University of Virginia Library

ÆSOPI Fabulæ.

FAB. I. De Gallo Gallinaceo.

A Cock who to a neighbouring Dunghill tries,
Finding a gemme that 'mongst the Rubish lyes.
Cry'd he—a Barly corne woud please me more,
Then all the Treasures on the eastern shore.

Morall

Gay nonsense does the noysy fopling please,
Beyond the noblest Arts and Sciences.

FAB. II. De Lupo & Agno.

A Wolf who at the Rivers head did drink,
Seeing a trembling Lambe upon the brink,
Disdaining that should tast what he injoys,
First quarrells, then the innocent destroys.

Morall

Thus the proud great by lawless might opress,
While the complaining poore find no redress.

FAB. III. De Leone & quatuor Tauris.

The Lyon saw three Bulls securely feed,
By murmuring springs, in a large flowery mead,
First by perswasive power the friends diuide,
Then makes 'em fall, the Ravage of his Pride.

Morall

Thus mighty states, are to Confusion hurld,
Which when united woud subdue the world.

FAB. IV. De Ranâ, & Vulpe.

A Bog borne Frog a Doctor woud commence,
And the dull Heard trust his false Eloquence,
But the more subtile Fox in scorne replyes,
To give me faith, cure thy owne maladyes.

Morall

Vaine are the precepts they to others give,
Who do themselves, in ill Examples live.

FAB. VI. De Asino Rubos comedente.

A sordid Ass while on his back he bore,
Of chosen delicates, a plenteous store;
His courser Appetite with Thistles treats,
And starves beneath his load of nobler meats.

Morall

Profusenes is a farr less dangerous vice
Than the Ill natur'd damning Avarice.

FAB. VI. De Alaudâ, & pullis ejus.

When the old Lark did heare ye nighbouring swaines
Woud joyn to cutt the corne she still remains,
But when she heard the owner, and his sone,
Would do't themselves, she cry'd—then let's be gone

Morall

Services done by friends come slowly on,
He acts himselfe, who has his work well done.

FAB. VII. De Vulpe, Cane, & Gallo.

The Fox perswades the Cock, to quit his shade,
Since betweene Birds, and Beasts, a truce was made.
But he secur'd amidst the hinder boughs,
Reply'd, I'll first be certaine of your news.

Morall

The wise from publick fame no judgments make,
But such as they from righter reasoning take.

FAB. VIII. The Fox in the Well.

The Fox in a deep well implores the aid,
Of a grace wolfe, who many questions made,
How he came there, the Fox halfe drown'd replyes
Oh cease vaine words & help thy friend that ayes.

Morall

Men oft good Counsell can bestow in griefe,
But with no reall good will bring reliefe.

FAB. IX. The Wolves and Sheep.

A truce concluded, was twixt wolves, and sheepe,
The wolves, their dogs as a firm hostage keepe,
The Sheepe, their whelps who with design complaine,
Their Dames break in and slaughter o're the plaine.

Morall

Those who with foes too mighty make a peace,
Give 'em but power to hurt 'em with more ease.

FAB. X. The Eagle's Nest.

A Foxes cub the kingly Eagle prest,
And bore the trembler to her royall nest,
The Fox inrag'd, the sacred Pile will burne,
To save her throne the prise she does returne.

Morall

The haughty great with caution shoud oppress,
Since Slaves provok'd deep injuryes may redress.

FAB. XI. The Wolf in Sheeps Clothing.

A subtile Wolfe, more safly to betray,
In a sheepes Clothing does himselfe aray,
And unexpected now whole flocks destroys,
Till a kind halter ends his stoln joys.

Morall

The zealous Cheat has wrought the land more woe,
Than bare fac'd villainie coud ever doe.

FAB. XII. The Ringdove and Fowler.

While the young fouler sought, with eager skill,
A Ring Dove in a neighbouring Tree to kill.
An Adder in the floury mead beneath,
Slung the unhappy youth, and stung to death.

Moral

The young usurper, who design'd t'invade,
An others right, himselfe the victim made.

FAB. XIII. The Sow and her Pigs.

The Wolf intreats the Sow, that he might be,
A guard to keep her Pigs from injury,
The Sow, who knew the nature of the Beast
Replyd—when absent, Sr you'l guard 'em best.

Morall

Belive not those who often Friendship swear,
Least they som privat Intrest woud prefer.

FAB. XIV. The Horse and Ass.

