AESOP Improved OR, Above three hundred and fifty FABLES, MOSTLY AESOP'S.  
With their MORALS, Paraphrased in English VERSE.  
Amounting to about one hundred and fifty more than do appear to have been so rendered by any other Hand.  
LONDON, Printed for Tho. Parkhurst at the Bible and three Crowns in Cheapside near to Mercers-Chappel, and at the Bible on London-Bridge under the Gate. 1673.   

THE PREFACE TO THE READER.  
'tIs commonly acknowledged by learned men, that Aesop's Fables, or the Book so called, is one of the wisest, as well as pleasantest moral books of its bigness, in the world. [It was so generally read in old time as that it became a Proverb when they would say such a one was a very Idiot, or Ignoramus, to say to him 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, that is, thou hast not yet read Aesop. [That it is commonly read in Grammar Schools ought to be taken for no disparagement to it, seeing the like may be said of tully's Offices, a book of so profound wisdom, that a famous Privy Counsel-Ior to Qu. Elizabeth is said to have always carried it about him. [Men, and children, may read the same books, but for different ends and purposes. Men may read those books for their Profundity which Children read for their pleasantness. Or men may read the same books for their Solidity wisdom, and Judgement, which is in them, which children are taught merely for their fancy, stile, and language. [Doubtless the famous Oglesby had never provided so elaborate a Translation for but one hundred and twenty Fables, or thereabouts, or found encouragement to print but such a number in two volumes, with excellent Sculptures at a very great charge, and price, if notwithstandlng the seeming prostitution of that book to the use of children, it had not had a very great esteem, amongst the wiser sort of mankind. [I am bold to say it is not beneath the wisest and best man in the world to read Aesop's Fables. Else why are they frequently quoted by one of the greatest Oracles for Learning, and wisdom, that ever England, if not the world, had, viz. the Lord Verulam, in his Essays, and other of his excellent writings? [Moreover I could give instance of several Fables which, as their own Morals do construe them, 
Ex Gr. Fab. 194. and Fab. 218.  are of a very pious, and religious import, (as almost all the rest are very grave prudent, and sober,) and thence it was that I have presumed to say it would not misbecome, or dishonour the best, as well as the wisest man in the world to read what Aesop has written.  
It has been said that though a person by the name of Aesop, was doubtless the Author of some of those Fables which go by his name, yet that the book which we call Aesop's Fable (though they were not all his) is a kind of System or Pandect, of the choicest Observations of several Ages, delivered to the world by way of Fables.  
Certainly Aesop's Fables is a book not only to be read, and contemplated but to be followed and practised; and may serve to guide and govern our civil, domestical, and political affairs, (in many cases) as the Mariners compass doth direct his Steerage, and conduct his voyage.  
Give me leave to say that a due observation of some few Fables in this little book, I mean a due compliance with the wise directions therein given, had preserved divers individual persons, and not only persons but Families, not only Families but kingdoms, and nations, from those courses which have proved to be their ruin.  
Socrates that great Moral Philosopher (who in the judgement of Apollo was the wisest man on earth) but a little before his death, translated one or more of Aesop's Fables into Greek verse.  
All which things considered no man's Profession can be too grave, solemn or sacred to permit him the reading, translating, or improving of Aesop's Fables. Yet I myself, I think, should hardly have done it, had I not been constrained to concern myself for some time with the education of youth, and thereby invited to it, both for their advantage, and my own diversion. [True it is that Mr. Oglesby hath helped the world to a Translation of some part of Aesop's Fables, which is incomparably good; for such as can reach the sense and price of it, but certainly to understand so lofty a Poem as that is, requires a better capacity, and more skill in Poetical phrases, and Fictions, than the generality of those who are willing to read Aesop's Fables are endowed with. And doubtless the price of his two excellent Folio's upon Aesop, doth as much exceed most men's purses, as the Style and language thereof doth their capacities. [Moreover there are not above one hundred and thirty two Fables of that excellent Translation, whereas the book which is now in thy hand containeth about three hundred and fifty.  
I have turned the same number of Fables into Latin Hexameter and Pentameter. If that version by a tolerable acceptance of this shall receive encouragement to come forth into the world, I purpose that the numbers of both of them shall exactly answer each to other, that with so much more ease and expedition they may be read together by such as shall desire it.  
The Advantages which I have aimed at in turning Aesop's Fables into verse are first to fix the contents thereof more indelibly upon the minds, and memories of such as shall read them, common experience showing us that it is easier for men (to be sure for children) to remember Metre, than Prose; For that reason I suppose it was that Lily, and several other Grammarians have put divers of their Rules into Verse. Secondly, To insinuate the excellent sense and grave counsels, therein contained into the minds of old and young with more delight and pleasure.  
As for the Morals of each Fable I have generally kept to those which are annexed to the Fables in Latin (as seeming to be most authentic) but where I found any moral (as I thought) short and defective, I have taken the liberty to add to it, where dark and obscure, I have laboured to explain it, and where I found the same Morals repeated over and over, I have presented thee with some variety, which I hope may render the work more profitable, than it would otherwise have been, as the putting of it into metre with some little admixture of humour and fancy, (at leastwise attempted) was designed to render it more pleasant. [This is generally printed as correctly as other English books are, but here and there a fault has escaped the press which hath perverted the sense, and is such as I am hearty ashamed of, for which the best amends. I could make thee was to put such mistakes into a Table of Errata where thou mayst see them corrected. [I hope a small Apology may serve; for having brought in Aesop at several turns speaking like one of us, or according to the English mode and dialect, or using Expressions and Allusions much more novel and modern, than was the time he lived in; for why should that be more a Solecism than to make him speak English? (which was never his language) or by what means could we cause his drift and scope to be better understood by English men? (who best apprehend and are most pleased with their own Idioms) moreover I think our so doing is very justifiable by the Figure Prosopopeia which is greatly usual amongst those whose way of writing is any thing towards Burlesque.  
I have heard of a master, who told one that was his Scholar, that he would never be able sufficiently to requite him for that he first taught him to know the worth of Horace. I am bold to say he that shall bring any person to know the worth of Aesop's Fables so as to make the best use that may be made thereof, shall by that oblige and serve him altogether as much, as he did his pupil who brought him in love with Horace. For he that shall steer his course by the wise directions given in Aesop's Fables, will be thought by them that know him, to be as prudent, as Aesop himself was wise and witty. Reader it is at thy choice in what language (of those thou understandest) thou wilt read Aesop (for I think he is in most) or whether thou wilt read him in Verse, or in Prose, and if in verse, whether in this Translation, or in another [only 150 of these Fables I think thou canst not find translated into English metre, any where else) but one way or other thou shouldst read Aesop over and over, if I were worthy to advise thee; Let thy Sex, Capacity, Quality, (I was about to add profession, or Age) be what it will be, and be guided by him as an Oracle in many cases, which being done, I have little doubt, but Aesop may leave thee both wiser and better than he found thee.   

HAving perused this Version of Aesop's Fables in English Verse, We think it very worthy the Reading of all sorts of Persons, and therefore of Public View,  


Tho. Singleton.  
Tho. Houghton, Master of the Haberdasher's Free-School on Bunhill.     

A Table of the principal Errata.  
Good Reader,  
Be pleased not to censure any thing in this book, which thou dost stumble at, till thou hast consulted the Table of Errata, and be so just, as not to charge any thing upon the Author which is corrected in this Table.  
PAge 5. line 1. leng-ears, read Long-ears. Fab. 8. l. 2. r. At him he laughed and jeered most scornfully. Fab. 9 have you those, r. these? Fab. 14. Mor. fools, r. folks. Fab. 23. hare-brained, r. harebrained. Fab. 27. as that the fox, r. At that the Fox. Fab. 29. nubled, r. nubbled. Fab. 30. Lovers, r. Lovures. Fab. 31. ' Tia not, r. 'Tis not. Fab. 35. That to surprise a Fox, r. a Wolf. Fab. 38. their dogs, r. your dogs. Fab. 45. poor hearts, r. poor naggs. Fab. 46. believe her, r. believe her. Fab. 55. He said, r. one cried. F. 68 the bruit, r. the brute. Fab. 71. And o expect, r. and to expect, Fab. 87. An Eagle hires, put a comma there. Fab. 106. l. 7, r. All's well as yet, said she, but when by some. Fab. 113. They heap, r. They keep. Fab. 123. Eremine, r. Ermine. Fab. 128. from forfeiting, r. surfeiting. Fab. 138. mariners, r. mariners. ibid. Elah, r. Ela. ibid. Mor. r. Orpheus be. Fab. 141. scrobbed, r. scrubbed. prichy, r. prickly. but but, deal one but. Fab. 142. Widgeon, r. Widgeon. Fab. 43. l. ult. r. The swallow, (though such nets were not his match.) Fab. 148. All the Dogs (put in) at me. Fab. 150. In days of yer, r. yore. Fab. 151. Down goes, r. Down go. Fab. 173. l. ult. r. masters. Fab. 181. thou to beg silver, r. shillings. Fab. 181. Mor. stringy, r. stingy. Fab. 203. in, r. near the Dog-days. Fab. 205. l. 2. humble, r. tumble. Fab. 201. l. 2. r. glad. Fab. 3. lib. 2. r. of the Cock and the Partridges. Fab. 4. lib. 2. of the dog, r. of the bag that was found. Fab. 18. lib. 2. have brutes, r. have leave. Fab. 20. lib. 2. Mor. puts, r. do put. p. 161. l. 3. r. wives. Fab. 36. lib. 2. l. 4. mother, r. father. Fab. 41. lib. 2. Mor. any, r. many.   

An Index of the ensuing Fables, the first number showeth the Book, and the second the Fable in it.  

A  
Ambassador and the Trumpeters. 1.161.  
Ape and her Cubs. 1.119.  
Ape and her young. 1.99.  
Ape and the Dolphin. 2.94.  
Ape and the Fox. 2.33.  
Arion and the Dolphin. 1.138.  
Ass. 1.90. and 75.  
Asses. 2.117.  
Ass and the Calf. 1.147.  
Ass the Ape and the Mole. 1.157.  
Ass and the Fox. 2.118. & 1.41.  
Ass and the Hare. 1.229.  
Ass and the Horse. 1.77.  
Ass and the Jester. 1.193.  
Ass and Jupiter. 1.205.  
Ass and the Lyon. 2.75.  
Ass that found no end of his toil. 1.203.  
Ass that served a bad master. 1.205.  
Ass and the Traveller. 1.127.  
Ass and the Wolf. 1.201.  
Sick Ass and the Wolves. 1.201.  
Ass and the Frogs. 2.119.  
Ass and the Raven. 2.120.  
Ass and the Fox. 2.121.  
Ass that was the Trumpeter. 1.129.   

B  
BAt, the Bramble, and the Cormorant. 2.67.  
Bat and the Weasel. 2.114.  
Bald man. 1.95.  
Bear and the Bees. 1.175.  
Beasts and the Fish. 1.160.  
Beaver. 2.5.  
Be master. 2.91.  
Bee and Jupiter. 2.45.  
Beetle and the Eagle. 1.130.  
Birds. 1.196.  
Birds and Beetles. 1.174.  
Birds and Beasts. 1.34.  
Birds and the Owl. 1.133.  
Bird and her young ones. 1.106.  
Blackamoor. 2.84.  
Boar and the Ass. 1.8.  
Boar and the Countryman. 1.114.  
Wild-Boar and the Fox. 2.68.  
Boy and Fortune. 2.31.  
Boy that kept sheep.  
Boy and his Mother. 2.12.  
Boy and the Thief. 1.111.  
Bull and the Goat. 1.98.  
Bulls and the Lyon. 1.103.  
Bull and the Mouse. 1.115.   

C  
CAlf and the Hind. 2.44.  
Camel. 1.93.2.123.  
Cardinal. 1.162.  
Fat Capons and the lean. 1.149.  
Cat and the Cock. 2.18.  
Cat turned into a Woman. 1.50.  
City Mouse and Country mouse. 1.9.  
Cock. 1.1.  
Cock and the Cat. 1.61.  
Cocks and the Patridg. 2.3.  
Two Cocks that fought. 2.44.  
Cockles. 2.87.  
Collier and the Fuller. 1.53.  
Covetous man. 2.70.  
Covetous and the envious man. 1.107.  
Country fellow and the Lawyer. 1.224.  
Country man and the Apple. 1.68.  
Country man and the Bullock. 1.100.  
Countryman and Fortune. 1.97.  
Countryman and Hercules. 1.100.  
Countryman and the Horse. 1.5.  
Countryman and the mouse. 1.167.  
Countryman and the Snake. 1.78.  
Countryman and the River. 1.144.  
Countryman and the Wheat. 1.104.  
Cornish Chough. 1.29.  
Crab-fish. 1.88.  
Crab and the Fox. 2.101.  
Crow and the dog. 2.105.  
Crow and the Fox. 1.11.  
Crow and the Pitcher. 1.109.  
Crow and the Raven. 2.104.  
Crow and the Wolves. 1.135.  
Cuckoo and the Hawk. 1.146.   

D  
DOg and the Ass. 1.13.  
Dog and the Cock. 2.65.  
Dog and the Butcher. 1.47.  
Dog and the Lyon.  
City-dogs and Country dogs. 1.169.  
Dogs. 2.97.  
Dog that would by't. 1.92.  
Dog that was invited to Supper.  
Dog and his master. 1.173.  
Dog that worried his master's Sheep. 1.213.  
Dog and the Ox. 1.64.  
Dog and the Sheep. 1.48.  
Dog and the Wolf. 2.38.  
Dog and the Shadow. 1.4.  
Dormice and the Oak. 1.172.   

E  
EAgle. 2.130.  
Eagle and the Conie. 1.216.  
Eagle and the Beetle. 1.130.  
Eagle and the Crow. 1.63.  
Eagle and the Fox. 2.15.  
Eagle and the Jack-daw. 1.10.  
Eagle and the Magpie. 1.165.  
Eagle and the man.  
Eagle and the Raven. 2.16.  
Earth's labour. 1.21.  
Eel. 1.156.  
Elm and the Osier. 1.82. and 101. 

Two enemies. 2.30.     

F  
FAther that persuaded his Son in vain. 1.212.  
Fellow that refused a Clyster. 1.200.  
Fir-tree and the Bramble. 1.104.  
Fishes. 1.122.  
Fish that leaped out of the Frying-pan. 1.159.  
Fisherman. 2.25.  
Fishermen. 1.128. and 2.93.  
Fisherman and the little Fish. 1.82.  
Flea. 2.60.  
Flea and the man. 2.61.  
Fly. 1.155.2.46.  
Flies. 2.100.  
Fly and the Pismire. 1.30.  
Fox. 2.152.  
Fox and the Bramble. 2.19.  
Fox and the Cat. 1.125.  
Fox and the Crocodile. 2.20.  
Fox and the Eagle. 1.59.  
Fox and the Grapes.  
Fox and the He-goat. 2.1.  
Fox and the Hunters. 2.22.  
Fox and the Libard  
Fox and the Lion. 1.48.  
Fox and the Stork. 1.27.  
Fox that had lost his tail.  
Fox and the Weasel. 1.44.  
Fox and the women. 1.148.  
Fox and the Ass. 2.121.  
Fox that commended Hare's flesh. 1.221.  
Fox that was hungry.  
Fortune teller. 2.8.  
Fowler.  
Fowler and the Blackbird 2.10.  
Fowler and the Chaffinch. 1.176.  
Fowler and the Partridge. 2.53.  
Fowler and the Ring-dove. 1.54.  
Fowler and the Viper. 1.54  
Friends and the Bear, 1.94  
Frogs, 2.64.  
Two frogs, 2.90.  
Frog and the Fox, 1.91.  
Frogs and their King, 1.17.  
Frog and the Ox, 1.31.   

G  
GArdener and his dog, 2.76.  
Goat and the Wolf, 2.99.  
Geese, 1.80.  
Geese and the Cranes, 1.80.  
Goat and the Lion,  
Gnat and Lion, 2.133.  
Goose, 1.117.  
Governor that took Bribes, 1.231.  
Gourd and the Pinetree, 1.134.  
Grasshopper and the Pismire.  
Gnat and Bee, 1.228.   

H  
HAre and Tortoise, 2.54  
Hares, 2.112.  
Hare and the Fox, 1.222.  
Hares and the Frogs, 2.49. & 1.23.  
Hare and the Sheep, 1.25.  
Hart, 1.36.  
Hart and the Lion.  
Harper, 2.103.  
Hawk and the Pigeon, 1.142  
Hawks that fell out, 1.230.  
Hedgehog, 1.209.  
Heifer and the Ox, 1.120.  
Hen that laid golden eggs.  
Hen and the Fox, 2.151.  
Hen and the Swallow, 2.122  
Hermit and the Soldier, 1.187.  
Hind, 2.72.  
Hind Calf.  
Hind and the Lion, 2.73.  
Hind and the Vine, 2.74.  
Horse and the Ass, 1.33.  
Horse and the Lion, 1.32.  
Horse and those that mocked him, 1.223.  
Hog and the horse, 1.185.  
Horse and the Stag, 1.45.  
Hound that was despised, 1.22.  
Howpe, 1.182.  
Jealous husband, 1.199.  
Husband and the wife, 1.199. and 2.99.  
Husband and his two wives, 2.62.  
Husbandman, 1.192.  
Husbandman and the dogs, 1.57.  
Husbandman and his sons, 2.24.1.51.  
Husbandman and the Stork, 1.60.  
Husbandman, and the Poet, 1.210.   

I  
JAckdaw, 2.108.  
Jackdaw and the Pigeon 2.107.  
Jackdaw and the Sheep, 1.65.  
Jester, 1.193.  
Jester and the Bishop, 1.181.  
Jupiter, 2.110. and 59  
Jupiter and the Ape, 1.81.  
Jupiter and the Crow, 2.34.   

K  
KId and the Wolf, 1.24- and 74.  
King and the Apes, 1.126.  
Kings-Fisher, 2.92.  
Sick Kite, 1.15.  
Bald Knight, 1.95.   

L  
LArk, 2.69.  
Lamb and the Wolf, 1.49.  
Lark and her young, 1.106.  
Libard and the Fox, 1.123.  
Linnet and the Boy, 1.180.  
Log and the Oxen, 1.179.  
Lion; the Ass and the Fox.  
Lion and the Bear, 2.66.  
Lion and the Bull, 1.85.2 39  
Lion and the Fox, 1.43.  
Lion and the Frog, 1.69.  
Lion and the Hunter, 1.110.  
Lion and the Hog, 1.227.  
Lion and the Man.  
Lion and the Mouse, 1.189. and 1.14.  
Lion and other beasts, 1.5. and 73.  
Lion the She Goat, 1.78.  
Lion that was past his strength 1.12.  
Lion that loved a Countrey-mans daughter, 2.40.  
Lioness and the Fox, 2.41.  
Lion and the Wolf, 2.81.  
Lion and the Horse, 1.32.   

M  
MAn and Apollo, 2.4.  
Man and his friends, 1.220.  
Man and his Money-bags, 1.233.  
Man and his wooden-god, 2.21.  
Man and the satire, 1.113.  
Man and his Wife, 1.188.  
Mercury and Tiresias, 2.96.  
Members and the belly, 1.40.  
Mercury and the Statuary, 2.95.  
Mice and the Cat, 2.32.  
Mountains bringing forth, 1.21  
Mouse and the Cat, 1.204.  
Mouse that was bred in a chest, 1.140.  
Mouse and the Frog, 1.3.  
Mouse and the Kite, 1.207.  
City-Mouse and Countrey-mouse.  
Mule, 2.36.  
Mule and the horse,  
Mole and its Dam. 2.57.   

N  
NEat-herd, 2.129.  
Nightingale and the Hawk, 1.226.2.17.  
Nurse and the Wolf, 1.86.  
Nut-tree, Ass and the woman, 1.202.   

O  
OAk and the Reed, 1.82. and 101.  
Old man, 1.164.  
Old man and death, 1.232. and 2.28.  
Old man and the young fellow that stole his Apples, 1.225.  
Old man's son and the Lion, 2.14.  
Old Woman and the Devil, 1.170.  
Old woman and the Maids, 1.76.  
Owl, 2.86.  
Ox and the Steer, 1.120.   

P  
PEach tree and the Appletree, 2.56.  
Peacock and the Crane, 1.99.  
Peacock and the Jackdaw,  
Peacock and the Magpie, 1.71.  
Peacock and the Nightingale, 1.66.  
Pigeon, 2.125.  
Pigeon and Kite, 2.126.  
Pigeons and the Kite, 1.18.  
Pigeon and the Magpie, 1.145  
Pismire and the Grasshopper, 1.84.  
Pismire, 2.113. & 1.70.  
Pismire and the Pigeon,  
Physician, 2.37.  
Pots, 1.96.  
Priest and the Pears. 1.183.  
Pike. 1.217.  
Pigeon and the Crow.  
Of one that promised Impossibilities. 2.63.   

R.  
RAven and the Fox. 1.11.  
Raven and the Serpent. 2.106.  
Sick Raven.  
Ram and the Bull. 1.214.  
Reed and the Olive tree.  
Rich man. 2.127.  
Rich man & his servant. 1.168.  
River, & its Spring. 1.198.   

S.  
SAllow & the Axe. 2.55.  
satire & the Countryman.  
satire & the Traveller. 1.113.  
Seamen. 1.153.  
Serpent. 2.124.  
Serpent & the Husbandmen. 2.50.  
Sheep & the Shepherd. 1.218.  
Shepherd. 2.128.  
Shepherd that turned Seaman.  
Shepherd & the Husbandman 1.62.  
Serpent & the Crab. 2.79.  
Shepherd and the Sea. 2.13.  
Shepherd & the Wolf. 2.80.  
Sick man & the Doctor. 2.9. & 1.72.  
Smith and his Dog. 2.35.  
Snail. 1.208.  
Soldier & his Horses. 1.177.  
Sow and the Bitch. 2.78.  
Spider and the Gout. 1.139.  
Spider and Swallow. 1.143.  
Stag and the Oxen. 1.42.  
Sun & the Northwind. 1.89.  
Swallow and the Crow. 2.85.  
Swallow & other Birds. 1.16  
Swan. 1.152. & 2.83.  
Swine and the Dog. 1.178. & 2.77.   

T.  
TAnner & Hunter. 1.186.  
Thief and the Dog. 1.19  
Thiefs. 2.102.  
Thrush & the Swallow. 166.  
Tiger and the Fox. 1.102.  
Timber and the Oxen. 1.150.  
Tortoise and the Eagle. 1.87. & 2.71.  
Tortoise and Frogs. 1.171.  
Travellers. 2.115.  
Traveller and the Bag of Dates. 2.11.  
Travellers. 2.89.  
Trees. 1.151.  
Trumpeter. 1.55.  
Tunie and the Dolphin. 2.7.   

V  
VIper and the File. 1.37.  
Vulture and the Birds. 1, 79.   

W.  
Waggoner & Wheels. 1, 219.  
Wasps, the Partridge and the Husbandman. 2.58.  
Wax. 1.191.  
Weasel and the Mice. 1.67.  
Wicked man and the Devil. 1.194.  
Widow & the green Ass. 1.215.  
Wild Ass. 2.116.  
Witch. 2.88.  
Woman. 2.82.  
Woman and the Hen. 2.5.  
Woman & her husband. 1.197  
Woman and her dying Husband. 1.153.  
Woman and her Lover. 1.154.  
Woman and her Maids. 1.76.  
Woman and the Physician. 2.29.  
Woodman. 2.48.  
Wood and the Countryman. 1.39.  
Wolf and the Crane. 1.6.  
Wolf and the Dog. 1.56.  
Wolf and the Lamb. 2.42. & 1.2.  
Wolf and the Fox.  
Wolf & the painted head. 1.28  
Wolf & the Porcupine. 1.206.  
Wolf and the Sheep. 2.111.  
Wolf in the Sheep's skin. 1.211.  
Wolf and the young sow. 1.20  
Wolf and the old woman. 2.132.  
Wolves and the Lambs. 1.38.  
Worms and the Fox. 2.131. & 1.35.   

Y.  
YOung fellow that sang at his Mother's funeral. 1.198.  
Young fellow and the Cook.  
Young man and the Cat. 1.50.  
Young man and the swallow. 2.47.  
Young man.  
Youth that mocked the old man. 1.163.  
Two young men. 1.46.    

AESOP'S Fables.  

FAB. I. Of the Cock.  

A Dunghil-raking Cock a Jewel found,  
Wished with a barley corn his labour crowned  
Rather than orient gem, and would exchange  
Jewels for barley, that was not so strange:  
But Coxcomb as he was, it might have born  
Not a grain, but a Granary full of corn.   

Mor.  
If by base spirits things be valued,  
They'll part with Gems, take a grain in their stead.  
For their simplicity I have this pique  
At them, let them exchange for what they like.  
The world's a Dunghill, he a dunghil-cock.  
whoever prefers a morsel to a stock.  
A precious pearl's a stock, who can't espy  
Its worth, has, or deserves, one in his eye.    

FAB. 2. Of the Wolf and the Lamb.  

A Thirsty Wolf drank at the Fountain head,  
A Lamb beneath, who the fierce wolf did dread.  
Then came the Wolf, and chid the Lamb, for why  
He was resolved he, right or wrong, should die.  
 please you Sir, said th'Lamb, I drank below,  
From whence no harm could to your worship flow.  
Nay said the Wolf thou muddy didst the water,  
Of Sire and Dam that hate me thou'rt the daughter.  
All the Lambs meek-apologies he scorns,  
What if the Wolf will say th'Lambs ears are horns?   

Mor.  
When small folks to undo 'tis great ones mind,  
With a wet finger they pretences find.    

FAB. 3. Of the Mouse and the Frog.  

A Mouse and Frog about the Fens contend,  
By dint of spear will bring it to an end.  
Each for a spear betakes him to a rush,  
They ' I fight it out, and no more beat the bush.  
But whilst these mighty warriors struggling were  
In midst of battle over head and ear,  
The Kite, as Lord o'th' manor, in those days  
Did seize them both for his, as wafts and strays.   

Mor.  
It often happens when two disagree  
In comes a third, and both his Vassals be.    

FAB. 4. Of the Dog and the Shadow.  

A Dog with flesh in's mouth a pond swum o'er,  
Yet his mouth was not stopped, for he craved more.  
His mouth did water at an empty shade,  
Which the Sun shining on the river made:  
(Like cloud for Juno) whilst he searched about  
For that, the flesh within his jaws dropped out.  
Betwixt cup and lip they say some things are lost,  
Nay what's betwixt out lips w' have but almost.  
This for my greediness did me befall,  
Said he, who wished for to have more than all.   

Mor.  
They who have Substance and Court shadows too,  
Coveting both, do oft themselves undo.  
He that would cure a doglike appetite,  
Can't satiate, but must destroyed out right.    

FAB. 5. Of the Lion and some other Beasts.  

THe King of beasts with some of's subjects went  
A hunting, promised, what he never meant,  
They should have equal shares of what he took  
By Gavell-kind, he for no more would look.  
They took a Stag, dividing bred division,  
They would have part, but he the whole provision;  
I'll have one fourth, said he, as I am best:  
A second fourth because I am strongest:  
A third, because I took the greatest pain:  
And a fourth quarter friendship to maintain.   

Mor.  
Who hunts with Lion, honey eats with Bear,  
Will be made know that they his betters are;  
To dwell with thy Superiour's Capital,  
Equals will share, but Betters will have all.    

FAB. 6. Of the Wolf and the Crane.  

A Wolf devoured a Lamb, but make no bones  
Of him he could not, for he made sad moans  
A bone stuck in his throat, did howl, and cry,  
The other beasts laughed at his misery.  
For why, for him their flocks men could not keep,  
For he loved mutton, and would run at sheep;  
The Crane alone, with long neck, wit as short,  
Pitied the Wolf, seeing him all amort,  
Put his neck in his throat, craned up the bone,  
For which some wished it had stuck in his own.  
That done, the Crane looked for a recompense:  
To expect more, said th' wolf, there is no sense;  
I spared thy neck which I might have bit off,  
More fool the Crane to put it in his trough.   

Mor.  
Ungrateful mountains midwife, and a mouse  
Is thy reward, Sue beggars have a louse:  
Save some men, and if they destroy thee not,  
They think't a kindness ne'er to be forgot.    

FAB. 7. Of the Country man and the Snake.  

A Country man took pity on a snake  
Was almost froze to death, him home did take  
And laid him by the fire, he felt the heat  
So much at last it forced him to retreat.  
And then in heat of passion too was he,  
Plucked out his sting, as who revenged would be,  
And at his Landlord did begin to hiss  
(As filled with scorn) deserved it not I wiss.  
Said he, when thou wert almost dead alas  
I kened thee not, thou wert like snake i'th' grass.  
But now thou'rt come tothth' self thou makest me say  
Woe's me that did a snake in bosom lay.   

Mor.  
Although the proverb would have folks more wise,  
Some bring up birds to pluck out their own eyes.    

FAB. 8. Of the Boar and Ass.  

Whether long-ears the Boars great tusks did spy,  
He laughed to scorn that Duke of Tuscany;  
E'en laugh thy fill, the Boor replied, alas  
I scorn to touch thee, cause thou art an ass.   

Mor.  
Women may talk, some better (I allege)  
May steal a horse than some look o'er the hedge.    

FAB. 9 Of the City mouse, and Country mouse.  

THe Countrey-mouse the City-mouse invited  
Which came to take the air, his fare he slighted  
Though he provided of the very best,  
His guest was proud (that was the cream o'th' jest.)  
Thou honest Boor, said he, when thou to London  
Comest, thou must visit me, or I am undone,  
See City cheer, how tables there are spread:  
He came, but heard a noise which he did dread  
In the Keyhole, have you these, now and then  
Said he, if so, were I at home again.  
Rather than scared I'd be with noise like these,  
I'd always live like a mouse in a cheese.   

Mor.  
Poor Country folks have this great happiness,  
Though they far worse they commonly fear less  
Than Citizens who do abound in wealth,  
Never secure lest't should be lost by stealth,  
Or otherwise; whereas at thiefs they use  
To laugh, who know that they have nought to lose.  
No noises in their Keyholes use to be,  
Well known to have a Guard of Poverty.  
Eutrapelus, with Riches load would he  
His foes, that they might not light hearted be,  
Nor whistle, like the Cobbler in his stall,  
That ne'er could do it, when he had left his awl  
Translated to a rich man; then his nature  
Most merry was, when he a poor translator.    

FAB. 10. Of the Eagle and Jack-daw.  

THe King of birds had got a nut to crack  
To get its Kernel, he both teeth did lack  
And skill, I mean, a fish, he could not tell  
How to come at, 'twas shut up in a shell.  
Jack-daw made bold to offer his advice,  
That he to a high Tower would take his rise,  
And throw it down from thence, it than would break:  
Watching its downfall, he did stand and peak.  
He took his counsel, and did throw it down,  
The Jack-daw snatched it up being a clown  
And a Rook too, who studied to inveigle  
His Sovereign Lord and King, by name Mounteagle.  
The Eagle said, I'd want good sight to have,  
Now bless my eyes as I do spy a knave;  
A due mistrustful foresight I did lack  
Who would have thought Jack-daw so arch a crack?   

Mor.  
Let men take warning by this cheating Elf,  
Lest he that counsel gives, aim at himself.    

FAB. 11. Of the Raven and the Fox.  

A Raven, that had got a goodly prey,  
A Fox came to, gave him the time of day,  
Saluted him with many a good morrow,  
For Fame's abusing him expressed much sorrow:  
Fame saith thou'rt black saith he, I say thou'rt white  
As Swans, or Snow, more like to day than night.  
If you can sing as well as you are fair,  
Then you have two endowments choice, and rare.  
At this did th' Raven strut like Crow in Gutter,  
And his melodious notes began to utter.  
The Proverb, black and proud, did verify,  
As proud as black, as black as proud was he.  
That done, his meat did soon forsake his mouth,  
At which he soon became sad, and uncouth.  
That I a Raven such an Ass should be,  
He said, to let a Fox crow over me!   

Mor.  
Thus flatterers are wont to speak us fair  
When their intentions to beguile us are.  
Fox-lungs consumed the Raven, a presumption  
Though't be Fox-lungs are good for a Consumption.    

FAB. 12. Of the Lion that was past his strength for Age.  

THe Lion, who when young no creature fears,  
When old, had all the beasts about his ears:  
Boar with his tusks, and with his horns the Bull,  
The silly Ass too kicked his belly full:  
Calling to mind how cruel he had been  
To some of them, 'tis just saith he, I mean  
From some of those, and but Retaliation  
They whom I vexed should give me this vexation:  
But that which greatly doth perplex my mind,  
Is, their unkindness to whom I was kind.   

Mor.  
Nor friends, nor foes we ought to multiply  
Without cause, or without necessity.  
This always ought for to be understood,  
True foes will do us hurt, false friends no good.    

FAB. 13. Of the Dog and the Ass.  

THe silly Ass harped much on that sad string;  
Fawning Dog was made of, like any thing,  
By master, and by servants, both, though he  
Idle as any Dog had wont to be:  
But the poor Ass was laded with Packsaddles,  
And made to carry all their Fiddle-faddles.  
Thinks he, if fawning be so good a trade,  
I'll take it up myself, and I am made.  
His Ass-ship did, at his return, I wiss  
Pope-like his master, give his foot to kiss.  
For that Dogtrick his master clubbed him sound:  
Asses may not, where Dogs may come off roundly.   

Mor.  
All mayn't make bold alike, under the rose  
Be't said, with most, Kissing by favour goes:  
Dogs may be bedfellows, to whom no Peers,  
Where the Ass dare not lie, no, for his ears.    

FAB. 14. Of the Lion, and the Mouse.  

OVer the Lion's back some mice did creep,  
As he upon green leaves lay fast asleep;  
All scaped but one, but one he work, and took  
To make example of, by hook or crook.  
Mouse pleaded hard, and this was his great plea,  
Lion's a King, must not a Mousetrap be;  
I know thou couldst destroy me in a trice  
But Eagles catch no flies, Lions no mice.  
He gave him quarter, and his liberty  
Though he the Lion rid, set him .  
Soon after was the Lion in a snare,  
The thankful mouse espied him unaware;  
He could do feats, although he could not blunder,  
To him he ran, and bitten the Knots asunder.   

Mor.  
Treat poor fools kindly, stroy no mice, for why on  
Occasion offered, mice may save a Lyon.    

FAB. 15. Of the sick Kite.  

A Kite was like to die, how I don't know,  
For why, they say, no Carrion kills a Crow.  
(If he had died, well spared have been he might,  
One Larks leg's worth the body of a Kite:)  
He prays his mother for to pray the Gods  
That he might live, else he should die, 'twas odds.  
Said she on thy behalf they will not hear me  
Though I be earnest, therefore do not jeer me;  
How oft hast thou snatched the meat from their Table,  
I mean their Altar, when that thou wert able?   

Mor.  
Wouldst thou in trouble, that Heaven should thee stand by?  
Be not profane in thy prosperity.    

FAB. 16. Of the Swallow and other Birds.  

