
+He that accuses another merely for the
+sake of the promised reward, or in hopes of getting
+his forfeited estate, or with any other such
+mercenary view, nay, even to save his own life,
+whatever he gets by the bargain, is sure to lose
+his reputation: for, indeed, the most innocent
+company is not safe with such a one in it, nor the
+neighbourhood secure in which he lives. A villain
+of his stamp, whose only end is getting, will
+as soon betray the innocent as the guilty: let
+him but know where there is a suspected person,
+and propose the reward, and he will scarce fail
+to work the suspicion up to high-treason, or be
+at a loss to give sufficient proofs of it. We have
+no small comfort concerning this sort of people,
+when we consider how improbable it is that they
+should thrive or prosper long in their ill-gotten
+possessions. For he that can betray another for
+the sake of a little pelf, must be a man of such
+bad principles, that it cannot be for the interest
+of any community to suffer him to live long in<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_105" id="Page_105">[105]</a></span>
+it. Besides, he himself will not be contented
+with one single villany; and there is no fear but
+he will provoke justice to hurl down upon his
+head at least as great a calamity as he, by
+his malicious information, has brought upon
+another.</p>
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_106" id="Page_106">[106]</a></span></p>
+<h2>FABLE XLIII.</h2>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 450px;">
+<img src="images/i_119.jpg" width="450" height="368" alt="THE DOG AND THE SHEEP." title="THE DOG AND THE SHEEP." />
+<span class="caption">THE DOG AND THE SHEEP.</span>
+</div>
+
+
+<p>The Dog sued the Sheep for a debt, of which
+the Kite and the Wolf were to be judges. They,
+without debating long upon the matter, or making
+any scruple for want of evidence, gave sentence
+for the plaintiff; who immediately tore the poor
+Sheep in pieces, and divided the spoil with the
+unjust judges.</p>
+
+
+<p class="center">APPLICATION.</p>
+
+<p>Deplorable are the times when open barefaced
+villany is protected and encouraged, when innocence
+is obnoxious, honesty contemptible, and it
+is reckoned criminal to espouse the cause of virtue.
+Men originally entered into covenants and civil
+compacts with each other for the promotion of
+their happiness and well-being, for the establishment<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_107" id="Page_107">[107]</a></span>
+of justice and public peace. How comes
+it then that they look stupidly on, and tamely
+acquiesce, when wicked men pervert this end,
+and establish an arbitrary tyranny of their own
+upon the foundation of fraud and oppression?
+Among beasts, who are incapable of being civilized
+by social laws, it is no strange thing to
+see innocent helpless Sheep fall a prey to Dogs,
+Wolves, and Kites: but it is amazing how mankind
+could ever sink down to such a low degree
+of base cowardice, as to suffer some of the worst
+of their species to usurp a power over them, to
+supersede the righteous laws of good government,
+and to exercise all kinds of injustice and hardship,
+in gratifying their own vicious lusts. Wherever
+such enormities are practised, it is when a few
+rapacious statesmen combine together to get and
+secure the power in their own hands, and agree
+to divide the spoil among themselves. For as
+long as the cause is to be tried only among themselves,
+no question but they will always vouch
+for each other. But, at the same time, it is hard
+to determine which resemble brutes most, they
+in acting, or the people in suffering them to act,
+their vile selfish schemes.</p>
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_108" id="Page_108">[108]</a></span></p>
+<h2>FABLE XLIV.</h2>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 450px;">
+<img src="images/i_121.jpg" width="450" height="343" alt="THE PEACOCK AND THE CRANE." title="THE PEACOCK AND THE CRANE." />
+<span class="caption">THE PEACOCK AND THE CRANE.</span>
+</div>
+
+
+<p>The Peacock and the Crane by chance met together
+in the same place. The Peacock erecting his
+tail, displayed his gaudy plumes, and looked
+with contempt upon the Crane, as some mean
+ordinary person. The Crane, resolving to mortify
+his insolence, took occasion to say, that Peacocks
+were very fine birds indeed, if fine feathers
+could make them so; but that he thought it a
+much nobler thing to be able to rise above the
+clouds, than to strut about upon the ground, and
+be gazed at by children.</p>
+
+
+<p class="center">APPLICATION.</p>
+
+<p>It is very absurd to slight or insult another
+upon his wanting a property which we possess;
+for he may, for any thing we know, have as just<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_109" id="Page_109">[109]</a></span>
+reason to triumph over us, by being master of
+some good quality of which we are incapable.
+But, in regard to the fable before us, that which
+the Peacock values himself upon, the glitter and
+finery of dress, is one of the most trifling considerations
+in nature; and what a man of sense
+would be ashamed to reckon even as the least
+part of merit. Indeed, children, and those people
+who think much about the same pitch with them,
+are apt to be taken with varnish and tinsel: but
+they who examine by the scale of common sense
+must find something of weight and substance,
+before they can be persuaded to set a value. The
+mind which is stored with virtuous and rational
+sentiments, and the behaviour which speaks complacence
+and humility, stamps an estimate upon
+the possessor, which all judicious spectators are
+ready to admire and acknowledge. But if there
+be any merit in an embroidered coat, a brocade
+waistcoat, a shoe, a stocking, or a sword-knot,
+the person who wears them has the least claim to
+it; let it be ascribed where it justly belongs&mdash;to
+the several artizans who wrought and disposed
+the materials of which they consist. This moral
+is not intended to derogate any thing from the
+magnificence of fine clothes and rich equipages,
+which, as times and circumstances require, may
+be used with decency and propriety enough: but
+one cannot help being concerned, lest any worth
+should be affixed to them more than their own
+intrinsic value.</p>
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_110" id="Page_110">[110]</a></span></p>
+<h2>FABLE XLV.</h2>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 450px;">
+<img src="images/i_123.jpg" width="450" height="355" alt="THE VIPER AND THE FILE." title="THE VIPER AND THE FILE." />
+<span class="caption">THE VIPER AND THE FILE.</span>
+</div>
+
+
+<p>A Viper entering a smith's shop, looked up and
+down for something to eat; and seeing a File,
+fell to gnawing it as greedily as could be. The
+File told him, very gruffly, that he had best be
+quiet and let him alone; for he would get very
+little by nibbling at one who, upon occasion,
+could bite iron and steel.</p>
+
+
+<p class="center">APPLICATION.</p>
+
+<p>By this fable we are cautioned to consider what
+any person is, before we make an attack upon
+him after any manner whatsoever: particularly
+how we let our tongues slip in censuring the
+actions of those who are, in the opinion of the
+world, not only of an unquestioned reputation, so<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_111" id="Page_111">[111]</a></span>
+that nobody will believe what we insinuate against
+them; but of such an influence, upon account of
+their own veracity, that the least word from them
+would ruin our credit to all intents and purposes.
+If wit be the case, and we have a satirical vein,
+which at certain periods must have a flow, let us
+be cautious at whom we level it; for if the person's
+understanding be of better proof than our
+own, all our ingenious sallies, like liquor squirted
+against the wind, will recoil back upon our own
+faces, and make us the ridicule of every spectator.
+This fable, besides, is not an improper emblem of
+envy; which, rather than not bite at all, will fall
+foul where it can hurt nothing but itself.</p>
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_112" id="Page_112">[112]</a></span></p>
+<h2>FABLE XLVI.</h2>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 450px;">
+<img src="images/i_125.jpg" width="450" height="334" alt="THE ASS, THE LION, AND THE COCK." title="THE ASS, THE LION, AND THE COCK." />
+<span class="caption">THE ASS, THE LION, AND THE COCK.</span>
+</div>
+
+
+<p>An Ass and a Cock happened to be feeding
+together in the same place, when on a sudden
+they spied a Lion approaching them. This beast
+is reported, above all things, to have an aversion,
+or rather antipathy, to the crowing of a Cock;
+so that he no sooner heard the voice of that bird,
+but he betook him to his heels, and run away as
+fast as ever he could. The Ass fancying he fled
+for fear of him, in the bravery of his heart, pursued
+him, and followed him so far, that they were
+quite out of the hearing of the Cock; which the
+Lion no sooner perceived, but he turned about
+and seized the Ass; and just as he was ready to
+tear him to pieces, the sluggish creature is said to
+have expressed himself thus:&mdash;'Alas! fool that I<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_113" id="Page_113">[113]</a></span>
+was, knowing the cowardice of my own nature,
+thus, by an affected courage, to throw myself into
+the jaws of death, when I might have remained
+secure and unmolested!'</p>
+
+
+<p class="center">APPLICATION.</p>
+
+<p>There are many who, out of an ambition to
+appear considerable, affect to show themselves
+men of fire, spirit, and courage: but these being
+qualities, of which they are not the right owners,
+they generally expose themselves, and show the
+little title they have to them, by endeavouring to
+exert and produce them at unseasonable times,
+or with improper persons. A bully, for fear you
+should find him out to be a coward, overacts his
+part, and calls you to account for affronts which
+a man of true bravery would never have thought
+of: and a cowardly silly fellow, observing that
+he may take some liberties with impunity, where
+perhaps the place or the company protect him,
+falsely concludes from thence, that the person
+with whom he made free is a greater coward than
+himself; so that he not only continues his offensive
+raillery and impertinence for the present,
+but probably renews them in some place not so
+privileged as the former, where his insolence
+meets with a due chastisement; than which
+nothing is more equitable in itself, or agreeable
+to the discreet part of mankind.</p>
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_114" id="Page_114">[114]</a></span></p>
+<h2>FABLE XLVII.</h2>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 450px;">
+<img src="images/i_127.jpg" width="450" height="340" alt="THE JACKDAW AND PEACOCKS." title="THE JACKDAW AND PEACOCKS." />
+<span class="caption">THE JACKDAW AND PEACOCKS.</span>
+</div>
+
+
+<p>A certain Jackdaw was so proud and ambitious,
+that, not contented to live within his own
+sphere, he picked up the feathers which fell from
+the Peacocks, stuck them in among his own,
+and very confidently introduced himself into an
+assembly of those beautiful birds. They soon
+found him out, stripped him of his borrowed
+plumes, and, falling upon him with their sharp
+bills, punished him as his presumption deserved.
+Upon this, full of grief and affliction, he returned
+to his old companions, and would have flocked
+with them again; but they, knowing his late life
+and conversation, industriously avoided him, and
+refused to admit him into their company: and
+of them, at the same time, gave him this<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_115" id="Page_115">[115]</a></span>
+serious reproof&mdash;'If, friend, you could have been
+contented with our station, and had not disdained
+the rank in which Nature had placed you, you
+had not been used so scurvily by those upon
+whom you intruded yourself, nor suffered the
+notorious slight which now we think ourselves
+obliged to put upon you.'</p>
+
+
+<p class="center">APPLICATION.</p>
+
+<p>What we may learn from this fable is, in the
+main, to live contentedly in our own condition,
+whatever it be, without affecting to look bigger
+than we are, by a false or borrowed light. To be
+barely pleased with appearing above what a man
+really is, is bad enough; and what may justly
+render him contemptible in the eyes of his equals:
+but if, to enable him to do this with something of
+a better grace, he has clandestinely feathered his
+nest with his neighbour's goods, when found out,
+he has nothing to expect but to be stripped of his
+plunder, and used like a felonious rogue into the
+bargain.</p>
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_116" id="Page_116">[116]</a></span></p>
+<h2>FABLE XLVIII.</h2>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 450px;">
+<img src="images/i_129.jpg" width="450" height="333" alt="THE ANT AND THE FLY." title="THE ANT AND THE FLY." />
+<span class="caption">THE ANT AND THE FLY.</span>
+</div>
+
+
+<p>One day there happened some words between
+the Ant and the Fly about precedency, and the
+point was argued with great warmth and eagerness
+on both sides. Says the Fly, 'It is well known
+what my pretensions are, and how justly they are
+grounded: there is never a sacrifice that is offered
+but I always taste of the entrails, even before the
+gods themselves. I have one of the uppermost
+seats at church, and frequent the altar as often as
+any body: I have a free admission at court; and
+can never want the king's ear, for I sometimes sit
+upon his shoulder. There is not a maid of honour,
+or handsome young creature, comes in my way,
+but, if I like her, I settle betwixt her balmy lips,
+and then I eat and drink the best of every thing,
+without having any occasion to work for my<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_117" id="Page_117">[117]</a></span>
+living. What is there that such country pusses
+as you enjoy, to be compared with a life like
+this?'&mdash;The Ant, who by this time had composed
+herself, replied with a great deal of temper, and
+no less severity&mdash;'Indeed, to be a guest at an
+entertainment of the gods, is a very great honour,
+if one is invited; but I should not care to be a
+disagreeable intruder any where. You talk of the
+king and the court, and the fine ladies there,
+with great familiarity; but, as I have been getting
+in my harvest in summer, I have seen a certain
+person under the town walls, making a hearty
+meal upon something that is not so proper to be
+mentioned. As to your frequenting the altars,
+you are in the right to take sanctuary where you
+are like to meet with the least disturbance: but
+I have known people before now run to altars,
+and call it devotion, when they have been shut
+out of all good company, and had no where else
+to go. You do not work for your living, you say,&mdash;true:
+therefore, when you have played away
+the summer, and winter comes, you have nothing
+to live upon; and, while you are starving with
+cold and hunger, I have a good warm house over
+my head, and plenty of provisions about me.'</p>
+
+
+<p class="center">APPLICATION.</p>
+
+<p>This fable points out to us the different characters
+of those that recommend themselves in a
+vain-glorious way by false and borrowed lights;
+and of those whose real merit procures them a
+good esteem wherever they go. Poverty and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_118" id="Page_118">[118]</a></span>
+folly having, at the same time, possession of any
+one man, cannot fail of making him an object of
+pity, if not of contempt; but, when an empty
+conceited pride happens to be joined with them,
+they render the creature in whom they meet at
+the same time despicable and ridiculous. One
+who often attends at court, not because he has a
+place, but because he has not, should not value
+himself upon his condition. They who go to
+church out of vanity and curiosity, and not for
+pure devotion, should not value themselves upon
+their religion, for it is not worth a straw. They
+who eat at a threepenny ordinary, and sometimes
+not so well, should not boast either of their dinner
+or company. In short, nobody is a better gentleman,
+than he whose own honest industry supplies
+him with a plenty of all necessaries; who is
+so well acquainted with honour, as never to say
+or do a mean and unjust thing; and who despises
+an idle scoundrel, but knows how to esteem men
+of his own principles. Such a one is a person of
+the first quality, though he has never a title, and
+ought to take place of every man who is not so
+good as himself.</p>
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_119" id="Page_119">[119]</a></span></p>
+<h2>FABLE XLIX.</h2>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 450px;">
+<img src="images/i_132.jpg" width="450" height="335" alt="THE ANT AND THE GRASSHOPPER." title="THE ANT AND THE GRASSHOPPER." />
+<span class="caption">THE ANT AND THE GRASSHOPPER.</span>
+</div>
+
+
+<p>In the winter season, a commonwealth of Ants
+was busily employed in the management and
+preservation of their corn; which they exposed
+to the air in heaps round about the avenues of
+their little country habitation. A Grasshopper,
+who had chanced to outlive the summer, and was
+ready to starve with cold and hunger, approached
+them with great humility, and begged that they
+would relieve his necessity, with one grain of
+wheat or rye. One of the Ants asked him, how
+he had disposed of his time in summer, that he
+had not taken pains, and laid in a stock, as they
+had done?&mdash;'Alas, gentlemen,' says he, 'I passed
+away the time merrily and pleasantly, in drinking,
+singing, and dancing, and never once<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_120" id="Page_120">[120]</a></span>
+thought of winter.'&mdash;'If that be the case,' replied
+the Ant, laughing, 'all I have to say is, that they
+who drink, sing, and dance in the summer, must
+starve in winter.'</p>
+
+
+<p class="center">APPLICATION.</p>
+
+<p>As summer is the season of the year in which
+the industrious and laborious husbandman gathers
+and lays up such fruits as may supply his necessities
+in winter, so youth and manhood are the
+times of life which we should employ and bestow
+in laying in such a stock of all kind of necessaries
+as may suffice for the craving demands of helpless
+old age. Yet, notwithstanding the truth of this,
+there are many of those which we call rational
+creatures, who live in a method quite opposite to
+it, and make it their business to squander away,
+in a profuse prodigality, whatever they get in
+their younger days: as if the infirmity of age
+would require no supplies to support it; or, at
+least, would find them administered to in some
+miraculous way. From this fable we learn this
+admirable lesson, never to lose any present
+opportunity of providing against the future evils
+and accidents of life. While health and the
+flower and vigour of our age remain firm and
+entire, let us lay them out to the best advantage,
+that, when the latter days take hold of us, and
+spoil us of our strength and abilities, we may
+have a store moderately sufficient to subsist upon,
+which we laid up in the morning of our age.</p>
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_121" id="Page_121">[121]</a></span></p>
+<h2>FABLE L.</h2>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 450px;">
+<img src="images/i_134.jpg" width="450" height="333" alt="THE COUNTRYMAN AND THE SNAKE." title="THE COUNTRYMAN AND THE SNAKE." />
+<span class="caption">THE COUNTRYMAN AND THE SNAKE.</span>
+</div>
+
+
+<p>A villager, in a frosty, snowy winter, found
+a snake under a hedge, almost dead with cold.
+He could not help having compassion for the
+poor creature, so brought it home, and laid it
+upon the hearth near the fire; but it had not lain
+there long, before (being revived with the heat)
+it began to erect itself, and fly at his wife and
+children, filling the whole cottage with dreadful
+hissings. The Countryman hearing an outcry,
+and perceiving what the matter was, catched up
+a mattock, and soon dispatched him; upbraiding
+him at the same time in these words&mdash;'Is this,
+vile wretch, the reward you make to him that
+saved your life? Die, as you deserve; but a single
+death is too good for you.'</p>
+
+
+<p class="center"><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_122" id="Page_122">[122]</a></span>APPLICATION.</p>
+
+<p>It is the nature of ingrates to return evil for
+good: and the moralists, in all ages, have incessantly
+declaimed against the enormity of this
+crime, concluding, that they who are capable of
+hurting their benefactors, are not fit to live in a
+community; being such, as the natural ties of
+parent, friend, or country, are too weak to restrain
+within the bounds of society. Indeed, the sin of
+ingratitude is so detestable, that as none but the
+most inhuman temper can be guilty of it, so, in
+writing to men, there is no occasion to use many
+words, either in exposing the vice itself, or dissuading
+people from the commission of it. Therefore
+it is not likely that a person of �sop's
+sagacity would have compiled this fable, without
+having something else in view besides this trite
+and obvious subject. He certainly intended to
+put us in mind that, as none but a poor silly
+clown would go to take up a Snake and cherish
+it, so we shall be very negligent and ill-advised
+if, in doing good offices, we do not take care to
+bestow our benevolence upon proper objects. It
+was not at all unnatural in the Snake to hiss,
+and brandish his tongue, and fly at the first that
+came near him; as soon at the person that saved
+his life as any other; indeed, more likely, because
+nobody else had so much to do with him.
+Nor is it strange at any time to see a reprobate
+fool throwing his poisonous language about, and
+committing his extravagancies against those,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_123" id="Page_123">[123]</a></span>
+more especially, who are so inadvertent as to
+concern themselves with him. The Snake and
+the reprobate will not appear extraordinary in
+their malevolence: but the sensible part of mankind
+cannot help thinking those guilty of great
+indiscretion, who receive either of them into
+their protection.</p>
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_124" id="Page_124">[124]</a></span></p>
+<h2>FABLE LI.</h2>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 450px;">
+<img src="images/i_137.jpg" width="450" height="334" alt="THE FOX AND THE SICK LION." title="THE FOX AND THE SICK LION." />
+<span class="caption">THE FOX AND THE SICK LION.</span>
+</div>
+
+
+<p>It was reported that the Lion was sick, and the
+beasts were made to believe that they could not
+make their court better than by going to visit
+him. Upon this they generally went; but it was
+particularly taken notice of, that the Fox was
+not one of the number. The Lion therefore dispatched
+one of his Jackals to sound him about
+it, and ask him why he had so little charity and
+respect, as never to come near him, at a time
+when he lay so dangerously ill, and every body
+else had been to see him?&mdash;'Why,' replies the
+Fox, 'pray present my duty to his majesty, and
+tell him, that I have the same respect for him as
+ever, and have been coming several times to kiss
+his royal hand: but I am so terribly frightened<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_125" id="Page_125">[125]</a></span>
+at the mouth of his cave, to see the print of my
+fellow-subjects feet all pointing forwards and
+none backwards, that I have not resolution
+enough to venture in.' Now the truth of the
+matter was, that this sickness of the Lion's was
+only a sham to draw the beasts into his den, the
+more easily to devour them.</p>
+
+
+<p class="center">APPLICATION.</p>
+
+<p>A man should weigh and consider the nature
+of any proposal well before he gives into it; for
+a rash and hasty compliance has been the ruin of
+many a one. And it is the quintessence of prudence
+not to be too easy of belief. Indeed the
+multitude think altogether in the same track, and
+are much upon a footing. Their meditations are
+confined in one channel, and they follow one
+another, very orderly, in a regular stupidity. Can
+a man of thought and spirit be harnessed thus,
+and trudge along like a pack-horse, in a deep,
+stinking, muddy road, when he may frisk it over
+the beauteous lawns, or lose himself agreeably in
+the shady verdant mazes of unrestrained contemplation?
+It is impossible. Vulgar notions are so
+generally attended with error, that wherever one
+traces the footsteps of the many, tending all one
+way, it is enough to make one suspect, with the
+Fox in the fable, that there is some trick in it.
+The eye of reason is dulled and stupified when it
+is confined, and made to gaze continually upon
+the same thing: it rather chooses to look about
+it, and amuse itself with variety of objects, as<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_126" id="Page_126">[126]</a></span>
+they lie scattered up and down in the unbounded
+prospect. He that goes implicitly into a thing,
+may be mistaken, notwithstanding the number of
+those who keep him company; but he that keeps
+out till he sees reason to enter, acts upon true
+maxims of policy and prudence. In short, it
+becomes us, as we are reasonable creatures, to
+behave ourselves as such, and to do as few things
+as possible, of which we may have occasion to
+repent.</p>
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_127" id="Page_127">[127]</a></span></p>
+<h2>FABLE LII.</h2>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 450px;">
+<img src="images/i_140.jpg" width="450" height="326" alt="THE WANTON CALF." title="THE WANTON CALF." />
+<span class="caption">THE WANTON CALF.</span>
+</div>
+
+
+<p>A Calf, full of play and wantonness, seeing the
+Ox at plough, could not forbear insulting him.
+'What a sorry poor drudge art thou,' says he,
+'to bear that heavy yoke upon your neck, and
+go all day drawing a plough at your tail, to turn
+up the ground for your master! but you are a
+wretched dull slave, and know no better, or else
+you would not do it. See what a happy life I
+lead: I go just where I please; sometimes I lie
+down under the cool shade; sometimes frisk
+about in the open sunshine; and, when I please,
+slake my thirst in the clear sweet brook; but
+you, if you were to perish, have not so much as a
+little dirty water to refresh you.' The Ox, not at
+all moved with what he said, went quietly and
+calmly on with his work; and, in the evening,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_128" id="Page_128">[128]</a></span>
+was unyoked and turned loose. Soon after which
+he saw the Calf taken out of the field, and delivered
+into the hands of a priest, who immediately
+led him to the altar, and prepared to sacrifice
+him. His head was hung round with fillets of
+flowers, and the fatal knife was just going to be
+applied to his throat, when the Ox drew near, and
+whispered him to this purpose&mdash;'Behold the end
+of your insolence and arrogance; it was for this
+only you were suffered to live at all; and pray
+now, friend, whose condition is best, yours or
+mine?'</p>
+
+
+<p class="center">APPLICATION.</p>
+
+<p>To insult people in distress is the property of
+a cruel, indiscreet, and giddy temper; for, as the
+proceedings of fortune are very irregular and
+uncertain, we may, the next turn of the wheel, be
+thrown down to their condition, and they exalted
+to ours. We are likewise given to understand by
+this fable what the consequence of an idle life
+generally is, and how well satisfied laborious
+diligent men are, in the end, when they come
+quietly to enjoy the fruits of their industry.
+They who by little tricks and sharpings, or by
+open violence and robbery, live in a high expensive
+way, often in their hearts, at least, despise
+the poor honest man who is contented with the
+virtuous product of his daily labour, and patiently
+submits to his destiny. But how often is the
+poor man comforted, by seeing these wanton
+villains led in triumph to the altar of justice,
+while he has many a cheerful summer's morning<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_129" id="Page_129">[129]</a></span>
+to enjoy abroad, and many a long winter's evening
+to indulge himself in at home, by a quiet
+hearth, and under an unenvied roof: blessings
+which often attend a sober industrious man,
+though the idle and the profligate are utter
+strangers to them. Luxury and intemperance,
+besides their being certain to shorten a man's
+days, are very apt not only to engage people
+with their seeming charms into a debauched life,
+utterly prejudicial to their health, but to make
+them have a contempt for others, whose good
+sense and true taste of happiness inspire them
+with an aversion to idleness and effiminacy, and
+put them upon hardening their constitution by
+innocent exercise and laudable employment.
+How many do gluttony and sloth tumble into an
+untimely grave! while the temperate and the
+active drink sober draughts of life, and spin out
+their thread to the most desirable length.</p>
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_130" id="Page_130">[130]</a></span></p>
+<h2>FABLE LIII.</h2>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 450px;">
+<img src="images/i_143.jpg" width="450" height="326" alt="HERCULES AND THE CARTER." title="HERCULES AND THE CARTER." />
+<span class="caption">HERCULES AND THE CARTER.</span>
+</div>
+
+
+<p>As a clownish Fellow was driving his cart along
+a deep miry lane, the wheels stuck so fast in the
+clay, that the horses could not draw them out.
+Upon this, he fell a bawling and praying to Hercules
+to come and help him. Hercules, looking
+down from a cloud, bid him not lie there, like an
+idle rascal as he was, but get up and whip his
+horses stoutly, and clap his shoulder to the wheel;
+adding, that this was the only way for him to
+obtain his assistance.</p>
+
+
+<p class="center">APPLICATION.</p>
+
+<p>This fable shows us how vain and ill-grounded
+the expectations of those people are who imagine
+they can obtain whatever they want by importuning<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_131" id="Page_131">[131]</a></span>
+heaven with their prayers; for it is so
+agreeable to the nature of the Divine Being to
+be better pleased with virtuous actions and an
+honest industry than idle prayers, that it is a sort
+of blasphemy to say otherwise. These were the
+sentiments of honest good heathens, who were
+strangers to all revealed religion: but it is not
+strange that they should embrace and propagate
+such a notion, since it is no other than the dictate
+of common reason. What is both strange in
+itself, and surprising how it could be made so
+fashionable, is, that most of those whose reason
+should be enlightened by revelation, are very apt
+to be guilty of this stupidity, and, by praying
+often for the comforts of life, to neglect that
+business which is the proper means of procuring
+them. How such a mistaken devotion came to
+prevail one cannot imagine, unless from one of
+these two motives; either that people, by such a
+veil of hypocrisy, would pass themselves upon
+mankind for better than they really are, or are
+influenced by unskilful preachers (which is sometimes,
+indeed too often, the case) to mind the
+world as little as possible, even to the neglect of
+their necessary callings. No question but it is a
+great sin for a man to fail in his trade or occupation
+by running often to prayers; it being a
+demonstration in itself, though the Scripture had
+never said it, that we please God most when we
+are doing the most good: and how can we do
+more good than, by a sober honest industry, 'to
+provide for those of our own household,' and to<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_132" id="Page_132">[132]</a></span>
+endeavour 'to have to give to him that needeth?'
+The man who is virtuously and honestly engaged,
+is actually serving God all the while, and is more
+likely to have his silent wishes, accompanied
+with strenuous endeavours, complied with by the
+Supreme Being, than he who begs with a fruitless
+vehemence, and solicits with an empty hand: a
+hand which would be more religious were it usefully
+employed, and more devout were it stretched
+forth to do good to those that want it.</p>
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_133" id="Page_133">[133]</a></span></p>
+<h2>FABLE LIV.</h2>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 450px;">
+<img src="images/i_146.jpg" width="450" height="336" alt="THE BELLY AND THE MEMBERS." title="THE BELLY AND THE MEMBERS." />
+<span class="caption">THE BELLY AND THE MEMBERS.</span>
+</div>
+
+
+<p>In former days, when the Belly and the other
+parts of the body enjoyed the faculty of speech,
+and had separate views and designs of their own,
+each part, it seems, in particular for himself, and
+in the name of the whole, took exception at the
+conduct of the Belly, and were resolved to
+grant him supplies no longer. They said they
+thought it very hard that he should lead an idle
+good-for-nothing life, spending and squandering
+away, upon his own ungodly guts, all the fruits of
+their labour; and that, in short, they were resolved
+for the future, to strike off his allowance,
+and let him shift for himself as well as he could.
+The Hands protested they would not lift up a<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_134" id="Page_134">[134]</a></span>
+finger to keep him from starving; and the Mouth
+wished he might never speak again if he took in
+the least bit of nourishment for him as long as he
+lived; and, say the Teeth, may we be rotten if
+ever we chew a morsel for him for the future.
+This solemn league and covenant was kept as
+long as any thing of that kind can be kept, which
+was until each of the rebel members pined away
+to the skin and bone, and could hold out no
+longer. Then they found there was no doing
+without the Belly, and that, as idle and insignificant
+as he seemed, he contributed as much to
+the maintenance and welfare of all the other parts
+as they did to his.</p>
+
+
+<p class="center">APPLICATION.</p>
+
+<p>This fable was spoken by Menenius Agrippa,
+a famous Roman consul and general, when he
+was deputed by the senate to appease a dangerous
+tumult and insurrection of the people. The many
+wars that nation was engaged in, and the frequent
+supplies they were obliged to raise, had so soured
+and inflamed the minds of the populace, that
+they were resolved to endure it no longer, and
+obstinately refused to pay the taxes which were
+levied upon them. It is easy to discern how the
+great man applied this fable. For, if the branches
+and members of a community refuse the government
+that aid which its necessities require, the
+whole must perish together. The rulers of a state,
+as idle and insignificant as they may sometimes<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_135" id="Page_135">[135]</a></span>
+seem, are yet as necessary to be kept up and
+maintained in a proper and decent grandeur, as
+the family of each private person is in a condition
+suitable to itself. Every man's enjoyment
+of that little which he gains by his daily labour,
+depends upon the government's being maintained
+in a condition to defend and secure him in it.</p>
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_136" id="Page_136">[136]</a></span></p>
+<h2>FABLE LV.</h2>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 450px;">
+<img src="images/i_149.jpg" width="450" height="293" alt="THE HORSE AND THE LION." title="THE HORSE AND THE LION." />
+<span class="caption">THE HORSE AND THE LION.</span>
+</div>
+
+
+<p>A Lion seeing a fine plump Nag, had a great
+mind to eat a bit of him, but knew not which
+way to get him into his power. At last he bethought
+himself of this contrivance: he gave out
+that he was a physician, who, having gained
+experience by his travels into foreign countries,
+had made himself capable of curing any sort of
+malady or distemper incident to any kind of
+beast, hoping by this stratagem to get an easier
+admittance among cattle, and find an opportunity
+to execute his design. The Horse, who smoked
+the matter, was resolved to be even with him;
+and, so humouring the thing, as if he suspected
+nothing, he prayed the Lion to give him his
+advice in relation to a thorn he had got in his
+foot, which had quite lamed him, and gave him<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_137" id="Page_137">[137]</a></span>
+great pain and uneasiness. The Lion readily
+agreed and desired he might see the foot. Upon
+which the Horse lifted up one of his hind legs,
+and, while the Lion pretended to be poring
+earnestly upon his hoof, gave him such a kick
+in the face as quite stunned him, and left him
+sprawling upon the ground. In the mean time
+the Horse trotted away, neighing and laughing
+merrily at the success of the trick, by which he
+had defeated the purpose of one who intended to
+have tricked him out of his life.</p>
+
+
+<p class="center">APPLICATION.</p>
+
+<p>Though all manner of fraud and tricking is
+mean, and utterly beneath a man of sense and
+honour, yet, methinks, equity itself allows us to
+disappoint the deceiver, and to repel craft by
+cunning. Treachery has something so wicked
+and worthy of punishment in its nature, that it
+deserves to meet with a return of its own kind:
+an open revenge would be too liberal for it, and
+nothing matches it but itself. However, therefore,
+abominable it is to be the aggressor in this
+point, yet it cannot be inconsistent with virtue to
+counterplot and to take all manner of advantage
+against the man who is undermining us.</p>
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_138" id="Page_138">[138]</a></span></p>
+<h2>FABLE LVI.</h2>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 450px;">
+<img src="images/i_151.jpg" width="450" height="338" alt="THE HUSBANDMAN AND THE STORK." title="THE HUSBANDMAN AND THE STORK." />
+<span class="caption">THE HUSBANDMAN AND THE STORK.</span>
+</div>
+
+
+<p>The Husbandman pitched a net in his fields
+to take the Cranes and Geese which came to feed
+upon the new-sown corn. Accordingly he took
+several, both Cranes and Geese; and among
+them a Stork, who pleaded hard for his life, and,
+among other apologies which he made, alleged,
+that he was neither Goose nor Crane, but a poor
+harmless Stork, who performed his duty to his
+parents to all intents and purposes, feeding them
+when they were old, and, as occasion required,
+carrying them from place to place upon his
+back.&mdash;'All this may be true,' replies the Husbandman;
+'but, as I have taken you in bad
+company, and in the same crime, you must expect
+to suffer the same punishment.'</p>
+<p class="center"><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_139" id="Page_139">[139]</a></span>APPLICATION.</p>
+
+<p>If bad company had nothing else to make us
+shun and avoid it, this, methinks, might be sufficient,
+that it infects and taints a man's reputation,
+to as great a degree as if he were thoroughly
+versed in the wickedness of the whole gang.
+What is it to me if the thief who robs me of my
+money gives part of it to build a church? Is he
+ever the less a thief? Shall a woman's going to
+prayers twice a day save her reputation, if she is
+known to be a malicious lying gossip? No, such
+mixtures of religion and sin make the offence but
+the more flagrant, as they convince us that it was
+not committed out of ignorance. Indeed, there
+is no living without being guilty of some faults,
+more or less; which the world ought to be good-natured
+enough to overlook, in consideration of
+the general frailty of mankind, when they are not
+too gross and too abundant: but when we are so
+abandoned to stupidity, and a neglect of our
+reputation, as to keep bad company, however
+little we may be criminal in reality, we must
+expect the same censure and punishment as is
+due to the most notorious of our companions.</p>
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_140" id="Page_140">[140]</a></span></p>
+<h2>FABLE LVII.</h2>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 450px;">
+<img src="images/i_153.jpg" width="450" height="356" alt="THE CAT AND THE COCK." title="THE CAT AND THE COCK." />
+<span class="caption">THE CAT AND THE COCK.</span>
+</div>
+
+
+<p>The Cat, having a mind to make a meal of the
+Cock, seized him one morning by surprise, and
+asked him what he could say for himself why
+slaughter should not pass upon him?&mdash;The Cock
+replied, that he was serviceable to mankind by
+crowing in the morning, and calling them up to
+their daily labour.&mdash;'That is true,' says the Cat,
+'and is the very objection that I have against
+you; for you make such a shrill impertinent
+noise, that people cannot sleep for you. Besides
+you are an incestuous rascal, and make no scruple
+of lying with your mother and sisters.'&mdash;'Well,'
+says the Cock, 'this I do not deny; but I do it
+to procure eggs and chickens for my master.'&mdash;'Ah!<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_141" id="Page_141">[141]</a></span>
+villain,' says the Cat, 'hold your wicked
+tongue; such impieties as these declare that you
+are no longer fit to live.'</p>
+
+
+<p class="center">APPLICATION.</p>
+
+<p>When a wicked man in power has a mind to
+glut his appetite in any respect, innocence, or
+even merit, is no protection against him. The
+cries of justice and the voice of reason are of no
+effect upon a conscience hardened in iniquity,
+and a mind versed in a long practice of wrong
+and robbery. Remonstrances, however reasonably
+urged, or movingly couched, have no more
+influence upon the heart of such a one, than the
+gentle evening breeze has upon the oak when it
+whispers among its branches, or the rising surges
+upon the deaf rock when they dash and break
+against its sides. Power should never be trusted
+in the hands of an impious selfish man, and one
+that has more regard to the gratification of his
+own unbounded avarice than to public peace and
+justice. Were it not for the tacit consent and
+heartless compliance of a great majority of fools,
+mankind would not be ridden, as oftentimes they
+are, by a little majority of knaves, to their great
+misfortune: for, whatever people may think of
+the times, if they were ten times worse than they
+are, it is principally owing to their own stupidity.
+Why do they trust the man a moment longer who
+has once injured and betrayed them?</p>
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_142" id="Page_142">[142]</a></span></p>
+<h2>FABLE LVIII.</h2>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 450px;">
+<img src="images/i_155.jpg" width="450" height="329" alt="THE LEOPARD AND THE FOX." title="THE LEOPARD AND THE FOX." />
+<span class="caption">THE LEOPARD AND THE FOX.</span>
+</div>
+
+
+<p>The Leopard one day took it into his head to
+value himself upon the great variety and beauty
+of his spots, and truly he saw no reason why even
+the Lion should take place of him, since he could
+not show so beautiful a skin. As for the rest of
+the wild beasts of the forest, he treated them all,
+without distinction, in the most haughty disdainful
+manner. But the Fox being among them, went
+up to him with a great deal of spirit and resolution,
+and told him, that he was mistaken in the
+value he was pleased to set upon himself; since
+people of judgment were not used to form their
+opinion of merit from an outside appearance, but
+by considering the good qualities and endowments
+with which the mind was stored within.</p>
+
+<p class="center"><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_143" id="Page_143">[143]</a></span>APPLICATION.</p>
+
+<p>How much more heavenly and powerful would
+beauty prove, if it were not so frequently impaired
+by the affectation and conceitedness of its possessor!
+If some women were but as modest and
+unassuming as they are handsome, they might
+command the hearts of all that behold them: but
+Nature seemed to foresee, and has provided
+against such an inconvenience, by tempering its
+great master-pieces with a due proportion of
+pride and vanity; so that their power, depending
+upon the duration of their beauty only, is like to
+be but of a short continuance; which, when they
+happen to prove tyrants, is no small comfort to
+us; and then, even while it lasts, will abate much
+of its severity by the allay of those two prevailing
+ingredients. Wise men are chiefly captivated
+with the charms of the mind; and whenever they
+are infatuated with a passion for any thing else,
+it is generally observed that they cease, during
+that time at least, to be what they were, and are
+indeed looked upon to be only playing the fool.
+If the fair ones we have been speaking of have a
+true ascendant over them, they will oblige them
+to divest themselves of common sense, and to
+talk and act ridiculously, before they can think
+them worthy of the least regard. Should one of
+these fine creatures be addressed in the words of
+Juba,</p>
+
+<p class="poem">
+'Tis not a set of features, or complexion,<br />
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_144" id="Page_144">[144]</a></span>The tincture of a skin, that I admire.<br />
+Beauty soon grows familiar to the lover,<br />
+Fades in his eye, and palls upon the sense.<br />
+The virtuous Marcia towers above her sex.<br />
+True, she is fair; oh, how divinely fair!<br />
+But still the lovely maid improves her charms<br />
+With inward greatness, unaffected wisdom,<br />
+And sanctity of manners.&mdash;&mdash;<br />
+</p>
+
+<p>The man that should venture the success of a
+strong passion upon the construction she would
+put upon such a compliment, might have reason
+to repent of his conduct.</p>
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_145" id="Page_145">[145]</a></span></p>
+<h2>FABLE LIX.</h2>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 450px;">
+<img src="images/i_158.jpg" width="450" height="372" alt="THE SHEPHERD&#39;S BOY." title="THE SHEPHERD&#39;S BOY." />
+<span class="caption">THE SHEPHERD&#39;S BOY.</span>
+</div>
+
+
+<p>A certain Shepherd's Boy kept his Sheep upon
+a common, and, in sport and wantonness, would
+often cry out, The Wolf! The Wolf! By this
+means he several times drew the Husbandmen,
+in an adjoining field, from their work; who, finding
+themselves deluded, resolved for the future
+to take no notice of his alarm. Soon after the
+Wolf came indeed. The Boy cried out in earnest:
+but no heed being given to his cries, the Sheep
+were devoured by the Wolf.</p>
+
+
+<p class="center">APPLICATION.</p>
+
+<p>He that is detected for being a notorious liar,
+besides the ignominy and reproach of the thing,
+incurs this mischief, that he will scarce be able to<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_146" id="Page_146">[146]</a></span>
+get any one to believe him again as long as he
+lives. However true our complaint may be, or
+how much soever it may be for our interest to
+have it believed, yet, if we have been frequently
+caught tripping before, we shall hardly be able
+to gain credit to what we relate afterwards.
+Though mankind are generally stupid enough to
+be often imposed upon, yet few are so senseless as
+to believe a notorious liar, or to trust a cheat upon
+record. These little shams, when found out, are
+sufficiently prejudicial to the interest of every
+private person who practises them. But, when
+we are alarmed with imaginary dangers in respect
+of the public, till the cry grows quite stale and
+threadbare, how can it be expected we should
+know when to guard ourselves against real ones.</p>
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_147" id="Page_147">[147]</a></span></p>
+<h2>FABLE LX.</h2>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 450px;">
+<img src="images/i_160.jpg" width="450" height="336" alt="THE FOX AND THE GOAT." title="THE FOX AND THE GOAT." />
+<span class="caption">THE FOX AND THE GOAT.</span>
+</div>
+
+
+<p>A Fox, having tumbled by chance into a Well,
+had been casting about a long while, to no purpose,
+how he should get out again; when at last
+a Goat came to the place, and, wanting to drink,
+asked Reynard whether the water was good.
+'Good!' says he; 'ay, so sweet, that I am afraid
+I have surfeited myself, I have drank so abundantly.'
+The Goat upon this, without any more
+ado, leaped in; and the Fox, taking the advantage
+of his horns, by the assistance of them as
+nimbly leaped out, leaving the poor Goat at the
+bottom of the Well to shift for himself.</p>
+
+
+<p class="center">APPLICATION.</p>
+
+<p>The doctrine taught us by this fable is no more
+than this, that we ought to consider who it is that<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_148" id="Page_148">[148]</a></span>
+advises us before we follow the advice: for, however
+plausible the counsel may seem, if the person
+that gives it is a crafty knave, we may be assured
+that he intends to serve himself in it more than
+us, if not to erect something to his own advantage
+out of our ruin.</p>
+
+<p>The little, poor, country attorney, ready to
+perish, and sunk to the lowest depth of poverty
+for want of employment, by such arts as these
+draws the esquire, his neighbour, into the gulf of
+the law; till, laying hold on the branches of his
+revenue, he lifts himself out of obscurity, and
+leaves the other immured in the bottom of a
+mortgage.</p>
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_149" id="Page_149">[149]</a></span></p>
+<h2>FABLE LXI.</h2>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 450px;">
+<img src="images/i_162.jpg" width="450" height="333" alt="CUPID AND DEATH." title="CUPID AND DEATH." />
+<span class="caption">CUPID AND DEATH.</span>
+</div>
+
+
+<p>Cupid, one sultry summer's noon, tired with
+play, and faint with heat, went into a cool grotto
+to repose himself, which happened to be the cave
+of Death. He threw himself carelessly down
+on the floor, and his quiver turning topsy-turvy,
+all the arrows fell out, and mingled with those of
+Death, which lay scattered up and down the
+place. When he awoke, he gathered them up as
+well as he could; but they were so intermingled
+that, though he knew the certain number, he
+could not rightly distinguish them; from which
+it happened that he took up some of the arrows
+which belonged to Death, and left several of his
+own in the room of them. This is the cause that
+we, now and then, see the hearts of the old and
+decrepit transfixed with the bolts of Love; and
+with equal grief and surprise behold the youthful<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_150" id="Page_150">[150]</a></span>
+blooming part of our species smitten with the
+darts of Death.</p>
+
+
+<p class="center">APPLICATION.</p>
+
+<p>If we allow for this fable's being written by a
+heathen, and according to the scheme of the
+ancient pagan theology, it will appear to be a
+pretty probable solution of some parts of the
+dispensation of Providence, which otherwise
+seem to be obscure and unaccountable. For,
+when we see the young and the old fall promiscuously
+by the hand of Death, and at the same
+time consider that the world is governed by an
+all-wise Providence, we are puzzled how to
+account for so seemingly preposterous and unnatural
+a way of working. We should look upon
+a gardener to be mad, or at least very capricious,
+who, when his young trees are just arrived to a
+degree of bearing, should cut them down for fuel,
+and choose out old, rotten, decayed, sapless
+stocks to graft and inoculate upon: yet the irregular
+proceedings of those two levellers, Love
+and Death, appear to be every jot as odd and
+unreasonable. However, we must take it for
+granted that these things, though the method of
+them is hidden from our eyes, are transacted
+after the most just and fit manner imaginable:
+but, humanly speaking, it is strange that Death
+should be suffered to make such undistinguished
+havoc in the world; and, at the same time, just
+as shocking and unnatural to see old age laid
+betwixt a pair of wedding sheets, as it is for
+youth and beauty to be locked up in the cold
+embraces of the grave.</p>
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_151" id="Page_151">[151]</a></span></p>
+<h2>FABLE LXII.</h2>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 450px;">
+<img src="images/i_164.jpg" width="450" height="335" alt="THE OLD MAN AND HIS SONS." title="THE OLD MAN AND HIS SONS." />
+<span class="caption">THE OLD MAN AND HIS SONS.</span>
+</div>
+
+
+<p>An Old Man had many Sons, who were often
+falling out with one another. When the Father
+had exerted his authority, and used other means
+in order to reconcile them, and all to no purpose,
+at last he had recourse to this expedient: he
+ordered his Sons to be called before him, and a
+short bundle of sticks to be brought; and then
+commanded them, one by one, to try if, with all
+their might and strength, they could any of them
+break it. They all tried, but to no purpose; for
+the sticks being closely and compactly bound up
+together, it was impossible for the force of man
+to do it. After this the Father ordered the
+bundle to be untied, and gave a single stick to
+each of his Sons; at the same time bidding him
+try to break it: which, when each did with all<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_152" id="Page_152">[152]</a></span>
+imaginable ease, the Father addressed himself
+to them to this effect&mdash;'O my Sons, behold the
+power of unity! For if you, in like manner, would
+but keep yourselves strictly conjoined in the bonds
+of friendship, it would not be in the power of any
+mortal to hurt you; but when once the ties of
+brotherly affection are dissolved, how soon do
+you fall to pieces, and are liable to be violated by
+every injurious hand that assaults you!'</p>
+
+
+<p class="center">APPLICATION.</p>
+
+<p>Nothing is more necessary towards completing
+and continuing the well-being of mankind, than
+their entering into and preserving friendships and
+alliances. The safety of a government depends
+chiefly upon this; and therefore it is weakened
+and exposed to its enemies, in proportion as it is
+divided by parties. "A kingdom divided against
+itself, is brought to desolation:" and the same
+holds good among all societies and corporations
+of men, from the constitution of the nation down
+to every little parochial vestry. But the necessity
+of friendship extends itself to all sorts of relations
+in life, as it conduces mightily to the advantage
+of particular clans and families. Those of the
+same blood and lineage have a natural disposition
+to unite together, which they ought by all means
+to cultivate and improve. It must be a great
+comfort to people, when they fall under any
+calamity, to know there are many others who
+sympathize with them; a great load of grief is
+mightily lessened, when it is parcelled out into<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_153" id="Page_153">[153]</a></span>
+many shares. And then joy, of all our passions,
+loves to be communicative, and generally increases
+in proportion to the number of those who
+partake of it with us. We defy the threats and
+malice of an enemy, when we are assured that
+he cannot attack us single, but must encounter a
+bundle of allies at the same time. But they that
+behave themselves so as to have few or no friends
+in the world, live in perpetual fear and jealousy
+of mankind, because they are sensible of their
+own weakness, and know themselves liable to
+be crushed, or broken to pieces, by the first
+aggressor.</p>
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_154" id="Page_154">[154]</a></span></p>
+<h2>FABLE LXIII.</h2>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 450px;">
+<img src="images/i_167.jpg" width="450" height="333" alt="THE STAG AND THE FAWN." title="THE STAG AND THE FAWN." />
+<span class="caption">THE STAG AND THE FAWN.</span>
+</div>
+
+
+<p>A Stag, grown old and mischievous, was, according
+to custom, stamping with his foot, making
+offers with his head, and bellowing so terribly,
+that the whole herd quaked for fear of him: when
+one of the little Fawns coming up, addressed
+him to this purpose&mdash;'Pray, what is the reason
+that you, who are so stout and formidable at all
+other times, if you do but hear the cry of the
+hounds, are ready to fly out of your skin for fear?'&mdash;'What
+you observe is true,' replied the Stag,
+'though I know not how to account for it: I am
+indeed vigorous, and able enough, I think, to
+make my party good any where, and often resolve
+with myself, that nothing shall ever dismay
+my courage for the future; but, alas! I no sooner
+hear the voice of a hound but all my spirits fail<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_155" id="Page_155">[155]</a></span>
+me, and I cannot help making off as fast as ever
+my legs can carry me.'</p>
+
+
+<p class="center">APPLICATION.</p>
+
+<p>This is the case of many a cowardly bully in
+the world. He is disposed to be imperious and
+tyrannical, and to insult his companions, and
+takes all opportunities of acting according to his
+inclination; but yet is cautious where he makes
+his haunts, and takes care to have to do only with
+a herd of rascally people, as vile and mean as
+himself. A man of courage quashes him with a
+word; and he who has threatened death in every
+sentence, for a twelvemonth together, to those
+whom he knew it would affright, at the very
+frown of an intrepid man has leaped out of a
+window. It is no unpleasant sight to be present
+when any of these gentlemen happen to be disarmed
+of their terror before the face of their
+humble admirers: there is a strange boisterous
+struggle betwixt fear, shame, and revenge, which
+blinds them with confusion; and, though they
+would fain exert a little courage, and show themselves
+men, yet, they know not how; there is
+something within which will not suffer them to
+do it. The predominance of nature will show
+itself, upon occasion, in its true colours, through
+all the disguises which artful men endeavour to
+throw over it. Cowardice, particularly, gives us
+but the more suspicion when it would conceal
+itself under an affected fierceness; as they who
+would smother an ill smell by a cloud of perfume,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_156" id="Page_156">[156]</a></span>
+are imagined to be but the more offensive. When
+we have done all, Nature will remain what she
+was, and show herself whenever she is called
+upon; therefore whatever we do in contradiction
+to her laws, is so forced and affected, that it must
+needs expose and make us ridiculous. We talk
+nonsense when we would argue against it: like
+Teague, who being asked why he fled from his
+colours, said, his heart was as good as any in the
+regiment; but protested his cowardly legs would
+run away with him whatever he could do.</p>
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_157" id="Page_157">[157]</a></span></p>
+<h2>FABLE LXIV.</h2>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 450px;">
+<img src="images/i_170.jpg" width="450" height="330" alt="THE OLD HOUND." title="THE OLD HOUND." />
+<span class="caption">THE OLD HOUND.</span>
+</div>
+
+
+<p>An Old Hound, who had been an excellent
+good one in his time, and given his master great
+sport and satisfaction in many a chase, at last, by
+the effect of years, became feeble and unserviceable.
