FABLE LXV. The Dog and Ass:
Or, Nothing against the Grain.
A clean, sleek Dog, of more than common Parts,
By fawning, and insinuating Arts,
Did on his Master's Favour so prevail,
That he was stroak'd, whene'er he wagg'd his Tail;
And from his Trencher shill was nicely fed,
Possess'd his Lap all Day, all Night, his Bed.
While an Observing Ass, that saw, and griev'd
To find his Service not so well receiv'd,
Thought, if smooth Mumper did so hugely please,
By idle and unprofitable Ease;
'Twas hard, that He, who heavy Burdens bore,
Was wrought and lash'd 'till Back and Sides were sore:
Therefore resolv'd he wou'd new Measures take,
And, by like Ways, like Friendships hope to make.
Pleas'd with this Thought, he hastes, his Lord to meet,
And on his Shoulders claps his beastly Feet;
And, tho' the dirty Hoofs his Cloaths defile,
Fancies himself Obliging all the while.
But, at this barbarous Salute, afraid,
The Master calls the Servants to his Aid:
With Stripes they drive the shallow Monster thence,
Whose rude Address had giv'n the foul Offence.
The MORAL.
‘Who Nature wou'd out-act, with aukward Grace
‘Makes his Effort, and flies in Nature's Face:
‘But he who knows which way his Talent lies,
‘To that his Mind, with good success, applies.
‘The supple Courtier, of brisk Air and Mien,
‘That can Come o'er a Cudgel, for the Queen;
‘May hope, at Court, to thrive and be caress'd,
‘For there such pliant Limberham's live best.
‘Shou'd the rough Soldier, with his mangl'd Face,
‘Affect to cringe, and strain a skue Grimace;
‘How mal-a-droit wou'd that Attempt appear,
‘Which do's the fawning Plausible endear?
‘A stubborn Manly from the Court shou'd vamp
‘As fast, as prim Sir Courtly from the Camp.
‘Fools only strive to go against the Grain,
‘Which renders all such Undertakings vain:
‘The Proverb will hold good, do what they can,
‘For Jack will never make a Gentleman.
