1. Of the Cock.

1. A Cock, as he turn'd over a dunghil, found a pearl: saying, Why do I find a thing so bright?

2. If the jeweller had found it, none would have been more glad than he; as being one that could tell the worth of it.

3. It is indeed of no use to me, nor do I much value it: nay truly, I had rather have a barley-corn than all the Pearls in the World.

4. The Moral. Ʋnderstandly the Pearl, Art and Wisdom: and by the Cock a dotish man, and one that is given to pleasure.

5. Neither do blockish people love the Liberal Arts, seeing they know not the use of them; nor a voluptuous person; because he delighteth only in pleasure.

2. Of the Wolf and the Lamb.

1. A Wolf, drinking at a spring-head, saw a Lamb drinking a great way below.

2. He ran to it, and chid the Lamb; because it muddied the Spring.

3. The Lamb trembled, and humbly besought him, that he would spare an innocent.

4. Saying, that he, because he drank a great way below, could not in­deed muddy the W [...]ve's drink. much less would he.

5. The Wolf rails aloud on the contrary: Thou varlet, thou hadst a [...] good do nothing: thou art always opposing me; thy fire, thy dam, and all thy kind whom I cannot abide to see, do what thy can to cross me.

6. I will punish thee to day.

7. Mor. It is an old saying. It is an easie thing to find a stick to beat [...] dog with.

8. A great man if h [...]ist to hurt, doth soon [...]ke an occasion to hurt.

9. He hath offended sufficiently, that could [...] resist.

3. Of the Mouse and the Frog.

1. A Mouse made war with [...] Frog.

2. They fought for the command of the Fen.

[Page 4] 3. The fight was eager and hazardous.

4. The crafty Mouse, lurking under the grass, sets upon the Frog by am­buscado.

5. The Frog being the lustier, being big-breasted and a good leaper dares his enemy to plain fight.

6. They had each of them a pike made of a Bull-rush.

7. Which conflict being soon a far off, the Kite makes haste, and whilst▪ for eagerness of fighting, neither looks to himself, the Kite snatcheth an [...] pulleth in peices both the warriours.

8. Mor. Just so it useth to befall factious Citizens, who being inflame [...] with a lust of ruling, whilst they strive amongst themselves to become Officer [...] put their wealth, and for the most part their life in hazard.

4. Of the Dog and the Shadow.

1. A Dog swimming over a River carried a piece of flesh in his mouth: wh [...] the Sun shone, so as it often falls out, the shadow of the flesh shone in [...] water, at which, when he saw it, he catcht greedily, and lost what was in his chap▪

2. And therefore being daunted with the loss both of the thing, and of [...] hope, at the first he stood amazed, and afterwards recovering his spirit, [...] barkt out thus. Poor dog, thy desire had no mean.

3. Thou hadst enough and too much, unless thou hadst been mad; and [...] through thine own folly thou hast less than nothing.

4. Mor. By this little tale, we are put in mind of moderation, we are [...] in mind of discretion, that there be a mean to our desire, [...] we lose certain [...]ties for uncertainties.

5. Verily that Sannio in Terence saith wittily, I will not buy a Pig in a Po [...]

5. Of the Lion and some other Beasts.

1. THe Lion had covenanted with the Sheep and some others, that the pr [...] should be common.

2. They go a hunting: a stag is taken: they divide it.

3. When several parties began to take the several pieces as they had agree [...] the Lion roared saying, One part is mine, because I am the most worthy.

4. Likewise another is mine, because I am the strongest.

5. Furthermore, I challenge a third part, because I have swet more taking the Hart.

6. Lastly, unless you will grant me a fourth part, farewel friendsh [...]

7. His fellows (when they heard this) went away empty and holding [...] peace, not da [...]ing to mutter against the Lion.

8. Mor. Faith hath always been rare, in this age it is more rare, it [...] is and always hath been very rare amongst great men.

9. Wherofore it is better, to live with thy like.

10. For he that liveth with a mightier man than himself, is necess [...] [...] oftimes to forgo his own right.

11. Thou shalt have equal dealing with thy equal.

6. Of the Wolf and the Crane.

1. THe bones by chance stuck in the throat of a Wolf, that had worried a Sheep.

2. He goeth about, he intreateth help, but no body helpeth him.

3. Every body said, He was rightly serv'd for his greediness.

4. At the last, he perswadeth the Crane with many fair words, and more promises; that with her great long neck, being put into his throat, she would take out the bone that stuck in it.

5. But he mockt her, when she desir'd something for her pains; Thou fool (quoth he) go thy way, hast thou not enough that thou livest? Thou art beholding to me for thy life.

6. If I had listed, I might have bit off thy neck.

7. Mor. It is an old saying, that it is thrown away, which thou dost to an ungrateful person.

7. Of the Country-Man and the Snake.

1. A Country-man brought home a Snake which he had found in the Snow almost starved to death and laid it before the fire.

2. The Snake recovering strength and poison from the fire, and afterwards not abiding the heat, filled all the Cottage with hissing.

3. The Country-man, having got up an Hedge-stake, runs to him, and takes him up roundly for the wrong done him, both with words and strokes.

4. Would he thus requite him?

5. Would he offer to take away his life that had given him life?

6. Mor. It sometimes comes to pass, that they do thee hurt, whom thou hast done good to; and deserve ill at thy hands, from whom thou hast well deserv'd.

8. Of the Boar and Ass.

1. WHilst the idle Ass mocked the Boar, he chafed at him and gnasht his teeth.

2. Thou very idle Ass, thou hast deserved smart; but although thou art worthy of punishment, yet I scorn to punish thee.

3. Mock on and spare not, thou may'st do it scot-free.

4. For thou art safe, because of thy idleness.

5. Mor. Let us endeavour, that when we bear or endure things that do not beseem us, we may not speak or do things that do not beseem us.

6. For naughty and ungracious persons, for the most part, are glad if any good man oppose them; and they count it a great matter that they are thought worthy to have revenge taken on them.

7. Let us imitate Horses and great Beasts, which pass by barking currs with contempt.

9. Of the City-Mouse and Country-Mouse.

1. THe City-Mouse had a mind to walk abroad into the Country.

2. The Country-Mouse saw her, and invites her home, gets things ready, and they go to supper.

[Page 8] 3. The Country-Mouse fetcheth out whatsoever she had laid up against Winter, and brings out all her store, that she might satisfie the daintiness of such a great guest.

4. Notwithstanding the City-Mouse knitting her brows, condemns the poor­ness of the Country, and withall commends the plenty of the City.

5. As she goes back, she brings the Country-Mouse with her into the City; that she might make good in deed, what she had brag'd of in words.

6. They go to the Feast, which the City-Mouse had gallantly provided.

7. As they are at their cheer, the noise of the Key is heard in the lock.

8. They trembled, and ran away as fast as they could.

9. The Country-Mouse being both unused to it, and unacquainted with the place, had much ado to save her self.

10. When the servant was gone away, the City-Mouse comes again to the table, and invites the Country-Mouse.

11. He creeps out of his hole. having scarcely got shut of his fear, at the last.

12. He asks the City-Mouse that invited him to drink, whether this danger was often or no.

13. He made answer, that it was every day, and ought to be slighted.

14. Then quoth the Country-Mouse, Is it every day?

15. Truly thy dainties have more bitter than sweet in them.

16. Indeed I had rather have my want with security, than that abun­dance with such trouble of mind.

17. Mor. Riches indeed make shew of pleasure, but if you look into them, they contain danger and bitterness.

18. There was one Eutrapelus, who when he would do his enemies the greatest mischief, made them rich, using to say, he thus took revenge on them; for they were like to receive with their Riches a great burden of cares.

10. Of the Eagle and Jack-Daw.

1. AN Eagle having got a Cockle could not get out the fish by force or art.

2. A Jack-daw coming to her, gives her counsel.

3. He perswades her to fly upwards, and to throw down the Cockle from on high upon the Rocks, for so it would come to pass, that the shell would be broken.

4. The Jack-daw tarries on the ground to watch for it's fall, the Eagle throws it down, the shell is broken, the Jack-daw snatcheth up the Fish, the Eagle is sorry to see her self couzened.

5. Mor. Do not trust every body; and be sure thou [...]eest into the Counsel which thou takest of others.

6. For many being asked their advice, do not give advice for them that ask them, but for themselves.

11. Of the Raven and the Fox.

1. A Raven having got a prey, croaked amongst the boughs.

2. A Fox saw her hopping to and fro, he runs to her.

3. The Fox, quoth he, bids the Raven many good morrows.

4▪ I had often heard, that Hear-say was a lier, and now I find it to be so indeed.

5. For as I came this way by chance espied you in the tree, I make hast towards you and blame the rumour.

[Page 10] 6. For the report goeth; that you are as black as pitch, and I see you are whither than Snow.

7. In mine opinion truly you out-strip the Swans, and are fairer than the pale Ivy.

8. And if you excell in your voice, as you do in your feathers, truly I would say, yet were the Queen of Birds.

9. The Raven, being allured with this flattering tale, makes her ready to sing.

10. But the Cheese f [...]ll out of her bill as she made her ready, which when he had snatcht up, the Fox sets up a laughter.

11. Then the poor Raven was asham'd and vext at her self, and was grieved for the loss of the thing, blushing at it withall.

12. Mor. Some are so greedy of commendation, that they love a flatterer to their shame and loss; such men are a prey to flatterers.

13. But if you will avoid boasting, you may easily avoid that plaguy kind of flatterers.

14. If thou wilt be Thraso, thou shalt not want a Gnatho.

12. Of the Lion that was past his strength for age.

1. A Lion, which in his youth had made many his enemies through his fierceness, was punished for it in his old age.

2. The Beasts pay him in his kind, the Boar gnasheth him with his tushes, and the Bull goars him with his horns.

3. But especially the little Ass, being desirous to put away the old name of slothfulness insults over him in words and kicks him lustily.

4. Then the Lion, sighing, said, These whom I have long ago done hurt to, now do me hurt, as I did them, and good cause why: but those whom I have sometimes done good to, now do me no good as I did them; nay, indeed they set themselves against me without any cause.

5 I have been a fool to make many my enemies, but a greater fool to trust to false friends.

6. Mor. In prosperity be not lifted up: be not curst.

7. For if fortune change her Face, they, whom thou hast done hurt to will be revenged on thee.

8. And see thou puttest a difference amongst thy friends.

9. For there are some friends that are not thine, but thy table's, and thy fortune's; which fortune so soon as it shall be altered, they will be altered too.

10. Thou shalt be well dealt withall, if they be not thine enemies.

11. Ovid complains not without cause.

13. Of the Dog and the Ass.

1. WHilst the Dog fawned upon the Master and the Family, the Master and the Family cherished the Dog.

2. The little Ass seeing that, fetched a deep sigh; it begun to irk him of his condition: He thought it was not fairly carried, that the Dog should be welcom [Page 12] to all, and be fed at his Master's Table and get that by idleness and play: and that he on the contrary, should bear pack-saddles, should be beaten with a whip [...] should never be out of work; and yet be hated of every body.

3. If these things were done with fawning, he resolved to follow that trade which was so profitable.

4. Therefore to try the matter, he runs to meet his Master one time, as he was coming home again; he leaps upon him and knocks him with his hoofs.

5. When the Master cryed out, the servants ran to him; and the foolish Ass that thought he was mannerly, was beaten with a cudgel.

6. Mor. We cannot all do all things as Virgil saith, in his Bucolicks: no [...] do all things become all persons.

7. Let every one covet that, let him strive to do that; which he can do.

8. For we know that, which is more signifi cantly said in Greek, Onos Ly [...] an Ass of Harps [or of an Harp] but Boetius hath it thus. An Ass set t [...] an Harp.

9. Labour is vain, if nature be against it: Nor say, nor do, thy nature bing averse, as Horace witnesseth.

14. Of the Lion and the Mouse.

1. A Lion being weary with heat and running, rested him under a shadow upon the green leaves.

2. And as a company of mice ran over his back▪ he awaked, and caught [...] one of many.

3. The prisoner humbly beseeches him, and cries, that she is unfit with who [...] the Lion should be angry.

4. And he considering, that there was no commendation to be got, by kil [...]ing such a little small beast, lets the prisoner go.

5. Not very long after, the Lion by chance, as he ran along the Fore [...] lights into the Nets; he might roar, but he could not get out.

6. The Mouse hears the Lion roaring pitifully, she knows his voice, she cre [...] into the holes under ground, she seeks for the knots of the snares: she finds the [...] having sought for them; she knaws them in pieces when she found them. Thu [...] the Lion escapes out of the Nets.

7. Mor. This Fable perswades clemency to great Men.

8. For, as humane affairs are inconstant, sometimes great men themselve [...] want the help of the meanest.

9. Wherefore a discreet man, though he can, will be loth to hurt a me [...] body; but he that is not loth to hurt another, is exceeding foolish.

10. Why so? Because, though whilst he presumes upon his power, he fears body; yet perhaps, time will come, that he may fear.

11. For it is certain, it hath befallen renowned and great Kings, that eith [...] they have stood in need of the favour of mean Persons or been afraid of the displeasure.

15. Of the sick Kite.

1. A Kite kept her bed, being just ready to dye.

2. She intreats her dam to go and pray to God for her.

3. Her dam answered, she could expect no help from God, whose holy thi [...] and Altars she had so often desiled with her ravenings.

[Page 14] 4. Mor. It behoves us to reverence God; for he helps the godly, and with­standeth the ungodly.

5. Being slighted in prosperity, he hears not in adversity.

6. Wherefore in prosperity think on him, that he may be ready when he is called on in adversity.

16. Of the Swallow and other Birds.

1. AS soon as ever the Line was begun to be sown, the Swallow perswades the small birds to hinder the sowing; saying, that snares were making for them.

2. They mock her, and call the Swallow a foolish Prophet.

3. When the Line was now grown up, and green, she adviseth them again to pull up the crop by the roots.

4. They mock her again.

5. The Line waxeth ripe, she exhorteth them to spoil the crop as it stood.

6. And when they would not hear her then neither giving them advice, the Swallow, having left the birds company gets into man's favour; she makes a league with him, dwells with him, and cheers him with her song.

7. Nets and snares were made of the Line for the other birds.

8. Mor. Many neither know how to advise themselves, nor do they hear one that gives them good advice.

9. But when they undergo dangers and losses, then at the last they begin to be wise, and to blame their own want of wit.

10. Then they have enough and too much advice: This and that (quoth they) should have been done.

11. But it is better to be Prometheus, than Epimetheus.

12. These were brethren: their names are Grecian.

13. The one had advice before a thing, and the other after a thing: which the Etymology of their names doth manifest.

17. Of the Frogs and their King.

1. THe nation of the Frogs, when it was free, besought Jupiter that they might have a King given them.

2. Jupiter laught at the petition of the Frogs.

3. Yet they pressed often upon him, till they made him to do it whether he would or no.

4. He threw down a great Clog.

5. That heavy thing makes a great plunge in the River.

6. The Frogs being affrighted, hold their peace: they do homage to their King.

7. They come nearer by little and little: at the last, having cast away fear they leap upon it, and leap down from it.

8. The idle King is a sport and a scorn to them.

9. They petition Jupiter again; they intreat they may have a King given them that may be valorous.

10. Jupiter gives them ae Stork.

11. He, walking very stoutly up and down the Fen, devours what ever of the Frogs come in his way.

12. Therefore the Frogs complained of his cruelty in vain.

13. Jupiter doth not hear them, for they complain even yet to this day.

[Page 16] 14. For when the Stork goes to his rest at even, they come out of the holes, and make an hoarse croaking, but they talk to one that hears them no [...]

15. For Jupiter's mind is, that they that petitioned against a gracio [...] King should now endure one that had no mercy in him.

16. Mor. It useth to befall the common people, just as it did the Frogs; wh [...] if they have a King a little more mild, they find fault with him, that he slothful and idle, and that they may once have a man of valour.

17. On the contrary, if at at any time they have a King that hath mett [...] in him, they condemn this King's cruelty, and commend the clemency of th [...] former. Whether it be, because we always grow weary of things present, [...] because the saying is true, That new things are better than old.

18. Of the Pigeons and the Kite.

1. THe Pigeons once had war with the Kite, whom, that they might be abl [...] to bear, they chose the Hawk to be their King.

2. He when he was King plays the enemy, not a King.

3. He catcheth and pulleth them in pieces, as fast as the Kite did.

4. The Pigeons repented them of their doing, and thought it was better to endure the Kite's war, than the Hawk's tyranny.

5. Mor. Let it irk no body too much of his condition.

6. There is nothing (witness Horace) happy on every part.

7. Truly, I would not desire to change my condition, so it were but tolerable.

8. Many when they have got a new condition have again wished for the old.

9. We are almost all of us, of such a fickle disposition that we grow weary of our selves.

19. Of the Thief and the Dog.

1. A Dog one time answered a Thife, that reached him bread, that he would hold his tongue, I know thy treacherous intentions: thou givest me bread, that I may leave barking.

2. But I scorn thy gift, because if I shall take the bread, thou wilt carry things out of these houses.

3. Mor. Have a care you lose not a great matter, for a little profit's sake.

4. Take heed how you trust any body.

5. For there are many, that not only speak you fair, but also do you a courtesie, with a treacherous meaning.

20. Of the Wolf and young Sow.

1. A Gilt (or young Sow) pig'd. A Wolf promiseth, that he would look to her litter.

2. The Sow that had Pigs answers, That she needed not the Wolf's humble service. If he would be accounted dutiful, if he desired to do her a pleasure, he should go further off.

3. For the Wolf's office consisted not in being by, but being away.

4. Mor. All things are not to be trusted to all men.

5. Many men offer their service, not for love of thee, but of themselves seeking their own benefit, not thine.

21. Of the Mountains bringing forth Young.

1. THere was once a Report, that the Mountains were in travel.

2. Men ran to them, and stood about them, looking for so [...] Monster with extream fear.

3. At the last, the Mountains bring forth, there comes out a Mou [...]

4. Then they were all ready to die with laughing.

5. Mor. Horace toucheth on this little tale.

6. It also notes bragging.

7. For bragging persons, when they profess and boast of great mat­ters, scarce perform little matters.

8. Wherefore those Thraso's are rightly the subject of jests and scoffs.

9. Likewise this tale forbids vain fears.

10. For, for the most part, the fear of danger is worse than the danger it self, nay it is a thing to be laughed at, which we fear.

22. Of the Hound that was despised by his Master.

1. THe Master set on a Hound, which was now grown old; h [...] cheers him up in vain, his feet are slow, he makes no haste.

2. He had caught hold of a Deer; the Deer got from him, being that he wanted teeth.

3. His Master rates him with blows and words.

4. The Dog answers, that he ought to be pardoned by right, that he was now grown old; but that he had been a stout Dog, when he was young.

5. But as I perceive, saith he, you like nothing without profit▪ you loved me when I was young, and able to catch the Game, you cannot abide me now I am slow and without teeth.

6. But if you were thankful, you would love him that is old fo [...] his profitable youths sake, whom you loved once when he was young for profits sake.

7. Mor. The Dog said well.

8. For, as Ovid witnesseth,

9. There is no remembrance of a good thing past, and no grea [...] love of one to come; the main respect is to the good thing present▪

23. Of the Hares and the Frogs.

1. WHen the Wood roared with a whirl-wind, that had not used t [...] be, the fearful Hares began to run away apace.

2. And when a Fen was in their way as they ran, they stood sti [...] being doubtful what to do, and in danger on both sides.

3. And, that which was an occasion of great fear, they saw th [...] Frogs to be under the water in the Fen.

4. Then one of the Hares being more wise than the rest, and mo [...] eloquent said; Why do we fear, and need not?

[Page 20] 5. We have need of courage.

6. We have nimbleness of body, but we want metal in us.

7. This danger of the whirle-wind is not to be avoided, but to [...] neglected.

8. Mor. In every thing we have need of a spirit.

9. Valour lies flat without Confidence.

10. For Confidence is the leader, and queen of Valour.

24. Of the Kid and the Wolf.

2. WHen the Goat was going to feed, she shut up her Kid [...] home, warning her to open the door to no body till she can [...] back again.

2. A Wolf, that had heard that a good way off, after the Da [...] was gone, knocks at the door, speaks like the Goat, and bids hi [...] open the door.

3. The Kid perceiving his knavery aforehand, saith, I will [...] open the door; for though thy voice be like the Goat's, yet truly see a Wolf through the Chinks.

4. Mor. It is good for them, that children obey their parent [...] and it becomes a young man to give ear to an old man.

25. Of the Hart and Sheep.

1. AN Hart accused a Sheep before a Wolf, crying out, that [...] ought him a bushel of Wheat.

2. The Sheep indeed was ignorant of the debt; yet, because the Wolf's being by, she promiseth that she would give it.

3. A day is appointed for the payment, it comes, the Heart p [...] the Sheep in mind.

4. She denies it.

5. For that she had made such a promise, she excuseth that was done for fear, and because of the Wolf's being by.

6. That an oath forced from one was not to be kept.

7. Mor. It is a sentence of Law, We may keep off force by for [...]

8. Out of this little Fable a new one comes: We may refel de [...] by deceit.

26. Of the Countrey-Man and the Snake.

1. A Countrey-man had nourished a Snake.

2. And being angry on a time, he struck the beast with an [...]

3. He got away, but not without a wound.

4. Afterwards the Country-man coming to poverty, thought t [...] misfortune befell him because of the wrong he had done to the Sna [...]

5. Therefore he beseeches the Snake that he would come again.

6. He saith, that he forgave him, but would not come ag [...] neither should he be safe with the Country-man, who had su [...] great ax at home; that the blewness of the wound was ceased, the mernory for all that remained.

7. Mor. It is scarce safe to trust him again, that hath [...] broken his word.

8. It is indeed a point of pity to forgive a wrong; but it [...]

27. Of the Fox and the Stork.

1. A Fox invited a Stork to supper.

2. He poured the meat upon the Table, which, because it wa [...] thin, the Fox licked up, the Stork striving in vain to do so wit [...] her bill.

3. The Bird being abused, went her way; she was both ashamed and grieved at the injury.

4. After a few days, she comes again and invites the Fox.

5. A glass was set full of meat; which vessel, because it wa [...] narrow-mouthed, the Fox might see the meat, and be hungry but he could not taste of it.

6. The Stork easily drew it out with her bill.

7. Mor. Laughter deserve laughter, Jesting, jesting, Knaver [...] knavery, and Deceit, deceit.

28. Of the Wolf and the painted Head.

1. A Wolf tumbles over a man's head, which he found in a Grave [...] shop, he wonders at it, perceiving (just as it was) that it ha [...] no sens [...]

2. He saith, O fine head.

3. There is in thee a great deal of Art, but no sense at all.

4. Mor. Outward beauty is pleasing, if there be inward.

5. But if we must want either, he is better, that wanteth t [...] outward, than the inward.

6. For that sometimes without this incurs hatred, so that a fo [...] is so much the more disliked, by how much the fairer he is.

29. Of the Cornish-Chough.

1. THe Cornish-Chough decked her self with a Peacock's feather.

2. And afterward seeming to her self pretty handsom [...] scorning her kind, she went to the Peacocks.

3. They at the last, understanding the deceit, stripped the foo [...]ish bird of her colours, and beat her.

4. Horace, in the first book of his Epistles, tells this little t [...] of a Jack-daw.

5. He saith, she was once made fine with feathers gathered [...] which had fallen from other birds, but afterwards she was ridi [...] ­lous, when every one of the birds had pulled her own feathers from [...]

6. Lest if perchance each bird should come and take

7. Mor. This little tale noteth those, that behave themselv [...] more loftily than is fitting; that live with them that are b [...] richer, and more gentile, than themselves; whereupon they of [...] become poor, and are made a mocking-stock.

8. Juvenal doth well advise us:

Gnothi seauton, down from heaven did come, that is, Kn [...] thy self.

30. Of the Flie and the Pismire.

1. THe Flie was at a contest with the Pismire; she bragg'd [...] [...] that she was base; that her self did [Page 24] that she crept, that her self dwelt in Kings Palaces, that she lay in holes in the ground; that she gnawed the corn; and drank water; that her self feasted it bravely, and yet got these things with ease.

2. On the other side, the Pismire said, That her self was not base, but was content with her birth; that the Flie was a wanderer, but her self was constant to a place; that corn and running water did re [...]th with the Pismire, as well as Pasties and wine did with the Flie; and that herself did not get these things by slothful idleness, but by diligent labour. Furthermore she said that the Pismire was merry and safe, beloved of all; and, to conclude, was a pattern of labour. But that the Fl [...]e was full of cares, was set at by all with the danger of her life; that she was hated by all, and to conclude, was a pattern of sloth. That the Pismire being mindful of winter, did lay up food, that the Flie did live but from hand to mouth, and was either like to endure hunger, or certainly to die in winter.

3. Mor. He that goes on to say what he lists, shall hear those things which he lists not.

4. The Flie had heard his own commendation, if he had given good language.

5. But I yi [...]ld my consent to the Pismire.

6. For a mean life with security seems more desirable, than a brave life with danger.

31. Of the Frog and the Ox.

1. A Frog being desirous to match an Ox, [...] out her self.

2. The young one exhorted the Dam, to give over what she had begun, because a Frog was nothing to an Ox.

3. She swelled the second time.

4. The young one cries out, Mother though you burst, you shall never be too hard for the O [...].

5. But when she had swelled the third time, she burst.

6. Mor. Every one has his gift.

7. This man exceeds in beauty, that in strength, this is potent in wealth, that in friends. It becomes every one to be content with his own.

8. He hath an able body, thou a strong wit.

9. Wherefore let every one advise with himself: and let him not envy his better, which is a poor thing; nor desire to cont [...]st with him, which is a point of folly.

32. Of the Horse and the Lyon.

1. A Lyon came to eat up a Horse: but wanting strength for old age, he began to practise a trade; he professeth himself a Doctor, he staies the Horse with a long story.

2. The Horse opposeth knavery to knavery, and cunning to cunning.

3. He feigned that he had pricked his foot of late in a thorny place: He intreats him, that being a Physician, he would look up­on it and pull out the thorn.

4. The Lyon yields to him.

5. But the Horse with all the force he could, gives the Lyon.

[Page 26] 6. The Lyon scarcely recovering himself, at the length (for he wa [...] almost killed with the blow) saith, I am rightly served for my fol [...]ly, and he hath worthily escaped: for he hath revenged knavery with knavery.

7. Mor. Dissembling is worthy to be hated, and is to be caugh [...] by dissembling.

8. An enemy is not to be feared, that shews himself an enemy [...] but he that when he is an enemy, pretends good will is to be fear­ed at the length, and exceedingly deserves to be hated.

33. Of the Horse and the Ass.

1. A Horse being finely trapped and fadled, ran along the way, neighing apace.

2. And by chance a laden Ass stood in his way as he ran.

3. The Horse fretting for anger, and ‘—Fiercely chafing on the frothy bit.’

4. Thou slow and idle Ass, quoth he, why dost thou hinder the Horses way?

5. Get out of my way, I say, or I will kick thee.

6. The Ass not daring to bray to the contrary, giveth way and sayeth nothing.

7. Now the Horses cods burst, as he was frisking and mind­ing his career.

8. Then being not good for a Race, or a Shew, he was deprived of his braveries, and after that was sold to a Carman.

9. The Ass sees him afterwards coming with a Cart, and speaks to him.

10. Good Sir! what furniture is this?

11. Where is your gilded saddle, and your studded girths? where is your gay bridle?

12. Thus it might needs happen, friends, to you that was so proud.

13. Mor. Many are puft up in prosperity, and neither remember themselves nor modesty, but because they grow proud in prosperity, they fall into adversity.

14. I would advise them that seem to be happy, to be wary: for if the wheel of fortune be but turned about, they will find it to be a most miserable kind of misfortune to have been happy.

15. This mischief also adds to their unhappiness, they shall be scorned of them whom they scorned: and they whom they have laughted at, will jeer them.

34. Of the Birds and the four-footed Beasts.

1. THe Birds had a Battel with the four-footed Beasts.

2. There was hope on both sides, fear on both sides, and danger on both sides.

3. Now the Bat having for saken her fellows went to the enemies. The Birds get the better, The Eagle being their Captain and Leader.

4. And they condemned the runagado Bat. That she should never come again to the Birds, and that she should never flie in the day time.

[Page 28] 5. This is the reason for the Bat, that she never flies but by night.

6. Mor. He that refuseth to be sharer with his fellows in adversity and danger, shall have no share of prosperity or safety.

35. Of the Wolf and the Fox.

1. THe Wolf, when he had prey enough, lived in idleness.

2. The Fox comes to him, and enquires the reason of his idleness.

3. The Wolf perceived, that treachery was intended towards him: he made as though sickness was the reason: he intreated the Fox to go and pray to the gods for him.

4. She being sorry that her cunning, did not take, goes to a shep­herd, and informs him, That the Wolf's kennel lay open, and that an enemy being secure might be taken at unawares.

5. The shepherd sets upon the Wolf, and kills him.

6. The Fox enjoys the kennel and the prey.

7. But she had but small joy of her roguery; for not very long after the same shepherd took her too.

8. Mor. Envy is an ugly thing, and sometimes also destructive to the Author.

9. Horace in the first book of his Epistle saith,

36. Of the Hart.

1. A Hart beholding himself in a clear fountain, he approves of the lofty and branched horns of his forehead: but he condemns the slenderness of his legs.

2. By chance, whilst he looketh on them, and whilst he passeth judg­ment on them, the Hunter comes upon him: the Hart runs away

3. The dogs pursue him as he runs.

4. But when he had entred into a thick wood, his horns were entangled in the boughs.

5. Then at the last he commended his legs, and condemned his horns, which made that he became a prey to the dogs.

6. Mor. We desire things that are to be avoided, and we avoid things that are to be desired.

7. The things which do us hurt, please us: and the things which do us good displease us.

8. We desire happiness, before we understand where it is.

9. We look after abundance of wealth, and height of honours: we suppose happiness to be placed in these things, in the which not­withstanding is a great deal of labour and sorrow.

