Memorial edition of Thomas Bewick's works

BIOLOGY

LIBRARY

G

THOMAS BEWICK'S WORKS
VOL. IV.

THE FABLES OF

AND OTHERS.

•^

THE

FABLES OF

AND OTHERS,
WITH DESIGNS ON WOOD,

BY

THOMAS BEWICK.

" The wisest of the Ancients delivered their Conceptions of the Deity,
and their Lessons of Morality, in Fables and Parables."1

VOL. IV.

NEWCASTLE-UPON-TYNE :

PRINTED BY R. WARD AND SONS, FOR

BERNARD QUARITCH, 15 PICCADILLY,
LONDON.

188=;.

THE PREFACE DEDICATORY.

To the Youth of the British Isles.

IN collecting together, for your use and benefit, some of
the prudential maxims, and moral apothegms, of the
ancient sages, the Publishers of this volume have been
stimulated by an ardent desire to render this excellen
mode of instruction as agreeable as possible; and, at the
same time, to impress the precepts contained in the Fables
more forcibly on your minds, they have endeavoured to
make the embellishments worthy of your notice and
examination.

If the seeds of morality and patriotism be early sown
they will spring up, and ripen to maturity, in a confirmed
love of truth, integrity and honour; and without these for
his guide, no man can do credit to himself or his country.
This consideration is of vital importance; for our comfort

266195

iv. PREFACE.

and happiness through life, mainly depend upon a strict
adherence to the rules of morality and religion. The
vouth who is early tutored in an invincible regard for his
own character, will soon perceive the duties imposed upon
him by society, and will have pleasure in fulfilling them,
as much for his own satisfaction as for the sake of his
fellow men: but when the latent powers of the mind are
neglected, or not directed into the paths of rectitude, by
good precepts and worthy examples, vice and folly enter
the opening, and lead their victim into evils and errors,
which render his life miserable, and sometimes hurry him
into an ignominious grave.

To delineate the characters and passions of men, under
the semblance of Lions, Tigers, Wolves, and Foxes, is
not so extravagant a fiction as it may at first sight seem:
for the innocent and inexperienced will find, wrhen they
engage in the busy scenes of the world, that they will have
to deal with men of dispositions not unlike those animals:
and that their utmost vigilance will be required to guard
against their violence or machinations.

In attempting to form an estimate of the characters of
mankind, many gradations and shades will be found
between the two extremes of virtue and vice. The philan-
thropist views with feelings of benevolence the wavering
balance, and adds those he finds on the confines to the
number of the virtuous; while the misanthrope, with
gloomy malignity, endeavours to include within the circle
of vice, those who are standing upon the ill-defined line
of division, and thus swells the number of the bad. Both
observe with pain, that great numbers exist, whose whole
lives seem to be spent in disfiguring the beautiful order
which might otherwise reign in society, regardless of the

PREFACE. v.

misery which their wickedness scatters around them. They
see men, who suffer their bad passions and gross appetites
to be the sole rule of their conduct; and whether these
shew themselves in an inordinate ambition, a thirst after
false glory, or an insatiable avarice, their consequences are
pernicious, and diffuse evil, distress, and ruin among man-
kind, in proportion to the extent to which their baneful
influence reaches. The misanthrope, in contemplating the
scene of mischief and disorder, is apt to arraign the wisdom
.and justice of Providence for permitting it to exist; but the
philanthropist views it with a more extended range of vision;
and while he laments the evil, he attributes the apparent
want of human feelings in the actors, to an early perversion
of intellect, or to a stifling of the reasoning power given
by the Great Creator to man for his guide, and without
which he is the worst animal in the creation, a mere two-
legged Tiger. Upon the childhood and youth of such
men, the great truth taught by the inspired and wisest
writers of all ages, that "no life can be pleasing to God
which is not useful to man," has not been sufficiently im-
pressed, or probably the energy with which they pursue their
wicked career might have been led into a different course,
and instead of the scourges, they would have been the
benefactors of mankind.

When religion and morality are blended together in the
mind, they impart their blessings to all who seek the aid of
the one and obey the dictates of the other, and their joint
effects are seen and felt in the perpetual cheerfulness they
impart. They incite the innocent whistle of the ploughman
at his plough, of the cobbler in his stall, and the song of
the milk-maid at her pail: and it is a sign of their being
perverted, when they engender melancholy notions ; for

vi. PREFACE.

these are the offspring of bigotry, fanaticism, and ignorance.
The service of the Omnipotent is not of this gloomy cast:
he has spread out the table of this beautiful world of
wonders for the use of his creatures, and has placed man
at the head of it, that he might enjoy its bounties, as well
as prepare himself for the approaching change to anotherf
which inspiration has powerfully impressed on his soul as
the unknowable region of his next advance. The material-
ist, in his dreary reveries, cannot comprehend this, neither
will he acknowledge that his being placed here is equaHy
as miraculous as that he should be placed in another world
or worlds, progressively to improve, to all eternity: but to
harbour doubts on this subject, is like disputing the wisdom,
the justice, and the mercy of the Author of our being,
who, according to the conceptions we form of his goodness,
as exhibited in the design, the grandeur, and the immensity
of creation, where every thing is systematic, regular, and in
order, would never decree that man should be placed here
instinctively to know his Maker — to take a short peep at the
stupendous, the amazing whole— to view all these, and have
powers of mind given him only to know and repugnantly
to feel, that after a life mixed with turmoil, grief, and
disease, he is to be annihilated! In our conception of
things, and to the limited understanding which has been
given us, all this would appear to be labour in vain.

The volume of the creation speaks alike to all, and
cannot be defaced by man; but the ways of Providence are
beyond his comprehension. Omnipotence has not been
pleased to gratify his pride and vanity, nor to consult his
understanding, in the government of the universe; but
sufficient has been disclosed unto him to point out the
moral duties he owes to society, and the religious worship

PREFACE. vil.

due to his Maker, without groping- after what is utterly
beyond his reach : for our feeble reason is too weak to com-
prehend the divine essence: and our thoughts, on their
utmost stretch, roll back on darkness. We reason, but we
err: for how can we comprehend the immensity of endless
space, of time and eternity, a beginning or an end; or what
conceptions can we form of the power which made the sun
and worlds without number? Truly, this is far too much
for a finite being, who does not know why he can move
one of his' own fingers, or cease to do so when he pleases!
But all may know and fulfil their religious obligations, by
reverencing and adoring their Creator, and walking humbly
before him, and their moral duties, by being in their several
stations, good sons, brothers, husbands, wives, fathers,
mothers, neighbours, and members of society.

Having, with humble diffidence, in this masquerade of
life, attempted to point out to youth the exterior of the
temple of virtue, and to lead them to its steps, the Editor
leaves them there, respectfully recommending them to
explore the whole interior, under the guidance of men more
eminent for their mental powers and attainments in learning,
philosophy, and piety. Of these, an illustrious band have
placed, at every avenue and turning, their inestimable
works, as directions to guide us to usefulness and respect-
ability here, and eternal happiness hereafter.

Newcastle, September, 1818.

THE INTRODUCTION.

FROM time to time, in all ages, men inspired, or gifted
with a superior degree of intellectual power, have appeared
upon the stage of life, in order (by enlightening others) to
fulfil the designs of Omnipotence, in uniting the world in
a state of civilized society .-

Patriarchs, or heads of families, at first directed or
governed those who were immediately dependent upon
them: these in time increased, and became dans; these
again, by their quarrels, and their wars, were induced to
elect chieftains or kings over a number of united clans, —
from which were formed the various nations and king-
doms of the earth. In this early stage of the world,
when men were ignorant and uncivilized, the chase and

VOL iv. b

X. INTRODUCTION

war seem almost wholly to have occupied their time and
attention. Their kings ruled over them with despotic
sway, and the will of the prince was the only law: and
thus the barbarism of the subject and the tyranny of the
ruler went hand in hand together. That over-swollen
pride, which seems the natural accompaniment of despotic
power, blinds the understandings of its possessors, and
renders them wholly regardless of the important trust
reposed in them. The evils arising out of their bad
government, are felt, more or less, by the whole people
over whom they preside; and pride and arrogance pre-
vent the approach of sincerity and truth. The sycophant
and the slave then only find admission, and all other
men are kept at a distance. While kings and governors
were of this character, the voice of truth could only reach
their ears through allegory and fable, which took their rise
in the infancy of learning, and seem to have been the
only safe mode of conveying admonition to tyrants. This
pleasing method of instilling instruction into the mind,
has been found by experience to be the shortest and best
way of accomplishing that end, among all ranks and con-
ditions of men.

The first Fable upon record, is that of Jotham and
the Trees, in the Bible; and the next, that of The Poor
Man and his Lamb, as related by Nathan to King David,
and which carried with it a blaze of truth that flashed
conviction on the mind of the royal transgressor. Lessons
of reproof, religion, and morality, were, we find, continually
delivered in this mode, by the sages of old, to the exalted
among mankind.

It is asserted by authors, that Apologues and Fables
had their origin in the eastern world, and that the most
ancient of them were the productions of Yeeshnou Sarmar
commonly called Pilpay, whose beautiful collections of
Apologues were esteemed as sacred books in India and
Persia, whence they were spread abroad among other
nations, and were by them celebrated and holden in much

INTRODUCTION. xi.

estimation. They were translated from the Persian and
Arabian into Greek, by Simeon Seth, a man of great
learning, who was an officer of the imperial household at
Constantinople about the year 1070. Seth's Version was
imitated in Latin by Piers Alfonse, a converted Jew, as
early as the year 1107; and this is supposed to have
been the first version of Pilpay's Apologues that made
its way, and became familiarized in Europe. The time
in which Pilpay lived, seems not to be certainly known
to the learned; but some of them suppose that the Fables
of /Esop and others were grounded upon his models. The
time in which /Esop lived is better ascertained, and of all
the Fabulists who have amused and instructed mankind
by their writings, his name stands pre-eminent. Authors
fix his birth-place at Cotieum, in Phrygia Major. But
the history of this remarkable person, who lived about 572
years before Christ, and about 100 years before Herodotus,
the Greek Historian, has been so involved in mystery,
traditionary stories, and absurd conjectures, that any
attempt to give a detail from such materials, would only
serve to bewilder youth, and lead them into a labyrinth
of error ; and it would be impertinent to trouble the learned
rea ler with that which must be sufficiently familiar to
him.* The whole of the absurd fictions concerning this wise
and amiable man, were invented by Maximus Planudes, a
Greek monk.f Plutarch, and other authentic historians, %
have, however, given a very different account of the illustrious

* The curious enquirer is referred to the Essay on the yEsopean
Fable, by Sir Brooke Boothby, Bart., from which this sketch is
extracted.

t Planudes lived at Constantinople in the i4th century. His
Fables were printed at Milan, A.D. 1480.

t The first person who took great pains to detect and expose the
follies and absurdities of Planudes's Life of .^Esop, and collected what
could be known, was Bachet de Mezeriac, a man of great learning,
who flourished about the year 1632.

Xll. INTRODUCTION.

Fabulist. It would appear, according to some of these
relations, that ^Esop, originally a Shepherd's boy, had
risen from the condition of a slave, to great eminence,
and that he lived in the service of Xanthus and judman,
or Idmon, in the island of Samos, and afterwards at
Athens. Phcedrus speaks of him as living the greater part
of his life at the latter place, where, it appears, a handsome
statue, executed by the hand of the. famous statuary
Lysippus, was erected to his memory, and placed before
those of the seven sages of Greece.* He also notices
his living at Samos, and interesting himself in a public
capacity, in the administration of the affairs of that place;
where Aristotle also introduces him as a public speaker,
and records the fact of his reciting the fable of the Fox
and the Hedgehog, f while pleading on behalf of a minister,
upon the occasion of his being impeached for embezzling
the public treasure. .Esop is also mentioned as speaking
in a public capacity to the Athenians, at the time when
Pisistratus seized upon their liberties. J Upon each of
these occasions he is represented as having introduced a
Fable into his discourse, in a witty and pleasing manner.
He was holden in the highest veneration and esteem in
his day, by all men eminent for their wisdom and virtue.
It appears there was scarcely an author among the ancient
Greeks who mixed any thing of morality in his writings,

* These sages were Solon, Thales, Chilo, Cleobulus, Bias, Pitta-
cus, and Periander, to whom Laertius adds Anacharsis, Maro,
Pherecydes, Epimenides, and Pisistratus.

t "Ye men of Samos, let me entreat you to do as the Fox did;
for this man, having got money enough, can have no further
occasion to rob; but if you put him to death, some needy person
will fill his place, whose wants must be supplied out of your
property."

The Fable of the Fox and the Hedgehog was applied by Themis-
tocles to dissuade the Athenians from removing their magistrates.
~B. Boothby.

£ The Fable of the Frogs desiring a King.

INTRODUCTION. xiii.

that did not either quote or mention .Esop. Plato describes
Socrates as turning some of .Esop's Fables into verse,
during those awful hours which he spent in prison, imme-
diately before his death. Aristophanes not only takes hints
from /Esop, but mentions him much to his honour, as one
whose works were, or ought to be, read before any other.
Ennius and Horace have embellished their poetry from
his stores; and ancient sages and authors all concur in
bearing the most ample testimony to his distinguished
merits. Plutarch, in his imaginary banquet of the seven
wise men, among several other illustrious persons of ancient
times, celebrated for their wit and knowledge, introduces
^Esop, and describes him as being very courtly and polite
in his behaviour. Upon the authority of Plutarch also,
we fix the life of -rEsop in the time of Crcesus, king of
Lydia, who invited him to the court of Sardis. By this
prince, he was holden in such esteem, as to 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 550 before Christ. He was also deputed
by Crcesus to consult the Oracle of Delphi. While on this
embassy, he was ordered to distribute to each of the citizens,
four mince"'" of silver, but some disputes arising between
them and ^Esop, he reproached them for their indolence,
in suffering their lands to lie uncultivated, and in depend-
ing on the gratuities of strangers for a precarious subsist-
ence: the quarrel, which it would appear ran high between
them, ended in ^Esop's sending back the money to Sardis.
This so exasperated the Delphians, that they resolved upon
his destruction; and that they might have some colour of
justice for what they intended, they concealed among his
effects, when he was taking his departure from Delphi, a
gold cup, consecrated to Apollo; and afterwards pursuing
him, easily found what they themselves had hidden. On
the pretext that he had committed this sacrilegious theft,

* The mina of silver was 12 ounces, about ^3 sterling.

xiv. INTRODUCTIONS

they carried him back to the city, and notwithstanding
his imprecating upon them the vengeance of heaven,
they immediately condemned him to be cast from the
rock of Hypania, as the punishment of the pretended
crime. Ancient historians say, that for this wickedness,
the Delphians were for a long time visited with pestilence
and famine, until an expiation was made, and then the
plague ceased.

It was not until many ages after the death of .F^sop, that
his most prominent successor, Phredrus, arose. He trans-
lated yFsop's Fables from the Greek into Latin, and added
to them many of his own. Of Phaeadrus little is known,
except from his works. He is said to have lived in the
times of the Emperors Augustus and Tiberius, and to have
died in the reign of the latter. The first printed edition of
his Fables, with cuts, was published at Guada, in 1482.
Caxton published some of them in 1484, and Bonus
Accursius in 1489, to which he prefixed Planudes's Life of
. Fsop. Hut the most perfect edition of Phaedrus's Works
was published in five volumes, by Peter Pithou, at Troyes,
in 1596, from manuscripts discovered by him in the cities
of Rheims and Dijon. To these have succeeded in later
.times, a numerous list of Fabulists,* besides such of the
poets as have occasionally interspersed Fables in their
works. These, in their day, have had, and many of them
still have, their several admirers; but Gav and Dodsley best

* Sir Roger L'Estrange, born 1616, died 1704.

John de la Fontaine, born' 1621, died 1695.

John Dryden, born 1631, died 1701.

Antoine Houdart de la Motte, born 1672, died 1731.

John Gay, born 1688, died 1732.

Samuel Croxall, D. D. Archdeacon of Hereford, died 1752.

Edward Moore, died 1757.

Draper.

Robert Dodsley, born 1703, died 1764.

William Wilkie, born 1721, died 1772. •

Abbe Brotier, born 1722, died 1789.

XV. INTRODUCTION.

maintain their ground in this country, as is proved by the
regular demand for new editions. Croxall's Fables, which
were first published in 1722, with cuts on metal, in the
manner of wood, have also had a most extensive sale; and
Sir Brooke Boothby's elegant little volumes, in verse, pub-
lished in 1809, are now making their way into the public
esteem. The Editor of the present volume, in attempting
to continue the same pleasing mode of conveying instruc-
tion, long since laid down as a guide to virtue, has quoted
and compiled from other Fabulists, whatever seemed best
suited to his purpose. His sole object is utility, and he is
not altogether without hope, that in attempting to embellish
and perpetuate a fabric, which has its foundation laid in
religion and morality, his efforts may not be wholly in-
effectual to induce the young to keep steadily in view those
great truths, which form the sure land-mark to the haven,
where only they can attain peace and happiness.

THE TABLE OF CONTENTS,

The Ape and her Young Ones -

The Sensible Ass

^Esop and the Impertinent Fellow

The Angler and the Little Fish

The Ass and the Lion Hunting -

The Ass in the Lion's Skin

The Ape chosen King-

The Ant and the Fly

The Ant and the Grasshopper

The Ape and the Fox

JEsop at Play

The Ass Eating Thistles -

VOL. IV. C

PAGE

3
69

81
in
161

187

195

269

307
3J9
333
369

xviii. CONTEXTS.

B

PACK

The Boy and his Mother 5

The Brother and Sister - 31

The Shepherd's Boy and the Wolf 61

The Bear and the Bee- Hives - 119

The Bees, the Drones, and the Wasp- 145

The Hunted Beaver- 159

The Bull and the Goat 171

The Two Bitches 183

The Boar and the Ass 205

The Blackamoor - 223

The Belly and the Members 275

The Boys and the Frogs- 375

The Two Crabs i

The Collier and the Fuller 13

The Cock and the Jewel 47

The Wanton Calf 57

The Crow and the Pitcher - 63

The Cat and the Fox - 107

The Cat and the Mice 149

Caesar and the Slave 177

The Clown and the Gnat - - 189

The Countryman and the Snake - 217

The Cock and the Fox 219

The Fighting Cocks 349

The Cock and the Fox 359

D

The Dog in the Manger - 77

The Ship Dog - 99

The Dog invited to Supper - 109

The Dog and the Shadow - - 117

CONTENTS. xix.

PAGE

The Mischievous Dog 169

The Dog and the Sheep - 207

The Dog and the Wolf 287

The One-eyed Doe 297

The Deer and the Lion - 315

The Dove and the Bee 339

The Dog and the Cat 371

E

The Eagle, the Cat, and the Sow 39

The Eagle and the Fox - 273

The Eagle and the Crow 301

F

The Proud Frog and the Ox - 17

The Fox and the Vizor Mask - 51

The Fox and the Crow - 67

The Forester and the Lion - 83

The Fox without a 'Fail - 95

The Fox and the Ass 105

The Fox and the Tiger - 115

The Frogs and their King - 135

The Fir and the Bramble 143

The Frog and the Fox 147

Fortune and the Boy - 153

The Fox and the Grapes - 167

The Fisherman 173

The Fox and the Boar 175

The Frogs and the Fighting Bulls - 179

The Two Frogs - 199

The Fox and the Briar 201

The Fox and the Stork - 215

The Fox and the Hedge-Hog 227

The Fox and the Goat , 235

XX. CONTENTS.

PAGE

The Fowler and the Ring-dove 249

The Fowler and the Blackbird 263

The Fatal Marriage 277

The Fox and the Lion 285

The Flying Fish and the Dolphin - 289

The Fox in the Well - 311

The Fox and the Sick Lion 323

The Fox and the Countryman - 331

The Fox and the Wolf 335

The Frogs and the Mice - 353

The Fowler and the Lark 355

The Fowler and the Partridge - 363

The Goat, the Kid, and the Wolf - 29

The Goat and the Lion - 101

The Gardener and his Dog - - - 313

The Wild and the Tame Geese - 351

H

The Husbandman and his Sons ... 15

Hercules and the Carter - - - - . 37

The Drunken Husband - - 121

The Hen and the Swallow - - 127

The Hart and the Vine - - - - . 157

The Old Hound - 181

The Hen and the Fox - - 185

The Hare and the Tortoise - - - 221

The Hares and the Frogs - - - 251

The Harper . . . . 267

The Horse and the Stag - . . . 303

The Horse and the Lion 309

The Horse and the Ass 327

The Hawk and the Farmer - . . 329

CONTENTS. XXI.

PAGE

The Horse and the over-loaded Ass 343

The Husbandman and the Stork 345

Industry and Sloth -

Jupiter and the Ass 79

Jupiter and the Camel 139

Jupiter and the Herdsman 209

Juno and the Peacock 237

Jupiter and Pallas 241

The Vain Jackdaw - - 255

K

The Bald Knight - 87

The Kite and the Pigeons - 281

The Sick Kite 283

The Kid and the Wolf 293

The Leopard and the Fox 21

The Lark and her Young Ones - 41

The Lion and the Four Bulls - 89

The Lion, the Tiger, and the Wolf - 93

The Lioness and the Fox 123

The Lamb brought up by a Goat 125

The Old Lion - 211

The Lion in Love - - 225

The Lion and other Beasts - 239

The Lion and the Mouse - - - - - 257

The Lion and the Frog - 291

The Lion, the Wolf, and the Dog - - - 367

xxii. CONTENTS.

M

PAGE

The Master and his Scholar - 7

The Young Man and the Swallow 1 1

The Mole and her Dam - 27

The Young Men and the Cook - 43

The Mule 45

Mercury and the Woodman 49

The Man and his Goose - - 55

The Old Man and his Sons 91

The Miser and his Treasure 97

A Man bitten by a Dog 113

The Envious Man and the Covetous 129

The Mice in Council 193

The Old Man and Death 197

The Man and the Weasel - 203

The Magpie and the Sheep - 213

The Man and his Two Wives 231

Mercury and the Carver - - . 233

The Mountains in Labour - 253

The Mouse and the Weasel - 271
The Young Man and the Lion- - - 279

The Country and the City Mouse 295
The Miller, his Son, and their Ass - - 305

The Young Man and his Cat - - - 361
The Blind Man and the Lame - - - 365

N

The Nurse and the Wolf- 265

O

The Oak and the Reed TCI

The Peacock and the Crane - - . . 23

The Two Pots 25

CONTENTS. xxiii.

PAGE

The Partridge and the Cocks - 65

The Porcupine and the Snakes 131

The Polecat and the Cock - 261

The Ploughman and Fortune - - 317

The Raven and the Serpent - - - - 337

The Stag looking into the Water - - 19

The Sheep Biter - 33

The Swallow and other Birds - 71

The Sow and the Wolf - 133

The Stag and the Fawn - 141

The Sow and the Bitch - - . . 163

The Satyr and the Traveller - . 165

The Sparrow and the Hare - 229

The Stag in the Ox-Stall - 247

The Sun and the Wind - - - - ^__ - 325

The Serpent and the Man . - 341

The Shepherd turned Merchant - - - - 357

T

The Thief and the Dog - - ... 53

The Boasting Traveller - - . 59

The Thieves and the Cock .... 73

The Two Travellers 103

The Tortoise and the Eagle - 259

The Trees and the Woodman - 299

The Thief and the Boy 321

The Travellers and the Bear - 347

The Trumpeter taken Prisoner - - - 373

XXIV.

CONTENTS.
V

The Viper and the File

PAGE
243

W

The Old Woman and her Maids
The Wolves and the Sick Ass -
The Wolf, the Fox, and the Ape
The Old Woman and the Empty Cask
The Wolf and the Crane
The Wolf and the Lamb -
The Wolf in Sheep's Clothing.

35

75

85

137

155

191

245

THE

FABLES OF

AND OTHERS.

THE TWO CRABS.

Two Crabs, the mother and daughter, having been
left by the receding tide, were creeping again to-
wards the water; when the former observing the
awkward gait of her daughter, got into a great
passion, and desired her to move straight forward,
in a more becoming and sprightly manner, and not
crawl sideling along in a way so contrary to all the
rest of the world. Indeed mother, says the young
Crab, I walk as properly as I can, and to the best
of my knowledge ; but if you would have me to go

VOL. IV. B

2 FABLES.

otherwise, I beg you would be so good as to prac-
tise it first, and shew me by your own example how
you would have me to conduct myself.

APPLICATION.

ILL examples corrupt even the best natural dis-
position, and it is in vain to instruct our children,
their talents being only imitation, to walk by one
rule, if we ourselves go by another. The good pre-
cepts which we may lay down to them, will be
bestowed in vain, if they see by our own conduct,
that we pursue a contrary course to that which we
recommend to them. Parents, therefore, who are
desirous of working an effectual reformation in
their children, should begin by making a visible
amendment in themselves; and this is a duty they
owe to society, as well as to their offspring, it being
of the utmost importance to both, that probity and
honour be early instilled into their youthful minds,
as these grow with their growth, and while at the
same time they command respect, they lay the foun-
dation of their individual happiness through life.

FABLES.

THE APE AND HER YOUNG ONES.

AN Ape having two young ones, was dotingly
fond of one, but disregarded and slighted the other.
One day she chanced to be surprized by the hun-
ters, and had much ado to get off. However, she
did not forget her favourite young one, which she
took up in her arms, that it might be the more
secure: the other, which she neglected, by natural
instinct, leapt upon her back, and so away they
scampered together; but it unluckily fell out, in the
over-anxiety of her precipitate flight, confused and
blinded with haste, that she struck her favourite's
head against a branch, which threw it on the
ground, where the darling bantling was seized by
the dogs and killed. The hated one, clinging close
to her rough back, escaped all the danger of the
pursuit.

FABLES.

APPLICATION.

By dear mamma's o'er-weening fondness spoil'd,
Caress'd and pamper'd, dies the fav'rite child:
The boy she slights, rough, vig'rous, and well-grown,
Unaided, bears the brunt, and shifts alone.

THE indulgence which parents shew to their
children arises from the most amiable of human
weaknesses; but it is not the less injurious in its
effects, and therefore it is of great importance to
guard against it, and not to surfer a blind fondness
to transport us beyond the bounds of a discreet
affection, for this often proves the ruin of the child.
This fable is also intended to expose the folly of a
system of favouritism in families, for experience
shews that those children who are the least pam-
pered and indulged usually make the best and
cleverest men.

FABLES.

THE BOY AND HIS MOTHER.

A little Boy having stolen a book from one of his
school-fellows, took it to his Mother, who, instead
of correcting him, praised his sharpness, and re-
warded him. In process of time, as he grew
bigger, he increased also in villainy, till at length
he was taken up for committing a great robbery,
and was brought to justice and condemned for it.
As the officers were conducting him to the gallows,
he was attended by a vast crowd, and among the
rest his Mother came sobbing along, and deploring
her son's unhappy fate; which the criminal observ-
ing, he begged leave to speak to her: this being
granted, he put his mouth to her ear, as if he was
going to whisper something, and bit it off! The
officer, shocked at this behaviour, asked him if the
crimes he had committed were not sufficient to glut
his wickedness, without being also guilty of such

6 FABLES.

an unnatural violence towards his Mother? Let no
one wonder, said he, that I have done this to her,
for she deserves even worse at my hands. For if
she had chastised instead of praising and encour-
aging me, when I stole my school-fellow's book, I
should not now have been brought to this ignomini-
ous and untimely end.

APPLICATION.

THE approaches to vice are by slow degrees, and
the good or evil bias given to youth is seldom
eradicated. The first deviations from sound moral-
ity should therefore be most strictly watched, and
wickedness checked or punished in time ; for when
vice grows into a habit, it becomes incurable, and
both good governments and private families are
deeply concerned in its attendant consequences.
One need not scruple to affirm that most of the
depravity which is so frequent in the world, and so
pernicious to society, is owing to the bad education
of youth ; and to the connivance or ill example of
their parents. It is therefore of the utmost conse-
quence that parents, guardians, and tutors, should
be of characters befitting them for the various and
important offices they have to perform. The latter
description of persons may and ought to be care-
fully selected ; but it is to be lamented that the base
and mean-spirited hosts of bad parents are out of
the reach of control, and nothing can prevent the
evils arising from their tutorage. Perhaps it would
be harsh to make laws to check the marriages of
such; but there is no need to encourage the breed
of them, for they are already too abundantly
numerous.

FABLES.

THE MASTER AND HIS SCHOLAR.

As a School-master was walking" upon the bank
of a river, he heard a cry as of one in distress : ad-
vancing a few paces farther, he saw one of his
Scholars in the water, hanging by the branch of a
willow. The Boy had, it seems, been learning to
swim with corks, and now thinking himself suf-
ficiently experienced, had thrown these implements
aside, and ventured into the water without them;
but the force of the stream having hurried him out
of his depth, he had certainly been drowned, had
not the branch of the tree providentially hung in
his way. The Master took up the corks, which lay
upon the ground, and throwing them to his Scholar,
made use of this opportunity to read a lecture to
him upon the inconsiderate rashness of youth. Let
this be a warning to you, says he, in the conduct of
your future life, never to throw away your corks till

8 FABLES.

time has given you strength and experience enough
to swim without them.

APPLICATION.

RASHNESS is the peculiar vice of youth, and may
be styled the characteristic foible of that season of
life. The foundation of this rashness is laid in a
fond conceit of their own abilities, wThich tempts
them to undertake affairs too great for their capaci-
ties, and to venture out of their depths, or to suffer
themselves to be hurried into the most precipitate
and dangerous measures, before they find out their
own \veakness and inability. It therefore behoves
inexperienced young men to keep a cautious guard
over their passions, to check the irregularities of
their disposition, and to listen to the wholesome
advice and good council of those whose judgments
are matured by age and experience: for few are
above the need of advice, nor are we ever too old to
learn any thing for which we may be the better.
But young men, above all, should not disdain to
open their eyes to good example, and their ears to
admonition: neither should they be ashamed to
borrow rules for their behaviour in the world, until
they are enabled from their own knowledge of men
and things, to stem its crooked tides and currents
with ease and honour to themselves.

Consult your elders, use their sense alone,
Till age and practice have confirm'd your own.

FABLES.

INDUSTRY AND SLOTH.

Ax indolent Young Man being asked why he lay
in bed so long? jocosely answered, "Every morning
of my life I am hearing causes. I have two fine
girls, their names are Industry and Sloth, close at
my bedside as soon as I awake, pressing their dif-
ferent suits. One intreats me to get up, the other
persuades me to lie still ; and then they alternately
give me various reasons why I should rise, and
why I should not. This detains me so Jong (it
being the duty of an impartial judge to hear all
that can be said on either side), that before the
pleadings are over, it is time to go to dinner/'

VOL. IV.

10 FABLES.

APPLICATION.

" He who defers his work from day to day,
Does on a river's brink expecting stay,
'Till the whole stream that stopt him shall be gone,
Which, as it runs, for ever will run on."

INDOLENCE is like a stream which flows slowly
on, but yet it undermines every virtue; it rusts the
mind, and gives a tincture to every action of one's
life, the term of which does not allow time for long
protracted deliberations ; and yet how many wraste
more of their time in idly considering which of two
affairs to begin first, than would have ended them
both ? To-morrow is still the fatal time when all is
to be done; to-morrow comes, it goes, and still in-
dolence pleases itself with the shadow, while it
loses the substance: and thus men pass through
life like a bird through the air, and leave no track
behind them, unmindful that the present time alone
is ours, and should be managed with judicious
care, since we cannot secure a moment to come,
nor recall one that is past. It is no matter how
many good qualities the mind may be possessed
of; they all lie dormant if we want the necessary
vigour and resolution to draw them forth; for this
slumber of the mind leaves no difference between
the greatest genius and the meanest understanding.
Neither the mind nor the body can be active and
vigorous without proper exertion, and trouble
springs from idleness, and grievous toil from use-
less ease; therefore, "whatsoever thy hand findeth
to do, do it with all thy might, for there is no work,
nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom in the
grave, whither thou goest."

FABLES.

THE YOUNG MAN AND THE SWALLOW.

A prodigal thoughtless Young Man, who had
wasted his whole patrimony in taverns and gaming-
houses, among his lewd idle companions, was
taking a melancholy walk near a brook. It was
in the spring, while the hills were yet capped with
snow, but it happened to be one of those clear
sunny days which sometimes occur at that time of
the year; and to make appearances the more flat-
tering, a Swallow which had been invited forth by
the warmth, flew skimming along upon the surface
of the water. The Youth observing this, concluded
that the summer was now come, and that he should
have little or no occasion for clothes, so went and
pawned them, and ventured the money for one
stake more, among his sharping associates. When
this too was gone, like all the rest of his property,
he took another solitary walk in the same place as

12 FABLES.

before, but the weather being severe and frosty,
every thing had put on a very different aspect ; the
brook was frozen over, and the poor Swallow lay
dead upon the bank. At this, the Youth, smarting
under the sense of his own misery, mistakingly
reproached the Swallow as the cause of all his mis-
fortunes: he cried out, oh, unhappy bird, thou hast
undone both thyself and me, who was so credulous
•as to trust to thy appearance.

APPLICATION.

THEY who frequent taverns and gaming-houses,
and keep bad company, should not wonder if they
are reduced in a very short time to penury and
want. The wretched young fellows who once ad-
dict themselves to such a scandalous course of life,
scarcely think of or attend to any thing besides:
they seem to have nothing else in their heads but
how they may squander \vhat they have got, and
where they may get more when that is gone. They
do not make the same use of their reason as other
people, but like the jaundiced eye, view every thing
in a false light, and having turned a deaf ear to
all advice, and pursued their unaltered course until
all their property is irrecoverably lost, when at
length misery forces upon them a sense of their
situation, they still lay the blame upon any cause
but the right one — their own extravagance and
folly; like the Prodigal in the fable, wrho would not
have considered a solitary occurrence as a general
indication of the season, had not his own wicked
desires blinded his understanding.

FABLES.

THE COLLIER AND THE FULLER.

THE Collier and the Euller being old acquaint-
ances, happened upon a time to meet together, and
the latter being but ill provided with a habitation,
was invited by the former to come and live in the
same house with him. I thank you my dear friend,
replied the Fuller, for your kind offer; but it can-
not be, for if I were to dwell with you, whatever I
should take pains to scour and make clean in the
morning, the dust of you and your coals would
blacken and defile before night.

APPLICATION.

IT is of no small importance in life to be cautious
what company we keep, and with whom we enter
into friendship; for though we are ever so well
disposed ourselves, and free from vice, yet if those

14 FABLES.

with whom we frequently converse, are engaged in
a lewd, wicked course, it will be almost impossible
for us to escape being drawn in with them. If we
are truly wise, and would shun those rocks of plea-
sure upon which so many have split, we should
forbid ourselves all manner of commerce and cor-
respondence with those who are steering a course,
which reason tells us is not only not for our advan-
tage, but would end in our destruction. All the
virtue we can boast of will not be sufficient to in-
sure our safety, if we embark in bad company ; for
though our philosophy were such as would preserve
us from being tainted and infected with their man-
ners, yet their characters would twist and entwine
themselves along with ours, in so intricate a fold,
that the world would not take the trouble to unravel
and separate them. Reputation is of a blending
nature, like water; that which is derived from the
clearest spring, if it chance to mix with a foul cur-
rent, runs on undistinguished, in one muddy stream,
and must ever partake of the colour and condition
of its associate.

FABLES.

THE HUSBANDMAN AND HIS SONS.

A HUSBANDMAN, at the point of death, being
desirous that his Sons should pursue the same inno-
cent course of agriculture in which he himself had
been engaged all his lifa, made use of this expe-
dient. He called them to his bed-side, and said:
All the patrimony I have to bequeath to you, my
Sons, is my farm and my vine-yard, of which I
make you joint heirs; but I charge you not to let
them go out of your own occupation, for if I have
any treasure besides, it lies buried somewhere in
the ground, within a foot of the surface. This
made the Sons conclude that he talked of money
which he had hidden : so after their father's death,
with unwearied diligence, they carefully dug up
every inch, and though they found not the money
they expected, the ground, by being well stirred
and loosened, produced so plentiful a crop of all

1 6 FABLES.

that was sown in it, as proved a real, and that no
inconsiderable treasure.

APPLICATION.

THE good name and the good counsel of a father,,
are the best legacies he can leave to his children;
and they ought to revere the one, and keep in mind
the other. The wealth which a man acquires by
his honest industry affords him greater pleasure in
the enjoyment, than \vhen acquired in any other
way; and men who by personal labour have ob-
tained a competency, know its value better than
those can who have had it showered upon them,
without any efforts of their own. Idleness engen-
ders disease, while exercise is the great prop of
health, and health is the greatest blessing of life,
wirich consideration alone ought to stimulate men
to pursue some useful employment; and among the
almost endless number of those, to which good laws
and well-organized society give birth and encour-
agement, there are none equal to the culture of the
earth, none which yield a more grateful return.
The pleasures derived both from agriculture and
horticulture, are so various, so delightful, and so
natural to man, that they are not easily to be de-
scribed, and are never to be excelled : for in what-
ever way they are pursued, the mind may be
constantly entertained with the wonderful economy
of the vegetable world; and the nerves are in-
vigorated and kept in proper tone by the freshness
of the earth, and the fragrancy of the air, which
blush the countenance with health, and give a
relish to every meal.

FABLES.

THE PROUD FROG AND THE OX.

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, say
they, if you were to burst yourself, you would never
be so big. She strove yet again, and burst herself
indeed.

APPLICATION.

