¶ A school of wise Conceits, Wherein as every Conceit hath wit, so the most have much mirth, Set forth in common places by order of the Alphabet.  
Translated out of divers Greek and Latin Writers, by THOMAS BLAGE student of the Queen's College in Cambridge.  
Printed at London, by Henry Binneman, dwelling in Knight rider street, at the sign of the Marmayd. CUM PRIVILEGIO.   

The names of the Authors used in this Book.  

LAurentius Abstemius.  
Aulus Gellius.  
Plinius Secundus Novocomensis.  
Nicolaus Gerbellius Phorcensis.  
Petrus Crinitus.  
Angelus Politianus.  
Aesopus.  
Gabrias.  
Gulielmus Gowdanus.  
Anianus.  
joannes Antonius Campanus.  
Horatius.  
Gerardus Lew.  
Poggius.  
Bebelius.  
Brasitanus.  
Adrianus Barlandus.  
Erasmus Roterodamus.  
Hermanus.  
Rimitius.    

Virtutum non minus quàm literarum splendore clarissimo viro D. Guilielmo Chester equiti aurato, salutem, & in agnita veritate constantem zelum, à Domino JESV, unico omnium piorum seruatore, Thomas Blage Cantabrigiensis optat, atque ex animo precatur.  
OMnes qui hac tempestate elucubrationum suarum, fructu aliquo Reipub. prodesse volunt (vir ornatissime) id mihi polliceri videntur, imò praestare meritò debent, uti omnino aliquid in lucem proferant, quod ad Christiani hominis institutum, aut alioqui ad bonos mores componendos pertineat. Me verò si quispiam rogitet cur 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 potissimum transferre aggrediar, huic ita responsum volo: Quia tantum in se 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 disciplinae ad corruptissimos nostri soeculi mores emendandos complectantur, adeo ut vel minimi quispiam iuditij, in his aliquantisper versatus, meliora prosequi, deteriora fugere discat: atque hoc citra laborem, quod in locos communes redigantur, & unicuique rei sua Fabula (quantum potui) vere accommodetur. Proinde amicorum praecibus compulsus, hoc opus aggredi, absolutumque in lucem aedere, Patronum aliqucm mihi quaerere decrevi, sub cuius angusto nomine hic Libellus exiret: cumque animi oculos, huc, illuc, non parum volutassem, tu mihi tandem prae alijs magis arrisisti, tum nonnullis de causis, quas impresentiarum omitto, tum quia inter caeteros clarissimae huius Civitatis ornatissimes vires, nominis tui splendor benè audiat: saxitque omnipotens Deus, ut indies, quoad fieri potest, una cum nomine cuncta foeliciter cedant. Accipe igitur pro tuo in nos studio, haec (licet exigua) & remissis interim gravioribus curis, haec leniora perlege. Gratius enim animi mei 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, aut luculentius meae ergate obseruantiae symbolum dare nequeo. Superest ut Christum jesum comprecemur, tibi ut & vitam, & incolumitatem largiatur, & istum animum quem indidit, semper in maius provehat. Vale. Cantabrigiae vigesimo Decembris. Anno partae salutis 1569.   

Ad eundem 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉.  

〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉,  
〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉.  
〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉,  
〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉.  
〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉,  
〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉:  
〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉,  
〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉.  
〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉,  
〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉.  
〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉,  
〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉.  
〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉,  
〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉,  
〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉,  
〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉.    

A Dialogue between the Author and the Printer.  Author. 
AS I did musing lie,  
with sundry thoughts oppressed,  
Seeking to salve my careful mind,  
of pain to be redressed:  
And pondering how my youth  
full ydiely I had spent,  
In silence only wrapped up,  
my mind it did torment.  
From darkness unto light  
I thought it best to call,  
By setting forth some little book,  
which profit might us all.  
And that I did intend  
is brought now to effect.  
At idle hours I did it pen  
as time would me direct.  
The work you plainly see,  
friend Printer what it is,  
Declare if printing it deserve,  
and what there is amiss.  Printer. 
Your meaning I perceive,  
your purpose I allow,  
In that you are so diligent  
to prosecute your vow.  
And as in ages all,  
those have their praises due,  
Which painfully do run their race,  
and idleness eschew:  
So can I not mislike  
your noble enterprise:  
Which seek to help your countrymen,  
with this your fine devise.  
But shall I tell you plain,  
herein what is my mind?  
Be think this work was done before,  
and it in print I find:  
For Esope as you know,  
already englished is:  
And what doth yours, but taste of him?  
nought do I see but his.  Author. 
This briefly understand,  
that Esope is not last  
In this my book, nor only he  
alone doth stand aghast:  
But sundry writers else  
about him here do stand,  
Both witty, learned, eloquent,  
as hath been ta'en in hand.  
Besides, if well you mark,  
comparing that with mine,  
It is as near as East to West,  
and dross to Silver fine.  
Uncomely tales in that are found,  
and most absurd to read,  
Of reason void, of mirth bereft,  
to no good end they lead,  
No head nor foot in them is had,  
but set confusedly,  
On Esope falsely forged tales,  
what man can it deny?  
As in the life of Xanthus' wife,  
and others he doth writ  
So rudely, falsely, foolishly,  
how then should this delight?  
Of Esope that I writ,  
the Greek text doth allow.  
Dissenting clean from that you think,  
let this content you now.  
In common place it is reduced,  
applying as I might,  
So truly, unto every thing  
his proper place and right.  
From nintéene authors else,  
I have selected out,  
Their fine devise, their sayings wise,  
their pleasant deeds and stout.  
The truth hereof you hear,  
first try, than judgement give:  
If contrary you find to this  
than do not me believe.  Printer. 
I have compared since  
your doings unto his,  
And contrary to that I thought,  
I find that now it is:  
Besides uncomely tales,  
and falsely forged Fables,  
Wherewith his book replenished is,  
perceive I many babbles.  
For yours and his do far  
in every case dissent,  
I see from whom you do derive,  
your doings and intent.  
To answer your demand  
full ready am I priest,  
And will hereafter when you list,  
accomplish your request.  
FINIS.   

To the gentle Reader, in the commendation of Fables.  
AS I revolved in my mind the sundry kinds of Writers, which for the profit of Man have put in remembrance their imaginations, they that have written Fables are to be accounted with the rest: for they have not only wonderfully delighted the hearts of men, but also have more alured them to do things both good and profitable with their Fables, than Philosophers with their precepts. For they with such a sweetness do so pierce the hearts of the Readers, and by similitudes do declare (which are of much force to move affection) what men aught to take, and what to refuse, that thereby they are compelled, against their wills to agreed unto them. For the mind is disdainful to hear, neither will it easily abide things profitable and honest, except they be powdered with some merry jest Hereunto beareth witness a certain Orator of Athens, who on a time speaking to the Athenians, when he perceived them less attentive, required them that they would vouchsafe to hear a Fable: they were contented: then he began thus: Ceres, the Swallow and the Eagle sometime iorneyed together, when they were come to a river, the Swallow slew over, and the Eel swum through the river: when he had so said he held his peace, than they asked him what Ceres did? Your Gods (quoth he) are offended at you which will not hear them that counsel you for your profit, but if they tell any tales you hear them willingly. What force fables are of to move affection, I could declare by many examples, yet will I propound but three. The inhabitants of Samos would have put their ruler to death, whom Aesop dissuaded saying: As a Fox passed over a river, he was driven into a ditch where he stuck so fast in the mud, that he could not escape, whom the flies stinged: the Hedgehog sing him there, moved with compassion, asked him if he should drive the flies from him. Not (quoth he) for these are full with my blood and can little trouble me, but if thou shouldst drive them away, other hunger starved flies will occupy their rooms, and suck out all the blood that is left within me. The like shall happen to you O Samians, for if you slay your Ruler which is so wealthy, you must needs choose others, which while they enrich themselves, shall poll you of all that this man hath left: wherewith all the Samians being moved, left off their purpose. By the like means was Tiberius Caesar persuaded, when he appointed for every day Magistrates, whereupon (as josephus telleth) the Country of jury was governed by Cratus and Pilatus only by the space of twenty years. For (as Statius says) he that ruleth but a little while, showeth small favour to the people. The Himerians sometime minded to choose Captain of their army Phalaris the tyrant of Agrigentum, whom Stesichorus the Poet with this Fable discouraged from their purpose, saying: A horse fed alone in a meadow, at length came a Heart thither and spoiled it: whereupon the Horse took the advise of man, by what mean he might be revenged, to whom the man said: If thou will't take a bit in thy mouth and suffer me armed to get upon thy back, whose counsel he followed, and by his help put the Heart to flight and become the conqueror, but from that time forth he could not rid his mouth from the bit nor the man from his back. Even so (said Stesichorus) the like shall happen to you, if you chose Phalaris your captain, for your enemies you shall subdue, but you shall be in bondage to this Tyrant for ever: with which words the Himerians being discouraged, forsook the counsel to choose such a Captain, what time the people of Rome separated themselves from the Senators, because they paid tribute and were cumbered with warfares, did not Agrippa Menenius turn them from their purpose with this fable? Sometime (quoth he) you Romans, the members of man perceiving the belly to be slothful, fallen at variance with her and determined to give her no longer any succour. It happened, that, because they denied her nourishment, they become faint, whereupon they were at one again. In like manner the Senate and people of Rome are as the belly and members, which need one of another's help, and as by discord they perish, so by concord they are of strength: By which Tale the people turned from their purpose and become friends again with the Senate. Therefore not without good cause both the Greek and Latin Poets, as Hesiodus and Horace, have mingled such Fables among their works, and also the chiefest and famous Philosophers, as Plato, Aristotle, and Plutarche, with many more, have highly commended them, whose opinion was, that they much availed to the instruction of a moral and civil life: wherefore Leovicenus and Valla, of late writers the best learned, did translate Fables out of Greek into Latin, which they known would be to their praise, and to the delight and profit of others: Neither were they deceived, for they are daily red of most learned men. I can not therefore perceive, why by translating these Fables, I should be defrauded of the praise due to me, which other have had, except we be so spiteful, that to us that is not lawful, which with great commendation to the Grecians and Latinistes is allowed. Far well.   

¶ The first Fable, of the Penance of the Wolf, the Fox, and the Asle.  
THe Wolf, the Fox, and 
Abuse of the simple.  the Ass sometime journeyed together towards Rome, to obtain remission of their sins: In the way (because they thought the Pope would be otherwise occupied, that he might not intend them) they agreed to be shriven one of an other, and to suffer Penance at their discretion. The Wolf therefore made his confession to the Fox in this manner: That he saw a sow which had twelve pigs, the which walked alone in the fields, wallowing in fatness, and suffered her pigs at home to starve: wherefore he devoured the sow, because of her heinous offence in forsaking her young one's: and after, being moved to pity, he killed also the pigs, to rid them out of their pain, and eat them up: This he told with tears, desiring to know what penance he should do therefore. In faith (quoth the Fox) thy fault is not great, say once a Pater noster and then thou shalt be pardoned. Strait after, the Fox began his confession thus: A countryman had a Cock of the game, which bet and vanquished all other cocks near about, who with his shrill crowing, troubled in every quarter, not only the hole, but also the sick people, especially those which had the headache, whose pride I could not well away with: as I found him therefore on a time abroad with the hens, I caught him, and carried him away to my hole, where I devoured him: for which deed the Hens kackled against me, & troubled me with their crying: I therefore to revenge the injury done unto me, tore many of them in pieces and eat them: herein I confess that I offended, therefore I require pardon. Hereunto the Wolf said: Thou didst well in qualifying the noise and pride of the Cock and Hens, and therefore it is but a small fault, yet will I join thee this penance, That the three fridays following, thou eat no flesh, if thou canst get none: for I will show thee as much favour, as thou didst to me. Well now Sir said they to the Ass, let us hear thy confession, who began thus: My moiling & drudgery which I endure, is not unknown to you my Lords, as in carrying of corn sacks, stone, wood and water, yet once I offended, whereof I repented me full often: For a servant of my Lords, appointed ruler over me, being once a cold, a straw appeared out of his shoe, which I snatched away from him, whereby he took great harm and cold of his feet. Therefore be merciful unto me, and join me some penance. But they said, what hast thou done thou thief? Marry fie on thee, by thy means that servant had such hurt of his feet, that we think he is dead thereof, whereby thy soul is damned, and therefore thy body aught not to escape scot-free, than they killed and devoured him.  
Moral. The mighty and rich men in like manner do pardon one another, but to the poor they are hard hearted and inexorable.   

2 Of the Spider and the Gout.  
A Spider nigh wearied with continual 
Abundanc● sometimes perilous.  labour, ceased of his work & walked abroad for disport: whom the Gout met, and accompanied as fast as he could, though it were with much pain: when that days journey was nigh at a point, they approached near to a little town called Touch, where they determined to seek fit lodging for their purpose. The Spider took little heed but turned into the house of an exceeding rich man, where on every side he set up his streamers. Then were strait at hand, those like Devils in a play, which cast down his webs, and as fast as he set them up in any part of the house, they were swept down: he could not work so closely, but it was found out, such was his misery, that in a house of so much wealth and abundance, he only wanted and was thrust down. But the Gout went like a beggar, (which caused him to be the longer without lodging) at length he got him to the cottage of a poor man, where when he had laid him down to rest, it is not to be told what misery he endured: his supper was course bread, and a Cup of cold water to drink, when he was dry: his bed to resté his weary bones upon, was a hard board strewed without either boughs or grass, but thinly with a little straw. I need not show, how ill agreed so hard a bed and so rude an host, to so tender limbs, and to his skin as soft as silk. When the day star was scarce risen, the Gout and the Spider met again. Then the Spider first declared his night's ill rest, and how oft he shifted his place: sometime upbraiding the Master with too much niceness, sometime with the double diligence of the swéepers. Ah (quoth the Gout) the poverty of mine host is incredible: for if I had leisure, I could show thee spots both black and blue, that my bed as hard as the Adamant, hath imprinted in my soft skin. Then they took counsel thus once again, That the Spider should go to the poor man's cottage, and the Gout to the rich man's house, whereunto they both agreed. When it waxed dark, they came near to a City, and the Gout remembering well his appointment, fair and softly went into an exceeding rich man's house, where he hide himself: whom when the Master had scarce see ne, jesu GOD, with what hearty good will, what kindness, and with what names did he entertain him: straightway, he was laid upon beds of Down, his bolsters stuffed with soft partriche feathers. I will not speak of the wines, as sweet & dark wines, wines of Lesbus and Campania, birds that feed on grapes, pheasants, and party coloured birds: to conclude, there was no kind of pleasure that his fantasy lacked. The Spider went into a poor man's cottage and began his webs on every side, from wall to wall he hanged them up, he followed his business with hand & feet, he broke it down and set it up again, and that he began he ended: and to tell you at a word, he was Lord and King alone, craft and policy he feared none, for his building was so high, that he was without the reach of a broom. Not long after the Gout spoke with the Spider, to whom he magnified his pleasures, his happiness and riches: The Spider likewise wonderfully praised his kingdom and liberty in building: They concluded therefore, that whither so ever they journeyed, the Gout should lodge at the rich man's house, and the Spider at the poor man's cottage.  
Mor. Some sort of men speed better in some place than others, and rich man's houses are a mansion place for diseases: but where lest riches are, there is most liberty.   

3 Of an Ass, the Trumpeter, and a Hare, the Messenger.  
THe Lion King of four féeted beasts, 
Abjects.  having war with the Fowls, set his army in array, ready to join battle with them: whom the Bear asked what furderance the sluggish Ass, or the fearful Hare would be, to win the field, because he saw them among the other Soldiers. He answered him: The Ass with the sound of his Trumpette, shall encourage the Soldiers to fight: and the Hare, because of his swiftness, shall be a Messenger.  
Mor. None is so vile, but he is good for some thing.   

4 Of an old man.  
A Certain devout man counseled an 
Abstinence  old man to leave of the luftes of the flesh, whereunto he had been outrageously given. He answered him: Holly Father, I will obey your reverend and wholesome precepts, for I perceive that Venery doth much hurt me, neither am I able to follow that trade any longer.  
Mor. Many abstain from vices, wherein they are nooseled, not for the love of God or goodness, but because of infirmity, and fear of punishment.   

5 Of the Shepherd and the Sea.  
AS a shepherd kept his flock near the Sea side, and see it calm, he desired 
Affliction.  to be a Merchant venturer, whereupon he sold his sheep and bought Dates, and weighed his Anchor. It happened, that a sudden tempest arose, and that the ship was in danger of drowning, so that they were fain to lighten it of all the burden, scarce able to escape empty: Shortly after, as one passed by on the Sea shore (for then by chance it was calm) he marveled to see it so still, whereupon he said, The Sea longeth again for Dates, and therefore it is so calm.  
Mor. Misery maketh a man warier.   

6 Of an Heremité and a Soldier.  
A Certain Eremite, being a man of 
Agreement perforce.  godly living, exhorted a Soldier to leave of the warfare in this world, which way very few without offending God and hurt of their soul, do walk in, and to give himself to quietness, and prepare for his soul's health. I will Father (quoth the Soldier) do as you will me, but truth is, that in these days Soldiers may neither demand their wages, though it be very small, ne yet take any pray.  
Mor. Many for sake their wicked living, because they can use it no longer.   

7 Of the Fox and the Bramble.  
AS a Fox climbed a hedge, his feet 
Aid.  slipped, who (as he was falling) caught hold on a bramble to stay him: wherefore when he had torn his feet with the pricks thereof, being in pain, he said to the Bramble: woe is me, for I came to thee for help, who haste hurt me worse: not so (quoth the Briar) thou wast deceived, for I catch every thing, and thinkest thou to lay hold on me?  
Mor. Some are so foolish as to require aid of those which naturally are bend to hurt.   

8 Of a Wagtail and a Pheasant.  
THe Wagtail went to the Pheasant and said: Ah wretch, why dost thou 
Accusing an other.  not wipe thine eyes but lettest them continually stand with water? the stench of thine eyes make thee loathsome. The Pheasant herewith being wroth, answered, How darest thou check me, which art so vile an outcast? Thy tail hath the palsy, and art thou busy to note my fault? Go mend thy own first, and then mayst thou better heal me. The Wagtail hearing this, departed ashamed.  
Mor. He that will condemn an other, must first be clear himself.   

9 Of the Mice and the Frogs.  
THe Mice on a time contended with the Frogs for the kingdom of the 
Ambition.  Marshes, whereupon they proclaimed open war. The battle being joined, at the first onset they behaved themselves so valiantly, that the victory was doubtful. The wily Mouse lurking in the grass, privily as it were out of an Ambushement, assauted the Frog. But the frog being of strength more puissant, encourage and leaping more valiant, with open war provoked his enemy: Their spears were bulrushes. It happened, as they were fight, that a kite espied them a far of, who incontinently made speed unto them: but these noble warriors, being earnest in fight, & nothing regarding themselves, were snatched up, and torn in pieces by the Kite.  
Mor. The like happeneth to seditious Citizens, which being inflamed with the greedy lusts of bearing rule, while they strive either with other, who shall be head officer, do hazard their goods, and commonly their lives.   

10 Of the beasts and the birds.  
THere was sometime a battle between 
Ambidexter.  the beasts and the birds, the victory was uncertain, for both hoped well, yet much fear and danger was, on either party. The Bat thinking the birds to be the weaker side, left their company, and took part with their enemies. The birds by the conducting and government of the Eagle won the field. The Bat was condemned for a runaway, and banished the company of all birds, and that from thenceforth he should never fly by day light, and this was the only cause, that the Bats fly but by night.  
Mor. He that will not take part of the sour, shall not taste of that which is sweet.   

11 Of the Peacock and the Nightingale.  
THe Peacock complained to juno, Sister and wife to jupiter, because the 
All things as god will.  Nightingale song so sweet, and she herself for her horsenesse, was a bywoorde to all men. To whom juno said: Every one hath his proper gift of GOD: The Nightingale in singing, but thou in colours of feathers passest all other birds, every man must be content with his estate.  
Mor. What God sendeth, receive it thankfully, neither seek thou further, for God doth nothing unadvisedly.   

12 Of a young man that song at the burial of his mother.  
A Certain man wept and lamented for 
All things not decent.  his wife being carried to burying, but his son did sing: whom his Father rebuked, as he had been mad that he would sing when his mother went to burial, whereas he ought with him to be heavy and lament. Why Father (quoth he) if thou have hired these Priests to sing, why art thou angry with me that sing for nothing? That is no part of thy office said his Father, but belongeth to the Priest.  
Mor. All things are not seemly for all men.   

13 Of Heaven and Earth.  
ON a time Heaven poured on Earth 
Anger.  many storms, lightning, and thundering, wherewith he oppressed it. But she being angry, called the Air to her, and said Brother I pray thee meddle not betwixt Heaven and me, for I mean to overthrow him, because he hath wrought me such injury, that I would feign by all means be revenged. Ah sister (quoth the Air) do not so, but pacify thy wrath, for though that Heaven have vexed thee now, you shall an other time be merry together. Yet Earth being impatient, would not yield, but armed himself and began too war with heaven. The air beholding that, sent such a dark mist, that the earth could not discern where heaven was. This darkness continued so long between heaven and earth, till the earths fury was passed: after which time the air sent out his winds, which drove away the mist.  
Mor. All men aught to quench fire, and not to kindle it.   

14 Of a Lion in love with a Countreymans' daughter.  
A Lion enamoured with a Countryman's 
Armed always.  daughter, desired her greatly, whereupon he requested her father to give her to him in marriage. What (quoth the man) should I marry my daughter to a beast? Then the Lion frowned & grinded his teeth at him, wherewith the countryman being afraid, went from his former talk, & said: I would gladly match  
'gree, that as I occupy the day, so thou mayst run thy race in the night. Let us obey our Creator, and be not lofty over me, but suffer me to give light in the day, and to preserve the good creatures of the Lord. The Moon herewith being more vexed, departed in a chafe, and called to her the stars, of which she gathered a great army, and began battle with the Sun, against whom she shot her arrows, and endeavoured with her darts to strike him. But the Sun be●●● above her and at the vantage, came down, and with a sword divided the Moon in two, & threw down the stars, saying: In like manner I will use thee, as often as thou art round: whereof (as report goeth) it came to pass, that the Moon continueth not always full, and that the stars do use to fall. The Moon therefore having the overthrow, was ashamed and said: Better it is, when I am full to be divided, than altogether to be abolished.  
Mor. Likewise many proud people would be Rulers alone, and can not abide to have any their better or like to them.   

17 Of the Spider and the Swallow.  
A Spider offended with the Swallow, 
Attempt not above thy capacity.  because she devoured the flies which were his meat, hanged up his webs afore the hole, (from whence the Swallow should fly) to take her. The Swallow flew forth and carried away the web with the weaver. Then the Spider hanging in the air and perceiving his death to be at hand, said: justly have I this deserved, which did think to catch great birds, when without great labour I could scarce get the smallest thing that flieth.  
Mor. Attempt nothing above thy capacity.   

18 Of a Dog and a Wolf.  
AS a Dog slept in a court before the house of his master, a Wolf came 
Attendance.  suddenly and caught him: whom, as he would have killed, the Dog besought, saying: Good master spare me now because I am lean & thin as thou seest, but if thou will't tarry, there shall be within these few days a great marriage kept at my Lords, where I will so fill me and make me so fat, that then I shall do thee more good. The Wolf crediting his words, let him go. Shortly after, the Wolf came and found the dog sleeping upon the house top, to whom he called as he stood beneath, willing him to perform his promiss: Nay verily (quoth the Dog) but if from henceforth thou find me sleeping without doors, tarry not at all upon hope of any marriage.  
Mor The burned hand ever after fears the fire.   

19 Of the Ass and the Fox.  
AN Ass put on a lions skin and 
Babblers.  walked abroad, putting all other beasts in fear, who on a time seeing a Fox, endeavoured to make him also afraid. But he (for by chance he herded him bray) said to him: Thou knowest well that I would have trembled at thee, if I had not herded thy braying.  
Mor. Some unlearned men which outwardly bear countenance, through their babbling are reproved.   

20 Of the Eagle and the Pye.  
THe Pie sometime desired the Eagle, to make him one of his friends of his household, because the beauty of his body deserved it, and also the readiness of his speech to do messages: I would so do, said the Eagle, but I fear lest that which I speak within doors, thou wouldst preach it abroad on the house tops.  
Mor. Keep no babblers nor teltales in thy house.   

21 Of a Nightingale fearing the Kite.  
A Nightingale espying a Kite flying abroad in the air, & making a great crying was sore afraid, to whom the Tyrustie said: Fear not sister, for this preparation to fight & these threatenings will light at length, either on a little mouse, or a chicken, we must take heed of the Hank, whose gripes we shall first feel, ere we hear his voice.  
Mor. Quiet and close men are more to be dreaded, than threatners & great prattlers.   

22 Of a Countryman that would pass over a river.  
A Countryman ready to pass a stream, which by chance was suddenly risen, with late rain that fallen, sought the shallow. When he had assayed that part of the River which was calmest, he found it deeper than he supposed: again, where it was roughest, there he found it shallowest, than he bethought him whither he might commit his life to the calmest place of the water, or to the roughest.  
Mor. Dread those less which are full of words and threatenings, than those that say nothing.   

23 Of a Heart and a Vine.  
A Hart escaping the hunters, lay hid 
Benefactors.  under a vine. When they were a little past her, she supposing she lay safe, began to feed on the vine leaves. Which being stirred, the Hunters returned: and judging (as it was in deed) some beast to lurk under the leaves, they with their arrows slay the heart: who as she lay a dying, said thus: Rightly am I served, for I aught not to have hurt that which saved me.  
Mor. They which do any wrong to their benefactors, are punished of god.   

23 Of a man bitten with a Dog.  
A Certain man being bitten by a Dog, went about seeking for help. At 
Benefits ill bestowed.  length one met him, who as soon as he understood what he would, said to him: If thou wouldst be healed, thou shalt need no surgeon: only let the dog which bitten thee lick the blood from thy sore, for better remedy than this can not be found. The other smile at him said: If I do so, I shall be bitten of Dogs daily more and more.  
Mor. Naughty men having received good turns, are the sooner ready to tender displeasure.   

24 Of an Ass that served an unkind Master  
AN Ass served a certain man many 
Benefits i'll rewarded  years, in which time he never offended him. It happened afterward, being heavy laden, that he stumbled in a rough way, and fallen under his burden. Then his cruel Master bet him sore, and in spite of his heart forced him to rise, calling him a slothful and sluggish beast: but this poor wretch thought thus with himself: Miserable is my estate, which have happened to so unkind a Master, for though I have served him a long time without displeasing him, yet doth he not forgive me this one fault, in recompense of the good service that I have done him.  
Mor. This Fable is against those, which forget the benefits that they have received, and grievously punish the lest offence of their benefactors toward them done.   

25 Of the Mouse that set the Kite at liberty.  
A Mouse espied the Kite taken in a fowlers grin, on whom he took compassion, (though he were his most enemy) and gnewe the knots in pieces, and set him at liberty. The Kite remembering the good turn no longer than it was in doing: When he perceived himself lose, laid hold on the poor Mouse, and with his talents tore him in pieces.  
Mor. Wicked men in like manner are wont to recompense their benefactors.   

26 Of a Husbandman pricked by a Bee.  
A Husbandman being stung by a be, marveled that out of the self same 
Benefits.  mouth so sweet juice proceeded; and so grievous a sting. The be answered, the more beneficial I am, the more I hate them, which do me wrong.  
Mor. The more good men do, the less injury they endure.   

27 Of the tree Abrotanum and the Hare.  
THe property of Abrotanum, is to draw out any thing that sticketh fast, with the help of Auxangia. Wherefore on a time came a Hare halting to him, for a thorn which stuck in his foot, and said: O Physician both of body and soul, take pity on me and help me, and forthwith showed his right foot. This tree being moved with compassion, put himself upon the wound, brought out the thorn and healed it. Wherefore the Hare remembering this benefit, carried daily a flagon of water on his shoulders, and watered the root of the tree, whereby he caused it to continued fresh and green.  
Mor. Let us always gladly serve our benefactors.   

28 Of the Crow and the Dog.  
AS the Crow was offering sacrifice 
Benefits for advantage.  to Minerva, she bade the Dog to her good cheer, but he answered her: Why dost thou bestow sacrifice to no purpose? For the Goddess so hateth thee, that she suffereth thee to have no credit in any divination. To whom the Crow said, for that cause the more do I sacrifice unto her, that I might get her favour again.  
Mor. Many for advantage, fear not to benefit their enemies.   

29 Of a Hunter and a Partriche.  
A Hunter had caught a Partriche, 
Betraying.  which as he would have killed, she besought him pardon for her life, & to set her at liberty, promising to bring to his net many Partridges: The Fouler answered her readily again, saying: I think that now thou art more worthy of death: because thou hast given thy word to betray thy friend.  
Mor. He which goeth about by deceit to undo his friend, runneth headlong into misery.   

30 Of the Dolphin and the Eel.  
A Certain Dolphin finding an Eel in the sea, pursued after her, whom 
Beware of memyes.  when he had often caught, but could not hold, because of her slippernesse, he was wonderful sorry. But the Eel being disposed to mock him, and thereby to escape, spoke craftily to the Dolphin: I am sorry for thee, that thou art too much wéeryed and grieved with swimming after me, but thy labour is lost: for in the deep waters thou shalt never take me, but go with me into the mud, and thou shalt have me at thy pleasure. The foolish Dolphin being in a chafe, and also greedy of his pray, began to swim after her, intending utterly to destroy her: when the Eel had led the Dolphin into shallow places she wound herself into the mud, and said: Come up to me, for I shall be stayed by the roots of herbs, & thou shalt have thy desire of me. The Dolphin gave a skip to catch the Eel, but she skipped into the mud, and she stack fast on dry ground: In the mean time came a Fisher, and struck him through, whereof he died.  
Mor. He that goeth with his foe, it is no marvel if he fall.   

31 Offayre Trees, and deformed.  
MAny Trees grew together in one ground, tall, straight, and without 
Beauty.  knots, among whom there was one tree low, crooked and knotty, whom for his deformity the other mocked. It happened that the lord of the soil would build an house, for which he commanded all those trees to be cut down, save that which for his shortness and mishaping, would disfigure the house: when the other were he wed down, the evil favoured tree said thus with himself: Of thee Nature will I no longer complain, that I am misshaped, sing that such fair trees are always in danger.  
Mor. Let no man be grieved in that beauty hurteth many.   

32 Of a Lioness and the Fox.  
THe fox oftentimes upraided the Lioness, that she had but one whelp at a time, truth it is (quoth she) but then that is a Lyon.  
Mor. Beauty consists not in plenty, but in virtue.   

33 Of an Astronomer and a travailer.  
A Certain Astronomer diligently viewing the stars, unwittingly fallen into 
Boasters.  a well, but a travailer by chance coming by, and seeing him sighing, said: Dost not thou see the earth, which gavest thy mind upward?  
Mor. Many boast that they know of things to come, not knowing what presently happeneth.   

34 Of Scholars.  
A Certain Wheel wright had been often deluded by Scholars, that were bagabunds, which came to him for alms saying they had great skill in Magic, and that they could do many things: of which number, there came one a begging to his door, in the name of a Master of the seven liberal Arts, to whom he said: My friend, were not you here the last year? Not (quod the Scholar:) depart therefore (quoth he) & come no more here, for I will give thee nothing. The Scholar was offended, & asked why he spoke in the singular number to him, being a Master of the seven liberal Arts, and a Magician. He answered: I know much more than thou dost: for with one handiecraft labour I find me, my wife and children, but thou with thy seven Arts canst not find thyself, but goest a begging. Wherefore thou oughtest to reverence me, and not I thee. When he had so said, the Scholar departed, well mocked.  
Mor. It is a folly too boast of any title, where as knowledge wanteth of that which is professed.   

