AESOPS FABLES.
Of the Cocke.
Fable 1.
WHilſt the dunghill Cocke ſcratched in the dunghill, he found a precious ſtone; ſaying, Wherefore doe I find a thing ſo bright? if the Jeweller had found it, none ſhould have been more glad then he, becauſe he would know the worth of it: it is to me uſeleſſe, neither doe I eſteeme it much: yea, truly I had rather have one graine of barley, then all the precious ſtones in the world.
Of the Wolfe and the Lambe.
Fab. 2.
THe Wolfe, drinking at the head of a fountaine, ſeeth the Lambe drinking
farre beneath him: he ran to him and rebuketh the Lambe, becauſe that he made muddy the water: the Lambe beginneth to tremble, and to intreat him, that he would ſpare him who was innocent, & that he, (ſith that he drank farre beneath him) could not trouble the drinke of the Wolfe, neither truly would he: the Wolfe on the other ſide rayleth upon him; Thou curſed thiefe it is to no purpoſe what thou ſaiſt, thou doeſt wrong me alwayes: thy father, thy mother and all thy hatefull ſtocke, are enemies to me by all manner of wayes, thou ſhalt be puniſhed to me to day.
Of the Mice and Frogs.
Fab. 3.
THe Mouſe did wage warre with the Frogs; they did ſtrive concerning the Government of the Marſh; the battell was very hot, and doubtfull, the Mouſe being craftie hiding himſelfe under the graſſe, ſetteth upon the Frogge treacherouſly▪ the Frog being ſtronger in breſt, and
better at leaping, provoketh his enemy in open fight: a bulruſh was a ſpeare to each one of them, which battell being ſeene afarre off, the Kite draweth neere, and whilſt neither of them taketh heed to themſelves for the deſire of the battell, the Kite ſnatcheth and teareth both the fighters.
Of the Dogge and the Shadow.
Fab. 4.
THe Dogge ſwiming over a River, carried a piece of fleſh in his mouth; the Sunne ſhining even as it happened, the ſhadow of the fleſh did ſhine in the waters, the which ſhadow being ſeene, the Dogge ſnatching at it greedily, did loſe that which was in his chaps; therefore he being amazed with the loſſe of the thing, which he had in his mouth, as alſo of hope, at firſt he was aſtonied, afterwards taking a courage, he cryed out ſo: Wretch, meaſure was onely wanting to thy luſt or deſire, there was enough, yea more then enough, if thou hadſt not been a foole:
now through thy fooliſhneſſe thou haſt leſſe then nothing.
Of the Lion and certaine other Beaſts.
Fab. 5.
THe Lion had made a bargain with the Sheep and certain other beaſts, to make a common hunting: they went to hunt, an Hart is taken, they divide him: they begin to take every part to every one as was meet: The Lion roared, ſaying, One part is mine, becauſe I am moſt worthy, againe another part is mine, becauſe I am excellent in ſtrength; Moreover, becauſe in taking the Hart I have ſweat more then others, I challenge the third part: to conclude, unleſſe ye grant to me the fourth part, there is an end of friendſhip: his fellows hearing this, depart emptie and holding their peace, not daring to mutter againſt the Lion.
Of the Wolfe and the Crane.
Fab. 6.
THe Wolfe having devoured a Sheepe, by chance the bones did ſtick faſt in his throat, he goeth about and he entreateth help, no body helpeth him, every one telling him that he had gotten a reward for his greedineſſe, at length he perſwadeth the Crane with many flattering words, and with many promiſes, that his long neck being put in his throat, he would pull out the bone, which did ſticke in his throat, but he mocketh the Crane ſeeking his reward: he ſaith, thou foole, get thee hence, haſt thou not enough that thou liveſt? thou oweſt me thy life, if it had pleaſed me, I might have bitten off thy neck.
Of a Countrey-man and a Serpent.
Fab. 7.
A Countrey-man tooke home a Serpent found in the ſnow, almoſt killed through cold, and laid her to the
fire: the Serpent receiving ſtrength and poyſon from the fire, and afterwards not being able to abide the heat, infected the whole cottage with hiſſing; the Countrey-man runneth to him, taking up a ſtaffe, he chideth with him for the injury done, with words and ſtripes: Would he render theſe thanks? would he take the life from him, who had given him life?
Of the Boare and the Aſſe.
Fab. 8.
VVHileſt the ſluggiſh Aſſe mocked the Boare, he being angry, did gnaſh with his teeth; ô thou moſt ſlothfull Aſſe, truly thou haſt deſerved a beating, but albeit, thou haſt been worthy of puniſhment, yet I am unworthy who ſhould take revenge of thee: mocke on without danger, thou maieſt doe it ſcotfree, for thou art eſcaped through thy ſluggiſhneſſe.
Of the Citie Mouſe and the Countrey Mouſe.
Fab. 9.
IT pleaſed a Mouſe of the Citie, to walke to the Countrey, the Mouſe of the Countrey ſeeth her of the City, ſhe biddeth her to Supper, the Supper is ready, they goe to ſupper, the Country Mouſe bringeth forth whatſoever ſhe laid up for Winter, and ſhe emptieth all her whole ſtore-houſe, that ſhe might ſatisfie the daintineſſe of ſo great a gueſt. Notwithſtanding, the Citie Mouſe wrinkling her brow, diſpraiſeth the povertie of the countrey, afterwards ſhe commendeth the plentie of the citie: returning home, ſhe taketh the Countrey Mouſe with her unto the citie, that ſhe might make good in very deed, theſe things which ſhe had boaſted in words: they goe to the banquet, which the Citie Mouſe had made ready daintily: amidſt the banquetting, the noiſe of the key is heard of them in the lock, they begin to feare, and to flie, in
flying, the Countrey Mouſe both unacquainted, and alſo not knowing the place, ſcantly was able to defend her ſelfe: the ſervant going out, the Citie Mouſe returneth to the table, ſhe calleth the Countrey Mouſe, the Countrey Mouſe at length creepeth out, ſcantly having laid aſide feare, ſhe asketh the Citie Mouſe who did invite her to drinke: whether or no, falleth out this danger often? She anſwered, that it was daily, and muſt be contemned: then the Countrey Mouſe ſaid, is it a daily thing? Verily theſe your dainties have more gall then honey, or pleaſure: truly, I had rather have my povertie with ſecuritie, then this your plentie with ſuch tronble.
Of the Eagle and the Crow.
Fab. 10.
