Here's the Folly of the Aſs in Truſting the Fox that he knew to be a Treacherous Companion; and here’s the Knavery of the Fox in Betraying the Aſs, which was but according to his Nature. Now this does not Hinder yet, but that the Lyon Forfeited a Point of Honour in the Worrying of him; And this Fiction throughout is but the Emblem of Things that are Familiar to us in the World. The Lyon might have been Allow’d an Averſion to the Fox, as a Perfidious Creature, but the Devouring of him upon theſe Terms, was Another Treachery in Himſelf There may be this ſaid at laſt for the Congruity of the Fancy, that a Juſt and a Generous Lyon, would not have Sunk to Low as to hold any Communication with a Fox, much leſs to Concett with him in his Falſe Dealing. But this Lyon was meant for the Figure of a Wicked Governor, Conferring upon Frauds with Wicked Miniſters. Now if he had ſpar'd the Aſs, for his Simplicity, and Pinch’d the Fox for his Perfidy, the Proceeding might have had ſome Semblance of a Generous Equity: But an Honourable Mind will ſcorn to make Advantage of a Treacherous Intſrument. That is to ſay, by Aſſenting to the Treachery: So that the Moral ſeems to carry more Force with this Biaſs. Upon the Whole Matter, here’s the Silly Aſs pays Dear for the Credulity and Folly of Keeping Ill Company. The Fox is Met withal in his Own Way, for Breaking the Faith of Society; but ſtill there wants ſome Judgment Methinks, to Attend the Lyon; for He that Encourages once Treaſon, does not only Practice, but Promote Another; and lays the Foundation of a Doctrine, that will come Home to Himſelf in the Concluſion. When a Prince fails in Point of Honour and Common Juſtice, ‘tis enough to Stagger his People in their Faith, and Allegance. But the Lyon here in the Fable, came off better then our Political Lyons uſually do in the World.
Fab. CLXXXXV.
A Hen and a Swallow.
THere was a Fooliſh Hen that ſat Brooding upon a Neſt of Snakes Eggs. A Swallow, that Obſerv’d it, went and told her the Danger on’t. Little do you think, ſays ſhe, what you are at this inſtant a Doing, and that You are juſt now Hatching Your Own Deſtruction; for This Good Office will be your Ruine.
The MORAL.
RE-