35 Of a Boaster.  
A Certain ragged and ill favoured man came into a Tavern, and because he was lightly regarded, began to boast of his nobility, that he descended of an ancient house, to whom one answered: Avaunt knave with thy nobility, our Miller's Ass is more noble than thou, for he goth with a man waiting on him, but thou goest without.   

36 Of a Boaster.  
A Certain man who having travailed far, returned into his country, & made great vaunts of his manly acts that he had done in many places, especially that he had danced a dance at Rhodes, that none of that place could: for proof whereof, he said, that he had to witness them which were there present, to whom one of them that stood by, answered: Sir, if this be true, what needeth witness, there stands Rhodes, and there is thy dance.  
Mor. All talk is superfluous, except we have present proof.   

37 Of the Mole.  
THe Mole a blind beast, said sometime to her mother: I see a Mulberry tree, & straight after, I smell a great savour of Frankincense: but the third time she said, I here the noise of the fall of an iron pellet: her mother answered: As far as I perceive, thou lackest not only thy sight, but also thy smelling and hearing.  
Mor. Some brag they can do things impossible, & in the lest are reproved.   

38 Of the birth of Hills.  
THe talk was sometime that the hills did travail, whereof men hearing, 
Boastiag.  came thither, and stood gaping about waiting for some monstrous thing, not without great fear. At length the hills were delivered, and brought forth a Mouse: whereat there fell such a laughter among them, that they were ready to sown.  
Mor. Crakers will promise' great matters, but scarce perform the lest.   

39 Of the Frog and the Fox.  
A Frog came forth of the marshes into the wood among wild beasts, and said she was well seen in physic, and that her cunning was as good as Hipocrates, or Galenes: all beasts gave credit, only the For mocked her saying: shall she be counted skilful in physic, whose lips be so pale? Let her first heal herself. And thus the fox mocked her. For the mouth of a Frog is of a sky colour.  
Mor. It is mere folly to profess that whereof thou hast no skill.   

40 Of a Peacock spoiled of his feathers by a Soldier.  
A Pecoke boasted too a Soldier that had decked his hat with Estriche feathers, that she had much fairer feathers: and to verify her saying, she spread abroad her tail: The Soldier therewith being enamoured, caught and spoiled her, wherewith he dacked his helmet: Then the Pecoke said to herself: woe is me wretch & fool, too show so precious a thing to a spoiler, which I aught to have kept close.  
Mor. By boasting of precious things many are stirred to become thieves.   

42 Of the Kid and the Wolf.  
AS a Kid looked out of a window, he espied a wolf passing by, upon whom 
Boldness.  he railed: Ah ungracius person, said the wolf, it is not thou that tauntest me, but thy safe hold.   

42 Of the Sun and the North-east wind.  
Sometime the Sun and the North-east wind contended, who was the stronger, whereupon they agreed to prove their strength on a wayfaring man, that he might have the victory which caused him to cast away his wallet. first the North-east wind with sharp storms & bitter blasts assayed him: He stayed not a whit therefore, but as he went, he wrapped his clotheses double about him: When the Sun was come to his course, by little & little in spreading his beams, he calmed the wound, than was this man in such a heat and sweat, that he puffed & blowed exceedingly, and at length by the outrageousness thereof, being faint, he could go no further, but got him into the cool shadow, casting away his wallet, and sat him down under a thick wood: by which evident token, the Sun was conqueror.  
Mor. Look afore thou leap, for though thou be strong, yet perhaps another is stronger than thou, if not stronger, yet craftier, with his policy to give thee the foil.   

43 Of a Fox and women eating of a Hen.  
THe Fox passing by a farm house, espied a great rout of women eating Hens sumptuously prepared, but (God wots) there was no talk among them, to whom she said: what crying and barking of dogs would be after me if I should do as you do? Thou wicked beast (quoth an old woman) we eat that is our own, but thou stealest from others.  
Mor. We may not be so bold with other man's goods, as the right owners.   

44 Of a Dog and Wolves.  
A Great barking Dog was a sore enemy to the Wolves, for when they would have entered the city, he kept them out: wherefore they also hated the dog, whom they would fain have killed. At length they sent two Ambassadors to the Dog, desiring him to come abroad into the fields, and they would make him their king, because he was mighty and valiant: The foolish cur consented & went with them, whom they brought safely to the other wolves that tear him in pieces.  
Mor. He that will be hardy, let him keep himself in a sure defence.   

45 Of the Peacock and the Crane.  
THe Peacock and the Crane sometime 
Bragging.  supped together, & amongst other talk, the Peacock bragged much of his fair tail, despising the Crane: he granted that she was a fair bird in that point, yet was he able with his stout flying, to enter among the clouds, when she could scarce fly to the house top.  
Mor. Let not one think scorn of another, every one hath his proper gift & virtue: for he that wanteth thy quality, perhaps hath that which thou lackest.   

46 Of a Knight which had a brawling wife.  
THere dwelled a Knight at Florence, descended 
Brawling Women.  of a noble blood, which had a wayward and brawling wife that daily went to her ghostly Father, to whom she complained of her husband's demeanour: for which he much blamed the Knight. It happened not long after, that she desired her ghostly father to set her & her husband at quiet, whereupon he called him to shrift, saying, that if he came, he doubted not but to make them friends again. The Knight agreeing, the other required him to make declaration of his faults. In faith (quod the knight) it shall not need, for I know that my wife hath often told thee all that ever I did, yea and more too.   

47 Of Arion and the Dolphin.  
ARion was an ancient man, & came of a noble lineage: he could sing to the 
Brutus beasts kinder than men.  harp: he was born in the city of Methimne in the Isle of Lesbus, whom Periander King of Corinthe loved for his cunnings sake, from whom he departed to see the famous country of Sicily and Italy. When he was come thither, & had well delighted the ears, and contented the minds of most men in those parts, he gained greatly, and lived in pleasure & love of all men. afterward having gathered much substance, he minded to return to Corinth, whereupon he hired a Corinthian ship and mariners of that coast, because he hoped to found friendship at their hands. The Corinthians received him, and launched into the deep, who being greedy of this great pray of money, took counsel to kill Arion. He understanding of his destruction, gave them all the money that he had, praying them only to save his life. But being past hope and sore afraid, he requested that before his death, he might put on his apparel and take his Harp & sing a mourning song to comfort his harté withal: The Mariners (though they were hard hearted and cruel) desiring to hear him, granted his petition. He being clad as he was accustomed, standing in the hinder part of the ship, song with a loud voice, the song called Orithium. In the end of his song, as he stood with his harp and in his clotheses, he cast himself into the Sea. The shipmen nothing doubting but that he was drowned, kept on their voyage. But a strange and wonderful thing happened, for a Dolphin suddenly swum by & received him, carried him on his back above the water, and brought him safe & sound to Tenarus, in the land of Laconia: from whence Arion went strait to Corinthe, and showed himself to King Periander, and how he was carried of the Dolphin, declaring all that happened.  
The King little believed this, but commanded him safely to be kept till the truth were tried. The mariners were sought for (and Arion sent out of the way) who being brought before the king, he demanded of them (making no semblant that he had knowledge of Arion) whither they heard any thing of him in the parties whence they came: they answered, that when they set forth he was in Italy, and lived well there, and was highly esteemed in the cities: and also was exceeding rich. While they thus spoke, in came Arion with his Harp, having on the same apparel wherewith he leapt into the Sea, whereby the shipmen being amazed, & pricked in conscience, could not deny it.  
Mor. In brute beasts we shall sometime find more friendship, than in covetous men, which care for nothing but riches, neither have any spark of humanity, but the only phisnomie.   

48 Of a Kid and a Wolf.  
A Kid straying from the flock, and being pursued by a Wolf, turned back to 
busy bodies.  him & said: O wolf, because I am persuaded that thou shalt eat me, play first on thy pipe that I may dance, lest I die in sorrow: As the wolf was playing and the Kid dancing, the dogs herded it & chased the wolf: who said to the kid: I have well deserved this, for I aught not being a cook, to counterfeit a minstrel.  
Mor. They which regard not that where unto they are naturally inclined, but assay that which to others belongeth, fall into adversity.   

49 Of the Crab and the Fox.  
A Crab fish came forth of the sea & fed, the Fox being hungry & seeing him, caught him: who being ready to be devoured, said: I am well served, which being a fish of the sea, would live on land.  
Mor. Those men are justly miserable, that forsaking their proper science, do meddle with that, which becometh them not.   

50 Of the Apple tree and the Pomegranate tree.  
THe Pomegranate and the Apple tree contended about their beauty: When they had continued long in strife together, a bush, which was their neighbour, often hearing them, at length said: It is time friends to be at one.  
Mor. The vilest people sometime will meddle in their betters matters.   

51 Of a Dog and his Master.  
A Certain man had a Dog whom he always fed with his own hands, 
Causers of evil.  because he should love him the more, and when he was bond he loosed him: But yet he commanded his servant to tie him up, and beat him, to the end the dog might perceive he loved him, & that his servant did not. The dog taking it grievously to be daily tied and beaten, ran away. Whom when his master rebuked as a churl and forgetful of all his benefits, that he would run away from him which loved him so, and fed him, whom he never bond nor bet. Ah sir (said the dog) that your servant doth at your commandment, I count it done by you.  
Mor. Those are evil doers, which are causers of evil.   

52 Of the Turtle.  
A Certain Turtle being a widow, lived 
Chastity.  in great heaviness for the death of her mate, but she remained chaste: whom other birds pitying, desired her to abide with them, where unto at length she consented: They made her the best cheer they could, but she seeing their abomination and whoordom, forsook them, and led the rest of her life in chaste widowhed.  
Mor. Who protesteth chastity, must set his mind on no worldly affairs.   

53 Of a scolding Woman.  
A Certain man had a scold to his wife, 
A charm for Scolds.  which always brauled with him, what soever he did, which the more he bet her, the more fierce she was. When he see that stripes would not prevail, he attempted an other way, for as often as she chid, he played on a pair of Bagpypes, whereof he had no skill. When he had so done, she was more fierce: but at length he continuing his playing, she danced for anger, & in the end she struck the Bagpype out of his hand. But he took it again, and played, wherewith she being chafed, ran out of the doors, saying, that she would not endure his wickedness and drunkenness. The next day she began her scolding afresh, but her husband played as he was wont. Then the woman declared that she was overcome, and left of her cursing, promising her husband to become most gentle unto him, so that he would lay away his Bagpype.  
Mor. Malaperte women by divers ways must be charmed.   

54 Of two Hawks and a quail.  
Two hawks being confederate together, condescended to divide their pray 
Choose the lest evil.  equally. When they hunted on a time, they caught a quail from her nest, too whom they said: Choose whether we shall eat thee alone, or else bring us to thy nest that we may eat thy young one's with thee. The quail answered: I am in trouble on every side, and what I shall do I can not tell: it is better to fall into their hands alone, than to die with my young one's: but before they killed her, she said: Better it is to suffer a little harm than a worse.  
Mor. Of two evils the lest is to choose.   

55 Of the Wolf and the Crane.  
THe Wolf sometime had killed a sheep, which as he greedily devoured, 
Churl.  by chance the bones stuck fast in his throat: he travailed far and near seeking for help but found none, for all men judged him well served for his greedynesse. At length by fair flattering words, and greater promises, he alured the Crane too thrust his long neck into his throat, and to pluck out the bone that stuck fast. When the Crane had so done he required a reward: But the Wolf laughed him to scorn, saying: Be packing thou patch, canst thou not be content with thy life, thou art bound to thank me therefore: for had I list, I might have bitten off thy neck.  
Mor. All is lost that is put in a riven dish.   

56 Of the Fisher and the little fish.  
A Fisher cast his hooks into the water 
Certainty.  baited with flesh, wherewith he caught a little fish, the prisoner besought him to release him, now being so little, and too let him grow bigger, that hereafter he might have the more commodity of him: Nay said the Fisher, I will not buy the pig in the poke, for I use too take what presently I can get.  
Mor. Leave not the bird in the hand, for that in the bush.   

58 Of a Fox that would kill a Hen sitting.  
THe For being entered a countreymans' house, found a Hen sitting on Eggs in the nest, which besought him, saying: I pray thee kill me not now being lean, tarry a while till my chickens be hatched, which thou mayst eat without any toothache being young: Ah (quoth he) I were not worthy too be called a For, if now being hungry, I would forsake my pray that is ready, upon hope of chickens which are not yet out of the shell: I have strong teeth, which are able to grynd the hardest flesh that is. And when he had so said, he devoured the Hen.  
Mor. He is not wise, which upon uncertain hope of greater things, will let go that which he hath presently.   

58 Of the Frogs and their King.  
THe Frogs being free besought jupiter too give them a king, he laughed at 
Common people.  their foolish petition, nevertheless they continued their instant suit so long, that at the length they forced him thereunto. He cast them down a beam, which with the fall thereof made a great noise in the water. The Frogs being afraid held their peace, and did homage to their king, and approached by little and little nearer unto him. At length they boldly hopped up and down on him: and thus their foolish king become a laughing stock unto them. Then called they on jupiter again, desiring of him a valiant king-He sent them the Stork, who walked like a stout champion through the Marshes kill and devouring as many Frogs as he met. At even when the Stork was go too rest, they came forth of their holes, hoarsly crying, but to a dead man, for jupiter his will was, sing they were not content with a merciful king, that they should be oppressed with a tyrant.  
Mor. The like happeneth too the common people, which having a merciful and gentle Prince & judge him a dastard and slothful, and pray that they may have a stout prince. again having a valiant Prince, they dispraise his cruelty, praising the others clemency. Either it is, that we are not contented with things present: or that is true, seldom cometh the better.   

59 Of the Colyer and the Fuller.  
A Colyer sometime desired a Fuller to devil with him in house together: 
Company.  Nay (said the Fuller) this neither pleaseth me, nor yet is for my profit. For I fear greatly lest that which I make clean, thou shouldst ray as black as a coal.  
Mor. We are hereby warned too keep company with those that be of a perfect honest life, and to shun the fellowship of lewd men, as a noisome plague.   

60 Of a Shepherd which kept a Wolf amongst his Dogs.  
A Shepherd finding a Wolves whelp, brought him home, and kept him among his dogs that were a safeguard for the sheep, which being well grown, began to kill sheep, and to teach the dogs to eat with him, which thing the shepherd marking, killed the Wolf, but yet he could not make the dogs leave kill of sheep. Then said the shepherd, worthily am I thus served, because I put a Wolf among the Dogs, which hath taught them too kill sheep.  
Mor. The fellowship of evil men corrupteth good manners.   

61 Of the Raven and Wolves.  
A Raven sometime followed Wolves over many high hills, wherefore he required to be part taker of their pray, because he had so far followed them, neither had left their company. The Wolves made light of him, because he followed not them, but their pray, & in that he would as soon devour the hearts of wolves, if they should be slain, as of any other beast.  
Mor. We must always mark not that we do, but of what mind we are in doing.   

62 Of the father and his sons.  
A Husband man had many young men 
Concord.  to his sons, which were always at variance, whom he diligently endeavoured to unite in love toogether, and because he would plainly open to them the inconveniences of their discord, he brought a bundle of small sticks, which he commanded them to bind with a little cord, and then to break it in pieces: they being but young and weak, did their good will to break it, but could not prevail: Then their father loosed it, and gave every of them a little rod thereof, which every one according to his strength did easily break: and forthwith he said to them: Sons, if you would agree, and stick thus one to an other, no man were able to vanquish you: but if you be eyger to hurt and pursue one an other with mortal hatred, you shall soon be a pray for your enemy.  
Mor By concord small things increase. By discord great things waste and consume.   

63 Of Bulls and a Lyon.  
there were four Bulls which agreed to stick one too an other as well in wealth as in woe, whom the Lion perceived feeding together, and therefore was afraid too assail them though he were very hungry: but in the end he devised by some crafty way to sever them: whom after they were parted he soon tore them in pieces.  
Mor. Nothing is surer than concord and discord maketh the mighty weak   

64 Of a Lion which begged of the Wolf part of his pray.  
THe Wolf and the For entered fellowship, 
Consenting perforce.  and went a hunting, to whom, as they were dividing the Heart which they had taken, the Lion came by chance, and challenged the third part of the pray, because he was king of four footed beasts: but the Wolf denied it: then the Lion being angry, laid hold on the Wolf with his claws, and plucked the skin clean from his head, and made it red, whereby the Wolf escaped searce with his life. After the Lion turned to the For and said: What sayest thou? Forsooth my lord the King (quoth he) I grant not only the third part, but also the whole heart unto you: What (quoth the Lion) hath any body taught thee to answer so wisely: Yea sir, (said the fox:) The red hat which you put on my fellow the Wolf hath taught me.  
Mor. Better it is sometime to grant a part than to lose the whole.   

66 Of a Snail.  
THe Snail being offended that he continually 
Content in thy state.  abode in moist and low places, desired the Eagle, (of whom he had herded, that she flew so high, that she might behold the greatest part of the Earth on every side) to carry him up on high, whereby he might at once behold both Hills and Gaileys, the Fields and she Sea. Which thing, when the Eagle had quickly done, she cast him down, whereby he fallen on the ground, and was dashed in pieces.  
Mor Let no man exalt himself higher than his state & nature doth require.   

67 Of the Dove and the Kite.  
IN time past the Doves kept war with the Kite, whom because they would banquishe, they chose the Hawk too be their King. When he was come to the kingdom, he was rather a mortal enemy to them than a King, he caught and destroyed them as fast as the Kite. Then the Doves were wondered sorry for that they had done, and judged it much safer for them to have endured the perpetual wars of the Kite, than the tyranny and oppression of the Hawk.  
Mor. Let no man be too much grieved with his estate, for nothing is blessed on every side.   

68 Of a Husbandman.  
A Certain husbandman was discontented, that he daily ploughed his earth, and could attain no great wealth through his toiling, & had seen some soldiers which when war was broken up, had so increased their substance, that they went well appareled, fared sumptuously, and lived in all pleasure. Whereupon he sold his Sheep, Goats, and Dxens, and bought horse and Armour, and went a warfare, where, because he played not the man as he aught, he was spoiled of all that he had & wounded sore: then he misliked warfare, and minded to occupy merchandise, hoping for greater gain & less pain: when he had sold his Farm, and jaded his ship with merchandise, he launched out into the deep, where suddenly there arose a great tempest of weather, the ship was drowned, and he with all his company were cast away.  
Mor. Let every man be content with his estate, sing that misery is every where at hand.   

68 Of the Hare and the Fox.  
THe Hare and the Fox made their petitions too jupiter, the one desired swiftness to his subtlety, the other subtlety to his swiftness: jupiter answered them: In the beginning of the world, we gave every beast his proper gift bountifully: now if one should have had all, other had been wronged.  
Mor. God hath bestowed his gifts so indifferently upon every man, that we aught with our state to be satisfied.   

69 Of the Elm and the Osier.  
THere sprung up an Elm in the bank 
Contention with superiors.  of a River, which mocked an Dsier that grew next him, for his weakness, because that with the lest beating of the water he moved, but of his own strength and stoutness he boasted exceedingly, and how that he had continued there many years not able to be shaken by the violence of the water. It happened on a time, that by force of the waves he was broken down, and carried away by the stream: Then the Dsier mocked him, saying: Wither away neighbour, wilt thou now forsake me? Where is now thy strength become?  
Mor. Those men are wiser that give place to their betters, than they that do contend and have a fowl overthrow.   

70 Of the Serpent and the Crab.  
THe Serpent and the Crab being entered friendship, lived together. The Crab being a true meaner, exhorted him to leave off his gyle: but he would not obey him: the Crab therefore watched him, when he was a sleep, and as well as he could pressed him down and slew him, be seeing the serpent when he was dead, said: Thou oughtest afore too have been straight and simple, and then thou hadst escaped this punishment.  
Mor. They which go craftily to their friends, do rather hurt themselves.   

72 Of the Hart and the Wolf.  
A heart sometime accused a Sheep before the Wolf, that he aught him a bushel of wheat: The Sheep in very deed known nothing of this, yet for fear of the Wolf promised payment. A day was set, which being come, the Hart put the Sheep in remembrance thereof, she denied it, excusing that promise too be made for fear of the Wolves presence. Forced promises are not to be kept.  
Mor. It is a clause of the law, force must have the repulse by force. But thereof cometh a new sentence: It is lawful to pay craft with the like.   

73 Of a Feller of wood.  
AS a Woodfeller was cutting wood near a river side, he lost his axe, who being uncertain what to do, sat him down on the rivers bank and wept. But Mercurius understanding the cause, & moved with pity, dived under the water, brought up a golden axe, and asked him, if that were it which he lost: He denied it too be his: then he dived again, and brought up one of Silver, the which he refused too be his, than he dived the third time, and took up his Axe, which he acknowledged to be his which he lost. Mercurius perceiving him too be a just man and a true, gave them all unto him, who forth with came too his fellows, and showed them what had happened unto him. One of them because he would also try it, came to the river, and cast in his Axe willingly: then sat him down and wept.  
Unto whom when Mercurius had appeared, and understood the cause, he likewise dived, and brought up a golden Axe, which he asked, if he had lost: He rejoicing, did affirm it too be his. Whose impudent and manifest falsehood Mercury perceiving, neither gave him the golden axe, nor his own.  
Mor. How much GOD loveth the righteous, so much he hateth the unrighteous.   

73 Of the Cock and the Fox.  
THe Fox being sometime very hungry, thought by subtlety too get his prey among the Hens, which by the conduction of the Cock were flown into a higher tree than he could climb: whereupon he came to the Cock, whom he gently saluted, and said: What makest thou so high? Hast thou not heard the news of late, which are so good for us? Verily (quoth the Cock) I herded nothing: but I pray thee what are they? The Fox said: I am come hither to make thee privy of our joy: For there was lately a general Counsel held of all Beasts, wherein was concluded a continual peace between all Beasts: so that now without any manner of fear, molestation, or laying await of any, every one may walk where as he list in safety and quietness, therefore come down and let us keep holy this day. The Cock perceiving the subtlety and craft of the Fox, said to him: Thy tidings are very good, which also I do like well: and forthwith he stretched out his neck, and looked a far off, as though he saw some strange thing, whom the Fox asked, what he espied? The Cock answered, I see two dogs coming amain with open mouth: the Fox there with quaking for fear bade them Adieu, for time it is for me to be go, & forthwith took him to his feet: What sir (quoth the Cock) whither runnest thou? what fearest thou? thou needest doubt nothing, if this peace be concluded: verily (quod the Fox) I can not tell whither these Dogs have herded of this decree or not. Whereby one craft was paid with the like.   

74 Of a deceiver.  
THere was a certain man who sowed lead and other trifles in a piece of leather, as though it had been some jewel, & in the sight of a rich merchant & other men, he privily threw it to the ground, & after took it up again, enquiring if any had lost it: This rich man being covetous, came and affirmed it to be his: to whom the deceiver said: Is it a precious thing as it seemeth? The Merchant avouched it to be. Marry (quoth the other) thou shalt not have it again except thou give me ten Crowns for a reward, which he willingly gave, & forth with departed & opened the leather, but he perceiving it to be a small trifle, went to the deceiver, alleging that he was beguiled, wherefore he threatened to hung him, except he restored the ten Crowns. Why (quoth the deceiver) didst thou craftily and falsely say it was thy? and he caught hold on his hand and would have brought him before the mayor to try their honesty, but the merchant plucked back his hand & ran away.   

75 Of a Fox caught by a Dog, whiles she feigned herself dead.  
A Fox counterfeiting that she was dead, to the end to entrap the birds which should come to her as to a dead carcase, being walowed in dirt, did lie with her face upward in a field, waiting for Choughes and Ravens, & such like greedy birds, which she would devour. It happened a dog to come by, which snatched at her and with his teeth tore her. Whereat she said: I am worthily served, for while I endeavour subtly to catch birds, myself am caught by an other.  
Mor. They which lie in wait for other, aught not to be grieved if they be entrapped themselves.   

76 Of a Boy and a Thief.  
A Boy sat weeping on the brink of a Well, whom a Thief demanded the cause thereof. Marry (quoth he) as I drawn water my rope broke, and a pot of gold is fallen in. This thief believing him, put of his clotheses and leapt into the Well to seek it: which, because he found not, he came up again, where he could neither see the Boy nor his cote, for the Boy was go with it.  
Mor. He that useth deceit, sometime is deceived.   

77 Of the Thrushe.  
THe Thrush made his vaunts that he had wone the friendship of the Swallow, to whom his mother said: Thou art a fool son, if thou think to live with her, seeing either of you desireth contrary places, for she abideth in hot places, but thou in cold.  
Mor. Make not those thy friends, whose living disagréeth from thy.   

81 Of the Air and the wind.  
THe Air on a time cited the wind before the judge & maker of all things, and said: O Lord of all things, behold and take pity of me, you have placed me Prince like enough, for which I give you thanks, because you have appointed me to be the life of all living things, but herein I was deceived, for this wound doth make me so cold and intemperate, therefore I say to him, if he presume from hencé forth to blow upon me, I will choke him: to whom the Creator said: Air thou sayest ill, though the wind make thee cold and toss thee, yet he maketh thee wholesome and temperate. If the wound blew not on thee, thou shouldst be corrupt, loathsome, infected and hated of all men: wherefore thou oughtest to love him which preserveth thy health, wherewith the Air was at one with the Wind.  
Mor. We aught to love, and patiently suffer them which correct us.   

82 Of a travailer.  
A Wayfaring man having travailed far, vowed, if he found any thing to 
Covetousness.  offer the half thereof to Mercurius. He found a bag full of Almonds and Dates, which he took and eat: but the Date stones and shells of the Almonds he laid upon an Altar, saying: Thou haste O Mercury, my vow, for with thee I partake both the outside & the inside of that I found.  
Mor. The Fable is against covetous men, which for covetousness deceived the Gods.   

83 Of a Woman and a Hen.  
A Certain Widow had a Hen, which day by day laid an egg: she supposing, if she gave her more barley, that she would lay twice a day, did so: but the hen being fat, could not lay once a day.  
Mor. Sometime they lose the present commodity, which through covetousness seek after more.   

84 Of a covetous man.  
A Covetous man having sold all his goods, made a wedge of gold, which in a certain place he buried together with his soul & mind, to which he daily went to see it: One of the workmen watching him on a time, and perceiving what was done, digged up the wedge and carried it away: afterward he came, who seeing the place empty, began to lament and pluck himself by the hair. When one see him thus weeping, and understood the cause thereof, he said: Friend be not sorry, for having gold, thou hadst it not, take therefore a stone, and hide it for thy gold: and suppose that it is gold, and it shall be all one to thee, for as I perceive, when it was gold, thou didst not occupy it.  
Mor. It availeth nothing to be endued with possessions, except we have the use thereof   

81 Of the Chough and the Doves.  
A Chough seeing Doves in a certain dove-house well kept, coloured himself white, and went thither, because he would be partaker of their food. They as long as he held his peace, supposing him to be a Dove, received him into their company. But he forgetting himself on a time chatted, whose nature they then knowing, bet him and drove him away: Of which meat being deprived, he returned to the Choughs: they because of his colour not knowing him, drove him from feeding with them: so coveting both, enjoyed neither.  
Mor. We must be content with our own, considering that covetousness, besides that it nothing availeth, sometime is the cause to lose the preseut good that we have.   

82 Of the Dog and the shadow.  
AS a Dog by chance swum over the River, he carried in his jaws a piece of flesh. The sun then shining, as commonly it happeneth, the shadow thereof appeared in the water: which when he had seen, supposing it to be another piece of flesh, snatched greedily thereat, & so lost that he had in his jaws. The Dog being strooken at the heart, both with the loss of his flesh and also of his foolish hope, barked thus in his language: Ah wretch, which lackedst a measure in thy greedy desire. Thou hadst enough and too much hadst thou not doted, now through thy folly thou hast nothing left thee.  
Mor. We are warned of modesty and wisdom, in desiring and eschewing of things, and to use a mean in our desires.   

88 Of a covetous Ambassador,  
ACerten covetous man being sent Ambassador for his country to another City, there were straigth at hand trumpeters to welcome him, and to delight his ears with music, hoping thereby to fill their purses with money. He sent them word, it was now no time to play because his heart was heavy for the death of his mother: the Trumpeters deceived of their purpose, departed sorrowing. Then a friend of his hearing of his sorrow, came to see and comfort him, and asked him, how long it was since his mother died? Forty years (quoth he) than his friend understanding the wily deceit of the Ambassadoure, laughed exceedingly.  
Mor. This Fable belongeth to covetous men, which study all the ways to the wood to save their money.   

89 Of a covetous man dying.  
AS a covetous man lay a dying, and understood that at length he should carry nothing with him, he turned him to his friends and neighbours whom he saw present, and said: Learn of me, which all my life time have endeavoured to gather goods, that you travail not too much too heap up riches: for of so many Acres of land, of so much precious apparel which with so great sweeting I have got, I shall have but a hole of five foot, and one sheets, wherewith being dead, I shall be covered.  
Mor. It is a foolish and miserable thing to bestow so much labour in gathering of goods, which (whither we will or not) we must quickly leave.   

90 Of a Raven taken by Dogs.  
TWo ravens feeding on a carcase, had torn away two great gobbets of flesh, which they purposed to carry through the Air: but Dogs coming suddenly upon them, the one of them leaving his piece of the carcase, strait flew farr-away from the sight of them: The other greedy of his pray, and staying to let go his piece, was taken by the dogs: Who seeing that he should presently die, said: Ah wretch and unhappy pack that I am, which for so small a commodity lose so many pleasures of life.  
Mor. Insatiable greediness hath commonly been the undoing of covetous men.   

91 Of a Goat and a Dog.  
A Goat being hungry, desired to enter a Gardin where he saw green potherbs: but a Bandog, whom the Gardener had set to be keeper, would not give him leave, but sworn his death if he stepped in. The Goat answered, why dost thou forbidden me to eat that, which availeth thee nothing? I will in no wise do this (quoth the Dog) because it is my natural disposition.  
Mor. This Fable showeth the nature of covetous men which have plenty of many things, whereof they have no use, neither suffer others to enjoy it.   

92 Of a covetous man that eat withered Apples.  
A Covetous man had gathered many Apples and fair, such as the Poet's report to have been in the Gardens of Alcinous and the Hesperians: which he did so spare, that he dared eat none, except they began to perish. His son being very liberal, brought his fellows very often into the Apple lofts, saying: Take of these what you will, but touch not them that are perished, for my father will have them served always after meat, which thing they willingly obeyed.  
Mor. Nothing is more miserable than a covetous man which keepeth for others that which God hath lent him to use.   

93 Of a jester and a Bishop.  
A Certain jester came in the calends of januarie to a Bishop, who was very 
Covetous Prelates.  rich, but covetous: Of whom he begged a piece of gold for a new years gift. This Prelate said that he was mad, in that he supposed to have so much money given him for a new years gift. Then the fellow begged a piece of silver, but he said that was too much. Again, he required of him the lest coin of brass: but when be could not obtain y●, he said: I pray thee yet (reverend father) at the lest, bestow thy blessing on me in stead of a present. Then said the Bishop: Kneel down son that I may bliss thee. Nay, then (quoth he) I care not for your blessing, if it be so good cheap, for if it had been worth a frathing, you would not have granted it to me.  
Mor. This is against Bishops and Priests, which set more by riches than all holy mysteries of the Church.   