THe Eagle having gotten a cockle, ſhe might not get out the fiſh, by force or skill, the Crow coming to her, ſhe giveth counſell, the Crow perſwadeth him to flie aloft, and throw the
cockle down from above upon the ſtones, for ſo it will come to paſſe, that the ſhell will be broken, the Crow remaineth on the ground, that ſhe might watch the fall of the Cockle, the Eagle throweth down the Cockle; the ſhell is broken: the fiſh was ſnatched away by the Crow: the Eagle being mocked is ſorrowfull.
Of the Crow and the Fixon.
Fab. 11.
THe Crow having gotten a prey, maketh a noiſe in the boughes of a tree, the Fixon doth ſee the Crow rejoycing, and runneth to her: and ſaith, The Fixon ſaluteth the Crow with very much commendation, I have heard often times, that fame was a lyar, but now I have experience of this in the matter it ſelfe: for as I goe now this way by chance, looking up to you in a tree, I come ſpeedily to you blaming the fame: for the rumour is, that you are more black then the pitch, and I ſee that you are more
white then the ſnow; indeed by my judgment thou overcomeſt the Swan, and thou art more white then the Ivie: but if thou excell ſo in thy voice, as in plumes, truly I will ſay, that thou art the Queene of all fowles: the Crow allured with this flattering, maketh her to ſing: but the cheeſe did fall out of her bill, whileſt ſhe made her to ſing: which cheeſe fallen, was taken of the Fixon, the little Foxe taketh up a laughter, then at the length, it ſhameth and it irketh the miſerable Raven of her own condition, and ſhe ſorroweth with the loſſe of the thing, mingled with ſhame.
Of the Lion ſpent with Age.
Fab. 12.
A Lion who in his youth had made many his foes by his crueltie, was puniſhed in his old age: for the beaſts give like recompence, the Boare ſtriketh with his tooth, the Bull with his horne, and firſt of all the little Aſſe,
deſirous to put away the old name of ſluggiſhneſſe, triumpheth over the Lion boldly with words, and alſo his heeles: then the Lion full of ſorrow, ſaith, Theſe now hurt me again, whom I have hurt in times paſt; and that juſtly, but theſe whom I have done good unto ſometimes, now do me no good againe: yea alſo doe me harme undeſervedly: I was a foole, who made ſo many to be my enemies: yea more fooliſh, who put my truſt in deceiving friends.
Of the Dogge and the Aſſe.
Fab. 13.
VVHileſt that the Dogge did fawn upon his Maſter and Family, his Maſter and the Houſhold did make much of the Dog, the Aſſe ſeeing that, he began to ſigh very deeply, and began to grieve himſelfe for his condition, he thinketh it handled badly, that the Dogge ſhould be wellcome to every one in the houſe, and
to be fed from his Maſters table, and that he getteth the ſame favour by idleneſſe and playing: on the other ſide that he did carry the packſaddle, and is beaten with the whip, he is never idle, and yet hated of all men: if theſe good things come to paſſe by flattering, he determined to follow that Art which is ſo profitable: therefore on a certaine time, his Maſter returning home he runneth to meet him to try the matter, hee leapeth upon him, hee paweth upon him with his hoofes: his Maſter crying out, the ſervants run to him: the fooliſh Aſſe which ſuppoſed himſelfe to have played▪ the part of a civill man, was beaten with a club.
Of the Lion and the Mouſe.
Fab. 14.
THe Lion being weary with heat and running, when as he reſted in the ſhadow under the greene leaves, and when a company of Mice did run over his backe, hee awaking, taketh
one of many: the captive Mouſe intreateth, and cryeth that ſhe is unworthy, upon whom a Lion ſhould wreak his anger: he deeming, that there were no praiſe or credit in the death of ſo little a beaſt, he letteth goe the priſoner, but not long after that, whileſt that the Lion by chance did runne through the corne-field, he falleth into the nets, hee might well roare, but could not get forth: the Mouſe heareth the Lion roaring miſerably, ſhe knoweth his voyce and creepeth into the Meiſes, ſeeketh the knots of the ſnares, findeth them being ſought, and gnaweth them being found: the Lion getteth forth out of the nets.
Of the Kite being ſicke.
Fab. 15.
THe Kite lay ſicke in bed, now almoſt ready to die, he intreats his Mother, to goe to pray unto the gods, his Mother made anſwer, that no help is to be hoped for of the gods, whoſe
holy Monuments and Altars, he had violated ſo often with his ravenings.
Of the Swallow and other Birds.
Fab. 16.
VVHen firſt of all, the Flax was begun to be ſowne, the Swallow doth perſwade the little Birds, to hinder the ſowing of it, ſaying, that ſnares ſhould be made for to catch them: they mocke at her, and call the Swallow a fooliſh Prophet: then at length the Flax ſprung up, and waxing greene, ſhe warned them againe, to plucke up by the root that which was ſowne, they mocke her againe; the Flax waxeth ripe, ſhe exhorteth them to deſtroy the whole crop, now when as they would not hearken to her, then giving counſell, the Swallow leaving the company of the Birds, ſhe procured the friendſhip of a man, ſhe entreth into a covenant with him, and dwelleth in his chimney, and entiſeth him with her alluring ſong:
nets and ſnares are made of the Flax for the reſt of the Birds.
Of the Frogs and their King.
Fab. 17.
VVHen the Nation of the Frogs was free from ſubjection, they made their ſupplication to Jupiter, that a King might be given them: but Jupiter did begin to ſmile at their Petitions, notwithſtanding they did begin to deſire inſtantly, againe and againe, untill the time that they compelled him: he throweth down a beame: that lumpe ſhooke and beat the River with a mightie noyſe: the Frogs aſtonied, hold their peace, they honour their King, they come neerer by little and little, at length feare being caſt from them, they jumpe upon him, and leape upon it: the fooliſh King is to them a mockage and a contempt: they trouble Jupiter againe, and deſire that a King might be given to them, would be ſtrong and ſtirring:
Jupiter giveth them the Storke, he walking overthwart the Ditches ſtoutly, whatſoever Frogs he meeteth with, eateth and devoureth: but then the Frogs complained in vaine of the crueltie of their King, Jupiter heareth them not, for likewiſe at this time they complain yet, for the Stork going to his reſt at evening, gone out of their holes they murmure with a hoarſe voice, but they doe ſo in vaine, for Jupiter willeth, that they who had once miſuſed a courteous King, now ſhould ſuffer a churliſh one.
Of the Doves and the Kite.
Fab. 16.
THe Pigeons in time paſt did wage warre with the Kite, whom that they might overcome, they choſe a Goſhawke for their King, he being made a King, doth play the enemy, not a King, he ſnatcheth at them and plucketh them no leſſe then the Kite: it repenteth the Doves of their enterpriſes:
they thinke it had been better to ſuffer the warres of the Kite, then the tyranny of the Hawke.