How many vain people, of moderate easy cir-
cumstances, by entertaining the silly ambition of

VOL. IV.

i8

FABLES.

vying with their superiors in station and fortune,,
get into the direct road to ruin. In whatever sta-
tion of life it may have pleased Providence to place
us, we ought to determine upon living within our
income, and to endeavour by honesty, sobriety,
and industry, to maintain our ground. Young
men, upon launching out into the world, would do
well deeply to reflect upon this, for their future
peace of mind and happiness greatly depend upon
it. They need only look a little about them to see
how a contrary conduct has operated upon thou-
sands; and it is to be feared, will continue to fill
our gaols with debtors, and Bedlam with lunatics.

FABLES.

1 9

THE STAG LOOKING INTO THE WATER.

A Stag drinking, saw himself in the water, and
pleased with the sight, stood contemplating his
shape. Ah, says he, what a glorious pair of
branching horns are here, how gracefully do these
antlers project over my forehead, and give an
agreeable turn to my whole face; but I have such
legs as really make me ashamed; they look so very
long and unsightly, that I had rather have none at
all. In the midst of this soliloquy, he was alarmed
with the cry of a pack of hounds. Away he flies in
some consternation, and bounding nimbly over the
plain, threw dogs and men at a vast distance be-
hind him. After which, taking to a very thick
copse, he had the ill fortune to be entangled by his
horns in the branches, where he was held fast till
the hounds came up and seized him. In the pangs
of death he is said to have uttered these words:

20 FABLES.

Unhappy creature that I am, I am too late con-
vinced 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.

WE often make a false estimate, in preferring our
ornamental talents to our useful ones, and are apt
to place our love and admiration on wrong objects.
When our vanity is stronger than our reason, show
and ostentation find easy admission into our hearts,,
and we are much fonder of specious trifles than
useful plainness. But the truest mark of wisdom
is to estimate things at their just value, and to
know whence the most solid advantages may be
derived: otherwise, like the Stag in the liable, we
may happen to admire those accomplishments
which are not only of no real use, but often prove
prejudicial to us, while we despise those things on
which our safety may depend. He that does not
know himself, will often form a false judgment
upon other matters which most materially concern
him ; and thus it fares with many, who suffer them-
selves to be deluded with the false pomp of high
life, and whose vanity prompts them to conceive
they possess talents wrhich qualify them to shine in
that circle, into which, had they judged rightly,
they never would have entered, but rather have ap-
plied themselves to improve other qualifications,
which might have insured their own happiness, and
have rendered them useful members of society.

FABLES.

21

THE LEOPARD AND THE FOX.

THE Leopard, one day, took it into his head to
value himself upon the great variety a.nd beauty of
his spots, and truly he saw no reason why even the
Lion should take place of him, since he could not
shew so beautiful a skin. As for the rest of the
wild beasts of the forest, he treated them all with-
out distinction in the most haughty and disdainful
manner. But the I7ox 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 consider-
ing the good qualities and endowments with which
the mind was stored within.

22 FABLES.

APPLICATION.

WISE men are chiefly captivated with the beauty
of the mind, rather than that of the person; 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 indeed are only considered to be playing
the fool. It too often happens that women of re-
markable beauty are so fully satisfied with their
outward excellencies, that they totally neglect the
improvement of their minds; not considering that
it is only a combination of mental and personal
charms that can entitle them to be ranked as
Nature's greatest ornaments. Unmindful of this,
however, they are too apt to consider beauty as the
only thing requisite in their sex; and since they
are endowed with it in such an eminent degree,
they look down with disdain on females less happy
in personal charms. Beauty has undoubtedly great
influence over the hearts of mankind, but when it is
overrun with affectation and conceit, their admira-
tion will soon be turned into disgust; while women
of more ordinary persons, but blessed with good
sense and good humour, will captivate the hearts
of worthy men, and more effectually secure their
constancy.

FABLES.

THE PEACOCK AND THE CRANE.

THE Peacock and the Crane having by chance
met together, the Peacock erected 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 oc-
casion 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 into endless space, and
survey the wonders of the heavens, as well as of the
earth beneath, with its seas, lakes, and rivers, as
far as the eye can reach, than to strut about upon
the ground, and be gazed at by children.

APPLICATION.

THERE cannot be a greater sign of a weak mind,
than a person's valuing himself on a gaudy outside,

24 FABLES.

whether it consist of the beauties of the person, or
the still more contemptible vanity of fine cloaths.
This kind of misguided pride, while it endeavours
to exalt, commonly tends to lower the persons who
are infected with it; but never renders them so
truly ridiculous as when it inspires them with a
contempt of those who have ten times more worth
than themselves. To value ourselves upon the
glitter and finery of dress is one of the most trifling
of all vanities; and a man of sense would be
ashamed to bestow upon it the least attention.
They who examine things by the scale of common
sense, must find something of weight and substance
before they can be persuaded to set a value upon it.
The mind that is stored with virtuous and rational
sentiments, and the behaviour which is founded
upon complacency and humility, stamp a value
upon the possessor, which all men of discernment
are ever ready to admire and acknowledge.

FABLES.

THE TWO POTS.

AN earthen Pot, and one of brass, standing to-
gether upon the brink of a river, were both carried
away by the sudden rise of the water. The earthen
Pot shewed some uneasiness, fearing^ he should be
broken; but his companion of brass bade him be
under no apprehension, as he would take care of
him. Oh! replies the other, keep as far off as you
can, I entreat you: it is you I am most afraid of;
for whether the stream dash 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 moderate fortune, who is contented
with what he has, and finds he can live happily

VOL. IV. E

26 FABLES.

upon it, should be particularly guarded against the
ill-judged ambition of associating with the rich and
powerful, for what in them is economy, would in
him be the height of extravagance ; and at the very
time they honour him with their countenance, they
are leading him on to his ruin. People of equal
conditions may float down the current of life with-
out hurting each other; but it is no easy matter to
steer one's course in company with the great, so as
to escape without a bulge : neither is it desirable to
live in the neighbourhood of a very great man ; for
whether we ignorantly trespass upon him, or he
knowingly encroach upon us, we are sure to be the
sufferers.

FABLES.

THE MOLE AND HER DAM.

THE young Mole snuffed up her nose, and told
her Dam she smelt an odd kind of a smell. Bye
and bye, O strange! says she, what a noise there
is in my ears, as if ten thousand hammers were
going. A little after, she was at it again : look,
look, what is that I see yonder? it is just like the
flame of a fiery furnace. The Dam replied, pray
child, hold your idle tongue ; and if you would have
us allow you any sense at all, do not affect to shew
more than nature has given you.

APPLICATION.

BY affectation, we aim at being thought to
possess some accomplishment which we have not,
or at shewing what we have, in a conceited osten-
tatious manner. There is scarcely any species of

28 FABLES.

ridiculous behaviour, which is not derived from it;
it grows out of folly and insincerity; it derogates
from genius; it is the bane of beauty, and dimin-
ishes its charms; it is disagreeable to others, and
hurtful to the person who uses it; it detracts from
some real possession, and makes qualities that
would otherwise pass well enough, appear nauseous
and offensive ; and whoever indulges in it, may be
sure to lay themselves open, and call forth the
attention of others to notice their vanity. To cure
ourselves of affectation, we have only to call in the
aids of truth and sincerity, which will cut off the
whole train of its follies at one stroke.'

FABLES.

29

THE GOAT, THE KID, AND THE WOLF.

THE Goat going abroad to feed, shut up her
young Kid at home, charging him to bolt the door
fast, and open it to nobody till she herself should
return. The Wolf, who lay lurking hard by, heard
the charge given, and soon after came and knocked
at the door, counterfeiting the voice of the Goat,
and desired to be admitted. The Kid looking out
at the window, and finding the cheat, bade him go
about his business, for, however he might imitate a
Goat's voice, yet he appeared too much like a Wolf
to be trusted.

APPLICATION.

DECEIT, hypocrisy, and villainy, are constantly
on the watch to entrap and ensnare the innocent
and the unwary. Every beautiful woman is com-
monly surrounded by a kind of men who would

30 FABLES.

undermine her virtue; and inexperienced men of
fortune, in the outset of life, are almost constantly
beset with rogues and sharpers; and these artful
villains, under one specious pretext or another, too
often effect the ruin of the weak and unsuspicious
of both sexes. As a guard against all these, the
early admonitions of parents are of inestimable
worth: they are built upon the tenderest regard,
and the most sincere affection. Those who have
already travelled over the difficult paths of life, and
buffeted its storms, have observed the snares and
the dangers with which the way is strewed, and
they are enabled by their experience, to forewarn
those who are about to launch out on the troubled
ocean of life, to steer their course clear of its hidden
rocks, its shoals, and its quick-sands. Did youth
but know the importance of this early advice, how
eagerly would they treasure it in their minds, and
as occasion required, with what pleasure would
they draw it forth, and obey its dictates. To the
neglect of these precepts, may be attributed much
of the ill conduct we see in the world, and most of
the misfortunes which befal mankind through life.

FABLES.

THE BROTHER AND SISTER.

A certain man had two children, a Son and a
Daughter; the Boy very handsome, and the Girl
only moderately so. They were both young, and
happened to be one day playing near the looking-
glass, which stood on their mother's toilet. The
Boy, pleased with the novelty of the thing, viewed
himself for some time, and in a wanton roguish
manner, observed to the Girl how handsome he
was. She resented it, and could not bear the inso-
lent manner in which he spoke, for she understood
it (as how could she do otherwise?) to be intended
as a direct affront to her. Therefore she ran
immediately to her Father, and with a deal of
aggravation, complained of her brother, particu-
larly of his having acted so effeminate a part as to
look in a glass, and meddle with things which be-
longed to women only. The Father embraced them

32 FABLES.

both with much tenderness and affection, and told
them that he should like to have them look in a
glass every day: to the intent that you, says he,
addressing himself to the Boy, if you think that
face of your's handsome, may not disgrace and
spoil it by an ugly temper, and a foul behaviour;
and that you, speaking to the Girl, may make up
for the defects of your person, if there be any, by
the sweetness of your manners, and the agreeable-
ness of your conversation.

APPLICATION.

WE should every day view ourselves considerately
in a looking-glass, with the intent of converting it
to a better purpose than that of merely observing
and admiring our persons. Let those on whom
nature has been liberal of her bounties, in bestow-
ing a fine countenance, with symmetry of person,
health, and strength, always remember that these
are the gifts of Providence, for which we ought ever
to be thankful, but never vain : these qualifications
ought only to act as a spur to induce us to cultivate
the mind, by study, by reading, and reflection, so
as to cause it to correspond in its beauties with
those of our outward appearance. Let others again
who have not any thing in their personal appear-
ance to attract the attention of the world, strive
also to improve the faculties of the mind, and to
excel in the beauties of a good temper, and an
agreeable conversation, the charms of which, not-
withstanding a rough exterior, cannot fail to endear
the possessor to all men of sense, who will readily
discover intrinsic worth, whether it be made up of
a lively imagination, clear perceptions, or the
transparent sincerity of an honest heart.

FABLES.

33

THE SHEEP-BITER.

A certain Shepherd had a Dog, upon whose
fidelity he relied very much, for whenever he had
occasion to be absent himself, he committed the
care of his flock to the charge of this J)og; and to
encourage him to do his duty cheerfully, he fed him
constantly with sweet milk and curds, and some-
times threw him a bone extraordinary. Yet, not-
withstanding this, no sooner was his back turned,
than the treacherous Cur fell upon some one of the
flock, and thus devoured the sheep instead of
guarding and defending them. The Shepherd
having at length found out his tricks, was resolved
to hang him; and the Dog, when the rope was
about his neck, and he was just going to be tied
up, began to expostulate with his master, asking
him why he was so unmercifully bent against him,
who was his own servant and creature, and had

VOL. IV. F

34 FABLES.

only committed a few crimes ; and why he did not
rather take vengeance on the Wolf, who was an
open and declared enemy ? Nay, replied the Shep-
herd, it is for that very reason that I think you ten
times more worthy of death ; for from him I expect-
ed nothing but hostilities, and therefore could guard
against him ; you I depended on as a just and
faithful servant, and fed and encouraged you ac-
cordingly, and therefore your treachery is the more
base, and your ingratitude the more unpardonable.

APPLICATION.

THE common disappointments which we are
liable to through life, do not bring \vith them any
thing to be compared to the bitterness we experi-
ence from the perfidy of those we esteemed and
trusted as friends: an open enemy we can guard
against, and we look upon him when he is at rest,
as we do at a sword within its scabbard; but the
man who betrays his trust, masked under the ap-
pearance of friendship, wounds us in the tenderest
part, and involves us in a cruelly complicated
grief, which frets the mind, and heightens the sum
of our infelicity. Friendship is the cordial of
human life, the balm of society; and he who vio-
lates its laws by treachery and deceit, converts it
into the deadliest poison, and renders that which
ought to be the defence and support of our steps,,
our greatest snare and danger.

FABLES.

THE OLD WOMAN AND HER MAIDS.

Ax Old Woman, who had several Maid Servants,
used to call them up to their work at the crowing of
the Cock. The damsels, not liking to have their
sweet slumbers disturbed so early, combined to-
gether, and killed the Cock, thinking they might
then enjoy their warm beds a little longer. But
in this they found themselves mistaken, for the
Old Woman, having lost her unerring guide, from
that time roused them out of their beds whenever
she awoke, although it might be at midnight.

APPLICATION.

WE govern our lives by imagination rather than
by judgment, mistaking the reason of things, and
imputing the issue of them to wrong causes.
We should endeavour to content ourselves in our

36 FABLES.

present station, if it be not very bad indeed, for it
seldom happens that every thing can be in all re-
spects agreeable to our wishes. When we give
full scope to the impatience of our tempers, and
quit our present condition in life, we often find we
have not changed for the better; but we are too
fond of carving out our fortunes for ourselves, and
wish to remove this or that obstacle which we
imagine stands between us and our felicity: then,
too late, we see how greatly we are mistaken in
our notions, when we feel we have changed for the
worse. Before we attempt any alteration of mo-
ment, \ve should, if possible, ascertain what state
it will produce, and not suffer infirmity of temper
to embitter our lives ; but, above all, we should
never aim at mending our fortunes by fraud and
violence.

FABLES.

37

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 his horses could not draw it 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 dastardly
looby as he was, but get up and whip his horses,
and clap his shoulder stoutly to the wheel, adding
that this was the only way for him to obtain assist-
ance.

APPLICATION.

THE man who sits down at his ease, and prays
to Heaven to have all his wants supplied, and his
wishes accomplished, by a miracle wrought in his
favour, without, using his own exertions and honest

3 8 FABLES.

endeavours to obtain them, deserves to be dis-
appointed. Many men who have a fair share of
natural good sense, and who also value themselves
upon having their reasoning powers enlightened
by revelation, yet fall into this error : led by fanatics
and bigots, they follow the fashion of running often
to prayers and sermons, when they might be much
better employed at home. The industrious good
man, instead of publicly praying for the comforts
of life, pursues his business, which is the proper
means of procuring them ; and if at the same time
he holds converse with his Maker, which all men
ought to do, and no man can be happy without
doing, he needs no veil of hypocrisy to make the
world believe he is better than he really is : he feels
it his duty and pleasure so to proceed, while he
sojourns here, and knows not how he can do better,
than by sober and honest industry to provide for
those of his own household, and to endeavour for
the means of helping 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 an unnecessary vehemence,
and solicits with an empty hand — a hand which
would be more religious, were it usefully employed,
and more devout, were it stretched out to do good
to those that want it.

FABLES.

THE EAGLE, THE CAT, AND THE SOW.

AN Eagle had built her nest upon the top
branches of an old oak; a Wild Cat inhabited a
hole in the middle; and in the hollow part at the
bottom was a Sow with a whole litter of Pigs. A
happy neighbourhood, and might long have con-
tinued so, had it not been for the wicked insinua-
tions of the designing Cat : for first of all, up she
crept to the Eagle, and, Good neighbour, says she,
we shall all be undone; that filthy Sow yonder
does nothing but lie rooting at the foot of the tree,
and, as I suspect, intends to grub it up, that she
may the more easily come at our young ones. For
my part, I will take care of my own concerns, you
may do as you please; but I will watch her motions,
though I stay at home this month for it. When
she had said this, which could not fail of putting
the Eagle into a great fright, down she went, and

40 FABLES.

made a visit to the Sow at the bottom : putting on
a sorrowful face, I hope, says she, you do not in-
tend to go abroad to-day: why not? says the Sow:
nay, replies the other, you may do as you please,
but I overheard the Eagle tell her young ones, that
she would treat them with a Pig the first time she
saw you go out; and I am not sure but she may
take up with a Kitten in the mean time; so good
morrow to you, you will excuse me, I must go and
take care of the little folks at home. Away she
went accordingly, and by contriving to steal out
softly at nights for her prey, and to stand watching
and peeping all day at her hole, as under great
concern, she made such an impression upon the
Eagle and the Sow, that neither of them dared to
venture abroad, for fear of the other; the conse-
quence of which was, that they in a little time were
starved, and their young ones fell a prey to the
treacherous Cat and her Kittens.

APPLICATION.

THIS shews us the ill consequence of giving ear
to a gossipping double-tongued neighbour. Many
sociable well-disposed families have been blown up
into a perpetual discord, by one of these wicked
go-betweens; so that whoever would avoid the im-
putation of being a bad neighbour, should guard
both against receiving ill impressions by hearsay,
and uttering his opinion of others, to those busy
bodies, who, to gratify a malignant disposition, or
gain some selfish end of their own, can magnify a
gnat to the size of a camel, or swell a mole-hill to
a mountain.

FABLES.

THE LARK AND HER YOUNG ONES.

A Lark who had Young Ones in a field of corn
nearly ripe, was under some fear lest the reapers
should come and cut it down before her young-
brood were fledged, and able to remove from the
place ; wherefore, when she flew abroad in the
morning to seek food for them, she charged them
to listen to what the Farmer said about shearing.
On her return, her young family opened all their
little throats at once, to inform her that the Farmer
had sent to his neighbours to reap the corn the
next morning. Is that all? said the old Lark, then
there is no danger. When she went abroad again
the next morning, she left the same instructions as
before. At night, she found her Young Ones more
alarmed than at first; for the Farmer had applied
to his friends, earnestly requesting them to begin
the harvest the next day. She received this intel-

VOL. IV. G

42 FABLES.

ligence as calmly as before, and took no other
precautions the next day, than repeating the same
orders. In the evening, they told her that the
Farmer had been charging his son to get the sickles
ready, for it was vain to wait for other people, and
that they would cut the corn to-morrow themselves.
Nay, then said the old Lark, we must be off as soon
as we can; for when a man undertakes to do his
business himself, it is not so likely that he will be
disappointed.

APPLICATION.

HE who depends on the assistance of others to
perform what he is able to do himself, must not be
surprised to find that his business is neglected.
He may be sure that it will be best done when he
puts forth his own hands, and looks after it with
his own eyes. How, indeed, can any man imagine
that other people will be active in his interest,
while he himself remains indolent and unconcerned
about his own affairs. Men of such tempers and
dispositions, live in a state of suspense, and subject
themselves to perpetual disappointments and losses,
which their own industry would have prevented,
and have kept their minds at ease. They do not
use their reasoning powers, but sink down into a
kind of stupid abject dependence upon others,
which degrades even the finest talents with which
human nature is dignified.

FABLES.

43

THE YOUNG MEN AND THE COOK.

Two Young Men went into a Cook's shop, under
pretence of buying some meat; and while the
Cook's back was turned, one of them snatched up a
piece of beef, and gave it to his companion, who
clapt it under his cloak. The Cook turning about,
and missing his beef, began to charge them with
it; upon which he that first took it swore bitterly
he had none of it. He that had it, swore as heartily
that he had not taken it. Why, look ye, gentlemen,
says the Cook, I see your equivocation ; and though
I cannot tell which of you has taken my meat, I am
sure between you there is a thief.

APPLICATION.

THIS fable shews how little reliance can be
placed on either the word or the oath of those who,

44 FABLES.

like the thieves in the Cook's shop, have neither
honour nor honesty. An honest man's word is as
good as his oath; and so is a rogue's too: for he
that will cheat and lie, will not scruple to forswear
himself. The former needs no oath to bind him;
and the latter, though he swear in the most solemn
manner that can be invented, only deceives you the
more certainly, as he who scruples not to steal, will
never regard the heinous guilt of calling upon the
Supreme Being to witness his atrocity. It is no
less wicked to quibble and evade the truth, than it
is to deny it altogether, for the falsehood consists
in what we wish the hearer to believe, not in the
literal import of what we say. Men who habituate
themselves to this species of deceit, will soon be
ready to go the length of any perjury. Early to
impress the mind with the unspeakable worth of
truth, is of the utmost importance. It is sacred,
and no man can say in the face of the world, that it
ought not to prevail. No discussions can injure its
cause — it emanates from heaven — it is an attribute
of omnipotence, and is therefore eternal.

FABLES.

45

THE MULE.

A Mule, which was pampered up and easily
Avorked, became plump, sleek, and in high condi-
tion, and in the height of his wantonness, would
scamper about from hill to dale in al] the wildness
of unbridled restraint. Why should not I, said he
to himself, be as good a racer as any horse what-
ever? My father, whose pedigree was well known,
was one of the best of them; do not I resemble him
in every respect? While he was indulging his
vanity in reveries of this kind, his master having
occasion to mount him upon urgent business, put
him upon his speed, and, ere long, was obliged to
use both whip and spur to force him to push for-
ward. Thus jaded and tired, he muttered to him-
self, Alas ! I find now, I was mistaken in my
pedigree, for my sire was not a Horse, but an
Ass.

46 FABLES.

APPLICATION

THE man who has been brought up in ease and
affluence, and pampered and anticipated in all his
wants, little imagines what a figure he would make
in the world, were his supplies cut off, and he were
put to the trial to rub through its thorny mazes,
and provide for himself. The children of the poor
industrious honest man, when brought up like their
parents, are put to a kind of school, such as the
opulent it is feared can seldom form any conception
of; and if the former, by their industry and abilities,
rise above poverty, their enjoyments in life com-
monly surpass those who have been, without effort,
upheld in every real as well as imaginary want.
The sensible poor man does not trouble his head
about his pedigree, but he knows that his descent
must of course be as ancient as that of any man on
earth; and that if he is respected in the world, it
must arise solely from his own good conduct and
merit. The man who has nothing to boast but the
merely tracing back his ancestry, is building upon
a hollow foundation. If indeed his ancestry have
arisen to their high station by patriotic and vir-
tuous means, and have deservedly maintained a
high character for probity, worth, and honour, let
him follow their example: if otherwise, all he can
do or say will only prove him to be a mongrel, or
an Ass.

" The pride of family is all a cheat,

" 'Tis personal merit only makes us great."

FABLES.

47

THE COCK AND THE JEWEL.

A gallant young Cock, in company with his mis-
tresses, raking upon a dunghill for something to
entertain them with, happened to scratch up a
Jewel. He knew what it was wrell enough, for it
sparkled with an exceeding bright lustre; but not
knowing what to do with it, he shrugged up his
wings, shook his head, and putting on a grimace,
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.

MORALISTS have interpreted this Eable in vari-
ous ways, some of them ascribing the want of

48 FABLES.

setting a proper value upon the Jewel, to ignorance,
and say:—

"To fools, the treasures dug from wisdom's mine
" Are jewels thrown to Cocks, and Pearls to Swine."

But the most obvious meaning of the Fable is
surely to shew, that men who weigh well their own
real wants, and shape their pursuits to their abili-
ties, will always prefer those things which are
necessary, to such as are merely ornamental or
superfluous, and will not easily suffer themselves
to be led astray by the gaudy allurements of glitter
or show, which have no other value than what
vanity, pride, or luxury may have set upon them;
but governing their minds by their own reason,
judge of every thing by its intrinsic worth.

FABLES.

MERCURY AND THE WOODMAN.

A Man was felling a tree on the steep bank of
a river, and by chance let slip his hatchet, which
dropt into the water, and sunk to the bottom.
Being in distress for want of his toolr4ie sat down
and bemoaned himself on the occasion. Upon this,
Mercury appeared to him, and being informed of
the cause of his complaint, dived to the bottom of
the river, and coming up again, shewed the man a
golden hatchet, demanding if that were his? lie
denied that it was: upon which Mercury dived a
second time, and brought up a silver one; the Man
refused it, alleging again that it was not his : he
dived a third time, and fetched up the identical
hatchet the Man had lost; upon sight of which the
poor fellow was overjoyed, and took it with all
humility and thankfulness. Mercury was so pleased
with his honesty, that he gave him the others into

VOL. IV. H

50 FABLES.

the bargain, as a reward for his just dealing.
Away goes the Man to his companions, and giving
them an account of what had happened, one of
them went presently to the river's side, and let his
hatchet fall designedly into the stream. Then
sitting down upon the bank, he fell to weeping and
lamenting as if he had been really and sorely
afflicted. Mercury appeared as before, and diving,
brought up a golden hatchet, asking if that wrere
the hatchet he had lost? Transported at the pre-
cious metal, he answered yes, and went to snatch it
greedily; but the God, detesting his abominable
impudence, not only refused him that, but would
not so much as let him have his own again.

APPLICATION.

HONESTY is the best policy; and one of our best
poets has further stamped a value upon the good old
maxim, by his assertion that " an honest man is
the noblest work of God." The paths of truth and
integrity are so plain, direct, and easy, that the
man who pursues them, stands in no need of subtle
contrivances to deceive the world. He listens to
the honest monitor within, and makes good his
professions writh his practice : neither gold nor sil-
ver hatchets can make him deviate from it; and
whatever situation he may be placed in, he is sure
to meet the esteem of all men within the circle in
which he moves, and has besides the constant
pleasure of feeling self- approbation within his own
breast.

FABLES.

THE FOX AND THE VIZOR MASK.

A Fox being in a shop where Vizor Masks were
sold, laid his foot upon one of them, and consider-
ing it awhile attentively, at last broke out into this
exclamation : Bless me ! says he, what a handsome
goodly figure this makes ! what a pity it is that it
should want brains !

APPLICATION.

The accomplished beau in air and mien how blest,
His hat well fashioned, and his hair well drest,
Is yet undrest within : to give him brains
Exceeds his hatter's or his barber's pains.

THIS Fable is levelled at that numerous part of
mankind, who, out of their own ample fortunes, take
care to accomplish themselves in every thing bu

52 FABLES.

common sense, and seem not even to bestow a
thought upon the important consequences of culti-
vating their understandings. The smooth address
and plausible behaviour of the varnished fop may
indeed pass current with the ignorant and super-
ficial, but however much he may value himself upon
his birth or figure, he never fails exciting the con-
tempt or the pity of men of sagacity and penetra-
tion, and the ridicule of those who are disposed to
amuse themselves at the folly and vanity of such
as put on the mask of wisdom to cover their want
of brains.

FABLES.

THE THIEF AND THE DOG.

A Thief coming" to rob a certain house in the
night, was thwarted in his attempts by a fierce
vigilant Dog, who kept barking at him continually.
Upon which the Thief, thinking to stop his mouth,
threw him a piece of bread ; but the Dog refused it
with indignation, telling him that before he only
suspected him to be a bad man, but now upon his
offering to bribe him, his suspicions were fully
confirmed; and that as he was entrusted with the
guardianship of his master's house, he would never
cease barking while such a rogue was lurking
about it.

APPLICATION.

NOTHING can alter the honest purpose of him
whose mind is embued with good principles. He

54

FABLES.

will despise an insidious bribe, and the greater the
offer which is designed to buy his silence, the
louder and more indignantly will he open out
against the miscreant who \vould thus practise
upon him. He knows that the favours held out to
him are not marks of the love and regard of him
who would confer them, but are meant as the price
at which he is to sell his honour and his virtue.
With a mind unpolluted, his noble resolution never
fails to produce the happiest consequences, by
preserving his friends and himself from the mis-
chievous projects laid against them. So true it is,
that virtue is its own reward ; while corruption and
venality are sure in the end to bring the greatest
miseries on those, and their adherents, who are
so base, or perhaps inconsiderate, as to subject
themselves to future evils of the most fatal nature,
for the sake of a little present profit.

FABLES.

55

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 by so doing he might come at the inex-
haustible treasure which he fancied she had within
her. He did so, and, to his great sorrow and dis-
appointment, found nothing.

APPLICATION.

No passion can be a greater torment to those
who are led by it, or more frequently mistakes its
aim, than insatiable covetousness. It makes men
blind to their present happiness, and conjures up
ideal prospects of increasing felicity, which often
tempt its deluded votaries to their ruin. Men who

56 FABLES.

give themselves up to this propensity, know not
how to be contented with the constant and con-
tinued sufficiency with which Providence may have
blessed them : their minds are haunted with the
prospect of becoming rich, and their impatient
craving tempers are perpetually prompting them to
try to obtain their object all at once. They lose all
present enjoyment in remotely contemplating the
future; and while they are shewing by their con-
duct how insensible they are to the bounty of
Providence, they are at the same time laying the
foundation of their own unhappiness.

FABLES.

57

THE WANTON CALF.

A Calf, which had been some time fattening- in a
rich pasture, full of wantonness and arrogance,
could not forbear insulting an old Ox every time
he saw him at the plough. What a sorry drudge
art thou, says he, to bear that heavy yoke, and
draw all day a plough at thy tail ! See, what a fat,
sleek, and comely appearance I make, and what a
life of ease I lead : I go where I please, and frisk
about in the sunshine or lie down under the cool
shade, just as my own fancy prompts me. The Ox,
not moved by this insolence, made no reply, but
pursued his daily round of alternate labour and
rest, until he saw the Calf taken and delivered to a
priest, who immediately led him to the altar, and
prepared to sacrifice him. When the fatal knife
was just at his throat, the Ox dreAv near, and whis-
pered him to this purpose: see what your wanton

VOL. IV. I

58 FABLES.

and lazy life has brought you to, a premature and
painful death.

APPLICATION.

WE may learn by this P^able the general con-
sequence of an idle life, and how well rewarded
laborious diligent men are in the end, when they
quietly enjoy the fruits of their industry. They
who by little tricks and chicanery, or by open
violence and robbery are enabled to live in a high
expensive way, often despise the poor honest man,
who is contented with the humble produce of his
daily labour. But howr often is the poor man com-
forted, by seeing these wanton villains led in
disgrace and misery to the altar of justice, while he
lias many a cheerful summer's morning to enjoy
abroad, and many a long winter's evening to in-
dulge 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 inevitable tendency to
shorten a man's days, are very apt to engage their
besotted votaries in a debauched life, not only pre-
judicial to their health, but which engenders in
them a contempt for those whose good sense and
true taste of happiness inspire them with an aver-
sion to idleness and effeminacy, and put them upon
hardening their constitutions 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 the thread of their existence to
the most desirable length.

FABLES.

THE BOASTING TRAVELLER.

ONE who had been abroad, was giving" an ac-
count of his travels, and among other places, said
he had been at Rhodes, where he had distinguished
himself so much in leaping, an exercise for which
that city was famous, that not a Rhodian could
come near him. When those who were present did
not seem to credit this relation so readily as he in-
tended they should, he took some pains to convince
them of it by oaths and protestations : upon which,
one of the company told him he need not give him-
self so much trouble about it, since he would put
him in a way to demonstrate the fact; which was,
to suppose the place they were in to be Rhodes,
and to perform his extraordinary leap over again.
The boaster, not liking this proposal, sat down
quietly, and had no more to say for himself.

FABLES.

APPLICATION.

WE had better be contented to keep our exploits
to ourselves, than to appear ridiculous by attempt-
ing1 to force a belief of that which is improbable;
and travelled gentlemen should have a care how
they import falsehoods and inventions of their own
from foreign parts, and attempt to vend them at
home for staple truths. It cannot be too strongly
impressed upon the mind, that a lie is upon all
occasions degrading to the person who utters it,
and should be most scrupulously avoided, not only
on account of its baseness, but because it is impos-
sible to foresee in how many troubles it may
involve him who passes it off. It will not always
receive credit, and is ever liable to detection.
When it is calculated for wicked purposes, it will
deservedly incur punishment; and when it is of a
harmless or insignificant nature, it will even then
often expose its author to contempt and ridicule;
and vanity never mistakes its end more grossly,
than when it attempts to aggrandize itself at the
expense of truth.

FABLKS.

61

THE SHEPHERD'S BOY AND THE WOLF.

A Shepherd's Boy, while attending his flock,
used frequently to divert himself by crying out,
"the Wolf! the Wolf!" The Husbandmen in the
adjoining grounds, thus alarmed, left their work
and ran to his assistance, but finding that he was
only sporting with their feelings, and bantering
them, they resolved at last to take no notice of his
alarms. It was not long, however, before the Wolf
really came, and the Boy bawled out " the Wolf!
the Wolf!" as he had done before: but the men
having been so often deceived, paid no attention to
his cries, and the sheep were devoured without
mercy.

APPLICATION.

THE man who would go through the world with
reputation and success, must preserve a religious

62 FABLES.

adherence to truth : for no, talents or industry can
give him weight with others, or induce the sensible
part of mankind to place any confidence in him, if
he be known to deviate without scruple from vera-
city. Men of this stamp soon become notorious;
and besides the ignominy which attaches to their
characters, they have to undergo the mortification
of not being believed even when they do speak the
truth. Whatever misfortune may befal them, and
however sincere they may be ' in making kno\vn
their distress, yet, like the Boy in the Fable, their
complaints and most earnest asseverations cannot
procure them credit, and are received at best with
doubt and suspicion. The same consequences fol-
low falsehood and deception, whether practised by
individuals or public governors, and they will both
find in the end that they have been guided by cun-
ning, and not by wisdom : for although the ignorant
part of mankind may, to serve the temporary pur-
poses of a bad government, be acted upon by false
alarms of imaginary dangers, yet even these in
time will see through the stale tricks and artifices
of those whose designs are to gull and impose upon
them.

FABLES.

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. He then endeavoured
to overturn the Pitcher, that at least he might be
able to get a little of it; but his strength was not
sufficient for the accomplishment of this purpose.
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.

WHAT we cannot accomplish by strength, we
may by ingenuity and industry. A man of sagacity

64 FABLES.

i

and penetration, upon meeting with a few difficul-
ties, does not drop his pursuits, but if he cannot
succeed in -one way, sets his mind to work upon
another, and does not hesitate about stepping out
of the old beaten track which had been thought-
lessly pursued in a roundabout way by thousands
before him. The present state of the world, en-
lightened by arts and sciences, is a proof that
difficulties seemingly insurmountable, and under-
takings once imagined to be impossible, have been
accomplished; and this ought to be kept in mind
as a spur to continued exertion : for we are not ac-
quainted with the strength of our own minds till
we exercise them, nor to what length our abilities
will carry us, till we put them to the trial.

" What is discovered only serves to shew,
That nothing's known to what is yet to know.

The man who enriches the present fund of know-
ledge with some new and useful improvement, does
an honour to himself, and ought invariably to be
rewarded by the public: for, like a happy adven-
turer by sea, he discovers as it were an unknown
land, and imports an additional treasure to his own
country.

FABLES.

THE PARTRIDGE AND THE COCKS.

A Man having caught a Partridge, plucked the
feathers out of one of its wings, and turned it into
a little yard where he kept Game Cocks. The
Cocks led the poor bird a sad life, continually peck-
ing at and driving it away from the- meat. This
treatment was taken the more unkindly, because
offered to a stranger; and the Partridge could not
help concluding that they were the most uncivil
inhospitable people he had ever met with. But
observing how very frequently they quarrelled and
fought with each other, he comforted himself with
reflecting, that it wras no wonder they were so cruel
to him, since they showed the same disposition to
each other.

APPLICATION.

No peace is to be expected among those who are
naturally fierce, quarrelsome, and inhospitable;

VOL. IV. K

66 FABLES.

and people of a different disposition should avoid,
as much as possible, having any thing to do with
them. Butvwhen we cannot help coming into con-
tact with such characters, there is no remedy but
patience; and this virtue a wise man will call to
his aid under every misfortune. When our suffer-
ings are inflicted by the wickedness of others, it is
some consolation to reflect, that people of this
character are continually waging war among them-
selves, and punishing each other; and that the
consequences of their own wickedness follow them
like their shadow, besides rendering them the
objects of general aversion. Xo virtue was more
universally practised, or more strongly recommend-
ed, by the ancients, than a mild conduct to our
companions, and an hospitable entertainment of
strangers; and when this is not the general charac-
ter of any people, it shews, in greater or less
degrees, the wretched state of society in which they
live.

FABLES.

THK FOX AND THE CROW.

A Crow having taken a piece of meat out of a
cottage window, flew up into a tree with it; which
a Fox observing, came underneath, and began to
compliment the Crow upon her beauty. I protest,
says he, your feathers are of a more delicate white
than I ever 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 be but
as fine as your complexion, I do not know a bird
that can stand in competition with you. The Crow,
tickled with this very . civil language, wriggled
about, and hardly knew where she was ; and having
a mind to convince the Fox in the matter of her
voice, attempted to sing, and in the same instant
let the meat drop out of her mouth. This being
what the Fox wanted, he chopped it up in a

68 FABLES.

moment, and trotted away, laughing- at the easy
credulity of the Crow.

APPLICATION.

" It is a maxim in the schools,
That flattery is the food of fools."

THEY that love flattery will have cause to repent
of their foible in the long run; and yet how few
there are among the whole race of mankind, who
are proof against its attacks. The gross way in
which it is managed by some silly practitioners, is
enough to alarm the dullest apprehension; but let
the ambuscade be disposed with judgment, and it
will scarcely 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 deal sincerely in the
matter, nobody can tell so well as him. self what
degree of esteem ought to attend any of his actions ;
and therefore he should be entirely easy as to the
opinion others have of them. If they attribute
more to him than is his due, they are either design-
ing 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 make advantage of it,
is a fool; and whoever encourages that flattery
which he has sense enough to see through, is a
vain coxcomb.

