Aesop's FABLES, WITH THE FABLES OF Phaedrus moralised, TRANSLATED VERBATIM, ACCORDING to the Latin, FOR THE use OF GRAMMAR schools, AND FOR CHILDREN, That with the more delight, they may learn to read the English Tongue.  
Published by H. P.  
LONDON, Printed by I. L. for Andrew Hebb, at the sign of the Bell in Paul's churchyard.  
1646.   

THE PUBLISHER TO the READER.  
TO make an apology for the Translation of Schoole-books into English, were vain: the great fruit that hath redounded thereby to the Teacher and the Learner, hath sufficiently approved it: my part at this time is, to testify my approbation of this work after perusal, to satisfy the Printers motion: accordingly, I have compared it with the original Latin, and find it an exact grammatical Translation thereof: and therefore commend it to the use, as well of young grammar scholars, as to the new learners of the English Tongue, who by reason of the pleasant Fables therein, will be much allured and delighted to learn to read English. Vale.   

The Printer to the Reader.  
THat this young AEsop might not prejudice the old one, it is thought good to give the Reader notice, that there is extant another larger edition of Aesop's Fables (not Grammatically construed as this is) Primed of an English Letter, to be sold where this Edition is, containing the Life of AEsop at large, together with the Fables of Avian, of Alfonce, and of Poge the Florentine.   


THE TABLE OF Aesop's FABLES.  

Fable. 1. OF the cock.  
2. Of the wolf and the lamb.  
3. Of the Mice and the Frogs.  
4. Of the dog and the Shadow.  
5. Of the Lion and certain other Beasts.  
6. Of the wolf and the Crane.  
7. Of a countryman and a Serpent.  
8. Of the boar and the ass.  
9 Of the city-mouse, and the country-mouse  
10. Of the Eagle and the Crow.  
11. Of the Crow and the Fixon.  
Fable. 12. Of the Lion spent with Age.  
13. Of the dog and the ass.  
14. Of the Lion and the Mouse.  
15. Of the Kite being sick.  
16. Of the Swallow and other Birds.  
17. Of the Frogs and their King.  
18. Of the Doves and the Kite.  
19 Of the thief and the dog.  
20. Of the wolf and the Sow.  
21. Of the Birth of the mountains.  
22. Of the Hound.  
23. Of the Hares and the Frogs.  
24. Of the Kid and the wolf.  
25. Of the Hart and the Sheep.  
26. Of the countryman and the Snake.  
27. Of the Fox and the stork.  
28. Of the wolf and the Carved-head.  
29. Of the Jay.  
30. Of the Fly and the Emmet.  
31. Of the frog and the ox.  
32. Of the Horse and the Lion.  
33. Of the Horse and the ass.  
34. Of the Birds, and fourfooted Beasts.  
Fable. 35. Of the wolf and the Fox.  
36. Of the Hart.  
37. Of the Viper and a File.  
38. Of the Wolves and the Lambs.  
39 Of the Wood and the countryman.  
40. Of the Belly and the rest of the Members.  
41. Of the Ape and the Fox.  
42. Of the Hart and the Oxen.  
43. Of the Lion and the Fox.  
44. Of the Fox and the weasel.  
45. Of the Horse and the Hart.    

The Table of Phaedrus Fables.  

Fable. 1. OF the wolf and the lamb.  
2. The Frogs desired a King.  
3. The proud jay and the peacock.  
4. A dog carrying flesh over a River.  
5. A Cow and a Goat, a Sheep and a Lion.  
6. The Frogs to the sun.  
7. The Fox to a man's Image.  
8. The wolf and the Crane.  
9 The Sparrow counsellor to the Hare.  
10. The wolf and the Fox with my Lord judge, the Ape.  
11. The ass and the Lion a Hunting.  
12. The Hart at the fountain.  
13. The Fox and the Raven.  
14. Of a cobbler, a physician.  
15. The ass to an old Shepherd.  
Fable. 16. The Sheep, the Hart, and the wolf.  
17. The Sheep, a Dog, and a wolf.  
18. A Woman in Labour.  
19 A Bitch a Whelping.  
20. Hungry dogs.  
21. An old Lion, the Bull, and an ass.  
22. A Cat and a Man.  
23. A faithful dog.  
24. The bursten Frog and an ox.  
25. The dog and the Crocodile.  
26. The Fox and the stork.  
27. A dog and a Treasure, and the ravenous vulture.  
28. A Fox and an Eagle.  
29. The ass scorning the boar.  
30. The Frogs fearing the wars of the bull-battle.  
31. The Kite and the Pigeon.   
FINIS.    

Aesop's FABLES.  

Of the cock. Fable 1.  
WHilst the dunghill cock scratched in the dunghill, he found a precious stone; saying, Wherefore do I find a thing so bright? if the Jeweller had found it, none should have been more glad than he, because he would know the worth of it: it is to me useless, neither do I esteem it much: yea, truly I had rather have one grain of barley, than all the precious stones in the world.   

Of the wolf and the lamb. Fab. 2.  
THe wolf, drinking at the head of a fountain, seeth the lamb drinking far beneath him: he ran to him and rebuketh the lamb, because that he made muddy the water: the lamb beginneth to tremble, and to entreat him, that he would spare him who was innocent, & that he, (sith that he drank far beneath him) could not trouble the drink of the wolf, neither truly would he: the wolf on the other side raileth upon him; Thou cursed thief it is to no purpose what thou sayst, thou dost wrong me always: thy father, thy mother and all thy hateful stock, are enemies to me by all manner of ways, thou shalt be punished to me to day.   

Of the Mice and Frogs. Fab. 3.  
THe Mouse did wage war with the Frogs; they did strive concerning the Government of the Marsh; the battle was very hot, and doubtful, the Mouse being crafty hiding himself under the grass, setteth upon the frog treacherously▪ the Frog being stronger in breast, and better at leaping, provoketh his enemy in open fight: a bulrush was a spear to each one of them, which battle being seen afar off, the Kite draweth near, and whilst neither of them taketh heed to themselves for the desire of the battle, the Kite snatcheth and teareth both the fighters.   