Of the Thiefe and the Dogge.
Fab. 19.
THe Theefe upon a time giving the Dogge a piece of bread that he would hold his peace, the Dogge made anſwer, I know thy deceits, Thou giveſt me bread, to the intent that I ſhould ceaſe from barking, but I doe hate thy gift, for if I ſhall take the bread, thou wilt carry all my Maſters goods out of this houſe.
Of the Wolfe and the Sow.
Fab. 20.
THe little Sow was a littering, the Wolfe did promiſe her, that he will be her Keeper, the bigge-bellied Sow made anſwer, That ſhe did not want the ſervice of the Wolfe: If he would be counted ſo charitable, or if he deſire to doe her a good
turne, let him goe further off; for the dutie or ſervice of the Wolfe doth conſiſt, not in his preſence, but in his abſence.
Of the Birth of the Mountaines.
Fab. 21.
IN times paſt, there was a rumour, that the Mountaines did bring forth young Hils; Men run to ſee, they ſtood about it, looking for ſome Monſter, not without feare: at length the Mountaines bring forth young, A Mouſe cometh out, then all the people are like to kill themſelves by laughing.
Of the Hound.
Fab. 22.
A Maſter ſtirreth forward his Hound, who now was waxed old, but he exhorteth him in vaine, for his feet are become ſlow, ſo that he runneth with no ſpeed: he had taken hold of a Beaſt, but the Beaſt
ſlippeth away from the toothleſſe Dogge, his Maſter rebuketh him with words and ſtripes, the Dogge maketh anſwer, That he ought to forgive him for ſuch offence, by reaſon that he was waxed old now, but was ſtrong ſo long as hee was young: but ſaith the Dogge, as I perceive plainly, there is nothing pleaſant without profit, thou didſt love me when I was young & ſtrong, but thou doeſt hate me now whileſt I am old and weake; thou lovedſt me, ſo long as I was able to catch a prey, now thou hateſt me, when I am feeble, and ſlow, and wanting teeth: but if thou wert a thankfull Maſter, whom thou lovedſt in times paſt▪ whileſt he was young, for profits ſake, thou wouldeſt love waxed old, for his fruitfull youth.
Of the Hares and Frogs.
Fab. 23.
VVHileſt the Wood made a mightie noyſe through an unuſuall Whirlewind, the timerous Hares begin to flie thence ſpeedily: but when a great Poole withſtood the Hares running away, they ſtood ſtill amazed and environed with dangers on both ſides, and they ſee the Frogs plunge in the Poole, which was a Motive of a greater feare, at laſt one of the Hares, more wiſe then the others, ſaid, Wherefore feare we for nothing? we have need of couragiouſneſſe: for indeed we have quickneſſe of bodies, but we want boldneſſe, we ſhould not flie, for the danger of a Whirlewind, but we ſhould deſpiſe it.
Of the Kid and the Wolfe.
Fab. 24.
VVHen as the Goat was going forth to feed, ſhe ſhutteth up the Kid in her houſe, warning him, to open the Port to no body, till ſuch time as ſhe returned home againe: The Wolfe which heard that afarre off, after the departure of his Mother, hee knocketh at the doore: he counterfeiteth the Goat in his voyce, commanding him to open the doore: The Kid perceiving his guile, ſaith, I will not open it, for although thy voyce playeth the Goat well, notwithſtanding I ſee a Wolfe through the chinks of the doore.
Of the Hart and the Sheepe.
Fab. 25.
THe Hart maketh the Sheepe as guiltie before the Wolfe, crying, That ſhe owed a meaſure of Wheat. But the Sheep forſooth was ignorant of the debt; notwithſtanding ſhe promiſeth, that ſhe will give it, becauſe of the preſence of the Wolfe: The day for payment is appointed; it came; The Hart warneth the Sheep, ſhe denyeth the debt: for that which ſhe had promiſed, ſhe excuſeth it, becauſe it was done by feare, and for the preſence of the Wolfe: and moreover a Covenant, wrung by violence, ought not to be kept.
Of the Countrey-man and the Snake.
Fab. 26.
A Certaine Countrey-man nouriſhed a Snake, on a time being angry, he ſtrooke the Beaſt with his
Hatchet, the Snake ſlideth away, not without a wound: afterwards the Countrey-man falling into povertie, thought that that miſchiefe did fall upon him, for the injury done to the Snake, wherefore he intreateth the Snake, that he would returne again; The Snake ſaith, that he did pardon him, but would not returne, and that he would not be ſecure with the Countrey-man, who had ſo great a Hatchet at home, and that the griefe of the wound was ceaſed, notwithſtanding the memory was remaining.
Of the Fox and the Storke.
Fab. 27.
THe Fixon did bid the Storke to Supper, ſhee powreth out her meat upon the Table, which ſeeing that it was of moiſt ſubſtance, the Storke nibling in vaine with her bill, the poore Bird went away with a flea in her eare, being mocked for
her labour, both it ſhamed her, and it irketh her of the injury. A few dayes after, ſhe cometh backe againe, ſhe biddeth the Fox to Supper, a veſſell of Glaſſe was ſet upon the Table full of victuals, the which truly ſith it was a veſſell of a narrow necke, the wily beguiled Fox might well looke upon her cheere, and yet was hunger-bit, he could not taſte, take, or ſip: The Storke very eaſily ſucked up all with his long bill.
Of the Wolfe and the Carved-head.
Fab. 28.
THe Wolfe having found a Mans Head in the ſhop of the Imagemaker, he turneth it upſide down, he wondreth at it, at length perceiving that, which it was indeed, that it had no ſenſe or underſtanding: O trim Head (ſaith he) there is much workmanſhip in thee, but not a whit of wit.
Of the Iay.
Fab. 29.
THe Jay did decke her ſelfe with the feathers of the Peacocke, afterwards ſeeming to her ſelfe very brave, and diſdaining her own kindred, ſhe betaketh her ſelfe to the flocke of the Peacocks, at length they underſtanding her deceit, they uncovered the fooliſh bird of her coloured plumes, and rewarded her with ſtripes.
Of the Flie and the Emmet.
Fab. 30.
