a fool wading through water carrying two goslings in his hand and several in his belt 

A Fool sent out to fetch the Goslings home,  
When they unto a River's brink were come,  
Through which their Passage lay, was in much fear  
His Dames best Brood might have been drowned there,  
Which to avoid he thus did show his Wit,  
And his good Nature in preventing it,  
He underneath his Girdle thrusts their Heads,  
And then the Coxcomb through the Water wades.   

His Folly we deride, and yet may be  
Guilty of Fooleries as great as he.  
Therefore to Beasts and Birds we here are brought,  
Morality and Wisdom to be taught.     

Delightful FABLES In Prose and Verse. None of them to be found in Aesop; But Collected from divers Ancient and Modern Authors; With Pictures, and proper Morals to every Fable, some very pertinent to the present Times. Published as a means which in all Ages hath been found useful for pleasure, and likewise for Instruction in the prudent conduct of our Lives and Actions.  
By R. B.  
Licenced and Entered.   printer's device showing a bell 
London, Printed for Nath. Crouch at the Bell in the Poultry near Cheapside. 1691.   

To the READER.  
FAbles in all Ages, and by many wise Men have been accounted excellent ways of instruction; Neither ought we to think that they were invented only to please Children, since if well considered, we may find many excellent Precepts in Philosophy, Morality and Policy contained in them. But that which gives a full answer to this Objection is the many Parables▪ or Fables contained in Holy Writ, and wisely contrived for convincing Men of their Folly and Impiety.  
What else is that of the Thistle which sent Ambassadors to the Cedar that was in Lebanon, saying, Give me thy Daughter in Marriage to my Son, and to punish this pride of the Thistle, a wild Beast of the Forest coming thither trod it down and destroyed it?  
Or that which passed among the Trees when they assembled together to choose a King? Judges 9.8. The Trees went forth on a time to choose a King over them, and they said to the Olive Tree, Reign thou over us; But the Olive Tree said unto them, Should I leave my Fatness wherewith by me they honour God and Man, and go to be promoted over the Trees? And the Trees said to the Figtree, Come thou and Reign over us; but the Figtree said unto them, Should I forsake my sweetness, and my good Fruit, and go to be promoted over the Trees? Then said the Trees unto the Vine, Come thou, and Reign over us; and the Vine said unto them, Shall I leave my Wine which cheereth God and Man, and go to be promoted over the Trees? Then said all the Trees to the Bramble, Come thou and reign over us; and the Bramble said unto the Trees, If in truth you anoint me to be King over you, then come and put your trust in my shadow; and if not, let Fire come out of the Bramble and destroy the Cedars of Lebanon.  
And what was the Message that God sent by Nathan to David after his Adultery with Bathsheba, and his Murder of Uriah, to convince him of his great Crimes, when the Prophet tells him, That there was a Rich Man who had exceeding many Flocks and Herds, but the Poor Man had nothing, save one little poor Ewe Lamb which he had brought and nourished up, and it grew up together with him, and with his Children; it did eat of his own Bread, and drank of his own Cup, and lay in his Bosom, and was unto him as a Daughter; And there came a Traveller to the Rich Man, and he spared to take of his own Flock, and of his own Herd to dress for the Way-faring Man that was come to him; What were these but mysterious Relations whereby the Divine Spirit touched the Heart of that great King, and brought him to repentance?  
In short, when our Blessed Lord was upon Earth, what were his discourses to the hardhearted and rebellious Jews, but only Parables, for it is said, Without a Parable spoke he not; so that Jesus Christ who was Truth itself thought fit to make use of this method, as knowing that Truth could be no way more nobly, nor profitably represented than by them. And though Fables may seem ridiculous for their bringing in Beasts, Birds and Trees speaking to each other, yet they are to be highly esteemed for the Wisdom and Knowledge contained in them.  
And therefore the Famous Orator Demosthenes, when he observed the careless demeanour of the Judges of Athens at the Trial of Capital Offenders; He by a Fable did sharply reprimand their unconcernedness; And suddenly cried out aloud, O ye Judges, I will tell you a very strange Story, if you please, of the shadow of an Ass; At which the Judges gave great Attention, and commanding silence bid him proceed. There was a young Man, saith the Orator, who in an hot Season hired an Ass to carry some Goods, and about Noon being very faint with the heat, he took off his Load intending to lie down and refresh himself under the shadow of the Ass, which the Owner, who went with him to bring back his Beast would not permit, alleging, that tho' he hired the Ass, yet he had paid nothing for the shadow of him; The young Man pleaded, that having given him Money for his Ass the whole day, he might make what use of him he pleased; The controversy at length grew high, which at last ended in a quarrel, wherein they both severely beat each other, which yet could not determine the matter, so that they resolved to bring it to a Trial at Law. When the Orator perceived the Court very attentive to the Fable he suddenly stopped, and was going away, but being recalled, and desired by the Judges to proceed in his Story; Are you, said he, so willing to hear an idle Tale of the shadow of an Ass, and yet so negligent in regarding a Cause wherein the Life of a Man is concerned. Which severe Reproof so affected the Judges, that they were afterward very diligent in examining the matter before them.  
As to the ensuing Fables I have related none that are to be found in Aesop, but they are collected from divers Ancient and Modern Authors, which I have put into easy English both in Prose and Verse, with Pictures to each Fable, whereby they may delight and profit ingenious Readers both old and young, and not only occasion them to laugh, but give them wholesome Instructions for the prudent government of their Lives and Actions; so that neither they nor I may have cause to repent our pains, which is the desire of  
R. B.   


FAB. I.  a monkey and a cat by a fireplace The Monkey, the Cat, and the Chestnuts.  
A Monkey observing his Master to lay some Chestnuts in the Fire to roast, he was very desirous to taste some of them, but yet was likewise much afraid to burn his Fingers, so that though he often attempted to rake them out, yet he was as often discouraged by the heat of the Fire; Whereupon he was a long time contriving with himself how to attain his end; At length he perceives a young Kitling lie sleeping by the Fire, whereupon he presently resolves that Puss shall be his instrument to gain his purpose; And catching her up in his arms, notwithstanding her squalling, and all the resistance she could make, yet Pug being stronger takes her forefoot in his hand, and thrusting it into the Fire gets out the Chestnuts, which he with much greediness soon eats up; The poor Cat had her foot miserably burnt, and asks him weeping why he would use her so cruelly without any provocation given him; The Monkey knew he had wronged her, and could say little in his own vindication, yet willing to make a lame defence rather than none, impudently replies. I must confess the jest was somewhat severe, but yet it is not so much as you justly deserve to suffer, considering the wicked, slothful and sleepy life that you lead.  

MORAL.  
Some men care not what abuses they put upon others, nor what troubles and dangers they bring them into, so they can but compass their own ends and purposes; And how many were lately made use of to bring about the Designs and Contrivances of ill men, who when their turn was served, were so far from gratifying them, that they scoffed and laughed at their easiness and folly.    

FAB. I. The Monkey, the Cat, and the Chestnuts.  

A Monkey saw his Master roast  
Some Chestnuts by the Fire,  
And Pug being very liquorish  
To taste them did desire;   

Yet was afraid to burn himself  
Neither could he contrive  
Which way, he without trouble might  
To his design arrive.   

But seeing Puss lie by the Fire,  
He was resolved, that she  
The pain and danger should endure  
His instrument to be,   

And catching her into his arms,  
He with her foot doth get  
The roasted Chestnuts out, which he  
Most greedily doth eat.   

The Cat's foot is severely burnt  
Who weeping with the pain  
Against the Monkey's cruelty  
Doth woefully complain;   

Quoth she, why hast thou used me thus,  
What mischief have I wrought  
To thee or thine, that thou hast now  
This misery on me brought?   

Pug knew that he had wronged her,  
And little had to plead  
In vindication of himself  
For this injurious deed;   

Yet like a Villain, he replies,  
You need not cry and roar,  
Since for your slothful wicked life,  
You ought to suffer more.   

For you and all your kindred too  
Most idly spend your time,  
Yea but to wet your foot forsooth,  
You think a grievous crime;   

For these and other faults, whereof  
I an account could give,  
If you but your just merits had  
You don't deserve to live.   

MORAL.  
Many ill men do never care  
Wha hazards others run  
On their behalf, so that they can  
But have their business done.     


FAB II.  a house by the sea, outside which a mouse sticks its head inside an oyster shell The Mouse and the Oyster.  
A Mouse had dwelled many years in an ancient Mansion house by the Seaside, and enjoyed plenty of all things without danger or fear, feeding daily upon Bacon, Cheese, and crumbs of Bread which fell from the Master's plentiful Table; But not knowing her own felicity she grew wanton, and having heard that there were dainty bits to be found in other places, she began to disdain her course far, and longed to taste of those choice rarities, and pleasant viands, thinking herself to be very foolish that she had lived so long upon such homely food, and did not yet understand true eating; She therefore resolves to travel with the first opportunity, and search about till she met with some new Ragoust, to indulge her appetite therewith; Whereupon the next day she marches toward the Seaside, and upon her arrival finds a great quantity of Oysters lying upon the shore, and among the rest one of them gaping to take in the Salt water; the Mouse peeps into the shell, and seeing the Oyster, pleased herself very much to think of her good fortune, and what a delicate morsel she had got, and then eagerly thrusts in her head to seize her prey; She no sooner touched the Oyster, but the shell immediately closed with such force, that catching the Mouse by the neck it gave her a mortal squeeze; Who finding death approaching, cried out; Let all Belly-Gods take warning by me, who if I could have been contented with my own safe condition, might have lived many years longer, but am come to an untimely end merely to gratify my foolish taste.  

MORAL.  
How many men have lost their Estates, Health, yea Life itself, by voluptuousness and indulging their nice palates?    

FAB. II. The Mouse and the Oyster.  

NEar to the Ocean there stood,  
An ancient Mansion house,  
Wherein there lived for many years  
With much content a Mouse,   

Plenty of all things she enjoyed,  
And took no pains nor care,  
There neither Cats, nor Mouse Traps were  
That might occasion fear.   

Bacon and Cheese, and crumbs of Bread  
Which from the Table fell,  
Her daily entertainment were  
And pleased her wondrous well.   

But ease and wantonness at length  
So pampered her blood,  
That she gins to loath and slight  
Her former wholesome food.   

And hearing what delicious bits  
She otherwhere might find,  
Resolves her fortune she will try,  
And satisfy her mind.   

Then to the shore she travels, where  
Plenty of Oysters lay,  
And sees one gaping which she soon  
Resolves to make her prey,   

And instantly thrusts in her head  
With joy thereon to seize,  
But the shell closing suddenly  
Gives her a mortal squeeze.   

The Dying Mouse too late doth find  
Her miserable state,  
Caused by her foolish appetite,  
And thus deplores her fate.   

All Belly Gods be warned by me  
Not to indulge your taste,  
Which Wealth and Health, yea Life itself  
Doth prodigally waste;   

Can I with my old country far  
But have contented been,  
I might have still prolonged my life  
And more good days have seen.   

MORAL.  
How many may be said to dig  
With their own teeth their graves.  
Their Palates pleasing; And unto  
Their Appetites are slaves?     


FAB. III.  a fox inside its den, with a lion outside The Fox and the Lion.  
A Fox being very sick, shut himself close up into his hole; The other Beasts missing him in his usual haunts, come to visit him, and inquire of his health; Among the rest the Lion, the King of Beasts repairs to him, pretending to have much care of him, and great trouble for the pain he endured: Yet quoth he, Dear brother be not discouraged, nor disheartened, for if you will take my advice, I doubt not but in a few days to make you as whole as a Fish, for I have an Infallible remedy, which I obtained in my travels from the chief Physician of the King of Utopia, that never yet failed in any disease whatsoever, I cure all though spoiled, abused and left off by others, so that mine may be called the Universal Medicine and the true secret of the Philosophers, and no distemper can stand before it; Thus the Lion like a right M untebank boasted of his mighty skill in Physic; The Fox humbly entreats his Highness to impart his help to him; With all my heart, quoth the Lion, let me but come into your hole, & you shall soon find that your cure will be speedy, safe and pleasant, for if I only lick your body all over, there is such sovereign virtue in my Tongue, that all diseases fly before it. I humbly thank your Highness quoth the Fox, neither do I at all question the excellent quality that is in your Grace Tongue, only one thing much discourages me, that your Teeth, which are so near Neighbours to it, appear so terrible as it will rather increase than abate my malady; And if your Grace please but to remove that inconvenience, I shall be very ready to use your admirable Remedy; The Lion finding himself discovered went away much discontented.  

MORAL.  
Though some by fair words and specious pretences, endeavour to ruin and destroy honest men, yet their wicked designs are oft discovered and prevented.    

FAB. III. The Fox and the Lion.  

A Fox being very sick and weak,  
Within his hole was hid,  
The other Beasts soon missing him,  
Came to see how he did.   

Among the rest the King of Beasts  
The Lion did repair  
To visit Reynard, and of him  
Pretends to have great care;   

Quoth he, I pity much your case  
That you are in such pain,  
Yet hope, if my advice you take  
You'll soon be well again.   

My Medicine is Infallible,  
Saffold's an Ass to me.  
'Tis I alone who all can cure  
If curable they be.   

The Lion like a Mountebank  
Thus Magnifies his art.  
The Fox his Highness humbly prays,  
He would his help impart.   

Most willingly, the Lion cries,  
'Tis pleasant, safe and sure,  
Let me but come into your hole,  
I'll soon your health procure.   

I have such virtue in my Tongue  
That if I come but near,  
And only lick your skin all o'er  
You need no sickness fear.   

The Fox replies, I doubt not but  
A Sovereign quality  
Is in your Grace's Tongue, whereby  
You cure each malady.   

I only dread that your sharp Teeth  
Which such near Neighbours are,  
Will fright and terrify me so  
That I shall die for fear.   

That inconvenience once removed  
I should most willingly,  
Throw myself at your Highness' feet,  
And use your remedy.   

MORAL.  
Though some do treacherously contrive  
Their Neighbour's overthrow,  
Yet wise men oft their Plots descry,  
And so prevent the blow.     


FAB. iv  a grasshopper and some ants at the foot of a tree The Aunts and the Grasshopper.  
THE industrious Aunts had wisely provided and laid up store of Provender in the Summer, whereby to maintain themselves in Winter; but toward Autumn violent Rains happening, their Provisions were almost spoiled with the wet, but a Sun-shiny day coming soon after, every one of these little Animals with a Grain of Corn in its Mouth crept out of their dark Cell, and laid it upon a Bank to dry, thereby to prevent its being mouldy and spoiled; while they were thus profitably employed, a Grasshopper almost starved with hunger and cold, having observed what they were doing, comes toward them, and humbly beseeches them to give him some relief, or else he should unavoidably die in a short time with Famine; One of the most ancient Aunts, hearing him make this lamentable complaint, asks him, how he spent his time in the Summer, that he had laid up nothing before hand, whereby he was already reduced to such miserable necessity even before the Winter was well begun; Truly quoth he, I played away the Summer, and sung Tunes to all that walked in the Fields; At which the Ant laughing aloud, cried out, Nay then you justly suffer need, and deserve little Charity, and therefore I would advise you that as you have sung away your Harvest time, so you would dance away the Winter, for which by the slenderness of your Diet your Body will be very well prepared.  

MORAL.  
Those that waste the Summer of their Youth, and Strength in Folly, and Debauchery, are very often brought to much penury and want in the Winter of Old Age.    

FAB. iv The Aunts and the Grasshopper.  

THE painful Aunts that carefully  
Their Winter store provide  
In Summer, and within the Earth  
It diligently hid;   

After a sudden violent Rain  
which toward Autumn fell,  
Each loaded with a Grain of Corn  
Marched out from their dark Cell;   

And on a Sunny Bank next day  
They their provision lay,  
That being dried again, it might  
Not perish, nor decay.   

A Grasshopper who was almost starved  
With hunger and with cold  
Was present, and with longing Eyes  
Their Victuals did behold:   

And humbly begs of them they would  
His pressing wants supply,  
Else he for lack of Sustenance  
Must miserably die.   

One of the gravest Aunts who heard  
This Beggar thus lament,  
Cried; Surely you in idleness  
The Summer past have Spent.   

Else, like us, you might have laid up  
Some provender in store,  
And not have known this poverty  
To beg from door to door.   

The Grasshopper cries; All the day  
I merrily did sing,  
And in the Ears of Passengers  
I made my voice to ring.   

The Ant then laughing, said, Since you  
The Summer spent in play  
And singing; It is just that you  
The Winter dance away.   

Your Body for that exercise  
Now being very fit;  
Your slender Diet having much  
Contributed to it.   

MORAL.  
Those that their Youthful time do waste  
In play, and vanity,  
Oft in the Winter of Old Age  
Do come to poverty.     


FAB. V  a wolf and a goat, with a goatherd in the background The Kid and the Wolf.  
A Wanton Kid wand'ring carelessly away from her Mother, into the adjoining Woods, happened to meet with a terrible Wolf, who being very hungry was walking his rounds to search for his prey; The Kid was much astonished and surprised at the sight of him, expecting nothing but present death, and saw no possibility of escaping; But at length recollecting her Spirits, she resolved if possible to deceive the Wolf, and coming up briskly to him, Sir, quoth she, I acknowledge I am your Prisoner, and do not doubt but you intent to make a meal of my body, I only beg one kindness of you; What's that, says the Wolf, tell me quickly for my Stomach is up, and I cannot spare time to talk; Only, quoth the Kid, that you will please to let me have but one dance before I die, and that you would assist me therein with your voice, who I hear have excellent skill in Singing; Well, says the Wolf, if that be all I will do it, though I never heard my voice commended before; but pray be brief then and dispatch instantly; The Kid stands up on her hind legs, and dances, the Wolf sings or howls, whereat the Kid redoubles her dancing; At which the Wolf is so pleased that he strains his voice louder, so that he might be heard a long way; And so he was for the Dogs in the village hard by hearing and knowing his cry, they come with all speed to seek and pursue their Enemy, whom they seized unawares, while he was performing his part; The Wolf finding how soon the case was altered, and that he must be sacrificed to the fury of the Dogs; Well says he, this is nothing but what I deserve, who having been born and bred a Cook and a Butcher, must needs pretend to be a singing Master.  

MORAL.  
It is often seen that if persons leave the employment wherein they were bred, and have knowledge, and pretend to new inventions they usually miscarry and are undone.    

FAB. V The Kid and the Wolf.  

A Kid who carelessly did stray  
Out of her Mother's eye,  
A Wolf that watched for his prey,  
Did in his walk espy.   

The Kid her danger soon perceived,  
And what her doom would be,  
And since she wanted strength contrived  
To practice policy.   

She therefore humbly begs the Wolf,  
That since she now must die,  
To sing a Song, because his voice  
Made such sweet melody,   

And would permit her but to have  
One dance before her death,  
And then she should more willingly  
Resign her dying breath.   

The Wolf who never heard before  
His voice commended so,  
Valued himself upon his skill  
And proud thereof did grow;   

He than gins to howl or sing,  
The Kid does skip and dance,  
Whereat the Wolf so pleased is  
His voice he does advance.   

The Dogs within a Village near  
Soon hear and know his cry,  
And all with open mouth repair  
To seek their Enemy.   

The Wolf now finds though he designed  
The innocent Kid to slay,  
Yet he himself was to the hounds  
Like to become a prey.   

And turning to the Kid he cries,  
Justly I suffer ill,  
Because in what I did not know  
I have pretended skill.   

My Father and my Grandfather,  
Both Cooks and Butchers were,  
But I their Son must Piper turn,  
For which I now pay dear.   

MORAL.  
Who leave the Trades they know, and strive  
New Projects to contrive,  
Do very often lose their aims,  
And very seldom thrive.     


FAB. VI  a sheep, a dog, and a man carrying a long stick The Sheep and the Dog.  
WHen Sheep could speak, one of them came to his Master, and desired to ask him one civil question, wherein he would willingly be satisfied; I observe quoth he, that notwithstanding you receive so many and so great advantages by us Sheep both living and dead, who furnish you with Wool, Lambs, Milk, and at length with Mutton, yet you take no care to make provision for our eating, so that we are forced to wander up and down the Fields every day, and are often put to very hard shifts to get food; whereas your idle lazy Dog who affords you none of these benefits, is fed daily from your own Table with Varieties, and without taking any pains or care; The Dog being present, and hearing the Sheep scandalise him at this rate, began to swell with anger, his Eyes grew red, his Hair stood an end, and his rage was so great that he could hold no longer, but in a mighty fury replies; Thou silly Henhearted Creature, how ridiculously dost thou argue, and what a senseless grievance dost thou complain of for want of wit rightly to understand the matter? Thou chargest us Dogs with idleness, as if we did not deserve our Bread, whereas if thy pastures were never so plentiful, and thy food never so easy to attain, yet thy cowardly Spirit would never suffer thee to eat it quietly, if we were not continually watchful and ready to defend you against ravening Wolves that would tear you to pieces, and from Thiefs likewise who would steal and kill you at their pleasure; But this it is to do good turns to ungrateful Wretches, who can neither protect themselves, nor will acknowledge the kindness of those without whose assistance they would certainly be destroyed.  