+However, being in the field one day, when
+the stag was almost run down, he happened to be
+the first that came in with him, and seized him
+by one of his haunches; but, his decayed and
+broken teeth not being able to keep their hold,
+the deer escaped, and threw him quite out.
+Upon which his master, being in a great passion,
+and going to strike him, the honest old creature
+is said to have barked out his apology&mdash;'Ah! do
+not strike your poor old servant; it is not my
+heart and inclination, but my strength and speed,
+that fail me. If what I now am displeases, pray
+don't forget what I have been.'</p>
+
+
+<p class="center">APPLICATION.</p>
+
+<p>This fable may serve to give us a general view<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_158" id="Page_158">[158]</a></span>
+of the ingratitude of the greatest part of mankind.
+Notwithstanding all the civility and complaisance
+that is used among people where there is a common
+intercourse of business, yet let the main
+spring, the probability of their being serviceable
+to each other, either in point of pleasure or profit,
+be but once broken, and farewell courtesy: so
+far from continuing any regard in behalf of past
+favours, it is very well if they forbear doing any
+thing that is injurious. If the master had only
+ceased to caress and make much of the Old
+Hound, when he was past doing any service, it
+had not been very strange; but to treat a poor
+creature ill, not for a failure of inclination, but
+merely a defect of nature, must, notwithstanding
+the crowd of examples there are to countenance
+it, be pronounced inhuman and unreasonable.</p>
+
+<p>There are two accounts upon which people that
+have been useful are frequently neglected. One,
+when they are so decayed, either through age or
+some accident, that they are no longer able to do
+the services they have formerly done; the other,
+when the occasion or emergency which required
+such talents no longer exists. Ph�drus, who
+more than once complains of the bad consequences
+of age, makes no other application to
+this fable than by telling his friend Philetus,
+with some regret, that he wrote it with such a
+view; having, it seems, been repaid with neglect,
+or worse usage, for services done in his youth to
+those who were then able to afford him a better
+recompense.</p>
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_159" id="Page_159">[159]</a></span></p>
+<h2>FABLE LXV.</h2>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 450px;">
+<img src="images/i_172.jpg" width="450" height="336" alt="JUPITER AND THE CAMEL." title="JUPITER AND THE CAMEL." />
+<span class="caption">JUPITER AND THE CAMEL.</span>
+</div>
+
+
+<p>The Camel presented a petition to Jupiter,
+complaining of the hardship of his case in not
+having, like bulls and other creatures, horns, or
+any weapons of defence, to protect himself from
+the attacks of his enemies, and praying that relief
+might be given him in such manner as might be
+thought most expedient. Jupiter could not help
+smiling at the impertinent address of the great
+silly beast, but, however, rejected the petition;
+and told him that, so far from granting his unreasonable
+request, henceforward he would take
+care his ears should be shortened, as a punishment
+for his presumptuous importunity.</p>
+
+
+<p class="center">APPLICATION.</p>
+
+<p>The nature of things is so fixed in every particular,
+that they are very weak superstitious people<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_160" id="Page_160">[160]</a></span>
+who dream it is to be altered. But, besides the
+impossibility of producing a change by addresses
+of this nature, they who employ much of their
+time upon such accounts, instead of getting, are
+sure to lose in the end. When any man is so
+frivolous and vexatious as to make unreasonable
+complaints, and to harbour undue repinings in
+his heart, his peevishness will lessen the real good
+which he possesses, and the sourness of his temper
+shorten that allowance of comfort which he
+already thinks too scanty. Thus, in truth, it is
+not Providence, but ourselves who punish our
+own importunity in soliciting for impossibilities,
+with a sharp corroding care, which abridges us
+of some part of that little pleasure which Providence
+has cast into our lot.</p>
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_161" id="Page_161">[161]</a></span></p>
+<h2>FABLE LXVI.</h2>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 450px;">
+<img src="images/i_174.jpg" width="450" height="330" alt="THE FOX WITHOUT A TAIL." title="THE FOX WITHOUT A TAIL." />
+<span class="caption">THE FOX WITHOUT A TAIL.</span>
+</div>
+
+
+<p>A Fox, being caught in a steel trap by his tail,
+was glad to compound for his escape with the loss
+of it; but, upon coming abroad into the world,
+began to be so sensible of the disgrace such a
+defect would bring upon him, that he almost
+wished he had died rather than left it behind him.
+However, to make the best of a bad matter, he
+formed a project in his head to call an assembly
+of the rest of the Foxes, and propose it for their
+imitation, as a fashion which would be very agreeable
+and becoming. He did so, and made a long
+harangue upon the unprofitableness of tails in
+general, and endeavoured chiefly to show the
+awkwardness and inconvenience of a Fox's tail
+in particular: adding, that it would be both more
+graceful and more expeditious to be altogether<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_162" id="Page_162">[162]</a></span>
+without them; and that, for his part, what he
+had only imagined and conjectured before, he
+now found by experience; for that he never
+enjoyed himself so well, and found himself so
+easy as he had done since he cut off his tail.
+He said no more, but looked about with a brisk
+air, to see what proselytes he had gained; when
+a sly old thief in the company, who understood
+trap, answered him with a leer&mdash;'I believe you
+may have found a conveniency in parting with
+your tail, and when we are in the same circumstances,
+perhaps we may do so too.'</p>
+
+
+<p class="center">APPLICATION.</p>
+
+<p>If men were but generally as prudent as Foxes,
+they would not suffer so many silly fashions to
+obtain as are daily brought in vogue, for which
+scarce any reason can be assigned besides the
+humour of some conceited vain creature; unless,
+which is full as bad, they are intended to palliate
+some defect in the person that introduces them.
+The petticoat of a whole sex has been sometimes
+swelled to such a prodigious extent, to screen an
+enormity of which only one of them has been
+guilty. And it is no wonder that Alexander
+the Great could bring a wry-neck into fashion,
+in a nation of slaves, when we consider what
+power of this nature some little, insignificant,
+dapper fellows have had among a free people.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_163" id="Page_163">[163]</a></span></p>
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2>FABLE LXVII.</h2>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 450px;">
+<img src="images/i_176.jpg" width="450" height="348" alt="THE FOX AND THE CROW." title="THE FOX AND THE CROW." />
+<span class="caption">THE FOX AND THE CROW.</span>
+</div>
+
+
+<p>A Crow having taken a piece of cheese out of
+a cottage window, flew up into a high tree with
+it, in order to eat it; which a Fox observing, came
+and sat underneath, and began to compliment
+the Crow upon the subject of her beauty. 'I
+protest,' says he, 'I never observed it before, but
+your feathers are of a more delicate white than
+any that ever I saw in my life! Ah; what a fine
+shape and graceful turn of body is there! And I
+make no question but you have a tolerable voice.
+If it is but as fine as your complexion, I do not
+know a bird that can pretend to stand in competition
+with you.' The Crow, tickled with this
+very civil language, nestled and riggled about,
+and hardly knew where she was; but thinking
+the Fox a little dubious as to the particular of<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_164" id="Page_164">[164]</a></span>
+her voice, and having a mind to set him right in
+that matter, began to sing, and in the same instant
+let the cheese drop out of her mouth. This
+being what the Fox wanted, he chopped it up
+in a moment, and trotted away, laughing to himself
+at the easy credulity of the Crow.</p>
+
+
+<p class="center">APPLICATION.</p>
+
+<p>They that love flattery (as it is to be feared too
+many do) are in a fair way to repent of their
+foible in the long run. And yet how few are
+there among the whole race of mankind who may
+be said to be full proof against its attacks! The
+gross way by which it is managed by some silly
+practitioners, is enough to alarm the dullest
+apprehension, and make it to value itself upon
+the quickness of its insight into the little plots of
+this nature: but let the ambuscade be disposed
+with due judgment, and it will scarce fail of seizing
+the most guarded heart. How many are tickled
+to the last degree with the pleasure of flattery,
+even while they are applauded for their honest
+detestation of it! There is no way to baffle the
+force of this engine but by every one's examining,
+impartially for himself, the true estimate of his
+own qualities: if he deals sincerely in the matter,
+nobody can tell so well as himself what degree of
+esteem ought to attend any of his actions, and
+therefore he should be entirely easy as to the
+opinion men are like to have of them in the
+world. If they attribute more to him than is his
+due, they are either designing or mistaken: if<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_165" id="Page_165">[165]</a></span>
+they allow him less, they are envious, or, possibly,
+still mistaken; and, in either case, are to be despised
+or disregarded. For he that flatters, without
+designing to take advantage of it, is a fool;
+and whoever encourages that flattery which he has
+sense enough to see through, is a vain coxcomb.</p>
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_166" id="Page_166">[166]</a></span></p>
+<h2>FABLE LXVIII.</h2>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 450px;">
+<img src="images/i_179.jpg" width="450" height="330" alt="THE HAWK AND THE FARMER." title="THE HAWK AND THE FARMER." />
+<span class="caption">THE HAWK AND THE FARMER.</span>
+</div>
+
+
+<p>A Hawk, pursuing a Pigeon over a corn-field
+with great eagerness and force, threw himself
+into a net which a husbandman had planted there
+to take the Crows; who being employed not far
+off, and seeing the Hawk fluttering in the net,
+came and took him: but, just as he was going to
+kill him, the Hawk besought him to let him go,
+assuring him that he was only following a Pigeon,
+and neither intended nor had done any harm to
+him. To whom the Farmer replied&mdash;'And what
+harm had the poor Pigeon done to you?' Upon
+which he wrung his head off immediately.</p>
+
+
+<p class="center">APPLICATION.</p>
+
+<p>Passion, prejudice, or power, may so far blind
+a man as not to suffer him justly to distinguish
+whether he is not acting injuriously at the same<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_167" id="Page_167">[167]</a></span>
+time that he fancies he is only doing his duty.
+Now the best way of being convinced, whether
+what we do is reasonable and fit, is to put ourselves
+in the place of the persons with whom we
+are concerned, and then consult our conscience
+about the rectitude of our behaviour. For this
+we may be assured of, that we are acting wrong
+whenever we are doing any thing to another
+which we should think unjust if it was done to
+us. Nothing but an habitual inadvertency, as to
+this particular, can be the occasion that so many
+ingenious noble spirits are often engaged in
+courses so opposite to virtue and honour. He
+that would startle, if a little attorney should
+tamper with him to forswear himself, to bring off
+some small offender, some ordinary trespasser,
+will, without scruple, infringe the constitution of
+his country for the precarious prospect of a place
+or a pension. Which is most corrupt, he that
+lies, like a knight of the post, for half-a-crown
+and a dinner, or he that does it for the more substantial
+consideration of a thousand pounds a
+year? Which would be doing most service to the
+public, giving true testimony in a cause between
+two private men, and against one little common
+thief who has stolen a gold watch; or voting
+honestly and courageously against a rogue of
+state, who has gagged and bound the laws, and
+stripped the nation? Let those who intend to act
+justly, but view things in this light, and all would
+be well. There would be no danger of their
+oppressing others, or fear of being oppressed
+themselves.</p>
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_168" id="Page_168">[168]</a></span></p>
+<h2>FABLE LXIX.</h2>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 450px;">
+<img src="images/i_181.jpg" width="450" height="334" alt="THE NURSE AND THE WOLF." title="THE NURSE AND THE WOLF." />
+<span class="caption">THE NURSE AND THE WOLF.</span>
+</div>
+
+
+<p>A nurse, who was endeavouring to quiet a
+froward bawling child, among other attempts,
+threatened to throw it out of doors to the Wolf,
+if it did not leave off crying. A Wolf, who
+chanced to be prowling near the door, just at that
+time, heard the expression, and believing the
+woman to be in earnest, waited a long while about
+the house, in expectation of seeing her words
+made good. But at last the child, wearied with
+its own importunities, fell asleep, and the poor
+Wolf was forced to return back to the woods
+empty and supperless. The Fox meeting him,
+and surprised to see him going home so thin and
+disconsolate, asked him what the matter was, and
+how he came to speed no better that night?&mdash;'Ah!
+do not ask me,' says he; 'I was so silly as<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_169" id="Page_169">[169]</a></span>
+to believe what the Nurse said, and have been
+disappointed.'</p>
+
+
+<p class="center">APPLICATION.</p>
+
+<p>All the moralists have agreed to interpret this
+fable as a caution to us never to trust a woman.
+What reasons they could have for giving so rough
+and uncourtly a precept, is not easy to be imagined:
+for, however fickle and unstable some
+women may be, it is well known there are several
+who have a greater regard for truth, in what they
+assert or promise, than most men. There is not
+room, in so short a compass, to express a due
+concern for the honour of the ladies upon this
+occasion, nor to show how much one is disposed
+to vindicate them: and, though there is nothing
+bad which can be said to them but may with
+equal justice be averred of the other sex, yet
+one would not venture to give them quite so
+absolute a precaution as the old mythologists
+have affixed to this fable; but only to advise
+them to consider well and thoroughly of the
+matter before they trust any man living.</p>
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_170" id="Page_170">[170]</a></span></p>
+<h2>FABLE LXX.</h2>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 450px;">
+<img src="images/i_183.jpg" width="450" height="332" alt="THE HARE AND THE TORTOISE." title="THE HARE AND THE TORTOISE." />
+<span class="caption">THE HARE AND THE TORTOISE.</span>
+</div>
+
+
+<p>A Hare insulted a tortoise upon account of
+his slowness, and vainly boasted of her own great
+speed in running.&mdash;'Let us make a match,'
+replied the Tortoise; 'I will run with you five
+miles for five pounds, and the Fox yonder shall
+be the umpire of the race.' The Hare agreed;
+and away they both started together. But the
+Hare, by reason of her exceeding swiftness,
+outran the Tortoise to such a degree, that she
+made a jest of the matter; and, finding herself a
+little tired, squatted in a tuft of fern that grew by
+the way, and took a nap; thinking that, if the
+Tortoise went by, she could at any time fetch
+him up with all the ease imaginable. In the meanwhile
+the Tortoise came jogging on with slow<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_171" id="Page_171">[171]</a></span>
+but continued motion; and the Hare, out of a
+too great security and confidence of victory,
+oversleeping herself, the Tortoise arrived at the
+end of the race first.</p>
+
+
+<p class="center">APPLICATION.</p>
+
+<p>Industry and application to business makes
+amends for the want of a quick and ready wit.
+Hence it is, that the victory is not always to the
+strong, nor the race to the swift. Men of fine
+parts are apt to despise the drudgery of business;
+but, by affecting to show the superiority of their
+genius, upon many occasions, they run into too
+great an extreme the other way; and the administration
+of their affairs is ruined through idleness
+and neglect. What advantage has a man
+from the fertility of his invention, and the
+vivacity of his imagination, unless his resolutions
+are executed with a suitable and uninterrupted
+rapidity? In short, your men of wit and fire, as
+they are called, are oftentimes sots, slovens, and
+lazy fellows: they are generally proud and conceited
+to the last degree; and, in the main, not
+the fittest persons for either conversation or
+business. Such is their vanity, they think the
+sprightliness of their humour inconsistent with
+a plain sober way of thinking and speaking, and
+able to atone for all the little neglects of their
+business and persons. But the world will not
+be thus imposed upon; the man who would gain
+the esteem of others, and make his own fortune,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_172" id="Page_172">[172]</a></span>
+must be one that carries his point effectually, and
+finishes his course without swerving or loitering.
+Men of dull parts, and a slow apprehension,
+assisted by a continued diligence, are more likely
+to attain this than your brisk retailers of wit,
+with their affected spleen and indolence. And if
+business be but well done, no matter whether it
+be done by the sallies of a refined wit, or the
+considering head of a plain plodding man.</p>
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_173" id="Page_173">[173]</a></span></p>
+<h2>FABLE LXXI.</h2>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 450px;">
+<img src="images/i_186.jpg" width="450" height="329" alt="THE YOUNG MAN AND HIS CAT." title="THE YOUNG MAN AND HIS CAT." />
+<span class="caption">THE YOUNG MAN AND HIS CAT.</span>
+</div>
+
+
+<p>A certain Young Man used to play with a Cat,
+of which he grew so fond, that at last he fell in
+love with it, and to such a degree, that he could
+rest neither night nor day for the excess of his
+passion. At last he prayed to Venus, the goddess
+of beauty, to pity him, and relieve his pain. The
+good-natured goddess was propitious, and heard
+his prayers: before he rose up from kneeling, the
+Cat, which he held in his arms, was transformed
+into a beautiful girl. The Youth was transported
+with joy, and married her that very day. At
+night they went to bed, and as the new bride lay
+encircled in the embraces of her amorous husband,
+she unfortunately heard a Mouse behind the
+hangings, and sprung from his arms to pursue it.
+Venus, offended to see her sacred rites profaned<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_174" id="Page_174">[174]</a></span>
+by such an indecent behaviour, and perceiving
+that her new convert, though a woman in outward
+appearance, was a Cat in her heart, she made
+her return to her old form again, that her manners
+and person might be agreeable to each other.</p>
+
+
+<p class="center">APPLICATION.</p>
+
+<p>People, as to their manners and behaviour, take
+a strong bias from custom and education, but a
+much stronger from Nature. Her laws are so
+strong, that it is in vain for us to go to oppose
+them; we may refine and improve, but can never
+totally alter her works. Upon this account it is
+that we oftentimes see silly awkward blockheads
+displaying their idiotism and folly through all
+their ensigns of dignity; for some natures are so
+coarse and rustic, that all the embroidery of a
+court cannot conceal them. Doubtless such people
+were intended by Nature for nothing above
+driving Hogs to a fair, and laughing at the jokes
+of a country Merry Andrew. Fortune has found
+them worthy of her favours, and given them a
+lift out of the mire: but yet they do not fail
+to give frequent indications of their true composition,
+by a thousand little dirty actions. A fine
+equipage, and a great estate, may raise a man to
+an exalted station, and procure a respect to his
+outward person; notwithstanding which it may
+so happen, that every time he speaks and acts he
+cannot help playing the fool for the blood of him.</p>
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_175" id="Page_175">[175]</a></span></p>
+<h2>FABLE LXXII.</h2>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 450px;">
+<img src="images/i_188.jpg" width="450" height="309" alt="THE ASS IN THE LION&#39;S SKIN." title="THE ASS IN THE LION&#39;S SKIN." />
+<span class="caption">THE ASS IN THE LION&#39;S SKIN.</span>
+</div>
+
+
+<p>An Ass finding the skin of a Lion, put it on;
+and, going into the woods and pastures, threw all
+the flocks and herds into a terrible consternation.
+At last, meeting his owner, he would have frightened
+him also; but the good man, seeing his long
+ears slick out, presently knew him, and with a
+good cudgel made him sensible that, notwithstanding
+his being dressed in a Lion's Skin, he
+was really no more than an Ass.</p>
+
+
+<p class="center">APPLICATION.</p>
+
+<p>As all affectation is wrong, and tends to expose
+and make a man ridiculous, so the more distant
+he is from the thing which he affects to appear,
+the stronger will the ridicule be which he excites,
+and the greater the inconveniences into which
+he runs himself thereby. How strangely absurd<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_176" id="Page_176">[176]</a></span>
+it is for a timorous person to procure a military
+post in order to keep himself out of danger!
+and to fancy a red coat the surest protection for
+cowardice! yet there have been those who have
+purchased a commission to avoid being insulted;
+and have been so silly as to think courage was
+interwoven with a sash, or tied up in a cockade.
+But it would not be amiss for such gentlemen to
+consider, that it is not in the power of scarlet
+cloth to alter nature; and that, as it is expected
+a soldier should show himself a man of courage
+and intrepidity upon all proper occasions, they
+may, by this means, meet the disgrace they intended
+to avoid, and appear greater asses than
+they need to have done. However, it is not in
+point of fortitude only that people are liable to
+expose themselves, by assuming a character to
+which they are not equal; but he who puts on a
+show of learning, of religion, of a superior capacity
+in any respect, or, in short, of any virtue
+or knowledge to which he has no proper claim,
+is, and will always be found to be, "An Ass in a
+Lion's Skin."</p>
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_177" id="Page_177">[177]</a></span></p>
+<h2>FABLE LXXIII.</h2>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 450px;">
+<img src="images/i_190.jpg" width="450" height="311" alt="THE MOUNTAINS IN LABOUR." title="THE MOUNTAINS IN LABOUR." />
+<span class="caption">THE MOUNTAINS IN LABOUR.</span>
+</div>
+
+
+<p>The Mountains were said to be in labour, and
+uttered most dreadful groans. People came together
+far and near to see what birth would be
+produced; and, after they wailed a considerable
+time in expectation, out crept a Mouse.</p>
+
+
+<p class="center">APPLICATION.</p>
+
+<p>Great cry and little wool is the English proverb;
+the sense of which bears an exact proportion
+to this fable; by which are exposed all those
+who promise something exceeding great, but
+come off with a production ridiculously little.
+Projectors of all kinds, who endeavour by artificial
+rumours to raise the expectations of mankind,
+and then by their mean performances defeat
+and disappoint them, have, time out of mind,
+been lashed with the recital of this fable. How<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_178" id="Page_178">[178]</a></span>
+agreeably surprising is it to see an unpromising
+favourite, whom the caprice of fortune has placed
+at the helm of state, serving the commonwealth
+with justice and integrity, instead of smothering
+and embezzling the public treasure to his own
+private and wicked ends! and, on the contrary,
+how melancholy, how dreadful, or rather, how
+exasperating and provoking a sight is it to behold
+one, whose constant declarations for liberty and
+the public good have raised people's expectations
+of him to the highest pitch, as soon as he is got
+into power exerting his whole art and cunning to
+ruin and enslave his country! The sanguine hopes
+of all those that wished well to virtue, and flattered
+themselves with a reformation of every
+thing that opposed the well-being of the community,
+vanish away in smoke, and are lost in a
+dark, gloomy, uncomfortable prospect.</p>
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_179" id="Page_179">[179]</a></span></p>
+<h2>FABLE LXXIV.</h2>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 450px;">
+<img src="images/i_192.jpg" width="450" height="339" alt="THE SATYR AND THE TRAVELLER." title="THE SATYR AND THE TRAVELLER." />
+<span class="caption">THE SATYR AND THE TRAVELLER.</span>
+</div>
+
+
+<p>A Satyr, as he was ranging the forest in an
+exceeding cold snowy season, met with a Traveller,
+half-starved with the extremity of the
+weather. He took compassion on him, and
+kindly invited him home to a warm comfortable
+cave he had in the hollow of a rock. As soon as
+they had entered and sat down, notwithstanding
+there was a good fire in the place, the chilly
+Traveller could not forbear blowing his fingers'
+ends. Upon the Satyr's asking him why he did
+so, he answered, that he did it to warm his hands.
+The honest sylvan having seen little of the world,
+admired a man who was master of so valuable a
+quality as that of blowing heat, and therefore
+was resolved to entertain him in the best manner
+he could. He spread the table before him<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_180" id="Page_180">[180]</a></span>
+with dried fruits of several sorts; and produced
+a remnant of cold cordial wine, which, as the
+rigour of the season made very proper, he mulled
+with some warm spices, infused over the fire,
+and presented to his shivering guest. But this
+the Traveller thought fit to blow likewise; and,
+upon the Satyr's demanding a reason why he
+blowed again, he replied, to cool his dish. This
+second answer provoked the Satyr's indignation
+as much as the first had kindled his surprise:
+so, taking the man by the shoulder, he thrust
+him out of doors, saying, he would have nothing
+to do with a wretch who had so vile a quality as
+to blow hot and cold with the same mouth.</p>
+
+
+<p class="center">APPLICATION.</p>
+
+<p>Though the poor Traveller in the fable was
+not guilty of any real crime in what he did, yet
+one cannot help approving the honest simplicity
+of the Satyr, who could not be reconciled to
+such double dealing. In the moral sense of the
+fable, nothing can be more offensive to one of a
+sincere heart, than he that blows with a different
+breath from the same mouth; who flatters
+a man to his face, and reviles him behind his
+back. Some again, just like this man, to serve
+a present view, will blow nothing but what is
+warm, benevolent, and cherishing; and, when
+they have raised the expectations of a dependent
+to a degree which they think may prove troublesome,
+can, with putting on a cold air, easily chill
+and blast all his blooming hopes. But such a<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_181" id="Page_181">[181]</a></span>
+temper, whether it proceeds from a designed or
+natural levity, is detestable, and has been the
+cause of much trouble and mortification to many
+a brave deserving man. Unless the tenor of a
+man's life be always true and consistent with
+itself, the less one has to do with him the better.</p>
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_182" id="Page_182">[182]</a></span></p>
+<h2>FABLE LXXV.</h2>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 450px;">
+<img src="images/i_195.jpg" width="450" height="342" alt="THE SICK KITE." title="THE SICK KITE." />
+<span class="caption">THE SICK KITE.</span>
+</div>
+
+
+<p>A Kite had been sick a long time, and finding
+there were no hopes of recovery, begged of his
+mother to go to all the churches and religious
+houses in the country, to try what prayers and
+promises would effect in his behalf. The old
+Kite replied&mdash;'Indeed, dear son, I would willingly
+undertake any thing to save your life, but
+I have great reason to despair of doing you any
+service in the way you propose: for, with what
+face can I ask any thing of the gods in favour of
+one whose whole life has been a continual scene
+of rapine and injustice, and who has not scrupled,
+upon occasion, to rob the very altars themselves?'</p>
+
+
+<p class="center">APPLICATION.</p>
+
+<p>The rehearsal of this fable almost unavoidably
+draws our attention to that very serious and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_183" id="Page_183">[183]</a></span>
+important point, the consideration of a death-bed
+repentance. And, to expose the absurdity of
+relying upon such a weak foundation, we need
+only ask the same question with the Kite in the
+fable: how can he that has offended the gods all
+his life-time, by doing acts of dishonour and
+injustice, expect that they should be pleased with
+him at last, for no other reason but because he
+fears he shall not be able to offend them any
+longer? when, in truth, such a repentance can
+signify nothing but a confirmation of his former
+impudence and folly: for sure no stupidity can
+exceed that of the man who expects a future
+judgment, and yet can bear to commit any piece
+of injustice with a sense and deliberation of the
+fact.</p>
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_184" id="Page_184">[184]</a></span></p>
+<h2>FABLE LXXVI.</h2>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 450px;">
+<img src="images/i_197.jpg" width="450" height="338" alt="THE HAWK AND THE NIGHTINGALE." title="THE HAWK AND THE NIGHTINGALE." />
+<span class="caption">THE HAWK AND THE NIGHTINGALE.</span>
+</div>
+
+
+<p>A Nightingale, sitting all alone among the
+shady branches of an oak, sung with so melodious
+and shrill a pipe, that she made the woods echo
+again, and alarmed a hungry Hawk, who was at
+some distance off watching for his prey; he had
+no sooner discovered the little musician, but,
+making a stoop at the place, he seized her with
+his crooked talons, and bid her prepare for death.&mdash;'Ah!'
+says she, 'for mercy's sake don't do so
+barbarous a thing, and so unbecoming yourself;
+consider, I never did you any wrong, and am but
+a poor small morsel for such a stomach as yours;
+rather attack some larger fowl, which may bring
+you more credit and a better meal, and let me
+go.'&mdash;'Aye!' says the Hawk, 'persuade me to
+it if you can: I have been upon the watch all day
+long, and have not met with one bit of any thing
+till I caught you; and now you would have me<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_185" id="Page_185">[185]</a></span>
+let you go, in hopes of something better, would
+you? Pray, who would be the fool then?'</p>
+
+
+<p class="center">APPLICATION.</p>
+
+<p>They who neglect the opportunity of reaping
+a small advantage, in hopes they shall obtain a
+better, are far from acting upon a reasonable and
+well-advised foundation. The figure of Time is
+always drawn with a single lock of hair hanging
+over his forehead, and the back part of his head
+bald; to put us in mind that we should be sure
+to lay hold of an occasion, when it presents itself
+to us, lest afterwards we repent us of our omission
+and folly, and would recover it when it is too
+late. It is a very weak reason to give for our
+refusal of an offer of kindness, that we do it
+because we desire or deserve a better; for it is
+time enough to relinquish the small affair when
+the great one comes, if ever it does come. But,
+supposing it should not, how can we forgive ourselves
+for letting any thing slip through our hands,
+by vainly gaping after something else, which we
+never could obtain? He who has not been guilty
+of any of these kind of errors, however poorly he
+may come off at last, has only the malice of
+fortune, or of somebody else, to charge with his
+ill success; and may applaud himself with some
+comfort, in never having lost an opportunity,
+though ever so small, of bettering and improving
+his circumstances. Unthinking people have oftentimes
+the unhappiness to fret and tease themselves
+with retrospects of this kind, which they, who
+attend to the business of life as they ought, never
+have occasion to make.</p>
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_186" id="Page_186">[186]</a></span></p>
+<h2>FABLE LXXVII.</h2>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 450px;">
+<img src="images/i_199.jpg" width="450" height="330" alt="THE PEACOCK&#39;S COMPLAINT." title="THE PEACOCK&#39;S COMPLAINT." />
+<span class="caption">THE PEACOCK&#39;S COMPLAINT.</span>
+</div>
+
+
+<p>The Peacock presented a memorial to Juno,
+importing how hardly he thought he was used in
+not having so good a voice as the Nightingale;
+how that pretty animal was agreeable to every
+ear that heard it, while he was laughed at for his
+ugly screaming noise, if he did but open his
+mouth. The goddess, concerned at the uneasiness
+of her favourite bird, answered him very kindly
+to this purpose: 'If the Nightingale is blest
+with a fine voice, you have the advantage in
+point of beauty and largeness of person.'&mdash;'Ah!'
+says he, 'but what avails my silent unmeaning
+beauty, when I am so far excelled in voice!'&mdash;The
+goddess dismissed him, bidding him consider,
+that the properties of every creature were appointed
+by the decree of fate: to him beauty;
+strength to the Eagle; to the Nightingale a<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_187" id="Page_187">[187]</a></span>
+voice of melody; the faculty of speech to the
+Parrot; and to the Dove innocence. That each
+of these was contented with his own peculiar
+quality; and unless he had a mind to be miserable,
+he must learn to be so too.</p>
+
+
+<p class="center">APPLICATION.</p>
+
+<p>Since all things, as Juno says, are fixed by the
+eternal and unalterable decree of fate, how absurd
+it is to hear people complaining and tormenting
+themselves for that which it is impossible ever to
+obtain! They who are ambitious of having more
+good qualities, since that is impracticable, should
+spare for no pains to cultivate and recommend
+those they have; which a sourness and peevishness
+of temper, instead of improving, will certainly
+lessen and impair, whether they are of the mind
+or body. If we had all the desirable properties
+in the world, we could be no more than easy and
+contented with them; and if a man, by a right
+way of thinking, can reconcile himself to his own
+condition, whatever it be, he will fall little short
+of the most complete state that mortals ever
+enjoyed.</p>
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_188" id="Page_188">[188]</a></span></p>
+<h2>FABLE LXXVIII.</h2>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 450px;">
+<img src="images/i_201.jpg" width="450" height="339" alt="THE ANGLER AND THE LITTLE FISH." title="THE ANGLER AND THE LITTLE FISH." />
+<span class="caption">THE ANGLER AND THE LITTLE FISH.</span>
+</div>
+
+
+<p>A man was angling in a river, and caught a small
+Perch; which, as he was taking off the hook
+and going to put into his basket, opened its
+mouth, and began to implore his pity, begging
+that he would throw it into the river again.
+Upon the man's demanding what reason he had
+to expect such a favour?&mdash;'Why,' says the Fish,
+'because, at present, I am but young and little,
+and consequently not so well worth your while as
+I shall be if you take me some time hence, when
+I am grown larger.'&mdash;'That may be,' replies the
+man, 'but I am not one of those fools who quit a
+certainty, in expectation of an uncertainty.'</p>
+
+
+<p class="center">APPLICATION.</p>
+
+<p>This fable points much the same way as the
+seventy-sixth, so that one moral may very well<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_189" id="Page_189">[189]</a></span>
+serve for both. But the lesson they teach is so
+useful and instructive, that a repetition of it is by
+no means superfluous. The precept which they
+would instil into us is, never to let slip the present
+opportunity, but to secure to ourselves every little
+advantage, just in the nick that it offers, without
+a vain reliance upon, and fruitless expectation of,
+something better in time to come. We may
+cheer up our spirits with hoping for that which
+we cannot at present obtain; but at the same time
+let us be sure we give no occasion of condemning
+ourselves for omitting any thing which it was
+in our power to secure.</p>
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_190" id="Page_190">[190]</a></span></p>
+<h2>FABLE LXXIX.</h2>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 450px;">
+<img src="images/i_203.jpg" width="450" height="323" alt="THE GEESE AND THE CRANES." title="THE GEESE AND THE CRANES." />
+<span class="caption">THE GEESE AND THE CRANES.</span>
+</div>
+
+
+<p>A flock of Geese and a parcel of Cranes
+used often to feed together in a corn field. At
+last the owner of the corn, with his servants,
+coming upon them of a sudden, surprised them
+in the very fact; and the geese, being heavy, fat,
+full-bodied creatures, were most of them sufferers;
+but the Cranes, being thin and light,
+easily flew away.</p>
+
+
+<p class="center">APPLICATION.</p>
+
+<p>When the enemy comes to make a seizure,
+they are sure to suffer most whose circumstances
+are the richest and fattest. In any case of persecution,
+money hangs like a dead weight about
+a man; and we never feel gold so heavy as when
+we endeavour to make off with it. Therefore
+wise and politic ministers of state, whenever they<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_191" id="Page_191">[191]</a></span>
+see a storm begin to gather over their heads,
+always take care to unlade themselves of a good
+part of their cargo; and, by this means, seldom
+find but the blasts of obloquy, through which they
+are to make their way, are less deaf and inexorable
+than the stormy waves of the ocean. Indeed,
+poverty is too frequently the occasion of mens'
+being treated as if they were guilty of the
+greatest crimes and reproaches; but then these
+sort of criminals have this advantage, that no one
+thinks fit to treat them with any thing worse than
+contempt: whereas if any pretence can be found
+to fall upon the man who is rich, it is a miracle if
+he escapes with both life and money. In short,
+riches are like the baggage of an army: very
+useful while we lie in quiet possession of the camp,
+or are powerful enough to defy the enemy; but
+when once we are put to the rout, if we would
+get off with our lives or liberties, we must quit
+our baggage as soon as possible, and leave it for
+plunder to our pursuers. Nay, however strongly
+intrenched we may think ourselves, as long as
+money is in the case, it is good to look about us
+for fear of a surprise: for, after all, he that does
+not, upon occasion, make himself wings with his
+riches to fly off with, deserves to be punished,
+like a Goose as he is, for his heaviness.</p>
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_192" id="Page_192">[192]</a></span></p>
+<h2>FABLE LXXX.</h2>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 450px;">
+<img src="images/i_205.jpg" width="450" height="316" alt="THE DOG AND THE SHADOW." title="THE DOG AND THE SHADOW." />
+<span class="caption">THE DOG AND THE SHADOW.</span>
+</div>
+
+
+<p>A Dog, crossing a little rivulet with a piece of
+flesh in his mouth, saw his own Shadow represented
+in the clear mirror of the limpid stream;
+and, believing it to be another dog, who was
+carrying another piece of flesh, he could not
+forbear catching at it; but was so far from getting
+any thing his greedy design, that he dropped
+the piece he had in his mouth, which immediately
+sunk to the bottom, and was irrecoverably lost.</p>
+
+
+<p class="center">APPLICATION.</p>
+
+<p>He that catches at more than belongs to him
+justly deserves to lose what he has. Yet nothing
+is more common, and, at the same time, more
+pernicious, than this selfish principle. It prevails
+from the king to the peasant; and all orders and
+degrees of men are, more or less, infected with it.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_193" id="Page_193">[193]</a></span>
+Great monarchs have been drawn in, by this
+greedy humour, to grasp at the dominions of
+their neighbours; not that they wanted any thing
+more to feed their luxury, but to gratify their
+insatiable appetite for vain-glory. If the kings
+of Persia could have been contented with their
+own vast territories, they had not lost all Asia
+for the sake of a little petty state of Greece.
+And France, with all its glory, has, ere now,
+been reduced to the last extremity by the same
+unjust encroachments.</p>
+
+<p>He that thinks he sees another's estate in a
+pack of cards, or a box and dice, and ventures
+his own in the pursuit of it, should not repine if
+he finds himself a beggar in the end.</p>
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_194" id="Page_194">[194]</a></span></p>
+<h2>FABLE LXXXI.</h2>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 450px;">
+<img src="images/i_207.jpg" width="450" height="329" alt="THE ASS AND THE LITTLE DOG." title="THE ASS AND THE LITTLE DOG." />
+<span class="caption">THE ASS AND THE LITTLE DOG.</span>
+</div>
+
+
+<p>The Ass observing how great a favourite the
+Little Dog was with his master, how much
+caressed and fondled, and fed with good bits at
+every meal; and for no other reason, as he could
+perceive, but skipping and frisking about, wagging
+his tail, and leaping up into his master's
+lap; he was resolved to imitate the same, and
+see whether such a behaviour would not procure
+him the same favours. Accordingly, the master
+was no sooner come home from walking about
+his fields and gardens, and was seated in his easy
+chair, but the Ass, who observed him, came
+gamboling and braying towards him, in a very
+awkward manner. The master could not help
+laughing aloud at the odd sight. But his jest
+was soon turned into earnest, when he felt the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_195" id="Page_195">[195]</a></span>
+rough salute of the Ass's fore-feet, who, raising
+himself upon his hinder legs, pawed against his
+breast with a most loving air, and would fain
+have jumped into his lap. The good man, terrified
+at this outrageous behaviour, and unable to
+endure the weight of so heavy a beast, cried out;
+upon which, one of his servants running in with
+a good stick, and laying on heartily upon the
+bones of the poor Ass, soon convinced him that
+every one who desires it is not qualified to be a
+favourite.</p>
+
+
+<p class="center">APPLICATION.</p>
+
+<p>Some men are as engaging in their ways as
+little dogs. They can fawn, wheedle, cringe, or,
+if occasion requires, leap backward and forward
+over a stick, to the great emolument of their
+master, and entertainment of those that behold
+them. But these are qualifications to which every
+body cannot pretend; and therefore none but
+those who have a genius for it should aspire at the
+employment. Many a man envies the happiness
+of these favourites, and would fain insinuate himself
+into the same good graces, if he did but know
+the way; but, whoever has a tolerable share of
+discretion, will distrust his abilities in this respect,
+and modestly forbear the attempt, for fear he
+should miscarry and look like an Ass. But, in
+short, the true moral of this fable is, that every
+one should consider the just turn and temper of
+his parts, and weigh the talents by which he hopes
+to be distinguished. After such an examination,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_196" id="Page_196">[196]</a></span>
+he may the more certainly know how to apply
+them to the most proper purposes; at least, so as
+not to hurt, or even mortify himself, by any mistaken
+address. Since there is such a variety of
+tempers in the world, and a no less multiplicity
+of arts and studies to fit and tally with them, how
+reasonable is it in general, and how much would
+it be for the true interest of every one in particular,
+if men would but be directed, by the
+natural bent of their genius, to such pursuits as
+are most agreeable to their capacities, and to the
+rudiments of education which they have most
+strongly imbibed.</p>
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_197" id="Page_197">[197]</a></span></p>
+<h2>FABLE LXXXII.</h2>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 450px;">
+<img src="images/i_210.jpg" width="450" height="295" alt="THE WOLF AND THE CRANE." title="THE WOLF AND THE CRANE." />
+<span class="caption">THE WOLF AND THE CRANE.</span>
+</div>
+
+
+<p>A Wolf, after devouring his prey, happened to
+have a bone stick in his throat, which gave him
+so much pain, that he went howling up and down,
+and importuning every creature he met to lend
+him a kind hand, in order to his relief; nay, he
+promised a reasonable reward to any one that
+should undertake the operation with success. At
+last the Crane, tempted with the lucre of the
+reward, and having first procured him to confirm
+his promise with an oath, undertook the business,
+and ventured his long neck into the rapacious
+felon's throat. In short, he plucked out the bone,
+and expected the promised gratuity. When the
+Wolf, turning his eyes disdainfully towards him,
+said,&mdash;'I did not think you had been so unconscionable;
+I had your head in my mouth, and
+could have bit it off whenever I pleased, but<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_198" id="Page_198">[198]</a></span>
+suffered you to take it away without any damage,
+and yet you are not contented.'</p>
+
+
+<p class="center">APPLICATION.</p>
+
+<p>There is a sort of people in the world, to whom
+a man may be in the wrong for doing services,
+upon a double score: first, because they never
+deserved to have a good office done them; and,
+secondly, because, when once engaged, it is so
+hard a matter to get well rid of their acquaintance.</p>
+
+<p>This fable is not an example of ingratitude,
+as at first sight it seems to be, and as some of the
+mythologists have understood it; to make it a
+parallel in that case, the Crane ought to have
+been under some difficulties in his turn, and the
+Wolf have refused to assist him when it was in
+his power. The whole stress of it lies in this:
+that we ought to consider what kind of people
+they are to whom we are desired to do good
+offices, before we do them; for he that grants a
+favour, or even confides in a person of no honour,
+instead of finding his account in it, comes off
+well if he is no sufferer.</p>
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_199" id="Page_199">[199]</a></span></p>
+<h2>FABLE LXXXIII.</h2>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 450px;">
+<img src="images/i_212.jpg" width="450" height="340" alt="THE ENVIOUS MAN AND THE COVETOUS." title="THE ENVIOUS MAN AND THE COVETOUS." />
+<span class="caption">THE ENVIOUS MAN AND THE COVETOUS.</span>
+</div>
+
+
+<p>An Envious Man happened to be offering up
+his prayers to Jupiter just in the time and place
+with a Covetous Miserable Fellow. Jupiter, not
+caring to be troubled with their impertinences
+himself, sent Apollo to examine the merits of
+their petitions, and to give them such relief as he
+should think proper. Apollo therefore opened
+his commission, and withal told them that, to
+make short of the matter, whatever the one asked
+the other should have it double. Upon this, the
+Covetous Man, though he had a thousand things
+to request, yet forbore to ask first, hoping to
+receive a double quantity; for he concluded that
+all men's wishes sympathized with his. By this
+means, the Envious Man had an opportunity of
+preferring his petition first, which was the thing<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_200" id="Page_200">[200]</a></span>
+he aimed at; so, without much hesitation, he
+prayed to be relieved, by having one of his eyes
+put out: knowing that, of consequence, his companion
+would be deprived of both.</p>
+
+
+<p class="center">APPLICATION.</p>
+
+<p>In this fable the folly of those two vices, Envy
+and Avarice, is fully exposed, and handsomely
+rallied. The Miser, though he has the riches of
+the world, without stint, laid open to his choice,
+yet dares not name the sum, for fear another
+should be richer than himself. The advantage of
+a double quantity, by receiving last, is what he
+cannot bear to lose, and he fares accordingly.