THe Flie did chide with the Emmet, and ſhe did brag that her ſelfe was noble, but ſhe infamous; Her ſelfe did flie, but the Emmet did creepe; but moreover her-ſelfe did haunt in the Palaces of Kings, but the Emmet did keepe her ſelfe in the cave of the earth, and eate corne or graine, and drinke water, and ſhe did boaſt, that her-ſelfe did dyet
daintily, and yet had all theſe without labour: On the other ſide, the Emmet ſaid, that ſhe was not baſe, but contented with her own birth or parentage; but the Fly was unſtable, and her-ſelfe was conſtant, the graines and the water did taſte ſo to the Emmet, as Paſties and Wine to the Flie, and ſhe had not theſe things by idleneſſe, but by diligent and painfull travell: Moreover the Emmet was joyous and ſure, beloved of all men, and laſt of all, an example of labour: but the Fly is troubled with danger, noyſome to every one, hated of all men, to conclude, an example of ſluggiſhneſſe: The Emmet mindfull of the Winter ſeaſon doth lay up her victuals: but the Fly doth live for a day, either will be hungry in Winter or certainly die.
Of the Frogge and the Oxe.
Fab. 31.
THe Frog being deſirous to be as great as the Oxe, ſhe ſtretched out her ſelfe: Her ſonne exhorted his Mother to ceaſe from her fooliſh enterpriſe: for ſaith he, the Frog is nothing in a manner to the Oxe: yet ſhe beginneth to ſwell the ſecond time, her ſonne or the young Padock cryeth out upon her, and ſaith, O Mother, although you burſt with pride, or crack aſunder, yet ſhall you never exceed the great Oxe: but when as, ſhe puffed or ſwelled the third time, ſhe burſt aſunder.
Of the Horſe and the Lion.
Fab. 32.
THe Lion come to eate and devoure a Horſe, but wanting ſtrength through his age, he did begin to find out ſome deceit: He profeſſeth he is a Phyſitian, he impeadeth
the Horſe with the conceit of his words, but the Horſe oppoſeth deceit to deceit, and skill to the Lions skill; and feignes that he now hath hurt his foot in a thorny place, and requeſteth, That he who was a Phyſitian, would look on the thorne and bring it out: The Lion doth as the Horſe did bid him: But the Horſe did ſtrike the Lion with his heele, with ſo great force as he was able, and incontinent, he taketh himſelfe to flight: At length the Lion ſcantly returning to himſelfe, (for he was almoſt killed with the ſtroke) ſaith, I receive the reward of my fooliſhneſſe, and the Horſe is eſcaped juſtly: For becauſe he hath revenged deceit with deceit.
Of the Horſe and the Aſſe.
Fab. 33.
THe Horſe being attired with gay trappings and with a ſaddle, did runne along the way with a huge
neighing, by chance a heavy laden Aſſe ſtood in his way as he ran, the Horſe ſtamping and ſtaring for anger, and fiercely champing his foaming bridle: ſaid, Wherefore lazy ſluggard ſtandeſt thou in the Horſes way? I ſay, give place or I will trample thee under my feet: the poore Aſſe durſt not ſpeake a word againſt him, but giveth place to him with quietneſſe: but the belly of the Horſe flying and running his race, burſt aſunder: then being unprofitable for race and for ſhew, he was deprived of his gay attire; and afterwards he was ſold to a Carter: afterward the Aſſe ſeeth him coming with a Cart, and he ſpeaketh to him; Ho, you, good fellow? what ornament is this? where is your golden ſaddle, your imboſſed girts, where is your bright bridle? ſo friend it was neceſſary to happen to the proud.
Of the Birds and foure-footed Beaſts.
Fab. 34.
THere was a battell with the Birds, and with foure-footed Beaſts: The hope of victory was between both of them, feare was on both parts, the danger was betwixt both of them, but the Bat leaving his fellows, falles off to the enemies: The Birds overcome, the Eagle being their Captaine and the Guide; but they condemn the Bat, who fled away, that ſhe ſhould not returne at any time to the Birds, and that ſhe ſhould not flie at any time in the light: This is the occaſion to the Bat, that ſhe flyeth not, but in the night.
Of the Wolfe and the Fox.
Fab. 35.
THe Wolfe, when he had enough prey, he lived in idleneſſe, the Fox came unto him, and enquireth
the cauſe of his idleneſſe: The Wolfe perceived, that deceits were a making for his banquets, pretendeth, that a diſeaſe was the cauſe of it, and intreateth the Fox, that ſhe would go to pray unto the gods: She ſorrowing that her ſubtiltie had no better ſucceſſe, She goes to a Shepherd, & tels him, that the Dens of the Wolfe were openly known, for his enemy now careleſſe might be oppreſſed unawares: the Shepherd runneth upon the Wolfe, killeth him: The Fixon getteth the Den and the prey: yet ſhe had but a ſhort joy in her wickedneſſe: for not long after, the ſame Shepherd taketh her alſo.
Of the Hart.
Fab. 36.
THe Hart beholding her ſelfe in a cleare fountaine, praiſeth the height of her forehead, and her craggie hornes, but diſpraiſeth the
ſlenderneſſe of her legges: whileſt that ſhe thus doth judge, the Huntſman came upon her: The Hart more ſwift then any bullet, flyeth away, and ſwifter then the Eaſterne wind, driving the clouds: the Dogs doe follow her flying: but when as ſhe entreth in a great wood, her hornes were intangled in the bryers: then at length ſhe praiſeth her legges, and diſpraiſeth her hornes, which made her, that ſhe was a prey to the Dogs.
Of the Viper and the File.
Fab. 37.
THe Viper finding a File in a ſhop, began to gnaw it: The File ſmiled, ſaying, What foole? what doeſt thou? Thou ſhalt weare firſt thy teeth, before thou ſhalt weare me, who doe uſe to bite off the hardneſſe of braſſe.
Of the Wolves and the Lambs.
Fab. 38.
AT a certaine time, the Wolves and the Lambs had a truce, who by nature have an enmitie: hoſtages were given on either ſide, the Wolves gave their Whelps, the Sheep gave a band of Dogs: the Sheep being in reſt and feeding, the little Wolves they howle, for the deſire of their Mother, then the Wolves fall upon them, they cry, that faith and truth was broken, and they devoure the Sheep deſtitute of the help of the Dogs.
Of the Wood and the Countrey-man.
Fab. 39.
AT what time the Trees alſo had their ſpeech, the Countrey-man came into the Wood, asking that he might take a handle to his Axe, the Wood granteth it, the Countrey-man began to cut down
the trees, with a new made Axe, then truly too late, it grieves the Woods for his light leave, ſhe grieved that her ſelfe was the cauſe of her own deſtruction.
Of the Belly and the reſt of the Members.
Fab. 40.
