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+Project Gutenberg (https://www.gutenberg.org) public repository for
+eBook #60004 (https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/60004)
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-Project Gutenberg's The Fables of Æsop, and Others, by Thomas Bewick
-
-This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and most
-other parts of the world 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.  If you are not located in the United States, you'll have
-to check the laws of the country where you are located before using this ebook.
-
-Title: The Fables of Æsop, and Others
-       With Designs on Wood
-
-Author: Thomas Bewick
-
-Release Date: August 1, 2019 [EBook #60004]
-
-Language: English
-
-Character set encoding: UTF-8
-
-*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE FABLES OF ÆSOP, AND OTHERS ***
-
-
-
-
-Produced by Chris Curnow, Charlie Howard, and the Online
-Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (This
-file was produced from images generously made available
-by The Internet Archive)
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-Transcriber’s Notes
-
-
-Italics text is enclosed in _underscores_; crossed-out text on pages
-36 and 76 is enclosed in \backslashes\; and superscripted text in the
-first lines of the first page is preceded by carets, such as D^r.
-
-Bracketed page numbers, such as [Page 81], at the beginning of each
-Fable, were added as a Search aid by Transcriber, as the Table of
-Contents is in alphabetical, rather than page number sequence.
-
-
-
-
-[Illustration:
-
-  _Newcastle 1^st. October 1818_
-  _To Thomas Bewick & Son D^r.,
-  To an Imp^l. Copy of Esop’s Fables 1^£ 11^s 6^d_
-
-  _Received the above with thanks_
-
-  _Thomas Bewick_    _Robert Elliot Bewick_
-
-  _Thomas Bewick_
-
-  _his    Mark_
-]
-
-
-
-
-  THE
-  FABLES OF ÆSOP,
-  AND OTHERS,
-  WITH DESIGNS ON WOOD,
-
-  BY
-  THOMAS BEWICK.
-
-
-  “_The wisest of the Ancients delivered their Conceptions of the Deity,
-   and their Lessons of Morality, in Fables and Parables._”
-
-
-  [Illustration]
-
-
-  NEWCASTLE:
-
-  PRINTED BY E. WALKER, FOR T. BEWICK AND SON.
-  SOLD BY THEM, LONGMAN AND CO. LONDON,
-  AND ALL BOOKSELLERS.
-
-  1818.
-
-
-
-
-[Illustration:
-
-    _Wise Men think
-      Good Men Grieve
-    Knaves invent
-      and Fools believe._
-]
-
-
-
-
-THE PREFACE DEDICATORY.
-
-
-_To the Youth of the British Isles._
-
-In collecting together, for your use and benefit, some of the
-prudential maxims, and moral apothegms, of the ancient sages, the
-Publishers of this volume have been stimulated by an ardent desire to
-render this excellent mode of instruction as agreeable as possible;
-and, at the same time, to impress the precepts contained in the
-Fables more forcibly on your minds, they have endeavoured to make the
-embellishments worthy of your notice and examination.
-
-If the seeds of morality and patriotism be early sown, they will spring
-up, and ripen to maturity, in a confirmed love of truth, integrity
-and honour; and without these for his guide, no man can do credit to
-himself or his country. This consideration is of vital importance; for
-our comfort and happiness through life, mainly depend upon a strict
-adherence to the rules of morality and religion. The youth who is
-early tutored in an invincible regard for his own character, will soon
-perceive the duties imposed upon him by society, and will have pleasure
-in fulfilling them, as much for his own satisfaction as for the sake of
-his fellow men: but when the latent powers of the mind are neglected,
-or not directed into the paths of rectitude, by good precepts and
-worthy examples, vice and folly enter the opening, and lead their
-victim into evils and errors, which render his life miserable, and
-sometimes hurry him into an ignominious grave.
-
-To delineate the characters and passions of men, under the semblance of
-Lions, Tigers, Wolves, and Foxes, is not so extravagant a fiction as it
-may at first sight seem: for the innocent and inexperienced will find,
-when they engage in the busy scenes of the world, that they will have
-to deal with men of dispositions not unlike those animals; and that
-their utmost vigilance will be required to guard against their violence
-or machinations.
-
-In attempting to form an estimate of the characters of mankind, many
-gradations and shades will be found between the two extremes of virtue
-and vice. The philanthropist views with feelings of benevolence the
-wavering balance, and adds those he finds on the confines, to the
-number of the virtuous; while the misanthrope, with gloomy malignity,
-endeavours to include within the circle of vice, those who are standing
-upon the ill-defined line of division, and thus swells the number
-of the bad. Both observe with pain, that great numbers exist, whose
-whole lives seem to be spent in disfiguring the beautiful order which
-might otherwise reign in society, regardless of the misery which their
-wickedness scatters around them. They see men, who suffer their bad
-passions and gross appetites to be the sole rule of their conduct;
-and whether these shew themselves in an inordinate ambition, a thirst
-after false glory, or an insatiable avarice, their consequences are
-pernicious, and diffuse evil, distress, and ruin among mankind, in
-proportion to the extent to which their baneful influence reaches. The
-misanthrope, in contemplating the scene of mischief and disorder, is
-apt to arraign the wisdom and justice of Providence for permitting it
-to exist; but the philanthropist views it with a more extended range of
-vision; and while he laments the evil, he attributes the apparent want
-of human feelings in the actors, to an early perversion of intellect,
-or to a stifling of the reasoning power given by the Great Creator to
-man for his guide, and without which he is the worst animal in the
-creation, a mere two-legged Tiger. Upon the childhood and youth of
-such men, the great truth taught by the inspired and wisest writers
-of all ages, that “no life can be pleasing to God which is not useful
-to man,” has not been sufficiently impressed, or probably the energy
-with which they pursue their wicked career might have been led into a
-different course, and instead of the scourges, they would have been the
-benefactors of mankind.
-
-When religion and morality are blended together in the mind, they
-impart their blessings to all who seek the aid of the one and obey
-the dictates of the other, and their joint effects are seen and felt
-in the perpetual cheerfulness they impart. They incite the innocent
-whistle of the ploughman at his plough, of the cobler in his stall,
-and the song of the milk-maid at her pail: and it is a sign of their
-being perverted, when they engender melancholy notions; for these are
-the offspring of bigotry, fanaticism, and ignorance. The service of
-the Omnipotent is not of this gloomy cast; he has spread out the table
-of this beautiful world of wonders, for the use of his creatures, and
-has placed man at the head of it, that he might enjoy its bounties, as
-well as prepare himself for the approaching change to another, which
-inspiration has powerfully impressed on his soul as the _unknowable_
-region of his next advance. The materialist, in his dreary reveries,
-cannot comprehend this, neither will he acknowledge that his being
-placed here is equally as miraculous as that he should be placed in
-another world or worlds, progressively to improve, to all eternity: but
-to harbour doubts on this subject, is like disputing the wisdom, the
-justice, and the mercy of the Author of our being, who, according to
-the conceptions we form of his goodness, as exhibited in the design,
-the grandeur, and the immensity of creation, where every thing is
-systematic, regular, and in order, would never decree that man should
-be placed here instinctively to know his Maker--to take a short peep at
-the stupendous, the amazing whole--to view all these, and have powers
-of mind given him only to know and repugnantly to feel, that after a
-life mixed with turmoil, grief, and disease, he is to be annihilated!
-In our conception of things, and to the limited understanding which has
-been given us, all this would appear to be labour in vain.
-
-The volume of the creation speaks alike to all, and cannot be defaced
-by man; but the ways of Providence are beyond his comprehension.
-Omnipotence has not been pleased to gratify his pride and vanity, nor
-to consult his understanding, in the government of the universe; but
-sufficient has been disclosed unto him to point out the moral duties he
-owes to society, and the religious worship due to his Maker, without
-groping after what is utterly beyond his reach: for our feeble reason
-is too weak to comprehend the divine essence; and our thoughts, on
-their utmost stretch, roll back on darkness. We reason, but we err:
-for how can we comprehend the immensity of endless space, of time and
-eternity, a beginning or an end; or what conceptions can we form of
-the Power which made the sun and worlds without number? Truly, this
-is far too much for a finite being, who does not know why he can move
-one of his own fingers, or cease to do so when he pleases! But all may
-know and fulfil their religious obligations, by reverencing and adoring
-their Creator, and walking humbly before him, and their moral duties,
-by being in their several stations, good sons, brothers, husbands,
-wives, fathers, mothers, neighbours, and members of society.
-
-Having, with humble diffidence, in this masquerade of life, attempted
-to point out to youth the exterior of the temple of virtue, and to
-lead them to its steps, the Editor leaves them there, respectfully
-recommending them to explore the whole interior, under the guidance of
-men more eminent for their mental powers and attainments in learning,
-philosophy, and piety. Of these, an illustrious band have placed, at
-every avenue and turning, their inestimable works, as directions to
-guide us to usefulness and respectability here, and eternal happiness
-hereafter.
-
-[Illustration: _Thomas Bewick_]
-
-_Newcastle, September, 1818._
-
-
-
-
-[Illustration]
-
-THE INTRODUCTION.
-
-
-From time to time, in all ages, men inspired, or gifted with a superior
-degree of intellectual power, have appeared upon the stage of life, in
-order (by enlightening others) to fulfil the designs of Omnipotence, in
-uniting the world in a state of civilized society.
-
-Patriarchs, or heads of families, at first directed or governed those
-who were immediately dependent upon them: these in time increased,
-and became _clans_; these again, by their quarrels, and their wars,
-were induced to elect chieftains or kings over a number of united
-clans,--from which were formed the various nations and kingdoms of
-the earth. In this early stage of the world, when men were ignorant
-and uncivilized, the chase and war seem almost wholly to have
-occupied their time and attention. Their kings ruled over them with
-despotic sway, and the will of the prince was the only law: and thus
-the barbarism of the subject and the tyranny of the ruler went hand
-in hand together. That over-swollen pride, which seems the natural
-accompaniment of despotic power, blinds the understandings of its
-possessors, and renders them wholly regardless of the important trust
-reposed in them. The evils arising out of their bad government, are
-felt, more or less, by the whole people over whom they preside; and
-pride and arrogance prevent the approach of sincerity and truth. The
-sycophant and the slave then only find admission, and all other men are
-kept at a distance. While kings and governors were of this character,
-the voice of truth could only reach their ears through allegory and
-fable, which took their rise in the infancy of learning, and seem to
-have been the only safe mode of conveying admonition to tyrants. This
-pleasing method of instilling instruction into the mind, has been found
-by experience to be the shortest and best way of accomplishing that
-end, among all ranks and conditions of men.
-
-The first Fable upon record, is that of Jotham and the Trees, in the
-Bible; and the next, that of The Poor Man and his Lamb, as related by
-Nathan to King David, and which carried with it a blaze of truth that
-flashed conviction on the mind of the royal transgressor. Lessons of
-reproof, religion, and morality, were, we find, continually delivered
-in this mode, by the sages of old, to the exalted among mankind.
-
-It is asserted by authors, that Apologues and Fables had their
-origin in the Eastern world, and that the most ancient of them were
-the productions of Veesh-nou Sarma, commonly called Pilpay, whose
-beautiful collections of Apologues were esteemed as sacred books in
-India and Persia, whence they were spread abroad among other nations,
-and were by them celebrated and holden in much estimation. They were
-translated from the Persian and Arabian into Greek, by Simeon Seth, a
-man of great learning, who was an officer of the imperial household
-at Constantinople about the year 1070. Seth’s Version was imitated
-in Latin by Piers Alfonse, a converted Jew, as early as the year
-1107; and this is supposed to have been the first version of Pilpay’s
-Apologues that made its way, and became familiarized in Europe. The
-time in which Pilpay lived, seems not to be certainly known to the
-learned; but some of them suppose that the Fables of Æsop and others
-were grounded upon his models. The time in which Æsop lived is better
-ascertained, and of all the Fabulists who have amused and instructed
-mankind by their writings, his name stands pre-eminent. Authors fix
-his birth-place at Cotieum, in Phrygia Major. But the history of
-this remarkable person, who lived about 572 years before Christ, and
-about 100 years before Herodotus, the Greek historian, has been so
-involved in mystery, traditionary stories, and absurd conjectures,
-that any attempt to give a detail from such materials, would only
-serve to bewilder youth, and lead them into a labyrinth of error; and
-it would be impertinent to trouble the learned reader with that which
-must be sufficiently familiar to him.[A] The whole of the absurd
-fictions concerning this wise and amiable man, were invented by Maximus
-Planudes, a Greek monk.[B] Plutarch, and other authentic historians,[C]
-have, however, given a very different account of the illustrious
-Fabulist. It would appear, according to some of these relations, that
-Æsop, originally a shepherd’s boy, had risen from the condition of a
-slave, to great eminence, and that he lived in the service of Xanthus
-and Judman, or Idmon, in the island of Samos, and afterwards at Athens.
-Phædrus speaks of him as living the greater part of his life at the
-latter place, where, it appears, a handsome statue, executed by the
-hand of the famous statuary Lysippus, was erected to his memory, and
-placed before those of the seven sages of Greece.[D] He also notices
-his living at Samos, and interesting himself in a public capacity,
-in the administration of the affairs of that place; where Aristotle
-also introduces him as a public speaker, and records the fact of his
-reciting the fable of the Fox and the Hedgehog,[E] while pleading on
-behalf of a minister, upon the occasion of his being impeached for
-embezzling the public treasure. Æsop is also mentioned as speaking
-in a public capacity to the Athenians, at the time when Pisistratus
-seized upon their liberties.[F] Upon each of these occasions he is
-represented as having introduced a Fable into his discourse, in a witty
-and pleasing manner. He was holden in the highest veneration and esteem
-in his day, by all men eminent for their wisdom and virtue. It appears
-there was scarcely an author among the ancient Greeks who mixed any
-thing of morality in his writings, that did not either quote or mention
-Æsop. Plato describes Socrates as turning some of Æsop’s Fables into
-verse, during those awful hours which he spent in prison, immediately
-before his death. Aristophanes not only takes hints from Æsop, but
-mentions him much to his honour, as one whose works were, or ought to
-be, read before any other. Ennius and Horace have embellished their
-poetry from his stores; and ancient sages and authors all concur in
-bearing the most ample testimony to his distinguished merits. Plutarch,
-in his imaginary banquet of the seven wise men, among several other
-illustrious persons of ancient times, celebrated for their wit and
-knowledge, introduces Æsop, and describes him as being very courtly
-and polite in his behaviour. Upon the authority of Plutarch also, we
-fix the life of Æsop in the time of Crœsus, king of Lydia, who invited
-him to the court of Sardis. By this prince, he was holden in such
-esteem, as to be sent as his envoy to Periander, king of Corinth,
-which was about three hundred and twenty years after the time in which
-Homer lived, and 550 before Christ. He was also deputed by Crœsus to
-consult the oracle of Delphi. While on this embassy, he was ordered
-to distribute to each of the citizens, four _minæ_[G] of silver, but
-some disputes arising between them and Æsop, he reproached them for
-their indolence, in suffering their lands to lie uncultivated, and in
-depending on the gratuities of strangers for a precarious subsistence:
-the quarrel, which it would appear ran high between them, ended in
-Æsop’s sending back the money to Sardis. This so exasperated the
-Delphians, that they resolved upon his destruction; and that they might
-have some colour of justice for what they intended, they concealed
-among his effects, when he was taking his departure from Delphi, a
-gold cup, consecrated to Apollo; and afterwards pursuing him, easily
-found what they themselves had hidden. On the pretext that he had
-committed this sacrilegious theft, they carried him back to the city,
-and notwithstanding his imprecating upon them the vengeance of heaven,
-they immediately condemned him to be cast from the rock Hypania, as
-the punishment of the pretended crime. Ancient historians say, that
-for this wickedness, the Delphians were for a long time visited with
-pestilence and famine, until an expiation was made, and then the plague
-ceased.
-
-    [A] The curious enquirer is referred to the Essay on the
-        Æsopean Fable, by Sir Brooke Boothby, bart. from which this
-        sketch is extracted.
-
-    [B] Planudes lived at Constantinople in the 14th century. His
-        Fables were printed at Milan, A.D. 1480.
-
-    [C] The first person who took great pains to detect and expose
-        the follies and absurdities of Planudes’s Life of Æsop, and
-        collected what could be known, was Bachet de Mezeriac, a
-        man of great learning, who flourished about the year 1632.
-
-    [D] These sages were Solon, Thales, Chilo, Cleobulus, Bias,
-        Pittacus, and Periander, to whom Laertius adds Anacharsis,
-        Maro, Pherecydes, Epimenides, and Pisistratus.
-
-    [E] “Ye men of Samos, let me entreat you to do as the Fox
-        did; for this man, having got money enough, can have no
-        further occasion to rob you; but if you put him to death,
-        some needy person will fill his place, whose wants must be
-        supplied out of your property.”
-
-        The Fable of the Fox and the Hedgehog was applied by
-        Themistocles to dissuade the Athenians from removing their
-        magistrates.--_B. Boothby._
-
-    [F] The Fable of the Frogs desiring a King.
-
-    [G] The mina of silver was 12 ounces, about £3 sterling.
-
-It was not until many ages after the death of Æsop, that his most
-prominent successor, Phædrus, arose. He translated Æsop’s Fables from
-the Greek into Latin, and added to them many of his own. Of Phædrus
-little is known, except from his works. He is said to have lived in
-the times of the Emperors Augustus and Tiberius, and to have died in
-the reign of the latter. The first printed edition of his Fables, with
-cuts, was published at Gauda, in 1482. Caxton published some of them in
-1484, and Bonus Accursius in 1489, to which he prefixed Planudes’s Life
-of Æsop. But the most perfect edition of Phædrus’s Works was published
-in five volumes, by Peter Pithou, at Troyes, in 1596, from manuscripts
-discovered by him in the cities of Rheims and Dijon. To these have
-succeeded in later times, a numerous list of fabulists,[H] besides
-such of the poets as have occasionally interspersed Fables in their
-works. These, in their day, have had, and many of them still have,
-their several admirers; but Gay and Dodsley best maintain their ground
-in this country, as is proved by the regular demand for new editions.
-Croxall’s Fables, which were first published in 1722, with cuts on
-metal, in the manner of wood, have also had a most extensive sale; and
-Sir Brooke Boothby’s elegant little volumes, in verse, published in
-1809, are now making their way into the public notice. The Editor of
-the present volume, in attempting to continue the same pleasing mode of
-conveying instruction, long since laid down as a guide to virtue, has
-quoted and compiled from other fabulists, whatever seemed best suited
-to his purpose. His sole object is utility, and he is not altogether
-without hope, that in attempting to embellish and perpetuate a fabric,
-which has its foundations laid in religion and morality, his efforts
-may not be wholly ineffectual to induce the young to keep steadily in
-view those great truths, which form the sure land-mark to the haven,
-where only they can attain peace and happiness.
-
-    [H] Sir Roger L’Estrange, born 1616, died 1704.
-        John de la Fontaine, born 1621, died 1695.
-        John Dryden, born 1631, died 1701.
-        Antoine Houdart de la Motte, born 1672, died 1731.
-        John Gay, born 1688, died 1732.
-        Samuel Croxall, D. D. Archdeacon of Hereford, died 1752.
-        Edward Moore, died 1757.
-        Draper.
-        Robert Dodsley, born 1703, died 1764.
-        William Wilkie, born 1721, died 1772.
-        Abbe Brotier, born 1722, died 1789.
-
-
-[Illustration]
-
-
-
-
-[Illustration]
-
-THE TABLE OF CONTENTS.
-
-
-  A
-                                              PAGE
-  The Ape and her Young Ones                     3
-
-  The Sensible Ass                              69
-
-  Æsop and the Impertinent Fellow               81
-
-  The Angler and the Little Fish               111
-
-  The Ass and the Lion hunting                 161
-
-  The Ass in the Lion’s Skin                   187
-
-  The Ape chosen King                          195
-
-  The Ant and the Fly                          269
-
-  The Ant and the Grasshopper                  307
-
-  The Ape and the Fox                          319
-
-  Æsop at Play                                 333
-
-  The Ass eating Thistles                      369
-
-
-  B
-
-  The Boy and his Mother                         5
-
-  The Brother and Sister                        31
-
-  The Shepherd’s Boy and the Wolf               61
-
-  The Bear and the Bee-Hives                   119
-
-  The Bees, the Drones, and the Wasp           145
-
-  The Hunted Beaver                            159
-
-  The Bull and the Goat                        171
-
-  The Two Bitches                              183
-
-  The Boar and the Ass                         205
-
-  The Blackamoor                               223
-
-  The Belly and the Members                    275
-
-  The Boys and the Frogs                       375
-
-
-  C
-
-  The Two Crabs                                  1
-
-  The Collier and the Fuller                    13
-
-  The Cock and the Jewel                        47
-
-  The Wanton Calf                               57
-
-  The Crow and the Pitcher                      63
-
-  The Cat and the Fox                          107
-
-  The Cat and the Mice                         149
-
-  Cæsar and the Slave                          177
-
-  The Clown and the Gnat                       189
-
-  The Countryman and the Snake                 217
-
-  The Cock and the Fox                         219
-
-  The Fighting Cocks                           349
-
-  The Cock and the Fox                         359
-
-
-  D
-
-  The Dog in the Manger                         77
-
-  The Ship Dog                                  99
-
-  The Dog invited to Supper                    109
-
-  The Dog and the Shadow                       117
-
-  The Mischievous Dog                          169
-
-  The Dog and the Sheep                        207
-
-  The Dog and the Wolf                         287
-
-  The One-eyed Doe                             297
-
-  The Deer and the Lion                        315
-
-  The Dove and the Bee                         339
-
-  The Dog and the Cat                          371
-
-
-  E
-
-  The Eagle, the Cat, and the Sow               39
-
-  The Eagle and the Fox                        273
-
-  The Eagle and the Crow                       301
-
-
-  F
-
-  The Proud Frog and the Ox                     17
-
-  The Fox and the Vizor Mask                    51
-
-  The Fox and the Crow                          67
-
-  The Forester and the Lion                     83
-
-  The Fox without a Tail                        95
-
-  The Fox and the Ass                          105
-
-  The Fox and the Tiger                        115
-
-  The Frogs and their King                     135
-
-  The Fir and the Bramble                      143
-
-  The Frog and the Fox                         147
-
-  Fortune and the Boy                          153
-
-  The Fox and the Grapes                       167
-
-  The Fisherman                                173
-
-  The Fox and the Boar                         175
-
-  The Frogs and the Fighting Bulls             179
-
-  The Two Frogs                                199
-
-  The Fox and the Briar                        201
-
-  The Fox and the Stork                        215
-
-  The Fox and the HedgeHog                     227
-
-  The Fox and the Goat                         235
-
-  The Fowler and the Ring-dove                 249
-
-  The Fowler and the Blackbird                 263
-
-  The Fatal Marriage                           277
-
-  The Fox and the Lion                         285
-
-  The Flying Fish and the Dolphin              289
-
-  The Fox in the Well                          311
-
-  The Fox and the Sick Lion                    323
-
-  The Fox and the Countryman                   331
-
-  The Fox and the Wolf                         335
-
-  The Frogs and the Mice                       353
-
-  The Fowler and the Lark                      355
-
-  The Fowler and the Partridge                 363
-
-
-  G
-
-  The Goat, the Kid, and the Wolf               29
-
-  The Goat and the Lion                        101
-
-  The Gardener and his Dog                     313
-
-  The Wild and the Tame Geese                  351
-
-
-  H
-
-  The Husbandman and his Sons                   15
-
-  Hercules and the Carter                       37
-
-  The Drunken Husband                          121
-
-  The Hen and the Swallow                      127
-
-  The Hart and the Vine                        157
-
-  The Old Hound                                181
-
-  The Hen and the Fox                          185
-
-  The Hare and the Tortoise                    221
-
-  The Hares and the Frogs                      251
-
-  The Harper                                   267
-
-  The Horse and the Stag                       303
-
-  The Horse and the Lion                       309
-
-  The Horse and the Ass                        327
-
-  The Hawk and the Farmer                      329
-
-  The Horse and the over-loaded Ass            343
-
-  The Husbandman and the Stork                 345
-
-
-  I
-
-  Industry and Sloth                             9
-
-
-  J
-
-  Jupiter and the Ass                           79
-
-  Jupiter and the Camel                        139
-
-  Jupiter and the Herdsman                     209
-
-  Juno and the Peacock                         237
-
-  Jupiter and Pallas                           241
-
-  The Vain Jack-daw                            255
-
-
-  K
-
-  The Bald Knight                               87
-
-  The Kite and the Pigeons                     281
-
-  The Sick Kite                                283
-
-  The Kid and the Wolf                         293
-
-
-  L
-
-  The Leopard and the Fox                       21
-
-  The Lark and her Young Ones                   41
-
-  The Lion and the Four Bulls                   89
-
-  The Lion, the Tiger, and the Wolf             93
-
-  The Lioness and the Fox                      123
-
-  The Lamb brought up by a Goat                125
-
-  The Old Lion                                 211
-
-  The Lion in Love                             225
-
-  The Lion and other Beasts                    239
-
-  The Lion and the Mouse                       257
-
-  The Lion and the Frog                        291
-
-  The Lion, the Wolf, and the Dog              367
-
-
-  M
-
-  The Master and his Scholar                     7
-
-  The Young Man and the Swallow                 11
-
-  The Mole and her Dam                          27
-
-  The Young Men and the Cook                    43
-
-  The Mule                                      45
-
-  Mercury and the Woodman                       49
-
-  The Man and his Goose                         55
-
-  The Old Man and his Sons                      91
-
-  The Miser and his Treasure                    97
-
-  A Man bitten by a Dog                        113
-
-  The Envious Man and the Covetous             129
-
-  The Mice in Council                          193
-
-  The Old Man and Death                        197
-
-  The Man and the Weasel                       203
-
-  The Magpie and the Sheep                     213
-
-  The Man and his Two Wives                    231
-
-  Mercury and the Carver                       233
-
-  The Mountains in Labour                      253
-
-  The Mouse and the Weasel                     271
-
-  The Young Man and the Lion                   279
-
-  The Country and the City Mouse               295
-
-  The Miller, his Son, and their Ass           305
-
-  The Young Man and his Cat                    361
-
-  The Blind Man and the Lame                   365
-
-
-  N
-
-  The Nurse and the Wolf                       265
-
-
-  O
-
-  The Oak and the Reed                         151
-
-
-  P
-
-  The Peacock and the Crane                     23
-
-  The Two Pots                                  25
-
-  The Partridge and the Cocks                   65
-
-  The Porcupine and the Snakes                 131
-
-  The Polecat and the Cock                     261
-
-  The Ploughman and Fortune                    317
-
-
-  R
-
-  The Raven and the Serpent                    337
-
-
-  S
-
-  The Stag looking into the Water               19
-
-  The Sheep Biter                               33
-
-  The Swallow and other Birds                   71
-
-  The Sow and the Wolf                         133
-
-  The Stag and the Fawn                        141
-
-  The Sow and the Bitch                        163
-
-  The Satyr and the Traveller                  165
-
-  The Sparrow and the Hare                     229
-
-  The Stag in the Ox-Stall                     247
-
-  The Sun and the Wind                         325
-
-  The Serpent and the Man                      341
-
-  The Shepherd turned Merchant                 357
-
-
-  T
-
-  The Thief and the Dog                         53
-
-  The Boasting Traveller                        59
-
-  The Thieves and the Cock                      73
-
-  The two Travellers                           103
-
-  The Tortoise and the Eagle                   259
-
-  The Trees and the Woodman                    299
-
-  The Thief and the Boy                        321
-
-  The Travellers and the Bear                  347
-
-  The Trumpeter taken Prisoner                 373
-
-
-  V
-
-  The Viper and the File                       243
-
-
-  W
-
-  The Old Woman and her Maids                   35
-
-  The Wolves and the Sick Ass                   75
-
-  The Wolf, the Fox, and the Ape                85
-
-  The Old Woman and the Empty Cask             137
-
-  The Wolf and the Crane                       155
-
-  The Wolf and the Lamb                        191
-
-  The Wolf in Sheep’s Clothing                 245
-
-[Illustration]
-
-
-
-
-THE
-
-FABLES OF ÆSOP,
-
-AND OTHERS.
-
-
-
-
-[Illustration]  [Page 1]
-
-THE TWO CRABS.
-
-
-Two Crabs, the mother and daughter, having been left by the receding
-tide, were creeping again towards the water, when the former observing
-the awkward gait of her daughter, got into a great passion, and desired
-her to move straight forward, in a more becoming and sprightly manner,
-and not crawl sideling along in a way so contrary to all the rest of
-the world. Indeed mother, says the young Crab, I walk as properly as I
-can, and to the best of my knowledge; but if you would have me to go
-otherwise, I beg you would be so good as to practise it first, and shew
-me by your own example how you would have me to conduct myself.
-
-
-APPLICATION.
-
-Ill examples corrupt even the best natural disposition, and it is in
-vain to instruct our children, their talents being only imitation, to
-walk by one rule, if we ourselves go by another. The good precepts
-which we may lay down to them, will be bestowed in vain, if they
-see by our own conduct, that we pursue a contrary course to that
-which we recommend to them. Parents therefore, who are desirous of
-working an effectual reformation in their children, should begin by
-making a visible amendment in themselves; and this is a duty they owe
-to society, as well as to their offspring, it being of the utmost
-importance to both, that probity and honour be early instilled into
-their youthful minds, as these grow with their growth, and while at
-the same time they command respect, they lay the foundation of their
-individual happiness through life.
-
-[Illustration]
-
-
-
-
-[Illustration]  [Page 3]
-
-THE APE AND HER YOUNG ONES.
-
-
-An Ape having two young ones, was dotingly fond of one, but disregarded
-and slighted the other. One day she chanced to be surprized by the
-hunters, and had much ado to get off. However, she did not forget her
-favourite young one, which she took up in her arms, that it might be
-the more secure: the other, which she neglected, by natural instinct,
-leapt upon her back, and so away they scampered together; but it
-unluckily fell out, in the over-anxiety of her precipitate flight,
-confused and blinded with haste, that she struck her favourite’s head
-against a branch, which threw it on the ground, where the darling
-bantling was seized by the dogs and killed. The hated one, clinging
-close to her rough back, escaped all the danger of the pursuit.
-
-
-APPLICATION.
-
-    By dear mamma’s o’er-weening fondness spoil’d,
-    Caress’d and pamper’d, dies the fav’rite child:
-    The boy she slights, rough, vig’rous, and well-grown,
-    Unaided, bears the brunt, and shifts alone.
-
-The indulgence which parents shew to their children arises from the
-most amiable of human weaknesses; but it is not the less injurious in
-its effects, and therefore it is of great importance to guard against
-it, and not to suffer a blind fondness to transport us beyond the
-bounds of a discreet affection, for this often proves the ruin of the
-child. This fable is also intended to expose the folly of a system of
-favouritism in families, for experience shews that those children who
-are the least pampered and indulged usually make the best and cleverest
-men.
-
-[Illustration]
-
-
-
-
-[Illustration]  [Page 5]
-
-THE BOY AND HIS MOTHER.
-
-
-A little Boy having stolen a book from one of his school-fellows,
-took it to his Mother, who, instead of correcting him, praised his
-sharpness, and rewarded him. In process of time, as he grew bigger,
-he increased also in villainy, till at length he was taken up for
-committing a great robbery, and was brought to justice and condemned
-for it. As the officers were conducting him to the gallows, he was
-attended by a vast crowd, and among the rest his Mother came sobbing
-along, and deploring her son’s unhappy fate; which the criminal
-observing, he begged leave to speak to her: this being granted, he put
-his mouth to her ear, as if he was going to whisper something, and
-bit it off! The officer, shocked at this behaviour, asked him if the
-crimes he had committed were not sufficient to glut his wickedness,
-without being also guilty of such an unnatural violence towards his
-mother? Let no one wonder, said he, that I have done this to her, for
-she deserves even worse at my hands. For if she had chastised instead
-of praising and encouraging me, when I stole my school-fellow’s book, I
-should not now have been brought to this ignominious and untimely end.
-
-
-APPLICATION.
-
-The approaches to vice are by slow degrees, and the good or evil bias
-given to youth is seldom eradicated. The first deviations from sound
-morality should therefore be most strictly watched, and wickedness
-checked or punished in time; for when vice grows into a habit, it
-becomes incurable, and both good governments and private families are
-deeply concerned in its attendant consequences. One need not scruple to
-affirm that most of the depravity which is so frequent in the world,
-and so pernicious to society, is owing to the bad education of youth;
-and to the connivance or ill example of their parents. It is therefore
-of the utmost consequence that parents, guardians, and tutors, should
-be of characters befitting them for the various and important offices
-they have to perform. The latter description of persons may and ought
-to be carefully selected; but it is to be lamented that the base and
-mean-spirited hosts of bad parents are out of the reach of controul,
-and nothing can prevent the evils arising from their tutorage. Perhaps
-it would be harsh to make laws to check the marriages of such; but
-there is no need to encourage the breed of them, for they are already
-over abundantly numerous.
-
-
-
-
-[Illustration]  [Page 7]
-
-THE MASTER AND HIS SCHOLAR.
-
-
-As a School-master was walking upon the bank of a river, he heard a
-cry as of one in distress: advancing a few paces farther, he saw one
-of his Scholars in the water, hanging by the branch of a willow. The
-Boy had, it seems, been learning to swim with corks, and now thinking
-himself sufficiently experienced, had thrown these implements aside,
-and ventured into the water without them; but the force of the stream
-having hurried him out of his depth, he had certainly been drowned, had
-not the branch of the tree providentially hung in his way. The Master
-took up the corks, which lay upon the ground, and throwing them to his
-Scholar, made use of this opportunity to read a lecture to him upon the
-inconsiderate rashness of youth. Let this be an example to you, says
-he, in the conduct of your future life, never to throw away your corks
-till time has given you strength and experience enough to swim without
-them.
-
-
-APPLICATION.
-
-Rashness is the peculiar vice of youth, and may be stiled the
-characteristic foible of that season of life. The foundation of this
-rashness is laid in a fond conceit of their own abilities, which
-tempts them to undertake affairs too great for their capacities, and
-to venture out of their depths, or to suffer themselves to be hurried
-into the most precipitate and dangerous measures, before they find out
-their own weakness and inability. It therefore behoves inexperienced
-young men to keep a cautious guard over their passions, to check the
-irregularities of their disposition, and to listen to the wholesome
-advice and good council of those whose judgments are matured by age
-and experience: for few are above the need of advice, nor are we ever
-too old to learn any thing for which we may be the better. But young
-men, above all, should not disdain to open their eyes to good example,
-and their ears to admonition: neither should they be ashamed to borrow
-rules for their behaviour in the world, until they are enabled from
-their own knowledge of men and things, to stem its crooked tides and
-currents with ease and honour to themselves.
-
-    Consult your elders, use their sense alone,
-    Till age and practice have confirm’d your own.
-
-[Illustration]
-
-
-
-
-[Illustration]  [Page 9]
-
-INDUSTRY AND SLOTH.
-
-
-An indolent Young Man being asked why he lay in bed so long? jocosely
-answered, “Every morning of my life I am hearing causes. I have two
-fine girls, their names are Industry and Sloth, close at my bed-side
-as soon as I awake, pressing their different suits. One intreats me to
-get up, the other persuades me to lie still; and then they alternately
-give me various reasons why I should rise, and why I should not. This
-detains me so long, (it being the duty of an impartial judge to hear
-all that can be said on either side) that before the pleadings are
-over, it is time to go to dinner.”
-
-
-APPLICATION.
-
-    “He who defers his work from day to day,
-    Does on a river’s brink expecting stay,
-    ’Till the whole stream which stopt him shall be gone,
-    Which, as it runs, for ever will run on.”
-
-Indolence is like a stream which flows slowly on, but yet it undermines
-every virtue; it rusts the mind, and gives a tincture to every
-action of one’s life, the term of which does not allow time for long
-protracted deliberations; and yet how many waste more of their time
-in idly considering which of two affairs to begin first, than would
-have ended them both? To-morrow is still the fatal time when all is
-to be done; to-morrow comes, it goes, and still indolence pleases
-itself with the shadow, while it loses the substance: and thus men pass
-through life like a bird through the air, and leave no track behind
-them, unmindful that the present time alone is ours, and should be
-managed with judicious care, since we cannot secure a moment to come,
-nor recal one that is past. It is no matter how many good qualities
-the mind may be possessed of; they all lie dormant if we want the
-necessary vigour and resolution to draw them forth; for this slumber
-of the mind leaves no difference between the greatest genius and the
-meanest understanding. Neither the mind nor the body can be active and
-vigorous without proper exertion, and trouble springs from idleness,
-and grievous toil from useless ease; therefore, “whatsoever thy hand
-findeth to do, do it with all thy might, for there is no work, nor
-device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom in the grave, whither thou goest.”
-
-
-
-
-[Illustration]  [Page 11]
-
-THE YOUNG MAN AND THE SWALLOW.
-
-
-A prodigal thoughtless young Man, who had wasted his whole patrimony in
-taverns and gaming-houses, among his lewd idle companions, was taking
-a melancholy walk near a brook. It was in the spring, while the hills
-were yet capped with snow, but it happened to be one of those clear
-sunny days which some times occur at that time of the year; and to
-make appearances the more flattering, a Swallow which had been invited
-forth by the warmth, flew skimming along upon the surface of the water.
-The Youth observing this, concluded that the summer was now come, and
-that he should have little or no occasion for clothes, so went and
-pawned them, and ventured the money for one stake more, among his
-sharping associates. When this too was gone, like all the rest of his
-property, he took another solitary walk in the same place as before,
-but the weather being severe and frosty, every thing had put on a very
-different aspect; the brook was frozen over, and the poor Swallow lay
-dead upon the bank. At this, the Youth, smarting under the sense of
-his own misery, mistakingly reproached the Swallow as the cause of all
-his misfortunes: he cried out, oh, unhappy bird, thou hast undone both
-thyself and me, who was so credulous as to trust to thy appearance.
-
-
-APPLICATION.
-
-They who frequent taverns and gaming-houses, and keep bad company,
-should not wonder if they are reduced in a very short time to penury
-and want. The wretched young fellows who once addict themselves to
-such a scandalous course of life, scarcely think of or attend to any
-thing besides: they seem to have nothing else in their heads but how
-they may squander what they have got, and where they may get more when
-that is gone. They do not make the same use of their reason as other
-people, but like the jaundiced eye, view every thing in a false light,
-and having turned a deaf ear to all advice, and pursued their unaltered
-course until all their property is irrecoverably lost, when at length
-misery forces upon them a sense of their situation, they still lay the
-blame upon any cause but the right one--their own extravagance and
-folly; like the Prodigal in the fable, who would not have considered a
-solitary occurrence as a general indication of the season, had not his
-own wicked desires blinded his understanding.
-
-
-
-
-[Illustration]  [Page 13]
-
-THE COLLIER AND THE FULLER.
-
-
-The Collier and the Fuller being old acquaintances, happened upon a
-time to meet together, and the latter being but ill provided with a
-habitation, was invited by the former to come and live in the same
-house with him. I thank you, my dear friend, replied the Fuller, for
-your kind offer; but it cannot be, for if I were to dwell with you,
-whatever I should take pains to scour and make clean in the morning,
-the dust of you and your coals would blacken and defile before night.
-
-
-APPLICATION.
-
-It is of no small importance in life to be cautious what company we
-keep, and with whom we enter into friendship; for though we are ever so
-well disposed ourselves, and free from vice, yet if those with whom
-we frequently converse, are engaged in a lewd, wicked course, it will
-be almost impossible for us to escape being drawn in with them. If we
-are truly wise, and would shun those rocks of pleasure upon which so
-many have split, we should forbid ourselves all manner of commerce and
-correspondence with those who are steering a course, which reason tells
-us is not only not for our advantage, but would end in our destruction.
-All the virtue we can boast of, will not be sufficient to insure our
-safety, if we embark in bad company; for though our philosophy were
-such as would preserve us from being tainted and infected with their
-manners, yet their characters would twist and entwine themselves along
-with ours, in so intricate a fold, that the world would not take the
-trouble to unravel and separate them. Reputation is of a blending
-nature, like water; that which is derived from the clearest spring, if
-it chance to mix with a foul current, runs on undistinguished, in one
-muddy stream, and must ever partake of the colour and condition of its
-associate.
-
-[Illustration]
-
-
-
-
-[Illustration]  [Page 15]
-
-THE HUSBANDMAN AND HIS SONS.
-
-
-A Husbandman, at the point of death, being desirous that his Sons
-should pursue the same innocent course of agriculture in which he
-himself had been engaged all his life, made use of this expedient.
-He called them to his bed-side, and said: All the patrimony I have
-to bequeath to you, my sons, is my farm and my vine-yard, of which I
-make you joint heirs; but I charge you not to let them go out of your
-own occupation, for if I have any treasure besides, it lies buried
-somewhere in the ground within a foot of the surface. This made the
-Sons conclude that he talked of money which he had hidden: so after
-their father’s death, with unwearied diligence, they carefully dug up
-every inch, and though they found not the money they expected, the
-ground, by being well stirred and loosened, produced so plentiful
-a crop of all that was sown in it, as proved a real, and that no
-inconsiderable treasure.
-
-
-APPLICATION.
-
-The good name and the good counsel of a father, are the best legacies
-he can leave to his children; and they ought to revere the one, and
-keep in mind the other. The wealth which a man acquires by his honest
-industry affords him greater pleasure in the enjoyment, than when
-acquired in any other way; and men who by personal labour have obtained
-a competency, know its value better than those can who have had it
-showered upon them without any efforts of their own. Idleness engenders
-disease, while exercise is the great prop of health, and health is the
-greatest blessing of life, which consideration alone ought to stimulate
-men to pursue some useful employment; and among the almost endless
-number of those, to which good laws and well-organized society give
-birth and encouragement, there are none equal to the culture of the
-earth, none which yield a more grateful return. The pleasures derived
-both from agriculture and horticulture, are so various, so delightful,
-and so natural to man, that they are not easily to be described, and
-are never to be excelled: for in whatever way they are pursued, the
-mind may be constantly entertained with the wonderful œconomy of the
-vegetable world; and the nerves are invigorated and kept in proper tone
-by the freshness of the earth, and the fragrancy of the air, which
-blush the countenance with health, and give a relish to every meal.
-
-
-
-
-[Illustration]  [Page 17]
-
-THE PROUD FROG AND THE OX.
-
-
-An Ox, grazing in a meadow, chanced to set his foot among a parcel of
-young Frogs, and trod one of them to death. The rest informed their
-mother, when she came home, what had happened; telling her, that the
-beast which did it, was the hugest creature that they ever saw in their
-lives. What, was it so big? says the old Frog, swelling and blowing up
-her speckled belly to a great degree. Oh! bigger by a vast deal, say
-they: and so big? says she, straining herself yet more. Indeed, say
-they, if you were to burst yourself, you would never be so big. She
-strove yet again, and burst herself indeed.
-
-
-APPLICATION.
-
-How many vain people, of moderate easy circumstances, by entertaining
-the silly ambition of vying with their superiors in station and
-fortune, get into the direct road to ruin. In whatever station of life
-it may have pleased Providence to place us, we ought to determine
-upon living within our income, and to endeavour by honesty, sobriety,
-and industry, to maintain our ground. Young men, upon their launching
-out into the world, would do well deeply to reflect upon this, for
-their future peace of mind and happiness greatly depend upon it. They
-need only look a little about them to see how a contrary conduct has
-operated upon thousands; and it is to be feared, will continue to fill
-our gaols with debtors, and Bedlam with lunatics.
-
-[Illustration]
-
-
-
-
-[Illustration]  [Page 19]
-
-THE STAG LOOKING INTO THE WATER.
-
-
-A Stag drinking, saw himself in the water, and pleased with the sight,
-stood contemplating his shape. Ah, says he, what a glorious pair of
-branching horns are here, how gracefully do these antlers project
-over my forehead, and give an agreeable turn to my whole face; but I
-have such legs as really make me ashamed; they look so very long and
-unsightly, that I had rather have none at all. In the midst of this
-soliloquy, he was alarmed with the cry of a pack of hounds. Away he
-flies in some consternation, and bounding nimbly over the plain, threw
-dogs and men at a vast distance behind him. After which, taking a
-very thick copse, he had the ill fortune to be entangled by his horns
-in the branches, where he was held fast till the hounds came up and
-seized him. In the pangs of death, he is said to have uttered these
-words: Unhappy creature that I am, I am too late convinced that what I
-prided myself in, has been the cause of my undoing; and what I so much
-disliked, was the only thing that could have saved me.
-
-
-APPLICATION.
-
-We often make a false estimate, in preferring our ornamental talents
-to our useful ones, and are apt to place our love and admiration on
-wrong objects. When our vanity is stronger than our reason, show and
-ostentation find easy admission into our hearts, and we are much fonder
-of specious trifles than useful plainness. But the truest mark of
-wisdom is to estimate things at their just value, and to know whence
-the most solid advantages may be derived: otherwise, like the Stag in
-the Fable, we may happen to admire those accomplishments which are
-not only of no real use, but often prove prejudicial to us, while we
-despise those things on which our safety may depend. He that does not
-know himself, will often form a false judgment upon other matters that
-most materially concern him; and thus it fares with many, who suffer
-themselves to be deluded with the false pomp of high life, and whose
-vanity prompts them to conceive they possess talents which qualify them
-to shine in that circle, into which, had they judged rightly, they
-never would have entered, but rather have applied themselves to improve
-other qualifications, which might have insured their own happiness, and
-have rendered them useful members of society.
-
-
-
-
-[Illustration]  [Page 21]
-
-THE LEOPARD AND THE FOX.
-
-
-The Leopard, one day, took it into his head to value himself upon the
-great variety and beauty of his spots, and truly he saw no reason why
-even the Lion should take place of him, since he could not shew so
-beautiful a skin. As for the rest of the wild beasts of the forest, he
-treated them all without distinction in the most haughty and disdainful
-manner. But the Fox being among them, went up to him with a great deal
-of spirit and resolution, and told him that he was mistaken in the
-value he was pleased to set upon himself, since people of judgment were
-not used to form their opinion of merit from an outside appearance, but
-by considering the good qualities and endowments with which the mind
-was stored within.
-
-
-APPLICATION.
-
-Wise men are chiefly captivated with the beauty of the mind, rather
-than that of the person; and whenever they are infatuated with a
-passion for any thing else, it is generally observed that they cease,
-during that time at least, to be what they were, and indeed are
-only considered to be playing the fool. It too often happens that
-women of remarkable beauty are so fully satisfied with their outward
-excellencies, that they totally neglect the improvement of their
-minds; not considering that it is only a combination of mental and
-personal charms that can entitle them to be ranked as Nature’s greatest
-ornaments. Unmindful of this, however, they are too apt to consider
-beauty as the only thing requisite in their sex; and since they are
-endowed with it in such an eminent degree, they look down with disdain
-on females less happy in personal charms. Beauty has undoubtedly great
-influence over the hearts of mankind, but when it is overrun with
-affectation and conceit, their admiration will soon be turned into
-disgust; while women of more ordinary persons, but blessed with good
-sense and good humour, will captivate the hearts of worthy men, and
-more effectually secure their constancy.
-
-[Illustration]
-
-
-
-
-[Illustration]  [Page 23]
-
-THE PEACOCK AND THE CRANE.
-
-
-The Peacock and the Crane having by chance met together, the Peacock
-erected his tail, displayed his gaudy plumes, and looked with contempt
-upon the Crane, as some mean ordinary person. The Crane resolving to
-mortify his insolence, took occasion to say, that Peacocks were very
-fine birds indeed, if fine feathers could make them so; but that he
-thought it a much nobler thing to be able to rise above the clouds into
-endless space, and survey the wonders of the heavens, as well as of the
-earth beneath, with its seas, lakes, and rivers, as far as the eye can
-reach, than to strut about upon the ground, and be gazed at by children.
-
-
-APPLICATION.
-
-There cannot be a greater sign of a weak mind, than a person’s valuing
-himself on a gaudy outside, whether it consist of the beauties of the
-person, or the still more contemptible vanity of fine cloaths. This
-kind of misguided pride, while it endeavours to exalt, commonly tends
-to lower the persons who are infected with it; but never renders them
-so truly ridiculous as when it inspires them with a contempt of those
-who have ten times more worth than themselves. To value ourselves
-upon the glitter and finery of dress is one of the most trifling of
-all vanities; and a man of sense would be ashamed to bestow upon it
-the least attention. They who examine things by the scale of common
-sense, must find something of weight and substance before they can be
-persuaded to set a value upon it. The mind that is stored with virtuous
-and rational sentiments, and the behaviour which is founded upon
-complacency and humility, stamp a value upon the possessor, which all
-men of discernment are ever ready to admire and acknowledge.
-
-[Illustration]
-
-
-
-
-[Illustration]  [Page 25]
-
-THE TWO POTS.
-
-
-An earthen Pot, and one of brass, standing together upon the brink of
-a river, were both carried away by the sudden rise of the water. The
-earthen Pot shewed some uneasiness, fearing he should be broken; but
-his companion of brass bade him be under no apprehension, as he would
-take care of him. Oh! replies the other, keep as far off as you can, I
-entreat you: it is you I am most afraid of; for whether the stream dash
-you against me, or me against you, I am sure to be the sufferer, and,
-therefore, I beg of you do not let us come near one another.
-
-
-APPLICATION.
-
-A man of moderate fortune, who is contented with what he has, and finds
-he can live happily upon it, should be particularly guarded against
-the ill-judged ambition of associating with the rich and powerful, for
-what in them is œconomy, would in him be the height of extravagance;
-and at the very time they honour him with their countenance, they are
-leading him on to his ruin. People of equal conditions may float down
-the current of life without hurting each other; but it is no easy
-matter to steer one’s course in company with the great, so as to escape
-without a bulge: neither is it desirable to live in the neighbourhood
-of a very great man; for whether we ignorantly trespass upon him, or he
-knowingly encroach upon us, we are sure to be the sufferers.
-
-[Illustration]
-
-
-
-
-[Illustration]  [Page 27]
-
-THE MOLE AND HER DAM.
-
-
-The young Mole snuffed up her nose, and told her Dam she smelt an odd
-kind of a smell. Bye and bye, O strange! says she, what a noise there
-is in my ears, as if ten thousand hammers were going. A little after,
-she was at it again: look, look, what is that I see yonder? it is just
-like the flame of a fiery furnace. The Dam replied, pray child hold
-your idle tongue; and if you would have us allow you any sense at all,
-do not affect to shew more than nature has given you.
-
-
-APPLICATION.
-
-By affectation, we aim at being thought to possess some accomplishment
-which we have not, or at shewing what we have, in a conceited
-ostentatious manner. There is scarcely any species of ridiculous
-behaviour, which is not derived from it; it grows out of folly and
-insincerity; it derogates from genius; it is the bane of beauty, and
-diminishes its charms; it is disagreeable to others, and hurtful to the
-person who uses it; it detracts from some real possession, and makes
-qualities that would otherwise pass well enough, appear nauseous and
-offensive; and whoever indulges in it, may be sure to lay themselves
-open, and call forth the attention of others to notice their vanity.
-To cure ourselves of affectation, we have only to call in the aids of
-truth and sincerity, which will cut off the whole train of its follies
-at one stroke.
-
-[Illustration]
-
-
-
-
-[Illustration]  [Page 29]
-
-THE GOAT, THE KID, AND THE WOLF.
-
-
-The Goat going abroad to feed, shut up her young Kid at home, charging
-him to bolt the door fast, and open it to nobody till she herself
-should return. The Wolf who lay lurking hard by, heard the charge
-given, and soon after came and knocked at the door, counterfeiting the
-voice of the Goat, and desired to be admitted. The Kid looking out at
-the window, and finding the cheat, bade him go about his business, for,
-however he might imitate a Goat’s voice, yet he appeared too much like
-a Wolf to be trusted.
-
-
-APPLICATION.
-
-Deceit, hypocrisy, and villainy, are constantly on the watch to entrap
-and ensnare the innocent and the unwary. Every beautiful woman is
-commonly surrounded by a kind of men who would undermine her virtue;
-and inexperienced men of fortune, in the outset of life, are almost
-constantly beset with rogues and sharpers; and these artful villains,
-under one specious pretext or another, too often effect the ruin of the
-weak and unsuspicious of both sexes. As a guard against all these, the
-early admonitions of parents are of inestimable worth: they are built
-upon the tenderest regard, and the most sincere affection. Those who
-have already travelled over the difficult paths of life, and buffeted
-its storms, have observed the snares and the dangers with which the
-way is strewed, and they are enabled by their experience, to forewarn
-those who are about to launch out on the troubled ocean of life, to
-steer their course clear of its hidden rocks, its shoals, and its
-quick-sands. Did youth but know the importance of this early advice,
-how eagerly would they treasure it in their minds, and as occasion
-required, with what pleasure would they draw it forth, and obey its
-dictates. To the neglect of these precepts, may be attributed much of
-the ill conduct we see in the world, and most of the misfortunes which
-befal mankind through life.
-
-[Illustration:
-
-  _Honour thy Father
-  and thy mother
-  that thy Days may be long
-  in the land which
-  The LORD thy God
-  giveth Thee._
-]
-
-
-
-
-[Illustration]  [Page 31]
-
-THE BROTHER AND SISTER.
-
-
-A certain man had two children, a Son and a Daughter; the Boy very
-handsome, and the Girl only moderately so. They were both young, and
-happened to be one day playing near the looking-glass, which stood
-on their mother’s toilet. The Boy, pleased with the novelty of the
-thing, viewed himself for some time, and in a wanton roguish manner,
-observed to the Girl how handsome he was. She resented it, and could
-not bear the insolent manner in which he spoke, for she understood it
-(as how could she do otherwise) to be intended as a direct affront to
-her. Therefore she ran immediately to her Father, and with a deal of
-aggravation, complained of her Brother, particularly of his having
-acted so effeminate a part as to look in a glass, and meddle with
-things which belonged to women only. The father embraced them both
-with much tenderness and affection, and told them that he should
-like to have them look in a glass every day: to the intent that you,
-says he, addressing himself to the Boy, if you think that face of
-yours handsome, may not disgrace and spoil it by an ugly temper, and
-a foul behaviour; and that you, speaking to the girl, may make up for
-the defects of your person, if there be any, by the sweetness of your
-manners, and the agreeableness of your conversation.
-
-
-APPLICATION.
-
-We should every day view ourselves considerately in a looking-glass,
-with the intent of converting it to a better purpose than that of
-merely observing and admiring our persons. Let those on whom nature has
-been liberal of her bounties, in bestowing a fine countenance, with
-symmetry of person, health, and strength, always remember that these
-are the gifts of providence, for which we ought ever to be thankful,
-but never vain: these qualifications ought only to act as a spur to
-induce us to cultivate the mind, by study, by reading, and reflection,
-so as to cause it to correspond in its beauties with those of our
-outward appearance. Let others again who have not any thing in their
-personal appearance to attract the attention of the world, strive also
-to improve the faculties of the mind, and to excel in the beauties of
-a good temper, and an agreeable conversation, the charms of which,
-notwithstanding a rough exterior, cannot fail to endear the possessor
-to all men of sense, who will readily discover intrinsic worth, whether
-it be made up of a lively imagination, clear perceptions, or the
-transparent sincerity of an honest heart.
-
-
-
-
-[Illustration]  [Page 33]
-
-THE SHEEP-BITER.
-
-
-A certain Shepherd had a Dog, upon whose fidelity he relied very much,
-for whenever he had occasion to be absent himself, he committed the
-care of his flock to the charge of this Dog; and to encourage him to do
-his duty cheerfully, he fed him constantly with sweet milk and curds,
-and sometimes threw him a bone extraordinary. Yet, notwithstanding
-this, no sooner was his back turned, than the treacherous Cur fell upon
-some one of the flock, and thus devoured the sheep instead of guarding
-and defending them. The Shepherd having at length found out his tricks,
-was resolved to hang him; and the Dog, when the rope was about his
-neck, and he was just going to be tied up, began to expostulate with
-his master, asking him why he was so unmercifully bent against him, who
-was his own servant and creature, and had only committed a few crimes;
-and why he did not rather take vengeance on the Wolf who was an open
-and declared enemy? Nay, replied the Shepherd, it is for that very
-reason that I think you ten times more worthy of death, for from him
-I expected nothing but hostilities, and therefore could guard against
-him; you I depended on as a just and faithful servant, and fed and
-encouraged you accordingly, and therefore your treachery is the more
-base, and your ungratitude the more unpardonable.
-
-
-APPLICATION.
-
-The common disappointments which we are liable to through life,
-do not bring with them any thing to be compared to the bitterness
-we experience from the perfidy of those we esteemed and trusted
-as friends: an open enemy we can guard against, and we look upon
-him when he is at rest, as we do at the sword within its scabbard;
-but the man who betrays his trust, masked under the appearance of
-friendship, wounds us in the tenderest part, and involves us in a
-cruelly complicated grief, which frets the mind and heightens the sum
-of our infelicity. Friendship is the cordial of human life, the balm
-of society; and he who violates its laws, by treachery and deceit,
-converts it into the deadliest poison, and renders that which ought to
-be the defence and support of our steps, our greatest snare and danger.
-
-[Illustration]
-
-
-
-
-[Illustration]  [Page 35]
-
-THE OLD WOMAN AND HER MAIDS.
-
-
-An Old Woman, who had several Maid Servants, used to call them up to
-their work at the crowing of the Cock. The damsels, not liking to have
-their sweet slumbers disturbed so early, combined together, and killed
-the Cock, thinking they might then enjoy their warm beds a little
-longer. But in this they found themselves mistaken, for the Old Woman,
-having lost her unerring guide, from that time roused them out of their
-beds whenever she awoke, although it might be at midnight.
-
-
-APPLICATION.
-
-We govern our lives by imagination rather than by judgment, mistaking
-the reason of things, and imputing the issue of them to wrong causes.
-We should endeavour to content ourselves in our present station, if it
-be not very bad indeed, for it seldom happens that every thing can be
-in all respects agreeable to our wishes. When we give full scope to the
-impatience of our tempers, and quit our present condition in life, we
-often find we have not changed for the better; but we are too fond of
-carving out our fortunes for ourselves, and wish to remove this or that
-obstacle which we imagine stands between us and our felicity: then,
-too late, we see how greatly we are mistaken in our notions, when we
-feel we have changed for the worse. Before we attempt any alteration of
-moment, we should, if possible, ascertain what state it will produce,
-and not suffer infirmity of temper to embitter our lives; but, above
-all, we should never aim at mending our fortunes by fraud and violence.
-
-[Illustration: _They all want \Brains\ Wigs_]
-
-
-
-
-[Illustration]  [Page 37]
-
-HERCULES AND THE CARTER.
-
-
-As a clownish Fellow was driving his cart along a deep miry lane, the
-wheels stuck so fast in the clay, that his horses could not draw it
-out. Upon this he fell a bawling and praying to Hercules to come and
-help him. Hercules, looking down from a cloud, bid him not lie there
-like an idle dastardly looby as he was, but get up and whip his horses,
-and clap his shoulder stoutly to the wheel, adding that this was the
-only way for him to obtain assistance.
-
-
-APPLICATION.
-
-The man who sits down at his ease, and prays to Heaven to have all
-his wants supplied, and his wishes accomplished, by a miracle wrought
-in his favour, without using his own exertions and honest endeavours
-to obtain them, deserves to be disappointed. Many men who have a fair
-share of natural good sense, and who also value themselves upon having
-their reasoning powers enlightened by revelation, yet fall into this
-error: led by fanatics and bigots, they follow the fashion of running
-often to prayers and sermons, when they might be much better employed
-at home. The industrious good man, instead of publicly praying for
-the comforts of life, pursues his business, which is the proper means
-of procuring them; and if at the same time he holds converse with his
-Maker, which all men ought to do, and no man can be happy without
-doing, he needs no veil of hypocrisy to make the world believe he is
-better than he really is: he feels it his duty and pleasure so to
-proceed, while he sojourns here, and knows not how he can do better,
-than by sober and honest industry to provide for those of his own
-household, and to endeavour for the means of helping him that needeth.
-The man who is virtuously and honestly engaged, is actually serving
-God all the while; and is more likely to have his silent wishes,
-accompanied with strenuous endeavours, complied with by the Supreme
-Being, than he who begs with an unnecessary vehemence, and solicits
-with an empty hand--a hand which would be more religious, were it
-usefully employed, and more devout, were it stretched out to do good to
-those that want it.
-
-[Illustration]
-
-
-
-
-[Illustration]  [Page 39]
-
-THE EAGLE, THE CAT, AND THE SOW.
-
-
-An Eagle had built her nest upon the top branches of an old oak; a
-Wild Cat inhabited a hole in the middle; and in the hollow part at the
-bottom was a Sow with a whole litter of Pigs. A happy neighbourhood,
-and might long have continued so, had it not been for the wicked
-insinuations of the designing Cat: for first of all, up she crept to
-the Eagle, and, Good neighbour, says she, we shall all be undone; that
-filthy Sow yonder does nothing but lie rooting at the foot of the
-tree, and, as I suspect, intends to grub it up, that she may the more
-easily come at our young ones. For my part, I will take care of my
-own concerns, you may do as you please; but I will watch her motions,
-though I stay at home this month for it. When she had said this, which
-could not fail of putting the Eagle into a great fright, down she went,
-and made a visit to the Sow at the bottom: putting on a sorrowful
-face, I hope, says she, you do not intend to go abroad to-day: why not?
-says the Sow: nay, replies the other, you may do as you please, but I
-overheard the Eagle tell her young ones, that she would treat them with
-a Pig the first time she saw you go out; and I am not sure but she may
-take up with a Kitten in the mean time; so good morrow to you, you will
-excuse me, I must go and take care of the little folks at home. Away
-she went accordingly, and by contriving to steal out softly at nights
-for her prey, and to stand watching and peeping all day at her hole,
-as under great concern, she made such an impression upon the Eagle and
-the Sow, that neither of them dared to venture abroad, for fear of the
-other; the consequence of which was, that they in a little time were
-starved, and their young ones fell a prey to the treacherous Cat and
-her Kittens.
-
-
-APPLICATION.
-
-This shews us the ill consequence of giving ear to a gossiping
-double-tongued neighbour. Many sociable well-disposed families have
-been blown up into a perpetual discord, by one of these wicked
-go-betweens; so that whoever would avoid the imputation of being a
-bad neighbour, should guard both against receiving ill impressions by
-hearsay, and uttering his opinions of others, to those busy bodies,
-who, to gratify a malignant disposition, or gain some selfish end
-of their own, can magnify a gnat to the size of a camel, or swell a
-mole-hill to a mountain.
-
-
-
-
-[Illustration]  [Page 41]
-
-THE LARK AND HER YOUNG ONES.
-
-
-A Lark who had Young Ones in a field of corn nearly ripe, was under
-some fear lest the reapers should come and cut it down before her young
-brood were fledged, and able to remove from the place; wherefore, when
-she flew abroad in the morning to seek for food for them, she charged
-them to listen to what the Farmer said about shearing. On her return,
-her young family opened all their little throats at once, to inform her
-that the Farmer had sent to his neighbours to reap the corn the next
-morning. Is that all? said the old Lark, then there is no danger. When
-she went abroad again the next morning, she left the same instructions
-as before. At night, she found her Young Ones more alarmed than at
-first; for the Farmer had applied to his friends, earnestly requesting
-them to begin the harvest the next day. She received this intelligence
-as calmly as before, and took no other precautions the next day, than
-repeating the same orders. In the evening, they told her that the
-Farmer had been charging his son to get the sickles ready, for it was
-in vain to wait for other people, and that they would cut the corn
-to-morrow themselves. Nay, then said the old Lark, we must be off as
-soon as we can; for when a man undertakes to do his business himself,
-it is not so likely that he will be disappointed.
-
-
-APPLICATION.
-
-He who depends on the assistance of others to perform what he is able
-to do himself, must not be surprised to find that his business is
-neglected. He may be sure that it will be best done when he puts forth
-his own hands, and looks after it with his own eyes. How indeed can any
-man imagine, that other people will be active in his interest, while he
-himself remains indolent and unconcerned about his own affairs. Men of
-such tempers and dispositions, live in a state of suspense, and subject
-themselves to perpetual disappointments and losses, which their own
-industry would have prevented, and have kept their minds at ease. They
-do not use their reasoning powers, but sink down into a kind of stupid
-abject dependence upon others, which degrades even the finest talents
-with which human nature is dignified.
-
-
-
-
-[Illustration]  [Page 43]
-
-THE YOUNG MEN AND THE COOK.
-
-
-Two Young Men went into a Cook’s shop, under pretence of buying some
-meat; and while the Cook’s back was turned, one of them snatched up a
-piece of beef, and gave it to his companion, who clapt it under his
-cloak. The Cook turning about, and missing his beef, began to charge
-them with it: upon which he that first took it swore bitterly he had
-none of it. He that had it, swore as heartily that he had not taken it.
-Why, look ye, gentlemen, says the Cook, I see your equivocation; and
-though I cannot tell which of you has taken my meat, I am sure between
-you there is a thief.
-
-
-APPLICATION.
-
-This fable shews how little reliance can be placed on either the word
-or the oath of those who, like the thieves in the cook’s shop, have
-neither honour nor honesty. An honest man’s word is as good as his
-oath; and so is a rogue’s too: for he that will cheat and lie, will
-not scruple to forswear himself. The former needs no oath to bind him;
-and the latter, though he swear in the most solemn manner that can be
-invented, only deceives you the more certainly, as he who scruples
-not to steal, will never regard the heinous guilt of calling upon
-the Supreme Being to witness his atrocity. It is no less wicked to
-quibble and evade the truth, than it is to deny it altogether, for the
-falsehood consists in what we wish the hearer to believe, not in the
-literal import of what we say. Men who habituate themselves to this
-species of deceit, will soon be ready to go the length of any perjury.
-Early to impress the mind with the unspeakable worth of truth, is of
-the utmost importance. It is sacred, and no man can say in the face of
-the world, that it ought not to prevail. No discussions can injure its
-cause--it emanates from heaven--it is an attribute of omnipotence, and
-is therefore eternal.
-
-[Illustration]
-
-
-
-
-[Illustration]  [Page 45]
-
-THE MULE.
-
-
-A Mule, which was pampered up and easily worked, became plump, sleek,
-and in high condition, and in the height of his wantonness, would
-scamper about from hill to dale in all the wildness of unbridled
-restraint. Why should not I, said he to himself, be as good a racer as
-any horse whatever? My father, whose pedigree was well known, was one
-of the best of them; do not I resemble him in every respect? While he
-was indulging his vanity in reveries of this kind, his master having
-occasion to mount him upon urgent business, put him upon his speed,
-and, ere long, was obliged to use both whip and spur to force him to
-push forward. Thus jaded and tired, he muttered to himself, Alas! I
-find now, I was mistaken in my pedigree, for my sire was not a Horse,
-but an Ass.
-
-
-APPLICATION.
-
-The man who has been brought up in ease and affluence, and pampered and
-anticipated in all his wants, little imagines what a figure he would
-make in the world, were his supplies cut off, and he were put to the
-trial to rub through its thorny mazes, and provide for himself. The
-children of the poor industrious honest man, when brought up like their
-parents, are put to a kind of school, such as the opulent it is feared
-can seldom form any conception of; and if the former, by their industry
-and abilities, rise above poverty, their enjoyments in life commonly
-surpass those who have been, without effort, upheld in every real as
-well as imaginary want. The sensible poor man does not trouble his head
-about his pedigree, but he knows that his descent must of course be as
-ancient as that of any man on earth; and that if he is respected in the
-world, it must arise solely from his own good conduct and merit. The
-man who has nothing to boast but the merely tracing back his ancestry,
-is building upon a hollow foundation. If indeed his ancestry have
-arisen to their high station by patriotic and virtuous means, and have
-deservedly maintained a high character for probity, worth, and honour,
-let him follow their example: if otherwise, all he can do or say will
-only prove him to be a mongrel, or an ass.
-
-    “The pride of family is all a cheat,
-    “’Tis personal merit only makes us great.”
-
-
-
-
-[Illustration]  [Page 47]
-
-THE COCK AND THE JEWEL.
-
-
-A gallant young Cock, in company with his mistresses, raking upon a
-dung-hill for something to entertain them with, happened to scratch
-up a Jewel. He knew what it was well enough, for it sparkled with
-an exceeding bright lustre; but not knowing what to do with it, he
-shrugged up his wings, shook his head, and putting on a grimace,
-expressed himself to this purpose: Indeed, you are a very fine thing;
-but I know not any business you have here. I make no scruple of
-declaring, that my taste lies quite another way; and I had rather have
-one grain of dear, delicious barley, than all the Jewels under the sun.
-
-
-APPLICATION.
-
-Moralists have interpreted this Fable in various ways, some of them
-ascribing the want of setting a proper value upon the Jewel, to
-ignorance, and say:--
-
-    “To fools, the treasures dug from wisdom’s mine
-    “Are Jewels thrown to Cocks, and Pearls to Swine.”
-
-But the most obvious meaning of the Fable is surely to shew, that
-men who weigh well their own real wants, and shape their pursuits to
-their abilities, will always prefer those things which are necessary,
-to such as are merely ornamental or superfluous, and will not easily
-suffer themselves to be led astray by the gaudy allurements of glitter
-and show, which have no other value than what vanity, pride, or luxury
-may have set upon them; but governing their minds by their own reason,
-judge of every thing by its intrinsic worth.
-
-[Illustration]
-
-
-
-
-[Illustration]  [Page 49]
-
-MERCURY AND THE WOODMAN.
-
-
-A Man was felling a tree on the steep bank of a river, and by chance
-let slip his hatchet, which dropt into the water, and sunk to the
-bottom. Being in distress for want of his tool, he sat down and
-bemoaned himself on the occasion. Upon this, Mercury appeared to him,
-and being informed of the cause of his complaint, dived to the bottom
-of the river, and coming up again, shewed the Man a golden hatchet,
-demanding if that were his? he denied that it was: upon which Mercury
-dived a second time, and brought up a silver one; the Man refused it,
-alleging likewise that it was not his: he dived a third time, and
-fetched up the individual hatchet the Man had lost; upon sight of
-which the poor fellow was overjoyed, and took it with all humility and
-thankfulness. Mercury was so pleased with his honesty, that he gave him
-the other into the bargain, as a reward for his just dealing. Away
-goes the Man to his companions, and giving them an account of what
-had happened, one of them went presently to the river’s side, and let
-his hatchet fall designedly into the stream. Then sitting down upon
-the bank, he fell to weeping and lamenting as if he had been really
-and sorely afflicted. Mercury appeared as before, and diving, brought
-him up a golden hatchet, asking if that were the hatchet he had lost?
-Transported at the precious metal, he answered yes, and went to snatch
-it greedily; but the God, detesting his abominable impudence, not only
-refused him that, but would not so much as let him have his own again.
-
-
-APPLICATION.
-
-Honesty is the best policy; and one of our best poets has further
-stamped a value upon the good old maxim, by his assertion that “an
-honest man is the noblest work of God.” The paths of truth and
-integrity are so plain, direct, and easy, that the man who pursues
-them, stands in no need of subtle contrivances to deceive the world. He
-listens to the honest monitor within, and makes good his professions
-with his practice: neither gold nor silver hatchets can make him
-deviate from it; and whatever situation he may be placed in, he is sure
-to meet the esteem of all men within the circle in which he moves, and
-has besides the constant pleasure of feeling self-approbation within
-his own breast.
-
-
-
-
-[Illustration]  [Page 51]
-
-THE FOX AND THE VIZOR MASK.
-
-
-A Fox being in a shop where Vizor Masks were sold, laid his foot upon
-one of them, and considering it awhile attentively, at last broke out
-into this exclamation: Bless me! says he, what a handsome goodly figure
-this makes! what a pity it is that it should want brains!
-
-
-APPLICATION.
-
-    The accomplished beau in air and mein how blest,
-    His hat well fashioned, and his hair well drest,
-    Is yet undrest within: to give him brains
-    Exceeds his hatter’s or his barber’s pains.
-
-This Fable is levelled at that numerous part of mankind, who, out of
-their own ample fortunes take care to accomplish themselves in every
-thing but common sense, and seem not even to bestow a thought upon
-the important consequences of cultivating their understandings. The
-smooth address and plausible behaviour of the varnished fop may indeed
-pass current with the ignorant and superficial, but however much he
-may value himself upon his birth or figure, he never fails exciting
-the contempt or the pity of men of sagacity and penetration, and the
-ridicule of those who are disposed to amuse themselves at the folly
-and vanity of such as put on the mask of wisdom to cover their want of
-brains.
-
-[Illustration]
-
-
-
-
-[Illustration]  [Page 53]
-
-THE THIEF AND THE DOG.
-
-
-A Thief coming to rob a certain house in the night, was thwarted in his
-attempts by a fierce vigilant Dog, who kept barking at him continually.
-Upon which the Thief, thinking to stop his mouth, threw him a piece
-of bread; but the Dog refused it with indignation, telling him that
-before he only suspected him to be a bad man, but now upon his offering
-to bribe him, his suspicions were fully confirmed; and that as he was
-entrusted with the guardianship of his master’s house, he would never
-cease barking while such a rogue was lurking about it.
-
-
-APPLICATION.
-
-Nothing can alter the honest purpose of him whose mind is embued with
-good principles. He will despise an insidious bribe, and the greater
-the offer which is designed to buy his silence, the louder and more
-indignantly will he open out against the miscreant who would thus
-practise upon him. He knows that the favours held out to him are not
-marks of the love and regard of him who would confer them, but are
-meant as the price at which he is to sell his honour and his virtue.
-With a mind unpolluted, his noble resolution never fails to produce
-the happiest consequences, by preserving his friends and himself from
-the mischievous projects laid against them. So true it is, that virtue
-is its own reward; while corruption and venality are sure in the end
-to bring the greatest miseries on those, and their adherents, who are
-so base, or perhaps inconsiderate, as to subject themselves to future
-evils of the most fatal nature, for the sake of a little present profit.
-
-[Illustration]
-
-
-
-
-[Illustration]  [Page 55]
-
-THE MAN AND HIS GOOSE.
-
-
-A certain Man had a Goose, which laid him a golden egg every day.
-But not contented with this, which rather increased than abated his
-avarice, he was resolved to kill the Goose, and cut up her belly,
-that by so doing he might come at the inexhaustible treasure which he
-fancied she had within her. He did so, and to his great sorrow and
-disappointment, found nothing.
-
-
-APPLICATION.
-
-No passion can be a greater torment to those who are led by it, or more
-frequently mistakes its aim, than insatiable covetousness. It makes
-men blind to their present happiness, and conjures up ideal prospects
-of increasing felicity, which often tempt its deluded votaries to
-their ruin. Men who give themselves up to this propensity, know not
-how to be contented with the constant and continued sufficiency with
-which Providence may have blessed them: their minds are haunted with
-the prospect of becoming rich, and their impatient craving tempers are
-perpetually prompting them to try to obtain their object all at once.
-They lose all present enjoyment in remotely contemplating the future;
-and while they are shewing by their conduct how insensible they are
-to the bounty of Providence, they are at the same time laying the
-foundation of their own unhappiness.
-
-[Illustration]
-
-
-
-
-[Illustration]  [Page 57]
-
-THE WANTON CALF.
-
-
-A Calf, which had been some time fattening in a rich pasture, full of
-wantonness and arrogance, could not forbear insulting an old Ox every
-time he saw him at the plough. What a sorry drudge art thou, says he,
-to bear that heavy yoke, and draw all day a plough at thy tail! See,
-what a fat, sleek, and comely appearance I make, and what a life of
-ease I lead: I go where I please, and frisk about in the sunshine, or
-lie down under the cool shade, just as my own fancy prompts me. The Ox,
-not moved by this insolence, made no reply, but pursued his daily round
-of alternate labour and rest, until he saw the Calf taken and delivered
-to a priest, who immediately led him to the altar, and prepared to
-sacrifice him. When the fatal knife was just at his throat, the Ox drew
-near, and whispered him to this purpose: see what your wanton and lazy
-life has brought you to, a premature and painful death.
-
-
-APPLICATION.
-
-We may learn by this Fable the general consequence of an idle life,
-and how well rewarded laborious diligent men are in the end, when
-they quietly enjoy the fruits of their industry. They who by little
-tricks and chicanery, or by open violence and robbery, are enabled
-to live in a high expensive way, often despise the poor honest man,
-who is contented with the humble produce of his daily labour. But how
-often is the poor man comforted, by seeing these wanton villains led
-in disgrace and misery to the altar of justice, while he has many a
-cheerful summer’s morning to enjoy abroad, and many a long winter’s
-evening to indulge in at home, by a quiet hearth, and under an unenvied
-roof: blessings, which often attend a sober industrious man, though
-the idle and the profligate are utter strangers to them. Luxury and
-intemperance, besides their inevitable tendency to shorten a man’s
-days, are very apt to engage their besotted votaries in a debauched
-life, not only prejudicial to their health, but which engenders in
-them a contempt for those whose good sense and true taste of happiness
-inspire them with an aversion to idleness and effeminacy, and put them
-upon hardening their constitution by innocent exercise and laudable
-employment. How many do gluttony and sloth tumble into an untimely
-grave! while the temperate and the active drink sober draughts of
-life, and spin out the thread of their existence to the most desirable
-length.
-
-
-
-
-[Illustration]  [Page 59]
-
-THE BOASTING TRAVELLER.
-
-
-One who had been abroad, was giving an account of his travels,
-and among other places, said he had been at Rhodes, where he had
-distinguished himself so much in leaping, an exercise which that city
-was famous for, that not a Rhodian could come near him. When those
-who were present did not seem to credit this relation so readily as
-he intended they should, he took some pains to convince them of it by
-oaths and protestations: upon which, one of the company told him he
-need not give himself so much trouble about it, since he would put him
-in a way to demonstrate the fact; which was, to suppose the place they
-were in to be Rhodes, and to perform his extraordinary leap over again.
-The boaster, not liking this proposal, sat down quietly, and had no
-more to say for himself.
-
-
-APPLICATION.
-
-We had better be contented to keep our exploits to ourselves, than to
-appear ridiculous by attempting to force a belief of that which is
-improbable; and travelled gentlemen should have a care how they import
-falsehoods and inventions of their own from foreign parts, and attempt
-to vend them at home for staple truths. It cannot be too strongly
-impressed upon the mind, that a lie is upon all occasions degrading
-to the person who utters it, and should be most scrupulously avoided,
-not only on account of its baseness, but because it is impossible to
-foresee in how many troubles it may involve him who passes it off.
-It will not always receive credit, and is ever liable to detection.
-When it is calculated for wicked purposes, it will deservedly incur
-punishment; and when it is of a harmless or insignificant nature, it
-will even then often expose its author to contempt and ridicule; and
-vanity never mistakes its end more grossly, than when it attempts to
-aggrandize itself at the expence of truth.
-
-[Illustration]
-
-
-
-
-[Illustration]  [Page 61]
-
-THE SHEPHERD’S BOY AND THE WOLF.
-
-
-A Shepherd’s Boy, while attending his flock, used frequently to
-divert himself by crying out, “the Wolf! the Wolf!” The Husbandmen in
-the adjoining grounds, thus alarmed, left their work and ran to his
-assistance, but finding that he was only sporting with their feelings,
-and bantering them, they resolved at last to take no notice of his
-alarms. It was not long, however, before the Wolf really came, and the
-Boy bawled out “the Wolf! the Wolf!” as he had done before; but the men
-having been so often deceived, paid no attention to his cries, and the
-sheep were devoured without mercy.
-
-
-APPLICATION.
-
-The man who would go through the world with reputation and success,
-must preserve a religious adherence to truth: for no talents or
-industry can give him weight with others, or induce the sensible part
-of mankind to place any confidence in him, if he be known to deviate
-without scruple from veracity. Men of this stamp soon become notorious;
-and besides the ignominy which attaches to their characters, they have
-to undergo the mortification of not being believed even when they
-do speak the truth. Whatever misfortune may befal them, and however
-sincere they may be in making known their distress, yet, like the boy
-in the Fable, their complaints and most earnest asseverations cannot
-procure them credit, and are received at best with doubt and suspicion.
-The same consequences follow falsehood and deception, whether practised
-by individuals or public governors, and they will both find in the end
-that they have been guided by cunning, and not by wisdom: for although
-the ignorant part of mankind may, to serve the temporary purposes of a
-bad government, be acted upon by false alarms of imaginary dangers, yet
-even these in time will see through the stale tricks and artifices of
-those whose designs are to gull and impose upon them.
-
-[Illustration:
-
-  This Stone (like many
-  10000000 of Men in the World)
-  has held up its bare
-  useless head for many
-  Centuries past.
-]
-
-
-
-
-[Illustration]  [Page 63]
-
-THE CROW AND THE PITCHER.
-
-
-A Crow, ready to die with thirst, flew with joy to a Pitcher which he
-beheld at some distance. When he came, he found water in it, indeed,
-but so near the bottom, that with all his stooping and straining, he
-was not able to reach it. He then endeavoured to overturn the Pitcher,
-that at least he might be able to get a little of it; but his strength
-was not sufficient for the accomplishment of this purpose. At last
-seeing some pebbles lie near the place, he cast them one by one into
-the Pitcher, and thus, by degrees, raised the water up to the very
-brim, and satisfied his thirst.
-
-
-APPLICATION.
-
-What we cannot accomplish by strength, we may by ingenuity and
-industry. A man of sagacity and penetration, upon meeting with a few
-difficulties, does not drop his pursuits, but if he cannot succeed in
-one way, sets his mind to work upon another, and does not hesitate
-about stepping out of the old beaten track which had been thoughtlessly
-pursued in a roundabout way by thousands before him. The present
-state of the world, enlightened by arts and sciences, is a proof that
-difficulties seemingly unsurmountable, and undertakings once imagined
-to be impossible, have been accomplished; and this ought to be kept in
-mind as a spur to continued exertion: for we are not acquainted with
-the strength of our own minds till we exercise them, nor to what length
-our abilities will carry us, till we put them to the trial.
-
-    “What is discovered only serves to shew,
-    That nothing’s known to what is yet to know.”
-
-The man who enriches the present fund of knowledge with some new and
-useful improvement, does an honour to himself, and ought invariably
-to be rewarded by the public: for, like a happy adventurer by sea,
-he discovers as it were an unknown land, and imports an additional
-treasure to his own country.
-
-[Illustration]
-
-
-
-
-[Illustration]  [Page 65]
-
-THE PARTRIDGE AND THE COCKS.
-
-
-A Man having caught a Partridge, plucked the feathers out of one of
-its wings, and turned it into a little yard where he kept Game Cocks.
-The Cocks led the poor bird a sad life, continually pecking at and
-driving it away from the meat. This treatment was taken the more
-unkindly, because offered to a stranger; and the Partridge could not
-help concluding that they were the most uncivil inhospitable people he
-had ever met with. But observing how very frequently they quarrelled
-and fought with each other, he comforted himself with reflecting, that
-it was no wonder they were so cruel to him, since they shewed the same
-disposition to each other.
-
-
-APPLICATION.
-
-No peace is to be expected among those who are naturally fierce,
-quarrelsome, and inhospitable; and people of a different disposition
-should avoid, as much as possible, having any thing to do with them.
-But when we cannot help coming into contact with such characters, there
-is no remedy but patience; and this virtue a wise man will call to his
-aid under every misfortune. When our sufferings are inflicted by the
-wickedness of others, it is some consolation to reflect, that people
-of this character are continually waging war among themselves, and
-punishing each other; and that the consequences of their own wickedness
-follow them like their shadow, besides rendering them the objects of
-general aversion. No virtue was more universally practised, or more
-strongly recommended, by the ancients, than a mild conduct to our
-companions, and an hospitable entertainment of strangers; and when this
-is not the general character of any people, it shews, in greater or
-less degrees, the wretched state of society in which they live.
-
-[Illustration]
-
-
-
-
-[Illustration]  [Page 67]
-
-THE FOX AND THE CROW.
-
-
-A Crow having taken a piece of meat out of a cottage window, flew
-up into a tree with it; which a Fox observing, came underneath, and
-began to compliment the Crow upon her beauty. I protest, says he, your
-feathers are of a more delicate white than I ever saw in my life! Ah!
-what a fine shape and graceful turn of body is there! and I make no
-question but you have a tolerable voice: if it be but as fine as your
-complexion, I do not know a bird that can stand in competition with
-you. The Crow, tickled with this very civil language, wriggled about,
-and hardly knew where she was; and having a mind to convince the Fox
-in the matter of her voice, attempted to sing, and in the same instant
-let the meat drop out of her mouth. This being what the Fox wanted,
-he chopped it up in a moment, and trotted away, laughing at the easy
-credulity of the Crow.
-
-
-APPLICATION.
-
-    “It is a maxim in the schools,
-    That flattery is the food of fools.”
-
-They that love flattery will have cause to repent of their foible
-in the long run; and yet how few there are among the whole race of
-mankind, who are proof against its attacks. The gross way in which it
-is managed by some silly practitioners, is enough to alarm the dullest
-apprehension; but let the ambuscade be disposed with judgment, and it
-will scarcely fail of seizing the most guarded heart. How many are
-tickled to the last degree with the pleasure of flattery, even while
-they are applauded for their honest detestation of it. There is no
-way to baffle the force of this engine, but by every one’s examining
-impartially for himself, the true estimate of his own qualities. If he
-deal sincerely in the matter, nobody can tell so well as himself, what
-degree of esteem ought to attend any of his actions; and therefore he
-should be entirely easy as to the opinion others have of them. If they
-attribute more to him than is his due, they are either designing, or
-mistaken; if they allow him less, they are envious, or possibly still
-mistaken; and in either case are to be despised or disregarded: for he
-that flatters without designing to make advantage of it, is a fool;
-and whoever encourages that flattery which he has sense enough to see
-through, is a vain coxcomb.
-
-
-
-
-[Illustration]  [Page 69]
-
-THE SENSIBLE ASS.
-
-
-An old Man who was feeding his Ass in a fine green meadow, being
-alarmed by the sudden approach of an enemy, began urging the Ass to put
-himself forward, and fly with all the speed he was able. The Ass asked
-him whether he thought the enemy would clap two pair of panniers upon
-his back? The Man said, No, there was no fear of that. Why then, says
-the Ass, I will not stir an inch, for what is it to me who my master
-is, since I shall but carry my panniers as usual.
-
-
-APPLICATION.
-
-This Fable shews us how much in the wrong the poorer sort of people
-most commonly are, when they are under any concern about the
-revolutions of a government. All the alteration which they can feel, is
-perhaps in the name of their sovereign, or some such important trifle;
-but they cannot well be poorer, or made to work harder, than they did
-before. And yet how are they sometimes imposed upon and drawn in by
-the artifices of a few mistaken or designing men, to foment factions,
-and raise rebellions, in cases where they can get nothing by success;
-but if they miscarry, are in danger of suffering an ignominious and
-untimely end.
-
-[Illustration]
-
-
-
-
-[Illustration]  [Page 71]
-
-THE SWALLOW AND OTHER BIRDS.
-
-
-A Swallow, observing a Farmer sowing his field with flax, called the
-Birds together, and informed them what he was about. She told them that
-flax was the material of which the thread was made that composed the
-fowler’s nets, so fatal to the feathered race, and strongly advised
-them to assist her in picking up the seed, and destroying it. The Birds
-heard her with indifference, and gave themselves no trouble about the
-matter. In a little time the flax sprung up, and appeared above the
-ground. She then put them in mind once more of their impending danger,
-and wished them to pluck it up in the bud, before it grew any farther.
-But they still slighted her warnings, and the flax grew up into stalk.
-She again urged them to attack it, for it was not yet too late; but
-they only ridiculed her for a silly pretending prophet. The Swallow,
-finding all her remonstrances availed nothing, was resolved to leave
-the society of such careless unthinking creatures, before it was too
-late: so quitting the woods, she repaired to the houses; and, forsaking
-the conversation of the Birds, has ever since taken up her abode among
-the dwellings of men.
-
-
-APPLICATION.
-
-Wise men read effects in their causes, and profit by them; but their
-advice is thrown away when given to the arrogant and self-conceited,
-who are too proud to listen to it. It is equally lost upon fools, who
-stupidly or obstinately shut their eyes against impending danger,
-till it is too late to prevent it. In both cases, those who have no
-foresight of their own, and those who despise the wholesome admonitions
-of their friends, deserve to suffer from the misfortunes which their
-own obstinacy, folly, or negligence, brings upon their heads. A great
-portion of mankind, from an overweening conceit of their own abilities,
-are unwilling to be advised by any one, and through this stubborn
-disposition, deprive themselves of the aids of friendship, and the
-benefits which the good-will of their more sensible neighbours would
-have conferred on them with pleasure.
-
-[Illustration]
-
-
-
-
-[Illustration]  [Page 73]
-
-THE THIEVES AND THE COCK.
-
-
-Two Thieves broke into a house with a design to rob it; but when they
-had pried into every corner, found nothing worth taking away but a
-Cock, which they seized upon and carried off. When they were about to
-kill him, he begged very hard that they would spare his life, putting
-them in mind how useful he was to mankind, by crowing and calling them
-up betimes to their work. You villain, replied they, it is for that
-very reason we will wring your head off; for you alarm and keep the
-people waking, so that we cannot rob in quiet for you.
-
-
-APPLICATION.
-
-The same thing which recommends us to the esteem of good people, will
-make those that are bad have nothing but hatred and ill-will towards
-us; for every man who has engaged himself in a vicious or wicked
-course of life, fiend-like, makes himself, as it were, the natural
-adversary of virtue. It is in vain for innocent men, under oppression,
-to complain to those who are the occasion of it: all they can urge
-will but make against them; and even their very innocence, though
-they should say nothing, would render them sufficiently suspected.
-The moral, therefore, that this Fable brings along with it, is to
-inform us that there is no trusting, nor any hopes of living well,
-with wicked unjust men; for their disposition is such, that they will
-do mischief to others as soon as they have the opportunity. When vice
-flourishes, and is in power, were it possible for a good man to live
-quietly in its neighbourhood, and preserve his integrity, it might be
-sometimes perhaps convenient for him to do so, rather than quarrel
-with and provoke it against him. But as it is certain that rogues are
-irreconcileable enemies to men of worth, if the latter would be secure,
-they must take methods to free themselves from the power and society of
-the former.
-
-[Illustration]
-
-
-
-
-[Illustration]  [Page 75]
-
-THE WOLVES AND THE SICK ASS.
-
-
-An Ass being sick, the report was spread abroad in the country, and
-some did not scruple to say, that she would die before another night
-went over her head. Upon this, several Wolves went to the stable where
-she lay, under pretence of making her a visit; but rapping at the door,
-and asking how she did, the young Ass came out, and told them that his
-mother was much better than they desired.
-
-
-APPLICATION.
-
-If the kind enquiries after the sick were all to be interpreted with as
-much frankness as those in the Fable, the porters of the great might
-commonly answer with the strictest propriety, that their masters were
-much better than was wished or desired. The charitable visits which
-are made to many sick people, proceed from much the same motive with
-that which induced the hungry Wolves to make their enquiries after
-the sick Ass, namely, that they may come in for some share of their
-remains, and feast themselves upon the reversion of their goods and
-chattels. The sick man’s heir longs for his estate; one friend waits
-in anxious expectation of a legacy, and another wants his place; it,
-however, does not unfrequently happen, that the mask of these selfish
-visitants, and their counterfeit sorrow, are seen through, and their
-impertinent officiousness treated with the contempt it so justly
-deserves.
-
-[Illustration: ’Tis \the\ a world! floating about, like an illumined
-mote, in the immensity of endless space--and is inhabited by nations of
-proud pismires.--]
-
-
-
-
-[Illustration]  [Page 77]
-
-THE DOG IN THE MANGER.
-
-
-A Dog was lying upon a stall full of hay. An Ox, being hungry, came
-near, and offered to eat of the hay; but the ill-natured Cur getting up
-and snarling at him, would not suffer him to touch it. Upon which the
-Ox, in the bitterness of his heart, said, A curse light on thee for a
-malicious wretch, who will neither eat hay thyself, nor suffer others
-to do it.
-
-
-APPLICATION.
-
-There are men in the world of so snarling, malevolent, and ill-natured
-a disposition, that they will even punish themselves, rather than
-put forth a finger to serve any one. It gives them a malignant kind
-of pleasure to have it in their power to cause trouble and vexation
-to others, whenever they have an opportunity of doing so; and could
-they have their will, they would shut out the light and warmth of
-the sun, and suffer the fruits of the earth to rot upon it, provided
-they could see those about them unhappy; and in thus taking delight
-in other people’s miseries, it of course follows that they are their
-own tormentors. These characters, in common life, are diabolical and
-detestable; but the evils they inflict, are only like a drop to the
-ocean, when compared to those which men of the same stamp shed abroad
-in the world, when, in an evil hour, they happen to be exalted to
-govern the affairs of a nation. Then, indeed, their baleful influence
-is felt in every direction: they may be termed fiends in human shape;
-for, as far as they are able, they thwart the benevolent intentions of
-Omnipotence, and the very breath of their nostrils seems to blast the
-happiness of mankind.
-
-[Illustration]
-
-
-
-
-[Illustration]  [Page 79]
-
-JUPITER AND THE ASS.
-
-
-An Ass which had been some time in the service of a Gardener, and
-carried his vegetables to market, became tired of his place, and
-petitioned Jupiter that he would permit him to enter upon the service
-of a neighbouring Potter. Jupiter granted his request. He here,
-however, soon found that the latter loaded him with heavier burthens,
-and kept him on poorer fare than he had been used to before. He again
-prayed to Jupiter to grant that he might be allowed to better his
-condition by engaging himself to a Tanner. Jupiter again heard his
-prayer; but here he soon found he had changed for the worse: for,
-besides being hard worked, he was also often cruelly treated; and
-seeing what was going on in this place, he could not forbear upbraiding
-himself with his folly and inconstancy. Oh, tofo that I was! said he to
-himself, for leaving my former mild master, to become the servant of
-one, who, after working me to death, will not spare my very hide after
-I am dead.
-
-
-APPLICATION.
-
-The man that carries about with him the plague of a restless mind, can
-never be pleased; he is ever shifting and changing, and is in truth
-not so weary of his condition as of himself. Seldom or never contented
-with his lot, he is ever hunting after happiness where it is not to
-be found, without ever looking for it where it is. He indulges in the
-strange propensity of his nature, which leads him to suppose that his
-own lot is the most miserable, and therefore concludes that any change
-he can make must be for the better. He loses sight of the virtues of
-patience, constancy, and resignation, and seems not to know that every
-station in life has its real or imaginary inconveniences; and that
-it is better to bear with those which we are accustomed to endure,
-and of which we know the utmost extent, than by aiming at the seeming
-advantages of another way of life, to subject ourselves to all its
-hidden miseries.
-
-[Illustration]
-
-
-
-
-[Illustration]  [Page 81]
-
-ÆSOP AND THE IMPERTINENT FELLOW.
-
-
-Æsop having occasion to go out to seek a light to kindle his fire, went
-from house to house for some time before he could succeed; but having
-at last got what he wanted, he posted back in haste with his lighted
-candle in his hand. An impudent Fellow, leaving his companions, caught
-hold of Æsop by the sleeve, and would fain have shewn off his wit, and
-been arch upon him. Hey day! oh, rare Æsop! says he, what occasion for
-a candle, old boy! what, are you going to light the sun to bed? Let me
-alone, says Æsop, for with it I am looking for an honest man.
-
-
-APPLICATION.
-
-It is plain that our old philosopher in the Fable did not take the
-impertinent fellow for an honest man, and he gave him to understand
-that it required a good light to find out one who fully came up to
-that character; and he might have added, that the world very much
-abounded with ignorant and impudent ones, who, with their empty
-nonsense, which they call wit, often unseasonably interrupt men of
-thought and business: for to those whose minds are wholly intent upon
-matters of importance, nothing is so offensive as the intrusion of a
-fool. Men of eminent parts and great natural abilities, make their
-appearance in the world only now and then. These qualifications are
-the gift of Providence, and seem to be intended to throw fresh lights
-on the understandings of mankind; but in all the gradations from these
-downwards, it is in the power of every one to improve their manners,
-and integrity is within the reach of those of the meanest capacity, if
-they will endeavour to amend their lives, and take it for their guide.
-
-[Illustration]
-
-
-
-
-[Illustration]  [Page 83]
-
-THE FORESTER AND THE LION.
-
-
-The Forester meeting with the Lion one day, they discoursed together
-for a while without much differing in opinion. At last, a dispute
-happening to arise about the point of superiority between a Man and a
-Lion, the former wanting a better argument, shewed the latter a marble
-monument, on which was placed the statue of a Man striding over a
-vanquished Lion. If this, says the Lion, is all you have to say for it,
-let us be the sculptors, and we will make the Lion striding over the
-Man.
-
-
-APPLICATION.
-
-Such is the partiality of mankind in favour of themselves and their
-own actions, that it is extremely difficult, nay almost impossible
-to come at any certainty, by reading the accounts that are written
-on one side only. The simple truth is still perverted, as prejudice,
-vanity, or interest warps the mind, and it is not discovered in all
-its brilliancy, till the mists which obscure it are swept away by the
-most rigid investigation. In what an odious light would our party men
-place each other, if the transactions of the times were handed down
-to posterity by a warm zealot on either side; and were such records
-to survive a few centuries, with what perplexities and difficulties
-would they embarrass the historian, as by turns he consulted them for
-the character of his great forefathers. The same difficulties would
-occur in writing the history of nations, both ancient and modern. Some
-of those who flourish at this day, and consider themselves as having
-reached perfection in civilization and polished manners, will perhaps,
-not unjustly, be branded in after-times with cruelty, injustice,
-and oppression, in having confounded all simplicity of manners, and
-disturbed the peace of whole nations, by carrying the horrors of
-war, of murder, and desolation, into regions formerly blessed with
-uninterrupted tranquillity.
-
-[Illustration]
-
-
-
-
-[Illustration]  [Page 85]
-
-THE WOLF, THE FOX, AND THE APE.
-
-
-The Wolf indicted the Fox for felony before the Ape, who upon that
-occasion was appointed special judge of the cause. The Fox gave in his
-answer to the Wolf’s accusation, and denied the fact. After hearing
-both sides, the Ape, penetrating the character of the parties, gave
-judgment to this purpose: I am of opinion, that you, says he to the
-Wolf, never lost the goods you sue for; and as for you, turning to the
-Fox, I make no question but you at least have stolen what is laid to
-your charge. And thus the court was dismissed with this public censure
-upon each party.
-
-
-APPLICATION.
-
-Well may both judge and jury, in the outset of trial, be puzzled to
-decide between and do justice to men whose quarrels are made up of
-baseness and villainy, and carried on with mutual treachery, fraud,
-and violence, and whose witnesses are perhaps of the same character
-with themselves. Each party may justly enough accuse the other, though
-neither of them are worthy of belief, and deserve even no credit for
-the imputations with which they asperse each other’s characters. But
-such men need not hope long to deceive the world: a penetrating judge
-and an honest jury will, upon sifting the matter, clearly see what kind
-of men they have been occupying their attention with, and shew a proper
-disgust at the wicked impudence of both plaintiff and defendant.
-
-[Illustration]
-
-
-
-
-[Illustration]  [Page 87]
-
-THE BALD KNIGHT.
-
-
-A certain Knight growing old, his hair fell off, and he became bald;
-to hide which imperfection he wore a periwig. But as he was riding out
-with some others a hunting, a sudden gust of wind blew off the periwig,
-and exposed his bald pate. The company could not forbear laughing at
-the accident; and he himself laughed as loud as any body, saying, how
-was it to be expected that I could keep strange hair upon my head, when
-my own would not stay there?
-
-
-APPLICATION.
-
-There is no disposition, or turn of mind, which on many occasions
-contributes more to keep us easy, than that which enables us to rally
-any of our failings, or joke upon our own infirmities: this blunts
-the edge, and baffles and turns aside the malignant sneers of little
-wits, and the ill nature and ridicule of others. If we should at any
-time happen to incur the laughter of those about us, we cannot stifle
-it sooner or better than by receiving it all with a cheerful look,
-and by an ingenuous and pleasant remark, parry the jest which another
-is ready to throw out at our expence. To appear fretted or nettled,
-only serves to gratify the wishes of those who take a secret pleasure
-in seeing such an effect produced; and, besides, a testy or captious
-temper is a source of perpetual disquietude, both to ourselves and our
-acquaintances, and like a little leaven, sours the whole mass of our
-good qualities. If we had no other imperfections, this of itself would
-be sufficient to cause our company to be shunned.
-
-[Illustration]
-
-
-
-
-[Illustration]  [Page 89]
-
-THE LION AND THE FOUR BULLS.
