Aesop at Paris his letters and fables. Translated from the original French [by Edward Ward] |
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The Bull and Lyon.
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 | Aesop at Paris |  |
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The Bull and Lyon.
A FABLE.
A lyon oft a mighty Bull assail'd
By sundry slights, yet of his purpose fail'd;
Then under Friendships Notion, did Invite
The Bull to take Collate with him one Night;
Told him he had a Sheep already Drest;
To which Dear Friend should be a welcome Guest.
The Bull agreed, and follow'd to his Den
Aloof behind, but soon return'd again,
Frighted by Objects that appear'd in view,
As mighty Spit, and mighty Caldron too,
Fitter to Roast or Boil an Ox than Ewe.
By sundry slights, yet of his purpose fail'd;
Then under Friendships Notion, did Invite
The Bull to take Collate with him one Night;
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To which Dear Friend should be a welcome Guest.
The Bull agreed, and follow'd to his Den
Aloof behind, but soon return'd again,
Frighted by Objects that appear'd in view,
As mighty Spit, and mighty Caldron too,
Fitter to Roast or Boil an Ox than Ewe.
Reflection.
Oft have the French Attempted, tho' in Vain,A Pow'r o'er Holland, and it's Friends to gain;
But Stratagems, and Pow'r, of Men, and Sense,
Hath kept them watchful in their own Defence;
And hath not yet intrapt their Innocence.
Failing in these, New methods France does take,
And under Friendships smiles does hide its hate;
Thinking that way he may Inslave their State.
Invites them to the pleasant Banquet Peace,
Where the Fatigu'd Warriour is Crown'd with Ease.
From such Pretences, who could ever think
Of other Weapons, but a Pen and Ink,
A lasting League to make? Instead of that,
Nought but the Cannon, and the Drum do Prate.
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