YALE UNIVERSITY
LIBRARY

Select ^afcleS;
WITH CUTS, DESIGNED AND ENGRAVED BY
THOMAS AND JOHN BEWICK,
' i i
PREVIOUS TO THE YEAR 1784:
TOGETHER WITH A
JWtemoir ; an& a tegcrtptlbe ©atalogue
OF THE
WORKS OF MESSRS. BEWICK.

31RI111S2RBB

PRINTED BY S. HODGSON, FOR EMERSON CHARNLEY,
AND BALDWIN, CRADOCK, AND JOY, LONDON.

M. DCCC. XX.

aitoertteemntt

As Mr. Bewick has no concern, or interest whatever, in
the work now submitted to the public, it is but justice to
him to apprise the reader of what has led to its publica
tion. Before and during the year 1784, Mr. Bewick and
his Brother were employed by Mr. Thomas Saint, an
extensive printer in this town, to engrave a number of
wood-cuts, for different publications in which he was

ii ADVERTISEMENT.
engaged. Many of them were inserted in a duodecimo
volume, entitled, " Select Fables," published in 1784.
These cuts, as well as many others engraved by the
Messrs. Bewick, were afterwards purchased by Hall and
Elliott, the printers of the Newcastle Courant newspaper.
This collection, after remaining with them several years,
was sold to Messrs. Wilson of York, printers, who had
then in their possession various other cuts executed by
the Bewicks. The set thus accumulated, amounting to
upwards of twelve hundred in number, was offered t<.>,
and bought by, the Publisher of the present volume,
about two years ago.
Though aware that Mr. Bewick wishes it to be fully
understood, that he has not any desire " to feed the
whimsies of bibliomanists," as he himself expresses it ;
the Editor, conscious of
" What wild desire*, what restless torments seize
" The hapless man, who feels the book disease,"
conceives he is rendering, to the curious in wood enorav-
ing, a very acceptable acquisition, by thus rescuing from
destruction so many valuable specimens of the abilities
of the artists, who may be justly designated the fathers
of the revival of this elegant art. Some of the cuts
here given arc their very earliest efforts ; and however
rude and imperfect some of them uiniucstionahlv are

advertisement. iii
they for the most part clearly indicate the promise of
that talent, which afterwards so eminently displayed
itself, and has since been so conspicuously developed, in
many of the later, and more finished, productions of
Mr. Bewick ; with which, however, it is not, for one
moment, intended to put the present in competition,
though they are of themselves too valuable to be lost.
It is proper to mention that several of the tail pieces,
introduced into this volume, have been executed by
Isaac Nicholson, an engraver, of this place, formerly a
pupil of Mr. Bewick's. They can, however, be easily
distinguished by the eye of the connoisseur. The vig
nette of the Old Exchange, in the title, was engraved
by Mr. Thomas Bewick, in 1819.
Reduced facsimiles on wood, of the different por
traits which have been engraved of Mr. Thomas Bewick,
will be found at the end of the Catalogue ; and a striking
likeness, drawn on the block by William Nicholson, of
Edinburgh, and beautifully executed by Charlton Nesbit,
one of Mr. Bewick's earliest and most successful pupils,
forms the frontispiece to the volume.
The Editor cannot conclude without offering his ac
knowledgments to the printer, for the care and skill he
has bestowed, and the taste and execution he has dis
played, in rendering his department beautiful and accu
rate ; and whatever the fate of the book may be in other

iv advertisement.
respects, it will always retain one feature of excellence,
hardly equalled, and certainly never surpassed, by any
thing that has hitherto issued from a provincial press.
Xewcnsth, \2th June. 1820.

JHemmr.

When Men, by the extraordinary efforts of their genius,
so distinguish themselves as to gain the summit of popular
fame in any particular line of art or science, we naturally
indulge a wish to become acquainted, not only with the
most interesting particulars of the different pursuits, in
which they have been from time to time engaged ; but
even with those other circumstances concerning them
which would be considered trifling and unworthy of re
cord, had they reference to persons of inferior merit. A

vi MEMOIR.
kind of additional consequence is derived from their
relation, when connected with those, whose acquirements
have excited a large portion of public admiration, and
whose productions have been viewed with so much plea
sure. It is not, however, to be expected that the memoirs
of an artist — tranquilly engaged in the practice of his
profession, and chiefly occupied in solitary labour — can
afford that general interest to the reader, which the
splendid achievements of the warrior, or the more im
portant occupations of the statesman, are better adapted
to excite ; yet it must be acknowledged that it cannot
but be interesting to those — who take a delight in trac
ing the moral cultivation of man — to form an acquaint
ance with such circumstances as have progressively tended
to create and direct the taste and judgment of a man,
eminent, beyond all his cotemporaries, in the Art of
Wood Engraving. The writer would also fain hope
that it may, in some degree, stimulate the ardent emu
lation of others ; who — feeling all the emotions of ge
nius during the progress of their studies— have many
disadvantages to contend with— peculiar difficulties to
surmount. England has ever had reason to be proud of her sons,
in every walk of life. To promote the fine arts, as Lord
Kaiincs justly observed, has become of greater import-

MEMOIR. vii
ance than is generally imagined. It unquestionably
affords the fairest and most promising field for the
exercise of real abilities. The physician is sometimes
more indebted for success to his address than his skill;
the lawyer often requires adventitious aid — a lucky
incident to develop his talents, or powerful connexions
to force them into notice ; the divine, with very slender
pretensions, is every day seen to reach the highest dignities
in the church, by the mere help of patronage alone ; but
neither address — nor connexions — nor patronage, can
make a man an excellent artist, without intrinsic merit.
Gifted with that, he will at last overcome every obstacle
that is placed in his way ; and, trusting to it alone, will,
if properly called into action, command that attention
which the generality of mankind, in other situations of
life, are obliged to court. Those, who are possessed of
genius and an inclination to attempt great things, are
generally said to be endowed with vigour of mind to
perform them.
It would, on an occasion like the present, be extremely
gratifying to the writer, to be able to present the curious
with a short Inquiry into the History of Wood Engrav
ing ; but the fact is, the origin of this art, like many of
the most important inventions of human ingenuity —
notwithstanding the influence they have all had, more
or less, in the progress of civilization — seems lost in the

viii MEMOIE.
darkness of the traditionary annals of remote ages. The
subject has, no doubt, met with that attention from the
learned, which its importance appeared to deserve ; but
they have laboured in vain to dispel the clouds by which
it is obscured. Every attempt, therefore, either to de
velop its true origin, or to trace the gradations by which
it has arrived at its present perfection, has hitherto been
rendered unavailing: and conjecture and hypothesis —
the ruin of all investigations — must still be employed to
fill the chasms which contemporaneous evidence cannot
be found to occupy.
Mr. Thomas Bewick, in contemplating whose career
the above observations were suggested, was born in the
year 1753, at a place called Cherrvburn, in the parish
of Ovingham, in the County of Northumberland. He
is the eldest son of John Bewick,* who had for many
years the land-sale colliery at Miekley-Bank, now in the
possession of his son William. The father was consi
dered a great wit in this part of the country ; and being
v Tho family burying-place i> in UvingUarn church-yard, where
there is a stone, hearing the fallowing inscription : 
In Memory of John and Jane
Bewick, of CherTN Bourn.
lie died i:> N'ovr. 17S5, Aged 70.
She died 20 Feby. 17S.'.. Aged 5«.
Hannah, llieir daughter,
died 24 June, lTSfl, Aged 30.
Sarah died 27 Deer. 17S2, .K 16.

MEMOIR. ix
possessed of a vast fund of anecdote, was in the daily
habit of entertaining his customers with his stories, so
long as he had company at the colliery.
John Bewick, the younger brother of Thomas, and
his coadjutor in many of his works, was also born at
Cherryburn. Both the sons were put to school at
Ovingham, with the Be v. Christopher Gregson.
During the hours of intermission from instruction at
school, Thomas was in the constant habit of amusing
himself with drawing, in which he manifested great skill
at a very early age. The accuracy of his execution, even
before he had a single lesson in the art, soon determined
his friends as to the profession which he was to follow.
At the age of fourteen he was accordingly sent to New
castle, where he was bound apprentice to the late Mr.
Ralph Beilby, engraver.
While in his apprenticeship, Mr. Bewick conducted
himself with great steadiness ; and employed his leisure
hours in improving himself in drawing, under the care
of a master. At this time he seldom omitted to visit his
parents every Sunday at Cherryburn, distant from New
castle about fourteen miles ; and when it happened that
he could not get across the Tyne, on account of the
floods which occasionally swelled that water, he shouted
over to them, and thus made his inquiries respecting the
family before he returned home. I

x MEMOIR.
In 1775, when only twenty-two years of age, he had
a premium presented to him by the Society of Arts, for
an engraving on wood of the Old Hound. The follow
ing is an impression from the original cut, for which the
prize was awarded.

Soon after the expiration of his servitude, he was
taken into partnership by his master: aud they con
tinued in business together, under the firm of Beilby
and Bewick, until the year 1798.
Mr. Bewick's natural turn of mind led him to observe
and delineate the form and manners of the animal cre
ation at home ; and lie never neglected an opportunity
of visiting and drawing such foreign animals, as were

MEMOIR. xi
exhibited in the different itinerant collections which
occasionally came to Newcastle. He soon found that the
yielding consistence of wood was much better adapted
than copper, to express the ease, freedom, and spirit
which ought to characterize portraits of animated beings.
This led to the design of the History of Quadrupeds,
which was published by the partnership in 1790. The
book was uncommonly well received by the public, and
has ever since been held in increased estimation. The
representations, that are given of the various tribes of
four-footed animals, are far more accurate than any that
had before appeared; possessing, as has been said on
another occasion, a boldness of design, a correctness of
outline, an exactness of attitude, and a discrimination of
general character, that convey, at the first glance, a just
and lively idea of each different animal. The figures
are accompanied with a clear and concise statement of
the nature, habits, and disposition of each Quadruped ;
and it was the endeavour of the publishers, as expressed
in their advertisement, to lay before their readers a par
ticular account of the animals, with which our own coun
try is abundantly stored ; especially of those, which have
so materially contributed to the strength, the wealth, and
the happiness of this kingdom ; and, in treating of these,
they have noticed the improvements, which an enlarged
system of agriculture, supported by a noble spirit of

xii MEMOIR.
generous emulation, has introduced into all parts of the
country. Mr. William Bulmer— whose splendid publications
of Shakspeare, Milton, and other valuable works of
elegance, so effectually contributed to remove the op
probrium, which had but too justly been attached to the
modern productions of English printers, when contrasted
with the extraordinary performances of Didot and Bo-
doni — being desirous of giving to the world, through
the medium of the Shakspeare Press, a complete spe
cimen of the Arts of Type and Block Printing, engaged
the Messrs. Bewick, two of his earliest acquaintances, to
engrave a set of cuts to embellish Goldsmith's Traveller
and Deserted Village, and Parnell's Hermit.
These Poems were presented to the public in 1795,
in a royal quarto volume, and attracted a great share of
attention, as well on account of the beauty of the print
ing, as of the novelty of the ornaments. The latter,
after designs made from the most interesting passages
of the poetry they are intended to illustrate, were all
executed with the greatest care ; and were universally
allowed to exceed anything of the kind that had ever
before been produced in this country. Indeed, it was
conceived at that time almost impossible that such
delicate effects could be obtained from blocks of wood;
and many persons actually doubted if they were in reality

MEMOIR. xiii
what they professed to be. It his said his late Majesty
entertained so great a doubt on the subject, that he
ordered his bookseller, Mr. George Nicol, to procure
the blocks for his inspection, that he might convince
himself of the fact, which was of course done.
The distinguished success that attended this volume
induced Mr. Bulmer to engage in the publication of
The Chace, by Somervile, with engravings on wood;
intended as a companion to the Goldsmith and Parnell.
This latter volume was produced in 1796, and the
subjects which ornament it, being entirely composed of
landscape scenery and animals, are adapted, above all
others, to display the beauties of wood-engraving ; but,
unfortunately for the admirers of the art, Mr. Bulmer,
on this occasion, had the painful task of announcing the
death of his friend, the younger Mr. Bewick, who died
at Ovingham, in December 1795, of a pulmonary com
plaint. Previously, however, to his departure from
London for the place of his nativity, he had prepared,
and indeed finished on wood, the whole of the designs,
except one, which embellish The Chace. They may,
therefore, literally be considered as the last efforts of
this ingenious artist.
In executing the engraving of these cuts, his brother
Thomas bestowed every possible attention; and the
beautiful effect, produced by their joint labours, renders

xiv MEMOIR.
this book every way worthy of being placed by the side
of the former.
John Bewick died a bachelor, and was interred at
Ovingham, where there is a stone erected against the
church to his memory, bearing the following inscription :
In Memory of
Jonx Bewick,
Engraver,
who died Dec. 5, 1795,
Aged 35 Years.

His Ingenuity a-? an
Arti>t
was excelled only by
his conduct as a
Man.
In 1797, Messrs. Beilby and Bewick published the
first volume of the History of British [Land] Birds.
The whole work contains an account of all the various
feathered tribes, either constantly residing in, or occa
sionally visiting, our island, accompanied with represen
tations of almost every species, faithfully drawn from
nature, and engraved on wood. It is observed in the
Preface, that while one of the Editors was engaged in
preparing the engravings, the completion of the descrip
tions was undertaken by the other, subject, however, to
tho corrections of his friend,* whose habits had led him
* The ltov. William Turner, of Newcastle.

MEMOIR, xv
to a more intimate acquaintance with this branch of
Natural History.
Immediately after the publication of this volume, a
separation of interests took place between the Editors ;
and the compilation and completion of the second
volume, containing the History of British Water Birds,
devolved upon Mr. Bewick alone. From various un
foreseen obstacles this did not appear until the year 1804.
In the Advertisement to the second volume the Editor
says, " When the History of British Birds was first un
dertaken, the splendid museum of the late Marmaduke
Tunstall, of Wycliffe, Esq. was obligingly thrown open
by his nephew, Francis Sheldon, Esq. (now Francis
Constable, Esq. of Burton Constable, in Holderness),
with the kindest offer of the use of its abundant stores.
During a residence of nearly two months at that little
earthly paradise — the secure asylum of its feathered visi
tors, which were suffered by the late benevolent owner
to pick up their daily pittance unmolested — drawings
were taken from the stuffed specimens of most of the
British species, and many of these were afterwards traced
and engraven upon the blocks of wood ; but in the pro
gress of the work, so many both dead and living speci
mens of the birds themselves, (to which stuffed subjects
commonly bear only an imperfect resemblance,) were
furnished by the patrons of the work, that the necessity

xvi MEMOIR.
of using several of these drawings was superseded by this
more near approach to perfect nature." The Editor also
acknowledges his obUgations to the Bev. Henry Cotes,
Vicar of Bedlington, for his literary corrections.
In this publication it will be found that the drawings
are minutely accurate. The peculiar softness of wood-
engraving has been applied with most extraordinary
success in the delineations; the cuts expressing all
the natural delicacy of fur, feather, and foliage, in a
manner peculiarly happy and beautiful. Indeed, there
is a life and spirit imparted to these figures, which will,
in all probability, remain unrivalled.
We shall now proceed to the descriptive Catalogue
of the principal works, in which the Messrs. Bewick, at
different times, have been engaged.

Catalogue.

The Fables of Mr. John Gay. Complete in two Parts.
With cuts, by Thomas and John Bewick.
Newcastle: printed for T. Saint, 1779. 12mo.
Select Fables, a new Edition improved.
 Is not the Earth

With various living creatures, and the air
Replenished, and all those at thy command
To eome and play before thee % Knowest thou not
Their language and their ways ! They also know,
And reason not contemptibly : with these
Find pastime. Paradise Lost, b. 8. 1. 370.
Newcastle : printed by and for T. Saint, 1784. 12mo.
The first edition of this work was published in the year 1776, with
a very indifferent set of wood cuts. For the edition of 1784, a
new series was engraved by the Bewicks; and the book was
printed in a much more respectable form.
A wood-cut of " The Wild Bull, of the ancient
Caledonian breed, now in the Park, at Chillingham
Castle, Northumberland," designed and engraved by
Thomas Bewick.
Newcastle: printed by Solomon Hodgson, 1789.
Size of the cut 9 J in. by 7 J in. Only 230 Copies printed.
This is the largest wood-cut which Thomas: Bewick ever engraved,

xviii CATALOdUE.
and is considered his master-piece. The block, from its great
size, after very few impressions were taken off, split into several
pieces, and remained so until the year 1817, when (with the ex
ception of the figured border) the pieces were adjusted in the
nicest manner, and the block so clamped together with iron, as to
bear the force of printing, so that impressions may still be taken
from it. The border was figured, and about three quarters of an
inch in breadth ; it was cut upon separate piece- of wood, and put
round the block. About six proof impressions were taken off on
thin vellum, which are without the name on the block. One of
these, late belonging to Mr. Beilby, is now in the possession of
the writer, and another has been valued at twenty guineas !
The impressions are very brown, and appear as if they had been
printed with bad ink.
A Tour through Sweden, Swedish Lapland, Finland,
and Denmark. In a series of letters illustrated with
copper-plates, designed and engraved by Balph Beilby
and Thomas Bewick. By Matthew Consett, Esq. who
accompanied Sir H. G. Liddell, Bart, and Mr. Bowes,
in this Tour.
Stockton : printed byB. Christopher, 1789. Demy 4to.
This work may now be considered as a great curiosity, being one of
the very few publications which contain any of Thomas Bewick's
engravings on copper.
Emblems of Mortality ; representing, in upwards of
fifty cuts, Death, seizing all Ranks and Degrees of Peo
ple ; imitated from a Painting in the Cemetery of the
Dominican Church, at Bat'il, in Switzerland: with an
Apostrophe to eacli. translated from the Latin and
French. Intended as well for the information of the
Curious, as the Instruction and Entertainment of Youth.
To which is prefixed, a copious Preface, containing an
historical Account of the above, and other paintings on

CATALOGUE. xix
this subject, now or lately existing in divers parts of
Europe. London : printed for T. Hodgson, in George's-Court,
St. John's-Lane, Clerkenwell, 1789. 12mo.
This work, the cuts for which were engraved by John Bewick,
reached a third edition ; but the first is decidedly the best, being
much better printed, and now very scarce. The wood-cuts were
destroyed by a fire in London.
A Copper-plate of " The Whitley large Ox, belonging
to Mr. Edward Hall, of Whitley, in Northumberland.
Rising seven years when killed at Newcastle, by Mr.
Thomas Horsley, weighed 187 st. at the public weigh -
house, March 21, 1789." Drawn and engraved by
Thomas Bewick.
Newcastle: published and sold by Beilby and Bewick,
Newcastle, April 10, 1789.
Size of the print lOf in. by 7| in.
This cut contains a distant view of Tynemouth Castle, &c. It is not
so well engraved as the print of the Kyloe Ox next described.
A Copper-plate of " The remarkable Kyloe Ox, bred
in the Mull, Argyleshire, by Donald Campbell, Esq.
and fed by Mr. Robert Spearman, of Rotheley Park,
Northumberland. Six years old, killed July 22d, 1790."
Drawn and engraved by Thomas Bewick, 1790.
Size of the print 13 in. by 10 in.
This is a very curious specimen of copper-plate engraving, more
especially the minute manner in which the verdure is executed, it
being a combination of style between wood and copper.
The plate was engraved for Mr. Spearman.
A General History of Quadrupeds. The Figures
engraved on Wood by T. Bewick.
Newcastle : printed by and for S. Hodgson, R. Beilby,

xx CATALOGUE.
and T. Bewick, Newcastle : sold by them, by G»G. J.
and J. Robinson, and C. Dilly, London, 1790. Demy and
royal octavo.
A second edition was printed, on demy and royal octavo, in 1791.
A third edition was printed, on demy and royal octavo, in 1792.
A fourth edition was printed, on demy, royal, and imperial octavo, in
1800.
A fifth edition was printed, on demy, royal, and imperial octavo, in
1807.
A sixth edition was printed, on demy octavo, in 1811.
A seventh edition was printed, on demy, royal, and extra imperial
octavo, in 1820.
Poems by Goldsmith and Parnell, with wood-cuts,
engraved by Thomas and John Bewick.
London : printed by W. Bulmer and Co. Shakspeare
Printing Office, Cleveland Row, 1795. Royal quarto.
One copy of this beautiful book was printed upon white satin, which
was purchased by a gentleman of Altona. Three other copies
were printed upon vellum. Of these, one went into the Royal
Library, another into that of Mr. Hoare, and the third was pur
chased by the late James Edwards, the bookseller. The price of
each was 12 guineas. Mr. Edwards's copy had been disposed of,
and it was afterwards sold by auction in 1S01, beautifully bound in
green morocco, to Sir M. M. Svkea, for 14 guineas.
A second edition of this work was published in 1804, in super royal
octavo, by W. Bulmer and Co. of London.
The Chase ; a Poem. By William Somervile, Esq.
AVith wood-cuts, engraved by Thomas Bewick, from
the designs of John Bewick.
London : printed by AV. Bulmer and Co. Shakspeare
Printing Office, Cleveland Row, 1796. Royal quarto.
Throo copies of this delightful volumo were printed upon vellum ;
but in whoso possession they arc wo do uot know.

CATALOGUE. xxi
A second edition of this work was published in 1802, in super royal
octavo, by W. Bulmer and Co. of London.
Fabliaux or Tales, abridged from French Manuscripts
of the 12th and 13th Centuries, by M. le Grand, selected
and translated into English verse, by the late Gregory
Lewis Way, Esq. ; with a Preface, Notes, and Appen
dix, by G. Ellis, Esq. Embellished with wood-cuts, by
Thomas and John Bewick.
London : printed by W. Bulmer and Co. Cleveland
Row, St. James's ; and sold by R. Faulder, New Bond
Street; 1796 — 1800. 2 Volumes, super royal octavo.
The first volume of these elegant pieces was finished in 1796, and
the other not until 1800, owing to the ill state of health of Mr.
Way, the translator, and the delay of the engraver.
A second edition of this work was published in 1815, in 3 volumes,
crown octavo, by J. Eodwell, London. — This is merely a reprint,
and held in little estimation. The first edition is now rare.
A History of British Birds. The Figures engraven
on Wood, by T. Bewick. Vol. I. containing the His
tory and Description of Land Birds.
Newcastle : printed by Sol. Hodgson, for Beilby and
Bewick: sold by them, and G. G. and J. Robinson,
London; 1797. Demy, royal, and imperial 8vo.
A Wood-cut of " A Zebra," designed and engraved
by Thomas Bewick.
Newcastle: printed by Solomon Hodgson, 1799.
Size of the cut ii in. by 4 in. Only 150 Copies printed.
This cut was engraved for Mr. Pidcock, while he was in Newcastle,
with his celebrated collection of wild beasts. Mr. Bewick had a
few impressions taken off on drawing-paper, for the curious ; which
(as well as the three following) are now very seldom to be met with.
This cut has a little back-ground of rock and foliage.

xxii CATALOGUE.
A Wood-cut of " An Elephant," designed and en
graved by Thomas Bewick.
Newcastle: printed by Solomon Hodgson, 1799.
Size of the cut 7 J in. by 5J in. Only 250 Copies printed.
This cut was also engraved for Mr. Pidcock ; and a few impressions
were taken off on drawing-paper. The cut has no back-ground,
being merely the figure of the animal.
A Wood-cut of " A Tiger," designed and engraved
by Thomas Bewick.
Newcastle: printed by Solomon Hodgson, 1799.
Size of the cut 6| in. by 4 in. Only 200 Copies printed.
This cut was likewise engraved for Mr. Pidcock; and a few im
pressions were taken off on drawing-paper. — It has no back
ground.
A Wood-cut of " A Lion," designed and engraved
by Thomas Bewick.
Newcastle: printed by Solomon Hodgson, 1799.
Size of the cut 9 in. by 4 in. Ouly 150 Copies printed.
This cut was also engraved for Mr Pidcock ; and a few impressions
were taken off on drawing-paper. It has a little back-ground.
^Figures of British Land Birds, engraved on AVood,
by T. Bewick. To which are added, a few Foreign
Birds, with their vulgar and scientific names.
Newcastle-upon-Tyne : printed by S Hodgson, for
R. Beilby and T. Bewick; sold by them, and by J.
Mawman, Poultry, London; 1S00. Royal octavo.
This volumo of the figures contains also the tail pieces ; and the
Editors say, in their advertisement, that they, " in compliance
with tho wishes of many of their friends, who were desirous of pos
sessing good impressions of the British Birds, unaccompanied with
tho descriptive part, have been induced to throw offa few copies
in that way.'

CATALOGUE. xxiii
A History of British Birds. The figures engraven on
AVood, by T. Bewick. Vol. II. containing the History
and Description of AVater Birds.
Newcastle : printed by Edw. Walker, for T. Bewick ;
sold by him, and Longman and Rees, London : 1804.
Demy, royal, and imperial octavo.
A second edition of the two volumes was printed, in royal and ,
imperial octavo, in 1805.
A third edition was printed, in demy octavo, in 1809.
A fourth edition was printed, in demy octavo, in 1816.
A Wood-cut of " The AVild Bull, of the Ancient
Caledonian Breed, now in the Park, at Chillingham
Castle, Northumberland," designed and engraved by
Thomas Bewick.
Newcastle: printed by Edward Walker, 1817.
Size of the cut 7f in. by 5J in.
This is the same cut that was engraved in the year 1789, in its
repaired state, with the exception of the figured border.
Figures of British Land and Water Birds, together
with a few Figures of Foreign Birds, drawn from life,
and engraved on wood, by Thomas Bewick.
Newcastle : printed by Edward Walker, for Thomas
Bewick and Son, 1817. Demy quarto.
Only 25 Copies printed.
These figures are printed without any letter-press.
Figures of Quadrupeds, drawn from life, and engraved
on wood, by Thomas Bewick.
Newcastle : printed by Edward Walker, for Thomas
Bewick and Son, 1818. Demy quarto.
Only 25 Copies printed.
These figures are also printed without the letter-press.

xxiv CATALOGUE.
The Fables of JEsop, and others, with designs on
wood, by Thomas Bewick.
" The wisest of the Ancients delivered their conceptions of the Deity
and their Lessons of Morality, in Fables and Parables."
Newcastle : printed by E. AA'alker, for T. Bewick
and Son ; sold by them, Longman and Co. London,
and all Booksellers ; 1818. Demy, royal, and imperial
octavo. The subscribers to this work were presented with a curious Bill and
Receipt (to bind up with the volume), containing a dark wood-cut,
with a red sprig printed on it, from a copper-plate, in imitation of
sea-weed.
A Wood-cut of " A Lion," designed and engraved
by Thomas Bewick.
Newcastle : printed by S. Hodgson, for Emerson
Charnley, 1819. Size of the cut 71 in. by 6 in.
A few very beautiful impressions of this cut were taken off on India
paper.
This is the last piece of work, of any importance, executed by
Thomas Bewick, and the figure of the animal is the largest ever
engraved by him on wood.
It is due to Mr. Bewick's merits as an artist, to state,
that his powers extend far beyond the mere delineation
of the animal or feathered tribe. The landscape, which
he occasionally introduces, as a relief to his principal
figures, as well as his vignettes, invariably show the hand
of a master: possessing a truth and nature that will bear
the most rigid examination. \

$ortrait&

The first engraved Portrait of Thomas Bewick, was
on copper, by T. A. Kidd, from a Painting by Miss
Kirkley, and was published January 4, 1798.
Size 3| inch, by 3.
This wood-cut is a reduced copy of the above.

MR. THOS. BEAVICK,

CELEBRATED ENGRAVER ON WOOD.
d

PORTRAIT;

The second engraved Portrait of Thomas Bewick
was on copper, by Thomas Ranson, from a Painting by
AVilliam Nicholson, and was published January, 1816.
Size 8| inch, by 6£.
This wood-cut is a reduced copy of the above.

THOMAS BEWICK,

CELEBRATED ENGRAVER ON WOOD.

PORTRAITS.

The third engraved Portrait of Thomas Bewick, was
on copper, by I. Summerfield, from a Miniature, by
Murphy, in the possession of Mr. Bewick, and was
published February 1, 1816.
Size 3 1 inch, by 2|.
This wood-cut is a reduced copy of the above.

MR. THOS. BEWICK,
RESTORER OF THE ART OF
ENGRAVING ON WOOD.

PORTRAITS.

The fourth engraved Portrait of Thomas Bewick, was
on copper, by John Burnet, from a Painting by James
Ramsay, and was published October 25, 1817.
Size 5| inch, by 4^.
This wood-cut is a reduced copy of the above.

"ilk ..-!''' '.Jj'iifBfi

MR. THOS. BEWICK.
ENGRAVER ON WOOD.

THE TABLE OF CONTENTS.

A.

The Ant and the Caterpillar
The Ant and the Fly
The Ants and the Grasshopper
The Discontented Ass
The Ass and his Master
The Ass, the Ape, and the Mole
The Ant, formerly a Husbandman
The Ape and her two Young Ones

55 67
95
103
151 193
263319

xxxiv CONTENTS. B. PAGE
The Butterfly and the Rose - - - 35
The Bee and the Fly - - 39
The Beggar and his Dog 65
The Boar and the Fox - 101
The Brother and Sister - 155
The Bear and the Bees - 167
The Belly and the Members - - 175
The Mock-Bird - - - - 187
The Boy and the Nettle - - - 189
The Boy and his Mother - - - 207
The Butterfly, the Snail, and the Bee - 277
The Boar and the Ram - 285
The Bees and the Wasps - - - 289
The two Bears and the Bee-Hives - - 291
The Discontented Bee - - - 313
C.
The Cock and the Jewel - - - 1
The Bald Cavalier - - - - 11
The Clock and the Dial - 31
The Country-Maid and the Milk-Pail 37
The Countryman and the Ass - - 107
The Cock and the Fox - - 113
The Crow and the Pitcher - 119
The Countryman and the Snake - - 127
The Cat and the Fox - 161
The Collier and the Fuller - - - 205
The AVanton Calf - - - - 209
The Fighting Cocks - 225
The Christian and the Pagan - 257

CONTENTS. xxxv PAGE
The Court of Death - - 281
The Cameleon and the Travellers - - 293
D.
The Dog and the Shadow - - - 21
The Daw with borrowed Feathers - 53
The two Dogs ... 61
The Dog, the Cock, and the Fox - - 93
The Dog and the Cat ... 99
The Dog and the Crocodile - - 147
The Dove and the Bee - - 181
The Dog, the Sheep, the Kite, and the Wolf 199
The Doves and their Young Ones - - 237
The Dove with a String at its Foot - - 249
The Daw and the Pigeons - - - 269
The Dog and the Bull - - 271
The Dog in. the Manger - - - 295
E.
The Eagle and the Owl 27
The Eagle, the Cat, and the Sow - 145
The Eagle, the Crow, and the Lamb - - 153
The Elm and the Vine - - - 243
The two Enemies at Sea - 255
The Eagle and the Owl - - - 323
F.
The Fox and the Crow - - 3
The Father and his Sons ... 47
The Fox and the Stork ... 63
The Fox and the Grapes - - 75

CONTENTS.