THe Swallow by his wise advice, was known  
To spoil the Linseed, when it was first sown;  
When it was green, he counselled them again,  
But th' Birds withstood his counsel, might and main:  
When that the Line was come to its maturity,  
Spoil it, saith he again, for your security.  
Having so often bid them to beware  
(For he well knew 'twas planted for a snare)  
Seeing no counsel would take place, why then  
Farewell to Beasts said he, I'll dwell with men.  
They seem to me more reasonable of the two,  
To dwell with, though i'th' chimney dwell I do.   

Mor.  
They who run on when th'banes forbidden thrice be,  
Even let them wed (as they do) misery.  
Who often warned of danger, will not fly,  
'Tis safest to quit their society,    

FAB. 17. Of the Frogs and their King.  

FRogs swelled like Toads with Pride croaked for a King,  
Thinking a Commonwealth but a mean thing;  
Jove gave them a great Beam, King good enough  
For them, but that 'tis said they took in snuff;  
Though scared, when first he did the waters jog,  
They scorned him when they saw he was a Log:  
An active King they want, and cannot settle  
Unless that Jove give them a King of mettle.  
Then came a Crane which soon began to rout 'em  
For why the crabbed Crane did lay about 'em:  
They soon discerned which was best of the twain,  
A harmless beam or a devouring Crane.   

Mor.  
Too mild is a good fault in them that rule,  
(If any fault be good,) and they who pule  
And whine at Rulers too great clemency,  
Deserve to feel the smart of tyranny.  
A beam doth nothing like a Crane annoy:  
If it can't save, neither will it destroy.    

FAB. 18. Of the Pigeons, and the Kite.  

TIme was with Kite the Pigeons had a war,  
Without a King they thought he would them mar;  
They chose the Hawk, (that bird with Roman nose)  
That by his help they might withstand their foes.  
But afterwards they found that they were widgeons,  
For why like Patridges he used the Pigeons.  
His tyranny was worse than war with th' Kite  
Sovereignty armed his fierceness besides might:  
One claw of th' Hawk worse than the Kites whole body,  
Which made each Pigeon call himself a noddy.   

Mor.  
Change of condition like to change of Air  
Some think will mend them, who then worst do fare.  
If it be not too bad, this thou shouldst do,  
Keep thy old State, rather than seek a new.    

FAB. 19 Of the Thief, and the Dog.  

A Thief unto a barking Dog was kind,  
Would fill his mouth with bread, he knew his mind  
It was to stop his mouth, to bark he might  
Not able be, I'll bark if I can't by't,  
Said he, for else thou'lt surely rob this house;  
On that account thy breads ' not worth a louse.   

Mor.  
Who gets small gains with utmost hazard, he  
Pound-foolish, penny-wise is said to be:  
No man that's wise will venture wine for dregs,  
Or set his house on fire to roast his Egs.  
Base men for bribes have let great spoil be done,  
Some dogs so generous are that they'll take none.    

FAB. 20. Of the Wolf and the young Sow.  

DAme Sow lay in, a wolf so kind and mild  
Offered her service for to nurse her child;  
A wolf faith she was Nurse to Romulus,  
And Remus too, let me be thine-Dame Sus.  
Though I have many pigs, yet I have none,  
Said th' Sow, for Wolves, scarce for our Parson one  
These sucking Pigs with me shall go about,  
When, as I have piged in, I shall pig out  
Of th' Straw, I wish thou wert as far as York,  
Old wolf, for why I see thou lov'st young pork.   

Mor.  
When folks are too officious, I mistrust  
Some slippery trick they'll serve us when they lust.  
For Woolves, and such like never to come to us,  
Is sure the greatest kindness they can do us.  
I say that greatest kindness is, for why  
Their room is better than their company.    

FAB. 21. Of the mountains bringing forth young.  

Mountain's in Travail fell, and they did lack  
An Atlas sure, who else could hold their back?  
Or little hills, or Giants they'd produce  
'Twas thought, at length came forth a little mouse:  
Old laughing then, twelve pence a piece there might  
Be given for to see that wondrous sight.   

Mor.  
Great talkers often wander from their scope,  
Though they ne'er speak but when their mouth doth ;  
Oft instances of men each age affords,  
Sparing in deeds, but lavish in their words.    

FAB. 22. Of the Hound despised by his master.  

AN aged Hound could not as he had wont  
Course Deer, or with his teeth so fasten on't;  
For he had almost none: he caught a deer  
And let him go again, his master here,  
Was full of wrath, chid him, and paid his hide:  
But thus he reasoned (taking him aside)  
What I was in my youth you may remember,  
None July-flowers do look for in December;  
Though now I service little do, or none,  
Love me for what I formerly have done.  
You would be loath ('tis fit you should be told)  
To be so served yourself when you are old.   

Mor.  
Good turns should be remembered whilst they last  
That did them, though the benefit be past;  
'Tis a base mind (we ought for to believe)  
No longer to pay thanks, than we receive.    

FAB. 23. Of the Hares and the Frogs.  

ITh' shady wood the fearful Hares did hear  
A certain whirlwind that blew unaware;  
At which they start, and quickly run away:  
One wiser than the rest, wished them to stay,  
'Twas but a wind was whistling for a spurt  
That made them dance away, worse scared than hurt.  
But the truth was, they then could fly no more,  
There was a Fen that they could not get o'er:  
And several Frogs did there lie under water,  
Which they supposed betokened some great slaughter;  
So hare-brained were the Hares and full of fears:  
For which one wiser than the rest them jeers.  
'Tis well, saith he, that we are swift of foot,  
But it were good to add some courage to't.  
By Cowardice the Hares their ears have lost,  
For Pigs with ears, but Hares without we roast.   

Mor.  
Who Cowards are, no great feats can go through,  
But must needs live like Coneys in a burrow.    

FAB. 24. Of the Kid and the Wolf.  

A Goat went out to feed, and warned her Kid  
Till she came back again for to lie hid,  
Kept under lock and key, and open to none;  
The wolf o'erheard it, came when she was gone,  
And looked for to return, with voice like th' dam  
Cried, open to me, for I thy mother am:  
But the Kid through a chink the wolf did spy,  
Kept the door shut, knowing the fallacy.   

Mor.  
'Tis good for children parents to obey,  
For doing so, keep out the wolf they may:  
Though goats by wolves have counterfeited been,  
Through certain crevices they might be seen.    

FAB. 25. Of the Hart and the Sheep.  

AN action of debt a Hart did bring  
Against a Sheep, before a wolf, the thing  
The sheep did not deny, the wolf was there,  
Though against her the Hart did falsely swear  
That she of wheat a bushel him did owe,  
Though not one grain she very well did know.  
When th' wolf was gone, art thou there with thy bears  
Sweet Hart said he, now I will have thy ears.   

Mor.  
To save thy life, or so, go from thy right,  
When so it is that Right's o'ercome by might:  
But if thou cheated be by any man,  
What is so got, come by it how he can.    

FAB. 26. Of the Countryman and the Snake.  

A Countryman was angry with a snake,  
And to revenge himself an Axe did take;  
So wounded him he thought that he would die,  
(Though by the Axe seldom's Snakes destiny.)  
The countryman became exceeding poor,  
After the Snake he had beaten out of door;  
And thought it was for that, invites ' the snake  
To dwell with him again, who would not take  
His offer, for saith he, though well I wax,  
I dare not dwell so near thee, and thy Axe.   

Mor.  
When a man's conscience misery doth awake,  
'Twill irk him to have wronged a very snake.  
Though those that injure us, forgive we must,  
Yet such we should take care how we do trust.    

FAB. 27. Of the Fox, and the Stork.  

A little Fox to Supper did invite,  
A Stork, it proved his Supper was but light:  
(Light Suppers make clean sheets) upon the table  
He poured thin Whitepot, which the Stork not able  
To gather up, the Fox alone did sup  
(They say Fox-lungs are rare for to lick up)  
The Stork full empty went, empty, but full  
Of heaviness, fasting made him less dull.  
Resolved to bring the Fox to an arraignment  
Or first, or last, for that his entertainment.  
When it was time that passage to forget,  
Then for the Fox the Stork did spread a net.  
Sr. Reynard he desired to be his guest,  
His kindness to requite he did his best.  
In long-necked glass with narrow mouth (I trow)  
He put his food, good Mr. Fox fall to  
Said he, your long and slender neck was made  
On purpose sure to fit you for this trade.  
His neck was short, and thick, the Stork at last  
Told him he must, or stretch his neck, or fast.  
At that the Fox was out of countenance  
And did conclude he hungry home must dance.  
He blushed himself as red as any Fox,  
And swelled himself in bigness to an Ox,  
As near as e'er he could, 'twould not avail,  
The Stork he had flopt i'th' mouth with a Fox-tail.   

Mor.  
They say, one good turn doth require another,  
And when ill turns are done men keep a pother  
For to requite them too, a common thing  
It is, to give folks as good as they bring.    

FAB. 28. Of the Wolf, and the painted head.  

A Wolf into a Gravers shop did look,  
Whether a Statue for a sheep he took  
As he passed by, tumbling about he found  
A painted head, whether 'twere square or round,  
He found it empty was, and void of sense  
And Brains, at which he laughter did commence;  
But what I thought, thou art, quoth he, I wiss  
A painted head, but an ill head-piece ' 'tis.   

Mor.  
A thick-sculled fellow that doth look acute,  
Goes for a wise man whilst that he is mute:  
But when he speaks, folks cry that they mistook  
Him to be wise, he had a promising look;  
Deformed folly is passed over lighter,  
Folly in beauty set, shines so much brighter.  
A well-looked Coxecomb's a most scorned tool:  
Either be wise, or else look like a fool.    

FAB. 29. Of the Cornish Chough.  

THe Jay with Peacock's feathers decked was proud,  
Then all his kindred quickly disavowed,  
With Peacocks joined himself, Birds of a feather  
As who should say are wont to flock together.  
He was no Peacock though he took their plumes,  
At which the real Peacock storms and sums;  
That he who was none of their company,  
Presumed for to wear their Livery.  
Over his ears he plucked his borrowed gown,  
Than common Jays left him no more renown.  
Cufft him to boot, and nubled well his nose,  
Now go faith he chatter amongst the Choughes.   

Mor.  
From warning Soothsayers hath the prattling Jay  
His Latin name, as called Monedula;  
From them may others also warning take,  
Their betters their companions not to make.  
've only Peacock's plumes have not their thirds,  
Fine feather's make birds fine, but not fine birds.  
Associate with Superiors, is they'll do,  
Strip thee of thy fine plumes, and scorn thee too.    

FAB. 30. Of the Fly, and the Pismire.  

A Busy Fly contested with an Ant,  
Himself far better of the two did vaunt;  
Boasted his pedigree, and great Allies  
Come of the noble family of the Flies.  
Whereas the Pismire showeth by his name,  
That of base Sire and Damn his meanness came.  
His habitation next to mind he calls,  
In Whitehalls, Lovures, and Escurials.  
In Molehills, Aunts, and little dunghills dwell,  
Earth's warts, or Earth's imposthums, are their cells.  
Fly said he, Angellike, had wings and flew,  
But Aunts did crawl and creep as all men knew.  
He fed on Pasties and did drink good wine,  
Claret, and Rhenish, Sack, and Muscadine.  
He lived in ease and pleasure, yea he said  
He played with Fortune, Fortune with him played:  
Quoth Ant, Sir Fly, whereas with my descent  
You me upbraid, I am therewith content.  
An honest Sire I had as ever pissed,  
My Dam was Earth, mother of all I witted;  
My Lodgings I confess are under ground,  
I think that thou hast none but go'st the round:  
Thy Pasties and thy wine I do not matter,  
For I can feed as well on bread and water;  
I know folks do begrudge you every bitten  
You eat, and drop you drink, me ne'er a whit.  
And wish you might be choked with your meat,  
They say you spoil more victuals than you eat.  
Of Fly's great havoc made Domitian,  
Hated they were, and are by every man.  
All things considered which of you are known,  
Sir Fly you have no cause to be flyblown.   

Mor.  
An empty cracking Traveller is the Fly,  
Who claims a privilege to brag and lie;  
And buzzeth idle stories in each ear,  
So doing, makes a shift to get good cheer.  
Beyond sea, tells his father was a Duke,  
Which they that know not false cannot rebuke;  
Knowing if Lies will please that he can tell some,  
Thrusts into Prince's Courts as bold, as welcome:  
Goes all a mode, although he be waylaid for,  
For why the  on's back are yet not paid for.  
But the Ant is an honest labouring man,  
For bread, and small drink, working as he can.  
Besides from hand to mouth hath some small store,  
Some Corn in's barn, some flitches hanging o'er  
His head, for fuel, some straw and some wood,  
Can make his friend eat and drink what is good.  
Lives a great while whilst that the vapouring Fly  
Or starves, or else for stealing comes to die.  
Whoso devotes himself for to upbraid,  
Meets with his match, grows weary of the trade.    

FAB. 31. Of the Frog and the Ox.  

A Frog by swelling tried what he could do,  
As big and portly as an Ox to grow;  
Her daughter it should seem was more a Fox,  
And cried alas, what's a Frog to an Ox?  
 thou canst equalise an ox thou first  
By so much swelling will't go nigh to burst.  
She swelled, and swelled, and swelled, twice and again,  
And so at length she fairly burst in twain.   

Mor.  
To be content with what we are, is meet,  
'Tis not Jove's pleasure that all should be great.    

FAB. 32. Of the Lion and the Horse.  

AN aged Lion found his strength decay,  
Yet could eat horseflesh (get it how he may.)  
He did forecast, Horse-Doctor to profess  
Himself, the best expedient he did guests.  
Many diseases horses have, he meant  
The credulous horse should be his patient;  
His patient th' horse pretended for to be,  
And said, good Doctor you're come seasonably.  
A thorn is got into my foot said he,  
Be pleased to pull it out, here is your fee.  
Then said the Doctor pray the place me show,  
He puts on's spectacles and did it view:  
And poring as he was, the horse I wiss  
Pope-like, the Lion gave his toe to kiss:  
So stun'd all Cordials hardly could him quicken,  
And then 'twas plain, the Lion was well stricken.   

Mor.  
Thanks to myself said he for my deceit,  
Cheating's the best reward of them that cheat.    

FAB. 33. Of the Horse and the Ass.  

A Prancing horse proud as himself came by,  
Adorned with all kind of finery;  
Brave as a Lord Mayor's horse on Lord Mayor's day,  
A silly Ass chanced to stand in his way;  
Be gone saith he, and forthwith give me place,  
Or else I'll crop your ears, not bate an ace.  
If fair means will not do I shall use force,  
Think not to make an Ass of such a horse;  
The frighted Ass durst neither quitch nor bray,  
He starts aside and forthwith gives him way.  
Frisking the horse's belly did come down  
And then his stomach too, he came to Town  
Soon after in a carr; the Ass did laugh,  
To see him then as plain as a Pikestaff.  
Quoth he, are these your trappings? I did find  
By your great cracking you would break your wind.  
And when I found you were so proud and cursed,  
I said you swelled so much that you would burst.   

Mor.  
He's drunk as any man that you see reel,  
Who does forget that fortune is a wheel;  
The highest spoke may soon be in the dirt:  
If men in their prosperity will flirt,  
And flout at them who now are under hatches;  
He may be Mayor of Quinborough who now thatches.    

FAB. 34. Of the birds and fourfooted beasts.  

'TWixt beasts and birds a dreadful war befell,  
That th' beasts would victors be, bats did foretell;  
Fell to the stronger side, the birds forsook,  
Who victors proved, the Eagle their part took;  
The conquering birds decree the Bat to banish,  
And make that Renogado bird to vanish  
From their Society, and from the light,  
Thence Bats are stirring only in the night.   

Mor.  
Swallows alone in smoking chimneys dwell,  
One cause thereof (as we may guests) I'll tell;  
Unto the warmer months alone she stints her,  
She'll summer with us but she will not winter:  
Share of each state with us ought every wight,  
Let them not share our day won't share our night.    

FAB. 35. Of the Wolf and the Fox.  

A Wolf was full of prey and lived at ease,  
That he so did, did not the Fox well please;  
Sir Reynard came to visit him, and then  
He asked the Wolf what made him keep his den?  
He said (with nightcap on) I am not well,  
What to reply the Fox than could not tell;  
Away he went, a neighbouring shepherd told  
That to surprise a Fox he might be bold.  
His den is , and unawares he caught  
May be said he, he said it not for nought.  
The Shepherd killed the wolf but ne'er the less  
The prey did leave, which the Fox did possess.  
But soon he came again, and sans confession  
He killed the Fox which he found in possession.   

Mor.  
Others to out that so we may receive  
Their incomes, is flat knavery by your leave.  
Though the wolves den and prey the Fox possessed,  
He was turned out so soon as warm in's nest.    

FAB. 36. Of the Hart.  

STag Wittal-like, was pleased with his horn  
Seen in the water, thought it did adorn;  
Misliked his Legs, as Peacocks do their feet,  
Thought them too slender wished they had been great.  
But chased, his horns in thickets him perplexed,  
Then with his horns more than his feet was vexed:  
His feet assisted his deliverance,  
His horns were like to ruin him by chance.   

Mor.  
A man is often proud even of his chains,  
And of those things which give him ease complains;  
Ashamed of that which proud (if pride might be)  
He should be of, proud of his shame is he;  
And whilst his useful feet he vainly scorus,  
He seems to glory in things like to horns.    

FAB. 37. Of the Viper and the File.  

A Viper with his teeth a File to file  
Asunder went, at which it did but smile  
And said, gnaw on, please you with all your might,  
Well may you show your teeth but cannot by't:  
I conquer brass, and crumble iron to dust,  
Therefore your bonny teeth to me yield must.   

Mor.  
Who saith he Iron conquered hath with bone,  
Offer him not a File, but a Whetstone;  
For to attempt what is not to be done,  
Is but like dogs to bark against the moon.  
To fight with those that are more than our match,  
But calls to mind a war 'twixt fire and thatch.    

FAB. 38. Of the Wolf's and the Lambs.  

A Peace concluded was 'twixt wolves and sheep,  
Their Dams gave Hostages the same to keep;  
The wolves their whelps they say did leave in pawn,  
The sheep their Dogs, who merely in were drawn.  
The little wolves did soon begin to howl  
After their Dams, which cry the sheep deal foul,  
Wronging their hostages, and might say on  
E'en what they please, because their Dogs were gone.   

Mor.  
Observe in dealing with an Enemy,  
Give not for his what's thy security;  
Pledge your Lambs, not their Dogs, if you're wise Dams;  
Dogs may defend the sheep, retrieve the Lambs.    

FAB. 39 Of the Wood and the Countryman.  

A Countryman a handle for his axe  
Did want, to th' wood he went which did not tax  
Him with an ill intent, but for to take  
Gave him free leave, what would a handle make;  
A handle he put on (for he could do it)  
Went to the wood again, and then fell to it  
To cut down trees, the wood stood and looked on  
Shaking her trembling leaves, cried I'm undone,  
And her own folly very much did tax,  
That she would trust a Labourer with an axe.   

Mor.  
Some Axes have, but handles they have none,  
Give them but them, and you are quite undone,  
No wise man will give handles, he's a fool  
Will arm an enemy with an edge-tool.    

FAB. 40. Of the Members and the Belly.  

THe members grudge the belly its good cheer,  
For to hear murmur bellies have no ear,  
Yet they paid dearly for their murmuring  
Who did allow it for to eat nothing  
Because it wrought not, though it dresst their meat,  
And upon that account deserved to eat.  
Yet they resolved that Kitchen not to use,  
And in so doing did themselves abuse;  
For they can dress it no where else, and they  
Strangely began to waste, and pine away.  
Surely 'twas a plain case, 'twas no problem,  
As they the belly fed, so it fed them.  
For th' belly, hands, and feet to work do use,  
'Twas strange their master's service to refuse;  
Nay, without hands, and feet I need not tell you  
Some folks do work, but not without a belly.   

Mor.  
It looks like to a Levellers demands,  
That none should live but they that work with hands  
Or feet; whereas there is no man but knows,  
Bellies and Heads work without Hands and Toes.  
Bellies are Laboratories for our food,  
For to digest it in, and turned to ●lood:  
Intestines, Liver, Spleen, veins great and small,  
Milky and mesaraicks, there are all  
Belabouring Chyle, and still renewing blood,  
And proper nourishment as they see good.  
He had a woeful sconce, that did contrive  
Bellies should starve and other parts should live.  
Wouldst thou that handicrafts alone be fed?  
Try the conclusion, and cut off thy head.  
Statesmen and Scholars who despise, I tell ye,  
Are like the mutineers against the belly.    

FAB. 41. Of the Ape and the Fox.  

THe modest Ape, or whether Ape mankind  
She only did, seemed grieved that bore behind  
She was, and begged a piece of Fox's tail  
(What he could spare) her nakedness to veil:  
In part of that same tail I should take pride,  
Which cumbers thee, 'twould cover my backside  
Said she, but churlish fox gave this rebound,  
Rather than so, said he, it shall sweep the ground.   

Mor.  
Too many, Foxlike, want the ingenuity  
To secure others with their superfluity;  
And whilst in robes that sweep the ground they dress  
Themselves, they'll not clothe others nakedness.    

FAB. 42. Of the Stag, and the Oxen.  

A Stag pursued, craved oxens leave to hid  
With them i'th' Stable, it was not denied:  
But an old Ox did say, 'twould not be safe,  
For though he might escape Tom, Will and Ralph,  
Three heedless servants, yet the master's eye  
Would find him out, who coming by and by  
Groped in the hay, and felt a certain horn,  
I'm sure, saith he, this is nor hay, nor corn●  
I have not far to hunt, saith he, what's here?  
I'll lay a Venison-Pasty 'tis a Deer:  
To lay the wager he was not too hasty,  
It proved a deer, he had his venison-Pastie.   

Mor.  
Whether by fear pursued, or ill chance rid,  
'Tis hard for men in misery to be hid.  
Be Argos-proof, for Mole-proof is but ill;  
Where Servants don't spy faults yet masters will.    

FAB. 43. Of the Lion and the Fox.  

A Lion went for sick, for so he made  
Himself to be, pursuing the old trade.  
To visit him all th' beasts but Reynard came,  
He then was not more sick than mild, and tame:  
Where's my dear Fox, said he, for him alone  
I miss, to fetch him hither pray send one.  
Tell him the Lion is his very friend,  
And very sick to boot, and near his end.  
And much desires to see him e'er he die,  
Has made his will, left him a Legacy.  
The Fox this heard, I shall pray for his health,  
Long life, saith he, prosperity, and wealth.  
But as to visits pray excuse me, when  
I see no footsteps leading from his den,  
Though many leading to it round about  
Many go in, it seems, but none come out.   

Mor.  
Foxes suspect that Lions may be strong,  
When they seem sick, and weak, and do but long  
For some good thing, get it (if they can do it)  
Like any thing in health they will fall to it:  
Foxes are not soon made their paws to burn,  
They love to go from whence they may return.  
Women, though dead, one Proverb saith, don't trust,  
Lions much less, seeming but sick, we must.  
Like to the Lion's den are Nunneries,  
Which none to go into I would advise;  
For once got in, though they repent amain,  
I wiss there is no getting out again.    

FAB. 44. Of the Fox and the Weasel.  

A Fox when lean, crept into a corn wicket;  
When fat, did strive to get out of that thicket,  
But was too big: old weasel said, if wind  
Yourself out thence you would, then leave behind  
Your fat, grow lean again, in that distress  
There is no help for you, but to grow less.   

Mor.  
Rich folks in trouble, who have poor folks been,  
May best creep out they say as they crept in.  
Poor Clients, Patients, and Amor's one straw  
Who minds? be poor, and fear nor Love nor Law  
Nor Physic, none will press thee unto that:  
Sometimes 'tis better to be lean than fat.    

FAB. 45. Of the Horse and the Stag.  

A Horse, they say, was beaten by a Stag,  
And made to quit the field, the conquered nag  
Meeting a man courted his company,  
Who went, and helped him to the victory:  
On foot, it seems, the man did thither come,  
Now weary, did desire he might ride home  
Upon his back, the Horse could not deny  
To th' man, his second, such a courtesy.  
He fairly took the saddle and the bridle,  
And then for all his conquest might go fiddle:  
The man made bold to ride him, of the bit  
Once in his mouth he never could be quit.  
That the man conquered, cannot be denied,  
Who then but he in triumph ought to ride  
Over both Stag and Horse? and so he did;  
They that can ride and aught, will not be rid.  
This plainly was the poor heart's misery,  
Conquering by man, he lost his liberty.   

Mor.  
Some by the Stag think poverty is meant,  
Which to set out by venison, wonderment  
May cause, rather by th' horse that caught the Deer  
He that's grown rich, and now commands good cheer.  
The horse o'ercome the Stag, the man the horse,  
Then with the conquering nag it was far worse;  
For of a victor he became a slave,  
The man got up, and he his will would have  
Of him he helped to conquer; for what else  
e'er made a conquest and not for himself?  
When some have Riches got by their endeavour,  
They find themselves to be more slaves than ever.  
The horse had better kept him to his grass,  
To aim at Venison be was but an Ass.  
To use man's help for Venison he was addle,  
The man would win the horse or lose the saddle;  
And have the Venison too, 'twas a man's meat,  
He'd ride the horse, and give him hay to eat.    

FAB. 46. Of two young men.  

TO a Cooks-shop, they say, two young men came,  
Stole away meat, and then denied the same.  
Each swore by Jove that the Cook might believe her,  
One was the thief the other the Receiver;  
The thief did swear, himself no meat to have,  
But the Receiver thus did play the knave,  
I stole no meat, said he, yet our belief  
It is, Receiver is the same with Thief.  
The thick-sculled Cook could not find out the cheat,  
Said Jove by whom you swear knows your deceit.   

Mor.  
Those subtle frauds which men cannot espy,  
Lie open to his view, who is all eye.    

FAB. 47. Of the Dog and the Butcher.  

A Hungry Dog made a good joint of meat  
Out of a Butcher's shop, hastened to eat  
It far from thence, the Butcher saw him run,  
At first said nought, for he was in a stun.  
He looked so sillily, and so uncouth,  
As when he sought his knife and 'twas in's mouth.  
At length he spoke and said, I can't come to thee  
Thou art a nimble rogue, much good  do thee:  
He's an ill Cook, that can't his fingers lick,  
Next time we'll take more heed for that Dogtrick.   

Mor.  
The Butcher should have watched the dog before,  
When the Steed's stolen men shut the Stable door:  
Till wit be bought and paid for, 'tis ne'er good  
They say, by contraries be it understood:  
'Tis good to ride the fore-horse, after wit  
They only have, that have been sorely bit.    

FAB. 48. Of the Dog and the Sheep.  

A Dog against a Sheep his action brought,  
That he a loaf (time was he lent him) ought.  
Sheep eat no loaves, she stiffly did deny  
The debt, Kite, Wolf, and Vultur testify  
'Twas a true debt; the verdict went at last  
For the Dog Plaintiff, and the Sheep was cast.  
Cast to the dog, I know not by what Jury,  
He took the Sheep, and flayed him in his fury.   

Mor.  
Many an honest cause is overborne  
Whilst desperate foes false witnesses suborn.    

FAB. 49. Of the Lamb and the Wolf.  

A Lamb that followed a He-goat, was met  
By a stern Wolf, who thus upon him set:  
Fellow thy Dam, said he, not stinking Goat,  
But the Lamb-thought he understood his note.  
Sir wolf, said he, what you mean I conjecture,  
My Dam hath made this He-goat my Protector.  
When Foxes preach, Geese to themselves must look,  
And wolves advice by Lambs must not be took.   

Mor.  
When he that counsels is thine enemy  
Always suspect the bottom's treachery.  
Won't foes do so? when now and then our friends  
Advise what's not for ours, but their own ends.    

FAB. 50. Of a young man, and a Cat.  

A Cat was pretty, as a Cat could be,  
A Youth there was, in love with her was he.  
Venus, said he, thou hast deprived us  
Of a fine woman, making her a Pus:  
O turn her to a woman good sweet Venus,  
For I confess there is much Love between us.  
She has caught a man, let her no more catch mice,  
Thou canst a woman make her in a trice.  
Then Venus her a woman soon did dub,  
She risen up woman, as sure as a club.  
And bribed it as well at the board's end,  
Carved well, paid due respects to every friend:  
Until anon a mouse chanced to pass by,  
Dear mouse, said she, though I sit here 'tis I;  
There is no meat to thee nor no playfellow,  
Thou playest so prettily and eatest so mellow.  
I'm young with child for I did lately marry,  
Thou must my longing save, or I miscarry.  
If that my husband break, I'll seek my rise  
By midwifery, deliver Alps of mice:  
Above all other babes, I love those same;  
The first I have, him Musculus I'll name.   

Mor.  
Nature can't long be hid, Temptation's that,  
Will show what seemed a woman, was a cat.  
Nature dissembled with great art, and toil,  
Let but a mouse appear, will soon recoil.    

FAB. 51. Of the Husbandman and his Sons.  

A Countryman wished his sons to agree,  
Which they did not it seems, so well as he  
Did wish they should, to further that intent  
A bundle of sticks did to them present:  
Break these sticks if you can, said he, thus bound,  
They tried to break them, and they tried it round,  
But could not, whilst that they were tied in one;  
Then gave 'em stick by stick, and 'twas soon done,  
Then like to rotten tow, they snapped asunder,  
Strength disunited is weak to a wonder.   

Mor.  
Rule over others soon thou mayst, divide  
Them if thou canst, and they on the other side  
Rule over thee; if so, therefore unite  
And break thee then who can, a fig for spite.  
Discords are Corporations rocks, and shelves,  
Which seldom break, till they first break themselves.    

FAB. 52. Of the Countryman and the Horse.  

A Countryman did with a lere-horse come,  
But with an Ass was loaden to his bum;  
The Ass complained his back he thought would break,  
His burden was so great, and he so weak,  
That he must die if that he had no ease,  
Besought the lere-horse, help him he would please.  
Give th' Ass his load, said he, I'll bear no part,  
It was too much, and soon it broke his heart.  
He died, and dying his whole load was laid  
On the lere-horse, and his skin too when flayed.  
Then said, fool I, nought for the Ass would do,  
Now bear his burdens must, and his hide too.   

Mor.  
Help those who with a little help could bear  
Their charge themselves; if quite undone they are,  
When they are quite undone thou'lt be put to't  
To keep their charge, and to keep them to boot.  
Some that could live, if they were helped at all;  
Not helped, both they, and theirs to th' Parish fall.    

FAB. 53. Of the Collier and the Fuller.  

THe Collier made a motion for to dwell  
Within a Fuller's house, he could not tell  
How to consent, for why my Trade is white  
Saith he, thine black, differ like day and night:  
Black  don't love white walls, nor white things black,  
Save only pepper which hath a good smack,  
And keeps its blackness to its self, thou'lt slain;  
My , if near thee, will be black in grain.   

Mor.  
Dwell not with those that are quite contrary,  
For ten to one that you will ne'er agree.    

FAB. 54. Of the Fowler and the Ring-dove.  

Fowler's to birds are enemies by profession;  
One saw a Dove had newly took possession  
Of a high tree, laid his snares by and by  
For him, (although a Dove, and his nest high;)  
Whilst so employed he trod upon a snake  
Which turned again, for it she would not take,  
But bitten him sound, made him stare again;  
Catching a Dove, said he, I've caught my ban●.   

Mor.  
Harm watch, harm catch, a mischief be their speed  
Of barmless Doves Trapanners are indeed.    

FAB. 55. Of the Trumpeter.  

A Blub-cheekt Trumpeter in war was took;  
Such was his plea, for pardon he did look,  
I never killed a man, nor could, nor would  
Said he, my Life to beg I'm therefore bold:  
All that I did was only for to to't,  
I never Bullets did, nor powder shoot.  
'Tis true, but something else I have to tell you on  
He said, you're Trumpeter to the Rebellion.  
The sighs and groans which had men made afraid  
T' engage in war, by your shrill sounds were laid:  
You made men's blood to frisk, and spirits caper,  
Which sure enough had sunk but for your vapour.  
No man does mischief like the Trumpeter,  
By his encouragement he inflames the war;  
He mocks men's sighs, he spirit doth the feeble,  
When men groan out the base, he sounds the triple,  
Of sighs and groans the music I'll thee learn,  
Others shall trumpet, that no bowels yearn.   

Mor.  
Who stirs up others he is most in fault,  
And dearest ought too pay, if he be caught.  
No Trumpeter no war; who ill dispose  
The minds of Princes, they are most our foes:  
Wish them to draw their swords, flatter them so,  
Say all is well that Princes please to do.  
When such like fawning flatterers shall cease,  
Then, not till then, there's hope t' have all in peace.    

FAB. 56. Of the Wolf and the Dog.  

 it were day, a wolf a dog did meet;  
With usual ceremonies they did greet.  
The wolf would know what made the Dog so slick:  
For that matter, saith he, I have a trick  
An easy trick, a fawning way whereby  
I please my master, and the family;  
And by so doing, purchase many a bit  
Warm from the Table, or warm from the spit.  
Sweet Cur, saith he, since thou hast so good pasture  
Help me into the service of thy master.  
Lay down thy fierceness, and I shall prevail,  
Said he, for thee, with th' wagging of my tail.  
They laid their heads together till 'twere light,  
Then the wolf saw what he could not by night,  
That the dog's neck was very raw and sore,  
And thereupon asked him one question more;  
What ails thy neck, said he, to be so bare?  
For I of that, saith he, was not ware.  
O Sir, said he, my manner was to by't  
My master's friends, as well by day, as night:  
Thereby I have incurred a thousand dangers,  
Enjoined to bark only at wolves and strangers.  
I through my fierceness breaking that commission  
Have brought myself into this sad condition.  
Then said the wolf, if thou art at that lock  
For to be fed with a bit and a knock,  
Much good may do thee, I'll serve no such masters,  
I now begin to pity thy disasters.  
I'll not retain to him if that I might,  
I am no Spannel, to love those that fight.  
I'll live in woods, and any course food eat,  
Rather than far as you, and be so beat:  
I'll not advance myself by flattery,  
To venture neck, and lose my liberty:  
I thought he had used thee like a child, a hog  
I see he is, and beats thee like a dog.   

Mor.  
Some great ones cruel are to them that need 'em,  
Give me a poor thatched Cottage, with my freedom.  
If great ones have their servants, on those hanks  
Injuries they must receive, and then give thanks.    

FAB. 57 Of the Husbandman and the Dogs.  

'Twas a hard winter with a Countryman;  
Must kill his stock, or not subsist he can.  
And first he killed his sheep, (the best go first)  
His He-goats next, and then he was so cursed,  
(For hunger made him so) his labouring ox  
He slew, he had a dog, that was a Fox,  
Fox-dogs there are, a fox his Sire might be;  
When he saw that, away went subtle he:  
If I stay here my master will me eat,  
Said he, in famine Dogs are thought good meat.   

Mor.  
Embrace not every service, an ill master  
Whoever serves, will find a great disaster.    

FAB. 58. Of the Fox and the Lyon.  

When first a subtle Fox a Lion saw,  
He had a mighty reverence for his paw,  
And his grave beard, which might serve a Philosopher  
So great as had read Alexander Ross over:  
He saw him twice, or thrice, and then grew bold,  
Stare in his face, or play with's beard he could.   

