THE FABLES OF PILPAY, A Famous Indian philosopher:  
Containing many useful Rules for the Conduct of human Life. Made English, and addressed to his Highness the Duke of Gloucester.  
LONDON. Printed for Dan. Brown at the Black Swan without Temple Bar, Chr. Connigsby at the Turks-head against St. Dunstans Church in Fleet-street, D. Midwinter, and T. Leigh, at the Rose and Crown in St. Paul's Church Yard, 1699.   

TO HIS Illustrious Highness, THE Duke of Gloucester.  
WHilst all the forward Bloom of so early a Spring, has already ripened those Genuine GLORIES in Your Highness, that have now called YOU, YOUR GREAT SELF, to fill a Court, no longer make a Part of One; amongst the Universal Homagers that bend a Knee to so Fair a Rising Sun, be pleased to admit the Humblest of those Knees to lay this offering at Your Highness's Feet.  
And if a Presumption of this kind may not wholly pretend to an Excuse, at least it may arrogate some shadow of an Encouragement, when I see Your Highness, like a young Alexander, betwixt his Parmenio and his Aristotle; nursed under an equal Tutorage in Literature and Arms, a Student in Arts, as well as Glory: And while you are thus Daily promising the World as Rich a Furniture of your Closet, as your armoury, 'tis this Attraction invites me to make this Oblation of Science, and Letters, to Your Highness. Besides as this little Historical Piece, under the Cover of Fables, carries the Instruction and Illustration of all those Princely virtues that shine in Courts, and Adorn the Throne; where may I more properly devote these Miniatures of Morals, and heroic Virtues, then to Your Highness, so shining an ORIGINAL of them?  
And as Your Highness, adorned both with those Numerous Hereditary Graces, and so many acquired ones, appears the Universal Hope of Three Kingdoms, and indeed the Expectation of the World; no less enriched with those Illustrious Veins, and those Immediate Depending Virtues, Your Highness seems Born to give so Glorious a Parentage their very Foundation of Immortality; whilst not only the Best, and Greatest of Princes, but what is yet a Nobler Exaltation, the Faithfullest, Conjugal, ROYAL PAIR, shall keep their Glories ever Living, in so Darling a Branch from that Imperial Root.  
But whilst I am thus wrapped up into Your Highness's most Exalted MERITS, I must now take my Eyes from that dazzling Object, to look down on the Poor address of that bold Aspirer, that dares throw himself at Your Highness's Feet, being, with the Profoundest Veneration, and Humility,  
Your Highness's, Most Devoted, and most Dutiful Servant, Joseph Harris.   

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PILPAY, an Indian Bramin is the Author of this Treatise. The Indians attribute to their Wise Men the Name of Bramin, as the Greeks give to Theirs the Title of Brachmans. He composed this little Work, while he governed one part of Indolstan; that is to say, the Kingdoms that lie between Indus and Ganges, under the sovereignty of Dabschelim his Master. Pilpay has displayed all his politics in this little piece; and according to the Custom of all the Eastern People, who never teach but in Parables, he lays before all Kings and Princes the Methods of well Governing their Subjects. Dabschelim for a long time, kept this Depositum as a great Secret, and left it to his successors, till the Reign of Nouschirvan King of Persia.  
That Prince, having heard much talk of this Book, sent his physician on purpose to the Indies, to procure a Copy of it, whatever it cost him. The physician discharged himself of his Trust to the great Satisfacti- of his Master; and being a person who perfectly understood the Indian Language, he translated these Fables into the Ancient Persian Tongue, called Pahlavy, and which was usually spoken at that time by the Kings of Persia.  
The Arabians, after they had conquered the fairest Provinces of the East, began to polish the Rudeness of their Manners with the Ornaments of Learning. They not only endeavoured to render their Language Copious and Delightful, but they also invited into their Country the most Witty and Learned Persons of all the Nations of the World, to whom they gave great Rewards for Translating all the most Remarkable Books of every Country. Aboul Hassan Abdalla Almansor translated these Fables out of Persian into Arabic, by the order of Abou-Giafar Almansor, the Abassid.  
This third Translation was attended by a fourth, into the Persian, by the Command of Nasreh Ben Ahmad. And Nasrallah, B●n Mouhammed, Ben Abdelhamed, translated these Fables also into the Persian Language, and this last Translation surpassed all the Rest. From thence it was that we translated ours: And they who are not ignorant of the Varirous and Differing Versions of the Bible, Aristotle, Euclid, and ptolemy into Greek, Syriac, and Arabic, will not be surprised at the several Translations of this Book. They will esteem it the more, since frequent Translations are the most certain Evidencies of the Excellency of a Work. Therefore the Learned Bezourg Ommid, in his Answers to Chosrou upon the most intricate Doubts and knotty Questions, while he makes use of these Fables, shows the real Benefit of' em.  
There is no need of making any long Discourse upon the Method or Custom of teaching in Parables, since it was the practise observed by the Saviour of the World amongst his Apostles, to whom, as the Gospel tells us, he explained himself particularly in Parables. Before that time the example of Trees, that choose themselves a King, recited in the second of Kings, may stop the Mouths of the most prepossessed. The Jews have so well continued this manner of Expressing their sense, and unfolding their Doctrines, that it cannot be concealed from those who have perused the Jewish Writings. In the Talmud, Bereschit, Rabba, Zohar, &c. They make the Waters, Mountains, Trees, and Letters themselves to speak; as in Rabbi Akuibae; which was imitated by Lucian in his Judicium Vocalium. The rest of the Orientals followed the Example of the Hebrews; the Indians had our Pilpay, and the Parables of Sandhaber, which are still extant in the Hebrew, from whence our French derived their Romance of the Wise Men of Rome. The Egyptians and Nubians have their Lockman, the most ancient of all the rest, since Mirkhond in his First volume makes him a Contemporary with David. The Arabians also have a large Book of Fables, which is in great Reputation among 'em; the Author of which is highly applauded by their False Prophet.  
The Greeks were Imitators of the Eastern People; I say Imitators, since the Greeks themselves aclowledge that they gained this sort of Learning from Aesop, who was an Oriental, and whose Life being written by the Monk Planudes, is the same with that of Lockmans; insomuch that as Mercury makes a Present to Aesop, in Philostratus, the Angels make a Present of Wisdom to Lockman, in Mirkhond.  
But we shall leave the Reader to make his own reflections, and say no more but only this, that one of the Reasons which obliged the Eastern People, to make use of Fables in their Instructions and Admonitions was, because the Eastern Monarchies being for the most part Despotic, their Subjects are no less restrained from Freedom of Speech; however being an Ingenious People they found out this way, whereby they might be able, without exposing their Lives, to inform and advice their Princes, who treat 'em as Slaves, and will not permit 'em the liberty of Speaking what they think.   

THE FABLES OF PILPAY: OR, The Conduct to be observed by High and Low.  

What gave an Occasion to the Writing of this Book, and by whom it was composed.  
HIstorians report, That anciently, towards the Confines of China, there was a King, whose Renown as well as his virtues were spread far and near, and become the admiration of the World. The greatest Princes of the Earth were subject to his Commands. He was atte●●●d like a Feridoun, lodged like Gemschid, potent as Alexander, and armed like Dara, or Darius. His Counsel was composed of Persons of Integrity and Learning. His Riches were immense, his Arms numerous, and himself both Valiant and Just. Rebels felt his Anger; his Souldiers imitated his Valour; his Justice humbled the Pride of Tyrants, and his Goodness succoured the Miserable. In a word, under the Empire of Humayon-Fal, for so this virtuous Emperour was called, the People were happy, while exact Inquisition was made after the Wicked, and care was taken to punish 'em as Enemies to the Public tranquillity.  
Justice ought to be the Rule of every princes Actions, who desires his Kingdom and his Throne should be established like the Residence of God: But if he omits to administer Justice, let him be assured, his Dominions will not be long secure from utter Ruin.  
This King had a Visir, or Prime Minister, who loved the People like a real Father; he was Merciful and Compassionate; and his Counsels, like Tapers, gave light to the most hidden Secrets of the State. His Name was Gnogestehrai, that is to say, successful Counsel, because that by the address of his Wit he had rendered the Kingdom happy; so that the King never undertook any Enterprise without consulting him. He did every thing by his Advice, and without it nothing prospered.  
One Day that the King road a Hunting, the Visir attended on him; and after the Sport and Pleasure of their Exercise was over, the King was desirous to return to his Palace: But the heat of the Sun was so violently scorching, that the King  told the Visir, he was not able to endure it. The Visir answered, That if it were his Majesty's pleasure, he might go to the Foot of the Mountain where he would be sure of cool Shade, and the refreshing Breezes of the Wind, and that there they might spend the heat of the Day. The King followed his Advice, and in a little time they got to the place, where the Coolness, caused by the shade of several Trees that Nature seemed to have taken delight to plant by the sides of sundry Fountains, made 'em forget the Heat which they had endured upon the open Road. The King finding the Covert very delightful, sat down upon the green Grass, and falling into a deep Contemplation of the Works of God, he admired the inimitable Painting of the Flowers and Pastures that offered themselves to his sight.  
As he was looking round about him, he spied the Trunk of a three, which the rottenness of the Wood declared to be decayed and very old, and wherein there was a swarm of Bees that were making Honey: Upon which, he asked the Visir, what those little Creatures were? Most Sovereign Monarch, replied the Visir, those little Creatures are very beneficial, and do very little harm: They have a King among 'em, called Jasoub, who is bigger than the rest, and whom they all obey; he resides in a little square Apartment, and has a Visir, his Porters, his Serjeants, and his Guards; and the Industry of all his Officers is such, that they frame every one for themselves a little fix-corner'd Chamber of Wax, the Angles of which differ not at all the one from the other, but are so exactly made to answer one another, that the most expert Geometrician could not order 'em with more regularity. These little Chambers finished, the Visir takes of 'em an Oath of Fidelity; which is never to defile themselves. According to which promise, they never light but upon the Branches of Rose-bushes or odiferous Flowers, so that their Food is digested in a little time, and changed into a certain Substance of a sweet and pleasing Taste. When they return home the Porters smell to 'em, and if they have no ill scent about 'em they are permitted to enter; but if they have any ungrateful scent they kill' em. Or if they negligently suffer any one that has an ill Scent to enter, and the King happens to smell it, he sends for the Porters and puts them and the Offender to death at the same time. If any strange Fly endeavours to enter their Community, the Porters oppose him, and if he seeks to enter by Force he is put to death. Historians also report, that Gemschid learnt to build his Palace, to have Visirs, Porters, Guards and Officers from these little Creatures.  
When the King had heard the Visir thus Discourse, he went near the three, stood still to behold the little Animals at Work, and after he had well considered 'em, he admired to see a Society of infects so well governed. His Visir beholding him wrapped up with Astonishment, Sir, said he, all this good Order depends only upon the good Counsel and prudent Conduct of wise and able Ministers, well affencted to their Princes, and lovers of the public Peace, and these are they that always preserve an Empire in a flourishing Condition. In that we ought to follow the Example of the Great Dabschelim, who resigned the Government of his Kingdoms to the good Counsels of the prudent Bramin Pilpay; insomuch, that by the good Guidance of that Minister, he reigned in Peace while he lived, and dying left to his Posterity the happy Memory of his Name.  
When the King heard him pronounce the Names of Dabschelim and Pilpay, he felt in himself the motions of a more than ordinary Joy. I have, said he to his Visir, for a long time most earnestly desired to hear the Story of that Bramin's Government, but never yet could meet with an Opportunity to satisfy myself; now I give thanks to Heaven, for that my Desires may in some measure be fulfilled. I desire you therefore to repeat it to me, to the end his wholesome Counsels may be beneficial as well to the Public, as to every particular Person. Whereupon the Visir thus began.   

The Story of Dabschelim and Pilpay.  
I Have learnt from Men of Wit and Learning, that in one of the Cities of India, that was the Metropolis of it, there reigned a Prince, whose Ministers, Persons of clear Parts and deep Insight, by their Counsels rendered his Subjects happy, and still successfully brought to pass the just Designs of their Sovereign. He was a sworn Enemy of Oppression; nor could the Wicked gain their Ends in his Dominions, because they were always severely punished. This King was called by the Name of Dabschelim,( a Name most proper for such a Prince, as signifying in their Language, a Great King) His pvissance was such, that he undertook none but extraordinary Enterprises. His Army was composed of ten thousand Elephants; and as for valiant and experienced Soldiers he had 'em about him in great numbers, and his Treasures full to support' em. All this rendered him formidable to his Enemies, and procured the Repose of his People, of whom he took a particular care himself, hearing their Complaints and Differences with delight, composing their Quarrels, and making himself the Arbtitator of their Disputes, without any respect to his Grandeur and Magnificence. He never forsook the Interests of his People, but referred their Affairs to the Debates and Decisions of Men of Justice and Equity. After he had taken such good Order for the Government of his Dominions, he lived in tranquillity, and spent his Days with Happiness and Content. One day that he had been entertain d with divers Discourses upon several Sciences, he laid himself down upon his Bed, to give some relaxation to his Mind: Which he had no sooner done, but he saw in a Dream a certain Figure full of Light and Majesty, which spake to him these Words, You have done this day a good Action for the sake of God, and you shall be rewarded for it. To morrow, by break of day, get a Horseback, and ride toward the East, where you shall find an inestimable Treasure, by the means of which you shall exceed all other Men. Presently Dabschelim awoke, and set himself to consider of this vast Treasure.  
By break of day he mounted one of his most beautiful Horses, which he ordered to be harness'd with Saddles of Gold, and Bridles all enameled, and away he rid directly East-ward. He road through several Inhabited places, and at length arrived in a Desert, where Viewing the Country, and casting his Eyes on every side, to discover his expected Happiness, he perceived a very high Mountain, that reached above the Clouds, at the Foot of which he spied a Cave obscure and dark, and black within as the Hearts of wicked Men. At the same time, he saw sitting without a Man, whose Aspect alone sufficiently shew'd the austerity of his Life. The King had a great desire to ride up to him, when the old Man understanding his Intention, and breaking silence, Sir, said he, tho' my small Cottage be nothing like to your magnificent Palace, yet it is an Ancient Custom, for Kings, out of their Goodness, to come and visit the Poor. The looks of great Men cast down upon the Poor augment their Grandeur. Solomon in the midst of all his Glory and Magnificence vouchsafed to cast his Eyes upon the little Emets.  
Dabschelim was pleased with the old Mans Civility, and alighted from his Horse, to discourse him; and after he had talked to him of divers things, the King was going to take his leave of the old Man, who made him this compliment; Sir, said he, 'tis not for a poor Man as I am, to offer any refreshment to so Potent a Prince as You are; But I have a Present, if your Majesty pleases to accept it, which has descended to me from Father to Son, and which is appointed for you. This Present is a Treasure which I have here by me; if your Majesty thinks it worth your Acceptance, command your Servants to seek for it. Dabschelim, hearing these Words, recounted his Dream to the good old Man, who rejoiced extremely to find that his intentions were conformable to the Will of God.  
Upon this, the King commanded his Servants to search for the Treasure round about the Cave, and in a little time they discovered what they sought for; and shew'd the King several Chests and Coffers full of Gold, Silver and Jewels. But among the rest of the Chests there was one of a smaller size which was bound about with several Bars of Iron, and environed with several Padlocks, the Keys of which were not to be found, notwithstanding all the Care and Diligence that was used to seek 'em out. This increased the Kings Curiosity: There must be something, said he, within this little Casket, much more precious than Jewels, since it is so strongly, and so heedfully barred and locked. Presently a Smith was sent for, and the Casket being broken open, there was found within it another small Trunk of Gold, set all over with precious Stones, and within that, another lesser Box, which the King ordered to delivered into his hands. So soon as this little Box was opened, he found therein a piece of white satin, upon which were written some Lines in the Syriac Language. Dabschelim was astonished at the Accident, and in great perplexity to know what the words might signify. Some said, it was the name of the Owner of the Treasure: Others, that it was a Talisman or some Charm for the Preservation of the Treasure. But after every one had delivered his Opinion, 'twas the Kings Pleasure that inquiry should be made for some Person who was able to Interpret the meaning of the Lines. At length after long search a Person was found who understood Foreign Languages, who after he had red the Writing, Sir, said he to the King, This Writing contains a great many Exhortations, which are these that follow.  
I, King Houschenk, have disposed of this Treasure for the Great King Dabschelim, understanding, by divine Revelation, Him to be the Person for whom it is designed. But among the Precious Stones, I have concealed my last Will and Testament, by way of Instruction, and to let him know that it is not for Men of Reason and Understanding, to be dazzled with the lustre of glittering Treasures. Riches are but borrowed Conveniences; which are to be repaid to our successors. The Pleasures of this World, that are so Charming, however are not Eternal This Testament is an abridgement to regulate the Conduct of Kings, and he must be a Wise Prince who follows these Instructions. Who ever shall despise 'em and refuse to follow 'em, according to what is contained under these fourteen Heads, let him be assured of losing his Empire.  
The First Admonition is, that he never discard his Domestic Servants at the solicitation of another. For he that is near the Person of a King shall never want persons who will be always envious and jealous of his Happiness; who when they see that the King has any Affection for him, cease not by a thousand Calumnies to render him odious to his Master.  
The Second is, that he never suffer in his Company Flatterers nor Backbiters, for they are always seeking occasions of Disturbance. 'tis better to Exterminate such People, than to let 'em be a trouble to Human Society.  
The Third, that he always preserve his Ministers and Grandees in a right Understanding one of another, to the end they may Unanimously labour the Preservation of the State.  
The Fourth, that he never trust to the submissions of his Enemies. The more affection they testify, and the louder Protestations they make of their service, the more their Artifices are to be mistrusted. There is no relying upon the Friendship of an Enemy: He is to be shunned, when he approaches with the Countenance of a Friend, as dry Wood shuns a well kindled Fire.  
The Fifth, when a Man has once acquired what he has diligently sought after, he ought to preserve it carefully, seeing we have not every Day the same opportunity to gain it, and when we have not preserved what we have acquired, we have nothing left us but the Vexation to have lost it. We cannot fetch the Arrow back which we have once let fly, tho' we should eat our Fingers for madness.  
The Sixth is, that we never ought to be two hasty in Business, but on the other side, before we put any enterprise in Execution, it behoveth us to weigh and examine what we are are going to do. Things done in hast and with a precipitate Rashness, come to a Mischievous Conclusion. A Man may do that which was never done before, but he repents in vain who has done amiss.  
The Seventh is, that He never despise Good Counsel and Prudence: If there be a necessity for him to make Peace with some Enemies, to deliver himself out of their Hands, let him do it without delay.  
The Eighth is, to avoy'd the Company of Dissemblers, and never to harken to their glozing Speeches; for seeing that in their Bosoms they carry nothing but the Plants of enmity, they can never bring forth the Fruits of real Friendship.  
The Ninth is, to be merciful, and never to punish his Servants for a slight Fault committed through Infirmity. For a Merciful Prince upon Earth, is an Angel in Heaven. They ought to consider the Weakness of Men, and in charity and goodness to conceal their Defects. Subjects have always committed Faults, and Kings have always pardoned 'em, when they have only committed the Faults of Subjects.  
The Tenth is, not to procure the Harm of any Person; on the other-side, we ought to do our Neighbour all the Good we can. If you do Good, Good will be done to you; But if you do Evil, the same will be measured to you.  
The Eleventh is, not to seek after any thing that may be contrary to his Dignity. There are many Persons who let alone their own Affairs, and intrude themselves into other peoples Business, and at last do nothing at all. The Crow would needs learn to Fly like the Partridge, and it was a way of Flying, which he could never attain; and so he forgot his own.  
The Twelfth is, to be of a mildred and Affable Humour. Mildness in Society is like Salt in Victuals; as Salt seasons and gives a relish to our Meat, the other gives Content to every Body: The Sword of Iron is not so sharp as the Sword of Mildness; it vanquishes Invincible Armies.  
The Thirteenth is, to have Faithful Servants, and never to admit of Knaves and Deceivers. By this means the Kingdom will be safe, and the Kings Secrets will never be revealed.  
The Fourteenth and the last is, never to be disturbed at the Accidents of this World. A Man of Spirit and Resolution suffers all manner of Adversities, and relies upon the Providence of God. A Fool minds nothing but his Pastime and his Pleasures.  
There are several Stories upon every one of these Heads, which if the King will be pleased to hear, he must go to the Mountain Serandib, which was the Mansion of our Father Abraham, and there all his Doubts and Difficult Questions will be unfolded, and his intentions accomplished. God grant us Peace.  
When the Learned Man had done reading, Dabschelim embraced him, and having received back again the piece of satin, which he took with great respect, he tied it about his Arm, saying at the same time, I was promised a Worldly Treasure, and I have found a Treasure of Secrets. God has favoured me with Plenty of his Blessings; and presently he ordered the Gold and Silver to be distributed to the Poor, to the end his Charity might be serviceable to procure the repose of King Houschenk's Soul; and having so done, he return'd to his Capital City, and went to his Palace, where all that Night he did nothing but ruminate upon the Journey which he was to make to Serandib.  
The next Morning by Sun-rise, Dabschelim sent for two of his Principal Ministers, in whom he had a great Confidence. To them he discovered his Dream, and what had afterwards befallen him, and  told 'em he had a great desire to take a Progress to Serandib. I have along time, said he to 'em, taken this course to advice with my Counsel before I undertook any of my Enterprises, and now I am willing to refer myself wholly to your Judgments, what you think fitting for me to do upon this Occasion. The two Ministers desired the Remainder of the Day and the Night following, to examine the Affair, and after due Consideration to return their Answer. Dabschelim granted their Request, and the next Day they came to wait upon the King, and every one being seated in their Places, so soon as the King had made 'em the sign to speak, the Grand Visir fell upon his Knees and thus began.  
Sir, In my Opinion this Journey will be more painful than profitable, because that Person who undertakes long Journeys renounces at the same time all manner of Repose. Your Majesty is not Ignorant of the Dangers and Hazards to which the Roads are Subject. 'tis not then for a Man of Discretion to change his Quiet and Ease for Labour and Disturbance; it rather behoves him to call to Remembrance the Fable of the Pigeon that would needs be a Traveller, and the Dangers which he met with.   

The Fable of the traveling Pigeon.  
SIR, said the Visir, there were two Pigeons that lived happily together in their Nests, safely sheltered from all the injuries of the Weather, and contented with a little Water and a few Tares. 'tis a Treasure to live in a Desert when we enjoy the happiness of a Friend; and there is no loss in quitting for the sake of such a one, all other company in the World. But it seems, that Destiny has no other Business in this World, than to separate Friends. One of these Pigeons was call●d the Beloved; the other, the Lover. One day the Beloved, having an eager desire to travail imparted his design to his Companion. Must we be always, said he, confined to a Hole? For my part, I am resolved to take a tower about the World. Travellers every day meet with new things, and acquire Experience; and great and learned Men have  told us, that traveling was the only means to acquire that Knowledge which we want and stand in need of. If the Sword be never unsheathed, it can never show the Valour of the Person that Wears it; and if the Pen takes not it's Run through the Extent of a page., it can never show the Eloquence of the Author 〈◇〉 ●●●sess i●. The Heavens; by reason of their ●… tual Motion, exceed the Regions beneath ●… d the Earth is the solid Place for all ●… res● to tread upon, because it is Im●… ble. If a three could remove itself from ●… lace to another, 'twould never be afraid ●… awe, nor the Wedge, nor would be exposed to the ill usage of the Wood-mongers.  
All this is true, said the Lover; but my dear Companion, you have never undergone the Fatigues of travail, nor do you understand what it is to live in Foreign Countries. traveling is a three of which the chiefest Fruit is Labour and Disquiet. If the Fatigues of traveling are very great, answered the Beloved, they are abundantly rewarded with the pleasure of seeing a thousand Rarities; and when people are accustomed to Labour they never look upon it to be any Hardship.  
traveling, replied the Lover, is never delightful, but when you travail in Company of your Friends: For when we are at a far Distance from 'em; besides that we are exposed to the injuries of the Weather, we are grieved to find ourselves separated from the Persons that we Love: And therefore never leave the Place where you live at ease, nor forsake the Object of your dearest Affection.  
If I find these Hardships unsupportable, replied the Beloved, I will return in a little time. Now after they had thus reasoned the Case together, they went to their Rest, and meeting the next Morning, they took their Leaves of each other, and so partend.  
The Beloved left his Hole, like a bide that has made his escape out of a Cage; and nothing pleased him better than the Prospect of the Mountains and Gardens which he flew over; and when he was arrived at the foot of a little Hill, where several rivulets shaded with lovely Trees watered the charming Meadows, he resolved to spend the Night in a Place that so effectually resembled a Terrestrial Paradise. But hardly had he betaken himself to his Repose upon a three, when the Air grew gloomy, and the swift Hurls of Lightning began to flash against his Eyes, while the Thunder rattled through the Plains at the same time. The Rain also, and the Hail caused the poor Pigeon to hop from Bow to Bow. In short, he spent the Night so ill, that he repented his having left his Comrade.  
The next Morning, the Sun having dispersed the Clouds, the Beloved departed with a resolution to return Home, when a Sparrow-hawk, having a keen Appetite, and perceiving our Traveller, pursued him upon the Wing. The Pigeon seeing him at a distance fell a trembling, and utterly despairing to see his Friend again, and no less sorry that he had not followed his Advice, protested that if ever he escaped that Danger, he would never think of Trevelling more. In the mean time the Sparrow-hawk overtook him, and was just ready to seize him, and tear him in pieces, when a hungry Eagle whose Claws no other bide of Prey could escape, lancing down with a full Stoop upon the Sparrow-hawk, Hold, said he, let me devour that Pigeon to stay my Stomach, till I find something else more Solid. The Sparrow-hawk no less courageous than hungry, would not give way to the Eagle, and so the two Birds of Prey fell to Fighting one with another. In the mean time the Pigeon escaped, and perceiving a Hole so small that would hardly give entrance to a Titmouse, he made a shift to slip in, and so spent the Night in a World of fear and Trouble. By break of Day he got out again, but he was become so weak for want of Food that he could hardly fly. More then that, he had hardly recovered himself from the fear he was in the day before, but as he was looking round about him to see whether the Sparrow-hawk or the Eagle appeared, he spied a Pigeon in a Field with a great deal of Corn scattered in the Place where he was feeding. The Beloved drew near this happy Pigeon as he thought him, and without compliments fell to: But he had hardly pecked above three or four Grains but he found himself caught by the Legs. For the Pleasures of this World are but Snares which the Devil lays for us.  
Brother, said the Beloved to the Pigeon, we are both of one and the same Species; wherefore did not you inform me of this piece of Treachery, for then I should not have fallen into these springs they have laid for us. To which the other answered, Forbear this Language; there is no body can prevent his Destiny; nor can all the Prudence of Man preserve him from inevitable Accident. Thereupon the Beloved besought him to teach him some Expedient proper to free himself from the danger that threatened him. Poor innocent Creature, answered the other, If I knew any means, you might be sure I would make use of it to deliver myself, that so I might not be the Occasion of surprising others of my fellow Creatures. Like the young Camel, who weary with traveling, cried to his Mother with Tears in his Eyes, O Mother without affection, stop a little, that I may take Breath and rest my self: To whom the Mother, O Son without consideration, said she, seest thou not that my Bridle is in the Hands of another; were I at liberty I would throw down my burden and give thee my Assistance: At length therefore our Traveller, strengthened by his own Despair, with much striving and long fluttering broken the Net, and taking the benefit of his unexpected good Fortune, bent his Flight toward his own Country: And such was his Joy for having escaped so great a Danger, that he forgot his Hunger. However passing through a Village, and lighting upon a Wall that was over against a Field newly sown, a Country Man that was keeping the Birds from his Corn, perceiving the Pigeon, slung a ston at him, dreaming nothing less than of the Harm that was so near him, and hit him so terrible a Blow, that he fell almost quiter stun'd into a deep and dry Well, that was at the Foot of the Wall; so that the Country Man not being able to come at his Prey, left it in the Well and never thought more of it. There the Pigeon remained all the Night long with a sad Heart, and his Wing half broken. He wished himself a thousand times at home with his Friend; and the next Day so bestirred himself, that he got out of the Well and arrived at his own Hole.  
The Lover hearing the fluttering of his Companions Wings, flew forth with a more than ordinary joy to meet him; but seeing him so weak and in so bad a condition, asked him the reason of it: Upon which the Beloved up and  told him all his Adventures, protesting withal to stay at home and never to travail more.  
I have recited this Example to your Majesty, to dissuade you from preferring the Inconveniences of traveling, before the Repose that you enjoy. Wise Visir, said the King, I must aclowledge it a painful thing to travail; but 'tis no less true, that there is great Profit, and useful Knowledge to be gained by it. Should a Man be always tied to his own Home or his own Country, he would be deprived the Sight and Enjoyment of an infinite Number of noble things. Your Falcons are valued because Princes frequently carry 'em upon their Fists, and for that they quit the lazy Life which they led in their Nests. On the other side, Owls are contemned, because they always hid themselves in Ruinous Buildings and Dark Holes, and delight in nothing but Retirement. The Mind of Man ought to fly a broad and sore like the Falcon, not to hid itself like the Owl. He that Travels renders himself acceptable to all the World, and Men of Wit and Learning are pleased with his Conversation. There is nothing more Clear and Limpid than Running-water, but Standing Waters grow Thick and Muddy. Had the Falcon that was bread in the Ravens Nest, never flown abroad, he would never have been so highly advanced. Upon which the Visir besought the King to recite that Fable, which he did in the following manner.   

