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 |  |
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BOOK III.
FABLE I. The Old Wife, and the Devil.
False Excuses, aggravate a Crime.
Men, by their Folly, brought to Grief or Shame,
Still on the guiltless Devil lay the Blame;
And that they may their faulty selves excuse,
No conscience make how they Old-Nick abuse.
This he observ'd, and (vex'd to be bely'd)
All proper Means for his Purgation try'd:
And soon a fair Occasion did present,
That justify'd him to his Heart's Content.
Still on the guiltless Devil lay the Blame;
And that they may their faulty selves excuse,
No conscience make how they Old-Nick abuse.
This he observ'd, and (vex'd to be bely'd)
All proper Means for his Purgation try'd:
And soon a fair Occasion did present,
That justify'd him to his Heart's Content.
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As he, one Morn, an early Ramble took,
He saw a Plum-tree, hanging o'er a Brook,
Laden with Fruit, that seem'd delicious Meat,
And might have tempted Eve again to eat.
Close at the Foot an Aged Beldam stood,
Whose toothless Gums requir'd such easie Food;
And, eager as a Longing Wife to taste,
She clim'd the Tree with an incautious Haste.
The knowing Spirit, who foresaw her Fall,
To clear himself, did Evidences call:
Observe the Hoidon how she climbs, said he,
Not instigated to the Fact by me;
Yet when she falls, (for soon she will be down,
And break her Bones, or in the Water drown)
The Blame will wholly at my Door be laid;
None will her Folly, all my Guilt, upbraid.
This said, she fell, and broke her Collar-bone,
And rais'd the Neighbours with her hideous Moan:
Who thus alarm'd, and flocking to her Aid,
Ask'd, why she had that idle Gambol play'd.
Alas! said she, 'twas not my Fault at all,
'Twas the foul Fiend that made me climb, and fall.
Satan, (that, undiscern'd, stood by, and heard
Himself accus'd) assoon as nam'd, appear'd;
And cry'd, 'Tis false, I did not you deceive,
'Twas the old Liqu'rice Lust of Grandam Eve:
Here are my Proofs; for, tho' bely'd by you,
These honest Men will give the Dev'l his Due.
He saw a Plum-tree, hanging o'er a Brook,
Laden with Fruit, that seem'd delicious Meat,
And might have tempted Eve again to eat.
Close at the Foot an Aged Beldam stood,
Whose toothless Gums requir'd such easie Food;
And, eager as a Longing Wife to taste,
She clim'd the Tree with an incautious Haste.
The knowing Spirit, who foresaw her Fall,
To clear himself, did Evidences call:
Observe the Hoidon how she climbs, said he,
Not instigated to the Fact by me;
Yet when she falls, (for soon she will be down,
And break her Bones, or in the Water drown)
The Blame will wholly at my Door be laid;
None will her Folly, all my Guilt, upbraid.
This said, she fell, and broke her Collar-bone,
And rais'd the Neighbours with her hideous Moan:
Who thus alarm'd, and flocking to her Aid,
Ask'd, why she had that idle Gambol play'd.
Alas! said she, 'twas not my Fault at all,
'Twas the foul Fiend that made me climb, and fall.
Satan, (that, undiscern'd, stood by, and heard
Himself accus'd) assoon as nam'd, appear'd;
And cry'd, 'Tis false, I did not you deceive,
'Twas the old Liqu'rice Lust of Grandam Eve:
Here are my Proofs; for, tho' bely'd by you,
These honest Men will give the Dev'l his Due.
The MORAL.
‘Men, who premeditated Sins commit,‘With false Excuses wou'd themselves acquit:
‘But conscious Heav'n, that knows the trifling Sham,
‘Without Repentance, will the Actors Damn.
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‘Endeavour'd to conceal their Nakedness:
‘Deluded Adam, of his Crime asham'd,
‘Accus'd the Woman; she the Serpent blam'd:
‘Tho' she, when once enveigl'd to consent,
‘Did his Attempts upon the Man prevent.
‘Nor did the vain Pretence their Guilt excuse,
‘They lost the Trust their Folly did abuse.
‘Prevaricating Sinners miss their Drift,
‘And double the Offence they mean to shift.
FABLE II. The Wooden-God.
Foul Means must do what Fair Means can't.
A man of good Devotion, ill address'd,
A Wooden-Idol for his God caress'd;
Ador'd the Senseless Stock, and daily Pray'd
The Deaf to Hear, the Helpless to give Aid:
But still, the more he Supplications made,
The more his whole Affairs went retrograde.
Incens'd, he shou'd in vain so often call,
He dash'd the sacred Block against a Wall;
There broke his stupid Logger-head, and found
A shining Treasure issue from the Wound:
Which gath'ring up, Perverse and False, he cry'd,
That, while I honour'd you, your Help deny'd!
But since, as you deserv'd, you fell, my Rage,
Hath made my future Days a Golden Age.
A Wooden-Idol for his God caress'd;
Ador'd the Senseless Stock, and daily Pray'd
The Deaf to Hear, the Helpless to give Aid:
But still, the more he Supplications made,
The more his whole Affairs went retrograde.
Incens'd, he shou'd in vain so often call,
He dash'd the sacred Block against a Wall;
There broke his stupid Logger-head, and found
A shining Treasure issue from the Wound:
Which gath'ring up, Perverse and False, he cry'd,
That, while I honour'd you, your Help deny'd!
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Hath made my future Days a Golden Age.
The MORAL.
‘Untoward Wretches, like this stubborn Wood,‘Are never, but by strong Compulsion, good:
‘When soothing Words, and soft Entreaties, fail;
‘Harsh Language, and rough Usage, must prevail:
‘Their resty Souls thus to Compliance bring;
‘Like Birds, that can, and will not, make them sing.
FABLE III. The Petitioners.
Envy, its own Tormenter.
Two Men, unlike in Mind, and Body too,
With vile Intentions, at Jove's Altar sue:
One, of large Bulk, whose more extended Mind
(Within no reasonable Bounds confin'd)
Did on the sordid Wretch, for Gain, prevail
To set his mercenary Life to Sale.
The other, Meagre-look'd, and Narrow-soul'd,
Who did all Pleasure with Regret behold;
And with the gnawing Pain uneasie grown,
Malign'd his Neighbour's Blessings, and his own.
With vile Intentions, at Jove's Altar sue:
One, of large Bulk, whose more extended Mind
(Within no reasonable Bounds confin'd)
Did on the sordid Wretch, for Gain, prevail
To set his mercenary Life to Sale.
The other, Meagre-look'd, and Narrow-soul'd,
Who did all Pleasure with Regret behold;
And with the gnawing Pain uneasie grown,
Malign'd his Neighbour's Blessings, and his own.
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Jove (to avoid their execrable Pray'r)
Referr'd the Vot'ries to Apollo's Care:
Who let them know, That what they each did want,
He wou'd, with this Proviso, freely grant;
That whatsoever Boon the one did crave,
The other shou'd in double Measure have.
Referr'd the Vot'ries to Apollo's Care:
Who let them know, That what they each did want,
He wou'd, with this Proviso, freely grant;
That whatsoever Boon the one did crave,
The other shou'd in double Measure have.
The greedy Worldling long demurr'd, to find
Demands conform'd to his insatiate Mind;
At last, a most prodigious Sum did name,
Obtain'd it, and his Fellow twice the same.
But he, whose peevish, fretful Soul repin'd,
That Heav'n had to his Neighbour been so kind;
To do the envy'd Wretch a double Spight,
Desir'd one Eye might be depriv'd of Sight.
The God (engag'd, what he desir'd, to do)
Put out his one Eye, and his Fellows two:
And he with Joy perceiv'd its Opticks gone,
Since he with t'other saw his Mate had none.
Demands conform'd to his insatiate Mind;
At last, a most prodigious Sum did name,
Obtain'd it, and his Fellow twice the same.
But he, whose peevish, fretful Soul repin'd,
That Heav'n had to his Neighbour been so kind;
To do the envy'd Wretch a double Spight,
Desir'd one Eye might be depriv'd of Sight.
The God (engag'd, what he desir'd, to do)
Put out his one Eye, and his Fellows two:
And he with Joy perceiv'd its Opticks gone,
Since he with t'other saw his Mate had none.
The MORAL.
‘The avaricious Wretch, who Wealth admires,‘And grasps the Globe, in his immense Desires;
‘Tempted by Love of Gain, becomes unjust,
‘Do's Men defraud, and Providence distrust.
‘But Envy, grieving at its Neighbour's Joy,
‘Lessens its own, that it may theirs destroy.
‘So the Old Serpent, grated at the Bliss
‘Our happy Parents found in Paradise,
‘To drive them from that Station to a worse,
‘Became a Sharer in the Fatal Curse.
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FABLE IV. The Priest and his Dog.
Money makes the Mare to go.
A priest, possess'd of a fat Benefice,
And Wealthier (as oft' it proves) than Wise;
By Death was, of a fav'rite Dog, depriv'd,
That was his whole Diversion while he liv'd;
And, to express his Love to the Deceas'd,
In Consecrated Ground interr'd the Beast.
His Bishop (fond of Gain) was soon inform'd
Of the Offence, and out of measure storm'd:
(Not with Concern for the Church-yard's Abuse,
But of that Crime to make as ill an Use;)
And, more to purge his Pocket than his Soul,
Enjoin'd him Penance for a Sin so foul.
The Priest, who guess'd what his good Lordship meant,
And cast about how he might Shame prevent,
Took in his Purse a tempting Sum of Gold,
And, back'd with that, his humble Story told:
My Fault, My Lord, seems very great, I own;
But not without prevailing Reason done:
Had but your Lordship known my Ranger's Parts,
His pretty and insinuating Arts,
You wou'd suspend your Censure on his score,
And rather wonder I have done no more:
Nor think his Fun'ral-Rites shou'd be deny'd,
Whose Zeal enrich'd the Corban when he dy'd;
For while he liv'd he had some Treasure stor'd,
And at his Death distributed the Hoard:
To you, My Lord, for many Favours past,
Which he, poor Curr, acknowledg'd to the last,
The grateful Creature, with his dying Breath,
Did, in Return, this Legacy bequeath.
This spoke, with Rev'rence to his Lordship made,
He to his ready Hand the Purse convey'd.
The greedy Prelate, ravish'd with the Gold,
Much the Dog's Thrift, but more his Love, extoll'd;
And own'd, That he who that Oblation sent,
Deserv'd within the Church a Monument.
And Wealthier (as oft' it proves) than Wise;
By Death was, of a fav'rite Dog, depriv'd,
That was his whole Diversion while he liv'd;
And, to express his Love to the Deceas'd,
In Consecrated Ground interr'd the Beast.
His Bishop (fond of Gain) was soon inform'd
Of the Offence, and out of measure storm'd:
(Not with Concern for the Church-yard's Abuse,
But of that Crime to make as ill an Use;)
And, more to purge his Pocket than his Soul,
Enjoin'd him Penance for a Sin so foul.
The Priest, who guess'd what his good Lordship meant,
And cast about how he might Shame prevent,
Took in his Purse a tempting Sum of Gold,
And, back'd with that, his humble Story told:
My Fault, My Lord, seems very great, I own;
But not without prevailing Reason done:
Had but your Lordship known my Ranger's Parts,
His pretty and insinuating Arts,
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And rather wonder I have done no more:
Nor think his Fun'ral-Rites shou'd be deny'd,
Whose Zeal enrich'd the Corban when he dy'd;
For while he liv'd he had some Treasure stor'd,
And at his Death distributed the Hoard:
To you, My Lord, for many Favours past,
Which he, poor Curr, acknowledg'd to the last,
The grateful Creature, with his dying Breath,
Did, in Return, this Legacy bequeath.
This spoke, with Rev'rence to his Lordship made,
He to his ready Hand the Purse convey'd.
The greedy Prelate, ravish'd with the Gold,
Much the Dog's Thrift, but more his Love, extoll'd;
And own'd, That he who that Oblation sent,
Deserv'd within the Church a Monument.
The MORAL.
‘So little Care of Sacred Things they take,‘Who only serve the Lord for Mammon's sake:
‘When Lucre draws them in to watch the Fold,
‘The Flock is purchas'd, and the Fleece is sold.
‘They make, by their detested Simonies,
‘The House of God, a House of Merchandize:
‘For impious Ends exert their sacred Pow'r,
‘And, what they were advanc'd to feed, devour.
‘Thus Eli's Sons made Sacrifice abhorr'd;
‘And Judas, tempted thus, deny'd his Lord:
‘In whose foul Steps too many since have trod,
‘Made Av'rice their Religion, Gold their God.
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FABLE V. The Two Pots.
The Weakest goes to the Wall.
Two Pots
, of diff'rent Size and Matter made,
Were swiftly down a rolling Stream convey'd:
The larger Vessel, form'd of solid Brass,
Did boldly o'er the rapid Water pass:
While that, whose Substance was but brittle Clay,
Wou'd, for his Safety, give the Stronger Way.
Him the Brass-Pot invited to draw near,
And said, His Frailty need not cause his Fear;
For he, with just Precaution, wou'd prevent
The Danger of their justling as they went.
Were swiftly down a rolling Stream convey'd:
The larger Vessel, form'd of solid Brass,
Did boldly o'er the rapid Water pass:
While that, whose Substance was but brittle Clay,
Wou'd, for his Safety, give the Stronger Way.
Him the Brass-Pot invited to draw near,
And said, His Frailty need not cause his Fear;
For he, with just Precaution, wou'd prevent
The Danger of their justling as they went.
The Earthen-Pot, that knew his weaker Frame,
Excus'd himself, that he no nearer came;
And said, My Friend, if the impetuous Tide
Shou'd dash my Clay against your Brazen Side;
By the hard Fate of that unequal Stroke,
While you are whole, I shall be surely broke.
Excus'd himself, that he no nearer came;
And said, My Friend, if the impetuous Tide
Shou'd dash my Clay against your Brazen Side;
By the hard Fate of that unequal Stroke,
While you are whole, I shall be surely broke.
The MORAL.
‘Men safest still in Equal Friendship live,‘Where they can do no Harm, and none receive:
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‘With ev'ry Touch, the brittle Vessels break;
‘While they, Abus'd and Injur'd by the Strong,
‘Must, without Remedy, sustain the Wrong:
‘A just Resentment vainly they express,
‘And perish, by attempting a Redress:
‘For, like weak Ships, that bulge against a Rock,
‘They dash themselves to Pieces in the Shock.
FABLE VI. The Bald Knight.
Preventive Raillery.
Long since, e're Vice was Epidemick grown,
And Chaste Mankind grew Bald with Age alone;
When Wigs were us'd, not for the modern End,
To hide Mens Failings, but their Heads defend:
A Knight, whose Crown devouring Time, and Care,
Had spoil'd of all its ornamental Hair;
With borrow'd Locks the pressing Want supply'd,
And gain'd, from Art, what Nature had deny'd.
And Chaste Mankind grew Bald with Age alone;
When Wigs were us'd, not for the modern End,
To hide Mens Failings, but their Heads defend:
A Knight, whose Crown devouring Time, and Care,
Had spoil'd of all its ornamental Hair;
With borrow'd Locks the pressing Want supply'd,
And gain'd, from Art, what Nature had deny'd.
But as he walk'd the Street, a ruffling Wind,
Rude to his Person, to his Age unkind;
The loose False-Head into the Gutter blew,
And left his naked Pate expos'd to View.
Rude to his Person, to his Age unkind;
The loose False-Head into the Gutter blew,
And left his naked Pate expos'd to View.
The Knight, too Wise to be disturb'd, express'd
But light Concern, and pass'd it with a Jest:
Well may another's Hair, said he, be gone,
Since I cou'd find no means to keep my own.
But light Concern, and pass'd it with a Jest:
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Since I cou'd find no means to keep my own.
The MORAL.
