The works of John Dryden Illustrated with notes, historical, critical, and explanatory, and a life of the author, by Sir Walter Scott |
| 11 |  | IX. |
| 1 | | X. |
| 6 | | XI. |
| 1 | | XII. |
| 26 |  | XIII. |
| 4 | |
| 3 | |
| 19 | |
| 60 | | XIV, XV. |
 | The works of John Dryden |  |
367
THE MORAL.
In this plain fable you the effect may seeOf negligence, and fond credulity:
And learn besides of flatterers to beware,
Then most pernicious when they speak too fair.
The cock and fox, the fool and knave imply;
The truth is moral, though the tale a lie.
Who spoke in parables, I dare not say;
But sure he knew it was a pleasing way,
Sound sense, by plain example, to convey.
And in a heathen author we may find,
That pleasure with instruction should be joined;
So take the corn, and leave the chaff behind.
| The works of John Dryden | |