The Fable of the Falcon and the Raven.  
THere were two Falcons which had built their Nests in a very High Mountain, from whence they flew every way round 'em to seek Food for their young ones. One day that they were flown abroad upon the same design, they stayed from their Nests a little too long. For in that time one of the Young ones, very hungry, put his Head so far out of the Nest that he fell from the Top to the Foot of the Mountain; at what instant a Raven that happened to be in that part met with it. At first he took it for a Rat which some other Raven had let fall, but finding by his Beak and his Talons that he was a bide of Prey, he began to have a kindness for it; and looking upon himself as an Instrument ordained by heaven to save the Helpless bide, he carried it to his own Nest, and bread it up with his own Young ones. Thus the Falcon grew every day bigger and bigger, and coming at length to be of Age to make reflections, he said to himself, If I am Brother to these Ravens, why am I not made as they are? But if I am not of their Race and Progeny, what do I tarry here for? One day that he was taken up with these Meditations, Son, said the Raven to him, I have observed thee for some time to be very Sad and Pensive; I would fain know the Cause of it: If any thing grieve thee, conceal it not from me, for I will endeavour thy Relief and Consolation. I know not the Reason myself, replied the Falcon; but I was draw d to beg your Permission to travail, in hopes thereby to dissipate my Melancholy. Oh Son, cried the Raven, thou art forming a Design i'thy Pate, that will create thee an infinite deal of Pains and Care. traveling is a kind of Sea that swallows up all the World. People never travail, unless it be either to get great Estates, or else because they cannot live Contented and easy at Home: And neither of these two Reasons, thanks to Heaven, can have infused this Design into thy Brain, because thou want'st for nothing. Thou hast the Absolute Command over thy Brothers and Sisters: 'tis a great Folly therefore in thee to quit an assured Repose at Home, to Ramble in search of Trouble and Disquiet in Foreign Countries. To this the Falcon, Sir, said he, what you tell me is very true, and I take it for a demonstration of your Parternal Kindness; but I feel in myself something that persuades me that I led a Life here in this Place, not worthy of myself. Then the Raven understood, that in despite of a Bad Education, persons Nobly descended are still the Masters of Sentiments becoming their Birth. The Raven would have put him upon other Discourse, and to that purpose, Son, said he, my Exhortations are persuasions to Sobriety, but thofe High soaring Thoughts of thine, are only the Effects of Avarice. For know that whoever is not contented with what he has, can never be at quiet in his mind, and because I find thou art not satisfied with thy Condition I am afraid lest what befell the Greedy and Ambitious Cat will befall thee also. The Story is this.   

The Fable of the Greedy and Ambitious Cat.  
THere was formerly an Old Woman extremely Gaunt and meager, that lived in a little Cottage as dark and gloomy as a Fools Heart, and as close shut up as a Miser's Hand. She had a Cat that never saw any other than the likeness of Bread, never beholded the face of a Stranger, and was forc d to be contented with only smelling the Mice in their Holes, or to see the Prints of their Feets in the Dust; or if by some extraordinary lucky Chance she happened to catch a Mouse, she was like a Beggar that discovers a Treasure; her Visage and her Eyes were inflamed with Joy, and that Booty served her for a whole Week together; and out of the Excess of her Admiration, she would cry to her self, Heav'ns! Is this a Dream, or is it Real? Nevertheless, because the Cottage was still the Mansion of famine for Cats, she still bewailed her Wants. One day ready to die for Hunger she got upon the ridge of her Enchanted Castle, and spy d from thence another Cat, that was stalking upon a Neighbours Wall like a Lion, and walking along as if she had been counting her Steps, and so Fat that she could hardly go. The Old Woman's Cat, astonished to see a Creature of her own Species, so Plump and so Large, with a loud Voice, Hark ye me, said she to her pursy Neighbour, You look as if you came from one of the Khan of Kathai's Feasts; I conjure ye, to tell me how you came to have your Skin so well stuffed? At a Kings Table, replied the Fat Puss; I go to the House every Day about Dinner time, and there I lay my Paws upon some good Morsel or other, which serves me till the next day. The Lean Cat enquired the Way to the House, and desired the Plump Cat to carry her one day along with her. Most willingly, said the Fat Puss, for thou art so Lean that I pity thy Condition. Upon this promise they partend; and the Lean Cat return'd to the Old Woman's Chamber, where she  told her Dame the whole Story of what had befallen her. The Old Woman endeavoured to dissuade her Cat from prosecuting her Design, admonishing her withal to have a care of being deceived; for, said she, the Desires of the Ambitious are never to be satiated, but when their Mouths are stuffed with the Dirt of their Graves. Sobriety and Temperance are the only things that enrich a Man. I must tell thee, Poor silly Cat, that they who travail to satisfy their Ambition, have no Knowledge of Good Things nor are they truly thankful to Heaven for what they enjoy, who are not contented with their Fortune.  
But the Lean Cat had conceived so fair an Idea of the Kings Table, that all the Old Womans Judicious Remonstrances entered in at one Ear and out at t'other, in short; she departed the next day with the Fat Puss to go to the Kings House; but before she got thither, her Destiny had laid a Snare for Her. For being a House of good cheer, it was so haunted with Cats that the Servants had orders to kill all the Cats that came near it, by reason of a great Robbery committed in the Kings Larder the Night before by several Grey Malkins. However the old. Woman's Cat believing her self out of Danger, no sooner saw a dish of Meat unobserved by the Cooks, but she took Livery and Seizinof it; but as she was enjoying her self under the Dresser-board, and feeding hearty upon her stolen Morsels, one of the Testy Officers of the kitchen, missing his Meat, and seeing where the Cat was Solacing her self with the Kings Mess, threw his Knife at the Cat with such an unlucky hand, that he stuck her full i the Breast. However, as a Cat has Nine Lives, the Cat made a shift to get away for all that. But, in her flight observing the Blood come streaming from her Wound, well said she, let me but escape this Accident, and if ever I quit my old Hold and my own Mice for all the Rarities i'the Kings kitchen, may I lose all my Nine Lives at once.  
I city you this Example to show you, that 'tis better for a Man to be contented with what he has, than to travail in search of what our Ambition prompts us to. What you say, said the Falcon, is very true and very wholesome Advice; but 'tis for mean and low Spirits to confine themselves always to a little Hole. He that aspires to be a King, must begin with the Conquest of a Kingdom, and he that will meet a Crown, must go in Search of it. An Effeminate and Lazy Life agrees not with a Great Soul.  
Thy enterprise, replied the Raven, cannot so soon be put in Execution: before you can Conquer a Kingdom, you must make great Preparations. My Talons, replied the Falcon, are Instruments sufficient to bring about my Design. Did you never hear the Story of the warrior, who by his single Valour became a King? Upon that the Raven requested his reputed Son to let him hear it, and the Raven thus proceeded.   

The Fable of the Poor Man that became a King.  
IT being the Pleasure of Heaven to rescue from Misery a Man who lived in extreme Poverty, God gave him a Son, who from his Infancy gave signal Signs, that he would one day come to be a Great Man. This Infant became a Blessing to the old Man's House, whose Wealth increased from Day to Day, from the time that the Child was Born. So soon as he could speak, he talked of nothing but Swords, Bows and Arrows. His Father sent him to School, and did all he could to infuse into him a good Relish of Learning; but he neglected his Book, and minded nothing but running at the Ring, and other warlike Exercises with other little Children.  
When he came to Years of Discretion, Son, said his Father to him, thou art now past the Age of Innocentcy, and in danger to fall into Disorder and Irregularity, if thou giv'st thyself over to thy Passions. But I intend to prevent that Accident by Marrying thee betimes. Dear Father, replied the young Stripling, for Heaven's sake refuse me not the Mistress which my Youthful Years already have made choice of. Where is that Mistress, presently replied the old Man, and what is her Condition? This is she, the Lad made answer, showing his Father a very noble Sword; by virtue of this it is, that I expect to be Master of a Throne. And having so said, the next Day he quitted his Father's House, and travelled in search of Opportunities to signalise his Courage, and at length performed so many glorious achievements, that he became a Puissant Monarch.  
I have recited this Example, said the Falcon to the Raven, to the end you may understand that I find myself born to undertake Great Enterprizes: And I have a strange foreboding Spirit within me, that I shall prove no less fortunate then this Famous warrior: And for this reason I will never quit my Design. When the Raven perceived him so fixed in his Resolution, he consented to his putting it in Execution: Persuaded that so noble a Courage would never be guilty of base Actions.  
The Falcon having taken his Leave of the Raven, and bid farewell to all his pretended Brethen, left the Nest and flew away. At length he stopped upon a Mountain, and looking round about him, he spied a Partridge in the Fallow Grounds that made all the Neighbouring Hills resound with her Churring and Jouking Nore. Presently the Falcon launc'd himself upon her, and having got her in his Pounce, began to tear her. This is no Bad beginning, said He to himself, and tho' it were for nothing else but to taste such delicate Food, 'tis better worth my traveling then to lie Sleeping in a nasty Nest, and feed upon Carrion as my Brothers do. Thus he spent three Days in Caressing himself with delicate Morsels; but the fourth Day, being upon the Top of another Mountain, he saw a Company of Men that were a Hunting, which happened to be the King of the Country with all his Court; and while he was gazing upon 'em, he faw a Falcon in pursuit of a Heron. Upon that, pricked forward by a Noble Emulation, he flies with all his Force, gets before the Falcon, and overtakes the Heron. The King admiring this Agility, commands his Falconers to make use of all their cunning to catch this Falcon, which by good luck they did. And in a little time he so entirely won the Affection of the King, that he did him the Honour to carry him usually upon his Fist.  
Had he always stayed in his Nest, this Good Fortune had never befallen Him. You see by this Fable, that it is no such unprofitable thing to travail. It rouses the Genius of Stupid People, and renders 'em capable of Noble achievements. Dabschelim having ended his Discourse, the Visir, after he had made his submissions, and paid his Duty according to Custom, came forward, and then addressing himself to the King, Sir, said He, what your Majesty has said is very true, but methinks it is not so convenient that a Great King should quit his repose for the Hardship of traveling. Men of Courage, answered the King, delight in Labour and Fatigue. If Kings, who have Power, strip not the Thorns from the Rose-Bushes, the Poor can never gather the Roses; and till Princes have endured the Inconveniences of Campagnes, the People can never sleep in Peace. No Body can be safe in these Dominions, while thou seekest nothing but thy Ease. He that Travels meets with Rest, like the Leopard, who by his pains and his Diligence acquired what he wished for. Upon that, the Visir besought the King to relate the Fable to his Slave.   

The Fable of the Leopard and the lion.  
IN the Neighbourhood to Bassora, there was a very lovely iceland: In this iceland grew a most delightful Wood, where pleasing Breezes whispered their Love-Stories to the rustling Leaves; and it was watered with several Fountains, whence as many recreating Streams ran gently winding to every part. There, lodged a Leopard so Furious, that the most daring Lyo●s durst not approach within a League of his Habitation. He lived for several Years in Peace within his iceland with a little Leopard that was his Minion. To whom, Son, said He, so soon as thou shalt be strong enough to oppose my Enemies, I will resign to thee the Care of Governing this iceland, and retire into one Corner of it, where I will spend the remainder of my Days, without Trouble or Molestation. But D●●th crost the Old Leopard's Design: He died when he least dreamed of it, and the Young Leopard succeeded him. But the Ancient Enemies of the Old Leopard no sooner heard of his Death, and the Weakness of his Successor, but they entered into a League, and altogether invaded the iceland. The Young Leopard finding himself unable to withstand such a number of Enemies, made his Escape into the Deserts, and there secured himself. In the mean time his Enemies having made themselves Masters of the iceland, every one would command in Chief. Thus they fell out, and being Divided, the Business came to the Decision of a Bloody Battle, wherein the lion being Victor, drove all the rest of his Competitors out of his Territories, and became the Sole and Peaceable Master of the iceland.  
Some Years after, the Leopard meeting the lions in a foreste, recounted to 'em his Misfortunes, and besought 'em to assist him in the Recovery of his iceland. But the lions who knew the strength of the Usurper, refused their Assistance to the Leopard, and disdainfully, Poor silly Creature, said they, dost thou not understand that thy iceland is under the Power of a lion so Redoubted, that the very Birds are afraid to fly over his Head? We advice thee rather, added they, to go and wair upon him, submissively to offer thy Services to him, and take thy time to revenge the Injuries he has done thee. The Leopard followed this Counsel, went to the Lyon's Court, and there intruding himself into the Acquaintance of one of the Lyon's Domestics, and by a thousand Caresses ●ngag'd him to give him an Opportunity to discourse his Master. The lion found him to be a person of so much Merit, that he conferred a very Noble Employment upon him in his Court, and in a little time the Leopard so insinuated himself into the Lyon's favour, that the Grandees of the Court began to grow Jealous of him. It happened one time, that some extraordinary Exigence of State called away the lion to some Place far distant from the iceland; but the lion, being lazy, had no mind to stir out of his Wood at a time that the heat was so excessive: Which the Leopard perceiving, He offered to undertake the Voyage himself, and after he obtained leave, he departed with some others that followed him for Love, arrived at the place, dispatched his Business and return'd back to Court with such an unexpected Speed, that the King admiring his Diligence, Well, said He, to those about him, this Leopard is one for my Turn; he contemns Labour, despises Hardship, so it be to procure the Welfare and Peace of my Dominions, and therefore I cannot do better then to give him the Command of my Army. And at the same time he sent for the Leopard, highly applauded his Zeal, gave him the Government of all his Forests, and made him his Heir. Had not the Leopard undertaken this Journey, he had never regained his iceland.  
By this Discourse the Visir, judged it would be impossible to dissuade the King from the Resolution he had taken to travail, and therefore they said no more to hinder him. During his Absence he entrusted such Visirs in whom he had the Greatest Confidence with the Care of his Dominions, and charged 'em above all things to be Kind and Loving to the People. And thus Dabschelim being at Ease within himself, and in full Peace of Mind, set forward with some of his Courtiers for Serandib, where he arrived after a long and painful Journey. He spent three Days in walking about, that he might take a full View of that City; and then leaving his most Cumbersome Baggage behind him, as also some part of his Train, he crossed the Mountain, which he found wonderful High and Steep, but environed with a great Number of pleasant Gardens and lovely Meadows. Upon which looking about him on every side, he perceived a very Obscure Den or Cavern, which the Inhabitants of the Mountain  told him was the Retirement of a certain hermit, called Bidpay, that is to say, the Friendly physician; that some of the Indian Grandees called him Pilpay; that he was a Person of Profound Knowledge; that he was retired from the World in contempt of the hurry and Vanity of it, and pleased himself in leading a Solitary Life. This did but increase Dabschelim's Curiosity, who therefore went himself to the Mouth of the Cave. Pilpay therefore, suspecting his Design, invited him in; and the King being entered, the Old Bramin Pilpay besough● to rest himself, and asked him the reason of his taking so long a Journey. The King, who had something of a Prophetic Apprehension, that he should meet with what he sought for in his Converse with the Old Man, recounted to him his Dream, the Discovery of the Treasure, and what was contained in the Piece of White satin. But then the Bramin smiling,  told the King, that he looked upon those to be a happy People who lived under his Reign, and that he could not sufficiently applaud his having contemned the Fatigues of a Tedious Journey, to acquire Knowledge, and for the Felicity of his Subjects. Then opening his Lips like a small Cabinet of Precious Knowledge, he charmed Dabschelim with his Admirable Discourses. They talked together concerning Houschenks Letter: And Dabschelim red the Admonitions which it contained, one after the other. Pilpay unfolded 'em to the King, and the King engraved 'em in his Memory.   

CHAP. I. That we ought to avoy'd the Insinuations of Flatterers, and Backbiters.  
SAid Dabschelim to Pilpay, The first Admonition is, that Kings ought never to listen to false Reports and Flatterers, which occasion nothing but Misfortunes, and always bring an ill End to all such as harken to' em. Whoever cried the Bramin, observes not this Command, must needs be Ignorant of the Fable of the lion and the Ox. Upon which, the King Desirous to hear it, Pilpay continued in the following Manner.  

The Fable of a Merchant and his lewd Children.  
A Merchant, who was a Man experienced to perfection in the affairs of the World, falling Sick, and perceiving that his Age and his Distemper would not long permit him to Live, called his Sons together, who were very debauched, and wasted his Estate in Riot and Disorder. Sons, said He, I know you may be in some measure excused for thus consuming my Estate, not knowing what it cost to get it. But know, that Riches should be only properly Instrumental to acquire the Blessings of heaven and Earth. There are three things that all Men labour for in this World with more then Ordinary vehemence. The first is, that they may enjoy all the Conveniences of Life: And these are People who are only addicted to Intemperance, and abandon themselves to sensual Pleasures. The second is, to obtain High Dignities and Preferments: These are the Ambitious, who only love to command and be admired. The third is, to acquire Heavenly Blessings; and to take delight in doing good to our Equals: These deserve high Applauses: But there's no way to attain this last End, but by the means of Wealth well got. Now seeing that nothing that we seek for in this World is to be had without money, that which can procure us what we search for must be first of all acquired; but they who meet an Estate already got to their Hands, know not the Trouble of getting it: And that's the reason they consume it so Prodigally in a little time. Therefore, Dear Children, give over this Irregular Life, take a care of yourselves, and rather endeavour to increase your Estates, then to wast 'em idly. To which, Father, said the Eldest Son, you command us to acquire, but Acquisition depend's only upon Fortune. I know well we shall never want what is destined us, tho' we we should never stir a Foot to obtain it: On the other side, we shall never be Masters of what is not ordained us, tho' we should torment ourselves almost to Death. I Remember an old Proverb: Whenever I fled what Destiny had Allotted, I always met with it; but when ever I sought for that which never was appointed for me, I never could find it. This is clearly to be seen by the Fable of the Kings two Sons; of which, one discovered his Fathers Treasure, and gained the Kingdom with little Trouble, while the other lost it, tho' he did all he could to preserve it. The Father would needs hear the Fable, which his Son rehearsed as follows.   

The Fable of a King and his two Sons.  
IN the Country of Alès, there lived a King who had two Sons, both covetous, yet given to Debauchery. The King finding himself extremely Old, and considering the Humour of his two Sons, was afraid lest after his Death, they should dissipate in Idle expenses the vast Treasure which he had heaped together, and resolved to hid it. With this design he went to a Religious Hermit who had retired from the World, and in whom he had a very great Confidence. By the Counsel of this hermit the Treasure was butted in the Hermitage so Privately that no Body knew any thing of. This done, the King made his Will, which he put into the Hermits hands, with these farther Orders at the same Time: I charge you, said He, to reveal this Treasure to my Children, if after my Death you see 'em in the Distresses of Poverty. It may be, added the King, that when they have suffered a little Hardship, they will become more prudent in their expenses then hitherto they have been.  
The Hermit having promised all Fidelity in the Observance of the King's Commands, the King return'd to his Palace, and in a short time after died; nor did the Hermit long survive him: So that the Treasure lay concealed in the Hermitage. The King being thus Dead, the two Sons could not agree about the Succession, which occasioned a Bloody War between 'em: And the Eldest who was the Strongest utterly despoiled his Younger Brother of all that he could preten'd to. The Young Prince thus deprived of his Inheritance, fell into such a deep Melancholy that he resolved to quit the World. To that purpose he left the City; and calling to mind the Kindness between his Father and the Hermit, there is no other way, said he to himself, but to find out this Honest Man, that I may learn of him to live as he does, and end my life in his Company. Coming to the Hermitage, he found that the Hermit was Dead; and thereupon he made choice of his Retirement for his poor Habitation.  
Now there was in this Hermitage a certain Well, which had no Water: So that he let himself down to the Bottom, to try whether he could find what it was that stopped the Water. But instead of meeting what he looked for, he found his Father's Treasure; for which he was very thankful to Heaven, and took up a Resolution, to lay out his money with more Moderation then he had done before.  
On the other side his Brother sate securely reveling upon this Throne without any care of his People or his Army; imagining with himself, that his Father's Treasure was hide in the Palace, as he had  told him upon his Death Bed. One Day, being at War with a Neighbouring Prince, he was obliged to have recourse to his pretended Treasure. But he was amazed after he had sought a long time and found nothing; which because it quiter disabled him from raising a powerful Army, put him into a very great fit of Melancholy. However making a virtue of Necessity, he raised what Force he could, and marched out of the City to meet and encounter his Enemy. The Battle was obstinate, and the King and his Enemy were both Slain; so that the two Armies enraged at the loss of their Leaders, fell to Butcher each other with equal Fury; till at length the Generals being agreed together, that it would be their better way to choose a mildred and Gentle Prince for the Government of the State, they went and found out the Young Prince, who was retired to the Hermitage, conducted him in great Pomp to the Royal Palace, and set him upon the Throne.  
This Fable shows, that it is better to rely upon Destiny and Providence, then for Men to Torment themselves about the Acquisition of a thing that was never ordained' em. So soon as the Young Man had ended his Fable, All this is very true, said the Father, but all Effects have their Causes, and he who relies upon Providence without considering 'em, had need to be instructed by the ensuing Fable.   

The Fable of the Derwich, the Falcon, and the Raven.  
A Derwich, passing through a Wood, and considering the Wonders of God and Nature, spied a Falcon that held a piece of Flesh in his Beak, and which hovering about a Nest, tore the Flesh into Bits, and gave it a young Raven that lay bald and Featherless in the Nest. The Derwich admiring the Bounty of Gods Providence, in a Rapture of Admiration, Behold this poor bide, said He, that is not able to see out Sustenance for himself, is not however forsaken of God, who spreads the whole World like a Table, where all Creatures, Friends and Foes have still their Food and Subsistence ready provided for' em. He extends his Liberality so far, that the Griffin also finds wherewith to Liye upon the Mountain of Caf. Why then am I so greedy, and wherefore do I ran to the ends of the Earth, and Plough up the Ocean for Bread? Is it not better that I should hence forward confine myself in repose to a little Corner, and abandon myself to Fortune. Upon this he retired to his Cell, where without putting himself to any farther Trouble for any thing in this World, he remained three Days and three Nights without Victuals. At last, Servant of Mine, said God to him, Know thou, that all things in this World have their Causes: And tho' my Providence can never be limited, my Wisdom however requires, that Men shall make use of the Means that I have ordained' em. If thou wouldst imitate any one of the Birds, imitate the Falcon that feeds the Raven, and not the Raven that lies a sluggard in his Nest, and expects his Food from another.  
This Example shows us, that we are not to led Idle and Lazy Lives under the Pretence of Providence. Then the second Son taking upon him to speak, Sir, said He to his Father, you advice us to Labour, and get Estates and Riches, but when we have heaped up a great deal of Wealth, what shall we do with it? 'tis easy to acquire Wealth, replied the Father, but a difficult thing to expend it well, and to preserve it. Riches many times prove very fatal, as may be seen by the following Fable.   

The Fable of a Country-Man, and several Rats.  
A Certain Husband-man had a Barn full of Corn close locked up, not far from which lived a Rat, that made Holes on every side of it, on purpose to get a livelihood; and he laboured so long that he got free Ingress into the Barn. When he saw himself Master of this vast Treasure away he ran, full of Joy, and gave Notice of it to several other Rats his Neighbours; who presently fllockt about him, and made him a thousand Offers of their Service, Scraping and Cringing to him, and soothing him in all the Excursions of his Fantastic Humour. The Fool taking all this for ready money, grew very proud and Stately, as believing himself to be some Extraordinary Person; and never considering that this Magazine was not to last always, he began to play the Prodigal at the Husband-Mans cost, treating his Companions and Flatterers every Day at Rack and Manger. But there happened at the same time so terrible a Famine, that the Poor cried out for Bread while the Rat lay wallowing in Plenty. The Husband-man now believing it his time to make the Best of his Corn, opened his Barn Door; but finding a more then ordinary Consumption of his Store, he fell into a Passion, and presently removed what he had to another Place. The Rat, who looked upon himself to be sole Master of Misrule in the Barn, was then asleep but his Parasites, were awake, and seeing the Husband-man go and come, misdoubted there was something in the Matter; thereupon they betook themselves every one to flight, leaving the poor cully'd Rat asleep. This is the practise of your Smell-feast Friends, while you keep a plentiful Table they are your most Humble and Obedient Servants, but when the Accommodation fails, like Tartars, they seek for other Pastures.  
The next Day the Rat waking, was amazed to find none of his Pick-thanks at his Elbow, which made him leave his Hole in great hast, to know the Cause, which he soon found out; for going to the Barn and finding all was gone, and not so much left as would suffice him for that Day, he fell into such a deep Despair, that he beat out his Brains against the next Wall, and so ended his Days. This Example shows us that we ought to Live according to our Income.  
The second Brother having thus concluded, the youngest taking his Turn. Father, said He, when we have acquired this Wealth you speak of, what is then to be done? This Wealth, replied the Father, is to be made use of, upon all Occasions; but more especially for the Conveniencies of Life, according to the Directions of Temperance and Justice. In the first Place, your expenses ought not to be such, as afterwards to be repented of, or to be condemned as the Wast of Prodigality. In the second Place, no Man ought by his Avarice to render himself hateful to the World.  
The Father having thus Exhorted his Children to follow his Counsel, they betook themselves all three to particular Callings, the Eldest turned Merchant, and travelled into Foreign Countries: Among other Goods he had two Oxen; both the Calves of the same Cow, and both very fair and beautiful, the one was called Cohotorb, and the other Mandeb●. The Merchant took great care to feed up these Oxen; but because his Journey was long, they grew to be Weak and Lean. In the Road they met with a Quagmire, into which Cohotorb● fell, and stuck so fast, that the Merchant had much ado to get him out again. However Cohotorb● was so Weak that being hardly able to stand, the Merchant was forced to leave him behind under the care of a certain Person till he could recover strength to continue his Journey: But the Man, after he had kept him all alone for three Days in the Desert, grew weary of his Charge, left Cohotorb to feed by himself, and sent the Merchant word that his Ox was Dead. In a little time after Mandeb died of hard labour, and Cohotorb behaving recovered his Flesh, began to ramble from one Place to another: And coming into a Meadow that pleased him very well, he stayed three for some time, living in Ease and Plenty; so that he became fair as and plump as ever he was before.  
Not far from this Meadow lived a lion who made all the Inhabitants of the Woods round about him tremble; and he commanded over several other lions, who believed him to be the most Potent Sovereign in the World. And indeed he was very formidable: But when he heard the Bellowing of the Ox which he had never heard before, a most Dreadful terror seized him. Nevertheless, because he was ashamed to discover his Fears to his Courtiers, he pretended an unwillingness to stir out of his Palace. Among the rest of his Domestic Servants he had two Foxes that were as Cunning as two brokers, one of which was called Kalila, and the other Damna; and the latter, which was the Male, was more Proud and more Ambitious then the Former. One Day, said He to his Wife, What dost thou think of the King, that he dares not walk abroad as he was want to do? To whom Kalila answered, why do you ask me such a Question? 'tis sufficient for you to live peaceably under his Protection without Examining what he does: 'tis not for us to prate about state-affairs: And they that meddle with things that no way concern 'em are in Jeopardy of the same Misfortune that befell the Ape.   

The Fable of the Carpenter and the Ape.  
AN Ape sate staring upon a Carpenter who was cleaving a Piece of Wood with two Wedges, which he put into the Cleft one after another, as the split opened. The Carpenter leaving his work half done, the Ape would needs turn Logcleaver, and coming to the Peace of Wood, pulled out the Wedge, without putting in the other; so that the Wood closing again, held the Poor Monkey by the two Fore Feet, so fast, that not being able to get away before the Carpenter return'd, the Moody Carpenter knocked him o'the Head for meddling with his Work.  
This Fable instructs us, that we ought not to meddle with other People's Business. However, replied Damna, 'tis not for those that serve Kings, to be Idle: They must be always endeavouring to advance themselves. Know you not the Fable of the two Companions, one of which by his Industry, obtained a Crown: The other, being slothful and faint-hearted, fell into extreme Misery.   