10. That same Lyrick Poet of ours expresseth it handsomely,

37. Of the Viper, and the File.

1. A Viper finding a File in a Smiths shop, began to gnaw it.

2. The File smiled saying, What thou fool, what dost thou do?

3. Thou shalt wear out thy teeth, before thou canst wear me, which am wont to bite of the hardness of the brass.

4. Mor. Be sure to see with whom thou hast to do.

5. If thou whettest thy teeth against one stronger than thy self, thou shalt not hart him but thy self.

38. Of the Wolves and the Lambs.

1. I Here was once a covenant betwixt the Wolves and the Sheep, amongst whom there is naturally discord, hostages being given on both sides.

2. The Wolves gave their Whelps, and the Sheep their company of Dogs.

3. Whilst the Sheep were quiet and feeding, the young Wolves set up an houling for the want of their dams.

4. Then the Wolves rushing upon them, cryed out, that their faith and covenant was broken, and they pull in pieces the Sheep, that were destitute of the guard of the dogs.

5. Mor. It is folly, if in a league thou deliver the things that keep thee safe, to the enemy.

6. For he that hath been an enemy, hath not yet perhaps ceased to be an enemy: and peradventure he may take occasion to fall upon thee, being deprived of thy safeguard.

39. Of the Wood, and the Countryman.

1. AT what time also the Trees spake, a Countryman came into a Wood; he intreated it that he might have leave to get a shaft for his ax.

2. The Wood consented.

3. The Countryman, when his ax was fitted, began to cut down the Trees.

4. Then, and indeed too late, it repented the Wood of its readi­ness to do a courtesie: it was sorry that it self was the cause of its own destruction.

5. Mor. Have a care to whom thou dost a good turn.

6. There have been many, that after they have received a cour­tesie have abused it, to the undoing of the bestower of it.

40. Of the Members, and the Belly.

1. THe foot and the hand once accused the belly, because their gains were consumed by it, that would not work.

2. They bid that it should either take pains, or else that it should not desire to be maintained.

3. It beseeched them, once or twice.

4. Yet the hands deny it sustenance.

5. The belly being empty for want of meat, when all the limbs be­gan to be feeble, then at last the hands would be officious: but that was too late.

6. For the belly being weak for lack of use [...]

[Page 32] 7. So all the Limbs, whilst they envied the belly, died with th [...] belly when it died.

8. Mor. As it is in the society of the members, so is humane society.

9. A member stands in need of a member, and a friend stands i [...] need of a friend.

10. Wherefore we must make use of mutual offices, and mutual la­bours: neither do riches nor titles of honour sufficiently defend a ma [...]

11. The only and main guard is the friendship of many.

41. Of the Ape and the Fox.

1. AN Ape intreateth a Fox, that he would bestow a piece of hi [...] tail on her to cover her [...]u [...]ocks: for it was a burthen t [...] him, which would be of use and an honour to her.

2. The Fox answers, That he had nothing too much, and that h [...] had rather have the ground swept with his tail, than the Ape [...] buttocks to be covered with it.

3. Mor. There are some that stand in need, and there are some tha [...] have too much; [...] no rich men have that fashion, to comfor [...] poor men with the superfluous means.

42. Of the Stag and the Oxen.

1. A Stag running away from the hunter, betook himself into a beast-house: he intreateth the O [...]en, that he might lie hid in the cratch.

2. The Oxen said he could not be safe; for the master and the ser­vants would be there presently.

3. He said, he was secure, if so be they would not betray him.

4. The servant comes in, and doth not see him hid in the hay, he goes his way out.

5. The Stag begins to be jocund, and to fear nothing.

6. Then one of the Oxen being grave both for his age and advice, saith, It was an easie thing to deceive this fellow, that is (as blind as) a Mole: but how thou canst lie hid from our master, who is (as quick-sighted as) Argos,

This is the toil, this is the work.

7. Presently after a while comes in the master, who, that he might correct the servants negligence, viewing every thing with his eyes, and trying what was in the cratch with his hand, caught hold of the Stag's horns under the hay: He calls upon his servants, they run to him, they inclose the Deer, and take him.

8. Mor. In adversities and dangers, lurking places are hard to be found: whether it be, because Fortune vexeth poor men, as she begun: or because they being hindred with fear betray themselves through in­discretion.

43. Of the Lyon and the Fox.

1. THE Lyon was sick, the living creatures came to visit him: only the Fox deferred his service.

2. The Lyon sends a messenger to him with a Letter, which wish­ed him to come; saying that his only presence would be very accepta­ble to the Lyon, and that there would be no danger why the Fox should [...].

[Page 34] 3. Besides, that he himself was sick and lay by it, so as though h [...] would do him harm (a thing that was not) yet he could not.

4. The Fox writes back, That he desired, that the Lyon might recover▪ and that he would pray to God for that; but he would not come and se [...] him, for he was affrighted with the foot steps.

5. Which foot-steps, for asmuch as they are all towards the Lyon' [...] [...]en, and none from it wards, that matter was a token, that many li­ving creatures went in, but none came out. Horace saith,

7. Mor. Beware thou do not trust words; unless thou dost tak [...] heed, thou shalt often be beguiled.

8. Thou mayest guess at men both by their words and deeds, and by the deeds the words are to be judged.

44. Of the Fox and the Weesel.

1. A Fox being lean with long fasting crept by chance through a narrow hole, into a corn wisket; in which when he had well fed, hi [...] teg'd belly hindred him, as he strove to go out again.

2. A Weesel, a good way off seeing her striving, at the last tellet [...] her, If she had a mind to go forth, she should come lean again to th [...] hole, which she got in at when she was lean.

3. Mor. You may see many to be pleasant and chearful in a mean condition, being void of cares, and free from the troubles of the mind.

4. But if these men become rich, you shall see them to go heavily, an [...] never to shew a merry look, being full of care, and overwhelme [...] with troubles of the mind.

5. Thus Horace sings this tale in the first Book and seventh Epistle.

45. Of the Horse and the Stag.

1. A Horse made war with a Stag.

2. And being beaten at the last out of the pastures, he be sought ma [...] he [...]

3. He comes back with a Man, he goes down into the plain field [...] and he that was overcome before, is now made conqueror.

4. But for all this when the enemy was overcome, and brought u [...]der, the Victor himself could not chuse but obey the Man.

5. He carrieth a rider on his back, and a bridle in his mouth.

6. Mor. Many strive against poverty, which when it is overcome fortune and industry, the conqueror's liberty is often lost.

7. For being Lords and Masters of poverty, they begin to serve [...] are tormented with the s [...]ourge of covetousness, they are h [...] [...] with the bridle of sparingness [...] neither do they keep a mean in [...].

[Page 36] 8. Horace speaks of this, in the first Book of his Epistles, and the tenth Epistle.

46. Of two young Men.

1. TWo young men, make as though they would buy meat at a Cooks.

2. Whilst the Cook was doing other things, the one snatcheth a piece of flesh out of the basket, and gives it to his fellow, that he might hide it under his cloaths.

3. The Cook, as soon as he saw a piece of flesh to be gone out of the basket, began to charge them both of theft.

4. He that had taken it away, swore by Jove, that he had nothing; and he that had it swore often, that he took nothing away.

5. To whom the Cook said, truly the thief now is unknown to me, but he by whom you have sworn saw, and knoweth him.

6. Mor. If we do any thing amiss, men do not presently know it; but God, who sitteth above the heavens, and beholdeth the bottomless depth, seeth all things.

7. Which if Men do but consider, they will sin more closely and warily.

47. Of the Dog, and the Butcher.

1. WHen a Dog had stoln a piece of flesh from a butcher in the shambles, he ran presently away with it as fast as he could.

2. The butcher being daunted with the loss of the thing, at the first held his peace; afterwards, when he came to himself, he called to him thus a great way off, O thou arrant thief, run secure thou maist with­out any danger, for thou art sure now, because of thy swiftness; but here­after thou shalt be watched more narrowly.

3. Mor. This fable signifieth, that almost all men become then at last more wary, when they have sustained loss.

48. Of the Dog, and the Sheep.

1. A Dog commenced an action against a sheep, bawling that she ought him a loaf which he lent her.

2. The Sheep denieth the Action.

3. The Kite, the Wolf, and the Vulture are sent for; they affirm the thing.

4. The sheep is cast; the dog taketh her away hastily, and fleaeth her being cast.

5. Mor. Both every one knows, and this little tale doth very well.

49. Of the Lamb and the Wolf.

1. A Wolf met a Lamb that kept company with a He goat: he ask'd him, Why having left his Dam, he rather followed a stinking He-goat; and per­swades him, that he would go again to his Dam's dugs, that strutted out with milk; hoping that so it will come to pass that he should pull him in pieces, being drawn aside.

2. But he said, O Wolf, my Dam committed me to him: an especial care to look after me is committed to him. I must obey my parent rather than thee, who desirest to draw me aside by these words, and by and by to pull me in pieces, being drawn aside.

Mor. Do not trust all men, for many, whilst they seem to be willing to do others good, consult for themselves in the mean time.

50. Of a young-Man and a Cat.

1. WHen a young Man took delight in, and loved a Cat, he wearied Venus with intreaties, that she would turn the Cat into the shape of woman.

2. Venus pitied and heard him when he prayed: There is made a change of the shape, which liked the young man, being deeply in love, very well. For­sooth, she was all pretty sappy, all pretty white, all pretty handsome.

3. And not very long after, the goddess, desiring much to try whether the Cat had changed her manners also with her body, lets in a little mouse, down through the little Court.

4. There befel a thing that very much deserved laughter and sport.

5. The little woman presently makes after the little beast, when she saw her.

6. Venus taking it ill, changed the woman's look into a Cat.

7. Her hands to feet, her arms to thighs turn'd thus, ‘A tail is added, and she's made a Puss.’

8. Mor. They change the air, not mind, that o'er-sea run.

9. And it is too hard a thing to leave the things one is used to.

10. Horace saith:

51. Of the Husband-man and his Sons.

1. A Husband-man had a great many young men to his Sons, and they were at discord amongst themselves; whom the father striving to perswade to love one another, when he had laid down a bundle of sticks, he bids every one severally break it, as it was tied together with a short Cord.

2. The weak youths strive in vain.

3. The father looseth it, and gives to every one a little rod; which when every one, according to their little strength, easily brake, he said, O little sons, no body will be able to overcome you, if you hold thus together.

4. But if you will wound one another, and make civil war, ye will be at the last a prey to the Enemies.

5. Mor. This Apologue teacheth, that small means increase by concord, and great means waste to nothing by discord.

52. Of the Country-Man and the Horse.

1. A Country-man brought along the way a lere Horse, and an ass soundly loaden with fardels.

2. The little ass being weary, intreats the horse, that he would help him with his loading, if he would save his life.

3. The Horse saith, He would not do it.

4. The little Ass at the length, being tired with the weight of his pack lyeth down and dyeth.

5. His Master layeth all the load, and the skin of the dead ass too, upon the Horses back.

6. With which, when he was pressed down, he saith, O me poor wretch, I am now thus tormented according to my own desert, who would not e're while help the ass, that was over loaden.

7. Mor. We are admonished by this tale, to help our friends that are op­pressed.

8. Our Country (saith Plato) challengeth a part of our birth to it self, and our friends a part.

53. Of the Collier and the Fuller.

1. A Collier invited a Fuller to dwell with him in one house.

2. The Fuller saith, My friend, that is neither pleasure nor profit to me, for, I greatly fear, lest what I wash clean, thou mayest make as black as a coal is

3. Mor. We are admonished by this tale, to walk with blameless persons; we are admonished, to avoid the company of wicked men, as a plague.

4. Company, saith Campanus, draws men; and acquaintance also screw­eth into mens behaviour; and every one becometh just such, as they with whom he converseth.

54. Of the Fowler and the Ring-dove.

1. A Fowler went a birding; he seeth a Ring [...] dove a great way off, making her nest in a very high tree; he makes haste: Lastly, he lays wait to hit her; he treads upon a snake with his heel.

2. He stung him.

3. He being affrighted with the sudden harm, saith, Woe is me, poor man! whilst I lye in wait to deceive another, I my self am utterly undone.

4. Mor. This little tale signifieth, that they are sometimes beguiled by their own crafts, who attempt alteration in a State.

55. Of a Trumpeter.

1. A Trumpeter was taken by the Enemies, and led away.

2. He trembled, and besought them to spare a harmless person: He said that he, for as much as he never bare any arms, except a Trumpet, could not indeed kill a man, much less would he.

3. They on the contrary spake roughly against him, both with a cruel muttering and blows.

[Page 42] 4. Thou Rogue, thou hadst as good say nothing; thou doest hurt most of all, and thou shalt now be hanged here: because whereas thou (as thou confeffest) art unskilled in military affairs, thou stirrest up, and settest on other mens courage.

5. Mor. Some offend most grievously who advise Princes, that are otherwise prone enough to mischief, to do unjustly, and do buz into their ears some such words as these.

6. What do you make any question? Have you forgot that you are a Prince? May not you do what you list? You are greater than the Law: The name of a Law-breaker can scarce light upon you, who do bear sway even over the Laws themselves.

7. Your Subjects have nothing which is not yours. You are able both to save and to destroy. It is lawful for you, to make him wealthier, or more honourable, whom you think good. It is lawful for you to take away his wealth and honour when you please.

8. Some things condemn or commend other men: Every thing will be very commendable for you.

56. Of the Wolf and the Dog.

1. A Wolf meets a Dog, as it chanced, in the wood, before it was light; he asketh him how he doth, he is glad to meet him: and at the last asketh him how he came to be slick.

2. To whom he said, my Masters care hath done this: for my Master cherisheth me, when I fawn upon him, I am fed from my Masters most fine Table, I never use to sleep in the open air; and besides, it cannot be said how all the family make much of me.

3. Truly saith the Wolf, thou art very happy, Dog! that hast light upon such a kind and gentle Master, with whom, O I could wish too, that I might dwell; then no living Creature in the World should be more happy than I.

4. The Dog, seeing the Wolf to be very desirous of a new condition, pro­miseth that he would bring it about, that he should find some respect from his Master, so he would but abate some of his old fierceness, and undergo service:

5. He is resolved; It pleased the Wolf to walk along to the farm-house: they have a great deal of very pleasant discourse upon the way.

6. And afterward when it grew light, the Wolf espying the Dogs neck worn bare, said, O Dog, what ails that neck of thine, with the hair all off it?

7. I used, said he, being somewhat fierce, to bark at, and sometimes to bite strangers as well as friends: and my Master, not enduring that, did often beat me, forbiding me withal to set upon any but a Thief or a Wolf.

8. I am overmastered and made more mild, by being thus beaten, and I have kept this mark of my inbred churlishness.

9. The Wolf, when he heard this, saith, I will not buy thy Masters friend­ship at such a rate.

10. Therefore farewell, Dog, with that slavery of thine: my own liberty is better for me.

11. Mor. It is more desirable to be master in a mean cottage, and to eat brown bread, than to enjoy dainty cheer in a stately palace, and to be liable to danger, and live in fear.

12. For liberty is banished out of a great house, where wrong must be taken and passed over in silence.

57. Of the Husband-Man and the Dogs.

1. A Husbandman after he had wintred a good many days in the Country, began at the last to want necessaries; he killed his sheep, and after a while his she goats: and last of all, he kills his oxen too, that he might have something wherewithal to maintain his body, that was almost fa­mished.

2. When the Dogs saw that, they resolved to save themselves by run­ning away; for they should live no longer, seeing their Master did not so much as spare the Oxen, whose labour he made use of in doing his Coun­try-work.

3. Mor. Have a care into what house you put your self for wages.

4. Some Masters are very unkind.

5. For many now a days are grown so mad, that they are ready to kill even their servants, for any misfortune, harm or damage.

58. Of the Fox and the Lyon.

1. A Fox, which was not used to the Lions fierceness, having by chance seen that Living Creature once or twice, did tremble and run away.

2. As soon as ever the Lion came and met him the third time, the Fox was so far from fearing any thing, that he went boldly to him, and saluted him.

3. Mor. Use makes us all more bold, even towards them whom we durst scarce look at before.

59. Of the Fox and the Eagle.

1. A Fox's Cub ran abroad; being caught by an Eagle, it calls to its dam to help it.

2. She runs, and intreats the Eagle, that he would let go her Cub, being taken prisoner.

3. The Eagle having got a prey, flieth to her young ones.

4. The Fox pursueth her with a fire stick which she snatcht up, as though she would burn down her strong hold.

5. As soon as ever she had climbed up the tree, she saith, and now then defend thy self and young ones if thou canst.

6. The Eagle trembling whilst she feared her house burning, said Spare me and my young ones, and I will restore whatever I have of thine.

7. Mor. By the Eagle understand men of a powerful and daring Spirit, by the Fox understand poor folks, whom rich folks endeavour all alike, to cavil with, and revile:

8. But, seeing the Pismires also have their spleen, those weak people sometimes do handsomly revenge a wrong which they have received.

60. Of the Husband-man and the Stork.

1. WHen the cranes and geese ate up the sown Corn, the Country man set a snare for them: the Cranes were taken, and the Geese were taken, and a stork also was taken.

[Page 46] 2. She beg'd hard for her self, crying out, that she was one that did no [...] hurt, and was neither crane nor goose, but the best of all birds, because she used always to do all that ever she could for her father, and to maint ai [...] him when he was very aged.

3. None of these things, quoth he, are unknown to me; but, forasmuch as we have taken thee with them that did hurt, thou shalt die likewise with them

4. Mor. He that committeth a naughty fact, and he that keepeth com­pany with them that are naught, are punished both alike.

61. Of the Cock and the Cat.

1. A Cat came to eat up a Cock; and having not reason enough to do him hurt, he begins to accuse the Cock, saying. That he was a bird that troubled others with his noise, because he wak'd men when they were asleep in the night, with such a shrill voice.

2. He said, he was innocent, seeing he thus called up men to their work.

3. The Cat in the mean time spake earnestly against him; Thou Villain, thou hadst as good do nothing; thou liest with thy mother, and dost not refrain from thy sister.

4. When the Cock endeavoured to clear himself of that too, the Cat going on still in a rage, saith, Neither shall this avail any thing; I will pull thee all in pieces to day.

5. Mor. William Gauden saith, It is an old saying, One may quickly find a stick to beat a dog withal.

6. A naughty man, if he list, will undo you, whether by right or wrong.

62. Of the Shepherd and the Husband-men.

1. A Boy kept sheep in an open meadow; and when he cryed out in jest many times, that the Wolf was there, he raised the husbandmen on all sides.

2. Whilst they, having been too often made fools of, do not come to help him, when he craved their aid in good [...]rnest, the sheep became a prey to the Wolf.

3. Mor. If any one be used to lie, he will scarcely be believed, if at any time he shall begin to tell the truth.

4. That jest in Horace, in the seventeenth Epistle of his first Book concerning Planus the jester, is very like the foregoing Apologue.

5. He that was once befool'd, will not assay.

63. Of the Eagle and the Crow.

1. AN Eagle flyeth down from a very high rock. upon the back of a Lamb▪

2. The Crow seeing that, thinks it fine sport, like an ape, to imitate th [...] [Page 48] Eagle; he lets himself down upon a ram's fleece; being let down, he is made fast by the feet; being fastned by the feet, he is caught: being caught he is thrown to the boys.

3. Mor. Let every one esteem himself, not by others, hut his own worth.

4. Take measure of thy self by thy own foot, saith Horace.

5. Desire that, and attempt that, which thou art able to perform.

64. Of the Envious Dog and the Ox.

1. A Dog lay in a rack of Hay.

2. An Ox came to eat.

3. The Dog rousing himself up, hindred him.

4. The Ox saith, a mischief on thee, with that envy of thine, who neither dost eat the hay thy self, nor sufferest me to eat.

5. Mor. A great many are of that disposition, that they envy to another that which they cannot attain to for want of understanding.

65. Of the Jack-Daw and the Sheep.

1. A Jack-daw chattered upon a Sheeps back.

2. The Sheep said, if thou shouldst so chatter to a dog, thou shouldst have some mischief done thee.

3. But the Jack daw said, I know over whom I insult; I am troublesome to them that are quietly disposed, and friendly to them that are fierce.

4. Mor. Bad men are always ready to contest with a weak and honest man.

5. Every one that is most innocent, is dashed against the ground, but no body crieth out against a mischievous and hasty man, in his own hearing.

66. Of the Peacock and the Nightingale.

1. THe Peacock complaineth to Juno, the sister and wife of great Jupiter. that the Nightingale sang sweetly, but that she was laughed at by every body, for her hoarse squawling.

2. To whom Juno made answer, Every one hath his gift from god: the Nightingale far exceedeth in singing, and thou in feat hers: It becometh every one to be content with his own lot.

3. Mor. Let us thankfully accept what God hath given us, and not seek greater matters.

4. God doth nothing rashly.

67. Of the old Weesel and the Mice.

1. A Weesel, wanting strength by reason of his old age, was not now able to follow after the mice, so as he was used to do: he begins to devise a cunning trick, he hides himself in an heap of meal, thus hoping, that he might hunt without any labour.

2. The mice run to him, and whilst they have a mind to eat the meal, th [...]y are all every one devoured by the Weesel.

3. Mor. Where one is destitute of strength, he hath need of wit.

4. Lysander the Lacedemonian, was ever and anon wont to say, that the Fox's [Page 50] fur was to be eked to that, where the Lions skin would not reach.

5. Which you may express more clearly thus, where down-right dealing cannot prevail, sleight must be used.

68. Of the Country-man and the Apple-tree.

1. A Country-man every year got very well relisht Apples off an Apple-tree, which he had in a Close hard by: he presented the choicest to his Master, that was a Citizen: who being taken with the incredible sweetness of the apples, removed the apple-tree at last to his own home.

2. The tree being very old, withered all on a suddain; and there the ap­ples, as well as the apple-tree, were lost.

3. Which when it was told the Master of the house, he said, Alas, it is an hard matter to remove an old tree; it had been enough, and too much (if I had known how to bridle mine appetite) to pluck the fruit from the boughs.

4. Mantuan hath thus expressed this little tale in verse.

5. Mor. Such men are fools, that are too wise,

69. Of the Lyon and the Frog.

1. A Lyon thought he heard a noise; he started at it; he stood still, not with­out trembling, expecting some great matter.

2. At the last, a little Frog came out of the water.

3. The Lyon having laid aside his fear, made hast, and trode the little beast under his feet.

4. Mor. This little tale forbiddeth vain fears, as doth that tale concern­ing the labour of the Mountains, translated by William Gaudane.

70. Of the Pismire.

1. A Pismire being thirsty, comes to a spring to drink; she falls by chance into the spring-well, a Pigeon helps her a good way off, by throwing a bough out of the tree; the Pismire getting upon the bough is saved.

2. A Fowler comes, that he might catch the Pigeon; the Pismire doth not suffer him; she bites the Fowler by the foot, and the Pigeon flies away.

3. Mor. This fable teacheth us very well, that we must requite courtesies done to us.

71. Of the Peacock and the Magpy.

1. WHen the Nation of the birds roved up and down at their own liberty, they wished they might have a King given them.

2. The Peacock thought himself as worthy as the best to be chosen, because he was the fairest.

3. When he was chosen to be King the Magpy saith, O King, if the Eagle begin stoutly to pursue us, as she is wont, whilst you reign, how will you drive her away? How will you do to save us?

4. Mor. The shape is not so much to be looked at in a Prince, as the strength of body: He hath need of discretion.

72. Of the Sick-man and the Physician.

1. A Physician had a sick man in cure, but he died at the last.

2 Then saith the Physician to his kinsfolks, This man died through intemperance.

3. Mor. Ʋnless one leave drinking and Venery betimes, he shall either never come to be old, or have but a very short old age.

73. Of the Lyon and others.

1. THe Lyon, the Ass and the Fox go on hunting: good store of game is taken, and being taken it is ordered to be divided.

2. As the Ass laid several shares out for every one, the Lyon roared, he takes the Ass and pulls him in pieces.

3. Afterwards, he bids the Fox do it: who being more crafty, when he had hardly reserved the least share for himself, having laid aside the best piece by far for the Lyon, the Lyon asked him, who had taught him thus to do?

4. To whom he said, the ruine of him hath taught me, pointing at the dead Ass.

Mor. He's happy who takes heed by others harms.

74. Of the Kid and the Wolf.

1. A Kid peeping out at a window, did dare to revile a Wolf, as he pas­sed by.

2. To whom the Wolf said, Thou Villain, it is not thou that revilest me, but the place.

3. Mor. Both time and place do ever add confidence to a man.

75. Of the Ass.

1. AN Ass complaining of the Gardiner's cruelty, intreated Jupiter, that he might have another Master given him.

2. Jupiter heard the Ass's prayers, and gives him a Brick-layer, with whom when he carried bricks, and heavier loads on his back, he came again to Jupiter, and intreated one might be given him that was more mild.

3. Jupiter laughed at him.

4. Yet he never gave over urging, and intreating so far, till he made him do it

[Page 54] 5. He gives him a tanner; whom when the Ass knew throughly, he said, Wo is me poor wretch, who, whilst I am content with no master, have light up­on him, who (as far as I guess) will not spare my very skin.

6. Mor. We always condemn things present, and desire new things, which (as the Proverb goes) are not better than the old.

76. Of the old Woman and the Maids.

1. AN old woman had a great many maids at home, whom she call [...]d up to their work every day, before it begun to be light, at the crowing of a cock, which she kept at her house.

2. The maids being vex'd at last, with the wearisomness of their daily business, cut off the cock's head, hoping that now he was killed, they should sleep till noon, but this hope failed the poor girls.

3. For their Mistress, as soon as she knew that the Cock was killed, bad then to rise at midnight ever after.

4. Mor. Many, whilst they strive to shun a great evil, fall into anoth [...] quite contrary.

5. It is a very common saying:

77. Of the Ass and the Horse.

1. THe Ass thought the Horse was happy, because he was fat and lived [...] idlene's, But he said that himself was unhappy, because he was lea [...] and hide-bound, and made use of every day by an harsh Master, to carry load▪

2. Not long after they cryed to arms.

3. Then the Horse.

4. The Ass, when he saw this, gave god many thanks, that he had [...] made him an Horse, but an Ass.

5. Mor. They are miserable, whom the common sort judge happy: a many are happy, that think themselves very miserable.

6. The Cobler saith, the King is happy whom he seeth to have all thi [...] at his will; not considering about what matters and cares he is distract [...] whilst himself in the mean time sings with his honest poverty.

78. Of the Lyon and the she-Goat.

1. A Lyon having by chance espyed a she-Goat walking on a very [...] rock, advised her that she would come down rather into the gr [...] meadow.

2. The Goat said, I should do so perhaps, if thou wert away: who not [...] persuade me, that I should take any pleasure thereby, but that thou [...] have something to devour, being ready to starve for hunger.

3. Mor. Trust not all men.

4. For, some do not advise for thee, but for themselves.

79. Of the Vulture and other Birds.

1. THe Vulture maketh as though she would keep her birth-day every year; she invites the little Birds to the Feast.

2. They almost all come: she entertains them when they come with great tokens of joy and respect: but the vulture teareth them in pieces, after they were entertained.

3. Mor. All are not friends that speak one fair, or say, that they are willing to do one a courtesie.

5. Hereupon saith Ovid.

Oft under hony, sweetest poisons lurk.

80. Of the Geese.

1. THe geese spoiled the ground with the Cranes; which when they were heard the Country folks rose presently upon them.

2. The Cranes as soon as they espied the Country-folks, flew away, but the Geese were caught, which being hindred with the weight of their body could not get away.

Mor. When a City is taken by the enemies, a poor man easily gets away; but a rich man being taken prisoner is made a slave.

In time of war riches are rather a burden than of any use.

81. Of Jupiter and the Ape.

1. WHen Jupiter had a great mind to know, what mortal Wights had the prettiest young ones, he gave order, that whatever living Creatures there were any where, they should be called together.

2. They flock to Jupiter from all parts.

3. All sorts of birds and beasts were now there; amongst which when the Ape also came, carrying her ill-favoured cubs in her arms, none could forbear laughing: nay more, Jupiter himself laughed very excessively.

4. Then by and by, quoth the Ape herself, Yea Jupiter also our Judge knoweth, that my young ones do quite out-strip all as many as be here.

5. Mor. Every one thinks his own the fairest, as the proverb saith.

9. And elsewhere in Theocritus, in his Eidyls.

What is not fair, so to the lover seems.

82. Of the Oak and the Reed.

1. THe Oak being ence full of disdain and insolency too, set upon the Reed, saying, If now thou hast any mettle in thee come on and fight, that the end of us two may shew whether is the stronger.

The Reed, nothing wondering at such great bragging of the Oak, and idle vaunting of his valour, answered thus, I will not now [...]ight, neither am I sorry for my condition.

3. For although I be moveable to every side yet I overcome the shrill storms: But thou, if once King Aeolus should let out the winds that struggle in a vast cave, wilt fall down together-ward, and then I shall laugh at thee.

4. Mor. This fable sheweth, that they are not alwaies the most valiant [Page 58] who (even unprovoked by any injury) do insult over others.

83. Of the Fisherman and the little Fish.

1. A Fisherman having thrown a baited hook into the water, pulled out a little Fish.

2. The prisoner intreated and besought him, that he would let him, being but a very small one, go away, and grow to its full growth, that he might have him afterwards when he was bigger.

3. The Fisher said, I will not buy the Pig in the Poke: because I was always of that disposition, that I choose to get whatever I can for the present.

4. Mor, This little fable admonisheth us, that we should not at any time forgo things certain, for the hope of things uncertain.

5. For what is more fond, than, as it is in Tully, to have uncertain things instead of certain?

84. Of the Pismire and the Grashopper.

1. WHen winter drew near, the Pismire hurried corn into the barn floor In the Sun-shine.

2. The Grashopper seeing that, she ran to her and beg'd a Grain.

3. The Pismire said, why dost not thou also by my example, hurry what thou canst in Summer, and add to the heap?

4. She answered that she spent that time in singing.

5. The Pismire smiling said, If thou usest to sing in Summer, thou art worthy to starve now.

6. Mor. We are put in mind by this little fable, whilst yet we have strength of body, to get those things, whereby our feeble old age may be maintained.