A Horse, whom guilded Equipage made gay
Commands a Drudging Ass to yield the way,
But when diseasd, and to a Cart condemn'd,
The Ass lookt big, and his owne form esteem'd.

Morall

The great are often lost in stormes of State,
While the poore Cottager despises fate.

FAB. XV. The Wolf and Goat.

The Wolf endeavor'd to perswade the Lamb,
To leave her Gardian Goat, and to her Damm
To trust her selfe with him, but she reply'd,
I know his friendship, yours I never try'd.

Morall

He that old Loves, and Friends forsakes for new,
Deserves no Mistress, nor a friend that's true.

FAB. XVI. The Doves and Hawk.

Twixt Doves and Kites a Combatt rose while they
The Spar hawk chose for King beneath whose sway
The Doves with greater rage opprest complaine
And wish lesse Tyrant Kite woud reigne againe.

Morall

We nere are pleas'd with what the Gods bestow
To worse we change when ere we change for new.

FAB. XVII. The City Mouse and Country Mouse.

The City Mouse invites her Country Guest,
To tast the dainlyes of a Citty feast,
But oft disturbd by interupted noys,
They hide, and fear his appetite destroys.

Morall

The great the Hurry of the world indure,
And tis the country life alone's secure.

FAB. XVIII. The Swallow and other Birds.

The Swallow saw pernicious Hempseed sowne,
And vow'd to spoyle the Tillage of the Clowne,
The Birds are summond, but they being slow
Permite that weed that ruins 'em to grow.

Morall

They that neglect the Councell of the wise,
Suffer small faults to grow past remedies.

FAB. XIX. The Hunted Beaver.

The hunted Beaver knowing what sweet Prise,
Woud make him to the dogs a sacrifise,
Bites of the prey, and ends the eager strife,
And with the loss of treasure bailes his life.

Morall

Who woud not part with momentary Toys,
To purchass to themselves eternall joys.

FAB. XX. The Fox and Cat.

The Fox pretends a thousand shifts t'ave found,
To save him from the hard persuing Hound,
The Catt but one, who climes the Tree amaine.
Anon the dogs persue, and Renards slaine

Morall

One Action where discretion is its guide,
Transcends all the results of noys and pride.

FAB. XXI. The Cat and Mice.

The Mice consult, how to prevent their fate
By timely notice of th' aproaching Catt,
We'll hang a Bell about her neck, cryd one,
A third replyd—but who shall putt it on.

Morall

Good Councell's easy given, but ye effect
Oft renders it uneasy to transact.

FAB. XXII. The Lyon and other Beasts.

Hunting, the beasts agree to share the Prey
One part the Lyon claimes as bearing sway,
An other for his strength, a third his toyle,
The last in gratitude they ought to make his spoile

Morall

Proud Senatts thus by easy Monarchs thrive
Incroaching on their whole prerogative.

FAB. XXIII. The Lyon and Mouse.

The Royall Beast intangl'd in a snare,
Coud not with teeth, and claws the ambush tear,
When a kind humble Mouse, the Cord untwind,
And broke that Mase the Forest King confind.

Morall

Doe not despise the Service of a Slave,
An Oak did once a glorious Monarch save.

FAB. XXIV. The Lion and Mouse.

The Mouse for his late service fild with pride,
Demands the Royall virgin for his bride,
The match agreed while he in flames admird,
He unawares crusht by her paw expird.

Morall

To false ambition if thy thoughts are bent,
Reflect on a late pittyed president.

FAB. XXV. The Dog with a Clog.

A Dog whose fierceness was with fetters checkt,
Fancyd himselfe with some new honour deckt,
Thy folly's great the wiser currs replye,
For glory, to mistake thy infamie.

Morall

Thus dareing debauchee do often boast,
In those loose vices men dishonour most.

FAB. XXVI. The Ox and Toad.

The Toad woud needs the Oxes size attaine,
And with fell poyson puffs up every veine,
Then askd her sone if equall were their size,
Then swells againe, and with her penome dyes.

Morall

The woud-bee witts to Lawrrels woud aspire,
And write till damn'd they shamefully retire.

FAB. XXVII. The Lion and Fox.

When first the Fox the forest monarch saw,
He gaz'd with trembling feare & reverend awe,
But by degrees more boldly he adrest,
Than holds a Parly with the Royall Beast.

Morall

Vertues seem rigid to the wild and loose,
But grow familiar by their constant use.

FAB. XXVIII. The Ape and Fox.

