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diff --git a/.gitattributes b/.gitattributes new file mode 100644 index 0000000..6833f05 --- /dev/null +++ b/.gitattributes @@ -0,0 +1,3 @@ +* text=auto +*.txt text +*.md text diff --git a/33888-8.txt b/33888-8.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..6e7dbe6 --- /dev/null +++ b/33888-8.txt @@ -0,0 +1,3643 @@ +The Project Gutenberg EBook of Aesop Dress'd, by Bernard Mandeville + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: Aesop Dress'd + Or a collection of Fables + +Author: Bernard Mandeville + +Commentator: John S. Shea + +Release Date: October 29, 2010 [EBook #33888] + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1 + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK AESOP DRESS'D *** + + + + +Produced by Chris Curnow, Joseph Cooper and the Online +Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net + + + + + + + + + +THE AUGUSTAN REPRINT SOCIETY + + + BERNARD MANDEVILLE + + ÆSOP DRESS'D + OR A + COLLECTION + OF + FABLES + + _WRIT IN FAMILIAR VERSE_ + (1704) + + _INTRODUCTION_ + BY + JOHN S. SHEA + + PUBLICATION NUMBER 120 + WILLIAM ANDREWS CLARK MEMORIAL LIBRARY + UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, LOS ANGELES + 1966 + + +GENERAL EDITORS + + Earl Miner, _University of California, Los Angeles_ + Maximillian E. Novak, _University of California, Los Angeles_ + Lawrence Clark Powell, _Wm. Andrews Clark Memorial Library_ + + +ADVISORY EDITORS + + Richard C. Boys, _University of Michigan_ + John Butt, _University of Edinburgh_ + James L. Clifford, _Columbia University_ + Ralph Cohen, _University of California, Los Angeles_ + Vinton A. Dearing, _University of California, Los Angeles_ + Arthur Friedman, _University of Chicago_ + Louis A. Landa, _Princeton University_ + Samuel H. Monk, _University of Minnesota_ + Everett T. Moore, _University of California, Los Angeles_ + James Sutherland, _University College, London_ + H. T. Swedenberg, Jr., _University of California, Los Angeles_ + + +CORRESPONDING SECRETARY + + Edna C. Davis, _Wm. Andrews Clark Memorial Library_ + + + + +INTRODUCTION + + +Bernard Mandeville's first extant book in English, _Some Fables after +the Easie and Familiar Method of Monsieur de la Fontaine_, was published +in 1703; it reappeared with additional fables in 1704 as _Aesop +Dress'd_.[1] Neither title reveals that, except for two original fables +by Mandeville, the book consists entirely of verse translations from the +twelve books of La Fontaine's _Fables_ (1668-1694). It is the first +book-length translation from these poems into English. + +The only previous translations from _Fables_ into English verse appear +to have been those made ten years earlier by John Dennis. _Miscellanies +in Verse and Prose_ (1693) was a curious volume of Pindaric odes, +imitations of Horace, Juvenal, and Boileau, and letters that the young +Dennis had written during his travels in France and Italy, including the +well-known account of the "delightful horrour" and "terrible Joy" that +he had experienced while crossing the Alps; there were, finally, ten +fables in octosyllabic couplets--all of them translations from La +Fontaine. A word about Dennis's fables may help to put Mandeville's into +perspective. + +Their resemblance to the French originals is slight. Not La Fontaine, +but Samuel Butler, presides over Dennis's fables; indeed, when Dennis +discusses them in the Preface to _Miscellanies_, he fails to mention La +Fontaine, although he devotes a large proportion of his remarks to a +defense of Butler's burlesque verse, which he acknowledges as his +model.[2] Many people were writing Hudibrastics in the 1680's and +1690's: the propensity of Butler's couplet for arousing laughter had +made it a fad.[3] With its jog-trot meter, insinuating swiftness, and +jarring double and triple rhymes, the Hudibrastic couplet was ideally +suited to the mockery performed by low burlesque. All burlesque works by +an incongruity between subject and style; the particular function of low +burlesque is to debase an elevated subject by treating it in an +undignified manner.[4] So it was that Butler, with the assistance of a +crazy style, had exploited the gap between the high pretensions and the +ridiculous performances of a Puritan knight and his squire. + +But of the hordes of scribblers that followed in the wake of _Hudibras_, +scarcely any possessed Butler's sense of satiric propriety. Where his +success had been founded on the discrepancy between subject and style +that is essential to burlesque, they employed his style with no regard +for its suitability to their subjects. Ordinary narrative poems with no +satiric intent were decked in Hudibrastic couplets for the sake of a +superficial cleverness.[5] Dennis followed the fashion. His ten +verse-fables are filled with outrageous Butlerisms: + + Isgrim had all the Winter far'd + So very ill, his looks Men scar'd. + He had (poor Dog!) got an evil habit, + Of going to Bed with the Devil a bit, + So that he had contracted a meen, + Which truly represented Famine. + + * * * * * + + At sight of Steed that's one huge bit of Fat, + Hight Isgrim's heart for joy went pit a pat. + + * * * * * + + Had I not known thy Self and Kindred, + Ev'n I my self should have been in dread. + + * * * * * + + The _Crane's_ arrival was opportune, + Order'd for _Isgrim's_ good by fortune.[6] + +Whatever the intentions of the poet, it seems to be the property of the +Hudibrastic couplet inevitably to denigrate its subject. While it is +probable that Dennis intended his fables to be clever and modish, and +nothing more, they turn out to be travesties of La Fontaine. + +Dennis was attempting to impose on the animal fable an alien style. From +Aesop to Thurber, the chief strength of the fabulist has been his +humility: by selecting animal stories as the guise for his moral +lessons, he has hoped to disarm his readers into accepting the truth. +This strategy would seem to rule out the style of low burlesque, for the +impulse to this style--a dignified subject to be mocked out of its +dignity--does not exist in the animal fable. In particular the _Fables_ +of La Fontaine, perhaps the most graceful, concise, and witty ever +written, do not respond well to the ferocious manner of Dennis. Dennis +translating La Fontaine resembles a bull in a china shop. + +While Mandeville is no gazelle either, he has better manners than +Dennis. The Butlerisms are still present, but they are not everywhere +and they are not so grotesque. The difference between Dennis and +Mandeville may be merely the interval of ten years, during which the +influence of Butler had faded; but this seems unlikely, since Bond cites +many examples of the continuing vogue of _Hudibras_, even well into the +1730's.[7] A more probable explanation for the difference is that, +whereas Dennis was an avowed imitator of Butler who happened to be +translating the _Fables_ of La Fontaine, Mandeville seems to have been +in this work chiefly a translator of La Fontaine who was, incidentally, +writing at a time when the impulse to copy Butler's superficial +qualities was almost irresistible. The total number of Hudibrastic +couplets in _Aesop Dress'd_ comes to only a handful: + + They'll give you a hundred Niceties, + As Chicken Bones, boyl'd Loins of Mutton, + As good as ever Tooth was put in.... + + * * * * * + + And therefore let my Lord _Abdomen_ + Say what he will, we'll work for no Man. + + * * * * * + + A Cat, whose Sirname pretty hard was, + One Captain _Felis Rodilardus_.... + + * * * * * + + Before the Reign of Buxom Dido, + When Beasts could Speak as well as I do.... + + * * * * * + + The Truth is, it would be a hard Case, + If all this should not mend one's Carcass.[8] + +Even these few unmistakable instances are less distracting than the ones +in Dennis. Mandeville's verse is much like his prose: straightforward, +downright, even in tone. Here are the first ten lines of Mandeville's +"The Fox and Wolf": + + The Fox went on the search one Night, + The Moon had hung out all her light; + He sees her image in a Well; + But what it was he could not tell; + Gets on the Bricks to look at ease: + At last concludes it is a Cheese: + One Bucket's down, the other up, + He jumps in that which was a-top, + And coming to the Water, sees + How little Skill he had in Cheese. + +La Fontaine has this: + + ... Un soir il [le loup] aperçut + La lune au fond d'un puits: l'orbiculaire image + Lui parut un ample fromage. + Deux seaux alternativement + Puisoient le liquide élément: + Notre Renard, pressé par une faim canine, + S'accommode en celui qu'au haut de la machine + L'autre seau tenoit suspendu. + Voilà l'animal descendu, + Tiré d'erreur, mais fort en peine, + Et voyant sa perte prochaine.... + +Dennis had inserted these lines in the pseudo-erudite Butlerian manner: + + The two large Buckets which were there, + Like _Pollux_ and like _Castor_ were. + How so pray? For 'tis devilish odd, + To liken a Bucket to a God; + When one came up from towards the Center, + That in our upper world strait went there. + These drew up turns the liquid Element, + Into one got _Renard_, and towards Hell he went.[9] + +Nearly all Mandeville's translations are, like "The Fox and Wolf," +longer than their originals. The added length is partly explained by +meter: Mandeville's octosyllabic line is less capacious, as a rule, than +La Fontaine's flexible one. Thus, even though "The Wolf and the Lamb" +moves with a speed comparable to "Le Loup et l'Agneau," Mandeville takes +34 lines to La Fontaine's 29.[10] More often, Mandeville's translations +are longer than their originals because Mandeville is not able to match +La Fontaine's wit and point. "La Lice et sa Compagne," an exercise in +light-footed elegance, begins this way: + + Une Lice étant sur son terme, + Et ne sachant où mettre un fardeau si pressant, + Fait si bien qu'à la fin sa Compagne consent + De lui prêter sa hutte, où la Lice s'enferme. + +In translating, Mandeville expands these four lines to ten without +special gain: + + A Bitch, who hardly had a day + To reckon, knew not where to lay + Her Burthen down: She had no Bed; + Nor any Roof to hide her Head; + Desires a Bitch of the same Pack, + To let her have, For Heaven's sake, + Her House against her Lying-in. + Th' other, who thought it was a Sin, + To baulk a Wretch so near her Labour + Says, Yes, 'tis at your Service, Neighbor.[11] + +Perhaps it is Mandeville's plainspokenness, his determination to say all +that must be said, which causes him to state explicitly things that La +Fontaine left implicit. "La Cigale et la Fourmi," contrasting an +irresponsible grasshopper and a provident ant, implies but subdues a +contrast between art and life. Mandeville makes the contrast explicit: + + And now the hungry Songster's driv'n + To such a state, no Man can know it, + But a Musician or a Poet....[12] + +"The Lyon and the Gnat" is fairly close to its original in length (46 +lines to La Fontaine's 39) and in spirit; but Mandeville does not +improve his fable by supplying the adjective "silly" ("silly Spider") +where La Fontaine had written "une araignée," or by inserting a line +about the gnat's pride, "Puffed up and blinded with his glory," where La +Fontaine expected his readers to discern the gnat's pride for +themselves.[13] Another translation that sticks close to the French in +its sense is "The Dog and the Ass," in which an ass refuses food to a +hungry dog and is in turn abandoned by the dog and killed by a hungry +wolf. Mandeville adds the judgment that La Fontaine excluded. The wolf +attacks: + + Grizz'l [the Ass] at a distance + Hears him, and asks the Dog's assistance; + But he don't budge, _and serves him right; + Says he, I never us'd to fight + Without a cause for fighting's sake_....[14] + +The italicized words, entirely added by Mandeville, apparently represent +his conviction that the irony of La Fontaine's fable would be +intensified by the dog's sardonic comment and the translator's "serves +him right." Other examples might be cited of Mandeville's explicitness. + +The characterizing details of some of the great fables, however, +disappear in Mandeville's English. Although "The Plague among the +Beasts" is faithful to the original, the tragic overtones of "Les +Animaux malade de la Peste" are not recaptured; they are perhaps +unrecapturable. The ironies of La Fontaine's characterization are +ignored: the lion's "L'histoire nous apprend," for instance, by which +the unscrupulous politician poses as a deep-browed savant; the +description of the other beasts as "petits saints," and of the wolf who +condemns the innocent ass as "quelque peu clerc"--these disappear.[15] +"L'Ivrogne et sa Femme" meets the same fate. Mandeville retains the +outlines of the original but treats the details perfunctorily, as though +he had given up trying to re-create the comic terror of La Fontaine's +little masterpiece. "A drunkard" is not an adequate equivalent for "un +suppôt de Bacchus"; "very drunk" is not the same as "plein du jus de la +treille"; entire sentences are left out, such as "Là les vapeurs du vin +nouveau / Cuvèrent à loisir"; and the ending of the poem suffers from +the alteration of details and from an awkward inversion for the sake of +a rhyme: + + He says to his dissembling Spirit, + Who are you in the Name of Evil? + She answers hoarsely I'm a Devil, + That carries Victuals to the Damn'd + By me they are with Brimstone cramm'd. + What, says the Husband, do you think + Never to bring them any Drink? + + "Quelle personne es-tu? dit-il à ce fantôme. + --La cellerière du royaume + De Satan, reprit-elle; et je porte à manger + A ceux qu'enclôt la tombe noire." + Le mari repart, sans songer: + "Tu ne leur portes point à boire?"[16] + +Of the many differences between La Fontaine and Mandeville, those +noticed up to this point may be blamed on the latter's incapacity. Some +of the other changes may be partially justified on the grounds that +through them Mandeville was deliberately trying to alter the tone of the +poem, to give it an earthiness of spirit congruent with his temperament. +La Fontaine's "Le Lion malade et le Renard" begins with hushed dignity: + + De par le roi des animaux, + Qui dans son antre était malade, + Fut fait savoir à ses vassaux + Que chaque espèce en ambassade + Envoyat gens le visiter.... + +Mandeville's translation begins: + + The king of Brutes sent all about, + He was afflicted with the gout....[17] + +The gout is a standard comic disease which Mandeville gives to his lion +to make him comically undignified. La Fontaine's lion remains dignified +and restrained throughout. (The two versions of this fable are also +instances of the relative capabilities of the French and the English +four-stress lines.) In another fable, a tonal difference appears in some +lines describing the meeting of a haggard wolf and a well-fed dog: + + Le Loup donc l'aborde humblement, + Entre en propos, et lui fait compliment + Sur son embonpoint, qu'il admire. + + And therefore in a humble way + He gives the Dog the time o' th' Day; + Talks mighty complaisant, and vents + A Waggon Load of Compliments + Upon his being in such a Case, + His brawny Flank and jolly Face.[18] + +The tone of polite gravity is gone; what remains is less succinct, but +more specific, and in its way effective. When Mandeville's invention is +working well, as it does in "The Wolf and Dog," it provides, in its +colloquial heartiness, an adequate substitute for La Fontaine's +refinement of tone and subtlety of detail. On the whole, his fables are +close to their originals, especially when compared to those of Dennis, +even though "the easie and familiar method of Monsieur de La Fontaine" +is something that, despite his professions, Mandeville fails to +reproduce. + +Only two years intervened between Mandeville's translations from La +Fontaine (1703) and _The Grumbling Hive_ (1705), the 433-line fable +that, through the years, would grow into that great repository of +social, political, and economic nonconformity, _The Fable of the Bees_. +It is not surprising that many of the fables which Mandeville chose to +translate anticipate the themes of his great work. Among these are "The +Milk Woman," on the self-flatery of the egoistic dream; "The Frogs +asking for a King," on the instability of human desires; "The Wolves and +the Sheep," on political self-deception; "Hands, Feet, and Belly," on +social interdependence; and "The Lyon grown Old," on the ultimate blow +to pride.[19] + +Since Mandeville would give so much space in _The Fable of the Bees_ to +his analysis of pride,[20] it is appropriate that pride engaged his +attention in this early book of fables. "The Frog" is notable chiefly +because Mandeville lengthened La Fontaine's moral of four lines to +fourteen in order to glance at the social and economic implications of +pride: + + So full of Pride is every Age! + A Citizen must have a Page, + A Petty Prince Ambassadors, + And Tradesmens Children Governours; + A Fellow, that i'n't worth a Louse, + Still keeps his Coach and Country-house; + A Merchant swell'd with haughtiness, + Looks ten times bigger than he is; + Buys all, and draws upon his Friend, + As if his Credit had no end; + At length he strains with so much Force, + Till, like the Frog, he bursts in course, + And, by his empty Skin you find, + That he was only fill'd with Wind.[21] + +Two of the 39 fables in the collection are original productions: "The +Carp" and "The Owl and the Nightingale." Both poems focus upon pride. +"The Carp" tells the story of a young and inexperienced English carp who +swims into foreign waters to learn "manners and arts." Warned by a +herring to go home and learn first about his own country, the carp +rebuffs this honest advice, takes up with fops, and is drawn into ruin +before he finally returns home "as vain and ignorant, / As e'er he was +before he went." The subject of the moral reflections at the end is +self-delusion in the particular form of sophisticated vanity.[22] The +other poem, "The Owl and the Nightingale" (the longest poem in the +collection, at 181 lines), also concerns pride. The Eagle, having +looked unsuccessfully among the birds of his court for a singing +night-watchman, sends out a general letter. The nightingale realizes +with excitement that he will easily win the competition; but +he coyly refuses to go to court until sent for, makes elaborate +self-depreciations in the eagle's presence, and hold out, obviously, for +more recognition and reward. While he delays, an owl has been persuaded +by friends to try for the position and has a hearing. Although he sings +unskillfully, he manages to stay awake. When the nightingale returns to +court the next day, he is infuriated to learn that an owl is competing +against him and that the eagle has ordered the two birds to perform +against one another that night. The nightingale protests so loudly and +treasonably that he is kicked out of court, and the owl, dull but +faithful, is declared the winner. The moral follows: + + Princes can never satisfy + That Worth that rates itself too high. + What pity it is! some Men of Parts + Should have such haughty stubborn Hearts: + When once they are courted they grow vain: + Ambitious Souls cannot contain + Their Joy, which when they strive to hide, + They cover it with so much Pride, + So Saucy to Superiors, + Impatient of Competitors, + Th' are utterly untractable, + And put off like our Nightingale. + Many with him might have been great, + Promoted Friends, and serv'd the State, + That have beheld, with too much Joy, + The wish'd for Opportunity; + Then slipt it by their own Delays, + Sloth, Pride, or other willful Ways. + And ever after strove in vain + To see the Forelock once again.[23] + +In some respects this poem looks forward to _The Fable of the Bees_. +Mandeville subjects the nightingale to a brief psychological analysis +and looks on his failure with a blend of detached pity and satiric +mordancy; he strips away the sophisticated defenses that hide the basic +emotions, recommending honesty with oneself and with others; he +identifies the personal interests of the members of society with the +interests of the state. It remains to point out that neither here nor +elsewhere in this collection does Mandeville assert that private vices +are public benefits. + +Washington University + + + + +NOTES TO THE INTRODUCTION + + +[1] F. B. Kaye, ed., _The Fable of the Bees_ (Oxford, 1924), I, xxx. + +[2] The Preface to _Miscellanies in Verse and Prose_ is reprinted in +Edward Niles Hooker's edition of _The Critical Works of John Dennis_, I +(Baltimore, 1939), 6-10. + +[3] Richmond P. Bond, _English Burlesque Poetry_, 1700-1750 (Cambridge, +Mass., 1932), p. 147. + +[4] Bond, pp. 3-5. + +[5] Bond, p. 153, cites several narrative poems of this sort. + +[6] From these fables in the 1693 _Miscellanies_: "The Wolf and the +Horse," pp. 72-83 (the first two excerpts); "The Lyon and the Ass a +Hunting," pp. 92-95; "The Wolf and the Crane," pp. 101-105. + +[7] _English Burlesque Poetry_, pp. 149-152. + +[8] These instances occur, respectively, in "The Wolf and Dog," "The +Hands, Feet, and Belly," "Council Held by the Rats," "The Lyon in Love," +and "The Weasel and the Rat." + +[9] _Aesop Dress'd_, p. 73; La Fontaine, "Le Loup et le Renard," XI. vi; +Dennis, _Miscellanies_, p. 117. + +[10] _Aesop Dress'd_, pp. 64-65; La Fontaine, I. x. + +[11] La Fontaine, II, vii; "The two Bitches," _Aesop Dress'd_, p. 37. + +[12] La Fontaine, I. i; "The Grasshopper and Ant," _Aesop Dress'd_, pp. +17-18. + +[13] _Aesop Dress'd_, pp. 48-50; La Fontaine, "Le Lion et le Moucheron," +II. ix. + +[14] _Aesop Dress'd_, pp. 71-73; La Fontaine, "L'Âne et le Chien," VIII. +xvii. + +[15] _Aesop Dress'd_, pp. 14-15; La Fontaine, VII. i. + +[16] "The Drunkard and his Wife," _Aesop Dress'd_, pp. 24-25; La +Fontaine, III. vii. + +[17] La Fontaine, VI. xiv; "The Sick Lyon and the Fox," _Aesop Dress'd_, +pp. 38-39. + +[18] La Fontaine, "Le Loup et le Chien," I. v; "The Wolf and Dog," +_Aesop Dress'd_, pp. 2-4. + +[19] The poems appear on the following pages of _Aesop Dress'd_: "The +Milk Woman," pp. 18-19; "The Frogs asking for a King," pp. 62-64; "The +Wolves and the Sheep," pp. 45-46; "Hands, Feet, and Belly," pp. 7-10; +"The Lyon grown Old," pp. 65-66. For the corresponding fables in La +Fontaine see the notes to the text of the present edition. + +[20] See Kaye, II, 371, s. v. "Pride." + +[21] _Aesop Dress'd_, pp. 4-5; La Fontaine, "La Grenouille qui se veut +aussi grosse que le Boeuf," I. iii. + +[22] _Aesop Dress'd_, pp. 25-27. + +[23] Ibid., pp. 27-33. + + + + +NOTES TO THE TEXT + + +For each of Mandeville's fables except "The Carp" and "The Nightingale +and Owl," which are originals, I have indicated below the original in La +Fontaine's _Fables_ by title, book, and number. + +1. "The Two Dragons": "Le Dragon à plusieurs Têtes, et le Dragon à +plusieurs Queues," I. xii. + +2. "The Wolf and Dog": "Le Loup et le Chien," I. v. + +3. "The Frog": "La Grenouille qui se veut faire aussi grosse que le +Boeuf," I. iii. + +4. "The Pumkin and Acorn": "Le Gland et la Citrouille," IX. iv. + +5. "The Hands, Feet, and Belly": "Les Membres et l'Estomac," III. ii. + +6. "The Countryman and the Knight": "Le Jardinier et son Seigneur," IV. +iv. + +7. "The Plague among the Beasts": "Les Animaux malades de la Peste," +VII. i. + +8. "The Grasshopper and Ant": "La Cigale et la Fourmi," I. i. + +9. "The Milk Woman": "La Laitière et le Pot au Lait," VI. x. + +10. "The Cock, the Cat, and the young Mouse": "Le Cochet, le Chat, et le +Souriceau," VI. v. + +11. "The Cock and Pearl": "Le Coq et la Perle," I. xx. + +12. "The Lyon's Court": "La Cour du Lion," VII. vii. + +13. "The Drunkard and his Wife": "L'Ivrogne et sa Femme," III. vii. + +14. "Council held by the Rats": "Conseil tenu par les Rats," II. ii. + +15. "The Bat and the Two Weasels": "La Chauve-Souris et les deux +Belettes," II. v. + +16. "The two Bitches": "La Lice et sa Compagne," II. vii. + +17. "The Sick Lyon and the Fox": "Le Lion malade et le Renard," VI. xiv. + +18. "The Satyr and the Passenger": "Le Satyre et le Passant," V. vii. + +19. "The Lyon in Love": "Le Lion amoureux," IV. i. + +20. "The Angler and the Little Carp": "Le petit Poisson et le Pêcheur," +V. iii. + +21. "The Wolves and the Sheep": "Les Loups et les Brebis," III. xiii. + +22. "The Wasps and Bees": "Les Frelons et les Mouches à Miel," I. xxi. + +23. "The Lyon and the Gnat": "Le Lion et le Moucheron," II. ix. + +24. "The Woodcleaver and Mercury": "Le Bûcheron et Mercure," V. i. + +25. "The Hare and his Ears": "Les Oreilles du Lièvre," V. iv. + +26. "The Rat and the Frog": "La Grenouille et le Rat," IV. xi. + +27. "The Cat and an old Rat": "Le Chat et un vieux Rat," III. xviii. + +28. "The Weasel and the Rat": "La Belette entrée dans un Grenier," III. +xvii. + +29. "The Wolf and the Stork": "Le Loup et la Cicogne," III. ix. + +30. "The Frogs asking for a King": "Les Grenouilles qui demandent un +Roi," III. iv. + +31. "The Wolf and the Lamb": "Le Loup et l'Agneau," I. x. + +32. "The Lyon grown old": "Le Lion devenu vieux," III. xiv. + +33. "The two Physicians": "Les Médecins," V. xii. + +34. "Love and Folly": "L'Amour et la Folie," XII. xiv. + +35. "A She-Goat, a Sheep and a Sow": "Le Cochon, la Chèvre, et le +Mouton," VIII. xii. + +36. "The Dog and the Ass": "L'Âne et le Chien," VIII. xvii. + +37. "The Fox and Wolf": "Le Loup et le Renard," XI. vi. + + +_Text_ + +The text of _Aesop Dress'd_ here reprinted is that in the Harvard +University Library. + + + + + ÆSOP Dress'd; + OR A + COLLECTION + OF + FABLES + + Writ in Familiar Verse. + + By _B. Mandeville_, M. D. + + _LONDON_: + Sold at _Lock's-Head_ adjoyning to _Ludgate_. + Price One Shilling. + + + + +The INDEX. + + + _The two Dragons_ Page 1 + _The Wolf and Dog_ 2 + _The Frog_ 4 + _The Pumkin And Acorn_ 5 + _The Hands, and Feet, and Belly_ 7 + _The Countryman and the Knight_ 10 + _The Plague among the Beasts_ 14 + _The Grashopper and Ant_ 17 + _The Milk Woman_ 18 + _The Cock, the Cat, and the young Mouse_ 20 + _The Cock and Pearl_ 22 + _The Lyon's Court_ 23 + _The Drunkard and his Wife_ 24 + _The Carp_ 25 + _The Nightingale and Owl_ 27 + _Council held by the Rats_ 34 + _The Bat and the two Weasels_ 36 + _The two Bitches_ 37 + _The Sick Lyon and the Fox_ 38 + _The Satyr and the Passenger_ 40 + _The Lyon in Love_ 41 + _The Angler and the little Carp_ 43 + _The Wolves and the Sheep_ 44 + _The Wasps and the Bees_ 46 + _The Lyon and Knat_ 48 + _The Woodcleaver and Mercury_ 50 + _The Hare and his Ears_ 52 + _The Rat and the Frog_ 53 + _The Cat and old Rat_ 56 + _The Weasel and the Rat_ 59 + _The Wolf and the Stork_ 60 + _The Frogs asking for a King_ 62 + _The Wolf and Lamb_ 64 + _The Lyon grown old_ 65 + _The two Physicians _ 66 + _Love and Folly_ 67 + _A She-Goat, a Sheep, and a Sow_ 69 + _The Dog and Ass_ 71 + + + + +THE + +PREFACE _to the_ READER. + + +_Prefaces and Cuts are commonly made use of much to the same Purpose; to +set off, and to explain. The latter, being too expensive, are pretty +well out of date, in an Age, where there are abundance of fine things to +be bought besides Books. But the first by wicked Custom, are become so +necessary, that a Volume would look as defective without one, as if it +wanted the very Title Page. Though it is hard I should be compelled to +talk to my Reader, whether I have any thing to say to him or not. Nay, +what is worse, every Body thinks a Man should be more lavish here of his +Skill and Learning, than anywhere else: Here they would have him shew +his Airs, and therefore most Authors adorn their Prefaces, as if they +were triumphal Arches; there's nothing empty to be seen about 'em, and +from top to bottom they are to be crowded with Emblems and pretty +Sayings, judiciously interwoven with Scraps of_ Latin; _though they +should borrow 'em from the Parson of the Parish. These, I say, are the +Entertainments where they love to glut us with Wit and fine Language; +though they starve us for ever after: Which makes some of 'em look like +a rich piece of Fillegrew Work over the Door of an empty Parlour. But I +am resolved my Portico shall suit with the rest of the House, and, as +every thing is plain within, nothing shall be carv'd or gilt without: +Besides, I hate formality, Good Reader, and all my Business with you is +to let you know, that I have writ some Fables in Verse, after the +Familiar Way of a Great Man in_ France, Monsieur de la Fontaine. _I have +confin'd my self to strict Numbers, and endeavour'd to make 'em free and +natural; if they prove otherwise, I'm sorry for it. Two of the Fables +are of my own Invention; but I am so far from loving 'em the better, +that I think they are the worst in the Pack: And therefore in good +Manners to my self I conceal their Names. Find 'em out, and welcome. +I could wish to have furnish'd you with something more worthy your +precious time: But as you'll find nothing very Instructive, so there's +little to puzzle your Brain. Besides, I desire every Body to read 'em at +the same Hours I writ 'em, that's when I had nothing else to do. If any +like these Trifles, perhaps I may go on; if not, you shall be troubled +with no more of 'em: And so fare ye well_ Reader. + + + + +_The_ TWO DRAGONS. A Fable. + + + Not long ago th' Ambassador + From the great _Turk_ to the Emperor, + Extoll'd his Master's strength, beyond + The _German_ Force; a Courtier, fond + Of his own Country, boastingly + Said, his Imperial Majesty + Had many Princes under him, + So powerful, that each of 'em, + Could raise an Army of his own, + And more than one that wore a Crown. + I know, says th' other, very well, + Your Dukes and Pow'rs Electoral, + With others, that advance the glory + Of th' Empire. But I'll tell y' a story: + I dreamt I saw a frightful Beast, + That had a hundred Heads at least; + At first I startled at the sight; + But soon recovering from my Fright, + I ventured on, and coming near it, + I found I had no cause to fear it: + For every Head did what it would; + Some work'd with all the Force they could; + But most of 'em lay of a heap, + And look'd as if th' been asleep; + Others, in hopes of better Prey, + Were pulling quite another way. + I turn'd my Head about, and spied + A mighty Beast, on the other side: + One Head adorn'd his Brawny Neck; + But hundred Tails did close his Back; + And as the Heads march'd o'er the Land, + The Tails did follow at Command; + Did Execution every where; + I waked, and thought the Monsters were + Both Empires; but the Tails are ours, + And all the glorious Heads are yours. + + + + +_The Wolf and Dog._ + + + A Wolf so pitious poor and thin, + His very Bones stuck through his Skin, + (A sign the Dogs were watchful) met + A sturdy Mastiff, slick and fat. + Sir Wolf, revengeful on his Foes, + Had murder'd him, as one of those + That hinder'd him from stealing Cattle; + But was afraid of joyning Battle + With one, that look'd, as if he could + Stand buff, and make his party good. + And therefore in an humble way + He gives the Dog the time o'th' Day; + Talks mighty complaisant, and vents + A Waggon Load of Compliments + Upon his being in such a Case, + His brawny Flank and jolly Face. + Sir Wolf, replies the Mastiff, you + May be as fat as any Doe, + If you'll but follow my advice; + For Faith, I think you are unwise, + To ramble up and down a Wood, + Where's nothing to be had, that's good, + No Elemosynary meat, + Or e'er a bit, that's good to eat, + But what is got by downright force, + For which at last you pay in course. + And thus yourselves, your hagged Wives + And Children lead but wretched lives; + Always in fear of being caught, + Till commonly y'are starv'd or shot. + Quoth Wolf, shew me a livelyhood, + And then, the Devil take the Wood: + I stand in need of better Diet, + And would be glad to feed in quiet: + But, pray, What's to be done, an't please ye? + Nothing, but what is very easy; + To bark at Fellows that look poor, + Fright pilfring Strolers from the Door; + And then, which is the chiefest matter, + To wag your Tail, to coax and flatter + Those of the Family; for this + They'll give you hundred Niceties, + As Chicken Bones, boyl'd Loins of Mutton, + As good as ever Tooth was put in, + The licking of a greasy Dish, + And all the Dainties Heart can wish; + Besides, the Master shall caress ye, + Spit in your Mouth, and----Heaven bless ye. + Good Sir, let's go immediately, + Reply'd the Wolf, and wept for Joy. + They went; and tho' they walk'd apace, + The Wolf spy'd here and there a Place + About the Neck of Mastiff, where, + It seems, his Curship lost some Hair, + And said, pray Brother Dog, What's this? + Nothing. Nay, tell me, what it is; + It looks like gall'd. Perhaps 'tis from + My Collar. Then, I find, at home + They tie you. Yes. I'm not inclin'd to't, + Or goes it loose when y'have a Mind to't, + Truely not always; but what's that? + What's that! quoth he; I smell a Rat; + My Liberty is such a Treasure, + I'll change it for no Earthly Pleasure; + At that his Wolfship fled, and so + Is flying still for ought I know. + + + + +_The Frog._ + + + A Frog threw his ambitious Eyes + Upon an Ox, admired his size, + And, from the smallness of an Egg, + Endeavoured to become as big. + He swells himself, and puffs, and blows, + And every foot, cries there he goes. + Well, Brother, have I bulk enough, + An't I as large, as he? What stuff! + Pray look again. The Dev'l a bit. + Then now. You don't come near him yet. + Again he swells, and swells so fast, + Till, straining more, he bursts at last. + So full of Pride is every Age! + A Citizen must have a Page, + A Petty Prince Ambassadors, + And Tradesmens Children Governours; + A Fellow, that i'n't worth a Louse, + Still keeps his Coach and Country-house; + A Merchant swell'd with haughtiness, + Looks ten times bigger than he is; + Buys all, and draws upon his Friend, + As if his Credit had no end; + At length he strains with so much Force, + Till, like the Frog, he bursts in course, + And, by his empty Skin you find, + That he was only fill'd with Wind. + + + + +_The Pumkin and Acorn._ + + + A Self conceited Country Bumkin + Thus made his glosses on a Pumkin. + The Fruit, says he, is very big, + The Stalk not thicker than a Twig, + Scarce any Root, great Leaves; I wonder, + Dame Nature should make such a blunder: + Had I been she, I would have plac'd it + On yon high Oak, and 'twould have grac'd it + Better than Acorns; its a whim + A little Shrub would do for them; + Why should a Tree so tall and fine, + Bear small stuff only fit for Swine? + But hundred things are made in waste, + Which shews the World was fram'd in haste. + Had I been sent for in those Days, + 'Twould have been managed otherwise: + I would have made all of a suit, + And large Trees should have had large Fruit. + Thus he went on, and in his Eyes, + The Simpleton was very wise; + A little after, coming nigh + An Oak, whose Crown was very high, + He liked the Place and down he laid + His weary Carcass, in the Shade: + But, as the find-fault Animal + Turn'd on his Back, an Acorn fell, + And hit his Nose a swinging Blow. + Good God was this the Pumkin now! + The very thought on't struck him dumb: + He prais'd his Maker, and went home. + + + The Moral. + + _The World's vast Fabrick is so well + Contrived by its Creator's Skill; + There's nothing in't, but what is good + To him, by whom its understood; + And what opposes Human Sence, + Shews but our Pride and Ignorance._ + + + + +_The Hands, Feet, and Belly._ + + + The Hands and Feet in Council met, + Were mightily upon the Fret, + And swore 'twas something more than hard, + Always to work without reward. + The Feet said, truly its a Jest, + That we should carry all the rest; + March at all Hours thro thick and thin, + With Shoes that let the Water in; + Our Nails are hard as Bullock's Horns, + Our Toes beset with plaguy Corns; + We rais'd four Blisters th' other Night, + And yet got not a farthing by't. + Brothers, reply'd the Hands, 'tis true, + We know what hardship's y' undergo; + But then w' are greater Slaves than you; + For tho' all day we scrape and rake, + And labour till our Fringers ake; + Tho' we've been ply'd at every thing; + Yet then, without considering + What pains or weariness we feel, + W'are forced to serve at every meal, + And often, whilst you're set at ease, + Drudge to the Knucles up in Grease; + As for your Corns and Nails in troth, + We have the trouble of cutting both. + Take this not, Brothers, in a sence, + That might create a Difference; + We only hinted it, to shew + We're full as badly us'd as you; + Our Grievances are general, + And caused by him that swallows all; + The ungrateful Belly is our bane, + Whom with our labour we maintain; + The ill natured'st Rogue, that e'er was fed, + The lazy'st Dog, that lives by Bread. + For him we starve; for what d'ye think + Becomes of all the Meat and Drink? + 'Tis he, that makes us look so thin, + To stretch his everlasting Skin; + Tho' we do all his Business, + What did he ever give to us? + And therefore let my Lord _Abdomen_ + Say what he will, we'll work for no Man. + Nay if we scratch him tho' he itches, + Calls us a hundred Sons of Bitches. + And, if you do the same, you'll see, } + He'll quickly be as lean as we; } + What say ye, Brothers, do y' agree? } + Yes, says the Feet, and he be curst, + That dares to think of stirring first. + And thus the Rebels disobey; + Who swear they'll now keep Holy-day, + Resolv'd to live like Gentlemen. + His Gutship calls and calls again, + They answer'd they would toil no more; + But rest as he had done before: + But soon the Mutineers repent; } + The Belly when his Stock was spent, } + Could not send down the Nourishment, } + That's requisite for every part; + The weakness seiz'd the drooping Heart: + Till all the Members suffer'd by't, + And languished in a woeful plight: + They saw, when 'twas too late, how he, + Whom they accused of Gluttony, + Of Laziness, Ingratitude, } + Had labour d for the common Good, } + By ways they never understood. } + + + The Moral. + + _The Belly is the Government, + From whence the Nourishment is sent, + Of wholesome Laws for mutual Peace, + For Plenty, Liberty, and Ease, + To all the Body Politick, + Which where it fails the Nation's sick. + The Members are the discontent_ + Pleibeians; _that are ignorant, + How necessary for the State + It is, that Princes should be great: + Which, if their Pomp and Pow'r were less, + Could not preserve our Happiness. + The Vulgar think all Courts to be + But Seats of Sloth and Luxury; + Themselves, but Slaves compell'd to bear + The Taxes, and the Toils of War; + But in this Fable they may see + The dismal Fruits of Mutiny; + Whilst Subjects, that assist the Crown, + But labour to maintain their own._ + + + + +_The Countryman and the Knight._ + + + An honest Countryman had got + Behind his House a pretty Spot, + Of Garden Ground, with all what might + Contribute to the Taste and Sight, + The Rose and Lilly, which have been + Still kept to compliment the Skin, + Poppies renown'd for giving ease, + With Roman Lettice, Endive, Pease, + And Beans, which Nat'ralists do reckon + To be so ominous to Bacon. + The Beds were dung'd, the Walks well swept, + And every thing was nicely kept. + Only a Hare wou'd now and then + Spite of the Master and the Men + Make raking work for half a day, + Then fill her Gut and scow'r away. + In vain they beat and search the Ground, + The cunning Jilt can ne'er be found, + The Master once in angry Mood } + Starts up and swears by all that's good, } + He'd be revenged, that he would. } + Runs to a Country Knight his Neighbour, + And there complains how all his labour + Was spoil'd by one confounded Hare, + Which though the'd watch'd her every where + He nor his People ne'er could catch, + And of a certain was a Witch. + His Worship smiles and promises + To rid him of the Sawcy Puss. + At break of Day _Jack_ winds his Horn, + The Beagles scamper thro' the Corn; + Deep mouth'd Curs set up a Cry, + And make a cursed Symphony. + Now stir you Rogues; the Knight is come + With _Robin_, _Lightfoot_, _Dick_ and _Tom_. + The House is full of Dogs and Boys, + And ev'ry where's a horrid Noise, + Well, Landlord, Come, What shall we do? + Must w' eat a Bit before we go? + What have you got? Now all's fetch'd out, + The Victuals rak'd, and tore about. + One pairs the Loaf, another Groom } + Draws Beer, as if he was at home, } + And spils it half about the Room. } + What Horseman's yonder at the Door? + Why, Faith, there's half a dozen more: + They're Gentlemen, that live at Court, + Come down the Country for some Sport; + Some old Acquaintance of the Knight, + Who whips from Table, bids 'em light. + They ask no Questions but sit down, + Fall too as if it was their own. + One finishes the Potted Salmon, + Then swears, because he had no Lemon. + Good Lord, how sharp the Rogues are set! + It puts my Landlord in a Sweat. + His Daughter comes with fresh Supplies + Of Collard Beef, and Apple-pies. + His Worship falls aboard of her; + The modest Creature quakes for fear. + When do we marry Mistress _Ann_? + Who is to be the happy Man? + He takes her Hand, and chucks her Chin, + Stares in her Face, commends her Skin, + Removes her Linnen, shews her Neck; + There's Milk, and Blood, Gad take me _Jack_. + She blushes, and he vows she is + A pretty Girl, then takes a Kiss; + She don't consent, nor dares deny, + Defends herself respectfully; + And now the Knight would let her go; } + Another Rake cries, Damme no: } + I'll have a Kiss as well as you. } + He hugs her close, then calls her Dear, + And whispers bawdy in her Ear. + My charming Rogue, I would not hurt ye. + She answers not, but drops a Courtsie. + He's rude, and she's asham'd to squeak; + Her Father sees it, dares not speak; + But patiently enduring all, + Stands like a Statue in the Hall. + Now for the Garden and the Hare, + The Dogs get in, and scrape and tear, + The Horsemen follow, leap the Rails; + Down goes the Quick-set-hedge, and Pales. + The Huntsman hollows, runs and pushes, + All goes to Rack, the Borders, Bushes. + And now my Landlord cries amain, + You've ruin'd me; but all in vain. + The Cabbages are kick'd about, + And Flowers with Roots and all pull'd out. + The Beds are levell'd with the Ground, + At last poor trembling Puss is found + Hid underneath a Collyflower. + The Prey is took, away they scower, + And leave our Countryman to think + On all his Loss of Meat and Drink: + What havock's made in ev'ry place, + His Daughter wrong'd before his Face. + Small was the Mischief of the Hare + To ravenous Hunters to compare. + He wrings his Hands, and all in Tears + Repents his foolish rashness, swears, + He'll ne'er call help again in haste, + Since Hounds and Horses made more waste, + In half an hour, than all the Hares + Of th' Country could in Seven Years. + + + The Moral. + + _When petty Princes can't agree, + And strive for Superiority, + They often take my Landlord's Course, + Invite for Aid a foreign Force; + And when their Subjects Slaves are made, + Their Countries all in ruins laid, + As commonly it proves their fate, + Repent with him when it's too late._ + + + + +_The Plague among the Beasts._ + + + One time a mighty Plague did pester + All Beasts Domestick and _Sylvester_, + They try'd a world of Remedies; + But none that conquer'd the Disease: + And, as in the Calamity + All did not dye, so none were free. + The Lyon in this Consternation + Sends by his Royal Proclamation + To all his loving Subjects greeting, + And summons 'em t' a general Meeting; + And when they're come about his Den, + He says, my Lords and Gentlemen, + I believe you're met full of the Sence + Of this consuming Pestilence; + Sure such extraordinary Punishment + On common Crimes was never sent; + Therefore it took its derivation, + Not from the trivial Sence of the Nation; + But some notorious Wickedness; } + Then let us search our Consciences, } + And ev'ry one his Faults confess. } + We'll judge the biggest and the least, + And he that is the wicked'st Beast + Shall as a Sacrifice be giv'n, + T'allay the wrath of angry Heav'n, + And serve our Sins an expiation + By ancient way of Immolation; + And, since no one is free from Sin, + Thus with my own I'll first begin. + I've kill'd an Ox, and which is worse, + Committed Murder on a Horse; + And one Day, as I am a Sinner, + I have eat seven Pigs for Dinner, + Robb'd Woods, and Fens, and like a Glutton, + Fed on whole Flocks of Lamb and Mutton: + Nay sometimes, for 'tis in vain to lie, + The Shepherd went for Company. + This was his Speech; when Chanc'lor Fox + Cries out, what signifies an Ox, + Or Horse? Sure those unworthy things + Are honour'd, when made sport for Kings. + But, Sir, your Conscience is too nice, + Hunting's a Princely Exercise: + As for the Sheep, that foolish Cattle, + Not fit for Carriage nor for Battle, + And being tolerable Meat, + Are good for nothing, but to eat. + The shepherd your sworn Enemy + Deserv'd no better Destiny. + Thus was he, that had sin'd for Twenty, + Clear'd _Nemine Contradicente_. + The Bear, the Tyger, Beasts that fight, + And all that could but scratch or bite + Came off well; for their gross Abuses + Others as bad found Excuses. + Nay even the Cat of wicked Nature + That kills at play his Fellow Creature + Went scot free: But his Gravity + An Ass of stupid Memory + Confess'd, that, going to _Sturbridge_-Fair + His Back most broke with Wooden-ware, + He chanc'd half starv'd, and faint, to pass + By a Church-yard with exc'lent Grass, + They had forgot to shut the Gate, + He ventur'd in, stoop'd down and ate. + Hold, cries Judge Wolf, no more, for Crimes + As these, deserve such fatal Times. + By several Acts of Parliament + 'Tis Sacriledge, they all consent; + And thus the silly virtuous Ass + Was Sacrifis'd for eating Grass. + + + The Moral. + + _The Fable shews you poor Folk's fate + Whilst Laws can never reach the Great._ + + + + +_The Grasshopper and Ant._ + + + A Merry Grasshopper, that sung + And tun'd it all the Summer long, + Fed on small Flies, and had no Reason + To have sad thoughts the gentler Season; + For when 'twas hot the Wind at South, + The Victuals flew into his Mouth: + But when the Winters cold came on, + He found he was as much undone, + As any Insect under Heav'n; + And now the hungry Songster's driv'n + To such a state, no Man can know it, + But a Musician or a Poet, + He makes a Visit to an Ant, + Desires he would relieve his want; + I come not in a begging way, } + Says he, No Sir, name but a day } + In _July_ next, and I'll repay, } + Your Interest and your Principal + Shall both be ready at a Call. + The thrifty Ant says truly Neighbour, + I get my Living by hard Labour; + But you, that in this Storm came hither, + What have you done when 'twas fair Weather? + I've sung, replies the Grasshopper; + Sung! says the Ant, your Servant, Sir; + If you have sung away the best + Of all the Year, go dance the rest. + + + + +_The Milk Woman._ + + + A Straping Dame, a going to Town + To sell her Milk with thin Stuff Gown, + And Coats tuck'd up fit for a Race, + Marches along a swinging Pace: + And in her Thoughts already counts + The Price to which her Milk amounts; + She fancies all is sold, and lays + The Money out a hundred ways; + At last she's fix'd, and thinks it plain, + That Eggs would bring the surest Gain: + She buys a hundred, which she reckons + Will four Weeks hence be six Score Chickens. + Such mighty care she takes to rear 'em, + No Fox or Kite can e'er come near 'em, + The finest Hens are kept for Eggs; + The others sold to buy some Piggs; + To whom a little Bran she gives + With Turnep-tops and Cabbage leaves; + And tho' they get no Pease to speak on, + Yet in short time they're sold for Bacon. + O! how the Money pleas'd her Thought + For which a Cow and Calf are bought; + She'll have 'em on the Common kept, + There see 'em jump, at that she leapt + For joy; down comes the Pail, and now + Good Night t'ye Chickens, Calf and Cow, + Eggs, Bacon; all her busy care, + With them are dwindled into Air. + She looks with Sorrow on the Ground, + And Milk, in which her Fortune's drown'd: + Then carries home the doleful News, + And strives to make the best Excuse: + Her Husband greets her with a Curse, + And well it was she far'd no worse. + The Hermit, and the Man of Fame, + _Pompeus_, and our Country Dame, + The wisest Judge, and my Lord May'r, + They all build Castles in the Air: + And all a secret Pleasure take + In dreaming whilst they are awake: + Pleas'd with our Fancies we possess + Friends, Honour, Women, Palaces. + When I'm alone I dare defy + Mankind for Wit and Bravery. + I beat the _French_ in half an Hour, + Get all their Cities in my Power. + Sometimes I'm pleas'd to be a King, + That has success in every thing, + And just when all the World's my own, + Comes one to dun me for a Crown; + And presently I am the poor, + And idle Dunce I was before. + + + + +_The Cock, the Cat, and the young Mouse._ + + + A Mouse of no Experience + Was almost nabb'd for want of Sence. + Hear how the silly young one told + Her strange Adventure to the old. + I cross'd the Limits of our State, + And ran as swift as any Rat; + When suddenly I spy'd two Creatures + Of very different Form and Features. + The one look'd smiling, milde, and Civil, + The other was a very Devil; + He look'd so fierce, made such a rout, + Then tore the Ground, then turn'd about; + He ne'er stood still, upon his Head + He wore a piece of Flesh that's red; + A bunch of Tails with green and black + Stood staring higher than his back. + And thus describes the simple Mouse + A Cock he had seen behind the House, + As had it been some Beast of Prey + Brought over from _America_. + With insolence, says he, he strides, + And beats with his broad Arms his sides; + Then lifts his shrill and frightful Voice, + And made so terrible a Noise, + That tho' I can assure you, Mother, + I've as much Courage as another, + I trembled, and as I am here, + Was forc'd to fly away for fear. + I curs'd the Bully in my thought; + For 'twas that strutting Ruffi'n's Fault; + Or else that other Beast and I + Had been acquainted presently. + He sat so quiet with such Grace, + So much good Nature in his Face, + He's furr'd like we, and on his Back + So purely streak'd with gray and black; + He has a long Tail, shining Eye, + Yet is all over Modesty. + I believe he is a near Relation + To our Allies the Rattish Nation: + His Ears and Whiskers are the same + With ours, I would have ask'd his Name, + When with his harsh and horrid sound + The other made me quit my Ground. + Replies the Mother, well 'scap'd Son, + You have been very near undone; + That formal Piece of Modesty, + That Mirror of Hypocrisy, + Was a damn'd Cat of wicked Fame; + My Heart akes at the very Name, + The everlasting Foe to Mouse, + Death and Destruction to our House. + Whereas that other Animal + Ne'er did us hurt, nor never will; + But may, when he is dead and gone, + Serve us one Day to dine upon. + Then prithee son, whate'er you do, + Take special Care of him, whom you + For such an humble Creature took, + And judge not People by their Look. + + + + +_The Cock and Pearl._ + + + A Cock, not very nicely fed, + A Dunghill raker by his Trade, + Whilst scraping in the dirt, had found + A Pearl worth Five and Twenty Pound: + He goes hard by t' a Jeweller, + And like a silly Dog, says Sir, + In yonder Rubbish lay a bit + Of something that in't good to eat, + If you think it will serve your turn, + I'll change it for a grain of Corn. + Nay sometimes Men will do as bad, + I've known a foolish Heir, that had + A Manuscript of Wit and Labour, + Say to a Bookseller his Neighbour, + I've got some Sheets my Uncle writ, + They say he was a Man of Wit, + But Books are things I don't much matter, + A Crown would do my Business better. + + + + +_The Lyon's Court._ + + + It happen'd that some Years ago, + The Lyon had a Mind to know, + What beastly Nations up and down + Belong'd to his Imperial Crown: + And therefore in his Princely care + Sends word by Letters every where, + That he would keep an open Court, + Grace it with every Royal Sport; + And so invites 'em to his Palace, + A Cave that stunk worse than the Gallows. + The Bear snorts at it, snuffles, blows, + Draws hundred Wrinkles in his Nose. + What need the Fool to have made such Faces? + The Lyon frown'd at his Grimaces, + And for the Niceness of his Smell + My Gentleman is sent to Hell. + The Monky fam'd for flattery + Extalls this Action to the Sky, + Then prais'd the King's majestick Face, + The stately building of the Place, + The Smell, whose Fragrancy so far + Exceeds all other Scents that are, + That there's no Amber, said the Sot, + But what's a house of Office to't. + This gross insipid stuff the Prince } + Dislikes and calls it Impudence, } + To speak so contrary to Sence. } + And as the one was thought too free, + So th' other dy'd for Flattery. + This Lyon had the reputation + To be _Caligula's_ Relation. + The Fox being near; the peevish King + Ask'd his Opinion of the thing. + Tell me what smell it is, be bold, + Sir, says the Fox, I've got a Cold. + If you would have your Answers please + Great Men make use of such as these. + Bluntness and bare-faced Flattery + Can never with the Court agree. + + + + +_The Drunkard and his Wife._ + + + Man is so obstinate a Creature + No Remedy can change his Nature. + Fear, Shame, all ineffectual prove + To cure us from the Vice we love. + A Drunkard, that had spent his Wealth, + And by the Wine impar'd his Health, + One Night was very Drunk brought home; + His Wife conveys him to a Tomb; + Undresses him from Head to Feet, + And wraps him in a Winding-sheet: + He wakes, and finds he's not a Bed, + All over dress'd like one that's dead: + Besides, she counterfeits her Voice, + With Torch in hand, and grunting Noise, + Looks frightful in a strange Array, + To pass for Dame _Ctesiphone_. + And every thing is done so well, + He thinks he's fairly gone to Hell; + And satisfy'd it was his Merit, + He says to his dissembling Spirit, + Who are you in the Name of Evil? + She answers hoarsely I'm a Devil, + That carries Victuals to the Damn'd, + By me they are with Brimstone cramm'd. + What, says the Husband, do you think + Never to bring them any Drink? + + + + +_The Carp._ + + + A Handsome Carp genteely bred, + In fresh and running Water fed, + Puff'd up with Pride and Vanity, + Forsook the _Thames_ and went to Sea; + Thro' Shrimps and Prawns he cuts his way, + Sees Cods and Haddocks frisk and play; + He ask'd some questions, but in vain, + All spoke the Language of the Main; + He frets he can't be understood, + When, at the latter end of Flood, + Two Herrings vers'd in Languages + Were talking about Business; + Carp heard 'em, as he swum along, + Discoursing in his River Tongue, + And made a stop, they did the same, + One of the Herrings ask'd his Name, + And whence he came; the Traveller + Reply'd, I am a Stranger, Sir, + Come for my Pleasure to these Parts + To learn your Manners and your Arts: + Then Herring asks what News of late? + Which are your Ministers of State? + Indeed, said Carp, he could not tell, + Nor did much care, quoth Herring well + What Laws, what Form of Government? + Are Taxes rais'd, without consent + Of Parliament? what Courts of? Pish, + Says th' other, I'm a gentle Fish, + And we know nothing of those Matters; + Quoth Herring, I'm no Fish that flatters, + I find you've neither seen nor read, + And wonder you should break your Head, + With what's in other Countries done, + That knows so little of your own. + At this the haughty Fool takes snuff, + Turns from 'em in a mighty huff; + And whilst he slides and flourishes + He meets a Country Fish of his, + One us'd to Sea, a subtle Spark, + A Pike that serv'd his time t' a Shark; + Who leads him into Company + Of Riot and Debauchery; + The scandalous Gang in little time + Infect him with the Salt, and Slime: + They robb'd his Row, till scurvily + At last he's forc'd to leave the Sea. + His Scales begin to drop by scores, + And all his Body's full of Sores. + Half of his Tail, and Snout are gone, + And he, lean, shabby