85. Of the Lyon and the Bull.

1. A Bull fled from a Lyon, and light upon an He-goat: he made at him with his horns and frowning look.

2. To whom the Bull, being exceeding angry, said, thy sower countenance doth not affright me, but I am afraid of an huge Lyon: who if he were not just behind me, thou shouldst know now, that it is no such small matter to fight with a Bull, and the Blood to follow from my wound.

3. Mor. We must not add calamity to them that are in calamity.

4. He is sufficiently miserable, that is once miserable.

86. Of the Nurse and the Wolf.

1. A Nurse threatned a boy that cryed, that he should be given to the Wolf, unless he held his peace.

2. The wolf by chance heard it, and tarried at the door in hope of meat.

3. At the least, the Boy grew still, as sleep came upon him.

4. The Wolf go [...]th back into the wood, fasting and empty.

5. The Fox asketh him, where his prey is?

6. The Wolf sighed, and said, I was beguiled: a Nurse threatned to throw away a Boy that cried; but she deceived me.

[Page 60] 7. Mor. Credit is not to be given to a woman.

87. Of the Tortoise and the Eagle.

1. THe Tortoise was grown weary of creeping.

If any one would lift her up into the skie, she promiseth him orient pearls.

3. The Eagle took her up.

4. He demands his reward.

5. He pinched her with his tall [...]ns, because she had nothing.

6. Thus the Tortoise, which coveted to see the stars; lost her life among stars.

7. Mor. Be content with thy condition.

8. There have been some, who if they had remained low, might have been safe; but being set up aloft have come into danger.

88. Of the Crab-fishes, the Old one and the Young one.

1. THe dam adviseth the Crabfish that went backward, that he would go forward.

2. The Young one answered, Mother go before and I will follow.

3. Mor. Blame no body for a fault, for which thou maist be blamed thy self.

89. Of the Sun and the North-wind.

1. THe Sun and the North-wind try, whether was stronger.

2. They agreed to try their strength upon a traveller, that he should bear the bell away, that could make his cloak fall off.

3. The North-wind sets upon the Traveller with an horrible roaring storm; but he makes no stay, but doubles his Cloak about him and went on.

4. The Sun takes strength, which, when the storm was overcome by little and little; casteth forth gleams.

5. The Traveller begins to wax hot, to sweat, to puff and blow.

6. At the last, not being able to go forward he stands to take the cool air and having cast off his Cloak he sits him down under a tree full of l [...]aves: and so the Sun got the victory.

7. Mor. Be sure to have a care, with whom thou strivest.

8. For although thou beest strong, yet perhaps there is another stronger than hee; or if not stronger, yet more cunning, so as by his policy he can overcome [...]hy strength.

90. Of the Ass.

1. AN Ass comes into a wood, and finds a Lyon's skin; with which being clad he goes back into the pastures, and affrights the flocks and herds, and [...]ak's them run away.

2. He that had lost him comes, and looks up and down for his Ass.

3. The Ass, as soon as he saw his Master, runs to meet him; nay rather, he [...]uns upon him with his roaring.

4 But his Master having caught hold of his cars, that stood out, said, My [...]tle Ass, though thou deceivest others, yet I know thee very well.

[Page 62] 5. Mor. Do not make folks believe that thou art, what thou art not: make them not believe that thou art learned, when thou art unlearned: do not brag that thou art rich and noble, when thou art beggarly and base.

6. For, when the truth is found out thou wilt be laughed at.

91. Of the Frog and the Fox.

1. THe Frog went out of the marsh, and professed Physick in the woods, a­mongst the wild beasts.

2. She said, she would neither yield to Hippocrates nor Galen.

3. When others believed her, the Fox stouted her.

4. Shall she, quoth he, be accounted skilful in Physick, that hath such a pale look?

5. But let her cure her s [...]lf.

6. And thus the Fox jeered her; for the frog hath a face of a wan colour.

7. Mor. It is a point of folly, and a ridiculous thing, to prof [...]ss that which thou knowest not.

92. Of the Dog that would bite.

1. HIs Master tied a little bell to a dog that bit folks ever and anon, that every one might look to himself.

2. The Dog supposing, that his honour was given for his virtue, scorned those about him.

3. There comes to this dog, one that was grave in years and reputation, advising him, that he would not mistake himself; For that bell, saith he, is given thee for a disgrace, not a grace.

4. Mor. A bragging fellow somtimes thinks that is for his commendation, which is for his discommendation.

93. Of the Camel.

1. A Camel being ashamed of himself, complained, that the bulls went brave with their two horns, but that he was exposed without defence, to other beasts.

2. He intreats Jupiter to bestow horns on him.

3. Jupiter laughs at the folly of the Camel, and doth not only deny his desire, but also crops his ears.

5. Mor. Let every one be content with his fortune.

6. For, many having pursued a better fortune have come by the worse.

94. Of two Friends and a Bear.

1. TWo friends make a journey: and a Bear meets them on the road.

2. The one having got into a tree, avoids the danger; the other, when there was no hope of escape, laid himself flat on the ground.

3. The great beast comes to him, and feels him, and searcheth at his mouth and his ears

4. When the man held his breath and motion, the bear, which spares dead folks, supposing it was a dead corps, goeth his way without doing him any hurt.

5. When his fellow asked him afterwards, what the beast rounded him in his [Page 64] ear, as he lay, he said, he advised him this, That he should never go a journey with such like friends.

6. Mor. Truth is as rare a bird as the Black Swan.

7. Adversity and perils shew a true friend.

95. Of the bald Knight.

1. A Bald Knight had fastened a perewig to his cap.

2. He came into the plain field, when a sharp North-wind blew; and when he did not well heed his periwig, his baldness appeared on a suddain.

3. The company about him set up a laughter, and he laughed himself also.

4. What strange matter is it quoth he, for other mens hair to flie off, when those that were my own have faln off long ago?

5. Mor. The Knight did prettily, who was not angry, but laughed at them that laughed at him.

6. And Socrates when he had got a box on the ear, in the Market, an­swered on this fashion. That it was a vexation, that men did not know, when they should come abroad with an head-piece.

96. Of the two Pots.

1. TWo Pots stood upon the bank-side, the one was an earthen one, and the a brass one, and the force of the River took them both away.

2. The brass one answered the earthen one, that feared a knocking together, that it should not fear any thing; for it self would take care sufficient, that they might not be knocked together.

3. Then the other said, Whether the stream dash me against thee or thee a­gainst me, both will be done to my peril.

Wherefore I am resolved to get farther from thee.

5. Mor. It is better to live with an equal companion, than with a mightier.

6. For thou maist be in danger of a mightier man, and not he of thee.

97. Of the Country-man and Fortune.

1. A Country man when he was at plow, found a pot of money in a furrow, he thanked the earth that had afforded him it.

2. When fortune saw that no honour was given to her, she said thus with her self:

3. When the treasure is found, the blockish fellow is not thankful unto me, but when the same treasure is afterwards lest, he will solicit me more than all with his prayers and cries.

4. Mor. When we have received a good turn, let us be thankful to him that hath done us a pleasure.

5. For ingratitude is worthy to be deprived even of a benefit, which it hath but lately received.

98. Of the Bull and the he-Goat.

1. A Bull fl [...]d from a Lyon: he came to a Cave seeking a place to lie hid in.

2. An he-goat that was within, push'd at him as he went in, with his horns▪

3. Then the bull roared out these expressions, thou indeed d [...]st push at me, now [Page 66] that I fly; but if he shall go away whom I flee from, thou shalt then understand, how much an he-goat differeth from a bull's strength.

4. Mor. The he-goat, is one that knoweth not, that poor folks must be holpen, or at least not hurt.

5. For whosoever shall not refrain from wronging poor folks, if, as fortune is mutable, poor folks come again to be happy, he shall cer­tainly be sorry, that he hath harmed poor folks.

99. Of the Ape and its Young.

1. JUpiter had commanded all living Creatures to appear in his sight, being to judge whose young was the fairest.

2. The wild beasts hasten, the birds flie, and the fish also swim to the contest.

3. The Ape comes in haste, the last of all, drayling her young one with her.

4. At the ugly buttocks of which young, when every one laughed, she said thus, Let him win whom Jupiter shall like best; yet for all that, in my judgment, this Cub of mine is a pretty one, and ought to be pre­ferred before all others young ones.

5. At this saying even Jupiter himself smiled.

6. Mor. Both we and our own things like our selves.

7. But let other men judge concerning us, and our doings, lest if we our selves judge, we be laughed at as the Ape was.

100. Of the Peacock and the Crane.

1. THE Peacock and the Crane supped together.

2. The Peacock vaunted of her self, shewed her tail, and scorneth the Crane.

3. The Crane confesseth, the Peacock had fine feathers; but that she her self cuts through the clouds with her stout flight, whilst the Pea­cock has much adoe to flie over a house.

4. Mor. Let no man despise another.

5. Every one hath his portion, every one hath his vertue.

6. He that wanteth thy vertue, perhaps hath that which thou wantest.

101. Of the Oak and the Reed.

1. THE Oak being broken down by a strong South-wind, was thrown into a river; and, as it swum, stuck by chance with his boughs upon a Reed.

2. It wonders, that the Reed stood safe in such a whirlwind.

3. It made answer, That she was safe by yielding and giving way; that she bended at the South-wind, and North-wind, and every blast.

4. And that it was no wonder, that the Oak-fell down, which desired not to yield but to resist.

5. Mor. Resist not a more powerfull man, but overcome him by yield­ing and suffering.

6. Which the most elegant Poet Virgil expresseth neatly.

102. Of the Tyger and the Fox.

1. A Hunter darted at wild beasts.

2. The Tyger bids all wild Beasts stand away, and said, that she onely would make an end of the war.

3. The Hunter darteth on.

4. The Tyger is forthwith wounded.

5. The Fox asked her, as she fled out of the battle, and drew out the dart, Who had so much wounded a lusty beast?

6. She made answer, That she did not know the causer of her wound; but that she guessed by the greatness of the wound that it was some Man.

7. Mor. Stout men are for the most part rash; but skill overcometh force, and with strength.

103. Of the Bulls, and the Lyon.

1. THere were four Bulls that resolved to live and die one with another.

2. A Lyon espyed them feeding together, and although he was hungry, yet, he was afraid to set upon them all together.

3. First, he laboured by cunning words to part them; and then he tears them in pieces being parted.

4. Mor. Nothing is more strong than concord: discord maketh even strong men weak.

104. Of the Fir-tree and the Brambles.

1. THE Fir-tree is reported, to have once despised the Brambles; it brags that it was tall, was placed in buildings, and that it stood in ships with a sail; but that the brambles were low and base, and fit for no service at all.

2. Whose answer was on this manner, Thou Fir-tree, for s [...]oth, dost glory in thine own good things, and dost insult in our ills.

3. But thou dost not relate thine own ills, and thou omittest our good things.

4. When thou art cut down with a sounding ax, O how thou couldst then wish, thou wert like us that are secure.

5. Mor. Both high fortune hath its evil, and low fortune its good things.

6. That I may say nothing else, this is secure and safe; but that is neither without fear, nor without dangen.

7. Horace sings in his Lyrick verses,

105. Of the Fisher and the little Fish.

1. A Little fish being pull'd out with a hook intreats the fisher, that he would let it escape.

2. It said it was but newly spawned by its dam, and that it should not do much good at a table, seeing it was but yet a very small one: If he would let it go, it would come again afterwards of its own mind to his hook, when it was a good big one.

3. The fisher said, He would not forgo a certain booty though it was but a very little one.

[Page 70] 4. What I have, quoth he, I know; what I may have I know not: I will not forgo a bird in the hand for two in the wood.

5. Mor. A thing certain is better than an uncertain; a thing present is better than that which is to come: although sometimes a small pro­fit being let go hath brought a great one.

106. Of the Bird and her young Ones.

1. A Bird advised her young ones, being laid in standing corn, that they would be sure to mind, if any thing was spoken concern­ing the season [or reaping time] whilst she was away.

2. The young ones being sad, told the dam, when she came back again from feeding, that the Landlord had let that work to his neighbours.

3. She made answer, that there was no danger.

4. Likewise on another day, being in a fright, they told her, that his friends were intreated to come and reap.

5. She bids them again be quiet.

6. The third time, as soon as ever she heard that the Landlord and his Son were resolved, the next morning to begin to shear; Now, quoth she, it is time for us to get away.

7. I did not fear the neighbours and friends, because I knew they were not like to come.

8. But I fear the Landlord, for he hath a care of the business.

9. Mor. The most of us are slothfull in other mens business: but, if thou would'st have any thing well looked to, put it not over to an­other, but look to it thy self.

107. Of the Covetous and the Envious man.

1. TWo men prayed to Jupiter, a covetous man, and an envious man.

2. Jupiter sends Apollo to satisfie their desires: he grants them both liberty to wish what they would, on this condition, that what thing soever the one requested, the other should receive it double.

3. The covetous man makes a stand a great while, because he thinks nothing will be enough.

4. At the last, he asked a many things, and his fellow received double.

5. Now then, the envious man desired this, That he himself might lose one of his eyes, being glad that his fellow should be punished with the loss of both.

6. Mor. What can satisfie Covetousness?

7. But nothing is madder than envy, which, so that it may hurt an­other, wisheth it self a mischief.

108. Of the Lyon and the she-Goat.

1. A Lyon saw a she-Goat hanging upon a rock full of brambles.

2. He persuades her to come down, to crop the thyme, and the willows in the plain ground.

3. The she-goat refuseth to come down, making a loud answer, that his words indeed were not ill, but his mind was full of knavery.

4. Mor. Consider who persuades you to any thing.

5. Many persuade thee to things that are good, not for thee, but for themselves.

109. Of the Crow and the Pitcher.

1. A Thirsty Crow found a Pitcher of water; but the pitcher was too deep for the Crow to reach to the water.

2. He strives to pour out the pitcher, but he was not able to doe it.

3. Then he puts in pebble stones, which he gathered out of the Sand: and by this means the water is raised, and the Crow drinks.

4. Mor. Sometimes thou shalt doe that by wisdom and advice, that thou canst not doe by force.

110. Of the Lyon and the Hunter.

1. A Lyon wrangleth with an Hunter.

2. He preferreth his own strength beyond a mans strength.

3. After long disputes, the Hunter brings the Lyon to a stately Tomb, wherein a Lyon was engraven, laying his head upon a mans knee.

4. The beast said, that was not evidence enough.

5. For he said, Men engrave what they list: but if Lyons also were crafts-masters, a Man should be engrauen under the Lyons feet.

6. Mor. Every one as far as he can, both saith and doth what he thinketh may advantage his own party and cause.

111. Of the Boy and the Thief.

1. A Boy sat at a well weeping.

2. A thief asked him the cause of his weeping.

3. The boy said, that the rope was broken, and a pitcher of gold was fallen into the water.

4. The man stript himself, and leaped into the well and looked.

5. When he could not find the Vessel, he came up again, and could neither find the boy nor his coat there.

6. Because the boy had taken his coat, and run away.

7. Mor. They are deceived sometimes, that use to deceive others.

112. Of the Country-man and the Bullock.

1. A Country-man had a bullock that would neither abide tying nor yoking.

2. The man being somewhat cunning, cuts off the beasts horns, for he snag'd with his horns, then he yoked him, not to the wain, but to the plow, lest as he was wont, he should kick his Master.

3. He holds the plow himself, being glad that by his pains he had brought it to pass, that he could now be safe from his horns and hoofs.

4. But what became of it? the bullock every like resisting, fills the Country-mans head and face with sand, by scraping it abroad with his feet.

5. Mor. There are some so intractable, that they cannot be dealt withall by skill or any policy.

113. Of the Satyr and Traveller.

1. A Satyr, which was formerly accounted the god of the woods, taking pity of a Traveller, that was covered with the snow, and starved with cold, brought him into his cave and cherished him with a fire.

2. And as he blew his hands, he asked him the reason; who made answer, and said; That they may be warm.

3. Afterwards, when they were set down, the Traveller blew his fried barley; and being asked why he did it, he said, That it may be cold.

4. Then the Satyr presently casting out the Traveller, said, I will not have him to be in my Cave, that hath a mouth of so contrary tempers.

5. Mor. Take heed you live not with a double tongued man, and one that is a Prot [...]us in his talk.

114. Of the Boar and the Country-man.

1. THE Country-man cut off the ear of a Boar, that spoiled his corn.

2. He cut off the other ear of him, being found a second time.

3. He caught him when he came again, for all that; and then carried him, being caught, into the city, as intended for a dainty to his Lord.

4. Now when the beast was cut up at the table, the heart was not to be found.

5. When the Master chased, and asked the Cooks earnestly for it, the Baily answered; My Lord, it is no wonder that the heart is not to be found, I think the foolish boar never had any heart.

6. For, if he had had any heart, he would never have returned so often to my corn, to his own smart.

7. Thus said the Country-man.

8. But all the guests were ready to die with laughing, and set up a loud laughter at the folly of the Country-man.

9. Mor. Many mens life is so witless, that you may make a question, whether they haue a heart or not.

115. Of the Bull and the Mouse.

1. A Mouse had bitten a Bull by the foot, and run into her hole.

2. The Bull shakes his horns, and seeks for the enemy, but could not see him any where.

3. The mouse mocks him, and saith, Because thou art strong and big, thou must not therefore scorn every body.

4. Now a little mouse hath hurt thee, and that indeed without re­compence.

5. Mor. That proverb is thread bare, which I would express more significantly in our own tongue, Let no man be too heedless of his ene­my. In Latin thus: Nemo hostem suum flocci pendat.

116. Of the Country-man and Hercules.

1. A Country-mans waggon stuck fast in the deep clay.

2. He presently lay all along, and besought the god Hercules to help him.

3. A voice thundred from heaven; it saith, Thou feel, whip thy horses, & set [Page 76] thy shoulders to the wheels, and then call Hercules.

4. For then Hercules will come if he be called.

5. Mor. Idle wishes do no good, which verily God doth not heed. They say, Help thy self, and then God himself will help thee.

117. Of the Goose.

1. THere was a Goose which layed golden eggs, every day one.

2. The owner, that he might become rich on a sudden, killeth the goose, hoping that a treasure lay within her.

3. But when the goose was found empty, the poor man was amazed, and from thence forward sighed heavily, and took on, that both the thing and the hope of it, were lost.

4. Mor. Our desires are to be moderated. We must have a care, that we be not over hasty, or too greedy: for, both too much haste doth hurt, and he that seeketh for more than is fitting, doth oftentimes get nothing.

118. Of the Grashopper and the Pismire.

1. WHereas the Grashopper chirps all Summer, the Pismire is busie about her harvest; she hurrieth corns inter her hole, laying them up against winter.

2. When the winter grew sharp, the hunger starv'd Grashopper came to the Pismire and begged meat.

3. The Pismire refused to give her any, and told her, That she herself had taken pains whilst she sung.

4. Mor. He that is slothfull in youth shall want in old age; and he that doth not spare, shall beg in time to come.

119. Of the Ape and her two Cubs.

1. WHen as an Ape, as they say, hath brought forth two cubs, she lo­veth the one, and careth not for the other.

2. She had two at a litter, and when a fright came upon her, she, to avoid the danger, caught that which she loved, in her arms, which (as she ran away in haste) she dashed against a great stone, and killed.

3. But that which was not regarded, which stuck close on her rough back as she ran away, remained safe.

4. Mor. It often comes to pass, that parents are an occasion of mis­chief and danger to that son, whom they tenderly affect, through their too much indulgency: whilst he, whom they less affect, behaves himself gal­lantly and honestly.

120. Of the Ox and the Steer.

1. AN Ox being now grown ancient, drew the plow every day.

2. A Steer, that had never known labour, skippeth in the Neighbouring pastures, and at last insulteth over the fortune of his elder.

3. He vaunteth, That he never knew yoke or bands, that he was free and at ease: whereas the Ox had his neck worn bare with labour.

4. And again, That he was stick and in good case: whereas the Ox was rugged and lean.

[Page 78] 5. His elder at that time indeed said nothing to the contrary; but short­ly after he saw this skipper to be drawn to the Altars, and then he speaks to him in these words.

6. What is thy easie life come to?

7. That secure ease hath brought thee to the ax.

8. Now at the least way, as I suppose, thou dost rather persuade me to labour, which preserves me, than to ease, which hath now haled thee to the slaughter.

9. Mor. To order our life well, we had need of labour and watcbfulness.

10. But a slothfull person, and one that is given to pleasure, shall have that end of his things, which he would be loth to have.

121. Of the Dog and the Lyon.

1. THE dog meets a Lyon, and jeers him, saying, Why dost thou, poor wretch, being starved with hunger, run up and down the woods, and by-places?

2. Look upon me, that am fat, and well liking; and I get not these by labour but by ease.

3. Then the Lyon made answer, Thou indeed hast thy good fare; but thou fool, thou hast hands withall.

4. Be thou a slave, thou canst do like a slave; I indeed am free, and will not serve.

5. Mor. The Lyon answered gallantly; for Liberty is better than a­ny thing whatsoever.

122. Of the Fishes,

1. A Fresh-water fish was carried into the Sea by the force of the stream: where it bragging of its nobility, set light by all the Sea kind of fish.

2. The Seal could not endure this, but said, its Nobility should then be shewed, if it being caught with the Seal, should be carried with him to the market.

3. That he himself should be bought up by the Nobles, but is by the ordinary sort of people.

4. Mor. Many are so taken with a desire of glory, that they them­selves vaunt and brag of themselves.

5. But the commendation of his own mouth, is not accounted a com­mendation for a man, but it is entertained with the laughter of them that hear it.

123. Of the Libard and the Fox.

1. A Libard, that hath a speckled back, began to look big upon it; the other wild beasts, and the very Lyons being scorned by him.

2. A Fox comes to him, and persuades him not to be proud, saying, That he indeed had a gay skin, but himself had a gallant wit.

3. Mor. There is a difference and an order of good things.

4. The Goods of the body, excel the Goods of fortune; and it behoveth, that the Goods of the mind he preferred before them both.

124. Of the Fox and the she-Libard.

1. WHen the she-Libard once set light by a Fox, in comparison of her self, because she had a skin speckled with all kind of colou­red spots; the Fox made answer, That she her self had that comeliness in her mind, which she had in her skin.

2. Mor. And indeed it is much better to have a nimble wit, than a speckled skin.

125. Of the Fox and the Cat.

1. WHen once the Fox, in a discourse that she had with the Cat, brag­ged, that he had several shifts, so that he had e [...]en a budget full of tricks; the Cat answered, That she had but one shift only to rely upon, if any danger should be.

2. As they were talking, on a sudden, a cry was heard, of dogs co­ming towards them.

3. Then the Cat leap'd into a very high tree, whereas the Fox in the interim being surrounded with a kennel of Hounds, was catch't.

4. Mor. The fable implies, that one device is better sometimes, so that it be true and effectual, than many tricks and vain devices.

126. Of the King and the Apes.

1. A King of Aegypt taught some Apes, that they might perfectly learn how to dance.

2. For, as no living creature doth more resemble the shape of a man, so none else doth better, or more willingly, imitate mens actions.

3. Therefore after they were very well taught the art of dancing, they began to dance, being clad in purple ro [...]es, and disguised: and the show took very well a long time, till a conceited merry man, a­mong the spectators, threw nuts amongst them which he carried privately in his pocket.

4. Then presently the Apes, as soon as they had seen the nuts, having for­gotten the dance, began to be that which they were before: and ox a sudden from dancers▪ they returned to Apes: and having torn their visards and rent their Clothes, they scrambled one with another for the nuts, to the exceeding great laughter of the beholders.

5. Mor. This fable advertiseth us, that the ornaments of fortune, do not alter a neans disposition.

127. Of the Ass and the Travellers.

1. WHen two men by chance had found an Ass in the desart, they began to fall out betwixt themselves whether of them should lead him home as their own.

2. For he seemed to be offered by fortune to both alike.

3. In the mean time, whilst they wrangled about this matter one with another, the Ass got away, and neither of them enjoyed him.

4. Mor. Some men fall short of present advantage, which through their ignorance they know not how to make use of.

128. Of the Fishermen.

1. SOme fishermen having cast in their nets, haled out Tortoises.

2. When they had shared them amongst themselves, and were not able to eat them up all, they invited Mercury, as he chanced to come to them, to their chear.

3. But he, perceiving that he was not at all invited out of any good will, but that he might ease them from over glutting themselves with the meat, [...], and had them eat the Tortoises themselves, which they had aught.

[Page 82] 4. Mor. Some men after they have unadvisedly undertaken any thing, implore other mens a [...]d, whom they may engage in their own business.

129. Of the Ass.

1. AT Cumanum, an Ass, that was weary of his slavery, having bro­ken the bridle, had run away into a forest: He fitted a Lyons skin, which by chance he had found there, to his body, and so behaved himself instead of a Lyon; frighting both men and wild beasts with his voice and tail.

2. For the Cumani do not know a Lyon.

3. This disguised Ass therefore, bare sway a great while after this manner, being taken and feared for an huge Lyon; till a stranger go­ing to Cumae, (one who had oftentimes seen both a Lyon and an Ass, and therefore it was no hard matter for him to know him) found that it was an Ass by his loaf ears, and by some other signs, and brought him home, being soundly cudgeled; and restored him to his master, that owned him.

4. Now in the mean time, the Ass being already owned, made all the people of Cumanum laugh exceedingly, whom ere while▪ he being thought to be a Lyon, had almost frighted to death.

5. Mor. We cannot well hide those vices which have grown up with us, ever since we were children.

130. Of the Beetle and the Eagle.

1. A Beetle on a time, being slighted by an Eagle, began to think of taking revenge one way or other.

2. He searched diligently where the Eagle had built her nest; the Beetle crept to it, and threw down her eggs, with the like wile.

3. When the Eagle had of en changed her dwelling, and did no good, she went to Jupiter her Patron, and told him her misery.

4. He bids her lay her, eggs in his lap, which were like to be safe even in that place.

5. But the peevish Beetle crept hither also, by the welts and plaits of his cloaths, whilst Jupiter never felt it at all.

6. Afterwards, when Jupiter saw the eggs to be stirred, and did not well mind, being affrighted at the strangeness of the matter, he shaked his lap, and threw them on the ground.

7. Mor. This fable teacheth us, That no man, though he be never so little, is to be undervalued.

131. Of the Satyr and the Country-man.

1. A Satyr, when he was very cold, in an extraordinary great frost, was brought into his house and entertained by a Country-man.

2. And wondring why the man blew into his hands, which he held to his mouth, he asked him why he did so?

3. He made answer, That he might warm his cold hands, with the warmth of his breath.

4. After wards when, after a fire was made, and the Table furnish­ed, he blew again into his hot pottage; He wondring also the more at him, enquired of him what this might mean.

[Page 84] 5. That I might cool my pottage, quoth he, which is too hot, with my breath.

6. Then the Satyr rising from the table saith, What do I hear?

7. Dost thou blow both hot and cold too, out of the same mouth?

8. You shall pack.

9. For, I do not like to live in the same house with such a man.

10. Mor. Double tongued men are here set out, who sometimes com­mend, and sometimes discommend the same man.

132. Of the Lark and her young ones.

1. AESop, that Fabulist of Phrygia, was, for good reason, thought to be a wise man, because he did not severely and imperiously command and censure what were good to be advised and persuaded unto, as the Phi­losophers are wont to do, but, having feigned merry & delightfull tales, he brought into mens understandings & minds, things that were wholesom­ly and heedfully taken notice of, with a winning way of hearing.

2. At this little fable of his, concerning a little bird's little nest, doth prettily and pleasantly premonish, that the hope & confidence of business, which one may dispatch, is never to be put in another, but in ones self.

3. There is a little bird, quoth he, her name is a Lark, she lives and builds her nest in the standing corn, about the time almost that harvest is ready, her young ones being just then ready to flie.

4. That Lark as it fell out, was gone into a crop of corn, that was soo­ner ripe than ordinary; and therefore when the corn began to grow white, her young ones were not fledged.

5. Therefore when she went to seek meat for her young, she warned them, that they should take notice, if any new thing were there said or done, and that they should tell it her, when she came back again.

6. Afterwards the owner of that corn calls his son being a young man, and saith, Dost thou not see that these are ripe, and require hands now?

7. Therefore to morrow, as soon as it shall be light see thou go to our friends, and intreat them that they would come and lend us their pains, and help us in with this harvest.

8. When he had said these words, he went his way: and when the Lark came again her young ones quivering, made a noise about her, and intreated their dam that she would now make haste quickly and remove her self in­to another place.

9. For the owner, [...] they, hath sent his son to intreat his friends, that they would come by peep of day, and shear.

10. The dam bids them, not to fear any thing.

11. For if the owner, quoth she, hath put off his harvest to his friends, the corn will not be shorn to morrow; nor is there any great need, that I should take you away to day.

12. On the day after therefore, the dam flies abroad to get meat; th [...] Master tarries for them that he had intreated; the Sun groweth hot [...] and nothing is done, and there were no friends.

13. Then saith he again to his son, Those friends are for the most par [...] of them idle persons: but let us two go rather, and intreat our Cousins & kinsfolks, and neighbours, that they may come to morrow in time to shea [...] ▪

14. The young ones being affrighted told this in like manner to their dam [...] ▪

[Page 86] 15. The dam exhorts them that then also they would not fear, nor take any care; she saith, That no Cousins, or Kinsfolks almost, were so bane, as to make no delay to take a toyl upon them, and to do as they are bidden presently: Onely mind you, quoth she, if so be any thing be said again any further.

16. Another morning betimes, the bird went to feed, the cousins and kinsfolks forbear the pains, which they were intreated to afford.

17. At the last therefore the Master said to his Son, Let our friends & our kindred farewell, thou shalt bring two sickles, as soon as ever it is day, I my self will take one to me, and thou shalt take the other to thee, and we our selves will shear the corn to morrow with our own hands.