The Fable of the two Travellers, and the lion carved in White ston.  
THere were two Friends in Former Times who made a Resolution never to leave each other. They always travelled together, and one Day among the rest, they came to a lovely Fountain at the Foot of a Hill; and the Place was so delightful, that they resolved to rest themselves by the Purling Stream. After they were well refreshed, they began to look about 'em, and please their Eyes with what they could discover most Rare and Curious in so pleasant a Place. At length they cast their Eyes upon a White ston, that contained the following Words Written in Blew Letters.  
Travellers, We have prepared you an Excellent Banquet for your Welcome. But you must throw yourselves boldly into this Fountain, and Swim to the other side, where you shall meet with a lion carved in White ston, which you must take upon your Shoulders, and without stoping run with it to the Top of younder Mountain, never fearing the Wild Beasts that will surround you, nor the Thorns that will prick your Feet; for as soon as you are got off the Hill, you will be in possession of great Felicity: If you cease going forward, you shall never come to your Journeys End, nor shall the Slothful ever attain to what they desire.  
Then Ganem, for that was the Name of one of the two Companions, Brother said He, to Salem, for so was the other called, here is a Means prescribed us that will put an end to all our Pains and travail, let us take Courage, and try whether what this Talisman contains be True or False. Dear Friend, replied Salem, 'tis not for a Man of Sense to give Credit to an Idle Writing, and under Pretence of great tho' uncert Gain to throw himself into Evident danger. Friend, replied Ganem, They who have never so little Courage, contemn danger, to make themselves happy; there is no gathering the Rose, without being pricked by the Thorns. However, answered Salem, we are not to attempt such Enterprizes, the End of which we know not as well as the Beginning: And thus we are not to throw ourselves into this Fountain, that seems to be a Kind of an Abyss, from whence it may not be so easy to get out again. A Rational Man never moves one of his Feet till the other be fixed. Perhaps this Writing may be a mere whimsy; and tho' it should be real, perhaps when you have across d this little Lake, the Lion of ston may prove so heavy, that you may not be able to run with it without stoping to the Top of the Mountain. But supposing all this were easy for you to perform, when you have done what ever is by you to be done, you know not what will be the Issue of your care and trouble. For my part I will be no sharer with you in dangers of this enterprise, and will endeavour also to dissuade you from it. No Persuasions, replied Ganem, shall make me alter my Resolution: And therefore if you will not follow me, Dear Friend, at least be pleased to see me venture. Salem, seeing him so Resolute, cried out, Dear Friend, you have refused my Admonitions, and I have not the power to stay and be a Witness of your Ruin; and so taking his leave he set forward upon his Journey.  
On the other side Ganem went to the Brink of the Fountain, resolving to perished or to win the prise. He found it deep, but strengthened by his Courage, he Swam to the other side. When he had recovered the dry Land, he restend himself a while; and then lifting up the Lion with with all his Might, without stoping he ran with it to the Top of the Mountain. From thence he had the Prospect of a very fair City; but as he was viewing it, there issued from the Lion of ston such a Terrible Thundering Noise, that the Mountain and all the Places round about it trembled, as if shaken by some sudden Earth-quake. This Noise no sooner reached the Ears of the Inhabitants of the City, but they came all to Ganem, who was not a little astonished to see' em. Presently some that seemed to be superior to the rest in Quality and degree accosted him with great Respect and Ceremony; and after they had harangu'd him with many large Encomiums, they set him upon a lovely Horse most sumptuously caparisoned. After this, they Conducted him to the City, where they washed him with Rose-water, made him put on the Royal Robes and proclaimed him King of all the Country. He desired to understand the reason of his Advancement: To which they answered, that the Learned Men of the Kingdom had by virtue of a Talisman so charmed the Fountain which he had cross't, and the Lion which he carried to the Top of the Mountain, that when their King Died, and that any one were so adventurous as to Expose himself to the Hazards which he had done, the Lion roard out so Prodigiously, that the Inhabitants hearing the Noise went forth in search of the Person to make him their King. This Custom, pursued they, has been of long Continuance, and since the Lot is fallen upon your Majesty, your Sovereignty is absolute among us. Nor was Ganem a little glad to see his Courage so well recompensed.  
I have rehearsed this Fable to you, to let you understand, that there is no tasting Pleasure without Trouble. For which reason it is that I am resolved never to give over till I am one of the Greatest Lords in the Court. Kalila asked him what Means he intended to make use of to attain his Ends. The Lion, answered Damna, seems to be seized with Astonishment, and I intend to cure him of his Disquiet. How canst thou presume, cried Kalila, to give Counsel to a King, thou that never wert accostum'd to the Cabals of Princes? Persons of Wit, replied Damna, never want Industry to accomplish their Designs. One Day, a Handicraft Trades-Man, who by his virtue had gained a Kingdom, receive d a Letter from a Neighbouring Prince, wherein he Expostulated with the New King after this manner, Thou that didst never handle before any other then a Chizzle or a Saw, how worst thou presume to Govern a Kingdom? To which the Carpenter return'd for Answer, he that gave me Wit enough to Guide a Saw, will also give me no less judgement to Govern an Army. Kings, replied Kalila, do not always cherish with their favours those who have Wit and Merit, but only their Oldest Servants, and such as have done the State Important Service; and seeing therefore you are but a new comer, and indeed none of the most useful of the Kings Servants, what can you pretend to? I hope, replied Damna, in a short time to have a much more considerable Employment then I have at Present: For I am not ignorant that they who aspire to be admitted into the Cabinets of Princes, ought to have five particular Qualifications: Never to be in Passion; to avoid Pride; not to be Covetous; to be sincere; and never to be astonish d at the Changes of Fortune. Very good, replied Kalila, suppose you might be the Kings favourite, what virtues would you practise to gain his Esteem? I would serve him, replied Damna, with a perfect Fidelity, I would punctually obey him; and whatever the King does, I will always believe his Intentions Good. I will persuade him to do Good, by laying before him the Benefit he will receive thereby, and I will dissuade him from doing what ever may be prejudicial to himself or his Kingdom. I find thee, said Kalila, resolved to go on with this design; but have a care what thou dost; for 'tis a dangerous thing to serve a Prince. Wise Men say, that three sorts of Persons are deprived of judgement: They who are ambitious of Preferments in the Courts of Princes; They who make use of Poison, to show the Excellency of a Remedy; and they who entrust Women with their Secrets. A King is compared to a High Mountain, upon which there are Mines of precious Stones, and numerous Herds of wild Devouring Beasts: 'tis a difficult thing to accost 'em, but more dangerous to Inhabit em. Kings are morever compared to a wide' Ocean, wherein Sea-faring People either make their Fortunes or perish. I am not Ignorant, replied Damna in his turn, that Kings resemble Fire, which will burn those that approach too near it; but he who is afraid to adventure, will never come to any thing.  
After this Discourse, Damna went to wait upon the Lion, and made him a profound Reverence. Presently the Lion asked who he was. To which some of his Courtiers replied, he was such a one, and that his Father had a long time served his Majesty. Oh said the King, I now remember him— then turning to Damna, Well Friend, where do you Live?— I supply my Fathers Place in your Majesties household, replied Damna, but till now I never durst presume to appear in your Majesties presence with the Offer of my service. I hope your Majesty will not disdain the Oblation of my faithful Intentions tho' I am the meanest and unworthiest of your Servants. Dry Wood is sometimes as much esteemed in this World as the Rosebush or the Fruit-tree. The Lion was charmed with Damna's Eloquence, and looking upon his Courtiers, Wit, said He, resembles Fire, that will show itself, tho' covered with Ashes. Damna was so overjoyed that his Compliment had pleas d the King, that he took his Opportunity to beg a Private Audience of the King, and when they were together, Sir, said Damna, I beseech your Majesty to let me Know the Cause of your Retirement, for within these few Days I have observed your Majesty has not been so cheerful as you were wont to be. Fain would the Lion have conceal d his fear at first; but hearing Chotorb● Bellow at the same time, it so disordered his Countenance, that he found himself constrained to tell Damna, that the terrible Noise of the Beast, whoever he were, was the cause of the Disturbance. I imagine, said the King, that the Body of the Beast which I hear Bellow so Dreadfully, must be proportionable to the sound of his Voice; and that being so, 'tis a madness for us to tarry any longer in these Woods. Is this all that troubles your Majesty, said Damna? Nothing else, answered the Lion. Sir, replied Damna, you ought not to quit your Princely Habitation for this: 'tis not for a King to be afraid of a mere Sound, but rather to fortify his Courage with so much the greater Resolution. Those Creatures that make the loudest Noises are not always the Biggest nor the Strongest. A Crane as big as he is, has neither strength nor Courage to encounter the weakest Falcon: And he that suffers himself to bedeluded by Bulk of Body may be deceived as the Fox was.   

The Fable of the Fox and the Hen.  
SIR, pursued Damna, there was a certain Fox in a Wood who was eagerly searching about for something to appease his Hunger, and at length he spied a Hen, that was busily scratching the Earth and picking up the Worms at the Foot of a three. Upon the same three also hung a Drum which made a Noise every time the Branches, being moved by the Violence of the Wind, beat upon it. Now the Fox was just going to fling himself upon the Hen, at what time he heard the Noise of the Drum. Oh ho, quoth he, looking up, are ye there, I'll be with ye by and by, that Body must certainly have more flesh then a sorry Hen: And so saying, he clambered up the three, while the Hen made her Escape. When he had seized his Prey, he fell to work with his Teeth and his Claws, and an Appetite as Keen as a Razor. But after he had torn off the Head of the Drum, and met with nothing but an empty Concavity; Air instead of Flesh and Gristles, and a mear Hollowness instead of good Guts and Garbidge, then fetching a deep sigh, unfortunate Wretch, cried He, what a Delicate Morsel have I lost, for the show of a larger Belliful!  
I have recited this Example, to the end your Majesty may not be terrified with the sound of the Bellowing Noise you hear, because loud and strenuous; and if you please I'll go and see what sort of Creature it is. To which the Lion consented; but when Damna was gone, he repented his having sent him away. For, said the King to himself, 'tis a great Error in a Prince to discover his secrets to ten sorts of Persons; 1. To those whom he has ill used without a Cause. 2. To those who have lost their Estates or their Honour at Court. 3. To those who have been Degraded from their Employments without any hopes of ever being restored to 'em again. 4. To those that love nothing but Sedition and Disturbance. 5. To those that see their Kindred or Acquaintance in Preferments from whence themselves have been Excluded. 6. To such as having committed any Crime have been more severely punished then others who have transgressed in the samemanner. 7. To such as have done good Service, and have been ill rewarded. 8. To Enemies reconciled by Constraint. 9. To those who believe the Ruin of the Prince will turn to their Advantage. 10. To those that believe themselves less obliged to their Sovereign then to his Enemy. Therefore I have done imprudently in discovering my secrets to Damna.  
While the King was making these reflections to himself, Damna return'd, and  told him, that the Beast which made such a Noise was no other then an Ox, that was feeding in a Meadow without any other design then to spend his Days lazily in Eating and Sleeping, Moreover, added Damna, if your Majesty thinks it convenient, I will so order the matter, that he shall be glad to come and enrol himself in the Number of your Servants. The Lion was extremely pleased with Damna's Proposals, and made him a sign to go and fetch the Ox into his Presence. Thereupon, Damna went immediately to Chotorbe, and asked him from whence he came, and what Accident had brought him into those Quarters? In answer to which, when Chotorbe had satisfied Damna's Curiosity, then Damna, Friend, said He, here lives a Lion not far off, who is the King of all the Beasts of the Country, and he has given me orders to conduct thee to his Palace. If thou wilt follow me, I promise thee the favour of being admitted into his Service and Protection; but if thou refusest to go a long with me, know that thou hast not many Days to live in this Place. So soon as the Ox did but hear the Word Lion pronounced, he trembled for fear, and made Damna this answer, If thou wilt assure me that he shall do me no harm I will follow thee. Damna Swore to him, and Chotorbe upon the Faith of his Oaths consented to go and wait upon the Lion: upon which Damna ran before to give the King Notice of Chotorbe's coming; who arriving soon after, made a profound Reverence to the King, who received him with great Kindness, and asked him what Occasion had brought him into his Dominions? In answer to which when the Ox had recounted to him all his Adventures: Remain here, said the Lion, and enjoy thy Peace; for I permit my Subjects to live all within my Dominions, in repose and tranquillity. The Ox having return'd his Majesty Thanks for his kind Reception promised to serve him with a Real Fidelity. And at length Chotorbe insinuated himself in such a Manner into the Lion's Favour, that he gained his Majesties Confidence, and became his most Intimate Favourite.  
When Damna saw that Chotorbe was in greater Esteem at Court then himself, and that he was the only Depositary of the King's Secrets, it wrought in him so desperate a Jealousy, that he could not take his Rest, but was ready to Hang himself. Presently he went and made his Moans to Kalila; Oh my dear Wife, said He, I have taken a World of Care and Pains to gain the King's Favour, and all to no purpose: I brought into his Presence the Object that occasioned all his Disturbances, and that very Ox is now become the Sole Cause of my Disquiet. To which Kalila: You ought not to complain of what you have done, or at least you ought to blame no Body but yourself: For there is now befallen thee, what formerly befell a Monk.   

The Fable of the Monk that left his Convent.  
A Certain King presented a Certain Monk with a very Rich Habit; of which a Cunning Thief having Notice, made use of a very pleasant stratagem to cheat him of it. He went to the Monk in his Convent, and pretended an earnest desire to serve him as long as he lived. The Monk overjoyed that he had got a Novice that seemed to be so piously inclined, most willingly received him; but the Thief taking the first Opportunity he could, stolen the Habit and carried it a way. The Monk missing at once both his rich clothes and his Novi●, mistrusted the Business, and so leaving the Convent, he resolved to go to the City in search of the Robber. As he travelled upon the Road, he met with two Rams that were very furiously encountering one another, and Enter-chang'd such desperate Horn-jurs, that the Blood ran down on every side. A Fox, who was a Witness of the combat, licked up the Blood: But as he was licking he received such a Terrible Jurr o'the Head from one of the Rams, that he died upon the Spot.  
The Monk stopped a good while to behold this Accident, and stayed so long, that when he came to the City, the Gates were shut. However a Woman that lived in the City, looking out at Window, perceiving him, and believing be wanted a Lodging, called to him and offered him the Convenience of her House. The Monk very readily accepted her Kindness, went into the House, and put himself into a Corner to say is usual Prayers. This Woman, to tell ye the truth, was a bawd, and kept a Bevy of Pretty Girls, whose Favours she Sold to the Sparks of Venus. Among these Girls there was one among the Rest, who was so violently beloved by a young Gentleman, and of whom he was so jealous that he would admit no Rival; which they, who were enamoured of her as well as himself, could as little brook, and therefore they persuaded the young Girl to rid herself of his Company. Now in regard she feared him more then she loved him, she listened to the persuasions of her other Lovers, made her jealous Tyrant Drunk, and the same Night blew a venomous Powder up into his Nostrils. But this Powder forcing the young Man to Sneez, the strength of the sternutation blew it back again into the Courtesans Mouth; so that not being able to prevent the going of the Powder down her Throat, she felt the Effects of her own Poison and died the same Hour. The poor Monk was astonished to see all this, and he thought the Night extremely long.  
So soon as Day came, he made hast to leave so dangerous a Place, and took a Lodging at a shoemakers House, who received him with open Arms, and who being invited to a Feast from which it was impossible for him to absent himself, recommended however to his Family, the care and good Usage of his Guest.  
At the same time the Cordwainers Wife had a Gallant, that was handsome and good humoured and they met frequently together by the means of a Surgeons Wife, who was so cunning a Sollicitrix of Lechery, that she could have reconciled Fire and Water into an Amorous Conjunction, and withal had her Tongue so well hung, and was so perfect in the Art of Wheedling, that she would have made you believe a ston was made of Wax. Now whenever the shoemakers Wife knew her Husband was safe abroad, she made use of this Mistress Go-between, to give Notice to her Paramour of her Husband's Absence; and now believing she had an Opportunity, sent her away forthwith to tell her Gallant the good News. Away comes he immediately upon the first Intimation; but by what Ill luck I know not, as he was knocking at the Door, the shoemaker arrived, and finding the Man, whom he already suspected to be the Grafter of his forehead, had had such good Intelligence, in he went without saying a Word, beat his Wife, tied her to a Post and went to Bed.  
While the Cord-wainer was asleep, in comes the Surgeon's Wife not knowing any thing of what had happened, and having found out the shoemakers Wife i'the Dark, Slife, Sister said She, why do you let the young Man stay so long at the Door?— Go and fetch him in. To whom the Disappointed Bond woman, with a low voice, I believe said She, some malicious daemon sent my Husband back in such a Rage, that he was not satisfied with almost breaking my Bones, but he has here tied me to a Post. Now you would do a Charitable Act, if you would but unbind me, and stand in my place, while I go and beg pardon of my Dear Friend for having made him stay so long; which done, I'll come back and be tied as I was.  
The Surgeons Wife, moved with Compassion made no Scruple to put herself in the Room of her distressed Neighbour, who went to keep her Word with her Gallant. The Monk who had heard all this Discourse, no longer accused the Cordwainer of Cruelty, nor thought him in the wrong for beating his Wife, as he had done before.  
In the mean time the shoemaker waked, and called to his Wife; but the Surgeons Mate, fearing to be known by her Voice, made no answer; which put the shoemaker into such a fury, that he leaped out of the Bed, took a Knife in his Hand, and as he thought, cut off his Wifes Nose, and holding it in his hand, with a flouting Tone, here, said He, here's a Present for you to sand to your Wagtail in a Corner.  
The poor Surgeons Wife durst not so much as sigh for fear; however, quoth she to her self, this is very hard luck, for me to suffer what the shoemakers Wife deserves, while she is toying and dallying in the Arms of her Lover.  
Upon her return the Shooe-maker's Wife was very much surprised to find her faithful Helpmeet without a Nose: She begged her a thousand Pardons, unbound her, and tied herself in her Place, while the Surgeon's Mate return'd Home, carrying her Nose in her hand.  
Some Hours after, when she thought her Husband might hear her, with her hands lifted up to Heaven, Most powerful Deity, cried the shoemakers Wife, who know'st the Secrets of all Hearts, thou know'st that my Husband has abused me without a Cause, let him see that I am a Woman of Reputation, by removing from my face the deformity with which his Cruelty had defaced it, and restoring me my Nose as it was before. The shoemaker hearing those words, Vile Strumpet, cried He, what wicked Prayer art thou making? Knowest thou not that the Prayers of Harlots never reach the Throne of heaven? Prayers that would be Heard must issue from a clean Heart, and undefiled Lips. Inhuman Tyrant, cried his Wife, rise, and admire the pvissance of the Deity, and the Excess of his goodness, who understanding my Innocence of the Crime for which thou accusest me, is pleased to demonstrate my Chastity, by restoring me my Nose, to the end I may not be looked upon as a Woman of Dishonour in the World. The shoemaker, believing such a Miracle Impossible, Rises, lights a Candle, comes to his Wife, and finding upon her Face no Mark at all of the Cruel Fact which he thought he had committed, confessed the injury he had done her to suspect her, he begged her pardon, and by a thousand Caresses striven to make her forget his Cruelty.  
On the other side, the Surgeon's Mate, who was gone home to her Lodging, as you may well believe, in great affliction, crept softly into Bed to her Husband, who when he waked, asked her for his Case of Instruments, that he might go and dress such a Person. His Wife was a long time seeking what her Husband demanded, and when she saw him quiter out of Patience, she gave him a single razor which put the Surgeon into such a pelting Chafe, that he flung it at her Head, calling her a thousand Jades and Baggages. 'twas hardly Day, which favoured her design. Presently therefore the Woman flung her self upon the Ground, and filled the Air with loud Shrieks of Murder, Murder, which fetched all her Neighbours in an Instant about her; who seeing her all Bloody and without a Nose, began to cry out shane upon the Surgeon, who was in such an Amaze, that he knew not what to say, nor which way to look. He knew not whether it were best for him to deny or confess the Fact: However when Morning was come, they hurried the Surgeon away before the Magistrate. The Monk also went along with the Rabble, and heard the Case stated.  
After the Accusation, and Witnesses heard, well said the Judge to the Surgeon, what was the Reason, Sir, that you abused your Wife in such a horrid manner? To which when the Surgeon seized with Astonishment stood Mute, not knowing what to answer, the Judge without any farther Examination condemned him to Death.  
But then, hold, Sir, cried the Monk, suspend your judgement, and take a care what Sentence you pronoun: 'tis neither the Thief that stolen my Garments, nor the Rams that killed the Fox, nor the Harlot that poisoned her Lover, nor lastly the shoemaker that cut off the Surgeons Wife's Nose, but we yourselves who have drawn upon us all these Misfortunes. Then the Judge leaving the Surgeon, and addressing himself to the Monk, demanded the Interpretation of his Riddle.  
Then the Monk gave him a full account of all that he had seen; and going on, Sir, said He, had I not taken the rich Garment out of Ambition, the Thief had never robbed me; had not the Fox thrown himself between the Rams out of Greediness, he had not been killed; had not the Curtisan gone about to Poison the young Gentleman, she had not been poisoned herself; and had not the Surgeon's Wife favoured the Adultery of the shoemakers Wife, she had never lost her Nose. So that they who commit Evil, cannot hope for Good.  
I have made use of this Fable, said Kalila, to show you that you have brought these troubles upon your own Head. 'tis true, said Damna, that I am the cause of 'em, but I desire of you 〈◇〉 proscribe me the Remedy. I have  told you 〈◇〉 the Beginning, replied Kalila, that I would never meddle with your Affairs, and so now, neither do I intend to trouble myself with the Cute of your Disturbances. Mind your own Business yourself, and consider what course you have to take. Well then, replied Damna, I will use all my Endeavours to ruin the Ox; and certainly I have as much wit as the Sparrow that revenged himself upon the Sparrow-hawk; upon which Kalila desired him to recite the Fable, and Damna began as follows.   

The Fable of the Sparrow and the Sparrow-Hawk.  
TWO Sparrows had made their Nest under the Bough of a three, where they had also laid up some small Provision for their young ones; but a Sparrow-Hawk, who had built his Nest upon the top of a Mountain, at the foot of which this three grew, came and eat up the young Sparrows, which was a great Affliction to both their Parents. Nevertheless, after this, they bread up their young ones so well, and in so much safety, that they had both of 'em the pleasure to see 'em ready to Fly. The Father and the Mother by their continual Chirping, testified their Joy for such a Happiness; but all of a sudden they fell into a profound Melancholy, which was caused through extremity of Fear, lest the Sparrow-Hawk should devour their young ones as he had done before. The eldest of these young Sparrows desired to know of his Father the reason of his Affliction; which his Father having discovered to him, he made answer, that 'twas a folly for him to withstand his Destiny, but that it rather became him to seek out some way to remove so dangerous a Neighbour. All the Sparrows approved this Advice. The Mother flew to get Food for her young ones; and the Father flew another way in search of some Cure for his Sorrows. After he had flown about for some time, said he to himself, whither shall I fly, and to whom shall I discover my Troubles? At length he resolved to address himself to the first Creature he met, and to Consult him about his Business. This first Creature was a Salamander, whose extraordinary Shape at first affrighted him: However, the Sparrow would not alter his Resolution, but accosted and saluted him. The Salamander, who was very civil, gave him an obliging Reception, and looking upon him with a fixed Eye, Friend, said he, I discover much trouble in thy Countenance: If it proceed from weariness, sit down and rest thyself; if from any other Cause, let me know it, that I may provide thee a Remedy, if it lie in my power. With that the Sparrow  told him his Misfortunes in such moving Language, as raised Compassion in the Salamander. Well, said the Salamander, by way of Consolation, let not these Troubles any more perplex thee; I'll deliver thee from this wicked Neighbour this very Night; only show me his Nest, then go to roost with thy young ones; which the Sparrow did accordingly, and then return'd the Salamander Thanks for being so much concerned in his Misfortunes.  
No sooner was the Night come, but the Salamander and several others of his own Gang, went directly with every one a bit of lighted Sulphur in their Mouths to the Sparrow-Hawk's Nest, who not dreaming of any such thing was surprised by the Salamanders, who threw the Sulphur into his Nest, and burnt him with all his young ones.  
This Fable teaches ye, that whoever has a design to ruin his Enemy, may bring it about let him be never so weak. But Chotorbe is the King's chief Favourite, replied Kalila, and it will be a difficult thing to ruin him; for where prudent Princes have placed their Confidence they seldom withdraw it because of a bare Report. It may be represented to the Lion, replied Damna, that one of six things which cause the Ruin of Kingdoms, and which is indeed the Principal, is to neglect and contemn Men of Wit and Courage. What are the other five, replied Kalila, The second, continued Damna, is not to punish the seditious; the third is to be too much given to Women, to Play and divertisements; Fourthly the Accidents attending a Pestilence, a famine, or an Earth-quake. The fifth is being too rash and violent; and the sixth is, the preferring War before Peace. I find said Kalila, that you are resolved to be a Carver of your own Revenge; but consider that whoever meditates Mischief, brings it at last upon his own Head. On the other side, he that study's his Neighbours welfare, prospers in what he undertakes, as you may see by the ensuing Eable.   

The Fable of a King, who of a Tyrant, as he was, became benign and Just.  
THere was a Certain King who did nothing but tyramnize over his People; he ruined the Rich, misused the Poor; so that all his Subjects, Day and Night, implored of heaven to be delivered from him. One Day, that he return'd from Hunting, after he had summoned his People together, Good People, said He, till this present time, the reason of my Tyrannizing has been to all of you unknown. But I assure you that from hence forward you shall live in Peace and at Ease, and no body shall dare to oppress you. The People were extremely overjoyed at this good News, and forbore praying against the King.  
In a Word, this Prince made such an Alteration in his conduct, that he acquired the Title of Just, and every one began to bless the Felicity of his Reign. One Day, one of his Favourites presuming to ask him the reason of so sudden and so remarkable a Change, the King gave him this answer. As I road a Hunting t'other Day, I saw a Dog in pursuit of a Fox, and after he had overtaken him, he Bit off the lower part of his Leg: However ●he Fox as lame as he was, made a shift to es●●pe into a Hole. The Dog not able to get him out, left him there: But hardly had he ●one a hundred paces, when a Man threw a ●●eat ston at him and cracked his skull: at the ●●●e Instant the Man met a Horse that trod up●● his Foot, and lamed him for ever; soon after the Horse's Foot stuck so fast between two Stones, that he broken his Ankle-bone in striving to get it out. Then, said I to myself, Men are used as they use others. Whoever does that which he ought not to do, receives what he is not willing to receive.  
This Example shows you, that they who have a design to do mischief, are generally punished for their evil Intentions. If you attempt to ruin Chotorb●, you will repent of it: He is stronger then you, and has more Fr●●●●s. Wit is beyond Strength, replied Damna, as the following Fable will convince you.   

The Fable of a Raven, a Fox and a Serpent.  
A Raven had built his Nest in the Cleft of a Mountain, and every time she hatched, a Serpent came and devoured her Young ones. The Raven complaining to a Fox that was one of his Friends, said she to him, what would you advi●e me to do to be rid of this Serpent? What d'you think to do? answered the Fox. I am re●●lv'd, replied the Raven to go and perk out his Eyes when he is a sleep, that so he may no longer find the way to my Nest. The Fox disapproved this design, and  told the Raven, that it became a prudent Person to manage his Revenge in such a manner, that no Mischief might befall him in taking his Revenge: Never venture the Misfortune that befell the Crane, of which I am going to tell the Fable.   

The Fable of the Crane and the Cray-fish.  
A Crane had her Habitation by the side of a Lake, and lived upon such Fish as she could catch; but being become old and feeble, she could Fish no longer, which was a great affliction to her. I did ill said she to her self, in not making necessary Provision to support me in my old Age; and therfore I must now make use of shift, and cunning to get a livelihood: With that she placed herself by the Water-side, and began to sigh and weep. A Cray-fish perceiving her at a distance, accosted her and asked her why she wept? Alas, how can I otherwise choose but grieve, seeing my daily Nourishment like to be taken from me? For two Fisher-men lately passing this way; said the one to the other. Here is great store of Fish, what think you of clearing this Pond. To whom his Companion answered, no— there is more in such a Lake: Let us go thither first, and then come hither. If this be so, added the Crane I must soon prepare for Death.  
The Cray-fish hearing this, went to the Fish and  told 'em what she had heard: Upon which the poor Fish in great perplexity swam immediately to the Crane, and addressing themselves to her, we are now, said they, in so great a Consternation, that we are come to desire your Protection. Tho' you are our Enemy, yet Wisemen tell us, that they who make their Enemy their Sanctuary, may be assured of being well received: you know full well that we are your daily Food, and therefore consider and tell us what you think is the best course for us to take. To which the Crane; that which you acquaint me with, I heard myself from the Mouths of the Fisher-men; we have no power sufficient to withstand 'em; nor do I know any other way to secure you, but by removing you one after another into a little Pond here hardby, where there is very good Water, and where the Fisher-men can never catch you, by reason of the Extraordinary depth of it. The Fish approved this Counsel, and desired the Crane to carry 'em one by one into this Pond. Nor did she fail to Fish up three or four every Morning, but she carried 'em to the Top of a small Hill, where she eat 'em: And thus she Feasted her self for a while.  
One Day, the Cray-fish, having a desire to see this delicate Pond made known her curiosity to the Crane, who bethinking her self that the Cray-fish was her most mortal Enemy, resolved to Murder her as she had done the Rest: And with this design she flung the Cray-fish upon her Neck, and flew towards the Hill. But the Cray-fish spying at a distance the small Bones of her Companions, mistrusted the Cranes Intention, and laying hold of a fair Opportunity, got the Cranes Neck in her Claw, and grasped it so hard, that she strangled the Crane.  
This Example shows you that Crafty, tricking People are often drams to their own Cunning. The Raven returning Thanks to the Fox for his good Advice, Sir, said she, I shall not by any means neglect your wholesome Instructions; but what shall I do? You must, replied the Fox? Snatch up something that belongs to some body that sees what you do, to the end he may follow you. Which he may easily do, if you fly slowly; and when you are just over the Serpents Hole, let fall the thing that you hold in your Beak or Talons whatever it be, for then the Person that follows you, seeing the Serpent come forth, will knock him o'th Head. The Raven did as the Fox advised him, and by that means was delivered from the Serpent.  
What cannot be done by strength, said Damna, is to be performed by Policy. 'tis very true, replied Kalila; but the Ox has more Policy then you. He will by his Prudence frustrate all your Projects, and before you can pluck one Hair from his Tail, he will flay off your Skin. I know not whether you have heard of the Fable of the rabbit and the Fox: I will tell it you, that you may make your Advantage of it.   

The Fable of the rabbit, the Fox and the Wolf.  
A Hungry Wolf spied a rabbit feeding at the Foot of a three, and had an intention to seize him. The rabbit perceiving him, would fain have said his life by F●●ght, but the Wolf threw himself in his way, and stopped his Escape. So that the Rabber seeing himself in the power of the Wolf, submissive and prostrate at his Feet gave him all the good Words he could think of. I know, said He, that the King of all Creatures wants a supply to appease his Hunger, and that he is now ranging the Fields in search of Food; but I am but an ●nsignificant Morsel for his Royal stomach: Therefore let him be pleased to take my Information. About a Furlong from hence lives a Fox that is Far and Plump, and whose Flesh ●s as white as a Capons: Such a Prey wall do your Majesties Business. If you please I will go and give him a Visi●, and eng●ge him to come forth of his H●le: Then, if he prove to your l●king, you may devour him; if not, it will be my Glory that I had the Honour of being a small Breakfest for your Majesty  
Thus over-persuaded the Wolf gave the rabbit leave to seek out the Fox, and followed him at the Heels. The rabbit left the Wolf at the Entrance of the Hole and crept in himself, o'erjoyed that he had such an Opportunity to revenge himself of the Fox, from whom he had received an Affront which he had for along time dissembled. He made him a low congee, and gave him great Demonstrations of his Friendship. On the other side, the Fox was no less obliging in his Answers to the rabbits Civilities, and asked him what good wind had blown him thither. Only the great desire I had to see your Worship, replied the rabbit, and there is one of my Relations at the Door who is no less ambitious to kiss your hands, but he dares not enter without your permission. But then the Fox mistrusting there was something more then ordinary in all this glozing, well said He to himself, I must pay this pretended Friend of mine in his own Coin. However not seeming to take any notice of any thing, Sir, said he to the rabbit, your Friend shall be very welcome, he does me too much honour— but, added he, I must entreat you to let me put my Chamber in a little better order to receive him. The rabbit too much persnaded of the good Success of his Enterp●●●e puh, puh, said He, my Relation is one that never stands upon Ceremonies, and so went out to give the Wolf notice that the Fox was fallen into the snare. And now the Wolf thought he had the Fox fast already, and the rabbit believed himself quiter out of danger, as having done the Wolf such a piece of good Service But the Fox had at the Entrance of his Hole, a very deep Trench, which he had digged on purpose to guard him against all surprises of this nature. Presently therefore he took away the Planks, which he had laid for the Convenience of those that came to Visit him, covered the Trench with a little Earth and Straw, and set open a Back Door in case of necessity; and having thus prepared all things in a readiness, he desired the rabbit and his Friend to walk in. But then it was, that the Wolf no less Hungry then the rabbit was desirous to make his escape, fell both into the Trench. Upon which the Wolf imagining that the rabbit had a hand in the contrivance, in the heat of his fury, tore him to Pieces.  
By this you see, that Fineness and Policy signify nothing, where you meet Men of Wit and Prudence. 'tis very true, said Damna, but the Ox is now proud of his Preferment, neither has he the least Suspicion of my Hatred. A rabbit wiser then that you spoken of last, undertook the ruin of a Lion, and you shall see how he brought it about.   