The two Frogs
The Fox and the Countryman
The Fir and the Bramble
The Fox without a Tail
The Fox and the Ass
The Fox and the Ape
The Proud Frog
The Fox and the Bramble
Fortune and the Boy
The Fly in St. Paul's Cupola
The Fox and the Goat
The two Foxes
The Flatterer and the Painter
The Fowler and the Ringdove G.
The Gnat and the Bee
Genius, A'irtue, and Reputation
The Gardener and the Boar -
The Goose and the Monkev -

H.

The Hares and Frogs

77818589 97
111 129169173
227 231 233 303
329 23
43
265 321

5
The Horse and the Ass - 69
The Husbandman and the Stork - - 71
The Huron and the Frenchman - 137
Ilcrculcs and the Carter - 159
The two Horses - - 183
The Huntsman and the Old Hound - - 201
The Hounds iu Couples - - - 239
The Husbandman that turned Soldier and Merchant 267
The Horses' Petition to Jupiter - - 301

CONTENTS. xxxvii
I.

PAGE

Industry and Sloth - - - - 139
J.
Jupiter's Lottery - - - - 59
Joy and Sorrow - 109
The Partial Judge - 143
Jupiter and the Herdsman - - - 211
K.
The Sick Kite - - - - 15
The Kite and the Pigeons - - 221
L.
The Sick Lion, the Fox, and the Wolf - 25
The Lion, the Bear, the Monkey, and the Fox 33
The Lion and the Gnat - - - 41
The two Lizards - - 57
The Undutiful Young Lion - - - 105
The Lion, the Tiger, and the Fox - - 157
The Lion and the Ass - - 163
The Liou, the Fox, and the Bulls - - 219
The Lion and the Asses - - 283
M.
The Miller, his Son, and their Ass 19
The Mice in Council ... 73
The Mountains in Labour - 79
Mercury and the Woodman - - 83
The Old Man and the Scoffer - - 115
The Young Man and the Swallow - - 149
The Blind Man and the Lame - - 179

xxxviii CONTENTS.

PAGE

The City Mouse and the Country Mouse

191

The Young Men and the Cook

203

The Man and the Fly -

245

The Old Man and Death

251

The Old Man and his Son

253

Minerva's Olive -

275

The Man that was bitten by a Dog

287

The Mule

309

The Covetous Man and the Envious One

327

N.
The Nightingale and his Cage

223

The Nurse and the Wolf

307

0.
The Oak and the Willow

45

The Oak and the Rose Tree

279

The Owl and the Echo

311

P.
The Peacock and the Crane -

7

The two Pots ...

17

The Passenger and the Pilot

141

The Plague among the Beasts

235

The Peacock -

241

The Prince and the Hermit -

247

The Pigeon and the Magpie -

259

Prosperity and Adversity

325

s.
The Shepherd and the Voung AVolf -

29

Tho One-Eyed Slag

49

CONTENTS.

XXX1X

The Swallow and the Spider
The Swan and the Stork
The Splenetic Traveller
The Shepherd's Boy and the Wolf
The Sick Father and his Children
The Stag looking into the Water
The Sparrow and the Hare
The Spider and the Silkworm
The Seamen Praying to Saints
The Scoffer Punished
The Snipe Shooter
The Sheep and the Bramble
The Sun and the Vapour
The Swallow and other Birds

PAGE 87 91
117121
123125 133135195
197
213229261 305

The Thief and the Dog
The Tortoise and the two Crows
The Trumpeter taken Prisoner
The Travellers and the Bear
The Trouts and the Gudgeon
The Boasting Traveller
The Traveller and the Lion -
There's no To-morrow

9
131165
171
*185 297317331

The Viper and the File

V.

W.

The Wolf in Disguise
The Wolf and the Lamb

13

51
177

xl

CONTENTS.

The Wolf and the Shepherds
The Wind and the Sun
The Wolf and the Mastiff
The Wolf and the Dog
The Wolf and the Shepherd's Dog

PAGE
215
217
273299315

SELECT FABLES.

THE COCK AND THE JEWEL.
A Cock, in scratching upon a dunghill, found a Jewel ;
what a prize, says he to himself, would this have been
to a lapidary, but as to any value it is to me, a barley
corn would have been worth forty of it.

REFLECTION.
This fable may be considered as holding forth an
emblem of industry and moderation. The Cock lives
by his honest labour, and maintains his family out of it ;
B

2 SELECT FABLES.
his scratching upon the dunghill is but working in his
calling : the precious Jewel is only a gaudy temptation
that fortune throws in his way to divert him from his
business and his duty; he would have been glad, he
says, of a barley-corn instead of it, and so casts it
aside as a thing not worth the heeding. What is
this, but forming a true estimate upon the matter in
question, in preferring that which Providence has made
and pronounced to be the staff of life, before a glittering
gew-gaw, that has no other value than what vanity,
pride, and luxury have set upon it ? The price of the
market to a jeweller in his trade, is one thing, but the
intrinsic worth of a thing to a man of sense and judg
ment, is another. Nay, that very lapidary himself,
with a craving stomach, and in the Cock's place, would
have made the Cock's choice. The doctrine, in short,
may be this : that we are to prefer things necessary be
fore things superfluous ; the comforts and the blessings
of Providence before the dazzling and the splendid
curiosities of mode and imagination: and finally, that
we are not to govern our lives by fancy, but by reason.

SELECT FABLES.

THE FOX AND THE CROW.

A Crow, having taken a piece of cheese out of a cot
tage window, flew up into a high tree with it, in order
to eat it ; which a Fox observing, came and sat under
neath, and began to compliment the Crow upon the
subject of her beauty. " I protest," says he, " I never
observed it before, but your feathers are of a more
delicate white than any thai evaB I saw in my life ! Ah !
what a fine shape and graceful turn of body is there !
And I make no question but you have a tolerable voice.
If it is but as fine as your complexion, I do not know a
bird that can pretend to stand in competition with you."
The Crow, tickled with this very civil language, nestled
and riggled about, and hardly knew where she was;
but thinking the Fox a little dubious as to the particular
of her voice, and having a mind to set him right in that
matter, began to sing, and in the same instant let the

4 SELECT FABLES.
cheese drop out of her mouth. This being what the
Fox wanted, he chopped it up in a moment, and trotted
away, laughing to himself at the easy credulity of the
Crow. REFLECTION.
There is hardly any man living that may not be
wrought upon more or less by flattery ; for we do all
of us naturally overween in our own favour. But
when it comes to be applied once to a vain person,
there is no end then can be proposed to be attained
by it, but may be effected.
" It is a maxim in the schools,
" That Flattery 's the food of fouls ; "
And whoso likes such airy meat,
AVill soon have nothing else to eat.

SELECT FABLES.

THE HARES AND FROGS.

Upon a great storm of wind that blew among the
trees and bushes, and made a rustling with the leaves,
the Hares, in a certain park where there happened to
be plenty of them, were so terribly frightened, that they
ran like mad all over the place, resolving to seek out
some retreat of more security, or to end their unhappy
days by doing violence to themselves. With this reso
lution they found an outlet where a pale had been
broken down, and bolting forth upon an adjoining com
mon, had not run far before their course was stopped
by that of a gentle brook which glided across the way
they intended to take. This was so grievous a disap
pointment, that they were not able to bear it ; and they
determined rather to throw themselves headlong into
the water, let what would become of it, than lead a life
so full of dangers and crosses. But, upon their coming

C SELECT FABLES.
to the brink of the river, a parcel of Frogs, which were
sitting there, frightened at their approach, leaped into
the stream in great confusion, and dived to the very
bottom for fear ; which a cunning old Puss observing,
called to the rest and said, " Hold, have a care what
ye do : here are other creatures, I perceive, which have
their fears as well as us: don't then let us fancy our
selves the most miserable of any upon earth ; but rather,
by their example, learn to bear patiently those inconve
niences which our nature has thrown upon us."
REFLECTION.
There is no contending with the orders and decrees
of Providence. He that makes us, knows what is
fittest for us ; and every man's own lot, well understood
and managed, is undoubtedly the best.
The miseries of half mankind unknown,
Fools vainly think no sorrows like their own ;
But view the world, and you will learn to bear
Misfortunes well, since all men have their share.

SELECT FABLES.

THE PEACOCK AND THE CRANE.
The Peacock and the Crane by chance met together.
The Peacock erecting his tail, displayed his gaudy
plumes, and looked with contempt upon the Crane,
as some mean ordinary person. The Crane, resolving
to mortify his insolence, took occasion to say, that
Peacocks were very fine birds indeed, if fine feathers
could make them so; but that he thought it a much
nobler thing to be able to rise above the clouds, than
to strut about upon the ground, and be gazed at by
children.

REFLECTION.
The mind which is stored with virtuous and rational
sentiments, and the behaviour which speaks complacence
and humility, stamps an estimate upon the possessor,
which all judicious spectators are ready to admire and

8 SELECT FABLE;?.
acknowledge. But if there be any merit in an em
broidered coat, a brocade waistcoat, a shoe, a stocking,
or sword-knot, the person who wears them has the least
claim to it ; let it be ascribed where it justly belongs —
to the several artisans, who wrought and disposed the
materials of which they consist. This moral is not in
tended to derogate any thing from the magnificence of
fine clothes, and rich equipages, which, as times and
circumstances require, may be used with decency and
propriety enough : but one cannot help being concerned,
lest any worth should be affixed to them more than
their own intrinsic value.

SELECT FABLES.

THE THIEF AND THE DOG.
A Thief, coming to rob a certain house in the night,
was disturbed in his attempts by a fierce vigilant Dog,
who kept barking at him continually. Upon which the
Thief, thinking to stop his mouth, threw him a piece of
bread : but the Dog refused it with indignation ; telling
him, that before, he only suspected him to be a bad
man ; but now, upon his offering to bribe him, he was
confirmed in his opinion ; and that, as he was intrusted
with the guardianship of his master's house, he should
never cease barking while such a rogue as he lay lurking
about it.

REFLECTION.
It is a common and known maxim, to suspect an
enemy, even the more, for his endeavouring to convince
us of his benevolence ; because the oddness of the thing
c

10 SELECT FABLES.
puts us upon our guard, and makes us conclude, that
some pernicious design must be couched under so sudden
and unexpected a turn of behaviour: but it is no
unnecessary caution to be upon the watch against even
indifferent people, when we perceive them uncommonly
forward in their approaches of civility and kindness.
The man, who at first sight makes us an offer, which is
due only to ^particular and well- acquainted friends, must
be either a knave, and intends by such a bait to draw us
into his net ; or a fool, with whom we ought to avoid
having any communication.
Thus far the consideration of this Fable may be useful
to us in private life ; what it contains farther, in relation
to the public, is, That a man, truly honest, will never
let his mouth be stopped with a bribe ; but the greater
the offer is, which is designed to buy his silence, the
louder, and more constantly, will he open it against
the miscreants who would practise it upon him.

SELECT FABLES.

11

THE BALD CAVALIER.
When periwigs were first used, and then chiefly to
cover the defect of baldness, a certain Cavalier had one
for that purpose, which passed for his own hair. But as
he was one day riding out with some others a hunting,
a sudden puff of wind blew off both his wig and hat,
and set the company in a loud laugh at his bald pate.
He, for his part, fell a laughing with the rest, and said,
" Why, really, Gentlemen, this is merry enough ; for
how could I expect to keep other people's hair, who
could not preserve my own ?"

reflection.

The edge of a jest is quite blunted and turned off
when a man has presence of mind to join in it against
himself, or begin it.
A frank easy way of openness and candour agrees

12

SELECT FABLES.

best with all humours ; and he, that is over solicitous to
conceal a defect, often does as good as make proclamation
of it. And it is a turn of art in many cases, where a
man lies open to ridicule, to - anticipate the jest and
make sport with himself first.
When the loud laugh prevails at your expense,
All want of temper is but want of sense ;
Would you disarm the sneerer of his jest,
Frown not, but laugh in concert with the rest.

SELECT FABLES.

13

THE VIPER AND THE FILE.
A Viper, entering a smith's shop, looked up and
down for something to eat, and seeing a File, fell to
gnawing it as greedily as could be. The File told him,
very gruffly, that he had best be quiet and let him
alone ; for that he would get very little by nibbling at
one, who, upon occasion, could bite iron and steel.

reflection.

By this fable we are cautioned to consider what a
person is, before we make an attack upon him after any
manner whatsoever: particularly how we let our tongues
slip in censuring the actions of those, who are, in the
opinion of the world, not only of an unquestioned
reputation, so that nobody will believe what we insinuate
against them, but of such an influence, upon account of
their own veracity, that the least word from them would

14

SELECT FABLES.

ruin our credit to all intents and purposes. I£ wit be
the case, and we have a satirical vein, which at certain
periods must have a flow, let us be cautious at whom
we level it; for if the person's understanding be of
better proof than our own, all our ingenious sallies, like
water thrown against the wind, will recoil back upon
our own faces, and make us the ridicule of every
spectator. This Fable, besides, is not an improper
emblem of Envy; which, rather than not bite at all,
will fall foul where it can hurt nothing but itself; and
such is its malignancy, that the greatest wits, and
brightest characters in all ages, have ever been the
objects of its attack: ought we not then to guard
against the admission of an inmate, that not only
attempts to injure the virtuous part of mankind, but
also effectually ruins the peace of its possessor?

SELECT FABLES.

15

THE SICK KITE.
A Kite had been sick a long time; and finding
there were no hopes of recovery, begged of his mother
to go to all the churches and religious houses in the
country, to try what prayers and promises would effect
in his behalf. The old Kite replied : " Indeed, dear
Son, I would willingly undertake any thing to save
your Ufe, but I have great reason to despair of doing
you any service in the way you propose: for, with
what face can I ask any thing of God in favour of one,
whose whole life has been a continued scene of rapine
and injustice, and who has not scrupled, upon occasion,
to rob the very altars themselves?"

REFLECTION.

The perusal of this fable almost unavoidably draws
our attention to that very serious and important point,

16

SELECT FABLES.

the consideration of a death-bed repentance. And, to
expose the absurdity of relying upon such a weak
foundation, we need only ask the same question with
the Kite in the fable : how can he, that has offended
God all his life-time by doing acts of dishonour and
injustice, expect, that he should be pleased with him at
last, for no other reason but because he fears he shall
not be able to offend him any longer ; when, in truth,
such a repentance can signify nothing, but a confirma
tion of his former impudence and folly ? For sure no
stupidity can exceed that of the man, who expects a
future judgment, and yet can bear to commit any piece
of injustice, with a sense and deliberation of the fact.

SELECT FABLES.

17

,4^^^i

/J^^^^S^^^^^M^t.^
1 SPi^^";^ ~^3il&i
RRRl i
\ Isr 'v^ffltfe^Jb --^--^s-== . ... __.
5mi /
— ..... ¦  —  —
THE TWO POTS.
An earthen Pot and one of brass, standing together
upon the river's brink, were both carried away by the
flowing in of the tide. The earthen Pot showed some
uneasiness, as fearing he should be broken; but his
companion of brass bid him be under no apprehensions,
for that he would take care of him. O! replies the
other, keep as far off as ever you can, I entreat you ;
it is you I am most afraid of; for, whether the stream
dashes you against me, or me against you, I am sure
to be the sufferer ; and therefore, I beg of you, do not
let us come near one another.
REFLECTION.
A man of a moderate fortune, who is contented with
what he has, and finds he can live happily upon it,
should take care not to hazard and expose his felicity,
IS

SELECT FABLES.

by consorting with the great and the powerful. People
of equal conditions may float down the current of life
without hurting each other ; but it is a point of some
difficulty to steer one's course in the company of the
great, so as to escape without a bulge. One would not
choose to have one's little country-box situated in the
neighbourhood of a very great man ; for whether I
ignorantly trespass upon him, or he knowingly
encroaches upon me, 1 only am like to be the sufferer.
I can neither entertain, nor play with him, upon his
own terms ; for that which is moderation and diversion
to him, in me would be extravagance and ruin.

SELECT FABLES.

1!)

THE MILLER, HIS SON, AND THEIR ASS.
A Miller and his Son were driving their Ass to
market, in order to sell him: and that he might get
thither fresh and in good condition, they drove him on
gently before them. They had not proceeded far, when
they met with a company of travellers. Sure, say they,
you are mighty careful of your Ass : methinks one of
you might as well get up and ride, as suffer him to
walk on at his ease, while you trudge after on foot. In
compliance with this advice, the Old Man set his Son
upon the beast. And now, they had scarce advanced
a quarter of a mile farther, before they met another
company. You idle young rogue, said one of the party,
why don't you get down, and let your poor father ride ?
Upon this, the Old Man made his Son dismount, and
got up himself. While they were marching in this
manner, a third company began to insult the Father.

20

SELECT FABLES.

You hard-hearted unnatural wretch, say they, how can
you suffer that poor lad to wade through the dirt,
while you, like an alderman, ride at your ease ? The
good-natured Miller stood corrected, and immediately
took his Son up behind him. And now the next man
they met exclaimed with more vehemence and indigna
tion than all the rest — Was there ever such a couple of
lazy boobies ! to overload in so unconscionable a manner,
a poor dumb creature, who is far less able to carry
them than they are to carry him ! The complying
Old Man would have been half inclined to make the
trial, had not experience by this time sufficiently con
vinced him, that there cannot be a more fruitless
attempt, than to endeavour to please all mankind.

REFLECTION.

It is better to pursue the dictates of one's own reason,
than attempt to please all mankind.

. %* #:_

SELECT FABLES.

21

THE DOG AND THE SHADOW.
A Dog, crossing a little rivulet with a piece of flesh
in his mouth, saw his own Shadow represented in the
clear mirror of the limpid stream ; and believing it to
be another Dog, who was carrying another piece of
flesh, he could not forbear catching at it ; but was so
far from getting any thing by his greedy design, that he
dropt the piece he had in his mouth, which immediately
sunk to the bottom, and was irrecoverably lost.

REFLECTION,
It is wisely decreed, that vice should carry its own
punishment along with it. Therefore, he, that catches
at more than belongs to him, justly deserves to lose
what he has ; yet nothing is more common and, at the
same time, more pernicious, than this selfish principle.
It prevails from the king to the peasant ; and all orders

22 SELECT FABLES.
and degrees of men are, more or less, infected with it.
Great monarchs have been drawn in, by this greedy
humour, to grasp at the dominions of their neighbours ;
not that they wanted any thing more to feed their
luxury, but to gratify their insatiable appetite for vain
glory. If the Kings of Persia could have been con
tented with their own vast territories, they had not lost
all Asia, for the sake of a little petty state of Greece.
He, that thinks he sees another's estate in a pack of
cards, or a box and dice, and ventures his own in the
pursuit of it, should not repine, if he finds himself a
beggar in the end.
Base is the man, who pines amidst his store,
And fat with plenty, griping, covets more :
But doubly vile, by av'rice when betray'd,
He quits the substance for an empty shade.

SELECT FABLES.

23

THE GNAT AND THE BEE.
A Gnat, half starved with cold and hunger, went
one frosty morning to a Bee-hive, to beg charity ; and
offered to teach music in the Bee's family, for her diet
and lodging. The Bee very civilly desired to be
excused : for, says she, I bring up all my children to my
own trade, that they may be able to get their living by
their industry ; and I am sure I am right ; for see what
that music, which you would teach my children, has
brought you yourself to !

REFLECTION.
The many unhappy persons, whom we daily see
singing up and down in order to divert other people,
though with very heavy hearts of their own, should
warn all those, who have the education of children,
how necessary it is to bring them up to industry and

24

SELECT FABLES.

business, be their present prospects ever so hopeful ;
that so, upon any unexpected disaster, they might
be able to turn their hands to a course which might
procure them an honest livelihood.
The Gnat in the fable, we may further observe, is
very like many inconsiderate persons in life : they gaily
buzz about in the summer of prosperity, and think of
nothing but their present enjoyments: but when the
winter of adversity comes, they poorly creep about, and
supplicate the industrious inhabitants of every Bee-hive,
charitably to relieve those wants which they have
brought upon themselves; and often deservedly meet
the repulse and the sting, which the Bee gives to the
Gnat in the fable.
The wretch, who works not for his daily bread,
Sighs and complains, but ought not to be fed.
Think, when you see stout beggars on their stand,
The lazy are the locusts of the land.

SELECT FABLES. 2$,

THE SICK LION, THE FOX, AND THE WOLF.
A Lion, having surfeited himself with feasting too
luxuriously on the carcase of a wild boar, was seized
with a violent and dangerous disorder. The beasts of
the forest flocked in great numbers to pay their respects
to him upon the occasion, and scarce one was absent
except the Fox. The Wolf, an ill-natured and mali
cious beast, seized this opportunity to accuse the Fox of
pride, ingratitude, and disaffection to his Majesty. In
the midst of his invective, the Fox entered; who, having
heard part of the Wolf's accusation, and observing the
Lion's countenance to be kindled into wrath, thus
adroitly excused himself, and retorted upon his accuser.
" I see many here, who with mere lip service have pre
tended to show you their loyalty; but for my part, from
the moment I heard of your Majesty's illness, neglecting
useless compliments, I employed myself day and night

26 SELECT FABLES.
to inquire among the most learned physicians, an in
fallible remedy for your disease, and have at length
happily been informed of one. It is a plaster made of
part of a Wolf's skin, taken warm from his back, and
laid to your Majesty's stomach." This remedy was no
sooner proposed, than it was determined that the expe
riment should be tried: and whilst the operation was
performing, the Fox, with a sarcastic smile, whispered
this useful maxim in the Wolfs ear, " If you would be
safe from harm yourself, learn for the future not to
meditate mischief against others."
REFLECTION.
Men, who meditate mischief, suggest the same to
others; and generally pay dear for their fro ward grati
fications.

SELECT FABLES.

27

THE EAGLE AND THE OWL.
An Eagle and an Owl having entered into a league of
mutual amity, one of the articles of their treaty was, that
the former should not prey upon the younglings of the
latter. " But tell me," said the Owl, " should you know
my little ones, if you were to see them?" " Indeed I
should not," replied the Eagle; " but if you describe them
to me, it will be sufficient." " You are to observe then,"
returned the Owl, " in the first place, that the charming
creatures are perfectly well shaped ; in the next, that
there is a remarkable sweetness and vivacity in their
countenances; and then there is something in their voices
so peculiar melodious." " 'Tis enough," interrupted the
Eagle; "by these marks I cannot fail of distinguishing
them : and you may depend upon their never receiving
any injury from me." It happened not long afterwards,
as the Eagle was upon the wing in quest of his prey,

28 SELECT FABLES,
that he discovered amidst the ruins of an old castle a nest
of grim-faced ugly birds, with gloomy countenances, and
a voice like that of the Furies. " These undoubtedly,"
said he, " cannot be the offspring of my friend, and so I
shall venture to make free with them." He had scarce
finished his repast and departed, when the Owl returned;
who, finding nothing of her brood remaining but some
fragments of the mangled carcases, broke out into the
most bitter exclamations against the cruel and perfidious
author of her calamity. A neighbouring Bat, who
overheard her lamentations, and had been witness to
what had passed between her and the Eagle, very
gravely told her, that she had nobody to blame for
this misfortune but herself: whose blind prejudices in
favour of her children, had prompted her to give such
a description of them, as did not resemble them in any
one single feature or quality. REFLECTION.
The partiality of parents often makes themselves
ridiculous, and their children unhappy.

%

,-rTi

„*^#i***i£*-

SELECT FABLES.

29

THE SHEPHERD AND THE YOUNG WOLF.
A Shepherd took a Wolf's sucking whelp, and
trained it up with his dogs. The whelp fed with them,
grew up with them, and whensoever they went out upon
the chase of a wolf, the whelp would be sure to make
one. It happened sometimes that the wolf escaped;
but this domestic Wolf would be still hunting on, after
the dogs had given over the chase, till he came up to
his true brethren, where he took part of the prey with
them, and then went back again to his master. And
when he could come in for no snacks with the wolves,
he would now and then make free, by the bye, with a
straggling sheep out of the flock. He carried on this
trade for a while ; but at last he was caught in the fact,
and hanged by his injured master,

reflection.

Ill dispositions may be dissembled for a while, but

30

SELECT FABLES.

nature is very hardly to be altered, either by counsel or
education. It may do well enough for curiosity and
experiment, to try how far ill-natured men, and other
creatures, may be wrought upon by fair usage and
good breeding; but the inclination and cruelty of the
dam will be hardly ever out of the whelp. This fable
is a true portrait of an ungrateful and treacherous mind,
which, according to the proverb, holds with the Hare,
and runs with the Hound; which pretends greater zeal
than others, like the Wolf's whelp in the chase, in the
detection and pursuit of a common enemy; but at the
same time divides spoils with him, and, rather than want
an opportunity of doing mischief, will prey privately
upon the property he pretends to defend. Many such
instances we might give in public life; and there have
been too many such also in private life.

w ^^5 'f 3*^5

SELECT FABLES.

31

THE CLOCK AND THE DIAL.
A Clock, which served for many years to repeat the
hours and point out time, happened to fall into conver
sation with a Dial, which also served when the sun
shone to tell what was the time of day. It happened
to be in a cloudy forenoon, when the sun did not shine.
Says the Clock to the Dial, " What a mean slavery do
you undergo; you cannot tell the hour without the sun
pleases to inform you, and now the half of the day is
past, and you know not what o'clock it is : I can tell
the hour at any time, and would not be in such a
dependent state as you are in for the world: night and
day are both alike to me: it is just now twelve o'clock."
Upon this the sun shone forth from under the cloud,
and showed the exact time of the day: it was half an hour
past twelve. The Dial then replied to the Clock, " You
may now perceive that boasting is not good; for you

32

SELECT FABLES,

sec you arc wrong: it is better to be under direction and
follow truth, than to be high to one's self and go wrong;
your freedom is only a liberty to err, and what you call
slavery in my case is the only method of being freely in
the right: you see, that we should all of us keep our
stations, and depend upon one another; I depend upon
the sun, and you depend upon me ; for if I did not
serve to regulate your motions, you see you would for
ever go wrong."

reflection.

There is no absolute independency in the world;
every one depends in his station upon some above him,
and if this order was taken away, there would be
nothing except error and confusion in the universe.

SELECT FABLES.

33

THE LION. THE BEAR. THE MONKEY. AND THE
rox.
The Tyrant of the forest issued . proclamation,
commanding all his subjects to repair immediately to
his royal den. Amoag the rest, the Bear made his
appearance: but pretending to be offended with the
steams which issued from the Monarch's apartments,
he was imprudent enough io hold his nose in hi;
Majesty's presence. This insolence ^as so highly
resented, that die Lion in a rage laid him dead at
hfe feet. The Monkey, observing what had passed,
trembled for his carcase; and attempted to conciliate
favour by the most abject flattery. He began with
protesting, that i" w tis part he thought the apartments
were perfumed with Arabian spices : and exc]aimT"g
against the rudeness of the Bear, r.dmired tie beauty
of hi; Majesty"; paws, so happily formed, he said, to
F

34

SELECT FABLES.

correct the insolence of clowns. This fulsome adulation,
instead of being received as he expected, proved no less
offensive than the rudeness of the Bear: and the courtly
Monkey was in like manner extended by the side of Sir
Bruin. And now his Majesty cast his eye upon the
Fox. " Well, Beynard," said he, " and what scent
do you discover here?" " Great Prince," replied the
cautious Fox, " my nose was never esteemed my most
distinguishing sense; and at present I would by no
means venture to give my opinion, as I have unfor
tunately got a terrible cold."
REFLECTION.
It is often more prudent to suppress our sentiments,
than either to flatter or to rail.

SELECT FABLES,

35

THE BUTTERFLY AND THE ROSE.
A fine powdered Butterfly fell in love with a beauti
ful Bose, who expanded her charms in a neighbouring
garden. Matters were soon adjusted between them,
and they mutually vowed eternal fidelity. The Butter
fly, perfectly satisfied with the success of his amour,
took a tender leave of his mistress, and did not return
again till noon. "What!" said the Bose, when she
saw him approaching, " is the ardent passion you
vowed, so soon extinguished? It is an age since you
paid me a visit. But no wonder : for I observed you
courting by turns every flower in the garden." " You
little coquet," replied the Butterfly, " it well becomes
you truly, to reproach me with my gallantries ; when
in fact I only copy the example which you yourself
have set me. For, not to mention the satisfaction with
which you admitted the kisses of the fragrant Zephyr,

36 SELECT FABLES.
did I not see you displaying your charms to the Bee,
the Fly, the Wasp, and, in short, encouraging and
receiving the addresses of every buzzing insect that
fluttered within your view? I£ you will be a coquet,
you must expect to find me inconstant."
reflection.
We exclaim loudly against that inconstancy in another,
to which we give occasion by our own.

SELECT FABLES.

37

THE COUNTRY MAID AND THE MILK-PAIL.
A Country Maid was walking very deliberately with
a Pail of Milk upon her head, when she fell into the
following train of reflections: — " The money for which I
shall sell this milk, will enable me to increase my stock
of eggs to three hundred. These eggs, allowing for
what may prove addle, and what may be destroyed by
vermin, will produce at least two hundred and fifty
chickens. The chickens will be fit to carry to market
about Christmas, when poultry always bear a good
price: so that by May-day I cannot fail of having
money enough to purchase a gown. Green — let me
consider — yes, green becomes my complexion best, and
green it shall be. In this dress I will go to the fair,
where all the young men will strive to have me for a
partner; but I shall perhaps refuse every one of them,
and with an air of disdain toss from them." Trans-

38 SELECT FABLES.
ported with this triumphant thought, she could not
forbear acting with her head what thus passed in her
imagination, when down came the Pail of Milk, and
with it all her imaginary happiness.
REFLECTION.
When men suffer their imagination to amuse them
with the prospect of distant and uncertain improvements
of their condition, they frequently sustain real losses, by
their inattention to those affairs in which they are
immediately concerned.

SELECT FABLES.

39

THE BEE AND THE FLY.
A Bee, observing a Fly frisking abouther hive, asked
him, in a very passionate tone, what he did there?
" Is it for such scoundrels as you," said she, " to
intrude into the company of the queens of the air ? "
" You have great reason, truly," replied the Fly, " to
be out of humour : I am sure they must be mad, who
would have any concern with so quarrelsome a nation."
" And why so, thou saucy thing?" returned the enraged
Bee; " we have the best laws, and are governed by the
best policy in the world. We feed upon the most
fragrant flowers, and all our business is to make honey :
honey, which equals nectar, thou tasteless wretch, who
livest upon nothing but putrefaction." " We live as
we can," rejoined the Fly: " poverty, I hope, is no
crime ; but passion is one, I am sure. The honey you
make is sweet, I grant you; but your heart is all bitter-

40 SELECT FABLES.
ness: for to be revenged on an enemy, you will destroy
your own life; and are so inconsiderate in your rage,
as to do more mischief to yourselves than to your
adversary. Take my word for it, one had better have
less considerable talents, and use them with more dis
cretion." REFLECTION.
The greatest genius with a vindictive temper is far
surpassed in point of happiness by men of talents less
considerable.