Mor.  
Use hath this property with it, I wiss,  
Makes men not fear what is not, nor what is.  
They fear no dangers who are used to wars,  
Nor Devils to whom they're familiars.    

FAB. 59 Of the Fox and the Eagle.  

AN Eagle caught a Fox, they're seldom catcht,  
But 'twas a young one that was newly hatch  
The old Fox on her knees begged for her Cub,  
The Eagle would not yield, but did her snub.  
Away he went carrying it to his nest,  
To play with his young Eagles, but the Jest  
Was this, the Fox came flying (Love hath wings)  
To th' eagle's nest, and then the Eagle sings  
Another note, down on his knees, and said,  
O'th' Firebrand in thy hand I am afraid.  
Burn not my nest, Sir Fox, here is thy Cub,  
Whom were I King of beasts, a Knight I'd dub.  
Take thine own young, and mine be pleased to spare,  
I and my young ones, all thy servants are.   

Mor.  
Poor folks have oft great opportunities  
With rich men to be quit for injuries.    

FAB. 60. Of the Husbandman and the Stork.  

THe Geese and Cranes were taken in the Corn,  
A Stork with them was taken, as forlorn  
Was he, as they, although he hard did plead,  
His Parents he did succour in their need,  
And was the best of birds, as to good nature:  
That would not serve his turn, the clown this satire  
Returned in answer, O Stork, you must die  
For thou wert taken in their company.   

Mor.  
Not to be found with Rakebels be you wary,  
For in some cases none are accessary.    

FAB. 61. Of the Cock and the Cat.  

THe Cock a Cat accused, folks could not sleep  
For his loud voice before the day did peep;  
And with his mother lay incestuously,  
That to devour him she might show cause why.   

Mor.  
Surely that man's invention is but small,  
Can't find a stick to beat a dog withal.    

FAB. 62. Of the Shepherd and the Husbandmen.  

A Shepherd-boy alarmed the country round  
Crying a wolf, a wolf, when none was found;  
He divers times such false alarms gave,  
Wolf came at last, and he no help could have:  
Not to regard his cries he had them taught,  
Having alarmed them so oft for nought.   

Mor.  
This misery attend all Liars doth,  
They're not believed when they do tell the truth.    

FAB. 63. Of the Eagle and the Crow.  

FRom a high Rock an Eagle did come down  
On a Lambs back, did not so much as frown  
At his so doing, or show discontent,  
('Tis not for Eagles for to compliment  
And say by're leave, because they princes are,)  
At this the crow began to gaze, and stare,  
Thought he might do the same, on a Rams back  
He gets, and rides, who cried what do you lack?  
Arrested him, in whatsoever name,  
A trespasser, for on his ground he came;  
For to make me thy Ass is too much pride,  
Eagles on Lambs, not Crows on Rams, may ride.   

Mor.  
Do such things as thou caused, eat what is past  
Thy strength, a Cobbler mayn't exceed his Last.    

FAB. 64. Of the envious Dog and the Ox.  

AN envious dog in a full manger lay,  
Nor could himself, nor would let th' Ox eat hay.  
Glad the Ox would have been this dog to bear,  
Would neither eat himself, nor let him eat.   

Mor.  
Some will not suffer others to enjoy  
Those good things which themselves cannot employ.  
Who keeps from others what there is no danger  
Of his own wanting, he's the dog i'th' manger.    

FAB. 65. Of the Jack-daw and the Sheep.  

A Prattling Daw sat upon a Sheep's back,  
Go ride upon a dog, quoth he, Sir Jack.  
Jack-daw replied, he need not to be told  
With whom he might, or he might not, be bold:  
Had I on Hedgehog sat, or Porcupine,  
I'd sat on thorns, but thy soft place is mine.   

Mor.  
Jackdaws dare ride on Sheep, but not on dogs;  
Currishness, as to aeceptation, clogs  
Men greatly, but is oft a great defence  
From harms, that light on patiented innocence.    

FAB. 66. Of the Peacock and the Nightingale.  

PRoud Peacock unto Juno made her moan  
The Nightingale sang sweetly, but her own  
Voice was ridiculous, Juno replied  
The equal Gods have voice to thee denied,  
But given thee curious plumes, for ornament,  
Considering that thou oughtest to be content.   

Mor.  
Let no man envious be, and let none vaunt,  
Sith all some good things have, none all do want.  
He whom thou scorn'st, or enviest, excels thee,  
And by thyself again excelled is he.    

FAB. 67. Of the old Weasel and the mice.  

NOw madam Weasel, weasel-faced was grown,  
And loss of former swiftness did bemoan;  
Hunt mice she could not, as in youthful days,  
Therefore bethought herself of other ways.  
No plot like lurking in a heap of meal,  
And there she caught the thiefs that came to steal.  
Furnished herself with store of pleasant meat,  
Eating up those, who thither came to eat.   

Mor.  
Where th' Lion's skin falls short, pieced out we must  
With the Fox-skin; who to his strength can't trust,  
Must use his wits, and he shall find e'er long  
'Tis the same thing, for to be wise, as strong.    

FAB. 68 Of the Countryman and the Appletree.  

THe City-Landlord's tree choice pippins bare,  
The Tenant roast-meat cried who well did fare;  
He to his Landlord carried of the best,  
Which made him for to covet all the rest.  
If that my Apple so transcendent be,  
Thinks he, the fruit shan't serve, I'll have the tree.  
The tree he had, and this befell the bruit,  
Plucked up, it withered, and bore no bore fruit.   

Mor.  
Woe to the man has such a craving paunch  
That nought will serve his turn, but root and branch.  
Transplant the tree, and thou mayst lose the fruit,  
Trees often whither when plucked up by th' root.  
Take from thy cravings, add not to thy store,  
Thou mayst have nought perhaps, by craving more.    

FAB. 69. Of the Lion and the Frog.  

What noise was that did the stout Lion scare?  
A Frog forsooth, was croaking unaware  
As if a Cock had crowed, at that he started:  
And looked as if he would have straight departed.  
Forthwith he saw the Frog that vexed his ears.  
Crushed her, and said, Are you there with your bears?   

Mor.  
Knew we some things we dread, we should cry fie on  
Our cowardice, here a Frog scared a Lyon.  
Man's vainly timorous, and vainly bold,  
Fears, what he should not, fears not, what he should.    

FAB. 70. Of the Prismire.  

A Thirsty Ant into a well did fall,  
Dove threw a bough, and saved her therewithal:  
A Fowler came at length the Dove to steal,  
The thankful Prismire bitten him by the heel.   

Mor.  
Who in distress a faithful friend shall be,  
Shan't want a friend in his adversity.    

FAB. 71. Of the Peacock and the Magpie.  

Peacock's fine tail made him the head of Fowls,  
And o expect it, but the Magpie scowls  
To see him King of Birds, whose headless tail,  
Come th' Eagle, was no fence against a flail.   

Mor.  
Beauty, and wisdom twins not always are,  
They say some are but foolish that are fair.  
In case a Beauty govern, that's a block,  
Thereby he is but made a Gazingstock.  
He's wise, and great, that's fit to make a King;  
beauty's a little, though a pretty thing.    

FAB. 72. Of the sick man and the Physician.  

SIck man on's legs was set, but he command  
Drunkenness could not, and so he could not stand,  
But soon relapsed, then said th' Physician,  
'Twas mere intemperance that killed this man.   

Mor.  
Bacchus and Venus lead men such a dance,  
Or die they must, or leave intemperance.  
That life may merry be, but short, I tell ye,  
When a man is devoted to his belly.    

FAB. 73. Of the Lion and others.  

Betwixt Lion, Ass, and Fox, a prey was took;  
The Ass to the dividing was to look.  
He, like himself, parts it in equal shares,  
For that the Lion him in pieces tears.  
The Fox saw that and therefore held it best  
T' have but a bit, and give him all the rest.   

Mor.  
An Ass may teach a Fox his course to vary;  
Happy is he whom others harms make wary.  
The Fox had been an Ass, if Gavel-kind  
HE had stood upon, knowing the Lion's mind.    

FAB. 74. Of the Kid and the Wolf.  

A Kid, a Wolf through a window did disgrace,  
Said he, 'tis not the Kid, but the safe place.   

Mor.  
Out of a window some dare show their head  
To them, whom were their bodies out, they'd dread,  
Men are made bold by certain times and places,  
Who otherwise, dare hardly show their faces.    

FAB. 75. Of the Ass.  

THe silly Ass did serve a Gardener first,  
And of his service to be free did thirst:  
Next time a Bricklayer, who did load his back  
With tiles (like roof of house) ready to crack;  
Prays for a third, thinking a worse than he  
Can't come, but found the proverb true to be  
That seldom comes a better, for infest  
Him did the last much more than all the rest;  
For him, a Tanner, he could not abide,  
Saying he'll flay my skin, and tan my hide.   

Mor.  
Folks restless are, and 'tis a common curse,  
They that change often, oft change for the worse.  
Four mates would turn one's stomach, if 'twere squeazy;  
Some have been shod round, each time, more uneasy.    

FAB. 76. Of the old woman and the Maids.  

AN ancient woman only had a Cock  
To wake her servants, which served for a clock,  
Broke off their rest by it, by break of day;  
They did resolve to make the Cock away,  
And did; but then the mistress was so wise,  
She caused her maids at midnight for to rise:  
Who seeing what was done, desired then  
T' have kept the cock, rather than the old hen.   

Mor.  
Old women are old birds, which catch with chaff  
None can, at young folk's projects they do laugh.  
Some sink more into misery whilst they  
Seek to get out, but take not the right way;  
Cut off Cocks heads, the course which they have ta'en  
Succeeds so ill, they wish 'em on again.    

FAB. 77. Of the Ass and the Horse.  

THe Ass his case full sadly did bemoan,  
Must carry all things, but flesh of his own;  
Idle, and fat, the horse; but when that he  
Herd Trumpets sound, a trooper he must be;  
Then said the Ass, I now have no remorse,  
I were an Ass, if I would be a horse.   

Mor.  
This little Fable surely serves to tell,  
Most people know not when that they are well.    

FAB. 78. Of the Lion and the She-goat.  

THe climbing Goat upon a high Rock got;  
There to remain the Lion wished her not,  
But into pleasant meadows to descend:  
Who then shall me, from thee, said she, defend?   

Mor.  
He that hath so much wit as Goat's have beard,  
Won't think a Lion fit for to be heard,  
When he doth preach to Goats; ' aware whose advice  
You take, or you'll be ruined in a trice.    

FAB. 79. Of the Vulture and other Birds.  

A Miser's feast the vulture seemed to make,  
And would the little birds should all partake:  
A miserable feast 'twas, not a miser's;  
Cost them their lives, because they were no wiser  
Than for to trust a hollow bird of prey;  
Nor more sincere, than to keep his birthday.   

Mor.  
If that a Vulture make an invitation,  
Suspect there's treachery in that Coliation:  
More courtesy, more craft; when some invite  
They do it not in kindness, but in spite.    

FAB. 80. Of the Geese.  

THe Cranes, and Geese both met in one bad plot,  
The Cranes escaped, the silly Geese did not:  
The bodies of the Geese were not so light,  
The Cranes less heavy, and more fit for flight.   

Mor.  
Great bodies slowly move, rich men can't fly  
In time of war, than well far poverty.    

FAB. 81. Of Jupiter and the Ape.  

Which had the fairest brood, Jove willed to know,  
Called Birds, and beasts, their young ones for to show:  
Then came the Ape hugging her Cub in arm,  
Appealed to Jove its beauty was the charm:  
Jove smiled at that, and almost laughed out right;  
So of its own, think best, doth every wight.   

Mor.  
Crows think their Birds the fairest, every one  
Almost, is apt to think his Goose a Swan.    

FAB. 82. Of the Oak and the Reed.  

THe Oak had no more wit than for to set  
His strength against a reed, would had him met  
To fight him, as if he would take the field  
Against an oak, with spear of rush, no shield.  
With Boreas encounter both, said he,  
Let us, and he that stands, shall victor be.  
They did, and then the oak came up by th' root,  
But the Reed stood, which made spectators hoot.   

Mor.  
Who gives the challenge, he is often beat,  
And the Insultor is made to retreat.  
A Reed may stand in spite of Boreas,  
When an Oaks blown up by the root alas.  
More stout, less strong; 'tis good for to be meek:  
More than thy match will make thee bend, or break.    

FAB. 83. Of the Fisherman and the little Fish.  

A Little Fish begged hard to be let go,  
And for the Fishers use to live, and grow:  
I care not for thy plea, said he, one rush;  
One bird i'th' hand is worth two in the bush.   

Mor.  
Make sure of what thou hast, if a wise man;)  
Let a fish go, and catch him when you can.    

FAB. 84. Of the Pismire and the Grasshopper.  

THe Grasshopper, like Friar mendicant,  
Came to the Pismire for some good provant:  
At which the Pismire thus began to bristle,  
Or work, or live by singing, or go whistle.   

Mor.  
Who like the Grasshopper plays up and down,  
Must naked go, or have but a green gown;  
Yea starve he must, or have provision scant:  
Whoso would live, must do as doth the Ant.    

FAB. 85. Of the Lion and the Bull.  

THe roaring Bull for very fear did roar  
Of the Goat's horns, and frowns, which he no more  
Had done than Giant little child would dread;  
But chased by Lion he was ill bestead:  
But had the Lion absent been, I think  
The Bull had made him worse than Goat to stink.   

Mor.  
Some creeping folks that o'er no hedge can go,  
Yet trample will when e'er the hedge is low.    

FAB. 86. Of the nurse and the Wolf.  

AN Infant cried, to th' Wolf I will thee throw  
Said th' nurse, with that, he tried to sleep to go.  
The Wolf heard th' Nurse, and thought that by and by  
His prey would come, but vainly did rely  
Upon her words, went back and said, we must  
Henceforward by no means a woman trust.  
Were Aesop such a man as most describe him,  
He might gibe women for sure they did gibe him.   

Mor.  
If we may credit what this Author saith,  
A woman's word is like the Public faith.    

FAB. 87. Of the Tortoise and the Eagle.  

THe Tortoise always used to keep his shell,  
But now affects the Stars, more than his cell;  
An Eagle hires him on his back to mount  
To heaven, which done he calls him to account  
For his reward, who having nought to give,  
Quoth th' Eagle, Tortoise than thou shalt not live.  
Why should the Tortoise to the stars incline,  
Who's only fit midst glow-worms for to shine?   

Mor.  
To live amongst the Stars (it has been tried)  
Some that aspired, amongst the Stars have died.  
Let every creature keep its Element:  
If earth be it, be therewithal content.  
With th' Globe Celestial they do not agree,  
Of the terrestrial who were made to be.  
Tortoises are more safe upon the ground  
Then amongst glorious stars if they were found.    

FAB. 88 Of the Crab-fish, the old one and the young one.  

HEr Dam bid th' Crabfish forward for to go;  
Fellow I will, said he, you'll first I trow.   

Mor.  
Others with backward gate they mayn't upbraid,  
All whose own motion is retrograde.    

FAB. 89. Of the Sun and the Northwind.  

THe Sun and wind did with each other vie,  
Which of they two should get the mastery.  
The Northwind ruffled, which the man his cloak  
Made to gird close, but the Sun made him Smoke  
With silent beams, yea to cast off the same,  
Fearing that else he should be in a flame.   

Mor.  
Fair means may do, when all fowl proves too weak,  
A cushion needful is a flint to break.    

FAB. 90. Of the Ass.  

AN Ass by chance a Lion's skin put on,  
Scared all the Cattle when he had so done:  
His master sought the Ass that found the skin,  
And knew the Ass to be an ass within;  
And his, for by his ears he that could tell:  
Said he, for all thy skin, I know thee well.   

Mor.  
Seem what thou art, for why 'tis vain alas.  
To seem a Lion if thou be an Ass.    

FAB. 91. Of the Frog and the Fox.  

LEaving the Fens, the Fox turned Doctor brave  
(Though Doctors in the Fens most practice have)  
'Twas sport alone to the old merry Fox,  
A Frog should vie in skill with Bates, and Cox:  
Frog, that about the mouth looks pale, and wan,  
First cure yourself, said he, Sir, if you can.   

Mor.  
He that can't cure himself may keep a pother,  
But who will think that he can cure another?    

FAB. 92. Of the Dog that would by't.  

Abiting Cur had wont a bell to wear,  
That strangers his cursed qualities might fear:  
He thought that he did bear the bell away  
For honour's sake, but his master said nay.   

Mor.  
To the account of honour proud men place  
Those things, which were intended for disgrace.    

FAB. 93. Of the Camel.  

FOr want of horns a Camel did complain  
(Such as Bulls have) to the great Sovereign:  
When that complaint (which few would make) he hears,  
In stead of giving horns he cropped his ears.   

Mor.  
By which Ear-mark great Jove would let us see,  
If some folks had their wills, they worse would be.    

FAB. 94. Of the two Friends and the Bear.  

TWo Friends a Bear did meet, one climbed a tree  
To get out of his reach, the other he  
Met him full butt, and fell upon his face  
Lying for dead, for Bears will not disgrace  
Themselves with Carcases; Bear, with his head  
Lay close, and check by Joal, trying, if dead,  
He's dead quoth he, for why I cannot hear  
Him breathe, although full close I lay my ear.  
Witted not he held his breath, but went away.  
And then his Friend from the tree top did say,  
What was't thy friend did whisper in thine ears?  
Trust not such friends, said he, lest you meet Bears.   

Mor.  
The trial of a Friend's Adversity;  
Fire parts what done't, more joins what does agree.    

FAB. 95. Of the bald Knight.  

A Knight was bald, as Opportunity,  
The Northwind made his Periwig to fly:  
At that bald business some began to flear,  
The worthy knight knew how to slight a jeer;  
Since my own hair saith he did me forsake,  
That others serve me so, I'll not ill take.   

Mor.  
When we are played upon, 'tis ever best  
Not to fall out, but fall in, with a jest.    

FAB. 96. Of the two Pots.  

TWo Pots were swimming, one was made of brass,  
T' other of earth; the earthen cried Alas!  
For Terrae filius had the wit to know  
He should be broke did they together go.  
Said Brazen-face I'll promise you shall not,  
Clay answered, if we hit I must to pot.   

Mor.  
Never associate with any Elf  
That loves thee not, and's stronger than thyself.    

FAB. 97. Of the Country man and Fortune.  

A Ploughman ploughing found a goodly treasure,  
To th' earth to pay his thanks, it was his pleasure.  
Fortune exceptions took, for why she knew  
Not to the earth, but her, the thanks were due.  
Had you a treasure lost, saith she, than I  
Had been invoked, to find it fortunately.   

Mor.  
Thanks must be paid where due, or we do worse;  
And th' saddle always set on the right horse.    

FAB. 98. Of the Bull and the Goat.  

THe Bull by Lion hunted came t' a Cave,  
From danger hoping shelter there to have,  
Th' insulting Goat kept him off with his horn;  
At which the Bull did thus express his scorn,  
Were the dread Sovereign of beasts away,  
Spite of thy beard and horns thou wert my prey.   

Mor.  
Who scorns his betters, when in woeful straight,  
May chance repent it when it is too late.    

FAB. 99 Vide 81. FAB. 100 Of the Peacock and the Crane.  

OVer the Crane the Peacock did insult,  
Boasting his plumes; the Crane could not him mulct  
Save only thus, saith he, I soar on high,  
Thou to a poor housetop canst hardly fly.  
None ought to boast themselves beyond their teathers  
I've the best wings though thou the finest feathers.   

Mor.  
All are not Peacocks, that is, not so fine  
As they; but with some virtues all do shine.  
Thou hast what others want, and thou want'st too  
What others have, to be proud will not do.    

FAB. 101. Of the Oak and the Reed.  

INto a River by a Hurricane  
An Oak was thrown, it puzzled her amain  
To see a puny Reed stand firm, and fast  
As if it could be mastered by no blast.  
Desired to know what might the reason be;  
Her answer was, it was by yielding she  
Maintained her standing; th' oak was stiff, and stout,  
And thence with whirlwinds had such a tough bout:  
The Oak refused to bow, and so did break;  
Though 'tso brave, she found it safe to sneak,  
And turn with every wind, like th' Weathercock,  
Else said she ne'er had stood many a shock  
Which she had stood: who strives against the stream,  
And wind, and hopes to thrive, is in a dream.   

Mor.  
Who stout, and sturdy are, far like the Oak;  
They, like the Reed, who quickly are bespoke  
For to comply with reason, some don't stick  
To call Oaks honest but Reeds politic.  
Be honest and wise both, therefore take heed  
To be sometimes an Oak, sometimes a Reed.  
They show themselves both wise, and honest folks  
Whose wills are Reeds, whose consciences are Oaks.    

FAB. 102. Of the Tiger and Fox.  

WHen th' Hunter shot at beasts indifferently,  
Said th' Tiger, stand for all the rest will I.  
A Fowler shot and hit the Braggadochia,  
Surely Said th' Fox thy Country is Boeotia  
Great Tiger, that thou hadst so little wit  
To wish the Hunter thee alone might hit.  
This was not courage, herein thou wert tardy,  
Prudence, and courage meet, but thou'rt foolhardy.  
Further, said th' Fox, pray tell me if you can  
Who wounded thee? I think it was a man  
By the deep wound, said he, men us do watch;  
It is their wit makes them our overmatch.   

Mor.  
Strong men are rash, but further goes at length  
An Inch of wisdom than an Ell of strength.    

FAB. 103. Of the Bulls and the Lion.  

THe King of beasts seeing four Bulls together,  
Thought that eight horns at once he could not weather,  
But two, by two, to master did not doubt,  
Can he by any charm make them come out  
One from another, some contrivance took  
First to divide, and then to rule did look.  
A mess of Bulls at once he could not tame,  
One at a time he quickly overcame.   

Mor.  
Had men the strength of Bulls (which they have not,)  
Let them divide, and they shall go to pot.    

FAB. 104. Of the Fir-tree and the Bramble.  

THe towering Fir-tree scorned the humble bush;  
All things considered, he cared not a rush:  
For when, saith he, the fatal axe shall come,  
You'll wish your highness, in my lowness room.   

Mor.  
Men ought the less for to affect grandeur  
Because a low estate is more secure.    

FAB. 105. Vide 83. FAB. 106. Of the Bird and her young ones.  

A Bird her young ones left i'th' corn a keeping;  
Wished them to listen if they talked of reaping:  
At her return said they, the owner spoke  
To reap this field his neighbours should care take:  
Fear nought as yet, said she; next hue and cry  
His friends to reap it were, abroad did fly:  
As yet we be well enough, said she, but when  
His son and self were said t' intent to come.  
Come now, said she, 'tis high time to be gone;  
When folks mind their own business 'twill be done.   

Mor.  
Trust th' Ostler for to feed thy horse, they say  
Before that he has dined he will take away.  
It is the master's eye must fat the horse,  
He must give him his oats, or he will far worse.  
Trust others with thy work, 'twill ne'er be done,  
'Tis all that men will do to mind their own.    

FAB. 107. Of the Covetous man and the Envious man.  

JOve to the Miser, and the envious man  
Said, I'll grant your request, as what you can,  
Provided what one asks, the other double  
To him shall have, which gave the miser trouble.  
He could not think to ask enough, for why  
All he could ask, was but a moiety.  
The envious man declared it was his mind  
To lose one eye, so th' miser might be blind.   

Mor.  
A covetous man ne'er thinks he has enough,  
He that is envious, is most asnuff  
That others have: that which gives him a feast,  
Is not when he has most, but others least.    

FAB. 108. vide Of the Lion and He-goat. FAB 109.. Of the Crow and the Pitcher.  

THe thirsty Crow did water want, not wit  
The water lying deep to come at it.  
Either the pot must fall, or th' water rise,  
The first he could not make, than did devise  
To raise the water higher, for he cast  
In pebbles, and so did effect the last.   

Mor.  
Small strength and stature serve if there be wit;  
Else steeple-height will not compensate it.    

FAB. 110. Of the Lion and the Hunter.  

WHether the Beasts or Lion's King were strongest  
It held a strong debate, though none of th' longest:  
Lion's the King of beasts, man Lion's King,  
Yet thought the Lion strength's another thing:  
I may be stronger than my King, thought he,  
Nay, quoth the man, I'll prove you weaker be;  
Come see the Picture of your common hap,  
A Lion's severed head in a man's lap.  
Thanks to the Painter, quoth the Lion then,  
If we were Painters we would so serve men,  
(Painting a man's head in a Lion's paw)  
Paint what you please that won't keep us in awe.   

Mor.  
This Fable is so plain, we may soon spell it,  
Every man's tale is good, if he may tell it.  
Who to himself cannot a good word give,  
Surely doth by the worst of neighbours live.  
If his own Limner any man may be,  
The best of features give himself will he.    

FAB. 111. Of the boy, and the thief.  

A Thief a boy saw crying at a well,  
What made him dry desired him for to tell;  
There's gold i'th' case said he, for a rope broke,  
Pitcher of gold fell in, it is for its sake  
I cry: is crying all? dost no more mind her  
Thinks he, I'll strip myself, and turn Gold-finder.  
He dived, and finding none, up again came,  
But then his coat was lost, he was to blame  
The boy's gold for to covet (though remote)  
But in pursuit thereof he lost his coat  
As well as missed the gold, he would have thieved;  
So oft deceivers are themselves deceived.   

Mor.  
Knaves with their match somotimes do chance to meet,  
Here a young knave outwitted an old cheat:  
If he no cloak had for his knavery,  
A coat he had of a thief that passed by.  
Who stripped himself for to dive for his gold,  
That done, he mean time with his coat made bold.    

FAB. 112. Of the Countryman, and the Bullock.  

NO ties, no yokes a Bullock could subdue,  
Do what the Ploughman could still out he flew;  
He cropped his horns, for he had wont to strike,  
Do so again said he, as that you like;  
Fearing his feet, put him into a plough,  
Now play more tricks, said he, if you know how:  
Shuffling his feet, he cast about the sand  
Upon his face, his head, his eyes, his hand.   

Mor.  
He is a man of great renown and name,  
Who a wild heifer does know how to tame.  
Some folks we cannot govern for our ears,  
They have as many tricks as dancing bears.    

FAB. 113. Of the satire and the Traveller.  

A Hairy satire (they, as Poets sing,  
Are Gods of woods and Groves) did a kind thing;  
A traveller was almost dead with cold,  
Him he'd take home to his own house he told;  
And did, they heap good fires (the woods are theirs)  
Made much of him, but something did break squares  
Betwixt them, and 'twas this, he blew his hand,  
Of which the cause the satire did demand:  
It is saith he, that I may make it warm,  
He spoke it honestly, and meant no harm.  
But by, and by, his barley he did blow,  
The cause of which the satire would needs know;  
To cool my barley I do use my breath,  
Said he; thou shalt pack hence, as sure as death.  
Thou hast a very false mouth of thy own,  
For thou to blow both hot and cold art known.  
Get hence false loon, double tongue, errand knave you,  
You shan't stay here, I know not where to have you.   

Mor.  
Trust not a man if credibly you're told,  
His manner is for to blow hot and cold.    

FAB. 114. Of the Boar, and the Countryman.  

A Boar that trusted too much to his tusks,  
Would feed on corn, and no more live on husks.  
It cost him both his ears, (not at once twain)  
He lost one the first time, then came again:  
‛ Beware the third time, the Boar like Ass or Mule  
Would not observe, though 'tis a common rule.  
With his cropped ears a third time came the noddy  
And then the Tenant quickly seized his body,  
And to his Landlord's table did present him,  
For it had been in vain t' have only shent him.  
For he could take no counsel for his ears,  
For they were lost, and he still void of fears.  
One would have thought this boar all heart had been,  
Yet as they say, no heart of his was seen  
When he was brought unto his Landlord's table,  
Which made his Landlord greatly chide and squabble;  
Where is his heart said he, there are heart-stealers  
Too many, I have met with some such dealers.  
He had no heart the Countryman replied,  
Or it ne'er lived, or it before him died.  
Though hearts they say, live first, and last do die,  
Him void of heart spoke his simplicity;  
Would not be warned when both his ears in pawn  
Were had, which showed had he a heart 'twas brawn.  
Hearing him say it had no heart, each guest  
Burst our a laughing, but w' have lost the jest,  
We heart for wisdom don't in English take;  
He had no head, if so, our jest must make.   

Mor.  
Some are so void of courage, and of parts,  
It may be thought they have neither heads nor hearts.    

FAB. 115. Of the Bull, and the Mouse.  

A Creeping mouse did by't a Rampant Bull  
Upon his feet; with indignation full,  
He shook his stately head, and dismal horns,  
Can not come at the enemy he scorns:  
For he into a mousehole could not creep,  
Where the small mouse in a whole skin did sleep.  
What he would do if he could catch the mouse;  
Safe in his hole, he did not take care a louse.   

Mor.  
Despise not an unlikely enemy,  
He whom thou scornest, may get the victory.    

FAB. 116. Of the Countryman and Hercules.  

A Countryman whose Cart stuck in the dirt,  
Calling on Hercules received this flirt;  
Fool, whip thy horse, and shoulder up thy wheels,  
For Hercules won't lackey at the heels  
Of idle drones, be thou a good Pains-taker,  
If thy Cart won't wag, Hercules will make her.   

Mor.  
To this pass all must come, there is no doubt,  
To lie i'th' dirt, or take pains to get out.  
It is in vain for those who swim in ease  
For to cry out help, O help Hercules.    

FAB. 117. Of the Goose.  

A Certain Hen some golden eggs did lay;  
Thinking she was a mine, the owner slay  
Her did, hoping to find her belly full  
Of eggs, and his own too; his hopes were null:  
Having so done he afterwards did need her,  
He found no eggs, and he had lost the breeder.   

Mor.  
Let no man hasten too much to be rich,  
Blind puppies are produced by hasty bitch.  
He that goes so to work; the question begs;  
Who kills the Hen, must look for no more Egs.    

FAB. 118. vide FAB. 119. Of the Ape and her two Cubs.  

AN Ape had twins; she dearly did love one,  
Seemed not to care if t' other were undone.  
There came a fright, her darling in her arm  
She took brim full of care, t' might take no harm.  
The other like unto a Pedlar's pack  
Or beggar's brat, she fastened to her back.  
She made more haste, it seemed, than good speed,  
So spoiled the Cub she loved more than she need:  
Dashed him against a cragged rock, until  
His brains gushed out, full sore against her will.  
That on her back, was safe as safe could be,  
A Jolly Cub, not like a twin was he.   

Mor.  
It is no slander to charge Love with blindness,  
Doubtless not a few folks are killed with kindness:  
So the Ape hugs her young ones e'en to death,  
And so embraceth themshe stops their breath.  
The children parents don't regard a fiddle,  
Are usually those that are in the middle;  
Whom so good fortune many times attends,  
They need not care a fiddle for their friends.    

FAB. 120. Of the Ox, and the Steer.  

AN aged Ox was toiling at the plough,  
Whom th' wanton heifer saw I know not how;  
Reviled him sorely, Plow-jogger quoth he,  
Not for a million I'd in thy case be;  
I frisk about the Pastures, live at ease,  
Despise all yokes, and bands, do what I please:  
thou'rt like a ragged Colt, I smooth, and slick;  
Do nothing else but eat, and wince, and kick.  
The prudent Ox thought then few words were best,  
To pass it by, as if he spoke in jest;  
Soon after came the heifer with a halter,  
About his neck, marching towards the Altar.  
This seen, the Ox did thus the Steer accost  
If this be all, you have no cause to boast;  
To have thy ease and liberty I wiss,  
Is no such purchase if it come to this.   

Mor.  
Of ease and wantonness there comes no good;  
If what it ends in be well understood,  
It will be seen at last that they are broke,  
Not who put on, but who cast off the yoke.    

FAB. 121. Of the Dog and the Lion. vide 102. FAB. 122. Of the Fishes.  

WHat made the fresh fish vaunt their pedigree  
Above all fishes that do use the Sea  
Is hard to say, but in Nobility  
They did pretend all Sea-fish to outvie.  
Phocas took't ill, an Emperor of that name  
Had been, and he did look to be the same  
Amongst the fishes, estimate the rise  
Of each we will, said he, by th' Market-price.  
Expose to sale the Seal, and River fish  
At once, said he, which sells for the best dish,  
Accounted be the noblest of the two;  
If that will not, I know not what will do:  
To bring this business fairly to an end  
He that is cheapest let no more pretend  
To be the best the best, men dearest buy,  
Our best appeal is to vox populi.   

Mor.  
If men were their own judges, every man  
Were best: but surely he is best that can  
Approve himself to mankind to be such,  
Whom most vote so, no person ought to grudge.    

FAB. 123. Of the Libbard and the Fox,  

ALibbard, Ladylike, was proud of spots,  
He better might, for black ones are but blots,  
His Eremin like, his purely natural,  
Their's more like dirt, and artificial.  
He thought himself of all the beasts the best,  
Despised them all, Lions amongst the rest:  
Then said the Fox thy beauty's in thy skin  
Give me that beauty which doth lodge within.  
Thy beauty-spots thy wretched folly stains,  
Thou hast some beauty but the Fox more brains.   

Mor.  
There are degrees it must be understood  
Of goodness in those things which we count good.  
Health's before wealth, and wisdom before beauty,  
That Venus yield to Pallas is her duty.    

FAB. 124. vide 123. FAB. 125. Of the Fox and the Cat.  

REynard's a subtle youth, a witty wag,  
But of a Hair, some say, is apt to brag.  
Mountebank-like, what tricks himself could show  
He boasted, and desired Dame Puss might know;  
A while sat still Puss in her Majesty:  
Then said, (Sr. Fox) one only trick have I,  
She quickly showed it, for a pack of hounds  
Came by soon after, as they went the rounds;  
She quickly whipped into a lofty tree  
That did her work, for there full safe was she.  
Whilst Fox though full of tricks, as dancing bears,  
Can not escape the hounds not for his ears.  
From the tree top she called, good Reynard wrestle  
With me no more I'm now in Baynard's castle,  
thou'rt gone to th' dogs, thine be no Arsenal,  
Puss hath one dogtrick, that is worth 'em all.   

Mor.  
One trade that's good is worth a many small trades,  
He's seldom rich, who is a Jack of all trades.  
Give me not many Mousetraps but one mouser  
Is worth 'em all, that will bestir and rouse her,  
To multitudes as such, a fool consents,  
One good one's worth a thousand arguments.    

FAB. 126. Of the King and the Apes.  

SOme Apes to dance a King of Egypt taught,  
To do it very neatly, they were brought;  
Were clad in purple robes, put in disguise,  
They went for boys, none could see otherwise,  
Till an Arch-crack that had a power of nuts  
In's pocket, thought to try them by their guts.  
Threw them amongst them, now my masters scamble  
For this fine banquet, that was his preamble.  
They quickly stripped themselves, and went to work  
And then the Ape appeared, before did lurk.  
At this the people all began to flear  
Apes will be apes so soon as nuts appear.  
A Jack an Apes, who rides like some great Count,  
On a bears back, for nuts shall soon dismount.   