Moral. Some People are apt to think that their Rulers lead too easy lives, and though without Government they would be soon ruined, yet are they often very ungrateful to the best of Princes.    

FAB. VI The Sheep and the Dog.  

WHen Sheep could speak, one of them to  
His Master did complain,  
They were unjustly dealt withal  
Who brought him so much gain.   

Quoth she, we cannot but admire  
That since from us you take  
Both Lambs, and Milk, and Wool; yet you  
Us no allowance make.   

But we are forced continually  
To wander all about  
The Fields; and with much care and pains  
Our daily Food seek out.   

Whereas your lazy Dog, that doth  
Afford you none of these,  
Hath from your Table Meat and Drink,  
And liveth at his ease.   

The Dog was present, and with much  
Impatience did hear  
This charge; and to defend himself  
No longer could forbear.   

Ye silly Sheep, quoth he, observe,  
How foolish and how vain  
This your pretended grievance is,  
Whereof you thus complain.   

You charge us Dogs, as if our lives  
In idleness we led,  
And eat and drank continually  
Yet never earned our Bread.   

Whereas if we did not secure,  
And guard you by our power,  
Your lives would be in jeopardy  
And danger every hour.   

Pray who are they which you defend  
From Wolves that would you tear,  
And from, Thieves too, whereby you may  
Feed freely without fear?   

You are such Cowards that without  
Our help you cannot live,  
Yet so ungrateful, you no thanks  
To your Preservers give.   

MORAL.  
A People without Government  
Will quickly ruin'd be.  
Yet to the best of Princes, some  
Ungrateful we may see.     


FAB. VII.  a cat sat beneath a parrot in a cage The Parrot and the Cat.  
A Gentleman going through the Market heard a Parrot prating and singing very loud, with whom he was so much taken, that demanding the price, he at length agreed, and buying it sent it home to his house, ordering it to be hung up in the midst of his Hall in a Cage; Poll to whom all places were alike, was no sooner come, but he began to prattle and talk as loud as before; A Cat that belonged to the House, hearing this strange and unusual noise was wonderfully amazed, and could not imagine from whence it should come; At length happening to look up, she saw a Bird in a Cage, and perceived the voice to proceed from thence; hay, quoth Puss, pray whence came you, what's your name, and what business have you here? The Parrot replied, I came from a very far Country, my name is Parrot, and I am of a worthy Family, whose Livery is Green and Red, and happening to be taken captive I was put into this Iron Grate to be sold, and was just now bought by your Master in the Market. Methinks, says the Cat, that being so lately come hither you should not have the confidence to make such a bawling as you do; I am sure had I caused but half this disturbance, I had been in danger to have my brains beat out, for though I was born and bred in this House, yet if I do but cry, and beg for a little victuals, my Master, Mistress and all the Family are ready to kill me; Why, quoth Poll, sure Mistress Puss you will not compare my singing and prating wherewith Persons of the best quality are delighted, to your squalling which is so odious and ungrateful to the ears of all that hear it.  

MORAL.  
We must not make ridiculous comparisons of things that differ in their own nature, and between which there is no similitude and agreement.    

FAB. VII. The Parrot and the Cat.  

THE Master had a Parrot bought,  
Which he no sooner brought  
Into his House, but Poll began  
To prate as he was taught.   

This sudden bawling and loud noise,  
Poor Puss did so surprise,  
She could not think what it should be  
But casting up her eyes,   

She sees a Bird hang in a Cage,  
And cries, hay! what are you,  
How came you hither pray Sir, and  
What have you here to do?   

Quoth he I am a dainty Bird,  
And Parrot is my name,  
And being by your Master bought  
Just from the Market came.   

Your impudence and confidence  
Is very much I fear,  
Quoth Puss, to talk so boldly when  
You are but just come here.   

I in this house was bred and born,  
Yet scarce durst ever cry,  
Although I only begged for meat  
My hunger to supply.   

But if I like your worship had  
So insolently squaled,  
I by my Master and the rest  
Had cruelly been mauled.   

Poll soon replies, good Mistress Puss,  
Much liberty you take  
Me to abuse, because between  
Us you no difference make.   

My singing and my talking sure  
You never will compare,  
Unto your mewing which is so  
Ingrateful to the ear,   

Whereas my Master doth his ear  
Unto my talk incline,  
And though he will not hear your noise  
Yet he is pleased with mine.   

MORAL.  
We should not make comparisons  
That are ridiculous,  
Nor must compare Polls prattle to  
The squalling of a Puss.     


 a fox being taken up a ladder to the gallows FAB. VIII. The Fox going to Execution.  
AN old Fox who had spent his whole life in Theft and Rapine, was accused by the Hens, Geese, Ducks, and Turkeys, of committing many Robberies and Murders, upon their Wives, Children, Brothers, Sisters, and other Relations, who all Petitioned the Lion their King that he might be brought to a Legal Trial for the crimes he had committed, and receive condign punishment for the same; The Lion granted their request, and gave Sergeant Puss a Warrant to Seize & Arrest Reynard in the King's Name; and to commit him to Prison without Bail, till he should be delivered by due course of Law; The Cat in pursuance of his Commission, goes with other Officers to the Fox's hole in the Forest, where they take him, and tying his hands behind him carry him to the common Jail; From whence soon after he was brought before the Lion and the rest who sat in Judgement upon him; The Witnesses proved the matter against him very fully, so that he could say little in his own defence, only with Lies and Equivocations denied, and extenuated his faults, but in conclusion the Lion was fully satisfied of his guilt, telling him, Certainly you are one of the most notorious Rascals that ever lived in the Forest, and a greater Malefactor than the Golden Farmer, and for your many Villainies and Murders deserve like him to be hanged in Chains, but the Court is so kind that you shall only be hanged, and this is your Sentence; what have you to say why it should not be put in Execution? I will say nothing quoth the Fox, against your Justice, only I desire one favour, that I may not be carried to the Gallows through the high Street, but on the back side of the Town; This the Lion thought was some subtle trick of his, and asked him his reason; Because, quoth he, I know there are great store of Hens and other Fowl that way, whose sight and pleasant cackling, will much comfort me in that sad hour, when I think how many pleasant Meals I have made of the Flesh of some of their Relations.  

Moral. Wicked men take a pride and pleasure in remembering their vile actions, from which even the fear of death cannot deter them, but they are then willing, though not able, again to repeat them.    

FAB. VIII. The Fox going to Execution.  

THE Geese, the Hens, Turkeys and Ducks,  
And several Creatures more,  
With divers crimes charge Reynard, and  
The Lion do implore;   

That he their King would Summon him  
Before him to appear,  
Where they their accusation  
Against him would make clear.   

Who being come, a numerous Train  
Against him there complain,  
That he their Fathers, Mothers, Wives,  
And Children had slain.   

The Facts were proved so clear and plain,  
He little could reply,  
Only with Lies and Impudence  
The matter did deny.   

But yet the Lion and the rest  
Before whom he was tried,  
Hearing the proofs; they of his guilt  
Were fully satisfied.   

And for his Crimes and Villainies  
They fully do agree,  
That he deserves to die, and that  
He hanged aught to be.   

The Fox was then demanded what  
He had to say why he,  
According to this Sentence, should  
Not Executed be.   

My Lord, against your Justice I,  
Quoth he, have nought to say,  
One favour only when I die  
I humbly of you pray;   

That through the high-road of the Town  
I may not carried be,  
But on the backside I may go  
Unto the Gallow Tree.   

Because I know full well I there  
Good store of Hens shall see,  
The very thoughts of whose sweet Flesh  
Will comfort give to me.   

MORAL.  
We oft find, wicked men, so much  
Delight in Villainy,  
They would act mischief had they power  
Even when they came to die.     


FAB. IX.  a cockerel and a cat in the foreground, and a mouse in the background The young Mouse, the Cock, and the Cat.  
A young Mouse and an only Son, had been so carefully bred up by his Mother, that she would never permit him to go beyond the mouth of her hole. But growing up, the young creature had a desire to look about into the World, which his Mother was very fearful he should do; Alas Child, says, she there is so much treachery abroad, that if you once go out of my sight I never expect to see you again; Dear Mother quoth he, fear nothing, I will only go and look through the crevice of the door, and come back instantly; His importunity prevailed, and so he goes into the next Room and peeps into the Yard, where he saw a Cat walk very demurely by the door, who laid herself down in the warm Sun; the young Mouse much wondered at her gravity, & was extremely taken with her shape and sober carriage; Soon after a Cock comes by very briskly, who clapping his wings set up a loud crow, whereat our young Traveller was so affrighted that all pale and trembling, he runs back to his Mother, who glad of his return hugged him very tenderly, demanding the cause of his great surprise and fright; Ah Mother quoth he, I saw a dreadful Creature with a red piece of Flesh on his Head like a Crown, and the like under his Chin, and Horns on his Heels, who with things like Arms beating his sides, made such a horrible noise as almost scared me out of my wits; Just when I was admiring a very fine Creature, of so modest a look, and so cleanly and neat, lying in the Sun, that I could hardly forbear running to kiss and hug her; the old Mouse perceiving his mistake; My Dear says she, that proud strutting thing will never hurt thee, but be sure to avoid the other modest one, who will certainly be the death of thee with the first opportunity.  

Moral. We must not always judge of men by their looks and carriage, neither are some roaring Sparks so much to be dreaded as some demure and sober Knaves.    

FAB. IX. The young Mouse, the Cat, and the Cock.  

A young Mouse, and an only Son,  
With tenderness and care,  
Was by her Mother bred, who still  
Of his life stood in fear,   

And kept him close within her hole  
Till grown; who then doth creep  
Into th' adjoining Room, where through  
A Crevice he does peep.   

And in the Yard he there espies  
A Cat demure and grave,  
With whom he wishes that he could  
But some acquaintance have.   

Soon after he observes a Cock  
That by the door doth go,  
Who with his Wings did clap his sides  
And cheerfully doth crow.   

At which the Mouse was almost scared  
Out of his wits, and run  
Post haste unto his Mother, who  
With joy receives her Son.   

Demanding what the reason was  
Of his so great affright;  
Oh Mother, I have seen, quoth he,  
A very dreadful sight:   

A Monster with a Crown on's head,  
And horned heels marched by,  
Who with his arms clapping his sides  
Sent forth a hideous cry.   

Whereat I was surprised, being then  
Admiring of a Creature,  
Sober and modest in her look,  
And of a handsome feature.   

With whom I was resolved to make  
A League of amity.  
The Mother finding by his talk  
Her Son's simplicity;   

She tells him from that strutting thing  
He need no danger fear,  
But for his life, he never should  
That serious one come near.   

MORAL.  
By modest looks we scarce can judge  
What really men are,  
For the demure are oft more false  
Than Huffing Sparks, by far.     


FAB. X.  a wolf watching a horse eat a pile of corn The Horse and the Wolf.  
A Wolf in his Rambles happened to come to a place where he found a large heap of Corn, which when he had throughly viewed, well, says he, I am very hungry, but yet this dry Victuals will never go down with me; Oh that I had but a Lamb or a Kid now in exchange for it! what a hearty meal could I make; yet now I consider of it, since I cannot eat it myself, I think I were best make a Friend with it, and assure him, it is not but that I like it very well, only out of great kindness and respect I present it to him; Then going on he at length meets with a Horse: Well met, my Friend, quoth the Wolf, you may reckon it a happy minute that you have so luckily encountered me, for I was just going to seek you, to make you as gallant a● Entertainment as ever you had in your life Come, come along with me, and I will show yo● such a heap of dainty Corn as shall make you Mouth water again, and where you may ea● your Belly full at free cost; The Horse went a long with him, and coming to the place; Her● says the Wolf, see what dainty cheer I have provided for you, fall to hearty, and spare not you are welcome to it, and I assure you, I spare● it out of my own Belly on purpose to fill yours. The Horse falls greedily to his meat; Wel● quoth the Wolf, methinks you make such a pretty noise with crumping the Corn in your Teeth that I am mighty glad I had this Banquet for you; The Horse says little till he had done, but then replies; Brother I give you many thanks for this good meal, but yet I am of the Opinion that if Wolves could eat Corn, I should hardly have made such a plentiful Dinner, and I believe you would have preferred the pleasure of your stomach in eating, before that of your ears in hearing my grinders crump the Corn.  

Moral. Those that are naturally vicious, though they sometimes do a good action, yet we are apt to think it is only by chance, and not from an honest Principle.    

FAB. X. The Horse and the Wolf.  

A Wolf in Rambling chanced to find  
An heap of Wheat, which he  
Knew with his constitution  
Would never well agree;   

Who for such dry and husky meat  
As that did never care,  
But thought raw Mutton, or a Lamb  
Was much the better fare.   

Therefore resolved to make a Friend  
Of what he could not eat,  
And meeting with the Horse he does  
Invite him to the Treat.   

Quoth he, pray come along with me,  
And I discover will  
To you, a parcel of rare Wheat  
Where you may eat your fill.   

Which out of love and kindness I  
Do now to you make known,  
To fill your Belly, though I do  
Save it out of my own.   

The Horse him thanks, and they at length  
Arrive unto the place,  
And find the Wheat lie on the ground,  
Of which he eats apace.   

The Wolf stands by and does protest  
That nothing to his Ear  
Is more delightful, than the Corn  
Ground by his Teeth to hear.   

The Horse does little answer make  
But lustily feeds on,  
Unwilling to lose time until  
He had his Dinner done.   

But than replies, To you, Sir Wolf,  
I much obliged am  
For this good Banquet which to me  
Most seasonably came:   

But yet I think if Wolves could eat  
Corn, that you would prefer  
The filling of your Belly to  
The pleasure of your Ear.   

MORAL.  
If men are naturally bad,  
Though some good deeds they do,  
We cannot think their honesty  
Inclines them thereunto.     


FAB. XI.  a bear whispering in the ear of a huntsman The Huntsman and the Bear.  
A Huntsman whose usual Employment it was to chase and kill wild Beasts, comes to a Tanner, and asks him whether he would buy a large Bear's Skin of him; Yes quoth the Tanner if it be worth buying, pray let me see it; Nay says the Huntsman, I have it not by me; but I would willingly know what you will give when I bring it; Sure quoth the Tanner, you would not have me buy a Pig in a Bag, for so I may be cheated as the Man was, who when he came to look in his Sack found a Puppy Dog therein instead of a Sucking Pig which he thought he had purchased; To tell you the truth says the Huntsman, there is a great Bear in the Woods hard by, and to Morrow Morning I intent to go and find him out, and when I have killed him, I will strip off his Skin and bring it you; Well, says the Tanner, when this is done I will give you the full value, and I care not if I go with you to see the Sport; Next Morning the Huntsman and the Tanner went toward the Wood, and coming near, the Tanner gets up into a Tree to be out of danger; The Huntsman goes on courageously with his Dogs, and rouzes the Bear out of his Den, who comes with mighty fury toward him, the Hunter makes up to him with his Sword, but missing his stroke he falls upon the ground, and was not able to recover himself, so that the Bear was just ready to tear him in pieces; But he knowing that Bears never prey upon the dead, holds his Breath, so that the Beast smelling about his Mouth and Ears, and finding no life, went away, leaving him in a terrible fright, but the Tanner seeing the danger past, coming down calls to him, and bids him rise, and then asks what the Bear whispered in his Ear; Why, quoth he, he advised me that hereafter I should never venture to sell the Bear's Skin till I had killed the Bear.  

Moral. We ought not to reckon any thing our own till we have it in possession, neither should we boast of the Victory till the Battle be ever.    

FAB. XI. The Huntsman and the Bear.  

A Huntsman to a Tanner came,  
Demanding whether he  
Would buy a Bear-skin of him, which  
Both good and cheap would be.   

The Tanner asks to see the Skin  
 he a bargain make.  
The Hunter says, he had it not  
But he next day would take   

A cruel Bear that in the Woods  
Adjoining did reside,  
And having killed him he would then  
Flay him, and bring his Hyde.   

Next day the Hunter and his Dogs  
Go out to rouse the Bear,  
The Tanner from a Tree observes  
Him marching without fear.   

The Bear with fury issues out  
The Huntsman to assail,  
Who with his Sword approaches him  
Not doubting to prevail.   

But his first stroke at him he missed,  
Whereby th' enraged Bear  
Got such advantage that he was  
Just ready him to tear.   

The Hunter knowing that the Bear  
O'th' dead doth never prey,  
Falls on the Earth, and holds his Breath,  
As if for dead he lay.   

The Bear smells to his Face and Mouth  
And finds he did not breathe,  
And then retires, yet in great fear  
The Hunter he doth leave.   

The danger past, the Tanner comes,  
And bids him rise and tell  
What the Bear whispered in his Ear,  
When on the ground he fell.   

Quoth he, he did advise me, that  
If wise I would appear,  
I never sell the Skin again  
Till I have killed the Bear.   

MORAL.  
That only which we do possess  
We ought to call our own,  
Nor should we boast of Victory  
Before the Fight be done.     


FAB. XII.  four apes making a fire The Bird and the Apes.  
A Company of Apes in a cold Winter's night were got under a Tree, consulting how to make a Fire to warm themselves; at length one happened to spy a Gloworm lying under an Hedge, and with great joy calls out to his Companions that he had found a Coal of Fire, they all run to see it, and concluding it to be so, they instantly gather a number of small sticks, to lay upon it, and then take a great deal of pains in puffing and blowing to cause it to burn into a Flame; a Bird that sat upon a Tree over against them, and had earnestly observed all their actions, perceiving their fruitless toil and labour, calls to them and tells them that what they were doing was to no purpose, and that they took pains for nothing, seeing it was not a Spark of Fire as they imagined, but only a Gloworm which they made such a stir about; but they were so busily employed that they regarded not her admonitions; therefore out of her double diligence, thinking they did not hear her, she flies from the Tree, and sits down by them; crying, Pray, Gentlemen, hear reason, you trouble yourselves in vain, I am ashamed to see your ridiculous Folly; an Ape discreeter than the rest, and who laughed at their actions, seeing the mighty care and concernment of the Bird, comes to her and admonishes her, that she should be cautious, not to endanger her own life, while she was over solicitous about their affairs, but she would take no warning, persisting in counselling and advising them so long, till a sly Ape approaching near, suddenly leaps upon her, and catching her in his hand, tears her instantly to pieces, and eats her up, whereby she found too late her own Folly in giving Instructions to those who had not the sense to receive it.  

Moral. Many are so busily employed in the Affairs of the Public, and of other Men, that they neglect their own, and very often endanger their lives into the bargain.    

FAB. XII. The Bird and the Apes.  

IN a cold Winter's night some Apes  
Were got under a Tree,  
Contriving how to get a Fire,  
That they might warmed be.   

At length one does a Gloworm spy  
Which shined in the dark,  
And joyfully cries, Fire, Fire,  
See I have found a Spark.   

His Brethren were glad of it,  
And all soon thither came  
To gather sticks and pile thereon  
Whereby to make a Flame.   

They puff and blow with all their strength,  
And mighty pains they take,  
But all to little purpose was  
For they no Fire could make.   

A little Bird observed them  
From an adjoining Tree  
And cried aloud, That all they did  
Was but mere foolery.   

But they so busy were that none  
Regarded her; so she  
Flies down, and cries, Pray, Gentlemen,  
Be but advised by me.   

An Ape discreeter than the rest  
Calls to her to be wise,  
And not to hazard her own life  
While she did them advise.   

Yet she will not this warning mind,  
But still great pains does take,  
To make them sensible of this  
Their folly and mistake.   

Until at length a roguish Ape  
Suddenly leaps upon her,  
And tearing her in pieces, he  
Then makes his Supper on her.   

Whereby this prating Bird too late  
Her folly did perceive,  
To give good counsel unto Fools  
Who will it not receive.   

MORAL.  
Many of other men's affairs  
So very careful are  
That they their own neglect; yea of  
Their safety take no care.     