IN time paſt the Foot and the Hand accuſed the Belly, becauſe that their gaines were devoured of her being idle: they command her, that either ſhe ſhould labour, or ſhe ſhould not deſire to be fed: ſhe intreateth once and againe, notwithſtanding the Hands deny food; the Belly being ſtarved with hunger, when as all the limbes began to faint, then at the length, the hands would needs be kinde, but that was too late: for the Belly being weake for lacke of victuals, refuſed her meat: ſo whiles that all the members envie the belly, they periſh with the belly periſhing.
Of the Ape and the Fox.
Fab. 41.
THe Ape prayed the Fox, that ſhe would give part of her taile to cover her buttocks, for ſaith the Ape that that is a burthen to her, which might be profit and honour to the Ape, the Fixon made anſwer, that ſhe had nothing too much, and that ſhe had rather that the ground ſhould be ſwept with her taile, then that the buttocks of the Ape ſhould be covered therewith.
Of the Hart and the Oxen.
Fab. 42.
A Hart flying the Huntſman, tooke himſelfe to a ſtall, and intreateth the Oxen, that he might have licence▪ to hide himſelfe in the crib, the Oxen ſay they cannot be ſure, for both the Maſter and the Servant will be preſent anon: he ſaith that he would be ſecure, ſo that
they would not betray him, the ſervant entreth in and ſeeth not the hidden Hart under the hay, and goeth forth againe: then the Hart beginneth to rejoyce and nothing now to feare: then one of the Oxen, grave both for age and counſel, ſaith, it was an eaſie thing to deceive the ſervant who is as blind as a Mole, but that thou mayeſt eſcape my Maſter who is moſt ſharp in ſight, this is the matter, this the paine: incontinent afterwards the Maſter cometh in, who that he might redreſſe the overſight of the ſervant, looking on all things with his eyes, and groping the crib with his hand findeth the hornes of the Hart under the hay, he calleth in his ſervants, they come running to him, and lay hands on the fierce Hart and kill him.
Of the Lion and the Fox.
Fab. 43.
THe Lion was ſicke, and other beaſts did viſit him, only the Fixon did delay his dutie: The Lion ſendeth a meſſenger unto her with a letter, the which warned her to come, for that her onely preſence would be moſt acceptable to the ſicke Lion: neither ſhould there be any danger wherefore the Fixon ſhould feare: for truly ſaith he, firſt of all the Lion is the greateſt friend to the Fixon, and therefore doth deſire her conference, and furthermore, that he was ſicke and kept his bed; that although he would deſire that which was not lawfull, notwithſtanding he might not hurt him: the Fixon writeth backe againe, that ſhe deſireth that the Lion may recover his health, and will pray for that to the gods, but will not ſee him, and that ſhe is terrified with his footſteps,
which foot-ſteps, ſith they all are turned towards the Den of the Lion, and none turned from it: which thing is an argument, that many beaſts have entred in, but none have gone from thence. Horat. I will declare that which the ſubtill Fox heretofore anſwered to the ſicke Lion, becauſe the footſteps terrifie me, which all looke towards you, and none backe again.
Of the Fox and the Wolfe.
Fab. 44.
THe Fox being ſlender by long hunger, by chance crept through a very narrow chinke into a barne, in the which when ſhe was well fed, and afterwards her belly being full, hindreth her aſſaying to get forth again: the Weeſill beholding her ſtriving a farre off, at the length ſhe ſaith, if ſhe deſired to get forth, ſhe muſt returne to the hole emptie where ſhe came in emptie.
Of the Horſe and the Hart.
Fab. 45.
THe Horſe waged warre with the Hart, at length driven from his paſtures, requeſted mans help: he returneth with the man, he cometh into the field, though overcommed before, now is made the conquerour: but notwithſtanding his enemy being overcome, and captivated, the conquerour muſt of neceſſitie ſerve man; for he beareth the rider on his backe; and a bit in his mouth.
FINIS.
PHAEDRVS FABLES.
The firſt Booke of
AEſops Fa
bles, by the worke of
Phaedrus fri
••
d to
Auguſtus.
WHat matter or ſubject, AEſop the Author hereof found or invented, the ſelfe ſame have I poliſhed with Iambick verſes. There is a double uſe of this little Book, both for that it moveth laughter, and becauſe it directeth a Wiſe mans life with counſell or adviſe: but if any liſt to cavill, becauſe not onely beaſts, but alſo trees doe ſpeake, let him remember, that we but ſport with fained Fables.
The Wolfe and the Lambe.
Fab. 1.
THe Wolfe and the Lambe, compelled by thirſt, came to the ſame river, the Wolfe ſtood above, and the Lambe further beneath: then the villanous thiefe, being ſtirred up by hunger ſought occaſion of quarrell, and ſaid, Wherefore didſt thou make this water muddy for me a drinking? the Lambe or Woollbearer being afraid, inferred thus, How could I pray you good Maſter Wolfe doe that which you complain of? the water runneth down from you unto my draughts. He thus convinced by the force of truth ſaith, Before theſe ſixe moneths thou reviledſt me: the Lambe made anſwer, Truly then I was not born: then by Hercules, quoth he, thy father exclaimed upon me, and ſo he teareth in pieces the Lambe apprehended with injurious death. This Fable is written for thoſe men, who oppreſſe ſilly innocents upon forged cauſes.
The Frogs deſired a King.
Fable 2.
VVHen Athens flouriſhed with equall Laws, malepart libertie marred the Citie, and licentiouſneſſe let looſe the ancient bridle of government, from hence parties of divers factions being in a conſpiracie, Prince Piſiſtratus taketh the tower, and when the Athenians lamented that ſorrowfull ſubjection, not for that he was cruell or tyrannous, but becauſe it was a grievous burthen to them who were altogether unaccuſtomed with government, and when they begun to complain, then AEſop told ſuch a tale; the Frogs wandring without controlment in marſhes or ponds, deſired a King of Jupiter with a loud cry, who might repreſſe diſſolute manners by force: the father of the gods laughed, and gave to them a little Blocke, which being thrown down into the
ponds of a ſudden, greatly amazed the fearefull nation, with motion and with ruſhing: when this lay ſome certain time drowned with ſlime or mud, by chance one without noiſe, putteth up her head out of the pond, and having made triall of their King, ſhe calleth all her fellows: laying aſide feare, they ſwim to him, thicke and threefold, and ſo the ſawcy crew leaped upon their woodden god, which when they had foully miſuſed with all reproach, they ſent to Jupiter, asking for another King, becauſe he who was given, proved unprofitable: then he ſent to them a water Serpent, who begun to take by violence every one of them with ſharp teeth: then the lazie Frogs in vaine avoyd death, and fear ſtoppeth their mouthes: wherefore by ſtealth they preferre a ſupplication by Mercury unto Jupiter, that he would help the poore afflicted: then the God Jupiter, on the other part thus replyed,
ſith that you would not beare with your good gentle King, indure ye now your evill. Oh ye alſo, oh citizens! ſaith he, ſuſtaine this evill patiently, leſt that there come upon you a greater miſchiefe.