and undone, + Sneaks home as vain and ignorant, + As e'er he was before he went. + + + The Moral. + + _Some Fops that visit_ France _and_ Rome, + _Before they know what's done at home, + Look like our Carp when come again. + Strange Countries may improve a Man, + That knew the World before he went; + But he, that sets out ignorant, + Whom only Vanity intices, + Brings Nothing from 'em, but their Vices._ + + + + +_The Nightingale and Owl._ + + + The Bird of _Jove_, who was all Day, + As much intent upon his Prey, + As any Prince in Christendom, + Was not well pleased, that coming home, + He always found his Folks a Bed, + (Sure Courtiers should be better bred.) + For, as Crown'd Heads have much to think, + Some Nights he could not sleep a wink; + And thought it hard to have ne'er a Bird + In all his Court could speak a Word, + Or snuff a Candle, hundred things, + That are of use to waking Kings. + Some Birds strove hard, did what they could; + Yet when 't grew dark, slept as they stood. + Others pretended that they watch'd, + And swore and ly'd till they were catch'd. + The King would not be put upon: + Asks all his Court what's to be done? + One talks no wiser than a Horse, + Another makes it ten times worse, + The Ostrich said, It's plain to me, + We sleep because we cannot see; + Ask _Jupiter_, he can't deny't, + To let it when 'tis dark be light---- + At that all stopt his Speech a laughing, + Except the King, who fell a coughing. + Says one more learned than the rest, + I'm for a Crane with stone in Fist; + If he should sleep it must be known, + For presently he'll drop the stone. + But as the Watchmen were to be + In the upper Garret of the Tree, + The King for weighty Reasons said, + He'd have no Stones held o'er his Head, + Then cries the Swan, and he was right, + If one pretends to watch all Night. + He cannot do a better thing, + To make us believe it than to sing. + His Majesty approves of it, + And Letters presently are writ; + By which the Airy Prince invites + All Birds to Court, that sung a Nights; + But most of 'em look on the same + As things of no concern to them. + Yet some that had Ambition + Would very willingly have gone, + But since they could not watch in short, + And might perhaps be punish'd for't, + At best they could propose no Gains. + But t' have their Labour for their Pains. + Only the Nightingale, whose Art + Man knows, had fill'd his little Heart + With so much Joy, he's more than glad, + And almost ready to run mad; + Calls on all Birds and shakes his Wings, + Tells them how every Night he sings; + (A thing, which they knew nothing of, + For by that time they're fast enough.) + Says he it hits so luckily, + As if it was contriv'd for me, + What cause to doubt of being chose, + When there's not one that can oppose. + His Friend the Black-bird says, if so, } + Make haste to Court; why don't you go? } + The haughty Bird cries truly No, } + Glory's a thing I never went for, + Nor shall go now unless I am sent for. + At last the King by Mistress Fame, + 'S acquainted with his Skill and Name, + And hearing of his Stateliness + Sends half a dozen Deputies; + Who, when they're come, are forced to wait: + The Bird makes every thing look great; + He humbly thanks his Majesty; + But could not leave his Family. + They still persuade and press him hard, + He need not doubt of a great Reward. + And as the Nightingale delays, + And banters 'em for several Days; + A Magpye in the Field at play + Heard how he made the Courtiers stay, + Goes home and there relates the Story, + The Message, and the Bird's Vain glory, + T' an Owl, who from his Infancy + Had liv'd in the same Family; + And adds, why don't you take a Flight? + I've often heard you sing at Night; + When wak'd by our unlucky Boys. + Says the Owl, I know I have no Voice + As well as you: But if you hear me, + Young Jackanaps you need not jeer me. + By _George_, says Mag, I'm not in jest, + What though the Nightingale sings best, + He is so proud, takes so much state, + A thing I know all Princes hate, + That if y'are there before the other, + Who wants such Courtship, keeps such pother, + I don't know but your solemn Face, + And modest Mein may get the place. + I'll go my self for Company: } + And Mag discoursed so winingly, } + The Match is made away they fly. } + The King by this time thought it long + To stay for a Nocturnal Song + When Master Magpy, and his Friend, + Were just come to their Journy's end. + They told their Business modestly, + And are lodg'd on the Royal Tree. + The Owl sets up his Note at Night, + At which the Eagle laugh'd out right, + Then went to sleep and two Hours after + He wak'd, and wanted to make Water. + Call'd to his Watch, who presently + Jump'd in, and cry'd Sir, Here am I. + So, tho his Owlship could not sing, + His watchfulness had pleas'd the King. + Next day arrives the Nightingale, + With his Attendance at his Tail. + His Majesty would by no Means } + Admit him to an Audience; } + But sends a stately Bird of Sence, } + Who thus accosted him. Signior, + Whom we so long have waited for; + Since Yesterday a Bird came hither, + As grave as ever wore a Feather, + Who without promise of Reward + Last Night has serv'd upon the Guard, + With him to Morrow Night the King + Has order'd you to watch and sing, + Says Nightingale, what do I care + For Orders? I am free, and swear + My Master-lays shall mix with none, + They make a Consort of their own: + But who has so much vanity, + That dares pretend to sing with me? + And hearing twas th' _Athenian_ Bird, + He star'd and cou'd not speak a Word, + Grew pale, and swell'd, his Wind came short, + And Anger overwhelm'd his Heart. + He foams at Mouth, and raves, and blusters, + And utters all his Words in Clusters. + A King! a Devil, stupid Fowl, + That can compare me to an Owl! + Pray says the Courtier, have a Care, + Consider in what place you are; + But, as the Fool would hear no Reason, + He went, and left him sputt'ring Treason, + Then told what happen'd to the King, + Who said he'd never hear him sing; + The Owl should be kept in his Place, + And th' other punish'd with Disgrace; + He wisely weigh'd one's Complaisance + Against the other's Insolence, + Oppos'd the Humble to the Rude, + And thought the one might do more Good, + With Loyalty and Diligence, + Than th' other with his Skill and Sence. + The Nightingale is kick'd from Court + And serv'd the little Birds for sport; + Till full of Shame and Grief he went, + And curs'd the King and Government. + + + The Moral. + + _Princes can never satisfy + That Worth that rates itself too high. + What Pity it is! some Men of Parts + Should have such haughty stubborn Hearts: + When once they are courted they grow vain: + Ambitious Souls cannot contain + Their Joy, which when they strive to hide, + They cover it with so much Pride, + So Saucy to Superiors, + Impatient of Competitors, + Th' are utterly untractable, + And put off like our Nightingale. + Many with him might have been great, + Promoted Friends, and serv'd the State, + That have beheld, with too much Joy, + The wish'd for Opportunity; + Then slipt it by their own Delays, + Sloth, Pride, or other willful Ways, + And ever after strove in vain + To see the Forelock once again._ + + + + +_Council held by the Rats._ + + + A Cat, whose Sirname pretty hard was, + One Captain _Felis Rodilardus_ + Had made so terrible a slaughter + Among the Rats; that little after + There's hardly one to shew his head, + Most part of 'em were maim'd or dead. + The few that yet had 'scap'd the Grave, + Liv'd in a subterranean Cave, + Where they sat thinking mighty dull, + With Bellies less than quarter full, + Not daring to stir out for fear + Of _Rodilard_, who's ev'ry where. + They tried a hundred ways to sun him: + But finding they could never shun him, + The Wretches look upon him, that + He's more a Devil than a Cat. + Once, when our am'rous Spark was gone + A hunting Wenches up and down, + The poor remainder to improve + The time their Enemy made love, + Assembl'd, and employ'd their Cares + About the straits of their Affairs. + Their President, a Man of Sence, + Told 'em, by long experience; + I know, the Captain used to come + In Ambush without beat of Drum. + Methinks, that if we could but hear him + We need not half so much to fear him: + And therefore, th' only way's to take + A Bell, and tie't about his Neck; + And then let him be ne'er so arch + He'll advertise us of his march. + His Council took, and every one } + Was of the same Opinion; } + Sure nothing better could be done. } + But pray, says one, who is to tie it; + For I desire not to be nigh it. + How! cries another, tie the Bell, + I dare draw all his Teeth as well. + A third, a fourth, all say the same, + And so they parted as they came. + + + The Moral. + + _Thus Cits advise what's to be done, + This way they should attack the Town; + Now here, then there, why don't they come? + So, often in a Coffee-room, + Where prudently they rule the Nation, + I've heard some Men of Reputation + Propose things which they dare as well + Perform, as Rats to tie the Bell._ + + + + +_The Bat and the two Weasels._ + + + A Purblind Bat a heedless Beast + Ran headlong into a Weasel's Nest, + Who big with Child, and Passionate, + Had long since bore a mortal hate + To Mice; she rises, takes a Knife, + Runs to 'm resolv'd to have his Life, + And says: What Rascal in my House! + O impudence! a'nt you a Mouse? + Confess: Yes, I am sure you are, + Or I'm no Weasel: Have a Care, + No Names, good Lady, says the Bat, + No more a Mouse, than you a Rat. + What, I a Mouse? I scorn the Word; + And thank the Gods that made m' a Bird; + Witness my Wings, they're proof enough; + Long live the Birds, and so came off. + Some two Days after giddy brain + By a mischance, intrudes again + T' another Weasel's, who hates Birds, + She lets him enter, made no Words; + But fairly caught him by his Crupper, + And went to cranch him for her Supper. + In quality of Bird, says he, + Madam, this is an Injury, + Damn all the Birds, I do Protest + You wrong me: Sure y'are but in jest, + What reason I should pass for one? + All Birds have Feathers, I have none. + I am a Mouse long live the Rats, + And _Jupiter_ confound the Cats. + + + The Moral. + + _The Trimmer that will side with none, + Is forc'd to side with ev'ry one; + And with his Comp'ny change his story, + Long live the Whig, long live the Tory._ + + + + +_The two Bitches._ + + + A Bitch, who hardly had a day + To reckon, knew not where to lay + Her Burthen down: She had no Bed; + Nor any Roof to hide her Head; + Desires a Bitch of the same Pack, + To let her have, for Heaven's sake, + Her House against her Lying-in. + Th' other, who thought it was a Sin, + To baulk a Wretch so near her Labour, + Says, Yes, 'tis at your Service, Neighbour. + She stays the Month out, and above, + And then desires her to remove: + But th' other tells her, there's yet none + Of all my Whelps can walk alone, + Have patience but one Fortnight longer. + I hope by that time they'll be stronger. + She grants it, and when that's about, + Again she asks her to turn out; + Resign her Chamber, and her Bed: + The other shew'd her Teeth, and said, + My Children now are strong enough, + Some of 'em able to stand buff. + W' are free to go, but don't mistake us, + That is to say, if you can make us. + + + The Moral. + + _Whoever lets the Wicked in + Shall hardly get them out again; + What they can keep, they'll ne'er restore, + And by fair Means you'll have no more + Returns from them, than from the Grave, + Therefore he that will lend a Knave, + Must be resolv'd on Law and Force; + If not, he'll bid you take your Course._ + + + + +_The Sick Lyon and the Fox._ + + + The King of Brutes sent all about, + He was afflicted with the Gout; + And orders ev'ry Species + To visit him by Embassies. + To see his Subject Beasts would be + Some Comfort to him in his Misery: + He swears them faithfully, they shall + Be lodg'd, and treated very well. + Then for a Safeguard, sends forsooth, + Passes against his Claw and Tooth. + His Vassals in obedience come, } + And ev'ry Species sends him some. } + Only the Foxes stay at home; } + Their Reason was, they saw the Print + Of ev'ry beastly Foot, that went: + But found no Marks, by which, 'twas plain, + That any e'er came back again: + And truly that's suspicious, + Says one, poor Folks are timerous. + We know the King would not abuse us; + But yet desire him to excuse us. + As for his Pass we thank him for't, + And believe 'tis good. But in his Court + We know, which way we may go in, + But not, which to come back again. + + + The Moral. + + _Wise Men sometimes Instruction find + In that, which others never mind; + Examining the least of things, + By Deeds, not Words, they judge of Kings; + And never venture on that Coast, + Where once they knew another lost._ + + + + +_The Satyr and the Passenger._ + + + A Satyr at his Country House, + A dismal Cave, was with his Spouse, + And Brats a going to eat some Broth: + Without a Chair, or Table-Cloath, + On mossy ground they squatted down, + With special Stomachs of their own. + And just as they fell to a main, + Comes one to shelter for the Rain: + The Guest's invited to sit down, + Tho' in the mean time they went on. + He shiver'd, look'd as cold as Death, + And warm'd his Fingers with his Breath, + Says ne'er a Word, takes good Advice, + And stays not till they ask him twice, + Falls to the Porridge, takes a sup; + But being newly taken up, + 'Twas hot, he blows it. Says the Satyr, + Whose Palate could bear scalding-water, + Friend, what the Devil are you a doing? + What do you mean by all this blowing? + The Stranger answers, I did blow + At first to warm my hands, and now + I blow again to cool my Broth. + How, says my Landlord, does it both! + Than y'are not like to stay with me, + I hate such juggling Company. + What! Out of the same Mouth to blow + Both hot and cold! Friend, prithee go. + I thank the Gods my Roof contains + None such as you. The Fable means. + + + The Moral. + + _None are more like to do us wrong; + Than those that wear a double Tongue._ + + + + +_The Lyon in Love._ + + + Before the Reign of Buxom _Dido_, + When Beasts could speak as well as I do; + Lyons and we convers'd together, + And marry'd among one another. + Nay, why not? they have more bravery, + And are of the eldest Family. + One of 'em walking in a Grove, + Met with a Wench, and fell in Love. + Says he, dear Girl, upon my Life, + Y'are handsome, and must be my Wife. + Then sees her Home, and asks her Father, + Th' old Gentleman would have had rather + A Son-in-Law of milder Nature, + And not so terrible a Feature; + He could not give her heartily, + And yet 'twas dangerous to deny. + Besides she lov'd a fierce Gallant, + Says he, they have ask'd my Consent; + If now I make a Noise about it, + Who knows but they may do't without it. + Therefore he us'd a Stratagem + With honey-words to wheedle him. + My Daughter thanks you, Sir, for the honour, + Which you are pleas'd to bestow upon her. + To talk of Joyntures would be rude; + I know what's for my Children's good. + She's wholly yours, and from this hour, + Son, I resign her to your power. + I only wish, because your Bride + Has but a foolish tender Hide, + That when you take her in your Arm, + For fear your Claws might do her harm, + You'd suffer somebody to pare 'em; + And then your Spouse need not to fear 'em. + Your Teeth indeed look fine and strong; + But yet th'are somewhat sharp and long; + If y'had 'em filed an Inch or two, + 'T would be no prejudice to you, + And she'd respect you ne'er the less, + Admire the softness of your kiss, + And be more free with you a Bed. + So senceless is a Lover's head: + The Lyon yields, and stupidly + Lets 'em disarm him _Cap-a-pe_. + And so the loving Son-in-Law, + Remaining without Tooth or Claw, + Look'd as defenceless as a Town + With all the Walls and Gates broke down, + With Dogs his complaisance they pay, + To whom he falls an easy Prey. + + + The Moral. + + _Where Love his Tyrany Commences; + There, farewell Prudence, farewell Sences._ + + + + +_The Angler and the little Carp._ + + + That little Fishes may be greater, + And that, the larger th' are the better + I know; but then, to let em swim, + And all the while to stay for 'em; + Since catching so uncertain is, + I think's a foolish Business. + An Angler patiently a fishing + Employ'd with looking on, and wishing, + Catches at last a little Carp + That's very poor; but being sharp + He thought 'twas something to begin, + Opens his pouch to put him in. + But cries the Prisoner pitiously + Alas, what would you do with me! + Let me grow bigger, throw me in. + Some two Year hence you'll catch m' again; + I'll stay for you, for you may be sure; + Then sell me to some Epicure, + But now I'm such a silly Fish, + A hundred would not make a Dish; + And if they should, when all is done, + There would be only Skin and Bone. + Says the Angler I've a Mind to try you, + And if y' an't fit to Stew, I'll Fry you. + Leave preaching till anon, and then + Discourse your Mattets to the Pan. + + + The Moral. + + I _Chuse_ One is _for_ two May be's, + _One sure for Ten_ Uncertainties. + + + + +_The Wolves and the Sheep._ + + + Between the Wolves, and Sheep, the Wars + Had lasted many hundred Years. + The Sheep could never feed in quiet; + But Wolves disturb'd 'em at their Diet: + And truly Wolf is every Day + By Mastiff hunted from his Prey. + The Shepherd often cuts his Throat, + And turns his Skin into a Coat. + But now both Parties are for ease; + And met to agree on terms of Peace. + When in Debates some time was spent, + On each side Hostages are sent: + As such both Nations were to give + What's valued most, the Wolves receive, + The Dogs, of which in Awe they stood; + The Sheep young Wolves of noble Blood: + And thus the Peace is ratify'd, + With Joy proclaim'd on every side. + But in short time the Whelps grew strong, + The sturdy Rogues began to long + For Blood, and Mischief; watch'd a day, + The Shepherds were not in the way, + Then hunt the young ones from their Dames, + And pick'd and cull'd the finest Lambs; + Kill'd and devour'd a Multitude; + The rest they carry'd to a Wood, + Where with the other Wolves they joyn, + Who knew before hand their design. + The Dogs on publick Faith secure + (And pray what ties could be more sure) + Where whilst they slept, and thought no harm, + Throttled before they heard th' alarm. + + + The Moral. + + _Some Nations, fond of slothful Ease, + Trust to deluding Enemies; + And striving to avoid Expence, + Will leave themselves without defence; + But cunning Tyrants call 'em Friends, + No longer than it serves their Ends. + Against a mighty King that is, + Regardless of his Promises, + Proclaim an everlasting War, + Observe his Motions, watch with care; + And never hearken to Peace, + Proffer'd by faithless Enemies._ + + + + +_The Wasps and Bees._ + + + A Troop of Wasps claims openly + Some Honey Combs without a Tree. + A Regiment of Bees declares, } + The Honey, and the Combs, were theirs, } + And let him touch the Goods that dares; } + They'd shew that they were Bees, and forsooth. + Then says the Wasps, we'll pluck a Crew for't, + An shall not fly for Bees, we scorn it. + However 'tis left to Justice Hornet, + Who could with all his subtle Sence + Make nothing of the Evidence; + In general they depose, 'tis true, + That Insects of a yellow hue, + With Tails containing poysonous Stings, + Long Body'd, buzzing with their Wings, + And all the Signs to paint a Bee, + Had been observ'd about that Tree. + But this could be no proof for them; + For in the Wasps they are the same, + His Lordship, for his Reputation + Heard a whole Ant's Nest's Information. + But being no wiser than before, + At last said he could do no more; + And made a learned Speech to shew 'em: + That this Court could say nothing to 'em: + It must be try'd in Chancery. + Up starts a pert well meaning Bee, + And Says, an't please your Lordship; 'tis + Six Months we left our Business: + And heard of nothing but Vacations, + And Writs of barbarous Appellations; + And all this while, you know we are, + My Lord, but even as we were. + The Honey every Day grows worse, + And greedy Lawyers drain our Purse. + Under submission we've enough + Of all this formal conjuring stuff. + I believe I can inform you better, + Which way you may decide the matter + What signifies our looking on, + And hearing Council pro and con? + Let's go to work and then you'll see, + Which spoke the Truth, the Wasps or we. + If they can make such Combs and fill + With Honey each sexang'lar Cell; + The Cause is theirs, and we'll pay Cost; + If not, I hope they'll yield it lost. + Which when the Wasps refus'd to do + Judge Hornet rose, and said, Oho! + I smoak you, Sirs, and gave the Bees + The Suit, with Costs and Damages. + + + The Moral. + + _Thus would I have all Judges give + Their Judgment. With the_ Turks _I believe, + That common Sence to end a Cause, + Is worth a hundred Common Laws. + They lead us such a way about, + Raise new Disputes, make such a Rout. + Between the Plaintiff and Defendant; + That by the time they make an end on't, + The Suit looks like an Oyster, where + The Fish falls to the Lawyer's Share; + And if the Cause be manag'd well, + Each of the Clients gets a Shell._ + + + + +_The Lyon and the Gnat._ + + + Away base Insect, that took Birth + From th' Exhalations of the Earth. + Thus spoke the Lyon to the Gnat; + Who answer'd, Bully, Think ye that + I'll bear Affronts? No: And declar'd + A War against him to his Beard; + And told the Hector, void of fear, + You'll find Sir King, how much I care + For all your Titles, Tooth and Claw, + Of which great Loobies stand in awe: + I'll quickly curb your haughtiness, + Damn'd Brute; and hardly utter'd this, + But sounds the Charge (he serv'd for all + For Trumpet and for General.) + He nimbly shifts from Place to Place, + And plays before the Lyon's Face; + The other snaps and strikes the Air; + The Gnat avoids him every where; + He watch'd his time, then seiz'd his Neck, + From thence he mov'd, and stung his Back, + There fasten'd, made his Kingship mad, + His Eyes sparkle in his Head; + He foams and roars, and all what's near + Trembles, and hides itself for fear, + Yet, of this general Hurrican, + And dire Alarm th' Occasion + Is, what one would suspect the least, + So small an Atom of a Beast. + With hundred rambling flights he teases + The Brute, and leads him where he pleases; + Gets up his Nostrils, laughs to see + With how much Rage his Enemy + Tore his own Flesh, and all in Blood + Ran raving through the affrighted Wood. + He still pursues, till out of Breath + The Lyon dropp'd, and bled to Death. + The merry buzzing Conqueror + Flies from the dismal Seat of War, + And as he sounded chearfully + The Charge, so sounds the Victory. + But going to proclaim his Story, + Puffed up and blinded with his Glory, + He met a Cobweb in his way, + And fell a silly Spider's Prey. + + + The Moral. + + _So one that cross'd the Ocean o'er, + May smother in a Common Shore._ + + + + +_The Woodcleaver and Mercury._ + + + In Ancient times, when _Jupiter_ + Was pretty free, a Labourer, + That earn'd his Bread with cleaving Wood, + Lost with his Ax his Livelyhood. + 'T would grieve ones Heart to hear what sad + And pitious moan the Fellow made: + He had no Tools to sell again, + And buy another Ax, poor Man! + It was his All, and what to do, + Or how to live he does not know, + And as the Tears stood in his Eyes, + My Ax! O my dear Ax! he cries: + Sweet loving _Jupiter_! restore + My Ax. _Olympus_ hear his roar; + And _Mercury_ the Post-Boy, or + The Flying Post (his Character + Suits either for he's God of Lying + Beardless, and fam'd for News and Flying.) + Came to the Labourer, and said, + Your Ax in't lost, cheer up, my Lad: + I've got it here; but can you tell + Which is your own? I very well, + Quoth he. Says _Mercury_ take hold, + And gives him one of Massy Gold; + To this, quoth th' other, I've no claim; + To a Silver one he said the same. + But when his Iron one was shewn, + He cries, I Faix this is mine own; + God bless you, Sir. And _Mercury_ } + Said, to reward his Honesty, } + Th' are all your own, I give 'em ye. } + The Story's quickly nois'd about; + The way to Riches is found out: + 'Tis but to lose one's Ax; the Fools, + That had none, sold their Cloaths and Tools + To get one; and whate'er they cost, + They're bought in order to be lost. + The God of Thieves and Merchants, who + By chance had nothing else to do, + Came as they call'd; his Deity + Gave every one the choice of three: + The lying Rogues deny'd their own, + And swore they lost a Golden one: + But as they stoop for't, _Mercury_ + Chops off their Heads, and there they lie. + + + The Moral. + + _The Fable shews you, Honesty + Is always the best Policy._ + + + + +_The Hare and his Ears._ + + + Some stupid horn'd Beast or other, + Trotting along to get some fother, + Had run the Lyon in his Side; + Who, for the future to provide + Against such Accidents as this, + Sends Writs, by which he banishes + From his Dominions every one, + That wore a Horn: And when 'twas known, + The Stags sneak off with Bulls and Rams, + The very Calves went with their Dams: + And, whilst they are moving every where + To foreign parts, a fearful Hare, + That saw the shadow of his Ears, + Was startled at the sight; and fears, + Some Villain might maliciously + Say they were Horns; What Remedy? + Says he, they're long, and I can't tell. + Well Neighbour Cricket Fare-you-well: + My Ears are Horns too; I'll march off; + They're very long, and that's enough: + Nay, were th' as short as Ostrich Ears, + It would not rid me of my fears; + For if they catch m' I go to Pot. + Foh! says the Cricket, y'are a sot. + Hares Horns! what Puppy calls 'em so? + Th' are Ears. But yet, for ought you know, + Replies poor Puss, they'll pass for Horns; + And may be Horns of Unicorns. + They call the Rabbet's Fore legs, Wings, + I hold no Argument with Kings. + + + The Moral. + + _At Lyons Courts, in case of Treason, + I rather trust my Heels, than Reason._ + + + + +_The Rat and the Frog._ + + + A Graceless Rat, in special case, + Kept neither Lent nor Holidays; + But lov'd his Gut beyond his Soul, + And look'd as slick as any Mole: + Who one day having time to spare, + Went to the Marshes for some Air; + There meets a Frog, not over fat, + Who says, your Servant Mr. Rat; + And seemingly with much good Nature, + Invites the Stranger o'er the Water: + Says he, I live in yonder Fens, + Go with me I'll treat you like a Prince. + The Rat who had a mind before + To ramble, need t've heard no more; + But yet the Frog made a whole Lecture + On Country Bagnios, and their Structure, + The Voyage, and the Recreation + He'd find in his amphibious Nation; + Their Manners, and a hundred things, + Of which in Winter Evenings, + He'd tell fine Stories ten Years after, + By Fire sides in Praise of Water: + And, since he always liv'd a Shore, + There's nothing could refresh him more. + These Reasons pleas'd his Ratship so, + That he was raving mad to go. + But as your pamper'd Folks are fearful, + He said, one cannot be too careful; + 'Tis true I swim, but not like you, + And Cramps, or other things, you know, + Might happen: If I could but have + Some small Assistance.----Says the Knave, + Prithee be quiet, to prevent + All harm, I've an expedient, + That has a thousand times been tried. + Then took a bit of Rush and tied + One of the Fore feet of the Rat + To his Hind leg, and out they set. + But O thou wicked World! how evil + Are all our Hearts! this croaking Devil + Swum to the deep; where, when he got him, + He strove to pull him to the bottom; + And thought it was a lucky hit, + To meet with such a dainty bit; + Good wholesome Meat, and so went on. + The Rat, who felt he was undone, + Cry'd out, and foul'd himself for fear, } + And, tho' sometimes in half a Year, } + The Varlet never said a Prayer; } + Yet (as the Proverb tells us, he + That cannot pray, must go to Sea.) + So now, with all the Sugar Words, + A frighted Coward's Heart affords; + He call'd the Gods, and coax'd the Frog; + But, No: That false hard-hearted Dog + Is deaf to all his Protestations, + And violates the Law of Nations. + One lugs and labours like a Horse, + Th' other resists with all his Force. + The Frog's for going down; the Rat, + If 't pleased the Gods, would rather not. + And, whilst they're struggling different ways, + A Kite, that hover'd o'er the Place, + Saw what our Gentry was about, + Would fain have seen the Battle out; + If 't had been safe; but being loth + To lose his Stomack, took 'em both: + And, doubly blessed beyond his wish, + Supp'd like a Lord, on Flesh and Fish. + + + The Moral. + + _He, that's entangled in a Plot, + For want of Strength, is often caught: + And in his Practices detected + By Accidents, he ne'er suspected. + What cares a Frog for Kites, in Water? + But Villany rewards its Author._ + + + + +_The Cat and an old Rat._ + + + I've heard, and if it be a Lie, + You have it e'en as cheap as I; + That a huge Cat of mighty Name, + A second _Rodilard_ for Fame, + The _Alexander_ of the Cats; + An _Attila_, a scourge to Rats, + Had brought such horrid devastation, + And Mischief on the latter Nation; + 'Twas thought he would depopulate + The World, and swallow every Rat. + The long Tailed Gentry, far and near, + Are all possess'd with so much fear, + That there's not one in six Miles round, + That dares to venture above ground; + Their bloody minded Enemy + Is sorry, that they're grown so shy. + In vain he watch'd, and lurk'd about, + The De'l a bit as one came out. + Says he, the Scoundrels are alive, + I hear 'em stir, and must contrive + To draw 'em out; for, where they dwell, + I'm sure, they're uncomatable. + At that he gets upon a Shelf, + And to a String he hangs himself + By one Foot, dangling with his Head + Downward, as if he had been dead. + The Rats all thought, he had been taken + At stealing Cheese, or gnawing Bacon; + Perhaps he might have foul'd the Bed, + Murder'd a Bird; or, that he had + Committed any other Evil, + By instigation of the Devil, + Or his own more malicious Nature; + For which they'd hang'd the wicked Creature. + The Prisoners, who wanted Bread + Thank'd Heaven, and were very glad. + They show their Snouts, and now begin + To peep out and pop back again; + Till growing bold they leave their home, + And scamper up and down the Room. + Down comes the treacherous Malefactor, + Who rais'd to Life without a Doctor. + Fell with such rage about their House + Each Blow kill'd either Rat or Mouse; + Some made Resistance, but in vain, + The Ground is cover'd with the slain, + Such Execution did his Claw, + But when the cunning Warrior saw, + The nimble ones go off in Sholes, + And get within their crooked Holes, + He call'd to 'em, for all your haste, + I know, you'll come to me at last. + This trick you never knew before, + But I can shew you hundred more. + He'd kill'd enough to live upon + Some few Days; but when that was gone, + He kept his Word, and wheedled 'em + With quite another Stratagem. + He jump'd into a Tub of Flower, + And there stood powd'ring half an hour, + 'Till thinking he was dawbd enough, + He walks into an open trough + Where lying snug as white as Snow, + And roul'd up like a piece of Dough, + He waits the Starvlings coming to'm, + And now and then he pick'd up some. + But an old Rat, who full of Scars, + Had lost his Tail in former Wars; + Standing at th' Entrance of the Cave, + Call'd to our Cat. You, Mr. Knave, + Your Hanging or your Flower won't do, + I know your Tricks as well as you. + You was a Cat, and are so still: + Change to what form or shape you will: + Nay be a Log, I wont come nigh't. + Says th' other, Faith he's in the right. + And wisely knows, distrust to be + The Mother of Security. + + + + +_The Weasel and the Rat._ + + + A Hungry Weasel poor and lank, + With wrinkled Jaws, and Taper Flank, + Hardly recover'd from her Weakness, + Occasion'd by a Fit of Sickness. + Met with a Granary, and stole + Into it thro' a little Hole. + She bless'd herself to see the store, + No Miser sure could covet more: + And, thinking Nobody could harm her, + Fell to, and fed like any Farmer. + At Nights she slept, and snor'd at Ease, + And having Peace and Quietness, + Four Meals a Day, a wholesome Air, + A dainty Diet, little Care, + She quickly chang'd her meagre Feature, + And look'd like quite another Creature. + The Truth is, it would be a hard Case, + If all this should not mend one's Carcass. + Once, sitting at a Dish of Wheat, + She heard a Noise, forsook her Meat, + Ran to the Hole to save her Bacon, + Squeez'd to get thro'; but was mistaken. + And as she searches all about, + And finds no Crevish to get out, + She spies a Rat, and tells him, pray + What must I do, I've lost my way, + Which is the Hole? No, says the Rat, + Your way is right; but y'are too Fat. + Stay but a Week, and fast, good Dame, } + Till y'are as lean, as when you came, } + And then you'll find the Hole's the same. } + + + The Moral. + + A _Man in profitable Station, + Grown rich by Plundering the Nation, + Is often willing to resign, + But seldom to refund the Coin_. + + + + +_The Wolf and the Stork._ + + + Wolves commonly are fam'd for Eating, + As much, as Foxes are for Cheating. + One of 'em, at a Mutton Feast, + Devour'd his Meat with so much haste; + A Bone got in his Throat, and there + Stuck fast; some Learned Authors swear, + It was the _Os Sacrum_; others say, + It was one of the _Vertebræ_. + But hang disputes; since it is all one + What Bone it was; so 'twas no small one. + There stood Sir Wolf, and full of Grief + Made signs he wanted quick Relief. + And well it was he could not Cry; + For no Soul would have come a nigh. + At last he shews it to a Stork, + The long-leg'd Surgeon goes to Work; + Takes out the Bone immediately; + And when 'twas done, desir'd his Fee. + Sure, says the Wolf, whoever draws + His Head out harmless from my Jaws, + May boast of such a Happiness, + As far o'erpays all Offices; + A thing which ne'er was done before, + And may be, ne'er will happen more. + But O Damn'd Vice Ingratitude! + To scape with Life, and be so rude, + As to ask Fees! take care young Man, + You never see my Face again. + + + The Moral. + + _Some Folks are so mischievous grown, + They claim Thanks if they let y' alone._ + + + + +_The Frogs asking for a King._ + + + The Frogs, after some Ages spent + In Democratick Government, + Grew weary of it, and agree, + To change it for a Monarchy; + And humbly begg'd a King of _Jove_, + The God comply'd, and from above + Dropt 'em a very peaceful one; + But only in the falling down, + He made such Noise, that all the Frogs, + Who are but fearful skittish Dogs + Were frighted and drove under Water, + And there remain'd a good while after, + Among the Weeds; their fear was such, + There was not one, that dar'd so much + As look upon him, whom they thought + Some Giant, or the Lord knows what. + Tho' all this while 'twas but a Log, + At last came up a daring Frog; + But took care, not to swim too nigh it, + Till, seeing it lay so very quiet, + He went on, tho' in mighty awe; + But when his Fellow Subjects saw + Their Bulky King did him no harm, + In half an Hour the Pond did swarm + Of Frogs. O! what a pretty thing + It was to play about their King: + The meekest that e'er wore a Crown; + And soon they're so familiar grown, + That laying all respect aside, + They jump upon his Back, and ride. + The King says nothing, keeps his Peace, + And let's em work him as they please. + But this they hate, they'd have him move. + A second time they call on _Jove_, + And tire his Brain with clam'rous rout, + To have a King, that stirr'd about. + _Jove_ mad for being plagu'd again, + Sends em a Damn'd devouring Crane; + Who only was for Kill, and Slay, + And eat whoe'er came in his way. + Much louder now the Rascals cry; + Deliver us from Tyranny! + O _Jupiter_! if he goes on, } + We shall be murder'd every one, } + This is the Devil upon dun. } + Quoth he, I'll humour Fools no more, + You might have kept what ye had before; + You left your common wealth, to seek + A King; and then he was too meek; + You must have one forsooth, that stirs: + I hope now you have got one, Sirs. + You never chang'd without a Curse, + Keep this, for fear you get a worse. + + + The Moral. + + _Thank God, this Fable is not meant } + To_ Englishmen; _they are content, } + And hate to change their Government._ } + + + + +_The Wolf and the Lamb._ + + + It is a thing without contest, + That he that's strongest reasons best. + The Weather being sultry hot, + A Lamb to cool himself, was got + A paddling in a purling Stream. + (To Rhiming Fools a mighty Theme) + When a she Wolf (the De'l sure sent her) + Came down, in quest of some Adventure, + And hardly spy'd poor Innocence; + But pick'd a Quarrel void of Sence; + Began to sputter, Damn and Sink, + Ask'd how he dar'd to spoil her Drink, + A nasty poysoning Dog. Odsbud! + He'd make it all as thick as mud. + For which he'd punish him by _Jove_. + Madam, reply'd the Lamb, I love + To reason calmly, and will show ye, + That I am Twenty Yards below ye. + And humbly craving leave, from thence + I draw this reg'lar Consequence; + That I can't, standing in this Place, + Disturb the Liquor of your Grace. + You do, says the other, and last Year + You told some lies of me. I swear, + I was not born then, quoth the Lamb: + I han't left sucking of my Dam. + 'Twas either you or else your Brother. + I've ne'er a one. Then 'twas your Mother, + Or any other near Relation; + For all your wicked Generation + Hates me; your Dogs and Shepherds too + And without any more a do, + The Lamb was carry'd to the Wood + And serv'd the cruel Wolf for Food. + + + + +_The Lyon grown old._ + + + A Valiant Lyon, now grown old, + His Limbs and Jaws benumb'd and cold, + Lay thinking on his Royal Bed, + With scarce a Tooth in all his Head: + And Claws worn to the Stumps with Tearing: + (But every thing's the worse for wearing) + And whilst he labour'd to repent, + Complaining of his Youth mispent, + His Rebel Subjects paid no more, + That Honour, which they gave before, + But treat him with Contempt and Scorn: + The Bull does push him with his Horn, + The Horse affronts him with his Heels: + No Tongue can tell what grief he feels + From these insulting Enemies. + In comes the Ass; but when he sees, + That Coward too forget his Duty, + He dying said, _Tu quoque Brute?_ + + + + +_The two Physicians._ + + + Two graduate Physicians, + Of many Years Experience, + With Coaches to proclaim their Skill, + Are sent for to a Man that's ill. + One feels his Pulse and gives him over: + But th' other says he may recover; + I have great hopes, we'll give him some + Of my _Antithanaticum_. + No, cries the first, he is too weak; + Yes truly Sir, I'm very sick, + Replies the Patient; down they sate, + And enter'd in a deep Debate: + One quotes four Words of _Arabick_, + Th' other an Aphorism in _Greek_. + They're very hot, and every one + Sticks to his own Opinion. + The Upshot was, they writ a Bill, + Which neither lik'd of very well: + They visit him some Days, and vent + Many a learned Argument; + But as his Life went on full Speed, + He could not stay till they agreed, + And so march'd off; and when he's dead, + Both still are in the right; one said, + I told you so, his very Eye + Prognosticated he would dye: + And th' other cry'd, had I been believ'd, + I'm very sure, he would have liv'd. + + + + +_Love and Folly._ + + + The charming God, that with his Bow, + So many Thousand Years ago, + Came to that troublesome Employ, + He serves in still, is but a Boy: + His Art is so mysterious, + That to explain his business, + His Tackle, Arrows, Quiver, Taper, + Would take up several Reams of Paper; + Which being more than I've a mind + To fill; I'll only, since he is blind, + Tell you which way he lost his sight, + With what came on't, and so good Night. + Folly and Love took one another + Aside, as Boys will run together, + And crept into a Nook of Heaven, + To play at Seven or Eleven; + And here good People, Gamesters may + Behold what mischief comes from Play: + There 'rose a quarrel about the Main, + Its Eight says Love, and thought 'twas plain; + Quoth Folly, but I'm sure 'tis Nine, + You Little Cheat, the Game is mine: + At last Words growing very high, + Love gives his angry Foe the Lie; + Then up starts Folly, flings the Dice + At Love, and beats out both his Eyes. + _Venus_ would be reveng'd, bawl'd out, + And shed so many Tears about + The Peepers of her little Son, + That she was like to have spoil'd her own. + She would have Justice done, she swore, + Call'd Folly Rogue and Son 'f a Whore: + How did you do't; I'll make you dance? + Indeed said Folly, 'twas by chance. + Cry'd _Cupid_, you're a punning Cur, + And snobb'd. In comes the Thunderer, + With all the Gods and Goddesses, + To sit upon the Business, + Between Love and the Boy at Bar. + The Cuckold and the God of War + Were very hot, they'd have him dye; + But when _Minerva_ ask'd him, Why? + They said, because----Be free from rage, + Ye Gods, said _Themis_, mind his Age, + And then the Council seem'd to incline + To make him only pay a Fine + To Love. But the injur'd Mother cries, + That won't do, I'll have both his Eyes, + _Secundum legem Talionis_, + He shall pay _Corpore non bonis_. + _Apollo_ bids her to be civil. + T'have two blind Boys would be the Devil, + Said _Juno_, and this gave the hint + To _Jove_, t'inflinct a Punishment, + That might ease Love; what must he do? + He could not walk alone; and so + 'Twas fixed by all the Gods above, + That Folly should be guide to Love. + + + + +_A She-Goat, a Sheep and a Sow._ + + + A She-Goat that gave exc'lent Milk, + A Sheep, whose Fleece was soft as Silk, + And a fat Sow went to the Fair + In the same Cart, not to take th' Air, + Or to see Shows; but, as I am told, + Downright in order to be sold; + All the way long the Sow did squawl, + And scream enough to deafen 'em all; + Had she been follow'd by six score + Butchers, she could have done no more: + The other Creatures wonder'd at her, + And could not dream what was the matter; + They thought it must proceed from fear; + And yet perceived no danger near; + The Carter told her, What d'ye mean? + Who gives you reason to complain? + Your Cries have stunn'd us; what d'ye make + This horrid Noise for? prithee take + Example by your Company, + Be silent or talk civilly. + Look on that Sheep, he thinks you're mad; + Has he spoke one Word good or bad? + No: He is wise.----The Devil he is, + Replies the Sow, could he but guess, + Whither you carry us, or why; + I'm sure he'd bawl as loud as I: + He's used to Shears, and so the Fool + Thinks only that you'll take his Wool; + And this good Lady with the Beard + Has no great Cause to be afear'd; + She's daily milk'd and does depend on't, + you'll drain her Dug, and there's an end on't: + And 't maybe so, or 't may be not: + But, wou'd you have me such a sot, + Who 'm good for nothing, whilst I've Breath, + To be afraid of less than Death? + + + The Moral. + + _Upon my Word 'twas shrewdly said, + Of one that was no better bred: + Yes all this sad complaints and fear + Are for the Thing she's forced to bear: + And tho' she knew, she was to dye, + She could not change her destiny. + Therefore I think, where all is lost, + He, that sees farthest, suffers most._ + + + + +_The Dog and the Ass._ + + + Help one another is, no doubt, + A Law we can't live well without: + Yet one Day, (and how't came to pass + I don't know) 't happen'd that an Ass, + Who's otherwise an honest Creature, + Of no uncharitable Nature, + Did slight it: A large Dog and he + Were travelling in Company, + Without a thought of Strife or Care, + Followed by him whose Goods they were; + And coming to some curious Grass, + The latter went to sleep; his Ass, + Who was a Lover of good Pasture, + Made better use on't than his Master, + And fell a feeding heartily: + But the poor Dog stood starving by, + And said, Much good may do thy heart, + Dear fellow Traveller; thou art + My loving Friend.--But Mr. _Gray_, + My Meat is in your Panier, pray, + Stoop down, and let me take out some, + I han't eat since we came from home; + He gets no Answer, asks again, + But No, th' _Arcadian_ Gentleman + Thought every Word a mouthful lost, + And would say nothing to his cost, + So held his Tongue a while; at last + He told him, Friend, I am in haste, + And, when I stoop my Back, it akes; + Have patience till your Master wakes, + It won't be long, and then you'll get + Your Belly full, if he thinks fit. + Just then a Wolf came from the Wood, + And they have Appetites as good + As any; Grizz'l at a distance + Hears him, and asks the Dog's assistance; + But he don't budge, and serves him right; + Says he, I never us'd to fight + Without a cause for fighting's sake; + Stay till your Master is awake; + Hear what he says, it won't be long; + Sir Wolf won't offer any wrong; + And if you fear his Teeth or Claws, + Knock but his Brains out, break his Jaws, + And lay him sprawling on the Ground; + You're newly Shod, and Iron bound; + And whilst this fine Discourse went on, + Poor Grizzle's business was done. + + + The Moral. + + _None can live happily together, + Without assisting one another._ + + + + +_The Fox and Wolf._ + + + The Fox went on the search one Night, + The Moon had hung out all her light; + He sees her Image in a Well; + But what it was he could not tell; + Gets on the Bricks to look at ease: + At last concludes it is a Cheese: + One Bucket's down, the other up, + He jumps in that which was a-top, + And coming to the Water, sees + How little Skill he had in Cheese. + Poor Ren, remov'd from all Acquaintance, + Sits in the Bucket of Repentance; + And when the Rascal ought to have laid + The fault upon himself, it's said, + He blam'd his Stars, tho' I b'lieve rather + He curst the Moon, and all fair Weather. + Well, there he sat, and wish'd, no doubt on't, + For half his Tail that he was out on't: + Sometimes he rav'd and talk'd like mad, } + And every thing came in his Head, } + That to his purpose could be said. } + Happy are those that don't love Cheese; + We may go downward when we please, + But to come back again, _hoc opus_, + All tricks are vain; my only hope is, + That Somebody as wise as I, + Hits on my Whim, or else I die. + Two Days are past; poor Animal, + Sees Nobody come near the Well; + And now old Time had in one Place, + Cut a good piece of _Cynthia's_ Face; + For as he does all things, he eats her, + And takes a slice, where'er he meets her: + _Volpone_ spies it, and it grieved him, + To see that spoil'd which had deceiv'd him, + Thinking his case was desperate: + When on the third Night pretty late, + A Wolf who could not sleep, because + He felt an itching in his Jaws, + Look'd into it; What are you there? + Says Ren; pray see what I got here; + It is a groaning Cheese, 'twas made + From _Io's_ Milk, and _Faunus_ had + The ordering of it, 'twould have been + Kept for Dame _Juno's_ Lying in, + But she miscarry'd: I took off + This Corner; still there's Meat enough + For two or three, I thought on you, + Wish'd I might see you, and to shew, + How I esteem, love, and adore ye, + That Bucket's left on purpose for ye. + The silly Wolf believes, gets in, + And draws _Volpene_ up again. + + + The Moral. + + _Don't blame the stupid Animal, + You credit things less probable; + And most Men easily give ear, + To what they either wish or fear._ + +_FINIS._ + + + + +THE AUGUSTAN REPRINT SOCIETY + +_WILLIAM ANDREWS CLARK MEMORIAL LIBRARY_ + +University of California, Los Angeles + +PUBLICATIONS IN PRINT + + +#1948-1949# + + 15. John Oldmixon, _Reflections on Dr. Swift's Letter to Harley_ ... + (1712) and _A. Mainwaring's The British Academy_ ... (1712). + + 17. Nicholas Rowe, _Some Account of the Life of Mr. William + Shakespeare_ (1709). + + +#1949-1950# + + 22. Samuel Johnson, _The Vanity of Human Wishes_ (1749) and two + _Rambler_ papers (1750). + + 23. John Dryden, _His Majesties Declaration Defended_ (1681). + + +#1950-1951# + + 26. Charles Macklin, _The Man of the World_ (1792). + + +#1951-1952# + + 31. Thomas Gray, _An Elegy Wrote in a Country Churchyard_ (1751); + and The Eton College Manuscript. + + +#1960-1961# + + 85-6. Essays on the Theatre from Eighteenth-Century Periodicals. + + 90. Henry Needler, _Works_ (1728). + + +#1961-1962# + + 93. John Norris, _Cursory Reflections Upon a Book Call'd, An Essay + Concerning Human Understanding_ (1960) + + 94. An. Collins, _Divine Songs and Meditacions_ (1653). + + 95. _An Essay on the New Species of Writing Founded by Mr. Fielding_ + (1751). + + 96. Hanoverian Ballads. + + +#1962-1963# + + 97. Myles Davies, Selections from _Athenae Britannicae_ (1716-1719). + + 98. _Select Hymns Taken Out of Mr. Herbert's Temple_ (1697). + + 99. Simon Patrick, _A Brief Account of the New Sect of Latitude Men_ + (1662). + + 100. Simon Patrick, _A Brief Account of the New Sect of Latitude Men_ + (1662). + + 101-2. Richard Hurd, _Letters on Chivalry and Romance_ (1762). + + +#1963-1964# + + 103. Samuel Richardson, _Clarissa: Preface, Hints of Prefaces, and + Postscript_. + + 104. Thomas D'Urfey, _Wonders in the Sun, or, the Kingdom of the + Birds_ (1706). + + 105. Bernard Mandeville, _An Enquiry into the Causes of the Frequent + Executions at Tyburn_ (1725). + + 106. Daniel Defoe, _A Brief History of the Poor Palatine Refugees_ + (1709). + + 107-8. John Oldmixon, _An Essay on Criticism_ (1728). + + +#1964-1965# + + 109. Sir William Temple, _An Essay upon the Original and Nature of + Government_ (1680). + + 110. John Tutchin, _Selected Poems_ (1685-1700). + + 111. Anonymous, _Political Justice. A Poem_ (1736). + + 112. Robert Dodsley, _An Essay on Fable_ (1764). + + 113. T. R., _An Essay Concerning Critical and Curious Learning_ + (1680). + + 114. Two Poems Against Pope: Leonard Welsted, _One Epistle to Mr. A. + Pope_ (1730); Anonymous, _The Blatant Beast_ (1740). + + + + +William Andrews Clark Memorial Library: University of California, +Los Angeles + +THE AUGUSTAN REPRINT SOCIETY + + _General Editors_: Earl Miner, University of California, Los Angeles; + Maximillian E. Novak, University of California, Los Angeles; + Lawrence Clark Powell, Wm. Andrews Clark Memorial Library + + _Corresponding Secretary_: Mrs. Edna C. Davis, Wm. Andrews Clark + Memorial Library + + +The Society's purpose is to publish reprints (usually facsimile +reproductions) of rare seventeenth and eighteenth century works. All +income of the Society is devoted to defraying costs of publication and +mailing. + +Correspondence concerning subscriptions in the United States and Canada +should be addressed to the William Andrews Clark Memorial Library, 2205 +West Adams Boulevard, Los Angeles, California. Correspondence concerning +editorial matters may be addressed to any of the general editors. The +membership fee is $5.00 a year for subscribers in the United States and +Canada and 30/- for subscribers in Great Britain and Europe. British and +European subscribers should address B. H. Blackwell, Broad Street, +Oxford, England. Copies of back issues in print may be obtained from the +Corresponding Secretary. + + +PUBLICATIONS FOR 1965-1966 + + THOMAS TRAHERNE, _Meditations on the Six Days of the Creation_ (1717). + Introduction by George Robert Guffey. + + CHARLES MACKLIN, _The Covent Garden Theatre_ [manuscript] (1752). + Introduction by Jean B. Kern. + + ROGER L'ESTRANGE, _Citt and Bumpkin_ (1680). + Introduction by B. J. Rahn. + + DANIEL DEFOE and Others, Accounts of the Apparition of Mrs. Veal + (ca. 1705). Introduction by Manuel Schonhorn. + + HENRY MORE, _Enthusiasmus Triumphatus_ (1662). + Introduction by M. V. DePorte. + + BERNARD MANDEVILLE, _Aesop Dress'd or a Collection of Fables Writ in + Familiar Verse_ (1704). Introduction by John S. Shea. + + +_ANNOUNCEMENT_: + +The Society announces a special publication, a reprint of JOHN OGILBY, +_The Fables of Aesop Paraphras'd in Verse_ (1668), with an Introduction +by Earl Miner. Ogilby's book is commonly thought one of the finest +examples of seventeenth-century bookmaking and is illustrated with +eighty-one plates. Publication is assisted by funds from the Chancellor +of the University of California, Los Angeles. 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Mandeville. + </title> + <style type="text/css"> + + p { margin-top: .75em; + text-align: justify; + margin-bottom: .75em; + } + h1,h2,h3,h4,h5,h6 { + text-align: center; /* all headings centered */ + clear: both; + } + hr { width: 33%; + margin-top: 2em; + margin-bottom: 2em; + margin-left: auto; + margin-right: auto; + clear: both; + } + + hr.small { width: 20%; + margin-top: 0.5em; + margin-bottom: 0.5em; + margin-left: 10%; + margin-right: 70%; + clear: both; + } + + table {margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;} + + body{margin-left: 10%; + margin-right: 10%; + } + + .pagenum { /* uncomment the next line for invisible page numbers */ + /* visibility: hidden; */ + position: absolute; + left: 92%; + font-size: smaller; + text-align: right; + } /* page numbers */ + + .blockquot{margin-left: 5%; margin-right: 10%;} + + .center {text-align: center;} + .smcap {font-variant: small-caps;} + + .caption {font-weight: bold;} + .rbrace {position: absolute; left: 40em;} + + .footnote {margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%;} + .footnote .label {position: absolute; right: 84%; text-align: right;} + .fnanchor {vertical-align: super; font-size: .8em; text-decoration: none;} + + .poem {margin-left:10%; margin-right:10%; text-align: left;} + .poem br {display: none;} + .poem .stanza {margin: 1em 0em 1em 0em;} + .poem span.i0 {display: block; margin-left: 0em; padding-left: 3em; text-indent: -3em;} + .poem span.i2 {display: block; margin-left: 2em; padding-left: 3em; text-indent: -3em;} + .poem span.i4 {display: block; margin-left: 4em; padding-left: 3em; text-indent: -3em;} + .poem span.i8 {display: block; margin-left: 8em; padding-left: 3em; text-indent: -3em;} + + </style> + </head> +<body> + + +<pre> + +The Project Gutenberg EBook of Aesop Dress'd, by Bernard Mandeville + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: Aesop Dress'd + Or a collection of Fables + +Author: Bernard Mandeville + +Commentator: John S. Shea + +Release Date: October 29, 2010 [EBook #33888] + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1 + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK AESOP DRESS'D *** + + + + +Produced by Chris Curnow, Joseph Cooper and the Online +Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net + + + + + + +</pre> + + + + + +<h4><span class="smcap">The Augustan Reprint Society</span></h4> + +<h3>BERNARD MANDEVILLE</h3> + +<h1><big><span class="smcap">Æsop Dress'd</span></big><br /> +<small>OR A<br /> +COLLECTION<br /> +OF</small><br /> +<big><span class="smcap">Fables</span></big></h1> + +<h3><i>WRIT IN FAMILIAR VERSE</i></h3> + +<h3>(1704)</h3> + +<h4><i>INTRODUCTION</i><br /> +BY<br /> +<big>JOHN S. SHEA</big></h4> + + + +<h5>PUBLICATION NUMBER 120<br /> +<big>WILLIAM ANDREWS CLARK MEMORIAL LIBRARY</big><br /> +<span class="smcap">University of California, Los Angeles</span></h5> +<h4>1966</h4> + + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h4>GENERAL EDITORS</h4> + +<p class="center">Earl Miner, <i>University of California, Los Angeles</i><br /> + +Maximillian E. Novak, <i>University of California, Los Angeles</i><br /> + +Lawrence Clark Powell, <i>Wm. Andrews Clark Memorial Library</i></p> + + +<h4>ADVISORY EDITORS</h4> + +<p class="center">Richard C. Boys, <i>University of Michigan</i><br /> + +John Butt, <i>University of Edinburgh</i><br /> + +James L. Clifford, <i>Columbia University</i><br /> + +Ralph Cohen, <i>University of California, Los Angeles</i><br /> + +Vinton A. Dearing, <i>University of California, Los Angeles</i><br /> + +Arthur Friedman, <i>University of Chicago</i><br /> + +Louis A. Landa, <i>Princeton University</i><br /> + +Samuel H. Monk, <i>University of Minnesota</i><br /> + +Everett T. Moore, <i>University of California, Los Angeles</i><br /> + +James Sutherland, <i>University College, London</i><br /> + +H. T. Swedenberg, Jr., <i>University of California, Los Angeles</i></p> + + +<h4>CORRESPONDING SECRETARY</h4> + +<p class="center">Edna C. Davis, <i>Wm. Andrews Clark Memorial Library</i></p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<p><span class='pagenum'>[Pg i]</span></p> +<h2>INTRODUCTION</h2> + + +<p>Bernard Mandeville's first extant book in English, <i>Some +Fables after the Easie and Familiar Method of Monsieur de la +Fontaine</i>, was published in 1703; it reappeared with additional +fables in 1704 as <i>Aesop Dress'd</i>.