The Ape implord, the fox her bum woud vaile,
With a proportion of his useless Taile,
But he replyd—tho me no good it do,
I will not spare an Inch to favour you.

Morall

Thus the Ill naturd Rich reserve their store,
And please themselves to see their nighbours poor.

FAB. XXIX. The Dog and Ox.

An Envious Dog in a full manger lay,
Nor eats himselfe, nor to the Ox gives way,
Who griev'd reply'd—ah grudge not me that meat,
Which (cruell) thou thy selfe disdainst to eate.

Morall

Thus aged Lovers with young Beautys live,
Keepe off those joys they want the power to give.

FAB. XXX. The Birds and Beasts.

Twixt birds and beasts a fatall warr is held,
The winged powers are conquers ore the field,
The Batt is captive tane whom all detest
For she forsook her nation and her nest.

Morall

A Traytor all behold with just disdaine,
Who basely quitts his cause, and soveraigne.

FAB. XXXI. The Tigre and Fox.

The Tyger boasts to guard the Beasts from harme,
Since his tough hide so well his vitals arme,
Which the young hunter heareing sent a dart,
That pierc'd the fancy'd victor to the heart.

Morall

So the young Hero on his strength relying,
Renderd him more remark'd and worthyer dying.

FAB. XXXII. The Lionness and Fox.

The Fox will with the Lyoness compaire,
For noble Reace, cause she does numbers bear,
Who thus reply'd—tho I but one do bring
That one shall rule thy numbers as their King

Morall

'Tis not a gawdy title formes the great
Who shoud with nobler vertue be repleat.

FAB. XXXIII. The Oak and Reed.

The wind bore downe a mighty Oake that stood,
To shade the margent of a silver flood,
Who seeing the Reed unruffl'd by the storme,
He dying, wisht that he'd been humbly borne.

Morall

He that to elivated hights arrives
Is oft in stormes and still in danger lives.

FAB. XXXIV. The Wind and Sun.

Opprest with wind the Traveller girts on,
His warm Surtoul anon the rageing Sun,
With his fierce beames does incomode him more,
Then all the ill supported storme before.

Morall

In every passion moderation chuse,
For all extreames doe bad effects produce.

FAB. XXXV. The Kite, Frog, and Mouse.

The Frog and Mouse themselves to armes betake,
To fight for the Dominion of the Lake,
But while in field the boasting Champions dare,
The Kite makes both her prey, so ends the warr

Morall

The fond aspiring youth who empire sought
By dire ambition was to ruine brought.

FAB. XXXVI. Jupiter and the Frogs.

The Frogs implore a king, and Iupiter
To please the Rable does king Log preffer,
But too unactive he—again they implore,
Iove sends the Stork who does the fooles devour.

Morall

If Kings be mild they'r dull, if active they
We blast 'em with the guilt of Tyrant sway.

FAB. XXXVII. The old Woman and her Maids.

When the shrill Cock told that the morn was nigh,
The good-wife calls her maids to Houswifry,
But they too soone awackt the telltale kill,
And now their Dame calls earlyer wth a Bell.

Morall

He who to cure his love to drinking runes
Contracts a greater evill then he shunes.

FAB. XXXVIII. The Lion and Bear.

The Bear and Lyon on a summers day,
A combate held for the divided prey,
When both growne faint with fatigues of wart,
Suffer the fox the prize away to beare.

Morall

Thus nations oft by Civill Conflicts torne
By a third power away the scepter's borne.

FAB. XXXIX. The Crow and Pot.

A thirsty Crow the medow did survey,
But found no streame her faintings to allay,
Till in the Bottom of a Pott, whose drink
She boys with pebles to the kinder brink.

Morall

One wisely manag'd pleasure brings more joys,
Than all dull fancy can create with noyse.

FAB. XL. The Porcupines and Adders.

The Aders had the Porcupines deceiv'd
Of their warme Nest which coud not be retrieu'd,
By subtillty possession first was gain'd,
But now by force the title is mentain'd.

Morall

Crownes got by force are often times made good,
By the more rough designes of warr, and blood.

FAB. XLI. The Hares and Storm.

The Hares in storms to close recesses hye,
And thro' a scanted breach themselves convey,
But when they find a Lake they must wade thro'
Forward they dare not, backward can not goe.

Morall

When counsell'd thus by a more prudent Hare
What can't be remedied with patience bear

FAB. XLII. The Fox and Wolf.

