Page:Fables of Aesop and other eminent mythologists.djvu/227

Rh Here's the Folly of the As in Truting the Fox that he knew to be a Treacherous Companion; and here’s the Knavery of the Fox in Betraying the As, which was but according to his Nature. Now this does not Hinder yet, but that the Lyon Forfeited a Point of Honour in the Worrying of him; And this Fiction throughout is but the Emblem of Things that are Familiar to us in the World. The Lyon might have been Allow’d an Averion to the Fox, as a Perfidious Creature, but the Devouring of him upon thee Terms, was Another Treachery in Himelf There may be this aid at lat for the Congruity of the Fancy, that a Jut and a Generous Lyon, would not have Sunk to Low as to hold any Communication with a Fox, much les to Concett with him in his Fale Dealing. But this Lyon was meant for the Figure of a Wicked Governor, Conferring upon Frauds with Wicked Miniters. Now if he had par'd the As, for his Simplicity, and Pinch’d the Fox for his Perfidy, the Proceeding might have had ome Semblance of a Generous Equity: But an Honourable Mind will corn to make Advantage of a Treacherous Intrument. That is to ay, by Aenting to the Treachery: So that the Moral eems to carry more Force with this Bias. Upon the Whole Matter, here’s the Silly As pays Dear for the Credulity and Folly of Keeping Ill Company. The Fox is Met withal in his Own Way, for Breaking the Faith of Society; but till there wants ome Judgment Methinks, to Attend the Lyon; for He that Encourages once Treaon, does not only Practice, but Promote Another; and lays the Foundation of a Doctrine, that will come Home to Himelf in the Concluion. When a Prince fails in Point of Honour and Common Jutice, ‘tis enough to Stagger his People in their Faith, and Allegance. But the Lyon here in the Fable, came off better then our Political Lyons uually do in the World.

Here was a Foolih Hen that at Brooding upon a Net of Snakes Eggs. A Swallow, that Oberv’d it, went and told her the Danger on’t. Little do you think, ays he, what you are at this intant a Doing, and that You are jut now Hatching Your Own Detruction; for This Good Office will be your Ruine.