Of the dog and the Shadow. Fab. 4.  
THe dog swimming over a River, carried a piece of flesh in his mouth; the sun shining even as it happened, the shadow of the flesh did shine in the waters, the which shadow being seen, the dog snatching at it greedily, did lose that which was in his chaps; therefore he being amazed with the loss of the thing, which he had in his mouth, as also of hope, at first he was astonished, afterwards taking a courage, he cried out so: Wretch, measure was only wanting to thy lust or desire, there was enough, yea more than enough, if thou hadst not been a fool: now through thy foolishness thou hast less than nothing.   

Of the Lion and certain other Beasts.  
Fab. 5.  
THe Lion had made a bargain with the Sheep and certain other beasts, to make a common hunting: they went to hunt, an Hart is taken, they divide him: they begin to take every part to every one as was meet: The Lion roared, saying, One part is mine, because I am most worthy, again another part is mine, because I am excellent in strength; Moreover, because in taking the Hart I have sweat more than others, I challenge the third part: to conclude, unless ye grant to me the fourth part, there is an end of friendship: his fellows hearing this, depart empty and holding their peace, not daring to mutter against the Lion.   

Of the wolf and the Crane. Fab. 6.  
THe wolf having devoured a sheep, by chance the bones did stick fast in his throat, he goeth about and he entreateth help, nobody helpeth him, every one telling him that he had gotten a reward for his greediness, at length he persuadeth the Crane with many flattering words, and with many promises, that his long neck being put in his throat, he would pull out the bone, which did stick in his throat, but he mocketh the Crane seeking his reward: he saith, thou fool, get thee hence, hast thou not enough that thou livest? thou owest me thy life, if it had pleased me, I might have bitten off thy neck.   

Of a countryman and a Serpent.  
Fab. 7.  
A countryman took home a Serpent found in the snow, almost killed through cold, and laid her to the fire: the Serpent receiving strength and poison from the fire, and afterwards not being able to abide the heat, infected the whole cottage with hissing; the countryman runneth to him, taking up a staff, he chideth with him for the injury done, with words and stripes: Would he render these thanks? would he take the life from him, who had given him life?   

Of the boar and the ass. Fab. 8.  
Whilst the sluggish ass mocked the boar, he being angry, did gnash with his teeth; o thou most slothful ass, truly thou hast deserved a beating, but albeit, thou hast been worthy of punishment, yet I am unworthy who should take revenge of thee: mock on without danger, thou Mayest do it scotfree, for thou art escaped through thy sluggishness.   

Of the city Mouse and the country Mouse. Fab. 9  
IT pleased a Mouse of the city, to walk to the country, the Mouse of the country seeth her of the City, she biddeth her to Supper, the Supper is ready, they go to supper, the Country Mouse bringeth forth whatsoever she laid up for Winter, and she emptieth all her whole store-house, that she might satisfy the daintiness of so great a guest. Notwithstanding, the city Mouse wrinkling her brow, dispraiseth the poverty of the country, afterwards she commendeth the plenty of the city: returning home, she taketh the country Mouse with her unto the city, that she might make good in very deed, these things which she had boasted in words: they go to the banquet, which the city Mouse had made ready daintily: amidst the banqueting, the noise of the key is heard of them in the lock, they begin to fear, and to fly, in flying, the country Mouse both unacquainted, and also not knowing the place, scantly was able to defend herself: the servant going out, the city Mouse returneth to the table, she calleth the country Mouse, the country Mouse at length creepeth out, scantly having laid aside fear, she asketh the city Mouse who did invite her to drink: whether or no, falleth out this danger often? She answered, that it was daily, and must be contemned: then the country Mouse said, is it a daily thing? Verily these your dainties have more gall than honey, or pleasure: truly, I had rather have my poverty with security, than this your plenty with such tronble.   

Of the Eagle and the Crow. Fab. 10.  
THe Eagle having gotten a cockle, she might not get out the fish, by force or skill, the Crow coming to her, she giveth counsel, the Crow persuadeth him to fly aloft, and throw the cockle down from above upon the stones, for so it will come to pass, that the shell will be broken, the Crow remaineth on the ground, that she might watch the fall of the Cockle, the Eagle throweth down the Cockle; the shell is broken: the fish was snatched away by the Crow: the Eagle being mocked is sorrowful.   

Of the Crow and the Fixon. Fab. 11.  
THe Crow having gotten a prey, maketh a noise in the boughs of a tree, the Fixon doth see the Crow rejoicing, and runneth to her: and saith, The Fixon saluteth the Crow with very much commendation, I have heard often times, that fame was a liar, but now I have experience of this in the matter itself: for as I go now this way by chance, looking up to you in a tree, I come speedily to you blaming the fame: for the rumour is, that you are more black than the pitch, and I see that you are more white than the snow; indeed by my judgement thou overcomest the Swan, and thou art more white than the ivy: but if thou excel so in thy voice, as in plumes, truly I will say, that thou art the Queen of all fowls: the Crow allured with this flattering, maketh her to sing: but the cheese did fall out of her bill, whilst she made her to sing: which cheese fallen, was taken of the Fixon, the little fox taketh up a laughter, then at the length, it shameth and it irketh the miserable Raven of her own condition, and she sorroweth with the loss of the thing, mingled with shame.   

Of the Lion spent with Age.  
Fab. 12.  
A Lion who in his youth had made many his foes by his cruelty, was punished in his old age: for the beasts give like recompense, the boar striketh with his tooth, the Bull with his horn, and first of all the little ass, desirous to put away the old name of sluggishness, triumpheth over the Lion boldly with words, and also his heels: then the Lion full of sorrow, saith, These now hurt me again, whom I have hurt in times past; and that justly, but these whom I have done good unto sometimes, now do me no good again: yea also do me harm undeservedly: I was a fool, who made so many to be my enemies: yea more foolish, who put my trust in deceiving friends.   