A Fox does to a Hunters rage betray
A Lambe gorg'd wolf who close in kenelld lay,
The conquering Swain his Iustice to evince
First kills the wolf, and then the Evidence.

Morall

From this that certaine truth we may inferr
Who loves the guilt, heats the discoverer.

FAB. XLIII. The Dog and Sheep.

The Dog impeacht a Sheep of Crimes unthought,
And the false wolf, and Kite for wittnes brought,
The innocent by perjury betrayd,
Is to the black caball a victim made.

Morall

He that woud search for presidents so base,
Let him survey our home bread perjurd Race.

FAB. XLIV. The Crane and Peacock.

The gay plumd Peacock wth a nice disdaine,
Scornd the cheap clothing of ye humbler Crane,
But she replyd, my wings can reach ye skye,
Thy duller beautys do but please the eye.

Morall

Scorn not the courser sort whose mind may be
Richer then thou, with all thy pedigree.

FAB. XLV. The Viper and File.

An hungry Viper neare a Black Smiths forge,
Snatcht at a file his eager maw to gorge,
But the tough steele his feebler teeth repells,
Its dinted force his jaws with anguish fills.

Morall

Contend not with a power too great t'orecome,
Least toyle and shame become thy certaine doome.

FAB. XLVI. The Lion, Ass, and Cock.

The Lyon meets the Cock, whose early straynes,
Frights the rough forest monarch ore the plaines,
The Ass who thought his presence made him scowre,
Persuing, falls a victim to his power.

Morall

The forward spark who thinks his noys may pass
Incountering sense perceives himself an Ass.

FAB. XLVII. The Jay and Peacock.

The Jay woud for a gawdy Peacock pass,
And with their borowed plumes her tayle dos grace
But when from thence each had his feathers torne,
By her own Birds she is receiv'd with scorne.

Morall

Tis the gay Dress that makes the Lover doat,
Not the fine Soule, but the fine Petticoat.

FAB. XLVIII. The Ant and Fly.

The Fly thus to the Ants—poore humble things,
You live on Dunghills, while I feast with Kings,
The Ant reply'd—thy feasts by thift are gaind,
Mine tho with toyle, are with repose mayntaind.

Morall

The humble life the Rurall Swain injoys,
Exceeds High Birth with all its pomp & noys.

FAB. XLIX. The Ant and Grashopper.

The wanton Grashopper implores the Ant
In winter season to relive her want,
But she replyd—thou all the plentious spring
Took'st care for nought, but how to dance and sing.

Morall

He that his helpless age from want woud free
Must in his youth learn Industry of me.

FAB. L, The Countryman and Snake..

Half dead with winters cold, a pittying Swain,
Finds an expiring Snake upon the plaine,
Which home he brought, and scares wth heat reviv'd
He then persues his life by whom he livd.

Morall

Mercy extended to ungratfull men
Does but impower em to rebell agen.

FAB. LI. The Sick Lion.

The Lyon (past his hunting youth) pretends
He's sick, and begs the visitts of his friends,
All but the Fox obey, who thus bespake
Foot steps to's Den I find, but none turn'd back.

Morall

Of Specious overtures lett all be ware,
'Twas fair pretences rais'd the western warr.

FAB. LII. The Wanton Calf.

A Calf who ne're the presures felt of yoakes,
Sawcily triumph'd ore a labouring Oxe,
At length with Garlands crown'd the Scorners led,
And by a Priest a sacrifise is made.

Morall

Labour in rustick Swaines dull Life supports,
Longer than all the Luxuries of Courts.

FAB. LIII. The Clown and Cart.

A Clowne whose Cart in a deep quagmire stuck,
For speedy aid did Hercules invoke
Who thus replyd—first your owne strength essay,
Without your Industry in vain you pray.

Morall

Lazy Devotion's not enough to live,
Add Dilligence to prayer and then you'll thrive.

FAB. LIV. The Belly and Members.

The hands, and feet the Belly do upbraid,
And will no more the useless Slugard aid,
Who fainting all the members share its fate,
And now thy'd work, but it is now too late.

Morall

In states all Intrests must each other prop,
Which if they clash will into ruine drop.

FAB. LV. The Horse and Lion.

The Lyon Age'd does now in Ambush ly,
And to secure his prey setts up for Surgery,
The Hors pretends a thorne his foot opprest,
And asking Cure spurnes the deceining beast.

Morall

T'has been a Maxim that the world belives,
That 'tis no sin to cuzen who deceives.