18. When the dam heard of her young ones, that the Master said that; she said, It is time to give place, and to be gone.

19. It will now without question be done, what he hath said shall be.

20. For now it resteth in him, whom the matter concerneth, not in another, of whom help is desired.

21. And so the Lark removed from her nest, and the corn was shorn by the owner of it.

22. Mor. This indeed is a Fable of Aesop's, touching the relying upon friends and near acquaintance which is for the most part light and vain.

23. But what else do the purer books of the Philosophers advise us, than that we should trust to our selves only; & that we should esteem all other things, which are without us, and without our mind, neither for ours, nor for us.

24. Ennius in his Satyrs, hath very wittily & handsomely comprised this tale of Aesop's, in well compacted verses: the two last whereof are these, which Iverily think it is worth the labour, to have in ones heart & memory.

25. Be sure this thing be always in thy thought; ‘What thou canst do, trust not thy friends for ought.’

133. Of the Birds and the Owl.

1. ALmost all the birds once went to the Owl, and intreated her, that hereafter she would not build in the false roofs of houses, but rather in the boughs of a tree, and amongst the green branches, for there she might more sweetly take the pleasure of the spring.

2. Moreover, they shewed her a little Oak, that was newly sprung up, and somewhat tender as yet; in which forsooth the Owl, as they said, might sometimes sit softly, and make her nest for her self.

3. But she said, she would not do it.

4. But, on the other side, she gave them counsel, that they should not trust themselves to that little tree.

5. For it would one time or other bring forth bird-lime, to wit, the very bane of birds.

6. They, as they are a light and flickering kind, scorned the counsel of a wise Owl.

7. Now the Oak was grown up, now it was spread, now it was full of green leaves.

8. Behold, there all the birds flutter by flocks in the boughs, they are merry, they hop up and down, they play together, and they chirp.

9. In the mean time, that Oak had brought forth bird-lime, and men had observed it; thereupon, all the poor birds alike, were entangled there on a sudden; and when it was too late, they repented themselves in vain, because they had scorned that whole some advice.

[Page 88] 10. And they say, this is the reason, why all the birds now, when they see the Owl, thronging about her do as it were compliment her, bring her along, follow her, sit about her, and flie about her.

11. For, remembring her advice, they now admire her as one that is wise, and stand round about her in a throng, that forsooth, they may once learn of her to be wise.

12. But I think to no purpose, nay indeed, also sometimes to their great harm.

13. For those ancient Owls were wise in good earnest; and now there are many Owls, which indeed have the feathers, and the eyes, and the beak of Owls, but they have not the wisdom.

14. Mor. This fable teacheth you, that you do not scorn the Counsel of him, that giveth you good advice.

134. Of the Gourd and the Pine-tree.

1. A Gourd was once sown near a Pine-tree, which was a very great one, and had broad boughs.

2. Now the Gourd, when it was grown big with many showers, and sea­sonableness of the weather, began to be wanton, and to reach out its boughs somewhat saucily.

3. Now it crept into the Pine, now it advanced to get up, now it adven­tured to wrap about the boughs and green branches, making shew of its greater leaves, its white flowers, and of its huge and fresh green fruits.

4. Therefore it grew so proud and insolent that it adventured to chal­lenge the Pine-tree, and saith, Thou seest how I out-go thee, how I excell in large leaves, how I excell in greenness, and straightway over-top thee.

5. Then the Pine, which was gravely wise and strong, did not at all wonder at the boldness of the saucy Gourd, but answered it thus.

6. I have here abode many winters, heats, sun burnings, and sundry calamities, and do yet remain sound.

7. Thou wilt have less presumption at the first frost nips, when both thy leaves shall fall down, and all thy greenness shall be gone.

8. Mor. We must not be proud in prosperity.

135. Of the Crow and the Wolves.

1. A Crow bears the Wolves company along steep tops of the high moun­tains: she desires that she might have a part of the prey, because having followed them she had at no time left them, and she had been a companion.

2. Afterwards she was shaken off by the Wolves, as having not followed them, but the prey and the meat; and was no less like to devour the in­wards of the Wolves, if they should be killed, than she did of other li­ving creatures.

3. Mor. We must not always look upon what we do, but how we stand affected when we do it.

136. Of the Earth's labour.

1. THE earth on a time being grown big▪ and wonderfully swoln, made shew, as if she would bring forth some great thing.

2. They that dwell near, run to her, the husbandmen stand amazed; they between hope and fear expect the earth's delivery.

3. Some thought, that that Typhoeus, with an hundred hands; others thought, that mountains were like to burst forth.

[Page 90] 4. The earth is opened, there came forth a Mouse; and they turned that into a laughter and a jest, which was thought would be a wonder to all.

5. Mor. We must not always believe gay promises.

137. Of the Members and the Belly.

1. MAns joynts, when they saw the belly idle, fell out with it, and denied it their help.

2. When they also by th [...] means fainted, they understood, that the belly divided the meat, which it had received throughout all the mem­bers; and they became friends with it again.

3. Mor. Great matters decay by discord, they avail by concord.

138. Of Arion and the Dolphin.

1. ARion was an ancient and famous Fidler.

2. He was of the place and town Methymna, and of th [...] Coun­try and Isle Lesbos.

3. Periander the King of Corinth esteemed that Arion as a friend, and loved him for his skill.

4. He travels thence from the King, to see the famous Countries Si­cily and Italy.

5. When he came thither, he pleased both the ears and the minds of all, in the Cities of both the Lands; and there the men prized him, took pleasure in him, and loved him.

6. He then afterwards, having gotten good store of money, and a good estate, resolved to return to Corinth.

7. He therefore chose a ship and mariners, that were Corinthians, as being better known, and more friends to him. But the Corinthians, after they had entertained that man, and the ship was carried into the deep, be­ing greedy of the booty and the money, took counsel about killing Arion.

8. Then he, when he understood the villany, [...]ave them his money, and his other things that they might have it; and intreated them that they would but spare his life.

9. The Mariners were so far moved with these prayers of his, that they forbare to kill him by force with their own hands; but commanded him to leap headlong presently into the sea before their faces.

10. The man being daunted at that, and all hope of life being lost, af­terwards intreated this one thing, that before he died, they would give him leave to put on his clothes, and to take his fiddle, and to sing a song of that his hap [...] which might be able to comfort him.

11. Then the wild and savage Seamen had a great desire to hear him.

12. He obtains what he had intreated.

13. And there presently, being girt after his manner, cloathed, made fine, and standing upon the hatches of the top of the stem, he sung the [...]ong which vs called Orthyum, with a very loud voice.

14. Towards the end of his song, he threw himself a good way into the deep, with his fiddle, and all his dressing, as he stood, and sung.

15. The Mariners, not making any other question, but that he had pe­rished, held on in the course which they had begun to make.

16. But a strange, and wonderfull, and loving act befell, a Dolphin on a sudden swam to him amongst the waves, and holding up his back above the w [...]ves, took him up, and carried him with his body and clothes safe to Taenarus, in the country of Laconia.

[Page 92] 17. Then Arion went quite from that place to Corinth, and offered him­self to King Periander, as he had been carried by the Dolphin, and told him the thing as it had happened.

18. The King did not believe it, but gave order, that Arion should be kept in prison, as if he deceived him: and in a dissembling manner asked the Seamen, being sought for, whilst Arion was kept close, whether they had heard any thing concerning Arion, in those places from whence they came.

19. They said the man was in Italy when they went thence, and did very well there, and that the Cities did much affect him, and delight in him, and that he was happy in their favour, and store of money.

20. Then whilst they speak these words, Arion slipt forth with his harp and cloaths, with which he had cast himself into the Sea.

21. The Mariners being astonished and convicted, could not deny.

22. Mor. This fable teacheth us that more pity is sometimes found in the brute creatures, than in those men, that, besides wealth, have no worth; besides shape, nothing of a man.

139. Of the Spider and the Gout.

1. THE Spider being somewhat more at leisure from weaving; wal­ked seasonably abroad to refresh her self.

2. The Gout offereth to meet her though she could very hardly overtake her by uneven strides.

3. After that days journey was pretty well passed, they were not far from a little town, which the Inhabitants of that Country called Tyche.

4. They took both a resolution, to seek out an host agreeable to their condition.

5. The Spider, without making much ado, goes to lodge in a rich man's house, there she hangs out her webs on every side, and spreads out her nets.

6. Presently there came, I know not what ugly faces, which pulled down her weavers shop.

7. Therefore her buildings were but for a little while, which way soever she turned her self.

8. For she could no where avoid the Grooms beesoms, that could espy a thing quickly.

9. She was in a very sad condition, which alone was vexed and troubled, amidst such plenty of all things.

10. But the Gout, like a poor beggar had at last with much ado, got leave to come into a poor mans cottage: when she had sat down in that place she endured all kind of miseries.

11. Coarse bread was set before her, when she had a mind to her supper, & a pot of water, when she could scarce gape, because her chaps were so drie.

12. A boarded bed was spread, not with green leaves, not with grass, but with small chaff for her that was weary with travel on the day time.

13. And it is not my purpose now to tell, how hardly such hard bed­ding, such coarse ruggs agreed with her soft members, with a skin (as I may say [...] of silk.

14. That stately Star therefore, which hears and sees all things, was scarce risen, when the Spider and the Gout met again together.

15. The Spider first tells the troubles of the night past, the changing of so many places, sometimes blaming the Master's neatness, and sometimes the overmuch observance of the Groom.

[Page 94] 16. The Gout, on the contrary, frameth many stories, concerning the poverty of her Host, nor hath she leasure to shew the Spider the blew marks, which the hard bed-stead had made in her tender skin.

17. They make a motion that the Spider ought thenceforward to en­ter into poor mens cottages, and the Gout into rich mens halls; they both willingly condescend to this opinion.

18. But yet, as it grew darker and darker, they drew near to a City.

19. The Gout not forgetting what was decreed upon, stole softly in­to the house of a certain monied man.

20. Who being, as good hap was, espied by the Master, O strange, with what kind respect, with what courtesie and with what comple­ments was she entertained!

21. Swan-down beds, and bolsters stuft with the underwing down of Partridges, were put and spread under her.

22. I forbear to speak of the Hypocras, the Alicant, the wine of Les­bos, and of Tarentum.

23. I forbear to speak of the Snap-figs, the Pheasants, and these small birds, which pride it with two colours.

24. In short, there was no delight, no pleasure, which she enjoyed not.

25. The Spider having entred into the poor mans cottage, weaves her webs; which way soever the wall lieth with open di­stances she hangs her nets.

26. She bestirs her self busily about her round fashioned work; she mends what was broken, she finishes what was begun: and, that I may speak briefly, she bears all the sway in the empty house.

27. She fears no ambuscadoes, she fears no open on sets; nay indeed she is out of the reach of besoms.

28. Not long after, the Gout meets the Spider, she set out at large her delights, her happiness, her fortunes.

29. The Spider extolls her Empire, and her liberty to weave, with wonderfull commendations.

30. This resolution at the last liked them both, that what way soever they travelled, the Gout should turn into rich mens [...]ouses, and the Spider into poor mens Cottages.

31. Mor. Though this Apologue may be applied to several uses, yet it declareth this especially, that one is in one place more fortunate than in another.

32. Besides, that great mens houses are the receptacles of diseases.

33. Lastly, that there is no where greater liberty, than where there is less wealth.

140. Of the Mouse that was bred in a Chest.

1. A Mouse that was bred in a Chest, had spent almost all her life there, being fed with nuts, which used to be kept in it.

2. As she was playing about the sides of the Chest, and had fallen down, and sought how to get up again she found good chear very dain­tily provided.

3. Which when she had begun to taste she said, How foolish have I been hitherto, who thought nothing in the world to be better th [...]n my Chest, look what sweeter meats I eat here!

4. Mor. This fable sheweth, that we must not be so in love with our country if it be mean, as not to g [...] to other places, seeing we may be more happy elsewhere.

141. Of the Country-man that had obtained, that Wheat might grow without Beards.

1. A Country-man had obtained of Ceres, that Wheat should grow with­out beards, lest it should hurt the hands of them that did shear or [...]hresh it: which, as soon as it ripened was eaten up by the little birds.

2. Then said the Country-man, how deservedly do I suffer, who have lost very great profits, for a little conveniency sake.

3. Mor. This fable signifieth, that small inconveniences are to be weigh­ed with a greater profit.

142. Of the Hawk, that pursued the Pigeon.

1. WHen a Hawk pursued a Pigeon with a speedy flight, he went into a Farm-house, and the Country-man caught him.

2. Whom he intreated in a fair manner, that he would let him go: for, said he, I have done thee no hurt.

3. To whom the Country-man made answer, neither had the Pigeon hurt thee.

4. Mor. This fable sheweth, that they are deservedly punished, who strive to hurt the innocent.

143. Of the Spider and the Swallow.

1. A Spider being vext against a Swallow, because she catch'd flies, which are her meat, had hang'd her nets in a door stead, through which she used to flie, that she might catch her.

2. But the Swallow, as she flew, carried the nets, with her that wove them through the air.

3. Then the Spider hanging in the air, and perceiving that she was like to perish presently said:

4. How justly do I suffer these things, which having much ado to catch the least things that flie, with great toil, did think that I could hold such great birds!

5. Mor. We are advised by this fable, not to undertake things be­yond our strength.

144. Of a Country-man that was to pass over a River.

1. A Country-man being to pass over a River, which by chance had grown big with showers, sought for a ford.

2. And when he had first tried that part of the River, which seemed more quiet and still, he found it deeper, than he had thought in his mind.

3. Again where he found it more shallow and safe there the streams ran with a greater noise of waters.

4. Then he said to himself, how more safely may we commit our life to waters that make a great noise, than to them that are still and quiet.

5. Mor. We are admonished by this fable, that we should less fear men that are full of words, and use to threaten, than still men.

145. Of the Pigeon and the Magpy.

1. A Pigeon being asked by a Magpy, what persuaded her to build always in the same place, seeing her young ones were always taken thence from her?

2. Answered, Simplicity.

3. Mor. This fable sheweth▪ that honest men are oftentimes easi­ly deceived.

146. Of the Cuckow and the Hawk.

1. THE Cuckow was jeered by the Hawk that, whereas she was as big bodied as she, and not unlike in colour to her (for narrow­ness of spirit) she would rather eat earth-worms, than the sweet flesh of other birds.

2. Within a few days after, she saw the Hawk being caught by a Country-man, whose pigeons she pursued, to hang down from an high turret, for the terrour of others.

3. To whom the Cuckow said, Friend, how much better had it been for you to hunt worms, than to make after other folks birds?

4. Mor. This fable sheweth, that their life is safer, and more to be liked of, that are content with their own things without danger, than theirs who coveting other mens things, undergo great perils of life.

147. Of the Ass and the Calf.

1. THE Ass and the Calf feeding in the same pasture, had perceived by the sound of a Bell that the Enemies army came towards them.

2. Then the Calf said, O companion, let us run away hence, lest the enemies carry us away prisoners.

3. To whom the Ass said, Do thou run away, whom the enemies have used to kill and eat.

4. It maketh no matter to the Ass, to whom the same article of car­rying a burden is every where offered.

5. Mor. This fable admonisheth servants that they do not much fear to change their Masters, if so be that they are not like to be worse than their former.

148. Of the Fox and the Women that eat the Hens.

1. A Fox passing by a farm-house, espied a company of women, very silently eating a great many hens, very daintily roasted.

2. Towards whom she turning her self said, What outcries and barking of dogs would there be against me, if I should do that which you do?

3. To whom an old woman answering said, Thou base creature, we [...] those things that are our own, but thou stealest other mens things.

4. Mor. This fable adviseth us, that we do not think, we may do that with other mens things, which the owners may do.

149. Of the fat Capons and the lean one.

1. A Man had largely crammed many Capons, which were shut up in the same coop, who were made fat all saving one, whom his fellows mocked as a lean rascal.

2. The Master being to entertain some noble guests, at a dainty and costly feast, commands the cook, that he should kill and dress some of those, which he should find fatter than others.

3. The fat ones hearing this troubled themselves, saying, How much better had it been for us, to be lean.

4. Mor. This fable was invented for poor mens comfort, whose life is safer than rich mens.

150. Of the piece of Timber, and the Oxen that drew it.

1. A Piece of Elm-Timber complained to the Oxen, saying, O ye ingratefull Oxen, I have fed you a long time with my green boughs; but you drag me that have nourished you, along the stones and the mire.

2. To whom the Oxen made answer, Our groans, and our sighs, and the goad wherewith we are pricked, can teach thee, that we draw thee full sore against our wills.

3. Then the piece of timber pardoned them.

4. Mor. This fable teacheth us, that we be not angry against them, that hurt us against their wills.

151. Of the goodly Trees, and the ill-favoured one.

1. A Great many trees grew together in the same place, being tall, streight and free from knots▪ except one that was low, little and knotty, which the other used to make a mocking stock on, as being ill favoured and dwarfish.

2. The Owner of them being about to build an house in a place, gave order, that they should all be fell'd except that which seemed likely to make the house unhandsome, by its shortness and ill favouredness.

3. When the rest were cut down, the ill favoured one said thus with it self; Nature, I will no more complain of thee, because thou hast bred me ill favoured, seeing I see such great dangers to hang over the heads of them that are fair.

4. Mor. This fable doth admonish us, that we be not sorry, that we are born unhandsome, seeing handsomness hath oftentimes done many hurt.

152. Of the Swan that sung at her death, and was blamed by the Stork.

1. THE Swan being ready to die, was asked by the Stork, why she sung far more sweetly at her death, (which other living creatures so much dread) than she had done in all her life, seeing she ought rather to be sad?

2. To whom the Swan said, Because I shall never be vexed any more with the care of seeking meat, nor shall I fear the snares of Fowlers.

3. Mor. This fable admonisheth us, that we do not fear death, by which, all the miseries of this present life are cut off.

153. Of the Woman that wailed for her dying Husband, and of her Mother that comforted her.

1. A Mother comforted a woman, that was yet but young, whose Hus­band lay a dying, saying, Daughter, do not afflict thy self, do not take on so very much; for I have found thee another husband, a great deal handsomer than this, who will quickly ease thee of thy want of thy former husband.

2. But the woman, not able to refrain her sorrow, (as one that did ardently affect her husband) did not onely turn the deaf ear towards her mother's words; but blamed the unseasonable mention of another husband.

3. But as soon as she saw her husband dead, amidst her tears and mour­ning she asked her mother, whether the young Man was there, whom she would give her for a husband.

4. Mor. This tale sheweth, how quickly women use to forget their love to their deceased husbands.

154. Of a Woman that wept for her Lovers departure.

1. A Dishonest woman wept sore for her sweet-heart, when he went away, whom she had pillaged of almost all his things.

2. And when a neighbour asked her, why she wept so, and would not be comforted; she said, I do not weep for his departure, but for the Cloak which I have left him.

3. Mor. This fable sheweth, that not the lovers, but their goods are beloved by whores.

155. Of the Flie, which sitting upon a Chariot, said she had raised a dust.

1. CHariots, upon which there sat a flie, ran in a race.

2. And when there was a very great dust risen, both by the trampling of the horses feet, and the rowling of the wheels, the flie said, What a mighty dust have I raised?

3. Mor. This fable belongs to them, who, although they be cowar­dous, endeavour to take other mens glory to themselves, by their brag-words.

156. Of the Eel that complained that she was infested more than the Serpent.

1. AN Eel asked a Serpent, Why seeing they were alike, and a kin, men should rather pursue her than him.

2. To whom the Serpent said, because men seldom hurt me, without danger.

3. Mor. This fable sheweth, that they use less to be hurt, who re­venge themselves.

157. Of the Ass, the Ape, and the Mole.

1. WHen the Ass complained, that he wanted horns, and the Ape that she wanted a tail; the Mole said, hold you your tongues, forasmuch as ye may see me blind.

2. Mor. This fable belongs to them who are not content with their con­dition; who, if they did but consider other mens misfortunes, would more patiently endure their own.

158. Of the Sea-men that implored the help of Saints.

1. A Sea-man that was overtaken with a sudden and black storm in the Sea, said to the rest of his fellows, that implored the help of of divers Saints, Ye know not what ye ask.

2. For, before that those Saints can go to God for our deliverance, we shall be overborn with this storm, that hangs over our heads.

3. I think therefore we had best flie to him, who will be able to deliver us from so great evils, without the help of another.

4. When therefore they had called upon God Almighty's help, the storm presently ceased.

5. Mor. This fable sheweth, where the help of one that is more able can be had, we must not flie to them that are weaker.

159. Of the Fish, that leaped out of the Frying-pan into the hot Coals.

1. THE Fish being yet alive, were fried in a frying-pan, with scal­ding hot oyl; whereof one said, Brethren, let us go away hence, left we perish.

2. Then they, leaping all at once out of the frying-pan, fell upon the burning hot coals.

3. When therefore they felt the more smart, they condemned the coun­sel which they had taken, saying, By how much a more cruel death do we now die?

4. Mor. This fable teacheth us, so to avoid present dangers, that we fall not into greater.

160. Of the four-footed Beasts that made a League with the Fish against the Birds.

1. THE four-footed beasts, when war was proclaimed against them by the birds, made a league with the fish, that by their help they might defend themselves from the fury of the Birds.

2. But when they expected their desired succours, the fish said, They could not come to them by land.

3. Mor. This fable adviseth us, that we should not make them our allies, who, when need is, cannot come at us.

161. Of the covetous Ambassadour, that beguiled the Trumpeters.

1. A Certain covetous person being sent Ambassadour for his Country, came into another City, upon whom the Trumpeters readily wai­ted, that they might fill his ears with the sound of their Trumpets, and their own pockets with his money.

2. To whom be sent word, That it was now no time for musick: that he was in great mourning and sorrow, because his Mother was dead.

3. The Trumpeters then being frustrated of their expectation, went away sorrowfull.

4. A friend of the Ambassadours hearing of his mourning, comes to him to visit him, and to comfort him, and asks him, how long his mo­ther had been dead?

5. It is now forty years ago, quoth he.

6. Then his friend when he understood the Ambassadours witty put off, laughed heartily.

7. Mor. This fable belongs to covetous men, who strive with all their skill to save their money.

162. Of a man that came to a Cardinal that was newly created, to bid him joy.

1. A Notable merry conceited and jesting fellow, hearing that his friend was preferred to the dignity of a Cardinalship, came to him to bid him joy.

2. Who being puft up with honour, and loth to own his old friend, asked him, who he was?

3. To whom he, as he was ever ready to bring out his jests, said, I am sorry for you, and others that come to such honours as this.

4. For as soon as ye have got such places of preferment, ye lose your sight, your hearing and other senses, so as ye can no more discern your old friends.

5. Mor. This fable noteth them, that being highly promoted, slight their old acquaintance.

163. Of a Youth, that mocked at an old Man's crookedness.

1. A Young fellow having espied an old man crooked like a bow that is bent, asked him if he would sell him a bow?

2. To whom he made answer, Hast thou any need to lose thy mony?

3. For, if thou come to my age Nature will afford thee a Bow with­out mony.

4. Mor. This fable sheweth, that the infirmities of old age, which no body can avoid by living, are not to be laughed at.

164. Of an old Man that married a young Girl.

1. AN indiscreet man being above threescore and ten years of age, who till that time had continued a batchelour, had married a young girl.

2. To whom, when he could not pay what was due, he used to say, How badly have I disposed of my life?

[Page 108] 3. For, I wanted a wife when I was young, and now that I am old, I am wanting to a wife.

4. Mor. This fable implyeth, that all things must be done in their season.

165. Of the Eagle and the Magpy.

1. A Magpie petitioned the Eagle, that he would entertain her a­mongst his familiars, and those of his houshold;

2. Seeing she deserved it both for the fineness of her body, and for the nimbleness of her tongue, to dispatch his errands.

3. To whom the Eagle made answer, I should do this, but that I am afraid, left thou shouldest blab abroad by thy talkativeness, all the things that are done under my roof.

4. Mor. This fable adviseth us, that tell-tales and pratlers are not to be kept in our house.

166. Of the Trush, that made friendship with the Swallow.

1. THE Thrush boasted, that she had made a League of friendship with the Swallow.

2. To whom his dam said, thou art a fool, son, if thou think thou canst live with her, seeing ye both use to go to several places.

3. For thou art delighted in cold places, and she in warm places.

4. Mor. We are advised by this fable, that we do not make those our friends, whose course of life differeth from ours.

167. Of the Country-man and the Mouse.

1. THere was a Country-man that was very poor, but withall so full of his jests, that he would not forget his natural jesting humour, so much as in a time of calamity.

2. He when he saw his farm house burning by fire, that was by chance cast into it, that he thought he should never by any means be able to quench the fire, stood looking sadly upon the house on fire.

3. In the mean time he espied a mouse, which coming out of the Farmhouse, avoided the danger as fast as ever she could.

4. The Country-man having forgot his losses, ran, and catching up the mouse, threw her into the middle of the fire, saying,

5. Thou ingratefull living Creature, thou hast dwelt with me in time of prosperity; and now, because my fortune is changed, thou hast for­saken my farm-house.

6. Mor. This fable sheweth, that they are not true friends, who, when fortune smiles upon thee, stick to thee; but when all is not well, run fast away.

168. Of a rich Man and his Servant.

1. THere was a rich man, that had a Servant of a dull wit, whom he used to name the King of Fools.

2. He being somewhat often vexed at these words, resolved to come even with his Master.

[Page 110] 3. For, one time as he turned to his Master, he said, I would I were the King of Fools.

4. For, there should no Empire in the world be more large than mine; and you also should be under my command.

5. Mor. The fable signifieth, that all places are full of fools.

169. Of the City-dogs, that pursued the Country-dog.

1. A Many City-dogs pursued a Country-dog full-speed, which he ran away from, a long while together, and durst not fight again.

2. But when he turned again to them that pursued him, and stood still, and begun also to shew his teeth, they all stood still as well as he, and none of the City-dogs durst come near him.

3. Then a General of an Army, who by chance was there, turning towards his Souldiers, said;

4. Mor. Fellow souldiers, this sight puts us in mind, that we should not run away, seeing we see greater dangers are readier to light upon them that run away, than them that fight again.

170. Of an old Woman, that blamed the Devil.

1. MEN, for the most part, when any misfortune hath befallen them, through their own default, will lay the blame upon fortune or the devil, to excuse themselves, thus do all men favour themselves.

2. The Devil taking this ill, when he saw an old woman getting up into a tree, out of which he had foreseen that she would fall, and lay the blame on him, said to witnesses that he had got;

3. See that old woman that is getting up into a tree, without any ad­vice of mine, whence I see beforehand, that she is likely to fall.

4. Bear witness that I have not persuaded her, that she should climb into it with her shoes on.

5. Presently the old woman fell down, and when they asked her, why she got up into the tree with her shoes on, she said, Because the Devil forced me.

6. Then the Devil, having brought witnesses, proved that the old wo­man did it without his counsel.

7. Mor. This fable sheweth, that men do not deserve pardon, who blame fortune, or the Devil, when they sin voluntarily.

171. Of the Tortoise and the Frogs.

1. A Tortoise having seen the frogs, which lived in the same pool, to be so light and nimble, that they could readily leap whither they lifted, and jump a very great way, blamed Nature because it had bred him a slow creature, and hindred with a very big burthen, so that he could not readily move himself, and that he was continually born down with a great weight upon him.

2. But when he saw the frogs become a prey to the cels, and to be apt to be hurt by every bodies blow, being never so little a one, being somewhat cheered, he said,

3. How much better is it to bear a burthen, by which I am defended against all blows, than to undergo so many perils of death?

4. Mor. This tale sheweth, that we should not take nature's gifts in bad part, [Page 112] which oftentimes are more for our good, than we can be able to imagine.

172. Of the Dormice that would grub up an Oak.

1. THE Dormice resolved to grub up an Oak (being a tree that bears acorns) with their teeth; that they might have their meat the readier, lest they should be forced to climb up and down so often for a living.

2. But one of them, which was far more ancient, more experienced, and more discreet than the rest affrighted them from it, saying,

3. If we shall now kill her who nourisheth us, who shall afford us and our posterity sustenance in time to come?

4. Mor. This fable sheweth, that a wise man ought not only to look at things present, but also to foresee long beforehand things to come.

173. Of the Dog and his Master.

1. ONE having a dog fed him always with his own hands, and let him loose when he was tyed, that the dog might love him the more.

2. But he gave order, that his man should tie him up and beat him, that he himself might seem to do the good turns, but his man the bad turns towards him.

3. Now the dog taking it unkindly, that he was every day tyed up and beaten, ran away; and when his Master blamed him, as one that was in­grateful and unmindful of so great kindnesses, because he had run away from him, of whom he had ever been beloved and fed, but never tyed up nor beaten, he answered.

4. That which your man doth at your bidding. I think is done by you.

5. Mor This fable sheweth, that they are to be accounted evil doers, that have been the cause of ill turns.

174. Of the Birds that feared the Beetles.

1. THE birds were mightily afraid lest the Beetles whom they had heard to have made an abundance of bullets on a dunghill, with a great deal of labour, should kill them with a Cross bow.

2. Then said the Sparrow, Do not ye fear.

3. For how shall they be able to shoot bullets against us that flie in the air, seeing they can scarce drag them along the ground with much heav­ing and sifting.

4. Mor. This fable adm [...]nisheth us, that we should not fear the wealth of those enemies, whom we see to want wit.

175. Of the Bear and the Bees.

1. A Bear being stung by a Bee was so enraged, that he tore all the hives in pieces, in which the Bees made their honey, with his paws.

2. Then all the Bees, as soon as ever they saw their houses to be pulled down their maintenance to be taken away, and their young ones to be kil­led, making a head set upon the Bear with their stings, & almost killed him.

3. Who being with much adoe got out of their power, said with himself;

4. How much better were it to endure the sting of one bee, than to raise up so many enemies against me by my chafing?

5. Mor. This fable implieth, that it is far better sometimes to endure the [Page 114] injury of one, than, whilst we have a desire to punish one, to get our selves many enemies.

176. Of the Fowler and the Chaffinch.

1. THE Fowler had spread nets for birds, and had scattered store of meat for them, in a void place; yet, he took not the birds that came to feed, because he thought they were but a few.

2. Which, when they had fed, and flown away, others came to feed, which also by reason of their paucity, he cared not to take.