<a name="FNanchor_1_1" id="FNanchor_1_1"></a><a href="#Footnote_1_1" class="fnanchor">[1]</a> Neither title reveals that, +except for two original fables by Mandeville, the book consists +entirely of verse translations from the twelve books of La Fontaine's +<i>Fables</i> (1668-1694). It is the first book-length translation +from these poems into English.</p> + +<p>The only previous translations from <i>Fables</i> into English +verse appear to have been those made ten years earlier by John +Dennis. <i>Miscellanies in Verse and Prose</i> (1693) was a curious +volume of Pindaric odes, imitations of Horace, Juvenal, and +Boileau, and letters that the young Dennis had written during his +travels in France and Italy, including the well-known account of +the "delightful horrour" and "terrible Joy" that he had experienced +while crossing the Alps; there were, finally, ten fables in +octosyllabic couplets—all of them translations from La Fontaine. +A word about Dennis's fables may help to put Mandeville's into +perspective.</p> + +<p>Their resemblance to the French originals is slight. Not La +Fontaine, but Samuel Butler, presides over Dennis's fables; +indeed, when Dennis discusses them in the Preface to <i>Miscellanies</i>, +he fails to mention La Fontaine, although he devotes a +large proportion of his remarks to a defense of Butler's burlesque +verse, which he acknowledges as his model.<a name="FNanchor_2_2" id="FNanchor_2_2"></a><a href="#Footnote_2_2" class="fnanchor">[2]</a> Many people were +writing Hudibrastics in the 1680's and 1690's: the propensity of +Butler's couplet for arousing laughter had made it a fad.<a name="FNanchor_3_3" id="FNanchor_3_3"></a><a href="#Footnote_3_3" class="fnanchor">[3]</a> With +its jog-trot meter, insinuating swiftness, and jarring double and +triple rhymes, the Hudibrastic couplet was ideally suited to the +mockery performed by low burlesque. All burlesque works by an +incongruity between subject and style; the particular function of +low burlesque is to debase an elevated subject by treating it in +an undignified manner.<a name="FNanchor_4_4" id="FNanchor_4_4"></a><a href="#Footnote_4_4" class="fnanchor">[4]</a> So it was that Butler, with the assistance +of a crazy style, had exploited the gap between the high pretensions +and the ridiculous performances of a Puritan knight and his +squire.<span class='pagenum'>[Pg ii]</span></p> + +<p>But of the hordes of scribblers that followed in the wake of +<i>Hudibras</i>, scarcely any possessed Butler's sense of satiric propriety. +Where his success had been founded on the discrepancy +between subject and style that is essential to burlesque, they +employed his style with no regard for its suitability to their subjects. +Ordinary narrative poems with no satiric intent were decked +in Hudibrastic couplets for the sake of a superficial cleverness.<a name="FNanchor_5_5" id="FNanchor_5_5"></a><a href="#Footnote_5_5" class="fnanchor">[5]</a> +Dennis followed the fashion. His ten verse-fables are filled with +outrageous Butlerisms:</p> + +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i2">Isgrim had all the Winter far'd<br /></span> +<span class="i2">So very ill, his looks Men scar'd.<br /></span> +<span class="i2">He had (poor Dog!) got an evil habit,<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Of going to Bed with the Devil a bit,<br /></span> +<span class="i2">So that he had contracted a meen,<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Which truly represented Famine.<br /></span> +</div></div> + +<hr class="small" /> + +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">At sight of Steed that's one huge bit of Fat,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Hight Isgrim's heart for joy went pit a pat.<br /></span> +</div></div> + +<hr class="small" /> + +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">Had I not known thy Self and Kindred,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Ev'n I my self should have been in dread.<br /></span> +</div></div> + +<hr class="small" /> + +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">The <i>Crane's</i> arrival was opportune,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Order'd for <i>Isgrim's</i> good by fortune.<a name="FNanchor_6_6" id="FNanchor_6_6"></a><a href="#Footnote_6_6" class="fnanchor">[6]</a><br /></span> +</div></div> + +<p>Whatever the intentions of the poet, it seems to be the property of +the Hudibrastic couplet inevitably to denigrate its subject. While +it is probable that Dennis intended his fables to be clever and +modish, and nothing more, they turn out to be travesties of La Fontaine.<span class='pagenum'>[Pg iii]</span></p> + +<p>Dennis was attempting to impose on the animal fable an alien +style. From Aesop to Thurber, the chief strength of the fabulist +has been his humility: by selecting animal stories as the guise +for his moral lessons, he has hoped to disarm his readers into accepting +the truth. This strategy would seem to rule out the style +of low burlesque, for the impulse to this style—a dignified subject +to be mocked out of its dignity—does not exist in the animal +fable. In particular the <i>Fables</i> of La Fontaine, perhaps the most +graceful, concise, and witty ever written, do not respond well to +the ferocious manner of Dennis. Dennis translating La Fontaine +resembles a bull in a china shop.</p> + +<p>While Mandeville is no gazelle either, he has better manners +than Dennis. The Butlerisms are still present, but they are not +everywhere and they are not so grotesque. The difference between +Dennis and Mandeville may be merely the interval of ten years, +during which the influence of Butler had faded; but this seems +unlikely, since Bond cites many examples of the continuing vogue +of <i>Hudibras</i>, even well into the 1730's.<a name="FNanchor_7_7" id="FNanchor_7_7"></a><a href="#Footnote_7_7" class="fnanchor">[7]</a> A more probable explanation +for the difference is that, whereas Dennis was an avowed imitator +of Butler who happened to be translating the <i>Fables</i> of La +Fontaine, Mandeville seems to have been in this work chiefly a +translator of La Fontaine who was, incidentally, writing at a time +when the impulse to copy Butler's superficial qualities was almost +irresistible. The total number of Hudibrastic couplets in <i>Aesop +Dress'd</i> comes to only a handful:</p> + +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">They'll give you a hundred Niceties,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">As Chicken Bones, boyl'd Loins of Mutton,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">As good as ever Tooth was put in....<br /></span> +</div></div> + +<hr class="small" /> + + +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">And therefore let my Lord <i>Abdomen</i><br /></span> +<span class="i0">Say what he will, we'll work for no Man.<br /></span> +</div></div> + +<p><span class='pagenum'>[Pg iv]</span></p> + +<hr class="small" /> + +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">A Cat, whose Sirname pretty hard was,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">One Captain <i>Felis Rodilardus</i>....<br /></span> +</div></div> + +<hr class="small" /> + + +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">Before the Reign of Buxom Dido,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">When Beasts could Speak as well as I do....<br /></span> +</div></div> + +<hr class="small" /> + +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">The Truth is, it would be a hard Case,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">If all this should not mend one's Carcass.<a name="FNanchor_8_8" id="FNanchor_8_8"></a><a href="#Footnote_8_8" class="fnanchor">[8]</a><br /></span> +</div></div> + +<p>Even these few unmistakable instances are less distracting +than the ones in Dennis. Mandeville's verse is much like his +prose: straightforward, downright, even in tone. Here are the +first ten lines of Mandeville's "The Fox and Wolf":</p> + +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">The Fox went on the search one Night,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">The Moon had hung out all her light;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">He sees her image in a Well;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">But what it was he could not tell;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Gets on the Bricks to look at ease:<br /></span> +<span class="i0">At last concludes it is a Cheese:<br /></span> +<span class="i0">One Bucket's down, the other up,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">He jumps in that which was a-top,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And coming to the Water, sees<br /></span> +<span class="i0">How little Skill he had in Cheese.<br /></span> +</div></div> + +<p>La Fontaine has this:</p> + +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i8">... Un soir il [le loup] aperçut<br /></span> +<span class="i0">La lune au fond d'un puits: l'orbiculaire image<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Lui parut un ample fromage.<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Deux seaux alternativement<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Puisoient le liquide élément:<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Notre Renard, pressé par une faim canine,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">S'accommode en celui qu'au haut de la machine<br /></span> +<span class='pagenum'>[Pg v]</span><span class="i2">L'autre seau tenoit suspendu.<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Voilà l'animal descendu,<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Tiré d'erreur, mais fort en peine,<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Et voyant sa perte prochaine....<br /></span> +</div></div> + +<p>Dennis had inserted these lines in the pseudo-erudite Butlerian +manner:</p> + +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">The two large Buckets which were there,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Like <i>Pollux</i> and like <i>Castor</i> were.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">How so pray? For 'tis devilish odd,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">To liken a Bucket to a God;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">When one came up from towards the Center,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">That in our upper world strait went there.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">These drew up turns the liquid Element,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Into one got <i>Renard</i>, and towards Hell he went.<a name="FNanchor_9_9" id="FNanchor_9_9"></a><a href="#Footnote_9_9" class="fnanchor">[9]</a><br /></span> +</div></div> + +<p>Nearly all Mandeville's translations are, like "The Fox and +Wolf," longer than their originals. The added length is partly +explained by meter: Mandeville's octosyllabic line is less capacious, +as a rule, than La Fontaine's flexible one. Thus, even +though "The Wolf and the Lamb" moves with a speed comparable +to "Le Loup et l'Agneau," Mandeville takes 34 lines to La Fontaine's +29.<a name="FNanchor_10_10" id="FNanchor_10_10"></a><a href="#Footnote_10_10" class="fnanchor">[10]</a> More often, Mandeville's translations are longer +than their originals because Mandeville is not able to match La +Fontaine's wit and point. "La Lice et sa Compagne," an exercise +in light-footed elegance, begins this way:</p> + +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i2">Une Lice étant sur son terme,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Et ne sachant où mettre un fardeau si pressant,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Fait si bien qu'à la fin sa Compagne consent<br /></span> +<span class="i0">De lui prêter sa hutte, où la Lice s'enferme.<br /></span> +</div></div> + +<p>In translating, Mandeville expands these four lines to ten without +special gain:</p> + +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">A Bitch, who hardly had a day<br /></span> +<span class="i0">To reckon, knew not where to lay<span class='pagenum'>[Pg vi]</span><br /></span> +<span class="i0">Her Burthen down: She had no Bed;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Nor any Roof to hide her Head;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Desires a Bitch of the same Pack,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">To let her have, For Heaven's sake,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Her House against her Lying-in.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Th' other, who thought it was a Sin,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">To baulk a Wretch so near her Labour<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Says, Yes, 'tis at your Service, Neighbor.<a name="FNanchor_11_11" id="FNanchor_11_11"></a><a href="#Footnote_11_11" class="fnanchor">[11]</a><br /></span> +</div></div> + +<p>Perhaps it is Mandeville's plainspokenness, his determination +to say all that must be said, which causes him to state explicitly +things that La Fontaine left implicit. "La Cigale et la Fourmi," +contrasting an irresponsible grasshopper and a provident ant, implies +but subdues a contrast between art and life. Mandeville makes +the contrast explicit:</p> + +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">And now the hungry Songster's driv'n<br /></span> +<span class="i0">To such a state, no Man can know it,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">But a Musician or a Poet....<a name="FNanchor_12_12" id="FNanchor_12_12"></a><a href="#Footnote_12_12" class="fnanchor">[12]</a><br /></span> +</div></div> + +<p>"The Lyon and the Gnat" is fairly close to its original in length +(46 lines to La Fontaine's 39) and in spirit; but Mandeville does +not improve his fable by supplying the adjective "silly" ("silly +Spider") where La Fontaine had written "une araignée," or by inserting +a line about the gnat's pride, "Puffed up and blinded with +his glory," where La Fontaine expected his readers to discern the +gnat's pride for themselves.<a name="FNanchor_13_13" id="FNanchor_13_13"></a><a href="#Footnote_13_13" class="fnanchor">[13]</a> Another translation that sticks close +to the French in its sense is "The Dog and the Ass," in which an +ass refuses food to a hungry dog and is in turn abandoned by the +dog and killed by a hungry wolf. Mandeville adds the judgment +that La Fontaine excluded. The wolf attacks:</p> + +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i2">Grizz'l [the Ass] at a distance<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Hears him, and asks the Dog's assistance;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">But he don't budge, <i>and serves him right;</i><br /></span> +<span class="i0"><i>Says he, I never us'd to fight</i><br /></span> +<span class="i0"><i>Without a cause for fighting's sake</i>....<a name="FNanchor_14_14" id="FNanchor_14_14"></a><a href="#Footnote_14_14" class="fnanchor">[14]</a><br /></span> +<span class='pagenum'>[Pg vii]</span></div></div> + +<p>The italicized words, entirely added by Mandeville, apparently +represent his conviction that the irony of La Fontaine's fable +would be intensified by the dog's sardonic comment and the +translator's "serves him right." Other examples might be cited +of Mandeville's explicitness.</p> + +<p>The characterizing details of some of the great fables, however, +disappear in Mandeville's English. Although "The Plague +among the Beasts" is faithful to the original, the tragic overtones +of "Les Animaux malade de la Peste" are not recaptured; they are +perhaps unrecapturable. The ironies of La Fontaine's characterization +are ignored: the lion's "L'histoire nous apprend," for instance, +by which the unscrupulous politician poses as a deep-browed +savant; the description of the other beasts as "petits +saints," and of the wolf who condemns the innocent ass as "quelque +peu clerc"—these disappear.<a name="FNanchor_15_15" id="FNanchor_15_15"></a><a href="#Footnote_15_15" class="fnanchor">[15]</a> "L'Ivrogne et sa Femme" +meets the same fate. Mandeville retains the outlines of the original +but treats the details perfunctorily, as though he had given +up trying to re-create the comic terror of La Fontaine's little masterpiece. +"A drunkard" is not an adequate equivalent for "un +suppôt de Bacchus"; "very drunk" is not the same as "plein du +jus de la treille"; entire sentences are left out, such as "Là les +vapeurs du vin nouveau / Cuvèrent à loisir"; and the ending of the +poem suffers from the alteration of details and from an awkward +inversion for the sake of a rhyme:</p> + +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">He says to his dissembling Spirit,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Who are you in the Name of Evil?<br /></span> +<span class="i0">She answers hoarsely I'm a Devil,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">That carries Victuals to the Damn'd<br /></span> +<span class="i0">By me they are with Brimstone cramm'd.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">What, says the Husband, do you think<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Never to bring them any Drink?<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">"Quelle personne es-tu? dit-il à ce fantôme.<br /></span> +<span class="i2">—La cellerière du royaume<br /></span> +<span class="i0">De Satan, reprit-elle; et je porte à manger<br /></span> +<span class="i2">A ceux qu'enclôt la tombe noire."<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Le mari repart, sans songer:<br /></span> +<span class="i2">"Tu ne leur portes point à boire?"<a name="FNanchor_16_16" id="FNanchor_16_16"></a><a href="#Footnote_16_16" class="fnanchor">[16]</a><br /></span> +<span class='pagenum'>[Pg viii]</span></div></div> + +<p>Of the many differences between La Fontaine and Mandeville, +those noticed up to this point may be blamed on the latter's incapacity. +Some of the other changes may be partially justified on +the grounds that through them Mandeville was deliberately trying +to alter the tone of the poem, to give it an earthiness of spirit congruent +with his temperament. La Fontaine's "Le Lion malade et +le Renard" begins with hushed dignity:</p> + +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i2">De par le roi des animaux,<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Qui dans son antre était malade,<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Fut fait savoir à ses vassaux<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Que chaque espèce en ambassade<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Envoyat gens le visiter....<br /></span> +</div></div> + +<p>Mandeville's translation begins:</p> + +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i2">The king of Brutes sent all about,<br /></span> +<span class="i2">He was afflicted with the gout....<a name="FNanchor_17_17" id="FNanchor_17_17"></a><a href="#Footnote_17_17" class="fnanchor">[17]</a><br /></span> +</div></div> + +<p>The gout is a standard comic disease which Mandeville gives to +his lion to make him comically undignified. La Fontaine's lion +remains dignified and restrained throughout. (The two versions +of this fable are also instances of the relative capabilities of the +French and the English four-stress lines.) In another fable, a +tonal difference appears in some lines describing the meeting of +a haggard wolf and a well-fed dog:</p> + +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i2">Le Loup donc l'aborde humblement,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Entre en propos, et lui fait compliment<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Sur son embonpoint, qu'il admire.<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">And therefore in a humble way<br /></span> +<span class="i0">He gives the Dog the time o' th' Day;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Talks mighty complaisant, and vents<br /></span> +<span class="i0">A Waggon Load of Compliments<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Upon his being in such a Case,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">His brawny Flank and jolly Face.<a name="FNanchor_18_18" id="FNanchor_18_18"></a><a href="#Footnote_18_18" class="fnanchor">[18]</a><br /></span> +<span class='pagenum'>[Pg ix]</span></div></div> + +<p>The tone of polite gravity is gone; what remains is less succinct, +but more specific, and in its way effective. When Mandeville's +invention is working well, as it does in "The Wolf and Dog," it +provides, in its colloquial heartiness, an adequate substitute for +La Fontaine's refinement of tone and subtlety of detail. On the +whole, his fables are close to their originals, especially when +compared to those of Dennis, even though "the easie and familiar +method of Monsieur de La Fontaine" is something that, despite +his professions, Mandeville fails to reproduce.</p> + +<p>Only two years intervened between Mandeville's translations +from La Fontaine (1703) and <i>The Grumbling Hive</i> (1705), the 433-line +fable that, through the years, would grow into that great repository +of social, political, and economic nonconformity, <i>The +Fable of the Bees</i>. It is not surprising that many of the fables +which Mandeville chose to translate anticipate the themes of his +great work. Among these are "The Milk Woman," on the self-flatery +of the egoistic dream; "The Frogs asking for a King," on the instability +of human desires; "The Wolves and the Sheep," on +political self-deception; "Hands, Feet, and Belly," on social +interdependence; and "The Lyon grown Old," on the ultimate blow +to pride.<a name="FNanchor_19_19" id="FNanchor_19_19"></a><a href="#Footnote_19_19" class="fnanchor">[19]</a></p> + +<p>Since Mandeville would give so much space in <i>The Fable of +the Bees</i> to his analysis of pride,<a name="FNanchor_20_20" id="FNanchor_20_20"></a><a href="#Footnote_20_20" class="fnanchor">[20]</a> it is appropriate that pride +engaged his attention in this early book of fables. "The Frog" +is notable chiefly because Mandeville lengthened La Fontaine's +moral of four lines to fourteen in order to glance at the social and +economic implications of pride:</p> + +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">So full of Pride is every Age!<br /></span> +<span class="i0">A Citizen must have a Page,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">A Petty Prince Ambassadors,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And Tradesmens Children Governours;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">A Fellow, that i'n't worth a Louse,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Still keeps his Coach and Country-house;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">A Merchant swell'd with haughtiness,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Looks ten times bigger than he is;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Buys all, and draws upon his Friend,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">As if his Credit had no end;<span class='pagenum'>[Pg x]</span><br /></span> +<span class="i0">At length he strains with so much Force,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Till, like the Frog, he bursts in course,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And, by his empty Skin you find,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">That he was only fill'd with Wind.<a name="FNanchor_21_21" id="FNanchor_21_21"></a><a href="#Footnote_21_21" class="fnanchor">[21]</a><br /></span> +</div></div> + +<p>Two of the 39 fables in the collection are original productions: +"The Carp" and "The Owl and the Nightingale." Both poems +focus upon pride. "The Carp" tells the story of a young and +inexperienced English carp who swims into foreign waters to +learn "manners and arts." Warned by a herring to go home and +learn first about his own country, the carp rebuffs this honest +advice, takes up with fops, and is drawn into ruin before he +finally returns home "as vain and ignorant, / As e'er he was +before he went." The subject of the moral reflections at the end +is self-delusion in the particular form of sophisticated vanity.<a name="FNanchor_22_22" id="FNanchor_22_22"></a><a href="#Footnote_22_22" class="fnanchor">[22]</a> +The other poem, "The Owl and the Nightingale" (the longest poem +in the collection, at 181 lines), also concerns pride. The Eagle, +having looked unsuccessfully among the birds of his court for a +singing night-watchman, sends out a general letter. The nightingale +realizes with excitement that he will easily win the competition; +but he coyly refuses to go to court until sent for, makes elaborate +self-depreciations in the eagle's presence, and hold out, obviously, +for more recognition and reward. While he delays, an +owl has been persuaded by friends to try for the position and has +a hearing. Although he sings unskillfully, he manages to stay +awake. When the nightingale returns to court the next day, he is +infuriated to learn that an owl is competing against him and that +the eagle has ordered the two birds to perform against one another +that night. The nightingale protests so loudly and treasonably +that he is kicked out of court, and the owl, dull but faithful, is +declared the winner. The moral follows:</p> + +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">Princes can never satisfy<br /></span> +<span class="i0">That Worth that rates itself too high.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">What pity it is! some Men of Parts<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Should have such haughty stubborn Hearts:<br /></span> +<span class="i0">When once they are courted they grow vain:<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Ambitious Souls cannot contain<span class='pagenum'>[Pg xi]</span><br /></span> +<span class="i0">Their Joy, which when they strive to hide,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">They cover it with so much Pride,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">So Saucy to Superiors,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Impatient of Competitors,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Th' are utterly untractable,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And put off like our Nightingale.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Many with him might have been great,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Promoted Friends, and serv'd the State,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">That have beheld, with too much Joy,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">The wish'd for Opportunity;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Then slipt it by their own Delays,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Sloth, Pride, or other willful Ways.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And ever after strove in vain<br /></span> +<span class="i0">To see the Forelock once again.<a name="FNanchor_23_23" id="FNanchor_23_23"></a><a href="#Footnote_23_23" class="fnanchor">[23]</a><br /></span> +</div></div> + +<p>In some respects this poem looks forward to <i>The Fable of the +Bees</i>. Mandeville subjects the nightingale to a brief psychological +analysis and looks on his failure with a blend of detached +pity and satiric mordancy; he strips away the sophisticated defenses +that hide the basic emotions, recommending honesty with +oneself and with others; he identifies the personal interests of +the members of society with the interests of the state. It remains +to point out that neither here nor elsewhere in this collection does +Mandeville assert that private vices are public benefits.</p> + +<p>Washington University</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<p><span class='pagenum'>[Pg xii]</span></p> +<h2>NOTES TO THE INTRODUCTION</h2> + + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_1_1" id="Footnote_1_1"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1_1"><span class="label">1.</span></a> F. B. Kaye, ed., <i>The Fable of the Bees</i> +(Oxford, 1924), I, xxx.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_2_2" id="Footnote_2_2"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2_2"><span class="label">2.</span></a> The Preface to <i>Miscellanies in Verse and Prose</i> is +reprinted in Edward Niles Hooker's edition of <i>The Critical Works of +John Dennis</i>, I (Baltimore, 1939), 6-10.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_3_3" id="Footnote_3_3"></a><a href="#FNanchor_3_3"><span class="label">3.</span></a> Richmond P. Bond, <i>English Burlesque Poetry, 1700-1750</i> +(Cambridge, Mass., 1932), p. 147.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_4_4" id="Footnote_4_4"></a><a href="#FNanchor_4_4"><span class="label">4.</span></a> Bond, pp. 3-5.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_5_5" id="Footnote_5_5"></a><a href="#FNanchor_5_5"><span class="label">5.</span></a> Bond, p. 153, cites several narrative poems of this sort.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_6_6" id="Footnote_6_6"></a><a href="#FNanchor_6_6"><span class="label">6.</span></a> From these fables in the 1693 <i>Miscellanies</i>: +"The Wolf and the Horse," pp. 72-83 (the first two excerpts); +"The Lyon and the Ass a Hunting," pp. 92-95; "The Wolf and the Crane," +pp. 101-105.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_7_7" id="Footnote_7_7"></a><a href="#FNanchor_7_7"><span class="label">7.</span></a> <i>English Burlesque Poetry</i>, pp. 149-152.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_8_8" id="Footnote_8_8"></a><a href="#FNanchor_8_8"><span class="label">8.</span></a> These instances occur, respectively, in "The Wolf and Dog," +"The Hands, Feet, and Belly," "Council Held by the Rats," "The +Lyon in Love," and "The Weasel and the Rat."</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_9_9" id="Footnote_9_9"></a><a href="#FNanchor_9_9"><span class="label">9.</span></a> <i>Aesop Dress'd</i>, p. 73; La Fontaine, "Le Loup et le +Renard," XI. vi; Dennis, <i>Miscellanies</i>, p. 117.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_10_10" id="Footnote_10_10"></a><a href="#FNanchor_10_10"><span class="label">10.</span></a> <i>Aesop Dress'd</i>, pp. 64-65; La Fontaine, I. x.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_11_11" id="Footnote_11_11"></a><a href="#FNanchor_11_11"><span class="label">11.</span></a> La Fontaine, II, vii; "The two Bitches," +<i>Aesop Dress'd</i>, p. 37.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_12_12" id="Footnote_12_12"></a><a href="#FNanchor_12_12"><span class="label">12.</span></a> La Fontaine, I. i; "The Grasshopper and Ant," +<i>Aesop Dress'd</i>, pp. 17-18.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_13_13" id="Footnote_13_13"></a><a href="#FNanchor_13_13"><span class="label">13.</span></a> <i>Aesop Dress'd</i>, pp. 48-50; La Fontaine, +"Le Lion et le Moucheron," II. ix.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_14_14" id="Footnote_14_14"></a><a href="#FNanchor_14_14"><span class="label">14.</span></a> <i>Aesop Dress'd</i>, pp. 71-73; La Fontaine, +"L'Âne et le Chien," VIII. xvii.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_15_15" id="Footnote_15_15"></a><a href="#FNanchor_15_15"><span class="label">15.</span></a> <i>Aesop Dress'd</i>, pp. 14-15; La Fontaine, VII. i.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_16_16" id="Footnote_16_16"></a><a href="#FNanchor_16_16"><span class="label">16.</span></a> "The Drunkard and his Wife," <i>Aesop Dress'd</i>, +pp. 24-25; La Fontaine, III. vii.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_17_17" id="Footnote_17_17"></a><a href="#FNanchor_17_17"><span class="label">17.</span></a> La Fontaine, VI. xiv; "The Sick Lyon and the Fox," +<i>Aesop Dress'd</i>, pp. 38-39.</p></div> + +<p><span class='pagenum'>[Pg xiii]</span></p> +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_18_18" id="Footnote_18_18"></a><a href="#FNanchor_18_18"><span class="label">18.</span></a> La Fontaine, "Le Loup et le Chien," I. v; "The Wolf and Dog," +<i>Aesop Dress'd</i>, pp. 2-4.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_19_19" id="Footnote_19_19"></a><a href="#FNanchor_19_19"><span class="label">19.</span></a> The poems appear on the following pages of <i>Aesop +Dress'd</i>: "The Milk Woman," pp. 18-19; "The Frogs asking for a +King," pp. 62-64; "The Wolves and the Sheep," pp. 45-46; "Hands, +Feet, and Belly," pp. 7-10; "The Lyon grown Old," pp. 65-66. +For the corresponding fables in La Fontaine see the notes to the +text of the present edition.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_20_20" id="Footnote_20_20"></a><a href="#FNanchor_20_20"><span class="label">20.</span></a> See Kaye, II, 371, s. v. "Pride."</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_21_21" id="Footnote_21_21"></a><a href="#FNanchor_21_21"><span class="label">21.</span></a> <i>Aesop Dress'd</i>, pp. 4-5; La Fontaine, "La +Grenouille qui se veut aussi grosse que le Boeuf," I. iii.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_22_22" id="Footnote_22_22"></a><a href="#FNanchor_22_22"><span class="label">22.</span></a> <i>Aesop Dress'd</i>, pp. 25-27.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_23_23" id="Footnote_23_23"></a><a href="#FNanchor_23_23"><span class="label">23.</span></a> Ibid., pp. 27-33.</p></div> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<p><span class='pagenum'>[Pg xiv]</span></p> +<h2>NOTES TO THE TEXT</h2> + +<p>For each of Mandeville's fables except "The Carp" and "The Nightingale +and Owl," which are originals, I have indicated below the original in La +Fontaine's <i>Fables</i> by title, book, and number.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"> +<p>1. "The Two Dragons": "Le Dragon à plusieurs Têtes, et le Dragon à +plusieurs Queues," I. xii.</p> + +<p>2. "The Wolf and Dog": "Le Loup et le Chien," I. v.</p> + +<p>3. "The Frog": "La Grenouille qui se veut faire aussi grosse que le +Boeuf," I. iii.</p> + +<p>4. "The Pumkin and Acorn": "Le Gland et la Citrouille," IX. iv.</p> + +<p>5. "The Hands, Feet, and Belly": "Les Membres et l'Estomac," III. ii.</p> + +<p>6. "The Countryman and the Knight": "Le Jardinier et son Seigneur," +IV. iv.</p> + +<p>7. "The Plague among the Beasts": "Les Animaux malades de la +Peste," VII. i.</p> + +<p>8. "The Grasshopper and Ant": "La Cigale et la Fourmi," I. i.</p> + +<p>9. "The Milk Woman": "La Laitière et le Pot au Lait," VI. x.</p> + +<p>10. "The Cock, the Cat, and the young Mouse": "Le Cochet, le Chat, +et le Souriceau," VI. v.</p> + +<p>11. "The Cock and Pearl": "Le Coq et la Perle," I. xx.</p> + +<p>12. "The Lyon's Court": "La Cour du Lion," VII. vii.</p> + +<p>13. "The Drunkard and his Wife": "L'Ivrogne et sa Femme," III. vii.</p> + +<p>14. "Council held by the Rats": "Conseil tenu par les Rats," II. ii.</p> + +<p>15. "The Bat and the Two Weasels": "La Chauve-Souris et les deux +Belettes," II. v.</p> + +<p>16. "The two Bitches": "La Lice et sa Compagne," II. vii.</p> + +<p>17. "The Sick Lyon and the Fox": "Le Lion malade et le Renard," +VI. xiv.</p> + +<p>18. "The Satyr and the Passenger": "Le Satyre et le Passant," V. vii.<span class='pagenum'>[Pg xv]</span></p> + +<p>19. "The Lyon in Love": "Le Lion amoureux," IV. i.</p> + +<p>20. "The Angler and the Little Carp": "Le petit Poisson et le Pêcheur," +V. iii.</p> + +<p>21. "The Wolves and the Sheep": "Les Loups et les Brebis," III. xiii.</p> + +<p>22. "The Wasps and Bees": "Les Frelons et les Mouches à Miel," +I. xxi.</p> + +<p>23. "The Lyon and the Gnat": "Le Lion et le Moucheron," II. ix.</p> + +<p>24. "The Woodcleaver and Mercury": "Le Bûcheron et Mercure," V. i.</p> + +<p>25. "The Hare and his Ears": "Les Oreilles du Lièvre," V. iv.</p> + +<p>26. "The Rat and the Frog": "La Grenouille et le Rat," IV. xi.</p> + +<p>27. "The Cat and an old Rat": "Le Chat et un vieux Rat," III. xviii.</p> + +<p>28. "The Weasel and the Rat": "La Belette entrée dans un Grenier," +III. xvii.</p> + +<p>29. "The Wolf and the Stork": "Le Loup et la Cicogne," III. ix.</p> + +<p>30. "The Frogs asking for a King": "Les Grenouilles qui demandent +un Roi," III. iv.</p> + +<p>31. "The Wolf and the Lamb": "Le Loup et l'Agneau," I. x.</p> + +<p>32. "The Lyon grown old": "Le Lion devenu vieux," III. xiv.</p> + +<p>33. "The two Physicians": "Les Médecins," V. xii.</p> + +<p>34. "Love and Folly": "L'Amour et la Folie," XII. xiv.</p> + +<p>35. "A She-Goat, a Sheep and a Sow": "Le Cochon, la Chèvre, et le +Mouton," VIII. xii.</p> + +<p>36. "The Dog and the Ass": "L'Âne et le Chien," VIII. xvii.</p> + +<p>37. "The Fox and Wolf": "Le Loup et le Renard," XI. vi.</p> +</div> + +<h4><i>Text</i></h4> + +<p class="center">The text of <i>Aesop Dress'd</i> here<br /> +reprinted is that in the Harvard<br /> +University Library.</p> + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2>ÆSOP Dress'd;</h2> + +<h4>OR A</h4> + +<h2>COLLECTION</h2> + +<h4>OF</h4> + +<h1>FABLES</h1> + +<h3>Writ in Familiar Verse.</h3> + +<h3>By <i>B. Mandeville</i>, M. D.</h3> + +<h5><i>LONDON</i>:<br /> +<br /> +Sold at <i>Lock's-Head</i> adjoyning to <i>Ludgate</i>.<br /> +Price One Shilling.<br /> +</h5> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2>The INDEX.</h2> + +<div class='center'> +<table border="0" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="0" summary=""> +<tr><td align='left'><a href="#The_Two_Dragons_A_Fable"><i>The two Dragons</i></a></td><td align='right'>Page 1</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'><a href="#The_Wolf_and_Dog"><i>The Wolf and Dog</i></a></td><td align='right'>2</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'><a href="#The_Frog"><i>The Frog</i></a></td><td align='right'>4</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'><a href="#The_Pumkin_and_Acorn"><i>The Pumkin And Acorn</i></a></td><td align='right'>5</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'><a href="#The_Hands_Feet_and_Belly"><i>The Hands, and Feet, and Belly</i></a></td><td align='right'>7</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'><a href="#The_Countryman_and_the_Knight"><i>The Countryman and the Knight</i></a></td><td align='right'>10</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'><a href="#The_Plague_among_the_Beasts"><i>The Plague among the Beasts</i></a></td><td align='right'>14</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'><a href="#The_Grasshopper_and_Ant"><i>The Grashopper and Ant</i></a></td><td align='right'>17</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'><a href="#The_Milk_Woman"><i>The Milk Woman</i></a></td><td align='right'>18</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'><a href="#The_Cock_the_Cat_and_the_young_Mouse"><i>The Cock, the Cat, and the young Mouse</i></a></td><td align='right'>20</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'><a href="#The_Cock_and_Pearl"><i>The Cock and Pearl</i></a></td><td align='right'>22</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'><a href="#The_Lyons_Court"><i>The Lyon's Court</i></a></td><td align='right'>23</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'><a href="#The_Drunkard_and_his_Wife"><i>The Drunkard and his Wife</i></a></td><td align='right'>24</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'><a href="#The_Carp"><i>The Carp</i></a></td><td align='right'>25</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'><a href="#The_Nightingale_and_Owl"><i>The Nightingale and Owl</i></a></td><td align='right'>27</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'><a href="#Council_held_by_the_Rats"><i>Council held by the Rats</i></a></td><td align='right'>34</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'><a href="#The_Bat_and_the_two_Weasels"><i>The Bat and the two Weasels</i></a></td><td align='right'>36</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'><a href="#The_two_Bitches"><i>The two Bitches</i></a></td><td align='right'>37</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'><a href="#The_Sick_Lyon_and_the_Fox"><i>The Sick Lyon and the Fox</i></a></td><td align='right'>38</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'><a href="#The_Satyr_and_the_Passenger"><i>The Satyr and the Passenger</i></a></td><td align='right'>40</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'><a href="#The_Lyon_in_Love"><i>The Lyon in Love</i></a></td><td align='right'>41</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'><a href="#The_Angler_and_the_little_Carp"><i>The Angler and the little Carp</i></a></td><td align='right'>43</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'><a href="#The_Wolves_and_the_Sheep"><i>The Wolves and the Sheep</i></a></td><td align='right'>44</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'><a href="#The_Wasps_and_Bees"><i>The Wasps and the Bees</i></a></td><td align='right'>46</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'><a href="#The_Lyon_and_the_Gnat"><i>The Lyon and Knat</i></a></td><td align='right'>48</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'><a href="#The_Woodcleaver_and_Mercury"><i>The Woodcleaver and Mercury</i></a></td><td align='right'>50</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'><a href="#The_Hare_and_his_Ears"><i>The Hare and his Ears</i></a></td><td align='right'>52</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'><a href="#The_Rat_and_the_Frog"><i>The Rat and the Frog</i></a></td><td align='right'>53</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'><a href="#The_Cat_and_an_old_Rat"><i>The Cat and old Rat</i></a></td><td align='right'>56</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'><a href="#The_Weasel_and_the_Rat"><i>The Weasel and the Rat</i></a></td><td align='right'>59</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'><a href="#The_Wolf_and_the_Stork"><i>The Wolf and the Stork</i></a></td><td align='right'>60</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'><a href="#The_Frogs_asking_for_a_King"><i>The Frogs asking for a King</i></a></td><td align='right'>62</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'><a href="#The_Wolf_and_the_Lamb"><i>The Wolf and Lamb</i></a></td><td align='right'>64</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'><a href="#The_Lyon_grown_old"><i>The Lyon grown old</i></a></td><td align='right'>65</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'><a href="#The_two_Physicians"><i>The two Physicians</i></a></td><td align='right'>66</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'><a href="#Love_and_Folly"><i>Love and Folly</i></a></td><td align='right'>67</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'><a href="#A_She-Goat_a_Sheep_and_a_Sow"><i>A She-Goat, a Sheep, and a Sow</i></a></td><td align='right'>69</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'><a href="#The_Dog_and_the_Ass"><i>The Dog and Ass</i></a></td><td align='right'>71</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'><a href="#The_Fox_and_Wolf"><i>The Fox and Wolf</i></a></td><td align='right'>73</td></tr> +</table></div> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><small>THE</small><br /> +<span class="smcap">Preface</span> <i>to the</i> <span class="smcap">Reader</span>.</h2> + + +<p><i>Prefaces and Cuts are commonly made +use of much to the same Purpose; to set +off, and to explain. The latter, being too +expensive, are pretty well out of date, in an +Age, where there are abundance of fine things +to be bought besides Books. But the first by +wicked Custom, are become so necessary, that +a Volume would look as defective without one, +as if it wanted the very Title Page. Though +it is hard I should be compelled to talk to my +Reader, whether I have any thing to say to +him or not. Nay, what is worse, every Body +thinks a Man should be more lavish here of +his Skill and Learning, than anywhere else: +Here they would have him shew his Airs, +and therefore most Authors adorn their Prefaces, +as if they were triumphal Arches; +there's nothing empty to be seen about 'em, +and from top to bottom they are to be crowded +with Emblems and pretty Sayings, judiciously +interwoven with Scraps of</i> Latin; <i>though +they should borrow 'em from the Parson of +the Parish. These, I say, are the Entertainments +where they love to glut us with Wit +and fine Language; though they starve us +for ever after: Which makes some of 'em look +like a rich piece of Fillegrew Work over the +Door of an empty Parlour. But I am resolved +my Portico shall suit with the rest of +the House, and, as every thing is plain within, +nothing shall be carv'd or gilt without: +Besides, I hate formality, Good Reader, and +all my Business with you is to let you know, +that I have writ some Fables in Verse, after +the Familiar Way of a Great Man in</i> France, +Monsieur de la Fontaine. <i>I have confin'd +my self to strict Numbers, and endeavour'd +to make 'em free and natural; if they prove +otherwise, I'm sorry for it. Two of the Fables +are of my own Invention; but I am so +far from loving 'em the better, that I think +they are the worst in the Pack: And therefore +in good Manners to my self I conceal their +Names. Find 'em out, and welcome. I could +wish to have furnish'd you with something +more worthy your precious time: But as you'll +find nothing very Instructive, so there's little +to puzzle your Brain. Besides, I desire every +Body to read 'em at the same Hours I +writ 'em, that's when I had nothing else to +do. If any like these Trifles, perhaps I may +go on; if not, you shall be troubled with no +more of 'em: And so fare ye well</i> Reader.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<p><span class='pagenum'>[Pg 1]</span></p> +<h2><a name="The_Two_Dragons_A_Fable" id="The_Two_Dragons_A_Fable"></a><i>The</i> <span class="smcap">Two Dragons</span>. A Fable.</h2> + + +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">Not long ago th' Ambassador<br /></span> +<span class="i0">From the great <i>Turk</i> to the Emperor,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Extoll'd his Master's strength, beyond<br /></span> +<span class="i0">The <i>German</i> Force; a Courtier, fond<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Of his own Country, boastingly<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Said, his Imperial Majesty<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Had many Princes under him,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">So powerful, that each of 'em,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Could raise an Army of his own,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And more than one that wore a Crown.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">I know, says th' other, very well,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Your Dukes and Pow'rs Electoral,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">With others, that advance the glory<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Of th' Empire. But I'll tell y' a story:<br /></span> +<span class="i0">I dreamt I saw a frightful Beast,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">That had a hundred Heads at least;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">At first I startled at the sight;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">But soon recovering from my Fright,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">I ventured on, and coming near it,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">I found I had no cause to fear it:<br /></span> +<span class="i0">For every Head did what it would;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Some work'd with all the Force they could;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">But most of 'em lay of a heap,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And look'd as if th' been asleep;<span class='pagenum'>[Pg 2]</span><br /></span> +<span class="i0">Others, in hopes of better Prey,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Were pulling quite another way.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">I turn'd my Head about, and spied<br /></span> +<span class="i0">A mighty Beast, on the other side:<br /></span> +<span class="i0">One Head adorn'd his Brawny Neck;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">But hundred Tails did close his Back;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And as the Heads march'd o'er the Land,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">The Tails did follow at Command;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Did Execution every where;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">I waked, and thought the Monsters were<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Both Empires; but the Tails are ours,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And all the glorious Heads are yours.<br /></span> +</div></div> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="The_Wolf_and_Dog" id="The_Wolf_and_Dog"></a><i>The Wolf and Dog.</i></h2> + + +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">A Wolf so pitious poor and thin,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">His very Bones stuck through his Skin,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">(A sign the Dogs were watchful) met<br /></span> +<span class="i0">A sturdy Mastiff, slick and fat.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Sir Wolf, revengeful on his Foes,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Had murder'd him, as one of those<br /></span> +<span class="i0">That hinder'd him from stealing Cattle;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">But was afraid of joyning Battle<br /></span> +<span class="i0">With one, that look'd, as if he could<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Stand buff, and make his party good.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And therefore in an humble way<br /></span> +<span class="i0">He gives the Dog the time o'th' Day;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Talks mighty complaisant, and vents<br /></span> +<span class="i0">A Waggon Load of Compliments<span class='pagenum'>[Pg 3]</span><br /></span> +<span class="i0">Upon his being in such a Case,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">His brawny Flank and jolly Face.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Sir Wolf, replies the Mastiff, you<br /></span> +<span class="i0">May be as fat as any Doe,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">If you'll but follow my advice;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">For Faith, I think you are unwise,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">To ramble up and down a Wood,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Where's nothing to be had, that's good,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">No Elemosynary meat,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Or e'er a bit, that's good to eat,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">But what is got by downright force,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">For which at last you pay in course.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And thus yourselves, your hagged Wives<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And Children lead but wretched lives;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Always in fear of being caught,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Till commonly y'are starv'd or shot.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Quoth Wolf, shew me a livelyhood,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And then, the Devil take the Wood:<br /></span> +<span class="i0">I stand in need of better Diet,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And would be glad to feed in quiet:<br /></span> +<span class="i0">But, pray, What's to be done, an't please ye?<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Nothing, but what is very easy;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">To bark at Fellows that look poor,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Fright pilfring Strolers from the Door;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And then, which is the chiefest matter,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">To wag your Tail, to coax and flatter<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Those of the Family; for this<br /></span> +<span class="i0">They'll give you hundred Niceties,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">As Chicken Bones, boyl'd Loins of Mutton,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">As good as ever Tooth was put in,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">The licking of a greasy Dish,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And all the Dainties Heart can wish;<span class='pagenum'>[Pg 4]</span><br /></span> +<span class="i0">Besides, the Master shall caress ye,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Spit in your Mouth, and——Heaven bless ye.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Good Sir, let's go immediately,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Reply'd the Wolf, and wept for Joy.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">They went; and tho' they walk'd apace,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">The Wolf spy'd here and there a Place<br /></span> +<span class="i0">About the Neck of Mastiff, where,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">It seems, his Curship lost some Hair,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And said, pray Brother Dog, What's this?<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Nothing. Nay, tell me, what it is;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">It looks like gall'd. Perhaps 'tis from<br /></span> +<span class="i0">My Collar. Then, I find, at home<br /></span> +<span class="i0">They tie you. Yes. I'm not inclin'd to't,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Or goes it loose when y'have a Mind to't,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Truely not always; but what's that?<br /></span> +<span class="i0">What's that! quoth he; I smell a Rat;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">My Liberty is such a Treasure,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">I'll change it for no Earthly Pleasure;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">At that his Wolfship fled, and so<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Is flying still for ought I know.<br /></span> +</div></div> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="The_Frog" id="The_Frog"></a><i>The Frog.</i></h2> + + +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">A Frog threw his ambitious Eyes<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Upon an Ox, admired his size,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And, from the smallness of an Egg,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Endeavoured to become as big.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">He swells himself, and puffs, and blows,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And every foot, cries there he goes.<span class='pagenum'>[Pg 5]</span><br /></span> +<span class="i0">Well, Brother, have I bulk enough,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">An't I as large, as he? What stuff!