FAB. XIII.  Jupiter with some animals before him Jupiter and the Creatures.  
THE Poets relate, that Jupiter hearing some Creatures were discontented with their own shapes, he summoned them before him, freely to declare what defects they thought were in their Bodies, and they should be instantly remedied; and the Ape being next him, says Jupiter, pray observe the Beauty of your Fellow Creatures, and compare them with your own, and then tell me what you would have amended, and it shall be done. Sir, quoth the Ape, I am well pleased both with the Elegancy of my Shape and Wit, but said be, here is my Brother Bear cannot much boast of his admirable Figure, I am sure should he see his Picture he would scarce be in love with it. For my part, quoth the Bear, I envy not the handsomeness of any other Beast, being satisfied with my own. But I think it would be well if the Elephant had some addition to his Tail, and his Shape were made more comely; The Elephant was very angry at this Character, not desiring to have any alteration, but says he, I really pity the Whale who is so bulky that he can hardly manage himself; The Whale protested in a rage, that he liked his bulk very well, and would by no means be less. But I must confess quoth he, I very much pity the little Ant, who takes such extraordinary pains, and is continually labouring for its Meat, and yet his strength does not seem agreeable to his Wit and Industry; you might have spared your Remarks upon me, Don Elephanto, quoth the Ant, since I have strength and ability sufficient for my Employment, neither am I so very small but if compared to a Mite, I appear like a Giant. Jupiter having pleasantly censured them for the good Opinion every one had of himself, and yet could espy defects in other Creatures, dismissed their further attendance.  

Moral. We are too apt to observe faults in other men, and to censure them very severely, but can hardly be persuaded to own any Follies in ourselves.    

FAB. XIII. Jupiter and the Creatures.  

THE Poets do relate, that some  
Jupiter did acquaint,  
That divers Creatures of their form  
And shape made much complaint.   

Who thereupon did Summon them  
Before him to appear,  
That their defects and grievances  
They might to him declare.   

The Ape was near, to whom Jove said,  
Look on these Beasts I pray,  
Then tell me what defect you have  
And I'll take it away.   

Sir, quoth the Ape, I am well pleased  
Both with my Shape and Wit,  
But here's my Brother Bear whom I  
To be reformed think fit.   

The Bear grows angry and replies,  
He did no mending want,  
But thought more Tail would well become  
The bulky Elephant.   

The Elephant cries, Say no more,  
I like my Shape and Tail,  
But for his monstrous bigness I  
Do pity much the Whale.   

The Whale enraged cries, Of my size  
I'll no abatement make,  
But yet methinks the little Ant  
Far too much pains doth take.   

The Ant says she no pity wants  
But was extremely pleased,  
And of her care and trouble she  
Desires not to be eased.   

And for the smallness of her Shape  
She no concernment has,  
Since if compared to a Mite  
She like a Giant was.   

Jove heard, and gently them reproved  
That they so soon could spy  
Defects in other Creatures, but  
None in themselves descry.   

MORAL.  
In censuring other people none  
Are more severe than we,  
But in observing our own faults  
As blind as Moles we be.     


FAB. XIV.  a wolf dressed as a shepherd, with a man lying on the ground beside him The Wolf turned Shepherd.  
A Wolf that was grown old and feeble, and so unable to pursue and take his prey as in his former youthful days, was long contriving how to maintain himself in his decrepit Age; at last he found out a subtle invention, whereby he did not in the least doubt but to live as plentifully and happily as ever. To which purpose he seeks out a convenient place near the side of a Forest, where large flocks of Sheep and other  usually fed. In the next place he gets a Coat and Breeches, fitted to his body, and in all points exactly like a Shepherd, with a Cap on his head; and then walking upon his hind-feets, he carried a Shepherd's Crook upon on his shoulder; and to make himself absolutely complete, he ties a pair of Bagpipes to his girdle: Being thus throughly accommodated, he goes confidently toward the flocks, and when he approached them, finds the true Shepherd and his Dogs with most of the  sleeping, but yet durst not attempt to seize any of the Sheep for fear of waking the Shepherd and Dogs; and therefore thought upon another stratagem, which was to draw one or two of them toward the side of the Wood, where he might without danger kill and eat them; And to that end he resolves to counterfeit the Shepherd's voice and call, but this utterly ruined the whole project; for instead of whistling, he set up such a loud howling, that the adjoining Hills echoed again with the noise, which likewise soon roused and alarmed the sleepy Shepherd and his Dogs, who instantly pursue him with full cry; and he being much incommoded and hindered in his flight by his new Accoutrements, they soon run him down, and so he became an easy prey to his Adversaries, who uncasing him of his deceitful Clothing, make a quick dispatch of this Shame Shepherd.  

MORAL.  
A Wolf will always be a Wolf; neither is falsehood and treachery usually concealed long, but will in time be discovered to the confusion of the Actors.    

FAB. XIV. The Wolf turned Shepherd.  

A Wolf with age grown weak, so that  
He could no longer take  
His Prey as usual, and to live  
Many hard shifts did make.   

Set his invention at work  
To gain by policy  
A livelihood, and by his Wit  
His craving wants supply.   

He than takes up his residence  
Nigh to a Forest side,  
Where Flocks of Sheep and Cattle did  
Most commonly abide.   

Next he puts on a Shepherd's Hat  
And Coat, that thereby he  
Might under that disguise be thought  
The true Shepherd to be.   

And walking on his hinder Legs  
A Shepherds Crook doth bear,  
And ties a Bagpipe to his side  
His calling to declare.   

And then demurely walks along  
Toward the Flocks of Sheep,  
Finding the Shepherd and his Dogs,  
And Cattle all asleep.   

Yet fears to wake them, but contrives  
How he by some device  
Might from the Flock a single Sheep  
To the Woods side entice.   

At length resolves to imitate  
The Shepherd's voice and call,  
And then a hideous howl sets up  
Which Shepherd, Dogs, and all   

Doth soon alarm, who pursue  
This Cheater with full cry,  
Whose Coat and Breeches hinder him  
So that he cannot fly.   

But by the Dogs is quickly seized,  
Who him in pieces tear,  
'Cause he a Shepherd would be thought  
But did a Wolf appear.   

MORAL.  
A Wolf will be a Wolf, though he  
Another Shape put on,  
And treachery though ne'er so close  
Can't be concealed long.     


FAB. XV.  a river scene with two people in a boat and one in the water The Impertinent Trifler.  
A Poor Man lived at the side of a Forest, whither he usually went to fetch Wood: But on a time going upon the same account, he found such plenty, that he grew very curious, and one stick did not please him, nor another, but he cried, Well, I will go further, and there I shall find better choice; wand'ring along upon this foolish account, it happened that a crew of Wolves came howling through the Woods, with the sight of whom he was so dreadfully affrighted, that he ran with all imaginable speed toward a River, where finding neither a Bridge nor a Boat to help him over, he threw himself into the stream to avoid his pursuers; but having little skill in swimming, before he was half way cross, the force of the water carried him away with such force, that he sunk to the bottom, and had certainly been drowned, but that some Fishermen near hand observing it, threw their Nets into the place, and took him up in one of them, and carrying him ashore, as soon as they had dreined the water out of his Body they set him under an old Wall, seeming rather dead than alive, at length by the warmth of the Sun he began to recover his senses, but then instead of going home to refresh himself, he lay there impertinently relating at large to all that passed by the strange Misfortunes, and terrible dangers which had befallen him that day, together with all the circumstances thereof, and how narrowly he had escaped with his life; Thus he continued his trifling discourse a great while, till at length the Wall being crazy, fell down and knocked him on the head, in the ruins whereof he was buried.  

MORAL.  
He that neglects his affairs for Trifles, and spends his time in idle and impertinent discourse, makes himself ridiculous to wise men, and is oft unfortunate to himself.    

FAB. XV. The Impertinent Trifler.  

A poor man to the Forest went  
To gather Wood, and found  
Such plenty of all sorts which lay  
Scattered upon the ground   

That he stood trifling, and none  
Can see which pleased his mind,  
But forward went, crying, he hoped  
Yet better choice to find.   

Wand'ring along, a crew of Wolves  
Came howling in his way,  
Threatening with open Jaws that they  
Of him would make a prey.   

Whom to avoid he with all speed  
Toward a River flew,  
Where finding neither Bridge nor Boat  
Himself therein he threw.   

Where he had soon been drowned, but that  
Some Fishermen at hand  
Fling in their Nets, and catching him  
Brought him again to Land.   

They drained his Body, and him laid  
Under a ruin'd Wall,  
Where more a dead man than a live  
He did appear to all.   

At length his senses did return,  
And he to speak begun,  
But there instead of going home,  
He tells to every man   

Who passed by, the story of  
The dangers of that day,  
And how he hardly with his life  
Made his escape away.   

Thus he lay long, continuing  
His fond impertinence,  
Neither could he persuaded be  
To go away from thence.   

Until at length the Wall fell down  
And knocked him on the head,  
And in the ruins of the same  
He there was buried.   

MORAL.  
Those that in trifling and vain talk  
Foolishly spend their days  
Into great mischiefs run, and oft  
Suffer by their delays.     


FAB. XVI.  a hedgehog and a fox beside a river The Hedgehog and the Fox.  
A Fox going through a River, when he came to the other side it was so steep and slippery that though he often endeavoured to get up, yet still fell back again, so that he was forced to lie in the mud, and to aggravate his misfortune, a great number of stinging Flies fastened upon his Head and Eyes, and put him to very great torment; an Hedgehog that stood on the River's brink perceiving what a wretched condition he was in, very charitably offered his assistance to drive them away; The Fox gave him many thanks for his kindness, but told him, he thought it would be more convenient to let them continue where they were; The Hedgehog stood in admiration to hear the Fox give such an answer, who was always thought to be one of the wisest and most discreet Persons that inhabited in the Forest; Pray, Sir, says he, be pleased to give me a reason, why you would not be glad to be rid of such troublesome guests; Brother, quoth the Fox, since you are desirous to know, I'll tell you, I have considered that these Bloodsuckers have been there so long, that their Bellies must by this time of necessity be almost full, but if they should be driven away, a fresh party will immediately succeed them, who I am afraid will come on so eagerly that they will suck out all the remainder of Blood that is left in my Body, and so make an end of me. The Hedgehog hearing the notable forecast of the Fox approved of his great discretion and so left him.  

Moral. Those People that are so unfortunate, and miserable as to live under Vice-Roys and Governors, who are changed usually in two or three years, as it happens in many Countries in Europe, would be more happy if they continued longer, since those that stay some years, having already squeezed the people are grown rich, and therefore spare them, whereas the new one that comes poor and hungry, practices all manner of Rapine and Oppression to enrich himself.    

FAB. XVI. The Hedgehog and the Fox.  

THE Fox a River passing came  
Unto the other side,  
But in attempting to get up  
Into the mud did slide.   

Where he stuck fast, and though to free  
Himself he took much pain,  
Yet when he was almost got out  
He still fell back again.   

And his misfortune to increase  
A multitude of Flies  
So stung his head and face, he feared  
They would put out his Eyes.   

A charitable Hedgehog saw  
In what distress he lay,  
And kindly asked him if he should  
These Vermin drive away.   

I give you thanks then, quoth the Fox,  
But though I feel great pain,  
Yet I conceive it will be best  
To let them still remain.   

The Hedgehog marvelled very much  
To hear the Fox speak so,  
He being thought discreet and wise,  
And would his reason know.   

Why, says the Fox, I do suppose  
These almost have their fill,  
And much more Blood they cannot suck  
Let them do what they will.   

But if these should away be driven,  
Then soon a fresh supply  
Would in their rooms succeed, who will  
Renew my misery.   

Nay worse; for I not only fear  
I must endure more pain,  
But that these new ones will suck out  
What Blood doth yet remain   

Within my Body; and when that  
Cannot their thirst supply,  
My Blood being dreined out I must  
Inevitably die.   

MORAL.  
Who under cruel Governors  
Do live, were better far  
To keep their Old than change for New  
Who like Horseleeches are.     


 a monkey throwing money from an upstairs window to people down below FAB. XVII. The Monkey and the Miser.  
AN old Usurer who scarce allowed himself meat or drink, and had heaped up much riches by extortion and oppressing the poor, was so extreme miserable that he kept no servants, but only a Mastiff Dog to drive beggars from his door, and a Monkey to make him sport and pastime, who was chained in the Yard before his house; One time the old Gentleman having occasion to go abroad, to receive twenty in the Hundred for his money at Interest, left these two faithful stewards to take care of his concerns, but his trusty servant the Monkey by often leaping and jumping about, happened to break his Chain, and finding his heels at liberty, skipped and danced for joy, and looking up he saw a Window open; Pug being kept like his Master, with very short commons, resolved to climb up and go in at the Window, to seek for what he could find to appease his craving Stomach; Being entered it happened to be his Master's Closet, where his Soul, and his Gold were hoarded up together; The Monkey soon unties one of the bags, and taking out thence a handful of that yellow metal, throws it out into the street upon the Stones, where it made a great noise and jingling in the fall; Pug was so well pleased at the music, that he threw it out with both hands, until he had quite emptied the bag; several Passengers going by, made bold to pick up these golden crumbs, and putting them into their Pockets, went away laughing at the conceit to think what this covetous wretch had raked together out of the bowels of the indigent, and without any fear of God or man, should now be so lavishly squandered away by a ridiculous Monkey.  

MORAL.  
How many are there who compass Sea and Land, and live miserably all their days, not enjoying the necessaries or conveniences of life, only to leave great Estates to their Sons and Heirs, who very often do as prodigally waste it, and to as little purpose, as this wanton roguish Monkey did the Misers Gold.    

FAB. XVII. The Monkey and the Miser.  

A wretched Miser who did make  
An Idol of his Gold.  
And for mere covetousness did  
Hunger endure and cold.   

Neither would any servant keep  
Only a Mastiff Dog,  
To fright the beggars, and for sport  
A Monkey with a Clog.   

One day this Usurer went abroad  
His Money to receive,  
And with these trusty servants doth  
All his concernments leave.   

He was no sooner gone but Pug  
Leapt up and down amain,  
Until at length by jumping oft  
He chanced to break his chain.   

Finding his heels at liberty  
He quickly seeks about,  
Being very hungry where to find  
Some belly timber out.   

And sees a Window open stand  
Into which he doth creep,  
Which was the place where the wretch did  
His gold and silver keep.   

He opens then the bags, and down  
The gold doth freely fling,  
Pleasing himself how pleasantly  
It on the Stones did ring.   

Thus he continued until  
He all had thrown away,  
Which was to those that passed by  
A very pleasant play.   

Who did with much delight pick up  
Those golden crumbs, and then  
Went away laughing at the thought,  
How miserable men   

Deny themselves of what is fit  
Or necessary; and  
To make their Heirs Rich and Great,  
Compass both Sea and Land,   

Whose vast Estates soon wasted are  
And prodigally sold,  
As vainly as the Monkey lost  
The Usurer's old Gold.   

MORAL.  
There is an ancient Proverb which  
Is generally sure,  
Estates by evil means obtained  
Do seldom long endure.     


 a man and a lion in the foreground, with a horse and oxen in the background FAB. XVIII. The Young Lion and the Old.  
AN ancient Lion among other good instructions to his Son, gave him an express charge, that though for his strength he might engage against any other Creature in the Forest, yet he should always be very cautious not to fight with a Man, who was so full of subtlety and craft, that it would be very difficult to Conquer him; the young Lion heard his Father's discourse, but in process of time finding himself grow bigger and stronger, he was fully resolved to encounter with a Man on the first occasion, since he found no Beast durst stand before him, but trembled and fled at his presence and roaring; passing along he met with a Yoke of Oxen ploughing in the Field, and coming near them demanded if they were Men; no, say they, but a Man hath put this yoke upon our necks; going farther, he saw a Horse bridled and saddled, with all accoutrements for a Battle, of whom he demanded, art thou a Man? no, quoth the Horse, but I am subject to a man, and serve him to fight against his Enemies, to which end he put this bridle in my mouth, and a saddle and pistols on my back; proceeding on he observed a Carpenter cleaving a Tree, to whom he hasted, crying out, art thou a Man? yes, says the Carpenter, I am so; quoth the Lion, I am very glad of it, for I have been long seeking one, and must now fight with you; With all my heart, says he, but first pray help me to pull this Tree in pieces, that I will says he, and so with his paw plucked it open that the Wedge fell out, upon which the Tree closing held his foot fast within it, the man calls out for help to kill the Lion, who seeing his danger with a sudden spring gets out his toes, but leaves his Nails behind, and running home bleeding to his Father; ah, cried he, had I taken your advice I had never come to such damage and pain as I now endure.  

Moral. Though young Persons think themselves wiser than those that are old, yet they often find by their misfortunes, that ancient people are more experienced in the deceits and treacheries of the World than themselves.    

FAB. XVIII. The Young Lion and the Old.  

A Lion charged his Son that he  
Should very careful be,  
Not to fight with a Man, since he  
Was full of subtlety.   

The young one herd; but yet resolved  
That he his strength would try  
Against a man, and doubted not  
To gain the Victory.   

And as he traveled along,  
He happened to meet  
A yoke of Oxen in the Field,  
Whom he doth kindly greet,   

And asked them, pray are you two Men?  
The Oxen answer no,  
But Man this yoke put on our necks  
Wherewith you see us go.   

Travelling on he spies a Horse,  
Tied fast unto a Tree,  
Saddled and Bridled for the War,  
In all his gallantry,   

And cries to him, Art thou a Man?  
The Horse replies, Not I,  
But I obey a Man, and fight  
Against his enemy.   

He passeth on, and near a Wood  
A Carpenter doth find  
Cleaving a Tree, to whom he goes  
And says, Pray be so kind   

To tell me if you are a Man;  
Yes quoth the Man, I am;  
Then you must fight me, for to that  
Intent I hither came.   

Content, says he, but with your paw  
Pray sever first this Tree,  
The Lion trying, fast is caught  
And hardly could get free.   

At length with loss of Nails he doth  
Unto his Father go,  
Crying had I been ruled by you,  
I ne'er had known such woe.   

MORAL.  
Young men believe Old men are Fools,  
And that they nothing know,  
But Old men by experience  
Know young men to be so.     


 a dog and a wolf fighting, with an ass in the background FAB. XIX. The Dog, Wolf, and Ass.  
A Dog receiving a great affront from a Wolf, resolved on revenge, but though his heart was good, yet thinking he had not sufficient ability, he intended to procure a second, who might assist him in his design, and after he had considered what beast he should engage to aid him, upon mature deliberation he concluded the Ass to be the fittest, both by reason of his great strength, whom he had often seen to carry very heavy burdens, and likewise for his voice which was mighty loud, and as he fancied, like the warlike sound of a Trumpet; to him then he goes, and relates the matter, earnestly requesting him to engage in his quarrel, who he was sure must needs be very valiant and 〈…〉 hearing such commendations of himself, was not a little elevated, and readily promised to perform his request, saying; dear brother Dog, since you have such confidence in my courage, I hope I shall never fail your expectation, for I am resolved to venture my life in your cause, and doubt not of success against your brutish enemy; The Dog was extreme joyful at his gallant resolution, and so they both went immediately toward the Wolf's Den, and the Dog called out to him, to give present reparation for the injuries he had offered him, or else prepare to lose his life, for he was resolved with the assistance of his brother Ass to fight him instantly; the Wolf not used to such language comes out with great fury, snarling and grining with his cruel Teeth, at the sight of whom the Ass was so terribly affrighted, that he ran instantly away, leaving the Dog alone to combat with his enraged enemy, who finding the match unequal soon after fled away likewise, and then recollecting himself; well, quoth he, I find there is no trust either in strength or voice, for both these this dull Ass had, and yet wanted true courage, and shown himself as much a coward as the rest of his kindred.  

Moral. It is often seen, that the Bullies and Huffs of the Town, who make such a bustle with their Red Coats and Feathers, are upon Trial very far from being truly valiant and stout.    

FAB. XIX. The Dog, Wolf, and the Ass.  

AN angry Dog a quarrel had  
Against a Wolf, which he  
Resolved to revenge, but found  
Himself too weak to be.   

Therefore a second he will have,  
Who in his cause may fight,  
By whose assistance he does hope  
To put the Wolf to flight.   

At length he met the Ass, whom he  
Had very often seen  
Great Burdens bear, and thought he strong  
And valiant had been,   

His voice was likewise great and loud,  
And like a Trumpet shrill,  
Therefore entreats that 'gainst the Wolf  
He now assist him will.   