Of the dog and the ass.  
Fab. 13.  
Whilst that the dog did fawn upon his Master and Family, his Master and the household did make much of the Dog, the ass seeing that, he began to sigh very deeply, and began to grieve himself for his condition, he thinketh it handled badly, that the dog should be welcome to every one in the house, and to be fed from his Master's table, and that he getteth the same favour by idleness and playing: on the other side that he did carry the packsaddle, and is beaten with the whip, he is never idle, and yet hated of all men: if these good things come to pass by flattering, he determined to follow that Art which is so profitable: therefore on a certain time, his Master returning home he runneth to meet him to try the matter, he leapeth upon him, he paweth upon him with his hooves: his Master crying out, the servants run to him: the foolish ass which supposed himself to have played▪ the part of a civil man, was beaten with a club.   

Of the Lion and the Mouse. Fab. 14.  
THe Lion being weary with heat and running, when as he rested in the shadow under the green leaves, and when a company of Mice did run over his back, he awaking, taketh one of many: the captive Mouse intreateth, and cryeth that she is unworthy, upon whom a Lion should wreak his anger: he deeming, that there were no praise or credit in the death of so little a beast, he letteth go the prisoner, but not long after that, whilst that the Lion by chance did run through the cornfield, he falleth into the nets, he might well roar, but could not get forth: the Mouse heareth the Lion roaring miserably, she knoweth his voice and creepeth into the Meises, seeketh the knots of the snares, findeth them being sought, and gnaweth them being found: the Lion getteth forth out of the nets.   

Of the Kite being sick. Fab. 15.  
THe Kite lay sick in bed, now almost ready to die, he entreats his Mother, to go to pray unto the gods, his Mother made answer, that no help is to be hoped for of the gods, whose holy Monuments and Altars, he had violated so often with his ravenings.   

Of the Swallow and other Birds.  
Fab. 16.  
When first of all, the Flax was begun to be sown, the Swallow doth persuade the little Birds, to hinder the sowing of it, saying, that snares should be made for to catch them: they mock at her, and call the Swallow a foolish Prophet: then at length the Flax sprung up, and waxing green, she warned them again, to pluck up by the root that which was sown, they mock her again; the Flax waxeth ripe, she exhorteth them to destroy the whole crop, now when as they would not harken to her, then giving counsel, the Swallow leaving the company of the Birds, she procured the friendship of a man, she entreth into a covenant with him, and dwelleth in his chimney, and enticeth him with her alluring song: nets and snares are made of the Flax for the rest of the Birds.   

Of the Frogs and their King.  
Fab. 17.  
When the Nation of the Frogs was free from subjection, they made their supplication to Jupiter, that a King might be given them: but Jupiter did begin to smile at their Petitions, notwithstanding they did begin to desire instantly, again and again, until the time that they compelled him: he throweth down a beam: that lump shook and beat the River with a mighty noise: the Frogs astonished, hold their peace, they honour their King, they come nearer by little and little, at length fear being cast from them, they jump upon him, and leap upon it: the foolish King is to them a mockage and a contempt: they trouble Jupiter again, and desire that a King might be given to them, would be strong and stirring: Jupiter giveth them the stork, he walking overthwart the Ditches stoutly, whatsoever Frogs he meeteth with, eateth and devoureth: but then the Frogs complained in vain of the cruelty of their King, Jupiter heareth them not, for likewise at this time they complain yet, for the Stork going to his rest at evening, gone out of their holes they murmur with a hoarse voice, but they do so in vain, for Jupiter willeth, that they who had once misused a courteous King, now should suffer a churlish one.   

Of the Doves and the Kite.  
Fab. 16.  
THe Pigeons in time past did wage war with the Kite, whom that they might overcome, they chose a goshawk for their King, he being made a King, doth play the enemy, not a King, he snatcheth at them and plucketh them no less than the Kite: it repenteth the Doves of their enterprises: they think it had been better to suffer the wars of the Kite, than the tyranny of the hawk.   

Of the thief and the dog.  
Fab. 19  
THe thief upon a time giving the dog a piece of bread that he would hold his peace, the dog made answer, I know thy deceits, Thou givest me bread, to the intent that I should cease from barking, but I do hate thy gift, for if I shall take the bread, thou wilt carry all my Master's goods out of this house.   

Of the wolf and the Sow.  
Fab. 20.  
THe little Sow was a-littering, the wolf did promise her, that he will be her Keeper, the big-bellied Sow made answer, That she did not want the service of the wolf: If he would be counted so charitable, or if he desire to do her a good turn, let him go further off; for the duty or service of the wolf doth consist, not in his presence, but in his absence.   

Of the Birth of the mountains.  
Fab. 21.  
IN times past, there was a rumour, that the mountains did bring forth young hills; Men run to see, they stood about it, looking for some Monster, not without fear: at length the mountains bring forth young, A Mouse cometh out, than all the people are like to kill themselves by laughing.   

Of the Hound. Fab. 22.  
A Master stirreth forward his Hound, who now was waxed old, but he exhorteth him in vain, for his feet are become slow, so that he runneth with no speed: he had taken hold of a Beast, but the Beast slippeth away from the toothless dog, his Master rebuketh him with words and stripes, the dog maketh answer, That he ought to forgive him for such offence, by reason that he was waxed old now, but was strong so long as he was young: but saith the dog, as I perceive plainly, there is nothing pleasant without profit, thou didst love me when I was young & strong, but thou dost hate me now whilst I am old and weak; thou lovedst me, so long as I was able to catch a prey, now thou hatest me, when I am feeble, and slow, and wanting teeth: but if thou wert a thankful Master, whom thou lovedst in times past▪ whilst he was young, for profits sake, thou wouldest love waxed old, for his fruitful youth.   

Of the Hares and Frogs.  
Fab. 23.  
Whilst the Wood made a mighty noise through an unusual whirlwind, the timorous Hares begin to fly thence speedily: but when a great Poole withstood the Hares running away, they stood still amazed and environed with dangers on both sides, and they see the Frogs plunge in the pool, which was a Motive of a greater fear, at last one of the Hares, more wise than the others, said, Wherefore fear we for nothing? we have need of courageousness: for indeed we have quickness of bodies, but we want boldness, we should not fly, for the danger of a whirlwind, but we should despise it.   