<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Pray look again. The Dev'l a bit.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Then now. You don't come near him yet.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Again he swells, and swells so fast,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Till, straining more, he bursts at last.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">So full of Pride is every Age!<br /></span> +<span class="i0">A Citizen must have a Page,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">A Petty Prince Ambassadors,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And Tradesmens Children Governours;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">A Fellow, that i'n't worth a Louse,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Still keeps his Coach and Country-house;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">A Merchant swell'd with haughtiness,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Looks ten times bigger than he is;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Buys all, and draws upon his Friend,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">As if his Credit had no end;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">At length he strains with so much Force,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Till, like the Frog, he bursts in course,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And, by his empty Skin you find,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">That he was only fill'd with Wind.<br /></span> +</div></div> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="The_Pumkin_and_Acorn" id="The_Pumkin_and_Acorn"></a><i>The Pumkin and Acorn.</i></h2> + + +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">A Self conceited Country Bumkin<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Thus made his glosses on a Pumkin.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">The Fruit, says he, is very big,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">The Stalk not thicker than a Twig,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Scarce any Root, great Leaves; I wonder,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Dame Nature should make such a blunder:<span class='pagenum'>[Pg 6]</span><br /></span> +<span class="i0">Had I been she, I would have plac'd it<br /></span> +<span class="i0">On yon high Oak, and 'twould have grac'd it<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Better than Acorns; its a whim<br /></span> +<span class="i0">A little Shrub would do for them;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Why should a Tree so tall and fine,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Bear small stuff only fit for Swine?<br /></span> +<span class="i0">But hundred things are made in waste,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Which shews the World was fram'd in haste.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Had I been sent for in those Days,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">'Twould have been managed otherwise:<br /></span> +<span class="i0">I would have made all of a suit,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And large Trees should have had large Fruit.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Thus he went on, and in his Eyes,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">The Simpleton was very wise;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">A little after, coming nigh<br /></span> +<span class="i0">An Oak, whose Crown was very high,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">He liked the Place and down he laid<br /></span> +<span class="i0">His weary Carcass, in the Shade:<br /></span> +<span class="i0">But, as the find-fault Animal<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Turn'd on his Back, an Acorn fell,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And hit his Nose a swinging Blow.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Good God was this the Pumkin now!<br /></span> +<span class="i0">The very thought on't struck him dumb:<br /></span> +<span class="i0">He prais'd his Maker, and went home.<br /></span> +</div></div> + + + +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i4"><b>The Moral.</b><br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0"><i>The World's vast Fabrick is so well</i><br /></span> +<span class="i0"><i>Contrived by its Creator's Skill;</i><span class='pagenum'>[Pg 7]</span><br /></span> +<span class="i0"><i>There's nothing in't, but what is good</i><br /></span> +<span class="i0"><i>To him, by whom its understood;</i><br /></span> +<span class="i0"><i>And what opposes Human Sence,</i><br /></span> +<span class="i0"><i>Shews but our Pride and Ignorance.</i><br /></span> +</div></div> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="The_Hands_Feet_and_Belly" id="The_Hands_Feet_and_Belly"></a><i>The Hands, Feet, and Belly.</i></h2> + + +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">The Hands and Feet in Council met,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Were mightily upon the Fret,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And swore 'twas something more than hard,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Always to work without reward.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">The Feet said, truly its a Jest,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">That we should carry all the rest;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">March at all Hours thro thick and thin,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">With Shoes that let the Water in;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Our Nails are hard as Bullock's Horns,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Our Toes beset with plaguy Corns;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">We rais'd four Blisters th' other Night,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And yet got not a farthing by't.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Brothers, reply'd the Hands, 'tis true,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">We know what hardship's y' undergo;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">But then w' are greater Slaves than you;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">For tho' all day we scrape and rake,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And labour till our Fringers ake;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Tho' we've been ply'd at every thing;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Yet then, without considering<br /></span> +<span class="i0">What pains or weariness we feel,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">W'are forced to serve at every meal,<span class='pagenum'>[Pg 8]</span><br /></span> +<span class="i0">And often, whilst you're set at ease,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Drudge to the Knucles up in Grease;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">As for your Corns and Nails in troth,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">We have the trouble of cutting both.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Take this not, Brothers, in a sence,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">That might create a Difference;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">We only hinted it, to shew<br /></span> +<span class="i0">We're full as badly us'd as you;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Our Grievances are general,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And caused by him that swallows all;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">The ungrateful Belly is our bane,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Whom with our labour we maintain;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">The ill natured'st Rogue, that e'er was fed,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">The lazy'st Dog, that lives by Bread.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">For him we starve; for what d'ye think<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Becomes of all the Meat and Drink?<br /></span> +<span class="i0">'Tis he, that makes us look so thin,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">To stretch his everlasting Skin;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Tho' we do all his Business,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">What did he ever give to us?<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And therefore let my Lord <i>Abdomen</i><br /></span> +<span class="i0">Say what he will, we'll work for no Man.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Nay if we scratch him tho' he itches,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Calls us a hundred Sons of Bitches.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And, if you do the same, you'll see, <span class="rbrace">}</span><br /></span> +<span class="i0">He'll quickly be as lean as we; <span class="rbrace">}</span><br /></span> +<span class="i0">What say ye, Brothers, do y' agree? <span class="rbrace">}</span><br /></span> +<span class="i0">Yes, says the Feet, and he be curst,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">That dares to think of stirring first.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And thus the Rebels disobey;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Who swear they'll now keep Holy-day,<span class='pagenum'>[Pg 9]</span><br /></span> +<span class="i0">Resolv'd to live like Gentlemen.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">His Gutship calls and calls again,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">They answer'd they would toil no more;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">But rest as he had done before:<br /></span> +<span class="i0">But soon the Mutineers repent; <span class="rbrace">}</span><br /></span> +<span class="i0">The Belly when his Stock was spent, <span class="rbrace">}</span><br /></span> +<span class="i0">Could not send down the Nourishment, <span class="rbrace">}</span><br /></span> +<span class="i0">That's requisite for every part;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">The weakness seiz'd the drooping Heart:<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Till all the Members suffer'd by't,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And languished in a woeful plight:<br /></span> +<span class="i0">They saw, when 'twas too late, how he,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Whom they accused of Gluttony,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Of Laziness, Ingratitude, <span class="rbrace">}</span><br /></span> +<span class="i0">Had labour d for the common Good, <span class="rbrace">}</span><br /></span> +<span class="i0">By ways they never understood. <span class="rbrace">}</span><br /></span> +</div></div> + + +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i4"><b>The Moral.</b><br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0"><i>The Belly is the Government,</i><br /></span> +<span class="i0"><i>From whence the Nourishment is sent,</i><br /></span> +<span class="i0"><i>Of wholesome Laws for mutual Peace,</i><br /></span> +<span class="i0"><i>For Plenty, Liberty, and Ease,</i><br /></span> +<span class="i0"><i>To all the Body Politick,</i><br /></span> +<span class="i0"><i>Which where it fails the Nation's sick.</i><br /></span> +<span class="i0"><i>The Members are the discontent</i><br /></span> +<span class="i0">Pleibeians; <i>that are ignorant,</i><br /></span> +<span class="i0"><i>How necessary for the State</i><br /></span> +<span class="i0"><i>It is, that Princes should be great:</i><span class='pagenum'>[Pg 10]</span><br /></span> +<span class="i0"><i>Which, if their Pomp and Pow'r were less,</i><br /></span> +<span class="i0"><i>Could not preserve our Happiness.</i><br /></span> +<span class="i0"><i>The Vulgar think all Courts to be</i><br /></span> +<span class="i0"><i>But Seats of Sloth and Luxury;</i><br /></span> +<span class="i0"><i>Themselves, but Slaves compell'd to bear</i><br /></span> +<span class="i0"><i>The Taxes, and the Toils of War;</i><br /></span> +<span class="i0"><i>But in this Fable they may see</i><br /></span> +<span class="i0"><i>The dismal Fruits of Mutiny;</i><br /></span> +<span class="i0"><i>Whilst Subjects, that assist the Crown,</i><br /></span> +<span class="i0"><i>But labour to maintain their own.</i><br /></span> +</div></div> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="The_Countryman_and_the_Knight" id="The_Countryman_and_the_Knight"></a><i>The Countryman and the Knight.</i></h2> + + +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">An honest Countryman had got<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Behind his House a pretty Spot,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Of Garden Ground, with all what might<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Contribute to the Taste and Sight,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">The Rose and Lilly, which have been<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Still kept to compliment the Skin,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Poppies renown'd for giving ease,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">With Roman Lettice, Endive, Pease,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And Beans, which Nat'ralists do reckon<br /></span> +<span class="i0">To be so ominous to Bacon.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">The Beds were dung'd, the Walks well swept,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And every thing was nicely kept.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Only a Hare wou'd now and then<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Spite of the Master and the Men<span class='pagenum'>[Pg 11]</span><br /></span> +<span class="i0">Make raking work for half a day,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Then fill her Gut and scow'r away.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">In vain they beat and search the Ground,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">The cunning Jilt can ne'er be found,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">The Master once in angry Mood <span class="rbrace">}</span><br /></span> +<span class="i0">Starts up and swears by all that's good, <span class="rbrace">}</span><br /></span> +<span class="i0">He'd be revenged, that he would. <span class="rbrace">}</span><br /></span> +<span class="i0">Runs to a Country Knight his Neighbour,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And there complains how all his labour<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Was spoil'd by one confounded Hare,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Which though the'd watch'd her every where<br /></span> +<span class="i0">He nor his People ne'er could catch,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And of a certain was a Witch.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">His Worship smiles and promises<br /></span> +<span class="i0">To rid him of the Sawcy Puss.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">At break of Day <i>Jack</i> winds his Horn,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">The Beagles scamper thro' the Corn;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Deep mouth'd Curs set up a Cry,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And make a cursed Symphony.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Now stir you Rogues; the Knight is come<br /></span> +<span class="i0">With <i>Robin</i>, <i>Lightfoot</i>, <i>Dick</i> and <i>Tom</i>.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">The House is full of Dogs and Boys,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And ev'ry where's a horrid Noise,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Well, Landlord, Come, What shall we do?<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Must w' eat a Bit before we go?<br /></span> +<span class="i0">What have you got? Now all's fetch'd out,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">The Victuals rak'd, and tore about.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">One pairs the Loaf, another Groom <span class="rbrace">}</span><br /></span> +<span class="i0">Draws Beer, as if he was at home, <span class="rbrace">}</span><br /></span> +<span class="i0">And spils it half about the Room. <span class="rbrace">}</span><br /></span> +<span class="i0">What Horseman's yonder at the Door?<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Why, Faith, there's half a dozen more:<span class='pagenum'>[Pg 12]</span><br /></span> +<span class="i0">They're Gentlemen, that live at Court,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Come down the Country for some Sport;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Some old Acquaintance of the Knight,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Who whips from Table, bids 'em light.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">They ask no Questions but sit down,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Fall too as if it was their own.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">One finishes the Potted Salmon,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Then swears, because he had no Lemon.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Good Lord, how sharp the Rogues are set!<br /></span> +<span class="i0">It puts my Landlord in a Sweat.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">His Daughter comes with fresh Supplies<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Of Collard Beef, and Apple-pies.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">His Worship falls aboard of her;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">The modest Creature quakes for fear.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">When do we marry Mistress <i>Ann</i>?<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Who is to be the happy Man?<br /></span> +<span class="i0">He takes her Hand, and chucks her Chin,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Stares in her Face, commends her Skin,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Removes her Linnen, shews her Neck;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">There's Milk, and Blood, Gad take me <i>Jack</i>.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">She blushes, and he vows she is<br /></span> +<span class="i0">A pretty Girl, then takes a Kiss;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">She don't consent, nor dares deny,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Defends herself respectfully;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And now the Knight would let her go; <span class="rbrace">}</span><br /></span> +<span class="i0">Another Rake cries, Damme no: <span class="rbrace">}</span><br /></span> +<span class="i0">I'll have a Kiss as well as you. <span class="rbrace">}</span><br /></span> +<span class="i0">He hugs her close, then calls her Dear,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And whispers bawdy in her Ear.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">My charming Rogue, I would not hurt ye.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">She answers not, but drops a Courtsie.<span class='pagenum'>[Pg 13]</span><br /></span> +<span class="i0">He's rude, and she's asham'd to squeak;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Her Father sees it, dares not speak;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">But patiently enduring all,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Stands like a Statue in the Hall.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Now for the Garden and the Hare,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">The Dogs get in, and scrape and tear,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">The Horsemen follow, leap the Rails;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Down goes the Quick-set-hedge, and Pales.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">The Huntsman hollows, runs and pushes,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">All goes to Rack, the Borders, Bushes.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And now my Landlord cries amain,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">You've ruin'd me; but all in vain.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">The Cabbages are kick'd about,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And Flowers with Roots and all pull'd out.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">The Beds are levell'd with the Ground,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">At last poor trembling Puss is found<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Hid underneath a Collyflower.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">The Prey is took, away they scower,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And leave our Countryman to think<br /></span> +<span class="i0">On all his Loss of Meat and Drink:<br /></span> +<span class="i0">What havock's made in ev'ry place,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">His Daughter wrong'd before his Face.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Small was the Mischief of the Hare<br /></span> +<span class="i0">To ravenous Hunters to compare.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">He wrings his Hands, and all in Tears<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Repents his foolish rashness, swears,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">He'll ne'er call help again in haste,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Since Hounds and Horses made more waste,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">In half an hour, than all the Hares<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Of th' Country could in Seven Years.<br /></span> +<span class='pagenum'>[Pg 14]</span></div></div> + + + +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i4"><b>The Moral.</b><br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0"><i>When petty Princes can't agree,</i><br /></span> +<span class="i0"><i>And strive for Superiority,</i><br /></span> +<span class="i0"><i>They often take my Landlord's Course,</i><br /></span> +<span class="i0"><i>Invite for Aid a foreign Force;</i><br /></span> +<span class="i0"><i>And when their Subjects Slaves are made,</i><br /></span> +<span class="i0"><i>Their Countries all in ruins laid,</i><br /></span> +<span class="i0"><i>As commonly it proves their fate,</i><br /></span> +<span class="i0"><i>Repent with him when it's too late.</i><br /></span> +</div></div> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="The_Plague_among_the_Beasts" id="The_Plague_among_the_Beasts"></a><i>The Plague among the Beasts.</i></h2> + + +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">One time a mighty Plague did pester<br /></span> +<span class="i0">All Beasts Domestick and <i>Sylvester</i>,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">They try'd a world of Remedies;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">But none that conquer'd the Disease:<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And, as in the Calamity<br /></span> +<span class="i0">All did not dye, so none were free.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">The Lyon in this Consternation<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Sends by his Royal Proclamation<br /></span> +<span class="i0">To all his loving Subjects greeting,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And summons 'em t' a general Meeting;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And when they're come about his Den,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">He says, my Lords and Gentlemen,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">I believe you're met full of the Sence<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Of this consuming Pestilence;<span class='pagenum'>[Pg 15]</span><br /></span> +<span class="i0">Sure such extraordinary Punishment<br /></span> +<span class="i0">On common Crimes was never sent;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Therefore it took its derivation,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Not from the trivial Sence of the Nation;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">But some notorious Wickedness; <span class="rbrace">}</span><br /></span> +<span class="i0">Then let us search our Consciences, <span class="rbrace">}</span><br /></span> +<span class="i0">And ev'ry one his Faults confess. <span class="rbrace">}</span><br /></span> +<span class="i0">We'll judge the biggest and the least,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And he that is the wicked'st Beast<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Shall as a Sacrifice be giv'n,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">T'allay the wrath of angry Heav'n,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And serve our Sins an expiation<br /></span> +<span class="i0">By ancient way of Immolation;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And, since no one is free from Sin,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Thus with my own I'll first begin.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">I've kill'd an Ox, and which is worse,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Committed Murder on a Horse;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And one Day, as I am a Sinner,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">I have eat seven Pigs for Dinner,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Robb'd Woods, and Fens, and like a Glutton,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Fed on whole Flocks of Lamb and Mutton:<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Nay sometimes, for 'tis in vain to lie,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">The Shepherd went for Company.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">This was his Speech; when Chanc'lor Fox<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Cries out, what signifies an Ox,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Or Horse? Sure those unworthy things<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Are honour'd, when made sport for Kings.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">But, Sir, your Conscience is too nice,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Hunting's a Princely Exercise:<br /></span> +<span class="i0">As for the Sheep, that foolish Cattle,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Not fit for Carriage nor for Battle,<span class='pagenum'>[Pg 16]</span><br /></span> +<span class="i0">And being tolerable Meat,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Are good for nothing, but to eat.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">The shepherd your sworn Enemy<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Deserv'd no better Destiny.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Thus was he, that had sin'd for Twenty,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Clear'd <i>Nemine Contradicente</i>.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">The Bear, the Tyger, Beasts that fight,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And all that could but scratch or bite<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Came off well; for their gross Abuses<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Others as bad found Excuses.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Nay even the Cat of wicked Nature<br /></span> +<span class="i0">That kills at play his Fellow Creature<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Went scot free: But his Gravity<br /></span> +<span class="i0">An Ass of stupid Memory<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Confess'd, that, going to <i>Sturbridge</i>-Fair<br /></span> +<span class="i0">His Back most broke with Wooden-ware,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">He chanc'd half starv'd, and faint, to pass<br /></span> +<span class="i0">By a Church-yard with exc'lent Grass,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">They had forgot to shut the Gate,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">He ventur'd in, stoop'd down and ate.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Hold, cries Judge Wolf, no more, for Crimes<br /></span> +<span class="i0">As these, deserve such fatal Times.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">By several Acts of Parliament<br /></span> +<span class="i0">'Tis Sacriledge, they all consent;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And thus the silly virtuous Ass<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Was Sacrifis'd for eating Grass.<br /></span> +</div></div> + + +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i4"><b>The Moral.</b><br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0"><i>The Fable shews you poor Folk's fate</i><br /></span> +<span class="i0"><i>Whilst Laws can never reach the Great.</i><br /></span> +</div></div> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<p><span class='pagenum'>[Pg 17]</span></p> +<h2><a name="The_Grasshopper_and_Ant" id="The_Grasshopper_and_Ant"></a><i>The Grasshopper and Ant.</i></h2> + + +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">A Merry Grasshopper, that sung<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And tun'd it all the Summer long,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Fed on small Flies, and had no Reason<br /></span> +<span class="i0">To have sad thoughts the gentler Season;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">For when 'twas hot the Wind at South,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">The Victuals flew into his Mouth:<br /></span> +<span class="i0">But when the Winters cold came on,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">He found he was as much undone,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">As any Insect under Heav'n;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And now the hungry Songster's driv'n<br /></span> +<span class="i0">To such a state, no Man can know it,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">But a Musician or a Poet,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">He makes a Visit to an Ant,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Desires he would relieve his want;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">I come not in a begging way, <span class="rbrace">}</span><br /></span> +<span class="i0">Says he, No Sir, name but a day <span class="rbrace">}</span><br /></span> +<span class="i0">In <i>July</i> next, and I'll repay, <span class="rbrace">}</span><br /></span> +<span class="i0">Your Interest and your Principal<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Shall both be ready at a Call.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">The thrifty Ant says truly Neighbour,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">I get my Living by hard Labour;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">But you, that in this Storm came hither,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">What have you done when 'twas fair Weather?<br /></span> +<span class="i0">I've sung, replies the Grasshopper;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Sung! says the Ant, your Servant, Sir;<span class='pagenum'>[Pg 18]</span><br /></span> +<span class="i0">If you have sung away the best<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Of all the Year, go dance the rest.<br /></span> +</div></div> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="The_Milk_Woman" id="The_Milk_Woman"></a><i>The Milk Woman.</i></h2> + + +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">A Straping Dame, a going to Town<br /></span> +<span class="i0">To sell her Milk with thin Stuff Gown,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And Coats tuck'd up fit for a Race,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Marches along a swinging Pace:<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And in her Thoughts already counts<br /></span> +<span class="i0">The Price to which her Milk amounts;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">She fancies all is sold, and lays<br /></span> +<span class="i0">The Money out a hundred ways;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">At last she's fix'd, and thinks it plain,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">That Eggs would bring the surest Gain:<br /></span> +<span class="i0">She buys a hundred, which she reckons<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Will four Weeks hence be six Score Chickens.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Such mighty care she takes to rear 'em,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">No Fox or Kite can e'er come near 'em,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">The finest Hens are kept for Eggs;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">The others sold to buy some Piggs;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">To whom a little Bran she gives<br /></span> +<span class="i0">With Turnep-tops and Cabbage leaves;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And tho' they get no Pease to speak on,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Yet in short time they're sold for Bacon.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">O! how the Money pleas'd her Thought<br /></span> +<span class="i0">For which a Cow and Calf are bought;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">She'll have 'em on the Common kept,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">There see 'em jump, at that she leapt<span class='pagenum'>[Pg 19]</span><br /></span> +<span class="i0">For joy; down comes the Pail, and now<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Good Night t'ye Chickens, Calf and Cow,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Eggs, Bacon; all her busy care,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">With them are dwindled into Air.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">She looks with Sorrow on the Ground,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And Milk, in which her Fortune's drown'd:<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Then carries home the doleful News,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And strives to make the best Excuse:<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Her Husband greets her with a Curse,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And well it was she far'd no worse.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">The Hermit, and the Man of Fame,<br /></span> +<span class="i0"><i>Pompeus</i>, and our Country Dame,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">The wisest Judge, and my Lord May'r,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">They all build Castles in the Air:<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And all a secret Pleasure take<br /></span> +<span class="i0">In dreaming whilst they are awake:<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Pleas'd with our Fancies we possess<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Friends, Honour, Women, Palaces.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">When I'm alone I dare defy<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Mankind for Wit and Bravery.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">I beat the <i>French</i> in half an Hour,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Get all their Cities in my Power.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Sometimes I'm pleas'd to be a King,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">That has success in every thing,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And just when all the World's my own,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Comes one to dun me for a Crown;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And presently I am the poor,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And idle Dunce I was before.<br /></span> +<span class='pagenum'>[Pg 20]</span></div></div> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="The_Cock_the_Cat_and_the_young_Mouse" id="The_Cock_the_Cat_and_the_young_Mouse"></a><i>The Cock, the Cat, and the young Mouse.</i></h2> + + +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">A Mouse of no Experience<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Was almost nabb'd for want of Sence.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Hear how the silly young one told<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Her strange Adventure to the old.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">I cross'd the Limits of our State,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And ran as swift as any Rat;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">When suddenly I spy'd two Creatures<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Of very different Form and Features.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">The one look'd smiling, milde, and Civil,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">The other was a very Devil;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">He look'd so fierce, made such a rout,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Then tore the Ground, then turn'd about;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">He ne'er stood still, upon his Head<br /></span> +<span class="i0">He wore a piece of Flesh that's red;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">A bunch of Tails with green and black<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Stood staring higher than his back.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And thus describes the simple Mouse<br /></span> +<span class="i0">A Cock he had seen behind the House,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">As had it been some Beast of Prey<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Brought over from <i>America</i>.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">With insolence, says he, he strides,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And beats with his broad Arms his sides;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Then lifts his shrill and frightful Voice,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And made so terrible a Noise,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">That tho' I can assure you, Mother,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">I've as much Courage as another,<span class='pagenum'>[Pg 21]</span><br /></span> +<span class="i0">I trembled, and as I am here,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Was forc'd to fly away for fear.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">I curs'd the Bully in my thought;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">For 'twas that strutting Ruffi'n's Fault;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Or else that other Beast and I<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Had been acquainted presently.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">He sat so quiet with such Grace,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">So much good Nature in his Face,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">He's furr'd like we, and on his Back<br /></span> +<span class="i0">So purely streak'd with gray and black;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">He has a long Tail, shining Eye,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Yet is all over Modesty.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">I believe he is a near Relation<br /></span> +<span class="i0">To our Allies the Rattish Nation:<br /></span> +<span class="i0">His Ears and Whiskers are the same<br /></span> +<span class="i0">With ours, I would have ask'd his Name,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">When with his harsh and horrid sound<br /></span> +<span class="i0">The other made me quit my Ground.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Replies the Mother, well 'scap'd Son,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">You have been very near undone;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">That formal Piece of Modesty,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">That Mirror of Hypocrisy,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Was a damn'd Cat of wicked Fame;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">My Heart akes at the very Name,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">The everlasting Foe to Mouse,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Death and Destruction to our House.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Whereas that other Animal<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Ne'er did us hurt, nor never will;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">But may, when he is dead and gone,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Serve us one Day to dine upon.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Then prithee son, whate'er you do,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Take special Care of him, whom you<span class='pagenum'>[Pg 22]</span><br /></span> +<span class="i0">For such an humble Creature took,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And judge not People by their Look.<br /></span> +</div></div> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="The_Cock_and_Pearl" id="The_Cock_and_Pearl"></a><i>The Cock and Pearl.</i></h2> + + +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">A Cock, not very nicely fed,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">A Dunghill raker by his Trade,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Whilst scraping in the dirt, had found<br /></span> +<span class="i0">A Pearl worth Five and Twenty Pound:<br /></span> +<span class="i0">He goes hard by t' a Jeweller,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And like a silly Dog, says Sir,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">In yonder Rubbish lay a bit<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Of something that in't good to eat,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">If you think it will serve your turn,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">I'll change it for a grain of Corn.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Nay sometimes Men will do as bad,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">I've known a foolish Heir, that had<br /></span> +<span class="i0">A Manuscript of Wit and Labour,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Say to a Bookseller his Neighbour,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">I've got some Sheets my Uncle writ,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">They say he was a Man of Wit,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">But Books are things I don't much matter,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">A Crown would do my Business better.<br /></span> +<span class='pagenum'>[Pg 23]</span></div></div> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="The_Lyons_Court" id="The_Lyons_Court"></a><i>The Lyon's Court.</i></h2> + + +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">It happen'd that some Years ago,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">The Lyon had a Mind to know,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">What beastly Nations up and down<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Belong'd to his Imperial Crown:<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And therefore in his Princely care<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Sends word by Letters every where,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">That he would keep an open Court,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Grace it with every Royal Sport;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And so invites 'em to his Palace,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">A Cave that stunk worse than the Gallows.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">The Bear snorts at it, snuffles, blows,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Draws hundred Wrinkles in his Nose.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">What need the Fool to have made such Faces?<br /></span> +<span class="i0">The Lyon frown'd at his Grimaces,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And for the Niceness of his Smell<br /></span> +<span class="i0">My Gentleman is sent to Hell.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">The Monky fam'd for flattery<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Extalls this Action to the Sky,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Then prais'd the King's majestick Face,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">The stately building of the Place,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">The Smell, whose Fragrancy so far<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Exceeds all other Scents that are,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">That there's no Amber, said the Sot,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">But what's a house of Office to't.<span class='pagenum'>[Pg 24]</span><br /></span> +<span class="i0">This gross insipid stuff the Prince <span class="rbrace">}</span><br /></span> +<span class="i0">Dislikes and calls it Impudence, <span class="rbrace">}</span><br /></span> +<span class="i0">To speak so contrary to Sence. <span class="rbrace">}</span><br /></span> +<span class="i0">And as the one was thought too free,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">So th' other dy'd for Flattery.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">This Lyon had the reputation<br /></span> +<span class="i0">To be <i>Caligula's</i> Relation.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">The Fox being near; the peevish King<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Ask'd his Opinion of the thing.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Tell me what smell it is, be bold,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Sir, says the Fox, I've got a Cold.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">If you would have your Answers please<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Great Men make use of such as these.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Bluntness and bare-faced Flattery<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Can never with the Court agree.<br /></span> +</div></div> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="The_Drunkard_and_his_Wife" id="The_Drunkard_and_his_Wife"></a><i>The Drunkard and his Wife.</i></h2> + + +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">Man is so obstinate a Creature<br /></span> +<span class="i0">No Remedy can change his Nature.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Fear, Shame, all ineffectual prove<br /></span> +<span class="i0">To cure us from the Vice we love.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">A Drunkard, that had spent his Wealth,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And by the Wine impar'd his Health,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">One Night was very Drunk brought home;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">His Wife conveys him to a Tomb;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Undresses him from Head to Feet,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And wraps him in a Winding-sheet:<span class='pagenum'>[Pg 25]</span><br /></span> +<span class="i0">He wakes, and finds he's not a Bed,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">All over dress'd like one that's dead:<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Besides, she counterfeits her Voice,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">With Torch in hand, and grunting Noise,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Looks frightful in a strange Array,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">To pass for Dame <i>Ctesiphone</i>.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And every thing is done so well,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">He thinks he's fairly gone to Hell;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And satisfy'd it was his Merit,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">He says to his dissembling Spirit,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Who are you in the Name of Evil?<br /></span> +<span class="i0">She answers hoarsely I'm a Devil,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">That carries Victuals to the Damn'd,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">By me they are with Brimstone cramm'd.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">What, says the Husband, do you think<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Never to bring them any Drink?<br /></span> +</div></div> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="The_Carp" id="The_Carp"></a><i>The Carp.</i></h2> + + +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">A Handsome Carp genteely bred,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">In fresh and running Water fed,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Puff'd up with Pride and Vanity,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Forsook the <i>Thames</i> and went to Sea;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Thro' Shrimps and Prawns he cuts his way,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Sees Cods and Haddocks frisk and play;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">He ask'd some questions, but in vain,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">All spoke the Language of the Main;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">He frets he can't be understood,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">When, at the latter end of Flood,<span class='pagenum'>[Pg 26]</span><br /></span> +<span class="i0">Two Herrings vers'd in Languages<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Were talking about Business;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Carp heard 'em, as he swum along,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Discoursing in his River Tongue,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And made a stop, they did the same,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">One of the Herrings ask'd his Name,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And whence he came; the Traveller<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Reply'd, I am a Stranger, Sir,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Come for my Pleasure to these Parts<br /></span> +<span class="i0">To learn your Manners and your Arts:<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Then Herring asks what News of late?<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Which are your Ministers of State?<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Indeed, said Carp, he could not tell,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Nor did much care, quoth Herring well<br /></span> +<span class="i0">What Laws, what Form of Government?<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Are Taxes rais'd, without consent<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Of Parliament? what Courts of? Pish,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Says th' other, I'm a gentle Fish,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And we know nothing of those Matters;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Quoth Herring, I'm no Fish that flatters,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">I find you've neither seen nor read,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And wonder you should break your Head,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">With what's in other Countries done,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">That knows so little of your own.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">At this the haughty Fool takes snuff,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Turns from 'em in a mighty huff;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And whilst he slides and flourishes<br /></span> +<span class="i0">He meets a Country Fish of his,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">One us'd to Sea, a subtle Spark,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">A Pike that serv'd his time t' a Shark;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Who leads him into Company<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Of Riot and Debauchery;<span class='pagenum'>[Pg 27]</span><br /></span> +<span class="i0">The scandalous Gang in little time<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Infect him with the Salt, and Slime:<br /></span> +<span class="i0">They robb'd his Row, till scurvily<br /></span> +<span class="i0">At last he's forc'd to leave the Sea.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">His Scales begin to drop by scores,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And all his Body's full of Sores.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Half of his Tail, and Snout are gone,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And he, lean, shabby and undone,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Sneaks home as vain and ignorant,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">As e'er he was before he went.<br /></span> +</div></div> + + +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i4"><b>The Moral.</b><br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0"><i>Some Fops that visit</i> France <i>and</i> Rome,<br /></span> +<span class="i0"><i>Before they know what's done at home,</i><br /></span> +<span class="i0"><i>Look like our Carp when come again.</i><br /></span> +<span class="i0"><i>Strange Countries may improve a Man,</i><br /></span> +<span class="i0"><i>That knew the World before he went;</i><br /></span> +<span class="i0"><i>But he, that sets out ignorant,</i><br /></span> +<span class="i0"><i>Whom only Vanity intices,</i><br /></span> +<span class="i0"><i>Brings Nothing from 'em, but their Vices.</i><br /></span> +</div></div> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="The_Nightingale_and_Owl" id="The_Nightingale_and_Owl"></a><i>The Nightingale and Owl.</i></h2> + + +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">The Bird of <i>Jove</i>, who was all Day,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">As much intent upon his Prey,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">As any Prince in Christendom,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Was not well pleased, that coming home,<span class='pagenum'>[Pg 28]</span><br /></span> +<span class="i0">He always found his Folks a Bed,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">(Sure Courtiers should be better bred.)<br /></span> +<span class="i0">For, as Crown'd Heads have much to think,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Some Nights he could not sleep a wink;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And thought it hard to have ne'er a Bird<br /></span> +<span class="i0">In all his Court could speak a Word,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Or snuff a Candle, hundred things,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">That are of use to waking Kings.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Some Birds strove hard, did what they could;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Yet when 't grew dark, slept as they stood.