FABLKS.

69

THE SENSIBLE ASS.

Ax Old Man who was feeding his Ass in a line
green meadow, being* alarmed by the sudden ap-
proach of an enemy, began urging the Ass to put
himself forward, and fly with all the^speed he was
able. The Ass asked him whether he thought the
enemy would clap two pair of panniers upon his
back? The Man said, No, there was no fear of
that. Why then, says the Ass, I will not stir an
inch, for what is it to me who my master is, since I
shall but carry my panniers as usual.

APPLICATION.

Tms-Eable shews us how much in the wrong the
poorer sort of people most commonly are, when
they are under any concern about the revolutions
of a government. All the alteration which they

yo

FABLKS.

can feel, is perhaps in the name of their sovereign,
or some such important trifle; but they cannot well
be poorer, or made to work harder, than they did
before. And yet how are they sometimes imposed
upon and drawn in by the artifices of a few mis-
taken or designing men, to foment factions, and
raise rebellions, in cases where they can get nothing
by success; but if they miscarry, are in danger of
suffering an ignominious and untimely end.

FABLKS.

THE SWALLOW AND OTHER BIRDS.

A Swallow, observing a Farmer sowing his field
with flax, called the birds together, and informed
them what he was about. She told them that flax
was the material of which the thread was made that
composed the fowler's nets, so fatal to the feathered
race, and strongly advised, them to assist her in
picking up the seed, and destroying it. The Birds
heard her with indifference, and gave themselves no
trouble about the matter. In a little time the flax
sprang 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 grew any further. But they still slighted
her warnings, and the flax grew up into stalk. She
again urged them to attack it, for it was not yet too
late ; but they only ridiculed her for a silly pre-
tending prophet. The Swallow, finding all her

72 FABLES.

remonstrances availed nothing, was resolved to
leave the society of such careless unthinking
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 taken
up her abode among the dwellings of men.

APPLICATION.

WISE men read effects in their causes, and profit
by them ; but their advice is thrown away when
given to the arrogant and self-conceited, who are
too proud to listen to it. It is equally lost upon
fools, who stupidly or obstinately shut their eyes
against impending danger, till it is too late to pre-
vent it. In both cases, those who have no foresight
of their own, and those who despise the wholesome
admonitions of their friends, deserve to suffer from
the misfortunes which their OWTL obstinacy, folly, or
negligence, brings upon their heads. A great por-
tion of mankind, from an overweening conceit of
their own abilities, are unwilling to be advised by
any one, and through this stubborn disposition,
deprive themselves of the aids of friendship, and
the benefits which the good-will of their more
sensible neighbours would have conferred on them
with pleasure.

FABLES.

THE THIEVES AND THE COCK.

Two Thieves broke into a house with a design
to rob it ; but when they had pried into every
corner, found nothing worth taking away but a
Cock, which they seized upon and carried off.
When they were about to kill him, he begged very
hard that they would spare his life, putting them in
mind how useful he was to mankind, by crowing
and calling them up betimes to their work. You
villain, replied they, it is for that very reason we
will ring your head off; for you alarm and keep the
people waking, so that we cannot rob in quiet for
you.

APPLICATION.

THE same thing which recommends us to the
esteem of good people, will make those that are
bad have nothing but hatred and ill-will towards

VOL. IV. L

74 FABLES.

us; for every man who has engaged himself in a
vicious or wicked course of life, fiend-like, makes
himself, as it were, the natural adversary of virtue.
It is in vain for innocent men, under oppression, to
complain to those who are the occasion of it: all
they can urge will but make against them ; and
even their very innocence, though they should say
nothing, would render them sufficiently suspected.
The moral, therefore, that this Fable brings along
with it, is to inform us that there is no trusting, nor
any hopes of living well, with wicked unjust men ;
for their disposition is such, that they will do mis-
chief to others as soon as they have the opportunity.
When vice flourishes, and is in power, were it
possible for a good man to live quietly in its neigh-
bourhood, and preserve his integrity, it might be
sometimes perhaps convenient for him to do so,
rather than quarrel with and provoke it against
him: but as it is certain that rogues are irrecon-
cileable enemies to men of worth, if the latter would
be secure, they must take methods to free them-
selves from the power and society of the former.

FABLES.

75

THE WOLVES AND THE SICK ASS.

Ax Ass being sick, the report was spread abroad
in the country, and some did not scruple to say,
that she would die before another night went over
her head. Upon this, several wolves went to the
stable where she lay, under pretence of making her
a visit ; but rapping at the door, and asking her
how she did, the young Ass came out, and told
them that his mother was much better than they
desired.

APPLICATION.

IF the kind enquiries after the sick were all to be
interpreted with as much frankness as those in the
Fable, the porters of the great might commonly
answer with the strictest propriety, that their
masters were much better than was wished or de-

7 6 FABLES.

sired. The charitable visits which are made to
many sick people, proceed from much the same
motive with that which induced the hungry wolves
to make their enquiries after the Sick Ass, namely,
that they may come in for some share of their
remains, and feast themselves upon the reversion
of their goods and chattels. The sick man's heir
longs for his estate ; one friend waits in anxious
expectation of a legacy, and another wants his
place; it, however, does not unfrequently happen,
that the mask of these selfish visitants, and their
counterfeit sorrow, are seen through, and their
impertinent officiousness treated with the contempt
it so justly deserves.

<Tu

y

FABLKS.

THE DOG IN THE MANGER.

A Dog was lying upon a stall full of hay. An
Ox, being hungry, came near, and offered to eat of
the hay ; but the 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 will neither eat hay thyself, nor suffer others
to do it.

APPLICATION.

THERE are men in the world of so snarling,
malevolent, and ill-natured a disposition, that they
will even punish themselves, rather than put forth
a finger to serve any one. It gives them a malig-
nant kind of pleasure to have it in their power to
cause trouble and vexation to others, whenever

7 8 FABLES.

they have an opportunity of doing so; and could
they have their will, they would shut out the light
and warmth of the sun, and suffer the fruits of the
earth to rot upon it, provided they could see those
about them unhappy: and in thus taking delight in
other people's miseries, it of course follows that
they are their own tormentors. These characters,
in common life, are diabolical and detestable; but
the evils they inflict, are only like a drop to the
ocean, when compared to those which men of the
same stamp shed abroad in the world, when, in an
evil hour, they happen to be exalted to govern the
affairs of a nation. Then, indeed, their baleful in-
fluence is felt in every direction : they may be
termed fiends in human shape : for as far as they
are able, they tlvvvart the benevolent intentions of
Omnipotence, and the very breath of their nostrils
seems to blast the happiness of mankind.

FABLKS.

JUPITER AND THE ASS.

Ax Ass which had been some time in the service
of a Gardener, and carried his vegetables to market,
became tired of his place, and petitioned Jupiter
that he would permit him to enter upon the service
of a neighbouring Potter. Jupiter^ granted his
request. He here, however, soon found that the
latter loaded him with heavier burthens, and kept
him on poorer fare than he had been used to before.
He again prayed to Jupiter to grant that he might
be allowed to better his condition by engaging
himself to a Tanner. Jupiter again heard his
prayer; but here he soon found he had changed for
the worse : for, besides being hard worked, he was
also often cruelly treated ; and seeing what was
going on in this place, he could not forbear up-
braiding himself with his folly and inconstancy.
Oh, fool that I was ! said he to himself, for leaving

8o FABLES.

my former mild master, to become the servant of
one, who, after working me to death, will not spare
my very hide after I am dead.

APPLICATION.

THE man that carries about with him the plague
of a restless mind, can never be pleased ; he is ever
shifting and changing, and is in truth not so weary
of his condition as of himself. Seldom or never
contented with his lot, he is ever hunting after
happiness where it is not to be found, without ever
looking for it Avhere it is. He indulges in the
strange propensity of his nature, which leads him
to suppose that his own lot is the most miserable,
and therefore concludes that any change he can
make must be for the better. He loses sight of the
virtues of patience, constancy, and resignation, and
seems not to know that every station in life has its
real or imaginary inconveniences ; and that it is
better to bear with those which we are accustomed
to endure, and of which we know the utmost extent,
than by aiming at the seeming advantages of
another way of life, to subject ourselves to all its
hidden miseries.

FABLES.

81

JESOP AND THE IMPERTINENT FELLOW.

./ESOP having occasion to go out to seek a light
to kindle his fire, went from house to house for
some time before he could succeed; but having at
last got what he wanted, he posted back in haste
with his lighted candle in his hand. An Impudent
Fellow, leaving his companions, caught hold of
^Esop by the sleeve, and would fain have shewn
off his wit, and been arch upon him. Hey day!
oh, rare ^Esop ! says he,, what occasion for a candle,
old boy! what, are you going to light the sun to
bed? Let me alone, says JEsop, for with it I am
looking for an honest man.

APPLICATION.

IT is plain that our old philosopher in the Fable
did not take the Impertinent Fellow for an honest

VOL. IV. M

82 FABLES.

man, and he gave him to understand that it requir-
ed a good light to find out one who fully came up
to that character; and he might have added, that
the world very much abounded with ignorant and
impudent ones, who, with their empty nonsense,
which they call wit, often unseasonably interrupt
men of thought and business: for to those whose
minds are wholly intent upon matters of import-
ance, nothing is so offensive as the intrusion of a
fool. Men of eminent parts and great natural
abilities, make their appearance in the world only
now and then. These qualifications are the gift of
Providence, and seem to be intended to throw fresh
lights on the understandings of mankind; but in
all the gradations from these downwards, it is in
the power of every one to improve their manners,
and integrity is within the reach of those of the
meanest capacity, if they will endeavour to amend
their lives, and take it for their guide.

FABLES.

THE FORESTER AND THE LION.

THE Forester meeting with the Lion one day,
they discoursed together for a while without much
differing in opinion. At last, a dispute happening
to arise about the point of superiority between a
Man and a Lion, the former wanting a better argu-
ment, shewed the latter 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 sculptors, and
we will make the Lion striding over the Man.

APPLICATION.

SUCH is the partiality of mankind in favour of
themselves and their own actions, that it is ex-
tremely difficult, nay almost impossible, to come at

8.J. FABLES.

any certainty, by reading the accounts that are
written on one side only. The simple truth is still
perverted, as prejudice, vanity, or interest warps
the mind, and it is not discovered in all its bril-
liancy, till the mists which obscure it are swept
away by the most rigid investigation. In what an
odious light would our party men place each other,
if the transactions of the times were handed down
to posterity by a warm zealot on either side; and
were such records to survive a few centuries, with
what perplexities and difficulties would they em-
barrass the historian, as by turns he consulted them
for the character of his great forefathers. The
same difficulties would occur in writing the history
of nations, both ancient and modern. Some of
those who flourish at this day, and consider them-
selves as having reached perfection in civilization
and polished manners, will perhaps, not unjustly,
be branded in after-times with cruelty, injustice,
and oppression, in having confounded all simplicity
of manners, and disturbed the peace of whole na-
tions, by carrying the horrors of war, of murder,
and desolation, into regions formerly blessed with
uninterrupted tranquillity.

FABLES.

THE WOLF, THE FOX, AND THE APE.

THE Wolf indicted the Fox for felony before the
Ape, who upon that occasion was appointed special
judge of the cause. The Fox gave in his answer
to the Wolf's accusation, and denied the fact.
After hearing both sides, the Ape, penetrating the
character of the parties, gave judgment to this pur-
pose: I am of opinion, that you, says he to the
Wolf, never lost the goods you sue for; and as for
you, turning to the Fox, I make no question but
you at least have stolen what is laid to your charge.
And thus the court was dismissed with this public
censure upon each party.

APPLICATION

WELL may both judge and jury, in the outset of
trial, be puzzled to decide between and do justice to

86

FABLES.

men whose quarrels are made up of baseness and
villainy, and carried on with mutual treachery,
fraud and violence, and whose witnesses are per-
haps of the same character with themselves. Each
party may justly enough accuse the other, though
neither of them are worthy of belief, and deserve
even no credit for the imputations with which they
asperse each other's characters. But such men
need not hope long to deceive the world : a pene-
trating judge and an honest jury will, upon sifting
the matter, clearly see what kind of men they have
been occupying their attention with, and shew a
proper disgust at the wicked impudence of both
plaintiff and defendant.

FABLES.

THE BALD KNIGHT.

A certain Knight growing old, his hair fell off,
and he became bald; to hide which imperfection he
wore a periwig. But as he was riding out with
some others a hunting, a sudden gust -of wind blew
off the periwig, and exposed his bald pate. The
company could not forbear laughing at the acci-
dent ; and he himself laughed as loud as any body,
saying, how was it to be expected that I could keep
strange hair upon my head, when my own would
not stay there?

APPLICATION.

THERE is no disposition, or turn of mind, which
on many occasions contributes more to keep us
easy, than that which enables us to rally any of our
failings, or joke upon our own infirmities : this

88 FABLKS.

blunts the edge, and baffles und turns aside the
malignant sneers of little wits, and the ill nature
and ridicule of others. If we should at any time
happen to incur the laughter of those about us, we
cannot stifle it sooner or better than by receiving it
all with a cheerful look, and by an ingenuous and
pleasant remark, parry the jest which another is
ready to throw out at our expense. To appear
fretted or nettled, only serves to gratify the wishes
of those who take a secret pleasure in seeing such
an effect produced; and, besides, a testy or captious
temper is a source of perpetual disquietude, both to
ourselves and our acquaintances, and, like a little
leaven, sours the whole mass of our good qualities.
If we had no other imperfections, this of itself
would be sufficient to cause our company to be
shunned.

FABLKS.

THE LION AND THE FOUR BULLS.

FOUR Bulls, who 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 alli-
ance, knowing they would have been too powerful
for him, and therefore was obliged to keep himself
at a distance. At last, perceiving that no attempt
was to be made upon them as long as their com-
bination lasted, he artfully contrived, by the whis-
pers and hints of his emissaries, to foment jealousies,
and raise divisions among them. This stratagem
succeeded so well, that the Bulls grew cold and
reserved to one another, which soon after ripened
into a downright hatred and aversion, and at last

VOL. iv. x

90 FABLES.

ended in a total separation. The Lion had now
attained his ends; and though it had been impos-
sible 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.

SINCE friendships and alliances are of the greatest
importance to our well-being and happiness, we
cannot be too often cautioned against suffering
them to be broken by tale-bearers and whisperers,
or by any dark plots and contrivances of our
enemies : for when by such wicked means as these,
or by our own imprudence, we lose a friend, we
shake the very basis of our interest, and remove
the pillar that contributed to support it. Whatever
in cases of this kind is applicable to individuals, is
equally so to kingdoms and states; and it is as
undisputed a maxim as ever was urged upon the
attention of mankind, by the best man that ever
lived, that a "kingdom divided against itself can-
not stand:" the people are invincible when united.

Faction and feuds will overturn the state
Which union renders flourishing and great.

FABLES.

THE OLD MAX AND HIS SONS.

AN Old Man had several Sons, who were con-
stantly quarrelling with each other, notwithstanding
he used every means in his po\ver to persuade them
to cease their contentions, and to live in amity
together. At last he had recourse to the following
expedient : — He ordered his Sons to be called
before him, and a bundle of sticks to be brought,
and then commanded them to try if, with all their
strength, any of them could break it. They all
tried, but without effect : for the sticks being closely
and compactly bound together, it was impossible
for the force of man to break them. 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 them try to break it. This they did
with ease, and soon snapped every stick asunder.
The Father then addressed them to this effect :

92 FABLES.

O, my Sons, behold the power of unity! for if you,
in like manner, would but keep yourselves strictly
conjoined in the bands of friendship, it would not
be in the power of any mortal to hurt you ; but
when you are divided by quarrels and animosities,
you fall a prey to the weakest enemies.

APPLICATION.

A kingdom divided against itself is brought to
desolation ; and the same holds good in all societies
and corporations of men, from the constitution of
the nation, down to every little parochial vestry.
Every private family should consider itself a little
state, in which the several members ought to be
united by one common interest. Quarrels with
-each other are as fatal to their welfare, as factions
are dangerous to the peace of the commonwealth.
But indeed the necessity of union and friendship
extends itself to all kinds of relations in life, and
they conduce mightily to the advantage of those
who cherish and cultivate them. No enemy will
dare to attack a body of men firmly attached to
•each other, and will fear to offend one of the num-
ber, lest he should incur the resentment of the
rest; but if they split into parties, and are disunited
by quarrels, every petty opponent will venture to
attack them, and the whole fraternity will be liable
to wrongs and violence.

FABLES.

93

THE LION, THE TIGER, AND THE WOLF.

A Lion and a Tiger at the same instant seized on
a young Fawn, which they immediately killed.
This they had no sooner performed, than they fell
to fighting, in order to decide whose property it
should be. The battle was so obstinate, that they
were both compelled, by weariness and loss of
blood, to desist and lie down breathless and quite
disabled. A Wolf passing that way, perceiving
how the case stood, very impudently stepped up
and seized the booty, which they had all this while
been contending for, and carried it off. The two
combatants, who beheld this without being able to
prevent it, could only make this reflection: How
foolish, said they, has been our conduct! Instead
of being contented, as we ought, with our respective
shares, our senseless rage has rendered us unable

94 FABLES.

to prevent this rascally Wolf from robbing us of
the whole.

APPLICATION.

WHEN people go to law about an uncertain title,
and have spent the value of their whole estate in
the contest, nothing is more common than to find
that some unprincipled attorney has secured the
object in dispute to himself. The very name of law
seems to imply equity and justice, and this is the
bait which has drawrn in many to their ruin. If we
would lay aside passion, prejudice, and folly, and
think calmly of the matter, \ve should 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 artifices of greedy lawyers, a court of judicature
is contrived to be attended. Or if a case should
happen to be so intricate that a man of common
sense cannot distinguish wrho has the best title,
how easy would it be to have the opinion of the
best counsel in the land, and agree to abide by his
decision. If it should appear dubious, even after
that, how much better wTould 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!

FABLES.

THE FOX WITHOUT A TAIL.

A Fox being caught in a trap, escaped after
much difficulty with the loss of his tail. He was,
however, a good deal ashamed of appearing in
public without this ornament, and, at last, to avoid
being singular and ridiculous in the eyes of his
own species, he formed the project of calling to-
gether an assembly of Foxes, and of persuading
them that the docking of their tails was a fashion
that would be very agreeable and becoming. Ac-
cordingly he made a long harangue to them for
that purpose, and endeavoured chiefly to shew the
awkwardness and inconvenience of a Fox's tail,
adding that they were quite useless, and that they
would be a very great deal better without them.
He asserted, that what he had only conjectured
and imagined before, he now found by experience
to be true, for he never enjoyed himself so much,

()6 FABLES.

and found himself so easy as he had done since he
cut off his tail. He then looked round with a brisk
air, to see what proselytes he had gained; when a
sly old Fox in company answered him, with a leer:
I believe you may have found a convenience in
parting with your tail, and perhaps when we are in
the same circumstances, we may do so too.

APPLICATION.

MANY of the fashions which obtain in the world,
originate in the whim or caprice of some vain con-
ceited creature, who takes a pride in leading the
giddy multitude in a career of folly. Others again
take their rise from an artful design to cover some
vice, or hide some deformity in the person of the
inventor. Projectors and planners of a higher
stamp are also not uncommon in the world. These
men appear to toil only for the public good, and
the sacred name of patriotism is their shield. It,
however, often happens that when their deep
schemes are opened out, they are found to proceed
from nothing better than self-interested motives,
and a sincere desire to serve themselves.

FABLES.

97

THE MISER AND HIS TREASURE.

A certain Miser, having got together a large sum
of money, sought out a sequestered spot, where he
dug a hole and hid it. His greatest pleasure was
to go and look upon his treasure; which one of his
servants observing, and guessing there was some-
thing more than ordinary in the place, came at
night, found the hoard, and carried it off. The
next day, the Miser returning as usual to the scene
of his delight, and perceiving the money gone, tore
his hair for grief, and uttered the most doleful
accents of despair. A neighbour, who knew his
temper, overhearing him, said, Cheer up, man!
thou hast lost nothing: there is still a hole to peep
at: and if thou canst but fancy the money there, it
will do just as well.

VOL. IV. O

9 8 FABLES.

APPLICATION.

OF all the appetites to which human nature is
subject, none is so lasting, so strong, and so un-
accountable, as avarice. Other desires generally
cool at the approach of old age; but this flourishes
under grey hairs, and triumphs amidst infirmities.
All our other longings have something to be said
in excuse for them ; but it is above reason, and
therefore truly incomprehensible, why a man should
be passionately fond of money only for the sake of
gazing upon it. His treasure is as useless to him
as a heap of oyster-shells; for though he knows
how many substantial pleasures it might procure,
yet he dares not touch it, and is as destitute, to all
intents and purposes, as the man who is not worth
a groat. This is the true state of a covetous per-
son, to which one of that fraternity perhaps may
reply, that when we have said all, since pleasure is
the grand aim of life, if there arise a delight to
some, from the bare p6ssession of riches, though
they do not use, or even intend to use them, we
may be puzzled how to account for it, and think it
strange, but ought not absolutely to condemn those
who thus closely, but innocently, pursue what they
esteem the greatest happiness. True ! people
would be in the wrong to paint covetousness in
such odious colours, were it compatible with inno-
cence. But here arises the mischief: a covetous
man will stop at nothing to attain his ends; and
when once avarice takes the field, honesty, charity,
humanity, and every virtue which opposes it, are
sure to be put to the rout.

FABLES.

THE SHIP DOG.

A young" saucy Dog", having been found not to
like any employment at home, was taken by a sea
captain on board his ship, where, being well fed, he
soon became both stout and fierce, and shewed
himself off as such in every foreign port. He no
sooner got ashore, than he held up his leg against
every post and corner, and scraped the ground with
his feet, quite regardless what Dog he might be-
spatter; and if any of them happened to look sulkily
at him, he thought nothing of seizing upon and
rolling them in the kennel. If he happened to fall
into company, he always began to give himself airs,
to talk big, and to express his contempt for the
Dogs of the place. He would boast that he was
from a better country, and belonged to a better
family than any Dog among them. In short, said
he, "I come from Cheviot, the highest mountain in

100 FABLES.

the world, and the very heart of all England, where
my forefathers, thousands of years ago, assembled
to hunt the Wild Bull, the Wolf, and the Boar."
He \vas once going on at this rate, when he was
interrupted by a sedate, experienced Bitch, who
assured him that there were good Dogs and bad
Dogs in every country, and that the only difference
arose from their education ; that many of the fore-
fathers he boasted of, had long since worried each
other, and the remainder of them had become so
troublesome, that part had been transported across
the sea to another place; and she knew, from good
authority, that both his father and his mother were
hanged.

APPLICATION.

WHEN foreigners speak slightingly of the country
they happen to be in, and praise their own, it shews
in them a want of good sense and good breeding.
It is indeed natural to have an affection for one's
native land, nor can we help preferring it to every
other; but to express this in another country, to
people whose opinion it must needs contradict, by
the same rule that it is conformable to our own,
cannot fail of giving them just offence. It matters
not how highly some particular countries may
stand in the estimation of the rest of the world :
this has little to do with private individuals ; the
advantage of having been born in one of those
favoured countries, is accidental, and no man ought
to be esteemed merely on that account. In order
to merit the respect of virtuous and wise men in
every foreign land, it must appear to them, that by
our talents, our acquirements, and our patriotism,
we do credit to the country which gave us birth.

FABLES.

101

THE GOAT AND THE LION.

THE Lion, seeing a Goat upon a steep craggy
rock, where he could not come at him, asked him
what delight he could take to skip from one preci-
pice to another all day, and venture the breaking
of his neck every moment ? I wonder, says he, you
will not come down and feed on the plain here,
where there is such plenty of grass, and fine sweet
herbs. Why, replies the Goat, I cannot but say
your opinion is right; but you look so very hungry
and designing, that, to tell you the truth, I do not
care to venture my person where you are.

APPLICATION.

ADVICE, though good in itself, is to be suspected
when it is given by a tricking, self-interested man.
Perhaps we should take upon ourselves not only a

102

KABLKS.

very great, but an unnecessary trouble, if we were
to suspect every man \vho offers to advise us; but
this however is necessary, that when we have
reason to question any one in point of honour and
justice, we not only consider well before we suffer
ourselves to be persuaded by him, but even resolve
to have nothing to do in any affair where such
treacherous slippery sparks are concerned, if we
can avoid it without much inconvenience.

FABLES.

THE TWO TRAVELLERS.

Two Men travelling upon the road, one of them
saw an Axe lying* upon the ground, where some-
body had been hewing timber: so taking it up,
says he, I have found an Axe. Do not say I, says
the other, but we have found; for as we are com-
panions, we ought to share the value between us:
but the first would not consent. They had not
gone far, before the owner of the Axe, hearing
what was become of it, pursued them with a
warrant; which, when the fellow who had it, per-
ceived, Alas! says he to his companion, we are
undone. Nay, says the other, do not say we,
but I am undone: for, as you would not let me
share the prize, neither will I share the danger
with you.

104 FABLES.

APPLICATION.

WE cannot reasonably expect those to bear a
part in our ill-fortune, whom we never permitted to
share in our prosperity ; and whoever is so over-
selfish and narrow-minded, as to exclude his friend
from a portion of the benefits to which an intimate
connection entitles him, may, perhaps, engross
some petty advantages to himself, but he must lay
his account on being left to do as well as he can for
himself in times of difficulty and distress. The
very life and soul of friendship subsist upon mutual
benevolence, and in conferring and receiving obli-
gations on either hand, with a free, open, and
unreserved behaviour, without the least tincture of
jealousy, suspicion, or distrust, guided by a strict
observance of the rules of honour and generosity;
and as no man includes within himself every thing
necessary for his security, defence, preservation,
and support, these rules are the requisites of
friendship, to make it firm and lasting, and the
foundation on which it must be built.

FABLES.

105

THE FOX AND THE ASS.

AN Ass finding" a Lion's skin, disguised himself
in it, and ranged about the forest, putting all the
beasts in bodily fear. After he had diverted him-
self thus for some time, he met a Fox, and being
desirous to frighten him too, as well as the rest, he
leapt at him with some fierceness, and endeavoured
to imitate the roaring of a Eion. Your humble
servant, says the Fox, if you had held your tongue,
I might have taken you for a Lion, as others did,
but now you bray, I know who you are.

APPLICATION.

A man is known by his \vords, as a tree is by the
fruit; and if we would be apprized of the nature
and qualities of any one, let him but discourse, and
he will speak them to us better than another can

VOL. IV. P

106 FABLES.

describe them. We may therefore perceive, from
this Fable, how proper it is for those to hold their
tongues, who would not discover the shallowness of
their understandings. " Empty vessels make the
greatest sound," and the deepest rivers are most
silent; the greatest noise is ever found where there
is the least depth of water. It is a true observation,
that those who are the weakest in understanding,
and most slow of apprehension, are generally the
most precipitate in uttering their crude conceptions.
•Grave looks, an aspect of dignity, and a solemn de-
portment, may sometimes deceive even an accurate
observer; but wise discourse cannot be successfully
counterfeited or assumed, and the sententious block-
head is as easily recognised as the pert coxcomb.
It matters not what disguise one of these may
assume; he utters himself, and undeceives us: he
brays, and tells the whole company what he is.

FABLES.

107

THE CAT AND THE FOX.

As the Cat and the Fox were once talking
politics together 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 jfor 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 taker Nay, says the Cat,
I have but one shift for it, and if that wont 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 w^ere scarcely out of
his mouth, when they were alarmed with a pack of
hounds, that came upon them in full cry. The Cat
by the help of her single shift, ran up a tree and

108 FABLES.

sat securely among the branches, whence she
beheld Reynard, who had not been able to get out
of sight, overtaken with his thousand tricks, and
torn into as many pieces by the Dogs, which had
surrounded him.

APPLICATION.

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 his life for a shrewd crafty fellow, full of
Ids stratagems and expedients, and valuing himself
upon his having a deeper knowledge of the world
than his neighbours. Plain good sense, and a
downright honest meaning, are a better guide
through life, and more trusty security against
danger, than the low shifts of cunning, and the
refinements of artifice. Cunning is of a deep
entangling nature, and is a sign of a small genius;
though when it happens to be successful, it often
makes an ostentatious pretension to wisdom; but
simplicity of manners is the ally of integrity, and
plain common sense is the main requisite of
wisdom.

FABLES.

ICQ

THE DOG INVITED TO SUPPER.

A Gentleman having invited several friends to
supper, his Dog thought this a fit opportunity to
invite another Dog, an intimate of his own, to par-
take with him of the good cheer, in the kitchen.
Accordingly the stranger punctually attended, and
seeing the mighty preparations going forward, pro-
mised himself a most delicious repast. He began
to smell about, and, with his eyes intent upon the
victuals, to lick his lips, and wag his tail. This
drew the attention of the Cook, who stole slyly up,
and seizing him by the hind legs, whirled him out
of the window into the street. The Dog, stunned
and hurt by his hard fall on the pavement, began
to howl, the noise of which drew several Dogs
about him, who knowing of the invitation, began
to enquire how he had fared ? O ! charmingly, said
he; only I ate and drank till I. scarce knew which
way I came out of the house.

HO FABLES.

APPLICATION.

THERE is no depending upon a second-hand in-
terest; unless we know ourselves to be wrell with
the principal, and are assured of his favour and
protection, we stand upon a slippery foundation.
They are strangers to the world who are so weak
as to think they can be wrell with any one by proxy;
they may by this means be cajoled, bubbled, and
imposed upon, but are under great uncertainty as
to gaining their point, and may probably be treated
with scorn and derision in the end. Yet there are
not wanting among the several species of fops, silly
people of this sort, who pride themselves in an
imaginary happiness, from being in the good
graces of a great man's friend's friend. Alas! the
great men themselves are but too apt to deceive
and fail in making good their promises, how then
can we expect any good from those who do but
promise and vow in their names r To place a con-
fidence in such sparks, is indeed so false a reliance,
that we ought to be ashamed to be detected in it ;
and, like the Dog in the Fable, rather own we had
been well treated, then let the world see how justly
we had been punished for our ridiculous credulity.

FABLES.

I I I

TILE ANdLER AND THE LITTLE E1SH.

Ax Angler caught a small Trout, and as he was
taking it off the hook, and going to put it into his
basket, it opened its little throat, and begged most
piteously that he would throw it into the river
again. The man demanded what reason it had to
expect this indulgence? Why, says the Eish, be-
cause I am so young and so little, that it is not
worth your while taking me now, and certainly I
shall be better worth your notice, if you take me a
twelvemonth afterwards, when I shall be grown a
great deal larger. That may be, replied the
Angler, but I am sure of you now; and I am not
one of those who quit a certainty in expectation of
an uncertainty.

112 FABLES.

APPLICATION.

THEY who neglect the present opportunity of
reaping a small advantage, in the hope that they
shall obtain a greater afterwards, are far from act-
ing upon a reasonable and well advised foundation.
We ought never thus to deceive ourselves, and
suffer the favourable moment to slip away; but
secure to ourselves every fair advantage, however
small, at the moment that it offers, without placing
a vain reliance upon the visionary expectation of
something better in time to come. Prudence ad-
vises us always to lay hold of time by the forelock,
and to remember that " a bird in the hand is worth
two in the bush."

FABLES.

A MAN BITTEN BY A DOG.

A Alan, who had been sadly torn by a Dog, was
advised by some Old Woman, as a cure, to dip a
piece of bread in the wound, and givejt to the Cur
that bit him. He did so, and ^Esop happening to
pass by just at the time, asked him what he meant
by it: The man informed him. Why then, says
^Esop, do it as privately as you can, I beseech you;
for if the rest of the Dogs of the town were to see
you, we should all be eaten up alive by them.

APPLICATION.

VICE should always be considered as the proper
object 'of punishment, and we should on no account
connive at offences of an atrocious nature, much
less confer rewards on the criminals; for nothing

VOL. IV. Q

114 FABLES.

contributes so much to the increase of roguery, as
when the undertakings of a knave are attended
with success. If it were not for the fear of punish-
ment, a large portion of mankind, who now make a
shift to keep themselves honest, would be great
villains. But if criminals, instead of meeting with
punishment, Avere, by having been such, to attain
honour and preferment, our natural inclination to
mischief would be increased, and we should be
wicked out of emulation. We should rather strive
to make virtue as tempting as possible, and throw
out every allurement in our power to draw the
minds of the wavering and unsettled to espouse
her cause.

FABLES.

THE FOX AND THE TIGER.

A skilful Archer coming" into the woods, directed
his arrows so successfully, that he slew many wild
beasts, and wounded several others. This put the
whole savage kind into a great consternation, and
made them fly into the most retired thickets for
refuge. At last, the Tiger resumed courage, and
bidding them not be afraid, said that he alone
would engage the enemy, telling them they might
depend on his valour to avenge their wrongs. In
the midst of these threats, while he was lashing
himself with his tail, and tearing up the ground
with anger, an arrow pierced his ribs, and hung by
its barbed point in his side. He set up a loud and
hideous roar, occasioned by the anguish he felt, and
endeavoured to draw out the painful dart with his
teeth: when the Fox approaching him, enquired
with an air of surprise, who it was that could have

Il6 FABLES.

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 in-
gredients towards 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 forward man, who depends
upon the excellence of his own parts and ac-
complishments, is likewise apt to expose a \veak
side, which his enemies might not otherwise have
observed ; and gives an advantage to others by
those very means which he fancied might 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 the brute. Strength, ill-
governed, 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
fiercenesss and brutal strength, must not pretend to
stand in competition with policy and stratagem.

FABLES.

I I

THE DOG AND THE SHADOW.

A Dog, crossing a rivulet with a piece of flesh in
his mouth, saw his own shadow represented in the
clear mirror of the 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 by his greedy design,
that he dropt the piece he had in his mouth, which
immediately sunk to the bottom, and was irrecover-
ably lost.

APPLICATION.

Base is the man who pines amidst his store,
And fat with plenty, griping covets more.

EXCESSIVE greediness, in the end, mostly misses
what it aims at, and he that catches at more than

I I 8 FABLES.

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 in-
.satiable appetite for vain-glory; and many states
have been reduced to the last extremity by at-
tempting such unjust encroachments. He that
thinks he sees the estate of another 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 him-
self a beggar in the end.

FABLKS.

119

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 re-
venge 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 en-
dure the smarting pain, with impatience he tore
the skin over his ears, with his own claws, and suf-
fered ample punishment for the injury he had done
the Bees, in breaking open their waxen cells.

APPLICATION.

MANY' and great are the injuries of which men are
guilty towards each other, for the sake of gratifying

20

FABLES.

some base appetite: for there are those who would
not scruple to bring desolation upon their country,
and run the hazard of their own necks into the bar-
gain, rather than balk a wicked inclination, either
of cruelty, ambition, or avarice. But it were to be
wished, that all who are hurried on 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 un-
foreseen train of events, are retorted on the head of
the actor, \vho not seldom, from a deep remorse,
expiates them upon himself by his own hand.

FABLES.

2 r

THE DRUNKEN HUSBAND.

A certain Woman had a Drunken Husband,
whom she had endeavoured to reclaim by several
ways, without effect. She, at last, tried this strata-
gem : when he was brought home one night dead
drunk, she ordered him to be carried to a burial-
place, and there laid in a vault, as if he had been
dead indeed. Thus she left him, and went away
till she thought he might be come to himself, and
grown sober again. When she returned, and
knocked at the door of the vault, the man cried out,
who's there? I am the person, ^says she, in a dis-
mal tone of voice, that waits upon the dead folks,
and I am come to bring you some victuals. Ah,
good waiter, says he, let the victuals alone, and
bring me a little drink, I beseech thee. The
Woman hearing this, fell to tearing her hair, and
beating her breast in a woful manner; Unhappy

VOL. IV. R

122 FABLES.

wretch that I am, says she, this was the only way
that I could think of to reform the beastly sot ; but
instead of gaining my point, I am only convinced
that his drunkenness is an incurable habit, which
he intends to carry with him into the other world.

APPLICATION.

THIS Fable is intended to shew us the prevalence
of custom ; and how by using ourselves to any evil
practice, we may let it grow into such a habit as
we shall never be able to divest ourselves of. " () !
that men should put an enemy into their mouths to
steal away their brains!" There is no vice which
gains an ascendant over us more insensibly or
more incurably, than drunkenness: it takes root by
degrees, and comes at length to be past both
remedy and shame. Habitual drunkenness stupi-
fies the senses, destroys the understanding, fills its
votaries with diseases, and makes them incapable
of business. It cuts short the thread of life, or
brings on an early old age, besides the mischief it
does in the mean time to a man's family and affairs,
and the scandal it brings upon himself: for a sot is
one of the most despicable and disgusting charac-
ters in life. After he has destroyed his reasoning
faculties, and thus shewn his ingratitude to the
giver of them, he flies to palliatives as a remedy for
the- diseases which his intemperance has caused,
and goes on in a course of taking Avhets and cor-
dials, and more drink, till he falls a martyr to the
vice, to which through life he has been a slave.

FABLES.

THE LIONESS AND THE FOX.

THE Lioness and the Eox meeting together, fell
into discourse, and the conversation turning upon
the breeding and 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
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 some folks who are never
delivered of more than one at a time, and that
perhaps not above once or twice in their whole
lives, who hold up their noses, and value themselves
so much upon it, that they think all other creatures
beneath them, and scarcely worthy to be spoken to.
The Lioness, who all the time perceived at whom
this reflection pointed, replied, what you have

124 FABLES.

•observed is true. You litter often, and produce a
great many at a time; but what are they: Foxes!
I, indeed, may have but one at a time; but you
should remember that that one is a Lion.

APPLICATION.