FAB. LVI. The Stork and Geese.

A Clown an Ambush spread for Cranes, & Geese,
Whose Ravage wasted his sowne field of pease:
A Stork surprisd did for his life request,
No quoth yc Clowne thou dy'st for heading wth yc rest

Morall

He that adheres but to a villainie,
(As well as he that acts) deserves to dye.

FAB. LVII. The Cat and Cock.

The Catt does on the Cock with fury fly,
And many reasons urg'd that he must dy,
The Cock denys the fact, in vaine thou pleadst,
Replyd the Catt, for right or wrong thou bleedst.

Morall

So a luxurious power Oft makes its will,
The only cause of an oppression still.

FAB. LVIII. The Leopard and Fox.

The Leopard, for the splender of his hide,
Boasts himself Lord of Beasts, the Fox replyd
Tho thou the fairest art of all beast kind,
Other excell in beauties of the mind.

Morall

Not the gay spark that in guilt Coach does roule
Can forme the Hero, but the nobler soule.

FAB. LIX. The Shepherd's Boy.

A wanton rurall boy with false alarms,
Oft frights the shepherds with approaching harmes
But when indeed ye Wolf surpris'd a Lambe
Deceiv'd before, none to his rescue came.

Morall

Deceitfull tongues no creditt can infuse,
An tho' even truths they tell, they pass for lyes.

FAB. LX. The Goat in the Well.

The Goat implores the Fox (since he was freed
From the deep well) to help his friend wth speed,
But he replyd, ah foole did thy will bear
Proportion with thy beard, thoudst ne're been there.

Morall

Try friends before you of their kindnes boast,
Least they decline you when you need 'em most.

FAB. LXI. Cupid and Death.

Cupid and Death by dire mistake chang'd Darts,
Death shot young flames into the Aged hearts,
From Cupids Bow deaths fatall arow flyes
And when the youth shoud only languish dyes.

Morall

Tis death to youth by age to be imbrac'd,
And winters Snow woud Junes gay Roses blast.

FAB. LXII. The Old Man and his Sons.

The Father does a heap of Osiers take,
And bids his jarring sons the boundle break,
They strive in vaine, at last the Rods devide,
And then they broke with ease—the Sire reply'd

Morall

Lo thus my sones by concord things obtaine
New vigour, which by discord break in twaine.

FAB. LXIII. The Old Deer and Fawn.

Says the young Fawne my father why de ye dread,
The Hownds sinc nature so well armes your head
When he replyd, my Child when Dogs I hear,
My hornes can not secure my heart from feare.

Morall

Cowards by nature, by no magic Art,
Can be incourag'd with a Heros heart.

FAB. LXIV. The Old Hound.

The Hownd grown old no more persues ye game,
But bends beneath the Huntman's weighty Cane,
And being opprest, does thus his cace bemone,
O spare my age for what in youth I've done.

Morall

Old servants when their labour's past are scorn'd,
And out of favour and of Service turn'd.

FAB. LXV. Jupiter and the Camels.

For horns the Camell Iupiter implord,
With which so many beasts so well were stord,
The God inrag'd reply'd, thy forehead beares
Hence forth no horns, and what is worse no cares.

Morall

With what kind heaven bestowes be thou at rest,
For that knows where to place its bounty best.

FAB. LXVI. The Tailess Fox.

The Fox (who lost her Tayle) perswades the rest,
To bob their traines, as most commod, and best,
When one replyd—we more discreet disdaine
To buy conveniences with publict shame.

Morall

He that grave Councell for your good pretends,
Fifty to one, promotes his private ends.

FAB. LXVII. The Fox and Crow.

The Crow with laden beak the tree retires,
The Fox to gett her prey her forme admires,
While she to show her gratitude not small,
Offering to give her thanks, her prize lets fall.

Morall

Shun faithless flatterors, Harlots jilting tears.
They are fooles hopes, and youhs deceitfull snares.

FAB. LXVIII. Of the Dove and Hawk.

A Sparohawk being taken in a traine,
For life did thus implore the seizing swain,
Those that devour thy Corne I make my food,
The Lad replyd thourt worse that lives by blood.

Morall

Many pretend in Warr their King to aid
When they in blood for private intrest trade

FAB. LXIX. The Nurse and Wolf.

A Nurse, to make her Bantling cease to cry
Told it, the Wolf shoud eat it instantly,
This heard the Wolf and for his prey he waits,
But the Child slept, and all his hopes defeats.