Mor.  
What Art doth come as with a fork to scatter,  
To rake together nature makes no matter.  
Nature suppresst, first, or last, out will burst;  
The second nature will yield to the first.  
Nature's shut up in custom, as kernel  
In shells enclosed, temptation breaks the shell.    

FAB. 127. Of the Ass and the Travellers.  

TWo Asses in a Desert, caught a third,  
And each to make it his himself bestirred;  
'Tis mine said one, I took it, so did I  
Said t' other, Fortune gave it equally.  
'Tis much they thought not to divide the Ass,  
Each would have all, great pity 'twas alas.  
The Ass less Ass than they seeing their strife,  
Gave them the slip and ran as for his life.   

Mor.  
Thus it doth far with men when out they fall,  
About their parting stakes, that both lose all.    

FAB. 128. Of the Fishermen.  

ALl's Fish with fishermen that comes to net;  
Fishing, some Tortoises they chanced to get.  
Made hungry by the water, so they fall  
Aboard of them, as who'd eat shells and all.  
It seems their eyes were bigger than their belly  
For they had almost surfeited, I tell you.  
And several yet were left, though a conceit  
They had, that more than all they could have eat.  
As this was doing, by past Mercury,  
 please your Godship, for to do as we,  
Said they to him; he saw they had enough  
If not too much; and thereupon took snuff:  
They should invite him, for no other thing  
Than to preserve themselves from forfeiting.  
'Twas a raw compliment, and no more boiled  
Than theirs, that say, eat this lest it be spoiled  
Or lest we spoil ourselves eating too much,  
Who all but overplus do seem to grudge.   

Mor.  
God's won't accept men's leave, feed on scraps,  
Who serve them so may feel their thunder claps.    

FAB. 129. vide FAB 130.. Of the Beetle and the Eagle.  

A Beetle at an Eagle took offence,  
Thought a revenge in due time to commence;  
Got to his nest, and thence threw down his eggs;  
The Eagle could not stand on his own legs  
Against the Beetle; but did make his moans  
To the great Jove, who heard his sighs, and groans,  
My lap shall be thy nest said he henceforth,  
Lay thy eggs there, for they are of great worth,  
The Beetle still persisted him to nettle,  
None so bold as blind Bayard, and blind Beetle.  
He crept by welts, and seams, and lay below  
The eggs, which stirred, Jove himself knew not how.  
Scared Jove himself and made the thunderer start,  
And shake his lap, and self, and cry what art?  
Shaking his lap, the eggs did all fall out  
And then the whites and yolks did run about.   

Mor.  
If there be earthly Joves, as there be some  
So called; though they are neither deaf, nor dumb  
Towards their subjects, malice to provoke  
Is no man's wisdom, though in little folk.  
'Tis pride, and passion which to that inveagles,  
Beetles may come to be revenged on Eagles.  
Kindle no coals, but always court men's love,  
From malice none can save but Jove above.    

FAB. 131. vide 113. FAB. 132. vide 106. FAB. 133. Of the Birds and the Owl.  

THe little birds, the graver owl advise,  
Though he from Athens came, and should be wise,  
And so he was (though he looked like an owl  
(That's like himself) and so are some that scowl  
And look ill favour'dly, which makes some say  
'Tis pity they should e'er be seen by day.)  
Good sweet-faced Owl, say they, lodge not in roof  
Of house, for it were far more thy behoof  
To lodge in trees, take to the Royal oak  
Be thou secure from danger and from smoke.  
The falling-sickness I have not I trow,  
Said he, o'th' Oak I need no missletoe.  
That is the plant wherewith men undermine us,  
Give epileptic folks, viscus quercinus.  
Madge Owlet gave good counsel and bestirred  
Herself, as well became Minerva's bird.  
But the birds took the counsel, which they gave;  
They in a tender oak, their nests would have.  
The Oak grew up, and therewith grew their snare  
Of which the silly birds were not ware,  
Until such time as in the Lime they stuck,  
And by no means their feet from thence could pluck:  
And then they wished their nests in roof of house,  
Or in a little hole with any mouse.  
Rather than there, or in an Ivy-bush;  
Touching the Oak they were all still and hush,  
They had been very mad and conceited  
But th' Plaster to their feet had cured their head.  
Then Signior Owl was counted their Apollo,  
His words an Oracle for them to follow.  
Then the birds vote, as oft as they do meet  
The Owl, him, with much compliment to greet:  
Which is the reason why they flock about him,  
To pay him homage not to jeer and flout him.  
Nay further they agreed, we may conjecture,  
To make the owl, his highness, their Protector.   

Mor.  
Owls must be harkened to, they see by night,  
Though others cannot see but when 'tis light.  
Things must be took in time, too late 'twill be  
To fly when stuck in lime, Rig Ships, at Sea;  
A man is happy if good warning make him  
Fly from an Oak before the birdlime take him.    

FAB. 134. Of the Gourd and the Pinetree.  

AN upstart Gourd grew near to a great Pine,  
Said to him, the pre-eminence is mine.  
In leaves, and flowers, and fruits I do excel  
My neighbour Pine, his greenness knows full well:  
Used him at pleasure, crept into his branches,  
O'retopt him, and in injuries further launches.  
The patiented Pine was by this time provoked,  
Now speak he must, or else he must be choked  
With endless taunts, good Gourd, be not so loud  
Said he, you have no such cause to be proud:  
Alas you sprang up but the other day  
Come nipping weather, whither soon you may.  
And must, whereas the Pine, time out of mind  
Hath kept its verdure, spite of frost and wind.  
Summer, nor winter, heat nor cold could blast  
The Pine, whereas thy beauty won't long last.  
Thou wilt come blewly off, after one frost  
Thy greenness and thy glory will be lost.   

Mor.  
Such as the boasting Gourd is every Scoundrel,  
Who lately started up but from the dunghill;  
Now better men than they would seem to be  
Who from the Conqueror fetch their pedigree:  
Whose ancient families have kept their fame,  
For many ages, and are still the same;  
Whereas some who in hast Estates have gotten,  
May find the Proverb true, soon ripe soon rotten.    

FAB. 135. Of the Crow and the Wolves.  

A Crow the Wolves did far and near attend,  
(A servingman in black) this was the end.  
When th' Wolves were full of prey, they gave him none  
Though he begged earnestly, when all was done  
In hope of prey, we had thy company  
Said they, thou wouldst eat us if we should die.  
Nay was it not in hope thou shouldst survive  
And eat us dead, whom thou couldst not alive?  
To relieve 's no charity I trow,  
Eat dirt, no carrion will kill a crow.   

Mor.  
It every one behoveth to attend  
Not to his actions only, but his end;  
For why, this point of wisdom all are taught,  
Not to accept their Acts whose ends are naught.    

FAB. 136, 137. Vide FAB. 21. and 40. FAB. 138. Of Arion and the Dolphin.  

ARion was a Fiddler of renown,  
The King of Corinth loved him as his crown:  
Yet he from thence to Sicily would go  
And Italy, those countries for to know.  
Ravished all people, wheresoever he came  
With his rare notes, and got himself a name.  
And gold, and silver, to a mighty sum;  
Then back again to Corinth he would come:  
Inexorable fates no music charms,  
The musical Arion meets with harms;  
His notes might chain men's ears, but not their hands,  
Money subjects him, which all things commands,  
To th' Avarice of greedy mariners,  
Kill him they would his money might be theirs;  
He gave them all he had, besought that he  
Might live, got leave to leap into the sea  
With his  on, but first like dying Swan  
Might sing one song, to cheer him if it can.  
Seamen love music, and they gave him leave  
To sing, and play, it was but a reprieve.  
He must to water go, that lived by Air,  
Notes above Elah made the Seamen stare;  
Such were the Orphean notes which he did sing,  
Which their hard hearts to spare him could not bring.  
Raised by his fiddle, since it so must be,  
He boldly threw himself into the Sea.  
Gird as he used with's fiddle in his hand,  
A courteous Dolphin brought him safe to land;  
The Seamen made no doubt but in the deep  
Arion with his fiddle lay asleep.  
But he on Dolphins back to Taenarus  
Was safely carried, as on Pegasus:  
From thence Arion unto Corinth went,  
King Periander for to compliment;  
First kissed his hand, than told him by and by,  
The-Dolphins kindness seaman's cruelty.  
The King could not believe one of the two,  
But said Arion should to prison go,  
For so imposing on his friend a King,  
Until he better understood the thing.  
Sent for the Mariners (his subjects, they  
Were all) Arion lest in sight did play:  
Whilst he examined them of what they knew  
Touching Arion, who said it was true.  
He was in Italy in great request,  
Beloved of all, kept company with the best.  
Rich to a Proverb, in their own defence,  
They said they left him there when they came thence.  
Out stepped Arion hearing them say so,  
Whom by his harp and habit they did know.  
The same with which into the sea he leapt,  
The Seamen could into a mouse hole crept  
For fear, and shame, and nothing could reply  
For then it was too late for to deny.  
That it was he, the world could not gainsay  
Did he but sing one song, one lesson play.   

Mor.  
This tells some bruits have more humanity  
Than men, who nought but money deify;  
Who can be rich and safe? riches they say,  
Will make a very Orpheus a prey;  
Or an Arion spite of melody.  
Most strangely comes to light men's villainy.    

FAB. 139. Of the Spider and the Gout.  

THe Gout and Spider met upon the road,  
In the same town they both made their abode;  
Spider whom Pride no less than poison swells,  
Thought rich men's houses were the only cells  
Fit for a person of his quality,  
And told the Gout e'en quarter there will I.  
There he set up his looms and fell to work,  
Was so secure, he feared nor Pope nor Turk;  
There he was weaving webs, had great affinity,  
With airy Schoolmens overnice divinity:  
Till new broom came, which they say clean doth sweep,  
Then he his quarters could not longer keep.  
For to give over working he is made,  
Though once there was an Emperor of his trade;  
He meets with many a brush, and many a check,  
Scaped narrowly the breaking of his neck.  
Thrown down from high roofed houses like Paul's-steeple,  
Sorely affronted before all the people;  
The Gout was got into a poor man's hutch,  
There the tormentor was tormented much.  
Truth is, was almost starved, nor bed nor board  
Fit for so tender guest, he could afford:  
Like prisoner he was fed with bread and water,  
Laid upon boards and straw, enough to slaughter  
One that had limbs as soft as any silk,  
That called for Poultices of bread and milk;  
They were so sore with great pain and hard travel,  
But there he lay as he had lain on gravel.  
Spider and Gout the next day met again  
And told sad stories, where they each had lain,  
Such as were told before, thought how they might  
Their quarters mend, before another night.  
Vexation which doth understanding give,  
Told them that spiders must with poor men live;  
The Gout with rich, Spiders were safe in Hutches,  
And Gouts used kindly when in rich men's clutches;  
They did but shift their lodgings both were well,  
And better how to be they could not tell.  
The Gout went next into a rich man's hall,  
And found the master very complimental:  
Though he came limping in, not like a Cripple  
Was he there used, the Master far from gripple  
He found towards him, he spared for no cost  
As who should say he feared he might have lost  
So good a guest, had he not been so kind,  
But always to enjoy him was his mind.  
If hold him by the teeth he might to eat  
He should not grudge him, the best of all meat.  
Call for his drink he might, Claret, or Sack  
Or Hippocras, or what he seemed to lack.  
(If Claret and red-herring cure a cold,  
And hoarseness, Gout with Claret may be bold)  
'Twere endless to tell all, but in a word,  
The rich man used his Gout like any Lord.  
The Spider in his Cottage sped as well,  
He to the Gout when they next meet did tell;  
(Perhaps it was a Brother weaver's sty,  
Who for that cause might like his company.)  
He said his Landlord kept no mighty table,  
For being poor said he, he is not able:  
Nor for to see much meat doth please my eyes,  
Let me but have my belly full of flies.  
For they are meat and cloth as all can tell  
To me, and there's enough where I do dwell.  
When I reduced am to lowest ebbs  
Of them I can make meat, and also webs:  
Both as to force and fraud I'm free from fear,  
There's not a besom stirring all the year;  
There I can safely make and safely mend,  
For one poor man another will defend.  
I do not care for wainscoat as do some,  
For I do hang my room where'er I come;  
This said, the conference came to this event,  
They made a bargain to their joint content:  
The Spider should in cottages abide,  
And the Gout amongst rich men should reside;  
And so it hath continued ever since,  
Spiders a Peasant, and Gout is a prince.   

Mor.  
What this same Fable means to know who pleases,  
Consider must that rich men feed diseases;  
They pamper agues and make much of Gout,  
Whereas your poor men use to starve them out.  
Again each soil doth not withal agree  
Alike, one's meat may t'others poison be.  
Rather than Venison some will fall to pottage,  
And some to Palaces prefer a Cottage.    

FAB. 140. Of the mouse that was bred in a Chest.  

A Mouse had always lived within a chest,  
There was a stock of nuts, she liked her nest:  
Once she peaked over, and chanced to fall down,  
Found as good cheer as was in all the town;  
Thinks she a fool was I to make abode  
Within a chest, there's better food abroad.   

Mor.  
Some think that far from home they can't live well,  
Cockneys would be within sound of Bow-bell;  
But they that mean unto estates to come,  
Sometimes like Foxes must hunt far from home:  
Folks wish not for the things they never knew,  
As what the eye don't see the heart don't rue.    

FAB. 141. Of the Countryman that had obtained that Wheat might grow without beards.  

Wheat is called Ceres, Ceres with a beard  
Seems strange, a bearded woman's seldom heard:  
That wheat had beards the Rustic did bemoan,  
Shall Ceres have a beard, Apollo none?  
But the true cause was this, Wheat's scrobbed beard  
So pricly was, the good man was afraid  
To touch it, therefore beardless he would have her,  
But in so wishing proved but but a mad shaver.  
With much ado, wheat without beards to grow  
He did obtain, repent it was so:  
For than came birds and did the wheat devour,  
The beard of wheat its fortress is and tower;  
I mean its safeguard, that once lost and gone,  
The birds will beard it when it wants its own.   

Mor.  
Bear with small faults or you must bear with greater,  
There's pain, but much more profit in Catheter;  
The prickly parts of things keeps off the birds,  
(Would rob, not give us so much as the thirds;)  
Shells preserve nuts, though troublesome to crack,  
But for the beards we whcat its self should lack.  
'Tis better to endure in Lawyer's sense  
A mischief than an inconvenience;  
They that blame pain sometimes complain of ease,  
Gout's now and then a seasonable disease.    

FAB. 142. Of the Hawk that pursued the Pigeon.  

A Hawk with eager flight pursued a dove,  
Took by a Farmer, begged him of all love  
To let him go, he had done him no hurt,  
The Hawk did plead, the answer was but curt  
Nor the Dove thee, I know 'twas thy intent  
To kill him though thou knewst him innocent.   

Mor.  
They're justly punished from whom no defence  
Can be obtained by folks innocence,  
Take birds of prey, he were a very widgeon  
Would spare a Hawk, a hawk won't spare a pigeon.    

FAB. 143. Of the Spider and the Swallow.  

A Spider at a swallow did take pet,  
Who now and then some of his flies did get.  
A fellow-commoner she did not love,  
That hindered them from being hand and glove.  
Ith' love of flies consenting for to be.  
They happened, and therefore could not agree:  
So in one third they happening for to be  
Agreeing, for that cause could not agree;  
The Spider spread his Cobweb-nets to catch  
The Swallow, so soon as he drew the latch  
All the door over, than the swallow came,  
Such slender threads such a bird could not tame.  
He broke his looms (as power a press might break)  
Then for a dwelling, spider was to seek:  
Hung in the air, and thought himself undone  
Till from his bowels a new house were spun.   

Mor.  
At weak attempts all wise folks do but laugh,  
Old birds they say will not be caught with chaff:  
Let no man think that he may enterprise  
For to catch Swallows, who can catch but flies.    

FAB. 144. Of the Countryman that was to pass over a River.  

A River swelled with showers, a Countryman  
Sought to pass over, where he safely can;  
And where he found the waters were most still  
There is the ford thinks he, there pass I will.  
But had the wit the waters first to sound,  
And where most still there them most deep he found;  
But found them shallowest where they roared like seas,  
Said, loudest waters are passed with most ease.   

Mor.  
At wordy enemies wise men have laughed,  
'Tis the still sow that eats up all the draught;  
Anger that makes a noise is found but light,  
A barking dog they say does seldom by't:  
They're not so bitter that are not so grave.  
Your silent nature's settled malice have.    

FAB. 145. Of the Pigeon and the Magpie.  

MAgpy would know why doves one nest would keep  
Where their young in a whole skin could not sleep,  
The Dove spoke like herself, showed no cause why  
But this, 'tis long of our simplicity.   

Mor.  
This false conceit oft spoils the innocent,  
Who mean no hurt, do think no hurt is meant,    

FAB. 146. Of the Cuokow and the Hawk.  

A Hawk the sordid Cuckoo did abuse,  
That for his diet he earthworms would use;  
Big as himself, in colour not unlike him  
That he'd not fly at birds he could e'en strike him:  
Great Booby as he was, himself are Pigeons,  
Cuckoos to feed on earthworms were mere wigeons;  
Cuckoo passed by, soon after saw the Hawk  
Hanging so plain, the sight he could not bawk;  
From a high turret, and good reason why,  
He was condemned for his Robbery.  
Pigeons he loved and those he used to steal,  
Then to th' surviving hawks he did appeal.  
Should we not to our appetites give check,  
Rather than venture to hang by the neck?  
Give me to live in safety on a Heath;  
You birds of prey dig your graves with your teeth.   

Mor.  
A thief's the hawk, a merry life though short  
He doth affect, he cannot cat an ort;  
Feed high he must on those things he loves most,  
He'll have some hollow birds whate'er they cost;  
Take what's thine own, this saying oft rehearse,  
Better eat Neck-beef than come to neck-verse.    

FAB. 147. Of the Ass and the Calf.  

AN Ass and Calf well sorted for their wit,  
To feed together in one Pasture hit,  
By sound o'th' trumpet knew an enemy  
Approaching was, said th' Calf now let us fly;  
Then said the Ass to th' Calf, thou art good meat,  
Fly thou, thee if they catch they'll kill and eat:  
I for my part will here make my abode,  
whoever I serve I shall have but my load.   

Mor.  
Masters if they prove Captives lose their will,  
Vassals if taken are but vassals still:  
Servants in time of war have less disaster,  
They can but drudge whoever be their master.    

FAB. 148. Of the Fox and the women that eat the Hens.  

A Fox that saw some women Gossipping  
With hens, and eggs that might befit a King;  
(To see such sights, we need no long way wander  
They say, that's good for Goose, that's good for gander:)  
Called unto them and said should I so far,  
How all the Dogs would bark and tear?  
You rogue said one 'tis fit you should have none,  
You steal both eggs and hens, we eat our own.   

Mor.  
Who have it of their own may eat the best,  
But they that have it not, mayn't use to feast.    

FAB. 149. Of the fat Capons and the lean one.  

Whipped Chickens or whipped Capons had a man  
Upon a time, (some fat 'em that way can)  
All saving one, as fat as fat could be,  
A very Rascal of his body he.  
This poor lean Rascal all the rest abuse,  
Thought him not worthy for to wipe their shoes;  
Then came the Miser's feast, the fat must die,  
The lean one was a mere Anatomy.  
And so he scaped, it often happens that  
'Tis better to be lean, than to be fat.   

Mor.  
'Tis sometimes safer to be cheap than dear,  
And good sense, well far nothing once a year.    

FAB. 150. Of the piece of Timber and the Oxen that drew it.  

A Load of Elm which certain Oxen drew,  
Took it unkindly upon the review  
Of what themselves had for the oxen done  
In days of yer, (those days were past and gone)  
When that the Oxen upon their green boughs  
Had leave, and liberty to graze, and browse:  
That they should drag them through the dirt and mire,  
Pardon from th' Elms the Oxen did desire:  
Full sore against our wills we draw this cart  
They say, our groans may show, it breaks our heart.   

Mor.  
Who injures thee full sore against his mind,  
Think him unhappy, think him not unkind.    

FAB. 151. Of the goodly trees and the ill-favoured one.  

THere was a parcel of most curious trees,  
Both rare for use and every eye to please;  
A dwarf amongst them whose deformity  
Made him a scorn, they say, to every eye.  
Spirit of building on the owner fell,  
A fatal spirit as the Welshmen tell.  
Down goes the trees that tall and handsome were,  
And fit for building, the dwarf had no fear  
But he might stand, and did, for none would take him  
His ugliness a mere eye-fore did make him.  
Then said the dwarf nature I must not blame,  
Had I been handsome I had rued the same.   

Mor.  
With homeliness to be contents a duty,  
Some have seen cause for to repent their beauty.    

FAB. 152. Of the Swan that sang at her death and was blamed by the Stork.  

A Stork was by, and heard a dying Swan  
Sing better than in health, they use, or can.  
Thought it was then no time for him to sing,  
For death most count is no such pleasant thing;  
Wouldst know the cause she said now of my cares?  
I grow towards an end, and of my snares.   

Mor.  
We came from dust and must go back to dirt,  
Some folks by death are much more scared than hurt;  
Black Swans they say have seldom seen the light,  
Well may they sing at death that are pure white:  
To good men 'tis a privilege to die,  
Come death, they have more cause to sing than cry.    

FAB. 153. Of the woman that wailed for her dying Husband.  

A Man late married lay at point of death,  
His poor young wife took on whilst he had breath;  
And would admit no comfort, though her mother  
Told her that she would soon procure another  
Husband for her, much handsomer of the two,  
She was so much in grief it would not do.  
Yea to be vexed with her she said, was reasonable,  
Because her mother's words were most unseasonable:  
Her husband died soon after, on the bier  
Was laid for burial, whilst the guests were there;  
Mother said she, which is the Gentleman  
You spoke of, I would see him if I can.  
If that proposal may be for my good,  
The thoughts of it may cheer my Widowhood.   

Mor.  
Husband's are soon forgot when they are dead,  
And widows look to be soon married;  
Some seem to grieve (so far as we can see)  
Not to lose husbands but they widows be.    

FAB. 154. Of a woman that wept for her Lover's departure.  

A Minion did lament her Love was gone,  
Seemed to grieve so as if confined to one;  
(Though she had many) asked the reason why,  
Said, I had all his things but's cloak want I;  
It grieves me for his cloak, his cloak I want,  
'Tis that, not th' loss of him, that does me daunt.   

Mor.  
Minions are sordid Muck worms, very dirt,  
Grieve if they cannot strip you to your shirt.    

FAB. 155. Of the Fly which sitting upon a Chariot, said that she had raised a dust.  

A Bragging Fly upon a Coach-wheel sat,  
And seeing a great dust was proud of that;  
How great a dust I raise said simple she,  
Not knowing it from the Coach-wheels to be,  
And from the horses heels, she a spectator,  
Which gave no cause for pride, but 'twas her nature  
To brag and crack, as if that she did all,  
(No wonder then, proud folks we Flyblown call.)  
Boast as she pleases, yet this say we must,  
Herself is scarce a thimble full of dust:  
Let Flies be e'er so proud, more than their match  
A Spider is, them Eagles scorn to catch.   

Mor.  
'Tis some folk's humour though they did forbid it,  
If ought prove well, to say 'twas they that did it.    

FAB. 156. Of the Eel that complained that she was infested more than the Serpent.  

THe Eel and Serpent seem to be a kin.  
They're much alike, which made the Eel begin  
To question, why men persecute the Eels  
But seldom follow serpents at the heels.  
Dear Sister Eel said he, the reason's this,  
Men dread a Serpent if he do but hiss.  
No wonder they spare me whilst thee they take,  
I am a Serpent, thou art a poor snake.   

Mor.  
They that would not be injured must arm them,  
Some are not hurt, because none dare to harm them.    

FAB. 157. Of the Ass, the Ape, and the Mole.  

THere was an Ass, surely an Ass was he,  
Complained for want of horns, cornute would be:  
The first complaint had neither head nor tale,  
Want of the latter did the Ape bewail;  
He had a head, cared for no horns, a Tail  
He greatly wanted, his backside to veil:  
Then said the Mole, you're mad folks in my mind  
To whine for horns and tails, you see I'm blind.   

Mor.  
They'll scarce complain of small things who inture  
Themselves to know what other folks endure;  
Whoever mourns for want of horns and tails,  
Tell him the Mole the want of eyes bewails.    

FAB. 158. Of the Seamen who implored the help of Saints.  

A Protestant Tarpaulin was at Sea  
And in a storm, midst Papists sure was he:  
For why the Saints they forthwith did implore,  
Whom their Religion teacheth to adore.  
Said he it is in vain to pray to Saints,  
We shall be drowned  they can know our wants;  
Or come at Jove to have his gracious ear,  
But Jupiter himself is always near:  
Let us repair to him immediately,  
They did, he heard and gave serenity.   

Mor.  
whenever thou art in haste this ever mark,  
Go to the Justice, go not to his Clerk.  
If thou dost need dispatch, of this be wary,  
Go to a King rather than Secretary:  
It holds not true in all things though in some  
It may, furthest about is nearest home.    

FAB. 159. Of the Fish that leapt out of the Frying-pan, into the hot Coals.  

THe Fishes that in scalding oil were frying,  
(O cruel Cooks!) alive, for fear of dying  
In pain unsufferable, in the pan  
If they should stay, resolve if so they can  
To get from thence, they leapt before they looked  
Into the fire, and then were worse than hooked  
By greedy Angler or by Fisherman,  
Caught in a net, or than i'th' Frying-pan:  
Out of the Frying-pan into the fire,  
He that knows what it means, will not desire.   

Mor.  
Some over hasty to avoid one pain,  
Into a greater quickly fall again;  
Impatient of the Gout but in a toe,  
Repel, till to the head and heart it go:  
Here the old saying think of if you please,  
The remedy is worse than the disease.    

FAB. 160. Of the fourfooted Beasts that made a League with the fishes against the birds.  

 beasts with fishes entered League,  
They'd war with birds, and that was the intrigue;  
Ready to fight, their help they did demand,  
Who sent them word, they could not come by land.   

Mor.  
Help too remote we always should despise,  
And nearer hand make choice of our Allies.    

FAB. 161. Of the Covetous Ambassador that beguiled the Trumpeter.  

A Stingy Legate Trumpeters did cheat,  
Who came his Excellency for to greet,  
With sound of Trumpets for to fill his ear,  
And their own purse: the charge he would not bear  
Found out this shift, in heaviness am I  
Said he, and therefore love no melody:  
Alas saith he, you cannot now be sped  
For my dear mother's dead, and buried;  
One of his Lordship's friends came to condole  
His woeful loss, (and find him in a hole  
Crying he thought he should) and then made bold,  
To ask him when she died, who plainly told  
His friend, it was full forty years ago,  
Can not but laugh to think he had served them so.   

Mor.  
To a Muck-worm his gold is sweet as honey,  
He'll have a thousand tricks to save his money.    

FAB. 162. Of a man that came to a Cardinal that was newly created to bid him joy.  

CArdinal to be made one had the hap,  
A friend came to congratulate his cap  
Newly put on, Sweetheart, I crave your name  
Saith he, I know you not, he was the same  
That e'er he was, the Cardinal was not so,  
He was become too great old friends to know;  
Then said his friend, it comes into my mind,  
To pity Cardinals, they're deaf and blind;  
Their caps come o'er their eyes they cannot see,  
Their former friends how good soe'er they be.   

Mor.  
It is a blindness that doth oft attend  
Great Upstarts, they can't see a former friend.    

FAB. 163. Of a youth that mocked at an old man's crookedness.  

AN ancient man had on his back a bow,  
If 'twere to sell a jeering youth would know:  
Him that old man (like others) would not curse,  
Asked if his money did burn in his purse?  
Fools and their money quickly part, if so  
You'll stay a while you need not buy a bow;  
Nature will give you one, meaning a bent,  
 to another world a token sent.   

Mor.  
Boys that deride crooked old men must know,  
Nature in time will bring them to her bow.  
Who jeer old age its weakness must be told,  
If they live long enough they will be old.    

FAB. 164. Of an old man that married a young Girl.  

A Bachelor of threescore years and ten,  
('Twas much if he were honest until then)  
Upon a certain Girl did chance to dote,  
He'd have her for his wife was all his note;  
Bad as his word, at length he did her wed,  
The married maid was never brought to bed:  
But did remain a virgin all his life,  
She had no husband, though he had a wife;  
Bewailed his folly when it was too late,  
That then he was too old to have a mate.   

Mor.  
If to be married thou hast a mind,  
Take time by th' forelock for 'tis bald behind;  
Do that and all things else in proper season,  
The proverb saith in all things there is reason.    

FAB. 165. Of the Eagle and the Magpie.  

TO serve an Eagle Magpie had ambition,  
Thought herself qualified for that condition;  
A goodly person, had a gallant tongue,  
To th' life for errands, was so bravely hung:  
Thou hast a tongue I know, the Eagle said,  
But thou'st too much, my things will be bewrayed;  
Then for to choose thee I must be more wary,  
A prattler as thou art my Secretary.   

Mor.  
Admit him not thy servant whom thou thinkest  
To have a blab-tongue, or breast full of chinks;  
Upon a Magpie always look asquint,  
Pica's a Letter and puts things in print.    

FAB. 166. Of the Thrush that made Friendship with the Swallow.  

A THrush was proud a single League was made  
'Twixt him and th' Swallows, 'twas a subtle trade:  
But his wise mother saw it would not do,  
For as your meat, so yourselves two ways go.  
One loves the frigid, t'other torrid Zone,  
Who can live at that distance and be one?  
You are Antipodes and won't agree,  
Where is no concord there will discord be.   

Mor.  
They'll make ill friends who vastly disagree,  
'Tis suitableness makes good company.    

FAB. 167. Of the Countryman and the Mouse.  

A Countryman was so much given to jest,  
He could not hold when fire was on his nest;  
I mean a desperate fire upon his house,  
He jested at the wagging of a mouse.  
A mouse a Martyr that was loath to be,  
Scaping for life forthwith surprise did he.  
Leave us said he when misery doth attend  
Will you? who formerly did seem our friend:  
And we were yours, a friend's a friend all weather,  
If we must burn, than we will burn together.   

Mor.  
Who's like to Mice is no true friend at all,  
They'll leave a house if it be like to fall.    

FAB. 168. Of a Rich man and his servant.  

A Thick-sculled servant had a wealthy man,  
He King of Fools would call him now and than,  
He took it ill and answered saucily,  
I greatly wish that King of fools were I:  
No Empire then would be so large as mine,  
Thou'dst be my Subject too, as I am thine.   

Mor.  
One's King of Oranges, and one of mules,  
His kingdom's largest that is King of fools:  
Fools are so common ' twant too true I wish,  
Fools every where do meet us in our dish.    

FAB. 169. Of the City-dog that pursued the Countrey-dog.  

'Twas odds at football when a pack of dogs  
Pursued one poor one, cowardly as hogs:  
He fled and fled and still they did pursue,  
And when he saw his flying would not do  
He turned about, and them his teeth he showed,  
Threatening to have them in their blood imbrued  
If they did not desist; they made a pause  
When they saw that, fearing his hungry jaws.  
A General past that way, than soldiers fight  
Said he, you see most danger is in flight.   

Mor.  
Look what the proverb saith that fame doth do,  
That enemie's who fly them they pursue,  
And who pursue them those again they fly,  
Courage must save thee from an enemy.    

FAB. 170. Of an old woman that blamed the Devil.  

THey say an ancient woman climbed a tree,  
Was she a witch they in Cat's shape may be;  
Cats are old dog at climbing, 'tis no matter  
Woman or Cat, the devil to bespatter;  
Her resolution was, in case she fell  
It was by his persuasion she would tell.  
But he took witness in convenient time,  
He bade her not without her shoes to climb:  
She climbed without her shoes received a check,  
For the truth is she'd almost broke her neck;  
Telling, the devil bid her climb the tree,  
Old Nick, said, thou'rt a Liar, like to me.   

Mor.  
Some folks whatever they do that's plainly evil,  
Cast all the blame thereof upon the devil.    

FAB. 171. Of the Tortoise and the Frogs.  

A Tortoise that was burdened with his shell,  
For that same burden nature blamed they tell;  
Envied the Frogs did leap and skip about,  
After a while he found that he was out:  
Frogs were a prey to Eels, and every blow  
He armed Cap a pee with shell not so.   

Mor.  
We quarrel natures kindnesses too oft,  
Hard things may do us far more good than soft:  
Tortoises bless themselves when Eels do wrestle  
With Frogs, to think their burden is their castle.    

FAB. 172. Of the Dormouse that would grub up an Oak.  

DOrmouse loves Acorns, thought the Oak too high,  
He could not come at them so easily  
As he could wish, resolved with teeth to grub it,  
And therewithal did make a shift to stub it;  
Once stubed, the Oak Acorns no more would bear,  
He wished that he the Oak once more could rear:  
It was in vain, he hoped to spare some pains,  
Pound-foolish, penny-wise, he lost his gains.   

Mor.  
He that spends all at once shall soon know sorrow,  
So live to day as thou mayst live to morrow:  
Men must mind future's, having more than sense  
'Tis brutish, to be all for th' Present tense.    

FAB. 173. Of the Dog and his Master.  

ONe kept a Dog which himself always fed,  
Untied his chain and with kind usage bred;  
To make him so much more to love his master,  
From his hand there proceeded no disaster:  
But his man chained and beat him as he pleased,  
At which the Dog finding himself diseased  
E'en fairly ran away, was took again,  
His master pleaded he ne'er gave him pain  
Or angry word, why should he run away,  
'Twas his ingratitude he pleased to say;  
To serve him so what came into his mind,  
To leave his master had been always kind?  
'Twas all a case said he, 'twas a● Trappan,  
You beat me not yourself, (but bid your man.)  
Since I was struck and chained by your command,  
I had as lief you'd done it with your hand;  
If we must meet with blows and such disasters,  
They're worse from fellow-servants, than from master.   

Mor.  
Some by their Policies think to defeat us,  
Struck us themselves, but others set to beat us.    

FAB. 174. Of the Birds that beat the Beetles.  

BEetles upon their Dunghills bullets made,  
Of which the fearful birds were sore afraid;  
They said they'll Crossbows get and shoot at us,  
They dreaded them as mice do dread a Puss.  
There was a Sparrow wiser than the rest  
Beetle kill Birds? said he, you do but jest:  
We fly, they drag their bullets on the ground  
So slow, and softly that they ne'er rebound.   

Mor.  
A witless enemy fear not, cause such  
Some fear too little, others, fear too much.    

FAB. 175. Of the Bear and the Bees.  

A Waspish Bee made bold a Bear to sting,  
Honey he loved, but revenge was a thing  
Sweeter than that, revenged he would be  
On all the tribe, a Giant such as he  
By one poor legless Pigmy Bee had been,  
Stung, he'll be quit, or he will ne'er be seen:  
I'll spoil their Hives, their honey, and their young,  
Make them repent that e'er a Bear was stung.  
Which e'er presumed to affront one like me,  
Out of all question was no humble Bee;  
It was but one I know, but 'tis my mind  
To let them know, Hatred's against the kind.  
He said it and the Bees took the alarm,  
And cried out Fellow-soldiers, Arm, Arm;  
Yourselves, and your young nymphs if you would save,  
The Bears resolved our Hives and lives to have.  
These are no false Alarms or vain jeers,  
The enemie's here in earnest with his Bears:  
Make your stings ready, stand upon your guard,  
Stand to your tackling, or we all are marred:  
They did, they ran him down and road the bear  
As Jackanapes might do, so he paid dear,  
Who brought a multitude about his ears  
Too hard for one, though not for many bears.   

