ſumm’d up in a few Words, to make the caſe Miſerable and Shameful. The Morality in fine, of this Fable, may be fairly enough apply'd to the Errors on Both Hands: That is to ſay, of thoſe that put a Lawful Authority upon the Stretch, to the Abuſe of that Power, under the Colour of Prerogative; and of thoſe that take upon them to Exerciſe the Offices of Power, without any Right to’t at all. But the Sheep however are well Guarded in the mean time, that have a Wolf for their Keeper.
Fab. CCCXCVI.
An Aſs and a Lion.
IN Old Time, when a Generous Beaſt made more Conſcience of his Word then many a Modern Chriſtian has done of an Oath; a Lion ſhook Hands with an Aſs, and ſo they agreed upon't to Jog on up and down in the Woods, Lovingly and Peaceably together. As they were upon this Adventure, they diſcover'd a Herd of Wolves; the Aſs immediately ſets up a Hideous Bray; and fetches a Run at them Open Mouth, as if he would have Eaten ‘em. The Wolves only Snear'd at him for his Pains, but Scamper'd away however as hard as they could drive. By and by comes the Aſs back again, Puffing and Blowing from the Chaſe. Well, ſays the Lion, and what was that Horrid Scream for, I prithee?. Why (ſays ’tother,) I frighten’d 'em all away, you ſee. And did they run away from you, ſays the Lion, or from me, d'ye think?
The Moral.
REFLEXION.