-
-
-Four Bulls, who had entered into a very strict friendship, kept always
-near one another, and fed together. The Lion often saw them, and as
-often had a mind to make one of them his prey; but though he could
-easily have subdued any of them singly, yet he was afraid to attack
-the whole alliance, knowing they would have been too powerful for him,
-and therefore was obliged to keep himself at a distance. At last,
-perceiving that no attempt was to be made upon them as long as their
-combination lasted, he artfully contrived, by the whispers and hints of
-his emissaries, to foment jealousies, and raise divisions among them.
-This stratagem succeeded so well, that the Bulls grew cold and reserved
-to one another, which soon after ripened into a downright hatred and
-aversion, and at last ended in a total separation. The Lion had now
-attained his ends; and though it had been impossible for him to hurt
-them while they were united, he found no difficulty, now they were
-parted, to seize and devour every Bull of them, one after another.
-
-
-APPLICATION.
-
-Since friendships and alliances are of the greatest importance to our
-well-being and happiness, we cannot be too often cautioned against
-suffering them to be broken by tale bearers and whisperers, or by
-any dark plots and contrivances of our enemies: for when by such
-wicked means as these, or by our own imprudence, we lose a friend,
-we shake the very basis of our interest, and remove the pillar that
-contributed to support it. Whatever in cases of this kind is applicable
-to individuals, is equally so to kingdoms and states; and it is as
-undisputed a maxim as ever was urged upon the attention of mankind, by
-the best man that ever lived, that a “kingdom divided against itself
-cannot stand:” the people are invincible when united.
-
-    Faction and feuds will overturn the state
-    Which union renders flourishing and great.
-
-[Illustration]
-
-
-
-
-[Illustration]  [Page 91]
-
-THE OLD MAN AND HIS SONS.
-
-
-An old Man had several Sons, who were constantly quarrelling with each
-other, notwithstanding he used every means in his power to persuade
-them to cease their contentions, and to live in amity together. At last
-he had recourse to the following expedient:--He ordered his Sons to
-be called before him, and a bundle of sticks to be brought, and then
-commanded them to try if, with all their strength, any of them could
-break it. They all tried, but without effect: for the sticks being
-closely and compactly bound together, it was impossible for the force
-of man to break them. After this, the Father ordered the bundle to be
-untied, and gave a single stick to each of his Sons, at the same time
-bidding them try to break it. This they did with ease, and soon snapped
-every stick asunder. The Father then addressed them to this effect: O,
-my Sons, behold the power of unity! for if you, in like manner, would
-but keep yourselves strictly conjoined in the bands of friendship, it
-would not be in the power of any mortal to hurt you; but when you are
-divided by quarrels and animosities, you fall a prey to the weakest
-enemies.
-
-
-APPLICATION.
-
-A kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; and the
-same holds good in all societies and corporations of men, from the
-constitution of the nation, down to every little parochial vestry.
-Every private family should consider itself a little state, in which
-the several members ought to be united by one common interest. Quarrels
-with each other are as fatal to their welfare, as factions are
-dangerous to the peace of the commonwealth. But indeed the necessity
-of union and friendship extends itself to all kinds of relations in
-life, and they conduce mightily to the advantage of those who cherish
-and cultivate them. No enemy will dare to attack a body of men firmly
-attached to each other, and will fear to offend one of the number,
-lest he should incur the resentment of the rest; but if they split
-into parties, and are disunited by quarrels, every petty opponent will
-venture to attack them, and the whole fraternity will be liable to
-wrongs and violence.
-
-[Illustration]
-
-
-
-
-[Illustration]  [Page 93]
-
-THE LION, THE TIGER, AND THE WOLF.
-
-
-A Lion and a Tiger, at the same instant seized on a young Fawn, which
-they immediately killed. This they had no sooner performed, than they
-fell to fighting, in order to decide whose property it should be. The
-battle was so obstinate, that they were both compelled, by weariness
-and loss of blood, to desist and lie down breathless and quite
-disabled. A Wolf passing that way, perceiving how the case stood, very
-impudently stepped up and seized the booty, which they had all this
-while been contending for, and carried it off. The two combatants, who
-beheld this without being able to prevent it, could only make this
-reflection: How foolish, said they, has been our conduct! Instead of
-being contented, as we ought, with our respective shares, our senseless
-rage has rendered us unable to prevent this rascally Wolf from robbing
-us of the whole.
-
-
-APPLICATION.
-
-When people go to law about an uncertain title, and have spent the
-value of their whole estate in the contest, nothing is more common
-than to find that some unprincipled attorney has secured the object
-in dispute to himself. The very name of law seems to imply equity and
-justice, and that is the bait which has drawn in many to their ruin.
-If we would lay aside passion, prejudice, and folly, and think calmly
-of the matter, we should find that going to law is not the best way
-of deciding differences about property; it being, generally speaking,
-much safer to trust to the arbitration of two or three honest sensible
-neighbours, than at a vast expence of money, time, and trouble, to run
-through the tedious frivolous forms, with which, by the artifices of
-greedy lawyers, a court of judicature is contrived to be attended. Or
-if a case should happen to be so intricate that a man of common sense
-cannot distinguish who has the best title, how easy would it be to have
-the opinion of the best counsel in the land, and agree to abide by his
-decision. If it should appear dubious, even after that, how much better
-would it be to divide the thing in dispute, rather than go to law, and
-hazard the losing, not only of the whole, but costs and damages into
-the bargain!
-
-
-
-
-[Illustration]  [Page 95]
-
-THE FOX WITHOUT A TAIL.
-
-
-A Fox being caught in a trap, escaped after much difficulty with the
-loss of his tail. He was, however, a good deal ashamed of appearing in
-public without this ornament, and at last, to avoid being singular and
-ridiculous in the eyes of his own species, he formed the project of
-calling together an assembly of Foxes, and of persuading them that the
-docking of their tails was a fashion that would be very agreeable and
-becoming. Accordingly he made a long harangue to them for that purpose,
-and endeavoured chiefly to shew the awkwardness and inconvenience of a
-Fox’s tail, adding that they were quite useless, and that they would be
-a very great deal better without them. He asserted, that what he had
-only conjectured and imagined before, he now found by experience to be
-true, for he never enjoyed himself so much, and found himself so easy
-as he had done since he cut off his tail. He then looked round with a
-brisk air, to see what proselytes he had gained; when a sly old Fox
-in company answered him, with a leer: I believe you may have found a
-convenience in parting with your tail, and perhaps when we are in the
-same circumstances, we may do so too.
-
-
-APPLICATION.
-
-Many of the fashions which obtain in the world, originate in the whim
-or caprice of some vain conceited creature, who takes a pride in
-leading the giddy multitude in a career of folly. Others again take
-their rise from an artful design to cover some vice, or hide some
-deformity in the person of the inventor. Projectors and planners of a
-higher stamp are also not uncommon in the world. These men appear to
-toil only for the public good, and the sacred name of patriotism is
-their shield. It, however, often happens that when their deep schemes
-are opened out, they are found to proceed from nothing better than
-self-interested motives, and a sincere desire to serve themselves.
-
-[Illustration]
-
-
-
-
-[Illustration]  [Page 97]
-
-THE MISER AND HIS TREASURE.
-
-
-A certain Miser, having got together a large sum of money, sought
-out a sequestered spot, where he dug a hole and hid it. His greatest
-pleasure was to go and look upon his treasure; which one of his
-servants observing, and guessing there was something more than ordinary
-in the place, came at night, found the hoard, and carried it off. The
-next day, the Miser returning as usual to the scene of his delight,
-and perceiving the money gone, tore his hair for grief, and uttered
-the most doleful accents of despair. A neighbour, who knew his temper,
-overhearing him, said, Cheer up, man! thou hast lost nothing: there is
-still a hole to peep at: and if thou canst but fancy the money there,
-it will do just as well.
-
-
-APPLICATION.
-
-Of all the appetites to which human nature is subject, none is so
-lasting, so strong, and so unaccountable, as avarice. Other desires
-generally cool at the approach of old age; but this flourishes under
-grey hairs, and triumphs amidst infirmities. All our other longings
-have something to be said in excuse for them; but it is above reason,
-and therefore truly incomprehensible, why a man should be passionately
-fond of money only for the sake of gazing upon it. His treasure is as
-useless to him as a heap of oyster shells; for though he knows how
-many substantial pleasures it might procure, yet he dares not touch
-it, and is as destitute, to all intents and purposes, as the man who
-is not worth a groat. This is the true state of a covetous person, to
-which one of that fraternity perhaps may reply, that when we have said
-all, since pleasure is the grand aim of life, if there arise a delight
-to some, from the bare possession of riches, though they do not use,
-or even intend to use them, we may be puzzled how to account for it,
-and think it strange, but ought not absolutely to condemn those who
-thus closely, but innocently, pursue what they esteem the greatest
-happiness. True! people would be in the wrong to paint covetousness in
-such odious colours, were it compatible with innocence. But here arises
-the mischief: a covetous man will stop at nothing to attain his ends;
-and when once avarice takes the field, honesty, charity, humanity, and
-every virtue which opposes it, are sure to be put to the rout.
-
-
-
-
-[Illustration]  [Page 99]
-
-THE SHIP DOG.
-
-
-A young saucy Dog, having been found not to like any employment at
-home, was taken by a sea captain on board his ship, where, being well
-fed, he soon became both stout and fierce, and shewed himself off as
-such in every foreign port. He no sooner got ashore, than he held up
-his leg against every post and corner, and scraped the ground with his
-feet, quite regardless what dog he might bespatter; and if any of them
-happened to look sulkily at him, he thought nothing of seizing upon
-and rolling them in the kennel. If he happened to fall into company,
-he always began to give himself airs, to talk big, and to express his
-contempt for the dogs of the place. He would boast that he was from
-a better country, and belonged to a better family than any dog among
-them. In short, said he, “I come from Cheviot, the highest mountain in
-the world, and the very heart of all England, where my forefathers,
-thousands of years ago, assembled to hunt the Wild Bull, the Wolf, and
-the Boar.” He was once going on at this rate, when he was interrupted
-by a sedate, experienced Bitch, who assured him that there were good
-dogs and bad dogs in every country, and that the only difference arose
-from their education; that many of the forefathers he boasted of, had
-long since worried each other, and the remainder of them had become so
-troublesome, that part had been transported across the sea to another
-place; and she knew, from good authority, that both his father and his
-mother were hanged.
-
-
-APPLICATION.
-
-When foreigners speak slightingly of the country they happen to be in,
-and praise their own, it shews in them a want of good sense and good
-breeding. It is indeed natural to have an affection for one’s native
-land, nor can we help preferring it to every other; but to express this
-in another country, to people whose opinion it must needs contradict,
-by the same rule that it is conformable to our own, cannot fail of
-giving them just offence. It matters not how highly some particular
-countries may stand in the estimation of the rest of the world: this
-has little to do with private individuals; the advantage of having
-been born in one of those favoured countries, is accidental, and no
-man ought to be esteemed merely on that account. In order to merit the
-respect of virtuous and wise men in every foreign land, it must appear
-to them that by our talents, our acquirements, and our patriotism, we
-do credit to the country which gave us birth.
-
-
-
-
-[Illustration]  [Page 101]
-
-THE GOAT AND THE LION.
-
-
-The Lion, seeing a Goat upon a steep craggy rock, where he could not
-come at him, asked him what delight he could take to skip from one
-precipice to another all day, and venture the breaking of his neck
-every moment? I wonder, says he, you will not come down and feed on the
-plain here, when there is such plenty of grass, and fine sweet herbs.
-Why, replies the Goat, I cannot but say your opinion is right; but you
-look so very hungry and designing, that, to tell you the truth, I do
-not care to venture my person where you are.
-
-
-APPLICATION.
-
-Advice, though good in itself, is to be suspected when it is given
-by a tricking, self-interested man. Perhaps we should take upon
-ourselves not only a very great, but an unnecessary trouble, if we
-were to suspect every man who offers to advise us; but this however
-is necessary, that when we have reason to question any one in point
-of honour and justice, we not only consider well before we suffer
-ourselves to be persuaded by him, but even resolve to have nothing to
-do in any affair where such treacherous slippery sparks are concerned,
-if we can avoid it without much inconvenience.
-
-[Illustration]
-
-
-
-
-[Illustration]  [Page 103]
-
-THE TWO TRAVELLERS.
-
-
-Two Men travelling upon the road, one of them saw an Axe lying upon
-the ground, where somebody had been hewing timber: so taking it up,
-says he, I have found an Axe. Do not say I, says the other, but we have
-found; for as we are companions, we ought to share the value between
-us: but the first would not consent. They had not gone far, before the
-owner of the Axe, hearing what was become of it, pursued them with a
-warrant; which, when the fellow that had it, perceived, Alas! says he
-to his companion, we are undone. Nay, says the other, do not say we,
-but I am undone: for, as you would not let me share the prize, neither
-will I share the danger with you.
-
-
-APPLICATION.
-
-We cannot reasonably expect those to bear a part in our ill-fortune,
-whom we never permitted to share in our prosperity; and whoever is so
-over-selfish and narrow-minded, as to exclude his friend from a portion
-of the benefits to which an intimate connection entitles him, may,
-perhaps, engross some petty advantages to himself, but he must lay his
-account on being left to do as well as he can for himself in times of
-difficulty and distress. The very life and soul of friendship subsist
-upon mutual benevolence, and in conferring and receiving obligations
-on either hand, with a free, open, and unreserved behaviour, without
-the least tincture of jealousy, suspicion, or distrust, guided by a
-strict observance of the rules of honour and generosity; and as no
-man includes within himself every thing necessary for his security,
-defence, preservation, and support, these rules are the requisites of
-friendship, to make it firm and lasting, and the foundation on which it
-must be built.
-
-[Illustration]
-
-
-
-
-[Illustration]  [Page 105]
-
-THE FOX AND THE ASS.
-
-
-An Ass finding a Lion’s skin, disguised himself in it, and ranged
-about the forest, putting all the beasts in bodily fear. After he had
-diverted himself thus for some time, he met a Fox, and being desirous
-to frighten him too, as well as the rest, he leapt at him with some
-fierceness, and endeavoured to imitate the roaring of a Lion. Your
-humble servant, says the Fox, if you had held your tongue, I might have
-taken you for a Lion, as others did, but now you bray, I know who you
-are.
-
-
-APPLICATION.
-
-A man is known by his words, as a tree is by the fruit; and if we
-would be apprized of the nature and qualities of any one, let him
-but discourse, and he will speak them to us better than another can
-describe them. We may therefore perceive, from this Fable, how proper
-it is for those to hold their tongues, who would not discover the
-shallowness of their understandings. “Empty vessels make the greatest
-sound,” and the deepest rivers are most silent; the greatest noise
-is ever found where there is the least depth of water. It is a true
-observation, that those who are the weakest in understanding, and most
-slow of apprehension, are generally the most precipitate in uttering
-their crude conceptions. Grave looks, an aspect of dignity, and a
-solemn deportment, may sometimes deceive even an accurate observer; but
-wise discourse cannot be successfully counterfeited or assumed, and the
-sententious blockhead is as easily recognised as the pert coxcomb. It
-matters not what disguise one of these may assume; he utters himself,
-and undeceives us: he brays, and tells the whole company what he is.
-
-[Illustration]
-
-
-
-
-[Illustration]  [Page 107]
-
-THE CAT AND THE FOX.
-
-
-As the Cat and the Fox were once talking politics together, in the
-middle of a forest, Reynard said, let things turn out ever so bad, he
-did not care, for he had a thousand tricks for them yet, before they
-should hurt him; but pray, says he, Mrs Puss, suppose there should be
-an invasion, what course do you design to take? Nay, says the Cat, I
-have but one shift for it, and if that won’t do, I am undone. I am
-sorry for you, replies Reynard, with all my heart, and would gladly
-furnish you with one or two of mine; but indeed neighbour, as times go,
-it is not good to trust, we must even be every one for himself, as the
-saying is, and so your humble servant. These words were scarcely out of
-his mouth, when they were alarmed with a pack of hounds, that came upon
-them in full cry. The Cat, by the help of her single shift, ran up a
-tree and sat securely among the branches, whence she beheld Reynard,
-who had not been able to get out of sight, overtaken with his thousand
-tricks, and torn into as many pieces by the Dogs, which had surrounded
-him.
-
-
-APPLICATION.
-
-One good discreet expedient made use of upon an emergency, will do
-a man more real service, and make others think better of him, than
-to have passed all his life for a shrewd crafty fellow, full of his
-stratagems and expedients, and valuing himself upon his having a deeper
-knowledge of the world than his neighbours. Plain good sense, and a
-downright honest meaning, are a better guide through life, and more
-trusty security against danger, than the low shifts of cunning, and the
-refinements of artifice. Cunning is of a deep entangling nature, and
-is a sign of a small genius; though when it happens to be successful,
-it often makes an ostentatious pretension to wisdom; but simplicity of
-manners is the ally of integrity, and plain common sense is the main
-requisite of wisdom.
-
-[Illustration]
-
-
-
-
-[Illustration]  [Page 109]
-
-THE DOG INVITED TO SUPPER.
-
-
-A Gentleman having invited several friends to supper, his Dog thought
-this a fit opportunity to invite another Dog, an intimate of his own,
-to partake with him of the good cheer, in the kitchen. Accordingly the
-stranger punctually attended, and seeing the mighty preparations going
-forward, promised himself a most delicious repast. He began to smell
-about, and, with his eyes intent upon the victuals, to lick his lips,
-and wag his tail. This drew the attention of the Cook, who stole slyly
-up, and seizing him by the hind legs, whirled him out of the window
-into the street. The Dog, stunned and hurt by his hard fall on the
-pavement, began to howl, the noise of which drew several Dogs about
-him, who knowing of the invitation, began to enquire how he had fared?
-O! charmingly, said he; only I ate and drank till I scarce knew which
-way I came out of the house.
-
-
-APPLICATION.
-
-There is no depending upon a second-hand interest; unless we know
-ourselves to be well with the principal, and are assured of his favour
-and protection, we stand upon a slippery foundation. They are strangers
-to the world who are so weak as to think they can be well with any
-one by proxy; they may by this means be cajoled, bubbled, and imposed
-upon, but are under great uncertainty as to gaining their point, and
-may probably be treated with scorn and derision in the end. Yet there
-are not wanting among the several species of fops, silly people of this
-sort, who pride themselves in an imaginary happiness, from being in
-the good graces of a great man’s friend’s friend. Alas! the great men
-themselves are but too apt to deceive and fail in making good their
-promises, how then can we expect any good from those who do but promise
-and vow in their names? To place a confidence in such sparks, is
-indeed so false a reliance, that we ought to be ashamed to be detected
-in it; and, like the Dog in the Fable, rather own we had been well
-treated, than let the world see how justly we had been punished for our
-ridiculous credulity.
-
-[Illustration]
-
-
-
-
-[Illustration]  [Page 111]
-
-THE ANGLER AND THE LITTLE FISH.
-
-
-An Angler caught a small Trout, and as he was taking it off the hook,
-and going to put it into his basket, it opened its little throat, and
-begged most piteously that he would throw it into the river again. The
-man demanded what reason it had to expect this indulgence? Why, says
-the Fish, because I am so young and so little, that it is not worth
-your while taking me now, and certainly I shall be better worth your
-notice, if you take me a twelvemonth afterwards, when I shall be grown
-a great deal larger. That may be, replied the Angler, but I am sure of
-you now; and I am not one of those who quit a certainty in expectation
-of an uncertainty.
-
-
-APPLICATION.
-
-They who neglect the present opportunity of reaping a small advantage,
-in the hope that they shall obtain a greater afterwards, are far from
-acting upon a reasonable and well advised foundation. We ought never
-thus to deceive ourselves, and suffer the favourable moment to slip
-away; but secure to ourselves every fair advantage, however small, at
-the moment that it offers, without placing a vain reliance upon the
-visionary expectation of something better in time to come. Prudence
-advises us always to lay hold of time by the forelock, and to remember
-that “a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush.”
-
-[Illustration]
-
-
-
-
-[Illustration]  [Page 113]
-
-A MAN BITTEN BY A DOG.
-
-
-A Man, who had been sadly torn by a Dog, was advised by some Old Woman,
-as a cure, to dip a piece of bread in the wound, and give it to the
-Cur that bit him. He did so, and Æsop happening to pass by just at the
-time, asked him what he meant by it? The man informed him. Why then,
-says Æsop, do it as privately as you can, I beseech you; for if the
-rest of the Dogs of the town were to see you, we should all be eaten up
-alive by them.
-
-
-APPLICATION.
-
-Vice should always be considered as the proper object of punishment,
-and we should on no account connive at offences of an atrocious nature,
-much less confer rewards on the criminals: for nothing contributes so
-much to the increase of roguery, as when the undertakings of a knave
-are attended with success. If it were not for the fear of punishment, a
-great part of mankind, who now make a shift to keep themselves honest,
-would be great villains. But if criminals, instead of meeting with
-punishment, were, by having been such, to attain honour and preferment,
-our natural inclination to mischief would be increased, and we should
-be wicked out of emulation. We should rather strive to make virtue as
-tempting as possible, and throw out every allurement in our power to
-draw the minds of the wavering and unsettled to espouse her cause.
-
-[Illustration]
-
-
-
-
-[Illustration]  [Page 115]
-
-THE FOX AND THE TIGER.
-
-
-A skilful Archer coming into the woods, directed his arrows so
-successfully, that he slew many wild beasts, and wounded several
-others. This put the whole savage kind into a great consternation, and
-made them fly into the most retired thickets for refuge. At last, the
-Tiger resumed courage, and bidding them not be afraid, said that he
-alone would engage the enemy, telling them they might depend on his
-valour to avenge their wrongs. In the midst of these threats, while
-he was lashing himself with his tail, and tearing up the ground with
-anger, an arrow pierced his ribs, and hung by its barbed point in his
-side. He set up a loud and hideous roar, occasioned by the anguish he
-felt, and endeavoured to draw out the painful dart with his teeth: when
-the Fox approaching him, enquired with an air of surprise, who it was
-that could have strength and courage enough to wound so mighty and
-valorous a beast? Ah! says the Tiger, I was mistaken in my reckoning:
-it was that invincible Man yonder.
-
-
-APPLICATION.
-
-Though strength and courage are very good ingredients towards
-making us secure and formidable in the world, yet unless there be a
-proper portion of wisdom or policy to direct them, instead of being
-serviceable, they often prove detrimental to their proprietors. A
-rash forward man, who depends upon the excellence of his own parts
-and accomplishments, is likewise apt to expose a weak side, which his
-enemies might not otherwise have observed; and gives an advantage to
-others by those very means which he fancied might have secured it to
-himself. Counsel and conduct always did and always will govern the
-world; and the strong, in spite of all their force, can never avoid
-being tools to the crafty. Some men are as much superior to others in
-wisdom and policy, as man in general is above the brute. Strength,
-ill-governed, opposed to them, is like a quarter staff in the hands
-of a huge, robust, but bungling fellow, who fights against a master
-of the science. The latter, though without a weapon, would have skill
-and address enough to disarm his adversary, and drub him with his own
-staff. In a word, savage fierceness and brutal strength, must not
-pretend to stand in competition with policy and stratagem.
-
-
-
-
-[Illustration]  [Page 117]
-
-THE DOG AND THE SHADOW.
-
-
-A Dog, crossing a rivulet with a piece of flesh in his mouth, saw his
-own shadow represented in the clear mirror of the stream; and believing
-it to be another Dog, who was carrying another piece of flesh, he could
-not forbear catching at it; but was so far from getting any thing by
-his greedy design, that he dropt the piece he had in his mouth, which
-immediately sunk to the bottom, and was irrecoverably lost.
-
-
-APPLICATION.
-
-    Base is the man who pines amidst his store,
-    And fat with plenty, griping covets more.
-
-Excessive greediness, in the end, mostly misses what it aims at, and
-he that catches at more than belongs to him, justly deserves to lose
-what he has. Yet nothing is more common, and, at the same time more
-pernicious, than this selfish principle. It prevails from the king
-to the peasant; and all orders and degrees of men are more or less
-infected with it. Great monarchs have been drawn in by this greedy
-humour to grasp at the dominions of their neighbours; not that they
-wanted any thing more to feed their luxury, but to gratify their
-insatiable appetite for vain glory; and many states have been reduced
-to the last extremity by attempting such unjust encroachments. He that
-thinks he sees the estate of another in a pack of cards, or a box and
-dice, and ventures his own in the pursuit of it, should not repine, if
-he finds himself a beggar in the end.
-
-[Illustration]
-
-
-
-
-[Illustration]  [Page 119]
-
-THE BEAR AND THE BEE-HIVES.
-
-
-A Bear, climbing over the fence into a place where Bees were kept,
-began to plunder the hives, and rob them of their honey; but the Bees,
-to revenge the injury, attacked him in a whole swarm together; and
-though they were not able to pierce his rugged hide, yet, with their
-little stings they so annoyed his eyes and nostrils, that, unable to
-endure the smarting pain, with impatience he tore the skin over his
-ears, with his own claws, and suffered ample punishment for the injury
-he had done the Bees, in breaking open their waxen cells.
-
-
-APPLICATION.
-
-Many and great are the injuries of which men are guilty towards each
-other, for the sake of gratifying some base appetite: for there are
-those who would not scruple to bring desolation upon their country, and
-run the hazard of their own necks into the bargain, rather than balk
-a wicked inclination, either of cruelty, ambition, or avarice. But it
-were to be wished, that all who are hurried on by such blind impulses,
-would consider a moment before they proceed to irrevocable execution.
-Injuries and wrongs not only call for revenge and reparation with the
-voice of equity itself, but oftentimes carry their punishment along
-with them; and, by an unforeseen train of events, are retorted on the
-head of the actor, who not seldom, from a deep remorse, expiates them
-upon himself by his own hand.
-
-[Illustration]
-
-
-
-
-[Illustration]  [Page 121]
-
-THE DRUNKEN HUSBAND.
-
-
-A certain Woman had a Drunken Husband, whom she had endeavoured to
-reclaim by several ways, without effect. She, at last, tried this
-stratagem: when he was brought home one night dead drunk, she ordered
-him to be carried to a burial-place, and there laid in a vault, as if
-he had been dead indeed. Thus she left him, and went away till she
-thought he might be come to himself, and grown sober again. When she
-returned, and knocked at the door of the vault, the man cried out,
-who’s there? I am the person, says she, in a dismal tone of voice, that
-waits upon the dead folks, and I am come to bring you some victuals.
-Ah, good waiter, says he, let the victuals alone and bring me a little
-drink, I beseech thee. The Woman hearing this, fell to tearing her
-hair, and beating her breast in a woeful manner: Unhappy wretch that I
-am, says she, this was the only way that I could think of to reform the
-beastly sot; but instead of gaining my point, I am only convinced that
-his drunkenness is an incurable habit, which he intends to carry with
-him into the other world.
-
-
-APPLICATION.
-
-This Fable is intended to shew us the prevalence of custom; and how
-by using ourselves to any evil practice, we may let it grow into
-such a habit as we shall never be able to divest ourselves of. “O!
-that men should put an enemy into their mouths to steal away their
-brains!” There is no vice which gains an ascendant over us more
-insensibly, or more incurably, than drunkenness: it takes root by
-degrees, and comes at length to be past both remedy and shame. Habitual
-drunkenness stupifies the senses, destroys the understanding, fills
-its votaries with diseases, and makes them incapable of business. It
-cuts short the thread of life, or brings on an early old age, besides
-the mischief it does in the mean time to a man’s family and affairs,
-and the scandal it brings upon himself: for a sot is one of the most
-despicable and disgusting characters in life. After he has destroyed
-his reasoning faculties, and thus shewn his ingratitude to the giver of
-them, he flies to palliatives as a remedy for the diseases which his
-intemperance has caused, and goes on in a course of taking whets and
-cordials, and more drink, till he falls a martyr to the vice, to which
-through life he has been a slave.
-
-
-
-
-[Illustration]  [Page 123]
-
-THE LIONESS AND THE FOX.
-
-
-The Lioness and the Fox meeting together, fell into discourse, and
-the conversation turning upon the breeding and fruitfulness of some
-living creatures above others, the Fox could not forbear taking the
-opportunity of observing to the Lioness, that for her part, she thought
-Foxes were as happy in that respect as almost any other creatures; for
-they bred constantly once a year, if not oftener, and always had a
-good litter of cubs at every birth; and yet, says she, there are some
-folks who are never delivered of more than one at a time, and that
-perhaps not above once or twice in their whole lives, who hold up their
-noses, and value themselves so much upon it, that they think all other
-creatures beneath them, and scarce worthy to be spoken to. The Lioness,
-who all the time perceived at whom this reflection pointed, replied,
-what you have observed is true. You litter often, and produce a great
-many at a time; but what are they? Foxes! I, indeed, may have but one
-at a time; but you should remember that that one is a Lion.
-
-
-APPLICATION.
-
-Our productions, of whatsoever kind, are not to be esteemed so much by
-their quantity as by their quality. It is not being employed much, but
-well, and to the purpose, which will make us useful to the age we live
-in, and celebrated by those which are to come. As the multiplication
-of foxes and other vermin is a misfortune to the countries which are
-infested with them, so one cannot help throwing out a melancholy
-reflection, when one sees some particular classes of the human kind
-increase so fast as they do. But the most obvious meaning of this
-Fable is the hint it gives us in relation to authors. These gentlemen
-should never attempt to raise themselves a reputation by trumping up
-a long catalogue of their various productions, since there is more
-glory in having written one tolerable piece than a thousand indifferent
-ones; and whoever has had the good fortune to please in one literary
-performance, should be very cautious how he stakes his reputation in a
-second attempt.
-
-[Illustration]
-
-
-
-
-[Illustration]  [Page 125]
-
-THE LAMB BROUGHT UP BY A GOAT.
-
-
-A Wolf, prowling about for his prey, espied a Lamb sucking a Goat. You
-silly creature! says he, you quite mistake; this is not your mother;
-she is yonder among a flock of sheep: do allow me to conduct you to
-her. No, no, replies the Lamb, the mother that bore me may indeed be
-yonder; but when she dropped me, she shewed no further care, but left
-me unprovided for, to shift for myself, regardless of what might become
-of me; and had it not been for the kindness of this honest Goat, who
-took compassion upon my helplessness, I must have suffered all the
-miseries to which inexperienced youth and innocence are exposed, when
-left without a guide to the mercy of the world.
-
-
-APPLICATION.
-
-This Fable is levelled at those parents, too often met with in society,
-who, through negligence or ignorance of their duty, suffer their
-offspring to grow up to maturity, without instilling into their minds
-a single good principle of morality, or a reverence for religion,
-to guide them through life, and to guard them from falling into the
-snares of every wolf who may seek their destruction. Others again,
-more abandoned indeed, and callous to the tender ties of nature,
-bring forth an offspring whom they neither cherish nor provide for.
-Such a description of persons are not fit to become parents, and they
-must not be surprized, if their want of parental affection produce a
-corresponding want of filial attachment and respect: for the duties
-between parents and children are reciprocal. It is the goodness of
-parents which chiefly entitles them to the respect due to that name;
-and it is a paramount duty of children to honour, obey, and revere such
-parents as fulfil the obligations which the laws of God and nature
-impose upon those who bring children into the world.
-
-[Illustration]
-
-
-
-
-[Illustration]  [Page 127]
-
-THE HEN AND THE SWALLOW.
-
-
-A Hen, having found a nest of Serpent’s eggs in a dung-hill,
-immediately, with a fostering care, sat upon them, with a design to
-hatch them. A Swallow observing this, flew towards her, and with great
-earnestness forewarned her of her danger. What! said she, are you mad,
-to bring forth a brood of such pernicious creatures? Be assured, the
-instant they are warmed into life, you are the first they will attack
-and wreak their venomous spite upon: but the Hen persisted in her
-folly, and the end verified the Swallow’s prediction.
-
-
-APPLICATION.
-
-It is too often the hard fortune of many a kind good-natured man in the
-world to breed up a bird to pick out his own eyes, in despite of all
-cautions to the contrary; but they who want foresight should hearken to
-the council of the wise, as this might have the effect of preventing
-their spending much time and good offices on the undeserving, perhaps
-to the utter ruin of themselves. It is the duty of all men to act
-fairly, openly, and honestly, in all their transactions in life; to
-do justice to all; but to consider well the character of those on
-whom they would confer favours: for gratitude is one of the rarest
-as well as the greatest of virtues. The Fable is intended to shew
-that we should never have any dealings with bad men, even to do them
-kindnesses. Men of evil principles are a generation of vipers, that
-ought to be crushed; and every rogue should be looked upon by honest
-men as a venomous serpent. The man who is occasionally, or by accident,
-one’s enemy, may be mollified by kindness, and reclaimed by good usage:
-such a behaviour both reason and morality expect from us: but we should
-ever resolve, if not to suppress, at least to have no connexion with
-those whose blood is tinctured with hereditary, habitual villainy, and
-their nature leavened with evil, to such a degree as to be incapable of
-a reformation.
-
-[Illustration]
-
-
-
-
-[Illustration]  [Page 129]
-
-THE ENVIOUS MAN AND THE COVETOUS.
-
-
-An Envious Man happened to be offering up his prayers to Jupiter, at
-the same time and in the same place with a covetous miserable Fellow.
-Jupiter sent Apollo to examine the merits of their petitions, and to
-give them such relief as he should think proper. Apollo therefore
-opened his commission, and told them, that to make short of the matter,
-whatever the one asked, the other should have doubled. Upon this, the
-Covetous Man, who had a thousand things to request, forebore to ask
-first, hoping to receive a double quantity; for he concluded that
-all men’s wishes sympathized with his own. By this circumstance, the
-Envious Man had the opportunity of giving vent to his malignity, and of
-preferring his petition first, which was what he aimed at; so without
-hesitation he prayed to have one of his eyes put out, knowing that of
-consequence his companion would be deprived of both.
-
-
-APPLICATION.
-
-This Fable is levelled at two of the most odious passions which degrade
-the mind of man. In the extremes of their unsocial views, envy places
-its happiness in the misery and the misfortunes of others, and pines
-and sickens at their joy; and avarice, unblest amidst its stores,
-is never satisfied unless it can get all to itself, although its
-insatiable cravings are at once unaccountable, miserable, and absurd.
-
-[Illustration]
-
-
-
-
-[Illustration]  [Page 131]
-
-THE PORCUPINE AND THE SNAKES.
-
-
-A Porcupine, wanting a shelter for himself, begged a nest of Snakes to
-give him admittance into their snug cave. They were prevailed upon,
-and let him in accordingly; but were so annoyed with his sharp prickly
-quills, that they soon repented of their easy compliance, and intreated
-the Porcupine to withdraw, and leave them their hole to themselves. No,
-said he, let them quit the place that dont like it; for my part, I am
-well enough satisfied as I am.
-
-
-APPLICATION.
-
-This Fable points out the danger of entering into any degree of
-friendship, alliance, or partnership with any person whatever,
-before we have thoroughly considered his nature and qualities, his
-circumstances, and his humour; and also the necessity of examining
-our own temper and disposition, to discover, if we can, how far these
-may accord with the genius of those with whom we are about to form
-a connection; otherwise our associations, of whatever kind they be,
-may prove the greatest plague of our life. Young people, who are warm
-in all their passions, and suffer them, like a veil, to hoodwink
-their reason, often throw open their arms at once, and admit into the
-greatest intimacy persons whom they know little of, but by false and
-uncertain lights, and thus, perhaps, take a Porcupine into their bosom,
-instead of an inmate who might sooth the cares of life, as an amiable
-consort, or a valuable friend.
-
-[Illustration]
-
-
-
-
-[Illustration]  [Page 133]
-
-THE SOW AND THE WOLF.
-
-
-A Sow that had just farrowed, and lay in her sty with her whole litter
-of Pigs, was visited by a Wolf, who secretly longed to make a meal of
-one of them, but knew not how to come at it. So, under the pretence
-of a friendly visit, he gave her a call, and endeavoured to insinuate
-himself into her good graces by his apparently kind enquiries after the
-welfare of herself and her young family. Can I be of any service to
-you, Mrs Sow? said he: if I can, it shall not on my part be wanting;
-and if you have a mind to go abroad for a little fresh air, you may
-depend upon my taking as much care of your young family as you could
-do yourself. No, I thank you, Mr Wolf, I thoroughly understand your
-meaning, and the greatest favour you can do to me and my Pigs, is to
-keep your distance.
-
-
-APPLICATION.
-
-When an entire stranger, or any one of whom we have no reason to
-entertain a good opinion, obtrudes upon us an offer of his services,
-we ought to look to our own safety, and shew a shyness and coldness
-towards him. But there are also many men with whom it is dangerous to
-have the least connection, and with whom any commerce or correspondence
-will certainly be to our detriment. From these we should, therefore,
-resolve not to accept even favours, but carefully avoid being under
-any obligation to them: for in the end, their apparent kindness will
-shew itself to be a real injury; and there is no method of guarding so
-effectually against such people, as that of entirely avoiding their
-society, or shutting our doors against them, as we would do against a
-thief.
-
-[Illustration]
-
-
-
-
-[Illustration]  [Page 135]
-
-THE FROGS AND THEIR KING.
-
-
-In antient times, the nation of Frogs lived an easy free life among
-their lakes and ponds; but at length grew dissatisfied with such a
-continuance of undisturbed tranquillity, and petitioned Jupiter for
-a king. Jupiter smiled at their folly, and threw them down a log of
-wood, and with a thundering voice said, “there is a king for you.” With
-this, and the sudden splash it made in the water, they were at first
-quite panic-struck, and for some time durst not put their heads up; but
-by degrees they ventured to take a peep, and at length even to leap
-upon the log. Not being pleased with so tame and insipid a king, they
-again petitioned Jupiter for another, who would exert more authority.
-Jupiter, disgusted at their importunate folly, sent them a Stork for
-their king, who, without ceremony, eat them up whenever his craving
-appetite required a supply.
-
-
-APPLICATION.
-
-This Fable is said to have been spoken by Æsop to the Athenians, who
-had flourished under their commonwealth, and lived under good and
-wholesome laws of their own enacting, until, in process of time,
-they suffered their liberty to run into licentiousness; and factious
-designing men fomented divisions, and raised animosities among them.
-When thus rendered weak, Pisistratus took the advantage, and seized
-upon their citadel and liberties both together. The Athenians finding
-themselves in a state of slavery, though their tyrant happened to be a
-merciful one, could not bear the thoughts of it; but Æsop in reciting
-the Fable to them, prescribes patience where there was no other remedy,
-and adds, at last, “Wherefore, my dear countrymen, be contented with
-your present condition, bad as it is, for fear a change should make it
-worse.”
-
-[Illustration: _Set them up with a king indeed!_]
-
-
-
-
-[Illustration]  [Page 137]
-
-THE OLD WOMAN AND THE EMPTY CASK.
-
-
-An Old Woman, seeing a Wine Cask, which had been emptied of its
-contents, but the very lees of which still perfumed the air with a
-grateful cordial scent, applied her nose to the bunghole, and snuffing
-very heartily for some time, at last broke out into this exclamation: O
-delicious smell! How good! how charming must you have been once, when
-your very dregs are so agreeable and refreshing!
-
-
-APPLICATION.
-
-Phædrus was an old man when he wrote his Fables, and this he applies
-to himself; intimating what we ought to judge of his youth, when his
-old age was capable of such productions. It is at once a pleasing
-and melancholy idea that is given us by the intercourse with elderly
-persons, whose conversation is relishing and agreeable, and we cannot
-help concluding that they must have been very engaging in the prime of
-life, when in their decline they are still capable of yielding us so
-much pleasure. Nor can we help feeling regret, that this fountain of
-delight is now almost dried up, and going to forsake us for ever. On
-the contrary, when people have neglected to cultivate their minds in
-youth, their whole deportment through life is marked with the effects
-of this great want, and their old age is burthensome to themselves, and
-their conversation insipid to others; and like liquor of a thin body,
-and vile quality, soon becomes sour, vapid, or good for nothing.
-
-[Illustration: _An old filtering stone_]
-
-
-
-
-[Illustration]  [Page 139]
-
-JUPITER AND THE CAMEL.
-
-
-The Camel presented a petition to Jupiter, complaining of the hardships
-of his case, in not having, like bulls and other creatures, horns,
-or any weapon of defence to protect himself from the attacks of his
-enemies; and praying that relief might be granted him in such manner as
-should be thought most expedient. Jupiter could not help smiling at his
-impertinent address; but, however, rejected the petition, and told him,
-that so far from granting his unreasonable request, he would take care
-that henceforward his ears should be shortened, as a punishment for his
-presumptuous importunity.
-
-
-APPLICATION.
-
-The nature of things is so fixed in every particular, that they are
-very weak, superstitious people, who think that it can be altered.
-But besides the impossibility of producing a change by foolish
-importunities, they who employ much of their time in that way, instead
-of getting, are sure to lose in the end. When any man is so silly and
-vexatious as to make unreasonable complaints, and to harbour undue
-repinings in his heart, his peevishness will lessen the real good which
-he possesses, and the sourness of his temper shorten that allowance
-of comfort which he already thinks too scanty. Thus, in truth, it is
-not Providence, but ourselves, who punish our own importunity, in
-soliciting for impossibilities, with a sharp corroding care, which
-abridges us of some part of that little pleasure which Heaven has cast
-into our lot.
-
-    Happy the man without a wish for more,
-    Who quietly enjoys his little store,
-    And knows to heaven, with gratitude to pay
-    Thanks for what’s given, and what is ta’en away.
-
-[Illustration]
-
-
-
-
-[Illustration]  [Page 141]
-
-THE STAG AND THE FAWN.
-
-
-A Stag, grown old and mischievous, was, according to custom, stamping
-with his foot, making threatening motions with his head, and bellowing
-so terribly, that the whole herd quaked for fear of him; when one of
-the little Fawns coming up, addressed him to this purpose: Pray what
-is the reason that you, who are so stout and formidable at all other
-times, if you do but hear the cry of the hounds, are ready to fly out
-of your skin for fear? What you observe is true, replied the Stag,
-though I know not how to account for it: I am indeed vigorous and
-able enough, I think, to defend myself against all attacks, and often
-resolve with myself, that nothing shall ever dismay my courage for the
-future; but, alas! I no sooner hear the voice of the hounds, but all my
-spirits fail, and I cannot help making off as fast as my legs can carry
-me.
-
-
-APPLICATION.
-
-    Try what we can, do what we will,
-    Yet nature will be nature still.
-
-The predominance of nature will generally shew itself through all
-the disguises which artful men endeavour to throw over it. Cowardice
-particularly gives us but the more suspicion of its existence, when it
-would conceal itself under an affected fierceness, as they who would
-smother an ill smell by a cloud of perfume, are imagined to be but the
-more offensive. When we have done all, nature will remain what she was,
-and shew herself whenever she is called upon: therefore, whatever we do
-in contradiction to her laws, is so forced and affected, that it must
-needs expose and make us truly ridiculous.
-
-[Illustration]
-
-
-
-
-[Illustration]  [Page 143]
-
-THE FIR AND THE BRAMBLE.
-
-
-A tall Fir, that stood towering up in the forest, was so proud of his
-dignity and high station, that he looked with disdain upon the little
-shrubs that grew beneath him. A lowly Bramble had often been made to
-feel the insults and gloomy frowns of his lofty neighbour, who, on the
-slightest rufflings of the winds, shook his extended arms over the
-humble shrub, and upbraided him with his contemptible situation. As for
-me, said the Fir, I am the first in the forest for beauty and rank:
-my top shoots up into the clouds, and my branches display a perpetual
-verdure, whilst you lie grovelling upon the ground, and could not live
-were I to leave off sprinkling you with the drops from my extremities.
-At this the Bramble set up his prickles, and replied, that this
-haughtiness arose from pride and ignorance; for He that made thee a
-lofty tree, could, with equal ease, have made thee an humble Bramble;
-and high as thou art, a puff of His breath, in the message of a north
-wind, can rob thee of thy verdure, or lay thee low; and further, I
-pray thee tell me, when the woodman comes with his axe to fell timber,
-whether thou wouldst not rather be a Bramble than a Fir?
-
-
-APPLICATION.
-
-Pride, which was implanted in the human breast for wise purposes,
-should carefully be directed aright. It was intended only to exalt the
-minds of all ranks and conditions of men, to that pitch, which will
-make them spurn at, and despise the doing of a mean or dishonourable
-action; and it is only misapplied, when it puffs up those whom fortune
-has placed in high stations, or overloaded with riches, and tempts
-them to look down with derision on those below them. The higher a man
-is exalted in life, but especially if he have risen by dishonourable
-means, the more unlikely it is that he will escape a storm, or the
-mischiefs to which he may be exposed in his public capacity, in any
-convulsion that may befal his country. When public justice overtakes
-him, and he finds the day of reckoning near at hand, the honest monitor
-within will put him in mind of his true situation, and he will then be
-enabled to make a just comparison between his own lofty station, and
-that of the poor, but honest, man.
-
-[Illustration]
-
-
-
-
-[Illustration]  [Page 145]
-
-THE BEES, THE DRONES, AND THE WASP.
-
-
-A number of Drones, who had long lived at their ease in a hive of Bees,
-without contributing by their labour to make any honey, at length began
-to dispute the right of the Bees, and insisted that both the honey and
-the combs were their property. The Bees, after much altercation, at
-last offered to leave the dispute to reference, and this being assented
-to by the Drones, the Wasp was chosen umpire. Accordingly, he began by
-declaring, that as both parties, he hoped, were his friends, and he
-wished them well, he would instantly proceed upon the investigation. I
-must own, says he, that the point is somewhat dubious, for I have often
-seen you both in the same hive, and excepting that the Drones are of a
-more portly size and appearance, you are all otherwise nearly alike in
-person: but as I have not been able to see who worked, and who did not,
-I know of no mode in which I shall be enabled to judge so correctly, as
-by setting each party to work at the making of the honey. Therefore,
-addressing himself to the Bees, you take one hive; and you, speaking to
-the Drones, will be so good as to take another, and both go to work to
-make honey as fast as you can. The Bees readily accepted the proposal;
-but the Drones hung back, and would not agree to it. So, so! says
-Judge Wasp, I see clearly how the matter stands; and without further
-ceremony, declared in favour of the Bees.
-
-
-APPLICATION.
-
-The surest method of detecting ignorance and inability, is to put
-arrogant pretenders to the test, and appreciate their claims by a fair
-trial; and when those who assume the merit due to works of ingenuity,
-refuse to prove their title by a display of their talents, we may well
-conclude that their pretensions are unfounded, and that they are mere
-impostors. When men, who are at the head of national affairs, will not
-be at the pains to find out merit (for men of that character are too
-modest to obtrude themselves) they will be surrounded by a swarm of
-idle, impudent, good-for-nothing drones; and these too often succeed in
-obtaining those benefits which should be the reward of men of parts,
-integrity, and industry.
-
-
-
-
-[Illustration]  [Page 147]
-
-THE FROG AND THE FOX.
-
-
-A Frog leaping out of the lake, and taking the advantage of a rising
-ground, made a proclamation to all the beasts of the forest, that he
-was an able physician, and for curing all manner of distempers, would
-turn his back to no person living. This discourse, with the aid of some
-hard cramp words, which nobody understood, made the beasts admire his
-learning, and give credit to every thing he said. At last, the Fox,
-who was present, with indignation asked him, how he could have the
-impudence, with those thin lanthorn jaws, that meagre pale phiz, and
-blotched spotted body, to pretend to cure the infirmities of others?
-
-
-APPLICATION.
-
-A sickly and infirm look is as disadvantageous in a physician, as a
-rakish one in a clergyman, or a sheepish one in a soldier. We should
-not set up for correctors of the faults of others, whilst we labour
-under the same ourselves. Good advice ought always to be followed,
-without our being prejudiced upon account of the person from whom it
-comes; but it is seldom that men can be brought to think us worth
-minding, when we prescribe cures for maladies with which we ourselves
-are afflicted. Physician heal thyself, is too scriptural, not to be
-applied upon such an occasion; and if we would avoid being the jest of
-an audience, we must be sound and free from those diseases of which we
-would endeavour to cure others. How shocked must people have been to
-hear a preacher for a whole hour declaim against drunkenness, when his
-own weaknesses have been such, that he could neither bear nor forbear
-drinking, and perhaps was the only person in the congregation who
-made the doctrine at that time necessary! Others, too, have been very
-zealous in censuring crimes, of which none were suspected more than
-themselves: but let such silly hypocrites remember, that they whose
-eyes want couching, are the most improper people in the world to set up
-for oculists.
-
-[Illustration]
-
-
-
-
-[Illustration]  [Page 149]
-
-THE CAT AND THE MICE.
-
-
-A certain house being much infested with Mice, a Cat was at length
-procured, who very diligently hunted after them, and killed great
-numbers every night. The Mice, being exceedingly alarmed at this
-destruction among their family, consulted together upon what was
-best to be done for their preservation against so terrible and cruel
-an enemy. After some debate, they came to the resolution, that no
-one should, in future, descend below the uppermost shelf. The Cat,
-observing their extreme caution, endeavoured to draw them down to their
-old haunts by stratagem, for which purpose, she suspended herself by
-her hinder legs upon a peg in the pantry, and hoped by this trick
-to lull their suspicions, and to entice them to venture within her
-reach. She had not long been in this posture, before a cunning old
-Mouse peeped over the edge of the shelf, and squeaked out thus: Aha!
-Mrs Puss, are you there then? There may you be; but I would not trust
-myself with you, though your skin were stuffed with straw.
-
-
-APPLICATION.
-
-We cannot be too much upon our guard against fraud and imposition of
-every kind; and prudence in many cases would rather counsel us to
-forego some advantages, than endeavour to gain them at a risk of which
-we cannot certainly ascertain the amount. We should more particularly
-suspect some design in the professions of those who have once injured
-us; and though they may promise fairly for the future, it is no breach
-of charity to doubt their sincerity, and decline their proposals,
-however plausible they may appear; for experience shews that many of
-the misfortunes which we experience through life, are caused by our own
-too great credulity.
-
-[Illustration]
-
-
-
-
-[Illustration]  [Page 151]
-
-THE OAK AND THE REED.
-
-
-An Oak, which hung over the bank of a river, was blown down by a
-violent storm of wind, and as it was carried along by the stream, some
-of its boughs brushed against a Reed which grew near the shore. This
-struck the Oak with a thought of admiration, and he could not forbear
-asking the Reed how he came to stand so secure and unhurt, in a tempest
-which had been furious enough to tear up an Oak by the roots? Why, says
-the Reed, I secure myself by a conduct the reverse of yours: instead
-of being stubborn and stiff, and confiding in my strength, I yield
-and bend to the blast, and let it go over me, knowing how vain and
-fruitless it would be to resist.
-
-
-APPLICATION.
-
-Though a tame submission to injuries which it is in our power to
-redress, be generally esteemed a base and dishonourable thing, yet
-to resist where there is no probability, or even hope of getting the
-better, may also be looked upon as the effect of a blind temerity, and
-perhaps of a weak understanding. The strokes of fortune are oftentimes
-as irresistible as they are severe, and he who with an impatient spirit
-fights against her, instead of alleviating, does but double the blows
-upon himself. A person of a quiet still temper, whether it be given him
-by nature, or acquired by art, calmly composes himself in the midst
-of a storm, so as to elude the shock, or receive it with the least
-detriment,--like a prudent experienced sailor, who, in swimming to the
-shore from a wrecked vessel, in a swelling sea, does not oppose the
-fury of the waves, but stoops and gives way, that they may roll over
-his head without obstruction. The doctrine of absolute submission in
-all cases, is an absurd dogmatical precept, with nothing but ignorance
-and superstition to support it; but, upon particular occasions, and
-where it is impossible for us to overcome, to submit patiently is one
-of the most reasonable maxims of life.
-
-[Illustration:
-
-  _O God of infinite Wisdom
-  Truth Justice & Mercy
-  I thank Thee_
-]
-
-
-
-
-[Illustration]  [Page 153]
-
-FORTUNE AND THE BOY.
-
-
-A School Boy, fatigued with play, laid himself down by the brink of a
-deep well, where he fell fast asleep. Fortune, whose wheel is always
-in motion, passing by, kindly gave him a tap on the head, and awoke
-him. My good boy, said she, arise and depart from this dangerous
-situation immediately; for if you had tumbled into this well, and been
-drowned, your friends would not have attributed the accident to your
-carelessness, but would have laid the whole blame upon me.
-
-
-APPLICATION.
-
-Mankind suffer more evils from their own imprudence, than from events
-which it is not in their power to controul; but they are ever ready
-to complain of the perverseness of chance, and the capriciousness of
-fortune, and to impute the blame to her for whatever mischiefs may
-befal them, when these clearly arise from their own misconduct. Few
-men pass through life without having had reason at one time or another
-to thank Fortune for her favours; and great is the number of those who
-have, through their own folly, indolence, or inattention, neglected
-to profit by her kindness. Prudent people take every care not to put
-themselves in the power of accidents; but those who carelessly give
-up all their concerns to the guidance of blind chance, must not be
-surprised if by some of the revolutions of Fortune’s wheel, they feel
-the punishment due to their negligence and folly.
-
-[Illustration: BLOODO ET GUTTO
-
-  _The Butchers Coat
-  of Arms_
-]
-
-
-
-
-[Illustration]  [Page 155]
-
-THE WOLF AND THE CRANE.
-
-
-A Wolf, after devouring his prey, happened to have a bone stick in his
-throat, which gave him so much pain, that he went howling up and down,
-and importuning every creature he met to lend him a kind hand in order
-to his relief; nay, he promised a reasonable reward to any one who
-should perform the operation with success. At last, the Crane undertook
-the business, ventured his long neck into the rapacious felon’s throat,
-plucked out the bone, and asked for the promised reward. The Wolf,
-turning his eyes disdainfully towards him, said, I did not think you
-had been so unconscionable: I had your head in my mouth, and could have
-bit it off whenever I pleased, but suffered you to take it away without
-any damage, and yet you are not contented!
-
-    Who serves a villain, might as wisely free
-    The hardened murderer from the fatal tree.
-
-
-APPLICATION.
-
-There are people in the world to whom it may be wrong to do services,
-upon a double score: first, because they never deserve to have a good
-office done them; and secondly, because when once engaged, it is so
-hard a matter to get well rid of their acquaintance. We ought to
-consider what kind of people they are, to whom we are desired to do
-good offices, before we do them: for he that grants a favour, or even
-confides in a person of no honour, instead of finding his account in
-it, comes off well, if he be no sufferer in the end.
-
-[Illustration]
-
-
-
-
-[Illustration]  [Page 157]
-
-THE HART AND THE VINE.
-
-
-A Hart being closely pursued by the Hunters, concealed himself under
-the broad leaves of a shady Vine. When the Hunters were gone by, and
-had given him over for lost, he thinking himself very secure, began to
-crop and eat the leaves of his shelter. By this, the branches being
-put into a rustling motion drew the attention of some of the Hunters
-that way, who seeing the Vine stir, and fancying some wild beast had
-taken covert there, shot their arrows at a venture, and killed the
-Deer. Before he expired, he uttered his dying words to this purpose:
-“Ah!” says he, “I suffer justly for my ingratitude; because I could not
-forbear doing an injury to the Vine, which so kindly concealed me in
-time of danger.”
-
-
-APPLICATION.
-
-There is no maxim which deserves more frequent repetition, and if the
-heart be capable of amendment by precept and admonition, no virtue
-should be more strongly enforced and recommended than gratitude.
-Where sentiments of this kind are wanting, our natures soon become
-debased, and our minds depraved. Ingratitude has ever been justly
-branded as the blackest of crimes, and, as it were, comprehending
-all other vices within it. Nor can we say that this opinion is too
-severe: for if a man be capable of injuring his benefactor, what will
-he scruple doing towards another? We may fairly conclude that he
-who is guilty of ingratitude, will not hesitate at any other crime
-of an inferior nature. Since there are no human laws to punish this
-infamous prevailing vice, it would only be doing an act of justice, and
-supplying the want, to point out criminals of this description to the
-reprobation of mankind, that men of worth might avoid all intercourse
-and communication with them. The ingrate should also bear in mind, that
-he strips himself of the protection which might have been afforded by
-his friends, and exposes himself to the shafts of his enemies, who will
-not fail to take advantage of the defenceless state to which his folly
-and depravity have reduced him.
-
-[Illustration]
-
-
-
-
-[Illustration]  [Page 159]
-
-THE HUNTED BEAVER.
-
-
-A Beaver, having strayed far from his dwelling, (which it is well known
-these animals construct with infinite sagacity) was closely pursued by
-the hunters, and knowing that he was thus persecuted for the sake of
-the castor, which is contained in two little bags placed underneath and
-near the tail, he, with great resolution and presence of mind, bit them
-off with his teeth, and leaving them behind him, thus escaped with his
-life.
-
-
-APPLICATION.
-
-It is in vain for individuals to contend against an overwhelming power,
-and an ineffectual resistance to violence only tends to double our
-sufferings. When life is pursued, and in danger, whoever values it
-should give up every thing but his honour to preserve it; and there
-can be no disgrace in yielding voluntarily to our persecutors, when we
-are certain that resistance is in vain: but this doctrine can seldom be
-applied to the case of a whole nation, for when tyranny and rapine are
-making their wicked strides over a country (as has sometimes happened
-even in Europe) the people would seldom fail to rid themselves of their
-oppressors, if they resolved to rise as one man, and bravely oppose
-them.
-
-[Illustration]
-
-
-
-
-[Illustration]  [Page 161]
-
-THE ASS AND THE LION HUNTING.
-
-
-The Lion, having thinned the forest of great numbers of the beasts upon
-which he preyed, and so scared and intimidated the rest, that he found
-it very difficult to get hold of any more of them, bethought himself of
-a new expedient to obtain more readily a fresh supply. He invited the
-Ass to assist him in his plan, and gave him instructions how to act.
-Go, said the Lion, and hide thyself in yonder thicket, and then let me
-hear thee bray in the most frightful manner thou possibly canst. The
-stratagem took effect accordingly. The Ass brayed most hideously, and
-the timorous beasts, not knowing what to think of it, began to scour
-off as fast as they could; when the Lion, who was posted at a proper
-avenue, seized and killed them as he pleased. Having got his belly
-full, he called out to the Ass, and bade him leave off, telling him
-he had done enough. Upon this, the long-eared brute came out of his
-ambush, and approaching the Lion, asked him, with an air of conceit,
-how he liked his performance? Prodigiously! says he, you did it so
-well, that I protest had I not known your nature and temper, I might
-have been frightened myself.
-
-
-APPLICATION.
-
-A bragging cowardly fellow may impose upon people that do not know him;
-but is the greatest jest imaginable to those who do. There are many
-men who appear very terrible and big in their manner of expressing
-themselves, and if you could be persuaded to take their own word for
-it, are perfect Lions; but if we take the pains to enquire a little
-into their true nature, are as arrant Asses as ever brayed.
-
-[Illustration]
-
-
-
-
-[Illustration]  [Page 163]
-
-THE SOW AND THE BITCH.
-
-
-A Sow and a Bitch happening to meet, a debate arose between them
-concerning their fruitfulness. The Bitch insisted upon it, that she
-brought forth more at a litter, and oftener, than any other four-legged
-creature. Nay, said the Sow, you do not do so, for others are as
-prolific as you; and besides, you are always in such a hurry, that you
-bring your puppies into the world blind.
-
-
-APPLICATION.
-
-It is no wonder that our productions should come into the world blind
-or lame, or otherwise defective, when by forced or unnatural methods
-we accelerate their birth, and impatiently refuse to let them go their
-full time. Then it is that the excellent proverb of the more haste the
-worse speed, is felt and fully verified. This Fable has been pointed
-at those authors whose itch for scribbling has been an annoyance to
-the world, rather than of any real use to it; and who have been proud
-of, and boasted of the numerous but flimsy productions of their vain
-and shallow brains. It is proper to put such people in mind, that it
-is not he who does most, but he who does the best, that will meet the
-approbation of mankind.
-
-[Illustration: _Who told the Lamb to suck its Mother’s Paps?_]
-
-
-
-
-[Illustration]  [Page 165]
-
-THE SATYR AND THE TRAVELLER.
-
-
-A Satyr, as he was ranging the forest in an exceeding cold snowy
-season, met with a Traveller half-starved with the extremity of the
-weather. He took compassion on him, and kindly invited him home to a
-warm cave he had in the hollow of a rock. As soon as they had entered
-and sat down, notwithstanding there was a good fire in the place, the
-chilly Traveller could not forbear blowing his fingers. Upon the Satyr
-asking him why he did so? He answered, that he did it to warm his
-hands. The honest Sylvan having seen little of the world, admired a
-man who was master of so valuable a quality as that of blowing heat;
-and therefore resolved to entertain him in the best manner he could.
-He spread the table with dried fruits of several sorts, and produced a
-remnant of old cordial wine, which he mulled with some warm spices over
-the fire, and presented to his shivering guest. But this the Traveller
-thought fit to blow upon likewise; and when the Satyr demanded a
-reason why he did so, he replied, to cool his dish. This second answer
-provoked the Satyr’s indignation as much as the first had kindled his
-surprise; so, taking the man by the shoulders, he thrust him out of the
-place, saying, he would have nothing to do with a wretch who had so
-vile a quality as to blow hot and cold with the same breath.
-
-
-APPLICATION.
-
-Nothing can be more offensive to a man of a sincere honest heart, than
-he who blows with different breaths from the same mouth: who flatters a
-man to his face, and reviles him behind his back. Such double-dealing
-false friends ought and will always be considered as unworthy of being
-treated otherwise than as worthless and disagreeable persons: for
-unless the tenor of a man’s life be always true and consistent with
-itself, the less one has to do with him the better. It is unfortunately
-too common with persons of this cast of character, in the exalted
-stations of life, to serve a present view, or perhaps only the caprice
-or whim of the moment, to blow nothing but what is warm, benevolent,
-and cherishing, to raise up the expectations of a dependent to the
-highest degree; and when they suspect he may prove troublesome, they
-then, by a sudden cold forbidding air, easily blast all his hopes and
-expectations: but such a temper, whether it proceed from a designed or
-natural levity, is detestable, and has been the cause of much trouble
-and mortification to many a brave deserving man.
-
-
-
-
-[Illustration]  [Page 167]
-
-THE FOX AND THE GRAPES.
-
-
-A hungry Fox coming into a vineyard where there hung delicious
-clusters of ripe Grapes, his mouth watered to be at them; but they
-were nailed up to a trellis so high, that with all his springing and
-leaping he could not reach a single bunch. At last, growing tired and
-disappointed, Let who will take them! says he, they are but green and
-sour; so I’ll e’en let them alone.
-
-
-APPLICATION.
-
-To affect to despise that which they have long ineffectually laboured
-to obtain, is the only consolation to which weak minds can have
-recourse, both to palliate their inability, and to take off the
-bitterness of disappointment. There is a strange propensity in mankind
-to this temper, and there is a numerous class of vain coxcombs in the
-world, who, because they would never be thought to be disappointed in
-any of their pursuits, pretend a dislike to every thing they cannot
-obtain. The discarded statesman, considering the corruption of the
-times, would not have any hand in the administration of affairs for
-the world! The needy adventurer, and pretended patriot, would fain
-persuade all who will listen to them, that they would not go cringing
-and creeping into a drawing-room, for the best place the king has in
-his disposal! Worthless young fellows, who find that their addresses to
-virtue and beauty are rejected; and poor rogues who laugh to scorn the
-rich and great, are all alike in saying, like sly Reynard, the Grapes
-are sour!
-
-[Illustration]
-
-
-
-
-[Illustration]  [Page 169]
-
-THE MISCHIEVOUS DOG.
-
-
-A certain Man had a Dog which was so ferocious and surly, that he
-was compelled to fasten a heavy clog to his collar, to keep him from
-running at and indiscriminately seizing upon every animal that came in
-his way. This the vain Cur took for a badge of honourable distinction,
-and grew so insolent upon it, that he looked down with an air of scorn
-upon the neighbouring Dogs, and refused to keep them company: but a sly
-old poacher, who was one of the gang, assured him that he had no reason
-to value himself upon the favour he wore, since it was fixed upon him
-as a badge of disgrace, not of honour.
-
-
-APPLICATION.
-
-The only true way of estimating the value of tokens of distinction,
-is to reflect on what account they were conferred. Those which have
-been acquired for virtuous actions, will be regarded as illustrious
-signs of dignity; but if they have been bestowed upon the worthless and
-base, as the reward of vice or corruption, all the stars and garters,
-and collars of an illustrious order,--all the tinsel glories in which
-such creatures may strut about in fancied superiority, will not mask
-them from the sight of men of discernment, who will always consider the
-means by which their honours have been obtained, and truly estimate
-them as badges of abasement and disgrace.
-
-[Illustration: THE WAGES OF CRUELTY.]
-
-
-
-
-[Illustration]  [Page 171]
-
-THE BULL AND THE GOAT.
-
-
-A Bull being pursued by a Lion, fled towards a cave, in which he
-designed to secure himself; but was opposed at the entrance by a Goat,
-who had got possession before him, and, threatening a kind of defiance
-with his horns, seemed resolved to dispute the pass. The Bull, who
-thought he had no time to lose in a contest of this nature, immediately
-made off; but told the Goat, that it was not for fear of him or his
-defiances: for, says he, if the Lion were not so near, I would soon
-teach you the difference between a Bull and a Goat.
-
-
-APPLICATION.
-
-    O’er-match’d, unaided, and his foes at hand,
-    Safely the coward may the brave withstand;
-    But think not, dastard, thus thy glories shine--
-    He fears a greater force, but scoffs at thine.
-
-It is very inhuman to deny succour and comfort to people in
-tribulation; but to insult them, and add to their misfortunes, is
-something superlatively brutish and cruel. There is, however, in
-the world, a sort of people of this vile temper, and littleness of
-mind, who wait for an opportunity of aggravating their neighbour’s
-affliction, and defer the execution of their evil inclinations until
-they can do it with the severest effect. If a person suffer under an
-expensive law-suit, lest he should escape from that, one of these
-gentlemen will take care to arrest him in a second action, hoping, at
-least, to keep him at bay, while the more powerful adversary attacks
-him on the other side. One cannot consider this temper, without
-observing something remarkably cowardly in it: for these shuffling
-antagonists never begin their encounter till they are very sure the
-person they aim at is already over-matched.
-
-[Illustration]
-
-
-
-
-[Illustration]  [Page 173]
-
-THE FISHERMAN.
-
-
-A certain Fisherman having laid his nets in the river, and placed
-them across the whole stream from one side to the other, took a long
-pole, and fell to beating the water to make the fish strike into his
-nets. One of his neighbours seeing him do so, wondered what he meant,
-and going up to him, Friend, says he, what are you doing here? Do you
-think it is to be suffered that you shall stand splashing and dashing
-the water, and making it so muddy, that it is not fit for use? Who do
-you think can live at this rate? He was going on in a great fury, when
-the other interrupted him, and replied, I do not much trouble myself
-how you are to live with my doing this; but I assure you I cannot live
-without it.
-
-
-APPLICATION.
-
-This Fable is levelled at those who love to “fish in troubled waters,”
-and whose execrable principles are such, that they care not what
-mischief or what confusion they occasion in the world, provided they
-can obtain their ends, or even gratify some little selfish appetite.
-Little villains would set fire to a town, provided they could rake
-something of value to themselves out of its ashes; or kindle the flames
-of discord among friends and neighbours, purely to gratify their own
-malicious temper; and among the great ones there are those who, to
-succeed in their ambitious designs, will make no scruple of involving
-their country in divisions and animosities at home, and sometimes in
-war and bloodshed abroad: provided they do but maintain themselves in
-power, they care not what havoc and desolation they bring upon the rest
-of mankind. Their only reason is, that it must be so, because they
-cannot live as they wish without it. But brutish unsocial sentiments
-like these, are such as a mere state of nature would scarcely suggest;
-and it is perverting the very end, and overturning the first principles
-of society, when, instead of contributing to the welfare of mankind,
-in return for the benefits we receive from them, we thrive by their
-misfortunes, or subsist by their ruin. Those, therefore, who have
-the happiness of mankind at heart, (for happiness and morality are
-inseparably connected) should enter their protest against such wicked
-selfish notions, and oppose them with all their might; at the same time
-shunning the society of their possessors as a plague, and consigning
-their characters to the detestation of posterity.
-
-
-
-
-[Illustration]  [Page 175]
-
-THE FOX AND THE BOAR.
-
-
-The Fox, in traversing the forest, observed a Boar rubbing his tusks
-against a tree. Why how now, said the Fox, why make those martial
-preparations of whetting the teeth, since there is no enemy near that I
-can perceive? That may be, said the Boar; but you ought to know, Master
-Reynard, that we should scour up our arms while we have leisure: for
-in time of danger we shall have something else to do; and it is a good
-thing always to be prepared against the worst that can happen.
-
-
-APPLICATION.
-
-All business that is necessary to be done should be done betimes: for
-there is as little trouble in doing it in season as out of season; and
-he that is always ready can never be taken by surprize. Wise, just,
-and vigilant governments know that they cannot be safe in peace, unless
-they are always prepared for war, and are ready to meet the worst that
-can happen. When they become corrupt, or supine, and off their guard,
-they thereby invite and expose their country to the sudden attacks of
-its enemies. In private life, many evils and calamities befal those
-who make no provision against unforeseen or untoward accidents, which
-the prudent man prevents by looking forward to probable contingencies,
-and having a reserve of every thing necessary before-hand,--that he
-may not be put into hurry and confusion, nor thrown into dilemmas and
-difficulties, when the time comes that he may have to encounter them.
-It cannot be too strongly impressed upon the minds of all men, that
-day by day they are approaching towards old age, and that they should
-honourably endeavour to provide a store of conveniences against that
-time, when they will be most in want of them, and least able to procure
-them. To reflect properly upon this, will give them pleasure instead
-of pain; and they will not die a day sooner for being always ready for
-that certain event: to do otherwise is acting like weak-minded men, who
-delay making their wills, and properly settling their worldly affairs,
-because to them it looks so like the near approach of death.
-
-[Illustration]
-
-
-
-
-[Illustration]  [Page 177]
-
-CÆSAR AND THE SLAVE.
-
-
-As Tiberius Cæsar was upon a journey to Naples, he stopped at a house
-which he had upon the mountain Misenus. As he was walking in the
-gardens attached to the house, one of his domestic slaves appeared
-in the walks, sprinkling the ground with a watering pot, in order to
-lay the dust, and this he did so officiously, and ran with so much
-alertness from one walk to another, that wherever the Emperor went,
-he still found this fellow mighty busy with his watering pot. But at
-last his design being discovered, which was to attract the notice of
-Cæsar by his extraordinary diligence, in the hope that he would make
-him free,--part of the ceremony of doing which consisted in giving the
-Slave a gentle stroke on one side of his face,--his imperial Majesty
-being disposed to be merry, called the Man to him, and when he came
-up, full of the joyful expectation of his liberty, Hark you friend,
-says he, I have observed that you have been very busy a great while;
-but you were officiously meddling where you had nothing to do, while
-you might have employed your time better elsewhere; and therefore I
-must tell you, that I cannot afford a box on the ear at so low a price
-as you bid for it.
-
-
-APPLICATION.
-
-Phædrus tells us upon his word, that this is a true story, and that
-he wrote it for the sake of a set of industrious idle gentlemen at
-Rome, who were harassed and fatigued with a daily succession of care
-and trouble, because they had nothing to do. Always in a hurry, but
-without business; busy, but to no purpose; labouring under a voluntary
-necessity, and taking abundance of pains to shew they were good for
-nothing. But what great town or city is so entirely free of this sect,
-as to render the moral of this Fable useless any where? For it points
-at all those officious good-natured people, who are eternally running
-up and down to serve their friends, without doing them any good; who,
-by a complaisance wrong judged or ill applied, displease whilst they
-endeavour to oblige, and are never doing less to the purpose than when
-they are most employed. In a word, this Fable is designed for the
-reformation of all those who endeavour to gain for themselves benefits
-and applause, from a misapplied industry. It is not our being busy and
-officious that will procure us the esteem of men of sense; but the
-application of our actions to some noble useful purpose, and for the
-general good of mankind.
-
-
-
-
-[Illustration]  [Page 179]
-
-THE FROGS AND THE FIGHTING BULLS.
-
-
-A Frog, one day, peeping out of the lake, and looking about him, saw
-two Bulls fighting at some distance off in the meadow, and calling
-to his associates, Look, says he, what dreadful work is yonder! Dear
-sirs, what will become of us? Tush, said one of his companions, do not
-frighten yourself so about nothing; how can their quarrels affect us?
-They are of a different kind, and are at present only contending which
-shall be master of the herd. That is true, replies the first, their
-quality and station in life are different from ours; but as one of them
-will certainly prove conqueror, he that is worsted, being beaten out of
-the meadow, will take refuge here in the marshes, and possibly tread
-some of us to death; so you see we are more nearly concerned in this
-dispute of theirs, than you were at first aware.
-
-
-APPLICATION.
-
-A wise man, however low his condition in life, looks forward through
-the proper and natural course and connection of causes and effects;
-and in so doing, he fortifies his mind against the worst that can
-befal him. It is of no small importance to the honest and quiet part
-of mankind, who desire nothing so much as to see peace and virtue
-flourish, to consider well the consequences that may arise to them out
-of the quarrels and feuds of the great, and to endeavour, by every
-means in their power, to avoid being in any way drawn in by their
-influence to become a party concerned in their broils and disputes: for
-no matter in which way the strife between the high contending parties
-may terminate, those who may have had the misfortune to be concerned
-with them, ought to think themselves well off if they do not smart for
-it severely in the end. How often has it happened, that men in eminent
-stations, who want to engross all power into their own hands, begin,
-under the mask of patriotism, to foment divisions and form factions,
-and excite animosities between well-meaning, but undiscerning people,
-without whose aid in one way or another they could not succeed; but
-who, at the same time, little think that the great aim of their leaders
-is nothing more than the advancement of their own private interest, or
-ambitious ends. The good of the public is always pretended upon such
-occasions, and may sometimes happen to be tacked to their own; but then
-it is purely accidental, and never was originally intended.
-
-
-
-
-[Illustration]  [Page 181]
-
-THE OLD HOUND.
-
-
-An Old Hound, who had excelled in his time, and given his Master great
-satisfaction in many a chace, at last, through age, became feeble and
-unserviceable. However, being in the field one day, when the Stag was
-almost run down, he happened to be the first that came in with him,
-and seized him by the haunch; but his decayed and broken teeth not
-being able to keep their hold, the Deer escaped; upon which, his Master
-fell into a great passion, and began to whip him severely. The honest
-old creature is said to have barked out this apology: Ah! do not thus
-strike your poor old servant: it is not my heart and inclination, but
-my strength and speed, that fail me. If what I now am displease you,
-pray do not forget what I have been!
-
-
-APPLICATION.
-
-    O let not those, whom honest servants bless,
-    With cruel hands their age infirm oppress;
-    Forget their service past, their former truth,
-    And all the cares and labours of their youth.
-
-This Fable is intended to reprove the ingratitude too common among
-mankind, which leaves the faithful servant to want and wretchedness,
-after he has spent the prime of his life in our service for a bare
-subsistence. Where slavery is allowed, the laws compel the master to
-provide for the worn-out slave; and where there is no law to enforce
-the debt of gratitude, none but those who are insensible to all the
-finer feelings of humanity will neglect it. Those who forget past
-services, and treat their faithful servants or friends unkindly or
-injuriously, when they are no longer of use to them, however high
-their pride, are unworthy of the name of gentleman. They are, indeed,
-commonly of an upstart breed, with whom the failure of human nature
-itself is imputed as a crime; and servants and dependents, instead of
-being considered their fellow-men, are treated like brutes for not
-being more than men. The imprudence of this conduct is equal to its
-wickedness, inasmuch as it directly tends to extinguish the honest
-desire to please and to act faithfully, in the younger servants,
-when they see that worn-out merit thus goes unrewarded. Humanity and
-gratitude are the greatest ornaments of the human mind, and when they
-are extinguished, every generous and noble sentiment perishes along
-with them.
-
-
-
-
-[Illustration]  [Page 183]
-
-THE TWO BITCHES.
-
-
-A Bitch, who was just ready to whelp, intreated another to lend her
-her kennel only till her month was up, and assured her that then she
-should have it again. The other very readily consented, and with a
-great deal of civility, resigned it to her immediately. However, when
-the time was elapsed, she came and made her a visit, and very modestly
-intimated, that now she was up and well, she hoped she should see her
-abroad again; for that, really, it would be inconvenient for her to be
-without her kennel any longer, and therefore, she told her, she must
-be so free as to desire her to provide herself with other lodgings
-as soon as she could. The lying-in Bitch replied, that truly she was
-ashamed of having kept her so long out of her own house; but it was not
-upon her own account (for indeed she was well enough to go any where)
-so much as that of her puppies, who were yet so weak, that she was
-afraid they would not be able to follow her; and, if she would be so
-good as to let her stay a fortnight longer, she would take it as the
-greatest obligation in the world. The other Bitch was so good-natured
-and compassionate as to comply with this request also; but at the
-expiration of the term, came and told her positively that she must
-turn out, for she could not possibly let her be there a day longer.
-Must turn out, says the other; we will see to that: for I promise you,
-unless you can beat me and my whole litter of whelps, you are never
-likely to have any thing more to do here.
-
-
-APPLICATION.
-
-Wise and good-natured men do not shut their ears, nor harden their
-hearts, against the calls of humanity, and the cries of distress; but
-how often are their generous natures imposed upon by the artifices of
-the base and worthless! These fail not to lay their plans with deep
-cunning, to work themselves into the good graces of the benevolent, and
-having accomplished their ends, the return they often make is abusive
-language, or the most open acts of violence. One of the evil and
-lamentable consequences arising out of this, is, that worth in distress
-suffers by it: for distrust and suspicion take hold of the minds of
-good men, and the hand of charity is thus benumbed. This Fable may
-also serve to caution us never to let any thing we value go out of our
-possession without good security. The man who means to act prudently,
-ought never to put himself in the power of others, or to run any risk
-of involving his own family in ruin.
-
-
-
-
-[Illustration]  [Page 185]
-
-THE HEN AND THE FOX.
-
-
-A Fox having crept into an out-house, looked up and down, seeking what
-he might devour, and at last spied a Hen perched up so high, that he
-could by no means come at her. My dear friend, says he, how do you
-do? I heard that you were ill, and kept within; at which I was so
-concerned, that I could not rest till I came to see you. Pray how is it
-with you now? Let me feel your pulse a little: indeed you do not look
-well at all. He was running on after this fulsome manner, when the Hen
-answered him from the roost, Truly, friend Reynard, you are judging
-rightly, for I never was in more pain in my life: I must beg your
-pardon for being so free as to tell you that I see no company; and you
-must excuse me too for not coming down to you, for, to say the truth,
-my condition is such, that I fear I should catch my death by it.
-
-
-APPLICATION.
-
-It is generally the design of hypocritical persons to delude and
-impose upon others, with an eye to derive some benefit to themselves,
-when they pretend to feel a flattering anxiety for their welfare; or
-sometimes they may perhaps, with impertinent folly, mean no more than
-merely to mock and befool men who are weak enough to become their
-dupes. In both cases they are enemies to truth and sincerity, which
-adorn and tend so greatly to promote the happiness of society, and
-they ought to be exposed as such. For although men of penetration see
-through the pretence, and escape its dangers, yet the weak, the vain,
-and the unsuspicious are put off their guard, and have not discernment
-enough to shun the trap so pleasingly baited. The Fable also furnishes
-a hint against hypocritical, legacy hunters, whose regard is generally
-of the same nature as that of the Fox for the Hen.
-
-[Illustration]
-
-
-
-
-[Illustration]  [Page 187]
-
-THE ASS IN THE LION’S SKIN.
-
-
-An Ass, while feeding upon the coarse herbage by the edge of a wood,
-found a Lion’s skin, and putting it on, went in this disguise into the
-adjoining forests and pastures, and threw all the flocks and herds
-into the greatest consternation and dismay. At length, his master,
-who was in search of him, made his appearance, and the silly beast,
-entertaining the idea of frightening him also, capered forward with a
-terrific gait towards him; but the good man seeing his long ears stick
-out, presently knew him, and with a stout cudgel made him sensible,
-that notwithstanding his being dressed in a Lion’s skin, he was really
-no more than an Ass.
-
-
-APPLICATION.
-
-As all affectation is wrong, and tends to expose and make a man
-ridiculous, so the more distant he is from the thing which he affects
-to appear, the stronger will be the ridicule which he excites, and
-the greater the inconvenience into which he thereby runs himself. How
-strangely absurd it is for a timorous person to procure a military
-post, in order to keep himself out of danger! and to fancy a red coat
-the surest protection for cowardice! Yet there have been those who
-have purchased a commission to avoid being insulted; and have been so
-silly as to think courage was interwoven with a sash, or tied up in
-a cockade. But it would not be amiss for such gentlemen to consider
-that it is not in the power of scarlet cloth to alter nature, and that
-as it is expected a soldier should shew himself a man of courage and
-intrepidity upon all proper occasions, they may by this means meet the
-disgrace they intended to avoid, and appear greater Asses than they
-needed to have done. However, it is not in point of fortitude only
-that people are liable to expose themselves, by assuming a character
-to which they are not equal; but he who puts on a shew of learning,
-of religion, of a superior capacity in any respect, or in short, of
-any virtue or knowledge, to which he has no proper claim, is, and will
-always be found to be, an Ass in a Lion’s skin.
-
-
-
-
-[Illustration]  [Page 189]
-
-THE CLOWN AND THE GNAT.
-
-
-As a clownish Fellow was sitting musing upon a bank, a Gnat alighted
-upon his leg and bit it. He slapped his hand upon the place, with the
-intention of crushing the assailant; but the little nimble insect
-escaped between his fingers, and repeated its attacks. Every time he
-struck at it, he gave himself a smart blow upon the leg, but missed his
-aim. At this he became enraged, and in the height of his peevish and
-impatient humour, he earnestly prayed to Hercules, beseeching him with
-his mighty power to stretch forth his arm against a pernicious insect,
-by which he was so miserably tormented.
-
-
-APPLICATION.
-
-He who suffers his mind to be ruffled by every little inconvenience,
-subjects himself to perpetual uneasiness and disquiet. There is no
-accident, however trivial, but is capable of disconcerting him, and
-he becomes absurdly miserable on the most foolish occasion. His good
-humour is soured in an instant, and he is rendered uncomfortable to
-himself, and odious or ridiculous to all about him. He prays with
-earnestness to the Supreme Being to aid him in all his paltry selfish
-schemes, or to gratify vanities, for which, as a rational being, he
-ought to blush and be ashamed. The imaginary distresses, which his
-unfortunate disposition heightens into severe calamities, are matter
-of diversion to those who are disposed to sneer at him; and when his
-pettish humour makes him rave like a madman, and curse his fate, at the
-dropping of a hat, or the blunder of a servant, even his friends must
-view his behaviour with a mixed emotion of pity and contempt.
-
-[Illustration]
-
-
-
-
-[Illustration]  [Page 191]
-
-THE WOLF AND THE LAMB.
-
-
-One hot sultry day, a Wolf and a Lamb happened to come just at the
-same time, to quench their thirst in the stream of a brook that fell
-tumbling down the side of a rocky mountain. The Wolf stood upon the
-higher ground, and the Lamb at some distance below him. However, the
-Wolf, having a mind to pick a quarrel with the Lamb, asked him what he
-meant by disturbing the water, and making it so muddy that he could
-not drink? and, at the same time, demanded satisfaction. The Lamb,
-frightened at this threatening charge, told him, in a tone as mild as
-possible, that with humble submission, he could not conceive how that
-could be, since the water which he drank ran down from the Wolf to him,
-and therefore could not be disturbed so far up the stream. Be that as
-it may, replies the Wolf, you are a rascal, and I have been told that
-you used ill language concerning me behind my back, about half a year
-ago. Upon my word, says the Lamb, the time you mention was before I was
-born. The Wolf, finding it to no purpose to argue any longer against
-truth, fell into a great passion, snarling and foaming at the mouth as
-if he had been mad; and drawing nearer to the Lamb, Sirrah, says he, if
-it were not you, it was your father, and that is the same. So he seized
-the poor innocent helpless thing, tore it to pieces, and made a meal of
-it.
-
-
-APPLICATION.
-
-    Where’er oppression rules, fell Wolves devour;
-    And the worst crimes are want of strength and pow’r.
-
-They who do not feel the sentiments of humanity, will seldom listen
-to the voice of reason; and when cruelty and injustice are armed with
-power, and determined on oppression, the strongest pleas of innocence
-are preferred in vain, and nothing is more easy than finding pretences
-to criminate the unsuspecting victims of tyranny. How many of the
-degenerate, corrupt, and arbitrary governments with which the civilized
-world has been disfigured, have exercised their vengeance upon the
-honest and virtuous, who have dared in bad times to speak the truth;
-and how many men in private life are to be met with, whose wolfish
-dispositions, and envious and rapacious tempers cannot bear to see
-honest industry rear its head!
-
-
-
-
-[Illustration]  [Page 193]
-
-THE MICE IN COUNCIL.
-
-
-The Mice called a general council, and after the doors were locked,
-entered into a free consultation about ways and means how to render
-themselves more secure from the danger of the Cat. Many schemes were
-proposed, and much debate took place upon the matter. At last, a
-young Mouse, in a fine florid speech, broached an expedient, which he
-contended was the only one to put them entirely out of the power of the
-enemy, and this was, that the Cat should wear a bell about her neck,
-which, upon the least motion, would give the alarm, and be a signal for
-them, to retire into their holes. This speech was received with great
-applause, and it was even proposed by some, that the Mouse who had made
-it should have the thanks of the assembly. Upon which, an old Mouse,
-who had sat silent hitherto, gravely observed, that the contrivance
-was admirable, and the author of it, without doubt, very ingenious; but
-he thought it would not be so proper to vote him thanks, till he should
-further inform them how the bell was to be fastened about the Cat’s
-neck, and who would undertake the task.
-
-
-APPLICATION.
-
-It is easy for visionary projectors to devise schemes, and to descant
-on their utility, which, after all, are found to be so impracticable,
-or so difficult, that no man of solid judgment can be prevailed upon to
-attempt putting them into execution. In all matters where the good of
-the community is at stake, new projects should be carefully examined
-in all their bearings, that the ruinous consequences which might
-follow them may be avoided. All business of this import ought to be
-left to the decision of such men only as are distinguished for their
-good sense, probity, honour, and patriotism. When these have examined
-them in all their different bearings, we may place confidence in their
-labours, and adopt their plans; but the Fable teaches us not to listen
-to those rash and ignorant politicians, who are always foisting their
-schemes upon the public upon every occurrence of mal-administration,
-without looking beneath the surface, or considering whether they be
-practicable or otherwise.
-
-[Illustration]
-
-
-
-
-[Illustration]  [Page 195]
-
-THE APE CHOSEN KING.
-
-
-On the death of the old Lion, without his leaving an heir, the beasts
-assembled to choose another king of the forest in his stead. The crown
-was tried on many a head, but did not sit easy upon any one. At length
-the Ape putting it upon his own, declared that it fitted him quite
-well, and after shewing them many antic tricks, he with a great deal
-of grimace, and an affected air of wisdom, offered himself to fill the
-high office. The silly creatures being pleased with him at the moment,
-instantly, by a great majority, proclaimed him king. The Fox, quite
-vexed to see his fellow-subjects act so foolishly, resolved to convince
-them of their sorry choice, and knowing of a trap ready baited, at no
-great distance, he addressed himself to King Ape, and told him that he
-had discovered a treasure, which being found on the waste, belonged to
-his Majesty. The Ape presently went to take possession of the prize;
-but no sooner had he laid his paws upon the bait, than he was caught
-fast in the trap. In this situation, between shame and anger, he
-chattered out many bitter reproaches against the Fox, calling him rebel
-and traitor, and threatening revenge: to all which Reynard gravely
-replied, that this was nothing but a beginning of what he would meet
-with in the high station his vanity had prompted him to aspire to, as
-it was only one of the many traps that would be laid for him, and in
-which he would be caught; but he hoped, this one might be a treasure to
-him, if it operated as a caution, and served to put him in mind of the
-false estimate he had put upon his abilities, in supposing, that with
-his inexperienced empty pate, he could manage the weighty affairs of
-state. He then, with a laugh, left him to be relieved from his peril by
-one or other of his foolish loving subjects.
-
-
-APPLICATION.
-
-When Apes are in power, Foxes will never be wanting to play upon them.
-Men shew their folly, rashness, and want of consideration, when they
-elect rulers without the qualifications of integrity and abilities to
-recommend them to the office; and the higher it is, the more important
-it is to the interests of the community that it should be properly
-filled. The Fable also shews the weakness of those who, through
-self-conceit, aspire to any high station without the requisites to
-befit them for it, and the want of which exposes authority to scorn.
-
-
-
-
-[Illustration]  [Page 197]
-
-THE OLD MAN AND DEATH.
-
-
-A poor feeble old Man, who had crawled from his cottage into a
-neighbouring wood to gather a few sticks, had made up his bundle, and
-laying it over his shoulders, was trudging homewards; but what with
-age, and the length of the way, he grew so faint and weak, that he sunk
-under it, and as he sat upon the ground, called upon Death to come once
-for all and ease him of his troubles. Death no sooner heard him, than
-he came and demanded what he wanted? The poor old Creature, who little
-thought Death was so near, frightened almost out of his senses with his
-terrible aspect, answered him trembling, That having by chance let his
-bundle of sticks fall, and being too infirm to get it up himself, he
-had made bold to call upon him to help him; and he hoped his worship
-was not offended with him for the liberty he had taken in craving his
-assistance.
-
-
-APPLICATION.
-
-This Fable gives us a lively representation of the general behaviour
-of mankind towards that grim king of terrors, Death. Such liberties do
-they take with him behind his back, that upon every little accident
-which happens in their way, Death is immediately called upon, and they
-even wish it might be lawful for them to finish with their own hands
-a life so odious, so perpetually tormenting, and vexatious. When, let
-but Death make his appearance, and the very sense of his near approach
-almost does the business: then it is that they change their minds,
-and would be glad to come off so well as to have their old burthen
-laid upon their shoulders again. But wise and good men know that care
-and numberless disappointments must be their portion in their passage
-through life, and know also that it is their duty to endure them with
-patience; for he is the best and happiest man who neither wishes nor
-fears the approach of Death.
-
-[Illustration: TEMPERANCE IN THE GRAND BUSINESS OF LIFE.]
-
-
-
-
-[Illustration]  [Page 199]
-
-THE TWO FROGS.
-
-
-One hot sultry summer, the lakes and ponds being almost every where
-dried up, a couple of Frogs agreed to travel together in search of
-water. At last they came to a deep well, and sitting upon the brink of
-it, began to consult whether they should leap in or not. One of them
-was for it, urging that there was plenty of clear spring water, and no
-danger of being disturbed. Well, says the other, all this may be true,
-and yet I cannot come into your opinion for my life; for if the water
-should happen to dry there too, how should we get out again?
-
-
-APPLICATION.
-
-    In human affairs, many stations we meet,
-    Where ’tis easy to enter, but hard to retreat.
-
-We ought never to change our situation in life, nor undertake any
-action of importance, without first duly and deliberately weighing
-the consequences that may follow, in all their different bearings. It
-is commonly owing to the neglect of such wholesome precautions, that
-numbers of young people are led into unfortunate matches, suddenly made
-up; and others are from the same causes led into a round of profuse
-living, or into gaming and other extravagant conduct, which is sure
-to terminate in ruin. To look before we leap, is a maxim worthy of
-being remembered by all ranks and conditions of men, from the lowest
-to the highest: even kings may reap benefit by it; for when they
-inconsiderately execute those schemes which their wicked counsellors
-advise, they have often abundant reason to repent. By this blind
-stupidity, wars are commenced, from which a state cannot be extricated
-either with honour or safety; and unwise projects are encouraged by the
-rash accession of those who never considered the consequences, or how
-they were to get out, till they had plunged themselves irrecoverably
-into them.
-
-[Illustration]
-
-
-
-
-[Illustration]  [Page 201]
-
-THE FOX AND THE BRIAR.
-
-
-A Fox scrambling hastily over a hedge, in his flight from the hounds,
-got his foot severely torn by a Briar. Smarting with the pain, he burst
-into revilings and complaints at this treatment, which he declared he
-little expected to meet with for only passing over a hedge; and he
-could not help thinking it was very bad usage to be thus grappled by
-the long arms, and cut and wounded by the sharp crooked spines of a
-Briar. True, says the Briar, but recollect that you intended to have
-made me serve your turn, and would, without ceremony, have trampled me
-down to the ground: but none of your freedoms with me, Master Reynard;
-you may make a convenience of others perhaps, but the family of the
-Briars are not of that cast. Whoever presumes to use any impudent
-familiarities with them, is sure to smart for it.
-
-
-APPLICATION.
-
-Presuming and arrogant people do not hesitate to make a convenience,
-or a kind of stepping stone, of any one who will suffer them to do so;
-and if they can only get their turn served, no matter how, they use no
-ceremony, nor shew any delicacy in accomplishing their ends. But the
-selfish and impudent gentry, who are so apt to take liberties of this
-kind, now and then mistake their men, and are justly retorted upon; and
-however upon these occasions they may be surprized and angry, others,
-who are indifferent spectators, instead of viewing them as objects
-of pity, feel a secret satisfaction in seeing them suffer, as proper
-examples of justice.
-
-[Illustration]
-
-
-
-
-[Illustration]  [Page 203]
-
-THE MAN AND THE WEASEL.
-
-
-A Man having caught a Weasel in his pantry, was just going to kill it,
-when the little captive begged that he would not do so cruel a deed,
-but spare his life; and he assured the Man that he was his friend, and
-only entered his pantry with a view of destroying the mice with which
-it was infested. That may be, said the Man, but you do not do this
-with the intention of serving me, nor with any other view but that
-of serving yourself; and besides, you are so ferocious and cruel a
-little creature, that you kill every animal you have within your power,
-without the least compunction, and seem to delight in killing for
-killing’s sake; therefore, your pretensions to serve me, and your plea
-for mercy, are good for nothing.
-
-
-APPLICATION.
-
-Many people in the world are ever ready to set up the pretensions of
-their acting with zeal, purely to serve the public, and pretend that
-it is through the warmth of their friendship that they do the same to
-individuals; but the main spring of all the actions of the agents of
-treachery, and of bad men, is set a-going with the view only of serving
-themselves. It is thus that the unprincipled and mercenary thief-taker
-would like well to be accounted a public spirited man; and he cannot
-help boasting of his services as such. The hangman’s pretensions are
-of the same kind: but however useful and necessary some of such a
-description of men may be, to keep down the wicked part of mankind, who
-are a nuisance to civilized society, yet the instruments themselves are
-very like in character to the Weasel in the Fable. The same may be said
-of those factious writers, who pester the public with their clamorous
-charges, under the mask of patriotism, but whose real motive is either
-to gain money by the sale of their highly seasoned scandals, or to run
-down their corrupt opponents in order to obtain their places.
-
-[Illustration]
-
-
-
-
-[Illustration]  [Page 205]
-
-THE BOAR AND THE ASS.
-
-
-An Ass happening to meet with a Boar, and being in a frolicsome
-humour, and having a mind to shew some of his silly wit, began in a
-sneering familiar style to accost the Boar with, So ho, brother, your
-humble servant, how is all at home with you? The Boar, nettled at his
-familiarity, muttered out, Brother indeed! then bristled up towards
-him, told him he was surprized at his impudence, and was just going
-to shew his resentment by giving him a rip in the flank: but wisely
-stifling his passion, he contented himself with only saying, Go, thou
-sorry beast! I could be easily and amply revenged upon thee; but I dont
-care to foul my tusks with the blood of so base a creature!
-
-
-APPLICATION.
-
-It is no uncommon thing to meet with impudent fools, so very eager of
-being thought wits, that they will run great hazards in attempting to
-shew themselves such, and will often persist in their awkward raillery
-to the last degree of offence. But these kind of folks, instead of
-raising themselves into esteem, are held in contempt by men of sense;
-and though the generous and the brave may scorn to suffer themselves to
-be ruffled by the insolent behaviour of every ass that offends them,
-yet such sparks must not from thence conclude, that they will not meet
-with retorts in kind from men far superior to themselves in mental
-endowments; or that their unseasoned wit will always escape a more
-proper, but a different chastisement.
-
-[Illustration]
-
-
-
-
-[Illustration]  [Page 207]
-
-THE DOG AND THE SHEEP.
-
-
-The Dog sued the Sheep for a debt, of which the Kite and the Wolf
-were to be the judges. They, without debating long upon the matter,
-or making any scruple for want of evidence, gave sentence for the
-plaintiff, who immediately tore the poor Sheep in pieces, and divided
-the spoil with the unjust judges.
-
-
-APPLICATION.
-
-Of the many evils which throw back the well-being of society, none
-raise in the honest mind more painful and indignant feelings, than
-beholding the judgment seat of mercy and justice filled by an unjust,
-corrupt, and wicked judge, who has become, step by step, hardened in
-his impious enormities, and is the fully-prepared tool and supporter
-of tyranny and arbitrary power. Fraud and oppression follow in his
-train: the righteous laws of a just government are frittered away, or
-superseded: truth and innocence are obnoxious; honesty is sneered at,
-and it becomes criminal to espouse the cause of virtue. In this state
-of things, wickedness predominates, and its rapacious abettors give
-full scope to the exercise of all kind of oppression and injustice,
-to gratify their own vicious lusts. Then it is that mankind are made
-to feel the evils of power being in the hands of the worst of their
-species, who, without hesitation, rob them of their property, and
-divide the spoils. If there be not a sufficiency of the most spirited
-and virtuous patriotism to rescue the country from their fangs, then is
-despotism and degradation near at hand.
-
-[Illustration]
-
-
-
-
-[Illustration]  [Page 209]
-
-JUPITER AND THE HERDSMAN.
-
-
-A Herdsman missing a young heifer, went up and down the forest to seek
-it; and having walked over a great deal of ground to no purpose, he
-fell a praying to Jupiter for relief, promising to sacrifice a kid
-to him, if he would help him to a discovery of the thief. After this
-he went on a little farther, and came near a grove of oaks, where he
-espied the carcase of his heifer, and a Lion growling over it, and
-feeding upon it. This sight almost scared him out of his wits; so down
-he fell upon his knees once more, and addressing himself to Jupiter, O
-Jupiter, says he, I promised thee a kid to shew me the thief; but now I
-promise thee a bull, if thou wilt be so merciful as to deliver me out
-of his clutches.
-
-
-APPLICATION.
-
-We ought never to supplicate the Divine power, but through motives
-of religion and virtue. Prayers dictated by blind self-interest,
-or to gratify some misguided passion, cannot, it is presumed, be
-acceptable to the Deity; and of all the involuntary sins which men
-commit, scarcely any are more frequent than their praying absurdly
-and improperly, as well as unseasonably, when their time might have
-been employed to a better purpose. Would men, as they ought to do,
-obey the commands of Omnipotence, by fulfilling their moral duties,
-and endeavour with all their might to live as justly as they can, a
-just Providence would give them what they ought to have: but stupidity
-and ignorance, until better informed, and divested of superstition
-and bigotry, will continue to form their notions of the Supreme Being
-from their own poor shallow conceptions; and nothing contributes
-more to keep up this injudicious practice among simple, but perhaps
-well-meaning people, than the numerous collections of those crude
-rhapsodies, the offspring of itinerant bigotry, with which the country
-overflows; while most of those prayers are neglected which have been
-composed with due reflection and matured deliberation, by the most
-learned and pious of men. This Fable also teaches us, that frequently
-the gratification of our vain prayers would only lead us into dangers
-and evils, of the existence of which we had no previous suspicion.
-
-
-
-
-[Illustration]  [Page 211]
-
-THE OLD LION.
-
-
-A Lion, that in the prime of his life had been very rapacious and
-cruel, was reduced by age and infirmities to extreme feebleness.
-Several of the beasts of the forest, who had been great sufferers
-by him, now came and revenged themselves upon him. The Boar ripped
-him with his tusks, the Bull gored him with his horns, and others in
-various ways had each a stroke at him. When the Ass saw that they might
-do all this without any danger, he also came and threw his heels in
-the Lion’s face. Upon which, the poor expiring tyrant is said to have
-groaned out these words: Alas! how grievous is it to suffer insults,
-even from the brave and valiant; but to be spurned at by so base a
-creature as this, is worse than dying ten thousand deaths!
-
-
-APPLICATION.
-
-When men in power lose sight of justice and mercy, and cruelly and
-unjustly tyrannise over the people under their sway, they never will
-gain sincere reverence or respect from the rest of mankind. The
-injuries they inflict in the hey-day of their wicked career, will be
-remembered with detestation through life; and when age and impotence
-lay hold of them, they must not expect to meet with friends they
-never deserved; but may be certain of being treated with neglect and
-contempt, and the baser their enemies are, the more insolent and
-intolerable will be the affront. It will then be discovered, with
-bitter remorse, that the days have passed away, in which virtue and
-dignity ought to have laid the foundation of a reputation which would
-have been the solace of old age, and also extended a good name to
-posterity with feelings of veneration; instead of which the remembrance
-of past crimes will haunt the guilty mind, and the unjust man will at
-last be thrown into the grave with the common dust, amidst the whispers
-of “Let him go,” and he will be no more remembered than the animals on
-which he feasted, or the herbage which was cut down when he was a child.