Mor.  
'Tis dangerous to provoke a multitude,  
Who can do wonders if they take a feud.  
Wise folks will take heed how they do such things  
For flies have spleens, Bees to be sure have stings;  
Men strive with hazard whole Tribes to undo,  
To reek their malice upon one or two.    

FAB. 176. Of the Fowler and the Chaffinch.  

A Fowler had dispersed great store of meat,  
Hoping the birds would thither come and eat;  
They came, but only some few at a time,  
The Bells he rang, he hoped all in to chime:  
 he had done, he scorned to take a few,  
To have at all a generous mind might show;  
He thought, their manner was, some went, some  
To wave a few his mind was still the same:  
At length night came, who would have all or none,  
Found the remainder for to be but one.   

Mor.  
'Tis ned good to grasp at all, lest all we lose,  
Something a man would have in hand to choose;  
At one bird in the hand do not cry tash,  
Thou mayst hereafter catch ten more i'th' bush:  
Beened all for presents, nor yet all for future's;  
(Both before and behind thy head hath sutures  
To make all fast) wise men are best content  
To take some Fine, and to receive some Rent.    

FAB. 177. Of the Soldier and the two Horses.  

A Trooper had one horse, and bought a worse,  
Tended his meaner horse like any nurse:  
Did not much mind the former, darling said  
Thou art the better horse, why so much made  
Of me, I cannot tell, who all men I see,  
In strength and beauty do come short of thee.  
His better said, men mind not who are best,  
But provide greatest cheer for newest guest:  
From my worse usage I suspect no danger,  
I am used like a friend, thou like a stranger.   

Mor.  
Men commonly most love a second fetter  
Though it be true, that seldom comes a better.    

FAB. 178. Of the Swine and the Dog.  

A Spaniel was derided by a Sow,  
Wondered to fawn and flatter he knew how;  
Upon a master gave him many a blow,  
That to set Birds he might bring him to know:  
Oft lugged his ears, and made him fear and start,  
That he might make him master of his Art.  
Yea the poor Spaniel seemed to love him so,  
As had he been obliged by every blow  
To vindicate himself, the Spaniel said,  
Thereby I come to understand a trade;  
So sure and good that whilst another fails,  
I may be fed with Partridge and with Quails.   

Mor.  
Sharp usage is sometimes no injury,  
Some own a great deal to severity;  
Who if their masters more of them had made,  
Themselves had ne'er been masters of their trade.    

FAB. 179. Of the Log that blamed the Oxens' slowness.  

WHen Logs could speak (as Loggerheads can do)  
The timber said the Oxen were too slow;  
It seems they did affect a Scholars pace,  
And thought the Oxen might have run a race  
With load so light as they, pray do not jeer  
Good Oxen said, the logs we shall not bear  
You long upon our backs, but set you down,  
Then you must bear the burden in the town  
As well as we, and have upon your back  
Some office that may chance to make it crack:  
Perhaps the weight of some most heavy leads  
Or building, which oppress you much must needs;  
That heard, the Timber had no more to say  
Convinced, endure as much themselves they may.   

Mor.  
This warneth men of an insulting mind,  
Who usually are paid off in their kind;  
The world is slippery as a very Eel,  
He'll ne'er insult that knows the world's a wheel:  
The Spokes whereof that now are uppermost,  
May soon come down and light into the dust.    

FAB. 180. Of the Linnet and the Boy.  

A Linnet was enquired of by a boy  
Had fed her high, and kept her as a toy  
Within a Cage, why being got from thence  
His Pensioner she would no more commence  
And to her eage return, where all good cheer  
She might be sure of, howsoever dear:  
Sir boy said she, I fared well when thy Page  
But give me liberty before a cage;  
To eat and drink, go and do as I please,  
Gives me content more than good cheer and ease.   

Mor.  
No chains are best about our Legs and hands,  
Whether they silken be or golden bands;  
Man has a great ambition to be free,  
Can spare most things, better than liberty.    

FAB. 181. Of the Jester and the Bishop.  

A Jester comes to a great Clergyman,  
On Newyears-day, to try if that he can  
Obtain a Ginny for a New-year's gift  
Of him, to help himself at a dead lift:  
Said the great man, that's a great sum indeed,  
Were I so prodigal I myself might need.  
Then my good Lord, i'th' next place said the Jester,  
Give me a shilling, or give me a taster:  
Said he, that's silver and it is no sense  
Thee to beg silver, Peter has but pence.  
Then my good Lord said he, one farthing give,  
A token of your love, and whilst I live  
I shall pray for you. Farthing said he is money,  
A farthing worth of Album with some honey,  
May cure a soar throat, whoso please to lick it,  
Your blessing then said he, there he did nick it.  
My blessing, my paternal blessing crave  
Seeing you do, my blessing you shall have:  
He scorned it, when that he had not forbade it,  
Said were it worth one farthing I'd ne'er had it.   

Postscript.  
This Fable's but a Fable as to that,  
Divines are stringy, too free to be fat,  
They use to be, give more cause for remorse,  
They keep themselves as scholars keep their horse;  
So bare, so out of case, or like Tythe-pig,  
'Tis rare amongst them for to find one Trig;  
Or in such plight as he, body or purse,  
Few them for grippleness have cause to curse:  
To say this of a Bishop was Extatick,  
'Twould make one think Aesop was a Fanatic.   

Mor.  
But a good Moral may be ta'en from hence,  
Some called Divines are so immersed in sense  
Sooner than part with money they will bless  
Earth, they don't value much, but heaven less.  
Such is their Atheism, such their cruel dotage,  
They count their blessing cheaper than their pottage:  
And then as for the blessings of all such,  
As slight their own, others slight them as much.    

FAB. 182. Of the Howpe that was unworthily preferred.  

THey say the Eagle made a Wedding-feast  
Most birds invited, and amongst the rest  
The Howpe, which there was Cock a hoop, for he  
Set above all the rest happened to be:  
Because he had a crown upon his head,  
And with most curious feathers was decked;  
Though amongst dung and filth she used to fly,  
This did procure to her no small envy.   

Mor.  
Do not thy habit utterly neglect,  
Good  may help to purchase some respect;  
Many a man the world with good  weathers,  
Which takes all for fine birds that have fine feathers.    

FAB. 183. Of the Priest and the Pears.  

ON his way to a wedding was a Priest,  
What at another time would make a feast;  
He found by chance a curious heap of pears,  
Durst not at that time eat one for his ears:  
Lest it should palls his stomach and forestall  
His Appetite, who aimed to have at all.  
(Sorne say 'tis good with Appetite to rise,  
To eat therewith all agree that are wise)  
And so would he, in's pockets should he bring,  
Those pears they might prevent some better thing  
He might convey from thence, leave them behind  
It grieved him, lest them other folks should find  
And eat them, what himself could not employ,  
It was his mind others should not enjoy  
Upon good terms, therefore on them did piss,  
Acting an envious Slovens part I wiss.  
Then on he went but found the waters up,  
He could not pass either to dine or sup  
With the new-married folks, Bridegroom and Bride  
Came back a hungry, having all ways tried  
To pass and could not, in his way he found  
The heap of pears which he in piss had drowned;  
Snapped at them, though they were in such a pickle,  
Hungry dogs fancies, dirty puddings tickle.   

Mor.  
Be not thou full of scorn, when full in purse,  
For thou mayst cat thy words or else eat worse;  
'Slight not inferiors for when all is done,  
Thou mayst need those that thou hast pissed upon.    

FAB. 184. vide FAB. 33. FAB. 185. Of the Hog and the Horse.  

A Hog espied a War-horse to the Battle,  
Made haste, thought them a simple sort of ;  
Would run posthaste into the jaws of death  
He saw his error, might have saved his breath:  
In saying so, thou shalt die by a knife  
Said th' horse, when thou hast lead a shameful life:  
Lived like thyself, that is lived like a hog,  
Thy throat to cut some Butcher will thee dog;  
When I shall die upon the bed of honour,  
Nought but disgrace the Swine shall have upon her:  
Pampered with offals, shortly die you must,  
thou'rt living dirt, dead,  be merely dust.   

Mor.  
Who liveth long obscure is all amort,  
Choose then a glorious life though it be short.    

FAB. 186. Of a Tanner that bought of a Hunter the skin of a Bear that was not yet caught.  

A Tanner of a Hunter bought a Hide  
Belonging to a Bear, that ne'er yet died;  
Nor was so much as caught, his money paid,  
Down on the nail, in which the fool he played.  
Said he, have patience till the Bear I kill,  
And then the skin you bought make good I will:  
Next day the Tanner and the Hunter went  
Into the wood, hoping for good content  
The Hunter with his dogs went to a cave,  
Th' Tanner to see what success he would have  
Climbed up a tree, the hunter saw fall down  
Before a Bear, as dead, or in a swoon:  
If dead, he by his nose did try to know,  
Thinking he was, he made no more ado  
But left him on the place, (for bears won't tarry on,  
A body which they take to be mere carrion.)  
Down came the Tanner bid the hunter rise,  
Said, he was now secure from enemies;  
But let me know said he what in thine ear  
The Bear did whisper, for I could not hear  
Said he, he said no more but this (I thought)  
Sell no more Bearskins till the bear be caught;  
He to the Tanner might have said as well,  
Buy no more skins of them that han't to cell.   

Mor.  
Count not upon uncertains, lest you lose  
Your hopes, 'tis ill to wait for dead men's shoes:  
A live bears hid is hardly worth a pin  
If living, he may sleep in a whole skin;  
Buy what is ready, but not things bespoke,  
Wise men won't purchase a pig in a poke.    

FAB. 187. Of the Hermit and the Soldier.  

A Soldier, holy Hermit, would persuade  
For to turn Hermit, and leave off his trade;  
Both for his body's safety and souls health,  
Truth is said he, we get but little wealth  
Now by our arms, both plunders dead, and pay,  
Small heart to kill men, for twelve pence a day.  
All one of us is promised when he enters,  
Besides that we are forced to sell debenters.   

Mor.  
Interest takes off some men, whose hearts do cleave  
To vice, they leave not it, it doth them leave.    

FAB. 188. Of the man and the wife that had been twice married.  

A Widower and a Widow made a match,  
Mutually to be quit they lay at catch;  
She'd with her former husband him upbraid,  
He'd tell how good a wife the former made:  
There was a capon roasted for their meal,  
She to a beggar part of it did deal  
To pray for her first husband, and her best  
He overheard, and gave him all the rest  
To pray for his first wife, her soul departed,  
So she got little who her husband thwarted:  
For her first husband she gave part (sad story)  
He all, to pray his wife from purgatory.   

Mor.  
To vex those people never lie at catch,  
Who will be found to be more than thy match.    

FAB. 189. Of the Lion and the mouse.  

A Lion that was taken in a snare,  
It to untie did beg a mouse his care;  
He set him free, and when he had so done,  
Did hope the Lion's daughter to have won:  
He begged her for his wife, and had consent  
Of the old Lion, who did say content.  
Gain but the maids good will and it is done,  
When Parents are agreed, maids are soon won;  
Soon after came the Bride to th' Bridegroom's house,  
Unsight unseen, she trod upon the mouse:  
Who came to meet her, crushed him all to bits,  
Herd say her husband's dead, fell into fits:  
But afterwards she did not care a louse,  
When once she understood he was a mouse.   

Mor.  
Thus 'tis when mouse-like men wed Lionesses,  
They'd better be content with Jones and Besses:  
They'll tread 'em under foot, and make the house  
Too hot, the man won't be known from a mouse;  
In marriages regard equality,  
Or ten to one that you shall ne'er agree.    

FAB. 190. vide FAB. 82. FAB. 191. Of the wax that desired to be hard.  

IT melted wax to see its self so soft,  
Melted it into tears considering oft;  
How hard were bricks, made of a certain clay  
More soft than wax, after a while that they  
Had lain in fiery Kills, so firm, and sure,  
Were they as many ages might endure:  
At this the wax threw its self into th' fire,  
To be as hard as bricks it did aspire  
But there't did waste, did not wax hard but wan,  
After a while it in the fire had lain.   

Mor.  
One medicine Doctors Mountebanks we call,  
It will not have the same effect on all:  
On different subjects, different effects,  
The same things have, which whosoever rejects  
May know without much skill in arts or tongues,  
Those waters help the spleen, which hurt the lungs.    

FAB. 192. Of the Husbandman that would be a Soldier and a Merchant  

AN honest Farmer took a world of pains,  
Can hardly pay his rent, so far from gains;  
He thought a Soldier lived a gallant life,  
Went brave, fed high, he almost starved his wife  
And children, thereupon he did intent  
Unto a soldier's life himself to bend.  
He sold his stock, and put himself in arms,  
But oh the many mischiefs and the harms  
Befell him, for the Army soon was routed,  
And then himself and all the rest were outed:  
Wounded to boot, than Merchant he would be,  
He sold his Land and ventured all to sea;  
The next news was the Ship was cast away,  
That he and all his goods i'th' Ocean lay.   

Mor.  
This Fable aims to prove this Proposition,  
Thinking to mend, folks oft mar their condition;  
Aiming at gain, they oft come off with loss,  
The Rowling-stone they say gathers no moss.    

FAB. 193. Of the Jester.  

A Man there was that always was in ●est,  
Was bravely clad in's tunic and his vest;  
And who but he? what he would he might have,  
They call him th' Fool, he was less fool than knave:  
The farts he let (so Aesop calls a jest)  
They were the things which brought him in request:  
Saving your presence if by farts men thrive,  
Said th' Ass, than I there's none should better live;  
Surely there is no Rump can crack like me  
I do't so sweet, and so innocently.   

Mor.  
The Fable stinks the Moral may be sweet,  
Buffoons are valued far more than is meet.    

FAB. 194. Of the River that reviled its own spring.  

PRoud River did fall foul on its own spring,  
And said it was an idle useless thing;  
It did not move, it did contain no fish,  
These were the things it did cast in its dish.  
Boasted he ran, and did with fish abound,  
And what else to his honour might redound.  
The Spring was vexed, its water did withhold,  
Would teach the River for to be so bold:  
Made his fish die, and made his waters fail,  
Took what he gave, than th' River did bewail  
Its great ungratefulness, folly, and pride,  
The Fountain of its waters to deride.   

Mor.  
By this same Fable Aesop seems divine,  
What's due to God is pride for to call thine.  
He is the fountain thou the Rivulet,  
If thou despise him thou shalt nothing get:  
Thereby, for first or last, he'll make thee know  
That all thou hast, and art, doth from him flow.    

FAB. 195. Of the wicked man and the devil.  

A Gaol-bird that had often been in Gaol,  
And found a Devils help did much avail  
To bring him out, besought his help again,  
To try how to break's prison was in vain:  
He in the hole or dungeon all amort is,  
For Iron-bars he had no Aqua fortis;  
Good devil help said he, or I'm undone,  
To help him his familiar was not won;  
His back was loaded with old worn out shoes,  
What was the reason might the man amuse;  
He told him he had travailed all about,  
To help him till those shoes all were worn out:  
Had none to wear, nor money to buy shoes,  
Wher't can't be had, Princes their right must lose  
Prisoners much more,) go and be hanged for me  
The Devil said, I can no more help thee.   

Mor.  
The Moral's good, whom devils do befriend  
Time after time, they'll fail 'em in the end.  
When they are passed their work gone to decay,  
E'en then saith he, hang them out of the way.  
Though oft for to escape a Caitiffs lot be,  
They must not think they shall go always .    

FAB. 196. Of the Birds that would choose more Kings.  

Bird's that forgot their due allegiance,  
Consulted how more Kings for to advance  
Besides the Eagle, he could not inspect  
Them all they said, they did not him reject  
From being King, but for sole king refuse,  
Not depose him, but others they would choose.  
More eyes see more they thought, though Eagles eyes  
They be, wished more, but did not his despise:  
The Crow as wise as black, would not consent  
To have more kings, for one gives best content  
Said he, more kings than one will never do,  
'Tis easier for to fill one purse than two.   

Mor.  
King's pluralists are very happy things,  
But give us no plurality of kings.    

FAB. 197. Of the woman that would die for her husband.  

A Tender wife almost cried out her eyes  
For her sick husband, bear it if he dies  
She cannot, therefore said if thou'lt have one,  
Good death take me and let the man alone.  
Death, looking like himself, soon after came,  
You wished for death, said he, I am the same;  
Sir Death said she, 'tis not to me you'd speak,  
I'll bring you to the party whom you seek;  
He's sick a bed, and very ill at ease  
Waits for your coming take him if you please.   

Mor.  
This woman was a measure of the rest,  
She loved her husband well, but herself best;  
If both might live she thinks 'twould happiest be,  
If one must die, sh' had rather he than she.    

FAB. 198. Of the young man that sang at his Mother's burial.  

A Young man sang at's mother's Funeral,  
His father saw't, and asked if that were all  
The moan he made, his mother for to see  
Upon the bier, an own mother was she.  
Mother in law they count a very Thistle,  
Makes children sing when dead, alive go whistle:  
But an own mother is another thing,  
Who showers of tears to her death does not bring,  
But that that sides so sure, there is no fear  
I should go nigh to say a Bastard were:  
She was no Stepmother I do confess,  
Sing at her Funeral I might ne'er the less.  
Said the young man, you priests (whate'er your rate is  
Hire there to sing, and why mayn't I sing gratis:  
The father said Priests may sing there not you,  
When you're a Priest, than you as Priests may do.   

Mor.  
As one man's meat fewer poison is,  
One's ornament's another's blot I wiss;  
Who acts out of his place a fool is he,  
Stood thy heels where thy head thou'dst monstrous be,    

FAB. 199. Of the jealous Husband that had put his wife to be looked to.  

ONe had a wife a Lady was of pleasure,  
To watch her as he need he had not leisure;  
He chose a Keeper, promised a reward,  
Unto her honesty to be a guard:  
Argus he should have been, whoever he were,  
This subtle woman had more eyes by far,  
Woman-craft is a mighty thing, a Sack  
Of fleas he said, he'd carry at his back;  
Pour them upon a meadow, let 'em feed,  
Then be at pains to rally all the breed  
And bring them back, rather than to attend  
One wanton Miss, of which there is no end.   

Mor.  
Like wantoness nought's Mercurial I assure,  
Mercury is their temper, and their cure;  
Marry chaste women, and take care no more  
But spite of fate, a whore will be a whore,    

FAB. 200. Of the Fellow that refused Glisters.  

MOst folks are scared with Pigeons and with blisters,  
But few there are that have much dread of glisters;  
Some such have been, 'mongst which a High-dutch-man,  
Get him a clyster take there's none that can.  
A College of Physicians did advise,  
He seemed to think that they were not so wise;  
Let me alone saith he I you beseech,  
Whilst 'tis my head that aches you'd cure my breech.   

Mor.  
By folks unskilful it will be rejected,  
If you'd apply to th' part that's not affected;  
In their opinion it doth madly sound,  
Bid them the weapon 'noint to cure the wound:  
Men with their own spheres ought to be content,  
Like Bedlams talk out of their element.    

FAB. 201. Of the Ass that was sick, and the Wolves came to visit him.  

AN Ass was sick, who but the wolves and dogs  
Came for to visit him? they were no hogs:  
How he did do they kindly seemed t' inquire,  
Though to hear he was dead was their desire;  
Ask the question, thus he answered,  
I'm better than you'd wish, for I'm not dead:  
Some seem concerned for our recovery,  
Who wish with all their hearts that we might die.   

Mor.  
With groundless jealousy don't thy mind clog,  
Yet doubt not to suspect a Wolf or dog.    

FAB. 202. Of the Nut tree, the Ass, and the Woman.  

A Wallnut-tree was often pelted at,  
It stood in the highway, 'twas long of that.  
There was a woman that did please to jeer  
That tree, the more 'twas beat, the more it did bear,  
At lestwise yield, gave fruit for every blow;  
Thou hast more fruit than wit, said she I trow  
Walnut, the woman said, were I as thee  
So beat, my fruit should rot upon the tree:  
Mistress saith he, you would not thus disgrace  
Me if you knew a proverb in the case;  
One self same law they say, doth surely bind  
These three, the Nut, the Ass, the womankind.  
There's none of these (they say) that rightly does,  
Unless sometimes we men do give 'em blows.   

Mor.  
Folks by this Fable to spare jeers are taught,  
She from the tree had as good as she brought;  
That tree knew how to answer scoffing Shrews,  
Which its self used for to give nuts for blows.    

FAB. 203. Of the Ass that found no end of his labours.  

AN Ass was almost killed with cold and chaff  
Ith' dead of winter, that he could not laugh  
Till the Spring came, and wished the Spring were near,  
Then earth, brick, wood, and Tiles was forced to bear:  
Weary of Spring, for Summer he did long,  
But then his master made him work ding dung;  
Carrying in new Corn, and carrying out old,  
Did he stand still his master straight would scold;  
Then longed for Autumn, 'twill me ease he says,  
But few there are who mend in the Dog-days:  
Then wine, and wood, and apples he must carry,  
So longed for winter, that he could not tarry;  
Nothing like frost and snow would do the fear,  
It helps down weeds, kills worms, makes turnips sweet:  
Winter returns and then he cannot laugh,  
For he was froze with cold and fed with chaff.   

Mor.  
We ne'er are well in this would full nor fasting,  
Summer or winter, Spring or Fall, but casting  
About, how every one his state may mend,  
'Twas best at first, men oft say in the end.    

FAB. 204. Of the mouse that would make a League of Amity with the Cat.  

A Mouse more forward than the rest, would make  
League with a Cat, her countenance did so take  
And win upon him, she did look so grave,  
Demure, devout, he by all means would have  
Her his familiar (friend, I mean) to be  
But of the friendship weary soon was he;  
Though she so looked that some would even swear  
Where mice would melt, butter would not melt there  
She loved the mouse so well she could e'en eat her,  
And did, the rest, so vexed they could have beat her  
But that they could not, for if mice and Rats  
Make League with Puss, they'll sort like Dogs and cats.   

Mor.  
Trust not folks looks, you may too often find  
An honest face with a dishonest mind:  
Let Cats look how they will, they in a trice  
Will show that they must needs fall fowl on mice.    

FAB. 205. Of the Ass that served an ungrateful master.  

'tWas a good Ass d●d all his time ne'er stumble  
Save once, through too much load he chanced to humble,  
With blows enough to fell him though he stood  
His master tried to raise him, made the blood  
Boil all about him, was in such a rage  
All his great services could not assuage;  
Called him dull Ass, dull Animal, what not?  
He that did ill but once went thus to pot:  
This Ass had works of Super-erogation,  
For which he then had no consideration;  
He than bewailed it as his great disaster,  
So good a servant had so bad a master:  
Once did I ill saith he, that hear I ever,  
Oft did I well, of that I do hear never;  
(As saith the proverb) O ungrateful man  
Bear what I bear who but a mere Ass can?   

Mor.  
'Tis a base humour quickly to forget  
A thousand good turns, but not to remit  
One injury, nay though it came by chance,  
Service to slight, Disservice to advance;  
With all the aggravations can be thought  
May they no servants have but what are nought.    

FAB. 206. Of the Wolf that persuaded the Porcupine to lay aside his weapons.  

A Foxlike wolf advised a Porcupine,  
His back with Arrows not so thick to line  
In time of peace, they a mere burden are,  
Archers lay up theirs for a time of war.  
Call for their quiver just before a battle,  
But make it not in time of peace to rattle:  
Sir wolf said he, 'tis always time to fight  
When a wolf (like thyself) doth come in sight.   

Mor.  
Arm, arm, when wolves appear, and do not stay  
Till they have fastened, and made thee their prey;  
Prepared to meet with enemies be ever,  
Or in good time, too lates as bad as never.    

FAB. 207. Of the mouse that set the Kite at liberty.  

AMouse did gnaw a Kite out of a snare,  
Though Kites from mice deserve not such a care;  
They are their foes nor was this Kite his friend,  
Once free, the mouse he with his claws did rend  
And tear in pieces most ungratefully,  
Hence forward Kites for mice, in snares may die.   

Mor.  
Be friends to some, do them a courtesy,  
They'll be your foes, do you an injury;  
What kindness to requite some can't devise,  
They'll recompense by picking out your eyes.    

FAB. 208. Of the Snail that begged of Jupiter that she might bear her house about with her.  

JVpiter to each creature gave its choice,  
Of one good thing, and he would hear its voice;  
The Snail did say great Jove, I only lack  
Thy leave, my house to carry at my back.  
That said, the Thunderer would know cause why  
The Snail made that request, he did reply,  
I wish that burden rather at my back,  
Than 'gainst bad neighbours a good fence to lack.   

Mor.  
Great privilege is good vicinity,  
Nought's worse in nature than bad company;  
First is a kind of heaven, the last of Hell  
'Twixt both it is, to live like Snail in shell.    

FAB. 209. Of the Hedgehog that thrust the Viper her Host out of doors.  

Winter came on, the Hedgehog was to seek  
For a warm lodging, did to th' viper sneak  
To be his Inmate, Vipers than had pity,  
He gave consent hearing his mournful ditty:  
But soon was weary of his company,  
The worst of bedfellows one could lie by.  
Tosses and tumbles, and his prickles starts,  
And sticks his bedfellow as full of darts  
As the man in the Almanac we see,  
Poor viper nothing else but wounds is he.  
The wounded viper weeping tears of blood,  
Hedgehog besought that he would be so good  
As to provide himself another place  
To lodge in, Hedgehog would not bate an ace  
Of what he now possessed, let him be gone  
That's weary first said he, I shall make one  
Here to abide, whoever be the other,  
Possession I'll not quit to serve a brother.  
With Hedgehog there's no living, viper thought,  
Seeing he will not go, surely I ought  
And must, for if with him I still do keep,  
I ne'er expect in a whole skin to sleep.   

Mor.  
‛ Aware Hedgehogs, they their bedfellows will rout,  
ne'er take him in, who's like to cast thee out.    

FAB. 210. Of the Husbandman and the Poet.  

A Ploughman came a Poet for to see,  
In's study found him busy for to be  
And by himself, what saith he all alone?  
I cannot but thy lonesomness bemoan:  
Then said the Poet I alone have been  
No longer than since you yourself came in.   

Mor.  
A Scholar in a noble Library  
Is not alone, nor in society  
When that illiterate Idiots are by,  
HE had rather have their room than company:  
An Idiot to a wise man once did say  
In a brown study, tell me I thee pray  
If I disturb thee not? I shall have done  
Talking, not so, said th' wise man, I'm alone.    

FAB. 211. Of the wolf that was clad in a Sheeps-skin which worried the flock.  

A Certain wolf was in a sheeps-skin clad  
Made one amongst the flock, which was not g●●●  
His worship to enjoy, for he ●ed high,  
He killed one sheep a day most constantly.  
At length the shepherd chanced to find him out,  
And was resolved with him to have a bout;  
Took him and hanged him on a huge high tree,  
That he to others might a warning be;  
Some that passed by would cry what hang a sheep?  
And Shepherd hangman that used them to keep?  
The Shepherd heard and smiled, 'tis a sheepskin  
Said he, indeed, but 'tis a wolf within:  
He in a stolen sheep fleece himself had hid,  
A wolf he was, for a wolves work he did.   

Mor.  
ne'er trust folk's habits, for a wolf that lurks  
Is known not by his habit, but his works.    

FAB. 212. Of the Father that in vain persuaded his son to virtue.  

AVertuous father did his son advise,  
That he a virtuous course would enterprise  
Both for his father's credit, and his own,  
But he his fruitless labour did bemoan:  
The youth his father wished his pains to spare,  
In Pulpits such like counsels were not rare:  
Though far more rare than his, in the other sense,  
Yet he from them no convert did commence.   

Mor.  
Persuade some men who will, they'll do no good,  
Parents, or priests, 'tis to be understood  
They're knaves in grain, their colour will not fade,  
Stir them you can't although the Pope should aid  
And all his Cardinals, such their disease,  
Say whatfolks can, they will do what they please;  
They are past grace, at least they are past shame,  
Say who will what they will, they are the same.    

FAB. 213. Of the Dog that killed his master's sheep, who hanged him for it  

IT was a Shepherd's pleasure that a dog  
Should be his Deputy, he would not clog  
Himself with constant care of all the flock,  
But soon he found that he impaired his stock;  
One, after one, killed up his harmless sheep,  
Hang him the Shepherd said, I won't him keep  
To serve me so, his belly full of meat  
I don't him grudge, and yet he'll eat my sheep:  
When th' Shepherd Hangman-like with Rope and noose  
The Dog did see, wilt thou a servant lose  
Said he upon those terms? the wolf you know  
Kills your sheep too, kill him, and let me go.  
Excuse me Sir said he I shan't do that,  
You are the worse enemy, that's flat;  
Wolf is an open enemy, thou a friend  
Pretendest to be, and mischief dost intent.   

Mor.  
Be it a rule who ever Scotfree goes,  
Pay them who seem thy friends and are thy foes.    

FAB. 214. Of the Ram that fought with a Bull.  

A Ram there was, for every other Ram  
Too hard, all them in fight he overcame;  
Then doubted not for to engage a Bull,  
 he had done, he had his belly full:  
That Bull had horns what e'er the Pope's Bulls have,  
A deadly blow therewith to th' Ram he gave;  
He could just speak, and said, a fool was I  
With one so much above my match to vie.   

Mor.  
Strive not at all, or else strive with thy Peers,  
With Underlings or Betters breeds but jeers.    

FAB. 215. Of the Widow and the Green Ass.  

THey say one Widow loathed a single life,  
But for folks talking she'd have been a wife;  
It seems in those days folks with scorn did carry,  
Towards those widows that made haste to marry;  
A Gossip taught her how to slight solks' thunder,  
I mean their talk, said 'twas but nine days wonder.  
To make that out a thing was never seen  
She'd do, which was she'd paint a white Ass green:  
And have that green Ass through the city led,  
'Twas done, and all the people wondered  
Both young and old, followed the Ass about  
For a few days, it made a fearful rout;  
As had the paint worn off, after those days  
At him did people no more stare, and gaze.  
Have but the patience a few days to tarry  
So it will be with you in case you marry;  
Said her good Gossip who knew how to please her,  
Those comfortable words no doubt did ease her.  
Nine days will end the wonder if you have  
A second,  your first be cold in's grave.   

Mor.  
When time hath snowed a little on the hair  
Of things, great wonders, no more wonders are.    

FAB. 216. Of the Eagle that snatched away the Coneys young ones.  

EAgle will catch no flies, but he loves Coneys,  
Did snatch the young which were their mother's honeys  
He scorned her words, and furiously said no:  
That was not all, limb-meal he did them tear  
Before her face, and gave them to his dear  
Young Eagles, for to eat, whom she did love  
As he loved them, he thought himself above  
The reach of coneys, fearful, feeble souls  
Terrestrial animals, that lurk in holes.  
He king of birds, had built his nest on high,  
Where coneys could not come, they could not fly:  
Did therefore as he did, do they their worst  
They could not hurt him, he could but be cursed;  
And that he cared not for, as for their love  
It he regarded not, he dwelled above.  
Them no way of revenge he thought to have,  
What nature had denied, vexation gave,  
The tree, where lay his nest she by the roots  
Digged up, than he was over shoes and boots;  
Next blast it tumbled down, down came her young  
Unfleged, and feeble, lay the beasts among  
Who eaten them up, the Conie she had none,  
But better did digest sh' had lost her own.   

Mor.  
Let great ones fear to carry it insolently,  
Coneys may grub the tree that's ne'er so high;  
One time or other fortune way doth make  
For them that watch their time, revenge to take.  
Greatness to injured mean folks mayn't inveigle,  
Gonies may come for to checkmate an Eagle.    

FAB. 217. Of the Pike a River-fish that desired to be King of the Sea.  

THe Fish of fishes was a certain Pike,  
In the fresh water, there was not his like,  
For fairness, greatness, and for wondrous strength;  
He knew't too well, made him presume at length  
To go into the Sea; Dolphin was there  
King of that place, he at him with his spear,  
Into the River's mouth retreat did he  
With much ado, he'd go no more to Sea.   

Mor.  
Be not ambitious, it is a false notion,  
Chief of a River may be chief i'th' Ocean;  
That in a City-church perhaps won't do,  
Which in a Countrey-church makes a fine show:  
There's difference 'twixt Mayor and Mayor I trow,  
A Mayor of London, and of Quinborough.    

FAB. 218. Of the Sheep that railed upon the Shepherd,  

'TIs strange, a sheep they say, was heard to rail  
Against her Shepherd, hugely did bewail  
That he not only took her milk, but fleece,  
For to do both she thought a cruel piece:  
He vexed at that, did kill her young ones too,  
Then she said he had done all he could do  
To mischief her, and could do nothing more,  
Thereby the Shepherd was enraged full sore  
Not so said he, for I thyself could slay  
To Wolf's and dog's, thy carcase make a prey;  
That said, the sheep as any fish was mute,  
He could see things far worse, though but a bru●   

Mor.  
Doubtless it is not safe for any man  
To say, or think God has done all he can  
To punish him, although he has done much,  
God has worse Thunderbolts in store for such:  
Should God contend with men as he is able  
Who e'er is most, would be more miscerable.    

FAB. 219. Of the Wagoner and the Wagon-wheel that whined.  

THey say a Wagoner did ask his wheel  
Why the worst whined, the other did not deal  
So with him, they less trouble gave, more gain,  
She roundly answered, sick folks will complain.   

Mor.  
'Tis common, but it is against all sense  
That makes folks pensive, should teach patience;  
The reason is not hard for to divine,  
The weaker people are more apt to whine.    

FAB. 220. Of the man that would try his friends.  

A Man of honour that was every inch  
A Gentleman and one that scorned to pinch;  
Kept a most noble house, welcomed his friends,  
Had many visiters, for their own ends:  
He had good flesh, good fish, Claret and Sack  
For rack and manger, nothing they did lack.  
He had a mind to try his friends, did fear  
They were not friends to him, but his good cheer  
He made a solemn feast, invited all  
His friends at once (say it were to Gout-hall)  
(Gave 'em French-wine enough to bring the Gout  
Or cure it as some say, if they been't out.)  
Then told his case, a war he must commence  
Of some great injuries he had a sense;  
He had received such as he could not bear  
Said, all would take his part, that his friends were.  
Then all excuses made save only two,  
And passed such compliments as would not do.  
Those two he looked upon to be his friends,  
Cast off the rest were all for their own ends.   

Mor.  
Until affliction comes no mortal knows  
Who are his real friends, and who his foes.    

FAB. 221. Of the Fox that commended Hare's flesh to the Dog  

FOx to the dogs did fear to be a martyr,  
Seeing his danger he did beg for quarter;  
Ah Sir said he, my flesh is no good meat,  
'Twere at your service, if 'twere good to eat;  
There is a curious Hare, I need not tell you,  
No better meat can come into your belly.  
Then strove the dog to make the Hare his prey,  
He proved too swift, (there went the Hare away)  
The Fox and Hare soon after chanced to meet,  
Why did you wish the dogs my flesh to eat;  
Sir Reynard, said the Hare, I did commend  
Your flesh said th' Fox, what to your praise doth tend.  
If you can't bear, how can you bear disgrace?  
What if I had reviled you to your face?   