OUR productions, of whatsoever kind, are not to
be esteemed so much by their quantity as by their
quality. It is not being employed much, but well,
'and to the purpose, which will make us useful to
the age we live in, and celebrated by those which
are to come. As the multiplication of Foxes and
other vermin is a misfortune to the countries which
are infested with them, so one cannot help throwing
out a melancholy reflection, when one sees some
particular classes of the human kind 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 trumping up a
long catalogue of their various productions, since
there is more glory in having written one tolerable
piece than a thousand indifferent ones; and who-
ever has had the good fortune to please in one
literary performance, should be very cautious how
e stakes his reputation in a second attempt.

FABLES.

'25

THE LAMB BROUGHT UP BY A GOAT.

A Wolf, prowling about for his prey, espied a
Lamb sucking a Goat. You silly creature ! says
he, you quite mistake; this is not your mother; she
is yonder among a flock of sheep; do allow me to
conduct you to her. Xo, no, replies the Lamb, the
mother that bore me may indeed be yonder; but
when she dropped me, she shewed no further care,
but left me unprovided for, to shift for myself, re-
gardless of what might become of me; and had it
not been for the kindness of this honest Goat, who
took compassion upon my helplessness, I must have
suffered all the miseries to which inexperienced
youth and innocence are exposed, when left with-
out a guide to the mercy of the world.

120 FABLES.

APPLICATION.

THIS Fable is levelled at those parents, too often
met with in society, who, through negligence or
ignorance of their duty, suffer their offspring to
grow up to maturity, without instilling into their
minds a single good principle of morality, or a
reverence for religion, to guide them through life,
and to guard them from falling into the snares of
every Wolf who may seek their destruction.
Others again, more abandoned indeed, and callous
to the tender ties of nature, bring forth an offspring
whom they neither cherish nor provide for. Such a
description of persons are not fit to become parents,
and they must not be surprized, if their want of
parental affection produce a corresponding Avant of
filial attachment and respect : for the duties be-
tween parents and children are reciprocal. It is
the goodness of parents which chiefly entitles them
to the respect due to that name; and it is a para-
mount duty of children to honour, obey, and revere
such parents as fulfil the obligations which the laws
of God and nature impose upon those who bring
children into the world.

FABLES.

'-7

THE HEN AND THE SWALLOW.

A Hen, having" found a nest of Serpent's eggs in
a dung-hill, immediately, with a fostering care, sat
upon them, with a design to hatch them. A Swal-
low observing this, flew towards her, and with
great earnestness forewarned her of her danger.
What! said she, are you mad, to bring forth a
brood of such pernicious creatures? Be assured,
the instant they are warmed into life, you are the
first they will attack and wreak their venomous
spite upon; but 'the Hen persisted in her folly, and
the end verified the Swallow's prediction.

APPLICATION.

IT is too often the hard fortune of many a kind
good-natured man in the world to breed up a bird
to pick out his own eyes, in despite of all cautions

128 FABLES.

to the contrary; but they who want foresight
should hearken to the council of 'the wise, as this
might have the effect of preventing their spending
much time and good offices on the undeserving,
perhaps to the utter ruin of themselves. It is the
duty of all men to act fairly, openly, and honestly,
in all their transactions in life; to do justice to all;
but to consider well the character of those on whom
they would confer favours: for gratitude is one of
the rarest as well as the greatest of virtues. The
Fable is intended to shew that we should never
have any dealings with bad men, even to do them
kindnesses. Men of evil principles are a genera-
tion of vipers, that ought to be crushed ; and every
rogue should be looked upon by honest men as a
venomous serpent. The man who is occasionally,
or by accident, one's enemy, may be mollified by
kindness, and reclaimed by good usage: such a
behaviour both reason and morality expect from
us : but we should ever resolve, if not to suppress,
at least to have no connexion with those whose
blood is tinctured with hereditary, habitual villainy,,
and their nature leavened with evil, to such a de-
gree as to be incapable of a reformation.

FABLES.

I2Q

THE ENVIOUS MAN AND THE COVETOUS.

Ax Envious Man happened to be offering up his
prayers to Jupiter, at the same time and in the
same place with a covetous miserable Fellow.
Jupiter sent Apollo to examine the merits of their
petitions, and to give them such relief as he should
think proper. Apollo therefore opened his com-
mission, and told them, that to make short of the
matter, whatever the one asked, the other should
have doubled. Upon this, the Covetous Man, who
had a thousand things to request, forebore to ask
first, hoping to receive a double quantity; for he
concluded that all men's wishes sympathized with
his own. By this means, the Envious Man had the
opportunity of giving vent to his malignity, and of
preferring his petition first, which was what he
aimed at; so without hesitation he prayed to have

VOL. iv. s

130

FABLES.

one of his eyes put out, knowing that of conse-
quence his companion would be deprived of both.

APPLICATION.

THIS Fable is levelled at two of the most odious
passions \vhich degrade the mind of man. In the
extremes of their unsocial views, envy places its
happiness in the misery and the misfortunes of
others, and pines and sickens at their joy; and
avarice, unblest amidst its stores, is never satisfied
unless it can get all to itself, although its insatiable
cravings are at once unaccountable, miserable, and
absurd.

FABLES.

THE PORCUPINE AND THE SNAKES.

A Porcupine, wanting a shelter for himself,
begged a nest of Snakes to give him admittance
into their snug cave. They were prevailed upon,
and let him in accordingly ; but were so annoyed
with his sharp prickly quills, that they soon re-
pented of their easy compliance, and intreated the
Porcupine to withdraw, and leave, them their hole
to themselves. No, said he, let them quit the place
that don't like it ; for my part, I am well enough
satisfied as I am.

APPLICATION.

THIS Fable points out the danger of entering
into any degree of friendship, alliance, or partner-
ship with any person whatever, before we have
thoroughly considered his nature and qualities, his

132 FABLES.

circumstances, and his humour; and also the neces-
sity of examining our own temper and disposition,,
to discover, if we can, ho\v far these may accord
with the genius of those with whom we are about
to form a connection; otherwise our associations, of
whatever kind they be, may prove the greatest
plague of our life. Young people, who are warm
in all their passions, and suffer them, like a veil, to
hoodwink their reason, often throw open their arms
at once, and admit into the greatest intimacy per-
sons whom they know little of, but by false and
uncertain lights, and thus, perhaps, take a Porcu-
pine into their bosom, instead of an inmate who-
might sooth the cares of life, as an amiable consort,
or a valuable friend.

FABLES.

133

THE SOW AND THE WOLF.

A Sow that had just farrowed, and lay in her sty
with her whole litter of Pigs, was visited by a
Wolf, who secretly longed to make a_meal of one
of them, but knew not how to come at it. So,
under the pretence of a friendly visit, he gave her
a call, and endeavoured to insinuate himself into
her good graces by his apparently kind enquiries
after the welfare of herself and her young family.
Can I be of any service to you, Mrs Sow r said he :
if I can, it shall not on my part be wanting; and if
you have a mind to go abroad for a little fresh air,
you may depend upon my taking as much care of
your young family as you could do yourself. No, I
thank you, Mr Wolf, I thoroughly understand your
meaning, and the greatest favour you can do to me
and my Pigs, is to keep your distance.

134 FABLES.

APPLICATION.

WHEN an entire stranger, or any one of whom
we have no reason to entertain a good opinion,
obtrudes upon us an offer of his services, we ought
to look to our own safety, and shew a shyness and
coldness towards him. But there are also many
men with whom it is dangerous to have the least
connection, and with whom any commerce or
correspondence will certainly be to our detriment.
From these we should, therefore, resolve not to
accept even favours, but carefully avoid being
under any obligation to them : for in the end, their
apparent kindness will shew itself to be a real
injury ; and there is no method of guarding so
effectually against such people, as that of entirely
avoiding their society, or shutting our doors against
them, as we would do against a thief.

FABLES.

THE FROGS AND THEIR KING.

IN antient times, the nation of Frogs lived an
easy free life among their lakes and ponds; but at
length grew dissatisfied with such a continuance of
undisturbed tranquillity, and petitioned Jupiter for
a king. Jupiter smiled at their folly, and threw
them down a log of wood, and with a thundering
voice said, "there is a king for you." With this,
and the sudden splash it made in the water, they
were at first quite panic-struck, and for some time
durst not put their heads up; but by degrees they
ventured to take a peep, and at length even to leap
upon the log. Not being pleased with so tame and
insipid a king, they again petitioned Jupiter for
another, who would exert more authority. Jupiter,
disgusted at their importunate folly, sent them a
Stork for their king, who, without ceremony, eat

136 FABLES.

them up whenever his craving appetite required a
supply.

APPLICATION.

THIS Fable is said to have been spoken by ^Esop
to the Athenians, who had flourished under their
commonwealth, and lived under good and whole-
some laws of their own enacting, until, in process
of time, they suffered their liberty to run into licen-
tiousness; and factious designing men fomented
divisions, and raised animosities among them.
When thus rendered weak, Pisistratus took the
advantage, and seized upon their citadel and liber-
ties both together. The Athenians finding them-
selves in a state of slavery, though their tyrant
happened to be a merciful one, could not bear the
thoughts of it; but ^Esop in reciting the Fable to
them, prescribes patience where there was no other
remedy, and adds, at last, "Wherefore, my dear
countrymen, be contented with your present con-
dition, bad as it is, for fear a change should make
it worse."

FABLES.

137

THE OLD WOMAN AND THE EMPTY
CASK.

AN Old Wpman, seeing a Wine Cask, which had
been emptied of its contents, but the very lees of
which still perfumed the air with a grateful cordial
scent, applied her nose to the bunghole, and snuff-
ing very heartily for some time, at last broke out
into this exclamation: O delicious smell! How
good! how charming must you have been once,
when your very dregs are so agreeable and re-
freshing !

APPLICATION.

PtLEDRUS was an old man when he wrote his
Fables, and this he applies to himself; intimating
what we ought to judge of his youth, when his old
age was capable of such productions. It is at once

VOL. IV. T

138 FABLES.

a pleasing and melancholy idea that is given us by
the intercourse with elderly persons, whose conver-
sation is relishing and agreeable, and we cannot
help concluding that they must have been very
engaging in the prime of life, when in their decline
they are still capable of yielding us so much plea-
sure. Nor can we help feeling regret, that this
fountain of delight is now almost dried up, and
going to forsake us for ever. On the contrary,
when people have neglected to cultivate their minds
in youth, their whole deportment through life is
marked with the effects of this great want, and
their ol<i age is burthensome to themselves, and
their conversation insipid to others ; and like liquor
of a thin body, and vile quality, soon becomes sour,
vapid, or good for nothing.

FABLES.

139

JUPITER AND THE CAMEL.

THE Camel presented. a petition to Jupiter, com-
plaining of the hardships of his case, in not having,
like bulls and other creatures, horns, or any weapon
of defence to protect himself from the attacks of his
enemies; and praying that relief might be granted
him in such manner as should be thought most ex-
pedient. Jupiter could not help smiling at his
impertinent address ; but, however, rejected the
petition, and told him, that so far from granting
his unreasonable request, he would take care that
henceforward his ears should be shortened, as a
punishment for his presumptuous importunity.

APPLICATION.

THE nature of things is so fixed in every par-
ticular, that they are very weak, superstitious

140 FABLES.

people, who think that it can be altered. But
besides the impossibility of producing a change by
foolish importunities, they who employ much of
their time in that way, instead of getting, are sure
to lose in the end. When any man is so silly 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, \vho punish our own importunity, in
soliciting for impossibilities, with a sharp corroding
care, which abridges us of some part of that little
pleasure which Heaven has cast into our lot.

Happy the man without a wish for more,
Who quietly enjoys his little store,
And knows to heaven, with gratitude to pay
Thanks for what's given, and what is ta'en away.

FABLES.

THE STAG AND THE FAWN.

A Stag, grown old and mischievous, was, ac-
cording to custom, stamping with his' foot, making
threatening motions with his head, and bellowing
so terribly, that the whole herd quaked for fear of
him ; when one of the little Eawns 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 defend myself
against all attacks, and often resolve with myself,
that nothing shall ever dismay my courage for the
future; but, alas! I no sooner hear the voice of the
hounds, than all my spirits fail, and I cannot help
making off as fast as my legs can carry me.

142 FABLES.

APPLICATION.

Trv what we can, do what we will.
Vet nature will be nature still.

THE predominance of nature will generally shew
itself through all the disguises which artful men
endeavour to throw over it. Cowardice particularly
gives us but the more suspicion of its existence,
when it would conceal itself under an affected fierce-
ness, 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 shew 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 truly ridi-
culous.

*

FABLES.

143

THE FIR AND THE BRAMBLE.

A tall Fir, that stood towering- up in the forest,
was so proud of his dignity and high' station, that
he looked with disdain upon the little shrubs that
grew beneath him. A lowly Bramble had often
been made to feel the insults and gloomy frowns of
his lofty neighbour, who, on the slightest rufflings
of the winds, shook his extended arms over the
humble shrub, and upbraided him with his con-
temptible situation. As for me, said the Fir, I am
the first in the forest for beauty and rank: my top
shoots up into the clouds, and my branches display
a perpetual verdure, whilst you lie grovelling upon
the ground, and could not live \vere I to leave off
sprinkling you with the drops from my extremities.
At this the Bramble set up his prickles, and re-
plied, that his haughtiness arose from pride and
ignorance ; for He that made thee a lofty tree,

144 FABLES.

could, with equal ease, have made thee an humble
Bramble; and high as thou art, a puff of His
breath, in the message of a north wind, can rob
thee of thy verdure, or lay thee low; and further, I
pray thee tell me, when the woodman comes with
his axe to fell timber, whether thou wouldst not
rather be a Bramble than a Fir?

APPLICATION.

PRIDE, which was implanted in the human breast
for wise purposes, should carefully be directed
aright. It was intended only to exalt the minds of
all ranks and conditions of men, to that pitch, which
will make them spurn at, and despise the doing of
a mean or dishonourable action ; and it is only
misapplied, when it puffs up those whom fortune
has placed in high stations, or overloaded with
riches, and tempts them to look down with derision
on those below them. The higher a man is exalted
in life, but especially if he have risen by dishonour-
able means, the more unlikely it is that he will
escape a storm, or the mischiefs to which he may
be exposed in his public capacity, in any convulsion
that may befal his country. When public justice
overtakes him, and he finds the day of reckoning
near at hand, the honest monitor* within will put
him in mind of his true situation, and he will then
be enabled to make a just comparison between his
own lofty station, and that of the poor, but honest,,
man.

FABLES.

145

THE BEES, THE DRONES, AND THE
WASP.

A number of Drones, who had long lived at their
ease in a hive of Bees, without contributing by their
labour to make any honey, at length began to dis-
pute the right of the Bees, and insisted that both
the honey and the combs were their property. The
Bees, after much altercation, at last offered to leave
the dispute to reference, and this being assented to
by the Drones, the Wasp was chosen umpire.
Accordingly, he began by declaring, that as both
parties, he hoped, were his friends, and he wished
them well, he would instantly proceed upon the in-
vestigation. I must own, says he, that the point is
somewhat dubious, for I have often seen you both
in the same hive, and excepting that the Drones
are of a more portly size and appearance, you are

VOL. IV. U

146 FABLES.

all otherwise nearly alike in person; but as I have
not been able to see who worked, and who did not,
I know of no mode in which I shall be enabled to
judg'e so correctly, as by setting" each party to work
at the making of the honey. Therefore, addressing
himself to the Bees, you take one hive; and you,
speaking to the Drones, will be so good as to take
another, and both go to work to make honey as
fast as you can. The Bees readily accepted the
proposal: but the Drones hung back, and would
not agree to it. So, so! says Judge Wasp, I see
clearly how the matter stands; and without further
ceremony, declared in favour of the Bees.

APPLICATION.

THE surest method of detecting ignorance and
inability, is to put arrogant pretenders to the test,
and appreciate their claims by a fair trial ; and
when those who assume the merit due to works of
ingenuity, refuse to prove their title by a display of
their talents, we may well conclude that their pre-
tensions are unfounded, and that they are mere
impostors. When men, who are at the head of
national affairs, will not be at the pains to find out
merit (for men of that character are too modest to
obtrude themselves; they will be surrounded by a
swarm of idle, impudent, good-for-nothing drones ;
and these too often succeed in obtaining those
benefits which should be the reward of men of
parts, integrity, and industry.

FABLES.

THE FROG AND THE FOX.

A Frog leaping out of the lake, and taking the
advantage of a rising ground, made a 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 dis-
course, with the aid of some 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, howr he could have the impudence, with
those thin lanthorn jaws, that meagre pale phiz,
and blotched spotted body, to pretend to cure the
infirmities of others ?

APPLICATION.

A sickly and infirm look is as disadvantageous in
a physician, as a rakish one in a clergyman, or a

148 FABLES.

sheepish one in a soldier. We should not set up
for correctors of the faults of others, whilst we
labour under the same ourselves. Good advice
ought always to be followed, without our being1 pre-
judiced 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 we ourselves are afflicted.
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 weaknesses have 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 censuring crimes, of which
none were suspected more than themselves : but let
such silly hypocrites remember, that they wrhose
eyes want couching, are the most improper people
in the \vorld to set up for oculists.

FABLES.

149

THE CAT AND THE MICE.

A certain house being much infested with Mice,
a Cat was at length procured, who very diligently
hunted after them, and killed great numbers every
night. The Mice, being exceedingly^ alarmed at
this destruction among their family, consulted to-
gether upon what was best to be done for their
preservation against so terrible and cruel an enemy.
After some debate, they came to the resolution,
that no one should, in future, descend below the
uppermost shelf. The Cat, observing their ex-
treme caution, endeavoured to draw them down to
their old haunts by stratagem, for which purpose,
she suspended herself by her hinder legs upon a
peg in the pantry, and hoped by this trick to lull
their suspicions, and to entice them to venture
within her reach. She had not long been in this
posture, before a cunning old Mouse peeped over

150 FABLES.

the edge of the shelf, and squeaked out thus: Aha!
Airs. Puss, are you there then: There may you be;
but I would not trust myself with you, though your
skin were stuffed with straw.

APPLICATION.

\VK cannot be too much upon our guard against
fraud and imposition of every kind; and prudence
in many cases would rather .counsel us to forego
some advantages, than endeavour to gain them at
a risk of which we cannot certainly ascertain the
amount. We should more particularly suspect
some design in the professions of those who have
once injured us ; and though they may promise
fairly for the future, it is no breach of charity to
doubt their sincerity, and decline their proposals,
however plausible they may appear; for experience
shews that many of the misfortunes which we ex-
perience through life, are caused by our own too
great credulity.

FABLES.

THE OAK AND THE REED.

Ax 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
up an Oak by the roots? Why, says the Reed, I
secure myself by a conduct the reverse of yours :
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

152 FABLES.

base and dishonourable thing, yet to resist wrhere
there is no probability, or even hope of getting the
better, may also be looked upon as the effect of a
blind temerity, and perhaps of a weak under-
standing. The strokes of fortune are oftentimes
as irresistible as they are severe, and he who with
an impatient spirit fights against her, instead of
alleviating, does but double the blows upon him-
self. A person of a quiet still temper, whether it
be 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 detri-
ment,— like a prudent experienced sailor, who in
swimming to the shore from a wrecked vessel, in a
swelling sea, 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 dog-
matical 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 of life.

FABLES.

FORTUNE AND THE BOY.

A School Boy, fatigued with play, laid himself
down by the brink of a deep well, where he fell fast
asleep. Fortune, whose wheel is always in motion,
passing by, kindly gave him a tap on the head, and
awoke him. My good boy, said she, arise and
depart from this dangerous situation immediately;
for if you had tumbled into this well, and been
drowned, your friends would not have attributed
the accident to your carelessness, but would have
laid the whole blame upon me.

APPLICATION.

MANKIND suffer more evils from their own im-
prudence, than from events which it is not in their
power to control; but they are ever ready to com-
plain of the perverseness of chance, and the

VOL. IV. X

151. FABLES.

capriciousness of fortune, and to impute the blame
to her for whatever mischiefs may befal them, when
these clearly arise from their own misconduct.
Few men pass through life without having had
reason at one time or another to thank Fortune for
her favours ; and great is the number of those who
have, through their own folly, indolence, or inatten-
tion, neglected to profit by her kindness. Prudent
people take every care not to put themselves in the
power of accidents; but those who carelessly give
up all their concerns to the guidance of blind
chance, must not be surprised if by some of the
revolutions of Fortune's wheel, they feel the punish-
ment due to their negligence and folly.

^°lfD%,

FABLES.

ISS

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 who should perform
the operation with success. At last, the Crane
undertook the business, ventured his long neck into
the rapacious felon's throat, plucked out the bone,
and asked for the promised reward. 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 !

156 FABLES.

APPLICATION.

Who serves a villain, might as wisely free
The hardened murderer from the fatal tree.

THERE are people in the Avorld to whom it may
be wrong to do services, upon a double score : first,
because they never deserve to have a good office
done them; and secondly, because when once en-
gaged, it is so hard a matter to get well rid of their
acquaintance. 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 be no sufferer in the end.

FABLES.

157

THE HART AND THE VINE.

A Hart being closely pursued by the Hunters,
concealed himself under the broad leaves of a shady
Vine. When the Hunters were gone by, and had
given him over for lost, he thinking himself very
secure, began to crop and eat the leaves of his
shelter. By this the branches being put into a
rustling motion, drew the attention of some of the
Hunters that way, who seeing the Vine stir, and
fancying some wild beast had taken covert there,
shot their arrows at a venture, and killed the Deer.
Before he expired, he uttered his dying words to
this purpose: "Ah!" says he, "I suffer justly for
my ingratitude; because I could not forbear doing
an injury to the Vine, which so kindly concealed
me in time of danger."

158 FABLES.

APPLICATION.

THERE is no maxim which deserves more fre-
quent repetition, and if the heart be capable of
amendment by precept and admonition, no virtue
should be more strongly enforced and recommended
than gratitude. Where sentiments of this kind are
wanting, our natures soon become debased, and our
minds depraved. Ingratitude has ever been justly
branded as the blackest of crimes, and, as it were,
comprehending all other vices within it. Nor can
we say that this opinion is too severe : for if a man
be capable of injuring his benefactor, what will he
scruple doing towards another ? We may fairly
conclude that he who is guilty of ingratitude, will
not hesitate at any other crime of an inferior
nature. Since there are no human laws to punish
this infamous prevailing vice, it would only be
doing an act of justice, and supplying the wrant, to
point out criminals of this description to the repro-
bation of mankind, that men of worth might avoid
all intercourse and communication with them.
The ingrate should also bear in mind, that he strips
himself of the protection which might have been
afforded by his friends, and exposes himself to the
shafts of his enemies, who will not fail to take
advantage of the defenceless state to which his
folly and depravity have reduced him.

FABLES.

159

THE HUNTED BEAVER.

A Beaver, having strayed far from his dwelling,
(which it is well known these animals construct
with infinite sagacity) was closely pursued by the
hunters, and knowing that he was thus persecuted
for the sake of the castor, which is Contained in
two little bags placed underneath and near the tail,
he, with great resolution and presence of mind, bit
them off with his teeth, and leaving them behind
him, thus escaped with his life.

APPLICATION.

IT is in vain for individuals to contend against
an overwhelming power, and an ineffectual resist-
ance to violence only tends to double our sufferings.
When life is pursued, and in danger, whoever

i6o

FABLES.

values it should give up every thing but his honour
to preserve it; and there can be no disgrace in
yielding voluntarily to our persecutors, when we
are certain that resistance is in vain : but this doc-
trine can seldom be applied to the case of a whole
nation, for when tyranny and rapine are making
their wicked strides over a country (as has some-
times happened even in Europe) the people would
seldom, fail to rid themselves of their oppressors, if
they resolved to rise as one man, and bravely op-
pose them.

FABLES.

161

THE ASS AND THE LION HUNTING.

THE Lion, having thinned the forest of great
numbers of the beasts upon which he preyed, and
so scared and intimidated the rest, that he found it
very difficult to get hold of any more of them, be-
thought himself of a new expedient to obtain more
readily a fresh supply. He invited the Ass to assist
him in his plan, and gave him instructions how to
act. Go, said the Lion, and hide thyself in yonder
thicket, and then let me hear thee bray in the most
frightful manner thou possibly canst. The strata-
gem took effect accordingly. The Ass brayed
most hideously, and the timorous beasts, not know-
ing what to think of it, began to scour off as fast as
they could; when the Lion, who was posted at a
proper avenue, seized and killed them as he pleased.
Having got his belly full, he called out to the Ass,
and bade him leave off, telling him he had done

VOL. IV. Y

1 62 FABLES.

enough. Upon this, the long-eared brute came out
of his ambush, and approaching the Lion, asked
him,- with an air of conceit, how he liked his per-
formance? Prodigiously! says he, you did it so
well, that I protest had I not known your nature
and temper, I might have been frightened myself.

APPLICATION.

A bragging cowardly fellow may impose upon
people that do not know him; but is the greatest
jest imaginable to those who do. There are many
men who appear very terrible and big in their
manner of expressing themselves, and if you could
be persuaded to take their own word for it, are per-
fect Lions; but if we take the pains to enquire a
little into their true nature, are as arrant Asses as
ever brayed.

FABLKS.

THE SOW AND THE BITCH.

A Sow and a Bitch happening to meet, a debate
arose between them concerning their fruitfulness.
The Bitch insisted upon it, that she brought forth
more at a litter, and oftener, than any other four-
legged creature. Nay, said the Sow, you do not
do so, for others are as prolific as you ; and besides,
you are always in such a hurry, that you bring your
puppies into the world blind.

APPLICATION.

IT is no wonder that our productions should come
into the world blind or lame, or otherwise defective,
when by forced or unnatural methods we accelerate
their birth, and impatiently refuse to let them
go their full time. Then it is that the excellent

164

FABLES.

proverb of the more haste the worse speed, is felt
and fully verified. This Fable has been pointed at
those authors, whose itch for scribbling has been an
annoyance to the world, rather than of any real use
to it; and who have been proud of, and boasted of
the numerous but flimsy productions of their vain
and shallow brains. It is proper to put such people
in mind, that it is not he wrho does the most, but he
who does the best, that will meet the approbation
of mankind.

FABLES.

165

THE SATYR AND THE TRAVELLER.

A Satyr, as he was ranging the forest in an ex-
ceedingly 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 cave he had in the hollow of a rock.
As soon as they had entered and sat down, not-
withstanding there was a good fire in the place,
the chilly Traveller could not forbear blowing his
fingers. Upon the Satyr 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 that was master of so valuable a
quality as that of blowing heat; and therefore re-
solved to entertain him in the best manner he
could. He spread the table with dried fruits of
several sorts, and produced a remnant of old cordial
wine, Avhich he mulled with some warm spices over

1 66 FABLES.

the fire, and presented to his shivering guest. But
this the Traveller thought fit to blow upon likewise;
and when the Satyr demanded a reason why he did
so, 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 shoulders, he thrust him out of the place,
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 breath.

APPLICATION.

NOTHING can be more offensive to a man of a
sincere honest heart, than he who blo\vs with dif-
ferent breaths from the same mouth: who flatters
a man to his face, and reviles him behind his back.
Such double-dealing false friends ought and will
always be considered as unworthy of being treated
otherwise than as worthless and disagreeable per-
sons : for 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. It is unfortunately too
common with persons of this cast of character, in
the exalted stations of life, to serve a present view,
or perhaps only the caprice or whim of the moment,
to blow nothing but what is warm, benevolent, and
cherishing, to raise up the expectations of a de-
pendent to the highest degree; and when they sus-
pect he may prove troublesome, they then, by a
sudden cold forbidding air, easily blast all his hopes
and expectations : but such a temper, whether it
proceed from a designed or natural levity, is de-
testable, and has been the cause of much trouble
and mortification to many a brave deserving man,

FABLKS.

I67

THE FOX AND THE GRAPHS.

A hungry Fox coming" into a vineyard where
there hung delicious clusters of ripe Grapes, his
mouth watered to be at them : but they were nailed
up to a trellis so high, that with all his springing
and leaping he could not reach a single bunch. At
last, growing tired and disappointed, Let who will
take them! says he, they are but green and sour;
so I'll e'en let them alone.

APPLICATION.

To affect to despise that which they have long
ineffectually laboured to obtain, is the only conso-
lation to which weak minds can have recourse, both
to palliate their inability, and to take off the bitter-
ness of disappointment. There is a strange pro-
pensity in mankind to this temper, and there is a

1 68 FABLES.

numerous class 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 they cannot obtain. The
discarded statesman, considering the corruption of
the times, would not have any hand in the adminis-
tration of affairs for the world ! The needy adven-
turer, and pretended patriot, would fain persuade
all who will listen to them, that they would not go
cringing and creeping into a drawing-room, for the
best place the king has in his disposal ! Worthless
young fellows, who find that their addresses to vir-
tue and beauty are rejected; and poor rogues, who
laugh to scorn the rich and great, are all alike in
saying, like sly Reynard, the Grapes are sour!

FABLES.

i6g

THE MISCHIEVOUS DOG.

A certain man had a Dog which was so ferocious
and surly, that he was compelled to fasten a heavy
clog to his collar, to keep him from running at and
indiscriminately seizing upon every .animal that
came in his way. This the vain Cur took for a
badge of honourable distinction, and grew so inso-
lent 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 as a badge of disgrace,
not of honour.

APPLICATION.

THE only true way of estimating the value of
tokens of distinction, is to reflect on what account
VOL. iv. z

1 7o

FABLES.

they were conferred. Those which have been
acquired for virtuous actions, will be regarded as
illustrious signs of dignity; but if they have been
bestowed upon the worthless and base, as the
reward of vice or corruption, all the stars and gar-
ters, and collars of an illustrious order, — all the
tinsel glories in which such creatures may strut
about in fancied superiority, will not mask them
from the sight of men of discernment, wrho will
always consider the means by which their honours
have been obtained, and truly estimate them as
badges of abasement and disgrace.

05'

FABLES.

171

THE BULL AND THE GOAT.

A Bull being pursued by a Lion, fled towards a
cave, in which he designed to secure himself; but
was opposed at the entrance by a Goat, who had
got possession before him, and, threatening a kind
of defiance with his horns, seemed resolved to
dispute the pass. The Bull, who thought he had
no time to lose in a contest of this nature, im-
mediately made off; but told the Goat, that it was
not for fear of him or his defiances : for, says he, if
the Lion were not so near, I would soon teach you
the difference between a Bull and a Goat.

APPLICATION.

O'er matched, unaided, and his foes at hand,
Safely the coward may the brave withstand ;
But think not, dastard, thus thy glories shine —
He fears a greater force, but scoffs at thine.

172 FABLES.

IT is very inhuman to deny succour and comfort
to people in tribulation ; but to insult them, and
add to their misfortunes, is something superlatively
brutish and cruel. There is, however, in the world;
a sort of people of this vile temper, and littleness
of mind, who wait for an opportunity of aggravating
their neighbour's affliction, and defer the execution
of their evil inclinations until they can do it with
the severest effect. If a person suffer under an
expensive law-suit, lest he should escape from that,
one of these gentlemen will take care to arrest him
in a second action, hoping, at least, to keep him at
bay, while the more powerful adversary attacks
him on the other side. One cannot consider this
temper, without observing something remarkably
cowardly in it: for these shuffling antagonists never
begin their encounter till they are very sure the
person they aim at is already over-matched.

KAHLES.

173

THE FISHERMAN.

A certain fisherman having laid his nets in the
river, and placed them across the whole stream
from one side to the other, took a long pole, and
fell to beating the water to make the fish strike into
his nets. One of his neighbours seeing him do so,
wondered what he meant, and going up to him,
Friend, says he, what are you doing here? Do you
think it is to be suffered that you shall stand
splashing and dashing the water, and making it so
muddy, that it is not fit for user Who do you
think can live at this rate? He was going on in
a great fury, when the other interrupted him, and
replied, I do not much trouble myself how you
are to live with my doing this ; but I assure you
I cannot live without it.

174 FABLES.

APPLICATION.

THIS Fable is levelled at those who love to
" fish in troubled waters," and whose execrable
principles are such, that they care not what mis-
chief or what confusion they occasion in the world,
provided they can obtain their ends, or even gratify
some little selfish appetite. Little villains would
set fire to a town, provided they could rake some-
thing" of value to themselves out of its ashes ; or
kindle the flames of discord among friends and
neighbours, purely to gratify their own malicious
temper; and among the great ones there are those
who, to succeed in their ambitious designs, will
make no scruple of involving their country in
divisions and animosities at home, and sometimes
in war and bloodshed abroad : provided they do
but maintain themselves in powe'r, they care not
what havoc and desolation they bring upon the
rest of mankind. Their only reason is, that it
must be so, because they cannot live as they wish
without it. But brutish unsocial sentiments like
these, are such as a mere state of nature would
scarcely suggest; and it is perverting the very end,
and overturning the first principles of society,
when, instead of contributing to the welfare of
mankind, in return for the benefits we receive from
them, we thrive by their misfortunes, or subsist by
their ruin. Those, therefore, who have the happi-
ness of mankind at heart, (for happiness and
morality are inseparably connected) should enter
their protest against such wicked selfish notions,
and oppose them with all their might; at the same
time shunning the society of their possessors as a
plague, and consigning their characters to the
detestation of posterity.

175

THE FOX AND THE BOAR.

THE Fox, in traversing the forest, observed a
Boar rubbing his tusks against a tree. Why, how
now, said the Eox, why make those martial pre-
parations of whetting the teeth, since there is no
enemy near that I can perceive? That may be,
said the Boar; but you ought to know, Master
Reynard, that we should scour up our arms while
we have leisure: for in time of danger we shall
have something else to do; and it is a good thing
always to be prepared against the worst that can
happen.

APPLICATION.

ALL business that is necessary to be done should
be done betimes: for there is as little trouble in
doing it in season as out of season; and he that is

176 FABLES.

always ready can never be taken by surprize.
Wise, just, and vigilant governments know that
they cannot be safe in peace, unless they are
always prepared for war, and are ready to meet the
worst that can happen. When they become cor-
rupt, or supine, and off their guard, they thereby
invite and expose their country to the sudden
attacks of its enemies. In private life, many evils
and calamities befal those who make no provision
against unforeseen or untoward accidents, which
the prudent man prevents by looking forward to
probable contingencies, and having a reserve of
every thing necessary before-hand, — that he may
not be put into hurry and confusion, nor thrown
into dilemmas and difficulties, when the time comes
that he may have to encounter them. It cannot be
too strongly impressed upon the minds of all men,
that day by day they are approaching towards old
age, and that they should honourably endeavour to
provide a store of conveniences against that time,
when they will be most in want of them, and least
able to procure them. To reflect properly upon
this, will give them pleasure instead of pain; and
they will not die a day sooner for being always
ready for that certain event : to do otherwise is act-
ing like weak-minded men, who delay making their
wills, and properly settling their worldly affairs,
because to them it looks so like the near approach
of death.

FABLES.

177

OESAR AND THE SLAVE.

As Tiberius Caesar was upon a journey to Naples,
he stopped at a house which he had upon the
mountain Misenus. As he was walking in the
gardens attached to the house, one of his domestic
Slaves appeared in the walks, sprinkling the
ground with a watering pot, in order to lay the
dust, and this he did so officiously, and ran with so
much alertness from one walk to another, that
wherever the Emperor went, he still found this
fellow mighty busy with his watering pot. But at
last his design being discovered, which was to
attract the notice of Caesar by his extraordinary
diligence, in the hope that he would make him free,
—part of the ceremony of doing which consisted in
giving the Slave a gentle stroke on one side of his
face, — his imperial Majesty being disposed to be
merry, called the man to him, and when he
came up, full of the joyful expectation of his liberty,

VOL. IV.

2 A

1 78 FABLES.

Hark you, friend, says he, I have observed that you
have been very busy a great while ; but you
were officiously meddling" where you had nothing
to do, where you might have employed your time
better elsewhere ; and therefore I must tell you
that I cannot afford a box on the ear at so low a
price as you bid for it.

APPLICATION.

PH.EDRUS tells us upon his word, that this is a
true story, and that he wrote it for the sake of a set
of industrious idle gentlemen at Rome, who were
harassed and fatigued with a daily succession of
care and trouble, because they had nothing to do.
Always in a hurry, but without business ; busy, but
to no purpose : labouring under a voluntary neces-
sity, and taking abundance of pains to shew they
were good for nothing. But what great town or
city is so entirely free of this sect, as to render the
moral of this Fable useless any where? For it
points at all those officious good-natured people,
who are eternally running up and down to serve
their friends, without doing them any good; who,
by a complaisance wrong judged or ill applied,
displease, whilst they endeavour to oblige, and are
never doing less to the purpose than when they are
most employed. In a word, this Fable is designed
for the reformation of all those who endeavour to
gain for themselves benefits and applause, from a
misapplied industry. It is not our being busy and
officious that wrill procure us the esteem of men of
sense; but the application of our actions to some
noble useful purpose, and for the general good of
mankind.

FABLES.

79

THE FROGS AND THE FIGHTING BULLS.

A Frog, one day peeping out of the lake, and
looking about him, saw two Bulls fighting at some
distance off in the meadow, and calling to his
associates, Look, says he, what dreadful work is
yonder: Dear sirs, what will become of us? Tush,
said one of his companions, do not frighten yourself
so about nothing; how can their quarrels affect us?
They are of a different kind, and are at present
only contending which shall be master of the herd.
That is true, replies the first, their quality and
station in life are different from ours; but as one of
them will certainly prove conqueror, he that is
worsted, being- beaten out of the meadow, will take
refuge here in the marshes, and possibly tread some
of us to death : so you see we are more nearly con-
cerned in this dispute of theirs, than you were at
first aware.

l8o FABLES.

APPLICATION.