‘Wise-Men, expos'd by any Accident,‘The Publick Censure, by their Own, prevent:
‘For Malice, that in others Grief is pleas'd,
‘Is tickl'd most, when most they seem diseas'd:
‘But he that at his own Disasters smiles,
‘Forestalls the Market, and the Mob beguiles.
‘So a Gall'd-Horse, that kicks and flings about,
‘Makes special Pastime for the fleering Rout;
‘But when he stands, and quietly is dress'd,
‘Sends the Fools blank away, and bilks the Jest.
FABLE VII. Mercury and the Carpenter.
Honesty the best Policy.
As on a Chrystal River's shady Side,
By Mercury belov'd and dignify'd,
A busie Carpenter was hewing Wood,
His trusty Hatchet dropt into the Flood.
The Wretch, who for his Bread cou'd work no more,
Griev'd at his Loss, sate weeping on the Shore:
To him the God, with Pity mov'd, appears,
And kindly asks the Reason of his Tears.
The Man had scarce his Cause of Sorrow told,
When Maia's Son produc'd an Ax of Gold,
Demanding, If for Loss of That he cry'd?
But he, Just Soul! the Property deny'd.
The God did next a Silver Ax present,
And still the Man refus'd the Compliment:
But when his own Steel-Hatchet came in view,
That, at first sight, the joyful Owner knew;
And (better pleas'd with that, than both the rest)
Cry'd, This is mine, Sir; This will fit me best.
By Mercury belov'd and dignify'd,
A busie Carpenter was hewing Wood,
His trusty Hatchet dropt into the Flood.
The Wretch, who for his Bread cou'd work no more,
Griev'd at his Loss, sate weeping on the Shore:
203
And kindly asks the Reason of his Tears.
The Man had scarce his Cause of Sorrow told,
When Maia's Son produc'd an Ax of Gold,
Demanding, If for Loss of That he cry'd?
But he, Just Soul! the Property deny'd.
The God did next a Silver Ax present,
And still the Man refus'd the Compliment:
But when his own Steel-Hatchet came in view,
That, at first sight, the joyful Owner knew;
And (better pleas'd with that, than both the rest)
Cry'd, This is mine, Sir; This will fit me best.
The God admir'd such Honesty to see,
And, to reward it, gave him all the Three.
The happy Man cou'd not his Joy conceal,
But told his Fellows the surprizing Tale:
One of the Gang, resolv'd his Luck to try,
(Tho' not with such intended Honesty)
In the same Place let his old Hatchet fall,
And, with feign'd Sorrow, on the God did call.
The ready Pow'r appear'd as soon as sought,
And in his Hand a Golden-Hatchet brought.
Soon the Impostor, tempted with the Sight,
Own'd the rich Tool, and claim'd it as his Right.
The angry God, who knew his false Pretence,
And hated such deceitful Impudence;
Nor gave him that, nor did his own restore,
But left him, for his Falshood, justly Poor.
And, to reward it, gave him all the Three.
The happy Man cou'd not his Joy conceal,
But told his Fellows the surprizing Tale:
One of the Gang, resolv'd his Luck to try,
(Tho' not with such intended Honesty)
In the same Place let his old Hatchet fall,
And, with feign'd Sorrow, on the God did call.
The ready Pow'r appear'd as soon as sought,
And in his Hand a Golden-Hatchet brought.
Soon the Impostor, tempted with the Sight,
Own'd the rich Tool, and claim'd it as his Right.
The angry God, who knew his false Pretence,
And hated such deceitful Impudence;
Nor gave him that, nor did his own restore,
But left him, for his Falshood, justly Poor.
The MORAL.
‘Thus Heav'n, that do's the Good and Just relieve,‘Frustrates their Hopes, who by Deceit wou'd thrive:
‘God, in strict Justice, lets such Fools alone,
‘Who slight His Measures, and pursue their own:
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‘To want his Blessing, is sufficient Curse:
‘But where he finds a just and honest Mind,
‘That no Acquests by gainful Fraud design'd;
‘The more its Virtue ill-got Wealth denies,
‘The more his lib'ral Hand its Want supplies.
FABLE VIII. The Horse-Buyer.
Knaves well Met.
A
Bully, for a Horse in mighty Strait,
Resolv'd to purchase one at any Rate:
Away the Spark to Smithfield-Market packs,
Where soon the Jockies ask him what he lacks:
One brought a well-turn'd Nag, that pleas'd his Eyes,
And Twenty Guinea's was the Selling Price:
He found the Beast too dear by Half a Score,
Yet cast to get him, and to pay no more:
Without much Chaff'ring therefore he agreed
To give the Sum demanded for the Steed;
Then paid half Rhino, and the Seller press'd
To let him be his Debtor for the rest.
The Jocky, pleas'd his Jade so well was sold.
Consented, but soon Dunn'd him for the Gold.
Friend, said the Chapman, you are fully Paid,
If you consider well the Bargain made;
To be your Debtor, Sir, I did agree,
And so (to keep my Word) I mean to be.
Resolv'd to purchase one at any Rate:
Away the Spark to Smithfield-Market packs,
Where soon the Jockies ask him what he lacks:
One brought a well-turn'd Nag, that pleas'd his Eyes,
And Twenty Guinea's was the Selling Price:
He found the Beast too dear by Half a Score,
Yet cast to get him, and to pay no more:
Without much Chaff'ring therefore he agreed
To give the Sum demanded for the Steed;
Then paid half Rhino, and the Seller press'd
To let him be his Debtor for the rest.
The Jocky, pleas'd his Jade so well was sold.
Consented, but soon Dunn'd him for the Gold.
Friend, said the Chapman, you are fully Paid,
If you consider well the Bargain made;
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And so (to keep my Word) I mean to be.
The MORAL.
‘The sly Impostor thus himself defeats,‘And, while intent on Cheating, meets with Cheats:
‘For they who purchase Goods too dear, on Trust,
‘Design, or are constrain'd, to prove Unjust.
FABLE IX. The Farmer and River.
Smooth Water runs deep.
An honest Farmer, who to Market went,
To sell his Corn, and pay his Landlord's Rent;
Was intercepted in his usual Road,
By the deep Current of a new-ris'n Flood:
Impatient of Delay, the Stream he try'd,
Where the smooth Water with least Noise did glide;
But finding there 'twas deeper than he thought,
A shallower and safer Passage sought;
And where the rougher Torrent most did roar,
Found a stanch Ford, and gain'd the farther Shore:
Then on his Danger this Reflection made;
How soon are Mortals by false Shews betray'd!
I in the silent Stream had sure been lost,
But found least Mischief where it threatned most.
To sell his Corn, and pay his Landlord's Rent;
Was intercepted in his usual Road,
By the deep Current of a new-ris'n Flood:
Impatient of Delay, the Stream he try'd,
Where the smooth Water with least Noise did glide;
But finding there 'twas deeper than he thought,
A shallower and safer Passage sought;
And where the rougher Torrent most did roar,
Found a stanch Ford, and gain'd the farther Shore:
Then on his Danger this Reflection made;
How soon are Mortals by false Shews betray'd!
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But found least Mischief where it threatned most.
The MORAL.
‘Thus noisie Men their harmless Fury spend,‘And threaten greater Ills than they intend:
‘While silent Villains their Intrigues refine,
‘And calmly hide the Mischefs they design.
‘Anger, when vented, is a transient Blast;
‘But, when suppress'd, like cover'd Fire do's last:
‘One Menaces, and means no further Ill;
‘The other's Mute, but plotting Mischief still.
FABLE X. The Stag and Oxen.
Reason betray'd by Fear.
A
Stag, that from pursuing Huntsmen fled,
Took to a Stall where lab'ring Oxen fed;
And begg'd their Favour to conceal him there,
To shun the Danger, and allay his Fear.
They told him, That was no secure Retreat,
For soon the Servant wou'd be there with Meat.
But he reply'd, He there might safely lie,
Wou'd they but kindly promise Secrecy.
The Servant came, and fill'd the empty Rack,
And, without more Enquiry, soon went back.
The Stag, o'erjoy'd, rais'd his dejected Head,
And thought he had no Danger else to dread;
'Till a grave Ox, superiour to the rest
In Age and Counsel, thus his Joy suppress'd:
Boast not too soon, tho' you escap'd with Ease
This careless Mole, who nothing heeds, nor sees;
Trust me, you will, by dear Experience, find
A sharper-sighted Argus yet behind.
He spoke; the Master instantly appear'd,
Who the Neglects of Servants knew, and fear'd;
About the Stall he casts his prying Eyes,
The Store, and Goodness of the Fodder, tryes:
His searching Hands meet there a branching Horn,
Diff'rent from those by his Domesticks worn;
By which, discov'ring his absconded Guest,
He call'd his Servants, seiz'd, and kill'd the Beast.
Took to a Stall where lab'ring Oxen fed;
And begg'd their Favour to conceal him there,
To shun the Danger, and allay his Fear.
They told him, That was no secure Retreat,
For soon the Servant wou'd be there with Meat.
But he reply'd, He there might safely lie,
Wou'd they but kindly promise Secrecy.
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And, without more Enquiry, soon went back.
The Stag, o'erjoy'd, rais'd his dejected Head,
And thought he had no Danger else to dread;
'Till a grave Ox, superiour to the rest
In Age and Counsel, thus his Joy suppress'd:
Boast not too soon, tho' you escap'd with Ease
This careless Mole, who nothing heeds, nor sees;
Trust me, you will, by dear Experience, find
A sharper-sighted Argus yet behind.
He spoke; the Master instantly appear'd,
Who the Neglects of Servants knew, and fear'd;
About the Stall he casts his prying Eyes,
The Store, and Goodness of the Fodder, tryes:
His searching Hands meet there a branching Horn,
Diff'rent from those by his Domesticks worn;
By which, discov'ring his absconded Guest,
He call'd his Servants, seiz'd, and kill'd the Beast.
The MORAL.
‘In Dangers, Safety can be rarely found;‘For Fortune's Hand that gives, repeats, the Wound:
‘And Men distress'd, in Thought's wild Mazes lost,
‘Want Help and Counsel, when they need it most:
‘Then deep Impressions which their Fear has made,
‘Drive them for Shelter where they are betray'd.
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FABLE XI. The Fox and Goat.
Too late to Repent.
By equal Thirst, led to pursue one End,
A Fox and Goat into a Well descend;
Nor was the Means for their Return their Care,
'Till they had guzzl'd all their Guts cou'd bear:
But then the pensive Goat, with knotted Brow,
Shew'd he wou'd fain be gone, but knew not how.
A Fox and Goat into a Well descend;
Nor was the Means for their Return their Care,
'Till they had guzzl'd all their Guts cou'd bear:
But then the pensive Goat, with knotted Brow,
Shew'd he wou'd fain be gone, but knew not how.
Reynard, who saw his rev'rend Friend dismay'd,
Rais'd his sunk Spirits, with this promis'd Aid:
Chear up, my Heart, I have contriv'd a Way,
That we no longer in this Pond shall stay;
Erect your self, while I your Horns bestride,
Make my Escape, and then for your's provide.
The Goat obey'd, and soon the subtle Fox
Leaps out, and his forlorn Deliv'rer mocks.
Rais'd his sunk Spirits, with this promis'd Aid:
Chear up, my Heart, I have contriv'd a Way,
That we no longer in this Pond shall stay;
Erect your self, while I your Horns bestride,
Make my Escape, and then for your's provide.
The Goat obey'd, and soon the subtle Fox
Leaps out, and his forlorn Deliv'rer mocks.
This scurvy Usage made the Goat complain,
And tax his Breach of Faith, but all in vain;
Reynard no Pity for his Grief express'd,
But rally'd him with this Sarcastick Jest:
Were but your Prudence equal to your Beard,
You had your Course by wiser Methods steer'd;
Your Gravity wou'd first the Means have known
How to get up, before you ventur'd down.
And tax his Breach of Faith, but all in vain;
Reynard no Pity for his Grief express'd,
But rally'd him with this Sarcastick Jest:
Were but your Prudence equal to your Beard,
You had your Course by wiser Methods steer'd;
Your Gravity wou'd first the Means have known
How to get up, before you ventur'd down.
The MORAL.
‘Wise Men, on any Enterprize intent,‘Still bear a due Regard to the Event:
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‘There vain Efforts in Shame and Sorrow end.
‘Thus Fools, by rash Endeavours, urge their Fate,
‘And, what they act too soon, repent too late.
FABLE XII. The Sick Ass.
The Mock-Mourners.
An
Ass fell Sick, and the Report grew rife,
That he, poor Creature, was past Hopes of Life:
The Dogs and Wolves, with forward Zeal, pretend
To bid Adieu to their Departing Friend:
But finding, when they went, the Door was barr'd,
They knock'd, and ask'd how their good Neighbour far'd.
To whom his Son, through a small Chink, reply'd,
Much better, Sirs, than you wou'd wish he did.
That he, poor Creature, was past Hopes of Life:
The Dogs and Wolves, with forward Zeal, pretend
To bid Adieu to their Departing Friend:
But finding, when they went, the Door was barr'd,
They knock'd, and ask'd how their good Neighbour far'd.
To whom his Son, through a small Chink, reply'd,
Much better, Sirs, than you wou'd wish he did.
The MORAL.
‘Thus many, with dissembl'd Tears and Breath,‘Seem to lament their Friends approaching Death;
‘Tho' from another Cause they truly grieve,
‘Not that they are to Die, but that they Live.
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‘And keeps th' Estate, he fain wou'd have, too long:
‘Or if the Parent do's his Succour need;
‘From the Incumbrance wishes to be free'd.
‘The Wife supposes, were her Husband dead,
‘She might be happy in another's Bed.
‘The Husband, whom his try'd Enjoyments cloy,
‘In a new Wife expects improving Joy.
‘Thus, for some Object hated, or desir'd,
‘We of our Friends, or they of us, are tir'd.
FABLE XIII. The Crabs.
Look at Home.
An Ebbing Tide had left the naked Strand,
And two large Crabs that crawl'd along the Sand.
The tender Mother, and her hopeful Child,
Thus by their Native Element beguil'd,
Labour'd, the refluous Water to regain,
But their slow Pace made their Endeavour vain.
While long they rambl'd on the Ouzy Shore,
And the young Spark, as nimblest, got before;
The Dam observ'd her Son mov'd retrograde:
And, tho' her self as ill a Figure made,
Condemn'd the Youngster for his aukward Gate,
And bid him, angrily, for shame, go straight.
The Son reply'd, Pray, Madam, lead the Way,
And I will follow whom I must obey.
And two large Crabs that crawl'd along the Sand.
The tender Mother, and her hopeful Child,
Thus by their Native Element beguil'd,
Labour'd, the refluous Water to regain,
But their slow Pace made their Endeavour vain.
While long they rambl'd on the Ouzy Shore,
And the young Spark, as nimblest, got before;
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And, tho' her self as ill a Figure made,
Condemn'd the Youngster for his aukward Gate,
And bid him, angrily, for shame, go straight.
The Son reply'd, Pray, Madam, lead the Way,
And I will follow whom I must obey.
The MORAL.
‘Men with their Neighbours Failings oft' make bold,‘But scarce their own, tho' greater, will behold:
‘They look abroad, with a too curious Eye,
‘But no domestick Turpitudes espy.
‘Let all who are thus critically Nice,
‘Be first assur'd themselves are free from Vice;
‘Lest, while they others Faults too freely blame,
‘As sharp Returns expose their own with Shame.
‘In those, who with their guilty Selves dispense,
‘And Others tax, 'tis shameless Impudence.
‘He only, that has clean'd his House before,
‘Shou'd blame the Dung-hill at his Neighbour's Door.
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FABLE XIV. The Old Man and Death.
Life is Sweet.
A poor Old Wretch, who, to be cloath'd and fed,
By daily Labour earn'd his daily Bread;
Besides the Burthen of decrepit Age,
In bearing Loads of Faggots did engage:
But with the Toil fatigu'd, begg'd Death's Relief,
To end at once his Being, and his Grief.