-
-[Illustration]
-
-
-
-
-[Illustration]  [Page 213]
-
-THE MAGPIE AND THE SHEEP.
-
-
-A Magpie sat chattering upon the back of a Sheep, and pulling off the
-wool to line her nest. Peace, you noisy thing, says the Sheep: if I
-were a dog, you durst not serve me so. That is true enough, replies
-the Magpie, I know very well whom I have to deal with: I never meddle
-with the surly and revengeful; but I love to plague such poor helpless
-creatures as you are, who cannot do me any harm.
-
-
-APPLICATION.
-
-It is the characteristic of a mean, low, base spirit, to be insolent
-or tyrannical to those who are obliged to submit to it, and slavishly
-submissive to those who have the spirit and the power to resist. Men of
-this stamp take especial care not to meddle with people of their own
-malicious principles, for fear of meeting with a suitable return; but
-they delight in doing mischief for mischief’s sake, and seem pleased
-when they can insult the innocent with impunity. This kind of behaviour
-is inconsistent with all the rules of honour and generosity, and is
-opposite to every thing that is great, good, amiable, and praise-worthy.
-
-[Illustration]
-
-
-
-
-[Illustration]  [Page 215]
-
-THE FOX AND THE STORK.
-
-
-The Fox invited the Stork to dinner, and, being disposed to divert
-himself at the expence of his guest, provided nothing for the
-entertainment but soup, which he served up in a wide shallow dish.
-This the Fox could lap up with a great deal of ease; but the Stork,
-who could but just dip in the point of his bill, was not a bit the
-better for his entertainment. However, a few days after, he returned
-the compliment, and invited the Fox; but suffered nothing to be brought
-to table excepting some minced meat in a glass jar, the neck of which
-was so deep, and so narrow, that, though the Stork with his long bill
-made a shift to fill his belly, all that the Fox, who was very hungry,
-could do, was to lick the brims as the Stork slabbered them with his
-eating. Reynard was heartily vexed at first; but when he came to take
-his leave, owned ingenuously, that he had been used as he deserved; and
-that he had no reason to take any treatment ill, of which himself had
-set the example.
-
-
-APPLICATION.
-
-It is very imprudent, as well as uncivil, to affront any one, and we
-should always reflect, before we rally another, whether we can bear to
-have the jest retorted. Whoever takes the liberty to exercise his witty
-talent in that way, must not be surprised if he meet reprisals in the
-end. Indeed, if all those who are thus paid in their own coin, would
-take it with the same frankness that the Fox did, the matter would not
-be much; but we are too apt, when the jest comes to be turned home upon
-ourselves, to think that insufferable in another which we looked upon
-as pretty and facetious when the humour was our own. The rule of doing
-as we would be done by, so proper to be our model in every transaction
-of life, may more particularly be of use in this respect. People seldom
-or never receive any advantage by these little ludicrous impositions;
-and yet, if they were to ask themselves the question, would find, that
-they would receive the same treatment from another with a very bad
-grace.
-
-[Illustration]
-
-
-
-
-[Illustration]  [Page 217]
-
-THE COUNTRYMAN AND THE SNAKE.
-
-
-A Villager found a Snake under a hedge, almost dead with cold. Having
-compassion on the poor creature, he brought it home, and laid it upon
-the hearth near the fire, where it had not lain long before it revived
-with the heat, and began to erect itself, and fly at the wife and
-children of its preserver, filling the whole cottage with its frightful
-hissings. The Countryman hearing an outcry, came in, and perceiving how
-the matter stood, took up a mattock, and soon dispatched the ingrate,
-upbraiding him at the same time in these words: Is this, vile wretch,
-the reward you make to him that saved your life? Die, as you deserve;
-but a single death is too good for you.
-
-
-APPLICATION.
-
-There are some minds so depraved, and entirely abandoned to wickedness,
-so dead to all virtuous feelings, that the tenderness and humanity of
-others, though exerted in their own favour, not only fail to make a
-proper impression of gratitude upon them, but are not able to restrain
-them from repaying benevolence with injuries. Moralists, in all
-ages, have incessantly declaimed against the enormity of this crime,
-concluding that they who are capable of injuring their benefactors,
-are not fit to live in a community; being such as the natural ties of
-parent, friend, or country are too weak to restrain within the bounds
-of society. Indeed, the sin of ingratitude is so detestable, that none
-but the basest tempers can be guilty of it. Men of low grovelling
-minds, who have been rescued from indigence by the hand of benevolence,
-or of charity, forget their benefactors, as well as their original
-wretchedness; and as soon as prosperity flows upon them, it too often
-serves only to rekindle their native rancour and venom, and they hiss
-and brandish their tongues against those who are so inadvertent or
-unfortunate as to have served them. But prudent people need not to be
-admonished on this subject; for they know how much it behoves them to
-beware of taking a snake into their bosom.
-
-[Illustration]
-
-
-
-
-[Illustration]  [Page 219]
-
-THE COCK AND THE FOX.
-
-
-A Cock, perched upon a lofty tree, crowed so loud, that his voice
-echoed through the wood, and drew to the place a Fox, who was prowling
-in quest of prey. But Reynard finding the Cock was inaccessible, had
-recourse to stratagem to decoy him down. Approaching the tree, Cousin,
-says he, I am heartily glad to see you; but I cannot forbear expressing
-my uneasiness at the inconvenience of the place, which will not let
-me pay my respects to you in a better manner, though I suppose you
-will come down presently, and that difficulty will be removed. Indeed,
-cousin, says the Cock, to tell you the truth, I do not think it safe to
-venture upon the ground; for, though I am convinced how much you are my
-friend, yet I may have the misfortune to fall into the clutches of some
-other beast, and what will become of me then? O dear, says Reynard,
-is it possible you do not know of the peace that has been so lately
-proclaimed between all kinds of birds and beasts; and that we are for
-the future to forbear hostilities, and to live in harmony, under the
-severest penalties. All this while the Cock seemed to give little
-attention to what was said, but stretched out his neck as if he saw
-something at a distance. Cousin, says the Fox, what is that you look
-at so earnestly? Why, says the Cock, I think I see a pack of hounds
-yonder, a good way off. O then, says the Fox, your humble servant, I
-must be gone. Nay, pray cousin do not go, says the Cock, I am just
-coming down; sure you are not afraid of the dogs in these peaceable
-times. No, no, says he; but ten to one whether they have yet heard of
-the proclamation!
-
-
-APPLICATION.
-
-The moral of this Fable principally instructs us not to be too
-credulous in believing the insinuations of those who are already
-distinguished by their want of faith and honesty, for perfidious
-people ought ever to be suspected in the reports that favour their own
-interest. When, therefore, any such would draw us into a compliance
-with their destructive measures, by a pretended civility, or plausible
-relation, we should consider such proposals as a bait, artfully
-placed to conceal some fatal hook, which is intended to draw us into
-danger; and if by any simple counterplot we can unmask the design and
-defeat the schemes of the wicked, it will not only be innocent, but
-praise-worthy.
-
-
-
-
-[Illustration]  [Page 221]
-
-THE HARE AND THE TORTOISE.
-
-
-A Hare vainly boasting of her great speed in running, and casting a
-look of disdain upon a Tortoise, that was slowly moving along, What
-a poor crawling thing are you! said she: I can go over a territory
-of country with the velocity of the wind, while you are an hour in
-accomplishing a journey of half a furlong. In a race I could leave you
-twenty miles behind me, in the time you were about reaching the end of
-one. I don’t know that, said the Tortoise, and will give you a trial.
-Upon this, a match was made to run a certain distance, and the Fox, who
-had heard the dispute, was chosen umpire of the race. They then started
-together, and away went the Hare with great swiftness, and soon left
-the Tortoise out of sight, and thinking herself certain of winning the
-race, she made a jest of the matter, squatted down in a tuft of fern,
-and took a nap, concluding she could easily make up the lost ground,
-should the Tortoise at any time pass by. Indulging in this security,
-she over-slept herself, until the Tortoise, in a continued steady pace,
-arrived first at the fixed distance, and won the race.
-
-
-APPLICATION.
-
-We must not flatter ourselves with coming to the end of our journey in
-time, if we sleep by the way; and unnecessary delays, in all pressing
-affairs, are just so much time lost. Action is an important part of the
-business of life; and “up and be doing” is a motto we ought to keep
-in mind, as it has guided many a plain plodding man, with steady aim,
-to carry his point effectually in making his own fortune, and at the
-same time gaining the esteem of the world. Industry and application to
-business make amends for the want of a quick and ready wit; but men of
-great natural abilities, and vivacity of imagination, often presume too
-much upon the superiority of their genius, and if to this presumption
-they add pride and conceit, they despise the drudgery of business, and
-suffer their affairs to go to disorder or ruin, through idleness and
-neglect.
-
-[Illustration]
-
-
-
-
-[Illustration]  [Page 223]
-
-THE BLACKAMOOR.
-
-
-A Man having bought a Blackamoor, was so simple as to think that the
-colour of his skin was only dirt which he had contracted for want of
-due care under his former master. This fault he fancied might easily
-be removed by washing, so he ordered the poor Black to be put into a
-tub, and was at a considerable charge in providing ashes, soap, and
-scrubbing brushes for the operation. To work they went, rubbing and
-scouring his skin all over, but to no manner of purpose: for when they
-had repeated their washings several times, and were grown quite weary,
-all they got by it was, that the Blackamoor caught cold and died.
-
-
-APPLICATION.
-
-    “What’s bred in the bone will never come out of the flesh.”
-
-Nature cannot by any art or labour be changed; she may indeed be
-wrought upon and moulded by good council and discipline; but it is
-in vain to attempt a total transformation of our genius, person, or
-complexion: therefore our application, assiduity, and pains, when
-wrong directed, are of no avail. We should, indeed, strive to discover
-which way the bent of our genius lies, that we may apply ourselves
-to a judicious cultivation and improvement of it; but we ought to be
-sure never to thwart or oppose nature’s fixed laws. When men aspire to
-eminence in any of the various arts or sciences, without being gifted
-with the innate powers or abilities for such attainments, it is only
-like attempting to wash the Blackamoor white.
-
-[Illustration]
-
-
-
-
-[Illustration]  [Page 225]
-
-THE LION IN LOVE.
-
-
-The Lion by chance saw a fair maid, the forester’s daughter, as she
-was tripping over a lawn, and fell in love with her. Nay, so violent
-was his passion, that he could not live unless he made her his own;
-therefore, without more delay, he broke his mind to the father, and
-demanded the damsel for his wife. The man, odd as the proposal seemed
-at first, soon recollected that, by complying, he might get the Lion
-into his power; but, by refusing him, should only exasperate and
-provoke his rage. Accordingly, he seemed to consent; but told him it
-must be upon these conditions: that, considering the girl was young and
-tender, he must let his teeth be plucked out, and his claws be cut off,
-lest he should hurt her, or at least frighten her with the apprehension
-of them. The Lion was too much in love to hesitate; but was no sooner
-deprived of his teeth and claws, than the treacherous forester
-attacked him with a huge club, and knocked out his brains.
-
-
-APPLICATION.
-
-Of all the ill consequences that may attend the blind passion of love,
-few prove so fatal as that of its drawing people into a sudden and
-ill-concerted marriage. In the midst of a fit of madness, they commit
-a rash act, of which, as soon as they come to themselves, they find
-reason to repent as long as they live. Many an unthinking young man
-has been treated as much like a savage in this respect as the Lion in
-the Fable. He has, perhaps, had nothing valuable belonging to him but
-his estate, and the documents which formed his title to it; and if he
-is so far captivated, as to be persuaded to part with these, his teeth
-and his claws are gone, and he lies entirely at the mercy of madam and
-her relations, who will most likely not fail to keep him in complete
-subjection, after they have stripped him of all his power. Nothing but
-a true friendship, and a mutual interest, can keep up a reciprocal love
-between the conjugal pair, and when these are wanting, contempt and
-aversion soon step in to supply their place. Matrimony then becomes a
-state of downright enmity and hostility; and what a miserable case he
-must be in, who has put himself and his whole power into the hands of
-his enemy. Let those reflect upon this (while they are in their sober
-senses) who abhor the thoughts of being betrayed into their ruin, by
-following the impulse of a blind unheeding passion.
-
-
-
-
-[Illustration]  [Page 227]
-
-THE FOX AND THE HEDGEHOG.
-
-
-A Fox, in swimming across a river, was forced down by the rapidity of
-the stream to a place where the bank was so steep and slippery, that he
-could not ascend it. While he was struggling in this situation, a swarm
-of flies settled on his head and eyes, and tormented him grievously.
-A Hedgehog, who saw and pitied his condition, offered to call in the
-assistance of the Swallow to drive them away. No, no, friend, replies
-the Fox, I thank you for your kind offer; but it is better to let this
-swarm alone, for they are already pretty well filled, and should they
-be driven away, a fresh and more hungry set would succeed them, and
-suck me until I should not have a drop of blood left in my veins.
-
-
-APPLICATION.
-
-This Fable is recorded by Aristotle, who tells us that Æsop spoke it to
-the Samians on occasion of a popular sedition, to dissuade them from
-deposing their great minister of state, lest they might, in getting
-rid of one who was already glutted with their spoils, make room for a
-more hungry and rapacious one in his stead. By this it would appear,
-that some ministers of state in ancient times, instead of being guided
-by integrity and patriotism, were intent only upon filling their own
-coffers, and aggrandizing and enriching their own relations, from the
-plunder of the people whose affairs they were entrusted with; and
-that they considered them as their prey, rather than their charge. A
-succession of such ministers, who can be countenanced by weak monarchs
-only, is more calamitous to a nation than plague, pestilence, and
-famine; for the effects of their mal-administration do not end with
-their wicked lives, but lay the foundation of ruin to nations that
-would, under a patriotic government, have been virtuous, great, and
-flourishing.
-
-[Illustration]
-
-
-
-
-[Illustration]  [Page 229]
-
-THE SPARROW AND THE HARE.
-
-
-A Hare being seized by an Eagle, squeaked out in a most woful manner.
-A Sparrow, that sat upon a tree just by, and saw the affair, could not
-forbear being unseasonably witty, but called out to the Hare: So, ho!
-what, sit there and be killed! prithee up and away; I dare say if you
-would but try, so swift a creature as you are would easily escape from
-an Eagle. As he was going on with his cruel raillery, down came a Hawk
-and snapped him up, and notwithstanding his cries and lamentations,
-fell to devouring him in an instant. The Hare, who was just expiring,
-addressing her last words to the Sparrow, said, You who just now
-insulted my misfortune, with so much security as you thought, may
-please to shew us how well you can bear the like, now it has befallen
-you.
-
-
-APPLICATION.
-
-To insult people in distress, is the characteristic of a cruel,
-indiscreet, and giddy temper; and he must surely have a very bad
-heart, and no very good head, who can look on the day of grief, and
-the hour of distress, as a time for impertinent raillery. If any other
-arguments were necessary, or might be supposed capable of enforcing
-moral precepts on those who cannot be actuated by humanity, it might
-be added, that the vicissitudes of human affairs render such behaviour
-imprudent, as well as barbarous; since we cannot tell how soon we may
-be ourselves reduced to lament the woes which are now the objects of
-our derision: for nobody knows whose turn may be the next.
-
-[Illustration]
-
-
-
-
-[Illustration]  [Page 231]
-
-THE MAN AND HIS TWO WIVES.
-
-
-A Man, in times when polygamy was allowed, had two wives, one of
-whom, like himself, had seen her best days, and was verging upon the
-decline of life, but possessed many engaging qualities. The other was
-young and beautiful, and shared the affection of her husband, whom
-she made as happy as he was capable of being, but was not completely
-so herself. The white hairs mixed with the black upon the good man’s
-head, gave her some uneasiness, by proclaiming the great disparity of
-their years; wherefore, under colour of dressing his head, she plucked
-out the silver hairs, that he might still have as few visible signs
-of an advanced age as possible. The older dame, for reasons directly
-opposite, esteemed these grey locks as the honours of his head, and
-thought, while they gave him a venerable look, they made her appear
-something younger, so that every time she combed his head, she took
-equal pains to extirpate the black hairs. Each continued her project,
-unknown to the other, until the poor man, who thought their desire to
-oblige him put them upon this extraordinary officiousness in dressing
-his head, found himself without any hair at all!
-
-
-APPLICATION.
-
-As Christianity has banished polygamy, no immediate moral can be
-derived by husbands from this Fable, unless we conclude, that it is
-as impossible to serve two mistresses as two masters; for whatever we
-do to please the one, will probably offend the other. To conciliate
-the affections of persons whose tempers are opposite, is extremely
-difficult, if not impracticable. To wives it may teach, that those
-whose love is tempered with a tolerable share of good sense, will
-be sure to have no separate views of their own, nor do any thing
-immediately relating to their husbands, without consulting them first.
-All that we shall add to what has been said, is to observe, that many
-women may ignorantly, out of a pure effect of complaisance, do a
-thousand disagreeable things to their husbands. But in a married state,
-one party should not be guessing at or presuming, but inform themselves
-certainly, what will please the other; and if a wife use her husband
-like a friend only, the least she can do is first to communicate to
-him all the important enterprizes she undertakes, and especially those
-which she intends should be for his honour and advantage.
-
-
-
-
-[Illustration]  [Page 233]
-
-MERCURY AND THE CARVER.
-
-
-Mercury being very desirous to know what credit he had obtained in
-the world, and how he was esteemed among mankind, disguised himself,
-and went to the shop of a famous Statuary, where images were to be
-sold. He saw Jupiter, Juno, and himself, and most of the other gods
-and goddesses: so, pretending that he wanted to buy, he asked the
-prices of several, and at length pointing to Jupiter, What, says he,
-is the lowest price you will take for that? A crown, says the other;
-and what for that? pointing to Juno: I must have something more for
-that. Mercury then, casting his eye upon the figure of himself, with
-all his symbols about it, Here am I, said he to himself, in quality of
-Jupiter’s messenger, and the patron of artisans, with all my trades
-about me; and then smiling with a self-sufficient air, and pointing to
-the image, and pray friend, what is the price of this elegant figure?
-Oh, replied the Statuary, if you will buy Jupiter and Juno, I will
-throw you that into the bargain.
-
-
-APPLICATION.
-
-If we knew ourselves, of what could any of us be vain? Vanity is the
-fruit of ignorance, and the froth of perverted pride. Humility is the
-constant attendant on men of great talents and good qualities: these
-enable them to see how far they are short of perfection; but the vain
-and arrogant conceive they have attained its height. All vain men, who
-affect popularity, fancy other people have the same opinion of them
-that they have of themselves; but nothing makes them look so cheap
-and little in the eyes of discerning people as their enquiring (like
-Mercury in the Fable) after their own worth, and wanting to know what
-value others set upon them: and those who are so full of themselves,
-as to hunt for praise, and lay traps for commendation, will generally
-be disappointed, and be marked out as the emptiest of fellows; for
-it argues a littleness of mind to be too anxious and solicitous
-concerning our fame. He that behaves himself as he should do, need not
-fear procuring a good share of respect, and a fair reputation; but
-then these should not be the end or the motive of our pursuits: our
-principal aim should be the welfare of our country, our friends, and
-ourselves, and should be directed by the rules of honour and virtue.
-
-
-
-
-[Illustration]  [Page 235]
-
-THE FOX AND THE GOAT.
-
-
-A Fox having tumbled, by chance, into a well, had been ineffectually
-endeavouring a long while to get out again, when, at last, a Goat came
-to the place, and wanting to drink, asked Reynard whether the water was
-good? Good! said he, aye, so sweet, that I am afraid I have surfeited
-myself, I have drank so abundantly. The Goat, upon this, without more
-consideration, leapt in; when the Fox mounted upon his back, and taking
-the advantage of his horns, bounded up in an instant, and left the poor
-simple Goat at the bottom of the well to shift for himself. Upon the
-Goat’s reproaching him for his perfidy, Ah, Master Goat, said he, you
-have far more hairs in your beard than brains in your head.
-
-
-APPLICATION.
-
-Credulity may be said to be the child of ignorance, and the mother
-of distress. A wise man will not suffer himself to be imposed upon
-by slender artifices and idle tales; but the credulous man is easily
-deluded, and subjects himself to numberless misfortunes. He is ever
-the dupe of designing knaves, and of needy adventurers, who are always
-intent upon serving themselves at the expence of others. They fasten
-upon opulent men of weak minds, as the objects of delusion, and for
-this purpose, tempt them with proposals of apparently advantageous
-schemes, which they have ready made out, to entice their victims to
-embark along with them. By credulity, they hope to establish their own
-fortune, and provided this be done, they care not, even if the ruin of
-their unsuspecting associates follow. It will likewise ever be found
-that when an honest man and a knave happen to become partners in the
-same common interest, the latter, whenever necessity pinches, will be
-sure to shift for himself, and leave the former in the lurch.
-
-[Illustration]
-
-
-
-
-[Illustration]  [Page 237]
-
-JUNO AND THE PEACOCK.
-
-
-The Peacock complained to Juno, how hardly he was used in not having
-so good a voice as the Nightingale. That little bird, says he, charms
-every ear with his melody, while my hoarse screamings disgust every
-one who hears them. The Goddess, concerned at the uneasiness of her
-favourite bird, answered him very kindly to this purpose: If the
-Nightingale be blest with a fine voice, you have the advantage in point
-of beauty and majesty of person. Ah! said the Peacock, but what avails
-my silent unmeaning beauty, when I am so far excelled in voice? The
-Goddess dismissed him with this advice: Consider that the properties
-of every creature were appointed by the decree of fate: to you beauty;
-strength to the Eagle; to the Nightingale a voice of melody; the
-faculty of speech to the Parrot; and to the Dove innocence. Each of
-these is contented with his own peculiar quality; and unless you have a
-mind to be miserable, you must learn to be so too.
-
-
-APPLICATION.
-
-The most useful lesson that we can possibly learn, towards the
-attainment of happiness in this world, is to enjoy those blessings
-that we have in our power, without vainly pining after those which
-we have not. Instead of being ambitious of having more endowments
-than nature has allotted to us, we should spare no pains to cultivate
-those we have; and which a sourness or peevishness of temper, instead
-of improving, will certainly lessen and impair. Whoever neglects the
-happiness within his reach, in order to brood over the consideration
-of how much happier he might have been, had his situation been like
-that of others, ingeniously contrives to torment himself, and opens a
-perpetual source of discontent, which prevents his ever being at ease.
-He does not reflect, or he would soon discover, that all the desirable
-properties in the world never centered in one man, and that those who
-have had the greatest share of them, if of an unhappy disposition,
-still wished for something more, and wanted to possess some inherent
-gifts which shone forth in other men: but such persons ought to be
-put in mind, that it does not become mortals to repine at the will of
-Heaven, which distributes happiness with an equal hand upon the highest
-and the lowest of mankind, if they were wise enough, and grateful
-enough, to perceive it.
-
-
-
-
-[Illustration]  [Page 239]
-
-THE LION AND OTHER BEASTS.
-
-
-The Lion having entered into an alliance with other Beasts of prey,
-it was agreed, for their mutual advantage, that they should hunt in
-company, and divide the spoil. They accordingly met on a certain day,
-and commenced the chase, and ere long they ran down and killed a fine
-fat Deer, which was instantly divided into four parts, there happening
-to be then only the Lion and three others present. After the division
-was made, the Lion advancing forward with an air of majesty, and
-pointing to one of the shares, was pleased to declare himself after the
-following manner: This I take possession of as my right, which devolves
-to me, as I am descended by a true, lineal, hereditary succession from
-the royal family of Lion: that, pointing to the second, I claim by, I
-think, no unreasonable title, considering that the success of all the
-engagements you have with the enemy depends chiefly upon my courage
-and conduct; and you very well know that wars are too expensive to
-be carried on without large supplies. Then, nodding his head towards
-the third, that I shall take by virtue of my prerogative, to which I
-make no question but so dutiful and loyal a people will pay all the
-deference and regard that I can desire. Now, as for the remaining part,
-the necessity of our present affairs is so very urgent, our stock so
-low, and our credit so impaired and weakened, that I must insist upon
-your granting that without hesitation or demur; and hereof fail not at
-your peril.
-
-
-APPLICATION.
-
-No alliance is safe which is made with the wicked, if they be superior
-to us in power. The most solemn treaties will be disregarded as soon as
-they can be broken with advantage. Powerful potentates, when they are
-regardless of moral obligation, and consider might only to be right,
-will never want specious pretences to furbish out their declarations
-of war, nor hesitate about inveigling less powerful states to join
-them, and after subduing the enemy, and seizing upon the spoils, will
-fall upon their allies on the slightest pretences, or for no better
-reason but because they are powerful enough to do so. No man ought to
-be entrusted with unlimited power; and when a community has been stupid
-enough to put the management of their affairs into such hands, they
-have ever found their confidence abused, and their property invaded.
-
-
-
-
-[Illustration]  [Page 241]
-
-JUPITER AND PALLAS.
-
-
-Once upon a time, the Heathen Gods agreed to adopt each a particular
-tree into their patronage. Jupiter chose the Oak; Venus was pleased
-to name the Myrtle; Apollo pitched upon the Laurel; Cybele took the
-Pine; and Hercules the Poplar. Pallas being present, expressed her
-surprise at their fancy, in making choice of trees that bore nothing.
-Oh, says Jupiter, the reason of that is plain enough, for we would not
-be thought to dispense our favours with any mercenary view. You may do
-as you please, says she, but let the Olive be my tree; and I declare
-my reason for choosing it is, because it bears plenty of noble useful
-fruit. Upon which the Thunderer, putting on a serious composed gravity,
-spoke thus to the Goddess: Indeed daughter, it is not without cause
-that you are so celebrated for your wisdom; for unless some benefit
-attend our actions, to perform them for the sake of glory is but a
-silly business.
-
-
-APPLICATION.
-
-In all our actions, we should intend something useful and beneficial;
-for the standing value of all things is in proportion to their use. To
-undertake affairs with no other view but that of empty glory, whatever
-some curious dreamers may fancy, is employing our time after a very
-foolish manner. The Almighty created the world out of his infinite
-goodness, for the good of his creatures, and not out of a passion for
-glory, which is a vain, silly, mean principle; and when we talk of
-glorifying the Author of our being, if we think reasonably, we must
-mean shewing our gratitude to him, by imitating this goodness of his,
-as far as we are able, and endeavouring to make some good or other the
-aim of all our undertakings. For if empty glory be unworthy the pursuit
-of a wise man, how vastly improper must it be to make an offering of it
-to an all-wise Deity.
-
-[Illustration]
-
-
-
-
-[Illustration]  [Page 243]
-
-THE VIPER AND THE FILE.
-
-
-A Viper having entered a smith’s shop, looked up and down for something
-to eat; when, casting his eye upon a file, he greedily seized upon it,
-and fell to gnawing it with his teeth. After he had spent some time
-in his attempts to devour it, the File told him very gruffly, that he
-had better be quiet and let him alone; for he would get very little by
-nibbling at one who, upon occasion, could bite iron and steel.
-
-
-APPLICATION.
-
-This Fable is levelled at those spiteful people who take so malignant a
-pleasure in the design of hurting others, as not to feel and understand
-that they hurt only themselves; and at those who are blinded by
-envy, which prompts them rather than not bite at all, to fall foul
-where they cannot expect their nibbling will meet with any thing but
-disappointment, as every one must who is biting at that which is too
-hard for his teeth. Thus it is that spite and malignity, which are twin
-brothers, and the offspring of envy, are, as well as their parent,
-their own tormentors. They intend that the wounds they inflict should
-be deadly, and the greatest wits and brightest characters in all ages
-have been the objects of their attacks; but the brilliancy of truth
-and justice at length shines forth, and shews the deformity of such
-characters in the clearest light. Other people, of the same character
-and disposition, though of minor consideration indeed, ought not to
-be passed over unnoticed. These may be called nibblers, who let their
-tongues slip very freely, in censuring the actions of persons who, in
-the esteem of the world, are of such an unquestionable reputation,
-that nobody will believe what is insinuated against them, and of such
-influence through their own veracity, that the least word from them
-would ruin the credit of such adversaries to all intents and purposes.
-The efforts of little villains of this stamp, like dirty liquor
-squirted against the wind, recoil back and bespatter their own faces;
-or like the shades of a picture, serve to set off the brilliant tints
-of the opposite virtues, which support and adorn society.
-
-[Illustration]
-
-
-
-
-[Illustration]  [Page 245]
-
-THE WOLF IN SHEEP’S CLOTHING.
-
-
-A Wolf disguising himself in the skin of a sheep, and getting in
-among the flock, easily caught and devoured many of them. At last the
-Shepherd discovered him, and cunningly watched the opportunity of
-slipping a noose about his neck, and immediately hung him up on the
-branch of a tree. Some other Shepherds observing what he was about,
-drew near and expressed their surprize at it. Brother Shepherd! says
-one of them, what! are you hanging your sheep? No, replies the other,
-but I am hanging a Wolf in Sheep’s clothing, and shall never fail to do
-the same, whenever I can catch one of them in that garb. The Shepherds
-then expressed themselves pleased at his dexterity, and applauded the
-justice of the execution.
-
-
-APPLICATION.
-
-We ought not to judge of men by their looks, or their dress and
-appearances, but by the character of their lives and conversation,
-and by their works; for when we do not examine these, we must not be
-surprized if we find that we have mistaken evil for good, and instead
-of an innocent sheep, taken a wolf in disguise under our protection.
-The finished hypocrite, by assuming the character of virtue, makes the
-vice more odious and abominable, and when the mask is torn off, and
-fraud and imposture are detected, every honest man rejoices in the
-punishment of the offender. Men who have not had good, religious, and
-moral principles early instilled into their minds, find no barrier to
-check their propensity to evil, and get hardened as they advance in
-years; and even the most liberal education, if it want the foundation
-of truth and honesty, is often a curse instead of a blessing, and
-the objects of it fail to do honour either to themselves or to their
-country. Thus it is we see tyranny stalking along under the mask of
-care and protection. Injustice sets up the letter of the law against
-its spirit. Oppression strips the widow and the orphan, and at the same
-time preaches up mercy and compassion. Treachery covers itself under
-a cloak of kindness; and above all, it is peculiarly painful to find
-numbers of men, even of the learned professions, who ought to set an
-example of probity and honour, misapply their abilities to twist and
-pervert the sacred meaning of both law and gospel to the basest and
-worst of purposes.
-
-
-
-
-[Illustration]  [Page 247]
-
-THE STAG IN THE OX-STALL.
-
-
-A Stag, pursued by the hunters, took refuge in a stable, and begged
-of the Oxen, to suffer him to conceal himself under the straw in one
-of the stalls. They told him that he would be in great danger there,
-for both the master and the servants would soon come to fodder them,
-and then he might be sure of meeting his doom. Ah! says the Stag, if
-you will be so good as not betray me, I hope I shall be safe enough.
-Presently, in came a servant, who gave a careless look around, and
-then went out without any discovery. All the other servants of the
-farm came and went like the first. Upon this, the Stag began to exult,
-imagining himself quite secure; but a shrewd old Ox told him that he
-was reckoning upon his safety too soon, for there was another person to
-come, by whom he would not so readily be looked over. Accordingly, by
-and by came the master, who carefully peeped into every corner, and at
-last, in turning over the litter, discovered the Stag’s horns sticking
-out of the straw: upon which, he called all his servants back, and soon
-made prize of the poor creature.
-
-
-APPLICATION.
-
-This Fable is levelled against those worthless hirelings, who slide
-over their time in negligent disorder, and this not so much for want of
-capacity as honesty; their own private interest almost solely occupying
-their attention, while that of their master, whose wages they receive,
-and whose bread they eat, is postponed, or entirely neglected. Such
-servants deserve not to be inmates in any good man’s house; but where
-they are, it is absolutely necessary for the governors of families to
-look into their affairs with their own eyes; for though they may happen
-not to be in personal danger from the treachery of their domestics,
-they are perpetually liable to injuries from their negligence, which
-leaves the master open to the artifices of those who would defraud him.
-Few families are reduced to poverty merely by their own extravagance:
-the inattention of servants swells every article of expence in domestic
-economy; and the retinue of great men, instead of exerting their
-industry to increase their master’s wealth, commonly exercise no other
-office than that of caterpillars, to consume and devour it. The fate
-of the Stag also warns us not to engage in any hazardous speculation,
-the success of which is to depend upon the ignorance or carelessness
-of those with whom we have to deal; for though we may over-reach one
-or two, yet some master-eye is sure at last to pierce our covering of
-straw, and make us pay dearly for deviating from the straight road of
-candour and prudence.
-
-
-
-
-[Illustration]  [Page 249]
-
-THE FOWLER AND THE RING-DOVE.
-
-
-A Fowler took his gun, and went into the woods a-shooting. He spied a
-Ring-dove among the branches of an Oak, and clapping the piece to his
-shoulder, took his aim, and made himself sure of killing it. But just
-as he was going to pull the trigger, an Adder, which he had trod upon
-under the grass, bit him so painfully in the leg, that he was obliged
-to quit his design, and throw his gun down in an agony. The venom
-immediately infected his blood, and his whole body began to mortify;
-which, when he perceived, he could not help owning it to be just. Fate,
-says he, has brought destruction upon me, while I was contriving the
-death of another.
-
-
-APPLICATION.
-
-The mischief that bad men meditate to others, commonly, like a
-judgment, falls upon their own heads; and the punishment of wickedness
-is so just in itself that the sufferer, who has made others feel it,
-cannot, if he think rightly, but confess that he deserves the like
-inflicted on himself. The hardened unfeeling heart of a cruel and
-unjust man, can, however, continue to do a thousand bitter things to
-others, until he tastes calamity himself, and then only it is that he
-feels the insupportable uneasiness it occasions. Why should we think
-others born to hard treatment more than ourselves, or imagine it can be
-reasonable to do to another what we should think very hard to suffer in
-our own persons?
-
-[Illustration]
-
-
-
-
-[Illustration]  [Page 251]
-
-THE HARES AND THE FROGS.
-
-
-The Hares in a certain park having met to consult upon some plan to
-preserve themselves from their numerous enemies, all agreed that life
-was full of care and misery, and that they saw no prospect of things
-changing for the better. Full of these desponding thoughts, and just as
-it had been proposed that they should put an end to their existence, a
-storm arose, which tore the branches from the trees, and whirled the
-leaves about their ears. Panic-struck, they ran like mad creatures,
-until they were stopped by a lake, into which they hastily resolved to
-throw themselves headlong, rather than lead a life so full of dangers
-and crosses: but upon their approaching its margin, a number of Frogs,
-which were sitting there, frightened at their sudden approach, in the
-greatest confusion leapt into the water, and dived to the bottom; which
-an old Hare, more sedate than the rest, observing, called out, Have
-a care what ye do! Here are other creatures I perceive, which have
-their fears as well as we. Dont then let us fancy ourselves the most
-miserable of any upon earth; but rather, by their example, learn to
-bear patiently those inconveniences which nature has thrown upon us.
-
-
-APPLICATION.
-
-This Fable is designed to shew us how unreasonable many people are, who
-live in continual fears and disquiet about the miserableness of their
-condition. There is hardly any state of life great enough to satisfy
-the wishes of an ambitious man; and scarcely any so mean, but may
-supply the necessities of him that is moderate. There are few beings so
-very wretched, that they cannot pick out others in a more deplorable
-situation, and with whom they would not change cases. The rich man
-envies the poor man’s health, without considering his wants; and the
-poor man envies the other’s treasure, without considering his diseases.
-The miseries of others should serve to add vigour to our minds, and
-teach us to bear up against the load of lighter misfortunes. But what
-shall we say to those who have a way of creating themselves panics from
-the rustling of the wind, the scratching of a rat or a mouse behind the
-hangings, the fluttering of a moth, or the motion of their own shadow
-by moon-light! Their whole life is as full of alarms as that of a Hare,
-and they never think themselves so easy as when, like the timorous
-folks in the Fable, they meet with a set of creatures as fearful as
-themselves.
-
-
-
-
-[Illustration]  [Page 253]
-
-THE MOUNTAINS IN LABOUR.
-
-
-The Mountains were said to be in labour, and uttered the most dreadful
-groans. People came together, far and near, to see what birth would be
-produced; and after they had waited a considerable time in expectation,
-out crept a Mouse.
-
-
-APPLICATION.
-
-Projectors of all kinds, who endeavour by artful rumours, large
-promises, and vast preparations, to raise the expectations of mankind,
-and then by their mean performances disappoint them, have, time out of
-mind, been lashed with the recital of this Fable. It should teach us
-to suspect those who promise very largely, and to examine cautiously
-what grounds they proceed upon, and whether their pretensions are not
-intended to render us their tools, or the dupes of their artifices.
-It likewise teaches us not to rely implicitly upon those constant
-declarations for liberty and the public good, which artful politicians
-use as stepping stones to power; but who having raised the people’s
-expectations to the highest pitch, and obtained their desire by the
-public enthusiasm, then turn their whole art and cunning to embezzling
-the public treasure for their own private wicked ends, or to ruin
-and enslave their country; or at best but imitate the bad conduct of
-those whom they turned out by their clamour, while the sanguine hopes
-of all those that wished well to virtue, and flattered themselves
-with a reformation of every thing that opposed the well-being of the
-community, vanish away in smoke, and are lost in a gloomy uncomfortable
-prospect. The Fable likewise intimates, that the uncertain issue of
-all human undertakings should induce us not to make pompous boasts of
-ourselves, but to guard against promising any thing exceedingly great,
-for fear of coming off with a production ridiculously little. If we set
-out modestly, and perform more than we engaged to do, we shall find
-our fame grow upon us, and every unexpected addition we make to our
-plan will raise us more and more in the good opinion of the world; but
-if, on the contrary, we make ample professions of the greatness of our
-designs, and the excellence of our own abilities, it will too often
-happen, that instead of swelling our reputation, we shall only blow the
-trumpet to our shame.
-
-
-
-
-[Illustration]  [Page 255]
-
-THE VAIN JACK-DAW.
-
-
-A certain Jack-daw was so proud and ambitious, that, not contented
-to live within his own sphere, he picked up the feathers which fell
-from the Peacocks, stuck them in among his own, and very confidently
-introduced himself into an assembly of those beautiful birds. They soon
-found him out, stripped him of his borrowed plumes, and falling upon
-him with their sharp bills, punished him as his presumption deserved.
-Upon this, full of grief and affliction, he returned to his old
-companions, and would have lived with them again; but they, knowing his
-late life and conversation, industriously avoided him, and refused to
-admit him into their company; and one of them, at the same time, gave
-him this serious reproof: If, friend, you could have been contented
-with our station, and had not disdained the rank in which nature had
-placed you, you had not been used so scurvily by those upon whom you
-intruded yourself, nor suffered the notorious slight which now we think
-ourselves obliged to put upon you.
-
-
-APPLICATION.
-
-To aim at making a figure by the means of either borrowed wit, or
-borrowed money, generally subjects us at last to a ten-fold ridicule.
-A wise man, therefore, will take his post quietly, in his own station,
-without pretending to fill that of another, and never affect to look
-bigger than he really is, by means of a false or borrowed light. It
-shews great weakness and vanity in any man to be pleased at making an
-appearance above what he really is; but if to enable him to do so with
-something of a better grace, he has clandestinely feathered his nest
-out of his neighbour’s goods, it is a pity if he should not be found
-out, stripped of his plunder, and treated like a felonious rogue into
-the bargain.
-
-[Illustration]
-
-
-
-
-[Illustration]  [Page 257]
-
-THE LION AND THE MOUSE.
-
-
-A Lion having laid down to take his repose under the spreading boughs
-of a shady tree, a company of Mice scampered over his back and waked
-him. Upon which, starting up, he clapped his paw upon one of them, and
-was just going to put it to death, when the little suppliant implored
-his mercy, begging him not to stain his noble character with the blood
-of so small and insignificant a creature. The Lion, touched with
-compassion, instantly released his little trembling captive. Not long
-after, traversing the forest in search of his prey, he chanced to run
-into the toils of the hunters, and not being able to disengage himself,
-he set up a loud roar. The Mouse hearing the voice, and knowing it to
-be the Lion’s, immediately repaired to the place, and bade him fear
-nothing, for that he was his friend. Instantly he fell to work, and
-with his little sharp teeth gnawed asunder the knots and fastenings of
-the toils, and set the royal brute at liberty.
-
-
-APPLICATION.
-
-They who generously shower benefits on their fellow-creatures, seldom
-fail of inspiring the great bulk of them with a benevolent regard for
-their benefactors, and often receive returns of kindness which they
-never expected. Mercy is of all other virtues the most likely to kindle
-gratitude in those to whom it is extended, and it is difficult to find
-an instance of a conqueror who ever had occasion to repent of his
-humanity and clemency. The Fable gives us to understand, that there is
-no person in the world so little, but even the greatest may, at some
-time or other, stand in need of his assistance; and consequently, it
-is good to shew favour, when there is room for it, towards those who
-fall into our power. As the lowest people in life may, upon occasion,
-be able either to serve or hurt us, it is as much our interest as our
-duty to behave with good-nature and lenity towards all with whom we
-have any intercourse. A great soul is never so much delighted as when
-an opportunity offers of making a return for favours received; and a
-sensible man, however exalted his station, will never consider himself
-secure from the necessity of accepting a service from the poorest.
-
-
-
-
-[Illustration]  [Page 259]
-
-THE TORTOISE AND THE EAGLE.
-
-
-A Tortoise, weary of his condition, by which he was confined to
-creep upon the ground, and ambitious to look about him with a larger
-prospect, proclaimed that if any bird would take him up into the air,
-and shew him the world, he would reward him with the discovery of an
-invaluable treasure, which he knew was hidden in a certain place of
-the earth. The Eagle accepted the offer, and having performed his
-undertaking, gently set the Tortoise again on the ground, and demanded
-the reward. The Tortoise was obliged to confess that he could not
-fulfil his promise, which he had made only with the view of having his
-fancy gratified. The Eagle, stung with resentment at being thus duped,
-grasped him again in his talons, and then soaring to a great height,
-let him fall, by which he was dashed to pieces.
-
-
-APPLICATION.
-
-Men of honour are careful not to tarnish their reputations by
-falsifying their word, and always consider well how far it may be in
-their power to fulfil their promises before they make them. They always
-strive to walk on the straight line of rectitude; and should they, in
-an unguarded moment, happen to stagger from it, they instantly retrace
-their steps, and feel unhappy until they have regained their station.
-There is a simplicity in truth and virtue, which requires no artifices,
-and never leads us into difficulties, but points out the plain and safe
-way. Deceit and cunning, on the contrary, involve those who practise
-them in a maze, and they are bewildered in their own falsehoods, from
-which no dexterity can extricate them. The brain-racking schemes which
-villains practise to delude others, are commonly detected, and end in
-the unpitied punishment of themselves; for they seldom discover the
-folly of being wicked, until it has betrayed them into their ruin. But
-such persons would do well to refresh their memories with the old adage
-which says, that “all knaves are fools, but all fools are not knaves.”
-
-[Illustration]
-
-
-
-
-[Illustration]  [Page 261]
-
-THE POLECAT AND THE COCK.
-
-
-A Polecat, that had long committed depredations on the farm-yard,
-having a mind to make a meal of the blood of the Cock, seized him one
-morning by surprize, and asked him what he could say for himself why
-slaughter should not pass upon him? The Cock replied, that he was
-serviceable to mankind by crowing in the morning, and calling them
-up to their daily labour. That is true, says the Polecat, and is the
-very objection that I have against you, for you make such a shrill
-impertinent noise, that people cannot sleep for you. Besides, you are
-an incestuous rascal, and make no scruple of lying with your mother
-and sisters. Well, says the Cock, this I do not deny; but I do it to
-procure eggs and chickens for my master. Ah! villain, says the Polecat,
-hold your wicked tongue, such impieties as these declare that you are
-no longer fit to live.
-
-
-APPLICATION.
-
-When a wicked man in power has a mind to glut his appetite in any
-respect, innocence or even merit is no protection against him. The
-cries of justice and the voice of reason, are of no effect upon a
-conscience hardened in iniquity, and a mind versed in a long practice
-of wrong and robbery. Remonstrances, however reasonably urged, or
-movingly couched, have no more influence upon the hearts of such,
-than the gentle evening breeze has upon the oak, when it whispers
-among its branches; or the rising surges upon the deaf rock, when they
-dash and break upon its sides. Power should never be trusted in the
-hands of an impious selfish man, and one that has more regard to the
-gratification of his own insatiable desires, than to public peace and
-justice; but as a wicked son may succeed to the station of a virtuous
-and patriotic father, care should be taken to guard against a surprise,
-by a vigilant watchfulness of the encroaching nature of power, even
-when in benevolent hands, that those checks may not be undermined which
-counteract its abuse in bad ones. Had the poor Cock exerted his usual
-vigilance, it would have served him much more effectually than either
-his innocence or his eloquence.
-
-
-
-
-[Illustration]  [Page 263]
-
-THE FOWLER AND THE BLACKBIRD.
-
-
-A Fowler was busy placing his nets, and putting his tackle in order,
-by the side of a coppice, when a Blackbird, who was perched on an
-adjacent tree, eyed him with great attention; but being at a loss to
-know the use of all this apparatus and preparation, had the curiosity
-to ask him what he was doing. I am, says the Fowler, building a fine
-city for you birds to live in, and providing it with meat and all
-manner of conveniences for you. Having said this, he departed and hid
-himself, and the Blackbird, believing his words, came into the nets and
-was taken; but when the man ran up to seize his captive, the Bird thus
-addressed him: If this be your faith, and these the cities you build,
-it will be a great pity if you should ever again persuade any poor
-simple bird to try to inhabit them.
-
-
-APPLICATION.
-
-The fowler’s professions of friendship for the birds, while he aimed
-at their destruction, may be paralleled by too many instances in
-real life; and however mortifying it may be to reflect upon, yet
-so it is, that the designing knave far too often succeeds in his
-deep-laid schemes to ensnare, over-reach, and ruin the honest and the
-unsuspecting man. Planners and projectors of this character, both of
-high and low degree, are suffered to roam at large, and it behoves the
-inexperienced to guard against their plots with a watchful eye; for
-while they smoothly disclaim taking any mean advantage over those they
-are addressing, with their plausible pretensions, their sole study and
-aim is to fill their own pockets, and then to hug themselves with the
-thoughts of their success, and to laugh at those whom they have duped.
-As long as people can be found credulous enough to suffer themselves to
-be imposed upon, so long will there arise gentry of this description,
-who will live in affluence by taking advantage of their weakness.
-
-[Illustration: _There will be sleeping enough in the Grave._]
-
-
-
-
-[Illustration]  [Page 265]
-
-THE NURSE AND THE WOLF.
-
-
-A Nurse, who was endeavouring to quiet a froward child, among other
-things threatened to throw it out of doors to the Wolf, if it did not
-leave off crying. A Wolf, who chanced to be prowling near the door
-just at the time, heard the expression, and believing the woman to be
-in earnest, waited a long while about the house, in expectation of
-having her words made good. But at last the child, wearied with its own
-perverseness, fell asleep, and the Wolf was forced to return back into
-the woods, empty and supperless. The Fox meeting him, and surprized to
-see him going home so thin and disconsolate, asked him what the matter
-was, and how he came to speed no better that night? Ah! do not ask me,
-says he, I was so silly as to believe what the Nurse said, and have
-been disappointed.
-
-
-APPLICATION.
-
-Many of the old moralists have interpreted this Fable as a caution
-never to trust a woman: a barbarous inference, which neither the
-obvious sense of the apologue, nor the disposition of the softer sex
-will warrant. For though some women may be fickle and unstable, yet the
-generality exceed their calumniators in truth and constancy, and have
-more frequently to complain of being the victims, than to be arraigned
-as the authors of broken vows. To us this Fable appears to mean little
-more than merely to shew how easily inclined we are, in all our various
-expectations through life, to delude ourselves into a belief of any
-thing which we desire to be true. The lover interprets every smile of
-his mistress in his own favour, and is then perhaps neglected. The
-beauty believes all mankind are dying for her, and is then deserted by
-her train of admirers. The followers of the great reckon a smile or a
-nod very auspicious omens, and deceive themselves with groundless hopes
-of employment or promotion, in expectation of which, they, like the
-Wolf at the Nurse’s door, dangle away the time that might be usefully
-employed elsewhere, and at last are obliged to retire disappointed
-and hungry, crying out perhaps against the perfidy of those in power,
-instead of blaming their own sanguine credulity.
-
-
-
-
-[Illustration]  [Page 267]
-
-THE HARPER.
-
-
-A Man who used to play upon the harp, and sing to it, in little
-ale-houses, and made a shift in those narrow confined walls to please
-the dull sots who heard him, from hence entertained an ambition of
-shewing his parts in the public theatre, where he fancied he could not
-fail of raising a great reputation and fortune in a very short time. He
-was accordingly admitted upon trial; but the spaciousness of the place,
-and the throng of the people, so deadened and weakened both his voice
-and instrument, that scarcely either of them could be heard, and where
-they could, his performance sounded so poor, so low, and wretched, in
-the ears of his refined audience, that he was universally hissed off
-the stage.
-
-
-APPLICATION.
-
-When we are commended for our performances by people of much flattery
-or little judgment, we should be sure not to value ourselves upon
-it; for want of this caution, many a vain unthinking man has at once
-exposed himself to the censure of the world. A buffoon, though he would
-not be fit to open his mouth in a senate, or upon a subject where sound
-sense and a grave and serious behaviour are expected, may be very
-agreeable to a company disposed to be mirthful over a glass of wine.
-It is not the diverting a little, insignificant, injudicious audience
-or society, which can gain us a proper esteem, or insure our success,
-in a place which calls for a performance of the first rate. We should
-have either allowed abilities to please the most refined tastes, or
-judgment enough to know that we want them, and to have a care how we
-submit ourselves to the trial. And, if we have a mind to pursue a
-just and true ambition, it is not sufficient that we study barely to
-please; but it is of the greatest moment whom we please, and in what
-respect, otherwise we may not only lose our labour, but make ourselves
-ridiculous into the bargain.
-
-[Illustration]
-
-
-
-
-[Illustration]  [Page 269]
-
-THE ANT AND THE FLY.
-
-
-In a dispute between the Ant and the Fly concerning precedency, the
-latter thus boasted: I have, said he, the uppermost seats at church,
-and even frequent the altars; I am taster to the gods, and a partaker
-of all their sacrifices; I am admitted into the palaces of kings, and
-enjoy myself at every entertainment provided for the princes of the
-earth, and all this without having occasion to labour. What have you to
-boast of, poor sorry drudge, crawling upon the earth, living in caverns
-and holes, and with constant exertion gathering up a grain of corn
-to support a wretched existence? Indeed! said the Ant, I pretend to
-none of these fine things. Visiting the great, and partaking of their
-festivals and sacrifices, might be entitled to some consideration, were
-you invited; but you are only an impudent intruder in such places. My
-time, indeed, is spent differently: I lead a life of industry, which
-is crowned with health and vigour, and I am constantly held up as an
-example of prudence and foresight. I provide for present comforts
-and future wants, and court not the favors, nor dread the frowns, of
-any one; while your laziness and vanity make you a beggarly intruder
-wherever you hope to get a present supply. You may, perhaps, sip honey
-one day, but on the next you batten on carrion; and having propagated
-a numerous progeny, equally as noxious and useless as yourself, I then
-behold you from my comfortable, warm, well-stored mansion, in the
-winter of your days, starving to death with hunger and cold.
-
-
-APPLICATION.
-
-The worthless part of mankind, who pass through the world without being
-of any service in it, and without acquiring the least reputation,
-seldom fail of adding empty pride to all their other failings, and
-behave with arrogance towards those who contribute to the comforts
-and happiness of society. They treat industrious persons as wretched
-drudges, appointed to labour for a poor subsistence, while they think
-themselves entitled to enjoy all the good things of this life, though
-they of all others least deserve them. But the worthy and industrious
-will generally find that the pride and extravagance of these idle
-flies, bring them at last to shame, if not to want, while their own
-honest labours secure a good name, a happy mind, and a sufficiency for
-their wants, if not a state of affluence. In short, no one is a better
-gentleman than he whose own honest industry supplies him with all
-necessaries, and who pretends to no more acquaintance with honour than
-never to say or do a mean or an unjust thing.
-
-
-
-
-[Illustration]  [Page 271]
-
-THE MOUSE AND THE WEASEL.
-
-
-A thin hungry Mouse, after much pushing and twisting, crept through a
-small hole, into a corn basket, where he gorged himself so plentifully,
-that on his attempting to retire by the same passage, he found himself
-so swelled out, that, with all his endeavours, he could not squeeze
-through again. A Weasel, who stood at some distance, and had been
-diverting himself with the vain efforts of the little glutton, called
-to him sneeringly, Hark ye, Mr Mouse! remember that you were lean and
-half-starved when you got in at that small hole; and take my word for
-it, you must be as lean and half-starved before you can make your way
-out again.
-
-
-APPLICATION.
-
-That portion of mankind, whose inordinate desires push them on to
-stick at nothing in acquiring wealth, are seldom the most happy; for
-covetousness, which never produced one noble sentiment, often urges
-its votaries to break through the rules of justice, and then deprives
-them of the expected fruits of their iniquity. Besides great riches and
-care are almost inseparable; and there is often a quiet and content
-attending upon people of moderate circumstances, to which the wealthy
-man is an utter stranger. It has happened, even to monarchs, that their
-inroads on the possessions of others have tended to the detriment of
-the aggressor, who has been obliged to resign the rich spoils obtained
-by unjustifiable hostilities, and to refund the ill-gotten wealth, with
-a very bad grace: a punishment which Providence has wisely annexed to
-acts of violence and fraud, as the best security of the possessions
-of the just and virtuous, against the attempts of the wicked. Some
-men, from creeping in the lowest stations of life, have in process of
-time reached the greatest places, and grown so bulky by pursuing their
-insatiate appetite for money, that when they would have retired, they
-found themselves too opulent and full to get off. There has been no
-expedient for them to creep out, till they were squeezed and reduced in
-some measure to their primitive littleness. They that fill themselves
-with that which is the property of others, should always be so served
-before they are suffered to escape.
-
-
-
-
-[Illustration]  [Page 273]
-
-THE EAGLE AND THE FOX.
-
-
-An Eagle that had young ones, looking for something to feed them
-with, happened to spy a Fox’s Cub that lay basking itself abroad in
-the sun: she made a stoop, and trussed it immediately; but before she
-had carried it quite off, the old Fox coming home, implored her, with
-tears, to spare her Cub, and pity the distress of a poor fond mother,
-who would think no affliction so great as that of losing her child.
-The Eagle, whose nest was high in an old hollow tree, thought herself
-secure from all projects of revenge, and so bore away the Cub to her
-young ones, without shewing any regard to the supplications of the Fox.
-But that subtle creature, highly incensed at this outrageous barbarity,
-ran to an altar, where some country people had been sacrificing a kid
-in the open fields, and catching up a fire-brand in her mouth, made
-towards the tree where the Eagle’s nest was, with a resolution of
-revenge. She had scarcely reached its root, when the Eagle, terrified
-with the approaching ruin of herself and family, begged of the Fox to
-desist, and, with much submission, returned her the Cub safe and sound.
-
-
-APPLICATION.
-
-When men in high situations happen to be wicked, how little scruple do
-they make of oppressing their poor neighbours! They are perched upon
-a lofty station, and, having outgrown all feelings of humanity, are
-insensible to the pangs of remorse. The widow’s tears, the orphan’s
-cries, and the curses of the miserable, fall by the way, and never
-reach their hearts. But let such, in the midst of their flagrant
-injustice, remember how easy it is, notwithstanding their superior
-distance, for the meanest vassal to take his revenge. The bitterness
-of affliction (even where cunning is wanting) may animate the poorest
-spirit with desperate resolutions; and when once the fury of revenge
-is thoroughly awakened, we know not what she may effect before she
-is lulled to rest again. The most powerful tyrants cannot prevent a
-resolved assassination: there are a thousand different ways for any
-private man to do the business, who is heartily disposed to it, and
-willing to satisfy his appetite for revenge, at the expence of his
-life. An old woman may clap a fire-brand to the palace of a prince, and
-a poor weak fool may destroy the children of the mighty.
-
-
-
-
-[Illustration]  [Page 275]
-
-THE BELLY AND THE MEMBERS.
-
-
-In former days, it happened that the Members of the human body,
-taking some offence at the conduct of the Belly, resolved no longer
-to grant it the usual supplies. The Tongue first, in a seditious
-speech, aggravated their grievances; and after highly extolling the
-activity and diligence of the Hands and Feet, set forth how hard
-and unreasonable it was, that the fruits of their labour should be
-squandered away upon the insatiable cravings of a fat and indolent
-paunch. In short, it was resolved for the future to strike off his
-allowance, and let him shift for himself as well as he could. The Hands
-protested they would not lift a Finger to keep him from starving; and
-the Teeth refused to chew a single morsel more for his use. In this
-distress, the Belly remonstrated with them in vain; for during the
-clamour of passion the voice of reason is always disregarded. This
-unnatural resolution was kept as long as any thing of that kind can be
-kept, which was, until each of the rebel members pined away to the skin
-and bone, and could hold out no longer. Then they found there was no
-doing without the Belly, and, that idle and insatiable as it seemed, it
-contributed as much to the welfare of all the other parts, as they in
-their several stations did towards its maintenance.
-
-
-APPLICATION.
-
-This Fable was spoken by Menenius Agrippa, a Roman consul and general,
-when he was deputed by the senate to appease a dangerous tumult and
-insurrection of the people. The many wars the Romans were engaged in,
-and the frequent supplies they were obliged to raise, had so soured
-and inflamed the minds of the populace, that they were resolved to
-endure it no longer, and obstinately refused to pay the taxes. It is
-easy to discern how the great man applied this Fable: for, if the
-branches and members of a community refuse the government that aid
-which its necessities require, the whole must perish together. The
-rulers of a state, useless or frivolous as they may sometimes seem, are
-yet as necessary to be kept up and maintained in a proper and decent
-grandeur, as the family of each private person is, in a condition
-suitable to itself. Every man’s enjoyment of that little which he gains
-by his daily labour, depends upon the government’s being maintained
-in a condition to defend and secure him in the unmolested control and
-possession of it.
-
-
-
-
-[Illustration]  [Page 277]
-
-THE FATAL MARRIAGE.
-
-
-A Mouse being ambitious of marrying into a noble family, paid his
-addresses to a young Lioness, and at length succeeded in entering into
-a treaty of marriage with her. When the day appointed for the nuptials
-arrived, the bridegroom set out in a transport of joy to meet his
-beloved bride; and coming up to her, passionately threw himself at
-her feet; but she, like a giddy thing as she was, not minding how she
-walked, accidentally set her foot upon her little spouse, and crushed
-him to death.
-
-
-APPLICATION.
-
-It is very unsafe for persons of low estate to form connections with
-those of a very superior situation. When wealthy persons of mean
-extraction and unrefined education, as an equivalent for their money,
-demand brides out of the nursery of the peerage, if they should not
-be ruined by the giddy extravagance of their high-born wives, their
-being despised, or at least treated with neglect, is almost certain.
-But indeed, much unhappiness follows the want of a sound judgment in
-the choice of a partner for life, whether it be in high or low, rich
-or poor. No human contract is of so important, as well as delicate
-a nature, as marriage. It is one of the grand epochs in the history
-of a man. It is an engagement which should be voluntary, judicious,
-and disinterested, and can never be attended with honour, or blessed
-with happiness, if it has not its origin in mutual affection. If it
-be either unsuitable or compulsory, it produces not only individual
-misery, but consequences universally pernicious. Sordid interest and
-vile dependence may indeed sometimes act so powerfully, as to set
-nature and true convenience aside, so as to make the yoke which is
-jointly borne by the improper union of the high and low, or by age
-and youth, put on an appearance of regard for each other; but natural
-affection must needs be wanting on one side or the other. Nature has,
-however, with a strong hand, pointed out the path to be pursued, and a
-few prudential rules only are necessary to keep us within it. If a man
-is of an unsound constitution, or if he cannot provide for a family,
-let him forbear matrimony: it is the duty of every man who marries, to
-take a healthy woman for his wife, for the sake of his children, and an
-amiable one, for his own comfort. The same precaution ought to be taken
-by the fair sex, unless they can make up their minds to become nurses
-to tainted worn-out husbands, and their puny nerveless offspring.
-
-
-
-
-[Illustration]  [Page 279]
-
-THE YOUNG MAN AND THE LION.
-
-
-An opulent Old Man, who believed in omens and dreams, had an only Son,
-of whom he was dotingly fond. One night he dreamt that he saw the Young
-Man, while he was eagerly engaged in the chase, seized upon and torn in
-pieces by a Lion. This operated upon his fears to such a degree, that
-he instantly determined upon breaking off his Son’s strong propensity
-to hunting, that he might be kept out of harm’s way. For this purpose,
-he spared neither pains nor expence to make home agreeable to him. He
-had the rooms decorated with the finest paintings of forest scenery,
-and the hunting of wild beasts, with the reality of which the youth had
-been so much delighted; but the Young Man, debarred from his favourite
-pleasures, considered the palace a prison, and his father as the
-keeper. One day, when looking at the pictures, he cast his eye upon
-that of a Lion, and, enraged that he was confined for a dream about
-such a beast, he struck at the painting with his fist, with all his
-might. There happened to be a nail in the wall behind the canvas, which
-lacerated the hand terribly. The wound festered, and threw the Young
-Man into a fever, of which he died; so that the Father’s dream was
-fulfilled by the very step he took to prevent it.
-
-
-APPLICATION.
-
-Those people who govern their lives by forebodings and dreams, and
-signs of ill-luck, are kept in a state of constant anxiety and
-uneasiness. Such a disposition is grounded on superstition, which is
-the offspring of a narrow mind, and adds greatly to the evils with
-which life is sufficiently loaded. Heaven has kindly concealed from
-us the knowledge of futurity, and it is therefore foolish for us to
-attempt to pry into it, or to disturb our minds with absurd conceptions
-of events which are only realised by our ridiculous precautions against
-them. How inconsistent is the conduct of people who imagine things to
-be predestined, and yet busy themselves in endeavours to prevent their
-coming to pass; as if the vain efforts of human power or prudence were
-able to counteract the will, or reverse the decrees of the Omnipotent.
-
-[Illustration]
-
-
-
-
-[Illustration]  [Page 281]
-
-THE KITE AND THE PIGEONS.
-
-
-A Kite who had kept sailing in the air for many days near a dove-house,
-and made a stoop at several Pigeons to no purpose, for they were
-too nimble for him, at last had recourse to stratagem, and made a
-declaration to them, in which he set forth his own just and good
-intentions, and that he had nothing more at heart than the defence
-and protection of the Pigeons in their ancient rights and liberties,
-and how concerned he was at their unjust and unreasonable suspicions
-of himself, as if he intended by force of arms to break in upon their
-constitution, and erect a tyrannical government over them. To prevent
-all which, and thoroughly to quiet their minds, he thought proper
-to propose such terms of alliance, as might for ever cement a good
-understanding between them; one of which was, that they should accept
-of him for their king, and invest him with all kingly privilege and
-prerogative over them; in return for which he promised them protection
-from all their enemies. The poor simple Pigeons consented: the Kite
-took the coronation oath, after a very solemn manner, on his part, and
-the Doves the oaths of allegiance and fidelity on theirs. But much time
-had not passed over their heads before the good Kite pretended that it
-was part of his prerogative to devour a Pigeon whenever he pleased;
-and this he was not contented to do himself only, but instructed the
-rest of the royal family in the same kingly arts. The Pigeons, reduced
-to this miserable condition, said one to the other, Ah! we deserve no
-better! Why did we let him come in?
-
-
-APPLICATION.
-
-What can this Fable be applied to, but the exceeding blindness and
-stupidity of that part of mankind, who wantonly and foolishly trust
-their native rights of liberty without good security? Who often chuse
-for guardians of their lives and fortunes, persons abandoned to the
-most unsociable of vices; and seldom have any better excuse for such an
-error in politics, than that they were deceived in their expectation,
-or never thoroughly knew the manners of their king, till he had got
-them entirely in his power. We ought not to incur the possibility of
-being deceived in so important a matter as this; an unlimited power
-should not be trusted in the hands of any one who is not endowed with a
-perfection more than human.
-
-
-
-
-[Illustration]  [Page 283]
-
-THE SICK KITE.
-
-
-A Kite who had been sick a long time, beginning to be doubtful of
-recovery, begged of his Mother to go to all the churches and religious
-houses in the country, to try what prayers and offerings would effect
-in his behalf. The old Kite replied, Indeed, my dear son, I would
-willingly undertake any thing to save your life; but I have great
-reason to despair of doing you any service in the way you propose: for,
-with what face can I ask any thing of the Gods, in favour of one whose
-whole life has been a continued scene of rapine and injustice, and who
-has not scrupled, upon occasion, to rob even their altars?
-
-
-APPLICATION.
-
-The rehearsal of this Fable almost unavoidably draws our attention
-to that very serious and important point, the consideration of a
-death-bed repentance, the sincerity of which we may justly suspect in
-one whose whole life has been spent in acts of wickedness and impiety.
-To expose the absurdity of relying upon such a weak foundation, we need
-only ask the same question with the Kite in the Fable: how can he,
-who has offended the Gods all his life-time by acts of dishonour and
-injustice, expect that they will be pleased with him at last, for no
-other reason but because he fears he shall not be able to offend them
-any longer? Since the summons to “pass that bourn whence no traveller
-returns,” must one day come, we ought always to be prepared to meet it.
-But when the whole life has been wasted, without communion with, or
-totally estranged from that Almighty Being, by whose fiat it was called
-into existence, then indeed the polluted soul must be distracted with
-the agonizing thoughts of appearing before Him, who created it for a
-very different purpose. Nothing but the consciousness of having led a
-virtuous life, can in the awful moment, disarm death of his terrors,
-and fortify the mind with cheering hopes and resignation. But this is a
-subject of the utmost importance, and the due enforcing of it is one of
-the most solemn duties of the pulpit.
-
-[Illustration]
-
-
-
-
-[Illustration]  [Page 285]
-
-THE FOX AND THE LION.
-
-
-The first time the Fox saw the Lion, he fell down at his feet, and was
-ready to die with fear. The second time he took courage, and could even
-bear to look upon him. The third time he had the impudence to come up
-to him, to salute him, and to enter into familiar conversation with him.
-
-
-APPLICATION.
-
-From this Fable we may observe the two extremes in which we may
-fail as to a proper behaviour towards our superiors. The one is a
-bashfulness, proceeding either from a vicious guilty mind, or a
-timorous rusticity; the other an over-bearing impudence, which assumes
-more than becomes it, and so renders the person insufferable to the
-conversation of well-bred reasonable people. But there is a difference
-between the bashfulness which arises from a want of education, and the
-shame-facedness that accompanies conscious guilt: the first by time and
-a nearer acquaintance, may be ripened into a proper liberal behaviour;
-the other no sooner finds an easy practicable access, but it throws off
-all manner of reverence, grows every day more and more familiar, and
-branches out at last into the utmost indecency and irregularity. Indeed
-there are many occasions which may happen to cast an awe, or even a
-terror, upon our minds at first view, without any just or reasonable
-grounds; but upon a little recollection, or a nearer insight, we
-recover ourselves, and can appear indifferent and unconcerned, where
-before we were ready to sink under a load of diffidence and fear. We
-should upon such occasions use our endeavours to regain a due degree
-of steadiness and resolution; but at the same time we must have a care
-that our efforts in that respect do not force the balance too much, and
-make it rise to an unbecoming freedom, and an offensive familiarity.
-
-[Illustration]
-
-
-
-
-[Illustration]  [Page 287]
-
-THE DOG AND THE WOLF.
-
-
-A Wolf in quest of prey, happened to fall in with a well-fed Mastiff.
-Ah, Tray, said he, one does not need to ask how you do, you look so
-plump and hearty. I wish I were as well provided for; but my gaunt
-looks shew that I fare very differently, although I dare say I venture
-my life ten times more than you do, in searching for a precarious
-subsistence, amidst woods and wilds, exposed to rain, and frost, and
-snow. If you will follow me, replies the Dog, and do as I do, I have no
-doubt you will change for the better, and soon be in as good plight as
-I am. The Wolf eagerly requested to be informed what would be required
-of him. Very little, replied the Mastiff; only drive away beggars,
-guard the master’s house, caress him, and be submissive to his family,
-and you will be well fed and warmly lodged. To these conditions the
-Wolf had no objections; but as they were jogging along, he observed
-the hair worn off around the Dog’s neck, and enquired the cause. O
-nothing, answered he, or a mere trifle; perhaps the collar, to which
-my chain is fastened, has left a mark. Chain! replied the Wolf, with
-some surprize; so then you are not permitted to go where and when
-you please? Not always, said Tray; but what does that signify? It
-signifies so much, rejoined the Wolf, that I am resolved to partake of
-no sumptuous fare with a chain about my neck; for half a meal, with
-liberty, is preferable to a full one without it.
-
-
-APPLICATION.
-
-True greatness of soul will never give up liberty for any consideration
-whatever; for what are riches, grandeur, titles, or any other worldly
-good, if they are holden by so precarious a tenure as the arbitrary
-will of a tyrant! A mere competency, with liberty, is preferable to
-servitude amidst the greatest affluence; and even the lowest condition
-in life, with freedom, is better than the most exalted station without
-it. But liberty in a state of society does not consist in doing
-whatsoever we please; but only permits those actions by which we do
-no injustice to our neighbour, or to the community. The well-being of
-society requires the efforts of all, from the highest to the lowest,
-to preserve and support it; and since it appears to be the will of
-Omnipotence, that mankind should live in this state of social union
-(which does not admit of the unbridled freedom of the savage state) a
-certain portion of individual liberty must be given up for the good of
-the whole; but the sacrifice should be bounded by the common good: all
-beyond approaches towards slavery, and degrades the people who submit
-to it.
-
-
-
-
-[Illustration]  [Page 289]
-
-THE FLYING FISH AND THE DOLPHIN.
-
-
-The Flying Fish, to avoid its enemies, leaves the water, takes wing,
-and mounts up into the air. The Dolphin is one of the most constant
-of these enemies; and its velocity through the liquid element, it is
-said, surpasses that of every living creature, insomuch that as it
-darts along, the brilliancy and changeableness of its colours, which
-cannot be described, appear like the flash of a meteor. A Flying Fish
-being pursued by a Dolphin, in his eagerness to escape, took too long
-a flight, and his wings becoming dry, he fell upon a rock, where his
-death was inevitable. The Dolphin, in the keenness of his pursuit, ran
-himself on shore at the foot of the rock, and was left by the wave,
-gasping in the same condition as the other. Well, says the Flying Fish,
-I must die it is certain; but it is some consolation to behold my
-merciless enemy involved in the same fate.
-
-
-APPLICATION.
-
-When brought low by a cruel and insolent oppressor, there is no torture
-we feel more poignantly, than to see him triumphantly exulting in our
-downfal; and the opposite extreme must take place in our minds, on
-seeing our enemy over-shoot his mark, and in his turn brought down
-to the same level of distress with ourselves. The temper that is not
-touched with feelings of this kind, must be of a highly philosophical
-cast indeed. The great and powerful, for the sake of their own peace
-of mind, should not unfeelingly persecute their inferiors; for nothing
-is more sweet to some tempers, and scarcely any thing more easy to
-compass, than revenge.
-
-[Illustration: _It is not so ugly as a purse-proud, ignorant, wicked
-man._]
-
-
-
-
-[Illustration]  [Page 291]
-
-THE LION AND THE FROG.
-
-
-The Lion hearing an odd kind of hollow voice, and seeing nobody,
-started up: he listened again, and hearing the noise repeated, he
-trembled and quaked for fear. At last, seeing a Frog crawl out of the
-lake, and finding that the noise he had heard was nothing but the
-croaking of that little creature, he went up to it with great anger;
-but checking himself, turned away from it, ashamed of his own timidity.
-
-
-APPLICATION.
-
-The early prejudices of a wrong education can only be eradicated from
-the strongest minds. The weak retain them through life. This Fable is
-a pretty image of the vain fears and empty terrors, with which our
-weak misguided nature is so apt to be alarmed and disturbed. If we
-hear but ever so little noise which we are not able to account for,
-immediately, nay, often before we give ourselves time to consider
-about it, we are struck with fear, and labour under a most unmanly and
-unreasonable trepidation; more especially if the alarm happens when we
-are alone, and in the dark. These fears are ingrafted into our minds
-very early, and therefore it is the more difficult, even when we are
-grown up, and ashamed of them, to root them out of our nature. They
-are chiefly the offspring of the nursery, and originate in the many
-terrific tales, and lying stories, of those who have the management
-there; and though every pains be afterwards taken to free the mind from
-the impression of such groundless fears, the weaker part of mankind are
-still apt to be terrified at the empty phantoms of ghosts, spectres,
-apparitions, and hobgoblins. But whatever effect such phantasies
-may have upon the guilty mind, innocence has nothing to dread from
-supernatural causes. Fear is however a natural passion, and its use
-is to put us upon our guard against danger, by alarming the spirits;
-but it, like all our other passions, should be kept in a state of
-subjection: for though they are all good and useful servants, yet if
-once they get the better of our reason, they prove the most domineering
-tyrants imaginable; nor do any of them treat us in so abject and
-slavish a manner as fear: it unnerves and enfeebles our limbs, while
-it fetters our understandings; and at the same time that it represents
-a danger near at hand, disarms and makes us incapable of defending
-ourselves from it. But we ought to call forth a sense of honour and
-shame, to correct such weaknesses; and for this purpose it will be
-useful to remember the Fable of the Lion and the Frog.
-
-
-
-
-[Illustration]  [Page 293]
-
-THE KID AND THE WOLF.
-
-
-A Kid being mounted upon the roof of a high shed, and seeing a Wolf
-below, took the opportunity of affronting him with the foulest
-reproaches: upon which the Wolf looking up, replied, Do not value
-yourself, vain creature, upon thinking you mortify me, for I look upon
-this ill-language not as coming from you, but from the place which
-protects you.
-
-
-APPLICATION.
-
-Place a coward out of the reach of danger, and then no man can put on
-an appearance of greater courage. In his castle he makes a great deal
-more bluster and threatening than a man of spirit and honour would
-do, if placed in the same situation. A similar kind of overbearing
-behaviour too often shews itself in the upstart worthless placeman,
-who taking advantage of his situation, which protects him, and knowing
-that he is out of the reach of our resentment, exhibits all the
-“insolence of office:” but such should be put in mind, that a saucy
-deportment is no sign of either courage, good sense, or good manners,
-and that a gentleman and a man of spirit will use no ill or unbecoming
-language to any person, however low in station.
-
-[Illustration]
-
-
-
-
-[Illustration]  [Page 295]
-
-THE COUNTRY AND THE CITY MOUSE.
-
-
-A plain Country Mouse was one day unexpectedly visited at his hole,
-by a fine Mouse of the town, who had formerly been his play-fellow.
-The honest rustic, pleased with the honour, resolved to entertain his
-friend as sumptuously as possible. He set before him a reserve of
-delicate grey pease and bacon, a dish of fine oatmeal, some parings
-of new cheese, and to crown all with a dessert, a remnant of a
-charming mellow apple. When the repast was nearly finished, the spark
-of the town, taking breath, said, Old Crony, give me leave to be a
-little free with you; how can you bear to live in this melancholy
-hole here, with nothing but woods, and meadows, and mountains, and
-rivulets about you? Do you not prefer the conversation of the world
-to the chirping of birds, and the splendour of the court, to the rude
-aspect of a wild like this? With many flowery arguments, he at last
-prevailed upon his country friend to accompany him to town, and about
-midnight they safely entered a certain great house, where there had
-been an entertainment the day before. Here it was the courtier’s turn
-to entertain, and placing his guest on a rich Persian carpet, they
-both began to regale most deliciously, when on a sudden the noise of
-somebody opening the door, made them scuttle in confusion about the
-dining-room. The rustic in particular was ready to die with fear at the
-many hair-breadth escapes which followed. At last, recovering himself,
-Well, says he, if this be your town-life, much good may it do you. Give
-me my poor quiet hole again, with my homely, but comfortable grey pease.
-
-
-APPLICATION.
-
-A moderate fortune, with a quiet retirement in the country, is
-preferable to the greatest affluence, attended with the care and the
-perplexity of business. How often are we deceived by the specious
-shows of splendour and magnificence; and what a poor exchange does he
-make, who gives up ease and content in an humble situation, to engage
-in difficulties, and encounter perils in affluence and luxury! The
-ploughman in the field, who labours for his daily pittance, earns his
-bread with less uneasiness and fatigue, than the man who haunts levees
-to obtain wealth and preferment. Riches, properly used, are indeed
-very conducive to ease and happiness; but if we leave any comfortable
-situation to procure them, or abuse the possession of them by riot and
-intemperance, we resign the end for the means, mistake the shadow for
-the substance, and convert the instruments of good fortune into the
-engines of anxiety and solicitude.
-
-
-
-
-[Illustration]  [Page 297]
-
-THE ONE-EYED DOE.
-
-
-A Doe that had lost an eye, used to graze near the sea; and that she
-might be the more secure from harm, she kept her blind side towards
-the water, from whence she had no apprehension of danger, and with
-the other surveyed the country as she fed. By this vigilance and
-precaution, she thought herself in the utmost security; but a sly
-fellow, with two poaching companions, who had watched her several days
-to no purpose, at last took a boat, and came gently down upon her, and
-shot her. The Doe, in the agonies of death, breathed out this doleful
-complaint: O hard fate, that I should receive my death’s wound from
-the side whence I expected no ill, and be safe in that quarter where I
-looked for the most danger.
-
-
-APPLICATION.
-
-We are liable to many misfortunes that no care or foresight can
-prevent; but we ought to provide in the best way we can against them,
-and leave the rest to Providence. The wisest of men have their foibles
-or blind sides, and have their enemies too, who watch to take advantage
-of their weaknesses. It behoves us therefore to look to ourselves
-on the blind side, as the part that lies most exposed to an attack.
-Vigilance and caution are commonly our best preservatives from evil,
-and security is often a fatal enemy, when we cherish it so as to lull
-all our apprehensions to rest. We should not however encourage in
-ourselves the slavish principle of fear, nor make ourselves miserable
-on account of latent evils, which it is not in our power to prevent.
-The ways and workings of Providence are inscrutable; and it is not in
-the power of human prudence to obviate all the accidents of life.
-
-[Illustration]
-
-
-
-
-[Illustration]  [Page 299]
-
-THE TREES AND THE WOODMAN.
-
-
-A Countryman being in want of a handle for his hatchet, entered a wood
-and looked among the branches for one that would suit his purpose. The
-Trees, with a curiosity natural to some other creatures, asked him what
-he was seeking? He replied that he only wanted a piece of wood to make
-a handle to his axe, and begged they would be so good as to permit him
-to serve himself. Since that is all, said the Trees, help yourself,
-and welcome. He immediately availed himself of the permission, and had
-no sooner fitted up his instrument, than he began pell-mell to cut and
-hack about him, felling the noblest trees in all the forest, without
-distinction. The Oak is said to have spoke thus to the Beech, in a low
-whisper: Brother, we must take all this for our easy credulity, and
-imprudent generosity.
-
-
-APPLICATION.
-
-One would imagine that the natural principle of self-preservation
-implanted in us, would make it unnecessary to caution any one not to
-furnish an enemy with arms against himself. Yet daily experience shews
-us that such instances of imprudence are not uncommon. In this life we
-are liable to be surrounded with calamities and distresses: we should
-therefore be cautious of adding to our misfortunes, by our own want
-of caution, and of putting power into the hands of those enemies,
-which our merit or our affluence may tempt to rise up against us. Any
-person in a community, by what name or title soever distinguished,
-who affects a power which may possibly hurt a people, is their enemy,
-and therefore they ought not to trust him: for though he were ever
-so fully determined not to abuse such a power, yet he is so far a
-bad man, as he disturbs a nation’s quiet, and makes them jealous and
-uneasy, by desiring to have it, or even retaining it, when it may prove
-mischievous. If we consult history, we shall find that the thing called
-prerogative, has been claimed and contended for chiefly by those who
-never intended to make a good use of it; and as readily resigned by
-wise and just princes, who had the true interest of their people at
-heart. How like senseless stocks do they act, who, by complimenting
-some capricious mortal, from time to time, with scraps of prerogative,
-at last put it out of their power to maintain their just and natural
-liberty!
-
-
-
-
-[Illustration]  [Page 301]
-
-THE EAGLE AND THE CROW.
-
-
-An Eagle flew down from the top of a high rock, and making a stoop at
-a Lamb, seized it with her strong talons, and bore aloft her bleating
-prize to her young. A Crow observing what passed, was ambitious of
-performing the same exploit, and darted down upon a Ram; but instead of
-being able to carry it up into the air, she found she had got her claws
-entangled in its fleece, and could neither move herself nor her fancied
-prize. Thus fixed, she was soon taken by the Shepherd, and given away
-to some boys, who eagerly enquired what bird it was? An hour ago, said
-he, she fancied herself an Eagle; however I suppose she is by this time
-convinced that she is but a Crow.
-
-
-APPLICATION.
-
-It is impossible for any man to take a true measure of the abilities
-of another, without an exact knowledge and true judgment of his own; a
-false estimate of which always exposes him to ridicule, and sometimes
-to danger. Every man ought therefore to examine the strength of his own
-mind with attention and impartiality, and not fondly to flatter himself
-that he can by an awkward and ill-judged emulation soar to the height
-which has been attained by men endowed by nature with great abilities
-and original talents, matured by industry. We can no more adopt the
-genius of another man, than we can assume his shape and person. The
-bright original in every department of the arts and sciences will be
-valued and esteemed, whilst his puny imitators will be treated with
-neglect, or be despised. Almost every man has something original in
-himself, which, if duly cultivated, might perhaps procure him respect
-and applause, and it is creditable for him to endeavour justly to
-obtain them.
-
-[Illustration]
-
-
-
-
-[Illustration]  [Page 303]
-
-THE HORSE AND THE STAG.
-
-
-In ancient times, when the Horse and the Deer ranged the forest with
-uncontrolled freedom, it happened that contentions arose between them
-about grazing in particular meadows. These disputes ended in a conflict
-between them, in which the Deer proved victorious, and with his sharp
-horns drove the Horse from the pasture. Full of disappointment and
-chagrin, the Horse applied to the Man, and craved his assistance, in
-order to re-establish him in the possession of his rights. The request
-was granted, on condition that he would suffer himself to be bridled,
-saddled, and mounted by his new ally, with whose assistance he entirely
-defeated his enemy; but the poor Horse was mightily disappointed when,
-upon returning thanks to the Man, and desiring to be dismissed, he
-received this answer: No, I never knew before how useful a drudge you
-were; now I have found what you are good for, you may be assured I will
-keep you to it.
-
-
-APPLICATION.
-
-Victories may be purchased at too dear a rate, if we solicit the
-assistance of allies capable of becoming our most formidable enemies,
-and it will be vain to flatter ourselves, that the yoke of slavery,
-if we once willingly suffer it to be laid upon our shoulders, can be
-easily shaken off, when the ends for which we bore it are accomplished.
-The Fable is intended to caution us against consenting to any thing
-that might prejudice public liberty, as well as to keep us upon our
-guard in the preservation of that which is of a private nature. This
-is the use and interpretation given of it by Horace, one of the best
-and most polite philosophers that ever wrote. After reciting the Fable,
-he applies it thus: This, says he, is the case of him, who, dreading
-poverty, parts with that invaluable jewel, liberty; like a wretch as he
-is, he will always be subject to a tyrant of some sort or another, and
-be a slave for ever, because his avaricious spirit knew not how to be
-contented with that moderate competency, which he might have possessed
-independent of all the world.
-
-[Illustration]
-
-
-
-
-[Illustration]  [Page 305]
-
-THE MILLER, HIS SON, AND THEIR ASS.
-
-
-A Miller and his Son were taking their Ass to market to sell him, and
-that he might get thither in good condition, they drove him gently
-before them. They had not proceeded far before they met a company of
-travellers: Sure, say they, you are mighty careful of your Ass; one
-of you might as well get up and ride, as suffer him to walk on at his
-ease, while you trudge after on foot. In compliance with this advice,
-the Old Man set his Son upon the beast. And now, they had scarcely
-advanced a quarter of a mile further, before they met another company.
-You idle young rogue, said one, why dont you get down, and let your
-poor father ride? Upon this, the Old Man made his Son dismount, and got
-up himself. While they were marching in this manner, a third company
-began to insult the father. You hard-hearted wretch, say they, how can
-you suffer that poor lad to wade through the dirt, while you, like an
-alderman, ride at your ease? The good-natured Miller stood corrected,
-and immediately took his Son up behind him. And now the next man
-they met exclaimed, with more vehemence and indignation than all the
-rest, Was there ever such a couple of lazy loobies! to overload in so
-unconscionable a manner, a poor dumb creature, who is far less able
-to carry you, than you are to carry him! The complying Old Man would
-have been half inclined to make the trial, had not experience by this
-time sufficiently convinced him, that there cannot be a more fruitless
-attempt, than to endeavour to please all mankind.
-
-
-APPLICATION.
-
-It is better to pursue the dictates of one’s own reason, than attempt
-to please every body; for to do this is next to impossible. Therefore
-we ought to decide according to the best of our judgment, and correct
-our mistakes from our own experience. Wise men are instructed by
-reason; men of less understanding by experience; the most ignorant by
-necessity; and beasts by instinct. When a man so neglects himself,
-as not to make a just use of his reason and his mental powers, in
-combating with prejudice and folly, as well as the caprice of others,
-he will ever be led on in a maze of error, wavering and embarrassed
-about pursuing this or that path, until between them he is lost in a
-labyrinth, from which he will never be able to extricate himself as
-long as he lives.
-
-
-
-
-[Illustration]  [Page 307]
-
-THE ANT AND THE GRASSHOPPER.
-
-
-A commonwealth of Ants, having, after a busy summer, provided every
-thing for their wants in the winter, were about shutting themselves up
-for that dreary season, when a Grasshopper in great distress, and in
-dread of perishing with cold and hunger, approached their avenues, and
-with great humility begged they would relieve his wants, and permit
-him to take shelter in any corner of their comfortable mansion. One of
-the Ants asked him how he had disposed of his time in summer, that he
-had not taken pains and laid in a stock, as they had done? Alas! my
-friends, says he, I passed away the time merrily and pleasantly, in
-drinking, singing, and dancing, and never once thought of winter. If
-that be the case, replied the Ant, all I have to say is this: that they
-who drink, sing, and dance in the summer, run a great risk of starving
-in the winter.
-
-
-APPLICATION.
-
-As summer is the season in which the industrious laborious husbandman
-lays up his supplies for the winter, so youth and manhood are the
-times of life which we should employ in laying in such a stock as may
-suffice for helpless old age; yet there are many whom we call rational
-creatures, who squander away in a profuse prodigality, whatever they
-get in their younger days, as if the infirmity of age would require no
-supplies to support it, or at least would find them administered to it
-in some miraculous way. From this Fable we learn this admirable lesson,
-never to lose the present opportunity of fairly and honestly providing
-against the future evils and accidents of life; and while health and
-the vigour of our faculties remain firm and entire, to lay them out
-to the best advantage; so that when age and infirmities despoil us of
-our strength and abilities, we may not have to bewail that we have
-neglected to provide for the wants of our latter days: for it should
-always be remembered, that “a youth of revels breeds an age of care,”
-and that temperance in youth lays the foundation of health and comfort
-for old age.
-
-[Illustration]
-
-
-
-
-[Illustration]  [Page 309]
-
-THE HORSE AND THE LION.
-
-
-An old Lion, finding that many of the beasts had become too nimble
-for him, and that he could not come at his prey so readily as before,
-craftily gave out that he had long studied physic and surgery in
-foreign countries, and that he could cure every kind of disorder
-to which the beasts were liable. These professions having been
-spread abroad, he hoped to get many of the animals to come within
-his clutches. The Horse seeing through the whole of the scheme, was
-resolved to be even with him; and so humouring the thing as if he
-suspected nothing, he feigned himself to be in great pain from a wound
-in his foot, and limping up to the Lion, he begged he would examine the
-part and administer relief. The Lion, though intent only upon making
-a good meal of horse-flesh, begged the Horse to hold up his foot that
-he might see it: this was no sooner done, than the Horse gave him so
-violent a blow on the nose, as quite stunned him, and scampered off,
-neighing at the success of a trick, which had defeated the purpose of
-one who intended to have tricked him out of his life.
-
-
-APPLICATION.
-
-We ought never to put trust in the fair words and pretensions of those
-who have both an interest and inclination to ruin us; and where we find
-foul play thus intended against us, it is not in the nature of things
-to expect that we should not, if we can, turn the tables upon the
-plotters. Treachery has something so wicked and worthy of punishment in
-its nature, that it deserves to meet with a return of its own kind. An
-open revenge is too liberal for it, and nothing matches it but itself.
-Though a man of sense and honour will always view tricking and fraud
-of all kinds as mean and beneath him, and will despise setting such an
-example, yet it cannot be inconsistent with virtue to counteract the
-schemes of those who are taking all manner of undue advantages, and
-hatching wicked plots to undermine us.
-
-[Illustration]
-
-
-
-
-[Illustration]  [Page 311]
-
-THE FOX IN THE WELL.
-
-
-A Fox having fallen into a well, made a shift, by sticking his claws
-into the sides, to keep his head above water. Soon after, a Wolf came
-and peeped over the brink, to whom the Fox applied, and very earnestly
-implored his assistance to help him out, or he should be lost. Ah! poor
-Reynard, says he, I pity your misfortune; poor creature, I am sorry for
-you with all my heart: how did you happen to slip into this well? pray
-how long have you been in this melancholy situation? Nay, I prithee
-friend, replies the Fox, if you wish me well, do not stand pitying
-me, but lend me some succour as soon as you can; for pity is but cold
-comfort when one is up to the chin in water, and within a hair’s
-breadth of starving or drowning.
-
-APPLICATION.
-
-If we would really manifest our sorrow for the sufferings of another,
-let our pity be shewn by our friendly endeavours to relieve him; for
-indeed pity of itself is but poor comfort at any time, unless it
-produces something more substantial. If we cannot do this, let us not
-offend the sensibility, and add to the anguish of a delicate mind, by
-empty professions and unmeaning compassion. For, to stand bemoaning
-the misfortunes of our friends, without offering some expedient to
-alleviate them, is only echoing their grief, and putting them in mind
-that they are miserable. He is truly my friend, who with a ready
-presence of mind supports me; not he who merely condoles with me upon
-my ill success, and expresses his sorrow for my mishap.
-
-[Illustration]
-
-
-
-
-[Illustration]  [Page 313]
-
-THE GARDENER AND HIS DOG.
-
-
-A Gardener’s Dog happened by some mischance to fall into the well: his
-Master ran immediately to his assistance; but when helping him out, the
-surly brute bit his hand. The Gardener took this ungrateful treatment
-so ill, that he shook him off, and left him to shift for himself. Thou
-wicked wretch! said he, to injure the hand that was stretched forth to
-save thy life! The hand of thy Master, who has hitherto fed and taken
-care of thee! Die there as thou deservest; for so base and unnatural a
-creature is not fit to live.
-
-
-APPLICATION.
-
-When a man has suffered his mind to become so debased as to be capable
-to doing injuries to him who has showered benefits on his head, he can
-scarcely be treated with too much severity. He deserves at least to
-be scouted as an outcast to society. All the favours that are bestowed
-upon men of this worthless disposition, are thrown away; for the envy
-and malevolence of the ingrate, work him up into a hatred of his
-benefactor. Generous men should therefore use a just circumspection in
-the choice of the objects of their benevolence, before they give way
-to the feelings of the heart, or waste its bountiful overflowings upon
-those who, instead of making a grateful return, will bite them like a
-drowning but spiteful dog. The Fable is also intended as an admonition
-to servants, who owe an especial duty to their masters; whose kindness
-should be met by their faithful exertions to serve them; and whose
-interest they ever ought to make their own.
-
-[Illustration]
-
-
-
-
-[Illustration]  [Page 315]
-
-THE DEER AND THE LION.
-
-
-A Deer, terrified by the cry of the Hunters, instead of trusting to
-his fleetness, made towards a cave which he chanced to espy, and in
-which he hoped to conceal himself until they were passed by; but he
-had scarcely reached the entrance before he was seized by a Lion who
-lay crouching there, ready to spring upon his prey, and who instantly
-killed and tore him to pieces. In the last agonies of death, he thus
-gave vent to his feelings: Ah, me! said he, unhappy creature that I am.
-I hoped in this cave to escape the pursuit of men; but have fallen into
-the jaws of the most cruel and rapacious of wild beasts.
-
-
-APPLICATION.
-
-This Fable points out the dangers to which we expose ourselves, when,
-for want of presence of mind, we suffer ourselves to be guided by our
-unreasoning fears, which no sooner shew us an evil, than they throw
-us into the utmost confusion in our manner of escaping, and prevent
-us from discerning the safe path by which we ought to avoid it. Thus,
-in a rash endeavour to shun a less danger, we oftentimes blindly
-run headlong into a greater. The fate of the Deer should warn us to
-consider well what may be the ultimate consequences, before we take any
-important step; for many paths which appear smooth and pleasant at a
-distance, are found to be rough and dangerous, when we come to tread
-them; and many a plausible scheme, which promises us ease and safety,
-is no better than a tempting bower, with a Lion crouching among its
-foliage, ready to spring upon and devour us.
-
-[Illustration]
-
-
-
-
-[Illustration]  [Page 317]
-
-THE PLOUGHMAN AND FORTUNE.
-
-
-As a Ploughman was turning up the soil, his plough uncovered a treasure
-which had been hidden there. Transported with joy, he seized upon it,
-and fervently began to thank the ground for being so liberal to him.
-Fortune passing by, observed what he was about, and could not forbear
-shewing her resentment at it. You stupid creature, said she, to lie
-thus thanking the ground, and take no notice of me! If you had lost
-such a treasure, instead of finding one, I should have been the first
-you would have laid the blame upon.
-
-
-APPLICATION.
-
-How often do we ascribe our success or misfortunes to wrong causes!
-Vanity sometimes leads us to consider our prosperity as the natural
-result of our own sagacity, and inattention sometimes induces us to
-make acknowledgments to wrong persons. But if we would have our praises
-valued, we should be cautious to direct them properly. Our thanks are
-an indirect affront to those who receive them without deserving them;
-and at the same time an act of open ingratitude to those who merit them
-without receiving them. In prosperity, as well as in adversity, let us
-not forget the power and goodness of Heaven; and if we implore the aid
-of the Almighty in our distress, we should not neglect to send up our
-acknowledgments of his goodness with the voice of gratitude.
-
-[Illustration]
-
-
-
-
-[Illustration]  [Page 319]
-
-THE APE AND THE FOX.
-
-
-An Ape meeting with a Fox, humbly requested he would be so good as to
-give him some of the superfluous hair from his bushy tail, to make
-into a covering for his bare posteriors, which were exposed to all the
-inclemency of the weather; and he endeavoured to further his suit by
-observing to Reynard, that he had far more than he had any occasion
-for, and a great part even dragged along in the dirt. The Fox answered,
-that as to his having too much, it was more than he knew; but be it as
-it would, he had rather sweep the ground with his tail as long as he
-lived, than part with the least bit of it for a covering to the filthy
-posteriors of an Ape.
-
-
-APPLICATION.
-
-Riches, in the hands of a wise and generous man, are a blessing to the
-community in which he lives: they are like the light and the rain, and
-diffuse a good all around them. But wealth, when it falls to the lot of
-those who want benevolence and humanity, serves only as an instrument
-of mischief, or at best produces no advantage to the rest of mankind.
-The good man considers himself as a kind of steward to those from whom
-fortune has withheld her smiles, and thus shews his gratitude to Heaven
-for the abundance which has been showered down upon him. He directs the
-superfluous part of his wealth at least, to the necessities of such of
-his fellow-creatures as are worthy of it, and this he would do from
-feeling, though there were no religion which enjoined it. But selfish
-avaricious persons, who are generally knaves, how much soever they may
-have, will never think they have enough, much less be induced, by any
-consideration of virtue or religion, to part with any portion for the
-purposes of charity and beneficence. If the riches and power of the
-world were to be always in the hands of the virtuous part of mankind,
-it would seem, according to our human conceptions, that they would
-produce more good than in those of the vile and grovelling mortals,
-who often possess them. Without any merit, these move apparently in
-a sphere of ease and splendour, while good sense and honesty have to
-struggle in adversity, or walk in the dirt. But the all-wise Disposer
-of Events does certainly permit this order of things for just, good,
-and wise purposes, though our shallow understandings are not able to
-fathom them.
-
-
-
-
-[Illustration]  [Page 321]
-
-THE THIEF AND THE BOY.
-
-
-An arch mischievous Boy, sitting by the side of a well, observed a
-noted Thief coming towards him. The little dissembler, wiping his
-eyes, affected to be in great distress. The Thief asking him what was
-the matter? ah! says the Boy, I shall be severely flogged, for in
-attempting to get some water, I have dropped the silver tankard into
-the well. Upon this the Thief, eager for a prize, stripped off his
-cloaths, and went down to the bottom to search for it; where having
-groped about to no purpose, he came up again, but found neither the Boy
-nor the cloaths, the little wag having run off with and hidden them,
-and left the Thief to look for the tankard at his leisure.
-
-
-APPLICATION.
-
-Nothing gives more entertainment to honest men than to see rogues
-and sharpers tricked and punished in the pursuit of their schemes of
-villainy, by making their own contrivances instrumental in bringing
-down their wickedness upon their own heads. In these instances,
-Justice seems as it were to be acting in person, and saves the trouble
-of publicly enforcing punishment by the penal laws; but indeed vice
-carries with it its own punishment, and the misery attendant upon it in
-this world, seems always pretty exactly balanced to its various degrees
-of enormity. The abandoned man drags on a contemptible or infamous
-life, with a constantly deadened or disturbed conscience, and amidst
-associates like himself, where he can never hope to meet with either
-friendship or fidelity.
-
-[Illustration]
-
-
-
-
-[Illustration]  [Page 323]
-
-THE FOX AND THE SICK LION.
-
-
-It was reported that the Lion was sick, and the beasts were given to
-understand that they could not make their court better than by going to
-visit him. Upon this they generally went; but it was particularly taken
-notice of, that the Fox was not one of the number. The Lion therefore
-dispatched one of his Jackalls to enquire why he had so little charity
-and respect as never to come near him, at a time when he lay so
-dangerously ill, and every body else had been to see him? Why, replies
-the Fox, pray present my duty to his majesty, and tell him that I have
-the same respect for him as ever, and have been coming several times,
-but was fearful of being troublesome, as I have observed, from the
-prints of their footsteps, that great numbers have gone into the royal
-den; but I have not seen a single trace of their coming out again.
-
-
-APPLICATION.
-
-He that embarks implicitly in any scheme, may be mistaken,
-notwithstanding the number who keep him company; but he that keeps out
-till he sees reason to enter, acts upon true maxims of policy; and it
-is the quintessence of prudence not to be too easy of belief: for a
-rash and hasty credulity has been the ruin of many. Men who habituate
-themselves to think, will profit by the experience of others, as well
-as their own: but commonly the multitude do not reason, but stupidly
-follow each other step by step; not moving out of the sphere in which
-chance has placed them: and the notions or prejudices they may have
-imbibed in youth, remain with them to the last. There is no opinion,
-however impious or absurd, that has not its advocates in some quarter
-of the world. Whoever, therefore, takes up his creed upon trust, and
-grounds his principles on no better reason than his being a native or
-inhabitant of the regions wherein they prevail, becomes a disciple of
-Mahomet in Turkey, and of Confucius in China; a Jew, or a Pagan, as the
-accident of birth decides.
-
-[Illustration]
-
-
-
-
-[Illustration]  [Page 325]
-
-THE SUN AND THE WIND.
-
-
-A dispute arose between the North Wind and the Sun, about the
-superiority of their power, and they agreed to determine matters by
-trying which of them could first compel a Traveller to throw off his
-cloak. The North Wind began, and blew a very cold blast, accompanied
-by a sharp driving shower; but this, and whatever else he could do,
-instead of making the Man quit his cloak, induced him to gird it about
-him more closely. Next came the Sun, who, breaking out from a cloud,
-drove away the cold vapours, and darted his warm sultry beams upon the
-weather-beaten Traveller. The Man growing faint with the heat, first
-threw off his heavy cloak, and then flew for protection to the shade of
-a neighbouring grove.
-
-
-APPLICATION.