The Fable of the Lion and the rabbit.  
IN the Parts adjoining to Raydet there was a very delightful Meadow, where several Wild Beasts had taken up their Habitations by reason of the Pleasantness of the Place. Among those Creatures there was a furious Lion, who disturbed the Peace of all the rest with his continual Murders. One Day, therefore, they met all together, went to wait upon the Lion, and laid before him that they were his Subjects, and by consequence, that it no way became him to make such dreadful slaughters of whole Families together. You seek after us, added they, and we avoy'd you; would you live and enjoy your quiet, by letting us alone, we would bring a whole Flasket of Tame and Wildfowl, and you should never be put to the toil of Hunting. The Lion accepted this Proposal, and the Beasts cast lots every Morning, and he upon whom the lot fell was appointed to hunt for the Lion.  
One Day the lot fell upon the rabbit. who seeing he could not avoy'd it, after he had summoned all the Beasts together, if you will stand by me, said He, I will certainly deliver you from this cruel Tyrant that Reigns over us. To which they all unanimously answered, that they would do their utmost: Upon this the rabbit stayed till the Hour of Dinner was past: By which time the Lions anger augmented with his Appetite; he lashed the Ground with his tail, and perceiving the rabbit, Whence come you, said He, and what are my Subjects a doing? May it please your Majesty, answered the rabbit, bowing to him with a profound Respect, your Subjects sent me hither to bring your Majesty your accustomed Provision; but I met a Lion by the way who took it from me. I  told him, it was for the King: To which He answered, that there was no other King in this Country but himself; and now I am come to inform your Majesty of this heinous piece of insolence. Then the Lion, opening his burning Eyes, cried out, who is this Audacious Usurper that dares to lay his Paw upon my Dinner? Canst thou show me where this hairbrain'd roister lives? Yes, Sir, replied the rabbit, if you'l but be pleased to follow me: And when they came to a Well that was full of clear Water, Sir, said the rabbit to the Lion, your Enemy lives in this Well, but I dare not show him you, and therefore look yourself and you'l see him as plain as the Nose i'your Face: Have a care however that you are not first assailed. With that the Lion went stalking to the Well, and seeing another Lion i'the Water, which he took for his Enemy that had devoured his Food, inflamed with Anger he flung himself into the Well to encounter his Mortal Foe and there was drowned himself.  
This Fable shows you, that a strong Man may be surprised by one that is much weaker, when he is not mistrusted. Well, well, said Kalila, if you can ruin the Ox without doing the Lion any harm, go on and prosper; if not, I advice you to give over your Enterprise: For it does not become a Subject for his own private Interest and repose to suffer any Mischief to befall his Prince.  
Here the Confabulation between Damna and Kalila ended, and Damna having taken leave of his Wife, absented himself at a great distance from the Lion's Court. Some time after he return'd, and affecting an Air of Sadness before his Majesty, Oh honest Damna said the King to Him, whence comst thou? Where hast thou been this long time? Is there any News abroad? Yes, Sir, answered Damna. Then the King starting for fear, what is it, said he to Damna? I beg your Majesty, replied Damna, that you will be pleased to grant me a private Audience. Affairs of Importance ought never to be delayed, replied the King; and so commanding the Room to be cleared, ordered Damna to go on and speak what he had to say. Then Damna, 'tis requisite, said He, that the Bearer of ill News should have the address to give it an alloy; and that he to whom it is reported should be able to judge, whether the Person that makes the Report be worthy to be Credited, or whether he speak for his own Interest. If he be worthy to be believed, he ought to be confided in, when his discourse may be advantageous to the Public. The Lion, interrutping him, thou knowst, said He, that I have experienced thy Fidelity, and therefore speak boldly, what thou hast to say. The Purity of my Intentions, continued Damna, have made me to assume this Boldness, and I am more then happy to be known to your Majesty. I question not thy Zeal, said the Lion; but prithe come to the News, which it so much concerns me to know.  
When Damna perceived the good success of his Flatteries, and that the King had a Confidence in him, he thus began his Discourse. Sir, said He, Chotorbe has daily conferences with the Grandees and Chieftains of your Army, and I partly know that he improves your faint-heartedness as much as lies in his Power to your Prejudice; which makes me believe he has some design upon your Person. 'tis to be admired, that he should so ungratefully abuse your Favours, and the particular Friendship with which you are pleased to Honour him. Damna, cried the Lion; take a care what thou sayst: If this be true, what course is to be taken? Sir, replied Damna, there are two sorts of People, the one Sage and Prudent; the other Rash and Inconsiderate. The one are always at a loss, when any accident befalls 'em; the other foresee things, and nothing moves 'em, whatever happens. We ought therefore to imitate their Prudence, and to secure ourselves from danger, so soon as we have the least Inkling of it. There are another sort of People who never truly foresee Danger, but who know how to take their proper courses when it presents itself: And these three Characters put me in mind of the Fable of the three Fish, which I would tell your Majesty, did I not fear it might offen'd your Patience. But the Lion commanded him to let him hear it out, and so Damna thus proceeded.   

The Fable of the two Fisher-men, and the three Fish.  
THere was a certain Pond, of which the Water was very clear, and emptied itself into a River. It was remote from the Highway, and there were in it three Fish, One of which was prudent, the second had but little Wit, and the third was a mere Fool. One Day, by chance two Fisher-men perceived this Pond, they made up to it, and they no sooner observed these three Fish which were Large and Fat, but they went and fetched their Nets. The Fish suspecting the Fisher-mens design, were in a perk of Troubles. The prudent Fish immediately resolved what Course totake. He threw himself out of the Pond, through the little Channel that opened into the River, and so made his Escape. The next Morning the two Fisher-men return'd, and stopped up all the Passages, to prevent the Fish from getting out. The half witted Fish, repented then that he had not followed his Companion; but at length he bethought himself of a Stratagem; he appeared upon the Surface of the Water with his Belly upward, and feigned to be Dead. The Fisher-men also having taken him, thought him really what he Counterfeited himself to be, so that they threw him again into the Water. The last, which was the foolish Fish, seeing himself pressed by the Fisher-men, sunk down to the Bottom of the Pond, and shifted up and down from Place to Place, but could not avoid falling into their hands.  
This Example shows your Majesty, that you ought to prevent Chotorbe, by making yourself Master of his Life, before he have yours at his Command. What you say is very agreeable to reason, said the King; but I cannot believe that Chotorbe upon whom I have heaped so many Favours, should be so perfidious as you represent him. 'tis true, replied Damna, that he never received any thing but Kindness from your Majesty; but what is bread i'the Bone will never out of the Flesh; neither can any thing come out of a Vessel but what is put into it. Of which the following Fable is a sufficient Proof.   

The Fable of the Scorpion and the Tortoise.  
ATortoise and a Scorpion had bound themselves in such a tie of Friendship, that the one could not live without the other. One Day, finding themselves obliged to change their Habitation, they travelled together, but meeting with a River, the Scorpion making a stop, said He to the Tortoise, how shall I get over the Water? Never trouble yourself my dear Friend for that, replied the Tortoise, I'll carry you upon my back secure from all manner of Danger. In short the Scorpion got upon the Back of the Tortoise, who took Water and began to Swim. But he was hardly got half way the River, when he heard a Terrible Rumbling upon his Back, which made him ask the Scorpion what he was doing? Doing! replied the Scorpion, why I am whetting my Sting, to try whether I can bore this Horny Curass of yours that covers your Flesh. Oh Ingrateful Wretch, then cried the Tortoise, wouldst thou, at a time when I am giving thee such a Demonstration of my Friendship, wouldst thou at such a time, Pierce with thy Venomous Sting the Defence that Nature has given me, and take away my life?  
Sir, said Damna, pursuing his Discourse, the Wicked are never to be favoured. You urge me too hard upon this Subject, said the Lion, were Chotorbe capable of so much perfidiousness, he would certainly have shown his malicious Intentions before this. Never trust to that, replied Damna, he carries on his Design with more prudence. He will not attack your Majesty's Person in Particular, he will first Cajole your whole Court, and delude 'em into his Interests. You say something now, said the Lion, Interrupting him, but how shall we find a fair pretence to be rid of him? Let me alone for that, replied Damna, a faithless Subject must be punished.  
These Amusements of the subtle Fox made such an Impression in the mind of the King, that he resolved to admit Chotorb no more into his presence, but to banish him altogether from his Court, after he had let him know the reason of his Fall. But Damna, fearing lest Chotorb should discover his villainy, Sir, said He, I have heard from Persons of Understanding, that a Prince ought never to inflict Public Punishment upon faults committed in Secret. Nor secretly to chastise public Crimes: Therefore, seeing Chotorb● is a secret transgressor, he must be privately punished. 'tis a great piece of Injustice, replied the Lion, to punish any one, before he be  told the reason of his Punishment. 'twill be be sufficient, answered Damna, that once for all you make him sensible of your Displeasure, and that you give him a could Reception: His Conscience will upbraid him with his perfidiousness at the same instant, and he will no longer doubt but that you are preparing for him his due Reward. You will perceive him also disturbed and Agitated in his Mind, which will be an evident Proof of the Truth of my suspicions. If it be so, replied the Lion, I shall be soon convinced of his Treason.  
Damna, seeing the King so well prepared to his Hearts desire, went to Chotorbe, and made him a low Bow. To whom, the Ox, after many Caresses, What's the Reason, said He, that you come to see me no oftener? Is it because you think me no longer one of your Friends? Tho' I have been absent for some time, replied Damna, Yet have I still preserved you in my Thoughts. But why, replied the Ox, did you retire from the Court? Because I love my Liberty, replied Damna; and when we are in the Kings Presence, we tremble for fear, as being always under restraint. You look cried the Ox, as if you were not satisfi●d with the King, and were afraid of some Misfortune. 'tis very true, answered Damna, but 'tis for your sake, and not for my own that I am in this perplexity. Poor Chotorbe terribly frighted at this answer, my Dear Friend said He to Damna, let me know the Danger that Threatens me. Why truly, replied Damna, a Friend of mine has in trusted me with a private discourse which past some Days ago, between the King and a great Person who has no Kindness for your Lordship. Said the King to this great Person, Chotorbe is now very Fat and of no use to us; now I must feast all the Lords of my Court; and therefore I think my cheapest way will be to Roast this Ox alive and whole for their Entertainment. I bring you this News to convince you that I am your Real Friend, and to assist you, as far as lies in my power, to avoy'd the Danger. Chotorbe, astonished at this Piece of four Intelligence: But by what Device, said He, shall I be able to escape this Intended Cruelty of the King? Alas, good Heaven is my Witness, I never gave him the least Occasion to use me so severely. Certainly I must have some private Enemy who has falsely accused me to his Majesty behind my Back, and incensed him without a Cause against me. He is like the Drake, who seeing the Resemblance of the Moon in the Water, thought it to be some extraordinary Fish, and deluded with that error dived several times to catch it; but mad to see that all his Efforts should prove Vain; he came out of the Water, swearing never to return to that Element again: And after that, tho' he were never so Hungry, he would never Dive more after any Fish, believing it to be only the light of the Moon. Backbiters and Flatterers have so prepossessed the Lion against me, that whatever I do hence forward to please him, he will still believe that I only dissemble. It may be, said Damna, the King may alter his Mind: On the other side, being absolute in his Power, he may, without being bound to give any reason, Condemn you to Death. 'tis true, replied Chotorbe, that Princes many times repay with Ingratitude the Services of their most faithful Subjects, as you may see by the Ensuing Fable.   

The Fable of the Falcon and the Hen.  
hussy, said a Falcon to a Hen, you are an ingrateful Slut. Why, what ingratitude have you observed in me, replied the Hen? Can there be a greater Piece of Ingratitude, replied the Falcon, then that which you commit in reference to Men? By Day, they seek out every where for Nourishment to Fat you, and in the Night time you have a place always ready to Roost in. They take care that your Chamber be close barred up that nothing may trouble your Repose: Nevertheless when they desire to catch you, you run away; which I never do; I, that am a Wild bide of Prey. Upon the meanest of their Caresses I grow Tame; suffer myself to be taken, and I never Eat but upon their Fists. All this is very true, replied the Hen: But I find you know not the Reason, of my Flight: And wherefore is it? Because you never saw a Falcon upon the Spit; but I have seen a thousand Hens dressed with all manner of Sauces.  
I have recited this Fable, to show you, that they who are so ambitious of a Court Life, know not the Inconveniences of it. I believe, said Damna, that the Lion seeks your Life for no other Reason, but because he is jealous of your virtues. 'tis a certain Truth, replied Chotorbe, that the Fruit Trees only are subject to have their Branches Broken; Nightingales are caged because they Sing more Pleasantly then other Birds; and we pluck the Peacocks Feathers from their tails, for no other reason but because they are Beautiful. And thus at this Day, the Wicked who are clothed with the outward shows of virtue, are much more honoured then Persons truly virtuous. However I am not afraid of whatever Contrivances the Malice of Wicked People can wove to my Prejudice. I will Imitate the Nightingale in the following Fable.   

The Fable of the Nightingale and the Country-man.  
A Certain Country-man had a Rose-bush in his Garden, which he made his whole Delight. He had so great a kindness for it, that every Morning he went to look upon it, and see his Roses ready to blow. One Day, as he was admiring, according to his Custom, the Beauty of his Flowers, he spied a Nightingale perched upon one of the Rofes, and plucking off the Leaves one after another. Which put him into so great a Passion, that the next Day he laid a Snare for the Nightingale, in revenge of the wrong which he pretended to have received from Her. In short he took the bide and put her in a Cage. The Nightingale very Melancholy to see her self in that Condition, with a Mournful Voice asked the Country-man the Reason of her Slavery. To whom the Country-man: Know, said He, that thou toarest my Heart, when thou toarest the lovely Leaves of my Roses. alas, replied the Nightingale, you use me very severely for having cropped a few Leaves from a Rose. But how must you expect to be used in the other World, for afflicting me in this manner! For in the other World all People are used after the same manner as they deal by their Neighbours. The Country-man moved with these words, gave the Nightingale her Liberty again; for which the Nightingale being no less willing to thank him; Friend, said She, since you have done me this favour, I will repay your Kindness in the same manner. Know then, that at the Foot of yonder three lies buried a Pot full of Gold, go and take it, and Heaven bless you with it. The Country-man digged about the three, and finding the Pot, I wonder, said He, to the Nightingale, that being able to see this Pot, which was buried under Ground, you could not discover the Net that was spread for your Captivity. Know you not, replied the Nightingale that we can never escape our Destiny?  
By this Example you see that we are wholly to resign ourselves up to our Fate. 'tis very true, replied Damna; however the Lion seeking your Destruction will incur divine Punishment; and being so desirous as he is to augment his Grandeur by your Fall, what befell the Hunter, will be his Destiny.   

The Fable of the Hunter, the Fox and the Leopard.  
A Certain Hunter, said Damna pursuing, his Discourse, espied in the middle of a Field a Fox that looked with so cunning an Aspect, and who had on a Skin so fair and lovely, that he had a great desire to take him alive. To this purpose he found out his Hole, and just before the Entrance into it he digged a very deep Trench, which he covered with slender Twigs and Straw, and having eased Nature upon it, he went and hide himself in a Corner out of sight. The Fox returning to his Hole, smelling the strong Scent of what the Hunter had left for his Breakfast, presently ran to see what dainty Morsel it was. When he came to the Trench, the Fox would fain have been tasting the delicate Morsel; but the fear of some Treachery would not permit him to fall too: So that he removed his Lodging and took up other Quarters. In a moment after came a hungry Leopard, who being tempted by the Savoury Odour of the reeking Electuary, made such hast to fall on, that he tumbled into the Trench. The Hunter hearing the Noise of the falling Leopard, threw himself into the Trench, without looking into it, because he never questioned but that it had been the Fox: But there he found the Leopard which tore him in Pieces and devoured him.  
This Fable teaches us that Prudence and Wisdom ought to regulate our Desires. Then Chotorbe, I did very ill, said He, to accept the Lions offer. 'tis not enough, replied Damna, interrupting him, to repent and bewail your past Actions, you must now make it your Business to moderate the Lions Passion. I am assured of his good will replied Chotorbe; but traitors and Flatters will do their utmost to change his Favour into Hatred; and am afraid they will bring about their designs in the same manner as the Wolf, the Fox and the Raven ruined the camel.   

The Fable of the Wolf, the Fox, the Raven and the camel.  
IN former times said Chotorbè, there was a Crafty Raven, a Subtle Fox, and a Bloody Wolf who put themselves into the Service of a Lion, that held his Court in a Wood upon the Highway. Near this place a Merchants camel quiter tired with long travail lay down to rest himself: And in a few Days after having recovered his strength, he entered into the Lions Wood with a design to Feed. But he was strangely astonished when he saw the Lion there: He offered him his Service; the Lion accepted it, and after he knew by what Accident he came into the Place, he asked him what he would do? Whatever your Majesty pleases, replied the camel. If thou wilt live with me, replied the Lion, thou shalt be secure. The camel was very glad of this, and remained with the Lion, doing nothing but feed without disturbance, so that he became Plump and Fat.  
One Day the Lion going a Hunting, met an Elephant with whom he encountered: But returning Wounded to the Wood, was starved to Death. While he lay upon his Death Bed, the Wolf and the Fox, who lived only upon what the Lion left after he had been a Field, fell into a deep Melancholy, which the Lion perceiving, I am more sorry, said He, for your sadness then my own Wounds: Go and see if you meet with any venison in the Purlieus adjoining: If you do, return and give me Notice and I will go and seize it for you. Upon that, away they went, left the Lion, and held a Council all three together. Said the Wolf, what good does this camel do us here? We have no Correspondence with him; nor does the Lion get any thing by him; then let us kill him, he will keep us alive for two or three Days, and by that time the King may be cured of his Wounds. But this advice did no way please the Fox, who affirmed that the camels life could not be justly taken away, since the Lion had given him his word that he should live unmolested in the Wood: That such an Action would render the King Odious to all Posterity, who would look upon him as a perfidious Person, who gave Protection to a stranger within his Dominions, only to put him to Death without a Cause, and gain by his Destruction.  
The Raven, who had a great deal of Wit and as much Malice, reconciled both these Opinions, saying that there might be a fair Pretence found to colour the Death of the camel. Stay here then till I return; and so saying, away he went to the Lion; and when he came into his Presence, Sir, said He, we are almost famished to Death, and for that reason so weak that we can hardly Crawl along: But we have found out a Remedy for all this; and if your Majesty will but give leave we shall have a Feast. What is you remedy? answered the Lion, hardly able to open his Jaws. To whom the Rav'n, Sir, said He, the camel lives like a hermit in your Kingdom, never comes near us, neither is he good for any thing but to satisfy our Hunger. And in regard your Majesty wants good and wholesome diet in your Condition, camels Flesh( for I am so much a Surgeon) may be very proper for you. The Lion, highly, incensed at this Proposal of the Raven, Oh! What a wicked and Treacherous Age is this! cried He. How will you prove it lawful to be faithless, and violate ascertained Promises? I know nothing of that, Sir, replied the Raven; but great Casuists hold it for a Maxim, That a single Person may be sacrificed to the welfare of a whole Nation, or the Preservation of the Kings Life. Besides, there may be some Expedient found out to disengage your Majesty from your Promise. Upon that, the Lion bowed down his Head to consider of it, and the Raven return'd to his Companions, to whom he related what discourse had past between the King and him. And now, said the Raven, let us go to the camel, and inform him of the unfortunate Accident that has befallen the King, and of his being like to Starve; And then, let us lay before him, that since we have spent the greatest Part of our Lives in Peace and Plenty under the King Reign, it is but just, we should surrender up our own, to prolong his Days.  
In pursuance of this Discourse, which will engage the camel to accompany us, we will go to the King and offer him our three carcases; striving at the same time which shall be most free of his Flesh to serve the King for his present Nourishment. The camel perhaps will then be willing to sacrifice himself; and then we'll take him at his Word; and our design will succeed. In short they Acted their Parts so well, that they carried the camel to the King, to whom the Raven being Spokesman, Sir, said He, seeing your Health is more precious to us then our lives, suffer me to offer you up mine to appease your Raging Hunger. What a goodly Collation you offer to his Majesty! cried the Fox. You that have only a little Skin and three or four dry Bones, are a precious Bit to satisfy the King, who I warrant you could feed at this time like a fiddler in a Farmer's Henroost; I have better Flesh and more substantial then yours. Then the Wolf, Sir, said He, your Majesty must have more Solid diet to refresh your Hungry stomach, and therefore I think myself a Banquet much more proper to regal your Highness. The camel, unwilling to appear less Affectionate then the Rest, when it came to his turn, all you three, said He, are not enough to satisfy the King's Hunger; but tho' he had not eaten a Mouthful these three Days, I alone am sufficient to restore him to his Health. Then said all the Rest, this camel speaks reason, his Flesh is Excellent, and dainty, worth your Majesties taste. How happy will he be, to leave to Posterity such an Example of Zeal and Generosity! And so saying they all fell up him, and tore him to pieces, before he could speak a Word for himself.  
This Fable shows that when several wicked Conspirators combine together in the Contrivance of any enterprise, they easily bring it to pass. For my part said Damna, were I in your Condition, I would defend my life, as I advice you to do: For he that dyes with his Sword in his hand, renders himself famous. 'tis not good to begin a War; but when we are attacked, 'tis Ignominious to Surrender ourselves Cowardly into the Enemies hand. But we ought to know our Strength, replied Chotorbe, before we Engage in Combat; for if we attack our Enemy imprudently it resembles the Angel Ruler of the Sea, concerning whom I will tell you the Fable.   

The Fable of the Angel Ruler of the Sea, and two Birds, called Titavi.  
TWo Birds, called Titavi, lived upon the Shore of the Indian Sea. When it was Hatching Season, said the Female to the Male, 'tis time for me to choose a proper place wherein to Hatch my young ones. To whom the Male, this is a very good Place, said He. No, replied the Female, for the Sea may swell, and the Waves may carry away my Eggs. That can never be, said the Male, nor dares the Angel Ruler of the Sea do me an Injury; for if he should, I would certainly call him to an Account. You must never boast, replied the Female, of a thing which you are not able to perform. What comparison is there between You and the Prince of the Sea? Remember the Misfortune that befell the Tortoise. What Misfortune? cried the Male.   

The Fable of the Tortoise and two Ducks.  
THere was a Tortoise, continued the Female, that lived in a Pond with some Ducks in full content. But at length there happened so dry a Year that there was no Water in the Pond. Thereupon the Ducks finding themselves constrained to remove, went to the Tortoise to take their Leaves of him. But the Tortoise upbraided 'em for leaving him in the time of his Calamity, and besought 'em to carry him a long with' em. To whom the Ducks, 'tis a great Trouble to us, said they, that we must leave you in this Condition, but we are constrained to it for our own Preservation: And as to what you propose to us, to take you with us, we have a long Journey to make, and you can never follow us, because we can fly: Nevertheless, if you will promise us, not to speak a word by the way, we will carry you. But we shall meet with People that will talk to us; and then you will be tattling, which will be the cause of your Destruction. No, answered the Tortoise, I will do what ever you would have me. Then the Ducks ordered the Tortoise to take a little Stick, and hold it in the middle between his Teeth; and then exhorting him to keep steady, two Ducks took the Stick by each end, and to raised him up. Now as they flew over a Village, the Inhabitants wondering at the Novelty of the sight, fell a Shouting with all their Might; 〈◇〉 made such a horrid Noise, that 〈…〉 grew Impatient to be twattling. And 〈…〉 not able to keep silence any longer, he was going to wish the People Eyes out for Gazing upon' em. But so soon as he opened his Mouth, he fell to the Ground and killed himself.  
This Example shows, that we ought not to despise the Exhortations of Friends. I have heard your Fable, said the Male, but know, that they who want Courage, are no way capable of great performances. Let us Hatch our young ones in this Place, and let us be assured, that the Angel Ruler of the Sea can do us no harm. The Female obeyed, and built her Nest by the Sea side: But within a Day or two after, the Ocean swelling, the Waves overturned the Nest, and the Prince of the Sea took the Eggs. Then the Female, addressing her self to the Male, I  told you, said she, that you were too Vainglorious to out-brave a Power, which it became you rather to revere Now let us see how you will revenge yourself for this Affront. I'll assure you, replied the Male, that I will make him restore your Eggs. And so saying, without any more delay, he flew to all the Birds, one after another,  told 'em the Story, and craved Aid to revenge himself upon the Prince of the Sea. All the Birds promised their succour to Titavi, and went with him also to the Griffon, and threatened to aclowledge him no longer for their King, if he did not Head' em. Thereupon, the Griffon flew before 'em, and they beset the Prince of the Sea's Palace, who seeing such an Infinite Number of Birds, in great terror and Affright, restored the Eggs.  
An Enemy said Damna, is at no time to be despised. I will not then begin the Combat, replied Chotorbè, interrupting him, but if the Lion attack me, I will defend myself. Well then, answered Damna, when you see him lash the Ground with his Tail, and move his Eyes, you may be sure he will immediately be upon your Skirts. I thank you for your Advice, replied Chotorbè, and when I observe the signs which you have so like a Friend informed me of, I shall prepare to receive him.  
Damna, overjoyed at the success of his enterprise, went to Kalila, who asked him how his Design went forward. I thank my Fates, cried Damna, I am just going to Triumph over my Enemies. After this Confabulation, the two Foxes went to Court, where soon after Chotorbè arrived.  
The Lion no sooner beholded him, but he thought him Guilty: And Chotorbe, casting his Eyes upon the Lion, made no Question but that his Majesty had resolved his Ruin. So that both the one and the other manifesting those signs which Damna had described to each, there began a most terrible Combat, wherein the Lion killed the Ox, but not without a great deal of Trouble and Hazard. Oh! What a a wicked Creature thou art! cried Kalila to Damna, for thou hast here endangered the Kings Life. Thy end will be Miserable, for contriving such pernicious Designs; and that which happened to a Cheat who was the Cully of his own Knaveries, will one Day befall thee.   

The Fable of two young Merchants, the one Crafty the other without Malice.  
TWo young Merchants left their Country, to travail upon the Account of Trade: The one was called Sharpwit, the other Simpleton. These two by Accident found a bag full of money. Said Sharpwit to his Companion, traveling in truth is very Profitable, but very Painful: And therefore Brother, let us be contented with this money, without Fatiguing ourselves any more to get Wealth: To which Simpleton consenting, they return'd both to their Lodging. However before they partend, Simpleton bethought himself of Dividing what they had found, to the end they might be both at their own Liberty. But, said Sharpwit, 'tis much better for us to put it into a safe Place, and every Day to take out something out of the Stock. Simpleton answered, that he very well approved of his Proposal. After this they hide the money, taking each of 'em a small Sum for their particular expenses. The next Day, Sharpwit went where the money lay, and having taken it away, return'd home. On the other side, when Simpleton had expended all that he had, he ran to Sharpwit's Lodging, and meeting with him, Come, said He, let's go together and take out such another Sum as we took out before. Content; answered Sharpwit, for I have spent all my Stock, and want money: So they went both together, but when they came to the Place where the money had been hide, the Birds were flown. Presently Sharpwit threw himself upon the Ground, tore his Hair, rent his clothes, and weeping to his Companion, Why hast thou dealt so unkindly with thy Friend, said He, for no body but thou could take away the money, since no body else knew where it was hide. 'twas in vain for Simpleton to swear he had not taken it away: The other still feigning to be assured of the Contrary. At length they went both before a Judge, before whom Sharpwit, after he had related the whole Story how they found the money, and how they agreed to hid it, accused Simpleton for having stolen it. The Judge called presently for Witnesses to prove the Robbery; to which Sharpwit, I have no other Witnesses, said He, but the three that grows next the Place; and I hope, God, who is so just, will suffer the dumb three to give Testimony of the truth. The Judge admiring to hear the Man talk at such a rate, resolved to see the Issue of the Business, and accepting the three for a Witness, promised the next Day to take a Walk to the three and Examine it: And so the two Merchants went home till next Day. In the mean time Sharpwit  told his Father the Story, assuring him withal that he had no hope but in him, when he took the three for his Evidence. If you will but act your part, added he, we shall have the Sum which I have taken, and as much more from the Party accused upon his Condemnation, which will serve us very well, the remainder of our Days. His Father asked him what he was to do. Why Sir, replied the Son, you must go into the three in the Evening, and lie there all Night; to the end that when the Judge comes betimes in the Morning, you may give Testimony according to the Custom. Oh Son, said the Father, leave off these little knacks of Knavery, for tho' thou mayst deceive Men, thou canst never deceive God; and I'm afraid thy Fortune will have the same Success with that of the Frog.   

The Fable of the Frog, the Cray-fish, and the Serpent.  
THere was a Frog which had her Habitation hard by a Serpent, that every time she brought forth young ones, eat 'em up; which put her almost beside her Wits. One Day going to pay a Visit to a Cray-fish that was one of her Gossips, she made her the confident of her Grievances. The Cray-fish put her in good Heart, assuring her that a way might be found out to rid her from such a pernicious Neighbour. You will highly oblige me, said the Frog, if you would be pleased but to teach me that Trick. Hark you then, Gossip, replied the Cray-fish, there is in such a Place one of my Comrades who is very Fat and Strong withal. Take you a sufficient Number of little Menows, and lay 'em all in a Row from the Cray-fishes Hole, to the Serpents Lodging; for the Cray-fish that I tell you of will certainly Snap 'em up all, one after another, till he comes where the Serpent lies; who will certainly come forth upon the noise, and then the Crayfish will devour him too. The Frog followed this advice, and accordingly tasted the sweet Pleasure of revenge. But two days after, the Cray-fish that had eaten the Serpent, thinking to find more, went where the Frog lay in, and eat up her and all her young ones.  
You see by this Fable, that deceivers are deceived. Father, said the Son, leave off this idle discourse: We have no time now for Moralizing. Thereupon the old Man, who was covetous enough, not able to dissuade his Son, submitted and went and hide himself in the three. The next Day, betimes in the Morning, the Judge made hast to the three, accompanied by a great Number of Persons of Wit and Penetration, and a great crowd of others that desired to be Witnesses of the Miracle. After some Ceremonies, the Judge asked the three, whether it were true that Simpleton had taken the money in dispute. Presently he heard a Voice that answered, Yes— He is Guilty of what he is accused. Which somewhat astonished the Judge at first: But afterwards surmizing that there might be some body in the three, he ordered all the Boughs round about the three to be heaped together and set a Fire. Upon which the Poor old Man, after he had endured the heat as long as he could, cried out, Mercy, Mercy; and being then lifted out of the three, confessed the Truth. By which piece of Discretion the Judge made manifest the Innocence of Simpleton, and Sharpwits wickedness, for which he was punished, while all the money was taken from the Accuser and given to the Party accused.  
I have recited this Example, to show you, that there is nothing like Acting with Uprightness and Sincerity. You are too blame, said Damna, to call Wit by the Name of Knavery, and the care of a Mans own Interests, by the Appellation of Artifice. For my part, I am apt to think, that I have shew'd nothing but Wit and judgement ●in my whole Conduct. Thou art a wicked Creature, cried Kalila, nor will I any longer listen to thee, nor live with thee, because thou teachest such wicked Maxims. They that frequent the Company of such as thou art, will come to the Gardner's end.   