Mor.  
Some give good words that thereby they ill deeds  
May bring to pass, Praise they know, envy breeds:  
Extol in words whom they in heart do scoff,  
As men their worst wares praise, to put them off:  
Let no man say of thee at thy request  
thou'rt a brave Seaman, than thou wilt be pressed.    

FAB. 222. Of the Hare that begged craftiness, and the Fox that begged speed of Jupiter.  

Hare's are more swift, but Foxes more unlucky,  
The Fox as swift, the Hare as much a Jockey  
Desired to be, each wished accomplishment,  
Jupiter wished them both to be content.  
I give impartially, not all to one  
Said he, if so, all the rest must have none:  
How shall Jove please the world? each would be best,  
Please one, and he must displease all the rest.   

Mor.  
Stand to Jove's dividend, who e●r you are,  
It is more equal than you are ware;  
It is his pleasure things thus out should fall,  
All should have something, but none should have all.    

FAB. 223. Of the Horse that was unhandsome but swift.  

THere was a horse as plain as a Pikestaff,  
They that had trappings at that horse did laugh;  
A Race was to be run, that homely Jade  
They thought was never cut out for that trade;  
They start, and so did he, he made 'em stare  
To see that worse than he, all themselves were:  
He to the Goal came sooner than the rest,  
Though worse to see, that made him to hear best.   

Mor.  
A plain Jade is a very hateful thing,  
But a brave horse though plain may serve a king;  
We say they handsome are that handsome do,  
Although a handsome horse and metal too  
Is best of all, if fortune shall divide  
Them two, the swifter horse, I'd choose to ride.    

FAB. 224. Of the Country fellow that was suffered to come to a Lawyer by the bleating of a Kid.  

ONe had a friend a Lawyer, and he  
Being in suit, his Client needs would be;  
He came, and came, and still he was put off,  
Who without money come, Lawyers do scoff:  
He busy was, his Clerk did still infist,  
He only wanted greasing in the fist.  
The cunning Swain a fat and lusty kid  
Soon after brought, him bleat he need not bid;  
He pinched him so that he was forced to bleat,  
Then open the door said he, that's good to eat:  
Some call it Venison, I do love it well,  
That I am now at perfect leisure tell  
The honest man, him very welcome bid,  
He comes with meat in's mouth, I hear the Kid.   

Mor.  
All doors will open though e'er so close they be,  
Try but to do it with a silver key;  
Fring but good fees, and 'tis the Lawyer's pleasure  
To be always at home, always at leisure.    

FAB. 225. Of an old man that stoned a young fellow down that stole his Apples.  

ANaughty boy was got into a tree,  
To rob an old man's orchard there was he,  
Whether th' old man his Spectacles had on,  
He spied a Thief his Appletree upon:  
Called to him, good Sweet heart prithee come down,  
Those words were too too soft to give a clown.  
He took up grass when his words would not do  
To throw at him, in herbs there's virtue too  
Said he, than cried the boy the old man's mad  
Flings grass, than he to take up flints was glad;  
And when to crack his crown he made no bones,  
I'll try said he what virtue is in stones.   

Mor.  
Go not to war till all things else be done,  
Turn every stone for peace  you throw one;  
First try what words will do, and then what grass,  
S●ines are the worst of remedies alas.    

FAB. 226. Of the Nightingale that promised the Hawk a Song for her life.  

Awarbling Nightingale caught by a Hawk,  
Can by no melody his clutches bawk;  
Dear Sir, said he, be pleased to let me go,  
How thankful I shall be I'll let you know;  
I'll fill your ears with many a pleasant song,  
Spare but my life and do me but no wrong:  
You fill my ears said he? pray fill my belly  
That must be filled, that has no ears I tell you,  
I can well fast from songs, all the year round,  
But not from meat, for that would soon redound  
To my great hurt, (in sour and twenty hours)  
My bowels yearn for you, as I am yours.   

Mor.  
Let Minstrels stand behind, 'tis a disease  
Less to mind what will profit than will please.    

FAB. 227. Of the Lion that chose the Hog for his Companion.  

MOst creatures to the Lion did make court  
To bear him company, 'twas not in sport  
But in good earnest, he refused 'em all  
Saving the hog, him he did kindly call.  
(Much good may do him with his cleanly mate,  
A kin for that to some who swine's flesh hate.)  
His reason was hogs always friends have been,  
That would go with their friends through thick and thin;  
He truly said, 'twas no abusive flirt  
A hog won't leave me when I'm in the dirt.   

Mor.  
Him for thy friend to take there's no cause why,  
That won't be so in thine adversity.    

FAB. 228. Of the Gnat that begged meat and Lodging of a Bee.  

AGnat with cold and hunger in great danger,  
Begged with the Bees to be at rack and manger;  
Take me into your hives said he, and I  
Will teach your young ones curious melody,  
I am a Fiddler. Bees this answer made  
Not so, we'll teach our young ones our own trade  
To get their living, 'tis to us a riddle  
Who are concerned to live, should merely siddle.   

Mor.  
To children's education this care give  
So bring them up, they may know how to live.    

FAB. 229. Of an Ass that was the Trumpeter, and a Hare that was the Letter post.  

THe King of beasts with birds commenced a war,  
He to the earth belongs, they to the air;  
They of two elements could not agree,  
He'd have the Ass and Hare his soldiers be:  
The Hare is fearful, and the Ass is slow,  
The Bear alleged neither of them will do;  
Said th' Lion, Ass my Trumpeter shall be,  
The Hare my Letter-post, for swift is he.   

Mor.  
All are of use, know we but how to use 'em,  
As all may hurt us, if we do abuse 'em:  
Though it may seem in war they useless are,  
Lion knows what to do with th' Ass and Hare.    

FAB. 230. Of the Hawks which fell out amongst themselves, which the Pigeons made friends.  

THe Hawks among themselves had wont to jar,  
The silly Pigeons laid to heart that war;  
Made peace betwixt them at a solemn diet,  
But then the other birds could not be quiet:  
They lest of all as who should say a spite  
They ought them, cause they would not let them fight;  
But hushed their civil wars, and made a close,  
Hawks would be fight, witness the hawks nose.   

Mor.  
Help Hawks for to fall out, hinder them not  
If they agree, Pigeons must go to pot;  
When they have civil wars laugh in your hoods,  
When Thiefs fall out, true neen come by their goods.    

FAB. 231. Of the Governor that was condemned of money unjustly taken.  

AGriping Praetor feathered had his nest,  
For his exaction was called to the test;  
He was a Sponge did hugely suck and suck,  
Was full as he could hold of wealth and muck:  
Came to be squeezed, (such sponges squeezed must be)  
Forced to restore his ill-got wealth was he;  
They that first get then lose unlawful gain,  
Conceive with pleasure, but bring forth with pain,  
As women do, one said, that understood,  
He lost what he had got, like drops of blood.   

Mor.  
Stolen goods are sweet when they at first are ta'en,  
Bitter as gall, when they're cast up again.    

FAB. 232. Of the old man that would put off Death.  

TO an old man death himself did appear,  
Thou must pack hence said he, as I am here;  
Good Death said he, be patiented until  
You give me time, at least to make my Will:  
And for so great a journey to provide  
He did beg as for life, but was denied,  
Said he, great patience 'twas I did not take  
Thee hence e'er now, Is thy Will yet to make?  
Time after time I did thee warning give,  
'Tis next a miracle, that thou dost live.  
Your face said he I never saw before,  
Spare me a while, and I'll entreat no more.  
ne'er saw my face? said death, will you say so?  
Who men like grass use with my Sith to mow;  
Men younger than yourself, and children too;  
You must ne'er think such an excuse will do;  
Nay in thyself I a long time have dwelled,  
Me in thine eyes and ears thou mightst have felt;  
Death in thy limbs, and death in all thy senses,  
No warning to have had are vain pretences;  
Life's part in thee death's more than countervail  
Did, though not yet, thou'rt dead as a door nail.  
Therefore old man, let not vain hopes abuse thee,  
March off thou must and shalt, I'll not excuse thee.   

Mor.  
Death till it come in earnest is derided,  
And when it comes finds most men unprovided;  
Though many warning Arrows it doth dart,  
They won't be took men play loath to departed.    

FAB. 233. Of the Man that spoke to his bags of money.  

AN old Syncator ready for to die,  
Had got his wealth by fraud and bribery;  
Before he died would parley with his bag,  
How he came by it he'd no cause to brag:  
But how it should be spent he wished to know,  
Whom to make merry it at last should go.  
The bag made answer to his small content  
E'en upon feasts and whores it will be spent;  
And Pluto to in rich, that great tormentor,  
More fool were't thou, to get it at a venture.   

Mor.  
'Tis a great vanity that's found in some,  
Fathers with rakes, their sons with pitchforks come;  
Those children mostly richest are they tell,  
Whose parents for their sakes do go to hell,  
What parents toil for till they come to die,  
Children for wine, and women make to fly;  
Who hardly gets his wealth its value knows  
Too well, but what comes lightly, lightly goes.     

LIB. II.  

FAB. 1. Of the Fox and the He-goat.  

A Fox and He-goat both were much athirst,  
Went down into a well ('twas much they durst)  
'Twas easy to get in, but to get out  
That was the business, it was a tough bout:  
Sir Reynard was a Fox, and he could tell  
How to convey himself out of the well.  
Sir Goat saith he, mount your feet on the wall,  
Lower your back, (for now you are too tall.)  
Then clap your head and horns close to your breast,  
When that is done leave me to do the rest:  
I'll leap upon your back and so get out,  
To pluck you after me I do not doubt.  
Thanks to the goat the Fox escaped full well,  
But how the goat should 'scape he could not tell;  
Then Fox the Carrot-monger, laughed in's sleeve,  
To see how he the goat i'th' lurch did leave;  
Good Sir said he, from henceforth have a care  
How you go in, until that sure you are  
How to get out again, one shunned it, when  
He saw no steps were from the Lion's den.   

Mor.  
Whatsoever you undertake always attend  
Not the beginning only, but the end.    

FAB. 2. Of the Fox and the Lion, vide FAB. 3. Of the Fox and the Patridges.  

ONe who had store of Cocks a Partridge bought,  
But they with him perpetually fought  
And beat him out of heart, he said they use  
Because I am no cock, me to abuse.  
But he soon saw because he was no brother  
'Twas not, for they did peck at one another,  
He said, when they did peck at one another,  
I'm well content, they use me like a brother.   

Mor.  
If Foreigners abuse thee make no pother,  
Since Countrymen deal so with one another.    

FAB. 4. Of the man that tempted Apollo.  

A Knavish fellow came to try Apollo,  
Thinking to prove his Oracles were hollow;  
Pretended for to know what they knew not,  
He thought that he had a great purchase got  
Under his cloak a bird, tell me said he,  
Whether this bird alive or dead now be:  
He meant to kill it if he said alive,  
If he said dead, he meant it should survive;  
It is said he, whether of them you will,  
It you may keep alive, or you may kill.   

Mor.  
Idle conceits do those vain persons follow  
Who think by any means to cheat Apollo;  
No cloak can hid things from omnisciency,  
God must see all things, for God is all-eye.    

FAB. 5. Of the Woman and the Hen.  

A Woman had a Hen which every day  
As the days came about, one egg did lay;  
Give her more meat thought she, and she'll lay two,  
She fed her twice for once, but would not do:  
Then she grew fat and would not lay at all,  
Crammed like a Capon, barren was withal.   

Mor.  
Some folks do take great pains estates to get,  
The Fish once caught they throw away the nee;  
What some Divines do do this tale doth teach,  
Moore Live that they have, the less they preach.    

FAB. 6. Of the Beaver that geldeth himself.  

beaver's they say are hunted for their stones  
For medicinal virtues, they are precious one  
A Beaver that was eagerly pursued,  
Did know it was because he was endued  
With stones of value, he did make no bones  
To geld, and throw to th' Pursuivant his stones.  
'Twas to prevent a far more great disaster,  
The Beaver chose to be a Demy-castor;  
Eunucht himself to use the Logic Idiom  
Let th' Species go, to keep the Individuum.   

Mor.  
Ransom thy life with gold and precious stones,  
To part with all for that make thou no bones;  
Men drown their goods that they mayn't sink their Barges,  
Sure none but fools will die for to save charges.    

FAB. 7. Of the Tunie and the Dolphin.  

A Tunie by a Dolphin sorely chased,  
Did wind himself into a Creek at last;  
The Dolphin did so too, wounded was he,  
The Tunie overjoyed that sight to see:  
Cried out, with all my wounds much good may do  
Myself, now I do see thee wounded too.   

Mor.  
It doth assuage men's griefs, lighten their woe▪  
If they have company, and they their foes.    

FAB. 8. Of the Fortune-teller.  

A Gipsy used folks fortunes for to tell,  
If others, she her own knew not so well  
Whilst she at market was, telling the maids  
What husbands they should have, the men what trades:  
How long this boy, and t'other Girl should live,  
A large account of things to come did give;  
One came and told a story made her sad,  
Her house was robbed, Thiefs had took all she had;  
Then wa is me said she, Ahone Ahone,  
I can tell others fortunes not my own.   

Mor.  
Too many Gypsies in the world there are,  
That of their own concerns do take no care;  
Mind other folks, in them they spy all motes,  
Tug at the Oars they have in others boats:  
Neglect their own, to them all dooms seem known  
Of other folks, but they don't know their own.    

FAB. 9 Of the sick man and the Doctor.  

A Man of Galen's trade, to one was sick  
Did come, he felt his pulse, found it too quick:  
He asked him how he did? in a great sweat  
Said he, O that is good, if you do get  
No cold upon it, said his loving Quack,  
Or drink cold beer, rather a cup of Sack.  
Next time he came, he found him cold and i'll,  
That's very good said he, I like you still;  
Better, and better, came for a third see  
Then he a looseness had, that's good said he:  
That as one said, Apochirotonize  
May the morbific cause if you be wise;  
One asked the man himself, who loved no lying,  
Said he, Quack saith I'm well, but I am dying.   

Mor.  
All flatterers sneak, but th' worst of flattery  
Is to delude folks when about to die.    

FAB. 10. Of the Fowler, and the Blackbird.  

A Blackbird did a Fowler see full well  
Spreading a net, what it meant he could not tell;  
Made bold to ask, but such it seems his wit is,  
He made him to believe that he built cities:  
He went into the snare (wiseacres he)  
Then greatly longed forthwith released to be;  
The Fowler came again, and saw him there,  
That this your city was, I'll not ware;  
Said he, who ever such a city grants  
Shall surely have but few Inhabitants.   

Mor.  
Who stirs up fierceness can show no cause why,  
Cities have never grown by cruelty;  
Who places fill with snares, gins and distresses,  
Do turn great Cities into wildernesses.    

FAB. 11. Of the Traveller and the Dog that was found.  

A Longsome Journey one had undertaken,  
He sought relief from Jove by hook or crook;  
Promised whate'er he found he half should have,  
But in conclusion he played the knave:  
He Dates and Almonds found (perhaps 'twas Lent)  
But all of them upon himself he spent;  
Only the Almond husks, and stones of dates,  
To Jupiter he boldly dedicates:  
Saying great Jove, I pray thee be content,  
Outsides and insides both, I thee present.   

Mor.  
Some men they say are so in love with pelf,  
So cunning too, they'll cheat the Devil himself;  
Nay which is worse, some Jove himself would cheat,  
Give him the stones, and husks, and keep the meat.    

FAB. 12. Of the boy and his mother.  

A Woman had a son a Hornbook stole,  
As boldly as a Miller might take toll;  
She knew it, so unkindly fond was she  
She whipped him not, for his thefts ABC.  
He quickly stole Primmers, and Testaments,  
And Bibles too, not minding their contents;  
He grew a thief at length, would have at all,  
Worthy to have memoirs such as Du fall:  
Came to this end had sentence for to stretch,  
His mother bore him company, the wretch  
Got leave to whisper in his mother's ear,  
As who was loath that other folks should hear;  
And though a woman's ears been't good to eat,  
Fastening on hers he made his teeth to meet.  
I'll have thee by the ears, said he, because  
Thou didst permit me for to break the laws  
Of God, and men, sparing thy cruel rod,  
Cruel, because 'twas spared, in grace of God  
I might have come to good, if thou hadst whipped me  
And in the bud, when I stole Horn-books, nipped me;  
Thy seeming kindness was flat cruelty  
Thanks to thy fondness, I come thus to die.   

Mor.  
For less offences early punishment  
Far greater crimes, and th' Gallows may prevent.    

FAB. 13. Of the Shepherd that turned Seaman.  

A Shepherd kept his sheep near to the Sea,  
Which when he saw exceeding calm to be,  
Quoth he, I'll sell my sheep and merchandise,  
He dealt in Dates, and thought to have a prize;  
But a storm did arise, a mighty storm,  
He was compelled to th' tempest to conform.  
Which would have all his Lading, if his life  
It spared, thinks he life's sweet, I have a wife  
And children that will miss me, Sea, take all  
But promise that come safe to shore I shall.  
He safely came to shore, soon after saw  
One wondering that the Sea did stand in awe  
As 'twere, it was so very still and grave,  
The Shepherd said, the Sea more Dates would have.   

Mor.  
When malt and hops and fuel all are cheap,  
Into a Brewhouse every one would leap;  
But when all these begin to rise amain,  
Then O cries he, that I were out again.  
Calm times trappan men, make 'em go to Sea,  
Come storms, and they of other minds will be.    

FAB. 14. Of an old man's Son and a Lyon.  

ONe to his Son had a young Gentleman,  
From danger he would keep him if he can;  
He dreamt he by a Lion should be killed,  
Was thereupon with dread and terror filled:  
Built him a Palace, kept him always there,  
Of Lions in that place he had no fear:  
All sorts of beasts he painted on the wall,  
Hoping for to delight him therewithal.  
(Because he loved to hunt) Lion was one,  
He soon repent that he had so done;  
His son the Lion saw, had heard his fame  
And father's dream, his colour went and came:  
Thinks he the Lion in my father's dream  
Hath so confined me, I a prisoner seem;  
My father for his sake doth me immure,  
He dreams of Lions, sends me to the Tower:  
The picture of a Lion I do hate,  
Dreams pictures are, upon a dream I wait;  
A Lion pictured in my father's mind  
When fast asleep, hath made him thus unkind  
To keep me here, thus his poor son to harras,  
I'll be revenged o'th' Lion in the Arras.  
Up went his fist, at him with all his might  
He struck, his hand upon a nail did light:  
A wretched nail which woefully did pester  
His tender hand, it thereupon did fester:  
Brought him into a fever, by, and by  
In spite of Doctors the young man did die;  
Those towering walls could not preserve his breath,  
When all was done, a Lion was his death.   

Mor.  
Divine Decrees will certainly commence,  
None can anticipate God's providence.    

FAB. 15. Of the Eagle and the Fox.  

EAgle and Fox, agreed to dwell close by  
Each other, to confirm their amity;  
The Eagle in a tree his house bespoke,  
Fox his within a mile of the same oak:  
Yea at the bottom of the eagle's tree,  
Loath at a greater distance for to be.  
Fox went abroad, (Foxes hunt far from home)  
Mean time did th' Eagle to her Kennel come;  
Took all her Cubs, being to seek for meat,  
Them, she, and hers, forthwith made shift to eat.  
Reynard came back, and found an empty box  
And seeing that, looked as red as a Fox:  
And poured out curses, long as his own tail,  
Whilst she her Cubs did passionately bewal;  
After this Eagle stole part of a Kid,  
(Was slain for Sacrifice) and therewith hide  
An unknown firebrand, in his grassy nest,  
Then Fox that cursed the Eagle himself blest.  
The nest was fired, the Eagles could not fly,  
Can not be helped they must fall down and die;  
And did, Sir Reynard smiled, and said if it fall,  
(As th' nest was tumbling) I will catch it pitfall;  
Good as his word was he, Eagles' brave meat  
Quoth he, when they good store of Foxes eat:  
They're very young, how tenderly they eat?  
Methinks I never tasted better meat  
Than is an Eagle larded with a Fox,  
'Tis better than the Surloin of an ox,  
This pleases me the best of all I tell you,  
My young ones are come back into my belly.   

Mor.  
Who friendship violates and wrongs allies,  
Will find i'th' upshot he has got no prize;  
If humane justice he shall chance to fly,  
By a just hand from heaven he's like to die.  
To devour sacrifices is no jest,  
Who steals from th' Altar he will fire his nest.    

FAB. 16. Of the Eagle and the Raven.  

EAgle's a King, and can do what he will,  
It was his pleasure a brave sheep to kill;  
The Raven thought that he might do so too,  
He got upon a sheep, it would not do;  
To clap upon his back that was the best  
That he could do, the sheep did him arrest;  
Made him for to continue where he found him,  
With Cords of wool to's good behaviour bound him:  
Then cut his wings and threw him to the boys,  
To play with him, as they do use with toys;  
Then one passed by and asked what bird was he?  
I took myself an Eagle for to be:  
His answer was, that fancied foolishly  
But a poor Raven, without wings am I   

Mor.  
'Twill cost thy wings if Pride thee so inveigle,  
To think thou but a Raven, art an Eagle.    

FAB. 17. Of the Nightingale and the Hawk.  

THe Nightingale sang sweetly all alone,  
The Hawk did change his note and made him moa●,  
Nothing would serve his turn, but he would kill him,  
He said I'm but a bit, and cannot fill him:  
To fill your ears with music I'll take care,  
I'm no Chameleon for to feed on air  
Said he, my hungry stomach craves for meat,  
A Nightingale is good for Hawks to eat:  
I'm but a mouthful can't your belly fill,  
Said he I shall slide down like a mere pill;  
The greater birds are all at your command,  
His answer was give me a bird i'th' hand.   

Mor.  
Possession's eleven points of the law,  
Reversions won't fill a hungry maw;  
Something some savour has to break one's fast,  
A hungry belly's evermore in haste.    

FAB. 18. Of the Cat, and the Cock.  

PUss longed for Cocks, her longing for to save  
As many tricks as dancing bear to have  
She was resolved; first said folks could not sleep  
For him, because he such a noise did keep:  
No cause said he, you that so ill should take,  
You know it is my work the folks to wake;  
You carnally do know Sister and mother  
Said he, if you'll have reasons there's another.  
We Bruits have Bruets said he, whereby we may  
Lie with each other, else we cannot lay  
Eggs as we do, the Cat the question begs  
That thinks if we don't so we may lay eggs;  
Full of excuses said the Cat at last  
Methinks you are, but I don't mean to fast.   

Mor.  
With some excuses every one would cloak  
The worst things that he doth, and yet revoke  
What they intended, some will not, although  
They nothing signify, they're made to know.  
When all pleas fail, some openly profess  
They will do what they list, nevertheless:  
Some know no law or reason but their will  
Baffle all they can say, they're the same still.    

FAB. 19 Of the Fox and the Bramble.  

A Fox distressed upon a Bramble got,  
There chanced to meet what he expected not:  
His foot was sorely pricked, feeling his danger,  
Said he, is this your kindness to a stranger?  
Sir Bramble, I for refuge hither fled,  
You have so wounded me I'm almost dead.  
You are a Fox said he, and must be scratched,  
Brambles like other creatures can't be catched;  
They catch, if you to me for succour call  
I am a Hedge, I'm not an Hospital:  
'Tis not for them that such fine skins do wear  
As you, but for Hedgehogs to quarter here.   

Mor.  
Fox's may lose their wits by great distress,  
Else to a bramble which is merciless  
A Fox had never gone to beg his aid,  
Some folks appear without all bowels made:  
Their nature's to do hurt not to do good,  
To seek to them it must be understood  
For helps in vain, they'll hinder if they can  
Or scratch or tear (that brambles many a man;)  
They're woefully put to't to shift and scramble,  
Who for relief make suit unto a bramble.    

FAB. 20. Of the Fox and the Crocodile.  

TIme was a Fox and Crocodile contended  
Which of them two more nobly was descended;  
Crocodile said, he was, his pedigree  
So ancient was, Nilus' head might be  
As soon found out as the original,  
Of the house whence he came, the Fox did call  
His skin to witness, (as it were a Coat  
Of Arms) his house long since, was of no note:  
Said th' Fox by that thy skin it may be seen,  
Stripped of thy glory thou a long time hast been.   

Mor.  
HE has led no easy life, doubt not to pawn  
All thou art worth, whose hands are hard as brawn;  
Some marks in things puts all out of doubt,  
Words may be spared, when things themselves speak out:  
Who can be made believe a horse his youth  
That sees the mark is quite out of his mouth?    

FAB. 21. Of the man and the wooden God.  

ONe had a wooden God to whom he prayed  
For gold and silver, as he wanted aid;  
To him the more he prayed, the less he had,  
That made the man become stark staring mad.  
He took his God by th● heels swung him about,  
Threw him against the stones, dashed his brains out:  
And this he had to recompense his pains,  
Bursting his seull, there he found gold for brains.   

Mor.  
Whoso to wooden Gods do pray, speed worse,  
He rather shall be blessed who such doth curse.    

FAB. 22. Of the Fox and the Hunters.  

A Fox was hunted, to a Woodman he  
Did fly from the pursuit secured to be;  
Good Sir said he, tell me where I may hid,  
He pressed it hard, and it was not denied:  
Hid there said he, there you may be secure,  
He seemed in earnest for he looked demure:  
The Hunter came he'd not himself disgrace  
By saying aught, but pointed to the place.   

Mor.  
Some undo with their hands what with their tongues  
They did, bad fingers have, if not bad lungs;  
Seem to do good, but do hurt in the main,  
Red Cows give good milk, kick it down again.    

FAB. 24. Of the Husbandman.  

A Wealthy Yeoman when he lay a dying,  
His children came about him all a crying;  
And where his bags were, much desired to know,  
But durst not say a word to him I trow:  
He said to them, When I am dead I bid  
You dig the Vineyard well, there I have hid  
My gold and silver, and my other treasure,  
They digged and digged and digged without all measure:  
But found no money there, but money worth  
For then, the Vineyard a huge crop brought forth.   

Mor.  
'Tis better for to teach thy Son a Spade  
How for to use, than bring him up a Blade;  
For Blades will spend, whilst Diggers force the earth  
To yield its fruit, and need not fear a dearth;  
If you can do no more care not a fig,  
Leave Sons a Vineyard, say, go dig, go dig.    

FAB. 25. Of the Fisherman.  

A Fisherman no master of his Art  
For to catch fish, did set himself apart;  
For to catch fish, on a pipe he did play,  
That by his music come to hand would they  
He thought, why might not he draw Pike and Carp,  
As Orpheus drew Beasts, and trees with's harp;  
The Fish as listening to his pipe lay still,  
And would not stir at all, which he took ill.  
He then put up his pipes, used them no more,  
Then he threw in his net, caught fish good store;  
Which when he ceased to pipe would skip and dance,  
But when he piped would not one step advance:  
He saw them dance when put out of the net,  
Ashore, which he with piping could not get  
Them for to do in their own element,  
He thought 'em cross, and took great discontent.   

Mor.  
Fishes are mutes and silence they love best,  
With them no noise or musics in request;  
His great mistake will be cast in his dish,  
Who useth pipes for nets when he would fish:  
Who entertains a fish with noise doth dare him,  
The way to catch a fish is not to scare him;  
The humour of some Customers is such,  
They'll give your price if, you don't talk too much;  
With silence towards some we must advance,  
We must not pipe if we'd have fish to dance.    

FAB. 26. Of the Fishermen.  

fishermans have a name for patience,  
Without it to attempt that trade's no sense;  
Yet some of them out of all patience were,  
They'd sped so ill that they could not forbear  
For to repine, weary as horses, they  
And hungry were, and yet had caught no prey  
Packing up to be gone, a Fish there came  
Of no small bulk, and price, so very tame  
That it did leap into their Peter boat,  
'Twas hunted by another you must note,  
That one was worth a power of other fish,  
'Twas dear sold, for 'twould make a lovely dish:  
What pains would do the Fisherman had tried,  
Fortune performed, what industry denied.   

Mor.  
Industrious men use to have best success,  
Though fortune without pains seems them to bless;  
She would be thanked alone and therefore she  
Cries, give men luck, and throw them into th' sea.    

FAB. 27. Of the Fishermen.  

SOme Fishermen were overjoyed, their net  
Ith' Sea so heavy felt, did hope to get  
A mighty booty when it came to land,  
It proved another thing, when't came to hand;  
But the great weight  please you was a stone,  
That for a Salmon how did they bemoan.  
A stone was then the most that they could get,  
They found that all's not fish, that comes to net:  
One wiser than the rest, bid them employ  
Their minds to think, Sorrow's a kin to joy:  
This was a stone the next a fish may be,  
Humane vicissitudes we must foresee.   

Mor.  
Man's married to fate and 'tis his curse,  
HE accepts it not for better and for worse;  
Every man's case is very agavish,  
Sometimes we meet with stones sometimes with fish.    

FAB. 28. Of an old man that wished for Death.  

AN aged man, like the man in the moon  
Loaded with sticks, cried out he was undone;  
He seemed to wish for death, tired out of measure  
Death quickly came, desired to know his pleasure:  
Sir death said he, I nothing else do lack  
But that you'd lift my burden on my back:  
I laid it down can't get it up again,  
Refreshed, I'm willing to renew my pain.   

Mor.  
Life upon any terms most men would have,  
They have a strong aversion to the grave;  
Wishing for death they say they know not what,  
For when death comes, than any thing but that.    

FAB. 29. Of the woman and the Physician.  

A Woman's eyes were very much inflamed,  
The course-she took was no ways to be blamed;  
Sought to a Doctor for his best advice,  
In case he cured her promised a great price  
For all his pains, but if she cured were not  
By his endeavours, nothing should be got.  
He went to work, bled her, and Issues made,  
And did what else did belong to his trade;  
He closed her eyes, lest the light should offend  
Or her or him, her Goods he did intent  
And took them all away, though by degrees  
And in so doing paid himself large fees:  
When that was done, he told her that she saw,  
But she said no, and so they went to law;  
This argument she used ('twas all in one)  
Before I could see Goods now can see none.   

Mor.  
They'll contradict themselves who have a mind  
To save their money, she said she was blind;  
And yet she saw her goods were took away,  
Covetous people care not what they say.    

FAB. 30. Of the two Enemies.  

TWo men there were whom one house could not hold  
(Though one Ship did) they were so apt to scold;  
Their enmity was easy to discern,  
One got to th' Prow, the other to the Stern:  
'Twas come to that, they had cause to mistrust  
Whom one house could not hold, one Sea soon must:  
Of being cast away began to think,  
He at the Prow did ask which side would sink  
First of the two, the Pilot said the stern,  
'Twas like a mighty Cordial from Mayem;  
With a good courage follow him I durst  
Said he, if I may but see him go first.   

Mor.  
Some are so bend their enemies to undo,  
They say we'll perish may they perish too;  
Revenge on some men hath so great a charm,  
Their own good's less to them than their foe's harm.    

FAB. 31. Of the Boy and Fortune.  

BLind fortune spied a boy asleep to be  
Close by a well, (strange blind and yet did see)  
Sweet heart to call thee hence I hither came  
Said he, shouldst thou fall in, I'll bear the blame.   

Mor.  
Some that they might pretend to innocence,  
Cast all their faults upon God's providence.    

FAB. 32. Of the mice and the Cat.  

A Cat perceived a magazine of mice  
In a good house, went thither in a trice;  
Made woeful havoc did her belly fill,  
Reserved the rest time after time to kill.  
Therefore the mice in a full number met,  
To that same trade resolved some bounds to set.  
It us behoveth as ourselves we love  
Not to go down, say they, but keep above  
Out of the reach of Puss, where she can't come  
Or she'll kill all the mice, as she has some:  
Puss knew their plot, and forthwith did project  
How she might make it be of none effect;  
Hung herself by the heels upon a post  
Not by the neck, she was a cunning tossed;  
When they shall see Puss hanged they'll think she's dead  
Thought she, One mouse had more wit in his head,  
If that be th' Cat I doubt she is not dead  
Quoth he, she hangs by th' heels not by the head.  
The Proverb saith, Dead women do not trust,  
Then were she dead, dead Cat much less I must;  
Nay though the eighth time dead, for though men's wives  
Do live but once, they say Cats have nine lives.   

Mor.  
Less than a mouse is he that will believe  
A cheating knave that did him once deceive;  
Who cheats me once, a knave shall be his name,  
Mine fool, if I'm twice cheated by the same:  
Of whom by one cheat I have warning ta'en,  
Though'd hang himself shall not cheat me again.    

FAB. 33. Of the Ape and the Fox.  

AN Ape so neatly danced, they made him king,  
'Twas a brave dance that made a royal thing;  
The Fox did think his wit might him advance  
No less than did the Ape his skilful dance:  
'Twould make a Fox look red, to see an Ape  
Preferred before him, though he have a shape  
More like to man's, that said, an Ape's an Ape  
And a Fox is a Fox, for all his shape.  
Fox led the APe (Foxes Apes use to lead)  
The Ape as void of Head as tail, no dread  
Had of the Fox, he led him to a ditch  
Where some body flesh with a snare did pitch;  
That is a treasure which belongs to kings  
Said the Fox to the Ape, therefore those things  
Are thine, be pleased to seize them to thy use;  
He catcht at them, was caught, soon saw th' abuse  
The Fox had put upon him, and complained  
Of his deceit, but thereby only gained  
This answer, thou hast well deserved this thing,  
For thinking thou deserv'dst to be a king.   

Mor.  
Ambition ends in scorn, when an Ape dares  
Accept of Kingship, Foxes will lay snares;  
Aim not too high, nor dare to fly at all,  
Who vainly soar, take but the greater fall.    

FAB. 34. Of Jupiter and the Crow.  

OF Birds a great assembly Jove did call,  
To try which was the finest bird of all;  
The finest bird he did intent for King,  
(For personage in a Prince is a good thing)  
The Crow had notice what was to be done,  
He a Competitor would be for one.  
Of every handsome bird he got a feather,  
Preparing of himself for to go thither  
Came finest of 'em all, for he had all  
The finenesses of birds, both great and small:  
He did outshine them all at the first sight,  
With their own feathers, which did raise great spite;  
Then every one made bold to take his own,  
When that was done, so ugly there was none  
As was the Crow, like Negro that had been  
Clad in fine , but now stripped to the skin.  
Thou fool said they, didst thou aim to be king?  
Because thou hadst got this and that fine thing;  
Which thou from others borrowed hadst, or stole,  
Now having but thy own, thou'rt a sad tool.   

Mor.  
The man that's all Quotations is a Crow  
Full of fine feathers, other folk's, I trow.  
If stripped of them he and his writings be,  
As black and ugly as a Crow is he;  
Let not men seem to exceed their own tethers,  
They're only fine, who'd fine in their own feathers.    

FAB. 35. Of the Smith and the Dog.  