94 Of a Priest which buried his Dog.  
A Country Priest dwelling in Tuscia, who was very rich, had a little Dog whom he dearly loved: which, when it died, he buried in the churchyard. Whereof the Bishop of that Diocese being advertised, and being covetous, supposing thereby to get some great sum of money, thereupon he somoned the Priest to appear before him. He knowing well the pretence of the Bishop, took with him fifty pieces of gold, and came to the Bishop, who laid sore to his charge the burying of his Dog, for which he commanded him to prison. The Priest (as he was rich) so being witty withal, humbly answered him, saying: Reverend Father, if your holiness understood the singular wisdom of my Dog, you would nothing marvel that he was buried among men: For his wit passed man's reason, as well in his life time as at the hour of his death. What is this (quoth the Bishop) that thou sayest? Forsooth (quoth the Priest) he made a Will at his latter end, and knowing your necessity, he bequeathed you fifty pieces of gold, which I have brought with me. The Bishop, when he had received the money (being well pleased) sent away the Priest unpunished.   

95 Of a Shepherd that encouraged his flock against the Wolf.  
A Shepherd which had a great flock of Goats and sheep, seeing his flock daily to be a pray to the wolf, and to decrease, he gathered them all together, & with long talk exhorted them not to fear the wolf (seeing they were more in number, and besides that fenced with horns, which the wolf lacked) but that they would at once withal their might defend themselves from his assault, promising them his own aid to the uttermost. They being herewith encouraged, did promise and swear that they would not stir an inch for the wolf. But shortly after when they herded that the wolf came, they were so afraid, that the shepherd's words could by no means stay them from running away. Then said the Shepherd to himself: it is not possible that nature should be altered.  
Mor. Dull heads and cowards are afraid, not only of the sight, but also of the report of their enemies, neither can they be encouraged to manhood by any talk of their Captain.   

96 Of a Fisher and five Fish.  
THere were five Fish, young, fat, and lusty, which swum in a creek of the 
Counsel.  sea, whom a Fisher espying that passed by, set his nets to take them. They seeing that, said: It is good that we strongly swim together and break those nets, that hereafter they may deceive no more fish, for we are strong, and this we may stoutly do. Then an ancient and witty Sturgeon lying at rest in the water, and hearing this, started up saying: little one's, your intent is foolish, therefore I counsel you, if you will be safe, to avoid the nets, otherwise when you are fast in them you will be sorry. These Fish being young, and trusting in their own strength, despised the counsel of the elder, and they swam together over the nets, minding to break them, but the nets yielded, and their rushing did not prevail, so that, when they were taken, they mourned, lamented and syghed to late.  
Mor. It is good to believe our elders, which are wiser than ourselves.   

97 Of the Owl.  
SOmetime the most part of birds went to the Owl and desired her no longer to abide in holes of houses, but rather in the boughs of trees, where is sweeter singing. And incontinently they showed her a young Oak new sprung up, small and tender, where she might sit very softly, and build her nest: she would not agree thereto, but gave them counsel not to credit the young plant, for it would bear in time to come, birdlime, which would be their destruction. They being a light kind of birds and often flitting, despised the good counsel of the Owl: but when the Oak was grown, it was broad and full of boughs: then the birds together did fly among the boughs, there they took their pleasure, hopped up and down, played and sung together. In the mean time the Oak brought forth bird-lime. Then the small birds all too late repent, that they refused that wholesome counsel: and this is the cause (men say) why all birds, as soon as they see the Owl, come clustering about her, follow her, sit about her and fly with her, for they remembering that counsel, account her wise, and come about her by flocks, that they might learn wisdom and knowledge of her.  
Mor Despise not the counsel of him that giveth it a right.   

98 Of a Fox.  
A Fox being caught in a snare, when 
Counsel for private gain.  she had escaped with her tail cut of, was ashamed of her life, where upon she pretended to persuade other Foxes thereto, so as by a common mischief she might cover her own shame: When she had assembled them all together, she counseled them to cut off their tails, alleging that they were not only uncomely but also a superfluous burden: One of the Foxes answered her: Truly sister, if this thing were not only for thy profit, thou wouldst not counsel us thertoo.  
Mor. Wicked men give counsel too their neighbours for no good will, but for their own advantage.   

99 Of the Lion and the Goat.  
A Lion by chance espied a Goat upon 
Crafty men  an high rock, whom he counseled rather to come down and feed in the green meadow: so would I said the goat, if thou were thence, for thou givest me counsel, not for my pleasure, but to slake thy hunger.  
Mor. Credit not every man's talk, for some counsel not to profit thee, but themselves.   

100 Of a Fox taken by a Countryman.  
A Fox being taken by a Countryman 
Crafty men.  of whose Hens he had killed many, with flattering words besought him to set him at liberty, swearing devoutly that thenceforth he would never do him harm. The Countryman answered, I would willingly forgive thee, and let thee go safe and sound, but that I know thee to be crafty, and a promise breaker, and I certainly know, that thou canst not hinder me being dead, but I mistrust thee being alive.  
Mor. We must give no credit to false and crafty men.   

101 Of a Woman that would die for her Husband.  
A Certain chaste Matron that loved her husband well, was grieved at 
Craft of women.  the heart for the sickness of him, weeping and mourning much: & because her hearty good will might appear the more, she besought death, if needs he would have her Husband, rather too take her and to excuse him: while she thus spoke, she espied Death with his loathsome looks approaching, wherewith she being aghast, and already repenting, said: I am not that body which thou seekest, he lieth in the bed whom thou camest to slay.  
Mor. No man loveth his friend so well, but he loveth himself better: Near is my coat, but nearer is my skin.   

102 Of a Lion being old.  
THere was a Lion which in his youth 
Cruelty requited.  through his fierceness had purchased the displeasure of many: whereof in his old age he received just punishment. Every beast in recompense of their hurt requited his quarrel: The Boar with his tusk, the Bull struck him with his horns, and especially the Ass, (being inflamed to cast off the name of a coward) with chiding and kicking, courageously did beat him. The Lion then wailing lamentably said: Those whom sometime I have hurt, pay me again with the same measure, and not without a cause: Again, those to whom sometime I have done good, requited not now my goodness, but rather unjustly are my foes: great was my folly when I made so many my enemies, but greater, in that I trusted false friends.  
Mor. When thou art in prosperous estate be not lofty nor fierce, if fortune once frown or look awry, they whom thou haste hurt, shall revenge their quarrel: if thou have friends, put a difference between them, some are friends not too thee, but too thy table, and to thy fortune, which as the wind turneth, will turn, and happy shalt thou be if they be not thy foes.   

103 Of an Eagle and a coney.  
Sometime an Eagle built her nest in an high tree, who by chance espied young Rabbettes a far of feeding, which he snatched up, and carried to his young one's to feed on. The Conye with flattering words besought him to restore his son. But the Eagle supposing him being but a small beast, and earthly, by no means able to hurt him, tore them in pieces with her claws in the sight of the coney, and gave them to her young one's to make merry withal. The Coney's heart earning sore at the death of her Rabbits, would not let it rest unrevenged, but digged up by the roots that tree where her nest was, which with the lest blast of wind was overthrown: By which means the eagles young one's being without feathers, and not able to fly, fallen to the ground, and were destroyed. Which thing not a little comforted the coney.  
Mor. No man bearing himself stiff of his own strength, aught to despise the weaker, sing sometime the feeble do revenge the wrong done to them by the mighty.   

104 Of the Hares and the Frogs.  
IT happened that Hares hearing a strange 
Courage.  roaring in the wood, all trembling began swiftly to run away: In running they stayed at a marishe, being in doubt what to do, seeing danger on every side: and to increase their fear they espied Frogs there drowned. Than one wiser than the rest said: Wherefore are we so fond afraid? Let us take a good heart, for swiftness in running we lack not, but only a courageous stomach, as for this hurly-burly we need not fear but set it light.  
Mor. In all things take a good heart: strength without courage is but dead: for the chief head of strength is hardiness.   

105 Of the Bee and Inpiter.  
THe be which as men think, was the first make of Wax, came sometime 
Cursing.  to sacrifice to the Gods, whose oblation to jupiter was a house of honey, wherewith jupiter rejoicing, commanded her petition whatsoever it were, to be granted. Then the be asked thus: most puissant god of all gods, I beseech thee grant to thy handmaid, that who soever cometh to the hive to steal away her honey, may forth with dye as I have pricked him. jupiter being abashed at her request, because he loved mankind far above all other, at length said to her: Be thou content if thou sting him that stealeth thy honey, that thou mayst lose thy sting and foorthwyth die, and that in thy sting thy life may lie.  
Mor. We curse our enemies, but it commonly lighteth on our own heads.   

106 Of a hart and a Lyon.  
A Harte escaping Hunters, entered a 
Danger.  cave, where he chanced on a Lion, by whom he was taken: As he was dying, he said: Woe is me, that fléeing from men, have happened on the cruelest of all beasts.  
Mor. Many men avoiding small dangers, run into great.   

107 Of the Town Dogs.  
A Great rout of Town dogs coursed sore a Country dog which ran away and dared not resist: at the last he turned again and showed his teeth to them, than they all stood still, and durst not come near him, where as the captain general of the host was present, who turned to his soldiers, & said: Fellows, this sight warneth us not to flee, seeing we see more danger to them that run away, than to those that resist.   

108 Of two Pots.  
TWo Pots stood together on a bankthe 
Dealing.  one was of earth, the other of brass, which both were suddenly caught by the force of the streams, the earthen Pot fering to be broken went swiftliest, whom the Brazen pot comforted, willing him to fear nothing: for he could take heed enough, that they should not knock together. Nay (said the other) I know well enough, whether the River beat thee against me, or me against thee, I shall be in hazard on every side. Therefore have I determined to keep no company with thee.  
Mor. Better it is too deal with thy fellow, than with thy better, for the myghtyer man can sooner hurt thee, than thou him.   

109 Of the Swan sungying at the point of death.  
A Swan being near at the point of death, was asked of the Stork, why 
Death.  he song sweeter, being nigh his death, (which all other beasts do so much hate) than in all his life time before, sing at that time he aught to be sorry: the Swan answered: Because from henceforth I shall not be troubled with seeking for meat, neither shall I need to fear the fowlers gin.  
Mor. We are warned hereby not to fear death, being by that bereft from all miseries.   

110 Of an Old man which set Trees.  
A Man of very old age, was mocked of a young man, because he planted trees, where of he should never see fruit: The old man answered: Neither thou perhaps shalt gather fruit of those which thou ghost about to set. Shortly after the young man fallen out of a tree, which he clymbed to gather berries, and broke his neck.  
Mor. Death spareth no age.   

111 Of the Phesaunt and the Peacock.  
THe birds sometime being at debate about 
Debate.  a certain election, at length chose the Pheasant and the Peacock, who also strove for their prerogative, and about it consumed their substance. Then the birds assembled before the Eagle, to whom they showed their election, craving that he as an indifferent Judge would confirm it. The Eagle, because he would perfectly understand the case, sent for them both to hear them. The Phesaunt began his tale thus: Oryghtuous judge how passing fair a bird I am thou mayest perceive, how sweet also my flesh is, it is not unknown, wherefore I think myself worthy of the Lordship. Then the Peacock laid for himself thus: Most gracious Lady, the words which the Phesaunt hath alleged are untrue, for in beauty I far exceed him, besides that my variable tail of right challengeth this honour, & forthwith she spread out her tail: When the Eagle had herded both their arguments, he began first with the Peacock, and said: In setting up thy tail thou haste dispraised thyself, for thy filthy feet declare thee unworthy to be ruler: Then turning to the Pheasant he said: because thou art weak and always weeping, and further canst not sing, I deprive thee also of this office. And so both were put out.  
Mor. They which will be lords must not strive.   

112 Of the Ape and the Brock.  
THe Ape came to a Brock to borrow 
Dettes.  an hundredth marks, because he would occupy beyond the Sea, promising him half the gain: the Brock answered, I am content, if thou canst find sufficient sureties for payment, with an Oblygatyon of their hands. The Ape brought the Bugle and the Bull to be his sureties, and left the obligation in the custody of the Horse, and went on his journey, but never returned. The Brock seeing himself thus deluded by the Ape, did demand the debt of the sureties, but they scorned him, wherefore he complained unto the Judge, and showed the obligation, who compelled the sureties to pay it, but they ever after persecuted the Brock, and wounded him sore.  
Mor. He that borroweth not, keepeth himself out of strife and great trouble.   

113 Of the Dog and the Cock.  
THe Dog & the Cock entered friendship & journeyed together: when night drawn 
Deceit.  near, the Cock flew up into a tree, and rested, but the dog slept at the root of the hollow tree. It happened that the Cock, as he was wont, crowed in the night season, whom the Fox hearing, ran toward him, and as he stood on the ground, he prayed the Cock to come down, because he greatly desired to embrace so trim a singing bird: the Cock bade him that he should first wake the porter, which slept at the root of the tree, and that when he had opened he would come down: as the Fox sought means too call him up, the Dog start up and tore him in pieces.  
Mor. wise men will by policy sand their enemies to mightier than themselves.   

114 Of the Fox and the Stork.  
A Fox sometime bad a Stork to supper, when the service was brought in, the Fox set broth on the table, which because it was thine, the Stork assayed to pick up with his bill, but could not, which the Fox easily licked up: the other thus deluded, departed with much shame. Within few days after the Stork returned and likewise bade the Fox too supper: A glass full of meat was set on the board, which because it had a narrow neck, the Fox might well look on and be hungry, but he could not once lick his lips withal, which the Stork with his bill easily pulled out.  
Mor. Laughing, jesting, crafty and deceitful dealing must be requited with the like.   

115 Of a Friar, a lay-man, and the Wolf.  
A Certain religious man of the order 
deceitful people.  of S. Anthony, begged of a Husbandman a portion of corn, for which he promised to warrant all that he had, especially that his Sheep that year should be safe. The countryman giving credit to his promises, let his Sheep stray abroad where they list, whereof the greatest number a Wolf destroyed: the Farmer therewith chase, when the next year the gatherer came for corn, did not only deny him his alms, but also blamed him for his foolish promises. Why what is the matter (quoth he)? The other answered, his sheep were destroyed by the Wolf: What the Wolf? (said he) surely that is a naughty beast, trust him not, but beware of him: for he would not only deceive S. Anthony but also Chryst himself, if he could. It is therefore folly to credit those whose mark that they shoot at is only to deceive.   

116 Of a Parrot.  
A Parrot being brought out of the East parts into the West, where no such 
Deserts rewarded.  birds are wont to breed, marveled that he was more esteemed there, than in his native country: for he was kept in a Cage of ivory wrought with Syluerwire, fed with most sweet meat, which thing happened not to other birds of the west parts, which in beauty and speaking as far excelled. Then the Turtle being shut up in the same cage, said: This is not marvel worthy, for no man in his own country is rewarded as he deserveth.   

117 Of an Ass.  
Sometime an Ass served a Gardener 
Desire of new things  of whose cruelty he complained to jupiter beseeching him to have a new master. jupiter granted his request, & put him to a tiler, whom because he jaded him with much hevier burdens, he misliked: He therefore prayed jupiter yet once again, to shifted his service from him to a gentler Master. The God smiled at his folly, yet the Ass continued so long an earnest suitor, that he forced him thereto. Then he served a Currier, whose trade when the Ass had well perceived, he repented, saying: Ah wretch that I am, which can be contented with no master, for now I have got such a one, which as I suppose, will also curry my skin.  
Mor. Things present we never allow, but seek for new.   

118 Of wax that desired hardness.  
THe Wax lamented that he was made 
Desire that is fit.  soft, & in danger to be hurt with every light stroke. On a time he espied that tiles were made of earth, much softer than he was, who by the heat of the fire were made so hard, that they continued many years, he likewise cast himself into the fire, hoping thereby to come to that perfection of hardness that they were: but the Wax straight way being melted, consumed away.  
Mor. We are forbidden to covet that which is contrary to our nature.   

119 Of a Patient and a Physician.  
A Physician took upon him to cure a Patient, who at length died: then 
Diet.  said he to the Pacientes kinsfolk: this man cast himself away for lack of good diet.  
Mor. He that useth quaffing and liveth inordinately, shall never be old, or else shall have a very short life.   

120 Of an Ass carrying an Image.  
AN Ass carried an Image of silver on his shoulders, which every one that 
Dignity.  met it, did worship: wherewith being insolent, he would no longer be an Ass: then was it told him that he was no God, but carried an Idol.  
Mor. They that are placed in dignity aught to know that they are men.   

121 Of a Fisher.  
A Fisher fished in a certain river, where he spread abroad his nets and compassed in the water, tying a stone to either of his ropes, and thus continued beating the water that the Fish shooting by, might unawares fall into his nets: which one of the inhabitants thereabouts seeing, rebuked him for troubling the river, that he suffered it not to have the clear water: he answered: Except the river be thus troubled, I should die for hunger.  
Mor. The Rulers of Cities do most of all enrich themselves, when they stir up discord among the people.   

122 Of the Belly and other members.  
THe members of man perceiving the 
Discord.  Belly would not work, fallen at variance with him and denied their help any longer. It happened, that they began to faint, the cause whereof they perceived to be: that the Belly, having received the meat, did equally part it to every member, whereupon they become friends again.  
Mor. Great things by discord decay, but small things by concord are of force.   

123 Of the Frog and the Crab.  
A Frog seeing a Crab swimming by the water side, said: What is he so ylfavoured and foul, that dare trouble my water? seeing I am mighty and strong, I will put him to flight. When he had so said, he leapt upon the Crab saying: why wast not thou ashamed O wretch, to enter into my resting place? Didst not thou blush being so foul and so black, to defile the clear water? The Crab, as his manner is, began to go back and said: I pray thee sister say not so, for I would be at one with thee, therefore come not thus upon me. The Frog seeing him go back, supposed that he did it for fear of him, whereby he waxed more fierce against him, saying: Draw not back thou filth, for thou mayst not escape, this day will I give thy flesh to the fish, and incontinent he skipped upon him to kill him. The Crab seeing the present danger turned about, and with his claws bit the Frog & tore him in pieces.  
Mor. Every man, as much as in him lieth, let him study to avoid war and discord.   

124 Of a Leopard and an Unicorn fight with a Dragon.  
THe Leopard sometime fought with the Dragon, against whom (because he could not prevail) he besought the Unicorn to aid him, and said: Thou art a goodly beast, expert in fight & valiant, wherefore I pray thee help me. The Unicorn hearing this commendation of himself, answered: Thou sayest truth, for I have skill in fight, and therefore I will valiantly defend thee, for when the Dragon shall open his mouth, I will thrust him into the throat with my horn. When they were both come to the Dragon, the Leopard gave the onset, trusting to the strength of the Unicorn, but the Dragon fought with them & spit fire at them. The Unicorn seeing him open his mouth ran hastily to thrust him through, but he cast his head at one side, whereby the Unicorn missing him, smote his horn fast into the ground and died.  
Mor. He that will fight for another, seeketh his own destruction.   

125 Of the envious Dog and the Ox.  
A Dog lay sleeping in a rack full of hey, thither came an Ox to feed. 
Despite.  The Dog seeing him coming, barked & for bad him. To whom the Ox said: the Devil choke thee with this thy despite, which neither canst eat hay thyself, nor yet will suffer me.  
Mor. Many are of that disposition, that they will grudge others that, which they for lack of wit can not attain unto.   

126 Of a young Man  
A Certain young Man espied an old man going crooked like a bend bow, whom 
Despise nothing.  he asked if he would cell a bow? Haste thou (quoth he) any need to lose thy money? If thou live till my age, nature shall give thee a bow without money.  
Mor. The faults of age are not to be laughed at, because no man, if he live, can escape it.   

127 Of a Countryman and Pears.  
A Certain gluttonous man took his journey to go to a Wedding whereunto he was bidden. By the way he found an heap of pears, but none of them he touched, albeit he was exceeding hungry, which in contempt he made water on, for he thought scorn of such meat, going to so good cheer. But as he passed on his way, he came to a stream lately risen with rain, which without danger of his life he could not pass over, therefore he returned home again: and by the way he was so hungry (because of his long fasting) that if he had not eaten the pears that he pissed on, seeing there was nothing else, he had famished.  
Mor. Despise nothing, for what is so vile or base, that will not at one time or another serve for some purpose?   

128 Of a man that refused Clysters.  
A Certain rich Germane fallen sick, to whom 
Despraysers of Physic.  came many Physicians to cure him, (for to honey come flies by heaps) amongst whom one held opinion that he must take a Clyster, if he would récover his health: The patient hearing this (because he had never taken any such medicine) was wood angry, and commanded all the Physicians to be put out of doors, saying that they were mad, which would minister to his tail, when his head ached.  
Mor. All wholesome things seem tedious to them which never assayed them.   

129 Of a deceiver.  
A Certain poor man being sick, vowed to the Gods, if he might recover his 
Dissemblers.  health, an hundred Oxen in sacrifice: the Gods (because they would try him) made him whole. When he was well, because he had no Oxen, he made an hundred Oxen of paste, which on the Altar he sacrificed. The God's meaning to punish him therefore, appeared to him in a dream, & said: Go to the sea shore in such a place & there thou shalt found an hundred talents of gold. This fellow when he awaked, rejoicing greatly, went to the place that was showed him and sought for it, where he was taken by Pirates, whom he prayed for his liberty, promising them a M. talents of gold, but to him they gave no credit, but carried him away and sold him for a M. Groats.  
Mor. God hateth dissemblers & liars.   

130 Of a Cat and Miso.  
A Cat hearing that there were many 
Dissimulation.  Mice in a certain house, came thither: of which, those that she caught she devoured: The Mice seeing themselves daily diminished, agreed together to come down no more, lest they should all be destroyed: for if the Cat come not hither (said they) we shall be safe. The Cat perceiving the Mice descended not, thought by deceit to take them, and climbed up on a beam, whereon she hanged herself, feigning to be dead, whom one of the Mice, as he looked downward espied, and said to him: verily my friend, though I knew thou were dead, yet would I not come down.  
Mor. A wise man once deceived through the falsehood of a wicked man, will never after credit his dissimulation.   

131 Of the, Wolf and the Sheep.  
A Wolf being bitten by Dogs and evil entreated, say prostrate along: he lacking meat, espied a sheep, whom he desired to bring him some of the running water to drink, saying: If thou will't give me drink, I will provide meat myself she answered: if I give thee drink, thou will't eat me.  
Mor. This Fable is against an evil body, which by dissimulation lieth in wait.   

132 Of the sick Ass.  
THe report was, that the Ass lay sick, nigh at the point of death, there came both the Wolves and Dogs to visit him, and demanded of his Son, how his Father did, he answered (looking through the chinks of the door) better than you would.  
Mor. This Fable speaketh of them, that fain to take heavily the death of other, where as they wish them dead long before.   

133 Of a Fox.  
A Fox came into a vinyeard where he espied fair clusters of Grapes which were ripe, of them fain would he eat, and because they were past his reach, he thought to found some shift to get them: but perceiving his labour to be lost, and that by no means he could satisfy his desire, he turned his sorrow into joy, saying: Those Clusters be yet to sour to eat, for they would set my teeth on edge.  
Mor. It is wisdom to dissemble that he careth not for that which he knoweth he can not get.   

134 Of a man that would kill a Hog.  
IT was a custom in a certain City of Picene in Italy, that he which killed a Hog in Winter should bid his neighbours to supper. Now there was one which minded to kill a Hog, but loath he was to be at any charges, whereupon he asked the advise of his Godfather, how he might shift of the expenses. Tell abroad (quoth he) to morrow, that this night there was a Hog stolen from thee. It happened the same night, (he nothing mistrusting it) that one verily conveyed a Hog from him. In the morning when he rose, he looked for his hogs, whereof missing one, he wént incontinent to his Godfather, and cried a loud, that one of his Hogs were stolen. Well done (quoth he) thou playest the wise fellow, for so I taught thee to speak: the other sworn by all the Gods he did not lie. I con thee thank (said his Godfather) thou followest well my counsel. The other for all that did swear and stare the more that it was true. Thou art to be commended (quoth he) for I for warned thee so to say, and my counsel was good. The other sing himself thus flouted, departed heavily.   

135 Of the Eagle that cited all manner of birds.  
THe Eagle called together all manner of wildfowl: which being assembled, as he 
Disobedience.  corrected certain faults, there came Hunters which set abroad their nets to catch the birds. The Eagle sing the present danger, made proclamation by his criers, that all should follow the banner of the Eagle, & fly with her, if they would escape: then as many as flew with her escaped, but some gluttonous & disobedient, who beholding the prey & coveting it, flew into the nets, wherein being entangled, they cried piteously.  
Mor. He that will not obey, falls into mischief.   

136 Of a Satyr and a wayfaring Man  
A Satyr, which in old time was counted 
double-tongued.  God of the Woods, walking abroad, found a wayfaring man covered with snow & nigh dead with cold: on whom taking pity, he brought him into his den & made a fire & cherished him. It happened that the Satir espied him breathing on his hands, where of demanding the cause, he answered: to heat his hands. And being set down to meat, the traveler blowed on fried barley that was on his trencher. He asked again, why he did so? to cool it (quoth he.) Then the Satir drove him out of his den, & told him that he would harbour none that had so variable a mouth.  
Mor. Deal not with that man, which hath a double heart, or is unstable in his words.   

137 Of a tyrannous Griffon.  
THe Griffon sometime took upon him 
Do as you would be done unto.  the government of a Realm, which with Tyranny he ruled, commanding that no Stranger should buy or cell any thing among them. Secondly, that none should come from other Countries to them. Thirdly, that none of his subjects. should travel to other places: These three things being straightly executed, he lived in pleasure and waxed rich, whereof he never gave any thing. It happened that his Country was destroyed by lightning and tempests, wherefore his Citizens cried out, that they might travail abroad, lest they died for hunger. Then he sent Ambassadors to other Nations, desiring to cell them of their merchandise and barter them at their pleasure. But they denied it, because he never would cell any thing to them: then he required that they would come with their ware to him, but they would not. Last of all he prayed them to receive him and his people being then in misery: but they said: Thou wouldst never come till need made thee, therefore we will not receive thee. Then he and his people being thus reprobate, died miserably.  
Mor. We must do, as we would be done unto.   

138 Of a Pie and a Cuckoo.  
A Pie espying a Cuckoo lurking amongst the boughs of a tree, supposed it to be 
Doubt the worst.  a Hawk, where with being moved, flew away: which thing other birds near at hand beholding, mocked the Pie, that in stead of a Hawk, she flew from the Cuckoo, she answered: I had rather be mocked of you, than my friends should weep for me.  
Mor. It is better to minister occasion for our foes to laugh at, than our friends to weep at.   

139 Of a Serpent.  
A Serpent being trodden upon by many, 
Dreadfulness.  made his moan to jupiter, but he said to him: If thou hadst stinged him which first kicked thee, the next would never have attempted it.  
Mor. They which withstand their assaulters, become a terror to others.   

140 Of the rule of women of their husbands.  
A Certain man carried about through the 
Dread without need.  whole world a pair of boots, which he would give that man who feared not his wife. He could found none a great while, which would take them. But at length a Countryman received them, to whom he said: Soft let me put them in thy bosom and wipe them. But the Countryman (because his shirt was new & white) said: I dare not lest my wife taunt me for blacking my shirt: them he took away the boots & bet him therewith, saying: Get thee hence in the devils name, because thou dreadest thy wife for a little trifle, thou didst mean to deceive me of my boots, and he strait way departed. But I think he hath not yet bestowed them justly of any man.   

141 Of a woman.  
A Certain Woman had a drunkard to her husband, from which vice (because she 
Drunkenness.  would rid him) she used this policy: She watched him when he was drunken heavy a sleep, & like a dead man without feeling, and took him on her shoulders, carried him into the churchyard, laid him in a grave & departed. When she supposed that he was sober, she went and knocked at the head of the tomb, who asked, who knocketh at the door: his wife answered, I am here, and have brought meat for the dead. Ah (quoth he) bring me rather some drink than meat, thou dost trouble me in speaking of meat and no drink. The good woman struck her breast and said: woe is me wretch, for my craft will do no good: thou my husband art nothing mended, but become worse, so that this disease hath got an habit in thee.  
Mor. We must not continued in evil deeds, for custom sometime créepeth on a man.   

142 Of the Boar and the Countryman.  
THere was a Boar which routed up the corn, whose ear a Countryman cut 
Dulspirited.  off. It chanced he came again the second time, than he cut off his other ear. When he came yet again, he caught him & carried him into the city and gave it his Attorney to make merry withal. At the feast when he was broken up, his heart was not sound. Then his Master was wroth with the Cook therefore. Sir (quoth the Countryman) it is no marvel that his heart is not here, for I think the foolish Boar had no heart, for if he had had any, he would not have come so often into my corn to his cost. Then all the guests laughed exceedingly at his foolishness.  
Mor. Many live so without spirit or boldness, that it is doubtful whether they have a heart or not.   

143 Of a Gnat.  
A Gnat in the Winterseason, supposing 
education 〈◊〉 youth.  that he should die for hunger and cold, came to a Hive of bees, of whom he desired meat & lodging, promising (if they would grant it him) to teach their children the art of Music. Then one of the Bees answered: I had rather my children learned some trade which can keep them from hunger and cold.  
Mor. We are warned to bring up our children in those sciences, whereby they may be able to get their living.   

144 Of a Norisher of Bees.  
A Certain man, when the Owner was absent, came to the place where honey 
enemy.  was made, and stolen away an honey comb: the owner at his return seeing the hives empty, stood up and sought if aught were left. The Bees returning from feeding, and finding him there, pricked him with their stings, and handled him very ill. Then he said to them: O vile beasts, which have let escape unhurt him which hath stolen your honycombes, and strike me which take care over you.  
Mor. Some men through folly cannot beware of their enemies, and drive back their friends, as such that lay await to deceive.   

145 Of many creeping Worms and Beasts.  
MAny creeping beasts sat a sunning, amongst whom the cockatrice was, who cried aloud: Who so dare fight with me, let him come forth. The Snail came forth to fight with her: as they were together striving, the Cockatrice would have bitten the Snail, and poisoned him, but he drawn his head into his shell that she could not touch him, afterward the Snail came forth and bitten the serpent, whereby she was overcome. Not long after, she being again encouraged, excused herself, that she was not valiantly overthrown: wherefore she said: If there were any other warrior among than, she would revenge herself, and make him run away. The Hedgehog hearing this came forth, who was full of prickles, whom the Serpent assaulted, but the Hedgehog pricked her sore, and wounded her, whereof she was ashamed: but a Frog willing to be revenged of the Serpent, went on her, and would have slain her, but she though weary hardened her heart, and took the Frog and devoured him.  
Mor. He is a fool which being unarmed, will assault his enemy.   

143 Of the King's fisher.  
THe King's fisher is a solitary bird, always living in the sea, which as it is said, taketh heed of man's huntings, & therefore buildeth her nest upon the rocks in the sea, who on a time being ready to breed, did make her nest: As she was go out to her pastime, it chanced the sea to arise (being stirred with a boisterous wind) above her nest, which being drowned, her young one's perished. She at her return, seeing what had happened, said: Woe is me wretch, which fearing to be betrayed on land, have run to this which is more deceitful.  
Mor Some men taking heed of their foes, do un wyttyngly happen upon friends who are much crueler than their enemies.   

147 Of the Apes and the Libard.  
IN the land of the Moors there is great store of Apes, whose enemy by kind is the Lybarde, whom because he can not match with strong arm (sing they clymb into high trees) he practiseth this policy against them: he layeth himself along under the boughs, and stretching out his legs feigneth himself dead. At which sight the Apes that sit in the trees, do much rejoice, than they supposing him to be dead, send out a scout watch to descry the truth: The Ape cometh tripping warily and softly, who perceiving no token of life, because the Libard in all points counterfeteth a dead carcase, boldly ventureth to go upon him: the other Apes seeing his boldness, all fear set apart, come down, and leap upon him, which he quietly endureth: at length when they have in contempt kicked him so long that they are nigh weary: he starteth up suddenly, and one with his teeth, an other with his nails, he teareth in pieces and devoureth.  
Mor. We aught chief to eschew that enemy, which feigneth his strength to fail.   