The Fable of the gardener and the Bear.  
THere was in former times a gardener who loved his Gardning to that degree, that he absented himself from the Company of Men, to the end he might wholly give himself up to the care of his Flowers and Plants. He had neither Wife nor Children; and from Morning till Night he did nothing but work in his Garden, so that it lay like a Terrestrial Paradise. But at length the good Man grew weary of being alone, and took a Resolution to leave his Garden in search of good Company.  
As he was walking at the foot of a Mountain, he spied a Bear whose looks put him into great affright. This Bear was also weary of being alone, and came down from the Mountain, for no other reason, but to see whether he could meet with any one that would join Society with him. So soon therefore, as they saw each other, they began to have a Friendship one for another. The gardener first accosted the Bear, who made him a profound Reverence. After some compliments past between 'em, the gardener made the Bear a sign to follow him, and carrying him into his Garden, regal'd him with a world of very delicious Fruit which he had carefully preserved, so that at length they entered into a very strict Friendship together. In so much that when the gardener was a weary of Working, and lay down to take a little Nap, the Bear out of Affection, stayed all the while by him, and kept off the Flies from his Face. One Day that the gardener lay down to sleep at the foot of a three, and that the Bear stood by to drive away the Flies, it happened that one of those Infects lit upon the Gardner's Mouth, and still as the Bear drove it away from one side, it would light on the other; which put the Bear into such a Chafe, that he took up a great ston to kill it. 'tis true, he did kill the fly, but at the same time he broken out two or three of the Gardner's Teeth. From whence Men of judgement observe, that it is better to have a Prudent Enemy, then an Ignorant Friend.  
This Example shows, that your Society is no less dangerous then the Company of the Bear. For my part, said Damna, I am not so Ignorant, but that I am able to distinguish between what is Baneful, and what is Benefitial to my Friend. I know very well, replied Kalila, that your Transgressions are not the failings of Ignorance: For when you betray your Friends, 'tis not without long Premeditation; Witness the Contrivances you made use of to set the Lion and the Ox together by the Ears. But I cannot endure to hear you pretend to Innocence. You are like the Merchant that would make his Friend believe that Rats eat Iron.   

The Fable of the Merchant and his Friend.  
A Certain Merchant, said Kalila, pursuing her Discourse, had a great desire to make a long Journey. Now in regard he was not very wealthy, 'tis requisite, said He to himself, that before my departure I should leave some part of my Estate in the City, to the end that if I meet with ill luck in my Travels, I may have wherewithal to keep me at my Return. To this purpose he delivered a great Number of Bars of Iron in trust to one of his Friends, desiring him to keep 'em during his Absence; and then taking his Leave, away he went. Some time after he return'd home; and the first thing he did was to go to his Friend, and demand his Iron. But his Friend who owed several Sums of money, having sold the Iron to pay his Debts, made him this answer, Truly Friend, said He, I put your Iron into a Room that was close locked, imagining it would have been there as secure as my own Gold; but there was a Rat in the Room that eat it up. The Merchant, pretending Ignorance, 'tis very true, said He, Rats love Iron extremely. This answer pleased his Friend; who was glad to hear the Merchant so well inclined to believe that the Rats had eaten his Iron; and to remove all his suspicions, he desired him to Dine with him the next Day. In the mean time the Merchant met in the Middle of the City one of his Friend's Children, which he carried home, and locked up in a Room. The next Day he went to his Friend, who seemed to be in great Affliction, which he asked him the cause of; tho' he were not ignorant of it. Oh my dear Friend, answered the other, I beg you to excuse me, if you do not see me so cheerful as otherwise I would be: I have lost one of my Children; I have had him cried by sound of Trumpet, and I now not what is become of him. Oh, said the Merchant, Yesterday in the Evening, as I partend from hence, I saw an Owl in the Air with a Child in his Claws; but whether it were yours I cannot tell. Goodman Thickscul, cried his Friend, are you not ashamed to tell such an egregious lie? An Owl that weighs, at most, not above two or three Pound, can he carry a Boy that weighs above Fifty? Why, replied the Merchant, d'you make such a wonder at that? As if in a Country where one Rat can eat a hundred Pound weight of Iron, it were such a wonder for an Owl to carry a Child that weighs not above fifty Pound in all. The Friend then found that the Merchant was no such fool as he took him to be: He begged his Pardon for the Cheat which he designed to have put upon him, restored him his Iron, and had his Son again.  
This Fable proves, that if you could be so unjust as to deceive the Lion, to whom you were so much beholding, you will with much more Confidence put your Tricks upon those to whom you are less obliged. This is the reason why your Company is dangerous.  
While Damna and Kalila were thus Confabulating together, the Lion, whose passion was over, made great lamentations for Chotorb●, saying, that he began to be sensible of his Loss, because of his extraordinary Endowments. I know not, added He, whether I did ill or well, nor whether what was report-of him were true or false. Thus musing for a while in a studious Melancholy, at length he repented his having punished a Subject, who might for ought he knew be innocent. Damna observing that the Lion was seized with remorse of Conscience, left Kalila, and accost-the King with a most respectful Humility, Sir, said He, what makes your Majesty so Pensive? Consider, that here your Enemy lies at your Feet, and fix your Eyes upon such an Object with delight. When I think upon Chotorbe's virtues, said the Lion, I cannot but bemoan his Loss. He was my Support and my Comfort, and it was by his Prudent Counsel that my People lived in repose. It becomes not your Majesty, replied Damna, to bewail the Death of an unfaithful Subject. 'tis true, he was profitable to the Public; but in regard he had a design upon your Person, you have done no more then what the wisest of Men advice, which is to cut off a Member that would prove the Destruction of the whole Body. These Admonitions gave the Lion a little comfort. However Chotorbe's Innocence crying continually for Vengeance, was the reason that Damna's Artifices were discovered, and that he received the Punishment which he deserved. For in regard that all his Enterprises were Capital, his End was also Miserable. He that will reap Wheat, must never sow barley. He that only does good Actions, and thinks just Thoughts, will be happy in this World, and can or fail of being the same in the other.    

CHAP. II. That the Wicked come to an ill End.  
I Have with Attention heard, said Dabschelim, the History of a Sycophant, who by his Flatteries deceived his Prince, and was the cause that he wronged his Ministers: Tell me therefore now, how the Lion came to discover Damna's Infidelities, and what was the end of this Fox.  
Kings, answered the old Bramin, are by no means to give credit to the various reports that are whispered in their Ears, till they understand whether the Stories, which they hear, proceed from the lips of Friends or Enemies. Otherwise what happened at the Lions Court will befall them also: Now this is the Account which I shall give your Majesty of those things which you desire to know. Some time after the Lion had killed the Ox, he was very much troubled in his mind, as I have already said; for the Reflections that he continually made upon the good services which the Ox had done him, plung●d him into so deep a Melancholy, that he abandoned the care of his Dominions, and his Court became a Wilderness. He talked, without intermission, of Chotorbe's rare Endowments: And the good Character which others gave him was the only consolation with his grief would admit. One Night that he was wrapped up in Discourse with the Leopard concerning the Virtues of the Ox, Your Majesty, said the Leopard, too heavily afflicts yourself for a thing which it is impossible to remedy: And he that turmoils himself to seek what he cannot find, not only never finds what he seeks, but loses what he has; as the Fox lost a hid, to get a Hen which he longed for.  

The Fable of the Fox, the Wolf, and the H●n.  
A Certain Fox that was ranging about in search of Food, found a large Piece of a raw hid, which some wild Beast or other had let fall; he eat one part of it, and took the rest, with a design to carry it to his hole: But in his way near a Village he spied several Hens that were Plump and Fat, which a Boy had always in his Eye. These dainties set the Foxes Teeth a watering to that degree, that he left his raw hid, which he was sure of, to get one of these delicate Morsels. At the same Instant came a Wolf up to him, and asked him what he gazed after with so much earnestness. Those Hens that you see yonder, answered the Fox; I would fain have one of 'em for my second Course. You lose your time, replied the Wolf, they are guarded by so vigilant a Servant that 'tis impossible to get near 'em, without running a manifest Hazard. Content yourself with your piece of raw hid, for fear you meet with the same hard Fortune that befell the Ass, who looking after his Tail, lost his Ears.   

The Fable of the Ass and the gardener.  
AN Ass had lost his Tail, which was a grievous Affliction to him; and as he was every where seeking after it, he passed through a Meadow and a Garden. But the gardener seeing him, and believing he came to dig up his Garden, fell into a violent rage, ran to the Ass, and never standing upon the Ceremony of a Pillory, cut off both his Ears. Thus the Ass who bemoaned the loss of his Tail, was in a far greater Astonishment when he saw himself without Ears. Whoever he be, that takes not reason for his Guide, wanders about, and falls into Precipices.  
The Fox, still importuned by his Extraordinary longing after a Tite-bit, what come you hither for, said he to the Wolf, to trouble me with your Moral Fables? I will let you see, that he who has Courage, dares do any thing: And so saying, he advanced boldly toward the Hens, leaving his piece of raw hid; and the Wolf finding that his Admonitions would do no good, went about his business. In the mean time the Fox crept softly toward his feathered Prey; but the Boy perceiving his Thievish and Bloody intention, threw a thumping ston so luckily at him, that he hit him on the Foot. The poor Fox afraid least the Boy should reach his Pate next time, return'd with much more hast then he came, resolved to be contented with his piece of raw hid. But, alas! that was gone too; for a Raven had carried it away; and then the Fox could have torn his own Flesh for Madness  
You see, Sir, pursued the Leopard, that your Majesty ought never to despair, nor abandon the Government of your Dominions for the loss of one Subject. The Lion for a while stood mute, but then recovering his Speech, You say very true, said He, but I would revenge Chotorbe's Death, if I could find that he had been unjustly accused. Desponding, Sir, is not the way to attain your End, replied the Leopard: You must carefully examine, whether the complaints that were brought you of his Miscarriages were true or no. If he were Guilty he has been deservedly punished; if not the Accuser is to feel your severity. Then said the Lion to the Leopard, I appoint thee my Constable in his place; do thou all thou canst to find out the Truth.  
Now in regard it was late, the Leopard took his leave of the Lion: But in his way to his Lodging, passing by Kalila's and Damna's Apartiment, he thought he heard 'em discoursing together. Now in regard he suspected Damna to be no less wicked then indeed he was, his Curiosity lead him to go near and listen. Kalila upbraided her Husband with his Perfidiousness, his Dissimulation, and all the Artifices he had made use of to ruin Chotorbe. The Leopard, fully informed by her reproaches of Damna's Treasons, went to the Lion's Mother, to whom he related what he had heard. She presently hasting to her Son, you have good reason said she, to be afflicted for the loss of Chotorbe; for he died Innocent. What proof have you of his Innocence? demanded the Lion. Pardon me, answered the Mother, if I am not so hasty to reveal a Secret which may inflame your anger, and prejudice the Person that has entrusted me. But I beseech you, listen to this Fable.   

The Fable of the Prince and his Squire.  
THere was a Prince who was very Potent, Rich, and Just. One Day as he road a Hunting, said He to his Squire, I will run my Horse against thine, that we may see which is the Swiftest: I have a long time had a strange desire to make this trial. The Squire, in obedience to his Master, set Spurs to his Horse and road full speed, and the King followed him. But when they were got a great distance from the Grandees and Nobles that accompanied 'em, the King stoping his Horse, said He to his Squire, I had no other design in this, but to bring thee to a Place where we might be alone; for I have a secret to impart to thee, having found thee more faithful then any other of my Servants. I have a jealousy that the Prince my Brother is framing some contrivance against my Person, and for that reason, I have made choice of thee to prevent him, but be discreet. The Squire swore he would be as true to him as his Skin, and so they stayed till the Company overtook 'em, who were in great trouble for the King's Person. But the Squire, upon the first Opportunity he had to speak with the King's Brother, disclosed to him the design that was Brewing to take away his Life: Which obliged the young Prince to thank him for his Information, and to promise him great Rewards.  
Some few Days after the King died, and his Brother succeeded him: But then the first thing he did after he was advanced to the Throne, was to put the Squire to Death. The poor Wretch upbraided him with the Service he had done him: Is this the reward, said He, which you promised me? Yes, answered the new King, whoever reveals the Secrets of his Prince, deserves no less then Death: And since thou hast committed so foul a Crime thou deserv'st to die. Thou that betrayd'st a King who put his Confidence in thee, and who loved thee above all his Court, how is it possible for me to trust thee in my Service? 'twas in vain for the Squire to allege any Reasons in his own Justification, they would not be heard, nor could he escape the stroke of the Executioner, because he could not keep a Secret.  
You see by this Fable, Son, that Secrets are not to be disclosed. But my dear Mother, answered the King, he that entrusted you with this Secret, desires it should be made known; seeing he is the first that makes the Discovery: For if he could not keep it himself, how could he desire another to be so reserved? If what you would say be true, and that you desire I should have a full knowledge of it, I desire you to put me out of my pain. The Mother seeing her self so hardly prest; Then, said She, I inform you of a Criminal unworthy of Pardon: For tho' it be the saying of wise Men, that a King ought to be Merciful, yet there are certain Crimes that never ought to be forgiven 'tis Damna I mean, pursued the Matron Lioness, who by his false Insinuations wrought Chotorbe's Fall: And having so said, she retired, leaving the Lion in a deep Amusement. At length he summoned an Assembly of the whole Court, at which Damna taking Umbrage, comes to one of the King's Favourites, and asks him if he knew the Reason of calling such an Assembly? which the Lion's Mother over hearing, Yes, said she, 'tis to pronounce thy Death: for thy Artifices and juggling politics are discovered. Madam, answered Damna, they who render themselves worthy of Esteem and Honour at Court by their Virtues, never fail of Enemies. Oh! that Men, added he, would act no otherwise then God! For he gives to every one according to his Desert; but Men on the other side frequently punish those who are worthy of Reward, and as often cherish those that deserve their Indignation. How much was I too blame to quit my Solitude, merely to consecrate my life to the King's Service. Whoever, dissatisfied with what he has, prefers the service of Men, before his Duty to God, shall early or late repent in vain; as may be seen by the ensuing Fable.   

The Fable of a hermit who quitted the desert to live at Court.  
A Certain hermit, who had renounced the Pleasures of the World, lead a very austere life in a Wilderness. His Virtue in a small time made such a Noise in the World, that an infinite Number flocked every Day to visit him; some out of Curiosity, others to consult him upon several Matters. The King of the Country, who was very devout, and who loved Men of worth, no sooner understood that there was in his Kingdom a Person of so much Virtue, but he road to see him. He made him a Noble Present, and desired that he might hear some of his Profitable Exhortations. The hermit, to satisfy the King, Sir, said he, God has two Habitations, the one Perishable, which is the World; the other Eternal, which is Paradise. 'tis not for your Majesty therefore, as Generous as you are, to dote upon the Felicities of the Earth, you ought to aspire to those Eternal Treasures, the meanest part of which is of a Nobler Value then all the Principalities of the World: Try then, Sir, to attain the Possession of those Eternal Blessings. By what Assiduities may they be acquired? demanded the King. By relieving the Poor, answered the hermit, and succouring the Distressed. All Princes that desire to enjoy Eternal Repose, must labour to give Temporal tranquillity to their Subjects.  
The King was so taken with this Discourse, that he resolved to spend some Hours with this good hermit every Day. Among the rest, one Day that the King and the hermit were together in the Hermitage, they saw a confused Multitude of People thronging toward 'em, and rending the Air with the loud Crys of Justice, Justice. The hermit bid 'em draw near, examined 'em, and having understood their Differences, made a quick Accommodation between 'em, without any trouble. The King, upon this, admiring the hermits Prudence and Dispatch, desired him to be present sometimes in his Councils, which the hermit promised the King, believing he might be Beneficial to the Poor. In short, he was frequently in those Assemblies, and the King pronounced his Decrees according to his judgement; in so much that at length he became so necessary, that nothing was done in the Kingdom without his Advice.  
The hermit thus finding that Men made their Addresses to him, began to have a good Opinion of himself, and took upon him the Rank and Quality of Chief Minister. To which end he provided himself with a Rich Livery and a Numerous Train. He forgot his Austerities, his Penances, and his Prayers, and looking upon himself as one that could not be missed in the Government, he took great care of his own Person. He lay soft, and fed upon the most Exquisite Dainties. The King also, who was otherwise very well satisfied with the hermit, let him do as he pleased, and discharged upon his Shoulders the whole burden of the kingdoms Cares.  
One Day, another hermit, a Friend to him that lived at Court, coming to visit his Brother, with whom he had frequently spent whole Nights in Prayer, whole Days in Fasting and Penitence, was astonished to see him environed with a great Number of Servants. Nevertheless reserving his Patience, till Night had locked up all the Court in dark Retirement; when all was hushed, accosting the Courtier-Hermite, Oh, my dear Friend, said he, in what a Condition do I find you? What strange Alteration is this? The Court-Hermite would fain have excused himself, by saying that he was constrained to keep so great a Train. But his Brother, who was a Person of Wit and judgement, these Excuses said he, are the Dictates of Sensuality. I see that Wealth and Preferments have enchanted your Devotion. What daemon has put you out of conceit with our Praying Life? and why, forgetting the Duties of a retired Life, do you prefer noise before silence, and tumult before Ease? Think not, answered the Court-Hermite, that the Business of the Court is any hindrance to me from continuing my Pious Exercises. You deceive yourself, replied the hermit, to think that your Prayers can be heard while you serve the World, as they were when Holy and Heavenly Duties took up all your time. Take my advice, and break these Chains of Gold that bind you to the Court; and return to your desert, otherwise you will meet with the Cruel Destiny of the blind Man, who despised the Counsel of his Friend.   

The Fable of a Blind Man, who traveled with one of his Friends.  
THere were two Men that travelled together; one of which which was stark Blind. These two Companions being surprised by Night upon the Road entered into a Meadow, there to rest themselves till break of Day. So soon as Day appeared, they rose, got a Horseback, and continued their Journey. Now the blind Man instead of his Whip, had picked up a Serpent that was stiff with could: but having it in his hand he felt it somewhat softer then his Whip, which pleased him very much, because he thought he had gained by the Change, and therefore he never minded the loss of his real Whip. But when the Sun began to appear and illuminate the World, his Companion perceived the Serpent, and with loud Cries, Friend, said he, You have taken up a Serpent, instead of your Whip, throw it out of your hand, before you feel the Mortal Caresses of the Venomous Animal. But the blind Man, no less blind in his Intellects then his Body, believing that his Friend had only jested with him to get away his Whip, What! said he, d'you envy my good Luck? I lost my Whip that was worth nothing, and here my kind Fortune has sent me a new one. Pray don't take me for such a Changeling, but that I can distinguish a Serpent from a Whip. With that, his Friend not able to forbear Laughing, Companion, said he, I am obliged by the Laws of Friendship and Humanity to inform you of your Danger: And therefore if you love your Life, throw away the Serpent. To which, the blind Man, more exasperated then persuaded, why d'you press me thus to throw away a thing which you intend to pick up yourself? His Companion, to underceive him, swore he had no such design, and protested to him that what he held in his hand was a Serpent. But neither Oaths nor Protestations would serve, the blind Man would not alter his Resolution. In the mean time the Sun began to grow high, and his Beams having warmed the Serpent by degrees, he begun to wind himself about the blind Man's Arm, which he bit in such a Venomous manner, that he gave him his Deaths wound.  
This Example teaches us, that we ought to distrust our Senses and that it is a difficult task to Master 'em, when we are in possession of the thing that flatters our fancy.  
This judicious Admonition awaked the Court-Hermite from his pleasing Dream: He opened his Eyes, and surveyed the Hazards that he ran at Court; and bewailing the time which he had vainly spent in the service of the World, he past the Night in Sighs and Tears. But the Day being come, the new Honours that were done him, destroyed all his Repentance: He began to thrust himself into all manner of Business, and became unjust, like the People of the World. One Day he condemned to Death a Person who according to the Laws and Customs of the Country, ought not to have suffered Capital Punishment: After the Execution of the Sentence, his Conscience teaz'd him with Reproaches that troubled his Repose for some time, and at length the Heirs of the Person whom he had unjustly condemned, obtained leave of the King to inform against the hermit, whom they accused of Injustice and Oppression. And the Council, after mature debate upon the Informations, ordered that the Hermit should suffer the same punishment which he had inflicted upon the Person deceased. The hermit made use of all his Credit and his Riches to save his Life. But the Decree of the Council was Executed.  
I must confess, said Damna, that according to this Example, I ought to have been punished for having quitted my Solitude to serve the King.  
Damna here giving over speaking, his Eloquence was admired by all the Court. As for the Lion, he held down his Head, turmoiled with so many various Thoughts, that he knew not what to resolve, nor what answer to give Damna. But while the Lion was in this Dilemma, and that all the Courtiers kept silence, a certain Creature called Siagousch, who was one of the most faithful Servants the King had, stepped forward, and spoken to this Effect.  
All the Reproaches which thou throw'st upon those that serve the King, turn only to thy shane. For beside, that it does no way belong to thee to propound this Question, know, that an Hour of Service done the King, is worth a hundred Years of Prayers. How many Persons of Merit have we seen, that have quit their little Cells to go to Court, where serving Princes, they have eased the People, and secured 'em from Tyrannical Oppressions? The Fable which I am going to tell you, may serve for a full proof of what I say.   

The Fable of a religious Doctor and a Derwiche.  
THere lived in a City of Persia, an ancient religious Doctor, who had the Reputation throughout the Kingdom, of being a very learned and virtuous Man. He was called Rouchan Zamir, that is to say, Clear Conscience. One day a Derwiche pushed on by the Motions of an extraordinary Devotion, partend from Mauralnachos, which is the Name of a Province of Tartary, to visit this religious Doctor above mentioned, and to consult him upon some difficult Questions. After much pains and time he arrived at the Monastery, but the Doctor was not within, only his Companion was there, who observing that the Derwiche was weary and tired, desired him to rest himself; adding withall these words, This is the Hour that my Companion usually returns from Court, whither he goes every Day. But when the Derwiche heard that the religious Doctor, Clear Conscience, intermedl'd with State Affairs, Oh! cried he, how sorry I am to have come so far and lose my time, for there is nothing to be got from a Man that frequents the Court. After this Discourse, he departed from the Convent, conceiving an ill Opinion of the religious Doctor. Now the Captain of the Watch was searching about that Day for a notorious Robber, who had made his Escape the Night before; and the King had threatened to put him to Death if he did not find him again. The Captain meeting the Derwiche, seized him instead of the heinous Offender whom he sought for, and without examining him, carried him immediately to Execution. 'twas in vain for the Derwiche to swear himself an honest Man, his Tale would not be heard; and already the Hang-man had his Knife ready to chop off his Hand, when the religious Doctor returning from Court saw the Derwiche in the Hands of the Executioner. Presently the Doctor ordered him to be untied, affirming him to be one of his Brethren, and that it was impossible he should have committed the Crime for which he was accused. Immediately the Executioner came to kiss the Doctor's Hand, and unbound the Derwiche, who accompanied the Doctor to his Convent. By the way, said the Doctor to the Derwiche, be not surprised, that I spend the greatest part of my time at Court: I live not after this manner but only to deliver from Death the Innocent, such as you are. Then the Derwiche acknowledging that he had made a rash judgement,  told the Doctor, that from that time forward, he would never blame those that went to Court for the Glory of God.  
By this Example, added Siagousch, we see that the greatest observers of the Law are not always banished from the Court. And thou, said he to Damna, comest here to make ridiculous Comparisons. Tis very true, replied Damna, that sometimes most virtuous Men do live at Court; but 'tis after they have implored the succour of Heaven; because they know full well, that unless Heaven particularly protect 'em, they must of necessity ruin themselves. Besides they never come to Court, till they have absolutely laid aside all private Interest, which is the most dangerous Rock that they can split against. I must confess, that with a Mind so free from Interest, a Man may embrace all sorts of Conditions. But we that are not endowed with such a sublime virtue, how shall we exercise an Employment so dangerous, unless we serve just and penetrating Princes, who, being able to distinguish faithful from wicked Servants, reward and punish 'em according to the Rules of Justice.  
Then the Mother of the lion taking her turn, You speak against yourself, said she to Damna, since this Assembly sits not here but only to upbraid ye for your perfidy, and for destroying one of the King's most faithful Subjects. Madam, replied Damna, his Majesty is not ignorant, no more then this Assembly, that there never was any Quarrel or Dispute between the Ox and me. On the other side, all the World knows, that he was beholding to me for the Preferment and Dignities to which the King's Favour had advanced him. 'tis true, that I informed his Majesty of an Attempt that was forming against his Person; however, I said nothing but what I heard with my Ears and saw with my own Eyes. I acted without Passion or Interest: For what Advantage could I reap by Chotorbe's Death? The Favours which I have received from the King my Master, and the Duty I owe him, would they permit me to conceal from him such a piece of Treason? And as for those that now accuse me, they are only such as fear me; and they seek my Life, to the end I should not discover their Enterprises.  
These Words Damna pronounced with such a constancy and presence of Mind, that the lion, not knowing what to resolve, We must refer this Cause, said he, to a select number of Judges; because it is my Pleasure that this Cause be well examined. Most justly ordained, cried Damna, for that they who judge with Precipitation, judge amiss. Nothing is to be decided without having a perfect knowledge of the Cause, for fear of being deluded as the Woman was, whose Adventure I am going to tell your Lordships.   

The Fable of the Female Coquette and the Painter.  
A Merchant of the City of Cachemir had a very beautiful Wife, who loved and was beloved by a Painter who excelled in his Art. These two Lovers neglected no Opportunity to be in each others Company. One day, said the Mistress to her Gallant, I find that when you have a desire to speak to me, you are constrained to make a great many troublesone Signs, as counterfeiting your Voice, throwing Stones, Whistling, Spitting, and the like; but I would spare you all this pains. Cannot you think of some Invention that may serve us for a Signal. Yes, yes, replied the Painter, I will paint two Vails, the whiteness of one of which shall surpass the brightness of a Star that appears in the Water, and the blackness of the other shall outvie the Locks of a Moor. When you see me come forth with these Vails, you shall know what they signify. The Painter's apprentice, who was no less in love with the Woman, then his Master, being in the next Room heard this Agreement between the two Lovers, which pleased him extremely; because he resolved to make his advantage of it. In short, one Day that his Master was gone to draw some Lady's Picture in the City, he took the veil of Assignation, and walked before the House of the Merchant's Wife, who stood watching at the Window. She no sooner perceived him, but without considering either the Prentice's Countenance, or his Gate, she came down and admitted his Caresses as she was wont to do the Painter's. The apprentice, when he had satisfied his Passion, return'd home and put the veil where he had it. At the same time, the Painter being come back, had a provocation to see his Mistress, who very much wondered to see the veil again so soon, butran to meet her Joy, and imprudently asked him the reason of his so quick return. The Painter, then smelling a Rat, said not a word, but flung from her in a Passion, flew to his apprentice, and made him pay dear for the Pleasure he had tasted. And then reflecting upon the easy condescension of the Merchant's Wife to satisfy the Desires of his Man, broke off all familiarity with her. Now if the Woman had not yielded so readily to the ecstasies of the apprentice, she had not lost so passionate, tho' criminal a Lover.  
The Lyon's Mother observing that her Son gave ear to Damna with delight, was afrai d least the subtle Fox should by his Eloquence put a stop to the Course of Justice. Son, therefore, said she to the lion, my Mind gives me, that you believe Damna Innocent, and that you look upon as false Accusers all those that have testifyd against him. I never thought, continued she, that a King, who is looked upon to be the most Just of Princes, could suffer himself to be seduced by the fair Words and glozing Insinuations of a Capital Offender, who endeavours to escape the rigour of the Law: And so saying, she rose up in a great Passion, and retired to her own Apartment. The lion therefore, to pacify his Mother, or rather beginning to believe Damna Guilty, ordered him to be Committed.  
When the Room was clear, his Mother return'd, and addressing her self to her Son, I know not, said she, how a Person of so much Understanding came to suffer himself to be tempted to so great a Crime. 'twas Envy certainly, answered the King, which made him commit so foul a piece of Treachery. Envy, pursued he, is a 'vice that keeps the Mind in a perpetual Motion, and torments it with continual Disquiet. There are also some envious Persons who bear a Grudge, even to those that do 'em good. As you will find by the following Example.   

