Eſpecially where there are ſo many Memorials in Sight, for Hatred and Revenge to work upon. 'Tis Generous however to Forgive an Enemy; though Extremely Hazardous to Grace him in the doing of an Ill Thing, with the Countenance of a Deference to his Merit. Nay, a Bare Eaſineſs of Pardoning has but too often the Force of a Temptation to Offend again. 'Tis a Nice Buſineſs to Indulge on the Left Hand, without Puniſhing on the Right, for there muſt be No Sacrificing of a Faithful Friend to the Generoſity of Obliging a Mortal Enemy. But the Caſe is then moſt Deplorate when Reward goes over to the Wrong ſide, and when Intereſt ſhall be made the Teſt and the Meaſure of Virtue. Upon the whole Matter, the Countryman was too Eaſie, in Propoſing a Reconciliation; (the Circumſtances duly Conſider'd) And the Snake was much in the Right on the Other hand, in not entertaining it from a man that had ſo many Remembrancers at Hand ſtill, to Provoke him to a Revenge. 'Tis a great Errour to take Facility, for Good Nature: Tenderneſs, without Diſcretion, is no better than a mere Pardonable Folly.
Fab. XXXI.
A Fox and a Stork.
THere was a Great Friendſhip once betwixt a Fox and a Stork, and the Former would needs Invite the Other to a Treat. They had Several Soups ſerv'd up in Broad Diſhes and Plates, and ſo the Fox fell to Lapping, Himſelf, and bad his Gueſt Heartily Welcom to what was before him. The Stork found he was Put upon, but let ſo Good a Face however upon his Entertainment; that his Friend by All means muſt take a Supper with Him That night in Revenge. The Fox made Several Excuſes upon the Matter of Trouble and Expence, but the Stork in fine, would not be ſaid Nay; So that at laſt, he promis'd him to come. The Collation was ſerv'd up in Glaſſes, with Long Narrow Necks, and the Bed of Every thing that was to be had. Come (ſays the Stork to his Friend) Pray be as Free as if you were at home, and ſo fell to 't very Savourly Himſelf. The Fox quickly found This to be a Trick, though he could not but Allow of the Contrivance as well as the Juſtice of the Revenge. For ſuch a Glaſs of Sweet-Meats to the One, was juſt as much to the Purpoſe, as a Plate of Porridge to the Other.
The Moral.