Of the Kid and the wolf.  
Fab. 24.  
When as the Goat was going forth to feed, she shutteth up the Kid in her house, warning him, to open the Port to nobody, till such time as she returned home again: The wolf which heard that afar off, after the departure of his Mother, he knocketh at the door: he counterfeiteth the Goat in his voice, commanding him to open the door: The Kid perceiving his guile, saith, I will not open it, for although thy voice playeth the Goat well, notwithstanding I see a wolf through the chinks of the door.   

Of the Hart and the sheep.  
Fab. 25.  
THe Hart maketh the sheep as guilty before the wolf, crying, That she owed a measure of Wheat. But the Sheep forsooth was ignorant of the debt; notwithstanding she promiseth, that she will give it, because of the presence of the wolf: The day for payment is appointed; it came; The Hart warneth the Sheep, she denyeth the debt: for that which she had promised, she excuseth it, because it was done by fear, and for the presence of the wolf: and moreover a Covenant, wrung by violence, ought not to be kept.   

Of the countryman and the Snake.  
Fab. 26.  
A certain countryman nourished a Snake, on a time being angry, he struck the Beast with his Hatchet, the Snake slideth away, not without a wound: afterwards the countryman falling into poverty, thought that that mischief did fall upon him, for the injury done to the Snake, wherefore he intreateth the Snake, that he would return again; The Snake saith, that he did pardon him, but would not return, and that he would not be secure with the countryman, who had so great a Hatchet at home, and that the grief of the wound was ceased, notwithstanding the memory was remaining.   

Of the Fox and the stork.  
Fab. 27.  
THe Fixon did bid the stork to Supper, she poureth out her meat upon the Table, which seeing that it was of moist substance, the stork nibbling in vain with her bill, the poor Bird went away with a flea in her ear, being mocked for her labour, both it shamed her, and it irketh her of the injury. A few days after, she cometh back again, she biddeth the Fox to Supper, a vessel of glass was set upon the Table full of victuals, the which truly sith it was a vessel of a narrow neck, the wily beguiled Fox might well look upon her cheer, and yet was hunger-bit, he could not taste, take, or sip: The stork very easily sucked up all with his long bill.   

Of the wolf and the Carved-head.  
Fab. 28.  
THe wolf having found a man's Head in the shop of the Image-maker, he turneth it upside down, he wondereth at it, at length perceiving that, which it was indeed, that it had no sense or understanding: O trim Head (saith he) there is much workmanship in thee, but not a whit of wit.   

Of the Jay. Fab. 29.  
THe Jay did deck herself with the feathers of the peacock, afterwards seeming to herself very brave, and disdaining her own kindred, she betaketh herself to the flock of the Peacocks, at length they understanding her deceit, they uncovered the foolish bird of her coloured plumes, and rewarded her with stripes.   

Of the fly and the Emmet.  
Fab. 30.  
THe fly did chide with the Emmet, and she did brag that herself was noble, but she infamous; herself did fly, but the Emmet did creep; but moreover herself did haunt in the Palaces of Kings, but the Emmet did keep herself in the cave of the earth, and eat corn or grain, and drink water, and she did boast, that herself did diet daintily, and yet had all these without labour: On the other side, the Emmet said, that she was not base, but contented with her own birth or parentage; but the Fly was unstable, and herself was constant, the grains and the water did taste so to the Emmet, as Pasties and Wine to the fly, and she had not these things by idleness, but by diligent and painful travel: Moreover the Emmet was joyous and sure, beloved of all men, and last of all, an example of labour: but the Fly is troubled with danger, noisome to every one, hated of all men, to conclude, an example of sluggishness: The Emmet mindful of the Winter season doth lay up her victuals: but the Fly doth live for a day, either will be hungry in Winter or certainly die.   

Of the frog and the ox.  
Fab. 31.  
THe Frog being desirous to be as great as the ox, she stretched out herself: Her son exhorted his Mother to cease from her foolish enterprise: for saith he, the Frog is nothing in a manner to the ox: yet she beginneth to swell the second time, her son or the young Padock cryeth out upon her, and saith, O Mother, although you burst with pride, or crack asunder, yet shall you never exceed the great ox: but when as, she puffed or swelled the third time, she burst asunder.   

Of the Horse and the Lion.  
Fab. 32.  
THe Lion come to eat and devour a Horse, but wanting strength through his age, he did begin to find out some deceit: He professeth he is a physician, he impeadeth the Horse with the conceit of his words, but the Horse opposeth deceit to deceit, and skill to the lion's skill; and feigns that he now hath hurt his foot in a thorny place, and requesteth, That he who was a physician, would look on the thorn and bring it out: The Lion doth as the Horse did bid him: But the Horse did strike the Lion with his heel, with so great force as he was able, and incontinent, he taketh himself to flight: At length the Lion scantly returning to himself, (for he was almost killed with the stroke) saith, I receive the reward of my foolishness, and the Horse is escaped justly: For because he hath revenged deceit with deceit.   

Of the Horse and the ass.  
Fab. 33.  
THe Horse being attired with gay trappings and with a saddle, did run along the way with a huge neighing, by chance a heavy laden ass stood in his way as he ran, the Horse stamping and staring for anger, and fiercely champing his foaming bridle: said, Wherefore lazy sluggard standest thou in the horse's way? I say, give place or I will trample thee under my feet: the poor ass durst not speak a word against him, but giveth place to him with quietness: but the belly of the Horse flying and running his race, burst asunder: then being unprofitable for race and for show, he was deprived of his gay attire; and afterwards he was sold to a Carter: afterward the ass seeth him coming with a Cart, and he speaketh to him; Ho, you, good fellow? what ornament is this? where is your golden saddle, your embossed girts, where is your bright bridle? so friend it was necessary to happen to the proud.   

Of the Birds and fourfooted Beasts.  
Fab. 34.  
THere was a battle with the Birds, and with fourfooted Beasts: The hope of victory was between both of them, fear was on both parts, the danger was betwixt both of them, but the Bat leaving his fellows, falls off to the enemies: The Birds overcome, the Eagle being their captain and the Guide; but they condemn the Bat, who fled away, that she should not return at any time to the Birds, and that she should not fly at any time in the light: This is the occasion to the Bat, that she flieth not, but in the night.   