+The Envious Man, though he has a power of
+calling for good things, without measure, to himself
+or others, yet waves this happy privilege,
+and is content to punish himself by a very great
+loss, even that of an eye, that he may bring down
+a double portion of the like calamity upon
+another. These are the true tempers of the covetous
+and envious; one can scarce determine,
+whether they are more mischievous to themselves,
+or to the public; but it is manifest, that they are
+highly noxious to both, and should be treated
+accordingly.</p>
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_201" id="Page_201">[201]</a></span></p>
+<h2>FABLE LXXXIV.</h2>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 450px;">
+<img src="images/i_214.jpg" width="450" height="336" alt="THE TWO POTS." title="THE TWO POTS." />
+<span class="caption">THE TWO POTS.</span>
+</div>
+
+
+<p>An Earthen Pot, and one of Brass, standing
+together upon the river's brink, were both carried
+away by the flowing-in of the tide. The Earthen
+Pot showed some uneasiness, as fearing he should
+be broken; but his companion of Brass bid him
+be under no apprehensions, for that he would
+take care of him.&mdash;'O,' replies the other, 'keep
+as far off as ever you can, I entreat you; it is
+you I am most afraid of: for, whether the stream
+dashes you against me, or me against you, I am
+sure to be the sufferer; and therefore, I beg of
+you, do not let us come near one another.'</p>
+
+
+<p class="center">APPLICATION.</p>
+
+<p>A man of a moderate fortune, who is contented
+with what he has, and finds he can live happily<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_202" id="Page_202">[202]</a></span>
+upon it, should take care not to hazard and
+expose his felicity by consorting with the great
+and the powerful. People of equal conditions
+may float down the current of life, without hurting
+each other; but it is a point of some difficulty
+to steer one's course in the company of the great,
+so as to escape without a bulge. One would not
+choose to have one's little country-box situated
+in the neighbourhood of a very great man; for
+whether I ignorantly trespass upon him, or he
+knowingly encroaches upon me, I only am like
+to be the sufferer. I can neither entertain nor
+play with him upon his own terms; for that which
+is moderation and diversion to him, in me would
+be extravagance and ruin.</p>
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_203" id="Page_203">[203]</a></span></p>
+<h2>FABLE LXXXV.</h2>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 450px;">
+<img src="images/i_216.jpg" width="450" height="303" alt="THE FOX AND THE STORK." title="THE FOX AND THE STORK." />
+<span class="caption">THE FOX AND THE STORK.</span>
+</div>
+
+
+<p>The Fox invited the Stork to dinner, and being
+disposed to divert himself at the expense of his
+guest, provided nothing for the entertainment
+but a soup, in a wide shallow dish. This himself
+could lap up with a great deal of ease; but the
+Stork, who could but just dip in the point of
+his bill, was not a bit the better all the while:
+however, in a few days after, he returned the
+compliment, and invited the Fox; but suffered
+nothing to be brought to table but some minced
+meat in a glass jar, the neck of which was so deep,
+and so narrow, that, though the Stork with his
+long bill made a shift to fill his belly, all that the
+Fox, who was very hungry, could do, was to lick
+the brim, as the Stork slabbered them with his
+eating. Reynard was heartily vexed at first;
+but, when he came to take his leave, owned<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_204" id="Page_204">[204]</a></span>
+ingenuously, that he had been used as he deserved;
+and that he had no reason to take any treatment
+ill, of which himself had set the example.</p>
+
+
+<p class="center">APPLICATION.</p>
+
+<p>It is mighty imprudent, as well as inhuman and
+uncivil, to affront any body; and whoever takes
+the liberty to exercise his witty talent that way,
+must not think much of it if he meets reprisals.
+Indeed, if all those who are thus paid in their
+own coin would take it with the same frankness
+the Fox did, the matter would not be much;
+but we are too apt, when the jest comes to be
+turned home upon ourselves, to think that insufferable
+in another, which we looked upon as
+pretty and facetious when the humour was our
+own. The rule of doing as we would be done
+by, so proper to be our model in every transaction
+of life, may more particularly be of use
+in this respect: because people seldom or never
+receive any advantage by these little ludicrous
+impositions; and yet, if they were to ask themselves
+the question, would find that another's
+using them in the same manner would be very
+displeasing.</p>
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_205" id="Page_205">[205]</a></span></p>
+<h2>FABLE LXXXVI.</h2>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 450px;">
+<img src="images/i_218.jpg" width="450" height="333" alt="THE BEAR AND THE BEE HIVES." title="THE BEAR AND THE BEE HIVES." />
+<span class="caption">THE BEAR AND THE BEE HIVES.</span>
+</div>
+
+
+<p>A Bear, climbing over the fence into a place
+where Bees were kept, began to plunder the
+Hives, and rob them of their honey. But the
+Bees, to revenge the injury, attacked him in a
+whole swarm together; and, though they were
+not able to pierce his rugged hide, yet, with their
+little stings, they so annoyed his eyes and nostrils,
+that, unable to endure the smarting pain, with
+impatience he tore the skin over his ears with his
+own claws, and suffered ample punishment for
+the injury he did the Bees in breaking open their
+waxen cells.</p>
+
+
+<p class="center">APPLICATION.</p>
+
+<p>Many and great are the injuries of which some
+men are guilty towards others, for the sake of<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_206" id="Page_206">[206]</a></span>
+gratifying some liquorish appetite. For there are
+those who would not stick at bringing desolation
+upon their country, and run the hazard of their
+own necks into the bargain, rather than baulk a
+wicked inclination, either of cruelty, ambition,
+or avarice. But it were to be wished all who
+are hurried by such blind impulses, would consider
+a moment before they proceed to irrevocable
+execution. Injuries and wrongs not only call
+for revenge and reparation with the voice of
+equity itself, but oftentimes carry their punishment
+along with them; and, by an unforeseen
+train of events, are retorted at the head of the
+actor of them; and not seldom, from a deep
+remorse, expiated upon himself by his own hand.</p>
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_207" id="Page_207">[207]</a></span></p>
+<h2>FABLE LXXXVII.</h2>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 450px;">
+<img src="images/i_220.jpg" width="450" height="334" alt="THE TRAVELLERS AND THE BEAR." title="THE TRAVELLERS AND THE BEAR." />
+<span class="caption">THE TRAVELLERS AND THE BEAR.</span>
+</div>
+
+
+<p>Two men being to travel through a forest together,
+mutually promised to stand by each other
+in any danger they should meet upon the way.
+They had not gone far before a Bear came rushing
+towards them out of a thicket; upon which one,
+being a light nimble fellow, got up into a tree;
+the other falling flat upon his face, and holding
+his breath, lay still while the Bear came up and
+smelled at him; but that creature, supposing him
+to be a dead carcass, went back again into the
+wood, without doing him the least harm. When
+all was over, the Spark who had climbed the
+tree came down to his companion, and, with a
+pleasant smile, asked him what the Bear said to
+him&mdash;'For,' says he, 'I took notice that he clapt
+his mouth very close to your ear.'&mdash;&mdash;'Why,'<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_208" id="Page_208">[208]</a></span>
+replies the other, 'he charged me to take care,
+for the future, not to put any confidence in such
+cowardly rascals as you.'</p>
+
+
+<p class="center">APPLICATION.</p>
+
+<p>Though nothing is more common than to hear
+people profess services of friendship where there
+is no occasion for them, yet scarce any thing is
+so hard to be found as a true friend, who will
+assist us in time of danger and difficulty. All
+the declarations of kindness which are made to
+an experienced man, though accompanied by a
+squeeze of the hand, and a solemn asseveration,
+should leave no greater impression upon his mind
+than the whistling of the hollow breeze which
+brushes one's ear with an unmeaning salute, and
+is presently gone. He that succours our necessity
+by a well-timed assistance, though it were not
+ushered in by previous compliments, will ever
+after be looked upon as our friend and protector;
+and, in so much a greater degree, as the favour
+was unasked and unpromised; as it was not
+extorted by importunities on the one side, nor
+led in by a numerous attendance of promises on
+the other. Words are nothing till they are fulfilled
+by actions; and therefore we should not
+suffer ourselves to be deluded by a vain hope
+and reliance upon them.</p>
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_209" id="Page_209">[209]</a></span></p>
+<h2>FABLE LXXXVIII.</h2>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 450px;">
+<img src="images/i_222.jpg" width="450" height="332" alt="THE TRUMPETER TAKEN PRISONER." title="THE TRUMPETER TAKEN PRISONER." />
+<span class="caption">THE TRUMPETER TAKEN PRISONER.</span>
+</div>
+
+
+<p>A trumpeter, being taken prisoner in a battle,
+begged hard for quarter, declaring his innocence,
+and protesting that he neither had nor could kill
+any man, bearing no arms but only his trumpet,
+which he was obliged to sound at the word of
+command.&mdash;'For that reason,' replied his enemies,
+'we are determined not to spare you; for
+though you yourself never fight, yet, with that
+wicked instrument of yours, you blow up animosity
+between other people, and so become the
+occasion of much bloodshed.'</p>
+
+
+<p class="center">APPLICATION.</p>
+
+<p>A man may be guilty of murder who has never
+handled a sword, or pulled a trigger, or lifted up
+his arm with any mischievous weapon. There is<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_210" id="Page_210">[210]</a></span>
+a little incendiary, called the tongue, which is
+more venomous than a poisoned arrow, and more
+killing than a two-edged sword. The moral of
+the fable therefore is this, that if in any civil
+insurrection the persons taken in arms against
+the government deserve to die, much more do
+they whose devilish tongues gave birth to the
+sedition, and excited the tumult. When wicked
+priests, instead of preaching peace and charity,
+employ that engine of scandal their tongue to
+foment rebellions, whether they succeed in their
+designs or no, they ought to be severely punished;
+for they have done what in them lay to set folks
+together by the ears; they have blown the trumpet
+and sounded the alarm, and if thousands are
+not destroyed by the sword, it is none of their
+fault.</p>
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_211" id="Page_211">[211]</a></span></p>
+<h2>FABLE LXXXIX.</h2>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 450px;">
+<img src="images/i_224.jpg" width="450" height="330" alt="THE PARTRIDGE AND THE COCKS." title="THE PARTRIDGE AND THE COCKS." />
+<span class="caption">THE PARTRIDGE AND THE COCKS.</span>
+</div>
+
+
+<p>A certain man, having taken a Partridge,
+plucked some of the feathers out of its wings,
+and turned it into a little yard, where he kept
+game Cocks. The Cocks, for awhile, made the
+poor bird lead a sad life, continually pecking
+and driving it away from the meat. This treatment
+was taken the more unkindly, because
+offered to a stranger; and the Partridge could
+not but conclude them the most inhospitable
+uncivil people he had ever met with. But at
+last, observing how frequently they quarrelled
+and fought with each other, he comforted himself
+with this reflection; that it was no wonder
+they were so cruel to him, since there was so much
+bickering and animosity among themselves.</p>
+
+
+<p class="center"><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_212" id="Page_212">[212]</a></span>APPLICATION.</p>
+
+<p>This fable comes home to ourselves, we of this
+island having always been looked upon as cruel
+to strangers. Whether there is any thing in the
+manner of our situation, as an island, which consequently
+can be no thoroughfare to other countries,
+and so is not made use of by strangers upon
+that account, which makes us thus shy and uncivil;
+or, whether it be a jealousy upon account
+of our liberties, which puts us upon being suspicious
+of, and unwilling to harbour any that are
+not members of the same community, perhaps it
+would not be easy to determine. But that it is so
+in fact, is too notorious to be denied; and probably
+can be accounted for no better way than
+from the natural bent of our temper, as it proceeds
+from something peculiar to our air and climate.
+It has been affirmed, that there is not in the
+whole world besides a breed of Cocks and Dogs
+so fierce and incapable of yielding as that of ours;
+but that either of them, carried into foreign
+countries, would degenerate in a few years. Why
+may not the same be true of our men? But if
+strangers find any inconvenience in this, there is
+a comfortable consideration to balance it on the
+other side, which is, that there are no people
+under the sun so much given to division and
+contention among themselves as we are. Can a
+stranger think it hard to be looked upon with
+some shyness, when he beholds how little we
+spare one another? Was ever any foreigner,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_213" id="Page_213">[213]</a></span>
+merely for being a foreigner, treated with half
+that malice and bitterness which differing parties
+express towards each other? One would willingly
+believe that this proceeds in the main, on both
+sides, from a passionate concern for our liberties
+and well-being; for there is nothing else which
+can so well excuse it. But it cannot be denied,
+that our aversion, notwithstanding our being a
+trading nation, to have any intercourse with
+strangers, is so great, that when we want other
+objects for our churlishness, we raise them up
+among ourselves; and there is, sometimes, as
+great a strangeness kept up between one county
+and another here, as there is between two distinct
+kingdoms abroad. One cannot so much wonder
+at the constant hostilities which are observed
+between the inhabitants of South and North
+Britain, of Wales and Ireland, among one another,
+when a Yorkshireman shall be looked upon as a
+foreigner by a native of Norfolk, and both be
+taken for outlandish intruders by one that happens
+to be born within the bills of mortality.</p>
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_214" id="Page_214">[214]</a></span></p>
+<h2>FABLE XC.</h2>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 450px;">
+<img src="images/i_227.jpg" width="450" height="338" alt="THE FALCONER AND THE PARTRIDGE." title="THE FALCONER AND THE PARTRIDGE." />
+<span class="caption">THE FALCONER AND THE PARTRIDGE.</span>
+</div>
+
+
+<p>A falconer having taken a Partridge in his
+net, the bird begged hard for a reprieve, and
+promised the man, if he would let him go, to
+decoy other Partridges into his net.&mdash;'No,'
+replies the Falconer, 'I was before determined
+not to spare you, but now you have condemned
+yourself by your own words: for he who is
+such a scoundrel as to offer to betray his friends
+to save himself, deserves, if possible, worse than
+death.'</p>
+
+
+<p class="center">APPLICATION.</p>
+
+<p>However it may be convenient for us to like
+the treason, yet we must be very destitute of
+honour not to hate and abominate the traitor.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_215" id="Page_215">[215]</a></span>
+And accordingly history furnishes us with many
+instances of kings and great men who have
+punished the actors of treachery with death,
+though the part they acted had been so conducive
+to their interests as to give them a victory, or
+perhaps the quiet possession of a throne. Nor
+can princes pursue a more just maxim than this;
+for a traitor is a villain of no principles, that
+sticks at nothing to promote his own selfish
+ends; he that betrays one cause for a great sum
+of money, will betray another upon the same
+account; and therefore it must be very impolitic
+in a state to suffer such wretches to live in it.
+Since then this maxim is so good, and so likely
+at all times to be practised, what stupid rogues
+must they be who undertake such precarious
+dirty work! If they miscarry, it generally proves
+fatal to them from one side or other; if they
+succeed, perhaps they may have the promised
+reward, but are sure to be detested, if suffered to
+live, by the very person that employs them.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_216" id="Page_216">[216]</a></span></p>
+<h2>FABLE XCI.</h2>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 450px;">
+<img src="images/i_229.jpg" width="450" height="340" alt="THE EAGLE AND THE CROW." title="THE EAGLE AND THE CROW." />
+<span class="caption">THE EAGLE AND THE CROW.</span>
+</div>
+
+
+<p>An Eagle flew down from the top of a high
+rock, and settled upon the back of a Lamb; and
+then instantly flying up into the air again, bore
+his bleating prize aloft in his pounces. A Crow,
+who sat upon an elm, and beheld this exploit,
+resolved to imitate it; so flying down upon the
+back of a Ram, and entangling his claws in the
+wool, he fell a chattering and attempting to fly;
+by which means he drew the observation of the
+Shepherd upon him, who finding his feet hampered
+in the fleece of the Ram, easily took him,
+and gave him to his boys for their sport and
+diversion.</p>
+
+
+<p class="center">APPLICATION.</p>
+
+<p>Every quality which is excellent and commendable,
+is not, however, always a proper object<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_217" id="Page_217">[217]</a></span>
+for our imitation. We ought to state our own
+account honestly and fairly, that we may see
+what our abilities are, and how our circumstances
+stand; otherwise we may not only become ridiculous
+to others, but prejudicial to ourselves, by
+some awkward and ill-judged emulation, though
+it happen to be in a qualification truly laudable
+and great. It behoves every man to exert a good
+share of industry towards the advancement of his
+interest, or, if he pleases, of his reputation. But
+then it is highly necessary that he does this with
+a true regard to his own capacity, and without
+any danger of exposing or embarrassing himself
+in the operation.</p>
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_218" id="Page_218">[218]</a></span></p>
+<h2>FABLE XCII.</h2>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 450px;">
+<img src="images/i_231.jpg" width="450" height="336" alt="THE LION, THE ASS, AND THE FOX." title="THE LION, THE ASS, AND THE FOX." />
+<span class="caption">THE LION, THE ASS, AND THE FOX.</span>
+</div>
+
+
+<p>The Lion, the Ass, and the Fox went a hunting
+together in the forest; and it was agreed, that
+whatever was taken should be divided amongst
+them. They happened to have very good sport,
+and caught a large fat Stag, which the Lion
+ordered the Ass to divide. The Ass, according
+to the best of his capacity, did so, and made three
+pretty equal shares. But such levelling doings
+not suiting at all with the craving temper of the
+greedy Lion, without farther delay he flew upon
+the Ass, and tore him in pieces; and then bid
+the Fox divide it into two parts. Reynard, who
+seldom wanted a prompter, however, had his cue
+given him sufficiently upon this occasion; and
+so nibbling off one little bit for himself, he laid
+forth all the rest for the Lion's portion. The<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_219" id="Page_219">[219]</a></span>
+royal brute was so delighted at this dutiful and
+handsome proof of his respect, that he could not
+forbear expressing the satisfaction it gave him;
+and asked him withal, where he could possibly
+have learned so proper and so courtly a behaviour?&mdash;'Why,'
+replies Reynard, 'to tell your
+majesty the truth, I was taught it by the Ass that
+lies dead there.'</p>
+
+
+<p class="center">APPLICATION.</p>
+
+<p>We may learn a great deal of useful experience
+from the examples of other people, if we will but
+take the pains to observe them. And, besides
+the profit of the instructions, there is no small
+pleasure in being taught any proper science at the
+expense of somebody else. To this purpose, the
+history of former times, as well as the transactions
+of the present, are very well adapted; and so
+copious, as to be able to furnish us with precedents
+upon almost every occasion. The rock upon
+which another has split is a kind of light-house or
+beacon to warn us from the like calamity; and
+by taking such an advantage, how easily may we
+steer a safe course! He that, in any negociation
+with his betters, does not well and wisely consider
+how to behave himself, so as not to give offence,
+may very likely come off as the Ass did: but a
+cool thinking man, though he should despair of
+ever making friends of the people in power, will
+be cautious and prudent enough to do nothing
+which may provoke them to be his enemies.</p>
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_220" id="Page_220">[220]</a></span></p>
+<h2>FABLE XCIII.</h2>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 450px;">
+<img src="images/i_233.jpg" width="450" height="326" alt="THE FOX AND THE GRAPES." title="THE FOX AND THE GRAPES." />
+<span class="caption">THE FOX AND THE GRAPES.</span>
+</div>
+
+
+<p>A Fox, very hungry, chanced to come into a
+vineyard, where there hung branches of charming
+ripe grapes; but nailed up to a trellis so high,
+that he leaped till he quite tired himself, without
+being able to reach one of them. At last&mdash;'Let
+who will take them!' says he, 'they are but green
+and sour; so I will even let them alone.'</p>
+
+
+<p class="center">APPLICATION.</p>
+
+<p>This fable is a good reprimand to a parcel of
+vain coxcombs in the world, who, because they
+would never be thought to be disappointed in any
+of their pursuits, pretend a dislike to every thing
+which they cannot obtain. There is a strange
+propensity in mankind to this temper, and there
+are numbers of grumbling malcontents in every<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_221" id="Page_221">[221]</a></span>
+different faculty and sect in life. The discarded
+statesman, considering the corruption of the times,
+would not have any hand in the administration
+of affairs for all the world. The country squire
+damns a court life, and would not go cringing and
+creeping to a drawing-room for the best place the
+king has at his disposal. A young fellow, being
+asked how he liked a celebrated beauty, by whom
+all the world knew he was despised, answered,
+she had a stinking breath. How insufferable is
+the pride of this poor creature man! who would
+stoop to the basest vilest actions, rather than be
+thought not able to do any thing. For what is
+more base and vile than lying? And when do we
+lie more notoriously than when we disparage and
+find fault with a thing, for no other reason but
+because it is out of our power?</p>
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_222" id="Page_222">[222]</a></span></p>
+<h2>FABLE XCIV.</h2>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 450px;">
+<img src="images/i_235.jpg" width="450" height="331" alt="THE HORSE AND THE STAG." title="THE HORSE AND THE STAG." />
+<span class="caption">THE HORSE AND THE STAG.</span>
+</div>
+
+
+<p>The Stag with his sharp horns, got the better
+of the Horse, and drove him clear out of the
+pasture where they used to feed together. So
+the latter craved the assistance of man; and, in
+order to receive the benefit of it, suffered him
+to put a bridle into his mouth and a saddle upon
+his back. By this way of proceeding he entirely
+defeated his enemy; but was mightily disappointed
+when, upon returning thanks, and desiring
+to be dismissed, he received this answer:&mdash;'No,
+I never knew before how useful a drudge
+you were; now I have found what you are good
+for, you may depend upon it I will keep you
+to it.'</p>
+
+
+<p class="center">APPLICATION.</p>
+
+<p>As the foregoing fable was intended to caution
+us against consenting to any thing that might<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_223" id="Page_223">[223]</a></span>
+prejudice public liberty, this may serve to keep
+us upon our guard in the preservation of that
+which is of a private nature. This is the use
+and interpretation given of it by Horace, the
+best and most polite philosopher that ever wrote.
+After reciting the fable, he applies it thus:&mdash;'This,'
+says he, 'is the case of him, who dreading
+poverty, parts with that invaluable jewel,
+liberty; like a wretch as he is, he will always be
+subject to a tyrant of some sort or other, and be
+a slave for ever; because his avaricious spirit
+knew not how to be contented with that moderate
+competency, which he might have possessed
+independent of all the world.'</p>
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_224" id="Page_224">[224]</a></span></p>
+<h2>FABLE XCV.</h2>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 450px;">
+<img src="images/i_237.jpg" width="450" height="333" alt="THE YOUNG MAN AND THE SWALLOW." title="THE YOUNG MAN AND THE SWALLOW." />
+<span class="caption">THE YOUNG MAN AND THE SWALLOW.</span>
+</div>
+
+
+<p>A prodigal Young Spendthrift, who had
+wasted his whole patrimony in taverns and gaming-houses,
+among lewd idle company, was taking
+a melancholy walk near a brook. It was in the
+month of January; and happened to be one of
+those warm sunshiny days which sometimes smile
+upon us even in that winterly season of the year;
+and, to make it the more flattering, a Swallow,
+which had made his appearance, by mistake, too
+soon, flew skimming along upon the surface of
+the water. The giddy Youth observing this,
+without any further consideration, concluded that
+summer was now come, and that he should have
+little or no occasion for clothes, so went and
+pawned them at the broker's, and ventured the
+money for one stake more, among his sharping<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_225" id="Page_225">[225]</a></span>
+companions. When this too was gone the same
+way with the rest, he took another solitary walk
+in the same place as before. But the weather
+being severe and frosty, had made every thing
+look with an aspect very different from what it
+did before; the brook was quite frozen over, and
+the poor Swallow lay dead upon the bank of it:
+the very sight of which cooled the young Spark's
+brains; and coming to a kind of sense of his
+misery, he reproached the deceased bird as the
+author of all his misfortunes:&mdash;'Ah, wretch that
+thou wert!' says he, 'thou hast undone both thyself
+and me, who was so credulous as to depend
+upon thee.'</p>
+
+
+<p class="center">APPLICATION.</p>
+
+<p>They who frequent taverns and gaming-houses,
+and keep bad company, should not wonder if
+they are reduced, in a very small time, to penury
+and want. The wretched young fellows, who
+once addict themselves to such a scandalous kind
+of life, scarce think of, or attend to, any one thing
+besides. They seem to have nothing else in their
+heads, but how they may squander what they have
+got, and where they may get more when that is
+gone. They do not make the same use of their
+reason that other people do; but, like the jaundiced
+eye, view every thing in that false light in
+which their distemper and debauchery represent
+it. The Young Man in the fable gives us a pretty
+example of this; he sees a Swallow in the midst
+of winter, and instead of being surprised at it,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_226" id="Page_226">[226]</a></span>
+as a very irregular and extraordinary thing, concludes
+from thence that it is summer, as if he had
+never thought before about the season. Well,
+the result of this wise conclusion is of a piece
+with the conclusion itself; if it is summer, he
+shall not want so many clothes, therefore he sells
+them: for what?&mdash;More money to squander away;
+as if (had his observation been just) summer
+would have lasted all the year round. But the
+true result and conclusion of all this is&mdash;when
+both his money and clothes are irrecoverably
+gone, he comes to his right senses; is ready to
+perish with hunger, to starve with cold, and to
+tear his own flesh with remorse and vexation at
+his former stupidity.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_227" id="Page_227">[227]</a></span></p>
+<h2>FABLE XCVI.</h2>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 450px;">
+<img src="images/i_240.jpg" width="450" height="368" alt="THE MAN AND HIS GOOSE." title="THE MAN AND HIS GOOSE." />
+<span class="caption">THE MAN AND HIS GOOSE.</span>
+</div>
+
+
+<p>A certain Man had a Goose, which laid him
+a golden egg every day. But, not contented
+with this, which rather increased than abated his
+avarice, he was resolved to kill the Goose, and
+cut up her belly, that so he might come at the
+inexhaustible treasure which he fancied she had
+within her. He did so; and, to his great sorrow
+and disappointment, found nothing.</p>
+
+
+<p class="center">APPLICATION.</p>
+
+<p>They who are of such craving impatient tempers,
+that they cannot live contented when fortune
+has blessed them with a constant and continued
+sufficiency, deserve even to be deprived of what
+they have. And this has been the case of many<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_228" id="Page_228">[228]</a></span>
+ambitious and covetous men, who, by making an
+essay to grow very rich at once, have missed
+what they aimed at, and lost what they had before.
+But this comes so near the sense of the forty-seventh
+fable, that the same application may
+very well serve for both. If any thing further can
+be couched in this, it may possibly be intended to
+show us the unreasonableness and inconvenience
+of being solicitous about what may happen hereafter,
+and wanting to pry into the womb of
+futurity: which if we could do, all we should get
+for our pains would be, to spoil our pleasures by
+anticipation, and double our misfortunes by a
+previous sense and apprehension of them. There
+are some things that entertain and delight us very
+agreeably while we view them at a proper distance;
+which, perhaps, would not stand the test
+of a too near inspection. Beauty, being only the
+external form of a thing which strikes the eye in
+a pleasing manner, is a very thin glossy being,
+and, like some nice paintings of a peculiar composition,
+will not well bear even to be breathed
+on: to preserve our good opinion of it, we must
+not approach too close; for if, like the man in
+the fable, we have a mind to search for a treasure
+within, we may not only fail of our expectations
+there, but even lose the constant relish we
+enjoyed from a remoter contemplation.</p>
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_229" id="Page_229">[229]</a></span></p>
+<h2>FABLE XCVII.</h2>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 450px;">
+<img src="images/i_242.jpg" width="450" height="368" alt="THE DOG AND THE WOLF." title="THE DOG AND THE WOLF." />
+<span class="caption">THE DOG AND THE WOLF.</span>
+</div>
+
+
+<p>A lean, hungry, half-starved Wolf, happened,
+one moonshiny night, to meet with a jolly,
+plump, well-fed mastiff; and, after the first compliments
+were passed, says the Wolf&mdash;'You
+look extremely well; I protest, I think, I never
+saw a more graceful comely person. But how
+comes it about, I beseech you, that you should
+live so much better than I? I may say, without
+vanity, that I venture fifty times more than you
+do; and yet I am almost ready to perish with
+hunger.'&mdash;The Dog answered very bluntly&mdash;'Why
+you may live as well, if you will do the
+same for it that I do.'&mdash;'Indeed! What is that?'
+says he.&mdash;'Why,' says the Dog, 'only to guard
+the house a nights, and keep it from thieves.'&mdash;'With<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_230" id="Page_230">[230]</a></span>
+all my heart,' replies the Wolf, 'for at
+present I have but a sorry time of it; and, I think,
+to change my hard lodging in the woods, where
+I endure rain, frost, and snow, for a warm roof
+over my head, and a belly full of good victuals,
+will be no bad bargain.'&mdash;'True,' says the Dog;
+'therefore you have nothing more to do but to
+follow me.' Now, as they were jogging on together,
+the Wolf spied a crease in the Dog's neck,
+and, having a strange curiosity, could not forbear
+asking him what it meant.&mdash;'Pugh! nothing,'
+says the Dog. 'Nay, but pray,'&mdash;says the Wolf.
+'Why,' says the Dog, 'if you must know, I
+am tied up in the day-time, because I am a
+little fierce, for fear I should bite people, and
+am only let loose a nights. But this is done
+with design to make me sleep a days, more than
+any thing else, and that I may watch the better
+in the night-time; for, as soon as ever the twilight
+appears, out I am turned, and may go where
+I please. Then my master brings me plates of
+bones from the table with his own hands, and
+whatever scraps are left by any of the family, all
+fall to my share; for you must know I am a
+favourite with every body. So you see how you
+are to live.&mdash;Come, come along; what is the
+matter with you?'&mdash;'No,' replied the Wolf, 'I
+beg your pardon; keep your happiness all to
+yourself. Liberty is the word with me; and I
+would not be a king upon the terms you mention.'</p>
+
+<p class="center"><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_231" id="Page_231">[231]</a></span>APPLICATION.</p>
+
+<p>The lowest condition of life, with freedom
+attending it, is better than the most exalted station
+under a restraint. �sop and Ph�drus, who
+had both felt the bitter effects of slavery, though
+the latter of them had the good fortune to have
+the mildest prince that ever was for his master,
+cannot forbear taking all opportunities to express
+their great abhorrence of servitude, and their
+passion for liberty, upon any terms whatsoever.
+Indeed, a state of slavery, with whatever seeming
+grandeur and happiness it may be attended, is
+yet so precarious a thing, that he must want sense,
+honour, courage, and all manner of virtue, who
+can endure to prefer it in his choice. A man
+who has so little honour as to bear to be a slave,
+when it is in his power to prevent or redress it,
+would make no scruple to cut the throats of his
+fellow creatures, or to do any wickedness that the
+wanton unbridled will of his tyrannical master
+could suggest.</p>
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_232" id="Page_232">[232]</a></span></p>
+<h2>FABLE XCVIII.</h2>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 450px;">
+<img src="images/i_245.jpg" width="450" height="330" alt="THE WOOD AND THE CLOWN." title="THE WOOD AND THE CLOWN." />
+<span class="caption">THE WOOD AND THE CLOWN.</span>
+</div>
+
+
+<p>A country Fellow came one day into the
+Wood, and looked about him with some concern;
+upon which the Trees, with a curiosity natural
+to some other creatures, asked him what he
+wanted.&mdash;He replied&mdash;'That he only wanted a
+piece of wood to make a handle to his hatchet.'
+Since that was all, it was voted unanimously, that
+he should have a piece of good, sound, tough ash.
+But he had no sooner received and fitted it for
+his purpose, than he began to lay about him
+unmercifully, and to hack and hew without distinction,
+felling the noblest trees in all the forest.
+Then the Oak is said to have spoke thus to the
+Beech in a low whisper,&mdash;'Brother, we must
+take it for our pains.'</p>
+
+
+<p class="center">APPLICATION.</p>
+
+<p>No people are more justly liable to suffer than
+they who furnish their enemies with any kind<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_233" id="Page_233">[233]</a></span>
+of assistance. It is generous to forgive; it is
+enjoined us by religion to love our enemies; but
+he that trusts an enemy, much more contributes
+to the strengthening and arming of him, may
+almost depend upon repenting him for his inadvertent
+benevolence; and has, moreover, this to
+add to his distress, that, when he might have
+prevented it, he brought his misfortune upon
+himself by his own credulity.</p>
+
+<p>Any person in a community, by what name or
+title soever distinguished, who affects a power
+which may possibly hurt the people, is an enemy
+to that people, and therefore they ought not to
+trust him: for though he were ever so fully
+determined not to abuse such a power, yet he is
+so far a bad man, as he disturbs the people's
+quiet, and makes them jealous and uneasy by
+desiring to have it, or even retaining it, when it
+may prove mischievous. If we consult history,
+we shall find that the thing called Prerogative
+has been claimed and contended for chiefly by
+those who never intended to make a good use of
+it; and as readily resigned and thrown up by just
+and wise princes, who had the true interest of
+their people at heart. How like senseless stocks
+do they act, who, by complimenting some capricious
+mortal, from time to time, with parcels of
+prerogative, at last put it out of their power to
+defend and maintain themselves in their just and
+natural liberty!</p>
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_234" id="Page_234">[234]</a></span></p>
+<h2>FABLE XCIX.</h2>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 450px;">
+<img src="images/i_247.jpg" width="450" height="336" alt="THE OLD LION." title="THE OLD LION." />
+<span class="caption">THE OLD LION.</span>
+</div>
+
+
+<p>A Lion, worn out with old age, lay fetching his
+last gasp, and agonizing in the convulsive struggles
+of death. Upon which occasion several of
+the beasts, who had formerly been sufferers by
+him, came and revenged themselves upon him.
+The Boar, with his mighty tusks, drove at him
+in a stroke that glanced like lightning. And the
+Bull gored him with his violent horns. Which,
+when the Ass saw they might do without any
+danger, he too came up, and threw his heels into
+the Lion's face. Upon which, the poor old expiring
+tyrant uttered these words with his last
+dying groan:&mdash;'Alas! how grievous is it to suffer
+insults, even from the brave and the valiant;
+but to be spurned by so base a creature as this is,
+who is the disgrace of Nature, is worse than
+dying ten thousand deaths.'</p>
+
+
+<p class="center"><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_235" id="Page_235">[235]</a></span>APPLICATION.</p>
+
+<p>He that would be reverenced and respected by
+the rest of mankind, must lay in a foundation for
+it of some kind or other; for people cannot be
+persuaded to pay deference and esteem for
+nothing. So that, though we have lived in good
+repute in the world, if ever we should happen to
+outlive our stock, we must not be surprised to
+find ourselves slighted and affronted, even by the
+vilest scum of the people. If therefore we would
+raise to ourselves a dignity that will continue not
+only to the end of our lives, but extend itself far
+down among the ages of posterity, we should take
+care to establish it upon a foundation of virtue
+and good-nature: this will not only preserve us
+from the insults of enemies, but, upon occasion,
+surround us with a trusty guard of faithful and
+sincere friends.</p>
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_236" id="Page_236">[236]</a></span></p>
+<h2>FABLE C.</h2>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 450px;">
+<img src="images/i_249.jpg" width="450" height="321" alt="THE HORSE AND THE LOADED ASS." title="THE HORSE AND THE LOADED ASS." />
+<span class="caption">THE HORSE AND THE LOADED ASS.</span>
+</div>
+
+
+<p>An idle Horse, and an Ass labouring under a
+heavy burden, were travelling the road together;
+they both belonged to a country fellow, who
+trudged it on foot by them. The Ass, ready to
+faint under his heavy load, entreated the Horse
+to assist him, and lighten his burden, by taking
+some of it upon his back. The Horse was ill-natured,
+and refused to do it; upon which the
+poor Ass tumbled down in the midst of the highway,
+and expired in an instant. The countryman
+ungirted his pack-saddle, and tried several ways
+to relieve him, but all to no purpose: which,
+when he perceived, he took the whole burden
+and laid it upon the Horse, together with the
+skin of the dead Ass: so that the Horse, by his
+moroseness in refusing to do a small kindness,
+justly brought upon himself a great inconvenience.</p>
+
+
+<p class="center">APPLICATION.</p>
+
+<p>Self-love is no such ill principle, if it were but<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_237" id="Page_237">[237]</a></span>
+well and truly directed; for it is impossible that
+any man should love himself to any purpose, who
+withdraws his assistance from his friends or the
+public. Every government is to be considered
+as a body politic; and every man who lives in it
+as a member of that body. Now, to carry on the
+allegory, no member can thrive better than when
+they all jointly unite in their endeavours to assist
+and improve the whole. If the hand was to
+refuse its assistance in procuring food for the
+mouth, they must both starve and perish together.
+And when those, who are parties concerned in
+the same community, deny such assistance to
+each other, as the preservation of that community
+necessarily requires, their self-interestedness, in
+that case, is ill-directed, and will have a quite
+contrary effect from what they intended. How
+many people are so senseless as to think it hard
+that there should be any taxes in the nation;
+whereas, were there to be none indeed, those
+very people would be undone immediately. That
+little property they have would be presently
+plundered by foreign or domestic enemies; and
+then they would be glad to contribute their quota,
+even without an act of parliament. The charges
+of supporting a government are necessary things,
+and easily supplied by a due and well proportioned
+contribution. But, in a narrower and
+more confined view, to be ready to assist our
+friends upon all occasions, is not only good, as
+it is an act of humanity, but highly discreet, as
+it strengthens our interest, and gives us an
+opportunity of lightening the burden of life.</p>
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_238" id="Page_238">[238]</a></span></p>
+<h2>FABLE CI.</h2>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 450px;">
+<img src="images/i_251.jpg" width="450" height="331" alt="THE OLD MAN AND DEATH." title="THE OLD MAN AND DEATH." />
+<span class="caption">THE OLD MAN AND DEATH.</span>
+</div>
+
+
+<p>A poor feeble old man who had crawled out
+into a neighbouring wood to gather a few sticks,
+had made up his bundle, and, laying it over his
+shoulders was trudging homeward with it; but,
+what with age, and the length of the way, and
+the weight of his burden, he grew so faint and
+weak that he sunk under it: and, as he sat on
+the ground, called upon Death to come, once
+for all, and ease him of his troubles. Death no
+sooner heard him, but he came and demanded of
+him what he wanted. The poor old creature,
+who little thought Death had been so near,
+and frighted almost out of his senses with his
+terrible aspect, answered him trembling, that
+having by chance let his bundle of sticks fall,
+and being too infirm to get it up himself, he had
+made bold to call upon him to help him: that,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_239" id="Page_239">[239]</a></span>
+indeed, this was all he wanted at present; and
+that he hoped his worship was not offended with
+him for the liberty he had taken in so doing.</p>
+
+
+<p class="center">APPLICATION.</p>
+
+<p>This fable gives us a lively representation of
+the general behaviour of mankind towards that
+grim king of terrors, Death. Such liberties do
+they take with him behind his back, that, upon
+every little cross accident which happens in their
+way, Death is immediately called upon; and
+they even wish it might be lawful for them to
+finish by their own hands a life so odious, so
+perpetually tormenting and vexatious. When,
+let but Death only offer to make his appearance,
+and the very sense of his near approach almost
+does the business. Oh, then all they want is a
+little longer life; and they would be glad to come
+off so well as to have their old burden laid upon
+their shoulders again. One may well conclude
+what an utter aversion they, who are in youth,
+health, and vigour of body, have to dying, when
+age, poverty, and wretchedness, are not sufficient
+to reconcile us to the thought.</p>
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_240" id="Page_240">[240]</a></span></p>
+<h2>FABLE CII.</h2>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 450px;">
+<img src="images/i_253.jpg" width="450" height="326" alt="THE BOAR AND THE ASS." title="THE BOAR AND THE ASS." />
+<span class="caption">THE BOAR AND THE ASS.</span>
+</div>
+
+
+<p>A little scoundrel of an Ass, happening to
+meet with a Boar, had a mind to be arch upon
+him,&mdash;'And so, brother,' says he, 'your humble
+servant.' The Boar, somewhat nettled at his
+familiarity, bristled up to him, and told him, he
+was surprised to hear him utter so impudent an
+untruth, and was just going to show his noble
+resentment, by giving him a rip in the flank; but
+wisely stifling his passion, he contented himself
+with only saying&mdash;'Go, you sorry beast! I could
+be amply and easily revenged of you; but I do
+not care to foul my tusks with the blood of so
+base a creature.'</p>
+
+
+<p class="center">APPLICATION.</p>
+
+<p>Fools are sometimes so ambitious of being
+thought wits, that they run great hazards in<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_241" id="Page_241">[241]</a></span>
+attempting to show themselves such. This is
+not the first Ass, who, after a handsome rebuke
+from one superior to himself both in courage and
+merit, has continued his awkward raillery even
+to the last degree of offence. But such a dull
+creature is so far from raising himself the least
+esteem by his ludicrous vein, that he has very
+good luck if he escapes with a whole skin.
+Buffoons, like dwarfs, should be matched with
+those of their own level; a man, in sense or
+stature, would be ashamed to encounter either
+of them. But notwithstanding all this, and
+though the Boar in the fable is a very good
+example to men of generous brave spirits not to
+give themselves up to passion, nor to be distempered
+with thoughts of revenge upon the
+insolent behaviour of every Ass that offends
+them, because their hands would be dishonoured
+by the tincture of a base man's blood; yet among
+human creatures, the correction of an Ass that
+would be unseasonably witty, may be performed
+with justness and propriety enough, provided
+it be done in good humour. The blood of a
+coward, literally speaking, would stain the character
+of a man of honour; when we chastise
+such wretches, it should be done, if possible, in
+the utmost calmness of temper. It takes off
+something from the reputation of a great soul,
+when we see it is in the power of a fool to ruffle
+and unsettle it.</p>
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_242" id="Page_242">[242]</a></span></p>
+<h2>FABLE CIII.</h2>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 450px;">
+<img src="images/i_255.jpg" width="450" height="338" alt="THE TUNNY AND THE DOLPHIN." title="THE TUNNY AND THE DOLPHIN." />
+<span class="caption">THE TUNNY AND THE DOLPHIN.</span>
+</div>
+
+
+<p>A fish called a Tunny being pursued by a
+Dolphin, and driven with great violence, not
+minding which way he went, was thrown by the
+force of the waves upon a rock, and left there.
+His death now was inevitable; but, casting his
+eyes on one side, and seeing the Dolphin in the
+same condition lay gasping by him.&mdash;'Well,'
+says he, 'I must die, it is true; but I die with
+pleasure, when I behold him who is the cause of
+it involved in the same fate.'</p>
+
+
+<p class="center">APPLICATION.</p>
+
+<p>Revenge though a blind mischievous passion,
+is yet a very sweet thing: so sweet, that it can
+even soothe the pangs and reconcile us to the
+bitterness of death. And, indeed, it must be a<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_243" id="Page_243">[243]</a></span>
+temper highly philosophical, that could be driven
+out of life by any tyrannical unjust procedure,
+and not be touched with a sense of pleasure to
+see the author of it splitting upon the same rock.
+When this is allowed, and it is further considered
+how easily the revenge of the meanest person
+may be executed even upon the highest, it should,
+methinks, keep people upon their guard, and
+prevail with them not to persecute or be injurious
+to any one. The moral turpitude of doing wrong
+is sufficient to influence every brave honest man,
+and to secure him from harbouring even the least
+thought of it in his breast: but the knave and
+the coward should weigh the present argument,
+and, before they attempt the least injury, be
+assured of this truth, that nothing is more sweet,
+nor scarce any thing so easy to compass, as
+revenge.</p>
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_244" id="Page_244">[244]</a></span></p>
+<h2>FABLE CIV.</h2>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 450px;">
+<img src="images/i_257.jpg" width="450" height="338" alt="THE PEACOCK AND THE MAGPIE." title="THE PEACOCK AND THE MAGPIE." />
+<span class="caption">THE PEACOCK AND THE MAGPIE.</span>
+</div>
+
+
+<p>The birds met together upon a time to choose
+a king; and the Peacock standing candidate,
+displayed his gaudy plumes, and catched the
+eyes of the silly multitude with the richness of
+his feathers. The majority declared for him,
+and clapped their wings with great applause:
+but just as they were going to proclaim him,
+the Magpie stepped forth in the midst of the
+assembly, and addressed himself thus to the new
+king&mdash;'May it please your majesty elect, to
+permit one of your unworthy subjects to represent
+to you his suspicions and apprehensions, in
+the face of this whole congregation: we have
+chosen you for our king, we have put our lives
+and fortunes into your hands, and our whole
+hope and dependence is upon you; if therefore,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_245" id="Page_245">[245]</a></span>
+the Eagle, or the Vulture, or the Kite, should at
+any time make a descent upon us, as it is highly
+probable they will, may your majesty be so gracious
+as to dispel our fears, and clear our doubts,
+about that matter, by letting us know how you
+intend to defend us against them?'&mdash;This pithy
+unanswerable question drew the whole audience
+into so just a reflection, that they soon resolved
+to proceed to a new choice. But, from that
+time, the Peacock has been looked upon as a
+vain insignificant pretender, and the Magpie
+esteemed as eminent a speaker as any among the
+whole community of birds.</p>
+
+
+<p class="center">APPLICATION.</p>
+
+<p>Form and outside, in the choice of a ruler,
+should not be so much regarded as the qualities
+and endowments of the mind. In choosing heads
+of corporations, from the king of the land down
+to the master of a company, upon every new
+election it should be inquired into, which of the
+candidates is most capable of advancing the good
+and welfare of the community; and upon him
+the choice should fall. But the eyes of the
+multitude are so dazzled with pomp and show,
+noise and ceremony, that they cannot see things
+really as they are: and from hence it comes to
+pass, that so many absurdities are committed and
+maintained in the world. People should examine
+and weigh the real weight and merit of the
+person, and not be imposed upon by false colours
+and pretences of I know not what.</p>
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_246" id="Page_246">[246]</a></span></p>
+<h2>FABLE CV.</h2>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 450px;">
+<img src="images/i_259.jpg" width="450" height="349" alt="THE FORESTER AND THE LION." title="THE FORESTER AND THE LION." />
+<span class="caption">THE FORESTER AND THE LION.</span>
+</div>
+
+
+<p>The Forester meeting with a Lion one day, they
+discoursed together for awhile without differing
+much in opinion. At last, a dispute happening
+to arise about the superiority between a Man
+and a Lion, the Man, wanting a better argument,
+showed the Lion a marble monument, on which
+was placed the statue of a man striding over a
+vanquished Lion.&mdash;'If this,' says the Lion, 'is
+all you have to say for it, let us be the carvers,
+and we will make the Lion striding over the
+Man.'</p>
+
+
+<p class="center">APPLICATION.</p>
+
+<p>Contending parties are very apt to appeal for
+the truth to records written by their own side;
+but nothing is more unfair, and at the same time
+insignificant and unconvincing. Such is the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_247" id="Page_247">[247]</a></span>
+partiality of mankind in favour of themselves
+and their own actions, that it is almost impossible
+to come at any certainty by reading the accounts
+which are written on one side only. We have
+few or no memoirs come down to us of what was
+transacted in the world during the sovereignty of
+ancient Rome, but what were written by those
+who had a dependency upon it; therefore it is
+no wonder that they appear, upon most occasions,
+to have been so great and glorious a nation.
+What their contemporaries of other countries
+thought of them we cannot tell, otherwise than
+from their own writers: it is not impossible but
+they might have described them as a barbarous,
+rapacious, treacherous, unpolite people; who,
+upon their conquest of Greece, for some time,
+made as great havoc and destruction of the arts
+and sciences, as their fellow plunderers, the
+Goths and Vandals, did afterwards in Italy.
+What monsters would our own party-zealots
+make of each other, if the transactions of the
+times were to be handed down to posterity by
+a warm hearty man on either side! and, were
+such records to survive two or three centuries,
+with what perplexities and difficulties must they
+embarrass a young historian, as by turns he
+consulted them for the characters of his great
+forefathers! If it should so happen, it were to
+be wished this application might be living at
+the same time that young readers, instead of
+doubting to which they should give their credit,
+would not fail to remember that this was the
+work of a man, that of a lion.</p>
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_248" id="Page_248">[248]</a></span></p>
+<h2>FABLE CVI.</h2>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 450px;">
+<img src="images/i_261.jpg" width="450" height="257" alt="THE STAG LOOKING INTO THE WATER." title="THE STAG LOOKING INTO THE WATER." />
+<span class="caption">THE STAG LOOKING INTO THE WATER.</span>
+</div>
+
+
+<p>A Stag that had been drinking at a clear spring,
+saw himself in the water: and, pleased with the
+prospect, stood afterwards for some time contemplating
+and surveying his shape and features
+from head to foot.&mdash;'Ah!' says he, 'what a
+glorious pair of branching horns are there! how
+gracefully do those antlers hang over my forehead,
+and give an agreeable turn to my whole
+face! If some other parts of my body were but
+proportionable to them, I would turn my back to
+nobody; but I have a set of such legs as really
+makes me ashamed to see them. People may
+talk what they please of their conveniencies, and
+what great need we stand in of them upon several
+occasions; but, for my part, I find them so very
+slender and unsightly, that I had as lief have none
+at all.' While he was giving himself these airs,
+he was alarmed with the noise of some huntsmen,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_249" id="Page_249">[249]</a></span>
+and a pack of hounds that had been just laid on
+upon the scent, and were making towards him.
+Away he flies, in some consternation, and, bounding
+nimbly over the plain, threw dogs and men
+at a vast distance behind him. After which,
+taking a very thick copse, he had the ill-fortune
+to be entangled by his horns in a thicket; where
+he was held fast till the hounds came in and
+pulled him down. Finding now how it was like
+to go with him, in the pangs of death he is said to
+have uttered these words:&mdash;'Unhappy creature
+that I am! I am too late convinced, that what I
+prided myself in has been the cause of my undoing,
+and what I so much disliked was the only
+thing that could have saved me.'</p>
+
+
+<p class="center">APPLICATION.</p>
+
+<p>Perhaps we cannot apply this better than by
+supposing the fable to be a parable! which may
+be thus explained. The Deer, viewing itself in
+the water, is a beautiful young lady at her looking-glass.