The proud Iay and the Peacocke.
Fab. 3.
AESop hath ſet forth this example, that it ſhould not delight us to boaſt upon other mens goods, but rather to lead our life, in his own condition. The Jay ſwelling with vaine pride, tooke up the feathers of a Peacock; which were fallen down or mewed, and trimmed her-ſelfe therewith: afterwards deſpiſing her own kindred, aſſociated her-ſelfe with the beautifull traine of Peacocks: but they take away the feathers from the fooliſh bird, and beat her away with their beakes: the Jay being hardly dealt withall, began to returne ſorrowing, to her own kindred,
from whom being alſo driven away, ſhe ſetteth up a dolefull dittie: certaine of them, whom ſhe firſt deſpiſed, ſaid, If thou hadſt beene content with our ſeats, and wouldeſt have ſuffered what nature had ordained, neither then ſhouldſt thou have tried this reproach, nor thy calamitie had felt this repulſe.
A Dogge carrying fleſh over a River.
Fab. 4.
HE loſeth juſtly his own, who ſo deſireth another mans: whileſt a Dogge ſwimming over a floud, bore a piece of fleſh, he ſaw his own ſhape in the ſhining of the waters, and thinking another prey to be carryed over by another Dogge, coveted to ſnatch at it: but his greedineſſe was deceived, and he both loſt the meat, which he held in his mouth, neither could he attain unto that which he much deſired.
A Cow and a Goat, a Sheep and a Lion.
Fab. 5.
THat there is never any faithfull fellowſhip with a mightie man, this ſmall Fable witneſſeth this mine aſſertion. The Cow and the Goat and the patient, harm▪bearing Sheep, were companions with the Lion in the forreſt: when theſe had caught an Hart of a huge ſtature, the Lord Lion thus inferred, (after the diviſion;) I chooſe the firſt part, becauſe I am hight lord Lion; ye muſt give to me the ſecond ſhare, in regard I am ſtrong and puiſſant; then becauſe I am of more accompt, the third ſhall follow me: now if any touch the fourth portion, he ſhall not ſcape ſcot-free: thus his onely tyrannie tooke away the whole booty.
The Frogs to the Sunne.
Fab. 6.
AESop ſaw very ſumptuous marriages of his neighbour a moſt notorious cunning thiefe, and forthwith begun to tell this tale: once it was reported that the Sunne would marry a wife; then the Frogs tooke up a piteous cry even to the heavens: Jupiter moved with their bitter exclaimes, enquireth the reaſon of their complaint, then a certaine inhabitant of the pond ſaid, Oh deare Soveraigne, now one Sunne burneth up all our lakes, and cauſeth us poore wretches, to die on dry ground, alas, what will become of us, if the Sunne beget more Sunnes?
The Fox to a Mans Image.
Fab. 7.
BY chance a Fox ſaw a Mans Image in ſtone; Oh what exquiſite feature ſaith he, but wit it hath none? This is ſpoken of them, whom fortune hath given honour and glory,
but yet leaveth them deſtitute of common ſenſe.
The Wolfe and the Crane.
Fab. 8.
WHo ſo deſireth pay for his deſerts of cruell fellows, is twice in fault, firſt, becauſe he helpeth the unworthy, and then, becauſe now he cannot depart undamnified: When as a bone ſwallowed, ſtucke faſt in the throat of a Wolfe, conſtrained with great griefe, he began to entice every one for money, that they would draw out that bad bone: at length the Crane was perſwaded by an oath, and committing her long necke to his weſſand, made with danger a medicine for the Wolfe: for which paines, when ſhe asked earneſtly a reward: Thou art ungratefull, ſaith the Wolfe, who haſt drawne thy head ſafe from out of our mouth, and yet requireſt thou wages?
The Sparrow Counſellor to the Hart.
Fab. 9.
LEt us ſhew in few verſes, that it is a folly to give counſell to other, and not to take heed to our ſelves. The Sparrow did chide the Hare oppreſſed of the Eagle, and ſending forth grievous and bitter teares, ſaith ſhe, Where is now that thy ſwiftneſſe to be ſeene? wherefore ſlackened ſo thy feet? whileſt ſhe ſpeaketh, the Hawke ſeiſeth upon her unawares, and killed her crying with vain complaints: the Hare halfe dead, yet in the comfort of the Sparrows death, ſaid, Thou that whilome waſt ſecure and ſcornedſt our evils, bewaileſt now thy fatall deſtiny, with like complaint.
The Wolfe and the Fox with my Lord Iudge the Ape.
Fab. 10.
VVHoſoever once is openly detected of foule deceipt,
although he tell truth, notwithſtanding is not beleeved: for ſo this ſhort Fable of AEſop avoucheth it. The Wolfe charged the Fox with crime of theft: ſhe denied, that ſhe was acceſſary to the fault: then the Ape ſate Judge between them: now when both parties had pleaded their own cauſe, the Ape is reported, thus to have given judgement: You ſeem not to have loſt what you demand, but I beleeve, that thou haſt ſtolne, which ſo cunningly thou denieſt.
The Aſſe and the Lion a hunting.
Fab. 11.
ONe boaſting of his own praiſe with words, devoyd of vertue, deceiveth thoſe that know him not, but he is a laughing ſtocke to thoſe that know him. When as the lord Lion would hunt accompanied with the Aſſe, he decked and attired him with greene leaves, and warned him alſo, to terrifie and appall the beaſts,
with an unwonted cry, that he might take them flying: he pricketh up his eares, with a ſpeedy ſhout, and with all his might, and ſo amazeth the little beaſts, with a new monſtrous miracle, which being afraid, and whilſt they ſeeke for their known paſſages, they are aſſailed with the horrible violence of the Lion, who after that he was weary of the ſlaughter, he calleth the Aſſe, and commandeth to repreſſe his cry: then he puft with pride, ſaith, How ſeemeth this effect unto you, of my voyce? ſo well quoth he and excellent, that unleſſe I had known thy courage and ſtocke, I ſhould have been in like feare.
The Hart at the Fountaine.
Fab. 12.