The Ass proud that he was thought stout,  
Replies, most willingly  
Dear Dog, I will your cause espouse  
And in your quarrel die.   

The Dog now thought himself cocksure  
Of Victory and Success,  
And boldly challenges the Wolf  
His injuries to redress,   

The Wolf comes grinning toward them,  
Which struck the Ass with dread,  
So that with might and main away  
He from the combat fled,   

And basely leaves the Dog alone,  
His cruel Foe to fight,  
Who finding an unequal match,  
Makes his escape by flight,   

And then reflecting thereupon,  
He cries, I find if we  
Of valour judge by strength or voice,  
We may mistaken be,   

For both of these this dull Ass had,  
But yet a Coward he  
Was bred and born, which is entailed  
To all his progeny.   

MORAL.  
Huffing Red Coats and Feathers, may  
Make men look big and brave,  
Yet upon Trial we oft find  
They little courage have.     


FAB. XX.  an old woman surrounded by a number of skulls The Old Woman and the men's Skulls.  
AN Old Wan travelling far from her own house, happened to come to a certain place, where several years before, a terrible battle had been fought between two mighty Armies, and a multitude of men slain, and observed a great number of skulls to lie scattered about the Fields; The Woman being very devout and superstitious, imagined it to be a work of humanity and charity to have them decently buried; she therefore fills her Apron with many of them, and with much pains and labour, carries them a long way to find a convenient place for their interment, which before she could discover, she had occasion to go down a very steep hill, where missing her footing, all the Skulls ran out of her lap down the Hill, some one way and some another, at a great distance from each other; After she had recovered herself from her fall, instead of vexing at her misfortune; she burst out into a loud laughter, and calling after them; nay, nay, quoth she, I do not at all wonder that every one of you runs a different way, so far from one another, no question it is but just as you did when you were alive, for I believe that you could never agree then, or else you had never knocked one another on the head; according to the Old Proverb, so many men so many minds; After the Old Woman had pleased herself for some time with these moral considerations, she very contentedly gathered the Skulls up again, and digging a hole in the earth she there buried them together, saying, you were best agree now, for if you should quarrel I shall not come to part you.  

Moral. It is very foolish, ridiculous, and unreasonable for one man to impose his sentiments and opinions upon another in discourse; much more to ruin and destroy men for not thinking as they do, which is yet altogether out of their own power; according to the Proverb aforementioned, Quot homines, tot sententiae. As many men, as many minds.    

FAB. XX. The Old Woman and the men's Skulls.  

A Woman did a Journey take,  
But had not travelled far  
Ere to a spacious Field she came,  
Where in the time of War,   

A bloody battle had been fought  
And in the mortal strife,  
Many a stout and valiant man  
Had been bereaved of life,   

While the Old Woman viewed this place.  
Around; at length she found  
A number of men's Skulls, which lay  
Scattered upon the ground,   

And being much concerned that they  
Unburied there should lie,  
Resolved to take them up, and so  
Inter them decently,   

And gathering many in a heap,  
Puts them into her lap,  
But going down a steep descent  
She met with a mishap,   

For down she fell, and then the Skulls  
Out of her Apron fell,  
And all about in different ways  
Ran swiftly down the hill,   

The Woman never vexed herself,  
But laughing said, nay, nay,  
I do not wonder that you all  
Do take a several way,   

For I suppose that when you lived  
You seldom could agree,  
But of as many minds as men  
Commonly used to be,   

Else you had ne'er come to this place  
To be knocked on the head,  
And in the open Field to lie  
So long unburied.   

When she had this reflection made  
She takes them up again,  
And digs a hole where they at length  
Quietly did remain.   

MORAL.  

'tis foolish and ridiculous  
That we should angry be  
With others, 'cause they with our own  
Opinions disagree,   

And worse to ruin men if they  
With our eyes cannot see,  
Which ne'er will Converts make, but does  
Increase Hypocrisy.      


FAB. XXI.  a hidden lion watching an ass and a fox The Lion, the Ass, and the Fox.  
A Lion marching furiously through the Forest, as if he would destroy all the Beasts therein, happened to fall into a Pit, from whence he had little hope of freeing himself, and thereupon roars so terribly for help, that his voice made all the Wood tremble: The Ass being nigh, comes to the Pit, to see what had befallen His Sovereign, who earnestly entreated his assistance, by letting him take hold of his Tail, thereby to save himself, and in requital he solemnly promised upon his Royal word, not only to spare his life, tho' he was never so hungry, but likewise to free him for the future from the slavery he had formerly endured, and that he and his should hereafter enjoy all the Liberties and Privileges of freeborn Subjects. The simple Ass, who had a great reverence for names and Royal promises, seemed very inclinable to believe and aid him, but the Fox coming by at that instant, and being informed of the matter; Sure, quoth he, to the Ass, you are not so great a Blockhead to credit the Lion's engagements in his extremity; can you imagine he will ever change his brutish nature, or will regard any obligations made in his necessity? Is it not the great happiness of us all that we may now feed securely in the Forest, without being endangered either in our Persons or young Ones by the cruel and arbitrary deal of this barbarous Tyrant? The Ass, tho' of a dull and unthinking temper, yet seemed to open his eyes at the discreet reasoning of the Fox, and so they went both away together, leaving the Lion to shift for himself, and get out as well as he could.  

Moral. When a People have been delivered from the Arbitrary Government of a Tyrannical Prince, either by their own valour, or his withdrawing from the exercise of it, it is certainly the greatest stupidity and folly to recall him again, though upon never so specious promises and pretences, since he will surely Reign more tyrannically than before.    

FAB. XXI. The Lion, the Ass, and the Fox.  

A Lion marching furiously  
Along the Forest, fell  
Into a Pit, and how to get  
From thence he could not tell;   

He therefore roars aloud for help,  
Whose voice did so resound,  
It made the very Fowls and Beasts  
To tremble all around,   

The Ass was near, and quickly heard  
This terrible Alarm,  
And goes to see whether the King  
Had gotten any harm,   

The Lion does entreat him, he  
Will his assistance give,  
For which he'll be his faithful Friend  
As long as e'er he live,   

Neither will tear nor eat him, though  
He famished should be,  
But he and his from slavery,  
For ever shall be free.   

The Ass who great ones promises  
And Titles did admire,  
Within himself concluded to  
Accomplish his desire,   

But the Fox coming by, to him  
He doth his mind declare,  
The Fox cries what are you so dull,  
To think he want you tear?   

Do you imagine that he can  
His natural temper leave?  
Therefore with Oaths and Promises  
Do not yourself deceive,   

I think we may be rather glad  
To see the Lion there,  
Who now are free, and never need  
His Teeth nor Claws to fear;   

The Ass at this discourse began  
His folly to perceive,  
And going with the Fox; their King  
They in the Pit do leave.   

MORAL.  

When from a Tyrant's Government  
A People are set free,  
By valour or by policy,  
And gain their Liberty,   

It may be counted madness, if  
They him again restore,  
Who then will surely them enslave  
More than he did before.      


 a man and his dog meeting a serpent in a forest FAB. XXII. The Man and the Serpent.  
A Great overgrown Serpent striving to pass through a hedge, was catched in a snare which held him so fast by the neck, that he was almost strangled. A man passing by, he begged of him to unloose him, or he must instantly perish; the man pitying him, said, If thou wilt swear not to poison me either with thy teeth or tail, nor do me the least hurt, I will release thee; the Serpent swore he would never harm him while he lived; whereupon the man set him free, and they traveled together a great way; at length the Serpent growing hungry, endeavoured to kill him; What, quoth he, hast thou so soon forgot thy Oath? No, says the Serpent, but famine which breaks through stone walls forceth me to it, and makes void all vows. Well, says the man, but pray then let me live till the matter be decided by the next honest Passenger; content, quoth the Serpent, so they traveled on, and met with the Raven and her Son, to whom the Serpent related the matter, who hoping to come in for a snack, presently cried, The Serpent ought to eat the man: He that is a Robber, and lives by blood, is not a fit Judge, says the man, let us proceed further. Next they meet with the Bear & the Wolf, who expecting a part like the Raven, were of his opinion; hereupon the Serpent spits at him to destroy him, saying, I have had Judgement twice against thee, Ay, says the man, by murderers themselves; let us expect better Arbitrators. Soon after they met with the Fox, to whom they likewise appealed; I cannot well decide it, says the Fox, unless you let the man fasten you as you were when he released you: The Serpent suffered himself to be tied fast; Now, says he to the man, if you will again untie him you may; no, quoth the man, there let him lie and die like an ungrateful wretch as he is, and so went away laughing at the Serpent's folly.  

Moral. Ingratitude is the worst of all vices, and aught to be the most severely punished, neither should Thiefs and Robbers judge or determine the Cause of their Confederates.    

FAB. XXII. The Man and the Serpent.  

A Mighty Serpent through a hedge  
Endeavouring to slide,  
Was taken in a fatal snare,  
And certainly had died,   

Had not a man just at that time,  
Happened to pass him by,  
To whom the Serpent for his help,  
Most mournfully did cry,   

The man compassionating him,  
Came quickly to his aid,  
But yet  he reelased him  
Unto the Serpent said,   

Upon condition you will swear  
Me never to assail,  
Neither with your envenomed Teeth,  
Nor with your poisonous Tail,   

Out of the danger you are in  
I then will you relieve,  
And from inevitable death,  
Your life I will reprieve,   

He freely swore, and was untied,  
But like a treacherous snake,  
Finding himself at liberty  
He to the man thus spoke,   

The vow I lately made did from  
My danger then proceed,  
And against law and reason was  
Extorted in my need,   

But now my hunger is so great,  
I of necessity  
Must eat you, or with Famine soon  
Shall miserably die,   

Then quoth the man, I pray admit  
This difference to be tried  
By the next honest Passenger,  
Who may the same decide,   

Content says he, and then they meet  
The Raven and the Bear,  
And after that the Wolf, who all  
Against the man declare,   

He cries, these all are Murderers,  
At length the Fox comes by,  
Who hearing them, says let the man  
Again the Serpent tie,   

Which done he tells the man now him  
You may again untie,  
No quoth he, for his treachery  
He there deserves to die.   

MORAL.  
They that ingrateful are deserve  
No help nor charity,  
Neither should Thiefs and Murderers of  
Their own crimes Judges be.     


 a wolf and a fox following a mare and her foal FAB. XXIII. The Wolf and Mare.  
THE Fox and the Wolf travelling together, they met with a Mare which had a Foal by her side, that was very fat and smooth; the Wolf was almost famished with hunger, and desired his Cousin Reynard to go and ask the Mare what she would have for her Colt; truly, saith the Mare, I am in great want of money, and would willingly sell him; and what do you value him at, quoth the Fox? why Brother, says she, the price is written in my hinder foot, and if you please you may read it; Excuse me Brother, cries the Fox, for I cannot read, neither do I desire to buy your Foal for myself, but am only sent as a Messenger from the Wolf, who has a great mind to him; Well, said the Mare, let him come himself, and no question but we shall bargain: The Fox went to the Wolf, and carried this answer, ask him if he could read written hand; Read, quoth he, Do you doubt it? let me tell thee, Cousin, I can read both Latin, French, Dutch and English; I have studied at the University, and disputed with several Doctors; I have seen many famous Plays, and heard divers Trials in Courts of Judicature; I have taken my Degrees in the Laws, and there is no writing but I can readily understand; Well, come along then, quoth the Fox, and read the value of the Colt in the Mare's foot behind: Away he goes, and desires to read the price, she lifts up her hinder foot, which had a strong Iron Shoe newly put on, with many sharp-headed Nails; and while the Wolf was earnest to see the writing, she struck him so full in the forehead, that he fell over and over, and lay a long while for dead, all bloody and sorely wounded, while the Mare went trotting away with her Colt, and laughing at his folly and stupidity. At length recovering, Cousin Reynard, quoth he, what a Roguish trick has the Jade served me? for thinking the Nails had been Letters, while I was reading them, she hi● me so strongly on the face, that I am afraid my skull i● broken. Alas Cousin, quoth the Fox, I find the Proverb true in you, That the greatest Scholars are not the wisest me●  

Moral. Those that pretend to most Learning, and are much conceited of their own Knowledge, do many times fall into great misfortunes, and are made a scorn of by those that bring them 〈◊〉 mischief.    

FAB. XXIII. The Wolf and Mare.  

THE Fox and Wolf together walked  
Along the Forest, where  
They saw a fat brisk wanton Colt,  
Which sucked a lusty Mare,   

The Wolf was almost starved, and so  
He Reynard does entreat,  
To ask the price of him, that he  
Might something have to eat,   

The Fox goes to the Mare, and asks  
If she her Foal will sell,  
And if she willing be to trade,  
The lowest price to tell,   

The Mare cries, I will sell him if  
I can a Chapman find,  
And for the price 'tis plainly writ  
Upon my foot behind,   

He knowing the Mare's subtlety,  
Pretends he could not read,  
And so desires to be excused,  
Declaring that indeed   

It was not for himself, that he  
Did come the Colt to buy,  
But at his uncle Wolf's request,  
Who was but just hard by.   

Then let him come himself, quoth she,  
That he the price may see,  
And if he my proposals like,  
We quickly shall agree,   

The Fox goes to the Wolf, and cries,  
Uncle if you can read,  
The Colt will soon be yours, and you  
On him may sweetly feed,   

Read, quoth the Wolf, Cousin, doubt not that  
I all my time have spent  
In learning, and in all known Tongues  
I am most excellent,   

He than goes to the Mare, who had  
Been newly shod, to read  
The Nails which he thought words, but whilst  
He holdeth close his head,   

The treacherous Mare upon the Skull,  
Gives him so smart a blow,  
As the poor Wolf had almost killed,  
And backward did him throw,   

The Fox than cries. Uncle I find  
The ancient Proverb true,  
Great Scholars are not always wise,  
As now 'tis seen by you.   

MORAL.  
Those that pretend to understand,  
More than they truly know,  
Are oft abused and mocked by them  
That seek their overthrow.     


 a wolf and a nightingale by a tree FAB. XXIV. The Nightingale and Wolf.  
A Wolf being almost famished with hunger traveled many Miles, and could find no booty, at length, as he passed through a Wood he heard a Nightingale sing very loudly and harmoniously: The Wolf was mighty glad of the adventure, concluding with himself that this must needs be some large Fowl, and that he ought to spare for no pains nor labour to obtain her, since he did not question but the purchase of such a delicate Banquet would sufficiently recompense all the care and trouble he could be at in getting her. Pursuant to this resolution he follows the pretty Bird by her voice, since by the thickness of the leaves he he could not see her. Thus with unwearied diligence he continued many days harkening to the melodious strains of poor innocent Philomela, as she flew from tree to tree, and from bush to bush, little suspecting the treachery that was designed against her. At length by his constant and continual watchfulness, the Wolf takes an opportunity to surprise and seize the unfortunate Nightingale  she was ware: But when he had got her, he was more surprised than she: Sure, quoth he, my eyes are not my own; certainly it is impossible that so small an Animal as thou art shouldst make so great a noise, who art nothing but tail and feather; I did expect that thou hadst been as big as a wild Goose or a wild Duck at least, and reckoned upon it to have made a hearty meal of thee; but alas, how strangely am I disappointed, and what a slender requital shall I have, for the watching and fasting which I have patiently endured so many days in pursuit of thee, when instead of a bellyful, I find thou wilt only be a mouthful, and therefore utterly uncapable to satisfy my hungry appetite?  

Moral. Great men do many times make large promises, and pretend to effect mighty mutters for others, but their performances too often vanish into words and air only, to the loss and disappointment of those that put confidence in them.    

FAB. XXIV. The Nightingale and the Wolf.  

AN hungry Wolf walking his rounds,  
He happened to hear  
A Nightingale within a Bush,  
Which sung both loud and clear,   

And by the shrilness of her voice  
He doubted not but she  
A stately Fowl was, and to him  
A gallant prize would be;   

He follows her from bush to bush,  
And then from tree to tree,  
Being directed by her voice,  
Though her he could not see.   

Thus diligently he pursues  
The poor Bird many days,  
Who of her danger ignorant,  
Sings her delightful lays.   

At length when with unwearied pains,  
He her destruction sought,  
By lying close in ambuscade,  
Poor Philomela he caught,   

But when he was possessed of her,  
And well observed his prize,  
His mind was so disturbed, that he  
Can scarce believe his eyes:   

Art thou, quoth he, that Animal  
Which so much noise did make?  
And have I been at so great toil,  
And trouble for thy sake?   

I hardly can believe that thou  
Canst possibly be she,  
Who with so strong and clear a sound,  
Sung thus melodiously,   

But if it real be, I find  
Thou nothing art but voice,  
And that I little cause have, at  
My bargain to rejoice,   

Because I doubted not to make  
A Belly full of thee:  
But to my grief I now find, thou  
Wiled scarce a mouthful be.   

MORAL.  
Great men do often others feed  
With hopes, and with fair words,  
Yet their performance is so small,  
It nought but air affords.     


 a stag carrying an injured dog on its back, and a fox FAB. XXV. The Deer and Hound.  
A Deer inhabiting in a large Forest, had one time the fortune to see a couple of Hounds coursing a Hare over a great field; but being eager in their pursuit, one of the Dogs leaping very eagerly over a hedge, broke his Leg, whereby poor Wat made his escape, because the other without his fellows assistance was not able to seize her: The Stag having observed all from her shelter where she was safe, ventured out, seeming much concerned that the Hound who had showed so much briskness in the Chase, should perish for want of help, and therefore much pitying his condition, she offered to carry him to the next Village, and accordingly took him upon her back, in order to convey him to the Town adjoining: In the way the Deer was discoursing how happy he and his fellows should be if the Hounds would not maliciously follow them by the scent to destroy them, and how unreasonable it was for them to make war upon those who ne'er offered them the least injury, nor gave them any occasion for that severe treatment which they received from them, while this communication lasted, they were overtaken by a Fox, who having overheard what they had been talking of, came up to the Stag, and said, Sir, by your discourse you seem to be a sensible Creature, and have rightly argued against the injustice of the Hounds, and yet directly contrary hereunto, you now carry one of the greatest Enemies you have upon your back, who is at open hostility with you and all your Race; and if your life were in his power, as his is in yours, I dare assure you, he would show you no mercy: The Stag was a little concerned at this reasoning of the Fox, and began to think of throwing him off his back, but recollecting himself; Well, quoth he, tho' what you say may be true, and he should be so ungrateful, yet since I have given him my word to assist him, I am resolved to leave him in a place of security.  

Moral. A generous Person who hath his unknown Enemy in his power, when he hath once passed his word to protect and save him, will certainly keep his Faith with him.    

FAB. XXV. The Deer and Hound.  

A Deer in a large Forest dwelled,  
Where he once chanced to view  
A Hare, which through a spacious Field,  
Two Hounds did close pursue,   

But one more eager was, who as  
He o'er a hedge did leap,  
Happened to break his Leg, whereby  
Poor Wat made his escape,   

The Deer the whole observed from  
The Covert where he was  
Secure, and coming out, upon  
The Hound compassion has,   

And cries, what pity 'tis that he  
Which showed himself to be  
So brisk even now, by a mischance,  
Should live in misery,   

And therefore out of kindness, he  
Offers his help to carry  
Him on his back to the next Town,  
For fear he should miscarry,   

The Fox this loving Porter meets,  
Thus loaded by the way,  
And cries, dear Brother do you know,  
What you are doing? Pray   

Consider that upon your back  
Your greatest enemy  
You bear, who if he were not lame  
Your death would quickly be,   

Since he and all his race 'gainst you,  
Do open War proclaim,  
And how to murder you and yours  
Continually do aim.   

The Deer was somewhat startled at  
This his discourse, but yet  
Quoth he, I have a promise made  
In safety him to set,   

Therefore if he ingrateful be,  
And against me combine,  
The villainy lies on his side  
And not at all on mine.   

MORAL.  

