according to the Old Proverb now; we Underſtand by [Out of the Frying-Pan into the Fire] That things go from Bad to Worſe.
Fab. CCLXXIV.
A League of Beaſts and Fiſhes.
THE Beaſts Enter'd into a League with the Fiſhes againſt the Birds. The War was Declar’d; but the Fiſhes, inſtead of their Quota, ſent their Excuſe, that they were not able to March by Land.
The MORAL.
The Vanity of a Helpleſs Alliance.
REFLEXION.
THERE'’s No Contracting of Alliances with Thoſe that are out of Diſtance of Aſſiſting in a Time of Need, in all Contracts, whether of Publique Alliance, and Commerce, or Particular Friendſhip, there muſt a Regard be had to Reciprocal Aid and Aſſiſtance, in caſe of any Diſtreſs; So that All the Circumſtances of Ability, Diſpoſition, Scituation, Intereſt, &c. muſt be Taken into Thought, and Rightly Underſtood, before the Bargain be Struck; for 'tis a Scandalous Overſight to Err in any of the Eſſentuals to a Prudential, and a Beneficial Agreement: By which is Intended, any ſort of Defect, or Incapacity that may Obſtruct, or Fruſtrate the End of the League. Thoſe Contracts are Ridiculous, and Void in Themſelves, that ſhall pretend to Oblige us againſt Nature. For 'tis a Banter, not a Confederacy, to talk of Fiſhes Marching by Land, and Living out of their Element.
Fab. CCLXXV.
A Covetous Ambaſſador.
A Certain Ambaſſador that was ſtill Peſter’d with Drums and Trumpets every where upon the Way of his Embaſſy, was willing to ſave his Money, and ſo had them put off ſtill with This Anſwer: That his Excellence was in Deep Mourning for his Mother, and in no Humour for Muſique. The Drums and Trumpets were at leaſt as much Troubled at the Tydings, as the Embaſſador Himſelf. This News came to the Ear of a Perſon of Honour, who preſently made him a Con-doling