148 Of the Hen and the Fox.  
A For entered into a poultry house, where he see a Hen on her nest being sick, whom he asked, how she did: Ah (quoth the Hen) I should do much better (sister) were thou go.  
Mor. The presence of our enemies doth much hurt us.   

149 Of two Enemies.  
TWo men hating one an other deadly, sailed together in one ship, whereof the one sat in the forepart of the ship, the other in the hinder part thereof, suddenly there arose a tempest, which put the ship in hazard: then he that set in the stern, asked the master which part of the ship should first be drowned, the stern (quoth he:) than he said: My death shall nothing grieve me if I may see mine enemy die before me.  
Mor. Many men care not what harm they have, so that they may see their enemies before them hurt.   

150 Of the Crow and the Raven.  
THe Crow envied the Raven because by him men took divination, fór which he was supposed to for show things to come: whereupon he espying travailers by, flew up into a tree, where she stood and cried like a Raven: They at her crying turning aside and wondering, at the last understanstanding the truth, one of them said: Let us be going fellows, it was the Crow that cried, and she hath no soothsaying.  
Mor. Those men which strive with their betters, besides that they are never able too match them, deserve to be laughed at.   

151 Of the Wolf and the Fox.  
THe Wolf having much provision 
Envy.  of meat, lived at ease, to whom the Fox came and demanded the cause of his ease: the Wolf perceiving that he envied his good fare, feigned sickness too be the cause thereof, and he prayed the Fox, too beseech the Gods for his health: The Fox being grieved that his purpose would not prospero, went to a Shepherd, and willed him to go to the Wolves den, where suddenly he might take his enemy that lived void of care: the shepherd assaulted the Wolf, and slew him, the Fox possessed his den with all the good cheer, but he enjoyed it no long time, for the same shepherd caught him likewise.  
Mor. Envy is a loathsome thing, and he that is the cause thereof commonly maketh a rod for his own tail.   

152 Of the Covetous man and the Envious.  
Two men made their prayer to jupiter, a Covetous man and an envious, who sent Apollo to them to satisfy their desires, he gave them free liberty to desire upon this condition, that what soever the one required, the other should receive double. The covetous man was long in doubt, because he thought nothing was enough: at length he asked no small thing, his companion received double so much. The Envious man requested one of his own eyes to be put out, greatly rejoicing that his fellow should loose both.  
Mor. Covetousness never saith ho: as for Envy nothing is more mad, which wisheth himself mischief to hurt another withal.   

153 Of the Wolf and the Ass.  
THe Wolf and the Ass were sawyers together, but the Ass wrought above, and the Wolf beneath, who sought occasion to slay his fellow, wherefore he said: Ah wretched Ass, why dost thou cast dust into mine eyes? Forsooth (quoth he) I do not, but rule it after my knowledge: if it please thee to saw above, I will beneath. Tush (quoth the Wolf) I see what thou dost, if thou cast any more into my eyes I will pluck out thy: when he had thus said, the Wolf blew hard, that the dust might fly up in to his fellows eyes, but the timber staying it, it fallen into his own: wherewith being sore troubled, he swore, that he would overthrow the porters, but suddenly it fallen, and killed the Wolf.  
Mor. Mischief commonly lighteth upon the pate of the Author.   

154 Of the Lion and the Wolf.  
THe Lion being strike in age fallen sick, and say in his den, all beasts save only the Fox came to visit their King: Whereupon the Wolf having opportunity, accused the Fox unto the Lion, as one that set nought by him being their Lord, for which cause he came not to see him: By chance the Fox came in, and heard the latter end of the Wolves tale. Then the Lion roared against the Fox, who incontinent craving space too make answer, said: which of all those that are here present, hath done so much good as I, which have travailed far and near to seek a remedy for thee of the physician, which I have learned: Then the Lion commanding him forth with to tell the medicine, he said: The Wolves skin being yet alive, to be plucked from his back and put warm about thee, is the medicine and only remedy. As the wolf lay along, the Fox laughed at him, saying: It becometh not thee to provoke thy lord to wrath, but to favour and good will.  
Mor. He which continually diggeth pits, at length turneth himself therein.   

155 Of the Heart and the Oxen.  
A Harte being pursued of a Hunter, ran 
Escaping of dangers hard.  into an Ox stall, praying the Oxen to hide him in their rack: they told him that there was no safe harbouring, for both their master and his servants would come thither: He answered that he was safe enough so that they would not bewray him: the servant came in, & mistrusting nothing to be hide in the hay, departed: the Hart was exceedingly glad, and feared nothing. Then one of the Oxen older and wiser than the rest, said to him: It is an easy matter to deceive him, that is as blind as a Mole, but if thou escape our master, which hath an hundred eyes, I will warrant thee: Straight after came in the master to redress his servants negligence, looked round about, and groping in the rack, felt the horns of the Hart, & cried out for his servants, who strait way came, took the beast and slew him.  
Mor. When one is in peril, it is hard to find a place to hide him in, either it is that Fortune tosseth the oppressed, or that being afraid, and uncertain what to do, through folly they betray themselves.   

156 Of the Cock and the Cat.  
A Cat sometime being hungry came to 
Evil me●  devour a Cock, whom because she had no just cause to hurt, laid to his charge his great noise that he was wont to make, because that with his shrill crowing, he did let men of their rest in the night: the Cock replied that he was thereof guiltless, seeing by that means he raised up men to their daily travel: It is but lost labour (said the Cat) to plead thus: for thou treadest thy mother, neither art thou so content, but thou medlest with thy sister: the Cock being ready to purge himself of that fault, the Cat waxed more eager against him, saying: thou strivest against the stream, for this day I will be thy priest.  
Mor. If any man would beaten a dog, he shall soon find a staff. The evil man by hook or by crook, if he list will throw thee down.   

157 Of the Countryman and the Serpent.  
AS a Countryman walked about his grounds, he found a Serpent in the snow nigh dead with cold, which he pitying 
●●ill for ●●od.  much, brought home, and laid him by the fires side. The Serpent by reason of the fire, came again to his strength and venom, could no longer endure the heat, but filled all the Cottage with his hyssing. The Countryman got up a stake, and ran at him, wherewith he struck him, and then took him up for that displeasure, saying: Wilt thou thus recompense my courtesy? Goest thou about to destroy him that saved thy life?  
Mor. It chanceth often, if a man save a thief from the gallows, he will soon seek his death, and on whom men bestow most labour, of him they shall reap lest good.   

158 Of a Servant which cast his Master's Ass from a Rock.  
A Certain Husbandman's servant threw 
From eui● to Worse.  down his masters Ass headlong from an high Rock, that he might not daily be forced to drive him too and fro, but he told his master, that he fallen down himself: wherefore his master did 'cause him to bear all things on his shoulders, which the Ass was wont before to carry. The which thing the evil servant marking, said: I was not well advised when I slew my innocent fellow, which eased me of so great travail, I am thus worthily served.  
Mor. Whiles fools would avoid any evil, they fall into worse.   

159 Of the Bat, the Bramble, and the Cormoraunt.  
THe Bat, the Bramble, and the Cormorant entered friendship together, and determined 
exercise.  to live like merchants, whereupon the Bat borrowed money, and shipped it, the Bramble took garments, and the Cormorant Brass, and sailed together. It chanced a great storm too arise, that the ship was drowned, and all their goods lost, and they escaped to land: since which time the Cormorant sitteth on the sea shore, to see if the sea will cast up the Brass any where. The Bat fearing his creditors, showeth not his head by day light, but goth to feed by night: And the Bramble doth catch hold of the garments of such as are passers by, seeking if he can find his own.  
Mor. Whereunto we do apply ourselves, in time to come we follow the same.   

160 Of the Worm.  
THe Worm that lurketh in the dirt 
Experienc●  went abroad upon land, and said to all beasts, that she was as learned a physician for medicines as ever was Poeen physician to the Gods: Why (quoth the Fox) canst thou cure others, & canst not heal thyself of thy lameness?  
Mor. All talk is in vain, except experience have been had before.   

161 Of a Dog and a Butcher.  
SOmetime a Dog had stolen a piece of flesh from a Butcher in the market, and straight ran away: the Butcher being cold at the heart with the loss of the thing, first held his peace: then remembering himself, cried out after him, saying: O vile thief, for this time run safely, thou goest scotfree for thy swiftness, but hereafter I will watch thee narrowtier.  
Mor. The burnt hand fears the fire.   

162 Of Cockles.  
A Countreymans' son roasted Cockles, whom as he herded hissing, he said: O O evil beasts which when your housen be burned do sing.  
Mor. All things done out of due order, are to be discommended.   

163 Of the Ass and the Fox.  
THe Ass the Fox being entered friendship, 
falsehood in fellowship.  went forth a hunting, whom a Lion meeting, the Fox seeing the present danger, went to the Lion' and promised to deliver the Ass into his hands, so that she might scape scotfree: the Lion agreed: then she led the ass, and caused him to be trapped in a net: but the Lion sing him so fast, that he might not escape, first laid hold on the Fox, and after he served the Ass likewise.  
Mor. They which betray their fellows undo themselves unawares.   

164 Of a Dog and the Ass.  
A Bandog (which is able too vanquish 
●alse wit●●sse.  not only Wolves, but also Bears) had journeyed a long way with an Ass which carried a sack full of bread. As they went on their way, a tempest arose, than the Ass happened on a meadow, where withgood grass he filled his belly full: but the Dog desired the Ass to give him a little piece of bread lest he starved: he not only denied him that, but also scoffingly counseled him to feed on grass with him. In the mean time the Ass espying the Wolf coming, besought the Dog to aid him. Nay (quoth he) thou didst counsel me to feed on grass to slake my hunger, so I will thee to defend thyself with thy iron heels against the Wolf.  
Mor. They which aid not them which need help, are wont to be destitute of the succour of others in the time of need.   

165 Of the Dog and the sheep.  
A Dog brought an action against a Sheep for a lofe of bread which he aught him, the sheep denied it, whereupon they joined issue, than the Dog brought in the Kite, the Wolf, and the Raven to bear witness to the debt, who affirmed it for truth: the Sheep was condemned, whom the Dog caught, and pulled the skin from his back.  
Mor. It is well known, that by false witness many are oppressed and overcome.   

166 Of an Ass.  
THere was an Ass amongst the Cumanes, which was weary of his bondage, 
●aults.  who by chance broke his collar and ran away into the Forest, where he found a Lion's skin, which he made fit for his body, and thus behaved himself like a Lion, putting both men and peastes in fear with his tail: For the Cumanes knew not a Lion. In this wise he lived there a good while, both counted and dreaded for a fierce Lion, until that a certain Stranger coming unto that City, (which oftentimes had seen both a Lion and an Ass,) and therefore easy to be known, perceived by his long hanging ears, and other evident signs, that he was an Ass, (whom he did well beaten with a staff, and delivered him to his master. In the mean time the Cumanes laughed exceedingly at the Ass, which was supposed lately to be a Lion, especially those whom he had well-nigh driven out of their wits.  
Mor. We can hardly hide those faults, which we have used from our chyldhood.   

167 Of a wicked Man and the Devil.  
A Wicked man having committed many 
Faults punished.  heinous offences, for which he was often apprehended and committed to prison, where he was kept very straightly, besought the help of a Devil, which often had aided and delivered him out of trouble. At length he was taken again, who (as he wonted) required succour of the Devil: who came to him, carrying a great bundle of shoes on his shoulders and said: friend, I can help thee no longer, for I have trotted to so many places for thy deliverance, that I have worn out all these shoes, and I have no money left me to buy any more, wherefore thou must needs perish.  
Mor. Let us not believe always to scape scotfree with our faults.   

168 Of a Camel.  
WHat time the Camel was first seen, 
Familiarity.  he was much dreaded, and because of his hugeness, men fled from him. But in process of time, his tameness being known, they took a good heart and came to him: afterward understanding the beasts courage, they so far forth despised him, that they put a bit in his mouth, and delivered him to be driven by boys.  
Mor. Custom & daily company, make terrible things to be little set by.   

169 Of the Fox and the Lyon.  
THere was a Fox which had not been used to the sight of a Lion, whom when he saw by chance once or twice, he quaked for fear and fled away: As he met him the third time, he stood nothing in doubt of him, but boldly approached and saluted him.  
Mor. Familiar conversation maketh men bold, even with those whom they were afraid afore to look on.   

170 Of a Hind calf.  
SOmetime a Hind calf said to a Hart, Father thou art born greater and swifter 
●eare.  than Dogs, thou hast horns also to revenge thee, why then dost thou so fear them? where at he laughed, saying: Thou tellest truth, but I know this one thing, that as soon as I hear the Dog bark, I am fain to fly away, but how it cometh I can not tell.  
Mor. They which of nature are fearful, by no persuasion can be boldened.   

171 Of the Lion and the Frog.  
A Lion hearing a voice, came forth leaping, wherewith suddenly afraid, he stood still, waiting for some strange sight: at length a little Frog came forth of the water: whom when the Lion had espied, (all fear set a part) he came nearer and dashed him in pieces with his foot.  
Mor. This fable for biddeth vain fear.   

172 Of the Egle.  
THe Eagle for his beauty preferred himself before all other birds, which thing all did affirm that it was true, but the Peacock said to himself: Thy feathers make not thee beautiful, but thy bill and thy talands, because none of us dare contend with thee about their beauty for fear of them.  
Mor. Mightier man's affairs are praised of many, more for fear than truth.   

173 Of a Dog fearing the Rain.  
A Certain Dog as often as it rained, dared not come forth of the house, and being demanded of an other Dog why he did so, answered: because sometime I was sealded with hot water.  
Mor. They which have tasted of great evils, are afraid of the smallest.   

174 Of a Cock.  
A Cock being taken by a Fox, escaped from him very hardly. Not long after, he saw a Fox's skin, wherewith being sore afraid, ran away, whom other birds mocked that he was afraid of nothing. Ah (quoth he) if you had been in the Fox's gripes as I have been, you would be afryad of his foot steps, how much more of his skin?  
More They which have escaped great dangers, dread the lest.   

175 Of a sick man and the Physician.  
A Sick man being demanded of the Physician how he did, answered: that he 
Flattery.  sweat more than needed. Well (quoth the Physician) that is good. The second time being asked, how he did, said: I shiver and quake sore: that is good (quoth the other.) The third time he demanded his patient as before, who answered, that he had the dropsy: that is also good said the Physician. Then one of the household asked him, how he did: in faith (quoth he) through so many good things I perish.  
Mor. We aught chief to abhor them which only speak to delight the ear.   

176 Of the Raven and the Fox.  
A Raven sometime having got his prey, made a great noise in the boughs, whom the Fox seeing thus rejoice, ran unto her and said: I greet you with all my heart, I have often herded reports to be untrue, but now in deed I found it: for as I passed by this way, by chance I espied thee in a tree, I am therefore come unto thee, being offended with report: for they say that thou art blacker than pitch, but in my sight thou art whiter than snow. In my judgement thou passest the Swan, thou art fairer than white ivy: If thy voice were agreeable to thy beauty, I would sooner acounte thee the Queen of all birds. The Raven alured with this smooth tale, prepared himself to sing. In the mean while the pray fallen out of his bill, which the Fox caught up, laughing exceedingly, whereof the silly Raven being ashamed, repented his folly.  
Mor. Eschew vaynglorie, and that venomous sect of Flatterers may easily be avoided: but if thou covet to be magnified, Master Parasite will wait on you at an inch.   

177 Of a man and his two Wives.  
A Certain man of middle age being daintily brought up, whose hair was half 
Fellowship of women.  black half grey, married two wives at once in the spring tune, whereof the one was young, the other old, which both dwelled together in one house: the elder because she would allure him only to love her, daily kemmed his head, & plucked out that black hairs. The younger likewise (because she would entice him to her, from the old woman's company) plucked out his white hairs. At length between them, they had plucked off so much hair, that he become bald and a common mocking stock.  
Mor. Nothing is better for old men, than to leave the company of women, especially those that be young, except he will be cloyed.   

178 Of a Soldier.  
A Certain Soldier being bidden of his 
Flying of danger.  fellows, to help them at a certain City of Italy, which fallen away from the king of France, answered them: If the right Lord of the soil shall besiege the city, who shall bring us help? They said: The king of France. Then the Soldier climbed up on a Tomb and cried thrice with a loud voice, O king of France but when no answer was given him, he turned to them that had him, saying: I will not come thither, when he that should help meccan not hear me requiring aid. The other which went thither, were besieged of the Lord of the town, which being won, they were taken and killed.  
Mor. They are fools which like Harebrain's put themselves in danger.   

179 Of travailers.  
TWo men iourneid together, whereof 
Fellowship.  the one found an Axe, the other warned him that he should not say, I have found, but we have found. Strait after, as they came together to those which had lost it, he which had the axe, following his fellow which iorneyed with him, said: we are undone, nay (quoth the other) say I am undone not we: for when thou founddest the axe, thou didst say, I have found, not we.  
Mor. They which were no partners in prosperity, are no sure friends in misery.   

181 Of a Lion and a Bear.  
A Lion and a Bear having got a Hind-calfe 
Fight.  did fight together for him. When they had long fought and were giddy and weary, they say down to rest. But the Fox went about them, and seeing them laid flat with the Hindecalf in the midst, ran between them and took away the Calf, they might see him, but could not arise, wherefore they said: what fools are we to labour for the Fox?  
Mor. Fools lay the pools, but wise men have the fish.   

182 Of a rich man and his servant.  
A Rich man had a dullhead to his servant, whom he used to call the king of 
Follie.  foolish: He being often offended with his words, thought he would be even with his master, and on a time he turned again to him and said: I would I were King of fools, then in all the world there were no greater kingdom than mine, yea and thou also shouldst be in subjection to me.  
Mor. All things are full of folly.   

183 Of a woman that bet her Husband.  
A Certain Woman of a manly courage, 
Fools.  had shrewdly beaten her Husband, which was a coward and dolt, because the Kite had stolen one of the chickens, which she going forth, left him to tend: wherefore when his Wife was absent again, he tied all the chickens to one thread, and kept them more diligently, lest the Kite should snatch any of them which he was put in trust to keep: but the Kite coming suddenly, caught one in his claws, which as he would have carried away, he drawn up all the rest together into the Air. This wretched husband remembering that for one chicken lost he was so ill handled of his wife, was afraid of more mischief to come, and thought it therefore better to die, than to try his wives fury again. Now this witty woman had put certain figs in a little pot, well dressed with honey and sweet spices, whereof she warned her wise husband, whose lickerousnesse she feared, that he should not taste thereof, because present poison was in them. Her husband willing to die, did eat up all the figs, supposing that to be the best way to die & to escape his wives anger. When the woman came home and known that the Kite had snatched away all her chickens, she took up a staff and determined to beat her husband, because he kept the chickens so ill: to whom her foolish husband said: I pray thee wife beat me not now being ready to die, for I have eaten up all the poison in the glass, to punish myself for my fault. Then the woman turning her anger into laughter, forgave her husband, which for keeping her chickens ill, otherwise contented her.  
Mor. There is no fit remedy against fools.   

184 Of Fishers.  
SOmetime Fishers went a fishing: wherewith 
Fortune.  being weary and had caught nothing, they were very sorry and minded to depart: forthwith a Tunny being chased by an other great fish, skipped into their boat, whom they took & departed merrily.  
Mor. Fortune commonly giveth that, which by cunning can not be got.   

185 Of a rich man and a poor.  
A Certain man being marvelous weary 
Fortune frowneth on the poor.  of the great abundance of his riches, offered a beggar an. 100 crowns, if he would go to Fortune (which dwelled in the furthest parts of the world) and beseech her in his name to bestow no more goods upon him. The poor man being aghast because of the travail of so long a journey, refused at the first: but afterward changing his mind, and promising that he would go, the rich man said he would give but. 90. The poor man supposing it to be a small reward for so great pains, first would not agree thereunto, but after requiring 90. the rich man could hardly be persuaded to give him. 80. The beggar refusing that sum, and after requiring it, the other rebated always ten from the number which he offered, till it came but to ten pieces.  
At length the beggar, which refused. 100 Crowns, being forced by poverty, took the. 10. Crowns, and went unto Fortune, whom with many prayers he besought to give no more goods to the rich man, but rather that she would be bountiful to him, which from his tender age had lived in continual poverty, whom fortune answered: I have determined to double yea & triple the rich man's goods which sent thee whether he will or not, but thee will I make to live continually in extreme poverty: besides that, thou shouldst never have had the 10. Crowns which thou receyvedst, had I not been very fast a sleep.  
Mor. Against a miserable person Fortune always frowneth, but to a Fortunate person she is continually beneficial even against his will.   

186 Of a Physician.  
A Physician having the cure of a sick man, whose chance was to die, said to them 
Friends.  which carried the corpse, this man if he had refrained wine & taken clysters, had been alive at this day: them one of them that were by answered: Sir your advise should have been showed when it might have done good, & not now when it is too late to call him back.  
Mor. Friends should help in time of need.   

187 Of the Countryman and the Mouse.  
THere was a Countryman very poor, but yet so merry conceited, that in his most misery he forgot not his natural pleasantness. It happened that his ferme house by chance was set on fire, which burned so sore, that he mistrusted the quenching, which with heavy cheer he beheld. In the mean time he espied a Mouse running out of the farm, which made haste to escape burning. The Countryman forgetting his loss, ran after the mouse, caught him, and flung him into the midst of the fire saying: Thou unthankful beast, in time of my prosperity thou dwelledst with me, now because Fortune is changed, thou hast left my house.  
Mor. Those are no true friends which cleave to thee like a burr in thy felicity, but in adversity swiftly run away.   

188 Of the Lion and the Hog.  
THe Lion intended to get him a companion, whereupon many beasts desired to be matched with him, yea and instantly required it, but he set light by them, and chose only that hog into his fellowship, wherfo being demanded the cause answered: this beast is so faithful that he never forsaketh his friends or fellows in the greatest danger that can be.  
Mor. We seek the friendship of those men which in time of need clean to us, and not those which give us the slip.   

189 Of the Dog that devoured the sheep.  
A Certain shepherd gave his Dog charge 
Friendship feigned.  over his sheep to look to them, for which he fed him with the best meat. Nevertheless the Dog often killed a sheep and devoured him, which when the shepherd had espied, caught the Dog and would have killed him. Why (quoth the dog) wouldst thou destroy me? I am one of the household, stay the wolf rather which continually lieth in wait to destroy thy sheep. Nay (quoth the shepherd) I think thee rather worthy of death than the wolf, for he is my open enemy, but thou under the colour of friendship dost daily decrease my flock.  
Mor. They are more grievously to be punished which under the pretence of friendship do hurt us, than those which show themselves to be our open enemies.   

190 Of the Lark.  
A Lark being caught in a net, wept and said: Woe is me wretch and unhappy 
gain.  bird, for I have taken from no man either gold, silver, or any other precious thing, but for a little grain of corn I must die.  
Mor This fable is against those which for a trifling gain put themselves in danger.   

191 Of a wild Ass.  
A Wild Ass seeing a tame Ass in a sunny place, went to him and accounted him blessed, because he had good feeding and was in good liking: after ward sing him bear burdens, and the horsekéeper follow, striking him with a staff, he said: I think thee now no more happy, for. I see that with much sorrow thou enjoyest this felicity.  
Mor. Gain full of misery and danger, is not to be followed.   

192 Of the Thief and the Dog.  
A Thief sometime offered a Dog a piece of bread to stop his mouth withal, to whom he answered: I know thy pretence, thou givest me a piece of bread to leave my barking, but thy gift I utterly abhor, for if I receive this bread, thou will't carry away all things out of this house.  
Mor. Take heed that for a little lucre's sake thou lose not a great thing: beware how thou trustest every man: for some there are which under a colour, not only will pretend friendship in word, but also in deed.   

193 Of the Wood and the Countryman.  
WHat time as trees had their proper language, a Countryman came into the Wood and required a handle for his Axe, they granted his request. When he had well mended his Axe, he began to cut down the trees: then the Wood all too late repent his gentleness, and was full sorry that he had made a rod for his own tail.  
Mor. Take heed whom thou pleasurest, for many having received good turns, have abused it to the destruction of the giver.   

194 Of a Country man and a Counsellor.  
A Certain countryman being in law up to the ears, came to a Counsellor, to the end that by his help he might wind himself out of the law. But this Counsellor being otherwise occupied, sent him word that he had no leisure to talk with him now, praying him to return an other time. The Countryman accounting him for his sure friend, came often, but could not speak with him. At length he returned again and brought with him a young sucking Kid and fat, with which he stood at the Lawyer's gate, and often plucked him to make him bleat: the Porter (whom his master commanded to open the gates to them that brought presents) hearing the voice of the Kid, straight way opened the gate, and bade him come in: Then the Countryman turned to the Kid, and said: I thank thee my little Kid, for thou art the cause that I come in so lightly.  
Mor. Nothing is so hard, but with gifts it is mollified.   

195 Of jupiter.  
WHat time as jupiter made a feast at a marriage, all beasts brought in their presents, every one after his ability, among whom the Serpent was: with a rose in his mouth, which he offered: jupiter seeing him, said aloud, every man's benevolence I williugly accept, but thy in no wise I will receive.  
Mor. The wise man may well guess that the wicked offer nothing without a crafty pretence.   

195 Of Flies.  
Fly's flew into a hole full of honey, whereof they did eat: their feet stuck fast 
Gluttony  therein, that they could not escape, who being nigh choked, said: Ah wretches, which for a little meat do perish.  
Mor. Gluttony is the cause of much evil to many.   

196 Of Landbirds and Waterfoules.  
THe Birds of the land were offended that the Waterfoules did feed both on water and on land, whereupon they sent for them, and after communication had, they gave them warning to meddle no more upon land, upon pain of their lives. Dear sisters (quoth they) this talk liketh not us very well, nevertheless if you will vouchsafe to take part with us, our hearts shall be much lightened, and we the better contented to obey your request. The Birds of the land by reason of their gluttony, desiring to eat of the meat in the water, flew altogether with them into the water, but because they could not swim, they were in great hazard of drowning, wherefore they besought them to take pity on them: the Waterfoules being merciful, took them up on their backs, and brought them to land: for which deed the Landbirdes gave unto the Waterfoules free liberty to feed both on the water and on the land.  
Mor. Gluttonous people think all too little that goeth besides their own mouth.   

197 Of the Eagle and the Raven.  
AN Egle came down from an high rock 
Glorieng.  and light on a lambs back, which thing the Raven seeing, desired to counterfeit him in his doings, and descended upon a Ram, where because his claws stuck fast, he was caught and cast out to play withal.  
Mor. Let no man accounted of himself by an other man's manhood, but by his own power. Cut thy cote after thy clot.   

198 Of two Young men.  
TWo young men came into a Cook's shop as though they would have bought 
God knoweth all.  meat, the Cook being occupied, the one stolen a piece of meat out of the basket, and gave it his fellow to hide under his garment: the Cook perceiving that a piece of flesh was go, accused them both of theft: then he that took it, sworn by jupiter he had it not: the other that had it, sworn that he took it not, well (quoth the Cook) the thief I know not, but he that you have sworn by, both saw and knoweth the thief.  
Mor. If we have aught offended, men know it not straight way, but God that rideth on the heavens and beholdeth the depths of the sea, seeth all things: if men would remember this, they would offend less.   

199 Of Money.  
Sometime Money being demanded of virtue, why she rather went to the evil 
Goods evil got.  than the good, answered: because good men brought up in thy school never learned too lie and for swear, and to occupy usury, and to rob others, for these things are wont to draw me unto them: forsooth (quoth virtue) I had rather that my scholars lived in poverty, than they should defile them selves with these vices, for both of them have a short end: the good leaving everlasting glory upon earth, fly up to the kingdom of heaven: but the evil with slander enough, leaving their riches, shall go down to the bottom of Hell.  
Mor. Gather riches after no ill way, for it will not only bring in this life an evil report, but also after death perpetual torment.   

200 Of the Thorn and the wild Goat.  
A Wild Goat sometime came to a Thorn which was new sprung up, whereof he fed himself full: Not long after, the Goat remembering the good taste of the Thorn, returned unto it, minding to feed thereof as before, but the Thorns being hardened, stoocke fast as she would have swallowed them in her throat & the roof of her mouth: The Goat with pain thus vexed, spoke opprobriously against the Thorn, saying: Ah wretch, thy beginning was good, but now thou hast little vauntaged me.  
Mor. Many men likewise begin well, but their end is ill, whereby they bring the curse upon them.   

201 Of a Goat and a Vine.  
THe Vine said to the Goat, thou hurtest me by shearing my leaves: thou knowest I am no grass, but though thou do me this harm, I will provide great plenty of Wine to sacrifice thee to the Gods.  
Mor. Commonly a man helpeth him, to whom he would do some mischief.   

202 Of the Ant.  
AN Ant being thirsty came to a well to drink, wherein by mischance he fallen, 
Good turn.  which a Dove far off espying, cast down a bough from an high tree, and holp him: the Ant climbed up thereon, & escaped. Immediately after, a Fowler set up his nets to catch the Dove: then the Ant for to recompense his benefactoure, came softly stealing on the Fowler, and bitten his foot, whereby the Dove flew away.  
Mor. We must requited a good turn with the like.   

203 Of a Gardener.  
A Gardiner taking a Mole would have kill 
Good Will.  led by'r, to whom she said, I pray thee good master, kill not me thy poor servant which have so fair a skin, and doth dig up thy gardens for nothing: Ah (quoth the Gardener) thou shalt not pacify me with these flattering words, because that in digging up my gardens against my will, as thou sayest, thou rootest up all the herbs to feed thyself, & to bring me to beggars state.  
Mor. In all things the good will of men is to be marked.   

204 Of Mice that would hung a bell about a Cat's neck.  
THe Mice assembled together and took 
Great talkers.  counsel by what policy or cunning they might escape the Cat's wiles: than one which in age and experience passed the rest, said: I have found a way which shall save us harmless from so great dangers, if ye will be ruled by me: let us hung a Bell about her neck, by the sound whereof, we shall know and perceive the coming of the Cat: then all with one voice commended his counsel as good, and said, they must so do. Then an other elder than the rest start up, commanding silence, and said: I also allow this opinion, but who will be so hardy, that dare hung the Bell about the cats neck? but when every one refused to do it, their talk was in vain.  
Mor. Many commend those things that aught to be done, but few are found to execute the same.   

205 Of Fishers.  
ON a time Fishers drawn their nets out of the sea, which they perceiving to be 
Grief for sudden chance.  heavy, rejoiced greatly, supposing they had a great multitude of Fish, but when they drawn the net to land and found a great stone but few Fish, they waxed heavy, not for the small number, but because it fell out otherwise than they judged: then one of the company being an ancient man said: let us not be grieved: for sorrow waiteth upon pleasure, and therefore we aught to be sorry in some thing, because we rejoiced so much before.  
Mor. We aught not to be grieved, being defeated of our purpose.   

206 Of the Tiger and the Fox.  
A Hunter pursued wild Beasts with darts, whereupon the Tiger commanded all other beasts to departed, and he only would end that fight: the Hunter still cast his darts, the Tiger forthwith was wounded: As he fled out of the field and drew out the dart, the Fox asked who had so sore wounded so valiant a beast: he answered, that the doer he known not, but by the greatness of the wound, he took it to be some man.  
More Strong men for the most part are more hardy than needeth, but cunning passeth force, and policy strength.   

