Page:Homer's Battle of the Frogs and Mice - Parnell (1717).djvu/89

 not necessary in relating Facts to make every War have a just Beginning. 2dly, This doubtful Cause agrees better with the Moral, by shewing that ill-founded Leagues have Accidents to destroy them, even without the Intention of Parties. 3dly, There was all Appearance imaginable against the Frogs; and if we may be allow'd to retort on our Adversary the Practice of his Posterity, there is more Humanity in an Hostility proclaim'd upon the Appearance of Injustice done us, than in their Custom of attacking the Works of others as soon as they come out, purely because they are esteem'd to be good. Their Performances, which cou'd derive no Merit from their own Names, are then sold upon the Merit of their Antagonist: And if they are sensible of Fame, or even of Envy, they have the Mortification to remember, how much by this Means they become indebted to those they injure.

II. 57. Where high the Banks.] This Project is not put in Practice during the following Battle, by Reason of the Fury of the Combatants: Yet the Mention of it is not impertinent in this Place, forasmuch as the probable Face of Success which it carries with it tended to animate the Frogs. however cannot be so satisfied; It were better, says he, to cut it intirely out; nor wou'd be the worse if half of him were serv'd in the same Manner; so, continues he, they will find it, whoever in any Country shall hereafter undertake so odd a Task, as that of Translating him.