+She cannot help being sensible of the
+charms which lie blooming in every feature of her
+face. She moistens her lips, languishes with her
+eyes, adjusts every lock of her hair with the nicest
+exactness, gives an agreeable attitude to her whole
+body; and then, with a soft sigh, says to herself,&mdash;'Ah!
+how happy might I be, in a daily crowd
+of admirers, if it were not for the censoriousness
+of the age! when I view that face, where Nature,
+to give her her due, has been liberal enough of
+charms, how easy should I be, if it were not for<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_250" id="Page_250">[250]</a></span>
+that slender particular, my honour. The odious
+idea of that comes across all my happy moments,
+and brings a mortification with it that damps my
+most flattering tender hopes. Oh! that there
+were no such thing in the world!'&mdash;In the midst
+of these soliloquies she is interrupted by the
+voice of her lover, who enters her chamber singing
+a rigadoon air; and, introducing his discourse
+in a familiar easy manner, takes occasion
+to launch out in praise of her beauty; sees she
+is pleased with it, snatches her hand, kisses it in
+a transport; and, in short, pursues his point so
+close, that she is not able to disengage herself
+from him. But, when the consequence of all
+this approaches, in an agony of grief and shame,
+she fetches a deep sigh and says&mdash;'Ah! how
+mistaken have I been! the virtue I slighted might
+have saved me; but the beauty I prized so much
+has been my undoing.'</p>
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_251" id="Page_251">[251]</a></span></p>
+<h2>FABLE CVII.</h2>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 450px;">
+<img src="images/i_264.jpg" width="450" height="332" alt="THE STAG AND THE OX-STALL." title="THE STAG AND THE OX-STALL." />
+<span class="caption">THE STAG AND THE OX-STALL.</span>
+</div>
+
+
+<p>A Stag, roused out of his thick cover in the
+midst of the forest, and driven hard by the
+hounds, made towards a farm-house, and seeing
+the door of an Ox-Stall open, entered therein,
+and hid himself under a heap of straw. One of
+the Oxen, turning his head about, asked him
+what he meant by venturing himself in such a
+place as that was, where he was sure to meet
+with his doom?&mdash;'Ah!' says the Stag, 'if you
+will but be so good as to favour me with your
+concealment, I hope I shall do well enough; I
+intend to make off again the first opportunity.'&mdash;Well,
+he staid there till towards night; in
+came the ox-man with a bundle of fodder, and
+never saw him. In short, all the servants of the
+farm came and went, and not a soul of them smelt<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_252" id="Page_252">[252]</a></span>
+any thing of the matter. Nay, the bailiff himself
+came according to form, and looked in, but
+walked away no wiser than the rest. Upon this
+the Stag, ready to jump out of his skin for joy,
+began to return thanks to the good-natured
+Oxen, protesting that they were the most obliging
+people he had ever met with in his life. After he
+had done his compliments, one of them answered
+him gravely&mdash;'Indeed, we desire nothing more
+than to have it in our power to contribute to
+your escape; but there is a certain person, you
+little think of, who has a hundred eyes; if he
+should happen to come, I would not give this
+straw for your life.'&mdash;In the interim, home comes
+the master himself, from a neighbour's, where he
+had been invited to dinner; and, because he had
+observed the cattle to look but scurvily of late,
+he went up to the rack, and asked, why they did
+not give them more fodder? then, casting his
+eyes downward,&mdash;'Hey-day!' says he, 'why so
+sparing of your litter? pray scatter a little more
+here. And these cobwebs&mdash;but I have spoke so
+often, that unless I do it myself&mdash;' Thus, as he
+went on, prying into every thing, he chanced to
+look where the Stag's horns lay sticking out of
+the straw; upon which he raised a hue-and-cry,
+called all his people about him, killed the poor
+Stag, and made a prize of him.</p>
+
+
+<p class="center">APPLICATION.</p>
+
+<p>The moral of this fable is, that nobody looks
+after a man's affairs so well as he himself. Servants,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_253" id="Page_253">[253]</a></span>
+being but hirelings, seldom have the true
+interest of their master at heart, but let things
+run on in a negligent constant disorder; and this,
+generally, not so much for want of capacity as
+honesty. Their heads are taken up with the cultivation
+of their own private interest; for the service
+and promotion of which that of their master
+is postponed, and often entirely neglected.</p>
+
+<p>Few families are reduced to poverty and distress
+merely by their own extravagance and indulgence
+in luxury: the inattention of servants swells
+every article of expense in domestic &oelig;conomy;
+and the retinue of great men, instead of exerting
+their industry to conduce as far as possible to
+the increase of their master's wealth, commonly
+exercise no other office than that of locusts and
+caterpillars, to consume and devour it.</p>
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_254" id="Page_254">[254]</a></span></p>
+<h2>FABLE CVIII.</h2>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 450px;">
+<img src="images/i_267.jpg" width="450" height="332" alt="THE DOVE AND THE ANT." title="THE DOVE AND THE ANT." />
+<span class="caption">THE DOVE AND THE ANT.</span>
+</div>
+
+
+<p>The Ant, compelled by thirst, went to drink in
+a clear purling rivulet; but the current, with its
+circling eddy, snatched her away, and carried
+her down the stream. The Dove, pitying her
+distressed condition, cropped a branch from a
+neighbouring tree, and let it fall into the water,
+by means of which the Ant saved herself, and
+got ashore. Not long after, a fowler having a
+design upon the Dove, planted his nets in due
+order, without the bird's observing what he was
+about; which the Ant perceiving, just as he was
+going to put his design in execution, she bit
+him by the heel, and made him give so sudden
+a start, that the Dove took the alarm, and flew
+away.</p>
+
+
+<p class="center"><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_255" id="Page_255">[255]</a></span>APPLICATION.</p>
+
+<p>One good turn deserves another; and gratitude
+is excited by so noble and natural a spirit, that he
+ought to be looked upon as the vilest of creatures
+who has no sense of it. It is, indeed, so very just
+and equitable a thing, and so much every man's
+duty, that, to speak of it properly, one should not
+mention it as any thing meritorious, or that may
+claim praise and admiration, any more than we
+should say a man ought to be rewarded or commended
+for not killing his father, or forbearing
+to set fire to his neighbour's house. The bright
+and shining piece of morality, therefore, which
+is recommended to us in this fable, is set forth
+in this example of the Dove, who, without any
+obligation or expectation, does a voluntary office
+of charity to its fellow creature in distress. The
+constant uninterrupted practice of this virtue, is
+the only thing in which we are capable of imitating
+the great Author of our being; whose
+beloved Son, besides the many precepts he has
+given to enforce this duty, used this expression
+as a common saying, 'It is more blessed to give
+than to receive.'</p>
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_256" id="Page_256">[256]</a></span></p>
+<h2>FABLE CIX.</h2>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 450px;">
+<img src="images/i_269.jpg" width="450" height="316" alt="THE LION IN LOVE." title="THE LION IN LOVE." />
+<span class="caption">THE LION IN LOVE.</span>
+</div>
+
+
+<p>The Lion, by chance, saw a fair Maid, the
+forester's daughter, as she was tripping over a
+lawn, and fell in love with her. Nay, so violent
+was his passion, that he could not live unless he
+made her his own; so that, without any more
+delay, he broke his mind to the father, and demanded
+the damsel for his wife. The man, as
+odd as the proposal seemed at first, yet soon
+recollected, that by complying he might get the
+Lion into his power; but, by refusing him,
+should only exasperate and provoke his rage.
+Therefore he consented; but told him it must be
+upon these conditions: that, considering the girl
+was young and tender, he must agree to let his
+teeth be plucked out, and his claws cut off, lest
+he should hurt her, or at least frighten her, with
+the apprehension of them. The Lion was too<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_257" id="Page_257">[257]</a></span>
+much in love to hesitate; but was no sooner
+deprived of his teeth and claws, than the treacherous
+forester attacked him with a huge club, and
+knocked his brains out.</p>
+
+
+<p class="center">APPLICATION.</p>
+
+<p>Of all the ill consequences that may attend
+that blind passion, love, seldom any prove so
+fatal as that one, of its drawing people into a
+sudden and ill-concerted marriage. They commit
+a rash action in the midst of a fit of madness,
+of which, as soon as they come to themselves,
+they may find reason to repent as long as they
+live. Many an unthinking young fellow has been
+treated as much like a savage, in this respect, as
+the Lion in the fable. He has, perhaps, had
+nothing valuable belonging to him but his estate,
+and the writings which made his title to it; and,
+if he is so far captivated as to be persuaded to
+part with these, his teeth and his claws are gone,
+and he lies entirely at the mercy of madam and
+her relations. All the favour he is to expect, after
+this, is from the accidental goodness of the family
+he falls into; which, if it happen to be of a particular
+strain, will not fail to keep him in a distant
+subjection, after they have stripped him of all his
+power. Nothing but a true friendship, and a
+mutual interest, can keep up reciprocal love
+between the conjugal pair; and when that is
+wanting, and nothing but contempt and aversion
+remain to supply the place, matrimony becomes<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_258" id="Page_258">[258]</a></span>
+a downright state of enmity and hostility: and
+what a miserable case he must be in, who has put
+himself and his whole power into the hands of his
+enemy, let those consider, who, while they are in
+their sober senses, abhor the thoughts of being
+betrayed into their ruin, by following the impulse
+of a blind unheeding passion.</p>
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_259" id="Page_259">[259]</a></span></p>
+<h2>FABLE CX.</h2>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 450px;">
+<img src="images/i_272.jpg" width="450" height="333" alt="THE TORTOISE AND THE EAGLE." title="THE TORTOISE AND THE EAGLE." />
+<span class="caption">THE TORTOISE AND THE EAGLE.</span>
+</div>
+
+
+<p>The Tortoise, weary of his condition, by which
+he was confined to creep upon the ground, and
+being ambitious to have a prospect, and look
+about him, gave out, that if any bird would take
+him up into the air, and show him the world, he
+would reward him with a discovery of many
+precious stones, which he knew were hidden in a
+certain place of the earth: the Eagle undertook
+to do as he desired, and, when he had performed
+his commission, demanded the reward; but finding
+the Tortoise could not make good his words,
+he stuck his talons into the softer parts of his
+body, and made him a sacrifice to his revenge.</p>
+
+
+<p class="center">APPLICATION.</p>
+
+<p>As men of honour ought to consider calmly
+how far the things which they promise may be in<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_260" id="Page_260">[260]</a></span>
+their power, before they venture to make promises
+upon this account, because the non-performance
+of them will be apt to excite an uneasiness within
+themselves, and tarnish their reputation in the
+eyes of other people; so fools and cowards should
+be as little rash in this respect as possible, lest
+their impudent forgeries draw upon them the
+resentment of those whom they disappoint, and
+that resentment makes them undergo smart, but
+deserved, chastisement. The man who is so
+stupid a knave as to make a lying promise where
+he is sure to be detected, receives the punishment
+of his folly unpitied by all that know him.</p>
+
+
+<p class="center">FINIS.<br /><br /><br />
+
+
+Printed by C. WHITTINGHAM, Chiswick.</p>
+
+
+
+
+
+<div class="footnotes"><h3>FOOTNOTES:</h3>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_1_1" id="Footnote_1_1"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1_1"><span class="label">[1]</span></a> <i>Arist. Rhet.</i> Lib. ii. chap. 21.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_2_2" id="Footnote_2_2"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2_2"><span class="label">[2]</span></a> Lib. ii. fab. 9. and Lib. iii. fab. 19.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_3_3" id="Footnote_3_3"></a><a href="#FNanchor_3_3"><span class="label">[3]</span></a> <i>Ph�d.</i> Lib. i. fab. 2.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_4_4" id="Footnote_4_4"></a><a href="#FNanchor_4_4"><span class="label">[4]</span></a> Spect. No. 183.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_5_5" id="Footnote_5_5"></a><a href="#FNanchor_5_5"><span class="label">[5]</span></a> Fab. liv.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_6_6" id="Footnote_6_6"></a><a href="#FNanchor_6_6"><span class="label">[6]</span></a> Tatler, No. 147.</p></div>
+
+</div>
+
+<div class="tn">
+<h3>Transcriber's note:</h3>
+
+<p>The header "Fable I" has been added.</p>
+
+<p>Variations in spelling and hyphenation have been preserved except in
+obvious cases of typographical error.</p>
+
+</div>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 450px;">
+<img src="images/i_back_cover.jpg" width="450" height="742" alt="back cover" title="back cover" />
+</div>
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+<pre>
+
+
+
+
+
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+</pre>
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+</body>
+</html>
+
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+The Project Gutenberg EBook of AEsop's Fables, by AEsop
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+Title: AEsop's Fables
+       Embellished with One Hundred and Eleven Emblematical Devices.
+
+Author: AEsop
+
+Release Date: March 18, 2012 [EBook #39187]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ASCII
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK AESOP'S FABLES ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by Chris Curnow, Julia Neufeld and the Online
+Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (This
+file was produced from images generously made available
+by The Internet Archive)
+
+
+
+
+
+Transcriber's note: Text enclosed by underscores is in italics
+(_italics_).
+
+
+  AESOP'S FABLES.
+
+  EMBELLISHED WITH
+
+  One Hundred and Eleven
+  EMBLEMATICAL DEVICES.
+
+  [Illustration: Man reading]
+
+  Printed at the Chiswick Press,
+  BY C. WHITTINGHAM;
+
+  FOR CARPENTER AND SON, OLD BOND STREET;
+  J. BOOKER, NEW BOND STREET; SHARPE AND
+  HAILES, PICCADILLY; AND WHITTINGHAM
+  AND ARLISS, PATERNOSTER ROW.
+
+  1814.
+
+
+
+
+CONTENTS.
+
+
+  _Fable_                                       _Page_
+
+  1 The Cock and the Jewel                        1
+
+  2 The Wolf and the Lamb                         4
+
+  3 The Lion and the Four Bulls                   7
+
+  4 The Frog and the Fox                          9
+
+  5 The Ass eating Thistles                      11
+
+  6 The Lark and her Young Ones                  13
+
+  7 The Cock and the Fox                         16
+
+  8 The Fox in the Well                          19
+
+  9 The Wolves and the Sheep                     21
+
+  10 The Eagle and the Fox                       23
+
+  11 The Wolf in Sheep's Clothing                26
+
+  12 The Fowler and the Ring-Dove                28
+
+  13 The Sow and the Wolf                        30
+
+  14 The Horse and the Ass                       32
+
+  15 The Wolf, the Lamb, and the Goat            35
+
+  16 The Kite and the Pigeons                    38
+
+  17 The Country Mouse and the City Mouse        41
+
+  18 The Swallow and other Birds                 46
+
+  19 The Hunted Beaver                           48
+
+  20 The Cat and the Fox                         50
+
+  21 The Cat and the Mice                        52
+
+  22 The Lion and other Beasts                   54
+
+  23 The Lion and the Mouse                      56
+
+  24 The Fatal Marriage                          58
+
+  25 The Mischievous Dog                         60
+
+  26 The Ox and the Frog                         62
+
+  27 The Fox and the Lion                        65
+
+  28 The Ape and the Fox                         67
+
+  29 The Dog in the Manger                       70
+
+  30 The Birds, the Beasts, and the Bat          72
+
+  31 The Fox and the Tiger                       75
+
+  32 The Lioness and the Fox                     78
+
+  33 The Oak and the Reed                        80
+
+  34 The Wind and the Sun                        82
+
+  35 The Kite, the Frog, and the Mouse           85
+
+  36 The Frogs desiring a King                   87
+
+  37 The Old Woman and her Maids                 90
+
+  38 The Lion, the Bear, and the Fox             92
+
+  39 The Crow and the Pitcher                    95
+
+  40 The Porcupine and the Snakes                97
+
+  41 The Hares and Frogs in a Storm             100
+
+  42 The Fox and the Wolf                       103
+
+  43 The Dog and the Sheep                      106
+
+  44 The Peacock and the Crane                  108
+
+  45 The Viper and the File                     110
+
+  46 The Ass, the Lion, and the Cock            112
+
+  47 The Jackdaw and Peacocks                   114
+
+  48 The Ant and the Fly                        116
+
+  49 The Ant and the Grasshopper                119
+
+  50 The Countryman and the Snake               121
+
+  51 The Fox and the Sick Lion                  124
+
+  52 The Wanton Calf                            127
+
+  53 Hercules and the Carter                    130
+
+  54 The Belly and the Members                  133
+
+  55 The Horse and the Lion                     136
+
+  56 The Husbandman and the Stork               138
+
+  57 The Cat and the Cock                       140
+
+  58 The Leopard and the Fox                    142
+
+  59 The Shepherd's Boy                         145
+
+  60 The Fox and the Goat                       147
+
+  61 Cupid and Death                            149
+
+  62 The Old Man and his Sons                   151
+
+  63 The Stag and the Fawn                      154
+
+  64 The Old Hound                              157
+
+  65 Jupiter and the Camel                      159
+
+  66 The Fox without a Tail                     161
+
+  67 The Fox and the Crow                       163
+
+  68 The Hawk and the Farmer                    166
+
+  69 The Nurse and the Wolf                     168
+
+  70 The Hare and the Tortoise                  170
+
+  71 The Young Man and his Cat                  173
+
+  72 The Ass in the Lion's Skin                 175
+
+  73 The Mountains in Labour                    177
+
+  74 The Satyr and the Traveller                179
+
+  75 The Sick Kite                              182
+
+  76 The Hawk and the Nightingale               184
+
+  77 The Peacock's Complaint                    186
+
+  78 The Angler and the Little Fish             188
+
+  79 The Geese and the Cranes                   190
+
+  80 The Dog and the Shadow                     192
+
+  81 The Ass and the Little Dog                 194
+
+  82 The Wolf and the Crane                     197
+
+  83 The Envious Man and the Covetous           199
+
+  84 The Two Pots                               201
+
+  85 The Fox and the Stork                      203
+
+  86 The Bear and the Bee-Hives                 205
+
+  87 The Travellers and the Bear                207
+
+  88 The Trumpeter taken Prisoner               209
+
+  89 The Partridge and the Cocks                211
+
+  90 The Falconer and the Partridge             214
+
+  91 The Eagle and the Crow                     216
+
+  92 The Lion, the Ass, and the Fox             218
+
+  93 The Fox and the Grapes                     220
+
+  94 The Horse and the Stag                     222
+
+  95 The Young Man and the Swallow              224
+
+  96 The Man and his Goose                      227
+
+  97 The Dog and the Wolf                       229
+
+  98 The Wood and the Clown                     232
+
+  99 The Old Lion                               234
+
+  100 The Horse and the Loaded Ass              236
+
+  101 The Old Man and Death                     238
+
+  102 The Boar and the Ass                      240
+
+  103 The Tunny and the Dolphin                 242
+
+  104 The Peacock and the Magpie                244
+
+  105 The Forester and the Lion                 246
+
+  106 The Stag looking into the Water           248
+
+  107 The Stag in the Ox-Stall                  251
+
+  108 The Dove and the Ant                      254
+
+  109 The Lion in Love                          256
+
+  110 The Tortoise and the Eagle                259
+
+
+
+
+PREFACE,
+
+_BY S. CROXALL_.
+
+
+So much has been already said concerning AEsop and his writings, both by
+ancient and modern authors, that the subject seems to be quite
+exhausted. The different conjectures, opinions, traditions, and
+forgeries, which from time to time we have had given to us of him, would
+fill a large volume: but they are, for the most part, so inconsistent
+and absurd, that it would be but a dull amusement for the reader to be
+led into such a maze of uncertainty: since Herodotus, the most ancient
+Greek historian, did not flourish till near an hundred years after AEsop.
+
+As for his Life, with which we are entertained in so complete a manner,
+before most of the editions of his Fables, it was invented by one
+Maximus Planudes, a Greek Monk; and, if we may judge of him from that
+composition, just as judicious and learned a person, as the rest of his
+fraternity are at this day observed to be. Sure there never were so many
+blunders and childish dreams mixed up together, as are to be met with in
+the short compass of that piece. For a Monk, he might be very good and
+wise, but in point of history and chronology, he shows himself to be
+very ignorant. He brings AEsop to Babylon, in the reign of king Lycerus,
+a king of his own making; for his name is not to be found in any
+catalogue, from Nabonassar to Alexander the Great; Nabonadius, most
+probably, reigning in Babylon about that time. He sends him into Egypt
+in the days of Nectanebo, who was not in being till two hundred years
+afterwards; with some other gross mistakes of that kind, which
+sufficiently show us that this Life was a work of invention, and that
+the inventor was a bungling poor creature. He never mentions AEsop's
+being at Athens; though Phaedrus speaks of him as one that lived the
+greatest part of his time there; and it appears that he had a statue
+erected in that city to his memory, done by the hand of the famed
+Lysippus. He writes of him as living at Samos, and interesting himself
+in a public capacity in the administration of the affairs of that place;
+yet, takes not the least notice of the Fable which Aristotle[1] tells us
+he spoke in behalf of a famous Demagogue there, when he was impeached
+for embezzling the public money; nor does he indeed give us the least
+hint of such a circumstance. An ingenious man might have laid together
+all the materials of this kind that are to be found in good old authors,
+and, by the help of a bright invention, connected and worked them up
+with success; we might have swallowed such an imposition well enough,
+because we should not have known how to contradict it: but in Planudes'
+case, the imposture is doubly discovered; first, as he has the
+unquestioned authority of antiquity against him; secondly, (and if the
+other did not condemn him) as he has introduced the witty, discreet,
+judicious AEsop, quibbling in a strain of low monastic waggery, and as
+archly dull as a Mountebank's Jester.
+
+  [1] _Arist. Rhet._ Lib. ii. chap. 21.
+
+That there was a Life of AEsop, either written or traditionary, before
+Aristotle's time, is pretty plain; and that there was something of that
+kind extant in Augustus' reign, is, I think, as undoubted; since Phaedrus
+mentions many transactions of his, during his abode at Athens. But it is
+as certain, that Planudes met with nothing of this kind; or, at least,
+that he met not with the accounts with which they were furnished,
+because of the omissions before-mentioned; and consequently with none so
+authentic and good. He seems to have thrown together some merry conceits
+which occurred to him in the course of his reading, such as he thought
+were worthy of AEsop, and very confidently obtrudes them upon us for his.
+But, when at last he brings him to Delphos (where he was put to death by
+being thrown down from a precipice) that the Delphians might have some
+colour of justice for what they intended to do, he favours them with the
+same stratagem which Joseph made use of to bring back his brother
+Benjamin; they clandestinely convey a cup into his baggage, overtake him
+upon the road, after a strict search find him guilty; upon that pretence
+carry him back to the city, condemn and execute him.
+
+As I would neither impose upon others, nor be imposed upon, I cannot, as
+some have done, let such stuff as this pass for the Life of the great
+AEsop. Planudes has little authority for any thing he has delivered
+concerning him; nay, as far as I can find, his whole account, from the
+beginning to the end, is mere invention, excepting some few
+circumstances; such as the place of his birth, and of his death; for in
+respect of the time in which he lived, he has blundered egregiously, by
+mentioning some incidents as contemporary with AEsop, which were far
+enough from being so. Xanthus, his supposed master, puts his wife into a
+passion, by bringing such a piece of deformity into her house, as our
+Author is described to be. Upon this, the master reproaches the slave
+for not uttering something witty, at a time that seemed to require it so
+much: and then AEsop comes out, slap dash, with a satirical reflection
+upon women, taken from Euripides, the famous Greek tragedian. Now
+Euripides happened not to be born till about fourscore years after
+AEsop's death. What credit, therefore, can be given to any thing Planudes
+says of him?
+
+As to the place of his birth, I will allow, with the generality of those
+who have written about him, that it might have been some town in Phrygia
+Major: A. Gellius making mention of him, says, 'AEsopus ille, e Phrygia,
+Fabulator.' That he was also by condition a slave, we may conclude from
+what Phaedrus[2] relates of him. But whether at both Samos and Athens, he
+does not particularly mention: though I am inclined to think it was at
+the latter only; because he often speaks of him as living at that place,
+and never at any other; which looks as if Phaedrus believed that he had
+never lived any where else. Nor do I see how he could help being of that
+opinion, if others of the ancients, whose credit is equally good, did
+not carry him into other places. Aristotle introduces him (as I
+mentioned before) speaking in public to the Samians, upon the occasion
+of their Demagogue, or Prime Minister, being impeached for plundering
+the commonwealth.
+
+  [2] Lib. ii. fab. 9. and Lib. iii. fab. 19.
+
+I cannot but think AEsop was something above the degree of a slave, when
+he made such a figure as an eminent speaker in the Samian State. Perhaps
+he might have been in that low condition in the former part of his life;
+and therefore Phaedrus, who had been of the same rank himself, might love
+to enlarge upon this circumstance, since he does not choose to represent
+him in any higher sphere. Unless we allow him to be speaking[3] in as
+public a capacity to the Athenians, upon the occasion of Pisistratus'
+seizing their liberties, as we have before supposed he did to the
+Samians. But, however, granting that he was once a slave, we have great
+authority that he was afterwards not only free, but in high veneration
+and esteem with all that knew him; especially all that were eminent for
+wisdom and virtue. Plutarch, in his Banquet of the Seven Wise Men, among
+several other illustrious persons, celebrated for their wit and
+knowledge, introduces AEsop. And, though in one place he seems to be
+ridiculed by one of the company for being of a clumsy mongrel shape;
+yet, in general, he is represented as very courtly and polite in his
+behaviour. He rallies Solon, and the rest, for taking too much liberty
+in prescribing rules for the conduct of sovereign princes; putting them
+in mind, that those who aspire to be the friends and counsellors of
+such, lose that character, and carry matters too far when they proceed
+to censure and find fault with them. Upon the credit of Plutarch,
+likewise, we fix the Life of AEsop in the time of Croesus, King of Lydia;
+with whom he was in such esteem, as to be deputed by him to consult the
+Oracle at Delphos, and be sent as his envoy to Periander, King of
+Corinth; which was about three hundred and twenty years after the time
+in which Homer lived, and five hundred and fifty before Christ.
+
+  [3] _Phaed._ Lib. i. fab. 2.
+
+Now, though this imaginary banquet of Plutarch does not carry with it
+the weight of a serious history, yet we may take it for granted, that he
+introduced nothing in his fictitious scene, which might contradict
+either the written or traditionary Life of AEsop; but rather chose to
+make every thing agree with it. Be that as it will, this is the sum of
+the account which we have to give of him. Nor, indeed, is it material
+for us to know the little trifling circumstances of his Life; as whether
+he lived at Samos or Athens, whether he was a slave or a freeman,
+whether handsome or ugly. He has left us a legacy in his writings that
+will preserve his memory dear and perpetual among us: what we have to
+do, therefore, is to show ourselves worthy of so valuable a present, and
+to act, in all respects, as near as we can to the will and intention of
+the donor. They who are governed by reason, need no other motive than
+the mere goodness of a thing to incite them to the practice of it. But
+men, for the most part, are so superficial in their inquiries, that they
+take all upon trust; and have no taste for any thing but what is
+supported by the vogue of others, and which it is inconsistent with the
+fashion of the world not to admire.
+
+As an inducement, therefore, to such as these to like the person and
+conversation of AEsop, I must assure them that he was held in great
+esteem by most of the great wits of old. There is scarce an author among
+the ancient Greeks, who mixed any thing of morality in his writings,
+but either quotes or mentions him.
+
+Whatever his person was, the beauties of his mind were very charming and
+engaging; that the most celebrated among the ancients were his admirers;
+that they speak of him with raptures, and pay as great a respect to him
+as to any of the other wise men who lived in the same age. Nor can I
+perceive, from any author of antiquity, that he was so deformed as the
+Monk has represented him. If he had, he must have been so monstrous and
+shocking to the eye, as not only to be a very improper envoy for a great
+king, but scarce fit to be admitted as a slave in any private family.
+Indeed, from what Plutarch hints of him, I suspect he had something
+particular in his mien; but rather odd than ugly, and more apt to excite
+mirth than disgust, in those that conversed with him. Perhaps something
+humorous displayed itself in his countenance as well as his writings;
+and it might be upon account of both, that he got the name of
+Gelotopoios, as Lucian calls him, and his works that of Geloia. However,
+we will go a middle way; and without insisting upon his beauty, or giving
+into his deformity, allow him to have made a merry comical figure; at least
+as handsome as Socrates; but at the same time conclude, that this
+particularity in the frame of his body was so far from being of any
+disadvantage to him, that it gave a mirthful cast to every thing he said,
+and added a kind of poignancy to his conversation.
+
+We have seen what opinion the ancients had of our Author, and his
+writings. Now, as to the manner of conveying instruction by Fables in
+general, though many good vouchers of antiquity sufficiently recommend
+it, yet to avoid tiring the reader's patience, I shall wave all
+quotations from thence, and lay before him the testimony of a modern;
+whose authority, in point of judgment, and consequently, in the present
+case, may be as readily acknowledged as that of any ancient of them all.
+"Fables[4]," says Mr. Addison, "were the first pieces of wit that made
+their appearance in the world; and have been still highly valued, not
+only in times of the greatest simplicity, but among the most polite ages
+of mankind. Jotham's Fable of the Trees is the oldest that is extant,
+and as beautiful as any which have been made since that time. Nathan's
+Fable of the poor Man and his Lamb, is likewise more ancient than any
+that is extant, besides the above-mentioned, and had so good an effect,
+as to convey instruction to the ear of a king, without offending it,
+and to bring the man after God's own heart to a right sense of his
+guilt, and his duty. We find AEsop in the most distant ages of Greece.
+And, if we look into the very beginning of the commonwealth of Rome, we
+see a mutiny among the common people appeased by the Fable of the Belly
+and the Members[5]; which was indeed very proper to gain the attention
+of an incensed rabble, at a time, when, perhaps, they would have torn to
+pieces any man who had preached the same doctrine to them, in an open
+and direct manner. As Fables took their birth in the very infancy of
+learning, they never flourished more than when learning was at its
+greatest height. To justify this assertion, I shall put my reader in
+mind of Horace, the greatest wit and critic in the Augustan age; and of
+Boileau, the most correct poet among the moderns; not to mention La
+Fontaine, who, by this way of writing, is come more into vogue than any
+other author of our times." After this, he proceeds to give some account
+of that kind of Fable in which the passions, and other imaginary beings,
+are actors; and concludes with a most beautiful one of that sort, of his
+own contriving. In another place, he gives us a translation from Homer
+of that inimitable Fable comprised in the interview between Jupiter and
+Juno, when the latter made use of the girdle of Venus, to recall the
+affection of her husband; a piece never sufficiently to be recommended
+to the perusal of such of the fair sex, as are ambitious of acquitting
+themselves handsomely in point of conjugal complacence. But I must not
+omit the excellent Preface, by which the Fable is introduced, "Reading
+is to the mind[6]," says he, "what exercise is to the body: as by the
+one, health is preserved, strengthened, and invigorated; by the other
+virtue (which is the health of the mind) is kept alive, cherished, and
+confirmed. But, as exercise becomes tedious and painful when we make use
+of it only as the means of health, so reading is too apt to grow uneasy
+and burdensome, when we apply ourselves to it only for our improvement
+in virtue. For this reason, the virtue which we gather from a Fable or
+an allegory, is like the health we get by hunting, as we are engaged in
+an agreeable pursuit that draws us on with pleasure, and makes its
+insensible of the fatigues that accompany it."
+
+  [4] Spect. No. 183.
+
+  [5] Fab. liv.
+
+  [6] Tatler, No. 147.
+
+
+
+
+AESOP'S FABLES.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE I.
+
+[Illustration: THE COCK AND THE JEWEL.]
+
+
+A brisk young Cock, in company with two or three pullets, his
+mistresses, raking upon a dunghill for something to entertain them with,
+happened to scratch up a Jewel. He knew what it was well enough, for it
+sparkled with an exceeding bright lustre; but, not knowing what to do
+with it, endeavoured to cover his ignorance under a gay contempt; so,
+shrugging up his wings, shaking his head, and putting on a grimace, he
+expressed himself to this purpose:--'Indeed, you are a very fine thing;
+but I know not any business you have here. I make no scruple of
+declaring that my taste lies quite another way; and I had rather have
+one grain of dear delicious barley, than all the Jewels under the sun.'
+
+
+APPLICATION.
+
+There are several people in the world that pass, with some, for well
+accomplished gentlemen, and very pretty fellows, though they are as
+great strangers to the true uses of virtue and knowledge as the Cock
+upon the dunghill is to the real value of the Jewel. He palliates his
+ignorance by pretending that his taste lies another way. But, whatever
+gallant airs people may give themselves upon these occasions, without
+dispute, the solid advantages of virtue, and the durable pleasures of
+learning, are as much to be preferred before other objects of the
+senses, as the finest brilliant diamond is above a barley-corn. The
+greatest blockheads would appear to understand what at the same time
+they affect to despise: and nobody yet was ever so vicious, as to have
+the impudence to declare, in public, that virtue was not a fine thing.
+
+But still, among the idle, sauntering young fellows of the age, who have
+leisure as well to cultivate and improve the faculties of the mind, as
+to dress and embellish the body, how many are there who spend their days
+in raking after new scenes of debauchery, in comparison of those few who
+know how to relish more reasonable entertainments! Honest, undesigning
+good sense is so unfashionable, that he must be a bold man who, at this
+time of day, attempts to bring it into esteem.
+
+How disappointed is the youth who, in the midst of his amorous pursuits,
+endeavouring to plunder an outside of bloom and beauty, finds a treasure
+of impenetrable virtue concealed within! And why may it not be said, how
+delighted are the fair sex when, from among a crowd of empty, frolic,
+conceited admirers, they find out, and distinguish with their good
+opinion, a man of sense, with a plain, unaffected person, which, at
+first sight, they did not like!
+
+
+
+
+FABLE II.
+
+[Illustration: THE WOLF AND THE LAMB.]
+
+
+One hot, sultry day, a Wolf and a Lamb happened to come, just at the
+same time, to quench their thirst in the stream of a clear, silver brook
+that ran tumbling down the side of a rocky mountain. The Wolf stood upon
+the higher ground, and the Lamb at some distance from him down the
+current. However, the Wolf, having a mind to pick a quarrel with him,
+asked him, what he meant by disturbing the water, and making it so muddy
+that he could not drink? and, at the same time demanded satisfaction.
+The Lamb, frightened at this threatening charge, told him, in a tone as
+mild as possible, that, with humble submission, he could not conceive
+how that could be; since the water which he drank, ran down from the
+Wolf to him, and therefore it could not be disturbed so far up the
+stream. 'Be that as it will,' replies the Wolf, 'you are a rascal, and I
+have been told that you treated me with ill language, behind my back,
+about half a year ago.'--'Upon my word,' says the Lamb, 'the time you
+mention was before I was born.' The Wolf, finding it to no purpose to
+argue any longer against truth, fell into a great passion, snarling and
+foaming at the mouth, as if he had been mad; and drawing nearer to the
+Lamb, 'Sirrah,' says he, 'if it was not you, it was your father, and
+that is all one.'--So he seized the poor innocent, helpless thing, tore
+it to pieces, and made a meal of it.
+
+
+APPLICATION.
+
+The thing which is pointed at in this fable is so obvious, that it will
+be impertinent to multiply words about it. When a cruel ill-natured man
+has a mind to abuse one inferior to himself, either in power or courage,
+though he has not given the least occasion for it, how does he resemble
+the Wolf! whose envious, rapacious temper could not bear to see
+innocence live quietly in its neighbourhood. In short, wherever ill
+people are in power, innocence and integrity are sure to be persecuted:
+the more vicious the community is, the better countenance they have for
+their own villanous measures. To practise honesty in bad times, is being
+liable to suspicion enough; but if any one should dare to prescribe it,
+it is ten to one but he would be impeached of high crimes and
+misdemeanors: for to stand up for justice in a degenerate and corrupt
+state, is tacitly to upbraid the government, and seldom fails of pulling
+down vengeance upon the head of him that offers to stir in its defence.
+Where cruelty and malice are in combination with power, nothing is so
+easy as for them to find a pretence to tyrannize over innocence, and
+exercise all manner of injustice.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE III.
+
+[Illustration: THE LION AND THE FOUR BULLS.]
+
+
+Four Bulls, which had entered into a very strict friendship, kept always
+near one another, and fed together. The Lion often saw them, and as
+often had a mind to make one of them his prey; but, though he could
+easily have subdued any of them singly, yet he was afraid to attack the
+whole alliance, as knowing they would have been too hard for him, and
+therefore contented himself, for the present, with keeping at a
+distance. At last, perceiving no attempt was to be made upon them, as
+long as this combination held, he took occasion, by whispers and hints,
+to foment jealousies, and raise divisions among them. This stratagem
+succeeded so well, that the Bulls grew cold and reserved towards one
+another, which soon after ripened into a downright hatred and
+aversion; and, at last, ended in a total separation. The Lion had now
+obtained his ends; and, as impossible as it was for him to hurt them
+while they were united, he found no difficulty, now they were parted, to
+seize and devour every Bull of them, one after another.
+
+
+APPLICATION.
+
+The moral of this fable is so well known and allowed, that to go about
+to enlighten it, would be like holding a candle to the sun. "A kingdom
+divided against itself cannot stand;" and as undisputed a maxim as it
+is, was, however, thought necessary to be urged to the attention of
+mankind, by the best Man that ever lived. And since friendships and
+alliances are of so great importance to our well-being and happiness, we
+cannot be too often cautioned not to let them be broken by tale-bearers
+and whisperers, or any other contrivance of our enemies.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE IV.
+
+[Illustration: THE FROG AND THE FOX.]
+
+
+A Frog, leaping out of a lake, and taking the advantage of a rising
+ground, made proclamation to all the beasts of the forest, that he was
+an able physician, and, for curing all manner of distempers, would turn
+his back to no person living. This discourse, uttered in a parcel of
+hard, cramp words, which nobody understood, made the beasts admire his
+learning, and give credit to every thing he said. At last the Fox, who
+was present, with indignation asked him, how he could have the
+impudence, with those thin lantern-jaws, that meagre pale phiz, and
+blotched spotted body, to set up for one who was able to cure the
+infirmities of others.
+
+
+APPLICATION.
+
+A sickly, infirm look, is as disadvantageous in a physician, as that of
+a rake in a clergyman, or a sheepish one in a soldier. If this moral
+contains any thing further, it is, that we should not set up for
+rectifying enormities in others, while we labour under the same
+ourselves. Good advice ought always to be followed, without our being
+prejudiced upon account of the person from whom it comes: but it is
+seldom that men can be brought to think us worth minding, when we
+prescribe cures for maladies with which ourselves are infected.
+"Physician, heal thyself," is too scriptural not to be applied upon such
+an occasion; and, if we would avoid being the jest of an audience, we
+must be sound, and free from those diseases of which we would endeavour
+to cure others. How shocked must people have been to hear a preacher,
+for a whole hour, declaim against drunkenness, when his own infirmity
+has been such, that he could neither bear nor forbear drinking; and,
+perhaps, was the only person in the congregation who made the doctrine
+at that time necessary! Others too have been very zealous in exploding
+crimes, for which none were more suspected than themselves: but let such
+silly hypocrites remember, that they whose eyes want couching, are the
+most improper people in the world to set up for oculists.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE V.
+
+[Illustration: THE ASS EATING THISTLES.]
+
+
+An Ass was loaded with good provisions of several sorts, which, in time
+of harvest, he was carrying into the field for his master and the
+reapers to dine upon. By the way he met with a fine large Thistle, and,
+being very hungry, began to mumble it; which, while he was doing, he
+entered into this reflection--'How many greedy epicures would think
+themselves happy, amidst such a variety of delicate viands as I now
+carry! But to me, this bitter prickly Thistle is more savoury and
+relishing than the most exquisite and sumptuous banquet.'
+
+
+APPLICATION.
+
+Happiness and misery, and oftentimes pleasure and pain, exist merely in
+our opinion, and are no more to be accounted for than the difference of
+tastes. "That which is one man's meat, is another man's poison," is a
+proposition that ought to be allowed in all particulars, where the
+opinion is concerned, as well as in eating and drinking. Our senses must
+inform us whether a thing pleases or displeases, before we can declare
+our judgment of it; and that is to any man good or evil, which his own
+understanding suggests to him to be so, and not that which is agreeable
+to another's fancy. And yet, as reasonable and as necessary as it is to
+grant this, how apt are we to wonder at people for not liking this or
+that, or how can they think so and so! This childish humour of wondering
+at the different tastes and opinions of others, occasions much
+uneasiness among the generality of mankind. But, if we considered things
+rightly, why should we be more concerned at others differing from us in
+their way of thinking upon any subject whatever, than at their liking
+cheese, or mustard; one, or both of which, we may happen to dislike? In
+truth, he that expects all mankind should be of his opinion, is much
+more stupid and unreasonable than the Ass in the fable.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE VI.
+
+[Illustration: THE LARK AND HER YOUNG ONES.]
+
+
+A Lark, who had Young Ones in a field of corn which was almost ripe, was
+under some fear lest the reapers should come to reap it before her young
+brood were fledged, and able to remove from the place: wherefore, upon
+flying abroad to look for food, she left this charge with them--that
+they should take notice what they heard talked of in her absence, and
+tell her of it when she came back again. When she was gone, they heard
+the owner of the corn call to his son--'Well,' says he, 'I think this
+corn is ripe enough; I would have you go early to-morrow, and desire our
+friends and neighbours to come and help us to reap it.' When the Old
+Lark came home, the Young Ones fell a quivering and chirping round her,
+and told her what had happened, begging her to remove them as fast as
+she could. The mother bid them be easy; 'for,' says she, 'if the owner
+depends upon friends and neighbours, I am pretty sure the corn will not
+be reaped to-morrow.' Next day she went out again, upon the same
+occasion, and left the same orders with them as before. The owner came,
+and stayed, expecting those he had sent to: but the sun grew hot, and
+nothing was done, for not a soul came to help him. 'Then,' says he to
+his son, 'I perceive these friends of ours are not to be depended upon;
+so that you must even go to your uncles and cousins, and tell them, I
+desire they would be here betimes to-morrow morning to help us to reap.'
+Well, this the Young Ones, in a great fright, reported also to their
+mother. 'If that be all,' says she, 'do not be frightened, children, for
+kindred and relations do not use to be so very forward to serve one
+another; but take particular notice what you hear said the next time,
+and be sure you let me know it.' She went abroad the next day, as usual;
+and the owner, finding his relations as slack as the rest of his
+neighbours, said to his son, 'Hark ye! George, do you get a couple of
+good sickles ready against to-morrow morning, and we will even reap the
+corn ourselves.' When the Young Ones told their mother this, 'Then,'
+says she, 'we must be gone indeed; for, when a man undertakes to do his
+business himself, it is not so likely that he will be disappointed.' So
+she removed her Young Ones immediately, and the corn was reaped the next
+day by the good man and his son.
+
+
+APPLICATION.
+
+Never depend upon the assistance of friends and relations in any thing
+which you are able to do yourself; for nothing is more fickle and
+uncertain. The man, who relies upon another for the execution of any
+affair of importance, is not only kept in a wretched and slavish
+suspense while he expects the issue of the matter, but generally meets
+with a disappointment. While he, who lays the chief stress of his
+business upon himself, and depends upon his own industry and attention
+for the success of his affairs, is in the fairest way to attain his end:
+and, if at last he should miscarry, has this to comfort him--that it was
+not through his own negligence, and a vain expectation of the assistance
+of friends. To stand by ourselves, as much as possible, to exert our own
+strength and vigilance in the prosecution of our affairs, is god-like,
+being the result of a most noble and highly exalted reason; but they who
+procrastinate and defer the business of life by an idle dependance upon
+others, in things which it is in their own power to effect, sink down
+into a kind of stupid abject slavery, and show themselves unworthy of
+the talents with which human nature is dignified.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE VII.
+
+[Illustration: THE COCK AND THE FOX.]
+
+
+The Fox, passing early one summer's morning near a farm-yard, was caught
+in a springe, which the farmer had planted there for that end. The Cock,
+at a distance, saw what happened; and, hardly yet daring to trust
+himself too near so dangerous a foe, approached him cautiously, and
+peeped at him, not without some horror and dread of mind. Reynard no
+sooner perceived it, but he addressed himself to him, with all the
+designing artifice imaginable. 'Dear cousin,' says he, 'you see what an
+unfortunate accident has befallen me here, and all upon your account:
+for, as I was creeping through yonder hedge, in my way homeward, I heard
+you crow, and was resolved to ask you how you did before I went any
+further: but, by the way, I met with this disaster; and therefore now I
+must become an humble suitor to you for a knife to cut this plaguy
+string; or, at least, that you would conceal my misfortune, till I have
+gnawed it asunder with my teeth.' The Cock, seeing how the case stood,
+made no reply, but posted away as fast as he could, and gave the farmer
+an account of the whole matter; who, taking a good weapon along with
+him, came and did the Fox's business, before he could have time to
+contrive his escape.
+
+
+APPLICATION.
+
+Though there is no quality of the mind more graceful in itself, or that
+renders it more amiable to others, than the having a tender regard to
+those who are in distress; yet we may err, even in this point, unless we
+take care to let our compassion flow out upon proper objects only. When
+the innocent fall into misfortune, it is the part of a generous brave
+spirit to contribute to their redemption; or, if that be impossible, to
+administer something to their comfort and support. But, when wicked men,
+who have been enemies to their fellow-subjects, are entrapped in their
+own pernicious schemes, he that labours to deliver them, makes himself
+an associate in their crimes, and becomes as great an enemy to the
+public as those whom he would screen and protect.
+
+When highwaymen and housebreakers are taken, condemned, and going to
+satisfy justice, at the expense of their vile paltry lives; who are
+they that grieve for them, and would be glad to rescue them from the
+rope? Not honest men, we may be sure. The rest of the thieving
+fraternity would, perhaps, commiserate their condition, and be ready to
+mutiny in their favour: nay, the rascally solicitor, who had been
+employed upon their account, would be vexed that his negociations had
+succeeded no better, and be afraid of losing his reputation, among other
+delinquents, for the future: but every friend to justice would have no
+reason to be dissatisfied at any thing but a mournful reflection, which
+he could not forbear making, that, while these little criminals swing
+for some trifling inconsiderable rapine, others, so transcendently their
+superiors in fraud and plunder, escape with a whole skin.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE VIII.
+
+[Illustration: THE FOX IN THE WELL.]
+
+
+A Fox having fallen into a Well, made a shift, by sticking his claws
+into the sides, to keep his head above water. Soon after, a Wolf came
+and peeped over the brink; to whom the Fox applied himself very
+earnestly for assistance: entreating, that he would help him to a rope,
+or something of that kind, which might favour his escape. The Wolf,
+moved with compassion at his misfortune, could not forbear expressing
+his concern: 'Ah! poor Reynard,' says he, 'I am sorry for you with all
+my heart; how could you possibly come into this melancholy
+condition?'--'Nay, prithee, friend,' replies the Fox, 'if you wish me
+well, do not stand pitying of me, but lend me some succour as fast as
+you can: for pity is but cold comfort when one is up to the chin in
+water, and within a hair's breadth of starving or drowning.'
+
+
+APPLICATION.
+
+Pity, indeed, is of itself but poor comfort at any time; and, unless it
+produces something more substantial, is rather impertinently
+troublesome, than any way agreeable. To stand bemoaning the misfortunes
+of our friends, without offering some expedient to alleviate them, is
+only echoing to their grief, and putting them in mind that they are
+miserable. He is truly my friend who, with a ready presence of mind,
+supports me; not he who condoles with me upon my ill success, and says
+he is sorry for my loss. In short, a favour or obligation is doubled by
+being well-timed; and he is the best benefactor, who knows our
+necessities, and complies with our wishes, even before we ask him.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE IX.