207 Of the wolf and the Sow.  
AS a Sow was ready to farrowe, the 
Hastiness  Wolf came unto her, promising to be a safeguard for her young Pigs: she answered: Of thy service I have no need, but if thou wilt be accounted religious, or show me any pleasure, I pray thee departed further from me, for with thine absence thy service shall stand me in better stead than with thy presence.  
Mor. All men deserve not credit in all things: for many promise their endeavour not for thy sake, but for their own commodity.   

208 Of a Cat.  
A Certain man had a great Cheese in a ceffer, which a Mouse had tasted, therefore by the counsel of a friend of his, he shut in the Cat there, which after she had killed the Mouse, devoured the whole Cheese.  
Mor. Those ought to be no keepers, which can no less hurt us than our enemies.   

209 Of a Man that would try his wives mind.  
A Certain crafty man desirous to understand his wives mind, because she 
Hasty 〈◊〉.  had often said that so dearly she loved him that if she might wish she would redeem his life with her death, he willingly let fall upon both their bore feet a burning stick. Then the woman being in pain, and forgetting the love she bore to her husband, did shake off the burning stick from her feet only.  
Mor. Credit not women when they say they love their husbands better than themselves.   

210 Of the Cock and the Capon.  
A Cock and a Capon dwelled together in a poultry house, but the Cock was lord of the Hens, and the Capon fed among them: It happened that a Fox caught this Cock, and devoured him, and his comb he touched not, but kept it safe and brought it to the Capon, saying: O brother capon, thy fellow is dead, wherefore I have brought thee his comb even for pure love which I bear to thee, now if it please thee to come down, I will crown thee, that thou mayst take the regiment of the Hens as the cock did: the Capon being ambitious & greedy of promotion, flew down from his roost, and came to the Fox, who rejoicing thereof, caught the Capon incontinent, and killed him.  
Mor. Take heed how thou credit all men.   

211 Of the Fouler and the Lark.  
A Fowler set his nets for birds, whom the Lark a far of espying, asked him what he did, he answered, that he built a City, than he went a good way back, and bid himself: the Lark crediting his words came to the net and was taken: too it the Fowler ran, to whom the Lark said: Friend, if thou build such a City, thou shalt find few dwellers therein.  
Mor. Houses and Cities then chief become desolate, when the Rulers are busy bodies.   

212 Of a Goose.  
THere was a Goose which day by day laid a golden Egg: her master desirous 
Hast maeths waste.  in all the haste to be rich, killed the Goose, hoping that there was some hidden Treasure within her: and then finding her empty, the wretch was amazed, and after mourned and syghed, that he had lost both his hope and substance.  
Mor. We must measure our affections and that we be not to hasty, for haste maketh waste, and he that all would have, sometime loseth all.   

213 Of a woman and her Lover.  
A Lewd woman wept bitterly for her lover ready to departed from her, whom 
Harlots.  she had near polled of all that he had: whereupon her neighbour demanded the cause why she wept so comfortless, for sooth (quoth she) his departing doth not grieve me, but the cloak which I left him to put on.  
Mor. Harlots love not their lovers, but their Money.   

214 Of a Serpent and a Husbandman.  
A Serpent lurking in the entry of a husbandman's 
Hatred.  house, slew his boy, for whom his parents mourned much, but his father for sorrow took an axe, went out & would have killed the Serpent, the Husbandman seeing him look up, made haste to strike him, but he miss him, for he struck the mouth of his hole: when the Serpent was go in and the Husbandman thinking that he had forgot the wrong, he came and set bread and salt before his hole, but the Serpent softly hissing, said: Hereafter neither trust or friendship shall be between us as long as I see a stone and thou thy son's grave.  
Mor. None forgetteth hatred or vengeance as long as he seeth the cause of his grief.   

215 Of a Man and a Woman twice married.  
A Certain man having buried his wife, which he loved well, and married a widow which daily laid in his dish the manlynesse of her former husband: he because he would be even with her, dashed in her teeth his other wives honest behaviour and chaste living. It happened on a time, when she was angry, a beggar came too the door, & asked their alms, to whom she gave a piece of Capon which she for her own supper and her husbands boiled, saying: I give thee this for the soul of my first husband: Her good man hearing that, called the poor man and gave him the rest of the Capon, saying: I give thee this for the soul of my Wife that is dead: By which means either spyting other, at length had nothing for their supper.  
Mor. We must not fight with those that can revenge their quarrel.   

216 Of a Wolf and Dogs.  
A Wolf espied two Dogs, which were keepers of the flock of sheep, fight together, and with their biting tearing each other, was in good hope that he might safely assault the sheep. Therefore with great violence he ran upon the sheep, and took a fat one quickly, with which he fled away speedily. The Dogs sing that, left off their strife, and overtook the Wolf running away, whom they wounded so sore that he could scarce escape: but straight after being demanded by an other Wolf why he set on the flock alone, where so strong resisters were? In faith (quoth he) I was deceived by their mutual fighting.  
Mor. The hatred which we bear to strangers, are wont to set at one the debate between neighbours.   

217 Of the Countryman and the Horse.  
A Countryman drove by the way a spare 
Help in need.  Horse, and an Ass sore laden with packs, the Ass being weary with travailing, prayed the Horse if he would save his life, to ease him somewhat of his burden, the Horse thought scorn and denied his help: It happened as they travailed on in their journey, that the Ass being overladen, fell under his burden & died: then his master laid all the asses burden & eke the skin upon the horse, wherewithal his back began to crack: Ah wretch that I am, said the Horse, I am thus justly served, because lately I refused to help the poor labouring Ass.  
Mor. We must help our friends that are in misery, for part of our rising our country claimeth, and part our friends.   

218 Of a Fox that fallen into a Well.  
A Fox being fallen in to a Well, and at the point to be drowned, besought the Wolf which was on the wells brink to cast down a rope and help him up: The Wolf said: How fellest thou in here? Ah (quoth the Fox) this is no time to tell thee, but when thou hast drawn me out, I will show thee all things in order.  
Mor. Men in danger had need of present help, & not spend the time in idle talk.   

219 Of a Pig and his fathers will.  
A Pig wept much for the death of his parents, but when he had read his will 
Heritage.  and found that a great heap of Acorns and many bushels of meal were left him, he held his peace: and being asked why he wept no more, answered: The meal and the Acorns have stopped up my mouth.  
Mor. A great heritage causeth the heirs quickly to leave their mourning.   

220 Of the Cockatrice and Seawolf.  
THe Cockatrice on a time went to the 
Hypocrisy.  sea side in the clothing of a Monk, and called to him the Wolf saying: O brother, since thou wast marked with the sign of the cross, thou art become a perfect Christian, I pray thee therefore come unto me, and instruct me in the faith of Christ, that I may be baptised, and thereby escape everlasting judgement, and have fruition of eternal joy. The Wolf fish marking him well and knowing what he was, said: O thou Hypocrite, a cowl maketh not a Friar, thy words are full of wickedness and craft, neither intendest thou to be baptised of me, but rather thou wouldst beguile and poison me: therefore I will not hear thee, and forth with he swum away, and left him all ashamed.  
Mor. Beware of those which come in sheep's clothing outwardly, but inwardly are ravening wolves.   

221 Of the Wolf and the Dog.  
A Wolf met a dog by chance very early 
Home is homely.  going through a Wood, whom he courteously saluted, being very glad of his coming: at length he asked him by what means he was in so good liking: he answered, that his master loved him dearly, for when he fawned on him, he stroked him, and fed him with meat from his table, and that he never slept by daylight: moreover, time would not serve to tell how much I am made off by all the servants. Marry said the Wolf, thou art happy in deed, which hast so good and so loving a master, if I might devil with him, I would think myself the happiest of all living beasts. The Dog perceiving the Wolf very desirous to change his accustomed trade of living, promised his help to bring it to pass, that he might be retained to his master, so that he were content to become tamer, & to live in bondage: The Wolf was content and it pleased him well to walk toward the Town. By the way they had very pleasant talk, but when it waxed light day, the Wolf perceived the Dog's neck worn bore, whereupon he asked him, what meant this bareness of his neck, he answered, the cause is, that when I was fierce, I barked at my friends as well as my fees, and sometime did bite them, wherewithal my Master not well pleased, did beat me often, forbidding me to assault any, save a thief or a Wolf, and by this means I am tamer and carry the mark in remembrance of my fierceness: the Wolf hearing him say so, told him he would not buy his Lords love so dear, saying, farewell therefore, for I esteem my liberty far better than this bondage.  
Mor. Better is a dry morsel in a low house where a man is ruler, than in the king's palace to far delicately, and to be in servitude: for liberty in the court hath no place.   

222 Of a Lynnet.  
A Certain Linnet was kept up daintily by 
Hunger.  a rich man, who much delighted in his singing. It happened in time of dearth, that many poor birds came to the Linnet & asked his alms, but nothing would he give them, save of the fragments & broken meat that was left, which he cared not for, but the birds rejoicing thereof, eat it up sweetly.  
Mor. It is an ill dish, which a man will refuse when he is hungry.   

223 Of a Mule.  
A Mule being fat and pricked with provender, 
honour.  cried aloud and said: My Father is a swift running horse, and I am altogether like him, but once when he should needs run, and in running stayed, he strait way remembered that he was an Ass' foal.  
Mor. Though time bring a man to promotion, yet aught he not to forget his estate, for this life is unstable.   

224 Of a King and Apes.  
A Certain King of Egypt appointed Apes to be taught to dance, which as no beast is of liker favour to a man, so none counterfaiteth better or willinglier a man in his doings. They having learned very quickly the art of dancing: on a day appointed they began to dance and were clad with the richest purple. Their dancing delighted the company a long time, until a merry conceited fellow cast down among them nuts, which he privily had carried in his bosom: the Apes had no sooner seen the nuts, but forgetting the dance, become as they were afore time: of dancers, Apes, biting and tearing their clotheses, in pieces, & fight together for the nuts, not without great laughter of the beholders.  
Mor. The gifts of Fortune change not a man's disposition.   

225 Of Oxen.  
A herdman entered the stable and see the Oxen skipping for joy, he therefore axed them the cause of their joy, they answered: Our hope is to spend this day in the goodly leasues. Why (quoth he) What thing hath brought you to this hope? We dreamt said they, it should be so: Ah (quoth he) give no credit to such dreams, which you are like to find untrue, for I dreamt that you should plough to day, and man's dreams are wont to be truer than beasts.  
Mor. Nothing is so soon beguiled, as the hope of men.   

226 Of a Hog.  
A Hog was blamed of a sheep that he yielded no profit to his Master, of whom he was so diligently fed: seeing they gave him milk, wool and lambs. He answered: when I am dead, my fruit cometh in, for he feedeth me for a purpose.  
Mor. None will take pains without hope of reward.   

227 Of a man which hide a treasure.  
A Certain rich man hide a treasure in the wood, whereof none known but his Godfather, whom he greatly trusted. But when he came within few days after to see it, he found that it was digged up & carried away: he therefore judged (as it was in deed) that his Godfather had taken it away: he went and spoke with him, saying: Godfather, I will also hide a. 1000 crowns more where my treasure is. He being desirous to gain more, brought again the treasure and laid it where it was: when the true owner came shortly after thither and found it, he took it home with him and went to his Godfather and said: Thou promisie breaker, bestow no more labour in vain to go to the treasure, for thou shalt found it no more.  
Mor It is an easy thing to deceive a coveious man with hope of money.   

228 Of the Pigarde and the Egle.  
THe Pigard sometime being pursued by a Hawk, flyed to the Eagle for saliegard, 
Humility.  saying: Thou art great and merciful, therefore came I to thee for aid and succour, which am small and weak, craving that I may be under the shadow of thy wings, to defend me from the fury of my enemy. The Eagle moved with pity and compassion, said: Because of thy lowliness and imbecility abide with me, & fear nothing as long as thou art in my company.  
Mor. They that are mighty, aught to defend the meek and lowly.   

229 Of the Dog and the Cook.  
A Dog broke lose and ran into a kitchen, 
Heart.  where he stolen away a Heart while the Cook was otherwise occupied, who turning about and seeing him running, said: Trust me, where soever thou become, I will watch thee, for thou haste not taken a heart from me, but rather given me a heart.  
Mor. Often harms are warnings to a man.   

230 Of a man stoned.  
A certain man being stoned to death of the people, rose again: who being asked of one, what did most grieve him in that stoning, said: Nothing so much as the stone which one did throw whom I supposed to be my friend, although it touched me not.  
Mor The hurt done by our friends doth more grieve us, than that which our enemies do.   

231 Of a sheep crying.  
A Sheep being caught by a Dog which was keeper of the flock, made a great crying, but being taken by the Wolf, did not cry at all: who being demanded of the shepherd, why she did so? answered: It grieveth me more to be hurt of the dog, which should be my keeper and friend, than of the Wolf, who naturally is my foe.  
Mor. The hurt by them of the household done, more hurteth than that which is done by strangers.   

232 Of a Raven and a serpent.  
A Raven lacking meat, see a Serpent sleeping on a sunny bank, at whom 
Hurtful gain.  he slew down and caught him up: who turned again and bit him: the Raven therewith nigh dead said: Ah wretch that I am, which have found such a gain whereof I perish.  
Mor. This fable is against him, which by finding a treasure, hath put himself in danger of his life.   

233 Of a poor Man  
A certain poor Man had nothing but a 
Hurtful things.  house underset with shores, which was like to fall. It happened on a time as he returned from the fields, he found it fallen, and because he had not wherewith to set it up again, he was so much troubled in his mind, that he fallen to mourning and weeping out of measure. But as this poor man thus made his moan, he espied a brazen pot, which many years had been hidden in the Wall, lying amongst the stones and rubbish, which when he had taken up and opened, he found it full of gold, wherewith his heart hopping for joy, he left off his weeping.  
Mor. Sometime that we think hurtful, turneth to our great profit and commodity.   

234 Of a learned man not esteemed.  
A certain learned man being bidden to 
●esting.  the feasie of a Prince, and commanded to sit down in the nethermost rooms, when the other guests had great fish set before them, but to him very small one's, he did eat none, but put them first one after an other to his mouth, than to his ears, as though he would demand some thing of them, & after laid them down whole & untouched in the dishes again: whom the master of the feast asked why he did so? he answered, two year ago in these parties my father through shipwreck was cast away, and what become of his body I could not afterwards know, I did therefore demand of these little fish if they could tell any tidings of him, but they answered, that at that time they were not bred: wherefore I must ask the greater Fish. The Prince hearing so merry a saying, commanded of the greater fish to be set before him, and ever after he placed him among his chiefest guests.  
Mor. Among unlearned men, learning is not so profitable to the learned as is pleasant and merry talk.   

235 Of a Physician.  
A Nolde Woman being troubled with 
Ignorance.  pain of her eyes, bargained with a Physician for a certain sum of money to pay him if he healed her: if not, he should have nothing. The Physician went about his cure, who daily came and anointed by'r eyes, but she (that hour he dressed her) could see nothing: then he at his departure, carried some thing out of the house. The old woman see her stuff daily decrease, so that when she was healed, scarce any thing was left, to whom when the Physician came & required his bargain, because she could see clearly, and thereof brought witnesses, she said: Truly I rather see less than before, for when I was blind I could see much stuff in my house, but now that I can see, as thou sayest, I perceive nothing of that which I had.  
Mor. Wicked people not knowing what they do, speak often against themselves.   

236 Of Dogs.  
A Certain man had two Dogs, whereof the one he taught to hunt, the other to keep his house, if it chanced the hound to catch any thing, he which kept him was partaany thing, he which being offended, cast often in his fellows teeth that he daily took pairs, and the other did nothing, and yet he was fed with his travail: his fellow answered and said: Blame not me but my Master, which never taught me to labour, but to eat that an other hath sweat for.  
Mor. Young men which know nothing, are not to be blamed, seeing their Parents brought them up so.   

237 Of a Sheep wasting Corne.  
A Husbandman complained that the sheep destroyed all his Corn, whereupon 
Immodeatenesse.  jupiter commanded the sheep to feed temperately, and because they obeyed not his will, the Wolf was appointed to afflict them moderately. But when the shepherd complained that all his flock was killed by the Wolf, jupiter was offended, and bad the Hunter kil the Wolf, which thing he quickly did.  
Mor. Not immoderate thing is continual.   

238 Of the Owl and the Lark.  
THe Lark came to the Owl and said: 
Impossible promises.  Dear sister, I pray thee bear me company to morrow at noon, for my lover desireth to see me by Sun light: Now if I be matched with thee, I shall seem more beautiful. The Owl promised to be there, for he was ashamed to stick with her for so small a trifle. When day was up and the Sun did shine very clear, the Lark waited for him, but the Owl dared not appear by Sun light, because she could not see, and therefore came not, wherewith the Lark being offended, always after abhorred and pursued her: wherefore the Owl flieth not by day for fear of the Lark, but seeketh his meat by night.  
Mor. None aught to promise' that, which he can not perform.   

139 Of the Reed.  
THe Réed was displeased that not only all other trees, but also sometime grass 
Inconstancy  did bear a nest, but he only of that honour was deprived: he therefore prayed a little bird to build her nest upon him, so would I (quoth she) but I mistrust thy inconstancy, for I will not build my children's house upon so ticklish a foundation.  
Mor. We aught not to commit ourselves or our children to inconstant people.   

240 Of the Eel.  
THe Eel said to a Serpent, why do men pursue me rather than thee, seeing we are so near kin and so like? Marry (quoth he) If they hunt me, they seldom scape scot free.  
Mor. They are lest hurt, which use to revenge their injuries   

241 Of the Crow and the Sheep.  
A Crow lighted on a sheep's back & made a great noise, than said the sheep: If 
innocence.  thou shouldst do so to a dog, thou mightest chance catch copper. Yea (said the Crow) I know with whom I deal, for I am to the patient grievous, and to the angry pleasant.  
Mor. The wicked strive continually with the feeble and simple folk: the innocent is trodden under foot, but no man gainsayeth the ungodly, if he be stout.   

242 Of the Ape and the Fox.  
THe Ape prayed the Fox to give him a 
Enough hath none  piece of his tail to cover his buttocks withal, because that which to him was a burden, would stand him in good steed and do him much worship. The Fox answered and said, that she had nothing too much, and she had rather swéep the ground therewith, than it should cover the Ape's buttocks.  
Mor. Some have great scarcity, and some have great plenty, yet few rich men are so well bend as to help the poor with any thing of their excess and superfluity.   

243 Of the Frogs and the Sun.  
THe Frogs rejoiced at the marriage 
Vain joy.  of the Sun, to whom one said: O wretched kind, if we only fear the sun beams, who will abide him if he get children?  
Mor. This Fable is against those, which ignorantly rejoice at their own harm.   

244 Of a Wolf fallen into a pit.  
A Fox espying a Wolf fallen into a hole, did laugh, and rejoicing skipped about the brinks of the Pit, calling him foolish beast, which would not beware of man's deceits. As he thus wanton scoffed, the earth failed, and carried him headlong in also: whom the Wolf seeing to fall, said: I shall now carry a great comfort of my death to hell, because I see the Fox, (which mocked me) perish with me.  
Mor. We aught not rejoice at an others misery, sing we may fall into the same likewise.   

245 Of two Hogs.  
A certain man had two Hogs which bore so mortal hatred one toward another, that daily they tore each other with their teeth: but when their Master killed one of them, the other was wonderful glad, seeing that his enemy should die incontinent: within few days after, when he himself was drawn to death, he tormented himself, saying: Woe is me wretch, Why did I so rejoice over my enemies death, whom so soon I do follow too the same end.  
Mor. None aught too rejoice, not not over the death of his enemy, seeing it is evident that all must dye.   

246 Of a Wolf that put on a sheep's skin.  
A Wolf put on a sheeps skin, and was 
judging outwardly  conversant among the Sheep, of whom he daily devoured one, which thing when the shepherd had espied, he hanged him up in an high tree, than other shepherds asked him why he hóong up a Sheep: Ah (quoth he) the skin as you see is a sheep, but in his deeds he was a Wolf.  
Mor. Men must not be esteemed after their apparel, but after their works, for many are under sheeps skins ravening Wolves.   

247 Of the Elephant.  
AS the Lion passed by the wild beasts through the desert, they made their obeisance to him as King of beasts, only the Elephant bowed not his knee, because he could not, but some beasts envying him, reported ill of him to the Lion, he sent for him forthwith, and said: Why art thou so stubborn, that thou dost not thy duty as the rest? My Lord, according to my power I honour thee, but I can not kneel because I lack knees. The Lion said, if thou do it in thy heart, it sufficeth: wherefore he condemned his accusers, and promoted the Elephant.  
Mor. We aught to give no judgement, before the truth be tried.   

248 Of an Ass.  
THe Ass in the winter season was much troubled for the extreme cold that he suffered, 
Labour.  & that he lived only by straw, whereupon he wished for the spring tide, that he might feed of the sweet grass. When the spring was come, his Master being a potter, compelled him to carry clay into his workhouse and wood to the furnace, and thence to carry brick and tile into divers places: wherewith being annoyed, he longed for summer, hoping them to take his ease when his master was busy in his harvest: but then he carried wheat into the barn, and from thence home, and had no rest: wherefore he thought if Autunne were once come to have an end of his travail: but he could not yet be eased of his travail, but as then carried wine, fruit and wood: then he desired for frost & snow again, that at the last he might have some ease of his travail.  
Mor. In this life there is no time void of continual labour.   

249 Of a Countryman and Bees.  
A Certain Countryman kept an Hive of Bees, by which he become rich: nevertheless 
Learning.  he was often stung when he fetched away the honey combs, wherewith being offended, he threatened the Bees saying: If hereafter you touch me I will surely overthrow you & drive you away. What (quoth the Bees) thou canst be content to gather the sweet, but art loath to taste of the sour: be quiet, or we will forsake thee. It happened, when he came again to gather honey, a be stung him, wherewith being mad, he overthrew the hives, them the bees forsook him, whereby the covetous churl fell into poverty.  
Mor. Who so will have gain, must endure some pain.   

250 Of a Husbandman and a Poet.  
A Certain Husbandman came to a Poet, whose grounds he tilled, whom because he found alone sitting among his books, asked him by what means he could live so solitary? Marry (quoth he) I was not alone afore thou camest here.  
Mor. Learned men which daily are in company of such as they are, be never alone, but when they are amongst the unlearned.   

251 Of a Rich man unlearned, and a Poor man learned.  
A Certain man being rich but unlearned, mocked a learned man which was poor, because that he himself with his own travail had gathered much goods, but he which was so learned was in great penury: No marvel (quoth he) because thou haste studied to gather Richeses, but I have endeavoured to get learning, which doth far excel riches. Hereupon there fell a contention between the rich man and the learned, whither learning or riches were more excellent, which could not be ended seeing both had many favourers, but the rich man had most: At length by this means it was known that learning excelled riches, through civil discord being both compelled to live in banishment, when they could carry nothing a way with them of their substance they went away into an other city, where the learned man was hired to teach for a great stipend, and had in honour and estimation: but he which was rich, through poverty being fain to beg his bread from door to door, confessed that in his opinion he had erred.  
Mor. The gifts of Fortune, because they pass too and fro, are far subject to the gifts of the mind, which are proper and everlasting.   

252 Of a Parrot.  
A Parrot dwelling in a king's court was asked of other birds, why she was so highly esteemed? Who answered, because I have learned to speak as a man.  
Mor. We must learn good and liberal sciences if we will be had in honour and estimation.   

253 Of the Pike and the Tench.  
AS a certain Fisher angled, he so baited 
Learn by others.  his hooks that the Fish could not perceive them, which the Pike & the Tench seeing, were very desirous of it: but the Pike being subtle said to the Tench: This This Bait seemeth to be good and delicate, yet I think it is laid to deceive fish withal, therefore let us forsake it lest we perish through the lusts of gluttony. In faith (quoth the Tench) it were a folly to leave so good a morsel for fear of nothing: I will first try it and make merry with it, and look thou what will hap. As he swallowed the Bait, he felt the deceit of the hook and would fain have retired, but the Fisher first plucked him up, than the Pike swum away and said: Let us learn by our fellows mischance, lest we perish.  
Mor. Happy is he, whom other man's harms do make to beware.   

254 Of a Mermaid and a Lechour.  
A Certain shameless and lecherous person sailing on the sea, espied a most beautiful Mermaid, after whom he lusted so much, that he provoked her to lechery, but she did sing much sweeter and prepared herself to beguile this Merchant, saying: as I perceive thou lovest me, but if thou will't have thy pleasure of me, come into the water, and it shall be at thy commandment. This fellow was so inflamed with lust, that he clean forgot his own estate, and therefore skipped into the Sea to her: She seeing that, left him in great danger and swum away.  
Mor. This Fable willeth unclean men to beware that they likewise perish not through the beauty of a woman.   

255 Of a jealous man.  
A certain jealous man married a Wife, 
Leudenesse of women.  whom he known unhonest, whereupon he delivered her to a trusty friend of his to keep, promising him a great reward, if he kept her so safely, that by no means the bond of wedlock were broken. When he had tried her a few days and perceived that she might hardly be kept safe, because through her subtlety he was night overcome, went to her husband and told him that he would not take so great charge upon him, seeing that Argus himself, with an hundred eyes, were not able to keep her by constraint: he said moreover, if he might be put to choice, he had rather by the space of one whole year, daily carry into the fields a sackful of fleas, and turn them all to grass, and bring them home again at evening, than one day too have the charge of a lewd woman.  
Mor. No keeper be he never so diligent can keep safely a wanton minion.   

256 Of a Liberal man.  
A Frank and Liberal man toward all 
Liberality.  men, travailing far, fell amongst thieves, who standing about him, and ready to slay him, one of them cried out: kill not this man which hath much helped me, for sometime he did not only receive me gently into his house, but also nourished me being sick, and caused a physician too look unto me, with which words his fellows relenting, suffted him to departed unhurt ..  
Mor. As far as we may, we should do good to all men.   

257 Of a Covetous man.  
A Very hard head bought a rich farm and plentiful, which was set withal kind of Trees that bore fruit, which yielded to the former lord great abundance of fruit, although it were unfensed and common for all travailers: the new lord supposing that if it were dressed better and looked too, it would bear fruit more abundantly, took great pains about it, and enclosed it with thick hedges and walls, & appointed keepers to watch it, but it being so diligently tended, yielded little increase. Then God being asked whereof this came, answered thus: Thou art the cause of so great evil, because thou kéepest on every side the fields fenced with hedges & strong walls: sometime I gave great increase because many required much, but now seeing it serveth thee alone, why dost thou ask so much?  
Mor. God giveth plenty to a liberal man, because he might supply the necessity of many.   

258 Of the Dog and the Lyon.  
A Dog by chance met with a Lion, to 
Liberty.  whom he said merrily, what wanderest thou (O miser) through woods and deserts nigh pined for hunger? Mark how fat and trim I am: I never take pains for it, but get it idly Truth it is (said the Lion) that thou farest well, yet thou (O fool) art in bondage, serve thou which canst serve, for I am free and will not serve.  
Mor. In every thing liberty far excels.   

259 Of the Lynnet and the Boy.  
A Bey asked a Linnet in whom he had a singular delight, and had fed him fat with good meat, why he would not return into the cage whence he went out? Because (quoth he) I might feed at my own pleasure, not at thy.  
Mor. Liberty is to be preferred above all dainties.   

260 Of a Fox and a Crocodile.  
THe Fox and the Crocodile did strive about their Nobility: The Crocodile 
〈◊〉.  laid for himself many proud things concerning the worthiness of his ancestors, that they had prices in games. Whereat the Fox laughed, saying: truly friend, though thou never namedst that, yet it appeareth by thy skin, that thou haste been a great doer in old time.  
Mor. The thing itself reproveth liars of their falsehood.   

261 Of the Shepherd and the Husband men.  
A Boy kept sheep in a great pasture, who three or four times did cry in jest that the Wolf was come: which thing caused the Husband men (out of every Quarter of the Countries) to assemble there. It chanced verily, that the Wolf came at length, and the Boy called for help as before, but they being often deluded, would not once stir out of their doors, whereby the sheep were all destroyed.  
Mor. He that useth lying, though he chance once to tell a truth, shall not soon be credited.   

262 Of Mercurius.  
IVpiter commanded Mercurius to bestow among crafts men the medicine to make them lie, which when he had well stamped and measured, he poured it equally upon every one. The shoemaker only remained, on whom (because much of the medicine was left) he poured all in the mortar: whereof it came to pass, that all crafts men are liars, but most of all are shoemakers.  
Mor. This Fable is against lying workmen.   

263 Of an old Man and his Son.  
A certain old Man being thrust out of 
〈…〉  doors by his Son, lived in an Hospital. On a time he espied his son travailing that way, whom he prayed, that at the lest he would send him two towels of all his linen, for which he had sweat full sore: who being at length moved with his Father's prayers, commanded a little Boy his son, to fetch his Grandfather the linen that he required. The Boy being witty and worthy of such a father, brought but one, whom his Father rebuked because he brought not two as he was bidden: forsooth (quoth he) I keep the other for thee, that when thou art old and livest in an Hospital, I might send it to thee.  
Mor. Look what love we bear toward our Parents, the same will our children bear toward us.   

264 Of the Falcon and the Cock.  
A Certain Knight had a Falcon, of whom 
Live in ●hy vocation.  he much rejoiced, whom he always carried on his fist, and fed him well, but on a time he let his Falcon fly, because he would call her to his hand, and whistled for her, but the Falcon would not came down. A Cock seeing this, exalted himself, saying: What do I poor wretch always living in dirt and mire, am I not as fair and as great as the Falcon? Sure I will light on his glove and be fed with my Lord's meat. When he had lighted on his fist, the Knight (though he were sorry) yet somewhat rejoiced & took the Cock, whom he killed, but his flesh he showed to the Falcon, to bring him again to his hand, which the Falcon seeing, came hastily too it.  
Mor. Let every man walk in his vocation, and let no man exalt himself above his degree.   

265 Of the Camel.  
A Camel being weary of his estate, complained that the Bulls had goodly horns, but he himself had no defence to resist other beasts: He therefore besought jupiter to give him horns also: Who laughed at his foolish request, whereof not only he was denied, but also had his ears cropped.  
Mor. Let every man be content with his calling, for as some hunt after better fortune, they happen to worse.   

266 Of the Ass, the Ape, and the Mole.  
THe Ass complained that he lacked horns, and the Ape that he wanted a tail. Peace fools (quoth the Mole) for I am blind also.  
Mor. Some are not content with their estate, but if they weighed well other man's misfortunes, they would quietlier endure their own.   

267 Of the Snail and Frogs.  
A Snail espied many Frogs feeding in one pool together, so light and nimble, that they would easily leap every where, than he accused nature for creating him so slow a beast, and for carrying so great a burden, that scarce he could stir withal: But when he perceived the Frogs to be devoured of Snakes, and to be in danger of every trifle, he comforted himself saying: O how much better is it to carry a burden, which may be a safeguard against all weathers, than to be so often in danger of death?  
Mor. We must not be grieved with the gifts of nature, which are sometime more for our profit, than we can understand.   

268 Of a rich man.  
A Rich man had two daughters, whereof 
Love of money.  the one died, at whose burial he hired women to lament: the other said: What wretches are we, for to us this mourning belongeth, but we can not skill thereof, and they which have nothing to do there with, how pitifully do they wail? To whom her mother said: Marvel not daughter, if they lament so, for they do it because of money.  
Mor. Some men for love of money fear not to pick advantage from an others misery.   

269 Of the Nightingale and the Hawk.  
A Nightingale sitting upon a tree, did 
Lucre.  sing as he was wont, but the Hawk seeing him and lacking meat, flew at the Nightingale, which being ready to be killed, besought the Hawk not to devour him, because she could not suffice to fill his belly, but he aught, lacking meat, to fall to greater birds. Nay (quoth he) then were I mad, if I should let go that I am sure of, and pursue that I see not.  
Mor. Some men are so foolish, that upon hope of greater things which are uncertain, put away that they have presently.   