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Others pretended that they watch'd,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And swore and ly'd till they were catch'd.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">The King would not be put upon:<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Asks all his Court what's to be done?<br /></span> +<span class="i0">One talks no wiser than a Horse,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Another makes it ten times worse,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">The Ostrich said, It's plain to me,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">We sleep because we cannot see;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Ask <i>Jupiter</i>, he can't deny't,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">To let it when 'tis dark be light——<br /></span> +<span class="i0">At that all stopt his Speech a laughing,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Except the King, who fell a coughing.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Says one more learned than the rest,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">I'm for a Crane with stone in Fist;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">If he should sleep it must be known,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">For presently he'll drop the stone.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">But as the Watchmen were to be<br /></span> +<span class="i0">In the upper Garret of the Tree,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">The King for weighty Reasons said,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">He'd have no Stones held o'er his Head,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Then cries the Swan, and he was right,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">If one pretends to watch all Night.<span class='pagenum'>[Pg 29]</span><br /></span> +<span class="i0">He cannot do a better thing,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">To make us believe it than to sing.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">His Majesty approves of it,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And Letters presently are writ;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">By which the Airy Prince invites<br /></span> +<span class="i0">All Birds to Court, that sung a Nights;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">But most of 'em look on the same<br /></span> +<span class="i0">As things of no concern to them.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Yet some that had Ambition<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Would very willingly have gone,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">But since they could not watch in short,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And might perhaps be punish'd for't,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">At best they could propose no Gains.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">But t' have their Labour for their Pains.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Only the Nightingale, whose Art<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Man knows, had fill'd his little Heart<br /></span> +<span class="i0">With so much Joy, he's more than glad,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And almost ready to run mad;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Calls on all Birds and shakes his Wings,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Tells them how every Night he sings;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">(A thing, which they knew nothing of,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">For by that time they're fast enough.)<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Says he it hits so luckily,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">As if it was contriv'd for me,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">What cause to doubt of being chose,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">When there's not one that can oppose.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">His Friend the Black-bird says, if so, <span class="rbrace">}</span><br /></span> +<span class="i0">Make haste to Court; why don't you go? <span class="rbrace">}</span><br /></span> +<span class="i0">The haughty Bird cries truly No, <span class="rbrace">}</span><br /></span> +<span class="i0">Glory's a thing I never went for,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Nor shall go now unless I am sent for.<span class='pagenum'>[Pg 30]</span><br /></span> +<span class="i0">At last the King by Mistress Fame,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">'S acquainted with his Skill and Name,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And hearing of his Stateliness<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Sends half a dozen Deputies;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Who, when they're come, are forced to wait:<br /></span> +<span class="i0">The Bird makes every thing look great;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">He humbly thanks his Majesty;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">But could not leave his Family.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">They still persuade and press him hard,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">He need not doubt of a great Reward.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And as the Nightingale delays,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And banters 'em for several Days;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">A Magpye in the Field at play<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Heard how he made the Courtiers stay,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Goes home and there relates the Story,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">The Message, and the Bird's Vain glory,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">T' an Owl, who from his Infancy<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Had liv'd in the same Family;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And adds, why don't you take a Flight?<br /></span> +<span class="i0">I've often heard you sing at Night;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">When wak'd by our unlucky Boys.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Says the Owl, I know I have no Voice<br /></span> +<span class="i0">As well as you: But if you hear me,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Young Jackanaps you need not jeer me.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">By <i>George</i>, says Mag, I'm not in jest,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">What though the Nightingale sings best,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">He is so proud, takes so much state,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">A thing I know all Princes hate,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">That if y'are there before the other,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Who wants such Courtship, keeps such pother,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">I don't know but your solemn Face,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And modest Mein may get the place.<span class='pagenum'>[Pg 31]</span><br /></span> +<span class="i0">I'll go my self for Company: <span class="rbrace">}</span><br /></span> +<span class="i0">And Mag discoursed so winingly, <span class="rbrace">}</span><br /></span> +<span class="i0">The Match is made away they fly. <span class="rbrace">}</span><br /></span> +<span class="i0">The King by this time thought it long<br /></span> +<span class="i0">To stay for a Nocturnal Song<br /></span> +<span class="i0">When Master Magpy, and his Friend,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Were just come to their Journy's end.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">They told their Business modestly,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And are lodg'd on the Royal Tree.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">The Owl sets up his Note at Night,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">At which the Eagle laugh'd out right,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Then went to sleep and two Hours after<br /></span> +<span class="i0">He wak'd, and wanted to make Water.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Call'd to his Watch, who presently<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Jump'd in, and cry'd Sir, Here am I.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">So, tho his Owlship could not sing,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">His watchfulness had pleas'd the King.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Next day arrives the Nightingale,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">With his Attendance at his Tail.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">His Majesty would by no Means <span class="rbrace">}</span><br /></span> +<span class="i0">Admit him to an Audience; <span class="rbrace">}</span><br /></span> +<span class="i0">But sends a stately Bird of Sence, <span class="rbrace">}</span><br /></span> +<span class="i0">Who thus accosted him. Signior,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Whom we so long have waited for;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Since Yesterday a Bird came hither,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">As grave as ever wore a Feather,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Who without promise of Reward<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Last Night has serv'd upon the Guard,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">With him to Morrow Night the King<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Has order'd you to watch and sing,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Says Nightingale, what do I care<br /></span> +<span class="i0">For Orders? I am free, and swear<span class='pagenum'>[Pg 32]</span><br /></span> +<span class="i0">My Master-lays shall mix with none,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">They make a Consort of their own:<br /></span> +<span class="i0">But who has so much vanity,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">That dares pretend to sing with me?<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And hearing twas th' <i>Athenian</i> Bird,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">He star'd and cou'd not speak a Word,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Grew pale, and swell'd, his Wind came short,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And Anger overwhelm'd his Heart.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">He foams at Mouth, and raves, and blusters,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And utters all his Words in Clusters.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">A King! a Devil, stupid Fowl,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">That can compare me to an Owl!<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Pray says the Courtier, have a Care,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Consider in what place you are;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">But, as the Fool would hear no Reason,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">He went, and left him sputt'ring Treason,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Then told what happen'd to the King,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Who said he'd never hear him sing;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">The Owl should be kept in his Place,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And th' other punish'd with Disgrace;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">He wisely weigh'd one's Complaisance<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Against the other's Insolence,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Oppos'd the Humble to the Rude,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And thought the one might do more Good,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">With Loyalty and Diligence,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Than th' other with his Skill and Sence.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">The Nightingale is kick'd from Court<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And serv'd the little Birds for sport;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Till full of Shame and Grief he went,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And curs'd the King and Government.<br /></span> +</div></div> +<p><span class='pagenum'>[Pg 33]</span></p> + +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i4"><b>The Moral.</b><br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0"><i>Princes can never satisfy</i><br /></span> +<span class="i0"><i>That Worth that rates itself too high.</i><br /></span> +<span class="i0"><i>What Pity it is! some Men of Parts</i><br /></span> +<span class="i0"><i>Should have such haughty stubborn Hearts:</i><br /></span> +<span class="i0"><i>When once they are courted they grow vain:</i><br /></span> +<span class="i0"><i>Ambitious Souls cannot contain</i><br /></span> +<span class="i0"><i>Their Joy, which when they strive to hide,</i><br /></span> +<span class="i0"><i>They cover it with so much Pride,</i><br /></span> +<span class="i0"><i>So Saucy to Superiors,</i><br /></span> +<span class="i0"><i>Impatient of Competitors,</i><br /></span> +<span class="i0"><i>Th' are utterly untractable,</i><br /></span> +<span class="i0"><i>And put off like our Nightingale.</i><br /></span> +<span class="i0"><i>Many with him might have been great,</i><br /></span> +<span class="i0"><i>Promoted Friends, and serv'd the State,</i><br /></span> +<span class="i0"><i>That have beheld, with too much Joy,</i><br /></span> +<span class="i0"><i>The wish'd for Opportunity;</i><br /></span> +<span class="i0"><i>Then slipt it by their own Delays,</i><br /></span> +<span class="i0"><i>Sloth, Pride, or other willful Ways,</i><br /></span> +<span class="i0"><i>And ever after strove in vain</i><br /></span> +<span class="i0"><i>To see the Forelock once again.</i><br /></span> +</div></div> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<p><span class='pagenum'>[Pg 34]</span></p> +<h2><a name="Council_held_by_the_Rats" id="Council_held_by_the_Rats"></a><i>Council held by the Rats.</i></h2> + + +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">A Cat, whose Sirname pretty hard was,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">One Captain <i>Felis Rodilardus</i><br /></span> +<span class="i0">Had made so terrible a slaughter<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Among the Rats; that little after<br /></span> +<span class="i0">There's hardly one to shew his head,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Most part of 'em were maim'd or dead.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">The few that yet had 'scap'd the Grave,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Liv'd in a subterranean Cave,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Where they sat thinking mighty dull,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">With Bellies less than quarter full,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Not daring to stir out for fear<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Of <i>Rodilard</i>, who's ev'ry where.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">They tried a hundred ways to sun him:<br /></span> +<span class="i0">But finding they could never shun him,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">The Wretches look upon him, that<br /></span> +<span class="i0">He's more a Devil than a Cat.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Once, when our am'rous Spark was gone<br /></span> +<span class="i0">A hunting Wenches up and down,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">The poor remainder to improve<br /></span> +<span class="i0">The time their Enemy made love,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Assembl'd, and employ'd their Cares<br /></span> +<span class="i0">About the straits of their Affairs.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Their President, a Man of Sence,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Told 'em, by long experience;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">I know, the Captain used to come<br /></span> +<span class="i0">In Ambush without beat of Drum.<span class='pagenum'>[Pg 35]</span><br /></span> +<span class="i0">Methinks, that if we could but hear him<br /></span> +<span class="i0">We need not half so much to fear him:<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And therefore, th' only way's to take<br /></span> +<span class="i0">A Bell, and tie't about his Neck;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And then let him be ne'er so arch<br /></span> +<span class="i0">He'll advertise us of his march.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">His Council took, and every one <span class="rbrace">}</span><br /></span> +<span class="i0">Was of the same Opinion; <span class="rbrace">}</span><br /></span> +<span class="i0">Sure nothing better could be done. <span class="rbrace">}</span><br /></span> +<span class="i0">But pray, says one, who is to tie it;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">For I desire not to be nigh it.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">How! cries another, tie the Bell,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">I dare draw all his Teeth as well.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">A third, a fourth, all say the same,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And so they parted as they came.<br /></span> +</div></div> + + +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i4"><b>The Moral.</b><br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0"><i>Thus Cits advise what's to be done,</i><br /></span> +<span class="i0"><i>This way they should attack the Town;</i><br /></span> +<span class="i0"><i>Now here, then there, why don't they come?</i><br /></span> +<span class="i0"><i>So, often in a Coffee-room,</i><br /></span> +<span class="i0"><i>Where prudently they rule the Nation,</i><br /></span> +<span class="i0"><i>I've heard some Men of Reputation</i><br /></span> +<span class="i0"><i>Propose things which they dare as well</i><br /></span> +<span class="i0"><i>Perform, as Rats to tie the Bell.</i><br /></span> +</div></div> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<p><span class='pagenum'>[Pg 36]</span></p> +<h2><a name="The_Bat_and_the_two_Weasels" id="The_Bat_and_the_two_Weasels"></a><i>The Bat and the two Weasels.</i></h2> + + +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">A Purblind Bat a heedless Beast<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Ran headlong into a Weasel's Nest,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Who big with Child, and Passionate,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Had long since bore a mortal hate<br /></span> +<span class="i0">To Mice; she rises, takes a Knife,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Runs to 'm resolv'd to have his Life,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And says: What Rascal in my House!<br /></span> +<span class="i0">O impudence! a'nt you a Mouse?<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Confess: Yes, I am sure you are,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Or I'm no Weasel: Have a Care,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">No Names, good Lady, says the Bat,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">No more a Mouse, than you a Rat.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">What, I a Mouse? I scorn the Word;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And thank the Gods that made m' a Bird;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Witness my Wings, they're proof enough;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Long live the Birds, and so came off.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Some two Days after giddy brain<br /></span> +<span class="i0">By a mischance, intrudes again<br /></span> +<span class="i0">T' another Weasel's, who hates Birds,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">She lets him enter, made no Words;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">But fairly caught him by his Crupper,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And went to cranch him for her Supper.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">In quality of Bird, says he,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Madam, this is an Injury,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Damn all the Birds, I do Protest<br /></span> +<span class="i0">You wrong me: Sure y'are but in jest,<span class='pagenum'>[Pg 37]</span><br /></span> +<span class="i0">What reason I should pass for one?<br /></span> +<span class="i0">All Birds have Feathers, I have none.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">I am a Mouse long live the Rats,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And <i>Jupiter</i> confound the Cats.<br /></span> +</div></div> + + +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i4"><b>The Moral.</b><br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0"><i>The Trimmer that will side with none,</i><br /></span> +<span class="i0"><i>Is forc'd to side with ev'ry one;</i><br /></span> +<span class="i0"><i>And with his Comp'ny change his story,</i><br /></span> +<span class="i0"><i>Long live the Whig, long live the Tory.</i><br /></span> +</div></div> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="The_two_Bitches" id="The_two_Bitches"></a><i>The two Bitches.</i></h2> + + +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">A Bitch, who hardly had a day<br /></span> +<span class="i0">To reckon, knew not where to lay<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Her Burthen down: She had no Bed;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Nor any Roof to hide her Head;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Desires a Bitch of the same Pack,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">To let her have, for Heaven's sake,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Her House against her Lying-in.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Th' other, who thought it was a Sin,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">To baulk a Wretch so near her Labour,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Says, Yes, 'tis at your Service, Neighbour.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">She stays the Month out, and above,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And then desires her to remove:<br /></span> +<span class="i0">But th' other tells her, there's yet none<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Of all my Whelps can walk alone,<span class='pagenum'>[Pg 38]</span><br /></span> +<span class="i0">Have patience but one Fortnight longer.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">I hope by that time they'll be stronger.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">She grants it, and when that's about,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Again she asks her to turn out;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Resign her Chamber, and her Bed:<br /></span> +<span class="i0">The other shew'd her Teeth, and said,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">My Children now are strong enough,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Some of 'em able to stand buff.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">W' are free to go, but don't mistake us,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">That is to say, if you can make us.<br /></span> +</div></div> + + +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i4"><b>The Moral.</b><br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0"><i>Whoever lets the Wicked in</i><br /></span> +<span class="i0"><i>Shall hardly get them out again;</i><br /></span> +<span class="i0"><i>What they can keep, they'll ne'er restore,</i><br /></span> +<span class="i0"><i>And by fair Means you'll have no more</i><br /></span> +<span class="i0"><i>Returns from them, than from the Grave,</i><br /></span> +<span class="i0"><i>Therefore he that will lend a Knave,</i><br /></span> +<span class="i0"><i>Must be resolv'd on Law and Force;</i><br /></span> +<span class="i0"><i>If not, he'll bid you take your Course.</i><br /></span> +</div></div> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="The_Sick_Lyon_and_the_Fox" id="The_Sick_Lyon_and_the_Fox"></a><i>The Sick Lyon and the Fox.</i></h2> + + +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">The King of Brutes sent all about,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">He was afflicted with the Gout;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And orders ev'ry Species<br /></span> +<span class="i0">To visit him by Embassies.<span class='pagenum'>[Pg 39]</span><br /></span> +<span class="i0">To see his Subject Beasts would be<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Some Comfort to him in his Misery:<br /></span> +<span class="i0">He swears them faithfully, they shall<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Be lodg'd, and treated very well.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Then for a Safeguard, sends forsooth,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Passes against his Claw and Tooth.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">His Vassals in obedience come, <span class="rbrace">}</span><br /></span> +<span class="i0">And ev'ry Species sends him some. <span class="rbrace">}</span><br /></span> +<span class="i0">Only the Foxes stay at home; <span class="rbrace">}</span><br /></span> +<span class="i0">Their Reason was, they saw the Print<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Of ev'ry beastly Foot, that went:<br /></span> +<span class="i0">But found no Marks, by which, 'twas plain,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">That any e'er came back again:<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And truly that's suspicious,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Says one, poor Folks are timerous.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">We know the King would not abuse us;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">But yet desire him to excuse us.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">As for his Pass we thank him for't,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And believe 'tis good. But in his Court<br /></span> +<span class="i0">We know, which way we may go in,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">But not, which to come back again.<br /></span> +</div></div> + + +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i4"><b>The Moral.</b><br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0"><i>Wise Men sometimes Instruction find</i><br /></span> +<span class="i0"><i>In that, which others never mind;</i><br /></span> +<span class="i0"><i>Examining the least of things,</i><br /></span> +<span class="i0"><i>By Deeds, not Words, they judge of Kings;</i><br /></span> +<span class="i0"><i>And never venture on that Coast,</i><br /></span> +<span class="i0"><i>Where once they knew another lost.</i><br /></span> +</div></div> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<p><span class='pagenum'>[Pg 40]</span></p> +<h2><a name="The_Satyr_and_the_Passenger" id="The_Satyr_and_the_Passenger"></a><i>The Satyr and the Passenger.</i></h2> + + +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">A Satyr at his Country House,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">A dismal Cave, was with his Spouse,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And Brats a going to eat some Broth:<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Without a Chair, or Table-Cloath,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">On mossy ground they squatted down,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">With special Stomachs of their own.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And just as they fell to a main,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Comes one to shelter for the Rain:<br /></span> +<span class="i0">The Guest's invited to sit down,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Tho' in the mean time they went on.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">He shiver'd, look'd as cold as Death,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And warm'd his Fingers with his Breath,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Says ne'er a Word, takes good Advice,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And stays not till they ask him twice,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Falls to the Porridge, takes a sup;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">But being newly taken up,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">'Twas hot, he blows it. Says the Satyr,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Whose Palate could bear scalding-water,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Friend, what the Devil are you a doing?<br /></span> +<span class="i0">What do you mean by all this blowing?<br /></span> +<span class="i0">The Stranger answers, I did blow<br /></span> +<span class="i0">At first to warm my hands, and now<br /></span> +<span class="i0">I blow again to cool my Broth.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">How, says my Landlord, does it both!<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Than y'are not like to stay with me,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">I hate such juggling Company.<span class='pagenum'>[Pg 41]</span><br /></span> +<span class="i0">What! Out of the same Mouth to blow<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Both hot and cold! Friend, prithee go.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">I thank the Gods my Roof contains<br /></span> +<span class="i0">None such as you. The Fable means.<br /></span> +</div></div> + + +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i4"><b>The Moral.</b><br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0"><i>None are more like to do us wrong;</i><br /></span> +<span class="i0"><i>Than those that wear a double Tongue.</i><br /></span> +</div></div> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="The_Lyon_in_Love" id="The_Lyon_in_Love"></a><i>The Lyon in Love.</i></h2> + + +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">Before the Reign of Buxom <i>Dido</i>,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">When Beasts could speak as well as I do;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Lyons and we convers'd together,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And marry'd among one another.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Nay, why not? they have more bravery,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And are of the eldest Family.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">One of 'em walking in a Grove,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Met with a Wench, and fell in Love.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Says he, dear Girl, upon my Life,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Y'are handsome, and must be my Wife.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Then sees her Home, and asks her Father,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Th' old Gentleman would have had rather<br /></span> +<span class="i0">A Son-in-Law of milder Nature,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And not so terrible a Feature;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">He could not give her heartily,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And yet 'twas dangerous to deny.<span class='pagenum'>[Pg 42]</span><br /></span> +<span class="i0">Besides she lov'd a fierce Gallant,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Says he, they have ask'd my Consent;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">If now I make a Noise about it,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Who knows but they may do't without it.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Therefore he us'd a Stratagem<br /></span> +<span class="i0">With honey-words to wheedle him.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">My Daughter thanks you, Sir, for the honour,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Which you are pleas'd to bestow upon her.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">To talk of Joyntures would be rude;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">I know what's for my Children's good.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">She's wholly yours, and from this hour,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Son, I resign her to your power.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">I only wish, because your Bride<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Has but a foolish tender Hide,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">That when you take her in your Arm,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">For fear your Claws might do her harm,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">You'd suffer somebody to pare 'em;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And then your Spouse need not to fear 'em.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Your Teeth indeed look fine and strong;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">But yet th'are somewhat sharp and long;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">If y'had 'em filed an Inch or two,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">'T would be no prejudice to you,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And she'd respect you ne'er the less,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Admire the softness of your kiss,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And be more free with you a Bed.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">So senceless is a Lover's head:<br /></span> +<span class="i0">The Lyon yields, and stupidly<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Lets 'em disarm him <i>Cap-a-pe</i>.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And so the loving Son-in-Law,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Remaining without Tooth or Claw,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Look'd as defenceless as a Town<br /></span> +<span class="i0">With all the Walls and Gates broke down,<span class='pagenum'>[Pg 43]</span><br /></span> +<span class="i0">With Dogs his complaisance they pay,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">To whom he falls an easy Prey.<br /></span> +</div></div> + + +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i4"><b>The Moral.</b><br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0"><i>Where Love his Tyrany Commences;</i><br /></span> +<span class="i0"><i>There, farewell Prudence, farewell Sences.</i><br /></span> +</div></div> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="The_Angler_and_the_little_Carp" id="The_Angler_and_the_little_Carp"></a><i>The Angler and the little Carp.</i></h2> + + +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">That little Fishes may be greater,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And that, the larger th' are the better<br /></span> +<span class="i0">I know; but then, to let em swim,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And all the while to stay for 'em;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Since catching so uncertain is,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">I think's a foolish Business.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">An Angler patiently a fishing<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Employ'd with looking on, and wishing,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Catches at last a little Carp<br /></span> +<span class="i0">That's very poor; but being sharp<br /></span> +<span class="i0">He thought 'twas something to begin,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Opens his pouch to put him in.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">But cries the Prisoner pitiously<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Alas, what would you do with me!<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Let me grow bigger, throw me in.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Some two Year hence you'll catch m' again;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">I'll stay for you, for you may be sure;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Then sell me to some Epicure,<span class='pagenum'>[Pg 44]</span><br /></span> +<span class="i0">But now I'm such a silly Fish,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">A hundred would not make a Dish;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And if they should, when all is done,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">There would be only Skin and Bone.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Says the Angler I've a Mind to try you,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And if y' an't fit to Stew, I'll Fry you.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Leave preaching till anon, and then<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Discourse your Mattets to the Pan.<br /></span> +</div></div> + + +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i4"><b>The Moral.</b><br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">I <i>Chuse</i> One is <i>for</i> two May be's,<br /></span> +<span class="i0"><i>One sure for Ten</i> Uncertainties.<br /></span> +</div></div> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="The_Wolves_and_the_Sheep" id="The_Wolves_and_the_Sheep"></a><i>The Wolves and the Sheep.</i></h2> + + +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">Between the Wolves, and Sheep, the Wars<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Had lasted many hundred Years.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">The Sheep could never feed in quiet;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">But Wolves disturb'd 'em at their Diet:<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And truly Wolf is every Day<br /></span> +<span class="i0">By Mastiff hunted from his Prey.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">The Shepherd often cuts his Throat,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And turns his Skin into a Coat.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">But now both Parties are for ease;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And met to agree on terms of Peace.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">When in Debates some time was spent,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">On each side Hostages are sent:<span class='pagenum'>[Pg 45]</span><br /></span> +<span class="i0">As such both Nations were to give<br /></span> +<span class="i0">What's valued most, the Wolves receive,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">The Dogs, of which in Awe they stood;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">The Sheep young Wolves of noble Blood:<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And thus the Peace is ratify'd,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">With Joy proclaim'd on every side.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">But in short time the Whelps grew strong,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">The sturdy Rogues began to long<br /></span> +<span class="i0">For Blood, and Mischief; watch'd a day,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">The Shepherds were not in the way,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Then hunt the young ones from their Dames,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And pick'd and cull'd the finest Lambs;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Kill'd and devour'd a Multitude;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">The rest they carry'd to a Wood,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Where with the other Wolves they joyn,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Who knew before hand their design.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">The Dogs on publick Faith secure<br /></span> +<span class="i0">(And pray what ties could be more sure)<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Where whilst they slept, and thought no harm,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Throttled before they heard th' alarm.<br /></span> +</div></div> + + +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i4"><b>The Moral.</b><br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0"><i>Some Nations, fond of slothful Ease,</i><br /></span> +<span class="i0"><i>Trust to deluding Enemies;</i><br /></span> +<span class="i0"><i>And striving to avoid Expence,</i><br /></span> +<span class="i0"><i>Will leave themselves without defence;</i><br /></span> +<span class="i0"><i>But cunning Tyrants call 'em Friends,</i><br /></span> +<span class="i0"><i>No longer than it serves their Ends.</i><br /></span> +<span class="i0"><i>Against a mighty King that is,</i><br /></span> +<span class="i0"><i>Regardless of his Promises,</i><span class='pagenum'>[Pg 46]</span><br /></span> +<span class="i0"><i>Proclaim an everlasting War,</i><br /></span> +<span class="i0"><i>Observe his Motions, watch with care;</i><br /></span> +<span class="i0"><i>And never hearken to Peace,</i><br /></span> +<span class="i0"><i>Proffer'd by faithless Enemies.</i><br /></span> +</div></div> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="The_Wasps_and_Bees" id="The_Wasps_and_Bees"></a><i>The Wasps and Bees.</i></h2> + + +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">A Troop of Wasps claims openly<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Some Honey Combs without a Tree.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">A Regiment of Bees declares, <span class="rbrace">}</span><br /></span> +<span class="i0">The Honey, and the Combs, were theirs, <span class="rbrace">}</span><br /></span> +<span class="i0">And let him touch the Goods that dares; <span class="rbrace">}</span><br /></span> +<span class="i0">They'd shew that they were Bees, and forsooth.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Then says the Wasps, we'll pluck a Crew for't,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">An shall not fly for Bees, we scorn it.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">However 'tis left to Justice Hornet,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Who could with all his subtle Sence<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Make nothing of the Evidence;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">In general they depose, 'tis true,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">That Insects of a yellow hue,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">With Tails containing poysonous Stings,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Long Body'd, buzzing with their Wings,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And all the Signs to paint a Bee,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Had been observ'd about that Tree.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">But this could be no proof for them;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">For in the Wasps they are the same,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">His Lordship, for his Reputation<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Heard a whole Ant's Nest's Information.<span class='pagenum'>[Pg 47]</span><br /></span> +<span class="i0">But being no wiser than before,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">At last said he could do no more;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And made a learned Speech to shew 'em:<br /></span> +<span class="i0">That this Court could say nothing to 'em:<br /></span> +<span class="i0">It must be try'd in Chancery.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Up starts a pert well meaning Bee,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And Says, an't please your Lordship; 'tis<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Six Months we left our Business:<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And heard of nothing but Vacations,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And Writs of barbarous Appellations;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And all this while, you know we are,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">My Lord, but even as we were.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">The Honey every Day grows worse,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And greedy Lawyers drain our Purse.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Under submission we've enough<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Of all this formal conjuring stuff.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">I believe I can inform you better,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Which way you may decide the matter<br /></span> +<span class="i0">What signifies our looking on,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And hearing Council pro and con?<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Let's go to work and then you'll see,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Which spoke the Truth, the Wasps or we.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">If they can make such Combs and fill<br /></span> +<span class="i0">With Honey each sexang'lar Cell;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">The Cause is theirs, and we'll pay Cost;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">If not, I hope they'll yield it lost.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Which when the Wasps refus'd to do<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Judge Hornet rose, and said, Oho!<br /></span> +<span class="i0">I smoak you, Sirs, and gave the Bees<br /></span> +<span class="i0">The Suit, with Costs and Damages.<br /></span> +</div></div> +<p><span class='pagenum'>[Pg 48]</span></p> + +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i4"><b>The Moral.</b><br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0"><i>Thus would I have all Judges give</i><br /></span> +<span class="i0"><i>Their Judgment. With the</i> Turks <i>I believe,</i><br /></span> +<span class="i0"><i>That common Sence to end a Cause,</i><br /></span> +<span class="i0"><i>Is worth a hundred Common Laws.</i><br /></span> +<span class="i0"><i>They lead us such a way about,</i><br /></span> +<span class="i0"><i>Raise new Disputes, make such a Rout.</i><br /></span> +<span class="i0"><i>Between the Plaintiff and Defendant;</i><br /></span> +<span class="i0"><i>That by the time they make an end on't,</i><br /></span> +<span class="i0"><i>The Suit looks like an Oyster, where</i><br /></span> +<span class="i0"><i>The Fish falls to the Lawyer's Share;</i><br /></span> +<span class="i0"><i>And if the Cause be manag'd well,</i><br /></span> +<span class="i0"><i>Each of the Clients gets a Shell.</i><br /></span> +</div></div> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="The_Lyon_and_the_Gnat" id="The_Lyon_and_the_Gnat"></a><i>The Lyon and the Gnat.</i></h2> + + +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">Away base Insect, that took Birth<br /></span> +<span class="i0">From th' Exhalations of the Earth.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Thus spoke the Lyon to the Gnat;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Who answer'd, Bully, Think ye that<br /></span> +<span class="i0">I'll bear Affronts? No: And declar'd<br /></span> +<span class="i0">A War against him to his Beard;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And told the Hector, void of fear,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">You'll find Sir King, how much I care<br /></span> +<span class="i0">For all your Titles, Tooth and Claw,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Of which great Loobies stand in awe:<span class='pagenum'>[Pg 49]</span><br /></span> +<span class="i0">I'll quickly curb your haughtiness,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Damn'd Brute; and hardly utter'd this,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">But sounds the Charge (he serv'd for all<br /></span> +<span class="i0">For Trumpet and for General.)<br /></span> +<span class="i0">He nimbly shifts from Place to Place,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And plays before the Lyon's Face;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">The other snaps and strikes the Air;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">The Gnat avoids him every where;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">He watch'd his time, then seiz'd his Neck,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">From thence he mov'd, and stung his Back,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">There fasten'd, made his Kingship mad,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">His Eyes sparkle in his Head;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">He foams and roars, and all what's near<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Trembles, and hides itself for fear,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Yet, of this general Hurrican,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And dire Alarm th' Occasion<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Is, what one would suspect the least,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">So small an Atom of a Beast.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">With hundred rambling flights he teases<br /></span> +<span class="i0">The Brute, and leads him where he pleases;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Gets up his Nostrils, laughs to see<br /></span> +<span class="i0">With how much Rage his Enemy<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Tore his own Flesh, and all in Blood<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Ran raving through the affrighted Wood.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">He still pursues, till out of Breath<br /></span> +<span class="i0">The Lyon dropp'd, and bled to Death.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">The merry buzzing Conqueror<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Flies from the dismal Seat of War,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And as he sounded chearfully<br /></span> +<span class="i0">The Charge, so sounds the Victory.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">But going to proclaim his Story,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Puffed up and blinded with his Glory,<span class='pagenum'>[Pg 50]</span><br /></span> +<span class="i0">He met a Cobweb in his way,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And fell a silly Spider's Prey.<br /></span> +</div></div> + + +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i4"><b>The Moral.</b><br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0"><i>So one that cross'd the Ocean o'er,</i><br /></span> +<span class="i0"><i>May smother in a Common Shore.</i><br /></span> +</div></div> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="The_Woodcleaver_and_Mercury" id="The_Woodcleaver_and_Mercury"></a><i>The Woodcleaver and Mercury.</i></h2> + + +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">In Ancient times, when <i>Jupiter</i><br /></span> +<span class="i0">Was pretty free, a Labourer,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">That earn'd his Bread with cleaving Wood,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Lost with his Ax his Livelyhood.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">'T would grieve ones Heart to hear what sad<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And pitious moan the Fellow made:<br /></span> +<span class="i0">He had no Tools to sell again,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And buy another Ax, poor Man!<br /></span> +<span class="i0">It was his All, and what to do,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Or how to live he does not know,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And as the Tears stood in his Eyes,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">My Ax! O my dear Ax! he cries:<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Sweet loving <i>Jupiter</i>! restore<br /></span> +<span class="i0">My Ax. <i>Olympus</i> hear his roar;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And <i>Mercury</i> the Post-Boy, or<br /></span> +<span class="i0">The Flying Post (his Character<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Suits either for he's God of Lying<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Beardless, and fam'd for News and Flying.)<span class='pagenum'>[Pg 51]</span><br /></span> +<span class="i0">Came to the Labourer, and said,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Your Ax in't lost, cheer up, my Lad:<br /></span> +<span class="i0">I've got it here; but can you tell<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Which is your own? I very well,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Quoth he. Says <i>Mercury</i> take hold,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And gives him one of Massy Gold;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">To this, quoth th' other, I've no claim;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">To a Silver one he said the same.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">But when his Iron one was shewn,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">He cries, I Faix this is mine own;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">God bless you, Sir. And <i>Mercury</i> <span class="rbrace">}</span><br /></span> +<span class="i0">Said, to reward his Honesty, <span class="rbrace">}</span><br /></span> +<span class="i0">Th' are all your own, I give 'em ye. <span class="rbrace">}</span><br /></span> +<span class="i0">The Story's quickly nois'd about;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">The way to Riches is found out:<br /></span> +<span class="i0">'Tis but to lose one's Ax; the Fools,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">That had none, sold their Cloaths and Tools<br /></span> +<span class="i0">To get one; and whate'er they cost,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">They're bought in order to be lost.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">The God of Thieves and Merchants, who<br /></span> +<span class="i0">By chance had nothing else to do,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Came as they call'd; his Deity<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Gave every one the choice of three:<br /></span> +<span class="i0">The lying Rogues deny'd their own,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And swore they lost a Golden one:<br /></span> +<span class="i0">But as they stoop for't, <i>Mercury</i><br /></span> +<span class="i0">Chops off their Heads, and there they lie.<br /></span> +</div></div> +<p><span class='pagenum'>[Pg 52]</span></p> + +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i4"><b>The Moral.