3. This course being kept for a whole day together, and some com­ing, and others going, whilst he always looked for a greater prey; at last i [...] began to draw towards night.

4. Then the Fowler having lost his hope of taking many, when now it was time to give over, as he drew up his nets caught one Chaffinch only, which unhappy bird had tarried in the void place.

5. Mor. This fable sheweth, that they that will catch all things, are oftentimes scarce able to catch a few things.

177. Of the Souldier and the two Horses.

1. A Souldier having a very good horse, bought another, nothing at all so good as he, which he kept more choicely than the former.

2. Then saith the horse thus to the former, Why doth my Master look more carefully after me than thee, seeing I am not to be compared to thee, neither in fineness, nor strength, nor swiftness▪

3. To whom the other horse said, This is the nature of men, to be always more kind to new guests.

4. Mor. This fable sheweth the madness of men, who are wont to pre­fer new things before old, though they be the worse.

178. Of the Swine and the Dog.

1. A Swine mocked a Spaniel, which whined, and wag'd the tail at his Master, who had taught him with many blows and lugs by the ears, to set birds.

2. To whom the dog said, Thou knowest not, thou fool, thou knowest not, what I have got by those blows.

3. For, by means of them, I eat the most delicate flesh of Partridges and Quails.

4. Mor. This fable admonisheth us, not to take our Masters blows unkindly, which use to be an occasion of many good things to us.

179. Of the Dog that blamed the Oxens slowness.

1. A Piece of Timber, which was carried in a wain, blamed the Oxen as if they were slow, saying, Run slow-backs, for ye carry but a light load.

2. To whom the Oxen answered, Thou mockest us, not knowing what punishment attends thee.

3. For, we shall presently lay down this load, and then thou shalt be made to bear, until thou beest broken.

4. Then the dog was sorry, and durst not jeer the oxen any more.

[Page 116] 5. Mor. This fable adviseth any one, not to insult over others cala­mities, seeing he himself may be made liable to greater.

180. Of the Linnet and the Boy.

1. A Linnet being asked by a Boy, that had made much of her, and fed her with dainty and store of meat, why she being got out of the cage, would not return again, said, That I may [...]eed my self at my own pleasure, and not at thine.

2. Mor. This fable sheweth, that liberty of life is to be preferred before all delights.

181. Of the Jester and the Bishop.

1. A Jester coming to a Bishop (that was rich indeed, but covetons with­all) on new years day, ask'd him a Piece for a new-years-gift.

2. The Prelate said, The fellow was mad, to think, so much money would be given him for a new-years-gift.

3. Then the Jester began to beg a shilling.

4. But when he said he thought this too much too, he intreated him to bestow upon him but a brass farthing.

5. But when he could not wring so much as this out of the Bishop, he said, Reverend Father, do but bestow your Blessing upon me for a new-years gifts.

6. Then said the Bishop, Kneel down, Son, that I may bless thee.

7. But I quoth the Jester, will have none of that thy so cheap blessing.

8. For, if it were worth a brass farthing, thou w [...]uldst certainly ne­ver give it me.

9. Mor. This fable was made against those Bishops and Priests, that esteem riches and wealth more than all the sacred rites and mysteries of the Church.

182. Of the Howpe, that was unworthily preferred.

1. ALmost all the birds, being invited to the Eagle's wedding, took it ill, that the Howpe was preferred before the rest, because she had a fine crown and was decked with changeable-coloured feathers; whereas she always used to nest amongst dung and filth.

2. Mor. This fable reproveth their folly, who in honouring men, are wont more to mind the fineness of their cloaths, and bravery of their beauty, than their vertues and manners.

183. Of the Priest and the Pears.

1. A Greedy Priest travelling forth of his Country to a wedding, to which he was invited, found an heap of pears by the way, whereof he meddled not so much as with one, although he was very hungry.

2. But rather making a scorn of them, he pist upon them.

3. For he was vext, that such meat as this should be offered him upon the way who was going to dainty chear.

4. But when upon the way he met with a brook, grown so big with rain, that he could not pass it, without the hazard of his life, he resol­ved to return home again.

5. And returning fasting, he was so very hūgry, that unless he had eaten those [Page 118] pears, which he had pissed upon (seeing he found nothing else) he had been famished

6. Mor. This fable teacheth us, that nothing is to be scorned, seeing there is nothing so vile and base, which may not be useful sometimes.

184. Of the Mule and the Horse.

1. A Mule [...]spying a Horse that was fine, with his gold bridle and sad­dle, and covered with purple trappings, was ready to burst with envy, conceiving him to be happy, that continually ate very good meat, and was handsomly clad: but that himself was unhappy in comparison of him, who being born down with pack saddles, not very well smooth­ed, was forced to bear very great burdens every day.

2. But when he saw the horse returning from a battle, to have many wounds, he called himself happy, in comparison of his calamity, saying, That it was far better to get a hard living by daily labour, and to be beggerly attired, than after very good and delicate feeding, and so great deckings, to undergo peril of death.

3. Mor. This fable teacheth, that we must not envy Kings and Princes, because they abound in riches and wealth, seeing we may see their life to be subject to far more dangers, than poor mens are.

185. Of the Hog and the Horse.

1. A Hog espying a War-horse that went armed all over to a battle, said, Thou fool, whither doll thou make so much haste? for thou shalt perhaps die in the battle.

2. To whom the horse made answer, A knife shall take away thy life from thee, being fed amongst dirt and filth, when thou shall have done nothing worthy commendations; but glory shall attend my death.

3. Mor. This fable implyeth, that it is more commendable to die, ha­ving done some brave exploits, than to live long, after a base fashion.

186. Of the Tanner, that bought of a Hunter the skin of a Bear, that was never yet caught.

1. A Tanner coming to a Hunter, bought of him the skin of a Bear, and laid down money for it.

2. He said, he had not a Bear's skin for the present, but that he was to go the next day a hunting, and promised, that when he had killed the bear, he would let him have his skin.

3. The Tanner going with the Hunter into the wood, for his mind sake, got up into a very high tree, that, from thence he might see the fight of the Bear and the Hunter.

4. The Hunter came boldly to the cave, where the Bear lurked, and having put in his dogs, forced him to come out; which after he had avoi­ded the Hunters thrust, threw him all along upon the ground.

5. The Hunter, knowing that this wild beast did not prey upon dead carcasses, stopping his breath, counterfeited himself dead.

6. When the Bear, smelling with his nose put to him, could not perceive him to breathe, either at the nose, or the breast, he went his way from him.

7. When the Tanner saw, that the wild beast was gone away, & that there [Page 120] was no more danger, getting himself down out of the tree, and coming to the Hunter, who durst not get up as yet, he had him rise.

8. And afterwards he asked him. what the Bear said to him in his ear, To whom the Hunter said, He advised me, that I should not be wil­ling hence forward to sell a hears skin, except I had first caught him.

9. Mor. This fable sheweth, that uncertain things are not to be accounted for certain.

187. Of the Hermit and the Souldier.

1. AN Hermit, a man of a most holy life, persuaded a Souldier, that at last be would addict himself to his bodies quiet, and con­sult for the welfare of his soul: leaving that secular warfare, which few use, without offending God, and endangering their souls.

2. To whom the Souldier said, I will do, Father, what you persuade me to.

3. For, the truth is, that at this time Souldiers can neither èxact their pay, though it be very small; neither can they plunder abroad.

4. Mor. This fable sheweth, that many do abandon vices, because they can no longer exercise them.

188. Of the Man and the Wife that had been twice married.

1. A Man after his Wife was dead, whom he had dearly loved, mar­ried another, and she a window, who continually told him of the vertues and gallant exploits of her former husband; to whom that he might be even with her, he also related the honest behaviour, and ex­cellent chastity of his deceased wife.

2. Now on a day, she being angry with her husband, gave a piece of a Capon, which she had provided for both their suppers, to a poor man that begged an alms, saying, I give thee this for my former Husbands souls sake.

3. Which the husband hearing, after he had sent for the poor man, he gave him that which was left of the Capon, saying, I also give thee this, for the souls sake of my deceased Wife.

4. Thus they at the last had nothing to eat for thier Supper, whilst they desired to do one another a mischief.

5. Mor. This fable teacheth us, that we must not contest against them, that are well enough able to revenge themselves.

189. Of the Lyon and the Mouse.

1. A Lyon being caught in a snare in a forest, when he saw himself so intangled in the net, that he thought he could not by all his strength get himself out thence, intreated a Mouse, that by knowing the snare, he would for him free: promising, that he would not be un­mindfull of so great a courtesie.

2. Which when the Mouse had readily done, he besought the Lyon, that he would give him his daughter to wife.

3. The Lyon did not say nay, that he might doe his benefactor a kindness.

4. But the new married bride coming to her husband, when she did not see him, by chance trode upon him with her foot, and crushed him all to pieces.

5. Mor. This fable sheweth, that marriages & other fellowships are not to [Page 122] be liked, which are made by them which are not equals.

190. Of the Elm and the Osier.

1. AN Elm that grew on the bank of a River, mocked an Osier that was near it, as being weak and feeble, because it was bended at every, even the least, force of water.

2. But he set out his own steadiness and strength, in gallant words, which had for many years endured the daily force of the river, and was never shaken.

3. Now the Elm being one time broken, with the very great violence of the water, was hurried along by the waters; to whom the Osier smiling▪ said, Neighbour, why dost thou leave me? where is thy va­lour now?

4. Mor. This fable signifieth, that they are wiser that yield to them that are stronger, than they that being willing to resist are basely overcome.

191. Of the Wax, that desired to be hard.

1. THE wax was sorry that it was made soft, and ready to take impression at every the lightest touch.

2. And seeing the bricks that were made of clay, a great deal softer than it self, to come to such hardness by the heat of the fire, that they en­dured many hun [...]red years, it threw it self into the fire that it might get the same hardness.

3. But being melted by the fire, it was presently wasted.

4. Mor. This fable adviseth us, that we should not desire that, which Nature hath denied us.

192. Of the Husbandman, that would be a Souldier, and a Merchant.

1. A Husbandman took it ill that he stirred the ground every day, and could not come to be rich by continued toil: whereas he saw some Souldiers, who, in time of wars, had got such estates, that they went bravely clad, and being fed with good cheer, led a happy life.

2. When therefore he had sold all his sheep, his goats, and oxen, he bought horses and arms, and went to be a Souldier; where, when his General was worsted, he not only lost what he had, but also received many wounds.

3. Wherefore misliking the life of a Souldier, be resolved to turn Merchant, as that wherein he thought there was greater gain, and less labour.

4. After he had sold his [...]arms there, and when he had laded his ship with wa [...]es, he put to Sea.

5. But when he was in the main Sea, a sudden tempest being raised, the ship was sunk, and he and the rest that were in her, were lost altogether.

6. Mor This tale teacheth us, that every one ought to be content with his own condition, seeing that misery attends every where.

193. Of the Ass and the Jester.

1. AN Ass taking it in dudgeon, that a Jester was had in honour▪ and [...]inely clad, because he let great farts, went to the Magistrates, desiring that they would not shew less honour to him, than they did to the Jester.

[Page 124] 2. And when the Magistrates, wondring, asked him why he thought himself so worthy of honour, he said, because he let greater farts than the jester, and those too without any stink.

3. Mor. This fable blames those that lavish out their money in toys.

194. Of the River, that reviled its own Spring.

1. A River reviled its own Spring, as if it were idle, because it stood unmoveable, and had no fish in it.

2. But it highly commended it self, because it bred very good fish, and crept along the vallies with a pleasing noise.

3. The spring being vex'd against the River, as being ungratefull, with­held its waters.

4. Then the River being deprived of its fish, and pleasing noise, va­nished away.

5. Mor. This fable noteth them, that arrogate the good things that they do to themselves, and do not attibute them to God, from whence, as from a large fountain all our good things come.

195. Of the wicked man and the Devil.

1. A Wicked man, after he had committed a great many villanies, and was often taken, and put in close prison, and was very nar­rowly watch'd, besought a Devil's help, which had often been with him, and helped him out of many dangers.

2. At the last, the Devil appeared to him being caught again, and be­seeching his wonted help; having a great bundle of shoes, with the bottoms worn quite out, upon his shoulders, saying, Friend, I can help thee no longer.

3. For I have travelled up and down so many places hitherto to get thee at liberty, that I have worn out all these shoes, and I have no mo­ney left, wherewithall, I may be able to get others.

4. Wherefore thou must even perish.

5. Mor. This fable teacheth us, not to think that our sins shall always be unpunished.

196. Of the Birds, that would chuse more Kings.

1. THE Birds held a council about chusing more Kings, forasmuch as the Eagle alone could not rule such great flocks of Birds.

2. And they had done according to their desire, except they had for­born such a resolution, by the advice of the Crow.

3. Who when she was asked a reason, why she thought more Kings were not to be elected, she said,

4. Because many bags are more hardly filled than one.

5. Mor. This fable teacheth us, that it is far better to be governed by one, than by many Princes.

197. Of the Woman, which would die for her Husband.

1. A Very chast Matron, and one that loved her Husband very well, was troubled that her Husband was sick, and she took on and sighed; and that she migh [...] testifie her love to her Husband, she be­sought Death, that if he was about to take her Husband and away from her, he would kill her rather than him.

[Page 126] 2. Amidst these words, she sees death coming with a gastly look; with the fear of whom, she being aff [...]ighted, & now repenting her of her wish, she said,

3. It is not I that thou lookest for; he whom thou art come to kill, lyeth there in the bed.

4. Mor. This fable sheweth, that no man loveth his friend so well, that witheth not better to himself, than to another.

198. Of a Young Fellow, that sang at his Mothers burial.

1. AN husband wept and wailed for his deceased wife, which was carried out to be buried; but his son did sing.

2. Who when his father blamed him, as if he were mad, and out of his wits, that would sing at his mothers funeral, whereas he ought to mourn and weep with him; he said,

3. Father, if you have hired the Priests to sing, why are you angry at me, that sing for nothing?

4. To whom his Father said, Thy office and the Priest's is not the same.

5. Mor. This fable sheweth that all things are not seemly for all men.

199. Of the Jealous Husband, that had put his Wife to be looked to.

1. A Jealous husband had put his wife, whom he had found to live not very chastly, to a friend, that he much trusted, to be looked to, ha­ving promised him a great sum of money, if he would so narrowly watch her, that she could by no means violate wedlock.

2 But he, after he had tried a good many days, that this charge was too hard, and had found his wit to be outvied by the womans wiliness, coming to her husband, said, That he would no longer take this hard task upon him.

3. Seeing that not so much as Argus himself, who was all eyes, could keep a woman against her will.

4. He said moreover, that, If it were a thing must needs be, he had rather carry a sack full of fleas every day for a whole year together into the Meadow▪ and by un [...]ying the sack to let them feed amongst the grass, and when it grows night, to bring them back again home, than look to a dishonest woman one day.

5. Mor. This fable sheweth, that no keepers are so diligent, that can be able to keep dishonest women.

200. Of the Fellow that refused a Glyster.

1. A Man, a German by Nation, one that was very rich, was sick; to look to whom, a great many Physicians came (for flies flie together by companies to the Honey) whereof one amongst other things said, that a Glyster was necessary, if he would recover.

2. Which when the man, being never used to this kind of Physick, heard, [...]alling into a rage, he commanded the Physicians should be packt out of the house.

3. Saying, that they were mad, who would cure his breech, when his head aked.

4. Mor. This fable sheweth, that all things, even those that are whole­some, seem harsh and likely to do hurt, to them that are not used to them, and have not tried them.

201. Of the Ass that was sick, and the Wolves that came to visit him.

1. AN Ass was sick, and a report had gone abroad, that he was like to die shortly.

2. Therefore when the Wolves and the Dogs came to visit him, and ask'd of the young one, how his Father did; he made answer through a crevise in the door, Better then ye would have me.

3. Mor. This fable sheweth that many feign that they are troubled for the death of others, whom they desire to die quickly.

202. Of the Nut-tree, the Ass, and the Woman.

1. A Woman asked a Nut-tree, that grew by the way side, which was beaten with stones by people that passed by, why it was so mad, that by how much the more and greater blows it was beaten with, it would yield by so much the more and better fruit.

2. To whom the Wall-nut-tree said, Dost thou not remember the Pro­verb, that saith thus?

3. Mor. This fable implieth, that men are oftentimes wont to wound themselves with their own weapons.

203. Of the Ass that found no end of his labours.

1. AN Ass was very much grieved in winter time, because he was too cold, and had hard meat of chaff; wherefore he wished for the Spring-season, and the young grass.

2. But when the Spring was come, he was forced by his Master, who was a Potter, to carry Potters clay into the yard, and wood to the oven, and to carry from thence bricks and gutter tiles, and covering-tiles to se­veral places; being weary of the Spring, in which he endured so much pains. he looked long for Summer, that his Master, being hindred with his Harvest, might then let him rest.

3. But then also, when he was compelled to carry the corn unto the [...] and the wheat from thence home, and had no time for rest, he hoped; [...] his labours would have an end at least in Autumn.

4. But when he saw, that there was not then any end of his la­bours, forasmuch as wine, and apples and wood, were to be carried every day, be earnestly desired the winter snows and frosts again, that then at least some rest might be granted him, from so great labours.

5. Mor. This fable sheweth, that there are no times of this present life, which are not subject to perpetual labours.

204. Of the Mouse, which would make a league of amity with the Cat.

1. A Many Mice dwelling in the hollow of a wall, beheld a Cat which sate on a boarded floar, with her head hanging down, and a serious look.

2. Then said one of them, This living creature seems to be very kind and mild.

3. For he makes a shew of some holine's by his very look; I will go speak to him, and make a perpetual league of amity with him.

4. Which assoon as he had spoken, and was come nearer, he was caught by the Cat, and worried.

5. Then the rest seeing this, said with themselves, Truly we must not, we must not over-hastily believe the looks of one.

Mor. This fable implieth, that men are to be judged, not by the look, but by their works; forasmuch as mischievous Wolves do often lurk under a Sheep's skin.

205. Of the Ass, that served an ungratefull Master.

1. AN Ass, which had served an ungratefull Master many years to­gether, without stumbling once; as it came to pass, being born down with an heavy pack, and going in stony uneven way, fell under his burden.

2. Then his Master being implacable, forced him with many blows to rise, calling him an idle and dull Animal.

3. But he, poor Ass, amidst these blows, said with himself, vnhappy I, what an ungratefull Master have I got!

4. For although I have served him a long time without offence, yet doth he not weigh this one slip, with so many my former good turns.

Mor. This fable was feigned against them, who being forgetfull of the good turns done them, do cruelly punish the least offence of their benèfactor towards them.

206. Of the Wolf, that persuaded the Porcupine to lay aside his Weapons.

1. A Wolf that was hungry, had a mind to set upon a Porcupine, which yet, because he was fenced on all sides with prickles, he durst not set upon.

2. But having invented a trick how to destroy him, he began to per­suade him, that he would not bear such a load of darts upon his back in time of peace.

3. Forasmuch as Archers carried nothing, but when it was just time to fight.

4. To whom the Porcupine said, We must think it to be alway time to fight against a Wolf.

Mor. This fable sheweth, that it behoveth a wise man to be always ar­med against the wiles of his enemies and foes.

207. Of the Mouse, that set the Kite at liberty.

1. A Mouse having espied a Kite entangled in the snare of a Fowler, took pity on the bird, though she was her enemy; and having gnawed the bands in pieces, made way for her to fly away.

[Page 132] 2. The Kite being unmindfull of such a great courtesie, when she saw her self loosed, snatched up the Mouse, that suspected no such matter, and pulled her in pieces with her claws and her bill.

Mor. This table sheweth, That wicked men are wont thus to requite those, that do them courtesies.

208. Of the Snail, that begged of Jupiter, that she might bear her house about with her.

1. WHen Jupiter, from the beginning of the world, bestowed upon every living creature such gifts, as they had desired, the Snail begged of him, that she might carry her house about.

2. And when she was asked by Jupiter, why she craved such a gift at his hand, which would be heavy and troublesom to her: She said,

3. I had rather continually carry such a burden, than not to be able to avoid an ill neighbour when I list.

Mor. This fable sheweth, that the neighbourhood of bad people is to be avoided, whatsoever inconvenience we suffer.

209. Of the Hedge-hog, that thrust the Viper her Host, out of doors.

1. THE Hedge-hog forseeing that winter came on, fairly intreated the Viper, that she would grant him room in her hole, against the extremity of the cold.

2. Which when she had done, the Hedge-hog tumbling himself hi­ther and thither, pricked the Viper with the sharpness of his pricks, and made her smart grievously.

3. She seeing herself to be ill dealt withall, forasmuch as she enter­tained the Hedge-hog on guestwise, intreated him by fair means, that he would go out, seeing the place was too narrow for them both.

4. To whom the Hedge-hog saith, Let him go forth that cannot abide here.

5. Wherefore the Viper perceiving there was no room for him there, departed thence out of his lodging.

Mor. This fable sheweth, That they are not to be admitted into our fellowship, that are able to thrust us out.

210. Of the Husbandman, and the Poet.

1. AN Husband-man came to a Poet, whose land he plowed; and when he had found him alone amongst his books, he asked him, how he could live so alone.

2. To whom he said, I have but begun to be alone, since thou camest hither.

Mor. This Fable sheweth, That learned men, that are continually thronged with a company of good Scholars, are then alone, when they are amongst illiterate fellows.

211. Of the Wolf that was clad with a Sheeps' skin, which worried the Flock.

1. A Wolf being cloathed in a sheep's skin, put himself amongst a flock of sheep, and killed every day one of them; which when the shepherd had taken notice of, he hanged him in a very high tree.

2. And when the other Shepherds asked him, why he hanged a sheep, he said,

3. The skin is indeed a sheep's skin, as you see; but the works were a wolve's works.

Mor. This fable sheweth, that men are not to be judged by their ha­bit, but by their works; because many do wolve's works under sheep's cloaths.

212. Of the Father, that in vain persuaded his Son to virtue.

1. A Father persuaded his Son at large, as one that was given to vice, that leaving that vitious course be would attend upon virtue, which would bring him commendation and credit.

2. To whom the son said, Father, you persuade me in vain to do these things.

3. For I have heard many preachers, (as folks say) who persuaded to a virtuous course better than you, and yet I never followed their admonitions.

Mor. This fable sheweth, that men of a wicked disposition, will forsake vice at no bodies persuasion.

213. Of the Dog that kill'd his Masters Sheep, who hanged him for it.

1. A Shepherd had committed his Sheep to his Dog to keep, feeding him with very good meat.

2. But he oftentimes killed one sheep or other.

3. Which when the shepherd had minded, he took his dog, and would needs kill him.

4. To whom the dog said, Why do you desire to kill me? I am one of your houshold: rather kill the wolf, which continually layes wait about your sheepfold.

5. Nay, quoth the Shepherd, I think thou deservest death more than the wolf.

6. For he doth openly profess himself my enemy; but thou continually lessenest my flock, under a shew of friendship.

Mor. This fable sheweth, that they are far more to be punished, who do us hurt under a shew of friendship, than they that openly profess themselves our enemies.

214. Of the Ram, that fought with a Bull.

1. THere was a Ram among the sheep, that had such a strong head and horns, that he quickly and easily overcame the other Rams.

2. Wherefore when he found no Ram more, that du [...]st withstand him▪ as he ran against him, being puft up with often victories, he was so bold as to dare a Bull to fight with him.

3. But at the first push, when he had butted against the Bulls fore­head, he was beaten back with such a cruel blow, that being almost dead, he said these words.

[Page 136] 4. Fool that I am, what have I done? Why durst I provoke such a potent adversary, to whom nature hath made me unequal?

Mor. This fable sheweth, that we must not strive with them that are more powerfull.

215. Of the Widow, and the green Ass.

1. A Widow loathing a single kind of life, had a mind to marry; but she durst not, being afraid of the jeering of the common sort, which use to rail upon them that marry twice.

2. But her Gossip shewed her, how the peoples words were to be slight­ed, by this trick.

3. For she gave order, that a white Ass that the widow had, should be painted green, and led about through all the streets of the City.

4. Which whilst it was done, all folks were so taken with admira­tion at the first, that not onely children, but also old people, being mo­ved with this unusual matter, accompanied the Ass, to satisfie their mind.

5. Afterwards, when this kind of beast was every day led through the City▪ they gave over wondring.

6. In like manner, quoth her Gossip to the widow, it will befall you.

7. For if you take a husband, you will be the peoples talk for some few days, but afterwards this talk will be husht.

Mor. This fable sheweth, that there is nothing so much worthy admira­tion, which, in continuance of time, doth not cease to be a wonder.

216. Of the Eagle, that snatcht away the Conies young ones.

1. AN Eagle having set her nest in a very high tree, had snatch'd a­way a Conies young ones, which fed not far from thence, for prey for her own young; whom the Cony intreated with fair words, that she would vouchsafe to give her her young ones again.

2. But she supposing her to be a feeble and terrestrial creature, and unable to do her any hurt, made no scruple to pull them in pieces with her tallons, in the sight of their dam, and to lay them before her young to be eaten.

3. Then the Cony, being vexed at the death of her young ones, did not suffer this wrong to go unpunished.

4. For she dig'd up the tree, that bare the nest, by the roots, which falling down with a small blast of wind, threw the Eagle's young ones that were yet unfledg'd and unable to flie, down upon the ground; which being eaten up by the wild beasts, afforded the Cony great ease of her sorrow.

Mor. This fable sheweth, that no man trusting to his own greatness, ought to despise those that are weaker, seeing the weaker sometimes revenge the wrongs of them that are stronger.

217. Of the Pyke, a River-fish, that desired to be King of the Sea.

1. THere was a Pyke in the River, that exceeded all the fish of that River in fairness, greatness, and strength.

2. Whereupon they all admired him, and gave him the greatest ho­nour that could be, as if he were a King.

[Page 138] 3. Wherefore being grown proud, he began to desire greater com­mand.

4. Having therefore left the River, in which he had reigned many years, he went into the Sea, to challenge the command thereof to himself.

5. But meeting with a Dolphin of a wonderfull greatness, which bare all the sway in it, he was so pursued by him, that as he fled away, he had much ado to get into the mouth of the river, from whence he durst not any more go forth.

Mor. This Fable admonisheth us, that being content with our own things, we should not desire those, that are far greater than our strength▪

218. Of the Sheep, that railed upon the Shepherd.

1. A Sheep railed upon a Shepherd, because be being not content with the milk, which he milkt from her for his own use, and the use of his children, did moreover bare her of her fleece.

2. Then the Shepherd being angry, drayled her young one to death.

3. Canst thou, quoth the sheep, do any thing worse to me?

4. I can kill thee, quoth the Shepherd, and throw thy carcase to be eaten by wolves and dogs.

5. Then the sheep was silent, fearing yet greater mischiefs.

Mor. This fable sheweth, that men ought not to be angry against God, if he suffer their wealth and their children to be taken from them; seeing he is able to bring greater punishments upon them, both when they are alive, and when they are dead.

219. Of the Waggoner, and the Waggon-wheel that whined.

1. THE Waggoner asked the Waggon, why that wheel which was the worse whined, seeing the other did not so.

2. To whom the waggon said, Sick folks are always wont to be pee­vish, and full of complaint.

Mor. This fable sheweth, that miseries are wont always to make men complain.

220. Of the Man, that would trie his Friends.

1. A Man that was very rich and liberal, had a great abundance of friends, whom he often invited to supper, unto which they came very willingly.

2. Now being desirous to try, whether they would be faithfull unto him in toyl and danger, he called them all together, saying, that there were enemies risen up against him, whom he was resolved to go kill.

3. Wherefore they should take up arms, and go with him, that they might revenge the wrongs that were offered him.

4. Then they all, saving two, began to excuse themselves.

5. Wherefore he shook off all the rest, and reckoned those two only as his friends, whom he ever after loved entirely.

Mor. This fable sheweth, that Adversity is the best tryal of Friendship.

221. Of the Fox, that commended Hares-flesh to the Dog.

1. WHen a Fox was made to run for it by a Dog, and was just ready to be cat [...]h'd, and knew that he could find no other way to es­cape, be said, O dog, why dost thou desire to kill me, whose flesh can do thee no service?

2. Catch that hare rather, (for there was a Hare not far off) whose flesh folks say, is very sweet.

3. The dog therefore being counselled by the fox, letting the fox alone, ran after the Hare, which nevertheless he could not catch, by reason of her incredible swiftness.

4. A few days after, the hare meeting the fox, blamed him very much, (for she had heard his words) because he had discovered her to the dog.

5. To whom the fox made answer, Why dost thou blame me, Hare, seeing I commended thee so much? what wouldst thou say, if I should have discommended thee?

Mor. This fable sheweth [...], that many men under a shew of commen­dation, do plot destruction to others.

222. Of the Hare that begged craftiness, and of the Fox that begged speed, of Jupiter.

1. THE Hare and the Fox begged of Jupiter, the one, that he would add speed to his craftiness; the other, that he would add crafti­ness to her swiftness.

2. To whom Jupiter made this answer, We have freely bestowed gifts upon every several creature, out of our most bountifull bosom, from the beginning af the world.

3. But, to have given all to one, had been a wrong to others.

Mor. This fable sheweth, that God hath bestowed his gifts upon every one with such an even hand, that every one ought to be content with his own share.

223. Of the Horse, that was unhandsome, but swift; and of the others that mocked him.

1. A Many horses were brought to the Circensian race, all very finely trapped, but one, which the others mocked as unhandsom, and unfit for such a race, and they thought he would never win.

2. But when the time to run came, and they all set out from the lists, at the sound of a trumpet, which was given; then it appeared at the last, how much he, that was jeered a little before, exceeded the rest in swiftness.

3. For having left all the other a great way behind him, he bare the bell away.

Mor. This fable signifieth, that men are to be judged, not by their habit, but by their virtue.

224. Of the Country-fellow, that was suffered to come to a Lawyer, by the bleating of a Kid.

1. A Country-man being in a great suit, came to a Lawyer, that he might get out of it, having him for his Counsel.

2. But he being hindred with other business, bad one tell him, that he could not now be at leisure for him; wherefore he should go away, and come again another time.