+
+[Illustration: THE WOLVES AND THE SHEEP.]
+
+
+The Wolves and the Sheep had been a long time in a state of war
+together. At last a cessation of arms was proposed, in order to a treaty
+of peace, and hostages were to be delivered on both sides for security.
+The Wolves proposed that the Sheep should give up their dogs, on the one
+side, and that they would deliver up their young ones, on the other.
+This proposal was agreed to; but no sooner executed, than the young
+Wolves began to howl for want of their dams. The old ones took this
+opportunity to cry out, the treaty was broke; and so falling upon the
+Sheep, who were destitute of their faithful guardians the dogs, they
+worried and devoured them without control.
+
+
+APPLICATION.
+
+In all our transactions with mankind, even in the most private and low
+life, we should have a special regard how, and with whom, we trust
+ourselves. Men, in this respect, ought to look upon each other as
+Wolves, and to keep themselves under a secure guard, and in a continual
+posture of defence. Particularly upon any treaties of importance, the
+securities on both sides should be strictly considered; and each should
+act with so cautious a view to their own interest, as never to pledge or
+part with that which is the very essence and basis of their safety and
+well-being. And if this be a just and reasonable rule for men to govern
+themselves by, in their own private affairs, how much more fitting and
+necessary is it in any conjuncture wherein the public is concerned? If
+the enemy should demand our whole army for an hostage, the danger in our
+complying with it would be so gross and apparent, that we could not help
+observing it: but, perhaps, a country may equally expose itself by
+parting with a particular town or general, as its whole army; its
+safety, not seldom, depending as much upon one of the former, as upon
+the latter. In short, hostages and securities may be something very dear
+to us, but ought never to be given up, if our welfare and preservation
+have any dependance upon them.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE X.
+
+[Illustration: THE EAGLE AND THE FOX.]
+
+
+An Eagle that had young ones, looking out for something to feed them
+with, happened to spy a Fox's cub, that lay basking itself abroad in the
+sun. She made a stoop, and trussed it immediately; but before she had
+carried it quite off, the old Fox coming home, implored her, with tears
+in her eyes, to spare her cub, and pity the distress of a poor fond
+mother, who should think no affliction so great as that of losing her
+child. The Eagle, whose nest was up in a very high tree, thought herself
+secure enough from all projects of revenge, and so bore away the cub to
+her young ones, without showing any regard to the supplications of the
+Fox. But that subtle creature, highly incensed at this outrageous
+barbarity, ran to an altar, where some country people had been
+sacrificing a kid in the open fields, and catching up a firebrand in her
+mouth, made towards the tree where the Eagle's nest was, with a
+resolution of revenge. She had scarce ascended the first branches, when
+the Eagle, terrified with the approaching ruin of herself and family,
+begged of the Fox to desist, and, with much submission, returned her the
+cub again safe and sound.
+
+
+APPLICATION.
+
+This fable is a warning to us not to deal hardly or injuriously by any
+body. The consideration of our being in a high condition of life, and
+those we hurt, far below us, will plead little or no excuse for us in
+this case: for there is scarce a creature of so despicable a rank, but
+is capable of avenging itself some way, and at some time or other. When
+great men happen to be wicked, how little scruple do they make of
+oppressing their poor neighbours! They are perched upon a lofty station,
+and have built their nest on high; and, having outgrown all feelings of
+humanity, are insensible of any pangs of remorse. The widow's tears, the
+orphan's cries, and the curses of the miserable, like javelins thrown by
+the hand of a feeble old man, fall by the way, and never reach their
+heart. But let such a one, in the midst of his flagrant injustice,
+remember, how easy a matter it is, notwithstanding his superior
+distance, for the meanest vassal to be revenged of him. The bitterness
+of an affliction, even where cunning is wanting, may animate the
+poorest spirit with resolutions of vengeance; and, when once that fury
+is thoroughly awakened, we know not what she will require before she is
+lulled to rest again. The most powerful tyrants cannot prevent a
+resolved assassination; there are a thousand different ways for any
+private man to do the business, who is heartily disposed to it, and
+willing to satisfy his appetite for revenge, at the expense of his life.
+An old woman may clap a firebrand in the palace of a prince; and it is
+in the power of a poor weak fool to destroy the children of the mighty.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE XI.
+
+[Illustration: THE WOLF IN SHEEP'S CLOTHING.]
+
+
+A Wolf, clothing himself in the skin of a Sheep, and getting in among
+the flock, by this means took the opportunity to devour many of them. At
+last the shepherd discovered him, and cunningly fastening a rope about
+his neck, tied him up to a tree which stood hard by. Some other
+shepherds happening to pass that way, and observing what he was about,
+drew near, and expressed their amazement at it. 'What,' says one of
+them, 'brother, do you make hanging of Sheep?'--'No,' replies the other;
+'but I make hanging of a Wolf whenever I catch him, though in the habit
+and garb of a Sheep.' Then he showed them their mistake, and they
+applauded the justice of the execution.
+
+
+APPLICATION.
+
+This fable shows us, that no regard is to be had to the mere habit or
+outside of any person, but to undisguised worth and intrinsic virtue.
+When we place our esteem upon the external garb, before we inform
+ourselves of the qualities which it covers, we may often mistake evil
+for good, and, instead of a Sheep, take a Wolf into our protection.
+Therefore, however innocent or sanctified any one may appear, as to the
+vesture wherewith he is clothed, we may act rashly, because we may be
+imposed upon, if from thence we take it for granted, that he is inwardly
+as good and righteous as his outward robe would persuade us he is. Men
+of judgment and penetration do not use to give an implicit credit to a
+particular habit, or a peculiar colour, but love to make a more exact
+scrutiny; for he that will not come up to the character of an honest,
+good kind of man, when stripped of his Sheep's Clothing, is but the more
+detestable for his intended imposture; as the Wolf was but the more
+obnoxious to the shepherd's resentment, by wearing a habit so little
+suiting with his manners.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE XII.
+
+[Illustration: THE FOWLER AND THE RING-DOVE.]
+
+
+A fowler took his gun, and went into the woods a-shooting. He spied a
+Ring-Dove among the branches of an oak, and intended to kill it. He
+clapped the piece to his shoulder, and took his aim accordingly. But,
+just as he was going to pull the trigger, an adder, which he had trod
+upon under the grass, stung him so painfully in the leg, that he was
+forced to quit his design, and threw his gun down in a passion. The
+poison immediately infected his blood, and his whole body began to
+mortify; which, when he perceived, he could not help owning it to be
+just. 'Fate,' says he, 'has brought destruction upon me, while I was
+contriving the death of another.'
+
+
+APPLICATION.
+
+This is another lesson against injustice; a topic in which our just
+Author abounds. And, if we consider the matter fairly, we must allow it
+to be as reasonable that some one should do violence to us, as we should
+commit it upon another. When we are impartial in our reflections, thus
+we must always think. The unjust man, with a hardened unfeeling heart,
+can do a thousand bitter things to others: but if a single calamity
+touches himself, oh, how tender he is! How insupportable is the
+uneasiness it occasions! Why should we think others born to hard
+treatment more than ourselves? Or imagine it can be reasonable to do to
+another, what we ourselves should be unwilling to suffer? In our
+behaviour to all mankind, we need only ask ourselves these plain
+questions, and our consciences will tell us how to act. Conscience, like
+a good valuable domestic, plays the remembrancer to us upon all
+occasions, and gives us a gentle twitch, when we are going to do a wrong
+thing. It does not, like the adder in the fable, bite us to death, but
+only gives us kind cautions. However, if we neglect these just and
+frequent warnings, and continue in a course of wickedness and injustice,
+do not let us be surprised if Providence thinks fit, at last, to give us
+a home sting, and to exercise a little retaliation upon us.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE XIII.
+
+[Illustration: THE SOW AND THE WOLF.]
+
+
+A Sow had just farrowed, and lay in the stye, with her whole litter of
+pigs about her. A Wolf who longed for one of them, but knew not how to
+come at it, endeavoured to insinuate himself into the Sow's good
+opinion: and, accordingly, coming up to her--'How does the good woman in
+the straw do?' says he. 'Can I be of any service to you, Mrs. Sow, in
+relation to your little family here? If you have a mind to go abroad,
+and air yourself a little, or so, you may depend upon it, I will take as
+much care of your pigs as you could yourself.'--'Your humble servant,'
+says the Sow, 'I thoroughly understand your meaning; and, to let you
+know I do, I must be so free as to tell you, I had rather have your
+room than your company; and, therefore, if you would act like a Wolf of
+honour, and oblige me, I beg I may never see your face again.'
+
+
+APPLICATION.
+
+The being officiously good-natured and civil is something so uncommon in
+the world, that one cannot hear a man make profession of it without
+being surprised, or, at least, suspecting the disinterestedness of his
+intentions. Especially, when one who is a stranger to us, or though
+known, is ill-esteemed by us, will be making offers of services, we have
+great reason to look to ourselves, and exert a shyness and coldness
+towards him. We should resolve not to receive even favours from bad kind
+of people; for should it happen that some immediate mischief was not
+couched in them, yet it is dangerous to have obligations to such, or to
+give them an opportunity of making a communication with us.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE XIV.
+
+[Illustration: THE HORSE AND THE ASS.]
+
+
+The Horse, adorned with his great war-saddle, and champing his foaming
+bridle, came thundering along the way, and made the mountains echo with
+his loud shrill neighing. He had not gone far, before he overtook an
+Ass, who was labouring under a heavy burden, and moving slowly on in the
+same track with himself. Immediately he called out to him, in a haughty
+imperious tone, and threatened to trample him in the dirt, if he did not
+break the way for him. The poor patient Ass, not daring to dispute the
+matter, quietly got out of his way as fast as he could, and let him go
+by. Not long after this, the same Horse, in an engagement with the
+enemy, happened to be shot in the eye, which made him unfit for show,
+or any military business; so he was stripped of his fine ornaments, and
+sold to a carrier. The Ass, meeting him in this forlorn condition,
+thought that now it was his time to insult; and so, says he, 'Hey-day,
+friend, is it you? Well, I always believed that pride of yours would one
+day have a fall.'
+
+
+APPLICATION.
+
+Pride is a very unaccountable vice: many people fall into it unawares,
+and are often led into it by motives, which, if they considered things
+rightly, would make them abhor the very thoughts of it. There is no man
+that thinks well of himself, but desires that the rest of the world
+should think so too. Now it is the wrong measures we take in
+endeavouring after this, that expose us to discerning people in that
+light which they call pride, and which is so far from giving us any
+advantage in their esteem, that it renders us despicable and ridiculous.
+It is an affectation of appearing considerable, that puts men upon being
+proud and insolent; and their very being so makes them, infallibly,
+little, and inconsiderable. The man that claims and calls for reverence
+and respect, deserves none; he that asks for applause, is sure to lose
+it; the certain way to get it is to seem to shun it; and the humble man,
+according to the maxims even of this world, is the most likely to be
+exalted. He that, in his words or actions, pleads for superiority, and
+rather chooses to do an ill action, than condescend to do a good one,
+acts like the Horse, and is as void of reason and understanding. The
+rich and the powerful want nothing but the love and esteem of mankind to
+complete their felicity; and these they are sure to obtain by a
+good-humoured, kind condescension; and as certain of being every body's
+aversion, while the least tincture of overbearing rudeness is
+perceptible in their words or actions. What brutal tempers must they be
+of, who can be easy and indifferent, while they know themselves to be
+universally hated, though in the midst of affluence and power! But this
+is not all; for if ever the wheel of fortune should whirl them from the
+top to the bottom, instead of friendship or commiseration, they will
+meet with nothing but contempt; and that with much more justice than
+ever they themselves exerted it towards others.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE XV.
+
+[Illustration: THE WOLF, THE LAMB, AND THE GOAT.]
+
+
+A Wolf meeting a Lamb, one day, in company with a Goat--'Child,' says
+he, 'you are mistaken; this is none of your mother; she is yonder;'
+pointing to a flock of sheep at a distance.--'It may be so,' says the
+Lamb; 'the person that happened to conceive me, and afterwards bore me a
+few months in her belly, because she could not help it, and then dropped
+me, she did not care where, and left me to the wide world, is, I
+suppose, what you call my mother; but I look upon this charitable Goat
+as such, that took compassion on me in my poor, helpless, destitute
+condition, and gave me suck; sparing it out of the mouths of her own
+kids, rather than I should want it.'--'But sure,' says he, 'you have a
+greater regard for her that gave you life, than for any body
+else.'--'She gave me life! I deny that. She that could not so much as
+tell whether I should be black or white, had a great hand in giving me
+life, to be sure! But, supposing it were so, I am mightily obliged to
+her, truly, for contriving to let me be of the male-kind, so that I go
+every day in danger of the butcher. What reason then have I to have a
+greater regard for one to whom I am so little indebted for any part of
+my being, than for those from whom I have received all the benevolence
+and kindness which have hitherto supported me in life?'
+
+
+APPLICATION.
+
+It is they whose goodness makes them our parents, that properly claim
+filial respect from us, and not those who are such only out of
+necessity. The duties between parents and their children are relative
+and reciprocal. By all laws, natural as well as civil, it is expected
+that the parents should cherish and provide for the child, till it is
+able to shift for itself; and that the child, with a mutual tenderness,
+should depend upon the parent for its sustenance, and yield it a
+reasonable obedience. Yet, through the depravity of human nature, we
+very often see these laws violated, and the relations before-mentioned
+treating one another with as much virulence as enemies of different
+countries are capable of. Through the natural impatience and protervity
+of youth, we observe the first occasion for any animosity most
+frequently arising from their side; but, however, there are not wanting
+examples of undutiful parents: and, when a father, by using a son ill,
+and denying him such an education and such an allowance as his
+circumstances can well afford, gives him occasion to withdraw his
+respect from him, to urge his begetting of him as the sole obligation to
+duty, is talking like a silly unthinking dotard. Mutual benevolence must
+be kept up between relations, as well as friends; for, without this
+cement, whatever you please to call the building, it is only a castle in
+the air, a thing to be talked of, without the least reality.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE XVI.
+
+[Illustration: THE KITE AND THE PIGEONS.]
+
+
+A Kite, who had kept sailing in the air for many days near a dove-house,
+and made a stoop at several pigeons, but all to no purpose (for they
+were too nimble for him), at last had recourse to stratagem, and took
+his opportunity one day to make a declaration to them, in which he set
+forth his own just and good intentions, who had nothing more at heart
+than the defence and protection of the Pigeons in their ancient rights
+and liberties, and how concerned he was at their fears and jealousies of
+a foreign invasion, especially their unjust and unreasonable suspicions
+of himself, as if he intended, by force of arms, to break in upon their
+constitution, and erect a tyrannical government over them. To prevent
+all which, and thoroughly to quiet their minds, he thought proper to
+propose to them such terms of alliance and articles of peace as might
+for ever cement a good understanding between them: the principal of
+which was, that they should accept of him for their king, and invest him
+with all kingly privilege and prerogative over them. The poor simple
+Pigeons consented: the Kite took the coronation oath, after a very
+solemn manner, on his part, and the Doves, the oaths of allegiance and
+fidelity, on theirs. But much time had not passed over their heads,
+before the good Kite pretended that it was part of his prerogative to
+devour a Pigeon whenever he pleased. And this he was not contented to do
+himself only, but instructed the rest of the royal family in the same
+kingly arts of government. The Pigeons, reduced to this miserable
+condition, said one to the other, 'Ah! we deserve no better! Why did we
+let him come in!
+
+
+APPLICATION.
+
+What can this fable be applied to but the exceeding blindness and
+stupidity of that part of mankind who wantonly and foolishly trust their
+native rights of liberty without good security? Who often choose for
+guardians of their lives and fortunes, persons abandoned to the most
+unsociable vices; and seldom have any better excuse for such an error in
+politics than, that they were deceived in their expectation; or never
+thoroughly knew the manners of their king till he had got them entirely
+in his power: which, however, is notoriously false; for many, with the
+Doves in the fable, are so silly, that they would admit of a Kite,
+rather than be without a king. The truth is, we ought not to incur the
+possibility of being deceived in so important a matter as this: an
+unlimited power should not be trusted in the hands of any one who is not
+endued with a perfection more than human.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE XVII.
+
+[Illustration: THE COUNTRY MOUSE AND THE CITY MOUSE.]
+
+
+An honest, plain, sensible Country Mouse, is said to have entertained at
+his hole one day a fine Mouse of the Town. Having formerly been
+playfellows together, they were old acquaintance, which served as an
+apology for the visit. However, as master of the house, he thought
+himself obliged to do the honours of it, in all respects, and to make as
+great a stranger of his guest as he possibly could. In order to this, he
+set before him a reserve of delicate grey peas and bacon, a dish of fine
+oatmeal, some parings of new cheese, and, to crown all with a dessert, a
+remnant of a charming mellow apple. In good manners, he forbore to eat
+any himself, lest the stranger should not have enough; but, that he
+might seem to bear the other company, sat and nibbled a piece of a
+wheaten straw very busily. At last says the spark of the town, 'Old
+crony, give me leave to be a little free with you; how can you bear to
+live in this nasty, dirty, melancholy hole here, with nothing but woods
+and meadows, and mountains, and rivulets, about you? Do not you prefer
+the conversation of the world to the chirping of birds, and the
+splendour of a court to the rude aspect of an uncultivated desert! Come,
+take my word for it, you will find it a change for the better. Never
+stand considering, but away this moment. Remember, we are not immortal,
+and therefore have no time to lose. Make sure of to-day, and spend it as
+agreeably as you can; you know not what may happen to-morrow.' In short,
+these and such like arguments prevailed, and his Country Acquaintance
+was resolved to go to town that night. So they both set out upon their
+journey together, proposing to sneak in after the close of the evening.
+They did so; and, about midnight, made their entry into a certain great
+house, where there had been an extraordinary entertainment the day
+before, and several tit-bits, which some of the servants had purloined,
+were hid under the seat of a window. The Country Guest was immediately
+placed in the midst of a rich Persian carpet: and now it was the
+Courtier's turn to entertain; who, indeed, acquitted himself in that
+capacity with the utmost readiness and address, changing the courses as
+elegantly, and tasting every thing first as judiciously, as any clerk of
+a kitchen, the other sat and enjoyed himself like a delighted epicure,
+tickled to the last degree with this new turn of his affairs; when, on a
+sudden, a noise of somebody opening the door made them start from their
+seats, and scuttle in confusion about the dining-room. Our Country
+Friend, in particular, was ready to die with fear at the barking of a
+huge mastiff or two, which opened their throats just about the same
+time, and made the whole house echo. At last, recovering
+himself--'Well,' says he, 'if this be your town life, much good may do
+you with it: give me my poor quiet hole again, with my homely, but
+comfortable, grey peas.'
+
+
+APPLICATION.
+
+A moderate fortune, with a quiet retirement in the country, is
+preferable to the greatest affluence which is attended with care and the
+perplexity of business, and inseparable from the noise and hurry of the
+town. The practice of the generality of people of the best taste, it is
+to be owned, is directly against us in this point; but, when it is
+considered that this practise of theirs proceeds rather from a
+compliance with the fashion of the times, than their own private
+thoughts, the objection is of no force. Among the great numbers of men
+who have received a learned education, how few are there but either have
+their fortunes entirely to make, or, at least, think they deserve to
+have, and ought not to lose the opportunity of getting, somewhat more
+than their fathers have left them! The town is the field of action for
+volunteers of this kind; and whatever fondness they may have for the
+country, yet they must stay till their circumstances will admit of a
+retreat thither. But sure there never was a man yet, who lived in a
+constant return of trouble and fatigue in town, as all men of business
+do in some degree or other, but has formed to himself some end of
+getting some sufficient competency, which may enable him to purchase a
+quiet possession in the country, where he may indulge his genius, and
+give up his old age to that easy smooth life which, in the tempest of
+business, he had so often longed for. Can any thing argue more strongly
+for a country life, than to observe what a long course of labour people
+go through, and what difficulties they encounter to come at it? They
+look upon it, at a distance, like a kind of heaven, a place of rest and
+happiness; and are pushing forward through the rugged thorny cares of
+the world, to make their way towards it. If there are many who, though
+born to plentiful fortunes, yet live most part of their time in the
+noise, the smoke, and hurry of the town, we shall find, upon inquiry,
+that necessary indispensible business is the real or pretended plea
+which most of them have to make for it. The court and the senate require
+the attendance of some: lawsuits, and the proper direction of trade,
+engage others: they who have a sprightly wit and an elegant taste for
+conversation, will resort to the place which is frequented by people of
+the same turn, whatever aversion they may otherwise have for it; and
+others, who have no such pretence, have yet this to say, that they
+follow the fashion. They who appear to have been men of the best sense
+amongst the ancients, always recommended the country as the most proper
+scene for innocence, ease, and virtuous pleasure; and, accordingly, lost
+no opportunities of enjoying it: and men of the greatest distinction
+among the moderns, have ever thought themselves most happy when they
+could be decently spared from the employments which the excellency of
+their talents necessarily threw them into, to embrace the charming
+leisure of a country life.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE XVIII.
+
+[Illustration: THE SWALLOW AND OTHER BIRDS.]
+
+
+A farmer was sowing his field with flax. The Swallow observed it, and
+desired the other Birds to assist her in picking the seed up, and in
+destroying it; telling them, that flax was that pernicious material of
+which the thread was composed which made the fowler's nets, and by that
+means contributed to the ruin of so many innocent birds. But the poor
+Swallow not having the good fortune to be regarded, the flax sprung up,
+and appeared above the ground. She then put them in mind once more of
+their impending danger, and wished them to pluck it up in the bud,
+before it went any further. They still neglected her warnings; and the
+flax grew up into the high stalk. She yet again desired them to attack
+it, for that it was not yet too late. But all that she could get was to
+be ridiculed and despised for a silly pretending prophet. The Swallow
+finding all her remonstrances availed nothing, was resolved to leave the
+society of such unthinking, careless creatures, before it was too late.
+So quitting the woods, she repaired to the houses, and forsaking the
+conversation of the Birds, has ever since made her abode among the
+dwellings of men.
+
+
+APPLICATION.
+
+As men, we should always exercise so much humanity as to endeavour the
+welfare of mankind, particularly of our acquaintance and relations: and,
+if by nothing further, at least by our good advice. When we have done
+this, and, if occasion required, continued to repeat it a second or
+third time, we shall have acquitted ourselves sufficiently from any
+imputation upon their miscarriage; and having nothing more to do but to
+separate ourselves from them, that we may not be involved in their ruin,
+or be supposed to partake of their error. This is an excommunication
+which reason allows. For as it would be cruel, on the one side, to
+prosecute and hurt people for being mistaken, so, on the other, it would
+be indiscreet and over complaisant, to keep them company through all
+their wrong notions, and act contrary to our opinion out of pure
+civility.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE XIX.
+
+[Illustration: THE HUNTED BEAVER.]
+
+
+It is said that a Beaver (a creature which lives chiefly in the water)
+has a certain part about him which is good in physic, and that, upon
+this account, he is often hunted down and killed. Once upon a time, as
+one of these creatures was hard pursued by the dogs, and knew not how to
+escape, recollecting with himself the reason of his being thus
+persecuted, with a great resolution and presence of mind, he bit off the
+part which his hunters wanted, and throwing it towards them, by these
+means escaped with his life.
+
+
+APPLICATION.
+
+However it is among beasts, there are few human creatures but what are
+hunted for something else besides either their lives or the pleasure of
+hunting them. The inquisition would hardly be so keen against the Jews,
+if they had not something belonging to them which their persecutors
+esteem more valuable than their souls; which whenever that wise, but
+obstinate people, can prevail with themselves to part with, there is an
+end of the chase for that time. Indeed, when life is pursued, and in
+danger, whoever values it, should give up every thing but his honour to
+preserve it. And when a discarded minister is prosecuted for having
+damaged the commonwealth, let him but throw down some of the fruits of
+his iniquity to the hunters, and one may engage for his coming off, in
+other respects, with a whole skin.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE XX.
+
+[Illustration: THE CAT AND THE FOX.]
+
+
+As the Cat and the Fox were talking politics together, on a time, in the
+middle of a forest, Reynard said, 'Let things turn out ever so bad, he
+did not care, for he had a thousand tricks for them yet, before they
+should hurt him.'--'But pray,' says he, 'Mrs. Puss, suppose there should
+be an invasion, what course do you design to take?'--'Nay,' says the
+Cat, 'I have but one shift for it, and if that won't do, I am
+undone.'--'I am sorry for you, replies Reynard, 'with all my heart, and
+would gladly furnish you with one or two of mine, but indeed, neighbour,
+as times go, it is not good to trust; we must even be every one for
+himself, as the saying is, and so your humble servant.' These words were
+scarce out of his mouth, when they were alarmed with a pack of hounds,
+that came upon them full cry. The Cat, by the help of her single shift,
+ran up a tree, and sat securely among the top branches; from whence she
+beheld Reynard, who had not been able to get out of sight, overtaken
+with his thousand tricks, and torn in as many pieces by the dogs which
+had surrounded him.
+
+
+APPLICATION.
+
+A man that sets up for more cunning than the rest of his neighbours, is
+generally a silly fellow at the bottom. Whoever is master of a little
+judgment and insight into things, let him keep them to himself, and make
+use of them as he sees occasion; but he should not be teasing others
+with an idle and impertinent ostentation of them. One good discreet
+expedient, made use of upon an emergency, will do a man more real
+service, and make others think better of him, than to have passed all
+along for a shrewd crafty knave, and be bubbled at last. When any one
+has been such a coxcomb as to insult his acquaintance, by pretending to
+more policy and stratagem than the rest of mankind, they are apt to wish
+for some difficulty for him to show his skill in; where, if he should
+miscarry (as ten to one but he does) his misfortune, instead of pity, is
+sure to be attended with laughter. He that sets up for a biter, as the
+phrase is, being generally intent upon his prey, or vain of showing his
+art, frequently exposes himself to the traps of one sharper than
+himself, and incurs the ridicule of those whom he designed to make
+ridiculous.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE XXI.
+
+[Illustration: THE CAT AND THE MICE.]
+
+
+A certain house was much infested with Mice; but at last they got a Cat,
+who catched and eat every day some of them. The Mice, finding their
+numbers grow thin, consulted what was best to be done for the
+preservation of the public from the jaws of the devouring Cat. They
+debated and came to this resolution, That no one should go down below
+the upper shelf. The Cat, observing the mice no longer came down as
+usual, hungry and disappointed of her prey, had recourse to this
+stratagem; she hung by her hinder legs on a peg which stuck in the wall,
+and made as if she had been dead, hoping by this lure to entice the Mice
+to come down. She had not been in this posture long, before a cunning
+old Mouse peeped over the edge of the shelf, and spoke thus:--'Aha, my
+good friend, are you there! there may you be! I would not trust myself
+with you, though your skin were stuffed with straw.'
+
+
+APPLICATION.
+
+Prudent folks never trust those a second time who have deceived them
+once. And, indeed, we cannot well be too cautious in following this
+rule, for, upon examination, we shall find, that most of the misfortunes
+which befal us, proceed from our too great credulity. They that know how
+to suspect, without exposing or hurting themselves, till honesty comes
+to be more in fashion, can never suspect too much.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE XXII.
+
+[Illustration: THE LION AND OTHER BEASTS.]
+
+
+The Lion and several other beasts entered into an alliance, offensive
+and defensive, and were to live very sociably together in the forest.
+One day, having made a sort of an excursion by way of hunting, they took
+a very fine, large, fat deer, which was divided into four parts; there
+happening to be then present his majesty the Lion, and only three
+others. After the division was made, and the parts were set out, his
+majesty advancing forward some steps, and pointing to one of the shares,
+was pleased to declare himself after the following manner: 'This I seize
+and take possession of as my right, which devolves to me, as I am
+descended by a true, lineal, hereditary succession from the royal family
+of Lion: that (pointing to the second) I claim by, I think, no
+unreasonable demand; considering that all the engagements you have with
+the enemy turn chiefly upon my courage and conduct; and you very well
+know, that wars are too expensive to be carried on without proper
+supplies. Then (nodding his head towards the third) that I shall take by
+virtue of my prerogative; to which, I make no question, but so dutiful
+and loyal a people will pay all the deference and regard that I can
+desire. Now, as for the remaining part, the necessity of our present
+affairs is so very urgent, our stock so low, and our credit so impaired
+and weakened, that I must insist upon your granting that, without any
+hesitation or demur; and hereof fail not at your peril.'
+
+
+APPLICATION.
+
+No alliance is safe which is made with those that are superior to us in
+power. Though they lay themselves under the most strict and solemn ties
+at the opening of the congress, yet the first advantageous opportunity
+will tempt them to break the treaty; and they will never want specious
+pretences to furnish out their declarations of war. It is not easy to
+determine, whether it is more stupid and ridiculous for a community to
+trust itself first in the hands of those that are more powerful than
+themselves, or to wonder afterwards that their confidence and credulity
+are abused, and their properties invaded.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE XXIII.
+
+[Illustration: THE LION AND THE MOUSE.]
+
+
+A Lion, faint with heat, and weary with hunting, was laid down to take
+his repose under the spreading boughs of a thick shady oak. It happened
+that, while he slept, a company of scrambling Mice ran over his back,
+and waked him: upon which, starting up, he clapped his paw upon one of
+them, and was just going to put it to death; when the little suppliant
+implored his mercy in a very moving manner, begging him not to slain his
+noble character with the blood of so despicable and small a beast. The
+Lion, considering the matter, thought proper to do as he was desired,
+and immediately released his little trembling prisoner. Not long after,
+traversing the forest in pursuit of his prey, he chanced to run into
+the toils of the hunters; from whence, not able to disengage himself,
+he set up a most hideous and loud roar. The Mouse, hearing the voice,
+and knowing it to be the Lion's, immediately repaired to the place, and
+bid him fear nothing, for that he was his friend. Then straight he fell
+to work, and, with his little sharp teeth, gnawing asunder the knots and
+fastenings of the toils, set the royal brute at liberty.
+
+
+APPLICATION.
+
+This fable gives us to understand, that there is no person in the world
+so little, but even the greatest may, at some time or other, stand in
+need of his assistance; and consequently that it is good to use
+clemency, where there is any room for it, towards those who fall within
+our power. A generosity of this kind is a handsome virtue, and looks
+very graceful whenever it is exerted, if there were nothing else in it:
+but as the lowest people in life may, upon occasion, have it in their
+power either to serve or hurt us, that makes it our duty, in point of
+common interest, to behave ourselves with good nature and lenity towards
+all with whom we have to do. Then the gratitude of the Mouse, and his
+readiness not only to repay, but even to exceed, the obligation due to
+his benefactor, notwithstanding his little body, gives us the specimen
+of a great soul, which is never so much delighted as with an opportunity
+of showing how sensible it is of favours received.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE XXIV.
+
+[Illustration: THE FATAL MARRIAGE.]
+
+
+The Lion aforesaid, touched with the grateful procedure of the Mouse,
+and resolving not to be outdone in generosity by any wild beast
+whatsoever, desired his little deliverer to name his own terms, for that
+he might depend upon his complying with any proposal he should make. The
+Mouse, fired with ambition at this gracious offer, did not so much
+consider what was proper for him to ask, as what was in the power of his
+prince to grant; and so presumptuously demanded his princely daughter,
+the young Lioness, in marriage. The Lion consented: but, when he would
+have given the royal virgin into his possession, she, like a giddy thing
+as she was, not minding how she walked, by chance set her paw upon her
+spouse, who was coming to meet her, and crushed her little dear to
+pieces.
+
+
+APPLICATION.
+
+This fable seems intended to show us how miserable some people make
+themselves by a wrong choice, when they have all the good things in the
+world spread before them to choose out of. In short, if that one
+particular of judgment be wanting, it is not in the power of the
+greatest monarch upon earth, nor of the repeated smiles of fortune, to
+make us happy. It is the want or possession of a good judgment which
+oftentimes makes the prince a poor wretch, and the poor philosopher
+completely easy. Now, the first and chief degree of judgment is to know
+one's self; to be able to make a tolerable estimate of one's own
+capacity, so as not to speak or undertake any thing which may either
+injure or make us ridiculous: and yet (as wonderful as it is) there have
+been men of allowed good sense in particular, and possessed of all
+desirable qualifications in general, to make life delightful and
+agreeable, who have unhappily contrived to match themselves with women
+of a genius and temper necessarily tending to blast their peace. This
+proceeds from some unaccountable blindness: but when wealthy plebeians,
+of mean extraction and unrefined education, as an equivalent for their
+money, demand brides out of the nurseries of our peerage, their being
+despised, or at least overlooked, is so unavoidable, unless in
+extraordinary cases, that nothing but a false taste of glory could make
+them enter upon a scheme so inconsistent and unpromising.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE XXV.
+
+[Illustration: THE MISCHIEVOUS DOG.]
+
+
+A certain man had a Dog, which was so fierce and mischievous, that he
+was forced to fasten a heavy clog about his neck, to keep him from
+running at and worrying people. This the vain cur took for a badge of
+honourable distinction; and grew so insolent upon it, that he looked
+down with an air of scorn upon the neighbouring dogs, and refused to
+keep them company. But a sly old poacher, who was one of the gang,
+assured him, that he had no reason to value himself upon the favour he
+wore, since it was fixed upon him rather as a mark of disgrace than of
+honour.
+
+
+APPLICATION.
+
+Some people are so exceeding vain, and at the same time so dull of
+apprehension, that they interpret every thing by which they are
+distinguished from others in their own favour. If they betray any
+weaknesses in conversation, which are apt to excite the laughter of
+their company, they make no scruple of ascribing it to their superiority
+in point of wit. If want of sense or breeding (one of which is always
+the case) disposes them to give, or mistake, affronts, upon which
+account all discreet sensible people are obliged to shun their company,
+they impute it to their own valour and magnanimity, to which they fancy
+the world pays an awful and respectful deference. There are several
+decent ways of preventing such turbulent men from doing mischief, which
+might be applied with secrecy, and many times pass unregarded, if their
+own arrogance did not require the rest of mankind to take notice of it.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE XXVI.
+
+[Illustration: THE OX AND THE FROG.]
+
+
+An Ox, grazing in a meadow, chanced to set his foot among a parcel of
+young Frogs, and trod one of them to death. The rest informed their
+mother, when she came home, what had happened; telling her, that the
+beast which did it was the hugest creature that they ever saw in their
+lives. 'What, was it so big?' says the old Frog, swelling and blowing up
+her speckled belly to a great degree. 'Oh! bigger by a vast deal,' say
+they. 'And so big?' says she, straining herself yet more. 'Indeed,
+mamma,' say they, 'If you were to burst yourself, you would never be so
+big.' She strove yet again, and burst herself indeed.
+
+
+APPLICATION.
+
+Whenever a man endeavours to live equal with one of a greater fortune
+than himself, he is sure to share a like fate with the Frog in the
+fable. How many vain people, of moderate easy circumstances, burst and
+come to nothing, by vying with those whose estates are more ample than
+their own? Sir Changeling Plumstock was possessed of a very considerable
+estate, devolved to him by the death of an old uncle, who had adopted
+him his heir. He had a false taste of happiness, and, without the least
+economy, trusting to the sufficiency of his vast revenue, was resolved
+to be outdone by nobody in showish grandeur and expensive living. He
+gave five thousand pounds for a piece of ground in the country to set a
+house upon; the building and furniture of which cost fifty thousand
+more; and his gardens were proportionably magnificent. Besides which, he
+thought himself under a necessity of buying out two or three tenements
+which stood in his neighbourhood, that he might have elbow-room enough.
+All this he could very well bear; and still might have been happy, had
+it not been for an unfortunate view which he one day happened to take of
+my Lord Castlebuilder's gardens, which consisted of twenty acres,
+whereas his own were not above twelve. From that time he grew pensive;
+and, before the ensuing winter, gave five and thirty years purchase for
+a dozen acres more to enlarge his gardens; built a couple of exorbitant
+greenhouses, and a large pavilion at the further end of a terrace-walk.
+The bare repairs and superintendencies of all which call for the
+remaining part of his income. He is mortgaged pretty deep, and pays
+nobody; but, being a privileged person, resides altogether at a private
+cheap lodging in the City of Westminster.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE XXVII.
+
+[Illustration: THE FOX AND THE LION.]
+
+
+The first time the Fox saw the Lion, he fell down at his feet, and was
+ready to die with fear. The second time, he took courage, and could even
+bear to look upon him. The third time, he had the impudence to come up
+to him, to salute him, and to enter into familiar conversation with him.
+
+
+APPLICATION.
+
+From this fable we may observe the two extremes in which we may fail, as
+to a proper behaviour towards our superiors: the one is a bashfulness,
+proceeding either from a vicious guilty mind, or a timorous rusticity;
+the other, an over-bearing impudence, which assumes more than becomes
+it, and so renders the person insufferable to the conversation of
+well-bred reasonable people. But there is this difference between the
+bashfulness that arises from a want of education, and the shamefacedness
+that accompanies conscious guilt; the first, by a continuance of time
+and a nearer acquaintance, may be ripened into a proper liberal
+behaviour; the other no sooner finds an easy practicable access, but it
+throws off all manner of reverence, grows every day more and more
+familiar, and branches out into the utmost indecency and irregularity.
+Indeed, there are many occasions which may happen to cast an awe, or
+even a terror, upon our minds at first view, without any just and
+reasonable grounds; but upon a little recollection, or a nearer insight,
+we recover ourselves, and can appear indifferent and unconcerned, where,
+before, we were ready to sink under a load of diffidence and fear. We
+should, upon such occasions, use our endeavours to regain a due degree
+of steadiness and resolution; but, at the same time, we must have a care
+that our efforts in that respect do not force the balance too much, and
+make it rise to an unbecoming freedom and an offensive familiarity.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE XXVIII.
+
+[Illustration: THE APE AND THE FOX.]
+
+
+The Ape meeting the Fox one day, humbly requested him to give him a
+piece of his fine, long, brush tail, to cover his poor naked backside,
+which was exposed to all the violence and inclemency of the weather;
+'For,' says he, 'Reynard, you have already more than you have occasion
+for, and a great part of it even drags along in the dirt.' The Fox
+answered, 'That as to his having too much, that was more than he knew;
+but be it as it would, he had rather sweep the ground with his tail, as
+long as he lived, than deprive himself of the least bit to cover the
+Ape's nasty stinking posteriors.'
+
+
+APPLICATION.
+
+One cannot help considering the world, in the particular of the goods of
+fortune, as a kind of lottery; in which some few are entitled to prizes
+of different degrees; others, and those by much the greatest part, come
+off with little or nothing. Some, like the Fox, have even larger
+circumstances than they know what to do with, insomuch that they are
+rather a charge and incumbrance than of any true use and pleasure to
+them. Others, like the poor Ape's case, are all blank; not having been
+so lucky as to draw from the wheel of fortune wherewith to cover their
+nakedness, and live with tolerable decency. That these things are left,
+in a great measure, by Providence, to the blind uncertain shuffle of
+chance, is reasonable to conclude from the unequal distribution of them;
+for there is seldom any regard had to true merit upon these occasions;
+folly and knavery ride in coaches, while good sense and honesty walk in
+the dirt. The all-wise Disposer of events does certainly permit these
+things for just and good purposes, which our shallow understanding is
+not able to fathom; but, humanly thinking, if the riches and power of
+the world were to be always in the hands of the virtuous part of
+mankind, they would be more likely to do good with them in their
+generation, than the vile sottish wretches who generally enjoy them. A
+truly good man would direct all the superfluous part of his wealth, at
+least, for the necessities of his fellow-creatures, though there were no
+religion which enjoined it: but selfish and avaricious people, who are
+always great knaves, how much soever they may have, will never think
+they have enough: much less be induced, by any consideration of virtue
+and religion, to part with the least farthing for public charity and
+beneficence.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE XXIX.
+
+[Illustration: THE DOG IN THE MANGER.]
+
+
+A Dog was lying upon a manger full of hay. An Ox, being hungry, came
+near, and offered to eat of the hay; but the envious ill-natured cur,
+getting up and snarling at him, would not suffer him to touch it. Upon
+which the Ox, in the bitterness of his heart, said, 'A curse light on
+thee, for a malicious wretch, who wilt neither eat hay thyself, nor
+suffer others to do it.'
+
+
+APPLICATION.
+
+Envy is the most unnatural and unaccountable of all the passions. There
+is scarce any other emotion of the mind, however unreasonable, but may
+have something said in excuse for it; and there are many of these
+weaknesses of the soul, which, notwithstanding the wrongness and
+irregularity of them, swell the heart, while they last, with pleasure
+and gladness. But the envious man has no such apology as this to make;
+the stronger the passion is, the greater torment he endures; and
+subjects himself to a continual real pain, by only wishing ill to
+others. Revenge is sweet, though cruel and inhuman; and though it
+sometimes thirsts even for blood, yet may be glutted and satiated.
+Avarice is something highly monstrous and absurd; yet, as it is a desire
+after riches, every little acquisition gives it pleasure; and to behold
+and feel the hoarded treasure, to a covetous man, is a constant
+uncloying enjoyment. But envy, which is an anxiety arising in our minds,
+upon our observing accomplishments in others which we want ourselves,
+can never receive any true comfort, unless in a deluge, a conflagration,
+a plague, or some general calamity that should befal mankind: for, as
+long as there is a creature living, that enjoys its being happily within
+the envious man's sphere, it will afford nourishment to his distempered
+mind; but such nourishment as will make him pine, and fret, and emaciate
+himself to nothing.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE XXX.
+
+[Illustration: THE BIRDS, THE BEASTS, AND THE BAT.]
+
+
+Once upon a time there commenced a fierce war between the Birds and the
+Beasts; when the Bat, taking advantage of his ambiguous make hoped, by
+that means, to live secure in a state of neutrality, and save his bacon.
+It was not long before the forces on each side met, and gave battle;
+and, their animosities running very high, a bloody slaughter ensued. The
+Bat, at the beginning of the day, thinking the birds most likely to
+carry it, listed himself among them; but kept fluttering at a little
+distance, that he might the better observe, and take his measures
+accordingly. However, after some time spent in the action, the army of
+the Beasts seeming to prevail, he went entirely over to them, and
+endeavoured to convince them, by the affinity which he had to a Mouse,
+that he was by nature a beast, and would always continue firm and true
+to their interest. His plea was admitted; but, in the end, the advantage
+turning completely on the side of the Birds, under the admirable conduct
+and courage of their general the Eagle, the Bat, to save his life, and
+escape the disgrace of falling into the hands of his deserted friends,
+betook himself to flight; and ever since, skulking in caves and hollow
+trees all day, as if ashamed to show himself, he never appears till the
+dusk of the evening, when all the feathered inhabitants of the air are
+gone to roost.
+
+
+APPLICATION.
+
+For any one to desert the interest of his country, and turn renegado,
+either out of fear, or any prospect of advantage, is so notoriously vile
+and low, that it is no wonder if the man, who is detected in it, is for
+ever ashamed to see the sun, and to show himself in the eyes of those
+whose cause he has betrayed. Yet, as there is scarce any vice, even to
+be imagined, but there may be found men who have been guilty of it,
+perhaps there have been as many criminals in the case before us, as in
+any one particular besides, notwithstanding the aggravation and
+extraordinary degree of its baseness. We cannot help reflecting upon it
+with horror: but, as truly detestable as this vice is, and must be
+acknowledged to be, by all mankind, so far are those that practise it
+from being treated with a just resentment by the rest of mankind, that
+by the kind reception they afterwards meet with, they rather seem to be
+encouraged and applauded, than despised and discountenanced, for it.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE XXXI.
+
+[Illustration: THE FOX AND THE TIGER.]
+
+
+A skilful archer coming into the woods, directed his arrows so
+successfully, that he slew many wild beasts, and pursued several others.
+This put the whole savage kind into a fearful consternation, and made
+them fly to the most retired thickets for refuge. At last, the Tiger
+resumed a courage, and, bidding them not to be afraid, said, that he
+alone would engage the enemy; telling them, they might depend upon his
+valour and strength to revenge their wrongs. In the midst of these
+threats, while he was lashing himself with his tail, and tearing up the
+ground for anger, an arrow pierced his ribs, and hung by its barbed
+point in his side. He set up an hideous and loud roar, occasioned by
+the anguish which he felt, and endeavoured to draw out the painful dart
+with his teeth; when the Fox, approaching him, inquired with an air of
+surprise, who it was that could have strength and courage enough to
+wound so mighty and valorous a beast?--'Ah!' says the Tiger, 'I was
+mistaken in my reckoning: it was that invincible man yonder.'
+
+
+APPLICATION.
+
+Though strength and courage are very good ingredients towards the making
+us secure and formidable in the world, yet, unless there be a proper
+portion of wisdom or policy to direct them, instead of being
+serviceable, they often prove detrimental to their proprietors. A rash
+froward man, who depends upon the excellence of his own parts and
+accomplishments, is likewise apt to expose a weak side, which his
+enemies might not otherwise have observed, and gives an advantage to
+others by those very means which he fancied would have secured it to
+himself. Counsel and conduct always did, and always will, govern the
+world; and the strong, in spite of all their force, can never avoid
+being tools to the crafty. Some men are as much superior to others in
+wisdom and policy, as man, in general, is above a brute. Strength
+ill-concerted, opposed to them, is like a quarter staff in the hands of
+a huge, robust, but bungling fellow, who fights against a master of the
+science. The latter, though without a weapon, would have skill and
+address enough to disarm his adversary, and drub him with his own staff.
+In a word, savage fierceness and brutal strength must not pretend to
+stand in competition with finesse and stratagem.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE XXXII.
+
+[Illustration: THE LIONESS AND THE FOX.]
+
+
+The Lioness and the Fox meeting together fell into discourse; and the
+conversation turning upon the breeding and the fruitfulness of some
+living creatures above others, the Fox could not forbear taking the
+opportunity of observing to the Lioness, that, for her part, she thought
+Foxes were as happy in that respect as almost any other creatures; for
+that they bred constantly once a year, if not oftener, and always had a
+good litter of cubs at every birth: 'and yet,' says she, 'there are
+those who are never delivered of more than one at a time, and that
+perhaps not above once or twice through their whole life, who hold up
+their noses, and value themselves so much upon it, that they think all
+other creatures beneath them, and scarce worthy to be spoken to.' The
+Lioness, who all the while perceived at whom this reflection pointed,
+was fired with resentment, and with a good deal of vehemence
+replied--'What you have observed may be true, and that not without
+reason. You produce a great many at a litter, and often; but what are
+they?--Foxes. I indeed have but one at a time; but you should remember
+that this one is a Lion.'
+
+
+APPLICATION.
+
+Our productions, of whatsoever kind, are not to be esteemed so much by
+the quantity as the quality of them. It is not being employed much, but
+well, and to the purpose, which makes us useful to the age we live in,
+and celebrated by those which are to come. As it is a misfortune to the
+countries which are infested with them, for Foxes and other vermin to
+multiply; so one cannot help throwing out a melancholy reflection, when
+one sees some particulars of the humankind increase so fast as they do.
+But the most obvious meaning of this fable, is the hint it gives us in
+relation to authors. These gentlemen should never attempt to raise
+themselves a reputation, by enumerating a catalogue of their
+productions; since there is more glory in having written one tolerable
+piece, than a thousand indifferent ones. And whoever has had the good
+fortune to please in one performance of this kind, should be very
+cautious how he ventures his reputation in a second.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE XXXIII.
+
+[Illustration: THE OAK AND THE REED.]
+
+
+An oak, which hung over the bank of a river, was blown down by a violent
+storm of wind; and as it was carried along by the stream, some of its
+boughs brushed against a Reed which grew near the shore. This struck the
+Oak with a thought of admiration; and he could not forbear asking the
+Reed, how he came to stand so secure and unhurt, in a tempest which had
+been furious enough to tear an Oak up by the roots? 'Why,' says the
+Reed, 'I secure myself by putting on a behaviour quite contrary to what
+you do; instead of being stubborn and stiff, and confiding in my
+strength, I yield and bend to the blast, and let it go over me; knowing
+how vain and fruitless it would be to resist.'