Of the wolf and the Fox.  
Fab. 35.  
THe wolf, when he had enough prey, he lived in idleness, the Fox came unto him, and enquireth the cause of his idleness: The wolf perceived, that deceits were a making for his banquets, pretendeth, that a disease was the cause of it, and intreateth the Fox, that she would go to pray unto the gods: She sorrowing that her subtlety had no better success, She goes to a Shepherd, & tells him, that the Dens of the wolf were openly known, for his enemy now careless might be oppressed unawares: the Shepherd runneth upon the wolf, killeth him: The Fixon getteth the Den and the prey: yet she had but a short joy in her wickedness: for not long after, the same Shepherd taketh her also.   

Of the Hart. Fab. 36.  
THe Hart beholding herself in a clear fountain, praiseth the height of her forehead, and her craggy horns, but dispraiseth the slenderness of her legs: whilst that she thus doth judge, the Huntsman came upon her: The Hart more swift than any bullet, flieth away, and swifter than the Eastern wind, driving the clouds: the Dogs do follow her flying: but when as she entreth in a great wood, her horns were entangled in the briers: then at length she praiseth her legs, and dispraiseth her horns, which made her, that she was a prey to the Dogs.   

Of the Viper and the File.  
Fab. 37.  
THe Viper finding a File in a shop, began to gnaw it: The File smiled, saying, What fool? what dost thou? Thou shalt wear first thy teeth, before thou shalt wear me, who do use to bite off the hardness of brass.   

Of the Wolves and the Lambs.  
Fab. 38.  
AT a certain time, the Wolves and the Lambs had a truce, who by nature have an enmity: hostages were given on either side, the Wolves gave their Whelps, the Sheep gave a band of Dogs: the Sheep being in rest and feeding, the little Wolves they howl, for the desire of their Mother, than the Wolves fall upon them, they cry, that faith and truth was broken, and they devour the Sheep destitute of the help of the Dogs.   

Of the Wood and the countryman.  
Fab. 39  
AT what time the Trees also had their speech, the countryman came into the Wood, asking that he might take a handle to his Axe, the Wood granteth it, the countryman began to cut down the trees, with a new made Axe, then truly too late, it grieves the Woods for his light leave, she grieved that herself was the cause of her own destruction.   

Of the Belly and the rest of the Members. Fab. 40.  
IN time past the Foot and the Hand accused the Belly, because that their gains were devoured of her being idle: they command her, that either she should labour, or she should not desire to be fed: she intreateth once and again, notwithstanding the Hands deny food; the Belly being starved with hunger, when as all the limbs began to faint, then at the length, the hands would needs be kind, but that was too late: for the Belly being weak for lack of victuals, refused her meat: so whiles that all the members envy the belly, they perish with the belly perishing.   

Of the Ape and the Fox.  
Fab. 41.  
THe Ape prayed the Fox, that she would give part of her tail to cover her buttocks, for saith the Ape that that is a burden to her, which might be profit and honour to the Ape, the Fixon made answer, that she had nothing too much, and that she had rather that the ground should be swept with her tail, then that the buttocks of the Ape should be covered therewith.   

Of the Hart and the Oxen.  
Fab. 42.  
A Hart flying the Huntsman, took himself to a stall, and intreateth the Oxen, that he might have licence▪ to hide himself in the crib, the Oxen say they cannot be sure, for both the Master and the Servant will be present anon: he saith that he would be secure, so that they would not betray him, the servant entreth in and seeth not the hidden Hart under the hay, and goeth forth again: then the Hart beginneth to rejoice and nothing now to fear: than one of the Oxen, grave both for age and counsel, saith, it was an easy thing to deceive the servant who is as blind as a Mole, but that thou mayest escape my Master who is most sharp in sight, this is the matter, this the pain: incontinent afterwards the Master cometh in, who that he might redress the oversight of the servant, looking on all things with his eyes, and groping the crib with his hand findeth the horns of the Hart under the hay, he calleth in his servants, they come running to him, and lay hands on the fierce Hart and kill him.   

Of the Lion and the Fox.  
Fab. 43.  
THe Lion was sick, and other beasts did visit him, only the Fixon did delay his duty: The Lion sendeth a messenger unto her with a letter, the which warned her to come, for that her only presence would be most acceptable to the sick Lion: neither should there be any danger wherefore the Fixon should fear: for truly saith he, first of all the Lion is the greatest friend to the Fixon, and therefore doth desire her conference, and furthermore, that he was sick and kept his bed; that although he would desire that which was not lawful, notwithstanding he might not hurt him: the Fixon writeth back again, that she desireth that the Lion may recover his health, and will pray for that to the gods, but will not see him, and that she is terrified with his footsteps, which footsteps, sith they all are turned towards the Den of the Lion, and none turned from it: which thing is an argument, that many beasts have entered in, but none have gone from thence. Horat. I will declare that which the subtle Fox heretofore answered to the sick Lion, because the footsteps terrify me, which all look towards you, and none back again.   

Of the Fox and the wolf.  
Fab. 44.  
THe Fox being slender by long hunger, by chance crept through a very narrow chink into a barn, in the which when she was well fed, and afterwards her belly being full, hindereth her assaying to get forth again: the weasel beholding her striving a far off, at the length she saith, if she desired to get forth, she must return to the hole empty where she came in empty.   

Of the Horse and the Hart.  
Fab. 45.  
THe Horse waged war with the Hart, at length driven from his pastures, requested man's help: he returneth with the man, he cometh into the field, though overcommed before, now is made the conqueror: but notwithstanding his enemy being overcome, and captivated, the conqueror must of necessity serve man; for he beareth the rider on his back; and a bit in his mouth.  
FINIS.    

Phaedrus FABLES.  
The first book of Aesop's Fables, by the work of Phaedrus fri●●d to Augustus.  
WHat matter or subject, AEsop the Author hereof found or invented, the self same have I polished with jambick verses. There is a double use of this little Book, both for that it moveth laughter, and because it directeth a Wise man's life with counsel or advise: but if any list to cavil, because not only beasts, but also trees do speak, let him remember, that we but sport with feigned Fables.  