SMug had a dog full slick and smug might be,  
Whilst Smug wrought hard, idle as dog was he;  
Under the Anvil he did lie and snort,  
All the while that his master had resort  
With's Hammer thereunto, about his work  
As one was unconcerned, there he did lurk:  
Until to dine his master did betake him,  
When that time came he needed none to wake him  
From under th' Anvil, he got under th' table,  
He made no bones of bones, he was so able  
Them first to chew, and then for to digest,  
The Smith observing this himself thus blest:  
Bless me said he, how shall poor I find meat?  
For a Dog will ne'er work but always eat.   

Mor.  
The dog that will not work let him not eat,  
Why should one live upon another's sweat.    

FAB. 36. Of a Mule.  

THe Son of Monsieur Ass, and Madam mare  
Called Mule, was wanton made with too good fare;  
Then said my father a great Courser was,  
But quite forgot his mother was an Ass:  
I am as like him as e'er I can look  
Said he, and for my father have been took;  
He was to run a race, no race could run,  
He soon desisted after he begun:  
Then said no wonder I so soon do tyre,  
Now I remember an Ass was my Sire.   

Mor.  
Folks in prosperity oft play the fools,  
Think themselves horses, when they are but mules.    

FAB. 37 Of a Physician.  

A Doctors Patient happened for to die,  
Unto his friends he would needs show cause why;  
It was he said, because he would drink wine  
And take no Clysters, else he did divine  
He might have lived, one said it was too late  
To say this now, Inexorable fate  
Had done its work, this counsel you should give  
Your Patients, said they, whilst they do live.   

Mor.  
Who gives advice, doth but his friends befool,  
To shut the Stable, when the Steed is stole.    

FAB. 38. Of the Dog and the Wolf.  

A Wolf had seized a dog that was but thin,  
A Rascal of his body, but mere skin  
And bone, who pleaded he was yet but carrion,  
Besought that him some longer time he'd tarry on:  
His master shortly was to have a feast,  
Would cost the life of many a bird ●nd beast;  
A Wedding-feast he said, spare the poor dog  
Till then, 'twill make him fat as any hog.  
And then my flesh said he will be rare meat,  
As sweet and short as venison it will eat;  
Knowing the honesty of dogs, the wolf  
Suffered him for that time to shoot the Gulf  
And to escape, not doubting but his tongue  
Was right, there is such virtue in his dung:  
It cures those persons that sore mouths bemoan,  
Blister by lying he will not his own;  
Soon as he thought the dog was fat indeed  
The wolf did come, not without hope to speed:  
When he came first, the dog slept at the door,  
But took such warning he'd sleep there no more  
But slept within; then called the wolf, Sir Dog  
Make good your word, you're now fat as a hog;  
It may be so said he, take t'other bout  
With me, when you do see me sleep without:  
If at the door you find me, in a mortar  
Beat me the second time, I'll crave no quarter.   

Mor.  
Wise men take warning, and will come no more  
Abroad, if they can't keep the wolf from th' door.    

FAB. 39 Of the Lion and the Bull.  

TO bate a Bull A Lion, did design  
And eat him then, his policy was fine:  
Meaning to sup with him, with him to sup  
Invited him, thinking to eat him up;  
Sir Bull said he, I have a curious sheep,  
Help me to eat it, for it will not keep.  
(A compelment some use) Sir Bull loved mutton,  
Did he or not, Lion cared not a Button:  
'Twas Beef he longed for, Beef is King of meat,  
Bull was called to be eaten, not to eat.  
Which he discerned not, till he saw no sheep  
I' th' Lion's tent, than he began to peep  
Seeing huge fires and spits, in a wrong box  
Am I said he, here's fire to roast an Ox;  
A way he trudged, seeing the Lion gull  
Him merely with a sheep, it was a Bull  
By all those fires, Caldrons, and spits, he'd have;  
When he was out of reach, he called him knave.   

Mor.  
If some lay snares, some again are as wise  
For to escape all snares which they devise.    

FAB. 40 Of the Lion that loved a Countrey-mans daughter.  

A Lion greatly loved a Countrey-Lass,  
How to get friends consent all his care was;  
He prayed her father would consent at least,  
I'll not my daughter marry to a beast  
Said he, than did the Lion frown, and roar,  
When he saw that, he durst refuse no more.  
Part from thy teeth said he, and pair thy paws,  
My daughter shall be thine, in spite of laws;  
But of those things she's really afraid,  
He that would marry must not scare the maid:  
Lion yields every thing for which he calls;  
Parts with his keys to gain her Virginals;  
And pared his paws, to shake her by the hand,  
That done, she was no more at his command.  
Said he, not then shall I my daughter wed  
To an old beast has ne'er a tooth in's head;  
Sir Lion if that now you rampant be,  
I'll make you couchant  I've done with you:  
Stood over him like Hercules with a club,  
Basted his son in law, as a young Cub.   

Mor.  
Lion's are Lions because such provision  
Of arms they have, or they'd be a derision;  
Whoso disarms himself doth merely dote,  
Let enemies know it, and they'll cut his throat:  
He worthy is to be received with laughter,  
Will to a Beast, though a Lion match his daughter.    

FAB. 41. Of the Lioness and the Fox.  

A Fox made bold to jeer a Lioness,  
Although a Queen, like a mere Joan or Bess;  
The cause was slight, but one whelp at a Litter  
She had, but yet her taunts were very bitter:  
There is no cause why me thou shouldst cry fie on  
For one whelp at a time since 'tis a Lion,  
Said the brave Lioness, a royal Babe  
It is, thou hast but Cubs thou foul-mouthed drab.   

Mor.  
This as a certain rule be understood;  
It matters not how many but how good;  
What holds in wives, may it not hold in any  
Thing else? one good's enough, one bad's too many.    

FAB. 42. Of the Wolf and the Lamb.  

A Wolf with harmless Lamb would please his gust,  
He would do that, and yet he would seem just;  
Erected a high Court, did him indite,  
That he of old had done him great despite:  
Then said the Lamb, that surely is not true,  
For then before I was I hurt did do.  
My grass you eat, Lamb wasn't so much an Ass  
But he could say, I've no teeth to eat grass:  
You drink my water, with words soft as silk  
He said,  please you I drink naught but milk;  
Though by your words you innocent appear  
Said th' wolf, I am resolved to have good cheer.   

Mor.  
Who Innocents' are minded to abuse,  
Them in the first place study to accuse  
Of no small crimes, to justify the same,  
Are much concerned to ruin their good name:  
Though all be false they spread reproaches thick,  
Throw dirt enough, think they, something will stick.    

FAB. 43. Of the two Cocks that fought one with another.  

IT is a common thing for Cocks to fight  
One with another, Hens have not less spite  
But want their courage, time was two Cocks fought,  
One with the others Hen would needs be naught;  
Cock the Whoremaster Chanced for to prevail,  
Which made the honest cock himself bewail;  
For to appear abroad he thought unmeet,  
'Cause he a Cuckold was, and also beat:  
The conquering Cock scorned to abide below,  
From the Housetop did o'er the conquered crow  
Clapping his wings, great insolency when  
He did both tread the cock and tread his hen.  
Then a great Eagle with a mighty force  
Came down upon him, bid him take his course  
Help himself as he could, out of his claw,  
How he abused the conquered cock he saw:  
He'd give him to his young ones for to eat,  
A lusty Cock with Bacon is good meat;  
The Cuckold cock all these things saw and heard,  
His Rival gone, himself was not afraid  
For to appear, and own his ravished hen;  
Over his conquered foe he triumphed then.   

Mor.  
When thou dost prosper be not Cock on hoop  
O'er others, time may come when thou mayst droop;  
The upper spokes come down, the lower rise,  
No man's at once both insolent and wise:  
An Eagle may have thee at a bad lock,  
And punish wrongs done to a shiftless cock.    

FAB. 44. Of the Calf and the Hind.  

WAs not the Hind a Calf? whom calves did jeer,  
That he the little dogs would dread and fear;  
The dogs are less and have no horns to fight  
Withal, said they, why should the dogs thee fright?  
Thou art more swift, hast better feet than they,  
And come the worst to th' worst, canst run away:  
Though this be true, Nature has me so made  
Said he, that when dogs bark I am afraid.   

Mor.  
Though they in bulk and strength exceed, yet scarce  
Cowardly natures will make sons of Mars.    

FAB. 45. Of the Bee and Jupiter.  

THe waxy Bees with honey Jove presented,  
He them a good reward if but contented  
With reason meant to give, ask what you will,  
Said he, that's just, I'll your request fulfil.  
It seems they thought revenge as honey sweet,  
And did ask more revenge than Jove thought meet.  
Jove is a God that hates revenge and strife,  
They said, who steals our honey take his life;  
But Jove has love for men and for their lives,  
Won't have them die merely for emptying hives:  
Showing his great dislike of what they said,  
Rather than so, this good law shall be made  
Said he, if ye sting men and lose your sting  
Thereby, I'll with your death avenge the thing.   

Mor.  
Some to themselves procure an evil fate,  
Whilst spitefully they others imprecate.    

FAB. 46. Of the Flie.  

A Fly into a mess of pottage fell,  
How to get out again he could not tell;  
To put a good face on't he thought was best,  
And so he passed it over with a jest:  
Having so eat, so drunk, so bathed, to die  
I'm well content, said he, worms take the fly;  
Now he's good meat, and fat as e'er he'll be,  
You'll wish him now if when you're well you see.   

Mor.  
ne'er seem hard things too much to heart to take,  
Always the best of a bad Market make.    

FAB. 47. Of the young man and the Swallow.  

A Wasteful Heir had brought himself to lack  
All necessaries but  to his back;  
Seeing one Swallow fly, the time of year  
He guessed from thence, and said Summer was near:  
I'll sell my  said he, his  he sold,  
'Twas not midwinter yet, proved very cold.  
Swallow soon after came that way again,  
He had undone him th' young man did complain  
And himself too, the cold had almost killed him,  
Thenceforth to serve him so no more he willed him.   

Mor.  
Who would conclude a war seeing one Drummer?  
One Swallow (as they say) done't make a Summer;  
Such a poor inference Reason would have thwarted,  
But a fool and his money are soon parted.    

FAB. 48. Of a Woodman.  

A Woodman felled a tree which did grow nigh  
A River dedicate to Mercury,  
His axe did chance to fall into the River,  
He prayed to Meercury it to deliver;  
Then Mercury brought an Axe of pure gold made,  
This yours said he? 'twas none of his he said;  
A silver axe he brought in the next place,  
To say that that was his he had not the face:  
Then take them both for yours said Mercury,  
I love thee well because thou wouldst not lie.  
Another Woodman confident did wax  
By this, into the River threw his axe;  
Of his lost Axe he sadly did complain,  
Prayed Mercury to help him to it again:  
(Mercury was like Mall-cut-purse in my mind,  
It seems he could not only hid, but find)  
Than Mercury brought him an axe of gold,  
To say that that was his he did make bold;  
Thou a gold Axe said he thou shalt have none,  
Who what was none of thine, didst call thine own.   

Mor.  
As Poets feign 'mongst Numens' there are odds,  
Mercury was none of the most honest Gods;  
Yet he rewarded virtue, and a Lie  
Was here discountenanced by Mercury:  
Few men so wicked are, such Gods are none,  
Who wickedness in others won't disown.    

FAB. 49. Of the Hares and the Frogs.  

THe Hares were melancholy as a Cat,  
Men, Eagles, dogs pursued them; it was that,  
That every body was their enemy,  
So troubled them they'd drown themselves and die:  
As they came by some Frogs did leap in first,  
('Twas Cowardice, not courage that they durst)  
Scared with the noise, one wiser than the rest  
Said to the Hares, follow 'em we had not best;  
For what we thought we find not true to be,  
That of all creatures most distressed are we:  
We do fear men and eagles and mad dogs,  
There are that do fear us, to wit, the Frogs;  
Unless most wretched of all things we were,  
To drown ourselves we be mad as a March-Hare.   

Mor.  
Men think that bear their miseries they may,  
If others seem to endure more than they.    

FAB. 50. Of the Serpent and the Husbandman.  

A Boy a Serpent struck, he bitten the boy,  
He died of's wounds that was his father's joy;  
He would have killed the Serpent, but did fail,  
Aimed at his head but only cut his tail  
With his sharp Axe, would after have been friends  
When that was done, and made him some amends.  
Took for that end Honey, Salt-water, meal,  
Invites the Serpent, who'd not with him deal;  
Excuse me Sir said he, your invitation  
I can't accept, there's some dissimulation,  
To make us friends is a thing can't be done,  
Whilst I think of my tail, thou of thy son.   

Mor.  
It is not safe to trust thyself with those,  
Unto whom mutual injuries thee expose.    

FAB. 51. Of the Hen and the Fox.  

TO a sick hen a Fox did make a visit,  
Knocking at th' door, the Hen cry'dout who is it  
Knocks at my door? Sweet heart said Fox 'tis I;  
I hear you are not well, Hen did reply  
I shall be well enough when you are gone,  
Hens can't be well, whilst Foxes do look on.   

Mor.  
Whoever loves me not, if choose may I,  
Give me his room, and not his company.    

FAB. 52. Of the Fox.  

THe Grapes were ripe enough for Foxes fast,  
To strip the Vine Sir Reynard did make haste;  
Used all the wit he had to get a cluster  
Or two, but could not do it with all his bluster:  
Then he resolved to come off with a jest,  
Yet they're not fit to eat, but sour at best.   

Mor.  
Whoso by Hunting cannot get to eat  
A Hare, had best to cry she's but dry meat.    

FAB. 53. Of the Fowler and the Partridge.  

A Partridge far from meager, (they are plump  
You know,) by Fowler took, began to hump;  
And whining said, Sir Fowler if that thou  
Sparest me, I'll bring thee Patridges enough:  
Then th' Fowler said, thou well deserv'st to die  
Offering to spoil thy friends by Treachery.   

Mor.  
E'en let him come to an untimely end,  
Who is so base as to betray his friend.    

FAB. 54. Of the Hare and the Tortoise.  

A Hare did jeer a Tortoise for his feet,  
Boasted that he himself was far more fleet;  
Then said the Tortoise let us run a race,  
I am as swift as thou, won't bate th' an ace:  
It was agreed by mutual consent,  
To stand to th' Foxes wise arbitrement;  
So 'twas a match, Tortoise did forthwith start,  
The Hare did rest awhile, as swift as hart  
Thinking herself to be, then to the Goal  
She ran, but giving part she lost the whole:  
Tortoise was got there first, for by the way  
When the Hare made a halt, he did not stay.   

Mor.  
Ten to one he'll prove best in the event,  
Not who's most nimble, but most diligent.    

FAB. 55. Of the Sallow and the Axe.  

AXes not only fell trees with their edges,  
But when that's done, do out of them make wedges  
Wherewith to cleave themselves Sallow took't ill,  
Wedges of Sallow should the Sallow spill;  
Wood from her bowels should her bowels tear,  
She thought such wedges most unnatural were:  
'Tis not so ill an Axe should fallen a tree,  
As by a Sallow wedge thus cleft should be.   

Mor.  
'Tis not so sad to fall by enemies,  
As when birds we brought up, pick out our eyes.    

FAB. 56. Of the Peach tree and the Apple tree.  

THe Peach and Appletree had great contest,  
'Twas about that, which of them two were best;  
The Bramble over heard the scolding, he  
Said th' Law is chargeable, good friends agree.   

Mor.  
When quarrels among great ones do increase,  
Sometimes poor Brambles may help to make peace.    

FAB. 57 Of the Mole and its Dam.  

A Proud young Mole (some moles are black and proud)  
Unto his Dam was heard to say aloud  
I smell a filthy scent, high chimneys see,  
I hear a noise of hammers, he would be  
Thought better than he was, and that he might  
Be so, he did pretend not to want sight:  
For all your haste then said his Dam, I tell,  
You seem to want both sight, and scent, and smell.   

Mor.  
As if they could do all things some make show,  
But upon search are found can nothing do.    

FAB. 58. Of the Wasps, the Partridge and the Husbandman.  

A Partridge and a wasp were much athirst,  
Both gave good words, though wasps use to be cursed;  
They gave good words to a poor Countryman,  
If help them to a little drink he can,  
And will, one promised he would dig his ground,  
His vines to greater profit should redound.  
The waspish Wasp did promise with his sting  
To keep off Thiefs, and to guard every thing;  
I have two Oxen said the Countryman,  
Which promise nothing yet do all they can;  
For to give strangers drink, I can't afford,  
'Tis for my Ox, He's better than his word.   

Mor.  
ne'er give to them who can do nought but crack,  
Who silently do all let them ne'er lack.    

FAB. 59 Of Jupiter.  

When Jove his Wedding kept (for Gods had wives  
As Poets seign, for th' comfort of their lives;)  
Him at that feast all creatures did present,  
He in good part took each one's compliment  
Saving the Serpents, whom he did expose,  
Who in his mouth to him did bring a Rose:  
Roses from prickles we do not refuse,  
But from a serpent's mouth he would not use.   

Mor.  
Jove hates a Serpent, and man Serpentine,  
Thy Rose doth stink, said he, because 'tis thine.    

FAB. 60. Of the Flea.  

A Plea as brisk as any Body-louse  
Nipped a man's back, as he slept in his house;  
Which made him wake, and cry who's that bites me?  
 please you Sir said he 'tis but a Flea:  
Let it not greatly trouble you if he by't,  
For what is less vexatious than a Fleabite?  
Or fleas must suck folk's skins or else be starved,  
Nature to them no other food hath carved;  
It is all one for that the good man said,  
If you will flay my skin you shall be flayed;  
Since you to folks asleep this trouble give,  
It is a thousand pities fleas do live.   

Mor.  
If that to others thou injurious be,  
'Twill not excuse thee that thou'rt but a flea.    

FAB. 61. Of the flea and the man.  

A Skip Jack Flay bit a man's foot so hard  
He downright angry was with him, amared,  
Crush thee, I that I will, betwixt my nails  
Said he, he did but say so, for he fails  
Of doing as he said, Monsieur-le-frisk,  
That nimble youth for's worship was too brisk,  
After a fierce assault made his escape,  
Whilst th' bitter man did for his ruin gape:  
A foolish man cried out O Hercules!  
Wouldst thou not with thy club keep off the fleas?  
Wouldst thou stand by and not do me that right?  
What serves thy Club for if that fleas may by't?   

Mor.  
The Gods concern themselves (for so they please)  
In smallest matters, e'en as small as fleas;  
What they will do, and what we may is odds,  
For fleabites we may not invoke the Gods.    

FAB. 62. Of the Husband and his wives.  

A Man of middle-age had overdone,  
Married two wives, which were too much by one;  
One was a young wife, t' other was an old,  
When two wives meet, 'tis much if they don't scold;  
To please 'em both the Man had much ado,  
For each to be his favourite did sue.  
Each combed his head, and laid it in her lap,  
Betwixt 'em both, he soon came to's nightcap:  
A cap he wanted for he had no hair,  
The young one had plucked out all that grey were;  
The old one all the black, thus pulled and hall'd,  
In the conclusion he became quite bald.   

Mor.  
There is no end of pleasing every body,  
He that shall offer that, shall prove a noddy  
With a bald pate, young ones pull off the grey  
Hairs from our heads, old wives the black ones, they  
Have no more for to please than you needs must,  
That you shall please too wives at once, ne'er trust:  
They're best that without more contented are,  
To please but one wise at a time is fair.    

FAB. 63. Of one that promised impossibilities.  

ONe that was hardly worth one single Cow  
In all the world, when sick, to Jove did vow  
But spare his life, a thousand oxen he  
Would cause to him should sacrificed be.  
When his wife said 'twas more than he could do  
I'll save my oxen and my credit too  
Said he, my will to live I do discover,  
'Tis ten to one that I shall not recover.   

Mor.  
An errand cheat we say would cheat his father,  
But for an errand cheat account him rather  
Who would cheat Jove, and make him to believe,  
As if omniscience he could deceive.    

FAB. 64. Of the Frogs.  

FRogs must have liquor, wheresoever they dwell,  
Troubled with dropsies as their looks do tell;  
The Fen in which they dwelled was now grown dry,  
In Summertime, and thereupon they fly  
From thence, to seek another habitation  
One of them spied a well, made Proclamation  
Unto his fellow, that there was a place  
Was for their turn, quoth he, bate me an ace  
Of that, for if this Well shall dried up be  
When we are in, then how get out shall we?   

Mor.  
They Whoso venture have-but a bad bout,  
Who when they're in know not how to get out.    

FAB. 65. Of the Dog and the Cock.  

TWixt Dog and Cock a League of amity  
Concluded was, would near each other lie;  
The winged Cock did roost upon a tree,  
Ith' hollow root his lodging for to be  
The dog did choose, the Cock crew in the night,  
Fox heard him cant, and came e'er it were light:  
Professed a love for creatures that could sing  
So well as he, said music's a sweet thing;  
Pray Sir come down said he I'd you embrace,  
'Tis a great joy to me to see your face;  
Said th' Cock I am shut in, and now before  
I can get out, th' Porter must open the door:  
Good Fox to th' Porter call said he, and I  
Will wait upon your worship presently.  
He work the Porter, though it were too rare  
The dog got up, did th' Fox in pieces tear.   

Mor.  
Who acteth like a Fox may chance to know,  
He is no less a Fox that is his foe.    

FAB. 66. Of the Lion and the Bear.  

A Bear and Lion 'twixt them got a Fawn,  
Fought whose it should be till the day did down;  
Wounded each other almost mortally,  
For want of Surgeons both were like to die:  
And then they laid them down one by another,  
Fawn lay i'th' midst as he had been a brother.  
Soon after that, the Fox the Fawn did spy,  
Said to himself, I'll at him presently;  
The Fox snatched up the Fawn and ran away,  
The Bear and Lion still, and half dead lay,  
Alas said they, we have took all the pains,  
The subtle Fox possesseth all the gains.   

Mor.  
It is a common case, some great pains take  
To win, and others all th' advantage make.    

FAB. 67. Of the Bat, the Bramble, and the Cormorant.  

A Bat, a Bramblen, and a Cormorant,  
Agreed that each of them would turn merchant;  
Bat borrow'd-money, threwed into the stock,  
The Bramble got a Suit of , and Frock:  
The Cormorant's merchandise was all in brass,  
They all did put to sea, but then alas  
A mighty storm cast their ship on a strand,  
And then with much ado they got to land:  
Since that the Cormorant hath dwelled nigh the Sea,  
Watching if any brass thence cast up be;  
Bat flies the light as being much in debt,  
Lest upon him his Creditors should set;  
Bramble at every body's  doth snatch,  
Hoping in time his own again to catch.   

Mor.  
What folks have set their hearts upon, we find  
On all occasions, will come to mind.    

FAB. 68 Of the wild Boar and the Fox  

A Boar stood by a tree and his tusks whet,  
Fox passing by, said 'twas not time as yet  
To whet his tusk, no enemy appeared,  
For saying so the Fox the wild boar jeered:  
When enemies appear this is the state  
Oth' case, to whet my tusks will be too late.   

Mor.  
Forewarned and fore-armed we ought to be,  
Before such time as enemies we see.    

FAB. 69. Of the Lark.  

THe singing Lark (whose leg is worth a Kite)  
Into a net unhappily did light;  
Sang sweetly there yet not without regret,  
But had no list for to dance in a net:  
Said I am thrown in prison, know not why,  
For no man's gold or silver stole have I  
But some few grains of corn, was all she vowed  
That she had took, grains used to be allowed.   

Mor.  
There are that sell their lives for an old song,  
Adventuring to do some petty wrong  
Great i'th' eye of the Law, they are no Sages  
Will venture hanging, for but Hangman's wages.    

FAB. 70. Of the Covetous man.  

A Miserable Hunks bury needs must  
His golden wedge i'th' earth, so dust to dust;  
Therewith he buried his heart alive,  
When's gold was gone how could his heart survive?  
He daily went a Pilgrim to that place,  
How great soe'er was the distance of space.  
That made a thief mistrust, or else a thief  
By that mistrust was made, 'twas his belief  
Some treasure there was hid, he went and took  
It quite away, Its owner came to look  
After it as he used, which missing there,  
He began to rage and storm, and tear his hair,  
Till one passed by and said, you nought did use  
That's gone, therefore you had it not to lose:  
Put a ●●one in its stead, and fancy there  
A treasure is, and you'll be as you were.   

Mor.  
We worse than want, whate'er we do abuse,  
And really have not what we don't use.  
It comes to one to undergo a dearth  
Of money, and to buried in the earth.    

FAB. 71. Of the Tortoise and the Eagle.  

TO th' Eagle Tortoise said, teach me to fly,  
Approach the Sun like thee, how fain would I?  
The Eagle said, do not this racket keep  
At me for wings, nature would have thee creep;  
Can he have flown at all, i'th' eagle's face  
He would have flown, that his words had no place  
With him, it forced him to fall a weeping,  
The Eagle should tell him of always creeping:  
That seen, the Eagle in his claws him snatched,  
She wished to be so caught, and so was catched  
About the middle Region, said, that I  
Now will make trial, how that you can fly.  
Betake you to your wings, I'll let you go,  
What a brave bird you are you straight shall know:  
Then let him go (as in a River him  
A man might do, whom nought will serve but swim;  
In spite of fate he will, I that he will,  
Above his depth, then saith he take thy fill.)  
When thus let go his ruin was at hand,  
He had no wings nor there on legs could stand;  
He fell upon a rock, his brains flew out,  
And that was all his flight, a dismal bout.   

Mor.  
When Eagle sighted people do advise,  
We shall mind what they say if we be wise,    

FAB. 72. Of the Hind.  

ONly one seeing eye had a poor Hind  
That fed on the Seashore, t' other was blind,  
Thought with herself that for her safety she,  
Had best turn her blind-side towards the sea;  
A Sailer sailing by, saw she was blind,  
She can't see me said he, have at the Hind:  
Then winking with one eye he did take aim,  
And to her side a Bullet quickly came;  
With that the wretched Hind was sadly checked,  
A broadside on that side did not expect;  
But on the other side looked for a foe,  
But where 'twas looked for she received no blow.   

Mor.  
It is a common case to be undone,  
By wrongs from those from whom we look for none;  
And we oft look for mischief for a spurt,  
From those who never meant to do us hurt.    

FAB. 73. Of the Hind and the Lyon.  

A Timorous Hind did from a Hunter fly,  
Fearing lest else she by his hands should die;  
Into the Fire out of the Frying-pan,  
Knows not how she avoid the Lion can:  
For in a Cave where she expected shelter,  
Full butt she met him put her out of kelter.  
Woe to the Hind saith she, must make a Feast,  
Shunning a man I've lit on the worst beast;  
(In point of cruelty) (they call him king,  
Of Beasts) for mercy man's another thing.   

Mor  
Their often shift some have cause to curse,  
They mend the matter so they make it worse;  
Who fly the company of civil men,  
Meeting with beasts are drawn into their den.    

FAB. 74. Of the Hind and the Vine.  

A Hind pursued took shelter from a Vine,  
Whilst he feared danger had no list to dine;  
When th' Pursuivant was gone, began to browse  
Upon the Vine, where he before did house;  
And then the Hunter saw his hand appear,  
For he looked back, and said, 'tis well you're there:  
You think to eat your morsels all alone,  
But by your favour I mean to make one.  
But first I'll send and see if I can reach thee,  
With my barbed arrow, and more justice teach thee  
Then to destroy the bridge, which thou wentest over,  
So much ingratitude for to discover:  
The Hind the Arrow hit, said th' fault is mine,  
The Vine did save me I would spoil the vine.   

Mor.  
A mischief be his speed whoe'res an actor,  
To ruin him that is his Benefactor.    

FAB. 75. Of the Ass and the Lion.  

A Cock and Ass did chance to feed together,  
The Lion wished for both, but could get neither;  
The Cock by crowing made him run away,  
When Cocks do crow Lions do quake they say:  
The Ass was such an Ass he thought 'twas he,  
That made the Lion so afraid to be.  
But more an Ass because he did pursue him,  
Who doubtless watched a time for to undo him;  
When the Cocks crowings he no more could hear,  
Then th' Lion did the Ass in pieces tear:  
How worthy of my name said th' Ass was I,  
Who sprung from cowards did with Lion vie?   

Mor.  
A flying enemy may do the feat,  
Parthians shoot arrows as they do retreat;  
Lions that run have Asses at this lock,  
They'll be no more pursued when rid o'th' Cock;  
Asses if they themselves would not undo,  
Must not adventure Lions to pursue.    

FAB. 76. Of the Gardener and his Dog.  

A Gardiner's Dog did fall into a Well,  
How to get out again he could not tell;  
In went the Gardener for to fetch him out,  
The jealous dog did grin and turn about:  
And made his teeth on him to meet, in spite  
(Why should he show his teeth if he'd not by't?)  
He comes to sink me down further thought he,  
Who only carne that drowned he might not be;  
I'm rightly served said he would save an elf,  
Whose resolution was to kill himself.   

Mor.  
Through jealousy men often misbehave 'em,  
Thinking they come to sink who come to save 'em;  
Groundless suspicion Reason so impairs,  
Men seek their lives who seek for to save theirs.    

FAB. 77. Of the Swine and the Dog.  

A Swine and dog did rail at one another,  
There's no such odds they should make such a pother;  
The Swine by Venus swore she'd tear the dog;  
You swear by Venus, Venus hates a hog,  
Said the brisk Cur, doth from her Chapel beat,  
All those who Swine's flesh do presume to eat.  
Said th' Swine that shows that Venus doth us love,  
For towards us she's harmless as a dove;  
When other creatures she doth kill and slay,  
Touch one of us none of her Clergy may.   

Mor.  
By this a mighty Orator is tried,  
What makes against him he makes on his side.    

FAB. 78. Of the Sow and the Bitch.  

A Sow and Bitch time was, had great con●●●●,  
Which of them two should go for fruitfullest;  
All creatures I excel in fruitfulness  
Said the Proud Bitch, be humble ne'er the less  
Said the grave Swine, and call it to thy mind  
Though thou hast many whelps, they're all born blind,   

Mor.  
Whoso is proud of any thing's a noddy,  
There is enough to humble every body;  
Too sudden things prove to be little worth,  
The hasty bitch blind Puppies doth bring forth.    

FAB. 79. Of the Serpent and the Crab.  

A Serpent and a Crab did enter League,  
The Crab the Serpent found full of intrigue  
The Crab was plain would had the Serpent so,  
Advised him to it but it would not do:  
As well may weavers wove without a shuttle,  
As Serpent's serpents be, and not be subtle.  
He could not for his life but turn and wind,  
And thereupon when him the Crab did find  
Asleep, he crushed him till he crushed him dead,  
Saying, these brains of thine shall cost thy head;  
Straight as an arrow than he was stretched out,  
And thereupon the Crab gave him this flout:  
If living thou hadst been as straight as now,  
Thou hadst been living still, I know not how  
It comes to pass thou'rt never straight till dead,  
If living thou'dst been so, thou'dst saved thy head.   

Mor.  
Serpentine tricks do put men in a chafe  
(When known,) some are less subtle and more safe;  
They who to other men are cunning foes,  
By them are oft destroyed by down right blows.    

FAB. 80. Of the Shepherd and the Wolf.  

A Shepherd a new littered wolf did find,  
Him with his dogs to breed it was his mind;  
When 'twas grown up if th' wolf a sheep had caught,  
With th' dogs against the wolf he would have fought:  
But if the wolf did happen to out run  
The dogs, his company he would not shun.  
But with the wolf he would go cheak by joal,  
Hoping for to take part of what he stole;  
Then to the dogs he would come back again,  
And if he found that they had nothing ta'en  
He'd get a sheep, and eat it with a dog,  
(For though he was a wolf he was no hog  
To eat his meat alone) the Shepherd knew  
After that time, what he had wont to do;  
The conscious wolf thought he would only bang him,  
But th' Shepherd in conclusion did hang him.   

Mor.  
Who both with dogs and wolves keep company,  
With dogs pursuing wolves, and wolves that fly  
Too fast for dogs eat sheep, which wolves do take,  
And feasts of sheep themselves have stole do make;  
How they come by it do not care a button,  
But come by't how they can they will have mutton:  
It is no matter if their fate shall be,  
To end their days upon the triple tree;  
He acted like a wolf till he did die,  
Though bred with dogs, for nature will not lie.    

FAB. 81. Of the Lion and the Wolf.  

When th' king of beasts was sick, the wolf did mind  
Him, that all creatures but the Fox were kind;  
And had made visits to him, he alone  
In all his time of sickness, had made none.  
The Fox was nigh, and heard himself accused,  
Apologized and said he was abused:  
They had no cause of him for to complain,  
He said, for none such pains as he had ta'en.  
Running from one Physician to another  
For his advice, as were't to save a brother;  
At length a Sovereign medicine I have found,  
Which to your health may very much redound:  
Sweet Fox said th' Lion, tell me that Receipt,  
To thee I'll be as thankful as is meet;  
Take a live wolf, forthwith pull off his skin,  
When 'tis warm, be pleased to put thyself therein:  
Then the Fox sneared at th' wolf, and thus he said,  
Take heed how you hereafter folks upbraid.   

Mor.  
'Tis common for to see them go to pot,  
Who against others did design and plot.    

FAB. 82. Of the Woman.  

A Certain woman was in great distress,  
Did much bewail her husband's drunkenness;  
Finding him once dead drunk, upon her back  
She took him, though he almost made it crack:  
And to a place where folks were buried  
She carried him, good reason, he was dead.  
In a dead sleep at least, 'twas no strange story,  
Therefore to lay him in a Dormitory:  
At the door of the vault next day she knocked,  
Whence he could not get out for it was locked;  
Who's there said he? One brings meat for the dead,  
Said she, and those who here are buried:  
We're dry as dust said he, meat without drink  
Is but cold comfort, for dead men I think:  
Hearing him talk of drink his wife took on,  
Said th' grave its self won't mend him, I'm undone.   

Mor.  
Who drinks with's broth (we some such proverb have)  
It will befall him to cough in his grave;  
If that can be a Toper I aver,  
Will call for drink when in his Sepulchre●  
To a great custom every man's a slave,  
And will go nigh to carry it to his grave.    

FAB. 83. Of the Swan.  

ALI some men's Geese are Swans, but one kept both,  
Swans flesh and Geese their voice who does not loath?  
He kept the Swans to sing, Geese for his table;  
Drew a Swan for a Goose, not being able  
In a dark night to know, one from the other  
(When nights are dark as pitch who knows his brother  
Until he hear him speak?) the Swan to kill  
Taking him for a Goose he meant, fulfil  
His purpose he did not, for why the Swan  
Sang as melodiously as any man:  
(Thinking his death was near) so, death did fly  
'Twas plain, no Goose could make such melody.   

Mor.  
Some by their music have escaped death,  
And so by spending, they have saved their breath.    

FAB. 84. Of the Blackmore.  

ONe bought a black thinking to make him white,  
Thought 'twas ill keeping made him look like night;  
He washed, and scrubbed and rubbed him every day,  
Supposing he was made of as white clay  
As other men, but sound himself deceived,  
Blackness in Blackmores can not be retrieved.   

Mor.  
As well may you make day of what is night,  
As wash a Blackmore till that he be white;  
Whilst you use water it your Art will foil,  
Though better colours might be laid in oil:  
Nature, attempts to change it, doth defy;  
As interest, so nature will not lie.    