A Generous Man who gives his Faith  
For the security  
Of one, who afterwards he knows  
To be his Enemy,   

Yet scorns to break his word with him,  
But will perform the same,  
And though endamaged thereby  
Yet still preserves his fame.      


 a wolf and a fox, and some apes in a cave FAB XXVI. The Wolf and Apes.  
A Wolf in the midst of Winter was ready to die for want, but happening to meet with a Fox, whom he observed to be fat and in good case, he asked him how he came to live so well in that hard season: The Fox shown him where the Ape & her young lay in the Den, saying, If it had not been for that charitable creature, I should have wanted as much as you, but there I have often been invited, and found kind entertainment, witness the fragments of my Supper last night, and therewith gave the Wolf some remains of his meat, which he eat up with much greediness, desiring the Fox to tell him how he might get into favour with the Ape; That is not very difficult, quoth he, it is only by framing yourself to flattery and lying: If that be all, quoth the Wolf, I can soon practise it, and thereupon runs with all speed to the Den, but was no sooner in  he cried out, Ah fough! what a nasty filthy stink is here? and then seeing the Old Ape hugging her deformed young ones; Surely, quoth he, in my whole life I never saw such ugly creatures as these are; whereat the Apes being enraged, they all fell upon him together, one biting him by the Nose, another by the Neck, and the rest in other places, so that he was forced to run out with all speed to save his life; and finding the Fox, related his misfortune to him; You are well enough served, quoth he, since you forgot my counsel, and spoke truth when you should have told lies: Why, do you think I had lost my smelling and eyesight? and yet I told the Ape that her house was perfumed with sweet Wood, and that I was mightily pleased to see such a beautiful Lady have such a fine offspring of young ones to keep up the family; upon which the best in the house was set before me, but during Supper I was very careful not to speak a word of truth, and hereby I was treated so gallantly; or else might have starved as you are like to do,  you have any relief from her.  

Moral. Most men are too much pleased with flattery, and nothing is more disobliging than to tell them their faults, or impartially to censure their actions.    

FAB. XXVI. The Wolf and the Apes.  

A Wolf in Winter almost starved,  
Who nothing had to eat,  
Neither could possibly contrive  
Provision how to get,   

Happened to meet a Fox, who looked  
So fat, and plump and well,  
That the Wolf cries, I prithee Cousin,  
Be but so kind, to tell   

How thou dost thus maintain thyself,  
And art in such good plight,  
Ah quoth the Fox; the Ape's my friend  
Who oft doth me invite.   

Into his Den, who nobly lives  
And where I need not fear  
To meet with Turkeys, Geese, and Hens,  
And other dainty cheer,   

But says the Wolf, can you tell how  
I may her favour get,  
And thereby be partaker of  
This plenteous store of meat?   

Yes Uncle, says the Fox, if you  
Can lie and flatter well,  
But have a care what e'er you see,  
The Truth you never tell.   

That's quickly learned quoth he, and then  
Into the Den he goes,  
And cries, Foh, what a nasty stink  
Is this offends my nose?   

Then seeing how the young Apes were  
Embraced by the old,  
They are the ugliest things, quoth he,  
That e'er I did behold.   

The Cubs enraged upon him fell,  
And wounded him all o'er,  
So that to save his life, with speed  
He run out of the door,   

And meeting with the Fox, he does  
His sad misfortune tell,  
Who cried, you for your folly do  
Deserve it very well,   

What do you think I could not see,  
And smell as well as you?  
Yet I the old one Lady called,  
And praised the young ones too.   

MORAL.  
Most men love flattery, and scarce  
Can ever truly love  
Any, that plainly of their faults  
Or vices them reprove.     


FAB. XXVII.  one dog barking at the moon and one dog hung from the branch of a tree The Dog and Moon.  
A Surly ill natured Dog, in a Moon-shiny night barked and bawled incessantly at the Moon, to the great disturbance and vexation of the Neighbourhood, who hearing him make such a violent noise, came out of their Houses to see what the matter was, and perceiving the ridiculous occasion thereof, one of the men coming up and calling to him, what an insipid and senseless Cur art thou, quoth he, to spend thy Lungs and thy labour in such an unprofitable employment? for if thou shouldst tear thy heart out with yelping, yet the Moon is so far above thy rage or malice, being placed in so high an Orb, and at such a vast distance from thee, that she will still continue her course and cannot receive the least interruption or disquiet by thy foolish and filthy howling; but all this good counsel was utterly thrown away upon this inconsiderate Whelp, who still continued his ungrateful barking; so that at length he became such a nuisance to the people, as they all unanimously concluded he deserved to be hanged, and accordingly catching him, they resolved to silence his noise, lest his example should encourage other Curs to join in the consort, and so make a universal distraction; accordingly this just Sentence was executed upon him, and so this silly animal lost his life in projecting to perform improbable as well as impossible attempts.  

Moral. The only argument to silence and convince those ill natured, ambitious and discontented People who bark and murmur against the best of Princes, and the best of Governments, (which is faulty in nothing but in being too mild and too merciful, to such ingrateful wretches) is certainly that which quieted the Cur before mentioned, that is a Halter; which is the only way to prevent them from disturbing others, as well as ruining themselves.    

FAB. XXVII. The Dog and Moon.  

A snarling ill bred Country Cur,  
In a cold Winter night,  
Against the Moon, which then shone bright,  
Did bark with all his might,   

Whereby he such a noise did make,  
The neighbours went to see,  
What the occasion of his rage  
And fury than should be,   

But when they came and saw the Whelp  
Such mighty pains to take,  
And to so little purpose, such  
A bellowing, to make;   

They cry; Thou senseless Puppy Dog,  
Why dost thou show thy spite  
Toward the Moon? against whom thou  
Canst only bark not by't,   

Who in her Orb beyond thy reach,  
Is placed in the Sky,  
And all attempts of whifling Curs  
Doth utterly defy,   

But this good counsel on the Dog  
Had no effect at all,  
So that he still continued  
Incessantly to bawl:   

Which so disturbed the People, that  
They all concluded, he  
As a seditious Mutineer  
Deserved the Gallow Tree,   

And in pursuance of this just  
And Legal sentence, they  
To present execution  
Did carry him away,   

Lest others should encouragement  
From his example take,  
Whereby a great distraction  
Among them it might make,   

And so this silly Animal  
Like a dull fool did die,  
Vainly attempting to hurt those,  
That were for him too high.   

MORAL.  

Those dangerous Persons who conspire  
And rail against their Prince,  
Although the best of Kings; there's nought  
More proper to convince,   

Of their great folly, than the means  
Used to this bawling Whelp,  
For if all other Medicines fail,  
A Halter sure will help.      


 two men clubbing a bear, and a fox in the background FAB. XXVIII. The Bear and Fox.  
THere happened a quarrel between the Bear and the Fox; but being seemingly reconciled, the Bear one day meeting the Fox, cried, Cousin, how do you? are you in health? Truly, quoth the Fox, not very well, for I am afraid I got a surfeit lately by feeding on meat I do not usually eat: Pray what might that be, quoth the Bear? That, quoth the Fox, which some Great ones count a dainty, but I had rather taste a limb of a Hen. In short Uncle, it was Honey-combs whereof I eat so freely, that I have been ill ever since; Honey-combs, quoth the Bear! sure 'tis the best victuals upon Earth: Nephew, I hope you don't slight Honey; if you could help me to some, you would for ever oblige me: Sure you do but jest, quoth the Fox; No, says he, I am serious, give me but my belly full of Honey, and command me as you please: Well Uncle, says the Fox, I'll soon carry you where there is enough to serve you seven years: The Bear was even ravished for joy, and instantly they went together toward a place where there was a large old Tree, wherein a Carpenter had driven two wedges in order to cleave it; Reynard resolving on revenge for former affronts, cried out, Look there Uncle, get but into that cloven, and you will find Honey enough, but pray don't overeat yourself: I warrant you, quoth the Bear, I'll take care, and so with much haste entered the Tree with his two feet forward, thrusting his head into the cloven quite over his ears; which the Fox observing, instantly ran and plucked out the wedges, so that he locked the Bear fast therein; who unable to free himself, made so much noise and howling, that the Carpenter coming out, and finding such a prize, called all his Neighbours to kill the Bear; who perceiving his danger, with much struggling got out his head, but left the skin of his ears and claws behind him, and so ran bleeding away, being laughed at by the Fox for trusting to the friendship of a reconciled Enemy.  

Moral. Some will venture their necks to fill their bellies. Again, if you have once offended an evil man, it is very dangerous trusting him any more.    

FAB. XXVIII. The Bear and Fox.  

THE Bear in travelling the Woods,  
The Fox did chance to meet,  
And all old quarrels laid aside,  
He Reynard thus did greet,   

How is it with you, worthy Friend?  
Are you in health or not?  
No quoth the Fox, I am afraid  
A surfeit I have got,   

By eating of unusual fare  
Which with me don't agree,  
Though by Great Ones I know such food  
Much valued to be.   

Sir I desire, quoth the Bear,  
That you would let me know,  
What kind of victuals it might be  
That you offended so,   

'Twas only Honey, Sir, of which  
Cloying and fulsome meat,  
I doubt too great a quantity  
I happened late to eat,   

Honey, quoth Bruin! Sir, but that  
I know you to be wise,  
I your discretion should suspect  
If Honey you despise:   

And if of that delicious food  
Enough you me will give,  
Your Servant, yea your Slave I'll be,  
As long as e'er I live,   

Well quoth the Fox, go but with me,  
And I will show you where,  
You soon may get your belly full,  
And have enough to spare,   

The Bear goes joyfully, the Fox  
Shows him a hollow Tree,  
Wherein a Wedge was, and affirms  
Honey therein to be,   

The Bear thrusts in his head, the Fox  
The Wedge plucks out, whereby  
The Tree does close, and the poor Bear  
Surpriseth instantly,   

Who roaring loud the men come out,  
And many blows do lay  
Upon him, so that he with life  
Hardly escaped away.   

MORAL.  
None but dull Fools will dangers run  
Their taste to gratify,  
Nor will a wise man trust him, who  
Was once his enemy.     


 an ape sitting on a dolphin FAB. XXIX. The Dolphin and Ape.  
A Ship Sailing from Athens full of Passengers, was bound to some other Port in the Mediterranean Sea, but a storm arising the Wind blew so very hard that the Ship was driven against a Rock with such violence as she seemed to be split into a thousand pieces; however the leak was not so great, but the People had time to shift for themselves, and the ship breaking in a little time, some endeavoured to save themselves upon the Mast, others upon the broken Ribs, and other pieces of the Vessel; among the rest an Ape which was in the company, got upon a board and swom along till he was met by a Dolphin, which Fish being generally thought to have a natural love and affection for mankind, seeing the Ape in this posture, and supposing him to be some little man who had made his escape out of the Shipwreck, he swims toward him, and the Ape glad of his assistance, leaps upon his back; the Dolphin then made toward the Shoar to land his Passenger, and in the way, falling into discourse with the Ape, inquired what countryman he was; I am a Gentleman of Athens quoth he, descended from one of the most honourable Families in that Country; than you know Pireus very well, says the Dolphin, which was the name of the chief Port or Haven belonging to the City; but the Ape mistaking it for a Gentleman's name; know him, quoth he ay, very well, he is my first Cousin on the mother's side, and a person of great worth and quality, with whom I am very intimately acquainted: I find Sirrah, says the Dolphin, that you are a very impudent lying rascal, and fit to be drowned than saved, being sorry I have already taken so much pains to preserve you; but to rid the World of such a Villain, I will instantly dispatch you, and therewith sinking to the bottom carried poor Pug down with him, who there left his life and his lying together.  

Moral. Vanity and lying do often bring danger and destruction upon those that are addicted thereunto.    

FAB. XXIX. The Dolphin and Ape.  

A Ship from Athens Sailed, and by  
A Tempest run aground,  
Before she could arrive unto  
The Port where she was bound:   

Then every man shifts for himself,  
Striving with might and main,  
On boards and pieces of the Ship,  
The nighest shore to gain.   

Among the rest an Ape was there,  
Who on a board was got,  
And by the fury of the Waves  
He up and down did float:   

A Dolphin, who is said to be  
A lover of mankind,  
In this most dangerous estate  
Happened poor Pug to find,   

And thinking him a little man  
By Shipwreck cast away,  
He kindly offered him to land,  
In safety to convey,   

The Dolphin than asks who he was,  
And from what place he came,  
I sailed from Athens Sir, quoth he,  
A City of great fame,   

Where 'tis well known, I am a man  
Of wealth and dignity,  
Being descended of an high  
And noble Family,   

Then, quoth the Dolphin, you well know  
Pireus; yes cries he,  
He is my kinsman, and a man  
Of worth and quality,   

Ah, quoth the Dolphin I much doubt  
That you a villain are,  
And am concerned that I to save  
Your life took so much care;   

For Pireus' not man's name, but  
A Haven of that Town,  
And for your knavery and lies  
You instantly I'll drown,   

And therewith sinking, carries Pug  
Down with him too, where he  
His lying and his life both left  
I'th' bottom of the Sea.   

MORAL.  
Falshood, and lies, and vanity,  
Do commonly undo  
Those idle foolish men, who are  
Addicted thereunto.     


 a vulture on a throne with other birds before it FAB. XXX. The Magpies, Vulture and Eagle.  
THE Birds being destitute of a King, they at length concluded to advance the Vulture to the Throne, though they were not insensible of his fierce and cruel temper: But the Solemn Oaths and Promises he made that every Bird should enjoy his own Nest, as before, without the least disturbance, prevailed so much upon the Falcons, Herns, Storks, and other high flying Birds, but especially with the Magpies, that they admitted him to the Government: He was no sooner settled, but he made it apparent how quickly he had forgot his Obligations; and by the Advice of the Ravens he drove divers of the Storks and Magpies from their ancient Nests, and bestowed them upon the Ravens: This so incensed them, that they resolved to call the Eagle to their assistance, who no sooner appeared, but the Vulture being sensible of the injuries he had offered them, fled in great fear to a thick Wood adjoining, and sheltered himself in the Dragon's Den, and the Eagle was made King with the general consent and applause of the Fowls and Birds, and governed the feathered Nation with great Justice and Valour. After a while some few Storks, Magpies, Buzzards, Owls and Bats grew discontented, pretending that they could not build their Nests so high as they desired, for they now expected to lodge themselves in the Cedar Trees, and not in such shrubs as they formerly were used to: Hereupon they secretly assemble a number of Birds, declaring their grievances, and that nothing would relieve them but to recall the Vulture again, and depose the Eagle: One of the Magpies than stood up and demanded what security the Vulture could give that he would not treat them as bad, if not worse than he did before, if ever he should return again: For, quoth he, The Vulture hath already forfeited his honour and word to us, and what hath he now left, especially since his converse with the Dragon, who is the declared Enemy of all the feathered Race, and according to the nature of that venomous Serpent, resolves to burn and destroy all before him? These reasons convinced the generality of the Birds, only three or four Storks, Magpies Buzzards, Owls and Bats, upon the discovery of their ill designs fled to the Vulture; of which the Eagle having notice, and perceiving their fickle and perfidious humour, he proclaimed them and their Adherents Enemies to the whole Society; and thereby defeated their foolish and ridiculous Attempts, exposing them as the most senseless and ungrateful of all the Fowls of the Air.  

Moral. When a Prince hath broken his Oaths, and thereby lost his Reputation with his Subjects, they ought never to regard any future Assurances he can give them; and those who would persuade them to recall and trust him, should be reckoned the worst of Enemies to their Country and Posterity.    

FAB. XXX. The Magpies, Vulture and Eagle.  
THE Birds and Fowls without a King  
Being left, the Vulture chose,  
Justly to govern them, and to  
Defend them from their Foes;  
And though they his fierce temper knew,  
Yet since he was allied,  
By blood and consanguinity,  
Unto their Prince that died,  
They make him King upon his Oaths  
And Promises, that he  
Will let each Bird enjoy his nest,  
From all disturbance free:  
But he his vows forgot, and to  
The Ravens did adhere,  
And from their ancient Nests, the Storks  
And Magpies driven were,  
And Crows and Ravens placed in them,  
Who were abhorred by all  
The Fowls and Birds within the Wood,  
The great as well as small:  
Then secretly the Princely Bird  
The Eagle, they implore  
That he will his assistance give,  
From the adjoining shore,  
The Eagle hears and soon arrives,  
Whereat the Vulture flies  
Away unto the Dragon, and  
Within his den he lies,  
They then declare the Eagle, by  
A General Decree,  
To be their King, who ruled them with  
Justice and Equity,  
Yet some few Storks and Magpies, do  
Against their Prince complain,  
Plotting to drive him out, and bring  
The Vulture back again,  
Crying, they disappointed were  
Who did believe that now,  
They should have higher rose, and not  
Still build their Nests below.  
A Magpie wiser than the rest,  
To them doth represent  
The danger and stupidity,  
Of this their ill intent;  
That the Vulture his Faith hath broke,  
Quoth he, to all is plain,  
And why should you believe, that he  
Won't do the same again?  
Since by the Dragon he is taught,  
That he should never care  
To perform any thing, which he  
Shall either say or swear?  
These Arguments most of the Birds  
Did fully satisfy,  
Only some Buzzards, Storks and Pies,  
Did to the Vulture fly,  
The Eagle soon their treachery  
And folly too doth see,  
And traitors to the common wealth  
Of Birds, declares they be.  

MORAL.  
He that his Faith and Honour both  
Hath forfeited before,  
By none but Fools and Madmen will  
Be ever trusted more.     


 a fake astrologer with his audience FAB. XXXI. The Mock ginger.  
A Pretended ginger that wanted neither ignorance nor impudence, and boasted to read the fate and fortune of all Princes, States, and Persons in the Book of the Stars, yet gained so little reputation for his Skill in that sublime Science, that had he not published his Mountebank Bills, and fixed them upon every Post, he would never have been heard of, nor found out: But his Lying Libels of resolving all manner of Questions, past, present, and to come, drew in some silly creatures of both Sexes, whereby he sometimes cheated them of a shilling, by promising to tell them by his Art, whether one absent be dead or alive; whether they shall be Rich or Poor; whether a person shall live long or not; if one shall have Children; if they should marry rich; if a Damsel be a Maid; if a Woman be chaste; if it be good to take Physic; if the sick party shall die; if it be a good time to marry; if a Ship shall come home safe; whether a Marriage promise shall be performed; if the Thief shall be taken, and twenty other idle and impertinent stories. At length when the money came in by this canting knavery, the fellow began to have a good conceit of himself, and there happening a great Eclipse of the Moon one night, he invited a number of people into the Fields, pretending he would discover to them the Destinies of all the Potentates in the World proceeding from the Effects of this notable Eclipse; but while he was very earnestly observing the Moon and Stars through his Telescopes and other Instruments, he happened to fall into a deep Pit full of water, where not being relieved in time, he miserably perished; whereat the people could not forbear laughing, to think that he who boasted to have the knowledge of the good or ill fortune of others, should yet be ignorant of his own wretched fate, like his old Friend Will. Lily, who could foretell what would befall others, and yet did not know who perfumed his own Door.  

Moral. Some persons pretend much knowledge and skill in other people's affairs, and yet are utterly strangers to that which concerns themselves.    

FAB. XXXI. The Mock ginger.  

A Mountebank ginger  
Who did pretend that he,  
The Fate of Princes and of States,  
I'th' Stars could plainly see;   

Yet so obscurely lived, he scarce  
Was to his Neighbours known,  
But by the lying bills which he  
Still scattered up and down,   

And fixed on every pissing post  
Boasting at large, he will  
Resolve the hardest Questions, by  
His learning and his skill.   

One cries, pray Sir, will my dear Friend  
Continue true to me?  
And when you do believe, that he  
And I shall married be?   

Another says, I now could soon  
A second Husband have,  
Pray sir, is he that run away  
Alive, or in his Grave?   

A third complains, I lately have  
Been robbed by a vile Thief,  
Pray sir, inform me, how I may  
In this case find relief.   

And thus poor silly wretches were  
Abused by this Cheat,  
Who of their money and their hopes,  
At once doth them defeat:   

At length the Fool grows confident,  
And doth abroad declare,  
That by the Moon's Eclipse, he will  
Make wonders to appear.   

The people met to hear what this  
Pretender had to say,  
But as the Moon and Stars he did  
Intentively survey,   

Into a Pit of water he  
Happened at length to fall,  
And there was miserably drowned,  
 he for help could call,   

The people laughed to think that he  
Should know their destiny,  
And yet was ignorant of his own,  
Although so very nigh.   

MORAL.  
There's nothing new in this, but what  
We oft have heard before,  
That old Will. Lily could not tell,  
Who 'twas perfumed his door.     


FAB. XXXII.  a captain and his sons with some puppies The Captain and Puppies.  
A Country Captain, who had more money than wit, and more honour than courage, having divers Sons, it happened that a Bitch in the house brought forth several Puppies, and the Captain equally distributing to every one a Whelp; it seems, the Eldest Son would have his called Captain; the Boys being ambitious of their Father's Title, began to quarrel, each alleging that his Puppy should be the Captain: This Controversy at length grew so high, that the Lads were ready to fight with one another; so that the Father was forced to come and quiet them; and understanding the occasion of the disturbance; You are a company of idle Boys, quoth he, to vex one another about so ridiculous a matter as this is: Well, I'll soon end this business; and for preventing any difference for the future, I am resolved that henceforth every one of the Puppies shall be a Captain, so that you shall never have occasion to tease one another hereafter: The Boys were very well satisfied with this discreet determination of the Father, since hereby every Lad had a Captain and a Puppy of his own both at once.  