270 Of a mad Man  
A Certain mad Man wandering through Cities, cried aloud that he had wisdom 
Madness.  to cell, than one offered money and required it, to whom he lent a blow and gave him a long thread, saying: Thou shalt be wise if thou keep thee as far from mad men, as this is long.  
Mor. We must have nothing to do with mad men.   

271 Of a Priest and his Boy.  
A Priest given to belly good cheer, delivered 
Madseruaunts.  to his Boy ten fat thrushes put upon a Spit to be roasted, saying that he should eat them all at a bit, if he let them fall into the ashes. Within a short while after, when he returned (for he was go out to do certain business) he found the boy crying, who being demanded why he wept, answered, because he could eat but nine when they fallen into the ashes, requesting that he might not be forced to eat the tenth because he was full swollen more than enough. The priest being offended, as well with the madness of the boy, as because he see that he had lost his supper, led the boy without the threshold of the door, and showed him three ways, saying: Choose which of these thou will't, for here thou shalt not lodge this night.  
Mor. We aught not too keep mad servants in our house.   

272 Of a Fox.  
AS a fox passed over a River, he was 
Magistrates.  driven into a ditch, where he stuck so fast in the mud that he could not escape, whom the flies sore stinged. The Hedgehog seeing him there, took compassion on him, and asked him whether he should drive the flies from him: Not (quoth he) these are full with my blood, and can little trouble me, but if thou shouldst drive them away, other hunger starved flies will occupy their rooms, and suck out all the blood that is left within me.  
Mor. Old Magistrates must remain in their office,   

273 Of an Ass.  
AN Ass bore great malice to a Hog which dwelled with his master, because he did nothing, & yet was fed with divers kinds of meats and become daily fatter, but he himself continually drudging did far hardly, whereby he was so lean, that he could scarce go. But at length when he saw his fellow carried to the Butchers to be killed for man's meat, he somewhat revived and said: Ah, this is the end that men take such pains in feeding a Hog. O how far better is it to be an Ass, than a Hog?  
Mor. We aught not to envy those, whom we think happy, whereas that cloaked felicity, to many is cause of misery.   

274 Of a young man.  
A Certain young man which should marry 
Marriage.  a Wife, being demanded whither he would have her, turned him to his friends and neighbours present, saying: Why stand you like dumb men, why do you not pray God to help me this day? for if we pray God help them that nyse where no danger is, how much more aught you now to pray for me, to whom so great danger is at hand?  
Mor. They which marry, enter into great danger.   

275 Of jupiter.  
IVpiter celebrating a marriage, received 
Mean life.  all beasts unto the feast, only the Snail made slow haste, the cause whereof he marveling at, asked him why he came not to the feast? he answered: My house is dear to me and excellent: whereat jupiter being angry, gave sentence that he should carry his house about him.  
Mor. Some men had rather live hardly at home, than daintily abroad.   

276 Of a Fox and a Weasel.  
THe Fox had so long time fasted without getting any manner of pray, that he looked very lean and thin, and by chance crept through a narrow hole, into a vault of corn, where when he had well fed, he assayed to go forth again, but his belly being full let him: the Wesill seeing him a far off struggling to get out, counseled him if he would get out, to come as fresh and fasting as he went in. This fable rehearseth Horace thus:  

Sometime did pass a narrow hole,  
a hungry Fox and thin,  
To come unto a vault of wheat  
where easily he got in:  
And being full, could not repass,  
to whom a Weasill spoke,  
Come fasting forth as in thou went'st,  
this way needs must thou take.    

277 Of an Apple tree.  
AN Apple tree mocked the Olive tree that he bore small berries, sing she brought forth so great Apples, that her boughs could hardly bear them: suddenly there arose a wound, and all the Apples almost, because of their weight and violence of the tempest fallen down, and her boughs were broken, but the Olive tree stood whole: then said she to herself, how far better had it been for me to have born lesser fruit?  
Mor. We ought to be content with small things, seeing abundance of riches can not be enjoyed without great danger.   

278 Of the Fly and the Ant.  
THe Fly strived with the Ant about his nobility, the Fly alleged that she was of a noble blood, and that she flyed, dwelts in Kings palaces, fared deyntily, there unto idly achieving, and the Ant to be base born, to creep on the earth, to live in holes to gnaw on corn, and to drink water. The Ant replied that she was no base born, yet contented with her birth, the Fly to be a vagabund, herself none, she tasted of corn and running water, the Fly of bake-meats and sweet wine, and she got not her living idly, but with travail: furthermore the Ant to be always merry in safety, beloved of all men, beside that an example of labour, the Fly to be in danger, hatred, and spited of all men, yea & a figure of slothfulness: the Ant to be mindful of Winter, and to lay up this provision, the Fly to live from day to day, and in the winter to be hungry, or else die for hunger.  
Mor. A mean life, quietly out of checking, is better than a delicate life in much trouble.   

279 Of a Husbandman and his Dogs.  
A Husbandman wintered in the Country a good many days: at length he 
Masters.  began to want his necessary things. first he began to kill his sheep, after his goats, last of all his Oxen, to keep life and soul together, because he was nigh pined with hunger. The Dogs seeing that, determined to save their lives by running away, for they supposed in that he spared not his oxen, which for husbandry he occupied, that he would serve them with the like sauce.  
Mor. Take heed in what house thou serve for hire, some masters are most uncourteous, which in their rage care not what mischief or displeasure they do to their servants.   

280 Of the Lampurne and the Crocodile.  
THe Lampurne on a time finding the 
Meading with strangers.  broude of a Crocodile, killed them all, & departed. When the Crocodile returned & found her young one's dead, she was out of measure sorry, and desired by all means possible to revenge their death, whereupon she went armed to devour the Lampurn, but on a time she found a cruel serpent and venomous, and she supposed it to be the Lampurn, whom she assailed, saying: Ah wretch, now canst thou not escape, thou hast without cause slain my sons, therefore now I will dispatch thee: the snake answered, take heed of me, for I am no Lampurne but a venomous Viper. Ah (quoth the Crocodile) thou canst not deceive me, for thou art no Snake but a Lampurn, and altogether like to one, and therefore I will kill thee, but as she went to slay him, the serpent prepared himself, bit her, and also poisoned her.  
Mor. No man aught to fight with him whom he knoweth not.   

281 Of a Lion and a Mouse.  
IT happened that a Lion (wearied with 
Mercy in Princes.  running and heat of the weather) laid him down to rest in the shadow under the green trees, who being suddenly waked with a flock of Miso that ran over his back, caught one among the rest. This poor prisoner besought him earnestly to set him at liberty, saying that he was altogether unworthy to stir him to anger. The Lion considering it would be no commendation for him to slay so small a beast, let him go free. Not long after it chanced as the Lion ran through the thick wood, he fallen into a net, well might he roar, but escape he could not: This Mouse hearing the Lion so lamentably roaring, straight way knew his voice, and crept in at the holes of the earth, and diligently sought for the knots of the snare: which having found, he gnew in pieces, by which means the Lion escaped out of the net.  
Mor. Mighty men must use mercy, for Fortune changing as the wind, even the stoutest at a time may need help of the basest: therefore a wise man though it lay in his power to hurt any man, aught to fear that, he that fears not that, doteth greatly: and why so? Though it be so, that bearing thee bold of thy office thou carest for no man, the day may come that thou mayst be afeard. It is not unknown what hath happened to noble and mighty Princes, who have not only been glad to seek aid of most vile people, but also have feared their displeasure.   

282 Of the Wolf and the Lamb.  
AS a Wolf was drinking at the head 
Might.  of a spring, he espied a Lamb far beneath also drinking of the same Spring, whereat grudging, ran hastily to the Lamb and roughly rebuked him for troubling the spring. The Lamb all trembling besought him to she we compassion on him, being thereof guiltless, alleging that because he drank far beneath him by no means he could trouble his drinking, neither yet meant it. The Wolf having determined even at the first sight, the death of the lamb, threatened him most rigorously, saying: Thy labour is in vain to ask pardon, for thou art always my enemy, thy Father, thy mother, and all thy cursed kindred are willingly my foes: but this day I will be revenged of thee.  
Mor. The mighty if he be disposed to hurt, easily finds occasion thereto. A small thing is a great fault, if a man deal with his Superiors.   

283 Of the Hares and the Frogs.  
THe Hares sometime assembled and bewailed 
Misery of others easeth some.  their life as full of danger and fear, that they were devoured by men, dogs, and Eagles, and many other: whereupon they decreed that it was better once to die, than all their life to be in fear: then they rushed to the marsheward, as though they would fall therein and be choked: but Frogs which sat on the banks, hearing a noise of running, skipped into it. Which thing one of the Hares wiser than the rest seeing, said: stay fellows & do yourselves no harm, for there are other beasts more fearful than we.  
Mor. Wretched men are comforted by the misery of others being greater.   

284 Of a Swan.  
A Rich man brought up a Swan and a Goose together, but not both to one 
Music.  purpose, for the one should serve to sing, the other for the table. When the time was come that the goose should do that for which he was kept up, it chanced to be night, so that one could not be known from the other, and the Swan was carried, away instead of the goose, who song a song at the beginning of her death, by which she showed her nature, & by her sweet singing escaped death.  
Mor. Commonly Music prolongeth life.   

285 Of a Moor.  
A Certain man bought a Moor, who thinking that the blackness of his skin 
Nature.  happened through the negligence of his first Master, took him home and ceased not continually to wash him with such things as would make him white, by which means he so vexed the poor slave, that he brought him into a sickness, his skin remaining still as black as before.  
Mor. Nature will abide as it was first.   

286 Of a Horseman and a Husbandman.  
A Horseman required a Husbandman to 
Necessity  catch a Hare, which he took in his hands and asked the price, and forthwith set spurs to his horse: but the Husbandman said: Make no haste, for I will give it thee for a present.  
Mor. This Fable toucheth those which refuse their own upon necessity.   

287 Of a Man and his Dog.  
A Certain man having forgot to shut the door where the Hens roosted: When 
Negligence of servants.  he arose in the morning, found that they were all killed and carried away by the Fox: He was wroth therefore with the Dog, because he had not well tended his goods, & bet him sore. Why, (quoth he) if thou hast been negligent in shutting the door, for whom the Hens laid eggs, and hatched Chickens, is it any marvel if I being in a dead sleep and have no profit by them, did not perceive the Fox coming?  
Mor. We must never hope to have diligent servants, where the master is negligent.   

288 Of a Fox.  
A Fox dared not assault by night a flock of Hens for fear of a Dog which he known to lodge among them: but when 
neighbour  he understood that they were go to an other place to company with other Hens where no dog was, supposing to obtain his purpose went thither and killed them all.  
Mor. It is better to have a good and courageous neighbour dwelling near, than cowardly kinsmen.   

289 Of four footed Beasts.  
WHen war was proclaimed between 
No aid, no fellows.  four footed beasts, and fowls: The Beasts made a league with the Fish, that by their aid they might be defended from the rigorousnesse of the Fowls. When they looked for help at their hands, the Fish sent their Ambassadors to declare that they could not come by land unto them.  
Mor. Make not those thy fellows, which can not help in time of need.   

290 Of a Soldier and his Horse.  
THere was a Soldier which had a 
New things best.  passing fine horse, and bought an other in goodness nothing like unto him, whom more nicely he kept than the first: Then said he to his fellow, why doth my Master keep me passingly above thee, seeing I am not to be compared to thee, neither in comeliness, strength, nor swiftness? He answered him: This is the course of the world, that new guests are best welcome.  
Mor. Such is the madness of men, that they prefer new things afore old, though they be worser.   

291 Of the Kid and the Wolf.  
A Goat going abroad to feed, shut up her young Kid at home, charging him not to 
Obedience.  open the door till her return: The Wolf by chance hearing that, after her departure knocked at the door, feigning the voice of the Goat, and bade him open it. The Kid perceiving his pretence, denied to open the door, saying: Though thy voice be like a Goats, yet I see a Wolf through the chinks.  
Mor. It is good for children to obey their Parents, young men to be ruled by age.   

292 Of a Chicken caught by a Kite.  
A Hen having many chickens did greatly fear lest the Kite should catch them, whereupon when she saw the Kite, she gathered them often under her wings to save them from their enemy. But one day espying the kite flying toward her, she called her chickens together, which all came quickly at their dams clocking, only one excepted, which despising her calling, whiles she coveted to eat a corn of wheat, was snatched up in the claws of the cruel Kite into the Air.  
Mor. They which obey not their Parent's commandment, fall into misery.   

293 Of a Philosopher.  
A Philosopher of the sect of Cynicus in 
Offences unpunished.  chiding being strike, was not only there with contented, but also rewarded him that struck, with a piece of silver: Which thing when all that were present marveled at, & said that he was worthy to be beaten again, ah (quoth he) you know not what I have done now, but hereafter you shall know: not long after as that stryker would have beaten an other (for he hoped to gain somewhat) he received his death's wound, and feeling death to come upon him, he said: how much better had it been for me to have been stricken again of the Philosopher, than to be rewarded with a silver penny?  
Mor. When offenders scape scot free, it doth them sometime more hurt than punishment.   

294 Of the Fox and the Egle.  
ON a time a young Fox wandering from her 
Oppression of poor.  hole, was snatched up by an Eagle, them he cried for his Damme to have aid of her: She hearing her young one cry out, came hastily running and besought the Eagle to set him at liberty: The Eagle having got that pray, would not depart withal, but carried it up to her nest. The Fox desirous to be revenged, caught up a firebrand, following after him to set fire on his nest: when she had climbed up into the tree, she said to him: Save thee and thy chickens if thou canst. The Eagle fearing to be burned, prayed her to take pity of him and his little one's, and what soever he had of his, he would restore.  
Mor. By the Eagle is understood the mighty and men of stout courage. By the Fox the poor, whom the rich are earnestly bend with forged crimes to charge and slander: yet the Ants, when their anger taketh effect, though they be a weak people, sometime their injury wreaks very well.   

295 Of an Olive Tree.  
AN Olive tree marveled that a wild Vine 
Over ha●●inesse.  which grew near unto him, had shooted up so high in so short time, that he was far higher than he which had continued many peers in one place: but winter coming on, the wild vine withered away. Then the Olive said: We aught not envy those things that shoot up apace, whose end is so soon at hand.  
Mor. Things soon ripe, are soon rotten.   

296 Of the Mouse and the Cat.  
A Flock of Myse had their abiding in a hollow wall, wherèout by chance peeping, they espied a Cat, which sat in a chamber looking grimly, and hanging down her head. Then said one of them: This beast seemeth very gentle and simple, for her countenance pretendeth holiness, I will therefore go speak with her, & contract a perfect league of friendship with her that shall never be broken. When he had so said, he came nearer unto her, whom the Cat caught and tore in pieces: the other seeing that, said: Verily, verily, we must not credit smooth looks.  
Mor. We must not judge any man by his countenance, but by his good works: for in a sheeps skin often are wrapped ravening wolves.   

297 Of the Kite and the Hawk.  
THe Kyght contended with the Hawk before the Eagle about his excellency, 
Outward judgement.  alleging that for the greatness of his body he aught to be preferred. The Hawk again said, that the stature aught not to be considered, but the strength. Then the Eagle said, Go you on hunting, & whither of you shall bring me the worthier pray, I will judge him chiefest: but when the kite had brought a little mouse, the Hawk a pigeon, the Eagle said: How much bigger the dove is than the mouse, so much I declare thee Hawk to excel the Kite.  
Mor. Men must be judged by their valiant acts, not their huge stature.   

298 Of Cocks and a Partriche.  
A Certain man having Cocks at home, bought a Partriche, whom he put with 
Patience.  them to feed, but she being beaten & driven from their company was very sorry, supposing that for being a stranger she was thus handled: but sing them shortly after fight one with an other, she left off sorrow and said: Hereafter, if I see them fight, I will not be grieved.  
Mor. Wise men patiently suffer wrong of strangers, perceiving that they abstain not from their native Countrymen.   

299 Of the Sow and the Dog.  
A Sow mocked a Spaniel, because he 
Patience for gain.  used to faun on his master, which so often had beaten him, and plucked him by the ears, to teach him to hunt. Thou mad body (quoth the Dog) thou knowest not what I have gained by these stripes, for hereby do I eat the sweet Partridges & quails.  
Mor. We must not be grieved if our Master beat us, for thereof issueth plentiful goodness.   

300 Of a Lamb and a Wolf.  
A Lamb standing in an high place, railed 
Patience perforce.  on the Wolf as he passed by beneath, calling him naughty beast and ravening: to whom the Wolfturning said: Thou dost not taunt me, but the tour whereon thou standest.  
Mor Some suffer wrong of vile people, for fear of greater men.   

301 Of a Flie.  
A Fly by chance fallen into a flesh pot, wherein being nigh choked, said to himself, behold I have eats and drunk so much, and so well washed me, that now being so full I am content to dye.  
Mor. A wise man will stoutly bear out that which by no means can be avoided.   

302 Of a Wolf and the Lyon.  
THe Wolf and the Lion being entered friendship together, did seek their living: when the Wolf herded the baying of sheep, he said: Trust to it friend, we shall have meat anon: When he therefore by following the noise of Sheep, was come to the pen, he found it well fenced, and the Dogs near a sleep: Then he returned to the Lion, saying: It pleaseth me not that at this time we eat of sheep, for they are very lean, let them grow fat, and we will return when they be fat.  
Mor. The Fable noteth those, which being let of their purpose, do allege that they would not.   

303 Of the Ape and his two sons.  
THe report is, that if the Ape chance to have a twin, she loveth the one, and 
●arentes.  hateth the other: It came to pass, that she had two at a clap, who by chance being put in fear, because she would escape the present danger, carried that she loved in her arms, which as she ran headlong, she dashed against a rock, and slew it, the other which she hated, sat on her rough back, and went scot free.  
Mor. It chanceth commonly that parents bring that child to nought whom they make wanton, & whom less they cocker, to prove a valiant & good man.   

304 Of an old man which carried an Ass.  
IT was talked sometime amongst the 
Please every body.  Pope's Secretaries, that those men which framed their life after the opinion of the common people, were in a miserable bondage, because it was impossible to please every one, sing they are of sundry judgements. To which opinion one told, that there was an old man which went to market, with his son to cell an Ass, which he drove unladen before him. As he passed on his way, there were men labouring by in the fields, which blamed the old man, because that neither he nor his son did ride on the Ass which went empty, seeing the one for his age, the other for his infancy had need to be carried. Then the old man set his son on the Ass and himself went by on foot, which thing other seeing, said that he doted for letting his son ride which was stronger, and he being old would follow on foot: forth with he changed his mind and set off his son & rid himself. When he had ridden a little further, other met him, who blamed him, that he hád no regard to the age of his little son, but would let him follow him as a drudge, and himself being his Father did ride on the Ass: where with he being moved, set his son also on the Ass. Not long after he was asked by other, whose the Ass was: Marry (quoth he) it is mine: then they rebuked him that he had no pity on his poor Ass, but to set two on him, seeing one was sufficient. Then the man being troubled with so sundry opinions, & seeing he could not be in quiet, but still was checked, he bond the four Ass' feet together, and on a stast carried him on his own shoulders & his sons to market: whereat all men wondering, laughed exceedingly, blaming both their follies, especially the Fathers. The old man there with chafed, went to the rivers side and cast his Ass bound into the water and so lost him and returned home: by which means the silly old man desirous to content every body, could please none, but lost his Ass.   

305 Of a sumptuous feast of the Lion.  
THe Lion made a sumptuous banquet to all other brute beasts, wherein Hens & Thrushes and such like birds were dressed, some roasted, some sodden. This feast pleased very well the dog & the Cat and other beasts that devour flesh, but the rest whatsoever feed on grass and barley, judged this feast as unsavoury.  
Mor. It is hard to content the divers opinions & fantasy of the common people.   

306 Of the Plantin and the Ape.  
PLantin is an herb profitable to heal a quartain, whereof an Ape hearing, which had a Son vexed with that disease and could not be cured though she had spent much upon Physicians, came unto one Macer and said: I have wandered far & near, and can find no help for my son, but now I have found thee whom I know to be a great physician: therefore give me thy counsel, that I may get help for my son of the quartern. Then Macer because he would be justified therein, said: Take four roots of Plantine, and give them the patient and he shall soon be cured: the Ape hearing that, prepared the medicine which he ministered, and therewith healed him.  
Mor. Let us seek out a learned physician if we would be restored to health.   

307 Of the Fir Tree and the Bush.  
THe report was sometime, that the Fir tree despised the Bushes, and boasted 
Pleasure.  of his own tall stature, that he was placed in houses, and too bear a sail in the ships: but the Bushes to be low, vile and good for nothing: then they framed him this answer: thou beastest much (O Fir tree) of thy goodness, and scornest our evils, besides this thou concealest thy mischief, and passest over our good fortune, but when thou shalt be cut down with the axe, how gladly wouldest thou be like unto us which are void of care?  
Mor. Felicity hath evils to accompany her, as misery hath good things. In sum, this is safe and void of care, the other is never out of fear nor void of danger.   

308 Of the Sow and the Bitch.  
THe Sow and the Bitch contended about 
Perfection.  their nobility: The Bitch alleged that of all four footed beasts she was the fruitfullest. The Sow quickly replied saying: Seeing thou sayest so, know thou, that thy whelps be born blind?  
Mor. Things are not judged by quick speed, but by full perfection.   

309 Of the Dog and the Ass.  
WHen the Dog fauned on his Lord or 
perseverance in his vocation.  the servant, they stroked him with their hands and made much of him: which thing the Ass marking well sighed deeply, being weary of his estate, yea & he thought it unjustly appointed that the Dog should so be beloved of all men, as to be fed at his masters table, and thereunto to attain with ease and play: contrariwise, himself to carry packs, to be whipped, to labour without ceasing, and yet nevertheless to be hated of all men: Seeing these things come to pass by fawning, he purposed to follow that trade of living being so profitable: and watching a conventent time, when his Lord returned home, because he would put the thing in trial, he ran afore to meet him: incontinently he leapt on him and knocked at him with his heels. Then his master cried out for help, which thing his servants hearing, ran speedily to him: & the foolish Ass which thought himself civil and courteous, was well beaten with a staff.  
Mor. All men can not do all things, neither all things become all men. Let no man meddle above his capacity, nor go about that, which he is most untowardly in.   

310 Of a Camel and jupiter.  
A Crooked Camel required horns of god, whom for his evil pretence, God mocked, 
Petitions.  and from thenceforth cropped his ears, and made his head smaller, whereby he might seem altogether deformed.  
Mor. We ought to require of GOD that which is seemly.   

311 Of an Ox.  
AN Ox was offended, that Nature had given him strength without any defence, because he lacked weapons, which he thought better than strength: he therefore besought jupiter that he would vouchsafe to give him horns, which when he had obtained, he forthwith repented him of his petition: For afore being naked, he was free, and could be caught by none, but now that he had horns, he was caught in a snare and led to plough, and compelled to great pains.  
Mor. We must ask nothing of God, but that we understand will do us good.   

312 Of the Wesill and the Myse.  
THe Weasil through age lacking strength, and not able to hunt the Mice as he was wont, he therefore to practise some shift, hide himself in a heap of meal, thinking thereby easily to catch them: the Myse greedy of the meal, ran into it, and were all devoured by the Weasill.  
Mor. Where thou canst do no good with a lions skin on thy back, put on a Fox's skin.   

313 Of the Crow and the Pitcher.  
A crow being thirsty, found a Pitcher of water, which because it was deeper than he could well reach, he assayed to pour out the water, but he could not prevail, than gathered he stones on the sand, which he cast in, whereby the water was raised higher, and he drank thereof.  
Mor. Sometime that which can not be done by strength, may be by policy and counsel.   

314 Of a Lion and a fox.  
A Lion being taken in a snare, endeavoured with all his force to break the bands: the harder he plucked, the straighter he was held. The Fox having an errand that way, and seeing this, said: O King, by no strength mayest thou escape hence, but by policy, for the snare must be let out and loosed, and not drawn in. Which when the Lion had done, he straightway loosed the snare wherewith he was bond, and escaped free.  
Mor. Policy is far better than strength.   

315 Or a Wolf being hungry.  
A Wolf in his old age not able any 
Poor and rich.  more to hunt, was sore a hungered, neither could he find any kinsman or friend which would help him with meat. As he therefore wandered through a great Wood heavyly, he chanced upon a dead carcase of an Ox, which he had scarce begun to tear, but a company of other wolves, ravens, and crows came thither & prayed him to receive them as his friends to partake of his pray: Then the Wolf said to himself: behold me whom lately my brethren and sons regarded not, now strange beasts reverence, and desire my friendship, but they do not this honour to me, but to the Ox.  
Mor. A poor man is hated of all men, but the rich are honoured.   

316 Of the Horse and the Heart.  
THe Horse kept war with the Heart, 
poverty praised.  and being often driven from his meat and put to the worst, he lamentably desired the aid of men, with whom he came into the field: then he that afore had the overthrow, become conqueror: but his enemy being over come, and subdued, he himself become bond too man, fain too carry him on his back, and a bit in his mouth. Of this fable writeth Horace.  

A heart in fight excelling much  
the horse, from meat him drove,  
The strife was long, but horse was fain,  
the help of man to crave.  
The bit he took with merry cheer,  
strait vanquished was his foe,  
His Rider yet he dared not cast,  
nor yet his bit forego,  
So he that dreadeth poverty,  
and can not use a mean,  
Shall lead his life in servitude,  
and lose his freedom clean.    

317 Of Geese.  
THe Geese and the Cranes destroyed a piece of ground, whereof the country men hearing, came suddenly upon them, the Cranes espied them and flew away, but the geese, because of the might of their body not able to escape were taken.  
Mor. When a town is won, the poor escape easily, but the rich are taken captive: for riches in warfare, are rather a burden, than a commodity.   

318 Of the Ape and his young one's.  
IVpiter sent out a precept, commanding 
Praise not thyself.  all living things to appear before him, that he might give judgement whose offspring were the best favoured: the beasts came running, the birds flying, and the Fish swymming thither. last of all came the Ape, and with him his young one, at whose ylfavoured buttocks every one laughed. Tush (quoth the Ape) whom pleaseth God jupiter shall have the victory, yet in my judgement this my child is fair, and therefore of right before all other to be preferred: whereat jupiter also smiled.  
Mor. We & ours seem good in our own eyes, but of us & our doings, let other judge.   

319 Of Mariners.  
IT happened as many Mariners were sailing 
Prayer.  on the sea, that there arose a great tempest suddenly: then every one prayed to his God for help, but one among the rest said: You know not what you pray, for before these gods can go to the Lord for our succour, we shall perish through this storm: therefore I do think it best to pray unto that God which without the help of any other can deliver us from this present danger: Then they cried to almighty God for help, and strait way the storm ceased.  
Mor. We must not seek for help at the foot, when we may go to the head.   

320 Of the Owl.  
IN the assembly of birds, the Eagle said that he would choose the young one's of other 
Praise of our own.  birds to serve in his court: and when every one strove to prefer his own, the Owl said: I pray thee (O Queen) receive mine, which in beauty pass all the rest: why (quoth the Eagle) what beauty are thy sons of? The Owl answered: Of the same that I myself am: Then all the birds laughed exceedingly.  
Mor Not child is so deformed, which to his parents seemeth not fair.   

321 Of a Fox and a Dog.  
A Fox being coursed by a Dog, and even at the point to be caught, having no way 
Praise another for advantage  to shifted him said: why wouldest thou destroy me thou dog, seeing my flesh thou canst not eat? Go catch rather that hare (for there was one then heard by) whose flesh men judge to be the sweetest: the dog hearkened to the counsel of the Fox, & let him go free, pursuing the hare, whom because of his wonderful swiftness he could not overtake. Not long after, the Hare met with the Fox, blaming him for setting the Dog at him. The Fox answered him: I marvel what thou meanest to accuse me, which praised thee so greatly: what wouldst thou have said, if I had dispraised thee?  
Mor. Many under the colour of praising, devise utter undoing to some men.   

322 Of the Wolf and Porkupine.  
ON a time the Wolf being hungry had 
Preparation.  a good fancy to devour a Porkupine, whom because of his sharp pricks he dared not assail, but invented a crafty wile to trap him in, counseling him not to trouble his back with so many weapons in time of peace, seeing that other Archers carried none with them but when they go to warfare: Nay (quoth the Porkupine) we must suppose that there is no time void of war against a Wolf.  
Mor. A wise man aught always to be armed against the assaults of his enemies.   

323 Of an Old man loath to dye.  
A Certain old man desired death which 
Preparation to die.  came to take his life from him, to spare him till he might make his will, and provide all other necessaries fit for such a journey: whom Death answered: Why hast not thou prepared thyself being so often warned by me? Marry (quoth he) I never saw thee afore? Why (quoth Death) when I daily took, not only those which were of like years to thine (of which number very few remain) but also young men, children and babes, was it not sufficient warning that thou art mortal? when thy eyes warred dimmo, thy hearing thick, other senses daily decaying, & thy body being worse and worse, did I not tell thee that I was near at hand? and yet thou sayest thou hast no warning: wherefore I will no longer prolong the tyme.  
Mor. We must direct our life, as though death were always before our eyes.   

324 Of a Dog brought up to hunting.  
A Certain man brought up his Dog in 
Present gain remembered.  hunting, whom because he was old he pricked forward, but in vain it was, for his pace was slacked, he could make no great haste. It chanced that he caught a wild beast, which because he was toothless, slipped from him, whom his master rebuked much for that fault, and bet him also: the Dog answered, that of right he aught to pardon him, because he was now old, but when he was young he did his endeavour courageously: but I perceive said he, that with out profit nothing pleaseth you, when I was young and lusty, thou madest much of me, but now that I am old, thou castest me off for hawks meat: when I got any pray I was welcome, but now that I am slow and toothless, I am put back: but if thou were a good master, for my good deeds that I have done, thou wouldst cherish me in my age.  
Mor. A good turn once past is soon forgotten, if it be to come it is not much regarded, if there be any profit presently, it is well remembered.   

325 Of a Man which plucked up a Hedge.  
A Certain man railed against a hedge, 
Preservers.  wherewith his vine was enclosed, because it was barren, which he cut up & cast away as a thing unprofitable. Then the Vine lying open, & made common both for men & cat-tail, was wasted by every body. The Lord of the Vine sing this, blamed himself of folly, seeing so foolishly he had removed the hedge that preserved his grapes.  
Mor. They which preserve things, though they seem idle, do no less than they which have gathered them together with their travail.   

326 Of the Ass and the Lyon.  
THe Cock sometime fed with an Ass, to whom as the Lion was coming, the Cock 
Presumption.  crowed out aloud, and the Lion straightway fled (for men say) he is afeard at the crowing of a Cock. The Ass supposing that he ran away because of him, went straight after the Lion, whom when he had so far pursued that they were without the hearing of the Cocks crowing, the Lion returned and devoured him, who as he was dying, cried out: Ah wretch and mad body that I am, for I am born of none that were warriors, and wherefore have I rushed into the host?  
Mr. Many men assail their enemies which upon set purpose do humble themselves, by the which means they are slain.   

327 Of Cocks.  
AS two Cocks fought together for the 
Pride.  Hens, the one put the other to flight, which hide himself in a dark corner: But the conqueror flew up to an high wall, where he stood and crowed aloud: forth with an Eagle flew at him and caught him: since which time, he that hide himself did tread the Hens without fear.  
Mor. God withstandeth the proud, but on that lowly he poureth his goodness.   