A wise man, however low his condition in life,
looks forward through the proper and natural
course and connection of causes and effects ; and in
so doing, he fortifies his mind against the worst
that can befal him. It is of no small importance to
the honest and quiet part of mankind, who desire
nothing so much as to see peace and virtue
flourish, to consider well the consequences that
may arise to them out of the quarrels and feuds of
the great, and to endeavour, by every means in
their power, to avoid being in any way drawn in
by their influence to become a party concerned in
their broils and disputes: for no matter in which
wray the strife between the high contending parties
may terminate, those who may have had the mis-
fortune to be concerned with them, ought to think
themselves well off if they do not smart for it
.severely in the end. How often has it happened,
that men in eminent stations, who want to engross
all power into their own hands, begin, under the
mask of patriotism, to foment divisions and form
factions, and excite animosities between well-
meaning, but undiscerning people, without whose
aid in one way or another they could not succeed ;
but who, at. the same time, little think that the
great aim of their leaders is nothing more than the
advancement of their own private interest, or
ambitious ends. The good of the public is always
pretended upon such occasions, and may some-
times happen to be tacked to their own ; but then
it is purely accidental, and never was originally
intended.

FABLES.

181

THE OLD HOUND.

Ax Old Hound, who had excelled in his time,
and given his master great satisfaction in many a
chase, at last, through age, 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 the haunch; but his decayed and
broken teeth not being able to keep their hold, the
Deer escaped; upon which, his Master fell into a
great passion, and began to whip him severely.
The honest old creature is said to have barked out
this apology: Ah! do not thus 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 displease you, pray do not forget what I have
been!

1 82 FABLES.

APPLICATION.

O let not those, whom honest servants bless.
With cruel hands their age infirm oppress;
Forget their service past, their former truth,
And all the cares and labours of their youth.

THIS P^able is intended to reprove the ingratitude
too common among mankind, which leaves the
faithful servant to want and wretchedness, after he
has spent the prime of his life in our service fora
bare subsistence. Where shivery is allowed, the
laws compel the master to provide for the worn-out
slave; and where there is no law to enforce the
debt of gratitude, none but those who are insensible
to all the finer feelings of humanity wrill neglect it.
Those who forget past services, and treat their
faithful servants or friends unkindly or injuriously,
when they are no longer of use to them, however
high their pride, are unworthy of the name of gen-
tleman. They are, indeed, commonly of an upstart
breed, with whom the failure of human nature
itself is imputed as a crime; and servants and de-
pendents, instead of being considered their fellow-
men, are treated like brutes for not being more than
men. The imprudence of this conduct is equal to
its wickedness, inasmuch as it directly tends to
extinguish the honest desire to please and to act
faithfully, in the younger servants, when they
see that worn-out merit thus goes unrewarded.
Humanity and gratitude are the greatest orna-
ments of the human mind, and when they are
extinguished, every generous and noble sentiment
perishes along with them.

FABLES.

1*3

THE TWO BITCHES.

A Bitch, who was just ready to whelp, intreated
another to lend her her kennel only till her month
was up, and assured her that then she should have
it again. The other very readily consented, and
with a great deal of civility, resigned it to her im-
mediately. However, when the time was elapsed,
she came and made her a visit, and very modestly
intimated, that now she was up and well, she hoped
she should see her abroad again ; for that, really, it
would be inconvenient for her to be without her
kennel any longer, and therefore, she told her, she
must be so free as to desire her to provide herself
with other lodgings as soon as she could. The
lying-in Bitch replied, that truly she was ashamed
of having kept her so long out of her own house ;
but it was not upon her own account (for indeed she
was well enough to go any where) so much as that

184 FABLES.

of her puppies, who were yet so weak, that she was
afraid they would not be able to follow her; and, if
she would be so good as to let her stay a fortnight
longer, she would take it as the greatest obligation
in the world. The other Bitch was so good-natured
and compassionate as to comply writh this request
also; but at the expiration of the term, came and
told her positively that she must turn out, for she
could not possibly let her be there a day longer.
Must turn out, says the other ; we will see to that :
for I promise you, unless you can beat me and my
whole litter of whelps, you are never likely to have
any thing more to do here.

APPLICATION.

WISE and good-natured men do not shut their
ears, nor harden their hearts, against the calls of
humanity, and the cries of distress; but how often
are their generous natures imposed upon by the
artifices of the base and worthless ! These fail not
to lay their plans with deep cunning, to work them-
selves into the good graces of the benevolent, and
having accomplished their ends, the return they
often make is abusive language, or the most open
acts of violence. One of the evil and lamentable
consequences arising out of this, is, that worth in
distress suffers by it : for distrust and suspicion take
hold of the minds of men, and the hand of charity
is thus benumbed. This Fable may also serve to
caution us never to let any thing of value go out of
our possession without good security. The man
who means to act prudently, ought never to put
himself in the power of others, or to run any risk of
involving his own family in ruin.

FABLES.

THE HEN AND THE FOX.

A Eox having crept into an out-house, looked up
and down, seeking what he might devour, and at
last spied a Hen perched up so high, that he could
by no means come at her. My dear friend, says he,
how do you do? I heard that you were ill, and
kept within ; at which I was so concerned, that I
could not rest till I came to see you. Pray how is
it with you now: Let me feel your pulse a little;
indeed you do not look well at all. He was run-
ning on after this fulsome manner, when the Hen
answered him from the roost, Truly, friend Reynard,
you are judging rightly, for I never was in more
pain in my life : I must beg your pardon for being
so free as to tell you that I see no company; and
you must excuse me too for not coming down to
you, for, to say the truth, my condition is such, that
I fear I should catch my death by it.

VOL. IV. 2 B

1 86 FABLES.

APPLICATION.

IT is generally the design of hypocritical persons
to delude and impose upon others, with an eye to
derive some benefit to themselves, when they pre-
tend to feel a flattering anxiety for their welfare;
or sometimes they may perhaps, with impertinent
folly, mean no more than merely to mock and be-
fool men who are weak enough to become their
dupes. In both cases they are enemies to truth
and sincerity, which adorn and tend so greatly to
promote the happiness of society, and they ought
to be exposed as such. For although men of pene-
tration see through the pretence, and escape its
dangers, yet the weak, the vain, and the unsus-
picious are put off their guard, and have not dis-
cernment enough to shun the trap so pleasingly
baited. The Fable also furnishes a hint against
hypocritical legacy hunters, whose regard is gener-
ally of the same nature as that of the Fox for the
Hen.

1

FABLES.

I87

THE ASS IN THE LION'S SKIN.

Ax Ass, while feeding" upon the coarse herbage
by the edge of a wood, found a Lion's skin, and
putting" it on, went in this disguise into the adjoin-
ing forests and pastures, and threw all the flocks
and herds into the greatest consternation and dis-
may. At length, his master, who was in search of
him, made his appearance, and the silly beast, en-
tertaining the idea of frightening him also, capered
forward with a terrific gait towards him; but the
good man seeing his long ears stick out, presently
knew him, and with a stout cudgel made him
sensible, that notwithstanding his being dressed
in a Lion's skin, he was really no more than an
Ass.

1 88 FABLES.

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 be the ridicule which he excites, and
the greater the inconvenience into which he there-
by runs himself. 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 shew himself a man of
courage and intrepidity upon all proper occasions,
they may by this means meet the disgrace they in-
tended to avoid, and appear greater Asses than
they needed to have done. However, it is not in
point of fortitude only that people are liable to ex-
pose themselves, by assuming a character to which
they are not equal; but he who puts on a shew 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.

FABLES.

189

THE CLOWN AND THE GNAT.

As a clownish Fellow was sitting musing upon a
bank, a Gnat alighted upon his leg and bit it. He
slapped his hand upon the place, with the intention
of crushing the assailant; but the little nimble in-
sect escaped between his fingers, and repeated its
attacks. livery time he struck at it, he gave him-
self a smart blow upon the leg, but missed his aim.
At this he became enraged, and in the height of
his peevish and impatient humour, he earnestly
prayed to Hercules, beseeching him with his mighty
power to stretch forth his arm against a pernicious
insect, by which he was so miserably tormented.

APPLICATION.

HE who suffers his mind to be ruffled by every
little inconvenience, subjects himself to perpetual

i go

FABLES.

uneasiness and disquiet. There is no accident,
however trivial, but is capable of disconcerting him,
and he becomes absurdly miserable on the most
foolish occasion. His good humour is soured in an
instant, and he is rendered uncomfortable to him-
self, and odious or ridiculous to all about him. He
prays with earnestness to the Supreme Being to aid
him in all his paltry selfish schemes, or to gratify
vanities, for which, as a rational being, he ought to
blush and be ashamed. The imaginary distresses,
which his unfortunate disposition heightens into
severe calamities, are matter of diversion to those
who are disposed to sneer at him; and when his
pettish humour makes him rave like a madman,
and curse his fate, at the dropping of a hat, or the
blunder of a servant, even his friends must view
his behaviour with a mixed emotion of pity and
contempt.

FABLES.

IQI

THE WOLF AND THE LAMB.

ONE hot sultry day, a Wolf and a Lamb hap-
pened to come just at the same time, to quench
their thirst in the stream of a brook that fell
tumbling down the side of a rocky mountain. The
Wolf stood upon the higher ground, and the Lamb
at some distance below him. However, the Wolf,
having a mind to pick a quarrel with the Lamb,
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 could not be dis-
turbed so far up the stream. Be that as it may,

IQ2 FABLES.

replies the Wolf, you are a rascal, and I have been
told that you used ill language concerning me
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 pur-
pose 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 near to the
Lamb, Sirrah, says he, if it were not you, it was
your father, and that is the same. So he seized the
poor innocent helpless thing, tore it to pieces, and
made a meal of it.

APPLICATION.

Where'er oppression rules, fell Wolves devour;

And the worst crimes are want of strength and pow'r.

THEY who do not feel the sentiments of humanity,
will seldom listen to the voice of reason ; and when
cruelty and injustice are armed with power, and
determined on oppression, the strongest pleas of
innocence are preferred in vain, and nothing is
more easy than finding pretences to criminate the
unsuspecting victims of tyranny. How many of
the degenerate, corrupt, and arbitrary governments
with which the civilized world has been disfigured,
have exercised their vengeance upon the honest
and virtuous, who have dared in bad times to
speak the truth; and how many men in private life
are to be met with, whose wolfish dispositions, and
envious and rapacious tempers cannot bear to see
honest industry rear its head !

FABLES.

193

THE MICE IN COUNCIL.

THE Mice called a general council, and after the
doors were locked, entered into a free consultation
about ways and means how to render themselves
more secure from the danger of the Cat. Many
schemes were proposed, and much debate took
place upon the matter. At last, a young Mouse,
in a fine florid speech, broached an expedient,
which he contended was the only one to put them
entirely out of the power of the enemy, and this
was, that the Cat should wear a bell about her
neck, which, upon the least motion, would give the
alarm, and be a signal for them to retire into their
holes. This speech was received with great ap-
plause, and it was even proposed by some, that
the Mouse who had made it should have the thanks
of the assembly. Upon which, an old Mouse, who
had sat silent hitherto, gravely observed, that the

VOL. IV. 2 C

194 FABLES.

contrivance was admirable, and the author of it,
without doubt, very ingenious; but he thought it
would not be so proper to vote him thanks, till he
should further inform them how the bell was to be
fastened about the Cat's neck, and who would
undertake the task.

APPLICATION.

IT is easy for visionary projectors to devise
schemes, and to descant on their utility, which,
after all, are found to be so impracticable, or so
difficult, that no man of solid judgement can be
prevailed upon to attempt putting them into
execution. In all matters where the good of the
community is at stake, new projects should be
carefully examined in all their bearings, that the
ruinous consequences which might follow them
may be avoided. All business of this import ought
to be left to the decision of such men only as are
distinguished for their good sense, probity, honour,
and patriotism. When these have examined them
in all their different bearings, we may place con-
fidence in their labours, and adopt their plans ; but
the Fable teaches us not to listen to those rash and
ignorant politicians, who are always foisting their
schemes upon the public upon every occurrence of
mal-administration, without looking beneath the
surface, or considering whether they be practicable
or otherwise.

FABLES.

195

THE APE CHOSEN KING.

Ox the death of the old Lion, without his leaving
an heir, the beasts assembled to choose another
King of the forest in his stead. The crown was
tried on many a head, but did not sit easy upon
any one. At length the Ape putting it upon his
own, declared that it fitted him quite well, and
after shewing them many antic tricks, he with a
great deal of grimace, and an affected air of wis-
dom, offered himself to fill the high office. The
silly creatures being pleased with him at the mo-
ment, instantly, by a great majority, proclaimed
him King. The Eox, quite vexed to see his fellow-
subjects act so foolishly, resolved to convince them
of their sorry choice, and knowing of a trap ready
baited at no great distance, he addressed himself to
King Ape, and told him that he had discovered a

196 FABLES.

treasure, which being found on the waste, belonged
to his Majesty. The Ape presently went to take
possession of the prize; but no sooner had he laid
his paws upon the bait, than he was caught fast in
the trap. In this situation, between shame and
anger, he chattered out many bitter reproaches
against the Fox, calling him rebel and traitor, and
threatening revenge : to all which Reynard gravely
replied, that this was nothing but a beginning of
what he would meet with in the high station his
vanity had prompted him to aspire to, as it was
only one of the many traps that would be laid for
him, and in which he would be caught; but he
hoped this one might be a treasure to him, if it
operated as a caution, and served to put him in
mind of the false estimate he had put upon his
abilities, in supposing, that with his inexperienced
empty pate, he could manage the weighty affairs of
state. He then, with a laugh, left him to be re-
lieved from his peril by one or other of his foolish
loving subjects.

APPLICATION.

WHEN Apes are in power, Foxes will never be
wanting to play upon them. Men shew their folly,
rashness, and want of consideration, when they
elect rulers without the qualifications of integrity
and abilities to recommend them to the office; and
the higher it is, the more important it is to the in-
terests of the community that it should be properly
filled. The Fable also shews the weakness of those
who, through self-conceit, aspire to any high sta-
tion without the requisites to befit them for it, and
the want of which exposes authority to scorn.

FABLES.

197

THE OLD MAN AND DEATH.

A poor feeble old Man, who had crawled from his
cottage into a neighbouring wood to gather a few
sticks, had made up his bundle, and laying it over
his shoulders, was trudging homewards; but what
with age, and the length of the way, he grew so
faint and weak, that he sunk under it, and as he sat
upon the ground, called upon Death to come once
for all and ease him of his troubles. Death no
sooner heard him, than he came and demanded
what he wanted? The poor old Creature, who little
thought Death was so near, frightened 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;
and he hoped his worship was not offended with

IQ8 FABLES.

him for the liberty he had taken in craving his
assistance.

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
accident which happens in their way, Death is im-
mediately called upon, and they even wish it might
be lawful for them to finish with their own hands a
life so odious, so perpetually tormenting, and vexa-
tious. When, let but Death make his appearance,
and the very sense of his near approach almost
does the business: then it is that they change their
minds, and would be glad to come off so well as to
have their old burthen laid upon their shoulders
again. But wise and good men know that care
and numberless disappointments must be their por-
tion in their passage through life, and know also
that it is their duty to endure them with patience;
for he is the best and happiest man who neither
wishes nor fears the approach of Death.

FABLES.

199

THE TWO FROGS.

ONE hot sultry summer, the lakes and ponds
being almost every where dried up, a couple of
Frogs agreed to travel together in search of water.
At last they came to a deep well, and sitting upon
the brink of it, began to consult whether they
should leap in or not. One of them was for it,
urging that there was plenty of clear spring water,
and no danger of being disturbed. Well, says the
other, all this may be true, and yet I cannot come
into your opinion for my life; for if the water
should happen to dry there too, how should we get
out again f

APPLICATION.

In human affairs, many stations we meet,
Where 'tis easy to enter, but hard to retreat.

200

FABLES.

WE ought never to change our situation in life,
nor undertake any action of importance, without
first duly and deliberately weighing the conse-
quences that may follow, in all their different
bearings. It is commonly owing to the neglect of
such wholesome precautions, that numbers of
young people are led into unfortunate matches,
suddenly made up; and others are from the same
causes led into a round of profuse living, or into
gaming and other extravagant conduct, which is
sure to terminate in ruin. To look before we leap,
is a maxim worthy of being remembered by all
ranks and conditions of men, from the lowest to the
highest: even kings may reap benefit by it; for
when they inconsiderately execute those schemes
which their wicked counsellors advise, they have
often abundant reason to repent. By this blind
stupidity, wars are commenced, from which a state
cannot be extricated either with honour or safety;
and unwise projects are encouraged by the rash
accession of those who never considered the conse-
quences, or how they were to get out, till they had
plunged themselves irrecoverably into them.

FABLES.

201

THE FOX AND THE BRIAR.

A Fox scrambling hastily over a hedge, in his
flight from the hounds, got his foot severely torn by
a Briar. Smarting with the pain, he burst into re-
vilings and complaints at this treatment, which he
declared he little expected to meet with for only
passing over a hedge; and he could not help think-
ing it was very bad usage to be thus grappled by
the long arms, and cut and wounded by the sharp
crooked spines of a Briar. True, says the Briar f
but recollect that you intended to have made me
serve your turn, and would, without ceremony, have
trampled me down to the ground : but none of your
freedoms with me, Master Reynard; you may make
a convenience of others, perhaps, but the family of
the Briars are not of that cast. Whoever presumes
to use any impudent familiarities with them, is sure
to smart for it.

VOL. IV.

2 D

202 FABLES.

APPLICATION.

PRESUMING and arrogant people do not hesitate
to make a convenience, or a kind of stepping stone,
of any one who will suffer them to do so ; and if
they can only get their turn served, no matter how,
they use no ceremony, nor shew any delicacy in
accomplishing their ends. But the selfish and im-
pudent gentry, who are so apt to take liberties of
this kind, now and then mistake their men, and are
justly retorted upon; and however upon these occa-
sions they may be surprized and angry, others, who
are indifferent spectators, instead of viewing them
as objects of pity, feel a secret satisfaction in seeing
them suffer, as proper examples of justice.

FABLES.

203

THE MAN AND THE WEASEL.

A Man having caught a Weasel in his pantry,
was just going to kill it, when the little captive
begged that he would not do so cruel a deed, but
spare his life; and he assured the Man that he was
his friend, and only entered his pantry with a view
of destroying the mice with which it was infested.
That may be, said the Man, but you do not do this
with the intention of serving me, nor with any
other view but that of serving yourself; and be-
sides, you are so ferocious and cruel a little crea-
ture, that you kill every animal you have within
your power, without the least compunction, and
seem to delight in killing for killing's sake; there-
fore, your pretensions to serve me, and your plea
for mercy, are good for nothing.

204 FABLES.

APPLICATION.

MANY people in the world are ever ready to set
up the pretensions of their acting with zeal, purely
to serve the public, and pretend that it is through
the warmth of their friendship that they do the
same to individuals; but the main spring of all
the actions of the agents of treachery, and of bad
men, is set a-going with the view only of serving
themselves. It is thus that the unprincipled and
mercenary thief-taker would like well to be ac-
counted a public spirited man ; and he cannot help
boasting of his services as such. The hangman's
pretensions are of the same kind : but however
useful and necessary some of such a description of
men may be, to keep down the wicked part of man-
kind, who are a nuisance to civilized society, yet
the instruments themselves are very like in charac-
ter to the Weasel in the Fable. The same may be
said of those factious writers, who pester the world
with their clamorous charges, under the mask of
patriotism, but whose real motive is either to gain
money by the sale of their highly seasoned scan-
dals, or to run down their corrupt opponents in
order to obtain their places.

FABLES.

205

THE BOAR AND THE ASS.

AN Ass happening to meet with a Boar, and
being in a frolicsome humour, and having a mind
to shew some of his silly wit, began in a sneering
familiar style to accost the Boar with, So ho,
brother, your humble servant, how is all at home
with you? The Boar, nettled at his familiarity,
muttered out, Brother, indeed! then bristled up
towards him, told him he was surprized at his
impudence, and was just going to shew his resent-
ment by giving him a rip in the flank : but wisely
stifling his passion, he contented himself with only
saying, Go, thou sorry beast! I could be easily and
amply revenged upon thee; but I don't care to foul
my tusks with the blood of so base a creature !

206

FABLES.

APPLICATION.

IT is no uncommon thing to meet with impudent
fools, so very eager of being thought wits, that they
will run great hazards in attempting to shew them-
selves such, and will often persist in their awkward
raillery to the last degree of offence. But these
kind of folks, instead of raising themselves into
esteem, are held in contempt by men of sense; and
though the generous and the brave may scorn to
suffer themselves to be ruffled by the insolent beha-
viour of every ass that offends them, yet such
sparks must not from thence conclude, that they
will not meet with retorts in kind from men far
superior to themselves in mental endowments; or
that their unseasoned wit will always escape a more
proper, but a different chastisement.

FABLES.

207

THE DOG AND THE SHEEP.

THE Dog sued the Sheep for a debt, of which the
Kite and the Wolf were to be the 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.

OF the many evils which throw back the well-
being of society, none raise in the honest mind
more painful and indignant feelings, than behold-
ing the judgment seat of mercy and justice filled
by an unjust, corrupt, and wicked judge, who has
become, step by step, hardened in his impious
enormities, and is the fully-prepared tool and sup-

208 FABLES.

porter of tyranny and arbitrary power. Fraud and
oppression follow in his train: the righteous laws
of a just government are frittered away, or super-
seded: truth and innocence are obnoxious ; honesty
is sneered at, and it becomes criminal to espouse
the cause of virtue. In this state of things, wicked-
ness predominates, and its rapacious abettors give
full scope to the exercise of all kind of oppression
and injustice, to gratify their own vicious lusts.
Then it is that mankind are made to feel the evils
of power being in the hands of the worst of their
species, who, without hesitation, rob them of their
property, and divide the spoils. If there be not a
sufficiency of the most spirited and virtuous
patriotism to rescue the country from their fangs,
then is despotism and degradation near at hand.

FABLES.

209

JUPITER AND THE HERDSMAN.

A Herdsman missing a young heifer, went up
and down the forest to seek it ; and having walked
over a great deal of ground to no purpose, he fell a
praying to Jupiter for relief, promising to sacrifice
a kid to him, if he would help him to a discovery of
the thief. After this he went on a little further,
and came near a grove of oaks, where he espied the
carcase of his heifer, and a Lion growling over it,
and feeding upon it. This sight almost scared him
out of his wits; so down he fell upon his knees
once more, and addressing himself to Jupiter, O
Jupiter, says he, I promised thee a kid to shew me
the thief: but now I promise thee a bull, if thou
wilt be so merciful as to deliver me out of his
clutches.

VOL. IV.

2 E

210 FABLES.

APPLICATION.

WE ought never to supplicate the divine power,
but through motives of religion and virtue. Prayers
dictated by blind self-interest, or to gratify some
misguided passion, cannot, it is presumed, be ac-
ceptable to the Deity: and of all the involuntary
sins which men commit, scarcely any are more
frequent than their praying absurdly and impro-
perly, as well as unseasonably, when their time
might have been employed to a better purpose.
Would men, as they ought to do, obey the com-
mands, of Omnipotence, by fulfilling their moral
duties, and endeavour with all their might to live
as justly as they can, a just Providence would give
them what they ought to have; but stupidity and
ignorance, until better informed, and divested of
superstition and bigotry, will continue to form
their notions of the Supreme Being from their own
poor shallow conceptions; and nothing contributes
more to keep up this injudicious practice among
simple, but perhaps well-meaning people, than the
numerous collections of those crude rhapsodies,
the offspring of itinerant bigotry, with which the
country overflows; while most of those prayers
are neglected which have been composed with due
reflection and matured deliberation, by the most
learned and pious of men. This Fable also teaches
us, that frequently the gratification of our vain
prayers wrould only lead us into dangers and evils,
of the existence of which we had no previous sus-
picion.

FABLES.

21 I

. THE OLD LION.

A Lion, that in the prime of his life had been
very rapacious and cruel, was reduced by age and
infirmities to extreme feebleness. Several of the
beasts of the forest, who had been great sufferers
by him, now came and revenged themselves upon
him. The Boar ripped him with his tusks, the Bull
gored him with his horns, and others in various
ways had each a stroke at him. When the Ass
saw that they might do all this without any dan-
ger, he also came and threw his heels in the Lion's
face. Upon which, the poor expiring tyrant is said
to have groaned out these words : Alas ! how griev-
ous is it to suffer insults, even from the brave and
valiant; but to be spurned at by so base a creature
as this, is worse than dying ten thousand deaths !

212 CABLES.

APPLICATION.

WHEN men in power lose sight of justice and
mercy, and cruelly and unjustly tyrannise over the
people under their sway, they never will gain sin-
cere reverence or respect from the rest of mankind.
The injuries they inflict in the hey-day of their
wicked career, will be remembered with detestation
through life; and when age and impotence lay hold
of them, they must not expect to meet with friends
they never deserved ; but may be certain of being
treated with neglect and contempt, and the baser
their enemies are, the more insolent and intolerable
will be tbe affront. It will then be discovered,
with bitter remorse, that the days have passed
away, in which virtue and dignity ought to have
laid the foundation of a reputation which would
have been the solace of old age, and also, extended
a good name to posterity with feelings of venera-
tion; instead of which the remembrance of past
crimes will haunt the guilty mind, and the unjust
man will at last be thrown into the grave with the
common dust, amidst the whispers of "Let him
go;" and he will be no more remembered than the
animals on which he feasted, or the herbage which
was cut down when he was a child.

FABLES.

213

THE MAGPIE AND THE SHEEP.

A Magpie sat chattering upon the back of a
Sheep, and pulling off the wool to line her nest.
Peace, you noisy thing, says the Sheep : if I were a
dog, you durst not serve me so. That is true
enough, replies the Magpie, I know very well
whom I have to deal with : I never meddle with the
surly and revengeful; but I love to plague such
poor helpless creatures as you are, who cannot do
me any harm.

APPLICATION.

IT is the characteristic of a mean, low, base
spirit, to be insolent or tyrannical to those who are
obliged to submit to it, and slavishly submissive to
those who have the spirit and the power to resist.
Men of this stamp take especial care not to meddle

2I4

FABLES.

with people of their own malicious principles, for
fear of meeting with a suitable return ; but they de-
light in doing mischief for mischief's sake, and
seem pleased when they can insult the innocent
with impunity. This kind of behaviour is incon-
sistent with all the rules of honour and generosity,
and is opposite to every thing that is great, good,
amiable, and praise-worthy.

FABLES.

THE FOX AND THE STORK.

THE Eox invited the Stork to dinner, and, being*
disposed to divert himself at the expense of his
guest, provided nothing for the entertainment but
soup, which he served up in a wide shallow dish.
This the Fox 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 for his
entertainment. However, a few days after, he re-
turned the compliment, and invited the Fox; but
suffered nothing to be brought to table excepting
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 brims as the Stork slabbered them with
his eating. Reynard was heartily vexed at first;

2l6 FABLES.

but when he came to take his leave, owned ingenu-
ously, 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 very imprudent, as well as uncivil, to affront
any one, and we should always reflect, before we
rally another, whether we can bear to have the jest
retorted. Whoever takes the liberty to exercise his
witty talent in that way, must not be surprised if
he meet reprisals in the end. Indeed, if all those
who are thus paid in their own coin, would take it
with the same frankness that the Fox did, the mat-
ter 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 look-
ed 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 trans-
action of life, may more particularly be of use in
this respect. People seldom or never receive any
advantage by these little ludicrous impositions ;
and yet, if they were to ask themselves the ques-
tion, would find, that they would receive the same
treatment from another with a very bad grace.

FABLES.

217

THE COUNTRYMAN AND THE SNAKE.

A Villager found a Snake under a hedge, almost
dead with cold. Having compassion on the poor
creature, he brought it home, and laid it upon the
hearth near the fire, where it had not lain long be-
fore it revived with the heat, and began to erect
itself, and fly at the wife and children of its pre-
server, filling the whole cottage with its frightful
hissings. The Countryman hearing an outcry,
came in, and perceiving how the matter stood, took
up a mattock, and soon dispatched the ingrate,
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.

VOL. IV. 2 F

2l8 FABLES.

APPLICATION.

THERE are some minds so depraved, and entirely
abandoned to wickedness, so dead to all virtuous
feelings, that the tenderness and humanity of
others, though exerted in their own favour, not only
fail to make a proper impression of gratitude upon
them, but are not able to restrain them from repay-
ing benevolence with injuries. Moralists, in all
ages, have incessantly declaimed against the enor-
mity of this crime, concluding that they who are
capable of injuring 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 re-
strain within the bounds of society. Indeed, the
sin of ingratitude is so detestable, that none but
the basest tempers can be guilty of it. Men of low
grovelling minds, who have been rescued from in-
digence by the hand of benevolence, or of charity,
forget their benefactors, as well as their original
wretchedness ; and as soon as prosperity flows
upon them, it too often serves only to rekindle their
native rancour and venom, and they hiss and
brandish their tongues against those who are so
inadvertent or unfortunate as to have served them.
But prudent people nee^i not to be admonished on
this subject; for they know how much it behoves
them to beware of taking a snake into their bosom.

FABLES.

219

THE COCK AND THE FOX.

A Cock, perched upon a lofty tree, crowed so
loud, that his voice echoed through the wood, and
drew to the place a Eox, who was prowling in
quest of prey. But Reynard finding the Cock was
inaccessible, had recourse to stratagem to decoy
him down. Approaching the tree, Cousin, says he,
I am heartily glad to see you ; but I cannot forbear
expressing my uneasiness at the inconvenience of
the place, which will not let me pay my respects to
you in a better manner, though I suppose you will
come down presently, and that difficulty will be
removed. Indeed, cousin, says the Cock, to tell
you the truth, I do not think it safe to venture upon
the ground; for, though I am convinced how much
you are my friend, yet I may have the misfortune
to fall into the clutches of some other beast, and

220 FABLES.

what will become of me then r O dear, says Rey-
nard, is it possible you do not know of the peace
that has been so lately proclaimed between all
kinds of birds and beasts ; and that we are for the
future to forbear hostilities, and to live in harmony,
under the severest penalties. All this while the
Cock seemed to give little attention to what was
said, but stretched out his neck as if he saw some-
thing at a distance. Cousin, says the Fox, what is
that you look at so earnestly? Why, says the
Cock, I think I see a pack of hounds yonder, a
good way off. O then, says the Fox, your humble
servant, I must be gone. Nay, pray cousin do not
go, says the Cock, I am just coming down; sure
you are not afraid of the dogs in these peaceable
times. No, no, says he; but ten to one whether
they have yet heard of the proclamation!

APPLICATION.

THE moral of this Fable principally instructs us
not to be too credulous in believing the insinuations
of those who are already distinguished by their
want of faith and honesty, for perfidious people
ought ever to be suspected in the reports that
favour their own interest. When, therefore, any
such would draw us into a compliance with their
destructive measures, by a pretended civility, or
plausible relation, we should consider such pro-
posals as a bait, artfully placed to conceal some
fatal hook, which is intended to draw us into dan-
ger; and if by any simple counterplot we can
unmask the design and defeat the schemes of the
wicked, it will not only be innocent, but praise-
worthy.

FABLES.

221

THE HARE AND THE TORTOISE.

A Hare vainly boasting" of her great speed in
running, and casting a look of disdain upon a Tor-
toise, that was slowly moving along, What a poor
crawling thing are you! said she: I can go over a
territory of country with the velocity of the wind,
while you are an hour in accomplishing a journey
of half a furlong. In a race I could leave you
twenty miles behind me, in the time you were
about reaching the end of one. I don't know that,
said the Tortoise, and will give you a trial. Upon
this, a match was made to run a certain distance,
and the Eox, who had heard the dispute, was
chosen umpire of the race. They then started
together, and away went the Hare with great swift-
ness, and soon left the Tortoise out of sight, and
thinking herself certain of winning the race, she
made a jest of the matter, squatted down in a tuft

222 FABLES.

of fern, and took a nap, concluding she could easily
make up the lost ground, should the Tortoise at
any time pass by. Indulging in this security, she
over-slept herself, until the Tortoise, in a continued
steady pace, arrived first at the fixed distance, and
won the race

APPLICATION.

WE must not flatter ourselves with coming to the
end of our journey in time, if we sleep by the way;
and unnecessary delays, in all pressing affairs, are
just so much time lost. Action is an important
part of the business of life; and " up and be doing"
is a motto we ought to keep in mind, as it has
guided many a plain plodding man, with steady
aim, to carry his point effectually in making his
own fortune, and at the same time gaining the
esteem of the world. Industry and application to
business make amends for the w^ant of a quick
and ready wit ; but men of great natural abilities,
and vivacity of imagination, often presume too
much upon the superiority of their genius, and if to
this presumption they add pride and conceit, they
despise the drudgery of business, and suffer their
affairs to go to disorder or ruin, through idleness
and neglect.

FABLES.

223

THE BLACKAMOOR.

A Man having bought a Blackamoor, was so
simple as to think that the colour of his skin was
only dirt which he had contracted for want of due
care under his former master. This fault he fancied
might easily be removed by washing^so he ordered
the poor Black to be put into a tub, and was at a
considerable charge in providing ashes, soap, and
scrubbing brushes for the operation. To work
they went, rubbing and scouring his skin all over,
but to no manner of purpose: for when they had
repeated their washings several times, and were
grown quite weary, all they got by it was, that the
Blackamoor caught cold and died.

APPLICATION.

What's bred in the bone will never come out of
the flesh."

224 FABLES.

NATURE cannot by any art or labour be changed;
she may indeed be wrought upon and moulded
by good council and discipline; but it is in vain
to attempt a total transformation of our genius,
person, or complexion : therefore our application,
assiduity, and pains, when wrong directed, are of
no avail. We should, indeed, strive to discover
wrhich way the bent of our genius lies, that we may
apply ourselves to a judicious cultivation and im-
provement of it; but we ought to be sure never to
thwart or oppose nature's fixed laws. When men
aspire to eminence in any of the various arts or
sciences, without being gifted with the innate
powers or abilities for such attainments, it is only
like attempting to wash the Blackamoor white.

FABLES.

225

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; therefore, without more delay,
he broke his mind to the father, and demanded the
damsel for his wife. The man, odd as the proposal
seemed at first, soon recollected that, by complying,
he might get the Lion into his power; but, by
refusing him, should only exasperate and provoke
his rage. Accordingly, he seemed to consent; but
told him it must be upon these conditions: that,
considering the girl was young and tender, he
must let his teeth be plucked out, and his claws be
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

VOL. IV. 2 G

226 FABLES.

deprived of his teeth and claws, than the treacher-
ous forester attacked him with a huge club, and
knocked out his brains.

APPLICATION.

OF all the ill consequences that may attend the
blind passion of love, few prove so fatal as that of
its drawing people into a sudden and ill-concerted
marriage. In the midst of a fit of madness, they
commit a rash act, of which, as soon as they come
to themselves, they find reason to repent as long as
they live. Many an unthinking young man 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 documents which formed 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, who will most likely not fail to keep him
in complete subjection, after they have stripped
him of all his power. Nothing but a true friend-
ship, and a mutual interest, can keep up a recip-
rocal love between the conjugal pair, and when
these are wanting, contempt and aversion soon step
in to supply their place. Matrimony then becomes
a state of downright 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 reflect upon this (while they are
in their sober senses) who abhor the thoughts of
being betrayed into their ruin, by following the
impulse of a blind unheeding passion.

FABLES.

227

THE FOX AND THE HEDGEHOG.

A Eox, in swimming across a river, was forced
down by the rapidity of the stream to a place where
the bank was so steep and slippery, jthat he could
not ascend it. While he was struggling in this
situation, a swarm of flies settled on his head and
eyes, and tormented him grievously. A Hedgehog,
who saw and pitied his condition, offered to call in
the assistance of the Swallow to drive them away.
No, no, friend, replies the Fox, I thank you for
your kind offer; but it is better to let this swarm
alone, for they are already pretty well filled, and
should they be driven away, a fresh and more
hungry set would succeed them, and suck me until
I should not have a drop of blood left in my
veins.

228 FABLES.

APPLICATION.

THIS Fable is recorded by Aristotle, who tells us
that ^Esop spoke it to the Samians on occasion of
a popular sedition, to dissuade them from deposing
their great minister of state, lest they might, in
getting rid of one who was already glutted with
their spoils, make room for a more hungry and
rapacious one in his stead. By this it would ap-
pear, that some ministers of state in ancient times,
instead of being guided by integrity and patriotism,
were intent only upon filling their own coffers, and
aggrandizing and enriching their own relations,
from the plunder of the people whose aifairs they
were entrusted with ; and that they considered them
as their prey, rather than their charge. A succes-
sion of such ministers, who can be countenanced
by weak monarchs only, is more calamitous to a
nation than plague, pestilence, and famine; for the
effects of their mal-administration do not end with
their wicked lives, but lay the foundation of ruin to
nations that would, under a patriotic government,
have been virtuous, great, and flourishing.

FABLES.

229

THE SPARROW AND THE HARE.

A Hare being" seized by an Eagle, squeaked out
in a most woful manner. A Sparrow, that sat
upon a tree just by, and saw the affair, could not
forbear being unseasonably witty, but called out to
the Hare: So ho! what, sit there and be killed!
prithee up and away; I dare say if you would but
try, so swift a creature as you are would easily
escape from an Eagle. As he was going on with
his cruel raillery, down came a Hawk and snapped
him up, and notwithstanding his cries and lamenta-
tions, fell to devouring him in an instant. The
Hare, who was just expiring, addressing her last
words to the Sparrow, said, You who just now in-
sulted my misfortune, with so much security as you
thought, may please to she\v us how well you can
bear the like, now it has befallen you.

230

FABLES.

APPLICATION.