The ghastly Spectre soon appear'd, to do
The grateful Service he was courted to;
But such a dreadful Visage did betray,
As frighted all Desires of him away.
The trembling Caitiff, at this Sight dismay'd,
And, ev'n when tir'd of Life, of Death afraid,
Did, to excuse his hasty Wish, contrive,
(For he wou'd longer, tho' in Mis'ry live)
In hope to shun the formidable Stroke,
He thus the Executioner bespoke:
Sir, I perceive, since your kind Help I sought,
I have not such Occasion as I thought:
That you shou'd ease my Burden, was my Drift,
But now, to bear it, I can make a shift:
While I am able, I my self will serve,
And for some other Time your Help reserve.
By daily Labour earn'd his daily Bread;
Besides the Burthen of decrepit Age,
In bearing Loads of Faggots did engage:
But with the Toil fatigu'd, begg'd Death's Relief,
To end at once his Being, and his Grief.
The ghastly Spectre soon appear'd, to do
The grateful Service he was courted to;
But such a dreadful Visage did betray,
As frighted all Desires of him away.
The trembling Caitiff, at this Sight dismay'd,
And, ev'n when tir'd of Life, of Death afraid,
Did, to excuse his hasty Wish, contrive,
(For he wou'd longer, tho' in Mis'ry live)
In hope to shun the formidable Stroke,
He thus the Executioner bespoke:
Sir, I perceive, since your kind Help I sought,
I have not such Occasion as I thought:
That you shou'd ease my Burden, was my Drift,
But now, to bear it, I can make a shift:
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And for some other Time your Help reserve.
The MORAL.
‘So fond are Men, ev'n of Uneasie Life,‘They wou'd prolong the wretched Scene of Grief:
‘The Tragick Parts they act, can few engage
‘To quit contentedly the tiresom Stage.
‘If they who spend in Trouble all their Years,
‘And bend beneath a Load of Age, and Cares,
‘Find Life sit heavy, and the Burthen own;
‘Why shou'd they with Reluctance lay it down?
‘Why shou'd they hug what do's their Lives molest,
‘And shun the only Means to give them Rest?
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FABLE XV. The Ass-Teacher.
Wise Procrastination.
A hungry Tyrant, whose oppressive Reign
Did many ways his Subjects Purses drain;
Was of a Wealthy Virtuoso told,
(And that was strange) who wallow'd in his Gold:
Him he resolv'd to squeeze, among the rest:
And, since Sir Gim-crack mighty Feats profess'd,
Enjoin'd him (with design to make him Bleed)
Soundly to Fine, or teach an Ass to Read.
Did many ways his Subjects Purses drain;
Was of a Wealthy Virtuoso told,
(And that was strange) who wallow'd in his Gold:
Him he resolv'd to squeeze, among the rest:
And, since Sir Gim-crack mighty Feats profess'd,
Enjoin'd him (with design to make him Bleed)
Soundly to Fine, or teach an Ass to Read.
The Spark, who knew Refusal was a Crime,
Said, That cou'd only be the Work of Time;
But if his Grace wou'd Twenty Years allow,
To try Experiments what Art cou'd do;
He durst engage, his Pupil, by his Care,
Shou'd Read as well as any Clerk at Bar.
At this Extravagance his Friends grew sad,
And thought the daring Undertaker mad.
But he, to put them all in better Heart,
Bid them Chear up, and not distrust his Art:
For, e're so long a Time cou'd be expir'd,
If he shou'd fail to do the Work requir'd,
'Twas probable the Prince, the Ass, or he
Might be defunct, and then he shou'd be free:
And in the int'rim (let what wou'd ensue)
He sav'd his Credit, and his Money too.
Said, That cou'd only be the Work of Time;
But if his Grace wou'd Twenty Years allow,
To try Experiments what Art cou'd do;
He durst engage, his Pupil, by his Care,
Shou'd Read as well as any Clerk at Bar.
At this Extravagance his Friends grew sad,
And thought the daring Undertaker mad.
But he, to put them all in better Heart,
Bid them Chear up, and not distrust his Art:
For, e're so long a Time cou'd be expir'd,
If he shou'd fail to do the Work requir'd,
'Twas probable the Prince, the Ass, or he
Might be defunct, and then he shou'd be free:
And in the int'rim (let what wou'd ensue)
He sav'd his Credit, and his Money too.
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The MORAL.
‘Delay, tho' Dangerous in other Things,‘In Difficulties kind Assistance brings:
‘And, when Men cannot shun impending Fate,
‘They wisely shou'd the Stroke procrastinate.
‘Wretches Condemn'd, by gaining a Reprieve,
‘Find Means to get their Pardon pass'd, and live.
FABLE XVI. The Carter and Wheel.
Ease in Complaint.
As
Hob his Waggon drove along the Road,
A crazy Wheel, o'er-burden'd with its Load,
Made heavy Murmurs, and did loudly creak,
As if its Trouble wou'd have made it speak.
Whereat the wond'ring Carter ask'd his Wain,
What made that Wheel, more than the rest, complain.
To whom the Sage old Cart made this Return;
Because 'tis Ease to the Oppress'd, to Mourn.
A crazy Wheel, o'er-burden'd with its Load,
Made heavy Murmurs, and did loudly creak,
As if its Trouble wou'd have made it speak.
Whereat the wond'ring Carter ask'd his Wain,
What made that Wheel, more than the rest, complain.
To whom the Sage old Cart made this Return;
Because 'tis Ease to the Oppress'd, to Mourn.
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The MORAL.
‘The Wretch, o'er-burden'd with intestine Grief,‘In outward Marks of Sorrow finds Relief;
‘The Suff'rings he bewails, he gently bears,
‘And his Concern exhausts it self in Tears.
‘For Grief, like Anger, will be quickly spent,
‘When once the tumid Passion finds a Vent:
‘But stifled Woes, like Wounds that inward bleed,
‘Avoid the Cure of which they stand in need.
FABLE XVII. The Beam and Oxen.
Vicissitudes of Fortune.
A heavy
Beam, by lab'ring Oxen drawn,
And mark'd, in sev'ral Scantlings, to be sawn;
Insensible of his own wretched Case,
Blam'd the Beasts Sloth, and bid them mend their Pace.
The Beasts reply'd, Did you your Fate foresee,
You wou'd, Brisk Sir, be less in Haste than we;
Nor with Reproach our weary Pains deride,
But rather grieve at those you must abide:
We of our Load shall very soon be freed,
And, when turn'd loose, shall in rich Pastures feed;
But you a sorer Burden shall sustain,
Shall, more oppress'd, and pity'd less, complain.
And mark'd, in sev'ral Scantlings, to be sawn;
Insensible of his own wretched Case,
Blam'd the Beasts Sloth, and bid them mend their Pace.
The Beasts reply'd, Did you your Fate foresee,
You wou'd, Brisk Sir, be less in Haste than we;
Nor with Reproach our weary Pains deride,
But rather grieve at those you must abide:
We of our Load shall very soon be freed,
And, when turn'd loose, shall in rich Pastures feed;
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Shall, more oppress'd, and pity'd less, complain.
At this the Beam, in deep Affliction, roar'd
With louder Out-cries than the Groaning-Board;
No longer he the Oxens Sloth reprov'd,
But thought they too precipitantly mov'd.
With louder Out-cries than the Groaning-Board;
No longer he the Oxens Sloth reprov'd,
But thought they too precipitantly mov'd.
The MORAL.
‘He who insults his Neighbour's wretched State,‘Forgets how fast Afflictions circulate:
‘And whom they longest Favour in their Course,
‘Attack at last with more oppressive Force.
‘Hence we shou'd Pity, not Upbraid, the Grief
‘That makes our Neighbour court us for Relief;
‘Since we may come to need his Kindness, more
‘Than he, at lowest Ebb, did our's before.
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FABLE XVIII. The Serpent and Peasant:
Or, Injuries long remembred.
A
Serpent long had settl'd her Aboad
Near where a Peasant's Habitation stood;
And free from hateful Enmity and Strife,
They, like good Neighbours, led a Friendly Life:
'Till the Man's Son, thro' Wantonness, aggress'd,
And with a rude Assault provok'd the Beast;
Who cou'd not Wrongs so undeserv'd abide,
But, in Resentment, stung him that he dy'd.
The angry Father, to revenge his Son,
And punish her who had the Mischief done;
With his keen Ax the Serpent did assail,
But miss'd her Head, and cut away her Tail.
His Grief and Fury were by this allay'd,
And he, for future Peace, kind Offers made:
Yet wisely she the proffer'd Terms refus'd,
And said, Our Faults can hardly be excus'd:
We never shall be throughly reconcil'd,
While I regret my Tail, and you your Child.
Near where a Peasant's Habitation stood;
And free from hateful Enmity and Strife,
They, like good Neighbours, led a Friendly Life:
'Till the Man's Son, thro' Wantonness, aggress'd,
And with a rude Assault provok'd the Beast;
Who cou'd not Wrongs so undeserv'd abide,
But, in Resentment, stung him that he dy'd.
The angry Father, to revenge his Son,
And punish her who had the Mischief done;
With his keen Ax the Serpent did assail,
But miss'd her Head, and cut away her Tail.
His Grief and Fury were by this allay'd,
And he, for future Peace, kind Offers made:
Yet wisely she the proffer'd Terms refus'd,
And said, Our Faults can hardly be excus'd:
We never shall be throughly reconcil'd,
While I regret my Tail, and you your Child.
The MORAL.
‘True Reconcilement little Room can find,‘Where Sense of Injuries afflicts the Mind:
‘The deep Resentment must continue long,
‘While sad Effects still represent the Wrong.
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‘They must forget the Harms they wou'd forgive.
FABLE XIX. The Boor and his Plough:
Or, The Sham-Redress.
A simple
Boor, who, toiling at his Plough,
Had tir'd himself, and his weak Cattle too;
When he his Labour ended with the Day,
Unloos'd his Team, and sent the Beasts away:
Then on an Ass the Plough and Harness ty'd,
And, mounted over all, did homeward ride.
But when the Ass, with too much Weight oppress'd,
Began to fail, the Boor (to ease his Beast,
That he the better might her Sloth upbraid)
The Plough and Gears on his own Shoulders laid;
And, without more Concern, was jogging on,
As if the Weight, that sunk his Ass, was gone:
Then told the Beast, She well might keep her Road,
For he, to savour her, bore all the Load.
Had tir'd himself, and his weak Cattle too;
When he his Labour ended with the Day,
Unloos'd his Team, and sent the Beasts away:
Then on an Ass the Plough and Harness ty'd,
And, mounted over all, did homeward ride.
But when the Ass, with too much Weight oppress'd,
Began to fail, the Boor (to ease his Beast,
That he the better might her Sloth upbraid)
The Plough and Gears on his own Shoulders laid;
And, without more Concern, was jogging on,
As if the Weight, that sunk his Ass, was gone:
Then told the Beast, She well might keep her Road,
For he, to savour her, bore all the Load.
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The MORAL.
‘Most Men, affected with the Weight they bear,‘Of others Suff'rings have no Sense or Care;
‘But vainly think they give their Friends Relief,
‘By Means improper to remove their Grief:
‘Tho' such Sham-Helps can none but Idiots please,
‘To shift the Load, but not the Bearer ease.
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.
FABLE XXI. The Climber:
Or, Unseasonable Raillery.
A fellow, that had climb'd a Chesnut-Tree,
Fell from the Top, and sorely bruis'd his Knee:
The Outcries he in height of Anguish made,
Call'd in the neighb'ring Peasants to his Aid.
A pleasant Wag appear'd among the rest,
Who, to divert his Sorrow with a Jest,
Said gravely, Friend, If you my Counsel take,
You shall no more such ill Elopements make;
I have a Rule, and an approv'd one too,
Which who observes, shall never fall, like you.
Fell from the Top, and sorely bruis'd his Knee:
The Outcries he in height of Anguish made,
Call'd in the neighb'ring Peasants to his Aid.
A pleasant Wag appear'd among the rest,
Who, to divert his Sorrow with a Jest,
Said gravely, Friend, If you my Counsel take,
You shall no more such ill Elopements make;
I have a Rule, and an approv'd one too,
Which who observes, shall never fall, like you.
The Man, who thought, tho' the Advice was late,
It might prevent a more unlucky Fate;
With Thanks return'd, desir'd him to impart
The Secret of that valuable Art.
The Wag reply'd, When next you climb, my Friend,
Come down no faster than you did ascend;
Thus you shall always be from Danger free,
And if you tumble, lay the blame on me.
It might prevent a more unlucky Fate;
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The Secret of that valuable Art.
The Wag reply'd, When next you climb, my Friend,
Come down no faster than you did ascend;
Thus you shall always be from Danger free,
And if you tumble, lay the blame on me.
The MORAL.
‘Tho' most Misfortunes Men endure, proceed‘From their too rash Attempts, and want of Heed;
‘Yet 'tis a Crime to taunt them, when distress'd,
‘And urge their Grief, by an untimely Jest:
‘For an acuter Pain is always found,
‘From Hands that Tickle, than that Probe a Wound.
FABLE XXII. The Snail and Jupiter:
Or, Live within your self.
Jove
, willing to supply each Creature's Want,
To ev'ry one some pleasing Boon wou'd grant:
As soon as any made his Grievance known,
Whatever he requested, was his own.
The Snail petition'd, That where-e'er she went,
She on her Back might bear her Tenement.
The God demanded, Why she chose a Load,
That wou'd her tardy Motion incommode?
She answer'd, Sir, That Trouble I desire;
That, when I please, I may from worse retire.
To ev'ry one some pleasing Boon wou'd grant:
As soon as any made his Grievance known,
Whatever he requested, was his own.
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She on her Back might bear her Tenement.
The God demanded, Why she chose a Load,
That wou'd her tardy Motion incommode?
She answer'd, Sir, That Trouble I desire;
That, when I please, I may from worse retire.
The MORAL.
‘The Wise with any Circumstance dispense,‘That frees them from the World's Impertinence;
‘And when its Bustles and its Cares encrease,
‘Retire within themselves, and live in Peace.
‘This Latent Life secures their Solid Joy,
‘Which nothing from without them can annoy.
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FABLE XXIII. The Wolf and Sow:
Or, Much Courtesy, much Craft.
A
Sow, that, newly Farrow'd, gladly view'd
Her Pains rewarded with a num'rous Brood:
To whom a Wolf wou'd fain himself prefer
To be the Guardian of her Pigs, and her.
But she reply'd; We, Sir, no Safeguard need:
Wou'd you retire, you wou'd be kind indeed:
I see no Danger, while you are not near;
And wish your Absence, to remove my Fear.
Her Pains rewarded with a num'rous Brood:
To whom a Wolf wou'd fain himself prefer
To be the Guardian of her Pigs, and her.
But she reply'd; We, Sir, no Safeguard need:
Wou'd you retire, you wou'd be kind indeed:
I see no Danger, while you are not near;
And wish your Absence, to remove my Fear.
The MORAL.
‘Justly officious Service we decline,‘Ev'n when we cannot see through the Design:
‘For he, by whom the forward Offer's made,
‘Expects beyond his Merit to be paid.
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FABLE XXIV. The Devil and the Sinner:
Or, Slow Vengeance, sure.
An Old Offender, whose repeated Crimes
Had laid him fast in Newgate sev'ral times;
Who oft' was Scourg'd, and in the Pill'ry stood,
'Till his more hard'ned Face disgrac'd the Wood:
All Punishments, but Death, had undergone,
And thought the Gallows ne'er wou'd claim its own:
Because the Dev'l, whose Help he always us'd,
(To make him Rogue compleat) his Life excus'd;
He still, when free, drove on his former Trade,
And in new Thefts successful Progress made.