Morall

Trust not a womans vows, her fickle mind
Is far less constant than the seas, and wind.

FAB. LXX. The Tortoise and Hare.

The Hare, and Tortois being to run a Race,
The Hare first slept, depending on his Pace
The Tortois still krept on, with motion Slow,
And won the Victory from her swift heeld foe.

Morall

Mean parts by Industry have luckyer hitts,
Than all the fancy'd power of lazyer witts.

FAB. LXXI. The Young Man and his Cat.

A Youth in Love with Puss, to Venus prayd
To change the useless Beauty to a maid,
Venus consents, but in the height of Charmes
A Mouse she cry'd, and leaves his ravisht armes.

Morall

Ill principles no mercy can reclaime,
And once a Rebell still will be the same.

FAB. LXXII. The Ass in a Lion's Skin.

The Ass puts on the Lyons feirce disguise,
And does the heard with awfull feare surprise,
But when the master came, the asses eares
Betray'd the Cheat, and rid them of their fears.

Morall

A hott braind Statesman once sett up for wise,
But knave, and foole was plaine thro the disguise.

FAB. LXXIII. The Birth of the Mountains.

The Mountaine grones and some prodigious birth
The wondering Crowd expect her to bring forth,
A second Alps at least, her time being come,
A litle Mouse starts from her teeming Wombe.

Morall

Our most aspiring hopes abortive are,
And fall like Towers whose Bases are the air.

FAB. LXXIV. The Satyre and Clown.

The Satyr sees the Clowne whom Cold asailes
To heat his hands, by breathing on his nailes,
Finding him blow his broath, the cause demands,
Cryd he, that cooles my broath that warmes my hands.

Morall

The Sycophant with the same breath can praise
Each faction and whats upermost obeys.

FAB. LXXV. The Young Kite and his Mother.

The sick Kite begs his mother to apply,
Her self to Heaven for some kind remedy,
But she reply'd in health you Heaven blasphemd,
And can not hope (in pain) to be redeemd.

Morall

He that tho late woud to the Gods repair,
Must seeke their blest abodes with early prayr.

FAB. LXXVI. The Nightingale and Hawk.

The eager Hawk surprisd the Nightingall,
Who with soft notes her foe did thus assaile,
Ah lett me go, I'm nought but song, cryd she
There is a Bird just by worth two of me.

Morall

Tho ne're so small loose not an intrest gain'd
Which industry or meritt has obtain'd

FAB. LXXVII. The Peacock and Nightingale.

The Peacock to the wife of Jove complaines,
The Nightingall out charm'd her in her straines,
Juno reply'd—tho' she in voice excell,
She cannot thy bright beauties parallell.

Morall

Envy not others good since Providence,
Guifts fitted to each genious does dispence.

FAB. LXXVIII. The Angler and Little Fish.

The little fish implores he may be throwne
Back to the stream till he were bigger growne,
And then he'd come to's angle, no quoth he
While thou art here small friend I'm shure of thee.

Morall

Let no false flatterers have it in their power
To make thee quite what gone is thine no more

FAB. LXXIX. The Geese in the Corn.

The Geese, and Cranes a field of Corn do wast
And being surpris'd th Cranes wth nimble hast
Out fly revenge, the Geese whome bulk and weight
Made slow of flight, for all must expiate.

Morall

In livel broyles the Indigent are freed,
And he thats rich most likly is to bleed.

FAB. LXXX. The Dog and Piece of Flesh.

The Dog who with his prey the River swam
Saw his owne laden Image in the streame,
The wishing Curr growne covetous of all,
To catch the Shadow letts the Substance fall.

Morall

So fancy'd Crownes led the young warriour on,
Till loosing all he found himselfe undone.

FAB. LXXXI. The Ass and little Dog.

With a fine Dog his Masters care and joy,
The Ass with anguish oft had seen him play,
With the same grace he thinks he may carress,
And with an awkward onsett makes adress.

Morall

The worne out Beauty for eighteē woud pass,
And nautiously acts youth with fullsome grace.

FAB. LXXXII. The Wolf and Crane.

In vaine the tortourd Wolf to all complaine,
Till meeting with the Crane in hope of gaine,
She gives him ease, when asking to be paid
Fond foole cryd he go thank me for thy head.

Morall

Well meaning love is often paid with heat,
And a good natures lost on an ingrate.

FAB. LXXXIII. The Covetous and Envious Man.

