Aesop at Paris his letters and fables. Translated from the original French [by Edward Ward] |
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The Husband-man and his Sons:
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 | Aesop at Paris |  |
4
The Husband-man and his Sons:
A FABLE.
A father
(like a Father) to secure
His Family, by an United Pow'r,
By Demonstration plain thought fit to show,
What mighty Strength from Pow'rs United flow.
His Sons were to this purpose bid appear,
And to their Father carefully give ear:
Of Wands a bundle, in a Band inclos'd,
He there had lay'd, and to each one propos'd,
The close ty'd Wands to break; which each in vain
Attempted to effect:—
Th'Instructing Father did untwist the Band,
And gave to every Son a single Wand,
With order each on that his strength to try;
Which each did break with great facility.
Thus, says the Father, you do plainly see,
Tho' Passive things be Weak to low degree,
Yet are of Strength, when join'd in Unity.
So Sons, whilst in firm Friendship ye remain,
Your Enemies Attempts will be in vain;
But if Divided, easily you'll be,
A Prey to each Ambitious Enemy.
His Family, by an United Pow'r,
By Demonstration plain thought fit to show,
What mighty Strength from Pow'rs United flow.
His Sons were to this purpose bid appear,
And to their Father carefully give ear:
Of Wands a bundle, in a Band inclos'd,
He there had lay'd, and to each one propos'd,
The close ty'd Wands to break; which each in vain
Attempted to effect:—
Th'Instructing Father did untwist the Band,
And gave to every Son a single Wand,
With order each on that his strength to try;
Which each did break with great facility.
Thus, says the Father, you do plainly see,
Tho' Passive things be Weak to low degree,
Yet are of Strength, when join'd in Unity.
5
Your Enemies Attempts will be in vain;
But if Divided, easily you'll be,
A Prey to each Ambitious Enemy.
Reflection.
If England, Holland, and their Friends conjoin,By Force they may oppose the French Design;
But if mistaken Politicks do move
A Fatal Separation, (such 'twill prove)
Nought can preserve them, but the Pow'r above.
Agreement Centers several in one,
And Formidable make those which alone,
Are not of pow'r fit to resist a Foe,
But if conjoin'd, to mighty force they grow.
If fear of present ill makes One comply,
He may expect Ulysses Fate, to Die
Last, and be swallow'd in his Monarchy.
| Aesop at Paris | |