Fables of Æsop and Other Eminent Mythologists/Fable CLXVIII

by Roger L'Estrange

Fab. CLXVIII.

Fishing in Troubled Waters.

A Fisher-man had Order’d his Net, for a Draught, and still as he was Gathering it up, he Dash’d the Water, to Fright the Fish into the Bag. Some of the Neighbourhood that look’d on, told him he did ill to muddle the Water so, and Spoil their Drink. Well (says he) But I must either Spoil your Drink, or have Nothing to Eat my self.

The MORAL.

There's no Engaging the Mobile in a Sedition till their Heads are so muddled first with Frights and Visions, That they can neither See, Hear, nor Understand.

REFLEXION.

THIS Allegory is frequently Applied to those that make Advantage to Themselves by Embroyling the Publique; and set their Country A-fire for the Roasting of their Own Eggs. "Tis the Only Trade that many People have to Live by, and the most Profitable Trade too, when the Occasion lies Fair for their Purpose. 'Tis with the Common People in this Case, just as ‘tis with Fishes: Trouble the Waters, so that they cannot see their Way before them, and you Have ’em Sure in the Bag before they know where they are.