The Fable of three envious Persons that found Money.  
THree Men traveled together: Said the eldest to the rest, pray be pleased to tell me, why you leave your Houses to wander in Foreign Countries. I have quitted my native Soil, answered one, because I could not endure the sight of some Persons whom I hated worse then Death: And this proceeds from a jealous Humour, that cannot endure to see another happy. The same Distemper, said the third, torments my Breast, and sends me a rambling about the World. Then we are all three, replied the eldest, troubled with the same Disease. Now▪ these Men being of the same Humour, immediately closed in a Union together. One day as they travelled through a Valley, they spied a round Bag of Money, which some Traveller had dropped in the Road. Presently they alighted all three, and cried one to another, let us share this Money, and return home again where we may be merry and enjoy ourselves. But this they only said from the Teeth outward; for every one being unwilling that his Companion should have the least Benefit, they were every one at a stand, whether it were not best to go on without meddling with the Bag, to the end the rest might do the same: and they stopped a whole Day and Night in the same place to consider what they should do. Two days after the King of the Country riding a Hunting with all his Court, the Chase lead him into this Valley. He road up to the three Men, and asked 'em what they did with the Money that lay on the Ground; and being thus surprised, they could not avoid telling the Truth. Sir, said they, we are all three turmoiled with the same Passion, which is Envy. This Passion has forced us to quit our Country, and keeps us company wherever we go. You would do a very great act of Charity, if you could cure us of this Passion. Well, said the King, 'tis requisite, that every one of you should tell me to what degree his Passion prevails over him, to the end I may apply a Remedy if it lie in my Power. My Envy, said the one, has got such head, that I cannot endure to do good to any Man living. You are an honest Man in comparison of me, cried the second; for I am so far from doing good to another myself, that I mortally hate, that any body else should do another Man good. Said the third, you neither of you possess the quality of Envy in so eminent a degree as I do. For I cannot only endure to oblige, nor to see any other person obliged, but I hate that any body should do myself a Kindness. The King was so astonished to hear 'em talk at that rate, that he knew not what to answer. At length, after he had studied a long time, You deserve not, said he, that I should let you have the Money, and at the same time commanded the Bag to be taken from 'em, and condemned 'em to the Punishments which they had incurred. He that could not endure to do good, was sent into the desert, barefoot and without Provision. He that could not endure to see good done to another, had his Head chopped off; because he was unworthy to live, as being one that loved nothing but Mischief. And lastly, as for him that could not endure any good to be done to himself, his Life was spared; in regard his torment was only a torment to himself, and he was put into a quarter of the Kingdom, where the People were the best natured, and the most addicted to the performance of good Deeds and charitable Actions. Which became such torment to his Soul, that he died soon after.  
Thus, continued the lion, you see what Envy is. Therefore, said the Mother, so much the rather ought Damna to be put to Death, since he is attainted of so dangerous a 'vice. That is the thing I am not well assured of yet, replied the lion, which I am resolved to be, before he be condemned.  
After Damna was committed to Prison, his Wife Kalila, moved with Compassion, went to see him, and red him this Curtain Lecture. Did I not tell ye, said she, that it behoved ye to take a care of going on with the execution of your Enterprise? for People of judgement and Discretion never begin a Business till they have warily considered what will be the Issue of it. A three is never to be planted before we know what Fruit it will produce. While Kalila was thus Jobing Damna, there was in the Prison a Bear, of whom they were not ware, and who having overheard 'em, resolved to make use of what his Ears had furnished him withal, as occasion should direct him.  
The next Day, betimes in the Morning, the Council met again, where after every one had taken their Place, the Mother of the lion thus began. We ought no more to delay the Punishment of a capital Offender, then the Condemnation of the Innocent is to be carried on with Precipitation: And a King that forbears the Punishment of a Caitiff, sins no less then if he had been a Confederate with him. The lion finding that his Mother spoken nothing but Reason, commanded that Damna should be brought to his trial. Then the chief Justice rising from his Seat, desired his Assistants to give their Opinion in this Matter; saying withal, that it would produce three great Advantages. First, That Truth would be found out, and Justice done. Secondly, That wicked Men and Traytors would be punished according to the Will of God. And Thirdly, That the Kingdom would be cleared of Knaves and impostors, who, by their Artifices, troubled the Repose of it. But in regard that no body knew the depth of the Business, no body durst open their Mouths to speak; which gave Damna an occasion to defend himself with so much the more Confidence and audacity. Sir, said he, had I committed the Crime of of which I stand accused, I might draw some Advantage from the general Silence: But I find myself so Innocent, that I wait with indifferency the end of this Assembly. Nevertheless, I must needs say this by the way, That seeing no body has been pleased to deliver his Sentiments upon this Affair, 'tis a certain Sign that they believe me Innocent. Let me not be blam d for speaking in my own Justification: I am to be excused in that, since it is lawful for every Man to defend himself. Therefore, said he, pursuing his Discourse, I beseech all this Illustrious Company to say in the King's Presence, whatever they know concerning me; but let 'em have a care of affirming any thing but what is true, lest they find themselves involved in what befell the ignorant Physician.   

The Fable of the ignorant Physician.  
THere was a Man who was altogether voided of Knowledge and Experience, yet called himself a Physician. However he was so Ignorant, that he knew not the colic from the dropsy, nor could he distinguish Rhubarb from Bezoar. He never visited a Patient twice, for his first coming killed him. On the other side, there was in the same Province another Physician of that Learning and Ability, that he cured the most desperate Diseases by the virtue of many Simples, of which he had a perfect knowledge. Now this learned Man became blind, and not being able to visit his Patients, he retired into a desert, there to live at his Ease. The ignorant Physician no sooner understood that the only Man he looked upon with an envious Eye was retired out of the way, but he began to display his Ignorance, while he endeavoured to manifest his Knowledge. One Day the King of the Country's Daughter fell sick: Upon which the knowing Physician was sent for, because, that besides that he had already served the Court, People were convinced that he was much more able then he that went about to set himself up. The learned Physician being in the Princess's Chamber, and understanding the nature of her Disease, ordered her to take a certain Pill composed of such Ingredients as he prescribed. Presently they asked him where such and such Drugs were to be had. Formerly, answered the Physician, I have seen them in such and such Boxes in the King's treasury, but what Confusion there might have been since among those Boxes he knew not. Upon that the ignorant Physician pretended that he knew the Drugs very well, and that he also knew how to make use of' em. Go then, said the King, to my treasury, and take what is requisite. Away went the ignorant Physician, and fell a searching for the Box; but because many of the Boxes were alike, and for that he knew not the Drugs when he saw 'em, he rather choose, in the puzzle of his judgement, to take a Box at a venture, then to aclowledge his stupidity. But he never considered, that they who meddle with what they understand not, are generally constrained to an early or late Repentance. For in the Box which he had picked out, there was a most exquisite poison, of which he made his Pills, and which he caused the Princess to take, who died immediately after: So that the King commanded the ignorant Physician to be apprehended, and condemned him to Death.  
This Example, pursued Damna, teaches us, that no Man ought to say or do a thing which he understands not. However, a Man may perceive by your physiognomy, said one of the Assistants, interrupting him, that you are a fly Companion, one that can talk better then you can act, and therefore, that there is little heed to be given to what you say. Then the Judge asked him that spoken last, what Proof he could produce of the certainty of what he averred. Physiognomists, answered he, observe, that they who have their Eyebrows partend, the left Eye blear'd, and bigger then the right, the Nose turned toward the left side, and who counterfeiting your Hypocrites, cast their Eyes always toward the Ground, are generally Traytors and Sycophants: And therefore Damna having all these Marks, I thought I might safely give that Character of him which I have done, without any Injury to Truth. Your Art may fail you, replied Damna, for 'tis God who forms us as he pleases, and gives us such a Physiognomy as he thinks fitting. If what you say were true, and that every Man carried written in his Forehead what he had in his Heart, whereby the Wicked might certainly be distinguished from the Righteous, there would be no need of Judges and Witnesses to determine the Disputes and Differences that arise in civil Society. In like manner it would be unjust to put some to their Oaths, others to the Rack to discover the Truth, because it might be evidently seen. Moreover, if the Marks you have mentioned imposed a necessity upon those that bear 'em, would it not be palpable Injustice to punish the Wicked, since they are not free in their own Actions? We must then conclude, according to this maxim, that if I were the cause of Chotorb●'s Death, I am not to be punished for it, since I am not Master of my Actions, but was forced to it by the Marks which I bear. You see then by this way of arguing, that your Inferences are false. Damna having thus stopped the Assistant's Mouth, no body durst adventure to say any thing more; which forced the Judge to sand him back to Prison; and in the mean time the Court made their Report to the King of what had passed.  
Damna being still in Prison, was about to have sent a Messenger to Kalila to come to him; but a Fox that was in the Room by accident, spared him that labour, by informing him of Kalilah's Death, who died the Day before for Grief to see her Husband entangled in such an unfortunate Noose.  
The News of Kalilah's Death touched Damna so nearly to the Quick, that like one who cared not to live any longer, he seemed to be altogether comfortless. Upon which, the Fox endeavoured to cheer him up, by telling him, that if he had lost a dear and loving Wife, he had found in him a faithful Friend. Thereupon Damna knowing he had no Friend left that he could trust, and for that the Fox so frankly proffered him his Service, accepted his Kindness. I beseech you, said Damna, go to the Court, and give me a faithful account of what People say of me: 'tis the first proof of your Friendship which I desire of you.  
Most willingly, answered the Fox; and so taking his leave he went to the Court, to see what Observations he could make.  
The next Day, by break of day, the Lyon's Mother went to her Son, and asked him what he had done with Damna? He is still in Prison, answered the King. What a Racker is here, replied the Mother, to condemn a rascally Fellow! and by my Troth, I'm afraid, when all's done, he'll escape your simplo Heads by his Dexterity and Cunning. If you please to be present, answered the King, you shall see what will be resolved upon. Which said, he ordered Damna to be sent for, that the Business might be brought to a conclusion. The King's Orders were obeyed, and the Prisoner brought to the Bar, the Chief Justice put the same Question as the Day before, whether any body had any thing to say against Damna. But no body said a word, which Damna observing, I see, said he, that there is no body very forward to bear false Witness, for fear of exposing himself to the Punishment which the falconer incurred, for having given a false Testimony.   

The Fable of the virtuous Woman and the young falconer.  
A Very honest Citizen had a Wife no less modest then beautiful. Among the rest of his Servants he had a young Lad that was very vicious, but he could not find in his heart to put him away, because he was a good falconer. Now in regard it is the Custom of the Eastern People to keep their Women very private, this Lad for a long time had never seen his Mistress. But having viewed her one Day by accident, he became passionately in love with her. He courted her by the means of a Female Solicitrix; but both he and she lost all their labour, because he had to do with a virtuous Woman. At length, despairing to prosper in his Amours, he changed his Love into Hatred, and meditated a most bloody Revenge. To which effect, he went and bought two Parrots: One of which he taught to pronounce these Words, I saw my Mistress a bed with the falconer. And the other, For my part, I say nothing. In a little time after, the Citizen having invited certain of his Friends to a great Feast, when every body was seated at the Table, these Parrots began to repeat their Lesson. Now you must understand that the falconer had taught these Parrots to speak these words in his own Country Language. Which because the Master, Mistress, nor any of the Servants understood, no body minded what they said. But the Guests, who happened to be the Faulconer's Country-men, no sooner heard the Parrots, but they forbore Eating. The Citizen astonished, asked 'em the reason. Do ye not understand, answered the Guests, what these Birds say? No— replied the Citizen. Why, they say, said the Guest that spoken first, they say that your falconer has made you a cuckolded. The Citizen had been so surprised at these words, that he begged pardon of his Friends for having invited 'em to a place where so much uncleanness had been committed. The falconer also, the more to exasperate his Master against his Wife, confessed the Fact, and said 'twas true. Which put the Citizen into so great a Rage, that he ordered his Wife to be put to Death.  
But when they that were ordered to execute her Husband's Command came to her, she  told 'em, that she was ready to suffer the Punishment which he thought fit to inflict upon her; however, she could have wished he would have heard her first; for that if her Innocence should afterwards come to be known, his Repentance would be too late. This being reported to her Husband, he sent for her into a little Closet, whither he ordered her to come veiled, and bid her justify her self, if she could. For the Parrots, said he, are no rational Creatures, and therefore cannot be accused either of Imposture or Bribery: How then will you justify yourself?  
You are bound, answered the Woman, to be well assured of the truth before you condemn me. Ask those Gentlemen then, whether they observe any variety of Relation in the Parrot's Speech, or whether they only repeat the same thing over and over again. If they only repeat the same thing, be convinced that it is only a Device made use of by your Servant, to provoke your underserved anger against me, because he could not obtain those Favours from me which he desired.  
The Citizen judging by her prudent Advice that the Woman might not be guilty, went to his Guests, carried 'em the Parrots, and desired 'em diligently to observe for two or three Days, whether the Birds spoken any thing else besides what they had heard: Which the Guests accordingly did. In short they found that the Parrots were always in the same Lesson; of which they informed the Citizen, who then acknowledged the innocence of his Wife, and was sensible of the Malice of his Servant, whom he sent for. The falconer instantly appeared with his Hawk upon his Fist; to whom the Woman, Villain, said she, how didst thou dare to accuse me of so foul a Crime? Because you were guilty, answered the Servant. But he had no sooner uttered the Words, when the Hawk upon his Fist flew in his Face and tore out his Eyes. This was the Fruit of his insolence, and slanderous Malice.  
This Example, said Damna, pursuing his Discourse, instructs us, how heinous a thing it is to bear false Witness: For it always turns to our shane and Confusion. After Damna had done speaking, the Lion looking upon his Mother, asked her Opinion. I find, answered she, that you have a kindness for this wicked Varlet, who will cause nothing but Faction and Disorder in your Court, if you have not a great Care. I beseech you, replied the Lion, to tell me who has so strongly prepossessed you against Damna. 'tis but too true, replied the Queen Mother, that he has committed the Crime that is laid to his Charge, but I shall not discover the Person who entrusted me with this Secret. However I will go to him, and ask him whether he will be willing that I should bring him in for a Witness: And so saying, she went home immediately and sent for the Leopard.  
When he was come, go, said she at my request, and boldly declare what thou knowst concerning Damna. Madam answered the Leopard, you know that I am ready to sacrifice my Life to your Majesties Commands, dispose of me as you please. With that she carried the Leopard to the King, to whom, Sir, said she, here is an undeniable Witness which I have to produce against Damna. Then the Lion addressing himself to the Leopard, asked him what proofs he had of the Delinquents Treason. Sir, answered the Leopard, I was willing to conceal this Truth on purpose for sometime, to see what reasons he would bring to justify himself. Then the Leopard made a long recital of what had past between Kalila and her Husband. Which deposition being made in the hearing of several Beasts, was soon divulged far and near, and then confirmed by a second Testimony, which was the Bear, of whom I made mention before. After this the Delinquent was asked what he had to say for himself: But then he had not a Word more to say: Which at length determined the Lion to pronounce Sentence, that Damna, as a traitor, should be shut up between four Walls, and there starved to Death.  
These two Chapters are lessons to Deceivers and Sycophants, that they ought to reform their Manners: And I think I have sufficiently made it out, that Slanderers and Backbiters for the most part, come to an unfortunate End; besides, that they render themselves Odious to all human Society. He that plants Thorns, must never expect to gather Roses.    

CHAP. III. How we ought to make choice of Friends, and what advantage may be reaped from their Conversation.  
YOU have  told me, said the King, the Story of a Knave, who under the false appearances of Friendship, occasioned the Death of an innocent Person: Now I desire you to tell me what Benefit may be made of Friends in civil Life. Your Majesty, answered the Bramin, ought to know, that honest Men esteem and value nothing so much in this World, as a real Friend. Because he is as it were another self, to whom we impart our most secret Thoughts, who partakes of our Joy, and comforts us in our Affliction: Add to this that his Company is an extraordinary Pleasure to us. The Fable which I am going to relate, will give you a more clear Idea of the sweets of Reciprocal Friendship.  

The Fable of the Raven, the Rat, the Pigeon, the Tortoise, and the Goat.  
NEar adjoining to Caschmir, there was a most delightful Place, and in regard it was full of Wild-fowl, it was much frequented by Fowlers. A Raven espied at the foot of a three, on the top of which he had built his Nest, a certain Fowler with a Net in his hand. The poor Raven was afraid at first, imagining it was himself that the Fowler aimed at. But his fears ceased, when he observed the Motions of the Person, who after he had spread his Net upon the Ground, and scattered some Corn about it to 'allure the Birds, went and hide himself behind a Hedge, where he was no sooner laid down, but a flock of Pigeons, threw themselves upon the Corn, without hearkening to their Chieftain, who would fain have hindered 'em, telling 'em that they were not so rashly to abandon themselves to their Passions. This Prudent Leader, who was an old Pigeon, called Montivaga, perceiving 'em so indocible and obstinate, had a desire to separate from 'em: But Fate that imperiously controls us, constrained him to follow the Fortune of the Rest, so that he alighted upon the Ground with his Companions. Thus when they saw themselves under the Net, and just ready to fall into the Fowlers hands, Well! said Montivaga, what think you now, will you believe me another time? I see, continued he, perceiving how they fluttered to get loose, that every one of you minds his own safety, never regarding what becomes of his Companion. We ought to make it our Business to help one another; and it may be that so Charitable an Action may save us. Let us altogether strive to break the Net. With that, they all obeyed Montivaga, and so well bestirred themselves, that they tore the Net and carried it up into the Air. Upon which, the Fowler, vexed to lose so fair a Prey, followed the Pigeons, in hopes that the weight of the Net would tyre' em.  
In the mean time the Raven observing all this, said he to himself, this is a very pleasant Adventure, I'm resolved to see the Issue of it. Montivaga observing, that the Fowler was resolved to follow 'em, this wicked Man, said he to his Companion, will never give over pursuing us, till he has lost sight of us; and therefore let us bend our slight to some thick Wood, or some ruined Castle, to the end that being protected by some forest or thick Wall, despair may force him to retire. This Expedient had the desired Success: For having secured themselves among the Boughs of a thick forest, where the Fowler lost sight of 'em, he return'd home, full sorely afflicted for the loss of his Net, and his Game to boot.  
As for the Raven, he followed 'em still, rather out of Curiosity then otherwise, to know how they got out of the Net, to the end he might make use of the same Secret, upon the like Occasion.  
The Pigeons thus quit of the Fowler, were overjoyed; however they were still troubled with the entanglements of the Net which they could not get rid of: But Montivaga, who was fertile in Inventions found a way for that. We must address ourselves, said he, to some intimate Friend, who setting aside all Treacherous and By-ends, will go faithfully to Work. I know a Rat that lives not far from hence, a faithful Friend of mine whose name is Zirac; he will gnaw the Net, and set us at Liberty. The Pigeons, who desired nothing more, consented to it: And soon after they arrived at the Rat's hole, who came forth upon the fluttering of their Wings; and who wondering no less to see Montivaga so entangled in the Net, Oh! my dear Friend, said he, how came you into this Condition? To whom Montivaga, I desire you, said he, first of all to disengage my Companions. But Zirac, more troubled to see his Friend bound, needs would pay his Respects to him; at what time Montivaga, I Conjure you once more, said he, to set my Companions at Liberty before me: For besides that being their Chieftain, I ought to take care for them in the first place, I am afraid the pains thou wilt take to unbind me, will slacken thy good Offices to the Rest; whereas the Friendship thou hast for me, will excite the● to hasten their deliverance, that thou mayst be the sooner in a Condition to give me my ●reedom. The Rat admiring the solidity of these Arguments, applauded Montivaga's Generosity, and fell to unloosen the Strangers; which was soon done, and then he performed the same kind Office for his Friend.  
Montivaga thus at Liberty, together with his Companions, took his leave of Zirac, returning him a thousand Th●nks for his Kindness▪ And when they were gone, the Rat return'd to his hole.  
The Raven having observed all this, had a great desire to be acquainted with Zirac. To which end he went to Zirac's hole, and called him by his name. Zirac frighted to hear a strange Voice, asked who he was? To which the Raven answered, 'tis a Raven who has some Business of Importance to impart to thee. What Business, replied the Rat, can we have together? We are Enemies. Then the Raven  told him, he desired to list himself in the Number of a Rat's friends whom he knew to be so sincere a Friend. I beseech you, answered Zirac, find out some other Creature, whose Friendship agrees better with your Disposition. You lose your time in endeavouring to persuade me to such an incompatible Friendship. Never stand upon incompatibilities, said the Raven, but do a generous Action, by affording a Person the succour which he desires at your hands. You may talk to me, of Generosity till your Lungs ache, replied Zirac, I know your Tricks too well: In a word, we are of a Species so different, that we can never set our Horses together. The Example of the Partridge, that over hastily granted her Friendship to a Falcon, is a sufficient warninig to make me Wiser.   

The Fable of the Partridge and the falcon.  
A Partridge, said Zirac, pursuing his Discourse was promenading at the foot of a Hill, and jurring so delightfully, that a Falcon flying that way, and hearing her sweet Voice, desired her acquaintance. No body, said he to himself, can live without a Friend: It being the saying of wise Men, that they who want Friends, labour under perpetual Sickness. With that he would fain have accosted the Partridge; but she perceiving him, escaped into a hole, all over of a could Sweat for fear. The Falcon followed her, and presenting himself at the foot of the hole, My dear Partridge, said he, I never had any great kindness hitherto for you, because I did not know your Merit; but since my good Fortune now has made me better acquainted with it, be pleased to give me leave that I may offer you my Friendship, and that I may beg of you, to grant me yours. Tyrant, answered the Partridge, let me alone, and labour not in vain to reconcile Fire and Water. Most amiable Partridge, replied the Falcon, banish these idle Fears, and be convinced that I love you, and desire that we may enter into a Familiarity together. Had I any other design, I would not trouble myself to Court you with such soft Language out of your Hole. I have such good Pounces, that I would have seized a dozen of Partridges in the time that I have been courting your Affection: And I am sure you will be glad of my Friendship: First because no Falcon shall do you any harm, while you are under my Protection. Secondly, because that being in my Nest, you will be honoured by all the World; and lastly I will procure you a Male to keep you Company. Should all this be true, replied the Partridge, I ought not to accept your Proposal: For you being the Prince of Birds, and I a poor silly Partridge, whenever I shall do any thing that shall displease you, you will be sure to tear me to pieces. No, no, said the Falcon, set your heart at rest for that: The faults that Friends commit are easily pardoned. At length the Falcon testified such an extraordinary Friendship for the Partridge, that she could no longer refuse coming out of her Hole: And no sooner was she come forth, but the Falcon tenderly embraced her; he carried her to his Nest, where for two or three Days he made it his whole Business to divert her. The Partridge overjoyed to see her self so caressed, gave her Tongue more liberty then she had done before; which began to offend the Falcon, tho' he dissembled it. One Day he fell ill; which hindered him from going abroad in search of Prey; so that he grew hungry; and wanting Victuals he grew melancholy. His being out of humour allarmed the Partridge, who kept her self in a Corner with a very modest Countenance. But the Falcon no longer able to endure the importunities of his Stomach, resolved to pick a slight Quarrel with the Partridge. To which purpose, 'tis not fitting, said he, that you should lie lurking in the shade, while all the World is exposed to the heat of the Sun. The Partridge, trembling every joint of her, King of Birds, said she, 'tis now Night, and all the World is in the shade as well as I; nor do I know what Sun you mean. Insolent Baggage; replied the Falcon, then you'l make me either a Liar or a Mad-man: And so saying, he fell upon her and tore her to pieces.  
Do not you believe, pursued the Rat, that upon the faith of your Promises I will lie at your Mercy. Recollect yourself, answered the Raven, and consider that 'tis not worth my while to fool my stomach with such a diminutive Body as thine: But I know thy Friendship may be beneficial to me: Scruple not therefore to grant me this Favour. The Sages of old, replied the Rat, admonish us to take care of being deluded by the fair words of our Enemies, as was the Gentleman, whose Story I am going to recite.   

The Fable of the Man and the Adder.  
A Man mounted upon a Camel, past through a Thicket, and went to rest himself in that part of it, from whence a Caravan was but just departed, and where the People having left a Fire, some sparks of it being driven by the Wind, set a Bush, wherein lay an Adder, all in a flamme; which environed the Adder in such a manner, that he knew not how to escape. At the same Instant he perceived the Man already mentioned, and begged of him to save his Life. The Man being naturely compassionate, said he to himself, 'tis true these Creatures are Enemies to mankind; however good Actions are of great Value: and whoever sows the seed of good Works shall reap the Fruit of Blessings. After he had made this reflection, he took a Sack, and tying it to the end of his Lance, reached it over the flamme to the Adder, who flung himself into it: And then the Knight pulled back the Bag, and gave the Adder leave to come forth; telling him he might go about his Business, provided he never did any more harm to Men, since a Man had done him so great a piece of Service. But the Adder answered, think not that I intend to be gone so calmly: My design is first to throw my Venom upon thee and thy Camel. Be more just, replied the Knight, and tell me whether it be lawful to recompense good with evil. In so doing, said the Adder, I shall do no more, then what yourselves do every Day; that is to say, retaliate good Deeds with wicked Actions, and requited Benefits received with Ingratitude. You cannot prove that assertion, replied the Knight; and if you can show me any one that is of your Opinion, I'll consent to whatever you think fitting. Very good, answered the Adder, and at the same time spying a Cow, let us propound our Question, said he to this Cow, and we shall see what answer she will make. The Man consented, and so both of 'em accosting the Cow, the Adder put the Question to her, how a good turn was to be requited? By its contrary, replied the Cow, according to the Custom of Men; and this I know by experience. I belong, said she, to a Man, to whom I am several ways extremely Benefical: For I bring him a Calf every Year, I supply his House with Milk, Butter, and Cheese, and now I am grown Old, and no longer in a Condition to serve him as formerly I did, he has put me in this Pasture to Fat me, with a design to sell me to a Butcher, who is to cut my Throat: Is not this a requiting Good with Evil. Then the Adder taking upon him to speak, said he to the Man, what say you now, are not your own Customs a sufficient warrant for me to treat you, as I intend to do? The Knight, not a little astonished, made answer, one Witness is not enough to convince me, I must have two. With all my heart, replied the Adder; let us address ourselves to this three, that stands here before us. The three having heard the Subject of their Dispute, among Men, said he, Benefits are never requited but with ungrateful Actions. I protect Travellers from the heat of the Sun, nevertheless, forgetting the Deligh and Benefit of my shade, they cut down my Branches to make Sticks, and Handles for Hatchets, and more then horridly barbarous they saw my Body to make Planks and Rafters. Is not this a requiting Good with Evil? Then the Adder looking upon the Knight, asked if he were satisfied? But he was in such a Confusion, that he knew not what to answer. However, in hopes to free himself from the danger that threatened him, said he to the Adder, I desire but one favour more; let us be judged by the ●●xt Beast we meet; give me but that satisfaction, 'tis all I crave; for you know Life is sweet. While they were thus parlying together, a Fox passing by, was stopped by the Adder, who conjured him to put an end to their controversy. Upon which the Fox desiring to know the Subject of their Dispute; said the Knight, I have done this Adder a signal piece of Service, and he would fain persuade me that for my reward he ought to do me a Mischief. He speaks nothing but what is true, replied the Fox; but let me understand what service you have done him? Then the Knight up and  told him after what manner he had rescued him out of the flames, with that little Sack which he shew'd him. How! said the Fox, laughing out-right, will you make me believe, that so large an Adder could get into such a little Sack as this? 'tis impossible: But if the Adder will go into it again, to convince me of the Truth of what you say, I shall then be able to judge of his Affair. Most willingly, replied the Adder, and at the same time put himself into the Sack. Then said the Fox to the Knight, now you are the Master of your Enemy's Life. With that the Knight tied up the Mouth of the Sack, and with a great ston never left till he had pounded the Adder to Death, and by that means put an end to the fears of the one, and the Disputes of the other.  
This Fable, pursued the Rat, informs us, that there is no trusting to the fair words of an Enemy, for fear of falling into the like Misfortunes. You say very true, replied the Raven, but we ought as well to understand how to distinguish Friends from Enemies: And I swear I will not depart from hence, till thou hast granted me thy Friendship. Zirac perceiving that the Raven dealt frankly and cordially with him, 'tis an honour, said he, for me to wear the Title of thy Friend, and if I have so long withstood thy importunities 'twas only to try thee, and to show thee that I want neither Wit nor Policy: And so saying, he came forward, but stopped at the Entrance of his Hole. Why dost thou not come boldly forth? Demanded the Raven. Is it because thou art not yet assured of my Affection? That's not the Reason, answered the Rat, but I'm afraid of thy Companions upon the Trees. Set thy heart at rest for that; replied the Raven, they shall respect thee as their Friend: For 'tis a Custom among us, that when one of us enters into a League of Friendship with a Creature of another Species, we all Esteem and Love that Creature. The Rat, upon the faith of these Words, accosted the Raven, who carress'd him with extraordinary Demonstrations of Friendship, swearing to him an inviolable amity, and requesting him to go and live with him in the Habitation of a Tortoise, of whom he gave a very noble Character. I have so great an inclination for you, said the Rat, that from hence forward I will follow you as your Shadow. For to tell you the truth, this is not the proper place of my Residence, only I was compelled to take Sanctuary in this Hole, by reason of an Accident, of which I would give you the Relation, if I thought it might not be offensive to you. My dear Friend, replied the Raven, can you have any such fears? or rather are you not convinced that I share in all your concerns? But the Tortoise, added he, whose Friendship is a very considerable Acquisition, which you cannot fail of, will be no less glad to hear recital of your Adventures: And at the the same time he took the Rat in his Bill, and carried him to the Tortoises dwelling, to whom he related what he had seen Zirac do. She congratulated the Raven for having acquired so perfect a Friend, and caressed the Rat at a very high rate, who for his part was too much a Courtier not testify how sensible he was of all her Civilities. After many compliments on all sides they went all three to walk by the Banks of a purling Rivulet; and having made choice of a Place somewhat distant from the Highway, the Raven desired Zirac to relate his Adventures, which he did in the following manner.   

The Fable of Zirac 's Adventure.  
I Was born and lived in a City of India called Marout, where I made choice of a Place that seemed to be the Habitation of silence itself, that I might live without disturbance. I tasted the sweets of a quiet Life in Company of some Rats of my own humour. There was also in our Neighbourhood a Monk, who stayed in his Monastery while his Companion went a Begging. He eat a part of what the other brought home, and kept the remainder for his Supper. But he never found his Dish in the same Condition that he left it. For while he was in his Garden, I filled my Belly, and called my Companions, who were no less mindful of their duty to nature then myself. The Monk finding his Pittance diminish●d, flew out into a great rage, and looked in his Books for some receipt, or some engine to apprehended us; but all that nothing availed him, because I was still more cunning then he. One Day, one of his Friends who had been a long Journey, entered into his Cell to visit him; and after they had Dined, they fell into a Discourse concerning travail. At the same time also the Monk asked his Friend what he had seen, that was most Rare and Curious in all his Travels. To whom the Traveller began to recount what he had observed most worthy remark; but as he was studying to give him a Description of the most delightful Places through which he had past, the Monk interrupted him from time to time, with the Noise which he made by claping his hands one against the other, and stamping with his Foot against the Ground to fright us away: For indeed we made frequent Sallies upon his Provision, never regarding his incivilities. At length the Traveller taking it in Dudgeon, that the Monk gave so little ear to him,  told him in down-right terms, that he did ill to detain him there to make a fool of him. heaven forbid, replied the Monk altother surprised, that I should make a fool of a person of your Merit: I beg your Pardon for interrupting you, but there is in this Monastery a Nest of Rats that will eat me up to the very Ears before they have done; and there is one above the rest so bold, that he comes and bites me by the Nose as I lie asleep, and I know not how to catch the felonious Devil. The Traveller satisfied with the Monk's excuses, there is some Mystery in this, said he, and this accident brings to my mind a Story, which I will relate, provided you will harken to me with attention.   