SELECT FABLES.

41

THE LION AND THE GNAT.
" A vaunt! thou paltry, contemptible insect!" said a
proud Lion one day to a Gnat that was frisking about
in the air near his den. The Gnat, enraged at this
unprovoked insult, vowed revenge, and immediately
darted into the Lion's ear. After having sufficiently
teased him in that quarter, she quitted her station and
retired under his belly : and from thence made her
last and most formidable attack in his nostrils, where
stinging him almost to madness, the Lion at length
fell down, utterly spent with rage, vexation, and pain.
The Gnat having thus abundantly gratified her resent
ment, flew off in great exultation : but in the heedless
transports of her success, not sufficiently attending
to her own security, she found herself unexpectedly
entangled in the web of a spider ; who, rushing out
upon her, put an end to her triumph and her life.

42

SELECT FABLES.

REFLECTION.

Little minds are so much elevated by any advantage
gained over their superiors, that they are often thrown
off their guard against a sudden change of fortune.

SELECT FABLES.

43

GENIUS, VIRTUE, AND REPUTATION.
Genius, Virtue, and Beputation, three intimate
friends, agreed to travel over the island of Great
Britain, to see whatever might be worthy of obser
vation. But as some misfortune, said they, may
happen to separate us, let us consider before we set
out, by what means we may find each other again.
" Should it be my ill fate," said Genius, " to be
severed from you, my associates, which Heaven forbid,
you may find me kneeling in devotion before the tomb
of Shakespear, or wrapt in some grove where Milton
talked with angels, or musing in the grotto where Pope
caught inspiration." Virtue, with a sigh, acknowledged
that her friends were not very numerous : " But were I
to lose you," she cried, " with whom I am at present
so happily united, I should choose to take sanctuary in
the temples of religion, in the palaces of royalty, or in

44

SELECT FABLES.

the stately domes of ministers of state : but as it may
be my ill-fortune to be there denied admittance, inquire
for some cottage where Contentment has a bower, and
there you will certainly find me." " Ah! my dear
companions," said Reputation very earnestly, " you,
I perceive, when missing, may possibly be recovered ;
but take care, I entreat you, always to keep sight of
me, for if I am once lost, I am never to be retrieved."
REFLECTION.
There are few things so irreparably lost as Repu
tation.

SELECT FABLES.

45

THE OAK AND THE WILLOW.
A conceited Willow had once the vanity to chal
lenge his mighty neighbour the Oak to a trial of
strength. It was to be determined by the next storm ;
and .^Eolus was addressed by both parties, to exert
his most powerful efforts. This was no sooner asked
than granted; and a violent hurricane arose: when
the pliant Willow, bending from the blast, or shrinking
under it, evaded all its force; while the generous Oak,
disdaining to give way, opposed its fury, and was
torn up by the roots. Immediately the Willow began
to exult, and to claim the victory; when thus the fallen
Oak interrupted his exultation : " Callest thou this a
trial of strength? Poor wretch ! not to thy strength,
but weakness; not to thy boldly facing danger, but
meanly skulking from it, thou owest thy present safety.
I am an Oak, though fallen ; thou still a Willow,

i<;

SELECT FABLES.

though unhurt: but who, except so mean a wretch as
thyself, would prefer an ignominious life, preserved by
craft or cowardice, to the glory of meeting death in an
honourable cause." REFLECTION.
The courage of meeting death in an honourable cause
is more commendable, than any address or artifice we
can make use of to evade it.

SELECT FABLES.

47

THE FATHER AND HIS SONS.
A very honest man happened to have a contentious
brood of children. He called for a rod, and bade them
try one after another, with all their force if they could
break it. They tried, and could not. " Well," says
he, " unbind it now, and take every twig of it apart,
and see what you can do that way." They did so, and
with great ease, by one and one, they snapped it all to
pieces. " This," says he, " is the true emblem of your
condition; keep together, and you are safe; divide, and
you are undone."

REFLECTION.
This fable intimates the force of union and the
danger of division. Intestine commotions have de
stroyed many a powerful state; and it is as ruinous
in private affairs as it is in public. A divided family

18

SELECT FABLES.

can no more stand, than a divided commonwealth; for
every individual suffers in the neglect of a common
safety. It is a strange thing, that men should not do
that, under the government of rational spirit and a
natural prudence, which wolves and bears do by the
impulse of an animal instinct. For they, we see, will
make head, one and all, against a common enemy :
whereas the generality of mankind lie pecking at one
another, till one by one they are all torn to pieces,
never considering (as this fable teaches) the necessity
and benefits of union.

SELECT FABLES.

49

THE ONE-EYED STAG.
A One-eyed Stag, that was afraid of the huntsmen
at land, kept a watch that way, and fed with his blind-
side towards an arm of the sea, where he thought there
was no danger. In this hope of security, he was shot
by a ball from a boat, and so ended his days with this
lamentation: " Here I am destroyed," says he, " where
I reckoned myself to be safe, on the one hand ; and no
evil has befallen me where I most dreaded it, on the
other. But it is my comfort that I intended the best."

REFLECTION.
We are many times preserved or destroyed by those
accidents or counsels that in all probability should have
had quite contrary effects. But yet it is our part to
act according to reason, and commit ourselves to Heaven
for the rest. The wisest of men have their follies or
h

50

SELECT FABLES.

blind-sides, and have their enemies too, who watch to
take advantage of their weakness. It behoves us, there
fore, to look to ourselves on the blind-side, as the part
that lies most exposed to an attack. And yet, when we
have done our best to prevent mischief, the very pre
caution itself serves many times to contribute to our
ruin. In short, the ways and workings of Providence
are unsearchable, and it is not in the power of human
prudence to obviate all the accidents of life.

SELECT FABLES.

51

THE WOLF IN DISGUISE.
A Wolf, who by frequent visits to a flock of sheep
in his neighbourhood, began to be extremely well
known to them, thought it expedient, for the more
successfully carrying on his depredations, to appear
in a new character. To this end he disguised himself
in a shepherd's habit; and resting his fore feet upon a
stick, which served him by way of crook, he softly
made his approaches towards the fold. It happened
that the shepherd and his dog were both of them
extended on the grass, fast asleep; so that he would
certainly have succeeded in his project, if he had not
imprudently attempted to imitate the shepherd's voice.
The horrid noise awakened them both: when the
Wolf, encumbered with his disguise, and finding it
impossible either to resist or to flee, yielded up his life
an easy prey to the shepherd's dog.

52

SELECT FABLES.

REFLECTION.

Designing hypocrites frequently lay themselves open
to discovery by over-acting their parts.

SELECT FABLES.

53

THE DAW WITH BORROWED FEATHERS.
A pragmatic Jackdaw was vain enough to imagine,
that he wanted nothing but the coloured plumes to
render him as elegant a bird as the Peacock: puffed
up with this wise conceit, he dressed himself with a
sufficient quantity of their most beautiful feathers, and
in this borrowed garb, forsaking his old companions,
endeavoured to pass for a peacock ; but he no sooner
attempted to associate with these genteel creatures, than
an affected strut betrayed the vain pretender. The
offended Peacocks, plucking from him their degraded
feathers, soon stripped him of his finery, reduced
him to a mere Jackdaw, and drove him back to his
brethren; by whom he was now equally despised, and
justly punished with derision and contempt.
REFLECTION.
When a pert young templar, or city apprentice,

54

SELECT FABLES.

sets up for a fine gentleman, with the assistance of an
embroidered waistcoat and Dresden ruffles, but without
one qualification proper to the character, how frequently
does it happen, that he is laughed at by his equals, and
despised by those whom he presumed to imitate !

SELECT FABLES.

55

THE ANT AND THE CATERPILLAR.
As a Caterpillar was advancing very slowly along
one of the alleys of a beautiful garden, he was met by
a pert lively Ant, who tossing up her head with a
scornful air, cried, " Prithee, get out of the way, thou
poor creeping animal, and do not presume to obstruct
the paths of thy superiors, by wriggling along the road,
and besmearing the walks appropriated to their foot
steps. Poor creature ! thou lookest like a thing half
made, which Nature not liking threw by unfinished. I
could almost pity thee, methinks; but it is beneath one
of my quality to talk to such mean creatures as thou
art: and so, poor crawling wretch, adieu!" The
humble Caterpillar, struck dumb with this disdainful
language, retired, went to work, wound himself up in
a silken cell, and at the appointed time came out a
beautiful Butterfly. Just as he was sallying forth, he

56

SELECT FABLES.

observed the scornful Ant passing by. " Proud insect,"
said he, " stop a moment, and learn from the circum
stances in which you now see me, never to despise any
one for that condition in which Providence has thought
fit to place him; as there is none so mean, but may one
day, either in this state or in a better, be exalted above
those who looked down upon him with unmerited con
tempt." REFLECTION.
Boys of no very promising appearance often become
the greatest men.

SELECT FABLES.

57

THE TWO LIZARDS.

As two Lizards were basking under a south wall,
" How contemptible," said one of them, " is our
condition! We exist, 'tis true, but that is all: for
we hold no sort of rank in the creation, and are utterly
unnoticed by the world. Cursed obscurity! Why
was I not rather born a Stag, to range at large, the
pride and glory of some royal forest.?" It happened,
that, in the midst of these unjust murmurs, a pack of
hounds was heard in full cry after the very creature he
was envying, who, being quite spent with the chase,
was torn in pieces by the dogs in sight of the two
Lizards. " And is this the lordly Stag, whose place
in the creation you wish to hold?" said the wiser
Lizard to his complaining friend : " Let his sad fate
teach you to bless Providence for placing you in that

58

SELECT FABLES.

humble situation, which secures you from the dangers
of a more elevated rank."

REFLECTION.

The superior safety of an obscure and humble station,
is a balance for the honours of high and envied life.

SELECT FABLES.

59

JUPITER'S LOTTERY.
Jupiter, in order to please mankind, directed
Mercury to give notice that he had established a
Lottery, in which there were no blanks; and that
amongst a variety of other valuable chances, Wisdom
was the highest prize. It was Jupiter's command,
that in this Lottery some of the gods should also
become adventurers. The tickets being disposed of,
and the wheels placed, Mercury was employed to
preside at the drawing. It happened, that the best
prize fell to Minerva: upon which a general murmur
ran through the assembly, and hints were thrown out
that Jupiter had used some unfair practices to secure
this desirable lot to his daughter. Jupiter, that he
might at once both punish and silence these impious
clamours of the human race, presented them with
Folly in the place of Wisdom; with which they went

60

SELECT FABLES.

away perfectly well contented. And from that time
the greatest fools have always looked upon themselves
as the wisest men.

reflection.

Folly, passing with men for wisdom, makes each
contented with his own share of understanding.

H&%£-

SELECT FABLES.

61

:EHiX\

~^S^
\ & rvflEi lit
rWai*,-
I 'JrTfcJ^ffl'^J
|II{«yK
VUC=J^^T^^m=^~ =- UOjSfwp
^\rT)C^"-"
5ws
\ ^^^T$=?- V
|BK~'~/a|j||syv """33
t fifflwrv
P»l
^-~^ *
TAitt^jJIlffiftriiii."""
^-3^~^
THE TWO DOGS.
A good-natured Spaniel overtook a surly Mastiff,
as he was travelling upon the high road. Tray, although
an entire stranger to Tyger, very civilly accosted him :
" And if it would be no interruption," he said, " he
should be glad to bear him company on his way."
Tyger, who happened not to be altogether in so growl
ing a mood as usual, accepted the proposal; and they
very amicably pursued their journey together. In the
midst of their conversation they arrived at the next'
village, where Tyger began to display his malignant
disposition by an unprovoked attack upon every dog
he met. The villagers immediately sallied forth with
-great indignation to rescue their respective favourites ;
and falling upon • the two friends without distinction
or mercy, poor Tray was most cruelly treated, for no
other reason but his being found in bad company.
02

SELECT FABLES.

REFLECTION.

Hasty and inconsiderate connexions are generally
attended with great disadvantages: and much of every
man's good or ill fortune depends upon the choice he
makes of his friends.

SELECT FABLES.

63

THE FOX AND THE STORK.
The Fox, though in general more inclined to
roguery than wit, had once a strong inclination to
play the wag with his neighbour the Stork. He
accordingly invited her to dinner in great form; but
when it came upon the table, the Stork found it
consisted entirely of different soups, served up in broad,
shallow dishes, so that she could only dip in the end
of her bill, but could not possibly satisfy her hunger.
The Fox lapped it up very readily, and every now and
then, addressing himself to his guest, desired to know
how she liked her entertainment, hoped that every
thing was seasoned to her mind, and protested he was
very sorry to see her eat so sparingly. The Stork,
perceiving she was played upon, took no notice of it,
but pretended to like every dish extremely; and at
parting pressed the Fox so earnestly to return her visit,

04 SELECT FABLES.
that he could not in civility refuse. The day arrived,
and he repaired to his appointment; but, to his great
mortification, when dinner appeared, he found it
composed of minced meat served up in long narrow-
necked glasses; so that he was only tantalized with the
sight of what it was impossible for him to taste. The
Stork thrust in her long bill, and helped herself very
plentifully; then, turning to Reynard, who was eagerly
licking the outside of a jar where some sauce had been
spilled, " I am very glad," said she, smiling, " that
you seem to have so good an appetite; I hope you
will make as hearty a dinner at my table as I did the
other day at yours." Reynard hung down his head,
and looked very much displeased. " Nay, nay," said
the Stork, " don't pretend to be out of humour about
the matter; they that cannot take a jest, should never
make one." reflection.
We should always reflect, before we rally another,
whether we can bear to have the jest retorted.

SELECT FABLES.

65

THE BEGGAR AND HIS DOG.
A Beggar and his Dog sat at the gate of a noble
courtier, ^,nd were preparing to make a meal on a
bowl of fragments from the kitchen-maid. A poor
Dependant of his Lordship's, who had been sharing
the singular favour of a dinner at the steward's table,
was struck with the appearance, and stopped a little
to observe them. The Beggar, hungry and voracious
as any courtier in Christendom, seized with greediness
the choicest morsels, and swallowed them himself; the
residue was divided into portions for his children. A
scrag was thrust into one pocket for honest Jack, a
crust into another for bashful Tom, and a luncheon of
cheese was wrapt up with care for the little favourite
of his hopeful family. In short, if any thing was
thrown to the Dog, it was a bone so closely picked,
that it scarce afforded a pittance to keep life and soul
K

06

SELECT FABLES.

together. " How exactly alike," said the Dependant,
" is this poor Dog's case and mine ! He is watching
for a dinner from a master who cannot spare it ; I
for a place from a needy Lord, whose wants, perhaps,
are greater than my own, and whose relations are more
clamorous than any of this Beggar's brats. Shrewdly
was it said by an ingenious writer, a ' Courtier's
Dependant is a Beggar's DogP'
reflection.
'Tis misery to depend upon patrons, whose circum
stances make their chanty necessary at home.

SELECT FABLES.

67

THE ANT AND THE FLY.
" Where's the honour, or the pleasure in the world,"
says the Fly, in a dispute for pre-eminence with the
Ant, " that I have not my part in? Are not all temples
and places open to me? Am not I the taster to gods
and princes in all their sacrifices and entertainments ?
And all this without either money or pains? I trample
upon crowns, and kiss what ladies' lips I please. And
what have you now to pretend to all this while ? " " Vain
boaster!" says the Ant, " dost thou not know the
difference between the access of a guest and that of an
intruder f for people are so far from liking your com
pany, that they kill you as soon as they catch you. You
are a plague to them wherever you come. Your very
breath has maggots in it ; and for the kiss you brag of,
what is it but the perfume of the last dunghill you
touched upon, once removed? For my part, I live

68

SELECT FABLES.

upon what's my own, and work honestly in the summer
to maintain myself in the winter; whereas the whole
course of your scandalous life is only cheating or sharp
ing one half of the year, and starving the other."
reflection.
The happiness of life does not lie so much in enjoying
small advantages, as in living free from great inconve
niences. An honest mediocrity is the happiest state a
man can wish for.

SELECT FABLES.

69

THE HORSE AND THE ASS.
A proud pampered Horse, bedecked with gaudy
trappings, met in his course a poor creeping Ass,
under a heavy burden, that had fallen into the same
track with him. " Why, how now, sirrah!" says he,
" do you not see by these arms and trappings to what
master I belong? And do you not understand, that
when I have that master of mine upon my back, the
whole weight of the state rests upon my shoulders?
Out of the way, thou slavish, insolent animal, or I'll
tread thee to dirt!" The wretched Ass immediately
slunk aside, with this envious reflection between his
teeth, " What would I give to change conditions with that
happy creature there ! " This fancy kept in his head till
it was his lot, a little while after, to see this very Horse
doing drudgery in a common coal-cart. " Why, how
now, friend," says the Ass, " how comes this about ? "

70

SELECT FABLES.

" Only the chance of war," says the other : " I was a
General's Horse, you must know; and my master
carried me into a battle, where I was hacked and
maimed; and you have here before your eyes the
catastrophe of my fortune." reflection.
This fable shows the folly, and the fate, of pride and
arrogance ; and the mistake of placing happiness in any
thing that may be taken away ; as also the blessing of
freedom in a mean estate.

SELECT FABLES.

71

THE HUSBANDMAN AND THE STORK.
A poor innocent Stork had the misfortune to be
taken in a net that was laid for geese and cranes. The
Stork's plea for herself was simplicity and piety, the
love she bore to mankind, her duty to her parents, and
the service she did in picking up venomous creatures.
" This may be all true," said the Husbandman, " for
what I know ; but as you have been taken with ill
company, you must expect to suffer with it."

reflection.
The world will always form an idea of the character
of every man from his associates. Nor is this rule
founded on wrong principles ; for, generally speaking,
those, who are constant companions, are either drawn
together from a similitude of manners, or form such
a similitude to each other by daily commerce and con
tinual conversation.

72

SELECT FABLES.

If bad company had nothing else to make us shun
and avoid it, this, methinks, might be sufficient, that it
infects and taints a man's reputation to as great a degree,
as if he were thoroughly versed in the wickedness of the
whole gang. What is it to me if the thief, who robs
me of my money, gives part of it to build a church?
Is he ever the "less a thief? No: such mixtures of
religion and sin make the offence but the more flagrant,
as they convince us, that it was not committed out of
ignorance. Indeed, there is no living without being
guilty of some faults, more or less; which the world
ought to be good-natured enough to overlook, in con
sideration of the general frailty of mankind, when they
are not too gross and too abundant. But, when we are
so abandoned to stupidity, and a neglect of our reputa
tion, as to keep bad company, however little we may be
criminal in reality, we must expect the same censure
and punishment as is due to the most notorious of our
companions.

SELECT FABLES.

THE MICE IN COUNCIL.
The Mice called a gensral council ; and, having
met, after the doors were locked, entered into a free
consultation about ways and means how to render their
fortunes and estates more secure from the danger of the
Cat. Many things were offered, and much was debated,
pro and cow, upon the matter. At last a young Mouse,
in a fine florid speech, concluded upon an expedient,
and that the only one, which was to put them, for the
future, entirely out of the power of the enemy; and this
was, that the Cat should wear a bell about her neck,
which, upon the least motion, would give the alarm,
and be a signal for them to retire into their holes. This
speech was received with great applause, and it was even
proposed by some, that the Mouse who made it should
have the thanks of the assembly. Upon which, an old
grave Mouse, who had sat silent all the while, stood up,
and in another speech, owned that the contrivance was
l

74 SELECT FABLES.
admirable, and the author of it, without doubt, an inge
nious Mouse ; but, he said, he thought it would not be
so proper to vote him thanks, till he should farther
inform them how this bell was to be fastened about the
Cat's neck, and what Mouse would undertake to do it.
REFLECTION.
Many things appear feasible in speculation, which are
afterwards found to be impracticable. And since the
execution of any thing is that which is to complete and
finish its very existence, what raw counsellors are those
who advise, what precipitate politicians those who pro
ceed to the management of things in their nature inca
pable of answering their own expectations, or their
promises to others ! At the same time, the fable
teaches us not to expose ourselves in any of our little
politic coffee-house committees, by determining what
should be done upon every occurrence of mal-admini-
stration, when we have neither commission nor power
to execute it. He that, upon such occasion, adjudges,
as a preservative for the state, that this or that should
be applied to the neck of those who have been enemies
to it, will appear full as ridiculous as the Mouse in the
fable, when the question is asked, Who shall put it
there? In reality, we do but expose ourselves to the
hatred of some, and the contempt of others, when we
inadvertently utter our impracticable speculations, in
respect of the public, either in private company, or
authorized assemblies.

^nL

SELECT FABLES.

75

THE FOX AND THE GRAPES.
A Fox, very hungry, chanced to come into a Vine
yard, where there hung many bunches of charming
ripe grapes ; but nailed up to a trellis so high, that he
leaped till he quite tired himself without being able to
reach one of them. At last, " Let who will take
them ! " says he ; " they are but green and sour ; so I
will even let them alone."

REFLECTION.
This fable is a good reprimand to a parcel of vain
coxcombs in the world, who, because they would never
be thought to be disappointed in any of their pursuits,
pretend a dislike to every thing which they cannot
obtain. There is a strange propensity in mankind to
this temper, and there are numbers of grumbling male-
contents in every different faculty and sect in life. The

70

SELECT FABLES.

discarded statesman, considering the corruption of the
times, would not have any hand in the administration
of affairs for all the world. A young fellow being
asked how he liked a celebrated beauty, by whom all
the world knew he was despised, answered, She had a
stinking breath. How insufferable is the pride of this
poor creature man, who would stoop to the basest,
vilest actions, rather than be thought not able to do any
thing! For what is more base and vile than lying?
And when do we lie more notoriously, than when we
disparage and find fault with a thing for no other reason
but because it is out of our power.
When a man finds it impossible to obtain the things
he longs for, it is a mark of sound wisdom and discretion
to make a virtue of necessity.

SELECT FABLES.

THE TWO FROGS.
One hot sultry summer, the lakes and ponds being
almost every where dried up, a couple of Frogs agreed
to travel together in search of water. At last they
came to a deep well, and sitting upon the brink of it,
began to consult, whether they should leap in or no.
One of them was for it; urging, that there was plenty
of clear spring water, and no danger of being disturbed.
Well, says the other, all this may be true ; and yet 1
cannot come into your opinion for my life : for, if the
water should happen to dry up here too, how should
we get out again?

reflection.

The moral of this fable is intended to put us in mind
to look before we leap. That we should not undertake
any action of importance, without considering first,

78 SELECT FABLES.
what the event of it is like to prove, and how we shall
be able to come off, upon such and such provisos. A
good general does not think he diminishes any thing of
his character when he looks forward beyond the main
action, and concerts measures, in case there should be
occasion, for a safe retreat.
How many unfortunate matches are struck up every
day for want of this wholesome consideration ! Profuse
living, and extravagant gaming, both which terminate
in the ruin of those that follow them, are mostly owing
to a neglect of this precaution. Wars are begun by
this blind stupidity, from which a state is not able to
extricate itself with either honour or safety : and projects
are encouraged by the rash accession of those, who never
considered how they were to get out, until they had
plunged themselves irrecoverably into them.

SELECT FABLES.

79

THE MOUNTAINS IN LABOUR.
The Mountains were said to be in Labour, and
uttered most dreadful groans. People came together,
far and near, to see what birth would be produced;
and after they had waited a considerable time in ex
pectation, out crept a mouse.

REFLECTION.
Great cry and little wool, is the English proverb ;
the sense of which bears an exact proportion to this
fable. By which are exposed, all those who promise
something exceeding great, but come off with a produc
tion ridiculously little. Projectors of all kinds, who
endeavour by artificial rumours to raise the expecta
tions of mankind, and then by their mean performances
defeat and disappoint them, have, time out of mind,
been lashed with the recital of this fable. How

80

SELECT FABLES.

agreeably surprising is it to see an unpromising
favourite, whom the caprice of fortune has placed at
the helm of state, serving the commonwealth with
justice and integrity, instead of smothering and embez
zling the public treasure to his own private and wicked
ends! And on the contrary, how melancholy, how
dreadful — ok rather, how exasperating and provoking
a sight is it, to behold one, whose constant declarations
for liberty and the public good have raised people's
expectations of him to the highest pitch, as soon as
he is got into power exerting his whole art and cunning
to ruin and enslave his country ! The sanguine hopes
of all those that wished well to virtue, and flattered
themselves .with a reformation of every thing that
opposed the well-beiug of the community, vanish away
in smoke, and are lost in a dark, gloomy, uncomfortable
prospect.

SELECT FABLES,

81

THE FOX AND THE COUNTRYMAN.
A Fox, being hard hunted, and having run a long
chase, was quite tired. At last he spied a countryman
in a wood, to whom he applied for refuge, entreating
that he would give him leave to hide himself in his
cottage, until the hounds were gone by. The man
consented, and the Fox went and covered himself up
close in a corner of the cottage. Presently the hunters
came up, and inquired of the man, if he had seen the
Fox. " No," says he, " I have not seen him indeed : "
but all the while he pointed with his finger to the place
where the Fox was secreted. However, the hunters
did not understand him, but called off their hounds,
and went another way. Soon after the Fox, creeping
out of his hole, was going to sneak off; when the man,
calling after him, asked, " if that was his manners, to go
away without thanking his benefactor, to whose fidelity
M

82 SELECT FABLES.
he owed his life." Beynard, who had peeped all the
while, and seen what passed, answered, " I know what
obligations I owe you well enough ; and I assure you,
if your actions had but been agreeable to your words,
I should have endeavoured, however incapable of it,
to have returned you suitable thanks."
REFLECTION.
Sincerity is a most valuable virtue: but there are
some, whose natures are so poor-spirited and cowardly,
that they are not capable of exerting it. Indeed,
unless a man be steady and constant in all his actions,
he will hardly deserve the name of sincere. An open
enemy, though more violent and terrible, is not, how
ever, so odious and detestable as a false friend. To
pretend to keep another's counsel, and appear in their
interest, while under-hand we are giving intelligence to
their enemies, is treacherous, knavish, and base.

SELECT FABLES.

83

MERCURY AND THE WOODMAN.
A M\n, felling a tree on the bank of a river, by
chance let the hatchet slip out of his hand, which dropt
into the water, and immediately sank to the bottom.
Beino- therefore in great distres for the loss of his tool,
he sat down and bemoaned himself most lamentably.
— Upon this, Mercury appeared to him, and being in
formed of the cause of his complaint, dived to the bot
tom of the river, and coming up again, shewed the man
a golden hatchet, demanding if that were his. He
denied that it was. Upon which Mercury dived a se
cond time, and brought up a silver one. The man re
fused it, alleging likewise that this was not his.. He
dived a third time, and fetched up the individual hatchet
the man had lost; upon sight of which the poor wretch
was overjoyed, and took it with all humility and thank
fulness. Mercury was so pleased with the fellow's

84 SELECT FABLES.
honesty, that he gave him the other two into the bargain
as a reward for his just dealing. The man goes to his
companions, and giving them an account of what had
happened, one of them went presently to the river's
side, and let his hatchet fall designedly into the stream.
Then sitting down upon the bank, he fell a weeping
and lamenting, as if he had been really and sorely
afflicted. Mercury appeared as before, and diving,
brought him up a golden hatchet, asking if that was
the hatchet he lost. Transported at the sight of the
precious metal, he answered, " yes;" and went to snatch
it greedily. But the god, detesting his abominable
impudence, not only refused to give him that, but
would not so much as let him have his own hatchet
again. REFLECTION.
Honesty is the best policy; religion absolutely requires
it of its votaries: and the honest man, provided his other
talents are not deficient, always carries the preference
in our esteem, before any other, in whatever business
he employs himself.

SELECT FABLES,

85

J^-~ --=^=J ajjfc , ~^ — - "~--\

CmMm)

V^^^^^^^f^T^^Z s~-- y
V<^^^^
1
THE FIR AND THE BRAMBLE.
" My head," says the boasting Fir tree to the humble
Bramble, " is advanced among the stars ; I furnish
beams for palaces, and masts for shipping; the very
sweat of my body is a sovereign remedy for the sick and
wounded: whereas thou, O rascally Bramble, runnest
creeping in the dirt, and art good for nothing in the
world but mischief." " I pretend not to vie with thee,"
said the Bramble, " in the points thou gloriest in.
But, not to insist upon it, that He, who made thee a
lofty Fir, could have made thee an humble Bramble, I
pray thee tell me, when the carpenter comes next with
the axe into the wood, to fell timber, whether thou
hadst not rather be a Bramble than a Fir tree ? "
REFLECTION.
The answer of the humble Bramble to the proud Fir
tree is so pathetic, that it may of itself serve for a very
86

SELECT FABLES.

tree is so pathetic, that it may of itself serve for a very
good moral to this fable. Nothing of God's works is
so mean as to be despised, and nothing so lofty but it
may be humbled ; nay, and the greater the height, the
greater the danger. For a proud great man to despise
a humble little one, when Providence can so easily exalt
the one, and abase the other, and has not for the merit
of the one, or the demerit of the other, conferred the
respective conditions, is a most inexcusable arrogance.
The Fir may boast of the uses to which it is put, and
of its strength and stature; but then it has not to boast
of the creeping Bramble's safety ; for the value of the
one tempts the carpenter's axe, while the poverty of the
other makes it little worth any one's while to molest it.
Upon the whole matter, we may add, That as pride or
arrogance is a vice that seldom escapes without a
punishment; so humility is a virtue that hardly ever
goes without a blessing.

SELECT FABLES.

87

THE SWALLOW AND THE SPIDER.
A Spider, that observed a swallow catching flies,
fell immediately to work upon a net to catch Swallows ;
for she looked upon it as an encroachment upon her
right: but the birds, without any difficulty, brake
through the work, and flew away with the very net
itself. " Well," says the Spider, " bird-catching is
none of my talent, I perceive ; " and so she returned
to her old trade of catching flies again.

reflection.
Every man should examine the strength of his own
mind with attention and impartiality, and not fondly
flatter himself by measuring his own talents by the false
standard of the abilities of another. " We can no more
adopt the genius of another man, than assume his shape
and person ; and an imitation of his manner would no

88

SELECT FABLES.

more become us, than his clothes. Man is indeed an
imitative animal ; but whatever we take from general
observation, without servilely copying the practice of
any individual, becomes so mixed and incorporated
with our notions that it may fairly be called our own.
Almost every man has something original in himself,
which, if duly cultivated, might perhaps procure him
esteem and applause ; but if he neglects his natural
talents, or perverts them by an absurd imitation of
others, he becomes an object of ridicule; especially,
if he attempts to perform things beyond the compass
of his strength or understanding.

SELECT FABLES.

89

THE FOX WITHOUT A TAIL.
A Fox taken in a trap was glad to compound for
his neck, by leaving his tail behind him. It was so
uncouth a sight for a Fox to appear without a tail,
that the very thought of it made him weary of his
life : but, however, for the better countenance of the
scandal, he got the master and wardens of the Foxes'
company to call a court of assistants, where he himself
appeared, and made a learned discourse upon the
trouble, the uselessness, and the indecency of Foxes
wearing tails. He had no sooner delivered his oration,
but up rises a cunning snap, then at the board, who
desired to be informed, whether the worthy member
that moved against the wearing of tails, gave his advice
for the advantage of those that had tails, or to palliate
the deformity and disgrace of those that had none.