THis tale averreth, that oftentimes, thoſe things which we lightly eſteeme are found more profitable, then things more commended.
When the Hart had drunke he ſtood ſtill at the Fountaine, and gazeth on his ſhape in the water, where whileſt with wonder, he praiſeth his bowghy hornes, and diſableth too much, the ſlender timber of his legs, he was affrighted on a ſudden with the cryes and houles of Huntſmen, and began to flie through the champion, and deluded the Hounds with ſwift running: at the laſt the wood received the wild beaſt, wherein being by his hornes intangled, began to be torne, with the fierce biting of the Dogs: then dying, it is reported, he gave forth this piteous mone: Oh I unhappy, who now at laſt perceive, how the legges availed me, which I deſpiſed, and the hornes which I priſed, what grief have they brought me?
The Fox and the Raven.
Fab. 13.
VVHo ſo rejoyceth, that he is commended with gloſing words, for the moſt part is puniſhed with foule remorſe. When as a Raven purpoſed to have eaten a piece of cheeſe ſtolne out of a window, and ſitting on an high tree, the Fox did ſee him, and then began thus to ſpeake, Oh Maſter Raven, how great and excellent is the beautie of your feathers! how much comlineſſe doe you carry both in body and countenance? If you had but a tunable voyce, no Bird might be your fellow: but he ſilly poore foole, whilſt he coveteth to ſhew his voice, loſeth the cheeſe in his mouth, which quickly the craftie Fox ſnatched up with her greedy teeth: then at length the aſtoniſhed Crow being deceived, ſighed ſorrowfully: by this Fable it is proved how much wit or policie availeth, and that
wiſdome alwayes prevaileth above ſtrength.
Of a Cobler and a Phyſitian.
Fab. 14.
VVHen a bad Cobler undone by povertie, began to make medicines in a ſtrange place, and ſold reſtoratives in a counterfeit pretence, and had procured himſelfe fame by talkative juglings, when he lay viſited with a ſore diſeaſe, the King of the Citie, for his triall, calleth for a jugge, and then pretending (a water being powred therein) that he mingled poyſon with his counterpoyſon, commanded him, to drinke this, ſetting down his reward: then he confeſſed for feare of death, that he was not made a Phyſician for any prudencie of Art, but onely made famous by the peoples wondring: the King ſummoning an aſſembly, added moreover this: How great madneſſe, thinke
ye, is it, who make no ſcruple to truſt your heads to him, to whom no man ever gave his ſhooes to coble? Truly I may ſay that this pertaineth to them, whoſe impudency is the purchaſe of their folly.
The Aſſe to an old Shepherd.
Fab. 15.
OFtentimes in changing of Government, the poorer ſort chang nothing beſides the manners and conditions of the Lord: that this is true, this little Fable ſheweth. A timerous old man fed an Aſſe in a meadow, he ſuddenly terrified with the noiſe of the enemies, perſwaded his Aſſe to flie, that he might not be taken: but the careleſſe Aſſe replyed, In good ſadneſſe thinke you, that the Conquerour will lay upon me double burdens? the old man denied it: therefore ſaid he, what care I whom I ſerve, whilſt I carry but my own fardels?
The Sheep, the Hart, and the Wolfe.
Fab. 16.
VVHen as a cunning fellow induceth men with a badde ſuretie, he purpoſeth not to repay the principall, but rather to leave his creditor in the lurch. The Hart asked the Sheep a buſhell of wheat, the Wolfe being ſuretie: but ſhe ſuſpecting couſenage, made anſwer: the Wolfe alwaies is accuſtomed to take away by violence and to be gone, and you to flie out of ſight with ſwift force: where ſhall ▪I find you when the day of payment comes?
The Sheep, a Dogge and a Wolfe.
Fab. 17.
LYers and falſe witneſſes were wont to pay puniſhment for their villany. When a certaine Dog being a common Barretor, demanded of a Sheep a loafe of bread, which bread he avouched, that he had lent him:
the Wolfe cited for witneſſe, ſaid, that he did owe not one alone, for in truth he affirmeth, he oweth ten: the Sheep caſt by falſe witneſſe, payed what ſhe ought not: after a few dayes, the Sheep beheld the Wolfe lying for dead in a ditch: ſaith he, this reward of deceit and lying is given of the high gods.
A Woman in Labour.
Fab. 18.
NO body willingly reſorteth to that place, which hath harmed him. At the time of Child-birth, a woman lay upō the bare ground, her fortie weekes being expired, ſending forth moſt pitifull grones: her Huſband exhorted, that ſhe would betake her body to the bed, whereby the better ſhe might lay down the burthen of nature: I beleeve not, ſaith ſhe, that my griefe can be ended in that place, in which it was conceived in the beginning.
A Bitch a Whelping.
Fab. 19.
THe faire words of an evill man have their ſnares, which that we may avoyd, the verſes following doe warne. When a Bitch great with Whelp, had deſired another Bitch, that ſhe might lay her litter in her kennell, ſhe obtained her requeſt eaſily: afterwards ſhe made her ſute to the Bitch who required her owne place, craving but a ſhort ſeaſon, whileſt ſhe might lead away her whelps being ſtronger and better able to goe: this alſo being expired, the other began more vehemently, to deſire her own bed: well ſaith ſhe, if thou canſt match me and my traine, I will depart from this place.
Hungry Dogges. Fab. 20.
FOoliſh or ſimple counſell, not onely wanteth ſucceſſe, but alſo calleth mortall men to deſtruction. Dogges ſaw an Hide ſunke in the
floud, now that they might the more eaſily eate it, when they had drawn it out, they began to drinke up the water; but being firſt burſten, there thy periſhed, before that they could attaine what they deſired.
An old Lion, the Bull and an Aſſe.
Fab. 21.
VVHoſoever hath loſt his former dignitie is alſo a mocking ſtocke to the baſe and lazie in adverſitie. The Lion waſted by yeares and decayed of his ſtrength, when he was lying drawing his laſt breath, the Boare came upon him with thunderbolt tuskes, and revenged his old grudge with blowes: alſo the cruell Bull out of hand pierced with his hornes his enemies body: when the Aſſe ſaw the Beaſt hurt without puniſhment, he kicked his forehead with his heeles, but he, breathing out his laſt, ſaith, I have hardly brooked, that the ſtrong or
the valiant ſhould inſult over me, but truly I ſeeme twice to die, ſith I am compelled to beare and ſuffer thee, the ignominie of nature.
A Cat and a Man.
Fab. 22.
