Page:Fables of Aesop and other eminent mythologists.djvu/401

351 and Appetite, have no Foreight; and o Potpone Prudence as a Vertue of another Seaon.

Here was a Gourd Planted cloe by a Large Well-pread Pine: The Seaon was Kindly, and the Gourd hot it elf up in a hort time, climbing by the Bows, and twining about 'em, 'till it topp'd and cover'd the Tree it elf. The Leaves were Large, and the Flowers and the Fruit fair; inomuch that the Gourd had the confidence to value it elf above the Pine, upon the comparion. Why ays the Gourd, you have been more Years a Growing to this Stature then I have been Days. Well, ays the Pine again, but after o many Winters and Summers as I have endured, after o many Blating Colds, and Parching Heats, you ee me the very ame thing till that I was o long ago. But when you come to the Proof once, the Firt Blight or Frot hall mot infallibly bring down that Stomach of yours, and trip ye of all your Glory.

Gourd here is an Emblem of Vain Pride and Ingratitude; and the Pine bids Princes and Great Men have a care what Favourites they prefer, and what Friendhips they Entertain; and this for their own akes, as well as for the ake of the Publick. He's a Fool that takes himelf to be Greater, Richer, Fairer or Better then he is; or that reckons any thing his own, which is either but Borrow'd, or may be taken away next Moment. He that lives barely upon Borrowing, is effectually but a Beggar when his Debts are paid. This Gourd in hort, is a Proud Uptart; his Growth is quick, but his Continuance hort: He values himelf upon the Feather in his Cap; and in a word, upon thoe Fooleries that a Man of Honour and Subtance would bluh at. And nothing ele will erve him neither, but to vye Excellencies with thoe that took him out of the Dirt; nay, and to elevate himelf (when a'lls done} to the Dihonour of his Supporters. And what's the Iue at lat of Encouraging thee, Minions, but the bringing of a Scandal upon Common Jutice, by a mot Pernicious Example, that ends in the very tarving as well as the Defaming of their Benefactors; for 'tis impoible but they