To insult people in distress, is the characteristic
of a cruel, indiscreet, and giddy temper; and he
must surely have a very bad heart, and no very
good head, who can look on the day of grief, and
the hour of distress, as a time for impertinent rail-
lery. If any other arguments were necessary, or
might be supposed capable of enforcing moral pre-
cepts on those who cannot be actuated by humanity,
it might be added, that the vicissitudes of human
affairs render such behaviour imprudent, as well as
barbarous; since we cannot tell how soon we may
be ourselves reduced to lament the woes which are
now the objects of our derision: for nobody knows
whose turn may be the next.

FABLES.

231

THE MAX AND PUS TWO WIYKS.

A Man, in times when polygamy was allowed,
had two wives, one of whom, like himself, had seen
her best days, and was verging upon the decline of
life, but possessed many engaging qualities. The
other was young and beautiful, and shared the
affection of her husband, whom she made as happy
as he was capable of being, but was not completely
so herself. The white hairs mixed with the black
upon the good man's head, gave her some uneasi-
ness, by proclaiming the great disparity of their
years ; wherefore, under colour of dressing his head,
she plucked out .the silver hairs, that he might still
have as few visible signs of an advanced age as
possible. The older dame, for reasons directly
opposite, esteemed these grey locks as the honours
of his head, and thought, while they gave him a
venerable look, they made her appear something

232 FABLES.

younger, so that every time she combed his head,
she took equal pains to extirpate the black hairs.
Each continued her project, unknown to the other,
until the poor man, who thought their desire to
oblige him put them upon this extraordinary
officiousness in dressing his head, found himself
without any hair at all !

APPLICATION.

As Christianity has banished polygamy, no im-
mediate moral can be derived by husbands from
this Fable, unless we conclude, that it is as impos-
sible to serve two mistresses as two masters; for
whatever we do to please the one, will probably
offend the other. To conciliate the affections of
persons wThose tempers are opposite, is extremely
difficult, if not impracticable. To wives it may
teach, that those whose love is tempered with a
tolerable share of good sense, will be sure to have
no separate views of their own, nor do any thing
immediately relating to their husbands, without
consulting them first. All that we shall add to
what has been said, is to observe, that many
women may ignorantly, out of a pure effect of com-
plaisance, do a thousand disagreeable things to
their husbands. But in a married state, one party
should not be guessing at or presuming, but inform
themselves certainly, what will please the other;
and if the wife use her husband like a friend only,
the least she can do is first to communicate to him
all the important enterprizes she undertakes, and
especially those which she intends should be for his
honour and advantage.

FABLES.

235

MERCURY AND THE CARVER.

MERCURY being very desirous to know what
credit he had obtained in the world, and how he
was esteemed among mankind, disguised himself,
and went to the shop of a famous Statuary, where
images were to be sold. He saw Jupiter, Juno,
and himself, and most of the other gods and god-
desses: so, pretending that he wanted to buy, he
asked the prices of several, and at length pointing
to Jupiter, What, says he, is the lowest price you
will take for that? A crown, says the other; and
what for that r pointing to Juno : I must have
something more for that. Mercury then, casting
his eye upon the figure of himself, with all his sym-
bols about it, Here am I, said he to himself, in
quality of Jupiter's messenger, and the patron of
artisans, with all my trades about me; and then
smiling with a self-sufficient air, and pointing to

VOL. IV.

2 H

234 FABLES.

the image, and pray friend, what is the price of this
elegant figure? Oh, replied the Statuary, if you
will buy Jupiter and Juno, I Avill throw you that
into the bargain.

APPLICATION.

IF we knew ourselves, of what could any of us be
vain? Vanity is the fruit of ignorance, and the
froth of perverted pride. Humility is the constant
attendant on men of great talents and good quali-
ties: these enable them to see how far they are
short of perfection ; but the vain and arrogant con-
ceive they have attained its height. All vain men*
who affect popularity, fancy other people have the
same opinion of them that they have of themselves :
but nothing makes them look so cheap and little in
the eyes of discerning people as their enquiring
flike Mercury in the Fable) after their own worth,
and wanting to knowr what value others set upon
them : and those who are so full of themselves, as
to hunt for praise, and lay traps for commendation,
will generally be disappointed, and be marked out
as the emptiest of fellowTs ; for it argues a littleness
of mind to be too anxious and solicitous concerning
our fame. He that behaves himself as he should
do, need not fear procuring a good share of respect,
and a fair reputation ; but then these should not be
the end or the motive of our pursuits : our principal
aim should be the welfare of our country, our
friends, and ourselves, and it should be directed by
the rules of honour and virtue.

FABLES.

235

THE FOX AND THE GOAT.

A Fox. having tumbled, by chance, into a well,
had been ineffectually endeavouring a long while
to get out again, when, at last, a Goat came to
the place, and wanting to drink, asked Reynard
whether the water was good: (rood! said he, aye,
so sweet, that I am afraid I have surfeited myself, I
have drank so abundantly. The Goat, upon this,
without more consideration, leapt in ; when the
Fox mounted upon his back, and taking the advan-
tage of his horns, bounded up in an instant, and
left the poor simple Goat at the bottom of the well
to shift for himself. Upon the Goat's reproaching
him for his perfidy, Ah, Master Goat, said he, you
have far more hairs in your beard than brains in
your head.

2*6

FABLES.

APPLICATION.

CREDULITY may be said to be the child of ignor-
ance, and the mother of distress. A wise man will
not suffer himself to be imposed upon by slender
artifices and idle tales; but the credulous man is
easily deluded, and subjects himself to numberless
misfortunes. He is ever the dupe of designing
knaves, and of needy adventurers, who are always
intent upon serving themselves at the expense of
others. They fasten upon opulent men of weak
minds, as the objects of delusion, and for this
purpose, tempt them with proposals of apparently
advantageous schemes, which they have ready
made out, to entice their victims to embark along
with them. By credulity, they hope to establish
their own fortune, and provided this be done, they
care not, even if the ruin of their unsuspecting
associates follow. It will likewise ever be found
that when an honest man and a knave happen to
become partners in the same common interest, the
latter, whenever necessity pinches, will be sure to
shift for himself, and leave the former in the lurch.

FABLES.

237

JUNO AND THE PEACOCK.

THE Peacock complained to Juno, how hardly he
was used in not having so good a voice as the
Nightingale. That little bird, says he, charms
every ear with his melody, while my hoarse scream-
ings disgust every one who hears them. The
goddess, concerned at the uneasiness of her favour-
ite bird, answered him very kindly to this purpose:
If the Nightingale be blest with a fine voice, you
have the advantage in point of beauty and majesty
of person. Ah! said the Peacock, but what avails
my silent unmeaning beauty, when I am so far ex-
celled in voice? The goddess dismissed him with
this advice: Consider that the properties of every
creature were appointed by the decree of fate; to
you beauty; strength to the Eagle; to the Nightin-
gale a voice of melody; the faculty of speech to the

238 FABLES.

Parrot; and to the Dove innocence. Each of these
is contented with his own peculiar quality; and
unless you have a mind to be miserable, you must
learn to be so too.

APPLICATION.

THE most useful lesson that we can possibly
learn, towards the attainment of happiness in this
world, is to enjoy those blessing's that we have in
our power, without vainly pining1 after those which
we have not. Instead of being ambitious of having
more endowments than nature has allotted to us,
we should spare no pains to cultivate those we
have; and which a sourness or peevishness of tem-
per, instead of improving, will certainly lessen and
impair. Whoever neglects the happiness within
his reach, in order to brood over the consideration
of how much happier he might have been, had his
situation been like that of others, ingeniously ccn-
trives to torment himself, and opens a perpetual
source of discontent, which prevents his ever being,
at ease. He does not reflect, or he would soon
discover, that all the desirable properties in the
world never centered in one man, and that those
who have had the greatest share of them, if of an
unhappy disposition, still wished for something
more, and wanted to possess some inherent gifts
wrhich shone forth in other men: but such persons
ought to be put in mind, that it does not become
mortals to repine at the will of Heaven, which dis-
tributes happiness writh an equal hand upon the
highest and the lowest of mankind, if they \vere
wise enough, and grateful enough, to perceive it.

FABLES.

239

THE LION AND OTHER BEASTS.

THE Lion having entered into an alliance with
other Beasts of prey, it was agreed, for their mutual
advantage, that they should hunt in company, and
divide the spoil. They accordingly met on a cer-
tain day, and commenced the chase, and ere long
they ran down and killed a fine fat Deer, which
was instantly divided into four parts, there happen-
ing to be then only the Lion and three others
present. After the division was made, the Lion
advancing forward Avith an air of majesty, and
pointing to one of the shares, was pleased to de-
clare himself after the following manner: This I take
possession of as my right, which devolves to me, as
I am descended by a true, lineal, hereditary succes-
sion from the royal family of Lion : that, pointing
to the second, I claim by, I think, no unreasonable

240 FABLES.

title, considering that the success of all the engage-
ments you have with the enemy depends chiefly
upon my courage and conduct; and you very well
know that wars are too expensive to be carried on
without large 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 lo\v, and our credit
so impaired and weakened, that I must insist upon
your granting that without hesitation or demur;
and hereof fail not at your peril.

APPLICATION.

No alliance is safe which is made with the wick-
ed, if they be superior to us in power. The most
solemn treaties will be disregarded as soon as they
can be broken with advantage. Powerful poten-
tates, when they are regardless of moral obligation,,
and consider might only to be right, will never
want specious pretences to furnish out their decla-
rations of war, nor hesitate about inveigling less
powerful states to join them, and after subduing
the enemy, and seizing upon the spoils, will fall
upon their allies on the slightest pretences, or for
no better reason but because they are powerful
enough to do so. No man ought to be entrusted
with unlimited power; and when a community has
been stupid enough to put the management of their
affairs into such hands, they have ever found their
confidence abused, and their property invaded.

FABLES.

24I

JUPITER AND PALLAS.

ONCE upon a time, the Heathen Gods agreed to
adopt each a particular tree into their patronage.
Jupiter chose the Oak ; Venus was pleased to
name the Myrtle ; Apollo pitched upon the Laurel ;
Cybele took the Pine, and Hercules the Poplar.
Pallas being present, expressed her surprise at
their fancy, in making choice of trees that bore
nothing. Oh, says Jupiter, the reason of that is
plain enough, for we would not be thought to dis-
pense our favours with any mercenary view. You
may do as you please, says she, but let the Olive be
my tree ; and I declare my reason for choosing it is,
because it bears plenty of noble useful fruit. Upon
which the Thunderer, putting on a serious com-
posed gravity, spoke thus to the goddess: Indeed
daughter, it is not without cause that you are so

VOL. IV.

2 I

242 FABLES.

celebrated for your wisdom ; for unless some benefit
attend our actions, to perform them for the sake of
glory is but a silly business.

APPLICATION.

Ix all our actions, we should intend something*
useful and beneficial; for the standing value of all
things is in proportion to their use. To undertake
affairs with no other view but that of empty glory,
whatever some curious dreamers may fancy, is em-
ploying our time after a very foolish manner. The
Almighty created the world out of his infinite good-
ness, for the good of his creatures, and not out of a
passion for glory, which is a vain, silly, mean prin-
ciple ; and when we talk of glorifying the Author
of our being, if we think reasonably, we must mean
shewing our gratitude to him, by imitating this
goodness of his, as far as we are able, and endeav-
ouring to make some good or other the aim of all
our undertakings. For if empty glory be unworthy
the pursuit of a wise man, how vastly improper
must it be to make an offering of it to an allwise
Deity.

FABLES.

243

THE VIPER AND THE FILE.

A Viper having entered a smith's shop, looked
up and down for something to eat; when, casting
his eye upon a File, he greedily seized upon it, and
fell to gnawing it with his teeth. After he had
spent some time in his attempts to devour it, the
File told him very gruffly, that he had better 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.

THIS Fable is levelled at those spiteful people
who take so malignant a pleasure in the design of
hurting others, as not to feel and understand tiial
they hurt only themselves; and at those who are
blinded by envy, which prompts them rather than
not bite at all, to fall foul where they cannot expect

244 FABLES.

their nibbling will meet with any thing but dis-
appointment, as every one must who is biting at
that which is too hard for his teeth. Thus it is
that spite and malignity, which are twin brothers,
and the offspring of envy, are, as well as their
parent, their own tormentors. They intend that
the wounds they inflict should be deadly, and the
greatest \vits and brightest reputations in all ages
have been the objects of their attacks; but the
brilliancy of truth and justice at length shines forth>
and shews the deformity of such characters in the
clearest light. Other people, of the same character
and disposition, though of minor consideration in-
deed, ought not to be passed over unnoticed.
These may be called nibblers, who let their tongues
slip very freely, in censuring the actions of persons
who, in the esteem of the world, are of such an
unquestionable reputation, that nobody will believe
what is insinuated against them, and of such in-
fluence through their own veracity, that the least
word from them would ruin the credit of such ad-
versaries, to all intents and purposes. The eiforts
of little villains of this stamp, like dirty liquor
squirted against the wind, recoil back and bespatter
their own faces; or like the shades of a picture,
serve to set off the brilliant tints of the opposite
virtues, which support and adorn society.

FABLES.

THE WOLF IN SHEEP'S CLOTHING.

A Wolf disguising himself in the skin of a Sheep,
and getting in among the flock, easily caught and
devoured many of them. At last the Shepherd
discovered him, and cunningly watched the oppor-
tunity of slipping a noose about his neck, and
immediately hung him up on the branch of a tree.
Some other Shepherds observing what he was
about, drew near and expressed their surprise at it.
Brother Shepherd! says one of them, what! are
you hanging your Sheep: No, replies the other,
but I am hanging a Wolf in Sheep's clothing, and
shall never fail to do the same, whenever I can
catch one of them in that garb. The Shepherds
then expressed themselves pleased at his dexterity,
and applauded the justice of the execution.

246 FABLES.

APPLICATION.

WK ought not to judge of men by their looks, or
their dress and appearances, but by the character
of their lives and conversation, and by their works;
for when we do not examine these, we must not be
surprised if we find that we have mistaken evil for
good, and instead of an innocent Sheep, taken a
Wolf in disguise under our protection. The finished
hypocrite, by assuming the character of virtue,
makes the vice more odious and abominable; and
when the mask is torn off, and fraud and imposture
are detected, every honest man rejoices in the
punishment of the offender. Men who have not
had good, religious, and moral principles early
instilled into their minds, find no barrier to check
their propensity to evil, and get hardened as they
advance in years; and even the most liberal educa-
tion, if it want the foundation of truth and honesty,
is often a curse instead of a blessing, and the
objects of it fail to do honour either to themselves
or to their country. Thus it is we see tyranny stalk-
ing along under the mask of care and protection.
Injustice sets up the letter of the law against its
.spirit. Oppression strips the widow and the
orphan, and at the same time preaches up mercy
and compassion. Treachery covers itself under a
cloak of kindness; and above all, it is peculiarly
painful to find numbers of men, even of the learned
professions, who ought to set an example of probity
and honour, misapply their abilities to t\vist and
pervert the sacred meaning of both law and gospel
to the basest and worst of purposes.

FABLES.

-747

THE STACr IX THE OX-STALL.

A Stag, pursued by the hunters, took refuge in a
stable, and begged of the Oxen to suffer him to
conceal himself under the straw in one of the stalls.
They told him that he would be in great danger
there, for both the master and the servants would
soon come to fodder them, and then he might be
sure of meeting his doom. Ah! says the Stag, if
you will be so good as not betray me, I hope I shall
be safe enough. Presently, in came a servant, who
gave a careless look around, and then went out
without any discovery. All the other servants of
the farm came and went like the first. Upon this,
the Stag began to exult, imagining himself quite
secure; but a shrewd old Ox told him that he was
reckoning upon his safety too soon, for there was
another person to come, by whom he would not so
readily be looked over. Accordingly, by and by
came the master, who carefully peeped into every

248 FABLES.

corner, and at last, in turning over the litter, dis-
covered the Stag's horns sticking out of the straw:
upon which, he called all his servants back, and
soon made a prize of the poor creature.

APPLICATION.

THIS Fable is levelled against those worthless
hirelings, who slide over their time in negligent
disorder, and this not so much for want of capacity
as honesty; their own private interest almost solely
occupying their attention, while that of their mas-
ter, whose wages they receive, and whose bread they
eat, is postponed, or entirely neglected. Such ser-
vants deserve not to be inmates in any good man's
house; but where they are, it is absolutely neces-
sary for the governors of families to look into their
affairs with their own eyes; for though they may
happen not to be in personal danger from the
treachery of their domestics, they are perpetually
liable to injuries from their negligence, which
leaves the master open to the artifices of those who
would defraud him. Few families are reduced to
poverty merely by their own extravagance: the in-
attention of servants swells every article of expense
in domestic economy ; and the retinue of great men,
instead of exerting their industry to increase their
master's wealth, commonly exercise no other office
than that of caterpillars, to consume and devour it.
The fate of the Stag also warns us not to engage in
any hazardous speculation, the success of which is
to depend upon the ignorance or carelessness of
those with whom we have to deal; for though we
may over-reach one or two, yet some master-eye is
sure at last to pierce our covering of straw, and
make us pay dearly for deviating from the straight
road of honour and honesty.

FABLES.

249

THE FOWLER AND THE RING-DOVE.

A Fowler took his gun, and went into the woods
to shoot. He spied a Ring-dove -among the
branches of an Oak, and clapping the piece to his
shoulder, took his aim, and made himself sure of
killing it. But just as he was going to pull the
trigger, an Adder, which he had trod upon un-
der the grass, bit him so painfully in the leg, that
he was obliged to quit his design, and throw his
gun down in an agony. The venom 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 contriv-
ing the death of another.

VOL. IV. 2 K

250

FABLES.

APPLICATION.

THE mischief that bad men meditate to others,
commonly, like a judgement, falls upon their own
heads; and the punishment of wickedness is so just
in itself, that the sufferer, who has made others feel
it, cannot, if he think rightly, but confess that he
deserves the like inflicted on himself. The har-
dened unfeeling heart of a cruel and unjust man,
can, however, continue to do a thousand bitter
things to others, until he tastes calamity himself,
and then only it is that he feels the insupportable
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 should think very hard to suffer in our
own persons r

FABLES.

251

THE HARES AND THE FROGS.

The Hares in a certain park having met to con-
sult upon some plan to preserve themselves from
their numerous enemies, all agreed that life was
full of care and misery, and that they saw no
prospect of things changing for the better. Full of
these desponding thoughts, and just as it had been
proposed that they should put an end to their exist-
ence, a storm arose, which tore the branches from
the trees, and whirled the leaves about their ears.
Panic-struck, they ran like mad creatures, until
they were stopped by a lake, into which they has-
tily resolved to throw themselves headlong, rather
than lead a life so full of dangers and crosses ; but
upon their approaching its margin, a number of
Frogs, which were sitting there, frightened at their
sudden approach, in the greatest confusion leapt
into the water, and dived to the bottom; which an

252 FABLES.

old Hare, more sedate than the rest, observing,
called out, Have a care what ye do! Here are
other creatures I perceive, which have their fears
as well as we. Don't then let us fancy ourselves
the most miserable of any upon earth; but rather,
by their example, learn to bear patiently those in-
conveniences which nature has thrown upon us.

APPLICATION.

THIS Fable is designed to shew us how unreason-
able many people are, who live in continual fears
and disquiet about the miserableness of their con-
dition. There is hardly any state of life great
enough to satisfy the wishes of an ambitious man ;
and scarcely any so mean, but may supply the
necessities of him that is moderate. There are few
beings so very wretched, that they cannot pick out
others in a more deplorable situation, and with
whom they would not change cases. The rich man
envies the poor man's health, without considering
his wants; and the poor man envies the other's
treasure, without considering his diseases. The
miseries of others should serve to add vigour to our
minds, and teach us to bear up against the load of
lighter misfortunes. 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 a mouse behind the hangings, the flutter-
ing of a moth, or the motion of their own shadow
by moon-light! Their whole life is as full of alarms
as that of a Hare, and they never think themselves
so easy as when, like the timorous folks in the
Fable, they meet with a set of creatures as fearful
as themselves.

FAKLKS.

THE MOUNTAINS IN LABOUR.

THE Mountains were said to be in labour, and
uttered the most dreadful groans. People came
together, far and near, to see what birth would be
produced; and after they had waited a considerable
time in expectation, out crept a Mouse!

APPLICATION.

PROJECTORS of all kinds, who endeavour by art-
ful rumours, large promises, and vast preparations,
to raise the expectations of mankind, and then by
their mean performances disappoint them, have,
time out of mind, been lashed with the recital of
this Fable. It should teach us to suspect those
who promise very largely, and to examine cau-

254 FABLES.

tiously what grounds they proceed upon, and
whether their pretensions are not intended to
render us their tools, or the dupes of their artifices.
It likewise teaches us not to rely implicitly upon
those constant declarations for liberty and the pub-
lic good, which artful politicians use as stepping-
stones to power ; but who having raised the
people's expectations to the highest pitch, and
obtained their desire by the public enthusiasm,
then turn their whole art and cunning to em-
bezzling the public treasure for their own private
wicked ends, or to ruin and enslave their country;
or at best but imitate the bad conduct of those whom
they turned out by their clamour, while the san-
guine 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 gloomy uncomfortable prospect. The Fable
likewise intimates, that the uncertain issue of all
human undertakings should induce us not to make
pompous boasts of ourselves, but to guard against
promising any thing exceedingly great, for fear of
coming off with a production ridiculously little. If
we set out modestly, and perform more than we
engaged to do, we shall find our fame grow upon
us, and every unexpected addition we make to our
plan will raise us more and more in the good
opinion of the world; but if, on the contrary, we
make ample professions of the greatness of our
designs, and the excellence of our own abilities,
it will too often happen, that instead of swelling
our reputation, we shall only blow the trumpet to
our shame.

FABLES.

THE VAIN JACK-DAW.

A certain Jack-Daw was so proud and ambitious,
that, not contented to live within his own sphere,
he picked up the feathers which fell from the Pea-
cocks, 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 lived with them again ; but they,
knowing his late life and conversation, industri-
ously avoided him, and refused to admit him into
their company; and one of them, at the same time,
gave him this serious reproof: If, friend, you could
have been contented with our station, and had

256 FABLES.

pot 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.

To aim at making a figure by the means of either
borrowed wit, or borrowed money, generally sub-
jects us at last to a ten-fold ridicule. A wise man,
therefore, will take his post quietly, in his own
station, without pretending to fill that of another,
and never affect to look bigger than he really is,
by means of a false or borrowed light. It shews
great weakness and vanity in any man to be
pleased at making an appearance above what he
really is; but if to enable him to do so with some-
thing of a better grace, he has clandestinely
feathered his nest out of his neighbour's goods, it
is a pity if he should not be found out, stripped of
his plunder, and treated like a felonious rogue into
the bargain.

FABLES.

257

THE LION AND THE MOUSE.

A Lion having laid down to take his repose
under the spreading boughs of a shady tree, a
company of Mice scampered 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, begging him not to stain his noble
character with the blood of so small and insig-
nificant a creature- The Lion, touched with com-
passion, instantly released his little trembling
captive. Not long after, traversing the forest in
search of his prey, he chanced to run into the toils
of the hunters, and not being able to disengage
himself, he set up a loud roar. The Mouse hearing
the voice, and knowing it to be the Lion's, imme-
diately repaired to the place, and bade him fear

VOL. IV.

2 L

258 FABLES.

nothing, for that he was his friend. Instantly he
fell to work, and with his little sharp teeth gnawed
asunder the knots and fastenings of the toils, and
set the royal brute at liberty.

APPLICATION.

THEY who generously shower benefits on their
fellow-creatures, seldom fail of inspiring the great
bulk of them with a benevolent regard for their
benefactors, and often receive returns of kindness
which they never expected. Mercy is of all other
virtues the most likely to kindle gratitude in those
to whom it is extended, and it is difficult to find an
instance of a conqueror who ever had occasion to
repent of his humanity and clemency. The 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 it is good to shew favour, when
there is room for it, towards those who fall into our
power. As the lowest people in life may, upon
occasion, be able either to serve or hurt us, it is as
much our interest as our duty to behave with good-
nature and lenity towards all with whom we have
any intercourse. A great soul is never so much
delighted as when an opportunity offers of making
a return for favours received; and a sensible man,
however exalted his station, will never consider
himself secure from the necessity of accepting a
service from the poorest.

FABLES.

259

THE TORTOISE AND THE EAGLE.

A Tortoise, weary of his condition, by which he
was confined to creep upon the ground, and am-
bitious to look around him with a larger prospect,
proclaimed that if any bird would take him up into
the air, and shew him the world, he would reward
him with the discovery of a-n invaluable treasure,
which he knew was hidden in a certain place of the
earth. The Eagle accepted the offer, and having
performed his undertaking, gently set the Tortoise
again on the ground, and demanded the reward.
The Tortoise was obliged to confess that he could
not fulfil his promise, which he had made only
with the view of having his fancy gratified. The
Eagle, stung with resentment at being thus duped,
grasped him again in his talons, and then soaring
to a great height, let him fall, by which he was
dashed to pieces.

2 bo FABLES.

APPLICATION.

MEN of honour are careful not to tarnish their
reputations by falsifying their word, and always
consider well how far it may be in their power to
fulfil their promises before they make them. They
always strive to walk on the straight line of recti-
tude; and should they, in an unguarded moment,
happen to stagger from it, they instantly retrace
their steps, and feel unhappy until they have re-
gained their station. There is a simplicity in truth
and virtue, which requires no artifices, and never
leads us into difficulties, but points out the plain
and safe way. Deceit and cunning, on the con-
trary, involve those who practise them in a maze,
and they are bewildered in their own falsehoods,
from which no dexterity can extricate them. The
brain-racking schemes which villains practise to
delude others, are commonly detected, and end in
the unpitied punishment of themselves; for they
seldom discover the folly of being wicked, until it
has betrayed them into their ruin. But such per-
sons would do well to refresh their memories with
the old adage which says, that " all knaves are
fools, but all fools are not knaves."

FABLES.

26l

THE POLECAT AND THE COCK.

A Polecat, that had long committed depredations
on the farm-yard, having a mind to make a meal of
the blood of the Cock, seized him one morning by
surprise, and asked him what he could say for him-
self 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 Polecat,
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 arc 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 Polecat, hold your wicked tongue, such

262 FABLES.

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 wrong1 and robbery.
Remonstrances, however reasonably urged, or mov-
ingly couched, have no more influence upon the
hearts of such, 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 upon its sides. Power should
never be trusted in the hands of an impious selfish
man, and one that has more regard to the gratifica-
tion of his own insatiable desires, than to public
peace and justice: but as a wicked son may succeed
to the station of a virtuous and patriotic father,
care should be taken to guard against a surprise,
by a vigilant watchfulness of the encroaching na-
ture of power, even wrhen in benevolent hands, that
those checks may not be undermined which coun-
teract its abuse in bad ones. Had the poor Cock
exerted his usual vigilance, it would have served
him much more effectually than either his inno-
cence or his eloquence.

FABLES.

263

THE FOWLER AND THE BLACKBIRD.

A Eowler was busy placing his nets, and putting
his tackle in order, by the side of a coppice, when
a Blackbird, who was perched on an adjacent tree,
eyed him with great attention ; but being at a loss
to know the use of all this apparatus and prepara-
tion, had the curiosity to ask him what he was
doing. I am, says the Fowler, building a fine city
for you birds to live in, and providing it with meat
and all manner of conveniences for you. Having
said this, he departed and hid himself, and the
Blackbird, believing his words, came into the nets
and was taken; but when the man ran up to seize
his captive, the Bird thus addressed him: If this be
your faith, and these the cities you build, it will be
a great pity if you should ever again persuade any
poor simple bird to try to inhabit them.

264 FABLES.

APPLICATION.

The Fowler's professions of friendship for the
birds, while he aimed at their destruction, may be
paralleled by too many instances in real life; and
however mortifying it may be to reflect upon, yet
so it is, that the designing knave far too often
succeeds in his deep-laid schemes to ensnare, over-
reach, and ruin the honest and the unsuspecting
man. Planners and projectors of this character,
both of high and low degree, are suffered to roam
at large, and it behoves the inexperienced to guard
against their plots with a watchful eye; for while
they smoothly disclaim taking any mean advantage
over those they are addressing, with their plausible
pretensions, their sole study and aim is to fill their
own pockets, and then to hug themselves with the
thoughts of their success, and to laugh at those
whom they have duped. As long as people can be
found credulous enough to suffer themselves to be
imposed upon, so long will there arise gentry of
this description, who will live in affluence by taking
advantage of their weakness.

' ^/

FABLKS.

265

THE NURSE AND THE WOLF.

A Nurse, who was endeavouring to quiet a fro-
ward child, among other things 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 the time, heard the expres-
sion, and believing the woman to be in earnest,
waited a long while about the house, in expectation
of having her words made good. But at last the
child, wearied with its own perverseness, fell asleep,
and the Wolf was forced to return back into the
woods, empty and supperless. The Fox meeting
him, and surprized to see him go home so thin and
disconsolate, asked him what the matter was, and
how he came to speed no better that night r Ah!
do not ask me, says he, I was so silly as to believe
what the Nurse said, and have been disappointed.

VOL. IV. 2 M

266 FABLES.

APPLICATION.

MANY of the old moralists have interpreted this
Fable as a caution never to trust a woman: a bar-
barous inference, which neither the obvious sense
of the apologue, nor the disposition of the softer
sex will warrant. For though some women may
be fickle and unstable, yet the generality exceed
their calumniators in truth and constancy, and
have more frequently to complain of being the
victims, than to be arraigned as the authors of
broken vows. To us this Fable appears to mean
little more than merely to shew how easily inclined
we are, in all our various expectations through life,
to delude ourselves into a belief of any thing which
we desire to be true. The lover interprets every
smile of his mistress in his own favour, and is then
perhaps neglected. The beauty believes all man-
kind are dying for her, and is then deserted by her
train of admirers. The followers of the great
reckon a smile or a nod very auspicious omens,
and deceive themselves with groundless hopes of
employment or promotion, in expectation of which,
they, like the Wolf at the Nurse's door, dangle
away the time that might be usefully employed
elsewhere, and at last are obliged to retire dis-
appointed and hungry, crying out perhaps against
the perfidy of those in power, instead of blaming
their own sanguine credulity.

FABLES.

267

THE HARPER.

A Man who used to play upon the harp, and sing-
to it, in little ale-houses, and made a shift in those
narrow confined walls to please the dull sots who
heard him, from hence entertained an ambition of
shewing his parts in the public theatre, where he
fancied he could not fail of raising a great reputa-
tion and fortune in a very short time. He was
accordingly admitted upon trial; but the spacious-
ness of the place, and the throng of the people, so
deadened and weakened both his voice and instru-
ment, that scarcely either of them could be heard,
and where they could, his performance sounded
so poor, so low, and wretched, in the ears of his
refined audience, that he was universally hissed
off the stage.

268 FABLES.

APPLICATION.

WHEN we are commended for our performances
by people of much flattery or little judgement, we
should be sure not to value ourselves upon it; for
want of this caution, many a vain unthinking man
has at once exposed himself to the censure of the
world. A buffoon, though he would not be fit to
open his mouth in a senate, or upon a subject
where sound sense and a grave and serious
behaviour are expected, may be very agreeable to
a company disposed to be mirthful over a glass of
wine. It is not the diverting a little, insignificant,
injudicious audience or society, which can gain us
a proper esteem, or insure our success, in a place
which calls for a performance of the first rate. We
should have either allowed abilities to please the
most refined tastes, or judgement enough to know
that we want them, and to have a care how we
submit ourselves to the trial. And, if we have a
mind to pursue, a just and true ambition, it is not
sufficient that we study barely to please ; but it is
of the greatest moment whom we please, and in
what respect, otherwise we may not only lose our
labour, but make ourselves ridiculous into the
bargain.

FABLES.

269

THE ANT AND THE FLY.

Ix a dispute between the Ant and the Fly con-
cerning precedency, the latter thus boasted : I
have, said he, the uppermost seats at church, and
even frequent the altars; I am taster to the gods,
and a partaker of all their sacrifices; I am ad-
mitted into the palaces of kings, and enjoy myself
at every entertainment provided for the princes of
the earth, and all this without having occasion to
labour. What have you to boast of, poor sorry
drudge, crawling upon the earth, living in caverns
and holes, and with constant exertion gathering up
a grain of corn to support a wretched existence?
Indeed! said the Ant, I pretend to none of these
fine things. Visiting the great, and partaking of
their festivals and sacrifices, might be entitled to
some consideration, were you invited; but you are
only an impudent intruder in such places. My
time, indeed, is spent differently: I lead a life of

2 yo FABLES.

industry, which is crowned with health and vigour,
and I am constantly held up as an example of
prudence and foresight. I provide for present
comforts and future wants, and court not the favors,
nor dread the frowns of any one; while your lazi-
ness and vanity make you a beggarly intruder
wherever you hope to get a present supply. You
may, perhaps, sip honey one day, but on the next
you batten on carrion ; and having propagated a
numerous progeny, equally as noxious and useless
as yourself, I then behold you from my comfortable,
warm, well-stored mansion, in the winter of your
days, starving to death with hunger and cold.

APPLICATION.

THE worthless part of mankind, who pass through
the world without being of any service in it, and
without acquiring the least reputation, seldom fail
of adding empty pride to all their other failings,
and behave with arrogance towards those who con-
tribute to the comforts and happiness of society.
They treat industrious persons as wretched drudges,
appointed to labour for a poor subsistence, while
they think themselves entitled to enjoy all the good
things of this life, though they of all others least
deserve them. But the worthy and industrious will
generally find that the pride and extravagance of
these idle flies, bring them at last to shame, if not
to want, while their own honest labours secure a
good name, a happy mind, and a sufficiency for
their wants, if not a state of affluence. In short,
no one is a better gentleman than he whose own
honest industry supplies him with all necessaries,
and who pretends to no more acquaintance with
honour than never to say or do a mean or an
unjust thing.

FABLKS.

271

THE MOUSE AND THE WEASEL.

A thin hungry Mouse, after much pushing and
twisting, crept through a small hole^ into a corn
basket, where he gorged himself so plentifully, that
on his attempting to retire by the same passage,
he found himself so swelled out, that, with all his
endeavours, he could not squeeze through again.
A Weasel, who stood at some distance, and had
been diverting himself with the vain efforts of the
little glutton, called to him sneeringly, Hark ye,
Mr. Mouse ! remember that you were lean and
half-starved when you got in at that small hole;
and take my word for it, you must be as lean and
half-starved before you can make your way out
again.

272 FABLES.

APPLICATION.

THAT portion of mankind, whose inordinate de-
sires push them on to stick at nothing" in acquiring"
wealth, are seldom the most happy; for covetous-
ness, which never produced one noble sentiment,
often urges its votaries to break through the rules
of justice, and then deprives them of the expected
fruits of their iniquity. Besides, great riches and
care are almost inseparable; and there is often a
quiet and content attending upon people of mode-
rate circumstances, to which the wealthy man is an
utter stranger. It has happened, even to monarchs,
that their inroads on the possessions of others have
tended to the detriment of the aggressor, who has
been obliged to resign the rich spoils obtained by
unjustifiable hostilities, and to refund the ill-gotten
wealth with a very bad grace : a punishment which
Providence has wisely annexed to acts of violence
and fraud, as the best security of the possessions
of the just and virtuous, against the attempts of the
wicked. Some men, from creeping in the lowest
stations of life, have in process of time reached the
greatest places, and grown so bulky by pursuing
their insatiate appetite for money, that when they
would have retired, they found themselves too
opulent and full to get off. There has been no
expedient for them to creep out, till they were
squeezed and reduced in some measure to their
primitive littleness. They that fill themselves with
that which is the property of others, should always
be so served before they are suffered to escape.

FABLES.

273

THE EAGLE AND THE FOX.

Ax Eagle that had young ones, looking for some-
thing 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 be-
fore she had carried it quite off, the old Fox coming
home, implored her, with tears, to spare her Cub,
and pity the distress of a poor fond mother, who
would think no affliction so great as that of losing
her child. The Eagle, whose nest was high in an
old hollow tree, thought herself secure from all pro-
jects of revenge, and so bore away the Cub to her
young ones, without shewing 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

VOL. IV.

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274 FABLES.

a fire-brand in her mouth, made towards the tree
where the Eagle's nest was, with a resolution of
revenge. She had scarcely reached its root, 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
safe and sound.

APPLICATION.

AVHEX men in high situations happen to be
wicked, how little scruple do they make of oppress-
ing their poor neighbours ! They are perched upon
a lofty station, and having out-grown all feelings
of humanity, are insensible to the pangs of remorse.
The widow's tears, the orphan's cries, and the
curses of the miserable, fall by the way, and never
reach their hearts. But let such, in the midst of
their flagrant injustice, remember how easy it is,
notwithstanding their superior distance, for the
meanest vassal to take his revenge. The bitter-
ness of affliction (even where cunning is wanting)
may animate the poorest spirit with desperate
resolutions ; and when once the fury of revenge
is thoroughly awakened, we know not what she
may effect 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 fire-brand to the
palace of a prince, and a poor weak fool may
destroy the children of the mighty.

FABLES.

275

THE BELLY AND THE MEMBERS.

IN former days it happened that the members of
the human body, taking some offence at the con-
duct of the Belly, resolved no longer to grant it the
usual supplies. The Tongue first, _in a seditious
speech, aggravated their grievances ; and after
highly extolling the activity and diligence of the
Hands and Feet, set forth how hard and unreason-
able it was, that the fruits of their labour should be
squandered away upon the insatiable cravings of a
fat and indolent paunch. In short, it was 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 a Finger to
keep him from starving; and the Teeth refused to
chew a single morsel more for his use. In
this distress, the Belly remonstrated writh them in
vain; for during the clamour of passion the voice

276 FAHLES.

of reason is always disregarded. This unnatural
resolution 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 idle and
insatiable as it seemed, it contributed as much to
the welfare of all the other parts, as they in their
several stations did towards its maintenance.