[Page 142] 3. The Country-man, who relied very much upon him, as an old and trusty friend, coming, often again, was never let in.

4. At the last he carried a sucking and fat Kid with him, and stood before the Lawyers door, and pinching the Kid, made it bleat.

5. The Porter, who, according to his Masters order, used quickly to let in these that brought presents, when he heard the Kid's bleating, opened the gate presently, and bad the man come in.

6. Then the Country-man turning him to the Kid, said, I thank thee good Kid, that hast made me such easie entrance.

Mor. This fable sheweth, that no things are so hard and difficult, but presents can make them open.

225. Of an old Man, that stoned a young fellow down, that stole his Apples.

1. AN old man intreated a young fellow, that stole his apples, in fair terms, that he would come down out of the tree, and that he would not carry away his goods.

2. But when he talked to no purpose, because the young fellow scorned his age and his words, he said, I hear, that there is some vertue not only in words, but also in herbs.

3. He began therefore to pull grass, and throw it at him.

4. Which when the young fellow saw, he laughed exceedingly, and thought the old man doted, who thought, he could beat him down out of the tree with grass.

5. Then the old man desiring to try all ways, said, Seeing the power of words and of herbs can do no good against him that stealeth my goods, I will try what I can do with stones, in which also, they say, there is some vertue.

6. And throwing the stones at the young fellow, with which he had filled his lap, he forced him to come down, and go away.

Mor. This fable sheweth, that a wise man must first try every thing, before he make use of arms to help himself withall.

226. Of the Nightingale, that promised the Hawk a Song for her life.

1. A Nightingale being caught by an hungry Hawk, when she perceived she should presently be eaten up by him, intreated him fairly, that he would let her go, promising that she would make him a huge requi­tal, for such a great courtesie.

2. And when the Hawk asked her, what requital she could make him▪ she said, I will please thy ears with sweet-songs.

3. But I, quoth the Hawk, had rather thou shouldest please my belly.

4. For I can live without thy songs, but not without meat.

Mor. This fable implieth, that profitable things are to be preferred before those that are pleasant.

227. Of the Lion, that chose the Hog for his Companion.

1. WHen the Lion was minded to get him some companions, and many living creatures wished to bear him company, and beg'd hard for it; scorning all the rest, he would only make an association with the Hog.

2. And being asked a reason, he answered, Because this living crea­ture is so faithfull, that he will never leave his friends and allies, al­though in never so great danger.

Mor. This Fable sheweth, That their friendship is to be desired, that do not shrink back from affording relief, in time of adversity.

228. Of the Gnat, that beg'd meat and lodging of a Bee.

1. A Gnat in winter-time, when she thought she should be like to die for hunger and cold, went to the hives of Bees, and begged meat and lodging of them.

2. Which if she could but get of them, she promised, that she would teach their children musick.

3. Then said a Bee to her, But I had rather my children should learn my trade, which can shield them from the danger of hunger and cold.

Mor. This Fable admonisheth us, To bring up our Children in those Trades, that are able to shield them from Poverty.

229. Of an Ass that was the Trumpeter, and a Hare that was the Letter-Post.

1. THE Lion, the King of Beasts, being to fight against the Birds, set his forces in array.

2. And being asked by the Bear, what the Asses idleness, or the Hares fearfulness, (whom he saw to he there amongst other souldiers) could avail him towards the victory, he answered;

3. The Ass will call on my Souldiers to fight, with the sound of the trumpet; and the Hare will serve for a Letter-Post, because of the swiftness of her feet.

Mor. This Fable signifieth, That no body is so contemptible, but may do us good in some thing or other.

230. Of the Hawks, that fell out among themselves, which the Pigeons made friends.

1. THE Hawks being at odds one with another, fought every day: and being busied with their own quarrels, they did not trouble o­ther birds.

2. The Pigeons being sorry for their hap, made them friends, by send­ing Ambassadors.

3. But they, assoon as they were made friends amongst themselves, did not forbear to vex and kill the other weaker birds, and especially the Pigeons.

4. Then said the Pigeons amongst themselves. How much better for us was the Hawks falling out, than their agreement!

Mor. This Fable teacheth us, that the factions of bad citizens amongst themselves, are rather to be cherished than extinguished, that they may let honest men live quietly, whilst they fall to drawing of swords a­mongst themselves.

231. Of the Governour, that was condemned of money unjustly taken.

1. A Governour that had robbed the treasury that he had charge of, was condemned of extortion.

2. And when with much ado he restored what was taken away, one of that Province said,

3. This Governour of ours doth as women do, which when they con­ceive children are very well pleased, but when they bring them forth, are extreamly pained.

Mor. This fable implieth, that we must not steal other mens goods, lest when we are forced to part with them, we be much grieved.

232. Of the old Man, that would put off Death.

1. AN old man intreated death, which came to take him away, that he would forbear a little, till he had made his Will, and had provided other things needfull for such a journey.

2. To whom death saith, Why hast thou not hitherto provided, being so often warned by me?

3. And when he said, he never saw him before, he said, When I took away every day not only thy equals, whereof none almost now re­main, but also young folks, children and infants, did I not put thee in mind of thy mortality?

4. When thou perceivedst thy eyes to grow dim, thy hearing to be less, and thy other senses day by day to fail, and thy body to wax un­weildly, did not I tell thee that I was nigh? and dost thou say, thou hadst no warning?

5. Wherefore thou must put me off no longer.

Mor. This fable sheweth, that we ought so to live, as if we saw death to he always by us.

233. Of the Man, that spake to his bag of Money.

1. A Covetous man, who was ready to die, and like to leave a great heap of gold Nobles, that was ill gotten, behind him, asked his bag of money, which he had bidden to be brought him, now that he was dying, whom it was likely to make merry.

2. To whom the bag said, Thine heirs, that shall spend the money that thou hast gotten with so much toyl, upon whores and feastings; and the devils, that shall keep thy soul prisoner in eternal torments.

Mor. This fable sheweth, that it is a very fond thing to bestow pain about such matters, [...]s may be like to afford others joy, and our selve torment.

1. Of the Fox, and the He-Goat.

1. A Fox and an He-goat being thirsty, went down into a Well; in which after they had drunk, the Fox saith to the He-goat, looking about him how to get forth, Have a good heart, Goat for I have devised a way how we may both get back.

2. For thou shalt rear thy self streight up, holding thy forefeet a­gainst the wall, and lean thy horns forward, holding down thy chin to thy brest, and I skipping over thy back and thy horns, and getting out o [...] the Well, will pull thee out thence afterwards.

3. Whose advice the He-goat relying upon, and being ready to do a [...] he [...]ad him, the Fox skipt out of the Well, and then danced about th [...] well side for joy, and was very merry, taking no care at all for the He-goat.

4. But when he was blamed by the He-goat as a covenant-breaken he answered; In good truth Goat, If thou hadst as much understand­ing in thy mind, as thou hast hairs on thy chin, thou wouldest not have gone down into the well, before thou hadst thought of a way how to go out again.

Mor. This fable implieth that a wise man ought to consider the en [...] before he come to undertake a business.

2. Of the Fox, and the Lion.

1. A Fox having never seen a Lion before, when once he met him [...] the way before he was aware, was so affrighted at the sight [...] him, that he had like to have died.

2. Which when it fortuned a second time afterwards, he was affright [...] indeed at the sight of the Lion, but not so as before.

3. But when a third time he saw the same Lion in the City, he [...] not only not affrighted, but also went boldly to him, and talked and di [...]coursed with him.

Mor. This fable implieth, that custom and acquaintance causeth, th [...] those things seem neither terrible nor dreadfull, which are most to [...] feared and dreaded.

3. Of the Cocks, and the Partridge.

1. ONE having Cocks at home, bought a Partridge, and put her [...]mongst the Cocks, to be kept and fatt [...]d; and the Cocks, eve [...] one for his own particular pec [...] her, and beat her away.

[Page 150] 2. Now the Partridge was grieved in her self, thinking, that the Cocks did such things to her, because her kind was quite differing from theirs.

3. But when he saw them shortly after fighting among themselves, and striking one another, being eased of his grief and sorrow, he said;

4. Verily, I will not be troubled any more hereafter, so long as I see them bickering at it, even amongst themselves.

Mor. This fable implieth, that a discrect man ought patiently to bear the affronts offered him, by those of another Country, whom he seeth not to forbear to wrong, even those of their own home.

4. Of the Fox, and the Head that he found.

1. A Fox going once into a Musician's house, as he gazed upon all the instruments of Musick, and all the furniture of the house, he found a Wolf's head skilfully and workman-like made of marble; which when he had taken up in his hand, he said; O head, that was made with a great deal of wit, having no wit at all!

Mor. This fable belongeth to them, that have gallantry of body, but no activeness of mind.

5. Of the Collier, and the Fuller.

1. A Collier that dwelt in an hired house, invited a Fuller, that was come thither hard by, that he would dwell with him in the same house.

2. To whom the [...] answered, O friend, it will not be convenient for me to do so, for I [...] afraid, lest that whatsoever I whiten, thou shouldst smut at all with thy collierly grime.

Mor. This fable [...]mplieth, that we must keep no company with lewd persons.

6. Of the bragging Fellow.

1. A Man that [...] while travelled abroad, after he was come home again, in a bragging manner told both many other things that he had gallantly atchieved in other countries, and that the most of all, that he had outleapt them all at Rhodes; and said, that the Rhodi­ans that had been by, would bear him witness of the same.

2. To whom one of them that stood by, made answer, and said, [...] Sir, if that be true which you say, what need have you of witnesses?

3. Look you where a Rhodian is; see, here is a leap for you.

Mor. This fable sheweth, that where there is a real testimony, there needs no words.

7. Of the Man, that tempted Apollo.

1. A Roguish fellow went to Delphos to tempt Apollo, having a spar­row under his cloak, which he held in his fist; and coming [...] the trivet, he asked him, saying; Is that alive or dead, which I have [...] my right hand? being ready to pull out the sparrow alive, if Apol [...] had answered, that it was dead; and again, being ready to pull it o [...] dead, in case he had answered, that it was alive.

[Page 152] 2. For he would have killed it presently, in a private manner, under his cloak, before he pulled it out.

3. But the god understanding the knavish craftiness of the fellow, said; O thou that comest to ask me, do whether thou hadst rather (for, it is in thy power to choose whether thou wilt) and bring out that which thou hast in thy hand, whether it be alive or dead.

Mor. This fable implieth, that nothing can lie hid from, or deceive the knowledge of God.

8. Of the Fisherman, and the Sprat.

1. A Fisherman having cast his nets into the sea, drew out a little sprat, which thus entreated the Fisherman.

2. Do not take me at the present, being so small and little; let me go and grow, that afterwards thou maist enjoy me, being thus grown to the full, to thy greater profit.

3. To whom the Fisherman said, I should be mad indeed, if I should omit the gain which I have in my hand, though it be but little, in hope of a future good thing, although it be very great.

Mor. This fable implieth, that he is a fool, who for the hope of a greater matter, doth not take a thing that is both present and certain, though it be but small.

9. Of the Horse, and the Ass.

1. A Man had an Horse and an Ass.

2. As they travelled on the way, the ass said to the horse, If thou wouldest have me well, ease me of some of my burden.

3. Whilst the horse minded not his words, the ass sunk under his bur­den, and died.

4. Then the owner of the beasts lays upon the horse, all the fardles which the Ass carried, and also the hide, which he had flead from off the dead Ass.

5. With which burden, the horse being over-born, and groaning, said with a loud voice:

6. Wo is me, the unhappiest of all the beasts in the world! what a misfortune hath befallen me, poor horse!

7. For, refusing a part, I now carry all the load, and his skin with­all to boot.

Mor. This fable implieth, that the greater ought to partake in their labour with the less, that both may be safe.

10. Of the Man, and the Satyr.

1. A Man had contracted amity with a Satyr, who, as they sate toge­ther to eat (there being a great storm and cold) the man put his hands to his mouth, and warmed them with his breath.

2. Which the Satyr seeing, asked him why he did it.

3. He saith, I warm my cold hands with the warmth of my mouth.

4. And a little after, some warm broth being brought, when the man again held his hand with the pottage to his mouth, and cooled the heat of the meat with blowing upon it, The Satyr asked him wherefore be did it.

5. And when the man answered him, That I may cool my meat: But I, quoth the Satyr, will use no familiarity with thee hereafter, who dost draw both hot and cold out of one mouth. Fare thee well.

[Page 154] Mor. This fable implieth, that his friendship is to be avoided, whose life is double, and speech not single.

11. Of the Fox, and the Libard.

1. THE Fox and the Libard wrangled about their fairness; and as the Libard highly commended his own changeable coloured skin, when the Fox could not more set out her own, she said;

2. But, how much more gay am I, which have not a body, but a mind of changeable colours!

Mor. This fable implieth, that the beauty of the mind exceeds the beauty of the body.

12. Of the Cat, that was turned into a Woman.

1. A Handsom young man took delight in a Cat.

2. He besought Venus, that she would turn her into a woman.

3. The Goddess pitying the young man's desire, turned the beast into a pretty girl.

4. With whose beauty, the young man being inflamed, brings her home with him.

5. Who, as they sat together in the chamber, Venus having a mind to try, whether she had altered her manners as well as her body, sent in a mouse into the middle of the room.

6. But she, forgetting both the company that were there, and the bride-chamber, rose out of the chamber, and followed the mouse, being de­sirous to eat her.

7. Then the goddess being angry, restored her again into her own condition.

Mor. This fable sheweth, that wicked men, though they may alter their condition and state, yet they do not alter their manners.

13. Of the Husbandman, and his Dogs.

1. A Husbandman being taken tardy in the field with winter wea­ther, when his victuals failed, first killed all his sheep, and eat their flesh, and presently after his goats; and last of all he was maintai­ned with his draught-oxen being killed.

2. Which when the dogs had observed, they spake amongst themselves, saying, But let us run away from hence.

3. For if our Master hath not spared his draught-oxen, surely he will not spare us.

Mor. This fable sheweth, that they are to be shunned and avoided, that do not hold off their hand, even from those of their near ac­quaintance.

14. Of the Husbandman, that taught his Sons.

1. A Husbandman seeing his sons every day brawling, and that they could not be made friends, gave order, that a handfull of rods should be brought him.

2. Now his sons were there sitting.

3. Which rods, when they were brought, he tied them all together into one bundle, and bad every one of his sons take the bundle and to break it.

4. But when they were not able to break them, he loosed the bundle af­terwards, and gave the rods to every one one, to be broken; and made this inference to them when they brake them quickly and easily.

[Page 156] 5. Thus shall ye also, my sons, shew your selves impregnable to your ene­mies, and invincibl [...], if ye shall continue thus all in a mind.

6. But if not, your own very contention, and falling out one with an­other, will make you a ready prey for your enemies.

Mor. This fable sheweth, that mens affairs do indifferently either thrive by concord, or fail by discord.

15. Of the Woman, and the Hen.

1. A Widow had a Hen, that laid her every day an egg.

2. Now the woman hoping, that she would lay her two eggs for one, if she should give her more meat, brought her up plentifully.

3. But the hen being made fatter, could not lay so much as one egg.

Mor. This fable sheweth, that men growing lither through riot and abundance, are hindred from their purposes.

16. Of the Man, whom the Dog had bitten.

1. ONE that was bitten by a dog, went about to every body begging cure; and he met with one, who, when he knew the quality of the disease, said:

2. If thou indeed, friend, wouldest recover, take a crust of bread, steept in the blood of the wound, and give it to the dog that hit thee, to eat.

3. To whom he said again, Truely if I should do so, I should deserve to be worried by all the dogs in the town.

Mor. This tale sheweth, that wicked men are then most heartned on to do mischief, when they receive the greatest courtesies.

17. Of the two Friends, and the Bear.

1. A Bear met two friends, as they travelled on the high way together; one of whom being affrighted, climbed up into a tree, and kept close: but the other when he conceived, that he was an unfit match for the Bear, and that if he should fight, he was likely to be overcome, threw himself down on his face, and made as though he were dead.

2. Now the Bear coming to him, smelt at his ears and the hinder part of his head, whilst he that lay all along, held his breath continually; so the Bear thinking that he was dead, went his way.

3. For they say, that a Bear doth not exercise his savageness upon dead bodies.

4. By and by the other man, that had lien close among the green houghs of a tree, came down, and asked his friend, what the Bear had said to him in his ear.

5. To whom his friend said, He advised me, That I should not travel hereafter with such friends.

Mor. This fable implieth, that those friends are to be avoided, who shrink back from helping one in a time of danger.

18. Of the young Fellows, and the Cook.

1. TWO young fellows had bought meat of a Cook betwixt them.

2. But when the Cook minded some business in the house, and applied himself about it, the one of the young men put a piece of meat into the others hand.

[Page 158] 3. As soon as the Cook turned himself, and ask'd for the piece of flesh which was missing; he that had taken away the flesh, swore that he had it not; and he that had it, swore, that he took it not away.

4. To whom the Cook said, when he perceived the knavery of the young men, Though the thief be unknown to me, yet will he not be unknown to that God, by whom ye have sworn.

Mor. This fable implieth, that if we conceal any thing from men, we can by no means conceal it from God, who alone looketh upon all things, and seeth all things.

19. Of the Reed, and the Olive-tree.

1. THE Reed and the Olive-tree disputed about their constancy, strength and firmness.

2. The Olive-tree indeed taunted the Reed, because it was weak, and bending with every wind.

3. But the Reed held its peace, waiting not very long.

4. For, when a great wind came, the Reed was tossed, and bent back­ward; but the Olive-tree, when it would needs strive against the violence of the winds, was broken.

Mor. This fable implieth, that they that give way to them that are stronger than themselves for a time, are better than they that do not give way.

20. Of the Trumpeter.

1. THere was a Trumpeter, that gave the alarum in the time of battle.

2. He being taken by the enemies, cryed out to them that stood a­bout him,

3. Do not kill me, men, that am harmless and innocent.

4. For I never killed any man.

5. For I have nothing else but this Trumpet.

6. To whom they answered again with an out-cry,

7. Thou shalt be killed the rather for this, because when thou thy self canst not fight, thou canst set others on to fight.

Mor. This fable implieth, that they offend more than others, who per­suade evil and wicked Princes to do unjustly.

21. Of the Fowler, and the Viper.

1. A Fowler having talen his birding nets, went a fowling, and when he saw a stock-dove sitting in the top of a tree, he moved his reeds, set artificially with his nets, closely towards the bird, hoping he should be able to catch her.

2. Which as he did, gazing up on high. he trod upon a viper that lay there, which being vexed with the smart, bit the man.

3. But he now ready to faint, said, Alas poor man! Who whilst I would catch another, being my self catch'd by another, am undone.

Mor. This fable implieth, that deceitfull men hide their treacherous tricks, and yet do often suffer the same from others.

22. Of the Reaver, that geldeth himself.

1. THE Beaver is said to continue in the water more than other four-footed beasts, and that his stones are very good indeed in Physick.

2. When he seeth that he is like to be caught, when men hunt him, (for he knoweth why he is hunted after) be himself bites off his cods, and throwing them towards them that pursue him, by this means escapes safe.

Mor. This fable sheweth, that wise men ought by his example, to have no regard of their means, so they may obtain safety.

23. Of the Tunie, and the Dolphin.

1. A Tunie, as he fled from a Dolphin, that pursued him with full speed, and was just ready to be taken, wound himself fast in a narrow creek.

2. The Dolphin also, with his very force, was dash'd upon another like it.

3. At which the Tunie looking back, and seeing him gasping, said,

4. Now my death doth not grieve me, whilst I see him that was the cause of my death, dying with me.

Mor. This fable sheweth, That men bear their miseries patiently, when they see them miserable, that were the causers of their miseries.

24. Of the Dog, and the Butcher.

1. A Dog leaping into a Butchers shop, whilst the Butcher was busied about something, having snatched up a beast's heart, ran away.

2. Towards which the Butcher turned, and looking after him as he ran, said:

3. O dog, I shall watch you, wherever you shall be.

4. For thou hast not stolen away my heart, but hast put heart into me.

Mor. This fable teacheth, that loss is always a lesson to men.

25. Of the Fortune-teller.

1. A Fortune-teller sat in the market, and talked.

2. To whom one brought news that his house-doors were bro­ken open, and that all the goods that were in the house, were taken away.

3. At which tidings, the fortune-teller sighing, and running for speed went home.

4. Whom one seeing running, said to him, O thou that promisedst that thou wouldst foretell other mens business, surely thou thy self didst not foretell thy own.

Mor. This fable pertaineth to those, who not well ordering their own affairs, endeavour to foresee and consult for other mens, which do not be­long unto them.

26. Of the Sick man, and the Doctor.

1. A Sick man being asked by a Doctor how he did, answered, That he was fallen into an extraordinary sweat.

2. To whom the Doctor said, That is good.

3. Again, another day being asked how he did, he answered, I have been a long time troubled, being taken with a chilness.

[Page 162] 4. And that is good too, quoth the Doctor.

5. A third time, when the same Doctor asked him, he said, I am much weakned with a scouring of my body.

6. That is good too, quoth the Doctor.

7. Afterwards when an acquaintance asked him, How do you?

8. He answered, O friend, I am well again and again, but I am dying.

Mor. This fable sheweth, that flatterers are to be blamed.

27. Of the Ass, and the Wolf.

1. AN Ass having trod upon a splinter of wood, halted, and when he saw a Wolf, he said,

2. Look, Wolf, I am ready to die for pain, being like to become either thy prey, or the vultures, or the ravens.

3. I earnestly request of thee only one piece of service.

4. Pull this splinter first out of my foot, that I may at the least die without torm [...]nt.

5. Then the wolf taking hold of the splinter with his foreteeth, pulled it out.

6. But the Ass having forgot the pain, hit his iron-shod heels against the wolfs face; and after he had broken his forehead, his nose, and his teeth, he ran away: whilst the wolf blamed himself, and said, That he was rightly served, because he that had learned to be a butcher of beasts, would now become their Chirurgeon.

Mor. This fable sheweth, that they that forsake their own trades, and betake themselves to others not fitting for them, are liable to scorn and danger▪

28. Of the Fowler, and the Black-bird.

1. A Fowler had spread nets for birds, which a Black-bird seeing a good way off, she asked the man, what he did.

2. He answered, that he was building a City; and he went away further off, and hid himself.

3 Now the Black-bird trusting his words, and coming to the bait laid by his nets, was caught.

4. And as the Fowler ran to her, she said, O friend, if you build such a City as this, you will not find many inhabitants in it.

Mor. This fable implieth, that the private and publick weal, is most of all destroyed on that fashion, when the Rulers use cruelty.

29. Of the Traveller, and the Bag that was found.

1. A Traveller having gone a long journey, vowed, that if he found any thing, he would offer the half of it to Jupiter.

2. And afterwards when he had found a bag full of Dates and Al­monds upon the Road, he ate all the Dates and the Almonds.

3. But he offered the Date kernels, and the Almond shells and husk [...] at an altar, saying;

4. Thou hast, Jupiter, what I vowed to thee; for I offer thee the insides, and the outsides of that which I have found.

Mor. This fable implieth, that a covetous person for greediness of money, will endeavour to cozen even the gods.

30. Of the Boy, and his Mother.

1. A Boy having stoln his school-fellows horn book at the school, brought it to his Mother; by whom he being not punished, played the thief more every day than other.

2. And in process of time, he began to steal bigger things.

3. At the last, he was found out by the Magistrate, and led to ex­ecution.

4. But when his Mother followed him, and cried out, he intreated the guard, that they would let him speak to her in her ear a little.

5. Who, when they gave him leave; and his Mother, that made haste, laid her ear to her sons mouth, he bit a piece out of his mo­thers ear.

6. When his mother and the rest rated at him, not only as being a thief, but also ungracious towards his own mother, he said:

7. This woman hath been the cause of my undoing.

8. For if she had whip'd me for the horn book which I stole, I should not have gone on to further matters, and be brought thus to the gallows

Mor. This fable sheweth, that they that are not restrained whe [...] they begin to do amiss, come to greater villanies.

31. Of the Shepherd, that turned Sea-man.

1. A Shepherd kept his flock on the Sea-coasts, who when he saw the sea calm, he had a great mind to make a voyage to a Mart [...]

2. Having therefore sold his sheep, and bought some bags of Dates he went to Sea.

3. Now when a great storm arose, and the ship was in danger to be sunk, he threw all the burden of the ship into the sea, and had much ado to escape, after he had unladed the ship.

4. A few days after, when one came and wondred at the calmness [...] the sea, (for it was very calm) he answered and said:

5. It would have some Daies again, as far as I conceive, and there­fore it sheweth it self so still.

Mor. This fable sheweth, that men are made wiser by loss [...] danger.

32. Of an Old mans Son, and a Lion.

1. AN elderly man had an only son of a generous spirit, and on that loved hounds well; he had seen his son in his dream to [...] killed by a Lion.

2. Being afraid, lest hereafter perchance, the event at one time or o­ther should follow this dream, he built a very [...]ine roof, and very plea­sant, with tretted roofs and windows.

3. And bringing his son thither, he looked strictly to him every day.

4. For he had painted in the house all sorts of living creatures, for his sons delight: amongst which he had also painted a lion.

5. The young man looking upon these things, became so much the more troubled.

6. And standing one time nearer the lion, he said:

7. O thou most cruel beast, I am kept in this house, as in a prison because of a vain dream of my fathers: What shall I do to thee?

[Page 166] 8. And as he said this, he struck his hand against the wall, having a mind to put out the lion's eyes: and he hit it upon a nail that lay hid there.

9. Upon which blow his hand rankled, and the matter festered un­derneath, and a fever came upon it, and the young man died in a short time.

10. Thus the lion killed the young man, whilst his fa­ther's foppery did no good at all to prevent it.

Mor This fable implieth, that no body can avoid things that are like to come to pass.

33. Of the bald Man, that wore others hair instead of his own.

1. AS a bald man that wore a periwig rode along, behold, a pretty strong wind blew it from off his head.

2. They that stood about him set up a loud laughter presently, and he laughing as well as they, said;

3. What wonder is it, if the hairs which were not mine own, be gon [...] from me?

4. Those also are gone, which were born with me.

Mor. This fable sheweth, that we ought not to be sorry for lost means For that which we receive not of nature when we are born, cannot alway continue with us.

34. Of the Eagle, and the Fox.

1. AN Eagle and a Fox having made a league of amity betwix [...] themselves, resolved to dwell hard by one another, supposing their friendship would be the more f [...]m by their often converse.

2. The Eagle therefore made her nest upon a high tree, and the [...] laid her cubs near the tree, among the bramble bushes.

3. One day then, when the fox went out of her kennel to seek some­thing wherewithall to feed her cubs, the Eagle euen her self lacking meat, flew into the covert, and snatcht away the foxes cubs, and gave them to her young ones to eat.

4. When the fox came back again, and understood of the cruel death of her young ones, she was very sorrowfull.

5. And whereas she was not able to revenge her self of the Eagle, be­cause, being a four-footed beast, she could not pursue a bird, she curse [...] the eagle, (a thing which is incident to the poor and impotent) and wished some mischief or other might befall her.

6. Into so great a hatred is violated friendship turned.

7. It befell then in those days, that a goat was sacrificed in the coun­trey, a piece whereof the eagle snatch'd away, together with the live coals, & carried it to her nest; but when the wind blew somewhat high, [...] nest, which was made of hay, and small and dry sticks, was burnt.

8. Assoon as the Eagle's young ones felt the fire, because they were not yet able to flie, they fell down to the ground.

9. The fox catch'd them up presently, and a [...]e them in the eagle's sight.

Mor. This Tale signifieth, that they which violate friendship, though they may avoid the vengeance of them whom they have hurt, yet shall no [...] escape the judgment of God.

35. Of the Eagle, and the Raven.

1. AN Eagle flying down from an high rock, snatcht a lamb away ou [...] of a flock of sheep; which thing when a raven saw, being moved with emulation she flew upon a Ram, with a great deal of noise and croaking, and so fastned her claws into the Rams fleece, that she could not rid her self thence, no not by the fluttering of her wings.

2. When the shepherd saw her thus intangled, he ran to the raven, and catcht her; and after he had cut her wings, he gave her to his children to play withall.

3. But when one asked the raven what bird she was, the raven said, Heretofore indeed, according to mine own conceit, I was an Eagle; but now I know verily, that I am but a Raven.

Mor. This fable signifieth, that he that dareth to attempt any thing beyond his strength, doth only bring this about, that he falls too of­ten into adversity, and makes himself ridiculous to the common sort.

36. Of the Eagle, and the dung-Beetle.

1. AN Eagle pursued an Hare; the Hare not knowing what to do, seeing a Beetle, which the opportunity offered her, besought help of it: to whom the Beetle promised safety, and its protection.

2. Afterwards, when the beetle saw the Eagle drawing near, it in­treats her, that she would not take us servant away from it by force.

3. But the Eagle scorning the beetle's littleness, devoured the hare be­fore its face.

4. But the beetle remembring the wrong done it, minded where the Eagle built.

5. Lo, the Eagle layeth her eggs, the beetle being carried aloft with its wings, flies to the Eagle's nest, and rowling out the eggs, threw them down to the ground.

6. The eagle being grieved for the loss of her eggs, flew to Jupiter (for she is a bird consecrated to that god) and desired him, that she might have a safe place granted to lay her eggs in.

7. Jupiter gave her leave, that when the time comes, she should lay her eggs in his lap.

8. The beetle foreseeing this, made a ball of dung, and flying up on high, let it fall upon Jupiters lap.

9. Jupiter being desirous to shake the ball out of his lap, shak'd out the Eagles eggs also with it.

10. From that time to this, they say, the eagle never layeth whilst the beetles are in being.

Mor. This fable signifieth, that no man surely is to be despised; be­cause there is no body that receiveth a wrong, but may seek to revenge himself when time serveth.

37. Of the Nightingale and the Hawk.

1. A Nightingale, as she [...] on a high oak, sung all alone, as she used to do.

2. So soon as a Hawk, that was seeking meat, espied her, he flew to her on a sudden, and snatch'd her away.

3. But the Nightingale, when she saw she was going to be killed, in­treated the hawk, that he would let her go, because she was not sufficient [Page 170] to f [...]ll his belly; but that it would be a gallant piece of work to turn him to the greater birds, to satisfie himself.