The wolf and the lamb. Fab. 1.  
THe wolf and the lamb, compelled by thirst, came to the same river, the wolf stood above, and the lamb further beneath: then the villainous thief, being stirred up by hunger sought occasion of quarrel, and said, Wherefore didst thou make this water muddy for me a drinking? the lamb or Woollbearer being afraid, inferred thus, How could I pray you good Master Wolf do that which you complain of? the water runneth down from you unto my draughts. He thus convinced by the force of truth saith, Before these six months thou reviledst me: the lamb made answer, Truly than I was not born: then by Hercules, quoth he, thy father exclaimed upon me, and so he teareth in pieces the lamb apprehended with injurious death. This Fable is written for those men, who oppress silly innocents upon forged causes.   

The Frogs desired a King.  
Fable 2.  
When Athens flourished with equal Laws, malapert liberty marred the city, and licentiousness let lose the ancient bridle of government, from hence parties of divers factions being in a conspiracy, Prince Pisistratus taketh the tower, and when the Athenians lamented that sorrowful subjection, not for that he was cruel or tyrannous, but because it was a grievous burden to them who were altogether unaccustomed with government, and when they begun to complain, than AEsop told such a tale; the Frogs wandering without controlment in marshes or ponds, desired a King of Jupiter with a loud cry, who might repress dissolute manners by force: the father of the gods laughed, and gave to them a little block, which being thrown down into the ponds of a sudden, greatly amazed the fearful nation, with motion and with rushing: when this lay some certain time drowned with slime or mud, by chance one without noise, putteth up her head out of the pond, and having made trial of their King, she calleth all her fellows: laying aside fear, they swim to him, thick and threefold, and so the saucy crew leaped upon their wooden god, which when they had foully misused with all reproach, they sent to Jupiter, asking for another King, because he who was given, proved unprofitable: then he sent to them a water Serpent, who begun to take by violence every one of them with sharp teeth: then the lazy Frogs in vain avoid death, and fear stoppeth their mouths: wherefore by stealth they prefer a supplication by Mercury unto Jupiter, that he would help the poor afflicted: then the God Jupiter, on the other part thus replied, sith that you would not bear with your good gentle King, endure ye now your evil. Oh ye also, oh citizens! saith he, sustain this evil patiently, lest that there come upon you a greater mischief.   

The proud jay and the peacock.  
Fab. 3.  
AESop hath set forth this example, that it should not delight us to boast upon other men's goods, but rather to lead our life, in his own condition. The Jay swelling with vain pride, took up the feathers of a Peacock; which were fallen down or mewed, and trimmed herself therewith: afterwards despising her own kindred, associated herself with the beautiful train of Peacocks: but they take away the feathers from the foolish bird, and beat her away with their beaks: the Jay being hardly dealt withal, began to return sorrowing, to her own kindred, from whom being also driven away, she setteth up a doleful ditty: certain of them, whom she first despised, said, If thou hadst been content with our seats, and wouldest have suffered what nature had ordained, neither then shouldst thou have tried this reproach, nor thy calamity had felt this repulse.   

A dog carrying flesh over a River.  
Fab. 4.  
HE loseth justly his own, who so desireth another man's: whilst a dog swimming over a flood, bore a piece of flesh, he saw his own shape in the shining of the waters, and thinking another prey to be carried over by another dog, coveted to snatch at it: but his greediness was deceived, and he both lost the meat, which he held in his mouth, neither could he attain unto that which he much desired.   

A Cow and a Goat, a Sheep and a Lion. Fab. 5.  
THat there is never any faithful fellowship with a mighty man, this small Fable witnesseth this mine assertion. The Cow and the Goat and the patient, harm▪ bearing Sheep, were companions with the Lion in the forest: when these had caught an Hart of a huge stature, the Lord Lion thus inferred, (after the division;) I choose the first part, because I am height lord Lion; ye must give to me the second share, in regard I am strong and puissant; then because I am of more account, the third shall follow me: now if any touch the fourth portion, he shall not scape scot-free: thus his only tyranny took away the whole booty.   

The Frogs to the sun. Fab. 6.  
AESop saw very sumptuous marriages of his neighbour a most notorious cunning thief, and forthwith begun to tell this tale: once it was reported that the sun would marry a wife; then the Frogs took up a piteous cry even to the heavens: Jupiter moved with their bitter exclaims, enquireth the reason of their complaint, than a certain inhabitant of the pond said, Oh dear sovereign, now one sun burneth up all our lakes, and causeth us poor wretches, to die on dry ground, alas, what will become of us, if the sun beget more suns?   

The Fox to a man's Image. Fab. 7.  
BY chance a Fox saw a man's Image in stone; Oh what exquisite feature saith he, but wit it hath none? This is spoken of them, whom fortune hath given honour and glory, but yet leaveth them destitute of common sense.   

The wolf and the Crane. Fab. 8.  
WHo so desireth pay for his deserts of cruel fellows, is twice in fault, first, because he helpeth the unworthy, and then, because now he cannot depart undamnified: When as a bone swallowed, stuck fast in the throat of a wolf, constrained with great grief, he began to entice every one for money, that they would draw out that bad bone: at length the Crane was persuaded by an oath, and committing her long neck to his wessand, made with danger a medicine for the wolf: for which pains, when she asked earnestly a reward: Thou art ungrateful, saith the wolf, who hast drawn thy head safe from out of our mouth, and yet requirest thou wages?   

The Sparrow Counsellor to the Hart.  
Fab. 9  
LEt us show in few verses, that it is a folly to give counsel to other, and not to take heed to ourselves. The Sparrow did chide the Hare oppressed of the Eagle, and sending forth grievous and bitter tears, saith she, Where is now that thy swiftness to be seen? wherefore slackened so thy feet? whilst she speaketh, the hawk seizeth upon her unawares, and killed her crying with vain complaints: the Hare half dead, yet in the comfort of the Sparrows death, said, Thou that whilom wast secure and scornedst our evil, bewailest now thy fatal destiny, with like complaint.   

The wolf and the Fox with my Lord judge the Ape. Fab. 10.  
Whosoever once is openly detected of foul deceit, although he tell truth, notwithstanding is not believed: for so this short Fable of AEsop avoucheth it. The wolf charged the Fox with crime of theft: she denied, that she was accessary to the fault: then the Ape sat Judge between them: now when both parties had pleaded their own cause, the Ape is reported, thus to have given judgement: You seem not to have lost what you demand, but I believe, that thou hast stolen, which so cunningly thou deniest.   