APPLICATION.

THIS Fable was spoken by Alenenius Agrippa, a
Roman consul and general, when he was deputed
by the senate to appease a dangerous tumult and
insurrection of the people. The many wars the
Romans were engaged in, and the frequent sup-
plies 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. 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, useless or frivolous as they may sometimes
seem, are yet as necessary to be kept up and main-
tained in a proper and decent grandeur, as the
family of each private person is, in a condition suit-
able 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 the unmolested control
and possession of it.

FABLES.

THE FATAL MARRIAGE.

A Mouse being ambitious of marrying into a
noble family, paid his addresses to a young Lioness,
and at length succeeded in entering into a treaty of
marriage with her. When the day Appointed for
the nuptials arrived, the bridegroom set out in a
transport of joy to meet his beloved bride; and
coming up to her, passionately threw himself at her
feet; but she, like a giddy thing as she was, not
minding how she walked, accidentally set her foot
upon her little spouse, and crushed him to death.

APPLICATION.

IT is very unsafe for persons of low estate to form
connections with those of a very superior situation.
When wealthy persons of mean extraction and un-
refined education, as an equivalent for their money,

278 FABLES.

demand brides out of the nursery of the peerage, if
they should not be ruined by the giddy extrava-
gance of their high-born wives, their being despised,
or at least treated with neglect, is almost certain.
But indeed, much unhappiness follows the want of
a sound judgement in the choice of a partner for
life, whether it be in high or low, rich or poor. Xo
human contract is of so important, as well as deli-
cate a nature, as marriage. It is one of the grand
epochs in the history of a man. It is an engage-
ment which should be voluntary, judicious, and
disinterested, and can never be attended with
honour, or blessed with happiness, if it has not its
origin in mutual affection. If it be either unsuit-
able or compulsory, it produces not only individual
misery, but consequences universally pernicious.
Sordid interest and vile dependence may indeed
sometimes act so powerfully, as to set nature and
true convenience aside, so as to make the yoke
which is jointly borne by the improper union of the
high and low, or by age and youth, put on an
appearance of regard for each other; but natural
affection must needs be wanting on one side or the
other. Nature has, however, with a strong hand,
pointed out the path to be pursued, and a few pru-
dential rules only are necessary to keep us within
it. If a man is of an unsound constitution, or if he
cannot provide for a family, let him forbear matri-
mony: it is the duty of every man who marries, to
take a healthy woman for his wife, for the sake of
his children, and an amiable one for his own com-
fort. The same precaution ought to be taken by
the fair sex, unless they can make up their minds
to become nurses to tainted worn-out husbands,
and their puny nerveless offspring.

FABLES.

279

THE YOUNG MAN AND THE LION.

AN opulent Old Man, who believed in omens and
dreams, had an only Son, of whom he was dotingly
fond. One night he dreamt that he saw the Young
Man, while he was eagerly engaged in the chase,
seized upon and torn in pieces by a Lion. This
operated upon his fears to such a degree, that he
instantly determined upon breaking off his Son's
strong propensity to hunting, that he might be
kept out of harm's way. For this purpose he spared
neither pains nor expense to make home agreeable
to him. He had the rooms decorated with the
finest paintings of forest scenery, and the hunting
of wild beasts, with the reality of which the youth
had been so much delighted; but the Young Man,
debarred from his favourite pleasures, considered
the palace a prison, and his father as the keeper.
One day, when looking at the pictures, he cast his
eye upon that of a Lion, and, enraged that he was

280 FABLES.

confined for a dream about such a beast, he struck
at the painting with his fist, with all his might.
There happened to be a nail in the wall behind the
canvas, which lacerated the hand terribly. The
wound festered, and threw the Young Man into a
fever, of which he died; so that the Father's dream
was fulfilled by the very step he took to prevent it.

APPLICATION.

THOSE people who govern their lives by fore-
bodings and dreams, and signs of ill-luck, are kept
in a state of constant anxiety and uneasiness.
Such a disposition is grounded on superstition,
which is the offspring of a narrow mind, and adds
greatly to the evils with which life is sufficiently
loaded. Heaven has kindly concealed from us the
knowledge of futurity, and it is therefore foolish for
us to attempt to pry into it, or to disturb our minds
with absurd conceptions of events which are only
realised by our ridiculous precautions against them.
How inconsistent is the conduct of people who
imagine things to be predestined, and yet busy
themselves in endeavours to prevent their coming
to pass: as if the vain efforts of human power
or prudence were able to counteract the will, or
reverse the decrees of the Omnipotent.

FABLES.

28l

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 to no purpose, for. they were too
nimble for him, at last had recourse to stratagem,
and made a declaration to them, in which he set
forth his own just and good intentions, and that he
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
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
such terms of alliance, as might for ever cement a
good understanding between them ; one of which

VOL. iv. 20

282 FABLES.

was, that they should accept of him for their king,
and invest him with all kingly privilege and pre-
rogative over them ; in return for which he pro-
mised them protection from all their enemies. 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.
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 chuse for guardians of their lives and
fortunes, persons abandoned to the most unsociable
of 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. 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 endowed
with a perfection more than human.

FABLES.

283

THE SICK KITE.

A Kite who had been sick a long" time, begin-
ning to be doubtful of recovery, begged of his
Mother to go to all the churches and religious
houses in the country, to try what prayers and
offerings would effect in his behalf. The old Kite
replied, Indeed, my 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 continued scene of rapine
and injustice, and who has not scrupled, upon
occasion, to rob even their altars ?

APPLICATION.

THE rehearsal of this Fable almost unavoidably
draws our attention to that very serious and

284 FABLES.

important point, the consideration of a death-bed
repentance, the sincerity of which \ve may justly
suspect in one whose whole life has been spent in
acts of wickedness and impiety. 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, who has offended the
gods all his life-time by acts of dishonour and in-
justice, expect that they will be pleased with him
at last, for no other reason but because he fears he
shall not be able to offend them any longer? Since
the summons to "pass that bourne whence no
traveller returns," must one day come, we ought
always to be prepared to meet it. But wThen the
whole life has been wasted, without communion
with, or totally estranged from that Almighty
Being, by whose fiat it was called into existence,
then indeed the polluted soul must be distracted
with the agonizing thoughts of appearing before
Him, who created it for a very different purpose.
Nothing but the consciousness of having led a
virtuous life, can, in the awful moment, disarm
death of his terrors, and fortify the mind with
cheering hopes and resignation. But this is a
subject of the utmost importance, and the due
enforcing of it is one of the most solemn duties
of the pulpit.

FABLES.

285

THE FOX AND THE LION.

THE first time the P"ox 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 \vhich 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 insuffer-
able to the conversation of well-bred reasonable

286 FABLES.

people. But there is a difference between the
bashfulness which arises from a want of education,
and the shame-facedness that accompanies con-
scious guilt : the first, by 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 clay more and more
familiar, and branches out at last 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 or reasonable grounds; but upon a little
recollection, or a nearer insight, we recover our-
selves, and can appear indifferent and unconcerned,
where before we were ready to sink under a load
of diffidence and fear. We should upon such occa-
sions 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.

FABLES.

287

THE DOG AND THE WOLF.

A Wolf in quest of prey, happened to fall in
with a well-fed Mastiff. Ah, Tray, said he, one
does not need to ask how you do, you look so
plump and hearty. I wish I were as well provided
for; but my gaunt looks shew that I fare very dif-
ferently, although I dare say I venture my life ten
times more than you do, in searching for a preca-
rious subsistence, amidst woods and wilds, exposed
to rain, and frost, and snow. If you will follow
me, replies the Dog, and do as I do, I have no
doubt you will change for the better, and soon be
in as good plight as I am. The Wolf eagerly
requested to be informed what would be required
of him. Very little, replied the Mastiff; only drive
away beggars, guard the master's house, caress
him, and be submissive to his family, and you
will be well fed and warmly lodged. To these con-
ditions the Wolf had no objections; but as they

288 FABLES.

were jogging along, he observed the hair worn
off around the Dog's neck, and enquired the cause.
O nothing, answered he, or a mere trifle; perhaps
the collar, to which my chain is fastened, has left
a mark. Chain! replied the Wolf, with some sur-
prize; so then you are not permitted to go where
and when you please? Not always, said Tray; but
what does that signify? It signifies so much,
rejoined the Wolf, that I am resolved to partake of
no sumptuous fare with a chain about my neck;
for half a meal, with liberty, is preferable to a full
one without it.

APPLICATION.

TRUE greatness of soul will never give up liberty
for any consideration Avhatever; for what are
riches, grandeur, titles, or any other worldly good,
if they are holden by so precarious a tenure as the
arbitrary will of a tyrant! A mere competency,
with liberty, is preferable to servitude amidst the
greatest affluence; and even the lowest condition
in life, with freedom, is better than the most
exalted station without it. But liberty in a state
of society does not consist in doing whatsoever \ve
please: but only permits those actions by which
we do no injustice to our neighbour, or to the
community. The well-being of society requires
the efforts of all, from the highest to the lowest,
to preserve and support it; and since it appears to
be the will of Omnipotence, that mankind should
live in this state of social union (which does not
admit of the unbridled freedom of the savage state)
a certain portion of individual liberty must be
given up for the good of the whole ; but the sacri-
fice should be bounded by the common good: all
beyond approaches towards slavery, and degrades
the people who submit to it.

FABLES.

289

THE FLYING FISH AND THE DOLPHIN.

The Flying Pish, to avoid its enemies, leaves the
water, takes wing, and mounts up into the air.
The Dolphin is one of the most constant of
these enemies; and its velocity through the liquid
element, it is said, surpasses that of every living
creature, insomuch that as it darts along, the bril-
liancy and changeableness of its colours, which
cannot be described, appear like the flash of a
meteor. A Flying Fish being pursued by a
Dolphin, in his eagerness to escape, took too long
a flight, and his wings becoming dry, he fell upon
a rock, where his death was inevitable. The
Dolphin, in the keenness of his pursuit, ran him-
self on shore at the foot of the rock, and was left
by the wave, gasping in the same condition as
the other. Well, says the Flying Fish, I must

VOL. IV. 2 P

2QO

FABLES.

die it is certain; but it is some consolation to
behold my merciless enemy involved in the same
fate.

APPLICATION.

WHEN brought low by a cruel and insolent op-
pressor,'there is no torture we feel more poignantly
than to see him triumphantly exulting in our
downfall ; and the opposite extreme must take
place in our minds, on seeing* our enemy over-
shoot his mark, and in his turn brought down to
the same level of distress with ourselves. The
temper that is not touched with feelings of this
kind, must be of a highly philosophical cast indeed.
The great and powerful, for the sake of their own
peace of mind, should not unfeelingly persecute
their inferiors; for nothing is more sweet to some
tempers, and scarcely any thing more easy to com-
pass, than revenge.

FABLES.

2QI

THE LION AND THE FRCXf.

THE Lion hearing an odd kind of hollow voice,
and seeing nobody, started up: he listened again,
and hearing the noise repeated, he trembled and
quaked for fear. At last, seeing a Erog crawl out
of the lake, and finding that the noise he had
heard was nothing but the croaking of that little
creature, he went up to it with great anger ; but
checking himself, turned away from it, ashamed of
his own timidity.

APPLICATION.

THE early prejudices of a wrong education can
only be eradicated from the strongest minds. The
weak retain them through life. This Eable is a
pretty image of the vain fears and empty terrors,
with which our weak misguided nature is so apt
to be alarmed and disturbed. If we hear but ever
so little noise which we are not able to account for,

2Q2 FABLES.

immediately, nay often before we give ourselves
time to consider about it, we are struck with fear,
and labour under a most unmanly and unreason-
able trepidation : more especially if the alarm hap-
pens when we are alone, and in the dark. These
fears are ingrafted into our minds very early, and
therefore it is the more difficult, even when we are
grown up, and ashamed of them, to root them out
of our nature. They are chiefly the offspring of
the nursery, and originate in the many terrific
tales, and lying stories, of those who have the
management there; and though every pains be
aftenvards taken to free the mind from the im-
pression of such groundless fears, the weaker part
of mankind are still apt to be terrified at the empty
phantoms of ghosts, spectres, apparitions, and hob-
goblins. But whatever effect such phantasies may
have upon the guilty mind, innocence has nothing
to dread from supernatural causes. Fear is, how-
ever, a natural passion, and its use is to put us
upon our guard against danger, by alarming the
spirits; but it, like all our other passions, should
be kept in a state of subjection : for though they
are all good and useful servants, yet if once they
get the better of our reason, they prove the most
domineering tyrants imaginable; nor do any of
them treat us in so abject and slavish a manner as
fear: it unnerves and enfeebles our limbs, while it
fetters our understandings; and at the same time
that it represents a danger near at hand, disarms
and makes us incapable of defending ourselves
from it. But we ought to call forth a sense of
honour and shame, to correct such weaknesses;
and for this purpose it will be useful to remember
the Fable of the Lion and the Frog.

FAMLES.

THE KID AND THE WOLF.

A Kid being mounted upon the roof of a high
shed, and seeing a Wolf below, took the oppor-
tunity of affronting him with the foulest reproaches :
upon which the Wolf, looking up, replied, Do not
value yourself, vain creature, upon thinking you
mortify me, for I look upon this ill language as
not coming from you, but from the place which
protects you.

APPLICATION.

PLACE a coward out of the reach of danger, and
then no man can put on an appearance of greater
courage. In his castle he makes a great deal more
bluster and threatening than a man of spirit and
honour would do, if placed in the same situation.
A similar kind of overbearing behaviour too often

294

shews itself in the upstart worthless placeman, who
taking" advantage of his situation, which protects
him, and knowing that he is out of the reach of our
resentment, exhibits all the "insolence of office;''
but such should be put in mind, that a saucy
deportment is no sign of either courage, good
sense, or -good manners, and that a gentleman
and a man of spirit will use no .ill, or unbecoming
language to any person, however low in station.

CABLES.

295

THE COUNTRY AND THE CITY MOUSE.

A plain Country Mouse was one day unexpect-
edly visited at his hole, by a fine Mouse of the
Town, who had formerly been his play-fellow.
The honest rustic, pleased with the honour, resolved
to entertain his friend as sumptuously as possible.
He set before him a reserve of delicate grey pease
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. When the
repast was nearly finished, the spark of the town,
aking breath, said, ( )ld Crony, give me leave to be
a little free with you : how can you bear to live in
this melancholy hole here, with nothing but woods,
and meadows, and mountains, and rivulets about
you? Do you not prefer the conversation of the
world to the chirping of birds, and the splendour of
the court, to the rude aspect of a wild like this?
With many flowery arguments, he at last prevailed

2C)6 FABLES.

upon his country friend to accompany him to town,
and about midnight they safely entered a certain
great house, where there had been an entertain-
ment the day before. Here it was the courtier's
turn to entertain, and placing his guest on a rich
Persian carpet, they both began to regale most
deliciously, when on a sudden the noise of some-
body opening the door, made them scuttle in
confusion about the dining-room. The rustic in
particular \vas ready to die with fear at the many
hair-breadth escapes which followed. At last,
recovering himself, Well, says he, if this be
your town-life, much good may it do you. Give
me my poor quiet hole again, with my homely,
but comfortable grey pease.

APPLICATION.

A moderate fortune, with a quiet retirement in
the country, is preferable to the greatest affluence,
attended with the care and the perplexity of busi-
ness, How often are we deceived by the specious
shows of splendour and magnificence; and what a
poor exchange does he make, who gives up ease
and content in an humble situation, to engage in
difficulties, and encounter perils in affluence and
luxury! The ploughman in the field, who labours
for his daily pittance, earns his bread with less
uneasiness and fatigue, than the man who haunts
levees to obtain wealth and preferment. Riches,
properly used, are indeed very conducive to ease
and happiness; but if we leave any comfortable
situation to procure them, or abuse the possession
of them by riot and intemperance, we resign the
end for the means, mistake the shadow for the
substance, and convert the instruments of good
fortune into the engines of anxiety and solicitude.

FABLES.

297

THE ONE-EYED DOE.

A Doe that had lost an eye, used to graze near
the sea; and that she might be the more secure
from harm, she kept her blind side towards the
water, from whence she had no apprehension of
danger, and with the other surveyed the country
as she fed. By this vigilance and precaution, she
thought herself in the utmost security; but a sly
fellow, with two poaching companions, who had
watched her several days to no purpose, at last
took a boat, and came gently down upon her, and
shot her. The Doe, in the agonies of death »
breathed out this doleful complaint: O hard fate,
that I should receive my death's wound from the
side whence I expected no ill, and be safe in that
quarter where I looked for the most danger.

VOL. IV. 2 Q

298

FABLES.

APPLICATION.

WE are liable to many misfortunes that no care
or foresight can prevent; but we ought to provide
in the best way we can against them, and leave
the rest1 to Providence. The wisest of men have
their foibles or blind sides, and have their enemies
too, who watch to take advantage of their weak-
nesses. It behoves us therefore to look to ourselves
on the blind side, as the part that lies most
exposed to an attack. Vigilance and caution are
commonly our best preservatives from evil, and
security is often a fatal enemy, when we cherish
it so as to lull all our apprehensions to rest. We
should not however encourage in ourselves the
slavish principle of fear, nor make ourselves miser-
able on account of latent evils, which it is 'not
in our power to prevent. The ways and working's
of Providence are inscrutable: and it is not in
the power of human prudence to obviate all the
accidents of life.

FABLES.

299

THE TREES AND THE WOODMAN.

A Countryman being in want of a handle for his
hatchet, entered a wood and looked among the
branches for one that would suit his purpose. The
Trees, with a curiosity natural to some other crea-
tures, asked him what he was seeking? He replied
that he only wanted a piece of wood to make a
handle to his axe, and begged they would be so
good as to permit him to serve himself. Since
that is all, said the Trees, help yourself, and wel-
come. He immediately availed himself of the
permission, and had no sooner fitted up his instru-
ment, than he began pell-mell to cut and hack
about him, felling the noblest trees in all the
forest, without distinction. The Oak is said to
have spoke thus to the Beech, in a low whisper:
Brother, we must take all this for our easy
credulity, and imprudent generosity.

300 FABLES.

APPLICATION.

ONE would imagine that the natural principle of
self-preservation implanted in us, would make it
unnecessary to caution any one not to furnish an
enemy with arms against himself. Yet daily expe-
rience shews us that such instances of imprudence
are not uncommon. In this life we are liable to
be surrounded with calamities and distresses: we
should therefore be careful not to add to our mis-
fortunes, by our own want of caution, nor to put
power into the hands of those enemies, which our
merit or our affluence may tempt to rise up against
us. Any person in a community, by wrhat name
or title soever distinguished, who affects a power
which may possibly hurt a people, is their enemy,
and therefore they ought not to trust him ; for
though he wrere ever so fully determined not to
abuse such a power, yet he is so far a bad man, as
he disturbs a nation'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 by wise
and just 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 scraps of preroga-
tive, at last put it out of their power to maintain
their just and natural liberty!

FABLES.

301

THE EAGLE AND THE CROW.

Ax Eagle flew down from the top of a high rock,
and making a stoop at a Lamb, seized it with her
strong talons, and bore aloft her bleating prize to
her young. A Crow observing what passed, was
ambitious of performing the same exploit, and
dcirted down upon a Ram; but instead of being
able to carry it up into the air, she found she had
got her claws entangled in its fleece, and could
neither move herself nor her fancied prize. Thus
fixed she was soon taken by the Shepherd, and
given away to some boys, who eagerly enquired
what bird it was ? An hour ago, said he, she
fancied herself an Eagle; however I suppose she
is by this time convinced that she is but a Crow.

302 FABLES.

APPLICATION.

IT is impossible for any man to take a true
measure of the abilities of another, without an
exact knowledge and true judgement of his own;
a false estimate of which always exposes him to
ridicule, and sometimes to danger. Every man
ought therefore to examine the strength of his own
mind with attention and impartiality, and not
fondly to flatter himself that he can by an awk-
ward and ill-judged emulation soar to the height
which has been attained by men endowed by
nature with great abilities and original talents,
matured by industry. We can no more adopt the
genius of another man, than we can assume his
shape and person. The bright original in every
department of the arts and sciences will be valued
and esteemed, whilst his puny imitators will be
treated with neglect, or be despised. Almost
every man has something original in himself,
which, if duly cultivated, might perhaps procure
him respect and applause, and it is creditable for
him to endeavour justly to obtain them.

FABLES.

303

THE HORSE AND THE STAG.

Ix antient times, when the Horse and the Deer
ranged the forest with uncontrolled freedom, it
happened that contentions arose between them
about grazing in particular meadows. These dis-
putes ended in a conflict between them, in which
the Deer proved victorious, and with his sharp
horns drove the Horse from the pasture. Full of
disappointment and chagrin, the Horse applied to
the Man, and craved his assistance, in order to
re-establish him in the possession of his rights.
The request was granted, on condition that he
would suffer himself to be bridled, saddled, and
mounted by his. new ally, with whose assistance he
entirely defeated his enemy; but the poor Horse
was mightily disappointed when, upon returning
thanks to the Man, and desiring to be dismissed,
he received this answer: No, I never knew before

304 FABLES. ,

how useful a drudge you were; now I have found
what you are good for, you may be assured I will
keep you to it.

APPLICATION.

VICTORIES may be purchased at too dear a rate,
if we solicit the assistance of allies capable of
becoming our most formidable enemies, and it
will be vain to flatter ourselves, that the yoke of
slavery, if we once willingly suffer it to be laid
upon our shoulders, can be easily shaken off, when
the ends for which we bore it are accomplished.
The Fable is intended to caution us against con-
senting to any thing that might prejudice public
liberty, as well as 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, one of the best and most polite
philosophers 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
another, and be a slave for ever, because his avari-
cious spirit knew not how to be contented with
that moderate competency, which he might have
possessed independent of all the world.

FABLES.

305

THE MILLER, HIS SON, AND THEIR ASS.

A Miller and his Son' were taking- their Ass to
market to sell him, and that he might get thither
in good condition, they drove him gently before
them. They had not proceeded far before they met
a company of travellers: Sure, say they, you are
mighty careful of your Ass ; one of you might as
well get up and ride, as suffer him to walk on at his
ease, while you trudge after on foot. In compliance
with this advice, the Old Man set his Son upon the
beast. And now, they had scarcely advanced a
quarter of a mile further, before they met another
company. You idle young rogue, said one, why
don't you get down, and let your poor father ride ?
Upon this, the Old Man made his Son dismount,
and got up himself. While they were marching in
this manner, a third company began to insult the

VOL. IV. 2 R

306 FABLES.

father. You hard-hearted wretch, say they, how
can you suffer that poor lad to wade through
the dirt, while you, like an alderman, ride at your
ease ? The good-natured Miller stood corrected,
and immediately took his Son up behind him.
And now the next man they met exclaimed, with
more vehemence and indignation than all the rest,
Was there ever such a couple of lazy loobies ! to
overload in so unconscionable a manner, a poor
dumb creature, who is far less able to carry you,
than you are to carry him ! The complying Old
Man would have been half inclined to make the
trial, had not experience by this time sufficiently
convinced him, that there cannot be a more fruitless
attempt, than to endeavour to please all mankind.

APPLICATION.

IT is better to pursue the dictates of one's own
reason, than attempt to please every body; for to
do this is next to impossible. Therefore we ought
to decide according to the best of our judgement,
and correct our mistakes from our own experience.
Wise men are instructed by reason; men of less
understanding by experience; the most ignorant
by necessity; and beasts by instinct. When a man
so neglects himself, as not to make a just use of his
reason and his mental powers, in combating with
prejudice and folly, as well as the caprice of others,
he will ever be led on in a maze of error, wavering
and embarrassed about pursuing this or that path,
until between them he is lost in a labyrinth, from
which he will never be able to extricate himself as
long as he lives.

FABLES.

307

THE ANT AND THE GRASSHOPPER.

A commonwealth of Ants, having, after a busy
summer, provided every thing for their wants in
the winter, were about shutting themselves up for
that dreary season, when a Grasshopper in great
distress, and in dread of perishing with cold and
hunger, approached their avenues, and with great
humility begged they would relieve his wants, and
permit him to take shelter in any corner of their
comfortable mansion. 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! my friends, 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, all I
have to say is this: that they who drink, sing, and
dance in the summer, run a great risk of starving
in the winter.

308 FABLKS.

APPLICATION.

As summer is the season in which the industrious
laborious husbandman lays up his supplies for the
winter, so youth and manhood are the times of life
which 'we should employ in laying in such a stock
as may suffice for helpless old age; yet there are
many whom we call rational creatures, who squan-
der ^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 it in some
miraculous way. From this Fable we learn this
admirable lesson, never to lose the present oppor-
tunity of fairly and honestly providing against
the future evils and accidents of life; and while
health and the vigour of our faculties remain firm
and entire, to lay them out to the best advantage;
so that when age and infirmities despoil us of our
strength and abilities, we may not have to bewail
that we have neglected to provide for the wants
of our latter days: for it should always be remem-
bered, that "a youth of revels breeds an age of
care," and that temperance in youth lays the
foundation of health and comfort for old age.

FABLKS.

309

THE HORSE AND THE LION.

Ax old Lion, finding that many of the beasts had
become too nimble for him, and that he could not
come at his prey so readily as before, craftily gave
out that he had long studied physic and surgery in
foreign C9untries, and that he could cure every kind
of disorder to which the beasts were liable. These
professions having been spread abroad, he hoped
to get many of the animals to come within his
clutches. The Horse seeing through the whole of
the scheme, was resolved to be even with him ; and
so humouring the thing as if he suspected nothing,
he feigned himself to be in great pain from a
wound in his foot, and limping up to the Lion,
he begged he would examine the part and admi-
nister relief. The Lion, though intent only upon
making a good meal of horse-flesh, begged the
Horse to hold up his foot that he might see it: this

310 FABLES.

was no sooner done, than the Horse gave him so
violent a blow on the nose, as quite stunned him,
and scampered off, neighing at the success of a
trick, which had defeated the purpose of one who
intended to have tricked him out of his life.

APPLICATION.

WE ought never to put trust in the fair words and
pretensions of those who have both an interest and
inclination to ruin us; and where we find foul play
thus intended against us, it is not in the nature of
things to expect that we should not, if we can, turn
the tables upon the plotters. Treachery has some-
thing so wicked and worthy of punishment in its
nature, that it deserves to meet with a return of its
own kind. An open revenge is too liberal for it,
and nothing matches it but itself. Though a man
of sense and honour will always view tricking and
fraud of all kinds as mean and beneath him, and
will despise setting such an example, yet it can-
not be inconsistent with virtue to counteract the
schemes of those who are taking all manner of
undue advantages, and hatching wicked plots to
undermine us.

FABLES.

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,
and very earnestly implored his assistance to help
him out, or he should be lost. Ah ! poor Reynard,
says he, I pity your misfortune; poor creature, I
am sorry for you with all my heart: how did you
happen to slip into this well r pray how long have
you been in this melancholy situation r Nay, I
prithee friend, replies the Fox, if you wish me
well, do not stand pitying me, but lend me some
succour as soon 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.

312

FABLES.

APPLICATION".

IF we would really manifest our sorrow for the
sufferings of another, let our pity be shewn by our
friendly endeavours to relieve him ; for indeed pity
of itself is but poor comfort at any time, unless it
produces something more substantial. If we can-
not do this, let us not offend the sensibility, and
add to the anguish of a delicate mind, by empty
professions and unmeaning compassion. For, to
stand bemoaning the misfortunes of our friends,
without offering some expedient to alleviate them,
is only echoing 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 merely condoles with me upon
my ill success, and expresses his sorrow for my
mishap.

FABLES.

313

THE GARDENER AND HIS DOG.

A Gardener's Dog happened by some mischance
to fall into the well: his Master ran immediately
to his assistance; but when helping him out, the
surly brute bit his hand. The Gardener took this
ungrateful treatment so ill, that he shook him off,
and left him to shift for himself. Thou wicked
wretch ! said he, to injure the hand that was
stretched forth to save thy life! The hand of thy
Master, who has hitherto fed and taken care of
thee! Die there as thou deservest; for so base and
unnatural a creature is not fit to live.

- APPLICATION.

WHEN a man has suffered his mind to become so
debased as to be capable of doing injuries to him
who has showered benefits on his head, he can

VOL. IV. 2 S

314 FABLES.

scarcely be treated with too much severity. He
deserves at least to be scouted as an outcast to
society. All the favours that are bestowed upon
men of this worthless disposition, are thrown away ;
for the envy and malevolence of the ingrate, work
him up into a hatred of his benefactor. Generous
men should therefore use a just circumspection
in the choice of the objects of their benevolence,
before they give way to the feelings of the heart, or
waste its bountiful overflowings upon those wrho,
instead of making a grateful return, will bite them
like a drowning but spiteful dog. The Fable is
also intended as an admonition to servants, who
owe an especial duty to their masters; whose kind-
ness should be met by their faithful exertions to
serve them ; and whose interest they ever ought
to make their own.

FABLES.

3 1 5

THE DEER AND THE LIOX.

A Deer, terrified by the cry of the Hunters,
instead of trusting to his fleetness, made towards
a cave which he chanced to espy, and in which he
hoped to conceal himself until they were passed
by; but he had scarcely reached the entrance
before he was seized by a Lion who lay crouching
there, ready to spring upon his prey, and who
instantly killed and tore him to pieces. In the
last agonies of death, he thus gave vent to his
feelings : Ah, me ! said he, unhappy creature
that I am. I hoped in this cave to escape the
pursuit of men; but have fallen into the jaws of
the most cruel and rapacious of wild beasts.

APPLICATION.

THIS Fable points out the dangers to which we
expose ourselves, when, from want of presence of

316 FABLES.

mind, we suffer ourselves to be guided by our
unreasoning fears, which no sooner shew us an
5vil, than they throw us into the utmost confusion
in our manner of escaping, and prevent us from
discerning the safe path by which we ought to
avoid it. Thus, in a rash endeavour to shun a less
danger, we oftentimes blindly run headlong into
a greater. The fate of the Deer should warn us
to consider well what may be the ultimate con-
sequences, before we take any important step; for
many paths which appear smooth and pleasant at
a distance, are found to be rough and dangerous,
when we come to tread them; and many a plausible
scheme, which promises us ease and safety, is
no better than a tempting bower, with a Lion
crouching among its foliage, ready to spring upon
and devour us.

FABLES.

317

THE PLOUGHMAN AND FORTUNE.

As a Ploughman was turning" up the soil, his
plough uncovered a treasure which had been
hidden there. Transported with joy, he seized
upon it, and fervently began to thank.the ground
for being so liberal to him. Eortune passing by,
observed what he was about, and could not forbear
shewing her resentment at it. You stupid creature,'
said she, to lie thus thanking the ground, and take
no notice of me! If you had lost such a treasure,
instead of finding one, I should have been the first
you would have laid the blame upon.

APPLICATION.

Ho\v often do we ascribe our success or mis-
fortunes to wrong causes! Vanity sometimes leads
us to consider our prosperity as the natural result

FABLES.

of our own sagacity, and inattention sometimes
induces us to make acknowledgments to wrong
persons. But if we would have our praises valued,
we should be cautious to direct them properly.
Our thanks are an indirect affront to those who
receive them without deserving them; and at the
same time an act of open ingratitude to those who
merit them without receiving them. In prosperity,
as well as in adversity, let us not forget the power
and goodness of Heaven ; and if we implore the aid
of the Almighty in our distress, we should not
neglect to send up our acknowledgments of his
goodness with the voice of gratitude.

FABLES.

THE APE AND THE FOX.

Ax Ape meeting with a Fox, humbly requested
he would be so good as to give him some of the
superfluous hair from his bushy tail, to make into
a covering for his bare posteriors, which were
exposed to all the inclemency of the weather; and
he endeavoured to further his suit by observing to
Reynard, that he had far more than he had any
occasion for, and a great part even dragged along
in the dirt. The Fox answered, that as to his
having too much, it 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 part with the
least bit of it for a covering to the filthy posteriors
of an Ape.

APPLICATION.

RICHES, in the hands of a wise and generous
man, are a blessing to the community in which he

320 FABLES.

lives : they are like the light and the rain, and
diffuse a good all around them. But wealth, when
it falls to the lot of those who want benevolence
and humanity, serves only as an instrument of
mischief, or at best produces no advantage to the
rest of mankind. The good man considers himself
as a kind of steward to those from whom fortune
has withheld her smiles, and thus shews his
gratitude to Heaven for the abundance which
has been showered down upon him. He directs
the superfluous part of his wealth at least, to the
necessities of such of his fellow-creatures as are
worthy of it, and this he would do from feeling,
though there were no religion which enjoined it.
But selfish avaricious persons, who are generally
knaves, how much soever they may have, will
never think they have enough, much less be
induced, by any consideration of virtue or religion,
to part with any portion for the purposes of charity
and beneficence. If the riches and power of the
world were to be always in the hands of the
virtuous part of mankind, it would seem, according
to our human conceptions, that they would produce
more good than in those of the vile and grovelling
mortals, who often possess them. Without any
merit, these move apparently in a sphere of ease
and splendour, while good sense and honesty have
to struggle in adversity, or walk in the dirt. But
the all-wise Disposer of Events does certainly
permit this order of things for just, good, and
wise purposes, though our shallow understandings
are not able to fathom them.

FABLES.

321

THE THIEF AND THE BOY.

Ax arch mischievous Boy, sitting by the side of
a well, observed a noted Thief coming towards
him. The little dissembler, wiping his eyes,
affected to be in great distress. The Thief asking
him what was the matter ? Ah ! says the Boy, I
shall be severely flogged, for in attempting to get
some water, I have dropped the silver tankard
into the well. Upon this the Thief, eager for a
prize, stripped off his clothes, and went down to
the bottom to search for it; where having groped
about to no purpose, he came up again, but found
neither the Boy nor the clothes, the little wag
having run off with and hidden them, and left the
Thief to look for the tankard at his leisure.

VOL. IV. 2 T

322 FABLES.

APPLICATION.

NOTHING gives more entertainment to honest
men, than to see rogues and sharpers tricked and
punished in the pursuit of their schemes of villainy,
by making their own contrivances instrumental in
bringing down their wickedness upon their own
heads. In these instances, justice seems as it were
to be acting in person, and saves the trouble of
publicly enforcing punishment by the penal laws;
but indeed vice carries with it its own punishment,
and the misery attendant upon it in this world,
seems always pretty exactly balanced to its various
degrees of enormity. The abandoned man drags
on a contemptible or infamous life, Avith a con-
stantly deadened or disturbed conscience, and
amidst associates like himself, where he can never
hope to meet with either friendship or fidelity.

FABLES.

THE FOX AND THE SICK LION.

IT was reported that the Lion was sick, and the
beasts were given to understand 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 enquire 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, but was fear-
ful of being troublesome, as I have observed, from
the prints of their footsteps, that great numbers
have gone into the royal den; but I have not seen
a single trace of their coming out again.

324 FABLES.

APPLICATION.

HE that embarks implicitly in any scheme, may
be mistaken, notwithstanding the number who
keep him company; but he Avho keeps out till he
sees reason to enter, acts upon true maxims of
policy; and it is the quintessence of prudence not
to be too easy of belief: for a rash and hasty
credulity has been the ruin of many. Men who
habituate themselves to think, will profit by the
experience of others, a«s well as their own ; but
commonly the multitude do not reason, but stupidly
follo\v each other step by step; not moving out of
the sphere in which chance has placed them : and
the notions or prejudices they may have imbibed
in youth, remain with them to the last. There is
no opinion, however impious or absurd, that has
not its advocates in some quarter of the world.
Whoever, therefore, takes up his creed upon trust,
and grounds his principles on no better reason
than his being a native or inhabitant of the regions
wherein they prevail, becomes a disciple of Maho-
met in Turkey, and of Confucius in China; a Jew,
or a Pagan, as the accident of birth decides.

FABLES.

325

THE SUX AND THE WIND.

A dispute arose between the Xorth Wind and
the Sun, about the superiority of their power, and
they agreed to determine matters by trymg which
of them could first compel a Traveller to throw off
his cloak. The Xorth Wind began, and blew a
very cold blast, accompanied by a sharp driving
shower; but this, and whatever else he could do,
instead of making the Alan quit his cloak, induced
him to gird it about him more closely. Xext came
the Sun, who, breaking out from a cloud, drove
away the cold vapours, and darted his warm sultry
beam's upon the weather-beaten Traveller. The
Man growing faint with the heat, first threw off
his heavy cloak, and then flew for protection to the
shade of a neighbouring grove.

326 FABLES.

APPLICATION.

THERE is something in the temper of man so
averse to severe and boisterous treatment, that he
who endeavours to carry his point in that way,
instead of prevailing, generally leaves the mind
of him whom he has thus attempted to subdue, in
a more confirmed and obstinate state. Bitter
words and hard usage freeze the heart into an
obduracy, which mild, persuasive, and gentle lan-
guage only can dissolve. Persecution has always
fixed those opinions which it was intended to
dispel; and the quick growth of Christianity in
early times, is attributed in a great measure to
the barbarous reception which its first teachers
met with in the Pagan world; and since that time
the different modes of faith which have grown out
of Christianity itself, have been each established
by the same kind of intolerant spirit. To reflect
upon these things, furnishes matter of wonder and
regret, for the benevolent Author of the Christian
religion taught neither intolerance nor persecution.
The doctrines he laid down are plain, pure, and
simple. They teach mercy to the contrite, aid to
the humble, and eternal happiness to the good. In
short, persecution is the scandal of all religion, and
like the North Wind in the Fable, only tends to
make a man Avrap his notions more closely about
him.

