Fable 181
Covetous Man and an Envious
A covetovs man and an envious one, becoming petitioner's 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
but half as rich as himself, requested that one of his own eyes might be put out; for his
companion was then to lose both his.
MORAL
Avarice and envy are two of the most diabolical and unsociable vices under heaven.
Avarice would monopolize every thing to itself, and envy repines at every good thing
possessed by its neighbours.
Fable 182
Crow and Pitcher
A thirsty crow found a pitcher with a little water in it, but it lay so low he could not come
at it. He tried first to break the pot, and then to overturn it; but it was both too strong
and too heavy for him.
At last he bethought himself of a device that did his business; which was, by dropping
a great many little pebbles into the water, and so raising it, till he had it within reach.
MORAL
What we cannot compass by the force of natural faculties, may be brought to pass many
times by art and invention.
Fable 183
Lion and Man
In a controversy betwixt a lion and a man, which was the braver and the stronger
creature of the two; Why, look ye, says the man, we'll appeal to that statue there;
and so he shewed him the figure of a man cut in stone, with a lion under his feet.
Well, says the lion, if we lions had been brought up to painting and carving as you men
are, where you have one lion under the feet of a man, you should have had twenty men
under the paw of a lion.
MORAL
It is against the rules of common justice for men to be judges in their own cause.
Fable 184
Boy and Thief
A Thief came to a boy, who pretended to be blubbering by the side of a well, and asked
what he cried for? Why, says he, the string's broke here, and I have dropt a silver cup
into the well.
The fellow presently strips, and down he goes to search for it.
After a while, he comes up again with his labour for his pains, and found that the roguish
boy, in the mean time, had run away with his cloaths.
MORAL
It must be a diamond that cuts a diamond, and though all robberies are unlawful,
yet that of rob-thief is the least culpable, though it is not at all excusable as to the laws
of morality. The boy punishes the thief, and the law, in all likelihood, in time, found out,
and punished the boy, is not for this, for other practices; for so early and successful
a roguery no doubt, was not the last.
Fable 185
Man and Satyr
A great intimacy was struck up between a man and a satyr.
The man clapt his fingers one day to his mouth, and blew upon them.
What is that for? says the satyr: Why, says he, my hands are extreme cold, and I do it to
warm them.
The satyr, at another time, found this man blowing his pottage: And pray, says he, what
is the meaning of that now?
Oh! says the man, my broth is hot, and I do it to cool it.
Nay, says the satyr, if you have gotten a trick of blowing hot and cold out of the same
mouth, I have done with you.
MORAL
There is no conversing with any man that carries two faces under one hood.
Fable 186
Countryman and Hercules
A Carter whose waggon stuck fast in a slough, stood gaping and bawling to Hercules,
to help him out of the mire. Why, you lazy puppy you, says Hercules, lay your shoulder
to the wheel yourself: Are the gods to do your drudgery, do ye think, and you lie
bellowing with your finger in your mouth?
MORAL
We must use our own endeavours, if we would succeed in our affairs, and not content
ourselves with sitting still, and expecting miracles in our favour.
Fable 187
Ape and her two Brats
An ape that had twins, doted upon one of them, and did not much care for the other.
She took a sudden fright once, and in a hurry whips up her darling under her arm, and
took no heed of the other, which therefore leapt astride upon her shoulders.
In this haste down she comes, and beats out her favourite's brains against a stone;
while that which she had at her back came off safe and sound.
MORAL
Fondlings are commonly unfortunate; and the children that are least indulged make
usually the best men.
Fable 188
Fox and Hedgehog
A Fox, upon the crossing of a river, was forced away by the current into an eddy,
and there he lay with whole swarms of flies fucking and galling him.
A waterhedge-hog offered to beat away the flies from him.
No, no, says the fox, pray let them alone; for the flies that are upon me now are even
bursting full already, and can do me little more hurt than they have done: But when
these are gone once, there will be a company of starved hungry wretches to take their
places, that will torment me ten times worse.
MORAL
It is better to bear a present calamity, though grievous, than, by endeavouring to
remove it, run the probable hazard of a worse.
Fable 189
Countryman and Hawk
A country fellow had the fortune to take a hawk in the hot pursuit of a pigeon.