4. The hawk looking frowningly upon her, said, Truly I should be worse than a fool, if I should let go the meat which I have in my clutches, in hopes of a larger prey.

Mor. The tale signifieth, that they that for go that which they have in their hands, in hope of greater matters, are too much void of wit & reason.

38. Of the Fox, and the He-Goat.

1. A Fox and an He-goat being thirsty went down into a Well; but when after their drinking the He-goat looked for a way out, the fox said gently to him,

2. Have a good heart, for I have well conside­red what may be for our safety.

3. For thou shalt stand bolt upright, and hold thy fore-feet and thy horns close to the wall, and I climbing over thy shoulders, and thy horns, after I shall be got out of the pit, will take thee by the hands, and draw thee hence from above.

4. The He-goat was very ready to serve him.

5. The Fox being glad of his own getting out, played upon the goat about the mouth of the well.

6. But as the He-goat blamed him, that he had not kept covenant with [...], the fox said wit [...]ily to him;

7. Goat, If thou hadst had so much wit, as thy beard hath hairs, thou wouldst not have gone down into the pit, before thou hadst conside­ratively seen a way out thence.

Mor. This fable sheweth, that men that are wise, will first consider the end of things, before they set themselves to do things.

39. Of the Fox, and the Lion.

1. WHen a Fox, that had never seen a Lion, met him by chance, he was so affrighted, that he was even ready to die.

2. When he saw him a second time, he was affrighted, but not so as at the first.

3. When he looked upon him the third time, he came nearer him, and ventured to talk with him face to face.

Mor. This fable sheweth, that use and custom makes the most ter­rible things familiar.

40. Of the Cat, and the Cock.

1. WHen a Cat had got a Cock, and sought an occasion why to eat him, he began to accuse him that he was a turbulent creature, and one that would not let folks sleep by night, for his making a noise.

2. The Cock excused himself, that he did it to pleasure them, fo [...]as­much as he called them to do their work.

3. Again the Cat said, Thou art impious and wicked above measure, because thou continually dost against nature; for thou neither forbearest thy mother nor thy sister; but through incontinency dost carnally behave thy self towards them.

4. The Cock maintained that too, that he did it likewise for his dames profit; for by such like copulation, the hens lay eggs.

5. Then saith the Cat, Though thou hast many excuses, yet I do not mean to fast.

[Page 172] Mor. This fable signifieth, that he that is naught by nature, when once he hath resolved to do amiss, doth not cease from his naughtiness, though he have no colour of excuse.

41. Of the Fox without a tail.

1. A Fox having his tail cui off, to get out of a trap, when for shame he thought it a death to live, devised to persuade other foxes by a wile, that under a pretence of a common benefit, they should eve­ry one cut off his own tail, and so lessen his disgrace.

2. When therefore the foxes were all met together, he persuadeth them to cut off their tails; maintaining, that their tails were not only a disgrace to foxes, but a heavy and foolish burden.

3. One of the foxes answered her wittily, Ho sister, if the matter be good for your self only, it is not fair for you to counsel others al­so unto it.

Mor. This fable belongs to them, that, under a shew of charity, look at their own benefit in advising others.

42. Of the Fisherman, and the Smaris, a small fish.

1. A Fisherman, that cast his net into the sea, took a Smaris, a small fish in it, which being but little, because it was young yet in­treated the fisherman, he would spare its life, till he was a big one, and he might make more profit of it.

2. The fisherman answered it neatly, Truly, I should be out of my wits, If I should let that go, in hopes of more gain, which is but very little profit to me.

Mor. The fable signifieth, that it would be a fond thing to let go cer­tainties for uncertainties, though there may be great hopes in them.

43. Of the Fox, and the Bramble.

1. AS a fox got up upon a hedge, to avoid the danger which he saw near him, he took hold of a bramble, and prickt the hollow of his foot with the prickles.

2. And when he was sore wounded, he sighed, and said to the bramble, When I fled to thee to help me, thou didst undo me worse.

3. To whom the bramble said, Thou wast mistaken, fox, which thought­est to catch me with the like wiles wherewith thou hast used to catch others.

Mor. This tale sheweth, that it is a fond thing to desire help of them, whose nature it is to do mischief, rather than to do good to others.

44. Of the Fox, and the Crocodile.

1. THE Fox and the Crocodile strove about their nobility.

2. When the Crocodile alledged many things for himself, and vaunted himself beyond measure, touching the splendour of his Ance­stors; the Fox smiling, said:

3. Oh friend, although thou hadst never said this, it is clearly mani­fest by thy skin, that thou hadst been deprived of the splendour of thy ancestors, now these many years.

Mor. This fable signifieth, that the matter it self doth most of all confute lying persons.

45. Of the Fox, and the Hunters.

1. A Fox running away from the Hunters, and being new weary with running along the way, by chance light on a woodman, whom be intreated to hide him in any place.

2. He shewed him his cottage.

3. The Fox going into it, hid himself in a corner.

4. The Hunters come, they ask the woodman if he saw the Fox.

5. The woodman indeed denied in words that he had seen him; but pointed at the place with his hand, where the fox lay hid.

6. But the Hunters having not at all understood the matter, went away presently.

7. The fox, assoon as ever he saw them gone, coming out of the cot­tage, went softly back again.

8. The wo [...]dman blames the fox, because whereas he had saved him, he did not thank him at all.

9. Then the fox turning himself, said softly to him;

10. Ho friend; if the deeds of thy hands and thy behaviour, had been like thy words, I would have given thee deserved thanks.

Mor. This fable signifieth, that a naughty man, though he promise good things, yet he performeth things that are bad and wicked.

46. Of the Cocks, and the Partridge.

1. WHen one had a many co [...]ks at home, he let a Partridg, which he had bought, feed amongst them.

2. But when the cocks mo [...]ested her, and pecked her with their bills, the partridge was very sorry at the wrong done her, thinking, that because she was a stranger, and not of that kind, those injuries were offered her.

3. Afterwards, when the partridge saw the cocks fighting among themselves, she abandoned her sorrow, and said;

4. For the future indeed I shall not be grieved, seeing I see such grie­vous fighting amongst themselves.

Mor. This tale sheweth, that wise men take patiently the wrongs, that are most done them by those, that neither know how to forbear themselves, nor their own.

47. Of the Fox, and the Vizard.

1. A Fox being got into a Musician's house, as he earnestly gazed upon the things made ready in the house, he found an hob­goblins head artificially and industriously made; which he taking in his hands, said,

2. O what an head is this, without brains!

Mor. This fable sheweth, that all that are handsom in body, have not the same beauty of mind.

48. Of the Man, and the Wooden-God.

1. A Man having a wooden-god at home, intreated it, to give him some good thing; but the more he prayed it, the less his estate was at home.

[Page 176] 2. At the last, he being moved with anger, took the god by the legs, and knocked its head against the wall.

3. When its head then was struck off, a great deal of gold flew out, which the man gathering up, said:

4. Thou art too cross and perfidious, because, whilst I honoured thee, thou didst me no good; but now thou art stricken and beaten, thou hast done me an abundance of good.

Mor. This fable signifieth, that a naughty person, if ever he do good, he doth it, because he is, forced to it.

49. Of the Dog that was invited to Supper.

1. A Man when he had provided a dainty supper, invited a friend home; his dog also bad the other mans dog to supper.

2. When he came into the house, and saw so much good chear got ready, he said merrily with himself,

3. I shall surely so fill my self to day, that I shall not need to eat to morrow; and when he had said this, he wagged his tail for fain.

4. But the Cook seeing him, took him softly by the tail, and after he had whirled him often about, threw him out at the window.

5. He being amazed, got up from the ground. and ran away crying. Other dogs met him. and asked how gallantly he had supped?

6. But he being ready to faint, said, I have so filled my self with drink and good chear, that I saw not the way how I got out.

Mor. This fable signifieth, that one ought not to be merry at those things, at which he is to be sorry.

50. Of the Eagle, and the Man.

1. WHen a man had caught an Eagle, he pluck'd off the fea­thers of her wings, and put her to tarry amongst his pullein.

2. Afterwards, one having bought her, put feathers into her wings again.

3. Then the Eagle flew and caught a Hare, and carried it to her be­nefactor.

4. Which thing the Fox seeing, said to the man, Do not entertain this eagle on guest-wise as [...]ormerly, lest she offer to catch you, as well as she did the hare.

5. Then the man likewise pluck'd away the eagle's feathers.

Mor. This fable signifieth, that they that do us good turns are to be re­quited; but naughty persons are by all means to be avoided.

51. Of the Husbandman.

1. A Man that was an Husbandman, when he saw that his life was near an end, and had a mind his sons should be well skilled in ordering the ground; he called them, and said;

2. Sons, I am a dying, and all my goods are laid in my vineyard.

3. They, after their fathers decease, thinking to find a treasure in the vineyard, took spades, and hacks, and mattocks, and quite digged up the vineyard, and sound no treasure.

4. But the vineyard, after it was well digged, brought forth far more fruit than it was wont to do, and made them rich.

[Page 178] Mor. This fable signifieth, that daily labour yields a treasure.

52. Of the Collier, and the Whitster.

1. A Collier intreated a Whitster, that he would dwell with him in a house that he had hired.

2. But the Whitster having had experience of the thing to be other­wise, said, That would not be good for me.

3. For what I should whiten, thou wouldst simut them all with the embers of thy coals.

Mor. The fable signifieth, that things unlike in nature, cannot well stand together.

53. Of the Fox that was hungry.

1. A Fox being very hungry, when he saw a piece of flesh and bread laid in a cottage, he went into the cottage, and ate so much, that he made his belly swell mightily.

2. And when by reason of too much swelling of his belly, he could not get forth, he sighed as his swelled.

3. When another fox that was going by that way, heard his sighing, he came thither, and asked him what he sighed for; and after he under­stood the cause why he sighed, he said wittily:

4. Thou must iurry there, till thou beest made as lean as thou wast, when thou wentest in.

5. For so thou wilt easily get out.

Mor. This fable signifieth, that nothing is so hard, but time can dis­solve it.

54. Of a Fisherman.

1. A Fisherman being not well skilled in fishing, took a pair of pipes and a net, and came to the Sea-shore, and stood upon a rock, and began first to pipe, supposing he could easily catch fish by piping.

2. But when he could do no good with piping, he laid his pipes aside, and cast his net into the sea, and caught a great many fish.

3. But when he drew the fish out of his net, aud saw them dancing, he said witti [...]y;

4. O naughty living creatures! whilst I piped ye would not dance, and now because I give over piping, ye do nothing but dance.

Mor. This fable signifieth, that all things are well done, which are done in their seas [...]n.

55. Of the Fishermen.

1. WHen some Fishermen, that had gone to fishing, and were wear [...] with fishing long, and spent also with hunger and grief; be­cause they had taken nothing, resolved to go their way; behold, a fish, tha [...] fled from another that pursued it, leapt into the boat.

2. The fishermen being very glad, caught held of it; and, when the [...] came again into the city, they sold it at a great rate.

Mor. The fable signifieth, tha fortune often affords that; which ski [...] cannot do.

56. Of the Fox, and the Libard.

1. THE Fox and the Libard contended about their fairness: when the libard thought the sundry spots of his body an ornament to him­self, the fox said mildly:

2. I indeed [...] to be judged far the fairer, which have not my body but my mind marked with several marks.

Mor. The fable signifieth, that the beauty of the mind is better, than all the decking of the body.

57. Of the Fishermen.

1. SOme Fishermen dragg'd a net in the sea, which when they felt to be heavy, they skipt for joy, supposing that they had many fish intan­gled in the net.

2. But when, as they drew the net to the land, they saw few fish, and a great stone to be in the net, they were very sad.

3. One of them that was antient, said wittily to his fellows, Set your hearts at ease; for, sorrow is the sister of mirth.

4. For one ought to foresee changes that are like to fall, and that he may bear them the more easily, to perswade himself that they will come to pass.

Mor. This fable signifieth, that he that remembreth man's condition, is not daunted in adversity.

58. Of the Frogs, that requested a King.

1. THE frogs being grieved, that they had no King, sent petitioners to beseech Jupiter, that he would bestow a King upon them.

2. Jupiter knowing their simplicity, threw a log down into the midst of the pool.

3. Which when it fell into the pool, the sound of it affrighted the frogs exceedingly.

4. Who when they perceived to be a log, sent again to beseech Jupiter that he would give them a live King, and not a dead one.

5. Jupiter being moved with their fond requests, gave them a water­serpent to be their King.

6. When he devoured the frogs day by day, the frogs besought Jupiter a third time, to take away the cruel and fierce King from them.

7. Then Jupiter said, Take ye that King for always, whom ye have gotten with so many petitions.

Mor. This fable signifieth, that we oftentimes wish for those things, which we are sorry afterwards to have obtained.

59. Of the she-Cat changed into a Woman.

1. A She Cat being fallen in love with a handsom young man, be­sought Venus, to change her into a woman.

2. Venus pitying her, changed her into a Womans shape: whom, be­cause she was very pretty, her sweet-heart quickly had to his house.

3. But as they sat together in the chamber, Venus being desirous to try whether she had changed her manners, as well as her face, put a mouse in betwixt them, which as soon as she saw, having forgotten her shape and her love, she ran after the mouse to catch her.

[Page 182] 4. At which thing Venus being vexed, turned her again into the for­mer shape of a cat.

Mor. This fable signifieth, that a naughty person, though he change his vizard, doth nevertheless retain the same manners.

60. Of an old Man that wished for Death.

1. AN old man carrying a bundle of sticks out of a wood, upon his shoulders, after he was weary with the long way, laid his bundle upon the ground, and wished for death.

2. Lo, death comes, and asks him the reason, why he called him.

3. Then quoth the old man, That thou mightest lay this bundle of sticks upon my shoulders.

Mor. This fable signifieth, that whosoever is desirous of life, though it be subject to a thousand dangers, yet doth always avoid death.

61. Of the Woman, and the Physician.

1. AN old woman being troubled with an inflammation in her eyes, sent for a Physician to cure her, promising to give him a good fee, if she should be cured of that disease; but if she were not freed of it, she agreed that she should owe him nothing.

2. But the Physician, as often as he went to cure her, did so often car­ry something out of her house by stealth.

3. The woman therefore, after her sore eyes were cured, when she saw none of her goods in her house, denied to pay the Doctor demanding the fee which he had agreed for.

4. Wherefore when she was sued, she denied not the bargain; but that she was cured of her sore eyes, she denies that stoutly.

5. Saying, When I was blind, I saw my house furnished with store of houshold-goods; but now that I see, as the Doctor saith, I perceive nothing to be at my house.

Mor. This fable sheweth, that men that are given to covetousness, do oftentimes contradict themselves.

62. Of the Husbandman; and the Dogs.

1. AN Husbandman setled himself at his country-house, in the depth of winter.

2. But when his provision failed him, he began to eat first his goats and sheep.

3. But when the winter grew sharper every day more than other, he did not spare his oxen too.

4. Which notable act, when the dogs observed, talked one to another:

5. Why stand we here (say they?) why do we not avoid death that is ready to seize on us?

6. Can we think that he will spare our lives, that for food-sake slaugh­tered his oxen?

Mor. This fable signifieth, that we ought to avoid them, that be­have themselves cruelly towards their dearest friends.

63. Of the Husbandman, and his Sons.

1. A Husbandman had a great many Sons, that were always at jars one with another, and that never regarded what he said to them.

2. When once they all sat together at home, their father commanded, that a bundle of sticks should be brought afore them; and he began to exhort his sons to break the whole bundle.

3. When therefore they were not able with all their strength to break the bundle, their father had them, that they should loose the bundle, and break the twigs one by one.

4. When every one easily did this, then the father after silence made, said;

5. My dear children, if ever you be all in one mind, your enemies shall not be able to vanquish you; but if ye shall entertain jars amongst your selves, any one that hath a mind, will easily undo you.

Mor. The fable signifieth, that union is stronger than siding, which is weak.

64. Of the Woman, and the Hen.

1. A Widow woman had a hen, which laid an egg every day.

2. The woman thought after the fashion of the world. (which the desire of having ever eggeth on) that the hen would lay twice a day, if she would use to give her more spelt-wheat.

3. But the hen, being made fatter with more feeding, gave over lay­ing that one egg.

4. So the woman, from that time that she sought more after profit, lost it, out of a blind desire to enhanse it.

Mor. The fable signifieth, that sometimes present profit is lost, by a desire of more things.

65. Of the Man that was bitten by a Dog.

1. A Man, when a dog had bitten him, earnestly enquired for one that could cure him.

2. One that met him, and was asked concerning a Doctor, said; Friend, if you would be made whole, you need no Doctor.

3. For if the dog that bit you, do but lick the blood from the wound, there is nothing in the world better than that cure.

4. The other laughing at him, saith very wittily, If I shall use such a remedy as this, I shall be bitten by the dogs every day more and more.

Mor. This fable signifieth, that bad men use to requite ill turns for good turns, and mischiefs for benefits.

66. Of the two Friends, and the she-Bear.

1.As two Friends travelled into the countrey, a she-Bear met them: which when she was espied, the one of them being af­frighted, got presently into a tree, to save himself; the other, because he made a question how he might be able to withstand the bears strength, lay as if he had been dead, flat upon the ground, holding his blow­ing and breathing.

2. Seeing he drew breath neither at the mouth nor at the nose, the bear supposing him to be dead, went away.

[Page 186] 3. For they say, that bears do altogether refrain from a dead body.

4. Afterwards the other man coming out of the tree, asked his fellow what the bear said to him in his ear.

5. He answered in a jesting speech, I was advised by the bear, that should travel no more with such like friends as you are.

Mor. The fable signifieth, that their friendship is not to be regarded that when need requireth, deny help to their friends.

67. Of the two Enemies,

1. TWO men that were at deadly enmity betwixt themselves, saile in one vessel.

2. And because one of them could not endure to stand in the same place with the other, one sat at the head, and the other at the stern.

3. Now when a storm was risen, and the ship was in danger, he th [...] sat at the head asked the Pilot of the ship what part of the ship would be first sunk; and when the Pilot told him, The stern; he said:

4. It will not now trouble me to die, if I but see my enemy die be­fore me.

Mor. The fable signifieth, that an enemy often chooseth to undo him­self, so he may but undo his enemy.

68. Of the Cane, and the Olive-tree.

1. THE Cane and the Olive-tree strove one with the other, whether was the stronger, the harder, and the more able to resist.

2. The Olive-tree upbraided the reed with its meanness, because [...] quickly yielded to the winds.

3. The Reed scarce gave one word again to this saying.

4. A little while after, the wind blowing with a vehement whi [...] blast, pluck'd the Olive-tree by the roots, that withstood it with [...] its strength.

5. But the reed bowing it self at the blasts, was easily preserved.

69. Of the Heifer, and the Ox.

1. AN Heifer, when she saw an Ox plowing, scorned him in compa­rison of her self, which did nothing.

2. But when the day of sacrificing came, the Ox was let alone; [...] the Heifer was kept to be sacrificed.

3. Which thing when the ox saw, he smiled, and said, Ho heifer thou therefore tookest no pains, that thou mightest be sacrificed.

Mor. This fable signifieth, that all kind of dangers hang over their heads, that are idle and do nothing.

70. Of the Boy, and Fortune.

1. WHen a Boy slept by a Well, Fortune came thither, and raised him up, saying:

2. Arise, and get thee hence quickly; because if thou shouldest [...] into the Well all men would blame, not thy want of wit, but me Fortune

71. Of the Mice, and the Cat.

1. A Cat perceiving, that there were many mice in a certain house, went thither, and catching sometimes one, sometimes another, she killed a great many and ate them.

2. But when the mice saw they were wasted every day, being got all to­gether, they said with themselves:

3. For the future, we must not go down below, if we would not be all destroyed, but we must tarry here above, whither the Cat cannot come.

4. But the Cat, when she understood the mice's plot, counterfeiting her self to be dead, hang'd her self by the hinder feet about a post, which was fastned to the wall.

5. One of the mice peeping down from above, as soon as it knew it was the Cat, said not unwittily:

6. Ho friend, if I knew for certain that thou wert the Cat, I would not come down.

Mor. This fable signifieth, that a discreet man, if he be once deceived, doth no more trust glossing and dissembling men.

72. Of the Ape, and the Fox.

1. AN Ape danced so neatly at a meeting of the bruit beasts, that he was presently made King, by the consent of almost all.

2. But the Fox envying him, as he led the a [...]e thither, where he had seen flesh laid in a trap in a ditch, he said to him.

3. In this place a treasure is hid, which by the Law, belongeth to Kings.

4. Wherefore seeing it is thine by Law, do thou thy self take it.

5. The Ape coming hastily thither, by the fox's persuasion, as soon as he perceived himself caught in the trap, blamed the fox roundly, which had beguiled him.

6. The fox said to him prettily, O thou fool, who thoughtest, when for­tune had advanced thee, that thou wert worthy to rule over others.

Mor. The fable signifieth, that he that rashly sets upon any thing, doth rashly fall into trouble, and is laughed to scorn by every body.

73. Of the Hart, and the Lion.

1. WHen the Hart was very thirsty, he went to a spring; and as he drank, espying his shadow in the water, he was very glad at the greatness of his horns, and their knaggedness; and afterwards looking at his feet and his legs, he was too too sad.

2. Whilst he pondered on these things, behold a Lion appeareth, and pursueth the Hart.

3. But the Hart running away, did far outstrip the Lion through the plain fields.

4. For they say the strength of stags consists in their feet, and the strength of a lion stands in his courage.

5. As long therefore as the lion pursued the hart through the plain grounds, he could not overtake him.

6. But it fell out by chance, that the hart entred into a wood, where when he could not run away, his horns being intangled amongst the boughs, when being caught by the lion, he saw he was like to die;

[Page 190] 7. Wo is me, poor wretch, quoth he, who having joyed in my horns, am undone by my very horns.

Mor. This Fable signifieth, that those things often do us hurt, which we think are likely to do us good.

74. Of the Husbandman, and the Stork.

1. A Husbandman set sprints in his ground, to catch the Crane [...] [...] Geese, which continually fed on his sown corn.

2. But together with them he catch'd a Stork, which being held by the leg, intreated the husbandman, that he would loose her, and let her go, forasmuch as she was not a Crane, nor a Goose to see to, but a Stork, the most dutifull of birds, which always obeyeth her parents, and never forsakes them in their old age.

3. But the husbandman smiling, saith, Those things that thou say­est, are not unknown to me.

4. For I perceive well enough who thou art.

5. But seeing thou art catcht with these, thou must also die with these.

Mor. The fable signifieth, that he that is taken in any fault with naughty people, is punished as well as they.

75. Of the Lamb, and the Wolf.

1. A Lamb being in a house that was well shut, when he saw the wolf coming to him, miscalled him, and reviled him.

2. But the wolf said unto him, Not thou, but the place, that is in­accessible revileth me.

Mor. This fable signifieth, that place and time often make cowards hold.

76. Of Jupiter, and the Crow.

1. IUpiter being desirous to make a King over the flying creatures, ap­pointed a day of meeting for the birds, that he that was the fair­est might be se [...] King over them.

2. Which thing the Crow perceiving aforehand, and being privy to his own ugliness, having gathered other [...]eathers from here and there, he trickt himself up, and made himself the finest of them all.

3. The day appointed comes, the birds came to the meeting.

4. When Jupiter had a mind to make the Crow king over the birds, for his fineness, the birds took it ill, and every one pluck'd her own feathers from the crow.

5. But the crow being bereft of others feathers, remained a crow at the last, as she was before.

Mor. The fable signifieth, that he that dependeth on other mens things, when they are lost, it will clearly appear to every body what he is.

77. Of a Trumpeter.

1. A Trumpeter alarmed the army to sight by the sound of his trumpet.

2. Being [...]fterwards taken by the enemies by an ambush, he cried out with a lamentable voice:

3. Do not ye kill me, to no purpose and in vain.

4. Truly I do not fight, nor have I any thing but this trumpet.

[Page 192] 5. They that led him away bound prisoner, spake thus to him again on the other side:

6. For this very thing thou art to be thought more worthy death, be­cause thou refusest to fight hand to hand with the enemy, and settest on others to fight by the sound of thy trumpet.

Mor. The fable signifieth, that they are more smartly to be pu­nished, who, though they do not wrong themselves, yet set on others to do wrong.

78. Of the Smith, and the Dog.

1. A Smith had a dog, which always slept whilst he himself struck the iron; but when he went to meat, the dog presently got up, and ate what was thrown down under the table, were it bone, or other such things, without any more ado.

2. Which thing the Smith minding, he said to the dog:

3. Alas poor man, I know not what I should do; for whilst I strike the iron, thou continually sleepest and liest idle: Again, when I be­gin to eat, thou presently risest, and fawnest upon me.

Mor. This fable signifieth, that slothfull and drowsie persons, that live upon other folks labours, are severely to be punished.

79. Of a Mule.

1. A Mule being fed fat with too much barley, grew wanton, because she was too fat, and said with her self.

2. A horse was my sire, which was a very good courser; and I am like him in all things.

3. A little after it fell out, that the Mule was to run full speed; but when she tired in the race, she s [...]id;

4. Wo is me, poor wretch, who thought I had been a horses daughter; but now I remember, that an Ass was my sire.

Mor. This fable signifieth, that fools forget themselves in prospe­rity; but in adversity, they oftentimes see their own errors.

80. Of the Tunie, and the Dolphin.

1. A Tunie, when a Dolphin pursued it, fetching a great leap with a noise, was t [...]ssed by a great wave upon an Island; and the Dolphin too was carried by the same wave upon the same rock, whilst it thought to catch the tunie.

2. The tunie turning her self, when she saw the Dolphin gasping, said with her self:

3. It doth not much trouble me to die, seeing I see the causer of my death to die with me.

Mor. T [...]is fable signifieth, that any one beareth adversity more lightly, when he seeth the causers of his adversity to be troubled with the like.

81. Of a Physician.

1. A Physician, when a sick man chanced to die, whom he had in cure, said to them that carried the corps to be buried.

2. If the man had kept himself from wine, and made use of clyster [...], he would not have died.

[Page 194] 3. One of those that were there, said wittily to the Physician:

4. Ho Doctor, that advice should have been given, when it might have done good; not now, when it can do no good at all.

Mor. The fable signifieth, that when advice doth no good, to give it at that time, is indeed to befool a friend.

82. Of the Fowler.

1. A Fowler went a birding, with twigs and bird-lime; and when he saw a Thrussel sing above upon the bough of a tree, he set up his lime wands to ca [...]ch her.

2. But as he went, he trod on a viper with one foot; and being [...]it­ten by it, when he perceived himself ready to faint, because of the poyson;

3. He sighed, and said, Wo is me poor man; for whilst I hasted to ca [...]ch another, another hath pursued me to death.

Mor. The fable signifieth, that we oftentimes our selves suffer from an­other those things, which we endeavour to do against others.

83. Of the Beaver.

1. THE Beaver is a four-footed living creature, which maintaineth it self in fens; its stones are said to be good for sundry cures.

2. And therefore when any one pursueth him, being not ingnorant of the reason why he is pursued, and trusting to the swiftness of his feet, he runs away as fast as he can, until he come safe to a place, that [...] may not be seen.

3. And there cutting off his stones, he throweth them at the hunters, when they come near him, and by that means acquits himself from the hunters.

Mor. The fable signifieth, that a wise man leaveth nothing unassay­ed, that he may acquit himself from dangers.

84. Of a Boy that kept Sheep.

1. A Boy, when he kept sheep in a plain place, often cried out, Do you hear? Oh I help me against the Wolves.

2. The plowmen that were thereabout, leaving their plowing, and running to help him, and finding that there was nothing, fall again to their work,

3. When the boy had done this a many times, to make sport; be­hold, when the wolf came for certain, the boy calls out in earnest, that some body would come and help him.

4. When the husbandmen, thinking that it was not true, went not to help him, the wolf easily worried the sheep.

Mor. The fable signifieth, that he that is known to lye, is not af­terwards believed, when he speaketh the truth.

85. Of the Crow, and the Fox.

1. A Crow, when she had snatch'd up a piece of flesh, sat upon a tree.

2. A fox seeing her, and being desirous to have the flesh for himself, sets upon her with a wile.

3. As he stood therefore under the tree, he began to commend th [...] crow, saying;

[Page 196] 4. O what a great bird is this! how brave! what a bird of prey! how fair!

5. It was fit that this should have been the King of the Birds.

6. For, she hath every thing more stately than other birds, if she had but a voice.

7. As the crow being prest up with these commendations, and not be­ing able to endure any longer to be said to be dumb, croaked with a loud voice, the flesh fell on the ground.

8. When the fox had snatcht it up, he turned himself to the crow, and saith;

9. Oh crow, thou hast every thing handsom, if so be thou didst not want wit.

Mor. The fable signifieth, that they that believe flatterers too much, do oft fall into those miseries, which they do not think on.

86. Of the Dog, and the Wolf.

1. WHen a Dog slept before the hall, a Wolf came upon him, and caught him presently; and when he would have killed him, the dog intreated him, that he would not kill him, saying;

2 Good master wolf, do not kill me now; for, as you see, I am but thin, and slender, and lean.

3. But my Master is like to make a wedding ere long, where, if you will but tarry for me a little, I having fed daintily, and become fatter, shall be then better for thee.

4. The wolf trusting these words, let the dog go.

5. When the wolf coming a few days after, found the dog sleeping at home, he stood before the hall, & wished the dog to perform his promise to him:

6. But the dog said wittily, O wolf, if ever thou find me hereafter before the Hall, tarry for the wedding no longer.

Mor. The fable signifieth, that a wise man, when once he hath avoid­ed danger, doth ever after take heed of it.

87. Of the sick Raven.

1. WHen a Raven was sick, he intreated his dam, to Pray to the gods, for his recovery, saying:

2. Mother, do not weep, but rather pray the gods, to restore my health.

3. His mother answered him quickly, Which of the gods, dost tho [...] think, will be mercifull unto thee? seeing there is none from whose altar [...] thou hast not snatched away holy things.