Moral. How many idle and ridiculous quarrels are there in the World about Titles and Pre-eminence of Place or Office? and how many weak men appear extremely ambitious of Honour and Dignity, and are mightily pleased when they attain thereto, although as uncapable and as little deserving it as the Boys Puppy-Dogs merited to be made Captains? Whereas a generous and gallant spirited person is sensible of the vanity of empty Names and Titles without suitable Qualifications, and is so far from pursuing Honours and Preferments, that he is often courted and entreated to accept of them by those who do really understand what value is to be put upon the conduct and prudence of men of true worth and courage.    

FAB. XXXII. The Captain and Puppies.  

A Country Captain, who to be  
Thought great did much desire,  
And for his Wealth and Office, did  
Greatly himself admire,   

Had several Sons, and happening  
One time some Whelps to have,  
He did distribute them, and to  
Each Son a Puppy gave,   

The Eldest being his Father's Heir,  
His Whelp would Captain call,  
Which did disturbance cause, and mad●  
Them quarrel, fight and brawl.   

One Boy cries, Captain is my Dog,  
No quoth the other, he  
Shall not be called by that name,  
My Whelp shall Captain be.   

A third says, mine the prettiest is,  
And Captain is his name,  
This makes the Father angry, who  
Cries he'll decide the same.   

What idle Boys are you, quoth he,  
To make a noise for nought,  
Since this great controversy, may  
Soon to an end be brought,   

For this my resolution is,  
Each Whelp I do intent  
Shall be a Captain, that you may  
No longer thus contend.   

This pleased the Boys, that each should have  
A Captain of his own,  
So every Lad a Puppy had  
And Captain, both in one.   

MORAL.  

How many idle quarrels and  
Contentions, have we seen  
About pre-eminence, and what  
Great mischiefs have there been   

Occasioned, by those who to gain  
Great places to k much care,  
Though as unfit to manage them,  
As the Boys Puppies were,   

Whereas a well deserving man,  
The vanity doth see,  
Of empty Names and Titles; if  
True merit wanting be.   

Neither doth he preferments nor  
Great Offices pursue,  
But is content till to his worth,  
Others shall think them due.      


 two beds, both occupied, and some servants FAB. XXXIII. The Flea and Gout.  
THE Gout and the Flea travelling together, there, came to a Town, where it was concluded between them, that the Gout should go and lodge in a Poor man's house, and the Flea in a Noble-man's Palace, and the next morning they were to meet again, and give an account how they liked their entertainment: accordingly the Gout went and seized upon the Poor man's Toe, expecting to rest quietly there, but to his astonishment, the man started started up, ran about with his naked feet, and plunged himself into a Pond, and had almost choked or drowned the Gout; and the Flea fastening upon the Noble-man's arm, thinking he had been fast asleep, who soon awaked, and calling for a Candle, ordered his Servants to search diligently for the villainous Flea that had bit him, so that had he not been very nimble, he could not possibly have escaped with life: Next morning the two Travellers met again, but in a most deplorable condition; the Gout looked as if he were half drowned, and the Flea like one frighted out of his wits; therefore they next night resolved to change their Quarters; whereupon the Gout took possession of the Noble-man's Foot, and was presently entertained with honourable attendance, comforted with Plasters, covered with Scarlet and Flannel, laid upon Down-Beds and Cushions, and fed with the choicest Meats and Wines; and the Flea, when the Poor man was in Bed, presently fell a biting and sucking his Bellyful, who slept and snored so sound, as not easily to be awaked, neither took any care to catch him, but left him safe in the Blankets till night again; so these two Friends meeting next morning, congratulated each others happiness, and resolved for the future to remain in the same station; the Gout continuing with the Rich man, and the Flea with the Poor.  

Moral. Many times the Poor man sleeps quietly, and at ease, while the Great lie roaring with the pains and distempers occasioned by their voluptuousness and plenty.    

FAB. XXXIII. The Flea and Gout.  

THE Gout and Flea together met,  
And jointly did agree,  
They Friends and Fellow Travellers  
Would to the next Town be.   

Arriving they their lodgings take,  
Concluding that next day  
They would each other see, and tell  
How quietly they lay.   

Accordingly the Gout unto  
A poor man's house doth go,  
And finding him in bed, he takes  
Possession of his Toe.   

The man who never yet had felt  
Such cruel pain before,  
Out of his bed leaps in a rage,  
And running out of door,   

He throws himself into a Pond  
In hope relief to gain,  
And almost drowned the Gout, some small  
Remission to obtain.   

The Flea goes to the rich man's bed,  
And thinking him asleep,  
With mighty care and caution he  
Into the same doth creep.   

But had no sooner bit his arm  
His supper thence to take,  
 the rich man starts up, and bids  
His Servants they should make   

Strict search about the bed, to find  
And Kill that villainous Flea,  
Who had she not been nimble, ne'er  
With life had got away.   

Next day they meet, and of their fate  
Both woefully complain,  
And change their Quarters, that they may  
A settlement obtain.   

The Gout then to the Rich man goes,  
And on his foot doth seize,  
Wherewith much care he treated is  
And always lies at ease.   

The Flea goes to the poor man's house,  
Who sleeping without care,  
He sucks his belly full, and him  
To wake need never fear.   

MORAL.  
The man that's poor and temperate  
Sleeps without pain or grief,  
When rich men roar in Misery  
And cannot find relief.     


 various animals in the foreground, and some people in the background FAB. XXXIV. The Fox and Ape.  
AN Ape meeting a Fox well clothed with hair and a large tail; ah, how happy are you, quoth he, to be so handsomely adorned? Whereas I for want of a tail and hair am almost naked and very deformed to my great trouble and vexation; the wise Fox to convince her of her mistake, desired her to walk with him; truly quoth the Ape, I am almost ashamed to be seen in your company in this ragged condition, when you are so well clad, however I will wait on you; going together they met an Elephant that had lost his Teeth; brother, quoth the Fox, what mighty force uva that which could break your Teeth? It was men's covetousness, quoth he, who furiously pursuing me, I broke them off between two Trees for them to take up, and thereby ransomed my life; travelling on, they saw a Beaver bleeding that had lost his Testicles; the Fox enquiring about his misfortune, understood he bitten them off himself, being sensible that it was for them men sought his destruction; a little further they observed a Peacock stripped of his Wings and Tail, so as hardly to be known; The Fox pitying him; They were men, quoth the Peacock, who being pleased with my glorious Plumes, plundered and left me in this woeful condition, to promote their own Pride and Vanity; walking on they found a Vulture whose breast was all raw and the skin torn off; sure says the Fox, you have met with very barbarous usage of late; it was from men, quoth he, who desirous of the Down on my breast, catcht me deceitfully, and abused me as you see; scarce were they parted from the Vulture, but they met a man with several little bundles, his Wife and Children in rags following him; whence come you pray with this Troop, quoth the Fox, I come, wretch that I am, says he, from a Conquered City where I was but yesterday, rich and abounding in all things, be the Enemy having ruined the Town, this is all I have left, being reduced to the extremity you see; the Fox turning to the Ape, see now brother, says he, what little happiness there is in the best things of this World; whereas thy deformity secures thee, that thou needest not fear being robbed of any thing, but mayest live as happy as thou wilt.  

Moral. The greatest beauties have oftentimes the greatest misfortunes, and it is oft seen, that the deformed live more happy lives, than those of more admired accomplishments.    

FAB. XXXIV. The Fox and Ape.  

THE Ape the Fox doth meet, and cries,  
You are well clothed with hair,  
Whereas for want thereof, I am  
Naked almost and bare,   

Which to my grief doth make me so  
Deformed as you see.  
Reynard says, Pray don't grieve yourself  
But walk along with me.   

Passing along they chanced to meet  
An Elephant by the way,  
With both his Teeth out, unto whom  
The Fox cries, Brother pray,   

By what strange fortune have you lost  
Your Teeth? It was to save  
My life, quoth he, which men did seek  
That they my Teeth might have.   

Next they a Beaver met who had  
Himself an Eunuch made,  
And by loss of his Testicles  
To save his life was glad.   

A Peacock than comes in their way,  
Who strives himself to hid,  
Ashamed that men had robbed him of  
His Feathers for his pride.   

A Vulture than they met, whose breast  
Was miserably rend,  
Crying, men for my Down did me  
This wrong and detriment.   

At length a man approaches them  
Who wretched did appear,  
And several bundles of small worth  
Upon his back did bear,   

His Wife and Children followed him  
In a most sad estate.  
The Fox cries Brother, your ill fate  
Be pleased to relate.   

I from a City came, quoth he,  
Where I was rich and high  
But yesterday; now ruined by  
A potent Enemy.   

The Fox turns to the Ape and cries,  
Brother you here may see  
Your happiness, since none will rob  
You of Deformity.   

MORAL.  
They that have any Excellence  
In danger often are,  
Whereas those in a mean estate,  
Are happier by far.     


FAB. XXXV.  a man with one bird at his feet and two others in cages on either side of him The Lapwing and Parrot.  
A Lapwing having observed a Parrot to hang in a fine gilded Cage in the King's Palace, and that his meat was provided for him without any pains or care, he began to be a little envious, and coming up to the Parrot; I admire, says he, at your good fortune, that you are so much honoured, whereas I am very well satisfied that my Feathers are as beautiful as yours, and that my voice is altogether as pleasant, and for honour and dignity, I do assure you, I account myself much your superior, who seem to be born to dominion, since Nature has put a Crown on my head, well, I am resolved I will go the King and offer him my service, and doubt not of acceptance; accordingly he goes and presents himself to the King, and is admitted into Court, where he his put into a new Golden Cage, and wantoned in ease and luxury, being fed every day with meat from the Kings own Table; the Lapwing at first thought his condition altered much for the better, since he was now put to no trouble to seek for his living faring gallantly every day; but though new things may seem delightful for the present, yet at length he began to consider, that for enjoying a little Luxury and Pleasure, he had forfeited what was of a thousand times more value, namely his Liberty, being now confined to the narrow limits of a small Cage, and made a Prisoner for life, who formerly used to range through the Woods and Forests without any control. These reflections had so great an influence upon him, that they threw him into a deep Consumption, and soon after he broke his heart and died for grief.  

Moral. Liberty is an invaluable Jewel, and for which we ought to count nothing too dear, nor to murmur at the best of Princes, though for our own security and preservation, we are at some extraordinary charge to preserve ourselves from Tyranny and Slavery.    

FAB. XXXV. The Lapwing and Parrot.  

A Lapwing coming to the Court,  
A Parrot did perceive  
In a Gilt Cage, and at his own  
Misfortune seemed to grieve.   

Quoth he, I marvel how this Bird  
Such honour should obtain,  
To live in so much state, and feed  
Without all care and pain,   

When though my Plumes are fairer, and  
I sing as well as he,  
Yet I ne'er could arrive unto  
So great felicity.   

Well, I unto the King will go  
And tell him, if he please  
I'll be his Servant; and then hope  
That I shall live at ease.   

He goes, the King accepts him, and  
Commands that they should make  
A Golden Cage, wherein he's put  
And daily doth partake   

Of all the Dainties of the Court,  
Which were at his command,  
Yea often, doth receive his meat,  
Even from the Kings own hand.   

Thus revelling in all delights,  
He judged himself to be  
The happiest of the feathered race,  
And from all trouble free.   

At length when he began to think  
That he was now confined,  
Within the limits of his Cage,  
It much disturbed his mind.   

'Tis true quoth he, in riot I  
Do live, and Luxury,  
But miserable wretch, thereby  
I lose my liberty.   

And now a Prisoner am for life,  
And ne'er shall see the Grove  
And Forrest where with much delight,  
I freely use to rove.   

This thought seized on his heart, and made  
Him so unsatisfied,  
That with mere grief and sorrow, he  
Soon pined away and died.   

MORAL.  
It was the advice of the valiant Scot called  
William Wallace to his Son at his death.  
Remember Son that Liberty  
Is a most happy thing,  
Take heed that into slavery  
Thyself thou never bring.     


FAB. XXXVI.  a fox in a well and a wolf peering over the side The Fox and Wolf.  
A Fox in seeking his prey, happened to come to a place where there was a Well that had two Buckets, into one of which he leapt, hoping to meet with something in it, but was no sooner there,  the Bucket suddenly carried him down to the bottom, where he was in great danger of being murdered, starved or drowned; in this desperate condition he made a sad noise and howling, which a Wolf hard by hearing, came to the Wells mouth, and cried, who's below there? It is I dear Uncle, quoth the Fox, but why do you make such pitiful moan? says the Wolf, have you broke your Leg or hurt yourself? Oh, no, quoth the Fox, the quite contrary, for having notice that at the bottom of this Well there was a very great quantity of Fish, I went down to fill my belly, where I have been fishing ever since, and have got such a multitude, and eaten so hearty, that I think I shall burst, & yet there's enough left to serve you and your young ones a month together, tho' you feed never so hearty; I am glad of that, quoth the Wolf, but all the craft will lie in getting them up; Uncle, says the Fox, they are all in the Bucket with me, therefore do you but leap into the other Bucket that hangs above, and you will be with me instantly; the Wolf presently leaps into the Bucket, and with his weight soon brought up the Fox in the other, who in passing by him cried out, good night Uncle, this is the fashion of the World, some go up, and some go down, and so skipping out run away leaving the Wolf at the bottom of the Well, where he continued till some Shepherds coming for water drew him up, and finding what he was, fell upon him with Clubs and Staves, so that he hardly escaped with his life.  

Moral. It is very difficult to avoid being deceived and abused by those, who are naturally of a treacherous temper; and Covetousness often brings men into great peril and danger as it did the Wolf, who was desirous of getting a great deal of Fish.    

FAB. XXXVI. The Fox and Wolf.  

A Fox in seeking of his prey  
Unto a Well he came,  
And found two Buckets on one Rope,  
Belonging to the same.   

And into that above, himself  
In hope of food he throws,  
But was no sooner in  down  
He to the bottom goes,   

From whence how he might make escape  
No likelihood he found,  
But there must either starved be,  
Or murdered, or drowned.   

A Wolf at length came by, and heard  
His lamentable cry,  
And to assist him to the Well  
Approached speedily.   

Who's there? quoth Isgrim; it is I,  
Says Reynard, who heard tell  
That I a multitude of Fish  
Should get within this Well.   

Which I found true, and eat so much  
I am in grievous pain,  
The Wolf cries, That is brave, but how  
Shall I some Fish obtain?   

Uncle, quoth he, that easy is,  
For if you do but get  
Into the Bucket hangs above,  
You need not want for meat.   

The Wolf believed him, but he was  
No sooner got within  
 he sunk to the bottom, and  
Reynard came up again.   

And leaping out, he laughed for joy,  
And said, the World goes so,  
Dear Uncle, that when one does rise,  
Another falls as low.   

At length some Shepherds thither came  
Water to draw, and found  
They had brought up the Wolf, on whom  
They fasten many a wound.   

Whilst the sly Fox at distance sees  
His Uncle's misery,  
And smiles to think how he escaped  
The like calamity.   

MORAL.  
Those who by nature treacherous are,  
Should never trusted be,  
For they perfidious will prove  
If in extremity.     


FAB. XXXVII.  a shepherd playing the bagpipes approached by a wolf and a fox The Shepherd, Wolf and Fox.  
A Shepherd who usually diverted himself while his flocks were feeding, with playing on the Bagpipe, happened one day to see a Creature appear at a great distance, which seemed to dance to the tune of his Pipe; next day he took notice he did the same, which while he was observing, he perceives a Fox approaching him with a smiling countenance, who told him that he came with a Message, which he doubted not would be very acceptable, namely, to propose terms of friendship and accommodation between the Wolves and the Sheep, being sent by the Wolf who did much condemn the cruelty of his Parents and Kindred that were so bloody to the poor innocent harmless Sheep; whereas he is resolved to live peaceably and neighbourly with them, without the least disturbance, especially if you would please to teach him to play upon the Bagpipe, wherewith he is so much delighted, that when ever you strike up he cannot forbear dancing, and therefore would willingly keep company with you and your sweet Lambs, that he might be partaker of that pleasant diversion; the Shepherd who knew the strict League of Rapine and Robbery between them, replies, well, though I much suspect the Ambassador, yet I should be glad of a lasting peace, whereby I shall save many a fat Sheep and Lamb, therefore upon condition he will permit me to pluck out his Teeth and cut cut off his Nails, I am willing he should come and converse with the Flocks, and dance with them to my Music, because he will have no occasion for those offensive Weapons, while he is in such honest company as we are. The Fox finding himself outwitted in his own Politics, sneaked away ashamed, without any further reply.  

Moral. A man's honesty and integrity may be very much discovered by the company he keeps and the Persons he employs; neither should we trust an Enemy till he is disarmed of the Weapons, wherewith he uses to do mischief.    

FAB. XXXVII. The Shepherd, Wolf and Fox.  

A Shepherd to divert himself  
Did on his Bagpipe play,  
Whilst his poor Sheep and Lambs for food  
About the Fields do stray:   

And at a distance, to his tunes  
A dancing Beast doth see,  
But so far off he could not guests  
What creature it should be.   

Now while the Shepherd this odd sight  
Intentively did view,  
The Fox comes toward him, and cries,  
News Sir I bring to you,   

Which I suppose will welcome be,  
Who from the Wolf am sent,  
To tell you that to make a peace  
With you he's fully bend;   

And the ill usage of his Friend;  
And Parents doth condemn,  
Towards the harmless Sheep and Lambs,  
Who never injured them.   

And for the future does oblige  
And bind himself, that he  
Will come and dance with them, and live  
In love and amity.   

Who with your Pipe is so much pleased  
That when thereon you play,  
He to your pleasant music falls  
To dance without delay.   

The Shepherd who well understood  
The close affinity  
Between the Wolf and Fox, who lived  
By Theft and Robbery,   

Replies, I should be very glad  
A lasting Peace were made,  
And that the Wolf my innocent Flocks  
Would not henceforth invade.   

Yet I can hardly credit him,  
Unless he let me take  
Away his Teeth and Nails, of which  
He little use can make   

In dancing, or in converse with  
My Sheep. The Fox then saw  
He was outwitted, and for shame  
Did presently withdraw.   

MORAL.  
By his companions a Man  
May best discovered be,  
Nor will a Wise Man ever trust  
An armed Enemy.     


FAB. XXXVIII.  an ape working as a carpenter, and a man watching it The Ape turned Carpenter.  
AN unlucky Ape sitting over against a Carpenter's Yard, took much notice how he wrought, & was mighty desirous to imitate him, discoursing thus with himself; certainly I could easily be Master of this Trade without seven years' slavery to learn it, as no doubt this dull Fellow hath had; for I am of opinion that it is only for want of practice, or else we Apes could soon out do men in all Acts and Sciences; and I remember a notable King in India having taken several of my elder Brethren, called Baboons, Prisoners, he was resolved to put them to Blow and Sow, and to make Soldiers of them, alleging that they would not speak, because they were Idle and unwilling to work; well, I have a great inclination to try my skill, but hope I shall have better fortune than a Nephew of mine, who living in an house over against a Cobbler, and often observing how he cut his Leather to pieces to Sole the Shoes, when the Cobbler was absent, he leaps into his Stall and strives to imitate him, who returning and finding his Leather all mangled and spoiled, resolved to be revenged; & one day when he saw my Cousin Pug look earnestly at him, he took up his sharp cutting Knife, and drew it over his Throat divers time, and then going away, my silly kinsman skipped instantly into his Shop, and taking the Knife, thinking to do the same, he cut his own Throat therewith and died; but I'll take more care; and so getting into the Carpenter's Yard he began to handle his Tools, and to split Wood therewith, but on a sudden his foot was catcht in a cloven piece of Board, and held there so fast that he could not stir, but crying out, the Carpenter came, and perceiving his folly, with many scoffs and blows dismissed him. This comes of it, quoth the Ape, to be over conceited of our own wit, but I now find it is not so easy to be a workman as I at first sight did imagine.  

Moral. Some persons have so great an opinion of their own ingenuity, as to imagine they can soon attain to the most curious inve●●●●s, but upon trial, there appears more difficulty and danger than they could possibly foresee.    