-
-There is something in the temper of man so averse to severe and
-boisterous treatment, that he who endeavours to carry his point in that
-way, instead of prevailing, generally leaves the mind of him whom he
-has thus attempted to subdue, in a more confirmed and obstinate state.
-Bitter words and hard usage freeze the heart into an obduracy, which
-mild, persuasive, and gentle language only can dissolve. Persecution
-has always fixed those opinions which it was intended to dispel; and
-the quick growth of christianity in early times, is attributed in a
-great measure to the barbarous reception which its first teachers
-met with in the Pagan world; and since that time the different modes
-of faith which have grown out of christianity itself, have been each
-established by the same kind of intolerant spirit. To reflect upon
-these things, furnishes matter of wonder and regret, for the benevolent
-Author of the christian religion taught neither intolerance nor
-persecution. The doctrines he laid down are plain, pure, and simple.
-They teach mercy to the contrite, aid to the humble, and eternal
-happiness to the good. In short, persecution is the scandal of all
-religion, and like the north wind in the Fable, only tends to make a
-man wrap his notions more closely about him.
-
-[Illustration]
-
-
-
-
-[Illustration]  [Page 327]
-
-THE HORSE AND THE ASS.
-
-
-The Horse, adorned with his great war-saddle, and champing his foaming
-bridle, came thundering along the high-way, and made the mountains echo
-with his neighing. He had not gone far before he overtook an Ass, who
-was labouring under a heavy burthen, and moving slowly on in the same
-track. In an imperious tone he threatened to trample him in the dirt,
-if he did not get out of the way. The poor Ass, not daring to dispute,
-quietly got aside as fast as he could, and let him go by. Not long
-after this, the same Horse, in an engagement, happened to be shot in
-the eye, which made him unfit for show, or any military business, so he
-was stripped of his ornaments, and sold to a carrier. The Ass meeting
-him in this forlorn condition, thought that now it was his time to
-retort: Hey-day, friend, says he, is it you! Well, I always believed
-that pride of your’s would one day have a fall.
-
-
-APPLICATION.
-
-It is an affectation of appearing considerable, that puts men upon
-being proud and insolent; but this very affectation infallibly makes
-them appear little and despicable in the eyes of discerning people.
-Did the proud man but rightly consider what kind of ingredients
-pride is composed of and fed with, and the unstable foundation, and
-the tottering pinnacle upon which it stands, he would blush at the
-thoughts of it, and cease to be puffed up by the little supernumerary
-advantages, whether of birth, fortune, or title, which he may enjoy
-above his neighbours. These might indeed be a blessing to him, and
-to the community in which he lives, if wisely used; but if guided by
-pride, and consequently by want of sense, they will prove only a curse;
-and the reverence and respect which he looks for, will not be paid with
-sincerity, nor does he deserve it; and should the tide of misfortune
-set in against him, instead of friendship and commiseration, he will
-meet with nothing but contempt, and that with much more justice than
-ever he himself expressed it towards others. The vain proud man ought
-to be put in mind, that the time is not far distant, when his skull
-will not be distinguished from that of the beggar; and that there is no
-state, however exalted, so permanent, that it may not be reduced to a
-level with the lowest.
-
-
-
-
-[Illustration]  [Page 329]
-
-THE HAWK AND THE FARMER.
-
-
-A Hawk, in the eagerness of his pursuit after a Pigeon, flew with
-such violence against the corner of a hedge, that he was stunned and
-fell. A Farmer, who had been looking about his fields, saw the whole
-transaction, and instantly ran and picked up the Hawk, and was going to
-kill him; but the latter begged the Man would let him go, assuring him
-he was only following a Pigeon, and neither intending, nor had done,
-any harm to him. To which the Farmer replied, and what harm had the
-Pigeon done to you? and wrung his head off immediately.
-
-
-APPLICATION.
-
-In all our transactions through life, to suppose ourselves in the place
-of those we may be dealing with, will be the most certain check upon
-our own conduct; and we ought always to consult our conscience about
-the rectitude of our behaviour: for this we may be assured of, that we
-are acting wrong, whenever we are doing any thing to another, which we
-should think unjust, if it were done to us. Let those, therefore, who
-intend to act justly, but take this view of things, and all will be
-well. There will be no danger of their oppressing others, or fear of
-their falling into error or danger themselves. Nothing but an habitual
-inadvertency as to this particular, can be the occasion of so many
-ingenuous noble spirits being so often engaged in courses opposite to
-virtue and honour.
-
-[Illustration]
-
-
-
-
-[Illustration]  [Page 331]
-
-THE FOX AND THE COUNTRYMAN.
-
-
-A Fox being closely pursued by the Hunters, and almost run down,
-begged of a Countryman to give him protection, and save his life. The
-Man consented, and pointed out a hovel, into which the Fox crept, and
-covered himself up among some straw. Presently up came the Hunters, and
-enquired of the Man it he had seen the Fox, and which way he had taken?
-No, said he, I have not seen him here, he has passed another way; but
-all the while he nodded with his head, and pointed with his finger
-to the place where the Fox was hidden. These signals the Hunters, in
-the eagerness of pursuit, did not notice, but calling off the dogs,
-they dashed along in another direction. Soon after, the Fox came out
-of his hiding-place, and was sneaking off; when the Man calling after
-him,--Hollo, says he, is this the way you behave then, to go without
-thanking the benefactor who has saved your life? Reynard, who had
-peeped all the while, and had seen what passed, answered, I know what
-obligation I owe you well enough, and I assure you if your actions had
-agreed with your words, I should have endeavoured, however incapable of
-it, to have returned you suitable thanks.
-
-
-APPLICATION.
-
-Dissimulation and double dealing are among the most odious vices,
-and a hollow friend is worse than an open enemy; for in the full
-confidence of friendship, we are led to depend upon the man who uses
-that confidence to betray us. To pretend to keep another’s council, and
-appear in his interest, while underhand we are giving intelligence to
-his enemies, is treacherous, knavish, and base. Truth is a plain and
-open virtue, and cannot be practised in part; and truth and sincerity
-are the same; wherefore he that equivocates and adheres to his promise
-in one sense, without preserving it inviolably in its full extent and
-meaning, departs as much from truth and sincerity as the most direct
-liar.
-
-    “And be those juggling friends no more believ’d,
-    That palter with us in a double sense;
-    That keep the word of promise to the ear,
-    And break it to our hope.”
-
-
-
-
-[Illustration]  [Page 333]
-
-ÆSOP AT PLAY.
-
-
-An Athenian one day found Æsop entertaining himself with a company of
-little Boys at their childish diversions, and began to jeer and laugh
-at him for it. Æsop, who was too much a wag himself to suffer others to
-ridicule him, took a bow unstrung, and laid it upon the ground. Then
-calling the censorious Athenian, Now philosopher, says he, expound
-the riddle if you can, and tell us what the unstrained bow implies.
-The Man, after racking his brains a considerable time to no purpose,
-at last gave it up, and declared he knew not what to make of it. Why,
-says Æsop, smiling, if you keep a bow always bent, it will lose its
-elasticity presently; but if you let it go slack, it will be fitter for
-use when you want it.
-
-
-APPLICATION.
-
-The mind of man is not formed for unremitted attention, nor his body
-for uninterrupted labour; and both are in this respect like a bow.
-We cannot go through any business requiring intense thought, without
-unbending the mind, any more than we can perform a long journey without
-refreshing ourselves by due rest at the several stages of it. Continual
-labour, as in the case of the bended bow, destroys the elasticity and
-energy of both body and mind. It is, therefore, absolutely necessary
-for the studious man to unbend, and the laborious one to take his rest,
-or both lose their tone and vigour, and become dull and languid. It
-is to remedy these extremes, that pastimes and diversions ought to be
-kept up, provided they are innocent. The heart that never tastes of
-pleasure, shuts up, grows stiff, and is at last incapable of enjoyment.
-
-[Illustration]
-
-
-
-
-[Illustration]  [Page 335]
-
-THE FOX AND THE WOLF.
-
-
-The Wolf having laid in a store of provisions, snugly kept in his den,
-and indulged himself in feasting upon them. The Fox observing this
-seclusion of the Wolf, became inquisitive to know the cause, and by
-way of satisfying his curiosity and his suspicions, he went and paid
-the Wolf a visit. The latter excused himself from seeing the Fox,
-by pretending he was very much indisposed. The Fox having smelt how
-matters stood, took his leave, and immediately went to a Shepherd to
-inform him of the discovery he had made, and that he had nothing else
-to do but to take a good weapon with him, and with it easily dispatch
-the Wolf as he lay dosing in his cave. The Shepherd following his
-directions, presently went and killed the Wolf. The wicked Fox then
-slily took possession of the cave and the provisions to himself; but
-he did not enjoy them long, for the same Shepherd shortly afterwards
-passing by the place, and seeing the Fox there, dispatched him also.
-
-
-APPLICATION.
-
-A villain, whose only aim is to get what he can, will as soon betray
-the innocent as the guilty. Let him but know where there is a suspected
-person, and propose a reward, and he will seldom fail to work the
-suspicion up to high treason, and will be at no loss to produce
-sufficient proofs of it. Men of this stamp will not be content with
-practising one single villainy; for having never laid down any good
-principles for their guide, they will go on triumphantly in their
-wickedness for a time, and though, perhaps, they may be the instruments
-of bringing other villains to punishment, yet they will at last suffer
-in their turn; for, after being detested by all good men, justice will,
-sooner or later, overtake their crimes, and hurl down its vengeance
-on their heads, with a measure equal at least to the sufferings their
-perfidy has occasioned to others. The fate of such wretches can never
-excite the smallest commiseration; for no character is so truly
-detestable, as that of a spy and informer.
-
-[Illustration]
-
-
-
-
-[Illustration]  [Page 337]
-
-THE RAVEN AND THE SERPENT.
-
-
-A Raven in quest of food, seeing a Serpent basking in the sun, soused
-down, seized it with his horny beak, and attempted to carry it off.
-But the Serpent, writhing with the pain, twisted its elastic coils so
-firmly about the Raven, and bit him with such envenomed fierceness,
-that he fell to the ground mortally wounded. In the agonies of death,
-the Raven confessed this was a just punishment upon him, for having
-attempted to satisfy his greedy appetite at the expence of another’s
-welfare.
-
-
-APPLICATION.
-
-When men suffer their passions to set aside their reason, they soon
-become sensual in their appetites, and inordinate in their desires.
-Moral rectitude takes its departure from their minds, and led by
-their evil spirit, they soon become fitted for the commission of
-any enormity. They give the rein to their unbridled lusts, and
-regardless of consequences, stop at nothing to gratify their brutal
-desires. But if we mark the progress of such men through life, it
-will be found that, besides losing the great and virtuous pleasures
-of self-approbation, and incurring the stings of a guilty conscience,
-their wicked career often meets just punishment from retaliations in
-kind, which the objects of their iniquitous proceedings unexpectedly
-retort upon them.
-
-[Illustration: _Waiting for Death_]
-
-
-
-
-[Illustration]  [Page 339]
-
-THE DOVE AND THE BEE.
-
-
-A Bee, whose business had led her to the brink of a purling stream,
-was snatched away by its circling eddy, and carried down its current.
-A Dove, pitying her distressed situation, cropped a twig from a tree,
-and dropt it before her in the water, by means of which the Bee saved
-herself, and got ashore. Not long after, a Fowler having a design upon
-the Dove, espied her sitting on a tree, and keeping out of her sight,
-was waiting the opportunity of shooting her. This the Bee perceiving,
-stung him on the ear, which made him give so sudden a start, that the
-Dove instantly took the alarm, and flew away.
-
-
-APPLICATION.
-
-We ought ever with a ready zeal to extend our arm to relieve a sinking
-friend from distress and danger, or endeavour to forewarn him against
-the wicked plots of his enemies. The benevolent man, from the most
-disinterested motives, will always be disposed to do good offices to
-all, and the grateful man will never forget to return them in kind, if
-it be possible; and there is not one good man in the world who may not
-on some occasion stand in need of the help of another. But gratitude
-is not very common among mankind. It is a heavenly spark, from which
-many virtues spring; and the source of pleasures which never enter the
-breast of the vile ingrate. The favours and kindnesses bestowed upon
-the grateful man, he cannot forget; those which are conferred upon the
-ungrateful, are lost: he concludes he would not have had them, if he
-had not deserved them.
-
-[Illustration]
-
-
-
-
-[Illustration]  [Page 341]
-
-THE SERPENT AND THE MAN.
-
-
-A Child was playing in a meadow, and by chance trod upon a Serpent.
-The Serpent, in the fury of his passion, turned up and bit the Child
-with his venomous teeth, so that he died immediately. The Father of the
-Child, inspired with grief and revenge, took a weapon, and pursuing the
-Serpent, before he could get into his hole, struck at him and lopped
-off a piece of his tail. The next day, hoping by stratagem to finish
-his revenge, he brought to the Serpent’s hole honey, and meal, and
-salt, and desired him to come forth, protesting that he only sought a
-reconciliation on both sides; but the Serpent answered him with a hiss
-to this purpose: In vain you attempt a reconciliation; for as long as
-the memory of the dead Child and the mangled tail subsists, it will be
-impossible for you and I to have any charity for each other.
-
-
-APPLICATION.
-
-When persons have carried their differences to an extreme length, it
-is in vain for them to think of renewing a cordial friendship; for in
-the heat of their quarrel, many injuries must have been reciprocally
-offered and received, which must tear asunder the strongest bands
-of amity. The fury of their dissentions may indeed subside, yet
-neither party can forgive the wrongs which neither can forget. The
-consciousness of having provoked the resentment of another, will dwell
-so continually upon the mind of the aggressor, that he cannot rest till
-he has finished his work, and put it as much as possible out of his
-enemy’s power to make any return upon him; and the old proverb will be
-verified which says, “The man who has injured you, will never forgive
-you.” Morality bids us forgive our enemies, and the voice of reason
-confirms the same; but neither reason nor morality bids us enter into
-a friendship with, or repose a confidence in, those who have injured
-us, and of whom we have a bad opinion. We may resolve not to return
-ill-usage; but ought never to put ourselves into the power of an enemy.
-
-[Illustration]
-
-
-
-
-[Illustration]  [Page 343]
-
-THE HORSE AND THE OVER-LOADED ASS.
-
-
-A clownish stupid Fellow, in travelling to market with his goods,
-loaded his Horse very lightly, and put a heavy burden upon his Ass, and
-was trudging along the road with them on foot. They had not travelled
-half-way to their journey’s end, when the Ass felt greatly overpowered
-with the weight he carried, and begged the Horse would be so good
-as to assist him by taking a part of it upon his back, and lighten
-the grievous burden, assuring him that through weakness he was quite
-exhausted, and was ready to faint. No! said the Horse, keep your burden
-to yourself, it does not concern me. Upon hearing this cruel reply,
-the poor Ass dropped down, and soon expired. The Master then ungirded
-the pack-saddle, and awkwardly tried several ways to relieve his Ass,
-but all to no purpose; it was too late. When he perceived how matters
-stood, he took the whole burden and laid it upon the Horse, together
-with the skin of the dead Ass, and when he felt tired with walking, he
-also mounted himself. The Horse is said to have often muttered as he
-went along, Well, this is my proper punishment, for refusing to help my
-fellow-servant in the depth of his distress.
-
-
-APPLICATION.
-
-He who has no compassion in his breast, is unworthy the title of a man;
-and the heart that feels no anguish at the misfortunes of others, nor a
-desire to relieve those who groan under a load of sorrow, is destitute
-of the very grounds and principles of virtue. The eye that has no tear
-for the griefs of a friend, is also blind to its own interest; for the
-burden of human affairs must be borne by some or other of us, and the
-duty, as well as the common necessity of helping one another, ought
-not to be shuffled off by the unworthy expression of “it is none of my
-business:” for the business of society is more or less the business
-of every man who lives in it; and he who permits his weak brother,
-for want of timely assistance, to sink under a greater weight than he
-is able to sustain, deserves to be punished for his cruelty, by being
-obliged to bear the whole of his own distressing burdens himself.
-The Fable also hints at the miseries which poor dumb useful animals
-undergo, from the injudicious management or cruel treatment of those
-under whose government they have the misfortune to fall. These kind
-of “hogs in armour” ought to be taught by their own sufferings, the
-benevolent text, that “A merciful man will be merciful to his beast.”
-
-
-
-
-[Illustration]  [Page 345]
-
-THE HUSBANDMAN AND THE STORK.
-
-
-A Husbandman having placed nets in his fields to catch the Rooks and
-the Geese, which came to feed upon the new-sown corn, found among his
-prisoners a single Stork, who happened to be in their company. The
-Stork pleaded hard for his life, and among other arguments, alleged
-that he was neither Goose nor Crow, but a poor harmless Stork, whose
-attachment to mankind, and his services to them in picking up noxious
-creatures, as well as fulfilling his duties to his aged parents, he
-trusted, were well known. All this may be true, says the Husbandman,
-for what I know; but as I have taken you in company with thieves, and
-in the same crime, you must also share the same fate with them.
-
-
-APPLICATION.
-
-When we become so abandoned to stupidity and a disregard of our
-reputation, as to keep bad company, however little we may be criminal
-in reality, we must expect the same censure and punishment as is due
-to the most notorious of our companions. The world will always form an
-idea of the character of every man from his associates: nor is this
-rule founded on wrong principles; for, generally speaking, those who
-are constant companions, are either drawn together by a similitude of
-manners and principles, or form such a similitude by daily commerce and
-conversation. If, therefore, we are tender of our reputation, we should
-be particularly delicate in the choice of our company, since some
-portion of their fame or infamy must unavoidably be reflected upon us.
-It is not enough to be virtuous ourselves, but we must be cautious not
-to associate with those who are devoted to vice: for, though we cannot
-confer any degree of our own credit upon them, we may suffer much
-discredit, and incur much danger, from mixing with such bad companions.
-
-[Illustration]
-
-
-
-
-[Illustration]  [Page 347]
-
-THE TRAVELLERS AND THE BEAR.
-
-
-Two Men being to travel through a forest together, mutually engaged
-to stand by each other in any danger they might encounter on the way.
-They had not gone far, before a Bear rushed towards them out of a
-thicket; upon which, one of them, being a light nimble fellow, got up
-the branches of a tree, and kept out of sight. The other falling flat
-upon his face, and holding his breath, lay still, while the Bear came
-up and smelled at him, but not discovering any marks of life, he walked
-quietly away again to the place of his retreat, without doing the Man
-the least harm. When all was over, the Spark who had climbed the tree,
-came down to his Companion, and asked him, what the Bear said to him?
-for, says he, I took notice that he clapt his mouth very close to your
-ear. Why, said the other, he advised me, for the future never to place
-any confidence in such a faithless poltroon as you.
-
-
-APPLICATION.
-
-There is nothing in this world that can lighten our burdens, in
-passing through it, or contribute more to our happiness, than our
-knowing we have a true friend, who will commiserate with and help us
-in our misfortunes, and on whom we can rely in times of difficulty and
-distress. There are many, indeed, who, with fair words, pretend to
-that character, and are ever ready to offer their services when there
-is no occasion for their help. But the real friend, like gold from
-the furnace, shines forth in his true lustre, and with heart and hand
-is ever ready to succour us, in times of tribulation and peril. It
-is on such only we ought to place a confidence in any undertaking of
-importance; for the man who is wholly actuated by the selfish unsocial
-principle of caring only for himself, is not fit to be associated
-with others of a more generous character; and he who will desert them
-in adversity ought not to be made a partaker of the prosperity of
-others. It therefore behoves us diligently to examine into the fidelity
-of those we have to deal with, before we embark with them in any
-enterprise, in which our lives and fortunes may be put to hazard by
-their breach of faith.
-
-
-
-
-[Illustration]  [Page 349]
-
-THE FIGHTING COCKS.
-
-
-After a fierce battle between two Cocks for the sovereignty of the
-dunghill, one of them having beaten his antagonist, he that was
-vanquished slunk away and crept into a corner, where he for some time
-hid himself; but the conqueror flew up to a high place, and clapped his
-wings, crowing and proclaiming his victory. An Eagle, who was watching
-for his prey, saw him from afar off, and in the midst of his exultation
-darted down upon him, trussed him up, and bore him away. The vanquished
-Cock perceiving this, quitted the place of his retreat, and shaking
-his feathers and throwing off all remembrance of his late disgrace,
-returned to the dunghill, and gallanted the Hens, as if nothing had
-happened.
-
-
-APPLICATION.
-
-This Fable shews us the impropriety and inconvenience of running
-into extremes, and teaches us, that under all the various and sudden
-vicissitudes of human life, we ought to bear success with moderation,
-and misfortune with fortitude and equinamity; to repress immoderate
-exultation, and unmanly despair. Much of our happiness depends upon
-keeping an even balance in our words and actions, and in not suffering
-circumstances to mount us too high in time of prosperity, nor to sink
-us too low with the weight of adverse fortune. A wise man will not
-place too high a value on blessings which he knows to be no more than
-temporary; nor will he repine at evils, whose duration may perhaps be
-but short, and cannot be eternal. He will submit himself with humility
-and resignation to the decrees of providence, and the will of heaven.
-In prosperity, the fear of evil will check the insolence of triumph;
-and in adversity, the hope of good will sustain his spirit, and teach
-him to endure his misfortunes with constancy and fortitude.
-
-[Illustration]
-
-
-
-
-[Illustration]  [Page 351]
-
-THE WILD AND THE TAME GEESE.
-
-
-A flock of Wild Geese and a parcel of Tame ones used often to feed
-together in a corn field. At last, the Owner of the corn, with his
-servants, coming upon them of a sudden, surprised them in the very
-fact, and the Tame Geese being heavy, and fat full-bodied creatures,
-were most of them sufferers; but the wild ones being thin and light,
-easily flew away.
-
-
-APPLICATION.
-
-When the enemy comes to make a seizure, they are sure to suffer most
-whose circumstances are the richest and fattest. In any case of
-persecution, money hangs like a dead weight about a man; and we never
-feel gold so heavy as when we are endeavouring to make off with it.
-Great wealth has many cares annexed to it, with which the poor and
-needy are not afflicted. A competency to supply the necessities of
-nature, and the wants of old age, is indeed to be desired; but we
-should rather endeavour to contract our wants, than to multiply them,
-and not too eagerly grasp at the augmentation of our possessions,
-which will increase our cares by adding to our danger. Persons of
-small fortune have as much reason to be contented as the rich: their
-situation is full as happy, considered altogether, for if they are
-deprived of some of the gratifications which the rich enjoy, they are
-also exempted from many troubles and uneasinesses necessarily cleaving
-to riches.
-
-[Illustration]
-
-
-
-
-[Illustration]  [Page 353]
-
-THE FROGS AND THE MICE.
-
-
-The Frogs and the Mice, who inhabited part of a most extensive fen,
-(of which there remained unoccupied sufficient room to hold many
-whole nations of both) could not agree with each other so as to live
-in peace: many bitter disputes arose between them about the right to
-particular pools, and their tuft-covered margins. At length, national
-jealousies and animosities arose to such a height, that each claimed
-the sovereignty of the whole fen, and the most rancorous war was waged
-between them, in order to settle, by force of arms, their respective
-pretensions. While their hostile armies were drawn up in battle array,
-on a plain of several square yards in extent, protected on both flanks
-and rear by dark pools and gloomy forests of sedges, reeds, and
-bulrushes, their two chieftains advanced to meet each other, and to
-it they fell as fierce as tigers. While these two combatants were thus
-engaged, a Kite sailing in the air, beheld them from a great distance,
-and darting down upon them, instantly bore them off in his talons;
-while the field of battle presented a delicious repast to some Ravens,
-who had chanced to spy the movements of these hostile armies.
-
-
-APPLICATION.
-
-The leading feature in the character of men, in all ages of the world,
-has ever been self-interest; and when this is not kept within due
-bounds, by a just sense of morality and honour, their bad passions
-are let loose, and money, power, or dominion, are the chief objects
-they keep in view. When men thus depraved, have long soared above
-restraint, and their numbers and power become predominant in a nation,
-the accumulation of their wickedness hurries them blindly on to break
-out into offensive wars with other nations, on the most frivolous
-pretences, and rapine, plunder, and innumerable murders succeed, by
-which humanity is outraged, and the fair face of nature is deluged
-with blood. “Peace is the natural happy state of man, and war is his
-disgrace.” The mighty among the Frogs and Mice attend not to this: they
-strut and exult for a time; but their pride, tyranny, and injustice,
-will have an end: for opposed to these vices are the attributes of
-Omnipotence, and they are eternal. It often happens (as in the case of
-the combatants in the Fable) that when national depravity has attained
-its height, the Kites and Ravens of other regions are invited forth,
-and made the instruments of a just retribution.
-
-
-
-
-[Illustration]  [Page 355]
-
-THE FOWLER AND THE LARK.
-
-
-A Fowler set his snares to catch birds in the open field. A Lark was
-caught; and finding herself entangled, could not forbear lamenting her
-hard fate. Ah! woe is me, says she, what crime have I committed that
-man should be plotting my destruction? I have not taken either his
-silver or gold, or any thing of value to him; and while other rapacious
-birds deal about destruction and go unpunished, I must die for only
-picking up a single grain of corn.
-
-
-APPLICATION.
-
-The irregular administration of justice in the world, is indeed a
-melancholy subject to think of. A poor fellow shall be hanged for
-stealing a sheep, perhaps to keep his family from starving; while
-one, who is already great and opulent, will not scruple to add to his
-overflowing wealth by the most bare-faced peculation upon the public,
-and yet shall escape punishment, and even censure, through powerful
-interest with those who ought to be his judges, but allow themselves
-to be swayed by the splendour of his connections, or corrupted by his
-money. When justice is intrusted in such hands, then shall we see the
-description given by one of our satirical poets, of a corrupt court of
-law, realized. He calls it a place,
-
-    Where little villains must submit to fate,
-    That great ones may enjoy the world in state.
-
-However, let no one, who violates the law, rest his defence on this
-plea; for though crimes, committed by his superiors, ought not to
-escape with impunity, yet his own nevertheless deserve punishment.
-Hence we may also draw a hint, not unworthy of our attention, to
-endeavour to preserve our own integrity, unshaken in the midst of
-iniquity, and to shew ourselves unstained by the corruption even of the
-worst of times.
-
-[Illustration]
-
-
-
-
-[Illustration]  [Page 357]
-
-THE SHEPHERD TURNED MERCHANT.
-
-
-A Shepherd was feeding his flock, on a very fine day, near the
-sea-side. The beauty of the weather, the smoothness of the water, and
-the ships with spreading sails floating along its surface, formed
-altogether so charming a scene, that he lost all relish for a pastoral
-life; and lured also by the prospect of gain, he determined to quit
-an employment, which he now despised as yielding neither honour
-nor profit. He quickly sold off his flocks, and commenced merchant
-adventurer; and ere long, he embarked with his whole property on the
-ocean. The ship had not long been at sea before a dreadful tempest
-arose, which wrecked her and all her cargo; but our merchant and the
-crew were fortunate enough to escape with their lives. The adventurer
-having thus lost his all, returned to his former farm, and was glad to
-hire himself to the man who had bought his stock, to attend the sheep
-which were once his own. One day, as he sat meditating upon the change
-that had happened, and viewing the sea calm and unruffled as before,
-Ah! says he, thou deceitful tempting element, experience has made me
-so wise, that if I should again acquire a property, I will never more
-trust it upon thy faithless bosom.
-
-
-APPLICATION.
-
-This Fable is intended to put men of fickle unsettled minds upon their
-guard against that propensity which often inclines them so strongly
-to shifting and changing, and leads them to imagine they would be
-happier in any profession than the one to which they have been brought
-up. By this disposition they are led away from an honest competency,
-to adventure their all upon untried schemes, in the hope of bettering
-their condition. But men of this wavering temper, who are comfortably
-settled in the world, would do well to reflect, before they change
-their situation, and rashly venture, perhaps, the acquisitions of their
-whole life, on projects, the failure of which may subject them to great
-calamities, which will be the more intolerable to bear, as they will
-not have adverse fortune to blame, but merely their own folly. Of this
-truth, experience will convince them when it is too late.
-
-[Illustration]
-
-
-
-
-[Illustration]  [Page 359]
-
-THE COCK AND THE FOX.
-
-
-A Fox, in one of his early visits to the farm-yard, happened to be
-caught in a springe, which had been set for that very purpose; and
-while he was struggling to escape, he was observed by the Cock, who,
-with his Hens, was feeding near the place. The Cock, dreading so
-dangerous a foe, approached him with the utmost caution. Reynard no
-sooner cast his eye upon him, than with all the smooth and designing
-artifice imaginable, thus addressed him. My dear friend, says he,
-you see what an unfortunate accident has befallen me here, and all
-upon your account, for not having heard you crow for a long time
-past, I was resolved on my way homeward to pay you a friendly visit;
-I therefore beg you will bring me something to cut this tormenting
-wire, or at least be so good as to conceal my misfortune till I have
-knawed it asunder. Yes, said the Cock, I can guess what kind of a
-visit you intended to pay me, and will fetch you the proper assistance
-immediately. He then hastened and told the Farmer, who instantly went
-to the place, and knocked the Fox on the head.
-
-
-APPLICATION.
-
-When the innocent fall into misfortune, it is the part of a generous
-and brave spirit to contribute as far as possible to their relief; and
-there is no quality of mind more amiable than that of tenderly feeling
-for the distressed: but we ought not to let our compassion flow out
-upon improper objects, lest we may, by saving a villain, be doing an
-act of injustice to the community. When wicked men are entrapped in
-their own pernicious schemes, and laid hold of by the arm of justice,
-it is a misplaced lenity to endeavour to screen or protect them from
-it, as by letting them loose to continue their depredations, we become
-the advocates for their crimes, and in some degree partakers in their
-enormities.
-
-[Illustration]
-
-
-
-
-[Illustration]  [Page 361]
-
-THE YOUNG MAN AND HIS CAT.
-
-
-A certain Young Man used to play with a beautiful Cat, of which he grew
-so fond, that at last he fell in love with it to such a degree, that
-he could rest neither night nor day for the excess of his passion. In
-this condition he prayed to Venus, the goddess of beauty, to pity and
-relieve his pain. The good-natured goddess was propitious, and heard
-his prayers; and the Cat, which he held in his arms, was instantly
-transformed into a beautiful Young Woman. The Youth was transported
-with joy, and married her that very day. At night, while they were in
-bed, the bride unfortunately heard a mouse behind the hangings, and
-sprang from the arms of her lover to pursue it: the Youth was ashamed,
-and Venus offended, to see her sacred rites thus profaned by such
-unbecoming behaviour; and perceiving that her new convert, though a
-woman in outward appearance, was a Cat in her heart, she caused her
-to return to her old form again, that her manners and person might be
-suitable to each other.
-
-
-APPLICATION.
-
-This Fable, however extravagant and unnatural in its composition, is
-intended to depicture and check the blind instinctive ardour of the
-passion of love, the transports of which cover all imperfections, so
-that its devotees consider neither quality nor merit. It is like an
-idol of our own creating, which we fashion into whatever figure or
-shape we please, and then run mad for it. The Fable also shews that
-
-    “No charm can raise from dirt a grov’ling mind;”
-
-And that people of a low turn of spirit and mean education, cannot
-change their principles by changing their situation: for in the midst
-of splendour and magnificence, they still retain the same narrow
-sentiments, and seldom fail to betray, by some dirty action, their
-original baseness, which no embroidery can conceal; and though fortune
-has been pleased to lift them out of the mire, we still see the silly
-awkward blockheads displaying their lack of mind and education through
-all their ensigns of dignity. If any thing more need be added, it can
-only be with a view of more plainly putting inexperienced youth on
-their guard against making inconsiderate connections, lest they take a
-Cat into their bosom, instead of an amiable consort and companion for
-life.
-
-
-
-
-[Illustration]  [Page 363]
-
-THE FOWLER AND THE PARTRIDGE.
-
-
-A Fowler having taken a Partridge in his nets, the bird begged hard
-for a reprieve, and promised the man, if he would let him go, to decoy
-the other Partridges into his snares. No, replies the Fowler, if I had
-before been undetermined what to do with you, now you have condemned
-yourself by your own words: for he who is such a scoundrel as to offer
-to betray his friends, to save himself, deserves if possible worse than
-death.
-
-
-APPLICATION.
-
-To betray our friends is one of the blackest of crimes; and however
-much traitors may suppose they recommend themselves by their successful
-acts of treachery, they will find that those who employ them as useful
-instruments in any dirty business of faction or party, are shocked at
-the baseness of their minds; and however convenient it may be to “like
-the treason, the traitor will be despised.” History furnishes us with
-many instances of kings and great men who have punished the actors of
-treachery with death, though the part they acted had been so conducive
-to their interests as to give them a victory, or perhaps the quiet
-possession of a throne: nor can princes pursue a more just maxim than
-this, for a traitor is a villain, and sticks at nothing to promote his
-own selfish ends. He that will betray one master for a bribe, will
-betray another on the same account. It is therefore impolitic in any
-state to suffer such wretches to live under its protection. Since then
-this maxim is so good, and likely at all times to be acted upon, what
-stupid rogues must they be who undertake such precarious dirty work!
-
-[Illustration]
-
-
-
-
-[Illustration]  [Page 365]
-
-THE BLIND MAN AND THE LAME.
-
-
-A blind Man and a lame Man happening to come at the same time to a
-piece of very bad road, the former begged of the latter that he would
-be so kind as to guide him through the difficulty. How can I do that,
-said the lame Man, since I am scarcely able to drag myself along? But
-as you appear to be very strong, if you will carry me, we will seek our
-fortunes together. It will then be my interest to warn you against any
-thing that may obstruct your way; your feet shall be my feet, and my
-eyes your’s. With all my heart, replied the blind Man; let us mutually
-serve each other. So, taking his lame companion on his back, they by
-means of this union travelled on with safety and pleasure.
-
-
-APPLICATION.
-
-There is no such thing as absolute independence, in a state of society,
-and the defects and weaknesses of individuals form the cement by which
-it is bound together. All men have their imperfections and wants, and
-must help each other as a matter of expediency as well as virtue; for
-Providence has so ordered things in this life, that like the blind
-man and the lame in the Fable, we may be serviceable to each other in
-almost every instance. What one man wants another supplies. Without
-these failings there would be neither friendship nor company; so that
-it is our interest to be both charitable and sociable, when our very
-wants and necessities are converted by Providence into blessings. The
-whole race of mankind ought indeed to be but so many members of the
-same body; and in contributing to the ease and convenience of each
-other, we are not only serviceable to the whole, but kind to ourselves.
-
-[Illustration]
-
-
-
-
-[Illustration]  [Page 367]
-
-THE LION, THE WOLF, AND THE DOG.
-
-
-A Lion having seized upon a Doe, while he was standing over his prize,
-a Wolf stepped up to him, and impudently claimed to go halves. No! said
-the Lion, you are too apt to take what is not your due. I therefore
-shall never have any thing to do with you, and I peremptorily insist
-on your immediate departure out of my sight. A poor honest Dog, who
-happened to be passing, and heard what was going on, modestly withdrew,
-intending to go about another way. Upon which the Lion kindly invited
-him to come forward and partake with him of the feast, to which his
-modesty had given him so good a title.
-
-
-APPLICATION.
-
-There is something in modesty which ought ever strongly to prepossess
-us in favour of those persons in whose nature it is interwoven; and
-men of discerning and generous minds have a pleasure in discovering
-it, and in bringing into notice the worthy man, who is diffident of
-his merit, and cannot prevail upon himself to challenge the praise or
-tribute he deserves. It is, however, to be lamented, that such patrons
-are not very numerous, and that the assuming arrogance and teasing
-importunities of the greedy forward man should so commonly succeed in
-attaining his ends, while modesty in silence starves unnoticed, and
-is for ever poor. Were men in exalted stations of life to pay more
-attention to the importance of this, and endeavour to discover modest
-worth, to draw merit from the shade, and virtue from obscurity, and
-distribute their patronage and their favours to such only, their own
-affairs, as well as those of the public, would be better managed, and
-the difference between the conduct of upstart pride and sensible plain
-honesty would soon shew itself in its true unvarnished colours.
-
-[Illustration]
-
-
-
-
-[Illustration]  [Page 369]
-
-THE ASS EATING THISTLES.
-
-
-An Ass was loaded with provisions of several sorts, which he was
-carrying home for a grand entertainment. By the way, he met with a fine
-large Thistle, and being very hungry, immediately eat it up, which,
-while he was doing, he entered into this reflection: How many greedy
-epicures would think themselves happy amidst such a variety of delicate
-viands as I now carry! But to me, this bitter prickly Thistle is more
-savory and relishing than the most exquisite and sumptuous banquet.
-
-
-APPLICATION.
-
-Temperance and exercise may be regarded as the constituents of natural
-luxury. It is not in the power of the whole art of cookery, to give
-such an exquisite relish and seasoning to a dish, as these two will
-confer on the plainest fare. Indolent epicures have no true taste:
-they subsist entirely by whets and provocatives of appetite; but he
-whose stomach is braced and strengthened by exercise, has a whet
-within himself, which adds a poignancy to every morsel that he eats.
-Providence seems to have carved out its blessings with an equal hand,
-and what it has denied to the poor in one way, it has amply supplied
-them with in another: if it have withheld riches, it has given them
-a greater store of health; and if it have refused them the means of
-luxury, it has at least formed them with the capacity of living as
-happily without it. And it may further be observed, that if we except
-hereditary diseases, almost every other ailment may be laid to the
-account of indolence, intemperance, or anxiety of mind.
-
-[Illustration]
-
-
-
-
-[Illustration]  [Page 371]
-
-THE DOG AND THE CAT.
-
-
-Never were two creatures happier together than a Dog and a Cat, reared
-in the same house from the time of their birth. They were so kind, so
-gamesome, and diverting, that it was half the entertainment of the
-family to see the gambols and love tricks that passed between them.
-Still it was observed, that at mealtimes, when scraps fell from the
-table, or a tit-bit was thrown to them, they would be snarling and
-spitting at one another like the bitterest foes.
-
-
-APPLICATION.
-
-This Fable is too true a picture of the practices and friendships
-of the world. We first enter into agreeable conversations, contract
-likings, and form close intimacies and connections, which one would
-think nothing could ever break up; but clashing interests at length
-come in the way, and dissolve the charm. An unreasonable desire to
-engross more than we can enjoy, is the bone of contention, which in
-greater or less degrees sets mankind together by the ears. A jealous
-thought, a mistaken word or look, is then sufficient to cancel all
-former bonds: the league is broken, and the farce concludes like the
-Dog and the Cat in the Fable, with biting and scratching out one
-another’s eyes. The same kind of over-grasping selfishness which
-operates so powerfully upon and blinds individuals, may with equal
-truth be charged against all public associations or societies of men,
-from the greatest to the least, when they are under the influence of
-that mistaken patriotism, which, instead of applying its powers to
-the improvement of what they already possess, seeks aggrandizement by
-engrossing the colonies or privileges of their less powerful neighbours.
-
-[Illustration]
-
-
-
-
-[Illustration]  [Page 373]
-
-THE TRUMPETER TAKEN PRISONER.
-
-
-A Trumpeter, being taken prisoner in battle, begged hard for quarter,
-declaring his innocence, and protesting, that he neither had killed
-nor could kill any man, bearing no arms but his trumpet, which he was
-obliged to sound at the word of command. For that reason, replied his
-enemies, we are determined not to spare you; for though you yourself
-never fight, yet, with that wicked instrument of yours, you blow up
-animosity among other people, and so become the cause of much bloodshed.
-
-
-APPLICATION.
-
-The fomenter of mischief is at least as culpable as he who puts it
-in execution. A man may be guilty of murder, who never has handled a
-sword or pulled a trigger, or lifted up his arm with any mischievous
-weapon. There is a little incendiary called the tongue, which is more
-venomous than a poisoned arrow, and more killing than a two-edged
-sword. The moral of the Fable therefore is this, that if in any civil
-insurrection, the persons taken in arms against the government deserve
-to die, much more do they whose devilish tongues or pens gave birth
-to the sedition, and excited the tumult. The Fable is also equally
-applicable to those evil counsellors, who excite corrupt or wicked
-governments to sap and undermine, and then to overturn the just laws
-and liberties of a whole people; or involve them in cruel offensive
-wars, in which they cause thousands upon thousands of swords to
-be drawn, and whole armies of men to be cut in pieces, while they
-themselves coolly sit out of danger, and calculate the gains they
-derive from the wide-spreading desolation. War is the most horrid
-custom that ever resulted from human wickedness, and is caused only by
-the ignorance of the people, or the wickedness of governments.
-
-[Illustration]
-
-
-
-
-[Illustration]  [Page 375]
-
-THE BOYS AND THE FROGS.
-
-
-A company of idle Boys used to assemble on the margin of a lake,
-inhabited by a great number of Frogs, and divert themselves by throwing
-vollies of stones into the water, to the great annoyance and danger
-of the poor terrified Frogs, who were thus pelted to death as soon as
-any of them put up their heads. At length, one of the boldest of the
-Frogs ventured, in behalf of the whole community, to croak out their
-complaints. Ah, my Boys, said he, why will you learn so soon the cruel
-practices of your race? Consider, I beseech you, that though this may
-be sport to you, it is death to us!
-
-
-APPLICATION.
-
-This Fable shews the propensity of unguided youth to do evil, and
-points out the need of inculcating benignity of conduct upon their
-minds, and giving them a direction towards a manly and generous
-humanity, which in manhood will shew itself in actions and habits that
-cannot fail to do honour to themselves, and qualify them for any office
-in the service of their country. The contrary of all this will be
-found to predominate in society, when youth are suffered to go on with
-impunity, in indulging their wicked inclinations for cruelty, by which
-their minds are hardened and debased. This hard-heartedness in boys
-will grow into brutality and tyranny in man; and that cruelty which
-was at first inflicted upon poor dumb animals, will soon shew itself
-upon their fellows. The great man of this cast will tyrannize over
-those below him: these again will shew the same hateful disposition to
-their dependants, and so downwards to the lowest, who, guided only by
-ignorance, will give vent to their natural baseness, by goading and
-distressing the poor animals which are wretchedly toiling in their
-service.
-
-[Illustration]
-
-
-FINIS.
-
-NEWCASTLE: PRINTED BY EDWARD WALKER.
-
-
-
-
-Transcriber’s Notes
-
-
-Punctuation, hyphenation, and spelling were made consistent when a
-predominant preference was found in the original book; otherwise they
-were not changed.
-
-This book often uses commas where periods might be expected,
-particularly when the next text might be expected to be in quotation
-marks, but is not.
-
-Simple typographical errors were corrected; unbalanced quotation
-marks were remedied when the change was obvious, and otherwise left
-unbalanced.
-
-The first page is handwritten, with a woodcut illustration in the
-middle and a fingerprint between the words “his mark.”
-
-Every Fable begins with a framed illustration and a Title; many Fables
-end with an unframed illustration.
-
-Page viii: The illustration captioned "Thomas Beswick" is his signature.
-
-Page 36: In the caption of the illustration, “Brains” was crossed-out
-(by the artist).
-
-Page 76: In the caption of the illustration, the first “the” was
-crossed out (by the artist).
-
-Page 350: “equinamity” was printed that way.
-
-
-
-
-
-End of Project Gutenberg's The Fables of Æsop, and Others, by Thomas Bewick
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-<pre>
-
-Project Gutenberg's The Fables of Æsop, and Others, by Thomas Bewick
-
-This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and most
-other parts of the world 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.  If you are not located in the United States, you'll have
-to check the laws of the country where you are located before using this ebook.
-
-Title: The Fables of Æsop, and Others
-       With Designs on Wood
-
-Author: Thomas Bewick
-
-Release Date: August 1, 2019 [EBook #60004]
-
-Language: English
-
-Character set encoding: UTF-8
-
-*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE FABLES OF ÆSOP, AND OTHERS ***
-
-
-
-
-Produced by Chris Curnow, Charlie Howard, and the Online
-Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (This
-file was produced from images generously made available
-by The Internet Archive)
-
-
-
-
-
-
-</pre>
-
-
-<p class="transnote covernote vspace"><span class="large">Transcriber’s Note:</span><br />
-
-Cover created by Transcriber, using content of the
-original book, and placed in the Public Domain.</p>
-
-<div id="if_i_000a" class="figcenter" style="max-width: 25em;">
-  <img src="images/i_000a.jpg" width="390" height="620" alt="" />
-  <div class="caption">
-
-<p class="right l4 b0">
-<i>Newcastle 1<sup>st</sup>. October 1818</i><br />
-<i>To Thomas Bewick &amp; Son D<sup>r</sup>.,<br />
-To an Imp<sup>l</sup>. Copy of Esop’s Fables 1<sup>£</sup> 11<sup>s</sup> 6<sup>d</sup></i></p>
-
-<p class="center p0"><i>Received the above with thanks</i></p>
-
-<p class="p1 center"><i>Thomas Bewick</i> <span class="in2"><i>Robert Elliot Bewick</i></span></p>
-
-<p class="center"><i>Thomas Bewick</i></p>
-
-<p class="center"><i>his <span class="in4">Mark</span></i></p>
-</div></div>
-
-<hr />
-
-<h1><span class="small wspace">THE</span><br />
-FABLES OF ÆSOP,<br />
-<span class="small">AND OTHERS,</span><br />
-<span class="xxsmall">WITH DESIGNS ON WOOD,</span></h1>
-
-<p class="p2 center vspace"><span class="smaller">BY</span><br />
-<span class="larger">THOMAS BEWICK.</span></p>
-
-<p class="p2 center vspace">“<i>The wisest of the Ancients delivered their Conceptions of the Deity, and<br />
-their Lessons of Morality, in Fables and Parables.</i>”</p>
-
-<div id="if_i_000b" class="figcenter" style="max-width: 28em;">
-  <img src="images/i_000b.jpg" width="437" height="259" alt="" /></div>
-
-<p class="p2 center">NEWCASTLE:</p>
-
-<p class="p1 center vspace wspace"><span class="small">PRINTED BY E. WALKER, FOR T. BEWICK AND SON.<br />
-SOLD BY THEM, LONGMAN AND CO. LONDON,<br />
-AND ALL BOOKSELLERS.</span><br />
-1818.
-</p>
-
-<hr />
-
-<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_iii">iii</span></p>
-
-<div id="if_i_000c" class="figcenter" style="max-width: 32em;">
-  <img src="images/i_000c.jpg" width="503" height="336" alt="" />
-  <div class="caption">
-
-<div class="poem-container">
-<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"><i>
-<span class="i0">Wise Men think<br /></span>
-<span class="i2">Good Men Grieve<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">Knaves invent<br /></span>
-<span class="i2">and Fools believe.</span></i>
-</div></div></div>
-</div></div>
-
-<h2 id="THE_PREFACE_DEDICATORY" class="nobreak p2">THE PREFACE DEDICATORY.</h2>
-
-<p class="center b2"><i>To the Youth of the British Isles.</i></p>
-
-<p class="in0"><span class="firstword">In</span> collecting together, for your use and benefit, some
-of the prudential maxims, and moral apothegms, of the
-ancient sages, the Publishers of this volume have been
-stimulated by an ardent desire to render this excellent
-mode of instruction as agreeable as possible; and, at
-the same time, to impress the precepts contained in the
-Fables more forcibly on your minds, they have endeavoured
-to make the embellishments worthy of your notice
-and examination.</p>
-
-<p>If the seeds of morality and patriotism be early
-sown, they will spring up, and ripen to maturity, in
-a confirmed love of truth, integrity and honour; and
-without these for his guide, no man can do credit to
-himself or his country. This consideration is of vital<span class="pagenum" id="Page_iv">iv</span>
-importance; for our comfort and happiness through
-life, mainly depend upon a strict adherence to the rules
-of morality and religion. The youth who is early tutored
-in an invincible regard for his own character, will
-soon perceive the duties imposed upon him by society,
-and will have pleasure in fulfilling them, as much for
-his own satisfaction as for the sake of his fellow men:
-but when the latent powers of the mind are neglected,
-or not directed into the paths of rectitude, by good precepts
-and worthy examples, vice and folly enter the
-opening, and lead their victim into evils and errors,
-which render his life miserable, and sometimes hurry
-him into an ignominious grave.</p>
-
-<p>To delineate the characters and passions of men, under
-the semblance of Lions, Tigers, Wolves, and Foxes,
-is not so extravagant a fiction as it may at first sight
-seem: for the innocent and inexperienced will find,
-when they engage in the busy scenes of the world, that
-they will have to deal with men of dispositions not unlike
-those animals; and that their utmost vigilance will
-be required to guard against their violence or machinations.</p>
-
-<p>In attempting to form an estimate of the characters
-of mankind, many gradations and shades will be found
-between the two extremes of virtue and vice. The
-philanthropist views with feelings of benevolence the
-wavering balance, and adds those he finds on the confines,<span class="pagenum" id="Page_v">v</span>
-to the number of the virtuous; while the misanthrope,
-with gloomy malignity, endeavours to include
-within the circle of vice, those who are standing upon
-the ill-defined line of division, and thus swells the number
-of the bad. Both observe with pain, that great
-numbers exist, whose whole lives seem to be spent in
-disfiguring the beautiful order which might otherwise
-reign in society, regardless of the misery which their
-wickedness scatters around them. They see men, who
-suffer their bad passions and gross appetites to be the
-sole rule of their conduct; and whether these shew
-themselves in an inordinate ambition, a thirst after false
-glory, or an insatiable avarice, their consequences are
-pernicious, and diffuse evil, distress, and ruin among
-mankind, in proportion to the extent to which their
-baneful influence reaches. The misanthrope, in contemplating
-the scene of mischief and disorder, is apt to
-arraign the wisdom and justice of Providence for permitting
-it to exist; but the philanthropist views it
-with a more extended range of vision; and while he
-laments the evil, he attributes the apparent want of
-human feelings in the actors, to an early perversion of
-intellect, or to a stifling of the reasoning power given
-by the Great Creator to man for his guide, and without
-which he is the worst animal in the creation, a
-mere two-legged Tiger. Upon the childhood and
-youth of such men, the great truth taught by the inspired<span class="pagenum" id="Page_vi">vi</span>
-and wisest writers of all ages, that “no life can
-be pleasing to God which is not useful to man,” has
-not been sufficiently impressed, or probably the energy
-with which they pursue their wicked career might have
-been led into a different course, and instead of the
-scourges, they would have been the benefactors of
-mankind.</p>
-
-<p>When religion and morality are blended together
-in the mind, they impart their blessings to all who seek
-the aid of the one and obey the dictates of the other,
-and their joint effects are seen and felt in the perpetual
-cheerfulness they impart. They incite the innocent
-whistle of the ploughman at his plough, of the cobler in
-his stall, and the song of the milk-maid at her pail:
-and it is a sign of their being perverted, when they
-engender melancholy notions; for these are the offspring
-of bigotry, fanaticism, and ignorance. The
-service of the Omnipotent is not of this gloomy cast;
-he has spread out the table of this beautiful world of
-wonders, for the use of his creatures, and has placed
-man at the head of it, that he might enjoy its bounties,
-as well as prepare himself for the approaching change
-to another, which inspiration has powerfully impressed
-on his soul as the <em>unknowable</em> region of his next advance.
-The materialist, in his dreary reveries, cannot
-comprehend this, neither will he acknowledge that
-his being placed here is equally as miraculous as that<span class="pagenum" id="Page_vii">vii</span>
-he should be placed in another world or worlds, progressively
-to improve, to all eternity: but to harbour
-doubts on this subject, is like disputing the wisdom,
-the justice, and the mercy of the Author of our being,
-who, according to the conceptions we form of his
-goodness, as exhibited in the design, the grandeur, and
-the immensity of creation, where every thing is systematic,
-regular, and in order, would never decree that man
-should be placed here instinctively to know his Maker—to
-take a short peep at the stupendous, the amazing
-whole—to view all these, and have powers of mind
-given him only to know and repugnantly to feel, that
-after a life mixed with turmoil, grief, and disease, he is
-to be annihilated! In our conception of things, and to
-the limited understanding which has been given us, all
-this would appear to be labour in vain.</p>
-
-<p>The volume of the creation speaks alike to all, and
-cannot be defaced by man; but the ways of Providence
-are beyond his comprehension. Omnipotence has not
-been pleased to gratify his pride and vanity, nor to
-consult his understanding, in the government of the
-universe; but sufficient has been disclosed unto him to
-point out the moral duties he owes to society, and the
-religious worship due to his Maker, without groping
-after what is utterly beyond his reach: for our feeble
-reason is too weak to comprehend the divine essence;
-and our thoughts, on their utmost stretch, roll back<span class="pagenum" id="Page_viii">viii</span>
-on darkness. We reason, but we err: for how can
-we comprehend the immensity of endless space, of time
-and eternity, a beginning or an end; or what conceptions
-can we form of the Power which made the sun
-and worlds without number? Truly, this is far too
-much for a finite being, who does not know why he can
-move one of his own fingers, or cease to do so when he
-pleases! But all may know and fulfil their religious
-obligations, by reverencing and adoring their Creator,
-and walking humbly before him, and their moral duties,
-by being in their several stations, good sons, brothers,
-husbands, wives, fathers, mothers, neighbours,
-and members of society.</p>
-
-<p>Having, with humble diffidence, in this masquerade
-of life, attempted to point out to youth the exterior of
-the temple of virtue, and to lead them to its steps, the
-Editor leaves them there, respectfully recommending
-them to explore the whole interior, under the guidance
-of men more eminent for their mental powers and attainments
-in learning, philosophy, and piety. Of these,
-an illustrious band have placed, at every avenue and
-turning, their inestimable works, as directions to guide
-us to usefulness and respectability here, and eternal
-happiness hereafter.</p>
-
-<div id="if_i_000d" class="figright" style="max-width: 20em;">
-  <img src="images/i_000d.jpg" width="319" height="60" alt="Thomas Bewick" />
-  <!--<div class="caption"><i>Thomas Bewick</i>--></div>
-
-<p class="in0 in1 clear"><i>Newcastle, September, 1818.</i></p>
-
-<hr />
-
-<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_ix">ix</span></p>
-
-<div class="chapter">
-<div id="if_i_000e" class="figcenter" style="max-width: 34em;">
-  <img src="images/i_000e.jpg" width="530" height="440" alt="" /></div>
-
-<h2 class="nobreak p2">THE INTRODUCTION.</h2>
-</div>
-
-<p><span class="firstword">From</span> time to time, in all ages, men inspired, or
-gifted with a superior degree of intellectual power,
-have appeared upon the stage of life, in order (by enlightening
-others) to fulfil the designs of Omnipotence,
-in uniting the world in a state of civilized society.</p>
-
-<p>Patriarchs, or heads of families, at first directed or
-governed those who were immediately dependent upon
-them: these in time increased, and became <em>clans</em>; these
-again, by their quarrels, and their wars, were induced
-to elect chieftains or kings over a number of united
-clans,—from which were formed the various nations
-and kingdoms of the earth. In this early stage of the<span class="pagenum" id="Page_x">x</span>
-world, when men were ignorant and uncivilized, the
-chase and war seem almost wholly to have occupied
-their time and attention. Their kings ruled over them
-with despotic sway, and the will of the prince was the
-only law: and thus the barbarism of the subject and
-the tyranny of the ruler went hand in hand together.
-That over-swollen pride, which seems the natural accompaniment
-of despotic power, blinds the understandings
-of its possessors, and renders them wholly regardless
-of the important trust reposed in them. The evils
-arising out of their bad government, are felt, more or
-less, by the whole people over whom they preside; and
-pride and arrogance prevent the approach of sincerity
-and truth. The sycophant and the slave then only
-find admission, and all other men are kept at a distance.
-While kings and governors were of this character,
-the voice of truth could only reach their ears
-through allegory and fable, which took their rise in
-the infancy of learning, and seem to have been the
-only safe mode of conveying admonition to tyrants.
-This pleasing method of instilling instruction into the
-mind, has been found by experience to be the shortest
-and best way of accomplishing that end, among all
-ranks and conditions of men.</p>
-
-<p>The first Fable upon record, is that of Jotham and
-the Trees, in the Bible; and the next, that of The
-Poor Man and his Lamb, as related by Nathan to
-King David, and which carried with it a blaze of truth
-that flashed conviction on the mind of the royal transgressor.
-Lessons of reproof, religion, and morality,
-were, we find, continually delivered in this mode, by
-the sages of old, to the exalted among mankind.</p>
-
-<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_xi">xi</span>
-It is asserted by authors, that Apologues and Fables
-had their origin in the Eastern world, and that the
-most ancient of them were the productions of Veesh-nou
-Sarma, commonly called Pilpay, whose beautiful
-collections of Apologues were esteemed as sacred
-books in India and Persia, whence they were spread
-abroad among other nations, and were by them celebrated
-and holden in much estimation. They were
-translated from the Persian and Arabian into Greek,
-by Simeon Seth, a man of great learning, who was an
-officer of the imperial household at Constantinople
-about the year 1070. Seth’s Version was imitated in
-Latin by Piers Alfonse, a converted Jew, as early as
-the year 1107; and this is supposed to have been the
-first version of Pilpay’s Apologues that made its way,
-and became familiarized in Europe. The time in
-which Pilpay lived, seems not to be certainly known
-to the learned; but some of them suppose that the
-Fables of Æsop and others were grounded upon his
-models. The time in which Æsop lived is better ascertained,
-and of all the Fabulists who have amused
-and instructed mankind by their writings, his name
-stands pre-eminent. Authors fix his birth-place at
-Cotieum, in Phrygia Major. But the history of this
-remarkable person, who lived about 572 years before
-Christ, and about 100 years before Herodotus, the
-Greek historian, has been so involved in mystery, traditionary
-stories, and absurd conjectures, that any attempt
-to give a detail from such materials, would only
-serve to bewilder youth, and lead them into a labyrinth
-of error; and it would be impertinent to trouble
-the learned reader with that which must be sufficiently<span class="pagenum" id="Page_xii">xii</span>
-familiar to him.<a id="FNanchor_A" href="#Footnote_A" class="fnanchor">A</a> The whole of the absurd
-fictions concerning this wise and amiable man, were invented
-by Maximus Planudes, a Greek monk.<a id="FNanchor_B" href="#Footnote_B" class="fnanchor">B</a> Plutarch,
-and other authentic historians,<a id="FNanchor_C" href="#Footnote_C" class="fnanchor">C</a> have, however,
-given a very different account of the illustrious Fabulist.
-It would appear, according to some of these relations,
-that Æsop, originally a shepherd’s boy, had risen
-from the condition of a slave, to great eminence, and
-that he lived in the service of Xanthus and Judman,
-or Idmon, in the island of Samos, and afterwards
-at Athens. Phædrus speaks of him as living the
-greater part of his life at the latter place, where, it
-appears, a handsome statue, executed by the hand of
-the famous statuary Lysippus, was erected to his memory,
-and placed before those of the seven sages of
-Greece.<a id="FNanchor_D" href="#Footnote_D" class="fnanchor">D</a> He also notices his living at Samos, and
-interesting himself in a public capacity, in the administration
-of the affairs of that place; where Aristotle also
-introduces him as a public speaker, and records the
-fact of his reciting the fable of the Fox and the Hedgehog,<a id="FNanchor_E" href="#Footnote_E" class="fnanchor">E</a>
-while pleading on behalf of a minister, upon the
-occasion of his being impeached for embezzling the<span class="pagenum" id="Page_xiii">xiii</span>
-public treasure. Æsop is also mentioned as speaking
-in a public capacity to the Athenians, at the time when
-Pisistratus seized upon their liberties.<a id="FNanchor_F" href="#Footnote_F" class="fnanchor">F</a> Upon each of
-these occasions he is represented as having introduced a
-Fable into his discourse, in a witty and pleasing manner.
-He was holden in the highest veneration and esteem
-in his day, by all men eminent for their wisdom and
-virtue. It appears there was scarcely an author among
-the ancient Greeks who mixed any thing of morality
-in his writings, that did not either quote or mention
-Æsop. Plato describes Socrates as turning some of
-Æsop’s Fables into verse, during those awful hours
-which he spent in prison, immediately before his death.
-Aristophanes not only takes hints from Æsop, but mentions
-him much to his honour, as one whose works
-were, or ought to be, read before any other. Ennius
-and Horace have embellished their poetry from his
-stores; and ancient sages and authors all concur in
-bearing the most ample testimony to his distinguished
-merits. Plutarch, in his imaginary banquet of the
-seven wise men, among several other illustrious persons
-of ancient times, celebrated for their wit and knowledge,
-introduces Æsop, and describes him as being
-very courtly and polite in his behaviour. Upon the
-authority of Plutarch also, we fix the life of Æsop in the
-time of Crœsus, king of Lydia, who invited him to the
-court of Sardis. By this prince, he was holden in such<span class="pagenum" id="Page_xiv">xiv</span>
-esteem, as to be sent as his envoy to Periander, king of
-Corinth, which was about three hundred and twenty
-years after the time in which Homer lived, and 550
-before Christ. He was also deputed by Crœsus to
-consult the oracle of Delphi. While on this embassy,
-he was ordered to distribute to each of the citizens,
-four <em>minæ</em><a id="FNanchor_G" href="#Footnote_G" class="fnanchor">G</a> of silver, but some disputes arising between
-them and Æsop, he reproached them for their
-indolence, in suffering their lands to lie uncultivated,
-and in depending on the gratuities of strangers for a
-precarious subsistence: the quarrel, which it would
-appear ran high between them, ended in Æsop’s sending
-back the money to Sardis. This so exasperated
-the Delphians, that they resolved upon his destruction;
-and that they might have some colour of justice for
-what they intended, they concealed among his effects,
-when he was taking his departure from Delphi, a gold
-cup, consecrated to Apollo; and afterwards pursuing
-him, easily found what they themselves had hidden.
-On the pretext that he had committed this sacrilegious
-theft, they carried him back to the city, and notwithstanding
-his imprecating upon them the vengeance of
-heaven, they immediately condemned him to be cast
-from the rock Hypania, as the punishment of the
-pretended crime. Ancient historians say, that for this
-wickedness, the Delphians were for a long time visited
-with pestilence and famine, until an expiation was
-made, and then the plague ceased.</p>
-
-<div class="footnote">
-
-<p><a id="Footnote_A" href="#FNanchor_A" class="fnanchor">A</a> The curious enquirer is referred to the Essay on the Æsopean Fable,
-by Sir Brooke Boothby, bart. from which this sketch is extracted.</p>
-
-<p><a id="Footnote_B" href="#FNanchor_B" class="fnanchor">B</a> Planudes lived at Constantinople in the 14th century. His Fables
-were printed at Milan, A.D. 1480.</p>
-
-<p><a id="Footnote_C" href="#FNanchor_C" class="fnanchor">C</a> The first person who took great pains to detect and expose the follies
-and absurdities of Planudes’s Life of Æsop, and collected what could be
-known, was Bachet de Mezeriac, a man of great learning, who flourished
-about the year 1632.</p>
-
-<p><a id="Footnote_D" href="#FNanchor_D" class="fnanchor">D</a> These sages were Solon, Thales, Chilo, Cleobulus, Bias, Pittacus,
-and Periander, to whom Laertius adds Anacharsis, Maro, Pherecydes,
-Epimenides, and Pisistratus.</p>
-
-<p><a id="Footnote_E" href="#FNanchor_E" class="fnanchor">E</a> “Ye men of Samos, let me entreat you to do as the Fox did; for
-this man, having got money enough, can have no further occasion to rob
-you; but if you put him to death, some needy person will fill his place,
-whose wants must be supplied out of your property.”
-</p>
-<p>
-The Fable of the Fox and the Hedgehog was applied by Themistocles
-to dissuade the Athenians from removing their magistrates.—<i>B.
-Boothby.</i></p>
-
-<p><a id="Footnote_F" href="#FNanchor_F" class="fnanchor">F</a> The Fable of the Frogs desiring a King.</p>
-
-<p><a id="Footnote_G" href="#FNanchor_G" class="fnanchor">G</a> The mina of silver was 12 ounces, about £3 sterling.</p></div>
-
-<p>It was not until many ages after the death of Æsop,
-that his most prominent successor, Phædrus, arose. He<span class="pagenum" id="Page_xv">xv</span>
-translated Æsop’s Fables from the Greek into Latin,
-and added to them many of his own. Of Phædrus
-little is known, except from his works. He is said to
-have lived in the times of the Emperors Augustus and
-Tiberius, and to have died in the reign of the latter.
-The first printed edition of his Fables, with cuts, was
-published at Gauda, in 1482. Caxton published some
-of them in 1484, and Bonus Accursius in 1489, to
-which he prefixed Planudes’s Life of Æsop. But the
-most perfect edition of Phædrus’s Works was published
-in five volumes, by Peter Pithou, at Troyes, in 1596,
-from manuscripts discovered by him in the cities of
-Rheims and Dijon. To these have succeeded in later
-times, a numerous list of fabulists,<a id="FNanchor_H" href="#Footnote_H" class="fnanchor">H</a> besides such of the
-poets as have occasionally interspersed Fables in their
-works. These, in their day, have had, and many of
-them still have, their several admirers; but Gay and
-Dodsley best maintain their ground in this country, as
-is proved by the regular demand for new editions.
-Croxall’s Fables, which were first published in 1722,
-with cuts on metal, in the manner of wood, have also
-had a most extensive sale; and Sir Brooke Boothby’s<span class="pagenum" id="Page_xvi">xvi</span>
-elegant little volumes, in verse, published in 1809, are
-now making their way into the public notice. The
-Editor of the present volume, in attempting to continue
-the same pleasing mode of conveying instruction, long
-since laid down as a guide to virtue, has quoted and
-compiled from other fabulists, whatever seemed best
-suited to his purpose. His sole object is utility, and he
-is not altogether without hope, that in attempting to
-embellish and perpetuate a fabric, which has its foundations
-laid in religion and morality, his efforts may
-not be wholly ineffectual to induce the young to keep
-steadily in view those great truths, which form the sure
-land-mark to the haven, where only they can attain
-peace and happiness.</p>
-
-<div class="footnote">
-
-<p class="hangfn"><a id="Footnote_H" href="#FNanchor_H" class="fnanchor">H</a>
-
-Sir Roger L’Estrange, born 1616, died 1704.<br />
-John de la Fontaine, born 1621, died 1695.<br />
-John Dryden, born 1631, died 1701.<br />
-Antoine Houdart de la Motte, born 1672, died 1731.<br />
-John Gay, born 1688, died 1732.<br />
-Samuel Croxall, D. D. Archdeacon of Hereford, died 1752.<br />
-Edward Moore, died 1757.<br />
-Draper.<br />
-Robert Dodsley, born 1703, died 1764.<br />
-William Wilkie, born 1721, died 1772.<br />
-Abbe Brotier, born 1722, died 1789.<br />
-
-</p></div>
-
-<div id="if_i_000f" class="figcenter" style="max-width: 21em;">
-  <img src="images/i_000f.jpg" width="336" height="351" alt="" /></div>
-
-<hr />
-
-<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_xvii">xvii</span></p>
-
-<div class="chapter">
-<div id="if_i_000g" class="figcenter" style="max-width: 28em;">
-  <img src="images/i_000g.jpg" width="435" height="371" alt="" /></div>
-
-<h2 class="nobreak p2">THE TABLE OF CONTENTS.</h2>
-</div>
-
-<table id="toc" summary="Table of Contents">
-  <tr>
-    <td class="tdc let" colspan="2">A</td></tr>
-  <tr class="small">
-    <td> </td>
-    <td class="tdr">PAGE</td></tr>
-  <tr>
-    <td class="tdl">The Ape and her Young Ones</td>
-    <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_3">3</a></td></tr>
-  <tr>
-    <td class="tdl">The Sensible Ass</td>
-    <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_69">69</a></td></tr>
-  <tr>
-    <td class="tdl">Æsop and the Impertinent Fellow</td>
-    <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_81">81</a></td></tr>
-  <tr>
-    <td class="tdl">The Angler and the Little Fish</td>
-    <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_111">111</a></td></tr>
-  <tr>
-    <td class="tdl">The Ass and the Lion hunting</td>
-    <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_161">161</a></td></tr>
-  <tr>
-    <td class="tdl">The Ass in the Lion’s Skin</td>
-    <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_187">187</a></td></tr>
-  <tr>
-    <td class="tdl">The Ape chosen King</td>
-    <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_195">195</a></td></tr>
-  <tr>
-    <td class="tdl">The Ant and the Fly</td>
-    <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_269">269</a></td></tr>
-  <tr>
-    <td class="tdl">The Ant and the Grasshopper</td>
-    <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_307">307</a></td></tr>
-  <tr>
-    <td class="tdl">The Ape and the Fox</td>
-    <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_319">319</a></td></tr>
-  <tr>
-    <td class="tdl">Æsop at Play</td>
-    <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_333">333</a></td></tr>
-  <tr>
-    <td class="tdl">The Ass eating Thistles</td>
-    <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_369">369</a></td></tr>
-  <tr>
-    <td class="tdc let" colspan="2">B<span class="pagenum" id="Page_xviii">xviii</span></td></tr>
-  <tr>
-    <td class="tdl">The Boy and his Mother</td>
-    <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_5">5</a></td></tr>
-  <tr>
-    <td class="tdl">The Brother and Sister</td>
-    <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_31">31</a></td></tr>
-  <tr>
-    <td class="tdl">The Shepherd’s Boy and the Wolf</td>
-    <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_61">61</a></td></tr>
-  <tr>
-    <td class="tdl">The Bear and the Bee-Hives</td>
-    <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_119">119</a></td></tr>
-  <tr>
-    <td class="tdl">The Bees, the Drones, and the Wasp</td>
-    <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_145">145</a></td></tr>
-  <tr>
-    <td class="tdl">The Hunted Beaver</td>
-    <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_159">159</a></td></tr>
-  <tr>
-    <td class="tdl">The Bull and the Goat</td>
-    <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_171">171</a></td></tr>
-  <tr>
-    <td class="tdl">The Two Bitches</td>
-    <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_183">183</a></td></tr>
-  <tr>
-    <td class="tdl">The Boar and the Ass</td>
-    <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_205">205</a></td></tr>
-  <tr>
-    <td class="tdl">The Blackamoor</td>
-    <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_223">223</a></td></tr>
-  <tr>
-    <td class="tdl">The Belly and the Members</td>
-    <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_275">275</a></td></tr>
-  <tr>
-    <td class="tdl">The Boys and the Frogs</td>
-    <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_375">375</a></td></tr>
-  <tr>
-    <td class="tdc let" colspan="2">C</td></tr>
-  <tr>
-    <td class="tdl">The Two Crabs</td>
-    <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_1">1</a></td></tr>
-  <tr>
-    <td class="tdl">The Collier and the Fuller</td>
-    <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_13">13</a></td></tr>
-  <tr>
-    <td class="tdl">The Cock and the Jewel</td>
-    <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_47">47</a></td></tr>
-  <tr>
-    <td class="tdl">The Wanton Calf</td>
-    <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_57">57</a></td></tr>
-  <tr>
-    <td class="tdl">The Crow and the Pitcher</td>
-    <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_63">63</a></td></tr>
-  <tr>
-    <td class="tdl">The Cat and the Fox</td>
-    <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_107">107</a></td></tr>
-  <tr>
-    <td class="tdl">The Cat and the Mice</td>
-    <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_149">149</a></td></tr>
-  <tr>
-    <td class="tdl">Cæsar and the Slave</td>
-    <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_177">177</a></td></tr>
-  <tr>
-    <td class="tdl">The Clown and the Gnat</td>
-    <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_189">189</a></td></tr>
-  <tr>
-    <td class="tdl">The Countryman and the Snake</td>
-    <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_217">217</a></td></tr>
-  <tr>
-    <td class="tdl">The Cock and the Fox</td>
-    <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_219">219</a></td></tr>
-  <tr>
-    <td class="tdl">The Fighting Cocks</td>
-    <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_349">349</a></td></tr>
-  <tr>
-    <td class="tdl">The Cock and the Fox</td>
-    <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_359">359</a></td></tr>
-  <tr>
-    <td class="tdc let" colspan="2">D</td></tr>
-  <tr>
-    <td class="tdl">The Dog in the Manger</td>
-    <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_77">77</a></td></tr>
-  <tr>
-    <td class="tdl">The Ship Dog</td>
-    <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_99">99</a></td></tr>
-  <tr>
-    <td class="tdl">The Dog invited to Supper</td>
-    <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_109">109</a></td></tr>
-  <tr>
-    <td class="tdl">The Dog and the Shadow</td>
-    <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_117">117</a><span class="pagenum" id="Page_xix">xix</span></td></tr>
-  <tr>
-    <td class="tdl">The Mischievous Dog</td>
-    <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_169">169</a></td></tr>
-  <tr>
-    <td class="tdl">The Dog and the Sheep</td>
-    <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_207">207</a></td></tr>
-  <tr>
-    <td class="tdl">The Dog and the Wolf</td>
-    <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_287">287</a></td></tr>
-  <tr>
-    <td class="tdl">The One-eyed Doe</td>
-    <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_297">297</a></td></tr>
-  <tr>
-    <td class="tdl">The Deer and the Lion</td>
-    <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_315">315</a></td></tr>
-  <tr>
-    <td class="tdl">The Dove and the Bee</td>
-    <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_339">339</a></td></tr>
-  <tr>
-    <td class="tdl">The Dog and the Cat</td>
-    <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_371">371</a></td></tr>
-  <tr>
-    <td class="tdc let" colspan="2">E</td></tr>
-  <tr>
-    <td class="tdl">The Eagle, the Cat, and the Sow</td>
-    <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_39">39</a></td></tr>
-  <tr>
-    <td class="tdl">The Eagle and the Fox</td>
-    <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_273">273</a></td></tr>
-  <tr>
-    <td class="tdl">The Eagle and the Crow</td>
-    <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_301">301</a></td></tr>
-  <tr>
-    <td class="tdc let" colspan="2">F</td></tr>
-  <tr>
-    <td class="tdl">The Proud Frog and the Ox</td>
-    <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_17">17</a></td></tr>
-  <tr>
-    <td class="tdl">The Fox and the Vizor Mask</td>
-    <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_51">51</a></td></tr>
-  <tr>
-    <td class="tdl">The Fox and the Crow</td>
-    <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_67">67</a></td></tr>
-  <tr>
-    <td class="tdl">The Forester and the Lion</td>
-    <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_83">83</a></td></tr>
-  <tr>
-    <td class="tdl">The Fox without a Tail</td>
-    <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_95">95</a></td></tr>
-  <tr>
-    <td class="tdl">The Fox and the Ass</td>
-    <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_105">105</a></td></tr>
-  <tr>
-    <td class="tdl">The Fox and the Tiger</td>
-    <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_115">115</a></td></tr>
-  <tr>
-    <td class="tdl">The Frogs and their King</td>
-    <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_135">135</a></td></tr>
-  <tr>
-    <td class="tdl">The Fir and the Bramble</td>
-    <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_143">143</a></td></tr>
-  <tr>
-    <td class="tdl">The Frog and the Fox</td>
-    <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_147">147</a></td></tr>
-  <tr>
-    <td class="tdl">Fortune and the Boy</td>
-    <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_153">153</a></td></tr>
-  <tr>
-    <td class="tdl">The Fox and the Grapes</td>
-    <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_167">167</a></td></tr>
-  <tr>
-    <td class="tdl">The Fisherman</td>
-    <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_173">173</a></td></tr>
-  <tr>
-    <td class="tdl">The Fox and the Boar</td>
-    <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_175">175</a></td></tr>
-  <tr>
-    <td class="tdl">The Frogs and the Fighting Bulls</td>
-    <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_179">179</a></td></tr>
-  <tr>
-    <td class="tdl">The Two Frogs</td>
-    <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_199">199</a></td></tr>
-  <tr>
-    <td class="tdl">The Fox and the Briar</td>
-    <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_201">201</a></td></tr>
-  <tr>
-    <td class="tdl">The Fox and the Stork</td>
-    <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_215">215</a></td></tr>
-  <tr>
-    <td class="tdl">The Fox and the HedgeHog</td>
-    <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_227">227</a><span class="pagenum" id="Page_xx">xx</span></td></tr>
-  <tr>
-    <td class="tdl">The Fox and the Goat</td>
-    <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_235">235</a></td></tr>
-  <tr>
-    <td class="tdl">The Fowler and the Ring-dove</td>
-    <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_249">249</a></td></tr>
-  <tr>
-    <td class="tdl">The Fowler and the Blackbird</td>
-    <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_263">263</a></td></tr>
-  <tr>
-    <td class="tdl">The Fatal Marriage</td>
-    <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_277">277</a></td></tr>
-  <tr>
-    <td class="tdl">The Fox and the Lion</td>
-    <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_285">285</a></td></tr>
-  <tr>
-    <td class="tdl">The Flying Fish and the Dolphin</td>
-    <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_289">289</a></td></tr>
-  <tr>
-    <td class="tdl">The Fox in the Well</td>
-    <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_311">311</a></td></tr>
-  <tr>
-    <td class="tdl">The Fox and the Sick Lion</td>
-    <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_323">323</a></td></tr>
-  <tr>
-    <td class="tdl">The Fox and the Countryman</td>
-    <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_331">331</a></td></tr>
-  <tr>
-    <td class="tdl">The Fox and the Wolf</td>
-    <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_335">335</a></td></tr>
-  <tr>
-    <td class="tdl">The Frogs and the Mice</td>
-    <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_353">353</a></td></tr>
-  <tr>
-    <td class="tdl">The Fowler and the Lark</td>
-    <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_355">355</a></td></tr>
-  <tr>
-    <td class="tdl">The Fowler and the Partridge</td>
-    <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_363">363</a></td></tr>
-  <tr>
-    <td class="tdc let" colspan="2">G</td></tr>
-  <tr>
-    <td class="tdl">The Goat, the Kid, and the Wolf</td>
-    <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_29">29</a></td></tr>
-  <tr>
-    <td class="tdl">The Goat and the Lion</td>
-    <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_101">101</a></td></tr>
-  <tr>
-    <td class="tdl">The Gardener and his Dog</td>
-    <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_313">313</a></td></tr>
-  <tr>
-    <td class="tdl">The Wild and the Tame Geese</td>
-    <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_351">351</a></td></tr>
-  <tr>
-    <td class="tdc let" colspan="2">H</td></tr>
-  <tr>
-    <td class="tdl">The Husbandman and his Sons</td>
-    <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_15">15</a></td></tr>
-  <tr>
-    <td class="tdl">Hercules and the Carter</td>
-    <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_37">37</a></td></tr>
-  <tr>
-    <td class="tdl">The Drunken Husband</td>
-    <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_121">121</a></td></tr>
-  <tr>
-    <td class="tdl">The Hen and the Swallow</td>
-    <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_127">127</a></td></tr>
-  <tr>
-    <td class="tdl">The Hart and the Vine</td>
-    <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_157">157</a></td></tr>
-  <tr>
-    <td class="tdl">The Old Hound</td>
-    <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_181">181</a></td></tr>
-  <tr>
-    <td class="tdl">The Hen and the Fox</td>
-    <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_185">185</a></td></tr>
-  <tr>
-    <td class="tdl">The Hare and the Tortoise</td>
-    <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_221">221</a></td></tr>
-  <tr>
-    <td class="tdl">The Hares and the Frogs</td>
-    <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_251">251</a></td></tr>
-  <tr>
-    <td class="tdl">The Harper</td>
-    <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_267">267</a></td></tr>
-  <tr>
-    <td class="tdl">The Horse and the Stag</td>
-    <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_303">303</a></td></tr>
-  <tr>
-    <td class="tdl">The Horse and the Lion</td>
-    <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_309">309</a><span class="pagenum" id="Page_xxi">xxi</span></td></tr>
-  <tr>
-    <td class="tdl">The Horse and the Ass</td>
-    <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_327">327</a></td></tr>
-  <tr>
-    <td class="tdl">The Hawk and the Farmer</td>
-    <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_329">329</a></td></tr>
-  <tr>
-    <td class="tdl">The Horse and the over-loaded Ass</td>
-    <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_343">343</a></td></tr>
-  <tr>
-    <td class="tdl">The Husbandman and the Stork</td>
-    <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_345">345</a></td></tr>
-  <tr>
-    <td class="tdc let" colspan="2">I</td></tr>
-  <tr>
-    <td class="tdl">Industry and Sloth</td>
-    <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_9">9</a></td></tr>
-  <tr>
-    <td class="tdc let" colspan="2">J</td></tr>
-  <tr>
-    <td class="tdl">Jupiter and the Ass</td>
-    <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_79">79</a></td></tr>
-  <tr>
-    <td class="tdl">Jupiter and the Camel</td>
-    <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_139">139</a></td></tr>
-  <tr>
-    <td class="tdl">Jupiter and the Herdsman</td>
-    <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_209">209</a></td></tr>
-  <tr>
-    <td class="tdl">Juno and the Peacock</td>
-    <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_237">237</a></td></tr>
-  <tr>
-    <td class="tdl">Jupiter and Pallas</td>
-    <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_241">241</a></td></tr>
-  <tr>
-    <td class="tdl">The Vain Jack-daw</td>
-    <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_255">255</a></td></tr>
-  <tr>
-    <td class="tdc let" colspan="2">K</td></tr>
-  <tr>
-    <td class="tdl">The Bald Knight</td>
-    <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_87">87</a></td></tr>
-  <tr>
-    <td class="tdl">The Kite and the Pigeons</td>
-    <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_281">281</a></td></tr>
-  <tr>
-    <td class="tdl">The Sick Kite</td>
-    <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_283">283</a></td></tr>
-  <tr>
-    <td class="tdl">The Kid and the Wolf</td>
-    <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_293">293</a></td></tr>
-  <tr>
-    <td class="tdc let" colspan="2">L</td></tr>
-  <tr>
-    <td class="tdl">The Leopard and the Fox</td>
-    <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_21">21</a></td></tr>
-  <tr>
-    <td class="tdl">The Lark and her Young Ones</td>
-    <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_41">41</a></td></tr>
-  <tr>
-    <td class="tdl">The Lion and the Four Bulls</td>
-    <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_89">89</a></td></tr>
-  <tr>
-    <td class="tdl">The Lion, the Tiger, and the Wolf</td>
-    <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_93">93</a></td></tr>
-  <tr>
-    <td class="tdl">The Lioness and the Fox</td>
-    <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_123">123</a></td></tr>
-  <tr>
-    <td class="tdl">The Lamb brought up by a Goat</td>
-    <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_125">125</a></td></tr>
-  <tr>
-    <td class="tdl">The Old Lion</td>
-    <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_211">211</a></td></tr>
-  <tr>
-    <td class="tdl">The Lion in Love</td>
-    <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_225">225</a></td></tr>
-  <tr>
-    <td class="tdl">The Lion and other Beasts</td>
-    <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_239">239</a></td></tr>
-  <tr>
-    <td class="tdl">The Lion and the Mouse</td>
-    <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_257">257</a></td></tr>
-  <tr>
-    <td class="tdl">The Lion and the Frog</td>
-    <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_291">291</a></td></tr>
-  <tr>
-    <td class="tdl">The Lion, the Wolf, and the Dog</td>
-    <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_367">367</a><span class="pagenum" id="Page_xxii">xxii</span></td></tr>
-  <tr>
-    <td class="tdc let" colspan="2">M</td></tr>
-  <tr>
-    <td class="tdl">The Master and his Scholar</td>
-    <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_7">7</a></td></tr>
-  <tr>
-    <td class="tdl">The Young Man and the Swallow</td>
-    <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_11">11</a></td></tr>
-  <tr>
-    <td class="tdl">The Mole and her Dam</td>
-    <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_27">27</a></td></tr>
-  <tr>
-    <td class="tdl">The Young Men and the Cook</td>
-    <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_43">43</a></td></tr>
-  <tr>
-    <td class="tdl">The Mule</td>
-    <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_45">45</a></td></tr>
-  <tr>
-    <td class="tdl">Mercury and the Woodman</td>
-    <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_49">49</a></td></tr>
-  <tr>
-    <td class="tdl">The Man and his Goose</td>
-    <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_55">55</a></td></tr>
-  <tr>
-    <td class="tdl">The Old Man and his Sons</td>
-    <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_91">91</a></td></tr>
-  <tr>
-    <td class="tdl">The Miser and his Treasure</td>
-    <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_97">97</a></td></tr>
-  <tr>
-    <td class="tdl">A Man bitten by a Dog</td>
-    <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_113">113</a></td></tr>
-  <tr>
-    <td class="tdl">The Envious Man and the Covetous</td>
-    <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_129">129</a></td></tr>
-  <tr>
-    <td class="tdl">The Mice in Council</td>
-    <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_193">193</a></td></tr>
-  <tr>
-    <td class="tdl">The Old Man and Death</td>
-    <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_197">197</a></td></tr>
-  <tr>
-    <td class="tdl">The Man and the Weasel</td>
-    <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_203">203</a></td></tr>
-  <tr>
-    <td class="tdl">The Magpie and the Sheep</td>
-    <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_213">213</a></td></tr>
-  <tr>
-    <td class="tdl">The Man and his Two Wives</td>
-    <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_231">231</a></td></tr>
-  <tr>
-    <td class="tdl">Mercury and the Carver</td>
-    <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_233">233</a></td></tr>
-  <tr>
-    <td class="tdl">The Mountains in Labour</td>
-    <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_253">253</a></td></tr>
-  <tr>
-    <td class="tdl">The Mouse and the Weasel</td>
-    <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_271">271</a></td></tr>
-  <tr>
-    <td class="tdl">The Young Man and the Lion</td>
-    <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_279">279</a></td></tr>
-  <tr>
-    <td class="tdl">The Country and the City Mouse</td>
-    <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_295">295</a></td></tr>
-  <tr>
-    <td class="tdl">The Miller, his Son, and their Ass</td>
-    <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_305">305</a></td></tr>
-  <tr>
-    <td class="tdl">The Young Man and his Cat</td>
-    <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_361">361</a></td></tr>
-  <tr>
-    <td class="tdl">The Blind Man and the Lame</td>
-    <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_365">365</a></td></tr>
-  <tr>
-    <td class="tdc let" colspan="2">N</td></tr>
-  <tr>
-    <td class="tdl">The Nurse and the Wolf</td>
-    <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_265">265</a></td></tr>
-  <tr>
-    <td class="tdc let" colspan="2">O</td></tr>
-  <tr>
-    <td class="tdl">The Oak and the Reed</td>
-    <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_151">151</a></td></tr>
-  <tr>
-    <td class="tdc let" colspan="2">P<span class="pagenum" id="Page_xxiii">xxiii</span></td></tr>
-  <tr>
-    <td class="tdl">The Peacock and the Crane</td>
-    <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_23">23</a></td></tr>
-  <tr>
-    <td class="tdl">The Two Pots</td>
-    <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_25">25</a></td></tr>
-  <tr>
-    <td class="tdl">The Partridge and the Cocks</td>
-    <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_65">65</a></td></tr>
-  <tr>
-    <td class="tdl">The Porcupine and the Snakes</td>
-    <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_131">131</a></td></tr>
-  <tr>
-    <td class="tdl">The Polecat and the Cock</td>
-    <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_261">261</a></td></tr>
-  <tr>
-    <td class="tdl">The Ploughman and Fortune</td>
-    <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_317">317</a></td></tr>
-  <tr>
-    <td class="tdc let" colspan="2">R</td></tr>
-  <tr>
-    <td class="tdl">The Raven and the Serpent</td>
-    <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_337">337</a></td></tr>
-  <tr>
-    <td class="tdc let" colspan="2">S</td></tr>
-  <tr>
-    <td class="tdl">The Stag looking into the Water</td>
-    <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_19">19</a></td></tr>
-  <tr>
-    <td class="tdl">The Sheep Biter</td>
-    <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_33">33</a></td></tr>
-  <tr>
-    <td class="tdl">The Swallow and other Birds</td>
-    <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_71">71</a></td></tr>
-  <tr>
-    <td class="tdl">The Sow and the Wolf</td>
-    <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_133">133</a></td></tr>
-  <tr>
-    <td class="tdl">The Stag and the Fawn</td>
-    <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_141">141</a></td></tr>
-  <tr>
-    <td class="tdl">The Sow and the Bitch</td>
-    <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_163">163</a></td></tr>
-  <tr>
-    <td class="tdl">The Satyr and the Traveller</td>
-    <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_165">165</a></td></tr>
-  <tr>
-    <td class="tdl">The Sparrow and the Hare</td>
-    <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_229">229</a></td></tr>
-  <tr>
-    <td class="tdl">The Stag in the Ox-Stall</td>
-    <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_247">247</a></td></tr>
-  <tr>
-    <td class="tdl">The Sun and the Wind</td>
-    <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_325">325</a></td></tr>
-  <tr>
-    <td class="tdl">The Serpent and the Man</td>
-    <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_341">341</a></td></tr>
-  <tr>
-    <td class="tdl">The Shepherd turned Merchant</td>
-    <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_357">357</a></td></tr>
-  <tr>
-    <td class="tdc let" colspan="2">T</td></tr>
-  <tr>
-    <td class="tdl">The Thief and the Dog</td>
-    <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_53">53</a></td></tr>
-  <tr>
-    <td class="tdl">The Boasting Traveller</td>
-    <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_59">59</a></td></tr>
-  <tr>
-    <td class="tdl">The Thieves and the Cock</td>
-    <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_73">73</a></td></tr>
-  <tr>
-    <td class="tdl">The two Travellers</td>
-    <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_103">103</a></td></tr>
-  <tr>
-    <td class="tdl">The Tortoise and the Eagle</td>
-    <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_259">259</a></td></tr>
-  <tr>
-    <td class="tdl">The Trees and the Woodman</td>
-    <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_299">299</a></td></tr>
-  <tr>
-    <td class="tdl">The Thief and the Boy</td>
-    <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_321">321</a></td></tr>
-  <tr>
-    <td class="tdl">The Travellers and the Bear</td>
-    <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_347">347</a></td></tr>
-  <tr>
-    <td class="tdl">The Trumpeter taken Prisoner</td>
-    <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_373">373</a><span class="pagenum" id="Page_xxiv">xxiv</span></td></tr>
-  <tr>
-    <td class="tdc let" colspan="2">V</td></tr>
-  <tr>
-    <td class="tdl">The Viper and the File</td>
-    <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_243">243</a></td></tr>
-  <tr>
-    <td class="tdc let" colspan="2">W</td></tr>
-  <tr>
-    <td class="tdl">The Old Woman and her Maids</td>
-    <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_35">35</a></td></tr>
-  <tr>
-    <td class="tdl">The Wolves and the Sick Ass</td>
-    <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_75">75</a></td></tr>
-  <tr>
-    <td class="tdl">The Wolf, the Fox, and the Ape</td>
-    <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_85">85</a></td></tr>
-  <tr>
-    <td class="tdl">The Old Woman and the Empty Cask</td>
-    <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_137">137</a></td></tr>
-  <tr>
-    <td class="tdl">The Wolf and the Crane</td>
-    <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_155">155</a></td></tr>
-  <tr>
-    <td class="tdl">The Wolf and the Lamb</td>
-    <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_191">191</a></td></tr>
-  <tr>
-    <td class="tdl">The Wolf in Sheep’s Clothing</td>
-    <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_245">245</a></td></tr>
-</table>
-
-<div id="if_i_000h" class="figcenter" style="max-width: 18em;">
-  <img src="images/i_000h.jpg" width="279" height="253" alt="" /></div>
-
-<hr />
-
-<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_1">1</span></p>
-
-<div class="chapter">
-<h2><span class="larger vspace2 wspace"><span class="small">THE</span><br />
-
-FABLES OF ÆSOP,<br />
-
-<span class="small">AND OTHERS.</span></span></h2>
-</div>
-
-<hr />
-
-<div id="ip_1" class="figcenter" style="max-width: 36em;">
-  <img src="images/i_001.jpg" width="563" height="402" alt="" /></div>
-
-<h2 class="nobreak p2">THE TWO CRABS.</h2>
-
-<p class="in0"><span class="firstword">Two</span> Crabs, the mother and daughter, having been left
-by the receding tide, were creeping again towards the
-water, when the former observing the awkward gait of
-her daughter, got into a great passion, and desired her
-to move straight forward, in a more becoming and
-sprightly manner, and not crawl sideling along in a way
-so contrary to all the rest of the world. Indeed mother,
-says the young Crab, I walk as properly as I can, and
-to the best of my knowledge; but if you would have<span class="pagenum" id="Page_2">2</span>
-me to go otherwise, I beg you would be so good as to
-practise it first, and shew me by your own example
-how you would have me to conduct myself.</p>
-
-<h3>APPLICATION.</h3>
-
-<p><span class="firstword">Ill</span> examples corrupt even the best natural disposition,
-and it is in vain to instruct our children, their
-talents being only imitation, to walk by one rule, if we
-ourselves go by another. The good precepts which we
-may lay down to them, will be bestowed in vain, if they
-see by our own conduct, that we pursue a contrary
-course to that which we recommend to them. Parents
-therefore, who are desirous of working an effectual reformation
-in their children, should begin by making a
-visible amendment in themselves; and this is a duty
-they owe to society, as well as to their offspring, it being
-of the utmost importance to both, that probity and
-honour be early instilled into their youthful minds, as
-these grow with their growth, and while at the same
-time they command respect, they lay the foundation of
-their individual happiness through life.</p>
-
-<div id="ip_2" class="figcenter" style="max-width: 32em;">
-  <img src="images/i_002.jpg" width="512" height="212" alt="" /></div>
-
-<hr />
-
-<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_3">3</span></p>
-
-<div class="chapter">
-<div id="ip_3" class="figcenter" style="max-width: 36em;">
-  <img src="images/i_003.jpg" width="564" height="406" alt="" /></div>
-
-<h2 class="nobreak p2">THE APE AND HER YOUNG ONES.</h2>
-</div>
-
-<p><span class="firstword">An</span> Ape having two young ones, was dotingly fond
-of one, but disregarded and slighted the other. One
-day she chanced to be surprized by the hunters, and
-had much ado to get off. However, she did not forget
-her favourite young one, which she took up in her arms,
-that it might be the more secure: the other, which she
-neglected, by natural instinct, leapt upon her back, and
-so away they scampered together; but it unluckily fell
-out, in the over-anxiety of her precipitate flight, confused
-and blinded with haste, that she struck her favourite’s
-head against a branch, which threw it on the
-ground, where the darling bantling was seized by the
-dogs and killed. The hated one, clinging close to her
-rough back, escaped all the danger of the pursuit.</p>
-
-<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_4">4</span></p>
-
-<h3>APPLICATION.</h3>
-
-<div class="poem-container">
-<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
-<span class="i0">By dear mamma’s o’er-weening fondness spoil’d,<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">Caress’d and pamper’d, dies the fav’rite child:<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">The boy she slights, rough, vig’rous, and well-grown,<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">Unaided, bears the brunt, and shifts alone.<br /></span>
-</div></div>
-</div>
-
-<p>The indulgence which parents shew to their children
-arises from the most amiable of human weaknesses; but
-it is not the less injurious in its effects, and therefore
-it is of great importance to guard against it, and not to
-suffer a blind fondness to transport us beyond the bounds
-of a discreet affection, for this often proves the ruin of
-the child. This fable is also intended to expose the
-folly of a system of favouritism in families, for experience
-shews that those children who are the least pampered
-and indulged usually make the best and cleverest
-men.</p>
-
-<div id="ip_4" class="figcenter" style="max-width: 27em;">
-  <img src="images/i_004.jpg" width="428" height="197" alt="" /></div>
-
-<hr />
-
-<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_5">5</span></p>
-
-<div class="chapter">
-<div id="ip_5" class="figcenter" style="max-width: 36em;">
-  <img src="images/i_005.jpg" width="568" height="407" alt="" /></div>
-
-<h2 class="nobreak p2">THE BOY AND HIS MOTHER.</h2>
-</div>
-
-<p><span class="firstword">A</span> little Boy having stolen a book from one of his
-school-fellows, took it to his Mother, who, instead of
-correcting him, praised his sharpness, and rewarded him.
-In process of time, as he grew bigger, he increased also
-in villainy, till at length he was taken up for committing
-a great robbery, and was brought to justice and condemned
-for it. As the officers were conducting him to
-the gallows, he was attended by a vast crowd, and
-among the rest his Mother came sobbing along, and
-deploring her son’s unhappy fate; which the criminal
-observing, he begged leave to speak to her: this being
-granted, he put his mouth to her ear, as if he was going
-to whisper something, and bit it off! The officer,
-shocked at this behaviour, asked him if the crimes he
-had committed were not sufficient to glut his wickedness,
-without being also guilty of such an unnatural<span class="pagenum" id="Page_6">6</span>
-violence towards his mother? Let no one wonder, said
-he, that I have done this to her, for she deserves even
-worse at my hands. For if she had chastised instead of
-praising and encouraging me, when I stole my school-fellow’s
-book, I should not now have been brought to
-this ignominious and untimely end.</p>
-
-<h3>APPLICATION.</h3>
-
-<p><span class="firstword">The</span> approaches to vice are by slow degrees, and the
-good or evil bias given to youth is seldom eradicated.
-The first deviations from sound morality should therefore
-be most strictly watched, and wickedness checked
-or punished in time; for when vice grows into a habit,
-it becomes incurable, and both good governments and
-private families are deeply concerned in its attendant
-consequences. One need not scruple to affirm that
-most of the depravity which is so frequent in the world,
-and so pernicious to society, is owing to the bad education
-of youth; and to the connivance or ill example of
-their parents. It is therefore of the utmost consequence
-that parents, guardians, and tutors, should be of characters
-befitting them for the various and important
-offices they have to perform. The latter description of
-persons may and ought to be carefully selected; but it is
-to be lamented that the base and mean-spirited hosts of
-bad parents are out of the reach of controul, and
-nothing can prevent the evils arising from their tutorage.
-Perhaps it would be harsh to make laws to check the
-marriages of such; but there is no need to encourage
-the breed of them, for they are already over abundantly
-numerous.</p>
-
-<hr />
-
-<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_7">7</span></p>
-
-<div class="chapter">
-<div id="ip_7" class="figcenter" style="max-width: 36em;">
-  <img src="images/i_007.jpg" width="565" height="406" alt="" /></div>
-
-<h2 class="nobreak p2">THE MASTER AND HIS SCHOLAR.</h2>
-</div>
-
-<p><span class="firstword">As</span> a School-master was walking upon the bank of a
-river, he heard a cry as of one in distress: advancing a
-few paces farther, he saw one of his Scholars in the
-water, hanging by the branch of a willow. The Boy
-had, it seems, been learning to swim with corks, and
-now thinking himself sufficiently experienced, had
-thrown these implements aside, and ventured into the
-water without them; but the force of the stream having
-hurried him out of his depth, he had certainly been
-drowned, had not the branch of the tree providentially
-hung in his way. The Master took up the corks,
-which lay upon the ground, and throwing them to his
-Scholar, made use of this opportunity to read a lecture
-to him upon the inconsiderate rashness of youth. Let
-this be an example to you, says he, in the conduct of
-your future life, never to throw away your corks till<span class="pagenum" id="Page_8">8</span>
-time has given you strength and experience enough to
-swim without them.</p>
-
-<h3>APPLICATION.</h3>
-
-<p><span class="firstword">Rashness</span> is the peculiar vice of youth, and may be
-stiled the characteristic foible of that season of life.