The hawk pleaded for herself, that she never did the countryman any harm; and
therefore I hope, says she, that you will do me none. Well, says the countryman,
and pray, what wrong did the pigeon ever do you?
You must even expect to be treated yourself, as you yourself would have treated this pigeon.
Alas! for me, says the hawk, I have, it is true, met with my deserved sate from a hand
as much too strong for me, as I was for the pigeon; but in a little time, I doubt the poor
pigeon will not be much the better for her present escape; which is only from one
devourer to another.
MORAL
It is but according to the course of the world for the stronger to oppress the weaker;
and some powerful men will permit no injustice to be done but by themselves.
Fable 190
Swallow and Spider
A Spider that observed a swallow catching of 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 thro the work, and flew away with the very net itself.
Well, says the speider, bird-catching is none of my talent, I perceive; and so she
returned to her old trade of catching flies again.
MORAL
A wise man will not undertake any thing without mean: answerable to the end.
Fable 191
Swan and 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 joy at such a deliverance?
MORAL
Death is a certain relief from all she difficulties, pains and hazards of life.
Fable 192
Hedgehog and Snake
A Snake was prevailed upon, in a cold winter, to take a hedgehog into his cell; but when
he was once in, the place was so narrow, that the prickles of the hedgehog were very
troublesome to his companion; so that the snake told him, he must needs provide for
himself somewhere else, for the hole was not big enough to hold them both. Why then,
says the hedgehog, he that cannot stay, shall do well to go: But, sor my own part, I am
even content where I am; and if you be not so too, you are free to remove.
MORAL
It is not safe to join interests whith strangers up on such terms as to lay ourselves at
their mercy.
Fable 193
Gnat and Bee
A Gnat, half-starved with cold and hunger, went out one frosty morning to a bee-hive,
to beg a 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!
MORAL
Industry ought to be diligently inculcated in the minds of children of all ranks and
degrees: For who stands so sure, as to say he is exempt from the vicissitudes of this
uncertain life?
Fable 194
Lion, Ass and Hare
A war breaking out betwixt the birds and the beasts, the lion summoned all his subjects
to appear in arms, at a certain time and place; and, among the rest, there were
multitudes of asses and hares at the rendezvous
Several of the commanders were for turning them off, as creatures utterly unfit for
service. Do not mistake yourselves says the lion; the asses will do very well for
trumpeters, and the hares will make excellent couriers.
MORAL
God has made nothing in main. There is no member of a political body so mean and
inconsiderable, but it may be useful to the public in some station or other.
Fable 195
Pigeons and Hawks
A civil war once raged among the hawks; and the innocent pigeons, who were safe while
these feuds lasted, in pure pity and good-nature,sent their deputies and mediators to
make them friends again; but no sooner was the quarrel ended among themselves, than
they fell to their old sport again of destroying the pigeons; who too late found their error,
in having united a common enemy to their own ruin.
MORAL
It is dangerous intermeddling with the quarrels of wicked or turbulent persons.
When bad men fall out among themselves, good men are often benefited and secured by
the consequences of their divisions.
Fable 196
Death and old Man
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
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; for you have had daily examples of mortality before your eyes, in all people
of all sorts, ages, and degrees; and is not the frequent spectacle of other peoples death
a memento sufficient to make you think of your own? And what do you think of the fever
you had ten years ago, and the sursfeit you had five years after, and the palfy the very
last year? Don't you know, that every one of these was a messenger sent by me, to give
you warning that I mould come shortly myself! No more shill-I, shall-I, honest friend:
Your time is now come, and therefore come along, I tell you.
MORAL
Every moment of our lives either is, or ought to be, a time of preparation for death.
Fable 197
Industry and Sloth
One asking a lazy young fellow, what made him lie in bed so long? Why, says he, I am
hearing of causes every morning; that is to say, I have two lasses at my bed-side,
so soon as ever I awake.
Their names are Industry and Sloth; one bids me get up; the other bids me lie still; and
so they give me twenty reasons why I should rise, and why I should not.
It is the part, in the mean-time, of a just judge to hear what can be said on both sides;
and by that time the cause is over, it is time to go to dinner.