+
+
+APPLICATION.
+
+Though a tame submission to injuries which it is in our power to
+redress, be generally esteemed a base and a dishonourable thing; yet, to
+resist where there is no probability, or even hopes, of our getting the
+better, may also be looked upon as the effect of a blind temerity, and
+perhaps of a weak understanding. The strokes of fortune are oftentimes
+as irresistible as they are severe; and he who, with an impatient
+reluctant spirit, fights against her, instead of alleviating, does but
+double her blows upon himself. A person of a quiet still temper, whether
+it is given him by Nature, or acquired by art, calmly composes himself,
+in the midst of a storm, so as to elude the shock, or receive it with
+the least detriment; like a prudent experienced sailor, who is swimming
+to the shore from a wrecked vessel in a swelling sea, he does not oppose
+the fury of the waves, but stoops and gives way, that they may roll over
+his head without obstruction. The doctrine of absolute submission in all
+cases is an absurd dogmatical precept, with nothing but ignorance and
+superstition to support it: but, upon particular occasions, and where it
+is impossible for us to overcome, to submit patiently is one of the most
+reasonable maxims in life.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE XXXIV.
+
+[Illustration: THE WIND AND THE SUN.]
+
+
+A dispute once arose between the north Wind and the Sun, about the
+superiority of their power; and they agreed to try their strength upon a
+traveller, which should be able to get his cloak off first. The north
+Wind began, and blew a very cold blast, accompanied with a sharp driving
+shower. But this, and whatever else he could do, instead of making the
+man quit his cloak, obliged him to gird it about his body as close as
+possible. Next came the Sun, who, breaking out from a thick watery
+cloud, drove away the cold vapours from the sky, and darted his warm
+sultry beams upon the head of the poor weather-beaten traveller. The man
+growing faint with the heat, and unable to endure it any longer, first
+throws off his heavy cloak, and then flies for protection to the shade
+of a neighbouring grove.
+
+
+APPLICATION.
+
+There is something in the temper of men so averse to severe and
+boisterous treatment, that he who endeavours to carry his point that
+way, instead of prevailing, generally leaves the mind of him, whom he
+has thus attempted, in a more confirmed and obstinate situation than he
+found it at first. Bitter words and hard usage freeze the heart into a
+kind of obduracy, which mild persuasion and gentle language only can
+dissolve and soften. Persecution has always fixed and rivetted those
+opinions which it was intended to dispel; and some discerning men have
+attributed the quick growth of Christianity, in a great measure, to the
+rough and barbarous reception which its first teachers met with in the
+world. The same may have been observed of our reformation; the blood of
+the martyrs was the manure which produced that great Protestant crop, on
+which the church of England has subsisted ever since. Providence, which
+always makes use of the most natural means to attain its purpose, has
+thought fit to establish the purest religion by this method: the
+consideration of which may give a proper check to those who are
+continually endeavouring to root out errors by that very management,
+which so infallibly fixes and implants all opinions, as well erroneous
+as orthodox. When an opinion is so violently attacked, it raises an
+attention in the persecuted party, and gives an alarm to their vanity,
+by making them think that worth defending and keeping, at the hazard of
+their lives, which, perhaps, otherwise they would only have admired
+awhile for the sake of its novelty, and afterwards resigned of their own
+accord. In short, a fierce turbulent opposition, like the north Wind,
+only serves to make a man wrap up his notions more closely about him;
+but we know not what a kind, warm, Sun-shiny behaviour, rightly applied,
+would not be able to effect.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE XXXV.
+
+[Illustration: THE KITE, THE FROG, AND THE MOUSE.]
+
+
+There was once a great emulation between the Frog and the Mouse, which
+should be master of the fen, and wars ensued upon it. But the crafty
+Mouse, lurking under the grass in ambuscade, made sudden sallies, and
+often surprised the enemy at a disadvantage. The Frog, excelling in
+strength, and being more able to leap abroad and take the field,
+challenged the Mouse to single combat. The Mouse accepts the challenge;
+and each of them entered the lists, armed with a point of a bulrush
+instead of a spear. A Kite, sailing in the air, beheld them afar off;
+and, while they were eagerly bent upon each other, and pressing on to
+the duel, this fatal enemy descended souse upon them, and with her
+crooked talons carried off both the champions.
+
+
+APPLICATION.
+
+Nothing so much exposes a man's weak side, and lays him so open to an
+enemy, as passion and malice. He whose attention is wholly fixed upon
+forming a project of revenge, is ignorant of the mischiefs that may be
+hatching against him from some other quarter, and, upon the attack, is
+unprovided with the means of defending or securing himself. How are the
+members of a commonwealth sometimes divided amongst themselves, and
+inspired with rancour and malice to the last degree; and often upon as
+great a trifle as that which was the subject matter of debate between
+the Frog and the Mouse; not for any real advantage, but merely who shall
+get the better in the dispute? But such animosities, as insignificant
+and trifling as they may be among themselves, are yet of the last
+importance to their enemies, by giving them many fair opportunities of
+falling upon them, and reducing them to misery and slavery. O Britons,
+when will ye be wise! when will ye throw away the ridiculous
+distinctions of party, those ends of bulrushes, and by a prudent union
+secure yourselves in a state of peace and prosperity! A state, of which,
+if it were not for your intolerably foolish and unnecessary divisions at
+home, all the powers upon earth could never deprive you.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE XXXVI.
+
+[Illustration: THE FROGS DESIRING A KING.]
+
+
+The Frogs, living an easy free life every where among the lakes and
+ponds, assembled together, one day, in a very tumultuous manner, and
+petitioned Jupiter to let them have a King, who might inspect their
+morals, and make them live a little honester. Jupiter, being at that
+time in pretty good humour, was pleased to laugh heartily at their
+ridiculous request; and, throwing a little log down into the pool,
+cried, 'There is a King for you.' The sudden splash which this made by
+its fall into the water, at first terrified them so exceedingly, that
+they were afraid to come near it. But in a little time, seeing it lay
+still without moving, they ventured, by degrees, to approach it; and at
+last, finding there was no danger, they leaped upon it; and, in short,
+treated it as familiarly as they pleased. But not contented with so
+insipid a King as this was, they sent their deputies to petition again
+for another sort of one; for this they neither did nor could like. Upon
+that he sent them a Stork, who, without any ceremony, fell a devouring
+and eating them up, one after another, as fast as he could. Then they
+applied themselves privately to Mercury, and got him to speak to Jupiter
+in their behalf, that he would be so good as to bless them again with
+another King, or to restore them to their former state. 'No,' says he,
+'since it was their own choice, let the obstinate wretches suffer the
+punishment due to their folly.'
+
+
+APPLICATION.
+
+It is pretty extraordinary to find a fable of this kind finished with so
+bold and yet polite a turn by Phaedrus: one who attained his freedom by
+the favour of Augustus, and wrote it in the time of Tiberius; who were,
+successively, tyrannical usurpers of the Roman government. If we may
+take his word for it, AEsop spoke it upon this occasion. When the
+commonwealth of Athens flourished under good wholesome laws of its own
+enacting, they relied so much upon the security of their liberty, that
+they negligently suffered it to run out into licentiousness. And
+factions happening to be fomented among them by designing people, much
+about the same time, Pisistratus took that opportunity to make himself
+master of their citadel and liberties both together. The Athenians
+finding themselves in a slate of slavery, though their tyrant happened
+to be a very merciful one, yet could not bear the thoughts of it; so
+that AEsop, where there was no remedy, prescribes to them patience, by
+the example of the foregoing fable; and adds, at last, 'Wherefore, my
+dear countrymen, be contented with your present condition, bad as it is,
+for fear a change should be worse.'
+
+
+
+
+FABLE XXXVII.
+
+[Illustration: THE OLD WOMAN AND HER MAIDS.]
+
+
+A certain Old Woman had several Maids, whom she used to call up to their
+work, every morning, at the crowing of the Cock. The Wenches, who found
+it grievous to have their sweet sleep disturbed so early, combined
+together, and killed the Cock; thinking, that, when the alarm was gone,
+they might enjoy themselves in their warm beds a little longer. The Old
+Woman, grieved for the loss of her Cock, and having, by some means or
+other, discovered the whole plot, was resolved to be even with them;
+for, from that time, she obliged them to rise constantly at midnight.
+
+
+APPLICATION.
+
+It can never be expected that things should be, in all respects,
+agreeable to our wishes; and, if they are not very bad indeed, we
+ought, in many cases, to be contented with them; lest when, through
+impatience, we precipitately quit our present condition of life, we may
+to our sorrow find, with the old saying, that seldom comes a better.
+Before we attempt any alteration of moment, we should be certain what
+state it will produce; for, when things are already bad, to make them
+worse by trying experiments, is an argument of great weakness and folly,
+and is sure to be attended with a too late repentance. Grievances, if
+really such, ought by all means to be redressed, provided we can be
+assured of doing it with success: but we had better, at any time, bear
+with some inconvenience, than make our condition worse by attempting to
+mend it.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE XXXVIII.
+
+[Illustration: THE LION, THE BEAR, AND THE FOX.]
+
+
+A Lion and a Bear fell together by the ears over the carcass of a Fawn
+which they found in the forest, their title to him being to be decided
+by force of arms. The battle was severe and tough on both sides, and
+they held it out, tearing and worrying one another so long, that, what
+with wounds and fatigue, they were so faint and weary, that they were
+not able to strike another stroke. Thus, while they lay upon the ground,
+panting and lolling out their tongues, a Fox chanced to pass by that
+way, who, perceiving how the case stood, very impudently stepped in
+between them, seized the booty which they had all this while been
+contending for, and carried it off. The two combatants, who lay and
+beheld all this, without having strength enough to stir and prevent it,
+were only wise enough to make this reflection: 'Behold the fruits of our
+strife and contention! that villain, the Fox, bears away the prize, and
+we ourselves have deprived each other of the power to recover it from
+him.'
+
+
+APPLICATION.
+
+When people go to law about an uncertain title, and have spent their
+whole estate in the contest, nothing is more common than for some little
+pettifogging attorney to step in and secure it to himself. The very name
+of law seems to imply equity and justice, and that is the bait which has
+drawn in many to their ruin. Others are excited by their passions, and
+care not if they destroy themselves, so they do but see their enemy
+perish with them. But, if we lay aside prejudice and folly, and think
+calmly of the matter, we shall find, that going to law is not the best
+way of deciding differences about property; it being, generally
+speaking, much safer to trust to the arbitration of two or three honest
+sensible neighbours, than, at a vast expense of money, time, and
+trouble, to run through the tedious, frivolous forms, with which, by the
+artifice of greedy lawyers, a court of judicature is contrived to be
+attended. It has been said, that if mankind would lead moral virtuous
+lives, there would be no occasion for divines; if they would but live
+temperately and soberly, that they would never want physicians; both
+which assertions, though true in the main, are yet expressed in too
+great a latitude. But one may venture to affirm, that if men preserved
+a strict regard to justice and honesty in their dealings with each
+other, and, upon any mistake or misapprehension, were always ready to
+refer the matter to disinterested umpires, of acknowledged judgment and
+integrity, they never could have the least occasion for lawyers. When
+people have gone to law, it is rarely to be found but one or both
+parties was either stupidly obstinate, or rashly inconsiderate. For, if
+the case should happen to be so intricate, that a man of common sense
+could not distinguish who had the best title, how easy would it be to
+have the opinion of the best counsel in the land, and agree to determine
+it by that? If it should appear dubious even after that, how much better
+would it be to divide the thing in dispute, rather than go to law, and
+hazard the losing not only of the whole, but costs and damages into the
+bargain?
+
+
+
+
+FABLE XXXIX.
+
+[Illustration: THE CROW AND THE PITCHER.]
+
+
+A Crow, ready to die with thirst, flew with joy to a Pitcher, which he
+beheld at some distance. When he came, he found water in it indeed, but
+so near the bottom, that, with all his stooping and straining, he was
+not able to reach it. Then he endeavoured to overturn the Pitcher, that
+so at least he might be able to get a little of it. But his strength was
+not sufficient for this. At last, seeing some pebbles lie near the
+place, he cast them one by one into the Pitcher; and thus, by degrees,
+raised the water up to the very brim, and satisfied his thirst.
+
+
+APPLICATION.
+
+Many things which cannot be effected by strength, or by the vulgar way
+of enterprising, may yet be brought about by some new and untried means.
+A man of sagacity and penetration, upon encountering a difficulty or
+two, does not immediately despair; but, if he cannot succeed one way,
+employs his wit and ingenuity another; and, to avoid or get over an
+impediment, makes no scruple of stepping out of the path of his
+forefathers. Since our happiness, next to the regulation of our minds,
+depends altogether upon our having and enjoying the conveniences of
+life, why should we stand upon ceremony about the methods of obtaining
+them, or pay any deference to antiquity upon that score? If almost every
+age had not exerted itself in some new improvements of its own, we
+should want a thousand arts, or, at least, many degrees of perfection in
+every art, which at present we are in possession of. The invention of
+any thing which is more commodious for the mind or body than what they
+had before, ought to be embraced readily, and the projector of it
+distinguished with a suitable encouragement. Such as the use of the
+compass, for example, from which mankind reaps so much benefit and
+advantage, and which was not known to former ages. When we follow the
+steps of those who have gone before us in the old beaten track of life,
+how do we differ from horses in a team, which are linked to each other
+by a chain or harness, and move on in a dull heavy pace, to the tune of
+their leader's bells? But the man who enriches the present fund of
+knowledge with some new and useful improvement, like a happy adventurer
+at sea, discovers, as it were, an unknown land, and imports an
+additional trade into his own country.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE XL.
+
+[Illustration: THE PORCUPINE AND THE SNAKES.]
+
+
+A Porcupine, wanting to shelter himself, desired a nest of Snakes to
+give him admittance into their cave. They were prevailed upon, and let
+him in accordingly; but were so annoyed with his sharp prickly quills,
+that they soon repented of their easy compliance, and entreated the
+Porcupine to withdraw, and leave them their hole to themselves. 'No,'
+says he, 'let them quit the place that don't like it; for my part, I am
+well enough satisfied as I am.'
+
+
+APPLICATION.
+
+Some people are of such brutish, inhospitable tempers, that there is no
+living with them, without greatly incommoding ourselves. Therefore,
+before we enter into any degree of friendship, alliance, or partnership,
+with any person whatever, we should thoroughly consider his nature and
+qualities, his circumstances and his humour. There ought to be something
+in each of these respects to tally and correspond with our own measures,
+to suit our genius, and adapt itself to the size and proportion of our
+desires; otherwise our associations, of whatever kind, may prove the
+greatest plagues of our life. Young men are very apt to run into this
+error; and being warm in all their passions, throw open their arms at
+once, and admit into the greatest intimacy persons whom they know little
+of, but by false and uncertain lights. Thus they sometimes receive a
+Viper into their bosom instead of a friend, and take a Porcupine for a
+consort, with whom they are obliged to cohabit, though she may prove a
+thorn in their sides as long as they live. A true friend is one of the
+greatest blessings in life; therefore to be mistaken or disappointed of
+such enjoyment, when we hope to be in full possession of it must be as
+great a mortification. So that we cannot be too nice and scrupulous in
+our choice of those who are to be our companions for life: for they must
+have but a poor shallow notion of friendship, who intend to take it,
+like a lease, for a term of years only. In a word, the doctrine which
+this fable speaks, is to prepare us against being injured or deceived by
+a rash combination of any sort. The manners of the man we desire for a
+friend, of the woman we like for a wife, of the person with whom we
+would jointly manage and concert measures for the advancement of our
+temporal interest, should be narrowly and cautiously inspected, before
+we embark with them in the same vessel, lest we should alter our mind
+when it is too late, and think of regaining the shore after we have
+launched out of our depth.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE XLI.
+
+[Illustration: THE HARES AND FROGS IN A STORM.]
+
+
+Upon a great storm of wind that blew among the trees and bushes, and
+made a rustling with the leaves, the Hares (in a certain park where
+there happened to be plenty of them) were so terribly frighted, that
+they ran like mad all over the place, resolving to seek out some retreat
+of more security, or to end their unhappy days by doing violence to
+themselves. With this resolution they found an outlet where a pale had
+been broken down, and, bolting forth upon an adjoining common, had not
+run far before their course was stopped by that of a gentle brook which
+glided across the way they intended to take. This was so grievous a
+disappointment, that they were not able to bear it; and they determined
+rather to throw themselves headlong into the water, let what would
+become of it, than lead a life so full of dangers and crosses. But, upon
+their coming to the brink of the river, a parcel of Frogs, which were
+sitting there, frighted at their approach, leaped into the stream in
+great confusion, and dived to the very bottom for fear: which a cunning
+old Puss observing, called to the rest and said, 'Hold, have a care what
+ye do: here are other creatures, I perceive, which have their fears as
+well as us: don't then let us fancy ourselves the most miserable of any
+upon earth; but rather, by their example, learn to bear patiently those
+inconveniences which our nature has thrown upon us.'
+
+
+APPLICATION.
+
+This fable is designed to show us how unreasonable many people are for
+living in such continual fears and disquiets about the miserableness of
+their condition. There is hardly any state of life great enough to
+satisfy the wishes of an ambitious man; and scarce any so mean but may
+supply all the necessities of him that is moderate. But if people will
+be so unwise as to work themselves up to imaginary misfortunes, why do
+they grumble at nature and their stars, when their own perverse minds
+are only to blame? If we are to conclude ourselves unhappy by as many
+degrees as there are others greater than we, why then the greatest part
+of mankind must be miserable, in some degree at least. But, if they who
+repine at their own afflicted condition, would but reckon up how many
+more there are with whom they would not change cases, than whose
+pleasures they envy, they would certainly rise up better satisfied from
+such a calculation. But what shall we say to those who have a way of
+creating themselves panics from the rustling of the wind, the scratching
+of a Rat or Mouse behind the hangings, the fluttering of a Moth, or the
+motion of their own shadow by moonlight? Their whole life is as full of
+alarms as that of a Hare, and they never think themselves so happy as
+when, like the timorous folks in the fable, they meet with a set of
+creatures as fearful as themselves.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE XLII.
+
+[Illustration: THE FOX AND THE WOLF.]
+
+
+The Wolf having laid in store of provision, kept close at home, and made
+much of himself. The Fox observed this, and thinking it something
+particular, went to visit him, the better to inform himself of the truth
+of the matter. The Wolf excused himself from seeing him, by pretending
+he was very much indisposed. All this did but confirm the Fox in his
+suspicions: so away he goes to a shepherd, and made discovery of the
+Wolf; telling him, he had nothing else to do but to come with a good
+weapon and knock him on the head as he lay in his cave. The shepherd
+followed his directions, and killed the Wolf. The wicked Fox enjoyed the
+cave and provisions to himself, but enjoyed them not long; for the same
+shepherd passing afterwards by the same hole, and seeing the Fox there,
+dispatched him also.
+
+
+APPLICATION.
+
+This fable seems to be directed against the odious trade of informing.
+Not that giving information against criminals and enemies of the public
+is in itself odious, for it is commendable; but the circumstances and
+manner of doing it oftentimes make it a vile and detestable employment.
+He that accuses another merely for the sake of the promised reward, or
+in hopes of getting his forfeited estate, or with any other such
+mercenary view, nay, even to save his own life, whatever he gets by the
+bargain, is sure to lose his reputation: for, indeed, the most innocent
+company is not safe with such a one in it, nor the neighbourhood secure
+in which he lives. A villain of his stamp, whose only end is getting,
+will as soon betray the innocent as the guilty: let him but know where
+there is a suspected person, and propose the reward, and he will scarce
+fail to work the suspicion up to high-treason, or be at a loss to give
+sufficient proofs of it. We have no small comfort concerning this sort
+of people, when we consider how improbable it is that they should thrive
+or prosper long in their ill-gotten possessions. For he that can betray
+another for the sake of a little pelf, must be a man of such bad
+principles, that it cannot be for the interest of any community to
+suffer him to live long in it. Besides, he himself will not be
+contented with one single villany; and there is no fear but he will
+provoke justice to hurl down upon his head at least as great a calamity
+as he, by his malicious information, has brought upon another.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE XLIII.
+
+[Illustration: THE DOG AND THE SHEEP.]
+
+
+The Dog sued the Sheep for a debt, of which the Kite and the Wolf were
+to be judges. They, without debating long upon the matter, or making any
+scruple for want of evidence, gave sentence for the plaintiff; who
+immediately tore the poor Sheep in pieces, and divided the spoil with
+the unjust judges.
+
+
+APPLICATION.
+
+Deplorable are the times when open barefaced villany is protected and
+encouraged, when innocence is obnoxious, honesty contemptible, and it is
+reckoned criminal to espouse the cause of virtue. Men originally entered
+into covenants and civil compacts with each other for the promotion of
+their happiness and well-being, for the establishment of justice and
+public peace. How comes it then that they look stupidly on, and tamely
+acquiesce, when wicked men pervert this end, and establish an arbitrary
+tyranny of their own upon the foundation of fraud and oppression? Among
+beasts, who are incapable of being civilized by social laws, it is no
+strange thing to see innocent helpless Sheep fall a prey to Dogs,
+Wolves, and Kites: but it is amazing how mankind could ever sink down to
+such a low degree of base cowardice, as to suffer some of the worst of
+their species to usurp a power over them, to supersede the righteous
+laws of good government, and to exercise all kinds of injustice and
+hardship, in gratifying their own vicious lusts. Wherever such
+enormities are practised, it is when a few rapacious statesmen combine
+together to get and secure the power in their own hands, and agree to
+divide the spoil among themselves. For as long as the cause is to be
+tried only among themselves, no question but they will always vouch for
+each other. But, at the same time, it is hard to determine which
+resemble brutes most, they in acting, or the people in suffering them to
+act, their vile selfish schemes.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE XLIV.
+
+[Illustration: THE PEACOCK AND THE CRANE.]
+
+
+The Peacock and the Crane by chance met together in the same place. The
+Peacock erecting his tail, displayed his gaudy plumes, and looked with
+contempt upon the Crane, as some mean ordinary person. The Crane,
+resolving to mortify his insolence, took occasion to say, that Peacocks
+were very fine birds indeed, if fine feathers could make them so; but
+that he thought it a much nobler thing to be able to rise above the
+clouds, than to strut about upon the ground, and be gazed at by
+children.
+
+
+APPLICATION.
+
+It is very absurd to slight or insult another upon his wanting a
+property which we possess; for he may, for any thing we know, have as
+just reason to triumph over us, by being master of some good quality of
+which we are incapable. But, in regard to the fable before us, that
+which the Peacock values himself upon, the glitter and finery of dress,
+is one of the most trifling considerations in nature; and what a man of
+sense would be ashamed to reckon even as the least part of merit.
+Indeed, children, and those people who think much about the same pitch
+with them, are apt to be taken with varnish and tinsel: but they who
+examine by the scale of common sense must find something of weight and
+substance, before they can be persuaded to set a value. The mind which
+is stored with virtuous and rational sentiments, and the behaviour which
+speaks complacence and humility, stamps an estimate upon the possessor,
+which all judicious spectators are ready to admire and acknowledge. But
+if there be any merit in an embroidered coat, a brocade waistcoat, a
+shoe, a stocking, or a sword-knot, the person who wears them has the
+least claim to it; let it be ascribed where it justly belongs--to the
+several artizans who wrought and disposed the materials of which they
+consist. This moral is not intended to derogate any thing from the
+magnificence of fine clothes and rich equipages, which, as times and
+circumstances require, may be used with decency and propriety enough:
+but one cannot help being concerned, lest any worth should be affixed to
+them more than their own intrinsic value.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE XLV.
+
+[Illustration: THE VIPER AND THE FILE.]
+
+
+A Viper entering a smith's shop, looked up and down for something to
+eat; and seeing a File, fell to gnawing it as greedily as could be. The
+File told him, very gruffly, that he had best be quiet and let him
+alone; for he would get very little by nibbling at one who, upon
+occasion, could bite iron and steel.
+
+
+APPLICATION.
+
+By this fable we are cautioned to consider what any person is, before we
+make an attack upon him after any manner whatsoever: particularly how we
+let our tongues slip in censuring the actions of those who are, in the
+opinion of the world, not only of an unquestioned reputation, so that
+nobody will believe what we insinuate against them; but of such an
+influence, upon account of their own veracity, that the least word from
+them would ruin our credit to all intents and purposes. If wit be the
+case, and we have a satirical vein, which at certain periods must have a
+flow, let us be cautious at whom we level it; for if the person's
+understanding be of better proof than our own, all our ingenious
+sallies, like liquor squirted against the wind, will recoil back upon
+our own faces, and make us the ridicule of every spectator. This fable,
+besides, is not an improper emblem of envy; which, rather than not bite
+at all, will fall foul where it can hurt nothing but itself.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE XLVI.
+
+[Illustration: THE ASS, THE LION, AND THE COCK.]
+
+
+An Ass and a Cock happened to be feeding together in the same place,
+when on a sudden they spied a Lion approaching them. This beast is
+reported, above all things, to have an aversion, or rather antipathy, to
+the crowing of a Cock; so that he no sooner heard the voice of that
+bird, but he betook him to his heels, and run away as fast as ever he
+could. The Ass fancying he fled for fear of him, in the bravery of his
+heart, pursued him, and followed him so far, that they were quite out of
+the hearing of the Cock; which the Lion no sooner perceived, but he
+turned about and seized the Ass; and just as he was ready to tear him to
+pieces, the sluggish creature is said to have expressed himself
+thus:--'Alas! fool that I was, knowing the cowardice of my own nature,
+thus, by an affected courage, to throw myself into the jaws of death,
+when I might have remained secure and unmolested!'
+
+
+APPLICATION.
+
+There are many who, out of an ambition to appear considerable, affect to
+show themselves men of fire, spirit, and courage: but these being
+qualities, of which they are not the right owners, they generally expose
+themselves, and show the little title they have to them, by endeavouring
+to exert and produce them at unseasonable times, or with improper
+persons. A bully, for fear you should find him out to be a coward,
+overacts his part, and calls you to account for affronts which a man of
+true bravery would never have thought of: and a cowardly silly fellow,
+observing that he may take some liberties with impunity, where perhaps
+the place or the company protect him, falsely concludes from thence,
+that the person with whom he made free is a greater coward than himself;
+so that he not only continues his offensive raillery and impertinence
+for the present, but probably renews them in some place not so
+privileged as the former, where his insolence meets with a due
+chastisement; than which nothing is more equitable in itself, or
+agreeable to the discreet part of mankind.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE XLVII.
+
+[Illustration: THE JACKDAW AND PEACOCKS.]
+
+
+A certain Jackdaw was so proud and ambitious, that, not contented to
+live within his own sphere, he picked up the feathers which fell from
+the Peacocks, stuck them in among his own, and very confidently
+introduced himself into an assembly of those beautiful birds. They soon
+found him out, stripped him of his borrowed plumes, and, falling upon
+him with their sharp bills, punished him as his presumption deserved.
+Upon this, full of grief and affliction, he returned to his old
+companions, and would have flocked with them again; but they, knowing
+his late life and conversation, industriously avoided him, and refused
+to admit him into their company: and of them, at the same time, gave him
+this serious reproof--'If, friend, you could have been contented with
+our station, and had not disdained the rank in which Nature had placed
+you, you had not been used so scurvily by those upon whom you intruded
+yourself, nor suffered the notorious slight which now we think ourselves
+obliged to put upon you.'
+
+
+APPLICATION.
+
+What we may learn from this fable is, in the main, to live contentedly
+in our own condition, whatever it be, without affecting to look bigger
+than we are, by a false or borrowed light. To be barely pleased with
+appearing above what a man really is, is bad enough; and what may justly
+render him contemptible in the eyes of his equals: but if, to enable him
+to do this with something of a better grace, he has clandestinely
+feathered his nest with his neighbour's goods, when found out, he has
+nothing to expect but to be stripped of his plunder, and used like a
+felonious rogue into the bargain.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE XLVIII.
+
+[Illustration: THE ANT AND THE FLY.]
+
+
+One day there happened some words between the Ant and the Fly about
+precedency, and the point was argued with great warmth and eagerness on
+both sides. Says the Fly, 'It is well known what my pretensions are, and
+how justly they are grounded: there is never a sacrifice that is offered
+but I always taste of the entrails, even before the gods themselves. I
+have one of the uppermost seats at church, and frequent the altar as
+often as any body: I have a free admission at court; and can never want
+the king's ear, for I sometimes sit upon his shoulder. There is not a
+maid of honour, or handsome young creature, comes in my way, but, if I
+like her, I settle betwixt her balmy lips, and then I eat and drink the
+best of every thing, without having any occasion to work for my living.
+What is there that such country pusses as you enjoy, to be compared with
+a life like this?'--The Ant, who by this time had composed herself,
+replied with a great deal of temper, and no less severity--'Indeed, to
+be a guest at an entertainment of the gods, is a very great honour, if
+one is invited; but I should not care to be a disagreeable intruder any
+where. You talk of the king and the court, and the fine ladies there,
+with great familiarity; but, as I have been getting in my harvest in
+summer, I have seen a certain person under the town walls, making a
+hearty meal upon something that is not so proper to be mentioned. As to
+your frequenting the altars, you are in the right to take sanctuary
+where you are like to meet with the least disturbance: but I have known
+people before now run to altars, and call it devotion, when they have
+been shut out of all good company, and had no where else to go. You do
+not work for your living, you say,--true: therefore, when you have
+played away the summer, and winter comes, you have nothing to live upon;
+and, while you are starving with cold and hunger, I have a good warm
+house over my head, and plenty of provisions about me.'
+
+
+APPLICATION.
+
+This fable points out to us the different characters of those that
+recommend themselves in a vain-glorious way by false and borrowed
+lights; and of those whose real merit procures them a good esteem
+wherever they go. Poverty and folly having, at the same time,
+possession of any one man, cannot fail of making him an object of pity,
+if not of contempt; but, when an empty conceited pride happens to be
+joined with them, they render the creature in whom they meet at the same
+time despicable and ridiculous. One who often attends at court, not
+because he has a place, but because he has not, should not value himself
+upon his condition. They who go to church out of vanity and curiosity,
+and not for pure devotion, should not value themselves upon their
+religion, for it is not worth a straw. They who eat at a threepenny
+ordinary, and sometimes not so well, should not boast either of their
+dinner or company. In short, nobody is a better gentleman, than he whose
+own honest industry supplies him with a plenty of all necessaries; who
+is so well acquainted with honour, as never to say or do a mean and
+unjust thing; and who despises an idle scoundrel, but knows how to
+esteem men of his own principles. Such a one is a person of the first
+quality, though he has never a title, and ought to take place of every
+man who is not so good as himself.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE XLIX.
+
+[Illustration: THE ANT AND THE GRASSHOPPER.]
+
+
+In the winter season, a commonwealth of Ants was busily employed in the
+management and preservation of their corn; which they exposed to the air
+in heaps round about the avenues of their little country habitation. A
+Grasshopper, who had chanced to outlive the summer, and was ready to
+starve with cold and hunger, approached them with great humility, and
+begged that they would relieve his necessity, with one grain of wheat or
+rye. One of the Ants asked him, how he had disposed of his time in
+summer, that he had not taken pains, and laid in a stock, as they had
+done?--'Alas, gentlemen,' says he, 'I passed away the time merrily and
+pleasantly, in drinking, singing, and dancing, and never once thought
+of winter.'--'If that be the case,' replied the Ant, laughing, 'all I
+have to say is, that they who drink, sing, and dance in the summer, must
+starve in winter.'
+
+
+APPLICATION.
+
+As summer is the season of the year in which the industrious and
+laborious husbandman gathers and lays up such fruits as may supply his
+necessities in winter, so youth and manhood are the times of life which
+we should employ and bestow in laying in such a stock of all kind of
+necessaries as may suffice for the craving demands of helpless old age.
+Yet, notwithstanding the truth of this, there are many of those which we
+call rational creatures, who live in a method quite opposite to it, and
+make it their business to squander away, in a profuse prodigality,
+whatever they get in their younger days: as if the infirmity of age
+would require no supplies to support it; or, at least, would find them
+administered to in some miraculous way. From this fable we learn this
+admirable lesson, never to lose any present opportunity of providing
+against the future evils and accidents of life. While health and the
+flower and vigour of our age remain firm and entire, let us lay them out
+to the best advantage, that, when the latter days take hold of us, and
+spoil us of our strength and abilities, we may have a store moderately
+sufficient to subsist upon, which we laid up in the morning of our age.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE L.
+
+[Illustration: THE COUNTRYMAN AND THE SNAKE.]
+
+
+A villager, in a frosty, snowy winter, found a snake under a hedge,
+almost dead with cold. He could not help having compassion for the poor
+creature, so brought it home, and laid it upon the hearth near the fire;
+but it had not lain there long, before (being revived with the heat) it
+began to erect itself, and fly at his wife and children, filling the
+whole cottage with dreadful hissings. The Countryman hearing an outcry,
+and perceiving what the matter was, catched up a mattock, and soon
+dispatched him; upbraiding him at the same time in these words--'Is
+this, vile wretch, the reward you make to him that saved your life? Die,
+as you deserve; but a single death is too good for you.'
+
+
+APPLICATION.
+
+It is the nature of ingrates to return evil for good: and the moralists,
+in all ages, have incessantly declaimed against the enormity of this
+crime, concluding, that they who are capable of hurting their
+benefactors, are not fit to live in a community; being such, as the
+natural ties of parent, friend, or country, are too weak to restrain
+within the bounds of society. Indeed, the sin of ingratitude is so
+detestable, that as none but the most inhuman temper can be guilty of
+it, so, in writing to men, there is no occasion to use many words,
+either in exposing the vice itself, or dissuading people from the
+commission of it. Therefore it is not likely that a person of AEsop's
+sagacity would have compiled this fable, without having something else
+in view besides this trite and obvious subject. He certainly intended to
+put us in mind that, as none but a poor silly clown would go to take up
+a Snake and cherish it, so we shall be very negligent and ill-advised
+if, in doing good offices, we do not take care to bestow our benevolence
+upon proper objects. It was not at all unnatural in the Snake to hiss,
+and brandish his tongue, and fly at the first that came near him; as
+soon at the person that saved his life as any other; indeed, more
+likely, because nobody else had so much to do with him. Nor is it
+strange at any time to see a reprobate fool throwing his poisonous
+language about, and committing his extravagancies against those, more
+especially, who are so inadvertent as to concern themselves with him.
+The Snake and the reprobate will not appear extraordinary in their
+malevolence: but the sensible part of mankind cannot help thinking those
+guilty of great indiscretion, who receive either of them into their
+protection.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE LI.
+
+[Illustration: THE FOX AND THE SICK LION.]
+
+
+It was reported that the Lion was sick, and the beasts were made to
+believe that they could not make their court better than by going to
+visit him. Upon this they generally went; but it was particularly taken
+notice of, that the Fox was not one of the number. The Lion therefore
+dispatched one of his Jackals to sound him about it, and ask him why he
+had so little charity and respect, as never to come near him, at a time
+when he lay so dangerously ill, and every body else had been to see
+him?--'Why,' replies the Fox, 'pray present my duty to his majesty, and
+tell him, that I have the same respect for him as ever, and have been
+coming several times to kiss his royal hand: but I am so terribly
+frightened at the mouth of his cave, to see the print of my
+fellow-subjects feet all pointing forwards and none backwards, that I
+have not resolution enough to venture in.' Now the truth of the matter
+was, that this sickness of the Lion's was only a sham to draw the beasts
+into his den, the more easily to devour them.
+
+
+APPLICATION.
+
+A man should weigh and consider the nature of any proposal well before
+he gives into it; for a rash and hasty compliance has been the ruin of
+many a one. And it is the quintessence of prudence not to be too easy of
+belief. Indeed the multitude think altogether in the same track, and are
+much upon a footing. Their meditations are confined in one channel, and
+they follow one another, very orderly, in a regular stupidity. Can a man
+of thought and spirit be harnessed thus, and trudge along like a
+pack-horse, in a deep, stinking, muddy road, when he may frisk it over
+the beauteous lawns, or lose himself agreeably in the shady verdant
+mazes of unrestrained contemplation? It is impossible. Vulgar notions
+are so generally attended with error, that wherever one traces the
+footsteps of the many, tending all one way, it is enough to make one
+suspect, with the Fox in the fable, that there is some trick in it. The
+eye of reason is dulled and stupified when it is confined, and made to
+gaze continually upon the same thing: it rather chooses to look about
+it, and amuse itself with variety of objects, as they lie scattered up
+and down in the unbounded prospect. He that goes implicitly into a
+thing, may be mistaken, notwithstanding the number of those who keep him
+company; but he that keeps out till he sees reason to enter, acts upon
+true maxims of policy and prudence. In short, it becomes us, as we are
+reasonable creatures, to behave ourselves as such, and to do as few
+things as possible, of which we may have occasion to repent.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE LII.
+
+[Illustration: THE WANTON CALF.]
+
+
+A Calf, full of play and wantonness, seeing the Ox at plough, could not
+forbear insulting him. 'What a sorry poor drudge art thou,' says he, 'to
+bear that heavy yoke upon your neck, and go all day drawing a plough at
+your tail, to turn up the ground for your master! but you are a wretched
+dull slave, and know no better, or else you would not do it. See what a
+happy life I lead: I go just where I please; sometimes I lie down under
+the cool shade; sometimes frisk about in the open sunshine; and, when I
+please, slake my thirst in the clear sweet brook; but you, if you were
+to perish, have not so much as a little dirty water to refresh you.' The
+Ox, not at all moved with what he said, went quietly and calmly on with
+his work; and, in the evening, was unyoked and turned loose. Soon after
+which he saw the Calf taken out of the field, and delivered into the
+hands of a priest, who immediately led him to the altar, and prepared to
+sacrifice him. His head was hung round with fillets of flowers, and the
+fatal knife was just going to be applied to his throat, when the Ox drew
+near, and whispered him to this purpose--'Behold the end of your
+insolence and arrogance; it was for this only you were suffered to live
+at all; and pray now, friend, whose condition is best, yours or mine?'
+
+
+APPLICATION.
+
+To insult people in distress is the property of a cruel, indiscreet, and
+giddy temper; for, as the proceedings of fortune are very irregular and
+uncertain, we may, the next turn of the wheel, be thrown down to their
+condition, and they exalted to ours. We are likewise given to understand
+by this fable what the consequence of an idle life generally is, and how
+well satisfied laborious diligent men are, in the end, when they come
+quietly to enjoy the fruits of their industry. They who by little tricks
+and sharpings, or by open violence and robbery, live in a high expensive
+way, often in their hearts, at least, despise the poor honest man who is
+contented with the virtuous product of his daily labour, and patiently
+submits to his destiny. But how often is the poor man comforted, by
+seeing these wanton villains led in triumph to the altar of justice,
+while he has many a cheerful summer's morning to enjoy abroad, and many
+a long winter's evening to indulge himself in at home, by a quiet
+hearth, and under an unenvied roof: blessings which often attend a sober
+industrious man, though the idle and the profligate are utter strangers
+to them. Luxury and intemperance, besides their being certain to shorten
+a man's days, are very apt not only to engage people with their seeming
+charms into a debauched life, utterly prejudicial to their health, but
+to make them have a contempt for others, whose good sense and true taste
+of happiness inspire them with an aversion to idleness and effiminacy,
+and put them upon hardening their constitution by innocent exercise and
+laudable employment. How many do gluttony and sloth tumble into an
+untimely grave! while the temperate and the active drink sober draughts
+of life, and spin out their thread to the most desirable length.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE LIII.
+
+[Illustration: HERCULES AND THE CARTER.]
+
+
+As a clownish Fellow was driving his cart along a deep miry lane, the
+wheels stuck so fast in the clay, that the horses could not draw them
+out. Upon this, he fell a bawling and praying to Hercules to come and
+help him. Hercules, looking down from a cloud, bid him not lie there,
+like an idle rascal as he was, but get up and whip his horses stoutly,
+and clap his shoulder to the wheel; adding, that this was the only way
+for him to obtain his assistance.
+
+
+APPLICATION.
+
+This fable shows us how vain and ill-grounded the expectations of those
+people are who imagine they can obtain whatever they want by
+importuning heaven with their prayers; for it is so agreeable to the
+nature of the Divine Being to be better pleased with virtuous actions
+and an honest industry than idle prayers, that it is a sort of blasphemy
+to say otherwise. These were the sentiments of honest good heathens, who
+were strangers to all revealed religion: but it is not strange that they
+should embrace and propagate such a notion, since it is no other than
+the dictate of common reason. What is both strange in itself, and
+surprising how it could be made so fashionable, is, that most of those
+whose reason should be enlightened by revelation, are very apt to be
+guilty of this stupidity, and, by praying often for the comforts of
+life, to neglect that business which is the proper means of procuring
+them. How such a mistaken devotion came to prevail one cannot imagine,
+unless from one of these two motives; either that people, by such a veil
+of hypocrisy, would pass themselves upon mankind for better than they
+really are, or are influenced by unskilful preachers (which is
+sometimes, indeed too often, the case) to mind the world as little as
+possible, even to the neglect of their necessary callings. No question
+but it is a great sin for a man to fail in his trade or occupation by
+running often to prayers; it being a demonstration in itself, though the
+Scripture had never said it, that we please God most when we are doing
+the most good: and how can we do more good than, by a sober honest
+industry, 'to provide for those of our own household,' and to endeavour
+'to have to give to him that needeth?' The man who is virtuously and
+honestly engaged, is actually serving God all the while, and is more
+likely to have his silent wishes, accompanied with strenuous endeavours,
+complied with by the Supreme Being, than he who begs with a fruitless
+vehemence, and solicits with an empty hand: a hand which would be more
+religious were it usefully employed, and more devout were it stretched
+forth to do good to those that want it.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE LIV.
+
+[Illustration: THE BELLY AND THE MEMBERS.]
+
+
+In former days, when the Belly and the other parts of the body enjoyed
+the faculty of speech, and had separate views and designs of their own,
+each part, it seems, in particular for himself, and in the name of the
+whole, took exception at the conduct of the Belly, and were resolved to
+grant him supplies no longer. They said they thought it very hard that
+he should lead an idle good-for-nothing life, spending and squandering
+away, upon his own ungodly guts, all the fruits of their labour; and
+that, in short, they were resolved for the future, to strike off his
+allowance, and let him shift for himself as well as he could. The Hands
+protested they would not lift up a finger to keep him from starving;
+and the Mouth wished he might never speak again if he took in the least
+bit of nourishment for him as long as he lived; and, say the Teeth, may
+we be rotten if ever we chew a morsel for him for the future. This
+solemn league and covenant was kept as long as any thing of that kind
+can be kept, which was until each of the rebel members pined away to the
+skin and bone, and could hold out no longer. Then they found there was
+no doing without the Belly, and that, as idle and insignificant as he
+seemed, he contributed as much to the maintenance and welfare of all the
+other parts as they did to his.
+
+
+APPLICATION.
+
+This fable was spoken by Menenius Agrippa, a famous Roman consul and
+general, when he was deputed by the senate to appease a dangerous tumult
+and insurrection of the people. The many wars that nation was engaged
+in, and the frequent supplies they were obliged to raise, had so soured
+and inflamed the minds of the populace, that they were resolved to
+endure it no longer, and obstinately refused to pay the taxes which were
+levied upon them. It is easy to discern how the great man applied this
+fable. For, if the branches and members of a community refuse the
+government that aid which its necessities require, the whole must perish
+together. The rulers of a state, as idle and insignificant as they may
+sometimes seem, are yet as necessary to be kept up and maintained in a
+proper and decent grandeur, as the family of each private person is in a
+condition suitable to itself. Every man's enjoyment of that little which
+he gains by his daily labour, depends upon the government's being
+maintained in a condition to defend and secure him in it.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE LV.
+
+[Illustration: THE HORSE AND THE LION.]
+
+
+A Lion seeing a fine plump Nag, had a great mind to eat a bit of him,
+but knew not which way to get him into his power. At last he bethought
+himself of this contrivance: he gave out that he was a physician, who,
+having gained experience by his travels into foreign countries, had made
+himself capable of curing any sort of malady or distemper incident to
+any kind of beast, hoping by this stratagem to get an easier admittance
+among cattle, and find an opportunity to execute his design. The Horse,
+who smoked the matter, was resolved to be even with him; and, so
+humouring the thing, as if he suspected nothing, he prayed the Lion to
+give him his advice in relation to a thorn he had got in his foot, which
+had quite lamed him, and gave him great pain and uneasiness. The Lion
+readily agreed and desired he might see the foot. Upon which the Horse
+lifted up one of his hind legs, and, while the Lion pretended to be
+poring earnestly upon his hoof, gave him such a kick in the face as
+quite stunned him, and left him sprawling upon the ground. In the mean
+time the Horse trotted away, neighing and laughing merrily at the
+success of the trick, by which he had defeated the purpose of one who
+intended to have tricked him out of his life.
+
+
+APPLICATION.
+
+Though all manner of fraud and tricking is mean, and utterly beneath a
+man of sense and honour, yet, methinks, equity itself allows us to
+disappoint the deceiver, and to repel craft by cunning. Treachery has
+something so wicked and worthy of punishment in its nature, that it
+deserves to meet with a return of its own kind: an open revenge would be
+too liberal for it, and nothing matches it but itself. However,
+therefore, abominable it is to be the aggressor in this point, yet it
+cannot be inconsistent with virtue to counterplot and to take all manner
+of advantage against the man who is undermining us.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE LVI.
+
+[Illustration: THE HUSBANDMAN AND THE STORK.]
+
+
+The Husbandman pitched a net in his fields to take the Cranes and Geese
+which came to feed upon the new-sown corn. Accordingly he took several,
+both Cranes and Geese; and among them a Stork, who pleaded hard for his
+life, and, among other apologies which he made, alleged, that he was
+neither Goose nor Crane, but a poor harmless Stork, who performed his
+duty to his parents to all intents and purposes, feeding them when they
+were old, and, as occasion required, carrying them from place to place
+upon his back.--'All this may be true,' replies the Husbandman; 'but, as
+I have taken you in bad company, and in the same crime, you must expect
+to suffer the same punishment.'
+
+
+APPLICATION.
+
+If bad company had nothing else to make us shun and avoid it, this,
+methinks, might be sufficient, that it infects and taints a man's
+reputation, to as great a degree as if he were thoroughly versed in the
+wickedness of the whole gang. What is it to me if the thief who robs me
+of my money gives part of it to build a church? Is he ever the less a
+thief? Shall a woman's going to prayers twice a day save her reputation,
+if she is known to be a malicious lying gossip? No, such mixtures of
+religion and sin make the offence but the more flagrant, as they
+convince us that it was not committed out of ignorance. Indeed, there is
+no living without being guilty of some faults, more or less; which the
+world ought to be good-natured enough to overlook, in consideration of
+the general frailty of mankind, when they are not too gross and too
+abundant: but when we are so abandoned to stupidity, and a neglect of
+our reputation, as to keep bad company, however little we may be
+criminal in reality, we must expect the same censure and punishment as
+is due to the most notorious of our companions.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE LVII.
+
+[Illustration: THE CAT AND THE COCK.]
+
+
+The Cat, having a mind to make a meal of the Cock, seized him one
+morning by surprise, and asked him what he could say for himself why
+slaughter should not pass upon him?--The Cock replied, that he was
+serviceable to mankind by crowing in the morning, and calling them up to
+their daily labour.--'That is true,' says the Cat, 'and is the very
+objection that I have against you; for you make such a shrill
+impertinent noise, that people cannot sleep for you. Besides you are an
+incestuous rascal, and make no scruple of lying with your mother and
+sisters.'--'Well,' says the Cock, 'this I do not deny; but I do it to
+procure eggs and chickens for my master.'--'Ah! villain,' says the Cat,
+'hold your wicked tongue; such impieties as these declare that you are
+no longer fit to live.'
+
+
+APPLICATION.