-The foundation of this rashness is laid in a fond conceit
-of their own abilities, which tempts them to undertake
-affairs too great for their capacities, and to venture out
-of their depths, or to suffer themselves to be hurried
-into the most precipitate and dangerous measures, before
-they find out their own weakness and inability. It
-therefore behoves inexperienced young men to keep a
-cautious guard over their passions, to check the irregularities
-of their disposition, and to listen to the wholesome
-advice and good council of those whose judgments
-are matured by age and experience: for few are above
-the need of advice, nor are we ever too old to learn
-any thing for which we may be the better. But young
-men, above all, should not disdain to open their eyes to
-good example, and their ears to admonition: neither
-should they be ashamed to borrow rules for their behaviour
-in the world, until they are enabled from their
-own knowledge of men and things, to stem its crooked
-tides and currents with ease and honour to themselves.</p>
-
-<div class="poem-container">
-<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
-<span class="i0">Consult your elders, use their sense alone,<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">Till age and practice have confirm’d your own.<br /></span>
-</div></div>
-</div>
-
-<div id="ip_8" class="figcenter" style="max-width: 4em;">
-  <img src="images/i_008.jpg" width="64" height="84" alt="" /></div>
-
-<hr />
-
-<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_9">9</span></p>
-
-<div class="chapter">
-<div id="ip_9" class="figcenter" style="max-width: 36em;">
-  <img src="images/i_009.jpg" width="565" height="404" alt="" /></div>
-
-<h2 class="nobreak p2">INDUSTRY AND SLOTH.</h2>
-</div>
-
-<p><span class="firstword">An</span> indolent Young Man being asked why he lay in
-bed so long? jocosely answered, “Every morning of my
-life I am hearing causes. I have two fine girls, their
-names are Industry and Sloth, close at my bed-side as
-soon as I awake, pressing their different suits. One
-intreats me to get up, the other persuades me to lie
-still; and then they alternately give me various reasons
-why I should rise, and why I should not. This detains
-me so long, (it being the duty of an impartial judge to
-hear all that can be said on either side) that before the
-pleadings are over, it is time to go to dinner.”</p>
-
-<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_10">10</span></p>
-
-<h3>APPLICATION.</h3>
-
-<div class="poem-container">
-<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
-<span class="i0">“He who defers his work from day to day,<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">Does on a river’s brink expecting stay,<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">’Till the whole stream which stopt him shall be gone,<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">Which, as it runs, for ever will run on.”<br /></span>
-</div></div>
-</div>
-
-<p>Indolence is like a stream which flows slowly on, but
-yet it undermines every virtue; it rusts the mind, and
-gives a tincture to every action of one’s life, the term of
-which does not allow time for long protracted deliberations;
-and yet how many waste more of their time in
-idly considering which of two affairs to begin first, than
-would have ended them both? To-morrow is still the
-fatal time when all is to be done; to-morrow comes, it
-goes, and still indolence pleases itself with the shadow,
-while it loses the substance: and thus men pass through
-life like a bird through the air, and leave no track behind
-them, unmindful that the present time alone is
-ours, and should be managed with judicious care, since
-we cannot secure a moment to come, nor recal one
-that is past. It is no matter how many good qualities
-the mind may be possessed of; they all lie dormant if
-we want the necessary vigour and resolution to draw
-them forth; for this slumber of the mind leaves no difference
-between the greatest genius and the meanest
-understanding. Neither the mind nor the body can be
-active and vigorous without proper exertion, and trouble
-springs from idleness, and grievous toil from useless
-ease; therefore, “whatsoever thy hand findeth to do,
-do it with all thy might, for there is no work, nor device,
-nor knowledge, nor wisdom in the grave, whither
-thou goest.”</p>
-
-<hr />
-
-<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_11">11</span></p>
-
-<div class="chapter">
-<div id="ip_11" class="figcenter" style="max-width: 36em;">
-  <img src="images/i_011.jpg" width="562" height="403" alt="" /></div>
-
-<h2 class="nobreak p2">THE YOUNG MAN AND THE SWALLOW.</h2>
-</div>
-
-<p><span class="firstword">A</span> prodigal thoughtless young Man, who had wasted
-his whole patrimony in taverns and gaming-houses,
-among his lewd idle companions, was taking a melancholy
-walk near a brook. It was in the spring, while
-the hills were yet capped with snow, but it happened to
-be one of those clear sunny days which some times occur
-at that time of the year; and to make appearances
-the more flattering, a Swallow which had been
-invited forth by the warmth, flew skimming along upon
-the surface of the water. The Youth observing this,
-concluded that the summer was now come, and that he
-should have little or no occasion for clothes, so went
-and pawned them, and ventured the money for one
-stake more, among his sharping associates. When this
-too was gone, like all the rest of his property, he took<span class="pagenum" id="Page_12">12</span>
-another solitary walk in the same place as before, but
-the weather being severe and frosty, every thing had
-put on a very different aspect; the brook was frozen
-over, and the poor Swallow lay dead upon the bank.
-At this, the Youth, smarting under the sense of his own
-misery, mistakingly reproached the Swallow as the
-cause of all his misfortunes: he cried out, oh, unhappy
-bird, thou hast undone both thyself and me, who was so
-credulous as to trust to thy appearance.</p>
-
-<h3>APPLICATION.</h3>
-
-<p><span class="firstword">They</span> who frequent taverns and gaming-houses, and
-keep bad company, should not wonder if they are reduced
-in a very short time to penury and want. The
-wretched young fellows who once addict themselves to
-such a scandalous course of life, scarcely think of or attend
-to any thing besides: they seem to have nothing
-else in their heads but how they may squander what
-they have got, and where they may get more when that
-is gone. They do not make the same use of their reason
-as other people, but like the jaundiced eye, view
-every thing in a false light, and having turned a deaf
-ear to all advice, and pursued their unaltered course until
-all their property is irrecoverably lost, when at
-length misery forces upon them a sense of their situation,
-they still lay the blame upon any cause but the
-right one—their own extravagance and folly; like
-the Prodigal in the fable, who would not have considered
-a solitary occurrence as a general indication of the
-season, had not his own wicked desires blinded his
-understanding.</p>
-
-<hr />
-
-<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_13">13</span></p>
-
-<div class="chapter">
-<div id="ip_13" class="figcenter" style="max-width: 36em;">
-  <img src="images/i_013.jpg" width="562" height="404" alt="" /></div>
-
-<h2 class="nobreak p2">THE COLLIER AND THE FULLER.</h2>
-</div>
-
-<p><span class="firstword">The</span> Collier and the Fuller being old acquaintances,
-happened upon a time to meet together, and the latter
-being but ill provided with a habitation, was invited by
-the former to come and live in the same house with him.
-I thank you, my dear friend, replied the Fuller, for
-your kind offer; but it cannot be, for if I were to dwell
-with you, whatever I should take pains to scour and
-make clean in the morning, the dust of you and your
-coals would blacken and defile before night.</p>
-
-<h3>APPLICATION.</h3>
-
-<p><span class="firstword">It</span> is of no small importance in life to be cautious
-what company we keep, and with whom we enter into
-friendship; for though we are ever so well disposed
-ourselves, and free from vice, yet if those with whom<span class="pagenum" id="Page_14">14</span>
-we frequently converse, are engaged in a lewd, wicked
-course, it will be almost impossible for us to escape
-being drawn in with them. If we are truly wise, and
-would shun those rocks of pleasure upon which so many
-have split, we should forbid ourselves all manner of
-commerce and correspondence with those who are steering
-a course, which reason tells us is not only not for
-our advantage, but would end in our destruction. All
-the virtue we can boast of, will not be sufficient to insure
-our safety, if we embark in bad company; for
-though our philosophy were such as would preserve us
-from being tainted and infected with their manners, yet
-their characters would twist and entwine themselves
-along with ours, in so intricate a fold, that the world
-would not take the trouble to unravel and separate
-them. Reputation is of a blending nature, like water;
-that which is derived from the clearest spring, if it
-chance to mix with a foul current, runs on undistinguished,
-in one muddy stream, and must ever partake
-of the colour and condition of its associate.</p>
-
-<div id="ip_14" class="figcenter" style="max-width: 27em;">
-  <img src="images/i_014.jpg" width="424" height="285" alt="" /></div>
-
-<hr />
-
-<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_15">15</span></p>
-
-<div class="chapter">
-<div id="ip_15" class="figcenter" style="max-width: 36em;">
-  <img src="images/i_015.jpg" width="565" height="405" alt="" /></div>
-
-<h2 class="nobreak p2">THE HUSBANDMAN AND HIS SONS.</h2>
-</div>
-
-<p><span class="firstword">A Husbandman,</span> at the point of death, being desirous
-that his Sons should pursue the same innocent
-course of agriculture in which he himself had been engaged
-all his life, made use of this expedient. He
-called them to his bed-side, and said: All the patrimony
-I have to bequeath to you, my sons, is my farm
-and my vine-yard, of which I make you joint heirs;
-but I charge you not to let them go out of your own
-occupation, for if I have any treasure besides, it lies
-buried somewhere in the ground within a foot of the
-surface. This made the Sons conclude that he talked of
-money which he had hidden: so after their father’s
-death, with unwearied diligence, they carefully dug up
-every inch, and though they found not the money they
-expected, the ground, by being well stirred and loosened,
-produced so plentiful a crop of all that was sown in
-it, as proved a real, and that no inconsiderable treasure.</p>
-
-<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_16">16</span></p>
-
-<h3>APPLICATION.</h3>
-
-<p><span class="firstword">The</span> good name and the good counsel of a father,
-are the best legacies he can leave to his children; and
-they ought to revere the one, and keep in mind the
-other. The wealth which a man acquires by his honest
-industry affords him greater pleasure in the enjoyment,
-than when acquired in any other way; and men who
-by personal labour have obtained a competency, know
-its value better than those can who have had it showered
-upon them without any efforts of their own. Idleness
-engenders disease, while exercise is the great prop of
-health, and health is the greatest blessing of life, which
-consideration alone ought to stimulate men to pursue
-some useful employment; and among the almost endless
-number of those, to which good laws and well-organized
-society give birth and encouragement, there
-are none equal to the culture of the earth, none which
-yield a more grateful return. The pleasures derived
-both from agriculture and horticulture, are so various, so
-delightful, and so natural to man, that they are not easily
-to be described, and are never to be excelled: for in
-whatever way they are pursued, the mind may be constantly
-entertained with the wonderful œconomy of the
-vegetable world; and the nerves are invigorated and
-kept in proper tone by the freshness of the earth, and
-the fragrancy of the air, which blush the countenance
-with health, and give a relish to every meal.</p>
-
-<hr />
-
-<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_17">17</span></p>
-
-<div class="chapter">
-<div id="ip_17" class="figcenter" style="max-width: 36em;">
-  <img src="images/i_017.jpg" width="568" height="408" alt="" /></div>
-
-<h2 class="nobreak p2">THE PROUD FROG AND THE OX.</h2>
-</div>
-
-<p><span class="firstword">An</span> Ox, grazing in a meadow, chanced to set his foot
-among a parcel of young Frogs, and trod one of them
-to death. The rest informed their mother, when she
-came home, what had happened; telling her, that the
-beast which did it, was the hugest creature that they
-ever saw in their lives. What, was it so big? says the
-old Frog, swelling and blowing up her speckled belly
-to a great degree. Oh! bigger by a vast deal, say
-they: and so big? says she, straining herself yet more.
-Indeed, say they, if you were to burst yourself, you
-would never be so big. She strove yet again, and burst
-herself indeed.</p>
-
-<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_18">18</span></p>
-
-<h3>APPLICATION.</h3>
-
-<p>How many vain people, of moderate easy circumstances,
-by entertaining the silly ambition of vying with
-their superiors in station and fortune, get into the direct
-road to ruin. In whatever station of life it may have
-pleased Providence to place us, we ought to determine
-upon living within our income, and to endeavour by
-honesty, sobriety, and industry, to maintain our ground.
-Young men, upon their launching out into the world,
-would do well deeply to reflect upon this, for their future
-peace of mind and happiness greatly depend upon
-it. They need only look a little about them to see
-how a contrary conduct has operated upon thousands;
-and it is to be feared, will continue to fill our gaols with
-debtors, and Bedlam with lunatics.</p>
-
-<div id="ip_18" class="figcenter" style="max-width: 26em;">
-  <img src="images/i_018.jpg" width="410" height="248" alt="" /></div>
-
-<hr />
-
-<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_19">19</span></p>
-
-<div class="chapter">
-<div id="ip_19" class="figcenter" style="max-width: 36em;">
-  <img src="images/i_019.jpg" width="572" height="408" alt="" /></div>
-
-<h2 class="nobreak p2">THE STAG LOOKING INTO THE WATER.</h2>
-</div>
-
-<p><span class="firstword">A</span> Stag drinking, saw himself in the water, and
-pleased with the sight, stood contemplating his shape.
-Ah, says he, what a glorious pair of branching horns
-are here, how gracefully do these antlers project over
-my forehead, and give an agreeable turn to my whole
-face; but I have such legs as really make me ashamed;
-they look so very long and unsightly, that I had rather
-have none at all. In the midst of this soliloquy, he
-was alarmed with the cry of a pack of hounds. Away
-he flies in some consternation, and bounding nimbly
-over the plain, threw dogs and men at a vast distance
-behind him. After which, taking a very thick copse, he
-had the ill fortune to be entangled by his horns in the
-branches, where he was held fast till the hounds came
-up and seized him. In the pangs of death, he is said
-to have uttered these words: Unhappy creature that I<span class="pagenum" id="Page_20">20</span>
-am, I am too late convinced that what I prided myself
-in, has been the cause of my undoing; and what I so
-much disliked, was the only thing that could have saved
-me.</p>
-
-<h3>APPLICATION.</h3>
-
-<p><span class="firstword">We</span> often make a false estimate, in preferring our
-ornamental talents to our useful ones, and are apt to
-place our love and admiration on wrong objects. When
-our vanity is stronger than our reason, show and ostentation
-find easy admission into our hearts, and we are
-much fonder of specious trifles than useful plainness.
-But the truest mark of wisdom is to estimate things at
-their just value, and to know whence the most solid
-advantages may be derived: otherwise, like the Stag
-in the Fable, we may happen to admire those accomplishments
-which are not only of no real use, but often
-prove prejudicial to us, while we despise those things
-on which our safety may depend. He that does not
-know himself, will often form a false judgment upon
-other matters that most materially concern him; and
-thus it fares with many, who suffer themselves to be
-deluded with the false pomp of high life, and whose
-vanity prompts them to conceive they possess talents
-which qualify them to shine in that circle, into which,
-had they judged rightly, they never would have entered,
-but rather have applied themselves to improve
-other qualifications, which might have insured their own
-happiness, and have rendered them useful members of
-society.</p>
-
-<hr />
-
-<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_21">21</span></p>
-
-<div class="chapter">
-<div id="ip_21" class="figcenter" style="max-width: 36em;">
-  <img src="images/i_021.jpg" width="568" height="406" alt="" /></div>
-
-<h2 class="nobreak p2">THE LEOPARD AND THE FOX.</h2>
-</div>
-
-<p><span class="firstword">The</span> Leopard, one day, took it into his head to
-value himself upon the great variety and beauty of his
-spots, and truly he saw no reason why even the Lion
-should take place of him, since he could not shew so
-beautiful a skin. As for the rest of the wild beasts of
-the forest, he treated them all without distinction in the
-most haughty and disdainful manner. But the Fox
-being among them, went up to him with a great deal of
-spirit and resolution, and told him that he was mistaken
-in the value he was pleased to set upon himself, since
-people of judgment were not used to form their opinion
-of merit from an outside appearance, but by considering
-the good qualities and endowments with which the mind
-was stored within.</p>
-
-<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_22">22</span></p>
-
-<h3>APPLICATION.</h3>
-
-<p><span class="firstword">Wise</span> men are chiefly captivated with the beauty of
-the mind, rather than that of the person; and whenever
-they are infatuated with a passion for any thing else, it
-is generally observed that they cease, during that time
-at least, to be what they were, and indeed are only considered
-to be playing the fool. It too often happens
-that women of remarkable beauty are so fully satisfied
-with their outward excellencies, that they totally neglect
-the improvement of their minds; not considering that it
-is only a combination of mental and personal charms
-that can entitle them to be ranked as Nature’s greatest
-ornaments. Unmindful of this, however, they are too
-apt to consider beauty as the only thing requisite in
-their sex; and since they are endowed with it in such
-an eminent degree, they look down with disdain on females
-less happy in personal charms. Beauty has undoubtedly
-great influence over the hearts of mankind,
-but when it is overrun with affectation and conceit,
-their admiration will soon be turned into disgust; while
-women of more ordinary persons, but blessed with good
-sense and good humour, will captivate the hearts of
-worthy men, and more effectually secure their constancy.</p>
-
-<div id="ip_22" class="figcenter" style="max-width: 17em;">
-  <img src="images/i_022.jpg" width="262" height="161" alt="" /></div>
-
-<hr />
-
-<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_23">23</span></p>
-
-<div class="chapter">
-<div id="ip_23" class="figcenter" style="max-width: 36em;">
-  <img src="images/i_023.jpg" width="562" height="406" alt="" /></div>
-
-<h2 class="nobreak p2">THE PEACOCK AND THE CRANE.</h2>
-</div>
-
-<p><span class="firstword">The</span> Peacock and the Crane having by chance met
-together, the Peacock erected his tail, displayed his
-gaudy plumes, and looked with contempt upon the
-Crane, as some mean ordinary person. The Crane resolving
-to mortify his insolence, took occasion to say,
-that Peacocks were very fine birds indeed, if fine feathers
-could make them so; but that he thought it a
-much nobler thing to be able to rise above the clouds
-into endless space, and survey the wonders of the heavens,
-as well as of the earth beneath, with its seas, lakes,
-and rivers, as far as the eye can reach, than to strut
-about upon the ground, and be gazed at by children.</p>
-
-<h3>APPLICATION.</h3>
-
-<p><span class="firstword">There</span> cannot be a greater sign of a weak mind,<span class="pagenum" id="Page_24">24</span>
-than a person’s valuing himself on a gaudy outside,
-whether it consist of the beauties of the person, or the
-still more contemptible vanity of fine cloaths. This
-kind of misguided pride, while it endeavours to exalt,
-commonly tends to lower the persons who are infected
-with it; but never renders them so truly ridiculous as
-when it inspires them with a contempt of those who
-have ten times more worth than themselves. To value
-ourselves upon the glitter and finery of dress is one of
-the most trifling of all vanities; and a man of sense
-would be ashamed to bestow upon it the least attention.
-They who examine things by the scale of common sense,
-must find something of weight and substance before they
-can be persuaded to set a value upon it. The mind
-that is stored with virtuous and rational sentiments, and
-the behaviour which is founded upon complacency and
-humility, stamp a value upon the possessor, which all
-men of discernment are ever ready to admire and acknowledge.</p>
-
-<div id="ip_24" class="figcenter" style="max-width: 27em;">
-  <img src="images/i_024.jpg" width="418" height="300" alt="" /></div>
-
-<hr />
-
-<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_25">25</span></p>
-
-<div class="chapter">
-<div id="ip_25" class="figcenter" style="max-width: 36em;">
-  <img src="images/i_025.jpg" width="565" height="406" alt="" /></div>
-
-<h2 class="nobreak p2">THE TWO POTS.</h2>
-</div>
-
-<p><span class="firstword">An</span> earthen Pot, and one of brass, standing together
-upon the brink of a river, were both carried away by
-the sudden rise of the water. The earthen Pot shewed
-some uneasiness, fearing he should be broken; but his
-companion of brass bade him be under no apprehension,
-as he would take care of him. Oh! replies the other,
-keep as far off as you can, I entreat you: it is you I
-am most afraid of; for whether the stream dash you
-against me, or me against you, I am sure to be the
-sufferer, and, therefore, I beg of you do not let us come
-near one another.</p>
-
-<h3>APPLICATION.</h3>
-
-<p><span class="firstword">A</span> man of moderate fortune, who is contented with
-what he has, and finds he can live happily upon it,<span class="pagenum" id="Page_26">26</span>
-should be particularly guarded against the ill-judged
-ambition of associating with the rich and powerful, for
-what in them is œconomy, would in him be the height
-of extravagance; and at the very time they honour him
-with their countenance, they are leading him on to his
-ruin. People of equal conditions may float down the
-current of life without hurting each other; but it is no
-easy matter to steer one’s course in company with the
-great, so as to escape without a bulge: neither is it desirable
-to live in the neighbourhood of a very great
-man; for whether we ignorantly trespass upon him, or
-he knowingly encroach upon us, we are sure to be the
-sufferers.</p>
-
-<div id="ip_26" class="figcenter" style="max-width: 21em;">
-  <img src="images/i_026.jpg" width="336" height="275" alt="" /></div>
-
-<hr />
-
-<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_27">27</span></p>
-
-<div class="chapter">
-<div id="ip_27" class="figcenter" style="max-width: 36em;">
-  <img src="images/i_027.jpg" width="566" height="410" alt="" /></div>
-
-<h2 class="nobreak p2">THE MOLE AND HER DAM.</h2>
-</div>
-
-<p><span class="firstword">The</span> young Mole snuffed up her nose, and told her
-Dam she smelt an odd kind of a smell. Bye and bye,
-O strange! says she, what a noise there is in my ears,
-as if ten thousand hammers were going. A little after,
-she was at it again: look, look, what is that I see yonder?
-it is just like the flame of a fiery furnace. The
-Dam replied, pray child hold your idle tongue; and if
-you would have us allow you any sense at all, do not
-affect to shew more than nature has given you.</p>
-
-<h3>APPLICATION.</h3>
-
-<p><span class="firstword">By</span> affectation, we aim at being thought to possess
-some accomplishment which we have not, or at shewing
-what we have, in a conceited ostentatious manner.
-There is scarcely any species of ridiculous behaviour,<span class="pagenum" id="Page_28">28</span>
-which is not derived from it; it grows out of folly and
-insincerity; it derogates from genius; it is the bane of
-beauty, and diminishes its charms; it is disagreeable to
-others, and hurtful to the person who uses it; it detracts
-from some real possession, and makes qualities
-that would otherwise pass well enough, appear nauseous
-and offensive; and whoever indulges in it, may be sure
-to lay themselves open, and call forth the attention of
-others to notice their vanity. To cure ourselves of
-affectation, we have only to call in the aids of truth and
-sincerity, which will cut off the whole train of its follies
-at one stroke.</p>
-
-<div id="ip_28" class="figcenter" style="max-width: 28em;">
-  <img src="images/i_028.jpg" width="445" height="334" alt="" /></div>
-
-<hr />
-
-<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_29">29</span></p>
-
-<div class="chapter">
-<div id="ip_29" class="figcenter" style="max-width: 35em;">
-  <img src="images/i_029.jpg" width="556" height="404" alt="" /></div>
-
-<h2 class="nobreak p2">THE GOAT, THE KID, AND THE WOLF.</h2>
-</div>
-
-<p><span class="firstword">The</span> Goat going abroad to feed, shut up her young
-Kid at home, charging him to bolt the door fast, and
-open it to nobody till she herself should return. The
-Wolf who lay lurking hard by, heard the charge given,
-and soon after came and knocked at the door, counterfeiting
-the voice of the Goat, and desired to be admitted.
-The Kid looking out at the window, and finding the
-cheat, bade him go about his business, for, however he
-might imitate a Goat’s voice, yet he appeared too much
-like a Wolf to be trusted.</p>
-
-<h3>APPLICATION.</h3>
-
-<p><span class="firstword">Deceit,</span> hypocrisy, and villainy, are constantly on
-the watch to entrap and ensnare the innocent and the
-unwary. Every beautiful woman is commonly surrounded<span class="pagenum" id="Page_30">30</span>
-by a kind of men who would undermine her
-virtue; and inexperienced men of fortune, in the outset
-of life, are almost constantly beset with rogues and
-sharpers; and these artful villains, under one specious
-pretext or another, too often effect the ruin of the
-weak and unsuspicious of both sexes. As a guard
-against all these, the early admonitions of parents are
-of inestimable worth: they are built upon the tenderest
-regard, and the most sincere affection. Those who
-have already travelled over the difficult paths of life,
-and buffeted its storms, have observed the snares and
-the dangers with which the way is strewed, and they are
-enabled by their experience, to forewarn those who are
-about to launch out on the troubled ocean of life, to
-steer their course clear of its hidden rocks, its shoals,
-and its quick-sands. Did youth but know the importance
-of this early advice, how eagerly would they
-treasure it in their minds, and as occasion required,
-with what pleasure would they draw it forth, and obey
-its dictates. To the neglect of these precepts, may be
-attributed much of the ill conduct we see in the world,
-and most of the misfortunes which befal mankind
-through life.</p>
-
-<div id="ip_30" class="figcenter" style="max-width: 24em;">
-  <img src="images/i_030.jpg" width="381" height="279" alt="" />
-  <div class="caption">
-
-<p>
-<i>Honour thy Father<br />
-and thy mother<br />
-that thy Days may be long<br />
-in the land which<br />
-The LORD thy God<br />
-giveth Thee.</i><br />
-</p></div></div>
-
-<hr />
-
-<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_31">31</span></p>
-
-<div class="chapter">
-<div id="ip_31" class="figcenter" style="max-width: 36em;">
-  <img src="images/i_031.jpg" width="565" height="407" alt="" /></div>
-
-<h2 class="nobreak p2">THE BROTHER AND SISTER.</h2>
-</div>
-
-<p><span class="firstword">A</span> certain man had two children, a Son and a
-Daughter; the Boy very handsome, and the Girl only
-moderately so. They were both young, and happened
-to be one day playing near the looking-glass, which
-stood on their mother’s toilet. The Boy, pleased with
-the novelty of the thing, viewed himself for some time,
-and in a wanton roguish manner, observed to the Girl
-how handsome he was. She resented it, and could not
-bear the insolent manner in which he spoke, for she
-understood it (as how could she do otherwise) to be intended
-as a direct affront to her. Therefore she ran
-immediately to her Father, and with a deal of aggravation,
-complained of her Brother, particularly of his
-having acted so effeminate a part as to look in a glass,
-and meddle with things which belonged to women only.
-The father embraced them both with much tenderness<span class="pagenum" id="Page_32">32</span>
-and affection, and told them that he should like to have
-them look in a glass every day: to the intent that you,
-says he, addressing himself to the Boy, if you think
-that face of yours handsome, may not disgrace and spoil
-it by an ugly temper, and a foul behaviour; and that
-you, speaking to the girl, may make up for the defects
-of your person, if there be any, by the sweetness of
-your manners, and the agreeableness of your conversation.</p>
-
-<h3>APPLICATION.</h3>
-
-<p><span class="firstword">We</span> should every day view ourselves considerately
-in a looking-glass, with the intent of converting it to
-a better purpose than that of merely observing and admiring
-our persons. Let those on whom nature has
-been liberal of her bounties, in bestowing a fine
-countenance, with symmetry of person, health, and
-strength, always remember that these are the gifts of
-providence, for which we ought ever to be thankful,
-but never vain: these qualifications ought only to act as
-a spur to induce us to cultivate the mind, by study, by
-reading, and reflection, so as to cause it to correspond
-in its beauties with those of our outward appearance.
-Let others again who have not any thing in their personal
-appearance to attract the attention of the world,
-strive also to improve the faculties of the mind, and to
-excel in the beauties of a good temper, and an agreeable
-conversation, the charms of which, notwithstanding
-a rough exterior, cannot fail to endear the possessor to
-all men of sense, who will readily discover intrinsic worth,
-whether it be made up of a lively imagination, clear perceptions,
-or the transparent sincerity of an honest heart.</p>
-
-<hr />
-
-<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_33">33</span></p>
-
-<div class="chapter">
-<div id="ip_33" class="figcenter" style="max-width: 36em;">
-  <img src="images/i_033.jpg" width="562" height="405" alt="" /></div>
-
-<h2 class="nobreak p2">THE SHEEP-BITER.</h2>
-</div>
-
-<p><span class="firstword">A</span> certain Shepherd had a Dog, upon whose fidelity
-he relied very much, for whenever he had occasion to
-be absent himself, he committed the care of his flock
-to the charge of this Dog; and to encourage him to do
-his duty cheerfully, he fed him constantly with sweet
-milk and curds, and sometimes threw him a bone extraordinary.
-Yet, notwithstanding this, no sooner was
-his back turned, than the treacherous Cur fell upon
-some one of the flock, and thus devoured the sheep instead
-of guarding and defending them. The Shepherd
-having at length found out his tricks, was resolved to
-hang him; and the Dog, when the rope was about his
-neck, and he was just going to be tied up, began to
-expostulate with his master, asking him why he was so
-unmercifully bent against him, who was his own servant
-and creature, and had only committed a few crimes;<span class="pagenum" id="Page_34">34</span>
-and why he did not rather take vengeance on the Wolf
-who was an open and declared enemy? Nay, replied
-the Shepherd, it is for that very reason that I think
-you ten times more worthy of death, for from him I
-expected nothing but hostilities, and therefore could
-guard against him; you I depended on as a just and
-faithful servant, and fed and encouraged you accordingly,
-and therefore your treachery is the more base,
-and your ungratitude the more unpardonable.</p>
-
-<h3>APPLICATION.</h3>
-
-<p><span class="firstword">The</span> common disappointments which we are liable
-to through life, do not bring with them any thing to
-be compared to the bitterness we experience from the
-perfidy of those we esteemed and trusted as friends: an
-open enemy we can guard against, and we look upon
-him when he is at rest, as we do at the sword within its
-scabbard; but the man who betrays his trust, masked
-under the appearance of friendship, wounds us in the
-tenderest part, and involves us in a cruelly complicated
-grief, which frets the mind and heightens the sum of
-our infelicity. Friendship is the cordial of human life,
-the balm of society; and he who violates its laws, by
-treachery and deceit, converts it into the deadliest
-poison, and renders that which ought to be the defence
-and support of our steps, our greatest snare and
-danger.</p>
-
-<div id="ip_34" class="figcenter" style="max-width: 12em;">
-  <img src="images/i_034.jpg" width="186" height="93" alt="" /></div>
-
-<hr />
-
-<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_35">35</span></p>
-
-<div class="chapter">
-<div id="ip_35" class="figcenter" style="max-width: 36em;">
-  <img src="images/i_035.jpg" width="571" height="402" alt="" /></div>
-
-<h2 class="nobreak p2">THE OLD WOMAN AND HER MAIDS.</h2>
-</div>
-
-<p><span class="firstword">An</span> Old Woman, who had several Maid Servants,
-used to call them up to their work at the crowing of the
-Cock. The damsels, not liking to have their sweet
-slumbers disturbed so early, combined together, and
-killed the Cock, thinking they might then enjoy their
-warm beds a little longer. But in this they found
-themselves mistaken, for the Old Woman, having lost
-her unerring guide, from that time roused them out
-of their beds whenever she awoke, although it might be
-at midnight.</p>
-
-<h3>APPLICATION.</h3>
-
-<p><span class="firstword">We</span> govern our lives by imagination rather than by
-judgment, mistaking the reason of things, and imputing
-the issue of them to wrong causes. We should<span class="pagenum" id="Page_36">36</span>
-endeavour to content ourselves in our present station,
-if it be not very bad indeed, for it seldom happens that
-every thing can be in all respects agreeable to our
-wishes. When we give full scope to the impatience of
-our tempers, and quit our present condition in life, we
-often find we have not changed for the better; but we
-are too fond of carving out our fortunes for ourselves,
-and wish to remove this or that obstacle which we imagine
-stands between us and our felicity: then, too late,
-we see how greatly we are mistaken in our notions,
-when we feel we have changed for the worse. Before
-we attempt any alteration of moment, we should, if
-possible, ascertain what state it will produce, and not
-suffer infirmity of temper to embitter our lives; but,
-above all, we should never aim at mending our fortunes
-by fraud and violence.</p>
-
-<div id="ip_36" class="figcenter" style="max-width: 24em;">
-  <img src="images/i_036.jpg" width="376" height="302" alt="" />
-  <div class="caption"><i>They all want <span class="strikethrough">Brains</span> Wigs</i></div></div>
-
-<hr />
-
-<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_37">37</span></p>
-
-<div class="chapter">
-<div id="ip_37" class="figcenter" style="max-width: 36em;">
-  <img src="images/i_037.jpg" width="566" height="406" alt="" /></div>
-
-<h2 class="nobreak p2">HERCULES AND THE CARTER.</h2>
-</div>
-
-<p><span class="firstword">As</span> a clownish Fellow was driving his cart along a
-deep miry lane, the wheels stuck so fast in the clay,
-that his horses could not draw it out. Upon this he
-fell a bawling and praying to Hercules to come and
-help him. Hercules, looking down from a cloud, bid
-him not lie there like an idle dastardly looby as he was,
-but get up and whip his horses, and clap his shoulder
-stoutly to the wheel, adding that this was the only way
-for him to obtain assistance.</p>
-
-<h3>APPLICATION.</h3>
-
-<p><span class="firstword">The</span> man who sits down at his ease, and prays to
-Heaven to have all his wants supplied, and his wishes
-accomplished, by a miracle wrought in his favour,
-without using his own exertions and honest endeavours<span class="pagenum" id="Page_38">38</span>
-to obtain them, deserves to be disappointed. Many
-men who have a fair share of natural good sense, and
-who also value themselves upon having their reasoning
-powers enlightened by revelation, yet fall into this
-error: led by fanatics and bigots, they follow the fashion
-of running often to prayers and sermons, when
-they might be much better employed at home. The industrious
-good man, instead of publicly praying for the
-comforts of life, pursues his business, which is the proper
-means of procuring them; and if at the same time
-he holds converse with his Maker, which all men ought
-to do, and no man can be happy without doing, he
-needs no veil of hypocrisy to make the world believe
-he is better than he really is: he feels it his duty and
-pleasure so to proceed, while he sojourns here, and
-knows not how he can do better, than by sober and
-honest industry to provide for those of his own household,
-and to endeavour for the means of helping him
-that needeth. The man who is virtuously and honestly
-engaged, is actually serving God all the while; and is
-more likely to have his silent wishes, accompanied with
-strenuous endeavours, complied with by the Supreme
-Being, than he who begs with an unnecessary vehemence,
-and solicits with an empty hand—a hand which
-would be more religious, were it usefully employed,
-and more devout, were it stretched out to do good to
-those that want it.</p>
-
-<div id="ip_38" class="figcenter" style="max-width: 11em;">
-  <img src="images/i_038.jpg" width="161" height="38" alt="" /></div>
-
-<hr />
-
-<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_39">39</span></p>
-
-<div class="chapter">
-<div id="ip_39" class="figcenter" style="max-width: 35em;">
-  <img src="images/i_039.jpg" width="553" height="401" alt="" /></div>
-
-<h2 class="nobreak p2">THE EAGLE, THE CAT, AND THE SOW.</h2>
-</div>
-
-<p><span class="firstword">An</span> Eagle had built her nest upon the top branches
-of an old oak; a Wild Cat inhabited a hole in the middle;
-and in the hollow part at the bottom was a Sow
-with a whole litter of Pigs. A happy neighbourhood,
-and might long have continued so, had it not been for
-the wicked insinuations of the designing Cat: for first
-of all, up she crept to the Eagle, and, Good neighbour,
-says she, we shall all be undone; that filthy Sow
-yonder does nothing but lie rooting at the foot of the
-tree, and, as I suspect, intends to grub it up, that she
-may the more easily come at our young ones. For my
-part, I will take care of my own concerns, you may do
-as you please; but I will watch her motions, though I
-stay at home this month for it. When she had said
-this, which could not fail of putting the Eagle into a
-great fright, down she went, and made a visit to the<span class="pagenum" id="Page_40">40</span>
-Sow at the bottom: putting on a sorrowful face, I hope,
-says she, you do not intend to go abroad to-day: why
-not? says the Sow: nay, replies the other, you may do
-as you please, but I overheard the Eagle tell her young
-ones, that she would treat them with a Pig the first
-time she saw you go out; and I am not sure but she
-may take up with a Kitten in the mean time; so good
-morrow to you, you will excuse me, I must go and
-take care of the little folks at home. Away she went
-accordingly, and by contriving to steal out softly at
-nights for her prey, and to stand watching and peeping
-all day at her hole, as under great concern, she made
-such an impression upon the Eagle and the Sow, that
-neither of them dared to venture abroad, for fear of
-the other; the consequence of which was, that they
-in a little time were starved, and their young ones fell
-a prey to the treacherous Cat and her Kittens.</p>
-
-<h3>APPLICATION.</h3>
-
-<p><span class="firstword">This</span> shews us the ill consequence of giving ear to a
-gossiping double-tongued neighbour. Many sociable
-well-disposed families have been blown up into a perpetual
-discord, by one of these wicked go-betweens; so
-that whoever would avoid the imputation of being a
-bad neighbour, should guard both against receiving ill
-impressions by hearsay, and uttering his opinions of
-others, to those busy bodies, who, to gratify a malignant
-disposition, or gain some selfish end of their own,
-can magnify a gnat to the size of a camel, or swell a
-mole-hill to a mountain.</p>
-
-<hr />
-
-<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_41">41</span></p>
-
-<div class="chapter">
-<div id="ip_41" class="figcenter" style="max-width: 36em;">
-  <img src="images/i_041.jpg" width="567" height="409" alt="" /></div>
-
-<h2 class="nobreak p2">THE LARK AND HER YOUNG ONES.</h2>
-</div>
-
-<p><span class="firstword">A</span> Lark who had Young Ones in a field of corn
-nearly ripe, was under some fear lest the reapers
-should come and cut it down before her young brood
-were fledged, and able to remove from the place;
-wherefore, when she flew abroad in the morning to
-seek for food for them, she charged them to listen to
-what the Farmer said about shearing. On her return,
-her young family opened all their little throats at once,
-to inform her that the Farmer had sent to his neighbours
-to reap the corn the next morning. Is that all?
-said the old Lark, then there is no danger. When
-she went abroad again the next morning, she left the
-same instructions as before. At night, she found her
-Young Ones more alarmed than at first; for the Farmer
-had applied to his friends, earnestly requesting them
-to begin the harvest the next day. She received this<span class="pagenum" id="Page_42">42</span>
-intelligence as calmly as before, and took no other
-precautions the next day, than repeating the same orders.
-In the evening, they told her that the Farmer
-had been charging his son to get the sickles ready, for
-it was in vain to wait for other people, and that they
-would cut the corn to-morrow themselves. Nay, then
-said the old Lark, we must be off as soon as we can; for
-when a man undertakes to do his business himself, it is
-not so likely that he will be disappointed.</p>
-
-<h3>APPLICATION.</h3>
-
-<p><span class="firstword">He</span> who depends on the assistance of others to perform
-what he is able to do himself, must not be surprised
-to find that his business is neglected. He may
-be sure that it will be best done when he puts forth his
-own hands, and looks after it with his own eyes. How
-indeed can any man imagine, that other people will be
-active in his interest, while he himself remains indolent
-and unconcerned about his own affairs. Men of such
-tempers and dispositions, live in a state of suspense,
-and subject themselves to perpetual disappointments
-and losses, which their own industry would have prevented,
-and have kept their minds at ease. They do
-not use their reasoning powers, but sink down into a
-kind of stupid abject dependence upon others, which
-degrades even the finest talents with which human
-nature is dignified.</p>
-
-<hr />
-
-<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_43">43</span></p>
-
-<div class="chapter">
-<div id="ip_43" class="figcenter" style="max-width: 36em;">
-  <img src="images/i_043.jpg" width="569" height="411" alt="" /></div>
-
-<h2 class="nobreak p2">THE YOUNG MEN AND THE COOK.</h2>
-</div>
-
-<p><span class="firstword">Two</span> Young Men went into a Cook’s shop, under
-pretence of buying some meat; and while the Cook’s
-back was turned, one of them snatched up a piece of
-beef, and gave it to his companion, who clapt it under
-his cloak. The Cook turning about, and missing his
-beef, began to charge them with it: upon which he
-that first took it swore bitterly he had none of it. He
-that had it, swore as heartily that he had not taken it.
-Why, look ye, gentlemen, says the Cook, I see your
-equivocation; and though I cannot tell which of you
-has taken my meat, I am sure between you there is a
-thief.</p>
-
-<h3>APPLICATION.</h3>
-
-<p><span class="firstword">This</span> fable shews how little reliance can be placed
-on either the word or the oath of those who, like the<span class="pagenum" id="Page_44">44</span>
-thieves in the cook’s shop, have neither honour nor
-honesty. An honest man’s word is as good as his
-oath; and so is a rogue’s too: for he that will cheat
-and lie, will not scruple to forswear himself. The
-former needs no oath to bind him; and the latter,
-though he swear in the most solemn manner that can
-be invented, only deceives you the more certainly, as
-he who scruples not to steal, will never regard the
-heinous guilt of calling upon the Supreme Being to
-witness his atrocity. It is no less wicked to quibble
-and evade the truth, than it is to deny it altogether,
-for the falsehood consists in what we wish the hearer
-to believe, not in the literal import of what we say.
-Men who habituate themselves to this species of deceit,
-will soon be ready to go the length of any perjury.
-Early to impress the mind with the unspeakable worth
-of truth, is of the utmost importance. It is sacred,
-and no man can say in the face of the world, that it
-ought not to prevail. No discussions can injure its
-cause—it emanates from heaven—it is an attribute of
-omnipotence, and is therefore eternal.</p>
-
-<div id="ip_44" class="figcenter" style="max-width: 22em;">
-  <img src="images/i_044.jpg" width="339" height="195" alt="" /></div>
-
-<hr />
-
-<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_45">45</span></p>
-
-<div class="chapter">
-<div id="ip_45" class="figcenter" style="max-width: 36em;">
-  <img src="images/i_045.jpg" width="566" height="406" alt="" /></div>
-
-<h2 class="nobreak p2">THE MULE.</h2>
-</div>
-
-<p><span class="firstword">A</span> Mule, which was pampered up and easily worked,
-became plump, sleek, and in high condition, and in
-the height of his wantonness, would scamper about
-from hill to dale in all the wildness of unbridled restraint.
-Why should not I, said he to himself, be as
-good a racer as any horse whatever? My father,
-whose pedigree was well known, was one of the best
-of them; do not I resemble him in every respect?
-While he was indulging his vanity in reveries of
-this kind, his master having occasion to mount him
-upon urgent business, put him upon his speed, and,
-ere long, was obliged to use both whip and spur to
-force him to push forward. Thus jaded and tired,
-he muttered to himself, Alas! I find now, I was mistaken
-in my pedigree, for my sire was not a Horse,
-but an Ass.</p>
-
-<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_46">46</span></p>
-
-<h3>APPLICATION.</h3>
-
-<p><span class="firstword">The</span> man who has been brought up in ease and
-affluence, and pampered and anticipated in all his
-wants, little imagines what a figure he would make in
-the world, were his supplies cut off, and he were put
-to the trial to rub through its thorny mazes, and provide
-for himself. The children of the poor industrious
-honest man, when brought up like their parents, are
-put to a kind of school, such as the opulent it is feared
-can seldom form any conception of; and if the former,
-by their industry and abilities, rise above poverty, their
-enjoyments in life commonly surpass those who have
-been, without effort, upheld in every real as well as
-imaginary want. The sensible poor man does not
-trouble his head about his pedigree, but he knows that
-his descent must of course be as ancient as that of any
-man on earth; and that if he is respected in the world,
-it must arise solely from his own good conduct and
-merit. The man who has nothing to boast but the
-merely tracing back his ancestry, is building upon a
-hollow foundation. If indeed his ancestry have arisen
-to their high station by patriotic and virtuous means,
-and have deservedly maintained a high character for
-probity, worth, and honour, let him follow their example:
-if otherwise, all he can do or say will only
-prove him to be a mongrel, or an ass.</p>
-
-<div class="poem-container">
-<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
-<span class="i0">“The pride of family is all a cheat,<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">“’Tis personal merit only makes us great.”<br /></span>
-</div></div>
-</div>
-<hr />
-
-<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_47">47</span></p>
-
-<div id="ip_47" class="figcenter" style="max-width: 36em;">
-  <img src="images/i_047.jpg" width="564" height="397" alt="" /></div>
-
-<h2 class="nobreak p2">THE COCK AND THE JEWEL.</h2>
-
-<p><span class="firstword">A</span> gallant young Cock, in company with his mistresses,
-raking upon a dung-hill for something to entertain
-them with, happened to scratch up a Jewel.
-He knew what it was well enough, for it sparkled with
-an exceeding bright lustre; but not knowing what to
-do with it, he shrugged up his wings, shook his head,
-and putting on a grimace, expressed himself to this
-purpose: Indeed, you are a very fine thing; but I
-know not any business you have here. I make no
-scruple of declaring, that my taste lies quite another
-way; and I had rather have one grain of dear, delicious
-barley, than all the Jewels under the sun.</p>
-
-<h3>APPLICATION.</h3>
-
-<p><span class="firstword">Moralists</span> have interpreted this Fable in various<span class="pagenum" id="Page_48">48</span>
-ways, some of them ascribing the want of setting a
-proper value upon the Jewel, to ignorance, and <span class="locked">say:—</span></p>
-
-<div class="poem-container">
-<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
-<span class="i0">“To fools, the treasures dug from wisdom’s mine<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">“Are Jewels thrown to Cocks, and Pearls to Swine.”<br /></span>
-</div></div>
-</div>
-
-<p class="in0">But the most obvious meaning of the Fable is surely
-to shew, that men who weigh well their own real
-wants, and shape their pursuits to their abilities, will
-always prefer those things which are necessary, to such
-as are merely ornamental or superfluous, and will not
-easily suffer themselves to be led astray by the gaudy
-allurements of glitter and show, which have no other
-value than what vanity, pride, or luxury may have set
-upon them; but governing their minds by their own
-reason, judge of every thing by its intrinsic worth.</p>
-
-<div id="ip_48" class="figcenter" style="max-width: 30em;">
-  <img src="images/i_048.jpg" width="480" height="307" alt="" /></div>
-
-<hr />
-
-<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_49">49</span></p>
-
-<div class="chapter">
-<div id="ip_49" class="figcenter" style="max-width: 36em;">
-  <img src="images/i_049.jpg" width="569" height="407" alt="" /></div>
-
-<h2 class="nobreak p2">MERCURY AND THE WOODMAN.</h2>
-</div>
-
-<p><span class="firstword">A</span> Man was felling a tree on the steep bank of a
-river, and by chance let slip his hatchet, which dropt
-into the water, and sunk to the bottom. Being in distress
-for want of his tool, he sat down and bemoaned
-himself on the occasion. Upon this, Mercury appeared
-to him, and being informed of the cause of his
-complaint, dived to the bottom of the river, and coming
-up again, shewed the Man a golden hatchet, demanding
-if that were his? he denied that it was: upon
-which Mercury dived a second time, and brought up
-a silver one; the Man refused it, alleging likewise
-that it was not his: he dived a third time, and fetched
-up the individual hatchet the Man had lost; upon
-sight of which the poor fellow was overjoyed, and took
-it with all humility and thankfulness. Mercury was
-so pleased with his honesty, that he gave him the other<span class="pagenum" id="Page_50">50</span>
-into the bargain, as a reward for his just dealing.
-Away goes the Man to his companions, and giving
-them an account of what had happened, one of them
-went presently to the river’s side, and let his hatchet
-fall designedly into the stream. Then sitting down
-upon the bank, he fell to weeping and lamenting as if
-he had been really and sorely afflicted. Mercury appeared
-as before, and diving, brought him up a golden
-hatchet, asking if that were the hatchet he had lost?
-Transported at the precious metal, he answered yes,
-and went to snatch it greedily; but the God, detesting
-his abominable impudence, not only refused him
-that, but would not so much as let him have his own
-again.</p>
-
-<h3>APPLICATION.</h3>
-
-<p><span class="firstword">Honesty</span> is the best policy; and one of our best
-poets has further stamped a value upon the good old
-maxim, by his assertion that “an honest man is the
-noblest work of God.” The paths of truth and integrity
-are so plain, direct, and easy, that the man
-who pursues them, stands in no need of subtle contrivances
-to deceive the world. He listens to the
-honest monitor within, and makes good his professions
-with his practice: neither gold nor silver hatchets
-can make him deviate from it; and whatever situation
-he may be placed in, he is sure to meet the esteem of
-all men within the circle in which he moves, and has
-besides the constant pleasure of feeling self-approbation
-within his own breast.</p>
-
-<hr />
-
-<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_51">51</span></p>
-
-<div class="chapter">
-<div id="ip_51" class="figcenter" style="max-width: 36em;">
-  <img src="images/i_051.jpg" width="571" height="411" alt="" /></div>
-
-<h2 class="nobreak p2">THE FOX AND THE VIZOR MASK.</h2>
-</div>
-
-<p><span class="firstword">A</span> Fox being in a shop where Vizor Masks were
-sold, laid his foot upon one of them, and considering
-it awhile attentively, at last broke out into this exclamation:
-Bless me! says he, what a handsome goodly
-figure this makes! what a pity it is that it should want
-brains!</p>
-
-<h3>APPLICATION.</h3>
-
-<div class="poem-container">
-<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
-<span class="i0">The accomplished beau in air and mein how blest,<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">His hat well fashioned, and his hair well drest,<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">Is yet undrest within: to give him brains<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">Exceeds his hatter’s or his barber’s pains.<br /></span>
-</div></div>
-</div>
-
-<p><span class="firstword">This</span> Fable is levelled at that numerous part of mankind,
-who, out of their own ample fortunes take care<span class="pagenum" id="Page_52">52</span>
-to accomplish themselves in every thing but common
-sense, and seem not even to bestow a thought upon the
-important consequences of cultivating their understandings.
-The smooth address and plausible behaviour of
-the varnished fop may indeed pass current with the
-ignorant and superficial, but however much he may
-value himself upon his birth or figure, he never fails
-exciting the contempt or the pity of men of sagacity
-and penetration, and the ridicule of those who are disposed
-to amuse themselves at the folly and vanity of
-such as put on the mask of wisdom to cover their want
-of brains.</p>
-
-<div id="ip_52" class="figcenter" style="max-width: 25em;">
-  <img src="images/i_052.jpg" width="398" height="363" alt="" /></div>
-
-<hr />
-
-<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_53">53</span></p>
-
-<div class="chapter">
-<div id="ip_53" class="figcenter" style="max-width: 34em;">
-  <img src="images/i_053.jpg" width="542" height="412" alt="" /></div>
-
-<h2 class="nobreak p2">THE THIEF AND THE DOG.</h2>
-</div>
-
-<p><span class="firstword">A</span> Thief coming to rob a certain house in the night,
-was thwarted in his attempts by a fierce vigilant Dog,
-who kept barking at him continually. Upon which
-the Thief, thinking to stop his mouth, threw him a
-piece of bread; but the Dog refused it with indignation,
-telling him that before he only suspected him to
-be a bad man, but now upon his offering to bribe him,
-his suspicions were fully confirmed; and that as he was
-entrusted with the guardianship of his master’s house,
-he would never cease barking while such a rogue was
-lurking about it.</p>
-
-<h3>APPLICATION.</h3>
-
-<p><span class="firstword">Nothing</span> can alter the honest purpose of him whose
-mind is embued with good principles. He will despise<span class="pagenum" id="Page_54">54</span>
-an insidious bribe, and the greater the offer which is
-designed to buy his silence, the louder and more indignantly
-will he open out against the miscreant who
-would thus practise upon him. He knows that the
-favours held out to him are not marks of the love and
-regard of him who would confer them, but are meant
-as the price at which he is to sell his honour and his
-virtue. With a mind unpolluted, his noble resolution
-never fails to produce the happiest consequences, by
-preserving his friends and himself from the mischievous
-projects laid against them. So true it is, that virtue
-is its own reward; while corruption and venality are
-sure in the end to bring the greatest miseries on those,
-and their adherents, who are so base, or perhaps inconsiderate,
-as to subject themselves to future evils of
-the most fatal nature, for the sake of a little present
-profit.</p>
-
-<div id="ip_54" class="figcenter" style="max-width: 29em;">
-  <img src="images/i_054.jpg" width="464" height="284" alt="" /></div>
-
-<hr />
-
-<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_55">55</span></p>
-
-<div class="chapter">
-<div id="ip_55" class="figcenter" style="max-width: 36em;">
-  <img src="images/i_055.jpg" width="565" height="410" alt="" /></div>
-
-<h2 class="nobreak p2">THE MAN AND HIS GOOSE.</h2>
-</div>
-
-<p><span class="firstword">A</span> certain Man had a Goose, which laid him a
-golden egg every day. But not contented with this,
-which rather increased than abated his avarice, he was
-resolved to kill the Goose, and cut up her belly, that
-by so doing he might come at the inexhaustible treasure
-which he fancied she had within her. He did so,
-and to his great sorrow and disappointment, found
-nothing.</p>
-
-<h3>APPLICATION.</h3>
-
-<p><span class="firstword">No</span> passion can be a greater torment to those who
-are led by it, or more frequently mistakes its aim, than
-insatiable covetousness. It makes men blind to their
-present happiness, and conjures up ideal prospects of
-increasing felicity, which often tempt its deluded votaries
-to their ruin. Men who give themselves up to<span class="pagenum" id="Page_56">56</span>
-this propensity, know not how to be contented with
-the constant and continued sufficiency with which
-Providence may have blessed them: their minds are
-haunted with the prospect of becoming rich, and their
-impatient craving tempers are perpetually prompting
-them to try to obtain their object all at once. They
-lose all present enjoyment in remotely contemplating
-the future; and while they are shewing by their conduct
-how insensible they are to the bounty of Providence,
-they are at the same time laying the foundation
-of their own unhappiness.</p>
-
-<div id="ip_56" class="figcenter" style="max-width: 31em;">
-  <img src="images/i_056.jpg" width="481" height="275" alt="" /></div>
-
-<hr />
-
-<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_57">57</span></p>
-
-<div class="chapter">
-<div id="ip_57" class="figcenter" style="max-width: 35em;">
-  <img src="images/i_057.jpg" width="558" height="403" alt="" /></div>
-
-<h2 class="nobreak p2">THE WANTON CALF.</h2>
-</div>
-
-<p><span class="firstword">A</span> Calf, which had been some time fattening in a
-rich pasture, full of wantonness and arrogance, could
-not forbear insulting an old Ox every time he saw
-him at the plough. What a sorry drudge art thou,
-says he, to bear that heavy yoke, and draw all day a
-plough at thy tail! See, what a fat, sleek, and comely
-appearance I make, and what a life of ease I lead:
-I go where I please, and frisk about in the sunshine,
-or lie down under the cool shade, just as my own fancy
-prompts me. The Ox, not moved by this insolence,
-made no reply, but pursued his daily round of alternate
-labour and rest, until he saw the Calf taken and
-delivered to a priest, who immediately led him to the
-altar, and prepared to sacrifice him. When the fatal
-knife was just at his throat, the Ox drew near, and
-whispered him to this purpose: see what your wanton<span class="pagenum" id="Page_58">58</span>
-and lazy life has brought you to, a premature and
-painful death.</p>
-
-<h3>APPLICATION.</h3>
-
-<p><span class="firstword">We</span> may learn by this Fable the general consequence
-of an idle life, and how well rewarded laborious
-diligent men are in the end, when they quietly
-enjoy the fruits of their industry. They who by little
-tricks and chicanery, or by open violence and robbery,
-are enabled to live in a high expensive way, often despise
-the poor honest man, who is contented with the
-humble produce of his daily labour. But how often
-is the poor man comforted, by seeing these wanton
-villains led in disgrace and misery to the altar of justice,
-while he has many a cheerful summer’s morning
-to enjoy abroad, and many a long winter’s evening to
-indulge in at home, by a quiet hearth, and under an
-unenvied roof: blessings, which often attend a sober
-industrious man, though the idle and the profligate
-are utter strangers to them. Luxury and intemperance,
-besides their inevitable tendency to shorten a
-man’s days, are very apt to engage their besotted
-votaries in a debauched life, not only prejudicial to
-their health, but which engenders in them a contempt
-for those whose good sense and true taste of
-happiness inspire them with an aversion to idleness
-and effeminacy, and put them upon hardening their
-constitution by innocent exercise and laudable employment.
-How many do gluttony and sloth tumble
-into an untimely grave! while the temperate and the
-active drink sober draughts of life, and spin out the
-thread of their existence to the most desirable length.</p>
-
-<hr />
-
-<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_59">59</span></p>
-
-<div class="chapter">
-<div id="ip_59" class="figcenter" style="max-width: 36em;">
-  <img src="images/i_059.jpg" width="563" height="405" alt="" /></div>
-
-<h2 class="nobreak p2">THE BOASTING TRAVELLER.</h2>
-</div>
-
-<p><span class="firstword">One</span> who had been abroad, was giving an account
-of his travels, and among other places, said he had
-been at Rhodes, where he had distinguished himself
-so much in leaping, an exercise which that city was
-famous for, that not a Rhodian could come near him.
-When those who were present did not seem to credit
-this relation so readily as he intended they should, he
-took some pains to convince them of it by oaths and
-protestations: upon which, one of the company told
-him he need not give himself so much trouble about
-it, since he would put him in a way to demonstrate
-the fact; which was, to suppose the place they were
-in to be Rhodes, and to perform his extraordinary
-leap over again. The boaster, not liking this proposal,
-sat down quietly, and had no more to say for
-himself.</p>
-
-<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_60">60</span></p>
-
-<h3>APPLICATION.</h3>
-
-<p><span class="firstword">We</span> had better be contented to keep our exploits
-to ourselves, than to appear ridiculous by attempting
-to force a belief of that which is improbable; and travelled
-gentlemen should have a care how they import
-falsehoods and inventions of their own from foreign
-parts, and attempt to vend them at home for staple
-truths. It cannot be too strongly impressed upon
-the mind, that a lie is upon all occasions degrading
-to the person who utters it, and should be most scrupulously
-avoided, not only on account of its baseness,
-but because it is impossible to foresee in how many
-troubles it may involve him who passes it off. It will
-not always receive credit, and is ever liable to detection.
-When it is calculated for wicked purposes, it
-will deservedly incur punishment; and when it is of a
-harmless or insignificant nature, it will even then often
-expose its author to contempt and ridicule; and vanity
-never mistakes its end more grossly, than when it
-attempts to aggrandize itself at the expence of truth.</p>
-
-<div id="ip_60" class="figcenter" style="max-width: 24em;">
-  <img src="images/i_060.jpg" width="370" height="264" alt="" /></div>
-
-<hr />
-
-<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_61">61</span></p>
-
-<div class="chapter">
-<div id="ip_61" class="figcenter" style="max-width: 35em;">
-  <img src="images/i_061.jpg" width="554" height="403" alt="" /></div>
-
-<h2 class="nobreak p2">THE SHEPHERD’S BOY AND THE WOLF.</h2>
-</div>
-
-<p><span class="firstword">A</span> Shepherd’s Boy, while attending his flock, used
-frequently to divert himself by crying out, “the
-Wolf! the Wolf!” The Husbandmen in the adjoining
-grounds, thus alarmed, left their work and
-ran to his assistance, but finding that he was only
-sporting with their feelings, and bantering them, they
-resolved at last to take no notice of his alarms. It
-was not long, however, before the Wolf really came,
-and the Boy bawled out “the Wolf! the Wolf!” as
-he had done before; but the men having been so often
-deceived, paid no attention to his cries, and the sheep
-were devoured without mercy.</p>
-
-<h3>APPLICATION.</h3>
-
-<p><span class="firstword">The</span> man who would go through the world with<span class="pagenum" id="Page_62">62</span>
-reputation and success, must preserve a religious adherence
-to truth: for no talents or industry can give
-him weight with others, or induce the sensible part
-of mankind to place any confidence in him, if he be
-known to deviate without scruple from veracity. Men
-of this stamp soon become notorious; and besides the
-ignominy which attaches to their characters, they have
-to undergo the mortification of not being believed even
-when they do speak the truth. Whatever misfortune
-may befal them, and however sincere they may be in
-making known their distress, yet, like the boy in the
-Fable, their complaints and most earnest asseverations
-cannot procure them credit, and are received at best
-with doubt and suspicion. The same consequences
-follow falsehood and deception, whether practised by
-individuals or public governors, and they will both
-find in the end that they have been guided by cunning,
-and not by wisdom: for although the ignorant part
-of mankind may, to serve the temporary purposes of
-a bad government, be acted upon by false alarms of
-imaginary dangers, yet even these in time will see
-through the stale tricks and artifices of those whose
-designs are to gull and impose upon them.</p>
-
-<div id="ip_62" class="figcenter" style="max-width: 27em;">
-  <img src="images/i_062.jpg" width="417" height="251" alt="" />
-  <div class="caption">
-
-<p>
-This Stone (like many<br />
-10000000 of Men in the World)<br />
-has held up its bare<br />
-useless head for many<br />
-Centuries past.<br />
-</p></div></div>
-
-<hr />
-
-<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_63">63</span></p>
-
-<div class="chapter">
-<div id="ip_63" class="figcenter" style="max-width: 34em;">
-  <img src="images/i_063.jpg" width="540" height="405" alt="" /></div>
-
-<h2 class="nobreak p2">THE CROW AND THE PITCHER.</h2>
-</div>
-
-<p><span class="firstword">A</span> Crow, ready to die with thirst, flew with joy to
-a Pitcher which he beheld at some distance. When
-he came, he found water in it, indeed, but so near the
-bottom, that with all his stooping and straining, he
-was not able to reach it. He then endeavoured to
-overturn the Pitcher, that at least he might be able
-to get a little of it; but his strength was not sufficient
-for the accomplishment of this purpose. At last seeing
-some pebbles lie near the place, he cast them one by
-one into the Pitcher, and thus, by degrees, raised the
-water up to the very brim, and satisfied his thirst.</p>
-
-<h3>APPLICATION.</h3>
-
-<p><span class="firstword">What</span> we cannot accomplish by strength, we may
-by ingenuity and industry. A man of sagacity and<span class="pagenum" id="Page_64">64</span>
-penetration, upon meeting with a few difficulties, does
-not drop his pursuits, but if he cannot succeed in one
-way, sets his mind to work upon another, and does
-not hesitate about stepping out of the old beaten track
-which had been thoughtlessly pursued in a roundabout
-way by thousands before him. The present state of
-the world, enlightened by arts and sciences, is a proof
-that difficulties seemingly unsurmountable, and undertakings
-once imagined to be impossible, have been
-accomplished; and this ought to be kept in mind as a
-spur to continued exertion: for we are not acquainted
-with the strength of our own minds till we exercise
-them, nor to what length our abilities will carry us,
-till we put them to the trial.</p>
-
-<div class="poem-container">
-<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
-<span class="i0">“What is discovered only serves to shew,<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">That nothing’s known to what is yet to know.”<br /></span>
-</div></div>
-</div>
-
-<p>The man who enriches the present fund of knowledge
-with some new and useful improvement, does an
-honour to himself, and ought invariably to be rewarded
-by the public: for, like a happy adventurer
-by sea, he discovers as it were an unknown land, and
-imports an additional treasure to his own country.</p>
-
-<div id="ip_64" class="figcenter" style="max-width: 16em;">
-  <img src="images/i_064.jpg" width="249" height="188" alt="" /></div>
-
-<hr />
-
-<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_65">65</span></p>
-
-<div class="chapter">
-<div id="ip_65" class="figcenter" style="max-width: 36em;">
-  <img src="images/i_065.jpg" width="566" height="406" alt="" /></div>
-
-<h2 class="nobreak p2">THE PARTRIDGE AND THE COCKS.</h2>
-</div>
-
-<p><span class="firstword">A</span> Man having caught a Partridge, plucked the
-feathers out of one of its wings, and turned it into a
-little yard where he kept Game Cocks. The Cocks
-led the poor bird a sad life, continually pecking at
-and driving it away from the meat. This treatment
-was taken the more unkindly, because offered to a
-stranger; and the Partridge could not help concluding
-that they were the most uncivil inhospitable people
-he had ever met with. But observing how very frequently
-they quarrelled and fought with each other,
-he comforted himself with reflecting, that it was no
-wonder they were so cruel to him, since they shewed
-the same disposition to each other.</p>
-
-<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_66">66</span></p>
-
-<h3>APPLICATION.</h3>
-
-<p><span class="firstword">No</span> peace is to be expected among those who are
-naturally fierce, quarrelsome, and inhospitable; and
-people of a different disposition should avoid, as much
-as possible, having any thing to do with them. But
-when we cannot help coming into contact with such
-characters, there is no remedy but patience; and this
-virtue a wise man will call to his aid under every misfortune.
-When our sufferings are inflicted by the
-wickedness of others, it is some consolation to reflect,
-that people of this character are continually waging
-war among themselves, and punishing each other; and
-that the consequences of their own wickedness follow
-them like their shadow, besides rendering them the
-objects of general aversion. No virtue was more universally
-practised, or more strongly recommended, by
-the ancients, than a mild conduct to our companions,
-and an hospitable entertainment of strangers; and
-when this is not the general character of any people,
-it shews, in greater or less degrees, the wretched state
-of society in which they live.</p>
-
-<div id="ip_66" class="figcenter" style="max-width: 32em;">
-  <img src="images/i_066.jpg" width="504" height="220" alt="" /></div>
-
-<hr />
-
-<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_67">67</span></p>
-
-<div class="chapter">
-<div id="ip_67" class="figcenter" style="max-width: 36em;">
-  <img src="images/i_067.jpg" width="563" height="389" alt="" /></div>
-
-<h2 class="nobreak p2">THE FOX AND THE CROW.</h2>
-</div>
-
-<p><span class="firstword">A</span> Crow having taken a piece of meat out of a
-cottage window, flew up into a tree with it; which a
-Fox observing, came underneath, and began to compliment
-the Crow upon her beauty. I protest, says
-he, your feathers are of a more delicate white than
-I ever saw in my life! Ah! what a fine shape and
-graceful turn of body is there! and I make no question
-but you have a tolerable voice: if it be but as fine
-as your complexion, I do not know a bird that can
-stand in competition with you. The Crow, tickled
-with this very civil language, wriggled about, and
-hardly knew where she was; and having a mind to
-convince the Fox in the matter of her voice, attempted
-to sing, and in the same instant let the meat drop out
-of her mouth. This being what the Fox wanted, he<span class="pagenum" id="Page_68">68</span>
-chopped it up in a moment, and trotted away, laughing
-at the easy credulity of the Crow.</p>
-
-<h3>APPLICATION.</h3>
-
-<div class="poem-container">
-<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
-<span class="i0">“It is a maxim in the schools,<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">That flattery is the food of fools.”<br /></span>
-</div></div>
-</div>
-
-<p><span class="firstword">They</span> that love flattery will have cause to repent
-of their foible in the long run; and yet how few there
-are among the whole race of mankind, who are proof
-against its attacks. The gross way in which it is managed
-by some silly practitioners, is enough to alarm
-the dullest apprehension; but let the ambuscade be
-disposed with judgment, and it will scarcely fail of
-seizing the most guarded heart. How many are tickled
-to the last degree with the pleasure of flattery, even
-while they are applauded for their honest detestation
-of it. There is no way to baffle the force of this engine,
-but by every one’s examining impartially for
-himself, the true estimate of his own qualities. If he
-deal sincerely in the matter, nobody can tell so well
-as himself, what degree of esteem ought to attend any
-of his actions; and therefore he should be entirely
-easy as to the opinion others have of them. If they
-attribute more to him than is his due, they are either
-designing, or mistaken; if they allow him less, they
-are envious, or possibly still mistaken; and in either
-case are to be despised or disregarded: for he that
-flatters without designing to make advantage of it, is a
-fool; and whoever encourages that flattery which he
-has sense enough to see through, is a vain coxcomb.</p>
-
-<hr />
-
-<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_69">69</span></p>
-
-<div class="chapter">
-<div id="ip_69" class="figcenter" style="max-width: 36em;">
-  <img src="images/i_069.jpg" width="567" height="405" alt="" /></div>
-
-<h2 class="nobreak p2">THE SENSIBLE ASS.</h2>
-</div>
-
-<p><span class="firstword">An</span> old Man who was feeding his Ass in a fine
-green meadow, being alarmed by the sudden approach
-of an enemy, began urging the Ass to put himself forward,
-and fly with all the speed he was able. The
-Ass asked him whether he thought the enemy would
-clap two pair of panniers upon his back? The Man
-said, No, there was no fear of that. Why then, says
-the Ass, I will not stir an inch, for what is it to me
-who my master is, since I shall but carry my panniers
-as usual.</p>
-
-<h3>APPLICATION.</h3>
-
-<p><span class="firstword">This</span> Fable shews us how much in the wrong the
-poorer sort of people most commonly are, when they<span class="pagenum" id="Page_70">70</span>
-are under any concern about the revolutions of a government.
-All the alteration which they can feel, is
-perhaps in the name of their sovereign, or some such
-important trifle; but they cannot well be poorer, or
-made to work harder, than they did before. And yet
-how are they sometimes imposed upon and drawn in
-by the artifices of a few mistaken or designing men,
-to foment factions, and raise rebellions, in cases where
-they can get nothing by success; but if they miscarry,
-are in danger of suffering an ignominious and untimely
-end.</p>
-
-<div id="ip_70" class="figcenter" style="max-width: 22em;">
-  <img src="images/i_070.jpg" width="340" height="431" alt="" /></div>
-
-<hr />
-
-<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_71">71</span></p>
-
-<div class="chapter">
-<div id="ip_71" class="figcenter" style="max-width: 36em;">
-  <img src="images/i_071.jpg" width="568" height="406" alt="" /></div>
-
-<h2 class="nobreak p2">THE SWALLOW AND OTHER BIRDS.</h2>
-</div>
-
-<p><span class="firstword">A</span> Swallow, observing a Farmer sowing his field
-with flax, called the Birds together, and informed them
-what he was about. She told them that flax was the
-material of which the thread was made that composed
-the fowler’s nets, so fatal to the feathered race, and
-strongly advised them to assist her in picking up the
-seed, and destroying it. The Birds heard her with
-indifference, and gave themselves no trouble about the
-matter. In a little time the flax sprung up, and appeared
-above the ground. She then put them in mind
-once more of their impending danger, and wished
-them to pluck it up in the bud, before it grew any
-farther. But they still slighted her warnings, and the
-flax grew up into stalk. She again urged them to
-attack it, for it was not yet too late; but they only
-ridiculed her for a silly pretending prophet. The<span class="pagenum" id="Page_72">72</span>
-Swallow, finding all her remonstrances availed nothing,
-was resolved to leave the society of such careless
-unthinking creatures, before it was too late: so quitting
-the woods, she repaired to the houses; and, forsaking
-the conversation of the Birds, has ever since
-taken up her abode among the dwellings of men.</p>
-
-<h3>APPLICATION.</h3>
-
-<p><span class="firstword">Wise</span> men read effects in their causes, and profit
-by them; but their advice is thrown away when given
-to the arrogant and self-conceited, who are too proud
-to listen to it. It is equally lost upon fools, who stupidly
-or obstinately shut their eyes against impending
-danger, till it is too late to prevent it. In both cases,
-those who have no foresight of their own, and those
-who despise the wholesome admonitions of their friends,
-deserve to suffer from the misfortunes which their
-own obstinacy, folly, or negligence, brings upon their
-heads. A great portion of mankind, from an overweening
-conceit of their own abilities, are unwilling
-to be advised by any one, and through this stubborn
-disposition, deprive themselves of the aids of friendship,
-and the benefits which the good-will of their
-more sensible neighbours would have conferred on
-them with pleasure.</p>
-
-<div id="ip_72" class="figcenter" style="max-width: 18em;">
-  <img src="images/i_072.jpg" width="284" height="180" alt="" /></div>
-
-<hr />
-
-<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_73">73</span></p>
-
-<div class="chapter">
-<div id="ip_73" class="figcenter" style="max-width: 36em;">
-  <img src="images/i_073.jpg" width="562" height="402" alt="" /></div>
-
-<h2 class="nobreak p2">THE THIEVES AND THE COCK.</h2>
-</div>
-
-<p><span class="firstword">Two</span> Thieves broke into a house with a design to
-rob it; but when they had pried into every corner,
-found nothing worth taking away but a Cock, which
-they seized upon and carried off. When they were
-about to kill him, he begged very hard that they
-would spare his life, putting them in mind how useful
-he was to mankind, by crowing and calling them up
-betimes to their work. You villain, replied they, it
-is for that very reason we will wring your head off;
-for you alarm and keep the people waking, so that
-we cannot rob in quiet for you.</p>
-
-<h3>APPLICATION.</h3>
-
-<p><span class="firstword">The</span> same thing which recommends us to the esteem
-of good people, will make those that are bad have nothing
-but hatred and ill-will towards us; for every man<span class="pagenum" id="Page_74">74</span>
-who has engaged himself in a vicious or wicked course
-of life, fiend-like, makes himself, as it were, the natural
-adversary of virtue. It is in vain for innocent
-men, under oppression, to complain to those who are
-the occasion of it: all they can urge will but make
-against them; and even their very innocence, though
-they should say nothing, would render them sufficiently
-suspected. The moral, therefore, that this Fable
-brings along with it, is to inform us that there is no
-trusting, nor any hopes of living well, with wicked unjust
-men; for their disposition is such, that they will
-do mischief to others as soon as they have the opportunity.
-When vice flourishes, and is in power, were
-it possible for a good man to live quietly in its neighbourhood,
-and preserve his integrity, it might be sometimes
-perhaps convenient for him to do so, rather than
-quarrel with and provoke it against him. But as it is
-certain that rogues are irreconcileable enemies to men
-of worth, if the latter would be secure, they must take
-methods to free themselves from the power and society
-of the former.</p>
-
-<div id="ip_74" class="figcenter" style="max-width: 22em;">
-  <img src="images/i_074.jpg" width="341" height="211" alt="" /></div>
-
-<hr />
-
-<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_75">75</span></p>
-
-<div class="chapter">
-<div id="ip_75" class="figcenter" style="max-width: 36em;">
-  <img src="images/i_075.jpg" width="570" height="406" alt="" /></div>
-
-<h2 class="nobreak p2">THE WOLVES AND THE SICK ASS.</h2>
-</div>
-
-<p><span class="firstword">An</span> Ass being sick, the report was spread abroad in
-the country, and some did not scruple to say, that she
-would die before another night went over her head.
-Upon this, several Wolves went to the stable where
-she lay, under pretence of making her a visit; but
-rapping at the door, and asking how she did, the
-young Ass came out, and told them that his mother
-was much better than they desired.</p>
-
-<h3>APPLICATION.</h3>
-
-<p><span class="firstword">If</span> the kind enquiries after the sick were all to be
-interpreted with as much frankness as those in the
-Fable, the porters of the great might commonly answer
-with the strictest propriety, that their masters
-were much better than was wished or desired. The<span class="pagenum" id="Page_76">76</span>
-charitable visits which are made to many sick people,
-proceed from much the same motive with that which
-induced the hungry Wolves to make their enquiries
-after the sick Ass, namely, that they may come in for
-some share of their remains, and feast themselves upon
-the reversion of their goods and chattels. The sick
-man’s heir longs for his estate; one friend waits in
-anxious expectation of a legacy, and another wants
-his place; it, however, does not unfrequently happen,
-that the mask of these selfish visitants, and their counterfeit
-sorrow, are seen through, and their impertinent
-officiousness treated with the contempt it so justly deserves.</p>
-
-<div id="ip_76" class="figcenter" style="max-width: 33em;">
-  <img src="images/i_076.jpg" width="516" height="361" alt="" />
-  <div class="caption">’Tis <span class="strikethrough">the</span> a world! floating about, like
-an illumined mote, in the immensity
-of endless space—and is inhabited
-by nations of proud pismires.—</div></div>
-
-<hr />
-
-<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_77">77</span></p>
-
-<div class="chapter">
-<div id="ip_77" class="figcenter" style="max-width: 36em;">
-  <img src="images/i_077.jpg" width="568" height="410" alt="" /></div>
-
-<h2 class="nobreak p2">THE DOG IN THE MANGER.</h2>
-</div>
-
-<p><span class="firstword">A</span> Dog was lying upon a stall full of hay. An
-Ox, being hungry, came near, and offered to eat of
-the hay; but the ill-natured Cur getting up and snarling
-at him, would not suffer him to touch it. Upon
-which the Ox, in the bitterness of his heart, said,
-A curse light on thee for a malicious wretch, who will
-neither eat hay thyself, nor suffer others to do it.</p>
-
-<h3>APPLICATION.</h3>
-
-<p><span class="firstword">There</span> are men in the world of so snarling, malevolent,
-and ill-natured a disposition, that they will
-even punish themselves, rather than put forth a finger
-to serve any one. It gives them a malignant kind of
-pleasure to have it in their power to cause trouble and<span class="pagenum" id="Page_78">78</span>
-vexation to others, whenever they have an opportunity
-of doing so; and could they have their will, they
-would shut out the light and warmth of the sun, and
-suffer the fruits of the earth to rot upon it, provided
-they could see those about them unhappy; and in thus
-taking delight in other people’s miseries, it of course
-follows that they are their own tormentors. These
-characters, in common life, are diabolical and detestable;
-but the evils they inflict, are only like a drop to
-the ocean, when compared to those which men of the
-same stamp shed abroad in the world, when, in an
-evil hour, they happen to be exalted to govern the
-affairs of a nation. Then, indeed, their baleful influence
-is felt in every direction: they may be termed
-fiends in human shape; for, as far as they are able,
-they thwart the benevolent intentions of Omnipotence,
-and the very breath of their nostrils seems to blast
-the happiness of mankind.</p>
-
-<div id="ip_78" class="figcenter" style="max-width: 33em;">
-  <img src="images/i_078.jpg" width="523" height="275" alt="" /></div>
-
-<hr />
-
-<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_79">79</span></p>
-
-<div class="chapter">
-<div id="ip_79" class="figcenter" style="max-width: 36em;">
-  <img src="images/i_079.jpg" width="564" height="405" alt="" /></div>
-
-<h2 class="nobreak p2">JUPITER AND THE ASS.</h2>
-</div>
-
-<p><span class="firstword">An</span> Ass which had been some time in the service of
-a Gardener, and carried his vegetables to market, became
-tired of his place, and petitioned Jupiter that
-he would permit him to enter upon the service of a
-neighbouring Potter. Jupiter granted his request.
-He here, however, soon found that the latter loaded
-him with heavier burthens, and kept him on poorer
-fare than he had been used to before. He again prayed
-to Jupiter to grant that he might be allowed to
-better his condition by engaging himself to a Tanner.
-Jupiter again heard his prayer; but here he soon found
-he had changed for the worse: for, besides being hard
-worked, he was also often cruelly treated; and seeing
-what was going on in this place, he could not forbear
-upbraiding himself with his folly and inconstancy. Oh,
-tofo that I was! said he to himself, for leaving my<span class="pagenum" id="Page_80">80</span>
-former mild master, to become the servant of one,
-who, after working me to death, will not spare my
-very hide after I am dead.</p>
-
-<h3>APPLICATION.</h3>
-
-<p><span class="firstword">The</span> man that carries about with him the plague
-of a restless mind, can never be pleased; he is ever
-shifting and changing, and is in truth not so weary
-of his condition as of himself. Seldom or never contented
-with his lot, he is ever hunting after happiness
-where it is not to be found, without ever looking for
-it where it is. He indulges in the strange propensity
-of his nature, which leads him to suppose that his own
-lot is the most miserable, and therefore concludes that
-any change he can make must be for the better. He
-loses sight of the virtues of patience, constancy, and
-resignation, and seems not to know that every station
-in life has its real or imaginary inconveniences; and
-that it is better to bear with those which we are accustomed
-to endure, and of which we know the utmost
-extent, than by aiming at the seeming advantages of
-another way of life, to subject ourselves to all its hidden
-miseries.</p>
-
-<div id="ip_80" class="figcenter" style="max-width: 20em;">
-  <img src="images/i_080.jpg" width="319" height="220" alt="" /></div>
-
-<hr />
-
-<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_81">81</span></p>
-
-<div class="chapter">
-<div id="ip_81" class="figcenter" style="max-width: 36em;">
-  <img src="images/i_081.jpg" width="567" height="407" alt="" /></div>
-
-<h2 class="nobreak p2">ÆSOP AND THE IMPERTINENT FELLOW.</h2>
-</div>
-
-<p><span class="firstword">Æsop</span> having occasion to go out to seek a light to
-kindle his fire, went from house to house for some
-time before he could succeed; but having at last got
-what he wanted, he posted back in haste with his lighted
-candle in his hand. An impudent Fellow, leaving
-his companions, caught hold of Æsop by the sleeve,
-and would fain have shewn off his wit, and been arch
-upon him. Hey day! oh, rare Æsop! says he,
-what occasion for a candle, old boy! what, are you
-going to light the sun to bed? Let me alone, says
-Æsop, for with it I am looking for an honest man.</p>
-
-<h3>APPLICATION.</h3>
-
-<p><span class="firstword">It</span> is plain that our old philosopher in the Fable
-did not take the impertinent fellow for an honest man,<span class="pagenum" id="Page_82">82</span>
-and he gave him to understand that it required a good
-light to find out one who fully came up to that character;
-and he might have added, that the world very
-much abounded with ignorant and impudent ones,
-who, with their empty nonsense, which they call wit,
-often unseasonably interrupt men of thought and business:
-for to those whose minds are wholly intent upon
-matters of importance, nothing is so offensive as the
-intrusion of a fool. Men of eminent parts and great
-natural abilities, make their appearance in the world
-only now and then. These qualifications are the gift
-of Providence, and seem to be intended to throw fresh
-lights on the understandings of mankind; but in all the
-gradations from these downwards, it is in the power
-of every one to improve their manners, and integrity
-is within the reach of those of the meanest capacity, if
-they will endeavour to amend their lives, and take it
-for their guide.</p>
-
-<div id="ip_82" class="figcenter" style="max-width: 28em;">
-  <img src="images/i_082.jpg" width="441" height="254" alt="" /></div>
-
-<hr />
-
-<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_83">83</span></p>
-
-<div class="chapter">
-<div id="ip_83" class="figcenter" style="max-width: 36em;">
-  <img src="images/i_083.jpg" width="568" height="408" alt="" /></div>
-
-<h2 class="nobreak p2">THE FORESTER AND THE LION.</h2>
-</div>
-
-<p><span class="firstword">The</span> Forester meeting with the Lion one day, they
-discoursed together for a while without much differing
-in opinion. At last, a dispute happening to arise
-about the point of superiority between a Man and a
-Lion, the former wanting a better argument, shewed
-the latter a marble monument, on which was placed
-the statue of a Man striding over a vanquished Lion.
-If this, says the Lion, is all you have to say for it, let
-us be the sculptors, and we will make the Lion striding
-over the Man.</p>
-
-<h3>APPLICATION.</h3>
-
-<p><span class="firstword">Such</span> is the partiality of mankind in favour of
-themselves and their own actions, that it is extremely<span class="pagenum" id="Page_84">84</span>
-difficult, nay almost impossible to come at any certainty,
-by reading the accounts that are written on
-one side only. The simple truth is still perverted, as
-prejudice, vanity, or interest warps the mind, and it
-is not discovered in all its brilliancy, till the mists
-which obscure it are swept away by the most rigid investigation.
-In what an odious light would our party
-men place each other, if the transactions of the times
-were handed down to posterity by a warm zealot on
-either side; and were such records to survive a few
-centuries, with what perplexities and difficulties would
-they embarrass the historian, as by turns he consulted
-them for the character of his great forefathers. The
-same difficulties would occur in writing the history of
-nations, both ancient and modern. Some of those
-who flourish at this day, and consider themselves as
-having reached perfection in civilization and polished
-manners, will perhaps, not unjustly, be branded in
-after-times with cruelty, injustice, and oppression, in
-having confounded all simplicity of manners, and disturbed
-the peace of whole nations, by carrying the
-horrors of war, of murder, and desolation, into regions
-formerly blessed with uninterrupted tranquillity.</p>
-
-<div id="ip_84" class="figcenter" style="max-width: 19em;">
-  <img src="images/i_084.jpg" width="300" height="176" alt="" /></div>
-
-<hr />
-
-<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_85">85</span></p>
-
-<div class="chapter">
-<div id="ip_85" class="figcenter" style="max-width: 36em;">
-  <img src="images/i_085.jpg" width="568" height="409" alt="" /></div>
-
-<h2 class="nobreak p2">THE WOLF, THE FOX, AND THE APE.</h2>
-</div>
-
-<p><span class="firstword">The</span> Wolf indicted the Fox for felony before the
-Ape, who upon that occasion was appointed special
-judge of the cause. The Fox gave in his answer to
-the Wolf’s accusation, and denied the fact. After
-hearing both sides, the Ape, penetrating the character
-of the parties, gave judgment to this purpose: I am
-of opinion, that you, says he to the Wolf, never lost
-the goods you sue for; and as for you, turning to the
-Fox, I make no question but you at least have stolen
-what is laid to your charge. And thus the court was
-dismissed with this public censure upon each party.</p>
-
-<h3>APPLICATION.</h3>
-
-<p><span class="firstword">Well</span> may both judge and jury, in the outset of
-trial, be puzzled to decide between and do justice to<span class="pagenum" id="Page_86">86</span>
-men whose quarrels are made up of baseness and villainy,
-and carried on with mutual treachery, fraud,
-and violence, and whose witnesses are perhaps of the
-same character with themselves. Each party may
-justly enough accuse the other, though neither of them
-are worthy of belief, and deserve even no credit for
-the imputations with which they asperse each other’s
-characters. But such men need not hope long to deceive
-the world: a penetrating judge and an honest
-jury will, upon sifting the matter, clearly see what
-kind of men they have been occupying their attention
-with, and shew a proper disgust at the wicked impudence
-of both plaintiff and defendant.</p>
-
-<div id="ip_86" class="figcenter" style="max-width: 27em;">
-  <img src="images/i_086.jpg" width="427" height="283" alt="" /></div>
-
-<hr />
-
-<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_87">87</span></p>
-
-<div class="chapter">
-<div id="ip_87" class="figcenter" style="max-width: 36em;">
-  <img src="images/i_087.jpg" width="567" height="410" alt="" /></div>
-
-<h2 class="nobreak p2">THE BALD KNIGHT.</h2>
-</div>
-
-<p><span class="firstword">A</span> certain Knight growing old, his hair fell off,
-and he became bald; to hide which imperfection he
-wore a periwig. But as he was riding out with some
-others a hunting, a sudden gust of wind blew off the
-periwig, and exposed his bald pate. The company
-could not forbear laughing at the accident; and he
-himself laughed as loud as any body, saying, how was
-it to be expected that I could keep strange hair upon
-my head, when my own would not stay there?</p>
-
-<h3>APPLICATION.</h3>
-
-<p><span class="firstword">There</span> is no disposition, or turn of mind, which
-on many occasions contributes more to keep us easy,
-than that which enables us to rally any of our failings,
-or joke upon our own infirmities: this blunts the edge,<span class="pagenum" id="Page_88">88</span>
-and baffles and turns aside the malignant sneers of
-little wits, and the ill nature and ridicule of others.
-If we should at any time happen to incur the laughter
-of those about us, we cannot stifle it sooner or better
-than by receiving it all with a cheerful look, and by an
-ingenuous and pleasant remark, parry the jest which
-another is ready to throw out at our expence. To
-appear fretted or nettled, only serves to gratify the
-wishes of those who take a secret pleasure in seeing
-such an effect produced; and, besides, a testy or captious
-temper is a source of perpetual disquietude, both
-to ourselves and our acquaintances, and like a little
-leaven, sours the whole mass of our good qualities. If
-we had no other imperfections, this of itself would be
-sufficient to cause our company to be shunned.</p>
-
-<div id="ip_88" class="figcenter" style="max-width: 23em;">
-  <img src="images/i_088.jpg" width="361" height="307" alt="" /></div>
-
-<hr />
-
-<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_89">89</span></p>
-
-<div class="chapter">
-<div id="ip_89" class="figcenter" style="max-width: 36em;">
-  <img src="images/i_089.jpg" width="564" height="407" alt="" /></div>
-
-<h2 class="nobreak p2">THE LION AND THE FOUR BULLS.</h2>
-</div>
-
-<p><span class="firstword">Four</span> Bulls, who had entered into a very strict
-friendship, kept always near one another, and fed together.
-The Lion often saw them, and as often had
-a mind to make one of them his prey; but though he
-could easily have subdued any of them singly, yet he
-was afraid to attack the whole alliance, knowing they
-would have been too powerful for him, and therefore
-was obliged to keep himself at a distance. At
-last, perceiving that no attempt was to be made upon
-them as long as their combination lasted, he artfully
-contrived, by the whispers and hints of his emissaries,
-to foment jealousies, and raise divisions among them.
-This stratagem succeeded so well, that the Bulls grew
-cold and reserved to one another, which soon after ripened
-into a downright hatred and aversion, and at
-last ended in a total separation. The Lion had now<span class="pagenum" id="Page_90">90</span>
-attained his ends; and though it had been impossible
-for him to hurt them while they were united, he found
-no difficulty, now they were parted, to seize and devour
-every Bull of them, one after another.</p>
-
-<h3>APPLICATION.</h3>
-
-<p><span class="firstword">Since</span> friendships and alliances are of the greatest
-importance to our well-being and happiness, we cannot
-be too often cautioned against suffering them to
-be broken by tale bearers and whisperers, or by any
-dark plots and contrivances of our enemies: for when
-by such wicked means as these, or by our own imprudence,
-we lose a friend, we shake the very basis
-of our interest, and remove the pillar that contributed
-to support it. Whatever in cases of this kind is applicable
-to individuals, is equally so to kingdoms and
-states; and it is as undisputed a maxim as ever was
-urged upon the attention of mankind, by the best man
-that ever lived, that a “kingdom divided against itself
-cannot stand:” the people are invincible when united.</p>
-
-<div class="poem-container">
-<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
-<span class="i0">Faction and feuds will overturn the state<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">Which union renders flourishing and great.<br /></span>
-</div></div>
-</div>
-
-<div id="ip_90" class="figcenter" style="max-width: 16em;">
-  <img src="images/i_090.jpg" width="251" height="184" alt="" /></div>
-
-<hr />
-
-<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_91">91</span></p>
-
-<div class="chapter">
-<div id="ip_91" class="figcenter" style="max-width: 36em;">
-  <img src="images/i_091.jpg" width="569" height="408" alt="" /></div>
-
-<h2 class="nobreak p2">THE OLD MAN AND HIS SONS.</h2>
-</div>
-
-<p><span class="firstword">An</span> old Man had several Sons, who were constantly
-quarrelling with each other, notwithstanding he used
-every means in his power to persuade them to cease
-their contentions, and to live in amity together. At
-last he had recourse to the following expedient:—He
-ordered his Sons to be called before him, and a
-bundle of sticks to be brought, and then commanded
-them to try if, with all their strength, any of them
-could break it. They all tried, but without effect:
-for the sticks being closely and compactly bound together,
-it was impossible for the force of man to break
-them. After this, the Father ordered the bundle to
-be untied, and gave a single stick to each of his Sons,
-at the same time bidding them try to break it. This
-they did with ease, and soon snapped every stick asunder.
-The Father then addressed them to this effect:<span class="pagenum" id="Page_92">92</span>
-O, my Sons, behold the power of unity! for if you,
-in like manner, would but keep yourselves strictly
-conjoined in the bands of friendship, it would not be
-in the power of any mortal to hurt you; but when
-you are divided by quarrels and animosities, you fall
-a prey to the weakest enemies.</p>
-
-<h3>APPLICATION.</h3>
-
-<p><span class="firstword">A</span> kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation;
-and the same holds good in all societies and corporations
-of men, from the constitution of the nation,
-down to every little parochial vestry. Every private
-family should consider itself a little state, in which the
-several members ought to be united by one common
-interest. Quarrels with each other are as fatal to their
-welfare, as factions are dangerous to the peace of the
-commonwealth. But indeed the necessity of union
-and friendship extends itself to all kinds of relations
-in life, and they conduce mightily to the advantage of
-those who cherish and cultivate them. No enemy will
-dare to attack a body of men firmly attached to each
-other, and will fear to offend one of the number, lest
-he should incur the resentment of the rest; but if
-they split into parties, and are disunited by quarrels,
-every petty opponent will venture to attack them, and
-the whole fraternity will be liable to wrongs and violence.</p>
-
-<div id="ip_92" class="figcenter" style="max-width: 13em;">
-  <img src="images/i_092.jpg" width="198" height="125" alt="" /></div>
-
-<hr />
-
-<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_93">93</span></p>
-
-<div class="chapter">
-<div id="ip_93" class="figcenter" style="max-width: 35em;">
-  <img src="images/i_093.jpg" width="560" height="408" alt="" /></div>
-
-<h2 class="nobreak p2">THE LION, THE TIGER, AND THE WOLF.</h2>
-</div>
-
-<p><span class="firstword">A</span> Lion and a Tiger, at the same instant seized on
-a young Fawn, which they immediately killed. This
-they had no sooner performed, than they fell to fighting,
-in order to decide whose property it should be.
-The battle was so obstinate, that they were both compelled,
-by weariness and loss of blood, to desist and
-lie down breathless and quite disabled. A Wolf
-passing that way, perceiving how the case stood, very
-impudently stepped up and seized the booty, which
-they had all this while been contending for, and carried
-it off. The two combatants, who beheld this without
-being able to prevent it, could only make this reflection:
-How foolish, said they, has been our conduct!
-Instead of being contented, as we ought, with our respective
-shares, our senseless rage has rendered us<span class="pagenum" id="Page_94">94</span>
-unable to prevent this rascally Wolf from robbing us
-of the whole.</p>
-
-<h3>APPLICATION.</h3>
-
-<p><span class="firstword">When</span> people go to law about an uncertain title,
-and have spent the value of their whole estate in the
-contest, nothing is more common than to find that
-some unprincipled attorney has secured the object in
-dispute to himself. The very name of law seems to
-imply equity and justice, and that is the bait which
-has drawn in many to their ruin. If we would lay
-aside passion, prejudice, and folly, and think calmly of
-the matter, we should find that going to law is not
-the best way of deciding differences about property; it
-being, generally speaking, much safer to trust to the
-arbitration of two or three honest sensible neighbours,
-than at a vast expence of money, time, and trouble,
-to run through the tedious frivolous forms, with which,
-by the artifices of greedy lawyers, a court of judicature
-is contrived to be attended. Or if a case should
-happen to be so intricate that a man of common sense
-cannot distinguish who has the best title, how easy
-would it be to have the opinion of the best counsel in
-the land, and agree to abide by his decision. If it
-should appear dubious, even after that, how much
-better would it be to divide the thing in dispute, rather
-than go to law, and hazard the losing, not only of the
-whole, but costs and damages into the bargain!</p>
-
-<hr />
-
-<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_95">95</span></p>
-
-<div class="chapter">
-<div id="ip_95" class="figcenter" style="max-width: 36em;">
-  <img src="images/i_095.jpg" width="568" height="410" alt="" /></div>
-
-<h2 class="nobreak p2">THE FOX WITHOUT A TAIL.</h2>
-</div>
-
-<p><span class="firstword">A</span> Fox being caught in a trap, escaped after much
-difficulty with the loss of his tail. He was, however,
-a good deal ashamed of appearing in public without
-this ornament, and at last, to avoid being singular and
-ridiculous in the eyes of his own species, he formed
-the project of calling together an assembly of Foxes,
-and of persuading them that the docking of their tails
-was a fashion that would be very agreeable and becoming.
-Accordingly he made a long harangue to
-them for that purpose, and endeavoured chiefly to
-shew the awkwardness and inconvenience of a Fox’s
-tail, adding that they were quite useless, and that they
-would be a very great deal better without them. He
-asserted, that what he had only conjectured and imagined
-before, he now found by experience to be true,
-for he never enjoyed himself so much, and found himself<span class="pagenum" id="Page_96">96</span>
-so easy as he had done since he cut off his tail. He
-then looked round with a brisk air, to see what proselytes
-he had gained; when a sly old Fox in company
-answered him, with a leer: I believe you may have
-found a convenience in parting with your tail, and
-perhaps when we are in the same circumstances, we
-may do so too.</p>
-
-<h3>APPLICATION.</h3>
-
-<p><span class="firstword">Many</span> of the fashions which obtain in the world,
-originate in the whim or caprice of some vain conceited
-creature, who takes a pride in leading the giddy multitude
-in a career of folly. Others again take their rise
-from an artful design to cover some vice, or hide some
-deformity in the person of the inventor. Projectors
-and planners of a higher stamp are also not uncommon
-in the world. These men appear to toil only for the
-public good, and the sacred name of patriotism is their
-shield. It, however, often happens that when their
-deep schemes are opened out, they are found to proceed
-from nothing better than self-interested motives,
-and a sincere desire to serve themselves.</p>
-
-<div id="ip_96" class="figcenter" style="max-width: 21em;">
-  <img src="images/i_096.jpg" width="334" height="243" alt="" /></div>
-
-<hr />
-
-<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_97">97</span></p>
-
-<div class="chapter">
-<div id="ip_97" class="figcenter" style="max-width: 36em;">
-  <img src="images/i_097.jpg" width="563" height="403" alt="" /></div>
-
-<h2 class="nobreak p2">THE MISER AND HIS TREASURE.</h2>
-</div>
-
-<p><span class="firstword">A</span> certain Miser, having got together a large sum
-of money, sought out a sequestered spot, where he
-dug a hole and hid it. His greatest pleasure was to
-go and look upon his treasure; which one of his servants
-observing, and guessing there was something
-more than ordinary in the place, came at night, found
-the hoard, and carried it off. The next day, the
-Miser returning as usual to the scene of his delight,
-and perceiving the money gone, tore his hair for grief,
-and uttered the most doleful accents of despair. A
-neighbour, who knew his temper, overhearing him,
-said, Cheer up, man! thou hast lost nothing: there
-is still a hole to peep at: and if thou canst but fancy
-the money there, it will do just as well.</p>
-
-<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_98">98</span></p>
-
-<h3>APPLICATION.</h3>
-
-<p><span class="firstword">Of</span> all the appetites to which human nature is subject,
-none is so lasting, so strong, and so unaccountable,
-as avarice. Other desires generally cool at the
-approach of old age; but this flourishes under grey
-hairs, and triumphs amidst infirmities. All our other
-longings have something to be said in excuse for them;
-but it is above reason, and therefore truly incomprehensible,
-why a man should be passionately fond of
-money only for the sake of gazing upon it. His treasure
-is as useless to him as a heap of oyster shells; for
-though he knows how many substantial pleasures it
-might procure, yet he dares not touch it, and is as
-destitute, to all intents and purposes, as the man who
-is not worth a groat. This is the true state of a covetous
-person, to which one of that fraternity perhaps
-may reply, that when we have said all, since pleasure
-is the grand aim of life, if there arise a delight to some,
-from the bare possession of riches, though they do not
-use, or even intend to use them, we may be puzzled
-how to account for it, and think it strange, but ought
-not absolutely to condemn those who thus closely, but
-innocently, pursue what they esteem the greatest happiness.