FAB. XXXVIII. The Ape turned Carpenter.  

A wanton Ape who o'er against  
A Carpenter did sit,  
Observed how he wrought, and was  
Extremely pleased with it,   

And did resolve to try if he  
Can not perform the same,  
Quoth he, sure this dull fellow is  
Not wiser than I am.   

For I believe it is for want  
Of use, else Apes would be  
As apt, and knowing as men are  
In every mystery.   

For a great Indian King who some  
Baboons had Prisoners made,  
Believed them men, and did resolve  
They should be taught some Trade.   

Alleging he was sure that they  
Can speak as well as he,  
But 'cause they would not work were dumb  
Out of mere policy.   

Well, I intent to try, but hope  
I better luck shall have  
Than one of our fraternity;  
Who like an idle Knave,   

Resolved to learn the Cobbler's trade  
But did his Leather spoil,  
Which to revenge the man, poor Pug  
Did fatally beguile.   

Who striving him to imitate  
In handling of his Knife,  
Cut his own Throat, and thereby was  
Trepan'd out of his life.   

The Ape than leaps into the shop,  
And strives to use the Tools  
As he had seen the Carpenter,  
And imitate his rules.   

But as in splitting of a board  
He with much labour wrought,  
For want of skill to manage it  
His foot therein was caught.   

The man thus takes him, and with scoffs  
And blows doth him dismiss,  
And Pug finds that a Carpenter  
To be not easy is.   

MORAL.  
Those that are curious oftentimes  
Much damage reap thereby,  
And many things may easy seem  
Until we come to try.     


FAB. XXXIX.  a panther attacked and then pursuing some cattle The Panther and Peasants.  
CErtain rude Country Peasants happening to find a Panther in a Pit, into which he had accidently fallen, they with much malice and fury fell upon the poor distressed Creature, whom they knew to have long frequented the neighbouring Fields, and yet had never offered them the least wrong nor injury; however they with Clubs, Staves and Stones endeavoured to destroy him in the bottom of the Pit, & then left him, expecting to find him dead the next morning; but several charitable Shepherds happening to come by soon after, they took pity upon him, and finding him yet alive, though very dangerously wounded and bruised, they gave him meat, and used all means possible for his recovery; by this relief, his Spirits began a little to revive, and making a brisk attempt he happily leapt out of the Pit, and with a great deal of rejoicing, made haste to his own dwelling. In process of time, he regained the use of his Limbs, and his former vigour, and then marching with much fury into the Forest, made horrible slaughter among the Cattle of those surly Boors, who had so villainously abused him, in revenge of their cruelty and ingratitude; so that the people trembled for fear of him, yea those that had been compassionate to him, much doubted the loss of their Flocks, nay, were afraid they should hardly escape with their Lives; which the Panther perceiving, fear nothing my friends, quoth he, I will not do you the least damage, who only design to make those wretches that used me so barbarously sensible of their baseness toward me in distress, who lived peaceably among them, and always treated them as Friends; for I can easily distinguish between those who gave me bread, and others that gave me blows.  

Moral. It is very inhuman to be severe toward those that are in distress; neither doth charity toward the miserable seldom miss of a suitable reward.    

FAB. XXXIX. The Panther and Peasants.  

A Panther while he wandered  
For food the Fields around,  
Happened to fall into a Pit,  
Where he was quickly found   

By some rude Country Boors, whom he  
Entreats to help him out,  
But like ill natured Clowns, they all  
Compass the Pit about,   

And then with Clubs they him assault,  
And massy Stones do throw,  
Resolving that from thence with life  
He ne'er again shall go.   

Thus is he cruelly abused  
Till they were wearied,  
And then retire, concluding they  
Next day should find him dead.   

But some good natured Shepherds, who  
Came thither the next day,  
Finding life yet remain in him,  
They carefully convey   

The poor Beast thence, who with all speed  
Retires into his Den,  
Where he lay long before he could  
Regain his health again.   

At length he did recover, and  
Then furiously doth run  
About the Fields, which made the Clowns  
Cry out, they were undone.   

For he their Cows, their Sheep, and Lambs,  
Doth miserably rend  
Without control, since none of them  
Durst with him to contend.   

Yea those that did relieve him, were  
Struck with a panic fear,  
But unto them, the Panther cries,  
My friends, I yours will spare,   

And only will revenge myself  
On those base villains, who  
I never wronged, and yet to me  
Such cruelty did show.   

For I'll near so ingrateful be  
Not to distinguish those,  
Who helped me in my great distress,  
From them that gave me blows.   

MORAL.  
We ought not to insult o'er those  
That are in misery,  
But aid them, and so reap that gain  
Which follows charity.     


FAB. XL.  a man holding a sword over a bear, watched by a wolf The Bear and Wolf.  
THE Wolf and the Bear travelling through the Forest, the Wolf asked the Bear why he always held down his head toward the ground, I cannot well tell the reason of it, says he, but I suppose it proceeds from the stiffness of my neck; why then do not you get Horns to your Head? quoth the Wolf, as Bulls, and Stags, and Rams, and other Creatures are armed with; whereby you may defend yourself against your Enemies, and they will likewise be a great ornament to your forehead? I would have Horns with all my heart, says the Bear, but since nature has not been so kind to bestow any upon me, I am afraid it will be very hard to procure them, why, says the Wolf, I believe it may be done, if you will but apply yourself to a Man, for they are so ingenious that nothing almost is too hard for them to contrive. The silly Bear did as he counselled him, and at length he met with a Man who undertook the business, but first he demanded what he would expect for a reward? I can see nothing quoth the Workman, that is of any value about you, except your cropped ears; take them freely, cries the Bear, for a gallant pair of Horns will become me much better than they, and so suffered his Ears to be cut off with much torture; now, says the Operator, I must boar two holes in your Head, that they may be strongly fastened into your thick Skull; What do you think I am mad, quoth the Bear, to have holes made in my Head, sure you intent to murder me; it is impossible to be done otherwise, says the Surgeon; well then, quoth the Bear in a rage, though I have been such a blockhead to lose my Ears, yet I had rather want Horns than lose my Life; and so went away very much discontented.  

Moral. Those dull insipid Fools, who are ambitious of being great and famous without desert, are often imposed upon by others, and many times suffer much damage and danger thereby.    

FAB. XL. The Bear and Wolf.  

ONE time it happened as the Wolf  
About the Forest went,  
He met the Bear rolling along,  
And asked him what he meant   

To hold his head so near the ground,  
Quoth Bruin, you must know,  
It is the stiffness of my neck  
That makes me bow so low.   

Methinks says Isgrim, you your Head  
Do dangerously expose,  
By that ill posture to the rage  
And malice of your Foes.   

I wonder you don't Horns procure  
As other Creatures have,  
Which from innumerable wrongs  
Not only you may save,   

But likewise to your head will be  
A Gallant ornament.  
Sir, quoth the Bear, with Horns I could  
Be very well content.   

But am afraid since nature has  
Denied them unto me,  
The purchase of them will a work  
Of difficulty be.   

It may be not, says Isgrim, if  
Yourself yourdo apply  
Unto a Man, for they are full  
Of Ingenuity.   

The stupid Bear believing him,  
Unto a Man doth go,  
And whether he could fix on's head  
A pair of Horns would know,   

Who tells him that he did believe  
The business might be done,  
But his reward desired to know,  
 he the work begun.   

What ever you demand i'll give,  
Replies the joyful Bear,  
Then quoth the man, i'll have your ears,  
'Cause them you best can spare.   

He cuts them off, then tells the Bear,  
That he a hole must boar  
Into his Skull, to fix the Horns  
Fast on his head before.   

Nay, quoth the Bear, though such a Sot  
I was my Ears to lose,  
Yet Horns to want than to be killed,  
I will much rather choose.   

MORAL.  
Those sordid fools who much desire  
To be thought Great and High,  
Are oft abused under pretence  
Of Love and Amity.     


FAB. XLI.  two men, a wolf and a fox The Wolf, Fox and Ape.  
THE Wolf accused the Fox that one day when he was abroad, Reynard came into his Den, and stole from thence a large quarter of mutton, which he had left of a Sheep the night before, and reserved for his Dinner. The Fox utterly denied the matter, with many protestations and imprecations; at length they concluded to bring the controversy before the Ape, and make him the Arbitrator and Judge between them; Being come, the Wolf pleaded, that the wicked thieving Fox there present, who was known to live by spoil and rapine, had feloniously robbed him of his provision in his absence, and when he desired him to restore his stolen goods, he like an impudent Rascal forswore it; and that it was not the first time by twenty that he had served him, and many other Creatures in the same manner, he therefore hoped his Worship would now do him justice against this common Thief. The Fox replies, what this bloody ravenous Wolf alleges against me is altogether false, as well as very improbable, for first he never saw me near his hole, nor has he any witness to prove a word he says; and in the next place, he is such a devouring hungry villain, that he never leaves any thing over night against next day, but is continually lying in wait to murder the innocent, therefore I hope your worship will clear me of this scandal, and punish this false accuser; well quoth the Ape, I find the old Proverb true, that Two of a Trade can never agree, and Thiefs are seldom honest to one another; I do not perceive the Wolf hath lost any thing, and yet I believe the Fox hath stolen somewhat; let me therefore advise you to go home and live as peaceably as people of your Calling can do, but be sure never to trust any farther than you can see one another.  

Moral. Ill men are always jealous and suspicious of each other, and the Spaniard says, he that is often suspected has some guilt.    

FAB. XLI. The Wolf, Fox and Ape.  

THE Wolf the Fox does charge, that he  
Feloniously had stole  
A quarter of a Sheep, which he  
Had left within his hole.   

The Fox this slander 'gainst him, doth  
With vehemence deny,  
And boldly tells the Wolf it is  
A Scandal and a Lye.   

At length all quarrels to compose  
They mutually agree,  
That the wise Ape shall in this case  
Their Arbitrator be;   

Before whom like some Lawyers, they  
Each other do abuse,  
And of great crimes and villainies  
One t'other doth accuse.   

Quoth Isgrim, this sly thieving Fox  
When I was out of door,  
Robbed me of all my Provender,  
I had laid up in store;   

Nay, to this wicked course of life  
He so addicted is,  
He robs all other Creatures, and  
To him nought comes amiss.   

Good Justice Ape; quoth Reynard, pray  
Observe this cruel Thief  
Who rails at robbery, and yet  
Of Felons is the Chief.   

And cries, I wronged him of his meat,  
Yet cannot make't appear  
By any evidence he has,  
That ever I was there.   

Besides, 'tis known the Wolf is so  
Voracious by his kind,  
'Tis very strange that he should leave  
Such store of flesh behind.   

Well, quoth the Ape, by this I find  
The Proverb to be true,  
Two of a Trade can ne'er agree,  
As now 'tis seen by you.   

Therefore I would advise you both  
To live as quietly  
As may be; But still to suspect  
Each others honesty.   

MORAL.  
Ill men of their Companions have  
A fear and jealousy,  
And he that oft suspected is  
Can scarce from guilt be free.     


FAB. XLII.  two foxes and a bear The Fox and Bear.  
THE Beasts of the Forest meeting together, had a solemn consultation how they should free themselves from the danger and slavery whereinto many of them were oft brought by Men, whose strength was much inferior to theirs; The Fox alleged that men were so subtle and politic, as it would be very difficult to secure themselves against their Wiles though they were much stronger; this put the Bear into a great fury; who cried This is a good plea for such a Coward as Reynard is, when without doubt it is nothing but our want of courage, and our meanness of Spirit that gives men such advantage over us; for consider the Horse or the Elephant, whom twenty men were not able to manage if they were sensible of their own abilities, and yet these suffer one Man, yea a Child to have dominion over them; therefore my advice is, that we should lay aside those unnatural quarrels among ourselves, whereby we destroy one another, and all unanimously unite against our common enemy Man; and then I do not Question but we shall preserve our Liberties, and bring them in subjection to us; the Bear having roared out this courageous speech, had few that seconded him, since it appeared impossible to be effected to the generality there present, so that the Assembly broke up without concluding upon any thing; Soon after the Bear was catcht in a snare, and had rings put into his Nose, being taught to dance, and was led about the streets to get money for his Master; whom the Fox meeting, uncle quoth he, I wonder how you come to be in this condition who talked so big the other day; ah, quoth the Bear, Cousin, I find it is one thing to talk and another to do; and so passed along very heavily in performing his daily drudgery.  

Moral. Those persons who are most insolent in prosperity are commonly most dejected in adversity neither is the huffing of bragging fellows to be minded or regarded.    

FAB. XLII. The Fox and Bear.  

THE Beasts met in the Forest, to  
Consult how they might free  
Themselves from Man's Dominion, who  
kept them in slavery,   

Reynard alleged men cunning were  
And full of subtlety,  
And what in strength they wanted, did  
Supply with policy.   

The Bear cries, Sirs, I hope that you  
Will little notice take  
Of what this Coward does allege,  
Or the Plea he doth make.   

For if the Horse and Elephant  
Their own strength did but know,  
We quickly should the Wit of Man  
By valour overthrow.   

Then let all quarrels cease, that so  
We mutually may join  
Against our Enemy man, which ought  
To be our main design,   

Which if we with true courage shall  
But strenuously pursue,  
Instead of ruling over us,  
We shall the men subdue.   

Thus Bruin his opinion did  
With open mouth declare,  
But to the rest the matter still  
Doth difficult appear.   

And so the Court broke up, without  
Concluding any thing;  
But in a while this very Bear  
Was taken; and a ring   

Put through his nose, and so along  
The streets was led all day,  
And for his Master's profit forced  
To dance, and tricks to play.   

In this sad posture Reynard chanced  
To meet the Captive Bear;  
Alas, quoth he, poor Uncle, who  
Can think you should be here?   

Ah Cousin, says he, I to my cost  
Your words find to be true,  
And see that it far easier is  
To talk than 'tis to do.   

MORAL.  
Proud huffing fellows oft pretend  
Great things to undertake,  
But in performing of the same  
Themselves they Coxcombs make.     

A merry Story.  
Having been conversant with Birds and Beasts I will add one true story thereunto, which demonstrates that stupidity and ignorance possess some humane Souls to such a degree, that they seem to have no more knowledge nor understanding than the Beasts that perish.  
IN the Reign of Q. Elizabeth, a Fellow who wore his Hat buttoned up on one side, and a Feather therein like a Tooth Drawer, with the Rose and Crown on his Breast for a Badge, had obtained a Licence from the then Lord Chamberlain to make a show of a great Ape, about the Country, who could perform many notable tricks; & by going to Markets and Fairs, his Master picked up a great deal of Money; the Ape usually rid upon a Mastiff Dog, and a Man beat a Drum before him; it happened that these four Travellers came to a Town called Loo in Cornwall, where having taken an Inn, the Drum beat about the Town to give notice that at such a place was an admirable Ape with very many notable qualities, if they pleased to bestow their money and time to come and see him; but the Townspeople being a sort of poor Fishermen who minded their own employments, none of them thought it worth their while to see this worthy sight; at which the Fellow being vexed, resolved to put a trick upon them whatever came of it, and thereupon he contrives a Warrant, which he sends to the Mayor to this effect. These are to will and require you, and every one of you, with your Wives and Families, that upon sight hereof, you make your personal appearance before the Queen's Ape, for he is an Ape of rank and quality, and is to visit all Her Majesty's Dominions, that by his converse and acquaintance with Her loving Subjects he may be the better enabled to do Her Majesty service, in discovering their fidelity and loyalty. And hereof fail not as you will answer the contrary at your utmost peril.  
This Warrant being brought to the Mayor, he sent for a Shoemaker at the further end of the Town to read it, which when he had heard, he assembled his brethren the Aldermen to the Common Hall to consult of this weighty affair; being met, they all sat silent at least a quarter of an hour, no man speaking a word, not knowing what to say; at length a young man who had never served any Office said; Gentlemen if I might speak without offence, and under correction of the worshipful, I would give my opinion in this matter. Pray Neighbour speak freely, quoth the Mayor, for tho' you never yet bore any Office, yet you may talk as wisely as some of us; then says the young man, I am of the mind that this Ape carrier is an insolent saucy knave, who designs to make our Town ridiculous to the whole Kingdom, for was it ever known that a Fellow should be so audacious to send a Warrant without either name or date to a Mayor of a Town, who is the Queen's Lieutenant, and that he and his brethren, their wives and children, should be all commanded to appear before a Jackanapes, therefore my counsel is, that you take him and his Ape, with his Man and his Dog, and whip the whole tribe of them out of the Town, which will be much for your reputation and credit.  
At which words a Grave Alderman being much disturbed, replied; Friend you have spoke little better than Treason, remember it is the Queen Ape, and therefore be careful what you say; you speak true, brother, quoth the Mayor, I wonder how this saucy fellow came into our company, pray friend, depart, I think you long to have us all hanged; the young man being put out of doors; well now, Brethren, says the Mayor, what is to be done in this troublesome business? Marry, quoth another old Senior, we may see by the Feather in his Cap and the badge he wears, that he is the Queen's man, and who knows what power a Knave may have at Court to do poor men in the Country an injury? therefore let us e'en go and see the Ape, it is but two pence a piece, and no doubt the Queen will take it well if it come to her ear, and think that we are very civil people to show so much duty to her Ape, what may she imagine we would do to her Bears if they should come hither; Besides, it is above two hundred mile to London, and if we should be complained of, and fetched up by Pursivants or Messengers, I'll warrant it would cost us at least ten Groats a man, whereas we may now come off for two pence a piece.  
This wise speech was thought so pertinent, that the whole drove of Townsmen with their Wives and Children went to see the Ape, whom they found sitting on a Table with a chain about his neck, to whom Mr. Mayor put off his Hat and made a Leg, to show his respect to the Queen's Ape, yet Pug let him pass unregarded, but Mrs. Mayoress coming next in a clean white Apron, with her hands laid upon it, she to show her breeding makes a low Curtsy to him, and Pug like a right Courtier, though he did not mind the Man, yet to show his respect to the Woman, put out his paw to her and made a mouth, which the Woman perceiving; Husband quoth she, I think in my Conscience the Queen's Ape mocks me, whereat Pug made another wry face at her; which Mr. Mayor observing, grew very angry, crying, Thou Sirrah Ape, I see thy sauciness, and if the rest of the Courtiers have no more manners than thou hast, I am afraid they have been better fed than taught, but I'll make thee to know before thou goest out of Town that this Woman is my Wife, an ancient Woman and a Midwife, and one that for her Age may be thy Mother; and then going in a rage to the Door where the Ape's Tutor was gathering up his pence; sir, says he, do you allow your Ape to abuse my Wife; no, by no means, quoth the Fellow; Truly sir, cries the Mayor, there is sufficient witness within, that saw him make mops and mows at her, as if she were not worthy to wipe his Shoes; Pugs Schoolmaster replied, sir I'll presently give him severe chastisement for his impudence, and thereupon talking his Whip and holding Jack by the chain, he gave him half a dozen smart lashes, that made Pugs teeth chatter in his head like Virginal Jacks, which Mr. Mayor espying, runs to the Fellow and holding his hand, cried out, Enough, enough, good sir, you have done like a Gentleman, let me entreat you never to give correction in your wrath, and pray sir, when the Play is done, be pleased to come along with your Ape to my house, and both of you take a small supper with me and my Wife.   

A Table.  

A.  
ANTONY'S and Grasshopper. page ●3  
Ape turned Carpenter. page 149   

B.  
Bird and Apes. page 45  
Bear and Fox. page 109  
Bear and Wolf. page 157   

C.  
Captain and Puppies. page 125   

D.  
Dear and Hound. page 97  
Dolphin and Ape. page 113  
Dog, Wolf and Ass. page 73  
Dog and Moon. page 105   

F.  
Flea and Gout. page 129  
Fox and Ape. page 133  
Fox and Bear. page 165  
Fox to Execution. page 29  
Fox and Lion. page 9  
Fox, Wolf and Mare. page 89  
Fox and Wolf. page 141   

H.  
Horse and Wolf. page 37  
Huntsman and Bear. page 41  
Hedgehog and Fox. page 61   

I.  
Impertinent Trifler. page 57  
Jupiter and Creatures. page 49   

K.  
Kid and Wolf. page 17   

L.  
Lion, Ass and Fox. page 81  
Lapwing and Parrot. page 137   

M.  
Magpies, Vulture and Eagle. page 117  
Man and Serpent. page 85  
Monkey and Miser. page 65  
Mock ginger. page 121  
Monkey and Chestnuts. page 1  
Mouse, Cock and Cat. page 33  
Mouse and Oyster. page 5   

N.  
Nightingale and Wolf. page 93   

O.  
Old Woman and Skulls page 77   

P.  
Panther and Peasant. page 153  
Parrot and Cat. page 25   

S.  
Sheep and Dog. page 21  
Shephard, Fox and Wolf. page 145   

W.  
Wolf, Fox and Ape. page 161  
Wolf and Apes. page 101  
Wolf turned Shepherd. page 53   

Y.  
Young Leonard Old. page 69   
FINIS.   

A Catalogue of Books Printed for Nath. Crouch at the Bell in the Poultry near Cheapside.  

