REFLEXION.
Æsop has here given us the Fiction of a Caſe, wherein it may not be Amiſs to repay an Abuſe in its own Kind. The Mockery of the Fox was a Reproach, as it Hit the Stork on the Weak ſide; but That which was Rudeneſs, and Ill Nature in the Aggreſſor, was only a Monitory Juſtice, and a Diſcreet Sharpneſs in the Other. But This is the Fate Commonly of Drolls and Buffoons, that while they think to make Sport with Others, they ſerve only in the conclusion for a Laughing Stock Themſelves.
There's Nothing looks Sillier than a Crafty Knave Out-witted, and Beaten at his Own Play. The Foxes Frolick went too far, in regard it was both upon an Invitation, and under his Own Roof. Now the Return of the Stork was only a Quid pro Quo, and a Warrantable Revenge, even according to the Rules of Good Manners, and Good Fellowſhip; for the Fox's leading the Humour gave the Other not only a Provocation, but a kind of a Right to Requite him in his Own Way: Beſide that it was the Cleverer Mockery of the Two. This may ſerve to Reprove Thoſe Liberties in Converſation that paſs the Bounds of Good Nature, Honour, Honeſty, and Reſpect. When they Exceed Theſe Limits, they Degenerate into Scurrility, Scandal, and Reproach: for in All Caſes, an Eye muſt be had to the Due Circumſtances of Meaſure, Time, Place, Occaſion, and Perſon. The Laws of Humanity, and Hoſpitality muſt be kept Sacred upon any Terms: for the Wounding of a Friend for the fake of a Jeſt, is an Intemperance, and an Immorality, not to be Endur'd. There was ſomewhat of This in the Fox's leading the Frolique.
Fab. XXXII.
A Fox and a Carv'd Head.
AS a Fox was Rummidging among a Great many Carv'd Figures, there was One very Extraordinary Piece among the Reſt. He took it up, and when he had Conſider'd it a while, Well, (ſays he) What Pity 'tis, that ſo Exquiſite an Outſide of a Head ſhould not have one Grain of Senſe in't.
The Moral.
REFLEXION.
