Page:Fables of Aesop.pdf/18

 A Fox having tumbled, by chance, into a well, bad been casting about a long while, how he should get out again. At last, a Goat came to the place, and wanting to drink, asked Reynard whether the water was good? ‘Good! says Reynard, 'aye, so sweet, that I am afraid I have surfeited myself, I have drunk so abundantly.' The Goat, upon this, without any more ado, leapt in; and the Fox, taking the advantage of his horns, as nimbly leapt out, leaving the poor Goat at the bottom of the well to shift for himself.A man may be brought into danger by a stranger’s advice. An Eagle and a Crow, inhabitants of the same forest, happened to change nests: the consequence was that they nursed each other’s offspring for their own. The young Crows, being taught by their new parents the Eagles, soon learned to fly upwards, and soar through the clouds with ease. The poor Eaglets were not so fortunate under their new tutors. As soon as they were able to leave the rest, and go abroad, having no other example to imitate, they never attained to any thing beyond the habits of the Crows.The finest qualities will degenerate if the mind be not cultivated.