Page:Fables of Aesop and other eminent mythologists.djvu/39

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HERE happened not Long after This, to be a Merry Meeting of Philoophers; and Xanthus, one of the Company. Xanthus had alreadie gotten a Cup too much; and Æop finding they were like to et out his hand; Sir, ays he, 'tis the Humour of Bacchus, they ay, firt to make men Cheer full, and when they are pat That, to make 'em Drunk, and in the Concluion, to make them Mad. Xanthus took Offence at Æop; and told him, That was a Lecture for Children. (Laertius makes this to be the aying of Anacharis) The Cupps went round, and Xanthus by this Time had taken his Load, who was mightily given to talk in his Drink; and whatever was uppermot, out it came, without either Fear or Wit. One of the Company oberving the weak ide of the Man, took the Opportunity of Pumping him with everal Quetions. Xanthus (ays he) I have read omewhere, that it is Poible for a Man to Drink the Sea Dry; but I can hardly believe it. Why ays Xanthus, I'le venture my Howe and Land upon't, that I do't my elfe. They Agreed upon the Wager, and preently off went their Rings to Seal the Conditions. But Early the next Morning, Xanthus miing his Ring, thought it might be lipt off his Finger, and asked Æop about it. Why truly, ays Æop, I can ay Nothing to the Looing of your Ring; But I can tell you that you Lot your Houe and Land lat night: and o Æop told him the Story on't, which his Mater it eems had utterly forgotten. Xanthus began now to Chew upon the Matter, and it went to the Heart of him to conider, That he could neither do the thing, nor yet get quit of his Bonds. In this trouble of Thoughts he Conults Æop, (whoe advice before he had rejected) what was to be done in the Cae. I hall never forget, ays Xanthus, how much I owe you for your Faithful Services; and o with fair Words Æop was prevailed upon to Undertake the bringing of him off. 'Tis Impoible to doe the thing (ays he) but if I can find a way to Diolve the Obligation, and to gaine you Credit by it over and Above, That's the Point I uppoe that will do your buines. The Time appointed, ays Æop, is now at hand, Wherefore do you et a bold face upon it, and goe to the