-True! people would be in the wrong to paint
-covetousness in such odious colours, were it compatible
-with innocence. But here arises the mischief: a covetous
-man will stop at nothing to attain his ends; and
-when once avarice takes the field, honesty, charity,
-humanity, and every virtue which opposes it, are sure
-to be put to the rout.</p>
-
-<hr />
-
-<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_99">99</span></p>
-
-<div class="chapter">
-<div id="ip_99" class="figcenter" style="max-width: 35em;">
-  <img src="images/i_099.jpg" width="559" height="400" alt="" /></div>
-
-<h2 class="nobreak p2">THE SHIP DOG.</h2>
-</div>
-
-<p><span class="firstword">A</span> young saucy Dog, having been found not to like
-any employment at home, was taken by a sea captain
-on board his ship, where, being well fed, he soon became
-both stout and fierce, and shewed himself off as
-such in every foreign port. He no sooner got ashore,
-than he held up his leg against every post and corner,
-and scraped the ground with his feet, quite regardless
-what dog he might bespatter; and if any of them happened
-to look sulkily at him, he thought nothing of
-seizing upon and rolling them in the kennel. If he
-happened to fall into company, he always began to
-give himself airs, to talk big, and to express his contempt
-for the dogs of the place. He would boast that
-he was from a better country, and belonged to a better
-family than any dog among them. In short, said he,
-“I come from Cheviot, the highest mountain in the<span class="pagenum" id="Page_100">100</span>
-world, and the very heart of all England, where my
-forefathers, thousands of years ago, assembled to hunt
-the Wild Bull, the Wolf, and the Boar.” He was
-once going on at this rate, when he was interrupted
-by a sedate, experienced Bitch, who assured him that
-there were good dogs and bad dogs in every country,
-and that the only difference arose from their education;
-that many of the forefathers he boasted of, had
-long since worried each other, and the remainder of
-them had become so troublesome, that part had been
-transported across the sea to another place; and she
-knew, from good authority, that both his father and
-his mother were hanged.</p>
-
-<h3>APPLICATION.</h3>
-
-<p><span class="firstword">When</span> foreigners speak slightingly of the country
-they happen to be in, and praise their own, it shews in
-them a want of good sense and good breeding. It is
-indeed natural to have an affection for one’s native
-land, nor can we help preferring it to every other; but
-to express this in another country, to people whose opinion
-it must needs contradict, by the same rule that it
-is conformable to our own, cannot fail of giving them
-just offence. It matters not how highly some particular
-countries may stand in the estimation of the rest of the
-world: this has little to do with private individuals;
-the advantage of having been born in one of those favoured
-countries, is accidental, and no man ought to
-be esteemed merely on that account. In order to merit
-the respect of virtuous and wise men in every foreign
-land, it must appear to them that by our talents, our
-acquirements, and our patriotism, we do credit to the
-country which gave us birth.</p>
-
-<hr />
-
-<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_101">101</span></p>
-
-<div class="chapter">
-<div id="ip_101" class="figcenter" style="max-width: 36em;">
-  <img src="images/i_101.jpg" width="563" height="405" alt="" /></div>
-
-<h2 class="nobreak p2">THE GOAT AND THE LION.</h2>
-</div>
-
-<p><span class="firstword">The</span> Lion, seeing a Goat upon a steep craggy rock,
-where he could not come at him, asked him what
-delight he could take to skip from one precipice to
-another all day, and venture the breaking of his neck
-every moment? I wonder, says he, you will not come
-down and feed on the plain here, when there is such
-plenty of grass, and fine sweet herbs. Why, replies
-the Goat, I cannot but say your opinion is right; but
-you look so very hungry and designing, that, to tell
-you the truth, I do not care to venture my person
-where you are.</p>
-
-<h3>APPLICATION.</h3>
-
-<p><span class="firstword">Advice,</span> though good in itself, is to be suspected
-when it is given by a tricking, self-interested man.<span class="pagenum" id="Page_102">102</span>
-Perhaps we should take upon ourselves not only a very
-great, but an unnecessary trouble, if we were to suspect
-every man who offers to advise us; but this however
-is necessary, that when we have reason to question
-any one in point of honour and justice, we not only
-consider well before we suffer ourselves to be persuaded
-by him, but even resolve to have nothing to do in any
-affair where such treacherous slippery sparks are concerned,
-if we can avoid it without much inconvenience.</p>
-
-<div id="ip_102" class="figcenter" style="max-width: 31em;">
-  <img src="images/i_102.jpg" width="482" height="267" alt="" /></div>
-
-<hr />
-
-<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_103">103</span></p>
-
-<div class="chapter">
-<div id="ip_103" class="figcenter" style="max-width: 36em;">
-  <img src="images/i_103.jpg" width="565" height="408" alt="" /></div>
-
-<h2 class="nobreak p2">THE TWO TRAVELLERS.</h2>
-</div>
-
-<p><span class="firstword">Two</span> Men travelling upon the road, one of them
-saw an Axe lying upon the ground, where somebody
-had been hewing timber: so taking it up, says he, I
-have found an Axe. Do not say I, says the other, but
-we have found; for as we are companions, we ought
-to share the value between us: but the first would not
-consent. They had not gone far, before the owner of
-the Axe, hearing what was become of it, pursued them
-with a warrant; which, when the fellow that had it,
-perceived, Alas! says he to his companion, we are
-undone. Nay, says the other, do not say we, but I
-am undone: for, as you would not let me share the
-prize, neither will I share the danger with you.</p>
-
-<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_104">104</span></p>
-
-<h3>APPLICATION.</h3>
-
-<p><span class="firstword">We</span> cannot reasonably expect those to bear a part
-in our ill-fortune, whom we never permitted to share
-in our prosperity; and whoever is so over-selfish and
-narrow-minded, as to exclude his friend from a portion
-of the benefits to which an intimate connection entitles
-him, may, perhaps, engross some petty advantages to
-himself, but he must lay his account on being left to
-do as well as he can for himself in times of difficulty
-and distress. The very life and soul of friendship subsist
-upon mutual benevolence, and in conferring and
-receiving obligations on either hand, with a free, open,
-and unreserved behaviour, without the least tincture of
-jealousy, suspicion, or distrust, guided by a strict observance
-of the rules of honour and generosity; and as
-no man includes within himself every thing necessary
-for his security, defence, preservation, and support,
-these rules are the requisites of friendship, to make it
-firm and lasting, and the foundation on which it must
-be built.</p>
-
-<div id="ip_104" class="figcenter" style="max-width: 15em;">
-  <img src="images/i_104.jpg" width="229" height="185" alt="" /></div>
-
-<hr />
-
-<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_105">105</span></p>
-
-<div class="chapter">
-<div id="ip_105" class="figcenter" style="max-width: 36em;">
-  <img src="images/i_105.jpg" width="565" height="405" alt="" /></div>
-
-<h2 class="nobreak p2">THE FOX AND THE ASS.</h2>
-</div>
-
-<p><span class="firstword">An</span> Ass finding a Lion’s skin, disguised himself in
-it, and ranged about the forest, putting all the beasts
-in bodily fear. After he had diverted himself thus
-for some time, he met a Fox, and being desirous to
-frighten him too, as well as the rest, he leapt at him
-with some fierceness, and endeavoured to imitate the
-roaring of a Lion. Your humble servant, says the
-Fox, if you had held your tongue, I might have taken
-you for a Lion, as others did, but now you bray, I
-know who you are.</p>
-
-<h3>APPLICATION.</h3>
-
-<p><span class="firstword">A</span> man is known by his words, as a tree is by the
-fruit; and if we would be apprized of the nature and
-qualities of any one, let him but discourse, and he<span class="pagenum" id="Page_106">106</span>
-will speak them to us better than another can describe
-them. We may therefore perceive, from this Fable,
-how proper it is for those to hold their tongues, who
-would not discover the shallowness of their understandings.
-“Empty vessels make the greatest sound,” and
-the deepest rivers are most silent; the greatest noise
-is ever found where there is the least depth of water.
-It is a true observation, that those who are the weakest
-in understanding, and most slow of apprehension, are
-generally the most precipitate in uttering their crude
-conceptions. Grave looks, an aspect of dignity, and a
-solemn deportment, may sometimes deceive even an accurate
-observer; but wise discourse cannot be successfully
-counterfeited or assumed, and the sententious
-blockhead is as easily recognised as the pert coxcomb.
-It matters not what disguise one of these may assume;
-he utters himself, and undeceives us: he brays,
-and tells the whole company what he is.</p>
-
-<div id="ip_106" class="figcenter" style="max-width: 21em;">
-  <img src="images/i_106.jpg" width="331" height="339" alt="" /></div>
-
-<hr />
-
-<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_107">107</span></p>
-
-<div class="chapter">
-<div id="ip_107" class="figcenter" style="max-width: 36em;">
-  <img src="images/i_107.jpg" width="562" height="404" alt="" /></div>
-
-<h2 class="nobreak p2">THE CAT AND THE FOX.</h2>
-</div>
-
-<p><span class="firstword">As</span> the Cat and the Fox were once talking politics
-together, in the middle of a forest, Reynard said, let
-things turn out ever so bad, he did not care, for he
-had a thousand tricks for them yet, before they should
-hurt him; but pray, says he, Mrs Puss, suppose there
-should be an invasion, what course do you design to
-take? Nay, says the Cat, I have but one shift for it,
-and if that won’t do, I am undone. I am sorry for
-you, replies Reynard, with all my heart, and would
-gladly furnish you with one or two of mine; but indeed
-neighbour, as times go, it is not good to trust,
-we must even be every one for himself, as the saying
-is, and so your humble servant. These words were
-scarcely out of his mouth, when they were alarmed
-with a pack of hounds, that came upon them in full cry.
-The Cat, by the help of her single shift, ran up a tree<span class="pagenum" id="Page_108">108</span>
-and sat securely among the branches, whence she beheld
-Reynard, who had not been able to get out of
-sight, overtaken with his thousand tricks, and torn into
-as many pieces by the Dogs, which had surrounded
-him.</p>
-
-<h3>APPLICATION.</h3>
-
-<p><span class="firstword">One</span> good discreet expedient made use of upon an
-emergency, will do a man more real service, and make
-others think better of him, than to have passed all his
-life for a shrewd crafty fellow, full of his stratagems
-and expedients, and valuing himself upon his having
-a deeper knowledge of the world than his neighbours.
-Plain good sense, and a downright honest meaning,
-are a better guide through life, and more trusty security
-against danger, than the low shifts of cunning,
-and the refinements of artifice. Cunning is of a deep
-entangling nature, and is a sign of a small genius;
-though when it happens to be successful, it often makes
-an ostentatious pretension to wisdom; but simplicity
-of manners is the ally of integrity, and plain common
-sense is the main requisite of wisdom.</p>
-
-<div id="ip_108" class="figcenter" style="max-width: 20em;">
-  <img src="images/i_108.jpg" width="316" height="272" alt="" /></div>
-
-<hr />
-
-<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_109">109</span></p>
-
-<div class="chapter">
-<div id="ip_109" class="figcenter" style="max-width: 35em;">
-  <img src="images/i_109.jpg" width="555" height="403" alt="" /></div>
-
-<h2 class="nobreak p2">THE DOG INVITED TO SUPPER.</h2>
-</div>
-
-<p><span class="firstword">A</span> Gentleman having invited several friends to supper,
-his Dog thought this a fit opportunity to invite
-another Dog, an intimate of his own, to partake with
-him of the good cheer, in the kitchen. Accordingly the
-stranger punctually attended, and seeing the mighty
-preparations going forward, promised himself a most
-delicious repast. He began to smell about, and, with
-his eyes intent upon the victuals, to lick his lips, and
-wag his tail. This drew the attention of the Cook,
-who stole slyly up, and seizing him by the hind legs,
-whirled him out of the window into the street. The
-Dog, stunned and hurt by his hard fall on the pavement,
-began to howl, the noise of which drew several
-Dogs about him, who knowing of the invitation, began
-to enquire how he had fared? O! charmingly,
-said he; only I ate and drank till I scarce knew which
-way I came out of the house.</p>
-
-<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_110">110</span></p>
-
-<h3>APPLICATION.</h3>
-
-<p><span class="firstword">There</span> is no depending upon a second-hand interest;
-unless we know ourselves to be well with the
-principal, and are assured of his favour and protection,
-we stand upon a slippery foundation. They are strangers
-to the world who are so weak as to think they
-can be well with any one by proxy; they may by this
-means be cajoled, bubbled, and imposed upon, but
-are under great uncertainty as to gaining their point,
-and may probably be treated with scorn and derision
-in the end. Yet there are not wanting among the several
-species of fops, silly people of this sort, who pride
-themselves in an imaginary happiness, from being in
-the good graces of a great man’s friend’s friend. Alas!
-the great men themselves are but too apt to deceive
-and fail in making good their promises, how then can
-we expect any good from those who do but promise
-and vow in their names? To place a confidence in
-such sparks, is indeed so false a reliance, that we
-ought to be ashamed to be detected in it; and, like
-the Dog in the Fable, rather own we had been well
-treated, than let the world see how justly we had been
-punished for our ridiculous credulity.</p>
-
-<div id="ip_110" class="figcenter" style="max-width: 19em;">
-  <img src="images/i_110.jpg" width="304" height="147" alt="" /></div>
-
-<hr />
-
-<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_111">111</span></p>
-
-<div class="chapter">
-<div id="ip_111" class="figcenter" style="max-width: 36em;">
-  <img src="images/i_111.jpg" width="564" height="408" alt="" /></div>
-
-<h2 class="nobreak p2">THE ANGLER AND THE LITTLE FISH.</h2>
-</div>
-
-<p><span class="firstword">An</span> Angler caught a small Trout, and as he was
-taking it off the hook, and going to put it into his
-basket, it opened its little throat, and begged most
-piteously that he would throw it into the river again.
-The man demanded what reason it had to expect this
-indulgence? Why, says the Fish, because I am so
-young and so little, that it is not worth your while
-taking me now, and certainly I shall be better worth
-your notice, if you take me a twelvemonth afterwards,
-when I shall be grown a great deal larger. That may
-be, replied the Angler, but I am sure of you now;
-and I am not one of those who quit a certainty in
-expectation of an uncertainty.</p>
-
-<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_112">112</span></p>
-
-<h3>APPLICATION.</h3>
-
-<p><span class="firstword">They</span> who neglect the present opportunity of reaping
-a small advantage, in the hope that they shall obtain
-a greater afterwards, are far from acting upon a
-reasonable and well advised foundation. We ought
-never thus to deceive ourselves, and suffer the favourable
-moment to slip away; but secure to ourselves
-every fair advantage, however small, at the moment
-that it offers, without placing a vain reliance upon the
-visionary expectation of something better in time to
-come. Prudence advises us always to lay hold of time
-by the forelock, and to remember that “a bird in the
-hand is worth two in the bush.”</p>
-
-<div id="ip_112" class="figcenter" style="max-width: 22em;">
-  <img src="images/i_112.jpg" width="340" height="224" alt="" /></div>
-
-<hr />
-
-<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_113">113</span></p>
-
-<div class="chapter">
-<div id="ip_113" class="figcenter" style="max-width: 36em;">
-  <img src="images/i_113.jpg" width="565" height="405" alt="" /></div>
-
-<h2 class="nobreak p2">A MAN BITTEN BY A DOG.</h2>
-</div>
-
-<p><span class="firstword">A</span> Man, who had been sadly torn by a Dog, was
-advised by some Old Woman, as a cure, to dip a piece
-of bread in the wound, and give it to the Cur that bit
-him. He did so, and Æsop happening to pass by just
-at the time, asked him what he meant by it? The
-man informed him. Why then, says Æsop, do it as
-privately as you can, I beseech you; for if the rest of
-the Dogs of the town were to see you, we should all
-be eaten up alive by them.</p>
-
-<h3>APPLICATION.</h3>
-
-<p><span class="firstword">Vice</span> should always be considered as the proper object
-of punishment, and we should on no account
-connive at offences of an atrocious nature, much less<span class="pagenum" id="Page_114">114</span>
-confer rewards on the criminals: for nothing contributes
-so much to the increase of roguery, as when
-the undertakings of a knave are attended with success.
-If it were not for the fear of punishment, a great part
-of mankind, who now make a shift to keep themselves
-honest, would be great villains. But if criminals, instead
-of meeting with punishment, were, by having
-been such, to attain honour and preferment, our natural
-inclination to mischief would be increased, and
-we should be wicked out of emulation. We should
-rather strive to make virtue as tempting as possible,
-and throw out every allurement in our power to draw
-the minds of the wavering and unsettled to espouse
-her cause.</p>
-
-<div id="ip_114" class="figcenter" style="max-width: 31em;">
-  <img src="images/i_114.jpg" width="484" height="286" alt="" /></div>
-
-<hr />
-
-<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_115">115</span></p>
-
-<div class="chapter">
-<div id="ip_115" class="figcenter" style="max-width: 36em;">
-  <img src="images/i_115.jpg" width="567" height="404" alt="" /></div>
-
-<h2 class="nobreak p2">THE FOX AND THE TIGER.</h2>
-</div>
-
-<p><span class="firstword">A</span> skilful Archer coming into the woods, directed his
-arrows so successfully, that he slew many wild beasts,
-and wounded several others. This put the whole savage
-kind into a great consternation, and made them
-fly into the most retired thickets for refuge. At last,
-the Tiger resumed courage, and bidding them not be
-afraid, said that he alone would engage the enemy,
-telling them they might depend on his valour to avenge
-their wrongs. In the midst of these threats,
-while he was lashing himself with his tail, and tearing
-up the ground with anger, an arrow pierced his ribs,
-and hung by its barbed point in his side. He set up
-a loud and hideous roar, occasioned by the anguish
-he felt, and endeavoured to draw out the painful dart
-with his teeth: when the Fox approaching him, enquired
-with an air of surprise, who it was that could<span class="pagenum" id="Page_116">116</span>
-have strength and courage enough to wound so mighty
-and valorous a beast? Ah! says the Tiger, I was
-mistaken in my reckoning: it was that invincible Man
-yonder.</p>
-
-<h3>APPLICATION.</h3>
-
-<p><span class="firstword">Though</span> strength and courage are very good ingredients
-towards making us secure and formidable in the
-world, yet unless there be a proper portion of wisdom
-or policy to direct them, instead of being serviceable,
-they often prove detrimental to their proprietors. A
-rash forward man, who depends upon the excellence
-of his own parts and accomplishments, is likewise apt
-to expose a weak side, which his enemies might not
-otherwise have observed; and gives an advantage to
-others by those very means which he fancied might
-have secured it to himself. Counsel and conduct always
-did and always will govern the world; and the
-strong, in spite of all their force, can never avoid being
-tools to the crafty. Some men are as much superior
-to others in wisdom and policy, as man in general
-is above the brute. Strength, ill-governed, opposed
-to them, is like a quarter staff in the hands of a huge,
-robust, but bungling fellow, who fights against a
-master of the science. The latter, though without a
-weapon, would have skill and address enough to disarm
-his adversary, and drub him with his own staff.
-In a word, savage fierceness and brutal strength, must
-not pretend to stand in competition with policy and
-stratagem.</p>
-
-<hr />
-
-<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_117">117</span></p>
-
-<div class="chapter">
-<div id="ip_117" class="figcenter" style="max-width: 35em;">
-  <img src="images/i_117.jpg" width="559" height="405" alt="" /></div>
-
-<h2 class="nobreak p2">THE DOG AND THE SHADOW.</h2>
-</div>
-
-<p><span class="firstword">A</span> Dog, crossing a rivulet with a piece of flesh in his
-mouth, saw his own shadow represented in the clear
-mirror of the stream; and believing it to be another
-Dog, who was carrying another piece of flesh, he
-could not forbear catching at it; but was so far from
-getting any thing by his greedy design, that he dropt
-the piece he had in his mouth, which immediately sunk
-to the bottom, and was irrecoverably lost.</p>
-
-<h3>APPLICATION.</h3>
-
-<div class="poem-container">
-<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
-<span class="i0">Base is the man who pines amidst his store,<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">And fat with plenty, griping covets more.<br /></span>
-</div></div>
-</div>
-
-<p><span class="firstword">Excessive</span> greediness, in the end, mostly misses what
-it aims at, and he that catches at more than belongs<span class="pagenum" id="Page_118">118</span>
-to him, justly deserves to lose what he has. Yet nothing
-is more common, and, at the same time more
-pernicious, than this selfish principle. It prevails from
-the king to the peasant; and all orders and degrees
-of men are more or less infected with it. Great monarchs
-have been drawn in by this greedy humour to
-grasp at the dominions of their neighbours; not that
-they wanted any thing more to feed their luxury, but
-to gratify their insatiable appetite for vain glory; and
-many states have been reduced to the last extremity
-by attempting such unjust encroachments. He that
-thinks he sees the estate of another in a pack of cards,
-or a box and dice, and ventures his own in the pursuit
-of it, should not repine, if he finds himself a
-beggar in the end.</p>
-
-<div id="ip_118" class="figcenter" style="max-width: 29em;">
-  <img src="images/i_118.jpg" width="453" height="247" alt="" /></div>
-
-<hr />
-
-<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_119">119</span></p>
-
-<div class="chapter">
-<div id="ip_119" class="figcenter" style="max-width: 36em;">
-  <img src="images/i_119.jpg" width="566" height="405" alt="" /></div>
-
-<h2 class="nobreak p2">THE BEAR AND THE BEE-HIVES.</h2>
-</div>
-
-<p><span class="firstword">A</span> Bear, climbing over the fence into a place where
-Bees were kept, began to plunder the hives, and rob
-them of their honey; but the Bees, to revenge the injury,
-attacked him in a whole swarm together; and
-though they were not able to pierce his rugged hide,
-yet, with their little stings they so annoyed his eyes
-and nostrils, that, unable to endure the smarting pain,
-with impatience he tore the skin over his ears, with his
-own claws, and suffered ample punishment for the injury
-he had done the Bees, in breaking open their
-waxen cells.</p>
-
-<h3>APPLICATION.</h3>
-
-<p><span class="firstword">Many</span> and great are the injuries of which men are
-guilty towards each other, for the sake of gratifying<span class="pagenum" id="Page_120">120</span>
-some base appetite: for there are those who would
-not scruple to bring desolation upon their country, and
-run the hazard of their own necks into the bargain,
-rather than balk a wicked inclination, either of cruelty,
-ambition, or avarice. But it were to be wished, that
-all who are hurried on by such blind impulses, would
-consider a moment before they proceed to irrevocable
-execution. Injuries and wrongs not only call for revenge
-and reparation with the voice of equity itself, but
-oftentimes carry their punishment along with them;
-and, by an unforeseen train of events, are retorted on
-the head of the actor, who not seldom, from a deep
-remorse, expiates them upon himself by his own hand.</p>
-
-<div id="ip_120" class="figcenter" style="max-width: 33em;">
-  <img src="images/i_120.jpg" width="521" height="224" alt="" /></div>
-
-<hr />
-
-<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_121">121</span></p>
-
-<div class="chapter">
-<div id="ip_121" class="figcenter" style="max-width: 36em;">
-  <img src="images/i_121.jpg" width="562" height="403" alt="" /></div>
-
-<h2 class="nobreak p2">THE DRUNKEN HUSBAND.</h2>
-</div>
-
-<p><span class="firstword">A</span> certain Woman had a Drunken Husband, whom
-she had endeavoured to reclaim by several ways, without
-effect. She, at last, tried this stratagem: when he
-was brought home one night dead drunk, she ordered
-him to be carried to a burial-place, and there laid in a
-vault, as if he had been dead indeed. Thus she left
-him, and went away till she thought he might be come
-to himself, and grown sober again. When she returned,
-and knocked at the door of the vault, the man
-cried out, who’s there? I am the person, says she,
-in a dismal tone of voice, that waits upon the dead
-folks, and I am come to bring you some victuals. Ah,
-good waiter, says he, let the victuals alone and bring
-me a little drink, I beseech thee. The Woman hearing
-this, fell to tearing her hair, and beating her
-breast in a woeful manner: Unhappy wretch that I<span class="pagenum" id="Page_122">122</span>
-am, says she, this was the only way that I could think
-of to reform the beastly sot; but instead of gaining my
-point, I am only convinced that his drunkenness is an
-incurable habit, which he intends to carry with him
-into the other world.</p>
-
-<h3>APPLICATION.</h3>
-
-<p><span class="firstword">This</span> Fable is intended to shew us the prevalence of
-custom; and how by using ourselves to any evil practice,
-we may let it grow into such a habit as we shall
-never be able to divest ourselves of. “O! that men
-should put an enemy into their mouths to steal away
-their brains!” There is no vice which gains an ascendant
-over us more insensibly, or more incurably,
-than drunkenness: it takes root by degrees, and comes
-at length to be past both remedy and shame. Habitual
-drunkenness stupifies the senses, destroys the understanding,
-fills its votaries with diseases, and makes
-them incapable of business. It cuts short the thread
-of life, or brings on an early old age, besides the mischief
-it does in the mean time to a man’s family and
-affairs, and the scandal it brings upon himself: for a
-sot is one of the most despicable and disgusting characters
-in life. After he has destroyed his reasoning
-faculties, and thus shewn his ingratitude to the giver
-of them, he flies to palliatives as a remedy for the diseases
-which his intemperance has caused, and goes on
-in a course of taking whets and cordials, and more
-drink, till he falls a martyr to the vice, to which
-through life he has been a slave.</p>
-
-<hr />
-
-<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_123">123</span></p>
-
-<div class="chapter">
-<div id="ip_123" class="figcenter" style="max-width: 34em;">
-  <img src="images/i_123.jpg" width="543" height="415" alt="" /></div>
-
-<h2 class="nobreak p2">THE LIONESS AND THE FOX.</h2>
-</div>
-
-<p><span class="firstword">The</span> Lioness and the Fox meeting together, fell
-into discourse, and the conversation turning upon the
-breeding and fruitfulness of some living creatures above
-others, the Fox could not forbear taking the opportunity
-of observing to the Lioness, that for her part, she
-thought Foxes were as happy in that respect as almost
-any other creatures; for they bred constantly once
-a year, if not oftener, and always had a good litter of
-cubs at every birth; and yet, says she, there are some
-folks who are never delivered of more than one at
-a time, and that perhaps not above once or twice in
-their whole lives, who hold up their noses, and value
-themselves so much upon it, that they think all other
-creatures beneath them, and scarce worthy to be spoken
-to. The Lioness, who all the time perceived at
-whom this reflection pointed, replied, what you have<span class="pagenum" id="Page_124">124</span>
-observed is true. You litter often, and produce a
-great many at a time; but what are they? Foxes!
-I, indeed, may have but one at a time; but you should
-remember that that one is a Lion.</p>
-
-<h3>APPLICATION.</h3>
-
-<p><span class="firstword">Our</span> productions, of whatsoever kind, are not to be
-esteemed so much by their quantity as by their quality.
-It is not being employed much, but well, and to the
-purpose, which will make us useful to the age we live
-in, and celebrated by those which are to come. As the
-multiplication of foxes and other vermin is a misfortune
-to the countries which are infested with them, so
-one cannot help throwing out a melancholy reflection,
-when one sees some particular classes of the human
-kind increase so fast as they do. But the most obvious
-meaning of this Fable is the hint it gives us in relation
-to authors. These gentlemen should never attempt to
-raise themselves a reputation by trumping up a long
-catalogue of their various productions, since there is
-more glory in having written one tolerable piece than
-a thousand indifferent ones; and whoever has had the
-good fortune to please in one literary performance,
-should be very cautious how he stakes his reputation
-in a second attempt.</p>
-
-<div id="ip_124" class="figcenter" style="max-width: 14em;">
-  <img src="images/i_124.jpg" width="214" height="128" alt="" /></div>
-
-<hr />
-
-<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_125">125</span></p>
-
-<div class="chapter">
-<div id="ip_125" class="figcenter" style="max-width: 36em;">
-  <img src="images/i_125.jpg" width="566" height="404" alt="" /></div>
-
-<h2 class="nobreak p2">THE LAMB BROUGHT UP BY A GOAT.</h2>
-</div>
-
-<p><span class="firstword">A</span> Wolf, prowling about for his prey, espied a Lamb
-sucking a Goat. You silly creature! says he, you quite
-mistake; this is not your mother; she is yonder among
-a flock of sheep: do allow me to conduct you to her.
-No, no, replies the Lamb, the mother that bore me
-may indeed be yonder; but when she dropped me, she
-shewed no further care, but left me unprovided for,
-to shift for myself, regardless of what might become of
-me; and had it not been for the kindness of this honest
-Goat, who took compassion upon my helplessness, I
-must have suffered all the miseries to which inexperienced
-youth and innocence are exposed, when left
-without a guide to the mercy of the world.</p>
-
-<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_126">126</span></p>
-
-<h3>APPLICATION.</h3>
-
-<p><span class="firstword">This</span> Fable is levelled at those parents, too often
-met with in society, who, through negligence or ignorance
-of their duty, suffer their offspring to grow
-up to maturity, without instilling into their minds a
-single good principle of morality, or a reverence for
-religion, to guide them through life, and to guard
-them from falling into the snares of every wolf who
-may seek their destruction. Others again, more abandoned
-indeed, and callous to the tender ties of nature,
-bring forth an offspring whom they neither cherish nor
-provide for. Such a description of persons are not fit
-to become parents, and they must not be surprized, if
-their want of parental affection produce a corresponding
-want of filial attachment and respect: for the duties
-between parents and children are reciprocal. It is
-the goodness of parents which chiefly entitles them to
-the respect due to that name; and it is a paramount
-duty of children to honour, obey, and revere such
-parents as fulfil the obligations which the laws of God
-and nature impose upon those who bring children into
-the world.</p>
-
-<div id="ip_126" class="figcenter" style="max-width: 21em;">
-  <img src="images/i_126.jpg" width="321" height="132" alt="" /></div>
-
-<hr />
-
-<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_127">127</span></p>
-
-<div class="chapter">
-<div id="ip_127" class="figcenter" style="max-width: 36em;">
-  <img src="images/i_127.jpg" width="563" height="407" alt="" /></div>
-
-<h2 class="nobreak p2">THE HEN AND THE SWALLOW.</h2>
-</div>
-
-<p><span class="firstword">A</span> Hen, having found a nest of Serpent’s eggs in a
-dung-hill, immediately, with a fostering care, sat upon
-them, with a design to hatch them. A Swallow observing
-this, flew towards her, and with great earnestness
-forewarned her of her danger. What! said she,
-are you mad, to bring forth a brood of such pernicious
-creatures? Be assured, the instant they are warmed
-into life, you are the first they will attack and wreak
-their venomous spite upon: but the Hen persisted in
-her folly, and the end verified the Swallow’s prediction.</p>
-
-<h3>APPLICATION.</h3>
-
-<p><span class="firstword">It</span> is too often the hard fortune of many a kind
-good-natured man in the world to breed up a bird to<span class="pagenum" id="Page_128">128</span>
-pick out his own eyes, in despite of all cautions to the
-contrary; but they who want foresight should hearken
-to the council of the wise, as this might have the effect
-of preventing their spending much time and good offices
-on the undeserving, perhaps to the utter ruin of
-themselves. It is the duty of all men to act fairly,
-openly, and honestly, in all their transactions in life;
-to do justice to all; but to consider well the character
-of those on whom they would confer favours: for gratitude
-is one of the rarest as well as the greatest of
-virtues. The Fable is intended to shew that we should
-never have any dealings with bad men, even to do
-them kindnesses. Men of evil principles are a generation
-of vipers, that ought to be crushed; and every
-rogue should be looked upon by honest men as a venomous
-serpent. The man who is occasionally, or by accident,
-one’s enemy, may be mollified by kindness, and
-reclaimed by good usage: such a behaviour both reason
-and morality expect from us: but we should ever
-resolve, if not to suppress, at least to have no connexion
-with those whose blood is tinctured with hereditary,
-habitual villainy, and their nature leavened with
-evil, to such a degree as to be incapable of a reformation.</p>
-
-<div id="ip_128" class="figcenter" style="max-width: 14em;">
-  <img src="images/i_128.jpg" width="218" height="155" alt="" /></div>
-
-<hr />
-
-<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_129">129</span></p>
-
-<div class="chapter">
-<div id="ip_129" class="figcenter" style="max-width: 36em;">
-  <img src="images/i_129.jpg" width="564" height="403" alt="" /></div>
-
-<h2 class="nobreak p2">THE ENVIOUS MAN AND THE COVETOUS.</h2>
-</div>
-
-<p><span class="firstword">An</span> Envious Man happened to be offering up his
-prayers to Jupiter, at the same time and in the same
-place with a covetous miserable Fellow. Jupiter sent
-Apollo to examine the merits of their petitions, and
-to give them such relief as he should think proper.
-Apollo therefore opened his commission, and told them,
-that to make short of the matter, whatever the one
-asked, the other should have doubled. Upon this,
-the Covetous Man, who had a thousand things to request,
-forebore to ask first, hoping to receive a double
-quantity; for he concluded that all men’s wishes sympathized
-with his own. By this circumstance, the Envious
-Man had the opportunity of giving vent to his
-malignity, and of preferring his petition first, which
-was what he aimed at; so without hesitation he prayed<span class="pagenum" id="Page_130">130</span>
-to have one of his eyes put out, knowing that of consequence
-his companion would be deprived of both.</p>
-
-<h3>APPLICATION.</h3>
-
-<p><span class="firstword">This</span> Fable is levelled at two of the most odious
-passions which degrade the mind of man. In the extremes
-of their unsocial views, envy places its happiness
-in the misery and the misfortunes of others, and
-pines and sickens at their joy; and avarice, unblest
-amidst its stores, is never satisfied unless it can get all
-to itself, although its insatiable cravings are at once
-unaccountable, miserable, and absurd.</p>
-
-<div id="ip_130" class="figcenter" style="max-width: 36em;">
-  <img src="images/i_130.jpg" width="571" height="522" alt="" /></div>
-
-<hr />
-
-<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_131">131</span></p>
-
-<div class="chapter">
-<div id="ip_131" class="figcenter" style="max-width: 36em;">
-  <img src="images/i_131.jpg" width="564" height="393" alt="" /></div>
-
-<h2 class="nobreak p2">THE PORCUPINE AND THE SNAKES.</h2>
-</div>
-
-<p><span class="firstword">A</span> Porcupine, wanting a shelter for himself, begged
-a nest of Snakes to give him admittance into their snug
-cave. They were prevailed upon, and let him in accordingly;
-but were so annoyed with his sharp prickly
-quills, that they soon repented of their easy compliance,
-and intreated the Porcupine to withdraw, and
-leave them their hole to themselves. No, said he, let
-them quit the place that dont like it; for my part, I
-am well enough satisfied as I am.</p>
-
-<h3>APPLICATION.</h3>
-
-<p><span class="firstword">This</span> Fable points out the danger of entering into
-any degree of friendship, alliance, or partnership with
-any person whatever, before we have thoroughly considered
-his nature and qualities, his circumstances, and<span class="pagenum" id="Page_132">132</span>
-his humour; and also the necessity of examining our
-own temper and disposition, to discover, if we can,
-how far these may accord with the genius of those with
-whom we are about to form a connection; otherwise
-our associations, of whatever kind they be, may prove
-the greatest plague of our life. Young people, who
-are warm in all their passions, and suffer them, like a
-veil, to hoodwink their reason, often throw open their
-arms at once, and admit into the greatest intimacy
-persons whom they know little of, but by false and uncertain
-lights, and thus, perhaps, take a Porcupine
-into their bosom, instead of an inmate who might
-sooth the cares of life, as an amiable consort, or a
-valuable friend.</p>
-
-<div id="ip_132" class="figcenter" style="max-width: 29em;">
-  <img src="images/i_132.jpg" width="452" height="262" alt="" /></div>
-
-<hr />
-
-<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_133">133</span></p>
-
-<div class="chapter">
-<div id="ip_133" class="figcenter" style="max-width: 36em;">
-  <img src="images/i_133.jpg" width="568" height="404" alt="" /></div>
-
-<h2 class="nobreak p2">THE SOW AND THE WOLF.</h2>
-</div>
-
-<p><span class="firstword">A</span> Sow that had just farrowed, and lay in her sty
-with her whole litter of Pigs, was visited by a Wolf,
-who secretly longed to make a meal of one of them, but
-knew not how to come at it. So, under the pretence
-of a friendly visit, he gave her a call, and endeavoured
-to insinuate himself into her good graces by his
-apparently kind enquiries after the welfare of herself
-and her young family. Can I be of any service to
-you, Mrs Sow? said he: if I can, it shall not on my
-part be wanting; and if you have a mind to go abroad
-for a little fresh air, you may depend upon my taking
-as much care of your young family as you could do
-yourself. No, I thank you, Mr Wolf, I thoroughly
-understand your meaning, and the greatest favour you
-can do to me and my Pigs, is to keep your distance.</p>
-
-<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_134">134</span></p>
-
-<h3>APPLICATION.</h3>
-
-<p><span class="firstword">When</span> an entire stranger, or any one of whom we
-have no reason to entertain a good opinion, obtrudes
-upon us an offer of his services, we ought to look to
-our own safety, and shew a shyness and coldness towards
-him. But there are also many men with whom
-it is dangerous to have the least connection, and with
-whom any commerce or correspondence will certainly
-be to our detriment. From these we should,
-therefore, resolve not to accept even favours, but carefully
-avoid being under any obligation to them: for
-in the end, their apparent kindness will shew itself to
-be a real injury; and there is no method of guarding
-so effectually against such people, as that of entirely
-avoiding their society, or shutting our doors against
-them, as we would do against a thief.</p>
-
-<div id="ip_134" class="figcenter" style="max-width: 23em;">
-  <img src="images/i_134.jpg" width="367" height="267" alt="" /></div>
-
-<hr />
-
-<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_135">135</span></p>
-
-<div class="chapter">
-<div id="ip_135" class="figcenter" style="max-width: 36em;">
-  <img src="images/i_135.jpg" width="565" height="401" alt="" /></div>
-
-<h2 class="nobreak p2">THE FROGS AND THEIR KING.</h2>
-</div>
-
-<p><span class="firstword">In</span> antient times, the nation of Frogs lived an easy
-free life among their lakes and ponds; but at length
-grew dissatisfied with such a continuance of undisturbed
-tranquillity, and petitioned Jupiter for a king.
-Jupiter smiled at their folly, and threw them down a
-log of wood, and with a thundering voice said, “there
-is a king for you.” With this, and the sudden splash
-it made in the water, they were at first quite panic-struck,
-and for some time durst not put their heads
-up; but by degrees they ventured to take a peep, and
-at length even to leap upon the log. Not being pleased
-with so tame and insipid a king, they again petitioned
-Jupiter for another, who would exert more authority.
-Jupiter, disgusted at their importunate folly, sent them
-a Stork for their king, who, without ceremony, eat
-them up whenever his craving appetite required a supply.</p>
-
-<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_136">136</span></p>
-
-<h3>APPLICATION.</h3>
-
-<p><span class="firstword">This</span> Fable is said to have been spoken by Æsop
-to the Athenians, who had flourished under their commonwealth,
-and lived under good and wholesome laws
-of their own enacting, until, in process of time, they
-suffered their liberty to run into licentiousness; and
-factious designing men fomented divisions, and raised
-animosities among them. When thus rendered weak,
-Pisistratus took the advantage, and seized upon their
-citadel and liberties both together. The Athenians
-finding themselves in a state of slavery, though their
-tyrant happened to be a merciful one, could not bear
-the thoughts of it; but Æsop in reciting the Fable to
-them, prescribes patience where there was no other remedy,
-and adds, at last, “Wherefore, my dear countrymen,
-be contented with your present condition, bad
-as it is, for fear a change should make it worse.”</p>
-
-<div id="ip_136" class="figcenter" style="max-width: 33em;">
-  <img src="images/i_136.jpg" width="514" height="377" alt="" />
-  <div class="caption"><i>Set them up with a king indeed!</i></div></div>
-
-<hr />
-
-<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_137">137</span></p>
-
-<div class="chapter">
-<div id="ip_137" class="figcenter" style="max-width: 36em;">
-  <img src="images/i_137.jpg" width="564" height="404" alt="" /></div>
-
-<h2 class="nobreak p2">THE OLD WOMAN AND THE EMPTY CASK.</h2>
-</div>
-
-<p><span class="firstword">An</span> Old Woman, seeing a Wine Cask, which had
-been emptied of its contents, but the very lees of which
-still perfumed the air with a grateful cordial scent,
-applied her nose to the bunghole, and snuffing very
-heartily for some time, at last broke out into this exclamation:
-O delicious smell! How good! how charming
-must you have been once, when your very dregs
-are so agreeable and refreshing!</p>
-
-<h3>APPLICATION.</h3>
-
-<p><span class="firstword">Phædrus</span> was an old man when he wrote his Fables,
-and this he applies to himself; intimating what we
-ought to judge of his youth, when his old age was capable
-of such productions. It is at once a pleasing and<span class="pagenum" id="Page_138">138</span>
-melancholy idea that is given us by the intercourse
-with elderly persons, whose conversation is relishing
-and agreeable, and we cannot help concluding that
-they must have been very engaging in the prime of life,
-when in their decline they are still capable of yielding
-us so much pleasure. Nor can we help feeling regret,
-that this fountain of delight is now almost dried up,
-and going to forsake us for ever. On the contrary,
-when people have neglected to cultivate their minds in
-youth, their whole deportment through life is marked
-with the effects of this great want, and their old age is
-burthensome to themselves, and their conversation insipid
-to others; and like liquor of a thin body, and
-vile quality, soon becomes sour, vapid, or good for
-nothing.</p>
-
-<div id="ip_138" class="figcenter" style="max-width: 21em;">
-  <img src="images/i_138.jpg" width="332" height="288" alt="" />
-  <div class="caption"><i>An old filtering stone</i></div></div>
-
-<hr />
-
-<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_139">139</span></p>
-
-<div class="chapter">
-<div id="ip_139" class="figcenter" style="max-width: 36em;">
-  <img src="images/i_139.jpg" width="567" height="408" alt="" /></div>
-
-<h2 class="nobreak p2">JUPITER AND THE CAMEL.</h2>
-</div>
-
-<p><span class="firstword">The</span> Camel presented a petition to Jupiter, complaining
-of the hardships of his case, in not having,
-like bulls and other creatures, horns, or any weapon
-of defence to protect himself from the attacks of his
-enemies; and praying that relief might be granted him
-in such manner as should be thought most expedient.
-Jupiter could not help smiling at his impertinent address;
-but, however, rejected the petition, and told
-him, that so far from granting his unreasonable request,
-he would take care that henceforward his ears
-should be shortened, as a punishment for his presumptuous
-importunity.</p>
-
-<h3>APPLICATION.</h3>
-
-<p><span class="firstword">The</span> nature of things is so fixed in every particular,<span class="pagenum" id="Page_140">140</span>
-that they are very weak, superstitious people, who
-think that it can be altered. But besides the impossibility
-of producing a change by foolish importunities,
-they who employ much of their time in that way, instead
-of getting, are sure to lose in the end. When
-any man is so silly and vexatious as to make unreasonable
-complaints, and to harbour undue repinings in his
-heart, his peevishness will lessen the real good which
-he possesses, and the sourness of his temper shorten
-that allowance of comfort which he already thinks too
-scanty. Thus, in truth, it is not Providence, but ourselves,
-who punish our own importunity, in soliciting
-for impossibilities, with a sharp corroding care, which
-abridges us of some part of that little pleasure which
-Heaven has cast into our lot.</p>
-
-<div class="poem-container">
-<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
-<span class="i0">Happy the man without a wish for more,<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">Who quietly enjoys his little store,<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">And knows to heaven, with gratitude to pay<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">Thanks for what’s given, and what is ta’en away.<br /></span>
-</div></div>
-</div>
-
-<div id="ip_140" class="figcenter" style="max-width: 23em;">
-  <img src="images/i_140.jpg" width="357" height="239" alt="" /></div>
-
-<hr />
-
-<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_141">141</span></p>
-
-<div class="chapter">
-<div id="ip_141" class="figcenter" style="max-width: 35em;">
-  <img src="images/i_141.jpg" width="546" height="408" alt="" /></div>
-
-<h2 class="nobreak p2">THE STAG AND THE FAWN.</h2>
-</div>
-
-<p><span class="firstword">A</span> Stag, grown old and mischievous, was, according
-to custom, stamping with his foot, making threatening
-motions with his head, and bellowing so terribly, that
-the whole herd quaked for fear of him; when one of
-the little Fawns coming up, addressed him to this purpose:
-Pray what is the reason that you, who are so
-stout and formidable at all other times, if you do but
-hear the cry of the hounds, are ready to fly out of your
-skin for fear? What you observe is true, replied the
-Stag, though I know not how to account for it: I am
-indeed vigorous and able enough, I think, to defend
-myself against all attacks, and often resolve with myself,
-that nothing shall ever dismay my courage for the
-future; but, alas! I no sooner hear the voice of the
-hounds, but all my spirits fail, and I cannot help
-making off as fast as my legs can carry me.</p>
-
-<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_142">142</span></p>
-
-<h3>APPLICATION.</h3>
-
-<div class="poem-container">
-<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
-<span class="i0">Try what we can, do what we will,<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">Yet nature will be nature still.<br /></span>
-</div></div>
-</div>
-
-<p><span class="firstword">The</span> predominance of nature will generally shew
-itself through all the disguises which artful men endeavour
-to throw over it. Cowardice particularly gives
-us but the more suspicion of its existence, when it
-would conceal itself under an affected fierceness, as
-they who would smother an ill smell by a cloud of
-perfume, are imagined to be but the more offensive.
-When we have done all, nature will remain what she
-was, and shew herself whenever she is called upon:
-therefore, whatever we do in contradiction to her laws,
-is so forced and affected, that it must needs expose and
-make us truly ridiculous.</p>
-
-<div id="ip_142" class="figcenter" style="max-width: 27em;">
-  <img src="images/i_142.jpg" width="419" height="285" alt="" /></div>
-
-<hr />
-
-<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_143">143</span></p>
-
-<div class="chapter">
-<div id="ip_143" class="figcenter" style="max-width: 36em;">
-  <img src="images/i_143.jpg" width="567" height="408" alt="" /></div>
-
-<h2 class="nobreak p2">THE FIR AND THE BRAMBLE.</h2>
-</div>
-
-<p><span class="firstword">A</span> tall Fir, that stood towering up in the forest, was
-so proud of his dignity and high station, that he looked
-with disdain upon the little shrubs that grew beneath
-him. A lowly Bramble had often been made to feel
-the insults and gloomy frowns of his lofty neighbour,
-who, on the slightest rufflings of the winds, shook his
-extended arms over the humble shrub, and upbraided
-him with his contemptible situation. As for me, said
-the Fir, I am the first in the forest for beauty and
-rank: my top shoots up into the clouds, and my
-branches display a perpetual verdure, whilst you lie
-grovelling upon the ground, and could not live were
-I to leave off sprinkling you with the drops from my
-extremities. At this the Bramble set up his prickles,
-and replied, that this haughtiness arose from pride and
-ignorance; for He that made thee a lofty tree, could,<span class="pagenum" id="Page_144">144</span>
-with equal ease, have made thee an humble Bramble;
-and high as thou art, a puff of His breath, in the message
-of a north wind, can rob thee of thy verdure, or
-lay thee low; and further, I pray thee tell me, when
-the woodman comes with his axe to fell timber, whether
-thou wouldst not rather be a Bramble than a Fir?</p>
-
-<h3>APPLICATION.</h3>
-
-<p><span class="firstword">Pride,</span> which was implanted in the human breast
-for wise purposes, should carefully be directed aright.
-It was intended only to exalt the minds of all ranks
-and conditions of men, to that pitch, which will make
-them spurn at, and despise the doing of a mean or dishonourable
-action; and it is only misapplied, when it
-puffs up those whom fortune has placed in high stations,
-or overloaded with riches, and tempts them to
-look down with derision on those below them. The
-higher a man is exalted in life, but especially if he have
-risen by dishonourable means, the more unlikely it is
-that he will escape a storm, or the mischiefs to which
-he may be exposed in his public capacity, in any convulsion
-that may befal his country. When public justice
-overtakes him, and he finds the day of reckoning
-near at hand, the honest monitor within will put him
-in mind of his true situation, and he will then be enabled
-to make a just comparison between his own lofty
-station, and that of the poor, but honest, man.</p>
-
-<div id="ip_144" class="figcenter" style="max-width: 12em;">
-  <img src="images/i_144.jpg" width="190" height="124" alt="" /></div>
-
-<hr />
-
-<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_145">145</span></p>
-
-<div class="chapter">
-<div id="ip_145" class="figcenter" style="max-width: 36em;">
-  <img src="images/i_145.jpg" width="564" height="406" alt="" /></div>
-
-<h2 class="nobreak p2">THE BEES, THE DRONES, AND THE WASP.</h2>
-</div>
-
-<p><span class="firstword">A</span> number of Drones, who had long lived at their
-ease in a hive of Bees, without contributing by their
-labour to make any honey, at length began to dispute
-the right of the Bees, and insisted that both
-the honey and the combs were their property. The
-Bees, after much altercation, at last offered to leave
-the dispute to reference, and this being assented to by
-the Drones, the Wasp was chosen umpire. Accordingly,
-he began by declaring, that as both parties, he
-hoped, were his friends, and he wished them well, he
-would instantly proceed upon the investigation. I
-must own, says he, that the point is somewhat dubious,
-for I have often seen you both in the same
-hive, and excepting that the Drones are of a more<span class="pagenum" id="Page_146">146</span>
-portly size and appearance, you are all otherwise nearly
-alike in person: but as I have not been able to see
-who worked, and who did not, I know of no mode
-in which I shall be enabled to judge so correctly, as
-by setting each party to work at the making of the
-honey. Therefore, addressing himself to the Bees,
-you take one hive; and you, speaking to the Drones,
-will be so good as to take another, and both go to
-work to make honey as fast as you can. The Bees
-readily accepted the proposal; but the Drones hung
-back, and would not agree to it. So, so! says Judge
-Wasp, I see clearly how the matter stands; and without
-further ceremony, declared in favour of the Bees.</p>
-
-<h3>APPLICATION.</h3>
-
-<p><span class="firstword">The</span> surest method of detecting ignorance and inability,
-is to put arrogant pretenders to the test, and
-appreciate their claims by a fair trial; and when those
-who assume the merit due to works of ingenuity, refuse
-to prove their title by a display of their talents, we may
-well conclude that their pretensions are unfounded, and
-that they are mere impostors. When men, who are at
-the head of national affairs, will not be at the pains to
-find out merit (for men of that character are too modest
-to obtrude themselves) they will be surrounded by a
-swarm of idle, impudent, good-for-nothing drones;
-and these too often succeed in obtaining those benefits
-which should be the reward of men of parts, integrity,
-and industry.</p>
-
-<hr />
-
-<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_147">147</span></p>
-
-<div class="chapter">
-<div id="ip_147" class="figcenter" style="max-width: 36em;">
-  <img src="images/i_147.jpg" width="569" height="410" alt="" /></div>
-
-<h2 class="nobreak p2">THE FROG AND THE FOX.</h2>
-</div>
-
-<p><span class="firstword">A</span> Frog leaping out of the lake, and taking the advantage
-of a rising ground, made a proclamation to all
-the beasts of the forest, that he was an able physician,
-and for curing all manner of distempers, would turn
-his back to no person living. This discourse, with the
-aid of some hard cramp words, which nobody understood,
-made the beasts admire his learning, and give
-credit to every thing he said. At last, the Fox, who
-was present, with indignation asked him, how he
-could have the impudence, with those thin lanthorn
-jaws, that meagre pale phiz, and blotched spotted body,
-to pretend to cure the infirmities of others?</p>
-
-<h3>APPLICATION.</h3>
-
-<p><span class="firstword">A</span> sickly and infirm look is as disadvantageous in a<span class="pagenum" id="Page_148">148</span>
-physician, as a rakish one in a clergyman, or a sheepish
-one in a soldier. We should not set up for correctors
-of the faults of others, whilst we labour under the same
-ourselves. Good advice ought always to be followed,
-without our being prejudiced upon account of the person
-from whom it comes; but it is seldom that men can
-be brought to think us worth minding, when we prescribe
-cures for maladies with which we ourselves are
-afflicted. Physician heal thyself, is too scriptural, not
-to be applied upon such an occasion; and if we would
-avoid being the jest of an audience, we must be sound
-and free from those diseases of which we would endeavour
-to cure others. How shocked must people have
-been to hear a preacher for a whole hour declaim
-against drunkenness, when his own weaknesses have
-been such, that he could neither bear nor forbear
-drinking, and perhaps was the only person in the congregation
-who made the doctrine at that time necessary!
-Others, too, have been very zealous in censuring
-crimes, of which none were suspected more than
-themselves: but let such silly hypocrites remember,
-that they whose eyes want couching, are the most improper
-people in the world to set up for oculists.</p>
-
-<div id="ip_148" class="figcenter" style="max-width: 22em;">
-  <img src="images/i_148.jpg" width="339" height="224" alt="" /></div>
-
-<hr />
-
-<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_149">149</span></p>
-
-<div class="chapter">
-<div id="ip_149" class="figcenter" style="max-width: 35em;">
-  <img src="images/i_149.jpg" width="560" height="404" alt="" /></div>
-
-<h2 class="nobreak p2">THE CAT AND THE MICE.</h2>
-</div>
-
-<p><span class="firstword">A</span> certain house being much infested with Mice,
-a Cat was at length procured, who very diligently
-hunted after them, and killed great numbers every
-night. The Mice, being exceedingly alarmed at this
-destruction among their family, consulted together upon
-what was best to be done for their preservation
-against so terrible and cruel an enemy. After some
-debate, they came to the resolution, that no one should,
-in future, descend below the uppermost shelf. The
-Cat, observing their extreme caution, endeavoured to
-draw them down to their old haunts by stratagem, for
-which purpose, she suspended herself by her hinder
-legs upon a peg in the pantry, and hoped by this trick
-to lull their suspicions, and to entice them to venture
-within her reach. She had not long been in this
-posture, before a cunning old Mouse peeped over the<span class="pagenum" id="Page_150">150</span>
-edge of the shelf, and squeaked out thus: Aha! Mrs
-Puss, are you there then? There may you be; but I
-would not trust myself with you, though your skin
-were stuffed with straw.</p>
-
-<h3>APPLICATION.</h3>
-
-<p><span class="firstword">We</span> cannot be too much upon our guard against
-fraud and imposition of every kind; and prudence in
-many cases would rather counsel us to forego some advantages,
-than endeavour to gain them at a risk of
-which we cannot certainly ascertain the amount. We
-should more particularly suspect some design in the
-professions of those who have once injured us; and
-though they may promise fairly for the future, it is no
-breach of charity to doubt their sincerity, and decline
-their proposals, however plausible they may appear;
-for experience shews that many of the misfortunes
-which we experience through life, are caused by our
-own too great credulity.</p>
-
-<div id="ip_150" class="figcenter" style="max-width: 13em;">
-  <img src="images/i_150.jpg" width="197" height="147" alt="" /></div>
-
-<hr />
-
-<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_151">151</span></p>
-
-<div class="chapter">
-<div id="ip_151" class="figcenter" style="max-width: 35em;">
-  <img src="images/i_151.jpg" width="549" height="397" alt="" /></div>
-
-<h2 class="nobreak p2">THE OAK AND THE REED.</h2>
-</div>
-
-<p><span class="firstword">An</span> Oak, which hung over the bank of a river, was
-blown down by a violent storm of wind, and as it was
-carried along by the stream, some of its boughs brushed
-against a Reed which grew near the shore. This
-struck the Oak with a thought of admiration, and he
-could not forbear asking the Reed how he came to
-stand so secure and unhurt, in a tempest which had
-been furious enough to tear up an Oak by the roots?
-Why, says the Reed, I secure myself by a conduct the
-reverse of yours: instead of being stubborn and stiff,
-and confiding in my strength, I yield and bend to
-the blast, and let it go over me, knowing how vain
-and fruitless it would be to resist.</p>
-
-<h3>APPLICATION.</h3>
-
-<p><span class="firstword">Though</span> a tame submission to injuries which it is in<span class="pagenum" id="Page_152">152</span>
-our power to redress, be generally esteemed a base and
-dishonourable thing, yet to resist where there is no
-probability, or even hope of getting the better, may
-also be looked upon as the effect of a blind temerity,
-and perhaps of a weak understanding. The strokes of
-fortune are oftentimes as irresistible as they are severe,
-and he who with an impatient spirit fights against her,
-instead of alleviating, does but double the blows upon
-himself. A person of a quiet still temper, whether it
-be given him by nature, or acquired by art, calmly
-composes himself in the midst of a storm, so as to elude
-the shock, or receive it with the least detriment,—like a
-prudent experienced sailor, who, in swimming to the
-shore from a wrecked vessel, in a swelling sea, does not
-oppose the fury of the waves, but stoops and gives way,
-that they may roll over his head without obstruction.
-The doctrine of absolute submission in all cases, is an
-absurd dogmatical precept, with nothing but ignorance
-and superstition to support it; but, upon particular occasions,
-and where it is impossible for us to overcome,
-to submit patiently is one of the most reasonable maxims
-of life.</p>
-
-<div id="ip_152" class="figcenter" style="max-width: 26em;">
-  <img src="images/i_152.jpg" width="416" height="201" alt="" />
-  <div class="caption">
-
-<p>
-<i>O God of infinite Wisdom<br />
-Truth Justice &amp; Mercy<br />
-I thank Thee</i><br />
-</p></div></div>
-
-<hr />
-
-<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_153">153</span></p>
-
-<div class="chapter">
-<div id="ip_153" class="figcenter" style="max-width: 36em;">
-  <img src="images/i_153.jpg" width="566" height="407" alt="" /></div>
-
-<h2 class="nobreak p2">FORTUNE AND THE BOY.</h2>
-</div>
-
-<p><span class="firstword">A</span> School Boy, fatigued with play, laid himself down
-by the brink of a deep well, where he fell fast asleep.
-Fortune, whose wheel is always in motion, passing by,
-kindly gave him a tap on the head, and awoke him.
-My good boy, said she, arise and depart from this
-dangerous situation immediately; for if you had tumbled
-into this well, and been drowned, your friends
-would not have attributed the accident to your carelessness,
-but would have laid the whole blame upon me.</p>
-
-<h3>APPLICATION.</h3>
-
-<p><span class="firstword">Mankind</span> suffer more evils from their own imprudence,
-than from events which it is not in their power
-to controul; but they are ever ready to complain of the<span class="pagenum" id="Page_154">154</span>
-perverseness of chance, and the capriciousness of fortune,
-and to impute the blame to her for whatever
-mischiefs may befal them, when these clearly arise from
-their own misconduct. Few men pass through life
-without having had reason at one time or another to
-thank Fortune for her favours; and great is the number
-of those who have, through their own folly, indolence,
-or inattention, neglected to profit by her kindness.
-Prudent people take every care not to put themselves
-in the power of accidents; but those who carelessly give
-up all their concerns to the guidance of blind chance,
-must not be surprised if by some of the revolutions of
-Fortune’s wheel, they feel the punishment due to their
-negligence and folly.</p>
-
-<div id="ip_154" class="figcenter" style="max-width: 15em;">
-  <img src="images/i_154.jpg" width="228" height="346" alt="" />
-  <div class="caption"><p>BLOODO ET GUTTO</p>
-
-<p>
-<i>The Butchers Coat<br />
-of Arms</i><br />
-</p></div></div>
-
-<hr />
-
-<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_155">155</span></p>
-
-<div class="chapter">
-<div id="ip_155" class="figcenter" style="max-width: 36em;">
-  <img src="images/i_155.jpg" width="570" height="402" alt="" /></div>
-
-<h2 class="nobreak p2">THE WOLF AND THE CRANE.</h2>
-</div>
-
-<p><span class="firstword">A</span> Wolf, after devouring his prey, happened to have
-a bone stick in his throat, which gave him so much
-pain, that he went howling up and down, and importuning
-every creature he met to lend him a kind hand
-in order to his relief; nay, he promised a reasonable
-reward to any one who should perform the operation
-with success. At last, the Crane undertook the business,
-ventured his long neck into the rapacious felon’s
-throat, plucked out the bone, and asked for the promised
-reward. The Wolf, turning his eyes disdainfully
-towards him, said, I did not think you had been
-so unconscionable: I had your head in my mouth, and
-could have bit it off whenever I pleased, but suffered
-you to take it away without any damage, and yet you
-are not contented!</p>
-
-<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_156">156</span></p>
-
-<div class="poem-container">
-<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
-<span class="i0">Who serves a villain, might as wisely free<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">The hardened murderer from the fatal tree.<br /></span>
-</div></div>
-</div>
-
-<h3>APPLICATION.</h3>
-
-<p><span class="firstword">There</span> are people in the world to whom it may be
-wrong to do services, upon a double score: first, because
-they never deserve to have a good office done
-them; and secondly, because when once engaged, it is
-so hard a matter to get well rid of their acquaintance.
-We ought to consider what kind of people they are,
-to whom we are desired to do good offices, before we
-do them: for he that grants a favour, or even confides
-in a person of no honour, instead of finding his account
-in it, comes off well, if he be no sufferer in the end.</p>
-
-<div id="ip_156" class="figcenter" style="max-width: 23em;">
-  <img src="images/i_156.jpg" width="354" height="242" alt="" /></div>
-
-<hr />
-
-<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_157">157</span></p>
-
-<div class="chapter">
-<div id="ip_157" class="figcenter" style="max-width: 36em;">
-  <img src="images/i_157.jpg" width="566" height="405" alt="" /></div>
-
-<h2 class="nobreak p2">THE HART AND THE VINE.</h2>
-</div>
-
-<p><span class="firstword">A</span> Hart being closely pursued by the Hunters, concealed
-himself under the broad leaves of a shady Vine.
-When the Hunters were gone by, and had given him
-over for lost, he thinking himself very secure, began
-to crop and eat the leaves of his shelter. By this, the
-branches being put into a rustling motion drew the attention
-of some of the Hunters that way, who seeing
-the Vine stir, and fancying some wild beast had taken
-covert there, shot their arrows at a venture, and killed
-the Deer. Before he expired, he uttered his dying
-words to this purpose: “Ah!” says he, “I suffer
-justly for my ingratitude; because I could not forbear
-doing an injury to the Vine, which so kindly concealed
-me in time of danger.”</p>
-
-<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_158">158</span></p>
-
-<h3>APPLICATION.</h3>
-
-<p><span class="firstword">There</span> is no maxim which deserves more frequent
-repetition, and if the heart be capable of amendment
-by precept and admonition, no virtue should be more
-strongly enforced and recommended than gratitude.
-Where sentiments of this kind are wanting, our natures
-soon become debased, and our minds depraved.
-Ingratitude has ever been justly branded as the blackest
-of crimes, and, as it were, comprehending all other
-vices within it. Nor can we say that this opinion is
-too severe: for if a man be capable of injuring his
-benefactor, what will he scruple doing towards another?
-We may fairly conclude that he who is guilty
-of ingratitude, will not hesitate at any other crime of
-an inferior nature. Since there are no human laws to
-punish this infamous prevailing vice, it would only
-be doing an act of justice, and supplying the want, to
-point out criminals of this description to the reprobation
-of mankind, that men of worth might avoid all intercourse
-and communication with them. The ingrate
-should also bear in mind, that he strips himself of the
-protection which might have been afforded by his
-friends, and exposes himself to the shafts of his enemies,
-who will not fail to take advantage of the defenceless
-state to which his folly and depravity have reduced
-him.</p>
-
-<div id="ip_158" class="figcenter" style="max-width: 9em;">
-  <img src="images/i_158.jpg" width="140" height="130" alt="" /></div>
-
-<hr />
-
-<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_159">159</span></p>
-
-<div class="chapter">
-<div id="ip_159" class="figcenter" style="max-width: 36em;">
-  <img src="images/i_159.jpg" width="565" height="407" alt="" /></div>
-
-<h2 class="nobreak p2">THE HUNTED BEAVER.</h2>
-</div>
-
-<p><span class="firstword">A</span> Beaver, having strayed far from his dwelling,
-(which it is well known these animals construct with
-infinite sagacity) was closely pursued by the hunters,
-and knowing that he was thus persecuted for the sake
-of the castor, which is contained in two little bags
-placed underneath and near the tail, he, with great
-resolution and presence of mind, bit them off with his
-teeth, and leaving them behind him, thus escaped
-with his life.</p>
-
-<h3>APPLICATION.</h3>
-
-<p><span class="firstword">It</span> is in vain for individuals to contend against an
-overwhelming power, and an ineffectual resistance to
-violence only tends to double our sufferings. When
-life is pursued, and in danger, whoever values it should<span class="pagenum" id="Page_160">160</span>
-give up every thing but his honour to preserve it; and
-there can be no disgrace in yielding voluntarily to our
-persecutors, when we are certain that resistance is in
-vain: but this doctrine can seldom be applied to the
-case of a whole nation, for when tyranny and rapine
-are making their wicked strides over a country (as has
-sometimes happened even in Europe) the people would
-seldom fail to rid themselves of their oppressors, if they
-resolved to rise as one man, and bravely oppose them.</p>
-
-<div id="ip_160" class="figcenter" style="max-width: 28em;">
-  <img src="images/i_160.jpg" width="437" height="271" alt="" /></div>
-
-<hr />
-
-<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_161">161</span></p>
-
-<div class="chapter">
-<div id="ip_161" class="figcenter" style="max-width: 36em;">
-  <img src="images/i_161.jpg" width="567" height="404" alt="" /></div>
-
-<h2 class="nobreak p2">THE ASS AND THE LION HUNTING.</h2>
-</div>
-
-<p><span class="firstword">The</span> Lion, having thinned the forest of great numbers
-of the beasts upon which he preyed, and so scared
-and intimidated the rest, that he found it very difficult
-to get hold of any more of them, bethought himself of
-a new expedient to obtain more readily a fresh supply.
-He invited the Ass to assist him in his plan, and gave
-him instructions how to act. Go, said the Lion, and
-hide thyself in yonder thicket, and then let me hear
-thee bray in the most frightful manner thou possibly
-canst. The stratagem took effect accordingly. The Ass
-brayed most hideously, and the timorous beasts, not
-knowing what to think of it, began to scour off as fast
-as they could; when the Lion, who was posted at a
-proper avenue, seized and killed them as he pleased.
-Having got his belly full, he called out to the Ass, and
-bade him leave off, telling him he had done enough.<span class="pagenum" id="Page_162">162</span>
-Upon this, the long-eared brute came out of his ambush,
-and approaching the Lion, asked him, with an
-air of conceit, how he liked his performance? Prodigiously!
-says he, you did it so well, that I protest
-had I not known your nature and temper, I might
-have been frightened myself.</p>
-
-<h3>APPLICATION.</h3>
-
-<p><span class="firstword">A</span> bragging cowardly fellow may impose upon people
-that do not know him; but is the greatest jest imaginable
-to those who do. There are many men who appear
-very terrible and big in their manner of expressing
-themselves, and if you could be persuaded to take their
-own word for it, are perfect Lions; but if we take the
-pains to enquire a little into their true nature, are as
-arrant Asses as ever brayed.</p>
-
-<div id="ip_162" class="figcenter" style="max-width: 19em;">
-  <img src="images/i_162.jpg" width="302" height="218" alt="" /></div>
-
-<hr />
-
-<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_163">163</span></p>
-
-<div class="chapter">
-<div id="ip_163" class="figcenter" style="max-width: 36em;">
-  <img src="images/i_163.jpg" width="565" height="403" alt="" /></div>
-
-<h2 class="nobreak p2">THE SOW AND THE BITCH.</h2>
-</div>
-
-<p><span class="firstword">A</span> Sow and a Bitch happening to meet, a debate
-arose between them concerning their fruitfulness. The
-Bitch insisted upon it, that she brought forth more at
-a litter, and oftener, than any other four-legged creature.
-Nay, said the Sow, you do not do so, for others
-are as prolific as you; and besides, you are always in
-such a hurry, that you bring your puppies into the
-world blind.</p>
-
-<h3>APPLICATION.</h3>
-
-<p><span class="firstword">It</span> is no wonder that our productions should come
-into the world blind or lame, or otherwise defective,
-when by forced or unnatural methods we accelerate
-their birth, and impatiently refuse to let them go their
-full time. Then it is that the excellent proverb of the<span class="pagenum" id="Page_164">164</span>
-more haste the worse speed, is felt and fully verified.
-This Fable has been pointed at those authors whose
-itch for scribbling has been an annoyance to the world,
-rather than of any real use to it; and who have been
-proud of, and boasted of the numerous but flimsy productions
-of their vain and shallow brains. It is proper
-to put such people in mind, that it is not he who does
-most, but he who does the best, that will meet the approbation
-of mankind.</p>
-
-<div id="ip_164" class="figcenter" style="max-width: 32em;">
-  <img src="images/i_164.jpg" width="504" height="292" alt="" />
-  <div class="caption"><i>Who told the Lamb to suck its Mother’s Paps?</i></div></div>
-
-<hr />
-
-<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_165">165</span></p>
-
-<div class="chapter">
-<div id="ip_165" class="figcenter" style="max-width: 36em;">
-  <img src="images/i_165.jpg" width="566" height="407" alt="" /></div>
-
-<h2 class="nobreak p2">THE SATYR AND THE TRAVELLER.</h2>
-</div>
-
-<p><span class="firstword">A</span> Satyr, as he was ranging the forest in an exceeding
-cold snowy season, met with a Traveller half-starved
-with the extremity of the weather. He took
-compassion on him, and kindly invited him home to a
-warm cave he had in the hollow of a rock. As soon as
-they had entered and sat down, notwithstanding there
-was a good fire in the place, the chilly Traveller could
-not forbear blowing his fingers. Upon the Satyr asking
-him why he did so? He answered, that he did it to
-warm his hands. The honest Sylvan having seen little
-of the world, admired a man who was master of so valuable
-a quality as that of blowing heat; and therefore
-resolved to entertain him in the best manner he could.
-He spread the table with dried fruits of several sorts,
-and produced a remnant of old cordial wine, which he
-mulled with some warm spices over the fire, and presented
-to his shivering guest. But this the Traveller<span class="pagenum" id="Page_166">166</span>
-thought fit to blow upon likewise; and when the Satyr
-demanded a reason why he did so, he replied, to
-cool his dish. This second answer provoked the Satyr’s
-indignation as much as the first had kindled his
-surprise; so, taking the man by the shoulders, he
-thrust him out of the place, saying, he would have nothing
-to do with a wretch who had so vile a quality as
-to blow hot and cold with the same breath.</p>
-
-<h3>APPLICATION.</h3>
-
-<p><span class="firstword">Nothing</span> can be more offensive to a man of a sincere
-honest heart, than he who blows with different
-breaths from the same mouth: who flatters a man to
-his face, and reviles him behind his back. Such double-dealing
-false friends ought and will always be considered
-as unworthy of being treated otherwise than as
-worthless and disagreeable persons: for unless the
-tenor of a man’s life be always true and consistent with
-itself, the less one has to do with him the better. It
-is unfortunately too common with persons of this cast
-of character, in the exalted stations of life, to serve a
-present view, or perhaps only the caprice or whim of
-the moment, to blow nothing but what is warm, benevolent,
-and cherishing, to raise up the expectations of
-a dependent to the highest degree; and when they suspect
-he may prove troublesome, they then, by a sudden
-cold forbidding air, easily blast all his hopes and expectations:
-but such a temper, whether it proceed from
-a designed or natural levity, is detestable, and has been
-the cause of much trouble and mortification to many a
-brave deserving man.</p>
-
-<hr />
-
-<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_167">167</span></p>
-
-<div class="chapter">
-<div id="ip_167" class="figcenter" style="max-width: 35em;">
-  <img src="images/i_167.jpg" width="548" height="401" alt="" /></div>
-
-<h2 class="nobreak p2">THE FOX AND THE GRAPES.</h2>
-</div>
-
-<p><span class="firstword">A</span> hungry Fox coming into a vineyard where there
-hung delicious clusters of ripe Grapes, his mouth watered
-to be at them; but they were nailed up to a trellis
-so high, that with all his springing and leaping he
-could not reach a single bunch. At last, growing
-tired and disappointed, Let who will take them! says
-he, they are but green and sour; so I’ll e’en let them
-alone.</p>
-
-<h3>APPLICATION.</h3>
-
-<p><span class="firstword">To</span> affect to despise that which they have long ineffectually
-laboured to obtain, is the only consolation
-to which weak minds can have recourse, both to palliate
-their inability, and to take off the bitterness of
-disappointment. There is a strange propensity in<span class="pagenum" id="Page_168">168</span>
-mankind to this temper, and there is a numerous class of
-vain coxcombs in the world, who, because they would
-never be thought to be disappointed in any of their
-pursuits, pretend a dislike to every thing they cannot
-obtain. The discarded statesman, considering the corruption
-of the times, would not have any hand in the
-administration of affairs for the world! The needy
-adventurer, and pretended patriot, would fain persuade
-all who will listen to them, that they would not go
-cringing and creeping into a drawing-room, for the best
-place the king has in his disposal! Worthless young
-fellows, who find that their addresses to virtue and
-beauty are rejected; and poor rogues who laugh to
-scorn the rich and great, are all alike in saying, like
-sly Reynard, the Grapes are sour!</p>
-
-<div id="ip_168" class="figcenter" style="max-width: 23em;">
-  <img src="images/i_168.jpg" width="358" height="213" alt="" /></div>
-
-<hr />
-
-<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_169">169</span></p>
-
-<div class="chapter">
-<div id="ip_169" class="figcenter" style="max-width: 36em;">
-  <img src="images/i_169.jpg" width="566" height="404" alt="" /></div>
-
-<h2 class="nobreak p2">THE MISCHIEVOUS DOG.</h2>
-</div>
-
-<p><span class="firstword">A</span> certain Man had a Dog which was so ferocious
-and surly, that he was compelled to fasten a heavy clog
-to his collar, to keep him from running at and indiscriminately
-seizing upon every animal that came in his
-way. This the vain Cur took for a badge of honourable
-distinction, and grew so insolent upon it, that he
-looked down with an air of scorn upon the neighbouring
-Dogs, and refused to keep them company: but a
-sly old poacher, who was one of the gang, assured him
-that he had no reason to value himself upon the favour
-he wore, since it was fixed upon him as a badge of disgrace,
-not of honour.</p>
-
-<h3>APPLICATION.</h3>
-
-<p><span class="firstword">The</span> only true way of estimating the value of tokens<span class="pagenum" id="Page_170">170</span>
-of distinction, is to reflect on what account they were
-conferred. Those which have been acquired for virtuous
-actions, will be regarded as illustrious signs of
-dignity; but if they have been bestowed upon the
-worthless and base, as the reward of vice or corruption,
-all the stars and garters, and collars of an illustrious
-order,—all the tinsel glories in which such creatures
-may strut about in fancied superiority, will not
-mask them from the sight of men of discernment, who
-will always consider the means by which their honours
-have been obtained, and truly estimate them as badges
-of abasement and disgrace.</p>
-
-<div id="ip_170" class="figcenter" style="max-width: 29em;">
-  <img src="images/i_170.jpg" width="464" height="239" alt="" />
-  <div class="caption">THE WAGES OF CRUELTY.</div></div>
-
-<hr />
-
-<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_171">171</span></p>
-
-<div class="chapter">
-<div id="ip_171" class="figcenter" style="max-width: 36em;">
-  <img src="images/i_171.jpg" width="561" height="402" alt="" /></div>
-
-<h2 class="nobreak p2">THE BULL AND THE GOAT.</h2>
-</div>
-
-<p><span class="firstword">A</span> Bull being pursued by a Lion, fled towards a
-cave, in which he designed to secure himself; but was
-opposed at the entrance by a Goat, who had got possession
-before him, and, threatening a kind of defiance
-with his horns, seemed resolved to dispute the pass.
-The Bull, who thought he had no time to lose in a
-contest of this nature, immediately made off; but told
-the Goat, that it was not for fear of him or his defiances:
-for, says he, if the Lion were not so near, I
-would soon teach you the difference between a Bull
-and a Goat.</p>
-
-<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_172">172</span></p>
-
-<h3>APPLICATION.</h3>
-
-<div class="poem-container">
-<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
-<span class="i0">O’er-match’d, unaided, and his foes at hand,<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">Safely the coward may the brave withstand;<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">But think not, dastard, thus thy glories shine—<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">He fears a greater force, but scoffs at thine.<br /></span>
-</div></div>
-</div>
-
-<p><span class="firstword">It</span> is very inhuman to deny succour and comfort to
-people in tribulation; but to insult them, and add to
-their misfortunes, is something superlatively brutish and
-cruel. There is, however, in the world, a sort of people
-of this vile temper, and littleness of mind, who
-wait for an opportunity of aggravating their neighbour’s
-affliction, and defer the execution of their evil
-inclinations until they can do it with the severest effect.
-If a person suffer under an expensive law-suit, lest he
-should escape from that, one of these gentlemen will
-take care to arrest him in a second action, hoping, at
-least, to keep him at bay, while the more powerful
-adversary attacks him on the other side. One cannot
-consider this temper, without observing something remarkably
-cowardly in it: for these shuffling antagonists
-never begin their encounter till they are very sure the
-person they aim at is already over-matched.</p>
-
-<div id="ip_172" class="figcenter" style="max-width: 21em;">
-  <img src="images/i_172.jpg" width="336" height="142" alt="" /></div>
-
-<hr />
-
-<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_173">173</span></p>
-
-<div class="chapter">
-<div id="ip_173" class="figcenter" style="max-width: 36em;">
-  <img src="images/i_173.jpg" width="570" height="409" alt="" /></div>
-
-<h2 class="nobreak p2">THE FISHERMAN.</h2>
-</div>
-
-<p><span class="firstword">A</span> certain Fisherman having laid his nets in the
-river, and placed them across the whole stream from
-one side to the other, took a long pole, and fell to
-beating the water to make the fish strike into his nets.
-One of his neighbours seeing him do so, wondered
-what he meant, and going up to him, Friend, says
-he, what are you doing here? Do you think it is to be
-suffered that you shall stand splashing and dashing the
-water, and making it so muddy, that it is not fit for
-use? Who do you think can live at this rate? He was
-going on in a great fury, when the other interrupted
-him, and replied, I do not much trouble myself how
-you are to live with my doing this; but I assure you I
-cannot live without it.</p>
-
-<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_174">174</span></p>
-
-<h3>APPLICATION.</h3>
-
-<p><span class="firstword">This</span> Fable is levelled at those who love to “fish
-in troubled waters,” and whose execrable principles
-are such, that they care not what mischief or what
-confusion they occasion in the world, provided they
-can obtain their ends, or even gratify some little selfish
-appetite. Little villains would set fire to a town, provided
-they could rake something of value to themselves
-out of its ashes; or kindle the flames of discord among
-friends and neighbours, purely to gratify their own
-malicious temper; and among the great ones there are
-those who, to succeed in their ambitious designs, will
-make no scruple of involving their country in divisions
-and animosities at home, and sometimes in war
-and bloodshed abroad: provided they do but maintain
-themselves in power, they care not what havoc and
-desolation they bring upon the rest of mankind. Their
-only reason is, that it must be so, because they cannot
-live as they wish without it. But brutish unsocial sentiments
-like these, are such as a mere state of nature
-would scarcely suggest; and it is perverting the very
-end, and overturning the first principles of society,
-when, instead of contributing to the welfare of mankind,
-in return for the benefits we receive from them,
-we thrive by their misfortunes, or subsist by their
-ruin. Those, therefore, who have the happiness of
-mankind at heart, (for happiness and morality are inseparably
-connected) should enter their protest against
-such wicked selfish notions, and oppose them with all
-their might; at the same time shunning the society of
-their possessors as a plague, and consigning their characters
-to the detestation of posterity.</p>
-
-<hr />
-
-<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_175">175</span></p>
-
-<div class="chapter">
-<div id="ip_175" class="figcenter" style="max-width: 36em;">
-  <img src="images/i_175.jpg" width="570" height="406" alt="" /></div>
-
-<h2 class="nobreak p2">THE FOX AND THE BOAR.</h2>
-</div>
-
-<p><span class="firstword">The</span> Fox, in traversing the forest, observed a Boar
-rubbing his tusks against a tree. Why how now,
-said the Fox, why make those martial preparations of
-whetting the teeth, since there is no enemy near that
-I can perceive? That may be, said the Boar; but
-you ought to know, Master Reynard, that we should
-scour up our arms while we have leisure: for in time
-of danger we shall have something else to do; and it is
-a good thing always to be prepared against the worst
-that can happen.</p>
-
-<h3>APPLICATION.</h3>
-
-<p><span class="firstword">All</span> business that is necessary to be done should be
-done betimes: for there is as little trouble in doing it
-in season as out of season; and he that is always ready<span class="pagenum" id="Page_176">176</span>
-can never be taken by surprize. Wise, just, and vigilant
-governments know that they cannot be safe in
-peace, unless they are always prepared for war, and
-are ready to meet the worst that can happen. When
-they become corrupt, or supine, and off their guard,
-they thereby invite and expose their country to the
-sudden attacks of its enemies. In private life, many
-evils and calamities befal those who make no provision
-against unforeseen or untoward accidents, which the
-prudent man prevents by looking forward to probable
-contingencies, and having a reserve of every thing
-necessary before-hand,—that he may not be put into
-hurry and confusion, nor thrown into dilemmas and
-difficulties, when the time comes that he may have to
-encounter them. It cannot be too strongly impressed
-upon the minds of all men, that day by day they are
-approaching towards old age, and that they should
-honourably endeavour to provide a store of conveniences
-against that time, when they will be most in
-want of them, and least able to procure them. To
-reflect properly upon this, will give them pleasure instead
-of pain; and they will not die a day sooner for
-being always ready for that certain event: to do otherwise
-is acting like weak-minded men, who delay making
-their wills, and properly settling their worldly
-affairs, because to them it looks so like the near approach
-of death.</p>
-
-<div id="ip_176" class="figcenter" style="max-width: 18em;">
-  <img src="images/i_176.jpg" width="283" height="165" alt="" /></div>
-
-<hr />
-
-<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_177">177</span></p>
-
-<div class="chapter">
-<div id="ip_177" class="figcenter" style="max-width: 36em;">
-  <img src="images/i_177.jpg" width="566" height="399" alt="" /></div>
-
-<h2 class="nobreak p2">CÆSAR AND THE SLAVE.</h2>
-</div>
-
-<p><span class="firstword">As</span> Tiberius Cæsar was upon a journey to Naples,
-he stopped at a house which he had upon the mountain
-Misenus. As he was walking in the gardens attached
-to the house, one of his domestic slaves appeared in
-the walks, sprinkling the ground with a watering pot,
-in order to lay the dust, and this he did so officiously,
-and ran with so much alertness from one walk to another,
-that wherever the Emperor went, he still found
-this fellow mighty busy with his watering pot. But at
-last his design being discovered, which was to attract
-the notice of Cæsar by his extraordinary diligence, in
-the hope that he would make him free,—part of the
-ceremony of doing which consisted in giving the Slave
-a gentle stroke on one side of his face,—his imperial
-Majesty being disposed to be merry, called the Man to<span class="pagenum" id="Page_178">178</span>
-him, and when he came up, full of the joyful expectation
-of his liberty, Hark you friend, says he, I have
-observed that you have been very busy a great while;
-but you were officiously meddling where you had nothing
-to do, while you might have employed your time
-better elsewhere; and therefore I must tell you, that
-I cannot afford a box on the ear at so low a price as
-you bid for it.</p>
-
-<h3>APPLICATION.</h3>
-
-<p><span class="firstword">Phædrus</span> tells us upon his word, that this is a true
-story, and that he wrote it for the sake of a set of industrious
-idle gentlemen at Rome, who were harassed
-and fatigued with a daily succession of care and trouble,
-because they had nothing to do. Always in a
-hurry, but without business; busy, but to no purpose;
-labouring under a voluntary necessity, and taking
-abundance of pains to shew they were good for nothing.
-But what great town or city is so entirely free
-of this sect, as to render the moral of this Fable useless
-any where? For it points at all those officious good-natured
-people, who are eternally running up and
-down to serve their friends, without doing them any
-good; who, by a complaisance wrong judged or ill applied,
-displease whilst they endeavour to oblige, and
-are never doing less to the purpose than when they are
-most employed. In a word, this Fable is designed for
-the reformation of all those who endeavour to gain for
-themselves benefits and applause, from a misapplied
-industry. It is not our being busy and officious that
-will procure us the esteem of men of sense; but the
-application of our actions to some noble useful purpose,
-and for the general good of mankind.</p>
-
-<hr />
-
-<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_179">179</span></p>
-
-<div class="chapter">
-<div id="ip_179" class="figcenter" style="max-width: 36em;">
-  <img src="images/i_179.jpg" width="564" height="406" alt="" /></div>
-
-<h2 class="nobreak p2">THE FROGS AND THE FIGHTING BULLS.</h2>
-</div>
-
-<p><span class="firstword">A</span> Frog, one day, peeping out of the lake, and looking
-about him, saw two Bulls fighting at some distance
-off in the meadow, and calling to his associates, Look,
-says he, what dreadful work is yonder! Dear sirs,
-what will become of us? Tush, said one of his companions,
-do not frighten yourself so about nothing;
-how can their quarrels affect us? They are of a different
-kind, and are at present only contending which
-shall be master of the herd. That is true, replies the
-first, their quality and station in life are different from
-ours; but as one of them will certainly prove conqueror,
-he that is worsted, being beaten out of the meadow,
-will take refuge here in the marshes, and possibly tread
-some of us to death; so you see we are more nearly
-concerned in this dispute of theirs, than you were at
-first aware.</p>
-
-<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_180">180</span></p>
-
-<h3>APPLICATION.</h3>
-
-<p><span class="firstword">A</span> wise man, however low his condition in life, looks
-forward through the proper and natural course and
-connection of causes and effects; and in so doing, he
-fortifies his mind against the worst that can befal him.
-It is of no small importance to the honest and quiet
-part of mankind, who desire nothing so much as to see
-peace and virtue flourish, to consider well the consequences
-that may arise to them out of the quarrels and
-feuds of the great, and to endeavour, by every means
-in their power, to avoid being in any way drawn in by
-their influence to become a party concerned in their
-broils and disputes: for no matter in which way the
-strife between the high contending parties may terminate,
-those who may have had the misfortune to be
-concerned with them, ought to think themselves well off
-if they do not smart for it severely in the end. How
-often has it happened, that men in eminent stations,
-who want to engross all power into their own hands,
-begin, under the mask of patriotism, to foment divisions
-and form factions, and excite animosities between
-well-meaning, but undiscerning people, without whose
-aid in one way or another they could not succeed; but
-who, at the same time, little think that the great aim
-of their leaders is nothing more than the advancement
-of their own private interest, or ambitious ends. The
-good of the public is always pretended upon such occasions,
-and may sometimes happen to be tacked to their
-own; but then it is purely accidental, and never was
-originally intended.</p>
-
-<hr />
-
-<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_181">181</span></p>
-
-<div class="chapter">
-<div id="ip_181" class="figcenter" style="max-width: 36em;">
-  <img src="images/i_181.jpg" width="562" height="404" alt="" /></div>
-
-<h2 class="nobreak p2">THE OLD HOUND.</h2>
-</div>
-
-<p><span class="firstword">An</span> Old Hound, who had excelled in his time, and
-given his Master great satisfaction in many a chace, at
-last, through age, became feeble and unserviceable.
-However, being in the field one day, when the Stag
-was almost run down, he happened to be the first that
-came in with him, and seized him by the haunch; but
-his decayed and broken teeth not being able to keep
-their hold, the Deer escaped; upon which, his Master
-fell into a great passion, and began to whip him severely.
-The honest old creature is said to have barked
-out this apology: Ah! do not thus strike your poor
-old servant: it is not my heart and inclination, but my
-strength and speed, that fail me. If what I now am
-displease you, pray do not forget what I have been!</p>
-
-<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_182">182</span></p>
-
-<h3>APPLICATION.</h3>
-
-<div class="poem-container">
-<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
-<span class="i0">O let not those, whom honest servants bless,<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">With cruel hands their age infirm oppress;<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">Forget their service past, their former truth,<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">And all the cares and labours of their youth.<br /></span>
-</div></div>
-</div>
-
-<p><span class="firstword">This</span> Fable is intended to reprove the ingratitude
-too common among mankind, which leaves the faithful
-servant to want and wretchedness, after he has spent
-the prime of his life in our service for a bare subsistence.
-Where slavery is allowed, the laws compel the
-master to provide for the worn-out slave; and where
-there is no law to enforce the debt of gratitude, none
-but those who are insensible to all the finer feelings of
-humanity will neglect it. Those who forget past services,
-and treat their faithful servants or friends unkindly
-or injuriously, when they are no longer of use
-to them, however high their pride, are unworthy of
-the name of gentleman. They are, indeed, commonly
-of an upstart breed, with whom the failure of human
-nature itself is imputed as a crime; and servants and
-dependents, instead of being considered their fellow-men,
-are treated like brutes for not being more than
-men. The imprudence of this conduct is equal to its
-wickedness, inasmuch as it directly tends to extinguish
-the honest desire to please and to act faithfully, in the
-younger servants, when they see that worn-out merit
-thus goes unrewarded. Humanity and gratitude are
-the greatest ornaments of the human mind, and when
-they are extinguished, every generous and noble sentiment
-perishes along with them.</p>
-
-<hr />
-
-<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_183">183</span></p>
-
-<div class="chapter">
-<div id="ip_183" class="figcenter" style="max-width: 36em;">
-  <img src="images/i_183.jpg" width="569" height="406" alt="" /></div>
-
-<h2 class="nobreak p2">THE TWO BITCHES.</h2>
-</div>
-
-<p><span class="firstword">A</span> Bitch, who was just ready to whelp, intreated
-another to lend her her kennel only till her month was
-up, and assured her that then she should have it again.
-The other very readily consented, and with a great
-deal of civility, resigned it to her immediately. However,
-when the time was elapsed, she came and made
-her a visit, and very modestly intimated, that now she
-was up and well, she hoped she should see her abroad
-again; for that, really, it would be inconvenient for
-her to be without her kennel any longer, and therefore,
-she told her, she must be so free as to desire her
-to provide herself with other lodgings as soon as she
-could. The lying-in Bitch replied, that truly she was
-ashamed of having kept her so long out of her own
-house; but it was not upon her own account (for indeed
-she was well enough to go any where) so much<span class="pagenum" id="Page_184">184</span>
-as that of her puppies, who were yet so weak, that she
-was afraid they would not be able to follow her; and,
-if she would be so good as to let her stay a fortnight
-longer, she would take it as the greatest obligation in
-the world. The other Bitch was so good-natured and
-compassionate as to comply with this request also; but
-at the expiration of the term, came and told her positively
-that she must turn out, for she could not possibly
-let her be there a day longer. Must turn out,
-says the other; we will see to that: for I promise you,
-unless you can beat me and my whole litter of whelps,
-you are never likely to have any thing more to do here.</p>
-
-<h3>APPLICATION.</h3>
-
-<p><span class="firstword">Wise</span> and good-natured men do not shut their ears,
-nor harden their hearts, against the calls of humanity,
-and the cries of distress; but how often are their generous
-natures imposed upon by the artifices of the base
-and worthless! These fail not to lay their plans with
-deep cunning, to work themselves into the good graces
-of the benevolent, and having accomplished their ends,
-the return they often make is abusive language, or the
-most open acts of violence. One of the evil and lamentable
-consequences arising out of this, is, that worth in
-distress suffers by it: for distrust and suspicion take
-hold of the minds of good men, and the hand of charity
-is thus benumbed. This Fable may also serve to caution
-us never to let any thing we value go out of our
-possession without good security. The man who means
-to act prudently, ought never to put himself in the
-power of others, or to run any risk of involving his
-own family in ruin.</p>
-
-<hr />
-
-<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_185">185</span></p>
-
-<div class="chapter">
-<div id="ip_185" class="figcenter" style="max-width: 35em;">
-  <img src="images/i_185.jpg" width="554" height="399" alt="" /></div>
-
-<h2 class="nobreak p2">THE HEN AND THE FOX.</h2>
-</div>
-
-<p><span class="firstword">A</span> Fox having crept into an out-house, looked up and
-down, seeking what he might devour, and at last spied
-a Hen perched up so high, that he could by no means
-come at her. My dear friend, says he, how do you do?
-I heard that you were ill, and kept within; at which I
-was so concerned, that I could not rest till I came to
-see you. Pray how is it with you now? Let me feel
-your pulse a little: indeed you do not look well at all.
-He was running on after this fulsome manner, when
-the Hen answered him from the roost, Truly, friend
-Reynard, you are judging rightly, for I never was in
-more pain in my life: I must beg your pardon for
-being so free as to tell you that I see no company;
-and you must excuse me too for not coming down to
-you, for, to say the truth, my condition is such, that
-I fear I should catch my death by it.</p>
-
-<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_186">186</span></p>
-
-<h3>APPLICATION.</h3>
-
-<p><span class="firstword">It</span> is generally the design of hypocritical persons to
-delude and impose upon others, with an eye to derive
-some benefit to themselves, when they pretend to
-feel a flattering anxiety for their welfare; or sometimes
-they may perhaps, with impertinent folly, mean no
-more than merely to mock and befool men who are
-weak enough to become their dupes. In both cases
-they are enemies to truth and sincerity, which adorn
-and tend so greatly to promote the happiness of society,
-and they ought to be exposed as such. For although
-men of penetration see through the pretence,
-and escape its dangers, yet the weak, the vain, and the
-unsuspicious are put off their guard, and have not discernment
-enough to shun the trap so pleasingly baited.
-The Fable also furnishes a hint against hypocritical,
-legacy hunters, whose regard is generally of the same
-nature as that of the Fox for the Hen.</p>
-
-<div id="ip_186" class="figcenter" style="max-width: 28em;">
-  <img src="images/i_186.jpg" width="434" height="371" alt="" /></div>
-
-<hr />
-
-<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_187">187</span></p>
-
-<div class="chapter">
-<div id="ip_187" class="figcenter" style="max-width: 35em;">
-  <img src="images/i_187.jpg" width="556" height="393" alt="" /></div>
-
-<h2 class="nobreak p2">THE ASS IN THE LION’S SKIN.</h2>
-</div>
-
-<p><span class="firstword">An</span> Ass, while feeding upon the coarse herbage by
-the edge of a wood, found a Lion’s skin, and putting
-it on, went in this disguise into the adjoining forests
-and pastures, and threw all the flocks and herds into
-the greatest consternation and dismay. At length, his
-master, who was in search of him, made his appearance,
-and the silly beast, entertaining the idea of
-frightening him also, capered forward with a terrific
-gait towards him; but the good man seeing his long
-ears stick out, presently knew him, and with a stout
-cudgel made him sensible, that notwithstanding his being
-dressed in a Lion’s skin, he was really no more
-than an Ass.</p>
-
-<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_188">188</span></p>
-
-<h3>APPLICATION.</h3>
-
-<p><span class="firstword">As</span> all affectation is wrong, and tends to expose
-and make a man ridiculous, so the more distant he is
-from the thing which he affects to appear, the stronger
-will be the ridicule which he excites, and the greater
-the inconvenience into which he thereby runs himself.
-How strangely absurd it is for a timorous person to
-procure a military post, in order to keep himself out of
-danger! and to fancy a red coat the surest protection
-for cowardice! Yet there have been those who have
-purchased a commission to avoid being insulted; and
-have been so silly as to think courage was interwoven
-with a sash, or tied up in a cockade. But it would
-not be amiss for such gentlemen to consider that it is
-not in the power of scarlet cloth to alter nature, and
-that as it is expected a soldier should shew himself a
-man of courage and intrepidity upon all proper occasions,
-they may by this means meet the disgrace they
-intended to avoid, and appear greater Asses than they
-needed to have done. However, it is not in point of
-fortitude only that people are liable to expose themselves,
-by assuming a character to which they are not
-equal; but he who puts on a shew of learning, of religion,
-of a superior capacity in any respect, or in short,
-of any virtue or knowledge, to which he has no proper
-claim, is, and will always be found to be, an Ass in a
-Lion’s skin.</p>
-
-<hr />
-
-<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_189">189</span></p>
-
-<div class="chapter">
-<div id="ip_189" class="figcenter" style="max-width: 36em;">
-  <img src="images/i_189.jpg" width="566" height="405" alt="" /></div>
-
-<h2 class="nobreak p2">THE CLOWN AND THE GNAT.</h2>
-</div>
-
-<p><span class="firstword">As</span> a clownish Fellow was sitting musing upon a
-bank, a Gnat alighted upon his leg and bit it. He
-slapped his hand upon the place, with the intention of
-crushing the assailant; but the little nimble insect
-escaped between his fingers, and repeated its attacks.
-Every time he struck at it, he gave himself a smart
-blow upon the leg, but missed his aim. At this he became
-enraged, and in the height of his peevish and
-impatient humour, he earnestly prayed to Hercules,
-beseeching him with his mighty power to stretch forth
-his arm against a pernicious insect, by which he was
-so miserably tormented.</p>
-
-<h3>APPLICATION.</h3>
-
-<p><span class="firstword">He</span> who suffers his mind to be ruffled by every little<span class="pagenum" id="Page_190">190</span>
-inconvenience, subjects himself to perpetual uneasiness
-and disquiet. There is no accident, however trivial,
-but is capable of disconcerting him, and he becomes
-absurdly miserable on the most foolish occasion. His
-good humour is soured in an instant, and he is rendered
-uncomfortable to himself, and odious or ridiculous
-to all about him. He prays with earnestness to the
-Supreme Being to aid him in all his paltry selfish
-schemes, or to gratify vanities, for which, as a rational
-being, he ought to blush and be ashamed. The
-imaginary distresses, which his unfortunate disposition
-heightens into severe calamities, are matter of diversion
-to those who are disposed to sneer at him; and
-when his pettish humour makes him rave like a madman,
-and curse his fate, at the dropping of a hat, or
-the blunder of a servant, even his friends must view
-his behaviour with a mixed emotion of pity and contempt.</p>
-
-<div id="ip_190" class="figcenter" style="max-width: 29em;">
-  <img src="images/i_190.jpg" width="461" height="186" alt="" /></div>
-
-<hr />
-
-<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_191">191</span></p>
-
-<div class="chapter">
-<div id="ip_191" class="figcenter" style="max-width: 36em;">
-  <img src="images/i_191.jpg" width="568" height="405" alt="" /></div>
-
-<h2 class="nobreak p2">THE WOLF AND THE LAMB.</h2>
-</div>
-
-<p><span class="firstword">One</span> hot sultry day, a Wolf and a Lamb happened
-to come just at the same time, to quench their thirst
-in the stream of a brook that fell tumbling down the
-side of a rocky mountain. The Wolf stood upon the
-higher ground, and the Lamb at some distance below
-him. However, the Wolf, having a mind to pick a
-quarrel with the Lamb, asked him what he meant by
-disturbing the water, and making it so muddy that he
-could not drink? and, at the same time, demanded satisfaction.
-The Lamb, frightened at this threatening
-charge, told him, in a tone as mild as possible, that
-with humble submission, he could not conceive how
-that could be, since the water which he drank ran
-down from the Wolf to him, and therefore could not
-be disturbed so far up the stream. Be that as it
-may, replies the Wolf, you are a rascal, and I have<span class="pagenum" id="Page_192">192</span>
-been told that you used ill language concerning me behind
-my back, about half a year ago. Upon my word,
-says the Lamb, the time you mention was before I was
-born. The Wolf, finding it to no purpose to argue
-any longer against truth, fell into a great passion,
-snarling and foaming at the mouth as if he had been
-mad; and drawing nearer to the Lamb, Sirrah, says
-he, if it were not you, it was your father, and that is
-the same. So he seized the poor innocent helpless
-thing, tore it to pieces, and made a meal of it.</p>
-
-<h3>APPLICATION.</h3>
-
-<div class="poem-container">
-<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
-<span class="i0">Where’er oppression rules, fell Wolves devour;<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">And the worst crimes are want of strength and pow’r.<br /></span>
-</div></div>
-</div>
-
-<p><span class="firstword">They</span> who do not feel the sentiments of humanity,
-will seldom listen to the voice of reason; and when
-cruelty and injustice are armed with power, and determined
-on oppression, the strongest pleas of innocence
-are preferred in vain, and nothing is more easy
-than finding pretences to criminate the unsuspecting
-victims of tyranny. How many of the degenerate, corrupt,
-and arbitrary governments with which the civilized
-world has been disfigured, have exercised their
-vengeance upon the honest and virtuous, who have
-dared in bad times to speak the truth; and how many
-men in private life are to be met with, whose wolfish
-dispositions, and envious and rapacious tempers cannot
-bear to see honest industry rear its head!</p>
-
-<hr />
-
-<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_193">193</span></p>
-
-<div class="chapter">
-<div id="ip_193" class="figcenter" style="max-width: 36em;">
-  <img src="images/i_193.jpg" width="568" height="404" alt="" /></div>
-
-<h2 class="nobreak p2">THE MICE IN COUNCIL.</h2>
-</div>
-
-<p><span class="firstword">The</span> Mice called a general council, and after the
-doors were locked, entered into a free consultation
-about ways and means how to render themselves more
-secure from the danger of the Cat. Many schemes were
-proposed, and much debate took place upon the matter.
-At last, a young Mouse, in a fine florid speech,
-broached an expedient, which he contended was the
-only one to put them entirely out of the power of the
-enemy, and this was, that the Cat should wear a bell
-about her neck, which, upon the least motion, would
-give the alarm, and be a signal for them, to retire into
-their holes. This speech was received with great applause,
-and it was even proposed by some, that the
-Mouse who had made it should have the thanks of the
-assembly. Upon which, an old Mouse, who had sat
-silent hitherto, gravely observed, that the contrivance<span class="pagenum" id="Page_194">194</span>
-was admirable, and the author of it, without doubt,
-very ingenious; but he thought it would not be so proper
-to vote him thanks, till he should further inform
-them how the bell was to be fastened about the Cat’s
-neck, and who would undertake the task.</p>
-
-<h3>APPLICATION.</h3>
-
-<p><span class="firstword">It</span> is easy for visionary projectors to devise schemes,
-and to descant on their utility, which, after all, are
-found to be so impracticable, or so difficult, that no
-man of solid judgment can be prevailed upon to attempt
-putting them into execution. In all matters
-where the good of the community is at stake, new projects
-should be carefully examined in all their bearings,
-that the ruinous consequences which might follow them
-may be avoided. All business of this import ought to
-be left to the decision of such men only as are distinguished
-for their good sense, probity, honour, and patriotism.
-When these have examined them in all their
-different bearings, we may place confidence in their
-labours, and adopt their plans; but the Fable teaches
-us not to listen to those rash and ignorant politicians,
-who are always foisting their schemes upon the public
-upon every occurrence of mal-administration, without
-looking beneath the surface, or considering whether
-they be practicable or otherwise.</p>
-
-<div id="ip_194" class="figcenter" style="max-width: 18em;">
-  <img src="images/i_194.jpg" width="282" height="149" alt="" /></div>
-
-<hr />
-
-<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_195">195</span></p>
-
-<div class="chapter">
-<div id="ip_195" class="figcenter" style="max-width: 36em;">
-  <img src="images/i_195.jpg" width="565" height="403" alt="" /></div>
-
-<h2 class="nobreak p2">THE APE CHOSEN KING.</h2>
-</div>
-
-<p><span class="firstword">On</span> the death of the old Lion, without his leaving
-an heir, the beasts assembled to choose another king
-of the forest in his stead. The crown was tried on
-many a head, but did not sit easy upon any one. At
-length the Ape putting it upon his own, declared that
-it fitted him quite well, and after shewing them many
-antic tricks, he with a great deal of grimace, and an
-affected air of wisdom, offered himself to fill the high
-office. The silly creatures being pleased with him at
-the moment, instantly, by a great majority, proclaimed
-him king. The Fox, quite vexed to see his fellow-subjects
-act so foolishly, resolved to convince them of
-their sorry choice, and knowing of a trap ready baited,
-at no great distance, he addressed himself to King
-Ape, and told him that he had discovered a treasure,<span class="pagenum" id="Page_196">196</span>
-which being found on the waste, belonged to his Majesty.