</b><br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0"><i>The Fable shews you, Honesty</i><br /></span> +<span class="i0"><i>Is always the best Policy.</i><br /></span> +</div></div> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="The_Hare_and_his_Ears" id="The_Hare_and_his_Ears"></a><i>The Hare and his Ears.</i></h2> + + +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">Some stupid horn'd Beast or other,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Trotting along to get some fother,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Had run the Lyon in his Side;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Who, for the future to provide<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Against such Accidents as this,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Sends Writs, by which he banishes<br /></span> +<span class="i0">From his Dominions every one,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">That wore a Horn: And when 'twas known,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">The Stags sneak off with Bulls and Rams,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">The very Calves went with their Dams:<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And, whilst they are moving every where<br /></span> +<span class="i0">To foreign parts, a fearful Hare,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">That saw the shadow of his Ears,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Was startled at the sight; and fears,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Some Villain might maliciously<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Say they were Horns; What Remedy?<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Says he, they're long, and I can't tell.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Well Neighbour Cricket Fare-you-well:<br /></span> +<span class="i0">My Ears are Horns too; I'll march off;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">They're very long, and that's enough:<span class='pagenum'>[Pg 53]</span><br /></span> +<span class="i0">Nay, were th' as short as Ostrich Ears,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">It would not rid me of my fears;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">For if they catch m' I go to Pot.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Foh! says the Cricket, y'are a sot.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Hares Horns! what Puppy calls 'em so?<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Th' are Ears. But yet, for ought you know,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Replies poor Puss, they'll pass for Horns;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And may be Horns of Unicorns.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">They call the Rabbet's Fore legs, Wings,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">I hold no Argument with Kings.<br /></span> +</div></div> + + +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i4"><b>The Moral.</b><br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0"><i>At Lyons Courts, in case of Treason,</i><br /></span> +<span class="i0"><i>I rather trust my Heels, than Reason.</i><br /></span> +</div></div> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="The_Rat_and_the_Frog" id="The_Rat_and_the_Frog"></a><i>The Rat and the Frog.</i></h2> + + +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">A Graceless Rat, in special case,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Kept neither Lent nor Holidays;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">But lov'd his Gut beyond his Soul,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And look'd as slick as any Mole:<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Who one day having time to spare,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Went to the Marshes for some Air;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">There meets a Frog, not over fat,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Who says, your Servant Mr. Rat;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And seemingly with much good Nature,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Invites the Stranger o'er the Water:<span class='pagenum'>[Pg 54]</span><br /></span> +<span class="i0">Says he, I live in yonder Fens,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Go with me I'll treat you like a Prince.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">The Rat who had a mind before<br /></span> +<span class="i0">To ramble, need t've heard no more;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">But yet the Frog made a whole Lecture<br /></span> +<span class="i0">On Country Bagnios, and their Structure,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">The Voyage, and the Recreation<br /></span> +<span class="i0">He'd find in his amphibious Nation;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Their Manners, and a hundred things,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Of which in Winter Evenings,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">He'd tell fine Stories ten Years after,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">By Fire sides in Praise of Water:<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And, since he always liv'd a Shore,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">There's nothing could refresh him more.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">These Reasons pleas'd his Ratship so,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">That he was raving mad to go.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">But as your pamper'd Folks are fearful,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">He said, one cannot be too careful;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">'Tis true I swim, but not like you,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And Cramps, or other things, you know,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Might happen: If I could but have<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Some small Assistance.——Says the Knave,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Prithee be quiet, to prevent<br /></span> +<span class="i0">All harm, I've an expedient,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">That has a thousand times been tried.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Then took a bit of Rush and tied<br /></span> +<span class="i0">One of the Fore feet of the Rat<br /></span> +<span class="i0">To his Hind leg, and out they set.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">But O thou wicked World! how evil<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Are all our Hearts! this croaking Devil<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Swum to the deep; where, when he got him,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">He strove to pull him to the bottom;<span class='pagenum'>[Pg 55]</span><br /></span> +<span class="i0">And thought it was a lucky hit,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">To meet with such a dainty bit;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Good wholesome Meat, and so went on.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">The Rat, who felt he was undone,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Cry'd out, and foul'd himself for fear, <span class="rbrace">}</span><br /></span> +<span class="i0">And, tho' sometimes in half a Year, <span class="rbrace">}</span><br /></span> +<span class="i0">The Varlet never said a Prayer; <span class="rbrace">}</span><br /></span> +<span class="i0">Yet (as the Proverb tells us, he<br /></span> +<span class="i0">That cannot pray, must go to Sea.)<br /></span> +<span class="i0">So now, with all the Sugar Words,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">A frighted Coward's Heart affords;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">He call'd the Gods, and coax'd the Frog;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">But, No: That false hard-hearted Dog<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Is deaf to all his Protestations,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And violates the Law of Nations.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">One lugs and labours like a Horse,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Th' other resists with all his Force.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">The Frog's for going down; the Rat,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">If 't pleased the Gods, would rather not.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And, whilst they're struggling different ways,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">A Kite, that hover'd o'er the Place,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Saw what our Gentry was about,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Would fain have seen the Battle out;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">If 't had been safe; but being loth<br /></span> +<span class="i0">To lose his Stomack, took 'em both:<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And, doubly blessed beyond his wish,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Supp'd like a Lord, on Flesh and Fish.<br /></span> +</div></div> +<p><span class='pagenum'>[Pg 56]</span></p> + +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i4"><b>The Moral.</b><br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0"><i>He, that's entangled in a Plot,</i><br /></span> +<span class="i0"><i>For want of Strength, is often caught:</i><br /></span> +<span class="i0"><i>And in his Practices detected</i><br /></span> +<span class="i0"><i>By Accidents, he ne'er suspected.</i><br /></span> +<span class="i0"><i>What cares a Frog for Kites, in Water?</i><br /></span> +<span class="i0"><i>But Villany rewards its Author.</i><br /></span> +</div></div> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="The_Cat_and_an_old_Rat" id="The_Cat_and_an_old_Rat"></a><i>The Cat and an old Rat.</i></h2> + + +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">I've heard, and if it be a Lie,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">You have it e'en as cheap as I;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">That a huge Cat of mighty Name,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">A second <i>Rodilard</i> for Fame,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">The <i>Alexander</i> of the Cats;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">An <i>Attila</i>, a scourge to Rats,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Had brought such horrid devastation,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And Mischief on the latter Nation;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">'Twas thought he would depopulate<br /></span> +<span class="i0">The World, and swallow every Rat.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">The long Tailed Gentry, far and near,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Are all possess'd with so much fear,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">That there's not one in six Miles round,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">That dares to venture above ground;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Their bloody minded Enemy<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Is sorry, that they're grown so shy.<span class='pagenum'>[Pg 57]</span><br /></span> +<span class="i0">In vain he watch'd, and lurk'd about,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">The De'l a bit as one came out.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Says he, the Scoundrels are alive,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">I hear 'em stir, and must contrive<br /></span> +<span class="i0">To draw 'em out; for, where they dwell,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">I'm sure, they're uncomatable.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">At that he gets upon a Shelf,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And to a String he hangs himself<br /></span> +<span class="i0">By one Foot, dangling with his Head<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Downward, as if he had been dead.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">The Rats all thought, he had been taken<br /></span> +<span class="i0">At stealing Cheese, or gnawing Bacon;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Perhaps he might have foul'd the Bed,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Murder'd a Bird; or, that he had<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Committed any other Evil,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">By instigation of the Devil,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Or his own more malicious Nature;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">For which they'd hang'd the wicked Creature.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">The Prisoners, who wanted Bread<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Thank'd Heaven, and were very glad.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">They show their Snouts, and now begin<br /></span> +<span class="i0">To peep out and pop back again;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Till growing bold they leave their home,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And scamper up and down the Room.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Down comes the treacherous Malefactor,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Who rais'd to Life without a Doctor.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Fell with such rage about their House<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Each Blow kill'd either Rat or Mouse;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Some made Resistance, but in vain,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">The Ground is cover'd with the slain,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Such Execution did his Claw,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">But when the cunning Warrior saw,<span class='pagenum'>[Pg 58]</span><br /></span> +<span class="i0">The nimble ones go off in Sholes,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And get within their crooked Holes,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">He call'd to 'em, for all your haste,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">I know, you'll come to me at last.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">This trick you never knew before,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">But I can shew you hundred more.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">He'd kill'd enough to live upon<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Some few Days; but when that was gone,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">He kept his Word, and wheedled 'em<br /></span> +<span class="i0">With quite another Stratagem.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">He jump'd into a Tub of Flower,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And there stood powd'ring half an hour,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">'Till thinking he was dawbd enough,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">He walks into an open trough<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Where lying snug as white as Snow,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And roul'd up like a piece of Dough,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">He waits the Starvlings coming to'm,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And now and then he pick'd up some.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">But an old Rat, who full of Scars,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Had lost his Tail in former Wars;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Standing at th' Entrance of the Cave,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Call'd to our Cat. You, Mr. Knave,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Your Hanging or your Flower won't do,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">I know your Tricks as well as you.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">You was a Cat, and are so still:<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Change to what form or shape you will:<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Nay be a Log, I wont come nigh't.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Says th' other, Faith he's in the right.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And wisely knows, distrust to be<br /></span> +<span class="i0">The Mother of Security.<br /></span> +<span class='pagenum'>[Pg 59]</span></div></div> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="The_Weasel_and_the_Rat" id="The_Weasel_and_the_Rat"></a><i>The Weasel and the Rat.</i></h2> + + +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">A Hungry Weasel poor and lank,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">With wrinkled Jaws, and Taper Flank,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Hardly recover'd from her Weakness,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Occasion'd by a Fit of Sickness.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Met with a Granary, and stole<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Into it thro' a little Hole.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">She bless'd herself to see the store,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">No Miser sure could covet more:<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And, thinking Nobody could harm her,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Fell to, and fed like any Farmer.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">At Nights she slept, and snor'd at Ease,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And having Peace and Quietness,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Four Meals a Day, a wholesome Air,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">A dainty Diet, little Care,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">She quickly chang'd her meagre Feature,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And look'd like quite another Creature.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">The Truth is, it would be a hard Case,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">If all this should not mend one's Carcass.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Once, sitting at a Dish of Wheat,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">She heard a Noise, forsook her Meat,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Ran to the Hole to save her Bacon,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Squeez'd to get thro'; but was mistaken.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And as she searches all about,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And finds no Crevish to get out,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">She spies a Rat, and tells him, pray<br /></span> +<span class="i0">What must I do, I've lost my way,<span class='pagenum'>[Pg 60]</span><br /></span> +<span class="i0">Which is the Hole? No, says the Rat,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Your way is right; but y'are too Fat.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Stay but a Week, and fast, good Dame, <span class="rbrace">}</span><br /></span> +<span class="i0">Till y'are as lean, as when you came, <span class="rbrace">}</span><br /></span> +<span class="i0">And then you'll find the Hole's the same. <span class="rbrace">}</span><br /></span> +</div></div> + + +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i4"><b>The Moral.</b><br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">A <i>Man in profitable Station,</i><br /></span> +<span class="i0"><i>Grown rich by Plundering the Nation,</i><br /></span> +<span class="i0"><i>Is often willing to resign,</i><br /></span> +<span class="i0"><i>But seldom to refund the Coin</i>.<br /></span> +</div></div> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="The_Wolf_and_the_Stork" id="The_Wolf_and_the_Stork"></a><i>The Wolf and the Stork.</i></h2> + + +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">Wolves commonly are fam'd for Eating,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">As much, as Foxes are for Cheating.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">One of 'em, at a Mutton Feast,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Devour'd his Meat with so much haste;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">A Bone got in his Throat, and there<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Stuck fast; some Learned Authors swear,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">It was the <i>Os Sacrum</i>; others say,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">It was one of the <i>Vertebræ</i>.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">But hang disputes; since it is all one<br /></span> +<span class="i0">What Bone it was; so 'twas no small one.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">There stood Sir Wolf, and full of Grief<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Made signs he wanted quick Relief.<span class='pagenum'>[Pg 61]</span><br /></span> +<span class="i0">And well it was he could not Cry;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">For no Soul would have come a nigh.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">At last he shews it to a Stork,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">The long-leg'd Surgeon goes to Work;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Takes out the Bone immediately;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And when 'twas done, desir'd his Fee.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Sure, says the Wolf, whoever draws<br /></span> +<span class="i0">His Head out harmless from my Jaws,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">May boast of such a Happiness,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">As far o'erpays all Offices;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">A thing which ne'er was done before,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And may be, ne'er will happen more.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">But O Damn'd Vice Ingratitude!<br /></span> +<span class="i0">To scape with Life, and be so rude,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">As to ask Fees! take care young Man,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">You never see my Face again.<br /></span> +</div></div> + + +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i4"><b>The Moral.</b><br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0"><i>Some Folks are so mischievous grown,</i><br /></span> +<span class="i0"><i>They claim Thanks if they let y' alone.</i><br /></span> +</div></div> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<p><span class='pagenum'>[Pg 62]</span></p> +<h2><a name="The_Frogs_asking_for_a_King" id="The_Frogs_asking_for_a_King"></a><i>The Frogs asking for a King.</i></h2> + + +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">The Frogs, after some Ages spent<br /></span> +<span class="i0">In Democratick Government,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Grew weary of it, and agree,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">To change it for a Monarchy;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And humbly begg'd a King of <i>Jove</i>,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">The God comply'd, and from above<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Dropt 'em a very peaceful one;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">But only in the falling down,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">He made such Noise, that all the Frogs,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Who are but fearful skittish Dogs<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Were frighted and drove under Water,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And there remain'd a good while after,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Among the Weeds; their fear was such,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">There was not one, that dar'd so much<br /></span> +<span class="i0">As look upon him, whom they thought<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Some Giant, or the Lord knows what.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Tho' all this while 'twas but a Log,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">At last came up a daring Frog;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">But took care, not to swim too nigh it,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Till, seeing it lay so very quiet,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">He went on, tho' in mighty awe;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">But when his Fellow Subjects saw<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Their Bulky King did him no harm,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">In half an Hour the Pond did swarm<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Of Frogs. O! what a pretty thing<br /></span> +<span class="i0">It was to play about their King:<span class='pagenum'>[Pg 63]</span><br /></span> +<span class="i0">The meekest that e'er wore a Crown;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And soon they're so familiar grown,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">That laying all respect aside,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">They jump upon his Back, and ride.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">The King says nothing, keeps his Peace,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And let's em work him as they please.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">But this they hate, they'd have him move.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">A second time they call on <i>Jove</i>,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And tire his Brain with clam'rous rout,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">To have a King, that stirr'd about.<br /></span> +<span class="i0"><i>Jove</i> mad for being plagu'd again,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Sends em a Damn'd devouring Crane;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Who only was for Kill, and Slay,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And eat whoe'er came in his way.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Much louder now the Rascals cry;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Deliver us from Tyranny!<br /></span> +<span class="i0">O <i>Jupiter</i>! if he goes on, }<br /></span> +<span class="i0">We shall be murder'd every one, }<br /></span> +<span class="i0">This is the Devil upon dun. }<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Quoth he, I'll humour Fools no more,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">You might have kept what ye had before;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">You left your common wealth, to seek<br /></span> +<span class="i0">A King; and then he was too meek;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">You must have one forsooth, that stirs:<br /></span> +<span class="i0">I hope now you have got one, Sirs.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">You never chang'd without a Curse,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Keep this, for fear you get a worse.<br /></span> +</div></div> +<p><span class='pagenum'>[Pg 64]</span></p> + +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i4"><b>The Moral.</b><br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0"><i>Thank God, this Fable is not meant</i> <span class="rbrace">}</span><br /></span> +<span class="i0"><i>To</i> Englishmen; <i>they are content,</i> <span class="rbrace">}</span><br /></span> +<span class="i0"><i>And hate to change their Government.</i> <span class="rbrace">}</span><br /></span> +</div></div> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="The_Wolf_and_the_Lamb" id="The_Wolf_and_the_Lamb"></a><i>The Wolf and the Lamb.</i></h2> + + +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">It is a thing without contest,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">That he that's strongest reasons best.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">The Weather being sultry hot,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">A Lamb to cool himself, was got<br /></span> +<span class="i0">A paddling in a purling Stream.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">(To Rhiming Fools a mighty Theme)<br /></span> +<span class="i0">When a she Wolf (the De'l sure sent her)<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Came down, in quest of some Adventure,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And hardly spy'd poor Innocence;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">But pick'd a Quarrel void of Sence;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Began to sputter, Damn and Sink,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Ask'd how he dar'd to spoil her Drink,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">A nasty poysoning Dog. Odsbud!<br /></span> +<span class="i0">He'd make it all as thick as mud.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">For which he'd punish him by <i>Jove</i>.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Madam, reply'd the Lamb, I love<br /></span> +<span class="i0">To reason calmly, and will show ye,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">That I am Twenty Yards below ye.<span class='pagenum'>[Pg 65]</span><br /></span> +<span class="i0">And humbly craving leave, from thence<br /></span> +<span class="i0">I draw this reg'lar Consequence;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">That I can't, standing in this Place,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Disturb the Liquor of your Grace.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">You do, says the other, and last Year<br /></span> +<span class="i0">You told some lies of me. I swear,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">I was not born then, quoth the Lamb:<br /></span> +<span class="i0">I han't left sucking of my Dam.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">'Twas either you or else your Brother.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">I've ne'er a one. Then 'twas your Mother,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Or any other near Relation;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">For all your wicked Generation<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Hates me; your Dogs and Shepherds too<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And without any more a do,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">The Lamb was carry'd to the Wood<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And serv'd the cruel Wolf for Food.<br /></span> +</div></div> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="The_Lyon_grown_old" id="The_Lyon_grown_old"></a><i>The Lyon grown old.</i></h2> + + +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">A Valiant Lyon, now grown old,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">His Limbs and Jaws benumb'd and cold,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Lay thinking on his Royal Bed,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">With scarce a Tooth in all his Head:<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And Claws worn to the Stumps with Tearing:<br /></span> +<span class="i0">(But every thing's the worse for wearing)<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And whilst he labour'd to repent,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Complaining of his Youth mispent,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">His Rebel Subjects paid no more,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">That Honour, which they gave before,<span class='pagenum'>[Pg 66]</span><br /></span> +<span class="i0">But treat him with Contempt and Scorn:<br /></span> +<span class="i0">The Bull does push him with his Horn,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">The Horse affronts him with his Heels:<br /></span> +<span class="i0">No Tongue can tell what grief he feels<br /></span> +<span class="i0">From these insulting Enemies.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">In comes the Ass; but when he sees,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">That Coward too forget his Duty,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">He dying said, <i>Tu quoque Brute?</i><br /></span> +</div></div> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="The_two_Physicians" id="The_two_Physicians"></a><i>The two Physicians.</i></h2> + + +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">Two graduate Physicians,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Of many Years Experience,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">With Coaches to proclaim their Skill,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Are sent for to a Man that's ill.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">One feels his Pulse and gives him over:<br /></span> +<span class="i0">But th' other says he may recover;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">I have great hopes, we'll give him some<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Of my <i>Antithanaticum</i>.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">No, cries the first, he is too weak;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Yes truly Sir, I'm very sick,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Replies the Patient; down they sate,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And enter'd in a deep Debate:<br /></span> +<span class="i0">One quotes four Words of <i>Arabick</i>,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Th' other an Aphorism in <i>Greek</i>.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">They're very hot, and every one<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Sticks to his own Opinion.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">The Upshot was, they writ a Bill,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Which neither lik'd of very well:<span class='pagenum'>[Pg 67]</span><br /></span> +<span class="i0">They visit him some Days, and vent<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Many a learned Argument;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">But as his Life went on full Speed,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">He could not stay till they agreed,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And so march'd off; and when he's dead,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Both still are in the right; one said,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">I told you so, his very Eye<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Prognosticated he would dye:<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And th' other cry'd, had I been believ'd,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">I'm very sure, he would have liv'd.<br /></span> +</div></div> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="Love_and_Folly" id="Love_and_Folly"></a><i>Love and Folly.</i></h2> + + +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">The charming God, that with his Bow,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">So many Thousand Years ago,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Came to that troublesome Employ,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">He serves in still, is but a Boy:<br /></span> +<span class="i0">His Art is so mysterious,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">That to explain his business,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">His Tackle, Arrows, Quiver, Taper,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Would take up several Reams of Paper;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Which being more than I've a mind<br /></span> +<span class="i0">To fill; I'll only, since he is blind,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Tell you which way he lost his sight,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">With what came on't, and so good Night.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Folly and Love took one another<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Aside, as Boys will run together,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And crept into a Nook of Heaven,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">To play at Seven or Eleven;<span class='pagenum'>[Pg 68]</span><br /></span> +<span class="i0">And here good People, Gamesters may<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Behold what mischief comes from Play:<br /></span> +<span class="i0">There 'rose a quarrel about the Main,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Its Eight says Love, and thought 'twas plain;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Quoth Folly, but I'm sure 'tis Nine,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">You Little Cheat, the Game is mine:<br /></span> +<span class="i0">At last Words growing very high,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Love gives his angry Foe the Lie;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Then up starts Folly, flings the Dice<br /></span> +<span class="i0">At Love, and beats out both his Eyes.<br /></span> +<span class="i0"><i>Venus</i> would be reveng'd, bawl'd out,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And shed so many Tears about<br /></span> +<span class="i0">The Peepers of her little Son,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">That she was like to have spoil'd her own.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">She would have Justice done, she swore,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Call'd Folly Rogue and Son 'f a Whore:<br /></span> +<span class="i0">How did you do't; I'll make you dance?<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Indeed said Folly, 'twas by chance.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Cry'd <i>Cupid</i>, you're a punning Cur,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And snobb'd. In comes the Thunderer,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">With all the Gods and Goddesses,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">To sit upon the Business,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Between Love and the Boy at Bar.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">The Cuckold and the God of War<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Were very hot, they'd have him dye;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">But when <i>Minerva</i> ask'd him, Why?<br /></span> +<span class="i0">They said, because——Be free from rage,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Ye Gods, said <i>Themis</i>, mind his Age,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And then the Council seem'd to incline<br /></span> +<span class="i0">To make him only pay a Fine<br /></span> +<span class="i0">To Love. But the injur'd Mother cries,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">That won't do, I'll have both his Eyes,<span class='pagenum'>[Pg 69]</span><br /></span> +<span class="i0"><i>Secundum legem Talionis</i>,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">He shall pay <i>Corpore non bonis</i>.<br /></span> +<span class="i0"><i>Apollo</i> bids her to be civil.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">T'have two blind Boys would be the Devil,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Said <i>Juno</i>, and this gave the hint<br /></span> +<span class="i0">To <i>Jove</i>, t'inflinct a Punishment,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">That might ease Love; what must he do?<br /></span> +<span class="i0">He could not walk alone; and so<br /></span> +<span class="i0">'Twas fixed by all the Gods above,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">That Folly should be guide to Love.<br /></span> +</div></div> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="A_She-Goat_a_Sheep_and_a_Sow" id="A_She-Goat_a_Sheep_and_a_Sow"></a><i>A She-Goat, a Sheep and a Sow.</i></h2> + + +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">A She-Goat that gave exc'lent Milk,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">A Sheep, whose Fleece was soft as Silk,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And a fat Sow went to the Fair<br /></span> +<span class="i0">In the same Cart, not to take th' Air,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Or to see Shows; but, as I am told,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Downright in order to be sold;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">All the way long the Sow did squawl,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And scream enough to deafen 'em all;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Had she been follow'd by six score<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Butchers, she could have done no more:<br /></span> +<span class="i0">The other Creatures wonder'd at her,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And could not dream what was the matter;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">They thought it must proceed from fear;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And yet perceived no danger near;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">The Carter told her, What d'ye mean?<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Who gives you reason to complain?<span class='pagenum'>[Pg 70]</span><br /></span> +<span class="i0">Your Cries have stunn'd us; what d'ye make<br /></span> +<span class="i0">This horrid Noise for? prithee take<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Example by your Company,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Be silent or talk civilly.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Look on that Sheep, he thinks you're mad;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Has he spoke one Word good or bad?<br /></span> +<span class="i0">No: He is wise.——The Devil he is,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Replies the Sow, could he but guess,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Whither you carry us, or why;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">I'm sure he'd bawl as loud as I:<br /></span> +<span class="i0">He's used to Shears, and so the Fool<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Thinks only that you'll take his Wool;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And this good Lady with the Beard<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Has no great Cause to be afear'd;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">She's daily milk'd and does depend on't,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">you'll drain her Dug, and there's an end on't:<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And 't maybe so, or 't may be not:<br /></span> +<span class="i0">But, wou'd you have me such a sot,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Who 'm good for nothing, whilst I've Breath,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">To be afraid of less than Death?<br /></span> +</div></div> +<p><span class='pagenum'>[Pg 71]</span></p> + +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i4"><b>The Moral.</b><br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0"><i>Upon my Word 'twas shrewdly said,</i><br /></span> +<span class="i0"><i>Of one that was no better bred:</i><br /></span> +<span class="i0"><i>Yes all this sad complaints and fear</i><br /></span> +<span class="i0"><i>Are for the Thing she's forced to bear:</i><br /></span> +<span class="i0"><i>And tho' she knew, she was to dye,</i><br /></span> +<span class="i0"><i>She could not change her destiny.</i><br /></span> +<span class="i0"><i>Therefore I think, where all is lost,</i><br /></span> +<span class="i0"><i>He, that sees farthest, suffers most.</i><br /></span> +</div></div> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="The_Dog_and_the_Ass" id="The_Dog_and_the_Ass"></a><i>The Dog and the Ass.</i></h2> + + +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">Help one another is, no doubt,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">A Law we can't live well without:<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Yet one Day, (and how't came to pass<br /></span> +<span class="i0">I don't know) 't happen'd that an Ass,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Who's otherwise an honest Creature,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Of no uncharitable Nature,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Did slight it: A large Dog and he<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Were travelling in Company,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Without a thought of Strife or Care,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Followed by him whose Goods they were;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And coming to some curious Grass,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">The latter went to sleep; his Ass,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Who was a Lover of good Pasture,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Made better use on't than his Master,<span class='pagenum'>[Pg 72]</span><br /></span> +<span class="i0">And fell a feeding heartily:<br /></span> +<span class="i0">But the poor Dog stood starving by,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And said, Much good may do thy heart,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Dear fellow Traveller; thou art<br /></span> +<span class="i0">My loving Friend.—But Mr. <i>Gray</i>,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">My Meat is in your Panier, pray,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Stoop down, and let me take out some,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">I han't eat since we came from home;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">He gets no Answer, asks again,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">But No, th' <i>Arcadian</i> Gentleman<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Thought every Word a mouthful lost,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And would say nothing to his cost,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">So held his Tongue a while; at last<br /></span> +<span class="i0">He told him, Friend, I am in haste,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And, when I stoop my Back, it akes;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Have patience till your Master wakes,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">It won't be long, and then you'll get<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Your Belly full, if he thinks fit.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Just then a Wolf came from the Wood,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And they have Appetites as good<br /></span> +<span class="i0">As any; Grizz'l at a distance<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Hears him, and asks the Dog's assistance;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">But he don't budge, and serves him right;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Says he, I never us'd to fight<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Without a cause for fighting's sake;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Stay till your Master is awake;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Hear what he says, it won't be long;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Sir Wolf won't offer any wrong;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And if you fear his Teeth or Claws,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Knock but his Brains out, break his Jaws,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And lay him sprawling on the Ground;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">You're newly Shod, and Iron bound;<span class='pagenum'>[Pg 73]</span><br /></span> +<span class="i0">And whilst this fine Discourse went on,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Poor Grizzle's business was done.<br /></span> +</div></div> + + +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i4"><b>The Moral.</b><br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0"><i>None can live happily together,</i><br /></span> +<span class="i0"><i>Without assisting one another.</i><br /></span> +</div></div> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="The_Fox_and_Wolf" id="The_Fox_and_Wolf"></a><i>The Fox and Wolf.</i></h2> + + +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">The Fox went on the search one Night,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">The Moon had hung out all her light;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">He sees her Image in a Well;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">But what it was he could not tell;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Gets on the Bricks to look at ease:<br /></span> +<span class="i0">At last concludes it is a Cheese:<br /></span> +<span class="i0">One Bucket's down, the other up,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">He jumps in that which was a-top,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And coming to the Water, sees<br /></span> +<span class="i0">How little Skill he had in Cheese.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Poor Ren, remov'd from all Acquaintance,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Sits in the Bucket of Repentance;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And when the Rascal ought to have laid<br /></span> +<span class="i0">The fault upon himself, it's said,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">He blam'd his Stars, tho' I b'lieve rather<br /></span> +<span class="i0">He curst the Moon, and all fair Weather.<span class='pagenum'>[Pg 74]</span><br /></span> +<span class="i0">Well, there he sat, and wish'd, no doubt on't,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">For half his Tail that he was out on't:<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Sometimes he rav'd and talk'd like mad, <span class="rbrace">}</span><br /></span> +<span class="i0">And every thing came in his Head, <span class="rbrace">}</span><br /></span> +<span class="i0">That to his purpose could be said. <span class="rbrace">}</span><br /></span> +<span class="i0">Happy are those that don't love Cheese;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">We may go downward when we please,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">But to come back again, <i>hoc opus</i>,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">All tricks are vain; my only hope is,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">That Somebody as wise as I,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Hits on my Whim, or else I die.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Two Days are past; poor Animal,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Sees Nobody come near the Well;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And now old Time had in one Place,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Cut a good piece of <i>Cynthia's</i> Face;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">For as he does all things, he eats her,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And takes a slice, where'er he meets her:<br /></span> +<span class="i0"><i>Volpone</i> spies it, and it grieved him,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">To see that spoil'd which had deceiv'd him,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Thinking his case was desperate:<br /></span> +<span class="i0">When on the third Night pretty late,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">A Wolf who could not sleep, because<br /></span> +<span class="i0">He felt an itching in his Jaws,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Look'd into it; What are you there?<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Says Ren; pray see what I got here;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">It is a groaning Cheese, 'twas made<br /></span> +<span class="i0">From <i>Io's</i> Milk, and <i>Faunus</i> had<br /></span> +<span class="i0">The ordering of it, 'twould have been<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Kept for Dame <i>Juno's</i> Lying in,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">But she miscarry'd: I took off<br /></span> +<span class="i0">This Corner; still there's Meat enough<span class='pagenum'>[Pg 75]</span><br /></span> +<span class="i0">For two or three, I thought on you,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Wish'd I might see you, and to shew,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">How I esteem, love, and adore ye,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">That Bucket's left on purpose for ye.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">The silly Wolf believes, gets in,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And draws <i>Volpene</i> up again.<br /></span> +</div></div> + + +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i4"><b>The Moral.</b><br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0"><i>Don't blame the stupid Animal,</i><br /></span> +<span class="i0"><i>You credit things less probable;</i><br /></span> +<span class="i0"><i>And most Men easily give ear,</i><br /></span> +<span class="i0"><i>To what they either wish or fear.</i><br /></span> +</div></div> + +<h3><i>F I N I S.</i></h3> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2>THE AUGUSTAN REPRINT SOCIETY</h2> + +<h3><i>WILLIAM ANDREWS CLARK MEMORIAL LIBRARY</i><br /> +University of California, Los Angeles</h3> + +<h4>PUBLICATIONS IN PRINT</h4> + + +<p class="center"><b>1948-1949</b></p> + +<p>15. John Oldmixon, <i>Reflections on Dr. Swift's Letter to Harley</i> ... +(1712) and <i>A. Mainwaring's The British Academy</i> ... (1712).</p> + +<p>17. Nicholas Rowe, <i>Some Account of the Life of Mr. William Shakespeare</i> +(1709).</p> + + +<p class="center"><b>1949-1950</b></p> + +<p>22. Samuel Johnson, <i>The Vanity of Human Wishes</i> (1749) and two +<i>Rambler</i> papers (1750).</p> + +<p>23. John Dryden, <i>His Majesties Declaration Defended</i> (1681).</p> + + +<p class="center"><b>1950-1951</b></p> + +<p>26. Charles Macklin, <i>The Man of the World</i> (1792).</p> + + +<p class="center"><b>1951-1952</b></p> + +<p>31. Thomas Gray, <i>An Elegy Wrote in a Country Churchyard</i> (1751); and +The Eton College Manuscript.</p> + + +<p class="center"><b>1960-1961</b></p> + +<p>85-6. Essays on the Theatre from Eighteenth-Century Periodicals. +90. Henry Needler, <i>Works</i> (1728).</p> + + +<p class="center"><b>1961-1962</b></p> + +<p>93. John Norris, <i>Cursory Reflections Upon a Book Call'd, An Essay +Concerning Human Understanding</i> (1960)</p> + +<p>94. An. Collins, <i>Divine Songs and Meditacions</i> (1653).<span class='pagenum'>[Pg 78]</span></p> + +<p>95. <i>An Essay on the New Species of Writing Founded by Mr. Fielding</i> +(1751).</p> + +<p>96. Hanoverian Ballads.</p> + + +<p class="center"><b>1962-1963</b></p> + +<p>97. Myles Davies, Selections from <i>Athenae Britannicae</i> (1716-1719).</p> + +<p>98. <i>Select Hymns Taken Out of Mr. Herbert's Temple</i> (1697).</p> + +<p>99. Simon Patrick, <i>A Brief Account of the New Sect of Latitude Men</i> +(1662).</p> + +<p>100. Simon Patrick, <i>A Brief Account of the New Sect of Latitude Men</i> +(1662).