The Fable of a Husband and his Wife.  
ONE Day the bad Weather constrained me to stop at a Town, where I went to lodge at one of my Friends, who received me very Civilly. After supper, he put me into a Chamber that was partend from his own, by a very thin Wainscote only, so that in despite of my Ears, I heard all his private conversation with his Wife. To morrow, said he, I intend to invite the Principal Burghers of the Town, to divertise my Friend who has done me the Honour to come and see me. You have not sufficient where withal to support your Family, answered his Wife, and yet you talk of being at great expenses. Rather think of sparing that little you have for the good of your Children, and let feasting alone. The Providence of God is very great, replied the Husband, and we ought not to take care for to morrow, lest what befell the Wolf befall us.   

The Fable of the Hunter and the Wolf.  
ONE Day a great Hunter returning from the chase of a dear, which he had killed, spied a wild Boar coming out of a Wood, and making directly towards him. Very good, cried the Hunter, this Beast will augment my Provision. With that he bent his Bow, and let fly his Arrow with so good an Aim, that he wounded the Boar to Death. The Beast feeling himself wounded, ran with so much fury at the Hunter, that he ript up his Belly with his Tusks in such a manner, that they both fell dead upon the Place.  
At the same time there past by a Wolf half famished, who seeing so much Victuals lying upon the Ground, was in an ecstasy of Joy. However, said he to himself, I must not be prodigal of all this good Food; but it behoves me to husband my good Fortune, to make my provision hold out the longer: Nevertheless, being very hungry, he was resolved to fill his Belly. He began therefore with the string of the Bow, which was made of a Gut: But he had no sooner snapped the string, but the Bow which was bent, gave him such a terrible thump upon the Breast, that he fell ston dead upon the other Bodies.  
This Fable, said the Husband pursuing his Discourse, instructs us that we ought not to be too greedily Covetous. If it be so, said his Wife, even invite whom you please to morrow.  
The next Day, as the Wife was getting Dinner ready, and making a sort of sauce with Honey, she saw a Rat fall into the Honey Pot, which turned her Stomach. Unwilling therefore to make use of the Honey, she carried it to the Market, and took Pitch in exchange? I was then by accident by her, and asked her why she made such a disadvantageous exchange. Because, said she in my ear, 'tis not worth so much as the Pitch. Then I presently conceived there was some Mystery in the thing. 'tis the same with this Rat: He would never be so bold, had he not some reason for it which we are ignorant of. For my part I amapt to believe there is Money hidden in his Hole.  
The Monk no sooner heard the Traveller talk of money, but he took a Hatchet, and so bestirred himself, that having cleft the Wall, he discovered my Treasure, to the value of a thousand Deniers in Gold, which I heaped together with great Labour and Toil. I  told 'em every Day: I took delight to handle 'em, and tumble upon 'em, placing all my happiness in that Exercise. Very good, said the Traveller, had I not reason to attribute the insolency of those Rats to some unknown cause?  
I leave you to judge in what a desperate Condition I was; when I saw my Habitation ransacked after that manner. Thereupon I resolved to change my Lodging; but all my Companions left me; so that I had a through experience of the Truth of the Proverb, No money, no Friend. Moreover, your Friends now a Days love us no longer, then our Friendship turns to their advantage. One Day, a wealthy and a witty Man was asked how many Friends he had? As for Friends a-l-a mode, said be, I have as many as I have Crowns: But as for real Friends I must stay till I come to be in want, and then I shall know.  
While I was pondering upon the accident that had befallen me, I saw a Rat pass along, who had been so much devoted to my service, that you would have thought he could not have lived a moment out of my Company. I called to him, and asked him, why he shunned me like the rest? thinkest thou, said he, that we are such Fools to serve thee for nothing? When thou were't Rich we were thy Servants: Now that thou art Poor, we will not be the Companions of thy Poverty. Thou oughtest not to despise the Poor, said I, because they are the beloved of God. 'tis very true, answer●d he, but not such Poor as thou art. For God loves those who have quitted the World, not those whom the World has forsaken. I could not tell what to answer to that cutting Expression. However I stayed with the Monk, to see how he would dispose of the money which he had taken from me: And I observed that he gave the one half to his Friend, and that each of 'em laid their shares under their Pillows. Now I had a mind to go and regain this money: To which purpose I stolen softly to his Bed-side; but his Friend, who unperceiv'd by me observed all my Actions, threw his Bed-staff at me with so good a Will, that he had almost broken my Foot, which obliged me to recover my Hole with all the speed I could, tho' not without some difficulty. about an Hour after, I crept out again, believing the Traveller asleep: But he was too diligent a Sentinel, afraid of losing his good Fortune. However I plucked up a good heart, went forward, and was already got to the Monk's Beds-head, when my rashness had like to have cost me my Life. For the Traveller gave me a second Blow upon the Head, that stun'd me in such a manner, that I could hardly find my Hole again. At the same time also the Traveller threw his Bed-staff at me a third time, but missing me, I recovered my sanctuary, where I was no sooner in safety, but I protested never more to pursue the Recovery of a thing, which had cost me so much pains and jeopardy. In pursuance of this Resolution, I left the Monastery, and retired to that place where you saw me with the Pigeon. The Tortoise was very well pleased with the recital of the Rats Adventures, and at the same time embracing him, you have done well, said she, to quit the World and the intrigues of it, since they afford us no perfect satisfaction. All those who are turmoiled with Avarice and Ambition, do but labour their own ruin, like the Cat, whose Adventure you will not be displeased to hear.   

The Fable of the ravenous Cat.  
A Certain Person bread up a Cat very frugally in his own House: But the Cat, who was very ravenous, not contented with her ordinary Food, hunted about in every Corner for more. One Day, passing by a Dovehouse, she saw some young Pigeons that were hardly fledged; and presently her Teeth watered for a taste of those delicate Viands. With this Resolution up she mounted into the Dovehouse, never minding whether the Master were there or no; and was preparing to satisfy her voluptuous Desires. But the Master no sooner saw the Epicure of a Cat entered, but he shut up the Doors, and stopped all the holes where she might get out again, and so bestirred himself, that he caught the felonious Puss, and hanged her up at the corner of the Pigeonhouse. Soon after the owner of the Cat passing that way, and seeing his Cat hanged, Unfortunate Greedy-gut, said he, hadst thou been contented with thy meaner Food, thou hadst not been now in this Condition! Thus insatiable Gluttons are the procurers of their own untimely Ends. Besides, the Felicities of this World are uncertain and of no continuance. Wise Men say, there is no trust nor reliance upon six Things, nor any thing of fidelity to be expected from' em.  
1. From a Cloud; for it disperses in an instant.  
2. From feigned Friendship; for it passes away like a Flash of Lightning.  
3. From a Woman's Love; for it changes upon every frivolous Fancy.  
4. From Beauty; for the least injury of Time, Misfortune, or a Disease destroys it.  
5. From false Prayers; for they are but smoke.  
6. From the Enjoyments of this World; for they vanish in a Moment.  
Men of judgement, continued the Rat, never labour after these vain things: There is nothing b●t the acquisition of a real Friend can tempt' em. Then the Raven, in his turn, There is nothing, said he, like a true and mutual Friend; which I shall endeavour to prove by the recital of the following Story.   

The Fable of the two Friends.  
A Certain Person heard one knocking at his Door at an unseasonable Hour. He asked who was there; and when he understood it was one of his best Friends, he rose and put on his clothes; and then ordering his Servant to light a Candle, he went and opened the Door. So soon as he saw him, Dear Friend, said he, I cannot imagine your coming so late to be for any other Reason, but either to borrow Money, to desire me to be your Second, or because you want Company to divert some sudden melancholy. I am provided to serve you in any of these three Requests, continued he: If you want Money my Purse is open; if you are to meet your Enemy, my Arm and Sword is at your Service; or if any amorous Desire brings ye abroad, here is my Maid, handsome enough to give you a civil Entertainment. In a word, what ever lies in my Power is at your Service. There is nothing I have less occasion for, answered his Friend, then what you proffer me. I only come to understand the condition of your Health, fearing the truth of an unlucky and disastrous Dream.  
While the Raven was reciting this Fable, they beholded at a distance a little wild Goat making towards 'em with an incredible swiftness.  
They thought she had been pursu●d by some Hunter; which made 'em separate: The Tortoise slipped into the Water; the Rat crept into his Hole; and the Raven hide himself among the Boughs of a very high three. In the mean time the Goat stopped all of a sudden by the side of a Fountain; when the Raven, who looked about every way, perceiving no body, called to the Tortoise, who peeped up above Water; and seeing the Goat afraid to drink, Drink boldly, said the Tortoise, for the Water is very clear: Which the Goat having done, Pray tell me, cried the Tortoise, what is the reason you seem to be in such a Fright. Reason enough, replied the Goat, for I have just made my Escape from the Hands of a Hunter who pursued we with an eager chase. Come, said the Tortoise, stay here, and be one of our Friends, you will find our Conversation very beneficial. Wise Men say, that the number of Friends lessons Trouble; and that if a Man had a thousand Friends, he ought to reckon them no more then one. On the other side, if a Man has but one Enemy, he ought to reckon that one for a thousand; so dangerous a thing an Enemy is. After this Discourse, the Raven and the Rat entered into Company with the Goat, and shew'd her a thousand Civilities, with which she was so taken, that she promised to stay there as long as she l●v●d.  
Thus these four Friends spent their time very pleasingly together. But one Day that the Tortoise, the Rat, and the Raven were met as they used to do, by the side of the Fountain, the Goat was missing, which very much troubled 'em, not knowing what accident might have befallen her. Presently the Raven mounted up into the Air, to see what discoveries he could make, and looking round about him, at length he perceived the poor Goat entangled in a Hunter's Net. These ill tidings extremely afflicted all the three Friends. We must find a way, said the Tortoise, to deliver the poor Goat out of Captivity. Then said the Raven to the Rat, there is none but you can set our good Friend at liberty: And the business must be quickly done, for fear the Huntsman lay his Clutches upon her. I will do my endeavour, replied the Rat; and therefore let's go immediately, least we lose time. Presently the Raven took up Zirac in his Bill, and carr'd him to the place; where being arrived, he fell without delay to gnawing the Meashes that held the Goat's Foot, and by that time the Tortoise arrived. So soon as the Goat perceived her, she sent forth a loud Cry, Oh! why have you ventured yourself to come hither? Alas, replied the Tortoise, I could no longer endure your absence. Dear Friend, said the Goat, your coming to this place, troubles me more then the loss of my Liberty. For if the Hunter should happen to come at this instant, what will you do to make your Escape? For my part I am almost unbound, and my swift Heels will preserve me from falling into his Hands. The Raven will find his Safety in his Wings, the Rat will run into any hole. Only you that are so slow of Foot will be come the Hunter's Prey.  
No sooner had the Goat spoken the words, but the Hunter appeared. But then the Goat being unloos'd, ran away; the Raven mounted into the Sky, the Rat slipped into a Hole, only the slow-paced Tortoise remained without help.  
When the Hunter arrived, he was not a little surprised to see his Net broken, which was no small vexation to him, and made him look narrowly about, to see if he could discover who had done him the Injury, at what time he spied the Tortoise. Oh! said he, 'tis very well, I shan't go home empty handed; here's a plump Tortoise, and that's worth something I'm sure. With that he took the Tortoise up, put it in his Sack, threw the Sack over his Shoulder, and so was trudging home.  
When he was gone, the three Friends met together, and miffing the Tortoise, they judged what was become of her. Then sending forth a thousand Sighs, they made most doleful lamentations, and  shed a torrent of Tears. But at length the Raven interrupting this sad Harmony, Dear Friends, said he, our Moans and Sorrows do the Tortoise no good, we must think of a way to save her Life. The Sages of the World instruct us, that there are four sorts of Men, who are never known but upon four sorts of Occasions. Men of Courage in Fight; Men of Honesty in Business; a Woman in her Husband's Misfortunes; and a true Friend in extreme Necessity. We find our dear Friend the Tortoise is in a sad Condition, and therefore we must succour her. And now I think on't, said the Rat, an Expedient is come into my Head. Let the Goat go and show her self in the Hunter's Eye, who will then be sure to lay down his Sack to run after her. Very well advised, replied the Goat, I will pretend to be lame, and run limping at a little distance before him, which will encourage him tofollow me, and so draw him a good way from his Sack, which will give the Rat time to set our Friend at liberty. This Stratagem was approved; The Goat ran halting before the Hunter, who seemed to be so feeble and faint, that the Hunter thought he had her safe in his Clutches: And so laying down his Sack ran after the Goat with all his might, who suffered him ever and anon to breath, and then lead him another Green-goose Chase, till she had dragged him quiter out of sight; which the Rat perceiving, came and gnawed the String that tied the Sack, and let out the Tortoise, who went and hide her self in a thick Bush.  
At length the Hunter tired with running in vain after his Prey, return'd to his Sack, but missing the Tortoise, he was in amaze; and thought himself in a Region of Hobgoblins and Spirits. He could not but stand and bless himself, that a Goat should free her self out of his Nets, and by and by run hoping before him, and make a Fool of him; and that a Tortoise, a poor feeble Creature, should break the String of a Sack, and make his Escape. All these Considerations struck him with such a panic Fear, that he fell a running home, as if a thousand Robin-goodfellows or Raw-head and Bloody-bones had been at his Heels. After which the four Friends met together, and made n●w Protestations of Friendship, and swore never to separate till Death partend' em.    

CHAP. IV. That we ought always to distrust our Enemies, and be perfectly informed of what ever passes among' em.  
WE are now come, said Dabschelim, to the fourth Chapter, which is to prove, That no Person of judgement and Discretion ought to expect or hope for Friendship from his Enemies. Teach me then which way to avoid their Treasons. We ought, replied the Bramin, always to distrust our Enemies; for when they make a show of Friendship, 'tis only to cover their evil Designs: and whoever confides in an Enemy, will be deceived like the Owl in the Fable which I am going to recite to your Majesty.  

The Fable of the Crow and the Owl.  
IN the Province of China there is a Mountain whose top aspires above the Clouds: on the top of this Mountain stood a three whose Boughs seemed to reach Heaven, and were all laden with Ravens Nests, who were all the Subjects of a King called Birouz. One Night the King of the Owls, who was called Chabahang, that is to say, Fly by Night, came at the head of his Army to plunder the Ravens Nests, against whom they had an ancient hatred. The next Day Birouz cal'ld a Council to deliberate what means they should make use of to defend themselves from the Assaults of the Owls. Five of the ablest Politicians of his Court understanding his Majesty's Intentions, gave their Advice one after another. Great Monarch, said the first, whose turn it was to speak, we can think of nothing but what your Majesty has already thought of before us. Nevertheless, since 'tis your Pleasure that we should speak in order what we judge most expedient to revenge ourselves upon the Owls, I shall tell you Sir, what Politicians have always held for a Maxim, That no Prince ought ever to attack an Enemy stronger then himself: To do otherwise, is to build upon the Current of a Torrent. Sir, said the second, Flight becomes none but mean and cowardly Souls: 'tis more noble to take Arms and revenge the Assront we have rereceiv'd. A Prince shall never be at rest, if he does not carry Terror into the Country and Soul of his Enemy. The third coming to give his Opinion; I do not blame, said he, the Counsel of my Brethren, nor do I approve it. My Advice is, That your Majesty sand Spies to discover the Strength and Condition of the Enemy; and upon their Reports, let us make War or Peace: This is the way to live in quiet. It is the Duty of a King to preserve Peace in his own Kingdom, as well for the repose of his own Mind as for the ease of his Subjects. War is never to be declared but against those that disturb the public tranquillity: And if the Enemy be too powerful, we must have recourse to Artifice and Stratagem, and make use of all Opportunities that present themselves to vanquish him by Cunning and Policy. Then the fourth laid before the King, That it was better for a Prince to quit his Country, then to expose a People to lose the Reputation of their Arms, who had always been victorious over their Enemies. That it would be a shane for the Ravens to submit themselves to the Owls, who had all along been under their Subjection. That it was requisite to penetrate their Designs, and resolve rather to Fight, then undergo an ignominious yoke; since loss of Life was less to be valued then loss of Reputation.  
The King, after he had heard these four Ministers, made a Signal to the fifth to speak in his turn. This Visir, or Minister, was called Carchenas, or I●te●●g●nt. The King therefore, who had a particular Confidence in him, desired him to tell him fincerely what he thought was best to be done in this Affair. Shall we declare War, or propound Peace, or abandon our Country? Sir, replied Carchenas, since you order me to speak with freedom, my Opinion is, That we ought not to attack the Owls, because they are more numerous then we are. We must make use of Prudence, a Virtue that has frequently a greater share in great successses then either Strength or Riches. But before your Majesty take your final Resolution, consult your Ministers once more; their Counsels may assist you to bring about your Designs with Success: Great Rivers are swelled by many Rivulets. For my part, I neither love War nor Trouble; yet I am not for base and dastardly submission. 'tis not for Men of Honour to desire long Life, but only that they may leave to Posterity Examples of Virtue worthy of admiration: Nor ought we to take care of our Lives, but to expose 'em upon occasion where Honour calls us: 'tis better never to have been, then to live obscurely. Therefore my Advice is, That your Majesty show not the least Fear in this Conjecture; but that you take your Resolutions in private, that your Enemies may not penetrate your Designs.  
Here one of the other Ministers interrupting Carchenas, How! said he, what d'ye mean by that? wherefore are Counsels held, but to debate among several? and wherefore would you have an Affair of this Consequence be debated in a private Cabal? Affairs of Princes, replied Carchenas, are not like those of Merchants, which are to be communicated to ●… he whole Society. The Secrets of Kings cannot be discovered but by their counsellors, or their ambassadors. Who knows but there may be Spies in this very place who hear us, with an intent to disclose our Resolutions to our Enemies, who upon their Repor will prevent our Enter prizes, or at least disort der our Determinations? Wise Men say, That if you will have a Secret, keep the Secret; otherwise you will run the hazard of being betrayed, as was the King of Quechemir. Whereupon Birouz, who was very curious, commanded Carchenas to tell him the Adventure.   

The Fbale of a King and his Mistress.  
IN the City of Quechemir, there reigned a King in former Days, no less just then powerful. This Prince had a Mistress so surpassingly beautiful, that all Persons that beholded her fell in love with her. The King himself doted on her to that degree, that he would never be out of her Company: But she was far from loving the King so dearly as she was beloved by him. The Assection of the King flattered her Vanity, but never touched her Heart; which being always made however to harbour some particular Amour or other, she susser'd her self to be prepossessed with a violent Passion for a page., who was handsome and duly proportioned even to admiration. She soon informed him by her Glances what Sentiments the had for him, and the egling Youth as soon instructed her that she could not apply her self to a young Spark that was more inclined to make his Advantage of so fair a Fortune. In short, there wanted nothing but an Opportunity to parley together in private, for the satisfaction of those Desires which ●nflam'd them.  
One Day that the King was sitting with his Mistress, and gazing on her with Delight, the page. who was standing in the same Chamber, cast his Eyes from time to time upon the charming Lady, while she on the other side fixed hers upon the page., with an air so passionate, that the King perceived it. He understood too well that silent Language, and was so enraged with jealousy and despite, that he resolved to put 'em both to Death. However dissembling his design, because he would not Act with too much precipitation, he re-enter'd his Apartment, where he spent the Night in amusement and disquiet. The next Morning, he heard the complaints of his Subjects, and after he had given satisfaction to his People, he entered into his Cabinet. Thither he sent for his chief Minister, and discovered to him his design to Poison his Mistress and the page.. The Visir, having heard his reasons, approved 'em, promised to keep the secrer, and went home; where finding his Daughter extremely pensive, he asked the Reason. Father, said she, the Kings Mignon has abused me without a cause; this troubles me: And I'll assure you if I do not revenge myself, 'tis not for want of good Will. Comfort yourself, replied the Minister, you shall be delivered from the Pain.  
Now as Women are very Curious, the Daughter pressed her Father to know after what manner she should be revenged of her Enemy; and he was so weak as to reveal to her the Kings design; 'tis true, she swore not to discover it to any living Soul: But an hour or two after, the Kings Mistress's Eunuch coming to visit the Minister's Daughter, with an intention to comfort her, and extenuate the affront she had received, and to that purpose telling her, that we ought to bear with our Neighbours faults, Ay, ay, said the Lady, interrupting him with a disdainful smile, let her alone, she has not long to play her proud Pranks. Upon which the Eunuch pressed her so earnestly to explain her meaning, that she could hold no longer, but  told him every word that her Father had said to her, after she had made him also swear, that he would inviolably keep the Secret. But the Eunuch had no sooner left her, but believing himself much more obliged to break then to keep his Oath, he went to the Kings Mistress, and revealed to her the violent Resolution which the King had taken. There needed no more to incense the Lady, to try all ways to prevent him. She sent away privately for the page., with whom she took such exact measures, that the King was found the next Morning dead in his Bed.  
You see by this Story, continued Carchenas, that Princes are not to discover their Secrets to any, but such of whose Discretion and Fidelity they have constant and assured Proofs. But what Secrets, said Birouz, are those which it most concerns us to conceal? Sir, answered Carchenas, there are some Secrets of such a Nature, that Princes are not to entrust any Body but themselves with 'em; that is to say, to keep 'em so concealed, that no body may be able to discover' em. Others there are that may be communicated to faithful Ministers, for their Advice and Counsel.  
Birouz finding that Carchenas spoken nothing but reason, shut himself up with him in his Cabinet, and before he discoursed any farther concerning the Business in Question, he desired him to tell him the fatal Original of the deadly hatred between the Ravens and the Owls. Sir, answered Carthenas, one word produced that cruel Animosity, the terrible Effects of which you have so oft experienced.   

The Fable of the Original of the hatred between the Ravens and the Owls.  
UPon a certain Day a flight of Birds assembled to choose themselves a King, and every different Species pretended to the Crown. At length, there were several that gave their Voices for the Owl, because Minerva the Goddess of Wisdom had made choice of the Owl for her peculiar bide. But others unwilling to obey so deformed a Creature, the Diet broken up, and they fell one upon another, with so much fury, that several were slain. The fight would have lasted longer, had not a certain bide, in order to part 'em, bethought himself of crying out to the Combatants, no more civil Wars, here's a Raven coming, let him be your Judge and Arbitrator: He s a Person of judgement, and whose Years have gained him great Experience. All the Birds unanimously consented, and when the Raven arrived, and had informed himself of the occasion of the Quarrel, he thus delivered himself. Are you such Fools and Mad-men, Gentlemen, said he, to choose for your King a bide, that draws after him nothing but misfortune? Will you set up a Fly in the room of a Griffin? Why d'you not rather make choice of a Falcon who has both Courage and Agility, or else a Pea-cock, who treads with a Majestic Gate? Why do you not rather raise an Eagle to the Throne, who is the Emblem of Royalty; or lastly a Griffin, who by the only motion and the noise of his Wings makes the Muntains tremble. But tho' there were no such Birds as these, which I have named in the World, it were better for you to live without a King, then subject yourselves to such a horrid Creature as an Owl; For besides that he has the Physiognomy of a Cat, he has no Wit● and which is insupportable, that notwithstanding he is so abominably ugly, he is as p●●●d as a Parson's Wife: And that which ●●g●●●o render him yet more despicable in your Ey●●●s this, that he hates the Light of that magnificent Body, that enlivens all Nature. Therefore Gentlemen, lay a side a design so prejudic●al to your Honour, and proceed to the Election of another King, and do nothing to repent of afterwards. choose a King that may comfort you in your Distresses; remember the rabbit, who calling himself the Moons ambassador, expelled the Elephants out of their Country.   

The Fable of the Elephants and the rabbits.  
THere happened a dry Year in the Elephants Country, called the Isles of Rad, or of the Wind, insomuch, that pressed by drought, and not being able to come at any Water, they addressed themselves to their King, beseeching him to apply some remedy to their Misery, that they might not perish; upon which the King commanded diligent search to be made in all Places, and at length discovered a Spring of Water, to which the Ancients had given the Name of Chaschmamah, the Fountain of the Moon. Upon this Discovery, the King came and encamped with his whole Army in the parts adjoining to this Fountain. But the coming of the Elephants ruined a great Number of rabbits that had a Warren in the same Place, because the Elephants every step they took trod down their Burroughs, and killed the poor Conies.  
One Day the rabbits assembled together, went to the King, and besought him to deliver 'em from that Oppression. I know very well, answered the King, that I sit upon the Throne for the welfare and ease of my subjects; but you ask me a thing that surpasses my strength. However consult among yourselves, and if you can find out an expedient, I will do what lies in my Power to bring it to perfection. Upon which one rabbit more cunning then the rest, perceiving the King at a loss, yet very much moved with the Affliction of his People, stepped before his Companions, and addressing himself to the King, Sir, said he, your Majesty Acts like a just Prince, while the care of our Tranquillity disturbs your rest; and while you afford us the freedom to give our Advice, it makes me bold to impart to your Majesty an invention lately come into my Head, to expel the Elephants out of this Country. Sir, continued the rabbit, permit me that I may go with the Character of your ambassador to the King of the Elephants; and I am willing, that your Majesty should appoint me a Companion of all that passes in my embassy.  
No, replied the King very obligingly, I will have no Spies upon thy Actions; for I believe thee faithful: go in the name of Heaven, and do what thou shalt deem most convenient, only remember that an ambassador is the Kings Tongue: His discourses ought to be well weighed, and his words and his Behaviour Noble and Lofty, while he represents the Person of his Prince. The most learned Men in the Kingdom ought to be made choice of for ambassadors. I have heard that one of the greatest Monarchs in the World, was wont frequently to disguise himself, and became his own ambassador. And indeed, for the discharge of that Employment these Qualities are required, Resolution, Eloquence, and a vast extent of natural Parts. A violent Spirit is not for that Employment. Several ambassadors with a rash word have created trouble in a Kingdom: And others with a mildred and agreeable Saying have re-united irreconcilable Enemies. Sir, said the rabbit, if I am not endowed with all these good Qualities your Majesty has enumerated, I will endeavour to learn' em.  
Having so said, he took his leave of the King, and went to the Elephants. But before he arrived there, he bethought himself, that if he went among 'em, he might be trod to Pieces. For which reason he got upon a high three, from whence he called to the King of the Elephants, who was not far off; I am, said he, the Moon's ambassador, hear what I have to say to you in her Name. You know that the Moon is a Goddess whose Power is unlimited, and that above all things she hates a lye.  
The King of the Elephants was terribly frighted, when he heard the rabbit talk at that rate, and desired to know the Subject of his embassy. The Moon, replied the rabbit has sent me hither, to let you understand, that whoever is puffed up with his own grandeur, and despises her little ones, deserves death; you are not only contented to oppress the little ones, but you have the insolence to trouble a Fountain consecrated to her Deity, where every thing is pure. I admonish you to reform your Manners, else you will be severely punished. If you will not give credit to my words, come and see the Moon in her own Fountain, and then retire.  
The King of the Elephants stood astonished at these Raptures, and went to the Fountain, wherein he saw the Moon indeed, because the Water was clear. Then said the rabbit to the Elephant, take of the Water to wash yourself, and pay your Adorations. The Elephant took some of the Water, but all-to-be pudled the Fountain with his Proboscis; at which the rabbit, Infidel, said he, you have profaned the Fountain with your unhallowed Ivory, and therefore the Goddess is gone away in a huff. Retire with speed from hence with your whole Army, lest some dreadful Misfortune befall you. This threatening Language put the King of the Elephants into a trembling Fit, and terrified him to that degree, that he presently commanded his Army to decamp: And thus the rabbits were delivered from their Enemies by the Policy of one of their Society.  
I had not recited this Example, continued the Raven, but to instruct you, that you ought to make choice of a Prudent and politic Prince, who may be able to assist you in your Adversities, and not of Owls that have neither courage nor Wit. They have nothing in 'em but Malice, which will be no less fatal to you, then the Cat was to the Partridge, who desired him to decide a difference which she had with another bide.   

The Fable of the Cat and the Partridge.  
SOme Years ago, continued the Raven, I made my Nest upon a three, at the foot of which there sate a Partridge, well shaped and good humoured. We made a league of Friendship together, and frequently kept one another Company. Some time after she absented her self, for what reason I know not, and stayed away so long, that I thought her dead; nevertheless she return'd, but found her Habitation in Possession of another bide. The Partridge pretended the House was hers, and would have made a forcible Entry, but the bide refused to go out, alleging that Possession was nine Points of the Law, and I endeavoured to bring 'em to an Accommodation, but all to no purpose; for the Partridges Atterney, finding she had Money, egged her on, and tickled her Ears with a Lease of Ejectment. However at length the Partridge finding the Law to be very expensive, quoth she to her self, here lives hard by a very devout Cat, she fasts every Day, she does no body harm, and spends the Nights in Prayor, let us, said she to her Adversary, refer our difference to her: I know not where we shall find a more equitable Judge. The other bide having consented to this Proposal, they went both to this Religious Cat, and I followed 'em out of Curiosity. entering in, I saw the Cat very attentive at a long Prayer, without turning either to the right or left, which put me in mind of the old Proverb. That leng Prayers before People is the Key of Hell. I admired that Hyprocrisie; and had the Patience to stay till the venerable parsonage had done. After which the Partridge and his Antagonist accosted him with great respect, and requested him to hear their difference, and give judgement according to the usual Rules of Justice. The Cat in his Furr-gown acting the Part of Grave and Formal, heard what the bide had to pled for itself, and then addressing himself to the Partridge, my Pretty love said he, I am Old and thick of hearing, pray come near and lift up your Voice, that I may not lose a word of what you have to say. Thereupon the Partridge and the other bide, seeing him so Devout, went boldly close up to him: But then the Hypocrite fell upon 'em, and devoured 'em both.  
Thus you see deceitful People are never to be trusted: And my consequence is, have you care of the Owl, who is no better then the Cat. The Birds convinced that the Raven spoken nothing but what was reason, never minded the Owl any more. Upon which the Owl went home, meditating how to be revenged upon the Raven, against whom he conceived such a mortal Hatred, that time could never extinguish.  
This Sir, proceeded Carchenas, is the true Reason of the perpetual Enmity between us and the Owls. Now said the King of the Ravens, let us consider what measures we must take to repair the affront I have received. To which Carchenas, after he had given the King his due Applauses, Sir, said he, I am not of the same Opinion with your other Ministers, who advice either W●●●, or Flight, or an ignominious Peace. W●●●●st follow the Maxim; when we want strength, we must into recourse to Artifice and Stratagem, and endeavour to deceive the Enemy, by feigning one thing and doing another; as you may see by the following Example.   