HISTORY.  
I. Englands' Monarches: Or, A Compendious Relation of the most Remarkable Transactions, from Julius Caesar to this present; Adorned with Poems, and the Picture of every Monarch from King William the Conqueror, to K. James 2. With a List of the Nobility; The Knights of the Garter; The number of the Lords and Commons, who have Votes in both Houses of Parliament: And many other useful particulars. Price One Shilling.  
II. THE Wars in England, Scotland and Ireland; containing a particular and Impartial Account of all the Battles, Sieges, and other Remarkable Transactions, Revolutions and Accidents which happened from the beginning of the Reign of K. Charles I. 1625. to His Majesty's happy Restauration; The illegal Trial of K. Charles I. at large, with his last Speech at his Suffering. And the most considerable matters till 1660. With Pictures of several Accidents. Priec One Shilling.  
III. HIstorical Remarks and Observations of the Ancient and Present State of London and Westminster; showing the Foundations, Walls, Gates, Towers, Bridges, Churches, Rivers, Wards, Halls, Companies, Government, Courts, Hospitals, Schools, Inns of Court, Charters, Franchises, and Privileges thereof; with an account of the most remarkable Accidents, as to Wars, Fires, Plagues, and other occurrences, for above 903 years past, in and about these Cities, to the year 1681. Illustrated with Pictures, and the Arms of 65 Companies of London, and the time of their Incorporating. Price One Shilling.  
IU. ADmirable Curiosities, Rarities and Wonders in England Scotland and Ireland; or an account of many remarkable persons and places; and likewise of the Battles, Seiges, prodigious Earthquakes, Tempests, Inundations, Thunders, Lightnings, Fires, Murders, and other considerable Occurrences and Accidents for many hundred years past. Together with the natural and artificial Rarities in every County in England, with several curious Sculptures. Price One Shilling.  
V THE History of the Kingdoms of Scotland and Ireland, containing, 1. An Account of the most Remarkable Transactions and Revolutions in Scotland for above 1200 years past, during the Reigns of 68 Kings, from 424. to K. James the first in 1602. 2. The History of Ireland from the Conquest thereof to this time; with the Miraculous Persons and Places, Strange Accidents, etc. And a List of the Nobility and Great Officers of State in both Kingdoms. Illustrated with several Pictures of some extraordinary Observables. Price One Shilling.  
VI THE English Empire in America, or a prospect of his Majesty's Dominions in the West-Indies, namely, Newfoundland, New-England, New-York, New-Jersey, Pensylvania, Mary-land, Virginia, Carolina, Bermudas, Barbuda, Anguilla, Monserrat, Dominica, St. Vincent, Antego, Mevis or Nevis, St. Christopher's, Barbadoss, and Jamaica; with an Account of their Discovery, Situation and Product; The Religion and manners of the Indians, and other excellencies of these countries'; To which is Prefixed a Relation of the first Discovery of this New-World, and of the Remarkable Voyages, and Adventures of Sebastian Cabot, Sir Martin Frobisher, Captain Davies, Capt. Weymouth, Capt. Hall, Captain Hudson, Sir Thomas Cavendish, the Earl of Cumberland, Sir Walter Raleigh, and other English Worthies to divers places therein. Illustrated with Maps and Pictures of the strange Fruits, Birds, Beasts, Fishes, Infects, Serpents, and Monsters found in those parts of the World. Price One Shilling.  
VII. A View of the English Acquisitions in Guinea and the East-Indies. With an Account of the Religion, Government, Wars, strange Customs, Beasts, Serpents, Monsters, and other Observables in those countries'. And among others, the Life and Death of Mahomet the Grand Impostor, with the Principal Doctrines of the Turkish Religion as they are displayed in the Alcoran. Two Letters, one written by the Great Mogul, and the other by the King of Sumatra in the East-Indies, to our K. James I. of an unusual and extravagant stile; The cruel Executions in those Parts; With the manner of the women's burning themselves with their dead Husbands. Together with a Description of the Isle of St. Helena; And the Bay of Souldania where the English usually refresh in their Voyages to the Indies. Intermixed with pleasant Relations, and Enlivened with Pictures. Price one Shilling.  
VIII. THE English Hero: or, Sir Francis Drake Revived. Being a full Account of the Dangerous Voyages, Admirable Adventures, Notable Discoveries, and Magnanimous Achievements of that Valiant and Renowned Commander. As, I. His Voyage in 1572. to Nombre de Dios in the West-Indies, where they saw a Pile of Bars of Silver near seventy foot long, ten foot broad, and twelve foot high. II. His encompassing the whole World in 1577. which he performed in Two years and Ten months, gaining a vast quantity of Gold and Silver. III. His Voyage into America in 1585. and taking the Towns of St. Jago, St. Domingo, Carthagena, and St. Augustine. iv His last Voyage into those Countries in 1595. with the manner of his Death and Burial. Revised, Corrected, very much enlarged, reduced into Chapters with Contents, and beautified with Pictures. By R. B. Price One Shilling.  
IX. TWo Journeys to Jerusalem, Containing first, An Account of the Travels of two English Pilgrims some years since, and what Admirable Accidents befell them in their Journey to Jerusalem, Grand Cairo, Alexandria, etc. 2. The Travels of 14 English Merchants in 1669. from Scanderoon to Tripoli, Joppa, Ramah, Jerusalem, Bethlehem, Jericho, the River of Jordan, the Lake of Sodom and Gomorrah, and back again to Aleppo. To which is added, a Relation of the great Council of the Jews assembled in the Plains of Ajayday in Hungary 1650. to examine the Scriptures concerning Christ. By S.B. an Englishman there present: With the notorious Delusion of the Jews, by a counterfeit Messiah, or false Christ at Smyrna in 1666. and the event thereof. Lastly, The Extirpation of the Jews throughout Persia in 1666. Epistle of King Agbarus to our Saviour with our Saviour's Answer; Beautified with Pictures. Price One Shilling.  
X. EXtraordinary Adventures of several Famous Men; with the strange Events, and signal Mutations and Changes in the Fortunes of divers Illustrious places and persons in all Ages; Being an Account of a multitude of Stupendious revolutions, accidents, and observable matters in divers States, and Provinces throughout the whole world. With Pictures. Price One Shilling.  
XI. THE History of the Nine Worthies of the World; Three whereof were Gentiles; 1. Hector Son of Priamus King of Troy. 2. Alexander the Great King of Macedon and Conqueror of the World. 3. Julius Caesar first Emperor of Rome. Three Jews. 4. Joshua Captain General and Leader of Israel into Canaan. 5. David King of Israel. 6. Judas Maccabeus a Valiant Jewish Commander against the Tyranny of Antiochus. Three Christians. 7. Arthur King of Britain, who courageously defended his Country against the Saxons. 8. Charles the Great K. of France and Emperor of Germany; 9 Godfrey of Bullen King of Jerusalem. Being an account of their Glorious Lives, Worthy Actions, renowned Victories and Deaths. Illustrated with Poems and the Picture of each Worthy. By R. B. Price One Shilling.  
XII. FEmale Excellency or the Lady's Glory, Illustrated in the Worthy Lives and Memorable Actions of Nine Famous Women, who have been renowned either for Virtue or Valour in several Ages of the World: As, I. Deborah the Prophetess. II. The Valiant Judith. III. Queen Esther. iv The Virtuous Susanna. V The  Lucretia. VI Voadicia Queen of Britain in the reign of Nero Emperor of Rome. Containing an Account of the Original Inhabitants of Britain. The History of Danaus and his Fifty Daughters who murdered their Husbands in one night; Of the arrival of Brute. Of the Two Giants Corineus and Gogmagog; Of King Lear and his three Daughters; Of Belin and Brennus who took the City of Rome; Of the manner of Julius Caesar's invading Britain, and of the Valour of Voadicia under whose conduct the Britain's slew seventy thousand Romans, with many other remarkable particulars. VII. Mariam Wife to King Herod. VIII. Clotilda Queen of France. IX. Andegona Princess of Spain. The whole adorned with Poems and Pictures to each History. By R. B. Price One Shilling.  
XIII.  Prodigies of Judgement and Mercy, discovered in above 300 memorable Histories, containing, 1. Dreadful Judgements upon Atheists, Blasphemers, and perjured Villains. 2. The miserable ends of many Magicians, etc. 3. Remarkable predictions and presages of approaching death, and how the event has been answerable. 4. Fearful Judgements upon bloody Tyrants, Murderers, etc. 5. Admirable Deliverances from imminent dangers, and deplorable distresses at Sea and Land. Lastly, Divine goodness to Penitents, with the Dying Thoughts of several famous Men, concerning a future state after this Life. Embellished with divers Pictures. Price One Shilling.  
XIV. Unparallelled Varieties, or the Matchless Actions and Passions of Mankind; displayed in near 400 notable instances and examples; Discovering the transcendent effects; 1. Of Love, Friendship and Gratitude, 2. Of Magnanimity, Courage, and Fidelity. 3. Of Chastity, Temperance, and Humility, And on the contrary, the Tremendous Consequences. 4. Of Hatred, Revenge and Ingratitude. 5. Of Cowardice, Barbarity, and Treachery. 6. Of Unchastity, Intemperance and Ambition. Embellished with proper Figures. Pr. 1. s.  
XV. THE Kingdom of Darkness: Or the History of Demons, Spectres, Witches, Apparitions, Possessions, Disturbances, and other wonderful and supernatural Delusions, Mischievous Feats, and Malicious Impostures of the Devil. Containing near Fourscore memorable Relations, Foreign and Domestic, both Ancient and Modern. Collected from Authentic Records, Real Attestations, Credible Evidences, and asserted by Authors of Undoubted Verity. Together with a Preface obviating the common Objections and Allegations of the Sadduces and Atheists of the Age, who deny the Being of Spirits, Witches, etc. With Pictures of several memorable Accidents. Price One Shilling.  
XVI. Surprising Miracles of Nature and Art, in 2 parts containing, I. The Miracles of Nature, or the wonderful Signs, and Prodigious Aspects and Appearances in the Heavens, Earth and Sea; With an Account of the most famous Comets, and other Prodigies, from the Birth of Christ to this time. II. The Miracles of Art, describing the most Magnificent Buildings, and other curious Inventions in all Ages; as, the Seven Wonders of the World, and many other excellent Structures and Rarities throughout the Earth. Beautified with Pictures. Pr. 1 Shilling.  
XVII. THE Scarlet Whore, or the wicked Abominations, and horrid Cruelties and Persecutions of the Pope and Church of Rome displayed. Being a brief Relation of their Bloody Practices, and Inhuman Tortures inflicted upon Protestants for many hundred years passed to this present, in all Countries where they had Authority and Dominion; namely, in Piedmont, Bohemia, Germany, Poland, Lithuania, France, Italy, Spain, Portugal, Holland, Scotland, Ireland, and England; Containing among many other particulars, The Original and Practices of the Spanish Inquisition, The Massacre at Paris; The bloody Massacre in Ireland 1641. wherein above two hundred Thousand innocent Protestants were barbarously murdered, and the Prophecy thereof by Archbishop Usher Forty years before it happened; The Spanish Invasion; The Gun-powder-Treason, with the several Plots and Contrivances of the Priests and Jesuits for Extirpating the Protestant Religion, till the time of our Glorious Deliverance from Popery and Slavery, by the Accession of their most Excellent Majesty's King William and Queen Mary to the Throne of these Kingdoms. With an Abstract of the Cruel Persecutions lately exercised upon the Protestants in France and Savoy, in the years 1686, and 1687. Together with a short Account of God's Judgements upon Popish Persecutors. Published for a Seasonable Warning to all Protestants, to inform them what they must expect from that bloody Generation of Antichristians. Price One Shilling.   

Miscellanies.  
XVIII. DElights for the Ingenious, in above Fifty Select and choice Emblems Divine and Moral, Ancient and Modern, Curiously Engraven upon Copper Plates; with Fifty delightful Poems and Lots, for the more Lively Illustration of each Emblem; Whereby Instruction and Good Counsel may be promoted and furthered by an honest and pleasant Recreation. To which is prefixed, An Incomparable Poem Entitled, Majesty in Misery, or an Imploration to the King of Kings written by his late Majesty, K. Charles I. with his own Hand, during his Captivity in Carisbrook Castle in the Isle of Wight, 1648. With a curious Emblem. Collected by R.B. Pr. 2 s. 6 d.  
XIX. EXcellent Contemplations Divine and Moral Written by the Magnanimous and truly Loyal A.L. Capel Baron of Hadham; Together with some Account of his Life, and his affectionate Letters to his Lady the day before his Death, with his Heroic Behaviour and last Speech at his Suffering; Also the Speeches and Carriages of D. Ham. and the E. of Holl. who suffered with him: With his pious Advice to his Son Price 1 s.  
XX. WInter Evenings Entertainments in 2 Parts Containing, 1. Ten Pleasant Relations of many Rare and Notable Accidents and Occurrences; with brief Remarks upon every one. 2. Fifty Ingenious Riddles, with their Explanations, and useful Observations; and Morals upon each. Enlivened with above 60 Pictures, for illustrating every Story and Riddle. Excellently Accommodated to the Fancies of Old or Young, and useful to cheerful Society and Conversation. Price One Shilling.  
XXI. DElightful Fables in Prose and Verse, none of them to be found in Aesop, but collected from divers Ancient and Modern Authors; with Pictures and proper Morals to every Fable. Several of them very pertinent and applicable to the present times. Published as a means which in all Ages hath been found useful for pleasure and likewise for instruction in the prudent conduct of our Lives and Actions. By R. B. Price Bound One Shilling,   

Divinity.  
XXII. THE Divine Banquet, or Sacramental Devotions, consisting of Morning and Evening Prayers, Contemplations and Hymns for every day in the Week, in order to a more Solemn Preparation for the worthy Receiving of the Holy Communion, Representing the several steps and degrees of the Sorrow and sufferings of our blessed Saviour, till he gave up the Ghost; As, 1. His Agony in the Garden. 2. His being betrayed by Judas. 3. His being falsely Accused, Smitten, Buffeted and Spit upon before Caiaphas the high priest. 4. His Condemnation, Scourging, Crowning with Thorns, and being delivered to be Crucified by Pontius Pilate. 5. His bearing his Cross to Golgotha. 6. His Crucifixion and bitter Passion. 7. Our Saviour's Institution of the Blessed Sacrament. Together with brief Resolutions to all those Scruples and Objections usually alleged for the omission of this important Duty. With Eight curious Sculptures proper to the several parts, with Graces. Imprimatur. Z. Isham, R. P. D. Hen. Epis. Lond. à Sacris. Price One Shilling.  
XXIII. A Guide to eternal Glory: Or, Brief Directions to all Christians how to attain Everlasting Salvation: To which are added several other small Tracts; As I. Saving Faith discovered in three Heavenly Conferences between our Blessed Saviour and 1. A Publican. 2. A Pharisee. 3. A Doubting Christian. II. The Threefold state of a Christian. 1. By Nature. 2. By Grace. 3. In Glory. III. The Scriptures Concord, compiled out of the words of Scripture, by way of Question and Answer, wherein there is the sum of the way to Salvation, and Spiritual things compared with Spiritual. iv The Character of a True Christian. V A brief Directory for the Great, Necessary and Advantageous Duty of Self-Examination, whereby a serious Christian may every day Examine himself. VI A short Dialogue between a Learned Divine and a Beggar. VII. Beams of the Spirit, or Cordial Meditations Enlivening, Enlightening, and Gladding the Soul. VIII. The Seraphic Souls Triumph in the Love of God. With short remembrances and Pious thoughts. IX. History Improved or Christian Applications and Improvements of divers remarkable passages in History. X. Holy Breathe in several Divine Poems upon divers Subjects and Scriptures. Price One Shilling.  
XXIV. youths Divine Pastime; Containing Forty Remarkable Scripture Histories, turned into common English Verse. With Forty Pictures proper to each Story; very delightful for the virtuous employing the vacant hours of Young Persons, and preventing vain and vicious Divertisements. Together with several Scripture Hymns upon divers occasions. Price 8 d.  
XXV. THE Young Man's Calling or the whole Duty of Youth, in a serious and compassionate Address to all young persons to remember their Creator in the days of their Youth. Together with Remarks upon the Lives of several excellent young Persons of both Sexes, as well Ancient as Modern, who have been famous for Virtue and Piety in their Generations, namely, on the Lives of Isaac and Joseph in their youth. On the Martyrdom of seven Sons and their Mother. Of Romanus a young Nobleman, and of divers Holy Virgins and Martyrs. On the Lives of King Edward VI Queen Jane, Queen Elizabeth in her youth, Prince Henry  son of King James, and the young Lord Harrington, etc. With twelve curious Pictures, Illustrating the several Histories. Price 1. s. 6. d.  
XXVI. THE Vanity of the Life of Man represented in the Seven several Stages thereof; With Pictures and Poems exposing the Follies of every Age. To which is added, Verses upon several Subjects and Occasions, Containing, The History of the cruel Death of Cassianus Bishop and Schoolmaster of Brescia in Italy, who suffered Martyrdom for the Profession of the Christian Faith by the hands of his own Scholars in the Bloody Reign of Dioclesian an Heathen Emperor of Rome; With divers other Poems compiled by Mrs. Ann Askew and Mr. John Rogers whilst they were Prisoners in Newgate, and afterward burnt in Smithfield, In the bloody Reign of Queen Mary. By R.B. Lcensed and Entered. Price Eight Pence.  
XXVII. MOunt Zion, or a Draught of that Church that shall stand for ever. Together with a view of that World which shall be broken in pieces and consumed. By William Dyer, Author of Christ's Famous Titles, and a Believers Golden Chain. Price One Shilling.  
XXVIII. DIstressed Zion Relieved, or, the Garment of Praise for the Spirit of Heaviness. A Poem. Wherein are Discovered the grand Causes of the Church's trouble and misery under the late dismal Dispensation. With a complete History of, and Lamentation for those Renowned Worthies that fell in England by Popish rage and cruelty, from the Year 1680 to 1688. As the Lord Russel, Colonel Sidney, Alderman Cornish, and divers others; With a Relation of the cruel proceed, of the late Lord Chancellor Jefferys in the West. Together with an account of the late Admirable and Stupendious Providence which hath wrought such a sudden and wonderful Deliverance for this Nation, and Gods Zion therein. Concluding with the Trial and Condemnation of Mystery Babylon the Great Whore; & divers Hymns of Praise & Thanksgiving: with Sighs for Ireland. Humbly Dedicated to their Present Majesties. By Benjamin Keach, Author of a Book called, Zion in Distress, or the Groans of the True Protestant Church. Price One Shilling.  
XXIX. ANtichrist Stormed, or the Church of Rome proved to be Mystery Babylon the Great Whore, Revel. 17. by many and undeniable Arguments Answering all the Objections of the Papists, and all others. Together with the Judgement of many Ancient and Modern Divines, and most Eminent Writers about the Mystical Numbers in Daniel and Revelations, concerning the rise and final ruin of the Beast and Babylon, proving it will be in this present Age. Together with an Account of the Two Witnesses, who they are, their Slaying, Resurrection and Ascension, with the probability of their being now upon their Rising; showing also what their Ascension is, and the glorious Effects thereof. With an Account of many strange Predictions relating to these present Times. By Benjamin Keach. Price One Shilling.  
XXX. THE Devout Soul's Daily Exercise in Prayers, Contemplations and Praises, containing Devotions for Morning, Noon, and Night, for every day in the week; with Prayers before and after the Holy Communion: And likewise for Persons of all conditions, and upon all occasions: With Graces and Thanksgivings before and after Meat. By R.P.D.D. Price bound Six Pence.  
XXXI. SAcramental Meditations upon divers select places of Scripture, wherein Believers are assisted in preparing their hearts, and exciting their affections and graces when they draw nigh to God in that most awful and solemn Ordinance of the Lords Supper. By Jo. Flavel Minister of Christ in Devon. Pr. 1. s.   
FINIS.