</p> + +<p>101-2. Richard Hurd, <i>Letters on Chivalry and Romance</i> (1762).</p> + + +<p class="center"><b>1963-1964</b></p> + +<p>103. Samuel Richardson, <i>Clarissa: Preface, Hints of Prefaces, and +Postscript</i>.</p> + +<p>104. Thomas D'Urfey, <i>Wonders in the Sun, or, the Kingdom of the Birds</i> +(1706).</p> + +<p>105. Bernard Mandeville, <i>An Enquiry into the Causes of the Frequent +Executions at Tyburn</i> (1725).</p> + +<p>106. Daniel Defoe, <i>A Brief History of the Poor Palatine Refugees</i> (1709).</p> + +<p>107-8. John Oldmixon, <i>An Essay on Criticism</i> (1728).</p> + + +<p class="center"><b>1964-1965</b></p> + +<p>109. Sir William Temple, <i>An Essay upon the Original and Nature of Government</i> +(1680).</p> + +<p>110. John Tutchin, <i>Selected Poems</i> (1685-1700).</p> + +<p>111. Anonymous, <i>Political Justice. A Poem</i> (1736).</p> + +<p>112. Robert Dodsley, <i>An Essay on Fable</i> (1764).<span class='pagenum'>[Pg 79]</span></p> + +<p>113. T. R., <i>An Essay Concerning Critical and Curious Learning</i> +(1680).</p> + +<p>114. Two Poems Against Pope: Leonard Welsted, <i>One Epistle to Mr. A. +Pope</i> (1730); Anonymous, <i>The Blatant Beast</i> (1740).<span class='pagenum'>[Pg 80]</span></p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h3>William Andrews Clark Memorial Library: University of California, Los Angeles</h3> + +<h2><span class="smcap">The Augustan Reprint Society</span></h2> + +<h4><i>General Editors</i>: Earl Miner, University of California, Los Angeles; Maximillian E. Novak, University<br /> +of California, Los Angeles; Lawrence Clark Powell, Wm. Andrews Clark Memorial Library<br /> +<i>Corresponding Secretary</i>: Mrs. Edna C. Davis, Wm. Andrews Clark Memorial Library</h4> + + +<p>The Society's purpose is to publish reprints (usually facsimile +reproductions) of rare seventeenth and eighteenth century works. All +income of the Society is devoted to defraying costs of publication and +mailing.</p> + +<p>Correspondence concerning subscriptions in the United States and Canada +should be addressed to the William Andrews Clark Memorial Library, 2205 +West Adams Boulevard, Los Angeles, California. Correspondence concerning +editorial matters may be addressed to any of the general editors. The +membership fee is $5.00 a year for subscribers in the United States and +Canada and 30/- for subscribers in Great Britain and Europe. British and +European subscribers should address B. H. Blackwell, Broad Street, +Oxford, England. Copies of back issues in print may be obtained from the +Corresponding Secretary.</p> + + +<h5>PUBLICATIONS FOR 1965-1966</h5> + +<p><span class="smcap"><b>Thomas Traherne</b></span>, <i>Meditations on the Six Days of the +Creation</i> (1717). Introduction by George Robert +Guffey.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap"><b>Charles Macklin</b></span>, <i>The Covent Garden Theatre</i> [manuscript] +(1752). Introduction by Jean B. Kern.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap"><b>Roger L'Estrange</b></span>, <i>Citt and Bumpkin</i> (1680). Introduction +by B. J. Rahn.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap"><b>Daniel Defoe</b></span> and Others, Accounts of the Apparition +of Mrs. Veal (ca. 1705). Introduction by +Manuel Schonhorn.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap"><b>Henry More</b></span>, <i>Enthusiasmus Triumphatus</i> (1662). Introduction +by M. V. DePorte.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap"><b>Bernard Mandeville</b></span>, <i>Aesop Dress'd or a Collection +of Fables Writ in Familiar Verse</i> (1704). Introduction +by John S. Shea.</p> + + +<h5><i>ANNOUNCEMENT</i>:</h5> + +<p>The Society announces a special publication, a reprint of <span class="smcap">John Ogilby</span>, +<i>The Fables of Aesop Paraphras'd in Verse</i> (1668), with an Introduction +by Earl Miner. Ogilby's book is commonly thought one of the finest +examples of seventeenth-century bookmaking and is illustrated with +eighty-one plates. Publication is assisted by funds from the Chancellor +of the University of California, Los Angeles. 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You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: Aesop Dress'd + Or a collection of Fables + +Author: Bernard Mandeville + +Commentator: John S. Shea + +Release Date: October 29, 2010 [EBook #33888] + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ASCII + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK AESOP DRESS'D *** + + + + +Produced by Chris Curnow, Joseph Cooper and the Online +Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net + + + + + + + + + +THE AUGUSTAN REPRINT SOCIETY + + + BERNARD MANDEVILLE + + AESOP DRESS'D + OR A + COLLECTION + OF + FABLES + + _WRIT IN FAMILIAR VERSE_ + (1704) + + _INTRODUCTION_ + BY + JOHN S. SHEA + + PUBLICATION NUMBER 120 + WILLIAM ANDREWS CLARK MEMORIAL LIBRARY + UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, LOS ANGELES + 1966 + + +GENERAL EDITORS + + Earl Miner, _University of California, Los Angeles_ + Maximillian E. Novak, _University of California, Los Angeles_ + Lawrence Clark Powell, _Wm. Andrews Clark Memorial Library_ + + +ADVISORY EDITORS + + Richard C. Boys, _University of Michigan_ + John Butt, _University of Edinburgh_ + James L. Clifford, _Columbia University_ + Ralph Cohen, _University of California, Los Angeles_ + Vinton A. Dearing, _University of California, Los Angeles_ + Arthur Friedman, _University of Chicago_ + Louis A. Landa, _Princeton University_ + Samuel H. Monk, _University of Minnesota_ + Everett T. Moore, _University of California, Los Angeles_ + James Sutherland, _University College, London_ + H. T. Swedenberg, Jr., _University of California, Los Angeles_ + + +CORRESPONDING SECRETARY + + Edna C. Davis, _Wm. Andrews Clark Memorial Library_ + + + + +INTRODUCTION + + +Bernard Mandeville's first extant book in English, _Some Fables after +the Easie and Familiar Method of Monsieur de la Fontaine_, was published +in 1703; it reappeared with additional fables in 1704 as _Aesop +Dress'd_.[1] Neither title reveals that, except for two original fables +by Mandeville, the book consists entirely of verse translations from the +twelve books of La Fontaine's _Fables_ (1668-1694). It is the first +book-length translation from these poems into English. + +The only previous translations from _Fables_ into English verse appear +to have been those made ten years earlier by John Dennis. _Miscellanies +in Verse and Prose_ (1693) was a curious volume of Pindaric odes, +imitations of Horace, Juvenal, and Boileau, and letters that the young +Dennis had written during his travels in France and Italy, including the +well-known account of the "delightful horrour" and "terrible Joy" that +he had experienced while crossing the Alps; there were, finally, ten +fables in octosyllabic couplets--all of them translations from La +Fontaine. A word about Dennis's fables may help to put Mandeville's into +perspective. + +Their resemblance to the French originals is slight. Not La Fontaine, +but Samuel Butler, presides over Dennis's fables; indeed, when Dennis +discusses them in the Preface to _Miscellanies_, he fails to mention La +Fontaine, although he devotes a large proportion of his remarks to a +defense of Butler's burlesque verse, which he acknowledges as his +model.[2] Many people were writing Hudibrastics in the 1680's and +1690's: the propensity of Butler's couplet for arousing laughter had +made it a fad.[3] With its jog-trot meter, insinuating swiftness, and +jarring double and triple rhymes, the Hudibrastic couplet was ideally +suited to the mockery performed by low burlesque. All burlesque works by +an incongruity between subject and style; the particular function of low +burlesque is to debase an elevated subject by treating it in an +undignified manner.[4] So it was that Butler, with the assistance of a +crazy style, had exploited the gap between the high pretensions and the +ridiculous performances of a Puritan knight and his squire. + +But of the hordes of scribblers that followed in the wake of _Hudibras_, +scarcely any possessed Butler's sense of satiric propriety. Where his +success had been founded on the discrepancy between subject and style +that is essential to burlesque, they employed his style with no regard +for its suitability to their subjects. Ordinary narrative poems with no +satiric intent were decked in Hudibrastic couplets for the sake of a +superficial cleverness.[5] Dennis followed the fashion. His ten +verse-fables are filled with outrageous Butlerisms: + + Isgrim had all the Winter far'd + So very ill, his looks Men scar'd. + He had (poor Dog!) got an evil habit, + Of going to Bed with the Devil a bit, + So that he had contracted a meen, + Which truly represented Famine. + + * * * * * + + At sight of Steed that's one huge bit of Fat, + Hight Isgrim's heart for joy went pit a pat. + + * * * * * + + Had I not known thy Self and Kindred, + Ev'n I my self should have been in dread. + + * * * * * + + The _Crane's_ arrival was opportune, + Order'd for _Isgrim's_ good by fortune.[6] + +Whatever the intentions of the poet, it seems to be the property of the +Hudibrastic couplet inevitably to denigrate its subject. While it is +probable that Dennis intended his fables to be clever and modish, and +nothing more, they turn out to be travesties of La Fontaine. + +Dennis was attempting to impose on the animal fable an alien style. From +Aesop to Thurber, the chief strength of the fabulist has been his +humility: by selecting animal stories as the guise for his moral +lessons, he has hoped to disarm his readers into accepting the truth. +This strategy would seem to rule out the style of low burlesque, for the +impulse to this style--a dignified subject to be mocked out of its +dignity--does not exist in the animal fable. In particular the _Fables_ +of La Fontaine, perhaps the most graceful, concise, and witty ever +written, do not respond well to the ferocious manner of Dennis. Dennis +translating La Fontaine resembles a bull in a china shop. + +While Mandeville is no gazelle either, he has better manners than +Dennis. The Butlerisms are still present, but they are not everywhere +and they are not so grotesque. The difference between Dennis and +Mandeville may be merely the interval of ten years, during which the +influence of Butler had faded; but this seems unlikely, since Bond cites +many examples of the continuing vogue of _Hudibras_, even well into the +1730's.[7] A more probable explanation for the difference is that, +whereas Dennis was an avowed imitator of Butler who happened to be +translating the _Fables_ of La Fontaine, Mandeville seems to have been +in this work chiefly a translator of La Fontaine who was, incidentally, +writing at a time when the impulse to copy Butler's superficial +qualities was almost irresistible. The total number of Hudibrastic +couplets in _Aesop Dress'd_ comes to only a handful: + + They'll give you a hundred Niceties, + As Chicken Bones, boyl'd Loins of Mutton, + As good as ever Tooth was put in.... + + * * * * * + + And therefore let my Lord _Abdomen_ + Say what he will, we'll work for no Man. + + * * * * * + + A Cat, whose Sirname pretty hard was, + One Captain _Felis Rodilardus_.... + + * * * * * + + Before the Reign of Buxom Dido, + When Beasts could Speak as well as I do.... + + * * * * * + + The Truth is, it would be a hard Case, + If all this should not mend one's Carcass.[8] + +Even these few unmistakable instances are less distracting than the ones +in Dennis. Mandeville's verse is much like his prose: straightforward, +downright, even in tone. Here are the first ten lines of Mandeville's +"The Fox and Wolf": + + The Fox went on the search one Night, + The Moon had hung out all her light; + He sees her image in a Well; + But what it was he could not tell; + Gets on the Bricks to look at ease: + At last concludes it is a Cheese: + One Bucket's down, the other up, + He jumps in that which was a-top, + And coming to the Water, sees + How little Skill he had in Cheese. + +La Fontaine has this: + + ... Un soir il [le loup] apercut + La lune au fond d'un puits: l'orbiculaire image + Lui parut un ample fromage. + Deux seaux alternativement + Puisoient le liquide element: + Notre Renard, presse par une faim canine, + S'accommode en celui qu'au haut de la machine + L'autre seau tenoit suspendu. + Voila l'animal descendu, + Tire d'erreur, mais fort en peine, + Et voyant sa perte prochaine.... + +Dennis had inserted these lines in the pseudo-erudite Butlerian manner: + + The two large Buckets which were there, + Like _Pollux_ and like _Castor_ were. + How so pray? For 'tis devilish odd, + To liken a Bucket to a God; + When one came up from towards the Center, + That in our upper world strait went there. + These drew up turns the liquid Element, + Into one got _Renard_, and towards Hell he went.[9] + +Nearly all Mandeville's translations are, like "The Fox and Wolf," +longer than their originals. The added length is partly explained by +meter: Mandeville's octosyllabic line is less capacious, as a rule, than +La Fontaine's flexible one. Thus, even though "The Wolf and the Lamb" +moves with a speed comparable to "Le Loup et l'Agneau," Mandeville takes +34 lines to La Fontaine's 29.[10] More often, Mandeville's translations +are longer than their originals because Mandeville is not able to match +La Fontaine's wit and point. "La Lice et sa Compagne," an exercise in +light-footed elegance, begins this way: + + Une Lice etant sur son terme, + Et ne sachant ou mettre un fardeau si pressant, + Fait si bien qu'a la fin sa Compagne consent + De lui preter sa hutte, ou la Lice s'enferme. + +In translating, Mandeville expands these four lines to ten without +special gain: + + A Bitch, who hardly had a day + To reckon, knew not where to lay + Her Burthen down: She had no Bed; + Nor any Roof to hide her Head; + Desires a Bitch of the same Pack, + To let her have, For Heaven's sake, + Her House against her Lying-in. + Th' other, who thought it was a Sin, + To baulk a Wretch so near her Labour + Says, Yes, 'tis at your Service, Neighbor.[11] + +Perhaps it is Mandeville's plainspokenness, his determination to say all +that must be said, which causes him to state explicitly things that La +Fontaine left implicit. "La Cigale et la Fourmi," contrasting an +irresponsible grasshopper and a provident ant, implies but subdues a +contrast between art and life. Mandeville makes the contrast explicit: + + And now the hungry Songster's driv'n + To such a state, no Man can know it, + But a Musician or a Poet....[12] + +"The Lyon and the Gnat" is fairly close to its original in length (46 +lines to La Fontaine's 39) and in spirit; but Mandeville does not +improve his fable by supplying the adjective "silly" ("silly Spider") +where La Fontaine had written "une araignee," or by inserting a line +about the gnat's pride, "Puffed up and blinded with his glory," where La +Fontaine expected his readers to discern the gnat's pride for +themselves.[13] Another translation that sticks close to the French in +its sense is "The Dog and the Ass," in which an ass refuses food to a +hungry dog and is in turn abandoned by the dog and killed by a hungry +wolf. Mandeville adds the judgment that La Fontaine excluded. The wolf +attacks: + + Grizz'l [the Ass] at a distance + Hears him, and asks the Dog's assistance; + But he don't budge, _and serves him right; + Says he, I never us'd to fight + Without a cause for fighting's sake_....[14] + +The italicized words, entirely added by Mandeville, apparently represent +his conviction that the irony of La Fontaine's fable would be +intensified by the dog's sardonic comment and the translator's "serves +him right." Other examples might be cited of Mandeville's explicitness. + +The characterizing details of some of the great fables, however, +disappear in Mandeville's English. Although "The Plague among the +Beasts" is faithful to the original, the tragic overtones of "Les +Animaux malade de la Peste" are not recaptured; they are perhaps +unrecapturable. The ironies of La Fontaine's characterization are +ignored: the lion's "L'histoire nous apprend," for instance, by which +the unscrupulous politician poses as a deep-browed savant; the +description of the other beasts as "petits saints," and of the wolf who +condemns the innocent ass as "quelque peu clerc"--these disappear.[15] +"L'Ivrogne et sa Femme" meets the same fate. Mandeville retains the +outlines of the original but treats the details perfunctorily, as though +he had given up trying to re-create the comic terror of La Fontaine's +little masterpiece. "A drunkard" is not an adequate equivalent for "un +suppot de Bacchus"; "very drunk" is not the same as "plein du jus de la +treille"; entire sentences are left out, such as "La les vapeurs du vin +nouveau / Cuverent a loisir"; and the ending of the poem suffers from +the alteration of details and from an awkward inversion for the sake of +a rhyme: + + He says to his dissembling Spirit, + Who are you in the Name of Evil? + She answers hoarsely I'm a Devil, + That carries Victuals to the Damn'd + By me they are with Brimstone cramm'd. + What, says the Husband, do you think + Never to bring them any Drink? + + "Quelle personne es-tu? dit-il a ce fantome. + --La celleriere du royaume + De Satan, reprit-elle; et je porte a manger + A ceux qu'enclot la tombe noire." + Le mari repart, sans songer: + "Tu ne leur portes point a boire?"[16] + +Of the many differences between La Fontaine and Mandeville, those +noticed up to this point may be blamed on the latter's incapacity. Some +of the other changes may be partially justified on the grounds that +through them Mandeville was deliberately trying to alter the tone of the +poem, to give it an earthiness of spirit congruent with his temperament. +La Fontaine's "Le Lion malade et le Renard" begins with hushed dignity: + + De par le roi des animaux, + Qui dans son antre etait malade, + Fut fait savoir a ses vassaux + Que chaque espece en ambassade + Envoyat gens le visiter.... + +Mandeville's translation begins: + + The king of Brutes sent all about, + He was afflicted with the gout....[17] + +The gout is a standard comic disease which Mandeville gives to his lion +to make him comically undignified. La Fontaine's lion remains dignified +and restrained throughout. (The two versions of this fable are also +instances of the relative capabilities of the French and the English +four-stress lines.) In another fable, a tonal difference appears in some +lines describing the meeting of a haggard wolf and a well-fed dog: + + Le Loup donc l'aborde humblement, + Entre en propos, et lui fait compliment + Sur son embonpoint, qu'il admire. + + And therefore in a humble way + He gives the Dog the time o' th' Day; + Talks mighty complaisant, and vents + A Waggon Load of Compliments + Upon his being in such a Case, + His brawny Flank and jolly Face.[18] + +The tone of polite gravity is gone; what remains is less succinct, but +more specific, and in its way effective. When Mandeville's invention is +working well, as it does in "The Wolf and Dog," it provides, in its +colloquial heartiness, an adequate substitute for La Fontaine's +refinement of tone and subtlety of detail. On the whole, his fables are +close to their originals, especially when compared to those of Dennis, +even though "the easie and familiar method of Monsieur de La Fontaine" +is something that, despite his professions, Mandeville fails to +reproduce. + +Only two years intervened between Mandeville's translations from La +Fontaine (1703) and _The Grumbling Hive_ (1705), the 433-line fable +that, through the years, would grow into that great repository of +social, political, and economic nonconformity, _The Fable of the Bees_. +It is not surprising that many of the fables which Mandeville chose to +translate anticipate the themes of his great work. Among these are "The +Milk Woman," on the self-flatery of the egoistic dream; "The Frogs +asking for a King," on the instability of human desires; "The Wolves and +the Sheep," on political self-deception; "Hands, Feet, and Belly," on +social interdependence; and "The Lyon grown Old," on the ultimate blow +to pride.[19] + +Since Mandeville would give so much space in _The Fable of the Bees_ to +his analysis of pride,[20] it is appropriate that pride engaged his +attention in this early book of fables. "The Frog" is notable chiefly +because Mandeville lengthened La Fontaine's moral of four lines to +fourteen in order to glance at the social and economic implications of +pride: + + So full of Pride is every Age! + A Citizen must have a Page, + A Petty Prince Ambassadors, + And Tradesmens Children Governours; + A Fellow, that i'n't worth a Louse, + Still keeps his Coach and Country-house; + A Merchant swell'd with haughtiness, + Looks ten times bigger than he is; + Buys all, and draws upon his Friend, + As if his Credit had no end; + At length he strains with so much Force, + Till, like the Frog, he bursts in course, + And, by his empty Skin you find, + That he was only fill'd with Wind.[21] + +Two of the 39 fables in the collection are original productions: "The +Carp" and "The Owl and the Nightingale." Both poems focus upon pride. +"The Carp" tells the story of a young and inexperienced English carp who +swims into foreign waters to learn "manners and arts." Warned by a +herring to go home and learn first about his own country, the carp +rebuffs this honest advice, takes up with fops, and is drawn into ruin +before he finally returns home "as vain and ignorant, / As e'er he was +before he went." The subject of the moral reflections at the end is +self-delusion in the particular form of sophisticated vanity.[22] The +other poem, "The Owl and the Nightingale" (the longest poem in the +collection, at 181 lines), also concerns pride. The Eagle, having +looked unsuccessfully among the birds of his court for a singing +night-watchman, sends out a general letter. The nightingale realizes +with excitement that he will easily win the competition; but +he coyly refuses to go to court until sent for, makes elaborate +self-depreciations in the eagle's presence, and hold out, obviously, for +more recognition and reward. While he delays, an owl has been persuaded +by friends to try for the position and has a hearing. Although he sings +unskillfully, he manages to stay awake. When the nightingale returns to +court the next day, he is infuriated to learn that an owl is competing +against him and that the eagle has ordered the two birds to perform +against one another that night. The nightingale protests so loudly and +treasonably that he is kicked out of court, and the owl, dull but +faithful, is declared the winner. The moral follows: + + Princes can never satisfy + That Worth that rates itself too high. + What pity it is! some Men of Parts + Should have such haughty stubborn Hearts: + When once they are courted they grow vain: + Ambitious Souls cannot contain + Their Joy, which when they strive to hide, + They cover it with so much Pride, + So Saucy to Superiors, + Impatient of Competitors, + Th' are utterly untractable, + And put off like our Nightingale. + Many with him might have been great, + Promoted Friends, and serv'd the State, + That have beheld, with too much Joy, + The wish'd for Opportunity; + Then slipt it by their own Delays, + Sloth, Pride, or other willful Ways. + And ever after strove in vain + To see the Forelock once again.[23] + +In some respects this poem looks forward to _The Fable of the Bees_. +Mandeville subjects the nightingale to a brief psychological analysis +and looks on his failure with a blend of detached pity and satiric +mordancy; he strips away the sophisticated defenses that hide the basic +emotions, recommending honesty with oneself and with others; he +identifies the personal interests of the members of society with the +interests of the state. It remains to point out that neither here nor +elsewhere in this collection does Mandeville assert that private vices +are public benefits. + +Washington University + + + + +NOTES TO THE INTRODUCTION + + +[1] F. B. Kaye, ed., _The Fable of the Bees_ (Oxford, 1924), I, xxx. + +[2] The Preface to _Miscellanies in Verse and Prose_ is reprinted in +Edward Niles Hooker's edition of _The Critical Works of John Dennis_, I +(Baltimore, 1939), 6-10. + +[3] Richmond P. Bond, _English Burlesque Poetry_, 1700-1750 (Cambridge, +Mass., 1932), p. 147. + +[4] Bond, pp. 3-5. + +[5] Bond, p. 153, cites several narrative poems of this sort. + +[6] From these fables in the 1693 _Miscellanies_: "The Wolf and the +Horse," pp. 72-83 (the first two excerpts); "The Lyon and the Ass a +Hunting," pp. 92-95; "The Wolf and the Crane," pp. 101-105. + +[7] _English Burlesque Poetry_, pp. 149-152. + +[8] These instances occur, respectively, in "The Wolf and Dog," "The +Hands, Feet, and Belly," "Council Held by the Rats," "The Lyon in Love," +and "The Weasel and the Rat." + +[9] _Aesop Dress'd_, p. 73; La Fontaine, "Le Loup et le Renard," XI. vi; +Dennis, _Miscellanies_, p. 117. + +[10] _Aesop Dress'd_, pp. 64-65; La Fontaine, I. x. + +[11] La Fontaine, II, vii; "The two Bitches," _Aesop Dress'd_, p. 37. + +[12] La Fontaine, I. i; "The Grasshopper and Ant," _Aesop Dress'd_, pp. +17-18. + +[13] _Aesop Dress'd_, pp. 48-50; La Fontaine, "Le Lion et le Moucheron," +II. ix. + +[14] _Aesop Dress'd_, pp. 71-73; La Fontaine, "L'Ane et le Chien," VIII. +xvii. + +[15] _Aesop Dress'd_, pp. 14-15; La Fontaine, VII. i. + +[16] "The Drunkard and his Wife," _Aesop Dress'd_, pp. 24-25; La +Fontaine, III. vii. + +[17] La Fontaine, VI. xiv; "The Sick Lyon and the Fox," _Aesop Dress'd_, +pp. 38-39. + +[18] La Fontaine, "Le Loup et le Chien," I. v; "The Wolf and Dog," +_Aesop Dress'd_, pp. 2-4. + +[19] The poems appear on the following pages of _Aesop Dress'd_: "The +Milk Woman," pp. 18-19; "The Frogs asking for a King," pp. 62-64; "The +Wolves and the Sheep," pp. 45-46; "Hands, Feet, and Belly," pp. 7-10; +"The Lyon grown Old," pp. 65-66. For the corresponding fables in La +Fontaine see the notes to the text of the present edition. + +[20] See Kaye, II, 371, s. v. "Pride." + +[21] _Aesop Dress'd_, pp. 4-5; La Fontaine, "La Grenouille qui se veut +aussi grosse que le Boeuf," I. iii. + +[22] _Aesop Dress'd_, pp. 25-27. + +[23] Ibid., pp. 27-33. + + + + +NOTES TO THE TEXT + + +For each of Mandeville's fables except "The Carp" and "The Nightingale +and Owl," which are originals, I have indicated below the original in La +Fontaine's _Fables_ by title, book, and number. + +1. "The Two Dragons": "Le Dragon a plusieurs Tetes, et le Dragon a +plusieurs Queues," I. xii. + +2. "The Wolf and Dog": "Le Loup et le Chien," I. v. + +3. "The Frog": "La Grenouille qui se veut faire aussi grosse que le +Boeuf," I. iii. + +4. "The Pumkin and Acorn": "Le Gland et la Citrouille," IX. iv. + +5. "The Hands, Feet, and Belly": "Les Membres et l'Estomac," III. ii. + +6. "The Countryman and the Knight": "Le Jardinier et son Seigneur," IV. +iv. + +7. "The Plague among the Beasts": "Les Animaux malades de la Peste," +VII. i. + +8. "The Grasshopper and Ant": "La Cigale et la Fourmi," I. i. + +9. "The Milk Woman": "La Laitiere et le Pot au Lait," VI. x. + +10. "The Cock, the Cat, and the young Mouse": "Le Cochet, le Chat, et le +Souriceau," VI. v. + +11. "The Cock and Pearl": "Le Coq et la Perle," I. xx. + +12. "The Lyon's Court": "La Cour du Lion," VII. vii. + +13. "The Drunkard and his Wife": "L'Ivrogne et sa Femme," III. vii. + +14. "Council held by the Rats": "Conseil tenu par les Rats," II. ii. + +15. "The Bat and the Two Weasels": "La Chauve-Souris et les deux +Belettes," II. v. + +16. "The two Bitches": "La Lice et sa Compagne," II. vii. + +17. "The Sick Lyon and the Fox": "Le Lion malade et le Renard," VI. xiv. + +18. "The Satyr and the Passenger": "Le Satyre et le Passant," V. vii. + +19. "The Lyon in Love": "Le Lion amoureux," IV. i. + +20. "The Angler and the Little Carp": "Le petit Poisson et le Pecheur," +V. iii. + +21. "The Wolves and the Sheep": "Les Loups et les Brebis," III. xiii. + +22. "The Wasps and Bees": "Les Frelons et les Mouches a Miel," I. xxi. + +23. "The Lyon and the Gnat": "Le Lion et le Moucheron," II. ix. + +24. "The Woodcleaver and Mercury": "Le Bucheron et Mercure," V. i. + +25. "The Hare and his Ears": "Les Oreilles du Lievre," V. iv. + +26. "The Rat and the Frog": "La Grenouille et le Rat," IV. xi. + +27. "The Cat and an old Rat": "Le Chat et un vieux Rat," III. xviii. + +28. "The Weasel and the Rat": "La Belette entree dans un Grenier," III. +xvii. + +29. "The Wolf and the Stork": "Le Loup et la Cicogne," III. ix. + +30. "The Frogs asking for a King": "Les Grenouilles qui demandent un +Roi," III. iv. + +31. "The Wolf and the Lamb": "Le Loup et l'Agneau," I. x. + +32. "The Lyon grown old": "Le Lion devenu vieux," III. xiv. + +33. "The two Physicians": "Les Medecins," V. xii. + +34. "Love and Folly": "L'Amour et la Folie," XII. xiv. + +35. "A She-Goat, a Sheep and a Sow": "Le Cochon, la Chevre, et le +Mouton," VIII. xii. + +36. "The Dog and the Ass": "L'Ane et le Chien," VIII. xvii. + +37. "The Fox and Wolf": "Le Loup et le Renard," XI. vi. + + +_Text_ + +The text of _Aesop Dress'd_ here reprinted is that in the Harvard +University Library. + + + + + AESOP Dress'd; + OR A + COLLECTION + OF + FABLES + + Writ in Familiar Verse. + + By _B. Mandeville_, M. D. + + _LONDON_: + Sold at _Lock's-Head_ adjoyning to _Ludgate_. + Price One Shilling. + + + + +The INDEX. + + + _The two Dragons_ Page 1 + _The Wolf and Dog_ 2 + _The Frog_ 4 + _The Pumkin And Acorn_ 5 + _The Hands, and Feet, and Belly_ 7 + _The Countryman and the Knight_ 10 + _The Plague among the Beasts_ 14 + _The Grashopper and Ant_ 17 + _The Milk Woman_ 18 + _The Cock, the Cat, and the young Mouse_ 20 + _The Cock and Pearl_ 22 + _The Lyon's Court_ 23 + _The Drunkard and his Wife_ 24 + _The Carp_ 25 + _The Nightingale and Owl_ 27 + _Council held by the Rats_ 34 + _The Bat and the two Weasels_ 36 + _The two Bitches_ 37 + _The Sick Lyon and the Fox_ 38 + _The Satyr and the Passenger_ 40 + _The Lyon in Love_ 41 + _The Angler and the little Carp_ 43 + _The Wolves and the Sheep_ 44 + _The Wasps and the Bees_ 46 + _The Lyon and Knat_ 48 + _The Woodcleaver and Mercury_ 50 + _The Hare and his Ears_ 52 + _The Rat and the Frog_ 53 + _The Cat and old Rat_ 56 + _The Weasel and the Rat_ 59 + _The Wolf and the Stork_ 60 + _The Frogs asking for a King_ 62 + _The Wolf and Lamb_ 64 + _The Lyon grown old_ 65 + _The two Physicians _ 66 + _Love and Folly_ 67 + _A She-Goat, a Sheep, and a Sow_ 69 + _The Dog and Ass_ 71 + + + + +THE + +PREFACE _to the_ READER. + + +_Prefaces and Cuts are commonly made use of much to the same Purpose; to +set off, and to explain. The latter, being too expensive, are pretty +well out of date, in an Age, where there are abundance of fine things to +be bought besides Books. But the first by wicked Custom, are become so +necessary, that a Volume would look as defective without one, as if it +wanted the very Title Page. Though it is hard I should be compelled to +talk to my Reader, whether I have any thing to say to him or not. Nay, +what is worse, every Body thinks a Man should be more lavish here of his +Skill and Learning, than anywhere else: Here they would have him shew +his Airs, and therefore most Authors adorn their Prefaces, as if they +were triumphal Arches; there's nothing empty to be seen about 'em, and +from top to bottom they are to be crowded with Emblems and pretty +Sayings, judiciously interwoven with Scraps of_ Latin; _though they +should borrow 'em from the Parson of the Parish. These, I say, are the +Entertainments where they love to glut us with Wit and fine Language; +though they starve us for ever after: Which makes some of 'em look like +a rich piece of Fillegrew Work over the Door of an empty Parlour. But I +am resolved my Portico shall suit with the rest of the House, and, as +every thing is plain within, nothing shall be carv'd or gilt without: +Besides, I hate formality, Good Reader, and all my Business with you is +to let you know, that I have writ some Fables in Verse, after the +Familiar Way of a Great Man in_ France, Monsieur de la Fontaine. _I have +confin'd my self to strict Numbers, and endeavour'd to make 'em free and +natural; if they prove otherwise, I'm sorry for it. Two of the Fables +are of my own Invention; but I am so far from loving 'em the better, +that I think they are the worst in the Pack: And therefore in good +Manners to my self I conceal their Names. Find 'em out, and welcome. +I could wish to have furnish'd you with something more worthy your +precious time: But as you'll find nothing very Instructive, so there's +little to puzzle your Brain. Besides, I desire every Body to read 'em at +the same Hours I writ 'em, that's when I had nothing else to do. If any +like these Trifles, perhaps I may go on; if not, you shall be troubled +with no more of 'em: And so fare ye well_ Reader. + + + + +_The_ TWO DRAGONS. A Fable. + + + Not long ago th' Ambassador + From the great _Turk_ to the Emperor, + Extoll'd his Master's strength, beyond + The _German_ Force; a Courtier, fond + Of his own Country, boastingly + Said, his Imperial Majesty + Had many Princes under him, + So powerful, that each of 'em, + Could raise an Army of his own, + And more than one that wore a Crown. + I know, says th' other, very well, + Your Dukes and Pow'rs Electoral, + With others, that advance the glory + Of th' Empire. But I'll tell y' a story: + I dreamt I saw a frightful Beast, + That had a hundred Heads at least; + At first I startled at the sight; + But soon recovering from my Fright, + I ventured on, and coming near it, + I found I had no cause to fear it: + For every Head did what it would; + Some work'd with all the Force they could; + But most of 'em lay of a heap, + And look'd as if th' been asleep; + Others, in hopes of better Prey, + Were pulling quite another way. + I turn'd my Head about, and spied + A mighty Beast, on the other side: + One Head adorn'd his Brawny Neck; + But hundred Tails did close his Back; + And as the Heads march'd o'er the Land, + The Tails did follow at Command; + Did Execution every where; + I waked, and thought the Monsters were + Both Empires; but the Tails are ours, + And all the glorious Heads are yours. + + + + +_The Wolf and Dog._ + + + A Wolf so pitious poor and thin, + His very Bones stuck through his Skin, + (A sign the Dogs were watchful) met + A sturdy Mastiff, slick and fat. + Sir Wolf, revengeful on his Foes, + Had murder'd him, as one of those + That hinder'd him from stealing Cattle; + But was afraid of joyning Battle + With one, that look'd, as if he could + Stand buff, and make his party good. + And therefore in an humble way + He gives the Dog the time o'th' Day; + Talks mighty complaisant, and vents + A Waggon Load of Compliments + Upon his being in such a Case, + His brawny Flank and jolly Face. + Sir Wolf, replies the Mastiff, you + May be as fat as any Doe, + If you'll but follow my advice; + For Faith, I think you are unwise, + To ramble up and down a Wood, + Where's nothing to be had, that's good, + No Elemosynary meat, + Or e'er a bit, that's good to eat, + But what is got by downright force, + For which at last you pay in course. + And thus yourselves, your hagged Wives + And Children lead but wretched lives; + Always in fear of being caught, + Till commonly y'are starv'd or shot. + Quoth Wolf, shew me a livelyhood, + And then, the Devil take the Wood: + I stand in need of better Diet, + And would be glad to feed in quiet: + But, pray, What's to be done, an't please ye? + Nothing, but what is very easy; + To bark at Fellows that look poor, + Fright pilfring Strolers from the Door; + And then, which is the chiefest matter, + To wag your Tail, to coax and flatter + Those of the Family; for this + They'll give you hundred Niceties, + As Chicken Bones, boyl'd Loins of Mutton, + As good as ever Tooth was put in, + The licking of a greasy Dish, + And all the Dainties Heart can wish; + Besides, the Master shall caress ye, + Spit in your Mouth, and----Heaven bless ye. + Good Sir, let's go immediately, + Reply'd the Wolf, and wept for Joy. + They went; and tho' they walk'd apace, + The Wolf spy'd here and there a Place + About the Neck of Mastiff, where, + It seems, his Curship lost some Hair, + And said, pray Brother Dog, What's this? + Nothing. Nay, tell me, what it is; + It looks like gall'd. Perhaps 'tis from + My Collar. Then, I find, at home + They tie you. Yes. I'm not inclin'd to't, + Or goes it loose when y'have a Mind to't, + Truely not always; but what's that? + What's that! quoth he; I smell a Rat; + My Liberty is such a Treasure, + I'll change it for no Earthly Pleasure; + At that his Wolfship fled, and so + Is flying still for ought I know. + + + + +_The Frog._ + + + A Frog threw his ambitious Eyes + Upon an Ox, admired his size, + And, from the smallness of an Egg, + Endeavoured to become as big. + He swells himself, and puffs, and blows, + And every foot, cries there he goes. + Well, Brother, have I bulk enough, + An't I as large, as he? What stuff! + Pray look again. The Dev'l a bit. + Then now. You don't come near him yet. + Again he swells, and swells so fast, + Till, straining more, he bursts at last. + So full of Pride is every Age! + A Citizen must have a Page, + A Petty Prince Ambassadors, + And Tradesmens Children Governours; + A Fellow, that i'n't worth a Louse, + Still keeps his Coach and Country-house; + A Merchant swell'd with haughtiness, + Looks ten times bigger than he is; + Buys all, and draws upon his Friend, + As if his Credit had no end; + At length he strains with so much Force, + Till, like the Frog, he bursts in course, + And, by his empty Skin you find, + That he was only fill'd with Wind. + + + + +_The Pumkin and Acorn._ + + + A Self conceited Country Bumkin + Thus made his glosses on a Pumkin. + The Fruit, says he, is very big, + The Stalk not thicker than a Twig, + Scarce any Root, great Leaves; I wonder, + Dame Nature should make such a blunder: + Had I been she, I would have plac'd it + On yon high Oak, and 'twould have grac'd it + Better than Acorns; its a whim + A little Shrub would do for them; + Why should a Tree so tall and fine, + Bear small stuff only fit for Swine? + But hundred things are made in waste, + Which shews the World was fram'd in haste. + Had I been sent for in those Days, + 'Twould have been managed otherwise: + I would have made all of a suit, + And large Trees should have had large Fruit. + Thus he went on, and in his Eyes, + The Simpleton was very wise; + A little after, coming nigh + An Oak, whose Crown was very high, + He liked the Place and down he laid + His weary Carcass, in the Shade: + But, as the find-fault Animal + Turn'd on his Back, an Acorn fell, + And hit his Nose a swinging Blow. + Good God was this the Pumkin now! + The very thought on't struck him dumb: + He prais'd his Maker, and went home. + + + The Moral. + + _The World's vast Fabrick is so well + Contrived by its Creator's Skill; + There's nothing in't, but what is good + To him, by whom its understood; + And what opposes Human Sence, + Shews but our Pride and Ignorance._ + + + + +_The Hands, Feet, and Belly._ + + + The Hands and Feet in Council met, + Were mightily upon the Fret, + And swore 'twas something more than hard, + Always to work without reward. + The Feet said, truly its a Jest, + That we should carry all the rest; + March at all Hours thro thick and thin, + With Shoes that let the Water in; + Our Nails are hard as Bullock's Horns, + Our Toes beset with plaguy Corns; + We rais'd four Blisters th' other Night, + And yet got not a farthing by't. + Brothers, reply'd the Hands, 'tis true, + We know what hardship's y' undergo; + But then w' are greater Slaves than you; + For tho' all day we scrape and rake, + And labour till our Fringers ake; + Tho' we've been ply'd at every thing; + Yet then, without considering + What pains or weariness we feel, + W'are forced to serve at every meal, + And often, whilst you're set at ease, + Drudge to the Knucles up in Grease; + As for your Corns and Nails in troth, + We have the trouble of cutting both. + Take this not, Brothers, in a sence, + That might create a Difference; + We only hinted it, to shew + We're full as badly us'd as you; + Our Grievances are general, + And caused by him that swallows all; + The ungrateful Belly is our bane, + Whom with our labour we maintain; + The ill natured'st Rogue, that e'er was fed, + The lazy'st Dog, that lives by Bread. + For him we starve; for what d'ye think + Becomes of all the Meat and Drink? + 'Tis he, that makes us look so thin, + To stretch his everlasting Skin; + Tho' we do all his Business, + What did he ever give to us? + And therefore let my Lord _Abdomen_ + Say what he will, we'll work for no Man. + Nay if we scratch him tho' he itches, + Calls us a hundred Sons of Bitches. + And, if you do the same, you'll see, } + He'll quickly be as lean as we; } + What say ye, Brothers, do y' agree? } + Yes, says the Feet, and he be curst, + That dares to think of stirring first. + And thus the Rebels disobey; + Who swear they'll now keep Holy-day, + Resolv'd to live like Gentlemen. + His Gutship calls and calls again, + They answer'd they would toil no more; + But rest as he had done before: + But soon the Mutineers repent; } + The Belly when his Stock was spent, } + Could not send down the Nourishment, } + That's requisite for every part; + The weakness seiz'd the drooping Heart: + Till all the Members suffer'd by't, + And languished in a woeful plight: + They saw, when 'twas too late, how he, + Whom they accused of Gluttony, + Of Laziness, Ingratitude, } + Had labour d for the common Good, } + By ways they never understood. } + + + The Moral. + + _The Belly is the Government, + From whence the Nourishment is sent, + Of wholesome Laws for mutual Peace, + For Plenty, Liberty, and Ease, + To all the Body Politick, + Which where it fails the Nation's sick. + The Members are the discontent_ + Pleibeians; _that are ignorant, + How necessary for the State + It is, that Princes should be great: + Which, if their Pomp and Pow'r were less, + Could not preserve our Happiness. + The Vulgar think all Courts to be + But Seats of Sloth and Luxury; + Themselves, but Slaves compell'd to bear + The Taxes, and the Toils of War; + But in this Fable they may see + The dismal Fruits of Mutiny; + Whilst Subjects, that assist the Crown, + But labour to maintain their own._ + + + + +_The Countryman and the Knight._ + + + An honest Countryman had got + Behind his House a pretty Spot, + Of Garden Ground, with all what might + Contribute to the Taste and Sight, + The Rose and Lilly, which have been + Still kept to compliment the Skin, + Poppies renown'd for giving ease, + With Roman Lettice, Endive, Pease, + And Beans, which Nat'ralists do reckon + To be so ominous to Bacon. + The Beds were dung'd, the Walks well swept, + And every thing was nicely kept. + Only a Hare wou'd now and then + Spite of the Master and the Men + Make raking work for half a day, + Then fill her Gut and scow'r away. + In vain they beat and search the Ground, + The cunning Jilt can ne'er be found, + The Master once in angry Mood } + Starts up and swears by all that's good, } + He'd be revenged, that he would. } + Runs to a Country Knight his Neighbour, + And there complains how all his labour + Was spoil'd by one confounded Hare, + Which though the'd watch'd her every where + He nor his People ne'er could catch, + And of a certain was a Witch. + His Worship smiles and promises + To rid him of the Sawcy Puss. + At break of Day _Jack_ winds his Horn, + The Beagles scamper thro' the Corn; + Deep mouth'd Curs set up a Cry, + And make a cursed Symphony. + Now stir you Rogues; the Knight is come + With _Robin_, _Lightfoot_, _Dick_ and _Tom_. + The House is full of Dogs and Boys, + And ev'ry where's a horrid Noise, + Well, Landlord, Come, What shall we do? + Must w' eat a Bit before we go? + What have you got? Now all's fetch'd out, + The Victuals rak'd, and tore about. + One pairs the Loaf, another Groom } + Draws Beer, as if he was at home, } + And spils it half about the Room. } + What Horseman's yonder at the Door? + Why, Faith, there's half a dozen more: + They're Gentlemen, that live at Court, + Come down the Country for some Sport; + Some old Acquaintance of the Knight, + Who whips from Table, bids 'em light. + They ask no Questions but sit down, + Fall too as if it was their own. + One finishes the Potted Salmon, + Then swears, because he had no Lemon. + Good Lord, how sharp the Rogues are set! + It puts my Landlord in a Sweat. + His Daughter comes with fresh Supplies + Of Collard Beef, and Apple-pies. + His Worship falls aboard of her; + The modest Creature quakes for fear. + When do we marry Mistress _Ann_? + Who is to be the happy Man? + He takes her Hand, and chucks her Chin, + Stares in her Face, commends her Skin, + Removes her Linnen, shews her Neck; + There's Milk, and Blood, Gad take me _Jack_. + She blushes, and he vows she is + A pretty Girl, then takes a Kiss; + She don't consent, nor dares deny, + Defends herself respectfully; + And now the Knight would let her go; } + Another Rake cries, Damme no: } + I'll have a Kiss as well as you. } + He hugs her close, then calls her Dear, + And whispers bawdy in her Ear. + My charming Rogue, I would not hurt ye. + She answers not, but drops a Courtsie. + He's rude, and she's asham'd to squeak; + Her Father sees it, dares not speak; + But patiently enduring all, + Stands like a Statue in the Hall. + Now for the Garden and the Hare, + The Dogs get in, and scrape and tear, + The Horsemen follow, leap the Rails; + Down goes the Quick-set-hedge, and Pales. + The Huntsman hollows, runs and pushes, + All goes to Rack, the Borders, Bushes. + And now my Landlord cries amain, + You've ruin'd me; but all in vain. + The Cabbages are kick'd about, + And Flowers with Roots and all pull'd out. + The Beds are levell'd with the Ground, + At last poor trembling Puss is found + Hid underneath a Collyflower. + The Prey is took, away they scower, + And leave our Countryman to think + On all his Loss of Meat and Drink: + What havock's made in ev'ry place, + His Daughter wrong'd before his Face. + Small was the Mischief of the Hare + To ravenous Hunters to compare. + He wrings his Hands, and all in Tears + Repents his foolish rashness, swears, + He'll ne'er call help again in haste, + Since Hounds and Horses made more waste, + In half an hour, than all the Hares + Of th' Country could in Seven Years. + + + The Moral. + + _When petty Princes can't agree, + And strive for Superiority, + They often take my Landlord's Course, + Invite for Aid a foreign Force; + And when their Subjects Slaves are made, + Their Countries all in ruins laid, + As commonly it proves their fate, + Repent with him when it's too late._ + + + + +_The Plague among the Beasts._ + + + One time a mighty Plague did pester + All Beasts Domestick and _Sylvester_, + They try'd a world of Remedies; + But none that conquer'd the Disease: + And, as in the Calamity + All did not dye, so none were free. + The Lyon in this Consternation + Sends by his Royal Proclamation + To all his loving Subjects greeting, + And summons 'em t' a general Meeting; + And when they're come about his Den, + He says, my Lords and Gentlemen, + I believe you're met full of the Sence + Of this consuming Pestilence; + Sure such extraordinary Punishment + On common Crimes was never sent; + Therefore it took its derivation, + Not from the trivial Sence of the Nation; + But some notorious Wickedness; } + Then let us search our Consciences, } + And ev'ry one his Faults confess. } + We'll judge the biggest and the least, + And he that is the wicked'st Beast + Shall as a Sacrifice be giv'n, + T'allay the wrath of angry Heav'n, + And serve our Sins an expiation + By ancient way of Immolation; + And, since no one is free from Sin, + Thus with my own I'll first begin. + I've kill'd an Ox, and which is worse, + Committed Murder on a Horse; + And one Day, as I am a Sinner, + I have eat seven Pigs for Dinner, + Robb'd Woods, and Fens, and like a Glutton, + Fed on whole Flocks of Lamb and Mutton: + Nay sometimes, for 'tis in vain to lie, + The Shepherd went for Company. + This was his Speech; when Chanc'lor Fox + Cries out, what signifies an Ox, + Or Horse? Sure those unworthy things + Are honour'd, when made sport for Kings. + But, Sir, your Conscience is too nice, + Hunting's a Princely Exercise: + As for the Sheep, that foolish Cattle, + Not fit for Carriage nor for Battle, + And being tolerable Meat, + Are good for nothing, but to eat. + The shepherd your sworn Enemy + Deserv'd no better Destiny. + Thus was he, that had sin'd for Twenty, + Clear'd _Nemine Contradicente_. + The Bear, the Tyger, Beasts that fight, + And all that could but scratch or bite + Came off well; for their gross Abuses + Others as bad found Excuses. + Nay even the Cat of wicked Nature + That kills at play his Fellow Creature + Went scot free: But his Gravity + An Ass of stupid Memory + Confess'd, that, going to _Sturbridge_-Fair + His Back most broke with Wooden-ware, + He chanc'd half starv'd, and faint, to pass + By a Church-yard with exc'lent Grass, + They had forgot to shut the Gate, + He ventur'd in, stoop'd down and ate. + Hold, cries Judge Wolf, no more, for Crimes + As these, deserve such fatal Times. + By several Acts of Parliament + 'Tis Sacriledge, they all consent; + And thus the silly virtuous Ass + Was Sacrifis'd for eating Grass. + + + The Moral. + + _The Fable shews you poor Folk's fate + Whilst Laws can never reach the Great._ + + + + +_The Grasshopper and Ant._ + + + A Merry Grasshopper, that sung + And tun'd it all the Summer long, + Fed on small Flies, and had no Reason + To have sad thoughts the gentler Season; + For when 'twas hot the Wind at South, + The Victuals flew into his Mouth: + But when the Winters cold came on, + He found he was as much undone, + As any Insect under Heav'n; + And now the hungry Songster's driv'n + To such a state, no Man can know it, + But a Musician or a Poet, + He makes a Visit to an Ant, + Desires he would relieve his want; + I come not in a begging way, } + Says he, No Sir, name but a day } + In _July_ next, and I'll repay, } + Your Interest and your Principal + Shall both be ready at a Call. + The thrifty Ant says truly Neighbour, + I get my Living by hard Labour; + But you, that in this Storm came hither, + What have you done when 'twas fair Weather? + I've sung, replies the Grasshopper; + Sung! says the Ant, your Servant, Sir; + If you have sung away the best + Of all the Year, go dance the rest. + + + + +_The Milk Woman._ + + + A Straping Dame, a going to Town + To sell her Milk with thin Stuff Gown, + And Coats tuck'd up fit for a Race, + Marches along a swinging Pace: + And in her Thoughts already counts + The Price to which her Milk amounts; + She fancies all is sold, and lays + The Money out a hundred ways; + At last she's fix'd, and thinks it plain, + That Eggs would bring the surest Gain: + She buys a hundred, which she reckons + Will four Weeks hence be six Score Chickens. + Such mighty care she takes to rear 'em, + No Fox or Kite can e'er come near 'em, + The finest Hens are kept for Eggs; + The others sold to buy some Piggs; + To whom a little Bran she gives + With Turnep-tops and Cabbage leaves; + And tho' they get no Pease to speak on, + Yet in short time they're sold for Bacon. + O! how the Money pleas'd her Thought + For which a Cow and Calf are bought; + She'll have 'em on the Common kept, + There see 'em jump, at that she leapt + For joy; down comes the Pail, and now + Good Night t'ye Chickens, Calf and Cow, + Eggs, Bacon; all her busy care, + With them are dwindled into Air. + She looks with Sorrow on the Ground, + And Milk, in which her Fortune's drown'd: + Then carries home the doleful News, + And strives to make the best Excuse: + Her Husband greets her with a Curse, + And well it was she far'd no worse. + The Hermit, and the Man of Fame, + _Pompeus_, and our Country Dame, + The wisest Judge, and my Lord May'r, + They all build Castles in the Air: + And all a secret Pleasure take + In dreaming whilst they are awake: + Pleas'd with our Fancies we possess + Friends, Honour, Women, Palaces. + When I'm alone I dare defy + Mankind for Wit and Bravery. + I beat the _French_ in half an Hour, + Get all their Cities in my Power. + Sometimes I'm pleas'd to be a King, + That has success in every thing, + And just when all the World's my own, + Comes one to dun me for a Crown; + And presently I am the poor, + And idle Dunce I was before. + + + + +_The Cock, the Cat, and the young Mouse._ + + + A Mouse of no Experience + Was almost nabb'd for want of Sence. + Hear how the silly young one told + Her strange Adventure to the old. + I cross'd the Limits of our State, + And ran as swift as any Rat; + When suddenly I spy'd two Creatures + Of very different Form and Features. + The one look'd smiling, milde, and Civil, + The other was a very Devil; + He look'd so fierce, made such a rout, + Then tore the Ground, then turn'd about; + He ne'er stood still, upon his Head + He wore a piece of Flesh that's red; + A bunch of Tails with green and black + Stood staring higher than his back. + And thus describes the simple Mouse + A Cock he had seen behind the House, + As had it been some Beast of Prey + Brought over from _America_. + With insolence, says he, he strides, + And beats with his broad Arms his sides; + Then lifts his shrill and frightful Voice, + And made so terrible a Noise, + That tho' I can assure you, Mother, + I've as much Courage as another, + I trembled, and as I am here, + Was forc'd to fly away for fear. + I curs'd the Bully in my thought; + For 'twas that strutting Ruffi'n's Fault; + Or else that other Beast and I + Had been acquainted presently. + He sat so quiet with such Grace, + So much good Nature in his Face, + He's furr'd like we, and on his Back + So purely streak'd with gray and black; + He has a long Tail, shining Eye, + Yet is all over Modesty. + I believe he is a near Relation + To our Allies the Rattish Nation: + His Ears and Whiskers are the same + With ours, I would have ask'd his Name, + When with his harsh and horrid sound + The other made me quit my Ground. + Replies the Mother, well 'scap'd Son, + You have been very near undone; + That formal Piece of Modesty, + That Mirror of Hypocrisy, + Was a damn'd Cat of wicked Fame; + My Heart akes at the very Name, + The everlasting Foe to Mouse, + Death and Destruction to our House. + Whereas that other Animal + Ne'er did us hurt, nor never will; + But may, when he is dead and gone, + Serve us one Day to dine upon. + Then prithee son, whate'er you do, + Take special Care of him, whom you + For such an humble Creature took, + And judge not People by their Look. + + + + +_The Cock and Pearl._ + + + A Cock, not very nicely fed, + A Dunghill raker by his Trade, + Whilst scraping in the dirt, had found + A Pearl worth Five and Twenty Pound: + He goes hard by t' a Jeweller, + And like a silly Dog, says Sir, + In yonder Rubbish lay a bit + Of something that in't good to eat, + If you think it will serve your turn, + I'll change it for a grain of Corn. + Nay sometimes Men will do as bad, + I've known a foolish Heir, that had + A Manuscript of Wit and Labour, + Say to a Bookseller his Neighbour, + I've got some Sheets my Uncle writ, + They say he was a Man of Wit, + But Books are things I don't much matter, + A Crown would do my Business better. + + + + +_The Lyon's Court._ + + + It happen'd that some Years ago, + The Lyon had a Mind to know, + What beastly Nations up and down + Belong'd to his Imperial Crown: + And therefore in his Princely care + Sends word by Letters every where, + That he would keep an open Court, + Grace it with every Royal Sport; + And so invites 'em to his Palace, + A Cave that stunk worse than the Gallows. + The Bear snorts at it, snuffles, blows, + Draws hundred Wrinkles in his Nose. + What need the Fool to have made such Faces? + The Lyon frown'd at his