At last, discover'd, and confin'd again,
He sought his Old Assistant's Aid in vain:
Satan, when call'd, was ready, as before;
But answer'd, Friend, I cannot help you more:
On your vile Errands I've so worn my Pumps,
That ev'n my Hoofs are batter'd to the Stumps:
Nor have I Cash to purchase me a Shooe;
My Stock has fail'd me, and so I must you:
Farewell then, and be Hang'd, yet cease your Moans;
'Tis time you Swing, Old Tyburn for you Groans.
Had laid him fast in Newgate sev'ral times;
Who oft' was Scourg'd, and in the Pill'ry stood,
'Till his more hard'ned Face disgrac'd the Wood:
All Punishments, but Death, had undergone,
And thought the Gallows ne'er wou'd claim its own:
Because the Dev'l, whose Help he always us'd,
(To make him Rogue compleat) his Life excus'd;
He still, when free, drove on his former Trade,
And in new Thefts successful Progress made.
At last, discover'd, and confin'd again,
He sought his Old Assistant's Aid in vain:
Satan, when call'd, was ready, as before;
But answer'd, Friend, I cannot help you more:
On your vile Errands I've so worn my Pumps,
That ev'n my Hoofs are batter'd to the Stumps:
Nor have I Cash to purchase me a Shooe;
My Stock has fail'd me, and so I must you:
Farewell then, and be Hang'd, yet cease your Moans;
'Tis time you Swing, Old Tyburn for you Groans.
The MORAL.
‘Let not Impunity, or long Success,‘Encourage Sinners in their Wickedness:
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‘'Till, past Retrieve, they are ingulf'd in Sin;
‘When He perceives they are entangl'd fast,
‘Will flinch, and leave them in the Lurch at last:
‘Then He will shew them, but, alas! too late,
‘Their loath'd Deformity, and hopeless State;
‘And, in Disdain, upbraid them with the Vice
‘To which his Treach'ry did the Fools entice.
‘While Heav'n, whose injur'd Patience long forbore,
‘To try if they wou'd Turn, and Sin no more;
‘But found them Hard'ned, and grown Old in Ills,
‘And wou'd not make them Good, against their Wills;
‘Consigns them to Eternal Punishment,
‘Because they wou'd not, while they might, Repent.
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FABLE XXV. The Urchin and Viper:
Or, The Supplanting Inmate.
An
Urchin, by sagacious Instinct taught,
Foresaw a Storm, and timely Shelter sought;
And since he had not any certain Home,
Desir'd a Viper to afford him Room.
The hospitable Beast did soon consent
To take the Inmate, and as soon repent:
He found his Tenant an uneasie Guest,
That did the Landlord and the House infest:
Restless, he roll'd about from side to side,
And wou'd not equally the Room divide;
His pointed Bristles pierc'd his Neighbour's Skin,
Who sate on Thorns, while he remain'd Within;
And at his easie Condescension griev'd,
Who such a dang'rous Lodger had receiv'd.
At last Vexation conquer'd Modesty,
And his tir'd Patience urg'd him to be free:
He wish'd his Guest wou'd to new Quarters go,
And said, His Hut cou'd scarce suffice for Two.
Foresaw a Storm, and timely Shelter sought;
And since he had not any certain Home,
Desir'd a Viper to afford him Room.
The hospitable Beast did soon consent
To take the Inmate, and as soon repent:
He found his Tenant an uneasie Guest,
That did the Landlord and the House infest:
Restless, he roll'd about from side to side,
And wou'd not equally the Room divide;
His pointed Bristles pierc'd his Neighbour's Skin,
Who sate on Thorns, while he remain'd Within;
And at his easie Condescension griev'd,
Who such a dang'rous Lodger had receiv'd.
At last Vexation conquer'd Modesty,
And his tir'd Patience urg'd him to be free:
He wish'd his Guest wou'd to new Quarters go,
And said, His Hut cou'd scarce suffice for Two.
The Churl, whose Soul was rougher than his Hide,
With surly Language, and ill Looks reply'd;
Let him remove, who is not pleas'd to stay;
I will not budge, but, if you will, you may.
With surly Language, and ill Looks reply'd;
Let him remove, who is not pleas'd to stay;
I will not budge, but, if you will, you may.
Thus was the old Proprietor disseis'd,
And forc'd from Home, to be of Trouble eas'd.
And forc'd from Home, to be of Trouble eas'd.
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The MORAL.
‘Men, who their Safety, or their Peace, design,‘With Care, encroaching Part'ners shou'd decline:
‘For all who such vexatious Guests receive,
‘Must quit their Right, or in Disturbance live.
FABLE XXVI. The Fox and Eagle:
Or, Treachery Reveng'd.
A
Fox and Eagle, by strong Friendship join'd,
To live in social Neighbourhood combin'd;
And, by Consent, each was to fix her Rest,
Where each might find her own Convenience best.
An Oak's thick Boughs, exalted in the Air,
The Eagle chose, and Hatch'd her Eaglets there:
While at its Foot the Fox a Covert found,
Where, undisturb'd, she Litter'd Under-ground.
But while the Beast did for her Cubs purvey,
And rambl'd far from Home, to hunt for Prey;
The Eagle thought she had kept Faith too long,
And in the Mother's Absence seiz'd her Young:
For she design'd to feast her hungry Brood
With them, who were as much in want of Food.
The Fox, that lost no Time, return'd with Speed,
That, with her Spoil, she might her Litter feed;
But found the Treach'rous Eagle had been there,
And robb'd her of the Objects of her Care.
Griev'd at the Loss, but at the Falshood more,
Which she wou'd fain revenge, but wanted Pow'r:
She us'd such Means as ne'er the Weakest fail,
And at the Breach of Faith did loudly rail.
To live in social Neighbourhood combin'd;
And, by Consent, each was to fix her Rest,
Where each might find her own Convenience best.
An Oak's thick Boughs, exalted in the Air,
The Eagle chose, and Hatch'd her Eaglets there:
While at its Foot the Fox a Covert found,
Where, undisturb'd, she Litter'd Under-ground.
But while the Beast did for her Cubs purvey,
And rambl'd far from Home, to hunt for Prey;
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And in the Mother's Absence seiz'd her Young:
For she design'd to feast her hungry Brood
With them, who were as much in want of Food.
The Fox, that lost no Time, return'd with Speed,
That, with her Spoil, she might her Litter feed;
But found the Treach'rous Eagle had been there,
And robb'd her of the Objects of her Care.
Griev'd at the Loss, but at the Falshood more,
Which she wou'd fain revenge, but wanted Pow'r:
She us'd such Means as ne'er the Weakest fail,
And at the Breach of Faith did loudly rail.
Nor 'scap'd the Injury, unpunish'd, long;
The Eagle, enter'd thus in doing Wrong,
To greater Mischiefs quickly was betray'd,
And did an Altar impiously invade:
From thence the sacrilegious Robber stole
Some hallow'd Flesh, and, with the Flesh, a Coal;
With which she to her Airy did retire,
And set the Place, she meant to Store, on Fire.
The Eagle, enter'd thus in doing Wrong,
To greater Mischiefs quickly was betray'd,
And did an Altar impiously invade:
From thence the sacrilegious Robber stole
Some hallow'd Flesh, and, with the Flesh, a Coal;
With which she to her Airy did retire,
And set the Place, she meant to Store, on Fire.
Her unfledg'd Eaglets, by the Danger press'd,
Threw themselves headlong from the flaming Nest:
Which when the injur'd Fox, with joy, observ'd,
She thought their Fate for her Revenge reserv'd;
And, to exert the Rigour of her Spight,
Devour'd the Off-spring in their Parents Sight.
Threw themselves headlong from the flaming Nest:
Which when the injur'd Fox, with joy, observ'd,
She thought their Fate for her Revenge reserv'd;
And, to exert the Rigour of her Spight,
Devour'd the Off-spring in their Parents Sight.
The MORAL.
‘False Wretches, thus, who Friendship's Laws despise,‘And basely violate its Sacred Ties;
‘Find, (tho' the injur'd Suff'rer's feeble Rage
‘Do's vainly for a just Redress engage)
‘That Righteous Heav'n, with its arm'd Justice strong,
‘Will take sharp Vengeance for the hated Wrong:
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‘The Crimes they act, prove their own Punishment.
FABLE XXVII. The Satyr and Traveller:
Or, Hot and Cold with a Breath.
A
Satyr, that in Desart still was bred,
And Humane Converse, and its Vices, fled;
Found in the Wilds a Wretch that lost his Way,
And on the Ground, half-frozen to it, lay.
The gen'rous Savage, pleas'd his Life to save,
Convey'd him to his hospitable Cave;
And there all Means for his Recov'ry try'd,
That Pity could suggest, or Care provide.
While on the Fire the Host was piling Wood,
The Inmate blowing his numb'd Fingers stood:
The Satyr saw him on that Work intent,
And ask'd what he, by such Sufflation, meant.
And Humane Converse, and its Vices, fled;
Found in the Wilds a Wretch that lost his Way,
And on the Ground, half-frozen to it, lay.
The gen'rous Savage, pleas'd his Life to save,
Convey'd him to his hospitable Cave;
And there all Means for his Recov'ry try'd,
That Pity could suggest, or Care provide.
While on the Fire the Host was piling Wood,
The Inmate blowing his numb'd Fingers stood:
The Satyr saw him on that Work intent,
And ask'd what he, by such Sufflation, meant.
The Traveller, to answer his Demands,
Reply'd, He us'd his Breath to warm his Hands.
Reply'd, He us'd his Breath to warm his Hands.
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This pass'd, 'till Breakfast on the Board was plac'd,
Which the kind Landlord pray'd his Guest to taste.
He soon fell to, but found the Broth too hot;
(Too large a Fire did over-heat the Pot)
His scalded Lips wou'd let him sup no more,
'Till he had blown it, as his Hands before.
Which the kind Landlord pray'd his Guest to taste.
He soon fell to, but found the Broth too hot;
(Too large a Fire did over-heat the Pot)
His scalded Lips wou'd let him sup no more,
'Till he had blown it, as his Hands before.
The wondring Satyr, who observ'd him puff,
Ask'd if the Porridge was not warm enough.
He answer'd; Sir, It is too warm, I find,
And now my Breath to cool it is design'd.
Surpriz'd thereat, the Sylvan strait took Fire,
And said, Base Villain, from my Cave retire:
This honest Cell shall no such Monster hold,
Whose false ambiguous Breath blows Hot and Cold.
Ask'd if the Porridge was not warm enough.
He answer'd; Sir, It is too warm, I find,
And now my Breath to cool it is design'd.
Surpriz'd thereat, the Sylvan strait took Fire,
And said, Base Villain, from my Cave retire:
This honest Cell shall no such Monster hold,
Whose false ambiguous Breath blows Hot and Cold.
The MORAL.
‘The Wretch, whose Double-Tongue moves diff'rent Ways,‘And what it now Commends, can soon Dispraise;
‘Excluded from all Honest Men shou'd live,
‘That he may none, but like himself, deceive:
‘For such a Proteus, one so unsincere,
‘Is truly no-where, while he's ev'ry-where:
‘Whom he, while present, sooths with oily Words,
‘He wounds, when absent, more than pointed Swords.
‘Flee the Infection of such pois'nous Breath,
‘That either Stings, or Tickles you to Death:
‘For no Desert can fix, no Ties can bind
‘A Double-Tongue, mov'd by a Double-Mind.
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FABLE XXVIII. The Lion disarm'd:
Or, Virtue suppress'd by Fortune.
While a young Lion, just arriv'd at Age,
To hunt for Prey, and vent his gen'rous Rage,
Made his first Essay in pursuit of Spoil,
He lost his Freedom in a Hunter's Toil.
The Man, who there his struggling Captive found,
Took the Advantage, while he had him bound;
And (to disarm his dreaded Mouth and Paws)
Beat out his Teeth, and cut away his Claws:
Then the disabl'd Brute, in scorn, releas'd,
To spend his harmless Fury where he pleas'd.
The Gallant Savage, that did still retain
The Native Impress of his Noble Strain;
(For that no Rage of Fortune cou'd erase,
No barb'rous Hand its Characters deface)
By that, to great, to bold Attempts, was led,
That as a Lion shou'd, he might be fed.
By Courage prompted, he large Beasts assails;
(But what can Courage do, when Power fails?)
His toothless Jaws, and Paws disarm'd, they dare,
His Weakness scorn, and wage Offensive War.
He roars, and lashes his stern Sides in vain,
In vain he swells, and raves, with just Disdain;
He on no Beasts, but of ignoble Breed,
Defenceless Lambs, and tim'rous Hares, can feed:
Restrain'd from Prey of a more bulky Size,
He's forc'd to stoop to what he do's despise.
To hunt for Prey, and vent his gen'rous Rage,
Made his first Essay in pursuit of Spoil,
He lost his Freedom in a Hunter's Toil.
The Man, who there his struggling Captive found,
Took the Advantage, while he had him bound;
And (to disarm his dreaded Mouth and Paws)
Beat out his Teeth, and cut away his Claws:
Then the disabl'd Brute, in scorn, releas'd,
To spend his harmless Fury where he pleas'd.
The Gallant Savage, that did still retain
The Native Impress of his Noble Strain;
(For that no Rage of Fortune cou'd erase,
No barb'rous Hand its Characters deface)
By that, to great, to bold Attempts, was led,
That as a Lion shou'd, he might be fed.
By Courage prompted, he large Beasts assails;
(But what can Courage do, when Power fails?)
His toothless Jaws, and Paws disarm'd, they dare,
His Weakness scorn, and wage Offensive War.
He roars, and lashes his stern Sides in vain,
In vain he swells, and raves, with just Disdain;
He on no Beasts, but of ignoble Breed,
Defenceless Lambs, and tim'rous Hares, can feed:
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He's forc'd to stoop to what he do's despise.
The MORAL.
‘Aspiring Souls, to great Attempts enclin'd,‘But in mean Fortune's humble Bounds confin'd;
‘Make vain Efforts to soar a lofty Height,
‘While such unkind Restraints suppress their Flight.
‘Virtue, obstructed by a low Estate,
‘It self can very rarely extricate;
‘Whenever to exert her Power she tries,
‘The Burthen clogs, and will not let her rise:
‘She can't to her exalted Centre flie,
‘But, kept below, below must grov'ling lie.
‘So Birds, tho' Wing'd by Nature, and by Age,
‘Pine out their Lives, imprison'd in a Cage;
‘Against whose Sides themselves they rashly bruise,
‘When they their Native Freedom strive to use:
‘Which, since their close Confinement do's restrain,
‘In Tunes compell'd, they of their Fate complain.
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FABLE XXIX. The Coffee-House:
Or, A Man's Credit, is his Cash.
At
Will's, where Troops of flutt'ring, gaudy Beaus
Parade, to pick up scraps of Wit and News;
When a whole Swarm in the full House was hiv'd,
On the Report of an Express arriv'd:
While there they, big with Expectation, sate,
The first that enter'd was an old Soldate:
His Boots, with Dirt not dry, were spatter'd o'er;
His Coat a Brushing 'scap'd some Weeks before;
His Hat ill cock'd, his Cravat as ill ty'd;
His Wig and Face were a right Piss-burn dy'd;
His Rusty-hilted Sword, that seem'd a Load,
Was hung on mal-adroit, not a-la-mode:
In fine, in this odd Dress, he did appear
Some very mean or broken Officer.
The Sparks his Equipage divertive thought;
Ask'd, whence he came, and what strange News he brought.
He told them, He from Flanders newly came,
And wonder'd how he had out-posted Fame;
Since they seem'd Strangers to the glorious Work
Perform'd by Marlborough and Auverquerke:
How they had giv'n Old Lewis a fatal Blow,
And his best Troops a total Overthrow:
And Flanders, which he had by Craft obtain'd,
Their Courage, in as short a Time, regain'd.
