The Moral of theTwo Fables above.
REFLEXION.
SELF Love is the Root of All the Vanities that are ſtruck at in Theſe Two Fables, and it is ſo Natural an Infirmity, that it makes us Partial even to Thoſe that come of us, as well as to our ſelves: And then it is ſo Nicely Divided, betwixt Piety, Pride, and Weakneſs, that in Many Caſes 'tis a hard Matter to Diſtinguith the One from the Other. 'Tis a Frailty for a Man to Think Better of his Children then they Deſerve: But then there is an Impulſe of Tenderneſs, and of Duty, that goes along with it, and there muſt be ſome ſort of an Eſteem in the Caſe too, for the ſetting of That In-bred Affection at Work. The Difficulty lies in the Moderating of the Matter, and in getting the True Medium betwixt being Wanting to our Own Fleſh and Blood, once Remov'd, and Aſſuming too much to our ſelves. Let the Attachment be what it will, we muſt not ſuffer our Judgments to be either Perverted, Blinded, or Corrupted by any Partiality of Prepoſſeſſions whatſoever.
The Moral here before us, Extends to the Fruits and Productions of the Brain, as well as of the Body; and to Deformities in the matter as well of Underſtanding, as of Shape. We are Taught here Principally, Two Things; Firſt, how Ridiculous it is for a Man to Dote upon Fopsand Buffoons, tho' never ſo much the Iſſue of his Own Head and Loins; And yet 2ly How Prone we are to Indulge our Own Errors, Follies and Miſcarriages, in Thought, Word, and Deed. The World has Abundance of Theſe Apes and Owls in’t: So that Whoever does but look about him, will find ſo many Living Illuſtrations of This Emblem, that more Words upon the Subject would be needleſs.
FAB.