90 SELECT FABLES.
REFLECTION.
In respect to temporal affairs, they who pretend to
advise what measures are most conducive to the public
welfare are often guided entirely by their own private
interest : but whenever they counsel any extraordinary
innovations, or endeavour to change any established
proceedings long used and approved, we may be almost
certain that they have some other design, rather than
the promotion of the general good. When new regu
lations are proposed, we should turn our eyes on those
who propose them, and consider with attention, whether
they have not some personal motives for their conduct,
and we should be particularly cautious not to suffer
ourselves to be imposed on by fine speeches and pre
tended patriotism : for he, who is very solicitous to bring
about a scheme, not attended with any visible advantage
to the community, must only mean his own benefit ; or,
like the Fox, when he has been caught himself in one
trap, endeavour to catch us in another.

SELECT FABLES.

91

THE SWAN AND THE STORK,
A Stork, that was present at the song of a dying
Swan, told her, it was contrary to nature to sing so
much out of season ; and asked her the reason of it.
" Why," says the Swan, " I am now entering into a
state where I shall be no longer in danger of either
snares, guns, or hunger ; and who would not rejoice at
such a deliverance?"

reflection.
It is a great folly to fear that which it is impossible
to avoid; and it is yet a greater folly to fear the remedy
of all evils : for death cures all diseases, and frees us
from all cares. It is as great a folly, again, not to
prepare ourselves, and provide for an inevitable fate.
We are as sure to go out of the world, as we are that
ever we came into it ; and nothing but the conscience

92 SELECT FABLES.
of a good life can support us in that last extremity.
The fiction of a Swan's singing at her death does, in
the moral, but advise and recommend it to us to
make ready for the cheerful entertainment of our last
hour, and to consider with ourselves, that if death
be so welcome a relief even to animals, barely as a
deliverance from the cares, miseries, and dangers of a
troublesome life, how much greater blessing ought all
good men to account it, then, that are not only freed by
it from the snares, difficulties, and distractions of a
wicked world, but put into possession of an everlasting
peace, and the fruition of joys that shall never have an
end?

SELECT FABLES.

93

THE DOG/THE COCK, AND THE FOX.

A Dog and a Cock took a journey together: the
Dog kenneled in the body of a hollow tree, and the
Cock roosted at night upon the branches. The Cock
crowed about midnight; which brought a Fox, that
was abroad upon the hunt, immediately to the tree;
and there he stood licking his lips at the Cock, and
fell a wheedling to get him down. He protested he
never heard so sweet a voice; and what would not
he do now to embrace the creature that had given him
so admirable a serenade ! " Pray," says the Cock,
" speak to the porter below to open the door, and
I'll come down to you:" the Fox, little dreaming of
the Dog so near, did as he was directed, and the Dog
presently seized and destroyed him.

94

SELECT FABLES.

reflection.

Experience makes many a wise man of a fooL and
security makes many a fool of a wise man. We have
an instance of the former in the Cock's over-reaching
the Fox; and of the other, in the Fox's supine con
fidence, that made him so intent upon his prey, as
to neglect his safety, and to fall himself into the pit
that he had digged for another. It is much the same
case in the world, when Providence is pleased to
confound the presumptuous, the false, the mighty, and
the bloodthirsty, by judgments of lice and frogs ; that
is to say, by the most despicable of instruments ; and
that frequently at a crisis of time, when they think
themselves sure of the success of their mischievous
projects.

SELECT FABLES.

95

THE ANTS AND THE GRASSHOPPER.
As the Ants were airing their provisions one winter,
a hungry Grasshopper begged charity of them. They
told him, that he should have wrought in summer, if
he would not have wanted in winter. " Well," says
the Grasshopper, " but I was not idle neither ; for I
sung out the whole season." " Nay, then," said they,
" you will even do well to make a merry year of it,
and dance in winter to the tune that you sung in
summer."

reflection.

The stress of this moral lies upon the preference of
honest labour to idleness ; and the refusal of relief, on
the one hand, is intended only for a reproof to the
inconsiderate loss of opportunity, on the other. This
does not hinder yet, but that the Ants, out of their

96

SELECT FABLES.

abundance, ought to have relieved the Grasshopper in
her distress, though it was her own fault that brought
her to it : for if one man's faults could discharge another
man of his duty, there would be no longer any place
left for the common offices of society. To conclude,
we have our failings, every one of us ; and the impro
vidence of my neighbour must not make me inhuman.
The Ant did well to reprove the Grasshopper for her
slothfulness ; but she did ill, after that, to refuse her
charity in her distress.

SELECT FABLES.

97

THE FOX AND THE ASS.
An Ass, finding a Lion's skin, disguised himself with
it, and ranged about the forest, putting all the beasts
that saw him into bodily fear. After he had diverted
himself thus for some time, he met a Fox; and being
desirous to frighten him, as well as the rest, he leapt at
him with some fierceness, and endeavoured to imitate
the roaring of the Lion. " Your humble servant," says
the Fox ; " if you had held your tongue, I might have
taken you for a Lion, as others did ; but now you bray
I know who you are."

reflection.
This is so trite and common a subject, that there is
scarce any one who is ignorant of it. A man is known
by his words, as a tree is by its fruit ; and, if we would
be apprised of the nature and qualities of any one, let
o

98 SELECT FABLES.
him but discourse, and he himself will speak them
to us, better than another can describe them. We
may therefore perceive from this fable, how proper
it is for those to hold their tongues, who would not
discover the weakness of their understandings.
Asses and Owls, unseen, themselves betray,
When these attempt to hoot, or those to bray.
The deepest rivers are most silent ; the greatest noise
is ever found where there is the least depth of water.
And it is a true observation, that those who are the
weakest in understanding, and most slow of appre
hension, are generally the strongest in opinion, and
most precipitate in uttering their crude conceptions.

SELECT FABLES.

99

THE DOG AND THE CAT.
Never did two creatures live better together than a
Dog and a Cat, brought up in the same house from a
whelp and a kitten ; so kind, so frolicsome and divert
ing, that it was half the entertainment of the family to
see the gambols and love-tricks that passed betwixt
them. Only it was observed, that still at meal times,
when scraps fell from the table, or a bone was thrown
down to them, they would be snarling and spitting at
one another under the table, like the worst of foes.

reflection.
Here is a perfect emblem of the practices and friend
ships of the world. We contract little likings, enter
into agreeable conversations, and pass away the time so
merrily and kindly together that one would think it
impossible for any thing under the sun to break the

100

SELECT FABLES.

interest ; and yet, upon the throwing in of any cross
interest among us, which is all one with the bone under
the table, nay, upon a jealous thought, or a mistaken
word or look, all former bonds are cancelled, the
league broken, and the farce concludes in biting and
scratching each other's eyes out. The same figure will
serve for princes and states, public persons and private,
married and single ; people, in short, of all professions
and pretences. How does each bosom friendship warm,
Till clashing interests break the charm ;
For quickly then each loving brother
Puffs, frets, and envies one another.

SELECT FABLES.

101

THE BOAR AND THE FOX.
As a Boar was whetting his teeth against a tree, up
comes a Fox to him. " Pray, what do you mean by
that ? " says he. " I do it," says the Boar, " to be in
readiness in case of an attack by an enemy." " But,"
replies the Fox, " I see no occasion for it ; for there is
no enemy near you." " Well," says the Boar, " but
I see occasion for it ; for when I come once to be set
upon, it will be too late for me to be whetting when
I should be fighting." REFLECTION.
He that is not idle when he is at leisure, may play
with his business. A discreet man should have a re
serve of every thing that is necessary beforehand ; that
when the time comes for him to make use of them, he
may not be in a hurry and a confusion. A wise general

102

SELECT FABLES.

has not his men to discipline, or his ammunition to
provide, when the trumpet sounds To Arms; but sets
apart his times of exercise for one, and his magazines
for the other, in the calm season of peace. We hope
to live to a good old age : should we not then lay up a
store of conveniences against that time, when we shall
be most in want of them, and least able to procure
them? We must die; nay, never start; we must.
.Are there not some necessary things for us to transact
before we depart ; at least, some trifle or other for us
to bequeath, which a sudden stroke may prevent us
from doing ? Sure there is. And if so, how inexcus
able shall we be, if we defer the execution of it, till the
alarm comes upon us. / did not think of it, is an
expression unworthy a wise man's mouth ; and was only
intended for the use of fools.

SELECT FABLES.

103

THE DISCONTENTED ASS.
An Ass, in a hard winter, wished for a little warm
weather and a mouthful of fresh grass, in exchange for
a heartless truss of straw and a cold lodging. In good
time the warm weather and the fresh grass came on ;
but so much toil and business along with it, that the
Ass grows quickly as sick of the spring as he was of the
winter. He next longs for summer, and when that
comes, finds his toils and drudgery greater than in the
spring ; and then he fancies he shall never be well till
autumn comes: but there again, what with carrying
apples, grapes, fuel, winter provisions, and such like,
he finds himself in greater trouble than ever. In fine,
when he has trod the circle of the year in a course
of restless labour, his last prayer is for winter again,
and that he may but take up his re6t where he began
his complaint.

104 SELECT FABLES.
REFLECTION.
There is no measure to be taken of an unsteady mind ;
but still it is either too much or too little, too soon or
too late. The love of novelty begets and increases the
love of novelty ; and the oftener we change, the more
dangerous and troublesome do we find this fondness of
variety to be. The Ass was sick of the winter, sicker
yet of the spring, more sick still of the summer ; and
sickest of all of the autumn ; till he is brought in the
end to compound for his first condition again, and so
take up with that for his satisfaction, which he reckoned
upon before for his misfortune.
Thus it is, when fickle and foolish people will be
prescribing to, and refining upon the wise and gracious
appointments of, the Maker of the world. They know
not what they are, and they know not what they would
be, any farther, than that they would not be what they
are. Were we to pay a proper attention to that cele
brated sentence of the Delphic oracle, " Know Thy
self," we should experience fewer disappointments,
become better members of society, and enjoy a greater
portion of that tranquillity of soul, that internal serenity
of mind, without which every station in fife, however
garnished with honours, however loaded with riches,
may be pronounced miserable.

SELECT FABLES.

105

THE UNDUTIFUL YOUNG LION.
Among other good counsels that an old experienced
Lion gave to his whelp, this was one, that he should
never contend with a Man : " for," says he, " if ever
.you do, you will be worsted." The young Lion gave
his father the hearing, and kept the advice in his thought,
but it never went near his heart. When he came to be
grown up, and in the flower of his strength and vigour,
he ranged about looking for a Man to grapple with. In
his ramble he met with a yoke of oxen, and then with a
horse, saddled and bridled, and severally asked them if
they were men ; but they saying they were not, he goes
after this to one that was cleaving of timber : " Do you
hear?" says the Lion, "you seem to be a Man:" "And
a Man I am," says the fellow. " That's well," quoth
the Lion, " and dare you fight with me ? " " Yes,"
says the Man, " I dare." " Why, I can tear all these
p

100 SELECT FABLES.
blocks you see to pieces." " Put your feet now into
this rent, where you see an iron thing there, and try
what you can do." The Lion presently put his paws
into the gaping of the wood, and with one lusty pluck,
made it give way, and out drops the wedge ; the wood
immediately closing upon it, caught the Lion by the
toes. The Woodman immediately upon this raises the
country, and the Lion finding the strait he was in, gave
one hearty twitch, and got his feet out of the trap, but
left his claws behind him. So away he goes back to
his father, all lame and bloody, with this confession in
his mouth : " Alas ! my dear father," says he, " this
had never been, if I had followed your adrice."
REFLECTION.
Children are not to reason upon obedience to parents,
provided there be nothing in the command, or in the
imposition, that is simply evil ; for headstrong and
undutiful children seldom escape a remarkable punish
ment ; that which gives them reason to say to their
parents, " This had never been the case, if I had
followed your advice."

SELECT FABLES.

107

THE COUNTRYMAN AND THE ASS.
An old Man was feeding an Ass in a fine green
meadow ; and being alarmed with the sudden approach
of the enemy, was impatient with the Ass to put himself
forward, and fly with all the speed that he was able.
The Ass asked him, " Whether or no he thought the
enemy would clap a pair of panniers upon his back ? "
The Man said, " No; there was no fear of that."
" Why then," says the Ass, " I will not stir an inch ;
for what is it to me who my master is, since I shall but
carry my panniers as usual."

REFLECTION.
This fable shews us, how much in the wrong the
poorer sort of people most commonly are, when they
are under any concern about the revolutions of a
government. All the alteration which they can feel,

108

SELECT FABLES.

is, perhaps, in the name of their sovereign, or some
such important trifle : but they cannot well be poorer,
or made to work harder than they did before. And
yet how are they sometimes imposed upon, and drawn
in by the artifices of a few mistaken or designing men,
to foment factions, and raise rebellions, in cases where
they can get nothing by the success; but, if they
miscarry, are in danger of suffering an ignominious,
and untimely death.
The man, that is poor, may be void of all care,
If there's nothing to hope, he has nothing to fear :
Whether stocks rise or fall, or whate'er be the news,
He is sure not to win, and has nothing to lose.

SELECT FABLES.

109

JOY AND SORROW.
Joy and Sorrow, two twin-sisters, once quarrelled
who should have the preference ; and being unable to
decide the matter, left it to Minos to determine. He
tried all means to make them agree, and go hand in
hand together, as loving sisters ought ; but finding his
counsel had no effect upon them, he decreed that they
should be linked together with a chain; and each of
them in turn should be perpetually treading upon the
heel of the other ; and not a pin matter then, says he,
which goes foremost.

REFLECTION,

It is the lot of mankind to be happy and miserable
by turns. The wisdom of Providence will have it so ;
and it is for our advantage that it should be so. There
is nothing pure and unmixed under the heavens ; and if

110 SELECT FABLES.
there were, such an abstracted simplicity would be
neither nourishing nor profitable to us. By the medi
tation of this mixture, we have the comfort of Hope to
support us in our distresses, and the apprehensions of a
change to keep a check upon us in the very pride of
our greatness ; so that by this vicissitude of good and
evil we are kept steady in our philosophy, and in our
religion. The one minds us of God's omnipotence and
justice ; the other, of his goodness and mercy : the one
tells us, there is no trusting to our own strength ; the
other preaches faith and resignation in the prospect of
an over-ruling Providence that takes care of us. What
is it but sickness that gives us a taste of health ? Bond
age, the relish of liberty ? And what but the experience
of want, that enhances the value of plenty? That, which
we call ease, is only an indolence or a freedom from
pain ; and there is no such thing as felicity or misery,
but by comparison. It is very true, that hopes and fears
are the snares of life in some respects ; but they are the
reliefs of it in others. Now for fear of the worst on
either hand, every man has it in his power, by the force
of natural reason, to avoid the danger of falling either
into presumption or despair.

SELECT FABLES.

Ill

THE FOX AND THE APE.

Once upon a time, the beasts were so void of reason
as to choose an Ape for their king. He had danced,
and diverted them with playing antic tricks, and nothing
would serve, but they must anoint him their sovereign.
Accordingly crowned he was, and affected to look very
wise and politic. But the Fox, vexed at his heart to see
his fellow brutes act so foolishly, was resolved the first
opportunity, to convince them of their silly choice, and
punish their king for his presumption. Soon after,
spying a trap in a ditch, which was baited with a piece
of flesh, he went and informed the Ape of it, as a trea
sure, which, being found upon the waste, belonged to
his majesty. The Ape, dreaming nothing of the matter,
went very briskly to take possession, but had no sooner
laid his paws upon the bait, than he was caught in the
trap; where, betwixt shame and anger, he began to

112 SELECT FABLES.
reproach the Fox, calling him rebel and traitor, and
threatening to be revenged of him : At all which Rey
nard laughed heartily; and going off, added, with a
xncer, You a king, and not understand trap !
REFLECTION.
A weak man should not aspire to be a king ; for if he
were, in the end it would prove as inconvenient to him
self, as disadvantageous to the pubhc To be qualified
for such an office, the person should be of a distin
guished prudence, and most unblemished integrity; too
honest to impose upon others, and too penetrating to
be imposed upon ; thoroughly acquainted with the laws
and genius of the realm he is to govern ; brave, but not
passionate ; good-natured, but not soft ; aspiring at just
esteem ; despising vain-glory ; without superstition ;
without hypocrisy. AVhen thrones have been filled
by people of a different turn from this, histories shew
what a wretched figure they always made ; what tools
they were to particular persons, and what plagues to
their subjects in general. They who studied their pas
sions and entered into their foibles, led them as they
pleased: and took them off from the guardianship of
the public, by some paltry amusement, that themselves
might have the better opportunity to rifle and plunder it

SELECT FABLES.

113

THE COCK AND THE FOX.
A Cock, being perched among the branches of a
lofty tree, crowed aloud, so that the shrillness of his
voice echoed through the wood, and invited a Fox to
the place, who was prowling in quest of his prey. But
Reynard, finding the Cock was inaccessible, by reason
of the height of his situation, had recourse to stratagem
in order to decoy him down ; so, approaching the tree,
" Cousin," says he, " I am heartily glad to see you ;
but at the same time, I cannot forbear expressing my
uneasiness at the inconvenience of the place, which will
not let me pay my respects to you in a handsomer man
ner ; though I suppose you will come down presently,
and so that difficulty is easily removed." " Indeed,
cousin," says the Cock, " to tell you the truth, I do
not think it safe to venture myself upon the ground,
for though I am convinced how much you are my

114 SELECT FABLES.
friend, yet I may have the misfortune to fall into the
clutches of some other beast, and what will become of
me then ? " " O dear," says Reynard, " is it possible
that you can be so ignorant, as not to know of the
peace that has been lately proclaimed between all kinds
of birds and beasts ; and that we are, for the future, to
forbear hostilities on all sides, and to live in the utmost
love and harmony, and that, under penalty of suffering
the severest punishment that can be inflicted?" All
this while the Cock seemed to give little attention to
what was said, but stretched out his neck, as if he saw
something at a distance. " Cousin," says the Fox,
" what is that you are looking at so earnestly ? "
" Why," says the Cock, " I think I see a pack of
hounds yonder." " O then," says the Fox, " your
humble servant, I must be gone." " Nay, pray cousin,
don't go," says the Cock, " I am just coming down ;
sure you are not afraid of dogs in these peaceable
times." " No, no," says he ; " but ten to one whether
they have heard of the proclamation yet."
REFLECTION.
Perfidious people are naturally to be suspected in
reports that favour their own interest.

SELECT FABLES.

115

^^-^^^m^j^

THE OLD MAN AND THE SCOFFER.
A pert and inconsiderate Youth happened to meet
an old Man, whose age and infirmity had brought his
body almost double. " Pray, father," says he, " will
you sell your bow?" "Save your money, you fool,"
says the man: " when you come to my years, you shall
have such a bow for nothing." reflection.
There cannot be a greater folly and impertinence
than that of young men scoffing at the infirmities of
age. We are all born to die, and it is as certain, that
we shall go out of the world, as that we are already
come into it. We are helpless in infancy, ungovernable
in youth; our strength and vigour scarce outlast a
morning sun; our infirmities hasten upon us as our
years advance, and we grow helpless in our old age as
116

SELECT FABLES.

in our infancy. What then have the best of us to boast
of ? Even time and human frailty alone will bring us
to our end, without the help of any accidents or distem
pers ; so that our decays are as much the works of
nature, as the first principles of our being; and the
young man's conceit of the crooked bow, is no better
than an irreverent way of making sport with the course
of Providence; besides shewing the folly of scoffing at
that in another, which he himself was sure to come to
at last.

SELECT FABLES.

117

THE SPLENETIC TRAVELLER.
A splenetic and a facetious man were once upon a
journey : the former went slugging on with a thousand
cares and troubles in his head, exclaiming over and
over, " Lord, what shall I do to live?" The other
jogged merrily away, and left his matters to Providence
and good fortune. " Well, brother," says the sorrowful
wight, " how can you be so frolicsome now ? As I am
a sinner, my heart is even ready to break for fear I
should want bread." " Come, come," says the other,
" fall back, fall edge, I have fixed my resolution, and
my mind is at rest." " Aye, but for all that," says the
other, " I have known the confidence of as resolute
people as yourself has deceived them in the conclusion ; "
and so the poor man fell into another fit of doubting
and musing, till he started out of it all on a sudden :
" Good Sir ! " says he, " what if I should fall blind ? "

118

SELECT FABLES.

and so he walked a good way before his companion
with his eyes shut, to try how it would be, if that
misfortune should befal him. In this interim, his
fellow traveller, who followed him, found a purse of
money upon the way, which rewarded his trust in
Providence ; whereas the other missed that encounter
as a punishment of his distrust ; for the purse had been
his, as he went first, if he had not put himself out of
condition of seeing it. reflection.
He that commits himself to Providence is sure of a
friend in time of need ; while an anxious distrust of the
divine goodness makes a man more and more unworthy
of it, and miserable beforehand, for fear of being so
afterwards.

SELECT FABLES.

119

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R •-- ^JjPy
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^jbb^. ¦ ^^r^t
^P \
HM*^.
-^f^
\ ^ra^^a?»/ifi W-'-'ti-
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y,Aass^ ^fe
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^^ X
^^^^ "^mfj*» " or.
ii5^
THE CROW AND THE PITCHER.
A Crow, ready to die with thirst, flew with joy to a
Pitcher which he beheld at some distance. When he
came he found water in it, but so near the bottom, that
with all his stooping and straining he was not able to
reach it. Then he endeavoured to overturn the Pitcher,
that at least he might be able to get a little ; but his
strength was not sufficient for this. At last, seeing
some pebbles lie near the place, he cast them one by
one into the Pitcher ; and thus, by degrees, raised the
water up to the very brim, and satisfied his thirst.
reflection.
Many things which cannot be effected by strength,
or by the old vulgar way of enterprising, may yet be
brought about by some new and untried means. A
man of sagacity and penetration, upon encountering a
120

SELECT FABLES.

difficulty or two, does not immediately despair; but if
he cannot succeed one way, employs his wit and
ingenuity another; and, to avoid or get over an im
pediment, makes no scruple of stepping out of the
path of his forefathers. Since our happiness, next to
the regulation of our minds, depends altogether upon
our having and enjoying the conveniences of fife, why
should we stand upon ceremony about the methods of
obtaining them, or pay any deference to antiquity upon
that score ? If almost every age had not exerted itself
in some new improvements of its own, we should want
a thousand arts ; or, at least, many degrees of perfection
in every art, which at present we are in possession of.
The invention of any thing, which is more commodious
for the mind or body, than what they had before, ought
to be embraced readily, and the projector of it distin
guished with a suitable encouragement.

SELECT FABLES.

121

THE SHEPHERD'S BOY AND THE WOLF.
A Shepherd's Boy kept his sheep upon a common,
and for sport and wantonness, had gotten a roguish
trick of crying, A Wolf! A Wolf! when there was no
such thing, and deceiving the country people with false
alarms. He had been at this sport so often, that at last
they would not believe him when he was in earnest ;
and so the Wolves broke in upon the flock, and worried
the sheep without resistance.

REFLECTION.
The Shepherd's Boy, in the fable, went too far upon
a topic he did not understand. And he, that is detected
for being a notorious liar, besides the ignominy and
reproach of the thing, incurs this mischief, that he will
scarce be able to get any one to believe him again, as
long as he lives. However true our complaint may be,
R

122 SELECT FABLES.
or how much soever it may be for our interest to have
it believed, yet, if we have been frequently caught
tripping before, we shall hardly be able to gain credit
to what we relate afterwards. Though mankind are
generally weak enough to be often imposed upon, yet
few are so senseless as to believe a notorious liar, or to
trust a cheat upon record. These little falsities, when
found out, are sufficiently prejudicial to the interest of
every private person who practises them. But, when
we are alarmed with imaginary dangers in respect of
the public, till the cry grows quite stale, how can it
be expected we should know when to guard ourselves
against real ones ?

SELECT FABLES.

123

THE SICK FATHER AND HIS CHILDREN.
A Countryman, who had lived respectably in the
world upon his honest labour and industry, was desirous
his sons should do so after him ; and being now upon
his death-bed, " My dear Children," says he, " I feel
myself bound to tell you before I depart, that there is a
considerable treasure hid in my vineyard ; wherefore
pray be sure to dig, and search narrowly for it, when
I am gone." The Father dies, and the Sons fall im
mediately to work upon the vineyard. They turned
it up over and over again, and not one penny of money
was to be found there ; but the profit of the next vintage
expounded the riddle.

REFLECTION.
There is no wealth like that which comes by honest
labour and warrantable industry. Here is an incitement

124

SELECT FABLES.

to an industrious course of fife, by a consideration of the
profit, the innocence, and the virtue of such an appli
cation. There is one great comfort in hand, beside the
hope and assurance of more to come. It was a touch of
art in the Father, to cover his meaning in such a manner
as to create a curiosity and an earnest desire in his sons
to find it out. And it was a treble advantage to them
besides ; for there was health in the exercise, profit in
the discovery, and the comfort of a good conscience in
discharging the duty of a filial obedience.

SELECT FABLES.

125

THE STAG LOOKING INTO THE WATER.
A Stag, that had been drinking at a clear spring,
saw himself in the water ; and, pleased with the pro
spect, stood for some time contemplating and surveying
his shape and features, from head to foot. " Ah ! "
says he, " what a glorious pair of branching horns are
there ! How gracefully do those antlers hang over my
forehead, and give an agreeable turn to my whole face !
If some other parts of my body were but proportionate
to them, I would turn my back to nobody ; but I have
such a set of legs as really makes me ashamed to see
them. People may talk what they please of their
conveniences, and in what great need we stand of them,
upon several occasions ; but for my part, I find them so
very slender and unsightly, that I had as well have none
at all." While he was giving himself these airs, he was
alarmed with the noise of some huntsmen and a pack of

126 SELECT FABLES.
hounds, that were making towards him. Away he flies
in great consternation, and, bounding nimbly over the
plain, threw dogs and men at a vast distance behind
him. After which, taking a very thick copse, he had
the ill-fortune to be entangled by his horns in a thicket ;
where he was held fast, till the hounds came in and
pulled him down. Finding now how it was like to go
with him, in the pangs of death, he is said to have
uttered these words : " Unhappy creature that I am !
I am too late convinced, that, what I prided myself in,
has been the cause of my undoing ; and what I so much
disliked, was the only thing that could have saved me."
REFLECTION.
We should examine things deliberately, and candidly
consider their real usefulness before we place our esteem
on them ; otherwise, like thefoolish Stag, we may happen
to admire those accomplishments which are of no real
use, and often prove prejudicial to us, while we despise
those things on which our safety may depend.

..-..tHS"^

SELECT FABLES.

127

THE COUNTRYMAN AND THE SNAKE.
A Villager, in a frosty, snowy winter, found a
Snake under a hedge, almost dead with cold. He
could not help having compassion for the poor creature,
so brought it home, and laid it upon the hearth, near the
fire ; but it had not lain there long, before it began to
erect itself, and fly at his wife and children, filling the
whole cottage with dreadful hissings. The Countryman,
hearing an outcry, and perceiving what was the matter,
took up a mattock, and soon dispatched him, upbraiding
him at the same time in these words : " Is this, vile
wretch, the reward you make to him that saved your life?
Die, as you deserve; but a single death istoogoodforyou."

reflection.
It is the nature of ungrateful men to return evil for
good ; and 'the moralists in all ages have incessantly

128 SELECT FABLES.
declaimed against the enormity of this crime, concluding
that they, who are capable of hurting their benefactors,
are not fit to live in a community ; being such, as the
natural ties of parent, friend, or country, are too weak
to restrain within the bounds of society. It was not
at all unnatural in the Snake to hiss, and brandish his
tongue, and fly at the first that came near him, as soon
at the person that saved his life as any other ; indeed
more likely, because nobody else had so much to do
with him. Nor is it strange at any time to see a repro
bate person throwing his poisonous language about, and
committing his extravagancies against those, more
especially, who are so inadvertent as to concern them
selves with him. The Snake and the reprobate will not
appear extraordinary in their malevolence : but the
sensible part of mankind cannot help thinking those
guilty of great indiscretion, who receive either of them
into their protection.

SELECT FABLES.

129

THE PROUD FROG.
An Ox, grazing in a meadow, chanced to set his
foot among a parcel of young Frogs, and trod one of
them to death. The rest informed their mother, when
she came home, what had happened ; telling her, that
the beast which did it was the hugest creature that they
ever saw in their lives. " What, was it so big ? " says
the old Frog, swelling and blowing up her speckled
belly to a great degree. " Oh, bigger by a vast deal,"
say they. " And so big ? " says she, straining herself
yet more. " Indeed, mamma," say they, " if you were
to burst yourself, you would never be so big." She
strove yet again, and burst herself indeed.

reflection.

Whenever a man endeavours to live equal with one
of a greater fortune than himself, he is sure to share a

130 SELECT FABLES.
like fate with the Frog in the fable. How many vain
people, of moderate easy circumstances, burst and come
to nothing, by vying with those, whose estates are more
ample than their own! Sir Changeling Plumbstock
was possessed of a very considerable demesne, devolved
to him by the death of an old uncle of the city, who
had adopted him his heir. He had a false taste of
happiness ; and, without the least economy, trusting to
the sufficiency of his vast revenue, was resolved to be
outdone by nobody, in shewing grandeur, and expen
sive living. He gave five thousand pounds for a piece
of ground in the country to set a house upon, the
building and furniture of which cost fifty thousand more ;
and his gardens were proportionably magnificent : be
sides which, he thought himself under a necessity of
buying out two or three tenements which stood in his
neighbourhood, that he might have elbow room enough.
All this he could very well bear ; and still might have
been happy, had it not been for an unfortunate view
which he one day happened to take of my Lord Castle-
builder's gardens, which consisted of twenty acres,
whereas his own were not above twelve. For from that
time he grew pensive ; and, before the ensuing winter,
gave five and thirty years' purchase for a dozen acres
more to enlarge his gardens, built a couple of extravagant
greenhouses, and a large pavilion at the farther end of
a terrace walk, the bare repairs of which called for the
whole of the remaining part of his income.

SELECT FABLES.

131

THE TORTOISE AND THE TWO CROWS.
A Tortoise, weary of passing her days in the same
obscure corner, conceived a wonderful inclination to
visit foreign countries. Two Crows, whom the simple
Tortoise acquainted with her intention, undertook to
oblige her upon the occasion. Accordingly they told
her, that if she would fasten her mouth to the middle of
a pole, they would take the two ends, and transport her
whithersoever she chose to be conveyed. The Tortoise
approved of the expedient ; and every thing being pre
pared, the Crows began their flight with her. They
had not travelled long in the. air, when they were met
by a Magpie, who enquiring what they were bearing
along, they replied the queen of the Tortoises. The
Tortoise, vain of the new and unmerited appellation,
was going to confirm the title, when opening her mouth
for that purpose, she let go her hold, and was dashed
to pieces by her falL

132

SELECT FABLES.

reflection.
Vanity and idle curiosity are qualities which generally
prove destructive to those who suffer themselves to be
governed by them.