Parade, to pick up scraps of Wit and News;
When a whole Swarm in the full House was hiv'd,
On the Report of an Express arriv'd:
While there they, big with Expectation, sate,
The first that enter'd was an old Soldate:
His Boots, with Dirt not dry, were spatter'd o'er;
His Coat a Brushing 'scap'd some Weeks before;
His Hat ill cock'd, his Cravat as ill ty'd;
His Wig and Face were a right Piss-burn dy'd;
His Rusty-hilted Sword, that seem'd a Load,
Was hung on mal-adroit, not a-la-mode:
In fine, in this odd Dress, he did appear
Some very mean or broken Officer.
The Sparks his Equipage divertive thought;
Ask'd, whence he came, and what strange News he brought.
He told them, He from Flanders newly came,
And wonder'd how he had out-posted Fame;
Since they seem'd Strangers to the glorious Work
Perform'd by Marlborough and Auverquerke:
How they had giv'n Old Lewis a fatal Blow,
And his best Troops a total Overthrow:
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Their Courage, in as short a Time, regain'd.
With Patience they the Story let him tell,
But not a Man believ'd a Syllable:
One, with an Oath, says, I'll not heed a Word
He speaks; he can't tell how to wear his Sword.
Another (of his Friend's Persuasion) cries,
'Tis such a shabby Curr, I'm sure he Lyes.
Fogh! says a third, If ever he was there,
He smells as if he ran away for Fear.
Hang him, concludes a fourth, 'Tis all a Jest,
He has not Din'd, and wou'd be some one's Guest.
Thus they, by a wrong Estimate befool'd,
The Story and the Author ridicul'd:
Yet with such Caution manag'd all their Chat,
That he shou'd hear no Noise, nor smell a Rat.
Amidst their Sport, comes in a little Prig,
Powder'd to th' Eyes, and almost drown'd in Wig:
A Golden Snush-Box, with right Vigo fill'd,
He, in due Form, between his Fingers held;
Whence when he had three graceful Pinches took,
With screw'd Grimace, thus the starch'd Coxcomb spoke:
Great News at Court, the French are soundly beat,
Marlb'rough has giv'n the Dogs a clear Defeat:
Flanders is now possess'd by the Allies,
And, for its Sov'reign, Charles do's Recognize.
This said, without more Scruple, they believe,
And all for Gospel from his Mouth receive:
Wealth more persuades, than Probability;
And One so Rigg'd, they fancy'd cou'd not Lye.
But not a Man believ'd a Syllable:
One, with an Oath, says, I'll not heed a Word
He speaks; he can't tell how to wear his Sword.
Another (of his Friend's Persuasion) cries,
'Tis such a shabby Curr, I'm sure he Lyes.
Fogh! says a third, If ever he was there,
He smells as if he ran away for Fear.
Hang him, concludes a fourth, 'Tis all a Jest,
He has not Din'd, and wou'd be some one's Guest.
Thus they, by a wrong Estimate befool'd,
The Story and the Author ridicul'd:
Yet with such Caution manag'd all their Chat,
That he shou'd hear no Noise, nor smell a Rat.
Amidst their Sport, comes in a little Prig,
Powder'd to th' Eyes, and almost drown'd in Wig:
A Golden Snush-Box, with right Vigo fill'd,
He, in due Form, between his Fingers held;
Whence when he had three graceful Pinches took,
With screw'd Grimace, thus the starch'd Coxcomb spoke:
Great News at Court, the French are soundly beat,
Marlb'rough has giv'n the Dogs a clear Defeat:
Flanders is now possess'd by the Allies,
And, for its Sov'reign, Charles do's Recognize.
This said, without more Scruple, they believe,
And all for Gospel from his Mouth receive:
Wealth more persuades, than Probability;
And One so Rigg'd, they fancy'd cou'd not Lye.
The MORAL.
‘Thus, when a Poor-Man, in a Thread-bare Coat,‘Speaks Truth, his Credit is not worth a Groat;
236
‘And all his Words for Oracles receiv'd.
‘The thoughtless Mob, whom pompous Outsides sway,
‘To Fools well Dress'd a mighty Def'rence pay;
‘To the Credentials of their Habit trust,
‘But think none meanly Clad are True or Just.
‘Poor Men, they fancy, do the Gods contemn,
‘And are as unregarded pass'd by them;
‘But judge, the Rich their Deities revere,
‘And still to them must equally be dear:
‘Thus they believe too little, or too much,
‘Where only Wealth for Honesty must vouch.
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FABLE XXX. The Boor and Snake:
Or, Charity misplaced.
A careful Boor, in tracing o'er his Ground,
One Winter's Morn, a Snake half-frozen found:
In pity, Home he the numb'd Reptile brought,
And all kind Means for its Recov'ry sought.
Warm'd at the Fire, it quickly did revive,
And gave too certain Proofs it was alive:
Its Venom was recruited with its Breath,
And now it hiss'd aloud, and threat'ned Death.
The Children, frighted at its dreadful Sting,
Made all the House with dismal Out-cries ring.
Their Father heard, and hast'ning to their Aid,
With due Correction did his Guest upbraid;
Demanding thus, (with now and then a Stroke)
Ungrateful Creature! What cou'd this provoke?
Or is thy Life a Favour plac'd so ill,
That thus thou wou'dst thy kind Preserver kill?
One Winter's Morn, a Snake half-frozen found:
In pity, Home he the numb'd Reptile brought,
And all kind Means for its Recov'ry sought.
Warm'd at the Fire, it quickly did revive,
And gave too certain Proofs it was alive:
Its Venom was recruited with its Breath,
And now it hiss'd aloud, and threat'ned Death.
The Children, frighted at its dreadful Sting,
Made all the House with dismal Out-cries ring.
Their Father heard, and hast'ning to their Aid,
With due Correction did his Guest upbraid;
Demanding thus, (with now and then a Stroke)
Ungrateful Creature! What cou'd this provoke?
Or is thy Life a Favour plac'd so ill,
That thus thou wou'dst thy kind Preserver kill?
The MORAL.
‘Thus we Oblige Ill-natur'd Men in vain;‘For no Devoir can their due Thanks obtain:
‘The Favours we misplace, they still pervert
‘To hurt us, and account it our Desert.
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‘For giving them the Pow'r to be Ingrate.
FABLE XXXI. The Rich Man:
Or, The Test of Friendship.
A gen'rous Man, by Heav'n with Riches bless'd,
Observ'd his Friends still, with his Wealth, encreas'd;
Daily he treated them with sumptuous Feasts,
And often wanted Room, but never Guests:
At last, (to try what Spring their Friendship mov'd,
If most his Fortune, or himself, they lov'd;
If they, who were Partakers of his Fare,
Wou'd, with like Constancy, his Dangers share)
He did his usual Company invite
(Not, as before, to revel, but) to Fight:
Told them, He of Invasion was afraid,
And, to repel the Force, desir'd their Aid.
Observ'd his Friends still, with his Wealth, encreas'd;
Daily he treated them with sumptuous Feasts,
And often wanted Room, but never Guests:
At last, (to try what Spring their Friendship mov'd,
If most his Fortune, or himself, they lov'd;
If they, who were Partakers of his Fare,
Wou'd, with like Constancy, his Dangers share)
He did his usual Company invite
(Not, as before, to revel, but) to Fight:
Told them, He of Invasion was afraid,
And, to repel the Force, desir'd their Aid.
But they, whose Stomachs were not half so great
To fight his Battels, as devour his Meat,
Hung back, and feign'd Pretence to be Excus'd:
('Twas the first Invitation they refus'd)
So when he was to March against his Foe,
His Num'rous Friends were dwindled down to Two:
Their steady Friendship highly he approv'd,
And them, as they deserv'd, Caress'd and Lov'd:
The rest, unworthy of his Meat and Wine,
He vow'd, for him, shou'd with Duke Humphrey Dine.
To fight his Battels, as devour his Meat,
Hung back, and feign'd Pretence to be Excus'd:
('Twas the first Invitation they refus'd)
So when he was to March against his Foe,
His Num'rous Friends were dwindled down to Two:
239
And them, as they deserv'd, Caress'd and Lov'd:
The rest, unworthy of his Meat and Wine,
He vow'd, for him, shou'd with Duke Humphrey Dine.
The MORAL.
‘Adversity is the sure Test of Friends;‘That shews, who Loves indeed, or but Pretends:
‘And he, whose Friendship do's o'er that prevail,
‘Is Stanch, Consistent, and will never Fail.
‘But they, whose Hearts your Wealth alone pursue,
‘If that forsakes you, will desert you too.
‘So Rats in Crouds to a full Hovel crawl,
‘But quit it, if on fire, or like to fall.
FABLE XXXII. The Boor and Dog:
Or, One Injury borne, invites another.
A surly
Boor, bit by as cross a Curr,
In height of Anguish, kept a fearful Stir;
With loud Complaints, and in a mighty Fret,
He sought a Cure from ev'ry one he met.
A pleasant Droll, that thought his noisie Grief
Had little Cause, and needed less Relief;
Told him, A Crust sopp'd nicely in his Blood,
And giv'n the Dog to eat, wou'd do him Good.
Quoth Bumkin, That may be a Remedy;
But hang me like a Dog, if e'er I try:
For then I shou'd deserve to be run down,
Piss'd on, and bit by all the Currs in Town.
In height of Anguish, kept a fearful Stir;
With loud Complaints, and in a mighty Fret,
He sought a Cure from ev'ry one he met.
240
Had little Cause, and needed less Relief;
Told him, A Crust sopp'd nicely in his Blood,
And giv'n the Dog to eat, wou'd do him Good.
Quoth Bumkin, That may be a Remedy;
But hang me like a Dog, if e'er I try:
For then I shou'd deserve to be run down,
Piss'd on, and bit by all the Currs in Town.
The MORAL.
‘Tame Suff'rers, who to Injuries submit,‘And stroke the Currs by whom they have been bit;
‘By passive Easiness, fresh Wrongs invite,
‘And tempt Insulters to exert their Spite:
‘Such giving Ground, makes Insolence encroach,
‘And load them most, who least resent Reproach.
FABLE XXXIII. The Ox and Bullock:
Or, A Merry Life, a Sad End.
An aged Ox, long to the Plough inur'd,
Daily his Labour, and his Yoke endur'd;
While a young Bullock, never tam'd, or drawn,
Fed at his Ease, and wanton'd o'er the Lawn;
And, in the height of his exulting Pride,
Did the grave Senior, and his Pains deride;
Scoff'd his worn Neck, his rough and wrinkl'd Skin,
That cover'd nothing but bare Bones within:
But boasted, That himself was sleek and fair,
Liv'd without Toil, and unconfin'd as Air.
Daily his Labour, and his Yoke endur'd;
While a young Bullock, never tam'd, or drawn,
Fed at his Ease, and wanton'd o'er the Lawn;
241
Did the grave Senior, and his Pains deride;
Scoff'd his worn Neck, his rough and wrinkl'd Skin,
That cover'd nothing but bare Bones within:
But boasted, That himself was sleek and fair,
Liv'd without Toil, and unconfin'd as Air.
The wiser Ox all sharp Replies forbore;
But still, the less he answer'd, thought the more:
'Till he observ'd the Steer, so highly fed,
(Design'd a Victim) to the Altar led:
Then said, Ah! Friend, your soft, Luxurious Life,
Has brought your Throat thus early to the Knife:
Sure, my safe Labour now wou'd better please,
Than the short Joys of your destructive Ease.
But still, the less he answer'd, thought the more:
'Till he observ'd the Steer, so highly fed,
(Design'd a Victim) to the Altar led:
Then said, Ah! Friend, your soft, Luxurious Life,
Has brought your Throat thus early to the Knife:
Sure, my safe Labour now wou'd better please,
Than the short Joys of your destructive Ease.
The MORAL.
‘A prudent Man, by Diligence and Pains,‘In long Security his Life maintains:
‘But Fools, to Sloth and Pleasure only bent,
‘End their short Riot in a sad Event.
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FABLE XXXIV. The Tortoise and Eagle:
Or, The Higher Flight, the Lower Fall.
A
Tortoise, that despis'd her humble State,
Resolv'd among the Clouds to try her Fate;
And pray'd an Eagle to assist her Flight,
That she, like him, might soar a lofty Height.
The Eagle answer'd, Nature had deny'd
The only Means to gratifie her Pride;
Yet, tempted by large Promises she made,
The Creeping Animal aloft convey'd:
But, finding there her specious Offers vain,
With Indignation hurl'd her down again.
Thus she, who wou'd among the Stars reside,
Was, like a Meteor, darted thence, and dy'd.
Resolv'd among the Clouds to try her Fate;
And pray'd an Eagle to assist her Flight,
That she, like him, might soar a lofty Height.
The Eagle answer'd, Nature had deny'd
The only Means to gratifie her Pride;
Yet, tempted by large Promises she made,
The Creeping Animal aloft convey'd:
But, finding there her specious Offers vain,
With Indignation hurl'd her down again.
Thus she, who wou'd among the Stars reside,
Was, like a Meteor, darted thence, and dy'd.
The MORAL.
‘Their meaner Fortune wisely Men endure,‘And in that humble Station live secure:
‘But, by aspiring to a greater Height,
‘Derive their Ruin from the dang'rous Flight.
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FABLE XXXV. The Ass and Hare:
Or, Small Things help the Great.
The Royal Lion wag'd Offensive War
Against his Neighbour-Sov'reign of the Air;
And all his Subjects, for the Fight array'd,
Did at the gen'ral Rendevous parade.
The Bear, his Commissary, ask'd his Grace
Where he the useless Ass and Hare shou'd place:
For, since one cou'd not March, nor t'other Fight,
They wou'd the Troops dispirit, not excite.
The Prince reply'd, Since they want Strength and Hearts,
They shall have Posts adapted to their Parts:
The Ass shall Sound the Charge against our Foe;
The Hare shall still with our Expresses go.
Against his Neighbour-Sov'reign of the Air;
And all his Subjects, for the Fight array'd,
Did at the gen'ral Rendevous parade.
The Bear, his Commissary, ask'd his Grace
Where he the useless Ass and Hare shou'd place:
For, since one cou'd not March, nor t'other Fight,
They wou'd the Troops dispirit, not excite.
The Prince reply'd, Since they want Strength and Hearts,
They shall have Posts adapted to their Parts:
The Ass shall Sound the Charge against our Foe;
The Hare shall still with our Expresses go.
The MORAL.
‘The Meanest Things have their appropriate Use,‘And to the Service of the Best conduce:
‘The humble Peasant do's the Prince support,
‘And the productive Field supplies the Court.
‘So, in a stately Edifice, we find
‘The ample Roof by little Pins conjoin'd.
‘Minutest Members so the Body serve,
‘And, for their Use, their Station there deserve:
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‘That they the Parts that bear them shou'd defend.
FABLE XXXVI. The Ass and Jupiter:
Or, Seldom comes a Better.
An
Ass, that in a Gard'ner's Service wrought,
Tir'd with his Work, another Master sought.
Consenting Jove grants him a Tyler next;
Where he, poor Slave, was with worse Hardships vex'd.
Finding himself thus heavily oppress'd,
His Provender retrench'd, his Loads encreas'd,
He supplicated for another Change:
The God believ'd the Creature giv'n to range;
But since his Braying wou'd not let him rest,
He to a Currier's Work preferr'd the Beast.
When there he had some Time of Trial staid,
Enough to understand his Master's Trade;
He cry'd, This Service I have bought too dear;
Death is not now the only Ill I fear:
I, by Experience, see this Heathen Turk
Will teaze my Hide, when I am kill'd with Work.
Tir'd with his Work, another Master sought.
Consenting Jove grants him a Tyler next;
Where he, poor Slave, was with worse Hardships vex'd.
Finding himself thus heavily oppress'd,
His Provender retrench'd, his Loads encreas'd,
He supplicated for another Change:
The God believ'd the Creature giv'n to range;
But since his Braying wou'd not let him rest,
He to a Currier's Work preferr'd the Beast.