+
+When a wicked man in power has a mind to glut his appetite in any
+respect, innocence, or even merit, is no protection against him. The
+cries of justice and the voice of reason are of no effect upon a
+conscience hardened in iniquity, and a mind versed in a long practice of
+wrong and robbery. Remonstrances, however reasonably urged, or movingly
+couched, have no more influence upon the heart of such a one, than the
+gentle evening breeze has upon the oak when it whispers among its
+branches, or the rising surges upon the deaf rock when they dash and
+break against its sides. Power should never be trusted in the hands of
+an impious selfish man, and one that has more regard to the
+gratification of his own unbounded avarice than to public peace and
+justice. Were it not for the tacit consent and heartless compliance of a
+great majority of fools, mankind would not be ridden, as oftentimes they
+are, by a little majority of knaves, to their great misfortune: for,
+whatever people may think of the times, if they were ten times worse
+than they are, it is principally owing to their own stupidity. Why do
+they trust the man a moment longer who has once injured and betrayed
+them?
+
+
+
+
+FABLE LVIII.
+
+[Illustration: THE LEOPARD AND THE FOX.]
+
+
+The Leopard one day took it into his head to value himself upon the
+great variety and beauty of his spots, and truly he saw no reason why
+even the Lion should take place of him, since he could not show so
+beautiful a skin. As for the rest of the wild beasts of the forest, he
+treated them all, without distinction, in the most haughty disdainful
+manner. But the Fox being among them, went up to him with a great deal
+of spirit and resolution, and told him, that he was mistaken in the
+value he was pleased to set upon himself; since people of judgment were
+not used to form their opinion of merit from an outside appearance, but
+by considering the good qualities and endowments with which the mind was
+stored within.
+
+
+APPLICATION.
+
+How much more heavenly and powerful would beauty prove, if it were not
+so frequently impaired by the affectation and conceitedness of its
+possessor! If some women were but as modest and unassuming as they are
+handsome, they might command the hearts of all that behold them: but
+Nature seemed to foresee, and has provided against such an
+inconvenience, by tempering its great master-pieces with a due
+proportion of pride and vanity; so that their power, depending upon the
+duration of their beauty only, is like to be but of a short continuance;
+which, when they happen to prove tyrants, is no small comfort to us; and
+then, even while it lasts, will abate much of its severity by the allay
+of those two prevailing ingredients. Wise men are chiefly captivated
+with the charms of the mind; and whenever they are infatuated with a
+passion for any thing else, it is generally observed that they cease,
+during that time at least, to be what they were, and are indeed looked
+upon to be only playing the fool. If the fair ones we have been speaking
+of have a true ascendant over them, they will oblige them to divest
+themselves of common sense, and to talk and act ridiculously, before
+they can think them worthy of the least regard. Should one of these fine
+creatures be addressed in the words of Juba,
+
+  'Tis not a set of features, or complexion,
+  The tincture of a skin, that I admire.
+  Beauty soon grows familiar to the lover,
+  Fades in his eye, and palls upon the sense.
+  The virtuous Marcia towers above her sex.
+  True, she is fair; oh, how divinely fair!
+  But still the lovely maid improves her charms
+  With inward greatness, unaffected wisdom,
+  And sanctity of manners.----
+
+The man that should venture the success of a strong passion upon the
+construction she would put upon such a compliment, might have reason to
+repent of his conduct.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE LIX.
+
+[Illustration: THE SHEPHERD'S BOY.]
+
+
+A certain Shepherd's Boy kept his Sheep upon a common, and, in sport and
+wantonness, would often cry out, The Wolf! The Wolf! By this means he
+several times drew the Husbandmen, in an adjoining field, from their
+work; who, finding themselves deluded, resolved for the future to take
+no notice of his alarm. Soon after the Wolf came indeed. The Boy cried
+out in earnest: but no heed being given to his cries, the Sheep were
+devoured by the Wolf.
+
+
+APPLICATION.
+
+He that is detected for being a notorious liar, besides the ignominy and
+reproach of the thing, incurs this mischief, that he will scarce be able
+to get any one to believe him again as long as he lives. However true
+our complaint may be, or how much soever it may be for our interest to
+have it believed, yet, if we have been frequently caught tripping
+before, we shall hardly be able to gain credit to what we relate
+afterwards. Though mankind are generally stupid enough to be often
+imposed upon, yet few are so senseless as to believe a notorious liar,
+or to trust a cheat upon record. These little shams, when found out, are
+sufficiently prejudicial to the interest of every private person who
+practises them. But, when we are alarmed with imaginary dangers in
+respect of the public, till the cry grows quite stale and threadbare,
+how can it be expected we should know when to guard ourselves against
+real ones.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE LX.
+
+[Illustration: THE FOX AND THE GOAT.]
+
+
+A Fox, having tumbled by chance into a Well, had been casting about a
+long while, to no purpose, how he should get out again; when at last a
+Goat came to the place, and, wanting to drink, asked Reynard whether the
+water was good. 'Good!' says he; 'ay, so sweet, that I am afraid I have
+surfeited myself, I have drank so abundantly.' The Goat upon this,
+without any more ado, leaped in; and the Fox, taking the advantage of
+his horns, by the assistance of them as nimbly leaped out, leaving the
+poor Goat at the bottom of the Well to shift for himself.
+
+
+APPLICATION.
+
+The doctrine taught us by this fable is no more than this, that we ought
+to consider who it is that advises us before we follow the advice: for,
+however plausible the counsel may seem, if the person that gives it is a
+crafty knave, we may be assured that he intends to serve himself in it
+more than us, if not to erect something to his own advantage out of our
+ruin.
+
+The little, poor, country attorney, ready to perish, and sunk to the
+lowest depth of poverty for want of employment, by such arts as these
+draws the esquire, his neighbour, into the gulf of the law; till, laying
+hold on the branches of his revenue, he lifts himself out of obscurity,
+and leaves the other immured in the bottom of a mortgage.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE LXI.
+
+[Illustration: CUPID AND DEATH.]
+
+
+Cupid, one sultry summer's noon, tired with play, and faint with heat,
+went into a cool grotto to repose himself, which happened to be the cave
+of Death. He threw himself carelessly down on the floor, and his quiver
+turning topsy-turvy, all the arrows fell out, and mingled with those of
+Death, which lay scattered up and down the place. When he awoke, he
+gathered them up as well as he could; but they were so intermingled
+that, though he knew the certain number, he could not rightly
+distinguish them; from which it happened that he took up some of the
+arrows which belonged to Death, and left several of his own in the room
+of them. This is the cause that we, now and then, see the hearts of the
+old and decrepit transfixed with the bolts of Love; and with equal grief
+and surprise behold the youthful blooming part of our species smitten
+with the darts of Death.
+
+
+APPLICATION.
+
+If we allow for this fable's being written by a heathen, and according
+to the scheme of the ancient pagan theology, it will appear to be a
+pretty probable solution of some parts of the dispensation of
+Providence, which otherwise seem to be obscure and unaccountable. For,
+when we see the young and the old fall promiscuously by the hand of
+Death, and at the same time consider that the world is governed by an
+all-wise Providence, we are puzzled how to account for so seemingly
+preposterous and unnatural a way of working. We should look upon a
+gardener to be mad, or at least very capricious, who, when his young
+trees are just arrived to a degree of bearing, should cut them down for
+fuel, and choose out old, rotten, decayed, sapless stocks to graft and
+inoculate upon: yet the irregular proceedings of those two levellers,
+Love and Death, appear to be every jot as odd and unreasonable. However,
+we must take it for granted that these things, though the method of them
+is hidden from our eyes, are transacted after the most just and fit
+manner imaginable: but, humanly speaking, it is strange that Death
+should be suffered to make such undistinguished havoc in the world; and,
+at the same time, just as shocking and unnatural to see old age laid
+betwixt a pair of wedding sheets, as it is for youth and beauty to be
+locked up in the cold embraces of the grave.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE LXII.
+
+[Illustration: THE OLD MAN AND HIS SONS.]
+
+
+An Old Man had many Sons, who were often falling out with one another.
+When the Father had exerted his authority, and used other means in order
+to reconcile them, and all to no purpose, at last he had recourse to
+this expedient: he ordered his Sons to be called before him, and a short
+bundle of sticks to be brought; and then commanded them, one by one, to
+try if, with all their might and strength, they could any of them break
+it. They all tried, but to no purpose; for the sticks being closely and
+compactly bound up together, it was impossible for the force of man to
+do it. After this the Father ordered the bundle to be untied, and gave a
+single stick to each of his Sons; at the same time bidding him try to
+break it: which, when each did with all imaginable ease, the Father
+addressed himself to them to this effect--'O my Sons, behold the power
+of unity! For if you, in like manner, would but keep yourselves strictly
+conjoined in the bonds of friendship, it would not be in the power of
+any mortal to hurt you; but when once the ties of brotherly affection
+are dissolved, how soon do you fall to pieces, and are liable to be
+violated by every injurious hand that assaults you!'
+
+
+APPLICATION.
+
+Nothing is more necessary towards completing and continuing the
+well-being of mankind, than their entering into and preserving
+friendships and alliances. The safety of a government depends chiefly
+upon this; and therefore it is weakened and exposed to its enemies, in
+proportion as it is divided by parties. "A kingdom divided against
+itself, is brought to desolation:" and the same holds good among all
+societies and corporations of men, from the constitution of the nation
+down to every little parochial vestry. But the necessity of friendship
+extends itself to all sorts of relations in life, as it conduces
+mightily to the advantage of particular clans and families. Those of the
+same blood and lineage have a natural disposition to unite together,
+which they ought by all means to cultivate and improve. It must be a
+great comfort to people, when they fall under any calamity, to know
+there are many others who sympathize with them; a great load of grief is
+mightily lessened, when it is parcelled out into many shares. And then
+joy, of all our passions, loves to be communicative, and generally
+increases in proportion to the number of those who partake of it with
+us. We defy the threats and malice of an enemy, when we are assured that
+he cannot attack us single, but must encounter a bundle of allies at the
+same time. But they that behave themselves so as to have few or no
+friends in the world, live in perpetual fear and jealousy of mankind,
+because they are sensible of their own weakness, and know themselves
+liable to be crushed, or broken to pieces, by the first aggressor.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE LXIII.
+
+[Illustration: THE STAG AND THE FAWN.]
+
+
+A Stag, grown old and mischievous, was, according to custom, stamping
+with his foot, making offers with his head, and bellowing so terribly,
+that the whole herd quaked for fear of him: when one of the little Fawns
+coming up, addressed him to this purpose--'Pray, what is the reason that
+you, who are so stout and formidable at all other times, if you do but
+hear the cry of the hounds, are ready to fly out of your skin for
+fear?'--'What you observe is true,' replied the Stag, 'though I know not
+how to account for it: I am indeed vigorous, and able enough, I think,
+to make my party good any where, and often resolve with myself, that
+nothing shall ever dismay my courage for the future; but, alas! I no
+sooner hear the voice of a hound but all my spirits fail me, and I
+cannot help making off as fast as ever my legs can carry me.'
+
+
+APPLICATION.
+
+This is the case of many a cowardly bully in the world. He is disposed
+to be imperious and tyrannical, and to insult his companions, and takes
+all opportunities of acting according to his inclination; but yet is
+cautious where he makes his haunts, and takes care to have to do only
+with a herd of rascally people, as vile and mean as himself. A man of
+courage quashes him with a word; and he who has threatened death in
+every sentence, for a twelvemonth together, to those whom he knew it
+would affright, at the very frown of an intrepid man has leaped out of a
+window. It is no unpleasant sight to be present when any of these
+gentlemen happen to be disarmed of their terror before the face of their
+humble admirers: there is a strange boisterous struggle betwixt fear,
+shame, and revenge, which blinds them with confusion; and, though they
+would fain exert a little courage, and show themselves men, yet, they
+know not how; there is something within which will not suffer them to do
+it. The predominance of nature will show itself, upon occasion, in its
+true colours, through all the disguises which artful men endeavour to
+throw over it. Cowardice, particularly, gives us but the more suspicion
+when it would conceal itself under an affected fierceness; as they who
+would smother an ill smell by a cloud of perfume, are imagined to be
+but the more offensive. When we have done all, Nature will remain what
+she was, and show herself whenever she is called upon; therefore
+whatever we do in contradiction to her laws, is so forced and affected,
+that it must needs expose and make us ridiculous. We talk nonsense when
+we would argue against it: like Teague, who being asked why he fled from
+his colours, said, his heart was as good as any in the regiment; but
+protested his cowardly legs would run away with him whatever he could
+do.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE LXIV.
+
+[Illustration: THE OLD HOUND.]
+
+
+An Old Hound, who had been an excellent good one in his time, and given
+his master great sport and satisfaction in many a chase, at last, by the
+effect of years, became feeble and unserviceable. However, being in the
+field one day, when the stag was almost run down, he happened to be the
+first that came in with him, and seized him by one of his haunches; but,
+his decayed and broken teeth not being able to keep their hold, the deer
+escaped, and threw him quite out. Upon which his master, being in a
+great passion, and going to strike him, the honest old creature is said
+to have barked out his apology--'Ah! do not strike your poor old
+servant; it is not my heart and inclination, but my strength and speed,
+that fail me. If what I now am displeases, pray don't forget what I have
+been.'
+
+
+APPLICATION.
+
+This fable may serve to give us a general view of the ingratitude of
+the greatest part of mankind. Notwithstanding all the civility and
+complaisance that is used among people where there is a common
+intercourse of business, yet let the main spring, the probability of
+their being serviceable to each other, either in point of pleasure or
+profit, be but once broken, and farewell courtesy: so far from
+continuing any regard in behalf of past favours, it is very well if they
+forbear doing any thing that is injurious. If the master had only ceased
+to caress and make much of the Old Hound, when he was past doing any
+service, it had not been very strange; but to treat a poor creature ill,
+not for a failure of inclination, but merely a defect of nature, must,
+notwithstanding the crowd of examples there are to countenance it, be
+pronounced inhuman and unreasonable.
+
+There are two accounts upon which people that have been useful are
+frequently neglected. One, when they are so decayed, either through age
+or some accident, that they are no longer able to do the services they
+have formerly done; the other, when the occasion or emergency which
+required such talents no longer exists. Phaedrus, who more than once
+complains of the bad consequences of age, makes no other application to
+this fable than by telling his friend Philetus, with some regret, that
+he wrote it with such a view; having, it seems, been repaid with
+neglect, or worse usage, for services done in his youth to those who
+were then able to afford him a better recompense.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE LXV.
+
+[Illustration: JUPITER AND THE CAMEL.]
+
+
+The Camel presented a petition to Jupiter, complaining of the hardship
+of his case in not having, like bulls and other creatures, horns, or any
+weapons of defence, to protect himself from the attacks of his enemies,
+and praying that relief might be given him in such manner as might be
+thought most expedient. Jupiter could not help smiling at the
+impertinent address of the great silly beast, but, however, rejected the
+petition; and told him that, so far from granting his unreasonable
+request, henceforward he would take care his ears should be shortened,
+as a punishment for his presumptuous importunity.
+
+
+APPLICATION.
+
+The nature of things is so fixed in every particular, that they are very
+weak superstitious people who dream it is to be altered. But, besides
+the impossibility of producing a change by addresses of this nature,
+they who employ much of their time upon such accounts, instead of
+getting, are sure to lose in the end. When any man is so frivolous and
+vexatious as to make unreasonable complaints, and to harbour undue
+repinings in his heart, his peevishness will lessen the real good which
+he possesses, and the sourness of his temper shorten that allowance of
+comfort which he already thinks too scanty. Thus, in truth, it is not
+Providence, but ourselves who punish our own importunity in soliciting
+for impossibilities, with a sharp corroding care, which abridges us of
+some part of that little pleasure which Providence has cast into our
+lot.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE LXVI.
+
+[Illustration: THE FOX WITHOUT A TAIL.]
+
+
+A Fox, being caught in a steel trap by his tail, was glad to compound
+for his escape with the loss of it; but, upon coming abroad into the
+world, began to be so sensible of the disgrace such a defect would bring
+upon him, that he almost wished he had died rather than left it behind
+him. However, to make the best of a bad matter, he formed a project in
+his head to call an assembly of the rest of the Foxes, and propose it
+for their imitation, as a fashion which would be very agreeable and
+becoming. He did so, and made a long harangue upon the unprofitableness
+of tails in general, and endeavoured chiefly to show the awkwardness and
+inconvenience of a Fox's tail in particular: adding, that it would be
+both more graceful and more expeditious to be altogether without them;
+and that, for his part, what he had only imagined and conjectured
+before, he now found by experience; for that he never enjoyed himself so
+well, and found himself so easy as he had done since he cut off his
+tail. He said no more, but looked about with a brisk air, to see what
+proselytes he had gained; when a sly old thief in the company, who
+understood trap, answered him with a leer--'I believe you may have found
+a conveniency in parting with your tail, and when we are in the same
+circumstances, perhaps we may do so too.'
+
+
+APPLICATION.
+
+If men were but generally as prudent as Foxes, they would not suffer so
+many silly fashions to obtain as are daily brought in vogue, for which
+scarce any reason can be assigned besides the humour of some conceited
+vain creature; unless, which is full as bad, they are intended to
+palliate some defect in the person that introduces them. The petticoat
+of a whole sex has been sometimes swelled to such a prodigious extent,
+to screen an enormity of which only one of them has been guilty. And it
+is no wonder that Alexander the Great could bring a wry-neck into
+fashion, in a nation of slaves, when we consider what power of this
+nature some little, insignificant, dapper fellows have had among a free
+people.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE LXVII.
+
+[Illustration: THE FOX AND THE CROW.]
+
+
+A Crow having taken a piece of cheese out of a cottage window, flew up
+into a high tree with it, in order to eat it; which a Fox observing,
+came and sat underneath, and began to compliment the Crow upon the
+subject of her beauty. 'I protest,' says he, 'I never observed it
+before, but your feathers are of a more delicate white than any that
+ever I saw in my life! Ah; what a fine shape and graceful turn of body
+is there! And I make no question but you have a tolerable voice. If it
+is but as fine as your complexion, I do not know a bird that can pretend
+to stand in competition with you.' The Crow, tickled with this very
+civil language, nestled and riggled about, and hardly knew where she
+was; but thinking the Fox a little dubious as to the particular of her
+voice, and having a mind to set him right in that matter, began to sing,
+and in the same instant let the cheese drop out of her mouth. This being
+what the Fox wanted, he chopped it up in a moment, and trotted away,
+laughing to himself at the easy credulity of the Crow.
+
+
+APPLICATION.
+
+They that love flattery (as it is to be feared too many do) are in a
+fair way to repent of their foible in the long run. And yet how few are
+there among the whole race of mankind who may be said to be full proof
+against its attacks! The gross way by which it is managed by some silly
+practitioners, is enough to alarm the dullest apprehension, and make it
+to value itself upon the quickness of its insight into the little plots
+of this nature: but let the ambuscade be disposed with due judgment, and
+it will scarce fail of seizing the most guarded heart. How many are
+tickled to the last degree with the pleasure of flattery, even while
+they are applauded for their honest detestation of it! There is no way
+to baffle the force of this engine but by every one's examining,
+impartially for himself, the true estimate of his own qualities: if he
+deals sincerely in the matter, nobody can tell so well as himself what
+degree of esteem ought to attend any of his actions, and therefore he
+should be entirely easy as to the opinion men are like to have of them
+in the world. If they attribute more to him than is his due, they are
+either designing or mistaken: if they allow him less, they are envious,
+or, possibly, still mistaken; and, in either case, are to be despised or
+disregarded. For he that flatters, without designing to take advantage
+of it, is a fool; and whoever encourages that flattery which he has
+sense enough to see through, is a vain coxcomb.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE LXVIII.
+
+[Illustration: THE HAWK AND THE FARMER.]
+
+
+A Hawk, pursuing a Pigeon over a corn-field with great eagerness and
+force, threw himself into a net which a husbandman had planted there to
+take the Crows; who being employed not far off, and seeing the Hawk
+fluttering in the net, came and took him: but, just as he was going to
+kill him, the Hawk besought him to let him go, assuring him that he was
+only following a Pigeon, and neither intended nor had done any harm to
+him. To whom the Farmer replied--'And what harm had the poor Pigeon done
+to you?' Upon which he wrung his head off immediately.
+
+
+APPLICATION.
+
+Passion, prejudice, or power, may so far blind a man as not to suffer
+him justly to distinguish whether he is not acting injuriously at the
+same time that he fancies he is only doing his duty. Now the best way
+of being convinced, whether what we do is reasonable and fit, is to put
+ourselves in the place of the persons with whom we are concerned, and
+then consult our conscience about the rectitude of our behaviour. For
+this we may be assured of, that we are acting wrong whenever we are
+doing any thing to another which we should think unjust if it was done
+to us. Nothing but an habitual inadvertency, as to this particular, can
+be the occasion that so many ingenious noble spirits are often engaged
+in courses so opposite to virtue and honour. He that would startle, if a
+little attorney should tamper with him to forswear himself, to bring off
+some small offender, some ordinary trespasser, will, without scruple,
+infringe the constitution of his country for the precarious prospect of
+a place or a pension. Which is most corrupt, he that lies, like a knight
+of the post, for half-a-crown and a dinner, or he that does it for the
+more substantial consideration of a thousand pounds a year? Which would
+be doing most service to the public, giving true testimony in a cause
+between two private men, and against one little common thief who has
+stolen a gold watch; or voting honestly and courageously against a rogue
+of state, who has gagged and bound the laws, and stripped the nation?
+Let those who intend to act justly, but view things in this light, and
+all would be well. There would be no danger of their oppressing others,
+or fear of being oppressed themselves.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE LXIX.
+
+[Illustration: THE NURSE AND THE WOLF.]
+
+
+A nurse, who was endeavouring to quiet a froward bawling child, among
+other attempts, threatened to throw it out of doors to the Wolf, if it
+did not leave off crying. A Wolf, who chanced to be prowling near the
+door, just at that time, heard the expression, and believing the woman
+to be in earnest, waited a long while about the house, in expectation of
+seeing her words made good. But at last the child, wearied with its own
+importunities, fell asleep, and the poor Wolf was forced to return back
+to the woods empty and supperless. The Fox meeting him, and surprised to
+see him going home so thin and disconsolate, asked him what the matter
+was, and how he came to speed no better that night?--'Ah! do not ask
+me,' says he; 'I was so silly as to believe what the Nurse said, and
+have been disappointed.'
+
+
+APPLICATION.
+
+All the moralists have agreed to interpret this fable as a caution to us
+never to trust a woman. What reasons they could have for giving so rough
+and uncourtly a precept, is not easy to be imagined: for, however fickle
+and unstable some women may be, it is well known there are several who
+have a greater regard for truth, in what they assert or promise, than
+most men. There is not room, in so short a compass, to express a due
+concern for the honour of the ladies upon this occasion, nor to show how
+much one is disposed to vindicate them: and, though there is nothing bad
+which can be said to them but may with equal justice be averred of the
+other sex, yet one would not venture to give them quite so absolute a
+precaution as the old mythologists have affixed to this fable; but only
+to advise them to consider well and thoroughly of the matter before they
+trust any man living.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE LXX.
+
+[Illustration: THE HARE AND THE TORTOISE.]
+
+
+A Hare insulted a tortoise upon account of his slowness, and vainly
+boasted of her own great speed in running.--'Let us make a match,'
+replied the Tortoise; 'I will run with you five miles for five pounds,
+and the Fox yonder shall be the umpire of the race.' The Hare agreed;
+and away they both started together. But the Hare, by reason of her
+exceeding swiftness, outran the Tortoise to such a degree, that she made
+a jest of the matter; and, finding herself a little tired, squatted in a
+tuft of fern that grew by the way, and took a nap; thinking that, if the
+Tortoise went by, she could at any time fetch him up with all the ease
+imaginable. In the meanwhile the Tortoise came jogging on with slow but
+continued motion; and the Hare, out of a too great security and
+confidence of victory, oversleeping herself, the Tortoise arrived at the
+end of the race first.
+
+
+APPLICATION.
+
+Industry and application to business makes amends for the want of a
+quick and ready wit. Hence it is, that the victory is not always to the
+strong, nor the race to the swift. Men of fine parts are apt to despise
+the drudgery of business; but, by affecting to show the superiority of
+their genius, upon many occasions, they run into too great an extreme
+the other way; and the administration of their affairs is ruined through
+idleness and neglect. What advantage has a man from the fertility of his
+invention, and the vivacity of his imagination, unless his resolutions
+are executed with a suitable and uninterrupted rapidity? In short, your
+men of wit and fire, as they are called, are oftentimes sots, slovens,
+and lazy fellows: they are generally proud and conceited to the last
+degree; and, in the main, not the fittest persons for either
+conversation or business. Such is their vanity, they think the
+sprightliness of their humour inconsistent with a plain sober way of
+thinking and speaking, and able to atone for all the little neglects of
+their business and persons. But the world will not be thus imposed upon;
+the man who would gain the esteem of others, and make his own fortune,
+must be one that carries his point effectually, and finishes his course
+without swerving or loitering. Men of dull parts, and a slow
+apprehension, assisted by a continued diligence, are more likely to
+attain this than your brisk retailers of wit, with their affected spleen
+and indolence. And if business be but well done, no matter whether it be
+done by the sallies of a refined wit, or the considering head of a plain
+plodding man.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE LXXI.
+
+[Illustration: THE YOUNG MAN AND HIS CAT.]
+
+
+A certain Young Man used to play with a Cat, of which he grew so fond,
+that at last he fell in love with it, and to such a degree, that he
+could rest neither night nor day for the excess of his passion. At last
+he prayed to Venus, the goddess of beauty, to pity him, and relieve his
+pain. The good-natured goddess was propitious, and heard his prayers:
+before he rose up from kneeling, the Cat, which he held in his arms, was
+transformed into a beautiful girl. The Youth was transported with joy,
+and married her that very day. At night they went to bed, and as the new
+bride lay encircled in the embraces of her amorous husband, she
+unfortunately heard a Mouse behind the hangings, and sprung from his
+arms to pursue it. Venus, offended to see her sacred rites profaned by
+such an indecent behaviour, and perceiving that her new convert, though
+a woman in outward appearance, was a Cat in her heart, she made her
+return to her old form again, that her manners and person might be
+agreeable to each other.
+
+
+APPLICATION.
+
+People, as to their manners and behaviour, take a strong bias from
+custom and education, but a much stronger from Nature. Her laws are so
+strong, that it is in vain for us to go to oppose them; we may refine
+and improve, but can never totally alter her works. Upon this account it
+is that we oftentimes see silly awkward blockheads displaying their
+idiotism and folly through all their ensigns of dignity; for some
+natures are so coarse and rustic, that all the embroidery of a court
+cannot conceal them. Doubtless such people were intended by Nature for
+nothing above driving Hogs to a fair, and laughing at the jokes of a
+country Merry Andrew. Fortune has found them worthy of her favours, and
+given them a lift out of the mire: but yet they do not fail to give
+frequent indications of their true composition, by a thousand little
+dirty actions. A fine equipage, and a great estate, may raise a man to
+an exalted station, and procure a respect to his outward person;
+notwithstanding which it may so happen, that every time he speaks and
+acts he cannot help playing the fool for the blood of him.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE LXXII.
+
+[Illustration: THE ASS IN THE LION'S SKIN.]
+
+
+An Ass finding the skin of a Lion, put it on; and, going into the woods
+and pastures, threw all the flocks and herds into a terrible
+consternation. At last, meeting his owner, he would have frightened him
+also; but the good man, seeing his long ears slick out, presently knew
+him, and with a good cudgel made him sensible that, notwithstanding his
+being dressed in a Lion's Skin, he was really no more than an Ass.
+
+
+APPLICATION.
+
+As all affectation is wrong, and tends to expose and make a man
+ridiculous, so the more distant he is from the thing which he affects to
+appear, the stronger will the ridicule be which he excites, and the
+greater the inconveniences into which he runs himself thereby. How
+strangely absurd it is for a timorous person to procure a military post
+in order to keep himself out of danger! and to fancy a red coat the
+surest protection for cowardice! yet there have been those who have
+purchased a commission to avoid being insulted; and have been so silly
+as to think courage was interwoven with a sash, or tied up in a cockade.
+But it would not be amiss for such gentlemen to consider, that it is not
+in the power of scarlet cloth to alter nature; and that, as it is
+expected a soldier should show himself a man of courage and intrepidity
+upon all proper occasions, they may, by this means, meet the disgrace
+they intended to avoid, and appear greater asses than they need to have
+done. However, it is not in point of fortitude only that people are
+liable to expose themselves, by assuming a character to which they are
+not equal; but he who puts on a show of learning, of religion, of a
+superior capacity in any respect, or, in short, of any virtue or
+knowledge to which he has no proper claim, is, and will always be found
+to be, "An Ass in a Lion's Skin."
+
+
+
+
+FABLE LXXIII.
+
+[Illustration: THE MOUNTAINS IN LABOUR.]
+
+
+The Mountains were said to be in labour, and uttered most dreadful
+groans. People came together far and near to see what birth would be
+produced; and, after they wailed a considerable time in expectation, out
+crept a Mouse.
+
+
+APPLICATION.
+
+Great cry and little wool is the English proverb; the sense of which
+bears an exact proportion to this fable; by which are exposed all those
+who promise something exceeding great, but come off with a production
+ridiculously little. Projectors of all kinds, who endeavour by
+artificial rumours to raise the expectations of mankind, and then by
+their mean performances defeat and disappoint them, have, time out of
+mind, been lashed with the recital of this fable. How agreeably
+surprising is it to see an unpromising favourite, whom the caprice of
+fortune has placed at the helm of state, serving the commonwealth with
+justice and integrity, instead of smothering and embezzling the public
+treasure to his own private and wicked ends! and, on the contrary, how
+melancholy, how dreadful, or rather, how exasperating and provoking a
+sight is it to behold one, whose constant declarations for liberty and
+the public good have raised people's expectations of him to the highest
+pitch, as soon as he is got into power exerting his whole art and
+cunning to ruin and enslave his country! The sanguine hopes of all those
+that wished well to virtue, and flattered themselves with a reformation
+of every thing that opposed the well-being of the community, vanish away
+in smoke, and are lost in a dark, gloomy, uncomfortable prospect.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE LXXIV.
+
+[Illustration: THE SATYR AND THE TRAVELLER.]
+
+
+A Satyr, as he was ranging the forest in an exceeding cold snowy season,
+met with a Traveller, half-starved with the extremity of the weather. He
+took compassion on him, and kindly invited him home to a warm
+comfortable cave he had in the hollow of a rock. As soon as they had
+entered and sat down, notwithstanding there was a good fire in the
+place, the chilly Traveller could not forbear blowing his fingers' ends.
+Upon the Satyr's asking him why he did so, he answered, that he did it
+to warm his hands. The honest sylvan having seen little of the world,
+admired a man who was master of so valuable a quality as that of blowing
+heat, and therefore was resolved to entertain him in the best manner he
+could. He spread the table before him with dried fruits of several
+sorts; and produced a remnant of cold cordial wine, which, as the rigour
+of the season made very proper, he mulled with some warm spices, infused
+over the fire, and presented to his shivering guest. But this the
+Traveller thought fit to blow likewise; and, upon the Satyr's demanding
+a reason why he blowed again, he replied, to cool his dish. This second
+answer provoked the Satyr's indignation as much as the first had kindled
+his surprise: so, taking the man by the shoulder, he thrust him out of
+doors, saying, he would have nothing to do with a wretch who had so vile
+a quality as to blow hot and cold with the same mouth.
+
+
+APPLICATION.
+
+Though the poor Traveller in the fable was not guilty of any real crime
+in what he did, yet one cannot help approving the honest simplicity of
+the Satyr, who could not be reconciled to such double dealing. In the
+moral sense of the fable, nothing can be more offensive to one of a
+sincere heart, than he that blows with a different breath from the same
+mouth; who flatters a man to his face, and reviles him behind his back.
+Some again, just like this man, to serve a present view, will blow
+nothing but what is warm, benevolent, and cherishing; and, when they
+have raised the expectations of a dependent to a degree which they think
+may prove troublesome, can, with putting on a cold air, easily chill and
+blast all his blooming hopes. But such a temper, whether it proceeds
+from a designed or natural levity, is detestable, and has been the cause
+of much trouble and mortification to many a brave deserving man. Unless
+the tenor of a man's life be always true and consistent with itself, the
+less one has to do with him the better.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE LXXV.
+
+[Illustration: THE SICK KITE.]
+
+
+A Kite had been sick a long time, and finding there were no hopes of
+recovery, begged of his mother to go to all the churches and religious
+houses in the country, to try what prayers and promises would effect in
+his behalf. The old Kite replied--'Indeed, dear son, I would willingly
+undertake any thing to save your life, but I have great reason to
+despair of doing you any service in the way you propose: for, with what
+face can I ask any thing of the gods in favour of one whose whole life
+has been a continual scene of rapine and injustice, and who has not
+scrupled, upon occasion, to rob the very altars themselves?'
+
+
+APPLICATION.
+
+The rehearsal of this fable almost unavoidably draws our attention to
+that very serious and important point, the consideration of a death-bed
+repentance. And, to expose the absurdity of relying upon such a weak
+foundation, we need only ask the same question with the Kite in the
+fable: how can he that has offended the gods all his life-time, by doing
+acts of dishonour and injustice, expect that they should be pleased with
+him at last, for no other reason but because he fears he shall not be
+able to offend them any longer? when, in truth, such a repentance can
+signify nothing but a confirmation of his former impudence and folly:
+for sure no stupidity can exceed that of the man who expects a future
+judgment, and yet can bear to commit any piece of injustice with a sense
+and deliberation of the fact.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE LXXVI.
+
+[Illustration: THE HAWK AND THE NIGHTINGALE.]
+
+
+A Nightingale, sitting all alone among the shady branches of an oak,
+sung with so melodious and shrill a pipe, that she made the woods echo
+again, and alarmed a hungry Hawk, who was at some distance off watching
+for his prey; he had no sooner discovered the little musician, but,
+making a stoop at the place, he seized her with his crooked talons, and
+bid her prepare for death.--'Ah!' says she, 'for mercy's sake don't do
+so barbarous a thing, and so unbecoming yourself; consider, I never did
+you any wrong, and am but a poor small morsel for such a stomach as
+yours; rather attack some larger fowl, which may bring you more credit
+and a better meal, and let me go.'--'Aye!' says the Hawk, 'persuade me
+to it if you can: I have been upon the watch all day long, and have not
+met with one bit of any thing till I caught you; and now you would have
+me let you go, in hopes of something better, would you? Pray, who would
+be the fool then?'
+
+
+APPLICATION.
+
+They who neglect the opportunity of reaping a small advantage, in hopes
+they shall obtain a better, are far from acting upon a reasonable and
+well-advised foundation. The figure of Time is always drawn with a
+single lock of hair hanging over his forehead, and the back part of his
+head bald; to put us in mind that we should be sure to lay hold of an
+occasion, when it presents itself to us, lest afterwards we repent us of
+our omission and folly, and would recover it when it is too late. It is
+a very weak reason to give for our refusal of an offer of kindness, that
+we do it because we desire or deserve a better; for it is time enough to
+relinquish the small affair when the great one comes, if ever it does
+come. But, supposing it should not, how can we forgive ourselves for
+letting any thing slip through our hands, by vainly gaping after
+something else, which we never could obtain? He who has not been guilty
+of any of these kind of errors, however poorly he may come off at last,
+has only the malice of fortune, or of somebody else, to charge with his
+ill success; and may applaud himself with some comfort, in never having
+lost an opportunity, though ever so small, of bettering and improving
+his circumstances. Unthinking people have oftentimes the unhappiness to
+fret and tease themselves with retrospects of this kind, which they, who
+attend to the business of life as they ought, never have occasion to
+make.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE LXXVII.
+
+[Illustration: THE PEACOCK'S COMPLAINT.]
+
+
+The Peacock presented a memorial to Juno, importing how hardly he
+thought he was used in not having so good a voice as the Nightingale;
+how that pretty animal was agreeable to every ear that heard it, while
+he was laughed at for his ugly screaming noise, if he did but open his
+mouth. The goddess, concerned at the uneasiness of her favourite bird,
+answered him very kindly to this purpose: 'If the Nightingale is blest
+with a fine voice, you have the advantage in point of beauty and
+largeness of person.'--'Ah!' says he, 'but what avails my silent
+unmeaning beauty, when I am so far excelled in voice!'--The goddess
+dismissed him, bidding him consider, that the properties of every
+creature were appointed by the decree of fate: to him beauty; strength
+to the Eagle; to the Nightingale a voice of melody; the faculty of
+speech to the Parrot; and to the Dove innocence. That each of these was
+contented with his own peculiar quality; and unless he had a mind to be
+miserable, he must learn to be so too.
+
+
+APPLICATION.
+
+Since all things, as Juno says, are fixed by the eternal and unalterable
+decree of fate, how absurd it is to hear people complaining and
+tormenting themselves for that which it is impossible ever to obtain!
+They who are ambitious of having more good qualities, since that is
+impracticable, should spare for no pains to cultivate and recommend
+those they have; which a sourness and peevishness of temper, instead of
+improving, will certainly lessen and impair, whether they are of the
+mind or body. If we had all the desirable properties in the world, we
+could be no more than easy and contented with them; and if a man, by a
+right way of thinking, can reconcile himself to his own condition,
+whatever it be, he will fall little short of the most complete state
+that mortals ever enjoyed.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE LXXVIII.
+
+[Illustration: THE ANGLER AND THE LITTLE FISH.]
+
+
+A man was angling in a river, and caught a small Perch; which, as he was
+taking off the hook and going to put into his basket, opened its mouth,
+and began to implore his pity, begging that he would throw it into the
+river again. Upon the man's demanding what reason he had to expect such
+a favour?--'Why,' says the Fish, 'because, at present, I am but young
+and little, and consequently not so well worth your while as I shall be
+if you take me some time hence, when I am grown larger.'--'That may be,'
+replies the man, 'but I am not one of those fools who quit a certainty,
+in expectation of an uncertainty.'
+
+
+APPLICATION.
+
+This fable points much the same way as the seventy-sixth, so that one
+moral may very well serve for both. But the lesson they teach is so
+useful and instructive, that a repetition of it is by no means
+superfluous. The precept which they would instil into us is, never to
+let slip the present opportunity, but to secure to ourselves every
+little advantage, just in the nick that it offers, without a vain
+reliance upon, and fruitless expectation of, something better in time to
+come. We may cheer up our spirits with hoping for that which we cannot
+at present obtain; but at the same time let us be sure we give no
+occasion of condemning ourselves for omitting any thing which it was in
+our power to secure.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE LXXIX.
+
+[Illustration: THE GEESE AND THE CRANES.]
+
+
+A flock of Geese and a parcel of Cranes used often to feed together in a
+corn field. At last the owner of the corn, with his servants, coming
+upon them of a sudden, surprised them in the very fact; and the geese,
+being heavy, fat, full-bodied creatures, were most of them sufferers;
+but the Cranes, being thin and light, easily flew away.
+
+
+APPLICATION.
+
+When the enemy comes to make a seizure, they are sure to suffer most
+whose circumstances are the richest and fattest. In any case of
+persecution, money hangs like a dead weight about a man; and we never
+feel gold so heavy as when we endeavour to make off with it. Therefore
+wise and politic ministers of state, whenever they see a storm begin to
+gather over their heads, always take care to unlade themselves of a good
+part of their cargo; and, by this means, seldom find but the blasts of
+obloquy, through which they are to make their way, are less deaf and
+inexorable than the stormy waves of the ocean. Indeed, poverty is too
+frequently the occasion of mens' being treated as if they were guilty of
+the greatest crimes and reproaches; but then these sort of criminals
+have this advantage, that no one thinks fit to treat them with any thing
+worse than contempt: whereas if any pretence can be found to fall upon
+the man who is rich, it is a miracle if he escapes with both life and
+money. In short, riches are like the baggage of an army: very useful
+while we lie in quiet possession of the camp, or are powerful enough to
+defy the enemy; but when once we are put to the rout, if we would get
+off with our lives or liberties, we must quit our baggage as soon as
+possible, and leave it for plunder to our pursuers. Nay, however
+strongly intrenched we may think ourselves, as long as money is in the
+case, it is good to look about us for fear of a surprise: for, after
+all, he that does not, upon occasion, make himself wings with his riches
+to fly off with, deserves to be punished, like a Goose as he is, for his
+heaviness.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE LXXX.
+
+[Illustration: THE DOG AND THE SHADOW.]
+
+
+A Dog, crossing a little rivulet with a piece of flesh in his mouth, saw
+his own Shadow represented in the clear mirror of the limpid stream;
+and, believing it to be another dog, who was carrying another piece of
+flesh, he could not forbear catching at it; but was so far from getting
+any thing his greedy design, that he dropped the piece he had in his
+mouth, which immediately sunk to the bottom, and was irrecoverably lost.
+
+
+APPLICATION.
+
+He that catches at more than belongs to him justly deserves to lose what
+he has. Yet nothing is more common, and, at the same time, more
+pernicious, than this selfish principle. It prevails from the king to
+the peasant; and all orders and degrees of men are, more or less,
+infected with it. Great monarchs have been drawn in, by this greedy
+humour, to grasp at the dominions of their neighbours; not that they
+wanted any thing more to feed their luxury, but to gratify their
+insatiable appetite for vain-glory. If the kings of Persia could have
+been contented with their own vast territories, they had not lost all
+Asia for the sake of a little petty state of Greece. And France, with
+all its glory, has, ere now, been reduced to the last extremity by the
+same unjust encroachments.
+
+He that thinks he sees another's estate in a pack of cards, or a box and
+dice, and ventures his own in the pursuit of it, should not repine if he
+finds himself a beggar in the end.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE LXXXI.
+
+[Illustration: THE ASS AND THE LITTLE DOG.]
+
+
+The Ass observing how great a favourite the Little Dog was with his
+master, how much caressed and fondled, and fed with good bits at every
+meal; and for no other reason, as he could perceive, but skipping and
+frisking about, wagging his tail, and leaping up into his master's lap;
+he was resolved to imitate the same, and see whether such a behaviour
+would not procure him the same favours. Accordingly, the master was no
+sooner come home from walking about his fields and gardens, and was
+seated in his easy chair, but the Ass, who observed him, came gamboling
+and braying towards him, in a very awkward manner. The master could not
+help laughing aloud at the odd sight. But his jest was soon turned into
+earnest, when he felt the rough salute of the Ass's fore-feet, who,
+raising himself upon his hinder legs, pawed against his breast with a
+most loving air, and would fain have jumped into his lap. The good man,
+terrified at this outrageous behaviour, and unable to endure the weight
+of so heavy a beast, cried out; upon which, one of his servants running
+in with a good stick, and laying on heartily upon the bones of the poor
+Ass, soon convinced him that every one who desires it is not qualified
+to be a favourite.
+
+
+APPLICATION.
+
+Some men are as engaging in their ways as little dogs. They can fawn,
+wheedle, cringe, or, if occasion requires, leap backward and forward
+over a stick, to the great emolument of their master, and entertainment
+of those that behold them. But these are qualifications to which every
+body cannot pretend; and therefore none but those who have a genius for
+it should aspire at the employment. Many a man envies the happiness of
+these favourites, and would fain insinuate himself into the same good
+graces, if he did but know the way; but, whoever has a tolerable share
+of discretion, will distrust his abilities in this respect, and modestly
+forbear the attempt, for fear he should miscarry and look like an Ass.
+But, in short, the true moral of this fable is, that every one should
+consider the just turn and temper of his parts, and weigh the talents by
+which he hopes to be distinguished. After such an examination, he may
+the more certainly know how to apply them to the most proper purposes;
+at least, so as not to hurt, or even mortify himself, by any mistaken
+address. Since there is such a variety of tempers in the world, and a no
+less multiplicity of arts and studies to fit and tally with them, how
+reasonable is it in general, and how much would it be for the true
+interest of every one in particular, if men would but be directed, by
+the natural bent of their genius, to such pursuits as are most agreeable
+to their capacities, and to the rudiments of education which they have
+most strongly imbibed.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE LXXXII.
+
+[Illustration: THE WOLF AND THE CRANE.]
+
+
+A Wolf, after devouring his prey, happened to have a bone stick in his
+throat, which gave him so much pain, that he went howling up and down,
+and importuning every creature he met to lend him a kind hand, in order
+to his relief; nay, he promised a reasonable reward to any one that
+should undertake the operation with success. At last the Crane, tempted
+with the lucre of the reward, and having first procured him to confirm
+his promise with an oath, undertook the business, and ventured his long
+neck into the rapacious felon's throat. In short, he plucked out the
+bone, and expected the promised gratuity. When the Wolf, turning his
+eyes disdainfully towards him, said,--'I did not think you had been so
+unconscionable; I had your head in my mouth, and could have bit it off
+whenever I pleased, but suffered you to take it away without any
+damage, and yet you are not contented.'
+
+
+APPLICATION.
+
+There is a sort of people in the world, to whom a man may be in the
+wrong for doing services, upon a double score: first, because they never
+deserved to have a good office done them; and, secondly, because, when
+once engaged, it is so hard a matter to get well rid of their
+acquaintance.
+
+This fable is not an example of ingratitude, as at first sight it seems
+to be, and as some of the mythologists have understood it; to make it a
+parallel in that case, the Crane ought to have been under some
+difficulties in his turn, and the Wolf have refused to assist him when
+it was in his power. The whole stress of it lies in this: that we ought
+to consider what kind of people they are to whom we are desired to do
+good offices, before we do them; for he that grants a favour, or even
+confides in a person of no honour, instead of finding his account in it,
+comes off well if he is no sufferer.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE LXXXIII.
+
+[Illustration: THE ENVIOUS MAN AND THE COVETOUS.]
+
+
+An Envious Man happened to be offering up his prayers to Jupiter just in
+the time and place with a Covetous Miserable Fellow. Jupiter, not caring
+to be troubled with their impertinences himself, sent Apollo to examine
+the merits of their petitions, and to give them such relief as he should
+think proper. Apollo therefore opened his commission, and withal told
+them that, to make short of the matter, whatever the one asked the other
+should have it double. Upon this, the Covetous Man, though he had a
+thousand things to request, yet forbore to ask first, hoping to receive
+a double quantity; for he concluded that all men's wishes sympathized
+with his. By this means, the Envious Man had an opportunity of
+preferring his petition first, which was the thing he aimed at; so,
+without much hesitation, he prayed to be relieved, by having one of his
+eyes put out: knowing that, of consequence, his companion would be
+deprived of both.
+
+
+APPLICATION.
+
+In this fable the folly of those two vices, Envy and Avarice, is fully
+exposed, and handsomely rallied. The Miser, though he has the riches of
+the world, without stint, laid open to his choice, yet dares not name
+the sum, for fear another should be richer than himself. The advantage
+of a double quantity, by receiving last, is what he cannot bear to lose,
+and he fares accordingly. The Envious Man, though he has a power of
+calling for good things, without measure, to himself or others, yet
+waves this happy privilege, and is content to punish himself by a very
+great loss, even that of an eye, that he may bring down a double portion
+of the like calamity upon another. These are the true tempers of the
+covetous and envious; one can scarce determine, whether they are more
+mischievous to themselves, or to the public; but it is manifest, that
+they are highly noxious to both, and should be treated accordingly.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE LXXXIV.
+
+[Illustration: THE TWO POTS.]
+
+
+An Earthen Pot, and one of Brass, standing together upon the river's
+brink, were both carried away by the flowing-in of the tide. The Earthen
+Pot showed some uneasiness, as fearing he should be broken; but his
+companion of Brass bid him be under no apprehensions, for that he would
+take care of him.--'O,' replies the other, 'keep as far off as ever you
+can, I entreat you; it is you I am most afraid of: for, whether the
+stream dashes you against me, or me against you, I am sure to be the
+sufferer; and therefore, I beg of you, do not let us come near one
+another.'
+
+
+APPLICATION.
+
+A man of a moderate fortune, who is contented with what he has, and
+finds he can live happily upon it, should take care not to hazard and
+expose his felicity by consorting with the great and the powerful.