FAB. 85. Of the Swallow and the Crow.  

A Swallow and a Crow, had great contest  
In point of beauty, which of them was best;  
we're not so black as Crows, the world can tell,  
The Swallow said, though we in chimneys dwell:  
The Crow as proud as black, said 'tis my duty  
For to be pleased, I have a holding beauty.  
And tell the Swallow, it doth not become her  
To brag, whose beauty's gone as soon as summer.   

Mor.  
Away with toys that soon are gone and passed,  
Give me those good things which will hold and last.    

FAB. 86. Of the Owl.  

A Bat to th' owl did give an ugly check,  
Out of a window that hung by the neck;  
Sir Owl said he, I hope it is no treason,  
Of your night singing for to ask the reason:  
Seeing that you are silent all day long,  
And make no noise as if you had no tongue.  
In times of you're said he, I sang by day,  
But by so doing did myself betray  
To great disasters, made me fly the light,  
And ever since I use to sing by night:  
You should have used day into night to turn  
Said th' Bat,  you your fingers so did burn.   

Mor.  
Dangers betimes we must anticipate,  
'Tis folly to use means when 'tis too late,  
When so it is an Owl hangs by the neck,  
'Tis then too late to's follies to give check.    

FAB. 87. Of the Cockles.  

WHen one was roasting Cockles by the fire,  
As he did rule the roast, he did admire  
To hear them chirp, are you there with your bears  
Said he? what chirp and fire about your ears?   

Mor.  
What the boy said to th' Cockles is good reason,  
For nought's well done that is done out of season.    

FAB. 88 Of the Witch.  

A Certain witch there was so proud and pert,  
She undertook God's wrath for to avert;  
(In spite of her folks might have gone to pot,  
Devils were her familiars, God was not)  
Many strange things she did by spells and charms,  
Sometimes procured sometimes prevented harms:  
Her own she could not, was condemned to die  
As witches use to be, and could not fly;  
She had her Imps, but could not imp her wings,  
Whereby for to escape those fatal things;  
Which did hang over her unhappy head,  
The next news was by th' halter she was dead:  
As she went to't you frustrate Gods decrees?  
(Said one) you can't avert man's purposes.   

Mor.  
There's mighty odds this Fable serves to show,  
'Twixt what some say and what those folks can do.    

FAB. 89. Of the Travellers.  

AS two were travelling upon the road,  
Fortune an Axe on one of them bestowed;  
I've found an Axe said he, say we have found  
An axe his fellow said, that did redound  
Unto his disadvantage as he thought,  
His fellow Traveller should go halves for nought.  
Soon after there did come a hue and cry,  
Charged him that found the axe with felony;  
Then the Axe finder said we are undone,  
Do not say we said t' other, thou alone  
Didst find, and take the Axe, it will not do  
For to cry we, better one smart than two.   

Mor.  
This for a certain rule is always ta'en,  
They won't go half in loss that done't in gain.    

FAB. 90. Of the two Frogs.  

Two Frogs were feeding, one in a deep pond,  
Who of the other Frog seemed very fond  
Which in a small plash fed, on the high way  
Come over to my pond said she, I say:  
That is more safe, there comes no cart nor coach,  
Which may endanger you by its approach;  
At her advice she would not change her plash,  
Then came a waggon crushed her all to mash.   

Mor.  
Some have an eager love to their own home,  
There they'll encounter mischief if it come;  
Homes home though homely as the proverb says,  
Frogs will keep there if bred in the high ways:  
Who gives us good advice makes us his debtor,  
But some will never change though for the better.    

FAB. 91. Of the Bee-master.  

ONe that kept Bees to be out of the way  
Occasion had, whilst he from home did stay  
There came some liquorish thiefs, and robbed the Hives,  
The master mourned like men that lose their wives;  
At his return into the hives did look,  
Whose empty cells him with great sorrow struck:  
Stung him almost to death, made him cry out  
You Bees? you Wasps, pray how came this about  
You let him go who honey came to steal?  
On me your friend 've raised a woeful wheal  
Or blister, like an Epispastick plaster,  
Although you know full well I am your master.   

Mor.  
Great mischief comes of too much jealousy,  
Never suspect when you can't show cause why.    

FAB. 92. Of the King's Fisher.  

A Melancholy sort of Birds there be  
Kings-Fishers called, which do dwell in the Sea:  
(No wonder if those birds be malcontent  
That never are in their own element)  
For fear of being caught they build their nest  
In Rocks, and fly to Sea lest they be pressed;  
Upon a high Rock one of them brought forth  
Her young, but found that refuge nothing worth:  
For though so near the firmament they lay,  
A swelling Sea did sweep them all away;  
When she saw that, how did she rage's and curse,  
Saying I feared the land, but th' Sea is worse.   

Mor.  
Who trust and fear transpose, come to such ends,  
There are who trust their foes, and fear their friends.    

FAB. 93. Of the Fisherman.  

A Fisherman encompassed had a stream  
With his Spread-Net, on every side it should seem  
Then plunged the waters with a hugy stone,  
To scare the Fish, he might catch every one;  
Whilst they fly from this danger they will fall  
Into my net thought he, I shall have all.  
He made one down right angry who lived near,  
That he should mud the waters which were clear;  
He could have no clear waters with his meat,  
I must or mud the waters, or not eat  
The Fisherman replied, the fish to slaughter  
There's no such fishing as in troubled water.   

Mor.  
In peace some cannot live they long for war,  
Such Fishermen Soldiers of fortune are;  
Some promote factions you must understand,  
They must divide or they cannot command:  
Some long for broils whom interest doth instave,  
As boys for winds, that they may wind falls have.    

FAB. 94. Of the Ape and the Dolphin.  

Sailors had wont to carry Apes to Sea,  
That merry in their voyage they might be;  
One sailing with an Ape was sadly wracked,  
His tackling and his Vessel hugely cracked:  
The Passengers to save their lives did swim,  
As for the Ape what shall become of him?  
His master thought, but he at the same rate  
With others swum, (can all things imitate)  
A loving Dolphin (see how he mistook)  
Upon him as a little man did look.  
Be pleased said he to get upon my back,  
Since other ways for to escape you lack:  
Since of mankind, you may my help command,  
I doubt not but to bring you safe to land.  
Said he to Athens do you appertain?  
Then th' Ape himself did an Athenian feign;  
Nobly descended, when that he said so  
Good Sir, said he Pyraeeum do you know?  
Pyraeeum was a road for ships, but he  
Pyraeeum thought some Nobleman to be.  
Then said the Ape my good acquaintance is  
Pyraeeum, and my noble friend I wiss;  
'Twas a loud lie, the Dolphin knew 'twas so,  
A lie won't choke thee, what the Sea can do  
I'll try the Dolphin said, ducked him i'th' Sea,  
Forthwith as dead as a drowned mouse was he.   

Mor.  
Some shallow men think others to deceive  
More knowing than themselves, whom make believe  
Their lies they never can, when found to ape  
What they are not, they hardly do escape  
Their utmost fury, who hate to be cheated  
An Ape when known will like an ape be treated.  
Fain would an Ape seem an Athenian  
One while, another while a noble man;  
But ten to one some great absurdity,  
Will bring to light his gross hypocrisy.    

FAB. 95. Of Mercury and the Statuary.  

HOw men esteemed him Mercury would know,  
Desired a Statuary him to show;  
Jove's Statue, and how he could it afford?  
'Twould cost a groat he told him, at a word:  
How rate you Juno's Statue, next said he?  
He said that that would something dearer be.  
But all this while Mercury was not known,  
Because in humane shape, not in his own;  
Then he did ask how sell you Mercury  
His Statue? thereunto he did reply  
Only the price I asked before, shall do't  
Pay me for t'other two, take that to boot.   

Mor.  
Thus it doth oft vain glorious men befall,  
They get no credit whilst they fly at all,  
Who vie with Jove and Juno and so forth,  
Find others think them persons of no worth.    

FAB. 96. Of Mercury and Tiresias.  

FOr a great Prophet old Tiresias went,  
And therefore Mercury to try him meant;  
In order thereunto he stole his Cow,  
When that was gone, he'd see if he knew how.  
Came to his house after that he had stole  
His Cow, and seemed his loss for to condole:  
Tiresias meant to conjure for his Cows,  
When Mercury it was his lot to house;  
He made it his request to Mercury,  
For to afford him his good company;  
Then out they went together to espy,  
What they could learn by the birds which did fly:  
A flying Eagle Mercury did see,  
That nought Tiresias affirmed to be;  
Then Mercury to see a Crow pretended,  
Looked up and down her motion never ended:  
Tiresias said, that Crow did swear by Jove,  
By all things here below, and all above  
That after all his fruitless toil and pain,  
If Mercury pleased his Cows would come again.   

Mor.  
The Moral of this Fable in my mind  
Is like our Proverb they that hide can find.    

FAB. 97. Of the Dogs.  

ONe had a brace of dogs, kept one to hunt,  
T' other to keep the house, he was as sprunt  
As th' Hunter was, if on a prey he light,  
He that kept house had always half of it;  
This made the hunter grumble in his gizzard,  
And thus he said, although he was no vizard  
You must not blame me, but must blame my master,  
He bred you Caterer, me only Taster.   

Mor.  
Some guilty are of too great toleration  
In breeding youth, spoil by their education  
Let some keep home, and yet devour the meat,  
Which others work for, they shan't work but eat.    

FAB. 98. Of the Husband and his wife.  

ONe had a wife did always disagree,  
With every body in his family;  
And thereupon he did resolve to try,  
How with her father's house she could comply  
And there he pleased to stay, she soon came back,  
Too soon for him, said he, what did you lack?  
That at your father's house you could not stay?  
She said the Shepherd's frowns drove her away;  
Methinks for them quietly live you might,  
Said he they're ne'er at home but morn and night;  
If long of Shepherds there you could not stay,  
With whom will you be quiet all the day.   

Mor.  
By little things great things are oft made known,  
That she of Shepherd's frowns did make such moan;  
They seldom come in sight, and are like sheep  
Before their masters, that she could not keep  
Herself from their affronts, it was asign  
She was a Scold, 'tis well she was not thine:  
Who with their own Relations can't agree,  
ne'er tell me that those folks good natured be.    

FAB. 99 Of the Goat and the Wolf.  

A Kid alone, whom all the Flock forsook  
A wolf espied, and that advantage took  
To seize upon him, thinking that for gloves  
His skin should go, besought him of all loves  
That he might hear him pipe,  he did die,  
He was disposed to suffer merrily.  
Content said he, I'll pipe and you shall dance,  
Towards your Goat-ship I'll so far advance,  
 he put up his Pipes the dogs did hear  
Wolves music, came and said, what are you there?  
As now you pipe, so we will make you dance,  
And if they seized him not, 'twas a great chance  
Her knows, said th' wolf, the Goat doth justly wipe her,  
I was a Cook by trade, and I turned Piper.   

Mor.  
This little hint may many folks befriend,  
Who change their trades misfortunes do attend.    

FAB. 100 Of the Flies.  

YOur Flies and Wasps have a great love for honey,  
No less than Usurers themselves for money;  
No wonder wasps are wasps, sweet things do breed,  
Choler they say, and they will not take heed:  
Some body did great store of honey spill,  
Then came the Flies and did their bellies fill.  
When they had eaten so long as they could eat,  
Sour sauce they had at last to their sweet meat;  
As had it Birdlime been they stuck in honey,  
Can not get out their feet for love or money:  
And then the flies like meat which Flies do puff,  
Swelled and were forthwith in a grievous huff;  
What cautious person would not fear to eat?  
Say they we die only for one meals meat.   

Mor.  
No wonder if intemperance kill a fly,  
How many men have died by gluttony?  
'Tis an experiment too often tried,  
If meat make feet to stick, drink makes 'em slide.    

FAB. 101. Of the Crab and the Fox.  

ACrab belonging to the Sea, did feed  
Upon the land, a Fox of Fish had need  
And loved them well, upon the Crab did seize  
So served, he found himself in little ease:  
And said, now I have wronged myself, not he  
That I a Sea-crab, would a Land-Crab be.   

Mor.  
Folks oft times see great cause for to lament,  
With their own stations, they were not content.    

FAB. 102. Of Thiefs.  

SOme Thiefs that came to steal met with a Cock,  
Let me alone said he, I am a clock  
Or an alarm, tell how time does go,  
That when to rise the men and maids may know  
Said he, wheresoever I meet Cocks I'll take them,  
I would have people sleep and they do wake them.   

Mor.  
For doing good ill people others curse,  
From them by how much better they far worse.    

FAB. 103. Of the Harper.  

A Bungling Harper sung within a house,  
And though his singing were not worth a louse  
The echo of the place made him so err,  
He thought himself fit for a Theatre:  
There he presumed to sing until I wiss,  
Him down from thence the company did hiss.   

Mor.  
Men of themselves too oft false measures take,  
Mere Rhetoricians will not Consuls make;  
They whom fames echo hath cried up for puns  
Ith' Schools, i'th' world may prove no mighty Dons.    

FAB. 104. Of the Crow and the Raven.  

Raven's could prophesy, but Crows could not,  
The envying Crow would croak, though she had not  
The gift of Augury, to make believe  
She was an Augur too, so did deceive  
Some Passengers a while, who road that way,  
Who cried, Prophetic Raven cries, let's stay;  
They laughed when they espied it was a crow,  
Said, she of Divination nought doth know.   

Mor.  
None more ridiculous deserve to be,  
Then vain pretenders unto Prophecy.    

FAB. 105. Of the Crow and the Dog.  

A Crow did to Minerva sacrifice,  
She seemed devout, but she was not so wise  
To make a dog her guest, he her devotion  
Did but deride, would fill her with this notion  
That her Minerva hated perfectly,  
And would from her allow no Augury;  
It may be so, said th' Crow, but know my ends  
In sacrificing, are to make her friends.   

Mor.  
If God be angry men must not make bold,  
(As who should say they'd spite him) to withhold  
Their Sacrifice, but offer it the rather  
Thereby to pacify an angry father:  
Some give the Fable thus, some counted wise  
For Lucre's sake, will serve their enemies.    

FAB. 106. Of the Raven and the Serpent.  

A Hungry Raven saw a sleeping snake,  
And it for his repast made bold to take;  
To overcome a Serpent by a slight  
Is a rare case, e'er they'll be bit they'll by't:  
He bitten him till he made his teeth to meet,  
If Ravens fight with them Serpents will beat;  
Then said the Raven, I thought I had won  
A treasure, but thereby I am undone.   

Mor.  
Let him be counted silly without measure,  
Who ventureth his life for a small treasure.    

FAB. 107. Of the Jack-daw, and the Pigeon.  

A Jack-daw saw the Pigeons were well fed  
In their Dove-house, he thinking to have sped  
Like one of them, turned himself purely white  
Whilst he could hold his peace, they did not fight  
With him, believing that he was a Pigeon,  
But when in chattering he played the widgeon  
They thrust him out, he to the Jackdaws went,  
With a Flea in his ear, they him back sent  
Not knowing him, for he had changed his hue;  
Jack would be Jack on both sides, 'twould not do.   

Mor.  
In point of policy he's a mere widgeon,  
That will be sometimes Jack-daw, sometimes Pigeon.    

FAB. 108. Of the Jack-daw.  

ONe took a Jack-daw tied him with a string,  
And gave him to his son as a fine thing  
For boys to play withal, he soon got lose  
But for so doing found he was a Goose;  
For why the string about his legs did dangle,  
In the boughs of his nest did so entangle  
Him, he could not get out, then cried alas!  
●th' company of men I happier was;  
Of which I was impatient, but now  
jere I am like to die, tied to a bough.   

Mor.  
Some baned the wit to know that they are well,  
Till them, that they are worse, Experience tell.    

FAB. 109. Of Mercury.  

BY Jupiter's appointment Mercury  
Had a Receipt for to compound a lie;  
Apothecary-like, for tradesmens use  
He did it well, committed no abuse:  
He doseed 'em all alike, and gave to none  
More of the Medicine than to every one;  
Only one sort of Tradesmen were omitted  
At the first distribution, they were fitted  
At length, as well as any of the rest,  
Who were last served did happen to far best.  
(If that were best) the Tailors they had most,  
E'en all was left, so they were double dofeed   

Mor.  
What doth belong to the main company  
Of Tailors, I don't know, some will not lie  
I do believe, there are who them envy,  
And tell us that they have an evil eye;  
'Tis harder for to fill their eye, than belly,  
If you will trust what angry people tell you:  
Be thou impartial and thou must say then,  
There's but the shears, 'twixt them and other men.    

FAB. 110. Of Jupiter.  

JOve all Affections had placed in men,  
Save only shame, at a great stand was then,  
How he might get in shame, go in the crowd  
Said he, to shame, she answered him aloud  
I'll not go in, unless love leave the rout,  
If love come in, be sure I will come out.   

Mor.  
He speaks of love, but I think he means lust,  
Where that takes place departed from folk's shame must;  
If that of lust (as I do think) was meant,  
'Tis a plain case that whores are impudent.    

FAB. 110. Of Jupiter.  

WHen to Jove's Wedding all invited were,  
He saw that Tortoises came latest there;  
Would know the reason why, my house said he  
I dearly love, and there would choose to be;  
Thinks he your house do you so dearly love,  
As to think much for to attend on Jove  
At such a time as this, since such thou art.  
Saith he thy house and thou shalt never part.   

Mor.  
'Tis to some people death to go from home,  
Invite them e'er so oft they'll never come;  
They are the best who to extremes ne'er swerved,  
Some are too open, others too reserved.    

FAB. 111. Of the wolf and the Sheep.  

A Wolf was bit by dogs, and hunger-bit  
At the same time, when on a sheep he light  
Was passing by, a cup of drink he prayed  
The Sheep to help him to, as for meat, said  
He'd help himself, the sheep at his intent  
Gave a shrewd guess, to feed on him he meant;  
To part with drink, I would not care a button,  
Said he, but thou seekest me, for thou lov'st mutton.   

Mor.  
Some have the confidence to ask a boon  
Of us, whereby ourselves may be undone;  
They must drink if they eat, and would so cheat us,  
To make us give them drink, that they may eat us.    

FAB. 112. Of the Hares.  

THe Hares would war with Eagles and the Fox,  
To aid them, they were in great hopes to coax;  
With all his heart he said, but that he knew  
What Hares were, and with whom they had to do.   

Mor.  
With much thy betters, whosoever thou art,  
Encountrest, wise folks ne'er will take thy part;  
Foxes to help weak sides, too cunning were,  
Excused themselves, there went away the Hare.    

FAB. 113. Of the Pismire.  

THey which are Pismires now, were Husbandmen  
In days of you're, and took no small pains then  
To till the earth, but thievishly inclined,  
And robbed folks grounds, which made Jove in the mind  
For to dethrone them from their former bliss,  
And make them Aunts by Metempsychosis.  
Yet still they do retain the thieving trade,  
And by no means to leave it can be made;  
Yet filch and steal from the plow'd grounds they will,  
As lawful prize convey it to their hill.   

Mor.  
To theft themselves Pains takers seldom give,  
Yet some take pains to steal, as some to live  
In a just way, a Miser's honest gains  
Content him not, theft must eke out his pains.  
Shapes don't change natures, be a thief a man,  
Or but an Ant, he'll steal still if he can.    

FAB. 114. Of the Bat and the Weasel.  

A Falling Bat was by a Weasel took,  
Who told him plainly that he could not brook  
Him, who a bird, was the birds enemy  
To his own kind a traitor, he should die;  
Seeing the Weasel at the top o'th' house,  
The Bat cried quarter, said he was a mouse:  
'Twas but his kind so birds to love (or hate)  
As he could eat them (mice are delicate)  
That said she let him go, but by and by  
He fell again, then as an enemy  
To all the mice, another weasel seize  
Him did, whom thus he laboured to appease:  
I am no mouse said he, I am a bat,  
A bird loves mice no better than a Cat;  
Then go thy way said she, since that I find  
Thou hatest none, but them that hate thy kind:  
Thus shifting of his name, once and again,  
He did escape, or else he had been ta'en.   

Mor.  
If Bats be partly birds, and partly mice,  
I think that they may say with good advice  
When questioned as birds, that mice they be,  
That they are birds, when danger they do see;  
In saying they are mice, they may choose whether  
They'll call themselves, but must not say they're neither.  
If they be Interpendents, no ill fame  
Attends it, if they choose the safer name:  
So Dutchman say not he's no Christian man,  
Let him say that he's a Batavian.    

FAB. 115. Of the Travellers.  

SOme Travellers walking on the Seaside,  
Did go into a Cave to watch the tide;  
At a great distance they some boughs did see,  
Floating, and thought them a great Ship to be:  
When they came nearer thought 'em but a boat,  
When 'twas hard by they soon did change their note,  
And saw them only lops of trees to be,  
Wondered it was but that which they did see.   

Mor.  
Some things and persons do astonish all,  
That they should seem so great, and prove so small;  
By some folk's looks they who their worth would ken,  
Would think them more, when they are less than men.    

FAB. 116. Of the wild Ass.  

A Tame Ass by a wild Ass envied was,  
He saw at length for it there was no cause;  
For he was fat and fed in sunny place,  
He thought he lived at ease, bate me an ace  
Of that, he quickly saw he burdens bore,  
Would tyre a horse, was beaten evermore.  
I cease to envy thy felicity,  
Said he, 'tis mixed with so much misery.   

Mor.  
Gold may be bought too dear, if some men's pains,  
And cares, were known, there's none would grudge their gains.    

FAB. 117. Of the Asses.  

Asses' are sensible of too much load,  
To ease their burdens, Jupiter they wooed;  
He said it should be done, so soon as he  
Can find them piss so much as makes a Sea:  
Hence 'tis, if one Ass piss, the rest do stolen  
There, thinking that in time it will prevail.   

Mor.  
If care be taken, wise folks may be pleased,  
That's all, for Asses sure are never eased;  
Upon some promises they may rely,  
Which are intended nought to signify.    

FAB. 118. Of the Ass and the Fox.  

AN Ass by chance had found a Lion's skin,  
And put it on, was still an Ass within;  
And could not hold his peace, he every beast  
Had frighted, but the Fox, that was the jest:  
He had been frighted too, but he did say  
Thou'xt Lion but skin-deep, I heard thee bray.   

Mor.  
Who hears them bray, cries you there with your bears?  
Asses have too long tongues, as well as ears;  
If fools could hold their tongues, they might have trophies,  
Erected to their names, and pass for Sophies.    

FAB. 119. Of the Ass and the Frogs.  

AN Ass drew Timber in a moorish ground,  
There to keep on his legs, 'twas hard he found;  
He slipped, and fell, and could not rise again,  
Then he began most sadly to complain:  
When him the Frogs so much cast down did see,  
What if you had been here so long as we:  
(Said they) you many a fair fall had had,  
Had our time been so short, we should be glad.   

Mor.  
At every Flea-bite●some folks use to vex,  
A hundred times so much will not perplex  
Some patiented folks, great Asses grunt like hogs,  
For trifles more's well born by little frogs.    

FAB. 120. Of the Ass and the Raven.  

A Gall-backed Ass did in a meadow graze,  
To him a Raven came, his business was  
His sores not for to lick; but for to peck;  
The driver of the Ass gave him no check  
For doing so, but laughed as he looked on;  
Wolf saw him, and did descant thereupon:  
Woe to poor wolves, said he, if you them take,  
Who of that Ass a laughingstock do make:  
Though he be your own carrier and in pain,  
It shall go hard if ever I be ta'en.   

Mor.  
Wise folks can spy great things in a small glass,  
If but a driver laugh at his poor Ass;  
Pecked by a Raven, and in misery,  
See, he'll do worse things to an enemy.    

FAB. 121. Of the Fox and the Ass.  

INto a League a Fox and Ass did enter,  
And the Ass with the Fox to hunt did venture;  
When Fox and Ass do meet 'tis Fox and Goose,  
The Ass was hampered he could not get lose:  
For when a Lion met them two together,  
The Fox contrived how to make all fair weather  
On his own side, in order thereunto  
My Partner shall be yours, let me but go,  
Sir Reynard said, drew th' Ass into a net,  
Hoping by that himself  to get:  
Now of the Ass the Lion said I'm sure,  
Have at the Fox, treachery who can endure?   

Mor.  
They who to save themselves betray their friends,  
Themselves do often come to the same ends.    

FAB. 122. Of the Hen and the Swallow.  

UPon a Serpent's eggs a Hen did sit,  
A Swallow told her that it was not fit  
To hatch those eggs, from them great enemies  
Unto herself hereafter would arise.   

Mor.  
Ill natured persons have those qualities,  
Mischief they will return for courtesies;  
Some eggs 'tis best to cast into the Jakes,  
whate'er you do, be sure you ne'er hatch snakes:  
Always take heed upon what egg you sit,  
Lest it so prove there be a snake in it.    

FAB. 123. Of the Camel.  

When that a mighty Camel first appeared,  
By all the other creatures he was feared;  
Jest them to th' tower on his back he should send,  
Unto his pleasure all beasts did attend:  
When they drew near they saw that he was tame,  
Said that his looks and nature waned the same.  
Into his quiet mouth they put a bridle,  
Thought that so stout a beast should not be idle;  
Then bid the boys to lead him up and down,  
Made him a perfect scorn to all the town.   

Mor.  
Who appear much, from slights are not exempt,  
Familiarity doth breed contempt;  
The Persian kings are thought of greater might  
Far than they are, cause they ne'er come in sight.    

FAB. 124. Of the Serpent.  

A Snake complained to Jove that every body  
Trampled upon him, were you such a noddy,  
Said he, as not to sting him who trod first?  
If so, none other trod upon you durst;  
You might defend yourself, and not complain,  
A worm if trod upon, will turn again.   

Mor.  
Revenge is naught, but duly to resent  
Injuries at first, may help for to prevent  
The like for time to come, make the first smart,  
And by so doing more secure thou art.    

FAB. 125. Of the Pigeon.  

A Thirsty Pigeon saw a Waterpot  
Painted upon a wall, and was so hot  
Upon the business, for to drink in it,  
Such haste he made, that he his wings did split  
Against a post, having done so did lie  
Upon the ground, a prey to them came by.   

Mor.  
For to think of that Proverb oft we need,  
More haste folks make, the worse they use to speed.    

FAB. 126. Of the Pigeon and the Crow.  

A Dove in a dove-coat was greatly proud,  
That she was fruitful, but the Crow aloud  
Unto the Dove did call, good Pigeon peace,  
Boast not of what thy sorrows doth increase.   

Mor.  
A Pigeon may rejoice in what doth let her  
From breeding, for the fewer slaves the better;  
Pigeons are slaves and all their young ones such,  
Better a little slavery than much.    

FAB. 127. Of the Rich man.  

A Man of quality two daughters had,  
When one was dead, no person seemed so sad  
As a poor woman that was hired to mourn,  
'Twas customary mourners to suborn;  
The daughter that survived, said to her mother,  
More than ourselves, why mourn should any other?  
She was your daughter, and she was my sister,  
We of all folks methinks should most have missed her;  
And so we do, her mother said again,  
But 'tis their trade to whine and to complain:  
They do it merely profit to advance,  
'Tis but the copy of their countenance.   

Mor.  
'Tis usual for Art for to outvie  
Nature, which chooseth mediocrity;  
How can a woman cry if gain engage her?  
None cry so much as who cry for a wager.    

FAB. 128. Of the Shepherd.  

INto a grove of oaks a Shepherd led  
His flock, and there his sheep with Acorns fed;  
He spread his coat below, and climbed the tree,  
As who should say their Carpet that should be:  
The hungry sheep as if that they did dote,  
Besides their Acorns are the Shepherd's coat.  
(Sheep are a sort of creatures that by't close,  
Pig's coat's good meat, but man's coat an ill dose)  
(So Inns of Court men Students; if not Benchers,  
Together with their meat do eat their Trenchers:)  
Then came the Shepherd down, but when his Coat  
He could not find, set up a doleful note:  
Who said, (said he,) that sheep are innocent?  
That great mistake my usage may prevent:  
They'll strip their friends and  their enemies,  
And what their meaning is I can't devise;  
They will to strangers their own coat resign,  
I feed them, yet they'll eat the coat that's mine.   

Mor.  
It is the way of some, they never mind  
Who has obliged them most, but are unkind  
To their best friends, but if that stranger's lack,  
Will give to them, the coat that's on their back.    

FAB. 129. Of the Neatherd.  

A Neat-herd lost a Calf, offered a Kid  
To Jove to tell him where the thief was hid;  
And let him see his face, a Lion Jove.  
Caused him to see, lodged in an oaken Grove,  
And said, he are your Kid, what say you to him?  
He then afraid the Lion would undo him,  
Said, let me see his face no more, and I  
A Bull to Jove will offer by and by.   

Mor.  
Forward and backward some folks do complain,  
Wish this and that, and then unwish again;  
They are not well when full, and worse when fasting,  
Still mischieved are by changes everlasting:  
Fish would be in the not, but when once ta'en  
Always think long for to be out again.    

FAB. 130. Of the Eagle.  

THe King of Birds was got upon a Rock,  
Thinking to catch a Hare, but caught a knock  
With a broad Arrow, he the feathers saw  
Strutting before his eyes, and then could claw  
Them out, he was so vexed that dart to see,  
Imped with his wings that would his ruin be.   

Mor.  
Friends are our wings, and they should make us fly  
Aloft, if they procure our misery,  
And imptheshaft, which strikes us to the heart,  
'Tis many deaths to die by such a dart.    

FAB. 131. Of the Worm and the Fox.  

A Lousy worm new crept out of the ground,  
Ith' number of Physicians would be found;  
To th' Gods, Physician Paeon did compare  
Himself (so greatly proud worms sometimes are)  
Thou a Physician said the Fox, I doubt  
It much, and shall all thy pretensions rout.  
Thou art a Liar, I believe, like fame,  
Wert thou a Doctor, thou wouldst ne'er be lame,  
Who so unskilful, or unkind shall be  
As not to cure himself, will ne'er cure me.   

Mor.  
To some men's words no heed is to he had,  
They'll crack and vapour as if they were mad;  
There are too many such vain glorious spitals,  
They are great talkers, but they're mere Doe-littles.    

FAB. 132. Of the Wolf and the Old woman.  

A Skilful nurse whose little child did cry,  
Desir'd the Infant to go hush-a-by:  
Hush, hush, said she, or thee to th' wolf I'll throw,  
She said that which she never meant to do;  
Wolf had so little wit to think she meant it,  
He watched in hope, and kindly did resent it.  
Ith' Evening she said, sweet Lamb go sleep,  
I'll kill the wolf if he chance here to peep;  
This woman hath a double tongue, said he,  
Said first a child, than Death my lot shall be.   

Mor.  
A woman double tongued men take in snuff,  
They say one tongue for women is enough;  
For every such like Sister there's a brother,  
Who will say one thing, and will do another.    

FAB. 133. Of the Gnat and the Lyon.  

A Gnat came to a Lion and did say  
I am as strong as thou, try it you may  
E'en when you please, though you have paws to rend  
And teeth to by't, so women to defend,  
Or else offend, have teeth as well as tongues,  
And paws to boot, crack not, but spare thy lungs,  
And show what you can do against Van-Gnat,  
To me a Lion's no more than a Cat;  
I'll sound my Trumpet and we'll go to work,  
I do not fear the face of the great Turk.  
This said, he made his trumpet sound a battle,  
It made a sound as loud as Babies Rattle;  
Then they went to't, the Gnat stuck cheek by joal,  
Unto the Lion, bitten him near the hole  
Of his right nostril, where the place was bare,  
For thereabouts it seems there grew no hair:  
Tortured the Lion so with his smart jaws,  
He made him tear himself with his own paws;  
This victory obtained, the Gnat did sound  
His Trumpet once again, and did abound  
In triumphs, but oh the chance of a day  
A Spider caught him, as he went away:  
He knew there was no remedy for that  
But die he must, if Spider catch a Gnat;  
It vexed her sore this mischief should betid her,  
Had quelled a Lion, must die by a Spider.   

Mor.  
Needlessly the least enemy don't try on:  
A Spider may kill him that killed a Lyon.    
FINIS.   

Books to be sold by Tho. Parkhurst, at the Bible and three Crowns in Cheapside.  

A Commentary on the Hebrews. By John Owen, D. D. fol.  
49. Sermons upon the whole Epistle of St. Paul to the Colossians. By Mr. John Daille: Translated into English by F. S.  
Tho. tailor's Works, the first vol. fol.  
2. An Exposition of Temptation, on Mat. 4. verse 1. to the end of the 11th.  
Divine Characters in two parts, distinguishing the Hypocrite in his best dress. By Samuel Crook, B. D.  
A Learned Commentary or Exposition on the 1 Chapt. of the second Epistle to the Corinthians. By Richard Sibbs, D. D. fol,  
A Commentary on the whole Epistle of S. Paul to the Ephesians. By Mr. Paul Bain, fol.  
A practical Exposition on the third Chapter of the first Epistle of S. Paul to the Corinthians, with the Godly Man's Choice, on Psal. 4. v. 6, 7, 8. By Anthony Burgess, fol.  
The dead Saint, speaking to Saints and sinners living, in several Treatises. The first on 2 Sam. 24.10. The second on Cant. 4.9. The third on John 1.50. The fourth on Isa. 58.2. The fifth on Exod. 15.11. By Samuel Bolton, D. D. fol.  
Christianographia, or a Description of the multitude, and sundry sorts of Christians in the world, not subject to the Pope. By Eph. Pagit, fol.  
These 7 Treatises next following, are written by Mr. George Swinnock.  
1. The Christian Man's Calling; or a Treatise of making Religion one's business, in Religious Duties, Natural Actions, his Particular Vocation, his Family Directions, and his own Recreation● to be read in Families for their Instruction and Edification. The first part.  
2. Likewise a second Part; wherein Christians are directed to perform their Duties, as Husbands and Wives, Parents and Children, Masters and Servants, in the conditions of Prosperity and Adversity.  
3. The third and last part of the Christian Man's Calling, wherein the Christian is directed how to make Religion his business, in his deal with all men, in the choice of his Companions, in his carriage in good Company, in bad Company, in solitariness, or when he is alone, on a weekday from morning to night, in visiting the sick on a Dying-bed; as also the means how a Christian may do this, and some motives to it.  
4. The Door of Salvation opened, by the Key of Regeneration.  
5. Heaven and Hell Epitomised: and the True Christian characterized.  
6. The fading of the Flesh, and the flourishing of Faith: Or One cast for Eternity, with the only way to throw it well.  
7. The Incomparableness of God in his Being, Attributes, Works and Word, opened and applied. All these by Geo. Swinnock, M. A.  
An Antidote against Quakerism. By Stephen Scandret.  
A learned Commentary on the fourth Chapter of the second Epistle of St. Paul to the Corinthians, to which is added, First, A Conference between Christ and Mary. Second, the Spiritual Man's Aim. Third, Emanuel, or Miracle of Miracles. By Richard Sibbs, D. D. 4to.  
The Gospel-Covenant, or the Covenant of Grace opened: Preached in New-England. By Peter Bulkey, 4to.