MORAL
We spend our days in deliberating what to do, and we frequently end them without
coming to any resolution.
Fable 198
Cock and Fox
A Fox espying a cock at roost in a tree with his hens about him, wanted to get him down;
and asked him if he did not hear the news? What news? said the cock.
Why, replied the fox, there's a general peace concluded among all living creatures, and
not one of them is to presume, upon pain of life and limb, directly or indirectly, to hurt
another. The blessedest tidings in the world! says the cock: And at the same time he
stretches out his neck, as if he were looking at somewhat a great way off.
What are you peering at? says the fox.
Nothing, says the other, but a couple of great dogs yonder, that are coming this way
open-mouth'd, as hard as they can drive.
Why then, says Reynard, I fancy I had even best be jogging.
No, no, says the cock, the general peace will secure you.
Ay, quoth the fox, so it ought; but if these ralcilly curs should not have heard of the
proclamation, I shall be but poorly off for all that.
And so away he scampered.
MORAL
Perfidious people are naturally to be suspected in reports that favour their own interest.
Fable 199
Boys and Frogs
A Company of unlucky boys were watching of frogs at the side of a pond, and still as any
of them put up their heads they would be pelting them down again with stones.
Children, says one of the frogs, you never consider, that though this may be play to you,
it it death to us.
MORAL
Hard-heartedness and cruelty is an inhuman vice; it is a barbarous thing to make our
sport of that which is fatal or pernicious to another.
Fable 200
Frogs and Bulls
In a desperate duel between a couple of bulls, a frog upon the bank of a lake, looking on,
said to other frogs, what will become of us now? Why, pry'thee, says one of his
companions, what are the bulls to the frogs, or the lakes to the meadows?
Very much, I can assure ye, says the frog again; for he that is worsted will very
probably take sanctuary in the fens, and then we may be trod to pieces; wherefore,
for my part, I will get as far from them as I can.
MORAL
When princes fall out, the commonalty suffers, and the little go to wreck for the quarrels
of the great. Let ill consequences be never so remote, it is good to look forward,
and endeavour to provide against the worse that may happen.
Fable 201
Hare and Sparrow
A Sparrow happened to take to a bush just as an eagle made a stoop at an hare,
and when he had got her in the foot, poor Wat cried out for help.
Well, says the sparrow sneeringly, and why do not you run for it now? I thought your
footmanship would have saved you.
In this very moment comes a hawk, and whips away the sparrow, which gave the dying
hare this one consolation, that she saw the hard-hearted creature that had no pity for
another, unable to obtain any for herself, when she stood most in need of it.
MORAL
It is with men and governments, as it is with birds and beasts: the weaker are a prey to
the stronger, and so one under another, through the whole scale of the creation.
We ought therefore to have a fellow-feeling of one another's afflictions; for nobody
knows whose turn may be next.
Fable 202
Two Men and Halter
A poor wretch, who was quite destitute of money, credit, or friends, determined to hang
himself: and having provided a halter, and got a hook, he was driving it into an old wall
to fasten the cord to; and down comes a great stone that was loose, and a pot of money
along with it.
The fellow presently drops the halter, and away he scours with the purchase.
He was no sooner gone, but up comes the man who had hid the money, to give his pot
a visit: He finds the birds flown; and, out of all patience at his loss, he takes up the
halter, and hangs himself with it, having no other comfort than this, that fortune had
saved him the charge of buying one.
MORAL
Well may money be said to be the root of all evil; since the want of it makes some men
desperate, and the having it makes others miserable.
Fable 203
Mountebank and Bear
A quack exposing his bills and medicines upon a stage, was surrounded with a very
numerous and attentive crowd, till a baear being led that way, with a ring through his
nose, they all quitsed the mountebank, and ran after the bear; who addressing himself
to the rabble, Hark ye, my friends, says he, I am glad to see you so merry at my being
led like a sot by the nose thus; but pray, let us laugh at one another by turns; for you
are led as much by the ears by that same mountebank, as I am by the nose by my keeper.
MORAL
A bear with a ring in bis nose, is no more than an emblem of every man of us, as the
bear in the fable rightly observed; for we are led as much as he, some by the ear or eye,
others by their lusts and affections.