Grimaces, + And for the Niceness of his Smell + My Gentleman is sent to Hell. + The Monky fam'd for flattery + Extalls this Action to the Sky, + Then prais'd the King's majestick Face, + The stately building of the Place, + The Smell, whose Fragrancy so far + Exceeds all other Scents that are, + That there's no Amber, said the Sot, + But what's a house of Office to't. + This gross insipid stuff the Prince } + Dislikes and calls it Impudence, } + To speak so contrary to Sence. } + And as the one was thought too free, + So th' other dy'd for Flattery. + This Lyon had the reputation + To be _Caligula's_ Relation. + The Fox being near; the peevish King + Ask'd his Opinion of the thing. + Tell me what smell it is, be bold, + Sir, says the Fox, I've got a Cold. + If you would have your Answers please + Great Men make use of such as these. + Bluntness and bare-faced Flattery + Can never with the Court agree. + + + + +_The Drunkard and his Wife._ + + + Man is so obstinate a Creature + No Remedy can change his Nature. + Fear, Shame, all ineffectual prove + To cure us from the Vice we love. + A Drunkard, that had spent his Wealth, + And by the Wine impar'd his Health, + One Night was very Drunk brought home; + His Wife conveys him to a Tomb; + Undresses him from Head to Feet, + And wraps him in a Winding-sheet: + He wakes, and finds he's not a Bed, + All over dress'd like one that's dead: + Besides, she counterfeits her Voice, + With Torch in hand, and grunting Noise, + Looks frightful in a strange Array, + To pass for Dame _Ctesiphone_. + And every thing is done so well, + He thinks he's fairly gone to Hell; + And satisfy'd it was his Merit, + He says to his dissembling Spirit, + Who are you in the Name of Evil? + She answers hoarsely I'm a Devil, + That carries Victuals to the Damn'd, + By me they are with Brimstone cramm'd. + What, says the Husband, do you think + Never to bring them any Drink? + + + + +_The Carp._ + + + A Handsome Carp genteely bred, + In fresh and running Water fed, + Puff'd up with Pride and Vanity, + Forsook the _Thames_ and went to Sea; + Thro' Shrimps and Prawns he cuts his way, + Sees Cods and Haddocks frisk and play; + He ask'd some questions, but in vain, + All spoke the Language of the Main; + He frets he can't be understood, + When, at the latter end of Flood, + Two Herrings vers'd in Languages + Were talking about Business; + Carp heard 'em, as he swum along, + Discoursing in his River Tongue, + And made a stop, they did the same, + One of the Herrings ask'd his Name, + And whence he came; the Traveller + Reply'd, I am a Stranger, Sir, + Come for my Pleasure to these Parts + To learn your Manners and your Arts: + Then Herring asks what News of late? + Which are your Ministers of State? + Indeed, said Carp, he could not tell, + Nor did much care, quoth Herring well + What Laws, what Form of Government? + Are Taxes rais'd, without consent + Of Parliament? what Courts of? Pish, + Says th' other, I'm a gentle Fish, + And we know nothing of those Matters; + Quoth Herring, I'm no Fish that flatters, + I find you've neither seen nor read, + And wonder you should break your Head, + With what's in other Countries done, + That knows so little of your own. + At this the haughty Fool takes snuff, + Turns from 'em in a mighty huff; + And whilst he slides and flourishes + He meets a Country Fish of his, + One us'd to Sea, a subtle Spark, + A Pike that serv'd his time t' a Shark; + Who leads him into Company + Of Riot and Debauchery; + The scandalous Gang in little time + Infect him with the Salt, and Slime: + They robb'd his Row, till scurvily + At last he's forc'd to leave the Sea. + His Scales begin to drop by scores, + And all his Body's full of Sores. + Half of his Tail, and Snout are gone, + And he, lean, shabby and undone, + Sneaks home as vain and ignorant, + As e'er he was before he went. + + + The Moral. + + _Some Fops that visit_ France _and_ Rome, + _Before they know what's done at home, + Look like our Carp when come again. + Strange Countries may improve a Man, + That knew the World before he went; + But he, that sets out ignorant, + Whom only Vanity intices, + Brings Nothing from 'em, but their Vices._ + + + + +_The Nightingale and Owl._ + + + The Bird of _Jove_, who was all Day, + As much intent upon his Prey, + As any Prince in Christendom, + Was not well pleased, that coming home, + He always found his Folks a Bed, + (Sure Courtiers should be better bred.) + For, as Crown'd Heads have much to think, + Some Nights he could not sleep a wink; + And thought it hard to have ne'er a Bird + In all his Court could speak a Word, + Or snuff a Candle, hundred things, + That are of use to waking Kings. + Some Birds strove hard, did what they could; + Yet when 't grew dark, slept as they stood. + Others pretended that they watch'd, + And swore and ly'd till they were catch'd. + The King would not be put upon: + Asks all his Court what's to be done? + One talks no wiser than a Horse, + Another makes it ten times worse, + The Ostrich said, It's plain to me, + We sleep because we cannot see; + Ask _Jupiter_, he can't deny't, + To let it when 'tis dark be light---- + At that all stopt his Speech a laughing, + Except the King, who fell a coughing. + Says one more learned than the rest, + I'm for a Crane with stone in Fist; + If he should sleep it must be known, + For presently he'll drop the stone. + But as the Watchmen were to be + In the upper Garret of the Tree, + The King for weighty Reasons said, + He'd have no Stones held o'er his Head, + Then cries the Swan, and he was right, + If one pretends to watch all Night. + He cannot do a better thing, + To make us believe it than to sing. + His Majesty approves of it, + And Letters presently are writ; + By which the Airy Prince invites + All Birds to Court, that sung a Nights; + But most of 'em look on the same + As things of no concern to them. + Yet some that had Ambition + Would very willingly have gone, + But since they could not watch in short, + And might perhaps be punish'd for't, + At best they could propose no Gains. + But t' have their Labour for their Pains. + Only the Nightingale, whose Art + Man knows, had fill'd his little Heart + With so much Joy, he's more than glad, + And almost ready to run mad; + Calls on all Birds and shakes his Wings, + Tells them how every Night he sings; + (A thing, which they knew nothing of, + For by that time they're fast enough.) + Says he it hits so luckily, + As if it was contriv'd for me, + What cause to doubt of being chose, + When there's not one that can oppose. + His Friend the Black-bird says, if so, } + Make haste to Court; why don't you go? } + The haughty Bird cries truly No, } + Glory's a thing I never went for, + Nor shall go now unless I am sent for. + At last the King by Mistress Fame, + 'S acquainted with his Skill and Name, + And hearing of his Stateliness + Sends half a dozen Deputies; + Who, when they're come, are forced to wait: + The Bird makes every thing look great; + He humbly thanks his Majesty; + But could not leave his Family. + They still persuade and press him hard, + He need not doubt of a great Reward. + And as the Nightingale delays, + And banters 'em for several Days; + A Magpye in the Field at play + Heard how he made the Courtiers stay, + Goes home and there relates the Story, + The Message, and the Bird's Vain glory, + T' an Owl, who from his Infancy + Had liv'd in the same Family; + And adds, why don't you take a Flight? + I've often heard you sing at Night; + When wak'd by our unlucky Boys. + Says the Owl, I know I have no Voice + As well as you: But if you hear me, + Young Jackanaps you need not jeer me. + By _George_, says Mag, I'm not in jest, + What though the Nightingale sings best, + He is so proud, takes so much state, + A thing I know all Princes hate, + That if y'are there before the other, + Who wants such Courtship, keeps such pother, + I don't know but your solemn Face, + And modest Mein may get the place. + I'll go my self for Company: } + And Mag discoursed so winingly, } + The Match is made away they fly. } + The King by this time thought it long + To stay for a Nocturnal Song + When Master Magpy, and his Friend, + Were just come to their Journy's end. + They told their Business modestly, + And are lodg'd on the Royal Tree. + The Owl sets up his Note at Night, + At which the Eagle laugh'd out right, + Then went to sleep and two Hours after + He wak'd, and wanted to make Water. + Call'd to his Watch, who presently + Jump'd in, and cry'd Sir, Here am I. + So, tho his Owlship could not sing, + His watchfulness had pleas'd the King. + Next day arrives the Nightingale, + With his Attendance at his Tail. + His Majesty would by no Means } + Admit him to an Audience; } + But sends a stately Bird of Sence, } + Who thus accosted him. Signior, + Whom we so long have waited for; + Since Yesterday a Bird came hither, + As grave as ever wore a Feather, + Who without promise of Reward + Last Night has serv'd upon the Guard, + With him to Morrow Night the King + Has order'd you to watch and sing, + Says Nightingale, what do I care + For Orders? I am free, and swear + My Master-lays shall mix with none, + They make a Consort of their own: + But who has so much vanity, + That dares pretend to sing with me? + And hearing twas th' _Athenian_ Bird, + He star'd and cou'd not speak a Word, + Grew pale, and swell'd, his Wind came short, + And Anger overwhelm'd his Heart. + He foams at Mouth, and raves, and blusters, + And utters all his Words in Clusters. + A King! a Devil, stupid Fowl, + That can compare me to an Owl! + Pray says the Courtier, have a Care, + Consider in what place you are; + But, as the Fool would hear no Reason, + He went, and left him sputt'ring Treason, + Then told what happen'd to the King, + Who said he'd never hear him sing; + The Owl should be kept in his Place, + And th' other punish'd with Disgrace; + He wisely weigh'd one's Complaisance + Against the other's Insolence, + Oppos'd the Humble to the Rude, + And thought the one might do more Good, + With Loyalty and Diligence, + Than th' other with his Skill and Sence. + The Nightingale is kick'd from Court + And serv'd the little Birds for sport; + Till full of Shame and Grief he went, + And curs'd the King and Government. + + + The Moral. + + _Princes can never satisfy + That Worth that rates itself too high. + What Pity it is! some Men of Parts + Should have such haughty stubborn Hearts: + When once they are courted they grow vain: + Ambitious Souls cannot contain + Their Joy, which when they strive to hide, + They cover it with so much Pride, + So Saucy to Superiors, + Impatient of Competitors, + Th' are utterly untractable, + And put off like our Nightingale. + Many with him might have been great, + Promoted Friends, and serv'd the State, + That have beheld, with too much Joy, + The wish'd for Opportunity; + Then slipt it by their own Delays, + Sloth, Pride, or other willful Ways, + And ever after strove in vain + To see the Forelock once again._ + + + + +_Council held by the Rats._ + + + A Cat, whose Sirname pretty hard was, + One Captain _Felis Rodilardus_ + Had made so terrible a slaughter + Among the Rats; that little after + There's hardly one to shew his head, + Most part of 'em were maim'd or dead. + The few that yet had 'scap'd the Grave, + Liv'd in a subterranean Cave, + Where they sat thinking mighty dull, + With Bellies less than quarter full, + Not daring to stir out for fear + Of _Rodilard_, who's ev'ry where. + They tried a hundred ways to sun him: + But finding they could never shun him, + The Wretches look upon him, that + He's more a Devil than a Cat. + Once, when our am'rous Spark was gone + A hunting Wenches up and down, + The poor remainder to improve + The time their Enemy made love, + Assembl'd, and employ'd their Cares + About the straits of their Affairs. + Their President, a Man of Sence, + Told 'em, by long experience; + I know, the Captain used to come + In Ambush without beat of Drum. + Methinks, that if we could but hear him + We need not half so much to fear him: + And therefore, th' only way's to take + A Bell, and tie't about his Neck; + And then let him be ne'er so arch + He'll advertise us of his march. + His Council took, and every one } + Was of the same Opinion; } + Sure nothing better could be done. } + But pray, says one, who is to tie it; + For I desire not to be nigh it. + How! cries another, tie the Bell, + I dare draw all his Teeth as well. + A third, a fourth, all say the same, + And so they parted as they came. + + + The Moral. + + _Thus Cits advise what's to be done, + This way they should attack the Town; + Now here, then there, why don't they come? + So, often in a Coffee-room, + Where prudently they rule the Nation, + I've heard some Men of Reputation + Propose things which they dare as well + Perform, as Rats to tie the Bell._ + + + + +_The Bat and the two Weasels._ + + + A Purblind Bat a heedless Beast + Ran headlong into a Weasel's Nest, + Who big with Child, and Passionate, + Had long since bore a mortal hate + To Mice; she rises, takes a Knife, + Runs to 'm resolv'd to have his Life, + And says: What Rascal in my House! + O impudence! a'nt you a Mouse? + Confess: Yes, I am sure you are, + Or I'm no Weasel: Have a Care, + No Names, good Lady, says the Bat, + No more a Mouse, than you a Rat. + What, I a Mouse? I scorn the Word; + And thank the Gods that made m' a Bird; + Witness my Wings, they're proof enough; + Long live the Birds, and so came off. + Some two Days after giddy brain + By a mischance, intrudes again + T' another Weasel's, who hates Birds, + She lets him enter, made no Words; + But fairly caught him by his Crupper, + And went to cranch him for her Supper. + In quality of Bird, says he, + Madam, this is an Injury, + Damn all the Birds, I do Protest + You wrong me: Sure y'are but in jest, + What reason I should pass for one? + All Birds have Feathers, I have none. + I am a Mouse long live the Rats, + And _Jupiter_ confound the Cats. + + + The Moral. + + _The Trimmer that will side with none, + Is forc'd to side with ev'ry one; + And with his Comp'ny change his story, + Long live the Whig, long live the Tory._ + + + + +_The two Bitches._ + + + A Bitch, who hardly had a day + To reckon, knew not where to lay + Her Burthen down: She had no Bed; + Nor any Roof to hide her Head; + Desires a Bitch of the same Pack, + To let her have, for Heaven's sake, + Her House against her Lying-in. + Th' other, who thought it was a Sin, + To baulk a Wretch so near her Labour, + Says, Yes, 'tis at your Service, Neighbour. + She stays the Month out, and above, + And then desires her to remove: + But th' other tells her, there's yet none + Of all my Whelps can walk alone, + Have patience but one Fortnight longer. + I hope by that time they'll be stronger. + She grants it, and when that's about, + Again she asks her to turn out; + Resign her Chamber, and her Bed: + The other shew'd her Teeth, and said, + My Children now are strong enough, + Some of 'em able to stand buff. + W' are free to go, but don't mistake us, + That is to say, if you can make us. + + + The Moral. + + _Whoever lets the Wicked in + Shall hardly get them out again; + What they can keep, they'll ne'er restore, + And by fair Means you'll have no more + Returns from them, than from the Grave, + Therefore he that will lend a Knave, + Must be resolv'd on Law and Force; + If not, he'll bid you take your Course._ + + + + +_The Sick Lyon and the Fox._ + + + The King of Brutes sent all about, + He was afflicted with the Gout; + And orders ev'ry Species + To visit him by Embassies. + To see his Subject Beasts would be + Some Comfort to him in his Misery: + He swears them faithfully, they shall + Be lodg'd, and treated very well. + Then for a Safeguard, sends forsooth, + Passes against his Claw and Tooth. + His Vassals in obedience come, } + And ev'ry Species sends him some. } + Only the Foxes stay at home; } + Their Reason was, they saw the Print + Of ev'ry beastly Foot, that went: + But found no Marks, by which, 'twas plain, + That any e'er came back again: + And truly that's suspicious, + Says one, poor Folks are timerous. + We know the King would not abuse us; + But yet desire him to excuse us. + As for his Pass we thank him for't, + And believe 'tis good. But in his Court + We know, which way we may go in, + But not, which to come back again. + + + The Moral. + + _Wise Men sometimes Instruction find + In that, which others never mind; + Examining the least of things, + By Deeds, not Words, they judge of Kings; + And never venture on that Coast, + Where once they knew another lost._ + + + + +_The Satyr and the Passenger._ + + + A Satyr at his Country House, + A dismal Cave, was with his Spouse, + And Brats a going to eat some Broth: + Without a Chair, or Table-Cloath, + On mossy ground they squatted down, + With special Stomachs of their own. + And just as they fell to a main, + Comes one to shelter for the Rain: + The Guest's invited to sit down, + Tho' in the mean time they went on. + He shiver'd, look'd as cold as Death, + And warm'd his Fingers with his Breath, + Says ne'er a Word, takes good Advice, + And stays not till they ask him twice, + Falls to the Porridge, takes a sup; + But being newly taken up, + 'Twas hot, he blows it. Says the Satyr, + Whose Palate could bear scalding-water, + Friend, what the Devil are you a doing? + What do you mean by all this blowing? + The Stranger answers, I did blow + At first to warm my hands, and now + I blow again to cool my Broth. + How, says my Landlord, does it both! + Than y'are not like to stay with me, + I hate such juggling Company. + What! Out of the same Mouth to blow + Both hot and cold! Friend, prithee go. + I thank the Gods my Roof contains + None such as you. The Fable means. + + + The Moral. + + _None are more like to do us wrong; + Than those that wear a double Tongue._ + + + + +_The Lyon in Love._ + + + Before the Reign of Buxom _Dido_, + When Beasts could speak as well as I do; + Lyons and we convers'd together, + And marry'd among one another. + Nay, why not? they have more bravery, + And are of the eldest Family. + One of 'em walking in a Grove, + Met with a Wench, and fell in Love. + Says he, dear Girl, upon my Life, + Y'are handsome, and must be my Wife. + Then sees her Home, and asks her Father, + Th' old Gentleman would have had rather + A Son-in-Law of milder Nature, + And not so terrible a Feature; + He could not give her heartily, + And yet 'twas dangerous to deny. + Besides she lov'd a fierce Gallant, + Says he, they have ask'd my Consent; + If now I make a Noise about it, + Who knows but they may do't without it. + Therefore he us'd a Stratagem + With honey-words to wheedle him. + My Daughter thanks you, Sir, for the honour, + Which you are pleas'd to bestow upon her. + To talk of Joyntures would be rude; + I know what's for my Children's good. + She's wholly yours, and from this hour, + Son, I resign her to your power. + I only wish, because your Bride + Has but a foolish tender Hide, + That when you take her in your Arm, + For fear your Claws might do her harm, + You'd suffer somebody to pare 'em; + And then your Spouse need not to fear 'em. + Your Teeth indeed look fine and strong; + But yet th'are somewhat sharp and long; + If y'had 'em filed an Inch or two, + 'T would be no prejudice to you, + And she'd respect you ne'er the less, + Admire the softness of your kiss, + And be more free with you a Bed. + So senceless is a Lover's head: + The Lyon yields, and stupidly + Lets 'em disarm him _Cap-a-pe_. + And so the loving Son-in-Law, + Remaining without Tooth or Claw, + Look'd as defenceless as a Town + With all the Walls and Gates broke down, + With Dogs his complaisance they pay, + To whom he falls an easy Prey. + + + The Moral. + + _Where Love his Tyrany Commences; + There, farewell Prudence, farewell Sences._ + + + + +_The Angler and the little Carp._ + + + That little Fishes may be greater, + And that, the larger th' are the better + I know; but then, to let em swim, + And all the while to stay for 'em; + Since catching so uncertain is, + I think's a foolish Business. + An Angler patiently a fishing + Employ'd with looking on, and wishing, + Catches at last a little Carp + That's very poor; but being sharp + He thought 'twas something to begin, + Opens his pouch to put him in. + But cries the Prisoner pitiously + Alas, what would you do with me! + Let me grow bigger, throw me in. + Some two Year hence you'll catch m' again; + I'll stay for you, for you may be sure; + Then sell me to some Epicure, + But now I'm such a silly Fish, + A hundred would not make a Dish; + And if they should, when all is done, + There would be only Skin and Bone. + Says the Angler I've a Mind to try you, + And if y' an't fit to Stew, I'll Fry you. + Leave preaching till anon, and then + Discourse your Mattets to the Pan. + + + The Moral. + + I _Chuse_ One is _for_ two May be's, + _One sure for Ten_ Uncertainties. + + + + +_The Wolves and the Sheep._ + + + Between the Wolves, and Sheep, the Wars + Had lasted many hundred Years. + The Sheep could never feed in quiet; + But Wolves disturb'd 'em at their Diet: + And truly Wolf is every Day + By Mastiff hunted from his Prey. + The Shepherd often cuts his Throat, + And turns his Skin into a Coat. + But now both Parties are for ease; + And met to agree on terms of Peace. + When in Debates some time was spent, + On each side Hostages are sent: + As such both Nations were to give + What's valued most, the Wolves receive, + The Dogs, of which in Awe they stood; + The Sheep young Wolves of noble Blood: + And thus the Peace is ratify'd, + With Joy proclaim'd on every side. + But in short time the Whelps grew strong, + The sturdy Rogues began to long + For Blood, and Mischief; watch'd a day, + The Shepherds were not in the way, + Then hunt the young ones from their Dames, + And pick'd and cull'd the finest Lambs; + Kill'd and devour'd a Multitude; + The rest they carry'd to a Wood, + Where with the other Wolves they joyn, + Who knew before hand their design. + The Dogs on publick Faith secure + (And pray what ties could be more sure) + Where whilst they slept, and thought no harm, + Throttled before they heard th' alarm. + + + The Moral. + + _Some Nations, fond of slothful Ease, + Trust to deluding Enemies; + And striving to avoid Expence, + Will leave themselves without defence; + But cunning Tyrants call 'em Friends, + No longer than it serves their Ends. + Against a mighty King that is, + Regardless of his Promises, + Proclaim an everlasting War, + Observe his Motions, watch with care; + And never hearken to Peace, + Proffer'd by faithless Enemies._ + + + + +_The Wasps and Bees._ + + + A Troop of Wasps claims openly + Some Honey Combs without a Tree. + A Regiment of Bees declares, } + The Honey, and the Combs, were theirs, } + And let him touch the Goods that dares; } + They'd shew that they were Bees, and forsooth. + Then says the Wasps, we'll pluck a Crew for't, + An shall not fly for Bees, we scorn it. + However 'tis left to Justice Hornet, + Who could with all his subtle Sence + Make nothing of the Evidence; + In general they depose, 'tis true, + That Insects of a yellow hue, + With Tails containing poysonous Stings, + Long Body'd, buzzing with their Wings, + And all the Signs to paint a Bee, + Had been observ'd about that Tree. + But this could be no proof for them; + For in the Wasps they are the same, + His Lordship, for his Reputation + Heard a whole Ant's Nest's Information. + But being no wiser than before, + At last said he could do no more; + And made a learned Speech to shew 'em: + That this Court could say nothing to 'em: + It must be try'd in Chancery. + Up starts a pert well meaning Bee, + And Says, an't please your Lordship; 'tis + Six Months we left our Business: + And heard of nothing but Vacations, + And Writs of barbarous Appellations; + And all this while, you know we are, + My Lord, but even as we were. + The Honey every Day grows worse, + And greedy Lawyers drain our Purse. + Under submission we've enough + Of all this formal conjuring stuff. + I believe I can inform you better, + Which way you may decide the matter + What signifies our looking on, + And hearing Council pro and con? + Let's go to work and then you'll see, + Which spoke the Truth, the Wasps or we. + If they can make such Combs and fill + With Honey each sexang'lar Cell; + The Cause is theirs, and we'll pay Cost; + If not, I hope they'll yield it lost. + Which when the Wasps refus'd to do + Judge Hornet rose, and said, Oho! + I smoak you, Sirs, and gave the Bees + The Suit, with Costs and Damages. + + + The Moral. + + _Thus would I have all Judges give + Their Judgment. With the_ Turks _I believe, + That common Sence to end a Cause, + Is worth a hundred Common Laws. + They lead us such a way about, + Raise new Disputes, make such a Rout. + Between the Plaintiff and Defendant; + That by the time they make an end on't, + The Suit looks like an Oyster, where + The Fish falls to the Lawyer's Share; + And if the Cause be manag'd well, + Each of the Clients gets a Shell._ + + + + +_The Lyon and the Gnat._ + + + Away base Insect, that took Birth + From th' Exhalations of the Earth. + Thus spoke the Lyon to the Gnat; + Who answer'd, Bully, Think ye that + I'll bear Affronts? No: And declar'd + A War against him to his Beard; + And told the Hector, void of fear, + You'll find Sir King, how much I care + For all your Titles, Tooth and Claw, + Of which great Loobies stand in awe: + I'll quickly curb your haughtiness, + Damn'd Brute; and hardly utter'd this, + But sounds the Charge (he serv'd for all + For Trumpet and for General.) + He nimbly shifts from Place to Place, + And plays before the Lyon's Face; + The other snaps and strikes the Air; + The Gnat avoids him every where; + He watch'd his time, then seiz'd his Neck, + From thence he mov'd, and stung his Back, + There fasten'd, made his Kingship mad, + His Eyes sparkle in his Head; + He foams and roars, and all what's near + Trembles, and hides itself for fear, + Yet, of this general Hurrican, + And dire Alarm th' Occasion + Is, what one would suspect the least, + So small an Atom of a Beast. + With hundred rambling flights he teases + The Brute, and leads him where he pleases; + Gets up his Nostrils, laughs to see + With how much Rage his Enemy + Tore his own Flesh, and all in Blood + Ran raving through the affrighted Wood. + He still pursues, till out of Breath + The Lyon dropp'd, and bled to Death. + The merry buzzing Conqueror + Flies from the dismal Seat of War, + And as he sounded chearfully + The Charge, so sounds the Victory. + But going to proclaim his Story, + Puffed up and blinded with his Glory, + He met a Cobweb in his way, + And fell a silly Spider's Prey. + + + The Moral. + + _So one that cross'd the Ocean o'er, + May smother in a Common Shore._ + + + + +_The Woodcleaver and Mercury._ + + + In Ancient times, when _Jupiter_ + Was pretty free, a Labourer, + That earn'd his Bread with cleaving Wood, + Lost with his Ax his Livelyhood. + 'T would grieve ones Heart to hear what sad + And pitious moan the Fellow made: + He had no Tools to sell again, + And buy another Ax, poor Man! + It was his All, and what to do, + Or how to live he does not know, + And as the Tears stood in his Eyes, + My Ax! O my dear Ax! he cries: + Sweet loving _Jupiter_! restore + My Ax. _Olympus_ hear his roar; + And _Mercury_ the Post-Boy, or + The Flying Post (his Character + Suits either for he's God of Lying + Beardless, and fam'd for News and Flying.) + Came to the Labourer, and said, + Your Ax in't lost, cheer up, my Lad: + I've got it here; but can you tell + Which is your own? I very well, + Quoth he. Says _Mercury_ take hold, + And gives him one of Massy Gold; + To this, quoth th' other, I've no claim; + To a Silver one he said the same. + But when his Iron one was shewn, + He cries, I Faix this is mine own; + God bless you, Sir. And _Mercury_ } + Said, to reward his Honesty, } + Th' are all your own, I give 'em ye. } + The Story's quickly nois'd about; + The way to Riches is found out: + 'Tis but to lose one's Ax; the Fools, + That had none, sold their Cloaths and Tools + To get one; and whate'er they cost, + They're bought in order to be lost. + The God of Thieves and Merchants, who + By chance had nothing else to do, + Came as they call'd; his Deity + Gave every one the choice of three: + The lying Rogues deny'd their own, + And swore they lost a Golden one: + But as they stoop for't, _Mercury_ + Chops off their Heads, and there they lie. + + + The Moral. + + _The Fable shews you, Honesty + Is always the best Policy._ + + + + +_The Hare and his Ears._ + + + Some stupid horn'd Beast or other, + Trotting along to get some fother, + Had run the Lyon in his Side; + Who, for the future to provide + Against such Accidents as this, + Sends Writs, by which he banishes + From his Dominions every one, + That wore a Horn: And when 'twas known, + The Stags sneak off with Bulls and Rams, + The very Calves went with their Dams: + And, whilst they are moving every where + To foreign parts, a fearful Hare, + That saw the shadow of his Ears, + Was startled at the sight; and fears, + Some Villain might maliciously + Say they were Horns; What Remedy? + Says he, they're long, and I can't tell. + Well Neighbour Cricket Fare-you-well: + My Ears are Horns too; I'll march off; + They're very long, and that's enough: + Nay, were th' as short as Ostrich Ears, + It would not rid me of my fears; + For if they catch m' I go to Pot. + Foh! says the Cricket, y'are a sot. + Hares Horns! what Puppy calls 'em so? + Th' are Ears. But yet, for ought you know, + Replies poor Puss, they'll pass for Horns; + And may be Horns of Unicorns. + They call the Rabbet's Fore legs, Wings, + I hold no Argument with Kings. + + + The Moral. + + _At Lyons Courts, in case of Treason, + I rather trust my Heels, than Reason._ + + + + +_The Rat and the Frog._ + + + A Graceless Rat, in special case, + Kept neither Lent nor Holidays; + But lov'd his Gut beyond his Soul, + And look'd as slick as any Mole: + Who one day having time to spare, + Went to the Marshes for some Air; + There meets a Frog, not over fat, + Who says, your Servant Mr. Rat; + And seemingly with much good Nature, + Invites the Stranger o'er the Water: + Says he, I live in yonder Fens, + Go with me I'll treat you like a Prince. + The Rat who had a mind before + To ramble, need t've heard no more; + But yet the Frog made a whole Lecture + On Country Bagnios, and their Structure, + The Voyage, and the Recreation + He'd find in his amphibious Nation; + Their Manners, and a hundred things, + Of which in Winter Evenings, + He'd tell fine Stories ten Years after, + By Fire sides in Praise of Water: + And, since he always liv'd a Shore, + There's nothing could refresh him more. + These Reasons pleas'd his Ratship so, + That he was raving mad to go. + But as your pamper'd Folks are fearful, + He said, one cannot be too careful; + 'Tis true I swim, but not like you, + And Cramps, or other things, you know, + Might happen: If I could but have + Some small Assistance.----Says the Knave, + Prithee be quiet, to prevent + All harm, I've an expedient, + That has a thousand times been tried. + Then took a bit of Rush and tied + One of the Fore feet of the Rat + To his Hind leg, and out they set. + But O thou wicked World! how evil + Are all our Hearts! this croaking Devil + Swum to the deep; where, when he got him, + He strove to pull him to the bottom; + And thought it was a lucky hit, + To meet with such a dainty bit; + Good wholesome Meat, and so went on. + The Rat, who felt he was undone, + Cry'd out, and foul'd himself for fear, } + And, tho' sometimes in half a Year, } + The Varlet never said a Prayer; } + Yet (as the Proverb tells us, he + That cannot pray, must go to Sea.) + So now, with all the Sugar Words, + A frighted Coward's Heart affords; + He call'd the Gods, and coax'd the Frog; + But, No: That false hard-hearted Dog + Is deaf to all his Protestations, + And violates the Law of Nations. + One lugs and labours like a Horse, + Th' other resists with all his Force. + The Frog's for going down; the Rat, + If 't pleased the Gods, would rather not. + And, whilst they're struggling different ways, + A Kite, that hover'd o'er the Place, + Saw what our Gentry was about, + Would fain have seen the Battle out; + If 't had been safe; but being loth + To lose his Stomack, took 'em both: + And, doubly blessed beyond his wish, + Supp'd like a Lord, on Flesh and Fish. + + + The Moral. + + _He, that's entangled in a Plot, + For want of Strength, is often caught: + And in his Practices detected + By Accidents, he ne'er suspected. + What cares a Frog for Kites, in Water? + But Villany rewards its Author._ + + + + +_The Cat and an old Rat._ + + + I've heard, and if it be a Lie, + You have it e'en as cheap as I; + That a huge Cat of mighty Name, + A second _Rodilard_ for Fame, + The _Alexander_ of the Cats; + An _Attila_, a scourge to Rats, + Had brought such horrid devastation, + And Mischief on the latter Nation; + 'Twas thought he would depopulate + The World, and swallow every Rat. + The long Tailed Gentry, far and near, + Are all possess'd with so much fear, + That there's not one in six Miles round, + That dares to venture above ground; + Their bloody minded Enemy + Is sorry, that they're grown so shy. + In vain he watch'd, and lurk'd about, + The De'l a bit as one came out. + Says he, the Scoundrels are alive, + I hear 'em stir, and must contrive + To draw 'em out; for, where they dwell, + I'm sure, they're uncomatable. + At that he gets upon a Shelf, + And to a String he hangs himself + By one Foot, dangling with his Head + Downward, as if he had been dead. + The Rats all thought, he had been taken + At stealing Cheese, or gnawing Bacon; + Perhaps he might have foul'd the Bed, + Murder'd a Bird; or, that he had + Committed any other Evil, + By instigation of the Devil, + Or his own more malicious Nature; + For which they'd hang'd the wicked Creature. + The Prisoners, who wanted Bread + Thank'd Heaven, and were very glad. + They show their Snouts, and now begin + To peep out and pop back again; + Till growing bold they leave their home, + And scamper up and down the Room. + Down comes the treacherous Malefactor, + Who rais'd to Life without a Doctor. + Fell with such rage about their House + Each Blow kill'd either Rat or Mouse; + Some made Resistance, but in vain, + The Ground is cover'd with the slain, + Such Execution did his Claw, + But when the cunning Warrior saw, + The nimble ones go off in Sholes, + And get within their crooked Holes, + He call'd to 'em, for all your haste, + I know, you'll come to me at last. + This trick you never knew before, + But I can shew you hundred more. + He'd kill'd enough to live upon + Some few Days; but when that was gone, + He kept his Word, and wheedled 'em + With quite another Stratagem. + He jump'd into a Tub of Flower, + And there stood powd'ring half an hour, + 'Till thinking he was dawbd enough, + He walks into an open trough + Where lying snug as white as Snow, + And roul'd up like a piece of Dough, + He waits the Starvlings coming to'm, + And now and then he pick'd up some. + But an old Rat, who full of Scars, + Had lost his Tail in former Wars; + Standing at th' Entrance of the Cave, + Call'd to our Cat. You, Mr. Knave, + Your Hanging or your Flower won't do, + I know your Tricks as well as you. + You was a Cat, and are so still: + Change to what form or shape you will: + Nay be a Log, I wont come nigh't. + Says th' other, Faith he's in the right. + And wisely knows, distrust to be + The Mother of Security. + + + + +_The Weasel and the Rat._ + + + A Hungry Weasel poor and lank, + With wrinkled Jaws, and Taper Flank, + Hardly recover'd from her Weakness, + Occasion'd by a Fit of Sickness. + Met with a Granary, and stole + Into it thro' a little Hole. + She bless'd herself to see the store, + No Miser sure could covet more: + And, thinking Nobody could harm her, + Fell to, and fed like any Farmer. + At Nights she slept, and snor'd at Ease, + And having Peace and Quietness, + Four Meals a Day, a wholesome Air, + A dainty Diet, little Care, + She quickly chang'd her meagre Feature, + And look'd like quite another Creature. + The Truth is, it would be a hard Case, + If all this should not mend one's Carcass. + Once, sitting at a Dish of Wheat, + She heard a Noise, forsook her Meat, + Ran to the Hole to save her Bacon, + Squeez'd to get thro'; but was mistaken. + And as she searches all about, + And finds no Crevish to get out, + She spies a Rat, and tells him, pray + What must I do, I've lost my way, + Which is the Hole? No, says the Rat, + Your way is right; but y'are too Fat. + Stay but a Week, and fast, good Dame, } + Till y'are as lean, as when you came, } + And then you'll find the Hole's the same. } + + + The Moral. + + A _Man in profitable Station, + Grown rich by Plundering the Nation, + Is often willing to resign, + But seldom to refund the Coin_. + + + + +_The Wolf and the Stork._ + + + Wolves commonly are fam'd for Eating, + As much, as Foxes are for Cheating. + One of 'em, at a Mutton Feast, + Devour'd his Meat with so much haste; + A Bone got in his Throat, and there + Stuck fast; some Learned Authors swear, + It was the _Os Sacrum_; others say, + It was one of the _Vertebrae_. + But hang disputes; since it is all one + What Bone it was; so 'twas no small one. + There stood Sir Wolf, and full of Grief + Made signs he wanted quick Relief. + And well it was he could not Cry; + For no Soul would have come a nigh. + At last he shews it to a Stork, + The long-leg'd Surgeon goes to Work; + Takes out the Bone immediately; + And when 'twas done, desir'd his Fee. + Sure, says the Wolf, whoever draws + His Head out harmless from my Jaws, + May boast of such a Happiness, + As far o'erpays all Offices; + A thing which ne'er was done before, + And may be, ne'er will happen more. + But O Damn'd Vice Ingratitude! + To scape with Life, and be so rude, + As to ask Fees! take care young Man, + You never see my Face again. + + + The Moral. + + _Some Folks are so mischievous grown, + They claim Thanks if they let y' alone._ + + + + +_The Frogs asking for a King._ + + + The Frogs, after some Ages spent + In Democratick Government, + Grew weary of it, and agree, + To change it for a Monarchy; + And humbly begg'd a King of _Jove_, + The God comply'd, and from above + Dropt 'em a very peaceful one; + But only in the falling down, + He made such Noise, that all the Frogs, + Who are but fearful skittish Dogs + Were frighted and drove under Water, + And there remain'd a good while after, + Among the Weeds; their fear was such, + There was not one, that dar'd so much + As look upon him, whom they thought + Some Giant, or the Lord knows what. + Tho' all this while 'twas but a Log, + At last came up a daring Frog; + But took care, not to swim too nigh it, + Till, seeing it lay so very quiet, + He went on, tho' in mighty awe; + But when his Fellow Subjects saw + Their Bulky King did him no harm, + In half an Hour the Pond did swarm + Of Frogs. O! what a pretty thing + It was to play about their King: + The meekest that e'er wore a Crown; + And soon they're so familiar grown, + That laying all respect aside, + They jump upon his Back, and ride. + The King says nothing, keeps his Peace, + And let's em work him as they please. + But this they hate, they'd have him move. + A second time they call on _Jove_, + And tire his Brain with clam'rous rout, + To have a King, that stirr'd about. + _Jove_ mad for being plagu'd again, + Sends em a Damn'd devouring Crane; + Who only was for Kill, and Slay, + And eat whoe'er came in his way. + Much louder now the Rascals cry; + Deliver us from Tyranny! + O _Jupiter_! if he goes on, } + We shall be murder'd every one, } + This is the Devil upon dun. } + Quoth he, I'll humour Fools no more, + You might have kept what ye had before; + You left your common wealth, to seek + A King; and then he was too meek; + You must have one forsooth, that stirs: + I hope now you have got one, Sirs. + You never chang'd without a Curse, + Keep this, for fear you get a worse. + + + The Moral. + + _Thank God, this Fable is not meant } + To_ Englishmen; _they are content, } + And hate to change their Government._ } + + + + +_The Wolf and the Lamb._ + + + It is a thing without contest, + That he that's strongest reasons best. + The Weather being sultry hot, + A Lamb to cool himself, was got + A paddling in a purling Stream. + (To Rhiming Fools a mighty Theme) + When a she Wolf (the De'l sure sent her) + Came down, in quest of some Adventure, + And hardly spy'd poor Innocence; + But pick'd a Quarrel void of Sence; + Began to sputter, Damn and Sink, + Ask'd how he dar'd to spoil her Drink, + A nasty poysoning Dog. Odsbud! + He'd make it all as thick as mud. + For which he'd punish him by _Jove_. + Madam, reply'd the Lamb, I love + To reason calmly, and will show ye, + That I am Twenty Yards below ye. + And humbly craving leave, from thence + I draw this reg'lar Consequence; + That I can't, standing in this Place, + Disturb the Liquor of your Grace. + You do, says the other, and last Year + You told some lies of me. I swear, + I was not born then, quoth the Lamb: + I han't left sucking of my Dam. + 'Twas either you or else your Brother. + I've ne'er a one. Then 'twas your Mother, + Or any other near Relation; + For all your wicked Generation + Hates me; your Dogs and Shepherds too + And without any more a do, + The Lamb was carry'd to the Wood + And serv'd the cruel Wolf for Food. + + + + +_The Lyon grown old._ + + + A Valiant Lyon, now grown old, + His Limbs and Jaws benumb'd and cold, + Lay thinking on his Royal Bed, + With scarce a Tooth in all his Head: + And Claws worn to the Stumps with Tearing: + (But every thing's the worse for wearing) + And whilst he labour'd to repent, + Complaining of his Youth mispent, + His Rebel Subjects paid no more, + That Honour, which they gave before, + But treat him with Contempt and Scorn: + The Bull does push him with his Horn, + The Horse affronts him with his Heels: + No Tongue can tell what grief he feels + From these insulting Enemies. + In comes the Ass; but when he sees, + That Coward too forget his Duty, + He dying said, _Tu quoque Brute?_ + + + + +_The two Physicians._ + + + Two graduate Physicians, + Of many Years Experience, + With Coaches to proclaim their Skill, + Are sent for to a Man that's ill. + One feels his Pulse and gives him over: + But th' other says he may recover; + I have great hopes, we'll give him some + Of my _Antithanaticum_. + No, cries the first, he is too weak; + Yes truly Sir, I'm very sick, + Replies the Patient; down they sate, + And enter'd in a deep Debate: + One quotes four Words of _Arabick_, + Th' other an Aphorism in _Greek_. + They're very hot, and every one + Sticks to his own Opinion. + The Upshot was, they writ a Bill, + Which neither lik'd of very well: + They visit him some Days, and vent + Many a learned Argument; + But as his Life went on full Speed, + He could not stay till they agreed, + And so march'd off; and when he's dead, + Both still are in the right; one said, + I told you so, his very Eye + Prognosticated he would dye: + And th' other cry'd, had I been believ'd, + I'm very sure, he would have liv'd. + + + + +_Love and Folly._ + + + The charming God, that with his Bow, + So many Thousand Years ago, + Came to that troublesome Employ, + He serves in still, is but a Boy: + His Art is so mysterious, + That to explain his business, + His Tackle, Arrows, Quiver, Taper, + Would take up several Reams of Paper; + Which being more than I've a mind + To fill; I'll only, since he is blind, + Tell you which way he lost his sight, + With what came on't, and so good Night. + Folly and Love took one another + Aside, as Boys will run together, + And crept into a Nook of Heaven, + To play at Seven or Eleven; + And here good People, Gamesters may + Behold what mischief comes from Play: + There 'rose a quarrel about the Main, + Its Eight says Love, and thought 'twas plain; + Quoth Folly, but I'm sure 'tis Nine, + You Little Cheat, the Game is mine: + At last Words growing very high, + Love gives his angry Foe the Lie; + Then up starts Folly, flings the Dice + At Love, and beats out both his Eyes. + _Venus_ would be reveng'd, bawl'd out, + And shed so many Tears about + The Peepers of her little Son, + That she was like to have spoil'd her own. + She would have Justice done, she swore, + Call'd Folly Rogue and Son 'f a Whore: + How did you do't; I'll make you dance? + Indeed said Folly, 'twas by chance. + Cry'd _Cupid_, you're a punning Cur, + And snobb'd. In comes the Thunderer, + With all the Gods and Goddesses, + To sit upon the Business, + Between Love and the Boy at Bar. + The Cuckold and the God of War + Were very hot, they'd have him dye; + But when _Minerva_ ask'd him, Why? + They said, because----Be free from rage, + Ye Gods, said _Themis_, mind his Age, + And then the Council seem'd to incline + To make him only pay a Fine + To Love. But the injur'd Mother cries, + That won't do, I'll have both his Eyes, + _Secundum legem Talionis_, + He shall pay _Corpore non bonis_. + _Apollo_ bids her to be civil. + T'have two blind Boys would be the Devil, + Said _Juno_, and this gave the hint + To _Jove_, t'inflinct a Punishment, + That might ease Love; what must he do? + He could not walk alone; and so + 'Twas fixed by all the Gods above, + That Folly should be guide to Love. + + + + +_A She-Goat, a Sheep and a Sow._ + + + A She-Goat that gave exc'lent Milk, + A Sheep, whose Fleece was soft as Silk, + And a fat Sow went to the Fair + In the same Cart, not to take th' Air, + Or to see Shows; but, as I am told, + Downright in order to be sold; + All the way long the Sow did squawl, + And scream enough to deafen 'em all; + Had she been follow'd by six score + Butchers, she could have done no more: + The other Creatures wonder'd at her, + And could not dream what was the matter; + They thought it must proceed from fear; + And yet perceived no danger near; + The Carter told her, What d'ye mean? + Who gives you reason to complain? + Your Cries have stunn'd us; what d'ye make + This horrid Noise for? prithee take + Example by your Company, + Be silent or talk civilly. + Look on that Sheep, he thinks you're mad; + Has he spoke one Word good or bad? + No: He is wise.----The Devil he is, + Replies the Sow, could he but guess, + Whither you carry us, or why; + I'm sure he'd bawl as loud as I: + He's used to Shears, and so the Fool + Thinks only that you'll take his Wool; + And this good Lady with the Beard + Has no great Cause to be afear'd; + She's daily milk'd and does depend on't, + you'll drain her Dug, and there's an end on't: + And 't maybe so, or 't may be not: + But, wou'd you have me such a sot, + Who 'm good for nothing, whilst I've Breath, + To be afraid of less than Death? + + + The Moral. + + _Upon my Word 'twas shrewdly said, + Of one that was no better bred: + Yes all this sad complaints and fear + Are for the Thing she's forced to bear: + And tho' she knew, she was to dye, + She could not change her destiny. + Therefore I think, where all is lost, + He, that sees farthest, suffers most._ + + + + +_The Dog and the Ass._ + + + Help one another is, no doubt, + A Law we can't live well without: + Yet one Day, (and how't came to pass + I don't know) 't happen'd that an Ass, + Who's otherwise an honest Creature, + Of no uncharitable Nature, + Did slight it: A large Dog and he + Were travelling in Company, + Without a thought of Strife or Care, + Followed by him whose Goods they were; + And coming to some curious Grass, + The latter went to sleep; his Ass, + Who was a Lover of good Pasture, + Made better use on't than his Master, + And fell a feeding heartily: + But the poor Dog stood starving by, + And said, Much good may do thy heart, + Dear fellow Traveller; thou art + My loving Friend.--But Mr. _Gray_, + My Meat is in your Panier, pray, + Stoop down, and let me take out some, + I han't eat since we came from home; + He gets no Answer, asks again, + But No, th' _Arcadian_ Gentleman + Thought every Word a mouthful lost, + And would say nothing to his cost, + So held his Tongue a while; at last + He told him, Friend, I am in haste, + And, when I stoop my Back, it akes; + Have patience till your Master wakes, + It won't be long, and then you'll get + Your Belly full, if he thinks fit. + Just then a Wolf came from the Wood, + And they have Appetites as good + As any; Grizz'l at a distance + Hears him, and asks the Dog's assistance; + But he don't budge, and serves him right; + Says he, I never us'd to fight + Without a cause for fighting's sake; + Stay till your Master is awake; + Hear what he says, it won't be long; + Sir Wolf won't offer any wrong; + And if you fear his Teeth or Claws, + Knock but his Brains out, break his Jaws, + And lay him sprawling on the Ground; + You're newly Shod, and Iron bound; + And whilst this fine Discourse went on, + Poor Grizzle's business was done. + + + The Moral. + + _None can live happily together, + Without assisting one another._ + + + + +_The Fox and Wolf._ + + + The Fox went on the search one Night, + The Moon had hung out all her light; + He sees her Image in a Well; + But what it was he could not tell; + Gets on the Bricks to look at ease: + At last concludes it is a Cheese: + One Bucket's down, the other up, + He jumps in that which was a-top, + And coming to the Water, sees + How little Skill he had in Cheese. + Poor Ren, remov'd from all Acquaintance, + Sits in the Bucket of Repentance; + And when the Rascal ought to have laid + The fault upon himself, it's said, + He blam'd his Stars, tho' I b'lieve rather + He curst the Moon, and all fair Weather. + Well, there he sat, and wish'd, no doubt on't, + For half his Tail that he was out on't: + Sometimes he rav'd and talk'd like mad, } + And every thing came in his Head, } + That to his purpose could be said. } + Happy are those that don't love Cheese; + We may go downward when we please, + But to come back again, _hoc opus_, + All tricks are vain; my only hope is, + That Somebody as wise as I, + Hits on my Whim, or else I die. + Two Days are past; poor Animal, + Sees Nobody come near the Well; + And now old Time had in one Place, + Cut a good piece of _Cynthia's_ Face; + For as he does all things, he eats her, + And takes a slice, where'er he meets her: + _Volpone_ spies it, and it grieved him, + To see that spoil'd which had deceiv'd him, + Thinking his case was desperate: + When on the third Night pretty late, + A Wolf who could not sleep, because + He felt an itching in his Jaws, + Look'd into it; What are you there? + Says Ren; pray see what I got here; + It is a groaning Cheese, 'twas made + From _Io's_ Milk, and _Faunus_ had + The ordering of it, 'twould have been + Kept for Dame _Juno's_ Lying in, + But she miscarry'd: I took off + This Corner; still there's Meat enough + For two or three, I thought on you, + Wish'd I might see you, and to shew, + How I esteem, love, and adore ye, + That Bucket's left on purpose for ye. + The silly Wolf believes, gets in, + And draws _Volpene_ up again. + + + The Moral. + + _Don't blame the stupid Animal, + You credit things less probable; + And most Men easily give ear, + To what they either wish or fear._ + +_FINIS._ + + + + +THE AUGUSTAN REPRINT SOCIETY + +_WILLIAM ANDREWS CLARK MEMORIAL LIBRARY_ + +University of California, Los Angeles + +PUBLICATIONS IN PRINT + + +#1948-1949# + + 15. John Oldmixon, _Reflections on Dr. Swift's Letter to Harley_ ... + (1712) and _A. Mainwaring's The British Academy_ ... (1712). + + 17. Nicholas Rowe, _Some Account of the Life of Mr. William + Shakespeare_ (1709). + + +#1949-1950# + + 22. Samuel Johnson, _The Vanity of Human Wishes_ (1749) and two + _Rambler_ papers (1750). + + 23. John Dryden, _His Majesties Declaration Defended_ (1681). + + +#1950-1951# + + 26. Charles Macklin, _The Man of the World_ (1792). + + +#1951-1952# + + 31. Thomas Gray, _An Elegy Wrote in a Country Churchyard_ (1751); + and The Eton College Manuscript. + + +#1960-1961# + + 85-6. Essays on the Theatre from Eighteenth-Century Periodicals. + + 90. Henry Needler, _Works_ (1728). + + +#1961-1962# + + 93. John Norris, _Cursory Reflections Upon a Book Call'd, An Essay + Concerning Human Understanding_ (1960) + + 94. An. Collins, _Divine Songs and Meditacions_ (1653). + + 95. _An Essay on the New Species of Writing Founded by Mr. Fielding_ + (1751). + + 96. Hanoverian Ballads. + + +#1962-1963# + + 97. Myles Davies, Selections from _Athenae Britannicae_ (1716-1719). + + 98. _Select Hymns Taken Out of Mr. Herbert's Temple_ (1697). + + 99. Simon Patrick, _A Brief Account of the New Sect of Latitude Men_ + (1662). + + 100. Simon Patrick, _A Brief Account of the New Sect of Latitude Men_ + (1662). + + 101-2. Richard Hurd, _Letters on Chivalry and Romance_ (1762). + + +#1963-1964# + + 103. Samuel Richardson, _Clarissa: Preface, Hints of Prefaces, and + Postscript_. + + 104. Thomas D'Urfey, _Wonders in the Sun, or, the Kingdom of the + Birds_ (1706). + + 105. Bernard Mandeville, _An Enquiry into the Causes of the Frequent + Executions at Tyburn_ (1725). + + 106. Daniel Defoe, _A Brief History of the Poor Palatine Refugees_ + (1709). + + 107-8. John Oldmixon, _An Essay on Criticism_ (1728). + + +#1964-1965# + + 109. Sir William Temple, _An Essay upon the Original and Nature of + Government_ (1680). + + 110. John Tutchin, _Selected Poems_ (1685-1700). + + 111. Anonymous, _Political Justice. A Poem_ (1736). + + 112. Robert Dodsley, _An Essay on Fable_ (1764). + + 113. T. R., _An Essay Concerning Critical and Curious Learning_ + (1680). + + 114. Two Poems Against Pope: Leonard Welsted, _One Epistle to Mr. A. + Pope_ (1730); Anonymous, _The Blatant Beast_ (1740). + + + + +William Andrews Clark Memorial Library: University of California, +Los Angeles + +THE AUGUSTAN REPRINT SOCIETY + + _General Editors_: Earl Miner, University of California, Los Angeles; + Maximillian E. Novak, University of California, Los Angeles; + Lawrence Clark Powell, Wm. Andrews Clark Memorial Library + + _Corresponding Secretary_: Mrs. Edna C. Davis, Wm. Andrews Clark + Memorial Library + + +The Society's purpose is to publish reprints (usually facsimile +reproductions) of rare seventeenth and eighteenth century works. All +income of the Society is devoted to defraying costs of publication and +mailing. + +Correspondence concerning subscriptions in the United States and Canada +should be addressed to the William Andrews Clark Memorial Library, 2205 +West Adams Boulevard, Los Angeles, California. Correspondence concerning +editorial matters may be addressed to any of the general editors. The +membership fee is $5.00 a year for subscribers in the United States and +Canada and 30/- for subscribers in Great Britain and Europe. British and +European subscribers should address B. H. Blackwell, Broad Street, +Oxford, England. Copies of back issues in print may be obtained from the +Corresponding Secretary. + + +PUBLICATIONS FOR 1965-1966 + + THOMAS TRAHERNE, _Meditations on the Six Days of the Creation_ (1717). + Introduction by George Robert Guffey. + + CHARLES MACKLIN, _The Covent Garden Theatre_ [manuscript] (1752). + Introduction by Jean B. Kern. + + ROGER L'ESTRANGE, _Citt and Bumpkin_ (1680). + Introduction by B. J. Rahn. + + DANIEL DEFOE and Others, Accounts of the Apparition of Mrs. Veal + (ca. 1705). Introduction by Manuel Schonhorn. + + HENRY MORE, _Enthusiasmus Triumphatus_ (1662). + Introduction by M. V. DePorte. + + BERNARD MANDEVILLE, _Aesop Dress'd or a Collection of Fables Writ in + Familiar Verse_ (1704). Introduction by John S. Shea. + + +_ANNOUNCEMENT_: + +The Society announces a special publication, a reprint of JOHN OGILBY, +_The Fables of Aesop Paraphras'd in Verse_ (1668), with an Introduction +by Earl Miner. Ogilby's book is commonly thought one of the finest +examples of seventeenth-century bookmaking and is illustrated with +eighty-one plates. Publication is assisted by funds from the Chancellor +of the University of California, Los Angeles. 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