SELECT FABLES.

133

THE SPARROW AND THE HARE.
A Hare, being seized by an Eagle, squeaked out in
a most woful manner. A Sparrow, that sat upon a tree
just by and saw it, could not forbear being unseasonably
witty, but called out and said to the Hare, " So ho !
what ! sit there and be killed ? Pr'ythee up and away ;
I dare say, if you would but try, so swift a creature as
you are would easily escape from the Eagle." As he
was going on with this cruel raillery, down came a
Hawk, and snapt him up ; and, notwithstanding his
vain cries and lamentations, fell a devouring of him in
an instant. The Hare, who was just expiring, yet
received comfort from this accident, even in the agonies
of death ; and addressing her last words to the Sparrow,
said, " You, who just now insulted my misfortue with
so much security, as you thought, may please-lo shew
us how well you can bear the like, now it has befallen
you."

134

SELECT FABLES.

reflection.
Nothing is more impertinent than for people to be
giving their opinion and advice in cases, in which, were
they to be their own, themselves would be as much at a
loss what to do. But so great an itch have most men
to be directors in the affairs of others, either to shew
the superiority of their understanding, or their own
security and exemption from the ills they would have
removed, that they forwardly and conceitedly obtrude
their counsel, even at the hazard of their own safety
and reputation.

SELECT FABLES.

135

THE SPIDER AND THE SILKWORM.
How vainly we promise ourselves, that our flimsy
productions will be rewarded with immortal honour !
A Spider, busied in spreading his web from one side of
a room to the other, was asked by an industrious Silk
worm, to what end he spent so much time and labour,
in making such a number of lines and circles ? The
Spider angrily replied, " Do not disturb me, thou
ignorant thing : I transmit my ingenuity to posterity,
and fame is the object of my wishes." Just as he had
spoken, a chambermaid, coming into the room to feed
her Silkworms, saw the Spider at his work ; and with
one stroke of her broom, swept him away, and destroyed
at once his labours and his hope of fame.

136

SELECT FABLES.

reflection.
He that is employed in works of use, less generally
advantages himself or others ; while he who toils alone
for fame, must often expect to lose his labour.

SELECT FABLES.

137

THE HURON AND THE FRENCHMAN.
An airy Frenchman happened to meet a Huron
upon the Mississippi, as he went with his bow and
arrow to seek provision for his family. Says Monsieur
to the Savage, " You have a very toilsome life of it,
who, when other people sit by the fire-side, enjoying
the benefit of good food and good company, are obliged
to traverse the woods in the midst of snow and storms
to preserve a wretched existence." " How come you
by your food ? " replies the Huron. " Does it rain
from the clouds to you ? " " No," says the French
man: "we work in summer, and make provision for
winter; and, during the cold months, sit by the fire
and enjoy ourselves." " For the same reason," says
the Huron, " do we lay up provisions in winter, that
we may rest in summer when the days are hot. What
you account pleasure, would be none to us ; and your
t

138

SELECT FABLES.

manner of life appears as ridiculous to the Hurons, as
ours appears to you." The Frenchman could make no
reply, and the Huron proceeded in his hunting.
REFLECTION.
Custom has a mighty effect upon mankind, and more
difference arises in character from custom than from
natural causes. Perhaps all men are in the state they
should be in ; therefore they should live contented.

SELECT FABLES.

139

INDUSTRY AND SLOTH.
An indolent young man, being asked why he lay in
bed so long, jocosely and carelessly answered, " Every
morning of my life I am hearing causes. I have two
fine girls, their names are Industry and Sloth, close at
my bed-side, as soon as ever I awake, pressing their
different suits. One entreats me to get up, the other
persuades me to lie still : and then they alternately give
me various reasons, why I should rise, and why I should
not. This detains me so long, as it is the duty of an
impartial judge to hear all that can be said on either
side, that before the pleadings are over, it is time to go
to dinner."

REFLECTION.
How many live in the world as useless as if they had
never been born ! They pass through life like a bird

140

SELECT FABLES.

through the air, and leave no trace behind them; waste
the prime of their days in deliberating what they shall
do ; and bring them to a period, without coming to any
determination.

SELECT FABLES.

141

THE PASSENGER AND THE PILOT.
It had blown a violent storm at sea, and the whole
crew of a large vessel were in imminent danger of ship
wreck. After the rolling of the waves was somewhat
abated, a certain Passenger, who had never been at sea
before, observing the Pilot to have appeared wholly
unconcerned even in their greatest danger, had the cu
riosity to ask him what death his father died. " What
death?" said the Pilot, " why he perished at sea, as
my grandfather did before him." " And are you not
afraid of trusting yourself to an element that has thus
proved fatal to your family ? " " Afraid ! by no means ;
why, we must all die : is not your father dead ? " " Yes,
but he died in his bed." " And why then are you not
afraid of trusting yourself to your bed ? " " Because I
am there perfectly secure." " It may be so," replied
the Pilot ; " but if the hand of Providence is equally

14:

SELECT FABLES.

extended over all places, there is no more reason for me
to be afraid of going to sea, than for you to be afraid of
going to bed."

REFLECTION.

We are nowhere out of the reach of Providence,
either to punish or to protect us.

SELECT FABLES;

143

THE PARTIAL JUDGE.
A Farmer came to a neighbouring Lawyer, express
ing great concern for an accident which he said had
just happened. " One of your oxen," continued he,
" has been gored by an unlucky bull of mine, and I
shall be glad to know how I am to make you a repara
tion." " Thou art a very honest fellow," replied the
Lawyer, " and wilt not think it unreasonable that I
expect one of thy oxen in return." " It is no more
than justice," quoth the Farmer, " to be sure : but
what did I say ! — I mistake — It is your bull that has
killed one of my oxen." " Indeed," says the Lawyer,
" that alters the case : I must inquire into the affair ;
and if" — " And if! " said the Farmer, " the business I
find would have been concluded without an if, had you
been as ready to do justice to others as to exact it from
them."

144

SELECT FABLES.

REFLECTION.

The injuries we do, and those we suffer, are seldom
weighed in the same scales.

SELECT FABLES.

UI

THE EAGLE, THE CAT, AND THE SOW.
An Eagle had built her nest upon the top branches
of an old oak ; a wild Cat inhabited a hole in the middle ;
and in the hollow part at the bottom, was a Sow, with a
whole litter of pigs. A happy neighbourhood ; and
might long have continued so, had it not been for the
wicked insinuations of the designing Cat. For, first of
all, up she crept to the Eagle ; and, " good neighbour,"
says she, " we shall be all undone : that filthy Sow
yonder does nothing but lie routing at the foot of the
tree, and, as I suspect, intends to grub it up, that she
may the more easily come at our young ones. For my
part, I will take care of my own concerns ; you may do
as you please, but I will watch her motions, though I
stay at home this month for it." When she had said
this, which could not fail of putting the Eagle into a
great fright, down she went, and made a visit to the
i]

146 SELECT FABLES.
Sow at the bottom ; and, putting on a sorrowful face,
" I hope," says she, " you do not intend to go abroad
to-day?" "Why not?" says the Sow. "Nay,"
replies the other, " you may do as you please ; but I
overheard the Eagle tell her young ones, that she would
treat them with a pig, the first time she saw you go out ;
and I am not sure but she may take up with a kitten in
the mean time ; so, good-morrow to you ; you will
excuse me, I must go and take care of the little folks at
home." Away she went accordingly ; and, by contriving
to steal out softly at nights for her prey, and to stand
watching and peeping all day at her hole, as under great
concern, she made such an impression upon the Eagle
and the Sow, that neither of them dared to venture
abroad, for fear of the other. The consequence of
which was, that themselves and their young ones in a
little time were all starved, and made prizes of by the
treacherous Cat and her kittens.
REFLECTION.
There can be no peace in any state or family where
whisperers and tale-bearers are encouraged.

SELECT FABLES.

147

THE DOG AND THE CROCODILE.
As a Dog was coursing on the banks of the Nile, he
grew thirsty ; but, fearing to be seized by the monsters
of that river, he would not stop to satiate his thirst,
but lapped as he ran. A Crocodile, raising his head
above the surface of the water, asked him, " why he
was in such a hurry ? he had often," he said, " wished
for his acquaintance, and should be glad to embrace the
present opportunity." " You do me great honour,"
returned the Dog, " but it is to avoid such companions
as you that I am in so much haste."

118

SELECT FABLES.

REFLECTION.

We can never be too carefully guarded against a
connexion with persons of an ill character.

SELECT FABLES.

149

THE YOUNG MAN AND THE SWALLOW.
A prodigal young Spendthrift, who had wasted his
whole patrimony in taverns and gaming houses among
idle company, was taking a melancholy walk near a
brook. It was in the month of January, and happened
to be one of those warm sunshiny days, which sometimes
smile upon us even in that wintry season of the year ;
and to make it the more flattering, a Swallow, which
had made its appearance, by mistake, too soon, flew
skimming along upon the surface of the water. The
giddy youth, observing this, without any farther con
sideration, concluded that summer was now come, and
that he should have little or no occasion for clothes, so
went and pawned them at the broker's, and ventured
the money for one stake more, among his sharping
companions. When this too was gone, the same way
with the rest, he took another solitary walk in the same

150 SELECT FABLES.
place as before. But the weather, being severe and
frosty, had made every thing look Avith an aspect very
different from what it did before ; the brook was quite
frozen over, and the poor Swallow lay dead upon the
bank of it ; the very sight of which cooled the young
spark's brains, and coming to a kind of sense of his
misery, he reproached the deceased bird, as the author
of all his misfortunes. " Ah, wretch that thou wast ! "
says he, " thou hast undone both thyself and me, who
was so credulous as to depend upon thee."
reflection.
Some will listen to no conviction but what they derive
from fatal experience.
Still blind to reason, nature, and his God,
Youth follows pleasure, till he feels the rod
Of sad experience, then bemoans liis fate,
Nor sees his folly till it is too late.

SELECT FABLES.

151

THE ASS AND HIS MASTER,
A diligent Ass, daily loaded beyond his strength
by a severe Master, whom he had long served, and who
fed him very sparingly, happened one day in his old
age to be oppressed with a more than ordinary burthen
of earthenware. His strength being much impaired,
and the road deep and uneven, he unfortunately made a
trip, and, unable to recover himself, fell down and broke
all the vessels to pieces. His Master, transported with
rage, began to beat him most unmercifully. Against
whom the poor Ass, lifting up his head as he lay on the
ground, thus strongly remonstrated : "Unfeeling wretch !
to thy own avaricious cruelty, in first pinching me of
food, and then loading me beyond my strength, thoit
owest the misfortune which thou so unjustly imputest
to me."

152

SELECT FABLES.

REFLECTION,

Avarice often misses its point, through the means it
uses to secure it.

SELECT FABLES.

153

THE EAGLE, THE CROW, AND THE LAMB.
An Eagle, from the top of a high mountain, making
a dart at a Lamb, seized it, and bore it away to her
young. A Crow, who had built her nest in a cedar
near the foot of the rock, observing what passed, was
ambitious of performing the same exploit : and darting
from her nest, fixed her talons in the fleece of another
Lamb. But neither able to move her prey, nor to
disentangle her feet, she was taken by the Shepherd,
and carried away for his children to play with ; who,
eagerly enquiring what bird it was: — " An hour ago,"
said he, " she fancied herself an Eagle ; however, I
suppose, she is by this time convinced that she is but a
Crow."

154

SELECT FABLES.

REFLECTION.
To mistake our own talents, or over-rate our abilities,
is always ridiculous, and sometimes dangerous.

SELECT FABLES.

155

THE BROTHER AND SISTER.
A certain Man had two children, a son and a
daughter: the Boy beautiful and handsome; the Girl
not quite so well. They were both very young, and
happened, one day, to be playing near the looking-
glass, which stood on their mother's toilet. The Boy,
pleased with the novelty of the thing, viewed himself
for some time, and, in a wanton roguish manner, took
notice to the Girl, how handsome he was. She resented
it, and could not bear the insolent manner in which he
did it; for she understood it as intended for a direct
affront to her. Therefore she ran immediately to her
father, and, with a great deal of aggravation, complained
of her brother ; particularly, for having acted so effemi
nate a part, as to look in a glass, and meddle with
things which belonged to women only. The father,
embracing them both with much tenderness and affection,

156

SELECT FABLES.

told them, that he should like to have them both look in
the glass every day ; to the intent that you, says he to
the Boy, if you think that face of your's handsome, you
may not disgrace and spoil it by a bad temper, and a
foul behaviour. You, says he, speaking to the Girl,
that you may make up for the defects of your person, if
there be any, by the sweetness of your manners, and the
agreeableness of your conversation.
reflection.
Ill manners may deform the fairest face,
But gentleness gives ugliness a grace :
Sure snarling Veny's beauty less we prize,
Than Pug's black nose with his good-natur'd eyes.

SELECT FABLES.

157

THE LION, THE TIGER, AND THE FOX.
A Lion and a Tiger jointly seized on a young Fawn,
which they immediately killed. This they had no sooner
performed, than they fell a fighting, in order to decide
whose property it should be. The battle was so bloody,
and so obstinate, that they were both compelled, through
weariness and loss of blood, to desist ; and lay down by
mutual consent, totally disabled. At this instant, a Fox
unluckily came by ; who perceiving their situation, made
bold to seize the contested prey, and bore it off unmo
lested. As soon as the Lion could recover his breath,
" How foolish," said he, " has been our conduct !
Instead of being contented, as we ought, with our re
spective shares, our senseless rage has rendered us unable
to prevent this rascally Fox from defrauding us of the
whole."

158

SELECT FABLES.

reflection.
The intemperate rage of clients gives the lawyer an
opportunity of seizing the property in dispute.

SELECT FABLES.

159

HERCULES AND THE CARTER.
As a clownish Fellow was driving his .cart along a
deep miry lane, the wheels stuck so fast in the clay, that
the horses could not draw them out. Upon this, he fell
a bawling and praying to Hercules to come and help
him. Hercules looking down from a cloud, bid him
not lie there, like an idle rascal as he was, but get up
and whip his horses stoutly, and clap his shoulder to the
wheel, adding, that this was the only way for him to
obtain his assistance.

REFLECTION.

This fable shows us how vain and ill-grounded the
expectations of those people are, who imagine they can
obtain whatever they want by importuning Heaven with
their prayers ; for it is so agreeable to the nature of the
Divine Being to be better pleased with virtuous actions

160

SELECT FABLES.

and an honest industry, than idle prayers, that it is a
sort of blasphemy to say otherwise. These were the
sentiments of honest good heathens, who were strangers
to all revealed religion. But it is not strange that they
should embrace and propagate such a notion, since it is
no other than the dictate of common reason. What is
both strange in itself, and surprising how it could be
made so fashionable, is, that most of those, whose reason
should be enlightened by revelation, are very apt to be
guilty of this stupidity, and, by praying often for the
comforts of life, to neglect that business which is the
proper means of procuring them. How such a mistaken
devotion came to prevail, one cannot imagine, unless
from one of these two motives : either that people, by
such a veil of hypocrisy, would pass themselves upon
mankind for better than they really are; or are in
fluenced by unskilful preachers, to mind the world as
little as possible, even to the neglect of their necessary
callings.

SELECT FABLES.

161

THE CAT AND THE FOX.
As a Cat and a Fox were talking politics together, in
the middle of a forest, Reynard said, " Let things turn
out ever so bad, he did not care, for he had a thousand
tricks for them yet, before they should hurt him: but
pray," says he, " Mrs. Puss, suppose there should be
an invasion, what course do you design to take?"
" Nay," says the Cat, " I have but one shift for it, and
if that won't do I am undone." " I am sorry for you,"
replies Reynard, " with all my heart, and would gladly
furnish you with one or two of mine, but indeed, neigh
bour, as times go, it is not good to trust ; we must even
be every one for himself, as the saying is, and so your
humble servant." These words were scarce out of his
mouth, when they were alarmed by a pack of hounds
that came upon them full cry. The Cat, by the help of
her single shift, ran up a tree, and sat securely among
Y

162 SELECT FABLES.
the top branches; from whence she beheld Reynard,
who had not been able to get out of sight, overtaken
with his thousand tricks, and torn in as many pieces by
the dogs which had surrounded him.
REFLECTION.
A man that sets up for more cunning than the rest of
his neighbours, is generally a silly fellow at the bottom.
Whoever is master of a little judgment and insight into
things, let him keep them to himself, and make use of
them as he sees occasion ; but he should not be teasing
others with an idle and impertinent ostentation of them.
One good discreet expedient made use of upon an
emergency, will do a man more real service, and make
others think better of him, than to have passed all along
for a shrewd crafty knave, and be bubbled at last.

SELECT FABLES.

163

ifsSf^^p*^ \^W
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J"^v
/jstplsj
j^^^^^^^^il
®s
IMK\
^^j^a^'^^fifLa
Is£l
Ills*
"iflpK
B'"l W'i^^ll^^©'^^^^
S ';
'
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VFt
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teis
SP.\#'
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B^i
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^"^^_ —a^'es-'-':--
*--
THE LION AND THE ASS.
A conceited Ass had once the impertinence to bray
forth some contemptuous speeches against the Lion.
The suddenness of the insult at first raised some
emotions of wrath in his breast ; but turning his head
and perceiving from whence it came, they immediately
subsided; and he very sedately walked on, without
deigning to honour the contemptible creature, even so
much as with an angry word.
164

SELECT FABLES.

reflection.
A total neglect is the best return a generous mind
can make to the scurrility of the base.

SELECT FABLES.

165

THE TRUMPETER TAKEN PRISONER.
A Trumpeter, being taken prisoner in a battle,
begged hard for quarter, declaring his innocence, and
protesting, that he neither had, nor could kill any man,
bearing no arms but only his trumpet, which he was
obliged to sound at the word of command. " For that
reason," replied his enemies, " we are determined not
to spare you; for though you yourself never fight, yet
with that wicked instrument of yours you blow up
animosity between other people, and so become the
occasion of much bloodshed."

reflection.
A man may be guilty of murder, who has never
handled a sword, or pulled a trigger, or lifted up his
arm with any mischievous weapon. There is a little
incendiary called the tongue, which is more venomous

166

SELECT FABLES.

than a poisoned arrow, and more killing than a two-
edged sword. The moral of the fable therefore is this,
that if, in any civil insurrection, the persons taken in
arms against the government deserve to die, much more
do they whose devilish tongues gave birth to the se
dition, and excited the tumult. When wicked priests,
instead of preaching peace and charity, employ that
engine of scandal, their tongue, to foment rebellions,
whether they succeed in their designs or no, they ought
to be severely punished ; for they have done what in
them lay, to set folks together by the ears ; they have
blown the trumpet and sounded the alarm ; and if
thousands are not destroyed by the sword, it is none of
their fault.

SELECT FABLES.

167

THE BEAR AND THE BEES.
A Bear happened to be stung by a Bee, and the
pain was so acute, that in the madness of revenge he
ran into the garden and overturned the Hive. This
outrage provoked their anger to a high degree, and
brought the fury of the whole swarm upon him. They
attacked him with such violence, that his life was in
danger, and it was with the utmost difficulty that he
made his escape, wounded from head to tail. " In this
desperate condition, lamenting his misfortunes and
licking his sores, he could not forbear reflecting how
much more advisable it had been to have patiently
acquiesced under one injury, than thus by an unpro
fitable resentment to have provoked a thousand.

168

SELECT FABLES.

REFLECTION.
It is more prudent to acquiesce under an injury from
a single person, than by an act of vengeance to bring
upon us the resentment of a whole community.

SELECT FABLES.

169

THE FOX AND THE BRAMBLE.
A Fox, hard pressed by the hounds, was getting over
a hedge, but tore his foot upon a Bramble which grew
just in the midst of it ; upon which he reproached the
Bramble for his inhospitable cruelty, in using a stranger,
which had fled to him for protection, after such a
barbarous manner. " Yes," says the Bramble, " you
intended to have made me serve your turn, I know ;
but take this piece of advice with you for the future,
Never lay hold of a Bramble again, as you tender your
sweet person ; for laying hold, is a privilege that belongs
to us Brambles, and we do not care to let it go out of
the family."

REFLECTION.

Impertinent people, who are most apt to take liberties
with others, are generally the most surprised, if they are

170 SELECT FABLES.
retorted upon with any severity ; though they, of all
people, have the least reason to expect quarter. It
cannot but be pleasant to indifferent spectators, when
they see one of this fraternity meet with his match, and
beaten with his own weapons. He that is known to be
an ill man, may be hurt unpitied; his misfortunes are
conferred upon him to the satisfaction of him that
occasions them ; and we do not look upon him as an
object of pity, but an example of justice. This fable
has an eye to a moral which has been already drawn
from some others ; and advises us to be cautious whom
we lay hold of, or meddle with, in too familiar a way :
for those, who can lay hold again, and perhaps are
better qualified for it than ourselves, are carefully to be
avoided.

;^^fe*r

SELECT FABLES.

171

THE TRAVELLERS AND THE BEAR.
Two Men being to travel through a forest together,
mutually promised to stand by each other, in any danger
. they should meet upon the way. They had not gone
far, before a Bear came rushing towards them out of a
thicket ; upon which one, being a light nimble fellow,
got up into a tree ; the other falling flat upon his face,
and holding his breath, lay still, while the Bear came
up and smelled at him ; but that creature, supposing
him to be a dead carcase, went back again into the
wood, without doing him the least harm. When all
was over, the spark who had climbed the tree, came
down to his companion, and, with a pleasant smile,
asked him what the Bear said to him ; " for," says he,
" I took notice that he clapt his mouth very close to your
ear." " Why," replies the other, " he charged me to
take care for the future, not to put any confidence in
such cowardly rascals as you are."

172 SELECT FABLES.
REFLECTION.
Though nothing is more common than to hear people
profess services of friendship, where there is no occasion
for them ; yet scarce anything is so hard to be found as
a true friend, who will assist us in time of danger and
difficulty. All the declarations of kindness, which are
made to an experienced man, though accompanied by a
squeeze of the hand and a solemn asseveration, should
leave no greater impression upon his mind, than the
whistling of the hollow breeze which brushes one's ear
with an unmeaning salute, and is presently gone. He
that succours our necessity by a well-timed assistance,
though it were not ushered in by previous compliments,
will ever after be looked upon as our friend and pro
tector ; and, in a so much greater degree, as the favour
was unasked and unpromised ; as it was not extorted by
importunities on the one side, nor led in by a numerous
attendance of promises on the other. Words are nothing
till they are fulfilled by actions ; and therefore we should
not suffer ourselves to be deluded by a vain hope and
reliance upon them.

SELECT FABLES.

173

FORTUNE AND THE BOY.
A Boy was sleeping by the side of a well. Fortune
saw him, and came and waked him, saying, " Prythee,
good child, do not lie sleeping here ; for if you should
fall in, nobody would impute it to you, but lay all the
blame upon me, Fortune."

REFLECTION.
Poor Fortune has a great deal thrown upon her
indeed ; and oftentimes very unjustly too. Those of
our actions, which are attended with success, though
often owing to some accident or other, we ascribe,
without any scruple, to some particular merit or good
quality in ourselves ; but when any of our doings mis
carry, though probably through our own insufficiency
or neglect, all the ill consequence is imputed to For
tune, and we acquit ourselves of having contributed any

174 SELECT FABLES.
thing towards it. The weakest part of each sex, when
they dispose of themselves indiscreetly or disadvanta-
geously in marriage, and have nothing else to say in
excuse, cry out, Oh, there is a fate in every thing, and
there is no resisting fate, &c. But these people should
take notice, that, as they have a very good proverb on
their side in relation to Fortune already, it is highly
unreasonable in them to claim more than their share,
and to ascribe the ill success of their own foolish nego-
ciations to the management of Fortune. Probably,
the first occasion of confining the smiles of Fortune to
people of this stamp more particularly, might arise from
the improbability of their succeeding by any art or right
application of their own. And, therefore, by an opposite
rule, thewise'and industrious only should be entitled to
ill luck, and have it in their power to charge Fortune
with every loss and cross which befalls them ; for if,
when they have concerted their measures judiciously,
and been vigilant and active in their business, matters
refuse still to answer expectation, they must be allowed
to have very hard fortune ; but fools have not the least
right to take hold of this handle.

SELECT FABLES.

175

THE BELLY AND THE MEMBERS.
In former days, when the Belly and the other parts
of the Body enjoyed the faculty of speech, and had
separate views and designs of their own ; each part, it
seems, in particular, for himself, and in the name of the
whole, took exception at the conduct of the Belly, and
were resolved to grant him supplies no longer. They
said they thought it very hard, that he should lead an
idle good-for-nothing life, spending and squandering
away, upon his own ungodly guts, all the fruits of their
labour; and that, in short, they were resolved for the
future to strike off his allowance and let him shift for
himself as well as he could. The Hands protested they
would not lift up a finger to keep him from starving ;
and the Mouth wished he might never speak again, if he
took in the least bit of nourishment for him so long as
he lived ; and, say the Teeth, May we be rotten if ever

176

SELECT FABLES.

we chew a morsel for him for the future. This solemn
league and covenant was kept as long as any thing of
that kind can be kept, which was, until each of the rebel
Members pined away to the skin and bone, and could
hold out no longer. Then they found there was no
doing without the Belly, and that, as idle and insigni
ficant as he seemed, he contributed as much to the
maintenance and welfare of all the other parts, as they
did to his.

REFLECTION.
It is a folly even to wish to withhold our partfr,
support of civil government.

om the

SELECT FABLES,

177

THE WOLF AND THE LAMB.
A Wolf and a Lamb were accidently quenching
their thirst together at the same rivulet. The Wolf
stood towards the head of the stream, and the Lamb at
some distance below. The injurious Beast, resolved on
a quarrel, fiercely demands — " How dare you disturb
the water which I am drinking ? " The poor Lamb,
all trembling, replies, " How, I beseech you, can that
possibly be the case, since the current sets from you to
me ? " Disconcerted by the force of truth, he changes
the accusation. " Six months ago," says he, " you
vilely slandered me." " Impossible," returns the Lamb,
" for I was not then born." " No matter, it was your
father then, or some of your relations ; " and immediately
seizing the innocent Lamb, he tore him to pieces.

A A

178

SELECT FABLES.

REFLECTION,
When cruelty and injustice are armed with power,
and determined on oppression, the strongest pleas of
innocence are preferred in vain.

SELECT FABLES.

179

THE BLIND MAN AND THE LAME.
A Blind Man, being stopped in a bad piece of road,
meets with a Lame Man, and entreats him to guide him
through the difficulty he was got into. " How can I do
that," replied the Lame Man, " since I am scarce able
to drag myself along ? but as you appear to be very
strong, if you will carry me, we will seek our fortunes
together. It will then be my interest to warn you of
any thing that may obstruct your way ; your feet shall
be my feet, and my eyes yours." " With all my heart,"
returned the blind man ; " let us render each other our
mutual services." So taking his lame companion on his
back, they by means of their union travelled on with
safety and pleasure.

180

SELECT FABLES.

REFLECTION.
The wants and weaknesses of individuals form the
connections of society.

SELECT FABLES.

181

THE DOVE AND THE BEE.
A Bee, compelled by thirst, went to drink in a clear
purling rivulet ; but the current, with its circUng eddy,
snatched her away, and carried her down the stream.
A Dove, pitying her distressed condition, cropt a branch
from a neighbouring tree, and let it fall into the water,
by means of which the Bee saved herself, and got ashore.
Not long after, a Fowler, having a design upon the Dove,
planted his nets and all his little artillery in due order,
without the bird's observing what he was about; which
the Bee perceiving, just as he was going to put his design
in execution she stung him on the cheek, and made him
give so sudden a start, that the Dove took the alarm,
and flew away.

REFLECTION.

One good turn deserves another ; and gratitude is
excited by so noble and natural a spirit, that he ought

182 SELECT FABLES.
to be looked upon as the vilest of creatures, who has no
sense of it. It is, indeed, so very just and equitable a
thing, and so much every man's duty, that to speak of
it properly one should not mention it as any thing
meritorious, or that may claim praise and admiration,
any more than we should say a man ought to be rewarded
or commended for not killing his father, or forbearing to
set fire to his neighbour's house. The bright and shining
piece of morality, therefore, which is recommended to us
in this fable, is set forth in this example of the Dove,
who, without any obligation or expectation, does a vo
luntary office of charity to its fellow-creature in distress.

SELECT FABLES.

183

THE TWO HORSES.
Two Horses were travelling the road together ; one
loaded with a sack of flour, the other with a sum of
money. The latter, proud of his splendid burthen,
tossed up his head with an air of conscious superiority,
and every now and then cast a look of contempt upon
his humble companion. In passing through a wood,
they were met by a gang of highwaymen, who imme
diately seized upon the horse that was carrying the
treasure : but the spirited steed not being altogether
disposed to stand so quietly as was necessary for their
purpose, they beat him most unmercifully, and after
plundering him of his boasted load, left him to lament
at his leisure the cruel bruises which he had received.
" Friend," says his despised companion to him, (who
had now reason to triumph in his turn,) " distinguished
posts are often dangerous to those who possess them :

184

SELECT FABLES.

if you had served a miller, as I do, you might have
travelled the road unmolested."

REFLECTION.

The object of our pride is often the cause of our
misfortunes.

SELECT FABLES.

185

THE TROUTS AND THE GUDGEON.
A Fisherman in the month of May stood angling
on the banks of the Thames with an artificial fly. He
threw his bait with so much art, that a young Trout
was rushing towards it, when she was prevented by her
mother. " Never," said she, " my child, be too pre
cipitate, where there is a possibility of danger. Take
due time to consider, before you risk an action that may
be fatal. How know you whether yon appearance be
indeed a fly, or the snare of an enemy ? Let some one
else make the experiment before you. If it be a fly, he
very probably will elude the first attack : and the second
may be made, if not with success, at least with safety."
She had no sooner uttered this caution, than a Gudgeon
seized upon the pretended fly, and became an example
to the giddy daughter, of the great importance of her
mother's counsel. BE

186

SELECT FABLES.

REFLECTION.
A person can hardly be deemed too cautious, where
the first mistake is irretrievable or fatal.

SELECT FABLES.

187

THE MOCK-BIRD.
There is a certain bird in the West Indies, which
has the faculty of mimicking the notes of every other
songster, without being able himself to add any original
strains to the concert. As one of these Mock-birds
was displaying his talent of ridicule among the branches
of a venerable wood: "'Tis very well," said a little
warbler, speaking in the name of all the rest, " we
grant you that our music is not without its faults : but
why will you not favour us with a strain of your
own?"

188

SELECT FABLES.

REFLECTION.
Bidicule appears with a very ill grace in persons who
possess no one talent beside

SELECT FABLES.