When there he had some Time of Trial staid,
Enough to understand his Master's Trade;
He cry'd, This Service I have bought too dear;
Death is not now the only Ill I fear:
I, by Experience, see this Heathen Turk
Will teaze my Hide, when I am kill'd with Work.
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The MORAL.
‘Thus Men, who at their present Lot repine,‘Grow fond of Change, and pregnant with Design:
‘What Providence instates them in, refuse,
‘And for themselves, as better Judges, chuse;
‘But often find they alter for the worse,
‘And Heav'n's too free Concession proves a Curse.
‘So Israel's Lust indulg'd, chastis'd their Fault;
‘Their Souls were famish'd by the Food they sought.
FABLE XXXVII. The Physician and Patient:
Or, Death in the Pot.
A try'd Physician, whose applauded Skill
had Cur'd more Patients than some others Kill,
On a Sick Libertine long Time did wait,
But by no Methods cou'd prevent his Fate.
He Dy'd: The Doctor was desir'd to guess
The Reason why his Art had no Success.
He said, No Physick cou'd the Patient save,
Whose own Intemp'rance brought him to his Grave.
had Cur'd more Patients than some others Kill,
On a Sick Libertine long Time did wait,
But by no Methods cou'd prevent his Fate.
He Dy'd: The Doctor was desir'd to guess
The Reason why his Art had no Success.
He said, No Physick cou'd the Patient save,
Whose own Intemp'rance brought him to his Grave.
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The MORAL.
‘The Bane of Life, is Riot and Excess,‘When, what shou'd nourish Nature, do's oppress;
‘And fills (thro' Superfluity of Food)
‘The Brain with Fumes, with Crudities the Blood:
‘But in one Instance do's a Kindness shew,
‘What it uneasie makes, it shortens too.
FABLE XXXV. The Hares and Frogs:
Or, Fear brings a Snare.
The Forest roar'd, by a fierce tempest shook;
The tim'rous Hares themselves to Flight betook;
But soon were intercepted in their Way
By a large Pond, and there oblig'd to stay.
With anxious Care, and doubtful Thought, they stand,
By fancy'd Dangers press'd on ev'ry hand;
While, to encrease their Terror more, they found,
The Frogs within their Native Water drown'd.
To lay their Fears, one, wiser than the rest,
With grave Harangue, his Fellows thus address'd:
Why are we stupify'd with groundless Fear?
Courage, my Friends, is most availing here:
Speed and Activity we have, I grant;
But, what's more useful, Resolution want:
Amidst our Dangers, here our Safety lies,
That what we cannot shun, we can despise.
The tim'rous Hares themselves to Flight betook;
But soon were intercepted in their Way
By a large Pond, and there oblig'd to stay.
With anxious Care, and doubtful Thought, they stand,
By fancy'd Dangers press'd on ev'ry hand;
While, to encrease their Terror more, they found,
The Frogs within their Native Water drown'd.
To lay their Fears, one, wiser than the rest,
With grave Harangue, his Fellows thus address'd:
Why are we stupify'd with groundless Fear?
Courage, my Friends, is most availing here:
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But, what's more useful, Resolution want:
Amidst our Dangers, here our Safety lies,
That what we cannot shun, we can despise.
The MORAL.
‘There's no Defence like Courage, in Distress;‘That represents impending Dangers less:
‘That do's reverse the Glass, and makes them shew
‘Minute, and distant to the Fancy's View.
‘But Fear, its Objects thro' false-Opticks draws,
‘Heightens it self, and magnifies its Cause:
‘Pushes the Coward headlong on his Fate,
‘To shun the Mormo's his scar'd Thoughts create.
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FABLE XXXIX. The Shepherd's Voyage:
Or, Caution, from Experience.
A happy
Peasant, rich in fleecy Sheep,
Which, with assiduous Care, himself did keep;
While he, one Evening, fed the bleating Flock,
Observ'd the Ocean, from a neighb'ring Rock:
Its smiling Image was all calm and fair,
Not wrinkl'd by a Blast of Ruffling Air;
And the declining Sun's more radiant Beams
Gilded it Surface with reflected Gleams.
The Man grew fond of the false Element,
And thought his Time wou'd there be better spent;
Chang'd his sure Profit, for uncertain Wares,
His easie Business, for a Life of Cares;
Fraighted a Ship, and, big with Hopes of Gain,
Forsook the Land, to traffick on the Main.
But there he did not long his Fortune try,
E're he perceiv'd its Instability;
A frowning Tempest spoil'd its former Grace,
And with impostum'd Waves o'erspread its Face.
At once the roaring Deep, and lowring Sky,
With Menaces of Death and Ruin vie;
Shock'd with the Rage of whose contending Force,
The shatter'd Vessel scarce cou'd keep her Course:
And by the Owner, in this dubious Strait,
Was, for his Safety, lightned of her Fraight.
Tir'd with the Sea, he soon did Homeward stand,
And, with much Difficulty, made the Land;
There to his first Employ himself betook,
And did with Horror on the Ocean look.
Which, with assiduous Care, himself did keep;
While he, one Evening, fed the bleating Flock,
Observ'd the Ocean, from a neighb'ring Rock:
Its smiling Image was all calm and fair,
Not wrinkl'd by a Blast of Ruffling Air;
And the declining Sun's more radiant Beams
Gilded it Surface with reflected Gleams.
The Man grew fond of the false Element,
And thought his Time wou'd there be better spent;
Chang'd his sure Profit, for uncertain Wares,
His easie Business, for a Life of Cares;
Fraighted a Ship, and, big with Hopes of Gain,
Forsook the Land, to traffick on the Main.
But there he did not long his Fortune try,
E're he perceiv'd its Instability;
A frowning Tempest spoil'd its former Grace,
And with impostum'd Waves o'erspread its Face.
At once the roaring Deep, and lowring Sky,
With Menaces of Death and Ruin vie;
Shock'd with the Rage of whose contending Force,
The shatter'd Vessel scarce cou'd keep her Course:
And by the Owner, in this dubious Strait,
Was, for his Safety, lightned of her Fraight.
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And, with much Difficulty, made the Land;
There to his first Employ himself betook,
And did with Horror on the Ocean look.
Once as he led his Flock along the Shore,
And saw the Water wheedling, as before;
In vain, he cry'd, you smooth your Treach'rous Brow;
Your Falshood, and deluding Arts, I know:
You want another Cargo now, I see,
But shall no more prevail to Cully me.
And saw the Water wheedling, as before;
In vain, he cry'd, you smooth your Treach'rous Brow;
Your Falshood, and deluding Arts, I know:
You want another Cargo now, I see,
But shall no more prevail to Cully me.
The MORAL.
‘Wise Men once trick'd, the next Attempt discern,‘And Caution, from experienc'd Dangers, learn:
‘Their Faith abus'd, they will confide no more,
‘Nor venture on the Rocks they scap'd before.
‘They who have been deceiv'd by Fortune's Smiles,
‘And know how her Dependants she beguiles;
‘No Confidence in her Caresses place,
‘But Ruin dread in ev'ry kind Embrace.
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FABLE XL. The Fox and Wolf:
Or, The Treason lov'd, the Traitor hated.
A
Wolf, with Prey too plentifully fed,
Inclin'd to Rest, lay stretch'd along his Bed.
A wily Fox, insidiously bent,
Approach'd, and ask'd him what that Posture meant:
The Wolf (that had his Den with Plenty stor'd,
And smelt a shrewd Design upon his Hoard)
Reply'd, He did of longer Life despair,
And earnestly desir'd the Fox's Pray'r.
Inclin'd to Rest, lay stretch'd along his Bed.
A wily Fox, insidiously bent,
Approach'd, and ask'd him what that Posture meant:
The Wolf (that had his Den with Plenty stor'd,
And smelt a shrewd Design upon his Hoard)
Reply'd, He did of longer Life despair,
And earnestly desir'd the Fox's Pray'r.
Reynard, displeas'd at his successless Train,
Betray'd the Covert to a neighb'ring Swain:
Who found the Wolf where he supinely lay,
And made his Life for former Mischiefs pay.
Betray'd the Covert to a neighb'ring Swain:
Who found the Wolf where he supinely lay,
And made his Life for former Mischiefs pay.
Isgrim dispatch'd, the Fox possess'd his Spoil,
Enrich'd, by Treach'ry, without Care or Toil;
But e're the ill-got Prize he long enjoy'd,
Dy'd by the Hand that had his Friend destroy'd.
Enrich'd, by Treach'ry, without Care or Toil;
But e're the ill-got Prize he long enjoy'd,
Dy'd by the Hand that had his Friend destroy'd.
The MORAL.
‘Men, at their Neighbour's Fortune envious grown,‘Pursuing his Enjoyments, lose their own;
‘While they on gainful Treachery depend,
‘They meet their due Reward, and miss their End.
‘For they who most the pleasing Treason love,
‘Do most the hateful Traytor disapprove.
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‘Wou'd ruin Mankind, for that sordid End.
FABLE XLI. The Bee-Master:
Or, Friendship misapprehended.
While some industrious Bees had left their Home,
And, scatter'd o'er the spacious Field, did roam;
Where they (in Nature's Chymistry exact)
Might rich Elixir from each Herb extract;
Which thro' their small Alembicks they distill,
And with it their Repositories fill:
A pilf'ring Thief, who his own Wants reliev'd
By others Care, and on their Labour liv'd;
Regardless how they shou'd support their Lives,
Came by, and plunder'd the defenceless Hives.
And, scatter'd o'er the spacious Field, did roam;
Where they (in Nature's Chymistry exact)
Might rich Elixir from each Herb extract;
Which thro' their small Alembicks they distill,
And with it their Repositories fill:
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By others Care, and on their Labour liv'd;
Regardless how they shou'd support their Lives,
Came by, and plunder'd the defenceless Hives.
Their Owner, who delighted in their Trade,
A Visit to their Lab'ratories made;
And (with Surprize at the Disaster) found
Their Rifled Houses tumbled on the Ground:
While he attempts to rectifie the Harm,
The laden Bees, returning, round him swarm;
They him for the abhorr'd Aggressor take,
And, with their Stings, sharp Retribution make.
He, so attack'd, for a Cessation sues,
And wou'd the jealous Insects disabuse:
On me, he cries, your Fury you mis-spend,
Who wou'd your Stocks from Injuries defend:
You on the Robber, who your Stores destroy'd,
To better Purpose had your Stings employ'd:
Tho' I am wrong'd, he wou'd be justly serv'd,
For his sweet Meat so sour a Sauce deserv'd.
A Visit to their Lab'ratories made;
And (with Surprize at the Disaster) found
Their Rifled Houses tumbled on the Ground:
While he attempts to rectifie the Harm,
The laden Bees, returning, round him swarm;
They him for the abhorr'd Aggressor take,
And, with their Stings, sharp Retribution make.
He, so attack'd, for a Cessation sues,
And wou'd the jealous Insects disabuse:
On me, he cries, your Fury you mis-spend,
Who wou'd your Stocks from Injuries defend:
You on the Robber, who your Stores destroy'd,
To better Purpose had your Stings employ'd:
Tho' I am wrong'd, he wou'd be justly serv'd,
For his sweet Meat so sour a Sauce deserv'd.
The MORAL.
‘A jealous Man, by false Surmise mis-led,‘Fears not the Enemies he ought to dread;
‘But, thro' his Misconstruction, apprehends
‘His Harms occasion'd by his only Friends:
‘Such wrong Suspicions make him prove unjust,
‘The Guilty free, the Innocent mistrust.
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FABLE XLII. The Fellow-Travellers:
Or, Friends and Sharers.
As Two Companions travell'd on the Way,
One found an Ax, that there neglected lay;
And, as he rais'd his Booty from the Ground,
Said to his Friend, See here! what I have found.
The other answer'd, Half belongs to me;
You shou'd not, Sir, say, I have found, but We.
This past, the Owner, who the Hatchet lost,
Soon miss'd it, and in quest thereof did post:
He found the Person who his Ax possess'd,
Seiz'd on the Tool, and did the Man arrest.
The Wretch, who saw his Prize, and Freedom, gone,
Said to his Friend, Alas! we are undone.
His Friend reply'd; We, Sir, you shou'd not cry;
For, when you found it, 'twas not We, but I.
One found an Ax, that there neglected lay;
And, as he rais'd his Booty from the Ground,
Said to his Friend, See here! what I have found.
The other answer'd, Half belongs to me;
You shou'd not, Sir, say, I have found, but We.
This past, the Owner, who the Hatchet lost,
Soon miss'd it, and in quest thereof did post:
He found the Person who his Ax possess'd,
Seiz'd on the Tool, and did the Man arrest.
The Wretch, who saw his Prize, and Freedom, gone,
Said to his Friend, Alas! we are undone.
His Friend reply'd; We, Sir, you shou'd not cry;
For, when you found it, 'twas not We, but I.
The MORAL.
‘They who enjoy Heav'n's lib'ral Gifts alone,‘And in their Golden Days their Friends disown;
‘Deserve, when brought to an oppressive Strait,
‘To bear, unpity'd, and alone, the Weight.
‘For Men that are in mutual Friendship join'd,
‘To share in all Things were by Heav'n design'd.
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FABLE XLIII. The Bull and Goat:
Or, Afflict not the Afflicted.
A
Bull, to shun a Lion's close Pursuit,
Fled to a Cave, and met a greater Brute;
A Goat, that Sanctuary there deny'd,
And with his threatning Horns the Bull defy'd.
He, press'd by Fear, durst not delay so long
His present Safety, to revenge the Wrong;
But to the Goat said, with a gen'rous Slight,
You now, unpunish'd, may oppose my Flight;
But, were the Enemy I shun away,
For this rude Insolence shou'd dearly pay.
Fled to a Cave, and met a greater Brute;
A Goat, that Sanctuary there deny'd,
And with his threatning Horns the Bull defy'd.
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His present Safety, to revenge the Wrong;
But to the Goat said, with a gen'rous Slight,
You now, unpunish'd, may oppose my Flight;
But, were the Enemy I shun away,
For this rude Insolence shou'd dearly pay.
The MORAL.
‘He, who denies to succour the Distress'd,‘Puts off the Man, and represents the Beast:
‘But he, whose Injuries encrease their Woe,
‘Do's a more fierce and brutal Temper show:
‘And, when to him Fate proves alike unkind,
‘As little Pity as he shew'd, shou'd find.
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FABLE XLIV. The Citizen and his Hounds:
Or, None safe, where Merit suffers.
A
Citizen, who bought a Country Seat,
Was much delighted with the sweet Retreat;
Nor wou'd remove 'till Winter grew severe,
And, by a tedious Storm, confin'd him there.
The Man, who found his whole Provision spent,
And wanted Food for daily Nourishment;
First, with the slaughter'd Sheep his Need supply'd,
And, when they fail'd, the lab'ring Oxen dy'd.
His Dogs, that saw it, frighted at the Sight,
Provided for their Safety, by their Flight:
They fear'd their Master wou'd not spare his Hounds,
Who kill'd the useful Beasts that plough'd his Grounds.
Was much delighted with the sweet Retreat;
Nor wou'd remove 'till Winter grew severe,
And, by a tedious Storm, confin'd him there.
The Man, who found his whole Provision spent,
And wanted Food for daily Nourishment;
First, with the slaughter'd Sheep his Need supply'd,
And, when they fail'd, the lab'ring Oxen dy'd.
His Dogs, that saw it, frighted at the Sight,
Provided for their Safety, by their Flight:
They fear'd their Master wou'd not spare his Hounds,
Who kill'd the useful Beasts that plough'd his Grounds.
The MORAL.
‘When they, whose Merits claim a just Respect,‘Are treated with Injustice, or Neglect;
‘What Usage may the less-Deserving fear,
‘Whom no such gaining Qualities endear?
‘Well may they thence their own worse Fate conclude,
‘And shun the Reach of such Ingratitude.
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FABLE XLV. The Dogs and Ass:
Or, Envy, its own Tormentor.