-The Ape presently went to take possession of
-the prize; but no sooner had he laid his paws upon the
-bait, than he was caught fast in the trap. In this situation,
-between shame and anger, he chattered out
-many bitter reproaches against the Fox, calling him
-rebel and traitor, and threatening revenge: to all which
-Reynard gravely replied, that this was nothing but a
-beginning of what he would meet with in the high station
-his vanity had prompted him to aspire to, as it
-was only one of the many traps that would be laid for
-him, and in which he would be caught; but he hoped,
-this one might be a treasure to him, if it operated as a
-caution, and served to put him in mind of the false
-estimate he had put upon his abilities, in supposing,
-that with his inexperienced empty pate, he could manage
-the weighty affairs of state. He then, with a
-laugh, left him to be relieved from his peril by one or
-other of his foolish loving subjects.</p>
-
-<h3>APPLICATION.</h3>
-
-<p><span class="firstword">When</span> Apes are in power, Foxes will never be
-wanting to play upon them. Men shew their folly,
-rashness, and want of consideration, when they elect
-rulers without the qualifications of integrity and abilities
-to recommend them to the office; and the higher
-it is, the more important it is to the interests of the
-community that it should be properly filled. The
-Fable also shews the weakness of those who, through
-self-conceit, aspire to any high station without the requisites
-to befit them for it, and the want of which exposes
-authority to scorn.</p>
-
-<hr />
-
-<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_197">197</span></p>
-
-<div class="chapter">
-<div id="ip_197" class="figcenter" style="max-width: 36em;">
-  <img src="images/i_197.jpg" width="565" height="406" alt="" /></div>
-
-<h2 class="nobreak p2">THE OLD MAN AND DEATH.</h2>
-</div>
-
-<p><span class="firstword">A</span> poor feeble old Man, who had crawled from his
-cottage into a neighbouring wood to gather a few
-sticks, had made up his bundle, and laying it over his
-shoulders, was trudging homewards; but what with
-age, and the length of the way, he grew so faint and
-weak, that he sunk under it, and as he sat upon the
-ground, called upon Death to come once for all and
-ease him of his troubles. Death no sooner heard him,
-than he came and demanded what he wanted? The
-poor old Creature, who little thought Death was so
-near, frightened almost out of his senses with his
-terrible aspect, answered him trembling, That having
-by chance let his bundle of sticks fall, and being too
-infirm to get it up himself, he had made bold to call
-upon him to help him; and he hoped his worship was<span class="pagenum" id="Page_198">198</span>
-not offended with him for the liberty he had taken in
-craving his assistance.</p>
-
-<h3>APPLICATION.</h3>
-
-<p><span class="firstword">This</span> Fable gives us a lively representation of the
-general behaviour of mankind towards that grim king
-of terrors, Death. Such liberties do they take with
-him behind his back, that upon every little accident
-which happens in their way, Death is immediately
-called upon, and they even wish it might be lawful for
-them to finish with their own hands a life so odious,
-so perpetually tormenting, and vexatious. When, let
-but Death make his appearance, and the very sense of
-his near approach almost does the business: then it is
-that they change their minds, and would be glad to
-come off so well as to have their old burthen laid upon
-their shoulders again. But wise and good men know
-that care and numberless disappointments must be their
-portion in their passage through life, and know also
-that it is their duty to endure them with patience; for
-he is the best and happiest man who neither wishes nor
-fears the approach of Death.</p>
-
-<div id="ip_198" class="figcenter" style="max-width: 25em;">
-  <img src="images/i_198.jpg" width="359" height="219" alt="" />
-  <div class="caption">TEMPERANCE IN THE GRAND BUSINESS OF LIFE.</div></div>
-
-<hr />
-
-<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_199">199</span></p>
-
-<div class="chapter">
-<div id="ip_199" class="figcenter" style="max-width: 36em;">
-  <img src="images/i_199.jpg" width="564" height="405" alt="" /></div>
-
-<h2 class="nobreak p2">THE TWO FROGS.</h2>
-</div>
-
-<p><span class="firstword">One</span> hot sultry summer, the lakes and ponds being
-almost every where dried up, a couple of Frogs agreed
-to travel together in search of water. At last they
-came to a deep well, and sitting upon the brink of it,
-began to consult whether they should leap in or not.
-One of them was for it, urging that there was plenty
-of clear spring water, and no danger of being disturbed.
-Well, says the other, all this may be true, and
-yet I cannot come into your opinion for my life; for if
-the water should happen to dry there too, how should
-we get out again?</p>
-
-<h3>APPLICATION.</h3>
-
-<div class="poem-container">
-<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
-<span class="i0">In human affairs, many stations we meet,<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">Where ’tis easy to enter, but hard to retreat.<br /></span>
-</div></div>
-</div>
-<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_200">200</span>
-<span class="firstword">We</span> ought never to change our situation in life, nor
-undertake any action of importance, without first duly
-and deliberately weighing the consequences that may
-follow, in all their different bearings. It is commonly
-owing to the neglect of such wholesome precautions,
-that numbers of young people are led into unfortunate
-matches, suddenly made up; and others are from the
-same causes led into a round of profuse living, or into
-gaming and other extravagant conduct, which is sure to
-terminate in ruin. To look before we leap, is a maxim
-worthy of being remembered by all ranks and conditions
-of men, from the lowest to the highest: even
-kings may reap benefit by it; for when they inconsiderately
-execute those schemes which their wicked
-counsellors advise, they have often abundant reason to
-repent. By this blind stupidity, wars are commenced,
-from which a state cannot be extricated either with
-honour or safety; and unwise projects are encouraged
-by the rash accession of those who never considered
-the consequences, or how they were to get out, till
-they had plunged themselves irrecoverably into them.</p>
-
-<div id="ip_200" class="figcenter" style="max-width: 29em;">
-  <img src="images/i_200.jpg" width="452" height="295" alt="" /></div>
-
-<hr />
-
-<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_201">201</span></p>
-
-<div class="chapter">
-<div id="ip_201" class="figcenter" style="max-width: 36em;">
-  <img src="images/i_201.jpg" width="571" height="407" alt="" /></div>
-
-<h2 class="nobreak p2">THE FOX AND THE BRIAR.</h2>
-</div>
-
-<p><span class="firstword">A</span> Fox scrambling hastily over a hedge, in his flight
-from the hounds, got his foot severely torn by a Briar.
-Smarting with the pain, he burst into revilings and
-complaints at this treatment, which he declared he
-little expected to meet with for only passing over a
-hedge; and he could not help thinking it was very bad
-usage to be thus grappled by the long arms, and cut
-and wounded by the sharp crooked spines of a Briar.
-True, says the Briar, but recollect that you intended
-to have made me serve your turn, and would, without
-ceremony, have trampled me down to the ground: but
-none of your freedoms with me, Master Reynard; you
-may make a convenience of others perhaps, but the
-family of the Briars are not of that cast. Whoever
-presumes to use any impudent familiarities with them,
-is sure to smart for it.</p>
-
-<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_202">202</span></p>
-
-<h3>APPLICATION.</h3>
-
-<p><span class="firstword">Presuming</span> and arrogant people do not hesitate to
-make a convenience, or a kind of stepping stone, of any
-one who will suffer them to do so; and if they can only
-get their turn served, no matter how, they use no ceremony,
-nor shew any delicacy in accomplishing their
-ends. But the selfish and impudent gentry, who are
-so apt to take liberties of this kind, now and then mistake
-their men, and are justly retorted upon; and
-however upon these occasions they may be surprized
-and angry, others, who are indifferent spectators, instead
-of viewing them as objects of pity, feel a secret
-satisfaction in seeing them suffer, as proper examples
-of justice.</p>
-
-<div id="ip_202" class="figcenter" style="max-width: 34em;">
-  <img src="images/i_202.jpg" width="529" height="286" alt="" /></div>
-
-<hr />
-
-<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_203">203</span></p>
-
-<div class="chapter">
-<div id="ip_203" class="figcenter" style="max-width: 36em;">
-  <img src="images/i_203.jpg" width="568" height="408" alt="" /></div>
-
-<h2 class="nobreak p2">THE MAN AND THE WEASEL.</h2>
-</div>
-
-<p><span class="firstword">A</span> Man having caught a Weasel in his pantry, was
-just going to kill it, when the little captive begged
-that he would not do so cruel a deed, but spare his
-life; and he assured the Man that he was his friend,
-and only entered his pantry with a view of destroying
-the mice with which it was infested. That may be,
-said the Man, but you do not do this with the intention
-of serving me, nor with any other view but that
-of serving yourself; and besides, you are so ferocious
-and cruel a little creature, that you kill every animal
-you have within your power, without the least compunction,
-and seem to delight in killing for killing’s
-sake; therefore, your pretensions to serve me, and
-your plea for mercy, are good for nothing.</p>
-
-<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_204">204</span></p>
-
-<h3>APPLICATION.</h3>
-
-<p><span class="firstword">Many</span> people in the world are ever ready to set up
-the pretensions of their acting with zeal, purely to
-serve the public, and pretend that it is through the
-warmth of their friendship that they do the same to
-individuals; but the main spring of all the actions of
-the agents of treachery, and of bad men, is set a-going
-with the view only of serving themselves. It is thus
-that the unprincipled and mercenary thief-taker would
-like well to be accounted a public spirited man; and
-he cannot help boasting of his services as such. The
-hangman’s pretensions are of the same kind: but however
-useful and necessary some of such a description of
-men may be, to keep down the wicked part of mankind,
-who are a nuisance to civilized society, yet the
-instruments themselves are very like in character to the
-Weasel in the Fable. The same may be said of those
-factious writers, who pester the public with their clamorous
-charges, under the mask of patriotism, but
-whose real motive is either to gain money by the sale
-of their highly seasoned scandals, or to run down their
-corrupt opponents in order to obtain their places.</p>
-
-<div id="ip_204" class="figcenter" style="max-width: 19em;">
-  <img src="images/i_204.jpg" width="292" height="197" alt="" /></div>
-
-<hr />
-
-<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_205">205</span></p>
-
-<div class="chapter">
-<div id="ip_205" class="figcenter" style="max-width: 36em;">
-  <img src="images/i_205.jpg" width="566" height="406" alt="" /></div>
-
-<h2 class="nobreak p2">THE BOAR AND THE ASS.</h2>
-</div>
-
-<p><span class="firstword">An</span> Ass happening to meet with a Boar, and being
-in a frolicsome humour, and having a mind to shew
-some of his silly wit, began in a sneering familiar style
-to accost the Boar with, So ho, brother, your humble
-servant, how is all at home with you? The Boar, nettled
-at his familiarity, muttered out, Brother indeed!
-then bristled up towards him, told him he was surprized
-at his impudence, and was just going to shew
-his resentment by giving him a rip in the flank: but
-wisely stifling his passion, he contented himself with
-only saying, Go, thou sorry beast! I could be easily
-and amply revenged upon thee; but I dont care to foul
-my tusks with the blood of so base a creature!</p>
-
-<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_206">206</span></p>
-
-<h3>APPLICATION.</h3>
-
-<p><span class="firstword">It</span> is no uncommon thing to meet with impudent
-fools, so very eager of being thought wits, that they
-will run great hazards in attempting to shew themselves
-such, and will often persist in their awkward
-raillery to the last degree of offence. But these kind
-of folks, instead of raising themselves into esteem, are
-held in contempt by men of sense; and though the
-generous and the brave may scorn to suffer themselves
-to be ruffled by the insolent behaviour of every
-ass that offends them, yet such sparks must not from
-thence conclude, that they will not meet with retorts
-in kind from men far superior to themselves in mental
-endowments; or that their unseasoned wit will always
-escape a more proper, but a different chastisement.</p>
-
-<div id="ip_206" class="figcenter" style="max-width: 35em;">
-  <img src="images/i_206.jpg" width="550" height="270" alt="" /></div>
-
-<hr />
-
-<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_207">207</span></p>
-
-<div class="chapter">
-<div id="ip_207" class="figcenter" style="max-width: 35em;">
-  <img src="images/i_207.jpg" width="558" height="403" alt="" /></div>
-
-<h2 class="nobreak p2">THE DOG AND THE SHEEP.</h2>
-</div>
-
-<p><span class="firstword">The</span> Dog sued the Sheep for a debt, of which the
-Kite and the Wolf were to be the judges. They,
-without debating long upon the matter, or making any
-scruple for want of evidence, gave sentence for the
-plaintiff, who immediately tore the poor Sheep in
-pieces, and divided the spoil with the unjust judges.</p>
-
-<h3>APPLICATION.</h3>
-
-<p><span class="firstword">Of</span> the many evils which throw back the well-being
-of society, none raise in the honest mind more painful
-and indignant feelings, than beholding the judgment
-seat of mercy and justice filled by an unjust, corrupt,
-and wicked judge, who has become, step by step,
-hardened in his impious enormities, and is the fully-prepared
-tool and supporter of tyranny and arbitrary<span class="pagenum" id="Page_208">208</span>
-power. Fraud and oppression follow in his train: the
-righteous laws of a just government are frittered away,
-or superseded: truth and innocence are obnoxious;
-honesty is sneered at, and it becomes criminal to espouse
-the cause of virtue. In this state of things, wickedness
-predominates, and its rapacious abettors give
-full scope to the exercise of all kind of oppression and
-injustice, to gratify their own vicious lusts. Then it
-is that mankind are made to feel the evils of power being
-in the hands of the worst of their species, who,
-without hesitation, rob them of their property, and
-divide the spoils. If there be not a sufficiency of the
-most spirited and virtuous patriotism to rescue the
-country from their fangs, then is despotism and degradation
-near at hand.</p>
-
-<div id="ip_208" class="figcenter" style="max-width: 30em;">
-  <img src="images/i_208.jpg" width="468" height="340" alt="" /></div>
-
-<hr />
-
-<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_209">209</span></p>
-
-<div class="chapter">
-<div id="ip_209" class="figcenter" style="max-width: 36em;">
-  <img src="images/i_209.jpg" width="564" height="403" alt="" /></div>
-
-<h2 class="nobreak p2">JUPITER AND THE HERDSMAN.</h2>
-</div>
-
-<p><span class="firstword">A</span> Herdsman missing a young heifer, went up and
-down the forest to seek it; and having walked over a
-great deal of ground to no purpose, he fell a praying to
-Jupiter for relief, promising to sacrifice a kid to him,
-if he would help him to a discovery of the thief. After
-this he went on a little farther, and came near a grove
-of oaks, where he espied the carcase of his heifer, and
-a Lion growling over it, and feeding upon it. This
-sight almost scared him out of his wits; so down he
-fell upon his knees once more, and addressing himself
-to Jupiter, O Jupiter, says he, I promised thee a kid
-to shew me the thief; but now I promise thee a bull,
-if thou wilt be so merciful as to deliver me out of his
-clutches.</p>
-
-<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_210">210</span></p>
-
-<h3>APPLICATION.</h3>
-
-<p><span class="firstword">We</span> ought never to supplicate the Divine power,
-but through motives of religion and virtue. Prayers
-dictated by blind self-interest, or to gratify some misguided
-passion, cannot, it is presumed, be acceptable
-to the Deity; and of all the involuntary sins which
-men commit, scarcely any are more frequent than their
-praying absurdly and improperly, as well as unseasonably,
-when their time might have been employed to a
-better purpose. Would men, as they ought to do,
-obey the commands of Omnipotence, by fulfilling their
-moral duties, and endeavour with all their might to
-live as justly as they can, a just Providence would give
-them what they ought to have: but stupidity and ignorance,
-until better informed, and divested of superstition
-and bigotry, will continue to form their notions
-of the Supreme Being from their own poor shallow
-conceptions; and nothing contributes more to keep up
-this injudicious practice among simple, but perhaps
-well-meaning people, than the numerous collections of
-those crude rhapsodies, the offspring of itinerant bigotry,
-with which the country overflows; while most of
-those prayers are neglected which have been composed
-with due reflection and matured deliberation, by the
-most learned and pious of men. This Fable also
-teaches us, that frequently the gratification of our vain
-prayers would only lead us into dangers and evils, of
-the existence of which we had no previous suspicion.</p>
-
-<hr />
-
-<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_211">211</span></p>
-
-<div class="chapter">
-<div id="ip_211" class="figcenter" style="max-width: 36em;">
-  <img src="images/i_211.jpg" width="562" height="402" alt="" /></div>
-
-<h2 class="nobreak p2">THE OLD LION.</h2>
-</div>
-
-<p><span class="firstword">A</span> Lion, that in the prime of his life had been very
-rapacious and cruel, was reduced by age and infirmities
-to extreme feebleness. Several of the beasts of
-the forest, who had been great sufferers by him, now
-came and revenged themselves upon him. The Boar
-ripped him with his tusks, the Bull gored him with
-his horns, and others in various ways had each a stroke
-at him. When the Ass saw that they might do all
-this without any danger, he also came and threw his
-heels in the Lion’s face. Upon which, the poor expiring
-tyrant is said to have groaned out these words:
-Alas! how grievous is it to suffer insults, even from
-the brave and valiant; but to be spurned at by so base
-a creature as this, is worse than dying ten thousand
-deaths!</p>
-
-<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_212">212</span></p>
-
-<h3>APPLICATION.</h3>
-
-<p><span class="firstword">When</span> men in power lose sight of justice and mercy,
-and cruelly and unjustly tyrannise over the people under
-their sway, they never will gain sincere reverence
-or respect from the rest of mankind. The injuries they
-inflict in the hey-day of their wicked career, will be
-remembered with detestation through life; and when
-age and impotence lay hold of them, they must not
-expect to meet with friends they never deserved; but
-may be certain of being treated with neglect and contempt,
-and the baser their enemies are, the more insolent
-and intolerable will be the affront. It will then
-be discovered, with bitter remorse, that the days have
-passed away, in which virtue and dignity ought to
-have laid the foundation of a reputation which would
-have been the solace of old age, and also extended a
-good name to posterity with feelings of veneration; instead
-of which the remembrance of past crimes will
-haunt the guilty mind, and the unjust man will at
-last be thrown into the grave with the common dust,
-amidst the whispers of “Let him go,” and he will be
-no more remembered than the animals on which he
-feasted, or the herbage which was cut down when he
-was a child.</p>
-
-<div id="ip_212" class="figcenter" style="max-width: 15em;">
-  <img src="images/i_212.jpg" width="225" height="156" alt="" /></div>
-
-<hr />
-
-<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_213">213</span></p>
-
-<div class="chapter">
-<div id="ip_213" class="figcenter" style="max-width: 36em;">
-  <img src="images/i_213.jpg" width="564" height="406" alt="" /></div>
-
-<h2 class="nobreak p2">THE MAGPIE AND THE SHEEP.</h2>
-</div>
-
-<p><span class="firstword">A</span> Magpie sat chattering upon the back of a Sheep,
-and pulling off the wool to line her nest. Peace, you
-noisy thing, says the Sheep: if I were a dog, you
-durst not serve me so. That is true enough, replies
-the Magpie, I know very well whom I have to deal
-with: I never meddle with the surly and revengeful;
-but I love to plague such poor helpless creatures as
-you are, who cannot do me any harm.</p>
-
-<h3>APPLICATION.</h3>
-
-<p><span class="firstword">It</span> is the characteristic of a mean, low, base spirit,
-to be insolent or tyrannical to those who are obliged
-to submit to it, and slavishly submissive to those who
-have the spirit and the power to resist. Men of this
-stamp take especial care not to meddle with people of<span class="pagenum" id="Page_214">214</span>
-their own malicious principles, for fear of meeting with
-a suitable return; but they delight in doing mischief
-for mischief’s sake, and seem pleased when they can
-insult the innocent with impunity. This kind of behaviour
-is inconsistent with all the rules of honour and
-generosity, and is opposite to every thing that is great,
-good, amiable, and praise-worthy.</p>
-
-<div id="ip_214" class="figcenter" style="max-width: 34em;">
-  <img src="images/i_214.jpg" width="532" height="324" alt="" /></div>
-
-<hr />
-
-<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_215">215</span></p>
-
-<div class="chapter">
-<div id="ip_215" class="figcenter" style="max-width: 35em;">
-  <img src="images/i_215.jpg" width="552" height="397" alt="" /></div>
-
-<h2 class="nobreak p2">THE FOX AND THE STORK.</h2>
-</div>
-
-<p><span class="firstword">The</span> Fox invited the Stork to dinner, and, being
-disposed to divert himself at the expence of his guest,
-provided nothing for the entertainment but soup, which
-he served up in a wide shallow dish. This the Fox
-could lap up with a great deal of ease; but the Stork,
-who could but just dip in the point of his bill, was not
-a bit the better for his entertainment. However, a
-few days after, he returned the compliment, and invited
-the Fox; but suffered nothing to be brought to
-table excepting some minced meat in a glass jar, the
-neck of which was so deep, and so narrow, that,
-though the Stork with his long bill made a shift to
-fill his belly, all that the Fox, who was very hungry,
-could do, was to lick the brims as the Stork slabbered
-them with his eating. Reynard was heartily vexed at<span class="pagenum" id="Page_216">216</span>
-first; but when he came to take his leave, owned ingenuously,
-that he had been used as he deserved; and
-that he had no reason to take any treatment ill, of
-which himself had set the example.</p>
-
-<h3>APPLICATION.</h3>
-
-<p><span class="firstword">It</span> is very imprudent, as well as uncivil, to affront
-any one, and we should always reflect, before we rally
-another, whether we can bear to have the jest retorted.
-Whoever takes the liberty to exercise his witty talent
-in that way, must not be surprised if he meet reprisals
-in the end. Indeed, if all those who are thus paid in
-their own coin, would take it with the same frankness
-that the Fox did, the matter would not be much; but
-we are too apt, when the jest comes to be turned home
-upon ourselves, to think that insufferable in another
-which we looked upon as pretty and facetious when
-the humour was our own. The rule of doing as we
-would be done by, so proper to be our model in every
-transaction of life, may more particularly be of use in
-this respect. People seldom or never receive any advantage
-by these little ludicrous impositions; and yet,
-if they were to ask themselves the question, would find,
-that they would receive the same treatment from another
-with a very bad grace.</p>
-
-<div id="ip_216" class="figcenter" style="max-width: 14em;">
-  <img src="images/i_216.jpg" width="220" height="180" alt="" /></div>
-
-<hr />
-
-<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_217">217</span></p>
-
-<div class="chapter">
-<div id="ip_217" class="figcenter" style="max-width: 36em;">
-  <img src="images/i_217.jpg" width="567" height="408" alt="" /></div>
-
-<h2 class="nobreak p2">THE COUNTRYMAN AND THE SNAKE.</h2>
-</div>
-
-<p><span class="firstword">A</span> Villager found a Snake under a hedge, almost
-dead with cold. Having compassion on the poor creature,
-he brought it home, and laid it upon the hearth
-near the fire, where it had not lain long before it revived
-with the heat, and began to erect itself, and fly
-at the wife and children of its preserver, filling the
-whole cottage with its frightful hissings. The Countryman
-hearing an outcry, came in, and perceiving
-how the matter stood, took up a mattock, and soon
-dispatched the ingrate, upbraiding him at the same
-time in these words: Is this, vile wretch, the reward
-you make to him that saved your life? Die, as you
-deserve; but a single death is too good for you.</p>
-
-<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_218">218</span></p>
-
-<h3>APPLICATION.</h3>
-
-<p><span class="firstword">There</span> are some minds so depraved, and entirely
-abandoned to wickedness, so dead to all virtuous
-feelings, that the tenderness and humanity of others,
-though exerted in their own favour, not only fail to
-make a proper impression of gratitude upon them, but
-are not able to restrain them from repaying benevolence
-with injuries. Moralists, in all ages, have incessantly
-declaimed against the enormity of this crime,
-concluding that they who are capable of injuring their
-benefactors, are not fit to live in a community; being
-such as the natural ties of parent, friend, or country
-are too weak to restrain within the bounds of society.
-Indeed, the sin of ingratitude is so detestable, that none
-but the basest tempers can be guilty of it. Men of low
-grovelling minds, who have been rescued from indigence
-by the hand of benevolence, or of charity, forget
-their benefactors, as well as their original wretchedness;
-and as soon as prosperity flows upon them, it
-too often serves only to rekindle their native rancour
-and venom, and they hiss and brandish their tongues
-against those who are so inadvertent or unfortunate as
-to have served them. But prudent people need not to
-be admonished on this subject; for they know how
-much it behoves them to beware of taking a snake into
-their bosom.</p>
-
-<div id="ip_218" class="figcenter" style="max-width: 9em;">
-  <img src="images/i_218.jpg" width="129" height="88" alt="" /></div>
-
-<hr />
-
-<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_219">219</span></p>
-
-<div class="chapter">
-<div id="ip_219" class="figcenter" style="max-width: 36em;">
-  <img src="images/i_219.jpg" width="561" height="406" alt="" /></div>
-
-<h2 class="nobreak p2">THE COCK AND THE FOX.</h2>
-</div>
-
-<p><span class="firstword">A</span> Cock, perched upon a lofty tree, crowed so loud,
-that his voice echoed through the wood, and drew to
-the place a Fox, who was prowling in quest of prey.
-But Reynard finding the Cock was inaccessible, had
-recourse to stratagem to decoy him down. Approaching
-the tree, Cousin, says he, I am heartily glad to
-see you; but I cannot forbear expressing my uneasiness
-at the inconvenience of the place, which will not let me
-pay my respects to you in a better manner, though
-I suppose you will come down presently, and that
-difficulty will be removed. Indeed, cousin, says the
-Cock, to tell you the truth, I do not think it safe to
-venture upon the ground; for, though I am convinced
-how much you are my friend, yet I may have the misfortune
-to fall into the clutches of some other beast,<span class="pagenum" id="Page_220">220</span>
-and what will become of me then? O dear, says Reynard,
-is it possible you do not know of the peace that
-has been so lately proclaimed between all kinds of birds
-and beasts; and that we are for the future to forbear
-hostilities, and to live in harmony, under the severest
-penalties. All this while the Cock seemed to give little
-attention to what was said, but stretched out his neck
-as if he saw something at a distance. Cousin, says the
-Fox, what is that you look at so earnestly? Why,
-says the Cock, I think I see a pack of hounds yonder,
-a good way off. O then, says the Fox, your humble
-servant, I must be gone. Nay, pray cousin do not go,
-says the Cock, I am just coming down; sure you are
-not afraid of the dogs in these peaceable times. No,
-no, says he; but ten to one whether they have yet
-heard of the proclamation!</p>
-
-<h3>APPLICATION.</h3>
-
-<p><span class="firstword">The</span> moral of this Fable principally instructs us not
-to be too credulous in believing the insinuations of
-those who are already distinguished by their want of
-faith and honesty, for perfidious people ought ever to
-be suspected in the reports that favour their own interest.
-When, therefore, any such would draw us
-into a compliance with their destructive measures, by
-a pretended civility, or plausible relation, we should
-consider such proposals as a bait, artfully placed to
-conceal some fatal hook, which is intended to draw us
-into danger; and if by any simple counterplot we can
-unmask the design and defeat the schemes of the wicked,
-it will not only be innocent, but praise-worthy.</p>
-
-<hr />
-
-<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_221">221</span></p>
-
-<div class="chapter">
-<div id="ip_221" class="figcenter" style="max-width: 36em;">
-  <img src="images/i_221.jpg" width="567" height="407" alt="" /></div>
-
-<h2 class="nobreak p2">THE HARE AND THE TORTOISE.</h2>
-</div>
-
-<p><span class="firstword">A</span> Hare vainly boasting of her great speed in running,
-and casting a look of disdain upon a Tortoise,
-that was slowly moving along, What a poor crawling
-thing are you! said she: I can go over a territory of
-country with the velocity of the wind, while you are
-an hour in accomplishing a journey of half a furlong.
-In a race I could leave you twenty miles behind me, in
-the time you were about reaching the end of one. I
-don’t know that, said the Tortoise, and will give you
-a trial. Upon this, a match was made to run a certain
-distance, and the Fox, who had heard the dispute,
-was chosen umpire of the race. They then
-started together, and away went the Hare with great
-swiftness, and soon left the Tortoise out of sight, and
-thinking herself certain of winning the race, she made
-a jest of the matter, squatted down in a tuft of fern,<span class="pagenum" id="Page_222">222</span>
-and took a nap, concluding she could easily make up
-the lost ground, should the Tortoise at any time pass
-by. Indulging in this security, she over-slept herself,
-until the Tortoise, in a continued steady pace, arrived
-first at the fixed distance, and won the race.</p>
-
-<h3>APPLICATION.</h3>
-
-<p><span class="firstword">We</span> must not flatter ourselves with coming to the
-end of our journey in time, if we sleep by the way;
-and unnecessary delays, in all pressing affairs, are just
-so much time lost. Action is an important part of the
-business of life; and “up and be doing” is a motto we
-ought to keep in mind, as it has guided many a plain
-plodding man, with steady aim, to carry his point effectually
-in making his own fortune, and at the same
-time gaining the esteem of the world. Industry and
-application to business make amends for the want of a
-quick and ready wit; but men of great natural abilities,
-and vivacity of imagination, often presume too
-much upon the superiority of their genius, and if to
-this presumption they add pride and conceit, they despise
-the drudgery of business, and suffer their affairs
-to go to disorder or ruin, through idleness and neglect.</p>
-
-<div id="ip_222" class="figcenter" style="max-width: 17em;">
-  <img src="images/i_222.jpg" width="268" height="185" alt="" /></div>
-
-<hr />
-
-<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_223">223</span></p>
-
-<div class="chapter">
-<div id="ip_223" class="figcenter" style="max-width: 36em;">
-  <img src="images/i_223.jpg" width="563" height="404" alt="" /></div>
-
-<h2 class="nobreak p2">THE BLACKAMOOR.</h2>
-</div>
-
-<p><span class="firstword">A</span> Man having bought a Blackamoor, was so simple
-as to think that the colour of his skin was only dirt
-which he had contracted for want of due care under his
-former master. This fault he fancied might easily be
-removed by washing, so he ordered the poor Black to
-be put into a tub, and was at a considerable charge in
-providing ashes, soap, and scrubbing brushes for the
-operation. To work they went, rubbing and scouring
-his skin all over, but to no manner of purpose: for
-when they had repeated their washings several times,
-and were grown quite weary, all they got by it was,
-that the Blackamoor caught cold and died.</p>
-
-<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_224">224</span></p>
-
-<h3>APPLICATION.</h3>
-
-<blockquote>
-
-<p><span class="firstword">“What’s</span> bred in the bone will never come out of
-the flesh.”</p></blockquote>
-
-<p>Nature cannot by any art or labour be changed;
-she may indeed be wrought upon and moulded by
-good council and discipline; but it is in vain to attempt
-a total transformation of our genius, person, or
-complexion: therefore our application, assiduity, and
-pains, when wrong directed, are of no avail. We
-should, indeed, strive to discover which way the bent
-of our genius lies, that we may apply ourselves to a
-judicious cultivation and improvement of it; but we
-ought to be sure never to thwart or oppose nature’s
-fixed laws. When men aspire to eminence in any of
-the various arts or sciences, without being gifted with
-the innate powers or abilities for such attainments, it
-is only like attempting to wash the Blackamoor white.</p>
-
-<div id="ip_224" class="figcenter" style="max-width: 30em;">
-  <img src="images/i_224.jpg" width="468" height="243" alt="" /></div>
-
-<hr />
-
-<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_225">225</span></p>
-
-<div class="chapter">
-<div id="ip_225" class="figcenter" style="max-width: 35em;">
-  <img src="images/i_225.jpg" width="557" height="399" alt="" /></div>
-
-<h2 class="nobreak p2">THE LION IN LOVE.</h2>
-</div>
-
-<p><span class="firstword">The</span> Lion by chance saw a fair maid, the forester’s
-daughter, as she was tripping over a lawn, and fell in
-love with her. Nay, so violent was his passion, that
-he could not live unless he made her his own; therefore,
-without more delay, he broke his mind to the father,
-and demanded the damsel for his wife. The
-man, odd as the proposal seemed at first, soon recollected
-that, by complying, he might get the Lion into
-his power; but, by refusing him, should only exasperate
-and provoke his rage. Accordingly, he seemed
-to consent; but told him it must be upon these conditions:
-that, considering the girl was young and tender,
-he must let his teeth be plucked out, and his claws be
-cut off, lest he should hurt her, or at least frighten her
-with the apprehension of them. The Lion was too
-much in love to hesitate; but was no sooner deprived<span class="pagenum" id="Page_226">226</span>
-of his teeth and claws, than the treacherous forester
-attacked him with a huge club, and knocked out his
-brains.</p>
-
-<h3>APPLICATION.</h3>
-
-<p><span class="firstword">Of</span> all the ill consequences that may attend the
-blind passion of love, few prove so fatal as that of its
-drawing people into a sudden and ill-concerted marriage.
-In the midst of a fit of madness, they commit
-a rash act, of which, as soon as they come to themselves,
-they find reason to repent as long as they live.
-Many an unthinking young man has been treated as
-much like a savage in this respect as the Lion in the
-Fable. He has, perhaps, had nothing valuable belonging
-to him but his estate, and the documents
-which formed his title to it; and if he is so far captivated,
-as to be persuaded to part with these, his teeth
-and his claws are gone, and he lies entirely at the mercy
-of madam and her relations, who will most likely
-not fail to keep him in complete subjection, after they
-have stripped him of all his power. Nothing but a
-true friendship, and a mutual interest, can keep up a
-reciprocal love between the conjugal pair, and when
-these are wanting, contempt and aversion soon step
-in to supply their place. Matrimony then becomes a
-state of downright enmity and hostility; and what a
-miserable case he must be in, who has put himself and
-his whole power into the hands of his enemy. Let
-those reflect upon this (while they are in their sober
-senses) who abhor the thoughts of being betrayed into
-their ruin, by following the impulse of a blind unheeding
-passion.</p>
-
-<hr />
-
-<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_227">227</span></p>
-
-<div class="chapter">
-<div id="ip_227" class="figcenter" style="max-width: 36em;">
-  <img src="images/i_227.jpg" width="563" height="402" alt="" /></div>
-
-<h2 class="nobreak p2">THE FOX AND THE HEDGEHOG.</h2>
-</div>
-
-<p><span class="firstword">A</span> Fox, in swimming across a river, was forced
-down by the rapidity of the stream to a place where
-the bank was so steep and slippery, that he could not
-ascend it. While he was struggling in this situation,
-a swarm of flies settled on his head and eyes, and tormented
-him grievously. A Hedgehog, who saw and
-pitied his condition, offered to call in the assistance of
-the Swallow to drive them away. No, no, friend, replies
-the Fox, I thank you for your kind offer; but it
-is better to let this swarm alone, for they are already
-pretty well filled, and should they be driven away, a
-fresh and more hungry set would succeed them, and
-suck me until I should not have a drop of blood left in
-my veins.</p>
-
-<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_228">228</span></p>
-
-<h3>APPLICATION.</h3>
-
-<p><span class="firstword">This</span> Fable is recorded by Aristotle, who tells us
-that Æsop spoke it to the Samians on occasion of a
-popular sedition, to dissuade them from deposing their
-great minister of state, lest they might, in getting rid
-of one who was already glutted with their spoils, make
-room for a more hungry and rapacious one in his stead.
-By this it would appear, that some ministers of state
-in ancient times, instead of being guided by integrity
-and patriotism, were intent only upon filling their own
-coffers, and aggrandizing and enriching their own relations,
-from the plunder of the people whose affairs
-they were entrusted with; and that they considered
-them as their prey, rather than their charge. A succession
-of such ministers, who can be countenanced by
-weak monarchs only, is more calamitous to a nation
-than plague, pestilence, and famine; for the effects of
-their mal-administration do not end with their wicked
-lives, but lay the foundation of ruin to nations that
-would, under a patriotic government, have been virtuous,
-great, and flourishing.</p>
-
-<div id="ip_228" class="figcenter" style="max-width: 10em;">
-  <img src="images/i_228.jpg" width="147" height="208" alt="" /></div>
-
-<hr />
-
-<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_229">229</span></p>
-
-<div class="chapter">
-<div id="ip_229" class="figcenter" style="max-width: 35em;">
-  <img src="images/i_229.jpg" width="560" height="403" alt="" /></div>
-
-<h2 class="nobreak p2">THE SPARROW AND THE HARE.</h2>
-</div>
-
-<p><span class="firstword">A</span> Hare being seized by an Eagle, squeaked out in
-a most woful manner. A Sparrow, that sat upon a
-tree just by, and saw the affair, could not forbear
-being unseasonably witty, but called out to the Hare:
-So, ho! what, sit there and be killed! prithee up and
-away; I dare say if you would but try, so swift a creature
-as you are would easily escape from an Eagle.
-As he was going on with his cruel raillery, down came
-a Hawk and snapped him up, and notwithstanding his
-cries and lamentations, fell to devouring him in an instant.
-The Hare, who was just expiring, addressing
-her last words to the Sparrow, said, You who just now
-insulted my misfortune, with so much security as you
-thought, may please to shew us how well you can bear
-the like, now it has befallen you.</p>
-
-<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_230">230</span></p>
-
-<h3>APPLICATION.</h3>
-
-<p><span class="firstword">To</span> insult people in distress, is the characteristic of
-a cruel, indiscreet, and giddy temper; and he must
-surely have a very bad heart, and no very good head,
-who can look on the day of grief, and the hour of distress,
-as a time for impertinent raillery. If any other
-arguments were necessary, or might be supposed capable
-of enforcing moral precepts on those who cannot
-be actuated by humanity, it might be added, that the
-vicissitudes of human affairs render such behaviour imprudent,
-as well as barbarous; since we cannot tell
-how soon we may be ourselves reduced to lament the
-woes which are now the objects of our derision: for
-nobody knows whose turn may be the next.</p>
-
-<div id="ip_230" class="figcenter" style="max-width: 32em;">
-  <img src="images/i_230.jpg" width="502" height="218" alt="" /></div>
-
-<hr />
-
-<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_231">231</span></p>
-
-<div class="chapter">
-<div id="ip_231" class="figcenter" style="max-width: 36em;">
-  <img src="images/i_231.jpg" width="567" height="405" alt="" /></div>
-
-<h2 class="nobreak p2">THE MAN AND HIS TWO WIVES.</h2>
-</div>
-
-<p><span class="firstword">A</span> Man, in times when polygamy was allowed, had
-two wives, one of whom, like himself, had seen her
-best days, and was verging upon the decline of life,
-but possessed many engaging qualities. The other
-was young and beautiful, and shared the affection of
-her husband, whom she made as happy as he was capable
-of being, but was not completely so herself.
-The white hairs mixed with the black upon the good
-man’s head, gave her some uneasiness, by proclaiming
-the great disparity of their years; wherefore, under
-colour of dressing his head, she plucked out the silver
-hairs, that he might still have as few visible signs of an
-advanced age as possible. The older dame, for reasons
-directly opposite, esteemed these grey locks as
-the honours of his head, and thought, while they gave
-him a venerable look, they made her appear something<span class="pagenum" id="Page_232">232</span>
-younger, so that every time she combed his head, she
-took equal pains to extirpate the black hairs. Each
-continued her project, unknown to the other, until the
-poor man, who thought their desire to oblige him put
-them upon this extraordinary officiousness in dressing
-his head, found himself without any hair at all!</p>
-
-<h3>APPLICATION.</h3>
-
-<p><span class="firstword">As</span> Christianity has banished polygamy, no immediate
-moral can be derived by husbands from this Fable,
-unless we conclude, that it is as impossible to serve two
-mistresses as two masters; for whatever we do to please
-the one, will probably offend the other. To conciliate
-the affections of persons whose tempers are opposite,
-is extremely difficult, if not impracticable. To wives
-it may teach, that those whose love is tempered with a
-tolerable share of good sense, will be sure to have no
-separate views of their own, nor do any thing immediately
-relating to their husbands, without consulting
-them first. All that we shall add to what has been
-said, is to observe, that many women may ignorantly,
-out of a pure effect of complaisance, do a thousand disagreeable
-things to their husbands. But in a married
-state, one party should not be guessing at or presuming,
-but inform themselves certainly, what will please
-the other; and if a wife use her husband like a friend
-only, the least she can do is first to communicate to
-him all the important enterprizes she undertakes, and
-especially those which she intends should be for his
-honour and advantage.</p>
-
-<hr />
-
-<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_233">233</span></p>
-
-<div class="chapter">
-<div id="ip_233" class="figcenter" style="max-width: 35em;">
-  <img src="images/i_233.jpg" width="559" height="400" alt="" /></div>
-
-<h2 class="nobreak p2">MERCURY AND THE CARVER.</h2>
-</div>
-
-<p><span class="firstword">Mercury</span> being very desirous to know what credit
-he had obtained in the world, and how he was esteemed
-among mankind, disguised himself, and went to the
-shop of a famous Statuary, where images were to be
-sold. He saw Jupiter, Juno, and himself, and most
-of the other gods and goddesses: so, pretending that
-he wanted to buy, he asked the prices of several, and at
-length pointing to Jupiter, What, says he, is the lowest
-price you will take for that? A crown, says the other;
-and what for that? pointing to Juno: I must have
-something more for that. Mercury then, casting his
-eye upon the figure of himself, with all his symbols
-about it, Here am I, said he to himself, in quality of
-Jupiter’s messenger, and the patron of artisans, with
-all my trades about me; and then smiling with a self-sufficient
-air, and pointing to the image, and pray<span class="pagenum" id="Page_234">234</span>
-friend, what is the price of this elegant figure? Oh,
-replied the Statuary, if you will buy Jupiter and Juno,
-I will throw you that into the bargain.</p>
-
-<h3>APPLICATION.</h3>
-
-<p><span class="firstword">If</span> we knew ourselves, of what could any of us be
-vain? Vanity is the fruit of ignorance, and the froth
-of perverted pride. Humility is the constant attendant
-on men of great talents and good qualities: these enable
-them to see how far they are short of perfection;
-but the vain and arrogant conceive they have attained
-its height. All vain men, who affect popularity, fancy
-other people have the same opinion of them that they
-have of themselves; but nothing makes them look so
-cheap and little in the eyes of discerning people as their
-enquiring (like Mercury in the Fable) after their own
-worth, and wanting to know what value others set upon
-them: and those who are so full of themselves, as
-to hunt for praise, and lay traps for commendation,
-will generally be disappointed, and be marked out as
-the emptiest of fellows; for it argues a littleness of
-mind to be too anxious and solicitous concerning our
-fame. He that behaves himself as he should do, need
-not fear procuring a good share of respect, and a fair
-reputation; but then these should not be the end or the
-motive of our pursuits: our principal aim should be
-the welfare of our country, our friends, and ourselves,
-and should be directed by the rules of honour and
-virtue.</p>
-
-<hr />
-
-<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_235">235</span></p>
-
-<div class="chapter">
-<div id="ip_235" class="figcenter" style="max-width: 35em;">
-  <img src="images/i_235.jpg" width="559" height="405" alt="" /></div>
-
-<h2 class="nobreak p2">THE FOX AND THE GOAT.</h2>
-</div>
-
-<p><span class="firstword">A</span> Fox having tumbled, by chance, into a well, had
-been ineffectually endeavouring a long while to get out
-again, when, at last, a Goat came to the place, and
-wanting to drink, asked Reynard whether the water
-was good? Good! said he, aye, so sweet, that I am
-afraid I have surfeited myself, I have drank so abundantly.
-The Goat, upon this, without more consideration,
-leapt in; when the Fox mounted upon his
-back, and taking the advantage of his horns, bounded
-up in an instant, and left the poor simple Goat at the
-bottom of the well to shift for himself. Upon the
-Goat’s reproaching him for his perfidy, Ah, Master
-Goat, said he, you have far more hairs in your beard
-than brains in your head.</p>
-
-<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_236">236</span></p>
-
-<h3>APPLICATION.</h3>
-
-<p><span class="firstword">Credulity</span> may be said to be the child of ignorance,
-and the mother of distress. A wise man will not suffer
-himself to be imposed upon by slender artifices and
-idle tales; but the credulous man is easily deluded, and
-subjects himself to numberless misfortunes. He is ever
-the dupe of designing knaves, and of needy adventurers,
-who are always intent upon serving themselves at
-the expence of others. They fasten upon opulent men
-of weak minds, as the objects of delusion, and for this
-purpose, tempt them with proposals of apparently advantageous
-schemes, which they have ready made out,
-to entice their victims to embark along with them. By
-credulity, they hope to establish their own fortune,
-and provided this be done, they care not, even if the
-ruin of their unsuspecting associates follow. It will
-likewise ever be found that when an honest man and
-a knave happen to become partners in the same common
-interest, the latter, whenever necessity pinches,
-will be sure to shift for himself, and leave the former
-in the lurch.</p>
-
-<div id="ip_236" class="figcenter" style="max-width: 30em;">
-  <img src="images/i_236.jpg" width="477" height="228" alt="" /></div>
-
-<hr />
-
-<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_237">237</span></p>
-
-<div class="chapter">
-<div id="ip_237" class="figcenter" style="max-width: 36em;">
-  <img src="images/i_237.jpg" width="566" height="406" alt="" /></div>
-
-<h2 class="nobreak p2">JUNO AND THE PEACOCK.</h2>
-</div>
-
-<p><span class="firstword">The</span> Peacock complained to Juno, how hardly he
-was used in not having so good a voice as the Nightingale.
-That little bird, says he, charms every ear with
-his melody, while my hoarse screamings disgust every
-one who hears them. The Goddess, concerned at the
-uneasiness of her favourite bird, answered him very
-kindly to this purpose: If the Nightingale be blest with
-a fine voice, you have the advantage in point of beauty
-and majesty of person. Ah! said the Peacock, but
-what avails my silent unmeaning beauty, when I am so
-far excelled in voice? The Goddess dismissed him
-with this advice: Consider that the properties of every
-creature were appointed by the decree of fate: to you
-beauty; strength to the Eagle; to the Nightingale a
-voice of melody; the faculty of speech to the Parrot;<span class="pagenum" id="Page_238">238</span>
-and to the Dove innocence. Each of these is contented
-with his own peculiar quality; and unless you have
-a mind to be miserable, you must learn to be so too.</p>
-
-<h3>APPLICATION.</h3>
-
-<p><span class="firstword">The</span> most useful lesson that we can possibly learn,
-towards the attainment of happiness in this world, is
-to enjoy those blessings that we have in our power,
-without vainly pining after those which we have not.
-Instead of being ambitious of having more endowments
-than nature has allotted to us, we should spare no
-pains to cultivate those we have; and which a sourness
-or peevishness of temper, instead of improving,
-will certainly lessen and impair. Whoever neglects
-the happiness within his reach, in order to brood over
-the consideration of how much happier he might have
-been, had his situation been like that of others, ingeniously
-contrives to torment himself, and opens a perpetual
-source of discontent, which prevents his ever
-being at ease. He does not reflect, or he would soon
-discover, that all the desirable properties in the world
-never centered in one man, and that those who have
-had the greatest share of them, if of an unhappy disposition,
-still wished for something more, and wanted to
-possess some inherent gifts which shone forth in other
-men: but such persons ought to be put in mind, that
-it does not become mortals to repine at the will of
-Heaven, which distributes happiness with an equal
-hand upon the highest and the lowest of mankind, if
-they were wise enough, and grateful enough, to perceive
-it.</p>
-
-<hr />
-
-<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_239">239</span></p>
-
-<div class="chapter">
-<div id="ip_239" class="figcenter" style="max-width: 35em;">
-  <img src="images/i_239.jpg" width="560" height="405" alt="" /></div>
-
-<h2 class="nobreak p2">THE LION AND OTHER BEASTS.</h2>
-</div>
-
-<p><span class="firstword">The</span> Lion having entered into an alliance with other
-Beasts of prey, it was agreed, for their mutual advantage,
-that they should hunt in company, and divide
-the spoil. They accordingly met on a certain day,
-and commenced the chase, and ere long they ran down
-and killed a fine fat Deer, which was instantly divided
-into four parts, there happening to be then only the
-Lion and three others present. After the division was
-made, the Lion advancing forward with an air of majesty,
-and pointing to one of the shares, was pleased to
-declare himself after the following manner: This I
-take possession of as my right, which devolves to me,
-as I am descended by a true, lineal, hereditary succession
-from the royal family of Lion: that, pointing to
-the second, I claim by, I think, no unreasonable title,
-considering that the success of all the engagements<span class="pagenum" id="Page_240">240</span>
-you have with the enemy depends chiefly upon my
-courage and conduct; and you very well know that
-wars are too expensive to be carried on without large
-supplies. Then, nodding his head towards the third,
-that I shall take by virtue of my prerogative, to which
-I make no question but so dutiful and loyal a people
-will pay all the deference and regard that I can desire.
-Now, as for the remaining part, the necessity of our
-present affairs is so very urgent, our stock so low, and
-our credit so impaired and weakened, that I must insist
-upon your granting that without hesitation or demur;
-and hereof fail not at your peril.</p>
-
-<h3>APPLICATION.</h3>
-
-<p><span class="firstword">No</span> alliance is safe which is made with the wicked, if
-they be superior to us in power. The most solemn
-treaties will be disregarded as soon as they can be broken
-with advantage. Powerful potentates, when they
-are regardless of moral obligation, and consider might
-only to be right, will never want specious pretences to
-furbish out their declarations of war, nor hesitate about
-inveigling less powerful states to join them, and after
-subduing the enemy, and seizing upon the spoils, will
-fall upon their allies on the slightest pretences, or for
-no better reason but because they are powerful enough
-to do so. No man ought to be entrusted with unlimited
-power; and when a community has been stupid
-enough to put the management of their affairs into such
-hands, they have ever found their confidence abused,
-and their property invaded.</p>
-
-<hr />
-
-<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_241">241</span></p>
-
-<div class="chapter">
-<div id="ip_241" class="figcenter" style="max-width: 35em;">
-  <img src="images/i_241.jpg" width="557" height="401" alt="" /></div>
-
-<h2 class="nobreak p2">JUPITER AND PALLAS.</h2>
-</div>
-
-<p><span class="firstword">Once</span> upon a time, the Heathen Gods agreed to
-adopt each a particular tree into their patronage. Jupiter
-chose the Oak; Venus was pleased to name the
-Myrtle; Apollo pitched upon the Laurel; Cybele took
-the Pine; and Hercules the Poplar. Pallas being present,
-expressed her surprise at their fancy, in making
-choice of trees that bore nothing. Oh, says Jupiter,
-the reason of that is plain enough, for we would not be
-thought to dispense our favours with any mercenary
-view. You may do as you please, says she, but let
-the Olive be my tree; and I declare my reason for
-choosing it is, because it bears plenty of noble useful
-fruit. Upon which the Thunderer, putting on a serious
-composed gravity, spoke thus to the Goddess: Indeed
-daughter, it is not without cause that you are so<span class="pagenum" id="Page_242">242</span>
-celebrated for your wisdom; for unless some benefit
-attend our actions, to perform them for the sake of
-glory is but a silly business.</p>
-
-<h3>APPLICATION.</h3>
-
-<p><span class="firstword">In</span> all our actions, we should intend something useful
-and beneficial; for the standing value of all things
-is in proportion to their use. To undertake affairs
-with no other view but that of empty glory, whatever
-some curious dreamers may fancy, is employing our
-time after a very foolish manner. The Almighty created
-the world out of his infinite goodness, for the good
-of his creatures, and not out of a passion for glory,
-which is a vain, silly, mean principle; and when we
-talk of glorifying the Author of our being, if we think
-reasonably, we must mean shewing our gratitude to
-him, by imitating this goodness of his, as far as we are
-able, and endeavouring to make some good or other
-the aim of all our undertakings. For if empty glory
-be unworthy the pursuit of a wise man, how vastly improper
-must it be to make an offering of it to an all-wise
-Deity.</p>
-
-<div id="ip_242" class="figcenter" style="max-width: 24em;">
-  <img src="images/i_242.jpg" width="378" height="224" alt="" /></div>
-
-<hr />
-
-<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_243">243</span></p>
-
-<div class="chapter">
-<div id="ip_243" class="figcenter" style="max-width: 35em;">
-  <img src="images/i_243.jpg" width="557" height="403" alt="" /></div>
-
-<h2 class="nobreak p2">THE VIPER AND THE FILE.</h2>
-</div>
-
-<p><span class="firstword">A</span> Viper having entered a smith’s shop, looked up
-and down for something to eat; when, casting his eye
-upon a file, he greedily seized upon it, and fell to
-gnawing it with his teeth. After he had spent some
-time in his attempts to devour it, the File told him
-very gruffly, that he had better be quiet and let him
-alone; for he would get very little by nibbling at one
-who, upon occasion, could bite iron and steel.</p>
-
-<h3>APPLICATION.</h3>
-
-<p><span class="firstword">This</span> Fable is levelled at those spiteful people who
-take so malignant a pleasure in the design of hurting
-others, as not to feel and understand that they hurt
-only themselves; and at those who are blinded by envy,
-which prompts them rather than not bite at all, to<span class="pagenum" id="Page_244">244</span>
-fall foul where they cannot expect their nibbling will
-meet with any thing but disappointment, as every one
-must who is biting at that which is too hard for his
-teeth. Thus it is that spite and malignity, which are
-twin brothers, and the offspring of envy, are, as well
-as their parent, their own tormentors. They intend
-that the wounds they inflict should be deadly, and the
-greatest wits and brightest characters in all ages have
-been the objects of their attacks; but the brilliancy
-of truth and justice at length shines forth, and shews
-the deformity of such characters in the clearest light.
-Other people, of the same character and disposition,
-though of minor consideration indeed, ought not to
-be passed over unnoticed. These may be called nibblers,
-who let their tongues slip very freely, in censuring
-the actions of persons who, in the esteem of
-the world, are of such an unquestionable reputation,
-that nobody will believe what is insinuated against
-them, and of such influence through their own veracity,
-that the least word from them would ruin the
-credit of such adversaries to all intents and purposes.
-The efforts of little villains of this stamp, like dirty liquor
-squirted against the wind, recoil back and bespatter
-their own faces; or like the shades of a picture,
-serve to set off the brilliant tints of the opposite virtues,
-which support and adorn society.</p>
-
-<div id="ip_244" class="figcenter" style="max-width: 10em;">
-  <img src="images/i_244.jpg" width="149" height="201" alt="" /></div>
-
-<hr />
-
-<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_245">245</span></p>
-
-<div class="chapter">
-<div id="ip_245" class="figcenter" style="max-width: 35em;">
-  <img src="images/i_245.jpg" width="557" height="401" alt="" /></div>
-
-<h2 class="nobreak p2">THE WOLF IN SHEEP’S CLOTHING.</h2>
-</div>
-
-<p><span class="firstword">A</span> Wolf disguising himself in the skin of a sheep,
-and getting in among the flock, easily caught and devoured
-many of them. At last the Shepherd discovered
-him, and cunningly watched the opportunity
-of slipping a noose about his neck, and immediately
-hung him up on the branch of a tree. Some other
-Shepherds observing what he was about, drew near
-and expressed their surprize at it. Brother Shepherd!
-says one of them, what! are you hanging your sheep?
-No, replies the other, but I am hanging a Wolf in
-Sheep’s clothing, and shall never fail to do the same,
-whenever I can catch one of them in that garb. The
-Shepherds then expressed themselves pleased at his
-dexterity, and applauded the justice of the execution.</p>
-
-<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_246">246</span></p>
-
-<h3>APPLICATION.</h3>
-
-<p><span class="firstword">We</span> ought not to judge of men by their looks, or
-their dress and appearances, but by the character of
-their lives and conversation, and by their works; for
-when we do not examine these, we must not be surprized
-if we find that we have mistaken evil for good,
-and instead of an innocent sheep, taken a wolf in disguise
-under our protection. The finished hypocrite,
-by assuming the character of virtue, makes the vice
-more odious and abominable, and when the mask is
-torn off, and fraud and imposture are detected, every
-honest man rejoices in the punishment of the offender.
-Men who have not had good, religious, and moral
-principles early instilled into their minds, find no barrier
-to check their propensity to evil, and get hardened
-as they advance in years; and even the most liberal
-education, if it want the foundation of truth and honesty,
-is often a curse instead of a blessing, and the
-objects of it fail to do honour either to themselves or
-to their country. Thus it is we see tyranny stalking
-along under the mask of care and protection. Injustice
-sets up the letter of the law against its spirit.
-Oppression strips the widow and the orphan, and at
-the same time preaches up mercy and compassion.
-Treachery covers itself under a cloak of kindness; and
-above all, it is peculiarly painful to find numbers of
-men, even of the learned professions, who ought to
-set an example of probity and honour, misapply their
-abilities to twist and pervert the sacred meaning of
-both law and gospel to the basest and worst of purposes.</p>
-
-<hr />
-
-<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_247">247</span></p>
-
-<div class="chapter">
-<div id="ip_247" class="figcenter" style="max-width: 36em;">
-  <img src="images/i_247.jpg" width="562" height="404" alt="" /></div>
-
-<h2 class="nobreak p2">THE STAG IN THE OX-STALL.</h2>
-</div>
-
-<p><span class="firstword">A</span> Stag, pursued by the hunters, took refuge in a
-stable, and begged of the Oxen, to suffer him to conceal
-himself under the straw in one of the stalls. They
-told him that he would be in great danger there, for
-both the master and the servants would soon come to
-fodder them, and then he might be sure of meeting
-his doom. Ah! says the Stag, if you will be so good
-as not betray me, I hope I shall be safe enough. Presently,
-in came a servant, who gave a careless look
-around, and then went out without any discovery. All
-the other servants of the farm came and went like the
-first. Upon this, the Stag began to exult, imagining
-himself quite secure; but a shrewd old Ox told him
-that he was reckoning upon his safety too soon, for
-there was another person to come, by whom he would
-not so readily be looked over. Accordingly, by and
-by came the master, who carefully peeped into every
-corner, and at last, in turning over the litter, discovered<span class="pagenum" id="Page_248">248</span>
-the Stag’s horns sticking out of the straw: upon
-which, he called all his servants back, and soon made
-prize of the poor creature.</p>
-
-<h3>APPLICATION.</h3>
-
-<p><span class="firstword">This</span> Fable is levelled against those worthless hirelings,
-who slide over their time in negligent disorder,
-and this not so much for want of capacity as honesty;
-their own private interest almost solely occupying their
-attention, while that of their master, whose wages they
-receive, and whose bread they eat, is postponed, or
-entirely neglected. Such servants deserve not to be
-inmates in any good man’s house; but where they are,
-it is absolutely necessary for the governors of families to
-look into their affairs with their own eyes; for though
-they may happen not to be in personal danger from the
-treachery of their domestics, they are perpetually liable
-to injuries from their negligence, which leaves the
-master open to the artifices of those who would defraud
-him. Few families are reduced to poverty merely by
-their own extravagance: the inattention of servants
-swells every article of expence in domestic economy;
-and the retinue of great men, instead of exerting their
-industry to increase their master’s wealth, commonly
-exercise no other office than that of caterpillars, to
-consume and devour it. The fate of the Stag also
-warns us not to engage in any hazardous speculation,
-the success of which is to depend upon the ignorance
-or carelessness of those with whom we have to deal; for
-though we may over-reach one or two, yet some master-eye
-is sure at last to pierce our covering of straw,
-and make us pay dearly for deviating from the straight
-road of candour and prudence.</p>
-
-<hr />
-
-<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_249">249</span></p>
-
-<div class="chapter">
-<div id="ip_249" class="figcenter" style="max-width: 35em;">
-  <img src="images/i_249.jpg" width="553" height="398" alt="" /></div>
-
-<h2 class="nobreak p2">THE FOWLER AND THE RING-DOVE.</h2>
-</div>
-
-<p><span class="firstword">A</span> Fowler took his gun, and went into the woods a-shooting.
-He spied a Ring-dove among the branches
-of an Oak, and clapping the piece to his shoulder, took
-his aim, and made himself sure of killing it. But just
-as he was going to pull the trigger, an Adder, which
-he had trod upon under the grass, bit him so painfully
-in the leg, that he was obliged to quit his design, and
-throw his gun down in an agony. The venom immediately
-infected his blood, and his whole body began
-to mortify; which, when he perceived, he could not
-help owning it to be just. Fate, says he, has brought
-destruction upon me, while I was contriving the death
-of another.</p>
-
-<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_250">250</span></p>
-
-<h3>APPLICATION.</h3>
-
-<p><span class="firstword">The</span> mischief that bad men meditate to others, commonly,
-like a judgment, falls upon their own heads;
-and the punishment of wickedness is so just in itself
-that the sufferer, who has made others feel it, cannot,
-if he think rightly, but confess that he deserves the
-like inflicted on himself. The hardened unfeeling
-heart of a cruel and unjust man, can, however, continue
-to do a thousand bitter things to others, until he
-tastes calamity himself, and then only it is that he feels
-the insupportable uneasiness it occasions. Why should
-we think others born to hard treatment more than
-ourselves, or imagine it can be reasonable to do to
-another what we should think very hard to suffer in
-our own persons?</p>
-
-<div id="ip_250" class="figcenter" style="max-width: 28em;">
-  <img src="images/i_250.jpg" width="444" height="299" alt="" /></div>
-
-<hr />
-
-<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_251">251</span></p>
-
-<div class="chapter">
-<div id="ip_251" class="figcenter" style="max-width: 36em;">
-  <img src="images/i_251.jpg" width="566" height="406" alt="" /></div>
-
-<h2 class="nobreak p2">THE HARES AND THE FROGS.</h2>
-</div>
-
-<p><span class="firstword">The</span> Hares in a certain park having met to consult
-upon some plan to preserve themselves from their numerous
-enemies, all agreed that life was full of care
-and misery, and that they saw no prospect of things
-changing for the better. Full of these desponding
-thoughts, and just as it had been proposed that they
-should put an end to their existence, a storm arose,
-which tore the branches from the trees, and whirled the
-leaves about their ears. Panic-struck, they ran like
-mad creatures, until they were stopped by a lake, into
-which they hastily resolved to throw themselves headlong,
-rather than lead a life so full of dangers and
-crosses: but upon their approaching its margin, a number
-of Frogs, which were sitting there, frightened at
-their sudden approach, in the greatest confusion leapt
-into the water, and dived to the bottom; which an old<span class="pagenum" id="Page_252">252</span>
-Hare, more sedate than the rest, observing, called out,
-Have a care what ye do! Here are other creatures I
-perceive, which have their fears as well as we. Dont
-then let us fancy ourselves the most miserable of any
-upon earth; but rather, by their example, learn to
-bear patiently those inconveniences which nature has
-thrown upon us.</p>
-
-<h3>APPLICATION.</h3>
-
-<p><span class="firstword">This</span> Fable is designed to shew us how unreasonable
-many people are, who live in continual fears and
-disquiet about the miserableness of their condition.
-There is hardly any state of life great enough to satisfy
-the wishes of an ambitious man; and scarcely any
-so mean, but may supply the necessities of him that is
-moderate. There are few beings so very wretched,
-that they cannot pick out others in a more deplorable
-situation, and with whom they would not change cases.
-The rich man envies the poor man’s health, without
-considering his wants; and the poor man envies the
-other’s treasure, without considering his diseases. The
-miseries of others should serve to add vigour to our
-minds, and teach us to bear up against the load of
-lighter misfortunes. But what shall we say to those
-who have a way of creating themselves panics from
-the rustling of the wind, the scratching of a rat or a
-mouse behind the hangings, the fluttering of a moth,
-or the motion of their own shadow by moon-light!
-Their whole life is as full of alarms as that of a Hare,
-and they never think themselves so easy as when, like
-the timorous folks in the Fable, they meet with a set
-of creatures as fearful as themselves.</p>
-
-<hr />
-
-<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_253">253</span></p>
-
-<div class="chapter">
-<div id="ip_253" class="figcenter" style="max-width: 36em;">
-  <img src="images/i_253.jpg" width="562" height="402" alt="" /></div>
-
-<h2 class="nobreak p2">THE MOUNTAINS IN LABOUR.</h2>
-</div>
-
-<p><span class="firstword">The</span> Mountains were said to be in labour, and uttered
-the most dreadful groans. People came together,
-far and near, to see what birth would be produced;
-and after they had waited a considerable time in expectation,
-out crept a Mouse.</p>
-
-<h3>APPLICATION.</h3>
-
-<p><span class="firstword">Projectors</span> of all kinds, who endeavour by artful
-rumours, large promises, and vast preparations, to
-raise the expectations of mankind, and then by their
-mean performances disappoint them, have, time out of
-mind, been lashed with the recital of this Fable. It
-should teach us to suspect those who promise very
-largely, and to examine cautiously what grounds they
-proceed upon, and whether their pretensions are not<span class="pagenum" id="Page_254">254</span>
-intended to render us their tools, or the dupes of their
-artifices. It likewise teaches us not to rely implicitly
-upon those constant declarations for liberty and the
-public good, which artful politicians use as stepping
-stones to power; but who having raised the people’s expectations
-to the highest pitch, and obtained their desire
-by the public enthusiasm, then turn their whole art
-and cunning to embezzling the public treasure for their
-own private wicked ends, or to ruin and enslave their
-country; or at best but imitate the bad conduct of
-those whom they turned out by their clamour, while
-the sanguine hopes of all those that wished well to virtue,
-and flattered themselves with a reformation of
-every thing that opposed the well-being of the community,
-vanish away in smoke, and are lost in a gloomy
-uncomfortable prospect. The Fable likewise intimates,
-that the uncertain issue of all human undertakings
-should induce us not to make pompous boasts of ourselves,
-but to guard against promising any thing exceedingly
-great, for fear of coming off with a production
-ridiculously little. If we set out modestly, and
-perform more than we engaged to do, we shall find
-our fame grow upon us, and every unexpected addition
-we make to our plan will raise us more and more in
-the good opinion of the world; but if, on the contrary,
-we make ample professions of the greatness of our designs,
-and the excellence of our own abilities, it will
-too often happen, that instead of swelling our reputation,
-we shall only blow the trumpet to our shame.</p>
-
-<hr />
-
-<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_255">255</span></p>
-
-<div class="chapter">
-<div id="ip_255" class="figcenter" style="max-width: 36em;">
-  <img src="images/i_255.jpg" width="563" height="405" alt="" /></div>
-
-<h2 class="nobreak p2">THE VAIN JACK-DAW.</h2>
-</div>
-
-<p><span class="firstword">A</span> certain Jack-daw was so proud and ambitious,
-that, not contented to live within his own sphere, he
-picked up the feathers which fell from the Peacocks,
-stuck them in among his own, and very confidently
-introduced himself into an assembly of those beautiful
-birds. They soon found him out, stripped him of his
-borrowed plumes, and falling upon him with their
-sharp bills, punished him as his presumption deserved.
-Upon this, full of grief and affliction, he returned to
-his old companions, and would have lived with them
-again; but they, knowing his late life and conversation,
-industriously avoided him, and refused to admit
-him into their company; and one of them, at the same
-time, gave him this serious reproof: If, friend, you
-could have been contented with our station, and had
-not disdained the rank in which nature had placed<span class="pagenum" id="Page_256">256</span>
-you, you had not been used so scurvily by those upon
-whom you intruded yourself, nor suffered the notorious
-slight which now we think ourselves obliged to put
-upon you.</p>
-
-<h3>APPLICATION.</h3>
-
-<p><span class="firstword">To</span> aim at making a figure by the means of either
-borrowed wit, or borrowed money, generally subjects
-us at last to a ten-fold ridicule. A wise man, therefore,
-will take his post quietly, in his own station,
-without pretending to fill that of another, and never
-affect to look bigger than he really is, by means of a
-false or borrowed light. It shews great weakness and
-vanity in any man to be pleased at making an appearance
-above what he really is; but if to enable him to
-do so with something of a better grace, he has clandestinely
-feathered his nest out of his neighbour’s goods,
-it is a pity if he should not be found out, stripped of
-his plunder, and treated like a felonious rogue into
-the bargain.</p>
-
-<div id="ip_256" class="figcenter" style="max-width: 24em;">
-  <img src="images/i_256.jpg" width="383" height="261" alt="" /></div>
-
-<hr />
-
-<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_257">257</span></p>
-
-<div class="chapter">
-<div id="ip_257" class="figcenter" style="max-width: 36em;">
-  <img src="images/i_257.jpg" width="567" height="408" alt="" /></div>
-
-<h2 class="nobreak p2">THE LION AND THE MOUSE.</h2>
-</div>
-
-<p><span class="firstword">A</span> Lion having laid down to take his repose under
-the spreading boughs of a shady tree, a company of
-Mice scampered over his back and waked him. Upon
-which, starting up, he clapped his paw upon one of
-them, and was just going to put it to death, when the
-little suppliant implored his mercy, begging him not
-to stain his noble character with the blood of so small
-and insignificant a creature. The Lion, touched with
-compassion, instantly released his little trembling captive.
-Not long after, traversing the forest in search
-of his prey, he chanced to run into the toils of the
-hunters, and not being able to disengage himself, he
-set up a loud roar. The Mouse hearing the voice,
-and knowing it to be the Lion’s, immediately repaired
-to the place, and bade him fear nothing, for that he
-was his friend. Instantly he fell to work, and with<span class="pagenum" id="Page_258">258</span>
-his little sharp teeth gnawed asunder the knots and
-fastenings of the toils, and set the royal brute at liberty.</p>
-
-<h3>APPLICATION.</h3>
-
-<p><span class="firstword">They</span> who generously shower benefits on their fellow-creatures,
-seldom fail of inspiring the great bulk
-of them with a benevolent regard for their benefactors,
-and often receive returns of kindness which they never
-expected. Mercy is of all other virtues the most likely
-to kindle gratitude in those to whom it is extended,
-and it is difficult to find an instance of a conqueror
-who ever had occasion to repent of his humanity and
-clemency. The Fable gives us to understand, that
-there is no person in the world so little, but even the
-greatest may, at some time or other, stand in need of
-his assistance; and consequently, it is good to shew favour,
-when there is room for it, towards those who
-fall into our power. As the lowest people in life may,
-upon occasion, be able either to serve or hurt us, it is
-as much our interest as our duty to behave with good-nature
-and lenity towards all with whom we have any
-intercourse. A great soul is never so much delighted
-as when an opportunity offers of making a return for
-favours received; and a sensible man, however exalted
-his station, will never consider himself secure from the
-necessity of accepting a service from the poorest.</p>
-
-<hr />
-
-<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_259">259</span></p>
-
-<div class="chapter">
-<div id="ip_259" class="figcenter" style="max-width: 36em;">
-  <img src="images/i_259.jpg" width="563" height="406" alt="" /></div>
-
-<h2 class="nobreak p2">THE TORTOISE AND THE EAGLE.</h2>
-</div>
-
-<p><span class="firstword">A</span> Tortoise, weary of his condition, by which he
-was confined to creep upon the ground, and ambitious
-to look about him with a larger prospect, proclaimed
-that if any bird would take him up into the air, and
-shew him the world, he would reward him with the
-discovery of an invaluable treasure, which he knew was
-hidden in a certain place of the earth. The Eagle accepted
-the offer, and having performed his undertaking,
-gently set the Tortoise again on the ground, and
-demanded the reward. The Tortoise was obliged to
-confess that he could not fulfil his promise, which he
-had made only with the view of having his fancy gratified.
-The Eagle, stung with resentment at being thus
-duped, grasped him again in his talons, and then soaring
-to a great height, let him fall, by which he was
-dashed to pieces.</p>
-
-<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_260">260</span></p>
-
-<h3>APPLICATION.</h3>
-
-<p><span class="firstword">Men</span> of honour are careful not to tarnish their reputations
-by falsifying their word, and always consider
-well how far it may be in their power to fulfil their
-promises before they make them. They always strive
-to walk on the straight line of rectitude; and should
-they, in an unguarded moment, happen to stagger
-from it, they instantly retrace their steps, and feel unhappy
-until they have regained their station. There
-is a simplicity in truth and virtue, which requires no
-artifices, and never leads us into difficulties, but points
-out the plain and safe way. Deceit and cunning, on
-the contrary, involve those who practise them in a
-maze, and they are bewildered in their own falsehoods,
-from which no dexterity can extricate them. The
-brain-racking schemes which villains practise to delude
-others, are commonly detected, and end in the unpitied
-punishment of themselves; for they seldom discover
-the folly of being wicked, until it has betrayed
-them into their ruin. But such persons would do well
-to refresh their memories with the old adage which
-says, that “all knaves are fools, but all fools are not
-knaves.”</p>
-
-<div id="ip_260" class="figcenter" style="max-width: 26em;">
-  <img src="images/i_260.jpg" width="410" height="147" alt="" /></div>
-
-<hr />
-
-<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_261">261</span></p>
-
-<div class="chapter">
-<div id="ip_261" class="figcenter" style="max-width: 36em;">
-  <img src="images/i_261.jpg" width="563" height="402" alt="" /></div>
-
-<h2 class="nobreak p2">THE POLECAT AND THE COCK.</h2>
-</div>
-
-<p><span class="firstword">A</span> Polecat, that had long committed depredations
-on the farm-yard, having a mind to make a meal of
-the blood of the Cock, seized him one morning by surprize,
-and asked him what he could say for himself
-why slaughter should not pass upon him? The Cock
-replied, that he was serviceable to mankind by crowing
-in the morning, and calling them up to their daily labour.
-That is true, says the Polecat, and is the very
-objection that I have against you, for you make such
-a shrill impertinent noise, that people cannot sleep for
-you. Besides, you are an incestuous rascal, and make
-no scruple of lying with your mother and sisters.
-Well, says the Cock, this I do not deny; but I do it
-to procure eggs and chickens for my master. Ah!
-villain, says the Polecat, hold your wicked tongue,<span class="pagenum" id="Page_262">262</span>
-such impieties as these declare that you are no longer
-fit to live.</p>
-
-<h3>APPLICATION.</h3>
-
-<p><span class="firstword">When</span> a wicked man in power has a mind to glut
-his appetite in any respect, innocence or even merit is
-no protection against him. The cries of justice and
-the voice of reason, are of no effect upon a conscience
-hardened in iniquity, and a mind versed in a long
-practice of wrong and robbery. Remonstrances, however
-reasonably urged, or movingly couched, have no
-more influence upon the hearts of such, than the gentle
-evening breeze has upon the oak, when it whispers
-among its branches; or the rising surges upon the
-deaf rock, when they dash and break upon its sides.
-Power should never be trusted in the hands of an impious
-selfish man, and one that has more regard to the
-gratification of his own insatiable desires, than to public
-peace and justice; but as a wicked son may succeed
-to the station of a virtuous and patriotic father, care
-should be taken to guard against a surprise, by a vigilant
-watchfulness of the encroaching nature of power,
-even when in benevolent hands, that those checks may
-not be undermined which counteract its abuse in bad
-ones. Had the poor Cock exerted his usual vigilance,
-it would have served him much more effectually than
-either his innocence or his eloquence.</p>
-
-<hr />
-
-<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_263">263</span></p>
-
-<div class="chapter">
-<div id="ip_263" class="figcenter" style="max-width: 36em;">
-  <img src="images/i_263.jpg" width="563" height="404" alt="" /></div>
-
-<h2 class="nobreak p2">THE FOWLER AND THE BLACKBIRD.</h2>
-</div>
-
-<p><span class="firstword">A</span> Fowler was busy placing his nets, and putting his
-tackle in order, by the side of a coppice, when a Blackbird,
-who was perched on an adjacent tree, eyed him
-with great attention; but being at a loss to know the
-use of all this apparatus and preparation, had the curiosity
-to ask him what he was doing. I am, says the
-Fowler, building a fine city for you birds to live in,
-and providing it with meat and all manner of conveniences
-for you. Having said this, he departed and hid
-himself, and the Blackbird, believing his words, came
-into the nets and was taken; but when the man ran
-up to seize his captive, the Bird thus addressed him:
-If this be your faith, and these the cities you build, it
-will be a great pity if you should ever again persuade
-any poor simple bird to try to inhabit them.</p>
-
-<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_264">264</span></p>
-
-<h3>APPLICATION.</h3>
-
-<p><span class="firstword">The</span> fowler’s professions of friendship for the birds,
-while he aimed at their destruction, may be paralleled
-by too many instances in real life; and however mortifying
-it may be to reflect upon, yet so it is, that the
-designing knave far too often succeeds in his deep-laid
-schemes to ensnare, over-reach, and ruin the honest
-and the unsuspecting man. Planners and projectors of
-this character, both of high and low degree, are suffered
-to roam at large, and it behoves the inexperienced to
-guard against their plots with a watchful eye; for while
-they smoothly disclaim taking any mean advantage over
-those they are addressing, with their plausible pretensions,
-their sole study and aim is to fill their own pockets,
-and then to hug themselves with the thoughts of
-their success, and to laugh at those whom they have
-duped. As long as people can be found credulous
-enough to suffer themselves to be imposed upon, so
-long will there arise gentry of this description, who
-will live in affluence by taking advantage of their weakness.</p>
-
-<div id="ip_264" class="figcenter" style="max-width: 33em;">
-  <img src="images/i_264.jpg" width="515" height="284" alt="" />
-  <div class="caption"><i>There will be sleeping enough in the Grave.</i></div></div>
-
-<hr />
-
-<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_265">265</span></p>
-
-<div class="chapter">
-<div id="ip_265" class="figcenter" style="max-width: 36em;">
-  <img src="images/i_265.jpg" width="563" height="406" alt="" /></div>
-
-<h2 class="nobreak p2">THE NURSE AND THE WOLF.</h2>
-</div>
-
-<p><span class="firstword">A</span> Nurse, who was endeavouring to quiet a froward
-child, among other things threatened to throw it out
-of doors to the Wolf, if it did not leave off crying. A
-Wolf, who chanced to be prowling near the door just
-at the time, heard the expression, and believing the
-woman to be in earnest, waited a long while about the
-house, in expectation of having her words made good.
-But at last the child, wearied with its own perverseness,
-fell asleep, and the Wolf was forced to return
-back into the woods, empty and supperless. The Fox
-meeting him, and surprized to see him going home so
-thin and disconsolate, asked him what the matter was,
-and how he came to speed no better that night? Ah!
-do not ask me, says he, I was so silly as to believe
-what the Nurse said, and have been disappointed.</p>
-
-<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_266">266</span></p>
-
-<h3>APPLICATION.</h3>
-
-<p><span class="firstword">Many</span> of the old moralists have interpreted this Fable
-as a caution never to trust a woman: a barbarous
-inference, which neither the obvious sense of the apologue,
-nor the disposition of the softer sex will warrant.
-For though some women may be fickle and unstable,
-yet the generality exceed their calumniators in truth
-and constancy, and have more frequently to complain of
-being the victims, than to be arraigned as the authors of
-broken vows. To us this Fable appears to mean little
-more than merely to shew how easily inclined we are,
-in all our various expectations through life, to delude
-ourselves into a belief of any thing which we desire to
-be true. The lover interprets every smile of his mistress
-in his own favour, and is then perhaps neglected.
-The beauty believes all mankind are dying for her,
-and is then deserted by her train of admirers. The
-followers of the great reckon a smile or a nod very auspicious
-omens, and deceive themselves with groundless
-hopes of employment or promotion, in expectation of
-which, they, like the Wolf at the Nurse’s door, dangle
-away the time that might be usefully employed elsewhere,
-and at last are obliged to retire disappointed
-and hungry, crying out perhaps against the perfidy of
-those in power, instead of blaming their own sanguine
-credulity.</p>
-
-<hr />
-
-<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_267">267</span></p>
-
-<div class="chapter">
-<div id="ip_267" class="figcenter" style="max-width: 36em;">
-  <img src="images/i_267.jpg" width="565" height="404" alt="" /></div>
-
-<h2 class="nobreak p2">THE HARPER.</h2>
-</div>
-
-<p><span class="firstword">A</span> Man who used to play upon the harp, and sing
-to it, in little ale-houses, and made a shift in those
-narrow confined walls to please the dull sots who heard
-him, from hence entertained an ambition of shewing his
-parts in the public theatre, where he fancied he could
-not fail of raising a great reputation and fortune in a
-very short time. He was accordingly admitted upon
-trial; but the spaciousness of the place, and the throng
-of the people, so deadened and weakened both his voice
-and instrument, that scarcely either of them could be
-heard, and where they could, his performance sounded
-so poor, so low, and wretched, in the ears of his refined
-audience, that he was universally hissed off the stage.</p>
-
-<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_268">268</span></p>
-
-<h3>APPLICATION.</h3>
-
-<p><span class="firstword">When</span> we are commended for our performances by
-people of much flattery or little judgment, we should
-be sure not to value ourselves upon it; for want of this
-caution, many a vain unthinking man has at once exposed
-himself to the censure of the world. A buffoon,
-though he would not be fit to open his mouth in
-a senate, or upon a subject where sound sense and a
-grave and serious behaviour are expected, may be very
-agreeable to a company disposed to be mirthful over
-a glass of wine. It is not the diverting a little, insignificant,
-injudicious audience or society, which can
-gain us a proper esteem, or insure our success, in a
-place which calls for a performance of the first rate.
-We should have either allowed abilities to please the
-most refined tastes, or judgment enough to know that
-we want them, and to have a care how we submit ourselves
-to the trial. And, if we have a mind to pursue
-a just and true ambition, it is not sufficient that we
-study barely to please; but it is of the greatest moment
-whom we please, and in what respect, otherwise
-we may not only lose our labour, but make ourselves
-ridiculous into the bargain.</p>
-
-<div id="ip_268" class="figcenter" style="max-width: 28em;">
-  <img src="images/i_268.jpg" width="438" height="231" alt="" /></div>
-
-<hr />
-
-<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_269">269</span></p>
-
-<div class="chapter">
-<div id="ip_269" class="figcenter" style="max-width: 34em;">
-  <img src="images/i_269.jpg" width="535" height="408" alt="" /></div>
-
-<h2 class="nobreak p2">THE ANT AND THE FLY.</h2>
-</div>
-
-<p><span class="firstword">In</span> a dispute between the Ant and the Fly concerning
-precedency, the latter thus boasted: I have, said
-he, the uppermost seats at church, and even frequent
-the altars; I am taster to the gods, and a partaker of
-all their sacrifices; I am admitted into the palaces of
-kings, and enjoy myself at every entertainment provided
-for the princes of the earth, and all this without
-having occasion to labour. What have you to boast
-of, poor sorry drudge, crawling upon the earth, living
-in caverns and holes, and with constant exertion gathering
-up a grain of corn to support a wretched existence?
-Indeed! said the Ant, I pretend to none of
-these fine things. Visiting the great, and partaking
-of their festivals and sacrifices, might be entitled to
-some consideration, were you invited; but you are only
-an impudent intruder in such places. My time, indeed,
-is spent differently: I lead a life of industry,<span class="pagenum" id="Page_270">270</span>
-which is crowned with health and vigour, and I am
-constantly held up as an example of prudence and
-foresight. I provide for present comforts and future
-wants, and court not the favors, nor dread the frowns,
-of any one; while your laziness and vanity make you a
-beggarly intruder wherever you hope to get a present
-supply. You may, perhaps, sip honey one day, but on
-the next you batten on carrion; and having propagated
-a numerous progeny, equally as noxious and useless
-as yourself, I then behold you from my comfortable,
-warm, well-stored mansion, in the winter of your
-days, starving to death with hunger and cold.</p>
-
-<h3>APPLICATION.</h3>
-
-<p><span class="firstword">The</span> worthless part of mankind, who pass through
-the world without being of any service in it, and without
-acquiring the least reputation, seldom fail of adding
-empty pride to all their other failings, and behave
-with arrogance towards those who contribute to the
-comforts and happiness of society. They treat industrious
-persons as wretched drudges, appointed to labour
-for a poor subsistence, while they think themselves
-entitled to enjoy all the good things of this life,
-though they of all others least deserve them. But the
-worthy and industrious will generally find that the
-pride and extravagance of these idle flies, bring them
-at last to shame, if not to want, while their own honest
-labours secure a good name, a happy mind, and a
-sufficiency for their wants, if not a state of affluence.
-In short, no one is a better gentleman than he whose
-own honest industry supplies him with all necessaries,
-and who pretends to no more acquaintance with honour
-than never to say or do a mean or an unjust thing.</p>
-
-<hr />
-
-<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_271">271</span></p>
-
-<div class="chapter">
-<div id="ip_271" class="figcenter" style="max-width: 36em;">
-  <img src="images/i_271.jpg" width="566" height="398" alt="" /></div>
-
-<h2 class="nobreak p2">THE MOUSE AND THE WEASEL.</h2>
-</div>
-
-<p><span class="firstword">A</span> thin hungry Mouse, after much pushing and
-twisting, crept through a small hole, into a corn basket,
-where he gorged himself so plentifully, that on
-his attempting to retire by the same passage, he found
-himself so swelled out, that, with all his endeavours,
-he could not squeeze through again. A Weasel, who
-stood at some distance, and had been diverting himself
-with the vain efforts of the little glutton, called to
-him sneeringly, Hark ye, Mr Mouse! remember that
-you were lean and half-starved when you got in at that
-small hole; and take my word for it, you must be as
-lean and half-starved before you can make your way
-out again.</p>
-
-<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_272">272</span></p>
-
-<h3>APPLICATION.</h3>
-
-<p><span class="firstword">That</span> portion of mankind, whose inordinate desires
-push them on to stick at nothing in acquiring wealth,
-are seldom the most happy; for covetousness, which
-never produced one noble sentiment, often urges its
-votaries to break through the rules of justice, and then
-deprives them of the expected fruits of their iniquity.
-Besides great riches and care are almost inseparable;
-and there is often a quiet and content attending upon
-people of moderate circumstances, to which the wealthy
-man is an utter stranger. It has happened, even to
-monarchs, that their inroads on the possessions of
-others have tended to the detriment of the aggressor,
-who has been obliged to resign the rich spoils obtained
-by unjustifiable hostilities, and to refund the ill-gotten
-wealth, with a very bad grace: a punishment which
-Providence has wisely annexed to acts of violence and
-fraud, as the best security of the possessions of the
-just and virtuous, against the attempts of the wicked.
-Some men, from creeping in the lowest stations of life,
-have in process of time reached the greatest places, and
-grown so bulky by pursuing their insatiate appetite for
-money, that when they would have retired, they found
-themselves too opulent and full to get off. There has
-been no expedient for them to creep out, till they were
-squeezed and reduced in some measure to their primitive
-littleness. They that fill themselves with that
-which is the property of others, should always be so
-served before they are suffered to escape.</p>
-
-<hr />
-
-<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_273">273</span></p>
-
-<div class="chapter">
-<div id="ip_273" class="figcenter" style="max-width: 34em;">
-  <img src="images/i_273.jpg" width="538" height="399" alt="" /></div>
-
-<h2 class="nobreak p2">THE EAGLE AND THE FOX.</h2>
-</div>
-
-<p><span class="firstword">An</span> Eagle that had young ones, looking for something
-to feed them with, happened to spy a Fox’s Cub
-that lay basking itself abroad in the sun: she made a
-stoop, and trussed it immediately; but before she had
-carried it quite off, the old Fox coming home, implored
-her, with tears, to spare her Cub, and pity the
-distress of a poor fond mother, who would think no
-affliction so great as that of losing her child. The
-Eagle, whose nest was high in an old hollow tree,
-thought herself secure from all projects of revenge, and
-so bore away the Cub to her young ones, without
-shewing any regard to the supplications of the Fox.
-But that subtle creature, highly incensed at this outrageous
-barbarity, ran to an altar, where some country
-people had been sacrificing a kid in the open fields,<span class="pagenum" id="Page_274">274</span>
-and catching up a fire-brand in her mouth, made towards
-the tree where the Eagle’s nest was, with a resolution
-of revenge. She had scarcely reached its root,
-when the Eagle, terrified with the approaching ruin of
-herself and family, begged of the Fox to desist, and,
-with much submission, returned her the Cub safe and
-sound.</p>
-
-<h3>APPLICATION.</h3>
-
-<p><span class="firstword">When</span> men in high situations happen to be wicked,
-how little scruple do they make of oppressing their
-poor neighbours! They are perched upon a lofty station,
-and, having outgrown all feelings of humanity,
-are insensible to the pangs of remorse. The widow’s
-tears, the orphan’s cries, and the curses of the miserable,
-fall by the way, and never reach their hearts.
-But let such, in the midst of their flagrant injustice,
-remember how easy it is, notwithstanding their superior
-distance, for the meanest vassal to take his revenge.
-The bitterness of affliction (even where cunning
-is wanting) may animate the poorest spirit with
-desperate resolutions; and when once the fury of revenge
-is thoroughly awakened, we know not what she
-may effect before she is lulled to rest again. The most
-powerful tyrants cannot prevent a resolved assassination:
-there are a thousand different ways for any private
-man to do the business, who is heartily disposed
-to it, and willing to satisfy his appetite for revenge, at
-the expence of his life. An old woman may clap a
-fire-brand to the palace of a prince, and a poor weak
-fool may destroy the children of the mighty.</p>
-
-<hr />
-
-<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_275">275</span></p>
-
-<div class="chapter">
-<div id="ip_275" class="figcenter" style="max-width: 36em;">
-  <img src="images/i_275.jpg" width="562" height="403" alt="" /></div>
-
-<h2 class="nobreak p2">THE BELLY AND THE MEMBERS.</h2>
-</div>
-
-<p><span class="firstword">In</span> former days, it happened that the Members of
-the human body, taking some offence at the conduct
-of the Belly, resolved no longer to grant it the usual
-supplies. The Tongue first, in a seditious speech, aggravated
-their grievances; and after highly extolling
-the activity and diligence of the Hands and Feet, set
-forth how hard and unreasonable it was, that the fruits
-of their labour should be squandered away upon the
-insatiable cravings of a fat and indolent paunch. In
-short, it was resolved for the future to strike off his
-allowance, and let him shift for himself as well as he
-could. The Hands protested they would not lift a Finger
-to keep him from starving; and the Teeth refused
-to chew a single morsel more for his use. In this distress,
-the Belly remonstrated with them in vain; for
-during the clamour of passion the voice of reason is<span class="pagenum" id="Page_276">276</span>
-always disregarded. This unnatural resolution was
-kept as long as any thing of that kind can be kept,
-which was, until each of the rebel members pined
-away to the skin and bone, and could hold out no
-longer. Then they found there was no doing without
-the Belly, and, that idle and insatiable as it seemed,
-it contributed as much to the welfare of all the other
-parts, as they in their several stations did towards its
-maintenance.</p>
-
-<h3>APPLICATION.</h3>
-
-<p><span class="firstword">This</span> Fable was spoken by Menenius Agrippa, a
-Roman consul and general, when he was deputed by
-the senate to appease a dangerous tumult and insurrection
-of the people. The many wars the Romans were
-engaged in, and the frequent supplies they were obliged
-to raise, had so soured and inflamed the minds of
-the populace, that they were resolved to endure it no
-longer, and obstinately refused to pay the taxes. It is
-easy to discern how the great man applied this Fable:
-for, if the branches and members of a community refuse
-the government that aid which its necessities require,
-the whole must perish together. The rulers of
-a state, useless or frivolous as they may sometimes seem,
-are yet as necessary to be kept up and maintained in
-a proper and decent grandeur, as the family of each
-private person is, in a condition suitable to itself.
-Every man’s enjoyment of that little which he gains
-by his daily labour, depends upon the government’s
-being maintained in a condition to defend and secure
-him in the unmolested control and possession of it.</p>
-
-<hr />
-
-<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_277">277</span></p>
-
-<div class="chapter">
-<div id="ip_277" class="figcenter" style="max-width: 35em;">
-  <img src="images/i_277.jpg" width="560" height="403" alt="" /></div>
-
-<h2 class="nobreak p2">THE FATAL MARRIAGE.</h2>
-</div>
-
-<p><span class="firstword">A</span> Mouse being ambitious of marrying into a noble
-family, paid his addresses to a young Lioness, and at
-length succeeded in entering into a treaty of marriage
-with her. When the day appointed for the nuptials
-arrived, the bridegroom set out in a transport of joy
-to meet his beloved bride; and coming up to her,
-passionately threw himself at her feet; but she, like a
-giddy thing as she was, not minding how she walked,
-accidentally set her foot upon her little spouse, and
-crushed him to death.</p>
-
-<h3>APPLICATION.</h3>
-
-<p><span class="firstword">It</span> is very unsafe for persons of low estate to form
-connections with those of a very superior situation.
-When wealthy persons of mean extraction and unrefined<span class="pagenum" id="Page_278">278</span>
-education, as an equivalent for their money, demand
-brides out of the nursery of the peerage, if they
-should not be ruined by the giddy extravagance of
-their high-born wives, their being despised, or at least
-treated with neglect, is almost certain. But indeed,
-much unhappiness follows the want of a sound judgment
-in the choice of a partner for life, whether it be
-in high or low, rich or poor. No human contract is
-of so important, as well as delicate a nature, as marriage.
-It is one of the grand epochs in the history
-of a man. It is an engagement which should be
-voluntary, judicious, and disinterested, and can never
-be attended with honour, or blessed with happiness,
-if it has not its origin in mutual affection. If it
-be either unsuitable or compulsory, it produces not
-only individual misery, but consequences universally
-pernicious. Sordid interest and vile dependence may
-indeed sometimes act so powerfully, as to set nature
-and true convenience aside, so as to make the yoke
-which is jointly borne by the improper union of the high
-and low, or by age and youth, put on an appearance
-of regard for each other; but natural affection must
-needs be wanting on one side or the other. Nature
-has, however, with a strong hand, pointed out the path
-to be pursued, and a few prudential rules only are necessary
-to keep us within it. If a man is of an unsound
-constitution, or if he cannot provide for a family, let
-him forbear matrimony: it is the duty of every man
-who marries, to take a healthy woman for his wife, for
-the sake of his children, and an amiable one, for his
-own comfort. The same precaution ought to be taken
-by the fair sex, unless they can make up their minds to
-become nurses to tainted worn-out husbands, and their
-puny nerveless offspring.</p>
-
-<hr />
-
-<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_279">279</span></p>
-
-<div class="chapter">
-<div id="ip_279" class="figcenter" style="max-width: 35em;">
-  <img src="images/i_279.jpg" width="551" height="400" alt="" /></div>
-
-<h2 class="nobreak p2">THE YOUNG MAN AND THE LION.</h2>
-</div>
-
-<p><span class="firstword">An</span> opulent Old Man, who believed in omens and
-dreams, had an only Son, of whom he was dotingly
-fond. One night he dreamt that he saw the Young
-Man, while he was eagerly engaged in the chase, seized
-upon and torn in pieces by a Lion. This operated
-upon his fears to such a degree, that he instantly determined
-upon breaking off his Son’s strong propensity
-to hunting, that he might be kept out of harm’s
-way. For this purpose, he spared neither pains nor
-expence to make home agreeable to him. He had
-the rooms decorated with the finest paintings of forest
-scenery, and the hunting of wild beasts, with the reality
-of which the youth had been so much delighted;
-but the Young Man, debarred from his favourite pleasures,
-considered the palace a prison, and his father
-as the keeper. One day, when looking at the pictures,
-he cast his eye upon that of a Lion, and, enraged that<span class="pagenum" id="Page_280">280</span>
-he was confined for a dream about such a beast, he
-struck at the painting with his fist, with all his might.
-There happened to be a nail in the wall behind the
-canvas, which lacerated the hand terribly. The wound
-festered, and threw the Young Man into a fever, of
-which he died; so that the Father’s dream was fulfilled
-by the very step he took to prevent it.</p>
-
-<h3>APPLICATION.</h3>
-
-<p><span class="firstword">Those</span> people who govern their lives by forebodings
-and dreams, and signs of ill-luck, are kept in a state
-of constant anxiety and uneasiness. Such a disposition
-is grounded on superstition, which is the offspring of a
-narrow mind, and adds greatly to the evils with which
-life is sufficiently loaded. Heaven has kindly concealed
-from us the knowledge of futurity, and it is therefore
-foolish for us to attempt to pry into it, or to disturb
-our minds with absurd conceptions of events which
-are only realised by our ridiculous precautions against
-them. How inconsistent is the conduct of people who
-imagine things to be predestined, and yet busy themselves
-in endeavours to prevent their coming to pass;
-as if the vain efforts of human power or prudence were
-able to counteract the will, or reverse the decrees of
-the Omnipotent.</p>
-
-<div id="ip_280" class="figcenter" style="max-width: 20em;">
-  <img src="images/i_280.jpg" width="312" height="197" alt="" /></div>
-
-<hr />
-
-<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_281">281</span></p>
-
-<div class="chapter">
-<div id="ip_281" class="figcenter" style="max-width: 36em;">
-  <img src="images/i_281.jpg" width="563" height="405" alt="" /></div>
-
-<h2 class="nobreak p2">THE KITE AND THE PIGEONS.</h2>
-</div>
-
-<p><span class="firstword">A</span> Kite who had kept sailing in the air for many
-days near a dove-house, and made a stoop at several
-Pigeons to no purpose, for they were too nimble for
-him, at last had recourse to stratagem, and made a
-declaration to them, in which he set forth his own just
-and good intentions, and that he had nothing more at
-heart than the defence and protection of the Pigeons
-in their ancient rights and liberties, and how concerned
-he was at their unjust and unreasonable suspicions
-of himself, as if he intended by force of arms to break
-in upon their constitution, and erect a tyrannical government
-over them. To prevent all which, and thoroughly
-to quiet their minds, he thought proper to
-propose such terms of alliance, as might for ever cement
-a good understanding between them; one of
-which was, that they should accept of him for their<span class="pagenum" id="Page_282">282</span>
-king, and invest him with all kingly privilege and prerogative
-over them; in return for which he promised
-them protection from all their enemies. The poor
-simple Pigeons consented: the Kite took the coronation
-oath, after a very solemn manner, on his part,
-and the Doves the oaths of allegiance and fidelity on
-theirs. But much time had not passed over their
-heads before the good Kite pretended that it was part
-of his prerogative to devour a Pigeon whenever he
-pleased; and this he was not contented to do himself
-only, but instructed the rest of the royal family in the
-same kingly arts. The Pigeons, reduced to this miserable
-condition, said one to the other, Ah! we deserve
-no better! Why did we let him come in?</p>
-
-<h3>APPLICATION.</h3>
-
-<p><span class="firstword">What</span> can this Fable be applied to, but the exceeding
-blindness and stupidity of that part of mankind,
-who wantonly and foolishly trust their native rights
-of liberty without good security? Who often chuse
-for guardians of their lives and fortunes, persons abandoned
-to the most unsociable of vices; and seldom have
-any better excuse for such an error in politics, than
-that they were deceived in their expectation, or never
-thoroughly knew the manners of their king, till he had
-got them entirely in his power. We ought not to incur
-the possibility of being deceived in so important a
-matter as this; an unlimited power should not be trusted
-in the hands of any one who is not endowed with
-a perfection more than human.</p>
-
-<hr />
-
-<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_283">283</span></p>
-
-<div class="chapter">
-<div id="ip_283" class="figcenter" style="max-width: 36em;">
-  <img src="images/i_283.jpg" width="563" height="402" alt="" /></div>
-
-<h2 class="nobreak p2">THE SICK KITE.</h2>
-</div>
-
-<p><span class="firstword">A</span> Kite who had been sick a long time, beginning to
-be doubtful of recovery, begged of his Mother to go
-to all the churches and religious houses in the country,
-to try what prayers and offerings would effect in his
-behalf. The old Kite replied, Indeed, my dear son,
-I would willingly undertake any thing to save your
-life; but I have great reason to despair of doing you
-any service in the way you propose: for, with what
-face can I ask any thing of the Gods, in favour of one
-whose whole life has been a continued scene of rapine
-and injustice, and who has not scrupled, upon
-occasion, to rob even their altars?</p>
-
-<h3>APPLICATION.</h3>
-
-<p><span class="firstword">The</span> rehearsal of this Fable almost unavoidably<span class="pagenum" id="Page_284">284</span>
-draws our attention to that very serious and important
-point, the consideration of a death-bed repentance, the
-sincerity of which we may justly suspect in one whose
-whole life has been spent in acts of wickedness and impiety.