189

THE BOY AND THE NETTLE.
A Little Boy playing in the fields, chanced to be
stung by a Nettle, and came crying to his father : he
told him, he had been hurt by that nasty weed several
times before ; that he was always afraid of it : and that
now he did but just touch it, as lightly as possible, when
he was so severely stung. " Child," says he, " your
touching it so gently and timorously is the very reason
of its hurting you. A Nettle may be handled safely, if
you do it with courage and resolution ; if you seize it
boldly and gripe it fast, be assured it will never sting
you : and you will meet with many sorts of persons, as
well as things in the world, which ought to be treated
in the very same manner."

190

SELECT FABLES.

REFLECTION.
There are certain persons who require to be treated
rather with spirit and resolution, than either tenderness
or delicacy.

a* "'i,

SELECT FABLES.

191

THE CITY MOUSE AND THE COUNTRY MOUSE.
A Country Mouse invited a City Sister of hers to
a collation, where she spared for nothing that the place
afforded; as mouldy crusts and cheese-parings. The
City Dame was too well bred to find fault with her
entertainment ; but yet represented, that such a life was
unworthy of a merit like hers ; and letting her know
how splendidly she lived, invited her to accompany her
to town. The Country Mouse consented, and away
they trudged together, and about midnight got to their
journey's end. The City Mouse shewed her friend the
larder, the pantry, the kitchen, and other offices where
she laid her stores ; and after this carried her into the
parlour, where they found, yet upon the table, the relics
of a mighty entertainment of that very night. The City
Mouse carved her companion of what she liked best,
and so to it they fell upon a velvet couch. The Country

192

SELECT FABLES.

Mouse, who had never seen or heard of such doings
before, blessed herself at the change of her condition ;
when all on a sudden the doors flew open, and in comes
a crew of noisy servants, to feast upon the dainties that
were left. This put the poor mice to their wit's end
how to save their lives; the stranger especially, who
had never been in such danger before : but she made a
shift, however, for the present to slink into a corner,
where she lay trembling and panting till the company
went away. As soon as ever the house was quiet again,
" Well ! my Court Sister," says she, " if this be the
sauce to your rich meats, I'll even back to my cottage
and my mouldy cheese again ; for I had much rather
lie nibbling of crusts, without fear or hazard in my own
hole, than be mistress of all the delicacies in the world,
and subject to such terrifying alarms and dangers."

REFLECTION.

This fable shews the difference between a court and
a country life : the delights, innocence, and security of
the one, compared with the anxiety, voluptuousness, and
hazards of the other.

SELECT FABLES.

193

THE ASS, THE APE, AND THE MOLE.
An Ass and an Ape were conferring on grievances.
The Ass complained mightily for want of horns, and
the Ape was as much troubled for want of a tail.
" Hold your tongues, both of you," says the Mole,
" and be thankful for what you have ; for the poor blind
Moles are in a worse condition than either of you."

REFLECTION.
Since nature provides for the necessities of all crea
tures, and for the well-being of every one in its kind ;
and since it is not in the power of any creature to make
itself other than what by Providence it was designed to
be, what a madness it is to wish ourselves other than
what we are ; and what we must continue to be. Every
atom of the creation has its place assigned : every crea
ture has its proper figure, and there is no disputing with
c c

194

SELECT FABLES.

Him that made it so. Why have I not this ? and, why
have I not that ? are questions for a Philosopher of
Bedlam to ask ; and we may as well cavil at the
motions of the heavens, the vicissitude of day and
night, and the succession of the seasons, as expostulate
with Providence upon any of the rest of God's works.

SELECT FABLES.

195

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THE SEAMEN PRAYING TO SAINTS.
In a terrible storm at sea, a seaman took notice, that
the rest of his shipmates were praying severally to so
many Saints. " Have a care, my friends," says he,
" what you do ; for what if we should all be drowned
now before the messenger can deliver his errand ?
would it not be better, without going so far about, to
pray to Him that can save us without help ? "
REFLECTION.
" What needs any man make his court to the servant,"
says Sir Roger L'Estrange, " when his access is open
to the master ? and especially when that master is as
ready to give, as the petitioner to ask." — With regard
to secular matters, we are told a pleasant story of one
of our princes, Bang Charles II. He had often observed
a country gentleman attending to speak with one of hia
196 SELECT FABLES.
first ministers ; and once passing through the apartment
where the gentleman happened to be alone, he asked
him his business. He told him, that he was attending
upon his minister, as he had often done, for such a post
in his Majesty's gift. The King asked him what he
was to give for it to the minister ; he said £1000. The
King humorously told him, he should have it, and bid
him give him £500. and keep the other £500. to
himself; and if he or his friends wanted any more such
bargains, he might apply to himself directly, and be
served at half price.

SELECT FABLES.

197

THE SCOFFER PUNISHED.
A presumptuous Scoffer at things sacred took a
journey to Delphi, on purpose to try if he could put a
trick upon Apollo. He carried a sparrow in his hand
under his coat, and told the God, " I have something
in my hand," says he : " is it dead or living ?" If the
oracle should say it was dead, he could show it alive ; if
living, it was but squeezing it, and then it was dead.
He, that saw the iniquity of his heart, gave him this
answer : " It shall even be which of the two thou pleasest :
for it is in thy choice to have it either the one or the
other, as to the bird, but it is not in thy power as to
thyself ; " and immediately struck the bold Scoffer dead,
for a warning to others.

REFLECTION.

Presumption naturally leads people to infidelity, and
that by insensible degrees to atheism : for when men

198

SELECT FABLES.

have once cast off a reverence for religion, they are
come within one step of laughing at it.
That there's a God, all nature loud proclaims,
Though the vile Atheist the great truth disclaims ;
Or warp'd by prejudice, or sunk in sin,
His fright'ned conscience feels the lash within.

SELECT FABLES.

199

THE DOG, THE SHEEP, THE KITE, AND THE
WOLF.
The Dog sued the Sheep for a debt, of which the
Kite and the Wolf were to be judges. They, without
debating long upon the matter, or making any scruple
for want of evidence, gave sentence for the plaintiff;
who immediately tore the poor Sheep in pieces, and
divided the spoil with the unjust judges.

REFLECTION.

Deplorable are the times, when open barefaced
villany is protected and encouraged, when innocence
is obnoxious, honesty contemptible, and it is reckoned
criminal to espouse the cause of virtue. Men originally
entered into covenants and simple compacts with each
other for the promotion of their happiness and well-
being, for the establishment of justice and public peace.

200 SELECT FABLES.
How comes it then that they look stupidly on and
tamely acquiesce, when wicked men pervert this end,
and establish an arbitrary tyranny of their own upon
the foundation of fraud and oppression ? Among beasts,
who are incapable of being civilised by social laws, it is
no strange thing to see innocent helpless Sheep fall a
prey to Dogs, Wolves, and Kites : but it is amazing how
mankind could ever sink down to such a low degree of
base cowardice, as to suffer some of the worst of their
species to usurp a power over them, to supersede the
righteous laws of good government, and to exercise all
kinds of injustice and hardship in gratifying their own
vicious lusts.

SELECT FABLES.

201

THE HUNTSMAN AND THE OLD HOUND.
An Old Hound, who had been a good one in his
time, and had given his master great sport and satis
faction in many a chase, at last, by the effect of years,
became feeble and unserviceable. However, being in
the field one day, when the stag was almost run down,
he happened to be the first that came in with him, and
seized him by one of his haunches ; but his decayed and
broken teeth not being able to keep their hold, the deer
escaped, and threw him quite out. Upon which, his
master, being in a great passion, was going to strike
him, when the honest old creature is said to have barked
out this apology: " Ah! do not strike your poor old
servant; it is not my heart and inclination, but my
strength and speed that fail me. If what I now am
displeases, pray don't forget what I have been."
dd

202

SELECT FABLES.

REFLECTION.
This fable may serve to give us a general view of the
ingratitude of the greatest part of mankind. Notwitb -
standing all the civility and complaisance that is' used
among people where there is a common intercourse of
business, yet, let the main spring, the probability of
their being serviceable to each other, either in point of
pleasure or profit, be but once broken, and farewell to
courtesy. So far from continuing any regard in behalf
of past favours, it is very well, if they forbear doing
any thing that is injurious. If the master had only
ceased to caress and make much of the old Hound,
when he was past doing any service, it had not been
very strange ; but to treat a poor creature ill, not for a
failure of inclination, but merely a defect of nature,
must, notwithstanding the crowd of examples there are
to countenance it, be pronounced inhuman and unrea
sonable.

SELECT FABLES.

203

THE YOUNG MEN AND THE COOK.
Two young Men went into a cook shop, under
pretence of buying meat ; and while the Cook's back
was turned, one of them snatched up a piece of beef,
and gave it to his companion, who immediately put it
under his cloak. The Cdok turning round, and missing
his beef, began to charge them with it ; upon which, he
that first took it swore bitterly he had it not. He that
had it swore as heartily, that he had taken up none of
his meat. " Why, look ye, gentlemen," says the Cook,
" I see your equivocation ; and though I cannot tell
which of you has taken my meat, I am sure, between
you both, there is a thief, and a couple of rascals."

REFLECTION.
An honest man's word is as good as his oath ; and so
is a rogue's too ; for he that will cheat and lie, why

-204

SELECT FABLES.

should he scruple to forswear himself? Is the latter
more criminal than either of the former ? An honest
man needs no oath to oblige him; and a rogue only
deceives you the more certainly by it, because you think
you have tied him up, and he is sure you have not. In
truth, it is not easy, with the eye of reason, to discern,
that there is any good in swearing at alL We need
not scruple to take an honest man's bare asseveration ;
and we should do wrong if we believe a rogue, though
he swears by the most solemn oaths that can be
invented.

SELECT FABLES.

205

THE COLLIER AND THE FULLER.
A Collier and a Fuller, being old acquaintances,
happened to meet together ; and the latter, being but
ill provided with a habitation, was invited by the former
to come and live in the same house with him. " I thank
you, my dear friend," replies the Fuller, " for your kind
offer, but it cannot be ; for if I were to dwell with you,
whatever I should take pains to scour and make clean
in the morning, the dust of you and your coals would
blacken and defile, as bad as ever, before night."

reflection.

It is of no small importance in life, to be cautious
what company we keep, and with whom we enter into
friendship : for though we are ever so well disposed
ourselves, and happen to be ever so free from vice and
debauchery, yet if those, with whom we frequently

206

SELECT FABLES.

converse, are engaged in a lewd wicked course, it will
be almost impossible for us to escape being drawn in
with them. If we are truly wise, and would shun those
siren rocks of pleasure, upon which so many have split
before us, we should forbid ourselves all manner of
commerce and correspondence with those, who are
steering a course, which, reason tells us, is not only
not for our advantage, but must end in our destruction.
«
With vice allied, however pure,
No virtue can be long secure :
Shun then the traitress and her wiles,
Whate'er she touches she defiles.

SELECT FABLES.

207

THE BOY AND HIS MOTHER.
A Little Boy, who went to school, stole one of his
schoolfellow's books, and brought it home to his mother,
who was so far from correcting and discouraging him
upon account of the theft, that she commended and gave
him an apple for his pains. In process of time, as the
child grew up to be a man, he accustomed himself to
greater robberies ; and at last, being apprehended and
committed to gaol, he was tried and condemned for
felony. On the day of his execution, as the officers
were conducting him to the place of execution, he was
attended by a vast crowd of people, and among the rest
by his mother, who came sighing and sobbing along,
and deploring extremely her son's unhappy fate ; which
the criminal observing, he called to the sheriff, and
begged the favour that he would give him leave to
speak a word or two to his poor afflicted mother. The

208 SELECT FABLES.
sheriff gave him permission ; and the felon, while every
one thought he was whispering something of importance
to his mother, bit off her ear, to the great offence and
surprise of the whole assembly. " What," say they,
" was not this villain contented with the impious facts
which he has already committed, but he must increase
the number of them, by doing this violence to his
mother ? " " Good people," replied he, " I would not
have you be under a mistake; that wicked woman
deserves this, and even worse at my hands ; for if she
had chastised, instead of rewarding and caressing me,
when in my infancy I stole the book, I had not come to
this untimely end." REFLECTION.
Youthful minds, like the pliant wax, are susceptible
of the most lasting impressions, and the good or evil
bias they then receive is seldom or ever eradicated.

'<"£

SELECT FABLES.

20!)

THE WANTON CALF.
A Calf, full of play and wantonness, seeing an Ox
at plough, could not forbear insulting him. " What a
sorry drudge art thou," says he, " to bear that heavy
yoke upon your neck, and go all day drawing a plough
at your tail, to turn up the ground for your master !
But you are a wretched slave, and know no better, or
else you would not do it. See what a happy life I lead ;
I go just where I please ; sometimes I lie down under
the cool shade ; sometimes frisk about in the open sun
shine ; and, when I please, slake my thirst in the clear
brook : but you have not so much as a little dirty
water to refresh you." The Ox, not at all moved with
what he said, went quietly and calmly on with his work ;
and, in the evening, was unyoked and turned loose.
Soon after which he saw the Calf taken out of the field,
and delivered into the hands of a priest, who immediately
E E

210

SELECT FABLES.

led him to the altar, and prepared to sacrifice him.
His head was hung round with fillets of flowers, and
the fatal knife was just going to be applied to his throat,
when the Ox drew near and whispered him to this
purpose : " Behold the end of your insolence and
arrogance ; it was for this only you were suffered to
live at all ; and pray now, friend, whose condition is
best, yours or mine ? " reflection.
To insult people in distress is the property of a cruel,
indiscreet, and giddy temper; for, on the next turn of
fortune's wheel, we may be thrown down to their con
dition, and they exalted to ours.

SELECT FABLES.

211

JUPITER AND THE HERDSMAN.
A Herdsman, missing a young heifer that belonged
to his herd, went up and down the forest to seek it.
And having walked over a great deal of ground to no
purpose, he fell a praying to Jupiter for relief: pro
mising to sacrifice a kid to him, if he would help him to
a discovery of the thief. After this, he went on a little
farther, and came near a grove of oaks, where he found
the carcase of his heifer, and a lion grumbling over and
feeding upon it. This sight almost frightened him out
of his wits; so down he fell upon his knees once more,
and addressing himself to Jupiter, " O Jupiter ! " says
he, " I promised thee a kid to show me the thief, but
now I promise thee a bull, if thou wilt be so merciful
as to deliver me out of his clutches."

212

SELECT FABLES.

REFLECTION.
How ignorant and stupid are some people, who form
their notions of the Supreme Being from their own poor
shallow conceptions; and then, like fro ward children
with their nurses, think it consistent with infinite wis
dom and unerring justice, to comply with all their
whimsical petitions. Let men but live as justly as they
can, and just Providence will give them what they ought
to have. Of all the involuntary sins which men commit,
scarce any are more frequent than that of their praying
absurdly and improperly, as well as unseasonably, when
their time might have been so much better employed.

SELECT FABLES.

213

THE SNIPE SHOOTER.
As a Sportsman ranged the fields with his gun,
attended by an experienced old Spaniel, he happened
to spring a Snipe ; and almost at the same instant, a
covey of partridges. Surprised at the accident, and
divided in his aim, he let fly too indeterminately, and
by this means missed them both. " Ah, my good
master," said the Spaniel, " you should never have
two aims at once. Had you not been dazzled and
seduced by the luxurious hope of Partridge, you would
most probably have secured your Snipe."

211

SELECT FABLES.

REFLECTION.
Wc often miss our point by dividing our attention.

SELECT FABLES.

215

THE WOLF AND THE SHEPHERDS.
" A Wolf," says Plutarch, " peeping into a hut
where a company of Shepherds were regaling them
selves with a joint of mutton ; " Lord," said he, " what
a clamour would these men have raised, if they had
caught me at such a banquet ! "

A prowling Wolf one evening put
His muzzle in a Shepherd's hut ;
And there at table saw them seated,
To a young lamb's fat quarter treated.
" Aye, aye, 'tis very well," said he ;
" Did you at such a feast find me,
" The country up in arms would be."

210

SELECT FABLES.

REFLECTION.
How apt are men to condemn in others what they
piaetise themselves without scruple !
The powerful too oft abuse
Rights, which to others they refuse.

SELECT FABLES,

21',

THE WIND AND THE SUN.
A dispute once arose betwixt the North-Wind and
the Sun, about the superiority of their power ; and they
agreed to try their strength upon a traveller, which
should be able to get his- cloak off first. The North-
Wind began, and blew a very cold blast, accompanied
with a sharp driving shower. But this, and whatever
else he could do, instead of making the man quit his
cloak, obliged him to gird it about his body as close as
possible. Next came the Sun, who, breaking out from
a thick watery cloud, drove away the cold vapours from
the sky, and darted his warm sultry beams upon the
head of the poor weather-beaten traveller. The man,
growing faint with the heat, and unable to endure it any
longer, first throws off his heavy cloak, and then flies
for protection to the shade of a neighbouring grove.

F F

218

SELECT FABLES.

REFLECTION.
There is something in the temper of men so averse to
severe and boisterous treatment, that he, who endeavours
to carry his point that way, instead of prevailing, gene
rally leaves the mind of him, whom he has thus attempted,
in a more confirmed and obstinate situation, than he
found it at first. Bitter words and hard usage freeze
the heart into a kind of obduracy, which mild persuasion
and gentle language only can dissolve and soften.

SELECT FABLES.

219

THE LION, THE FOX, AND THE BULLS.
Four Bulls, which had entered into a very strict
friendship, kept always near one another, and fed
together. The Lion often saw them, and as often had
a mind to make one of them his prey : but though he
could easily have subdued any of them singly, yet he
was afraid to attack the whole alliance, as knowing they
would have been too many for him, and therefore con
tented himself for the present with keeping at a distance.
At last, perceiving no attempt was to be made upon
them as long as this combination held, he engaged a
Fox, who took occasion, by whispers and hints, to foment
jealousies, and raise divisions among them. This stra
tagem succeeded so well, that the Bulls grew cold and
reserved towards one another, which soon after ripened
into a downright hatred and aversion ; and, at last,
ended in a total separation. The Lion had now obtained

220 SELECT FABLES.
his ends ; and, as impossible as it was for him to hurt
them while they were united, he found no difficulty, now
they were parted, to seize and devour every Bull of them,
one after another. REFLECTION.
The moral of this fable is so well known and allowed,
that to go about to enlighten it, woidd be like holding
a candle to the sun. A kingdom divided against itself
cannot stand ; and as undisputed a maxim as it is, was
however thought necessary to be urged to the attention
of mankind, by the best man that ever lived. And since
friendships and alliances are of so great importance to
our well-being and happiness, we cannot be too often
cautioned not to let them be broken by tale-bearers and
whisperers, or any other contrivance of our enemies.

SELECT FABLES.

221

THE KITE AND THE PIGEONS.
A Kite, who had kept sailing in the air for many
days near a dove-house, and made a stoop at several
Pigeons, but all to no purpose, at last had recourse to
stratagem, and took his opportunity one day to make a
declaration to them, in which he set forth his own just
and good intentions, who had nothing more at heart
than the defence and protection of the Pigeons in their
ancient rights and liberties , and how concerned he was
at their fears and jealousies of a foreign invasion, espe
cially their unjust and unreasonable suspicions of himself,
as if he intended, by force of arms, to break in upon
their constitution, and erect a tyrannical government
over them. To prevent all which, and thoroughly to
quiet their minds, he thought proper to propose to them
such terms of alliance and articles of peace, as might for
ever cement a good understanding betwixt them : the

222 SELECT FABLES.
principal of which was, That they should accept of him
for their King, and invest him with all kingly privilege
and prerogative over them. The poor simple Pigeons
consented : the Kite took the coronation oath after a
very solemn manner, on his part, and the Doves, the
oaths of allegiance and fidelity, on theirs. But much
time had not passed over their heads, before the good
Kite pretended that it was part of his prerogative to
devour a Pigeon whenever he pleased. And this he
was not contented to do himself only, but instructed the
rest of the royal family in the same kingly arts of govern
ment. The Pigeons, reduced to this miserable condition,
said one to the other, " Ah ! we deserve no better !
Why did we let him come in ? "
REFLECTION.
What can this fable be applied to, but the exceeding
blindness and stupidity of that part of mankind, who
wantonly and foolishly trust their native rights of liberty
without good security ?

SELECT FABLES.

223

THE NIGHTINGALE AND HIS CAGE.
A Nightingale, which belonged to a person of
quality, was fed every day with plenty of choice dainties,
and kept in a stately cage. Yet notwithstanding this
happy situation, he was uneasy, and envied the condition
of those birds who lived free in the woods, and hopped
up and down, unconfined, from bough to bough. He
earnestly longed to lead the same life, and secretly pined
with grief, because his wishes were denied him. After
some time, however, it happened, that the door of his
cage was left unfastened, and the long wished-for oppor
tunity was given him of making an elopement. Accord-
mgly> out he flew, and conveyed himself among the
shades of a neighbouring wood, where he thought to
spend the remainder of his days in content. But alas !
poor bird, it was mistaken; a thousand inconveniences,
which he never dreamt of, attended this elopement of

224 SELECT FABLES.
his, and he wa3 now really that miserable creature, which,
before, his imagination only made him. The delicate
food with which he used to be fed, was no more ; he was
unskilled in the ways of providing for himself, and even
ready to die with hunger. A storm of rain, thunder,
and lightning, filled all the air, and he had no place to
screen or protect him ; his feathers were wetted with the
heavy shower, and blasted with the flashes of lightning.
His tender nature could not stand the severe shock ; he
even died under it. But, just before he breathed his
last, he is said to have made this reflection : " Ah ! were
I but in my cage again, I would never wander more."
REFLECTION.
This fable may be a proper lesson to those who are
possessed with a spirit of rambling, and trying experi
ments ; who are so infatuated with these airy notions,
that though they have a warm house over their heads,
and a good table to eat at, kind indulgent parents, or
fond husbands, yet they cannot be contented, but must
sally forth into the wide world, and pass, as it were,
into a new and untried being. People may have felt
imaginary inconveniences at home ; but as they have
been used to live in a dependence upon others, let them
but go abroad, and try to shift for themselves, and they
will, iu all probability, soon feel real miseries.

SELECT FABLES.

THE FIGHTING COCKS.
Two Cocks were fighting for the sovereignty of the
dunghill. And one of them having got the better of
the other, he that was vanquished crept into a hole, and
hid himself for some time ; but the victor flew up to an
eminent place, clapt his wings and crowed out victory.
An eagle, who was watching for his prey near the place,
saw him, and making a stoop, seized him in his talons,
and carried him off. The Cock that had been beaten,
perceiving this, soon quitted his hole, and shaking off all
remembrance of his late disgrace, gallanted. the hens
with all the intrepidity imaginable.

REFLECTION.
This fable shows the impropriety and inconvenience
of running into extremes. Much of our happiness
depends upon keeping an even balance in our words
G G

226

SELECT FABLES.

and actions ; in not suffering the scale of our reason to
mount us too high in time of prosperity, nor to sink us
too low with the weight of adverse fortune.

SELECT FABLES.

227

THE FLY IN ST. PAUL'S CUPOLA.
As a Fly was crawling leisurely up one of the columns
of St. Paul's Cupola, she often stopped, surveyed, ex
amined, and at last broke forth into the following excla
mation : " Strange ! that any one, who pretended to be
an artist, should ever leave so superb a structure with
so many roughnesses unpolished ! " " Ah, my friend,"
said a very learned architect, who hung in his web
under one of the capitals, " you should never decide of
things beyond the extent of your capacity. This lofty
building was not erected for such diminutive animals as
you or I ; but for a certain sort of creatures, who are at
least ten thousand times as large : to their eyes, it is very
possible, these columns may seem as smooth, as to you
appear the wings of your favourite mistress."

228

SELECT FABLES.

REFLECTION.

We should never estimate things beyond our reach,
by the narrow standard of our own capacities.

SELECT FABLES.

229

THE SHEEP AND THE BRAMBLE.
A Sheep, during a severe storm, wandered into a
thicket for shelter, and lay there so snug and warm, that
he soon fell fast asleep. The clouds clearing away, and
the wind returning to rest, inclined the Sheep to return
to his pasture, but ah ! what was his situation ; a Bramble
had laid such a firm hold of his fleece, that it was left as
a forfeit, for the protection the thicket had given him.

230

SELECT FABLES.

REFLECTION.

This fable strongly recommends a due consideration
of the thicket of law, before we go into it, for although
judgment and sentence are passed in our favour, still we
may be fleeced to the skin.

SELECT FABLES.

231

THE FOX AND THE GOAT.

A Fox and a Goat travelling together in a very sultry
day, found themselves exceedingly thirsty; when looking
round the country in order to discover a place where
they might probably meet with water, they at length
descried a clear spring at the bottom of a pit. They
both eagerly descended ; and having sufficiently allayed
their thirst, began to consider how they should get out.
Many expedients for that purpose were mutually pro
posed and rejected. At last the crafty Fox cried out
with great joy, " I have a thought just struck into my
mind, which I am confident will extricate us out of our
difficulty : do you," said he to the Goat, " only rear
yourself up upon your hinder legs, and rest your fore
feet against the side of the pit. In this posture, I will
climb up to your head, from whence I shall be able,
with a spring, to reach the top : and when I am once

232

SELECT FABLES.

there, you are sensible it will be very easy for me to pull
you out by the horns." The simple Goat liked the
proposal well ; and immediately placed himself as di
rected: by means of which the Fox, without much
difficulty, gained the top. " And now," said the Goat,
"give me the assistance you promised." "Thou old
fool," replied the Fox, " hadst thou but half as much
brains as head, thou wouldst never have believed, that I
would hazard my own life to save thine. However, I
will leave with thee a piece of advice, which may be of
service to thee hereafter, if thou-shouldst have the good
fortune to make thy escape : — never venture into a pit
again, before thou hast well considered how to get out
of it." REFLECTION.
When we are going to encounter difficulties, we
should depend more upon our own strength than the
assistance of our neighbour.

SELECT FABLES.

233

THE TWO FOXES.
Two Foxes formed a stratagem to enter a hen-roost:
which having successfully executed, and killed the cock,
the hens, and the chickens, they began to feed upon
them with singular satisfaction. One of the Foxes, who
was young and inconsiderate, was for devouring them all
upon the spot : the other, who was old and covetous,
proposed to reserve some of them for another time.
" For experience, child," said he, " has made me wise,
and I have seen many unexpected events since I came
into the world. Let us provide, therefore, against what
may happen, and not consume all our store at one meal."
" All this is wondrous wise," replied the young Fox ;
" but for my part, I am resolved not to stir till I have
eaten as much as will serve me a whole week : for who
would be mad enough to return hither, when it is certain
the owner of these fowls will watch for us, and if he
H H

234 SELECT FABLES.
should catch us, would certainly put us to death ! "
After this short discourse, each pursued his own scheme :
the young Fox ate till he burst himself, and had scarcely
strength to reach his hole before he died. The old one,
who thought it much better to deny his appetite for the
present, and lay up provision for the future, returned
the next day, and was killed by the farmer. Thus every
age has its peculiar vice: the young suffer by their
insatiable thirst after pleasure ; and the old, by their
incorrigible and inordinate avarice.
REFLECTION.
We should ever guard against those vices that are
chiefly incident to our times of life ; excess and riot,
while we are young ; and egregious parsimony, as we
grow in years.

SELECT FABLES.

THE PLAGUE AMONG THE BEASTS.

A mortal distemper once raged among the Beasts,
*md swept away prodigious numbers. After it had con
tinued some time without abatement, it was concluded
in an assembly of the brute creation to be a judgment
inflicted upon them for their sins, and a day was appointed
for a general confession; when it was agreed, that he who
appeared to be the greatest sinner should suffer death,
as an atonement for the rest. The Fox was appointed
father confessor upon the occasion ; and the Lion, with
great generosity, condescended to be the first in making
public confession. "For my part," said he, "I must
own I have been an enormous offender ; I have killed
many innocent sheep in my time, nay once, but it was a
case of necessity, I made a meal of the shepherd." The
Fox, with much gravity, acknowledged that these in any
other than the king would have been inexpiable crimes ;

230 SELECT FABLES.
but that his majesty had certainly a right to a few silly
sheep, nay, and to the shepherd too, in a case of necessity.
The judgment of the Fox was applauded by all the su
perior savages ; and the Tiger, the Bear, and the Wolf,
made confession of many enormities of the like nature :
all of which were excused with the same lenity and
mercy. At last, a poor penitent Ass, with great con
trition, acknowledged, that once going through the par
son's meadow, being very hungry, and tempted by the
sweetness of the grass, he had cropt a little of it, not
more however in quantity than the tip of his tongue :
he was very sorry for the misdemeanour, and hoped —
" hope ! " exclaimed the Fox with singular zeal, " what
canst thou hope for, after the commission of so heinous a
crime ? what ! eat the parson's grass ? Oh sacrilege !
this, this is the flagrant wickedness, my brethren, which
has drawn the wrath of heaven upon our heads, and this
the notorious offender, whose death must make atone
ment for all our transgressions." So saying, he ordered
his entrails for sacrifice, and the rest of the Beasts went
to dinner upon his carcase. REFLECTION.
The poor and helpless undergo those punishments for
small and trivial offences, which the rich and powerful
escape for crimes of a much blacker nature.

SELECT FABLES.

237

THE DOVES AND THEIR YOUNG ONES.
A Dove, that had a mate and young ones, happening
to spy her cage-door open, was driven by a sudden
impulse to fly out into an adjacent grove. There perched
upon the bough of a sycamore, she sat as it were wrapt in
deep contemplation : not recovering from her reverie
until the owner drew nigh, unseen, and brought her
back to her little family. " Art thou not ashamed then,"
says her mate, "thus to desert thy helpless offspring?
Art thou not base, to abandon me for the company of
birds to whom thou art a stranger? Could I have
harboured such a thought ? I, who have been ever
constant to our first engagement, and must have died of
mere despair, hadst thou not returned to my embraces !
But how, alas ! returned ? Not, as it seems, by choice,
but ensnared by dint of artifice, and brought hither by
constraint." " Have patience," replied the rambler,

238 SELECT FABLES.
" and hear the plea of thy repentant mate. Witness, all
ye powers of wedlock, ye that know what passes in the
hearts of Doves, if ever, before this unhappy moment, I
felt a wish to part from thee ! The door, so seldom open,
allowed but one moment for deliberation, and I happened
to decide amiss. When removed to yonder wood, the
air of liberty breathed so sweet, that, with horror I speak
it, I felt a suspense about returning to the cage. Pardon,
I pray thee, this one crime, and be well assured I will
never repeat it. And that thou mayest be the more
induced to pardon me, know, that the love of liberty
burns ever the strongest in the bosoms that are most
open to conjugal affection, and the love of their youncr."
REFLECTION.
The love of liberty, in well-constituted minds, holds a
place little inferior to that of natural affection.

SELECT FABLES.