The Miser heard what ere his friend did crave,
From Iove a doble portion he shoud have,
There stood mute—the envious man replyes,
Iove I'll spare one so he may loos both eyes.

Morall

The sin of Envy nought can equalize
But the ungenerous sensless Misers vice.

FAB. LXXXIV. The two Pots.

Two Potts (of Earth and Brass) at distance swim,
The first of lighter burden cuts the stream.
The Brass intreats her stay, but she replyd
No, thines too rough to touch my tender side.

Morall

Mix not with those whose wealth for thines too great,
To keepe an equal pace with them thou't break.

FAB. LXXXV. The Fox and Stork.

The Crane in pure revenge the Fox invites
To dinner, and dispos'd her delicates
In a glass violl, which her beak alone
Coud reach, the Fox asham'd went empty home.

Morall

Fraud is by fraud but justly paid againe,
And to deceive the Cusener is no shame.

FAB. LXXXVI. The Bear and Bee-hives.

A Bee's keene sting a Bear did so inrage,
That with the Hives a war he does ingage,
The numbers joyne, and on the foe do fall,
Who grieves, his private fewd prov'd nation all.

Morall

So petty tumults by the Rout persu'd
Have often mighty common wealths subdu'd.

FAB. LXXXVII. The Bear and two Travellers.

A Bear approcht two Travellers one fled
To a safe tree, th'other lay still as dead,
The Bear but smelling to his face retird
The friend descends and laughing thus inquird.

Morall

What was't he whisperd in his eare quoth he
He bad me shun a treacherous friend like thee.

FAB. LXXXVIII. The Captive Trumpeter.

A Trumpiter implores for life, and said
His harmless sounds alass no victims made,
But you designd, cryd they, for greater ill
Who men each other do excite to kill.

Morall

Those that by secrett ways do ills contract
Will be as guilty found, as those that act.

FAB. LXXXIX. The Fighting Cocks and Partridge.

The Partridge grieus the Cock shoud use her ill,
But when she sound they did each other kill,
She sighing cryd, no wonder me th'annoy
Who do maliciously themselves destroy.

Morall

Mallice in men breeds to themselves more wo
Than their ill nature can in others do

FAB. XC. The Fowler and Partridge.

The Partridge caught for life the man woud bribe
By whedeling to his Netts her heedless tribe,
No thou deserv'st, said he, a Double Doom
Who woudst betray thy friends to martyrdom.

Morall

Traytors who men impeach a life to gaine,
If they be honest as against the graine.

FAB. XCI. The Eagle and Crow.

The Crow who saw an Eagle seize a Lamb,
Thinks with like force to beare away a Ram,
The Shepherd takes him captive, prunes his wings,
And him in scorn t'insulting Children flings

Morall

Ambition shoud to mighty parts be borne,
Least wanting sence it fall the vulgar scorne.

FAB. XCII. The Lion, Ass, and Fox.

The Ass claimes part o'th' prey, for wch shees killd,
But the wise Fox does his proportion yield,
The Lyon asks the Reason—He replyes
The Asses fate has taught me to be wise.

Morall

That prudent man is circumspect alone
Who by an others fall declines his owne.

FAB. XCIII. The Fox and Grapes.

The Fox who longd for grapes, beholds wth paine
The tempting Clusters were too high to gaine,
Grieu'd in his heart he forc'd a careles smile,
And cryd, they'r sharpe, & hardly worth my toyle.

Morall

Young Debauchees to Beauty thus ingrate,
That vertue blast, they can not violate.

FAB. XCIV. The Horse and Hart.

The Horse unable to out-race the Hart,
Implores the aid of man to take his part,
Then won the prize, but hence his fate began
For ever since he'as been inslavd by man.

Morall

He who by th'Rables power a Crowne does weare
May be a King, but is a Slave to feare.

FAB. XCV. The Young Man and Swallow.

The spend thrift seeing the swallow yet to fly,
Sells all his cloaths, and dreames not winters nigh,
Deceivd, the killing frost he does behold,
And with the flattering bird even dyes with cold.

Morall

Each little hope cajoles the prodigall,
And fancying miracles he looses all.

FAB. XCVI. The Man and his Goose.

The man whose Goose vends dayly golden ore,
Belives her paunch containes a wonderous store,
So kills her but alas his vaine desire,
And greedy hopes doe with his Goose expire.

Morall

He that too soone vast Riches woud attaine,
Oft massing of the mark comes off with shame.

FAB. XCVII. The Wolf and Dog.