328 Of the Horse and the Ass.  
Sometime a Horse decked with fair trappers and a saddle, greatly neyghing, ran through a high way, whose running an Ass laden by chance did let, he all raging and chewing his bit for anger, said: Ah lither lurdeyn, why withstandest thou the Horse? Give place or I will tread thee down: the Ass durst not once bray, but quietly avoided. It happened as the Horse ran his race, his hoof broke, who then being passed running or making any show, was spoiled of his ornaments, and after sold to a Tanner. The Ass seeing him coming with a Tanner, said unto him: What good sir, how happeneth this kind of weed? where is thy gilded saddle, thy studded trappers and glittering bridle? Thus it is fit my friend to happen to every one that is proud.  
Mor. Many men in their prosperity are so puffed up with pride, that they clean forget themselves and all modesty, but for their presumption they soon suffer adversity.   

329 Of a Crane.  
A Crane seeing an Eagle flying up as high as the sun, and to behold it perfectly, he said to himself: I am as fair and great as the Eagle, I will therefore fly up to the Sun, and look upon it as steadfastly as the Eagle, and after I shall be esteemed as highly as she: but as he mounted up toward the stars, his strength was go through weariness, neither could he fly up to the Sun: yet such was his pride, that he would not come down, but began to mount upward still. But being thus cumbered, that be neither could stay himself, neither fly to the sun, he fallen down.  
Mor. Who so clymbeth higher than he should, falls lower than he would.   

330 Of jupiter and the Raven.  
ON a time jupiter minding too created a 
Proud of an others purse.  king of the fowls, appointed a day of assembly, to the end that he which was comeliest should be appointed king. The Raven hearing thereof, and knowing his own deformity, gathered together divers feathers and decked himself, that he was goodliest of all. When the day appointed was come, the fowls assembled together: then jupiter would have made the Raven king because of his gayness, whereat the other disdaining, plucked every one his feathers from him, whereof he being spoilt was a Raven as before time.  
Mor. He that hangs on another man's sleeve, if he chance to fall from him, all the world shall know what he is.   

331 Of a Flea and a Lyon.  
THe Flea came to the Lion and said: 
Falls of pride.  Neither fear I thee, neither art thou stronger than I, but I pray thee what is thy strength? thou scratchest with thy nails, and with thy teeth thou bytest, so doth a woman fighting with her husband: but in strength I far exceed thee, and if thou will't, let us go fight. The Trumpet being blown, the Flea stuck fast about his nosethrills biting: but the Lion with his own nails tore himself till he was chafed: The Flea having overcome the Lion sounded the Trumpet, and rejoiced: but as he flew away, he was entangled in a Copweb: and being ready to be devoured, he lamented that he strove with the greatest beasts, & now to be killed by a vile Spider.  
Mor. This fable is against those which vanquish great men, and are vanquished by mean people.   

332 Of the Peacock and the Chough.  
WHen the birds would make them a king, the peacock prayed them to choose 
Princes.  him for his beauty: when they so minded, the Chough began to say: if in thy reign the Egle pursue us, how will't thou help us?  
Mor. Princes must be choose not only for their beauty, but also for their strength and wisdom.   

333 Of a Man and a Dog.  
A Certain man had prepared a supper, to which he bad certain of his friends, whose Dog likewise desired another Dog, saying: Friend, come and sup with me. Which Dog being come in at the doors, & seeing such great cheer toward, rejoiced greatly and said to himself: O what joy hath happened me of late, for I shall fill my belly so full, that I shall not be hungry to morrow: and as he wagged his tail for joy, because he trusted in his friend, the Cook sing him thus do, caught him by the legs and cast him out of the window: when the Dog was fallen, he rose up quickly and ran howling away: As he went a dog met him, and asked him what good cheer he had to supper, the dog answered: I was so out of measure drunk, that I known not the way whereout I came.  
Mor. We must not trust to those which promise' us a good turn of an other man's gift.   

333 Of a herdman.  
AS a herdman kept a Herd of Bulls, he lost a Calf, whom in every desert he sought a long time, but when he could not find him, he prayed to jupiter, promising if he would show him the Thief which stolen his Calf, to offer a Goat in sacrifice to him. It happened as he walked in a grove of Okes, he found that his calf was devoured by the Lion, whereat trembling for fear, he cast up his hands to heaven and said: God lupiter I promised to give thee a kid if I found the Thief, now if I escape his hands, I will undertake to give thee a Bul.  
Mor. This Fable is against unlucky men, that lacking aught, pray to find it, which having found, they seek to avoid.   

334 Of the Lion and the Fox.  
WHat time the Lion fallen sick, all beasts came to visit him, only the Fox stacked his coming, to whom the Lion sent his Ambassadors to summon him to appear before him, because his only presence would much delight the king, besides that, suspicion of danger there is none, first, because the Lion is his chiefest friend, therefore desireth greatly to speak with him: again, he lay sore sick, so as if he meant to hurt him, he had no force thereto. The Fox written again, wishing recovery of his health, for which he would pray unto the Gods, but in no wise he would come to see him: for he was afraid of the foot steps, which all looked toward his Den, but none backward, by which it was evident, the many beasts came in, but none returned.  

The answer of the crafty Fox  
unto the Lion sent, 
Horace.   
Which in his Den lay very sick,  
to show is my intent:  
Because the tract of many beasts  
I find to enter there,  
But none of them returns again,  
which gives me cause of fear.   
Mor. Take heed how thou trustest promises, which except thou do, thou shalt often be beguiled: for of words, & deeds a man may first conjecture & after judge.   

335 Of a man created Cardinal.  
A Certain merry conceited fellow, hearing 
Promotion.  his friend to be created Cardinal, came to greet him for his promotion: he lofty & swelling with pride, counterfeiting that he knew not his old friend, asked who he was: the other being ready in his merry answer, said: I pity thee and others that come to such promotion, for as soon as you have got such honours, you lose so your sight, feeling, and other senses, that you clean forget your old friends.  
Mor. Some being promoted to dignity, despise their old acquaintance.   

336 Of the Fox and the Goat.  
THe Fox and the Goat being both thirsty, descended into a Well to drink: 
Providence  after they had both drunk their fill, the Goat looked round about to get out, to whom the Fox said: Be of good cheer, for I have found a shift to help us both out, for if thou will't stand upright & lean on thy forféetes, and pitch thy horns fast to the Wall that I may climb up on thy back, when I have got forth, I will also draw thee forth: The Goat with all his heart followed his advise. When the Fox thereby had skipped out of the well, he lested about the brinks thereof, rejoicing much, for which he blamed the Fox that he broken promise with him. Nay (quoth the Fox) if thou hadst as much wit as thou hast hairs in thy beard, thou wouldst not have go down into the Well before thou hadst well pondered how to come out.  
Mor. Wise men will first for see the end of a thing, and after enterprise it.   

337 Of Field Miso.  
A Flock of Field Miso appointed to gnaw down an oak full of mast that they might have their meat the readier, so as they need not so often run up and down for it. Than one wiser than the rest forbade them, saying: If we destroy our nourisher, who shall give food to us and our seed in time to come?  
Mor. A wise man aught not only to behold things present, but also things to come.   

338 Of a Flea.  
AS a Flea was biting a man, he was taken, who asked what he was, seeing he 
Punishment of vices.  fed of him: answered, he was of that kind of beasts, which as nature ordained, lived by that means, praying him not to kill him, because he could not do much harm, whereat the man laughed, saying: I will therefore the sooner kill thee, because it is not lawful to hurt any, either much or little.  
Mor. We must not favour the wicked, whither their trespass be small or great.   

339 Of the Sheep and the Shepherd.  
A Sheep sometime railed on the Shepherd, 
Railing.  because he could not be content with the milk that she gave him for his food & his sons, but he did fleece him of his wool. The shepherd offended with this talk, lead her Lamb to the slaughter: What (quoth the sheep) canst thou do me any worse villainy? Yea (quoth the shepherd) that I can, for I may slay thee and cast thee out to be torn in pieces by Wolves & Dogs: then the sheep dared not mutter, being afraid of some further inconvenience.  
Mor. We aught not to be angry with God, if he suffer our goods and our children to be taken from us, seeing he is able more grievously to punish both the quick and the dead.   

340 Of Frogs.  
TWo Frogs fed in the marshes, it happened that Summer that the water dried 
Rashness.  up, whereupon they forsook it and sought another, at length they found a deep well: which when they had seen, the one said to the other: Let us go down into this Well. Nay, soft (quoth his fellow) how shall we get up again, if the water be dried up here?  
Mor. We aught to enterprise nothing unadvisedly.   

341 Of a Fisher.  
A Certain Fisher being but a noovice in that art, took his pipes and his nets and went to the Sea, and standing on a rock, played first with his pipe, supposing that by his sweet melody the fish would dance: but when he had long tried that way and could not prospero, he laid down his pipe and took up his net, which he cast into the Sea, wherein he drew many fish. When he had emptied his net and saw them skipping, he said: O wicked Creatures, when I piped, you would not dance, & now that I have left off, you begin to skip.  
Mor. This fable is against those which do any thing without advisement, and out of tyme.   

342 Of the Ape and the Fox.  
IN the assembly of brute beasts, the Ape danced, for which he was created King. The Fox envying him, brought him to a place where he had espied flesh in a snare, to whom he showed that he had found a treasure which he could not have because by the law it is the kings right, willing him to take it because he was king. The Ape went rashly in, and forthwith was caught in the snare: Then he accused the Fox of treason toward his person. Why (quoth the Fox) shalt thou be King over beasts, which art so mad?  
Mor. He which goeth rashly to work, falls hastily into misfortune.   

343 Of a Dove.  
A Dove being very thirsty, espied in a certain place a pot of water painted, which he supposing to be verily, flew with great force, and unawares dashed against the table, wherewith she broke her wings, fallen to the ground, and was caught up by one that passed by.  
Mor. Some men for great joy, unadvisedly taking matters in hand, do thereby cast themselves away.   

344 Of a Currier and a Hunter.  
ON a time a Currier came to a Hunter to buy a bears skin, for which he drawn money to have paid. In faith (quoth the hunter) presently I have none, but to morrow I will go a hunting, and if I chance to kill a Bear, thou shalt have his skin. The Currier (to refresh his spirits) went into the forest with him, and because he would the better behold the pastime between the Hunter and the Bear, he climbed into an exceeding high tree. The Hunter went boldly to the bears Den, who put in his dogs and roused him. It happened that the Bear shunned his blow and forthwith struck the Hunter to the ground: who knowing the nature of the beast to be, to take pity of a carcase, held his breath and feigned himself to be dead. The bear smelled at him everywhere, & perceiving by no means any life in him, departed away. When the Currier see that the beast was go, and that there was no danger, he came down out of the tree and went to the Hunter, whom he bade arise, and afterward demanded what the Bear said in his ear? He warned me (quoth he) that hereafter I cell not a bears skin, before I have caught him.  
Mor. We aught not account that we have not, as sure as that we have.   

345 Of the Beaver.  
THe Beaver is a four footed beast, commonly living in pools, whose members 
Regard of health.  Physicians occupy: who being pursued & ready to be taken, and knowing the cause of his persecution, cuts of his privy members, and casts it to them which follow him, whereby he escapeth.  
Mor. Wise men having regard of their health, aught to spare for no cost.   

346 Of the Houpe.  
THe most part of birds were bidden to the Marriage of the Eagle, there the 
Regard of gay clotheses.  Houpe was set up above the rest, because of his fair Crown and goodly feathers, whereat the other birds disdained, for that he used to tumble in dunghills and in the filth.   

347 Of the Beam.  
A Great piece of Timber being carried in a Cart, rebuked the Oxen that they 
Rejoicing.  went so slowly, saying: Come for shame you slothful luskes, your burden is but light. Thou mockest us (quoth the oxen) yet dost thou not know what hangs over thy head: we will soon cast off this load, but thou shalt bear a wait till thou be ready to break. Then the Beam repented, and from thence forth dared not once shoot out a railing word against them.  
Mor. Let no man rejoice over an others misery, seeing he may be subject to greater.   

349 Of the Lion, the Boar, and the Ravens.  
THe Lion sometime prepared to fight against the Boar: wherefore the Ravens beheld them from above, that they might forthwith devour him which was overcome. But they become friends again, & the other were disappointed of their purpose.  
Mor. We should not rejoice at an other man's harm.   

350 Of a Wolf.  
A Wolf being old and not able any longer 
Religious men.  to hunt, gave himself to religion: put upon him a Monk's attire, and begged meat from door to door: and being rebuked by another Wolf, said: What wouldst thou I should do? My teeth are out, and run I can not, wherefore I mistrust otherwise how to live.  
Mor. Many addict themselves to Religion because they can not otherwise live.   

351 Of a Bear.  
AS a Bear scolded by chance with his 
Repentance to late.  Wife, he thrust out her eyes, but after repenting, he was so grieved therewith, that he bit of his nails. And when in talking he said, that for the love he bore to her he had cast away his best defence: What good (quoth his wife) doth this to me? Thou shouldst have done this before thou scratchedst out my eyes.  
Mor. After harm done it is too late to repent, seeing that which is done, can not be undone.   

352 Of a simple Countryman.  
THere was a Countryman which as he came from market, herded two Cuckoos 
Reward for well doing.  answering one an other out of two sundry woods. And when the Cuckoo of the other wood had near put to silence his countrycuckoe, he lighted off his horse & climbed a tree, and as well as he could, he holp his countrycuckoe with his crying. In the mean time a Wolf devoured his horse: them was he fain to go home on foot, where he complained to his neighbours, how for the honour of his country he had holp his Cuckoo, whereby he had sustained great loss. Then they all with one accord paid his damages, supposing that it was not fit that any should receive hindrance, which had traveled for their common wealth.   

353 Of the Eagle and the Dorre.  
A Hare being pursued by an Eagle, ran into the hole of a Dorre, requiring succour 
Revengement.  of him. The Dorre besought the Eagle not to kill his suppliaunt, desiring him for mighty God jupiters' sake not to despise his weakness: but she being displeased, wafted at the Dorre with her wings, and snatched away the Hare, which she devoured. The Dorre flew after the Eagle, to learn where her nest was: When he was come at it, he rolled down the eggs & broke them. She was sore displeased that any dared enterprise to do it: yet she made her nest the second time in an higher tree, there the Dorre served her again as before. Then the Eagle being altogether in doubt what to do, flew up to jupiter to whom she is consecrated, and laid her third brood in his lap, committing them to his custody. But the Dorre roiled together a ball of dung which he carried up and let fall into jupiters' bosom, who rose up to shake off the Dung, & forgetting the eggs cast them down, by mean whereof they were broken. When jupiter understood by the Dorre that he had done this to be revenged of the Eagle, for she had not only injuried the Dorre, but also committed wickedness against jupiter himself, he told the Eagle when she returned, that the Dorre was the cause of her woe, and that he did it justly. Therefore jupiter, because he would not have the kind of Eagles to be scant, counseled the Dorre to be at one with the Eagle: but because he would not be persuaded, jupiter appointed the Eagles to bread in that time, when the Dorres appear not.  
Mor. Despise no man, sing there is none but being provoked can revenge himself.   

354 Of the Stork and the Swallow.  
THe Strorke sometime built in the top of a tour, & a Swallow with in, which for joy that she had young one's, made great thattering, wherewith the Stork was offended, because he could take no rest with his young one's, for her great noise. When the Swallow was abroad, he plucked down her nest and killed her young, who being returned to her nest, made great sorrow for that mischance, but because she known not the doer, she revenged it not. Shortly after, the Swallow made a new nest and had young, for joy of whom she again chattered. But the Stork being newly disquieted, called to her, saying: I will serve thee and thy birds again as lately I did, except thou leave of thy chattering that I may take my rest. The Swallow hearing this, was greatly inflamed to be revenged: wherefore on a time when the Stork was a sleep in her nest, the Swallow set fire thereon & burned her and her chickens to ashes.  
Mor. We aught to do no wrong to our inferiors least privily they hurt us.   

355 Of the Town Mouse and the Country Mouse.  
IT pleased a town Mouse for his recreation 
Richeses.  to walk abroad into the country, whom when the country Mouse had espied, he desired him home to his house, where all things were made ready, and to supper they went: he brought out all his provision of victuals that he had laid up against the winter, to make this jolly guest some daintly there. The town Mouse frowning thereat, disallowed much the scarcity of the Country, and forthwith commended the plenty of the City. As he returned to the City, he brought with him the country Mouse, to the end to accomplish his craking with effect: They fallen to their meat, which sumptuously the town Mouse had ready prepared. And as they were merry together: in the midst of their feast they herded the noise of a key in the lock, there was quaking and trembling with a great hurly-burly, and happy was he that could escape soonest. The country Mouse unaccustomed to such flights, besides that ignorant of the place, scaped very narrowly. When the servant was go, the town Mouse returned to the feast and called for the country Mouse: He being yet afraid, came creeping out, and after desired by the Town Mouse to fall to his meat, he asked, whither this were a common custom with him? Yea (quoth he) it is daily, and therefore not to be weighed: What daily? said the country Mouse. I promise' you, these dainties taste more of the sour than of the sweet: for my part I had rather live like a beggar quietly, than with these delicates in such jeopardy.  
Mor. Richeses truly make a semblant of pleasure, but if thou consider them earnestly, they are not without much danger and pensiveness.   

356 Of the Mule and the Horsle.  
A Mule espied a Horse gorgeously decked with a gilded bit, a fair saddle, & purple trappers, at whose Fortune he enuted much, supposing him to be happy, because he always fared well, and went gaily: contrariwise, his own estate in comparison of his to be miserable. For (quoth he) I am overladen with the packsadle, and I am daily drudge to carry burdens. But shortly after, he espied the horse returning from battle sore wounded, than he accounted his own estate better than the horses, saying: I had rather get my living hardly with my daily labour, and to be clad in vile array, than after such fair and trim apparel to be in danger of my life.  
Mor. We must not envy Kings and Princes because of their wealth & substance, seeing they are subject to many more perils than poor men are.   

357 Of a Devil.  
A Devil wandering through the world (as his manner is) marked a certain young man rejoicing at the death of his parents, whereat he was very glad: but going a little further he wept, seeing an other very heavy at his Father's burial, who being demanded the cause of so divers affections, answered: The laughing of the son for the death of his parents, declareth that those being rich are dead, of which number very few escape our hands: but the weeping is a token of the father's poverty: and the kingdom of Heaven, for the most part, is wont to belong to those which are poor.  
Mor. Too much riches do carry a man down to hell.   

358 Of the Birds.  
THe Birds were greatly afraid lest the 
Rich enemies.  Dorres should kill them with shooting off Balls, because they herded that they had rolled together a great heap of balls. Fear not said the Sparrow, for how shall they shoot balls at us that fly in the air, when they can not carry them on earth but with much toil?  
Mor. We need not fear the riches of our foes, when we see they lack wit.   

360 Of an Ox and a Bullock.  
AN Ox being well stricken in age, daily 
Riottousnesse.  went to plow. It happened that a young heifer which never had laboured, fetched his frisks in the pastures not far off, and scorned the toiling of the older, boasting much of his own liberty, that he had tasted neither yoke nor chain, but that others neck was worn bore with labour. The Ox presently answered nothing: not long after he espied this roister led to be sacrificed, than he said thus to him: What end hath now thy easy life? Thy careless living at heart's ease hath brought thee to the axe, I think now thou will't rather counsel me to labour than to idleness, which is the cause of thy death.  
Mor. To lead an honest life there needeth travel: the Sluggard and he that is bend to riotous living, shall come to that which he would be loath.   

361 Of Birds.  
THe Birds took counsel to choose them 
ruler's.  sundry Kings, because the Eagle alone was not able to govern so many flocks: which thing they had put in execution, had not the Crow warned them to leave off their purpose: who being demanded the cause, why she thought it not meet to choose many Kings, answered: Sooner is one sack filled than many.  
Mor. It is better to be under the dominion of one than many.   

362 Of a wicked Man  
A Wicked Man went to Apollo which is in Delphus, to try his cunning, for 
secrets known to ●od.  which purpose he took a sparrow with him in his hand, which under his cloak he hid: who as he stood near to the golden table in Apollo's temple, asked the GOD, saying: O Apollo, that which I hold in my hand, is it a live or dead? If he had said dead, he would have showed the Sparrow alive: if alive, he would have strangled it and showed it dead. But God Apollo knowing his wicked pretence, said: whither thou will't, do: for it is in thy power either to show him alive or dead.  
Mor. God can not be deceived, neither is any thing hide from him.   

363 Of a Boy that would not learn.  
A Boy which hated learning, being brought by his Father into a School, could not be enticed by any fair means of his Master, to speak the first letter of the Alphabete: Then said his Master, open thy mouth, for that this Letter requireth, but he gaped and spoke not. The Master seeing his labour lost, bade him sit among his fellows, warning them to persuade him to speak only this Letter: then his schoolefellows exhorted him in the best manner that they could, saying: Is it such a pain to said A? Nay (quoth the Boy) but if I spoke that, he would make me learn B. and so the rest. But neither my master nor my Father shall have the power to make me learn.  
Mor. They which are unwilling to learn, can never be forced to it.   

364 Of the Dove and the Crow.  
A Dove being fed in a dove-house, was 
servants.  exceeding proud of her fertility: The Crow hearing thereof, said to her: Friend, brag no more hereof, for the more thou bréedest the more care thou heapest.  
Mor. Amongst servants, those are most miserable, which in time of their bondage get many children.   

365 Of the Ass and the Calf.  
AN Ass and a Calf fed together in one pasture, by chance they herded the sound of a bell, which they supposed to be a sign that their enemies were at hand, to whom the Calf said: Let us be packing hence fellow, lest our enemies take us prisoners. Nay, fly thou hence rather (quoth the Ass) whom they use to kill and eat, for I care not, I know this, where soever I become my life shall be to carry burdens.  
Mor. Let not servants fear much to change their masters, lest the last be worser than the first.   

366 Of the Bat and the Weasel.  
A Bat by chance fallen to the ground, and 
Shifts.  was caught by a Weasel, who ready to be killed, besought him to save his life: but he said, that he could not let her escape, because he naturally hated all birds: she answered, that she was no bird but a mouse, whereby she was loused. Again falling an other time & being taken by an other Wesell, she prayed that he would not devour her. Nay (quoth he) I am an enemy to all Mice: she answered that she was a Bat & no Mouse, whereby she escaped again: and so it chanced that by changing her name twice she got her pardon.  
Mor. We must not always sing one song, sing they that turn as the world doth, commonly escape danger.   

367 Of the Fox and the Cat.  
IT happened among other talk that the Fox had with the Cat, he bragged that he had so sundry kinds of shifts, that he could fill a bag withal. For my part (quod the Cater) I have but one to trust unto at a pinch: As they were thus in their talk, a great rout of Dogs came hastily running upon them: Then the Cat skipped up into an high tree, but the Fox being enclosed with the dogs, was caught.  
Mor. One counsel so it be true and of force, is better than many wiles.   

368 Of a Merchant and a jewe.  
A Certain prodigal fellow having wasted all his Father's goods, applied his mind to practise deceit. It happened on a time, that he wrapped a piece of ordure in a clout and brought it into the market, saying that he had a precious thing which was of such force, that if any man tasted the lest crumnie thereof, he should have fulfilled what soever he thought of. But a Jewe, whose manner is privily to mark all things, thought, if he did buy it, that he would have in his mind many Towns and Lordships, when he tasted of it (because he would be exceeding rich) He came therefore secretly unto him and asked the price, whereunto this prodigal fellow said: Avaunt, thou shalt not buy it, for thy clotheses declare, that thou art not able. The Jewe said to him, how knowest thou? Tell me the price, he answered. 700. Crowns: the Jewe paid him the money, upon condition, that if he had said true, he should enjoy it: but when he had tasted it, he spit it out, and said it was ordure. Then the seller having performed his promise, pleaded the cause before the mayor, and enjoyed the money.   

369 Of a Carter.  
A Certain Carter asked his waggon, why 
Sick folks  that wheel which was worst made so much creaking, seeing none of the rest did so? The wagon answered: Sick folks are wayward, and always complaining.  
Mor. Diseases cause men to complain.   

370 Of an old Woman.  
MEn commonly will (if through their folly any mischance happen to them) 
Sinners.  say the blame to Fortune or the Devil, to excuse themselves, they do so much follow their appetites: wherewith the Devil not contented, when by chance he espied an old woman climbing a tree, whence he perceived she was like to fall, and then the fault would be laid on his neck, he called for witnesses, to whom he said: Behold, that same old woman hath climbed that tree without my consent, where I see she will fall: bear witness therefore with me that I counseled her not to go up. Immediately she fallen: then being demanded why she climbed that tree, answered, the Devil forced me: then he brought forth his witnesses, and proved that she did that without his advise.  
Mor. Those men deserve no pardon, which voluntarily sinning, blame Fortune or the Devil therefore.   

371 Of the Nightingale and the Raven.  
ON a solemn feastday the Eagle bade the birds to dinner: after it was done, the 
Singing.  Eagle called forth the Nightingale, whom he bade to sing some melody to lighten their hearts withal. She forthwith song sweetly, that it delighted the hearers. In the mean time a Raven passing by and hearing this, said: I will also sing with the Nightingale, for I have a base voice which shall be herded far off, and he began to crook very loathsomely, which caused the Nightingale to hold her peace. The other birds were offended with the Raven for troubling the feast: then the Eagle commanded him, either to depart or to hold his peace, but he answered that he would sing, & for her he would not stir an inch. The Eagle commanded him again to avoid, which because he stubbornly disobeyed, was commanded to be slain.  
Mor. It is vain to sing, where the hearers are unwilling.   

372 Of the Dove and the Pie.  
THe Pie asked the Dove what was the 
Simplicity.  cause that she always built in one place where her chickens were always taken away: she answered, simplicity.  
Mor. Good men are easily beguiled.   

373 Of an Ass and Frogs.  
AS an Ass laden with wood passed through a marsh, by chance he slipped 
Slothfulness.  and fallen, who not being able to arise, lamented & sighed, but the Frogs which were in the marsh, hearing him sighing, said: What wouldst thou do sirrah, if thou hadst continued here so long as we have, which for so small a time dost so mourn?  
Mor. This talk may any man use to a slothful person, which for a little pains is troubled, being able easily to overcome great affairs.   

374 Of the Pelican.  
THe Goose and the Duck made sometime a great feast, to the which they bade all tame Fowls, but to set out their Supper, they went into the wilderness and found the Pelican, whom they brought with them to their banquet. When the feast was done, they all besought the Pelican to abide with them and not to live so solitarily in such penury, who at length being somewhat persuaded, continued a few days with them and made great banquets: but when he would have prayed, he was interrupted with their chattering: wherefore he left their company, and lived the rest of his life in solitariness.  
Mor. Who so will serve God truly, must do it alone quietly.   

375 Of the Smith and his Dog.  
A Certain Smith had a whelp, which 
Sluggards  all the while he struck on his iron, did sleep: but when he went to meat, the dog would straightway arise & eat the crumbs that fallen from the table, or bones, or any thing else. Which thing the Smith marking well, said to his Dog: Thou wretch, I can not tell how to handle thee, for while I am busy in my work, thou liest snorting and sleeping, but when my teeth go, thou startest up and waggest to me thy tail.  
Mor. Idle sluggards which live of an other man's sweat, must be punished according to the rigour of the law.   

376 Of the Bull and the Mouse.  
A Mouse did bite a Bull by the foot, and 
Strength.  straightway ran into his hole: the Bullaker shaked his horns and sought for his enemy, but see him he could not: then the mouse laughed him to scorn, saying: Because of thy strength despise not every body, for now a silly Mouse hath hurt thee, & scaped free.  
Mor. Let no man regard his enemy.   

377 Of a Weasel.  
A Weasel came into a Smith's shop, & 
Strife.  licked on a file which lay there, wherewith her tongue being torn, bled very much: She rejoiced greatly, supposing to carry away something from the iron, until her tongue altogether was worn away.  
Mor. This fable is against those which in strife hurt themselves.   

378 Of Hares.  
THe Hares sometime holding war with the Eagles, required aid of the Foxes: but they answered, we would help you, but that we know what you are, and with whom you fight.  
Mor. They which strive with their betters, set little by their own health.   

379 Of the Ram and the Bull.  
THere was a Ram amongs many others which with strength of his horns and his head, at the first conflict easily subdued all the rest, whom because none dared meet (he had so often the victory) he swelled with pride and challenged the Bull to fight: but at the first onset when he rushed against the bulls forehead, he was strike again so vehemently, that he was nigh dead, & then said: Ah fool, what have I done? Why have I provoked so mighty an adversary, to whom nature hath made me unequal?  
Mor. We must not strive with our betters.   

380 Of the quail and the Lark.  
THe quail because of preservation of 
Society.  his kindred, desired to have a league of amity with the Goshawk, wherefore he desired the Lark to make his commendations, and to require peace with him on his behalf. The Lark did the message honestly, wherewith the Goshawk being troubled, answered: This request is hard to grant, nevertheless I will that the quail come with thee unto me and speak for herself: The Lark showed her this answer, who much rejoicing thereof, went to the Hawk to confirm the league, who being ravished with the sight of them, forthwith devoured them both.  
Mor. None aught to match himself with his better.   

381 Of the Nut tree, the Ass, and the Woman.  
A Certain Woman questioned with a 
Stripes.  Nut tree growing by the high way side, which was always pelted with stones by passengers, why he was so mad, that the more he were beaten, the more increase he yielded, the Walnut answered: Remember you not the old Proverb? The Nut tree the Ass, & the Woman, are all under one law: which three will do nothing well without great store of stripes.  
Mor. Some men make a rod oftentimes for their own tail.   

382 Of the Bear and the Bee.  
A Bear sometime stinged of a be, was so wood angry thereat, that with his 
Suffering wrong.  nails he tore in pieces the hives where the Bees made honey: The Bas sing their hives plucked down, their food carried away, & their young one's slain: rushing all at once, assailed the Bear, and nigh stung him to death. He hardly scaping from them, said to himself: how much better had it been for me, patiently to have suffered the stinging of one be, than to provoke so many enemies against me?  
Mor. Sometime it is far better to suffer wrong done by one, than in requiting it to procure many foes.   

383 Of the Sow and the Dog.  
THe Sow and the Dog taunted either other: The Sow sworn by Venus, 
Taunts.  that without doubt she would tear the Dog in pieces: He answered her again flowtingly, saying: You swear very well by Venus, for you show that she loveth you well, because that tasting thy filthy flesh, she suffereth thee not at all to enter her temple. The Sow said: For this cause it appeareth that the Goddess loveth me the more, for him that either killeth or hurteth me, she utterly abhorreth: as for thee, either alive or dead, thou savourest ill.  
Mor. Wise Orators cunningly convert to their own praise the taunts of their enemies.   

384 Of a Boy and his Mother.  
A Boy stolen his fellows Book out of the School, which he brought to his 
Theft.  mother: but she corrected him not therefore, but rather made much of him: Who waxing elder, stolen greater things: and at a time being taken with the manner, he was straightway led to execution, whom his mother follow and lamented: but he prayed the Hangman that he might talk a word or two in his mother's ear, who straightway laid her ear to his mouth, which he with his teeth bit off: his mother and divers others rebuked him that he had not only played the thief, but also used villainy to his mother. She (said he) is the cause of my undoing: for if she had chastised me when I stole the Book, I had not new been led to hanging.  
Mor. Faults which are not at the first corrected, do increase greater.   

385 Of Mercurius and Tiresias.  
MErcurius desirous to know, whether the prophecy of Tiresias were true, he stolen his oxen in the country, and came to him in the likeness of a man into the city, and lodged with him. Tiresias understanding his oxen to be lost, went abroad and took with him Mercurius, to consider by divination of the thief, whom he bade to tell him what bird he did see: he answered that he saw an Eagle on the left hand, flying toward the right hand, he said that he had nothing to do with her. The second time Mercurius told him, that he saw a Crow sitting upon a tree, sometime looking up, sometime leaning down, who as soon as he understood it, said: This Crow sweareth by heaven and earth, that if thou will't, I shall receive my oxen.  
Mor. This kind of talk any man may use against a thief.   