A Cat being caught of a Wariner, when ſhe would avoyd imminent death; I pray you, ſaith ſhe, ſpare me, which cleanſe for your good the houſe of noyſome Mice: he anſwered, certain I would doe it, if this good turne were for my ſake, and would have forgiven thy offence: now becauſe thou labouredſt that thou maiſt enjoy the fragments, which they would gnaw, and alſo devour them, do not count this vain matter as a good turne done to me: and ſo ſpeaking, he inflicted death upon the offender. They ought to acknowledge this ſpoken for them, whoſe private commoditie onely ſerveth themſelves, and notwithſtanding boaſt their vaine deſerts, to ignorant men.
A faithfull Dogge.
Fab. 23.
VVHo ſo is liberall of a ſudden, perhaps is in requeſt with fooles, but layeth broken ſnares for the wiſe. When as in the night time a thiefe had caſt bread to a Dogge, proving whether he might be corrupted with the meat profferred to him: Oh quoth he, thou wouldeſt ſtop my mouth, that I barke not for my Maſters goods; but thou art much deceived, for this thy ſudden kindneſſe warneth me to watch, leſt thou make a commoditie by my negligence.
The burſten Frogge and an Oxe.
Fab. 24.
A Poore man periſheth, whileſt he will follow the rich and the mightie. In a certaine paſture, the Frogge beheld the Oxe, and touched with envie at ſo goodly ſtature,
puffed-up her ſpeckled skin; then ſhe asked her children, whether ſhe was greater then the Oxe; they denied it: againe ſhe ſtretched her skin with greater endeavour, and enquired after the ſame manner, who was the greater; they ſaid the Oxe: laſt of all, ſore moved with wrath, and whileſt ſhe deſireth to puffe out herſelf more vehemently, ſhe ſprawled on the ground with a burſten body.
The Dogge and the Crocodile.
Fab. 25.
THey which give bad counſell to warie Wiſe men, both loſe their labour, and are foully derided. It is reported that Dogges in running do drinke of the River Nilus, that they may not be devoured of the cruell Crocodiles: wherefore when a certaine Bitch in running began to lap, ſo ſpake the Crocodile: Lap what water thou wilt by leiſure, come
hither, drinke leiſurely, and feare not, quoth he, deceit; but ſhe made anſwer, By Hercules I would doe ſo, but that I know you long for my fleſh.
The Fox and the Storke.
Fab. 26.
THis ſmall Fable warneth, that we muſt hurt no body, but if any ſhall miſchiefe us, that we may puniſh them in like manner. The Fox is ſaid to have invited the Stork firſt to ſupper, and to have ſet before her a liquid broath in a broad platter, which by no meanes the hungry Storke could taſte of; who when ſhe had re-invited the Fox, ſet before her a long narrow neckt flaggon, full of broken gobbets, then ſhe putting her long beake into this is filled and ſatisfied, and pineth her gueſt with hunger, who when ſhe had licked in vaine the necke of the flaggon, we heard it reported, that the ſtranger
bird ſpake after this maner: every one ought to ſuffer his owne example with a patient mind.
A Dogge, and a Treaſure and the rave
nous Vulter.
Fab. 27.
This matter may be very convenient for the covetous, and for them, who by birth being low and poore, notwithſtanding endevour to be reported wealthy. A Dogge diging up mans bones, found a treaſure; and becauſe he prophaned the ſpirits which are divine ſubſtances, the fire of riches was caſt upon him, that he might performe puniſhments to the holy religion: therefore whiles he keepeth the gold, he forgetteth meat and conſumeth with hunger: overwhom the ravenous vulter ſtanding as report goeth ſpake, Oh dog, juſtly doſt thou lie for dead, who deſireſt on a ſudden a Princes revenew, being but conceived and brought up
on a dung-hill of three wayes muck.
A Fox and an Eagle.
Fab. 28.
ALthough men are in high eſtate, notwithſtanding they ought to feare to oppreſſe the lower ſort, becauſe revenge is manifeſt to the ingenious, by his induſtry. On a time an Eagle tooke up a Foxes Cubs, and laid them down in her neaſt to her young ones, that they might eate: the Mother Fox following her began to beſeech her inſtantly, that ſhe would not bring ſo great calamitie upon her poore caitifes: but ſhe deſpiſed, becauſe ſhe was in a ſafe place: therefore the Fox tooke from the Altar a burning firebrand, and therewith ſhe environed the whole tree with flames, threatning griefe to her enemy, for the loſſe of her blood: the Eagle
now intreating to deliver her own from danger of death, reſtored the Cubs ſafe to the Fox.
The Aſſe ſcorning the Boare.
Fab. 29.
OFtentimes fooles, when they take up a vaine laughter, defame others with ſore reproach, and provoke to themſelves a miſchievous danger. An Aſſe when he met a Boare, ſaid, God ſave you brother, he diſdaining refuſed his kindred, and enquireth wherefore he would lye ſo groſſely: the Aſſe letting flye his heeles, made anſwer, Though thou denieſt me to be like to thy ſelfe, yet certainly, this is as good as thy tuskes: now when the Bore thought to make a valorous reſiſtance, yet refrained he his wrath, ſaying: Revenge is in a readineſſe to me, but I will not be defiled with baſe lazie bloud.
The Frogs fearing the warres of the Bull-battell.
Fab. 30.
THe lowly are in jeopardy, when as the mightie are at variance. A Frog in her pond, beholding the fight of Buls, Alas, ſaith ſhe, how great miſchiefe abideth us? being asked of another, wherefore ſhe affirmed this, when as the Buls contended onely for the Empire over the Herd, and lead a life farre from them; ſaith ſhe, the reaſon here is ſeparate and a different kinde: for whoſoever being baniſhed from the kingdome of the Wood-land, ſhall flye away, will come into the holes of the Marſhes, and will preſſe to death the Frogs, over-trodden with his hard hoofes: and thus their fury concerneth our life.
The Kite and the Pigeon.
Fab. 31.
VVHo ſo committeth himſelfe to be preſerved of a tyrannous man, in ſeeking ſuccour and aid, he findeth deſtruction. The Doves when as often they had eſcaped the Kite, and had avoided death, with the ſwiftneſſe of wings, then the devourer turneth his counſell into ſubtiltie; and circumvented the unweaponed nation with ſuch like guile: Wherefore lead ye a miſerable life, rather then ye will create me King, league being confirmed, who may ſet you ſafe from all injury? they being too credulous, deliver themſelves to the Kite, who having obtained the kingdome, beginneth to eate every one, and to exerciſe his Empire with his cruell talons: then ſaith one of the reſt, deſervedly are we puniſhed.
FINIS.