Mor. The fable signifieth, that he that offendeth any body in prosperi­ty, can find no man his friend in adversity.

88. Of the Dog that carried the flesh.

1. AS a Dog carried a piece of flesh in his mouth, and went over [...] river, when he saw the shadow under the water, he thought [...] was another dog, that carried more flesh.

2. And therefore he let that flesh which he carried, go under th water, and moved himself to catch the shadow; but he lost the flesh and the shadow both together, which indeed were nothing.

Mor. This fable signifieth, that out of a desire of having always more we do ofttimes lose the things which we enjoy.

89. Of the Lion, and the Frog.

1. WHen a Lion heard a frog croaking big, thinking that it had been some great living creature, he turned himself back, and standing still a little, he saw the frog coming out of a pond; which, he being in a chafe, presently trode under his feet, saying:

2. Thou shalt cause no living creature any more, by thy big voice, to stand and look at thee.

Mor. The fable signifieth, that nothing is found with talkative per­sons, but a tongue.

90. Of the old Lion.

1. WHen a Lion was grown old, and was not able to seek his li­ving, he devised a way, how he might not want maintenance.

2. He went therefore into his den, and laid him down, and made as though he were very sick.

3. The living creatures thinking that he was verily sick, came to him to see how he did; which the lion catching, devoured one by one.

4. When he had now killed a many living creatures, the fox, after he knew the cunning of the lion, came to the mouth of the cave, and as he stood without, asked the lion, how he did.

5. The lion made him a kind answer, and said, Daughter fox, why do you not come in to me?

6. The fox said to him wittily, Because indeed, Master, I see ma­ny footsteps of living creatures going in, but I see none of them that come forth.

Mor. This fable signifieth, that a wise man, that foreseeth imminent dangers, doth easily avoid them.

91. Of the Lion, and the Bull.

1. A Lion pursuing a huge bull in a treacherous manner, when he came near him, invited him to supper, saying:

2. Friend, I have killed a sheep, you shall sup with me to day if you please.

3. The Bull being ready to do as the lion would have him; as they sat down, when he saw many cauldrons, and many great spits ready, and that the lion had no sheep there, he went away presently; whom the lion see­ing to go away, asked him, why he went away?

4. And the bull answered him wittily▪ I do not go away for nothing, seeing I see things provided, not to dress a sheep but a bull.

Mor. The fable signifieth, that the sleights of wicked men are not un­known to wise men.

92. Of the Lion, the Ass, and the Fox.

1. A Lion, an Ass, and a Fox, having made an agreement a­mong themselves, went a hunting.

2. And when they had got a great deal of prey, the lion bids the ass to devide the prey.

[Page 200] 3. When the ass had divided it into three equal parts, he gave his fel­lows leave to choose which they would.

4. Which division, the lion taking in a snuff, and gnashing with his teeth, he deposed him from dividing; and bad the fox, that he should divide the prey.

5. But the fox, laying those three parts into one, and leaving for him­self none of the prey apart, gave the lion all.

6. Then quoth the lion to the fox, Who taught thee to divide?

7. The fox said, on a sudden, The asses danger taught me to do it.

Mor. The fable signifieth, that other mens dangers make men more wary.

93. Of the Lion, that loved a Country-man's daughter.

1. A Lion loved a Country-mans daughter.

2. And forasmuch as he desired to have her, he intreated the maids father, that he would consent, that she should be married to him.

3. The country man said to him, that he would by no means consent, that his daughter should be married to a beast.

4. When the lion frowned, and gnashed his teeth, the country-man changed his resolution, and said, That he desired that his daughter should be married to him, so that he would but first pull out his teeth, and pare his paws; because the maid was much affrighted with those things.

5. After the lion did that, out of too much love, he went to the coun­try-man, and desired his daughter might be given him.

6. But the country-man when he saw the lion disarmed of his paws and teeth, took up a [...]udgel, and pursued him with many blows.

Mor. The fable signifieth, that he that commits himself to his ene­mies, is quickly undone.

94. Of the Lioness, and the Fox.

1. WHen the Lioness was often upbraided by the Fox, that she brought but one whelp only at every litter, she said, One indeed, but a Lion.

Mor. The fable signifieth, that gallantry doth not consist in the abun­dance of things, but in the worth.

95. Of the Wolf, and the Crane.

1. WHen the wolf was a great while troubled, with a bone that stuck in his throat, he offered the crane a fee, if he would pull it out of his throat.

2. After the crane had pulled the bene out of his throat, with his bill, be demanded the fee that was promised him.

3. The wolf smiling at him and withall whetting his teeth, said:

4. It ought to be a sufficient fee for thee, that thou hast pulled thy head out of a wolfs mouth, without hurting.

Mor. The tale signifieth, that amongst wicked persons, it is taken for [...] small requital, if one receive no harm for his good service.

96. Of the Wolf, and the Lamb.

1. WHen a wolf had found a lamb going astray, he took it, not b [...] strong hand, but sought an occasion either by hook or crook to eat it.

2. Therefore, he said thus to the lamb, thou hast done me an abun­dance of wrong, this long time together.

3. The Lamb sighed, and said, How can that be, seeing I am [...] newly come into the light?

4. The wolf said again, Thou hast spoiled me a field, in eating it up.

5. The lamb said, I could not do that, seeing I wanted teeth.

6. The wolf said again, Thou hast drank of my Well too.

7. And, quoth the lamb, How could that be, seeing I have not yet drank water, by reason of my age; but my mothers milk is yet my bread and drink?

8. The wolf at last being moved with anger, saith, Although I cannot resolve thy arguments, yet I resolve to have a dainty supper. And he took the lamb and ate him.

Mor. This Fable sheweth, that reason and truth have no place with wicked men.

97. Of the two Cocks, that fought one with another.

1. TWO Cocks fought in the Country, one with another.

2. He that had been the first leader of the hens, when he was beaten by the other, hid himself for shame.

3. But the other being proud of the victory, flew presently upon the top of the house, and gave notice by the great clapping of his wings, and by his crowing, that he had overcome his rival in fighting, and that he triumphed over his adversary.

4. Whilst, being full of his brags, he crackled on those and such like matters, behold, an Eagle, wanting meat, flying from aloft catcheth the cock in her talons, and carried him for food to her young ones.

5. Which thing, the cock that had been beaten, seeing, be came abroad, as it were triumphing over his adversary, and enjoyed the hens freely him­self alone.

Mor. The tale signifieth, that he that trusteth prosperity too much, doth often fall headlong into adversity.

98. Of a Fortune-teller.

1. A Fortune-teller, in the open market-place of a City, told every one his fortune.

2. Being therefore compassed about with a great throng of people, as he told one or other their fortune, news was brought him, that his goods were stolen away out of his house.

3. Which when he had heard, as he made haste away home, one met him, and said to him, in a jeer:

4. How camest thou to be ignorant of thy own fortune, whilst thou toldest others what was like to come to pass?

Mor. The fable signifieth, that wicked [...] blame others, and mind not to know their own [...].

99. Of the Pismire, and the Pigeon.

1. A Thirsty Pismire went down to a spring, where, as it would drink, it fell into the water.

2. A pigeon that sate in a tree, that hanged over the spring, when it saw the pismire ready to be drowned in the water, presently broke a lit­tle bough off the tree with her bill, and threw it into the spring with­out any more ado; which the pismire making to, recovered her self out of the waters, to a safe place.

3. A fowler comes by the by, and as he goeth about to catch the pi­geon, he sets up his lime-twigs.

4. The pismire seeing that, bit the fowler by one of his feet; the fowler being startled at the smart of it, let fall his lime-wands; at the noise of which, the pigeon being affrighted, flew away from the tree, and escaped the danger of her life.

Mor. The fable signifieth, that seeing brute creatures are so grateful to them, that do them a courtesie, they that are endued with reason, ought the more to be so.

100 Of the Calf, and the Hind.

1. THE Calf said once to the Hind, Seeing thou art greater in bulk and swifter at running, by reason of the nimbleness of thy feet, than the dogs, and far better fenced with horns to fight; why art thou so much afraid of the dogs, mother?

2. The hind smiling, answered it, Because, child, though I have all those things thou speakest of, I cannot endure the barking of the dogs, but presently begin to run away for fear.

Mor. The fable signifieth, that with those that are cowardly by nature, no persuasion can prevail that they should be couragious.

101. Of the Bee, and Jupiter.

1. THE Bee, which is the mother of the wax, coming once to sacri­fice to the gods, offered Jupiter a present of hony.

2. With which offering, Jupiter being pleased, he had, that what­soever she desired, should be granted her.

3. The Bee therefore asking, said, O thou the most famous god of all the gods, vouchsafe to grant to thy hand-maid, that whosoever shall come to her hives to steal hony, may presently die, as soon as ever I shall have stung him.

4. At which request, Jupiter being put to a stand, because he loved mankind very well, he said at the last to the Bee:

5. It may suffice thee, that, whosoever shall come to thy hives to steal hony, if thou sting him, and in the stinging lose thy sting, thou thy self die presently, and thy sting cost thee thy life.

Mor. The fable signifieth, that sometimes we wish harms to our ene­mies, which are after turned upon our selves.

102. Of the Flie.

1. WHen a flie, that had fallen into a flesh pottage-pot, perceived that she was like to be drowned in the broth, she said with her self:

[Page 206] 2. Lo, I have drunk so much, I have eaten so much, and bathed my self so much, that I can find in my heart to die, having my belly full of broth.

Mor. The fable signifieth, that it is a wise man's part to bear that cou­ragiously which he cannot avoid.

103. Of the young Man, and the Swallow.

1. WHen a riotous young man had spent his fathers estate, and no­thing but his clothes was left him, seeing a swallow before the season, and thinking that summer was come already, he sold his clothes too.

2. But winter coming again, when he was troubled with a great cold, and saw the swallow again, which also was starved herself to death with cold, he said:

3. O thou naughty bird, which hast undone me and thy self too.

Mor. The fable signifieth, that those things cannot long continue, which are not done in their season.

104. Of the Sick Man, and the Physician.

1. A Sick man being asked by a Physician, how he did, answered, That he had sweat too much.

2. The Physician said, That was good.

3. The sick man being asked a second time, by the same man, how he did, he said, That he was troubled with a great cold.

4. The Physician said, That▪ that also would be for his health.

5. The sick man being asked a third time, by the same Physician, how he did, said, That he had much ado to digest any thing.

6. The Physician said again, That that was very good for his health.

7. Afterwards, when one of his own houshold-servants asked the sick man, how he did, the sick man said to him;

8. I have very many, and very good signs of health, as the Physician saith, yet, I am ready to die with those symptomes.

105. Of a Wood-Man.

1. AS a Wood-man felled wood by a river, which was dedicated to the god Mercury, his Ax by chance fell into the river.

2. He therefore being very sorrowfull, sat him down and sighed by the rivers side.

3. Mercury being moved with pity, appeared to the Wood-man, and asked him the cause of his weeping; which as so [...]n as he understood, he brought him a golden Ax▪ & asked him, whether that was it which he had lost, or not▪

4. But the poor man said, It was none of his.

5. Again, Mercury offered him another of silver; which when the poor man said, was not his; last of all Mercury reached him a wooden one.

6. When the poor man said, that that was his, Mercury understand­ing him to be a true and just man, bestowed all upon him.

7. The wood-man then coming to his fellows, declareth what had hap­pened to him.

8. One of his companions being desirous to try the like, when he came to the river, threw his ax into the water, and then sat him down on the bank weeping.

9. The reason of whose weeping Mercury understanding, he brought a golden ax, and asked him, whether that was it which he had lost, or not.

[Page 208] 10. Which when he said, It was his; Mercury, after he perceived his impudence and lie, neither gave him the golden one, nor his own.

Mor. The fable signifieth, that by how much God is more ready to help honest men, he is by so much the more infestuous to wicked men.

106. Of the Ass, and Jupiter.

1. AN Ass that served a gardiner, having but a little meat, and a great deal of work, intreated Jupiter to send him another Master.

2. Therefore Jupiter commands, that he should be sold to a potter.

3. With whom, when the ass wrought, in carrying clay, bricks, tyles, and the like, he beseecheth Jupiter again, that he might serve another Master.

4. Jupiter again gives order, that he should be sold to a Tanner.

5. Whom the ass serving with much toil, and little meat, said, with a groan, Wo is me, poor Ass, who forgoing better Masters, am come to a worse; with whom, as I perceive, even my hide will be tanned after I am dead.

107. Of the Hares, and the Frogs.

1. THE Hares met all together; where, after they had complained of their inbred misery, and wailed, that they had a more mise­rable life given them, than other living creatures, (because Men, Ea­gles, and Dogs, pursued them even to death) they resolved, that it would be better for them to die at once, than to continue longer in such a wretched kind of life.

2. After they had taken this resolution, as they ran apace, to cast themselves headlong into a pond; the frogs which sat upon the pond side, as soon as they heard the noise, leap'd down into the pond, and div'd under the water.

3. Which thing, when the hare that went the foremost, saw, she said to the rest, Stand.

4. For, we must alter our resolution.

5. Because, as ye see clearly, there are found some living creatures more fearfull than we.

Mor. This fable signifieth, that when a man in misery sees one more miserable than himself, he bears his own misery more patiently.

108. Of the Ass, and the Horse.

1. WHen an Ass saw a Horse, to be well fed, and to live at ease with good looking to, he commended him to be very happy, and said, That he himself was too too unhappy, because, though he took much pains, he had scarce his belly full of chaff.

2. But when a time of war came, an armed souldier gets upon the horse; and when he rushed into the midst of the enemies, the horse being stab'd with a tuck, fell all along flat upon the ground.

3. Whom when the ass beheld, he sighed, and pitied him, and chang­ed his opinion.

Mor. The fable signifieth that one ought rather to like poverty, which is the mother of rest, than to envy them that are more wealthy.

109. Of the Ass, and the Wolf.

1. AN Ass trod upon a thorn with one of his feet, and being la­med, when he saw a wolf coming to him, and was not able to run away, he said with a lamentable tone;

2. How Wolf, I am ready to die for pain: but, since it must needs be, that I must be meat for thee and the crows, I intreat thee to be so kind, as to draw a thorn out of my foot, that by thy good office, I may die without pain.

3. Whilst the wolf pulls the thorn out with his teeth, the ass gave him a kick with his heel.

4. The wolf thereupon having his nose, and his forehead, and his teeth all broken, crieth out, Wo is me, poor wretch, I am rightly served, (and he saith it over again as he wailed) who when I was but a Cook, would be also a Physician.

Mor. The fable signifieth, that every one should employ himself, in the trade which he understands.

110. Of the Woman, and the Hen.

1. A Woman had a Hen, which laid golden eggs ever and anon.

2. The woman therefore, thinking that the hen was all gold within, killed her.

3. But when she found her to be like other hens, whereas she thought to become rich, she lost the profit which she had at first, out of a desire to get more.

Mor. The fable signifieth, that we oftentimes lose present profit, out of a desire of having more.

111. Of the Frog, and the Fox.

1. A Frog that was in a fen, when in croaking to other beasts, he pro­fessed himself to be a physician, and skilfull in drugs; a fox said very handsomly unto him:

2. How shouldst thou cure others, seeing thou canst not tell how to cure thy self, that goest lamely?

Mor. The fable signifieth, that one cannot teach others that, which he hath not learn'd.

112. Of the Serpent, and the Husbandman.

1. WHen a Serpent, that had a hole before a Husbandman's house was struck by the husbandman's boy, it bit him so sore, that the boy died suddenly upon the biting.

2. When this thing was known, the parents made great lamen­tation.

3. Then the father being moved with grief, took an Ax, and went after the serpent to kill it; and as he weilded the ax to hit the serpent, he cut off the end of his tail.

4. Afterwards being desirous to make peace with the serpent, he took meal, and water, and salt, and honey, and invited the serpent, that they m [...]ght become friends one with another.

5. But the serpent lying under a great stone, hissed, and said;

6. You took pains to no purpose, good Sir.

7. For there can be no friendship made betwixt us; for, as long as I shall [Page 212] see my self without my tail, and you your son's grave, we can never be quiet in our minds.

Mor. The fable signifieth, that grudges cannot be taken away, when the remembrance of wrongs is very fresh.

113. Of the Hen, and the Fox.

1. WHen a fox that went into a Hen-house, saw a hen sick upon her nest, she asked her how she did.

2. To whom the hen answered readily, I should be a little better, si­ster, if thou wouldest go away hence.

Mor. The fable signifieth, that the company of enemies is too too troublesom.

114. Of the Traveller.

1. A Traveller when he had travelled a great way, vowed a vow to Mercury, that if he found any thing, he would give him the half of it.

2. By chance then he found a bag full of Almonds and Dates; and when he thought it had been silver, he took the bag, and ate the almond kernels, and the meat of the dates himself.

3. And then going into Mercury's Temple, and taking hold of his altar, he said to him, with a jeering kind of speech:

4. Mercury, I now pay thee my vow, for I offer thee the half of what things I found, that is, the stones of the Dates, and the shells of the Almonds.

Mor. This tale signifieth, that covetousness makes men contemners of God.

115. Of the Lion, and the Man.

1. WHen once a Lion and a Man went upon the way together, and as they went each set out himself in words; behold, they met with a stone pillar, on which it was engraven, that a man strangled a lion.

2. Which sculpture, the man shewing to the lion, said, Here one may see, how much men are more excellent and stronger than lions, and all wild beasts.

3. The lion answering him readily, said, if there were those that knew how to grave amongst lions, as there are those amongst men, thou shouldest see more men engraven killed by lions, than lions by men.

Mor. The fable signifieth, that bragging men seign, that they did that, which they never assayed to do.

116. Of the Fox.

1. WHen a fox saw clusters already full of grapes, and almost ripe, being desirous to eat of them, he tried every way how he might get them.

2. But when he had tried every way in vain, and could not satisfie his desire, turning his sorrow into joy, he said:

3. Those bunches of grapes are too sour yet.

Mor. The fable signifieth, that it is the property of a wise man to seign that he is unwilling to have that, which he knows he cannot get.

117. Of the Boy, and the Scorpion.

1. A Boy sought after Grashoppers in the Country, and when he would have taken a Scorpion, the Scorpion, after she knew his sim­plicity, said to him:

2. Oh boy, keep thee quiet, and hold off thy hand, if thou wilt not be wholly undone.

Mor. The fable signifieth, that he knoweth well what he ought to avoid, and what to follow, that considereth both ways,

118. Of the Fowler, and the Partridge.

1. WHen a Fowler would have killed a partridge, which he had caught, the partridge sighed, and said thus unto him:

2. Oh thou partridge-catcher, if thou wilt let me go, and grant me my life, I will fetch thee in many more other partridges.

3. And the fowler answered handsomly, Now I think thou deservest the rather to be killed, because thou promisest to destroy thy friends by treachery.

Mor. The fable signifieth, that he that seeketh by treachery to undo his friends, falleth headlong into danger.

119. Of the Hare, and the Tortoise.

1. A Tortoise, when a Hare jeered at his feet, smiled, and said to her:

2. If thou wilt run a race with me, thou shalt clearly see, that I am swifter than thou art.

3. To whom the Hare said, Thou dost not know what my feet can do; but let us choose us a judge, that may set us out a race and a goal.

4. Thereupon they made choice of a fox, being the wittiest of all bru [...]ts, which appointed them the place, and the goal of the race.

5. The Tortoise, having abandoned all sloth and negligence, setting on her journey, never rested till she came at the goal.

6. But the hare trusting to her feet, after she had rested her a little, awoke, and ran to the goal as fast as her legs could carry her.

7. And when she found the tortoise resting there, she confessed with shame, that the tortoise had won of her.

Mor. The fable signifieth, that even very great matters will be dis­patched by care and diligence, not by strength of body.

120. Of the Sallow, and the Ax.

1. WHen the Ax fell'd a Sallow-tree, it made wedges of it, with which it might more easily cleave the Sallow.

2. Which thing the Sallow perceiving, it sighed and wailed, saying:

3. I do not so much complain of the ax, which cutteth me by mens hands, as of the wedges which are made out of my own body.

Mor. The fable signifieth, that in adversity oftentimes, friends that are not true, are more infestuous to friends, than enemies are.

121. Of the Boy, and his Mother.

1. A Boy having closely pilfered a book from his fellow, out of the school, gave it to his mother; which when his mother willingly received, and did not correct her son, the boy stole a cloak from another, and brought it to his mother too.

2. Which when his mother also received willingly, the boy wanting corre­ction, (after he had stole more things day by day, and greater matters, as his years grew on) was at last publickly taken, and openly condemned by the Sheriffs to die, as being guilty of theft.

3. But when he was brought to the place of justice, and his mother followed him crying, after he had got leave to speak a word to his mother in her ear, he turned to her, and holding his mouth to his mothers ear, as if he were about to tell her some secret, he bit off her ear.

4. His mother cried out because of the smart, and cursed him.

5. Then they that led him along, blamed him exceedingly; not only for his theft, but because he was so ungracious towards his mother.

6. But he said to them without blushing; Let none of you wonder, that I have bit off my mothers ear; for, she her self hath been the author and cause of this my undoing.

7. For, if she had corrected me when I brought her a book, which I first filched from my fellow out of the school; having left my thieve­ry for fear of stroaks, I should never have come for the present to this kind of base death.

Mor. The fable signifieth, that he that in doing amiss is not corrected at the very first, becometh more wicked every day than other.

122. Of the Shepherd, and the Sea.

1. A Shepherd feeding sheep by the Sea-shore, when he once saw the sea calm, having a mind to sail, he changed his sheep for dates; which being shipt, when now be was put forth into the main sea, and was tossed to and fro with a storm, without any hope of being saved; he threw all those things that were in the ship into the sea, and with much ado got into a haven.

2. Soon after, when be kept sheep, and saw the sea now calm again, he said jestingly to his fellow, that commended the calmness of the sea; The sea would have dates again.

Mor. The fable signifieth, that use and experience, make us more wary amidst dangers.

123. Of the Peach-tree, and the Apple-tree.

1. THE Peach-tree and the Apple-tree were at a controversie whe­ther was the fairer.

2. When they had striven a long time one with another, with sundry and sharp debates; a bramble out of the next hedge, hearing their con­tests, came to them, and said;

3. You have striven enough and too much betwixt your selves; be very quiet, and put an end to your brabbles.

Mor. The fable signifieth, that meaner men do oftentimes settle the controversies of their betters.

124. Of the Mole, and its Dam.

1. THE Mole is a living creature, blind by nature.

2. She said once to her dam. I perceive a great smell.

3. A little after, she saith again, I see a high chimney.

4. Again, a third time she sa [...], I hear the noise of smith's ham­mers.

5. Her mother said gently to her, O daughter, thou, as far as I per­ceive, art deprived not only of thine eyes, but also of thy nose and ears.

Mor. The fable signifieth, That bragging fellows, when they profess great matters, are then most of all confuted in the smallest.

125. Of the Wasps, the Partridges, and the Husbandman.

1. WHen once the wasps, and the partridges, being thirsty, were met together, they went to a Country-man, begging drink of him, and promised, that they would abundantly requite him for his water.

2. For, the partridges promise to dig him his vineyard, so that his vines should yield full clusters of grapes.

3. And the wasps proffer largely, that they would defend his vineyard, by going about it, and keep thieves away thence.

4. To whom the husbandman said, I have two oxen, which though they promise nothing, do nevertheless do the same work.

5. And therefore it is better for me, to give them water than you.

Mor. The fable signifieth, that we must not help to maintain them, that are idle an unprofitable.

126. Of Jupiter.

1. WHen Jupiter made a wedding, every living creature offered him presents, each as they were able.

2. And the serpent pluck'd a Rose, and offered it to Jupiter, hold­ing it in her mouth.

3. But as soon as Jupiter saw her, he said openly, Truly I receive presents from all with a good will, but I do not so from the serpent.

Mor. The fable signifieth, that any wise man ought to persuade him­self, that wicked mens presents are not without treachery.

127. Of the Ape.

1. AN Ape is said to bring forth two young ones, towards one of which only she bears affection, and out of her affection doth nurse it very diligently; but the other she hateth, and careth not for it.

2. Now it fell out, that that which the Ape so dearly loved, was strangled by her in her sleep: wherefore that which was neglected, was brought up to perfect age, as the mother's only joy.

Mor. The fable signifieth, that fortune without doubt goeth beyond mens forecast.

128. Of the Flea.

1. WHen a flea had one time bitten one, and when he was catch'd, was asked, Who he was, that offered to eat up his limbs; he said; That he was one of that sort of living creatures, to which nature had appointed, that they should live on that fashion; and that he would not kill him, seeing he could not do him much hurt.

2. But the man smiled, and said to him, Thou shalt by so much the rather be killed by my hands, because it is not lawfull to hurt any one, more or less without cause.

Mor. The fable signifieth, that we ought not to pity wicked men, whe­ther they offend less or more.

129. Of the Flea, and the Man.

1. A Flea skipping after its wonted fashion, setled upon a man's foot, and bit him hard.

2. At which biting, the man being greatly vexed, took the flea, and would have crushed her with his nailes.

3. But the flea skipping out of his hands, escaped death.

4. Then the man exclaimed, and said, O Hercules, thou queller of evil things, why didst thou not come, and help me to suppress this flea?

Mor. The fable signifieth, that one ought to crave Gods assistance, not in every the least, but in great and weighty matters.

130. Of the Pismires, and the Grashopper.

1. IT was about mid-winter, when the pismires laid their wheat abroad in the sun.

2. Which a grashopper seeing, when she was almost starved with hun­ger, she went to them, and intreated them to give her some wheat to eat.

3. But when the pismires asked her, What she did in summer, and whether she stood idle, and doing nothing or no, all that season?

4. The grashopper answered them, I neither stood idle, or doing no­thing; but I sang, whereby I eased their toil, that travelled upon the way.

5. Which when they heard, the pismires laughed, and said; If thou sangest in summer, to delight travellers; dance now, for fear lest thou be starved with cold.

Mor. The fable signifieth, that he that doth not do things that are to be done in their seasons, falls into extremities, when he doth not think of it.

131. Of the Husband, and his Wives.

1. IT was the spring time, wherein one that had been nicely brought up, because he was neither young nor old, (for he was half hoary-ha [...] ­red) married two wives together; the one antient in years, and the o­ther somewhat young.

2. When they dwelt all in one house together, the old wife, that she might allure her husband wholly to love her, felt her husband's head eve­ry day, and pulled away his black hairs.

3. Out of a like desire, the younger, that she might get him away out of the old womans company, pluck'd out his white hairs.

[Page 222] 4. At the last, they so pilled him, that they made their husband bald and ridiculous, to his utter disgrace.

Mor. The tale signifieth, that there is no better way of health for old men, than to be without women, and especially young ones; unless they would have themselves quite undone.

132. Of one that promised Impossibilities.

1. A Poor man being sick and sore pa [...]ned, when he was given over by the Physicians, besought the gods, and promised them, that if they would restore him his health again, he would offer them an hun­dred oxen for a sacrifice.

2. But when his wife heard him, and asked him, Where wilt thou have these, if thou recover? He said:

3. Why dost thou think that I shall arise hence, that the gods may require these things of me?

Mor. The fable signifieth, that many are forward to promise, what they never mean to perform in good earnest.

133. Of the Frogs.

1. TWO Frogs were fed in a f [...]n; but in summer time, when the fen was dried up, they quite forsook that, and sought out another; but they light upon a deep Well.

2. Which as soon as they saw, one said to the other, Ho, dost thou hear? let us go down into this Well.

3. She made answer, and said, If then the water shall dry up here, how shall we get up again?

Mor. The fable sheweth, that we ought not to set upon things unadvisedly.

134. Of the Dog, and the Cock.

1. A Dog and a Cock, having made a league of amity, undertook a journey.

2. And when the night came upon them, the Cock got up into a tree, and slept; but the dog slept at the root of a hollow tree.

3. When the cock crew in the night, as he uses to do, a fox, as soon as she heard him, ran to him, and standing below, intreated him to come down to her, because she desired to embrace a living creature, so commendable for [...]ong.

4. But when he had said, that she should first call the porter, who slept at the bottom of the tree; that after he had opened the door, he might come down; and as she sought him, that she might call him, the dog present­ly starting out, tare her all in pieces.

Mor. The fable signifieth, that wise men do by a sleight, send their insulting enemies to them that are stronger.

135. Of the Lion, and the Bear.

1. A Lion and a Bear having got a great fawn betwixt them, fought about it.

2. Thereupon, being sorely wounded one by another, they lay down weary, after they were taken with a dizziness, upon their sore fight.

3. Now the fox going about and about, when he saw them both [...]aid, and the fawn lying betwixt them, slept in betwixt them both, and snatcht it up, and ran his way.

[Page 224] 4. But they indeed saw him; but because they were not able to rise, they said, Woe is us, poor wretches, because we have taken pains for the fox.

Mor. This fable signifieth, that whilst some take pains, others go away with the gains.

136. Of the Bat, the Bramble, and the Cormorant.

1. A Bat, and a Bramble, and a Cormorant, having made a league of partnership, resolved to turn Merchants.

2. Thereupon the bat having borrowed money, threw it into the stock; the bramble took a Suit with her; and the cormorant being the third, brought Brass: and they put to sea.

3. Now when a great storm arose, and the ship was overwhelmed, and every thing lost, they themselves escaped to land.

4. Since that time therefore, the cormorant sits always near the sea­shores, to see whether the sea any where casts up brass.

5. And the bat being afraid of creditors, doth not appear on the day time, but goeth out to f [...]ed by night.

6. The bramble catcheth hold of the clothes of them that go by, seeking if anywhere she can find her own.

Mor. The fable signifieth, that we fall again afterwards to those things, which we most mind.

137. Of the Peacock, and the Jack-daw.

1. THE Peacock intreated the birds, being about to make a King, that they would make choice of her, for her beauty.

2. Now, when all passed their votes for her, the jack-daw making a speech, said:

3. But if when thou art King, the eagle begin to pursue us, how wilt thou relieve us?