Fable 204
A skittish Horse
A skittish horse that used to fly out always at his own shadow, was once expostulated
with by his rider in a very serious and pathetical manner:
What a duce ails you? says he: It is only a shadow that you boggle at: And what is that
shadow, but so much air that the light cannot come at? It has neither teeth, nor claws,
you see, nor any thing else to hurt you: It will neither break your shins nor block up your
passage; and what are you afraid of then?
You do well to upbraid me, indeed, says the horse, who are as much terrified at the
thoughts of sprights, ghosts, and goblins, mere phantoms and chimeras of your own
brains, as I am at my shadow.
MORAL
It is a common theory for people to blame in others what they practise themselves.
Fable 205
Flattery unrestrainable
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 hereupon set at work, who at last brought an author before the
court as a delinquent, for having given to a certain great courtier qualities to which he
was known to be utterly a stranger; such as wit, honour, virtue, and the like.
The prisoner confessed, that he had indeed attributed those virtues to the gentleman;
and appealed to himself, whether he had wronged him or not? The courtier not only
acquitted the man, but reflected desperately upon the scandalous practice of the court
itself, in making that to be flattery, which, upon the whole matter, was no other than
truth and justice.
The commission was hereupon discharged; for they found it utterly impracticable to
punish a fault which nobody would either acknowledge, or complain of.
MORAL
It is nothing but self-love that prevokes and incites flattery; and the disposition of one
man to receive it, encourages another to give it.
Fable 206
Dog and Master
A vigilant dog was once taken to task by his master, for barking indiscriminately at every
one in the night that came within hearing.
Sir, says the mastiff, it is out of the zeal I have for your service; and yet though I bark at
every one I hear, when you tell me I should only bark at an ill man, I dare say I bark
right nine times in ten.
MORAL
The history of cheats and sharpers, truly written, would be no other than the history of
human nature.
Fable 207
Ass carrying an Image
An ass carrying an image in procession, the people sell every-where down upon their
knees before him.
This silly animal began to erect his ears, and look big, fancying that they worshipped him
all this while; till one put him right, saying. Friend, you are the very same ass with a
burden upon your back, that you was before you took it up; and it is not the brute they
bow to, but the image.
MORAL
Some persons vainly attribute to themselves, as their own due, the honours paid them
on account of those they serve or represent.
Fable 208
Dog and Cat
Never were two creatures better together than a dog and a cat brought up in the same
house, from a whelp and a kitten; so kind, so gamesome, and diverting, that it was half
the entertainment of the family to see the gambols and love-tricks that passed betwixt
them. Only itwas observed, that still at meal-times, when any scraps fell from the table,
or a bone was thrown to them, they would be snarling and spitting at one another under
the table like the worst of foes.
MORAL
Self-interest is the bone that, in some degree or other, sets all mortals together by the
ears.
Fable 209
Mastiff and Ass
A huge bear-dog, and an ass laden with bread, were upon a long journey together:
They were both very hungry, and while the ass was grazing upon thistles by the
way-side, the dog desired some of the bread which he carried.
The ass made answer, that what he carried was another's, and not his, and he had no
power to dispose of any of it. While this passed, up comes a wolf toward them.
The ass fell a trembling, and told the dog, he hoped he would stand by him if the wolf
should set upon him.
No, says the dog, they that will eat alone, shall even sight alone too, for me; and so he
left his fellow-traveller at the mercy of the wolf.
MORAL
Though self-defence and preservation is the main end of society, yet we ought not to
purchase our own safety or convenience with the goods that do not belong to us.
Fable 210
Woman and Death
A good woman was out of her wits in a manner for fear of losing her husband.
The good man was sick and given over, and nothing would serve the turn, but death
must needs take her instead of him. She called and prayed, and prayed and called, till at
last death presented himself in a horrible shape at her elbow.
She very civilly dropt him a curt'sy: And, Pray, Sir, says she, do not mistake yourself
far the person that you come for lies in the bed there.
MORAL
It is a common thing to talk of dying for a friend; bat when it comes to the push once,
it is mere talk; and Self becomes so predominant, that we scruple not to make the most
valuable sacrifices, rather than go ourselves, is we could help it.