Page:Fables of Aesop and other eminent mythologists.djvu/249

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Here happen’d a Controverie betwixt an Oak and a Willow, upon the Subject of Strength, Contancy and Patience, and which of the Two hould have the Preference. The Oak Upbraided the Willow, that it was Weak and Wavering, and gave way to Every Blat. The Willow made no Other Reply, then that the next Tempet hould Reolve That Quetion. Some very little while after This Dipute, it Blew a Violent Storm. The Willow Ply’d, and gave way to the Gut, and till recover'd it elf again, without receiving any Damage: But the Oak was Stubborn, and choe rather to Break then Bend.

THERE are Many Caes, and Many Seaons, wherein, Men mut either Bend or Break: But Concience, Honour, and Good Manners, are firt to be Conulted. When a Tree is Pres'd with a trong Wind,the Branches may Yield, and yet the Root remain Firm, But Dicretion is to Govern us, Where and when we may be Allow'd to Temporize, and where, and when not. When Bending or Breaking is the Quetion, and Men have No Other Choice before them, then either of Complying, or of being Undone; 'tis No Eaie Matter to Ditinguith, Where, When, How, or to What Degree, to Yield to the Importunity of the Occaion, or the Diffi