The Fable of the Derwiche and the four Robbers.  
A Derwiche had purchased a fat Weather, on purpose to offer it up in Sacrifice, and having tied a Cord about the Neck of it, was leading it to his Monastery. Four Thieves that perceived him had a great mind to this Weather; but they durst not take it away from the Derwiche by force, because they were too near the City; and therefore they made use of this Stratagem. They first partend Company, and then accosted the Derwiche, whom they knew to be a Jack Adams, as if they had come from several distinct Parts. said the first of 'em, Father, whither are you leading this Dog? The second coming from another Quarter, cried to him, Venerable old Gentleman, you have stolen this Dog: And at length the third coming to the Derwiche, and asking him, whether he would go a Hunting with his handsome Grey-hound? the poor Monk began to doubt whether the Weather which he had were a Weather or no. But the fourth Robber put him quiter beside himself, saying to him, Pray Reverend Father, what did this Dog cost you? The Derwiche absolutely persuaded, that four Men, coming from four several Places, could no be deceived, verily believed that the grazier who had sold him the Weather was a Conjurer who had bewitched his sight; insomuch that no longer giving Credit to his own Eyes, he began to be firmly convinced that the Weather was a Dog; and immediately went back to the Market to demand his Money of the grazier, leaving the Weather with the Felons, who carried it away.  
Sir, said Carchenas, your Majesty sees by this Example, that what cannot be done by force, must be achieved by Policy. But, said the King, interrupting him, what invention shall we make use of to revenge ourselves of the Owls? Rely upon me, replied Carchenas, to take care of your Majesties Revenge. Only order my Feathers to be pulled off, and leave me all over bloody under this three. 'twas no small grief to Birouz to give out such a cruel Order; however the thing was done, and the King marched with his Army, to wait for Carchenas in such a place as the Visir had appointed him.  
In the mean time Night came, and the Owls puffed up with the Victory which they had obtained the Night before, return'd to complete the Destruction of the Ravens. But they were amazed when they missed the Enemy, which they intended to have surprised. They sought for him every where, at what time they heard a Voice of grievous Lamentation; which was the Voice of Carchenas who was howling at the foot of a three. The King of the Owls approached him, and examined him concerning his Birth and Employment he had in Birouz s Court? Alas, replied Carchenas, the condition wherein you see me sufficiently shows you my inability to give you the Account which you demand. What Crime did you commit, replied Chabahang, to deserve this hard Usage? The wicked Ravens replied Carchenas, upon a slight suspicion have used me thus. After the defeat of our Army, King Birouz called a Council, to seek out ways to be revenged of so Bloody an Affront. After he had heard the various Opinions of some of his Ministers, he commanded me to speak mine: At what time I laid before him, that you were not only superior in Number, but better disciplined, and more Valiant then we were; and by consequence that it was necessary for us to desire Peace, and to accept of whatever Conditions you would grant us. This so incensed the King against me, that in a violent Passion, traitor, cried he, this is the way to infuse into my Army a fear of the Enemy, by exalting their Strength, and lessening mine: And with that, believing that I was meditating to seek my Peace with your Majesty, he commanded that I should be used as you see.  
After Carchenas had done speaking, the King of Owls asked his chief Minister what was to be done with Carchenas. The only way, Sir, answered the Minister, is to put him out of his pain and knock him o'the Head; never to trust his fair words; for I don't believe a word he says. Remember the old Proverb Sir, The more Dead, the fewer Enemies. To this Carchenas in a lamentable tone, I beseech you Sir, said he, add not to my Affliction by your threating Language.  
The King of the Owls, who could not choose but compassionate Carchenas, bid the second Minister speak; who was not of the first Visir's opinion. Sir, said he, I would not advice your Majesty to put this Person to Death. Kings ought to assist the Weak, and succour those that throw themselves into their Protection. Besides, continued he, sometimes there may be great Advantage made of an Enemies service, according to the Story of the Merchant which I shall relate to your Majesty.   

The Fable of the Merchant, his Wife, and the Robber.  
A Certain Merchant, very Rich, but homely, and very deformed in his Person, had married a very fair and virtuous Wife. He loved her passionately: On th● other side she hated him; insomuch that not being able to endure him, she lay in a Bed apart by her self in the same Chamber.  
One Night, a Thief broken into the House, and came into the Chamber when the Husband was asleep; but the Wise being awake, and perceiving the Thief, was in such a terrible Fright, that she ran to her Husband, and held him fast in her Arms. The Husband waking, was transported with joy, to see the delight of his Life clasping him in her embraces. Bless me! cried he, to whom am I beholding for this extraordinary Happiness: I wish I knew the Person, that I might return him Thanks. Hardly had he uttered the words when the Thief appeared, Oh, cried the Merchant, the most welcome Person in the World: Take what ever thou thinkest fitting, I cannot reward thee sufficiently for the good service thou hast done me.  
By this Example you see that our Enemies may sometimes be serviceable to us, in obtaining those things which we have sought in vain to enjoy by the help of our Friends. So that in regard this Raven may prove beneficial to us, we ought to preserve his Life.  
Then the King asked a third Minister, who delivering his Opinion, Sir, said he, You ought to be so far from putting this Raven to Death, that you ought to caress him, and engage him by your favours to do some important service. Wise Men always endeavour to oblige some of their Enemies, in order to set up a Faction against the rest, and then make advantage of their Divisions. The Quarrel which the Derwiche had with the Thief was the reason that neither the one nor the other could hurt a very virtuous Derwiche; according to the ensuing Fable.   

The Fable of the Derwiche, the Thief, and the Devil.  
IN the Parts adjoining to Babylon, there was in former times a Derwiche, who lived like a true Servant of God. He subsisted only upon such Alms as he received, and as for other things he gave himself up wholly to Providence, without troubling himself with the intrigues of this World.  
One day, one of his Friends sent him a fat Ox; which a Thief seeing as it was lead to his lodging, resolved to have it what ever it cost him. Going to the Convent, he met the Devil in the shape of a Man. He asked him who he was, and whither he was going. To whom the Devil made answer, I am the Devil, who have taken human shape upon me, and I am going to this Monastery, to kill the Derwiche that lives there; because his example does me a world of Mischief, by making several wicked People turn honest and good Men: And therefore I intend to Murder him, because my Temptations have hitherto proved useless. I, answered the Thief, am a notorious Robber, and I am going to the same Monastery to steal a fat Ox that was given to the Derwiche that you design to kill. I am glad, quoth the Devil, that we are both of the same Humour, and that we both of us design to do the Monk a Mischief.  
In the midst of this Discourse they came both to the Convent: Night was already well advanced; the Derwiche had said his usual Prayers, and was gone to Bed. And now the Thief and the Devil were both preparing to put their design in Execution, when the Thief said to himself, the Devil in going to kill him, will make the Monk cry out, and raise the Neighbourhood: Which will hinder me from stealing the Ox. The Devil on the other side reasoned with himself after this manner. If the Thief goes to steal the Ox, before I have executed my design, the noise he will make in breaking open the Door will waken the Derwiche to stand upon his Guard. Therefore said the Devil to the Thief, let me first kill the Derwiche, and then thou mayst steal the Ox at thy own leisure; no, said the Thief, the better way will be for you to stay till I have stolen the Ox, and then do you Murder the Monk. But both refusing to give way the one to the other, they quarreled first, and from words they fell to down-right fisty Cuffs. At which sport the Devil proving the stronger of the two, the Thief called out to the Derwiche, rise Monk, Rise, here's the Devil come to Murder you. On the other side the Devil perceiving himself discovered, cried out, Thieves, Thieves, look to your Ox, Monk. Presently, the Monk waking at the noise, called in the Neighbours, which constrained the Thief and the Devil to betake themselves to their Heels: And thus the Derwiche saved both his Life and his Ox.  
The chief Minister having heard this Fable, falling into a very great Passion, said he to the King, I find you will suffer yourself to be deceived by this Raven, as the joiner was deceived by his Wife. Tell me that Story, said Cabahang.   

The Fable of the joiner and his Wife.  
SIR, replied the Minister, in the City of Sarandib, there lived a joiner, who was very skilful in his Art, and the Husband of a Wife so beautiful that the Sun seemed to borrow his Brightness from her eyes. She was so passionately beloved by her Husband, that he was almost out of his Wits, when he was constrained to be absent from her. This Woman was so crafty, that she had found a way to make her Husband believe that she loved him as dearly, tho' she had several Gallants that were not unacceptable to her. Among the rest there was a Neighbour of hers, a young Man well shaped, who had won her affection to that degree, that she began to care for none of the rest. Upon which they became so jealous of him, that they gave the joiner notice of his familiarity with his Wife. But the honest Husband was unwilling to believe any thing, unless he were well assured; and therefore that he might be certain of a Truth which he was afraid to know, he pretended that he was to go a small Journey: And taking some provisions with him, he  told his Wife, that 'twas true he should not go very far, but his business would keep him out two or three Days; which was a great trouble to him to want her Company so long. His wise paid him in the same Coin, bemoaning the tediousness of his Absence, and shedding an April shower of Tears 〈◇〉 for joy then grief. How ever she got 〈…〉 ready for her Husband's departure, who, the better to dissemble the matter, bid her be sure to keep the Doors fast, for fear of Thieves. She, on the other side, promised to be very careful of every thing, and still put her Finger in her Eye for grief that he was to leave her. But her Husbands back was no sooner turned, but she gave notice to her Gallant to come to her, who kept his time to a Minuite. But while they were dallying together, the joiner return'd home, entered without being seen; and clapped himself into a Corner, to see how things went.  
In the mean time the Gallant caressed his Mistress, who admitted his caresses with delight. They supped together; then made themselves unready to go to Bed.  
The joiner who till then had seen little or nothing that could convince him of his shane stolen softly toward the Bed to take 'em in the Act: But his Wife having observed him, whispered her Lover in the Ear, that he should ask her which she loved best, him or her Husband. Presently her Gallant, with a loud Voice, Don't you love me, my Dear, cried he, much better then your Husband? Why do you ask me such a Question, answered the Wife? Know you not that Women, when they seem to show any Friendship to any other Man but their Husbands, 'tis only to satisfy their pleasure; and when they are satisfied, they never think of their pretended lover more. For my part I Idolize my Husband, I wear him always in my heart; and in my Opinion that Woman is unworthy to live, that loves not her Husband better then her self.  
These words were some kind of Cordial to the Joyner's spirits; who began to blame himself for the bad Opinion he had of his Wife: saying to himself, the fault which she now commits must be imputed to my absence and the frailty of her Sex: The chastest person in the World sins either in dead or intention; and therefore since she loves me so well, I pardon her offence, nor will I deprive her of a moment of her Pleasure: And after he had made these reflections, the courteous Spouse, retired to his Corner, and let the two Lovers wanton together, all the rest of the Night.  
The Lover departing betimes in the Morning, the Wife lay a Bed counterfeiting her self asleep: But then the Husband going to Bed, in his turn fell a caressing her; and the Wife opening her Eyes, and dissembling Astonishment, Laud! my dear Heart, said she to her Husband, how long have you been return'd? Ever since last Night replied the joiner, but I was unwilling to disturb the young Man that lay with you, because you had me in your mind all the while you received his caresses, which you would never have admitted but that you thought me absent. Upon these kind words, the Wife begged the Husbands Pardon, and coax'd him up with a thousand Flim-flams and false Marks of Tenderness.  
This Examples instructs us, that we are not to be lulled asleep with fair words. Enemies when they cannot obtain their Ends by force have recourse to Artifices, and humble themselves to deceive. Here Carchenas cried out, Oh! You that are so Zealous for my Death, why do you not put an end my Days, but talk too many things to no purpose to increase my Misery? What probability of Perfidiousness do you find in a Person so wounded as I am? What Madman would suffer so much torment to do good to another? 'tis in that very thing, replied the Visir, that thy subtlety Consists. The sweetness of revenge which thou art meditating, makes thee patiently swallow the bitterness of thy pains. Thou wouldst fain make thyself as famous as the Monkey that sacrifiz'd his Life to the safety of his Country. I desire the King to hear the Story.   

The Fable of the monkeys and the Bears.  
A Great number of Monkeys lived in a Country stored with all manner of Fruit, and very delightful. A Bear traveling that way by accident, and considering the Beauty of the Residence, and the sweet lives the monkeys lead, said he to himself, 'tis not just nor reasonable that these little Animals should live so happy, while I am forced to run through Forrests and Mountains in search of Food: And at the same time he went among the Apes and killed some of 'em for very Madness: But they all fell upon him, and in regard they were very numerous, they made him all over of a gore Blood; so that he had much ado to escape.  
Thus punished for his Rashness, he recovered a Mountain, where he fell a roaring so loud, that a great number of Bears came about him, to whom he recounted what had befallen him. But all laughed at him; thou art a Coward, cried they, to suffer thyself to be beaten by those little Animals. However this affront is not to be endured; it must be revenged for the honour of our Nation. In short toward the Beginning of the Night, they descended all from the Mountain, and fell pell mell upon the monkeys, dreaming nothing less then of such an Invasion. For they were all retired to their Rest, when they were surrounded by the Bears, who killed a great number; the rest escaping in disorder. After which Exploit, the Bears were so taken with this Habitation, that they made choice of it for the Place of their abode. They set up for their King, the Bear that had been so ill handld by the monkeys; and after that, they fell to banquet upon the Provisions which the monkeys had heaped together in their Magazines.  
The next Morning by break of Day, the King of the monkeys, who knew nothing of this Rout, because he had been a Hunting for two Days together, met several monkeys maimed, who gave him an Account of what had past the day before. The King, when he heard this doleful news, fell a Weeping and Lamenting the vast Treasure he had lost, accusing Heaven of Injustice, and Fortune of inconstancy: Besides that, his subjects prest him to take his revenge; so that the poor King knew not which way to turn himself. Among all these monkeys, there was one called Maimon, who was one of the most crafty and most learned in the Court, and the Kings favourite, who seeing his Master sad, and his Companions in Consternation, stood up, and addressing himself to the King, Persons of Wit and Discretion, said he, never abandon themselves to despair, which is a three that bears very bad Fruit: But Patience on the Contrary, supplies us with a thousand inventions to rid ourselves out of the entanglements of Trouble and Adversity.  
Presently the King, whom this discourse had rendered much more easy in his mind, turning to Maimon, how shall we do, said he, to bring ourselves off with Honour from this ignominious Mishap? Maimon besought his Majesty to allow him private audience, and after he had obtained it, he spoken to this Effect.  
Sir, said he, my Wife and Children have been massakerd by these Tyrants. Conjecture you my Grief, to see myself deprived for ever of those sweets which I enjoyed in the midst of my Family. I am resolved to die, that I may put an end to my sorrows: But my death shall prove fatal to my Enemies. O Maimon, said the King, we never desire to be revenged of our Enemies, but to procure to ourselves repose or satisfaction of Mind. But when you are Dead, what signifies it to you, whether the World be at Wars or in Peace? Sir, replied Maimon, in the condition I am in, life being insupportable to me, I sacrifice it with delight to the happiness of my Companions. All the favour I beg of your Majesty, is only to remember my Generosity, when you shall be re-established in your Dominions. Command my Ears to be torn from my Head, my Teeth to be pulled out, my Feet to be cut off, and then let me be left the Night time in a Corner of the forest where we were lodged. Retire you, Sir, with the remainder of your Subjects, and remove two Days journey from hence, and the third you may return to your Place; for you shall hear no more of your Enemies. The King, tho' with great grief, caused Maimon's desires to be Executed, and left him in the Wood, where all Night long he made the most doleful Lamentations that ever Misery uttered.  
When Day shone out, the King of the Bears, who had heard Maimon's out-cries, advanced to see what it was, and beholding the Poor Monkey in that Condition, he was moved with compassion, notwithstanding his merciless Humour, and asked him who had used him after that barbarous manner, and who he was? Maimon judging by all appearances, that he was the King of the Bears that spoken to him, after he had respectfully saluted him, Sir, said he, I am the King of the Monkey's chief Minister, I went a Hunting with him, and at our return, understanding the Ravages which your Majesties Souldiers had committed in our Houses, he took me a-side, and asked me what I thought was his best course to take in such a Conjuncture? I answered him without any hesitation, that we ought to put ourselves under your Protection, that we might live at ease and unmolested. The King my Master then talked many ridiculous things of your Majesty, which was the Reason that I took the boldness to tell him, that you were a most renowned Prince, and more Potent then he Which audaciousness of mine incensed him to that degree, that immediately he commanded me to be thus mangled as you see me.  
Maimon had no sooner concluded his Relation, but he let fall such a shower of Tears, that the King of the Bears was mollifi'd also, and could not forbear Weeping himself. After that, he asked Maimon, where the Monkeys were? In a desert called Mardazmay, answered he, where they are raising a prodigious Army; and there is no question to be made, but they will be with you in a very short time. The King of the Bears, not a little terrified as this News, asked Maimon what course he should take to secure himself from the Enterprises of the Monkeys? Your Majesty, replied Maimon, need not fear 'em, were not my Legs broken, I would undertake with one single Troop of your Heydukes, to destroy Forty thousand of these Apes. There is no question, said the King, but you know all the Avenues to their Camp. You will oblige us for ever, would you but conduct us thither, and we will revenge the Barbarity committed upon your Person. That's impossible, replied Maimon, because I can neither go nor stand. There is a remedy for every thing, answered the King, and I will find an invention to carry ye; and at the same time he gave orders to his Army to be in readiness to march, and to put themselves into a condition to Fight. They all obeyed, and tied Maimon, who was to be their Guide, upon the Head of one of the bigest Bears.  
Maimon conducted 'em into the desert of Mardazmay, where blew a poisonous Wind, and where the Heat was so vehement that there was no Creature to be seen in it. Now when the Bears were entered into this dangerous desert, Maimon, to engage 'em farther into it, Come, said he, by way of encouragement, let us make hast and surprise 'em before Day. So they marched all Night; but the next Day they were astonished to find themselves in so dismal a Place. They not only saw not so much as the likeness of a Monkey appear, but they perceived that the Sun had so heated the Air, that the Birds that flew over the desert fell down griddl'd; and the Sand was so Burning hot, that the Bears Feet were all Roasted. Then said the King to Maimon, into what a desert hast thou brought us? And what fierce Whirl-Winds do I see coming toward us? Then the Monkey, finding they were all ready to perish, spoken Boldly, and in answer to the King of the Bears, Tyrant, said he, we are in the desert of Death: The Whirl-Wind that approaches us is Death itself, which comes to punish thee for thy Tyrannies: And while he was thus speaking, the fiery Whirl-Wind came and swept 'em all away.  
Two days after, the King of the Monkeys return'd to his Palace, as Maimon foretold him; and finding all his Enemies gone, continued a long Reign in Peace with his Apes.  
Your Majesty, pursued the Visir, sees by this Example, that there is no trusting to the alluring Words of an Enemy. He must perish that seeks the Destruction of others. This discourse put the King of the Owls in a Passion, who in a fume cried to the chief Minister, why all this stir to hinder this Poor miserable Creature from the Proof of my Clemency? And at the same time he commanded his Surgeons to dress Carchenas, and to take particular care of him. You don't consider, added the King, that you may fall under the same misfortune that has befallen him.  
As for Carchenas, he behaved himself so well, that in a little time he won the Love of all the Court. The King of the Owls confided in him, and began to do nothing without first consulting him. One day Carchenas addresing himself to the King; Sir, said he, the King of the Ravens has abused me so unjustly, that I shall never die satisfied, till I have first gratified my Revenge. I have been a long time romaging my Brains for the Means: But I have bethought myself, that I never can compass it safely nor handsomely, so long as I wear the shape of a Raven. I have heard Men of Learning and Experience say, that he who has been ill used by a Tyrant, if he makes any wish, he must put himself into the Fire; for that while he continues there all his wishes will be heard. For which reason I beseech your Majesty that I may be thrown into the Fire, to the end that in the middle of the Flames, I may beg of God to change me into an Owl. Perhaps Heaven will hear my Prayer, and then I shall be able to revenge myself upon my Enemy.  
The chief Minister that had spoken against Carchenas was then in the Assembly, and hearing this luscious Speech, O traitor, cried he, whither tends all this superfluous Language? Now art thou weaving mischief, as sure as God is in Heaven. Sir, added he, turning to the King, you may caress this wicked Fellow as long as you please, he will never change his Nature. The Mouse was metamorphosed into a Maid, and yet she could not forbear wishing to have a Rat for her Husband. You love, to tell Fables, said the King to him in Raillery; and I will hear this Fable of yours for once; but I will not promise you to be a Pin the better for it.   

The Fable of the Mouse, that was changed into a little Girl.  
A Person of Quality walking one Day by the side of a Fountain, saw a Mouse fall at his Feet from the Bill of a Raven who held it a little too carelessly. The Gentleman out of pity took it, up and carried it home; but fearing lest it should cause any disorder, he prayed the Gods to change it into a Maid. Which was presently done; so that instead of a Mouse, of a sudden he saw a very pretty Girl, which he bread up. Some Years after the good Man seeing her big anough to be married, choose out, said he to her, in all the whole extent of Nature, what Being pleases thee best, and I will make him thy Husband. I would, said the Virgin, have a Husband so strong, that he should never be vanquished. That must needs be the Sun, replied the old Gentleman: And therefore the next Morning, said he to the Sun, my Daughter desires an invincible Husband, will you mary her? Alas, answer d the Sun, yonder Cloud enfeebles my Beams; address yourself to that. Then the good Man made his Compliment to the Cloud. Alas, said the Cloud, the Wind drives me as it pleases. The old Gentleman nothing discouraged, desired the Wind to mary his Daughter. But the Wind laying before him, that his strength was stopped by such a Mountain, he addressed himself to the Mountain. Oh! Sir, said the Mountain, the Rat is stronger then I; for he pierces me in every side, and eats into my very Bowels; whereupon the old Gentleman went at length to the Rat, who consented to mary his Daughter, saying withal that he had been a long time seeking out for a Wife. So the old Gentleman returning home, asked his Daughter whether she would mary a Rat. Now he expected that she would have abhorred the Thoughts of such a Marriage; but he was amazed to see her out of Patience to be united to a Rat. Thereupon the old Man went to his Prayers again, and desired the Gods that they would turn his Daughter into a Mouse as she was before, which they did accordingly.  
But the King of the Owls attributing all these Remonstrances to his chief Ministers jealousy of the Raven, took little notice of' em. In the mean time Carchenas observed the comings in and goings out of the Owls, and when he had perfectly informed himself of every thing, he left 'em and return'd to the Ravens. He gave the King his Master an account of every thing that had past, and then, Sir, said he, now is the time for us to be revenged of our Enemies. In a Mountain that I know, there is a Cave where all the Owls meet every day, and this Mountain is environed with a Wood. Your Majesty needs no more but to command your Army to carry a great Quantity of that Wood, to the Mouth of the Cave. I will be ready at hand to kindle the Wood, and then all the Ravens shall flutter round about, to blow the Fire into a flamme. By which means such Owls as shall adventure out, will be burnt in the flames, and such as stay within shall be smothered.  
The King approved the Ravens Counsel, and ordering his whole Army to set forward, they did as Carchenas, had conrivued it, and by that means destroyed all the Owls. By this Example you see that sometimes submission to an Enemy is requisite for the eluding of their wicked Designs. Of which the Fable that follows is a further Proof.   

The Fable of the Serpent and the Frogs.  
A Serpent became old and feeble, and no longer able to Hunt abroad for his Food: he wail'd the Infirmities of old Age, and wished in vain for the strength of his youthful Yeats: However hunger forced him to find out a Stratagem to get his livelihood. He went to the Brink of a Ditch, where lived an infinite Number of Frogs that had Elected a King to Rule over' em. There the Serpent seemed to be very sad and sick; upon which a Frog asked him what he ayl'd. I am ready to Starve, answered the Serpent: Formerly I lived upon the Frogs which I took, but now I am so unfortunate that I cannot catch one. Presently the Frog went and informed the King of the Serpents Condition and answer. Upon which report, the King went himself to the place to look upon the Serpent, who seeing him, Sir, said he, one Day as I was going to snap a Frog by the tail, the Frog got from me, and fled to a Monks Apartement, and entered into a dark Chamber, where lay a little Infant a sleep. At the same time I also entered in pursuit, of my Game, and feeling the Childs Foot, which I took for the Frog, I bit it in such a venomous manner that the Child immediately died. The Monk provoked by my boldness, pursued me with all his might, but not being able to overtake me, he begged of Heaven for the Punishment of my Crime, that I might never be able to catch Frogs more, unless their King gave me one or two in Charity; and lastly he added to his wishes, that I might be their slave and obey' em. These Prayers of the Monk, continued the Serpent, were heard, and I am now come to submit myself to your Laws, and obey your Orders, since it is the will of Heaven.  
The King of the Frogs received him with great Disdain and swelling Pride, and  told him with a haughty Taunt, that he would make use of his Service; and indeed for some Days, the Serpent carried the King upon his Back: But at length, most Potent Monarch, said he, if you intend that I should serve you long, you must feed me, or I shall starve to Death. Thou sayst very true, honest Serpent, replied the King of the Frogs, hence forward I will allow thee to swallow two of my Subjects a Day for thy subsistence. Thus the Serpent, by submitting to his Enemy, secured to himself, at his Enemies cost, a subsistence during the remainder of his Life.  
Sir, said Pilpay, Your Majesty sees by these Examples, that Patience is a great virtue, and mainly conduces to bring about vast Designs. Wise Men had Reason to say, that Prudence goes beyond strength; a Man by his Wit may redeem himself out of Danger: But know withal, and 'tis no more then what these Examples inform us, that we are never to trust an Enemy, whatever Protestations of Friendship he makes you. A Raven will be a Raven still. Only true Friends are to be relied upon, and only their Conversation and Familiarity can be Beneficial to us.    
The End.   

THE CONTENTS.  

WHAT gave Occasion to the Writing of this Book, and by whom it was composed. page. 1.  
The Story of Dabschelim and Pilpay. 5  
The Fable of the traveling Pigeon. 14.  
The Fable of the Falcon and the Raven. 20.  
The Fable of the Greedy and Ambitious Cat. 22.  
The Fable of the Poor Man that became a King. 25.  
The Fable of the Leopard and the Lion. 28.   

CHAP. I.  
THAT we ought to avoid the Insinuations of Flatterers, and Back-biters. page. 32.  
The Fable of a Merchant and his lewd Children. ibid.  
The Fable of a King and his two Sons. 34.  
The Fable of the Derwich, a Falcon, and a Raven. 37.  
The Fable of a Country-Man and several Rats. 38.  
The Fable of the Carpenter and the Ape. 42.  
The Fable of the two Travellers, and the Lion carved in White ston. 43.  
The Fable of the Fox and the Hen. 50.  
The Fable of the Monk that left his Convent. 54.  
The Fable of the Sparrow and the Sparrow-Hawk. 61.  
The Fable of a King who of a Tyrant, as he was, became Benign and Just. 64.  
The Fable of a Raven, a Fox, and a Serpent. 66.  
The Fable of the Crane and the Crayfish. 67.  
The Fable of the rabbit, the Fox, and the Wolf. 70.  
The Fable of the Lion and the rabbit. 73.  
The Fable of the two Fisher men, and the three Fish. 77.  
The Fable of the Scorpion and the Tortoise. 79.  
The Fable of the Falcon and the Hen. 83.  
The Fable of the Nightingale and the Country-Man. 85.  
The Fable of the Hunter, the Fox and the Leopard. 87.  
The Fable of the Wolf, the Fox, the Raven and the camel. 89.  
The Fable of the Angel Ruler of the Sea, and two Birds called Titavi. 94.  
The Fable of the Tortoise and two Ducks. 95.  
The Fable of the two young Merchants, the one Crafty the other without Malice. 98.  
The Fable of the Frog, the Cray-fish, and the Serpent. 100.  
The Fable of the gardener and the Bear. 103.  
The Fable of the Merchant and his Friend. 105.   

CHAP. II.  
THAT the wicked come to an ill End. page. 108.  
The Fable of the Fox, the Wolf and the Hen. 109.  
The Fable of the Ass and the gardener. 110.  
The Fable of the Prince and his Squire. 112.  
The Fable of a Hermit who quitted the desert to live at Court. 115.  
The Fable of a Blind Man, who traveled with one of his Friends. 118.  
The Fable of a religious Doctor and a Derwiche. 121.  
The Fable of the Female Coquette and the Painter. 124.  
The Fable of the three envious Persons that found Money. 127.  
The Fable of the ignorant Physician. 131.  
The Fable of the virtuous Woman and the young Falconer. 136.   

CHAP. III.  
HOW we ought to make choice of Friends, and what Advantage may be reaped from their Conversation. page. 141.  
The Fable of the Raven, the Rat, the Pigeon, the Tortoise and the Goat. 142.  
The Fable of the Partridge and the Falcon. 146.  
The Fable of a Man and the Adder. 149.  
The Adventures of Zirac. 154.  
The Fable of a Husband and his Wife. 156.  
The Fable of the Hunter and the Wolf. 157.  
The Fable of the ravenous Cat. 161.  
The Fable of the two Friends. 163.   

CHAP. IV.  
THAT we ought always to distrust our Enemies, and be perfectly informed of whatever passes among' em. page. 168.  
The Fable of the Crow and the Owl. 169.  
The Fable of the King and his Mistress. 170.  
The Fable of the Original of the hatred between the Ravens and the Owls. 176.  
The Fable of the Elephants and the rabbit. 178.  
The Fable of the Cat and the Partridge. 182.  
The Fable of the Derwiche and the four Robbers. 184  
The Fable of the Merchant, his Wife, and the Robber. 188.  
The Fable of the Derwiche, the Thief, and the Devil. 189.  
The Fable of the joiner and his Wife. 192.  
The Fable of the monkeys and the Bears. 196.  
The Fable of the Mouse, that was changed into a little Girl. 203.  
The Fable of the Serpent and the Frogs. 205.   
FINIS.   

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