The ass and the Lion a hunting.  
Fab. 11.  
ONe boasting of his own praise with words, devoid of virtue, deceiveth those that know him not, but he is a laughing stock to those that know him. When as the lord Lion would hunt accompanied with the ass, he decked and attired him with green leaves, and warned him also, to terrify and appall the beasts, with an unwonted cry, that he might take them flying: he pricketh up his ears, with a speedy shout, and with all his might, and so amazeth the little beasts, with a new monstrous miracle, which being afraid, and whilst they seek for their known passages, they are assailed with the horrible violence of the Lion, who after that he was weary of the slaughter, he calleth the ass, and commandeth to repress his cry: then he puffed with pride, saith, How seemeth this effect unto you, of my voice? so well quoth he and excellent, that unless I had known thy courage and stock, I should have been in like fear.   

The Hart at the fountain.  
Fab. 12.  
THis tale averreth, that oftentimes, those things which we lightly esteem are found more profitable, than things more commended. When the Hart had drunk he stood still at the fountain, and gazeth on his shape in the water, where whilst with wonder, he praiseth his bowghy horns, and disableth too much, the slender timber of his legs, he was affrighted on a sudden with the cries and howls of Huntsmen, and began to fly through the champion, and deluded the Hounds with swift running: at the last the wood received the wild beast, wherein being by his horns entangled, began to be torn, with the fierce biting of the Dogs: then dying, it is reported, he gave forth this piteous moan: Oh I unhappy, who now at last perceive, how the legs availed me, which I despised, and the horns which I prised, what grief have they brought me?   

The Fox and the Raven.  
Fab. 13.  
Who so rejoiceth, that he is commended with glozing words, for the most part is punished with foul remorse. When as a Raven purposed to have eaten a piece of cheese stolen out of a window, and sitting on an high tree, the Fox did see him, and then began thus to speak, Oh Master Raven, how great and excellent is the beauty of your feathers! how much comeliness do you carry both in body and countenance? If you had but a tuneable voice, no Bird might be your fellow: but he silly poor fool, whilst he coveteth to show his voice, loseth the cheese in his mouth, which quickly the crafty Fox snatched up with her greedy teeth: then at length the astonished Crow being deceived, sighed sorrowfully: by this Fable it is proved how much wit or policy availeth, and that wisdom always prevaileth above strength.   

Of a cobbler and a physician.  
Fab. 14.  
When a bad cobbler undone by poverty, began to make medicines in a strange place, and sold restoratives in a counterfeit pretence, and had procured himself fame by talkative jugglings, when he lay visited with a sore disease, the King of the city, for his trial, calleth for a jug, and then pretending (a water being poured therein) that he mingled poison with his counterpoison, commanded him, to drink this, setting down his reward: then he confessed for fear of death, that he was not made a Physician for any prudency of Art, but only made famous by the people's wondering: the King summoning an assembly, added moreover this: How great madness, think ye, is it, who make no scruple to trust your heads to him, to whom no man ever gave his shoes to cobble? Truly I may say that this pertaineth to them, whose impudence is the purchase of their folly.   

The ass to an old Shepherd.  
Fab. 15.  
OFtentimes in changing of Government, the poorer sort change nothing besides the manners and conditions of the Lord: that this is true, this little Fable showeth. A timorous old man fed an ass in a meadow, he suddenly terrified with the noise of the enemies, persuaded his ass to fly, that he might not be taken: but the careless ass replied, In good sadness think you, that the conqueror will lay upon me double burdens? the old man denied it: therefore said he, what care I whom I serve, whilst I carry but my own fardels?   

The Sheep, the Hart, and the wolf.  
Fab. 16.  
When as a cunning fellow induceth men with a bad surety, he purposeth not to repay the principal, but rather to leave his creditor in the lurch. The Hart asked the Sheep a bushel of wheat, the wolf being surety: but she suspecting cozenage, made answer: the wolf always is accustomed to take away by violence and to be gone, and you to fly out of sight with swift force: where shall▪ I find you when the day of payment comes?   

The Sheep, a dog and a wolf.  
Fab. 17.  
Liars and false witnesses were wont to pay punishment for their villainy. When a certain Dog being a common Barretor, demanded of a Sheep a loaf of bread, which bread he avouched, that he had lent him: the wolf cited for witness, said, that he did owe not one alone, for in truth he affirmeth, he oweth ten: the Sheep cast by false witness, paid what she ought not: after a few days, the Sheep beheld the wolf lying for dead in a ditch: saith he, this reward of deceit and lying is given of the high gods.   

A Woman in Labour. Fab. 18.  
nobody willingly resorteth to that place, which hath harmed him. At the time of childbirth, a woman lay upon the bare ground, her forty weeks being expired, sending forth most pitiful groans: her Husband exhorted, that she would betake her body to the bed, whereby the better she might lay down the burden of nature: I believe not, saith she, that my grief can be ended in that place, in which it was conceived in the beginning.   

A Bitch a Whelping. Fab. 19  
THe fair words of an evil man have their snares, which that we may avoid, the verses following do warn. When a Bitch great with Whelp, had desired another Bitch, that she might lay her litter in her kennel, she obtained her request easily: afterwards she made her suit to the Bitch who required her own place, craving but a short season, whilst she might lead away her whelps being stronger and better able to go: this also being expired, the other began more vehemently, to desire her own bed: well saith she, if thou canst match me and my train, I will depart from this place.   

Hungry dogs. Fab. 20.  
FOolish or simple counsel, not only wanteth success, but also calleth mortal men to destruction. Dogs saw an Hide sunk in the flood, now that they might the more easily eat it, when they had drawn it out, they began to drink up the water; but being first bursten, there thy perished, before that they could attain what they desired.   