The Night was calm, serene, and sweet the Air;
The Moon in her full Lustre did appear;
All Things to downy Sleep were Captives made,
But some loud Currs, that did their Peace invade:
At Cynthia's Beams, and their own Shadows, vex'd,
They, with vile Houling, all the Town perplex'd.
At this, an Ass, wak'd with their Noise, was mov'd,
And thus their clam'rous Peevishness reprov'd:
Sure, Sirs, much Bus'ness do's your Thoughts molest,
That you afford your selves no Time to Rest;
Or you suppose you at St. Malo are,
And think the Town committed to your Care;
Which makes you all this Din and Pother keep,
That, while you Wake, your Neighbours may not Sleep.
The Moon in her full Lustre did appear;
All Things to downy Sleep were Captives made,
But some loud Currs, that did their Peace invade:
At Cynthia's Beams, and their own Shadows, vex'd,
They, with vile Houling, all the Town perplex'd.
At this, an Ass, wak'd with their Noise, was mov'd,
And thus their clam'rous Peevishness reprov'd:
Sure, Sirs, much Bus'ness do's your Thoughts molest,
That you afford your selves no Time to Rest;
Or you suppose you at St. Malo are,
And think the Town committed to your Care;
Which makes you all this Din and Pother keep,
That, while you Wake, your Neighbours may not Sleep.
The MORAL.
‘Where Vip'rous Envy frets and gnaws the Mind,‘The tortur'd Patient no Repose can find:
‘His Sorrow's heightned by his Neighbour's Joy,
‘And their Tranquillities his Peace destroy.
‘The Envious on themselves exert their Spight,
‘And all displeases, that shou'd please their Sight:
‘Misfortunes only give their Pains relief,
‘They Grieve, because they find no Cause of Grief.
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FABLE XLVI. The Frog and Ox:
Or, Never Satisfy'd, never Happy.
A
Frog, that in a fertile Pasture spies
A well-grown Ox, envies his larger Size:
To Equal him, she her small Body strains,
'Till, with the Force, she almost burst her Veins.
Her wiser Son cries, Mother, Pray forbear;
In vain a Frog wou'd with an Ox compare:
But he his Counsel and his Breath mis-spent;
She wou'd be Great, tho' Death was the Event.
Again she strains; again he bids her cease,
For all her Pains cou'd not her Bulk encrease;
Tho' she shou'd burst, she still wou'd miss her Aim,
By Nature stinted to that petty Frame.
Yet still she strains, ambitious to succeed;
But over-strains her self, and bursts indeed.
A well-grown Ox, envies his larger Size:
To Equal him, she her small Body strains,
'Till, with the Force, she almost burst her Veins.
Her wiser Son cries, Mother, Pray forbear;
In vain a Frog wou'd with an Ox compare:
But he his Counsel and his Breath mis-spent;
She wou'd be Great, tho' Death was the Event.
Again she strains; again he bids her cease,
For all her Pains cou'd not her Bulk encrease;
Tho' she shou'd burst, she still wou'd miss her Aim,
By Nature stinted to that petty Frame.
Yet still she strains, ambitious to succeed;
But over-strains her self, and bursts indeed.
The MORAL.
‘Wise Heav'n, that suits its Blessings to our Wants,‘To Each some choice peculiar Favour grants:
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‘Some num'rous Friends, and some vast Treasures count;
‘And happy they, who with their Gifts content,
‘Nor envy others, nor themselves torment.
‘For he, who thinks his own Endowment poor,
‘Loses its Pleasure, while he grasps at more.
FABLE XLVII. The Trees:
Or, Fatal Beauty.
A grove of Trees in one Plantation grew,
Tall, straight, and smooth, and graceful to the View:
Only one Brother, not so kindly thriv'n,
Was Dwarfish, Crooked, Knotty, and Unev'n:
Him all his haughty Fellows did despise,
Him they still loaded with sharp Obloquies.
But so it chanc'd, that he who own'd the Soil,
Condemn'd his Wood to be the Axe's Spoil;
And, to erect a Building on his Land,
Fell'd the fair Trees, but let the Monster stand.
He, marking how his nobler Brethren far'd,
While he, for his Defects alone, was spar'd;
Said, I on Nature will no more exclaim,
For this my useless and mis-shapen Frame;
Since I, by that, my Safety have enjoy'd,
While others, for their Beauty, are destroy'd.
Tall, straight, and smooth, and graceful to the View:
Only one Brother, not so kindly thriv'n,
Was Dwarfish, Crooked, Knotty, and Unev'n:
Him all his haughty Fellows did despise,
Him they still loaded with sharp Obloquies.
But so it chanc'd, that he who own'd the Soil,
Condemn'd his Wood to be the Axe's Spoil;
And, to erect a Building on his Land,
Fell'd the fair Trees, but let the Monster stand.
He, marking how his nobler Brethren far'd,
While he, for his Defects alone, was spar'd;
Said, I on Nature will no more exclaim,
For this my useless and mis-shapen Frame;
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While others, for their Beauty, are destroy'd.
The MORAL.
‘We shou'd not rashly at those Wants repine,‘In which kind Heav'n our Safety do's design:
‘A Sickly Body, or a mean Estate,
‘Prevent our suff'ring a severer Fate.
‘Vigour and Wealth make us ill Courses run,
‘And furnish us with Means to be undone.
‘The boasted Beauties of a Charming Face,
‘Expose, what they imbellish, to Disgrace.
‘She who is less admir'd, is more secure;
‘Meets few Assaults, or many can endure.
FABLE XLVIII. The Mice in Consult:
Or, Impracticable Projects useless.
A crew of Mice, that in a Barn were bred,
Where they far'd high, and plentifully sed;
And, to avoid the injur'd Farmer's Sight,
Sculk'd all the Day, and Revell'd all the Night;
Were by a Cat made a continual Prey,
A Cat more watchful, and as quick as they:
For Puss cou'd in the Dark best use her Eyes,
And seiz'd the fearless Captives by Surprize.
This prompted their Contrivance, to avoid
The sudden Fate by which they were destroy'd.
The Council sate; a thinking Mouse arose,
And to the rest did thus his Sense propose:
Since, for our Safety, to find Ways and Means,
Is what this grave Assembly here convenes;
Because, in spite of all our baffled Cares,
Our Foe, Grimalkin, snaps us unawares:
To frustrate her Attempts, it may do well,
About her Neck to hang a Warning-Bell;
By whose shrill Sound, inform'd when Puss is nigh,
We may be caution'd, and from Danger flie.
This was approv'd, till a considerate Mouse,
That had been long the Mouth of all the House,
Reply'd; I much approve my Brother's Way:
But which of us shall make the bold Essay?
Where they far'd high, and plentifully sed;
And, to avoid the injur'd Farmer's Sight,
Sculk'd all the Day, and Revell'd all the Night;
Were by a Cat made a continual Prey,
A Cat more watchful, and as quick as they:
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And seiz'd the fearless Captives by Surprize.
This prompted their Contrivance, to avoid
The sudden Fate by which they were destroy'd.
The Council sate; a thinking Mouse arose,
And to the rest did thus his Sense propose:
Since, for our Safety, to find Ways and Means,
Is what this grave Assembly here convenes;
Because, in spite of all our baffled Cares,
Our Foe, Grimalkin, snaps us unawares:
To frustrate her Attempts, it may do well,
About her Neck to hang a Warning-Bell;
By whose shrill Sound, inform'd when Puss is nigh,
We may be caution'd, and from Danger flie.
This was approv'd, till a considerate Mouse,
That had been long the Mouth of all the House,
Reply'd; I much approve my Brother's Way:
But which of us shall make the bold Essay?
The MORAL.
‘Impracticable Projects useless are,‘But to accomplish, is the Wise Man's Care:
‘Men may safe Methods easily advise;
‘But the main Stress, in Execution lies:
‘If then you cannot what you wou'd atchieve,
‘Will what you can, and you may hope to thrive.
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FABLE XLIX. The Hermit and Soldier:
Or, Involuntary Reformation.
A pious Hermit, whose Regard was shown
As much for others Safety as his own;
Advis'd a Soldier to consult his Ease,
And keep his Body and his Soul in Peace;
By timely quitting the lewd Camp, which few,
Without exposing both at once, pursue.
To whom the Man of War, with Thanks, reply'd,
Your Counsel, Rev'rend Sir, shall be my Guide:
For now the Times are grown so very bad,
That neither Pay nor Plunder can be had.
As much for others Safety as his own;
Advis'd a Soldier to consult his Ease,
And keep his Body and his Soul in Peace;
By timely quitting the lewd Camp, which few,
Without exposing both at once, pursue.
To whom the Man of War, with Thanks, reply'd,
Your Counsel, Rev'rend Sir, shall be my Guide:
For now the Times are grown so very bad,
That neither Pay nor Plunder can be had.
The MORAL.
‘Thus freely, Men, when they can sin no more,‘Renounce the Vices they indulg'd before:
‘The Drunkard, when enfeebl'd by Excess,
‘Do's firm Resolves of Temperance express.
‘The Leacher does in Continence engage,
‘When from his Swinge he is restrain'd by Age:
‘Thus All expect to be accounted Good,
‘Because they cannot act the Crimes they wou'd.
‘But they in vain their Boasts of Virtue make,
‘Who ne'er their Sins, 'till left by them, forsake:
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‘Is not Reform'd, but Good against his Will.
FABLE L. The Lion, Ass, and Fox:
Or, One's Danger, another's Caution.
The
King of Beasts invited to a Chase
A subtil Fox, and an unthinking Ass:
The early Hunters well employ'd the Day,
Were tir'd with Sport, and laden with their Prey.
Their gracious Sov'reign, to reward their Toil,
Bid the dull Ass divide the noble Spoil.
This inconsid'rate Blockhead, not aware,
And eager to be Master of his Share;
An equal Tripartite Division makes,
And to himself a Third Proportion takes.
But soon the Lion, with an angry Brow,
Lets him his Error, and his Danger, know;
And the imprudent Beast in Pieces tears,
To make an Augmentation to the Shares:
Then bids the Fox, the Ass's Failure mend,
And try to make a fairer Dividend.
The cautious Reynard freely did obey,
But had no stomach to encrease the Prey;
Instructed by his apprehensive Sense,
That no Partition, best wou'd please his Prince;
He the whole Prize into a Heap did draw,
And humbly laid it at the Lion's Paw:
Who, pleas'd to see him thus discharge his Trust,
Ask'd, where he learn'd to be so nicely Just?
To whose Demand the ready Fox reply'd,
Sir, The dead Ass has taught me to divide.
A subtil Fox, and an unthinking Ass:
The early Hunters well employ'd the Day,
Were tir'd with Sport, and laden with their Prey.
Their gracious Sov'reign, to reward their Toil,
Bid the dull Ass divide the noble Spoil.
This inconsid'rate Blockhead, not aware,
And eager to be Master of his Share;
An equal Tripartite Division makes,
And to himself a Third Proportion takes.
But soon the Lion, with an angry Brow,
Lets him his Error, and his Danger, know;
And the imprudent Beast in Pieces tears,
To make an Augmentation to the Shares:
Then bids the Fox, the Ass's Failure mend,
And try to make a fairer Dividend.
The cautious Reynard freely did obey,
But had no stomach to encrease the Prey;
Instructed by his apprehensive Sense,
That no Partition, best wou'd please his Prince;
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And humbly laid it at the Lion's Paw:
Who, pleas'd to see him thus discharge his Trust,
Ask'd, where he learn'd to be so nicely Just?
To whose Demand the ready Fox reply'd,
Sir, The dead Ass has taught me to divide.
The MORAL.
‘Wise Men, subjected to a Tyrant's Lust,‘Who seeks Occasion to become Unjust;
‘By what their Fellows suffer, cautious made,
‘Avoid the Snares that for themselves are laid:
‘And when their Neighbour's House begins to burn,
‘Think how to shun what may be next their Turn.
FABLE LI. The Fox and Women:
Or, More Bold than Welcome.
An Old Eves dropping Fox, a subtle Dog,
That us'd to pry in ev'ry Nook for Prog;
As he, at Mid-night, through a Village pass'd,
Saw Six Fat Gossips round a Table plac'd:
As many Pullets, and as Plump as they,
Garnish'd with Sausages, before them lay.
The tempting Meat made them fall to a-pace,
Nor did their Stomachs let them stay for Grace.
The Dames so sharp were set, that (which was strange)
They did not, for some space, a Word exchange;
But a profound surprizing Silence kept,
As if their Husbands within hearing slept:
(Tho' this was what they cou'd not yet avoid;
Their Mouths were now another way employ'd:)
But when some hearty Bumpers had gone round,
And oil'd their Tongues; they were not Dumb, he found:
They grew as Loud, as they were Mute before,
And Talk'd so fast, no Pies cou'd Chatter more.
That us'd to pry in ev'ry Nook for Prog;
As he, at Mid-night, through a Village pass'd,
Saw Six Fat Gossips round a Table plac'd:
As many Pullets, and as Plump as they,
Garnish'd with Sausages, before them lay.
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Nor did their Stomachs let them stay for Grace.
The Dames so sharp were set, that (which was strange)
They did not, for some space, a Word exchange;
But a profound surprizing Silence kept,
As if their Husbands within hearing slept:
(Tho' this was what they cou'd not yet avoid;
Their Mouths were now another way employ'd:)
But when some hearty Bumpers had gone round,
And oil'd their Tongues; they were not Dumb, he found:
They grew as Loud, as they were Mute before,
And Talk'd so fast, no Pies cou'd Chatter more.
Reynard, who envy'd them their Mirth and Fare,
Wou'd fain have made an, Are-ye-at-it there?
And, since he cou'd not be allow'd a Guest,
He lick'd his driv'ling Chops, and spoil'd the Feast.
Wou'd fain have made an, Are-ye-at-it there?
And, since he cou'd not be allow'd a Guest,
He lick'd his driv'ling Chops, and spoil'd the Feast.
Good Wives, said he, if I had done like you,
What Noise of Hounds and Horns wou'd me pursue?
Your Dogs, and Husbands (by your Kindness arm'd)
Wou'd all, to follow Reynard, be Alarm'd:
And you your selves wou'd be too apt to Rail,
If I got one poor Pullet by Retail;
Tho' you have gormandiz'd, by Wholsale, more
Than I have filch'd from you this Month before.
What Noise of Hounds and Horns wou'd me pursue?
Your Dogs, and Husbands (by your Kindness arm'd)
Wou'd all, to follow Reynard, be Alarm'd:
And you your selves wou'd be too apt to Rail,
If I got one poor Pullet by Retail;
Tho' you have gormandiz'd, by Wholsale, more
Than I have filch'd from you this Month before.
To this, a Matron, perter than the rest,
Reply'd, What's that to you, malicious Beast?
If your Impertinence like us had done,
You wou'd have fed on nothing but your own:
Learn to do so, and, what is ours, forbear,
And much good do't you, Gaffer, with your Chear:
We never envy you an honest Meal,
Nor grudge at what you eat, but what you steal.
Reply'd, What's that to you, malicious Beast?
If your Impertinence like us had done,
You wou'd have fed on nothing but your own:
Learn to do so, and, what is ours, forbear,
And much good do't you, Gaffer, with your Chear:
We never envy you an honest Meal,
Nor grudge at what you eat, but what you steal.
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The MORAL.
‘Contented with its own, an honest Mind‘Repines not at the Joys which others find;
‘Nor thinks it can, without affronting Heav'n,
‘Invade the Properties which that has giv'n.
‘Tho', where no previous Right do's Titles grant,
‘Nature leaves Things to the first Occupant:
‘Yet where, by Civil Pacts, the Right's assign'd,
‘They are no longer common, but confin'd.
‘When so enclos'd, to use them at our Will,
‘Is, as the Users differ, well, or ill:
‘In the Proprietors, 'tis Right, and Just;
‘But in Usurpers, Theft, or Breach of Trust.