386 Of a thievish Partriche.  
A Partriche sometime in the absence of an other bird, stolen her eggs: who returning to her nest and seeing it rob, was full heavy, she went about seeking so long till at length she found them and the thief, whereof she showed the judge, who cited the thief, and craftily examined him thereof: He utterly denied it, whereof the judge could give no sentence for lack of witness, but the accuser said to him: thou oughtest to torment him till he confess the truth. Nay (quoth the judge) thou shalt prove that thou sayest, that I may judge thereof right, or else I will martyr thee with him. Then she because no proof was made, was tormented, and the felony inquired off. In the end the thief declared all, and many other thefts which he had committed, whereof the judge commanded to hung him up out of hand.  
Mor. Who so accuseth any one, let him first examine himself, whether he be of like fault guilty.   

387 Of the Hawk and the Cuckoo.  
THe Hawk sometime mocked the Cuckoo, because that being as big bodied as he, and in colour like him, for his faint courage he did live by worms, and not by the sweet flesh of other birds. Not long after, the Cuckoo espied the Hawk hung out of a high tour, being caught in pursuing Pigeons, to whom he said: How far better had it been to have hunted worms, than other man's birds?  
Mor. Their life is safer, that being void of peril are content with their own, than those which by coveting other man's goods come in danger.   

388 Of a Grammarian teaching an Ass.  
A Certain Grammarian boasted that he was so passing fine in his art, that if 
Time.  he might have a sufficient reward, he would take upon him to teach not only children, but also Asses. The Prince hearing of the man's rashness asked him whither he thought he could teach an Ass within ten years, if he gave him. 50. Crowns. The shameless man answered, that he would not refuse to be slain of him, if in that space the Ass could not writ and read. His friends hearing of this, marveled & rebuked him, because he had promised to do a thing, not only hard, but also impossible: & they did fear, lest when the time had been expired, he should be slain of the King: whom he answered: Before this time be come out, either the Prince, the Ass or I will die.  
Mor. Delay of time is commonly wont to be a help, for those which stand in danger.   

389 Of a man that would try his friends.  
THere was a certain man very rich and 
Trying of friends.  liberal, which had many friends whom often times he had bid to supper, to the which willingly they came, and because he might the better know, whither they would be trusty in time of need, he assembled them together & told them that he had foes lately upstart, which he meaned to destroy, praying them therefore to arm themselves and come with him to revenge his quarrel: then every one began to excuse himself saving two, which he accounted for his friends, & afterward loved them dearly, but the other he rejected.  
Mor. The best trier of friends is adversity.   

390 Of a young man and an old.  
A Certain old man espied a young man gathering of his fruit, whom he gently 
Try all ways.  entreated to come down from the tree, and not to purloin his goods: but he spoke to the wind, for he lightly regarded his age and his words. Ah (quoth the old man) I have heard, that not only in words, but also in herbs force consists, whereupon he began to pluck the leaves and cast them at him. The young man seeing him do so, laughed out of measure, supposing that he doted, to drive him down with leaves. The old man willing to assay him by gentle means, when he perceived that he could nothing prevail, said: I will prove what stones will do, for in them men say, there is virtue: and forthwith filled his lap with stones which he cast at the young man, and perforce made him come down and depart.  
Mor. A wise man aught to assay all manner ways, before he take any weapon in hand.   

391 Of the Lion and the Bull.  
A Bull being afraid of a Lion, fled 
Trouble.  away, and by chance met with a Goat, who with frounting countenance threatened to strike him with his horns, to whom the Bull full of wrath, said: It is not the knitting of thy brows fears me, but that the fierce Lion is so near at my heels, thou shouldst feel what it were to meddle with a Bull, and to renew his wound.  
Mor. To the sorrowful aught no more misery be added, who that hath been once in trouble, hath tasted sorrow enough.   

392 Of a Lark,  
A Certain Lark by chance builded her nest in a piece of wheat, that was somewhat 
Trust in thyself.  riper than other: whence her young one's were not able to fly when the corn was yellow. As she was going forth to seek meats, she warned them if any novelty happened to be done or said, to mark it well, and at her return to certify her thereof, after her departure, the owner of the corn came thither, and said to a young man his son: Seest not thou, that this corn is ripe and needeth labourers? to morrow therefore by break of the day, go to my friends, desire them to help me in with my harnessed: when he had so said, he departed. When the Lark returned to her young one's, they came fluttering about her, and prayed her out of hand to haste and carry them away: for the owner had sent to his friends, willing them to come the next morning to reap his corn: She bade them be of good cheer and fear nothing, for if the Lord of the ground have remitted the matter to his friends, to morrow it shall not be cut down: The next day she flew abroad again for meat, the Lord waited for his bidden friends, the Sun waxed hot, but nothing was done, neither any friend of his came. Then said he to his son, I see well that these my friends for the most part are loiterers, let us therefore entreat our kinsfolks and neighbours to morrow betimes to come: her Chickens were then afraid and told it to their mother: she bade them to leave of fear & care, for none of alliance would be so obedient as to come at a beck, especially to labour, take you heed only, if aught be said again. The next morning she went abroad as before, his kinsfolks left the work undone: The owner seeing that, said to his son: Adieu both friends and Cousins, bring thou to morrow at the break of the day two sickles, one for me, another for thee, & we with our own hands will reap it. When her young one's told her this, she said: It is time to be packing, for that he said without doubt shall come to pass: for on him that aught it, the labour is turned, not where it was required: and thus the Lark shifted her nest, and the corn was reaped. Hereof Ennius writeth these two Verses:  

This sentence in thy mind,  
bear thou in any wise:  
Look for no help of friends,  
where thy help may suffice.    

393 Of a Fox taken.  
A Fox being taken in the snares of a Countryman, of whose Hens he had killed many, desired a Cock (of whom only he was seen) that he would either bring him a knife to cut the gin, or else say nothing to his master till he had gnawn it a sunder with his teeth. The Cock promised both, went quickly to his master & told him that the Fox was fast in the snare, whom the Fox espying to come with a club to kill him, said: Ah unhappy wretch & fool that I am, which believed the Cock would keep my counsel, of whose wives I have killed so many.  
Mor Never trust those, whom we have greatly hurt.   

394 Of an Ass.  
A Certain poor man which had nothing but a barrel of wine and an Ass, had 
Trusting mortal things.  married his only daughter to a certain young man, promising him somewhat in frank marriage, which he thought to gather of his wine and the Ass (for he had determined to cell them) but the next night after that the bridal was kept, the Ass died, who as he was dying, broke the vessel with his heels, and spilled the wine.  
Mor. We must put no trust in transitory things.   

395 Of one that played the part of Christ.  
A Certain Countryman playing the part of Christ in a play, was beaten and evil 
Truth hateth jesting.  entreated of the jews, wherefore he flung away the cross and said: The Devil be your God, for I will not. Then a Baker took his part, whom the jews likewise did handle opprobriously: which thing the patient suffered: but another said to him, Meal stealer: then the Baker answered, hold thy tongue, or else I will overthrow thee with my cross.  
Mor. Truth can abide no jesting, neither men that are guilty will willingly hear of any jesting of their doings.   

396 Of the Heart.  
A Harte beholding himself in a clear 
Vain desires.  water, allowed much his fair forehead and broad horns, but the smallness of his legs he condemned. As he was thus viewing and judging, there came a Hunter upon him: the Hart fled away very swiftly, the Dogs pursued him: but being entered into a thick wood, his horns were wrapped fast in the boughs: then he praised his legs and dispraised his horns, which caused him to be taken.  
Mor. Things which do hurt we do hunt after, but good things we despise, we wish for blyssednesse before we know where it is: Richeses and promotion we seek for, wherein we think that felicity doth consist, but in them is much travel and pensiveness.   

397 Of a Countryman and Hercules.  
A Countryman's Cart stuck fast in a deep mire: strait way he besought help of Hercules. To him an answer was given: Thou dolt whip on thy horse, & lift thou forward thy wheels, and then call on Hercules, and he will be ready at hand.  
Mor. Vain requests do not avail, which God will not hear, help thyself, and then God will help forward.   

398 Of a biting Dog.  
A Certain man had a Dog which often 
Vainglory  times had bit many, whereupon he tied a clog on his neck, that men might take heed of him. The Dog supposing that to be given him for a commendation of his courage, despised his companions: than one of them told him of his blindness, that he wore that clog with shame, and not with honour.  
Mor. A vaynglorious fool sometime counteth that to be his praise, which is utterly to his shame.   

399 Of the Hog and the Horse.  
A Hog espied a barded Horse, which was set out to warfare well appointed, to 
Valiant death.  whom he said: Whether makest thou such haste, thou fool, perhaps thou shalt be slain in battle: The horse answered him, though thou do nothing worthy of praise, but being fat liest wallowing in the mire, yet a little knife thy life shall dispatch, where as great renown after my death I have.  
Mor. It is better to die valiantly, than to prolong thy life led wickedly.   

400 Of the Swan and the Crow.  
THe Raven envied the Swan for his 
Undefiled life.  whiteness, whom with all policy he endeavoured to defile and make black: and because he could not work his will while the Swan waked, he practised it when she slept. Wherefore he came in a night the Swan sleeping on her nest, and with his blackness polluted her & made her black. When day was up and the Swan awaked, she saw herself thus painted, she washed herself continually, till she become fair.  
Mor. Who so will be blessed, let him keep himself undefiled.   

401 Of a Thrush.  
A Thrush being caught with birdlime of a Fouler, did torment herself, saying: 
Undoing himself.  The pangs of death grieve me not so much, as that my own things are my destruction: for men say, that bird-lime is made of Thrushes dung.  
Mor. Then are men most grieved, when their own doings do slay them.   

402 Of the Lion and the Mouse.  
A Lion sometime caught in a snare, was 
Unequal marriage.  so entangled, that he could not wind out himself, whereupon he desired the Mouse to gnaw a sunder the gin, promising a recompense for his good turn. Which thing when the Mouse had quickly done, he required the Lion to give him his daughter in marriage: the Lion (to requited his benefactor) granted her unto him. When the new married wife was come to her Husband, by chance not seeing him, trod on him, and burst him all to pieces.  
Mor. All marriages and matches unequally made, are not to be allowed.   

403 Of a river.  
A Certain river checked his headspring, 
Unthankfulness.  as being a standing water, neither having any fish, but himself he highly commended, because he bred goodly Fish, and pleasantly ran through the valleys. The head spring fretting at the unthankfulness of the river, ceased his wont course, whereby the River wanting both his Fish and his pleasant noise, dried up.  
Mor. Some claim as their own, whatsoever they do, robbing GOD of his honour, from whom all goodness doth proceed.   

404 Of a Serpent.  
A Serpent being overwhelmed with a 
A wise Ape.  great stone, desired a man that travailed that way, to roll off the burden from him, promising to give him a great treasure if he would do it. Which when the gentle fellow had done, the Serpent did not only break his promiss, but also said the man was worthy to die. As they thus strove, it happened that the Ape passed that way, who being choose judge between them, said: I can not end so great strife between you, except I see first how the Serpent stood under the stone. When the man had laid the stone upon the Serpent, he said: I think that unthankful beast aught to remain under the stone.  
Mor. Unthankful men are worthy of no good turn.   

405 Of a man that broke an Image.  
A Certain man had a wooden Image, whom he prayed to bestow some benefit 
Wicked men.  on him, but the more he prayed, the more he lived in poverty: Where with he being angry, caught his Image by the legs, and flung him against a wall, where with his head being broken, great abundance of gold came out, which as he gathered, he said: thou art froward as I think, for while I did reverence thee, thou didst me no good, but when thou wast well beaten, thou hast yielded much riches.  
Mor. A naughty man will do much more good by beating than by honouring him.   

406 Of an Ass and a Raven.  
AN Ass having a galled back, fed in a meadow, on whom a Raven did sit and picked at his sore, whereat the Ass brayed and skipped: The horsekeeper standing a far off, laughed thereat, whom as a Wolf passing by espied, he said: Alas, if we poor wretches should do so much, we should be pursued: but at him they laugh.  
Mor. Wicked men only peeping abroad are forthwith known.   

407 Of a Dog.  
A Certain rich man, much given to hunting, did keep many dogs, whereof one bitten his son, that he died: Their master being wroth, commanded to slay not only the man killer, but also all the rest: then said one of them, one hath offended, but all are punished.  
Mor The wickedness of one, often hurteth many.   

409 Of the Nurse and the Wolf.  
A Woman sometime had a child to nurse, whom she threatened to cast to the Wolf except he left his crying. It happened that the Wolf passing that way, heard what she said: whereupon being in good hope, he waited still at the door. The child at length being stilled, fallen a sleep, the Wolf returned fasting into the covert with a Flea in his ear. The she Wolf asked for his prey. Marry (quoth he sighing) I was deceived, a Nurse promised to cast me a boy that cried, but she did not.  
Mor. No credit is to be had in a woman.   

410 Of a Woman that wept.  
THere was a young Woman whose husband lay at the point of death, whom with these words her father comforted saying: Daughter, vex not so much thyself, for I have provided thee a husband, much fairer than he is, which shall soon drive away thy longing for this: but this woman would not hearken to her father's talk, but blamed him for making mention so hastily but when her husband was dead, she asked her father, weeping, if the young man were near, which he said should be her husband.  
Mor. The love which women have to their husbands soon weareth away, after they be dead.   

411 Of a Woman beaten.  
A Certain Woman sore beaten of her husband, feigned herself dead, to make him afraid, for she held her breath, and lay with her face upward, not once stirring: This wise man knowing well the fetches of women, said: The dead beast must be flayde, and he caught up a knife, and began to flay the skin from her feet: she perceiving the end of her dissimulation, plucked back her feet, and straightway arose.  
Mor. women's wiles are practised in vain against wise men.   

412 Of the Widow and the green Ass.  
A Certain Widow being weary of leading a single life, desired too marry, but she dared not, because she feared the mocking of the people, which reported evil of those that were twice married: but her godmother showed her by this policy, how lightly rumours are to be regaded: she commanded her to take the white Ass she had, and 'cause him to be painted green, and then to lead him through every street, which thing at the first sight was so wondered at, that not only children, but also old men, moved with this strange Wonder, followed the Ass, to behold him, which being daily led through the city, they ceased to wonder at. Then said her godmother, the like shall happen to thee, for if thou marry, thou shalt for a few days be a byworde to the people, but within a while after, there shall not be a word spoken of it.  
Mor. No thing is so wonderful, that in continuance of time will not cease to be wondered at.   

413 Of the hare and the Fox.  
THe Hare judged himself worthy to be preferred before the Fox, because in 
Wisdom  swift running he far passed him: the Fox answered, I have a more excellent wit, whereby I do oftener beguile the Dogs, than thou with thy swiftness.  
Mor. Wisdom far passeth strength or swiftness.   
FINIS.  

THE TABLE.  

¶ The first Fable of the penance of the Wolf, the Fox, & the Ass. fol. 1.  
2 Of the Spider and the Gout. fol. 3.  
3 Of the Ass, the Trumpeter, and a Hare, the messenger fol. 7.  
4 Of an old man. eodem.  
5 Of a Shepherd and the Sea fol. 8.  
6 Of an Eremite and a Soldier fol. 9  
7 Of the Fox & the Bramble eodem  
8 Of a Wagtail & a Phesaunt 10.  
9 Of the Myse and the Frogs eodem  
10 Of the Beasts and the Birds 11  
11 Of the Peacock and the Nyghtingale 12  
12 Of a young man that song at the burial of his mother 13  
13 Of Heaven & Earth. eod.  
14 Of a Lion in love with a Countreymans' daughter 14  
15 Of a Gourd and a Pine tree. 15  
16 Of the Sun and the Moon 16  
17 Of the Spider and the Swallow. 18  
18 Of a Dog & a Wolf. eo.  
19 Of an Ass & a Fox. 19  
20 Of the Eagle & a Pie. 20  
21 Of a Nightyngale fearing the Kite. eodem.  
22 Of a Countryman that would pass over a river. 21  
23 Of a Hart & a Vine. eo.  
24 Of a man bitten with a Dog. 22  
25 Of an Ass that served an unkind master. eod.  
26 Of the Mouse that set the Kite at liberty 23.  
27 Of a Husbandman pricked by a Bee. 24  
28 Of the tree Abrotanum and the Hare eodem.  
29 Of the Crow and the Dog 25  
30 Of a Hunter and a Partridge. eodem.  
31 Of the Dolphin and the Eel 26  
32 Of fair Trees and deformed, 27  
32 Of a Lioness and the Fox. 28  
33 Of an Astronomer and a Pravailer. eodem  
34 Of Scholars. eodem  
35 A boaster 29  
36 Of a Boaster 30  
37 Of the Mole. eodem  
38 The birth of Hills. 31  
39 Of the Frog and the Fox. eodem  
40 A Peacock spoiled of his feathers by a Soldier 32  
41 Of the Kydde and the Wolf. eodem  
42 Of the Sun and the North-east wind. 33  
43 Of a Fox and women eating of a Hen 34  
44 A Dog & Wolves, eodé  
45 The Peacock and the Crane. 35  
46 Of a knight which had a brawling wife. eodem  
47 Of Arion & the Dolphin. 36  
48 A Kid and a Wolf. 38  
49 The Crab and Fox. 39  
50 Of the Apple tree and the Pomegranate tree. co.  
51 Of a Dog and his master. 40  
52 Of the Turtle. eodem  
53 Of a scolding woman 41  
54 Of two Hawks and a quail 42  
55 Of the Wolf and the Crane eodem.  
56 Of the fisher and the little Fish. 43  
57 Of a Fox that would kill a Hen sitting. 44  
58 Of the Frogs and their King eodem  
59 Of the Colyer and the Fuller. 46  
60 Of a Shepherd which kept a Wolf among his Dogs eodem  
61 Of the Raven and the Wolves. 47  
62 Of the Father and his sons codem  
63 Bulls and a Lion 48  
64 Of a Lion which begged of the Wolf part of of his prey. 49  
65 Of a Snail. 50  
66 Of the dove and the Kite codem  
67 A Husbandman 51  
68 Of the Hare and the Fox. 52  
69 Of the Elm and the Osiar eodem.  
70 Of the Serpent and the Crab. 53  
71 Of the Heart and the Wolf 54  
72 Of a feller of Wood eo.  
73 Of the Cock and the Fox. 56  
74 Of a deceiver. 57  
75 Of a Fox caught by a Dog, whiles she feigned herself dead. 58  
76 Of a Boy & a thief. 59  
77 Of the Thrushe eodem  
81 Of the Air and the Wind 60  
82 Of a traveler. eodem  
83 Of a woman & a Hen. 61  
84 Of a covetous man eod.  
85 Of the Chough and the Doves 62  
86 Of the Dog and the shadow. 63  
87 Of a covetous Ambassador 64  
89 Of a covetous man dying 65  
90 Of a Raven taken by Dogs eodem.  
91 Of a Goat & a dog. 66  
92 Of a covetous man that eat withered Apples. co.  
93 Of a lester and a Bishop 67  
94 Of a Priest which buried his Dog. 68  
95 Of a Shepherd that encouraged his flock against the Wolf. 69  
96 Of a Fisher and five Fish 70  
97 Of the Owl. 71  
98 Of a Fox. 73  
99 Of the Lion and the Goat eodem  
100 Of a Fox taken by a Countryman 74  
101 Of a Woman that would die for her husband. eodem.  
102 Of a Lion being old, Folio 75  
103 Of an Eagle and a Come. 76  
104 Of the Hares and the Frogs. 77  
105 Of the Bee and jupiter. 78  
106 Of a Heart and a Lion 79  
107 Of the town dogs. 78.  
108 Of two Pots. 80  
106 Of the Swan singing at the point of death. eo.  
110 Of an old man which set Trees 81  
111 Of the Pheasant and the Peacock. eodem.  
112 Of the Ape and the Brock 83  
113 Of the Dog and the Cock 84  
114 Of the Fox and the Stork eodem  
115 Of a Friar, a Layeman, and a Wolf 85  
116 Of a Parrot. 86  
117 Of an Ass. 87  
118 Of Wax that desired hardness. eodem  
119 Of a Patient and a physician. 88  
120 Of an Ass carrying an Image. eodem.  
121 Of a fisher. 89  
122 Of the Belly and other members. eodem  
123 Of the Frog and the Crab. 90  
124 Of a leopard and an Unicorn, fight with a Dragon. 91  
125 Of the envious Dog and the Ox. 92  
126 Of a young man. eodem  
127 Of a countryman and Pears. 93  
128 Of a man that refused Clysters. eodem  
129 A deceiver. 94  
130 A Cat & Myse. 95  
131 Of the Wolf and the Sheep codem.  
132 Of the sick Ass. 96  
133 Of a Fox. eodem  
134 A man that would kill a Hog. 97  
135 Of the Eagle that cited all manner of Birds. 98  
136 The Satire and the Wayfaringman. 99  
137 Of a tyrannous Gryffon. eodem.  
138 The Pie and the Cuckoo. 100  
139 A Serpent. 101  
140 The rule of women over their husbands. eod.  
141 Of a Woman. 102  
142 The Boar & the Countryman. 103  
143 Of a Gnat. 104  
144 A norisher of bees. eo.  
145 Many creeping Worms and Beasts. 105  
146 The bird called King's Fisher. 106  
147 The Apes and the Libard. 107  
148 The Hen and the Fox 108  
149 Two enemies. eodem.  
150 The Crow and the Raven eodem  
151 The Wolf & Fox. 109  
152 The Covetous man & the Envious. 110  
153 The Wolf and the Ass. 111  
154 The Lion and the Wolf eodem  
155 The Hart & Oxen. 112  
156 The Cock and the Cat 113  
157 The Countryman and the Serpent. 114  
158 A Servant which cast his masters Ass from a Rock 115  
159 The Bat, the Bramble, & the Cormorant. 116.  
160 Of a Worm. 117  
161 A Dog and a Butcher. 117  
162 Of Cockles 117  
163 The Ass & Fox. 118  
164 The Dog and the Ass eodem  
165 The Dog and the Sheep. 119  
166 Of an Ass. 120  
167 A wicked man and the devil. 121  
168 Of a Camel. eodem  
169 The Fox & Lion. 122.  
170 Of a Hind calf, eod  
171 The Lion & Frog. 123  
172 The Eagle. eodem  
173 Of a Dog fearing the Rain. eodem.  
174 Of a Cock 124  
175 A sick man and a physician eodem  
176 The Raven and the Fox 125  
177 A man and his two wives 126  
178 Of a Soldier. 127  
179 Of travailers. eodem.  
181 A Lion & a Bear. 128  
182 A rich man and his Servant. eodem.  
183 Of a woman that bet her Husband. 129  
184 Of Fishers. 130  
185 A Rich man and a poor 131  
186 A Physician 132  
187 The Countryman and the Mouse 133  
188 Lion and the Hog. eo.  
189 The Dog that devoured the Sheep 134  
190 Of the Lark. 135  
191 The wild Ass. codem  
192 Thief & the Dog. 136  
193 The Wood and the Countryman. codem  
194 The Countryman and a counsellor 137  
195 Of jupiter. codem  
195 Of Flies. 138  
196 Landbirds and Waterfoules codem.  
197 The Eagle and the Raven 139  
198 Two young men. 140  
199 Of Money. codem.  
200 The Thorn and the wild Goat. 141  
201 Of the Goat and the Vine. 142  
202 Of the Ant. codem.  
203 A Gardener. 143  
204 Of mite that would hung a Bell about a Care neck. codem  
205 Of Fishers 144  
206 The Tiger and the Fox 145  
207 The Wolf and the Sow codem.  
208 A Cat. 146  
209 A man that would try his wives mind. coden.  
210 The Cock & the Capon 147  
211 The Fouler and the Lark codem  
212 Of a Goose 148  
213 A woman and her Lover codem  
214 A Serpent and a Husbandman 149  
215 A man and a woman twice married. codem  
216 A Wolf & Dogs. 150  
217 The Countryman and the Horse. 151  
218 A Fox that fallen into a Well 152  
219 The Pig and his Father's will codem.  
220 The Cockatrice and Sea wolf. 153  
221 The wolf & Dog. cod.  
222 A Linnet. 155  
223 A Mule. codem  
224 A King and Apes. 156  
225 Of Oxen. 157  
226 A Hog. codem.  
227 A man which hid a treasure 158  
228 The Pygarde and the Egle. codem  
229 The Dog and the Cook 159  
230 A man stoned codem  
231 A Sheep crying. 160  
232 The Raven and the Serpent codem  
233 A poor man 161  
234 A learned man not esteemed 162  
235 A Physician 163  
236 Of Dogs. codem  
237 Of a Sheep wasting Corne. 164  
238 Of the Owl and the Lark. 165  
239 The Reed. cod.  
240 The Eel 166  
241 Of the Crow and the Sheep. codem  
242 The Ape & Fox 167  
243 The Frogs and the Sun codem  
244 A Wolf fallen into a pit 168  
245 Two Hogs. cod.  
246 A wolf that put on a Sheep's skin. 169  
247 The Elephant. codem  
248 Of an Ass 170  
249 A Countryman and Bees. 171  
250 A Husbandman and a Poet. codem  
251 A rich man unlearned, and a poor man learned 172  
252 A Parrot. 173  
253 Of the Pike and the Tench codem  
254 A Mermaid and a Leachour 174  
255 A realous man. 175  
256 Of a Liberal man. 176  
257 A covetous man. cod.  
258 Of the Dog and the Lion 177  
259 Lynet & the Boy. 178  
260 Fox & Crocodil. cod.  
261 The Shepherd and the Husbandmen. 179  
262 Of Mercurius cod.  
263 Of an old Man and his Son 180  
264 The Falcon and the Cock codem  
265 Of the Camel. 181  
266 The Ass, the Ape, and the Mole 182  
267 The Snail and Frogs. codem  
268 Of a rich man. 183  
269 The Nightingale and the Hawk codem  
270 A mad man 184  
271 A priest & his boy. co.  
272 Of a Fox 185  
273 Of an Ass 186  
274 A young man. codem.  
275 Of jupiter 187  
276 The Fox & the Weasyll codem  
277 Of an Apple tree. 188  
278 The Fly & Ante. 189.  
279 A Husbandman and his Dog. 190  
280 The Lampurne & the Crocodile codem.  
281 A Lion & a Mouse. 191  
282 The Wolf and the Lamb 193  
283 Of the Hares and the Frogs 194  
284 Of a Swan. codem.  
285 Of a Moor 195  
286 A horseman and a husbandman codem  
287 A man & his dog. 196  
288 Of a Fox codem.  
289 Of Four footed Beasts 197  
290 A Soldier and his Horse codem  
291 The Kydde and the Wolf 198  
292 A Chicken caught by a Kyght odem  
293 A Philosopher. 199  
294 The Fox and the Eagle. codem  
295 Of an Olive tree. 200  
296 The Mouse and the Cat 201  
297 The Kyghte and the Hawk codem  
298 Of Cocks and a Partriche. 202  
299 Of the Sow and the Dog 203  
300 A Lamb & a wolf. co.  
301 Of a Fly. codem  
302 A wolf & a Lion. 204  
303 The Ape and his two sons codem  
304 An old man that carried an Ass 205  
305 A sumptuous feast of the Lion 207  
306 The Plantine and the Ape codem  
307 The Fir tree and the Bush. 208  
308 Of the Sow and the Bitch 209  
309 The Dogs and the Ass codem.  
310 Of a Camel and jupiter. 210  
311 Of an Ox. 211  
312 The Weasill and the Myse codem.  
313 The Crow and the Pitcher 212  
314 The Lion & Fox. cod.  
315 Of the Wolf being hungry 213  
316 Of the Horse and the Heart. codem  
317 Of Geese 214  
318 The Ape and his young one's 215  
319 Of Mariners. codem.  
320 Of the Owl. 216  
321 A Fox & a Dog. coden.  
322 The Wolf and Porkupine 217  
323 Of an old man loath to die codem  
324 Of a Dog brought up to Hunting 218  
325 Of a man which plucked up a Hedge 219  
326 The Ass and the Lion 220  
327 Of Cocks. 221  
328 Of the Horse and the Ass. codem  
329 Of a Crane 222  
330 jupiter and the Raven 223  
331 The Flea & a Lion. co.  
332 The Peacock and the Chough. 224  
333 A man & his Dog. cod.  
333 A herdman. 225  
334 The Lion and the Fox. 226  
335 A man created Cardinal 227  
336 The Fox & Goat. 228  
337 The Field Miso 229  
338 Of a Flea. codem  
339 The Sheep and the Shepherd 230  
340 Of Frogs codem.  
341 A Fisher. 231  
342 The Ape & Fox. cod.  
343 Of a Dove 232  
344 The Currier and the Hunter. eodem  
345 The Beaver. 234  
346 The Houpe. eodem.  
347 The Beam eodem  
349 Of the Lion, the Boar, and the Ravens 235  
350 A Wolf. eodem  
351 Of a Bear 236  
352 A simple Countryman eodem  
353 The Eagle and the Dorre 237  
354 The Stork and the Swallow 238  
355 The town Mouse and the Country Mouse. 239  
356 Of the Mule and the Horse. 241  
357 Of a Devil. 242  
358 The Birds. 243  
360 Of an Ox and a Bullock. eodem  
361 Of Birds. 244  
362 A wicked Man eod.  
363 A Boy that would not learn. 245  
364 The Dove and the Crow 246  
365 Of the Ass and the Calf. eodem  
366 The Bat and the Weasyll. 247  
367 The Fox and Cat. eod.  
368 The Merchant and the jewe. 248  
369 A Carter. 249  
370 An old Women. eod.  
371 The Nightingale and the Raven 250  
372 Of the Dove and the Pye. 251  
373 Ass and Frogs. eod.  
374 The Pelican 252  
375 Of the Smyth and his Dog. eodem  
376 Of the Bull and the Mouse. 253  
377 A Weasyll eod.  
378 Of Hares. 254  
379 The Ram & Bull. eod.  
380 The quail and the Lark. 255  
381 The Nut tree, the Ass, and the Woman. eodem.  
382 Bear and the Bee. 256  
383 Sow and the Dog. eod.  
384 The Boy and his Mother. 257  
385 Of Mercurius and Tiresias. 258  
386 Thevish Partridge. 259  
387 Of the Hawk and the Cuckoo. 260  
388 A Grammarian teaching an Ass. eodem.  
389 A man that would try his friends. 261  
390 Of a young man and an old. 262  
391 A Lion and a Bul. 263  
392 A Lark. eodem  
393 A Fox taken 265  
394 Of an Ass. 266  
395 One that played the part of Christ. 267  
396 The Heart. eod.  
397 The Countryman and Hercules. 368  
398 The biting Dog. eod.  
399 Of the Hog and the Horse. 269  
400 Of the Swan and the Crow. 270  
401 The Thrushe. eodem.  
402 Of the Lion and the Mouse. eodem.  
403 Of a river. 271  
404 The Serpent. 272  
405 A man that broke an Image. eodem.  
406 An Ass & Raven. 273  
407 Of a Dog. eod.  
408 The Nurse and the Wolf. 274  
409 Of a woman that did weep. eodem.  
410 Of a woman beaten. folio. 275  
411 The Widow and the green Ass. eod.  
412 The Hare & Fox. 276   
FINIS.   

¶ Imprinted at London by Henry Bynneman, dwelling in Knight-ryder street, at the sign of the Marmayde. Anno Domini. 1569. CUM PRIVILEGIO.   


OMNIA TEMPUS HABENT.