+People of equal conditions may float down the current of life, without
+hurting each other; but it is a point of some difficulty to steer one's
+course in the company of the great, so as to escape without a bulge. One
+would not choose to have one's little country-box situated in the
+neighbourhood of a very great man; for whether I ignorantly trespass
+upon him, or he knowingly encroaches upon me, I only am like to be the
+sufferer. I can neither entertain nor play with him upon his own terms;
+for that which is moderation and diversion to him, in me would be
+extravagance and ruin.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE LXXXV.
+
+[Illustration: THE FOX AND THE STORK.]
+
+
+The Fox invited the Stork to dinner, and being disposed to divert
+himself at the expense of his guest, provided nothing for the
+entertainment but a soup, in a wide shallow dish. This himself could lap
+up with a great deal of ease; but the Stork, who could but just dip in
+the point of his bill, was not a bit the better all the while: however,
+in a few days after, he returned the compliment, and invited the Fox;
+but suffered nothing to be brought to table but some minced meat in a
+glass jar, the neck of which was so deep, and so narrow, that, though
+the Stork with his long bill made a shift to fill his belly, all that
+the Fox, who was very hungry, could do, was to lick the brim, as the
+Stork slabbered them with his eating. Reynard was heartily vexed at
+first; but, when he came to take his leave, owned ingenuously, that he
+had been used as he deserved; and that he had no reason to take any
+treatment ill, of which himself had set the example.
+
+
+APPLICATION.
+
+It is mighty imprudent, as well as inhuman and uncivil, to affront any
+body; and whoever takes the liberty to exercise his witty talent that
+way, must not think much of it if he meets reprisals. Indeed, if all
+those who are thus paid in their own coin would take it with the same
+frankness the Fox did, the matter would not be much; but we are too apt,
+when the jest comes to be turned home upon ourselves, to think that
+insufferable in another, which we looked upon as pretty and facetious
+when the humour was our own. The rule of doing as we would be done by,
+so proper to be our model in every transaction of life, may more
+particularly be of use in this respect: because people seldom or never
+receive any advantage by these little ludicrous impositions; and yet, if
+they were to ask themselves the question, would find that another's
+using them in the same manner would be very displeasing.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE LXXXVI.
+
+[Illustration: THE BEAR AND THE BEE HIVES.]
+
+
+A Bear, climbing over the fence into a place where Bees were kept, began
+to plunder the Hives, and rob them of their honey. But the Bees, to
+revenge the injury, attacked him in a whole swarm together; and, though
+they were not able to pierce his rugged hide, yet, with their little
+stings, they so annoyed his eyes and nostrils, that, unable to endure
+the smarting pain, with impatience he tore the skin over his ears with
+his own claws, and suffered ample punishment for the injury he did the
+Bees in breaking open their waxen cells.
+
+
+APPLICATION.
+
+Many and great are the injuries of which some men are guilty towards
+others, for the sake of gratifying some liquorish appetite. For there
+are those who would not stick at bringing desolation upon their country,
+and run the hazard of their own necks into the bargain, rather than
+baulk a wicked inclination, either of cruelty, ambition, or avarice. But
+it were to be wished all who are hurried by such blind impulses, would
+consider a moment before they proceed to irrevocable execution. Injuries
+and wrongs not only call for revenge and reparation with the voice of
+equity itself, but oftentimes carry their punishment along with them;
+and, by an unforeseen train of events, are retorted at the head of the
+actor of them; and not seldom, from a deep remorse, expiated upon
+himself by his own hand.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE LXXXVII.
+
+[Illustration: THE TRAVELLERS AND THE BEAR.]
+
+
+Two men being to travel through a forest together, mutually promised to
+stand by each other in any danger they should meet upon the way. They
+had not gone far before a Bear came rushing towards them out of a
+thicket; upon which one, being a light nimble fellow, got up into a
+tree; the other falling flat upon his face, and holding his breath, lay
+still while the Bear came up and smelled at him; but that creature,
+supposing him to be a dead carcass, went back again into the wood,
+without doing him the least harm. When all was over, the Spark who had
+climbed the tree came down to his companion, and, with a pleasant smile,
+asked him what the Bear said to him--'For,' says he, 'I took notice that
+he clapt his mouth very close to your ear.'----'Why,' replies the
+other, 'he charged me to take care, for the future, not to put any
+confidence in such cowardly rascals as you.'
+
+
+APPLICATION.
+
+Though nothing is more common than to hear people profess services of
+friendship where there is no occasion for them, yet scarce any thing is
+so hard to be found as a true friend, who will assist us in time of
+danger and difficulty. All the declarations of kindness which are made
+to an experienced man, though accompanied by a squeeze of the hand, and
+a solemn asseveration, should leave no greater impression upon his mind
+than the whistling of the hollow breeze which brushes one's ear with an
+unmeaning salute, and is presently gone. He that succours our necessity
+by a well-timed assistance, though it were not ushered in by previous
+compliments, will ever after be looked upon as our friend and protector;
+and, in so much a greater degree, as the favour was unasked and
+unpromised; as it was not extorted by importunities on the one side, nor
+led in by a numerous attendance of promises on the other. Words are
+nothing till they are fulfilled by actions; and therefore we should not
+suffer ourselves to be deluded by a vain hope and reliance upon them.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE LXXXVIII.
+
+[Illustration: THE TRUMPETER TAKEN PRISONER.]
+
+
+A trumpeter, being taken prisoner in a battle, begged hard for quarter,
+declaring his innocence, and protesting that he neither had nor could
+kill any man, bearing no arms but only his trumpet, which he was obliged
+to sound at the word of command.--'For that reason,' replied his
+enemies, 'we are determined not to spare you; for though you yourself
+never fight, yet, with that wicked instrument of yours, you blow up
+animosity between other people, and so become the occasion of much
+bloodshed.'
+
+
+APPLICATION.
+
+A man may be guilty of murder who has never handled a sword, or pulled a
+trigger, or lifted up his arm with any mischievous weapon. There is a
+little incendiary, called the tongue, which is more venomous than a
+poisoned arrow, and more killing than a two-edged sword. The moral of
+the fable therefore is this, that if in any civil insurrection the
+persons taken in arms against the government deserve to die, much more
+do they whose devilish tongues gave birth to the sedition, and excited
+the tumult. When wicked priests, instead of preaching peace and charity,
+employ that engine of scandal their tongue to foment rebellions, whether
+they succeed in their designs or no, they ought to be severely punished;
+for they have done what in them lay to set folks together by the ears;
+they have blown the trumpet and sounded the alarm, and if thousands are
+not destroyed by the sword, it is none of their fault.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE LXXXIX.
+
+[Illustration: THE PARTRIDGE AND THE COCKS.]
+
+
+A certain man, having taken a Partridge, plucked some of the feathers
+out of its wings, and turned it into a little yard, where he kept game
+Cocks. The Cocks, for awhile, made the poor bird lead a sad life,
+continually pecking and driving it away from the meat. This treatment
+was taken the more unkindly, because offered to a stranger; and the
+Partridge could not but conclude them the most inhospitable uncivil
+people he had ever met with. But at last, observing how frequently they
+quarrelled and fought with each other, he comforted himself with this
+reflection; that it was no wonder they were so cruel to him, since there
+was so much bickering and animosity among themselves.
+
+
+APPLICATION.
+
+This fable comes home to ourselves, we of this island having always been
+looked upon as cruel to strangers. Whether there is any thing in the
+manner of our situation, as an island, which consequently can be no
+thoroughfare to other countries, and so is not made use of by strangers
+upon that account, which makes us thus shy and uncivil; or, whether it
+be a jealousy upon account of our liberties, which puts us upon being
+suspicious of, and unwilling to harbour any that are not members of the
+same community, perhaps it would not be easy to determine. But that it
+is so in fact, is too notorious to be denied; and probably can be
+accounted for no better way than from the natural bent of our temper, as
+it proceeds from something peculiar to our air and climate. It has been
+affirmed, that there is not in the whole world besides a breed of Cocks
+and Dogs so fierce and incapable of yielding as that of ours; but that
+either of them, carried into foreign countries, would degenerate in a
+few years. Why may not the same be true of our men? But if strangers
+find any inconvenience in this, there is a comfortable consideration to
+balance it on the other side, which is, that there are no people under
+the sun so much given to division and contention among themselves as we
+are. Can a stranger think it hard to be looked upon with some shyness,
+when he beholds how little we spare one another? Was ever any
+foreigner, merely for being a foreigner, treated with half that malice
+and bitterness which differing parties express towards each other? One
+would willingly believe that this proceeds in the main, on both sides,
+from a passionate concern for our liberties and well-being; for there is
+nothing else which can so well excuse it. But it cannot be denied, that
+our aversion, notwithstanding our being a trading nation, to have any
+intercourse with strangers, is so great, that when we want other objects
+for our churlishness, we raise them up among ourselves; and there is,
+sometimes, as great a strangeness kept up between one county and another
+here, as there is between two distinct kingdoms abroad. One cannot so
+much wonder at the constant hostilities which are observed between the
+inhabitants of South and North Britain, of Wales and Ireland, among one
+another, when a Yorkshireman shall be looked upon as a foreigner by a
+native of Norfolk, and both be taken for outlandish intruders by one
+that happens to be born within the bills of mortality.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE XC.
+
+[Illustration: THE FALCONER AND THE PARTRIDGE.]
+
+
+A falconer having taken a Partridge in his net, the bird begged hard for
+a reprieve, and promised the man, if he would let him go, to decoy other
+Partridges into his net.--'No,' replies the Falconer, 'I was before
+determined not to spare you, but now you have condemned yourself by your
+own words: for he who is such a scoundrel as to offer to betray his
+friends to save himself, deserves, if possible, worse than death.'
+
+
+APPLICATION.
+
+However it may be convenient for us to like the treason, yet we must be
+very destitute of honour not to hate and abominate the traitor. And
+accordingly history furnishes us with many instances of kings and great
+men who have punished the actors of treachery with death, though the
+part they acted had been so conducive to their interests as to give them
+a victory, or perhaps the quiet possession of a throne. Nor can princes
+pursue a more just maxim than this; for a traitor is a villain of no
+principles, that sticks at nothing to promote his own selfish ends; he
+that betrays one cause for a great sum of money, will betray another
+upon the same account; and therefore it must be very impolitic in a
+state to suffer such wretches to live in it. Since then this maxim is so
+good, and so likely at all times to be practised, what stupid rogues
+must they be who undertake such precarious dirty work! If they miscarry,
+it generally proves fatal to them from one side or other; if they
+succeed, perhaps they may have the promised reward, but are sure to be
+detested, if suffered to live, by the very person that employs them.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE XCI.
+
+[Illustration: THE EAGLE AND THE CROW.]
+
+
+An Eagle flew down from the top of a high rock, and settled upon the
+back of a Lamb; and then instantly flying up into the air again, bore
+his bleating prize aloft in his pounces. A Crow, who sat upon an elm,
+and beheld this exploit, resolved to imitate it; so flying down upon the
+back of a Ram, and entangling his claws in the wool, he fell a
+chattering and attempting to fly; by which means he drew the observation
+of the Shepherd upon him, who finding his feet hampered in the fleece of
+the Ram, easily took him, and gave him to his boys for their sport and
+diversion.
+
+
+APPLICATION.
+
+Every quality which is excellent and commendable, is not, however,
+always a proper object for our imitation. We ought to state our own
+account honestly and fairly, that we may see what our abilities are, and
+how our circumstances stand; otherwise we may not only become ridiculous
+to others, but prejudicial to ourselves, by some awkward and ill-judged
+emulation, though it happen to be in a qualification truly laudable and
+great. It behoves every man to exert a good share of industry towards
+the advancement of his interest, or, if he pleases, of his reputation.
+But then it is highly necessary that he does this with a true regard to
+his own capacity, and without any danger of exposing or embarrassing
+himself in the operation.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE XCII.
+
+[Illustration: THE LION, THE ASS, AND THE FOX.]
+
+
+The Lion, the Ass, and the Fox went a hunting together in the forest;
+and it was agreed, that whatever was taken should be divided amongst
+them. They happened to have very good sport, and caught a large fat
+Stag, which the Lion ordered the Ass to divide. The Ass, according to
+the best of his capacity, did so, and made three pretty equal shares.
+But such levelling doings not suiting at all with the craving temper of
+the greedy Lion, without farther delay he flew upon the Ass, and tore
+him in pieces; and then bid the Fox divide it into two parts. Reynard,
+who seldom wanted a prompter, however, had his cue given him
+sufficiently upon this occasion; and so nibbling off one little bit for
+himself, he laid forth all the rest for the Lion's portion. The royal
+brute was so delighted at this dutiful and handsome proof of his
+respect, that he could not forbear expressing the satisfaction it gave
+him; and asked him withal, where he could possibly have learned so
+proper and so courtly a behaviour?--'Why,' replies Reynard, 'to tell
+your majesty the truth, I was taught it by the Ass that lies dead
+there.'
+
+
+APPLICATION.
+
+We may learn a great deal of useful experience from the examples of
+other people, if we will but take the pains to observe them. And,
+besides the profit of the instructions, there is no small pleasure in
+being taught any proper science at the expense of somebody else. To this
+purpose, the history of former times, as well as the transactions of the
+present, are very well adapted; and so copious, as to be able to furnish
+us with precedents upon almost every occasion. The rock upon which
+another has split is a kind of light-house or beacon to warn us from the
+like calamity; and by taking such an advantage, how easily may we steer
+a safe course! He that, in any negociation with his betters, does not
+well and wisely consider how to behave himself, so as not to give
+offence, may very likely come off as the Ass did: but a cool thinking
+man, though he should despair of ever making friends of the people in
+power, will be cautious and prudent enough to do nothing which may
+provoke them to be his enemies.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE XCIII.
+
+[Illustration: THE FOX AND THE GRAPES.]
+
+
+A Fox, very hungry, chanced to come into a vineyard, where there hung
+branches of charming ripe grapes; but nailed up to a trellis so high,
+that he leaped till he quite tired himself, without being able to reach
+one of them. At last--'Let who will take them!' says he, 'they are but
+green and sour; so I will even let them alone.'
+
+
+APPLICATION.
+
+This fable is a good reprimand to a parcel of vain coxcombs in the
+world, who, because they would never be thought to be disappointed in
+any of their pursuits, pretend a dislike to every thing which they
+cannot obtain. There is a strange propensity in mankind to this temper,
+and there are numbers of grumbling malcontents in every different
+faculty and sect in life. The discarded statesman, considering the
+corruption of the times, would not have any hand in the administration
+of affairs for all the world. The country squire damns a court life, and
+would not go cringing and creeping to a drawing-room for the best place
+the king has at his disposal. A young fellow, being asked how he liked a
+celebrated beauty, by whom all the world knew he was despised, answered,
+she had a stinking breath. How insufferable is the pride of this poor
+creature man! who would stoop to the basest vilest actions, rather than
+be thought not able to do any thing. For what is more base and vile than
+lying? And when do we lie more notoriously than when we disparage and
+find fault with a thing, for no other reason but because it is out of
+our power?
+
+
+
+
+FABLE XCIV.
+
+[Illustration: THE HORSE AND THE STAG.]
+
+
+The Stag with his sharp horns, got the better of the Horse, and drove
+him clear out of the pasture where they used to feed together. So the
+latter craved the assistance of man; and, in order to receive the
+benefit of it, suffered him to put a bridle into his mouth and a saddle
+upon his back. By this way of proceeding he entirely defeated his enemy;
+but was mightily disappointed when, upon returning thanks, and desiring
+to be dismissed, he received this answer:--'No, I never knew before how
+useful a drudge you were; now I have found what you are good for, you
+may depend upon it I will keep you to it.'
+
+
+APPLICATION.
+
+As the foregoing fable was intended to caution us against consenting to
+any thing that might prejudice public liberty, this may serve to keep
+us upon our guard in the preservation of that which is of a private
+nature. This is the use and interpretation given of it by Horace, the
+best and most polite philosopher that ever wrote. After reciting the
+fable, he applies it thus:--'This,' says he, 'is the case of him, who
+dreading poverty, parts with that invaluable jewel, liberty; like a
+wretch as he is, he will always be subject to a tyrant of some sort or
+other, and be a slave for ever; because his avaricious spirit knew not
+how to be contented with that moderate competency, which he might have
+possessed independent of all the world.'
+
+
+
+
+FABLE XCV.
+
+[Illustration: THE YOUNG MAN AND THE SWALLOW.]
+
+
+A prodigal Young Spendthrift, who had wasted his whole patrimony in
+taverns and gaming-houses, among lewd idle company, was taking a
+melancholy walk near a brook. It was in the month of January; and
+happened to be one of those warm sunshiny days which sometimes smile
+upon us even in that winterly season of the year; and, to make it the
+more flattering, a Swallow, which had made his appearance, by mistake,
+too soon, flew skimming along upon the surface of the water. The giddy
+Youth observing this, without any further consideration, concluded that
+summer was now come, and that he should have little or no occasion for
+clothes, so went and pawned them at the broker's, and ventured the money
+for one stake more, among his sharping companions. When this too was
+gone the same way with the rest, he took another solitary walk in the
+same place as before. But the weather being severe and frosty, had made
+every thing look with an aspect very different from what it did before;
+the brook was quite frozen over, and the poor Swallow lay dead upon the
+bank of it: the very sight of which cooled the young Spark's brains; and
+coming to a kind of sense of his misery, he reproached the deceased bird
+as the author of all his misfortunes:--'Ah, wretch that thou wert!' says
+he, 'thou hast undone both thyself and me, who was so credulous as to
+depend upon thee.'
+
+
+APPLICATION.
+
+They who frequent taverns and gaming-houses, and keep bad company,
+should not wonder if they are reduced, in a very small time, to penury
+and want. The wretched young fellows, who once addict themselves to such
+a scandalous kind of life, scarce think of, or attend to, any one thing
+besides. They seem to have nothing else in their heads, but how they may
+squander what they have got, and where they may get more when that is
+gone. They do not make the same use of their reason that other people
+do; but, like the jaundiced eye, view every thing in that false light in
+which their distemper and debauchery represent it. The Young Man in the
+fable gives us a pretty example of this; he sees a Swallow in the midst
+of winter, and instead of being surprised at it, as a very irregular
+and extraordinary thing, concludes from thence that it is summer, as if
+he had never thought before about the season. Well, the result of this
+wise conclusion is of a piece with the conclusion itself; if it is
+summer, he shall not want so many clothes, therefore he sells them: for
+what?--More money to squander away; as if (had his observation been
+just) summer would have lasted all the year round. But the true result
+and conclusion of all this is--when both his money and clothes are
+irrecoverably gone, he comes to his right senses; is ready to perish
+with hunger, to starve with cold, and to tear his own flesh with remorse
+and vexation at his former stupidity.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE XCVI.
+
+[Illustration: THE MAN AND HIS GOOSE.]
+
+
+A certain Man had a Goose, which laid him a golden egg every day. But,
+not contented with this, which rather increased than abated his avarice,
+he was resolved to kill the Goose, and cut up her belly, that so he
+might come at the inexhaustible treasure which he fancied she had within
+her. He did so; and, to his great sorrow and disappointment, found
+nothing.
+
+
+APPLICATION.
+
+They who are of such craving impatient tempers, that they cannot live
+contented when fortune has blessed them with a constant and continued
+sufficiency, deserve even to be deprived of what they have. And this has
+been the case of many ambitious and covetous men, who, by making an
+essay to grow very rich at once, have missed what they aimed at, and
+lost what they had before. But this comes so near the sense of the
+forty-seventh fable, that the same application may very well serve for
+both. If any thing further can be couched in this, it may possibly be
+intended to show us the unreasonableness and inconvenience of being
+solicitous about what may happen hereafter, and wanting to pry into the
+womb of futurity: which if we could do, all we should get for our pains
+would be, to spoil our pleasures by anticipation, and double our
+misfortunes by a previous sense and apprehension of them. There are some
+things that entertain and delight us very agreeably while we view them
+at a proper distance; which, perhaps, would not stand the test of a too
+near inspection. Beauty, being only the external form of a thing which
+strikes the eye in a pleasing manner, is a very thin glossy being, and,
+like some nice paintings of a peculiar composition, will not well bear
+even to be breathed on: to preserve our good opinion of it, we must not
+approach too close; for if, like the man in the fable, we have a mind to
+search for a treasure within, we may not only fail of our expectations
+there, but even lose the constant relish we enjoyed from a remoter
+contemplation.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE XCVII.
+
+[Illustration: THE DOG AND THE WOLF.]
+
+
+A lean, hungry, half-starved Wolf, happened, one moonshiny night, to
+meet with a jolly, plump, well-fed mastiff; and, after the first
+compliments were passed, says the Wolf--'You look extremely well; I
+protest, I think, I never saw a more graceful comely person. But how
+comes it about, I beseech you, that you should live so much better than
+I? I may say, without vanity, that I venture fifty times more than you
+do; and yet I am almost ready to perish with hunger.'--The Dog answered
+very bluntly--'Why you may live as well, if you will do the same for it
+that I do.'--'Indeed! What is that?' says he.--'Why,' says the Dog,
+'only to guard the house a nights, and keep it from thieves.'--'With
+all my heart,' replies the Wolf, 'for at present I have but a sorry time
+of it; and, I think, to change my hard lodging in the woods, where I
+endure rain, frost, and snow, for a warm roof over my head, and a belly
+full of good victuals, will be no bad bargain.'--'True,' says the Dog;
+'therefore you have nothing more to do but to follow me.' Now, as they
+were jogging on together, the Wolf spied a crease in the Dog's neck,
+and, having a strange curiosity, could not forbear asking him what it
+meant.--'Pugh! nothing,' says the Dog. 'Nay, but pray,'--says the Wolf.
+'Why,' says the Dog, 'if you must know, I am tied up in the day-time,
+because I am a little fierce, for fear I should bite people, and am only
+let loose a nights. But this is done with design to make me sleep a
+days, more than any thing else, and that I may watch the better in the
+night-time; for, as soon as ever the twilight appears, out I am turned,
+and may go where I please. Then my master brings me plates of bones from
+the table with his own hands, and whatever scraps are left by any of the
+family, all fall to my share; for you must know I am a favourite with
+every body. So you see how you are to live.--Come, come along; what is
+the matter with you?'--'No,' replied the Wolf, 'I beg your pardon; keep
+your happiness all to yourself. Liberty is the word with me; and I would
+not be a king upon the terms you mention.'
+
+
+APPLICATION.
+
+The lowest condition of life, with freedom attending it, is better than
+the most exalted station under a restraint. AEsop and Phaedrus, who had
+both felt the bitter effects of slavery, though the latter of them had
+the good fortune to have the mildest prince that ever was for his
+master, cannot forbear taking all opportunities to express their great
+abhorrence of servitude, and their passion for liberty, upon any terms
+whatsoever. Indeed, a state of slavery, with whatever seeming grandeur
+and happiness it may be attended, is yet so precarious a thing, that he
+must want sense, honour, courage, and all manner of virtue, who can
+endure to prefer it in his choice. A man who has so little honour as to
+bear to be a slave, when it is in his power to prevent or redress it,
+would make no scruple to cut the throats of his fellow creatures, or to
+do any wickedness that the wanton unbridled will of his tyrannical
+master could suggest.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE XCVIII.
+
+[Illustration: THE WOOD AND THE CLOWN.]
+
+
+A country Fellow came one day into the Wood, and looked about him with
+some concern; upon which the Trees, with a curiosity natural to some
+other creatures, asked him what he wanted.--He replied--'That he only
+wanted a piece of wood to make a handle to his hatchet.' Since that was
+all, it was voted unanimously, that he should have a piece of good,
+sound, tough ash. But he had no sooner received and fitted it for his
+purpose, than he began to lay about him unmercifully, and to hack and
+hew without distinction, felling the noblest trees in all the forest.
+Then the Oak is said to have spoke thus to the Beech in a low
+whisper,--'Brother, we must take it for our pains.'
+
+
+APPLICATION.
+
+No people are more justly liable to suffer than they who furnish their
+enemies with any kind of assistance. It is generous to forgive; it is
+enjoined us by religion to love our enemies; but he that trusts an
+enemy, much more contributes to the strengthening and arming of him, may
+almost depend upon repenting him for his inadvertent benevolence; and
+has, moreover, this to add to his distress, that, when he might have
+prevented it, he brought his misfortune upon himself by his own
+credulity.
+
+Any person in a community, by what name or title soever distinguished,
+who affects a power which may possibly hurt the people, is an enemy to
+that people, and therefore they ought not to trust him: for though he
+were ever so fully determined not to abuse such a power, yet he is so
+far a bad man, as he disturbs the people's quiet, and makes them jealous
+and uneasy by desiring to have it, or even retaining it, when it may
+prove mischievous. If we consult history, we shall find that the thing
+called Prerogative has been claimed and contended for chiefly by those
+who never intended to make a good use of it; and as readily resigned and
+thrown up by just and wise princes, who had the true interest of their
+people at heart. How like senseless stocks do they act, who, by
+complimenting some capricious mortal, from time to time, with parcels of
+prerogative, at last put it out of their power to defend and maintain
+themselves in their just and natural liberty!
+
+
+
+
+FABLE XCIX.
+
+[Illustration: THE OLD LION.]
+
+
+A Lion, worn out with old age, lay fetching his last gasp, and agonizing
+in the convulsive struggles of death. Upon which occasion several of the
+beasts, who had formerly been sufferers by him, came and revenged
+themselves upon him. The Boar, with his mighty tusks, drove at him in a
+stroke that glanced like lightning. And the Bull gored him with his
+violent horns. Which, when the Ass saw they might do without any danger,
+he too came up, and threw his heels into the Lion's face. Upon which,
+the poor old expiring tyrant uttered these words with his last dying
+groan:--'Alas! how grievous is it to suffer insults, even from the brave
+and the valiant; but to be spurned by so base a creature as this is, who
+is the disgrace of Nature, is worse than dying ten thousand deaths.'
+
+
+APPLICATION.
+
+He that would be reverenced and respected by the rest of mankind, must
+lay in a foundation for it of some kind or other; for people cannot be
+persuaded to pay deference and esteem for nothing. So that, though we
+have lived in good repute in the world, if ever we should happen to
+outlive our stock, we must not be surprised to find ourselves slighted
+and affronted, even by the vilest scum of the people. If therefore we
+would raise to ourselves a dignity that will continue not only to the
+end of our lives, but extend itself far down among the ages of
+posterity, we should take care to establish it upon a foundation of
+virtue and good-nature: this will not only preserve us from the insults
+of enemies, but, upon occasion, surround us with a trusty guard of
+faithful and sincere friends.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE C.
+
+[Illustration: THE HORSE AND THE LOADED ASS.]
+
+
+An idle Horse, and an Ass labouring under a heavy burden, were
+travelling the road together; they both belonged to a country fellow,
+who trudged it on foot by them. The Ass, ready to faint under his heavy
+load, entreated the Horse to assist him, and lighten his burden, by
+taking some of it upon his back. The Horse was ill-natured, and refused
+to do it; upon which the poor Ass tumbled down in the midst of the
+highway, and expired in an instant. The countryman ungirted his
+pack-saddle, and tried several ways to relieve him, but all to no
+purpose: which, when he perceived, he took the whole burden and laid it
+upon the Horse, together with the skin of the dead Ass: so that the
+Horse, by his moroseness in refusing to do a small kindness, justly
+brought upon himself a great inconvenience.
+
+
+APPLICATION.
+
+Self-love is no such ill principle, if it were but well and truly
+directed; for it is impossible that any man should love himself to any
+purpose, who withdraws his assistance from his friends or the public.
+Every government is to be considered as a body politic; and every man
+who lives in it as a member of that body. Now, to carry on the allegory,
+no member can thrive better than when they all jointly unite in their
+endeavours to assist and improve the whole. If the hand was to refuse
+its assistance in procuring food for the mouth, they must both starve
+and perish together. And when those, who are parties concerned in the
+same community, deny such assistance to each other, as the preservation
+of that community necessarily requires, their self-interestedness, in
+that case, is ill-directed, and will have a quite contrary effect from
+what they intended. How many people are so senseless as to think it hard
+that there should be any taxes in the nation; whereas, were there to be
+none indeed, those very people would be undone immediately. That little
+property they have would be presently plundered by foreign or domestic
+enemies; and then they would be glad to contribute their quota, even
+without an act of parliament. The charges of supporting a government are
+necessary things, and easily supplied by a due and well proportioned
+contribution. But, in a narrower and more confined view, to be ready to
+assist our friends upon all occasions, is not only good, as it is an act
+of humanity, but highly discreet, as it strengthens our interest, and
+gives us an opportunity of lightening the burden of life.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE CI.
+
+[Illustration: THE OLD MAN AND DEATH.]
+
+
+A poor feeble old man who had crawled out into a neighbouring wood to
+gather a few sticks, had made up his bundle, and, laying it over his
+shoulders was trudging homeward with it; but, what with age, and the
+length of the way, and the weight of his burden, he grew so faint and
+weak that he sunk under it: and, as he sat on the ground, called upon
+Death to come, once for all, and ease him of his troubles. Death no
+sooner heard him, but he came and demanded of him what he wanted. The
+poor old creature, who little thought Death had been so near, and
+frighted almost out of his senses with his terrible aspect, answered him
+trembling, that having by chance let his bundle of sticks fall, and
+being too infirm to get it up himself, he had made bold to call upon him
+to help him: that, indeed, this was all he wanted at present; and that
+he hoped his worship was not offended with him for the liberty he had
+taken in so doing.
+
+
+APPLICATION.
+
+This fable gives us a lively representation of the general behaviour of
+mankind towards that grim king of terrors, Death. Such liberties do they
+take with him behind his back, that, upon every little cross accident
+which happens in their way, Death is immediately called upon; and they
+even wish it might be lawful for them to finish by their own hands a
+life so odious, so perpetually tormenting and vexatious. When, let but
+Death only offer to make his appearance, and the very sense of his near
+approach almost does the business. Oh, then all they want is a little
+longer life; and they would be glad to come off so well as to have their
+old burden laid upon their shoulders again. One may well conclude what
+an utter aversion they, who are in youth, health, and vigour of body,
+have to dying, when age, poverty, and wretchedness, are not sufficient
+to reconcile us to the thought.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE CII.
+
+[Illustration: THE BOAR AND THE ASS.]
+
+
+A little scoundrel of an Ass, happening to meet with a Boar, had a mind
+to be arch upon him,--'And so, brother,' says he, 'your humble servant.'
+The Boar, somewhat nettled at his familiarity, bristled up to him, and
+told him, he was surprised to hear him utter so impudent an untruth, and
+was just going to show his noble resentment, by giving him a rip in the
+flank; but wisely stifling his passion, he contented himself with only
+saying--'Go, you sorry beast! I could be amply and easily revenged of
+you; but I do not care to foul my tusks with the blood of so base a
+creature.'
+
+
+APPLICATION.
+
+Fools are sometimes so ambitious of being thought wits, that they run
+great hazards in attempting to show themselves such. This is not the
+first Ass, who, after a handsome rebuke from one superior to himself
+both in courage and merit, has continued his awkward raillery even to
+the last degree of offence. But such a dull creature is so far from
+raising himself the least esteem by his ludicrous vein, that he has very
+good luck if he escapes with a whole skin. Buffoons, like dwarfs, should
+be matched with those of their own level; a man, in sense or stature,
+would be ashamed to encounter either of them. But notwithstanding all
+this, and though the Boar in the fable is a very good example to men of
+generous brave spirits not to give themselves up to passion, nor to be
+distempered with thoughts of revenge upon the insolent behaviour of
+every Ass that offends them, because their hands would be dishonoured by
+the tincture of a base man's blood; yet among human creatures, the
+correction of an Ass that would be unseasonably witty, may be performed
+with justness and propriety enough, provided it be done in good humour.
+The blood of a coward, literally speaking, would stain the character of
+a man of honour; when we chastise such wretches, it should be done, if
+possible, in the utmost calmness of temper. It takes off something from
+the reputation of a great soul, when we see it is in the power of a fool
+to ruffle and unsettle it.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE CIII.
+
+[Illustration: THE TUNNY AND THE DOLPHIN.]
+
+
+A fish called a Tunny being pursued by a Dolphin, and driven with great
+violence, not minding which way he went, was thrown by the force of the
+waves upon a rock, and left there. His death now was inevitable; but,
+casting his eyes on one side, and seeing the Dolphin in the same
+condition lay gasping by him.--'Well,' says he, 'I must die, it is true;
+but I die with pleasure, when I behold him who is the cause of it
+involved in the same fate.'
+
+
+APPLICATION.
+
+Revenge though a blind mischievous passion, is yet a very sweet thing:
+so sweet, that it can even soothe the pangs and reconcile us to the
+bitterness of death. And, indeed, it must be a temper highly
+philosophical, that could be driven out of life by any tyrannical unjust
+procedure, and not be touched with a sense of pleasure to see the author
+of it splitting upon the same rock. When this is allowed, and it is
+further considered how easily the revenge of the meanest person may be
+executed even upon the highest, it should, methinks, keep people upon
+their guard, and prevail with them not to persecute or be injurious to
+any one. The moral turpitude of doing wrong is sufficient to influence
+every brave honest man, and to secure him from harbouring even the least
+thought of it in his breast: but the knave and the coward should weigh
+the present argument, and, before they attempt the least injury, be
+assured of this truth, that nothing is more sweet, nor scarce any thing
+so easy to compass, as revenge.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE CIV.
+
+[Illustration: THE PEACOCK AND THE MAGPIE.]
+
+
+The birds met together upon a time to choose a king; and the Peacock
+standing candidate, displayed his gaudy plumes, and catched the eyes of
+the silly multitude with the richness of his feathers. The majority
+declared for him, and clapped their wings with great applause: but just
+as they were going to proclaim him, the Magpie stepped forth in the
+midst of the assembly, and addressed himself thus to the new king--'May
+it please your majesty elect, to permit one of your unworthy subjects to
+represent to you his suspicions and apprehensions, in the face of this
+whole congregation: we have chosen you for our king, we have put our
+lives and fortunes into your hands, and our whole hope and dependence is
+upon you; if therefore, the Eagle, or the Vulture, or the Kite, should
+at any time make a descent upon us, as it is highly probable they will,
+may your majesty be so gracious as to dispel our fears, and clear our
+doubts, about that matter, by letting us know how you intend to defend
+us against them?'--This pithy unanswerable question drew the whole
+audience into so just a reflection, that they soon resolved to proceed
+to a new choice. But, from that time, the Peacock has been looked upon
+as a vain insignificant pretender, and the Magpie esteemed as eminent a
+speaker as any among the whole community of birds.
+
+
+APPLICATION.
+
+Form and outside, in the choice of a ruler, should not be so much
+regarded as the qualities and endowments of the mind. In choosing heads
+of corporations, from the king of the land down to the master of a
+company, upon every new election it should be inquired into, which of
+the candidates is most capable of advancing the good and welfare of the
+community; and upon him the choice should fall. But the eyes of the
+multitude are so dazzled with pomp and show, noise and ceremony, that
+they cannot see things really as they are: and from hence it comes to
+pass, that so many absurdities are committed and maintained in the
+world. People should examine and weigh the real weight and merit of the
+person, and not be imposed upon by false colours and pretences of I know
+not what.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE CV.
+
+[Illustration: THE FORESTER AND THE LION.]
+
+
+The Forester meeting with a Lion one day, they discoursed together for
+awhile without differing much in opinion. At last, a dispute happening
+to arise about the superiority between a Man and a Lion, the Man,
+wanting a better argument, showed the Lion a marble monument, on which
+was placed the statue of a man striding over a vanquished Lion.--'If
+this,' says the Lion, 'is all you have to say for it, let us be the
+carvers, and we will make the Lion striding over the Man.'
+
+
+APPLICATION.
+
+Contending parties are very apt to appeal for the truth to records
+written by their own side; but nothing is more unfair, and at the same
+time insignificant and unconvincing. Such is the partiality of mankind
+in favour of themselves and their own actions, that it is almost
+impossible to come at any certainty by reading the accounts which are
+written on one side only. We have few or no memoirs come down to us of
+what was transacted in the world during the sovereignty of ancient Rome,
+but what were written by those who had a dependency upon it; therefore
+it is no wonder that they appear, upon most occasions, to have been so
+great and glorious a nation. What their contemporaries of other
+countries thought of them we cannot tell, otherwise than from their own
+writers: it is not impossible but they might have described them as a
+barbarous, rapacious, treacherous, unpolite people; who, upon their
+conquest of Greece, for some time, made as great havoc and destruction
+of the arts and sciences, as their fellow plunderers, the Goths and
+Vandals, did afterwards in Italy. What monsters would our own
+party-zealots make of each other, if the transactions of the times were
+to be handed down to posterity by a warm hearty man on either side! and,
+were such records to survive two or three centuries, with what
+perplexities and difficulties must they embarrass a young historian, as
+by turns he consulted them for the characters of his great forefathers!
+If it should so happen, it were to be wished this application might be
+living at the same time that young readers, instead of doubting to which
+they should give their credit, would not fail to remember that this was
+the work of a man, that of a lion.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE CVI.
+
+[Illustration: THE STAG LOOKING INTO THE WATER.]
+
+
+A Stag that had been drinking at a clear spring, saw himself in the
+water: and, pleased with the prospect, stood afterwards for some time
+contemplating and surveying his shape and features from head to
+foot.--'Ah!' says he, 'what a glorious pair of branching horns are
+there! how gracefully do those antlers hang over my forehead, and give
+an agreeable turn to my whole face! If some other parts of my body were
+but proportionable to them, I would turn my back to nobody; but I have a
+set of such legs as really makes me ashamed to see them. People may talk
+what they please of their conveniencies, and what great need we stand in
+of them upon several occasions; but, for my part, I find them so very
+slender and unsightly, that I had as lief have none at all.' While he
+was giving himself these airs, he was alarmed with the noise of some
+huntsmen, and a pack of hounds that had been just laid on upon the
+scent, and were making towards him. Away he flies, in some
+consternation, and, bounding nimbly over the plain, threw dogs and men
+at a vast distance behind him. After which, taking a very thick copse,
+he had the ill-fortune to be entangled by his horns in a thicket; where
+he was held fast till the hounds came in and pulled him down. Finding
+now how it was like to go with him, in the pangs of death he is said to
+have uttered these words:--'Unhappy creature that I am! I am too late
+convinced, that what I prided myself in has been the cause of my
+undoing, and what I so much disliked was the only thing that could have
+saved me.'
+
+
+APPLICATION.
+
+Perhaps we cannot apply this better than by supposing the fable to be a
+parable! which may be thus explained. The Deer, viewing itself in the
+water, is a beautiful young lady at her looking-glass. She cannot help
+being sensible of the charms which lie blooming in every feature of her
+face. She moistens her lips, languishes with her eyes, adjusts every
+lock of her hair with the nicest exactness, gives an agreeable attitude
+to her whole body; and then, with a soft sigh, says to herself,--'Ah!
+how happy might I be, in a daily crowd of admirers, if it were not for
+the censoriousness of the age! when I view that face, where Nature, to
+give her her due, has been liberal enough of charms, how easy should I
+be, if it were not for that slender particular, my honour. The odious
+idea of that comes across all my happy moments, and brings a
+mortification with it that damps my most flattering tender hopes. Oh!
+that there were no such thing in the world!'--In the midst of these
+soliloquies she is interrupted by the voice of her lover, who enters her
+chamber singing a rigadoon air; and, introducing his discourse in a
+familiar easy manner, takes occasion to launch out in praise of her
+beauty; sees she is pleased with it, snatches her hand, kisses it in a
+transport; and, in short, pursues his point so close, that she is not
+able to disengage herself from him. But, when the consequence of all
+this approaches, in an agony of grief and shame, she fetches a deep sigh
+and says--'Ah! how mistaken have I been! the virtue I slighted might
+have saved me; but the beauty I prized so much has been my undoing.'
+
+
+
+
+FABLE CVII.
+
+[Illustration: THE STAG AND THE OX-STALL.]
+
+
+A Stag, roused out of his thick cover in the midst of the forest, and
+driven hard by the hounds, made towards a farm-house, and seeing the
+door of an Ox-Stall open, entered therein, and hid himself under a heap
+of straw. One of the Oxen, turning his head about, asked him what he
+meant by venturing himself in such a place as that was, where he was
+sure to meet with his doom?--'Ah!' says the Stag, 'if you will but be so
+good as to favour me with your concealment, I hope I shall do well
+enough; I intend to make off again the first opportunity.'--Well, he
+staid there till towards night; in came the ox-man with a bundle of
+fodder, and never saw him. In short, all the servants of the farm came
+and went, and not a soul of them smelt any thing of the matter. Nay,
+the bailiff himself came according to form, and looked in, but walked
+away no wiser than the rest. Upon this the Stag, ready to jump out of
+his skin for joy, began to return thanks to the good-natured Oxen,
+protesting that they were the most obliging people he had ever met with
+in his life. After he had done his compliments, one of them answered him
+gravely--'Indeed, we desire nothing more than to have it in our power to
+contribute to your escape; but there is a certain person, you little
+think of, who has a hundred eyes; if he should happen to come, I would
+not give this straw for your life.'--In the interim, home comes the
+master himself, from a neighbour's, where he had been invited to dinner;
+and, because he had observed the cattle to look but scurvily of late, he
+went up to the rack, and asked, why they did not give them more fodder?
+then, casting his eyes downward,--'Hey-day!' says he, 'why so sparing of
+your litter? pray scatter a little more here. And these cobwebs--but I
+have spoke so often, that unless I do it myself--' Thus, as he went on,
+prying into every thing, he chanced to look where the Stag's horns lay
+sticking out of the straw; upon which he raised a hue-and-cry, called
+all his people about him, killed the poor Stag, and made a prize of him.
+
+
+APPLICATION.
+
+The moral of this fable is, that nobody looks after a man's affairs so
+well as he himself. Servants, being but hirelings, seldom have the true
+interest of their master at heart, but let things run on in a negligent
+constant disorder; and this, generally, not so much for want of capacity
+as honesty. Their heads are taken up with the cultivation of their own
+private interest; for the service and promotion of which that of their
+master is postponed, and often entirely neglected.
+
+Few families are reduced to poverty and distress merely by their own
+extravagance and indulgence in luxury: the inattention of servants
+swells every article of expense in domestic oeconomy; and the retinue of
+great men, instead of exerting their industry to conduce as far as
+possible to the increase of their master's wealth, commonly exercise no
+other office than that of locusts and caterpillars, to consume and
+devour it.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE CVIII.
+
+[Illustration: THE DOVE AND THE ANT.]
+
+
+The Ant, compelled by thirst, went to drink in a clear purling rivulet;
+but the current, with its circling eddy, snatched her away, and carried
+her down the stream. The Dove, pitying her distressed condition, cropped
+a branch from a neighbouring tree, and let it fall into the water, by
+means of which the Ant saved herself, and got ashore. Not long after, a
+fowler having a design upon the Dove, planted his nets in due order,
+without the bird's observing what he was about; which the Ant
+perceiving, just as he was going to put his design in execution, she bit
+him by the heel, and made him give so sudden a start, that the Dove took
+the alarm, and flew away.
+
+
+APPLICATION.
+
+One good turn deserves another; and gratitude is excited by so noble and
+natural a spirit, that he ought to be looked upon as the vilest of
+creatures who has no sense of it. It is, indeed, so very just and
+equitable a thing, and so much every man's duty, that, to speak of it
+properly, one should not mention it as any thing meritorious, or that
+may claim praise and admiration, any more than we should say a man ought
+to be rewarded or commended for not killing his father, or forbearing to
+set fire to his neighbour's house. The bright and shining piece of
+morality, therefore, which is recommended to us in this fable, is set
+forth in this example of the Dove, who, without any obligation or
+expectation, does a voluntary office of charity to its fellow creature
+in distress. The constant uninterrupted practice of this virtue, is the
+only thing in which we are capable of imitating the great Author of our
+being; whose beloved Son, besides the many precepts he has given to
+enforce this duty, used this expression as a common saying, 'It is more
+blessed to give than to receive.'
+
+
+
+
+FABLE CIX.
+
+[Illustration: THE LION IN LOVE.]
+
+
+The Lion, by chance, saw a fair Maid, the forester's daughter, as she
+was tripping over a lawn, and fell in love with her. Nay, so violent was
+his passion, that he could not live unless he made her his own; so that,
+without any more delay, he broke his mind to the father, and demanded
+the damsel for his wife. The man, as odd as the proposal seemed at
+first, yet soon recollected, that by complying he might get the Lion
+into his power; but, by refusing him, should only exasperate and provoke
+his rage. Therefore he consented; but told him it must be upon these
+conditions: that, considering the girl was young and tender, he must
+agree to let his teeth be plucked out, and his claws cut off, lest he
+should hurt her, or at least frighten her, with the apprehension of
+them. The Lion was too much in love to hesitate; but was no sooner
+deprived of his teeth and claws, than the treacherous forester attacked
+him with a huge club, and knocked his brains out.
+
+
+APPLICATION.
+
+Of all the ill consequences that may attend that blind passion, love,
+seldom any prove so fatal as that one, of its drawing people into a
+sudden and ill-concerted marriage. They commit a rash action in the
+midst of a fit of madness, of which, as soon as they come to themselves,
+they may find reason to repent as long as they live. Many an unthinking
+young fellow has been treated as much like a savage, in this respect, as
+the Lion in the fable. He has, perhaps, had nothing valuable belonging
+to him but his estate, and the writings which made his title to it; and,
+if he is so far captivated as to be persuaded to part with these, his
+teeth and his claws are gone, and he lies entirely at the mercy of madam
+and her relations. All the favour he is to expect, after this, is from
+the accidental goodness of the family he falls into; which, if it happen
+to be of a particular strain, will not fail to keep him in a distant
+subjection, after they have stripped him of all his power. Nothing but a
+true friendship, and a mutual interest, can keep up reciprocal love
+between the conjugal pair; and when that is wanting, and nothing but
+contempt and aversion remain to supply the place, matrimony becomes a
+downright state of enmity and hostility: and what a miserable case he
+must be in, who has put himself and his whole power into the hands of
+his enemy, let those consider, who, while they are in their sober
+senses, abhor the thoughts of being betrayed into their ruin, by
+following the impulse of a blind unheeding passion.
+
+
+
+
+FABLE CX.
+
+[Illustration: THE TORTOISE AND THE EAGLE.]
+
+
+The Tortoise, weary of his condition, by which he was confined to creep
+upon the ground, and being ambitious to have a prospect, and look about
+him, gave out, that if any bird would take him up into the air, and show
+him the world, he would reward him with a discovery of many precious
+stones, which he knew were hidden in a certain place of the earth: the
+Eagle undertook to do as he desired, and, when he had performed his
+commission, demanded the reward; but finding the Tortoise could not make
+good his words, he stuck his talons into the softer parts of his body,
+and made him a sacrifice to his revenge.
+
+
+APPLICATION.
+
+As men of honour ought to consider calmly how far the things which they
+promise may be in their power, before they venture to make promises
+upon this account, because the non-performance of them will be apt to
+excite an uneasiness within themselves, and tarnish their reputation in
+the eyes of other people; so fools and cowards should be as little rash
+in this respect as possible, lest their impudent forgeries draw upon
+them the resentment of those whom they disappoint, and that resentment
+makes them undergo smart, but deserved, chastisement. The man who is so
+stupid a knave as to make a lying promise where he is sure to be
+detected, receives the punishment of his folly unpitied by all that know
+him.
+
+
+FINIS.
+
+
+Printed by C. WHITTINGHAM, Chiswick.
+
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Transcriber's note:
+
+The header "Fable I" has been added.
+
+Variations in spelling and hyphenation have been preserved except in
+obvious cases of typographical error.
+
+
+
+
+
+End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of AEsop's Fables, by AEsop
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author	Roger Frank <rfrank@pglaf.org>	2025-10-14 20:12:06 -0700
committer	Roger Frank <rfrank@pglaf.org>	2025-10-14 20:12:06 -0700
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tree	84467a20eff483ca346dc91956119a98cde4e91f