FABLES.

327

THE HORSE AND THE ASS.

THE Horse, adorned with his great war saddle,
and champing" his foaming" bridle, came thundering
along the high-way, and made the mountains echo
with his neighing. He had not gone far before he
overtook an Ass, who was labouring under a heavy
burthen, and moving slowly on in the same track.
In an imperious tone he threatened to trample him
in the dirt, if he did not get out of the way. The
poor Ass, not daring to dispute, quietly got aside
as fast as he could, and let him go by. Not long
after this, the same Horse, in an engagement,
happened to be shot in the eye, which made him
unfit for show, or any military business, so he was
stripped of his ornaments, and sold to a carrier.
The Ass meeting him in this forlorn condition,
thought that now it was his time to retort:

328 FABLES.

J ley-day, friend, says he, is it you! Well, I always
believed that pride of your's would one day have
a fall.

APPLICATION.

IT is an affectation of appearing considerable, that
puts men upon being proud and insolent; but this
very affectation infallibly makes them appear little
and despicable in the eyes of discerning people.
Did the proud man but rightly consider what kind
of ingredients pride is composed of and fed with,
and the unstable foundation, and the tottering
pinnacle upon which it stands, he would blush
at the thoughts of it, and. cease to be puffed up
by the little supernumerary advantages, whether of
birth, fortune, or title, which he may enjoy above
his neighbours. These might indeed be a blessing
to him, and to the community in which he lives,
if wisely used ; but if guided by pride, and
consequently by want of sense, they will prove
only a curse ; and the reverence and respect
which he looks for, will not be paid with sincerity,
nor does he deserve it ; and should the tide of
misfortune set in against him, instead of friendship
and commiseration, he will meet with nothing but
contempt, and that with much more justice than
ever he himself expressed it towards others. The
vain proud man ought to be put in mind, that the
time is not far distant, when his skull will not be
distinguished from that of the beggar; and that
there is no state, however exalted, so permanent,
that it may not be reduced to a level with the
lowest.

FABLES.

329

THE HAWK AND THE FARMER.

A Hawk, in the eagerness of his pursuit after a
Pigeon, flew with such violence against the corner
of a hedge, that he was stunned and fell. A
Farmer, who had been looking about his fields,
saw the whole transaction, and instantly ran and
picked up the Hawk, and was going to kill him;
but the latter begged the Man would let him go,
assuring him he was only following a Pigeon, and
neither intending nor had done, any harm to him.
To which the Farmer replied, and what harm had
the Pigeon done to you r and wrung his head off
immediately.

APPLICATION.

IN all our transactions through life, to suppose
ourselves in the place of those we may be dealing

VOL. IV.

2 U

330 FABLES.

with, will be the most certain check upon our own
conduct; and we ought always to consult our con-
science 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 were
done to us. Let those, therefore, who intend to act
justly, but take this view of things, and all will be
well. There will be no danger of their oppressing
others, or fear of their falling into error or danger
themselves. Nothing but an habitual inadvertency
as to this particular, can be the occasion of so
many ingenuous noble spirits being so often en-
gaged in courses opposite to virtue and honour.

FABLES.

33*

THE FOX AND THE COUNTRYMAN.

A Fox being closely pursued by the Hunters,
and almost run down, begged of a Countryman to
give him protection, and save his life. The Man
consented, and pointed out a hovel, into which
the Fox crept, and covered himself up among
some straw. Presently up came the Hunters, and
enquired of the Man if he had seen the Fox, and
which way he had taken ? No, said he, I have not
seen him here, he has passed another way; but all
the while he nodded with his head, and pointed
with his finger to the place where the Fox was
hidden. These signals the Hunters, in the eager-
ness of pursuit, did not notice, but calling off the
dogs, they dashed along in another direction.
Soon after, the Fox came out of his hiding place,
and was sneaking off, when the Man calling after
him, — Hallo, says he, is this the way you behave

332 FABLES.

then, to go without thanking the benefactor who
has saved your life ? Reynard, who had peeped
all the while, and had seen what passed, answered,
I know what obligation I owe you well enough,
and I assure you if your actions had agreed with
your words, I should have endeavoured, however
incapable of it, to have returned you suitable
thanks.

APPLICATION.

DISSIMULATION and double dealing are among
the most odious vices, and a hollow friend is worse
than an open enemy; for in the full confidence of
friendship, we are led to depend upon the man who
uses that confidence to betray us. To pretend to
keep another's counsel, and appear in his interest,
while underhand we are giving intelligence to his
enemies, is treacherous, knavish, and base. Truth
is a plain and open virtue, and cannot be practised
in part ; and truth and sincerity are the same ;
wherefore he that equivocates and adheres to his
promise in one sense, without preserving it inviola-
bly in its full extent and meaning, departs as much
from truth and sincerity as the most direct liar.

" And be those juggling fiends no more believ'd,
" That palter with us in a double sense;
" That keep the word of promise to the ear,
" And break it to our hope."

FABLES.

333

JESOP AT PLAY.

AN Athenian one day found ./Esop entertaining
himself with a company of little Boys at their
childish diversions, and began to jeer and laugh
at him for it. ^Esop, who was too much a wag
himself to suffer others to ridicule him, took a bow
unstrung, and laid it upon the ground. Then
calling the censorious Athenian, Now, philosopher,
says he, expound the riddle if you can, and tell us
what the unstrained bow implies. The Man, after
racking his brains a considerable time to no pur-
pose, at last gave it up, and declared he knew not
what to make of it. Why, says ./Esop, smiling, if
you keep a bow always bent, it will lose its
elasticity presently; but if you let it go slack, it
will be fitter for use when you want it.

334

FABLES.

APPLICATION.

THE mind of man is not formed for unremitted
attention, nor his body for uninterrupted labour;
and both are in this respect like a bow. We can-
not go through any business requiring intense
thought, without unbending the mind, any more
than we can perform a long journey without
refreshing ourselves by due rest at the several
stages of it. Continual labour, as in the case of
the bended bow, destroys the elasticity and energy
of both body and mind. It is, therefore, absolutely
necessary for the studious man to unbend, and the
laborious one to take his rest, or both lose their
tone and vigour, and become dull and languid. It
is to remedy these extremes, that pastimes and
diversions ought to be kept up, provided they are
innocent. The heart that never tastes of pleasure,
shuts up, grows stiff, and is at last incapable of
enjoyment.

FABLES.

335

THE FOX AND THE WOLF.

THE Wolf having laid in a store of provisions,
snugly kept in his den, and indulged himself in
feasting upon them. The Fox observing this
seclusion of the Wolf, became inquisitive to know
the cause, and by way of satisfying his curiosity
and his suspicions, he went and paid the Wolf a
visit. The latter excused himself from seeing the
Fox, by pretending he was very much indisposed.
The Fox having smelt how matters stood, took
his leave, and immediately went to a Shepherd to
inform him of the discovery he had made, and
that he had nothing else to do but to take a good
weapon with him, and with it easily dispatch the
Wolf as he lay dozing in his cave. The Shepherd
following his directions, presently went and killed
the Wolf. The wicked Fox then slily took posses-
sion of the cave and the provisions to himself; but

336 FABLES.

he did not enjoy them long, for the same Shepherd
shortly afterwards passing* by the place, and seeing
the Fox there, dispatched him also.

APPLICATION.

A villain, whose only aim is to get what he can,
will as soon betray the innocent as the guilty.
Let him but know where there is a suspected
person, and propose a reward, and he will seldom
fail to work the suspicion up to high treason, and
will be at no loss to produce sufficient proofs of it,
Men of this stamp will not be content with prac-
tising one single villainy; for having never laid
down any good principles for their guide, they will
go on triumphantly in their wickedness for a time,
and though, perhaps, they may be the instruments
of bringing other villains to punishment, yet they
will at last suffer in their turn; for, besides their
being detested by all good men, justice will, sooner
or later, overtake their crimes, and hurl down its
vengeance on their heads, with a measure equal at
least to the sufferings their perfidy has occasioned
to others. The fate of such wretches can never
excite the smallest commiseration ; for no character
is so truly detestable, as that of a spy and informer.

FABLES.

337

THE RAVEN AND THE SERPENT.

A Raven in quest of food, seeing a Serpent
basking- in the sun, soused down, seized it with
his horny beak, and attempted to carry it off.
But the Sepent, writhing with the pain, twisted
its elastic coils so firmly about the Raven, and bit
him with such envenomed fierceness, that he fell
to the ground mortally wounded. In the agonies
of death, the Raven confessed this was a just
punishment upon him, for having attempted to
satisfy his greedy appetite at the expence of
another's welfare.

APPLICATION.

WHEN men suffer their passions to set aside
their reason, they soon become sensual in their
appetites, and inordinate in their desires. Moral

VOL. IV. 2 X

338

FABLES.

rectitude takes its departure from their minds, and
led by their evil spirit, they soon become fitted for
the commission of any enormity. They give the
rein to their unbridled lusts, and regardless of
consequences, stop at nothing to gratify their
brutal desires. But if we mark the progress of
such men through life, it will be found that, besides
losing the great and virtuous pleasures of self-
approbation, and incurring the stings of a guilty
conscience, their wicked career often meets just
punishment from retaliations in kind, which the
objects of their iniquitous proceedings unexpect-
edly retort upon them.

FABLES.

339

.THE DOVE AND THE BEE.

A Bee, whose business had led her to the brink
of a purling stream, was snatched away by its
circling eddy, and carried down its current. A
Dove, pitying her distressed situation, cropped a
twig from a tree, and dropt it before her in the
water, by means of which the Bee saved herself,
and got ashore. Not long after, a Fowler having
a design upon the Dove, espied her sitting on a
tree, and keeping out of her sight, was waiting
the opportunity of shooting her. This the Bee
perceiving, stung him on the ear, which made him
give so sudden a start, that the Dove instantly
took the alarm, and flew away.

APPLICATION.

WE ought ever with a ready zeal to extend our
arm to relieve a sinking friend from distress and

340 FABLES.

danger, or endeavour to forewarn him against the
wicked plots of his enemies. The benevolent man,
from the most disinterested motives, will always
be disposed to do good offices to all, and the grate-
ful man will never forget to return them in kind, if
it be possible; and there is not one good man in
the world who may not on some occasion stand in
need of the help of another. But gratitude is not
very common among mankind. It is a heavenly
spark, from which many virtues spring; and the
source of pleasures which never enter the breast
of the vile ingrate. The favours and kindnesses
bestowed upon the grateful man, he cannot forget;
those which are conferred upon the ungrateful, are
lost: he concludes he would not have had them, if
he had not deserved them.

FABLES.

341

THE SERPENT AND THE MAN.

A Child was playing in a meadow, and by
chance trod upon a Serpent. The Serpent, in the
fury of his passion, turned up and bit the child
with his venomous teeth, so that he died imme-
diately. The Father of the child, inspired with
grief and revenge, took a weapon, and pursuing
the Serpent, before he could get into his hole,
struck at him and lopped off a piece of his tail.
The next day, hoping by stratagem to finish his
revenge, he brought to the Serpent's hole honey,
and meal, and salt, and desired him to come forth,
protesting that he only sought a reconciliation on
both sides; but the Serpent answered him with a
hiss to this purpose: In vain you attempt a recon-
ciliation; for as long as the memory of the dead
Child and the mangled tail subsists, it will be
impossible for you and I to have any charity for
each other.

342 FABLES.

APPLICATION.

WHEN persons have carried their differences to
an extreme length, it is in vain for them to think
of renewing a cordial friendship; for in the heat
of their quarrel, many injuries must have been
reciprocally offered and received, which must tear
asunder the strongest bands of amity. The fury of
their dissensions may indeed subside, yet neither
party can forgive the wrongs which neither can
forget. The consciousness of having provoked the
resentment of another, will dwell so continually
upon the mind of the aggressor, that he cannot
rest till he has finished his work, and put it as
much as possible out of his enemy's power to make
any return upon him ; and the old proverb will be
verified which says, "The man who has injured
you, will never forgive you/' Morality bids us
forgive our enemies, and the voice of reason con-
firms the same; but neither reason nor morality
bids us enter into a friendship writh, or repose a
confidence in, those who have injured us, and of
whom \ve have a bad opinion. We may resolve
not to return ill-usage; but ought never to put
ourselves into the power of an enemy.

FABLES.

543

THE HORSE AND THE OVER-LOADED

ASS.

A clownish stupid Fellow, in travelling to mar-
ket with his goods, loaded his Horse very lightly,
and put a heavy burden upon his Ass, and was
trudging along the road with them on foot. They
had not travelled half-way to their journey's end,
when the Ass felt greatly overpowered with the
weight he carried, and begged the Horse would be
so good as to assist him by taking a part of it upon
his back, and lighten the grievous burden, assuring
him that through weakness he was quite exhausted,
and was ready to faint. No ! said the Horse, keep
your burden to yourself, it does not concern me.
Upon hearing this cruel reply, the poor Ass drop-
ped down, and soon expired. The Master then
ungirded the pack-saddle, and awkwardly tried
several ways to relieve his Ass, but all to no pur-
pose; it was too late. When he perceived how
matters stood, he took the whole burden and laid

344 FABLES.

it upon the Horse, together with the skin of the
dead Ass, and when he felt tired with walking, he
also mounted himself. The Horse is said to have
often muttered as he went along, Well, this is my
proper punishment, for refusing to help my fellow-
servant in the depth of his distress.

APPLICATION.

HE who has no compassion in his breast, is
unworthy the title of a man; and the heart that
feels no anguish at the misfortunes of others, nor a
desire to relieve those who groan under a load of
sorrow, is destitute of the very grounds and prin-
ciples of virtue. The eye that has no tear for the
griefs of a friend, is also blind to its own interest;
for the burden of human affairs must be borne by
some or other of us, and the duty, as well as the
common necessity of helping one another, ought
not to be shuffled off by the unworthy expression
of " it is none of my business ;" for the business of
society is more or less the business of every man
who lives in it; and he who permits his weak
brother, for want of timely assistance, to sink
under a greater weight than he is able to sustain,
deserves to be punished for his cruelty, by being
obliged to bear the whole of his own distressing
burdens himself. The Fable also hints at the
miseries which poor dumb useful animals undergo,
from the injudicious management or cruel treatment
of those under whose government they have the
misfortune to fall. These kind of "hogs in armour"
ought to be taught by their own sufferings, the
benevolent text, that "A merciful man will be
merciful to his beast."

FABLES.

345

THE HUSBANDMAN AND THE STORK.

A Husbandman having placed nets in his fields
to catch the Rooks and the Geese, which came to
feed upon the new-sown corn, found among his
prisoners a single Stork, who happened to be in
their company. The Stork pleaded hard for his
life, and among other arguments, alleged that he
was neither Goose nor Crow, but a poor harmless
Stork, whose attachment to mankind, and his
services to them in picking up noxious creatures,
as well as fulfilling his duties to his aged
parents, he trusted, were well known. All this
may be true, says the Husbandman, for what
I know; but as I have taken you in company
with thieves, and in the same crime, you must
also share the same fate with them.

VOL. IV. 2 Y

346 FABLES.

APPLICATION.

WHEN we become so abandoned to stupidity
and a disregard 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. The world will always form an
idea of the character of every man from his asso-
ciates : nor is this rule founded on wrong principles ;
for, generally speaking, those who are constant
companions, are either drawn together by a simi-
litude of manners and principles, or form such a
similitude by daily commerce and conversation.
If, therefore, we are tender of our reputation, we
should be particularly delicate in the choice of our
company, since some portion of their fame or
infamy must unavoidably be reflected upon us.
It is not enough to be virtuous ourselves, but we
must be cautious not to associate with those who
are devoted to vice: for, though we cannot confer
any degree of our own credit upon them, we may
suffer much discredit, and incur much danger, from
mixing with such bad companions.

FABLES.

347

THE TRAVELLERS AXD THE BEAR.

Two Men being to travel through a forest to-
gether, mutually engaged to stand by each other
in any danger they might encounter on the way.
They had not gone far, before a Bear rushed
towards them out of a thicket; upon which, one
of them, being a light nimble fellow, got up the
branches of a tree, and kept out of sight. The
other falling flat upon his face, and holding his
breath, lay still, while the Bear came up and
smelled at him, but not discovering any marks
of life, he walked quietly away again to the place
of his retreat, without doing the Man the least
harm. When all was over, the Spark who had
climbed the tree, came down to his Companion,
and 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, said the other, he

348 FABLES.

advised me, for the future, never to place any
confidence in such a faithless poltron as you.

APPLICATION.

THERE is nothing in this world that can lighten
our burdens, in passing through it, or contribute
more to our happiness, than our knowing we have
a true friend, who will commiserate with and help
us in our misfortunes, and on whom we can rely
in times of difficulty and distress. There are
many, indeed, who, with fair words, pretend to
that character, and are ever ready to offer their
services when there is no occasion for their help.
But the real friend, like gold from the furnace,
shines forth in his true lustre, and with heart and
hand is ever ready to succour us, in times of tribu-
lation and peril. It is on such only we ought to
place a confidence in any undertaking of import-
ance; for the man who is wholly actuated by the
selfish unsocial principle of caring only for himself,
is not fit to be associated with others of a more
generous character; and he who will desert them
in adversity ought not to be made a partaker of
the prosperity of others. It therefore behoves us
diligently to examine into the fidelity of those we
have to deal with, before we embark with them in
any enterprise, in which our lives and fortunes
may be put to hazard by their breach of faith.

FABLES.

349

THE FIGHTING COCKS.

AFTER a fierce battle between two Cocks for the
sovereignty of the dunghill, one of them having
beaten his antagonist, he that was vanquished
slunk away and crept into a corner, where he for
some time hid himself; but the conqueror flew up
to a high place, and clapped his wings, crowing
and proclaiming his victory. An Eagle, who was
watching for his prey, saw him from afar, and in
the midst of his exultation darted down upon him,
trussed him up, and bore him away. The van-
quished Cock perceiving this, quitted the place of
his retreat, and shaking his feathers and throwing
off all remembrance of his late disgrace, returned
to the dunghill, and gallanted the Hens, as if
nothing had happened.

350 FABLES.

APPLICATION.

THIS Fable shews us the impropriety and incon-
venience of running into extremes, and teaches us,
that under all the various and sudden vicissitudes
of human life, we ought to bear success with
moderation, and misfortune with fortitude and
equanimity; to repress immoderate exultation, and
unmanly despair. Much of our happiness depends
upon keeping an even balance in our words and
actions, and in not suffering circumstances to
mount us too high in time of prosperity, nor to
sink us too low with the wreight of adverse fortune.
A wise man will not place too high a value on
blessings wrhich he knows to be no more than
temporary ; nor will he repine at evils, whose
duration may perhaps be but short, and cannot
be eternal. He will submit himself with humility
and resignation to the decrees of Providence, and
the will of heaven. In prosperity, the fear of evil
will check the insolence of triumph; and in adver-
sity, the hope of good will sustain his spirit, and
teach him to endure his misfortunes with constancy
and fortitude.

m.

FABLES.

351

THE WILD AND THE TAME GEESE.

A flock of Wild Geese and a parcel of Tame
ones used often to feed tog-ether 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 Tame Geese being heavy,
and fat full-bodied creatures, were most of them
sufferers; but the wild ones being thin and light,
easily flew a\vay.

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 persecu-
tion; money hangs like a dead weight about a
man; and we never feel gold so heavy as when

352 FABLES.

we are endeavouring to make off with it. Great
wealth has many cares annexed to it, with which
the poor and needy are not afflicted. A com-
petency to supply the necessities of nature, and
the wants of old age, is indeed to be desired ; but
we should rather endeavour to contract our wants
than to multiply them, and not too eagerly grasp
at the augmentation of our possessions, which
will increase our cares by adding to our danger.
Persons of small fortune have as much reason to
be contented as the rich: their situation is full
as happy, considered altogether, for if they are
deprived of some of the gratifications which the
rich enjoy, they are also exempted from many
troubles and uneasinesses necessarily cleaving to
riches.

THE FROGS AND THE MICE.

THE Frogs and the Alice, who inhabited part of
a most extensive fen, (of which there remained
unoccupied sufficient room to hold many whole
nations of both) could not agree with each other
so as to live in peace: many bitter disputes arose
between them about the right to particular pools,
and their tuft-covered margins. At length,
national jealousies and animosities arose to such
a height, that each claimed the sovereignty of the
whole fen, and the most rancorous war was waged
between them, in order to settle, by force of arms,
their respective pretensions. While their hostile
armies were drawn up in battle array, on a plain
of several square yards in extent, protected on
both flanks and rear by dark pools and gloomy
forests of sedges, reeds, and bulrushes, their two
chieftains advanced to meet each other, and to it
they fell as fierce as tigers. While these two

VOL. iv. 2 /

354 FABLES.

combatants were thus engaged, a Kite sailing in
the air, beheld them from a great distance, and
darting down upon them, instantly bore them off
in his talons; while the field of battle presented a
delicious repast to some Ravens, who had chanced
to spy the movements of these hostile armies.

APPLICATION.

THE leading feature in the character of men, in
all ages of the world, has ever been self-interest;
and when this is not kept within due bounds, by
a just sense of morality and honour, their bad
passions are let loose, and money, power, or
dominion, are the chief objects they keep in view.
When men thus depraved, have long soared above
restraint, and their numbers and power become
predominant in a nation, the accumulation of their
wickedness hurries them blindly on to break out
into offensive wars with other nations, on the
most frivolous pretences, and rapine, plunder, and
innumerable murders succeed, by which humanity
is outraged, and the fair face of nature is deluged
with blood. " Peace is the natural happy state of
man, and war is his disgrace." The mighty
among the Frogs and Mice attend not to this:
they strut and exult for a time; but their pride,
tyranny, and injustice, will have an end : for
opposed to these vices are the attributes of Omni-
potence, and they are eternal. It often happens
(as in the case of the combatants in the Fable)
that when national depravity has attained its
height, the Kites and Ravens of other regions
are invited forth, and made the instruments of a
just retribution.

FABLES.

355

j'THE^FOWLER AND THE LARK.

A Fowler set his snares to catch birds in the
.open field. A Lark was caught; and finding her-
self entangled, could not forbear lamenting- her
hard fate. Ah ! woe is me, says she, what crime
have I committed that man should be plotting my
destruction ? I have not taken either his silver or
gold, or any thing of value to him; and while
other rapacious birds deal about destruction and
go unpunished, I must die for only picking up a
single grain of corn.

APPLICATION.

THE irregular administration of justice in the
world, is indeed a melancholy subject to think of.
A poor fellow shall be hanged for stealing a sheep,
perhaps to keep his family from starving; while

356 FABLES.

one, who is already great and opulent, will not
scruple to add to his overflowing wealth by the
most bare-faced peculation upon the public, and
yet shall escape punishment, and even censure,
through powerful interest with those who ought
to be his judges, but allow themselves to be
swayed by the splendour of his connections, or
corrupted by his money. When justice is intrusted
in such hands, then shall we see the description
given by one of our satirical poets, of a corrupt
court of law, realized. He calls it a place,

Where little villains must submit to fate.
That great ones may enjoy the world in state.

However, let no one, who violates the law, rest his
defence on this plea; for though crimes, committed
by his superiors, ought not to escape with impu-
nity, yet his own nevertheless deserve punishment.
Hence we may also draw a hint, not unworthy of
our attention, to endeavour to preserve our own
integrity, unshaken in the midst of iniquity, and
to shew ourselves unstained by the corruption even
of the worst of times.

KABI.KS.

357

THE SHEPHERD TURNED MERCHANT.

A Shepherd was feeding" his flock, on a very fine
day, near the sea-side. The beauty of the weather,
the smoothness of the water, and the ships writh
spreading sails floating along its surface, formed
altogether so charming a scene, that he lost all
relish for a pastoral life; and lured also by the
prospect of gain, he determined to quit an employ-
ment, which he now despised as yielding neither
honour nor profit. He quickly sold off his flocks,
and commenced merchant adventurer; and ere
long, he embarked with his whole property on the
ocean. The ship had not long been at sea before
a dreadful tempest arose, which wrecked her and
all her cargo; but our merchant and the crew were
fortunate enough to escape with their lives. The
adventurer having thus lost his all, returned to
his former farm, and was glad to hire himself to

FABLES.

the man who had bought his stock, to attend the
sheep which were once his own. One day, as he
sat meditating upon the change that had hap-
pened, and viewing the sea calm and unruffled as
before, Ah ! says he, thou deceitful tempting
element, experience has made me so wise, that
if I should again acquire a property, I will never
more trust it upon thy faithless bosom.

APPLICATION.

THIS Fable is intended to put men of fickle
unsettled minds upon their guard against that
propensity which often inclines them so strongly
to shifting and changing, and leads them to
imagine they would be happier in any profession
than the one to which they have been brought up.
By this disposition they are led away from an
honest competency, to adventure their all upon
untried schemes, in the hope of bettering their
condition. But men of this wavering temper, who
are comfortably settled in the world, would do
well to reflect, before they change their situation,
and rashly venture, perhaps, the acquisitions of
their whole life, on projects, the failure of which
may subject them to great calamities, which will
be the more intolerable to bear, as they will not
have adverse fortune to blame, but merely their
own folly. Of this truth, experience will convince
them when it is too late.

FABLES.

359

THE COCK AND THE FOX.

A Eox, in one of his early visits to the farm-
yard, happened to be caught in a springe, which
had been set for that very purpose; and while he
was struggling to escape, he was observed by the
Cock, who, with his Hens, was feeding near the
place. The Cock, dreading so dangerous a foe,
approached him with the utmost caution. Rey-
nard no sooner cast his eye upon him, than with
all the smooth and designing artifice imaginable,
thus addressed him. My dear friend, says he,
you see what an unfortunate accident has befallen
me here, and all upon your account, for not having
heard you crow for a long time past, I was re-
solved on my way homeward to pay you a friendly
visit; I therefore beg you will bring me something
to cut this tormenting wire, or at least be so good
as to conceal my misfortune till I have knawed

3t')0 FABLES.

it asunder. Yes, said the Cock, I can guess what
kind of a visit you intended to pay me, and will
fetch you the proper assistance immediately. He
then hastened and told the Farmer, who instantly
went to the place, and knocked the Fox on the
head.

APPLICATION.

WHEN the innocent fall into misfortune, it is the
part of a generous and brave spirit to contribute
as far as possible to their relief; and there is no
quality of mind more amiable than that of tenderly
feeling for the distressed : but we ought not to let
our compassion flow out upon improper objects,
lest we may, by saving a villain, be doing an act
of injustice to the community. When wicked men
are entrapped in their own pernicious schemes,
and laid hold of by the arm of justice, it is a
misplaced lenity to endeavour to screen or protect
them from it, as by letting them loose to continue
their depredations, we become the advocates for
their crimes, and in some degree partakers in their
enormities.

FABLES.

361

THE YOUNG MAN AND HIS CAT.

A certain Young Man used to play with a beau-
tiful Cat, of which he grew so fond, that at last he
fell in love with it to such a degree, that he could
rest neither night nor day for the excess of his
passion. In this condition he prayed to Venus,
the goddess of beauty, to pity and relieve his
pain. The good-natured goddess was propitious,
and heard his prayers ; and the Cat, which he
held in his arms, was instantly transformed into a
beautiful Young Woman. The Youth was trans-
ported with joy, and married her that very day.
At night, while they were in bed, the bride unfor-
tunately heard a mouse behind the hangings, and
sprang from the arms of her lover to pursue it :
the Youth was ashamed, and Venus offended, to
see her sacred rites thus profaned by such unbe-
coming behaviour; and perceiving that her new

VOL. IV. 3 A

362 FABLES.

convert, though a woman in outward appearance,
was a Cat in her heart, she caused her to return
to her old form again, that her manners and
person might be suitable to each other.

APPLICATION.

THIS Fable, however extravagant and unnatural
in its composition, is intended to depicture and
check the blind instinctive ardour of the passion
of love, the transports of which cover all imper-
fections, so that its devotees consider neither
quality nor merit. It is like an idol of our own
creating, which we fashion into \vhatever figure
or shape we please, and then run mad for it. The
Fable also shews that

" Xo charm can raise from dirt a grov'ling mind ;"

And that people of a low turn of spirit and mean
education cannot change their principles by
changing their situation: for in the midst of
splendour and magnificence, they still retain the
same narrow sentiments, and seldom fail to betray,
by some dirty action, their original baseness,
which no embroidery can conceal; and though
fortune has been pleased to lift them out of the
mire, we still see the silly awkward blockheads
displaying their lack of mind and education
through all their ensigns of dignity. If any thing
more need be added, it can only be with a view
of more plainly putting inexperienced youth on
their guard against making inconsiderate connec-
tions, lest they take a Cat into their bosom, instead
of an amiable consort and companion for life.

FABLES.

363

THE FOWLER AND THE PARTRIDGE,

A Fowler having taken a Partridge in his nets,
the bird begged hard for a reprieve, and promised
the man, if he would let him go, to decoy the other
Partridges into his snares. No, replies the Fowler,
if I had before been undetermined what to do with
you, 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.

To betray our friends is one of the blackest of
crimes; and however much traitors may suppose
they recommend themselves by their successful
acts of treachery, they will find that those who

364 FABLES.

employ them as useful instruments in any dirty
business of faction or party, are shocked at the
baseness of their minds; and however convenient
it may be to " like the treason, the traitor will be
despised." History furnishes us with many in-
stances of king's 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,
and sticks at nothing to promote his own selfish
ends. He that will betray one master for a bribe,
will betray another on the same account. It is
therefore impolitic in any state to suffer such
wretches to live under its protection. Since then
this maxim is so good, and likely at all times to
be acted upon, what stupid rogues must they be
who undertake such precarious dirty work !

FABLES.

365

THE BLIND MAN AND THE LAME.

A Blind Alan and a Lame Man happening to
come at the same time to a piece of very bad road,
the former begged of the latter that he would be
so kind as to guide him through the difficulty.
How can I do that, said the Lame Man, since I am
scarcely able to drag myself along r But as you
appear to be very strong*, if you will carry me, we
will seek our fortunes together. It will then be
my interest to warn you against any thing that
may obstruct your way; your feet shall be my feet,
and my eyes your's. With all my heart, replied
the Blind Man; let us mutually serve each other.
So, taking his lame companion on his back, they
by means of this union travelled on with safety
and pleasure.

366 FABLES.

APPLICATION.

THERE is no such thing as absolute independ-
ence, in a state of society, and the defects and
weaknesses of individuals form the cement by
which it is bound together. All men have their
imperfections and wants, and must help each other
as a matter of expediency as well as virtue; for
Providence has so ordered things in this life, that
like the Blind Man and the Lame in the Fable, we
may be serviceable to each other in almost every
instance. What one man wants another supplies.
Without these failings there would be neither
friendship nor company; so that it is our interest
to be both charitable and sociable, when our very
wants and necessities are converted by Providence
into blessings. The whole race of mankind ought
indeed to be but so many members of the same
body; and in contributing to the ease and con-
venience of each other, we are not only serviceable
to the whole, but kind to ourselves.

FABLES.

367

THE LION, THE WOLF, AND THE DOG.

A Lion having seized upon a Doe, while he was
standing over his prize, a Wolf stepped up to
him, and impudently claimed to go halves. No!
said the Lion, you are too apt to take what is not
your due. I therefore shall never have any thing
to do with you, and I peremptorily insist on your
immediate departure out of my sight. A poor
honest dog, who happened to be passing, and
heard what was going on, modestly withdrew,
intending to go about another wray. Upon which
the Lion kindly invited him to come forward and
partake with him of the feast, to which his modesty
had given him so good a title.

APPLICATION.

THERE is something in modesty which ought
ever strongly to prepossess us in favour of those

368 FABLES.

persons in whose nature it is interwoven; and men
of discerning and generous minds have a pleasure
in discovering it, and in bringing into notice the
worthy man, who is diffident of his merit, and
cannot prevail upon himself to challenge the praise
or tribute he deserves. It is, however, to be
lamented, that such patrons are not very nume-
rous, and that the assuming arrogance and teasing
importunities of the greedy forward man should so
commonly succeed in attaining his ends, while
modesty in silence starves unnoticed, and is for
ever poor. Were men in exalted stations of life
to pay more attention to the importance of this,
and endeavour to discover modest worth, to draw
merit from the shade, and virtue from obscurity,
and distribute their patronage and their favours
to such only, their own affairs, as well as those of
the public, would be better managed, and the
difference between the conduct of upstart pride
and sensible plain honesty would soon shew itself
in its true unvarnished colours.

FABLES.

,69

THE ASS EATING THISTLES.

Ax Ass was loaded with provisions of several
sorts, which he was carrying home for a grand
entertainment. By the way, he met with a fine
large Thistle, and being very hungry, immediately
eat it up, 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 savory
and relishing than the most exquisite and sump-
tuous banquet.

APPLICATION.

TEMPERANCE and exercise may be regarded as
the constituents of natural luxury. It is not in
the power of the whole art of cookery, to give

VOL. IV. 3 B

370 FABLES.

such an exquisite relish and seasoning to a dish,
as these two will confer on the plainest fare.
Indolent epicures have no true taste: they subsist
entirely by whets and provocatives of appetite;
but he whose stomach is braced and strengthened
by exercise, has a whet within himself, which adds
a poignancy to every morsel that he eats. Provi-
dence seems to have carved out its blessings with
an equal hand, and what it has denied to the poor
in one way, it has amply supplied them with in
another: if it have withheld riches, it has given
them a greater store of health; and if it have
refused them the means of luxury, it has at least
formed them with the capacity of living as happily
without it. And it may further be observed, that
if we except hereditary diseases, almost every
other ailment may be laid to the account of in-
dolence, intemperance, or anxiety of mind.

FAHl.KS.

371

THE DOG AND THE CAT.

NEVER were two creatures happier together than
a Dog" and a Cat, reared in the same house from
the time of their birth. They were so kind, so
gamesome, and diverting, that it was half the
entertainment of the family to see the gambols
and love tricks that passed between them. Still
it was observed, that at meal-times, when scraps
fell from the table, or a tit-bit was thrown to them,
they would be snarling and spitting at one another
like the bitterest foes.

APPLICATION.

THIS Fable is too true a picture of the practices
and friendships of the world. We first enter into
agreeable conversations, contract likings, and form
close intimacies and connections, which one would

372 FABLES.

think nothing could ever break up; but dashing-
interests at length come in the way, and dissolve
the charm. An unreasonable desire to engross
more than we can enjoy, is the bone of contention,
which in greater or less degrees sets mankind
together by the ears. A jealous thought, a mis-
taken word or look, is then sufficient to cancel all
former bonds : the league is broken, and the farce
concludes like the Dog and the Cat in the
Fable, wTith biting and scratching out one an-
other's eyes. The same kind of over-grasping
selfishness, which operates so powerfully upon
and blinds individuals, may with equal truth
be charged against all public associations or
societies of men, from the greatest to the least,
when they are under the influence of that mistaken
patriotism, which, instead of applying its powers
to the improvement of what they already possess,
seeks aggrandizement by engrossing the colonies
or privileges of their less powerful neighbours.

FABLES.

373

THE TRUMPETER TAKEN PRISONER.

A Trumpeter, being taken prisoner in battle,
begged . hard for quarter, declaring his innocence,
and protesting, that he neither had killed nor
could kill any man, bearing no arms but his trum-
pet, 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 among
other people, and so become the cause of much
bloodshed.

APPLICATION.

THE fomenter of mischief is at least as culpable
as he who puts it in execution. A man may be
guilty of murder, who never has handled a sword
•or pulled a trigger, or lifted up his arm with any

374 FABLES.

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
or pens gave birth to the sedition, and excited
the tumult. The liable is also equally applicable
to those evil counsellors, who excite corrupt or
wicked governments to sap and undermine, and
then to overturn the just laws and liberties of a
whole people; or involve them in cruel offensive
wars, in \vhich they cause thousands upon thou-
sands of swords to be drawn, and whole armies
of men to be cut in pieces, while they themselves
coolly sit out of danger, and calculate the gains
they derive from the wide-spreading desolation.
AVar is the most horrid custom that ever resulted
from human wickedness, and is caused only by
the ignorance of the psople, or the wickedness of
governments.

FABLES.

THE BOYS AND THE EROGS.

A company of idle Boys used to assemble on
the margin of a lake, inhabited by a great number
of Frogs, and divert themselves by throwing vollies
of stones into the water, to the great annoyance
and danger of the poor terrified Frogs, who were
thus pelted to death as soon as any of them put
up their heads. At length, one of the boldest of
the Frogs ventured, in behalf of the whole com-
munity, to croak out their complaints. Ah, my
Boys, said he, why will you learn so soon the cruel
practices of your race? Consider, I beseech you,
that though this may be sport to you, it is death
to us !

APPLICATION.

THIS Fable shews the propensity of unguided
youth to do evil, and points out the need of in-
culcating benignity of conduct upon their minds,

376

FABLES.

and giving them a direction towards a manly and
generous humanity, which in manhood will 'shew
itself in actions and habits that cannot fail to do
honour to themselves, and qualify them for any
office in the service of their country. The contrary
of all this will be found to predominate in society,
when youth are suffered to go on with impunity, in
indulging their wicked inclinations for cruelty, by
which their minds are hardened and debased.
This hard-heartedness in boys will grow into
brutality and tyranny in men; and that cruelty
which was at first inflicted upon poor dumb
£inimals, will soon shew itself upon their fellows.
The great man of this cast will tyrannize over
those below him : these again will shew the same
hateful disposition to their dependents, and so
downwards to the lowest, who, guided only by
ignorance, will give vent to their natural base-
ness, by goading and distressing the poor animals
which are wretchedly toiling in their service.

FINIS.

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