University of Virginia Library

Search this document 

91

FABLE LXIV. The Vulture's Treat:

Or, A Plausible Decoy.

A Vulture, that had long been scarce of Meat,
Pretends to keep his Birth-day with a Treat;
Invites the little Birds, who fearless fly,
To celebrate the Anniversary.
Their Welcome he in kind Salutes express'd,
But quickly made the Guests themselves his Feast:
By his false Arts the slaughter'd Victims fall,
And grace his Birth-day with their Funeral.

The MORAL.

‘Soft soothing Words, not always friendly prove;
‘Mischief oft' shelters in pretended Love.
‘Fair Speeches, when the Thoughts to Ill encline,
‘Are but the Varnish to a foul Design.