An old Lion, the Bull and an ass.  
Fab. 21.  
Whosoever hath lost his former dignity is also a mocking stock to the base and lazy in adversity. The Lion wasted by years and decayed of his strength, when he was lying drawing his last breath, the boar came upon him with thunderbolt tusks, and revenged his old grudge with blows: also the cruel Bull out of hand pierced with his horns his enemy's body: when the ass saw the Beast hurt without punishment, he kicked his forehead with his heels, but he, breathing out his last, saith, I have hardly brooked, that the strong or the valiant should insult over me, but truly I seem twice to die, sith I am compelled to bear and suffer thee, the ignominy of nature.   

A Cat and a Man. Fab. 22.  
A Cat being caught of a Wariner, when she would avoid imminent death; I pray you, saith she, spare me, which cleanse for your good the house of noisome Mice: he answered, certain I would do it, if this good turn were for my sake, and would have forgiven thy offence: now because thou labouredst that thou Mayst enjoy the fragments, which they would gnaw, and also devour them, do not count this vain matter as a good turn done to me: and so speaking, he inflicted death upon the offender. They ought to acknowledge this spoken for them, whose private commodity only serveth themselves, and notwithstanding boast their vain deserts, to ignorant men.   

A faithful dog. Fab. 23.  
Who so is liberal of a sudden, perhaps is in request with fools, but layeth broken snares for the wise. When as in the night time a thief had cast bread to a dog, proving whether he might be corrupted with the meat profferred to him: Oh quoth he, thou wouldest stop my mouth, that I bark not for my Master's goods; but thou art much deceived, for this thy sudden kindness warneth me to watch, lest thou make a commodity by my negligence.   

The bursten frog and an ox.  
Fab. 24.  
A poor man perisheth, whilst he will follow the rich and the mighty. In a certain pasture, the frog beheld the ox, and touched with envy at so goodly stature, puffed-up her speckled skin; then she asked her children, whether she was greater than the ox; they denied it: again she stretched her skin with greater endeavour, and inquired after the same manner, who was the greater; they said the ox: last of all, sore moved with wrath, and whilst she desireth to puff out herself more vehemently, she sprawled on the ground with a bursten body.   

The dog and the Crocodile.  
Fab. 25.  
THey which give bad counsel to wary Wise men, both lose their labour, and are foully derided. It is reported that dogs in running do drink of the River Nilus, that they may not be devoured of the cruel Crocodiles: wherefore when a certain Bitch in running began to lap, so spoke the Crocodile: Lap what water thou wilt by leisure, come hither, drink leisurely, and fear not, quoth he, deceit; but she made answer, By Hercules I would do so, but that I know you long for my flesh.   

The Fox and the stork.  
Fab. 26.  
THis small Fable warneth, that we must hurt nobody, but if any shall mischief us, that we may punish them in like manner. The Fox is said to have invited the Stork first to supper, and to have set before her a liquid broth in a broad platter, which by no means the hungry stork could taste of; who when she had reinvited the Fox, set before her a long narrow necked flagon, full of broken gobbets, than she putting her long beak into this is filled and satisfied, and pineth her guest with hunger, who when she had licked in vain the neck of the flagon, we heard it reported, that the stranger bird spoke after this manner: every one ought to suffer his own example with a patient mind.   

A dog, and a Treasure and the ravenous vulture. Fab. 27.  
This matter may be very convenient for the covetous, and for them, who by birth being low and poor, notwithstanding endeavour to be reported wealthy. A dog diging up man's bones, found a treasure; and because he profaned the spirits which are divine substances, the fire of riches was cast upon him, that he might perform punishments to the holy religion: therefore whiles he keepeth the gold, he forgetteth meat and consumeth with hunger: overwhom the ravenous vulture standing as report goeth spoke, Oh dog, justly dost thou lie for dead, who desirest on a sudden a Prince's revenue, being but conceived and brought up on a dunghill of three ways muck.   

A Fox and an Eagle. Fab. 28.  
ALthough men are in high estate, notwithstanding they ought to fear to oppress the lower sort, because revenge is manifest to the ingenious, by his industry. On a time an Eagle took up a fox's Cubs, and laid them down in her nest to her young ones, that they might eat: the Mother Fox following her began to beseech her instantly, that she would not bring so great calamity upon her poor caitiffs: but she despised, because she was in a safe place: therefore the Fox took from the Altar a burning firebrand, and therewith she environed the whole tree with flames, threatening grief to her enemy, for the loss of her blood: the Eagle now entreating to deliver her own from danger of death, restored the Cubs safe to the Fox.   

The ass scorning the boar.  
Fab. 29.  
OFtentimes fools, when they take up a vain laughter, defame others with sore reproach, and provoke to themselves a mischievous danger. An ass when he met a boar, said, God save you brother, he disdaining refused his kindred, and enquireth wherefore he would lie so grossly: the ass letting fly his heels, made answer, Though thou deniest me to be like to thyself, yet certainly, this is as good as thy tusks: now when the Bore thought to make a valorous resistance, yet refrained he his wrath, saying: Revenge is in a readiness to me, but I will not be defiled with base lazy blood.   

The Frogs fearing the wars of the bull-battle. Fab. 30.  
THe lowly are in jeopardy, when as the mighty are at variance. A Frog in her pond, beholding the fight of bulls, Alas, saith she, how great mischief abideth us? being asked of another, wherefore she affirmed this, when as the bulls contended only for the Empire over the Herd, and lead a life far from them; saith she, the reason here is separate and a different kind: for whosoever being banished from the kingdom of the Wood-land, shall fly away, will come into the holes of the Marshes, and will press to death the Frogs, over-trodden with his hard hooves: and thus their fury concerneth our life.   

The Kite and the Pigeon.  
Fab. 31.  
Who so committeth himself to be preserved of a tyrannous man, in seeking succour and aid, he findeth destruction. The Doves when as often they had escaped the Kite, and had avoided death, with the swiftness of wings, than the devourer turneth his counsel into subtlety; and circumvented the unweaponed nation with such like guile: Wherefore lead ye a miserable life, rather than ye will create me King, league being confirmed, who may set you safe from all injury? they being too credulous, deliver themselves to the Kite, who having obtained the kingdom, beginneth to eat every one, and to exercise his Empire with his cruel talons: then saith one of the rest, deservedly are we punished.  
FINIS.