239

THE HOUNDS IN COUPLES.
A Huntsman was leading forth his Hounds one
morning to the chase, and had linked several of the
young dogs in couples, to prevent their following every
scent, and hunting disorderly, as their own inclinations
and fancy should direct them. Among others it was the
fate of Jowler and Vixen to be thus yoked together.
Jowler and Vixen were both young and inexperienced,
but had for some time been constant companions, and
seemed to have entertained a great fondness for each
other ; they used to be perpetually playing together ;
and in any quarrel that happened, always took one
another's part. It might have been expected, therefore,
that it would not be disagreeable to them to be still more
closely united. However, in fact it proved otherwise ;
they had not been long joined together before both
parties were observed to express uneasiness at their

240 SELECT FABLES.
present situation. Different inclinations and opposite
wills began to discover and to exert themselves. If one
chose to go this way, the other was as eager to take the
contrary ; if one was pressing forward, the other was
sure to lag behind ; Vixen pulled back Jowler, and
Jowler dragged along Vixen ; Jowler growled at Vixen,
and Vixen snapped at Jowler ; till at last it came to a
downright quarrel between them ; and Jowler treated
Vixen in a very rough and ungenerous manner, without
any regard to the inferiority of her strength, or the
tenderness of her sex. As they were thus continually
vexing and tormenting each other, an old hound, who
had observed all that had passed, came up to them, and
thus reproved them : " What a couple of silly puppies
you are, to be perpetually worrying yourselves at this
rate ! What hinders your going on peaceably and
quietly together ? Cannot you compromise the matter
between you, by each consulting the other's inclination
a little ? When I was in the same circumstances with
you, I soon found that thwarting my companion was
only tormenting myself; and my yoke-fellow happily
came into the same way of thinking."
REFLECTION.
Mutual compliances are necessary to matrimonial
happiness.

SELECT FABLES.

241

THE PEACOCK.
The Peacock, who at first was distinguished only
by a crest of feathers, preferred a petition to Juno that
he might be honoured also with a train. As the bird
was a particular favourite, Juno readily enough assented;
and his train was ordered to surpass that of every fowl
in the creation. The minion, conscious of his superb
appearance, thought it requisite to assume a proportion
able dignity of gait and manners. The common poultry
of the farm-yard were quite astonished at his magni
ficence ; and even the pheasants themselves beheld him
with an eye of envy. But when he attempted to fly, he
perceived himself to have sacrificed all his activity to
ostentation ; and that he was encumbered by the pomp
in which he placed his glory.

1 1

242

SELECT FABLES.

REFLECTION.

The parade and ceremony belonging to the great are
often a restraint upon their freedom and activity.

SELECT FABLES.

243

THE ELM AND THE VINE.
An extravagant young Vine, vainly ambitious of inde
pendency, and fond of rambling at large, despised the
alliance of a stately Elm that grew near, and courted her
embraces. Having risen to some small height without
any kind of support, she shot forth her flimsy branches
to a very uncommon and superfluous length ; calling on
her neighbour to take notice how little she wanted his
assistance. " Poor infatuated shrub," replied the Elm,
" how inconsistent is thy conduct ! Wouldst thou be
truly independent, thou shouldst carefully apply those
juices to the enlargement of thy stem, which thou lavishest
in vain upon unnecessary foliage. I shortly shall behold
thee grovelling on the ground ; yet countenanced, indeed,
by many of the human race, who, intoxicated with vanity,
have despised economy ; and who, to support for a mo
ment their empty boast of independence, have exhausted
the very source of it in frivolous expenses."

246

SELECT FABLES.

REFLECTION.
People who pride themselves upon their independence,
often slight economy, the sole foundation of it.

SELECT FABLES.

245

THE MAN AND THE FLY.
A Man, being bit upon the cheek by a Fly, could
not imagine at first what was the matter, but at last
clapping his hand upon the place, he took the poor
animal prisoner. The Fly was then for making her
excuses, alleging that nature had allowed to her breed
no other way for a livelihood : hereupon she intreated
him to release her, saying, the only harm she did was to
tickle him. " You are mistaken," says the Man, " and
for that very reason I intend to put thee to death,
because thou oughtst not to offend any person what
ever, neither little nor great."

REFLECTION.

It is but a sorry excuse for criminals to plead their
weakness, in order to evade the punishment which is due
unto their crimes. This is by no means an argument

246 SELECT FABLES.
of justifying them, much less of clearing them from the
malice that they foster secretly in their breasts. For
to render a man unworthy of pardon, it is enough that
he has shown some tokens of the wickedness of his will,
though it has not been attended with any extraordinary
bad circumstance, or has been diverted by some unex
pected accident. To this we may add, that it is still
more criminal to undertake a vicious action, when there
is little or no hopes of escaping the punishment that
ensues. ^Esop therefore was in the right of it, in intro
ducing the Man of this fable with this argument in his
mouth, that the smaller any creature is, the less he ought
to be pardoned, being guilty of a higher crime, and less
capable of making any resistance. Hence it is that we
every day see, that the lesser criminals are made examples
to the rest, to deter them from the same crime ; because
in their deaths there are but few who concern themselves,
or sue out for an arrest of judgment To this the pro
verb of the ancients bears some allusion, when speaking
of the laws, they compare them to a spider's web, in
which the little flies are caught, whilst the great ones
break through and escape.

SELECT FABLES.

247

THE PRINCE AND THE HERMIT.
A certain Hermit had scooped his cave near the
summit of a lofty mountain, from whence he had an
opportunity of surveying a large extent both of sea and
land. He sat one evening, contemplating with pleasure
on the various objects that lay diffused before him. The
woods were drest in the brightest verdure, the thickets
adorned with the gayest blossoms. The birds caroled
beneath the branches ; and the ships, driven by gentle
gales, were returning safely into their proper harbours.
In short, the arrival of spring had doubly enlivened the
whole scene before his eyes ; and every object yielded a
display either of beauty or of happiness. On a sudden
arose a violent storm. The winds mustered all their
fury, and whole forests of oak lay scattered on the
ground. Darkness instantly succeeded ; hail-stones and
rain were poured forth in cataracts, and lightning and

248 SELECT FABLES.
thunder added to the horror of the gloom. And now
the sea, piled up in mountains, bore aloft the largest
vessels ; while the horrid roar of its waves drowned the
shrieks of the wretched mariners. When the whole
tempest had exhausted its fury, it was instantly followed
by the shock of an earthquake. A Prince, who was at
that time in the same neighbourhood, repaired to the
Hermit's cave, laden with jewels, religiously hoping that
the Hermit's well known sanctity would protect him in
his distress. He was, however, not a little surprised at
the profound tranquillity that appeared in his counte
nance. "My friend," said he, "be not dismayed.
Terrible to me, as well as to you, would have been the
war of elements we have just beheld ; but that I have
meditated with so much attention on the various works
of Providence, as to be persuaded that his goodness is
equal to his power." REFLECTION.
The goodness of Providence, apparent in his works,
is a proper motive for our tranquillity amid every exer
tion of his power.

SELECT FABLES.

249

THE DOVE WITH A STRING AT ITS FOOT.
A country Fellow took a Dove, and tied a String to
its foot, and so gave it to a little boy to play with. The
Dove did not much like his companion, and upon the
first opportunity gave him the slip, and flew away into
the woods again, where he was shackled and starved.
When he came to die, he reflected upon the folly of
exposing his life in the woods, rather than live in an
easy servitude among men.

REFLECTION.
Men that are impatient under imaginary afflictions,
change commonly for the worse, as the Dove did here
in the fable, that threw himself into a starving situation,
rather than submit to the tolerable inconvenience of an
easy restraint. Nothing would serve him, but he must
K K

250

SELECT FABLES.

be at his own disposal, and so away he goes, carries his
String along with him, and shackles himself in the wood,
where he dies for want of food and water.

SELECT FABLES.

251

THE OLD MAN AND DEATH.
Once upon a time Death called upon an Old Man,
and bade him come along with him. The Man excused
himself, that the other world was a great journey to take
upon so short a warning, and begged a little time only to
make his will before he died. "Why," says Death, "you
have had warning enough, one would think, to have
made ready before this." " In truth," says the Old
Man, " this is the first time I ever saw you in my life."
" That is false," says Death ; " for you have had daily
examples of mortality before your eyes, in all sorts of
people, ages, and degrees ; and is not the frequent spec
tacle of other people's deaths, a memento sufficient to
make you think of your own ? Your dim and hollow
eyes, the loss of your hearing, and the faltering of the
rest of your senses, should mind you, that Death has
laid hold of you already : and is this a time of day, do

252 SELECT FABLES.
you think, to stand shuffling it off still ? Your hour, I
tell you, is now come, and there is no thought of a
reprieve in the case of fate."
REFLECTION.
It is the great business of life to fit ourselves for our
end ; and no man can live well, that has not Death in
his eye. It is a strange mixture of madness and folly in
one solecism, for people to say or imagine, that ever any
man was taken out of this world without time to prepare
himself for Death : but the delay of fitting ourselves is our
own fault, and we turn the very sin into an excuse : every
breath we draw is not only a step towards Death, but a
part of it. It was born with us, it goes along with us : it
is the only constant companion that we have in this world,
and yet we never think of it any more than if we knew
nothing of it. The text is true to the very letter, that
we die daily, and yet we feel it not. Everything under
the sun reads a lecture of mortality to us. Our neigh
bours, our friends, our relations, that fall every where
round about us, admonish us of our last hour ; and yet
here is an Old Man, on the wrong side of fourscore,
complaining that he is surprised.

SELECT FABLES.

253

THE OLD MAN AND HIS SON.
A certain Old Man, much infected by superstition,
dreamed one night that his only Son was thrown from
his horse as he was hunting, and killed upon the spot..
This dream made so strong an impression upon the
weak and credulous father, that he formed a resolution
never more to suffer his son to partake of this his favou
rite diversion. The next morning that the hounds went
out, the young man requested permission to follow them ;
but instead of receiving it, as usual, his father acquainted
him with the dream, and peremptorily enjoined him to
forbear the sport. The youth, greatly mortified at this
unexpected refusal, left the room much disconcerted,
and it was with some difficulty that he restrained his
passion from indecently breaking out in his father's
presence. But upon his return to his own apartment,
passing through a gallery of pictures, in which was a

254 SELECT FABLES.
piece representing a company of gypsies telling a country
girl her fortune — " it is owing," said he, " to a ridicu
lous superstition of the same kind with that of this simple
wench that I am debarred from one of the principal plea
sures of my life : " at the same time, with great emotion,
he struck his hand against the canvass ; when a rusty
old nail behind the picture ran far into his wrist. The
pain and anguish of the wound threw the youth into a
violent fever, which proved too powerful for the skill of
the physicians, and in a few days put an end to his life :
illustrating an observation, that an over-cautious atten
tion to avoid evils, often brings them upon us : and that
we are frequently thrown headlong into misfortunes by
the very means we make use of to avoid them.
REFLECTION.
The means, suggested by superstition to secure us
from misfortune, often brings it upon our heads.

SELECT FABLES.

255

THE TWO ENEMIES AT SEA.
There were two Enemies at Sea in the same vesseL
the one at the ship's head, the other at the stern. It
blew a dreadful storm, and when the vessel was just
ready to be swallowed up, one of them asked the master,
" which part of the ship would be first under water ; "
so he told him the other end would sink first. " Why
then," says he, " I shall have the comfort of seeing my
enemy go before me."

reflection.
There is some comfort in company, even in a state of
adversity. Society is so necessary and agreeable to man
kind in all cases, that death is certainly the more uneasy
for a man's going alone into another world: but the
consolation pointed at in this fable, is, that which an
envious man takes in the ruin of his enemy. There is a

25(3 SELECT FABLES.
memorable instance to this purpose, of a gentleman that
had an estate for lives, and two of his tenants in the lease :
one of them dies, and the other desires his landlord to
lay both farms into one, and accept of him for his tenant.
The gentleman fairly excused himself, and away goes
the man in a rage to his wife, told her how it was, and
swore that he would be revenged of his landlord. This
was in harvest time, and he went out next day to his
reapers, but stayed so long, that his wife sent up and
down to look after him. At last they found him in a
ditch vomiting. The man, it seems, had poisoned him
self, and the revenge upon his landlord was the defeating
him of his estate, by destroying the last life in his lease.
In one word, revenge stops at nothing that is violent and
wicked. It divides the dearest friends, embroils govern
ments, and tears families to pieces. But to say no more
of it, the histories of all ages are full of the tragical out
rages that have been executed by this diabolical passion :
beside, that it hardens people into a brutal contempt of
death, as the fable proves, where they may but see their
Enemies fall for company.

SELECT FABLES.

257

THE CHRISTIAN AND THE PAGAN.
A Christian and a Pagan, that had been old ac
quaintance and fellow-travellers, had several discourses
upon the way together, about religion ; and coming into
Italy, the Christian advised the Infidel, for his better
satisfaction, only to go to Mass once, and then tell him
what he thought of it. The Pagan accordingly went to
church, and being afterwards asked his opinion of the
ceremonies and solemnity of the office, his answer was,
" that he saw but one thing there that he disliked ;
which was, that it looked a little uncharitable for one
man to eat and drink by himself, and all the rest to
look on."

REFLECTION.

The poison of this fable, in the liberty of jesting with
holy matters, would need an antidote to go along with it,

L L

258

SELECT FABLES.

if it were not that itis a Pagan's conceit, and consequently
suitable enough to the character and humour of an
Infidel, to have the offices of Christianity in derision. If
we look at it on that side, it may serve for a reproof to
those among ourselves that take the same freedom of
scoffing at religion, and religious rites and ceremonies.
These people pass in the world under the name of Chris
tians, but in their hearts and manners they are little
better than Pagans: the frolic of a merry word goes
farther with them, than the conscience of their profession,
and if they can but elude the dint of a pinching convic
tion by some trivial jest, the conceit, they think, atones
for the wickedness.

SELECT FABLES.

259

THE PIGEON AND THE MAGPIE.
A Magpie was wondering once to a Pigeon, why she
would breed still in the same house, where her young
ones were constantly taken away from her before they
were able to fly. " Why, that is my simplicity," says
the Pigeon. " I mean no harm, and I suspect none."
REFLECTION.
The truer hearted any man is, the more liable he is to
be imposed upon : and then the world calls it outwitting
a man; when, in truth, he is only outknaved: and
obliged, even in charity and good nature, to believe till
he be completely cozened. This does not yet hinder
sincere singleness of heart from being a virtue so neces
sary for the comfort and security of mankind, that human
society cannot subsist without it. And therefore it is a
thousand pities it should be so discountenanced, and

260

SELECT FABLES.

abused, as in the common practice of the world we find
it is. But it stands firm however to the same tenor of
life ; as the Pigeon kept to the same house to lay her
eggs in, whatever she lost by it.

SELECT FABLES.

261

^^S§£.:38£
^^^^^^4
\ R^tT
^SS^S^^^i^^
 — rSaJWilrmig^ /
vs%
ll^aSsP^S^^^
"^^-C; ^^^QUyittlu
THE SUN AND THE VAPOUR.
In the evening of a summer's day, the Sun, as he
descended behind the western hills, beheld a thick and
unwholesome Vapour extending itself over the whole
face of the valleys. Every shrub and every flower im
mediately folded up its leaves, and shrunk from the
touch of this detested enemy. " Well hast thou chosen,"
said the God of day, " the hour of my departure, to
spread thy pestilential influence, and taint the beauties
of the creation. Enjoy for a short space the notable
triumphs of thy malignity. I shall return again with
the morning, repair thy mischiefs, and put an end to thy
existence. May the slanderer, in thy fate, discern his
own, and be warned to dread the return of truth."
262

SELECT FABLES.

REFLECTION.
Truth, though vanished, returns again ; slander is
never of a durable nature.

SELECT FABLES.

263

THE ANT FORMERLY A HUSBANDMAN.
The Ant, or Pismire, was formerly an husbandman,
that secretly filched away his neighbour's goods and
corn, and stored all up in his own barn. He drew a
general curse upon his head for it, and Jupiter, as a
punishment, and for the credit of mankind, turned him
into a Pismire; but this change of shape wrought no
alteration either of mind, or of manners ; for he keeps
the same humour and nature to this very day.

REFLECTION.
When vicious inclinations are brought once, by cus
tom and practice, to be habitual, the evil is desperate,
for nature will be still true to herself, through all forms
and disguises. And custom is a second nature. By the
poetical fictions of men turned into the shape of beasts
and insects, we are given to understand, that they do

264

SELECT FABLES.

effectually make themselves so, when they degenerate
from the dignity of their kind : so that the metamorphosis
is in their manners, not in their figure. When a rea
sonable soul descends to keep company in the dirt with
ants and beetles, and to abandon the whole man to the
sensuality of brutal satisfactions, he forfeits his peerage,
and the very privilege of his character and creation ; for
he is no longer a man, that gives himself wholly up to
the works of a beast.

SELECT FABLES.

265

THE GARDENER AND THE BOAR.
A Gardener once took a Boar in his garden, and
cut off one of his ears with a spade. He took him a
second time, and cut off the other. He took him a third
time, and made a present of him to his landlord. Upon
the opening of his head, they found he had no brains,
and every body fell a wondering and discoursing upon
it " Sir," says the Gardener, " if this Boar had had
any brains, he would have taken the loss of both his
ears for a warning, never to come into my garden
again."

REFLECTION.
The life and conversation of some men are so brutal,
as if they had only the shape, without the faculties of
reasonable creatures. What better is he than the Boar
M M

266 SELECT FABLES.
in the fable, that abandons himself wholly to his ap
petites and pleasures ; and after so many repeated warn
ings, one upon the neck of another, still persists in his
folly, in despite of all punishments ? The Boar's intem
perance, and the note upon him afterwards, on the
cutting of him up, that he had no brains in his head,
may be moralized into the figure of a sensual man, that
has neither grace nor knowledge, but runs headlong on
to his ruin, without either consideration or conscience.

SELECT FABLES.

267

THE HUSBANDMAN THAT TURNED SOLDIER
AND MERCHANT.
Once upon a time, as a Husbandman was meditating
in his yard, he cried to Hercules, " Oh, the endless
misery of the life I lead ! to spend all my days in
ploughing, sowing, digging, and dunging, and to make
nothing of it at last I Why now, in a soldier's life there
is honour to be got, and one lucky hit sets up a man for
ever. Faith, I will even sell off my stock, get a horse
and arms, and try the fortune of war." Away he goes ;
makes his push ; stands the 6hock of a battle, and com
pounds at last for the leaving of a leg behind him, to
get home again. By this time he has had his bellyful of
knight-errantry, and a new freak takes him in the head.
He might do better, he fancies, in the way of a merchant.
This maggot no sooner set him agog, but he gets a ship

268 SELECT FABLES.
immediately; freights her, and so away to sea upon
adventure ; builds castles in the air, and conceits both
the Indies in his coffers, before he gets so much as clear
of the port. Well ! and what is the end of all this at
last? He falls into foul weather, among sands and
rocks, where merchant, vessel, goods, and all are lost in
one common wreck. REFLECTION.
This doctrine concerns those that rashly change their
condition and fortune, and commonly fall into the incon
veniences that they thought to avoid. He that is well
already, and, upon a levity of mind, quits his station, in
hope to be better, it is forty to one he loses by the
change : for this lightness is both a vice and a disease,
and rather the wallowing of a sickly qualm, than any
reasonable agitation of counsel and debate. In the
fable, the Husbandman envies the Soldier ; the Soldier
envies the Merchant ; and when he has tried all turns
and projects, what with the chance of war, storms, and
pirates, he sees his folly too late, and in vain wishes
himself with his hinds and flocks again. To say all in a
word, this levity is both attended and punished, with an
impossibility of mending our condition ; for we apply to
our bodies, and our fortunes, when the distemper lies in
our minds.

SELECT FABLES.

269

THE DAW AND THE PIGEONS.
A Daw took a particular notice of the Pigeons in a
certain dove-house, that they were well fed and provided
for : so he went and painted himself a dove colour, and
took his commons with the Pigeons. So long as he kept
his own counsel, he passed for a bird of the same feather ;
but it was his misfortune once to cry " kaw," upon which
discovery they beat him out of the house, and when he
came to his old companions again, they would not admit
him neither ; so that he lost himself both ways by this
disguise.

REFLECTION.

This is to caution us against all superfluous and dan
gerous desires. Our own lot is best, and by aiming at
what we have not, and what is impossible to be had, we

270 SELECT FABLES.
lose what we have already. No man goes out of himself
but to his loss. Imitation is servile, let it be where, how,
and what it will. Nature points out to us which way
every man's talent and genius lies ; and he that keeps to
his own province, or bias, speeds best The painting of
the Daw like a Pigeon, did not make him one, neither
can any man do himself right in another person's shape:
besides, that when he is once out, it is hard to find his
way home again. The hypocrite is never so far from
being a good Christian, as when he looks likest one. It
is much a case with a faction in a government, and a
Daw in a pigeon-house. There is a fraud driven on,
and they assimilate themselves, as much as may be, to
the interests they propose to be the better for. They
put on all appearances in matter of opinion, practice,
and pretence, suitable to the humour they are to join
withal : but still some unlucky accident or other happens
to discover them in the end, and then, when they would
go off again, the people of their own plume and colour
beat them away, and refuse to entertain them. This is
no more than what we find to be true in all turns of state.
Double-dealers may pass muster for awhile, but all parties
wash their hands of them in the conclusion.

SELECT FABLES.

271

THE DOG AND THE BULL.
There was once a Dog that could beat all his fellows,
and was so puffed up with the glory of his exploits, that
nothing would serve him but he must challenge a Bull
to the combat. They met, and after a short encounter,
the Dog lay for dead ; but coming to himself again,
" Well," says he, " this is the fruit of my insolence
and folly, in provoking an enemy, that nature has made
my superior."

REFLECTION.

It is not courage, but temerity, for men to venture
their lives, reputations, and fortunes upon unequal en
counters; unless where they are obliged by an over
ruling impulse of honour, conscience, and duty, to stand
all hazards. That, which the world accounts brave, is,

272

SELECT FABLES.

in truth, no better than brutal, where there is not reason,
justice, and prudence to direct and govern it. It is one
thing for a man to be firm, and fearless, against honest
dangers, let them appear ever so terrible, when his
honour for the purpose, his country, or his conscience,
call upon him to encounter them : but to run his head
against a wall, purely out of a vain opinion of his own
strength, would be just the moral of the Dog in the
fable.

SELECT FABLES.

273

THE WOLF AND THE MASTIFF.
A lean, half-starved Wolf inadvertently strolled in
the way of a strong well-fed Mastiff. The Wolf, being
much too weak to act upon the offensive, thought it
most prudent to accost honest Towser in a friendly
manner ; and among other civilities, very complaisantly
congratulated him on his goodly appearance. " Why,
yes," returned the Mastiff, " I am indeed in a tolerable
case; and if you will follow me, you may soon be alto
gether in as good a plight." The Wolf pricked up his
ears at the proposal, and requested to be informed what
he must do to earn such plentiful meals. " Very little,"
replied the Mastiff; " only drive away beggars, caress
my master, and be civil to his family." To these con
ditions the hungry Wolf had no objection, and very
readily consented to follow his new acquaintance wherever
N N

274 SELECT FABLES.
he would conduct him. As they were trotting along,
the Wolf observed that the hair was worn in a circle
round his friend's neck ; which raised his curiosity to
inquire what was the occasion of it. " Nothing," an
swered the Mastiff, " or a mere trifle ; perhaps the collar
to which my chain is sometimes fastened." " Chain ! "
replied the Wolf, with much surprise ; '• it should seem
then that you are not permitted to rove about where and
when you please." " Not always," returned Towser,
hanging down his head ; " but what does that signify ? "
" It signifies so much," rejoined the Wolf, " that I am
resolved to have no share in your dinners ; half a meal
with liberty is, in my estimation, preferable to a full one
without it." REFLECTION.
A mere competence with liberty, is preferable to ser
vitude amid the greatest affluence.

SELECT FABLES.

275

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l$09r*
R^^iHP^aHfe
mm
psi'fj
XlpP**
v^te
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\7^--'~r . -^5;^
¦'^v^a^y ¦ ¦ -.— - ' " jy^*-^ W
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MINERVA'S OLIVE.
The Gods, say the heathen mythologists, have each
of them their favourite tree. Jupiter preferred the Oak,
Venus the Myrtle, and Phcebus the Laurel ; Cybele the
Pine, and Hercules the Poplar. Minerva, surprised
that they should choose barren trees, asked Jupiter the
reason. " It is," said he, " to prevent any suspicion
that we confer the honour we do them, from an interested
motive." " Let folly suspect what it pleases," returned
Minerva ; " I shall not scruple to acknowledge, that I
make choice of the olive for the usefulness of its fruit."
"O daughter," replied the father of the Gods, "it is
with justice that men esteem thee wise ; for nothing is
truly valuable that is not useful."
270

SELECT FABLES.

REFLECTION.
Whatever fancy may determine, the standing value of

all thi

ngs is in proportion to their use.

SELECT FABLES.

:?7

THE BUTTERFLY, THE SNAIL, AND THE BEE.
A Butterfly, proudly perched on the gaudy leaves
of a Rose, was boasting the vast extent and variety of
his travels. " I have ranged," said he, " over graceful
and majestic scenes ; I have wandered through regions
of eglantine and honeysuckle ; I have revelled in kisses
on beds of violets and cowslips, and have enjoyed the
delicious fragrance of roses and carnations. In short,
my fancy unbounded, and my flight unrestrained, I have
visited with perfect freedom all the flowers of the field or
garden, and must be allowed to know the world in a
superlative degree." A Snail, who lay attentive to his
wonders, on the grass, was struck with admiration ; and
concluded him, from all his experience, to be the wisest
of animal creatures. It happened, that a Bee pursued

278 SELECT FABLES.
her occupation on a neighbouring bed of marjoram ;
ami, having heard our ostentatious vagrant, reprimanded
him in this manner : " Vain, empty flutterer," said she,
" whom instruction cannot improve, nor experience itself
enlighten ! thou hast rambled over the world ; wherein
does thy knowledge of it consist? Thou hast seen
variety of objects; what conclusions hast thou drawn from
them ? Thou hast tasted of every amusement ; hast
thou extracted any thing for use ? I too am a traveller :
go and look into my hive ; and let my treasures intimate
to thee, that the end of travelling is to collect materials
either for the use and emolument of private life, or for
the advantage of the community."
reflection.
Fops may boast of their extensive travels, but it is
only a few discerning persons that make a proper use of
them.

SELECT FABLES,

279

THE OAK AND THE ROSE TREE.
A Rose Tree grew beside an Oak ; and being not a
little elevated by the first warm days in spring, began to
shoot forth his leaves apace, and to despise the naked
Oak for insensibility and want of spirit. The Oak,
conscious of his superior nature, made this philosophical
reply : " Be not, my friend, so much delighted with the
first precarious address of every fickle zephyr : consider,
the frosts may yet return ; and if thou covetest an equal
share with me in all the glories of the rising year, do not
afford them an opportunity to nip thy beauties in their
bud. As for myself, I only wait to see this genial warmth
a httle confirmed : and, whenever that is the case, I shall
perhaps display a majesty that will not easily be shaken.
But the tree which appears too forward to exult in the

280

SELECT FABLES.

first favourable glance of spring, will ever be the readiest
to droop beneath the frowns of winter."

REFLECTION,

He who is puffed up with the least gale of prosperity,
will as suddenly sink beneath the blasts of misfortune.

J/<4H»«.

SELECT FABLES.

281

THE COURT OF DEATH.
Death, the king of terrors, was determined to choose
a prime minister; and his pale courtiers, the ghastly
train of diseases, were all summoned to attend; when
each preferred his claim to the honour of this illustrious
office. Fever urged the numbers he destroyed; cold
Palsy set forth his pretensions, by shaking all his limbs ;
and Dropsy, by his swelled unwieldy carcase. Gout
hobbled up, and alleged his great power in racking every
joint; and Asthma's inability to speak, was a strong,
though silent argument, in favour of his claim. Stone
and Cholic pleaded their violence; Plague, his rapid
progress in destruction ; and Consumption, though slow,
insisted that he was sure. In the midst of this conten
tion, the Court was disturbed with the noise of music,
dancing, feasting, and revelry; when immediately entered
a lady, with a bold lascivious air, and a flushed and
o o

282 SELECT FABLES.
jovial countenance; she was attended on one hand by a
troop of cooks and bacchanals ; and on the other by a
train of wanton youths and damsels, who danced half
naked to the softest musical instruments ; her name was
Intemperance. She waved her hand, and thus addressed
the crowd of diseases : " Give way, ye sickly band of
pretenders, nor dare to vie with my superior merits in
the service of this great monarch. Am not I your
parent ? the author of your beings ? Do ye not derive
your power of shortening human life almost wholly
from me ? who then so fit as myself for this important
office ?" The grisly monarch grinned a smile of appro
bation, placed her at his right hand, and she immediately
became his prime favourite, and principal minister.
reflection.
Intemperance is the great and original cause that
generally shortens human life.

SELECT FABLES.

283

THE LION AND THE ASSES.
The Lion took a fancy to hunt in company with the
Asses ; and to make them the more useful, gave them
instructions to hide themselves in a thicket, and then to
bray in the most frightful manner that they could pos
sibly contrive. " By this means," says he, " you will
rouse all the beasts within the hearing of you ; while I
stand at the outlets, and take them as they are making
off." This was done : and the stratagem took effect
accordingly. The Asses brayed most hideously; and
the timorous beasts, not knowing what to make of it,
began to scour off as fast as they could ; when the Lion,
who was posted at a proper avenue, seized and devoured
them as he pleased. Having got his belly full, he called
out to the Asses, and bade them leave off, telling them,
they had done enough. Upon this, the long-eared brutes
came out of their ambush, and approaching the Lion,

284 SELECT FABLES.
asked him, with an air of conceit, how he liked their
performance ? " Prodigiously ! " says he ; " you did it
so well, that I protest, had I not known your nature and
temper, I might have been frightened myself."
REFLECTION.
A bragging, cowardly fellow may impose upon people
that do not know him ; but is the greatest jest imaginable
to those that do. There are many men, who appear
very terrible and big in their manner of expressing them
selves, and, if you could be persuaded to take their own
word for it, are perfect lions; who, if one takes the
pains to inquire a httle into their true nature, are as
arrant asses as ever brayed.

SELECT FABLES.

28.:

THE BOAR AND THE RAM.
A Ram, happening to meet with a Boar, had a mind
to be arch upon him: " And so, brother," says he,
" your humble servant." The Boar, somewhat nettled at
his familiarity, bristled up to him, and told him he was
surprised to hear him utter so impudent an untruth, and
was just going to show his noble resentment, by giving
him a rip in the flank ; but wisely stifling his passion, he
contented himself with only saying, " Go, you sorry
beast! I could be amply and easily revenged of you,
but I do not care to foul my tusks with the blood of so
base a creature."

REFLECTION.