‘An Honest Man, whose Conscience Justice sways,
‘Without Reserve, all her Commands obeys:
‘Will no Designs, but what he may, pursue,
‘And gives, or wou'd give ev'ry One his Due.
‘Were all Men such, how Happy shou'd we be!
‘From Rapine safe, from all Injustice free.
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FABLE LII. The Fox without a Tail:
Or, The More the Merrier.
A
Fox, that often had deserv'd a Jail,
Was trap'd at last, and taken by the Tail:
But he, unwilling to be long confin'd,
Made his Escape, and left the Pledge behind.
His Freedom gain'd, he next consults his Fame,
And casts about how to conceal the Shame:
His Project was, to propagate the Mode,
Under a fair Pretence of Publick Good:
He likes the Thought, assembles all his Friends,
And, to their Wisdoms, Docking recommends:
Tells them, They carry'd but an useless Load,
That did the Bearers greatly incommode;
A vain Excrescence, which they well might spare,
And better want, than to no purpose bear;
But of that Burthen eas'd, they wou'd be light,
And fitted either for Pursuit, or Flight;
Their Shapes to more Advantage wou'd be seen,
Gain a new Air, and a more graceful Mien:
Thus they, by quitting this uncomly Part,
Might polish Nature's rougher Draught, by Art.
Was trap'd at last, and taken by the Tail:
But he, unwilling to be long confin'd,
Made his Escape, and left the Pledge behind.
His Freedom gain'd, he next consults his Fame,
And casts about how to conceal the Shame:
His Project was, to propagate the Mode,
Under a fair Pretence of Publick Good:
He likes the Thought, assembles all his Friends,
And, to their Wisdoms, Docking recommends:
Tells them, They carry'd but an useless Load,
That did the Bearers greatly incommode;
A vain Excrescence, which they well might spare,
And better want, than to no purpose bear;
But of that Burthen eas'd, they wou'd be light,
And fitted either for Pursuit, or Flight;
Their Shapes to more Advantage wou'd be seen,
Gain a new Air, and a more graceful Mien:
Thus they, by quitting this uncomly Part,
Might polish Nature's rougher Draught, by Art.
This said; a sharper Fox, that smelt his Drift,
And found his specious Arguments a Shift,
Reply'd, You have your Oratory shown,
Not to promote our Int'rest, but your own;
And 'tis not reasonable we shou'd join
In what was your Misfortune, not Design.
And found his specious Arguments a Shift,
Reply'd, You have your Oratory shown,
Not to promote our Int'rest, but your own;
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In what was your Misfortune, not Design.
The MORAL.
‘Designing Knaves, like Reynard in the Tale,‘Make the Pretence of Publick Good a Stale;
‘Practise their Villanies, and 'scape the Blame,
‘By drawing others to commit the same.
‘For Many Part'ners in a Crime, when known,
‘Make the divided Guilt seem less in One;
‘Or, by their Numbers, grown too strong, and high,
‘Dare weaker Justice, and the Laws, defie.
FABLE LIII. The Miss:
Or, The Sponge squeez'd.
A
Lady of the Town, whose Wheedling Art
Had made a Breach in a young Captain's Heart;
As Conqu'rors, of the Towns they Storm, dispose,
Plunder'd her Slave of all he had to lose:
The greedy Wretch scarce left him worth a Groat,
Except a Cloak to hide his shabby Coat;
Yet he her Pris'ner at Discretion liv'd,
Pleas'd with the Fate at which he shou'd have griev'd.
At last, the Time for brisk Campaign was come,
And he (sad Mortal) must attend the Drum;
Tho' with Reluctance, that he shou'd forego
A Thing as Noisie, and as Hollow too.
Away he sail'd with next presenting Wind,
But left his Heart (if he had one) behind.
The Jilt, when she perceiv'd him past Retrieve,
Did with a more than common Sorrow grieve.
Her Consorts ask'd her why she Wept so sore,
Who never had appear'd so True before?
Ah! she reply'd, My very Heart is broke,
To think that I have lost—his Scarlet Cloak.
Had made a Breach in a young Captain's Heart;
As Conqu'rors, of the Towns they Storm, dispose,
Plunder'd her Slave of all he had to lose:
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Except a Cloak to hide his shabby Coat;
Yet he her Pris'ner at Discretion liv'd,
Pleas'd with the Fate at which he shou'd have griev'd.
At last, the Time for brisk Campaign was come,
And he (sad Mortal) must attend the Drum;
Tho' with Reluctance, that he shou'd forego
A Thing as Noisie, and as Hollow too.
Away he sail'd with next presenting Wind,
But left his Heart (if he had one) behind.
The Jilt, when she perceiv'd him past Retrieve,
Did with a more than common Sorrow grieve.
Her Consorts ask'd her why she Wept so sore,
Who never had appear'd so True before?
Ah! she reply'd, My very Heart is broke,
To think that I have lost—his Scarlet Cloak.
The MORAL.
‘Insatiate Jilts, for mercenary Ends,‘With Shews of Love, Cajole their Cully'd Friends;
‘'Till they the Substance of their Pockets drain,
‘And then the Sponges they have squeez'd, disdain.
‘Curs'd is the Wretch that on their Faith relies,
‘Who, only for the Gifts, the Giver prise.
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FABLE LIV. The Smith and his Dog:
Or, No Work, no Meat.
While a laborious Smith, to earn his Meat,
Wrought at his Forge, with daily Toil and Sweat;
And, with incessant Pains, himself did tire,
For a poor Living, rak'd out of the Fire.
His idle Dog, that spent his Time in Ease,
Slept undisturb'd by ev'ry thing, but Fleas.
But when the Master to his Victuals sate,
His Dog sleep vanish'd, and he came to wait;
With brisk Devoir he fawn'd, and wagg'd his Tail,
And, by his Flatt'ry, did for Food prevail:
Thus ready at each Meal he us'd to be,
None so adroit, so diligent, as he.
All that observ'd his Stomach, wou'd have thought,
That he who eat so much, as much had wrought.
But honest Smug, who knew the lazy Curr
Did only, when the Meat was going, stir;
Yet the unprofitable Charge maintain'd,
Thus of his Appetite and Sloth complain'd:
Wrought at his Forge, with daily Toil and Sweat;
And, with incessant Pains, himself did tire,
For a poor Living, rak'd out of the Fire.
His idle Dog, that spent his Time in Ease,
Slept undisturb'd by ev'ry thing, but Fleas.
But when the Master to his Victuals sate,
His Dog sleep vanish'd, and he came to wait;
With brisk Devoir he fawn'd, and wagg'd his Tail,
And, by his Flatt'ry, did for Food prevail:
Thus ready at each Meal he us'd to be,
None so adroit, so diligent, as he.
All that observ'd his Stomach, wou'd have thought,
That he who eat so much, as much had wrought.
But honest Smug, who knew the lazy Curr
Did only, when the Meat was going, stir;
Yet the unprofitable Charge maintain'd,
Thus of his Appetite and Sloth complain'd:
While I, with early Pains, my Anvil ply,
You by my side supinely Sleeping lie;
And tho' my Noise the Neighbour's do's molest,
'Tis not sufficient to disturb your Rest:
But when my Hands are still, and Teeth employ'd,
You quickly hear, and then wou'd Sleep avoid:
Whene'er again, with Stroaks, my Anvil groans,
Again your Business is, to rest your Bones:
Scarce I to Work, e're you to Bed are gone;
For when your Belly's full, your Work is done.
You by my side supinely Sleeping lie;
And tho' my Noise the Neighbour's do's molest,
'Tis not sufficient to disturb your Rest:
But when my Hands are still, and Teeth employ'd,
You quickly hear, and then wou'd Sleep avoid:
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Again your Business is, to rest your Bones:
Scarce I to Work, e're you to Bed are gone;
For when your Belly's full, your Work is done.
The MORAL.
‘The Drones who haunt their busie Neighbours Hives,‘And, by their Pains, support their idle Lives;
‘With just Contempt shou'd be excluded thence,
‘Driv'n to hard Work, or harder Indigence:
‘Labour alone intitles Men to Eat;
‘When Sleep's their Bus'ness, Sleep shou'd be their Meat.
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FABLE LV. The Swan and Stork:
Or, Deliverance in Death.
A dying
Swan, that with her fleeting Breath,
In tuneful Accents, seem'd to welcome Death;
Was, by a Stork, that heard her Song, admir'd,
When in such joyful Transports she expir'd:
That she, who ne'er before unlock'd her Throat,
To please her self with any charming Note;
Shou'd at grim Death's Approach, which others fear,
So gay, so chearful, so serene appear.
In tuneful Accents, seem'd to welcome Death;
Was, by a Stork, that heard her Song, admir'd,
When in such joyful Transports she expir'd:
That she, who ne'er before unlock'd her Throat,
To please her self with any charming Note;
Shou'd at grim Death's Approach, which others fear,
So gay, so chearful, so serene appear.
The Swan reply'd, I well may raise my Voice,
And at the kind Relief of Fate rejoyce;
Since I for Food shall take no longer Care,
No longer dread the Fowler's Gun or Snare.
And at the kind Relief of Fate rejoyce;
Since I for Food shall take no longer Care,
No longer dread the Fowler's Gun or Snare.
The MORAL.
‘Why shou'd frail Men, at Death's Approach, be shock'd,‘By whose kind Hand their Prisons are unlock'd?
‘Since, free'd from Troubles which their Lives enslave,
‘They lie at Rest within the peaceful Grave?
‘Embolden'd by their Liberty so near,
‘They need no Tyrant's Frown, nor Fortune's fear.
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‘All other Foes, and their short Rage, defies.
FABLE LVI. The Hawk and Nightingale:
Or, Profit, the best Pleasure.
A
Nightingale was by a Merlin seiz'd,
And saw but little hope to be releas'd;
Yet, loth to Die, she begg'd the eager Foe
To let her pay her Ransom down, and go.
The Hawk, who knew she had not much to give,
Ask'd, what she cou'd afford for a Reprieve?
She answer'd, She wou'd strain her charming Voice,
To please his Ears, and make his Heart rejoyce.
The Hawk reply'd, Pray, save your fruitless Pray'rs
I must indulge my Belly, not my Ears:
That calls for Meat, and has been empty long,
And will not be contented with a Song:
And I, who only live by what I eat,
Can want your Tunes, but cannot want my Meat.
And saw but little hope to be releas'd;
Yet, loth to Die, she begg'd the eager Foe
To let her pay her Ransom down, and go.
The Hawk, who knew she had not much to give,
Ask'd, what she cou'd afford for a Reprieve?
She answer'd, She wou'd strain her charming Voice,
To please his Ears, and make his Heart rejoyce.
The Hawk reply'd, Pray, save your fruitless Pray'rs
I must indulge my Belly, not my Ears:
That calls for Meat, and has been empty long,
And will not be contented with a Song:
And I, who only live by what I eat,
Can want your Tunes, but cannot want my Meat.
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The MORAL.
‘He, who do's Pleasure, more than Profit prise,‘Deprives himself of Food, and, starving, dies;
‘While he who only do's his Gain pursue,
‘By getting That, in That has Pleasure too.
FABLE LVII. The Dog and Wolf:
Or, A Burnt Child dreads the Fire.
A
Dog lay sleeping at his Master's Gate,
And never dreamt of his approaching Fate;
When his old Enemy, a Wolf, came near,
Just nick'd the Time, and took him napping there.
In this Surprize, the Dog for Life begg'd hard,
And gave this Reason why he shou'd be spar'd:
I have been lately under a Decay,
Brought very low, and strangely fall'n away;
And now, alas! my Flesh so slowly grows,
'Tis Carrion yet, and only fit for Crows:
But my good Master will at Easter Wed,
And then I shall be plentifully fed;
Then you will find me most delicious Meat,
And fit for you, or any Wolf, to eat:
If then you please to wait that lucky Hour,
You may your Servant, so improv'd, devour.
And never dreamt of his approaching Fate;
When his old Enemy, a Wolf, came near,
Just nick'd the Time, and took him napping there.
In this Surprize, the Dog for Life begg'd hard,
And gave this Reason why he shou'd be spar'd:
I have been lately under a Decay,
Brought very low, and strangely fall'n away;
And now, alas! my Flesh so slowly grows,
'Tis Carrion yet, and only fit for Crows:
But my good Master will at Easter Wed,
And then I shall be plentifully fed;
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And fit for you, or any Wolf, to eat:
If then you please to wait that lucky Hour,
You may your Servant, so improv'd, devour.
The Wolf believ'd him, and dismiss'd his Prey,
And came again at the appointed Day:
He found the Dog, not Sleeping, as before,
But standing on his Guard within the Door:
Isgrim desir'd him to make good his Word;
But Spot this Answer only wou'd afford:
When next you catch me sleeping at the Gate,
Good Mr. Wolf, for no more Bridals wait.
And came again at the appointed Day:
He found the Dog, not Sleeping, as before,
But standing on his Guard within the Door:
Isgrim desir'd him to make good his Word;
But Spot this Answer only wou'd afford:
When next you catch me sleeping at the Gate,
Good Mr. Wolf, for no more Bridals wait.
The MORAL.
‘Thus prudent Men, when once from Danger free'd,‘With greater Caution in their Ways proceed;
‘Correct the Errors, and Neglects avoid,
‘Which made them liable to be destroy'd:
‘From former Suff'rings, they Suspicion learn,
‘And proper Means to shun the like, discern.
‘Burnt Children thus are quickly taught the Art
‘To flie the dreaded Fire that made them smart.
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FABLE LVIII. The Rival Cocks:
Or, No Reckoning of Chickens before they are Hatch'd.
Two
Cocks, that on a Dunghil sought to reign,
Did, for the Empire, daily War maintain;
Often they strove which shou'd his Foe destroy,
And the Seraglio of Hens enjoy:
'Till the first Lord of the rich Soil, by Fate
Compell'd to yield, was forc'd to Abdicate:
Asham'd thereat, he soon retir'd from Sight,
And durst no more appear to claim his Right.
Did, for the Empire, daily War maintain;
Often they strove which shou'd his Foe destroy,
And the Seraglio of Hens enjoy:
'Till the first Lord of the rich Soil, by Fate
Compell'd to yield, was forc'd to Abdicate:
Asham'd thereat, he soon retir'd from Sight,
And durst no more appear to claim his Right.
The happy Victor, of his Conquest proud,
Proclaims his Triumph to the World aloud:
Mounts the House-top, and claps his joyful Wings,
And, with rais'd Crest, three Iö Bæans sings.
But while thus haughty, thus with Trophies pleas'd,
An Eagle saw him, and the Boaster seiz'd;
Then with her Captive to her Airy flew,
And for her Young, the wretched Victim slew.
His vanquish'd Rival, who beheld his Fate,
Recall'd his Courage, and return'd in State;
Was Recogniz'd, resum'd his Rightful Throne,
And Trod the Dunghil, and the Hens, alone,
Proclaims his Triumph to the World aloud:
Mounts the House-top, and claps his joyful Wings,
And, with rais'd Crest, three Iö Bæans sings.
But while thus haughty, thus with Trophies pleas'd,
An Eagle saw him, and the Boaster seiz'd;
Then with her Captive to her Airy flew,
And for her Young, the wretched Victim slew.
His vanquish'd Rival, who beheld his Fate,
Recall'd his Courage, and return'd in State;
Was Recogniz'd, resum'd his Rightful Throne,
And Trod the Dunghil, and the Hens, alone,
The MORAL.
‘Since here we daily Revolutions see,‘And cannot dive into Futurity;
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‘And, unprovided for a Fall, aspire?
‘Extreams are short-liv'd, and, from Heights of Bliss,
‘We may be plung'd in Sorrow's deep Abyss.
‘A Steady Mind is always on its Guard,
‘And for a Change, in ev'ry State, prepar'd:
‘Hopes for a Calm, when most with Storms oppress'd;
‘And looks for Storms, when with a Calm 'tis bless'd!
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