6
THE HORSE AND THE LION.
A Lion seeing a plump horse had a mind to eat a bit of him, but knew not bow to get at him. At last he gave himself out for a physician who could cure any malady incident to beasts—hoping by this means, to get an opportunity to execute his design. The horse, as if he suspected nothing, asked his advice regarding a thorn he had got in his foot. The Lion desired he might see the foot, upon which the Horse lifted up one of his hind legs, and while the Lion pretended to be examining his hoof, gave him a kick in the face which stunned him.
MORAL.
He that playeth a wily trick, often beguileth himself.
THE THIEVES AND COCK.
A band of thieves once broke a house, and found not any thing in it worth while to take but a poor Cock. The Cock said as much for himself as a Cock could say; but he spoke chiefly of the great use he was of to raise folk soon to go to their work. Rogue! says one of the thieves, you had been wise for yourself not to have spoke to us of that as one of your good qualities; for when you crow and wake all the folks so soon, that spoils all our trade, as we do most when they are asleep, and your often bawling makes us run a risk of being hung.
MORAL.
It is truly a good thing rightly to guide our tongue.
