Page:Fables of Aesop and other eminent mythologists.djvu/262

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Anianus's FABLES.



Fab. CCXXVIII.

A Horſe-man's Wig Blown off.

THere was a Horſe-man had a Cap on with a Falſe Head of Hair Tack'd to's. There comes a Puff of Wind, and Blows off Cap and Wig together. The People made ſport he ſaw with his Bald Crown, and ſo very fairly he put In with them to Laugh for Company. Why Gentlemen (ſays he) would you have me keep other Peoples Hair Better then I did my Own?

The Moral.

Many a Man would bbe Extremely Ridiculous, if he did not Spoil the Jeſt by Playing upon Himſelf firſt.

REFLEXION.

'TIS a Turn of Art, in many Caſes, either of Deformity, or Miſchance, where a Man lies open to a Reproach to Anticipate an Abuſe, and to make Sport with Himſelf firſt. A Man may be Shame-Fac'd, and a Woman Modeſt, to the Degree of Scandalous. I knew a Lady had one of the moſt Baſhful, Scrupulous Perſons to her Daughter that ever was Born. Well, ſays ſhe, I am mightily afraid, This Girl will prove a Whore; for ſhe is ſo Infinitely Modeſt, that in my Conſcience if any Man ſhould ever Ask her the Queſtion, ſhe would not have the Face to Deny him. A Frank Eaſy way of Openneſs and Candor agrees Beſt with All Humours; and He that's Over-ſolicitous to Conceal a Thing, does as good as make Proclamation of it. Wherefore the Horſe-man here Laugh'd firſt; and ſo Prevented the Jeſt.



Fab. CCXXIX.

Two Pots.

THere were Two Pots that ſtood near One Another by the Side of a River, the One of Braſs, and the other of Clay. The VVater overflow'd the Banks, and Carry’d them Both away: The Earthen Veſſel kept Aloof from T’other as much as Poſſible. Fear Nothing, fays the Braſs Pot, I'll do you No Hurt: No, No, ſays T’other, not willingly; but if we ſhould happen to Knock by Chance, 'twould be the ſame Thing to Me: So that You and I ſhall never do well together.

The