A Dog who boasts of luxury, and ease
Was by the Wolf demanded, what bald crease
Was that about his Neck, replyd the Dog
To civilize me Sr. I wear a Clog.

Morall

Reply'd the Wolf, in Woods I'd rather range,
Then my rouh freedom for Court slavery change.

FAB. XCVIII. The Wood and Clown.

The Clowne implord the tree, that he woud spare
A but of Wood, his Hatchett to repair.
The tree Consent, but the false Clowne betryd
The generous Stock, and all in ruins layd.

Morall

Ungratfull People thus on Princes fall,
And given some liberties rebell for all.

FAB. XCIX. The Old Lion.

The Lyon sick the beasts do all agree,
To take revenges for past injury,
He beares with royal patience, till he feeles
The dull Ass spurne him with his sawcy heeles.

Morall

Then dying cryd, let the proud great be warn'd,
For when they'r falne by kneaves, and fooles they'r scornd

FAB. C. The Horse and Loaded Ass.

The laden Ass implord the Horse woud bear,
Of her unconsionable load a share,
Which he disdaining, the poore Ass falls dead,
Then on the scorners back they place the load.

Morall

They who do men condemn whom griefs oppress,
Will in like circumstance find like Success.

FAB. CI. The Old Man and Death.

An aged man whose shoulders bowd beneath
Almighty load, in anguish wisht for death,
Death straight aprocht, and asking his command,
Cryd—only Sr to lend your helping hand.

Morall

Tho wrackt with various paines yet life does please
Much more then death, which all our pressures ease.

FAB. CII. The Boar and Ass.

While the dull Ass the sturdy Boar derides,
The Boar whom moderation wisely guides
Replyd—Iest on thou dull insipid thing,
Fooles cannot move, their railiery wants sting.

Morall

Be not concernd when Coxcombs mitty grow
Least others think their pert aspersions true.

FAB. CIII. The Dolphin and Tunis.

The Tunis to escape the Dolphins Shock.
Flying for safty to a fatall Rock,
There lay unsnar'd, as was her foe beneath,
Who to behold him perish, welcomes death.

Morall

The injurd innocent is pleas'd to see
His treacherous friend opprest as well as he.

FAB. CIV. The Peacock and Pie.

The Birds woud chuse a King, the Peacocks claime
By all confirm'd, they chuse him soveraign,
But the wise Pye reprocht his forward pride,
And to the listening Sennat thus reply'd.

Morall

Elective Monarchs shoud not be indu'd
With a gay form alone, but fortitude.

FAB. CV. The Forrester and Lion.

The Image of a man the Lyon spy'd,
Conquering the Royall Beast, when he reply'd,
Coud we but paint, youd find less victorys won
O're us by men than we o're feebler man.

Morall

So Bullys boast when they pretend to've done
Acts which they never durst adventur on.

FAB. CVI. The Stag looking into the Water.

The stag admires the beauty of his hornes
But the ill graces of his legs he scornes,
The Dogs aproach, and with those legs he'ad fled
Had he not been intangled by the head.

Morall

That which we vallue most may help us least
And often me despise what serves us best.

FAB. CVII. The Stag in the Ox-stall.

A Stag whom Hounds pursu'd to an Oxstall flyes,
Where straw secures him from dull heards mens eyes,
But when the Master came, he was betrayd,
And the poore weeping prize his victim made.

Morall

Our ruin oft does from those acts begin
Our fears at first contriv'd to shield us in.

FAB. CVIII. The Dove and Pismire.

A Pismire once sav'd by a gentle Dove,
Who seing her like to be insnar'd, she strove
With her keen sting the Fowlers heele to frett,
The Dove perceiv'd it and avoyds the nett.

Morall

Behold unthinking man the pious Ant
Can teach you gratitude, and industry in want.

FAB. CIX. The Lion in Love.

A Maid who by a Lyon was adord
Consents to love, but first she him implord
To quitt his nailes, and teeth, the Monarch yields
Which done, with ease she her fond Lover kills.

Morall

Almighty Love asailes with powerfull charmes,
And both our Prudence, and our strength disarmes.

FAB. CX. The Tortoise and Eagle.

The Tortoise begs the Eagle her to beare,
To search for Iewells in a Rock oth' Ayr,
But having ransackt all the distant skyes,
He finds the cheat, and makes his load the prize.

Morall

Promise not princes what you never meant,
Least death be worse deceiv'd be the event.