Truth in Fiction Or, Morality in Masquerade. A Collection of Two hundred twenty five Select Fables of Aesop, and other Authors. Done into English Verse. By Edmund Arwaker |
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 | Truth in Fiction |  |
FABLE XX. The One-Ey'd Farmer:
Or, No Jesting with Edg'd-Tools.
When Heav'n with Barrenness had curs'd the Earth,
And Rates of Corn were heightned by the Dearth;
A One-Ey'd Farmer, whose small Stock grew scant,
Went to next Market, to supply his Want.
A Friend, come thither with the same Intent,
Ask'd his old Neighbour how the Market went;
What Rate a Peck of Wheat, or Rye, did bear?
He, to express how high the Prices were,
Return'd, A Peck will cost at least an Eye.
Whereat a waggish Boy made this Reply;
Then, Gaffer, you have brought too large a Sack,
For you can buy but One to carry back.
And Rates of Corn were heightned by the Dearth;
A One-Ey'd Farmer, whose small Stock grew scant,
Went to next Market, to supply his Want.
A Friend, come thither with the same Intent,
Ask'd his old Neighbour how the Market went;
What Rate a Peck of Wheat, or Rye, did bear?
He, to express how high the Prices were,
Return'd, A Peck will cost at least an Eye.
Whereat a waggish Boy made this Reply;
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For you can buy but One to carry back.
The MORAL.
‘Men, giv'n to Jest, shou'd always cautious be‘To shun Occasion for a Repartee;
‘Lest others take Advantage of their Sport,
‘And on their own Defects their Jokes retort.
| Truth in Fiction | |