Fools are sometimes so ambitious of being thought
wits, that they run great hazards in attempting to show
themselves such. This is not the first animal, who,

286 SELECT FABLES.
after a handsome rebuke from one superior to himself,
both in courage and merit, has continued his awkward
raillery even to the last degree of offence. But such a
dull creature as the Ram, is so far from raising himself
the least esteem by his ludicrous vein, that he has very
good luck if he escapes with a whole skin. Buffoons,
like dwarfs, should be matched with those of their own
level ; a man of sense or stature would be ashamed to
encounter either of them. But, notwithstanding all this,
and though the Boar in the fable is a very good example
to men of generous, brave spirits, not to give themselves
up to passion, nor to be distempered with thoughts of
revenge upon the insolent behaviour of every one that
offends them, because their hands would be dishonoured
by the tincture of a base man's blood ; yet, among human
creatures, the correction of a fool that would be unsea
sonably witty may be performed with justness and pro
priety enough; provided it be done in good humour.
The blood of a coward, literally speaking, would stain
the character of a man of honour; when we chastise
such wretches, it should be done, if possible, in the
utmost calmness of temper. It takes off something from
the reputation of a great soul, when we sec it is in the
power of a fool to ruffle and unsettle it.

SELECT FABLES.

28>

THE MAN THAT WAS BITTEN BY A DOG.
A Man, that was bitten by a Dog, was advised, as
the best remedy in the world, to dip a piece of bread in
the blood of the wound, and give it to the Dog to eat.
" Pray, hold your hand a little," says the Man, " unless
you have a mind to draw all the Dogs in the town upon
me ; for that will certainly be the end of it, when they
shall find themselves rewarded, instead of punished, for
such an act."

REFLECTION.
This fable informs us, that wicked and ill-natured
men are not to be obliged by kindnesses, especially when
they find they may be the better for insolence ; for at
that rate, he that rewards past offences, draws on and
encourages new ones. Under the rule and correction
of this allegory, we may reckon calumny, slander, and

288 SELECT FABLES.
detraction, in any form of figure whatsoever, and all
manner of affronts and indignities, upon our good names
or our persons. There may be place in all these cases
for a generous charity to forgive offences, even of the
highest ingratitude and malice ; but it is not advisable
to reward where men have the tenderness not to punish.
This way of proceeding is dangerous in all the affairs of
human life, public as well as private : for it is a tempta
tion to villany, when a man fares the better for evil-
doing. Ill-nature, in fine, is not to be cured with a
reward ; but on the contrary, quarrelsome men, as well
as quarrelsome curs, are worse for fair usage.

-^_ ,-~s

SELECT FABLES.

289

THE BEES AND THE WASPS.
Some honey-combs being claimed by a swarm of
Wasps, the right owners protested against their demand,
and the cause was referred to a Hornet. Witnesses
being examined, they deposed that certain winged crea
tures, who had a loud hum, of a yellowish colour, and
somewhat like Bees, were observed a considerable time
hovering about the place where this nest was found.
But this did not sufficiently decide the question ; for
these characteristics, the Hornet observed, agreed no less
with the Bees than the Wasps. At length a sensible
old Bee offered to put the matter upon this decisive
issue : " Let a place be appointed by the court," said
he, " for the plaintiffs and defendants to work in : it
will then soon appear which of us are capable of forming
such regular cells, and afterwards of filling them with so
delicious a fluid." The Wasps, refusing to agree to
p p

290

SELECT FABLES.

this proposal, sufficiently convinced the judge on which
side the right lay ; and he decreed the honey-combs
accordingly.

REFLECTION.

Pretenders of every kind are best detected by appealing
to their works.

SELECT FABLES.

291

THE TWO BEARS AND THE BEE-HIVES.
Two Bears, climbing over a fence into a place where
Bees were kept, began to plunder the Hives, and rob
them of their honey. But the Bees, to revenge the
injury, attacked them in a whole swarm together ; and
though they were not able to pierce their rugged hides,
yet, with their little stings, they so annoyed their eyes
and nostrils, that, unable to endure the smarting pain,
with impatience they tore the skin over their ears with
their own claws, and suffered ample punishment for the
injury they did the Bees, in breaking open their waxen
cells.

REFLECTION.

Many and great are the injuries of which some men
are guilty towards others, for the sake of gratifying some
liquorish appetite. For there are those who would not

292

SELECT FABLES.

stick to bring desolation upon their country, and run
the hazard of their own necks into the bargain, rather
than balk a wicked inclination, either of cruelty, ambi
tion, or avarice. But it were to be wished, all who are
hurried by such blind impulses would consider a moment
before they proceed to irrevocable execution. Injuries
and wrongs not only call for revenge and reparation
with the voice of equity itself, but oftentimes carry their
punishment along with them, and, by an unforeseen train
of events, are retorted on the head of the actor of them ;
and not seldom, from a deep remorse, expiated upon
himself, by his own hand.

SELECT FABLES.

293

THE CAMELEON AND THE TRAVELLERS.
Two Travellers happened on their journey to be
engaged in a warm dispute about the colour of the
Cameleon. One of them affirmed it was blue ; that he
had seen it with his own eyes, upon the naked branch of
a tree, feeding on the air, in a very clear day. The
other strongly asserted it was green, and that he had
viewed it very closely and minutely on the broad leaf of
a fig-tree. Both of them were positive, and the dispute
was rising to a quarrel; but a third person luckily
coming by, they agreed to refer the question to his
decision. " Gentlemen," said the arbitrator, with a
smile of great self-satisfaction, " you could not have
been more lucky in your reference, as I happen to have
caught one of them last night ; but indeed you are both
mistaken, for the creature is totally black." " Black !
impossible ! " " Nay," quoth the umpire, with great

294 SELECT FABLES.
assurance ; " the matter may soon be decided, for I im
mediately enclosed my Cameleon in a httle paper box ;
and here it is." So saying, he drew it out of his pocket,
opened his box, and behold it was as white as snow.
The positive disputants looked equally surprised, and
equally confounded ; while the sagacious reptile, assuming
the air of a philosopher, thus addressed them. " Ye
children of men, learn diffidence and moderation in your
opinions. 'Tis true, you happen in the present instance
to be all in the right, and have only considered the sub
ject under different circumstances. But pray, for the
future, allow others to have eyesight as well as your
selves ; and be candid enough not to condemn any man
for judging of things as they appear to his own view."
REFLECTION.
The different lights in which things appear to different
judgments, recommend candour to the opinions of others,
even at the time that we retain our own.

SELECT FABLES.

295

THE DOG IN THE MANGER.
A Dog was lying in a Manger full of hay ; a Horse,
being hungry, offered to eat of the hay ; but the envious,
ill-natured cur snarled at him, would not suffer him to
touch it. Upon which the Horse, in the bitterness of
his heart, said, " A curse light on thee, for a malicious
wretch, who wilt neither eat hay thyself, nor suffer
others to do it ! "

REFLECTION.

Envy is the most unnatural and unaccountable of all
the passions. There is scarce any other emotion of the
mind, however unreasonable, but may have something
said in excuse for it; and there are many of these weak
nesses of the soul, which, notwithstanding the wrongness
and irregularity of them, swell the heart, while they last,
with pleasure and gladness. But the envious man has

296 SELECT FABLES.
no such apology as this to make ; the stronger the passion
is, the greater torment he endures ; and subjects himself
to a continual real pain, by only wishing ill to others.
Revenge is sweet, though cruel and inhuman; and
though it sometimes thirsts even for blood, yet may be
glutted and satiated. Avarice is something highly mon
strous and absurd; yet, as it is a desire after riches,
every httle acquisition gives it pleasure ; and to behold
and feel the hoarded treasure, to a covetous man, is a
constant uncloying enjoyment. But envy, which is an
anxiety arising in our minds, upon our observing accom
plishments in others, which we want ourselves, can never
receive any true comfort, unless in a deluge, a confla
gration, a plague, or some general calamity that should
befal mankind : for, as long as there is a creature living,
that enjoys its being happily within the envious man's
sphere, it will afford nourishment to his distempered
mind : but such nourishment, as will make him pine,
and fret, and emaciate himself to nothing.

SELECT FABLES.

297

THE BOASTING TRAVELLER.
A vain fellow, who had been abroad in the world,
would still be tiring people's ears at his return with stories
of his wonderful actions in his travels ; and particularly
he told of a leap he took at Rhodes, that nobody there
could come within six feet of it. " Now this," says he,
" I am able to prove by several witnesses upon the place."
" If this be true," says one of the company, " there is
no need of going to Rhodes for witness ; do you but
fancy this to be Rhodes, and then show us the leap,"

REFLECTION.
This request of one of the company was bringing the
matter to a demonstration : vain boasters should be cau
tious of making pretensions to what may be so easily
brought to immediate proof. Travellers, they say, may
Q Q

298

SELECT FABLES.

lie by authority ; and yet our Traveller's privilege here
was not sufficient to protect him from being made a sport
to the company.

^te^<;.. **

SELECT FABLES.

299

THE WOLF AND THE DOG.
A Wolf took a Dog by surprise sleeping, and when
he was just about to worry him, " Alas ! " says he, " I
am as lean at present as carrion ; but we are to have a
wedding at our house within these two or three days,
that will fatten me up with good cheer ; and when I am
in a little better condition, I will throw myself into the
mouth of you." The Wolf took his word, and let him
go ; but passing some few days after by the same house
again, he espied the Dog in the hall, and bade him
remember his promise. " Hark ye, my friend," says
the Dog, " whenever you catch me asleep again, never
trouble your head to wait for a wedding."

REFLECTION.

Past dangers make us wiser for the future : as the
Dog, after he had been once caught, had the wit to

300

SELECT FABLES.

avoid the Wolf for the future ; which tells us, that a wise
person is not to be caught twice by the same snare and
trick. His promise to the Wolf was a kind of a dog-
case of conscience, and the Wolf played the fool in
taking his word for that which he bad no reason to
expect he would perform.

SELECT FABLES.

301

THE HORSES' PETITION TO JUPITER.
The Horses, on a time, joined in a petition to Jupiter,
to ease them of their heavy burdens and arbitrary masters.
Jupiter gave them this answer, " That the order of the
world could not be preserved without burdens being
carried some way or other : but that, since they were so
dissatisfied with their lot, if they would but join and
turn part of the stream up a river, that the burdens,
which they now carried by land, might be carried by
water, they should be eased of a considerable part of
that grievance." reflection.
The Horses are here complaining for being put to
the very use and business they were made for ; as if it
were cruelty and oppression to employ the necessary

302 SELECT FABLES.
means, which God and nature have given us, for the
attaining of necessary ends. Is not a labourer as neces
sary an implement of Providence as the master builder?
are not the meanest artificers of the same institution with
ministers of council and state ? The head can no more
do without the body, than the body without the head ;
and neither of them without hands to defend, and provide
both for the one and for the other. What would become
of the universe, if there were not servants as well as
masters? beasts to draw and carry burdens, as well as
burdens to be drawn and carried? if there were not
instruments for drudgery, as well as offices of drudgery ?
if there were not people to receive and execute orders,
as well as others to give and authorize them ? Jupiter's
answer most emphatically sets forth the necessity of dis
charging the Horses' part, and the vanity of proposing
to have it done any other way. As who should say, the
business of human nature must be done. Lay your heads
together, and if you can find any way for the doing it,
without one sort of people under another, you shall have
your asking. But for a conclusion, he that is born to
work is out of his place and element when he is idle.

SELECT FABLES.

303

THE FLATTERER AND THE PAINTER.
Long had the base and sordid vice of Flattery reigned
in the world with impunity ; till at last, by a rigorous
decree of all the Gods, it was ordered to be punished
with death, and commissioners were named to see the
law put in execution. Six months had passed, and
Flattery was as bold and busy as ever, and yet not one
complaint against it. Spies and informers were here
upon set to work, who at last brought an author before
the court as a delinquent, for having given to a certain
Painter qualities to which he was known to be utterly a
stranger. The prisoner confessed that he had indeed
attributed those abilities to the Painter ; and appealed to
himself, whether he had wronged him or not? The
Paintei not only acquitted the man, but reflected des
perately upon the scandalous practice of the court itself,

304 SELECT FABLES.
in making that to be Flattery, which, upon the whole
matter, was no other than truth and justice. The com
mission was hereupon discharged; for they found it
utterly impracticable to punish a fault, which nobody
would either acknowledge or complain of.
reflection.
It is a thing utterly impossible for human wisdom to
form such an act of state as shall reach the wickedness
of the mind. As, who shall pretend to inflict any punish
ment upon flattery, hypocrisy, and other sins of the heart,
where there lies no proof against them ? A man may
be very honest in the eye of the law, and yet a most
abominable wretch in the sight of God and of his own
conscience. But still it is worth while to consider how
we may discountenance and prevent those evils which
the law can take no cognizance of. And to gain this
point the effect must be obviated in the cause. Flattery
can never corrupt any man, who does not flatter himself
first ; for it is a vain opinion of ourselves that lays us
open to be imposed upon by others.

SELECT FABLES.

305

THE SWALLOW AND OTHER BIRDS.
A Farmer was sowing his field with flax. The
Swallow observed it; and desired the other birds to
assist her in picking the seed up, and destroying it;
telling them, that flax was that pernicious material, of
which the thread was composed which made the fowler's
nets, and by that means contributed to the ruin of so
many innocent birds. But the poor Swallow not having
the good fortune to be regarded, the flax sprung up, and
appeared above the ground. She then put them in
mind once more of their impending danger, and wished
them to pluck it up in the bud, before it went any
farther. They still neglected her warnings; and the
flax grew up into the high stalk. She yet again desired
them to attack it, for that it was not yet too late : but all
that she could get was, to be ridiculed and despised for
a silly pretending prophet. The Swallow, finding all
R R

306 SELECT FABLES.
her remonstrances availed nothing, was resolved to leave
the society of such unthinking, careless creatures, before
it was too late. So, quitting the woods, she repaired to
the houses ; and forsaking the conversation of the birds,
has ever since made her abode among the dwellings of
men. REFLECTION.
As men, we should always exercise so much humanity,
as to endeavour the welfare of mankind, particularly of
our acquaintance and relations ; and if by nothing far
ther, at least by our good advice. When we have done
this, and, if occasion required, continued to repeat it a
second or third time, we shall have acquitted ourselves
sufficiently from any imputation upon their miscarriage :
and having nothing more to do, but to separate ourselves
from them, that we may not be involved in their ruin,
or be supposed to partake of their error. This is an
excommunication which reason allows. For, as it would
be cruel, on the one side, to persecute and hurt people
for being mistaken ; so, on the other, it would be indis
creet, and over complaisant, to keep them company
through all their wrong notions, and act contrary to our
opinion, out of pure civility.

SELECT FABLES.

307

THE NURSE AND THE WOLF.
A Nurse, who was endeavouring to quiet a froward
bawling child, among other attempts, threatened to throw
it out of doors to the Wolf, if it did not leave off crying.
A Wolf, who chanced to be prowling near the door just
at that time, heard the expression, and believing the
woman to be in earnest, waited a long while about the
house, in expectation of seeing her words made good.
But at last the child, wearied with its own importunities,
fell asleep, and the poor Wolf was forced to return back
to the woods empty and supperless. The Fox meeting
him, and surprised to see him going home so thin and
disconsolate, asked him what was the matter, and how
he came to speed no better that night ? " Ah ! do not
ask me," says he ; "I was so silly as to believe what the
Nurse said, and have been disappointed."

308 SELECT FABLES.
REFLECTION.
All the moralists have agreed to interpret this fable as
a caution to us never to trust a woman. What reasons
they could have for giving so rough and uncourtly a pre
cept, is not easy to be imagined : for however fickle and
unstable some women may be, it is well known there
are several who have a greater regard for truth in what
they assert or promise than most men. There is not
room in so short a compass, to express a due concern
for the honour of the ladies upon this occasion, nor to
show how much one is disposed to vindicate them : and
though there is nothing bad which can be said of them,
but may, with equal justice, be averred of the other sex ;
yet one would not venture to give them quite so absolute
a precaution as the old mythologists have affixed to this
fable, but only to advise them to consider well and tho
roughly of the matter, before they trust any man living.

SELECT FABLES.

309

THE MULE.
A Mule, which was well fed, and worked little, grew
fat and wanton, and frisked about very notably. " And
why should not I run as well as the best of them ?" says
he : " it is well known, I had a horse to my father, and
a very good racer he was." Soon after this, his master
took him out, and being upon urgent business, whipped
and spurred the Mule, to make him put forward ; who,
beginning to tire upon the road, changed his note, and
said to himself, " Ah ! where is the horse's blood you
boasted of but now ? I am sorry to say it, friend, but
indeed your worthy sire was an ass, and not a horse."

REFLECTION.

However high their blood may beat, one may venture
to affirm those to be but mongrels, and asses in reality,
who make a bustle about their genealogy. If some in

310 SELECT FABLES.
the world should be vain enough to think they can derive
their pedigree from one of the old Roman families, and
being otherwise destitute of merit, would fain draw some
from thence ; it might not be improper, upon such an
occasion, to put them in mind that Romulus, the first
founder of that people, was base born, and the body of
his subjects made up of outlaws, murderers, and felons,
the scum and offscouring of the neighbouring nations,
and that they propagated their descendants by rapes.
As a man truly great shines sufficiently bright of him
self, without wanting to be emblazoned by a splendid
ancestry ; so they, whose lives are eclipsed by foulness
or obscurity, instead of showing to an advantage, look
but the darker for being placed in the same line with
their illustrious forefathers.

SELECT FABLES.

311

THE OWL AND THE ECHO.
A solemn Owl, puffed up with vanity, sat repeating
her screams at midnight, from the hollow of a blasted
oak. " And whence," cried she, " proceeds this awful
silence, unless it be to favour my superior melody?
Surely the groves are hushed in expectation of my voice ;
and when I sing, all nature listens." An Echo, resound
ing from an adjacent rock, replied immediately, "all
nature listens." " The nightingale," resumed she, " has
usurped the sovereignty by night ; her note indeed is
musical, but mine is sweeter far." The voice, confirming
her opinion, replied again, "is sweeter far." "Why
then am I diffident," continued she ; " why do I fear to
join the tuneful choir ?" The Echo, still flattering her
vanity, repeated, "join the tuneful choir." Roused by
this empty phantom of encouragement, she on the morrow
mingled her hootings with the harmony of the groves.

312 SELECT FABLES.
But the tuneful songsters, disgusted with her noise, and
affronted by her impudence, unanimously drove her from
their society, and still continue to pursue her wherever
she appears. reflection.
The vain hear the flatteries of their own imagination,
and fancy them to be the voice of fame.

SELECT FABLES.

313

THE DISCONTENTED BEE.
A Bee complained to Jupiter, of the numerous evils
to which her condition was exposed. Her body, she
said, was weak and feeble, yet was she condemned to get
her living by perpetual toil ; she was benumbed by the
cold of winter, and relaxed by the heat of summer.
Her haunts were infested with poisonous weeds, and
her flights obstructed by storms and tempests. In short,
what with dangers from without, and diseases from
within, her life was rendered one continual scene of
anxiety and wretchedness. "Behold now," said Ju
piter, " the frowardness and folly of this unthankful
race! The flowers of the field I have spread before
them as a feast, and have endeavoured to regale them
with an endless variety. They now revel on odoriferous
beds of thyme and lavender, and now on the still more
s s

314

SELECT FABLES.

fragrant banks of violets and roses. The business they
complain of is the extraction of honey ; and, to alleviate
their toil, I have allowed them wings, which readily
transport them from one banquet to another. Storms,
tempests, and noxious weeds, I have given them sagacity
to shun ; and if they are misled, it is through the per-
verseness of their inclinations. But thus it is with Bees,
and thus with men : they misconstrue the benevolence
of my designs, and then complain that my decrees are
rigid ; they ungratefully overlook all the advantages,
and magnify all the inconveniences of their station. But
let my creatures pursue their happiness, through the
paths marked out by nature ; and they will then feel no
pains, which they have not pleasures to compensate."
REFLECTION.
The pleasures of life would be a balance for the pains,
did we not increase the latter by our own perverseness.

SELECT FABLES.

315

THE WOLF AND THE SHEPHERD'S DOG.
A Wolf, ranging over the forest, came within the
borders of a sheep-walk ; when meeting with a shepherd's
Dog, that with a surly sort of a growl demanded his
business there, he thought proper to put on as innocent
an appearance as he could, and protested upon his
honour that he meant not the least offence. "I am
afraid," said the Dog, " the pledge of your honour is
but a poor deposit for your honesty ; you must not take
it amiss, if I object to the security." " No slur upon
my reputation," replied the Wolf, " I beg of you. My
sense of honour is as delicate, as my great achievements
are renowned. I would not leave a stain upon my
memory, for the world." " The fame of what are gene
rally called great achievements is very precious, to be
sure," returned the Dog ; " almost equal to the character

316 SELECT FABLES.
of an excellent butcher, a gallant highwayman, or an
expert assassin." While the Dog was yet speaking, a
lamb happened to stray within reach of our hero. The
temptation was stronger than he was able to resist ; he
sprung upon his prey, and was scouring hastily away
with it However, the Dog seized and held him till
the arrival of the shepherd, who took measures for his
execution. Just as he was going to dispatch him,
" I observe," says the Dog, " that one of your noble
achievements is the destruction of the innocent. You
are welcome to the renown, as you are also to the reward
of it. As for me, I shall prefer the credit of having
honestly defended my master's property, to any fame
you have acquired by thus heroically invading it."
reflection.
Common honesty is a better principle than that which
we often compliment with the name of heroism.

SELECT FABLES.

317

THE TRAVELLER AND THE LION.
A Lion and a Man were once travelling together ;
among other discourses upon the road, they fell upon
this topic, which was the strongest creature of the two.
As they were arguing the case very sedately, they came
at last to a place where were a great many marble pillars,
and among the rest a pedestal, on which was carved a
man with a lion under his feet. " Look ye, friend,"
says the Man, turning to his fellow-traveller, " you may
from hence perceive that men are much stronger than
lions, and all other creatures besides." "A pleasant
thought, indeed," replied the Lion : " but had we Lions
carvers and painters as you Men have, you would see
twenty to one more Men under the Lions' paws than
Lions under the feet of Men."

318

SELECT FABLES.

REFLECTION.

The allegory of this fable is intended to reprove the
vanity of sculptures, and especially of such pieces as aim
at flattery more than truth. This happens so frequently
among men, that one may with a great deal of reason
ask, how much money was the artist's bribe for erecting
such haughty monuments of our pride ? What I say of
carvers, ought by parity of reason to be understood of
poets, painters, and all others who are entrusted with the
handing down of men and actions to posterity. What
abundance of chimerical actions, imaginary virtues, and
false ornaments, are pompously set down in the poems of
the one, and in the pictures of the others !

SELECT FABLES.

319

THE APE AND HER TWO YOUNG ONES.
An Ape, having two young ones, was dotingly fond
of one, but disregarded and slighted the other. One day
she chanced to be surprised by two Bears, and had much
ado to get off. However she did not forget her favourite
young one, which she took up in her arms, that it might
be the more secure : the other, which she neglected, by
natural instinct, leapt upon her back, and so away they
scampered together. But it unluckily fell out, that the
dam, in her precipitate flight, blinded with haste, let fall
her favourite, which was immediately destroyed by the
Bears. The hated one, clinging close to her rough
back, escaped all the danger of the pursuit.

reflection.
This fable is designed to expose the folly of some
parents, who, by indulging and humouring their favourite

320 SELECT FABLES.
children, spoil and ruin them ; while those of whom they
have been the least fond, have done very well. The child
that knows it can command its parents' affections, will
hardly be brought to know how to obey. The fondness
of indiscreet parents to favourite children, is blind as love
itself; they are so far from seeing any blemishes or im
perfections in them, that their very deformity is beauty,
and all their ugly tricks graces. Thus, without ever
being checked and corrected for their faults, but rather
applauded and caressed for them, when they come abroad
upon the theatre of the world, what rock will they not
split upon? While the child who is so happy as to
escape these very tender regards, these pernicious in
dulgences, is obliged to be good and honest in its own
defence. The parent looks upon it with an eye clear
from the mists of fondness. He has no regard to its
dislike or approbation ; but for his own credit, puts it
into such a way of education as reason dictates ; and
forces it to be accomplished, as its capacity will admit.

SELECT FABLES.

321

THE GOOSE AND THE MONKEY.
A Goose was bragging to a Monkey how fruitful she
was. " Never value yourself," says the Monkey, " upon
that vanity ; for as you bring up your young, principally
for the pie, or the spit, I should think, that the more
children you have the more should be your sorrow."

reflection.

The care, charge, and hazard of many children, in
the education and proof of them, does in a great measure
counterbalance the blessing ; especially where they are
born in a state of slavery, and their good depends upon
the arbitrary pleasure of a tyrant. The fable may be
taken in another sense, to show us the hazard of having
a numerous stock of children, which must, of necessity,
whether they live or die, furnish matter of great anxiety

T T

322

SELECT FABLES.

to the parents. The loss of them is grievous to us.
The miscarriage of them by falling into lewd and vicious
courses, is much worse ; and one such disappointment is
sufficient to blast the comfort given us by all the rest.
Nay, the very possibility, or rather the likelihood and
odds, that some out of such a number will prove un
gracious, makes our beds uneasy to us, fills bur heads
and our hearts with racking thoughts, and keeps us in
anxiety night and day.

SELECT FABLES.

323

THE EAGLE AND THE OWL.
A Boyal Eagle having resolved to prefer such of
his subjects as he found most agreeable for person and
address, ordered every bird to bring its young ones to
court. They came accordingly, and every one in its
turn was for advancing its own; till at last the Owl fell
a mopping and twinkling, and told his Majesty, " that
if a graceful mien and countenance might entitle any
of his subjects to a preference, she doubted not but her
brood would be looked upon in the first place ; for," says
she, "they are all as like me as they can stare."
reflection.
The moral here before us extends to the fruits and
productions of the brain, as well as of the body ; and to
deformities as well of understanding, as of shape. We

324

SELECT FABLES.

are taught here principally two things : first, how ridi
culous it is for a man to dote upon the undeserving issue
of his own brains or loins ; and yet, secondly, how prone
we are to indulge our own errors, follies, and miscarriages,
in thought, word, and deed. The world has abundance
of these Owls in it : so that whoever looks about him,
will find not a few living illustrations of this emblem.

SELECT FABLES.

325

PROSPERITY AND ADVERSITY.
A Man, who had raised himself from a small fortune
by successful traffic to a large one, was boasting : " Why,
ay," says he, "this it is when a man understands his
business: for I have done all this by my own skill."
Avarice is insatiable, and so he went pushing on still for
more ; till, what by wrecks, bankrupts, and pirates, one
upon the neck of another, he was reduced, in half the time
that he was a rising, to a morsel of bread. " Why this,"
says he, " is owing to my cursed fortune !" Fortune
happened to be at that time within hearing, and told
him that he was an arrogant, ungrateful fellow, to
charge her with all the evil that befel him, and to take
the good to himself.

326 SELECT FABLES.
REFLECTION.
Our hearts are so much set upon the value of the
benefits we receive, that we never think of the bestower
of them, and so our acknowledgments are commonly paid
to the second hand, without any regard to the principal.
We run into mistakes and misfortunes of our own accord ;
and then, when we are once disappointed, we lay the
blame of them upon others. This or that was not well
done, we say ; but alas ! it was none of our fault : we
did it by constraint, advice, importunity, or the authority
perhaps of great examples, and the like : at this rate we
palliate our own weaknesses and corruptions, and at the
same rate we likewise assume to ourselves the merits of
others. The thing to be done, in fine, is to correct this
arrogance, and be thankful to God for the benefits we
receive at his hands ; and resign ourselves to his all-wise
providence in those dispensations which we are so apt to
reckon misfortunes : but which, made aright use of, may
frequently turn to our highest benefit, if not in this world,
in that to come.

SELECT FABLES.

327

THE COVETOUS MAN AND THE ENVIOUS ONE.
A covetous Man and an envious one, becoming
petitioners to Jupiter, were told, that what the one
asked should be doubled on the other. The covetous
Man, according to his character, desired great riches,
and his companion had them double. This did not,
however, satisfy the envious Man, who repining that the
covetous Man was half as rich as himself, requested
that one of his own eyes might be put out ; for his com
panion was then to lose both his.

reflection,
The covetous Man in this fable had a very hard put.
As avarice is always attended with some envy, it was no
small mortification to one who would have been glad to

328

SELECT FABLES.

have engrossed all, to be under a necessity of making
another twice as rich as himself by virtue of his own
choice. But an envious Man cannot possibly be shown
in a stronger light than he is here. For he not only
repines that his companion is half as rich as he, though
he enjoys his own double share by virtue of the other's
prayer ; but he chooses to forego all the benefits which
he, in his turn, might reap by his petition, lest his neigh
bour should have double ; and prays for a curse upon
himself, to wit, that he might lose one of his own eyes,
so that the other might lose both his ; and be thereby
made incapable of enjoying with comfort the acquisition
he had so ardently coveted. This remarkable instance
of envy and avarice admonishes us to be cautious how
we give way to such wicked passions, as not only make
the persons governed by them a torment to themselves,
but render them at the same time odious to God and

SELECT FABLES.

329

THE FOWLER AND THE RINGDOVE.
A Fowler took his gun, and went into the woods a
shooting. He spied a Ringdove among the branches of
an oak, and intended to kill it. He clapped the piece
to his shoulder, and took his aim accordingly. But, just
as he was going to pull the trigger, an adder, which he
had trod upon under the grass, stung him so painfully in
the leg, that he was forced to quit his design, and threw
his gun down in a passion. The poison immediately
infected his blood, and his whole body began to mortify ;
which, when he perceived, he could not help owning it
to be just. " Fate," says he, " has brought destruction
upon me, while I was contriving the death of another."

reflection.

This is another lesson against injustice ; a topic in
which our just author abounds. And, if we consider
u u

330

SELECT FABLES.

the matter fairly, we must allow it to be as reasonable
that some one should do violence to us, as we should
commit it upon another. When we are impartial in
our reflections, thus we must always think. The unjust
man, with a hardened unfeeling heart, can do a thousand
bitter things to others : but if a single calamity touches
himself, oh, how tender he is ! how insupportable is the
uneasiness it occasions ! Why should we think others
born to hard treatment, more than ourselves ? or imagine
it can be reasonable to do to another, what we ourselves
should be unwilling to suffer ?

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831

THERE'S NO TO-MORROW.
A Man, who had lived a very profligate life, at length
being awakened by the lively representations of a sober
friend on the apprehensions of a feverish indisposition,
promised, that he would heartily set about his reforma
tion, and that To-morrow he would seriously begin it.
— But the symptoms going off, and that To-morrow
coming, he still put it off till the next, and so he went
on from one To-morrow to another : but still he con
tinued his reprobate life. This, his friend observing,
said to him, " I am very much concerned to find how
little effect my disinterested advice has upon you : but,
my friend, let me tell you, that since your To-morrow
never comes, nor do you seem to intend it shall, I will
believe you no more, except you set about your repent
ance and amendment this very moment: for, to say

332

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nothing of your repeated broken promises, you must
consider, that the time that is past is no more ; that To
morrow is not ours ; and the present now is all we have
to boast of. REFLECTION.
That compunction of heart cannot be sincere, which
takes not immediate effect, and can be put off till To
morrow. The friend's closing observation in the fable
is so good a moral, that we need add nothing to it

KINI*