-To expose the absurdity of relying upon such
-a weak foundation, we need only ask the same question
-with the Kite in the Fable: how can he, who has
-offended the Gods all his life-time by acts of dishonour
-and injustice, expect that they will be pleased with him
-at last, for no other reason but because he fears he
-shall not be able to offend them any longer? Since
-the summons to “pass that bourn whence no traveller
-returns,” must one day come, we ought always
-to be prepared to meet it. But when the whole life
-has been wasted, without communion with, or totally
-estranged from that Almighty Being, by whose fiat it
-was called into existence, then indeed the polluted soul
-must be distracted with the agonizing thoughts of appearing
-before Him, who created it for a very different
-purpose. Nothing but the consciousness of having led
-a virtuous life, can in the awful moment, disarm death
-of his terrors, and fortify the mind with cheering hopes
-and resignation. But this is a subject of the utmost
-importance, and the due enforcing of it is one of the
-most solemn duties of the pulpit.</p>
-
-<div id="ip_284" class="figcenter" style="max-width: 20em;">
-  <img src="images/i_284.jpg" width="318" height="187" alt="" /></div>
-
-<hr />
-
-<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_285">285</span></p>
-
-<div class="chapter">
-<div id="ip_285" class="figcenter" style="max-width: 35em;">
-  <img src="images/i_285.jpg" width="549" height="403" alt="" /></div>
-
-<h2 class="nobreak p2">THE FOX AND THE LION.</h2>
-</div>
-
-<p><span class="firstword">The</span> first time the Fox saw the Lion, he fell down
-at his feet, and was ready to die with fear. The second
-time he took courage, and could even bear to
-look upon him. The third time he had the impudence
-to come up to him, to salute him, and to enter
-into familiar conversation with him.</p>
-
-<h3>APPLICATION.</h3>
-
-<p><span class="firstword">From</span> this Fable we may observe the two extremes
-in which we may fail as to a proper behaviour towards
-our superiors. The one is a bashfulness, proceeding
-either from a vicious guilty mind, or a timorous rusticity;
-the other an over-bearing impudence, which assumes
-more than becomes it, and so renders the person
-insufferable to the conversation of well-bred reasonable<span class="pagenum" id="Page_286">286</span>
-people. But there is a difference between the bashfulness
-which arises from a want of education, and the
-shame-facedness that accompanies conscious guilt: the
-first by time and a nearer acquaintance, may be ripened
-into a proper liberal behaviour; the other no sooner
-finds an easy practicable access, but it throws off all
-manner of reverence, grows every day more and more
-familiar, and branches out at last into the utmost indecency
-and irregularity. Indeed there are many occasions
-which may happen to cast an awe, or even a
-terror, upon our minds at first view, without any just or
-reasonable grounds; but upon a little recollection, or
-a nearer insight, we recover ourselves, and can appear
-indifferent and unconcerned, where before we were
-ready to sink under a load of diffidence and fear. We
-should upon such occasions use our endeavours to regain
-a due degree of steadiness and resolution; but at
-the same time we must have a care that our efforts in
-that respect do not force the balance too much, and
-make it rise to an unbecoming freedom, and an offensive
-familiarity.</p>
-
-<div id="ip_286" class="figcenter" style="max-width: 22em;">
-  <img src="images/i_286.jpg" width="348" height="289" alt="" /></div>
-
-<hr />
-
-<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_287">287</span></p>
-
-<div class="chapter">
-<div id="ip_287" class="figcenter" style="max-width: 35em;">
-  <img src="images/i_287.jpg" width="560" height="403" alt="" /></div>
-
-<h2 class="nobreak p2">THE DOG AND THE WOLF.</h2>
-</div>
-
-<p><span class="firstword">A</span> Wolf in quest of prey, happened to fall in with a
-well-fed Mastiff. Ah, Tray, said he, one does not need
-to ask how you do, you look so plump and hearty. I
-wish I were as well provided for; but my gaunt looks
-shew that I fare very differently, although I dare say I
-venture my life ten times more than you do, in searching
-for a precarious subsistence, amidst woods and
-wilds, exposed to rain, and frost, and snow. If you
-will follow me, replies the Dog, and do as I do, I
-have no doubt you will change for the better, and soon
-be in as good plight as I am. The Wolf eagerly requested
-to be informed what would be required of him.
-Very little, replied the Mastiff; only drive away beggars,
-guard the master’s house, caress him, and be
-submissive to his family, and you will be well fed
-and warmly lodged. To these conditions the Wolf
-had no objections; but as they were jogging along, he<span class="pagenum" id="Page_288">288</span>
-observed the hair worn off around the Dog’s neck, and
-enquired the cause. O nothing, answered he, or a
-mere trifle; perhaps the collar, to which my chain is
-fastened, has left a mark. Chain! replied the Wolf,
-with some surprize; so then you are not permitted to go
-where and when you please? Not always, said Tray;
-but what does that signify? It signifies so much, rejoined
-the Wolf, that I am resolved to partake of no
-sumptuous fare with a chain about my neck; for half a
-meal, with liberty, is preferable to a full one without it.</p>
-
-<h3>APPLICATION.</h3>
-
-<p><span class="firstword">True</span> greatness of soul will never give up liberty for
-any consideration whatever; for what are riches, grandeur,
-titles, or any other worldly good, if they are
-holden by so precarious a tenure as the arbitrary will
-of a tyrant! A mere competency, with liberty, is
-preferable to servitude amidst the greatest affluence;
-and even the lowest condition in life, with freedom, is
-better than the most exalted station without it. But
-liberty in a state of society does not consist in doing
-whatsoever we please; but only permits those actions
-by which we do no injustice to our neighbour, or to
-the community. The well-being of society requires the
-efforts of all, from the highest to the lowest, to preserve
-and support it; and since it appears to be the will of
-Omnipotence, that mankind should live in this state of
-social union (which does not admit of the unbridled
-freedom of the savage state) a certain portion of individual
-liberty must be given up for the good of the
-whole; but the sacrifice should be bounded by the
-common good: all beyond approaches towards slavery,
-and degrades the people who submit to it.</p>
-
-<hr />
-
-<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_289">289</span></p>
-
-<div class="chapter">
-<div id="ip_289" class="figcenter" style="max-width: 36em;">
-  <img src="images/i_289.jpg" width="563" height="406" alt="" /></div>
-
-<h2 class="nobreak p2">THE FLYING FISH AND THE DOLPHIN.</h2>
-</div>
-
-<p><span class="firstword">The</span> Flying Fish, to avoid its enemies, leaves the
-water, takes wing, and mounts up into the air. The
-Dolphin is one of the most constant of these enemies;
-and its velocity through the liquid element, it is said,
-surpasses that of every living creature, insomuch that
-as it darts along, the brilliancy and changeableness of
-its colours, which cannot be described, appear like the
-flash of a meteor. A Flying Fish being pursued by
-a Dolphin, in his eagerness to escape, took too long
-a flight, and his wings becoming dry, he fell upon a
-rock, where his death was inevitable. The Dolphin,
-in the keenness of his pursuit, ran himself on shore at
-the foot of the rock, and was left by the wave, gasping
-in the same condition as the other. Well, says the
-Flying Fish, I must die it is certain; but it is some<span class="pagenum" id="Page_290">290</span>
-consolation to behold my merciless enemy involved in
-the same fate.</p>
-
-<h3>APPLICATION.</h3>
-
-<p><span class="firstword">When</span> brought low by a cruel and insolent oppressor,
-there is no torture we feel more poignantly, than
-to see him triumphantly exulting in our downfal; and
-the opposite extreme must take place in our minds, on
-seeing our enemy over-shoot his mark, and in his turn
-brought down to the same level of distress with ourselves.
-The temper that is not touched with feelings
-of this kind, must be of a highly philosophical cast indeed.
-The great and powerful, for the sake of their
-own peace of mind, should not unfeelingly persecute
-their inferiors; for nothing is more sweet to some tempers,
-and scarcely any thing more easy to compass,
-than revenge.</p>
-
-<div id="ip_290" class="figcenter" style="max-width: 28em;">
-  <img src="images/i_290.jpg" width="434" height="334" alt="" />
-  <div class="caption"><i>It is not so ugly as a purse-proud,
-ignorant, wicked man.</i></div></div>
-
-<hr />
-
-<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_291">291</span></p>
-
-<div class="chapter">
-<div id="ip_291" class="figcenter" style="max-width: 35em;">
-  <img src="images/i_291.jpg" width="556" height="408" alt="" /></div>
-
-<h2 class="nobreak p2">THE LION AND THE FROG.</h2>
-</div>
-
-<p><span class="firstword">The</span> Lion hearing an odd kind of hollow voice, and
-seeing nobody, started up: he listened again, and hearing
-the noise repeated, he trembled and quaked for
-fear. At last, seeing a Frog crawl out of the lake, and
-finding that the noise he had heard was nothing but
-the croaking of that little creature, he went up to it
-with great anger; but checking himself, turned away
-from it, ashamed of his own timidity.</p>
-
-<h3>APPLICATION.</h3>
-
-<p><span class="firstword">The</span> early prejudices of a wrong education can only
-be eradicated from the strongest minds. The weak retain
-them through life. This Fable is a pretty image
-of the vain fears and empty terrors, with which our
-weak misguided nature is so apt to be alarmed and disturbed.
-If we hear but ever so little noise which we<span class="pagenum" id="Page_292">292</span>
-are not able to account for, immediately, nay, often
-before we give ourselves time to consider about it, we
-are struck with fear, and labour under a most unmanly
-and unreasonable trepidation; more especially if the
-alarm happens when we are alone, and in the dark.
-These fears are ingrafted into our minds very early,
-and therefore it is the more difficult, even when we are
-grown up, and ashamed of them, to root them out of
-our nature. They are chiefly the offspring of the nursery,
-and originate in the many terrific tales, and lying
-stories, of those who have the management there; and
-though every pains be afterwards taken to free the
-mind from the impression of such groundless fears,
-the weaker part of mankind are still apt to be terrified
-at the empty phantoms of ghosts, spectres, apparitions,
-and hobgoblins. But whatever effect such
-phantasies may have upon the guilty mind, innocence
-has nothing to dread from supernatural causes. Fear
-is however a natural passion, and its use is to put us
-upon our guard against danger, by alarming the spirits;
-but it, like all our other passions, should be kept
-in a state of subjection: for though they are all good
-and useful servants, yet if once they get the better of
-our reason, they prove the most domineering tyrants
-imaginable; nor do any of them treat us in so abject
-and slavish a manner as fear: it unnerves and enfeebles
-our limbs, while it fetters our understandings; and at
-the same time that it represents a danger near at hand,
-disarms and makes us incapable of defending ourselves
-from it. But we ought to call forth a sense of honour
-and shame, to correct such weaknesses; and for this
-purpose it will be useful to remember the Fable of the
-Lion and the Frog.</p>
-
-<hr />
-
-<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_293">293</span></p>
-
-<div class="chapter">
-<div id="ip_293" class="figcenter" style="max-width: 36em;">
-  <img src="images/i_293.jpg" width="561" height="403" alt="" /></div>
-
-<h2 class="nobreak p2">THE KID AND THE WOLF.</h2>
-</div>
-
-<p><span class="firstword">A</span> Kid being mounted upon the roof of a high shed,
-and seeing a Wolf below, took the opportunity of affronting
-him with the foulest reproaches: upon which
-the Wolf looking up, replied, Do not value yourself,
-vain creature, upon thinking you mortify me, for I
-look upon this ill-language not as coming from you,
-but from the place which protects you.</p>
-
-<h3>APPLICATION.</h3>
-
-<p><span class="firstword">Place</span> a coward out of the reach of danger, and
-then no man can put on an appearance of greater
-courage. In his castle he makes a great deal more
-bluster and threatening than a man of spirit and honour
-would do, if placed in the same situation. A similar
-kind of overbearing behaviour too often shews<span class="pagenum" id="Page_294">294</span>
-itself in the upstart worthless placeman, who taking
-advantage of his situation, which protects him, and
-knowing that he is out of the reach of our resentment,
-exhibits all the “insolence of office:” but such should
-be put in mind, that a saucy deportment is no sign
-of either courage, good sense, or good manners, and
-that a gentleman and a man of spirit will use no ill or
-unbecoming language to any person, however low in
-station.</p>
-
-<div id="ip_294" class="figcenter" style="max-width: 24em;">
-  <img src="images/i_294.jpg" width="370" height="268" alt="" /></div>
-
-<hr />
-
-<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_295">295</span></p>
-
-<div class="chapter">
-<div id="ip_295" class="figcenter" style="max-width: 36em;">
-  <img src="images/i_295.jpg" width="565" height="409" alt="" /></div>
-
-<h2 class="nobreak p2">THE COUNTRY AND THE CITY MOUSE.</h2>
-</div>
-
-<p><span class="firstword">A</span> plain Country Mouse was one day unexpectedly
-visited at his hole, by a fine Mouse of the town, who
-had formerly been his play-fellow. The honest rustic,
-pleased with the honour, resolved to entertain his
-friend as sumptuously as possible. He set before him a
-reserve of delicate grey pease and bacon, a dish of fine
-oatmeal, some parings of new cheese, and to crown all
-with a dessert, a remnant of a charming mellow apple.
-When the repast was nearly finished, the spark of the
-town, taking breath, said, Old Crony, give me leave
-to be a little free with you; how can you bear to live
-in this melancholy hole here, with nothing but woods,
-and meadows, and mountains, and rivulets about you?
-Do you not prefer the conversation of the world to the
-chirping of birds, and the splendour of the court, to
-the rude aspect of a wild like this? With many flowery
-arguments, he at last prevailed upon his country<span class="pagenum" id="Page_296">296</span>
-friend to accompany him to town, and about midnight
-they safely entered a certain great house, where there
-had been an entertainment the day before. Here it
-was the courtier’s turn to entertain, and placing his
-guest on a rich Persian carpet, they both began to
-regale most deliciously, when on a sudden the noise
-of somebody opening the door, made them scuttle in
-confusion about the dining-room. The rustic in particular
-was ready to die with fear at the many hair-breadth
-escapes which followed. At last, recovering
-himself, Well, says he, if this be your town-life, much
-good may it do you. Give me my poor quiet hole
-again, with my homely, but comfortable grey pease.</p>
-
-<h3>APPLICATION.</h3>
-
-<p><span class="firstword">A</span> moderate fortune, with a quiet retirement in the
-country, is preferable to the greatest affluence, attended
-with the care and the perplexity of business. How
-often are we deceived by the specious shows of splendour
-and magnificence; and what a poor exchange does
-he make, who gives up ease and content in an humble
-situation, to engage in difficulties, and encounter perils
-in affluence and luxury! The ploughman in the field,
-who labours for his daily pittance, earns his bread with
-less uneasiness and fatigue, than the man who haunts
-levees to obtain wealth and preferment. Riches, properly
-used, are indeed very conducive to ease and happiness;
-but if we leave any comfortable situation to
-procure them, or abuse the possession of them by riot
-and intemperance, we resign the end for the means,
-mistake the shadow for the substance, and convert the
-instruments of good fortune into the engines of anxiety
-and solicitude.</p>
-
-<hr />
-
-<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_297">297</span></p>
-
-<div class="chapter">
-<div id="ip_297" class="figcenter" style="max-width: 36em;">
-  <img src="images/i_297.jpg" width="561" height="405" alt="" /></div>
-
-<h2 class="nobreak p2">THE ONE-EYED DOE.</h2>
-</div>
-
-<p><span class="firstword">A</span> Doe that had lost an eye, used to graze near the
-sea; and that she might be the more secure from harm,
-she kept her blind side towards the water, from whence
-she had no apprehension of danger, and with the other
-surveyed the country as she fed. By this vigilance and
-precaution, she thought herself in the utmost security;
-but a sly fellow, with two poaching companions, who
-had watched her several days to no purpose, at last took
-a boat, and came gently down upon her, and shot her.
-The Doe, in the agonies of death, breathed out this
-doleful complaint: O hard fate, that I should receive
-my death’s wound from the side whence I expected no
-ill, and be safe in that quarter where I looked for the
-most danger.</p>
-
-<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_298">298</span></p>
-
-<h3>APPLICATION.</h3>
-
-<p><span class="firstword">We</span> are liable to many misfortunes that no care or
-foresight can prevent; but we ought to provide in the
-best way we can against them, and leave the rest to
-Providence. The wisest of men have their foibles or
-blind sides, and have their enemies too, who watch to
-take advantage of their weaknesses. It behoves us
-therefore to look to ourselves on the blind side, as the
-part that lies most exposed to an attack. Vigilance
-and caution are commonly our best preservatives from
-evil, and security is often a fatal enemy, when we cherish
-it so as to lull all our apprehensions to rest. We
-should not however encourage in ourselves the slavish
-principle of fear, nor make ourselves miserable on account
-of latent evils, which it is not in our power to
-prevent. The ways and workings of Providence are
-inscrutable; and it is not in the power of human prudence
-to obviate all the accidents of life.</p>
-
-<div id="ip_298" class="figcenter" style="max-width: 27em;">
-  <img src="images/i_298.jpg" width="426" height="268" alt="" /></div>
-
-<hr />
-
-<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_299">299</span></p>
-
-<div class="chapter">
-<div id="ip_299" class="figcenter" style="max-width: 36em;">
-  <img src="images/i_299.jpg" width="563" height="405" alt="" /></div>
-
-<h2 class="nobreak p2">THE TREES AND THE WOODMAN.</h2>
-</div>
-
-<p><span class="firstword">A</span> Countryman being in want of a handle for his hatchet,
-entered a wood and looked among the branches
-for one that would suit his purpose. The Trees, with
-a curiosity natural to some other creatures, asked him
-what he was seeking? He replied that he only wanted
-a piece of wood to make a handle to his axe, and
-begged they would be so good as to permit him to
-serve himself. Since that is all, said the Trees, help
-yourself, and welcome. He immediately availed himself
-of the permission, and had no sooner fitted up his
-instrument, than he began pell-mell to cut and hack
-about him, felling the noblest trees in all the forest,
-without distinction. The Oak is said to have spoke
-thus to the Beech, in a low whisper: Brother, we must
-take all this for our easy credulity, and imprudent generosity.</p>
-
-<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_300">300</span></p>
-
-<h3>APPLICATION.</h3>
-
-<p><span class="firstword">One</span> would imagine that the natural principle of self-preservation
-implanted in us, would make it unnecessary
-to caution any one not to furnish an enemy with
-arms against himself. Yet daily experience shews us
-that such instances of imprudence are not uncommon.
-In this life we are liable to be surrounded with calamities
-and distresses: we should therefore be cautious of
-adding to our misfortunes, by our own want of caution,
-and of putting power into the hands of those enemies,
-which our merit or our affluence may tempt to rise up
-against us. Any person in a community, by what
-name or title soever distinguished, who affects a power
-which may possibly hurt a people, is their enemy, and
-therefore they ought not to trust him: for though he
-were ever so fully determined not to abuse such a
-power, yet he is so far a bad man, as he disturbs a
-nation’s quiet, and makes them jealous and uneasy, by
-desiring to have it, or even retaining it, when it may
-prove mischievous. If we consult history, we shall
-find that the thing called prerogative, has been claimed
-and contended for chiefly by those who never intended
-to make a good use of it; and as readily resigned by
-wise and just princes, who had the true interest of their
-people at heart. How like senseless stocks do they
-act, who, by complimenting some capricious mortal,
-from time to time, with scraps of prerogative, at last
-put it out of their power to maintain their just and natural
-liberty!</p>
-
-<hr />
-
-<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_301">301</span></p>
-
-<div class="chapter">
-<div id="ip_301" class="figcenter" style="max-width: 35em;">
-  <img src="images/i_301.jpg" width="556" height="405" alt="" /></div>
-
-<h2 class="nobreak p2">THE EAGLE AND THE CROW.</h2>
-</div>
-
-<p><span class="firstword">An</span> Eagle flew down from the top of a high rock,
-and making a stoop at a Lamb, seized it with her
-strong talons, and bore aloft her bleating prize to her
-young. A Crow observing what passed, was ambitious
-of performing the same exploit, and darted down
-upon a Ram; but instead of being able to carry it
-up into the air, she found she had got her claws entangled
-in its fleece, and could neither move herself
-nor her fancied prize. Thus fixed, she was soon taken
-by the Shepherd, and given away to some boys, who
-eagerly enquired what bird it was? An hour ago, said
-he, she fancied herself an Eagle; however I suppose
-she is by this time convinced that she is but a Crow.</p>
-
-<h3>APPLICATION.</h3>
-
-<p><span class="firstword">It</span> is impossible for any man to take a true measure<span class="pagenum" id="Page_302">302</span>
-of the abilities of another, without an exact knowledge
-and true judgment of his own; a false estimate of
-which always exposes him to ridicule, and sometimes
-to danger. Every man ought therefore to examine the
-strength of his own mind with attention and impartiality,
-and not fondly to flatter himself that he can by
-an awkward and ill-judged emulation soar to the height
-which has been attained by men endowed by nature
-with great abilities and original talents, matured by
-industry. We can no more adopt the genius of another
-man, than we can assume his shape and person.
-The bright original in every department of the arts
-and sciences will be valued and esteemed, whilst his
-puny imitators will be treated with neglect, or be despised.
-Almost every man has something original in
-himself, which, if duly cultivated, might perhaps procure
-him respect and applause, and it is creditable for
-him to endeavour justly to obtain them.</p>
-
-<div id="ip_302" class="figcenter" style="max-width: 29em;">
-  <img src="images/i_302.jpg" width="453" height="238" alt="" /></div>
-
-<hr />
-
-<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_303">303</span></p>
-
-<div class="chapter">
-<div id="ip_303" class="figcenter" style="max-width: 34em;">
-  <img src="images/i_303.jpg" width="543" height="397" alt="" /></div>
-
-<h2 class="nobreak p2">THE HORSE AND THE STAG.</h2>
-</div>
-
-<p><span class="firstword">In</span> ancient times, when the Horse and the Deer
-ranged the forest with uncontrolled freedom, it happened
-that contentions arose between them about grazing
-in particular meadows. These disputes ended in
-a conflict between them, in which the Deer proved
-victorious, and with his sharp horns drove the Horse
-from the pasture. Full of disappointment and chagrin,
-the Horse applied to the Man, and craved his
-assistance, in order to re-establish him in the possession
-of his rights. The request was granted, on condition
-that he would suffer himself to be bridled, saddled,
-and mounted by his new ally, with whose assistance he
-entirely defeated his enemy; but the poor Horse was
-mightily disappointed when, upon returning thanks to
-the Man, and desiring to be dismissed, he received this
-answer: No, I never knew before how useful a drudge<span class="pagenum" id="Page_304">304</span>
-you were; now I have found what you are good for,
-you may be assured I will keep you to it.</p>
-
-<h3>APPLICATION.</h3>
-
-<p><span class="firstword">Victories</span> may be purchased at too dear a rate, if
-we solicit the assistance of allies capable of becoming
-our most formidable enemies, and it will be vain to
-flatter ourselves, that the yoke of slavery, if we once
-willingly suffer it to be laid upon our shoulders, can be
-easily shaken off, when the ends for which we bore it
-are accomplished. The Fable is intended to caution
-us against consenting to any thing that might prejudice
-public liberty, as well as to keep us upon our guard in
-the preservation of that which is of a private nature.
-This is the use and interpretation given of it by Horace,
-one of the best and most polite philosophers that
-ever wrote. After reciting the Fable, he applies it
-thus: This, says he, is the case of him, who, dreading
-poverty, parts with that invaluable jewel, liberty;
-like a wretch as he is, he will always be subject to a
-tyrant of some sort or another, and be a slave for ever,
-because his avaricious spirit knew not how to be contented
-with that moderate competency, which he might
-have possessed independent of all the world.</p>
-
-<div id="ip_304" class="figcenter" style="max-width: 17em;">
-  <img src="images/i_304.jpg" width="259" height="169" alt="" /></div>
-
-<hr />
-
-<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_305">305</span></p>
-
-<div class="chapter">
-<div id="ip_305" class="figcenter" style="max-width: 35em;">
-  <img src="images/i_305.jpg" width="558" height="404" alt="" /></div>
-
-<h2 class="nobreak p2">THE MILLER, HIS SON, AND THEIR ASS.</h2>
-</div>
-
-<p><span class="firstword">A</span> Miller and his Son were taking their Ass to market
-to sell him, and that he might get thither in good condition,
-they drove him gently before them. They had
-not proceeded far before they met a company of travellers:
-Sure, say they, you are mighty careful of your
-Ass; one of you might as well get up and ride, as suffer
-him to walk on at his ease, while you trudge after
-on foot. In compliance with this advice, the Old Man
-set his Son upon the beast. And now, they had scarcely
-advanced a quarter of a mile further, before they met
-another company. You idle young rogue, said one,
-why dont you get down, and let your poor father ride?
-Upon this, the Old Man made his Son dismount, and
-got up himself. While they were marching in this
-manner, a third company began to insult the father.
-You hard-hearted wretch, say they, how can you suffer<span class="pagenum" id="Page_306">306</span>
-that poor lad to wade through the dirt, while you, like
-an alderman, ride at your ease? The good-natured
-Miller stood corrected, and immediately took his Son
-up behind him. And now the next man they met exclaimed,
-with more vehemence and indignation than all
-the rest, Was there ever such a couple of lazy loobies!
-to overload in so unconscionable a manner, a poor
-dumb creature, who is far less able to carry you, than
-you are to carry him! The complying Old Man
-would have been half inclined to make the trial, had
-not experience by this time sufficiently convinced him,
-that there cannot be a more fruitless attempt, than to
-endeavour to please all mankind.</p>
-
-<h3>APPLICATION.</h3>
-
-<p><span class="firstword">It</span> is better to pursue the dictates of one’s own reason,
-than attempt to please every body; for to do this
-is next to impossible. Therefore we ought to decide
-according to the best of our judgment, and correct
-our mistakes from our own experience. Wise men are
-instructed by reason; men of less understanding by experience;
-the most ignorant by necessity; and beasts
-by instinct. When a man so neglects himself, as not
-to make a just use of his reason and his mental powers,
-in combating with prejudice and folly, as well as the
-caprice of others, he will ever be led on in a maze of
-error, wavering and embarrassed about pursuing this
-or that path, until between them he is lost in a labyrinth,
-from which he will never be able to extricate
-himself as long as he lives.</p>
-
-<hr />
-
-<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_307">307</span></p>
-
-<div class="chapter">
-<div id="ip_307" class="figcenter" style="max-width: 36em;">
-  <img src="images/i_307.jpg" width="561" height="404" alt="" /></div>
-
-<h2 class="nobreak p2">THE ANT AND THE GRASSHOPPER.</h2>
-</div>
-
-<p><span class="firstword">A</span> commonwealth of Ants, having, after a busy summer,
-provided every thing for their wants in the winter,
-were about shutting themselves up for that dreary season,
-when a Grasshopper in great distress, and in dread
-of perishing with cold and hunger, approached their
-avenues, and with great humility begged they would
-relieve his wants, and permit him to take shelter in any
-corner of their comfortable mansion. One of the Ants
-asked him how he had disposed of his time in summer,
-that he had not taken pains and laid in a stock, as they
-had done? Alas! my friends, says he, I passed away
-the time merrily and pleasantly, in drinking, singing,
-and dancing, and never once thought of winter. If
-that be the case, replied the Ant, all I have to say is
-this: that they who drink, sing, and dance in the summer,
-run a great risk of starving in the winter.</p>
-
-<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_308">308</span></p>
-
-<h3>APPLICATION.</h3>
-
-<p><span class="firstword">As</span> summer is the season in which the industrious
-laborious husbandman lays up his supplies for the winter,
-so youth and manhood are the times of life which
-we should employ in laying in such a stock as may
-suffice for helpless old age; yet there are many whom
-we call rational creatures, who squander away in a
-profuse prodigality, whatever they get in their younger
-days, as if the infirmity of age would require no supplies
-to support it, or at least would find them administered
-to it in some miraculous way. From this Fable
-we learn this admirable lesson, never to lose the
-present opportunity of fairly and honestly providing
-against the future evils and accidents of life; and while
-health and the vigour of our faculties remain firm and
-entire, to lay them out to the best advantage; so that
-when age and infirmities despoil us of our strength and
-abilities, we may not have to bewail that we have neglected
-to provide for the wants of our latter days: for it
-should always be remembered, that “a youth of revels
-breeds an age of care,” and that temperance in youth
-lays the foundation of health and comfort for old age.</p>
-
-<div id="ip_308" class="figcenter" style="max-width: 22em;">
-  <img src="images/i_308.jpg" width="351" height="200" alt="" /></div>
-
-<hr />
-
-<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_309">309</span></p>
-
-<div class="chapter">
-<div id="ip_309" class="figcenter" style="max-width: 36em;">
-  <img src="images/i_309.jpg" width="563" height="406" alt="" /></div>
-
-<h2 class="nobreak p2">THE HORSE AND THE LION.</h2>
-</div>
-
-<p><span class="firstword">An</span> old Lion, finding that many of the beasts had
-become too nimble for him, and that he could not
-come at his prey so readily as before, craftily gave out
-that he had long studied physic and surgery in foreign
-countries, and that he could cure every kind of disorder
-to which the beasts were liable. These professions
-having been spread abroad, he hoped to get many of
-the animals to come within his clutches. The Horse
-seeing through the whole of the scheme, was resolved
-to be even with him; and so humouring the thing as if
-he suspected nothing, he feigned himself to be in great
-pain from a wound in his foot, and limping up to the
-Lion, he begged he would examine the part and administer
-relief. The Lion, though intent only upon making
-a good meal of horse-flesh, begged the Horse to hold up
-his foot that he might see it: this was no sooner done,<span class="pagenum" id="Page_310">310</span>
-than the Horse gave him so violent a blow on the nose,
-as quite stunned him, and scampered off, neighing at
-the success of a trick, which had defeated the purpose
-of one who intended to have tricked him out of his life.</p>
-
-<h3>APPLICATION.</h3>
-
-<p><span class="firstword">We</span> ought never to put trust in the fair words and
-pretensions of those who have both an interest and inclination
-to ruin us; and where we find foul play thus
-intended against us, it is not in the nature of things to
-expect that we should not, if we can, turn the tables
-upon the plotters. Treachery has something so wicked
-and worthy of punishment in its nature, that it deserves
-to meet with a return of its own kind. An open
-revenge is too liberal for it, and nothing matches it
-but itself. Though a man of sense and honour will
-always view tricking and fraud of all kinds as mean
-and beneath him, and will despise setting such an example,
-yet it cannot be inconsistent with virtue to counteract
-the schemes of those who are taking all manner
-of undue advantages, and hatching wicked plots to undermine
-us.</p>
-
-<div id="ip_310" class="figcenter" style="max-width: 21em;">
-  <img src="images/i_310.jpg" width="334" height="248" alt="" /></div>
-
-<hr />
-
-<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_311">311</span></p>
-
-<div class="chapter">
-<div id="ip_311" class="figcenter" style="max-width: 35em;">
-  <img src="images/i_311.jpg" width="551" height="403" alt="" /></div>
-
-<h2 class="nobreak p2">THE FOX IN THE WELL.</h2>
-</div>
-
-<p><span class="firstword">A</span> Fox having fallen into a well, made a shift, by
-sticking his claws into the sides, to keep his head above
-water. Soon after, a Wolf came and peeped over the
-brink, to whom the Fox applied, and very earnestly
-implored his assistance to help him out, or he should
-be lost. Ah! poor Reynard, says he, I pity your
-misfortune; poor creature, I am sorry for you with all
-my heart: how did you happen to slip into this well?
-pray how long have you been in this melancholy situation?
-Nay, I prithee friend, replies the Fox, if
-you wish me well, do not stand pitying me, but lend
-me some succour as soon as you can; for pity is but
-cold comfort when one is up to the chin in water, and
-within a hair’s breadth of starving or drowning.</p>
-
-<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_312">312</span></p>
-
-<h3>APPLICATION.</h3>
-
-<p><span class="firstword">If</span> we would really manifest our sorrow for the
-sufferings of another, let our pity be shewn by our
-friendly endeavours to relieve him; for indeed pity of
-itself is but poor comfort at any time, unless it produces
-something more substantial. If we cannot do
-this, let us not offend the sensibility, and add to the
-anguish of a delicate mind, by empty professions and
-unmeaning compassion. For, to stand bemoaning the
-misfortunes of our friends, without offering some expedient
-to alleviate them, is only echoing their grief,
-and putting them in mind that they are miserable.
-He is truly my friend, who with a ready presence of
-mind supports me; not he who merely condoles with
-me upon my ill success, and expresses his sorrow for
-my mishap.</p>
-
-<div id="ip_312" class="figcenter" style="max-width: 24em;">
-  <img src="images/i_312.jpg" width="379" height="430" alt="" /></div>
-
-<hr />
-
-<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_313">313</span></p>
-
-<div class="chapter">
-<div id="ip_313" class="figcenter" style="max-width: 36em;">
-  <img src="images/i_313.jpg" width="563" height="408" alt="" /></div>
-
-<h2 class="nobreak p2">THE GARDENER AND HIS DOG.</h2>
-</div>
-
-<p><span class="firstword">A</span> Gardener’s Dog happened by some mischance to
-fall into the well: his Master ran immediately to his
-assistance; but when helping him out, the surly brute
-bit his hand. The Gardener took this ungrateful
-treatment so ill, that he shook him off, and left him
-to shift for himself. Thou wicked wretch! said he,
-to injure the hand that was stretched forth to save thy
-life! The hand of thy Master, who has hitherto fed
-and taken care of thee! Die there as thou deservest;
-for so base and unnatural a creature is not fit to live.</p>
-
-<h3>APPLICATION.</h3>
-
-<p><span class="firstword">When</span> a man has suffered his mind to become so
-debased as to be capable to doing injuries to him who
-has showered benefits on his head, he can scarcely be<span class="pagenum" id="Page_314">314</span>
-treated with too much severity. He deserves at least
-to be scouted as an outcast to society. All the favours
-that are bestowed upon men of this worthless disposition,
-are thrown away; for the envy and malevolence
-of the ingrate, work him up into a hatred of his benefactor.
-Generous men should therefore use a just circumspection
-in the choice of the objects of their benevolence,
-before they give way to the feelings of the
-heart, or waste its bountiful overflowings upon those
-who, instead of making a grateful return, will bite
-them like a drowning but spiteful dog. The Fable is
-also intended as an admonition to servants, who owe
-an especial duty to their masters; whose kindness
-should be met by their faithful exertions to serve them;
-and whose interest they ever ought to make their own.</p>
-
-<div id="ip_314" class="figcenter" style="max-width: 18em;">
-  <img src="images/i_314.jpg" width="286" height="235" alt="" /></div>
-
-<hr />
-
-<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_315">315</span></p>
-
-<div class="chapter">
-<div id="ip_315" class="figcenter" style="max-width: 36em;">
-  <img src="images/i_315.jpg" width="561" height="407" alt="" /></div>
-
-<h2 class="nobreak p2">THE DEER AND THE LION.</h2>
-</div>
-
-<p><span class="firstword">A</span> Deer, terrified by the cry of the Hunters, instead
-of trusting to his fleetness, made towards a cave which
-he chanced to espy, and in which he hoped to conceal
-himself until they were passed by; but he had scarcely
-reached the entrance before he was seized by a Lion
-who lay crouching there, ready to spring upon his
-prey, and who instantly killed and tore him to pieces.
-In the last agonies of death, he thus gave vent to his
-feelings: Ah, me! said he, unhappy creature that I
-am. I hoped in this cave to escape the pursuit of
-men; but have fallen into the jaws of the most cruel
-and rapacious of wild beasts.</p>
-
-<h3>APPLICATION.</h3>
-
-<p><span class="firstword">This</span> Fable points out the dangers to which we expose<span class="pagenum" id="Page_316">316</span>
-ourselves, when, for want of presence of mind,
-we suffer ourselves to be guided by our unreasoning
-fears, which no sooner shew us an evil, than they
-throw us into the utmost confusion in our manner of
-escaping, and prevent us from discerning the safe path
-by which we ought to avoid it. Thus, in a rash endeavour
-to shun a less danger, we oftentimes blindly
-run headlong into a greater. The fate of the Deer
-should warn us to consider well what may be the ultimate
-consequences, before we take any important step;
-for many paths which appear smooth and pleasant at a
-distance, are found to be rough and dangerous, when
-we come to tread them; and many a plausible scheme,
-which promises us ease and safety, is no better than a
-tempting bower, with a Lion crouching among its foliage,
-ready to spring upon and devour us.</p>
-
-<div id="ip_316" class="figcenter" style="max-width: 23em;">
-  <img src="images/i_316.jpg" width="366" height="219" alt="" /></div>
-
-<hr />
-
-<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_317">317</span></p>
-
-<div class="chapter">
-<div id="ip_317" class="figcenter" style="max-width: 35em;">
-  <img src="images/i_317.jpg" width="552" height="398" alt="" /></div>
-
-<h2 class="nobreak p2">THE PLOUGHMAN AND FORTUNE.</h2>
-</div>
-
-<p><span class="firstword">As</span> a Ploughman was turning up the soil, his plough
-uncovered a treasure which had been hidden there.
-Transported with joy, he seized upon it, and fervently
-began to thank the ground for being so liberal to him.
-Fortune passing by, observed what he was about, and
-could not forbear shewing her resentment at it. You
-stupid creature, said she, to lie thus thanking the
-ground, and take no notice of me! If you had lost
-such a treasure, instead of finding one, I should have
-been the first you would have laid the blame upon.</p>
-
-<h3>APPLICATION.</h3>
-
-<p><span class="firstword">How</span> often do we ascribe our success or misfortunes
-to wrong causes! Vanity sometimes leads us to consider
-our prosperity as the natural result of our own<span class="pagenum" id="Page_318">318</span>
-sagacity, and inattention sometimes induces us to make
-acknowledgments to wrong persons. But if we would
-have our praises valued, we should be cautious to direct
-them properly. Our thanks are an indirect affront to
-those who receive them without deserving them; and
-at the same time an act of open ingratitude to those
-who merit them without receiving them. In prosperity,
-as well as in adversity, let us not forget the power
-and goodness of Heaven; and if we implore the aid of
-the Almighty in our distress, we should not neglect to
-send up our acknowledgments of his goodness with the
-voice of gratitude.</p>
-
-<div id="ip_318" class="figcenter" style="max-width: 30em;">
-  <img src="images/i_318.jpg" width="473" height="314" alt="" /></div>
-
-<hr />
-
-<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_319">319</span></p>
-
-<div class="chapter">
-<div id="ip_319" class="figcenter" style="max-width: 35em;">
-  <img src="images/i_319.jpg" width="557" height="401" alt="" /></div>
-
-<h2 class="nobreak p2">THE APE AND THE FOX.</h2>
-</div>
-
-<p><span class="firstword">An</span> Ape meeting with a Fox, humbly requested he
-would be so good as to give him some of the superfluous
-hair from his bushy tail, to make into a covering
-for his bare posteriors, which were exposed to all the
-inclemency of the weather; and he endeavoured to further
-his suit by observing to Reynard, that he had far
-more than he had any occasion for, and a great part
-even dragged along in the dirt. The Fox answered,
-that as to his having too much, it was more than he
-knew; but be it as it would, he had rather sweep the
-ground with his tail as long as he lived, than part with
-the least bit of it for a covering to the filthy posteriors
-of an Ape.</p>
-
-<h3>APPLICATION.</h3>
-
-<p><span class="firstword">Riches,</span> in the hands of a wise and generous man,<span class="pagenum" id="Page_320">320</span>
-are a blessing to the community in which he lives:
-they are like the light and the rain, and diffuse a good
-all around them. But wealth, when it falls to the lot
-of those who want benevolence and humanity, serves
-only as an instrument of mischief, or at best produces
-no advantage to the rest of mankind. The good man
-considers himself as a kind of steward to those from
-whom fortune has withheld her smiles, and thus shews
-his gratitude to Heaven for the abundance which has
-been showered down upon him. He directs the superfluous
-part of his wealth at least, to the necessities of
-such of his fellow-creatures as are worthy of it, and
-this he would do from feeling, though there were no
-religion which enjoined it. But selfish avaricious persons,
-who are generally knaves, how much soever they
-may have, will never think they have enough, much
-less be induced, by any consideration of virtue or religion,
-to part with any portion for the purposes of
-charity and beneficence. If the riches and power of
-the world were to be always in the hands of the virtuous
-part of mankind, it would seem, according to our
-human conceptions, that they would produce more good
-than in those of the vile and grovelling mortals, who
-often possess them. Without any merit, these move
-apparently in a sphere of ease and splendour, while
-good sense and honesty have to struggle in adversity,
-or walk in the dirt. But the all-wise Disposer of
-Events does certainly permit this order of things for
-just, good, and wise purposes, though our shallow understandings
-are not able to fathom them.</p>
-
-<hr />
-
-<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_321">321</span></p>
-
-<div class="chapter">
-<div id="ip_321" class="figcenter" style="max-width: 36em;">
-  <img src="images/i_321.jpg" width="561" height="407" alt="" /></div>
-
-<h2 class="nobreak p2">THE THIEF AND THE BOY.</h2>
-</div>
-
-<p><span class="firstword">An</span> arch mischievous Boy, sitting by the side of a
-well, observed a noted Thief coming towards him.
-The little dissembler, wiping his eyes, affected to be in
-great distress. The Thief asking him what was the
-matter? ah! says the Boy, I shall be severely flogged,
-for in attempting to get some water, I have dropped
-the silver tankard into the well. Upon this the
-Thief, eager for a prize, stripped off his cloaths, and
-went down to the bottom to search for it; where having
-groped about to no purpose, he came up again,
-but found neither the Boy nor the cloaths, the little
-wag having run off with and hidden them, and left the
-Thief to look for the tankard at his leisure.</p>
-
-<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_322">322</span></p>
-
-<h3>APPLICATION.</h3>
-
-<p><span class="firstword">Nothing</span> gives more entertainment to honest men
-than to see rogues and sharpers tricked and punished
-in the pursuit of their schemes of villainy, by making
-their own contrivances instrumental in bringing down
-their wickedness upon their own heads. In these instances,
-Justice seems as it were to be acting in person,
-and saves the trouble of publicly enforcing punishment
-by the penal laws; but indeed vice carries with
-it its own punishment, and the misery attendant upon
-it in this world, seems always pretty exactly balanced
-to its various degrees of enormity. The abandoned
-man drags on a contemptible or infamous life, with a
-constantly deadened or disturbed conscience, and amidst
-associates like himself, where he can never hope
-to meet with either friendship or fidelity.</p>
-
-<div id="ip_322" class="figcenter" style="max-width: 19em;">
-  <img src="images/i_322.jpg" width="294" height="179" alt="" /></div>
-
-<hr />
-
-<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_323">323</span></p>
-
-<div class="chapter">
-<div id="ip_323" class="figcenter" style="max-width: 36em;">
-  <img src="images/i_323.jpg" width="562" height="401" alt="" /></div>
-
-<h2 class="nobreak p2">THE FOX AND THE SICK LION.</h2>
-</div>
-
-<p><span class="firstword">It</span> was reported that the Lion was sick, and the
-beasts were given to understand that they could not
-make their court better than by going to visit him.
-Upon this they generally went; but it was particularly
-taken notice of, that the Fox was not one of the
-number. The Lion therefore dispatched one of his
-Jackalls to enquire why he had so little charity and
-respect as never to come near him, at a time when he
-lay so dangerously ill, and every body else had been
-to see him? Why, replies the Fox, pray present my
-duty to his majesty, and tell him that I have the same
-respect for him as ever, and have been coming several
-times, but was fearful of being troublesome, as I have
-observed, from the prints of their footsteps, that great
-numbers have gone into the royal den; but I have not
-seen a single trace of their coming out again.</p>
-
-<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_324">324</span></p>
-
-<h3>APPLICATION.</h3>
-
-<p><span class="firstword">He</span> that embarks implicitly in any scheme, may be
-mistaken, notwithstanding the number who keep him
-company; but he that keeps out till he sees reason to
-enter, acts upon true maxims of policy; and it is the
-quintessence of prudence not to be too easy of belief:
-for a rash and hasty credulity has been the ruin of
-many. Men who habituate themselves to think, will
-profit by the experience of others, as well as their own:
-but commonly the multitude do not reason, but stupidly
-follow each other step by step; not moving out
-of the sphere in which chance has placed them: and
-the notions or prejudices they may have imbibed in
-youth, remain with them to the last. There is no
-opinion, however impious or absurd, that has not its
-advocates in some quarter of the world. Whoever,
-therefore, takes up his creed upon trust, and grounds
-his principles on no better reason than his being a native
-or inhabitant of the regions wherein they prevail,
-becomes a disciple of Mahomet in Turkey, and of
-Confucius in China; a Jew, or a Pagan, as the accident
-of birth decides.</p>
-
-<div id="ip_324" class="figcenter" style="max-width: 19em;">
-  <img src="images/i_324.jpg" width="300" height="175" alt="" /></div>
-
-<hr />
-
-<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_325">325</span></p>
-
-<div class="chapter">
-<div id="ip_325" class="figcenter" style="max-width: 36em;">
-  <img src="images/i_325.jpg" width="564" height="407" alt="" /></div>
-
-<h2 class="nobreak p2">THE SUN AND THE WIND.</h2>
-</div>
-
-<p><span class="firstword">A</span> dispute arose between the North Wind and the
-Sun, about the superiority of their power, and they
-agreed to determine matters by trying which of them
-could first compel a Traveller to throw off his cloak.
-The North Wind began, and blew a very cold blast,
-accompanied by a sharp driving shower; but this, and
-whatever else he could do, instead of making the Man
-quit his cloak, induced him to gird it about him more
-closely. Next came the Sun, who, breaking out from
-a cloud, drove away the cold vapours, and darted his
-warm sultry beams upon the weather-beaten Traveller.
-The Man growing faint with the heat, first threw off
-his heavy cloak, and then flew for protection to the
-shade of a neighbouring grove.</p>
-
-<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_326">326</span></p>
-
-<h3>APPLICATION.</h3>
-
-<p><span class="firstword">There</span> is something in the temper of man so averse
-to severe and boisterous treatment, that he who endeavours
-to carry his point in that way, instead of prevailing,
-generally leaves the mind of him whom he has
-thus attempted to subdue, in a more confirmed and
-obstinate state. Bitter words and hard usage freeze
-the heart into an obduracy, which mild, persuasive,
-and gentle language only can dissolve. Persecution
-has always fixed those opinions which it was intended
-to dispel; and the quick growth of christianity in early
-times, is attributed in a great measure to the barbarous
-reception which its first teachers met with in the Pagan
-world; and since that time the different modes of
-faith which have grown out of christianity itself, have
-been each established by the same kind of intolerant
-spirit. To reflect upon these things, furnishes matter
-of wonder and regret, for the benevolent Author of the
-christian religion taught neither intolerance nor persecution.
-The doctrines he laid down are plain, pure,
-and simple. They teach mercy to the contrite, aid to
-the humble, and eternal happiness to the good. In
-short, persecution is the scandal of all religion, and
-like the north wind in the Fable, only tends to make
-a man wrap his notions more closely about him.</p>
-
-<div id="ip_326" class="figcenter" style="max-width: 16em;">
-  <img src="images/i_326.jpg" width="256" height="126" alt="" /></div>
-
-<hr />
-
-<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_327">327</span></p>
-
-<div class="chapter">
-<div id="ip_327" class="figcenter" style="max-width: 36em;">
-  <img src="images/i_327.jpg" width="563" height="409" alt="" /></div>
-
-<h2 class="nobreak p2">THE HORSE AND THE ASS.</h2>
-</div>
-
-<p><span class="firstword">The</span> Horse, adorned with his great war-saddle, and
-champing his foaming bridle, came thundering along
-the high-way, and made the mountains echo with his
-neighing. He had not gone far before he overtook
-an Ass, who was labouring under a heavy burthen,
-and moving slowly on in the same track. In an imperious
-tone he threatened to trample him in the dirt,
-if he did not get out of the way. The poor Ass, not
-daring to dispute, quietly got aside as fast as he could,
-and let him go by. Not long after this, the same
-Horse, in an engagement, happened to be shot in the
-eye, which made him unfit for show, or any military
-business, so he was stripped of his ornaments, and sold
-to a carrier. The Ass meeting him in this forlorn
-condition, thought that now it was his time to retort:<span class="pagenum" id="Page_328">328</span>
-Hey-day, friend, says he, is it you! Well, I always
-believed that pride of your’s would one day have a fall.</p>
-
-<h3>APPLICATION.</h3>
-
-<p><span class="firstword">It</span> is an affectation of appearing considerable, that
-puts men upon being proud and insolent; but this very
-affectation infallibly makes them appear little and despicable
-in the eyes of discerning people. Did the
-proud man but rightly consider what kind of ingredients
-pride is composed of and fed with, and the
-unstable foundation, and the tottering pinnacle upon
-which it stands, he would blush at the thoughts of it,
-and cease to be puffed up by the little supernumerary
-advantages, whether of birth, fortune, or title, which
-he may enjoy above his neighbours. These might indeed
-be a blessing to him, and to the community in
-which he lives, if wisely used; but if guided by pride,
-and consequently by want of sense, they will prove
-only a curse; and the reverence and respect which he
-looks for, will not be paid with sincerity, nor does he
-deserve it; and should the tide of misfortune set in
-against him, instead of friendship and commiseration,
-he will meet with nothing but contempt, and that with
-much more justice than ever he himself expressed it towards
-others. The vain proud man ought to be put in
-mind, that the time is not far distant, when his skull
-will not be distinguished from that of the beggar; and
-that there is no state, however exalted, so permanent,
-that it may not be reduced to a level with the lowest.</p>
-
-<hr />
-
-<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_329">329</span></p>
-
-<div class="chapter">
-<div id="ip_329" class="figcenter" style="max-width: 36em;">
-  <img src="images/i_329.jpg" width="564" height="409" alt="" /></div>
-
-<h2 class="nobreak p2">THE HAWK AND THE FARMER.</h2>
-</div>
-
-<p><span class="firstword">A</span> Hawk, in the eagerness of his pursuit after a
-Pigeon, flew with such violence against the corner of a
-hedge, that he was stunned and fell. A Farmer, who
-had been looking about his fields, saw the whole transaction,
-and instantly ran and picked up the Hawk, and
-was going to kill him; but the latter begged the Man
-would let him go, assuring him he was only following
-a Pigeon, and neither intending, nor had done, any
-harm to him. To which the Farmer replied, and
-what harm had the Pigeon done to you? and wrung
-his head off immediately.</p>
-
-<h3>APPLICATION.</h3>
-
-<p><span class="firstword">In</span> all our transactions through life, to suppose
-ourselves in the place of those we may be dealing<span class="pagenum" id="Page_330">330</span>
-with, will be the most certain check upon our own
-conduct; and we ought always to consult our conscience
-about the rectitude of our behaviour: for this
-we may be assured of, that we are acting wrong, whenever
-we are doing any thing to another, which we
-should think unjust, if it were done to us. Let those,
-therefore, who intend to act justly, but take this view
-of things, and all will be well. There will be no danger
-of their oppressing others, or fear of their falling
-into error or danger themselves. Nothing but an habitual
-inadvertency as to this particular, can be the
-occasion of so many ingenuous noble spirits being so
-often engaged in courses opposite to virtue and honour.</p>
-
-<div id="ip_330" class="figcenter" style="max-width: 22em;">
-  <img src="images/i_330.jpg" width="350" height="207" alt="" /></div>
-
-<hr />
-
-<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_331">331</span></p>
-
-<div class="chapter">
-<div id="ip_331" class="figcenter" style="max-width: 35em;">
-  <img src="images/i_331.jpg" width="555" height="392" alt="" /></div>
-
-<h2 class="nobreak p2">THE FOX AND THE COUNTRYMAN.</h2>
-</div>
-
-<p><span class="firstword">A</span> Fox being closely pursued by the Hunters, and
-almost run down, begged of a Countryman to give
-him protection, and save his life. The Man consented,
-and pointed out a hovel, into which the Fox crept,
-and covered himself up among some straw. Presently
-up came the Hunters, and enquired of the Man it he
-had seen the Fox, and which way he had taken? No,
-said he, I have not seen him here, he has passed another
-way; but all the while he nodded with his head,
-and pointed with his finger to the place where the Fox
-was hidden. These signals the Hunters, in the eagerness
-of pursuit, did not notice, but calling off the dogs,
-they dashed along in another direction. Soon after,
-the Fox came out of his hiding-place, and was sneaking
-off; when the Man calling after him,—Hollo, says
-he, is this the way you behave then, to go without<span class="pagenum" id="Page_332">332</span>
-thanking the benefactor who has saved your life? Reynard,
-who had peeped all the while, and had seen what
-passed, answered, I know what obligation I owe you
-well enough, and I assure you if your actions had
-agreed with your words, I should have endeavoured,
-however incapable of it, to have returned you suitable
-thanks.</p>
-
-<h3>APPLICATION.</h3>
-
-<p><span class="firstword">Dissimulation</span> and double dealing are among the
-most odious vices, and a hollow friend is worse than
-an open enemy; for in the full confidence of friendship,
-we are led to depend upon the man who uses
-that confidence to betray us. To pretend to keep
-another’s council, and appear in his interest, while
-underhand we are giving intelligence to his enemies,
-is treacherous, knavish, and base. Truth is a plain
-and open virtue, and cannot be practised in part; and
-truth and sincerity are the same; wherefore he that
-equivocates and adheres to his promise in one sense,
-without preserving it inviolably in its full extent and
-meaning, departs as much from truth and sincerity as
-the most direct liar.</p>
-
-<div class="poem-container">
-<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
-<span class="iq">“And be those juggling friends no more believ’d,<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">That palter with us in a double sense;<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">That keep the word of promise to the ear,<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">And break it to our hope.”<br /></span>
-</div></div>
-</div>
-<hr />
-
-<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_333">333</span></p>
-
-<div id="ip_333" class="figcenter" style="max-width: 35em;">
-  <img src="images/i_333.jpg" width="558" height="400" alt="" /></div>
-
-<h2 class="nobreak p2">ÆSOP AT PLAY.</h2>
-
-<p><span class="firstword">An</span> Athenian one day found Æsop entertaining
-himself with a company of little Boys at their childish
-diversions, and began to jeer and laugh at him
-for it. Æsop, who was too much a wag himself to
-suffer others to ridicule him, took a bow unstrung,
-and laid it upon the ground. Then calling the censorious
-Athenian, Now philosopher, says he, expound
-the riddle if you can, and tell us what the unstrained
-bow implies. The Man, after racking his brains a
-considerable time to no purpose, at last gave it up,
-and declared he knew not what to make of it. Why,
-says Æsop, smiling, if you keep a bow always bent,
-it will lose its elasticity presently; but if you let it go
-slack, it will be fitter for use when you want it.</p>
-
-<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_334">334</span></p>
-
-<h3>APPLICATION.</h3>
-
-<p><span class="firstword">The</span> mind of man is not formed for unremitted attention,
-nor his body for uninterrupted labour; and
-both are in this respect like a bow. We cannot go
-through any business requiring intense thought, without
-unbending the mind, any more than we can perform
-a long journey without refreshing ourselves by
-due rest at the several stages of it. Continual labour,
-as in the case of the bended bow, destroys the elasticity
-and energy of both body and mind. It is, therefore,
-absolutely necessary for the studious man to unbend,
-and the laborious one to take his rest, or both
-lose their tone and vigour, and become dull and languid.
-It is to remedy these extremes, that pastimes
-and diversions ought to be kept up, provided they are
-innocent. The heart that never tastes of pleasure,
-shuts up, grows stiff, and is at last incapable of enjoyment.</p>
-
-<div id="ip_334" class="figcenter" style="max-width: 18em;">
-  <img src="images/i_334.jpg" width="287" height="211" alt="" /></div>
-
-<hr />
-
-<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_335">335</span></p>
-
-<div class="chapter">
-<div id="ip_335" class="figcenter" style="max-width: 36em;">
-  <img src="images/i_335.jpg" width="562" height="410" alt="" /></div>
-
-<h2 class="nobreak p2">THE FOX AND THE WOLF.</h2>
-</div>
-
-<p><span class="firstword">The</span> Wolf having laid in a store of provisions, snugly
-kept in his den, and indulged himself in feasting
-upon them. The Fox observing this seclusion of the
-Wolf, became inquisitive to know the cause, and by
-way of satisfying his curiosity and his suspicions, he
-went and paid the Wolf a visit. The latter excused
-himself from seeing the Fox, by pretending he was
-very much indisposed. The Fox having smelt how
-matters stood, took his leave, and immediately went
-to a Shepherd to inform him of the discovery he had
-made, and that he had nothing else to do but to take
-a good weapon with him, and with it easily dispatch
-the Wolf as he lay dosing in his cave. The Shepherd
-following his directions, presently went and killed the
-Wolf. The wicked Fox then slily took possession
-of the cave and the provisions to himself; but he did<span class="pagenum" id="Page_336">336</span>
-not enjoy them long, for the same Shepherd shortly
-afterwards passing by the place, and seeing the Fox
-there, dispatched him also.</p>
-
-<h3>APPLICATION.</h3>
-
-<p><span class="firstword">A</span> villain, whose only aim is to get what he can,
-will as soon betray the innocent as the guilty. Let
-him but know where there is a suspected person, and
-propose a reward, and he will seldom fail to work the
-suspicion up to high treason, and will be at no loss to
-produce sufficient proofs of it. Men of this stamp will
-not be content with practising one single villainy; for
-having never laid down any good principles for their
-guide, they will go on triumphantly in their wickedness
-for a time, and though, perhaps, they may be the instruments
-of bringing other villains to punishment, yet
-they will at last suffer in their turn; for, after being
-detested by all good men, justice will, sooner or later,
-overtake their crimes, and hurl down its vengeance on
-their heads, with a measure equal at least to the sufferings
-their perfidy has occasioned to others. The fate
-of such wretches can never excite the smallest commiseration;
-for no character is so truly detestable, as that
-of a spy and informer.</p>
-
-<div id="ip_336" class="figcenter" style="max-width: 18em;">
-  <img src="images/i_336.jpg" width="273" height="180" alt="" /></div>
-
-<hr />
-
-<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_337">337</span></p>
-
-<div class="chapter">
-<div id="ip_337" class="figcenter" style="max-width: 35em;">
-  <img src="images/i_337.jpg" width="551" height="400" alt="" /></div>
-
-<h2 class="nobreak p2">THE RAVEN AND THE SERPENT.</h2>
-</div>
-
-<p><span class="firstword">A</span> Raven in quest of food, seeing a Serpent basking
-in the sun, soused down, seized it with his horny beak,
-and attempted to carry it off. But the Serpent, writhing
-with the pain, twisted its elastic coils so firmly
-about the Raven, and bit him with such envenomed
-fierceness, that he fell to the ground mortally wounded.
-In the agonies of death, the Raven confessed this
-was a just punishment upon him, for having attempted
-to satisfy his greedy appetite at the expence of another’s
-welfare.</p>
-
-<h3>APPLICATION.</h3>
-
-<p><span class="firstword">When</span> men suffer their passions to set aside their
-reason, they soon become sensual in their appetites,
-and inordinate in their desires. Moral rectitude takes<span class="pagenum" id="Page_338">338</span>
-its departure from their minds, and led by their evil
-spirit, they soon become fitted for the commission of
-any enormity. They give the rein to their unbridled
-lusts, and regardless of consequences, stop at nothing
-to gratify their brutal desires. But if we mark the
-progress of such men through life, it will be found
-that, besides losing the great and virtuous pleasures of
-self-approbation, and incurring the stings of a guilty
-conscience, their wicked career often meets just punishment
-from retaliations in kind, which the objects
-of their iniquitous proceedings unexpectedly retort upon
-them.</p>
-
-<div id="ip_338" class="figcenter" style="max-width: 31em;">
-  <img src="images/i_338.jpg" width="495" height="413" alt="" />
-  <div class="caption"><i>Waiting for Death</i></div></div>
-
-<hr />
-
-<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_339">339</span></p>
-
-<div class="chapter">
-<div id="ip_339" class="figcenter" style="max-width: 35em;">
-  <img src="images/i_339.jpg" width="555" height="409" alt="" /></div>
-
-<h2 class="nobreak p2">THE DOVE AND THE BEE.</h2>
-</div>
-
-<p><span class="firstword">A</span> Bee, whose business had led her to the brink of
-a purling stream, was snatched away by its circling
-eddy, and carried down its current. A Dove, pitying
-her distressed situation, cropped a twig from a tree,
-and dropt it before her in the water, by means of
-which the Bee saved herself, and got ashore. Not
-long after, a Fowler having a design upon the Dove,
-espied her sitting on a tree, and keeping out of her
-sight, was waiting the opportunity of shooting her.
-This the Bee perceiving, stung him on the ear, which
-made him give so sudden a start, that the Dove instantly
-took the alarm, and flew away.</p>
-
-<h3>APPLICATION.</h3>
-
-<p><span class="firstword">We</span> ought ever with a ready zeal to extend our arm<span class="pagenum" id="Page_340">340</span>
-to relieve a sinking friend from distress and danger, or
-endeavour to forewarn him against the wicked plots of
-his enemies. The benevolent man, from the most disinterested
-motives, will always be disposed to do good
-offices to all, and the grateful man will never forget to
-return them in kind, if it be possible; and there is not
-one good man in the world who may not on some occasion
-stand in need of the help of another. But gratitude
-is not very common among mankind. It is a
-heavenly spark, from which many virtues spring; and
-the source of pleasures which never enter the breast of
-the vile ingrate. The favours and kindnesses bestowed
-upon the grateful man, he cannot forget; those which
-are conferred upon the ungrateful, are lost: he concludes
-he would not have had them, if he had not deserved
-them.</p>
-
-<div id="ip_340" class="figcenter" style="max-width: 20em;">
-  <img src="images/i_340.jpg" width="308" height="180" alt="" /></div>
-
-<hr />
-
-<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_341">341</span></p>
-
-<div class="chapter">
-<div id="ip_341" class="figcenter" style="max-width: 35em;">
-  <img src="images/i_341.jpg" width="555" height="402" alt="" /></div>
-
-<h2 class="nobreak p2">THE SERPENT AND THE MAN.</h2>
-</div>
-
-<p><span class="firstword">A</span> Child was playing in a meadow, and by chance
-trod upon a Serpent. The Serpent, in the fury of his
-passion, turned up and bit the Child with his venomous
-teeth, so that he died immediately. The Father
-of the Child, inspired with grief and revenge, took a
-weapon, and pursuing the Serpent, before he could
-get into his hole, struck at him and lopped off a piece
-of his tail. The next day, hoping by stratagem to
-finish his revenge, he brought to the Serpent’s hole
-honey, and meal, and salt, and desired him to come
-forth, protesting that he only sought a reconciliation
-on both sides; but the Serpent answered him with a
-hiss to this purpose: In vain you attempt a reconciliation;
-for as long as the memory of the dead Child and
-the mangled tail subsists, it will be impossible for you
-and I to have any charity for each other.</p>
-
-<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_342">342</span></p>
-
-<h3>APPLICATION.</h3>
-
-<p><span class="firstword">When</span> persons have carried their differences to an
-extreme length, it is in vain for them to think of renewing
-a cordial friendship; for in the heat of their
-quarrel, many injuries must have been reciprocally
-offered and received, which must tear asunder the
-strongest bands of amity. The fury of their dissentions
-may indeed subside, yet neither party can forgive
-the wrongs which neither can forget. The consciousness
-of having provoked the resentment of another,
-will dwell so continually upon the mind of the aggressor,
-that he cannot rest till he has finished his work,
-and put it as much as possible out of his enemy’s power
-to make any return upon him; and the old proverb
-will be verified which says, “The man who has injured
-you, will never forgive you.” Morality bids us
-forgive our enemies, and the voice of reason confirms
-the same; but neither reason nor morality bids us enter
-into a friendship with, or repose a confidence in,
-those who have injured us, and of whom we have a
-bad opinion. We may resolve not to return ill-usage;
-but ought never to put ourselves into the power of an
-enemy.</p>
-
-<div id="ip_342" class="figcenter" style="max-width: 16em;">
-  <img src="images/i_342.jpg" width="256" height="186" alt="" /></div>
-
-<hr />
-
-<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_343">343</span></p>
-
-<div class="chapter">
-<div id="ip_343" class="figcenter" style="max-width: 35em;">
-  <img src="images/i_343.jpg" width="547" height="399" alt="" /></div>
-
-<h2 class="nobreak p2">THE HORSE AND THE OVER-LOADED ASS.</h2>
-</div>
-
-<p><span class="firstword">A</span> clownish stupid Fellow, in travelling to market
-with his goods, loaded his Horse very lightly, and put
-a heavy burden upon his Ass, and was trudging along
-the road with them on foot. They had not travelled
-half-way to their journey’s end, when the Ass felt greatly
-overpowered with the weight he carried, and begged
-the Horse would be so good as to assist him by taking
-a part of it upon his back, and lighten the grievous
-burden, assuring him that through weakness he was
-quite exhausted, and was ready to faint. No! said
-the Horse, keep your burden to yourself, it does not
-concern me. Upon hearing this cruel reply, the poor
-Ass dropped down, and soon expired. The Master
-then ungirded the pack-saddle, and awkwardly tried
-several ways to relieve his Ass, but all to no purpose;
-it was too late. When he perceived how matters stood,<span class="pagenum" id="Page_344">344</span>
-he took the whole burden and laid it upon the Horse,
-together with the skin of the dead Ass, and when he
-felt tired with walking, he also mounted himself. The
-Horse is said to have often muttered as he went along,
-Well, this is my proper punishment, for refusing to
-help my fellow-servant in the depth of his distress.</p>
-
-<h3>APPLICATION.</h3>
-
-<p><span class="firstword">He</span> who has no compassion in his breast, is unworthy
-the title of a man; and the heart that feels no
-anguish at the misfortunes of others, nor a desire to
-relieve those who groan under a load of sorrow, is
-destitute of the very grounds and principles of virtue.
-The eye that has no tear for the griefs of a friend, is
-also blind to its own interest; for the burden of human
-affairs must be borne by some or other of us, and
-the duty, as well as the common necessity of helping
-one another, ought not to be shuffled off by the unworthy
-expression of “it is none of my business:” for
-the business of society is more or less the business of
-every man who lives in it; and he who permits his
-weak brother, for want of timely assistance, to sink
-under a greater weight than he is able to sustain, deserves
-to be punished for his cruelty, by being obliged
-to bear the whole of his own distressing burdens himself.
-The Fable also hints at the miseries which
-poor dumb useful animals undergo, from the injudicious
-management or cruel treatment of those under
-whose government they have the misfortune to fall.
-These kind of “hogs in armour” ought to be taught
-by their own sufferings, the benevolent text, that “A
-merciful man will be merciful to his beast.”</p>
-
-<hr />
-
-<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_345">345</span></p>
-
-<div class="chapter">
-<div id="ip_345" class="figcenter" style="max-width: 36em;">
-  <img src="images/i_345.jpg" width="562" height="402" alt="" /></div>
-
-<h2 class="nobreak p2">THE HUSBANDMAN AND THE STORK.</h2>
-</div>
-
-<p><span class="firstword">A</span> Husbandman having placed nets in his fields to
-catch the Rooks and the Geese, which came to feed
-upon the new-sown corn, found among his prisoners
-a single Stork, who happened to be in their company.
-The Stork pleaded hard for his life, and among other
-arguments, alleged that he was neither Goose nor
-Crow, but a poor harmless Stork, whose attachment
-to mankind, and his services to them in picking up
-noxious creatures, as well as fulfilling his duties to his
-aged parents, he trusted, were well known. All this
-may be true, says the Husbandman, for what I know;
-but as I have taken you in company with thieves, and
-in the same crime, you must also share the same fate
-with them.</p>
-
-<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_346">346</span></p>
-
-<h3>APPLICATION.</h3>
-
-<p><span class="firstword">When</span> we become so abandoned to stupidity and a
-disregard of our reputation, as to keep bad company,
-however little we may be criminal in reality, we must
-expect the same censure and punishment as is due to
-the most notorious of our companions. The world
-will always form an idea of the character of every man
-from his associates: nor is this rule founded on wrong
-principles; for, generally speaking, those who are constant
-companions, are either drawn together by a similitude
-of manners and principles, or form such a
-similitude by daily commerce and conversation. If,
-therefore, we are tender of our reputation, we should
-be particularly delicate in the choice of our company,
-since some portion of their fame or infamy must unavoidably
-be reflected upon us. It is not enough to be
-virtuous ourselves, but we must be cautious not to
-associate with those who are devoted to vice: for,
-though we cannot confer any degree of our own credit
-upon them, we may suffer much discredit, and incur
-much danger, from mixing with such bad companions.</p>
-
-<div id="ip_346" class="figcenter" style="max-width: 24em;">
-  <img src="images/i_346.jpg" width="380" height="275" alt="" /></div>
-
-<hr />
-
-<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_347">347</span></p>
-
-<div class="chapter">
-<div id="ip_347" class="figcenter" style="max-width: 36em;">
-  <img src="images/i_347.jpg" width="563" height="409" alt="" /></div>
-
-<h2 class="nobreak p2">THE TRAVELLERS AND THE BEAR.</h2>
-</div>
-
-<p><span class="firstword">Two</span> Men being to travel through a forest together,
-mutually engaged to stand by each other in
-any danger they might encounter on the way. They
-had not gone far, before a Bear rushed towards them
-out of a thicket; upon which, one of them, being a
-light nimble fellow, got up the branches of a tree, and
-kept out of sight. The other falling flat upon his face,
-and holding his breath, lay still, while the Bear came
-up and smelled at him, but not discovering any marks
-of life, he walked quietly away again to the place of
-his retreat, without doing the Man the least harm.
-When all was over, the Spark who had climbed the
-tree, came down to his Companion, and asked him,
-what the Bear said to him? for, says he, I took notice
-that he clapt his mouth very close to your ear.<span class="pagenum" id="Page_348">348</span>
-Why, said the other, he advised me, for the future
-never to place any confidence in such a faithless poltroon
-as you.</p>
-
-<h3>APPLICATION.</h3>
-
-<p><span class="firstword">There</span> is nothing in this world that can lighten
-our burdens, in passing through it, or contribute more
-to our happiness, than our knowing we have a true
-friend, who will commiserate with and help us in our
-misfortunes, and on whom we can rely in times of
-difficulty and distress. There are many, indeed, who,
-with fair words, pretend to that character, and are
-ever ready to offer their services when there is no occasion
-for their help. But the real friend, like gold
-from the furnace, shines forth in his true lustre, and
-with heart and hand is ever ready to succour us, in
-times of tribulation and peril. It is on such only we
-ought to place a confidence in any undertaking of importance;
-for the man who is wholly actuated by the
-selfish unsocial principle of caring only for himself, is
-not fit to be associated with others of a more generous
-character; and he who will desert them in adversity
-ought not to be made a partaker of the prosperity of
-others. It therefore behoves us diligently to examine
-into the fidelity of those we have to deal with, before
-we embark with them in any enterprise, in which our
-lives and fortunes may be put to hazard by their breach
-of faith.</p>
-
-<hr />
-
-<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_349">349</span></p>
-
-<div class="chapter">
-<div id="ip_349" class="figcenter" style="max-width: 36em;">
-  <img src="images/i_349.jpg" width="569" height="410" alt="" /></div>
-
-<h2 class="nobreak p2">THE FIGHTING COCKS.</h2>
-</div>
-
-<p><span class="firstword">After</span> a fierce battle between two Cocks for the
-sovereignty of the dunghill, one of them having beaten
-his antagonist, he that was vanquished slunk away and
-crept into a corner, where he for some time hid himself;
-but the conqueror flew up to a high place, and
-clapped his wings, crowing and proclaiming his victory.
-An Eagle, who was watching for his prey, saw him
-from afar off, and in the midst of his exultation darted
-down upon him, trussed him up, and bore him away.
-The vanquished Cock perceiving this, quitted the place
-of his retreat, and shaking his feathers and throwing
-off all remembrance of his late disgrace, returned to
-the dunghill, and gallanted the Hens, as if nothing had
-happened.</p>
-
-<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_350">350</span></p>
-
-<h3>APPLICATION.</h3>
-
-<p><span class="firstword">This</span> Fable shews us the impropriety and inconvenience
-of running into extremes, and teaches us, that
-under all the various and sudden vicissitudes of human
-life, we ought to bear success with moderation, and misfortune
-with fortitude and equinamity; to repress immoderate
-exultation, and unmanly despair. Much of our
-happiness depends upon keeping an even balance in
-our words and actions, and in not suffering circumstances
-to mount us too high in time of prosperity, nor
-to sink us too low with the weight of adverse fortune. A
-wise man will not place too high a value on blessings
-which he knows to be no more than temporary; nor
-will he repine at evils, whose duration may perhaps be
-but short, and cannot be eternal. He will submit himself
-with humility and resignation to the decrees of
-providence, and the will of heaven. In prosperity, the
-fear of evil will check the insolence of triumph; and in
-adversity, the hope of good will sustain his spirit, and
-teach him to endure his misfortunes with constancy
-and fortitude.</p>
-
-<div id="ip_350" class="figcenter" style="max-width: 22em;">
-  <img src="images/i_350.jpg" width="337" height="183" alt="" /></div>
-
-<hr />
-
-<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_351">351</span></p>
-
-<div class="chapter">
-<div id="ip_351" class="figcenter" style="max-width: 36em;">
-  <img src="images/i_351.jpg" width="566" height="409" alt="" /></div>
-
-<h2 class="nobreak p2">THE WILD AND THE TAME GEESE.</h2>
-</div>
-
-<p><span class="firstword">A</span> flock of Wild Geese and a parcel of Tame ones
-used often to feed together in a corn field. At last,
-the Owner of the corn, with his servants, coming upon
-them of a sudden, surprised them in the very fact,
-and the Tame Geese being heavy, and fat full-bodied
-creatures, were most of them sufferers; but the wild
-ones being thin and light, easily flew away.</p>
-
-<h3>APPLICATION.</h3>
-
-<p><span class="firstword">When</span> the enemy comes to make a seizure, they
-are sure to suffer most whose circumstances are the
-richest and fattest. In any case of persecution, money
-hangs like a dead weight about a man; and we
-never feel gold so heavy as when we are endeavouring<span class="pagenum" id="Page_352">352</span>
-to make off with it. Great wealth has many cares
-annexed to it, with which the poor and needy are not
-afflicted. A competency to supply the necessities of
-nature, and the wants of old age, is indeed to be desired;
-but we should rather endeavour to contract our
-wants, than to multiply them, and not too eagerly
-grasp at the augmentation of our possessions, which
-will increase our cares by adding to our danger. Persons
-of small fortune have as much reason to be contented
-as the rich: their situation is full as happy, considered
-altogether, for if they are deprived of some of
-the gratifications which the rich enjoy, they are also
-exempted from many troubles and uneasinesses necessarily
-cleaving to riches.</p>
-
-<div id="ip_352" class="figcenter" style="max-width: 21em;">
-  <img src="images/i_352.jpg" width="327" height="231" alt="" /></div>
-
-<hr />
-
-<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_353">353</span></p>
-
-<div class="chapter">
-<div id="ip_353" class="figcenter" style="max-width: 36em;">
-  <img src="images/i_353.jpg" width="570" height="408" alt="" /></div>
-
-<h2 class="nobreak p2">THE FROGS AND THE MICE.</h2>
-</div>
-
-<p><span class="firstword">The</span> Frogs and the Mice, who inhabited part of a
-most extensive fen, (of which there remained unoccupied
-sufficient room to hold many whole nations of
-both) could not agree with each other so as to live in
-peace: many bitter disputes arose between them about
-the right to particular pools, and their tuft-covered
-margins. At length, national jealousies and animosities
-arose to such a height, that each claimed the
-sovereignty of the whole fen, and the most rancorous
-war was waged between them, in order to settle, by
-force of arms, their respective pretensions. While their
-hostile armies were drawn up in battle array, on a
-plain of several square yards in extent, protected on
-both flanks and rear by dark pools and gloomy forests
-of sedges, reeds, and bulrushes, their two chieftains<span class="pagenum" id="Page_354">354</span>
-advanced to meet each other, and to it they fell as
-fierce as tigers. While these two combatants were thus
-engaged, a Kite sailing in the air, beheld them from a
-great distance, and darting down upon them, instantly
-bore them off in his talons; while the field of battle
-presented a delicious repast to some Ravens, who had
-chanced to spy the movements of these hostile armies.</p>
-
-<h3>APPLICATION.</h3>
-
-<p><span class="firstword">The</span> leading feature in the character of men, in all
-ages of the world, has ever been self-interest; and
-when this is not kept within due bounds, by a just sense
-of morality and honour, their bad passions are let
-loose, and money, power, or dominion, are the chief
-objects they keep in view. When men thus depraved,
-have long soared above restraint, and their numbers
-and power become predominant in a nation, the accumulation
-of their wickedness hurries them blindly
-on to break out into offensive wars with other nations,
-on the most frivolous pretences, and rapine, plunder,
-and innumerable murders succeed, by which humanity
-is outraged, and the fair face of nature is
-deluged with blood. “Peace is the natural happy
-state of man, and war is his disgrace.” The mighty
-among the Frogs and Mice attend not to this: they
-strut and exult for a time; but their pride, tyranny, and
-injustice, will have an end: for opposed to these vices
-are the attributes of Omnipotence, and they are eternal.
-It often happens (as in the case of the combatants in
-the Fable) that when national depravity has attained
-its height, the Kites and Ravens of other regions are
-invited forth, and made the instruments of a just
-retribution.</p>
-
-<hr />
-
-<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_355">355</span></p>
-
-<div class="chapter">
-<div id="ip_355" class="figcenter" style="max-width: 37em;">
-  <img src="images/i_355.jpg" width="577" height="412" alt="" /></div>
-
-<h2 class="nobreak p2">THE FOWLER AND THE LARK.</h2>
-</div>
-
-<p><span class="firstword">A</span> Fowler set his snares to catch birds in the open
-field. A Lark was caught; and finding herself entangled,
-could not forbear lamenting her hard fate.
-Ah! woe is me, says she, what crime have I committed
-that man should be plotting my destruction? I have
-not taken either his silver or gold, or any thing of
-value to him; and while other rapacious birds deal
-about destruction and go unpunished, I must die for
-only picking up a single grain of corn.</p>
-
-<h3>APPLICATION.</h3>
-
-<p><span class="firstword">The</span> irregular administration of justice in the world,
-is indeed a melancholy subject to think of. A poor
-fellow shall be hanged for stealing a sheep, perhaps to<span class="pagenum" id="Page_356">356</span>
-keep his family from starving; while one, who is already
-great and opulent, will not scruple to add to his overflowing
-wealth by the most bare-faced peculation upon
-the public, and yet shall escape punishment, and even
-censure, through powerful interest with those who
-ought to be his judges, but allow themselves to be
-swayed by the splendour of his connections, or corrupted
-by his money. When justice is intrusted in
-such hands, then shall we see the description given by
-one of our satirical poets, of a corrupt court of law,
-realized. He calls it a place,</p>
-
-<div class="poem-container">
-<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
-<span class="i0">Where little villains must submit to fate,<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">That great ones may enjoy the world in state.<br /></span>
-</div></div>
-</div>
-
-<p class="in0"><span class="firstword">However,</span> let no one, who violates the law, rest his
-defence on this plea; for though crimes, committed by
-his superiors, ought not to escape with impunity, yet
-his own nevertheless deserve punishment. Hence we
-may also draw a hint, not unworthy of our attention,
-to endeavour to preserve our own integrity, unshaken in
-the midst of iniquity, and to shew ourselves unstained
-by the corruption even of the worst of times.</p>
-
-<div id="ip_356" class="figcenter" style="max-width: 18em;">
-  <img src="images/i_356.jpg" width="275" height="165" alt="" /></div>
-
-<hr />
-
-<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_357">357</span></p>
-
-<div class="chapter">
-<div id="ip_357" class="figcenter" style="max-width: 36em;">
-  <img src="images/i_357.jpg" width="566" height="404" alt="" /></div>
-
-<h2 class="nobreak p2">THE SHEPHERD TURNED MERCHANT.</h2>
-</div>
-
-<p><span class="firstword">A</span> Shepherd was feeding his flock, on a very fine
-day, near the sea-side. The beauty of the weather,
-the smoothness of the water, and the ships with spreading
-sails floating along its surface, formed altogether so
-charming a scene, that he lost all relish for a pastoral
-life; and lured also by the prospect of gain, he determined
-to quit an employment, which he now despised
-as yielding neither honour nor profit. He quickly sold
-off his flocks, and commenced merchant adventurer;
-and ere long, he embarked with his whole property on
-the ocean. The ship had not long been at sea before
-a dreadful tempest arose, which wrecked her and all
-her cargo; but our merchant and the crew were fortunate
-enough to escape with their lives. The adventurer
-having thus lost his all, returned to his former farm, and
-was glad to hire himself to the man who had bought<span class="pagenum" id="Page_358">358</span>
-his stock, to attend the sheep which were once his own.
-One day, as he sat meditating upon the change that
-had happened, and viewing the sea calm and unruffled
-as before, Ah! says he, thou deceitful tempting element,
-experience has made me so wise, that if I should
-again acquire a property, I will never more trust it
-upon thy faithless bosom.</p>
-
-<h3>APPLICATION.</h3>
-
-<p><span class="firstword">This</span> Fable is intended to put men of fickle unsettled
-minds upon their guard against that propensity which
-often inclines them so strongly to shifting and changing,
-and leads them to imagine they would be happier in
-any profession than the one to which they have been
-brought up. By this disposition they are led away
-from an honest competency, to adventure their all upon
-untried schemes, in the hope of bettering their condition.
-But men of this wavering temper, who are comfortably
-settled in the world, would do well to reflect,
-before they change their situation, and rashly venture,
-perhaps, the acquisitions of their whole life, on projects,
-the failure of which may subject them to great calamities,
-which will be the more intolerable to bear, as they
-will not have adverse fortune to blame, but merely
-their own folly. Of this truth, experience will convince
-them when it is too late.</p>
-
-<div id="ip_358" class="figcenter" style="max-width: 15em;">
-  <img src="images/i_358.jpg" width="239" height="135" alt="" /></div>
-
-<hr />
-
-<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_359">359</span></p>
-
-<div class="chapter">
-<div id="ip_359" class="figcenter" style="max-width: 36em;">
-  <img src="images/i_359.jpg" width="568" height="406" alt="" /></div>
-
-<h2 class="nobreak p2">THE COCK AND THE FOX.</h2>
-</div>
-
-<p><span class="firstword">A</span> Fox, in one of his early visits to the farm-yard,
-happened to be caught in a springe, which had been
-set for that very purpose; and while he was struggling
-to escape, he was observed by the Cock, who, with his
-Hens, was feeding near the place. The Cock, dreading
-so dangerous a foe, approached him with the utmost
-caution. Reynard no sooner cast his eye upon
-him, than with all the smooth and designing artifice
-imaginable, thus addressed him. My dear friend, says
-he, you see what an unfortunate accident has befallen
-me here, and all upon your account, for not having
-heard you crow for a long time past, I was resolved on
-my way homeward to pay you a friendly visit; I therefore
-beg you will bring me something to cut this tormenting
-wire, or at least be so good as to conceal my
-misfortune till I have knawed it asunder. Yes, said the<span class="pagenum" id="Page_360">360</span>
-Cock, I can guess what kind of a visit you intended to
-pay me, and will fetch you the proper assistance immediately.
-He then hastened and told the Farmer, who
-instantly went to the place, and knocked the Fox on
-the head.</p>
-
-<h3>APPLICATION.</h3>
-
-<p><span class="firstword">When</span> the innocent fall into misfortune, it is the
-part of a generous and brave spirit to contribute as far
-as possible to their relief; and there is no quality of
-mind more amiable than that of tenderly feeling for the
-distressed: but we ought not to let our compassion
-flow out upon improper objects, lest we may, by saving
-a villain, be doing an act of injustice to the community.
-When wicked men are entrapped in their own pernicious
-schemes, and laid hold of by the arm of justice,
-it is a misplaced lenity to endeavour to screen or protect
-them from it, as by letting them loose to continue
-their depredations, we become the advocates for their
-crimes, and in some degree partakers in their enormities.</p>
-
-<div id="ip_360" class="figcenter" style="max-width: 22em;">
-  <img src="images/i_360.jpg" width="344" height="213" alt="" /></div>
-
-<hr />
-
-<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_361">361</span></p>
-
-<div class="chapter">
-<div id="ip_361" class="figcenter" style="max-width: 36em;">
-  <img src="images/i_361.jpg" width="561" height="405" alt="" /></div>
-
-<h2 class="nobreak p2">THE YOUNG MAN AND HIS CAT.</h2>
-</div>
-
-<p><span class="firstword">A</span> certain Young Man used to play with a beautiful
-Cat, of which he grew so fond, that at last he fell in
-love with it to such a degree, that he could rest neither
-night nor day for the excess of his passion. In this
-condition he prayed to Venus, the goddess of beauty, to
-pity and relieve his pain. The good-natured goddess
-was propitious, and heard his prayers; and the Cat,
-which he held in his arms, was instantly transformed
-into a beautiful Young Woman. The Youth was
-transported with joy, and married her that very day.
-At night, while they were in bed, the bride unfortunately
-heard a mouse behind the hangings, and sprang
-from the arms of her lover to pursue it: the Youth
-was ashamed, and Venus offended, to see her sacred
-rites thus profaned by such unbecoming behaviour;
-and perceiving that her new convert, though a woman<span class="pagenum" id="Page_362">362</span>
-in outward appearance, was a Cat in her heart, she
-caused her to return to her old form again, that her
-manners and person might be suitable to each other.</p>
-
-<h3>APPLICATION.</h3>
-
-<p><span class="firstword">This</span> Fable, however extravagant and unnatural in
-its composition, is intended to depicture and check
-the blind instinctive ardour of the passion of love, the
-transports of which cover all imperfections, so that its
-devotees consider neither quality nor merit. It is
-like an idol of our own creating, which we fashion into
-whatever figure or shape we please, and then run
-mad for it. The Fable also shews that</p>
-
-<div class="poem-container">
-<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
-<span class="i0">“No charm can raise from dirt a grov’ling mind;”<br /></span>
-</div></div>
-</div>
-
-<p class="in0">And that people of a low turn of spirit and mean education,
-cannot change their principles by changing their
-situation: for in the midst of splendour and magnificence,
-they still retain the same narrow sentiments,
-and seldom fail to betray, by some dirty action, their
-original baseness, which no embroidery can conceal;
-and though fortune has been pleased to lift them out
-of the mire, we still see the silly awkward blockheads
-displaying their lack of mind and education through
-all their ensigns of dignity. If any thing more need
-be added, it can only be with a view of more plainly
-putting inexperienced youth on their guard against
-making inconsiderate connections, lest they take a
-Cat into their bosom, instead of an amiable consort
-and companion for life.</p>
-
-<hr />
-
-<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_363">363</span></p>
-
-<div class="chapter">
-<div id="ip_363" class="figcenter" style="max-width: 36em;">
-  <img src="images/i_363.jpg" width="567" height="405" alt="" /></div>
-
-<h2 class="nobreak p2">THE FOWLER AND THE PARTRIDGE.</h2>
-</div>
-
-<p><span class="firstword">A</span> Fowler having taken a Partridge in his nets, the
-bird begged hard for a reprieve, and promised the
-man, if he would let him go, to decoy the other Partridges
-into his snares. No, replies the Fowler, if I had
-before been undetermined what to do with you, now
-you have condemned yourself by your own words: for
-he who is such a scoundrel as to offer to betray his
-friends, to save himself, deserves if possible worse than
-death.</p>
-
-<h3>APPLICATION.</h3>
-
-<p><span class="firstword">To</span> betray our friends is one of the blackest of
-crimes; and however much traitors may suppose they
-recommend themselves by their successful acts of treachery,
-they will find that those who employ them as<span class="pagenum" id="Page_364">364</span>
-useful instruments in any dirty business of faction or
-party, are shocked at the baseness of their minds; and
-however convenient it may be to “like the treason,
-the traitor will be despised.” History furnishes us with
-many instances of kings and great men who have punished
-the actors of treachery with death, though the
-part they acted had been so conducive to their interests
-as to give them a victory, or perhaps the quiet possession
-of a throne: nor can princes pursue a more just
-maxim than this, for a traitor is a villain, and sticks
-at nothing to promote his own selfish ends. He that
-will betray one master for a bribe, will betray another
-on the same account. It is therefore impolitic in any
-state to suffer such wretches to live under its protection.
-Since then this maxim is so good, and likely at
-all times to be acted upon, what stupid rogues must
-they be who undertake such precarious dirty work!</p>
-
-<div id="ip_364" class="figcenter" style="max-width: 20em;">
-  <img src="images/i_364.jpg" width="320" height="194" alt="" /></div>
-
-<hr />
-
-<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_365">365</span></p>
-
-<div class="chapter">
-<div id="ip_365" class="figcenter" style="max-width: 36em;">
-  <img src="images/i_365.jpg" width="564" height="413" alt="" /></div>
-
-<h2 class="nobreak p2">THE BLIND MAN AND THE LAME.</h2>
-</div>
-
-<p><span class="firstword">A</span> blind Man and a lame Man happening to come
-at the same time to a piece of very bad road, the former
-begged of the latter that he would be so kind as
-to guide him through the difficulty. How can I do
-that, said the lame Man, since I am scarcely able to
-drag myself along? But as you appear to be very
-strong, if you will carry me, we will seek our fortunes
-together. It will then be my interest to warn you
-against any thing that may obstruct your way; your
-feet shall be my feet, and my eyes your’s. With all
-my heart, replied the blind Man; let us mutually serve
-each other. So, taking his lame companion on his
-back, they by means of this union travelled on with
-safety and pleasure.</p>
-
-<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_366">366</span></p>
-
-<h3>APPLICATION.</h3>
-
-<p><span class="firstword">There</span> is no such thing as absolute independence,
-in a state of society, and the defects and weaknesses of
-individuals form the cement by which it is bound together.
-All men have their imperfections and wants,
-and must help each other as a matter of expediency as
-well as virtue; for Providence has so ordered things in
-this life, that like the blind man and the lame in the
-Fable, we may be serviceable to each other in almost
-every instance. What one man wants another supplies.
-Without these failings there would be neither
-friendship nor company; so that it is our interest to
-be both charitable and sociable, when our very wants
-and necessities are converted by Providence into blessings.
-The whole race of mankind ought indeed to be
-but so many members of the same body; and in contributing
-to the ease and convenience of each other,
-we are not only serviceable to the whole, but kind to
-ourselves.</p>
-
-<div id="ip_366" class="figcenter" style="max-width: 17em;">
-  <img src="images/i_366.jpg" width="258" height="223" alt="" /></div>
-
-<hr />
-
-<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_367">367</span></p>
-
-<div class="chapter">
-<div id="ip_367" class="figcenter" style="max-width: 36em;">
-  <img src="images/i_367.jpg" width="566" height="407" alt="" /></div>
-
-<h2 class="nobreak p2">THE LION, THE WOLF, AND THE DOG.</h2>
-</div>
-
-<p><span class="firstword">A</span> Lion having seized upon a Doe, while he was
-standing over his prize, a Wolf stepped up to him, and
-impudently claimed to go halves. No! said the Lion,
-you are too apt to take what is not your due. I therefore
-shall never have any thing to do with you, and I
-peremptorily insist on your immediate departure out
-of my sight. A poor honest Dog, who happened to
-be passing, and heard what was going on, modestly
-withdrew, intending to go about another way. Upon
-which the Lion kindly invited him to come forward
-and partake with him of the feast, to which his modesty
-had given him so good a title.</p>
-
-<h3>APPLICATION.</h3>
-
-<p><span class="firstword">There</span> is something in modesty which ought ever<span class="pagenum" id="Page_368">368</span>
-strongly to prepossess us in favour of those persons
-in whose nature it is interwoven; and men of discerning
-and generous minds have a pleasure in discovering
-it, and in bringing into notice the worthy man, who is
-diffident of his merit, and cannot prevail upon himself
-to challenge the praise or tribute he deserves. It is,
-however, to be lamented, that such patrons are not
-very numerous, and that the assuming arrogance and
-teasing importunities of the greedy forward man should
-so commonly succeed in attaining his ends, while
-modesty in silence starves unnoticed, and is for ever
-poor. Were men in exalted stations of life to pay
-more attention to the importance of this, and endeavour
-to discover modest worth, to draw merit from the
-shade, and virtue from obscurity, and distribute their
-patronage and their favours to such only, their own
-affairs, as well as those of the public, would be better
-managed, and the difference between the conduct of
-upstart pride and sensible plain honesty would soon
-shew itself in its true unvarnished colours.</p>
-
-<div id="ip_368" class="figcenter" style="max-width: 16em;">
-  <img src="images/i_368.jpg" width="246" height="190" alt="" /></div>
-
-<hr />
-
-<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_369">369</span></p>
-
-<div class="chapter">
-<div id="ip_369" class="figcenter" style="max-width: 35em;">
-  <img src="images/i_369.jpg" width="557" height="403" alt="" /></div>
-
-<h2 class="nobreak p2">THE ASS EATING THISTLES.</h2>
-</div>
-
-<p><span class="firstword">An</span> Ass was loaded with provisions of several sorts,
-which he was carrying home for a grand entertainment.
-By the way, he met with a fine large Thistle,
-and being very hungry, immediately eat it up, which,
-while he was doing, he entered into this reflection:
-How many greedy epicures would think themselves
-happy amidst such a variety of delicate viands as I now
-carry! But to me, this bitter prickly Thistle is more
-savory and relishing than the most exquisite and sumptuous
-banquet.</p>
-
-<h3>APPLICATION.</h3>
-
-<p><span class="firstword">Temperance</span> and exercise may be regarded as the
-constituents of natural luxury. It is not in the power<span class="pagenum" id="Page_370">370</span>
-of the whole art of cookery, to give such an exquisite
-relish and seasoning to a dish, as these two will confer
-on the plainest fare. Indolent epicures have no true
-taste: they subsist entirely by whets and provocatives
-of appetite; but he whose stomach is braced and
-strengthened by exercise, has a whet within himself,
-which adds a poignancy to every morsel that he eats.
-Providence seems to have carved out its blessings with
-an equal hand, and what it has denied to the poor in
-one way, it has amply supplied them with in another:
-if it have withheld riches, it has given them a greater
-store of health; and if it have refused them the means
-of luxury, it has at least formed them with the capacity
-of living as happily without it. And it may further
-be observed, that if we except hereditary diseases,
-almost every other ailment may be laid to the account
-of indolence, intemperance, or anxiety of mind.</p>
-
-<div id="ip_370" class="figcenter" style="max-width: 24em;">
-  <img src="images/i_370.jpg" width="378" height="238" alt="" /></div>
-
-<hr />
-
-<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_371">371</span></p>
-
-<div class="chapter">
-<div id="ip_371" class="figcenter" style="max-width: 36em;">
-  <img src="images/i_371.jpg" width="572" height="410" alt="" /></div>
-
-<h2 class="nobreak p2">THE DOG AND THE CAT.</h2>
-</div>
-
-<p><span class="firstword">Never</span> were two creatures happier together than a
-Dog and a Cat, reared in the same house from the
-time of their birth. They were so kind, so gamesome,
-and diverting, that it was half the entertainment of the
-family to see the gambols and love tricks that passed
-between them. Still it was observed, that at mealtimes,
-when scraps fell from the table, or a tit-bit was
-thrown to them, they would be snarling and spitting
-at one another like the bitterest foes.</p>
-
-<h3>APPLICATION.</h3>
-
-<p><span class="firstword">This</span> Fable is too true a picture of the practices
-and friendships of the world. We first enter into
-agreeable conversations, contract likings, and form<span class="pagenum" id="Page_372">372</span>
-close intimacies and connections, which one would
-think nothing could ever break up; but clashing interests
-at length come in the way, and dissolve the
-charm. An unreasonable desire to engross more than
-we can enjoy, is the bone of contention, which in
-greater or less degrees sets mankind together by the
-ears. A jealous thought, a mistaken word or look,
-is then sufficient to cancel all former bonds: the league
-is broken, and the farce concludes like the Dog and
-the Cat in the Fable, with biting and scratching out
-one another’s eyes. The same kind of over-grasping
-selfishness which operates so powerfully upon and
-blinds individuals, may with equal truth be charged
-against all public associations or societies of men, from
-the greatest to the least, when they are under the influence
-of that mistaken patriotism, which, instead of
-applying its powers to the improvement of what they
-already possess, seeks aggrandizement by engrossing
-the colonies or privileges of their less powerful neighbours.</p>
-
-<div id="ip_372" class="figcenter" style="max-width: 23em;">
-  <img src="images/i_372.jpg" width="360" height="215" alt="" /></div>
-
-<hr />
-
-<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_373">373</span></p>
-
-<div class="chapter">
-<div id="ip_373" class="figcenter" style="max-width: 36em;">
-  <img src="images/i_373.jpg" width="564" height="406" alt="" /></div>
-
-<h2 class="nobreak p2">THE TRUMPETER TAKEN PRISONER.</h2>
-</div>
-
-<p><span class="firstword">A</span> Trumpeter, being taken prisoner in battle, begged
-hard for quarter, declaring his innocence, and
-protesting, that he neither had killed nor could kill any
-man, bearing no arms but his trumpet, which he was
-obliged to sound at the word of command. For that
-reason, replied his enemies, we are determined not to
-spare you; for though you yourself never fight, yet,
-with that wicked instrument of yours, you blow up
-animosity among other people, and so become the
-cause of much bloodshed.</p>
-
-<h3>APPLICATION.</h3>
-
-<p><span class="firstword">The</span> fomenter of mischief is at least as culpable as
-he who puts it in execution. A man may be guilty of
-murder, who never has handled a sword or pulled a<span class="pagenum" id="Page_374">374</span>
-trigger, or lifted up his arm with any mischievous weapon.
-There is a little incendiary called the tongue,
-which is more venomous than a poisoned arrow, and
-more killing than a two-edged sword. The moral of
-the Fable therefore is this, that if in any civil insurrection,
-the persons taken in arms against the government
-deserve to die, much more do they whose devilish
-tongues or pens gave birth to the sedition, and
-excited the tumult. The Fable is also equally applicable
-to those evil counsellors, who excite corrupt or
-wicked governments to sap and undermine, and then
-to overturn the just laws and liberties of a whole people;
-or involve them in cruel offensive wars, in which
-they cause thousands upon thousands of swords to be
-drawn, and whole armies of men to be cut in pieces,
-while they themselves coolly sit out of danger, and
-calculate the gains they derive from the wide-spreading
-desolation. War is the most horrid custom that ever
-resulted from human wickedness, and is caused only
-by the ignorance of the people, or the wickedness of
-governments.</p>
-
-<div id="ip_374" class="figcenter" style="max-width: 16em;">
-  <img src="images/i_374.jpg" width="251" height="248" alt="" /></div>
-
-<hr />
-
-<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_375">375</span></p>
-
-<div class="chapter">
-<div id="ip_375" class="figcenter" style="max-width: 36em;">
-  <img src="images/i_375.jpg" width="571" height="409" alt="" /></div>
-
-<h2 class="nobreak p2">THE BOYS AND THE FROGS.</h2>
-</div>
-
-<p><span class="firstword">A</span> company of idle Boys used to assemble on the
-margin of a lake, inhabited by a great number of
-Frogs, and divert themselves by throwing vollies of
-stones into the water, to the great annoyance and danger
-of the poor terrified Frogs, who were thus pelted
-to death as soon as any of them put up their heads.
-At length, one of the boldest of the Frogs ventured,
-in behalf of the whole community, to croak out their
-complaints. Ah, my Boys, said he, why will you
-learn so soon the cruel practices of your race? Consider,
-I beseech you, that though this may be sport
-to you, it is death to us!</p>
-
-<h3>APPLICATION.</h3>
-
-<p><span class="firstword">This</span> Fable shews the propensity of unguided youth
-to do evil, and points out the need of inculcating benignity<span class="pagenum" id="Page_376">376</span>
-of conduct upon their minds, and giving them
-a direction towards a manly and generous humanity,
-which in manhood will shew itself in actions and habits
-that cannot fail to do honour to themselves, and
-qualify them for any office in the service of their country.
-The contrary of all this will be found to predominate
-in society, when youth are suffered to go on
-with impunity, in indulging their wicked inclinations
-for cruelty, by which their minds are hardened and
-debased. This hard-heartedness in boys will grow into
-brutality and tyranny in man; and that cruelty
-which was at first inflicted upon poor dumb animals,
-will soon shew itself upon their fellows. The great
-man of this cast will tyrannize over those below him:
-these again will shew the same hateful disposition to
-their dependants, and so downwards to the lowest,
-who, guided only by ignorance, will give vent to their
-natural baseness, by goading and distressing the poor
-animals which are wretchedly toiling in their service.</p>
-
-<div id="ip_376" class="figcenter" style="max-width: 35em;">
-  <img src="images/i_376.jpg" width="550" height="299" alt="" /></div>
-
-<p class="p2 center">FINIS.</p>
-
-<p class="p2 center small">NEWCASTLE: PRINTED BY EDWARD WALKER.</p>
-
-<div class="chapter"><div class="transnote">
-<h2 class="nobreak p1" id="Transcribers_Notes">Transcriber’s Notes</h2>
-
-<p>Punctuation, hyphenation, and spelling were made
-consistent when a predominant preference was found
-in the original book; otherwise they were not changed.</p>
-
-<p>This book often uses commas where periods might be
-expected, particularly when the next text might be
-expected to be in quotation marks, but is not.</p>
-
-<p>Simple typographical errors were corrected; unbalanced
-quotation marks were remedied when the change was
-obvious, and otherwise left unbalanced.</p>
-
-<p>The first page is handwritten, with a woodcut
-illustration in the middle and a fingerprint between
-the words “his mark.”</p>
-
-<p>Page <a href="#Page_36">36</a>: In the caption of the illustration, “Brains”
-was crossed-out (by the artist).</p>
-
-<p>Page <a href="#Page_76">76</a>: In the caption of the illustration, the
-first “the” was crossed out (by the artist).</p>
-
-<p>Page <a href="#Page_350">350</a>: “equinamity” was printed that way.</p>
-</div></div>
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-<pre>
-
-
-
-
-
-End of Project Gutenberg's The Fables of Æsop, and Others, by Thomas Bewick
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